Leap Of Faith was finally here, and Ringmaster was looking forward the challenge. The bruises and pain Ringmaster put himself through up to this point were worth it. There was no turning back now. Ringmaster had a mixture of emotions. This would be the biggest match of his XWF career, so he was nervous. He was thankful for this chance to prove he was one of the elite competitors here. He was happy because all the hard work had paid off. All he ever wanted was a chance to be the man and win one of the top prizes in the company. He wanted to get to arrive in India earlier than most. The promising star wanted to keep his emotions in check. He did not want to go alone though, and he knew just the person to come with him. This man was his best friend. In fact, they considered each other brothers it was none other than Xavier Woods. It was important that they shared this moment together. Xavier Woods would be front and center for not just an epic match, but the start of something special. He made a call to his best friend, who agreed to come. Xavier Woods arrived at Ringmaster’s residence and knocked on the door. It was great timing because he just finished packing for the week. Ringmaster probably thought this was going to be a business trip only, but Xavier Woods had a special trip planned. Xavier was looking out for his friend, making sure he was having fun and relaxed before traveling over to Dubai. He opened the door with a smile as the brothers from another mother greet each other.

Ringmaster
Hey, buddy! You made it.

Xavier Woods
Of course, man, do you really think I would Leap Of Faith?

Ringmaster
I can always count on you for a great support system.

Xavier Woods
Thanks man, I appreciate that. We better get going. I have a surprise for you.

Ringmaster and Xavier walked outside. Once the door was locked, he rolls the luggage and walked toward the car. Xavier Woods opened the trunk, grabbing the luggage from Ringmaster and placed it inside and shut the trunk. Ringmaster noticed a blindfold in the car which confused the XWF athlete.

Ringmaster
Uh, what is this for?

Xavier Woods
Well, I can tell you are a nervous wreck, and I just want you to relax. I am going to blindfold you until we reach our destination. I want you to just breathe and focus on the task at hand. You can trust me.

Before he can respond, the blindfold covers his eyes, making sure it’s tight.

Ringmaster
Ouch, dude.

Xavier Woods
Oh, stop it. You big baby.

Xavier guided him into the car and shut the door once Ringmaster was settled. Xavier followed, sliding into the driver’s seat. He looked around at how beautiful the day was and decided it will be a long ride, but the top is coming down. Xavier hit the button as the roof went down on the Ford Mustang convertible. Once the key was turned, Xavier floored it. Ringmaster wasn't even buckled int as he fell forward and hits the dashboard.

Ringmaster
Son of a bitch. That’s going to leave a mark.

He turned toward Xavier.

Ringmaster
Making it to Leap Of Faith in one piece would be nice buddy. Take it easy on me.

Xavier Woods
My bad. Speaking of Leap Of Faith, I know you’re surprised by the match. It is not an opportunity that comes along very often.

Ringmaster
You’re not wrong. I suppose my expectations were low, thinking I would get the opening match, but it was way better than that. Even though I feel blessed to have this opportunity, it feels like a curse as well. Competing in that ring against Charlie Nickels nearly killed me. Then last week I was in a brutal cage match and yet here I am again, stepping into the ring with one of the best.

Xavier Woods
Don’t lower the standard of the match buddy. It’s a double steel cage match.

Ringmaster
Well, it’s called the X-Treme Championship for a reason, right? You’re expected to put your body on the line. You’re expected to break bones, make your opponent scream and let them know who’s the toughest son of a bitch.

Xavier Woods
I’ve known you for years and believe me, toughness and the relentless nature of your personality will make Thunder Knuckles wish he had someone else. I’m not saying he will win or lose as I try to remain neutral.

Ringmaster
Oh, believe me, I know how tough he is. I know it will take my best effort to even come close. When everything is said and done I will prove to Thunder Knuckles be careful what you wish for.

They merged onto the interstate. The wind hit their faces. The sun shined down on them. They reachd the Maryland/Pennsylvania line as Ringmaster relaxes finally. Xavier looks over at him and laughs at how silly it looks.

