|SCENE| The entire EBWF roster was at JFK airport in New York City. They were aboard a luxury airliner that Wes Ikeda had rented to house all of them on a flight to London, England for the Judgment Day Pay-Per-View. They had a nearly 7 hour flight ahead of them, and Wes knew that tensions were running high as everyone wanted to put on a good show. The new board of directors were mingling with people on the plane, and trying to get everyone settled in when Shannon Moore walked onto the plane. He was with Candice Michelle, who was very visibly pregnant. Wes knew, in her sixth month. Doctor’s had given her the all clear for this trip, but told her too many more journeys like this were not in her immediate future. Shannon walked with her to the back of the cabin where the other Divas were sitting.
Shannon Moore: Now, you’re sure you don’t want to sit together?
Candice Michelle: No, you need to go over notes for the show. I want to sit with the girls.
|SCENE| He simply nodded in his Shannon way, and walked with her to her seat. He sat her down, but a pillow behind the small of her back, and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Shannon Moore: The attendants will be around to get you anything you need. Please, come up there and get me… for anything. I mean it. The second you need anything, just come up there, you won’t be interrupting anything. I’ll come back and check on you in a little while.
|SCENE| He turned to walk away and eyed Taz sitting nearby with his ECW stable RVD and Mick Foley. He shot Taz a bit of a warning glare, and then he noticed his sister Lita sitting across the aisle, leaned back slightly, listening to her headphones with her eyes closed. He nudged her. Lita opened her eyes and offered him a weak smile.
Shannon Moore: Take care of her, all right?
Lita: Isn’t that my job Shannon? Aren’t I everyone’s mother? *Her smile was bigger now, and a little less forced.* We’ll be fine. Go get your notes!
Shannon Moore: *He turned toward the front of the plane and yelled and looked toward Wes who was standing in authority.* Hey Mr. President! You look way to happy to be getting out of America!
|SCENE| Candice rubbed her belly and shook her head in amusement and Shannon tripped over feet to the front of the plane. Shannon sat down in the wheelchair aisle at the very front of the plane where Wes had sat down some carryon luggage, next to an empty chair where his best friend would no doubt later sit down. Everyone had kind of settled down, and Wes kneeled down and whispered in Shannon’s ear.
Wes Ikeda: I’m about to read a list of people’s names. You play a guessing game… who won’t be with the company when we come back from England…
Shannon Moore: *He laughed* Kind of like when we watch old WWE tapes and point out who’s dead?
Wes Ikeda: *He laughed too.* Just like that. *He stood up straight and looked out over everyone on the plane.* Okay everyone listen up. I’m going to start by calling out the members of the board of directors. Then I’m going to call out all of you by your WRESTLING name. Acknowledge my existence so I know that you’re here, and then we can get going. I don’t want any bullshit on this trip okay? I don’t care who you’ve slept with, who you’re sleeping with, who you’re mad at, or what you think you know about me.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: *Whispering to HBK Shawn Michaels who was sitting nearby.* We don’t think we know anything… we know we know everything…
Wes Ikeda: Something to say Steve?
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Not a damn thing.
Wes Ikeda: Like I said, I don’t care what you think you know about me. Most of what you think you know isn’t true, so I don’t want any bullshit, we’re going to get over to England, put on a good show, and we’re going to come home. Okay, board of directors. Here we go. Eric Bischoff…. You’re here… good. Brandon Douglas, Edward Kaufman, Joanie Laurer, Shane McMahon… Shane? Shane? *Wes looked all over the plane and saw Shane in the middle talking to Christian and Edge.* Hey Shane? You wanna stop playing favorites and actually start paying attention?
Shane McMahon: Stop playing favorites? Why you do it? *The plane burst into laughter except for a select few, including Shannon, who just kind of shrugged it off.* You know this whole federation is going to be in for a rude awakening when me and Bischoff are running the place. A rude awakening.
Wes Ikeda: *He gave Shane a look like he needed to stop talking, and Shannon looked up at him perplexed.* Can I continue please?
Shane McMahon: By all means, continue.
Wes Ikeda: Jim Ross, good to have you along… Kurt Schneider. Very well… Edward, have you made sure the production crew along with our announce and interview teams are on board?
Edward Kaufman: Yes, sir I have.
Wes Ikeda: Good, thank you. Now, let’s go ahead and make sure everyone is here. Remember I’m calling you by your wrestling name. *Each person raised their hand or acknowledged Wes in some way as he spoke their name.* Ann-thraxx, Kurt Angle.
Shannon Moore: *Quietly* He won’t make it.
Wes Ikeda: Steve Austin, Matt Bentley.
