Corey Black vs The World: The Finale
Jan 1, 2018 17:50:11 GMT -5
Teo Blaze, Joey Flash, and 5 more like this
Post by Corey Black on Jan 1, 2018 17:50:11 GMT -5
The journey to this day began on January 6th, 2002. It was the third War event WCF hosted. A man with long black hair and white face paint approached the ring wielding a steel chair. His performance was miserable. Nobody had any idea who this man was, he was never on television before, his only wrestling appearance to people not in a crowded gym was over the web in Net Championship Wrestling. There, he was a star. Multiple time champion within the short time frame he was there. But in WCF, to a wide audience on television, this scrawny kid from the Midwest was nothing. His next appearance was in a classic WCF clusterfuck of a 4-way Hardcore Title Match, but it was here where people began to take notice. The winner of the second War match, Hellz Angel, came from the crowd and attacked him with a bowling ball. A former World Champion taking a heavy object and slamming it into the head of this relative unknown. Those watching took heed, realizing someone like Hellz Angel wouldn't do this for no reason. There was something there. And then the skinny man in the ridiculous face paint pinned Logan, the terrorizing World Champion. From then until now, he ruled WCF's main event scene. He revolutionized WCF and the business as a whole time and time again.
And now.
It all ends.
Winter is brutal this year. Wind chills reaching fifty below zero. Corey Black's Minneapolis apartment is at the top of a skyscraper, even colder yet that high in the air. The windows that serve as walls are all frosted over. A slight glow from the giant television screen lights up the apartment. There we see Nikki Venus and Taylor Swift sitting alone on the large couch, watching old matches on the WCF Network. Corey Black is nowhere to be found.
At an undisclosed location is a giant hotel covered in snow, with a blizzard outside dumping even more of the white fluffy mess upon it. Inside sits Corey Black alone in a small room, sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. His seclusion is evident by the bottles of Diet Coke that litter the room. Clothes strewn about, food wrappers everywhere - is this where Corey has been since we last saw him? In this massive hotel.. Corey's head snaps up, he looks toward the door. He's wearing black athletic shorts, black shoes and no shirt. Out into the hallway, it stretches what looks like a mile but there's only right doors on either side. Oddly enough, it starts with 02. Corey slowly walks down the hall, his ears seemingly picking up odd noises coming from the doors, his eyes dart left to right. A soft glow from inside the 02 room comes out the bottom of the door, almost inviting him in. Corey reaches for the door knob and pops it open - inside is a sight to behold.
Stacks and stacks of old televisions showing clips of everything Corey Black did in 2002 as Creeping Death. War, pinning Logan to become half of the very first WCF Tag Champions, taking a Connector off the giant ladder, and countless more moments. Confused, Corey closes the door and the door marked 03 begins glowing around the edges. Corey walks across the hall and places his hand upon the knob, opening the door and finding a similar set-up. TV's stacked to the ceiling showing clips of Corey himself. Beating Matthew Steele for the TV Title, pinning Hellz Angel for his first WCF World Championship and more. Corey's eyes light up, almost a bit of joy from his expression. The joy is quickly wiped from his face, as Corey marches down the hallway and surpasses many of the doors. He stops at one - his face contorts in anger. The door he stands in front of is 09.
Corey reaches for the knob but stops. He relents, pausing his shaking hand and looks back at the other doors. They all glow, but 09 glows brighter, casting a brighter hue of orange across the tangerine colored carpet of the hotel. He knows what is behind that door, his hands tremble again. Inching toward the door knob, he grasps it and turns, the door opens and he peeks inside. The stack of televisions are replaced by one giant screen showing the same clip over and over. Corey's eyes grow wide as he watches Jay Price slam a steel chair into his back, causing him to lose a WCF World Championship match. CD hits his finish, a chair from nowhere, it's Jay Price. Over. And over. AND OVER. Corey's arm jerks forward, breaking the knob off the door, and with all his might he sends the brass bulb through the television set. Shards of glass rain down, impaling Corey's body! Blood flows everywhere!
And then he's back in his room with his head in his hands. There's a knock at the door, this startles him and snaps him out of it. He lunges for the door and opens it, it's just a maid.
Hotel Maid
Good afternoon Mr. Black, today is checkout day. Thanks for staying with us!
