Post by Deleted on May 29, 2016 14:50:31 GMT -5
Seth: To the one member of The Family who managed to make it into the next round. Dag, you may learn something from this guy, since he took out a giant, but you couldn't even take out a woman...
Logan had a laugh, as did Seth, but neither Dag nor I were amused. For Dag, it was pretty obvious why he was lacking good cheer at the moment. Not only did he lose to Sarah Twilight, but she somehow managed to put in paperwork for his next paycheck to go towards both African American and LGBTQ rights (What the fuck is the Q for?). That was, until Seth caught it and put the squash on half of his salary for the next year going towards causes and people he despises.
I was lacking cheer because of many reasons. First, I couldn't stand being around these guys very much. Alcohol helps, but that leads to my next reason, but more on that later. These guys were just absolutely obnoxious. Dag was obnoxious for his blind hatred and his willingness to go too far in showing just how much he hates, in general. About the only thing he talks about with love and care is trains, for some bizarre reason.
Logan was obnoxious because of his lackadaisical approach to everything. Especially now, with Seth keeping his back protected. And then there was Seth, who was in a perpetual state of drunk, and thinks he's reliving 2003 or some shit all over again. I wonder who the guy was that he kept around and indentured to his personal service. Was he still alive? Because this is the reason why people eat bullets every day. Because of shit like this.
Oh yeah, Seth is still talking...
Seth: James, I don't know how you did it, but great fucking job, man! I questioned my decision to pay off the VWS so they wouldn't sue you for your eventual breach of contract, but man, it was so worth it! So everyone, let's have this toast, except for Dag, who refuses to drink because he's still a little child who was spanked by Sarah Twilight for being a naughty boy!
Dag: Fuck that cumdumpster. You all know she got lucky tonight.
Logan: Oh she's a trashcan, alright, but she still managed to win. That's still pretty embarrassing. Especially when the rookie just kicked the biggest guy on the roster's ass. In a rather convincing manner, if I may say so.
Seth: Drink!!!
Everyone drinks their beverage, but here's where I kind of balked at the drinking tonight.
After I tried to hit "Game Over" on Bates, he caught me, but couldn't quite control the catch. I didn't make it easy on him, and as a result, he went over the top rope to the floor. When I crashed into the guardrails, I hit them face first. This resulted in one of my molars getting knocked out. The bleeding had stopped, but I could only imagine the burn that even this lightly alcoholic beverage will do to my mouth. This combined with the fizz of the drink.
Of course, Seth was not happy about me refraining from drinking, so he says...
Seth: Do I have to threaten your job over a flute of champagne? Drink! This is your celebration!
I tried to speak, but the cotton ball that I had in place of my tooth fell out and I almost swallowed it. Seth then says...
Seth: Just drink the damn drink!
I spit out the cotton ball onto his shoe as I keep it from going down my throat hole. I then get myself back upright, and I pour the entire flute of champagne into my mouth. True to my fears, the burn was INTENSE on the site of where one of my teeth used to be, but I swallow the damned drink, and hand the glass back to Seth, as I say...
Me: That will be the last one for me. Now, does anybody know where I can find a dentist that works all night?
Seth: Oh, that's what that is that you just spit onto my shoe? Gross! When did that happen?
Me: I was in this match earlier tonight, which you booked...
Seth: Bates did that to you? Remind me to put him in a meaningless match next week, then.
Dag: Good stuff, boss! Bury that huge redneck into jobber status!!!
Seth: I'm thinking a tag team match for Bates. His partner could be a member of The Family, just because I know it'll piss him off...
Everyone looks at Dag, who's giggling at the prospect, until he realizes that HE'S the one that Seth is talking about...
Dag: You gotta be fucking kidding me! That oversized descendant of Mongoloid rednecks? Why would you do this to me, Seth?
Seth: Well, if you had won your match like you were supposed to, then we would not have this issue, would we? I guess you could consider this your punishment for failure.
Logan: Good call, Seth!
Dag: You agree with this? I thought we were brothers!
Logan: You're telling me you don't see this as a huge win for us? I mean, you can do a lot with this opportunity! Can we make the opponents Orbit and Purse? Orbit's turned into a boudle, and Purse has always been a boudle.
Seth: Done! Oh my God, this is perfect! You know, after this clusterfuck with Oblivion is put behind us, you're supposed to face Purse in the next round...
Logan: If he makes it to the next round...
Seth: EXACTLY!!!
Meanwhile, I just shook my head at the absurdity of the whole conversation. I was about to try and take my leave, when Logan looks over my shoulder and says...
Logan: Stripper is here!!! But where are the rest of them?
I turn around to see Susan, which pissed me off that Logan assumed that my wife was a stripper hired by Seth so they could live out their juvenile dreams of being with walking STD factories night in and night out, and I let Logan have it...
Me: That' my wife, you fucking cockbite!
Logan: That's your wife? I thought she'd be dorky-looking like you, but I guess I was wrong! GOOD JOB, COUSIN!!!
Dag: I gotta say, she's a fine Aryan specimen that I wouldn't mind getting to know...
I shot Dag a dirty look, as Seth then says...
Seth: Is she the one you knocked up? YOU MORON!!! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO MARRY HER!!!
Susan: No, he didn't have to. But neither did I. Are you ready? We found a dentist that'll fix your tooth.
