Post by Speede on Sept 29, 2012 3:23:43 GMT -5
”Every child is taught that he or she is special, and that he or she can grow up to be whatever he or she so desires. It isn’t until late in one’s life when he or she realizes that his or her parents were complete liars when they told him or her that. What it all comes down to is that there just are just not enough places in the world for everyone to have their dream job, unless the dream job for a lot of people is to be a fast food worker or a janitor. One simply has to outdo everyone else that wants his or her dream profession, or there won’t be that chance to achieve one’s dream. However, there is the rare instance when one does manage to become great while never excelling, but there within lies the thought that one who accomplishes a goal to become someone famous doesn’t truly do so unless he or she excels far past the norm and shows everyone in his or her profession that he or she is the best in the business.
And in order to do that, one has to accomplish something much more special than just a simple midcard career; excelling past the norm is what someone like Mariano Rivera, with his six hundred and some saves can say he’s done, or what Brett Favre, with over seventy-one thousand passing yards and five hundred touchdowns can say he’s done. Excelling past the norm isn’t when someone makes it pretty far only to get stuck blending in. Think of it this way; if the topic of conversation is baseball, can you tell me who the hell Peanuts Lowrey is? How about Ronald Reed? No? Didn’t think so. Sure, they both accomplished their dream of being a Major League Baseball player, but they never excelled past the norm when it came to the big leagues, and because of that, ninety percent of the audience listening to the sound of my voice right now couldn’t tell me the significance of either one of their careers. Whereas there might be a few significant names out there right now that will be in the same boat later, like for example Adam Laroche and Jeff Francoeur, who some of you may have heard of now but will never be truly ‘great’ players; they’ll be the Peanuts Lowreys of this generation, those guys who made it to the big time, but never excelled there. That all brings me to another big point I’d like to make about this match.
How many guys are going to be out there who may be recognizable right now, but have no credit to their name that would make them memorable beyond a month after they left the company? How many of these young kids much like myself have been waiting in the wings, anticipating their chance to step into the limelight and bask in what some call the ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ praying to their deity of choice that it will actually happen and that they won’t end up working their hind quarters off for years without ever once making the main event of Slam, let alone headlining a Pay-Per-View or even getting a World Title shot? There are quite a few, and even I could be considered one of those kids waiting for his shot, ‘but unlike them, I have the ability to excel. I have the talent to make that dream a reality, and WAR is the perfect opportunity to show all those who don’t believe it that I’m the real deal’. That’s exactly what each and every one of those kids is going to be saying, and I could sit here and type up a blog post saying that I’m going to do the same thing, but the fact of the matter is, sitting here on the Internet and talking smack from behind a monitor and a keyboard is something that even a little twelve year old boy could do, and yet when the time to act on those words would arise nobody would act on what he or she had said for fear that he or she would end up unable to back up his or her words.
That brings me to yet another point I’d like to make about the WAR match. There needs to be an absence of fear in the mind of a competitor, or that competitor will make minimal impact, and there will be no chance of victory. One could sit here all day and blog about how great they are, and when the time comes for the match, he or she could prove it or, much more likely, show that he or she was making inaccurate statements. I’m not that kind of person. I don’t sit here and blow smoke as if I were some sort of pompous ass who in reality has nothing better to do than sit at a computer and talk shit about everyone who’s anyone while hiding behind a monitor where nobody can get to him. Sure, I have pride in the fact that I’m the Hardcore Champion, and that my reign has gone through four defenses in two months, but the fact of the matter remains, that there is more to this than just who has the gold going into the match. This is WAR, for the love of God, and previous accolades don’t matter. It doesn’t matter how many people you eliminated last year, or what you’ve done to show you’re a decent competitor over the course of the last year. It matters what you do once you climb into that ring between those ropes to truly show that you’re the real deal, and while I could sit here talking about what it really takes to do that, I’ve got better things to do. So while I’m not going to sit here and talk shit about everyone else, I’ll follow up on what I’ve said earlier. I’m not going to be the one to say I’ll accomplish everything I ever dreamed in that ring because I’m that good, because that may or may not be accurate when it all boils down to it. However, I can promise you that, without a doubt, I have absolutely no fear going into this match, and I don’t care who the hell I have to go through, I’m not going to back down from the challenge that is WAR, and anyone who has the senseless idiocy to do so may as well not show up for the match, because doing that kind of thing is exactly what makes it impossible for one to win.