Shannon Moore: *Quietly* Gone.
Wes Ikeda: Candice Michelle,
Shannon Moore: *Loud* Hot!
Wes Ikeda: *He shook his head* Arik Cannon, John Cena, Christian.
Shannon Moore: *Loudly so the whole plane could hear* Future World Champ what?!
|SCENE| Everyone looked around wondering who said that. Wes snickered.
Wes Ikeda: CM Punk, Rob Van Dam, Carmella DeCesare, Edge, David Flair.
Shannon Moore: Copycat.
Wes Ikeda: Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Christy Hemme, Chris Hero, Paul Heyman, Homocide, Wes Ikeda…
Shannon Moore: Yeah, you’re most definitely here…
Wes Ikeda: Yeah, Jacqueline, Mickie James, Mark Jindrak? Okay… Kane, Sterling James Keenan, Ron Killings, Krazy-K…
Shannon Moore: Yeah Kirbz….
Krazy-K: Oh, put a sock in it Moore.
Wes Ikeda: John Bradshaw Layfield…
Shannon Moore: Won’t have a job after Judgment Day. *He laughed.* And I will! Who’d have thunk it?
Wes Ikeda: Leyla, Lita.
Shannon Moore: Pig headed? Huh? What? Did you guys hear anything?
Wes Ikeda: Low-Ki, Shawn Michaels, Miz, Shannon Moore. *Shannon didn’t acknowledge Wes.* Shannon Moore…
Shannon Moore: Come on you’ve been talking to me since we got on the plane you know I’m here. *He smirked when he saw Wes’ raised eyebrow* I’m right here!
|SCENE| Some laughed at the amusing scene, and Wes continued.
Wes Ikeda: New Jack, Randy Orton, Melina Perez,
Shannon Moore: *Quietly* Leaving…
Wes Ikeda: Raven, Chris Sabin…
Shannon Moore: More X-Division Jobberdom…
Wes Ikeda: *He laughed* Scotty 2 Hotty, Alex Shelley,
Shannon Moore: Patrick what?!
Wes Ikeda: Would you stop it?
Shannon Moore: No, you stop it. I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for being in a small space for such a long time.
Wes Ikeda: Ummm… okay… Sting, Trish Stratus, Super Dragon, Taz, Triple H…
Shannon Moore: Time to play MONOPOLY…
*Even the people with bad attitudes had to start laughing at that one. Except of course…*
Triple H: *Standing Up* Listen here you little TWERP!!!
|SCENE| A pregnant Megan Flair grabbed the hemline of his t-shirt and pulled him back down to his seat.
Shannon Moore: When we play, Hunter can be the thimble!
Wes Ikeda: Undertaker…
Alex Shelley: *From the seat directly across from Shannon* Moore’s a dead man walking…
Shannon Moore: *He gasped* PATRICK MARTIN!
Alex Shelley: *He gasped.*
Wes Ikeda: And finally Vampiro, and Mandy Weaver… thank God, it’s over.
|SCENE| Everyone was getting secured in their seatbelts, and Wes had finished the roll call. He eyed David Flair and got a smirk. He walked over to David, and got in the empty seat in front of him. He got on his knees and leaned over the seat facing David. David was sitting there with Stephanie McMahon, and Wes eyed her disrespectfully before returning his gaze to David.
Wes Ikeda: Let me, let you, in on a little secret. I don't like you, and I especially don't like her. Her brother... is working for me now... because he saw the light, and if either of you had any sense you'd see the light too, so what I'm about to say to you David Flair is with the understanding that neither of us like each other, comprende?
David Flair: *he could tell that Stephanie was about to say something and knew she had a habit of not always thinking before she freaked out, so he spoke first* You don't like me, huh? That's a shocker... and sure, I understand perfectly. So say what you need to say and then we can go back to ignoring each other for the rest of this pleasant plane ride.
Wes Ikeda: You want to tell me exactly what that exchanging of words between you and Eric Bischoff was last week?
David Flair: Why do you even care?
Wes Ikeda: Because I heard you were a disrespectful brat in front of a lot of bystanders backstage that's why!
David Flair: I'll tell you what... spend two years of your life being constantly tortured by a self-serving prick like Eric Bischoff and then see how respectful you are to him.
Wes Ikeda: I'll tell you what you little pissant! I don't know if you noticed but Eric Bischoff holds the second highest position in this company! When Eric Bischoff speaks, you pretend like I AM speaking. If you don't respect the words that are coming out of my mouth DAVID you pretend that you do, because you value your job. Eric Bischoff is like a father to me... and you don't see me walking around disrespecting YOUR... *he suddenly burst out laughing.* Just stop disrespecting Eric or I will have to make an example out of you. Understand me?