Seth: Yeah, get that tooth looked at. Last thing I need is for you to be at less than 100% for the next round. Somebody's got to stick around in the tournament to help The Family look good.
I refrained from rolling my eyes into the back of my head, as Susan grabs me by the arm and leads me out of the pit of vipers. I hear the three of them make asinine comments about the two of us, but I ignored them long enough for us to get out of earshot, when I say...
Me: Douchebags! Every fucking last one of them!
Susan: I know. God, it's painful to watch them on TV. Then to watch you, knowing just how much you hate it there...
Me: I'm only doing this for us. I need the job for the sake of our family. I mean, going into tonight, I didn't think that advancing was going to be possible, but now? Maybe that title is not out of my reach. I win that title, and I don't have to take shit off of them anymore. I'll fucking plant Seth Lerch's head squarely in the middle of that fucking ring! Let him sleep in a pool of his own blood! Logan and Dag can be right next to him when it goes down!
I expected Susan to say something to the affirm my position, but she stays silent as I raged about what I would do as World Champion. I then look at her, and say...
Me: And if I win that World Title, we'd be set for life. I could write my own ticket out of here to anywhere on the planet we wanted to go. No more Seth Lerch, or Logan, or Dag Riddik, or any of the bullshit surrounding the WCF.
Susan: That could be nice... But there's still a whole tournament left full of capable people in it. To include Logan. I also heard that Sarah Twilight has won a WCF Classic before this one. I mean, who knows who'll get to the end, and what you'll have to face. Toppling Bates was one thing, but the rest of the field will probably provide different challenges that you may not be able to face.
Me: Jeez. Don't help out my ego in any way, if possible. But lots of people thought Bates was going to eat me for dinner, and they were wrong. Do I have to prove you wrong, too?
Susan: No, I'm behind you the whole way. I just don't want to see you disappointed. Especially if all of your hopes of getting out from under the control of The Family rests on winning only the most coveted title in the WCF. Plenty of people have done some dirty shit to get their hands on that title. To include the current holder of said title. And you know this.
Me: So what? Are you telling me I may have to get dirty to get what I want? You're the second person to say something like that to me. Sammy said something similar before I went into the ring with Bates, and I did that match clean...
Susan: You did, but someone else did not. Someone blasted Logan's music before Bates tried to hit you with The Badge. He hesitated, and it may have cost him.
Me: I didn't hear a damn thing, except maybe the beating of my heart. I thought for sure he was going to plant me in the middle of the ring. But when he extended his arm out, and my body was going up, I did what I did, and found a way to reverse that move into Rage Quit. It wasn't until I had the move on did I hear the music. I was honestly afraid that Logan was going to come down and somehow fuck this match up for me, somehow. But he never showed up.
It was kind of a weird moment, but I don't want to dwell on it. Let's just get to the dentist and get my tooth fixed, if possible. You're so driving, tonight.
I passed her the keys to our rented Buick Lacrosse, before I opened the door for her to get into the drivers seat. I went over to the passenger side, and plopped into the car. I leaned the seat back, as she turned over the vehicle to start it. I think "Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas was playing on the radio as I laid my head on the rest, reclined the seat, and passed out...
Mikey eXtreme was my next obstacle in the race for the World Title, via the WCF Classic. Another alum of the Dark Riders Gang, who once had a bright spot by winning the Trios Titles before any team could lay claim to them, then fell into the darkness of history. While Mikey was a very active member of said group, he did not play a very prominent role within the organization. Especially in terms of said Trios victory.
Hell, if anything, he's been WAY more successful after the DRG. Three United States Title reigns, in which he proclaimed that we were in the era of Mikey's America. I guess that was a colloquialism for doing whatever it takes to get and stay ahead? To include lie, cheat, steal, and even attempt to kill his competition for the title. Yet, when Bates returned and snapped his fingers, here came Gemini, or Grayson, or whatever the hell he calls himself these days, and Mikey eXtreme, in an attempt to catch lighting in a bottle once again and reign supreme as Trios winners.
I guess Mikey was no Gonzo, because that team got embarrassed badly in the first round by a team that a year ago would've been trounced by said team that had Gonzo instead of Mikey. What does that say about Mikey eXtreme? Sure, he didn't eat the pinfall, but he obviously cannot, or perhaps will not, make necessary sacrifices needed by a teammate to keep his team from being exploited and destroyed. Says something about a guy when he won't make such sacrifices for the best of their team.
Hell, this seemed to be a trend whenever Mikey lost his U.S. Title on three different occasions. He never eats the pinfall, but instead, someone else loses the match for another person to pick up the victory and the title. Perhaps this calls into question the heart within Mikey eXtreme. Maybe he can get the job done, but he can't stay on it for long, lest he actually has to work for something long-term.
Of course, I could be wrong in my assessment of his talents and skills, but it seems that he cannot sustain much momentum for very long, before he stalls out. Or rather, someone else stalls out and makes him look bad, as he's so fond of letting people know. He cannot allow himself to be accountable for any failures in his career, to include blaming others for his own shortcomings. Such as lack of heart to help his team avoid elimination, or retain his titles when faced with multiple opponents.
But instead of just adhering to my beliefs on Mikey, I decided to ask Sammy his opinion on the matter of one Mikey eXtreme, as I said to him while on our morning jog in Reading...
Me: Got any thoughts on Mikey?
Sammy: Mikey eXtreme? Surprised he made it past Zombie McMorris, but here he is, in the next round.
