Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]







Prove Yourself Match
Topic Started: Nov 18 2012, 11:05 PM (188 Views)
Bobbie Hearst
Administrator
Akuma (New Era) vs. Matt Slater (New Era) vs. Reya Serra (New Era)
vs. C.J. Gates (APW) vs. Hugo Strange (Warped)


1 rp limit
Deadline: Thursday December 13th at 11:59 EST
Edited by Bobbie Hearst, Nov 18 2012, 11:05 PM.
 
C.J. Gates


"I have to prove myself?" C.J. Gates asks as he sits behind the large wooden desk in his office.

"It's a 'Prove Yourself' match," a second voice says from the intercom of the telephone. "Or at least, that's the idea. Since this is the first show we're running, we're trying to showcase as much talent as possible."

"Makes sense," Gates responds, swiveling from side to side. "I just would have thought I already proved myself."

"Oh, by all means," the second voice says, "you've proved yourself everywhere you've been. But for the most part, we aren't doing anything that sets anyone ahead of anyone else. We've got matches from certain federations to showcase their talent, and we're capping it off with one of the best rivalries in recent memory. No one is being considered better or more important than anyone else."

"I didn't mean it to come across like I deserved better," Gates says. "I guess I'm still trying to get an idea for what Visionary Wrestling Incorporated is all about."

"And in due time everyone will get that same idea," the voice says. "We're just launching off and are glad to have you on board for our first ever show."

"I'm glad to be able to participate. Any chance you can tell me who I'm going to be proving myself against?"

"We just faxed over a copy of the card, you can read every match there."

"Awesome," Gates says. "I'll make sure to check it out."

"Thank you again, Mr. Gates."

The call goes dead and Gates hangs up the phone.

"Well, this should be fun," a large, bald man seated on a black sofa on the far end of the room says. "Another crack at inter federation competition."

"Events like these are always fun, Vinnie."

Vinnie James nods his head. "Oh, I know. I wasn't being sarcastic or anything. I honestly meant what I said."

"If anything, I'm looking forward to it," Gates admits. "Anytime I can fight against people that I would normally never get the pleasure to face, it's a win in my books." Gates rolls the chair to the right and picks up a piece of paper from the fax machine.

"You got a good match?"

Gates nods. "Can't complain. Going up against a few people I know, and a few that I don't. Undoubtedly all of the people involved are going to be talented though."

"Who's involved?" James asks as he stands up and walks toward the chair across from Gates. He takes a seat as Gates rolls back to his position behind the desk.

"Akuma, Hugo Strange, Reya Serra and Matt Slater."

"Matt Slater," James muses. "Why does that name sound so familiar?"

"He used to be in APW," Gates begins. "Or at least, he had signed a contract. Whether or not he actually fought a match I can't remember. I just remember him being in APW around the time of CWC's Ascension tournament earlier this year."

"Did you ever face him?"

"I was supposed to," Gates smirks. "Round two of the tournament was supposed to be me versus him, but in the final hour he decided to retire."

"He retired?" James chuckles. "Then what is he doing back in action?"

Gates shrugs. "If I had the answer to that one, then I'd probably know a lot more in general then I do right now. Regardless, less than a year he's back and now he and I are in the same match."

"Hopefully."

"I don't think he'll back out," Gates says. "At least not now, with the event coming up. If he wanted to he would have awhile ago."

"Yeah, but you never know when someone is going to retire," James reasons. "Something could come up that forces him out. You never know."

"True, I'll give you that one," Gates agrees. "But I have faith this time around."

James nods in agreement. "What about the others? Any worry that they are going to retire and remove themselves from the match?"

Gates shakes his head. "No, though there's always the chance that one of them might not think the match is worth his time."

"His time? So you're assuming Serra is going to show up?"

"If there's one person in this match that I know is going to show up, it's Reya Serra. She's the one that replaced Slater in the tournament, after all." Gates leans back in his chair, dropping the piece of paper on the desktop. "Akuma and Hugo Strange, those are the two that I'm not sure about."

"Wait, Hugo Strange?"

Gates smiles. "Yeah, I know. Nothing much I can do about the name, but I'm sure it relates to his behavior inside of the ring. Probably unhinged and off the wall. Willing to do anything as long as it gets him ahead in the game, you know?"

"Oh, I know," James says. "I fought a few guys like that back in the day. What about Akuma?"

"He seems to like hardcore matches," Gates says. "He's the type of guy that's built like a house, loves to cause pain and punishment, though isn't as crazy and obsessed as some people, if that makes any sense."

"It makes...some."

"But it's funny, because normally in matches like these, I can pick out the number one threat and kind of create a bit of a pecking order from there." Gates shakes his head. "But not here. I mean, I'm choosing Serra be default since her and I have fought, but I don't know if that is the case. Any one of those four could be the biggest threat."

"Maybe you are," James suggests.

"The biggest threat?" Gates asks. "I was talking about the biggest threat to myself."

"It still could be you."

Gates sits in silence for a few moments. "I guess you're right."

"Look at what happened in APW last month, you were doing so well and then took a risk that cost you the match." James shrugs. "I'm just saying that you could be the one that everyone waits on to screw himself out of the match."

"But don't worry," Gates assures James. "I'm not going to take the same risk. There's no Elimination Chamber this time, there's no way that these people are going to try and kill me."

"They might."

"But that chance is there in every match. I'm just talking about generally. I doubt they are going to try and break my neck." Gates shakes his head. "No, the risks I take in this match won't be the same as they were then. They're going to be different. They're going to be more calculated."