Corey is in a daze. He smiles and nods, closing the door and looking upon the room once again. It's clean and prestine. Everything is put away, his bags are packed and ready to go. He's dressed and ready to walk out the door. He walks over, picks up his bag and stops at the mirror. The TV turns on, reflected in the mirror. Playing right now is Captain America: Civil War. Iron Man and Captain America are fighting. Corey sighs, looks back and turns it off. He heads out the hotel room and turns the light off on his way out the door. Outside it isn't snowing, it's actually a bright and shiny day. Minimal snow on the ground, a stark contrast to the blizzard he thought was happening. He drops his key off at the front desk and heads outside to his car.
Back in Minneapolis, Taylor and Nikki are cooking in the kitchen. On the giant TV in the living room, still old WCF shows. The windows are still frosted over, it's unbearably cold. They hear the elevator coming up, and they both look toward the front door. Corey walks in, tosses his bag on the couch and collapses next to it. The ladies walk over with their soup, smiling and giddy. Corey's out of it. His mind isn't here at all. They sit on either side of Corey, sipping their soups.
Nikki Venus
So how was your getaway? Clear your mind?
Taylor Swift
I find it odd you'd choose the same hotel they filmed The Shining at, but it suits you well.
Corey Black
It was terrible, couldn't concentrate at all.
Nikki Venus
Well that's a bummer. You only have one more match and you can finally relax, though. No more stress, no more endless Twitter feeds talking nonsense, no more overgrown children trying to eliminate you for their own legacy. You're almost done, Corey!
Taylor Swift
I can't wait until I get to your situation! The pressure to continually create masterpieces is the hardest thing in the world. Fans demand it, and if you don't deliver they're quick to change their mind. You put your time in, it's finally time for you to step back and let someone else shoulder the weight of the company.
Corey Black
But who, really? Who is even left standing? The men I thought could do it are all checked out. Rabid can't do it one his own, he needs help. He needs Andre, he needs Flash and Holmes, but they don't care enough. If they're not the main event, they're off to the next pasture.
Nikki Venus
This is no longer your burden. You've tried to cultivate the next generation of main event for five years, John Rabid is the only man left standing. You can lead them to the pizza, but it's up to them to stay at the table and feast. It isn't your fault they didn't like pepperoni.
Corey Black
I chose the wrong souls to lead.
Taylor Swift
You didn't fail them, they failed you. Look at the success rate of the guys you had around you. If you deny the fact that your impact led them to the top then you're crazy.
Corey Black
I'm sure it did, but they're all gone now - except Rabid. Jeff Purse, Jonny Fly, Jay Omega, Alex Richards, hell half of them hate WCF.
Nikki Venus
But there's one..
Taylor Swift
THE one..
Nikki Venus
One that you have to handle yourself.
Taylor Swift
The reason why you took a week in a hotel alone.
Nikki Venus
Your entire career had led to this moment. Of all the opposition you've faced, from Hellz Angel to Torture to Thomas Bates, there's one guy you have to end. And you have your chance. We believe in you, Corey.
Taylor Swift
Go out in a blaze of glory, show the world that you're ending this on your own terms. You can compete with the best, but you walk away at the top of your game.
Nikki Venus
Shut the world up one last time.
Taylor Swift
Beat him.
Corey Black
JAYSON. PRICE.
Corey leaps up off the couch, the ladies each grab a hand and pull him back down. They laugh, but then get serious once again.
Nikki Venus
Don't get ahead of yourself, though. You know what this guy is capable of. He doesn't - he's never cared about you. He has used you his entire career, from This is War to Pantheon.
Taylor Swift
He is the cause of many of your troubles. He exists simply to antagonize you. But he knows you well.
Nikki Venus
You've been in the ring against him multiple times, teaming with him even more. He knows your movements, he knows your tendencies. You're going to have to evolve one last time.
Taylor Swift
You're the resident veteran of this company, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something new. Your mindset going into this can't be that you are going to take the weight of the world off of you, your mindset has to be destruction of Jayson Price one last time.
Corey Black
I've stomped this dickhead every match we've had since the first, I think I'll be okay.
Nikki Venus
You THINK.
Taylor Swift
You have to KNOW.
Nikki Venus
I think you KNOW what you have to do, Corey.
Corey Black
...another road trip, is it?
Taylor Swift
I think it is.
Corey Black
Goddamnit. Can I be home for like a night at least?
Nikki Venus
That sounds nice. Tomorrow we're off to Des Moines.
Corey nods, he stands up and grabs his bag, heading off into his bedroom. Taylor and Nikki get back to their soup, watching the match on TV.