Roy Speede is lying on the bed of his hotel room with a heating pad pressed against his forehead. On the TV is the ESPN network, which is airing a special on the greatest matches in wrestling history. It’s currently showing an Ironman Match from One 2004 featuring Logan, Steve Carr, Hellz Angel, and Outcast, match that Logan would go on to win. Roy’s eyes are closed, however, and he is just listening to the commentary of the match. There’s a knock on the door to his hotel room, and Roy responds by yelling rather than getting up.
Roy Speede: “Ugh... WHAT?!”
Abbie Grande: “Roy, it’s Abbie! Can I come in?”
Roy Speede: “Fine, whatever...”
The door creaks as it opens, and then the slam of it closing is heard as Abbie walks in wearing denim mini-shorts and a tank top. Roy doesn’t move from his laid back position on the bed, nor opens his eyes, and Abbie sighs.
Abbie Grande: “Roy, is everything okay? You missed your workout today, and Tony was worried about you. I had planned to bring you lunch, but you never showed up.”
Roy Speede: “I’ll be fine. I just need a day to rest. That shot to the forehead with that frying pan rattled me a bit.”
Abbie Grande: “But it didn’t keep you from getting the win.”
Roy Speede: “Of course not. I’d be the laughing stock of the whole company if I lost to Johnny Stylez. There’s no way I’d let that happen.”
Abbie Grande: “Well are you sure you’ll be okay? I mean, you’ve got the War match this Sunday, and I don’t want you getting hurt any worse.”
Roy Speede: “I’ll be fine, Abbs. I just want to take a day to let this headache go away.”
Abbie Grande: “Did you go to a doctor about it? Are you sure you don’t have a concussion?”
Roy Speede: “It’s not concussed, Abbie. I stopped by the WCF medical station after I got back to the arena to make sure.”
Abbie Grande: “That’s good, I guess, but do you really need that heat compress on your head?”
Roy sighs and then sits up, opening his eyes and looking directly at Abbie as he moves the heat compress from his forehead and reveals a swollen red mark on his forehead above his right eye.
Roy Speede: “Does this answer your question?”
Abbie nods her head.
Abbie Grande: “Yeah, it does. That looks really painful! Now I know why you weren’t at the gym to train with us!”
Roy Speede: “Yeah, that pretty much explains it. So, anyway-“
Abbie Grande: “Anyway, just stay in bed, Roy. I don’t want you to worry right now. Just relax and enjoy your day off, and we’ll meet at the gym first thing tomorrow, okay?”
Roy Speede: “Alright, that sounds fine to me. I can do that.”
Abbie Grande: “Good.”
She walks over and kisses him on the cheek. He lies back with a slight smile as he puts the heat compress back on his forehead.
Abbie Grande: “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She turns and walks over toward the door to his room as the scene fades...
Into the shot of Roy’s car pulling up to the gym the next day. Roy steps out, the swelling on his head having gone down significantly as he clicks a button on the key fob of his vehicle, and the headlights flash as it locks. He walks over to the door and reaches to pull it open, but the door is locked. He sighs and turns around, leaning against the large glass door as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.
Roy Speede: “Dammit. The text from Abbie said eight o’clock sharp. Where the hell are they?”
He sighs and looks toward the parking lot, seeing a couple of guys standing around. Roy walks over, and immediately recognizes one of them; Tony Tate is standing in the parking lot talking to another man about Roy’s size.
Roy Speede: “Tate, what the heck are you doing out here? I need to start my training session. Abbie said to meet you here ten minutes ago! Why isn’t the gym even unlocked?”
Tony Tate: “Simple, Speedo. You know how the War match is full of opponents, and how it’s not just one person you’re focusing on, correct? Well I’ve talked with a few of my friends, and I’ve got a few people coming to help you with your training today so that you can learn agility and alertness in the ring when you have multiple opponents after you.”
Roy Speede: “Alright, I guess that’s okay. So who all did you- wait a minute, Nolan? Is that you?”