Me: I know, which is why I'm asking for your opinion on Mikey eXtreme. You must have some observations of your own...
Sammy: You gotta ask me now? While we're doing cardio?
Me: I do my best thinking sometimes while jogging. Thought maybe you had a spark of genius to toss my way about Mikey.
Sammy: Well, after this first round, nobody can claim he was a weak link in the DRG. Both prominent members of said organization got eliminated in the first round. You took care of Bates, and Slane managed to get past Gemini Battle. But Zombie wasn't the same guy from before. Mikey may have gotten lucky with his draw, truth be told.
Me: So you think Mikey may not be the weak link, but faced a weaker than average Zombie McMorris?
Sammy: Well, Zombie's not all that great, in my opinion. That title he touts so much is a garbage title, in my opinion, but he makes such a big deal of it, and everyone buys into that bullshit he slings around. If Mikey proved nothing else on Sunday, it's that Zombie is just that, not that great.
Me: Anything else?
Sammy: Well, after the DRG reunion, and its failure at Trios, that team may reform and try to ensure that Mikey gets a push into the next round. Bates can't be thrilled at the fact you won the match, and Gemini is a nut job, so there could be interference from those guys in the match.
Me: Everyone made the DRG to be a violent biker group, but they didn't make a habit of running into matches, or doing backstage beatdowns. But I'll keep an eye out for it.
Sammy: No, I will. That's why I come down to the ring with you. Watch your back, when you should be focusing on the match.
Me: Mikey's held the U.S. Title a few times, so he has championship experience. You think that...
Sammy: His reigns proved to me one thing, if nothing else. He's not ready to bear the burden of the World Title, and he knows it. Sure, he plays off his title losses as someone else's fault because he never eats the pinfall, but the facts are that he doesn't have the heart to hold on to what's his to lose. It's like winning it is easy for him, but holding on to it? Honestly, if there was another opponent in this match, he'd be my pick to not win, but not lose. Make anything difficult for him in terms of numbers against his favor, and he folds like a chair.
Me: His entourage likes to get involved sometimes. Are you going to be able to handle them?
Sammy: Yeah, I thought of that. And both of them are chickenshits, just like Mikey is. Freakshow just looks the part of an imposing nut, but actually doing something out there? Vidalia seems more willing to get physical, but against someone like me? I highly doubt it. But again, you let me worry about his dirtbag crew. You focus on breaking the heart of Mikey. Provided he has a heart to break. He's got talent, but no heart, is what I'm saying...
Me: Yeah, I had thoughts about his heart, or lack thereof. Saw that during Trios...
Sammy: Yeah, Gonzo would have made sure they at least had a fighting chance at that tournament. Damn shame he's dead. Now talk about heart, that guy had it for days! I mean, from what I heard through the grapevine, he was facing some severe health issues during his WCF run. This was a guy who wrestled most of his career in the 230 to 240 pound range, but last I saw of him? He looked skeletal compared to his prime. But he kept winning matches!
I had nothing to say in regards to Gonzo, but Sammy's big claim was he once trained Gonzo for awhile in the Hardcore arts when such wrestling, if you want to call it that, was at its apex. I never met him, it was before my time, but it was hard to live up to such a name in the world of professional wrestling. And I didn't care to, considering what an asshole he was during most of his career. I shifted the conversation back to Mikey, saying...
Me: What should I expect from Mikey in this match, then?
Sammy: Well, if he didn't take you seriously before, he may do so now. If only at the urging of Bates. But he could also be of the mindset that you're just a lucky rookie who managed to squirm your way to victory, which could be a fair assessment.
Me: Gee, thanks Sammy!
Sammy: Hey, I saw the match up close and in person. Hell, I'm surprised the Memphis Giant Slam didn't finish you. He must've tossed you at least five feet up from when he released you. That was at least a good 12 feet in the air you were before you crashed into the middle of the ring. But with Mikey, who knows what he's thinking? I'd say go into the match thinking that he's taking you seriously, but if he doesn't, make him pay. Just like you did to Bates, and every other person you've faced so far in the WCF.
Me: At this rate, I'll take the disrespect and underestimation of my skill in the ring if it means I get to the top. I can always talk shit to them about it later on.
Sammy: I guess, if it works for you. It would drive me nuts to think everyone thought shit about me, but then again, I've never had anything but a healthy dose of respect from most of my opponents.
Speaking of opponents, I've thought about your match with Bates, and how you looked in there. I think it's time you got some training with someone a bit more technical than I can provide you. I taught you how to hit hard and where it hurts, but I called an old friend up from Japan to help me out with more of your training.
Me: Oh really? What kind of training are we talking here?
Sammy: Well, after I saw you wrap Bates up with that... Whatever the fuck that was...
Me: I call it "Rage Quit".
Sammy: I like the name. Well, anyways, I figured getting you some further training in the art of submission wrestling would help you become a more well-rounded wrestler. Unless you want to start a fast and heavy regiment of steroid treatments. Not that the WCF will drug test you, or anything. And its not like you have to worry about losing your ability to have children, since you got a bun in her oven...
Me: I think I'll pass on the 'roids. So when do we meet this trainer?
Sammy: He's flying in from Naha tomorrow. We're supposed to pick him up in Philly. I'm going to warn you now, he's not going to take your shit, but he will also give you a ton of shit. We probably should also keep Susan away from him, if possible. He's crude, a total drunk, and mean as fuck. I think a lot of that has to do with how he grew up, and his size.