Taylor Swift
When do you think he'll notice?
Nikki Venus
Three.. two.. one..
Corey Black
HOLY SHIT!
From the bedroom, which isn't too far away, not even upstairs, Corey's yell is heard. The ladies look to each other and laugh. Corey comes barreling out of the room, holding new gear. Half black, half gold. His face is beaming for the first time in what is likely months.
Nikki Venus
We figured the perfect retirement present would be to look flashy in your last match.
Corey Black
Damn ladies, thank you. This is awesome.
Taylor Swift
When you're standing over the fallen body of Jayson Price, you have to look good. The poster will sell better.
Nikki Venus
Maybe he'll be terrified of gold after being bashed with golden knees and elbows for an entire match.
Corey Black
I appreciate that. Let's get some rest and get ready to take off tomorrow morning.
Down in Des Moines, the cold air isn't any less bitter. The bite from the arctic breeze is evident by all the ice on every window around in downtown. Corey Black and Nikki Venus walk into a smaller building, it opens up to a wrestling ring and an old man in the middle of it. Corey drops to his knees and places his hand over his opposite shoulder.
Corey Black
Greetings Crow, I have returned to your abode.
A new abode, that is, because the old Crow dojo was eliminated earlier this year in the Dethwar. It is still a grime-filled hole in the wall with a man that knows his shit.
The Crow
Please, Corey, call me John. I have heard rumblings of your exit of this wonderful sport we enjoy.
Corey Black
That's correct, John, I have come to ask for one more lesson.
John Drok
Then by all means, join me within the confines of the ropes.
Corey stands and walks over to the ring, He peels off his coat, hands it to Nikki, and rolls under the bottom rope. John and Corey bow to each other, then assume a fighting stands. They lock up, John drops to a knee and goes behind then reaches over into a headlock. Corey anticipated, he begins spinning before the hold is in, but John did as well, he leaps forward and grabs onto a front neck lock.
John Drok
You see, Corey, I know you well.
Corey Black
Funny, I've heard this before.
John Drok
You have, have you?
Corey Black
Yes, the ladies were telling me that I have to do different things because they think Jayson knows exactly what I'm going to do.
John Drok
Interesting. They're not incorrect. Break my hold.
Corey drops to a knee and pops his hips, throwing Drok over in a Northern Lights. He bridges and floats over, then locks in a Brainbuster and hoists Drok into the air!
John Drok
Good!
Corey puts his trainer down and bows, as does Crow.
John Drok
That is your lesson for the day, Corey. My greatest student. Trust those around you, for once in your life.
Corey Black
I do, John. Thank you very much.
John Drok
You have a home here whenever you need it. Please do not be a stranger.
John and Corey share a handshake and a nod, Corey drops to the mat and rolls to the floor. Nikki hands him his coat and they head back outside.
Nikki Venus
I will never understand the relationship.
Corey Black
What, the formalities?
Nikki Venus
All of it, it's all so routine.
Corey Black
Yeah, I spent years with Crow, he was the only parental figure I had for a very long time.
Nikki Venus
But you don't have to drop to the floor and present, right?
Corey Black
As a student, I do. It's respect more than anything. Offering yourself as an unarmed, non combative.
Nikki Venus
Huh, I guess that does make sense. Hey where the hell are we going? I'm frickin' cold.
Corey Black
Haha, there's a cafe around the corner here, we can stop in and warm up.
Corey and Nikki continue on through the streets of Des Moines in search of their destination.
Jarring hard cut to Corey Black sitting alone in a crowded subway station. A plethora of business people, working class folk stand around waiting for the train to come and take them to work. Another day, another dollar, just to do it all over again and live a life of mediocrity. Not Corey Black though, this is his last battle. After One, there's nowhere he needs to be ever again. The train screeches into frame, brakes barely stopping the multiple ton behemoth of a vehicle. The doors slowly open, allowing entrance to the metal tube that travels underground. Everyone rushes in except Corey, he takes his time getting up from the bench and waltzing onto the train. These people are all in a hurry to get to work on time, but Corey Black isn't. He's got all the time in the world. There's nowhere left to sit, no benches left, but that's alright. Corey, with a smile on his face, stands and holds onto the pole that stands in the middle of the aisle.