David Flair: Well let's see, when either you or Eric Bischoff speaks, I pretend to respect you? Sure, I can do that...sir.
Wes Ikeda: Good, you're good at pretend David. You've been pretending to be a good wrestler for about a year now... just wait 'til I sick the pet on you. *He tilted his head back, laughed, and got up and walked away.*
|SCENE| Some time had passed. And when they were about half way into their flight Wes Ikeda had fallen asleep in his chair. A conversation started brewing quietly in the back of the plane.
RVD: Am I the only one a little aggravated that Shannon walks out on Wes last month, and now they're sitting up there together like nothings wrong?
Taz: Look, Shannon has alot on his plate, so nothing he does really surprises me anymore. I'm gonna tell you this though Rob, I rather enjoyed seeing Wes get blasted in the grapefruits by that creepy little bastard. Brought a bit of a chuckle to my throat.
Mick Foley: Yeah, but doesn't it bother you at all... he doesn't respect what we do. Wes claims that he's been in more hardcore matches than half of the people on the roster, but the rumor is that he and Reso have made a plan to make sure they finish this ECW thing before we even get it started.
Taz: Mick, of all the people in the world, I know first hand that he doesn't respect what we do. I spent over a month sitting at home, watching RAW and Smackdown from my couch because that son of a bitch couldn't grow the balls enough to book me for a match. And all because I did the world a favor and choked out a couple of punks who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. As far as how many hardcore matches he's been in, I really couldn't care less. Because the three of us know that there is a fine line between hardcore and extreme, and Wes most definently hasn't crossed that line in his career. And as far as this little rumor about him and Reso having a pact, that's fine by me. Because I choked that creepy little bastard out once, and I'll damn sure do it again.
RVD: *He chuckled* Have you ever been in a weedeater match Pete. Give Wes his due. Okay, so he doesn't respect us. So he thinks extreme is dead, and it's the era of the little man... but... I think you underestimate him.
Mick Foley: We're trying to warn you. You saw what he did to Ian, and if you piss him off he's going to do the same thing to you. What's worse is he's going to take the gold... I think the question here Taz is how much do you trust your little buddy?
Taz: Look, I'm not underestimating anybody here. Okay, so Wes has been in some pretty fucked up matches during his tenure in the ring. No, I've never been in a weed whacker match. So what, he thinks that makes him extreme? He thinks taking a couple dives off of the top of a cage makes his hardcore? And yeah, I saw what Wes did to Ian on Smackdown, and I feel sorry for him. Because I have never seen anybody man handle Shannon the way that Ian did, and to have it ripped away from him by that snake in the grass Wes Ikeda, it just isn't right. Wes Ikeda doesn't have any respect for any of the boys on this roster. It's not just us. The only people in the locker room that Wes gives a damn about are his little clique. And if Wes thinks he is going to take this title away from me, then had better be ready for the biggest surprise of his life. Because unlike some of the boys in locker room, I won't hesistate to slap the taste out of his mouth. If Wes wants to run his mouth and make pacts with Reso and play favorites with Shannon, then he needs to be man enough to step into the ring and get choked out. Hey, where's Paulie?
Mick Foley: I think he's sitting in the middle, with Ian. You know Vampiro didn't even want to come on this tour, and who the hell could blame him? *He looked over toward the divas sitting close by.*
RVD: *With a very low voice* You think Lita is listening?
Mick Foley: I know she's listening, and she probably wants somebody to slap Wes around more than anyone. Everyone on this plane knows he's sleeping with Christy Hemme anyway. *Mick shrugged.* And I'm not the kind of guy who repeats rumors. You know that reminds me of this one time me and Terry Funk...
RVD: You know, I'm sure that's a great story but Mick... I was thinking... you know Taz... what do you think it would take to get Scott and Phil to join us? I mean I know Punk was never in ECW but he's been Levy's protege forever... and we all know how Levy feels about Wes.
Taz: You guys know that there's still alot of animosity between Paul and Scott, then again, we have to remember the old saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'm starting to think that this is going to run much, much deeper than just a feud between a few old ECW guys and a few of the EBWF guys. I've got a feeling this may turn out to be an all out war against our lovely boss, Wes Ikeda. And if that's the case, it may not be a bad idea to see what Ian thinks about it as well. I know the guy is a little out there, but aren't we all. And Mick, as far as the rumor that Wes is sleeping with Christy Hemme, it wouldn't be the first time that bastard cheated on a wife of his. Again though, I've only heard old rumors and stories from times long before I was ever around the EBWF. I think we need to talk to Scott and Phil about this. The more the merrier in my opinion. After all, Wes is undoubtably make this a numbers game, and we don't want to end up on the short of it. And I think we've all come far enough in our lives and careers that we can put some old animosity behind us in order to achieve a common goal. Oh, sorry to change the subject ever so slightly, but did you two have the chance to check out the new board of directors? What a load of crap that is!