Roy motions toward the man standing beside Tate, a man who might be remembered from Roy Speede’s past, Nolan Walker. Nolan nods and extends his arm, and Roy shakes his hand.
Nolan Walker: “So ya do remember me then, ah Speedy? Good ta see ya.”
Roy Speede: “Good to see you. Sound different than last I talked to you, though.”
Nolan Walker: “That I do, brah. See after I left the WCF, I moved ta Ireland, and I guess the Belfast culture rubbed off on me. Kinda helps that my grandfather was Irish too, ah?”
Roy shakes his head and pulls his arm back.
Roy Speede: “That explains a lot. But how did you ever meet Tony Tate?”
Nolan Walker: “Oh, come on, Speedy, ya should know this. What would I do if I decided not ta wrestle anymore, ah? I became a bodybuilder, and Tony here is the guy who got me started. But does it really matter how I know him, or is it just important that I can help ya train, ah?”
Tony Tate: “What’s important is that you’re here to train, Speedo. Don’t worry about how I know him. He’s only one of several people I’ve contacted about training you here today.”
Roy Speede: “Oh, good. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be a two on one fight. I mean, I had to deal with one of those a month ago. I want a challenge.”
Tony Tate: “Don’t get overly confident. It took you a week to finally beat me mono a mono. I’m sure you’ll get a decent workout with Walker here too, but I’ve got at least two more, if not three, planning to show up. You two go inside and catch up. I’m going to go down the street and pick up some coffee for the guys.”
Roy Speede: “Alright, but I need the key to the gym first, Tate.”
Tony Tate: “Oh, right, I almost forgot!”
Tony reaches into his pocket and hand Roy a key ring with a large brass key on it and nothing else. He nods silently and turns, walking away before making a right and walking down the sidewalk. Roy nods his head and starts toward the gym with Nolan following closely behind.
Nolan Walker: “So I heard what happened ta ya with yer cousin. Is everything alright between ya two now, or are ya still at each other’s throats?”
Roy Speede: “I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him for betraying me, but that’s beside the point. He disappeared again after I kicked his ass, and I don’t think I have to worry about him for a while.”
Nolan Walker: “That’s good ta hear. Now come on, let’s get inside and warm up a little, ah?”
Roy Speede: “Yeah, let’s. I don’t want to sit and talk right now. My head still isn’t feeling too great after that frying pan shot a couple nights ago.”
The rest of the walk up to the front of the building, while short, is made in silence. Roy unlocks the gym and opens the door, and the two step inside, and Roy sets the key down on one of the tables near the door while Nolan makes his way over to the training ring and slides in under the bottom rope. Roy climbs up onto the ring apron, and uses the ropes to help him stretch. A few minutes pass, and then Tate walks in with five cups, four in a tray and one in his other hand. He takes a sip from one and then sets the tray down on the counter, and steps aside as three other men file into the gym one by one.
Tony Tate: “Alright, Roy. Before we get started, let me introduce the team. You know Nolan already, but these three here are some of my other students. Allow me to introduce you to Kevin Rolle, Mark Curtis, and Steven Willis. Boys, this is my top prospect right now, ‘The Dark Cloud’, Roy Speede.”
Roy Speede: “Good to meet you guys. And Tony, my nickname, uh... my nickname’s The Silver Lining.”
Tony Tate: “I know, but I was trying to give you a new one, something that’ll give you a fresher and improved sound. You’ve always been ‘The Silver Lining’, and your new level of ability needs a new nickname. ‘The Dark Cloud’ not working for you?”
Roy Speede: “Actually, no, it’s not. I want to stick with what I’ve got, but I appreciate you looking out for me, Tate.”
Tony Tate: “Whatever... Alright, guys, I’ve got coffee for all of you on the table, except you, Roy. I don’t mean to leave you out, but that stuff ain’t exactly the best for you, and it’s more or less to give these guys the caffeine rush they need if they’re going to help you reach your full potential.”
Roy Speede: “Not a big deal, Tony; I’ll be honest, I don’t even drink coffee. I really would rather have a tall glass of grapefruit juice or a Dr. Pepper.”
Tony Tate: “Well, it’s your lucky day. I’ve got a Dr. Pepper in the fridge in the back. In the mean time, run the ropes a minute or two.”