The train takes off, in an undisclosed direction toward an undisclosed location. Eventually the train stops, everyone rushes off through the doors. Corey takes his time, even avoiding a rushing woman. Corey finally exits the train and walks out of the subway station, out into a bright and shiny day. He walks beyond the hustle of the busy town into the vast countryside. A small patch of trees to the left, the bright blue sky, a rolling open field of the greenest grass. Corey steps out into the field and takes a seat, crossing his legs. He takes a deep breath.
Corey Black
Sixteen years I've done this. Sixteen years. When WCF needed a hero, I stood up and said "I'll do it." When WCF needed a savior, I stood up and said "I'll do it." When WCF needed direction, I stood up, slammed my fist on the table and DEMANDED to be put in a position to change the game. XIII, Hellimination, Ultimate Showdown, the Trilogy Cup, ulrtaviolence - I brought it all to this company. The best wrestling federation on planet Earth. People come and go, then come back for more, but a minority of them curse the name WCF. They would have never made it anyway. They'd have been eaten alive by the competition. Names like Wade Moor, John Rabid, Jonny Fly, Jeff Purse - these are men that could walk out to the ring night in and night out, win a match, head back and do it all over again the next day. I am proud to have placed my name aside theirs in this journey, this epic story.
But every story needs to have an end.
And finally, the curtain comes to a close on my career.
I didn't want to go out stroking my own ego with easy matches. I wanted to leave WCF with what could only be called the hardest schedule anyone has ever undertook. I battled Purse, FPV, Scarecrow, Bishop, Mikey eXtreme, Fly, Gravedigger and Joey Flash. A literal "who's who" of WCF. But there's one name that I knew had to be part of this. Not Torture, not Logan, not even Brad Kane - no, if Jayson Price wasn't my last challenger in WCF, this story would never have an ending.
A man that has slammed a chair in my back, a knife in my back, broken my elbow and just generally been around. I've brought him with me to multiple stables, we've ruled WCF and we've tore the house to the ground. He's followed me to other companies to try to defeat me, for the love of God. Jayson Price was supposed to be my successor. He was supposed to take the reigns of the company and lead it forward after I am gone.
Now, I'm just going to have to kill him and make damn sure he doesn't have the chance.
Corey looks to the sky and a rain drop falls on his head. Then another. Slowly but surely, rain clouds roll in and the bright blue sky turns dark and gray. Lightning begins crashing all around the open air. One good bolt of lightning slams into the ground near Corey, causing everything to go white for a few moments - refocusing, there's a tall slender stone bell tower sitting before Corey's feet. He looks up at the tower and grins. The large wooden doors open, inviting Corey in from the rain. He obliges, running his fingers alone the cold stone walls, remembering every moment spent within the tower. He walks up the stairs leading to the bell at the top, looking out on the rainy day now. hand upon the giant bell.
Corey Black
It's been a great ride. A near lifetime of ups, downs, and everything in between. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in such a thing. Thank you so much.
And now.
It all ends.
Winter is brutal this year. Wind chills reaching fifty below zero. Corey Black's Minneapolis apartment is at the top of a skyscraper, even colder yet that high in the air. The windows that serve as walls are all frosted over. A slight glow from the giant television screen lights up the apartment. There we see Nikki Venus and Taylor Swift sitting alone on the large couch, watching old matches on the WCF Network. Corey Black is nowhere to be found.
At an undisclosed location is a giant hotel covered in snow, with a blizzard outside dumping even more of the white fluffy mess upon it. Inside sits Corey Black alone in a small room, sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. His seclusion is evident by the bottles of Diet Coke that litter the room. Clothes strewn about, food wrappers everywhere - is this where Corey has been since we last saw him? In this massive hotel.. Corey's head snaps up, he looks toward the door. He's wearing black athletic shorts, black shoes and no shirt. Out into the hallway, it stretches what looks like a mile but there's only right doors on either side. Oddly enough, it starts with 02. Corey slowly walks down the hall, his ears seemingly picking up odd noises coming from the doors, his eyes dart left to right. A soft glow from inside the 02 room comes out the bottom of the door, almost inviting him in. Corey reaches for the door knob and pops it open - inside is a sight to behold.