"Maybe they don't even have to be there at all?"

Gates cracks a smile. "That's not how I operate, Vinnie, and you know that."

"You're right, depending on that situation," James says. "I guess, what I'm saying is that you don't have to go out of your way to find the risks, because you don't want to go out of your way to screw yourself out of the match."

"Don't worry, I won't."

"I mean, think of what could happen if you won," James continues. "You might actually get recognized for the win."

"One step at a time, Vinnie," Gates cuts in. "I don't want to think too far ahead and lose sight of Akuma, Hugo Strange, Reya Serra and Matt Slater. That is where my mind is going to be for this match, and that is where it should be."

"I know, I was just saying."

"And I appreciate it. But now that I know what's in store for me, I need to stay focused on it. And that means worrying all about them and nothing else. At least for right now."

"You think you stand a good chance to win?" James asks after a bit of silence.

Gates nods. "Aside from being worried about what the few unknowns might do, I think I stand as good a chance as any of them. I don't think one of us is above the other." Gates smirks. "But I'm going to give it my all to make sure that chance becomes a reality."

"Good luck."

"Thanks," Gates says. "I have the feeling I might need it."

----------------------------------------

"Prove myself?

"I thought by now, I wouldn't have to do that. I figured that by this point in my career, I wouldn't have to keep proving myself. Of course, I was wrong, but it extends far more than just this match. It extends to APW, to CWC to every place that I have ever wrestled, because everyone counts me out.

"They see my size and they figure I can't wrestle, that I can't handle myself inside of that ring. They thought that last year when I was the man leading APW to greater heights. They thought that each time I fought for the True Expert title. They thought that when I was challenging for the CWC World title and helping to win the CWC Supremacy tournament.

"Of course, none of that matters since this is a new place, but the fact still remains. I've been doing nothing but proving myself for two and a half years. I've done nothing but fight, trying to show my opponents that not only do I belong, but I have what it takes to hang with those at the top. The fact that everyone overlooks me only makes me fight harder, only to be placed into a match where I have to prove myself.

"But I guess that's the nature of this business. I mean, in no ways do I want to be handed anything, and I don't expect to be pushed to the top of the pecking order because of what I've done in the past, but part of me wonders if anyone out there takes me seriously as a competitor, if anyone thinks I can actually make the most of every situation thrown my way, or if they all think I am just destined to fail, destined to lose.

"Maybe that's because of my moral standing. Maybe it's because I prefer to put on a good match, to make sure the fans are entertained, to make sure they go happy, then to cheat my way to victory. Maybe. It's always possible. Though, that also goes hand in hand with me wanting to earn everything that comes my way. I don't want to be handed anything. I don't want to be given anything on a silver platter, I want to earn it.

"Funny, isn't it? I don't want anything handed to me, but I want to be recognized for what I have been capable of doing. Not that far of a stretch considering men like Doug E. Fresh and Kurt Noble get recognized for the past. Men like Level One are constantly being lauded for what they did in the past.

"And who knows, maybe the same can be said for my opponents. I recognize at least half of the names staring across from me, so I know at least half of the participants have been doing this thing for a lengthy amount of time. Maybe they are also fed up with having to constantly prove themselves, while others are being put to the front of the line ahead of us. While others are being handed title opportunities and big match chances, we're still being viewed under the microscope.

"Or maybe not.

"All of that aside, this will be one of those matches that people underrate. The sort of match that no one really expects anything much out of, but will prove to bring everything and more. When you've got five people in a match, all looking for that important win, you know that it's going to be high paced action from bell to bell.

"Especially from me. People who know me know what I am capable of doing inside of the ring, and those that don't know me will be able to expect a high flying, risk taking approach that is still reserved enough to pull out victories. Some might think that what I do is unnecessary, since the risks I take are sometimes too big, but when you're me you live by one code.

"Go big or go home.

"That is what I do every time I fight. I make sure that I not only put on a good match, but I make sure to give the fans something to remember. Something for that father and son to talk about on the drive home. Something for those cameras to capture. Sure, I might end up losing because of it, but I will have done so in grand style. Kind of like how some people prefer to die in an explosive, fiery crash, I know that if I lose because of the risk I took, it will be all worth it in the end.

"And if I do lose, which one of you will beat me? I mean, I'm going to be trying my best not to lose, trying my hardest to come out on top and make my first match with Visionary Wrestling something to build off of. But in the event that I lose, which one of you will make the most of it?

"Will it be the mysterious Akuma, a man that I know very little about? From the sounds of it, Akuma seems like a bit of a loose cannon, if only because of his affinity for the hardcore aspects of a match. With barbed wire and exploding bombs as his 'thing', it's a wonder that he hasn't killed anyone yet. Then again, maybe he has. Maybe he's left many people dead, they just haven't been reported. Either way, he's going to be one to watch, because if he loves those weapons that much, one can only assume he's as dangerous with his bare hands, since that is what he's going to have to rely on this week.

"Another man that I don't really know much about is Hugo Strange. I've heard the name, and I've participated in events where he's been present, but I've never had the pleasure of stepping into the ring with him. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, really, but that's also the beauty of an event like this. It's a chance to face off against the Hugo Strange's and Akuma's of the world, the people that I've never stepped foot into the ring against.