Mick Foley: He had to hire somebody. He gave me and Michaels contracts.
Taz: Yeah, and naturally he can't have anybody other than himself pulling double duty by working in both the office and the ring. He even hired that son of a bitch Eric Bischoff as the new chief financial advisor. He better hope that Eric doesn't put EBWF under like he did WCW. Then again, if your going to plan a war against an old ECW group such as ourselves, why not hire the man who tried to rape ECW of all it's talent.
RVD: I think you just need to go right up to him Pete. Tell him what's up. I mean the ass ever hired on his best friend who's never even worked in television from what we know to run the website and webcasts. How full of himself can he be? Just handed out jobs to his friends?
Taz: Rob, you’re right. We've done enough talking and chit chatting about all of this. Where the hell is he? I think it's time that Mr. Ikeda and myself had a nice little heart to heart over how things are going to be around here.
Mick Foley: In the very front. In the wheelchair aisle. You know... with all the leg room.
Taz: Oh, how fitting. He'll need that aisle more than he knows by the time I'm finished with his ass.
|SCENE| Taz got up and got two paces from his seat. Chris Hero and Chris Sabin looked up at him. Kurt Angle who was listening to a pair of headphones looked in his direction, and then suddenly Taz felt a hand on his arm, and he spun around. He was standing face to face with Lita.
Lita: Peter, I'm begging you not to do this.
Taz: Amy, there are certain things are unavoidable. If I don't do it, then who will? Somebody has to stand up to that power tripping ego maniac, and you know that as well as I do. I wish I could tell you that I'm sorry, but I can't.
Lita: *He turned to go.* But... but... *He stopped and looked at her.* He's... he's sick. Certainly you can tell by looking at him that he's not himself. He's very ill and refuses to see a doctor. Please, being away from me and his children is very hard on him, and I understand that there are things that you need to say to him, but please don't be heartless. We have two pregnant women on board, three new employees on board, and kids who just got contracts and have never even got to wrestle televised matches overseas. Don't do this on the plane. Just... when we land. Go to his office and say whatever you want.
Taz: Why, so he can act like it never happend? So he can manipulate what did happen, and what was said to fit his needs and to meet his ends? Amy, I don't have any pity for this man. Sure, he's away from his wife and kids, but that's not my fault. He does it to himself. Nobody forces him to spend his nights in his "office" working instead of laying in bed with you wher he belongs. I sat at home on my ass for over a month because he couldn't get his head out of his ass and book me for a match. And then, when he finally booked me, I beat one of his "superstars" for the World Heavyweight Championship. Amy, I'm sorry, but there are things that need to be said and that need to be done, and now is just as good a time as any. Because everybody on this plane needs to know what's going on, especially the new guys.
Lita: If that's what you enjoy... beating a defenseless man. Then by all means... go right ahead. *And with that she turned from him and returned to her seat.*
|SCENE| Taz started to walk toward Wes who was sitting in the wheelchair aisle. He was nearest the window. Shannon Moore was in the aisle. Across the aisle was Kirby Mack and Scotty 2 Hotty. Behind them sprawled out in two chairs was Alex Shelley. Edge and Christian weren’t too far away. Wes had his eyes closed and appeared to be resting, and Taz had it in his head to talk this all out, but as he got closer to Wes, sleeping without a care in the world his anger just rose. Shannon was resting too, and Taz leaned over Shannon slightly, reared back his fist, and started to punch him, but as his fist was about to strike, Shannon reached up and blocked Taz’s fist from connecting. Taz went wide eyed, and then Wes’ eyes bugged open and he realized what Shannon had just done, and what Taz had tried to do. Wes jumped up.
Wes Ikeda: What’s going on here?
Taz: I think we both know what’s going on here. You’re a pompous arrogant asshole. You’re no better than the Ted Turners and the Vince McMahon’s of this business, and we all might be better off I your brother were still sitting in the captain’s chair…
Wes Ikeda: Oh, you think so? Then why don’t you do something about it Taz?
|SCENE| Suddenly a fight broke out between Wes and Taz. Taz was pummeling Wes, and Wes was having a hard time fighting back. The Divas all gathered in the back of the plane as Taz and Wes were falling over seats into wrestler’s laps. Lita was watching over Candice and standing guard over the other girls. Jacqueline and Chyna were also standing in front of Lita. Finally Edge, Christian, Shannon, and Alex Shelley managed to pull Wes away from Taz. Vampiro, RVD, and Mick Foley pulled Taz away from Wes. Paul Heyman stood by with an ear on the whole thing. The whole plane was in an uproar, and Taz started yelling.