Xavier Woods
Nothing like a black man blindfolded in the front seat of a car for the entire world to see.

Ringmaster
Ha! It’s not so bad. It allows me to concentrate.We are heading to the airport though, right? It seems like we have been driving forever.

Xavier Woods
Of course, we are heading toward the airport, but first, we are making a pit stop for some fun.

Ringmaster
No! There is no time for fun.

Xavier Woods
Dude! You’re the Ringmaster. You’re the definition of fun. Speaking of that, though do you have anything fun planned for Thunder Knuckles?

Ringmaster
He is certainly not like any man I’ve faced before. There is usually a weakness, but with I have nothing. He is a concrete wall that needs to be smashed into a million pieces.

Xavier Woods
How do you plan to do that?

Ringmaster
I’m glad you asked. Two steel cages and the X-Treme Championship on the line calls for some reinforcements. Anything goes in this match, so I have a very special weapon waiting for me in Dubai. Some call it Ol’ Faithful. Others call it a career crusher. I call it the Knuckle Buster.

Xavier Woods
Sounds quite painful. Hopefully, I will have time to see this Knuckle Buster.

Ringmaster
Of Course!

Xavier continued to drive as they left Pennsylvania and reached New Jersey. There was a change in the air and Ringmaster can smell it. He coughed and tried to catch his breath.

Ringmaster
What is that God awful smell?

His buddy laughs at him.

Xavier Woods
Buddy, that smell is New Jersey.

Ringmaster
That explains a lot. They need some Jesus in their life because it’s a sin to live like this.

Xavier Woods
Amen to that.

This was Ringmaster’s first trip to New Jersey, and it did not impress him at all. He hoped it would get better than the smell, but his expectations were low. Everything was dark thanks to the blindfold and his life was in his friend’s hand. He kept breathing in the foul air, only to realize it is slowly changing once again. It was a sea breeze this time. Ringmaster can hear the seagulls in the distance. Ringmaster was happy now. He didn’t want Xavier to know, though, because he would never let it down.

Ringmaster
We heading to the Jersey Shore?

Xavier Woods
Yes, we are, but I need to be careful bringing you to the Jersey Shore. You would get in so much trouble if I didn’t have to babysit you. I can already see the headlines in the morning paper.

Ringmaster
Oh yeah? What would the headline be?

Xavier Woods
“Leap Of Faith and XWF star streaks down the boardwalk letting the world see little Ringmaster.

Ringmaster
Hold up! First, there is nothing little about me, including down there. Second, how would you know what I am packing?

Xavier Woods
I have my sources. It is good to see you fired up, though. I hope to see this energy during the match. Does it bother you that Dubai is not the biggest fan of yours? It gives the advantage to Thunder Knuckles, don’t you think?

Ringmaster
I feel good about Leap Of Faith. I have great energy right now and a good balance in my life. The benefit of this career is traveling the world. They will not like me everywhere I go, but it certainly does not give Thunder Knuckles a mental advantage over me. He is the champion, so all the pressure is on me to take it from him. Many have failed, but one of us shall conquer and I’m the one to shock the world. It will be Ringmaster crying like a baby when the X-Treme Championship is handed to me. Keeping my emotions in check is something I will need to do. I don’t want to make mistakes that will cost me my Leap Of Faith moment. I will give them something to talk about.

Xavier Woods
Fair enough. Why don’t you catch a nap? We are almost at our destination, anyway.

Ringmaster decided a nap was best. It had been a long drive, and the man was tired. He was just about to doze off for good when Xavier takes the exit and hits a pothole on the horrible New Jersey streets. The impact woke him up, freaking him out. He tried to remove the blindfold.

Xavier Woods
NO! you’ll ruin it.

Woods slaps Ringmaster’s hands away from the blindfold as the car swerves slightly because of the struggle of the two men. Ringmaster eventually gave up, not wanting to wreck the car.