"On the outset, neither man is going to be a cakewalk, that much I know. I'm going to have to earn everything against them, and more than that, I'm going to make sure that I do my homework. I'm going to make sure that I watch matches of theirs from New Era and Warped just to get a feel for what each man is capable of. That way, when I come face to face with either one of them inside of the ring, I'll be ready for whatever is going to be thrown my way. I'll be ready for everything that they have in their arsenal. Because that's in my nature. That's how I handle myself. Even against the people I've already fought, I am going to do my homework to make sure that there are no surprises coming my way.

"So maybe that's why I'm not too worried about Akuma and Hugo. Sure, I'm worried, but no more worried than I would normally be. Maybe a bit more since both men seem a bit unhinged, but nothing extreme or out of the ordinary. This is something that I look forward to, so I'm not going to drop the ball and curl up and die. I'm going to prepare myself, and make sure that I am ready for everything coming my way.

"Height differences and weight differences don't affect me, either. The fact that Akuma stands a foot taller than me, doesn't phase me in the slightest. To let that kind of thing get to you means you weren't prepared, it means that you were spending your time trying to find an excuse for your eventual loss.

"In the case of Matt Slater, he's not as unknown to me. I've seen what he's capable of, I've watched him in action. In fact, he and I were scheduled to do battle back in the Ascension tournament this year, however he backed out because of whatever reason. I'm not going to sit here and say that he ran away from the fight, but he supposedly retired only to come back later in the year, and while there is certainly events that occur in like, it still makes me wonder.

"Not that he was afraid of me, because I've grown to learn that no one is. Everyone sees my name and wants to fight me because they think it's an easy win. Who knows, maybe Slater thinks that now. Or maybe, he's going to retire again in the face of adversity. Whatever the reason, back then, I did my homework on Mr. Slater. I made sure to prepare to fight him because that was the schedule at the time. That was who I was supposed to face. And while that was nearly a year ago, I've still maintained that knowledge, and with the more knowledge I gather through this weeks preparation, I am certain that I will be ready for Matt Slater.

"And who knows. Maybe I'll be able to prove that even if he stayed in that tournament, I would have won. After all, that question is always going to be floating between us, at least on his side of the equation. Or maybe not. Maybe I'm just imagining that as a possibility since so many others have done it. Anytime someone hasn't had a match settled properly with me, they claim to be the best of the best until I get that chance to shut them down.

"Maybe this is that chance.

"Either way, I guess it's a positive that Slater is back in action, ready to do battle. His past demons are behind him, I'd assume, and now he's ready to step back into the ring. Whatever happened last time to make that match not happen, well it's hopefully gone now. Nothing sucks worse then preparing for a match and realizing that there is actually no match to prepare for.

"The funny thing is that the person who replaced Matt Slater in the tournament is also in this match, in Reya Serra. The woman who stepped up to the plate when Matt Slater couldn't. The woman who pushed me to the limits as I tried to advance to the next round. Out of everyone in the match, she's the one that I have the most experience against, even if it's just one match. For all we know, that one match could be all it takes to be prepared enough for what she has to throw my way.

"But I'm not that naive to think that's all I have to rest on. With so much happening between now and then, there is much more to worry about. For all I know, she could have changed her style. She could have made sure to work on an entirely new arsenal just to catch us off guard, just to make sure we're paying attention.

"Well, I'm paying attention.

"Not just to Reya, but to everyone on the entire card. If Visionary Wrestling is going to become something, I want to make sure that I am ready, and that begins with making sure that I am the one to come out on top.

"I take nothing away from my opponents, that I know of. I know that they are all competitors, because we wouldn't be here if we all weren't. I know that they are going to bring everything they have because if they didn't, I'd be a bit upset. I'd feel like they let me down. But even still, I am heading into this match with the hopes of winning. Yes, putting on a good show for the fans is still a top priority, but I can't sit back and let that decide my fate. I can't hope for something to happen. I need to strive for it. I need to bust my ass even more to achieve it.

"And I will.

"Because it's what I've always done. Never have I backed down from a fight. Never have I given up, even when fighting friends. I'm a competitor through and through.

"Eventually the other four competitors will realize that, if they haven't already.

"Eventually they will see that proving oneself is something I've been doing for years.

"It's time to go big or go home."
 
Reya Serra
Member Avatar

Posted Image

Something To Prove


Being within mere feet of four attractive, muscular, and sweaty men is an opportunity that most women wish that they could have in their lifetime. They would salivate at the thought of potentially being able to touch the likes of the wealthy C.J. Gates, the intelligent Matthew Slater, the strange Hugo Strange, or the mysterious enigma Akuma. They would be envious of the position that I, Reya Serra Janason, currently find myself in.

Unfortunately for those women, I want absolutely nothing to do with any of those men in a sexual manner. No, there is only one reason why I am going to be that close to those four men all at once...we have all been placed in a match against each other at Showcase Zero, the very first show for the new interfederational promotion Visionary Wrestling Incorporated.

This is a chance of a lifetime, a chance to show the world just what I can do against four of the best talents associated with Visionary Wrestling, a chance to show that I can play with the big boys of the wrestling world...

A chance to prove myself.


Standing near the immense, brightly colored Christmas tree displayed at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, the city hosting Showcase Zero, my ever constant friend Paxar Vega, my loving boyfriend Timothy Grace, and I stare at it in wonder.

The lights are so pretty.

I nod my head slightly in agreement as I continue to keep my eyes on the enormous tree in front of us..

Indeed. This is most definitely a beautiful sight to behold.

It is still not as beautiful as you are my dear, sweet Reya.