Me: His size?
Sammy: He's smaller than you are, but that doesn't mean much to him. Seen him maim a guy like Bates in Osaka after the guy challenged him to a fight. Ripped an eyeball right out of his face.
Me: And you trust him to train me? What if he does that to me?
Sammy: Don't give him a reason to do it. But he's the best at what he does. He was a Super Junior champion back in Japan for three years straight, and still competes on occasion. I think he's a year or two older than I am, if that says anything.
Me: Well, if you say. Hell, what's the worst he can do to me? Kill me? He could save me a ton of grief down the road if it came to it.
Sammy: If he kills you, it won't be quick. But I doubt he will. He once told me he likes keeping his opponents alive, but loves to give them something to remember him by. Like a broken spine, or a lost eyeball...
Me: Fuck, never mind Mikey or the DRG. My training might kill me!
Sammy: We'll find out soon enough, won't we?
I just shook my head, as we rounded the last corner on our running route. Sammy then bursts ahead, saying...
Sammy: Last one to the hotel buys lunch!!!
Me: Oh, you're totally going to lose this race, old man!
Sammy: Old enough to kick your ass!!!
I put on a burst of speed, easily blowing past Sammy, who reaches out for me but grabs nothing but air, as we move to the next scene of importance for this particular week...
The remainder of the week has been so horrible that I've managed to find a place within the arena that nobody else is going to on purpose. Not even Sammy, or Susan, or Chojun Kyan, my new training instructor. Speaking of him, Sammy was correct. He's a mean, crude little man who spends his free time drinking or chasing skirts. To include my own wife's skirt, though the one moment I've enjoyed involving him was when she slapped him in the face and booted him in the balls for being such an offensive ass towards herself.
But despite my unwillingness to work with him because of his traits, he proved that he's very worthwhile at what he does. The son of a bitch was hard to shake when it came to applying submissions, and I had to reluctantly admit to his superior skills and his instruction. It would be better, if he didn't just shout in Japanese the whole damn time. Meanwhile, Sammy has taken to being more hands off during this time of training. So now my unhappiness has followed me into my personal life, save whatever little time I get with Susan, though her moods have not improved much since she found out about her pregnancy.
So here I was, alone. Focusing on the business that'll come later on with Mikey eXtreme. And his entourage. Potentially the remnants of the DRG, as I can only assume that they're all pissed off about how the first round of the tournament went down for them. I knew Bates would be upset, losing to someone like me, but Gemini Battle? Well, he's a wildcard, who knows what he'll do. But despite all of the outside issues to worry about, I knew a few things about Mikey that will play to my benefit later on tonight.
First, much like those beloved characters from the Wizard of Oz, he lacked neither the brain, the heart, or the courage to get the job done. Maybe that was a stretch, considering that he was at least smart enough to align himself among a group of guys willing to protect him. Maybe it was the DRG that lacked a brain by allowing him entry into their group. And he has already proven that he does not have what it takes to keep them competitive in what little of the Trios matches that transpired. He didn't have the courage to do what was necessary to make that happen, nor the heart. Hell, he lacked the heart to maintain his title reigns.
All of that will play well into tonight, when I test his resolve going further into this tournament. Especially when I have to consider what I bring to the table, and his perception of myself. He probably thinks I got lucky against Bates, but may not take the chances that I wasn't that lucky. He may cry foul that The Family interfered, albeit their interference was through the PA system and with Logan's music. His entourage will probably be on high alert to any outside interference with The Family, and may even harass Sammy outside of the ring.
Either way, he probably has little to no respect for me whatsoever, and it'll probably show later on tonight. Truth be told, my respect for him and his way of doing business was lacking on my part, as well. It's a wonder that he hasn't been approached by The Family to join their ranks, considering that they seem to be cut from the same cloth. They would be a better match than myself with said group. But then again, who knows what they're doing in regards to recruitment efforts, now that the WCF has been drastically reduced in manpower.
The show was starting, as the music started drifting through the air, even here in my hiding place among all the lights. I take that as my cue to go down and meet with the rest of the roster, to see what's going on in the show. I walk my ass down the catwalk behind the backdrop that is the backstage area, where Sammy spots me and says...
Sammy: Where have you been?
Me: Away from everyone else.
Sammy: You're still angry about Chojun?
Me: I get enough disrespect from my professional life, so I'm not particularly happy about the disrespect I'm getting in my personal life, either. Let's not talk about this now. I have a match with Mikey to focus on.
Sammy: Yeah, I guess you do. Let's get this meeting done, then you can go back to hiding wherever the hell you were.
Me: Do you blame me? You're no help with this asshole who just screams at me in Japanese all fucking day. Susan has been a moody shit for weeks now, and I can't talk to her without her getting pissy or emotional about something or another. I refuse to talk to The Family about my personal life, if I can help it. I'm pretty much alone in everything right now. So unless you have some sort of help to offer, you can fuck off until the match starts. I'll go to the meeting alone.
He said something after I walked away, but I wasn't listening. Didn't care what he, or anybody was saying these days. Everything said these days seemed to all be either negative, hopeless, contemptuous, or condescending. Feels like I'm alone in valuing myself, my skills, and my ability to get the job done. I seem to get no support on anything these days. Seems like I'm standing alone in everything, these days. I just hope I can endure for the time being, and make everyone look like a fool in the process.
