<![CDATA[X-treme Wrestling Federation - Leap of Faith 2020 PPV]]>

<![CDATA[X-treme Wrestling Federation - Leap of Faith 2020 PPV]]> https://xwf1999.com/ Sat, 09 May 2026 19:42:20 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Atty Says Things]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37544 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 23:52:48 -0700 Atara Raven]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37544 In What Life

In What Era

In What World

For What Reason

Would I Ever Be Jealous of You?

[Image: e594d317e56bc533841555d35b20276f.png]

[Image: e594d317e56bc533841555d35b20276f.png]

Saitama City
Saitama Prefecture, Japana

It was night in the prefecture's capital, a relatively quiet one on the streets thanks to a sudden down pour that had come and gone in an eyes blink. Lit like all metropolitan cities, with an endless barrage of advertisements and signage, the Grecian walked seemingly alone amidst Japanese neon followed only by the staff of an XWF production crew. The promo had yet to begin proper but the camera was on and film had been rolling.

From behind Atara was framed in the viewers lens. A mane of balayage colored locks hung splayed across her back and had been made darker by the night sky. It's color was tinted by the luminous glow from Leap of Faith ads to her left and it was not just her hair, all of Atara features mimicked the hue of the face staring back her.

Her face.

The face of the company. Self titled perhaps but not without merit and Atara held firm to her belief. The camera caught a contemplative gaze from over her shoulder as she walked alongside the signs lining the street. Atara wasn't a champion. She wasn't the pillar of some dying division, held no real accolade to mention, she didn't even have a winning record, but Atara still held their attention.

A smile to the camera, 'a look at me' expression making evident her pride, "This is just the tip of the mountain Doves. Japan loves Atty."

Tall and lissome, Atara's silhouette contoured by the glow in front her, she continued through the street balletic as the Prima who birthed her. A few silent moments passed and she cut a corner a into alleyway. No less luminescent than the previous street, pink faded to blue.

More commotion was found here than on the last, street vendors and stalls open for evening business. The smell of food permeated the air. The camera crew had now caught up and filmed alongside the brunette catching every interaction with the public. Smiles and polite bows, an autograph here and there and of course the occasional picture. It was after one picture with an elderly couple that Atara addressed the camera once more.

"Look up Doves," she enjoined and directed the camera with a pointing finger. Across the alley, building to building hung her countenance again.

The camera stopped on the banner and in the seconds between and different voice traversed the crew's microphones into homes across the globe. A male voice.

"That's a really big fat head."

Spoken matter of factly, the voice belonged to no other than Big D. The Internet title slung over one shoulder, the possibly future GM, stood still with a bowl of ramen in his hands unaware of the potential of insult.

"Thanks D, a pleasure as always. Mind taking your weeb food elsewhere," Atara gestured with a hand the camera crew and politely nudged the big man off with a tilt of her head. The last of him was the surprised look of realization and silent mouthed apology.

With an agitated tight lipped smile, Atara beckoned her party forward. "I know what you're thinking Jennifer and yes, there is a point to this. While you're held up all nice and cozy in your suite like the Queen that you are doing your best Margot Robbie impression, spouting off subjective bullshit and slut shaming me like there's no tomorrow, I'm down here in the real world among MY adoring public. This is where I reign Jennifer, where it matters most. With those whose opinions weigh heavier than any championship and mean more than any victory you'll ever achieve. They are what I'm here for and as long as they are lead by the leash in MY hand I will always be THE ONLY woman that matters in XWF."

"Leap of Faith Jenny. 63,000 plus Japanese and fans from the world over will pack the Saitama Stadium. A small city in one building, packed tight in this modern Coliseum and all waiting for two words...

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You can hear it already can't you Jennifer? Bum bum bum bum, 63 thousand pairs of feet in perfect unison, in harmony with the music. Cameras are ready, my voice hits the PA and its pandemonium.

[Image: 3okPTY4.gif]

Every spectrum on their feet, race, religion, and creed, all those things that divide cease to exist in that moment and all attention is on me. My name, Atty! Atty! My face on the posters, the shirts, whatever merch they can afford and make. All for me, all here, in that moment for me. That's what I am Jenny. That's what I've become. That's why I am here. It's no secret, my first time on the microphone I made that clear.

The adoration, adulation, the applause. Through me the world is united and in the minutes between my entrance until my exit we are all as one equal in our love for....me.

Me.

Atara.

Not Jenny Myst.

And not just in the arena Dove.

In Osaka.

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In Tokyo.

"The whole world Jennifer."

"I exist beyond the realm of XWF Jennifer. I exist beyond the realm of wrestling. Be it as Wonder Woman, be it as Isis, be it as Centerfold or Cover Girl for CTN, or be it as cagefighter, the sun shines brightest wherever I am and those that follow bask in it's radiance. My ambition goes beyond the self serving goals of titles and wins, I'm making the world my memorial so that when my mediocre beauty fades and my ungrateful brats have buried me my name will still be on the people's lips."

You've seen my star on the rise Jennifer and like every simp in the back you've been anxious to get a bite. A smoldering remnant of the past hoping to reignite what was off my flame, but just like the words out of your mouth you didn't think it through. Tomorrow you will have your fill Dove because fundamentally you're fucked. Mine is the blood of the people who created this sport, mine is the blood of the people who used it to conquer the world, and mine is the blood that baptized me in it's violence at the tender age of 8. I am a 5'10" embodiment of Grecian aggression and perfection Jenny."

"A warrior goddess hellbent on tearing you limb from effin limb. I have nothing to gain from this match Jennifer except the satisfaction in knowing I am the WOMAN who finally shut you up for good. There's no pressure, There's no lofty expectation. All the things that cause me to cave as you say...they don't exist. Don't fret much, because even after you've been dominated. After you've been tripped of your clothes, your dignity, and pride...you'll still have solstice in knowing that you'll be footnote in the legacy I am building and I'll be left washing off your blood and glitter."

"Oh before I forget, you want a shoot, some objective information to show I'm not puffing my chest and spouting hot air. Open your browser, find the PPV promos, select the one viewed more times than any other then fucking pray I have mercy at Leap of Faith or drown yourself in that tub"

(Get your friend to help for best results)

The Following was to brought you by the XWF & Minimal Effort Attention Whore Productions.

NEAT

]]> In What Life

In What Era

In What World

For What Reason

Would I Ever Be Jealous of You?

[Image: e594d317e56bc533841555d35b20276f.png]

In Tokyo.

"The whole world Jennifer."

The Following was to brought you by the XWF & Minimal Effort Attention Whore Productions.

NEAT

]]> <![CDATA[I WIll Fight You]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37636 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 23:36:17 -0700 Chris Chaos]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37636 "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender"--Winston Churchill

Maybe I respect you too much. I tell myself I don't respect you but God damn it I do. I don't like you, but you have never been in this game to be liked. Neither have I. You have always been in this game to earn respect and I've never beat you. I can look into the eyes roster members both new and old and tell them that I don't respect them that's because I deem them below me. Many roster members. New and old have stepped into the ring with me and have been equalized. Many men stepped in the ring with me and had their careers shortened or altered. But not you. You are my nemesis, my Achilles heel. But I think in a way I am yours as well. You might beat me a thousand times Robert, but you are always going to have to wonder when my next move will be and what it will be. I am not just going to be another body on the pile. I am not just going to be another victim on your quest to destroy everybody, no, because you can't destroy me. You have tried and tried but ultimately you have failed. You can have all the gold in the wrestling business, but your inability to take me out will always be your greatest failure. You will never be complete because I will not allow you to be complete. I'm going to haunt you until the day that you hang up the boots, and that is just how it is. I am going to make your life miserable, not only because I want to, because clearly I can.

You may strike Peter and I down tomorrow night, you may come out of the Pay-Per-View with those shiny belts that you covet so dearly, but in the end just know that you ultimately did not get the job done. If there is one thing that you can take away from your experience dealing with me is that I am everything that I say that I am. I am not saying that I am the best in the world anymore because quite frankly until I beat you I cannot claim that, but I can say that I am one resilient bastard who just refuses to let go. I refuse to go away, I refuse to let all of my accomplishments go to the wayside all because of one man. While you are on a quest to control the wrestling business and on a quest to hold all of the gold that this company has to offer, I am on a quest to be the name that everybody remembers. I am on a quest to put myself in to the archives of the XWF by doing the one thing that both you and your partner Page failed to do.

Killing it.

You both seem to think but the only thing worthwhile in this business is holding gold, well I feel like sending a message is more important. I am the voice of the voiceless, and I am the one who is standing up for everyone who has been done wrong here in XWF. Everyone who has been screwed by management, has been bullied by people like you. I am the one who is going to build this place up..........

Just to knock it down.

You and I have been around the block, and even though we are in different places at the moment, we both have one word we can put next to our name. Legend. Like me or hate me, Chris Chaos is going to be a name around here for a goddamn long time. My wars with you will go down in history as some of the greatest to ever grace a wrestling ring. My rivalry with you will be regarded as one of the best feuds of all time. It will be one of things that kept this company afloat. We only have a handful of people on this roster who will make an all time list, and most of them do everything in their power to avoid one another. You and I, we don't do that. When you came back after you had your coniption fit, who was the first name you called out? Mine. Why? Why is a man who has never beaten you even on your radar?

Because you need me.

Robert some of the best matches you've had here have been with me. I am your security blanket, the one you go to when you feel like you need a win. You step into the ring with me when you feel like the XWF is a bit over your head, you kick my ass, and it makes you feel a little better about yourself.

But I kick your ass, also.

No match you've ever had with me has been a layup. No match you've ever had with me has been easy on your body. I push you to your very limits each and every time, and one of these days those limits will be a lot smaller.

"All we need is someone on this planet who isn't named Chris Chaos to answer the call."

You can claim over and over and over again that this isn't about the belts, that gold won't come between you and Page. That's adorable, but it's simply not true. You have way too much pride to be playing second fiddle to anyone, but way too much ignorance to realize that you've been doing it for an entire career. You can yell and shout the same old tired cliche over and over, 'you fear me', and 'I am big and bad', and 'I am Robert, hear me roar', but at the end of the day the only one who answers that call is me.

You've become Chris Chaos, Robert. Nobody wants to deal with you anymore so they tell you what you want to hear so you will go away. People don't respect you like I respect you. People also don't see through your bullshit the way I do. They simply don't want to deal with you anymore.....where as, with me, hell you are the one I enjoy playing with the most. Repeating yourself? Robert that is all you do. You and Page. The same thing over and over and over like a boring book that just won't end. Everyone else skips the pages or simply puts it down but not me. I read that book all the way til the end because I want to know every single word of it. Do you know why nobody has reached out to you two? Do you know why you're stuck here, running over the same names time and time again?

Because you aren't as good as you think you are. And you feel safe here, and secure. You feel wanted. The two of you may be able to go to any company on the planet and be successful, but you simply won't be what you are here.

You are what you are because of me.

Nobody else wants anything to do with you. Nobody else wants to put up with the politics, the games, the incessent arrogance when the only thing you can say about yourselves is that you neither of you could be an All Time Great on a solo's list. When people look back on the XWF they will see that win, loss, or draw Chris Chaos, singular, is the name they recognize. When those same people look at you two, all they will see is a squashed invasion and a 'champion' who played down to his competition. A champion who lost to legends and didn't become the demi-god he called himself until he got a little help.

Don't let them get to you, Robbie. Haters will be haters, let them hate. I respect you too much to see you cry.

I am here for you, the open arms you need to run to. The shoulder you can cry on when you've had a hard day. The same tired routine you've been using as a crutch for longer than we care to remember, that is me. Whenever Robert Main is brought up in conversation it will always be synonymous with CHAOS.

"But this is almost a night off if you ask me because as hard as you try to be a threat neither of you truly are.”

I never claimed to be. I said I knew full well that I expect to lose this match. I am not coming in with high hopes just to be crushed and let down for the umpteenth time. I am coming into this match with no expectations, so the only place I can go is up.

Well...maybe I do have one expectation.

I expect you to respect me the way that I respect you. I expect you to leave this match, whether its with your titles or not, and say to yourself that Chris Chaos has never once backed down. Most people run screaming for the hills when you two come down the pike. Most people piss themselves at the sheer thought of facing the two of you. But not me.

I LOVE IT.

I love being the greatest failure of your career. I love being the catalyst that will eventually unravel Cataclysm, strip it down to its very core. I love being the one that Robert relies on so heavily........

Remember the AX3 days? When you were a clipboard holding water boy? You needed me to lose because everyone on the roster had their eyes on me, and by me losing, it looked better for you. I was the ugly friend, and I made you look pretty by comparison.

Oh god, I was the DUFF wasn't I? I was the DUFF, I knew it! I knew it!

But I digress.

"but when you’re the premiere athlete of this organization".

I wish that were the case, Robert, I do. But there are sooooooooo many out there better than you. Warstein, for one. Soldier, but you know all too well about him. Robert, you're own partner is better than you. You make these claims. I wish you didn't make these claims. You are only making yourself sound worse!

You're better than that.

You continue time and time again to rank me near the bottom of the list. A bottom feeder, a basement dweller. I should be so far off your list that you don't even remember my name when you see me in public. But I'm not.

So let me say this, and be crystal clear when I do:

You. Will. Never. Be. The. Premier. Athlete. Of. Any. Fucking. Thing. Until. You. Take. Me. Out.

If I am so horrible, why can't you get rid of me? Why is booking Chaos versus Main in any way you want to book it good for ratings? Why is someone who you feel will never amount to a dixie cup of piss seemingly the one you're booked against time and time again?

Either someone is a masochist, or you simply aren't what you claim to be. OR.....maybe, JUUUUUUUUST MAYBE, Chris Chaos is a little more than you claim. They see it, I see it, and I think you see it too.

The best in the business, they handle their business. They beat the teams their supposed to beat. They obliterate and eviscerate their competition. You haven't done that yet. If Chris Chaos is so bad, why does Main vs. Chaos become the most must-see match every single time?

Think about it, Robert. You complete me, I complete you, and we..........heh....we.....

So spare the theatrics, and get off your high horse. I respect the hell out of you, Main, and I think that somewhere down in that caveman body and that wee little brain, you respect me too. You know what I do for your career. Your marquees, the Main Events, the big time matches.

What kind of low tier bottom feeder provides that?

I teamed up with Peter knowing full well what it was going to bring me. I know what Peter brings to the table. I do this for guys like him. I do this because guys like me and him have been kicked around for far too long. Peter has been ridden hard and put away wet more times than a calculus student at Stanford can count, but he keeps coming back.

I keep coming back.

And I keep coming back for you.

Oh, and AGAIN YOU STUPID ASS MOTHER FUCKER... LISTEN I DID NOT JOIN CHRIS PAGE BECAUSE I COULD NOT BEAT HIM... I BEAT HIM TWICE... TWICE... TWICE... PAY ATTENTION YOU SORRY FUCKER...

Getting mad are we now, Robert? Getting salty having the truth thrown in your face over and over and over again. You're words, so shallow, so bleak. Delivered all big and strong, but brittle to the core. I never said you couldn't beat Shawn Warstein, I said you couldn't beat the Universal Champion. You see, the formerly fuzzy one has another gear he kicks on when the lights burn brightest. If you COULD have beaten him for that title, you WOULD have. Fact is, you have two wins that are no more than exhibition victories over a man who didn't have to defend his belt so he simply didn't care. Stop trying to prove to the world that you're something you're not.

YOU'RE HUMAN.

I have researched you, more than I care to admit. Over the last year or so, you could say I have obsessed over you. I used to get all mad and talk loudly, pulling my hair out and slamming my head against walls when I thought of Robert Main. You used to infuriate me like I currently infuriate you.

But not anymore. I've grown to respect you. You don't respect anyone, and that will be your downfall. You spent an entire promo on the defensive, with your back against the wall. You spent an entire promo explaining yourself to the masses, yet again. You spent an entire promo trying to convince us that the walls aren't beginning to crack. If I am such an idiot, why do you get so upset? Forget what I said, ignore it, and move on. But every time you hang on my strings like a puppet master and his marionette........

You're proving my point for me.

Why do I get under your skin so badly? Why do you feel the need to discredit my claims and make me out to be some lunatic who doesn't bother to pay attention? Why do you have to deflect your insecurities out on me?

Because that is what they are, insecurities.

Inside you're a scared little boy. Inside you're battling with yourself about if you're truly good enough, and Chris Chaos has been going out of his way to show the world that you're not.

I respect you, Robert, because I see myself in you. You're just like me. Well, you're just like I was. I used to get all upset about the smallest barb, the lightest jab, the tiniest touch. I used to let the little shit get to me. Not anymore Robert. I take what you say and I digest it, shit it out, and go about my day. I know how you feel about me, and I know how this roster feels about me. You can call me every name you have the capacity of pronouncing, but it just doesn't matter to me.

Sticks and stones.

But you, I point out one teeeeensy little thing........

BOOM.

Atom Bomb.

It is because you can't face the truth, Robert. And that's okay. I was in your shoes once, and I wore them well. You're not different than Centurion when he is called boring.... you just can't take the truth. Just because you say words all grunty and deep doesn't mean they're true. Just because you have an opinion of me, it doesn't make it true.

Opinions are like assholes, Robert. You know the rest.

So yes, I respect you because I see myself in you. I see the fire, the drive, the passion, but I also see the softer side. I see the sensitivity.

Sensitive Savage, I think that's what I'll refer to you as.

You're a deep person, like me. Until this very point in time, you've had my number. Hell, you may even have it again, but while we are here spilling truths..........

Gilly and I are both stronger than you'll ever be. Mentally, emotionally......we have been through it all and if you want to add physically to that list than so be it but at the end of the day you're going to have failed one way or another.

We are here to stay, which means you have purpose again. While you rot away in the lower title divisions, letting your partner cash in and win the belt that you let slip from your grasp, Gimour and I will be making memories at your expense for the rest of your miserable existence in this promotion. I am not afraid, and neither is Gilmour.

I will fight you anywhere, any time, any way. Kick my ass all you want......the result stays the same.

I am not going away.

I WILL FIGHT YOU

Oh, and by the way, its CHAOTIC INC. Not CHAOS INC. How many times have you said Chaos Inc now? How many times have you thrown research in our faces and yet pronounce the most simple stable name in this company wrong?

But yeah, I'm the idiot right?

]]> "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender"--Winston Churchill

]]> <![CDATA[Bipolar]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37637 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 23:21:29 -0700 James Raven]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37637 [Image: RavenSig2013.jpg]

JULY 12, 2020
3:47 AM EST
I sit alone, nestled in the corner of a mostly empty room in a large arm chair. The lights are off, my only illumination coming from the moonbeams beaming through the nearby window. My shoulders are slumped, spine hunched as I stare down at my phone with comatose eyes. My hand aches, cramping around the plastic ridges; but my thumb never stops flicking the screen with a steady rhythm, sending a wall of tweets flying past my gaze. I pick up on a few of them as they soar by.

This is nothing unusual, I’ve been doing it a lot over the last six months… far more than I’d care to admit. It’s masochistic. It brings a stabbing pain to my chest and a knot to my stomach.

My mind tears itself apart; minute by minute, hour by hour, night by night. I am shredding every bit of sanity I have.

Still, I scroll.

“James?”

The voice comes from the doorway in the far corner of the room, but my mind is so muddled I barely notice the call.

“James? What are you still doing up?”

I blink a few times, retinas suddenly burning as I look away from the screen for the first time in who knows how long. It takes a few minutes for my vision to adjust to the darkness, but I finally recognize Betsy. She’s concerned.

“You should come to bed.”

“Soon…” I mumble, my voice little more than a hoarse grunt.

“James, pleas-”

“Soon.”

She doesn’t like being cut off, but she doesn’t try to argue with me. We both know it’s futile right now. Like I said, nights like these were not uncommon, and we’ve left very few stones unturned in regards to how she should handle me. Everyone, please offer a round of applause for Betsy. She has the patience of a saint.

I drop my gaze back to the cell phone screen, my thumb resuming its steady swiping. Centurion, Warstein, TK, Bourbon, Themis, Duke, Lane… their names and a dozen others scroll past me, visions of their successes and interactions smacking me in the mouth as I sit in my isolation.

Betsy slips from the doorway and makes her way across the room, winding up at the side of my armchair. She looks down over my shoulder as I continue to swipe.

“James,” she pleads, “You need to let it go, at least for tonight. Sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning and if you want to you can pick back up agai-”

“I can’t sleep now. You don’t know what it’s fucking like,” I sneer, more to the ether than to her but she doesn’t hear it that way.

“Excuse me?”

No backing down now.

“You don’t know,” my gravelly voice tries to explain, “Nobody knows. None of you understand.”

“So explain it to me,” she suggests with a shrug.

“I have. Over and over.”

“So try again. Keep trying until I understand.”

My thumb stops scrolling, and my timeline lands on the smiling face of Ruby Debuchy. The knot in my stomach tightens, the back of my neck growing hot as I hold the phone up for Betsy to see.

“Look at this shit! Look!”

She stares at the phone but she says nothing. She simply chews her lower lip thoughtfully, then looks at me with concern.

“Isn’t… isn’t Ruby a friend of yours?”

Fine, if she doesn’t get it, I’ll find another example. I pull the phone within inches of my face and keep scrolling, landing on a promotional tweet for Warstein vs Centurion at Leap of Faith.

“Here!” I exclaim, spinning the phone back to her, “Look at this one! It’s insane, right?!”

Betsy takes a step towards me and reaches up, her hands clasping around mine and gently pulling the phone away from me. She sets it down on a nearby side table, sliding a long since emptied whiskey glass over to make space. Slowly she slides both of her arms around my body and presses her head against my chest, holding me tight. It’s only then that I realize how tense and rigid I’ve become, and I feel my muscles begin to melt in her embrace. I wrap my arms around her, and together we stand in the darkness. I have no idea for how long.

“You need to sleep,” she whispers.

“I know,” I whisper back, “I just… I can’t yet.”

“Have you taken your-”

“Stop! Don’t do that!” I cut her off, my muscles suddenly coiling up like steel cables as I pull violently away from her, “Stop making everything about that. This has nothing to do with that. I don’t want them, and I’m not going to take them!”

“It’s been six months, James. Do you realize that? We’ve been dealing with this for six months. Have you told anyone at the XWF yet?”

“It’s none of their business, it’s none of anybody else's business,” I murmur, picking up the empty whiskey glass from the side table and looking around for the bottle.

“Those people are your friends, James, you need to trust them and-”

“Those people don’t give a shit about me, Betsy!” I scream, spinning on my heels to face her, “I know what I am to them! I know where I fucking stand! I was a fucking cash cow until they had more options I was a top attraction until I brought them new toys to play with. I was a locker room leader until… I just… I can’t… You dont. Know. What it’s like. I have spent years trying to build the XWF community back to what it used to be, up to what it can be… and it’s like the closer we get to what I always wanted, the less these people want me to be a part of it with them at all.”

“You know that’s not true,” she says reassuringly.

Do I?

“Of course it’s true,” I hiss through a clenched jaw and gritted teeth, “Every offer to help someone, every offer to get back in the ring, every offer to be a civil fucking person and simply have a conversation with a rookie… all ignored and rejected, if not thrown back in my face like I was some fucking dipshit for even offering. I’m watching the roster become stronger, I’m seeing the XWF get more recognition, I’m watching a community form and camaraderie develop and people find new running mates… all on the foundation I fought for years to build… and I’m just… here. I’m just waiting for something to do… For someone to decide I’m worth their time. Then I tell myself I shouldn’t be feeling any of this, and I list off all the positives of this movement and remind myself that with or without me the XWF is becoming what I wanted… and I hate myself for thinking any of it at all… and the cycle continues... ”

Betsy sighs deeply, shrugging her shoulders. I know what she’s thinking; she can’t help me until I agree to help myself.

“James,-”

“Go back to bed, Betsy,” I instruct her, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“You’re clearly no-”

“I am,” I assure her.

She looks at me, her eyes practically overflowing with skepticism.

“What the fuck do you want me to say, Betsy?! I can’t spell this shit out any clearer.”

“Keep. Trying.”

What does she think I’ve been doing? There’s nothing more I can say, every time I open my mouth public perception gazes unfavourably upon me. I lunge for my cell phone, I can’t tell her but I can show her! I can show her what’s bothering me! She cuts me off, hands firmly on my shoulders and steering me away from my device on the side table. She stands in front of me and stares deep into my eyes.

“Talk to me. Please don’t try to show me any more social media. Just talk to me.”

I stare back at her, and feel a calm wash over me. I close my eyes. I inhale deeply, and feel a sort of purity radiate from the breath. The words begin to tumble clumsily from my lips.

“You don’t know what it’s like to see people do what you should be doing, to watch your peers become industry darlings and to watch the new generation hail them as the true GOAT. You don’t know what it’s like to watch them win tournaments and headline pay per views and slowly push you from their memory.”

“So, jealousy?” she asks, “This is all out of jealousy?”

“No,” I defend staunchly, “It’s not jealousy. It’s… it’s more complicated than that. It’s not just watching people succeed, it’s watching myself get erased. I can’t open twitter without seeing subtweets and potshots. I can’t go a week without my phone being blown up in the middle of the night with fake challenges and trolling. When did this happen, Betsy? When did they all decide I was just the old guy, to be mocked and ignored and strung along… when did people stop respecting me?”

“So… your feelings are hurt?” she asks.

“No! Maybe. I don’t know. Fuck, Betsy, I don’t know how to explain this shit! It sounds stupid, I’m aware.”

“It’s not stupid, I want to understand,” she promises me, “Please, don’t stop.”

I take another deep breath, a last ditch attempt to calm my nerves and soften the edge I’ve been dancing on all night.

“I don’t know where to go. I don’t know who to turn to…”

She says nothing. She lets me navigate through these waters undisturbed.

“It never occurred to me that when the XWF became what I envisioned, I wouldn’t be a part of it. I didn’t see this coming. YOU tell ME what I should do. What should I do when I can’t get anyone to accept a match with me anymore? What should I do when the new generation makes it clear they have NO respect for me, or what I’ve done, or what I’ve built for them?! What should I do when the more I get worked up, the angrier I am at myself for getting worked up?! What should I do?! What should I fucking do?!?!”

I hurl my empty whiskey glass at the floor in the corner of the room, watching it explode into a hundred crystalline pieces and scatter everywhere. Betsys eyes widen in horror, and she quickly steps over to me and grabs me in another tight embrace. I nearly collapse, shoulders heaving as I gasp for a breath, thick sobs forcing their way from my throat.

“I’m sorry,” I fight to murmur through tears, “Am I crazy? Does any of this make sense? Do you understand?”

“I’m starting to,” she promises, running a hand through my hair to soothe me.

We’re quiet for a long time.

“So what should I do?”

“You should see a doctor.”

Maybe.

Maybe...

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

James Raven is a whiny bitch.

He’s sensitive. He’s emotional. He’s a fucking pussy.

That narrative is not new. I’ve listened to it for years, and I’ve had it weaponized against me more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s packed with a punch of validity, but more often than not it’s the hollow parroting of some lowly rookie who doesn’t know a damn thing about me other than the fact that they don’t possess a quarter of the resume required to question my ability between the ropes.

I’ve learned not to run from that narrative, not to try and combat it.

I am what I am, and if all the peanut gallery can cling to is that sometimes my emotions get the best of me I’m doing better than a lot of you.

James Raven is a whiny bitch.

He’s sensitive. He’s emotional. He’s a fucking pussy.

It doesn’t change the fact that when I put on the boots, I’m not like the rest of you.

I am on a different level, a previously undiscovered tier. On my worst day, you could drag me from my bed kicking and screaming with tears in my eyes and throw me in the ring and I will pull it together, and beat whatever Legend you put in front of me until they throw up a white flag or shards of their own ribcage… their choice. Now again, that’s on my WORST day.

On my best day? On my best day you’re all treated to the People’s G.O.A.T. A razor wit with a silver tongue, dancing circles around your favorites with more pop culture references than a Family Guy episode and more abs than your girlfriend can count before fainting. My hair? Thick and luscious. My teeth? Sparkling and straight, like the public persona Tom Cruise puts out there. Everything you see on the event poster is exactly what I provide, and whether you admit it or not, you’re grateful to see me.

For months I have been waiting for this moment, a chance to get back in the XWF ring and remind everyone of what it is that I fucking do. For months I have been waiting for an opportunity to take out the frustration I’ve felt while listening to you fucks tell me I should put my desires before the good of the company, and then mocked me when I refused. You can call me a lot of things; a bitch, an asshole, a coward, and there have been elements of truth to all of them over the years… but when have I ever been selfish?

When have I ever gone out of my way to steal the spotlight away from someone more deserving? When have I ever snaked someone out of an opportunity, or lied to someone out of greed and potential gain? Show me where in the past decade I have put myself before the XWF, where I have jeopardized the companies public perception or the integrity of the roster.

For months, I have waited for the opportunity to be let off the leash.

So… do you think Leap of Faith is likely to be my best day? Or my worst?

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

JULY 20, 2020
1:12 PM EST

“So, James,” she begins, studying me carefully from behind a pair of small wire rimmed glasses, “How long has it been since you stopped taking your pills?”

I don’t answer her. I don’t even make eye contact. My gaze drifts around the small office, from the ficus tree in the corner to the diplomas and degrees that adorn the wall. The familiar knot in my stomach is back, and bile rises in the back of my throat like a tidal wave of sour waste. I swallow it. I swallow it like I try to swallow everything; the anger and the sadness and the pain. Clench your jaw and make it all go away, and if you can’t? Keep fucking trying.

“James?” she prods gently, “Can you answer the question please? How long has it been since you stopped taking your-”

“A couple of weeks! Fuck!” I blurt out before she can finish repeating herself, my hands shaking in the air angrily, “Fuck…”

I immediately feel my body pull back into the leather cushions of the patient couch, defensively. She blinks a few times, her jaw clenching softly as she jots a few notes down on her pad of paper.

“I’m sorry,” I stammer in defeat, “That was… I don’t know why I… I’m sorry...”

“Why would you stop taking your medication, James?” she queries, totally no-selling my outburst.

“I don’t know, I just…” my voice trails off as my mind begins to work overtime. I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times in my head. It’s different to have it out loud, with someone else.

“Go ahead,” she says with a half smile, trying to comfort me, “Finish your thought.”

“I’m just not sure that I need them,” I finally mutter, “I don’t know that they help anything, you know? I don’t feel like myself when I’m on them, and I just don’t feel… well… much of anything…”

There’s a long pause, the ticking of the standing grandfather clock and the scribbling of her pen on the notepad the only sounds to reach my ears. She’s heard all of this before, I’m sure, and a thousand times over. There’s still a part of me clinging to the idea that I can convince her, though.

“James,” she begins, “You’re experiencing manic depression. You’re bipolar. You need to be responsible with your treatment.”

“No, come on, I’m not here to be lectured again.”

“Betsy is worried about you.”

“Stop it! Fuck off! I’m not sitting through this-”

“You’re spiralling, James! You’re collapsing into bad behavioral patterns and people are noticing,” she admonishes, her eyes locked intensely on mine, “The XWF, your twitter followers, your peers. They can all see it. They’re concerned.”

“That’s bull shit,” I all but spit at her, “They don’t give a fuck. They don’t even notice.”

“How extreme do you think your highs and your lows are, James? Be objective. Of course everyone notices. Now… let’s pause... take a deep breath. Try to clear your head.”

I can feel my adrenaline pumping. My mouth opens, ready to fire back and to argue.

“James, take a breath.”

Her voice is gentle but assertive. It’s calming. I feel the anger start to dissipate, the fire in my chest dying out and leaving nothing but a few embers smouldering. I close my eyes and do my best to chase the lingering rage from my mind, inhaling deeply through my nostrils and holding the fresh oxygen in my lungs. I exhale slowly through my nose, and repeat the cycle. My eyelids flutter open, and it’s like Dorothy stepping through the doorway and entering Oz.

Everything in the office seems just a little bit sharper, the colours popping just a little bit brighter. It is, for all intents and purposes, clarity.

“Better?” she asks me.

I nod my head sheepishly.

“Good,” she says with a reassuring smile before immediately launching in, “I know you don’t want to hear all of this again, but we need to keep discussing things until you fully understand and accept them. You can’t keep fighting against the diagnosis and trying to ‘get yourself back to normal’ without proper treatment. You will never prove to anyone that you’re normal, you will only delay your own happiness. Does that make sense to you?”

“Yeah,” I mumble, staring at the floor, “Sure it does.”

It’s never been a matter of me not understanding that I need help with this. It’s an incapability to ask for or accept the help. It’s embarrassing. It’s a weakness.

“Look at me, James,” she commands, waiting for me to follow her direction before she continues, “You’re bipolar. It’s not something you did wrong. What’s wrong is not to get a handle on it, and not to tell anybody, and to continue to lash out and push people away and build resentment over it when people think you’re just a volatile ass. We need to figure out what triggers you, and what sort of options we can look at to make sure you don’t swing too far into hypomania or depression. You need to understand what sort of strain this can have on you, personally. It affects everything. The mood swings, like we’ve covered… your sleep patterns… your general energy… decision making and judgement… You’re walking a dangerous tightrope here, James. Why?”

Because I can’t help it.

I don’t answer her, and we steep in silence for a long while. She must infer something from it, because she’s soon jotting several notes down on her pad. Finally she looks up at me again, peering out from behind her wire rimmed glasses with a grim intensity.

“So…” she begins bluntly, “When will you start taking your medication again?”

I avoid her eye contact.

I’ve avoided a lot of things lately.

I’ll try to be better about that.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

I've always liked Theo Pryce.

I like him in the way you like a sibling that you grew up separate from. Sure, I don’t know a ton about his personal life and we’d prefer to only see each other around major holidays… but there’s something shared in our blood that keeps a respect in place no matter how much I think he acts like an asshole, or how much he hates seeing my social media posts.

I’ve said it before, in another life I think I would have been a fantastic King, and I think he’d have more than held his own fighting alongside The Tribe or The Prophecy… but in this life there doesn’t seem to be a time where a battle line is drawn and he’s not on the opposite side from me. It’s been like that since day one, when I came out of retirement to battle him and his boys at High Stakes, and it comes to a head three years later when he of all people decided to be the man to see me off.

What was the endgame?

Did you yourself feel like you had something to prove? Did you just want to be the one to try and beat me into submission and send me out of the XWF with my tail between my legs? Did you… did you think you were somehow doing me a favor?

This isn’t what I wanted, Theo, and it’s not going to be what you expect.

How well do you remember High Stakes? How clearly can you recall that out of the six men in our match, I was head and shoulders above the rest? Can you picture me taking on the entire roster in one night, and being the last man standing? You have put yourself in a position where you now represent the entire roster. You represent every ducked challenge and phoned in effort, every member of management that told me why I couldn’t challenge a current champion and every fan on twitter critiquing me for not doing it anyway and firing whoever opposed the notion.

You are the embodiment of every rookie that flaps their gums about me like I’m an easy trophy for their mantle, but cracks under the pressure when I tell them to take their shot. You are every Legend I’ve already put in their place that want to claim some temporary high ground and pray that when high tide comes I can’t reach them. You are every midcarder begging for an opportunity to make their mark that plunges their head in the sand when I try to stare them in the face.

You are the owner that doesn’t care if I’m booked here, but will stop at nothing to get a piece of my action elsewhere.

You are all of that and more, whether you want to be or not. You have to be. I’ve put myself into a corner, and it’s the only way to end this all and move on with my sanity… to prove to the entire XWF once and for all that I am what I’ve always claimed to be, and walk into the sunset with my head held high.

You’re all of those people, but you’re still Theo Pryce.

I will remember that.

As I beat you from pillar to post, as I curse and spit and hurl you through the air like a fucking lawn dart, as I envision and punish every single member of the XWF that has made my life a tortured hell for the past six months, as I cackle maniacally through blood spatter and broken bones…

I will remember:

I’ve always liked Theo Pryce.

And then I will take mercy, and put you out of your fucking misery, and we can all say goodbye.

I’m out of your hair.

I’m somebody elses problem now.

Now, for old times sake, and loud enough for the people in the back:

Fear the Raven… Forevermore…

Last one to leave, turn out the lights.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

JULY 25, 2020
7:21 AM JST

I sit alone in my hotel room, my eyes scanning the streets of Tokyo below me as raindrops splatter on the window pain. One more night… then I’m back in an XWF ring, with the roar of the crowd and the chance to test myself once more against the like of a King. One more night…then I’ll have a taste of the world I’ve been missing. I’ll be a part of the family I’ve felt so cut off and isolated from.

