21

The audience erupted as Davis yelled and threw a fit inside the ring from the announcement that Slade was back. Slade coming back would ruin his plans to control Colt and Retribution. He knew they had beaten him at his own game.

Slade’s music blasted over the sound system, and he strutted out in his black suit with his wife escorting him to the stage. He kissed Holly’s hand and flaunted around with her. “I’M BACK! Thanks for this opportunity DP. I can guarantee you that things will never be the same around here. My first official decision will be right now. Looks like there is a new sheriff in town, and I brought my deputies along.”

Davis seemed furious as the Retribution music blasted. All of Retribution flaunted onto the stage and greeted Holly, Candy, and Slade.

The announcers talked over what was happening on screen. “I don’t think this is what Davis was expecting with his new commissioner. I am sure he is regretting his choices now. With Slade and Candy in charge, things will never be the same. Slade as commissioner and Candy GM? That’s insane. I can tell you one thing; Slade Logan is going to do things his way. He’s back from his injury and ready to raise hell.”

The other announcer agreed. “That’s right, Steve. Davis said it himself. Everything Preston’s do is for the fans. He may have made a big mistake allowing Holly so much reign. He can’t control her. What will Holly, Slade, and Retribution do next?”

Slade spoke again. “Now Davis, according to your overpriced lawyers, my IWX new contract set my future here in stone, as is Holly’s contract. You made the mistake of giving me that legacy contract. It was you who said the new commissioner would answer to only Holly. So, you can’t fire me. The only way I am going anywhere is if I resign and that will never happen.”

Slade was loving it. He was a born leader, and even the roster backstage knew he would be in this spot one day.

“As my first decision as commissioner, I want to remind you of something. You entered yourself into the upcoming Breakdown Battle. The event where each wrestler has an equal opportunity to fight their way for a chance at the heavyweight title as the number one contender. That winner will fight Colt for that spot for his next title match. Breaker will remain to be the first person to enter the battle, as you stated last week during the lottery. But you will not be the last man to enter at number twenty.”

Candy stepped up. “Slade, that doesn’t seem fair since Davis made the rule no one can fight him.”

Slade nodded. “Humm. That’s right, Candy. I officially void that rule, right now.”

Davis looked worried. He was getting older and his days in the ring were getting fewer. “You can’t do this!”

“Contracts and the board of directors say I can. The second person to enter the ring will be you. So, you will have some ass-kicking coming your way until that last person enters that ring. Can you picture twenty pissed-off men rushing you one after the other?”

“This is wrong, Slade. Candy, make him reconsider.” Davis seemed worried.

Candy rubbed her pregnant belly, smiling a devious smile. “Actually, why don’t we invite someone to the ring who has as much authority in this business as you do. We wouldn’t want to step on The Authority’s toes. Now, would we?”

Gage Logan stepped out on the stage and took the mic. Davis ran his hand over his face. He knew he was in trouble now.

Candy stepped to Gage. “As general manager, I will allow the IWX Heavyweight Champ, and your new business partner, Gage Stone, to share his idea on how to teach you a lesson. Punishment for manipulating the IWX superstars like they are your chess game to toy with. Especially with Justice and Retribution. Remember Davis. Gage is your right-hand man and as of last week, co-owner.”

The crowd erupted. No one knew that Gage had bought out a portion of IWX. It was Davis' proudest moment seeing one of his greatest fighters take over. As much as he pretended to hate all this, he was proud of them for all they had accomplished together to put this into action. Truth was, this was his plan all along. To teach them to run his business better than he did. The people on that stage would be Davis Preston’s legacy, and he was loving it. His children had no interest in taking the reins, and Sam was just not responsible enough. He knew Gage would one day be his successor, and he couldn’t be happier.

“NO WAY! Colt. You know I have your best interest at heart. We can work this out. You belong with The Alliance. I can make you a star.”

Gage took center stage with his future wife, Isis, by his side. “Too late. You entered the elimination battle to set the game in your favor. To take my title for yourself. One last big run for the scientific genius of wrestling. If anyone takes it, it will be a fair fight. In that ring, will be a winner who deserves it. No more of you trying to control me or our roster to fit your will. Slade is the law around here and I’m the King.”

Davis laughed. “King? The only person you rule over is that lady standing next to you. No one is afraid of you, Gage.”

Gage just laughed. Except for Wraith and Cyrus, everyone was afraid of him.

Isis took the microphone. “From my calculations, Breaker will have all night to open a can of whoop-ass on you, Davis. Maybe Breaker can for once prove he has what it takes to beat my man. Oh, and Sam, don’t think we forgot about you. I heard some things about you messing with my cousin Holly again these last few days. After they warned you to back off, you stepped out of line again.”

Colt turned to Holly in surprise. He had no idea Sam had approached her again. She looked away, trying to not make eye contact. She looked embarrassed, and Colt’s heart hurt for her. He suddenly realized why Davis had suspended Sam earlier in the show segment.

“Sam, you may not know this, but Holly and I are tight. No one messes with my family. I asked Gage to do something special for you as payment for your transgressions.”

Gage kissed the top of her head and took back the mic. “Holly is dying to get retribution for you trying to harass her backstage and deceiving her. Oh, that’s right, boys. She knows everything about your backstage politics now. Sam is out of the battle as well, allowing one last spot for a new competitor. None other than Holly Bordeaux will fill the twentieth spot.”

The crowd went wild as Holly’s mouth dropped in delight. Her big chance. That meant she would be the last to enter the ring and fight to gain the number one contender spot for the Heavyweight title.

“I think Holly has one more thing to settle. Holly…” Gage handed the mic to her.

“There is one little detail that may interest you. As far as Retribution. The biggest mistake you made is letting me close to the one you think you can manipulate… Colt. You wanted to control him, to become your little henchmen. Colt belongs to no one. But I sure as hell belong to him.”

Holly went over to Colt and he kissed her hard and deep. Sam went crazy trying to get out of the ring while The Alliance held him back. He wanted her to be his, and it infuriated him.

“Oh. One more thing. I told you to never mess with me, Sam. You didn’t listen, so you will get your chance alone with me. But not how you wanted. It will be in that ring with me. Candy and Slade have agreed to set up a match to fit my specialty. Giving pain.

Sam asked with fear, “What are you talking about.”

Holly’s lips curled up in a maniacal grin. “Grave match with hardcore deathmatch rules.”

The announcement made the crowd go wild. The match that made her oldest brother a legend in the business.

“Next week you will face me alone in that very ring. One last night to become a real IWX superstar. Good luck, super dork. You’re going to need it.”

Holly dropped the mic, and Sam was speechless. He knew the stories of her history with deathmatches and hardcore fights. Suddenly he was a little worried.

Retribution music played, and they left the stage, leaving Davis and Sam in shock.