Welcome to Gaia! ::

Oh wah ah ah ah!

Down with the Sickness hits the PA and flames burst up briefly on the stage, interrupting the celebration of the champions. The crowd erupts again as not on Jarel Damone but Zarel Damone steps out onto the stage. The twins stand for a moment, looking down to the ring, before making their way towards it.

JR: This is a surprise. We knew Jarel was here after the last show when he was challenged by his nephew, but what brings him out here?

King: And why is his twin brother here too? That Damone family is nuts. Who knows what's going through their minds.

The twins reach the ring and step up onto the apron, then in over the top rope. Jarel quickly takes up a mic and the music cuts out.

The Dragon looks over at the champions for a few moments longer before he raises the mic to speak.

"Now pardon us for interrupting, but I believe before you made short work of the Bullet Club here, you said something about taking on all challengers. I believe, in fact, you said you would hold an open challenge every show and put the titles on the line. Now, I know some of you might be wondering why that brings us out here, and the answer is simple, yet complicated. The simple part is that my brother and I have never held those titles you hold, and we want them. The more complicated part is, well, let's just say Summerslam is wide open for me and the first generation is far from done."

Jarel pauses for a moment again.

"Now, don't get us twisted. This isn't one of those things built off hatred. This is probably the most business like decision we've made in years. You have the tag team titles, we want the tag team titles, and I figure we'd come put our bid in now for Summerslam, which is our next show. What say you, Cartwright? Shall we recreate a little history on perhaps a grander stage?"

Zarel takes the mic.

"Glad to see my old partner is as daring as ever. Speaking of daring, Carty, how about we make this title match a bit more interesting? How about we take a little trip down memory lane with a twist? See, as I recall, one of the first of many career defining moments for you was had alongside my brother. I remember a particular match where my brother was shocked that this rookie got up and kept fighting, that he had the fortitude to keep going after sustaining so much abuse. This match I'm thinking of began the respect that my brother and I have developed for you over the years."

JR: What is Zarel proposing? There were a number of different matches these men have had at the beginning of Cartwright's career.

King: What could it be? The cell? Buried alive match, or maybe an inferno match?

"I'm talking about the first one, your first championship defense, actually as the champion. I want to see just how far you've come. So my brother and I suggest that this shouldn't be just any tag team match. We're suggesting a ladder match!"

The crowd erupts in cheers at the additional challenge. Everyone loves a ladder match after all

Jarel smirks and raises the mic.

"You know, kid, I get that you're a bit newer at this than the rest of us. I've been in this for over 18 years, but one would think you'd try not to show that you're scared shitless just standing here with us. So, allow me to help you out here."

The Dragon begins counting off on his fingers as he speaks.

"First off, they call me the Dragon. That doesn't just come from the path of destruction I've carved. It comes from my sense of honor. I don't need help to get what I want. I take what I want. So as far as the rest of the family, that stipulation is rather moot but granted. No one but Zarel and I will be involved."

A second finger for a second point.

"Second, the fear I see in you right now, it's a Sickness. I exploit things like that. See, at Summerslam, you're in the ring with two monsters, two multiple time world champions, multiple time tag champions both together and with others. Hell, I'm actually in the hall of fame here. This little stipulation you want to add, all it does is motivate me more. If you need an idea of what happens when I'm truly motivated for destruction. Just ask your partner there. He's faced both of us in hell in a cell. He's got the battle scars to prove it. So I'll accept your stipulation, and give you a guarantee. At Summerslam, you're going to relive the hell I put Cartwright through when I first met him in EEW and then some. In short, get ready for a very long and very painful night. If Cartwright manages to carry you to a win, I can guarantee you'll remember this night for years to come. Especially if you end up edging towards an early retirement."

Jarel looks at Cartwright.

"Better motivate your partner a little better than that. Have him study some tape or something. Our respect for you doesn't extend to him. One way or another, your partner gets to go to school at Summerslam, something like the school of hard knocks."

The Dragon turns as if to leave but stops and looks at Trent.

"For the record kid, I want to clarify that we'll accept not having a match with you. And by we, I mean my brother and I. That doesn't save you from our sons or our brother, and also doesn't save you outside of a sanctioned match. Just something to think about."

Jarel turns and his music hits the PA as he steps out through the ropes, followed by Zarel. He stops on the apron to glance at the champions one last time before he steps down and together the brothers head to the back