I’ll have my chance to remind them of who I was, and then to say goodbye…

“Dad?”

Tyler’s voice echoes out of the speaker phone and cuts through my thoughts, jarring me back to reality. I drop my head, rubbing my eyes with a thumb and forefinger.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Did you hear what I said?” he asks.

Sometimes I’m a real piece of shit. Wallow in self pity and regret if you need to, Raven… but don’t lose focus when you’re speaking to your kid.

“Sorry, Tyler, I got distracted. What did you say?”

“Nothing,” he mumbles with obvious disappointment, “it’s not important.”

It breaks my heart.

“Of course it’s important, I’m sorry, I should have been listening better,” I tell him, all but begging for a second chance, “What did you say?”

“I’m just excited for tomorrow,” he says, now half heartedly, “I’m happy you’re going to wrestle in the XWF again.”

I stand corrected. THAT breaks my heart. My face plants fully into my palm, and I try to stifle any gasps or sighs that might tip him off to my reaction. I muster all the strength I can and force a response through the lump in my throat.

“I’m excited too, buddy,” I whisper, voice croaking and groaning through each syllable.

“Does this mean you’re back?” he presses, “Are you back in the XWF again?”

“I don’t think so, Tyler,” I admit, attempting to keep my tone measured, “This might be the end. For now at least.”

“What?! WHY?!?!”

How do you answer that question? How do you tell an eleven year old that your time in the sun is over, and that people don’t want to see you in action the same way he does. How do you explain to him that your allies have moved on and your rivals have united against you? How do you tell him you might not have the mental stability to be a part of a business that forces you into the role of a background player?

An ego is not inherently toxic, contrary to popular belief, but a wounded ego is.

“I just don’t think there’s much left for me in the XWF, bud, there are no matches anyone wants to see me in,” I finally offer, but even he knows that’s bull shit.

“Sure there is! You against Fuzz! ALL of my friends want to see that!” he screams through the phone, “A rematch with Atara! You haven’t faced Thunder Knuckles before, or this new Gage Gannon guy! You could finally face Robert Main! Or beat up Chris Page again! Shane

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

JULY 20, 2020
1:12 PM EST

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ -

JULY 25, 2020
7:21 AM JST

! Ask Vinnie for a rematch! Or, what if like, you and Cent-”

“Alright, alright, alright,” I blurt, trying to cut him off before he builds too much momentum, “You’re right. There’s a few matches that would have been fun. Still, though… I just don’t see it happening…”

There’s a long silence. I can hear Tyler breathing on the other end of the line, and I can practically hear the gears in his head turning in his head as he tries to figure out what’s happening.

“Dad?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you OK?”

“I’m fine, buddy. Why?”

“You sound… sad.”

For the final time, I stand corrected. THAT, above anything else that can or will be said, broke my heart. I take a moment to catch my breath after the gut punch.

“Nah…” I barely get out, “I’m ok…”

“Are you sure?” Tyler asks with an evident concern, “It’s just that some of the boys at school follow you on Twitter, and they say that you’re acting… ummm…crazy.”

My heart plummets through the soles of my feet and burrows into the floor.

“Crazy?” I repeat, choking my way through a wall of oncoming tears, “Nah, you know I’m not crazy, buddy. Don’t listen to them. I’ve just been having a tough couple of months, but I’m fine. I’ll stop posting on Twitter, I didn’t know people were bothering you about it.”

“I don’t care if they joke about it,” he assures me, “I just don’t want you to be sad anymore.”

I stare out the window of the hotel room, the rain continuing to pitter patter against the glass.

“I don’t want to be sad anymore either, buddy.”

“So change.”

So blunt, so simple.

“I am, Tyler,” I promise him.

“I mean it,” he insists, “Just don’t let yourself be sad. If it’s the XWF upsetting you, don’t go back there anymore. If it’s people on Twitter, just sign off. My friends say you’re amazing, and that when you’re not all sad and crazy you can do anything. So don’t be sad and crazy, and everything will be good, right?”

I don’t say anything. There’s not much I can say. We sit in silence for just a few seconds but it feels like an eternity.

“Are you there, dad?”

“Yeah, you’re a smart kid,” I manage through a teary eyed smile, “Sometimes you just surprise me, that’s.”

I hear a voice behind him on the phone.

“Mom says I have to go,” he informs me.

“Sure thing, tell her I said hi,” I nearly gasp, trying to stay strong until he hangs up.

“I’m going to watch you tomorrow night, I can’t wait.”

“Thanks buddy. Me either.”

“Have fun. Try to be the guy that my friends say can do anything.”

“I will, dude.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Tyler.”

Click!

Dial tone.

…

…

....

…

Fine.

…

....

…

I’ll take the fucking pills.]]> <![CDATA[Mastering My Own Mind]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37634 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 22:26:32 -0700 thewizard]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37634
It was hard to believe. A professed truth without visual evidence always is. But Mof had never led me astray, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

“How...how many? A few? Ten, maybe?”

Mof hesitated. That wasn’t a good sign. I had a good feel for guessing. His reaction told me I wasn’t even close.

Sensing my gut becoming uneasy, I upped the number, “A third of his matches?”

Again, Mof’s tongue remained tied.

“Half?!” I was growing desperate. The unthinkable, my hero being a 50/50 competitor had suddenly devolved into the desired outcome. I was clinging to hope.

Edward couldn’t speak. His compassion for me held the words. So, he pulled out his phone and located a professional wrestling website with recorded wins and losses.

Trembling, he handed it over. I snared the phone away and looked. I blinked. I looked again. I shook my head. Surely this couldn’t be true...surely I was tripping.

No matter how hard I tried, the record remained the same.

“He’s under five hundred by, like, twenty matches?”

Mof nodded.

“SON OF A BITCH!!” I threw his phone across the room. It shattered into a wall. My foot kicked a giant dent into the nearest locker. Spinning around, I slammed my fist through the wall.

“Kid, please…”

Ripping my hand from the hole in the wall, I turned it toward Mof. He scattered. And then, I heard it.

“What a move by Mastermind! Once again, he’s mastered his opponent’s mind!”

What happened next I’d call a blackout...except all I recall seeing was red.

---

The kid was angry. I ran for cover. Peeking around the lockers, I watched him jump up, rip the TV from its base, and bash it into the ground. His hand instantly violated the VCR, ripping the previously ‘stuck’ VHS tape from its comfy haven. The act tore the top of the tape to shreds, rendering it unviewable.

While scared. I was somewhat impressed. If he could harness that kind of rage inside the ring, he’d have been a star. Sadly, he just wasn’t ready...not then.

---

When I came to, I had what remained of the Mastermind tape in my possession. I could have destroyed it but...something told me to hold on. A refresher over how foolish I was. A reminder to keep people from tricking me. From mastering my mind.

At that point, I was done. Reaching for my stuff, I marched out of the locker room. Emerging into the gym, I found snickering and stares soaked with derision. I moved to leave – but stopped. I dropped my bag. There was one item remaining.

The trainer. I headed his way. I blamed him for all of this. That tape. Putting me in that position.

“What? Are you gonna hit me?” he asked.

And, I did. Right in the face. He collapsed to the ground. The room was stunned. With the tape in one hand and fury in the other, I visually challenged anybody to step up. None would.

I made my exit, picking up my bag, and reaching for the door.

“I fucking quit!” I screamed as if they hadn’t already grasped the fact.

---

The water reached the halfway point. I wafted, rotating various degrees at random intervals hoping an escape would unveil itself. There was none. I was trapped.

“Say it.” That hideous voice announced. “Admit it.”

I know what he wanted. But I wasn’t going to give it to him.

“You’re gonna have to drown me before I admit anything!” my voice shouted back. I dove, submerged, swam around holding my breath, poking at the slick walls, trying to find a crevice, a crack...SOMETHING.

Hopelessly impenetrable. Feeling my breath all but exhausted, I resurfaced, gasping for air. It felt different. A sense of claustrophobia set in. I reached skyward and felt it – the ceiling.

“Oh shit.”

---

Slouched in a chair that had has seen way too much Mof-ass, Edward gazed at the clock. It was nearly six in the evening of the LONGEST DAY he’d ever experienced. Father Thyme messed with the television remote, trying to find something to watch. The Wizard remained in bed, looking a little green around the gills.

“I knew it was too good to be true,” Mof spoke to nobody in particular, “reconnected with the kid. Got him focused...ascending the ranks of the best promotion in the world and then...BAM. Gone. Dead. It’s all over – again.”

Father Thyme settled on a station for a moment. The clear cut voice of an entertainer spoke out, “So you’re adding some oregano to the dish?”

“No...no...NO!” Father Thyme lamented, angrily changing the channel. “Always oregano. Where’s the thyme? These cooking shows aren’t worth the time it takes to find them.”

Noticing the passion in Father Thyme’s voice, Mof sat up. “Say...you wouldn’t be interested in perhaps attaining my services as your wrestling manager slash dating coach? You see what I’ve done for The Wizard.”

There was an awkward pause. They both looked at the shape the Wizard was in, currently. “Err, well, before the LARPing debacle...which totally wasn’t my idea, by the way.”

Father Thyme eyed Mof. Edward stood and reached, removing the remote from his grasp. He flipped through the stations like a pro, landing on another cooking show.

“And what’s that you’re adding into the dish?” another professional voice sounded out an inquiry.

“Why it’s thyme!”

“Thyme, you say?”

“Yes, a spice that often goes overlooked. It’s great for just about anything.”

Father Thyme turned, eyeing Mof. Edward ‘pipe bomb’ dropped the remote and returned to his chair, extending both arms, “What do you say?”

“I think we can work something out,” the impressed Father Thyme replied.

Meanwhile, The Wizard lay dying a few feet away as they struck a deal.

---

My head was pressed against the top of the incoming ceiling. I felt a sense of treachery. I couldn’t explain it but the vibe of someone doing dealings behind my back to my face was prevalent.

The aura of my own Mastermind fought against my other feelings.

“Forget about treachery. It means nothing. Your mind is mine!”

“Fuck you, Mastermind!” my voice screamed, the top of my head now pressed against the ceiling. The water was right beneath my chin. Soon, I’d be gone.

Anger swelled within. Anger over my plight. Anger over my inability to fight back. Anger aimed at the notion I was about to die via drowning at the hands of my nemesis before our epic bout – my chance at revenge.

“Ahh!” My voice echoed. I threw my fist upward as hard as I could

CRACK.

Did that fucking thing just crack?

Looking up, I noticed it had, in fact, cracked. So, I did it again, and again...and again. More cracks. More cracks. Even more cracks.

So many cracks that it turned into – The Crackening!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

A $5 whore’s delight.

“What...what are you doing?” My Own Mastermind’s voice rang out, for the first time exhibiting a lack of control.

“I’m getting the FUCK out of here!”

I shoved upward with both hands as hard as I could. The water surpassed my chin and invaded both nostrils. One final shove and BOOM! I broke through, climbing as quickly as I could from the cube full of water.

Standing atop the previous room I raised both arms in jubilation.

“Hell yea!” my voice shouted. “Fuck you, Mastermind! FUCK! YOU!” I fired off double birds.

His aura diminished...but lingered, slightly.

The celebration stopped. Atop the cube, I looked around...more darkness.

I felt his aura begin to re-assemble. A terrible idea formed within.

Was it over?

Unable to trust my memory, my own mind, I rushed over and felt around for the hole I’d recently made. It was gone.

“What the fuck…” my voice trailed off.

His aura came over me...I could feel it grasping my shoulders before tightening around my neck. Slowly turning, tears formed in my eyes.

“No...you have got to be kidding me…”

I didn’t want to open them. Not like it would have mattered. I knew what I was facing.

“But, I beat you...I used my anger to escape your final challenge…”

His voice didn’t have to speak. His aura informed me anger was not the way. It had merely weighted the plight.

Opening my eyes...I saw it. THAT STUPID FUCKING THINKING CHAIR.

[Image: chairfirst.jpg]

Dropping to both knees, I pounded the slick floor beneath me. “No...no...NO!!!” my voice cried. I was trapped in a loop. The shittiest loop in the history of loops. I’d tried everything I could to escape...but I kept winding back at the same spot.

Was this my eternity?

Had my mind been forever mastered?

[Image: chair1.jpg]

“Yes,” his voice answered as his stare gazed upon me.

My body went limp. I allowed it to sprawl on the ground, ready for My Own Mastermind to take me. I was spent.

---

Returning home upon finding the truth, I hadn’t given thought to anything other than happiness awaiting my depressing existence.

I was wrong.

Shawna burst from the door before I had a chance to reach it. Nonplussed, I watched her march past me with a bag of her belongings slung over her shoulder. She’d removed all her Mastermind items.

“Shawna?” My voice followed her, “where are you going?”

She paused, measuring her words. Sharpening them. “I’m sorry. But I can’t be in a relationship with a guy who worships a fucking loser.”

What? How did she know?

Turning, I saw the pure, raw condescension in her eyes. “Only losers worship losers. No wonder you’re not getting anywhere in life. Don’t contact me, ever.”

My voice crawled up my throat. I attempted to put some words together but mental malfunctions prevented a final plea. She was gone before I had a chance to gather the pieces forming the situation.

Crushed, I entered my apartment. A place once teeming with life, now dreadfully empty.

That’s when I saw it.

The envelope Eddie left. Shawna opened it. She filtered its contents.

Without boring you on every item within, I’ll sum it up in one, laconic statement – it was filled with the truth behind Mastermind’s wrestling career.’

“What the fuck, Eddie,” I asked, rhetorically.

“I’m sorry, kid,” he replied, unexpectedly. Worried over my mental state, Mof followed me home.

Turning, holding the contents up, I pleaded through a melancholic gaze.

“I didn’t have the heart to tell you. I thought this would be easier…” his head dropped after the words left his mouth, realizing he had chosen the absolute worst path.

Laughter. The only suitable reaction for the day. Followed by rage. I threw the contents at Mof’s head, trying to decapitate him.

Wouldn’t have worked, really. They were just papers. But the intent was there.

He remained statuesque. Until I charged at him, threatening real damage. Then, he took off, scurrying out the door.

Shawna was gone.

Edward was gone.

I was alone. My life, ruined because of some shitty wrestler named Mastermind.

---

Upon striking a deal, Mof and Father Thyme heard a buzz outside. A buzz that started incoherent, barely discernible but soon turned into “WIZARD!” chants. They peeked outside The Wizard’s hospital room window and saw Fanny leading the charge.

Standing atop a car, Fanny, with a megaphone, encouraged dozens of people around her to cheer The Wizard on, hoping it might aid in his recovery.

Mof and Father Thyme shared incredulous looks.

“Come on, guys! WIZARD! WIZARD! He needs you!” Fanny had proven to be a pretty capable rally leader.

The cheers and chants grew in volume.

One female broke rank and yelled, “I LOVE YOU, WIZARD!’

Fanny’s eyes bugged. She hopped off the car and slugged the woman in the face. She’d marked her territory.

The crowd went silent. Fanny climbed back atop the car and urged the crowd to continue. But, the rally had been altered. The chanters grew louder and more active.

Chants of “WIZARD” descended into chants of “FUCK YEA, WIZARD!”

Fanny looked around, growing a little nervous.

Back inside the hospital room, Mof looked toward Father Thyme, “This could get out of control.”

“I’m reminded of a passage from Corinthians that states…”

“Now’s not the time for bible class, Father. I think we should go down there and take control.”

Father Thyme agreed.

The rally, however, had already grown dangerous. A bald man in a wife-beater suddenly appeared, carrying a chair. He charged forward and THREW THE CHAIR THROUGH A WINDOW!! CRASH! Fanny dove from the car, tumbling to the ground for cover.

The rest of the crowd went wild. They followed suit, throwing heavy items through windows, charging the hospital doors. A molotov cocktail made an appearance...it was thrown into a broken window, followed by several more.

Within moments, what started as a peaceful rally to help The Wizard had turned into a fiery riot resulting in the hospital catching fire.

Father Thyme and Mof dodged fireballs and rocks, locating Fanny.

“What the heck happened?” Mof asked.

“I don’t know,” Fanny scratched her dirty hair, “things just kinda got out of hand.”

Edward surveyed the ongoing situation. Rioting. A hospital on fire. People looting. “Boy, I’ll say.”

The trio stood around, trying to figure out what...or, rather, IF anything could be done.

---

Flat on my back, ready to give up...I heard it.

“Wizard. Wizard.”

It grew louder.

“WIZARD! WIZARD!”

My eyes shot open. I sat up and turned toward My Own Personal Mastermind.

Smiling, my voice rallied, “You hear that? That’s for me, Mastermind. FOR ME.”

His chair disappeared. Was this the end? Nope, it was only the beginning.

Floating, he began to shake before splitting into five equal and menacing copies of one, devastating Mastermind. Four assembled, taking each side. The fifth, which I assumed to be the original, hovered near the fireplace in front of the now missing chair.

“You’re delusional, Wizard. Those cheers are mine. Because I own you.”

He kicked some burning embers from the fire...they instantly took hold.

The four walls were swallowed by flames. The heat was on. Standing in the middle...I turned every which way, unable to locate a perceptible escape. The original Mastermind hovered above, staring down on me.

“This is it, Wizard. The end.”

The walls began to slide inward, decreasing the room I had to maneuver. The heat grew hotter and hotter. The space, less and less.

It was his fourth and greatest trap.

Five Personal Mastermind’s surrounding me. I felt violated.

[Image: Created-with-GIMP.jpg]

Soon, my aura would be irrevocably ravaged and raped. I’d cease to exist.

---

“The kid,” Mof’s concern riddled voice uttered as he looked toward the flame-filled hospital. Patients were removed left and right. None of them were The Wizard.

Fanny tried running in, but Father Thyme stopped her. “As the good book says in Ecclesiastes…”

“Let me go!” Fanny yelled.

Mof tried running in, himself. But the staff halted his progress. It was unsafe. Nobody was allowed inside. Looking around at the tumult. Edward Mof suddenly realized the precariousness of the situation.

They needed a miracle.

They needed the Wizard to wake the fuck up.

---

Curled in the fetal position, feeling the heat...all I could hear was the combination of five personal Mastermind’s laughing at me.

I closed my eyes. Retreating within myself.

An unfamiliar voice spoke out:

All your life you’ve blamed others for your failings. Mof for Shawna. Mastermind for your wrestling career failing and your life derailing. It’s pathetic. You will never fulfill your destiny, your true potential until YOU take responsibility and control of your own actions. Nobody owns you. Nobody controls your mind. You are the TRUE master of your own mind and until you understand that, you’ll always be someone’s bitch.

As quickly as the voice came, it vanished.

My eyes flew open.

I don’t know who that was, but they were right.

All this time I’d been the bringer of pain. I was the reason things kept failing.

True correction had to originate within.

And, it had to start right here...right now. I had to banish my own personal Mastermind from my head, where it claimed residence, once and for all.

“Mastermind!” my lips moved, finally doing their task – releasing words.

The walls stopped. He looked down at me above, showing some concern.

“I’m tired of this shit. It’s over. GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

The display of nerves from my tormentor told me I was on the right path. His voice bellowed, “Ridiculous. You’re mine. Quit resisting!”

He picked up the pace and intensity. The fire grew hotter. The walls moved faster. The finish line was near.

Clinching my fists, I lowered my head and summoned all the internal strength I had.

Fire consumed me, the walls were on top of me. Horrid cackling surrounded.

But it wasn’t enough.

I had suddenly mastered my own mind.

“MASTERMIND!”

His eyes bugged. “Impossible,” his voice uttered. I felt his aura waning. Soon, it was gone.

“Bask in my AURA!” I flexed the hardest flex in the history of flexes.

Everything EXPLODED! The five personal Masterminds were sucked back into one. My inner light shot out, infecting him. It began to shoot from every orifice of my personal Mastermind...cracks appeared...light shot out and soon...he, like the room, exploded into a thousand pieces.

And then, silence.

Dropping to one knee, I panted, sucking in as much oxygen as my lungs would allow.

I’d done it.

For the first time in what felt like weeks, I felt light shining from above. I looked up, it grew greater and greater. I did what I’d always been told to do...I followed it.

And then…

---

I woke up in a fucking hospital bed.

“What the fuck?!”

Jolted, I took me a second to put things together. The LARPing. Preparing for Leap of Faith. Ah, that’s right, I must have been rushed to the hospital.

Looking at the clock, it was nine in the evening.

I felt lighter. Like something terminal had been removed. Carefree. Unattached.

Leaning back in bed, I folded my arms and laughed.

Surveying the room, I noticed I was alone, “Ha, figures.” A fact that would have bothered me before. But at that point, I was content. I had me and that was all I needed.

Turning toward the door I saw what appeared to be smoke sliding underneath.

“The hell?”

The smoke intensified. I felt the heat. Pausing, I had to make sure this wasn’t a dream. So, I pinched my left arm.

“OWWW!” I yelled. That really fucking hurt. But, yep, I was awake.

Hustling out of bed I searched for clothing. I didn’t want to die. But I REALLY didn’t want to run out with my ass exposed to the world. PLUS, my identity.

Then, I hesitated.

For the first time, I didn’t CARE if my identity was found out. Whatever insecurity and fear I harbored had left port.

BUT, The Wizard was getting over. Financially, it made sense.

So, I searched and searched. Opening the closet – there it was. My Wizard outfit...robe, hat, beard...everything.

Adept in transforming from pedestrian to wizard in a moment’s notice, I was ready to go within the blink of two eyes.

I spotted an herb on the tray near my bed. For some reason, I found it important. So, I snared it before making my exit.

Opening the door, flames and smoke surrounded. A lesser man may have folded, but not me – I’d come too far. I dashed out, avoiding flames, heading for the stairs. I would survive. This would not be the end of me.

---

Father Thyme, Edward Mof, and Fanny all watched, huddled together. Their worst fears were rapidly congealing into reality with every passing moment, every new flame.

“WHAT IS THAT?!” a voice cried.

“Is that?” another voice yelled.

“A FUCKING WIZARD?” A third and final voice added a defined subject.

Emerging from the flames with a strut that would make a couple of road warriors envious, THE WIZARD emerged from the flames, through the hospital doors.

Fanny screamed with joy. Father Thyme performed the sign of the cross. Edward Mof gasped.

The trio rushed over, hugging The Wizard. He nodded, his face covered. His beard a little singed, but still intact.

Mof looked up, “You ready to go, ki...err, I mean, man?”

The Wizard remained silent. Giving an affirmative nod. He was escorted into a plain white van. Mof took the wheel. Fanny rode shotgun. Thyme sat in the back with The Wizard.

Onlookers, all of them, were taken by how stoic and unmolested The Wizard was by the flames and smoke. He emerged a fucking legend.

---

Words cannot describe how relieved I was when they shut that door. I’d been holding all that smoke in for so long...felt like I was gonna burst.

Cough and cough and cough...I nearly hacked up a lung. Father Thyme asked if I was gonna be okay. I assured him I was.

At the end of the coughing fit, I leaned back, removing my hood, looking at my three companions. I felt my wallet wedged against my ass. Removing it, I dug through the contents in search of an item.

A picture.

Of her.

My constant reminder of what I’d lost. A photo of Shawna.

“What’s that?” Father Thyme inquired.

“A picture of my girl...or, former girl. I used to blame others for her leaving me, but, truth is...it was my fault all along. She ripped my heart out. It has been broken ever since. Her beautiful image has haunted my dreams. I’ll never find another like her...she was one of a kind. Here, look.”

I showed her photo to Father Thyme.

[Image: Created-with-GIMP.jpg]

There was a long pause. I looked up, awaiting some type of reaction.

His eyes caught mine, “Uhh, yea, she sure is something.”

“You can say that again.” I shoved open a back window, preparing to toss it away...second thoughts invaded. I sat back down. “Maybe I’ll hold onto it just - “

Fanny snatched it away, ripped it into several pieces, and threw them out the passenger’s window.

“Nevermind,” I cited, sinking back down into my seat. “Oh!” I revealed the herb. “Saw this, thought someone might need it.”

Father Thyme lit up, “Well look at you. You continue to surprised, Wizard. Saving my thyme like a true hero. Ya know, I’m reminded of a passage from Exodus that states…”

“Thyme? I thought that was oregano.”

Silence. Father Thyme leaned back, folding both arms.

While abrupt, the quiet turned out to be a welcomed break allowing me to slip further into my chair...closing my eyes and drifting into a much needed, peaceful bit of respite surrounded by the safety of what appeared to be a new family.

---

Mastermind. Hello.

I know you haven’t heard much from me, not directly anyway, these past few weeks.

It’s not a slight on you.

Sometimes, in life, in order to defeat an enemy, you must defeat the one within. The virus inside. That’s been my plan all along.

Before I can master you in the ring...I had to eliminate you from my mind.

Done.

You are no longer a plague infecting my every thought, movement...action.

Whatever voodoo you held over me is forever removed.

You’re just another guy, Mastermind. Another guy with a shitty win/loss record.

A gangster without his gun.

Vulnerable in anticipation of what’s heading your way.

I’m coming for you, Mastermind. I’m coming to finish you off.

At Leap of Faith, I take a giant step forward.

Get ready, Mastermind.

Because you will BASK IN MY AURA]]>
It was hard to believe. A professed truth without visual evidence always is. But Mof had never led me astray, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

“How...how many? A few? Ten, maybe?”

Mof hesitated. That wasn’t a good sign. I had a good feel for guessing. His reaction told me I wasn’t even close.

Sensing my gut becoming uneasy, I upped the number, “A third of his matches?”

Again, Mof’s tongue remained tied.

“Half?!” I was growing desperate. The unthinkable, my hero being a 50/50 competitor had suddenly devolved into the desired outcome. I was clinging to hope.

Edward couldn’t speak. His compassion for me held the words. So, he pulled out his phone and located a professional wrestling website with recorded wins and losses.

Trembling, he handed it over. I snared the phone away and looked. I blinked. I looked again. I shook my head. Surely this couldn’t be true...surely I was tripping.

No matter how hard I tried, the record remained the same.

“He’s under five hundred by, like, twenty matches?”

Mof nodded.

“SON OF A BITCH!!” I threw his phone across the room. It shattered into a wall. My foot kicked a giant dent into the nearest locker. Spinning around, I slammed my fist through the wall.

“Kid, please…”

Ripping my hand from the hole in the wall, I turned it toward Mof. He scattered. And then, I heard it.

“What a move by Mastermind! Once again, he’s mastered his opponent’s mind!”

What happened next I’d call a blackout...except all I recall seeing was red.

---

The kid was angry. I ran for cover. Peeking around the lockers, I watched him jump up, rip the TV from its base, and bash it into the ground. His hand instantly violated the VCR, ripping the previously ‘stuck’ VHS tape from its comfy haven. The act tore the top of the tape to shreds, rendering it unviewable.

While scared. I was somewhat impressed. If he could harness that kind of rage inside the ring, he’d have been a star. Sadly, he just wasn’t ready...not then.

---

When I came to, I had what remained of the Mastermind tape in my possession. I could have destroyed it but...something told me to hold on. A refresher over how foolish I was. A reminder to keep people from tricking me. From mastering my mind.

At that point, I was done. Reaching for my stuff, I marched out of the locker room. Emerging into the gym, I found snickering and stares soaked with derision. I moved to leave – but stopped. I dropped my bag. There was one item remaining.

The trainer. I headed his way. I blamed him for all of this. That tape. Putting me in that position.

“What? Are you gonna hit me?” he asked.

And, I did. Right in the face. He collapsed to the ground. The room was stunned. With the tape in one hand and fury in the other, I visually challenged anybody to step up. None would.

I made my exit, picking up my bag, and reaching for the door.

“I fucking quit!” I screamed as if they hadn’t already grasped the fact.

---

The water reached the halfway point. I wafted, rotating various degrees at random intervals hoping an escape would unveil itself. There was none. I was trapped.

“Say it.” That hideous voice announced. “Admit it.”

I know what he wanted. But I wasn’t going to give it to him.

“You’re gonna have to drown me before I admit anything!” my voice shouted back. I dove, submerged, swam around holding my breath, poking at the slick walls, trying to find a crevice, a crack...SOMETHING.

Hopelessly impenetrable. Feeling my breath all but exhausted, I resurfaced, gasping for air. It felt different. A sense of claustrophobia set in. I reached skyward and felt it – the ceiling.

“Oh shit.”

---

Slouched in a chair that had has seen way too much Mof-ass, Edward gazed at the clock. It was nearly six in the evening of the LONGEST DAY he’d ever experienced. Father Thyme messed with the television remote, trying to find something to watch. The Wizard remained in bed, looking a little green around the gills.

“I knew it was too good to be true,” Mof spoke to nobody in particular, “reconnected with the kid. Got him focused...ascending the ranks of the best promotion in the world and then...BAM. Gone. Dead. It’s all over – again.”

Father Thyme settled on a station for a moment. The clear cut voice of an entertainer spoke out, “So you’re adding some oregano to the dish?”

“No...no...NO!” Father Thyme lamented, angrily changing the channel. “Always oregano. Where’s the thyme? These cooking shows aren’t worth the time it takes to find them.”

Noticing the passion in Father Thyme’s voice, Mof sat up. “Say...you wouldn’t be interested in perhaps attaining my services as your wrestling manager slash dating coach? You see what I’ve done for The Wizard.”

There was an awkward pause. They both looked at the shape the Wizard was in, currently. “Err, well, before the LARPing debacle...which totally wasn’t my idea, by the way.”

Father Thyme eyed Mof. Edward stood and reached, removing the remote from his grasp. He flipped through the stations like a pro, landing on another cooking show.

“And what’s that you’re adding into the dish?” another professional voice sounded out an inquiry.

“Why it’s thyme!”

“Thyme, you say?”

“Yes, a spice that often goes overlooked. It’s great for just about anything.”

Father Thyme turned, eyeing Mof. Edward ‘pipe bomb’ dropped the remote and returned to his chair, extending both arms, “What do you say?”

“I think we can work something out,” the impressed Father Thyme replied.

Meanwhile, The Wizard lay dying a few feet away as they struck a deal.

---

My head was pressed against the top of the incoming ceiling. I felt a sense of treachery. I couldn’t explain it but the vibe of someone doing dealings behind my back to my face was prevalent.

The aura of my own Mastermind fought against my other feelings.

“Forget about treachery. It means nothing. Your mind is mine!”

“Fuck you, Mastermind!” my voice screamed, the top of my head now pressed against the ceiling. The water was right beneath my chin. Soon, I’d be gone.

Anger swelled within. Anger over my plight. Anger over my inability to fight back. Anger aimed at the notion I was about to die via drowning at the hands of my nemesis before our epic bout – my chance at revenge.

“Ahh!” My voice echoed. I threw my fist upward as hard as I could

CRACK.

Did that fucking thing just crack?

Looking up, I noticed it had, in fact, cracked. So, I did it again, and again...and again. More cracks. More cracks. Even more cracks.

So many cracks that it turned into – The Crackening!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

A $5 whore’s delight.

“What...what are you doing?” My Own Mastermind’s voice rang out, for the first time exhibiting a lack of control.

“I’m getting the FUCK out of here!”

I shoved upward with both hands as hard as I could. The water surpassed my chin and invaded both nostrils. One final shove and BOOM! I broke through, climbing as quickly as I could from the cube full of water.

Standing atop the previous room I raised both arms in jubilation.

“Hell yea!” my voice shouted. “Fuck you, Mastermind! FUCK! YOU!” I fired off double birds.

His aura diminished...but lingered, slightly.

The celebration stopped. Atop the cube, I looked around...more darkness.

I felt his aura begin to re-assemble. A terrible idea formed within.

Was it over?

Unable to trust my memory, my own mind, I rushed over and felt around for the hole I’d recently made. It was gone.

“What the fuck…” my voice trailed off.

His aura came over me...I could feel it grasping my shoulders before tightening around my neck. Slowly turning, tears formed in my eyes.

“No...you have got to be kidding me…”

I didn’t want to open them. Not like it would have mattered. I knew what I was facing.

“But, I beat you...I used my anger to escape your final challenge…”

His voice didn’t have to speak. His aura informed me anger was not the way. It had merely weighted the plight.

Opening my eyes...I saw it. THAT STUPID FUCKING THINKING CHAIR.

[Image: chairfirst.jpg]

I CAN HEAR YOU
BUT I WON'T
SOME LOOK FOR TROUBLE
WHILE OTHERS DON'T
THERE'S A THOUSAND REASONS
I SHOULD GO ABOUT MY DAY
AND IGNORE YOUR WHISPERS
WHICH I WISH WOULD GO AWAY

Fuck it

Fuck it fuck it fuck it

I didn't get time to see my beautiful wife Maria, and my 4 beautiful kids, 2 boys and 2 girls, both sets of twins, Vinnie and Jacob, and Bernadette and Louise.

Every chance I get for a small break I usually fly home and spend time with my awesome family. This time I couldn't, as I blame what happened at last Warfare where I was chucked around a glass cage by Warstein, and then a sneak attack by the Wizard, which really wasn't a sneak attack but just a chance to one up me, after I oned uped him a few times previously.

Because of that I was experiencing problems hearing violet screaming, and seeing eyes. I had to find out what it all meant.

Which was the reason where I had to go to Christchurch to meet the Wizard of Christchurch so he can help me, then had to go to his home in Oamaru, where he then helped me find a way on to where I was going next, and of all places, it was Castle Cliff on the way to the rugged West Coast of the South Island. From there I was given the final clue, which is where I am heading to now.... England. And in particular Stonehenge.

YOU'RE NOT A VOICE
YOU'RE JUST A RINGING IN MY EAR
AND IF I HEARD YOU, WHICH I DON'T
I'VE SPOKEN FOR I FEAR
EVERYONE I EVER LOVED
IS HERE WITHIN THESE WALLS
I'M SORRY SECRET SIREN
BUT I'M BLOCKING OUT YOUR CALLS
I'VE HAD MY ADVENTURE
I DON'T NEED SOMETHING NEW
I'M AFRAID OF WHAT I'M RISKING
IF I FOLLOW YOU

ENROUTE TO ENGLAND

I was on board my Private jet heading to England, and I was also on the phone talking to my wife.

"I'm so, so, sorry babe, I didn't really have time to stop in this time. I'm on a mission."

MARIA: "So the mission comes first over your family?"

My wife was angry, acting like all wives do when they don't get their own way.

"That's not fair babe, all the other times I have come home to visit you and the kids."

MARIA: "I get that, but you seem to be struggling, and just wanted to see if you were okay, face to face."

"Struggling? I'm not struggling. How did you come up with that assessment?"

Maria went quiet for a few seconds, which was unlike her.

"Baby?"

I heard her sighing.

MARIA: "Antony called. He said he has tried calling you, but you haven't been taking his calls? What's going on 'M'?"

I shook my head in frustration.

"Nothing,"

MARIA: "Don't you DARE give me that line,"

It was my turn to sign.

"I'm not in a happy place with Antony or the Misfits right now,"

MARIA: "Why?"

"Because they were late turning up when I needed them the most,"

MARIA: "And is that it?"

"I've been getting annoyed with the Misfits a lot lately, and no it isn't just about them losing all of the time. I've lost 7 in a row, and so I can't use that excuse for them."

MARIA: "Then what's it about?"

I rub my forehead with my available hand, I've had enough of this conversation, but if I don't say anything more, Maria would just keep ringing and ringing until she got her way. Much like Antony, but Antony isn't my wife, and I can easily ignore him.

"I'm too busy trying to focus on the Wizard!"

MARIA: "And what has that done for you?"

"What do you mean?"

MARIA: "He's come out of nowhere and challenged you like no one has ever had before, and so you took the bait, and now have a match with him,"

"Yes because he thinks he can control the situation, he can control me. He's just an upstart!"

MARIA: "An upstart that has gotten under your skin and pissed you off, and because of that he's made you focus on what he wanted to make you focus on the most.... HIM. He's made you so focused that anything else that gets in the way, just seems to not cut it. He's alienated you from the Misfits."

She sounds so like Doctor Louis D'Ville, XWF's resident psychologist, who I have had a few run ins with a few years ago before he disappeared from the XWF. But she's right. My sole focus, my main focus is on the Wizard.

