The Mastermind

As Smackdown! continues the crowd is pumped up and ready for the next match, but instead. . .

Out comes Cody Rhodes, wearing a smile. With a mic in his hand, he begins to stroll down the ramp towards the ring. As he gets closer the fans cheer and chant. "Cody, Cody, Cody!" "The Dashing One's, The Dashing One's!" 

Rhodes makes his way up the steel steps and climbs into the ring. He pauses for a moment, taking in the cheers, then he raises his mic.

How's everybody doing tonight!?

The crowd goes crazy.

Great, awesome, fantastic, magnificent even! I'm happy, you're all happy, and why shouldn't we be. You all get to see some of the best professional wrestler's in the world compete right here in this ring tonight, while I, have just be put back together with my old partner, Drew McIntyre!

The crowd cheers at the mention of Drew's name.

If you all saw Raw this week, then you know that Drew and myself took down The Legion's Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler. Showing them and all the other tag teams in the WWF exactly what we can do. What we WILL do. But that's not why I'm out here. You see, besides all of the Drew business, in three weeks time I have a match. A match for the United States championship. A match I plan on winning. That's right, at Summerslam, I have to go toe to toe with three other superstars. Let's review shall we. CM Punk, the current, a I put emphasis on the word CURRENT, United States champion. A former member of RISE. You all remember RISE, right? Ahhh, those were the days. Anyway, he was our, enforcer? Yeah, let's go with that. He never really. . .fit, he was just. . .there. Some say he was a lackey, but don't tell him I told you so. Don't get me wrong, he's a great performer, but not as great as me. I mean, obviously, if you looked at my match history I'm pretty sure his name shows up like ten times. Then you got Bobby Roode. One half of the WWF tag team champions. I don't know a lot about this guy, but what I do know is that, 1. He's not winning the U.S. title, and 2. He's going to be losing those tag team titles to Drew and I. You can bet your ass on that. Now this guy is a part of The Dirty Needles? The Dirty Beatles? I don't know, something about them being Dirty, weird if you ask me, but hey, to each his own. Now I've seen this guy in action, he's not half bad. He's completely bad. Almost as bad as his boyfriend Austin Aries. Let's just say I have nothing to worry about from this guy. But then. . .you got Kazarian.

Cody lowers his mic and laughs.

He raises his mic back up.

What do you have to do to get away from this guy. When WCW ended. . .again, I thought I was clear of that lunatic, but here he is, again. I wonder if Daniels has still got him spit cleaning his belt. Probably. Then again, Daniels won't have that belt come Summerslam when Drew beats him to become the WWF Undisputed champion. But back to Kaz. I won't lie, he's an amazing wrestler, a great athlete, and he's beaten me a few times. I was sick, okay? The point is, he's the threat in this match. But not a big enough one. Because nothing is going to stand between me and that belt. 

Rhodes smirks as the crowd erupts with cheer. 

I am the next United States champion, you can bet your ass, your house, your car, and your horse, if you have one, on that. I mean, come on, with Drew as the WWF champion and myself as the U.S. champion, we'll be unstoppable. The Dashing One's, tearing it up once again. Cody Rhodes, putting boots to asses! And getting to know his female fans, hey you, in the front row, how are you doing? 

The female viewer in the front row smiles and blows a kiss to Rhodes.

Oh my! Is that for me!? Why thank you my dear. 

King: Is this kid for real!? Everyone knows I'm the real lady killer around here.

J.R.: Or so you think.

Rhodes gives off a huge smile.

Now as I was saying. . .

Cody gets cut off by the entrance theme of one of his Summerslam foes.

(Open to Punk, Roode or Kaz, leave it open to the next guy, let's get everyone in on this.)

Kazarian walks out onto the stage with a microphone in his hand, he poses at the top of the ramp with a cocky smirk across his face. Kazarian then proceeds to make his way down the ramp, jumping over the ropes into the ring besides Cody.




Kazarian
Surprise Surprise Surprise! Yet again Cody Rhodes finds another man to hide behind and bend over for. First you started with Drew, then you had some silly little argument and you fell into the big strong arms of Edge. I'm sure you felt comfortable in his warm embrace, but it wasn't enough for you Cody, you needed more, one man is never enough for you. So you recruited Dolph Ziggler and CM Punk, but they, just like Drew threw you aside the second they realised what a hot mess you are. Now after less than a month of holding your own and standing by yourself, here you are yet again kissing Drew's feet, and once again your left as the sidekick who won't amount to anything. Yet even with your incredible track record, you have the audacity to come out here and question my relationship with Christopher Daniels... Our friendship is one of mutuality Cody, that's a word that you've probably never heard so let me explain it to you. Mutuality means that our friendship is real, unlike all of your past relationships ours is built to last. Daniels and I have been friends for over a decade now, earning many accolades along the way to solidify our unity, we were even awarded the prestigious honour of being the number one tag team in the entire world. What have you got to say for yourself now Cody? Your 'friendship' with Drew pales in comparison doesn't it?