Roy nods his head, and Tony walks toward the back room of the building while Nolan slides out of the ring and over to the coffee table. Roy hits the ropes and takes off running full-speed across the ring, and repeats the action several times, hitting the ropes each time, as he was instructed to. By the time Tony gets back, Roy stops running, and is breathing a bit heavier than usual.
Tony Tate: “See, that’s why I had you run. You’re already out of breath. Key number one to these elimination matches is endurance, Roy.”
Roy Speede: “That much is understood, Tony. I competed in this match last year too, and I managed to fight for over twenty-two minutes before I was eliminated.”
Nolan jumps into the conversation between sips of his coffee.
Nolan Walker: “Didn’t ya tap out ta Logan last year?”
Roy Speede: “Shut up! That’s not the point!”
Tony Tate: “Oh, but you don’t realize how significant of a point that is, Roy. See, you fought for twenty-two minutes, but your lack of endurance and durability is what led to you having to tap out. That’s even worse than being pinned!”
Roy Speede: “I know, I know. I understand what you mean, Tony. I’m just so sick and damned tired of everybody bagging on me for not having endurance when I could outlast each and every one of you in endurance and beat each and every one of you in a race.”
Tony Tate: “Is that so, Roy? Well, why don’t you go ahead and prove it to me. Guys, set down your coffee. We’re going to take a little run around the block. Stop when you’re tired, but anyone who outlasts Speedo or beats him back here on his last lap while doing the same number of laps gets fifty bucks. Sound good, kid?”
Roy Speede: “Wait, fifty bucks from me? Why from me?”
Tony Tate: “Why not? I mean, if you’re so confident you can beat us, why do you have to worry?”
Roy Speede: “Good point! You’re on.”
The men file out of the gym and the race starts. As they take off and round the corner, Roy is in the lead by just a few steps, and he has widened his lead by about twenty feet as they make their way a couple minutes later around the turn leading to the sidewalk in front of the gym. As they all pass, however, Tate stops and walks inside. About thirty seconds pass before Abbie walks into the gym in skin tight jeans and a jacket with a bag in one hand and her purse over the other shoulder, an opaque plastic cup with a straw and a handle in the other, and Tate smirks.
Tony Tate: “Ahh, Abbie. Right on time. Roy and the other trainees are out on a run right now as an endurance test. And Roy even bet everyone fifty bucks he’s the fastest and can endure the most laps.”
Abbie Grande: “Why am I not surprised he’d do something like this?”
Tony Tate: “Because Roy’s always this hard headed, of course. There’s no other real way to explain it.”
Abbie Grande: “You make a good point. But uh, why would he waist all his energy on this stupid stunt rather than training in the ring?”
Tony Tate: “I didn’t go over the lesson on using your head yet.”
Abbie Grande: “Ahh, that makes sense. So we just sit and wait?”
Tony Tate: “Pretty much. Coffee?”
Abbie Grande: “No, thanks! I brought some iced tea with ginseng. I don’t like coffee.”
Tony Tate: “Suit yourself.”
Tony picks up his coffee cup and takes a sip, and shoots a look at Abbie as she sets her drink down on the table and sets her purse next to it. She walks over to the changing room with the other bag in her hand, however, and Tate grins as he watches Kevin, Mark, and Steven open the door and walk in one by one.
Tony Tate: “So, how many laps is that?”
Steven Willis: “We hit four, but Speede and Nolan are still at it I think. They got a full block ahead of us and we just stopped to save energy.”
Tony Tate: “So you mean they’re really pushing themselves?”
Steven Willis: “Yeah, and by the looks of things, we could be waiting quite a while.”
Abbie opens the door to the changing room and steps out in a pair of mini shorts and a tank top. She sighs as she hears what Steven says.
Abbie Grande: “Nolan’s racing him? Oh, that’s lovely. I knew those two back in Richmond, and they were always competitive like this... I think we’ve got time to go out for breakfast if you guys are hungry.”
Tony Tate: “No, Grandy. Fighting on a full stomach isn’t a good idea. It could lead to accidents if anyone gets the wind knocked out of them, and I’m not going to be the one to clean that crap up.”