Ringmaster
Fine, you win, but this is driving me crazy. You know I hate surprises.

Xavier Woods
I know that’s why I am doing this.

Xavier took the final exit as he told Ringmaster to remove the blindfold. Ringmaster removed it quickly, giving his eyes a moment to adjust to the sunlight. Once he could see again, he looked up and finds out where they were heading.



Ringmaster
I am not sure how I feel about this. I don’t mind the gambling. I just always have bad luck in casinos.

Xavier Woods
Well, that is luck is about to change because I am a good luck charm and have always been successful at the tables. Maybe I will even bring you luck in Dubai. There are rumors all over the place about you.

Ringmaster
We all know how this business works. There are those who want to be me and never will be. There are those who love stirring the pot and starting rumors, which I can’t stand. Then there are people like me who get shit done and never accept second best. I don’t mind the support, as you know, but I don’t need luck. God truly blessed me with talent and I have no problems using it. I refuse to be like the norm in XWF. I love going to the XTREME. When there seems to be no hope, I enjoy making people look foolish. I suppose we should just turn around and go home, right? Thunder Knuckles will have an easy title match when I don’t show up, since that is what the world thinks. This is my first international battle and when my music hits, the world will fall in love with me and know there is always a chance when I’m around.

Xavier Woods
Calm down. Right now, it’s about going in here and enjoying ourselves.

Ringmaster
Are you going to show me the ropes, then?


Xavier Woods
If I have to, yes, but I think you will be just fine.

They continued down the highway as they arrive at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. They parked the car, locked the roof in place and secured the car. Ringmaster got out of the car and looked around. While he waited for Xavier to get out of the car, a seagull pooped on the title contender.

Ringmaster
Seriously!

Xavier hears him yell and gets out of the car, checking on him.

Xavier Woods
What?

Ringmaster
A seagull just pooped on me.

Xavier Woods
Damn bro, maybe you are bad luck.

Ringmaster
I told you!

Xavier Woods
Oh well, no turning back now. Let’s get inside.

Both men walk toward the entrance and walked through the door. Security stopped them and asked for ID. Ringmaster tried explaining who they were, but they didn't care. He gave up and both men showed ID. They walked past security and into the casino as Ringmaster looked around at just how much this place offered compared to others. They head over to the help desk and get themselves an official ID player’s card and a free ten dollars’ worth of free play on the card. Woods taps him on the shoulder as he turns around to face him.

Xavier Woods
Okay man, we have ten dollars to start with. I suggest you start with the penny slot machines.

Ringmaster
How about the nickel ones, at least?

Xavier Woods
Baby steps, my friend. Just trust me on this one. Keeping it simple is the way to win.

Ringmaster
That’s fair. It sounds like a brilliant strategy to take down the X-Treme champion. The ability to keep it simple allows me to control the match. When you control the match, you can dictate what your opponent does, and that means I can cripple him. I can bust him open, weakening his body as the blood flows. I can look into his eyes and smile, knowing his end is near. Keeping it simple is my motto in life and I’ve made it this far.

Xavier Woods
I love it, man. I’m going to leave you for a bit, so please don’t get into mischief.

He walked away as Ringmaster evaluated the slot machines. He found a knuckle slot machine and took a seat.

Ringmaster
Okay, here we go.

He slides his card in and activated it with his pin. He did a max bet and pulled the lever. The slot machine stopped and nothing. He continued this for a few more turns and kept coming up empty.

Ringmaster
Figures I win nothing once again. These machines hate me. Damn you knuckles...

He gets frustrated and gave it one more shot. Ringmaster repeated the same bet and hit the lever. When the machine stopped, he heard a sound not familiar to him.

DING DING DING

He jumps up with excitement and starts doing back flips.

Ringmaster
JACKPOT!!!!!

He kept yelling and dancing as Xavier heard him all the way on the other side of the casino as he ran toward him. Everybody was looking at him and clapping as Xavier arrived and looked at Ringmaster and gave him a high five.