Cody laughs at Kazarian's attempts to insult him.



Kazarian
Now when it comes to in the ring, it's clear that both you and Drew pale in comparison to myself and Daniels. Cody you've never beaten either of us in singles action despite the many, many times you've tried, you just can't defeat us. Christopher proved that you aren't in our league last Sunday when you couldn't even last over ten minutes in the ring with us, and I think we all know what happened when you and I fought in the finals of the Lord of the Ring tournament. That proves right there that I am on an entirely different level to you. But we both know that Punk is even further below you on the ladder Cody. Punk forever will be the transitional United States Champion. Rey Mysterio was getting too old, he wasn't able to keep up with the agility that the younger generation provides so he needed a scapegoat, someone who could carry the championship for a few weeks before the real champion shows himself. It's as clear to me as it is to all of the people in the audience tonight that champion is me.

The audience fire a barrage of jeers towards Kazarian who smugly takes all of the heat in.

Kazarian
Then finally we have Robert Roode... I haven't spoken to him much since leaving TNA but I'm sure from past experience with him and the friendship that we once shared, Roode and I will be on the same page come SummerSlam. Unfortunately for you Cody, you have no allies, only enemies. Three people who despise you more than any one else in that match, three opponents who will be gunning you down, making sure that you do not leave SummerSlam as the United States Champion.

Kazarian grins once more before being interrupted by someone...



TBC Cody again or Bobby Roode or CM Punk

Save it, Punk.

CM Punk turns his attention to Cody.

Nobody in this arena wants to hear it.

Punk lowers his mic and crosses his arms, pouting.

I'm sorry dear friend, but it's true. Every week you come out here and you tell these people that you're the best in the world. But what does that make me, Punk? Like I said before, I've beaten you more times than I can count. Does that make me the best in the universe? I'd like to think so. Cody Rhodes. . . The best in the universe, it has a ring to it, doesn't it?

Punk shrugs and turns his back to Cody. 

Yeah, turn away Punk, don't face your foes like a man, because we all know that'd be weird. 

The crowd gasps as Punk slowly begins to turn back around. Rhodes laughs as he continues to speak.

Settle down tough guy, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Well, that's a lie, I did, I did mean to hurt your feelings. Are you going to cry now? Is the best in the world going to cry?

Cody then begins to mock Punk, pretending to cry. Punk grows angrier and finally walks up to Cody and gets in his face, Kazarian quickly interjects.

Whoa you two, do I have to get Dolph and Drew to come out here and put you two down?

Punk and Rhodes quickly turn their sights on Kazarian. Rhodes raises his mic.

I don't know, Kaz, do I have to go get Daniels so he can get you to shine his belt before his big match tonight?

Punk laughs, but he quickly hides it as Cody carries on.

You know, you came out here and you tried to insult me, Kaz, you tried, but you failed. You carried on about me being to weak link, and hey, maybe I am. But if you think for one second that you and Daniels are 'equals' oh boy, do you need to wake up. You know as well as I do, as well as Punk does, that you're the weak link in that team. Daniels is heads and tails better than you, and you know it, Kaz. It eats you up inside, I can see it. And Punk, you came out here and said that Kaz and I were. . . Just alike? Well then what are you? Because last I checked, you were Dolph's sidekick, there to make sure his every need is met. Hell, I would even put you below Orton and Axel! Let's look at it this way, last Sunday in our tag team match, you were in the ring. . . What? Three minuets before you were eliminated? Boom, snap, you were out. Dolph and Orton had to suffer a handicap match, because of your failure. Punk, YOU, are the weak link of Legion. Both of you, are the weak links of your teams. So don't come out here and act like you're better than one another, or better than me, because your not, and at Summerslam, when I win that championship, both of you, and that scumbag Roode, will know it.

Rhodes lowers his mic and smirks, now looking away from his Summerslam opponents. 

What do all of you think? Am I going to walk out of Summerslam the United States champion!?

The crowd burst with cheer, chanting "Rhodes, Rhodes, Rhodes!" Cody raises both of his arms and joins in on the chant. He then looks back at Punk and Kaz.

So what do you have to say about. . .

Rhodes gets cut off by Kazarian mid sentence.

(TBC by Kaz.)