"I just want to beat him,"

MARIA: "I know you do, because he's suckered you in, just like you sucked him in by saying that you've already mastered his mind, for being stupid to challenge you,"

She's seen my promos. Which she always does. But she's been keeping an eye on me.

I rub my forehead again. I can start to hear that squealing sound again, it's faint but it's there.

MARIA: "Just promise me something?"

"What?"

MARIA: "That when you've finished with the Wizard at Leap of Faith, win, lose, or draw... you and I know you are going to win.... but either way after Leap of Faith you'll come home and spend some quality time with the kids and I?"

Here we go, she's using that trick.

"I'll see what I can do,"

MARIA: "No babe. You WILL promise me that!"

"Yes ma'am,"

MARIA: "And you need to sort out Antony and the Misfits."

"After the Leap of Faith PPV, I will,"

MARIA: "I will let you have that one,"

Finally.

"Babe, I need to go. I'll give you a call when I hit Japan, after I've been to England,"

MARIA: "Make sure you do, bye."

"Bye,"

I ended the call, and put the phone down on the seat next to me. I can hear the squealing getting louder.

"LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE," I yell out

For once the squealing subsides.

I look out the window, allowing my mind to wander anywhere than here or England, or Japan, or the Wizard.

WHAT DO YOU WANT?
CAUSE YOU'VE BEEN KEEPING ME AWAKE
ARE YOU HERE TO DISTRACT ME
SO I MAKE A BIG MISTAKE?
OR ARE YOU SOMEONE OUT THERE
WHO'S A LITTLE BIT LIKE ME?
WHO KNOW'S DEEP DOWN
I'M NOT WHERE I'M MEANT TO BE
EVERY DAY'S A LITTLE HARDER
AS I FEEL MY POWER GROW
DON'T YOU KNOW
THERE'S PART OF ME THAT LONGS TO GO

LONDON, ENGLAND

I flew into London,
and then I made the
1-hour 15-minute trip
from London to Stonehenge.
It was very foggy when
I got there. It felt so surreal
and eerie.
There was no one else around
Did I expect anyone else to be?
I dunno tourists or something?

Anyway I made my way to the middle
of the circular structure

[Image: Stonehenge-example-post-and-lintel-construction.jpg]

It was so quiet.
I couldn't even hear the sound of birds,
or anything else.
It was just surreal.

I heard myself speak.....

"Helloooooooooo? Is there anyone there?
Are you out there?
Whoever you are that brought me here
Do you know me?
Can you feel me being here?
Can you show yourself to me?"

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I spun around and saw what looked
to be a druid.

[Image: New-Medieval-Renaissance-Original-Cospla...pg_q50.jpg]

Behind him, there was just a mess of dirt, leaves, stones,
circling around and what looked to be a black hole.
He beckoned me to follow him.
I didn't want to but I had no choice.
I'm here now, I might as well find out
what I'm here for, where I am going?
And what the unknown is all about?

I nodded, and he turned, and walk straight
down the middle of the swirling leaves, dirt, and rocks.
I followed, hesitantly at first, then I built up the
courage just to go with it.

I watched as the druid disappears into the
the pitch black nothingness that is the black hole.
I stop just before it. I just realize that I am
trembling. I need to do this. The answers
to this whole thing is beyond the black hole.
So I do it, I step foot into the black hole.

Something seems familiar but I know it isn't
I've stopped trembling, that's not a good
sign. All around me is whiteness.
I know I'm no longer in the middle of
the circular monument that is Stonehenge.
I'm somewhere else.
But I don't know where.

The druid has disappeared.
But I sense another presence.
I've arrived where I'm supposed to be.
I've arrived where I was told to come.
I've arrived.

Suddenly, another presence appears.
His or her back is towards me.
He or she has a robe on too.

Suddenly I find myself talking....

"I think it's time for you to show yourself.
That is the reason why you brought me here isn't it?
To show yourself to me?
After all this time I am dying to meet you.
To understand who you really are
And why you called me here.
So please show yourself
I'm ready to learn what you
have to tell me."

The robed stranger turns around.

They are not the eyes that I have seen before
But something tells me that this person
whoever he is, is in charge.
But those eyes I can feel stare right into me.
And then I hear the squealing of the voices
That I have been hearing for the past few
days since Warfare. Since my struggle with Shawn
Warstein and since The Wizard turned up.

The squealing is unbearable.
I grab my head to try and block them
out with my hands but I can still hear them.
The stranger holds up his hands and the
squealing subsides.
Then he speaks.
His voice booms right through me.

"I AM THE ONE WHO BROUGHT YOU HERE
I am the one you are looking for
I am the one asking for you help?"

My help? My help? I doubt I can help someone like this dude.

"My help? How can I.... of all people help
someone like you. You are the one who holds the magic.
I'm just Mastermind."

"Your persona is Mastermind
But I know the real you, not the fake you who you
pretend to be what they call a wrestler.
You are like all the other wrestlers, fake.
But you are human and you have what
you have to help me. To help us."

Shit, he does know the real me.
I feel him delving deep down inside
my body, my being.
I'm just part of the wrestling industry
To put on a show and to make the world
a better place, when it clearly it isn't.

"I'll ask again, how can I
help you? And who is us?"

The squealing voices return, and once again
I grab my head. They are all around me.
They are all around this whiteness.
Once again the stranger holds up his hand.
And once again the squealing subsides.

"They are the victims of the one,
of the person, of the imposter, you call the Wizard.
He stole the essence that was inside them
by his magic. The dark magic of the Mind.
You have good magic that is inside you.
The light magic of the Mind."

I put up my hand to stop him.

"Hold on, are you telling me that I can do magic?"

"Yes.... what you are always using on others....
Your Mind.
That is why the Wizard hates you.
That is why the Wizard is after you.
That is why you must beat the Wizard this coming
showdown."

Once again I hold up my hand to stop him.
This sounds ridiculously far fetched.

"Hold on dude. This sounds way too far fetched.
Why can't you stop him?"
You have way more power than me."

"Because that is not how this works.
Do you not know.... The Universe has chosen
your for a reason.
YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE
YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO STOP
THE WIZARD.
You have what it takes to return the essences
to my people.
I cannot and will not get in the way."

"Why?"

"Because I am not the light and I am
not the dark.
I am not the chosen one.
I can however assist you by
telling you how to beat The Wizard!"

"Hang on, I don't get it.
If the Wizard truly is this dark side
Then why did you let him get away
with what he got away with? With the
essence of your people?"

"He became too powerful to stop.
He became too infatuated with you.
He just took bits of essence over time
until it was too late.
He became too powerful.
But only you can stop him.
And only you can make him quit.
Only then will the essence return to
my people."

Again this sounds way too farfetched.
It was like I was in a dream.
I still doubted all of this
But the doubt disappeared when the squealing
returned tenfold.

I grabbed my head, but it was too strong.
I dropped to my knees.
The pain, the sorrow, the despair.
I could feel it all.

With the only energy, I had left from
feeling all of this squealing
I held up my hand to want it to stop.
The stranger held up his hand and
all the pain, all the sorrow, all the despair
disappeared.

I bowed my head.

"I believe you." is all I could muster.

The stranger who I now knew as the leader of these people
walked towards me. I couldn't look up. He placed his hands on my head.

"You have the power to make the Wizard quit at this showdown.
You need to believe in yourself.
Because if you don't believe in yourself
then the Wizard will win.
We cannot have that.
So don't stop believing in yourself."

I nodded.

"You are the light, he is the darkness.
The light and the dark have been fighting for centuries
It's just your turn.
You have the power.
You can and you will
MAKE HIM QUIT."

"I have the power
I can and I will
MAKE THE WIZARD QUIT."

"Good, now rise."

I stood up. I looked the leader of the Wizards
in his glowing eyes.
Once again I felt the full force of the squealing.
They were showing me the way.
They were showing me the how.
They were showing me what I needed to know.
They were showing me how to beat
THE WIZARD.

Then everything went black................

ARE YOU OUT THERE?
DO YOU KNOW ME?
CAN YOU FEEL ME?
CAN YOU SHOW ME?

ENROUTE TO TOKYO, JAPAN

I woke up feeling really heavy. I realized that I was back on board my Private Jet.

I looked around. One of my aides was close by looking concern.

"Are you alright boss?"

"What happened?" I asked

"Strangest thing, these 'druids? I think they're called? brought you back to the plane. You were clearly unconscious."

"How long have I been out?"

"We didn't leave until the Doctor gave you the all clear, because we weren't sure how bad you were. 48 hours."

"Where are we going?"

"Tokyo, Japan. That's where one of the 'druids' told us to take you."

I nodded. Was what I just experienced a dream?

"Boss there's something on the laptop the team thinks you should see,"

I put up my hand to tell my aide I heard him and grabbed my laptop. As I turned it on, I looked out the window. I was missing two days.

I turned around and saw the title of a match that was sent to me.

THURSDAY NIGHT ANARCHY

THE DEBUT OF

SCARLET THE HUNTRESS DONALDSON

VS LIAM ROBERTS.

I looked at who sent me the video.

Bloody Antony The Jerk.

I was still not prepared to talk to him or any of the Misfits, as far as I was concerned I was done with them.

I've always been a loner.

I know that's where I should be. Just be a lone wolf.

Being part of a Stable or a group, does me no favors at it. Especially going back to my days in the New Zealand Wrestling Competition, where I was turned upon. It put a bitter taste in my mouth. Then the same thing happened when I was wrestling in Japan.
I thought it was just a one-time thing.
But being a part of a group in Japan, history came back to bite me in the butt.

So twice now I've been bitten. Should I just heed the warning and leave whilst I'm the one in control?

Decisions, decisions.

My main focus at the moment was The Wizard though. I knew now the real reason why I was put on his path. Why he was put on my path. We were destined to meet, and you know what they say about destiny. If you don't control your own destiny someone else will control it for you. Therefore I wasn't going to let the Wizard control me or my destiny.

I thought I would give the match a watch, at least I owed Scarlet that, she was, after all, taking my place on Thursday Night Anarchy.

So against my better judgement, I pushed play.

I must admit she did look good on her debut, she stalked Liam, had him in all sorts of bother early on, before he somehow managed to find a way back before once again Scarlet took control and hit him with her 'You are being trapped' patented moves. That looked great.

But somehow Liam manages to get out of trouble and take control and puts her in all sorts of trouble before waiting too long at the end to put her away before Scarlet comes back and puts him away, and gets a remarkable first-up victory.

What a great comeback, what a great win. Very well deserved victory.

A Misfit victory right there and then. Scarlet The Hunteress Donaldson deserved to be a Misfit.

I'm still not certain if I'm better off as a lone wolf or part of a stable.

So I send an email to Antony.

"Antony.

I did watch Scarlet's debut match on Anarchy, and I have to say I am very impressed. You've got yourself a keeper there. You just need Kris and Melanie to work harder and they can be world-beaters.

But here's the thing. My main focus is beating the Wizard at the moment, and I am still angry at you guys for not showing up when you should of. With my history of being in stables, I have to decide where this is going for me.

Let me make this perfectly clear.

'DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT come to Tokyo.'

I don't want The Misfits there.

I will make a decision once I have finished with The Wizard at Leap of Faith.

I hope you give me the respect that I deserve to grant me this one thing.

I know you know what I want.

So let's keep it at that.

Thanks.'

And with that I press send, and shut down my lap-top and turn off my phone.

I began to think about what I wanted to say in my final promo to The Wizard.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE
HOW DO I
FOLLOW YOU
INTO THE
UNKNOWN?

SAITAMA SUPER ARENA
TOKYO, JAPAN
XWF'S PAY PER VIEW
LEAP OF FAITH

The camera fades into the locker room of Mastermind, as he is preparing for his match against the Wizard here at the XWF's pay per view Leap of Faith. This is one of Mastermind's biggest matches this year, and he has turned up a few hours earlier than normal just to get in the zone. He's on a 7 match losing streak. He needs it to stop with the Wizard.

The camera pans around the locker room trying to find Mastermind, but instead, it finds a chair in the middle of the room. It is not just any old chair, it is THE chair. It is The Thinking Chair of Mastermind. The back of the chair is facing the camera. There is someone in the chair. Not just anyone. It is MASTERMIND.

"For several weeks now I had been wondering why I was on this lunatic's radar.
For several weeks now, I did not know why he chose me
For several weeks now, I did not know why this was supposed to be
For several weeks now, I did not know what the full reasoning was.
But I do now.

"For several weeks now he chose his path to walk down, and it was a disturbing one
For several weeks now I went on my own journey and it was an enlightening one
For several weeks now our paths went in different directions
But now our paths lead us back to here, to this place, to Tokyo, Japan tonight.

"Tonight our destinies are in our hands.
Tonight, you and I will meet
Tonight, one will be forced to utter two simple words
Tonight will be my night
Tonight you will quit to me.

"Tonight is all about the light and the dark
Tonight is all about the good and the bad
Tonight is all about writing the wrongs
Tonight is all about putting things right
Tonight is all about making sure those that cry out
for help receive the help that they sorely need
Tonight is all about me making that one move.
Tonight is all about hearing you say two extraordinary words."

Mastermind turns his famous chair around to face the camera and he is smirking his infamous smirk.

"Wizard, you think you know me, but you really don't.
But I know more about you now than you think.
At first, I couldn't hear you but I can now
At first, I felt that you were a distraction so I went about my own way, but now
your distractions are way more sinister than you appear to let on
So now that means I need to stop you
Because I know now that means trouble,
you are trouble,
and I need to stamp that trouble out.
The whispers are so loud now that I really can't ignore,
It's my time."

Mastermind sits forward in his chair and looks serious.

"The voices that I keep hearing were all about you
I know that now.
I was alerted to that.
So know this.... I HEAR YOU NOW.
I was afraid before because what I was risking was just myself.
I was afraid before because I didn't want to appear weak
I was afraid before because I didn't want to made to look like a fool.
I'm no longer afraid now because it's not all about me.
I'm no longer afraid now because I'm no longer weak.
I'm no longer afraid now because I know I'm not the one that looks like a fool.
You started this....
I'm finishing this...."

Mastermind starts rapping his fingers on his chair, as he continues to think, continues to go about his work of unravelling the Wizard.

"I know now why you did what you did.
I know now that you tried to distract me.... it almost worked
I know now that you tried to make me make mistakes.... it almost worked
I know now that you tried to send me places where I didn't want to go.... it almost worked.
I know now that you tried to make it hard for me to focus.... it almost worked.
Like I said it almost worked, but now I know more about you than you think I do.

"Let me just say when we step into that ring tonight, it will be a match for the ages.
We don't know how it's going to go
But I do know I need to stop you.
I do know that between us we are the start point and endpoint to
everything good and bad in this world.
You took something from me early on.
Heck I know now you took something from those in the Wizard world.
Their entities
Their pride
Their mana.

"Mana is a big thing to me because in New Zealand the Maori who are the natives use Mana to go about their lives.
If you don't have Mana you aren't considered a big thing
You just don't have Mana you need to work for it
You need to command respect.
Mana is their life force just as the entities are the life force for the Wizards.
I have Mana because I worked hard to be amongst the Maori and to understand them.

"But you, my friend, I know now that after you took what you took from your friends in the Wizard world
that you are after me because of my Mana.
I'm Good whereas you are Bad.
I'm right and you are wrong

"Sometimes good and bad can't survive at the same time,
and that's why when we step into that ring
the forces of nature will come together
that only one of us can survive this meeting.
It's going to be me who will survive.
It's going to be me who will keep my Mana
It's going to be me who will give back to the Wizard world their Entities
It's going to be me who will keep the World safe.
It's my job, not yours.

Mastermind stands up and stretches. He walks around to the back of his chair, and looks at the camera.

"Am I boring you Wizard? Because if I'm boring you then I know that you are not on MY WAVELENGTH
We both know I'm right.
We both know that you are wrong.
We both know where this is meant to go.
We both know that once we step foot into that ring, it's about making one of us say those two magical words.
No, not just making, but forcing each other to say what we need to say.

"You think we are supposed to be the ants to the Universe
But this isn't insignificant, because you made it that way
It has a lot more meaning because you made it that way
The Universe now knows that we are two large figures
that has to play out in this match."

Mastermind returns to the front of his chair, and sits back down.

"It's about to come to a head Wizard, whether you like it or not.
I know your secret now
I know you are there to be dealt with
I know you know me
I know you can feel me.... NOW
I know I have to be the one to SHOW you
To show you what you are doing is wrong
To show you of your mistakes
To make things right
To end this.

"How do we end this? Well, I know you know what must be done.
But It is I that needs to get it done.
It is I who will make you..... no.no... force you."

Mastermind holds up two fingers.

"Two little words, Wizard.
It comes down to saying two little words.
That's what this match is truly about.
I need to hear you say it.
No, the fans need to hear you say it.
No, Your Wizard mates need to hear you say it.
No, The World needs to hear you say it.
No. The UNIVERSE needs to hear you say it.
Two simple words.

"It is my mission,
It is my job
It is what I have to do
It is my craving
It is what we all need to hear you say......."

Mastermind turns his chair back around so that the back of the chair is facing the camera.

"I..... QUIT."

]]>

I CAN HEAR YOU
BUT I WON'T
SOME LOOK FOR TROUBLE
WHILE OTHERS DON'T
THERE'S A THOUSAND REASONS
I SHOULD GO ABOUT MY DAY
AND IGNORE YOUR WHISPERS
WHICH I WISH WOULD GO AWAY

ARE YOU OUT THERE?
DO YOU KNOW ME?
CAN YOU FEEL ME?
CAN YOU SHOW ME?

THURSDAY NIGHT ANARCHY

THE DEBUT OF

SCARLET THE HUNTRESS DONALDSON

VS LIAM ROBERTS.

And with that I press send, and shut down my lap-top and turn off my phone.

I began to think about what I wanted to say in my final promo to The Wizard.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE
HOW DO I
FOLLOW YOU
INTO THE
UNKNOWN?

"I..... QUIT."

]]> <![CDATA[Chapter 10: The End.]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37633 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 19:50:27 -0700 Chris Page]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37633

Chapter 10: The Beast and The Monster

” Why must they bring us to this place?”

Our scene opens back up at the cemetery where the freshly dug graves are still intact which now have tombstones in place; one reads Chris Chaos and the other reads Peter Gilmour. Standing behind the tombstones looking towards the camera is The Beast and The Monster of Cataclysm.

[Image: the-walking-dead-beta-identity-1.jpg]

[Image: GettyImages-1160972276_slipknot_2000.jpg]

[Image: 5c7c59a0eb3ce8624c0b3344?width=1100&form...&auto=webp]

” Why must they continue to open their mouths and insert their feet?”

” We can’t help their brain operates at a lower capacity, but hey apparently Gilly can beat up and old man if you saw his latest work.”

” I call bullshit, he can’t beat a nine-year-old on a playground so how the fuck can he stand a chance against anyone over the age of eight is an unknown to me.”

” Good point.”

” Did you know that we’re a couple of clowns?”

The Beast shrugs his shoulders at the statement made by The Monster.

” That apparently, or at least according to the lame fuck nugget that is Peter Gilmour we’re “stupid” for pointing out the fact this mother fucker can’t even cut a fucking promo at the right location??”

The Monster gazes towards the camera as he continues.

” Do you seriously realize just how dumb that logic is? Are you this convoluted to not understand when you’re portraying yourself to be some sort of badass yet make fundamentally simple errors it kind of takes away from the whole “I’m a thing” deal that you’re feverishly trying to convince the world you are?”

” Perhaps you should, I don’t know, know what the fuck you’re talking about before you open that human cock sucker of yours… just a thought.”

” Your sheer stupidity alone is enough to make your own partner cringe while we on the other hand just laugh at your ignorance before we crush your hopes and dreams…”

” It’s kind of our thing.”

” Pete, I’ll try this one more time with you… The beating you “gave” me, the one you claim took place a few weeks ago on Warfare… yeah, that one that NEVER happened, never happened. Do I need to copy and paste the programs into this for you to review or are you still going to try and sell us on something that didn’t happen? Again, know what the hell you’re talking about because in the world you live in where everything you say is the gospel isn’t the real world the rest of us live in.”

” Your attack on me on Savage is documented… and so was how fast the three of you got out of dodge when my brother showed up. Isn’t it funny how bitches run even when the numbers are in their favor?”

” This feels like a complete and total waste of time. Pete will always be Pete and will always preach his version of the truth that is whenever he can form a complete sentence. I’ll shut this down one last time by asking a super simple question. Pete, have you EVER defeated me? That answer is no. Have you ever defeated Robert? That answer is no as well, do you see where we are going with this buttercup? Probably not because you have to literally spell it out for you and even then you don’t know how to comprehend… “

” So let me try… Gilly, you’re not a tough opponent to steam rollover, and truth be told you do it yourself by not thinking before you speak. I’m sure the thoughts that run through your head make sense to you but when you try and sell it the world you come off hokey as fuck! That’s not our fault, it’s yours. It’s not our fault that you manage yourself like a child and it’s not our fault that every title you’ve worn around the XWF was because nobody like us was around. When was the last time you tasted any gold? There’s a reason for the absence, which reason is that you suck a bag of dicks.”

” Not to mention you’re boring.”

” Dude is so stupid he seriously tried to hit us on cutting promo’s together.”

” Last time I checked this was Tag Team wrestling in which the goal is to work as a team, am I wrong here?”

”Nope.”

” So if that’s the case then why wouldn’t everyone work together, you know… like a team? How fucking pathetic are you Pete? Don’t answer that because we all already know and yet we have to continuously point it out is completely atrocious.”

” Pete, you can continue to clamor that you’re going to become a seven-time Tag Team Champion and you can fill your head with the lies that it’s going to happen at Leap of Faith at our expense…”

Chris interjects.

[green]” That’ll happen when pigs fucking fly.”

” Or when Gilmour becomes talented; both of which won’t ever happen.”

” I did love how he tried to hit us on a few things but completely glossed over the pressing issue which was how he has said in the past we’ve beaten nobodies when his partner for Leap of Faith has been one of our victims.”

” Wait, you expected him to address that?”

” Of course not… there’s no denying he called his partner a nobody; which in essence he is.”

” Funny, but something that’s not going to be funny is when that opening bell tolls and we start feasting on your flesh. While we feel you’re both a thorough waste of time we’re going to show up and further use you to send examples of what happens when you think you’ve got what it takes to stand in the same space with Cataclysm and live to tell the tale.”

” While I’d love to continue to bury Gilmour I think it’s time to move on to you, Christopher.”

” Really?”

” I know you’re bored Rob but if he’s going to continue to beat the same points into the ground I’m going to have to call him on it for no other reason than because he needs to learn not to be a fucking moron.”

” Well this is all you because I’m done with him.”

” How is it one minute you’re kissing Robert’s ass and the next your spitting the same game Hanari spit just about a week or so ago? You do understand that you can’t brown nose one minute and change the script the next and expect to be taken seriously… and I thought Gilmour was the stupidest one between the both of you but that logic right there ranks right with making fun of Pete for not knowing where he is wrestling.”

Chris Page steps closer towards the camera as he continues.

” Between you and Carnes I’m having a difficult time knowing where he ends and you begin because you both sound like a couple of broken records when it comes to dealing with my boy Robert here. We understand that you and Gilmour feel the need to defend the very valid points we’ve made because that’s your way of life. The fact is that you’ve peaked as a performer and as a talent and you’re on the downside of your career and it kills you. You will never be the man you once were, you will never be the top man in the XWF ever again and you will never be able to say you’ve beaten Robert Main or Chris Page.”

Chris peers into the camera.

” In just a few short hours you’re both going to be putting yourself in an unpredictable situation against two guys that give two fucks if you live or die… and while you’ve already tasted defeat by the hands of Cataclysm you’ll suffer one more. It’s going to be a beautiful thing, but what’s going to make it more special is when I’m the man that retains the titles on our behalf. You see kiddo you don’t have a clue when it comes to whom you’re dealing with in regards to me. You’re under the deluded logic that Robert and I need each other to be successful when we’ve been successful our entire fucking careers unlike guys like you who scratch and claw to desperately make a name for themselves and when they do they shit all over it by being able to get to the top but not stay at the top.”

There’s a brief pause from Chris before he continues.

” Guys like me not only get to the top but stay at the top. When people see my name on a marquee their asses hit seats because there’s not a person on this planet that can outperform me when it comes to dancing between those ropes. Good news for you we’re not coming to wrestle, we’re coming to fight! We’ve taken Theo out of the equation since you guys seem to think he’s in it to screw you and you’re planning on using him as you “out” for once again failing to rise to the top. When you’re beaten you can divert back to your first promo where you’re sucking the dick of Main like the good little bitch you have become.”

There’s a smirk from Chris as he steps back joining Robert.

” Once we end the speculation that you’re not capable of being in our ring let alone our federation we’re going to continue with our open challenge. Over the last two weeks we’ve thrown down the gauntlet to Gage to find a partner or to the 5’2 Mafia to back up their words… but neither of you will step to the forefront, why would you?”

” And since all of you like to say we’re carrying a dead division since none of you have the balls to step up and take on Cataclysm willingly I guess we’re going to have to take the fight elsewhere.”

” That’s right kiddies because of the lack of true talent or any of you stepping to the plate we’re going to take our open challenge on the road to other federations against other teams that actually, I dunno, want to try their hands at taking down greatness in its purest form.”

” We don’t label ourselves as the best of the best and get complacent when it comes to lack of challengers; we will leave that to guys like Warstein… We’re going to take the fight to the biggest and the best federations on the planet and we’re going to return still the XWF Tag Team Champions because no team on the planet can stand face to face with Cataclysm.”

” We’ve given you all ample opportunity to come forward and try and claim what we carry around our waists.”

” We hold the keys to the Tag Team Division and a match against Chaos Inc. isn’t going to change a damn thing! The only thing that Chaos and Gilmour have done that is remotely commendable is getting Theo Pryce in the same place at the same time for us.”

Robert now leans forward as he waves.

” Hi Theo.”

Robert stops waving.

” We harp on Chaos not paying attention to what’s going on around the federation but it seems that you fall into that same category. For nine long months, Chris and I have been calling your name and it’s gone unanswered.”

” Which is why I will return the TV Title to YOU at Leap of Faith; but don’t think I’m coming to hand you a strap of gold just to get to run a race to get to a briefcase… I’m going to hand you this title, but before I do we’re going to officially put you on notice so you can’t say you didn’t know.”

” We’ve told the world that if you screw Chaos Inc. out of the titles then the titles are theirs; we’re not worried about you screwing us out of the titles because if that’s the course of action than our hands are going to be tied and you’re going to bleed as you’ve never bled before.”

” It’s going to be open season Theo… and the blood is going to be on your hands.”

” Just say the word, Theo.”

” Make the move.”

” We will end you.”

” Leap of Faith is going to be a blast for Cataclysm; we’re going to leave a chunk of the roster in the rearview and leave with the tag since on lock, the Xtreme scene on lock, and all of my hard work is going to pay off and I’ll hold my fate in my hands with that briefcase.”

” Say what you will and what you want but what you won’t be able to do is dispute a damn thing when we do what we do… win.”

Robert and Chris seemingly disappear as we close with a shot of the graves for Peter Gilmour and Chris Chaos as the scene fades to black.
]]>

Chapter 10: The Beast and The Monster

Chapter: 9 Death and Destruction.

It’s dark.

It’s dingy.

The sounds of chains rattling on the fridge concrete floor from within the damp, gloominess can be heard echoing.

” Five little piggy’s have been led to slaughter.”

The approaching footsteps have a wet sound... Each footstep is unsystematically spaced from the last, no rhythm at all. From the darkness, Chris Page's silhouette can be seen.

” Five little piggy’s have no idea what’s going to lay in front of them.”

Out from the shadows is the monster known as Chris Page.

[Image: 96af0f7429ee2d8d4e360b6bfa263c52.jpg]

Chris has his right hand gripped on the end of a machete. He grins stretching his fingers of his right hand repeatedly, opening and closing, before re-clasping the handle of his machete.

”Little pig, little pig let me in…”

The muffled sounds of several voices can be heard in the distance within the murkiness as well as more chains begin rattling off in the distance.

” It’s all fun and games until you unleash the bogeyman.”

Chris raises the machete as he admires the razor-sharp blade.

”People are misguided…”

Chris snickers under his mask as he lowers the blade.

” They mistake me for the shell of a man that once stood before you.”

Slowly Chris starts to pace back and forth in front of the camera as he rests his hands and cold steel machete behind his back.

” I didn’t ask to bring this side out, you all did.”

There’s a momentary pause as Chris continues to pace.

” You begged, you pleaded and now you’re all going to learn the hard lesson of being careful what you ask for because now I’m going to kill you.”

Chris halts his pacing as he turns gazing into the camera with his steel-blue eyes that could freeze a lake thousands of times over.

” They say Robert and I are deranged for calling our shots, we take it as a compliment. Over the last several weeks we’ve outdone everyone on the roster per usual and we’re going to roll into Leap of Faith to take what’s ours; our Tag Titles, the Xtreme Title, the Leap of Faith Briefcase… but more importantly the souls of nine different talents spanning all programming within the Xtreme Wrestling Federation.”

Chris raises the rusted and jagged blade set in ageing wood. The handle was wrapped and held together by a few screws. He runs his fingers over the blade before pointing the head in the direction of the camera.

” This is a prophecy that we will fulfil for no other reason than because we can and none of you is capable of stopping us. We’re going to slaughter Chaos Incorporated and throw them out like yesterday’s garbage because yes, they’re that fucking easy, and while Robert will be dealing with Carnes and Wrestler82 I’ve going to enjoy shedding the blood of my five piggy’s one by one… Isn’t that right… Greggo?

A spotlight hits the back left side of the twilight to reveal “Greggo” is bounded and gagged with his hands and feet cuffed. The chains wrapped around his body so tightly his circulation was restricted as his face is turning a brilliant shade of red. Chris begins approaching as he points the blade of his machete at “Greggo”.

” You dare to try and use my name to cling onto days before we could speak on Leap of Faith and yet here you stand still quiet as a mouse.”

” Greggo” tries to wiggle while his muffled attempts to scream cause Page to snicker to himself as he places the edge of the blade against the right cheek of “Greggo”

”Shhhhh… Shhhhh… it’s going to be alright little guy.”

” Greggo” tries desperately not to flinch as the blade rests on his cheek.

” Don’t be frightened now because you’re already dead… You just don’t know it. The blade doesn’t lie and it’s telling me that your britches are wet.”

Chris leans toward the right ear of “Greggo” as he starts to whisper in a cold and methodical tone.

” You should be more than alarmed for you have committed a cardinal sin.”

Chris then sniffs across the face of the bound and gagged “Greggo” as Chris savoring every second, toying with his victim as he continues to whisper.

” The fear oozing from your pores is so intoxicating. I absolutely fucking love it...”

” Greggo” hectically tries to talk but the gag doesn’t allow him to be understood. Chris then leans closer towards the gag causing the tone to escalate from “Greggo” but still not crystal clear. Chris leans back and looks towards the eyes of “Greggo” as sarcasm escapes Page.

”I’m sorry what’s that?”

Chris removes the blade from the right cheek of “Greggo” as he continues.

” I can’t hear you. What’s a matter? Cat got your tongue?”

Chris turns his back to “Greggo” as he walks towards his left before disappearing in the darkness. His absence is short-lived as he walks back into the isolated light solely focused on the bound and gagged “Greggo” tossing the machete between his right and left hand. His demented eyes twinkled with sadistic glee. As the rusty blade dangled loosely from his hand dragging the floor.

” Greggo”, the funny thing about a tongue is without one you can’t speak; not that talking seems to be your thing unless you’re trying to piggyback off someone else’s statements. You’ve picked the wrong person to play with little guy…”

Chris walks back over towards “Greggo” running his hands over the cool metal tools and letting a slight giggle slip out, followed by a snort. Chris breathed deeply picking up a scalpel as his eyes popped a little wider and his tongue shot out to lick his thin lips. He liked the victim to watch their blood flow before the real agony began. Page raised the scalpel towards the gag that’s secured around the head of “Greggo” with a black leather band. Chris cuts it free as “Greggo” attempts to scream Chris brings his left hand from behind with a pair of needle-nose pliers is in his hand. Chris forces the mouth of “Greggo” open as he pulls the tongue of “Greggo” out by the tip with the pliers.

” It’s time for you to make your sacrifice.”

With a swipe of the scalpel Chris lops the tongue of “Greggo”! Blood left the tongue projecting from the mouth of “Greggo.” The blood didn't gush in a constant flow, but in time with the beating of “Greggo's” heart. Chris holds up the pliers with the tongue of “Greggo”. He holds it out in front of “Greggo” who now had a crimson river flowing from both sides of his mouth as the sounds of his screams echo throughout the darkness which breaks the trance-like focus Chris has on the tongue.

”SHUT UP!”

Chris reaches for the machete swiping it across the throat of “Greggo” slicing his jugular which spews blood all over the white mask and black coveralls of Chris Page who is heard laughing as he watches “Greggo” bleed out. Chris continues watching as the blood continued leaving “Greggo's” rapidly paling flesh, the pulses became slower, weaker.

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[Image: 7a79a2885a548da22d2ad38a138ce0e4.gif]

The gurgling that comes from “Greggo” starts to slowly fade away as blood coming from the slit throat starts to lose steam before finally “Greggo’s” head drops and the gurgling comes to an end. Chris shifts his attention back towards “Greggo’s” tongue that is still in the pliers in his left hand.

” Now why couldn’t he behave himself?”

Chris shrugs his shoulders before dropping opening the pliers and letting the tongue falls to the concrete floor as he turns his back to the corpse of “Greggo”

” Why do they push me to do bad things? Why must we go to the depths we’ve had to go to? Why did you all want to release the monster?”

Chris wipes the bloody blade of the machete against across his blood-soaked black coveralls as he looks down admiring all of his handy work.

” Why release what you can’t control? Why did you want to open Pandora’s Box?!?!”

Chris throws his head up as a secondary light shines down from the darkness and to a stake that has “Ruby” tied securely to it as she’s surrounded by a circle of brown hay.

”Ah, sweet “Ruby.”

Chris turns around facing “Ruby” as she too has her mouth bounded by a black leather strap with a gag in her mouth.

”Innocent Ruby.”

Chris drops his machete as he approaches the hay that surrounds “Ruby” who now upon closer examination has the “Anarchy Championship” around her waist.

” Congrats on making it this far in what is going to be your worst nightmare.”

Chris sits down just outside of the hay as he looks at the frightened defenseless “Ruby”. Chris gives a malicious smile as he waves.

” Just so you know, you’re the one I want to hurt the least because there’s something that I admire from you; you’re just too damn cute…”

[i[Suddenly Chris drops his right hand as he springs back to his feet getting nose to nose with “Ruby” who is vulnerable.[/i]

[great]” BUT THEN AGAIN IT ONLY MAKES YOU THAT MUCH EASIER TO HURT!”[/green]

” Ruby” shrieks, muffled as Chris laughs maniacally.

”Look into these eye, hmm.”

” Ruby” emphatically closes her eyes which cause Chris to elevate his tone and seemingly a demonic voice is heard as Chris snatches “Ruby” by the lower jaw...

”LOOK AT ME!”

With his left-hand Page forces “Ruby’s” eyes open with his fingers forcing her to look into his eyes as suddenly with a calm, satisfying tone Chris states.

” Ah, that’s better… they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. When I look into your eyes I see the epitome off what is good, what is wholesome… do you know what you see when you look into mine, [b]Mustard Sally… you see death and destruction because I am the Anti-Christ while you are a scared little girl playing in a grown man’s world.”

Chris violently releases his grip on “Ruby’s” jaw and eyelids pushing her head back with force.

[green}” There’s a reason why you thrive on a lesser show and why you won’t thrive in this environment with a monster that sole purpose is to execute anyone standing in the way of his destiny. You’re going to learn a very dear lesson when you deal with a monster… [/green]

Chris shifts his attention towards the left of the stake. He walks over where he reaches down retrieving a small bottle of lighter fluid and a book of matches.

”I’m nothing nice to play with!”

Chris flips the top open on the lighter fluid where he squirts it all over “Ruby” and around on the hay as he methodically laughs while “Ruby” desperately tries to free herself but having zero success. Chris empties the entire bottle where he then strikes a match.