Stacks and stacks of old televisions showing clips of everything Corey Black did in 2002 as Creeping Death. War, pinning Logan to become half of the very first WCF Tag Champions, taking a Connector off the giant ladder, and countless more moments. Confused, Corey closes the door and the door marked 03 begins glowing around the edges. Corey walks across the hall and places his hand upon the knob, opening the door and finding a similar set-up. TV's stacked to the ceiling showing clips of Corey himself. Beating Matthew Steele for the TV Title, pinning Hellz Angel for his first WCF World Championship and more. Corey's eyes light up, almost a bit of joy from his expression. The joy is quickly wiped from his face, as Corey marches down the hallway and surpasses many of the doors. He stops at one - his face contorts in anger. The door he stands in front of is 09.
Corey reaches for the knob but stops. He relents, pausing his shaking hand and looks back at the other doors. They all glow, but 09 glows brighter, casting a brighter hue of orange across the tangerine colored carpet of the hotel. He knows what is behind that door, his hands tremble again. Inching toward the door knob, he grasps it and turns, the door opens and he peeks inside. The stack of televisions are replaced by one giant screen showing the same clip over and over. Corey's eyes grow wide as he watches Jay Price slam a steel chair into his back, causing him to lose a WCF World Championship match. CD hits his finish, a chair from nowhere, it's Jay Price. Over. And over. AND OVER. Corey's arm jerks forward, breaking the knob off the door, and with all his might he sends the brass bulb through the television set. Shards of glass rain down, impaling Corey's body! Blood flows everywhere!
And then he's back in his room with his head in his hands. There's a knock at the door, this startles him and snaps him out of it. He lunges for the door and opens it, it's just a maid.
Hotel Maid
Good afternoon Mr. Black, today is checkout day. Thanks for staying with us!
Corey is in a daze. He smiles and nods, closing the door and looking upon the room once again. It's clean and prestine. Everything is put away, his bags are packed and ready to go. He's dressed and ready to walk out the door. He walks over, picks up his bag and stops at the mirror. The TV turns on, reflected in the mirror. Playing right now is Captain America: Civil War. Iron Man and Captain America are fighting. Corey sighs, looks back and turns it off. He heads out the hotel room and turns the light off on his way out the door. Outside it isn't snowing, it's actually a bright and shiny day. Minimal snow on the ground, a stark contrast to the blizzard he thought was happening. He drops his key off at the front desk and heads outside to his car.
Back in Minneapolis, Taylor and Nikki are cooking in the kitchen. On the giant TV in the living room, still old WCF shows. The windows are still frosted over, it's unbearably cold. They hear the elevator coming up, and they both look toward the front door. Corey walks in, tosses his bag on the couch and collapses next to it. The ladies walk over with their soup, smiling and giddy. Corey's out of it. His mind isn't here at all. They sit on either side of Corey, sipping their soups.
Nikki Venus
So how was your getaway? Clear your mind?
Taylor Swift
I find it odd you'd choose the same hotel they filmed The Shining at, but it suits you well.
Corey Black
It was terrible, couldn't concentrate at all.
Nikki Venus
Well that's a bummer. You only have one more match and you can finally relax, though. No more stress, no more endless Twitter feeds talking nonsense, no more overgrown children trying to eliminate you for their own legacy. You're almost done, Corey!
Taylor Swift
I can't wait until I get to your situation! The pressure to continually create masterpieces is the hardest thing in the world. Fans demand it, and if you don't deliver they're quick to change their mind. You put your time in, it's finally time for you to step back and let someone else shoulder the weight of the company.
Corey Black
But who, really? Who is even left standing? The men I thought could do it are all checked out. Rabid can't do it one his own, he needs help. He needs Andre, he needs Flash and Holmes, but they don't care enough. If they're not the main event, they're off to the next pasture.
Nikki Venus
This is no longer your burden. You've tried to cultivate the next generation of main event for five years, John Rabid is the only man left standing. You can lead them to the pizza, but it's up to them to stay at the table and feast. It isn't your fault they didn't like pepperoni.
Corey Black
I chose the wrong souls to lead.
Taylor Swift
You didn't fail them, they failed you. Look at the success rate of the guys you had around you. If you deny the fact that your impact led them to the top then you're crazy.
Corey Black
I'm sure it did, but they're all gone now - except Rabid. Jeff Purse, Jonny Fly, Jay Omega, Alex Richards, hell half of them hate WCF.
Nikki Venus
But there's one..
Taylor Swift
THE one..
Nikki Venus
One that you have to handle yourself.
Taylor Swift
The reason why you took a week in a hotel alone.
Nikki Venus
Your entire career had led to this moment. Of all the opposition you've faced, from Hellz Angel to Torture to Thomas Bates, there's one guy you have to end. And you have your chance. We believe in you, Corey.