Xavier Woods
You won the jackpot?

Ringmaster
Yeah man, this is outstanding. Check it out for yourself.

He takes a moment and looks at the machine. Then back at his friend with a look of disappointment while he shakes his head.

Ringmaster
What’s wrong? You should be happy for me.

Xavier Woods
You won two cents

Ringmaster
The machine made a noise though doesn’t that mean jackpot?

Xavier Woods
No. Grab your two cents. I love the selection, though maybe Thunder Knuckles is playing games with you, considering the slot machine you choose.

Ringmaster
I blame Thunder Knuckles for this one. The mind games are real, but he is about to get my two cents worth at Leap Of Faith. In fact, he will get the biggest test of his long hall of fame career and that says a lot. I love someone with a deep history because it gives me chills knowing I am part of it. The Ringmaster wants to be remembered in all things and Thunder Knuckles refuses to give me the jackpot, which is the X-Treme Championship. Instead, he wants to tease me, giving me a little taste just to pull it away at the last second. Keep playing with fire and you will get burned.

Xavier Woods
Very true.

Ringmaster
Can I give it one last pull?

Xavier Woods
Sure

Ringmaster turned around to play the machine one more time, but an older lady sat down and smiled up at him. He smirked as she placed her bet and pulled the lever on the machine. After the machine was done, the lights went off. Everyone surrounded her, knowing she hit the one million dollar jackpot.

Ringmaster
What the Fudge

Xavier Woods
Damn dude, that’s harsh.

Ringmaster
Forget this, I am leaving.

He goes to leave as Xavier stood in front of him, not letting him continue. He was mad, pissed, frustrated and honestly just wanted to focus on his match more than being here. This was not fun for him anymore, but his friend asked him a straightforward question.

Xavier Woods
Chill! Do you really want Thunder Knuckles to see this sensitive side of you? Do you want him to see you give up just because you didn’t get what you wanted?

Ringmaster
You’re right man. I lost my cool. It’s just winning the big match is something I crave once again. I don’t like losing and even winning a secondary battle is not good enough. I’m tired of being second fiddle to the elite in XWF. It’s time I hold myself accountability for what happens to me. I’m not settling for anything less than Thunder Knuckles head on a God damn platter.

Xavier Woods
That’s the spirit.

He encouraged Ringmaster to follow him as the two men make their way to the second level, where the tables are located. The guys walk around evaluating. Xavier looked over at his buddy, hoping something will catch his attention. He walked off, leaving Xavier behind as the XWF star watched the blackjack dealer do his thing. Twenty minutes go by when someone gets up and Ringmaster takes the seat. Woods walked over and gave him a handful of chips that he had won earlier. The dealer asks the group to place bets.

Xavier Woods
Go big buddy!

Ringmaster
You got it!

He counts the chips as he looks back at the dealer, then back at his buddy. He plays with the chips in his hand before stacking them and sliding the entire amount to the dealer.

Xavier Woods
Uh, what are you doing, man? That’s everything we have.

Ringmaster
Trust me, buddy, you said go big and what’s biggest then All-In

The dealer hands out cards as both guys sweated nervously about the result. The dealer’s first card is a king. Ringmaster looks down and sees he has a jack and queen. The dealer goes around asking everyone if they want to stand, double down or hit. The dealer points to the XWF star, waiting for his answer.

Ringmaster
I will stay.

The dealer flips his card to reveal a queen as the dealer and him end the hand in a tie. His buddy smiles and pats him on the shoulder. Ringmaster realized playing cards can be quite fun, but stressful as well.

Xavier Woods
Hey man, you didn’t lose. I think it is time to add a little more fun to this night. Every time you win tonight regardless of what we are playing, we take a shot deal?

Ringmaster
Sounds good man, maybe my luck is slowly changing.

Xavier Woods
Being you didn’t lose, do you want to try another game?

Ringmaster
Hell no! Double or nothing, right?