”If you play with fire… “

Chris takes the lit match and lights the entire book on fire before tossing it over onto “Ruby” who ignites into flames followed by the hay that circles the stake. The flame turned her skin a brilliant shade of blue, it was dancing for Chris, or so it seemed, showering him with visions of "RUBY" in blues, reds, and oranges.

”You’re going to get burned.”

Chris stands back watching “Ruby” convulse within the flames, her screams muffled by the gag. The heat that’s put off is immense as Chris takes in a deep breath inhaling the air that reeks of burning flesh.

” Such a sweet smell indeed, while you might have wanted to test your skills against someone like me you’re intentions of winning have just gone up in smoke. Stick to Anarchy little girl and you’ll be that brands star.”

The convulsing and muffled screams from “Ruby” suddenly stop as the life escapes her body as Chris turns his back towards the stake that’s engulfed in flames.

Img]https://earlybirdcatchestheworm.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/screen-shot-2011-06-19-at-6-53-06-pm.png[/img]

” See how fun this is? How easy you all have made my way to impending victory? You’ve all underestimated the true nature in which you’ve found yourselves in for you’re all entering and environment in which there are no rules, anything goes against a man that is capable of many dangerous and violent things planned with malice and sheer intent. Cataclysm is what’s causing all this and while you might doubt what I can do on my own, you might question my record or even say I can’t beat Shawn Warstein…”

Saturday Night Savage:

6.27.20

DING….. DING…. DING….

30:00

Chris turns his back on Shawn Warstein where he turns towards the announce table as he hollers out towards Robert.

”I dedicate this match to you buddy.”

Warstein rushes up behind Page who side steps, Shawn, sending him crashing sternum first into the turnbuckles! Page rolls up Warstein with a School Boy cradle snitching a handful of tights!

1!!!!!!!

2!!!!!!!

3!!!!

29:30

CHRIS PAGE- 1

SHAWN WARSTEIN- 0

Warstein can’t believe it as he gets to one knee while Page is back to his feet holding up one finger as he spouts out.[/i]

” Beat him in thirty seconds. You say I can’t get the job done against Thunder Knuckles…

Saturday Night Savage:

7/11/20

Page drives a boot to the midsection doubling TK over and from there Page positions and under hooks the arms before delivering a thunderous PAGE PLANT to TK! Page rolls over the Television Champion making the cover hooking the near leg.

1!!!!

2!!!!!!

3!!!!!!

WINNER OF STAGE ONE: CHRIS PAGE

9:32

”Beat em’.”[green]

Another light shoots out of the darkness behind Chris where there’s a seven-foot-tall water tank filled the brim and “Lacklan” is hanging over it secured to a hook that’s hooked into the ropes and chains that bind her. She too is bound and gagged. Chris spins around as he spouts out.

[green]” Oh wait! That was you that spit that bullshit wasn’t it. Tisk, tisk, tisk…. And here I thought you were a threat. Isn’t it ironic that this two-horse race comes down to the two of us? You, throwing a lame party for your significant other while desperately underselling the fear that has come over your entire body because of anyone I’m the guy that can and will knock on the Lacklan house front door before walking my happy ass inside and turning your happy home into a goddamn crime scene!”

Chris starts to lick his lips as he looks up at “Sarah” who does try to fight her way free but it’s just not happening. Chris starts to levitate up into the air and over towards “Sarah” who is powerless.

” Didn’t you open your twat eater and try to sell us that 5’2 Mafia was legitimate? Yeah, yeah you did. Put your money where your mouth is and prove it. No, no wait… you won’t do that now will you sugar tits; that would require you to back your play… and we all know it’s easier to sit on the sidelines and talk shit as opposed to signing the dotted line, isn’t it.”

Chris leans in as “Sarah” tries to say something but being bound and gagged makes it a little on the difficult side to speak

” You would prefer to talk about what you once was then get your asses served by Cataclysm, and that’s okay, it’s the nature of the beast when you’re back is against the wall. Do you know whose back isn’t against a wall? Mine. Cute pictures by the way presented in your slide show, way to follow the leader on that Ms. Creative.”

Chris starts to float around “Sarah” slowly as he continues.

” Of all the mouths I look forward to shutting it’s going to be yours because you seem to think you’re entitled to this, that you’ve earned it when all you’ve done over the last four months is sit your ass at the house, put on a few pounds and pretend that your legacy is worth the tissue I wipe my ass with. I’m going to relish in hearing your screams and crushing your dreams because you seem to think that you are somehow better than me when in reality the facts don’t lie and you’re not even able to hold my fucking jock.[green]

Chris comes to rest back in front of “Sarah”

[green]” You call me a cliché yet you oh so witty and clever banter you’ve thrown my direction is the EXACT same shit everyone else has tried and failed with, so what makes you any better? Talk about cliché’, everything you’ve tried with me is a walking contradiction to what you try to portray. You have to resort to building yourself around your personal life because building yourself around your professional one is about as boring as Peter Gilmour youtube rant. I don’t have to rely on other people to find success, I was born successful. I’ve been around for over twenty years and while I’ve always been on top of the card and been responsible for putting asses in seats for the first time in a lone time my eyes are wide open and I’m prepared to go to lengths never dreamed before just to snatch victory from your hands.”

Chris reaches outrunning the backside of his right index finger down the right cheek of “Sarah” as he continues.

” What’s up with the Main references? I mean I see your failed attempts at drawing the comparison that Robert is better than me when that’s something that’s common knowledge amongst… well, everyone. Fantastic job with pointing out the obvious much like we’ve addressed I dunno, a million times throughout 2020. It baffles my mind how someone that’s supposed to be so great can be so fucking stupid. Rob doesn’t have shit to do with me crushing your hopes and dreams, he isn’t the man that’s standing before you; which I get it, you’re glad he’s not or this one wouldn’t even be this close; but hey he’s also not pushing fifty and still running circles around ninety percent of the current roster.”

Chris starts to descend back down towards the ground.

” But hey, you tell yourself whatever you feel like you need to tell yourself and I’ll take solace in being the man holding that briefcase to close the Leap of Faith Rafters match.”

Chris’s feet touch down to the concrete as just as his feet touch down “Sarah” starts to lower down over the tank of water. Her feet touch first rippling the water before breaking the plane. She struggles to free herself and again it’s pointless. Her lower half of her body submerges before her upper body starts to follow and then finally her head.

From the front side of the tank, Chris looks through the glass as bubbles start to escape from around the bound mouth of “Sarah.

” It’s never been about you… this is built for me. You can continue to placate your fans and give them all the false hope in the world but you’ll just disappoint them as you’ve disappointed me.”

Darkness enveloped Sara. The water closed in all around her, filling her with a deep dread. She held her breath as long as she could, too long in fact. Chris watched as Sara stared out of the tank green and red splotches danced in front of her as she couldn't remember if her eyes were opened or closed. The coldness she had felt upon entering the water was gone. A desperate hot wave had come over her, warming even for her frosted toes. Her heart was beating rapidly in panic. The urgency for air was more apparent than ever. This was it. The final nail in her coffin. There was no escape, no way out. There weren't red and green blotches in her field of vision anymore. Just one more deep breath in and it would be all over. Sara gives in taking the water deep into her lungs and suddenly. Everything became black. Chris places his hand on the tank watching the life leave her drowning body. The bubbles stop as her fragile life leaves and body stoops over. “Sarah’s” body
floats up towards the top of the tank.

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[Image: images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTP3kpZ2UHx0cTfZIWUG...w&usqp=CAU]

” To think, she had so much promise.”

Chris turns his back to the water tank and the floating body of “Sarah”

” We all sin, every day of our life we sin. It’s human nature, my victims all have blood on their hands in some form or fashion it’s something that we all share in common. People continue to tell me that I’m past my prime or that I can’t hang anymore… and yet I was the man that turned the XWF’s biggest star to the dark side and collectively we’ve run rough shot over this entire company. This isn’t some comic book story in which good triumphs over evil, oh no, in this story darkness shall win and shall overcome anything that stands in its way.”

Chris turns back around glancing down at “Greggo” who has bled out and then towards the burning steak which has consumed “Ruby” and then towards the water tank that has taken the final breaths of “Sarah”.

” You’ve all been judged guilty for being lame and boring and you’re punishments are going to serve the crimes…”

Another light shines down from the darkness and on to “Geri” who isn’t bound to anything as she is puffing on a joint. Chris instantly cuts his attention towards her and immediately rushes her and is on her in a second as he snatches the joint from her hands before snapping her neck! “Geri” drops to the ground as Chris thumps the joint to the ground as well.

” You’re not even worth the time or energy little girl. The fact you weren’t replaced with that sack of shit in Greggo still baffles my mind and the only realistic conclusion I can come to is the higher-ups are trying to give you a break, allow you to show you belong… and what have you done with it? Squandered because you can’t and aren’t capable of throwing down with someone like me or anyone else in this match for that matter. You have failed with flying colors the entire way around and for that your death was swift. When it comes down to where you place in this shit show its just a cunt hair above Greggo.”

Chris gazes down at the body of “Geri”

” The next time you ask for an opportunity show the fuck up! It’s people like you that shit all over something that’s a staple, it’s some like me that shits all over the company as a whole. If they made roster cuts and killed off all the dead weight you’d be one of the firsts to go. Enjoy being the jackass.”

Chris turns back around as he states.

”And then there’s one.”

Chris takes a second to gather his thoughts before he continues.

” I’ve always said this business is more mental than physical and thus far you’ve all followed the trail of breadcrumbs that has lead you to your damnation. Each step has been meticulously planned, each word spoken with intent and everyone who is in our way shall fall to our feet and worship the ground that we walk on, and as well you should because without Cataclysm in the mix all you’d be left with is dull and boring.”

Another light breaks through the darkness and on to “Gage” who is bound and gagged with chains on both wrist and ankles with the tension high on the chains.

”Speaking of dull and boring…”

Chris slowly turns back around to see “Gage”. A sinister smirk is shown appearing on Chris’s face beneath the mask.

” You’re the fucker that I’m looking forward to ending the most. You try so hard to be taken seriously yet the harder you try the harder you bomb like Gemini Man. Sadly, you were so foolish to cater into the little game I started with you and now that we admit our final hours you have to start realizing that you succumbed to the direction I wanted you to like a goddamn amateur, no wait… you are.”

Chris methodically walks over towards “Gage”

” What do you think now? Do you think that I’m playing around with you now? You want to pretend to be something you’re not and I’m going to continue exposing you for the fucking loser that you truly are. You say that you can lose, that this is a must-win situation and how we’ve all undersold you and your abilities; well newsflash fucktard, it’s not my job to put you over, it’s my job to expose your flaws which I’ve made look easy, truth be told I haven’t even scratched the surface with your exposure because I think it’s going to be fun dragging yours out a little further since you are the be all end all that you profess yourself to be.”

Chris looking into the eyes of a scared “Gage” as he continues.

” Pride comes before the fall and while you pump yourself I’m going to be there to knock you back down. I’m going to make it my mission to use and abuse you at every turn; I’m going to make you my next Peter Gilmour because I’m due for a new punching bag. It seems to me like you’d be perfect to assume that role. So, by all means, you continue to pretend that you stand a chance and I’ll pretend to give a flying fuck. Your fate is sealed, the final nail has been driven into your coffin, and while you will put up a fight you’re going to fall on deaf ears.”

Boiling hot tar falls upon “Gage” followed by thousands of white feathers covering his body.

[Image: b6444611d8f3ce44c02088fe43471a9b.jpg]

[Image: b6444611d8f3ce44c02088fe43471a9b.jpg]

” The time for talk has officially fucking ended for all five of you and the time for pain and true suffering has officially begun. Where you’ve all went wrong was expecting that you were getting “Chronic” Chris Page but unfortunately, you’re getting the Monster Chris Page. The beast has been awakened and the transformation has been complete. If any of you stand in my way of staking claim to that briefcase you’ll have a case of the Owen Hart; the only difference is you won’t fall from the rafters crashing down to the ground below… I’ll throw you off myself.”

Suddenly a voice breaks in through the darkness.

” Hey!”

The familiar tone has Chris looking around.

” Wake up.”

The sounds of finger-snapping can be heard when suddenly Chris’s eyes open as we have a tight shot of the whites of his eyes and piercing blue pupils. Chris looks up to see…”

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[Image: the-walking-dead-alpha-1545244475.jpg?cr...size=480:*]

Chapter: 9 Death and Destruction.

” Beat him in thirty seconds. You say I can’t get the job done against Thunder Knuckles…

” It’s time to go hunting.”

The Beast that is Robert Main reaches down and helps the Monster that is Chris Page to his feet. Collectively Cataclysm stands, poised to do what nobody thinks they’re going to do… run the table at Leap of Faith.

”Run.”

… to be continued.

]]> <![CDATA[Chapter: 8 Everyone carries around his own monsters...]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37631 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 18:02:26 -0700 Robert "The Omega" Main]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37631

” Normally I would take you all on a remarkable adventure, leaving each one of you on the edge of your seats speculating what was next… I’d come off arrogant, brash and even a bit conceited… Hell, some would say egotistical… Right here right now I’m going to do something a bit unconventional even for my standards… I’m going to put the opinionated, presumptuous, self-important “Omega” away… I’m not looking for a cheap pop, nor an ounce of heat… What I’m about to say can’t be found on any of the dirt sheets… No face, no heel and certainly no gimmick… Just Robert Main.”

[Image: TWtWNXW.jpg]

Robert sat unaccompanied in a rocking chair that had been handed down in his family for decades. Robert’s grandfather and father were rocked in this chair as children. The same went for Robert and his younger brother and sister. If you were born into the Main family, you were lulled asleep in this very chair. The chair itself wasn’t anything extraordinary. It was unappealing in every way imaginable… The wood was filled with scuffs and scrapes from decades of abuse from children and grandchildren. To my Robert though it was a stronghold of all his cherished memories especially the ones of his recently deceased grandfather. It was in the creaking wood where Robert was fed countless apples from his grandfather’s pocketknife, where he was told stories of WWII and called “big guy” … Just to sit in this chair and rock transported Robert back in time to these recollections as adequately as a time machine.

When Robert thought of his grandfather it was with heartbreak and vanity. He was a man who made and kept friends with simplicity. He was benevolent natured, finding the best in people. He was a tremendous listener rather than a speaker. He was triumphant at whatever he turned his attention to because he knew how to be unwavering, tenacious, scrupulous. All things he instilled in Robert… After a life in an orphanage and then in the army, Robert could only marvel at how well his grandfather did with his life. He lived in the moment. His past was congested filled to the brim of the crummiest memories any life could offer a man… Conflict and casualty. In that instant of loss, Robert’s world decompressed around him… Once where there was light became shadows, the pain coming and going like waves on sand.

” I’ve been told that my standard of living is terrible for my health…” Robert nods as he grins. ” No shit right…? If I asked you to save me from myself, would you? Could you? All the bourbon and cigars are hopeless but it’s the only thing that seems to help anymore. Comfortably numb…” Robert points at the camera. ” Yeah that’s it… I’ll be the first to admit to everyone something inside of me is busted so I hold on to the only things that seem to set me free. I’m a lost cause and flawed beyond repair, this disadvantageous world has shattered my hopes and dreams…” Robert leers upwards. ” When you look into the night sky what do you see? The moon? Maybe the stars? All your hopes and dreams?” Robert gazes into the camera pointing at himself. ” Want to know what I see? A missing moon with no shooting stars to wish my way out… So I turn to the bottle washing my sins away... I reach for the smoke and hand out brutality all because I'm in agony... Disheartening huh? This way of life has become the only reconciliation I have found.”

Robert runs his fingers through his hair grinning once more. Beyond the camouflaged smile he wears on his face, there is cheerlessness and confusion. Robert reluctantly leers to his right then left, frequently as a singular sound passes by his cherry red lips.

" Pitiful."

Robert's enraged eyes are his shield and sword.

” I don’t feel well, I can feel the dejection deep in my bones…” Robert grabs his throat. ” There's this tightness in my throat suffocating me… My question is how have I become this? I used to be fine with the tranquility … Now everything sounds like its been turned up to the max... It's all become a camouflage for the horrors that a crawling just beneath the surface... Once enter the ring looking the Devil in the eyes there is no going back... I've embraced the monstrosity that I was destined to become... Yet everyone wonders why I want the X-Title… The answer isn’t all that complicated. Heartbreak, anguish, sorrow … Those are the only things I can feel anymore. Once I acquire that Championship at Leap Of Faith that numbness will subside…” There is a brief sigh as Robert stands. ” As each one comes after me, I’ll take them by their hand unearthing a world only I understand. This a declaration for the ones who say they aren't intimidated… Lately, I've been coming from a darker place. I've been dealing with hopelessness and in doing so I’ve become more treacherous than ever… I've been drinking bottles of bourbon and honestly, I’ve never felt better… This match is an extension of that… I’m coming to wreck shop and I swear to God that I will burn every bridge down and piss on the flames… Unless one of you can put me down.”

Robert places one hand on the rocking chair running his fingertips over the weather-beaten wood. What he once cherished was now nothing more than a distant memory, a shadow lingering in the depths of his mind. It's an uncanny thing to leave behind something which you once had. Demise is the side of loving they never advocate... That should you lose a loved one a part of your heart is buried with them. When the dirt hits the casket, it buries your soul too. There is no coming back, and so the world becomes as if made of shadows and every breath feels hollow in the chest.

” I don't plan to slow down or give a second thought to anything that I'm about to unleash upon the world. I’m going to push the pedal to the floor and see if there is a breaking point. Wrestler82 do I believe that you are frightened. No, but you should be… Only a simpleton would say they were not apprehensive about standing across the ring from me. At the end of this, I will be the nightmare at the end of your dreams... I have an inquisition... What are you petrified of? Is it the apprehension of the undiscovered? Or is it the hobgoblin that lives underneath your bed? Maybe it's dark? Agitation is what has brought you Wrestler82 and Carnes together, it's your common bond. I, on the other hand, am not like either of you. I've never bowed down to the feet of terror... I command it, I've harnessed it... I know that you two are hysterical... I can smell it in the air... In this match, all your darkest fears will come to light... Each of you is in for quite the ride as I drag you both down to the deepest corners of hell your skin will blister and your blood will boil.

Each of your sufferings will motivate me... Your dejection will fuel me... Your screams will play like music to my ears as I walk over your broken bodies ascending to my rightful place as Champion... I will bring this division off life support and give the world an extreme Champion it rightfully deserves... I'm a man on the edge and I'm waiting for any reason to jump. I can only hope that one of you has the intestinal fortitude to put me out of my misery and make this agony all stop. Because if you don't stop me, I will grow stronger bringing forth armageddon. What you miscomprehend Wrestler82 is there’s been a bounty on my head and target on my back for years. Yet here I am begging for someone to end all this madness… The straightforward way out of this whole train wreck would be sticking a shotgun in my mouth and giving myself the Kurt Cobain treatment…”

Robert leers over his shoulder mouthing the word boom.

” That though would be spineless… Plus I’ve never taken too kindly to yellow-bellied cowards… So, here we are… A man hell-bent on destruction spiraling out of control and no one can stop me… I’m on a kamikaze mission and have both my targets dead to rights. Where you are inaccurate 82 is saying that this belt is an uncertainty, defending day in and day out… This belt might be a blind bargain for a man like yourself… For a man like me, it’s a sure thing… Simply because I don’t come off as second-best… So, after I obtain that title go ahead and try your good fortune… Reach for that lucky rabbit's foot a four-leafed clover and stick a horseshoe up your ass… Because unless you have the intent to kill me, rest assured I’ll put you back on your prissy ass every time… Don't take what I said lightly, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when nobodies decide they want to start throwing punches… Because I’ve got a list of different strategies to bury bums like you."

Sadness was something Robert never quite understood. Why be miserable from something that already happened? After all, there's no point crying over spilt milk. Unfortunately, when you get bitter, it's like being harpooned in the heart millions of times without perishing. Robert knew because he experienced it. He remembers every second, the tears stung like bees; the ear-shattering screams which still haunt him…

” Wrestler82 you asked if I knew who you were… I do, unfortunately. I am also cursed with knowledge… You are a man that hasn’t moved an inch in years. A man of your stature has some beach ball-sized nuts talking shit to an icon like myself… Seeing how the only thing that you have ever accomplished is floating around the XWF for years never amounting to anything more than the mid-card… You are a never was. A jobber… A curtain jerker… A talentless hack who couldn’t lace my God damn boots… Being a fucking loser's in your DNA… But at Leap Of Faith, you have the opportunity to turn it all around in a once in a lifetime match… You get a shot at the golden goose, the white whale of this company… Overmatch the true king of the XWF and you become somebody for the first time in your dreadful career…”

Robert flips the rocking chair over in a fit of rage… Robert has sat in a pit for months now and it has become his entire world. The only decorations were Robert’s own scratch marks on the walls he tried effortlessly to scale. He knows there is light at the APEX, but it feels miles away. Each time that he has reached out with friendship to someone up above, someone he wished would throw him a rope, the floor dropped a bit lower, jolting his body as it halted. Humiliating Robert with a newfound torment, another betrayal. Robert though wasn’t alone Chris Page stood next to him and together they both made a pact to relay their affliction upon the world… Perhaps now would be the time for Robert to realize he isn’t supposed to escape this living hell… So, he lets his weary eyes become acquainted with the murkiness he has resided in for so many months now…

” Hanari Carnes… Or should I say Chris Chaos’s cock holster… The walking talking contradiction ladies and gentlemen… One second you are ridding on my jock so vigorously my hips hurt… The next moment I’m this fraudster that conned everyone in the XWF into believing how boundless I truly am … Tell me where I swindled the world, Chico? Tell me where I fabricated the truth... Because the last time I checked I've always told one thing Chris Chaos could never tell... The fucking unmitigated truth... I don't have to twist narratives or spin webs of lies... So, when was it, Carnes? Was it the countless times I smeared Chris Chaos from pillar to post? Was it the record setting Championship reigns? Maybe it’s the fact that I’m unconquered in this shit show of a year… The contrast between Carnes & Main is straightforward, accomplishment - vs - misfortune… I shoot to kill you on the other hand miss the mark every time… Chaos - vs - Main has and always will be a one-sided affair… So, you can take your insight and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine… Tell me Carnes who writes your material? I mean that seriously… Does it come from Chris Chaos? Because it seems the two of you follow the same predictable promo pattern… Praise me then attack me… Which is it guy? I refuse to let either one of you underprivileged nobodies have your cake and eat it too. You two fuckers talk out of both sides of your mouth every time we cross paths.” Robert lifts his boot placing it on the toppled rocking chair… He then grins. ” Hell, it’s almost like you two ladies share a brain… Weird… HUH?"

Robert lifts one finger.

” Leap Of Faith I’m pulling double duty, four men on one night have the opportunity to acquire the golden ticket… The same four men have all but guaranteed I will underperform... Carnes you “might” not be frightened by me and that’s okay, but by the time the match ends, you will be… You’ve felt it once before already, just ask Chaos how it feels to get his teeth kicked in every time he leers across the ring at me… If you haven’t noticed by now, anything attached to Chris Chaos falls flat on its face… If it smells like shit… Guess what? It's shit… You can look at this entire night through rose-coloured glasses… But you both know for a fact I’ve got your number just like I have every other member on this fucking rosters… And you can see me as whatever you’d like Carnes, just as long as you know I’m your superior… You see me as vulnerable?” Robert belly laughs ” Have you ever heard the term, blinded by stupidity? You are damn near limping into this match… Jesus Christ the shit you and Chaos say is mind-numbing… You are not even in the same fucking ballpark dude… I can still see the disappointment in those eyes from our little tag team encounter... It drowned you, leaving a hole so big you sought out to fill it by becoming a savour of your own... But you can't even save yourself..."

Robert sighs…

” The best part about what you had to say is that I teamed with the one man on this roster that I could not defeat… Ughhh… Really man… You actually said that… Proving my point even further… You are a fucking idiot… Just like Chaos unless you are directly involved you have no clue what’s going on around you… News flash Hoss… I’ve beaten my brother from another mother twice…” Robert raises two fingers. ” Enter the monumental jack-ass Hanari Carnes everybody… God… The man who questions who I am without Chris Page and tells you he understands what makes me tick... Carnes, you talk pretty toughly especially coming from a guy with a below .500 record... Who I am on my own is something you'll never amount to, a man with a winning record... You tout about how you guys beat me up on Savage when nothing was on the line… Do you believe for a split second that you slayed the dragon? What the three of you did was sign each of your own death certificates... It did nothing but piss me off… The three of you cowards had to blindside me to get an upper hand… You know why? Because if it was one on one, I’d grind your feeble bones into dust… It took the three of you and yet here I am battered and bruised with vengeance on my mind… Look at how Chaos paid the price you’ve got a receipt coming to pal, in a match with no rules and I am free to do whatever I’d like.”

Robert tapped the metal gas can a few times before ripping the lid off... He shuts his eyes briefly inhaling the toxic fumes deep inside his lungs… He looks to the camera before pouring the gasoline onto the rocking chair emptying the can…

" There is a pale horse on the horizon."

Robert struck a match and watched as the flame had no idea of the greatness before it, no notion that it would become one of the greatest blazes in Robert's history. It was like a raindrop of yellow heat that crept up the wood, as the flame hit Robert’s fingertips. He smiled as the searing pain sent waves of electricity throughout his body… He dropped the match.

” I’m not human…”

[Image: giphy.gif]

The flames leapt like an uncaged lion, a living wall of orange flame. The gas burned with a quiet roar, the blue flames giving a steady heat. Something was calming in that hypnotic moment. Robert watched as the memories burned and the camera panning closer…

[Image: giphy.gif]

” I’m a monster!”

[Image: fQj11jG.jpg]

]]>

” I’m a monster!”

[Image: fQj11jG.jpg]

]]> <![CDATA[Chapter: 7 We are not afraid to die.]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37630 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 17:58:47 -0700 Robert "The Omega" Main]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37630 We rejoin Robert and Chris as they stand at the foot of the freshly dug gravesite belonging to Peter Gilmour and Christopher Chaos.

” You two sons of bitches dug these for yourselves way before this encounter.”

Robert kneels in front of one of the graves grabbing a hand full of soil.

” You dug these the moment you tried to mimic what we are doing.”

” Drastic shift in their presentation.”

” Check. ”

” Catering to the darker side of your personality.”

”Check.”

” Going after a figurehead of the company.”

”Check.”

” Going after the SAME figurehead of the company.”

”Check.”

” Creating another faction.”

”Check.”

Robert stands up leisurely dropping the soil from his hand as he addresses the camera.

” It all goes back to what I’ve said about you the day we met… Chris Chaos wants to be Robert Main. Now that's some truth...”

” Well they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Robert just shakes his head as his face become flush.

” My point is and always will be you just can’t get over the fact that I am now and will always be in a different class than you… I don’t have to crack an imaginary wall to do it either. In the ring, I've never played make-believe and I won't start. I can’t help that you aren’t capable of putting the pieces of the puzzle together to hang with me in the ring let alone defeat me; very few have.”

The air was so brittle it could snap, and if it doesn't, Robert or Chris Page just might. The Tag Team Champions stand with their arms crossed as no-one speaks. What is there left to say? After all the dull-witted things that have been said. Chris leans in with his hand raised.

” Sumbitch got me… twice.”

Chris lowers his hand and leans back.

” They say that trying the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result is the definition of pure insanity… Kinda sounds like the position you’ve found yourself in, and since you thought it was cute to flirt with that imaginary wall allow me to do you the honor of flirting back.”

Most watched from afar as Robert gunned down Chris Chaos multiple times... Each time further proving a point or getting vengeance for something Chaos had done. To say this wasn't personal would be an understatement. To Robert, it would always be personal. Beneath it, all Robert loathed the ground Chaos walked on... It was Chris Chaos after all that made the world despise him... Time and time again Robert has walked away from the ashes unscathed... Leaving the broken bones of a man that's beneath him in the middle of the ring... Countless times Robert has tried to wash his hands of Chaos... The thorn in the side though always came back for more. After so many undesirable consequences one would believe Chris would just stop and look someplace else for conflict... He can't quit Robert Main for an open-and-shut reason... His pride... He will never stop coming after Robert because he can't... Untempty-handed overthrow Robert this twisted feud will never end... Most people saw a bullet hole, Rtoort saw the person around it. He saw the pain in the ones still living mostly Jenny Myst who always had to pick up the fragmented pieces of Chaos.

” The book on this title defense was closed the moment Gilly was slated to be your partner... Having Peter as a partner is the kiss of death Chaos and you know that... You've lived it a few times already... Then Peter opened his mouth... Ouch, shit got worse... Way worse... The guy entombs himself every time he opens his mouth to the degree that one can’t take anything he has to say seriously. Except for that racist shit... Shame on you Peter... Ole Uncle Vinnie had to come down hard, didn't he? Peter your that pint-sized punk from elementary school that tried so hard to be a bully until he got punched in the face. Everybody has a plan until they get the living shit knocked out of them... Right, Chaos? Now as far as this federation being the only one that matters, Chris wake up... Do you believe I'm that naive? Do you think for a second I am that simpleminded? I know you have an exhausting time watching the bouncing ball around unless it pertains to you particularly... So for once in your career please listen... Perk those ears up and take notice, because this repeating myself shit is getting old as fuck... Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am a giant fish in an even smaller pond... I get it... But here's the silver lining and a nugget of information you are certainly unaware of... Page and I have an open invitation to any team in any federation on Earth... You to fight us? All you've got to do is ask and we will oblige no questions asked... Whether it's here in the XWF or the parking lot of Tokyo Dome... We'll bring the hardware... All we need is someone on this planet who isn't named Chris Chaos to answer the call."

Chris chimes in.

"That nine-year-old beat Peter dude…”

” Just like everyone else that has the ability of a cockroach, hence my point since we’re “shooting” straight, right Chaos? I know for a fact that there are wrestlers out there that are superior... Unknown Soldier is one of them... He stole one from me and then beat my ass like a drum... But this isn't about who is more sophisticated than me... Or anyone outside this federation at the moment... None of these "people" can save your pathetic hide... So go ahead and pull in any one of my blemishes that you'd like... It holds no water here... It makes you look like a chowderhead... Page and I both have been there done that regarding you... A few weeks ago we trounced you and Carnes... So, nothing that you are choosing to bring up will change the fact that this is about Chris Chaos & Peter Gilmour - vs - Robert Main and Chris Page... I get it, man... You desperately need something to stick... But these feeble shots won't cut it...”

” What more would you expect? They need oh so desperately to change the narrative because they know just how fucked they are only they’re not going to admit it.”

This one is a wrap... I fully expect that this time you to come to terms with leaving empty-handed... Because Chico... Wait... Wait... Wait...That's Carnes... I get you two jackasses confused seeing how you both sound exactly alike... The writing is all over the wall on this one. We are just too overpowering for one person to deal with especially if that one person is you of all people; so yes, we’re walking into this booming with confidence. Just like we do any other match our titles are at stake in. We are fighting Champions... But this is almost a night off if you ask me because as hard as you try to be a threat neither of you truly are.”

” But hey guys, we’ll give you a C plus for effort... When it comes to getting the job done all you’re going to ever be worth is a C... Because in the end you both always fall short.”

” I’m not even going to begin to call Gilmour on all his nonsense….”

” I already have.”

” Good point.”

Chris shoots the camera a thumbs up.

” There’s no coming back for ole Gilly, I mean isn’t he at the Tokyo Dome? Has someone called him and guided him to the right part of Tokyo or are we going to let him stand outside the Tokyo Dome with his dick in his hand, or was that Steve’s?”

” Brother don’t get me back on that tyrant because it’s not going to be good for anyone.”

” I’m just asking a legitimate question because every time Pete opens his mouth you can all but see the purse fall out followed by the glitter.”

Page breaks and finally starts laughing under his breath. It was a cruel mocking kind of laugh.

” Leave Karen alone, he’s slowly embracing himself.”

” He does realize it’s 2020 and doesn’t have to stand in a closet, right?”

” Dude, he runs with Chaos, he’s completely downplayed his partner by essentially calling him a nobody..."

There’s a quick pause from Chris before he states.

” And Chris Chaos all but got on his knees and sucked the soul out of your cock with that first piece of business. How did it feel to hear him say such flattering things about you after our last encounter when he tried the same bullshit everyone tries… Including Carnes apparently, if you see his polished turd he put out, I’d almost say these two people share a brain.”

” In regards to Chaos trying to play swallow the leader on the tip of my cock he’s all but waved the white flag and admitted defeat, it would have been cute and all if I halfway believed him. This is his attempt to lure us into some sort of false sense of security before laying the hammer down… And that might work on the bottom feeders he’s accustomed to being in the ring with lately but when you’re the premiere athlete of this organization one thing you can do is peep game a mile away.”

” Did you just call yourself the premiere athlete of the XWF?”

” I did.”

” And when exactly was the last time you got in the ring?”

” Wargames bitch...”

” There wasn’t a ring, bitch!”

Robert flips Page off while Chris shrugs his shoulders.

” When your name is Robert Main you don’t have to wrestle every show, you don’t have to run out and look for the spotlight because it shines down upon me anytime I open my mouth, or step foot in a ring…”

Robert cuts his eyes towards Chris as he continues.

” The White House lawn or the Oval Office. I'm making wrestling great again?”

Robert shifts his attention back towards the camera.

” The point is I’m the bee's knees of Professional Wrestling and I know it... Do I have friends in high places... Damn right... But to insinuate that I am only successful because of those friendships is arguably the single biggest bitch move anyone could ever make…”

Chris chimes back in.

”… and this whole time I thought Pete was on the bottom in that relationship.”

” They’re both a couple of bitches at the end of the day and it looks like we’re going to have to prove it yet again.”

Chris steps forward.

” We are Cataclysm and we are the nightmares that infest your minds while you sleep at night. We are the two that your parents warned you about and we are the dynamic duo that is going to hang on to the XWF Tag Titles for as long as we damn well, please. Both of you are just mere speed bumps along the way.”

” And do yourselves some favors and leave Theo out of it because he’s a nonfactor, a nonfactor to the degree that if he fucks you the titles will leave with you.”

” That’s right boys and girls we’ve just removed the “protection” from the equation and now the odds can shift to an even playing field; if Theo fucks you he’s fucking us and if he fucks us he’s not leaving Leap of Faith on his own accord.”

” We don’t need security blankets in place to skunk a couple of scrubs like the both of you and come Leap of Faith we’re going to mop the floors with you before moving on to grander things... Oh and own another fucking Pay-Per-View.”

”… kinda like both of you if you keep up with the stupidity, so do yourselves a favor and come to the realization that you’ve already lost… It's game, set match... The only question is how bad are we going to make it for the two of you.”

” The open contract is still on the table for any of you to sign. Find yourself a partner and step to the plate; sure you’ll get dropped on your face and leave with your tails planted firmly between your legs… But at least you can say you tried.”

” There’s a reason why we are standing on top of this mountain looking down at all of you much like there’s a reason you’re down there looking up here at us. We are the talk of the town and love all the attention you’ve all given us. The more you keep our names in your mouths the more you’re selling us.”

” Good luck to Shawn and Centurion because you’re going to have to work hard as fuck to top the performances that we’re going to put up for the world to see. In one night Cataclysm will run through nine talents and stand victorious establishing further exactly why we are…”

” Simply.”

”Better.”

” Than.”

” You.”

Both Page and Main flip off the camera before stepping to the side exposing both graves.

" Chris, I'm not finished with you just yet... I felt the need to point out a bit more of your stupidity...You said I don't have what it takes to beat Shawn Warstein? You got me there buddy... For the first time, I'm shocked by your oafishness... It's stunning... But hey I just can't stand it when you are right man... I mean I pinned the Universal Champion twice in a matter of two weeks and won the covited superstar of the month in May because of it... But hey... What do I know right? So as far as I don't have what it take to topple the Universal Champion... Been there and done that too... Hell, I even turned down a Universal Championship bid on this very card... I mean yeah I'd win the Universal Championship again and all but shit... I thought I'd let the old guys have it out... If we are all lucky Cent and Shawn will both break their hips and die slow painful deaths... And when Page wins that case... If he cashes in... Good for him man... I'll be the first one to say stupendous job... High five and shit...

