The old school name, the throwback logo... but the whole thing was starting to look like a throwback. The early reports showed that pre-order buyrates were down significantly. Several workers had been fined at recent cards for showing up late and in questionable condition.

All in all, CSWA owner Chad Merritt was not having a good day. The afternoon before a pay-per-view is always hectic, but this one seemed more than most. Maybe he had made a mistake throwing a monkey wrench into the works; maybe a good old-fashioned "Battle of the Belts" would have worked better. But something had to be done. Something has to be done. And tonight would be the first step into breaking up some of the factions that had burrowed themselves into the fabric of the company.

It's funny. Merritt never intended to be the 'bad guy.' Before McMahon and Bischoff ever dreamed of inserting themselves into their companies as 'heels,' Merritt had done so simply by circumstance. For all the cries of corruption and favoritism, Merritt could site dozens more examples of moves he had made to build the business for all involved, including the workers.

Hell, maybe he should have eliminated all the downside guarantees and gone the way McMahon did. Then the workers would find out what happens when you get injured and have no guarantee of getting paid. He could do it... he could get away with it. But that's not the way he operates. He doesn't want to control his employees' lives, well, not outside of wrestling...

Of course these days there are more important issues to deal with then egos and hurt feelings. The ratings are sagging, and now it looks like the buyrates are starting to soften too. That means shoring up positions and investing in innovation... and that means spending more money. Speaking of which, shouldn't that lush of a commentator be arriving soon?

(There's a knock at the Presidential Skybox door.)

Merritt: Yes, Martha?

Martha: Mr. Merritt. He's arrived.

Merritt: Thank you, Martha. Show him in.

Between the WWE pushing for more arena exclusives and trying to saturate the market with two brands of questionable quality, plus the return and resurgence of the fWo in the US market... Well, and the fact that the CSWA Vice-Presidents seem even more incompetent than usual. With all those factors and more, Merritt had decided to make a major change, and a significant investment.

While not a fan of the Crash TV style, Merritt could appreciate the innovation it showed. He was banking on the fact that the man behind it could dredge up at least a couple of ideas to make paying him a Vice-President's salary worthwhile.

(The door opened as Merritt stood from behind his desk. As he took in the man being shown in by Martha, he realized...)

Merritt: You're not...

Russo: Hi, Mr. Merritt. Good to meet you finally. I'm sorry, what were you saying?

Merritt: Nothing, nothing. It's good to have you here, Mr. Russo.

Russo: It's great to be here. And please, call me Pete.

Merritt: Of course, Peter. And you can call me Mr. Merritt. So, I have to ask, are you related to any other famous Russos in the wrestling business?

Russo: To VinnieRu? Not at all, thankfully. At least not that I know of. I've got to tell you Mr. Merritt, I was really surprised when Mr. Gethard called to tell me about the position. I've only been involved with regional promotions in New Jersey; I had no idea that you guys were even aware of what I was doing.

Merritt: We keep our eyes open, Peter. Again, glad to have you. If you would, please ask Martha to give you grand tour. I'd love to talk with you next week about things, but first, I'd like to get your 'fresh eyes' opinion on how things go today.

Russo: Sounds great. Again, I'm really excited to be here.

Merritt: Oh, and Peter, if you would, please ask Martha to stop in here for a second before she starts your tour.

Russo: Sure thing.

(CSWA VP Pete Russo steps out of the room. Moments later, executive secretary Martha returns.)

Martha: Yes, Mr. Merritt?

Merritt: I thought I asked Human Resources to track down VINCE Russo. I know have a clue who this guy is.

Martha: Yessir. My understanding is that Mr. Gethard let HR know that he had previously met Mr. Russo. He helped facilitate the contact and the negotiations.

Merritt: Ah, of course, more Gethard ingenuity. Martha, when you get a chance, could you let Gregg know that I'd like to see him?

Martha: Certainly.

Merritt: And, if you would, please make sure the cattle prod's charged.

Martha: Of course. (Martha leaves)

Merritt: It's amazing. You can take the Gethard out of the country, but you can't take the stupid out of the Gethard. I don't understand how we can clone sheep, but we can't find a way to fix a mental deficient. PETE Russo. Good grief.

Guess who's back?

He wouldn't have guessed that Merritt would come crawling with an offer so quickly. Just weeks after he wrote the "Happy Hour" column that ran down Merritt's business practices and announced his walk-out, Sammy Benson already had a new offer on the table.

But Sammy's mama didn't raise no fool. Well, she very well may have, but it wasn't her fault.

So as Sammy stepped out of his rental car to the flashes of a few fan photographers outside the gates parking area, he relished the way he had played Merritt, had made him sweat.

He played up the fact that he was having discussion with the fWo and NFW, despite the fact that both organizations were going through major transition at the time. They had both returned his calls, but neither had been ready to bring him in immediately. Of course, Merritt and other CSWA officials didn't have to know that.

Merritt had tried to trump him; Benson had to credit him for that. The introduction of the young, handsome new commentator, John Simons, had had Sammy sweating like a LOVE Sister left outside in Mobile, Alabama on a hot August day, at least until he heard Simons open his mouth. And then... then Sammy Benson knew that he had Merritt and the CSWA over a barrel.

The call came just two days later. Benson named a ridiculous figure and the HR flunkie countered. In the end, Sammy was pleased with his raise, but even more pleased with the fact that no longer would the concessionaires refuse to serve him, no longer would Buckley be able to lord his 'senior commentator' title over him. And most importantly, Sammy had gotten his long sought-after 'midget' clause: Merritt had agreed not to put any midgets at the commentators' table with him without prior consent.

Thinking about that, Sammy's heartbeat felt more regular then it had in years. He had even cut down on his anti-anxiety medication. All in all, it was shaping up to be a good year for Sammy Benson.

So as he entered the stage door and started down the hall to his dressing room, Sammy reveled in the surprised looks and doubletakes. Sammy Benson is back, baby. Better than ever.