As Kaz tries to speak, Bobby Roode's entrance theme spreads through out the arena



All three men in the ring stare at the entrance way as Bobby Roode steps out on stage and makes his way down to the ring with a microphone in his hand



JR:
Uh oh here comes the IT Factor.

Bobby walks up the stairs and enters the ring

Bobby:
I promised myself that I wouldn't waste my time talking to you three idiots tonight, but I heard my name out of your mouths one too many times.... Now you see, I am the man that held the TNA World Heavy Weight Championship longer than anybody. I am the man that defeated Roman Reigns and The Rock in a tag team ladder match. And I am the man that will win the United States Championship. Because unlike any of you in this ring, I am actually a champion worth seeing. I will bring prestige back to the US Championship. Something none of you men can do. And maybe one day after I am champion one of you can get a shot. But, before I get too far ahead in the future, let's talk about who I have to get through at Summerslam.

Bobby looks at Cody Rhodes

Bobby:
But here we are Cody. In the ring together for the very first time. And it is an honor to say to your face that you are a horrible wrestler. You can talk big, but you wrestle like a Diva. But, the fact that you are out here claiming you will win that fatal four way is an insult. You are very lucky Punk and Kaz hasn't already put you in your place. But don't worry, I will do the job at Summerslam. Because unlike you Cody, I can talk the talk and walk the walk. I backup what I say. All you do is hide behind your jokes to get over with the crowd. Once you get in the ring I can actually see some people in the stands taking bathroom breaks since they won't miss anything exciting.

Cody looks angry as Bobby looks over at Punk



Bobby:
Now Punk, I have seen you wrestle before man. You are far more impressive than Cody. But, I still don't like you. That straight edge bull crap is nothing but lies. You look like a pot head. You look like an angry pot head. *Punk stares down Bobby Roode* I'm sure your sister hooks you up with the good stuff huh? *Bobby laughs as Punk looks very angry* .... Oh I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to talk about your sister like that. Maybe your the one that hooks her up? No? Yes? *Punk is seen mouthing off at Bobby as Bobby's eyes widen* Calm down Punk. You're high.

Bobby then turns to Kaz

Bobby: Kaz, no doubt we have had a long history. We both roamed TNA like kings. But here in the WWF things are different. I am here to make legendary status. And the Dirty Heels beating you and Daniels at Summerslam will contribute to that. Because I pulled some strings and we will be having our Tag Team Title match in a steel cage. So I can get in then climb out. It's the perfect plan to make sure I am fresh and ready for the US Title match. But, not only am I going to prove to you that Dirty Heels is the most dominant tag team in the history of Professional Wrestling. We are better than Drew and his pet Cody, We are better than Rock n Reigns, we are better than Legion, and we are defiantly better than Bad Influence...... Then, I walk into this ring with you three men. I beat the hell out of all of you and get the pin to become the new United States Champion.

Bobby steps forward to signify he isn't afraid of nobody in that ring

Bobby:
Now as for you Kaz, I have no problem being your ally in that fatal four way, but when it comes down to it, I will get rid of everybody in my way. Hell, that is, if you make it out of that steel cage in one piece. Punk, I have no problem being your ally as well, but like I said about Kaz, in the end, it's every man for himself. And you got to promise me that with all this stress of the fact that you will lose your title, that you will not take up drinking as well as smoking....... Cody, there is no doubt that you are going to lose this match. Because frankly, nobody likes you.



Cody:
Nobody likes me?

Cody holds up the mic as the fans cheer

Bobby:
These people mean nothing. All they do is change there opinions about people 20,000 times a year. There opinions mean nothing to me. They are ignorant assholes who do nothing but distract me. *boos* But you Cody, you need there attention in order to feel good about yourself. Because you know that it's hard to feel good about yourself when you are the son of Dusty Rhodes. The American Dream? Hell he was the American nightmare. The worst of the worst. He was nothing but a fat pathetic slob that nobody could understand. He is the reason why the prestige and honor was gone from the US Championship for so long. And if you some how pull an upset, you will fall down the same path as your pathetic father, a worthless human being who didn't belong in professional wrestling..... Why won't you just do yourself a favor to protect yourself from being an undeserving man like your father. The day of Summerslam, just hide at your daddies house while the big boys steal the show.

As Bobby pats Cody's head in attempt to mock him, Cody shoves him and gets in his face, Kaz and Punk try to break it up, but then Roode and Cody take it upon themselves to push those two, soon a shoving match takes place, but before things can get to violent, a few refs rush down to the ring and break it up. The segment fades on Kaz and Punk being held back in the ring, while Roode and Cody are being taken up the ramp.
(Closed.)