But yeah, seems like I stand alone, these days...
Logan had a laugh, as did Seth, but neither Dag nor I were amused. For Dag, it was pretty obvious why he was lacking good cheer at the moment. Not only did he lose to Sarah Twilight, but she somehow managed to put in paperwork for his next paycheck to go towards both African American and LGBTQ rights (What the fuck is the Q for?). That was, until Seth caught it and put the squash on half of his salary for the next year going towards causes and people he despises.
I was lacking cheer because of many reasons. First, I couldn't stand being around these guys very much. Alcohol helps, but that leads to my next reason, but more on that later. These guys were just absolutely obnoxious. Dag was obnoxious for his blind hatred and his willingness to go too far in showing just how much he hates, in general. About the only thing he talks about with love and care is trains, for some bizarre reason.
Logan was obnoxious because of his lackadaisical approach to everything. Especially now, with Seth keeping his back protected. And then there was Seth, who was in a perpetual state of drunk, and thinks he's reliving 2003 or some shit all over again. I wonder who the guy was that he kept around and indentured to his personal service. Was he still alive? Because this is the reason why people eat bullets every day. Because of shit like this.
Oh yeah, Seth is still talking...
Seth: James, I don't know how you did it, but great fucking job, man! I questioned my decision to pay off the VWS so they wouldn't sue you for your eventual breach of contract, but man, it was so worth it! So everyone, let's have this toast, except for Dag, who refuses to drink because he's still a little child who was spanked by Sarah Twilight for being a naughty boy!
Dag: Fuck that cumdumpster. You all know she got lucky tonight.
Logan: Oh she's a trashcan, alright, but she still managed to win. That's still pretty embarrassing. Especially when the rookie just kicked the biggest guy on the roster's ass. In a rather convincing manner, if I may say so.
Seth: Drink!!!
Everyone drinks their beverage, but here's where I kind of balked at the drinking tonight.
After I tried to hit "Game Over" on Bates, he caught me, but couldn't quite control the catch. I didn't make it easy on him, and as a result, he went over the top rope to the floor. When I crashed into the guardrails, I hit them face first. This resulted in one of my molars getting knocked out. The bleeding had stopped, but I could only imagine the burn that even this lightly alcoholic beverage will do to my mouth. This combined with the fizz of the drink.
Of course, Seth was not happy about me refraining from drinking, so he says...
Seth: Do I have to threaten your job over a flute of champagne? Drink! This is your celebration!
I tried to speak, but the cotton ball that I had in place of my tooth fell out and I almost swallowed it. Seth then says...
Seth: Just drink the damn drink!
I spit out the cotton ball onto his shoe as I keep it from going down my throat hole. I then get myself back upright, and I pour the entire flute of champagne into my mouth. True to my fears, the burn was INTENSE on the site of where one of my teeth used to be, but I swallow the damned drink, and hand the glass back to Seth, as I say...
Me: That will be the last one for me. Now, does anybody know where I can find a dentist that works all night?
Seth: Oh, that's what that is that you just spit onto my shoe? Gross! When did that happen?
Me: I was in this match earlier tonight, which you booked...
Seth: Bates did that to you? Remind me to put him in a meaningless match next week, then.
Dag: Good stuff, boss! Bury that huge redneck into jobber status!!!
Seth: I'm thinking a tag team match for Bates. His partner could be a member of The Family, just because I know it'll piss him off...
Everyone looks at Dag, who's giggling at the prospect, until he realizes that HE'S the one that Seth is talking about...
Dag: You gotta be fucking kidding me! That oversized descendant of Mongoloid rednecks? Why would you do this to me, Seth?
Seth: Well, if you had won your match like you were supposed to, then we would not have this issue, would we? I guess you could consider this your punishment for failure.
Logan: Good call, Seth!
Dag: You agree with this? I thought we were brothers!
Logan: You're telling me you don't see this as a huge win for us? I mean, you can do a lot with this opportunity! Can we make the opponents Orbit and Purse? Orbit's turned into a boudle, and Purse has always been a boudle.
Seth: Done! Oh my God, this is perfect! You know, after this clusterfuck with Oblivion is put behind us, you're supposed to face Purse in the next round...
Logan: If he makes it to the next round...
Seth: EXACTLY!!!
Meanwhile, I just shook my head at the absurdity of the whole conversation. I was about to try and take my leave, when Logan looks over my shoulder and says...
Logan: Stripper is here!!! But where are the rest of them?
I turn around to see Susan, which pissed me off that Logan assumed that my wife was a stripper hired by Seth so they could live out their juvenile dreams of being with walking STD factories night in and night out, and I let Logan have it...
Me: That' my wife, you fucking cockbite!
Logan: That's your wife? I thought she'd be dorky-looking like you, but I guess I was wrong! GOOD JOB, COUSIN!!!
Dag: I gotta say, she's a fine Aryan specimen that I wouldn't mind getting to know...
I shot Dag a dirty look, as Seth then says...
Seth: Is she the one you knocked up? YOU MORON!!! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO MARRY HER!!!
Susan: No, he didn't have to. But neither did I. Are you ready? We found a dentist that'll fix your tooth.
Seth: Yeah, get that tooth looked at. Last thing I need is for you to be at less than 100% for the next round. Somebody's got to stick around in the tournament to help The Family look good.