Surprised by his compliment, I turn to Timothy as I begin to blush, my face turning a shade of red. For a few moments I peer into his eyes, before moving forward and giving him a soft kiss on the lips as Paxar looks on.

What am I...chopped liver? I’m standing right here, you know.

Pulling back from Timothy, I glance over my shoulder at Paxar.

You are right, Paxar. I apologize if our public display of affection has offended you.

You and Timmy making out doesn’t offend me, Reya. It makes me want to gag on a candy cane with the end sharpened to a point.

It is a good thing there are no candy canes currently available then.

Paxar narrows her eyes as she speaks to Timothy angrily.

Oh shut up, choirboy. I didn’t ask for your commentary.

Timothy lets out a slight sigh, putting his hands into his pockets and turning his attention back to the tree as I grab the arm of Paxar and take her aside.

That was uncalled for and you should apologize to Timothy for it right now, Paxar Vega.

Apologize? Why?

Timothy is only trying to warm up to you...to try and build a bond of friendship with you so that you do not feel isolated from us. I would appreciate it if the least that you could do would be to try not to bite his head off when he attempts to do so. Please?

I think I’ve shown great restraint in not doing so for as long as I have as it is...but since you asked nicely...I’ll say I’m sorry and try to get along with him.

Thank you.

Letting go of her arm, the two of us make our way back towards Timothy. Paxar taps him on the shoulder and in response he turns his attention to her.

Timothy...I’m sorry for what I said to you just now. It was a little bit out of line. Please, forgive me.

He gives her a polite nod, acknowledging her apology.

Not to worry, Paxar. I forgive you.

After the two finish making up, they glance over to me curiously.

So, even though this tree is super pretty and gorgeous, are we going to spend all day in Rockefeller Center staring at it?

No, this was just a good place to start our day. Now it is time to move onto the task that is at hand.

Curious, Paxar raises an eyebrow at me as I turn from the tree and walk away from it. Timothy and Paxar follow, trying to keep pace with me.

And just what would that task be, Reya?

Preparing for my upcoming match against C.J. Gates, Matthew Slater, Akuma, and Hugo Strange at Showcase Zero, the very first Visionary Wrestling show.

That seems like a daunting task, that’s for sure.

Indeed. All four of these men are formidable opponents and, as per usual, I am viewed as somewhat of an underdog given my lack of size compared to them.

You can’t help that, Reya. You’ve got to use it to your advantage.

Which is exactly what I do. What I do not have in terms of size I more than make up in terms of speed, ability, and faith. The same will be the case in this match against those four men.

Just then, I stop suddenly in front of a large bronze statue of what appears to be a man carrying a giant orb on his back and I glare at it inquisitively.

A statue that Vanessa would find most intriguing if she were here...

Why would Vanessa find this intriguing?

Paxar appears slightly confused as she stares at the statue.

It just looks like a dude carrying a big ball.

Glancing at both of them, I shake my head.

Vanessa has a strong belief in Greek mythology, which is why she would find this intriguing. This is no mere mortal man carrying a ball. This is a sculpture of the Greek Titan Atlas carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Ironically, this sculpture also carries significance for the four men I am facing at Showcase Zero...and it does for myself as well.

How so, sweetheart?

Each of us feels an obligation to our federations to carry their mantle as their representative, much as Atlas carried the world. However, sometimes that immense weight can become too much to bear, causing the world to come crashing down upon us...

Oh dear...

As Paxar and Timothy stare at me enthralled by my comments, I shake my head suddenly.

I believe that is enough of a lesson for you both on Greek mythology for today. There is still one more place to visit for today.

Turning away from the Atlas statue I resume walking, Timothy and Paxar closely behind me. We make our way away across the street over to an enormous building, parts of which appear to be under remodeling. Flashing a bright smile, I lead them inside. As we enter, Paxar shakes her head in dismay.

I had a feeling we’d wind up at one of these...

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick is one of my favorite places in New York City, Paxar. Of course I was bound to come here at some point. Plus, there is something I would like to do here.

As I finish my last statement, her dismay turns to worry very quickly.

Please...oh please don’t tell me that you and Timothy are getting married in this church right now. You do realize if you do that and Vanessa finds out that she would absolutely flip out, right? And I’m not talking randomly hitting someone with a coffee pot flipping out. I mean she will hunt Timothy down and murder the poor boy painfully and torturously. She doesn’t play around when someone makes her mad.

Putting up a hand to interrupt her, I shake my head.

Relax, Paxar. Though some day in the future Timothy and I may be wed in holy matrimony, we are not here to do that today.

Paxar breathes a heavy sigh of relief.

Thank God.

No, I just have a few things that I wish to say to my opponents and wish to use the video recorder on your phone in which to do so...may I?

She nods as she reaches into her pocket, digs out her pink colored cell phone, and hands it to me.

There you go. I suppose we should leave you alone for a little bit, then?

That would be best, if you would not mind.

Alright. Timothy and I will wait for you back outside then.

I give them a polite nod of acknowledgment as the two of them turn and exit the cathedral, leaving me alone inside of it with the video recorder in my hands. Pressing a few buttons, I manage to turn it on and have the device begin recording.

Hello, everyone. It is me again...The Herald of Holiness herself, Reya Serra Janason. I come to you from one of my favorite places in New York City, a place I hold dearly to my heart not only personally but spiritually, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. In just a short amount of time from now I will be having a match in Madison Square Garden at Showcase Zero, the first show from the new interfederational promotion Visionary Wrestling Incorporated. In this match, I will be stepping into the ring against four men...C.J. Gates from Action Packed Wrestling, Matthew Slater, from New Era Wrestling and Ascension Championship Wrestling, Hugo Strange from Warped Wrestling, and Akuma who is also from New Era Wrestling...