Chaos gold isn't going to turn Page and me against one another... Because we've got a boatload of it... That's petty shit, my man... That's something I don't know... You would do... See we are a unit over here... But hey man nice try throwing that narrative out there again... Head that same one when we defended the Tag Titles against you... Rinse and repeat right? One of these times it will stick... You say I've always had someone backing me and you are correct Chris Chaos I have... But so have you... Pot meet kettle... Jenny Myst, Peter Gilmour, Carnes the list goes on and on... I've always had friends in the business... You, on the other hand, have never had friends you've had associates... People you used until the well dried up and when you could not get another ounce out of them you stabbed in the back... Tell me how many times I have ever stabbed anyone that I ran within the back... Hasn't happened yet and never will. I am something you are not... A man of my word... Point out a time where one of my friends has ever helped me pin your sorry ass to the canvas... Never... When did APEX defend the Universal Championship for me? Besides when we defended the Tag Team Championships and the Universal Championship at the same time... No one has ever helped me pin a single person tot the canvas... I did that all on my own... So, yes while I did have friends... They never helped me win matches... Oh, and AGAIN YOU STUPID ASS MOTHER FUCKER... LISTEN I DID NOT JOIN CHRIS PAGE BECAUSE I COULD NOT BEAT HIM... I BEAT HIM TWICE... TWICE... TWICE... PAY ATTENTION YOU SORRY FUCKER... THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHY PEOPLE CAN'T STAND YOU! Not knowing what is going on Chris is rookie shit... Not doing a single second of research going into a huge match is lazy shit..."

” What? Are you telling me Chaos doesn’t pay attention to anything that doesn’t involve whatever the fuck he’s trying to do?”

” Shocking I know.”

” Well… not really… it is Chris Chaos we’re talking about here.”

” I’m the code you can’t crack and while you continue to go to the same well and drink the same water one day you’ll wake up and realize that this entire time this hasn’t been political and the only person you can blame for sucking as bad as you do is you.”

” You can make whatever insinuation or allegation you choose to and throw it in our direction but it isn’t going to change the result that we are leaving Leap of Faith exactly as we’re entering… with the XWF Tag Team Championship.”

” Failure is what both of you have in store.”

” But failure is something that you’ve both have a taste for every time you’ve encountered either of us.”

” Individually and collectively.”

” Your time of relevance is about to come to a dramatic close because everything you’ve tried to work towards over the last several weeks has just come to an end. You’re not us. You never will be.”

” By all means keep talking though because the more you talk the more a walking contradiction you’re both becoming.”

” I knew this was going to be easy but I didn’t expect it to be taking candy from a baby easy… but I think there are a couple of other guys that want to get in on the fun.”

” There are always two personalities and while we’ve kept the monsters at bay perhaps it’s time we wake them up and let them play.”

” I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Both Chris and Robert turn their backs to the camera and peer down into the gravesites. They look towards each other before Chris steps forward and jumps down into Peter’s grave while Robert jumps down into grave marked for Chris Chaos. We get an aerial shot of the gravesites to see Chris and Robert have each laid down and placed their hands across their upper chests.

To be continued. ]]> We rejoin Robert and Chris as they stand at the foot of the freshly dug gravesite belonging to Peter Gilmour and Christopher Chaos.

” You two sons of bitches dug these for yourselves way before this encounter.”

Robert kneels in front of one of the graves grabbing a hand full of soil.

” You dug these the moment you tried to mimic what we are doing.”

” Drastic shift in their presentation.”

” Check. ”

” Catering to the darker side of your personality.”

”Check.”

” Going after a figurehead of the company.”

”Check.”

” Going after the SAME figurehead of the company.”

”Check.”

” Creating another faction.”

”Check.”

Robert stands up leisurely dropping the soil from his hand as he addresses the camera.

” It all goes back to what I’ve said about you the day we met… Chris Chaos wants to be Robert Main. Now that's some truth...”

” Well they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Robert just shakes his head as his face become flush.

” My point is and always will be you just can’t get over the fact that I am now and will always be in a different class than you… I don’t have to crack an imaginary wall to do it either. In the ring, I've never played make-believe and I won't start. I can’t help that you aren’t capable of putting the pieces of the puzzle together to hang with me in the ring let alone defeat me; very few have.”

The air was so brittle it could snap, and if it doesn't, Robert or Chris Page just might. The Tag Team Champions stand with their arms crossed as no-one speaks. What is there left to say? After all the dull-witted things that have been said. Chris leans in with his hand raised.

” Sumbitch got me… twice.”

Chris lowers his hand and leans back.

” They say that trying the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result is the definition of pure insanity… Kinda sounds like the position you’ve found yourself in, and since you thought it was cute to flirt with that imaginary wall allow me to do you the honor of flirting back.”

Most watched from afar as Robert gunned down Chris Chaos multiple times... Each time further proving a point or getting vengeance for something Chaos had done. To say this wasn't personal would be an understatement. To Robert, it would always be personal. Beneath it, all Robert loathed the ground Chaos walked on... It was Chris Chaos after all that made the world despise him... Time and time again Robert has walked away from the ashes unscathed... Leaving the broken bones of a man that's beneath him in the middle of the ring... Countless times Robert has tried to wash his hands of Chaos... The thorn in the side though always came back for more. After so many undesirable consequences one would believe Chris would just stop and look someplace else for conflict... He can't quit Robert Main for an open-and-shut reason... His pride... He will never stop coming after Robert because he can't... Untempty-handed overthrow Robert this twisted feud will never end... Most people saw a bullet hole, Rtoort saw the person around it. He saw the pain in the ones still living mostly Jenny Myst who always had to pick up the fragmented pieces of Chaos.

” The book on this title defense was closed the moment Gilly was slated to be your partner... Having Peter as a partner is the kiss of death Chaos and you know that... You've lived it a few times already... Then Peter opened his mouth... Ouch, shit got worse... Way worse... The guy entombs himself every time he opens his mouth to the degree that one can’t take anything he has to say seriously. Except for that racist shit... Shame on you Peter... Ole Uncle Vinnie had to come down hard, didn't he? Peter your that pint-sized punk from elementary school that tried so hard to be a bully until he got punched in the face. Everybody has a plan until they get the living shit knocked out of them... Right, Chaos? Now as far as this federation being the only one that matters, Chris wake up... Do you believe I'm that naive? Do you think for a second I am that simpleminded? I know you have an exhausting time watching the bouncing ball around unless it pertains to you particularly... So for once in your career please listen... Perk those ears up and take notice, because this repeating myself shit is getting old as fuck... Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am a giant fish in an even smaller pond... I get it... But here's the silver lining and a nugget of information you are certainly unaware of... Page and I have an open invitation to any team in any federation on Earth... You to fight us? All you've got to do is ask and we will oblige no questions asked... Whether it's here in the XWF or the parking lot of Tokyo Dome... We'll bring the hardware... All we need is someone on this planet who isn't named Chris Chaos to answer the call."

Chris chimes in.

"That nine-year-old beat Peter dude…”

” Just like everyone else that has the ability of a cockroach, hence my point since we’re “shooting” straight, right Chaos? I know for a fact that there are wrestlers out there that are superior... Unknown Soldier is one of them... He stole one from me and then beat my ass like a drum... But this isn't about who is more sophisticated than me... Or anyone outside this federation at the moment... None of these "people" can save your pathetic hide... So go ahead and pull in any one of my blemishes that you'd like... It holds no water here... It makes you look like a chowderhead... Page and I both have been there done that regarding you... A few weeks ago we trounced you and Carnes... So, nothing that you are choosing to bring up will change the fact that this is about Chris Chaos & Peter Gilmour - vs - Robert Main and Chris Page... I get it, man... You desperately need something to stick... But these feeble shots won't cut it...”

” What more would you expect? They need oh so desperately to change the narrative because they know just how fucked they are only they’re not going to admit it.”

This one is a wrap... I fully expect that this time you to come to terms with leaving empty-handed... Because Chico... Wait... Wait... Wait...That's Carnes... I get you two jackasses confused seeing how you both sound exactly alike... The writing is all over the wall on this one. We are just too overpowering for one person to deal with especially if that one person is you of all people; so yes, we’re walking into this booming with confidence. Just like we do any other match our titles are at stake in. We are fighting Champions... But this is almost a night off if you ask me because as hard as you try to be a threat neither of you truly are.”

” But hey guys, we’ll give you a C plus for effort... When it comes to getting the job done all you’re going to ever be worth is a C... Because in the end you both always fall short.”

” I’m not even going to begin to call Gilmour on all his nonsense….”

” I already have.”

” Good point.”

Chris shoots the camera a thumbs up.

” There’s no coming back for ole Gilly, I mean isn’t he at the Tokyo Dome? Has someone called him and guided him to the right part of Tokyo or are we going to let him stand outside the Tokyo Dome with his dick in his hand, or was that Steve’s?”

” Brother don’t get me back on that tyrant because it’s not going to be good for anyone.”

” I’m just asking a legitimate question because every time Pete opens his mouth you can all but see the purse fall out followed by the glitter.”

Page breaks and finally starts laughing under his breath. It was a cruel mocking kind of laugh.

” Leave Karen alone, he’s slowly embracing himself.”

” He does realize it’s 2020 and doesn’t have to stand in a closet, right?”

” Dude, he runs with Chaos, he’s completely downplayed his partner by essentially calling him a nobody..."

There’s a quick pause from Chris before he states.

” And Chris Chaos all but got on his knees and sucked the soul out of your cock with that first piece of business. How did it feel to hear him say such flattering things about you after our last encounter when he tried the same bullshit everyone tries… Including Carnes apparently, if you see his polished turd he put out, I’d almost say these two people share a brain.”

” In regards to Chaos trying to play swallow the leader on the tip of my cock he’s all but waved the white flag and admitted defeat, it would have been cute and all if I halfway believed him. This is his attempt to lure us into some sort of false sense of security before laying the hammer down… And that might work on the bottom feeders he’s accustomed to being in the ring with lately but when you’re the premiere athlete of this organization one thing you can do is peep game a mile away.”

” Did you just call yourself the premiere athlete of the XWF?”

” I did.”

” And when exactly was the last time you got in the ring?”

” Wargames bitch...”

” There wasn’t a ring, bitch!”

Robert flips Page off while Chris shrugs his shoulders.

” When your name is Robert Main you don’t have to wrestle every show, you don’t have to run out and look for the spotlight because it shines down upon me anytime I open my mouth, or step foot in a ring…”

Robert cuts his eyes towards Chris as he continues.

” The White House lawn or the Oval Office. I'm making wrestling great again?”

Robert shifts his attention back towards the camera.

” The point is I’m the bee's knees of Professional Wrestling and I know it... Do I have friends in high places... Damn right... But to insinuate that I am only successful because of those friendships is arguably the single biggest bitch move anyone could ever make…”

Chris chimes back in.

”… and this whole time I thought Pete was on the bottom in that relationship.”

” They’re both a couple of bitches at the end of the day and it looks like we’re going to have to prove it yet again.”

Chris steps forward.

” We are Cataclysm and we are the nightmares that infest your minds while you sleep at night. We are the two that your parents warned you about and we are the dynamic duo that is going to hang on to the XWF Tag Titles for as long as we damn well, please. Both of you are just mere speed bumps along the way.”

” And do yourselves some favors and leave Theo out of it because he’s a nonfactor, a nonfactor to the degree that if he fucks you the titles will leave with you.”

” That’s right boys and girls we’ve just removed the “protection” from the equation and now the odds can shift to an even playing field; if Theo fucks you he’s fucking us and if he fucks us he’s not leaving Leap of Faith on his own accord.”

” We don’t need security blankets in place to skunk a couple of scrubs like the both of you and come Leap of Faith we’re going to mop the floors with you before moving on to grander things... Oh and own another fucking Pay-Per-View.”

”… kinda like both of you if you keep up with the stupidity, so do yourselves a favor and come to the realization that you’ve already lost… It's game, set match... The only question is how bad are we going to make it for the two of you.”

” The open contract is still on the table for any of you to sign. Find yourself a partner and step to the plate; sure you’ll get dropped on your face and leave with your tails planted firmly between your legs… But at least you can say you tried.”

” There’s a reason why we are standing on top of this mountain looking down at all of you much like there’s a reason you’re down there looking up here at us. We are the talk of the town and love all the attention you’ve all given us. The more you keep our names in your mouths the more you’re selling us.”

” Good luck to Shawn and Centurion because you’re going to have to work hard as fuck to top the performances that we’re going to put up for the world to see. In one night Cataclysm will run through nine talents and stand victorious establishing further exactly why we are…”

” Simply.”

”Better.”

” Than.”

” You.”

Both Page and Main flip off the camera before stepping to the side exposing both graves.

" Chris, I'm not finished with you just yet... I felt the need to point out a bit more of your stupidity...You said I don't have what it takes to beat Shawn Warstein? You got me there buddy... For the first time, I'm shocked by your oafishness... It's stunning... But hey I just can't stand it when you are right man... I mean I pinned the Universal Champion twice in a matter of two weeks and won the covited superstar of the month in May because of it... But hey... What do I know right? So as far as I don't have what it take to topple the Universal Champion... Been there and done that too... Hell, I even turned down a Universal Championship bid on this very card... I mean yeah I'd win the Universal Championship again and all but shit... I thought I'd let the old guys have it out... If we are all lucky Cent and Shawn will both break their hips and die slow painful deaths... And when Page wins that case... If he cashes in... Good for him man... I'll be the first one to say stupendous job... High five and shit...

Chaos gold isn't going to turn Page and me against one another... Because we've got a boatload of it... That's petty shit, my man... That's something I don't know... You would do... See we are a unit over here... But hey man nice try throwing that narrative out there again... Head that same one when we defended the Tag Titles against you... Rinse and repeat right? One of these times it will stick... You say I've always had someone backing me and you are correct Chris Chaos I have... But so have you... Pot meet kettle... Jenny Myst, Peter Gilmour, Carnes the list goes on and on... I've always had friends in the business... You, on the other hand, have never had friends you've had associates... People you used until the well dried up and when you could not get another ounce out of them you stabbed in the back... Tell me how many times I have ever stabbed anyone that I ran within the back... Hasn't happened yet and never will. I am something you are not... A man of my word... Point out a time where one of my friends has ever helped me pin your sorry ass to the canvas... Never... When did APEX defend the Universal Championship for me? Besides when we defended the Tag Team Championships and the Universal Championship at the same time... No one has ever helped me pin a single person tot the canvas... I did that all on my own... So, yes while I did have friends... They never helped me win matches... Oh, and AGAIN YOU STUPID ASS MOTHER FUCKER... LISTEN I DID NOT JOIN CHRIS PAGE BECAUSE I COULD NOT BEAT HIM... I BEAT HIM TWICE... TWICE... TWICE... PAY ATTENTION YOU SORRY FUCKER... THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHY PEOPLE CAN'T STAND YOU! Not knowing what is going on Chris is rookie shit... Not doing a single second of research going into a huge match is lazy shit..."

” What? Are you telling me Chaos doesn’t pay attention to anything that doesn’t involve whatever the fuck he’s trying to do?”

” Shocking I know.”

” Well… not really… it is Chris Chaos we’re talking about here.”

” I’m the code you can’t crack and while you continue to go to the same well and drink the same water one day you’ll wake up and realize that this entire time this hasn’t been political and the only person you can blame for sucking as bad as you do is you.”

” You can make whatever insinuation or allegation you choose to and throw it in our direction but it isn’t going to change the result that we are leaving Leap of Faith exactly as we’re entering… with the XWF Tag Team Championship.”

” Failure is what both of you have in store.”

” But failure is something that you’ve both have a taste for every time you’ve encountered either of us.”

” Individually and collectively.”

” Your time of relevance is about to come to a dramatic close because everything you’ve tried to work towards over the last several weeks has just come to an end. You’re not us. You never will be.”

” By all means keep talking though because the more you talk the more a walking contradiction you’re both becoming.”

” I knew this was going to be easy but I didn’t expect it to be taking candy from a baby easy… but I think there are a couple of other guys that want to get in on the fun.”

” There are always two personalities and while we’ve kept the monsters at bay perhaps it’s time we wake them up and let them play.”

” I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Both Chris and Robert turn their backs to the camera and peer down into the gravesites. They look towards each other before Chris steps forward and jumps down into Peter’s grave while Robert jumps down into grave marked for Chris Chaos. We get an aerial shot of the gravesites to see Chris and Robert have each laid down and placed their hands across their upper chests.

To be continued. ]]> <![CDATA[A Jump of Trust Pt.3: The Champion of the Just]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37629 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 17:21:22 -0700 Ruby]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37629 [Image: rzHHAib.jpg]

JUMP OF TRUST

During Ruby’s week visiting her parental home, it quickly became clear that her mother had ulterior motives. In spite of the fact that they were going to visit an action figurine museum, Ruby’s mother had set her up with a date. Wrongfully thinking her date was a closet homosexual anyway, the tiny Canadian missed out on something potentially beautiful, much to her mother’s eventual chagrin. Nevertheless, their fantastic week together in Ottawa was coming to a close, and they’d soon be bound for Japan to witness their daughter’s matches at Leap of Faith.

But! Not before the Banana-Lime Blur had finished her… unfinished business. After tracking down a band of criminals selling illegal toilet paper, she got the information on their ringleader thanks to her trusty sidekick Garnet. Known only as ‘The Hoarder’, the supervillain is facing swift and wholesome justice at the hands of the Super Dear’O. Unless something goes terribly, terribly wrong…

Peering through her RubyGoggles (not the gadget with the cleverest name she’d come up with), the OG of PG was in prone position on a rooftop near the docks. Next to her, her trusty doggo Garnet was keeping a watch on things.

Ruby: “Where the flip is he? I swear, Garnet my dawg, if that grunt lied to us, I will shave his head and call him Jean-Luc!”

Sighing, Ruby kept on sweeping the area, until she saw something stirring in the shadows.

Ruby: “Wait! I picked up on something…”

A convoy of trucks made its way to an open area and parked near a shipping container. Soon, a horde of thugs stepped out and opened it, before starting to load the contents into crates.

Ruby: “Busted, my dudes! Soooo busted! But I don’t want you guys. Who knows what horrible prejudice and disadvantages you had to overcome in life, never given a fair shot by the system… No, it’s your boss I want. And unless my…contact… was lying, he’ll have to show his flippin’ face soon!”

A man stepped out of one of the trucks. He was wearing a big hat that cast a shadow over his entire face. He wore a poncho so massive it looked like he could fit half a Walmart in there, and started pointing and shouting, clearly indicative of him bossing the others around.

Ruby: “Son of a beehive! That must be him, the cheese-cuttin’ ne’er do-well! Get ready, Garnet!”

The Malinois bared his teeth and started growling.

Ruby: “Just no jugulars, okay? Just like we practiced. Bite them in their hind quarter cheeks if you have to! Now… Let’s test out my newest gadget!”

Ruby got up, ran towards the edge of the building… and took a jump of trust… As she reached the summit of her jump, she pulled a string hanging out of the backpack hidden under her cape.

Ruby: “Rubychute!”

Her descent was slightly slower than she had anticipated. Worried that it was going to ruin the dramatic effect of her superhero entrance, Ruby ejected from the backpack altogether and landed straight in the middle of the crate-loading thugs, who jumped up a foot in the air in surprise.

Ruby: “Halt, villains! Wholesome justice demands it!”

The dozen crooks surrounding her took a moment to recollect themselves, but when they saw what they were up against, they reached for their weapons. Many of them started to laugh when they saw what they were up against, but the Banana-Lime Blur wasn’t fazed.

Ruby: “Of course. Underestimate me. I’ve dealt with that my whole flippin’ life, buddy boys. But those who had to believe in me, did.”

The crime boss made his way through the crowd of thugs at his command.

“Well, well… I’d heard it through the grapevine someone was trying to distort my operations…”

Ruby: “The jig is up, Hoarder! This tee pee belongs to the pee eeh oh pee ell ee!”

The Hoarder laughed.

“Not anymore. Not an ass gets wiped in this town without my approval. Soon, everybody will beg me for my toilet paper. And I will hold all the power.”

Ruby: “You underestimate the people of Ottawa, villain! We’re descendants of the French, we can learn how to use a bidet!”

“What you need to learn… Is a lesson in humility. Get her, boys!”

Ruby: “It’s cute that you think you have me outnumbered. But allow me to demonstrate a little trick I picked up from a friend of mine, The Pink Mist!”

Ruby grabbed a pellet from the belt and threw it on the ground, releasing a massive pink cloud that blinded everybody in the vicinity.

Ruby: “Now, Garnet!”

She darted forward, and took out unsuspecting crooks left and right whilst the Malinois, having made his way down the building via a fire escape, started biting ankles. Several well-placed shots to their temples, a trio of headscissor takedowns, and one hurricanrana later, Ruby was face to face with The Hoarder, who clearly didn’t seem as confident or comfortable as before.

“Look… Look… I get it. You want to make a point. But I can make you a DEAL! Join me! I’ll cut you in! Thirty percent! Together, we can bring this city to its knees, unless it wants to face total ANARCHY!”

Ruby smirked as she walked up to her adversary.

Ruby: “What, didn’t you get the memo? ‘iTsOnLyAnArChY~!’ But guess what, my guy, I’m here to restore order!”

Garnet charged towards him with all of his speed whilst Ruby went for a leg sweep. The impact from both sides toppled the criminal and Ruby quickly jumped on top of him, swiping away the big hat to reveal his face!

As it turned out, it was… Just a guy. What else did you expect? Was it going to be Jerry? Ruby’s dad? If you thought that, maybe you’ve been watching too many Adventures of Scooby-Doo! In any case, Ruby grabbed him by the collar of his poncho.

Ruby: “People like you disgust me. Preying on people’s fear and greed. Forcing them to bring out the very worst in themselves. Taking everything, yet giving nothing back! You are all that is wrong with humanity. Don’t get me wrong. I know a thing or two about selfishness, but always to serve a greater purpose. When I took my Anarchy Championship, I did it to transform that place from a cesspool into a beacon of hope for my company. And when I walk into Leap of Faith, I will try and win that briefcase so I can do the same for all of the XWF!”

“What the hell are you babbling about, you psycho???”

Ruby: “I’m talking about wholesome justice. First, you will give all of this tp back to the people. No more citizens wiping their backsides with the Ottawa Times. No more scared civilians having to resort to adult diapers when they set foot outside their doors. No more pushing and shoving in supermarkets. I bring order. Everywhere I go. Now have a nice nap. ”

And with a well-placed headbutt, Ruby turned The Hoarder’s lights out. He was going to make a fine gift to the Police Department.

Nicolas: “Whoaaaaa, check this out!”

Ruby’s dad shouted out in amazement, running towards his wife and daughter, carrying two huge bags.

Quote:We cut to the three Debuchy’s sitting at home on their sofa…

Ruby: “Japan, here we come!”

Nicolas: “Doragetimashu~~!”

Ruby: “What does that mean?”

Nicolas: “I’ve no idea! I don’t speak Japanese! It just sounds so cool!”

Olivia rolled her eyes.

Olivia: “It’s not even a word, ma chérie. Anyway, our week is up, so tonight we’re leaving for Japan, and the plan is to soak up a bit of the local culture before we see our Ruby at Leap of Faith.”

Nicolas: “It’s gonna be pineapple and coconuts! I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. The lights. The food. The people. Woooow!”

Ruby: “Haha. Lonely Island! Classic! I gotta make a small stop along the way to surprise my good old buddy the SarLack pit, but then it’s on like King AND Donkey Kong!”

Olivia: “The timing is a bit weird though. Just now that the supermarkets have finally managed to restock all the toilet paper, we’re off to another country.”

Nicolas: “Finally. I think I have the Ottawa Daily’s logo printed in between my hind cheeks by now”

Ruby: “Dad, TMI!”

Olivia: “I just used a bidet. Much cleaner, anyway.”

Nicolas: “No it’s not! You don’t wash a car with just the hose, do you?”

Olivia: “Of course I don’t, cleaning the car is your job.”

Ruby: “Okay, I think it’s time we move on.”

Olivia’s eyes turned to slits as she saw her husband. She grabbed one of the heavy bags out of his hands and looked inside, revealing tons of manga comic books. She grabbed one and started flipping through it.

Nicolas: “Other way round, honey, they’re to be read from right to left!”

Olivia slammed the book shut and hit her husband on the shoulder with it, hissing through her teeth.

Olivia: “These are all in Japanese! You don’t even know Japanese! We’ve been over this!”

Nicolas: “Ow! A picture says a thousand words anyway!”

Olivia: “What man your age reads these things anyway? And how much did you pay for these? They’re going back!”

Ruby: “Oh come on, mom. I’ll pay for ‘em, my treat! My boss Vinnie got me a nice bonus for winning that UGWC Cross-Hemisphere title as an XWF representative. I got plenty left over after investing in some… things.”

Olivia: “What things?”

Ruby: “Just a… parachute.”

Nicolas: “What? You went parachuting without me?? Sweetheart, you know that’s on my bucket list!”

Olivia: “And there it will remain forever! But fine, if you say so… Thanks, sweetie.”

Ruby: “Not to worry. Now we just need to find you something!”

Nicolas: “How about a kimono? We can dress you like a geisha.”

Mrs. Debuchy pulled up her nose.

Olivia: “No, sweetheart. They’re very beautiful, but that would be cultural appropriation.”

Nicolas: “What?? Noooo..”

He bumped his daughter’s arm.

Nicolas: “Come on, back me up here, superstar!”

Ruby: “Weeeellll, mom’s kinda right, actually, dad. It’s a big part of Japanese culture, we shouldn’t use it for our own amusement.”

Olivia: “Precisely.”

Quote:We cut to Olivia, setting on the sofa by herself.

Olivia: “My husband is a good man, but he doesn’t really… think things through, sometimes. He’s always so enthusiastic about everything, jumping head in first, that he does or says things that aren’t exactly what the young kids these days would call ‘woke’. Thankfully, we managed to raise our Ruby right, so that she got the best parts from both of us. It’s been a struggle at times, like when he tried to teach her a Native rain dance when she was six, so that it would rain for the first time in 3 months. Well intended, but micro aggressions can be hurtful too, and we need to be wary of those. Thankfully, he is easily brought to his senses, he never started crying about how right to ‘do a racism’ was being taken away. The same can’t be said for everyone, unfortunately.”

Ruby:”Oh look, bubblegum flavored seaweed strips!”

They passed a candy stall, and Ruby pointed at the odd treats.

Nicolas: “And sriracha-flavored Mentos! I need those!”

Olivia: “No you don’t, tooth decay hits a man your age pretty hard.

Mr. Debuchy looked annoyed at that remark.

Quote:We find Nicolas on the sofa by himself, his arms crossed over his chest.

Nicolas: “I love my wife, but sometimes I feel like she gets a kick out of bringing people down. For example , she always loves to remind me about how I’m getting older, even if I don’t feel like it! In my heart I still feel like I’m thirty, and that I have my entire life in front of me and can do anything I still want to do! Sure, my hair is getting thinner, I’m pretty sure I can no longer do a backflip or stand atop a human pyramid, but why focus on that? I’m just glad I managed to teach our Ruby to always see the good in people, and to always be positive and believe in herself and others. Sometimes, I think that’s why her wrestling peers don’t always take her seriously, because she never learned trash talk or cuss words at home. Sure, sometimes a bit of her mother shines through but generally speaking she rarely lets a bad word about someone else cross her lips. And you know what? I’m proud of that. I did that! Even managed to get my wife to stop swearing as well! She was quite the potty mouth before we got married! Isn’t that bananas?”

Ruby sensed the tension between her parents, and held up her hands.

Ruby: “All right, guys. There’s something in the air here, and ya baby girl ain’t digging it! But I know a solution. Here, hold these…”

She handed her recently purchased sake set to her mother and darted towards the nearest phone booth.

Olivia: “What is she doing?”

Nicolas: “Oh, I think I know what’s coming! Hold on to your hat!”

No less than ten seconds later, the phone booth door swung open.

Ruby: “Who da CHAMP??”

Nicolas: “You are!”

Ruby grinned, and it didn’t take long before the crowded street took notice of the colorful girl clad in superhero costume. People all over took out their phones and started filming or taking pictures, and kids everywhere started screaming in excitement. Ruby held up her arms.

Ruby: “Alright, who wants a selfie with the Super Dear’O!!?”

Nicolas: “Me!”

His wife slapped him on the arm.

Olivia: “Let the kids go first!”

As Ruby got swarmed by fans, Olivia Debuchy took in the sight. Her daughter, masked and clad in green and yellow, adored by dozens, spreading joy and laughter. Without even noticing, she nodded approvingly. She sighed, and put her arm around her husband’s shoulders.

Olivia: “Our kid turned out all right, didn’t she?”

Silence.

Olivia: “Didn’t she?”

She looked over at Mr. Debuchy.

Olivia: “Cheri, are you crying?”

A tear ran down Mr. Debuchy’s face as he returned the embrace and nodded.

Nicolas: “Look at that. We did that. I couldn’t be more proud.”

And Olivia Debuchy kissed him on the cheek.

Olivia: “Win or lose… Our baby girl will always be a champion of the just.”

From Ruby’s Go-Pro…

Ruby: “My flippies! Welcome to super extracular, or extra spectacular if you prefer, promo from your Anarchy Champ!”

We see Ruby in full get-up, aiming the camera at her face. She’s wandering backstage, using her free hand to high-five any crew members she walks past.

Ruby: “We’re mere moments away from kicking off this Pay Per View here in Tokyo, and ooooh boy, ya girl’s more excited than a beaver setting its teeth in a fresh new log! This is what we’ve been fighting for. This is what all the build up’s been for! Can ya feel it in the air? It’s like electricity! This is what Billy Elliott feels when he’s about to dazzle us in Swan Lake! Ballet reference, for all of you uncultured folks out there, and I don’t mean that in a bad way! It’s never too late to learn! Go culture! Go ballet! Book your tickets now! Oh, and go watch Billy Elliott if you haven’t, it’s really quite superb. Sorta reminds me of myself, you know? Kid from an average family who’s a bit different… Tries his hand at something he loves that nobody expected and doesn’t fit the traditional gender mold. And why does he succeed? Because in the end, those he loves support him, even if they don’t completely understand. That’s why I’m here as well. The unconditional love and support of my parents, who molded me into the very best version of myself. I wouldn’t be here today without them. And I can’t thank them enough for it. Because this? This is where I want to be. This is where I belong. The excitement of going into this PPV to defend my Anarchy Championship and also have a chance to grab that 24/7 briefcase… Moments like these are where you know you’re alive. You just know you’re on the brink of history. And to quote General Maximus Decimus Meridius: ‘The things we do in life, echo in eternity’. Well, I can’t wait to scream. In agony, if I must. In victory, because I shall.

“Anyway, this has been a proper song and dance, hasn’t it? I feel like I should be cutting this promo to the hook of Jay-Z’s ‘What More Can I Say’ at this point. And y’all know I’m no Sarah Lacklan, who can keep coming up with original new ways to insult and talk down on people for hours and hours. Saying half the stuff I did already took me to the limit. I guess that’s what the SarLack means when she said that ya girl ain’t no deep sea swimmer. But if you say that my biggest flaw is that I can’t unleash relentless tirades on people to sink their self-confidence and hurt their feelings on a constant basis, then you know what? I WILL gladly take that compliment. And no, that doesn’t make me weak. That doesn’t mean I don’t have what it takes. That doesn’t mean I can’t win this match. I believe in lifting up, rather than kicking down. I believe in climbing up to rise above. And that’s exactly what I’ll be doing tonight. Rising above. Above everybody else. And nab that flippin’ briefcase! Because the Banana-Lime Blur is going to survive!

“And to prove that, I won’t trash talk. In fact, let me say something POSITIVE about all of my opponents. Let’s turn this ish around, shall we?

“Gannon! You take pride in your work. You take pride in your legacy. You’re proud of who you are! And don’t you ever lose sight of any of that! But taking pride in yourself doesn’t mean you can’t face your flaws. It doesn’t mean you can’t strive to become even better. And I know you can be! I see potential in you, dude, but you need to cut out the excuses and own up to your mistakes. Just like I will do, in a bit. If you can face facts, and recognize that taking an L can be a Learning experience, rather than a Losing experience, you can go far. Just don’t call me a drugged-out hippie because that’s just displaying woeful ignorance. And it might lead to some evil tongues claiming that while you believe my jokes fell flat, your entire personality did… You can do better than what you showed these last two weeks. I genuinely believe that. So don’t you stop trying to improve!

“Geri! As I said before, you recognize the value of things. Mostly. When you’re not doing 25 tokes a day. I’m kinda worried regarding this Leap of Faith match, because part of me think you’ll be giving 100% for our Anarchy bout, as you should and for which I’m thankful. But then… completely lose any kind of motivation to follow that up with a great effort in the rafter match! I know you have what it takes. I know that you beating me wasn’t a fluke. You earned that win because I got distracted and complacent, and that’s completely my fault. But just as I vowed to never let that happen ever again, I hope you have vowed to put your best foot forward every single day! Because if you do that, then you’ll be a force to be reckoned with on Anarchy, the XWF’s greatest, most fun show!

“Now we’re on to Chronic Chris! Haven’t I been heaping up the compliments quite enough on you already, my guy? Whilst others are out there calling you Omega Main’s lesser accomplice, I’ve been all about saying how great your legacy is! And I’d be a fool not to. Sure, you go a bit heavy on the proverbial and literal apostrophes, but that doesn’t mean anybody is exempt from a Page Plant! If I were to call this match a three-horse race, I’d put you down as a contender, and I mean that.

“Now comes the hardest part. Something positive to say about Greggo… …. …. … . . . … . . . .. .. I guess you’re not the… worst… thing… I’ve come across, in the past 11 years? Sorry, but that’s about all I can come up with. Even I have my limits.

“And for my good buddy Lacklan? I’ve got nothing but respect. Some of it I give begrudgingly, because I’m well aware of some of the things you’ve done. But here’s the thing… You bring out the best in people. Also the worst! But that’s not what I choose to focus on right here. You’re a bit like Centurion, in that you manage to make others look great, just by being you. Not because you heap praise upon them, but because you make them feel like they matter. Those who look at you superficially may not agree, but we’ve had many battles and every bout is a memory I’ll carry to my grave. You’re a natural born motivator. You’re the engine of the world that surrounds you, the creator of your own utopia in which Sarah Lacklan is the center of the universe. That takes skill. It takes effort. And very few people seem to understand that. But I do.

“So of course I will cherish those victories I hold over you. You ARE the Thanos! You ARE the final stone in the Infinity Gauntlet. But I snapped you once, and I can snap you twice. Because… and this is the second-to-hardest part after trying to put a positive twist on Greggo… I am not a pushover.

“This is to anyone out there watching. Yes, I love fun. Yes, I love a good laugh. But I also love danger. I love adrenaline. I love the rush of leaping off the edge of a cage with no disregard for my own health or safety. And… just a sec, just putting out this disclaimer real quick…

“I love doing a triple moonsault off a ladder to send my opponent crashing and literally burning through a flaming table with steel thumbtacks. I live for that ish. I love danger. I seek it actively. And there’s nothing more dangerous than stepping into a match with some of the world’s greatest athletes and Greggo, and fight for a gateway to one of wrestling’s most coveted prizes. So you best believe I will pour MORE of my heart and MORE of my soul into that match than everybody else. Ya girl’s not just fighting for herself. I’ll be fighting for the people at home watching and cheering. For the kids, and adults because they exist, sporting my mask. For my parents, who I never could’ve done this without. And ultimately me. Because this is my dream. And I won’t just let it shatter. I want my dream to become something that the BFG captures and feeds to children. If you don’t recognize that reference, you’re missing out, fam. Google Roald Dahl. Just… focus on the books.

“Anyway, that’s about all I have time for. I hear some rummaging going on there, and I think it’s the pyrotechnics folks, so this party’s getting started in here! Just remember… Believe in yourself. Believe in what you can do. And I would be forever grateful if you would support me in this match. Wear the mask, carry the banner, wear the Supershirt, eat the Ruby-Ohs! And believe in me. The OG of PG. The Super Dear’O. The Banana-Lime Blur. The Bringer of Order. The Champion of the Just.”

And with a smile and a wink, Ruby signed off.

[Image: xdkhJBl.gif]

]]>

JUMP OF TRUST

Nicolas: “Whoaaaaa, check this out!”

Ruby’s dad shouted out in amazement, running towards his wife and daughter, carrying two huge bags.

