Prelude to a battle..Part 1 punk_wrestler2000

After his loss to Steve Cody was really down. At one time he had been one of the premier heavy weights in TW. But as the old adage goes, ""That was then…This is now.""

Cody knew Dane's attack had cost him the HW title. But even so, Cody knew Roby was no slouch of a wrestler. They had battled before and Cody had been lucky to best the good-looking teen.

Cody decided here and now he wanted a rematch. He wanted his title back.

Cody entered the TW arena the next day and headed straight to the Commissioner's office.

"I want a title shot." Cody said.

The three commissioners shook their heads. "Sorry Cody. You are not first in line. Your recent loss to Steve has knocked you back a notch in the standings. You need to garner a few wins if you want another shot at the title."

Cody's face flushed red, "Come on. I whipped Rob and he was the toughest guy in the league. I would have beaten Roby had Dane not jumped me in the locker room. I am the former Champ, I deserve a shot before anyone else."

"Then you should have asked for your rematch before facing Steve."

Cody was livid. He had the feeling he was being set up.

"Who is available for me to wrestle on tonight's card?" Cody asked. The mood he was in he would take on anyone.

The commissioner stood up. "We have an open contract here. Your opponent has already signed. He wants a NHB match, no referee, no time limit, no pin fall. The match will be to submission. The only stipulations are the submission must occur in the ring, no outside interference and the winner gets a shot at the title."

Cody looked at the contract. His eyes drifted down to the signature. He sneered as he read Dane's name.

Cody did not hesitate. He grabbed a pen and signed the contract. If his former best friend wanted a NHB match he would give it to him. He owed Dane a good hard ass kicking.

Cody tossed the contract down on the desk. "Just remember the rules. I do not want a suspension when I whip Dane's ass. Mark my words gentlemen this match will be brutal." With that Cody turned and walked out the door.

Dane was home when he was called and told Cody had signed the contract. Dane was more then ready to face his former friend. Costing Cody the title wasn't good enough. Beating Cody in private matches wasn't good enough. Dane wanted to whip Cody bad and do so in front of a crowd.

Dane had waited a long time for this match. But deep down it gnawed at him. He knew now Ryan and a few others had used him. Cody had paid a hard price from Dane's ass kicking prior to his match with Roby.

Dane wondered if he should back out. All of this had stemmed from one stupid comment. But then things had escalated. They had both done and said things to each other that had caused a lot of pain and injury. The injury had been both physical and mental.

Dane knew in a few short hours he and Cody would be trying to tear each other apart.

Cody knew exactly where he was going when he left the TW arena.

He went to find Doug. Cody wanted a few quick boxing lessons.

Finding Doug was easy. He was in the local gym sparring with Jake.

Roby and Bastian were sitting mat side watching. Roby saw Cody enter and wondered what was up. He was not looking for any trouble.

Cody nodded a greeting to Bastian, Jake and Doug. He then made his way over to Roby.

"Hi Champ." Cody said as he extended his hand.

Roby took the extended hand. "What's up Cody? Rumor is you have a big match with Dane tonight and the winner is to face me."

Cody nodded. "Roby don't worry. Regardless of who wins it's a sure bet neither of us will be facing you for a couple of weeks. This match has no rules."

The other three guys had made their way over and heard Cody's final comment. All three whistled. "No rules? Who sanctioned this match?" Bastian asked.

"The commissioners."

Roby shook his head. He knew Cody was a top-notch wrestler, but he knew Dane was quite well versed in many styles of fighting. They all knew a NHB match had no riles and anything would go.

Cody turned to Doug. "Hey Doug got time to give me some pointers?"

Doug was taken aback. "Sure Cody, but are you sure you want to do this right before your big match?"

Cody nodded. "I just need to learn some basic moves."

Roby, Jake and Bastian watched as the former champ and the boxer moved to the ring to spar.