Now I know what several of you are thinking. A little woman like me stepping into the ring against not one but four men has absolutely no chance of coming out as the winner. I find that viewpoint to be entirely sexist. I am more than capable of not only doing anything that a man could do in a wrestling right, but doing it better than a man can.

In any case, I digress. You see, all of these men are at somewhat of a disadvantage compared to me. Why is that? It is not because I am bigger or stronger than they are...that is far from being accurate as I am smaller than all of them. I do have more ability, speed, and faith than any of these men possess, but that is not the particular reason that they are a disadvantage that I am attempting to point out.

No, their disadvantage lies simply in their lack of in ring knowledge of all of their opponents in this match. In fact, if my memory serves correct, none of these men have stepped into the ring against each other previously.

I, on the other hand, know what it is like to step into the ring with each and every one of these four men.

Mister Gates was actually the first of these men that I faced. It was many months ago during the CWC Ascension Tournament. After the brief retirement of my friend Matthew Slater, who is also in this upcoming match, as well as my previous elimination from the tournament I took on the challenge of being allowed back into the tournament to take the place of Slater with an opportunity to advance by taking on the immensely talented C.J. Gates in my home federation at the time, Underground Pro Wrestling. Unfortunately for me, however, I suffered a loss against him and was once more eliminated as he moved on but it was that match against him in which C.J. Gates earned my respect by fighting honorably.

The next man of these four that I faced was the warped individual from Warped, Hugo Strange. This was a triple threat match for the CWC Hardcore Title, which was and still is held by Keaton Saint. I did lose the match, but it was not Hugo that I lost to...it was Mister Saint. There is still not a lot that I know about Hugo going into this upcoming match, but I do know that he will be bringing his best when he steps into that ring.

Akuma, the masked man from Okinawa, was the man I stepped into the ring against next. We had a non title match while I held the New Era Wrestling British Commonwealth Championship. Had it not been for the interference of his nefarious manager Sonny Onoo, I would have very well been the victor of that match. Alas, it was not to be...

Finally we come to the man who I know best out of these four men...a close friend and fellow member of The Court...The Silver Knight himself, Matthew Slater. It was not until a short time ago that we faced in the ring for the first time. The newly created New Era Wrestling No Limits Championship, a title both of us were hesitant to embrace in terms of its hardcore elements, was at stake. Both of us initially refused to resort to the usage of weapons, but Slater did attempt using a steel chair and I accidentally and unintentionally put him through a table during the course of our match. In the end, however, it was a well fought match between us that resulted in Slater becoming the victor and the very first New Era Wrestling No Limits Champion.

Now, I know in none of the matches I have cited did I earn a win over any of these men...but that does not mean that in this upcoming match that I will not. This prior knowledge of the in ring actions of each of these men is something that I will use to my advantage against them during this upcoming match in trying to emerge as the victor.

So when I step into the ring at Madison Square Garden against these four men, four of the most talented wrestlers in the world, I will most definitely have something to prove.

I will prove to them and to the world that in important matches such as these I bring nothing but my best effort. I will prove that I can defeat these men in the center of the ring on one of the biggest stages in wrestling with the whole world watching.

I will prove that over all of these men it will be a lady, The Herald of Holiness Reya Serra Janason, that will reign supreme.

So sayeth The Herald, so it shall be done...

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

Amen.
 
Matt Slater
Member Avatar

Worthwhile: Not Going Home
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thursday December 13th 2012


"You're worthless."

The mildness of the gym room's temperature clung to Matt Slater's skin, lowering his garnered warmth ... decreasing his comfortableness. The feeble lighting of the furnished basement smothered his seated entity on a nearby bench, darkening his perspiring figure as he unravelled the dampened tape from his knuckles, loosening his hands from the tightness of the material. The punching bag nearby continued to sway softly, having suffered a great deal of punches and strikes that Slater ruthlessly administered. The levelled weights had been returned to their categorized slots on the constructed rack, no longer needing to be used by the British wrestler.

Exhaling strongly, Slater shuffled his shoulders, easing the muscular tension that had begun to manifest in his exercised arms and back.

"You're not a champion. You're a pussy."

He knew what had to be done to complete the year on a high note. He understood the strong tribulations that he needed to evaluate and survive, solidifying his triumphant ascension from the mediocrity he had returned to in the spring of 2012.

The critics were still feverishly rampant, wanting to see him fail; wanting to see him admit his hidden agendas that had been concealed behind a mask of deceit and manipulation. They wanted to save the gullible sheep from being led into another treacherous episode, one that would validate Slater's sworn supremacy in the world of professional wrestling.

If only they could pause for a moment, digest his current journey and augment a different conclusion. Most of the public had forgiven his previous endeavours, loyally supporting him as he fought for correction and positivity in the wrestling business, wanting to eradicate the corruption that was still prevalent in the corporate hierarchy. He was a man of honour, a man of class ... a man of moral principles.

Yet the ridicule and obscenities would not seize.

"Can you prove your worth?"

Directing his exhausted eyes to the basement walls, Slater absorbed the picturesque posters that had been laminated and framed, detailing the companies that Slater currently worked for with passionate drive and noble determination. Ascension Championship Wrestling, New Era Wrestling ... and another addition that had been recently verified; a powerhouse of a federation that had brought numerous companies together to battle each other in inter-promotional contests.