Taylor Swift
Go out in a blaze of glory, show the world that you're ending this on your own terms. You can compete with the best, but you walk away at the top of your game.
Nikki Venus
Shut the world up one last time.
Taylor Swift
Beat him.
Corey Black
JAYSON. PRICE.
Corey leaps up off the couch, the ladies each grab a hand and pull him back down. They laugh, but then get serious once again.
Nikki Venus
Don't get ahead of yourself, though. You know what this guy is capable of. He doesn't - he's never cared about you. He has used you his entire career, from This is War to Pantheon.
Taylor Swift
He is the cause of many of your troubles. He exists simply to antagonize you. But he knows you well.
Nikki Venus
You've been in the ring against him multiple times, teaming with him even more. He knows your movements, he knows your tendencies. You're going to have to evolve one last time.
Taylor Swift
You're the resident veteran of this company, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something new. Your mindset going into this can't be that you are going to take the weight of the world off of you, your mindset has to be destruction of Jayson Price one last time.
Corey Black
I've stomped this dickhead every match we've had since the first, I think I'll be okay.
Nikki Venus
You THINK.
Taylor Swift
You have to KNOW.
Nikki Venus
I think you KNOW what you have to do, Corey.
Corey Black
...another road trip, is it?
Taylor Swift
I think it is.
Corey Black
Goddamnit. Can I be home for like a night at least?
Nikki Venus
That sounds nice. Tomorrow we're off to Des Moines.
Corey nods, he stands up and grabs his bag, heading off into his bedroom. Taylor and Nikki get back to their soup, watching the match on TV.
Taylor Swift
When do you think he'll notice?
Nikki Venus
Three.. two.. one..
Corey Black
HOLY SHIT!
From the bedroom, which isn't too far away, not even upstairs, Corey's yell is heard. The ladies look to each other and laugh. Corey comes barreling out of the room, holding new gear. Half black, half gold. His face is beaming for the first time in what is likely months.
Nikki Venus
We figured the perfect retirement present would be to look flashy in your last match.
Corey Black
Damn ladies, thank you. This is awesome.
Taylor Swift
When you're standing over the fallen body of Jayson Price, you have to look good. The poster will sell better.
Nikki Venus
Maybe he'll be terrified of gold after being bashed with golden knees and elbows for an entire match.
Corey Black
I appreciate that. Let's get some rest and get ready to take off tomorrow morning.
Down in Des Moines, the cold air isn't any less bitter. The bite from the arctic breeze is evident by all the ice on every window around in downtown. Corey Black and Nikki Venus walk into a smaller building, it opens up to a wrestling ring and an old man in the middle of it. Corey drops to his knees and places his hand over his opposite shoulder.
Corey Black
Greetings Crow, I have returned to your abode.
A new abode, that is, because the old Crow dojo was eliminated earlier this year in the Dethwar. It is still a grime-filled hole in the wall with a man that knows his shit.
The Crow
Please, Corey, call me John. I have heard rumblings of your exit of this wonderful sport we enjoy.
Corey Black
That's correct, John, I have come to ask for one more lesson.
John Drok
Then by all means, join me within the confines of the ropes.
Corey stands and walks over to the ring, He peels off his coat, hands it to Nikki, and rolls under the bottom rope. John and Corey bow to each other, then assume a fighting stands. They lock up, John drops to a knee and goes behind then reaches over into a headlock. Corey anticipated, he begins spinning before the hold is in, but John did as well, he leaps forward and grabs onto a front neck lock.
John Drok
You see, Corey, I know you well.
Corey Black
Funny, I've heard this before.
John Drok
You have, have you?
Corey Black
Yes, the ladies were telling me that I have to do different things because they think Jayson knows exactly what I'm going to do.
John Drok
Interesting. They're not incorrect. Break my hold.
Corey drops to a knee and pops his hips, throwing Drok over in a Northern Lights. He bridges and floats over, then locks in a Brainbuster and hoists Drok into the air!
John Drok
Good!
Corey puts his trainer down and bows, as does Crow.
John Drok
That is your lesson for the day, Corey. My greatest student. Trust those around you, for once in your life.
Corey Black
I do, John. Thank you very much.
John Drok
You have a home here whenever you need it. Please do not be a stranger.
John and Corey share a handshake and a nod, Corey drops to the mat and rolls to the floor. Nikki hands him his coat and they head back outside.