I refrained from rolling my eyes into the back of my head, as Susan grabs me by the arm and leads me out of the pit of vipers. I hear the three of them make asinine comments about the two of us, but I ignored them long enough for us to get out of earshot, when I say...
Me: Douchebags! Every fucking last one of them!
Susan: I know. God, it's painful to watch them on TV. Then to watch you, knowing just how much you hate it there...
Me: I'm only doing this for us. I need the job for the sake of our family. I mean, going into tonight, I didn't think that advancing was going to be possible, but now? Maybe that title is not out of my reach. I win that title, and I don't have to take shit off of them anymore. I'll fucking plant Seth Lerch's head squarely in the middle of that fucking ring! Let him sleep in a pool of his own blood! Logan and Dag can be right next to him when it goes down!
I expected Susan to say something to the affirm my position, but she stays silent as I raged about what I would do as World Champion. I then look at her, and say...
Me: And if I win that World Title, we'd be set for life. I could write my own ticket out of here to anywhere on the planet we wanted to go. No more Seth Lerch, or Logan, or Dag Riddik, or any of the bullshit surrounding the WCF.
Susan: That could be nice... But there's still a whole tournament left full of capable people in it. To include Logan. I also heard that Sarah Twilight has won a WCF Classic before this one. I mean, who knows who'll get to the end, and what you'll have to face. Toppling Bates was one thing, but the rest of the field will probably provide different challenges that you may not be able to face.
Me: Jeez. Don't help out my ego in any way, if possible. But lots of people thought Bates was going to eat me for dinner, and they were wrong. Do I have to prove you wrong, too?
Susan: No, I'm behind you the whole way. I just don't want to see you disappointed. Especially if all of your hopes of getting out from under the control of The Family rests on winning only the most coveted title in the WCF. Plenty of people have done some dirty shit to get their hands on that title. To include the current holder of said title. And you know this.
Me: So what? Are you telling me I may have to get dirty to get what I want? You're the second person to say something like that to me. Sammy said something similar before I went into the ring with Bates, and I did that match clean...
Susan: You did, but someone else did not. Someone blasted Logan's music before Bates tried to hit you with The Badge. He hesitated, and it may have cost him.
Me: I didn't hear a damn thing, except maybe the beating of my heart. I thought for sure he was going to plant me in the middle of the ring. But when he extended his arm out, and my body was going up, I did what I did, and found a way to reverse that move into Rage Quit. It wasn't until I had the move on did I hear the music. I was honestly afraid that Logan was going to come down and somehow fuck this match up for me, somehow. But he never showed up.
It was kind of a weird moment, but I don't want to dwell on it. Let's just get to the dentist and get my tooth fixed, if possible. You're so driving, tonight.
I passed her the keys to our rented Buick Lacrosse, before I opened the door for her to get into the drivers seat. I went over to the passenger side, and plopped into the car. I leaned the seat back, as she turned over the vehicle to start it. I think "Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas was playing on the radio as I laid my head on the rest, reclined the seat, and passed out...
Mikey eXtreme was my next obstacle in the race for the World Title, via the WCF Classic. Another alum of the Dark Riders Gang, who once had a bright spot by winning the Trios Titles before any team could lay claim to them, then fell into the darkness of history. While Mikey was a very active member of said group, he did not play a very prominent role within the organization. Especially in terms of said Trios victory.
Hell, if anything, he's been WAY more successful after the DRG. Three United States Title reigns, in which he proclaimed that we were in the era of Mikey's America. I guess that was a colloquialism for doing whatever it takes to get and stay ahead? To include lie, cheat, steal, and even attempt to kill his competition for the title. Yet, when Bates returned and snapped his fingers, here came Gemini, or Grayson, or whatever the hell he calls himself these days, and Mikey eXtreme, in an attempt to catch lighting in a bottle once again and reign supreme as Trios winners.
I guess Mikey was no Gonzo, because that team got embarrassed badly in the first round by a team that a year ago would've been trounced by said team that had Gonzo instead of Mikey. What does that say about Mikey eXtreme? Sure, he didn't eat the pinfall, but he obviously cannot, or perhaps will not, make necessary sacrifices needed by a teammate to keep his team from being exploited and destroyed. Says something about a guy when he won't make such sacrifices for the best of their team.
Hell, this seemed to be a trend whenever Mikey lost his U.S. Title on three different occasions. He never eats the pinfall, but instead, someone else loses the match for another person to pick up the victory and the title. Perhaps this calls into question the heart within Mikey eXtreme. Maybe he can get the job done, but he can't stay on it for long, lest he actually has to work for something long-term.
Of course, I could be wrong in my assessment of his talents and skills, but it seems that he cannot sustain much momentum for very long, before he stalls out. Or rather, someone else stalls out and makes him look bad, as he's so fond of letting people know. He cannot allow himself to be accountable for any failures in his career, to include blaming others for his own shortcomings. Such as lack of heart to help his team avoid elimination, or retain his titles when faced with multiple opponents.
But instead of just adhering to my beliefs on Mikey, I decided to ask Sammy his opinion on the matter of one Mikey eXtreme, as I said to him while on our morning jog in Reading...
Me: Got any thoughts on Mikey?
Sammy: Mikey eXtreme? Surprised he made it past Zombie McMorris, but here he is, in the next round.
Me: I know, which is why I'm asking for your opinion on Mikey eXtreme. You must have some observations of your own...