Quote:We cut to the three Debuchy’s sitting at home on their sofa…

Ruby: “Japan, here we come!”

Nicolas: “Doragetimashu~~!”

Ruby: “What does that mean?”

Nicolas: “I’ve no idea! I don’t speak Japanese! It just sounds so cool!”

Olivia rolled her eyes.

Olivia: “It’s not even a word, ma chérie. Anyway, our week is up, so tonight we’re leaving for Japan, and the plan is to soak up a bit of the local culture before we see our Ruby at Leap of Faith.”

Nicolas: “It’s gonna be pineapple and coconuts! I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. The lights. The food. The people. Woooow!”

Ruby: “Haha. Lonely Island! Classic! I gotta make a small stop along the way to surprise my good old buddy the SarLack pit, but then it’s on like King AND Donkey Kong!”

Olivia: “The timing is a bit weird though. Just now that the supermarkets have finally managed to restock all the toilet paper, we’re off to another country.”

Nicolas: “Finally. I think I have the Ottawa Daily’s logo printed in between my hind cheeks by now”

Ruby: “Dad, TMI!”

Olivia: “I just used a bidet. Much cleaner, anyway.”

Nicolas: “No it’s not! You don’t wash a car with just the hose, do you?”

Olivia: “Of course I don’t, cleaning the car is your job.”

Ruby: “Okay, I think it’s time we move on.”

Quote:We cut to Olivia, setting on the sofa by herself.

Olivia: “My husband is a good man, but he doesn’t really… think things through, sometimes. He’s always so enthusiastic about everything, jumping head in first, that he does or says things that aren’t exactly what the young kids these days would call ‘woke’. Thankfully, we managed to raise our Ruby right, so that she got the best parts from both of us. It’s been a struggle at times, like when he tried to teach her a Native rain dance when she was six, so that it would rain for the first time in 3 months. Well intended, but micro aggressions can be hurtful too, and we need to be wary of those. Thankfully, he is easily brought to his senses, he never started crying about how right to ‘do a racism’ was being taken away. The same can’t be said for everyone, unfortunately.”

Quote:We find Nicolas on the sofa by himself, his arms crossed over his chest.

Nicolas: “I love my wife, but sometimes I feel like she gets a kick out of bringing people down. For example , she always loves to remind me about how I’m getting older, even if I don’t feel like it! In my heart I still feel like I’m thirty, and that I have my entire life in front of me and can do anything I still want to do! Sure, my hair is getting thinner, I’m pretty sure I can no longer do a backflip or stand atop a human pyramid, but why focus on that? I’m just glad I managed to teach our Ruby to always see the good in people, and to always be positive and believe in herself and others. Sometimes, I think that’s why her wrestling peers don’t always take her seriously, because she never learned trash talk or cuss words at home. Sure, sometimes a bit of her mother shines through but generally speaking she rarely lets a bad word about someone else cross her lips. And you know what? I’m proud of that. I did that! Even managed to get my wife to stop swearing as well! She was quite the potty mouth before we got married! Isn’t that bananas?”

]]> <![CDATA[A Wrestler to Regard]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37627 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:39:24 -0700 Scott Charlotte]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37627

[Image: ade8cedd68afa7c4f0c78a43bc1e7e7b.jpg]

Last week we brought you an episode of Wrestlers of No Regard. This week, we are sorry to say that our lead interviewer Clarence Clandecker is out of commision. Do not fret! We have expertly acquired a new man who is leagues above Clarence. Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for...The Wraith!

The Wraith: Thank you, thank you. Words cannot express how excited I am to be joining you all this evening. Tonight is very special. Part two of our interview with wrestler, Scott Charlotte, begins now. Who better to speak with him than himself.

The Wraith is sitting in the same seat Clarence was in the last part. On the table in front of them is a half eaten plate of chicken wings no doubt assaulted by Scott and Phil the cameraman. Scott is sitting across from the Wraith and is of course without his mask. He looks almost uninterested in the interview. The Wraith snaps his fingers and Scott attention shifts to his master.

The Wraith: Scott, you put on that mask to protect yourself because you don't think you're good enough without it. Why?

He begins almost robotically, but quickly gains emotion as he continues.

Scott: Before I became the Wraith I was nothing. Just some punk kid trying to make it big when he barely could throw a punch. I tried to join with people, Q.C. Thug and the Young Guns hoping their strengths would overshadow my weaknesses. Sure I got a title, but really how much did I even do? People never took me seriously until I reinvented myself.

The Wraith: It can be said they still don't.

Scott: That's the fucked up part about. When I first did this I wanted to push myself out there as something so different, but then you got all these other guys who want the same thing. To be seen. So, they put on a mask, say some cryptic stuff and hope some idiot in his basement somewhere latches on. The people in the back just laugh at that stuff because it's such a trope. A cliche in the world of wrestling. I mean how many guys go out there and say if you listen to me everything will be better. I'll eat you or kill you or send my goons after you if you don't comply. It's the same story told a thousand times, but I like that story.

The Wraith: You seem different now.

Scott: Really? Age has it's advantages, I'd guess. Right now this duality in my soul won't let up. Sometimes I feel like making a dumb joke and saying I'll hit you with a stiff Groupie Killer, a finisher that's also cliche. A minute goes by and I've got a mask on, which by the way I'd like to say that trying to insult me with it's resemblance to a villain in a superhero movie is pathetic. Do you really think that's an original thought? Don't point out the obvious and expect it's going to get a round of applause. Mention something better, talk about what I SAID not about how I look. That's depressing to hear. I guess that pissed me off a lot more than I admitted at first. Logan could be better, but he is just making the same mistakes I made when I was younger and soon enough people will forget about him, he'll leave and then come back to fail again. Maybe he will look like Darkseid? Who cares. My words are the power you need to cripple.

The Wraith: You're falling off topic.

Scott: Sorry, I got lost. I can say that this time is different from all the other times, but I know down to it's core it is not. The only difference now is that I feel like I'm channeling both of my inner demons. This real person and this specter. That's something I can work with. All my life people have put me down for doing anything no matter if I was right or wrong. My brother would make fun of my looks, weight and hit me for good measure. I was always told how much better he was than me and yet I knew he was shit, but it didn't matter. I'm the black sheep. The only wrestler in my family, a single waste of space. No kids, mom, sorry I can't put this shit into anyone else's head. My anxiety is astronomical, it could devour planets.

The Wraith: You're rambling.

Scott: Damn right I am! Haven't you ever been lost and just kept going in different directions until you found the right path home?

The Wraith: Or found the right path to death.

Scott: Yeah, but it's high risk, high reward. Sure, you might die, but you also might live. That's life!! You don't seem to understand.

The Wraith: I understand. I am you after all?

Scott: True.

The Wraith: Anything you want me to feel, I feel.

Scott: It works both ways.

The Wraith: True.

Scott: I have more conversations with myself and than I have with an actual human being.

The Wraith: You don't think you're human?

Scott: No.

The Wraith: How so?

Scott: I don't mean I think I'm some sort of demon, even if that's what you make me say. No, I'm just not human. A husk, I'm a husk of human. That moldy sarcophagus that's long since been empty thanks to the worms. To the people, that doesn't sell. Nobody wants to hear about shit like that because it makes them think about how sad they are or how angry they are. They'd rather sit back with a drink and hear a pirate sing a tune about his opponents. Or listen to a man use the word Dick as a double entendre. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed those guys. It's just that's the kinda of stuff that gets people in the seats. It's so different than the millionth guy wanting them to join them in their solidarity of somberness. Oswald thinks we are the same. Philosophers. He couldn't see past the lie that I am telling myself. I'm a fucking idiot.

The Wraith: Don't say that.

Scott: What?! It's true! You know it and everyone else out there knows it. How in the fuck did I get the air of respect from any of these guys like Raven, Vinnie, Price or Az? Because I said some words like I'm some sort of nobleman. That's acting, assholes.

The Wraith: You don't really think that. When you don the mask and play this part, so call it, you actually believe what you are saying. You aren't one person.

Scott: I know that, but-

The Wraith: But what? Embrace it! Don't get in your own way like you always do. You are the only thing standing in your way. You have real competition on Sunday, even the guys who barely win can throw a wrench into your plans.

Scott: Roberts?

He says with a pinch of jest.

The Wraith: Yes, but don't just laugh that off. Threats come in all shapes and sizes. The pirate and the clown are big threats. They shouldn't be taken seriously at all, but you've got bigger names putting up bets for them to win!

Scott: Yeah what's up with that? Isn't there some sort of issue with Atara and Knuckles just out right saying they are going to win? It's disrespectful to myself and everyone else in the match.

The Wraith: People make predictions all the time.

Scott: Yet my name never leaves the lips of the lunatics.

Wraith chuckles at the comment.

The Wraith: You're calling them lunatics? Pot.

Scott: Kettle. I get it, but it really fucks with my head to have that vote of no confidence from people who have titles or will have titles. To be honest my bets are on their losses, but I know that only comes from a place of anger. I want retribution for their words.

The Wraith: They don't owe you that.

Scott: But they owe me something! I want people to take me seriously!

The Wraith: Shouting that won't help.

Scott: It might. I don't know. You're right, it won't. The only thing I can do is get in the ring and prove myself even if I lose.

The Wraith: That's the spirit. You can grow from loss and you might be able to hurt them a bit. You get eliminated, but then you help Azrael out of the ring by smashing his face into the floor. Then you gouge out Acab's only good eye, then rip of Powers favorite Richard. Break Storm's bones, stab Logan in the ear. Just let it out, Scott. Drown Robbie in his own drink. Slam Roberts into the dirt. Eviscerate Oswald. Throw Mcbride into an iron maiden and watch the blood drip. Call a doctor for Trust and welcome Mackenzie to the XWF by ending her career by breaking her spine.

The Wraith gets louder as he monologues on maiming his and Scott's opponents. Scott's eyes widen in horror and then he replies with disgust.

Scott: Jesus.

The Wraith: What? It's what you were thinking. It's what you want. Remember how this started? We were obsessed with pain because it's the only way to show people your true self. You don't want to have people join you. You want them to become you. To know how it feels to be laughed at and ignored. That's power.

Scott licks his lips and smirks.

Scott: Power is appetizing.

The Wraith: It's delectable. Don't you agree, Phil?

The Wraith motions to an unseen person behind the camera. Heavy breathing is now heard and in shaky voice, Phil responds.

Phil: Um...look I just want to go home.

The Wraith stands and laughs as he places his hands together. He walks off camera and Scott follows him with his eyes. Horrendous screams of pain echo throughout the apartment. Scott looks to Keith's open door thankful that his roommate had left. Crying can now be heard and then Phil screams.

Phil: OKAY OKAY I AGREE, PLEASE.

The Wraith: Thank you. This interview is almost over, don't worry, my boy.

He walks back in frame and adjusts his white coat. Phil attempts to reason with him.

Phil: Mr. Clandecker-

Wraith turns abruptly. He points a finger towards Phil and snorts.

The Wraith: He's not here right now, please leave a message.

He puts his hand to where his ear should be a waits. He gets no answer and Wraith walks back to his chair. He sits and sighs acting as if nothing has happened.

The Wraith: Scott, it feels like you haven't really addressed your opponents enough. I want you to let it out. No holds barred.

Scott: Why? There's too many in this match to get into. Nobody really wants to spend the effort in going over each and every line they've said about them. It's exhausting.

Wraith leans forward and points at Scott in an accusatory manner.

The Wraith: You see the hypocrisy there?

Scott: Roberts.

The masked man throws his hands up in victory.

The Wraith: Yes.

Scott: I want people to acknowledge my words, but I also understand how tiresome it is to get into. So, yes, I am a hypocrite. In my defense it's not like anyone ever says anything of merit. At least, not this low on the card. I have to walk in and make a statement before I can have a match later in the night. Make people want to wait for me, whether it's to see me win or lose. I want to win, I think I can win, but if I lose it doesn't matter. I'll say it again and again until the point is made. The Wraith begins at Leap of Faith. I said it seven years ago and it never deviated. I'm fucking Mozart in this bitch and all of you plebs are Salieri.

The Wraith: Solid reference.

Scott: I googled it.

He shows Wraith his phone, but Wraith ushers it to be put away. Scott complies.

The Wraith: I know. Look, I'm growing a bit weary of this doll. I'd rather come home if you don't mind. You've been very honest, yet a bit flighty, with me today. I'm proud of you.

Scott nods and attempts to give Wraith a smile, but is barely able to do one believably.

Scott: Thank you, I'm proud of you too.

Scott stands and walks over to the Wraith and places his hands on the mask.

The Wraith: Remember, if you can't be better, then make them just...like...you.

He pulls the mask off and the man under the mask is revealed to be Clarence. He gasps and looks around the room anxiously as if he had just awoken from a nightmare.

Clarence: What, what happened! Phil?! Scott, what the fu-

Scott has turned around and placed the mask back on his face.

"The Wraith" Scott Charlotte: You saw it, didn't you. The man. He doesn't like you, Clarence. At least you understand now. Please, leave when you are ready.

Clarence shakes his head and grabs his hair in a panic. He rips some of it out unknowingly.

Clarence: Phil let's go! Grab the camera!! I don't want to be here!

Clarence stands and rushes out the door. The camera shakes and Phil takes it off it's stand, knocking over the stand in the process with loud CLACK. He tries to leave out the door.

"The Wraith" Scott Charlotte: Oh, Phil.

Phil turns and the camera turns with him. The Wraith is standing directly in the frame as his eyes shine in the light. They no longer seem human, but at the same time have a tint of sadness.

"The Wraith" Scott Charlotte: You're welcome anytime. Those wings won't eat themselves you know.

Phil is unable to speak. He runs out the door, wheezing the whole way. He runs to the van as Clarence is already in attempting to start the vehicle. He is yelling about something, but it is unintelligible. Phil stops in his tracks and places the camera in his hand. He tries to open the door, but it is locked.

Phil: OPEN IT!

Clarence says something again, but Phil can not understand him.

And then...

CRASH.

The van is crippled by a truck slamming into the back. The camera is stuck on Phil's red face, covered in dirt from the ground.

[Image: p_197-329-tragedy-comedy-270x270.jpg]

]]>

]]> <![CDATA[When Dove's Cry]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37622 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:18:33 -0700 Jenny Myst]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37622

Jenny sunk down into the bubbles, the warmth of the tub was welcoming to her perfect skin. Her eyes closed, she had her bedazzled cell phone on the ledge, next to her wine bottle and glass, and a female voice was echoing through the bathroom.

Voice on the phone: Giiiirl, I can't wait for tomorrow night. I'm gonna be there! I am sitting in this fucking airport currently, and its a clusterfuck in here. I mean, I get it, but I have a first class ticket I should get moved to the front of the line!

Jenny smiled.

"It's cuz you aren't with me. Hell, we'd be popping bubbly 40 minutes pre-flight in the cockpit if I was there! You know how I roll. Tell Bunny over there at RLF to use her connections, I'm sure she's sucked off at least someone in the TSA."

The voice on the other line laughs. They laugh together.

Voice on the phone: "But for real, whats been up? I see you have a show now. Very cool!"

"The coolest"

Voice on the phone: "I am so happy for you. You've come a long way since we worked together in Vegas......like a whole new woman."

"The Queen."

Voice on the phone: "Look at you all put together! So, this Atara cunt.....I've seen the hype for the match. Who does she think she is? We've got a Sakura Synn on our hands all over again."

Jenny laughed a bit.

"Difference is, Sakura was talented. She was Japanese wasn't she?"

Voice on the phone: "Korean, I think."

"Either way, I taught her who the dominant female was in RLF, and I am the first ever True Champion for that company."

Voice on the phone: "And reigning.......if we ever open the doors back up"

"Maybe I'll bring the True Title to Leap of Faith. I have the Bombshell, still. Walk out with two belts. Ha, imagine that, 'Jenny two belts!'"

Voice on the phone: "Catchy."

"Yeah, but everything I do is catchy. It's like, unbelievable almost. When I first got here I was nothing more than a former stripper providing arm candy for the hottest star in the business at the time.....now, I am independent, I have a resume Steve Jobs would be jealous of, and I get to actually do what I truly love.....whipping a bitch's ass. Like, where did I get so lucky all the sudden?"

Voice on the phone: "So....independent....you aren't with Chris anymore?"

"I still love him, I do. We are still dating, but he isn't the same person anymore. He refuses to go to therapy and his demeanor has gotten...well, scary to say the least. I joined B.O.B so I could make my own waves and not have the name Chaos.......if I can be honest......holding me down."

Voice on the phone: "I hear that. But keep him around, girl, because a guy that dangerous and insane, you don't want him as en enemy."

"Like I said, I still love him, I just can't professionally be associated right now."

Voice on the phone: "So, how's the sex? Is it better now that he's like insane....like does he do wild stuff....."

Jenny snorted a bit.

"Ummm.....girl, bye. That's the last thing on my mind right now. Ask Atara if you wanna know about sex, she's slept with half the roster."

Voice on the phone: "Ahh one of those types."

"Yeah, and adding to the fact she has no talent. She's just an entire casserole of nonsense."

The two laugh together again.

"So, how's that XWF contract coming along?"

Voice on the phone: "I said I was going to be there tomorrow, did I not?"

"Yeah but I thought like, as a fan."

Voice on the phone: "Your fan."

Jenny blushes.

"Awww. I love you."

Voice on the phone: "Happy birthday, by the way! You deserve this! 26! Ahhhh!"

Jenny smiles again.

"I do. I really do."

Voice on the phone: "So tell me in your old age you haven't lost it. Tell me that somewhere inside that Queenly body the old Jenny from the block still resides. Cut me a promo........lemme see what this Queen can do!"

Jenny smiles, taking a sip of her wine, leaving lipstick marks as she sets it back on the edge of the tub. Sitting up, so the bubbles come just above her bust, she presses the video button on her phone. The two fan girl scream when they see each other, but then Jenny composes herself and looks into her phone screen.

How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding (maybe, maybe I'm like my father)
Maybe I'm just like my father too bold (you know he's too bold)
Maybe you're just like my mother (maybe you're just like my mother)
She's never satisfied (she's never, never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other? (Why do we scream? Why?)
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

"Am I supposed to be impressed that you cage fight? Am I supposed to be impressed that you have a martial arts background? Am I supposed to be impressed by anything you do? Atara I wanted this match because I want you to understand that there is a ranking system around here. ONE female at the Universal Title level in our history and do you know why? Because there is a ranking system around here. I think you know it, too, which is why you leach on to any male in the arena with more than $50 in his wallet. There is a class system here, kid, and in our class, I am the top.

You can preach all you want that men and women are on equal footing, but there is a clear distinction about who they want at the top. I was the "Universal Champion" of the women's division, and the longest reigning one at that. When they saw the women's division getting too powerful, the matches becoming better than the men's, the Bombshell Title getting more play than the other titles, they took it away. They took it because men didn't want it and women, THIS WOMAN, was becoming too powerful to control. The closest you've gotten to a belt that matters was when your forehead smacked Warstein's belt....over and over......I heard he likes to wear it when he gets........

Nevermind.

The point is your entire argument is stupid. Laying out all the times you've tried and failed, but highlighting the fact you're even in the picture? "On the podium" as you called it. Unfortunately for you, your measure of greatness here isn't based on "almost's" and "what ifs". Your measure of greatness here isn't measured on how many times you tried. You can spin it and sugarcoat it as many times as you want, Atara, but the truth is the truth. You are a failure. I didn't wanna go here, I really didn't, but I just can't let you go through life with the misconception that anyone actually gives a fuck about you. How mean would that be? All of your talking points, they are moot. Atara, you buried yourself with your own line.

Atara: "I am sure you have competed for titles countless times Jenny, but this has all been in the span of less than a year for me."

Do you understand the magnitude of that statement? You said it for how hard it hits, but the only one it hit hard is you. Shall I explain? I'm gonna anyway, so put the dick down and listen.

*clears throat*

Do you really think you got all that spotlight on your own? You must be delusional. You got that attention because of your affiliation with the Universal Champion. I don't see what he saw in you, though, because it looks like you can eat an apple through a chain-linked fence. The slut industry has really let its standards slip. You look like an escort that specializes in halfway houses. That aside, it was a MAN who controlled YOUR destiny. None of this you earned on your own. You wanna throw War Games in my face? Why not tell them what REALLY happened? You were the bitch management came to? Let's be real with ourselves here. Them asking you to captain was them trying to stick it to Warstein. No more, no less. If you didn't spend the majority of your time here with his kids dribbling down your chin, you would have been some rando drafted somewhere in the later rounds. But then, when the spotlight was on, the pressure was mounting, you couldn't hack it, could ya? You folded like a lawn chair. You drafted ME because you thought it gave you the best chance to win, and when you QUIT on your team they turned to a real leader....moi. You quit on management, you quit on Warstein, you quit on your team....just like you're gonna quit tomorrow night. When you had to do something by yourself and didn't have Shawn's hand up your cooch controlling your every move, you just couldn't handle the spotlight after all.

But maybe, it was an attention move? That's what you are about, isn't it? Attention? It's not about being the top female, its about how many men give you the time of day.

You want an actual shoot promo instead of the regular "you're a slut" or "too much makeup" bullshit? Fine.

See, you're moderately attractive. You know that, I know that, everyone in this company can see it. The problem is, that's where your contribution to society comes to a grinding halt. You turned to social media, thinking it would make you some sort of celebrity. This promo is a plea for attention, but you're tired of doing it on social media because you get the same desperate guys who will tell you anything flattering so that they can fuck you on your parents bed and then ditch you for the next girl looking for approval and validation through a mans cock. That's all you are to them, and all you were to Shawn Warstein.

So instead you come here, on the XWF airwaves, because you feel here people aren't afraid to be brutally honest so you'll finally hear the truth that you've always known in your heart, but nobody would ever admit to you because the guys want to fuck you, and your dumb slut sister and the other females taking up precious oxygen on this roster have the same downfalls you do but are too afraid to admit it.

All these cryptic videos and messages, you belong in a mental hospital, but it doesn't surprise me. Your like the suicidal teen in the family, pumping out your dark nonsense over and over. All those surrounding you are most likely getting tired of all your 'attempts' and are one more 'woe is me' tale away from dropping a pamphlet under your door about how to properly cut. (Note: Sideways for attention, longways for results).

Jokes aside, Atara, this is serious.

If you manage to make it past 35, you'll most likely end up on strong antidepressants because your looks are long gone, your kids resent you for being a terrible mother that they have to take care of, you have no stable income because you never got a decent job because you skated through life on your looks, and your husband realizes he married a headcase that he doesn't love anymore and will find solace in call girls and internet sluts.

But as stated before, we all know you just did this for attention. So you got what you wanted. Satisfied?

Voice on the phone: "goddamn....."

Atara: "I am sure you have competed for titles countless times Jenny, but this has all been in the span of less than a year for me."

Lets go back to the line you clearly didn't think over before you let slip from your dick holster. You think I only care about title shots? I mean, clearly you rank yourself by how many you've received. I have been far more "influential" to this roster than you are giving me credit for. Not only do I have a win loss record that is enviable, am the longest reigning Bombshell Champ in history, a former X-Treme champion, but I was the face of Ax3, won a briefcase, and became the GENERAL MANAGER of Savage, all while Chris was spiraling downhill on a quest to chase a belt he probably didn't deserve in the first place. I did it all by myself, Atara, and I did all that in a year. Now I have the best talk show on cable TV. What have you done except try and fail? When people think of the women of XWF, they think of ME. Name me ONE bitch that was here when I got here that is still a consistent face in XWF? I'll give you the answer, toots.

Not. A. Single. One.

I've outlasted my competition, out classed my competitors, and took my place as Queen for a reason. I am the personification of perfection, and you, Atara, you're the human embodiment of a participation trophy. So before you try to throw accomplishments in my face, do a little research first.

Need I remind you that this Pay Per View, Leap of Faith, I am 2-0? What have I done?

There is a reason the match is set up the way it is, and I didn't feel the need to elaborate until now. At THIS event, Leap of Faith......In 2017 I stripped Miss Michelle down to her bra and panties to win the Bombshell Title. Funny how that's a stipulation, eh?

LEAP OF FAITH 2018 I made March Madness Winner Madison Dyson tap out, submit, give up...I made her QUIT. And Madison is twice that man that you are.

Sometimes a Queen has to get her hands dirty. Sometimes she has to get down on the level of the peasants below her and enforce her authority. Sometimes, a Queen has to get physical. She has to take her new role and channel her old self, and show those doubters exactly how it is she got there.

I am going to embarass you in the ring, strip you down to your favorite outfit, then make you quit in front of thousands of paying customers and millions watching at home. It's not about whose the most dominant, Atara, you're right. It's about whose better. And I am, in every way shape and conceivable form, better....than....you."

She smiles a wicked grin before pouring a glass of red wine and re-adjusting the phone.

"So where were we?"

Voice on the phone: Tomorrow night.........

"Oh yeah......."

Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride

It's Not Easy; Being Queen

]]>

Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride

It's Not Easy; Being Queen

]]> <![CDATA[Yokozuna]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37575 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:15:32 -0700 Prof. Bobby Bourbon]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37575

Robbie Bourbon recently took time off.

He returns at Leap of Faith, much to his joy.

YOKOZUNA

Robbie is seen walking through a forest. The exact placement is unknown besides earth, since it's a path beset by plant life and a canopy of trees blocking better lighting. Behind him, ever so slightly, are Diamondback, the man who can blend into any crowd, and Cyberjaw, the man with the cybernetic jaw.

Where are we going?

I told you, I gotta train and get the ring rust dusted off before I dust off some fools at Leap of Faith.

We're just walking through the woods.

Free leg day, all day, every day.

Yeah, but we could have walked through the woods at home. You flew all the way to Japan early to walk through the woods. In Japan.

There's good reasoning for that.

Really? I mean usually when you come to Japan you insist on riding the bullet train places. You don't even get off anywhere in particular, you just like standing up on the bullet train then it starts moving.

Yeah, it's fun. I call it train surfing. I do it at home on the Metro all the time too. Free leg day.

That's, um, anyway, so walking through a forest in Japan is training for a battle royale now?

The three men enter a clearing where we see a large building.

No, the training is in here. What better way to get ready to toss people out of a ring in Japan than learning how to toss people out of a ring in Japan?

You're talking in circles, it's less than cute.

Four enormous men in kimonos step out from inside the building.

Oh shit.

Hyep. Gonna do a little sumo today, fellas.

Are you going to wear the diaper?

It's called a mawashi, and yes, I'll be wearing one.

The four men murmer among themselves as Robbie approaches. A smaller, much older man steps forward, smiling, as if he'd been expecting Robbie. He says something. Cyberjaw steps forward to translate.

He says welcome, this will be funny.

What do you mean funny?

The older man says something to the four behemoths as they reenter the building.

He says this will be an easy day for them.

Robbie looks less than pleased. He, Diamondback, and Cyberjaw enter the sumo dojo. Inside, eleven big ole' chubby and thick sumo wrestlers in mawashis are seen eating huge bowls of rice. Robbie and his cohorts are beckoned to join them. Robbie sits, and is handed a bowl of rice. He sets it down in front of himself.

Thanks.

One of the sumos looks at Robbie and grunts something.

He says to eat. You'll need your strength.

I can't, I'm on a keto diet man.

Robbie unzips his fanny pack and pulls out a fully cooked steak. He starts to eat it with his hands like it's a slice of pizza. The sumos all look in shock at Robbie with his pocket food, shunning their food. One gets up, walks over to Robbie, snatches the stead from him, and throws it out a window.

Hey! Steaks aren't cheap, asshole!

Robbie stands up and is immediately in the face of the sumo. The old man who runs the dojo giggles. He says something.

He says you look eager to train.

I'm going to whoop this guy's ass for throwing my steak away!

Robbie reaches into his fanny pack and pulls out his backup steak. He takes a bite out of it and puts it back into the presumably very greasy and beef scented interior of the fanny pack. The sumo stomps on the floor, and gets himself set, looking dead at Robbie. Robbie squats as well, setting to sumo. With a start, the actual sumo wrestler makes his move, and the thunderous sound of both men clashing is quickly followed up by the thunderous sound of Robbie being hoisted like a rag doll and thrown to the floor. The rest of the sumo wrestlers laugh as Robbie slowly gets up.

He threw you on the floor.

You think? You say that like I wasn't there.

As Robbie gets to his feet, he's quickly bowled over by the sumo wrestler who threw his steak. A dishonorable cheap shot, rarely seen in sumo competition.

That was a dishonorable cheap shot.

Rarely seen in sumo competition!

...

Robbie looks very unhappy as the sumo wrestlers all chuckle at his expense. As he gets up this time, the sumo wrestler who had been bullying him is standing and waiting. Robbie delivers a swift uppercut to the sumo wrestler's testicles. The leader of the sumo dojo hollers something.

He says you dishonor this dojo!

I honor MY dojo!

Two more sumo wrestlers approach Robbie, who is up and besided a doubled over sumo wrestler holding his crotch. Robbie grabs each by the throat and delivers stereo chokeslams to each! With that, Robbie turns and hoists the sumo he punched in the dick up, and Robbiebombs the massive man into the wooden floor of the dojo!

Who's fuckin' next?

We cut to the exterior of the sumo dojo, and from there we hear the massive ruckus inside of eleven massive sumo wrestlers presumably beating the living daylights out of their somewhat arrogant American guest. However, this turns out to not be the case whatsoever, as we see the leader of the dojo bolt out of the building, terror stricken. Robbie bursts through the paper wall of this very traditional Japanese structure. He's covered in blood, grinning from ear to ear from the sheer calamity of the fracas. The leader of the dojo turns and says something to Robbie. Cyberjaw steps out through the portal Robbie created in the wall, along with Diamondback.

He says he wants mercy. You are the mightiest rikishi he has ever seen.

With that, the sounds of air raid sirens shatter the air. The world trembles.

Guys, you might wanna check your phones!

Diamondback shows the screen of his smart phone, and massive Kaiju are indeed attacking Japan, as they do. Robbie goes wide eyed.

Shit! They'll destroy the arena! How am I going to beat up people in front of a crowd without an arena!

Cyberjaw pulls out a syringe.

Here, this will help!

Robbie injects the syringe, filled with a glowing green substance, into his neck. His eyes almost bulge out of their sockets, and almost instantly Robbie is massive, the size of Godzilla, an awesome sight to behold. He steps on the sumo dojo, very possibly killing the sumo wrestlers inside, nope, they're all okay and standing around outside of the building's remains, then runs after the giant lizard bird monkey dog that's attacking Japan! As he runs, he prepares his notorious venom fueled fire breathing attack, as always, for the good of all mankind.

Well, here I be, big in Japan because I'm big everywhere I go. Coming to the battle royale as the primary feature, wrecking bodies left and right like I'm some insidious creature, selling out the Saitama, every box and each bleacher, scorching fools with hellfire, they'll go beg of their preacher because they're getting schooled, like first period, and I'm the new teacher.

Andrew Logan, the 38-year-old rookie, has no idea what it takes to be a name in this business. And he never fucking will. Showing gratitude towards Mackenzie, someone barely knowing where she fucking works, but daring to try to say anything disparaging about me, someone who has shed more blood in XWF arenas than his heart has ever pumped at the same time, in one breath, just puts his face next to the word "primadona" in any given dictionary. We get it, Andy, this was supposed to be your big coming out party, proof that you could hack it anywhere but the fucking nickel and dime world you come from in a whole damned universe, and whoops, you ran into a real monster.

Oh, shit, you're like the fake pirate who wasted time researching shit like this was a fucking college assignment. Did you cite your sources in proper MLA format before just chalking me up as a fatso then getting sad I called you a mutt? It doesn't fucking matter, I've been getting ready to wreck in a ring, not acting like I'm going into a match like it's the essay question on the finals for remedial English 115.

Shhh, shh, welcome to the actual big leagues, you're welcome for the education on what smacktalk sounds like. Being a doofus after football practice is so basic that even Broken Oswald could excel at it. No wonder you're tired after talking about 'all of us', looks like you'd get tuckered out just trying to say your ABC's. Not to say dumb isn't dangerous in a match; just not dangerous to me.

Don't chew gum and walk, because you seem primed to choke as is at Leap of Faith.

Oh, and Captain Acab? There won't be any timbers to shiver, no buckles to swash, no loot, no plunder, just a stupid parrot regurgitating words in Azrael Erebus. Sure, Az, you beat me, without your powers, but considering the global pandemic and racial tensions in the U.S., what the fuck are your powers worth anyhow? Does that mean the times I beat you, it was with your powers active or something? The power to look human, use human words, but still not sound like a person whatsoever? Ooh, ah, big fucking deal.

But, back to the walking cliche, I didn't do the research here, but I didn't feel I had to, but pirates like you went extinct hundreds of years ago. You want to question why the fuck I am in the opening match at a wrestling pay-per-view, it's because I'm on the road to proving that I can still last in a new era in the XWF, that I can still offer the fans something to cheer for, and lest we forget, to bring perdition to eleven fools setting themselves up like bowling pins to get knocked down and out. Never you mind that bowling alleys only set up ten pins.

I'm Robbie Bourbon, and I take this shit to eleven!

So why is it a fucking seventeen hundreds pirate is going to be in Japan, on a wrestling pay-per-view, singing and dancing his little jig?

Get back to us on that, or not, doesn't matter. You can't answer once I make you swallow your teeth. We've heard of pirates with fake legs, hands, and even eyes, you're going to be the Poligrip Pirate, the man with fake teeth after I kick yours in.

But hey, I reckon that's a sight better'n being the superstar of the methadone clinic, Docktor Trust. The shame of it is Liam Roberts is trying really, REALLY hard to compete with you there. Your daddy liked to annoy me?

I don't know who your daddy was and I don't give a shit. Pretty sure he figuratively sucked my left gonad literally trying to suck my left gonad. Annoy and pin aren't one in the same. I reckon I musta busted his ass somewhere down the line. Give him a call after I do the same to you, the both of you can bond over it. Father and son, united in an ass whooping given by me.

Brian Storm still sucks, good to see that hasn't changed while I was away. Congrats, Brian, for the first time in your career the crowd won't get up to take a piss or buy merch with my face on it during one of your matches, because they wanna see actual stars like me.

Dick Powers, funny name and proud to be a part timer. Glad you think this is like a ski trip in the alps. I'll be the avalanche, some kind of natural disaster coming down the mountain on you. I mean, sucks to be you, you've invoked the ire of someone around here, but they suck anyhow, so I guess you have that going for you?

We have Az, again, who wants to focus on how they beat me without powers. Funny, you're not the only person who's ever beaten me, I can admit I've lost here and there, but none of they used powers to beat me either. Kinda goofy that you have all these powers but, hey, home finance is what we need to hear about from you.

Fuck your powers. They mean dick.

We have a global pandemic, your powers haven't done shit.

Giant monsters are actively attacking Japan, and I'm chasing them down after injecting some radioactive goop into my jugular, your powers are fuck all.

Shit, with all your powers, you're about as interesting as Ghost Tank, or Broken Autism Septic Tank, or whatever he calls himself now that he's rich but using his wealth to just be a dullard. Wait, that's an insult to GT to say you're as interesting as him.

I have read bowls of Cheerios with more personality and charm than Az, and all they said was "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO".

Say, how do you get a schizophrenic on meth to go to sleep? Show it a McBride promo!

Robbie catches up to the giant monster. It screeches at him. Robbie hollers right back at him.

Fuck you!

Robbie walks confidently right up to the monster and throws an uppercut, this time not to the testicles, knocking the big doofy thing into space!]]>

Robbie Bourbon recently took time off.

He returns at Leap of Faith, much to his joy.

YOKOZUNA

Robbie is seen walking through a forest. The exact placement is unknown besides earth, since it's a path beset by plant life and a canopy of trees blocking better lighting. Behind him, ever so slightly, are Diamondback, the man who can blend into any crowd, and Cyberjaw, the man with the cybernetic jaw.

Where are we going?

I told you, I gotta train and get the ring rust dusted off before I dust off some fools at Leap of Faith.

We're just walking through the woods.

Free leg day, all day, every day.

Yeah, but we could have walked through the woods at home. You flew all the way to Japan early to walk through the woods. In Japan.

There's good reasoning for that.

Really? I mean usually when you come to Japan you insist on riding the bullet train places. You don't even get off anywhere in particular, you just like standing up on the bullet train then it starts moving.