Woods just smiled as he walked away for a moment to grab drinks. Both of them were hoping for a long successful night, but only time will tell. When Woods came back, Ringmaster was about to get his second card, wanting to join him at the table this time. The wager remained the same, but this time the dealer bust as Ringmaster screamed in victory. They take a victory shot leaving the table. They fist pump each other and continue to walk around the casino as they discuss the match.

Xavier Woods
I’m sure you’ve given this thought, but what is Thunder Knuckles biggest strength?

Ringmaster
Damn, where do I begin? This individual dominates everybody he steps in the ring with him. It does not matter if it’s Saturday Night Savage, Monday Night Madness or Wednesday Night Warfare. Hell, it could be a casino street fight and he would be ready. The amount of preparation he takes in order to understand his opponent is scary. Thunder Knuckles is the ideal athlete with the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and talent. He actually has me jealous a bit. However, I plan to use that as motivation. I want to be the guy who knocks him off the mountain. He has been content at the top getting a little comfortable and it’s time to make him squirm.

Xavier Woods
That’s a solid answer.

They laugh as both men approach the roulette table and watch it for a moment before Ringmaster decides it’s time to conquer Roulette.

Xavier Woods
Be careful buddy, this game can break you real quick. It is not just about luck, but about strategy.

Ringmaster
I know, but my luck is changing. I can feel it.

As the dealer clears all the bets, he looks at the table and waits. Once the dealer signals to place bets, Ringmaster places money on the black line and the very unlucky thirteen. He looks over at the dealer, verifying all the bets as he spins the wheel and dropping the ball in. It bounces all around, going from red to black. The anticipation is killing him. There was sweat in places a man shouldn’t have it. The drinking was making him feel very good as one of the cocktail servers comes over.

Cocktail Server
Excuse me, sir, may I get you a drink?

Ringmaster looked over at his friend and back at the server. He told her to start a tab because they plan to be around for a while. Ringmaster ordered a Bloody Knuckles cocktail. The server leaves to get his drink as the wheel finally slows down and it is black thirteen. Both men celebrated together as the drinks show up. Ringmaster takes a big gulp, and the taste is amazing.

Ringmaster
Ahhhh refreshing.

Xavier Woods
Slow down a little man, you may regret it later.

He ignored his friend and went back to playing roulette and this time; he wanted to double his bet. Ringmaster asked the dealer how much each area is worth payout wise. Once the dealer explains it to him, the XWF star goes big once again. He places a fifty-dollar bet on the double zero. It strongly stacked the odds against him. It seemed like a true gamble, but with 17 to 1 odds, he figured, what the hell. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself and challenge your decisions. Once again,the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball as it bounces around and as it comes to a stop. The two gentlemen are in disbelief.

Ringmaster
Holy shit, I won!

Xavier Woods
You got to be kidding me. How are you doing this right now?

Ringmaster
I am unstoppable. Maybe I should go double or nothing all the time.

It surprised him at how well he was doing and could not figure it out. However, as he was about to continue, the two guys sit down at a table nearby. His friend wants him to calm down and focus a little, knowing the alcohol will start hitting him hard.

Xavier Woods
Let me ask something real quick

Ringmaster
Sure thing, man, what’s up?

Xavier Woods
Leap Of Faith is just around the corner. You’ve told me how great your opponent is and how difficult it could be to take the victory. So I’m curious what’s your perfect Ringmaster plan to take down Thunder Knuckles?

Ringmaster tried to focus regardless of the alcohol inside him. He just wanted to keep having fun, but knew it needed to be discussed.

Ringmaster
I have the perfect plan. The moment I saw my name in this match, my brain started working. I’m not sure what Thunder Knuckles is expecting from me, but I suggest he reconsider. He should expect the unexpected. I want him to know that I am more than what I’ve shown in matches since joining XWF. A true legend of this business does not reveal everything. It is all in due time. I want to piss off Thunder Knuckles and make him go to a level he did not know was possible. It will take him out of his comfort zone and even for the X-Treme champion that says something. This could be the alcohol working through me, but Thunder Knuckles time as a legend will end. When I beat him at Leap Of Faith, he will look me in the eye with respect and pass the torch I rightfully deserve.