Abbie Grande: “Good point. Well what else are we going to do to pass the time?”
Steven Willis: “I don’t know about you guys, but I think some actual in ring work is a good idea. Tony, let’s set up a tag match.”
Tony Tate: “No, guys. Just chill. Stretch and keep yourself loose, walk around some, but don’t wear yourselves out any more than you have to. I want to teach Speedo a lesson in conserving energy and using his head.”
Abbie Grande: “Hey Tony, do you mind if I get in on the practice session today?”
Tony Tate: “Not a bit. I think it’s a good idea. But I want you to loosen up some and stretch out. Run the ropes a few times back and forth though; don’t go out there and wear yourself out. Walker and Speedo are going to be drained completely by the time they get back.”
Abbie nods her head and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. After running back and forth a few times, hitting the ropes each time, she slides back out under the bottom rope and starts stretching. Tony sighs and looks at the clock, and then decides to call it quits. He walks outside and waits for the two to get back, and as they get to the door they’re neck and neck.
Tony Tate: “How many laps is that?”
Roy holds up seven fingers.
Tony Tate: “Alright, tell you what. One more lap. Nolan wins, he gets fifty bucks. Roy wins, and nobody gets their payday.”
The two nod and Tony nods his head.
Tony Tate: “Alright, go.”
Nolan and Roy take of sprinting down the sidewalk again, and Tate walks back into the building.
Tony Tate: “I told them they only have one more lap before they have to call it quits. That way we can actually get started.”
Steven Willis: “Good idea, Tony. I don’t want to be here all day if I can help it.”
Tony Tate: “Well, if you count breaks, we’ll be here training until probably around four thirty this evening. Roy’s got to be ready for this match, and he’s only got five days to do is.”
Abbie Grande: “About how far is it around the block, Tony?”
Tony Tate: “Oh... I’d say about a quarter mile, why?”
Abbie Grande: “They’ll be back any second then.”
And just as Abbie predicted, the door swings open, both men trying to squeeze through the door at the same time.
Tony Tate: “Alright, guys. Alright! It’s a tie! Relax!”
The two push through the doorway, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat, and Tony shakes his head before slapping Roy in the face.
Tony Tate: “What the hell is wrong with you? We’ve got a training session that’s going to last all day, and you just wasted all your energy to run two miles and got nothing done in the ring!”
Roy, still breathing heavily, leans back against the wall. Nolan walks over toward Abbie and smirks as he extends his arm. Abbie shakes his hand.
Abbie Grande: “Oh, Nolan! Good to see you again! What’ve you been up to?”
Nolan Walker: “Ireland... Bodybuilding...”
Abbie, getting the gist of what he’s trying to say between exasperated breaths, nods her head.
Abbie Grande: “Oh, well that’s good I guess. Glad to hear you’re taking up your heritage a bit more.”
Roy steps forward from against the wall, his breathing calming down a little bit.
Roy Speede: “Tony, I’m fine... Give me my Dr. Pepper... I’ll be fine... I just need to breathe a minute...”
Tony Tate: “We’ll see about that, Speedo.”
Tony walks over to the table and grabs Roy Speede’s Dr. Pepper can. He hands it to Roy who opens it, sips it slowly, and then sets it down after three or four sips.
Roy Speede: “Alright, can we get this training session started? I don’t want to waste any more time than I have to.”
Tony nods his head.
Tony Tate: “Sure, Speedo. Everybody get in the ring. Kid, the idea here is that you’ve got to be constantly searching and anticipate your opponents’ moves if you can. If everyone’s after you, you won’t stand a chance, so pick your battles and take chances if you have to, but don’t mess yourself up, and for the love of god, use some common sense, if there is any inside that head of yours! Sometimes I wonder...”
Roy is the first one into the ring, and everyone slides into the ring right away except Nolan.
Tony Tate: “Walker, come on, man! Or do you want to keep resting a few more minutes?”
Nolan Walker: “I’m going ta rest. Ya guys start without me and I’ll join in after a couple a more minutes.”
Tony Tate: “Alright, Speede. The idea here is that you’ve gotta pick your battles. Abbie, you help Speede out. Act as an ally. The four of us will act as opponents, and when Nolan joins in, he’s an opponent too.”