Yeah, it's fun. I call it train surfing. I do it at home on the Metro all the time too. Free leg day.

That's, um, anyway, so walking through a forest in Japan is training for a battle royale now?

The three men enter a clearing where we see a large building.

No, the training is in here. What better way to get ready to toss people out of a ring in Japan than learning how to toss people out of a ring in Japan?

You're talking in circles, it's less than cute.

Four enormous men in kimonos step out from inside the building.

Oh shit.

Hyep. Gonna do a little sumo today, fellas.

Are you going to wear the diaper?

It's called a mawashi, and yes, I'll be wearing one.

The four men murmer among themselves as Robbie approaches. A smaller, much older man steps forward, smiling, as if he'd been expecting Robbie. He says something. Cyberjaw steps forward to translate.

He says welcome, this will be funny.

What do you mean funny?

The older man says something to the four behemoths as they reenter the building.

He says this will be an easy day for them.

Robbie looks less than pleased. He, Diamondback, and Cyberjaw enter the sumo dojo. Inside, eleven big ole' chubby and thick sumo wrestlers in mawashis are seen eating huge bowls of rice. Robbie and his cohorts are beckoned to join them. Robbie sits, and is handed a bowl of rice. He sets it down in front of himself.

Thanks.

One of the sumos looks at Robbie and grunts something.

He says to eat. You'll need your strength.

I can't, I'm on a keto diet man.

Robbie unzips his fanny pack and pulls out a fully cooked steak. He starts to eat it with his hands like it's a slice of pizza. The sumos all look in shock at Robbie with his pocket food, shunning their food. One gets up, walks over to Robbie, snatches the stead from him, and throws it out a window.

Hey! Steaks aren't cheap, asshole!

Robbie stands up and is immediately in the face of the sumo. The old man who runs the dojo giggles. He says something.

He says you look eager to train.

I'm going to whoop this guy's ass for throwing my steak away!

Robbie reaches into his fanny pack and pulls out his backup steak. He takes a bite out of it and puts it back into the presumably very greasy and beef scented interior of the fanny pack. The sumo stomps on the floor, and gets himself set, looking dead at Robbie. Robbie squats as well, setting to sumo. With a start, the actual sumo wrestler makes his move, and the thunderous sound of both men clashing is quickly followed up by the thunderous sound of Robbie being hoisted like a rag doll and thrown to the floor. The rest of the sumo wrestlers laugh as Robbie slowly gets up.

He threw you on the floor.

You think? You say that like I wasn't there.

As Robbie gets to his feet, he's quickly bowled over by the sumo wrestler who threw his steak. A dishonorable cheap shot, rarely seen in sumo competition.

That was a dishonorable cheap shot.

Rarely seen in sumo competition!

...

Robbie looks very unhappy as the sumo wrestlers all chuckle at his expense. As he gets up this time, the sumo wrestler who had been bullying him is standing and waiting. Robbie delivers a swift uppercut to the sumo wrestler's testicles. The leader of the sumo dojo hollers something.

He says you dishonor this dojo!

I honor MY dojo!

Two more sumo wrestlers approach Robbie, who is up and besided a doubled over sumo wrestler holding his crotch. Robbie grabs each by the throat and delivers stereo chokeslams to each! With that, Robbie turns and hoists the sumo he punched in the dick up, and Robbiebombs the massive man into the wooden floor of the dojo!

Who's fuckin' next?

We cut to the exterior of the sumo dojo, and from there we hear the massive ruckus inside of eleven massive sumo wrestlers presumably beating the living daylights out of their somewhat arrogant American guest. However, this turns out to not be the case whatsoever, as we see the leader of the dojo bolt out of the building, terror stricken. Robbie bursts through the paper wall of this very traditional Japanese structure. He's covered in blood, grinning from ear to ear from the sheer calamity of the fracas. The leader of the dojo turns and says something to Robbie. Cyberjaw steps out through the portal Robbie created in the wall, along with Diamondback.

He says he wants mercy. You are the mightiest rikishi he has ever seen.

With that, the sounds of air raid sirens shatter the air. The world trembles.

Guys, you might wanna check your phones!

Diamondback shows the screen of his smart phone, and massive Kaiju are indeed attacking Japan, as they do. Robbie goes wide eyed.

Shit! They'll destroy the arena! How am I going to beat up people in front of a crowd without an arena!

Cyberjaw pulls out a syringe.

Here, this will help!

Robbie injects the syringe, filled with a glowing green substance, into his neck. His eyes almost bulge out of their sockets, and almost instantly Robbie is massive, the size of Godzilla, an awesome sight to behold. He steps on the sumo dojo, very possibly killing the sumo wrestlers inside, nope, they're all okay and standing around outside of the building's remains, then runs after the giant lizard bird monkey dog that's attacking Japan! As he runs, he prepares his notorious venom fueled fire breathing attack, as always, for the good of all mankind.

Well, here I be, big in Japan because I'm big everywhere I go. Coming to the battle royale as the primary feature, wrecking bodies left and right like I'm some insidious creature, selling out the Saitama, every box and each bleacher, scorching fools with hellfire, they'll go beg of their preacher because they're getting schooled, like first period, and I'm the new teacher.

Andrew Logan, the 38-year-old rookie, has no idea what it takes to be a name in this business. And he never fucking will. Showing gratitude towards Mackenzie, someone barely knowing where she fucking works, but daring to try to say anything disparaging about me, someone who has shed more blood in XWF arenas than his heart has ever pumped at the same time, in one breath, just puts his face next to the word "primadona" in any given dictionary. We get it, Andy, this was supposed to be your big coming out party, proof that you could hack it anywhere but the fucking nickel and dime world you come from in a whole damned universe, and whoops, you ran into a real monster.

Oh, shit, you're like the fake pirate who wasted time researching shit like this was a fucking college assignment. Did you cite your sources in proper MLA format before just chalking me up as a fatso then getting sad I called you a mutt? It doesn't fucking matter, I've been getting ready to wreck in a ring, not acting like I'm going into a match like it's the essay question on the finals for remedial English 115.

Shhh, shh, welcome to the actual big leagues, you're welcome for the education on what smacktalk sounds like. Being a doofus after football practice is so basic that even Broken Oswald could excel at it. No wonder you're tired after talking about 'all of us', looks like you'd get tuckered out just trying to say your ABC's. Not to say dumb isn't dangerous in a match; just not dangerous to me.

Don't chew gum and walk, because you seem primed to choke as is at Leap of Faith.

Oh, and Captain Acab? There won't be any timbers to shiver, no buckles to swash, no loot, no plunder, just a stupid parrot regurgitating words in Azrael Erebus. Sure, Az, you beat me, without your powers, but considering the global pandemic and racial tensions in the U.S., what the fuck are your powers worth anyhow? Does that mean the times I beat you, it was with your powers active or something? The power to look human, use human words, but still not sound like a person whatsoever? Ooh, ah, big fucking deal.

But, back to the walking cliche, I didn't do the research here, but I didn't feel I had to, but pirates like you went extinct hundreds of years ago. You want to question why the fuck I am in the opening match at a wrestling pay-per-view, it's because I'm on the road to proving that I can still last in a new era in the XWF, that I can still offer the fans something to cheer for, and lest we forget, to bring perdition to eleven fools setting themselves up like bowling pins to get knocked down and out. Never you mind that bowling alleys only set up ten pins.

I'm Robbie Bourbon, and I take this shit to eleven!

So why is it a fucking seventeen hundreds pirate is going to be in Japan, on a wrestling pay-per-view, singing and dancing his little jig?

Get back to us on that, or not, doesn't matter. You can't answer once I make you swallow your teeth. We've heard of pirates with fake legs, hands, and even eyes, you're going to be the Poligrip Pirate, the man with fake teeth after I kick yours in.

But hey, I reckon that's a sight better'n being the superstar of the methadone clinic, Docktor Trust. The shame of it is Liam Roberts is trying really, REALLY hard to compete with you there. Your daddy liked to annoy me?

I don't know who your daddy was and I don't give a shit. Pretty sure he figuratively sucked my left gonad literally trying to suck my left gonad. Annoy and pin aren't one in the same. I reckon I musta busted his ass somewhere down the line. Give him a call after I do the same to you, the both of you can bond over it. Father and son, united in an ass whooping given by me.

Brian Storm still sucks, good to see that hasn't changed while I was away. Congrats, Brian, for the first time in your career the crowd won't get up to take a piss or buy merch with my face on it during one of your matches, because they wanna see actual stars like me.

Dick Powers, funny name and proud to be a part timer. Glad you think this is like a ski trip in the alps. I'll be the avalanche, some kind of natural disaster coming down the mountain on you. I mean, sucks to be you, you've invoked the ire of someone around here, but they suck anyhow, so I guess you have that going for you?

We have Az, again, who wants to focus on how they beat me without powers. Funny, you're not the only person who's ever beaten me, I can admit I've lost here and there, but none of they used powers to beat me either. Kinda goofy that you have all these powers but, hey, home finance is what we need to hear about from you.

Fuck your powers. They mean dick.

We have a global pandemic, your powers haven't done shit.

Giant monsters are actively attacking Japan, and I'm chasing them down after injecting some radioactive goop into my jugular, your powers are fuck all.

Shit, with all your powers, you're about as interesting as Ghost Tank, or Broken Autism Septic Tank, or whatever he calls himself now that he's rich but using his wealth to just be a dullard. Wait, that's an insult to GT to say you're as interesting as him.

I have read bowls of Cheerios with more personality and charm than Az, and all they said was "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO".

Say, how do you get a schizophrenic on meth to go to sleep? Show it a McBride promo!

Robbie catches up to the giant monster. It screeches at him. Robbie hollers right back at him.

Fuck you!

Robbie walks confidently right up to the monster and throws an uppercut, this time not to the testicles, knocking the big doofy thing into space!]]> <![CDATA[Hard Times]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37625 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 14:21:02 -0700 Centurion]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37625

Centurion: Why does everything have to be a surprise with you?

(Only a few days separate Centurion from the biggest match of his wrestling career, and he gets to go in with some weight lifted off his shoulders, as his relationship with his long time partner Miyoko Kawashima has officially been repaired.

We open up along the Mount Mitake Hiking Trail in Tokyo, Japan. There, we see Miyoko leading Centurion through the woods along the path. After a night of drinking, Centurion’s eyes are hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, and he is moving at a much slower pace than Miyoko is. It is early morning, and there does not appear to be any tourists or other hikers around at this time.)

Miyoko: Unpredictability is the spice of life, Andy! Embrace it.

Centurion: I’m trying, I really am. I’m just sweating sake out of every pour of my body right now.

Miyoko: I know. I can smell you.

(The two step out of the woods as a small, wooden inn - a respite for hikers who take the path – sits alongside the trail. The place seems relatively empty, except for a couple of workers who are walking in and out of the building, and one, solitary woman, with her back turned to the trail, sitting at a table.)

Miyoko: Coffee?

Centurion: The answer to that questions is always “yes”.

(Miyoko and Centurion walk up towards the inn, and as they do, Centurion takes his sunglasses off. He squints to look at the girl at the table – a familiar figure, but one he can not make out. Her hair is in pigtails with some sort of red marking on them, but he can’t quite pinpoint it.)

Centurion: Miyoko...do I know that girl?

Miyoko: I don’t know. Look next to her. Something look familiar to you?

(Centurion glances at the seat next to the girl, and he sees something that makes the whole thing clear to him...

...an Elmo doll.

Centurion’s eyes grow wide and he slightly gasps as the girl turns around to face him. Her eyes immediately lighten up and she jumps out of her seat to run at Centurion with her arms outstretched, looking for a hug.)

Girl: CENTY-KUN!!

[Image: rjIm7hZP_400x400.jpeg]

(The girl is XWF Hall of Famer and former tag team partner of Centurion, Tomoko Hanahara. Tomoko, who suffers from Dissociative Personality Disorder, has three distinct personalities that control her at all time – the base personality, Tomoko, who is quiet and generally overpowered by the other two; Tommy, a childlike, bubbly personality that carries around an Elmo doll that she speaks to and sees the good in the world, and Yui, the “evil” personality that is extremely unpredictable and was most present during the most dominating runs of Tomoko’s legendary career. This personality is clearly Tommy, the one that had the biggest connection to Centurion, and the one whom Centurion met prior to knowing the rest of the “system”.)

Tommy: Miyoko said she was bringing Tommy a present. Cent-kun is the present!

(Tommy crashes into Centurion and wraps him in a hug that can only be described as a death grip, almost knocking Centurion to the ground. Miyoko just laughs as she walks by the pair and toward the inn. Tommy bounces up and down with excitement.)

Tommy: Tommy hasn’t seen Centy-kun is so long! See Elmo, Tommy told you she would see Centy-kun again.

(Tommy glances over at the Elmo doll, who just sits at the table, unmoving. Centurion looks to say something, but he is unable to breathe as Tommy’s grip is too strong to break. After a few seconds, Tommy frowns.)

Tommy: Elmo, be nice to Centy-kun! There is no need for that kind of language.

(Tommy breaks the hold and Centurion takes a deep breath as he holds his sides. Tommy grabs Centurion by the hand and practically drags him over to the table.)

Tommy: Come! Sit with Tommy and Elmo! We want to hear stories of Centy-kun and his adventures.

(Tommy sits back down at the table, and Centurion sits down next to her. Tommy places her elbows down on the table and puts her hands under her chin as she looks at Centurion, waiting for him to tell her stories.)

Centurion: Alright, well...a lot of stuff has happened. But before we get into me, what about you? Why didn’t I get to see you at the Hall of Fame?

(Tommy gets a sad look on her face as she lowers her hands and presses her two pointer fingers together.)

Tommy: Yui said Tommy wasn’t allowed. She said it was not safe for Tommy. So Tomoko did all the talking. But, Tommy WANTED to talk to Centy-kun! And Tommy was happy that Centy-kun introduced us at the event, and said nice things about us. Tommy was happy to know that, um, Centy-kun was still Tommy’s friend.

Centurion: You’ll always be my friend, Tommy. And I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to talk to you much lately. My life is...well, I’ve gone through some things. But I never forgot about you. I never forgot about any of you.

(Centurion says the last sentence while looking at Miyoko, who is walking back to the table with two cups of coffee. She smiles, but it isn’t a wide smile. It’s more of a sad smile – a smile that acknowledges the pain that these folks have gone through over the past few years.

Tommy, meanwhile, just has a giant grin on her face as she goes back to putting her hands under her chin and listening intently to Centurion.)

Tommy: So where has Centy-kun been? Fighting the bad guys?

Centurion: Yeah...well, kind of. I was one of the bag guys for a while. Then I had to fight the bad guys in my head. But now I’m back to fighting the bad guys like I normally did.

(Tommy turns her head to the side in confusion. Centurion takes a sip of his coffee before looking back at Tommy, noticing her confusion.)

Centurion: ...nevermind. How have you been? You look like you’ve been doing really well.

Tommy: Yeah! We live on our own now! Tomoko has a job. Yui hasn’t been hurting us like she was before. We see a nice person every week who talks to us and makes sure we are doing alright. Tommy has not been happier!

(Centurion smiles as he hears the news. The idea of Tomoko Hanahara and the personalities that reside within living anything resembling a “normal” life would have been unthinkable, and yet, it appears as if they are living a life as close to normal as they can possibly be. This is what healing looks like, and if Tomoko can do it, then there is no excuse for Centurion.

As Centurion continues to look at Tommy, he can tell that she is starting to fade. She is fighting it, but her tired eyes show that she is not going to be sticking around in consciousness much longer.)

Centurion: I’m really happy for you, Tommy. And it was good to see you again. I want you to keep working on yourself, ok? Keep getting healthier and stronger.

Tommy: Ok. Um, Tommy has to go now. Will we see Centy-kun again?

Centurion: Of course. And soon. Very soon. I will make sure I won’t go this long between visits again.

Tommy: Yay.

(Tommy claps, but with very little energy. She spaces out as the personalities within Tomoko begin to switch. Both Centurion and Miyoko get a look of nervousness on their face, as what comes next could go one of two ways – either Tomoko comes out, and the three have a lovely “catch up” chat, or Yui comes out, and all bets are off.

After a few seconds, the body’s eyes open again, and it’s clear by the facial expression and the look in her eyes – it's Yui. Miyoko slides to the end of the table, ready to take off if things get out of hand. Centurion, meanwhile, is stuck looking face to face with the unpredictable personality.)

Yui: Hello Andy.

Centurion: Hi Yui. I missed you.

Yui: Don’t lie to me.

(Yui reaches up and pulls the bows out of her pigtails, allowing her hair to fall flat across her shoulders. She then reaches into her pocket and pulls out a choker with a cross on it. She places the bows on the table before attaching the choker to her neck. She glances over at Miyoko, who has one foot away from the table, ready to run.)

Yui: I see Miyoko is still jumpy around me.

Centurion: Yeah, well you did beat the shit out of her.

Yui: So did you.

(Centurion lets out an “oof”. She’s not wrong, and there isn’t much else Centurion can say about the topic. Yui reaches over and takes a sip of the coffee Miyoko brought, and immediately lets out a “blegh!” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a flask of mysterious liquor, which she pours into the coffee.)

Centurion: Tommy says you’re staying out of trouble.

Yui: You sound surprised.

Centurion: I am, given…you know…you.

Yui: Don’t get comfortable. I can still gut you like a fucking fish if I so chose. I just don’t have the passion anymore. After killing pretty much everyone in the WGWF – you’re student Jocelyn among them – I felt like I made my point. Besides, something strange was happening when I spent the nights getting into fights and doing horrible stuff to my body.

Centurion: What’s that?

Yui: I started waking up feeling like shit.

(Yui puts the flash back in her pocket and takes a sip of her coffee, this time flavored to her liking.)

Yui: It was one thing when Tommy or Tomoko had to feel the after effects of my actions, but when I had to start dealing with it, it was no longer fun. Plus, the recovery period lasted longer and longer. After my match at XX, it took me over a week to feel better.

Centurion: You know what that’s called? Getting old.

(Centurion takes a sip of his coffee as Yui scoffs.)

Yui: Speaking of, I see you’re still out there chasing your youth and making an ass out of yourself. You don’t really think you can win the Universal Title, do you?

Centurion: Well…I mean, kinda…

(Yui lets out a slight laugh.)

Yui: You’re Centurion! You’re the one that makes stars out of other people! You whole life has revolved around being a failure! You think, now that you’re an old fucking man, that’s going to somehow change?

(Centurion says nothing, as he takes another sip of his coffee. Miyoko is clearly uncomfortable with the conversation, but she does not wish to speak up, out of fear of getting on Yui’s bad side. Centurion takes a deep breath and sets his coffee back down on the table.)

Centurion: I don’t know. I have no idea what’s in store for me. I might be walking into my death here. But I know I’d rather go down swinging than not fight at all.

Yui: That’s because you’re a stubborn son of a bitch. You should have stayed retired, and you know that. Everyone fucking knows that! But you don’t know what to do without the cheers. You want to know why Fuzz has been far more successful than you? Because he has a killer instinct. He’s constantly trying to better himself. You’re only trying to keep your head above water. He wants to fly, and you just want to make sure you don’t sink.

Centurion: You’re wrong.

Yui: Am I? How many times have you “passed the torch”? How many careers have you attached your sail to? Us, Steve Jason, James Raven, Jocelyn Camden – You lived through other people because you couldn’t achieve that level of success yourself. And now, at your age, you want to put it all on the line, put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation to win something that is so far out of your grasp?

Centurion: Yui…it’s ok.

(Yui’s looks of frustration quickly turns to one of confusion.)

Yui: Huh?

Centurion: I know you’re trying to act like the bad ass you are, but I see it in you…you’re scared for me. Your entire existence revolved around being a prosecutor and protector for Tomoko, and now you found yourself in a stable situation, but your role never ends. You think I’m going to get severely hurt out there, and for the first time in your life…this actually worries you.

(Yui quickly grabs the cup of coffee and goes to drink it.)

Yui: I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.

Centurion: I don’t need you worrying about me, Yui. I want you to keep protecting Tommy. You’ve all been through so much, and you’re as needed and as valuable now as you’ve ever been. Just because you’re not getting into fights anymore doesn’t mean Tommy and Tomoko still don’t need you. Keep them safe.

(Yui stares daggers into Centurion, but she says nothing. She takes one final sip of her coffee before glancing at the table. She grabs the bows that were in Tommy’s hair and turns back toward Centurion. She grabs Centurion’s hands and opens them up, placing the bows into Centurion’s hands.)

Yui: Andy…kick his ass.

------Hard Times, Gonna Take You Down And Laugh Why You Cry------

Welcome back, Fuzz! Good to see you again! Glad you decided to come out and play. Take a look around, enjoy the moment…

…because I’m going to end you.

You want to know why you’re here, Fuzz? Is it because Shawn needed that extra “kick” in order to win this match? Is it because he’s about to relapse and fall back into his old ways? Or maybe you’re here to play mind games with me, and to spook me a little bit before our giant encounter? No, it’s none of that.

You’re here because Shawn hates you…and he knows I’m the only one that can destroy you.

You’re a relic, Fuzz. A manifestation of Shawn’s past. Everything in his life that has brought him down a dark and destructive path. And you even said yourself, while Shawn was behind the wheel, you never truly left. The evil that is Fuzz has not been eliminated, only suppressed and pushed back into the darkest recesses of Shawn’s mind. That’s why he’s not able to heal. That’s why he loses everyone closest to him. It’s not from lack of trying – it’s from you, ever present, telling Shawn that nice things can’t happen to him, and that the only way he can survive is by being you.

You can’t be suppressed. You must be destroyed – and that’s exactly what I’m here to do.

That’s why I kept knocking on that door, Fuzz. Because I knew it was only a matter of time before Shawn let you come out and play. From the start, I said Shawn Warstein, the man he is now, can’t beat me, and only the evil, wretched Fuzz can tap into something so purely evil that it ends me for good.

Here’s the thing about that, Fuzz – I lied. Shawn Warstein is a much better man, a much better wrestler, a much better EVERYTHING than you ever were. He knew that. That’s why he kept fighting it. He even said it several times in his own promos – that a Shawn Warstein with a clear mind is unstoppable. But after two weeks of verbal back and forth, Shawn had a decision to make – keep going down the path he’s going now, and hope you stay dormant for the rest of your life, or unleash the beast, knowing one good ass kicking will put him in a grave for good.

He chose the latter. In the long run, it’s the right choice. In the short term, though – it means he’s already handed me the Universal Title.

You claim every obstacle put in your way is attempting to stop your growth, but the only person stopping the growth of Shawn Warstein is you. Think of all the things that could be accomplished if you just simply…didn’t exist? Shawn Warstein without having to worry about whether or not he’s going to fall back into his own habits? A Shawn Warstein that accepts who he is as a man, and is able to tap into his own potential and use it against his enemies? Just IMAGINE the possibilities. If no one is able to step up now, I’d have to think they would close the whole damn place down if a mentally healthy Shawn Warstein was around, kicking ass.

That’s why you have to go, Fuzz. Not for me. Not for this company. But for him. And unleashing you is Shawn giving me permission to do unspeakable things to you.

And I know you’re sitting there, cool as a cucumber, just counting down the days to our encounter. Shawn claimed the same thing. He said he was cool and calm and was sleeping like a baby, and that he felt no pressure at all in regards to our match. That’s interesting, because if that was the case…then why are you here? Could it be…

…because I’ve gotten in your head? Maybe, just a little bit?

It truly is a nightmare scenario for you. Most of the time, when you face someone, they’re enter the match with one of two personalities – either they are completely afraid of the legend known as Fuzz and they’ve already crumbled under the pressure long before the bell even rings, or they’re so far up their own asses that they think nothing can hurt them, giving no respect to you and the skills you possess before being completely blindsided by what’s left in your tank. Those have been your opponents thus far.

But now? Now, you’re in the ring with someone who respects the work you’ve done, but knows exactly what he needs to do to beat you. No one else can say that. That’s why you want me to burn up and go away. That’s why you want me career to end. Because these young hot shots, they’ll never truly get it. They’ll never see you as a colleague. To them, you will always either be a god, or you’ll be a washed up legend. No in between.

But me? I’ve seen your highs and lows. I’ve seen you at the top of this federation, and I’ve also seen you completely crash and burn. That’s why you want to be the “last man standing” from our generation. It has nothing to do with moving on from the past, and everything to do with eliminating threats to your dominance. You’re not “carrying the flag for the old guys”. You don’t give a shit about the old guys. You sometimes claim to, in order to take shots at Vinnie or Theo, but in the end, none of this has anything to do with our era. In fact, I’d go as far as to say you’re ashamed of it.

Besides James Raven, who is in a world of his own, I am the only one that was here when you bombed so spectacularly as the owner of this place. It was a tough scene, and I completely understand why you would want to bury that forever. I’m not going to make fun of your personal struggles, but I bring it up to make a point – every time you see me, or you see someone else from our era, the only thing you can think of is the failures. We REMEMBER, and without us, there’s no one around to possibly hold it over your head.

But that’s not my fucking problem. It’s yours. And burying me won’t bury your memories. That shit will always be in there. Trust me – as someone with a past I’d rather forget, there is no escaping your mind. You can remove yourself from every single person who had seen you at your most vulnerable, but those thoughts will still be there. It’s not about getting rid of them. It’s about moving on from them. It’s about learning and healing and allowing yourself to be better in the face of it. No matter how hard you may try, you’ll never be able to destroy the past. You say I’m chasing ghosts. That may be, but at least I’m not running from them.

You can disparage me and downplay me all you want, Fuzz, but every action you have taken in the past year has been a direct result of me. I was the reason you came back. I was the reason you stuck around after that screwy finish in our first match. Fuck, I was the reason you fought for the Universal Title to begin with. You said it yourself –

Quote: “And since that day, I wanted to do one thing only. Shove all of my accomplishments down your off centered teeth.”

And now, you have the AUDACITY to claim I had absolutely nothing to do with your rise to success? Cut the bullshit. You may not like me and you may not even respect me, but don’t play me for a fucking fool. You’re a book, Fuzz – one that easily readable. You puff your chest out and talk like a badass, all to hide one very sad fact.

You have no self-esteem.

That’s why you constantly have to prove something to EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON you encounter. Every time someone is even slightly critical of you, you flip shit. If you’re compared to ANYONE, even if it’s the best of the best, you take that as an insult. Hell, if someone so much as vaguely mentions someone that is kind of like you on Twitter, you post five gifs in a row about how “done with this shit” you are. You do it all because you have absolutely no faith in yourself. Not really.

You want to end me, Fuzz, and you may very well do that tomorrow night. I may give you no choice. But there will come a time when the end of the road comes for you, too. And you desperately want to be at peace with it. Nothing would make you happier then to be able to walk away from this business forever, without having to look over your shoulder or worry about what comes next. That is what is ideal.

But you can’t do that. I know you can’t. You may have stopped using the junk, but you’re still addicted to the high. You need the adrenaline. Without it, you’re nothing. You’re just a man alone with his thoughts – thoughts that are scary and mean and want to rip you from this world. But there will come a time when you’re not going to have a choice. Your body won’t move as good anymore. Waking up in the morning gets a little harder. You get an ache on a part of your body that just won’t go away.

And when you get to that point, you’re going to have young assholes challenge you, telling you they are going to be the ones who “end your career”. They want to make a name for themselves by being the one wrestler to make sure you never step in the ring again. You become a target for a younger generation, and eventually, it’s not the titles that give you joy – it’s proving every single one of those little shits wrong. And the end will come, but you will hold on desperately and fight with every last ounce of energy you have until that fateful day arrives.

Look me in the eyes, Fuzz, and know this one simple fact – I am not ready to walk into the sunset. I have way too much to give to this business. And if I won’t let some young, up and comer take me down, I sure as hell am not going to let the ghost of a beat up junkie be the one who takes me down.

I know what you’re capable of, Fuzz. I know the evil you’re able to unleash on somebody in a wrestling ring. But you don’t know what I’m capable of. You’ve never seen it. No one in wrestling has ever seen it. Trust me, there is a darkness inside me I NEVER wanted to tap into in the ring. It’s a part of me I take meds and therapy for. It’s a part of me I have to fight every single night, so the man who walks down the ring, slapping the hands of fans and delivering smiles to people isn’t the one who wakes up in a cold sweat at two in the morning. It’s a part of me I inherited from my evil, criminal father and my psychotic, institutionalized mother.

It’s a part of me I have moved on from…but one I’m willing to unleash if it means bring an end to Fuzz.

Physically, I may be a bit beat up. Mentally, I’ve never been in a better place. You can’t say the same, can you? Darting all around the world, trying to keep your love life from falling apart, unable to control your emotions to the point where you let the one thing you’ve been trying to suppress come out. You’re a lot of things right now – you’re pissed. You’re emotional. You’re confused.

You’re vulnerable.

And perhaps that is what makes you maddest of all. You can sense your own vulnerability. You’re not used to this feeling – not recently, anyway. There’s no one in this federation who can get inside your head like I can. There is no one in this federation who can psychoanalyze you like I can. Most importantly, there is no one in this federation who can bring you to your absolutely limit like I can.

Chris Page? Robert Main? Fuck ‘em both. They can’t stack up to you and they know it. The reason you wanted this match so much with me isn’t to “prove to everyone” that I’m not in your league…it’s to prove to YOURSELF that I’m not in your league. Admit it – there is a part of you that’s not so sure. You can say all the words you want, but when you get back to your room and you get ready for bed, there is that part of you that’s like “but what if?” And you can pin me in captain’s matches and inside the White House and all this other goofy horseshit, but it’s not the same as a simple, one on one, balls to the wall wrestling match. And until you’re able to answer that “what if” that exists in your mind, you’ll never truly believe in yourself as the top champion of the XWF.

I don’t need a fucking fairytale, Fuzz. I know what a fairytale is. No matter what happens, this won’t be a fairytale. It will be ugly, and brutal, and there will be bloodshed, and someone is going to be beaten within an inch of their life. This isn’t about fairytales, Fuzz – it’s about destiny. My career was never destined to be one that ended without me climbing to the top of the mountain. There were dips and bumps and an entire rollercoaster of a career, but my destiny was ALWAYS to hold the Universal Title. There as a period of time when I gave up on that. But then I pushed forward. I became better. I became stronger. I became the best Centurion I have ever been.

Centurion in 2001 was not ready for the Universal Title. Centurion in 2006 was too immature for the Universal Title. Centurion in 2011 was too emotionally damaged to win the Universal Title. But Centurion in 2020 is beyond ready to make that final climb. Every single match and every single event over the past year has lead to this very moment. Beating you, winning the Hart Title, dropping the belt just shy of the record, you beating me at War Games – it’s all accumulated into this one event, this one day, this one match.

It had to be now

It had to be here.

It had to be you.

When this is all said and done, it will be the last anyone ever hears from you, Fuzz. You will be dead. Shawn Warstein will make peace with himself without having you in his head instructing him what to do. He needed someone to take the burden from him, Fuzz. He needed a savior.

And it had to be me.

Sleep tight now, Fuzz. Enjoy your last days inside the mind of Shawn Warstein. Gaze into your title as long as you can. After tomorrow night, it will be all over. There will be no more title. There will be no more rivalry with Centurion. And there will be no more you. I will finally achieve my destiny. My 19 year journey will accumulate with the biggest triumph of my career. And two people will leave that match happy – me for finally accomplishing the one thing that has eluded me my entire career, and Shawn Warstein for finally being free of you. And when the confetti is raining down, and I am hoisted on the shoulders of my friends and loved ones, and the entire XWF universe is chanting my name, and I am crying tears of joy for this historical moment, you will take your last breath, as you will finally meet your…

FINAL FANTASY!!!]]>

Centurion: Why does everything have to be a surprise with you?

(Only a few days separate Centurion from the biggest match of his wrestling career, and he gets to go in with some weight lifted off his shoulders, as his relationship with his long time partner Miyoko Kawashima has officially been repaired.

We open up along the Mount Mitake Hiking Trail in Tokyo, Japan. There, we see Miyoko leading Centurion through the woods along the path. After a night of drinking, Centurion’s eyes are hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, and he is moving at a much slower pace than Miyoko is. It is early morning, and there does not appear to be any tourists or other hikers around at this time.)

Miyoko: Unpredictability is the spice of life, Andy! Embrace it.

Centurion: I’m trying, I really am. I’m just sweating sake out of every pour of my body right now.

Miyoko: I know. I can smell you.

(The two step out of the woods as a small, wooden inn - a respite for hikers who take the path – sits alongside the trail. The place seems relatively empty, except for a couple of workers who are walking in and out of the building, and one, solitary woman, with her back turned to the trail, sitting at a table.)

Miyoko: Coffee?

Centurion: The answer to that questions is always “yes”.

(Miyoko and Centurion walk up towards the inn, and as they do, Centurion takes his sunglasses off. He squints to look at the girl at the table – a familiar figure, but one he can not make out. Her hair is in pigtails with some sort of red marking on them, but he can’t quite pinpoint it.)

Centurion: Miyoko...do I know that girl?

Miyoko: I don’t know. Look next to her. Something look familiar to you?

(Centurion glances at the seat next to the girl, and he sees something that makes the whole thing clear to him...

...an Elmo doll.

Centurion’s eyes grow wide and he slightly gasps as the girl turns around to face him. Her eyes immediately lighten up and she jumps out of her seat to run at Centurion with her arms outstretched, looking for a hug.)

Girl: CENTY-KUN!!

[Image: rjIm7hZP_400x400.jpeg]

Quote: “And since that day, I wanted to do one thing only. Shove all of my accomplishments down your off centered teeth.”

And now, you have the AUDACITY to claim I had absolutely nothing to do with your rise to success? Cut the bullshit. You may not like me and you may not even respect me, but don’t play me for a fucking fool. You’re a book, Fuzz – one that easily readable. You puff your chest out and talk like a badass, all to hide one very sad fact.

You have no self-esteem.

That’s why you constantly have to prove something to EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON you encounter. Every time someone is even slightly critical of you, you flip shit. If you’re compared to ANYONE, even if it’s the best of the best, you take that as an insult. Hell, if someone so much as vaguely mentions someone that is kind of like you on Twitter, you post five gifs in a row about how “done with this shit” you are. You do it all because you have absolutely no faith in yourself. Not really.

You want to end me, Fuzz, and you may very well do that tomorrow night. I may give you no choice. But there will come a time when the end of the road comes for you, too. And you desperately want to be at peace with it. Nothing would make you happier then to be able to walk away from this business forever, without having to look over your shoulder or worry about what comes next. That is what is ideal.

But you can’t do that. I know you can’t. You may have stopped using the junk, but you’re still addicted to the high. You need the adrenaline. Without it, you’re nothing. You’re just a man alone with his thoughts – thoughts that are scary and mean and want to rip you from this world. But there will come a time when you’re not going to have a choice. Your body won’t move as good anymore. Waking up in the morning gets a little harder. You get an ache on a part of your body that just won’t go away.

And when you get to that point, you’re going to have young assholes challenge you, telling you they are going to be the ones who “end your career”. They want to make a name for themselves by being the one wrestler to make sure you never step in the ring again. You become a target for a younger generation, and eventually, it’s not the titles that give you joy – it’s proving every single one of those little shits wrong. And the end will come, but you will hold on desperately and fight with every last ounce of energy you have until that fateful day arrives.

Look me in the eyes, Fuzz, and know this one simple fact – I am not ready to walk into the sunset. I have way too much to give to this business. And if I won’t let some young, up and comer take me down, I sure as hell am not going to let the ghost of a beat up junkie be the one who takes me down.

I know what you’re capable of, Fuzz. I know the evil you’re able to unleash on somebody in a wrestling ring. But you don’t know what I’m capable of. You’ve never seen it. No one in wrestling has ever seen it. Trust me, there is a darkness inside me I NEVER wanted to tap into in the ring. It’s a part of me I take meds and therapy for. It’s a part of me I have to fight every single night, so the man who walks down the ring, slapping the hands of fans and delivering smiles to people isn’t the one who wakes up in a cold sweat at two in the morning. It’s a part of me I inherited from my evil, criminal father and my psychotic, institutionalized mother.

It’s a part of me I have moved on from…but one I’m willing to unleash if it means bring an end to Fuzz.