Sammy: You gotta ask me now? While we're doing cardio?
Me: I do my best thinking sometimes while jogging. Thought maybe you had a spark of genius to toss my way about Mikey.
Sammy: Well, after this first round, nobody can claim he was a weak link in the DRG. Both prominent members of said organization got eliminated in the first round. You took care of Bates, and Slane managed to get past Gemini Battle. But Zombie wasn't the same guy from before. Mikey may have gotten lucky with his draw, truth be told.
Me: So you think Mikey may not be the weak link, but faced a weaker than average Zombie McMorris?
Sammy: Well, Zombie's not all that great, in my opinion. That title he touts so much is a garbage title, in my opinion, but he makes such a big deal of it, and everyone buys into that bullshit he slings around. If Mikey proved nothing else on Sunday, it's that Zombie is just that, not that great.
Me: Anything else?
Sammy: Well, after the DRG reunion, and its failure at Trios, that team may reform and try to ensure that Mikey gets a push into the next round. Bates can't be thrilled at the fact you won the match, and Gemini is a nut job, so there could be interference from those guys in the match.
Me: Everyone made the DRG to be a violent biker group, but they didn't make a habit of running into matches, or doing backstage beatdowns. But I'll keep an eye out for it.
Sammy: No, I will. That's why I come down to the ring with you. Watch your back, when you should be focusing on the match.
Me: Mikey's held the U.S. Title a few times, so he has championship experience. You think that...
Sammy: His reigns proved to me one thing, if nothing else. He's not ready to bear the burden of the World Title, and he knows it. Sure, he plays off his title losses as someone else's fault because he never eats the pinfall, but the facts are that he doesn't have the heart to hold on to what's his to lose. It's like winning it is easy for him, but holding on to it? Honestly, if there was another opponent in this match, he'd be my pick to not win, but not lose. Make anything difficult for him in terms of numbers against his favor, and he folds like a chair.
Me: His entourage likes to get involved sometimes. Are you going to be able to handle them?
Sammy: Yeah, I thought of that. And both of them are chickenshits, just like Mikey is. Freakshow just looks the part of an imposing nut, but actually doing something out there? Vidalia seems more willing to get physical, but against someone like me? I highly doubt it. But again, you let me worry about his dirtbag crew. You focus on breaking the heart of Mikey. Provided he has a heart to break. He's got talent, but no heart, is what I'm saying...
Me: Yeah, I had thoughts about his heart, or lack thereof. Saw that during Trios...
Sammy: Yeah, Gonzo would have made sure they at least had a fighting chance at that tournament. Damn shame he's dead. Now talk about heart, that guy had it for days! I mean, from what I heard through the grapevine, he was facing some severe health issues during his WCF run. This was a guy who wrestled most of his career in the 230 to 240 pound range, but last I saw of him? He looked skeletal compared to his prime. But he kept winning matches!
I had nothing to say in regards to Gonzo, but Sammy's big claim was he once trained Gonzo for awhile in the Hardcore arts when such wrestling, if you want to call it that, was at its apex. I never met him, it was before my time, but it was hard to live up to such a name in the world of professional wrestling. And I didn't care to, considering what an asshole he was during most of his career. I shifted the conversation back to Mikey, saying...
Me: What should I expect from Mikey in this match, then?
Sammy: Well, if he didn't take you seriously before, he may do so now. If only at the urging of Bates. But he could also be of the mindset that you're just a lucky rookie who managed to squirm your way to victory, which could be a fair assessment.
Me: Gee, thanks Sammy!
Sammy: Hey, I saw the match up close and in person. Hell, I'm surprised the Memphis Giant Slam didn't finish you. He must've tossed you at least five feet up from when he released you. That was at least a good 12 feet in the air you were before you crashed into the middle of the ring. But with Mikey, who knows what he's thinking? I'd say go into the match thinking that he's taking you seriously, but if he doesn't, make him pay. Just like you did to Bates, and every other person you've faced so far in the WCF.
Me: At this rate, I'll take the disrespect and underestimation of my skill in the ring if it means I get to the top. I can always talk shit to them about it later on.
Sammy: I guess, if it works for you. It would drive me nuts to think everyone thought shit about me, but then again, I've never had anything but a healthy dose of respect from most of my opponents.
Speaking of opponents, I've thought about your match with Bates, and how you looked in there. I think it's time you got some training with someone a bit more technical than I can provide you. I taught you how to hit hard and where it hurts, but I called an old friend up from Japan to help me out with more of your training.
Me: Oh really? What kind of training are we talking here?
Sammy: Well, after I saw you wrap Bates up with that... Whatever the fuck that was...
Me: I call it "Rage Quit".
Sammy: I like the name. Well, anyways, I figured getting you some further training in the art of submission wrestling would help you become a more well-rounded wrestler. Unless you want to start a fast and heavy regiment of steroid treatments. Not that the WCF will drug test you, or anything. And its not like you have to worry about losing your ability to have children, since you got a bun in her oven...
Me: I think I'll pass on the 'roids. So when do we meet this trainer?
Sammy: He's flying in from Naha tomorrow. We're supposed to pick him up in Philly. I'm going to warn you now, he's not going to take your shit, but he will also give you a ton of shit. We probably should also keep Susan away from him, if possible. He's crude, a total drunk, and mean as fuck. I think a lot of that has to do with how he grew up, and his size.