Nikki Venus
I will never understand the relationship.
Corey Black
What, the formalities?
Nikki Venus
All of it, it's all so routine.
Corey Black
Yeah, I spent years with Crow, he was the only parental figure I had for a very long time.
Nikki Venus
But you don't have to drop to the floor and present, right?
Corey Black
As a student, I do. It's respect more than anything. Offering yourself as an unarmed, non combative.
Nikki Venus
Huh, I guess that does make sense. Hey where the hell are we going? I'm frickin' cold.
Corey Black
Haha, there's a cafe around the corner here, we can stop in and warm up.
Corey and Nikki continue on through the streets of Des Moines in search of their destination.
Jarring hard cut to Corey Black sitting alone in a crowded subway station. A plethora of business people, working class folk stand around waiting for the train to come and take them to work. Another day, another dollar, just to do it all over again and live a life of mediocrity. Not Corey Black though, this is his last battle. After One, there's nowhere he needs to be ever again. The train screeches into frame, brakes barely stopping the multiple ton behemoth of a vehicle. The doors slowly open, allowing entrance to the metal tube that travels underground. Everyone rushes in except Corey, he takes his time getting up from the bench and waltzing onto the train. These people are all in a hurry to get to work on time, but Corey Black isn't. He's got all the time in the world. There's nowhere left to sit, no benches left, but that's alright. Corey, with a smile on his face, stands and holds onto the pole that stands in the middle of the aisle.
The train takes off, in an undisclosed direction toward an undisclosed location. Eventually the train stops, everyone rushes off through the doors. Corey takes his time, even avoiding a rushing woman. Corey finally exits the train and walks out of the subway station, out into a bright and shiny day. He walks beyond the hustle of the busy town into the vast countryside. A small patch of trees to the left, the bright blue sky, a rolling open field of the greenest grass. Corey steps out into the field and takes a seat, crossing his legs. He takes a deep breath.
Corey Black
Sixteen years I've done this. Sixteen years. When WCF needed a hero, I stood up and said "I'll do it." When WCF needed a savior, I stood up and said "I'll do it." When WCF needed direction, I stood up, slammed my fist on the table and DEMANDED to be put in a position to change the game. XIII, Hellimination, Ultimate Showdown, the Trilogy Cup, ulrtaviolence - I brought it all to this company. The best wrestling federation on planet Earth. People come and go, then come back for more, but a minority of them curse the name WCF. They would have never made it anyway. They'd have been eaten alive by the competition. Names like Wade Moor, John Rabid, Jonny Fly, Jeff Purse - these are men that could walk out to the ring night in and night out, win a match, head back and do it all over again the next day. I am proud to have placed my name aside theirs in this journey, this epic story.
But every story needs to have an end.
And finally, the curtain comes to a close on my career.
I didn't want to go out stroking my own ego with easy matches. I wanted to leave WCF with what could only be called the hardest schedule anyone has ever undertook. I battled Purse, FPV, Scarecrow, Bishop, Mikey eXtreme, Fly, Gravedigger and Joey Flash. A literal "who's who" of WCF. But there's one name that I knew had to be part of this. Not Torture, not Logan, not even Brad Kane - no, if Jayson Price wasn't my last challenger in WCF, this story would never have an ending.
A man that has slammed a chair in my back, a knife in my back, broken my elbow and just generally been around. I've brought him with me to multiple stables, we've ruled WCF and we've tore the house to the ground. He's followed me to other companies to try to defeat me, for the love of God. Jayson Price was supposed to be my successor. He was supposed to take the reigns of the company and lead it forward after I am gone.
Now, I'm just going to have to kill him and make damn sure he doesn't have the chance.
Corey looks to the sky and a rain drop falls on his head. Then another. Slowly but surely, rain clouds roll in and the bright blue sky turns dark and gray. Lightning begins crashing all around the open air. One good bolt of lightning slams into the ground near Corey, causing everything to go white for a few moments - refocusing, there's a tall slender stone bell tower sitting before Corey's feet. He looks up at the tower and grins. The large wooden doors open, inviting Corey in from the rain. He obliges, running his fingers alone the cold stone walls, remembering every moment spent within the tower. He walks up the stairs leading to the bell at the top, looking out on the rainy day now. hand upon the giant bell.
Corey Black
It's been a great ride. A near lifetime of ups, downs, and everything in between. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in such a thing. Thank you so much.