Physically, I may be a bit beat up. Mentally, I’ve never been in a better place. You can’t say the same, can you? Darting all around the world, trying to keep your love life from falling apart, unable to control your emotions to the point where you let the one thing you’ve been trying to suppress come out. You’re a lot of things right now – you’re pissed. You’re emotional. You’re confused.

You’re vulnerable.

And perhaps that is what makes you maddest of all. You can sense your own vulnerability. You’re not used to this feeling – not recently, anyway. There’s no one in this federation who can get inside your head like I can. There is no one in this federation who can psychoanalyze you like I can. Most importantly, there is no one in this federation who can bring you to your absolutely limit like I can.

Chris Page? Robert Main? Fuck ‘em both. They can’t stack up to you and they know it. The reason you wanted this match so much with me isn’t to “prove to everyone” that I’m not in your league…it’s to prove to YOURSELF that I’m not in your league. Admit it – there is a part of you that’s not so sure. You can say all the words you want, but when you get back to your room and you get ready for bed, there is that part of you that’s like “but what if?” And you can pin me in captain’s matches and inside the White House and all this other goofy horseshit, but it’s not the same as a simple, one on one, balls to the wall wrestling match. And until you’re able to answer that “what if” that exists in your mind, you’ll never truly believe in yourself as the top champion of the XWF.

I don’t need a fucking fairytale, Fuzz. I know what a fairytale is. No matter what happens, this won’t be a fairytale. It will be ugly, and brutal, and there will be bloodshed, and someone is going to be beaten within an inch of their life. This isn’t about fairytales, Fuzz – it’s about destiny. My career was never destined to be one that ended without me climbing to the top of the mountain. There were dips and bumps and an entire rollercoaster of a career, but my destiny was ALWAYS to hold the Universal Title. There as a period of time when I gave up on that. But then I pushed forward. I became better. I became stronger. I became the best Centurion I have ever been.

Centurion in 2001 was not ready for the Universal Title. Centurion in 2006 was too immature for the Universal Title. Centurion in 2011 was too emotionally damaged to win the Universal Title. But Centurion in 2020 is beyond ready to make that final climb. Every single match and every single event over the past year has lead to this very moment. Beating you, winning the Hart Title, dropping the belt just shy of the record, you beating me at War Games – it’s all accumulated into this one event, this one day, this one match.

It had to be now

It had to be here.

It had to be you.

When this is all said and done, it will be the last anyone ever hears from you, Fuzz. You will be dead. Shawn Warstein will make peace with himself without having you in his head instructing him what to do. He needed someone to take the burden from him, Fuzz. He needed a savior.

And it had to be me.

Sleep tight now, Fuzz. Enjoy your last days inside the mind of Shawn Warstein. Gaze into your title as long as you can. After tomorrow night, it will be all over. There will be no more title. There will be no more rivalry with Centurion. And there will be no more you. I will finally achieve my destiny. My 19 year journey will accumulate with the biggest triumph of my career. And two people will leave that match happy – me for finally accomplishing the one thing that has eluded me my entire career, and Shawn Warstein for finally being free of you. And when the confetti is raining down, and I am hoisted on the shoulders of my friends and loved ones, and the entire XWF universe is chanting my name, and I am crying tears of joy for this historical moment, you will take your last breath, as you will finally meet your…

FINAL FANTASY!!!]]> <![CDATA[”Buraddo Purinsesu!”]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37623 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 12:18:56 -0700 Lacklan]]> https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=37623

Presenting the House of Lacklan Saga Story of:

Leap of Faith, Part III: ”Buraddo Purinsesu!”

HIIIIII-iiiiiii!

This is your reason for being, the creamy vanilla half of those yummy black and white cookies, Sarah Lacklan-

((the sound of ascending piano notes plays))

-MARKETING GENIUS-

((an inSANE trumpet fanfare follows))

-and I am here today because I have an extra special time to share with all of my Fang Gang! Now, I am aware, WELL aware, that I keep being a cocktease to all of my baby birds with these vlogs, but I don’t mean to, okay? The days of having my phone on 24/7 so that you can check out my fast-paced life on the road with my Beloved are over by way of necessity, okay? But this is an extra special moment, an extra special time, and so I figured I would treat everyone with some direct awesomeness.

In but a few hours, this Blood Princess will be walking into the Saitama Super Arena (NO VACANCY!) to do battle with five other individuals. I will be seeking out a ladder to get up into the rafters and try to locate a briefcase. A briefcase holding the most fucked up, messed up, not fair AT ALL contract in wrestling history: The ability to wrestle the Universal Champion at ANY time, even if they just had a match! That is some seriously fucked up shit, amIright?! Now, WHY am I doing this? WHY am I here? Let’s break that down a little for some of the peanut gallery within this match who either A) are too dumb to give a fuck about who they are facing, or B) too much of an edgelord desperately clinging to the false premise that I’m anything BUT the Queen of Anarchy, the World Class Superstar, the Personification of the Main Event.

Last year, I stomped my booted heels into the halls of the XWF with one purpose: Mama Tournaments needed her sugar. And that sugar came in the form of Donovan Blackwater, the only worthwhile of the bunch, in my opinion, and “Mr. Let’s Give Chris Page Inspiration for Uncreative, Dirivitive Bulshit” Eli James. While there were PLENTY of people within this company who looked at the 5’2” Firestarter and scoffed in those first few weeks, by the time we got to March Madness, there was no doubt at how badly I had thrashed those two first challenges.

And then what happened?

Hey, pay attention to this part, Chris

And THEN what happened?

I actually got serious.

No cellphone videos while driving with Vinnie and Roxy. No visits to Dark Goddess Productions to make fun of the Blackwater bit. Nothing so easygoing. I settled down, dug in my heels, and went OFF on Corey, Dolly, and Game Girl.

Hey, remember those three? I know the Collector does! He had so much of Corey’s junk shoved down his throat that even Roxy had to give props for the gag reflex control! Unfortunately for him, his dreams of Corey/Thad sweet lovin’ had to stay on the pages of his erotic fanfic.

And why is that?

WHAT is that, Page?

Because the guy you want people to think I ran from?

The guy who...in literally no way...wanted to get in the ring with me when he held the Universal championship?

Corey?

The avatar for the warrior from the future sent back to kill Shane

?

The boy who would go on to be infected by the Engineer Virus and BECOME the Engineer?

The guy who NO ONE could beat?

The guy who killed EVERYONE for fucking YEARS?!

THAT guy?

I turned him into a whiny little bitch.

THAT is the reality, Chrissy-poo. You want to talk in platitudes? You want to use cliches? Here’s one of your favorites:

You couldn’t lace Engy’s boots.

And me? I didn’t just BEAT him, I DEMORALIZED him to the point where he whined and cried and whimpered into everyone’s ear that he could about how mean I was. What I did to Mastermind? NOTHING compared to the pussy that Corey became because of me. And he never...never...NEVER wanted to fight me EVER again.

I ran from him?

Bitch, please.

He would have severed his left nut in exchange for me never giving a fuck about him again.

All of that “See ya soon, Corey?” stuff I did at the end of the year? Just a placecard for my attention after I had mentially checked out of the XWF.

Hey! Since you brought it up! Let’s talk about it, yeah?

Fuzz beat me. CLEAN. As a fucking whistle. And that led to the Sick Cunts taking down the 5’2” Mafia. Why?

Me.

Not Kenzi.

ME.

Now, I’m going to trigger Shane again right now if he’s watching this vlog, but at the time? I was the World Champion for the UGWC. Yeah yeah, outlaw mudshow. That’s what you’ve got for that, right? Please. Just ask Centy: The top guys over there (including me!) would take your legendary career, print it on a sheet of Greggo promos, and wipe their ass with it. So, I’m champ there, right? And I was in a BAAAAAD place. Losing streak in this garbage tournament in Japan. Fighting with my Beloved. Fighting with my sister. Fighting with Roxy. Fighting with EVERYONE I loved. And I let it affect me. I let it put me in a place where I couldn’t concentrate. And the 5’2” Mafia got beat because of it.

And so I needed to focus. You know what that’s like, right? When you need to step back, take a breather, and FOCUS. So I did. I declared myself no longer a freelancer. I was going to be exclusive to the company I represented as it’s World Champion. That didn’t just mean no more outside tournaments in Japan, but it also meant no more XWF.

And you know what happened when I left?

When I told Vinnie and Theo “So long and thanks for all the fish?”

People lost their goddamn MINDS.

Just like they did when, five months later, the desire to freelance burned too hot after leaving the UGWC, and I showed up on Anarchy to make sure that B.O.B. stopped taking my job of kicking Ruby in the face super-duper hard.

What happens when YOU leave, Chris?

The Ballad of the Crickets.

What happens when YOU return, Chris?

Pity applause.

THAT is the kind of reaction your legacy garners you, Chris. Yes yes, you’re sad that I went the “not as good as Main” route, but that’s because you didn’t actually LISTEN to what I had to say. Not once did I say that you suck and Main is amazing. In fact, I said nearly the opposite! I think that ANYONE who does the “this guy is carried by that guy” is a moron who doesn't understand team tactics! ANY good team flows through give-and-take. Hell, you sacrificing both your body AND your pride at War Games just to fuck with Fuzz? That was AWESOME! EXACTLY what a team is supposed to do! So shit up about the “not as good as Main” line you WISH I had said and pay attention to what I ACTUALLY said.

Main is great.

You are good.

You like cliches, right?

“Good is the enemy of great.”

You are REALLY GOOD, Chris. Well, I mean, that wasn’t displayed in your most recent promotional video, of course...

FUCK that was bad…

...you didn’t actually SAY anything, ya know? And to sit in a hot tub while sipping some of the bubbly?! Come ON, buddy! Leave that derivative shit to Hanari, man! What’s next? Gonna show up in a light-up jacket? Wear an ascot and bust out a list? Destroy the announcer’s suit and then buy him a new one? You're supposed to be BETTER than that!

Ya know how you cry and whine about how most people throw the “you’re a walking cliche” stuff at you? Ever thought to yourself, “Hey, Self? I wonder if there is fire where the proverbial smoke is? Maybe people say I’m an unimaginative, on-the-nose, Cliche Machine because it’s true!”?

Nah, that would take too much self realization on your part.

N-E-Ways, usually REALLY GOOD! And that has gained you an XWF career that MOST people would be envious of. Not Main, of course. Because great. And not Engy. Because great. And not Fuzz. Because great. Hell, probably not even Mr “I’ll win the Universal Title SOMEDAY” Centy. Because great. But just about everyone else? They likely fawn over how good you are. How you try so hard to please the masses. How you, regardless of if you win or lose, try to please the crowd.

Plenty of admiration from the fellow “good and below” brethren and sistren in the XWF.

Unfortunately, “good” isn’t going to cut it tomorrow. Not even “really good.”

Because I’m in this match, dearie.

Quite a few people have been all kinds of “OMG SARAH WHY ARE YOU HERE” and you have gotten perilously close to that. Light’s truth, I TOLD people why I am here. Literally. First match back. I’m here because the bait was just too tantalizing. The Leap of Faith match, which I didn’t get to do last year, because I was too busy making everyone in the Drezdin Open look like an idiot before I pinned Noah clean in the middle. For the 24/7 briefcase, something I’ve never had. In Tokyo, a city important to wrestling as a whole and to me personally for a variety of reasons. Me, back on the road in Freelancer Mode, with the ability to book myself wherever the hell I wanted.

All too much to pass up.

What about you? Why are YOU in the match? Validation? The chance to prove to the world that you can still go? That these wet-behind-the-ears pups aren’t shit to you? Listen, I totally get the desire to hold all the gold. Your grand dream of Cataclysm holding onto kings full of aces going into the river. I know exactly what it’s like to be part of a group who holds a company in a stranglehold, not by way of manipulation or toxic behavior, but through sheer excellence and a determined chin to not give in. But do you think you can pull it off? Do you think you can stand up next to Main as his equal and win as many matches as him in one night?

I know a thing or two about winning multiple matches in one night within the XWF. In nine months of competition in 2019, I was in 4 pay per view events. Check this:

March Madness: Two matches, two wins (Engy, remember?)

War Games: MVP of my team, but would I have gone on to survive against Main had that been the rules that last year? We’ll never know.

Leap of Faith: Two matches, two wins, from $50k of shoe money to the Anarchy Championship

Relentless: Two matches, two wins. Putting an end to any doubts along my Beloved’s side and then outswimming a helicopter in the moment which broke Vita into pieces.

I know ALL about what it takes to win more than one match in the same night. It takes pacing, understanding, and planning. And from what I’ve seen, the extent of your “strategy” is to repeat yourself, say that you’ll win “just because,” and spend a good chunk of your verbal salvos talking about how awesome your salvos are. For fuck’s sake, Chris, you ACTUALLY said “box with God” to Ruby! Without being ironic! And you’re PROUD of that and want people to COWER in FEAR of your awesomeness?! AND you call your verbal skills “raping” people? God LORD! Sitting there and daring anyone to say that you’ve been phoning it in? Shit, man, you haven’t! This is your BEST! And it’s borderline GILLY!

But, hey, you’ll make up for all of that with blind luck tomorrow, right? Because that’s all you need to get this briefcase? What a SHITTY take, man. You don’t just need LUCK, Chris. You have to be crafty. You have to use guile. You have to sneak, gull, swindle, and STEAL to be the one who gets their hand raised. That takes technique, not luck.

But it’s okay, Chris! Its ALL KINDS of good! Because YOU’RE good, right? You don’t need to have a strategy to win. You don’t have to have actual content instead of repeating yourself to fluff up your time. You don’t have to do anything original. Because you’re REALLY GOOD and are about to “find yourself” in the Alamy Stock Photo Chainsaw Massacre, right?

I can’t WAIT to check THAT piece of art out.

No wonder Main turned into a shitposter.

The Wormtongue to his Theodin is about to become fucking trash.

You’ve been on top because none of the young pups can knock you off your perch?

I’m the bitch to do it.

“Stop checking your tooth.”

“I can’t!”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not!”

“I don’t see any difference.”

“Well, I do!”

Sarah Grey-Lacklan, dressed in a plaid gown with more petticoats than the entire cast of Downton Abbey combined, jabs her finger at her left canine, her nail painted red with tiny black spiderwebs standing out strong in contrast against the pure white background of teeth, moving left and right. She examines her tooth in a magnified vanity mirror, the glass making her mouth seem that of a giant.

“Look! Look! It wiggled!”

Sarah’s odd red eyes widen in horror as a tired, long-suffering sigh comes from behind her. The albino whips around and excitedly points at her tooth.

“LOOK WHAT THAT IDIOT JENNY DID!”

Kenzi Grey-Lacklan, intentionally dressed in a jean skirt and tank top to annoy her wife, sets down her iPad on the hotel bed she is sitting on and looks at Sarah’s teeth.

“It looks the exact same, babe.”

“But-”

“The dentist said there was no damage.”

“Actually-”

“STOP OBSESSING!”

Sarah stomps her foot, the heeled boot giving a muted THUMP! on the carpeted floor, and turns back to the mirror.

“...whatever...I think it’s moved...slightly…”

Behind her, Kenzi shakes her head again.

“Trust me...with how much it cost to drag a dentist out of his bed for an emergency appointment at 2 in the morning…you bet your white butt it’s back to perfect…”

Sarah brings her shoulders up and down with a large intake and outtake of air, but then spins on her heel again.

“Hey! You look over that list of game shows they want me on?”

Kenzi narrows her eyes. “They” were the XWF marketing team. “Game shows” were those weird shows they have in Japan. “Want” is because of marketing for tomorrow’s show.

“Yes...and I don’t like them.”

Sarah cocks her head and raises one of her perfectly-maintained and painstakingly-plucked eyebrows.

“Why not? They sound like fun! And the XWF really appreciates the promotional work of this-”

Sarah puts her hands on her hips, making sure that they jut out JUST RIGHT, and flings back her platinum hair so that it cascades over her shoulders and back.

“-Marketing GENIUS!”

“Oh, they’ll appreciate something, alright…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kenzi gets to her feet and stomps towards the hotel room’s desk and snatches up a piece of paper. After turning to Sarah, she waves it in the air with enough aggression to make it flap and snap.

“Gee! Let me think!”

She holds the paper up before her face.

“‘Human Slip 'n Slide - A middle-aged man, who has been lubed up in Cotton Brand Baby Oil, attempts to slide across a row of young women in their bikinis.’”

“...to be fair, they said I could choose if I wanted to be the slider instead of one of the slidees...”

“NOPE! Next, we have ‘Strip The Girl,’ where you’re supposed to stand behind a wall of blocks, butt ass naked, while some perve tries to bowl the blocks away!”

“...the producer said that the guy wouldn’t be able to knock them all down...probably…”

“NOPE! Oh! How about THIS one?! ‘Money in Bra Game!’ Where you stuff as much much money in your bra as possible and whoever has the most wins!”

“...well, it would make Chris look dumb for his ‘flat chested’ comment…”

“Bitch, you don’t even WEAR a bra!”

“...#FreeTheNipple…”

“NOPE! Those are MINES!”

Kenzi shakes the paper again.

“Why are all of the game shows they want to send you on about you being naked, huh?! Where’s the one about eating spaghetti in a dryer?”

“...I think TK’s doing that one…”

“Or human bowling?”

“...the Blackwaters already got that one covered…”

“What about that ‘Candy or Not Candy?’ one? Where you take a bit of a shoe or some shit and it’s either really a shoe or chocolate that looks like a shoe?”

“...sigh...Robbie Bourbon…”

“What about that prank show? Where they scare people with dinosaur outfits?”

“...nah, I didn’t think to pack my raptor costume. I was the BEST dressed person in that Halloween elimination match!”

“What about-”

“I WANNA RAAB (RAAB!)”

Sarah turns toward her YSL bag and digs out her phone. The face of a man wearing sunglasses that went out of fashion in the 80s, a pink bandana, and long blonde hair smiles up at her.

“It’s Vinnie. Un instant, bien-aimée.”

Sarah tosses her hair back and flashes her Billion $$$ Smile...Kenzi was glad to see that the roller skate to the mush from Myst did NOT bring down the value of that smile...and opened her phone.

“This is your meal ticket speaking!”

Several muffled ”Dudes!” can be heard on the other side.

“No, she rejected all of those. You know how full of jelly her belly gets.”

Kenzi not-so-subtely flipped her the bird in response.

“Hmmm. Okay. Lemme ask.”

Sarah covers the speaker of the phone.

“Hey, Beloved? Vinnie says that there’s an opening on ‘Trivia Face-Off.’”

Kenzi’s caramel face brightens at this title.

“Hey, that sounds right up your alley, babe. You know more worthless trivia than anyone I know!”

Sarah nods and smiles.

“I know! Apparently, the winner gets to smash their butt into the face of the loser and-”

“NOPE!”

“He also said that Thad needs a partner on ‘Orgasm Wars’ and-”

“NOPE!”

Sarah rolls her eyes and goes back to her phone.

“Sorry, Vin. Anything else open?”

After a few more muffled ”Dudes!”, Sarah’s face falls.

“No way.”

Kenzi arches an eyebrow and Sarah sighs.

“The only other option is that stupid marshmallow eating-”

“We’ll take it!”

Sarah blinks in surprise as Kenzi leaps up and snatches the phone from her.

“We’ll take it, Vinnie! And I’ll bring ALL of my cameras!”

Sarah lets out the longest, deepest, most resigned sigh of her life.

Hey, Gage! How are you? Handle that flight okay?

Can I ask you a question?

What’s it like to be a caricature?

So, let me get this straight:

Your bit is “angry black guy”

And that is, like, literally it

Someone questions your ability.

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Someone says they are better than you

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Someone thinks that you don’t belong at this level

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Someone says that you need polish

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Someone points out your...hmm...let's go with “less than great” command of proper syntax and word usage.

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Heh…”less than great.” Your ability to speak and make sense for longer than a minute is Level: Chris Page

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Listen, I-

“thAt’s rAcIst!”

Okay now, I-

“yOU cuckEd yOUr hUsbAnd”

My what?!

“yOU dOn’t knOw whIch vErsIOn Of yOUr I mEAnt”

Okay, that doesn’t even make sense. They are two completely different words!

“Im A mAjOr plAyEr bUt I cAn’t tEll yOU whEn Or whErE!”

Honestly, that’s just shitty, dude. That’s like saying “Mang, I TOTALLY have this amazing hot girlfriend! She works at a bar in Tampa. Just don’t ask for too many deets, k?”

”I wOn A trIplE thrEAt sO thAt cOUnts As twO vIctOrIEs”

What?! No it doesn’t! Beating Cray-Cray and Tula in a triple threat counts as ONE match, dude! By your logic, whoever wins the opening battle royal tomorrow actually wins ELEVEN matches! That’s not how the numbers work, man!

“bUt...bUt...I bEAt cArzy stEve?”

That match literally hadn’t even happened yet when I produced my promotional video. You don’t get to add it into your made-up addition to make yourself look better!

“thAt’s...thAt’s...rAcIst?”

Okay, now you’re not even trying.

“Um...Er...blAck...blAck lIvEs...mAttEr...”

Of course they do! And, unlike that idiot Page, I actually know what that statement means! Its a talisman for bringing attention to the individual, personal, peculiar issues that black people, and ONLY black people, have faced since the dawning of our institutions.

“yOUr...yOU’re...Um...OnE Of thOse...rAcIst?”

Ya know what? I think we started off on the wrong foot. Here, let's start over, okay?

Hey there, Gage! My name is Sarah. This is me:

I’m 22 years old, 5’2”, 145 pounds (THICK legs, as you’ll eventually notice), been a pro for three and a half years (though with a hellish 8 months on the DL...more on that in a bit…), am getting close to 200 matches, consistently win 2/3rds of them, have held 11 different championships (including two World), either won (6) or been runner-up (4) in 10 out of the 16 tournaments I have entered, and have been married for a hair under three years. This is my spouse, Kenzi:

Together, we form the 5’2” Mafia, winner of the XWF Tag Team Tournament ‘19, as well as holding the Tag Team Championships themselves for a hair under 4 months. Outside of my marital choices, I come from a wrestling family which, among others, includes my sister, Angelica:

She’s been a World Champ, too. My (non-spouse, non-sister) best friend is Roxy Cotton, another World Champ. I’d show a gif of her but...well...it is nearly impossible to keep her shit SFW, let me tell you…

And more!

Now, I provided this because, let’s face it, for someone who whines about research (while ignoring the analytical breakdown I did of literally everything you’ve said in your promotional videos from before I even came back around for this match!), you sure don’t do any! So I figured, hey! Let’s make it easy for you. And maybe Chris will watch this part, as well, and figure a thing or two out in the process. 2-for-1!

Additionally, I wanted you to realize something: I am STEEPED in wrestling. It’s what I do! Well, besides making gifs, but that’s just a hobby for when we’re on the plane. My friends and family are wrestlers. My business is wrestling. My religion is wrestling (long story, don’t ask). My fun is wrestling. Hell, my Beloved and I went on a vacation a couple of months ago and I STILL wrestled three or four times! I am constantly preparing, constantly training, constantly researching, constantly FIGHTING.

And what do YOU do?

Act the part.

Stumble through your words while beating up guys in the most horRENDOUS activities, both in quality and content, since the dawning of Mastermind making devastating fires about himself.

Wait

Wait

You probably don’t know what I’m talking about. Which is the problem with you. You mentioned that none of the stuff I said to you the other day made any sense, but that’s because I was being booth nuanced AND diving deep. You may not realize this, but there HAS been a company with a rich history from before you came around a month ago, and learning a thing or two about it can really help you find some success here. Listen, if I use a word you don’t understand, look it up. If I reference an event you don’t know, look it up!

But perhaps you’re not ready for that? Yes yes, you work hard. Yes yes, you adapt. But that doesn’t mean you’re ready for the spotlight. While Chris says some DUMB things, he was right about this: You need polish. You are ROUGH. Hard to watch, hard to listen to, hard to deal with it. Your work is riddled with mistakes, misconceptions, and errors. Your takeaways from the histories of your opponents is shallow enough to be a toddler’s pool and your depth of understanding would leave a goldfish gasping for breath. Your anger is out of control and you handle conflict by resorting to extremes, which means you are going to take risks that a more experienced and level-headed fighter knows is a poor gamble.

Light’s truth, you should not be in this match. Yes, you volunteered for it, you asked for the opportunity, but the management team should have known better. By no means are they geniuses as this kind of thing...look at THOSE TWO who are also in this match...but your spot could easily have been taken by someone who DOESN’T do dumb shit like what you’re doing with those ignorant dickheads. Give us Bourbon and let your idiotic antics fit within that opening battle royal where it fits alongside the Azraels and McBrides of the world.

And in THAT scenario, you could win the match and count it as going 11-0 for the night!

Sarah drags her feet as Kenzi nearly pulls her through the halls of Nippon Television.

“Honestly, Beloved, there are better ways to promote Leap of Faith than this-”

“Oh man, this is going to be GREAT!”

“Remember when I did all of those talk shows last year after we became tag champs?”

“I am going to take SO MANY PICTURES!”

“I can do my vlog! How about I just do my vlog and I say mean words?”

“I’m going to live stream it AND post it on CoolTube before dinner!”

“But-”

Sarah’s protestations come to an end as they burst through a set of double doors and find themselves standing before a large crowd. A man in a suit holding a microphone gives them a small bow and the crowd, all sitting in arena-style chairs for viewing, give them a polite applause.

”Buraddo Purinsesu!”

Sarah’s pale face blushes as a group of school girls, looking sharp in their uniforms, scream out her name in Japanese. Kenzi gives them, and her, a narrow-eyed look, and Sarah shrugs her shoulders.

“Hey, you’ve seen the manga about me.”

Kenzi’s eyes narrow further.

“AND the dōjinshi.”

Sarah’s blush increases, nearing the color of her eyes. Indeed, there were several unique storylines of Sarah within the hentai community, from her current form and all the way back to when she first visited the country as a child, alongside her father.

“...not gonna lie...the lolli version of me IS really cute…”

Kenzi’s eyes narrow so much that her chocolate eyes almost disappear.

“Welcome!”

The sound of the man’s voice catches them by surprise and, thankfully in Sarah’s mind, diverts their attention. The man has a heavy accent but still speaks with educated English.

“Are you ready to play our game?!”

Sarah takes an involuntary step backwards while Kenzi raises her arm and waves fanatically.

“Yes! Yes she is!”

The doors behind them push open and four women, pretty enough for television, take Sarah by the arms and gently push her into the center of the stage. Under the bright lights, half a dozen large marshmallows hang at the level of Sarah's face by pieces of string, and the albino audibly gulps.

“Listen, can’t we just-”

“Who wants to see a professional wrestler eat some marshmallows?!”

The crowd stops their feet and cheers, with the brash caramel starlet being the loudest.

“Take it all, babe!”

“I bet that’s not the first time she’s heard that!”

“That’s what she said!”

”Buraddo Purinsesu!”

The blush on Sarah’s face threatens to turn into a scalding burn as the comments and catcalls come from the unusually rowdy audience, and the host laughs right along with them.

“But first...the rubber bands!”

Sarah’s face turns from its bright blush and into a sickly pallor as two of the attendants pull large rubber bands out of their dresses.

“This...this is a mistake…”

The two attendants approach her and-

“You’re right! This IS a mistake-”

Sarah breathes a sigh of relief as the attendants stop.

“-because this is a competition! Bring out the competition!”

Sarah blinks in surprise, turns around, and-

Her eyes go wide.

DA-DAT DAHHHHH! DA-DAT DAHHHHHHH

She shakes her head in disbelief and defiance.

“RUBY RUBY RUBY RUBY RUBY!”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the XWF Anarchy Champion...RUBY!”

Sarah stomps her foot and screams as Ruby Debuchy walks through the doors. The crowd gets on their feet for her, stomping and hooting, as she gives them a wave and smile. Sarah’s scream, usually the keen of a banshee to split the ears, is drowned out by the uncharacteristic ovation from the crowd. After many...many...MANY moments, the crowd finally dies down as Ruby joins Sarah in the middle of the stage.

“...what are you doing here?!”

“Just helping out my buddy!”

“I’m not your buddy!”

“Whatever you say, pal!”

“...did your mumsie book this appearance for you...?"

”...I knew telling you about that would be a mistake…”

”...hey, maybe she can find you a nice gay guy in her to have dinner with…”

“.....flip up...”

“Rubber BAAAAAND TIIIIIIME!”

Sarah tries to protest as the two attendants stretch out their rubber bands and pull them over her head. Ruby smiles and lowers her head, making it easy for her own pair of attendants. Before long, Sarah and Ruby have the rubber bands pulling tight on their faces, smooshing their noses to the side and forcing their lips tight.

“Annnnnnd GO!”

Ruby and Sarah look at each other, perhaps both unsure now that they were in such a ridiculous situation, but then the attendants give the marshmallows a swing. And the two go after them!

The crowd laughs as 2/3rds of the modern Anarchy Champions struggle to open their mouths wide enough to catch the flailing marshmallows, each failing in spectacular fashion. Both try speaking, but nothing but mumbles and groans come out. Ruby is the first to score a marshmallow, but Sarah is right behind her. They both try for the same one and bump heads, which causes Sarah to push Ruby away and go for a different one. Sarah is able to use her advantage and garner a second, but Ruby, forever undeterred, catches her second, as well.

“It is a tie! Time for...SUDDEN DEATH!”

Several of the marshmallows are pulled up away from them, leaving only one remaining. They both move to dive after it, but their attendants stop them...and DOUBLE the amount of rubber bands! Sarah can’t see! Ruby can’t breathe! They fumble around and fall atop one another, crashing to the floor! The crowd stands up and cheers, stomping and clapping, calling out for their favorites.

“RU-BY BAM-MBA-YA!”

“BUR-AD-DO PUR-IN-SE-SU!”

“RU-BY BAM-MBA-YA!”

“BUR-AD-DO PUR-IN-SE-SU!”

They cheer and cheer, but the two bodies entangled on the floor do not move. There is rustling and pushing, but neither one is able to get any traction. After a while, the crowd dies down as they realize that the bodies are going nowhere, though the mass of entangled limbs does appear to be moving up and down. Curious, Kenzi moves from the side and onto the stage, dodging the lone swinging marshmallow, and gets a good look.

With their faces pulled back tightly by the rubber bands, their arms and legs in a messy mass, Ruby and Sarah can’t help but hug and break into guffawing laughter at their situation.

Kenzi smiles and holds up her camera.

”Hai, chiizu!”

Why are you in this match, Ruby? Chris is here because he seeks validation for himself and dominance for Cataclysm. Gage wishes to prove that he’s as good as his self-declaration makes him. Geri signed up in the middle of a bender and will be surprised when her music hits. Greggo...well...that’s all there is to say about that.

What about you?

I’m here to change the business. Yes yes, you know all about that. All about my dream for a world recognizing God’s true design for His world, a world based on the tenants of wrestling. But it’s true, buddy! WE are what is best for the world. Sportsmanship! Rules! Winners and losers! VICTORY at ANY cost. I’m here because the world needs their hero, their leader, the reason for their being, to travel across the globe, win big matches for all to see, and give hope to the masses. I’m here to climb into the rafters...using ladders, obviously, as has been covered...and take that briefcase so that I can be the face of this company. I’m here to blow fear into those who would carry the Universal Championship and make them cower in terror whenever they hear guitars shredding into some Beethoven. I’m here to WIN and LEAD.

Why are YOU here?

Do you even know?

You have been the face of Anarchy since November 15th, and in that time you have been nigh unstoppable. From even before then! People do not realize it, because they focus so much on our favorite “iTS oNLy a C SHoW” nonsense, but you have crushed just about everything in your path. You’ve crushed everything around you! From laughable legends like Barney to the monstrous tryhards in the Baddies, you’ve consistently pushed away the jeers of our peers and stood tall at the bell’s final ring. But those few slips, those mistakes, haunt you, terrorize you, keep you awake and help you stay vigilant through your nighttime activities. You don’t grow from them, as you would espouse in others, instead allowing them to freeze you in place and prevent your smile from reaching all the way up to your eyes.

I know what it is like to allow a loss, a single moment, to occupy my thoughts. In my hubris, I, and I alone, allowed my Beloved and I to end a tag team run far too soon. I allowed my words and actions to create a cancerous parasite which struck from behind when it had enough venom in its fangs. And Team Kickass lost their Cooperative Championships to a team which should never have existed, much less coexisted. And for the next year and more, I looked back on that day, looked back on the situation and scenario, and seethed. I let down my Beloved. I let down myself. I let it get to me in a way that no other loss had before or has since, and it was not until recently that I was able to let it go and free myself from it’s grip.

I see the pain in your eyes, friend. I see anger which wishes to unleash. Those losses are a talisman for your imperfection, and if you are not careful, they will become a phylactery of your failure.

You lost to Noah. Once. A year ago. Most people would say “Get over it,” but I know a bit better, yes? It wasn’t supposed to be “March Madness Winner” Sarah Lacklan vs. “Anarchy Championship Tournament Winner” Noah Jackson in front of Buckingham Palace at Leap of Faith. It was supposed to be Sarah vs. Ruby. The Queen of Anarchy vs. The Super Dear’O. The Red and Black vs. the Banana-Lime Girl. Thanos vs. Iron Man. But you failed. You took Noah lightly and BLAM! Wrong match. BLAM! A brooding Ruby Debuchy crying about stolen bits. BLAM! Subtweeting Pissbaby City, Population: You.

It got to you and you’ve never let it go.

By the time we DID get to Sarah vs. Ruby, by the time you WERE able to bring order to Anarchy, the importance was gone. The big money matches had already been passed to Noah and Vita. And all you were left with was a victory on a show that, let us both be honest here, gets far few viewers and support than the entrenched shows.

No matter how many times you defend against the likes of Green and Mastermind, it will never make up for your failure to do it right the first time.

Ruby

Light Above, I hate saying this.

You have NO IDEA how much I LOATHE SAYING THIS

Ruby

You are my friend.

And I am asking you, as your friend, to let it go.

No more sideways comments about Cunt Oh’s, stolen bits, copying from others, or whether or not an Australian saying “cunt” is a gimmick or a personality.

Because if you don’t? If you can’t let it go? Then you have no hope to win this match.

YOU are in THIS match because you have a need to PROVE that Anarchy is nothing to be ridiculed. We both know how silly it is when people go with that tired line. Most of those people wouldn’t be able to get past a Blackwater on Anarchy, much less paddle into the deep of a match against either one of us. Hell, just look at this Thursday! Jenny has spent WEEKS trying to convince everyone that she’s as relevant now as she was when fighting Madison for the Bombshell title or being the General Manager for Savage, and what has that given her? Her shoulders pinned flat against the mat...or roller rink, depending...for three seconds two weeks in a row. Anyone who wishes to smirk at the value of Anarchy just needs to come “down” to fight you and find out how little they know about that environment.

But you NEED to get EVERYONE to pony that you, the face of Anarchy, the Order Bringer, are worth their admission of equality. You tried it last year when you joined the Lethal Lottery, suffered through being bogged down by Mastermind and Gilmore, but found yourself going too deep and weighted by Vita. That bothers you, too. As does you allowing yourself to fall asleep for a few seconds and momentarily lose your grip on your championship. But NONE of those things matter as much as the public understanding of your relevant skills and prowess. And if you are able to get into the right spot in the rafters and open that briefcase? You’ll have it. Because every champion in this company knows that a tired and worn out version of themselves will NEVER be able to ward off a fresh Ruby.

But that won’t happen unless you let go of Noah. It won’t happen unless you let go of the crippling disappointment which fills you from a year ago. It won’t happen unless you take off the mask of the smiling face that is just a touch underneath genuine. If you walk into this match with a hesitation in your step borne from a loss you still can’t believe occurred, then you won’t have a chance of stopping me from snapping my fingers.

And that IS what is going to happen, Ruby. No one realizes it, yet, but the Thanos Snap? It is going to happen to this entire company. Because when I take ahold of that briefcase, when I control the power to challenge the Universal Champion whenever I want? There will be chaos. There will be anarchy. And no amount of your order is going to rectify that, because MINE will be what creates balance in the XWF.

Order created from the Queen of Anarchy.

I am going to take that briefcase.

I am going to snap my fingers.

And I’m going to enjoy it.]]>

Presenting the House of Lacklan Saga Story of:

Leap of Faith, Part III: ”Buraddo Purinsesu!”