Xavier Woods
What makes you want this championship more than anyone?

Ringmaster
Well, it all comes down to change. I know Thunder Knuckles is a fighting champion, but I believe it is time for a masterful reign which is simply restoring the title to its original glory. It is up to me, of course, to make that happen. I will never ask for anything to be handed to me. I will earn that title just like I earned a spot at Leap Of Faith. Thunder Knuckles is confident for sure, but I know he is hugging that title closely with each passing day. He knows I’m a threat and can feel me breathing down his neck, ready to take the X-Treme Championship.

Xavier Woods
Sounds like you have given this some thought at least. It is getting late though. Perhaps we should call it a night.

Ringmaster
Not yet, man. Come on, you told me to have fun and when I do you want to take it away from me.

As they were talking, Ringmaster noticed the craps table and made his way over. This game intrigued him,but with the alcohol working on him, it is getting harder to think and understand. Xavier catches up with him and places the bets for him and he can just roll the dice. He orders everyone at the table drinks as the whole table cheers. The dealer motions for him to roll. He flings the dice with ease as he watches them bounce around.

Ringmaster
Snake Eyes!

The dealer proclaimed that is a winning roll as the drinks arrived. He took a few shots as he keeps rolling the winning numbers. He can’t believe the luck he is having, but he doesn’t care either. This was the only weekend of fun he was going to have because Monday it was back to business as usual. He stumbled around and held onto Xavier as he struggled to keep him on his feet.

Xavier Woods
When did you become a lightweight? You’re supposed to be a heavyweight. We need to get out of here now.

The crowd hears the conversation and starts booing the decision. They hit the side of the table and chanting.

WE WANT MORE! WE WANT MORE!

He buckled under the pressure and decided that Ringmaster could roll one more time before they left, so he made the bet once more and this time when he rolled the dice, he loses his balance and started falling onto the craps table itself. The dealer tells him he needs to leave as he gets fist pumps from everyone. They are heading downstairs as his vision is blurry, but his personality remains bright. Once he hits the ground floor, he looks at Xavier and notices an amateur comedian night. Xavier can see the glow in his eyes. Ringmaster is in no condition to be on stage.

Ringmaster
Let’s do this! Let me be a comedian for a night.

Xavier Woods
No! Absolutely not. Are you crazy? You will hurt yourself . You can barely walk.

Ringmaster
Come on! You never let me do anything fun!

Here he was, a grown man throwing a tantrum in the middle of the lobby. He wanted to get his way. He walked toward the comedian lounge where the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves. Ringmaster figured this would be easy since he always makes people laugh. He didn’t know many jokes though, so he was just going to wing it. Both men sit in the book. They listen to all the comedians this place offers. They enjoy laughter and have another drink. A gentleman gets up on stage and asks if there is anyone else because it is closing time. This was his chance, and he knew it. He did not know what to expect, but he honestly did not care at this moment. He raises his hand as he stood up. The liquor was in control of him now. Xavier guided him up to the stage as he stumbles up the steps as everyone laughs. He gets back up and grabs the microphone. Ringmaster takes the microphone and brings it to his lips as he looks out at the crowd. All the attention was on him, as it should be.

Ringmaster
What’s up, New York!

He was so drunk he forgot where he was.The crowd boos loudly and even throws a few things at him, as it misses him, fortunately.

Ringmaster
Oh, sorry I meant New Jersey, but come on let’s be real. It’s basically New York.

The crowd is not enjoying this drunk man on the stage. Ringmaster looks around, realizing he is losing the crowd quickly. He wants to finish the night off right, so he tries to think of a few jokes before he leaves. He places the microphone on his lips once again.

Ringmaster
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?

He waits for someone to answer, but there is silence.