Taz: The world championship is my business Wes and you’re not taking it away from me.
Christian: Taz your freaking paranoid. It’s my business! If you don't like the president, and if you think the perrenial world champ is a bad world champion, then get the fuck out of here. All you know how to do is cheap shot people from behind. Takin people out backstage. Taking me out with a group of four. Your freaking ridiculous. And if you think me and Wes have some silly pact together to take out ECW, then your stupid. But now since your being a jack ass, maybe I'll end the whole damn faction myself.
Taz: *Still being held back by Foley and Van Dam* You think you can end ECW?! You and Wes both think you can end ECW, because neither of you would know EXTREME if it came up and bit you in the ass! So how bout it Christian?! How about it... any match you want... you think you're so tough... at Judgment Day... why don't you see if you can beat the Human Suplex Machine?!
*The divas still being heavily guarded by Lita, Jacqueline, and Chyna kind of rolled there eyes at Taz's inability to let go of his gimmick, but the men on the plane seemed to understand as Shannon, Edge, Alex Shelley, and Scotty 2 Hotty held Wes back. David Flair stood cautiously in front of Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H watched over his pregnant fiancee Megan Flair but all waited anxiously for Christian's retort.*
Christian: Anything I want huh taz? Well what I want is to expose you for the fraud that you are! Your nothing taz, but a short stubby gimmick. In fact, thats what I want. Almost as much as your world title, I want your gimmick taz. Any match I want huh? I want armed security guards, 8 of them, standing in front of a hell in a cell to keep away your ECW boyfriends. On top of that this will be a bring your own weapon match. And not only is your title on the line, this match will be gimmick for gimmick. When you lose, you'll know longer be Taz, you'll be Peter Puffer, or Peter Senerca, or whatever the hell it is. So you gonna put your money where your mouth is Peter. Gonna put your name on the line along with your title?
Wes Ikeda: No, no... no...no... Jason. *He was bleeding fron his puffy, swollen nose.* No one is putting there gimmick on the line Christian. I highly doubt that Peter Puffer would get anywhere in the business...
Taz: Damnit Ikeda....
Wes Ikeda: Shut you're mother fucking mouth Taz I think you have said enough Damnit! Judgment Day is my show! Now listen! *A hush came over the plane.* I appreciate what all of you are doing... I appreciate the hard work you're going to put into the show. I'm not allowing anyone to put their gimmick on the line Christian it's too risky. How would you feel about an old school fans bring the weapons match Jason? You guys tear the shit out of each other all over the arena, with any weapons that the fans smuggle in... and do help me God if it so happens to be a nice sharp shank that you stab Taz with... I'll turn a blind eye... although the Judgment Day card has already been made. I'm not sure how I'm going to explain a stipulation to the fans. That's just poor storytelling.
Christian: You can explain it that this is the Christian is going to leave taz mangled and disfigured with whatever weapon YOU THE FAN brings to the arena.
Taz: Fine, you're on Reso! You're not taking this title off of me! And that snake *He pointed to Wes* isn't helping you!
Christian: And what fan would hand you a weapon. Just how far up your ass is your head?
Wes Ikeda: I'm going to be the first person in that arena Taz and I'm going to hand him a fucking gun I just hope he has the balls to use it! *With this Shannon and Alex drug Wes into the planes conference room and tossed him in closing the door. Shannon staying inside with Wes, and Alex and Scotty choosing to guard the door.*
Taz: Oh now wrestling's puppetmaster is threatening me? Would you have the guts Christian? You think the World Title is your business or something. Well let me tell you something. This belt isn't, and won't be on your shoulder.
Christian: I prefer watching you writhe in pain crying like the little bitch that you are. Guns are for pussy's and i'm not a pussy
|SCENE| Scotty 2 Hotty a man of the street raised his eyebrow at Alex Shelley a young man from Detroit and they exchanged smiles.
Eric Bischoff: *Finally stepping out from his seat.* Gentlemen, I'm going to ask that you all return to your seat. I think some of us are scared, riled up, and flat out pissed. Just go back to your seat, and calm down, and we'll reconvene at Judgment Day where we'll get this all squared away. Peter... Jason... can we agree?
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