Visionary Wrestling Incorporated.

Atop the saddening descent of the Championship Wrestling Council, the VIW had developed into prominence. Advertisements had been organized to play across the North-Eastern market, especially in New York, where the first event was scheduled to take place.

Showcase Zero. Madison Square Garden.

Slater was optimistic and earnest about his declared inclusion on the amazingly-heaped card, even if his depressive thoughts persistently reminded him of what his adversaries had said, what they wanted him to simultaneously believe that would exile and banish him from the business forevermore.

"You have nothing. You are nothing."

"You're worthless."

"You'll never be a decent champion."

Throwing the bundled tape into the immobile trashcan at the corner of the room, Slater turned his vigilant attention to the NEW No Limit Championship neatly folded onto the bench. Picking up the unique belt carefully, Slater moved it towards him and stared into its golden face, absorbing the designed etchings and the name that had been engraved into the lower plate.

His abilities had been strongly tested recently, and he had gloriously succeeded.

Now it was time to prove them wrong once again.

Standing up from the bench, Slater slowly draped the championship over his shoulder, strolling towards the door of the basement. Turning the handle, Slater exposed the brightness of the lights illuminating the stairs, allowing the omnipresent light to seep into the basement and cast a glow on everything inside.

Symbolically, he had been enlightened, and he had left the darkness behind.

He had been rejuvenated, reborn ... untainted by his resurrected virtues that had been nurtured.

And he was going to continue to measure his valuable worth against the oppressive individuals that had targeted him purposefully, persistently ... desperately.

Maintaining his primary objective, Slater took one last glance at the company posters on the wall, visualizing their significant importance, visualizing the promotions that he would continue to wrestle for and never leave, as much as his critics wanted him to. And with this silent vow sealed, subsequently eliminating the negative quotations from his mind, Slater moved to the stairs and shut the door.



Ellis Island, New York City
Friday December 14th 2012


"Seriously, why are we here? We've seen this statue so many bloody times!"

A bemused and disgruntled Falcon handled his loaded hot dog in his hands as he surveyed the legendary island that featured the towering Statue of Liberty, wondering why Slater had decided to take him here when they had seen it on numerous occasions.

"Truthfully, I've never seen her this close before..." Slater admitted, placing his hand horizontally across his brow to diminish the sun's vibrancy hovering above Liberty's weathered crown.

"Like pictures aren't enough? Gordon Bennett, what else are you expectin' to see? Shit stains from the gulls sliding down the tablet in her hand? For her to come alive and stomp towards Manhattan like the Cloverfield Monster?"

"Are you ever happy with anything, Falcon?" Slater enquired. "Lately you've been agitated at every place we've ventured to."

"You know what I like!" Falcon snapped back. "I like goin' to the clubs and meeting girls! I like playin' sports! I don't like this historical crap!"

As Falcon takes a large bite out of his hot dog, a resounding "baa" surfaces from nearby, startling him immediately. That's when Falcon slaps Slater's chest to get his attention again.

"An' anutha thin!" Falcon audibly states with his mouth full, chewing the meat and bread considerably before he swallows the food. "Why did you bring him?!"

Pointing to something a few feet away, Slater focuses on Falcon's directional location and notices Oveja, Ascension Championship Wrestling's mascot.

"First of all, Oveja is a she, not a he," Slater calmly corrected, watching the woollen animal surveying the grass and randomly chewing strands of the plantation. "Secondly, she hasn't gotten out in a while, so I thought I'd take her on a trip."

"With that stuff on her?!" Falcon exclaims, pointing at the ACW banner that has been intricately tied around her body like a fashionable accessory. "It's like you're leading her around as a bloody advertisement!"

"Since when are you morally inclined?" Slater rhetorically questions, thinking of Falcon's boisterous behaviour, crude innuendos and flamboyant attitude. "Listen, I'm not using Oveja for marketing purposes. It's just she's grown fond of the velvet material and the dyed colouring."

"It's a sheep! It's a sheep!"

"She's adorable!"

"I want to pet her! Mommy, can I?!"

A group of children had startlingly noticed Oveja from the distance, rushing forward with eccentric excitement to meet the mammal up close. Slater concentrated on the youthful gathering as they slowed down, surrounding Oveja in a circle. Surprisingly, Oveja didn't try to run. She had gotten used to her astounding popularity, standing still as they stroked her pure-white coat with their petite hands. Following the young congregation were their parents and family members, smiling joyously at their children having fun in front of the statue that represented freedom and liberation.

"What's her name, mister?" A young girl asked Slater, staring up at him with widened eyes of gleeful exuberance after studying Oveja's appearance.

"Her name is Oveja," Slater replied warmly, offering a smile to the nameless girl as she giggled. Controlling the lead around Oveja's neck, Slater adjusted the strap as she bounded forward, intrigued by a ball that had rolled towards her.

"I like that name," the girl responded lightly, petting Oveja once again as the other children communicated with their parents. Falcon continued to digest his hot dog, unaware that the ketchup had grotesquely smothered his lips and chin.

"Martin..." one elderly woman suddenly conveyed, shifting her gaze between Slater and her apparent husband. "It's him!"

"Matt Slater? The wrestler?!"

As the other parents realized who they were standing amongst, the cameras began to come out.

"How are you, Slater?" Martin questioned enthusiastically.

"I'm doing well," Slater replied, continuing to smile as the children finally left Oveja to her own prerogatives. "I'm sure you've all heard about Showcase Zero taking place this weekend?"