Me: His size?
Sammy: He's smaller than you are, but that doesn't mean much to him. Seen him maim a guy like Bates in Osaka after the guy challenged him to a fight. Ripped an eyeball right out of his face.
Me: And you trust him to train me? What if he does that to me?
Sammy: Don't give him a reason to do it. But he's the best at what he does. He was a Super Junior champion back in Japan for three years straight, and still competes on occasion. I think he's a year or two older than I am, if that says anything.
Me: Well, if you say. Hell, what's the worst he can do to me? Kill me? He could save me a ton of grief down the road if it came to it.
Sammy: If he kills you, it won't be quick. But I doubt he will. He once told me he likes keeping his opponents alive, but loves to give them something to remember him by. Like a broken spine, or a lost eyeball...
Me: Fuck, never mind Mikey or the DRG. My training might kill me!
Sammy: We'll find out soon enough, won't we?
I just shook my head, as we rounded the last corner on our running route. Sammy then bursts ahead, saying...
Sammy: Last one to the hotel buys lunch!!!
Me: Oh, you're totally going to lose this race, old man!
Sammy: Old enough to kick your ass!!!
I put on a burst of speed, easily blowing past Sammy, who reaches out for me but grabs nothing but air, as we move to the next scene of importance for this particular week...
The remainder of the week has been so horrible that I've managed to find a place within the arena that nobody else is going to on purpose. Not even Sammy, or Susan, or Chojun Kyan, my new training instructor. Speaking of him, Sammy was correct. He's a mean, crude little man who spends his free time drinking or chasing skirts. To include my own wife's skirt, though the one moment I've enjoyed involving him was when she slapped him in the face and booted him in the balls for being such an offensive ass towards herself.
But despite my unwillingness to work with him because of his traits, he proved that he's very worthwhile at what he does. The son of a bitch was hard to shake when it came to applying submissions, and I had to reluctantly admit to his superior skills and his instruction. It would be better, if he didn't just shout in Japanese the whole damn time. Meanwhile, Sammy has taken to being more hands off during this time of training. So now my unhappiness has followed me into my personal life, save whatever little time I get with Susan, though her moods have not improved much since she found out about her pregnancy.
So here I was, alone. Focusing on the business that'll come later on with Mikey eXtreme. And his entourage. Potentially the remnants of the DRG, as I can only assume that they're all pissed off about how the first round of the tournament went down for them. I knew Bates would be upset, losing to someone like me, but Gemini Battle? Well, he's a wildcard, who knows what he'll do. But despite all of the outside issues to worry about, I knew a few things about Mikey that will play to my benefit later on tonight.
First, much like those beloved characters from the Wizard of Oz, he lacked neither the brain, the heart, or the courage to get the job done. Maybe that was a stretch, considering that he was at least smart enough to align himself among a group of guys willing to protect him. Maybe it was the DRG that lacked a brain by allowing him entry into their group. And he has already proven that he does not have what it takes to keep them competitive in what little of the Trios matches that transpired. He didn't have the courage to do what was necessary to make that happen, nor the heart. Hell, he lacked the heart to maintain his title reigns.
All of that will play well into tonight, when I test his resolve going further into this tournament. Especially when I have to consider what I bring to the table, and his perception of myself. He probably thinks I got lucky against Bates, but may not take the chances that I wasn't that lucky. He may cry foul that The Family interfered, albeit their interference was through the PA system and with Logan's music. His entourage will probably be on high alert to any outside interference with The Family, and may even harass Sammy outside of the ring.
Either way, he probably has little to no respect for me whatsoever, and it'll probably show later on tonight. Truth be told, my respect for him and his way of doing business was lacking on my part, as well. It's a wonder that he hasn't been approached by The Family to join their ranks, considering that they seem to be cut from the same cloth. They would be a better match than myself with said group. But then again, who knows what they're doing in regards to recruitment efforts, now that the WCF has been drastically reduced in manpower.
The show was starting, as the music started drifting through the air, even here in my hiding place among all the lights. I take that as my cue to go down and meet with the rest of the roster, to see what's going on in the show. I walk my ass down the catwalk behind the backdrop that is the backstage area, where Sammy spots me and says...
Sammy: Where have you been?
Me: Away from everyone else.
Sammy: You're still angry about Chojun?
Me: I get enough disrespect from my professional life, so I'm not particularly happy about the disrespect I'm getting in my personal life, either. Let's not talk about this now. I have a match with Mikey to focus on.
Sammy: Yeah, I guess you do. Let's get this meeting done, then you can go back to hiding wherever the hell you were.
Me: Do you blame me? You're no help with this asshole who just screams at me in Japanese all fucking day. Susan has been a moody shit for weeks now, and I can't talk to her without her getting pissy or emotional about something or another. I refuse to talk to The Family about my personal life, if I can help it. I'm pretty much alone in everything right now. So unless you have some sort of help to offer, you can fuck off until the match starts. I'll go to the meeting alone.
He said something after I walked away, but I wasn't listening. Didn't care what he, or anybody was saying these days. Everything said these days seemed to all be either negative, hopeless, contemptuous, or condescending. Feels like I'm alone in valuing myself, my skills, and my ability to get the job done. I seem to get no support on anything these days. Seems like I'm standing alone in everything, these days. I just hope I can endure for the time being, and make everyone look like a fool in the process.
But yeah, seems like I stand alone, these days...