Abbie and Speede move so that they’re back to back, slowly rotating in a circle, looking for an opening to attack as the other four encircle them. Kevin Rolle is the first to make a move, and Abbie dodges a punch that connects with the back of Speede’s head. Speede falls forward slightly and catches himself by taking a step forward right into the arms of Tony Tate for a belly to belly suplex. Three of them gang up on Speede while Abbie gets up in the face of Mark Curtis and the two trade off move for move. This goes on for several minutes before Nolan slides into the ring, just in time to count a pin on Speede.
Nolan Walker: “One... Two... Three! Speede, that’s a pin. Ya’re done!”
The three back off of Roy and Roy gets to his feet, looking over at Nolan questioningly.
Roy Speede: “What are you talking about bro? That wasn’t three!”
Nolan Walker: “That was three. I counted it. I mean sure three people pinned ya, but I counted it. Ya have ta be wary of those things.”
Roy Speede: “It doesn’t work that way in the match.”
Tony Tate: “He’s right, it doesn’t. But anyway, good to see you’re ready to go, Walker. Now, you’re on offense, and Speede, keep defending if you can.”
The scene fades with the five men encircling Roy and Abbie stepping back, acting as the referee.
The shot fades back in with Roy Speede following Hank Brown through the hallways of the WCF Arena, on their way to the WCF interview area.
Hank Brown: “So, I’m glad you made it early to your interview this time, Roy boy! You’re usually one of those last minute guys, and I’ve got way too many people I want to talk to this week to have that happen.”
Roy Speede: “Of course, Hank. I didn’t want to miss this chance. I’ve got a whole lot of thoughts on my mind that I’d love to put into an interview, and you’re the guy I always come to for an interview, you know?”
Hank Brown: “Yeah, I understand. I’m glad to hear that you’re not going to some other interviewer. I’ve seen a few people going to Shannan for interview lately, and that’s starting to bug me.”
Roy Speede: “I bet it is, Hank, but that’s just ridiculous. She’s a part of this company because she’s a whore who’s sleeping with the entire rest of the roster aside from me and because her brother is the owner of the company. She’s the worse half of the announce table, and anyone could do better than her. I miss the days when Bobby Cairo did announcing, to be honest.”
Hank Brown: “Well, I’m not going to say anything derogatory about anyone in the company since it’s my job to be impartial, but your opinions are your opinions. Alright, so any direction in particular you want me to lead this interview?”
As Roy responds to Hank’s question, the hallway opens up into the interview area of the arena, and Hank takes the two microphones from one of the prep team. He hands Roy one.
Roy Speede: “Not necessarily. I’ll be fine with whatever angle you want to take on it. I’ll probably talk a bit about most of the people in the match though.”
Hank Brown: “Alright, Roy. Suit yourself. Let’s get this thing started then. Ready?”
Roy nods as Hank takes his typical spot and Roy moves to the spot on the floor that has almost become standard for him as far as interviews.”
Hank Brown: “Hello, ladies and gentlemen! As always, I’m Hank Brown, and I’m standing by with the WCF Hardcore Champion, Roy Speede. Now, Roy, with WAR only four days away, what are your thoughts in preparing for the match that, if you won, could widely be considered the breakout match of your career?”
Roy Speede: “Well, Hank, first things first, I’m not sure if I entirely agree with that statement. While winning WAR would put me on the map, I for one think that I’m already one of the more recognizable names on the WCF roster whether I win this match or not. I’m the Hardcore Champion right now, and over the last year, I’ve gotten much better. I’ve stepped away from focusing solely on the tag team division, and after winning the United States Championship for the second time in my career and subsequently losing it, I placed second in the Ultimate Showdown match, a feat I didn’t anticipate being able to accomplish and very few could’ve even imagined. I not only one the Hardcore Championship, but have defended it successfully four times over the last two months, and I’m not looking back now. The Ultimate Showdown match showed me to be the second best wrestler in the company at that point, and while Jonny Fly has been at the top of the company consistently for going on nine months now, first with the Television Title and then soon after the World Title, he’s been sitting atop that pedestal with only one defeat, to Jay Price, and has had little opportunity to get better than where he’s at now. I, on the other hand, have gone from being a moderately successful midcard wrestler a year ago at this point to being one victory short here or there of being in the World Title Picture.