"I've seen the promotional posters!" another man regaled, raising his arm up to attract Slater's attention. "You're in that Prove Yourself Match!"

Nodding affirmatively, Slater gradually looked out towards the ocean, seeing the various boats crossing the waves as numerous gulls flew across the violently-lapping waters.

He was slated to face off against four talented competitors, each with their own unique accomplishments and prominent legacies. Two were from New Era, one was from WARPED, and the other was from Action Packed Wrestling.

Annoyance had not altered his perspectives due to the stipulated title of the match. Each of them were scheduled to "prove themselves", in all manner of speaking. Anyone that had misconstrued this named contest had ranted and raved about the audacity of the people in charge of VIW, not realizing the potential and experiences that these combatants had garnered throughout their history.

What it actually meant was that the competitors could establish themselves on a stronger playing field in the promotion, not being completely overshadowed by the other skilful individuals that had been given a match on the show.

However, this match was awfully coincidental to Slater. Recently he had been accused of being worthless, having nothing to offer the wrestling business. He was being characterized as a pathetic person, sympathetically fighting for unparalleled respect and important substance. Despite his multitude of victories over the past few months, Slater was still being antagonized and berated obnoxiously.

This would be the event where Slater attempted to nullify the strengths of their messages and proved himself accordingly.

In victory ... or in defeat.

"Yes I am..." Slater finally expressed, concentrating on the crowd as they stared at him wondrously; some not so much, lingering in the background with a feigned look of interest plastered on their face. "I'm up against Hugo Strange, Akuma, Reya Serra and CJ Gates."

"Hugo Strange?" Falcon asked in dismay. "Who the bloody hell is he?"

"Admittedly, I'm unfamiliar with his career. However, I'm not going to underestimate him just because I haven't paid attention to his recent endeavours. He's going to bring his A-Game just like everyone else in this match."

"What do you think of Akuma?" another guy asked, remembering the name and the malicious identity that it was attached to. "That guy is a scary dude, man!"

"He's a freak!" Falcon agreed, wiping his stained mouth with the back of his hand.

"He might have a frightening repertoire, and he might be the most powerful wrestler in this match, but I'm not going to falter easily. I've seen what he's done in New Era Wrestling against the likes of Reya Serra and "The Fanged Entity" Snake. But he needs to realize that I have this..."

Unbuttoning his jacket, Slater pulls the fabric aside, revealing the NEW No Limit Championship strapped around his waist. More pictures are taken, unbeknownst to Oveja, who is burrowing her nose into the dirt, smelling the terrain adventurously.

"This is the championship that I'll be defending at the Challenger Series in Toronto for New Era Wrestling," Slater announces. "It is a championship where the rules don't apply, where viciousness and malevolence can prosper. Some people are already claiming that I won't be a good champion. They strongly doubt my endurance and resilience as the pioneer of this created division. Sadly, they're going to be corrected, just like Akuma will be corrected if he thinks he can walk all over me in this match. As the No Limit Champion, I'm going to take everything whilst retaining my technical prowess, proving to the world that I can withstand an extreme environment, which Akuma will likely want to create with his unorthodox style and crazed preferences."

"You defeated Reya Serra for that championship too..." Martin said, sharing his knowledge.

"Yes I did, and I respect Reya Serra greatly. She is the current ACW International Champion too, if any of you are familiar with Ascension."

"I am!"

"Me too!"

Slater chuckled. He was relieved to know that the company was still relevant in the North-East after taking a tour to the South of the United States.

"Reya has what it takes to defeat me with ease. She can counter every move I make with smoothness and fluency, turning it into a spectacular manoeuvre. She is another that doesn't really need to prove herself in this industry, but she is going to do whatever it takes to stand victorious in this match."

Kneeling beside Oveja, Slater adjusts the strap around her neck and puts it through another hole, widening the lead after Oveja began to shake her head with growing discomfort. Offering a "baa" of thanks, Oveja's beady eyes focused on Slater momentarily, Slater patting her body as he continued to talk about his match.

"We've had a few matches between us in our careers, and if my calculations are correct, we are drawn on wins and losses."

"Will Vanessa and Cera be present?" a young woman asked, stroking her blonde hair with her gloved hand as she patiently waited for Slater's answer.

"I'm not sure..." Slater replied. "I know that Vanessa was interested in representing ACW in Visionary Wrestling, hopefully leading to an affiliation down the road that could benefit both organizations. But if her obligations and priorities are focused on other matters, she might have to give this debut show a miss. As for Cera ... I definitely know that she'd want me and Reya to suffer. She'd want us to be tortured and broken in this match..."

"Well that stupid bitch is gonna be pissed off when she sees you win it all!" Falcon angrily clarified, chomping into his hot dog once again as the crowd looked amongst one another.

"Hopefully," Slater conveyed. "But the point is that Reya and I will always respect each other's abilities. We'll always be part of the Court, and at Showcase Zero, we'll go the absolute distance in order to sanctify our worth and prove ourselves undisputedly."

"But then you have CJ Gates to contend with..." another guy openly pondered, causing the crowd to stir and mumble.

Slater's eyes drifted to the grass of the island. Silence engulfed the vicinity, with Slater thinking of what should have happened ... what could have been. As the mumblings of the adults and the children began to resound, Slater finally stood up and addressed the crowd with a serious tone.

"CJ Gates has always said ... "go big or go home". This famous catchphrase has been uttered by him when confronting opponents, challenging them to put up ... or shut up."