Ringmaster
Because Land Fill and Toxic Waste state did not fit on a license plate.

There are a few smiles, but still not a big reaction from the crowd.

Ringmaster
Tough crowd.

Xavier signaled for him to get offstage, but he refused to listen.

Ringmaster
What is the only thing that grows in New Jersey?


Once again, there was silence.

Ringmaster
The crime rate.

The crowd seems to laugh a little more, so he continues on.

Ringmaster
Now, this next joke is for all the religious nuts out there. Why was Jesus not born in New Jersey?

He pauses for a few seconds as Xavier makes his way to the stage, afraid of the reaction. He was trying to pull him offstage, but not in time.

Ringmaster
There is no such thing as three wise men or a virgin here in New Jersey

The crowd clap and laugh as most did not live here and understood the joke.

Ringmaster
I think I have time for one more joke. Why does the knuckle hate the ring?

There was silence once more.

Ringmaster
Because once the ring is in place, the knuckle can’t escape.

He walks off stage as the crowd cheers. Before tossing the microphone aside, Ringmaster spoke once more.

Ringmaster
You love me! You really love me!

Both men continued walking. They check into their room. Xavier helps him to the room and opens the doors. Ringmaster stumbles and falls on the bed. Xavier goes down and gambles some. When he comes back up, he finds Ringmaster sleeping like a baby. Unfortunately, Xavier spends most of the night watching him, making sure he did not hurt himself anymore, even if he is sleeping. Eventually, Xavier gets some sleep as well. The guys did not know rumors were going around. The night of fun and laughter hit social media, and some of his fans figured out where he was staying. In the morning, there is a loud bang on the door. It woke both men up. One had a hangover, and the other had barely slept, and neither knew who was knocking. Xavier gets up and opens the door. In front of him stands a line of fans wanting pictures. He looks back at Ringmaster on the bed still. He walks over to him and kneels down.

Xavier Woods
Get it together, you’ve got fans waiting for you.

The hangover was intense as he gets to his feet and to the bathroom to freshen himself up. He walks back out to him when suddenly Xavier slaps him a few times lightly.

Xavier Woods
Come on, man! Get dressed.

Ringmaster
Yeah, yeah I hear you leave me alone.

Ringmaster was a grumpy guy this morning, but he remembered last night and had no regrets. He got dressed slowly and slides a mint inside his mouth to block the horrible breath he surely had. He walks over to the door and opens it as the line of people mobbed him. Xavier takes all the pictures that are asked and they all leave one by one. The door shuts for the last time as both men stand there in disbelief at how big Leap Of Faith was. It might not be in the United States, but it did not matter. They sit down on the bed and talked.

Xavier Woods
Can you handle the pressure, man? The pressure will be at an all-time high, you know that, right?

Ringmaster
This is my moment. I don’t mind the pressure at all. I truly believe they built me for a match like this and to compete against a XWF God described by most is an honor. It’s balls to the wall when that bell sounds.

Xavier Woods
I like that man. Confidence will only get you so far with Thunder Knuckles, though keep that in mind. Shall we get some breakfast?

Ringmaster
Yes, of course!

They leave the hotel room, heading downstairs to grab a free meal. Once they finished eating, Ringmaster looked over at his friend.

Ringmaster
I’ll be right back. I want to see what the odds are for Leap Of Faith, so just wait right here.

Ringmaster did not know that his buddy already knew the odds. He looked at them last night before returning to the room. He tries to break the news to him in a good way.

Xavier Woods
You might not want to.

Ringmaster
Why not?

Xavier Woods
Well, the odd makers either hate you or really love Thunder Knuckles. According to Caesar Palace, at least.

Ringmaster
How bad is it?

Xavier Woods shakes his head as hands the betting line information to Ringmaster. He looks at them and was surprised for sure. However, he couldn’t believe everything here.

Ringmaster
I suppose its time to pay King Caesar a brief visit and talk about these odds.

The The scene fades, showing Ringmaster holding the piece of paper and a smile on his face.