Sighing drearily, bereft of happiness, Slater solemnly glanced at the crowd.

"And during the second round of the CWC Ascension Tournament, instead of facing CJ Gates like I should have ... I took my ball ... and I went home."

Falcon studied Slater carefully, making sure he didn't get depressed and turned volatile or woefully emotional. Instead, Slater maintained his composure, gripping onto Oveja's lead to stop her venturing off in search of a new environment.

"I went home, because I realized what I had become in this industry. I had turned into a callous individual. I had betrayed my friends. I had deceived the fans. And it was all because of what I had been tragically diagnosed with. My noble legacy had been ruined, blackened and tarnished because of my terrible exploits."

Slater shook his head, indicating his defiance.

"This time ... I'm not going home."

Turning his attention to the Statue of Liberty, Slater pointed up to the monumental figure. The crowd abided by his focus and followed suit.

"This Statue was a gift by the French commemorating the Americans after finalizing their Revolutionary War, recognizing the friendship they had established during those diligent, tumultuous years. Lately, its symbolism has changed, representing liberation, freedom and independence. Liberty is traditionally repaired every so often to increase her majestic longevity, and the patriotism that has been garnered from this marvellous figure over the years has been understandable."

Nodding appreciatively, the crowd continue to listen to Slater's speech.

"Did the people that fought in that Revolutionary War take their ball and go home? No, they didn't. Did those courageous soldiers battling for freedom quit before any climactic showdown, exhibiting their cowardice and disloyalty? No, they didn't. Unfortunately, I did that this year when I sought isolation away from the wrestling business, leaving CJ Gates without an opponent in the Ascension Tournament. Reya Serra took my place instead, and those two had a great match in the second round."

Caressing his visible championship, Slater paused and took note of the glistening gold.

"I've already announced that I won't back down from any challenge as the No Limit Champion. At Showcase Zero, I'm going to make up for my failure in the Ascension Tournament and confront Gates in Madison Square Garden. I'm not going to run away again. I'm not going to become a worthless hypocrite, someone that my critics will hilariously ridicule and demoralize. Gates is going to see me coming, and we're going to battle in that ring, just like those brave soldiers fought for the fruitfulness of their country in that Revolutionary War."

"Don't forget the others!" Falcon announced, reminding Slater of his other opponents. Unfortunately, a swarm of gulls had noticed his unfinished hot dog, swooping down to grab it from his hands.

"Bloody hell! Bugger off!"

Swatting at the gulls, Falcon runs off, dropping pieces of meat and bread everywhere as the adults and children laugh. Even Slater couldn't help but share a chuckle, alleviating his previous seriousness somewhat. However, as he looked back at them, he knew he had to finish what he started.

"Each of my opponents are going out there to prove themselves, but there is no one ... no one ... that needs to prove themselves more than I do. I'm not going to be labelled a pussy and an undeserving champion. I'm not going to be called worthless and pathetic. I'm not going ... to be regarded as nothing. ACW, New Era ... Visionary Wrestling ... each of them are going to know just how much I love this business, and why I will never leave it again. My depression controlled that saddening ambition once. I won't let it take me away from what I hold dear a second time."

As Oveja emits a long "baa" again, Slater looks towards the city of New York across the ocean, smirking confidently as he contemplates what he is going to do in Madison Square Garden.

"Showcase Zero is going to get its Showcase. And to rephrase Gate's legendary catchphrase ... I'm going to go big ... and I am not ... going home."
 
HugoStrangeWARPED

The plane touches and the jarring of the plane awakens thr large framed Hugo Strange. He looks around and wipes some drool and grabs the empty peanut snakes wrapers laying on his chest and stomach. After a few minutes the plane is taxied to its gate and the door to the plane is opened and people start to leave the plane. Hugo waits till everybody else is off. Hugo pulls himself out of the tiny seat and lumbers down the plane to the door the flight attendent smiles says " enjoy New York City" Hugo smiles back and nods to her.

Hugo walks past all the people waiting at baggage claim with his duffel bag over shoulder heading towards the doors leading to New York. The doors slide open and Hugo is slapped in face by the sights, sounds and smells of New York then he hails a cab. Hugo slides and tell the the "Mafison Square garden" as the cab weaves its way thoigh traffic Hugo looks at the window. A few minutes later the cab stops and Hugo gets out and hands the cabby some money and gets out and heads to yhe legendry building.

Fade to black.

Hugo is sitting in the front row resting his head on the railing staring at the ring.

Hugo:[\b] Five months I have been in the pros five short months O have been a pro wrestler. I have been a champion have been I have wrestled the best in world and I have enjoyed every second of it. Now because of time have not been put fourth the effort I would like but that is life.

C.j. I am little unhinged and I will do what do whatever it ts takes to win. Reya nice to see you again and everybody else glad to meet you all I am Hugo Strange and I going to give you a fight. I am not going to talk shit just because I am the rookie, but I do have a goal and a challnge to put fourth to my opponents in this match. Lets still steal the show, lets blow the roof off snd send everybody home knowing we have prove ourselves snf that the VWI is the top name for proffesional wrestling. Again sorry this short but I think you get my message win or lose I am here to fight and blow the roof off this place.

Fsde to black.


Edited by HugoStrangeWARPED, Dec 13 2012, 11:50 PM.
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
DealsFor.me - The best sales, coupons, and discounts for you
« Previous Topic · Visionary Roleplays · Next Topic »