Sure, there’s that thought that I shouldn’t worry about the World Title while I’m still holding the Hardcore Title, but there’s also the thought that, during the course of my career I’ve already been a double champion once, and I could accomplish that same thing all over again with a WAR victory; I’d be one step closer to the World Title, and I would finally have a one on one opportunity to face the World Champ, whether it’s Jonny Fly at that point or anyone else in the entire company, at One for the belt that’s eluded my grasp for the last year and a half. Last year at One, I was in a match that didn’t even matter in the long run, but this year, I plan on changing that. I plan on making an impact and going to the main event of the biggest pay-per-view of the year. Why not, right? I’ve already main-evented Ultimate Showdown, and the WAR match itself is the main event of the pay-per-view named for it, so it’s really just be a hop, skip, and a jump from the victory that eluded my grasp at Ultimate Showdown. WAR is my opportunity to put the entire roster on notice, and with my recent record of getting incredibly close to my goal only to fall short, my name will be in the picture even if I don’t walk out of WAR the winner, as if that’s actually something I’m worried about. I’m confident that I’ll walk out the victor of the roster-wide match that’s brought fame to the WCF for the last ten years, and soon to be eleven years.”
Hank Brown: “You certainly do seem confident. Why is it that you’re so certain you’ll win this year? Didn’t you say last year that you were sure you’d walk out the WAR winner?”
Roy Speede: “Last year at WAR I was still eighteen years old and I was still naïve. I didn’t realize the importance of picking my spots, and I went into WAR firing on all cylinders from the moment my name was called. That was where I made a mistake, Hank. WAR isn’t about being a complete badass, for lack of a better way to put it; WAR is about picking spots and seizing opportunities better than anyone else. Sure, it’d be nice to break the record for eliminations in a single WAR match, but what are the odds of that happening, I ask you? Pretty damned low, that’s for sure. Especially for someone like me who doesn’t have a size advantage; that record is shared between multiple athletes who’re larger than I am and used their size to their advantage. I don’t have that size advantage, so if I intend to get close to that record, I’d have to do so in other ways, but the most eliminations isn’t my ultimate goal, because as Odin Balfore showed last year, even the person with the most eliminations doesn’t always win the match.
No, I intend to walk out of WAR the winner of the biggest match of the year, and in order to do that, I have to be smart, unlike the ignorant adrenaline-burning attitude I walked into the match with last year. I’ve got a lot more on my plate this year, too, because unlike the only nineteen entrants in last year’s WAR match, there are going to be at the very least thirty entrants, and that’s if every active member of the roster sans whoever wins the World Title earlier in the night competes. That’s at least eleven more people I’ve got to worry about getting rid of in order to win, and when I beat twenty-nine other people, it’ll be a lot more impressive than beating eighteen other people like I would’ve if I’d won last year. It’s one of those things that, although it would’ve been impressive, would’ve left something to be desired had I won last year, because, even with the World Title around my waist without having to go through someone else last year, I would’ve wanted to have proven myself a lot better than I did last year going into this year. I would’ve wanted that much more to be the first man to ever win back to back WAR matches. Granted, Logan has three WAR victories under his belt, but they were every three years; nobody has been able to win back to back WAR matches, and that’ what I would’ve wanted to accomplish more than anything had I won last year. This year, however, it’s different. It’s very different.
This year, I want to win the biggest WAR match since WAR VIII, or eight for those of you who aren’t good with roman numerals. This year, I’m going to win, and I’m devoting myself to training harder and stronger than even the weeks prior to this one when I had a month off and then had to defend the Hardcore Championship. There are so many names in this match that I’d love to eliminate from the match just to have something to hang over people’s heads, but more than that it would be the biggest accomplishment of my career to win the WAR match, and with only the competitors who’ve already won the World Title as exceptions, anyone in the match could say that. However, unlike most wrestlers, WAR would only be a stepping stone for me, because from there I would be able to go on to bigger and better things; simply thinking about being in the main event of One in only my second year as a professional wrestler gives me the chills, and I know for a fact that getting the butterflies out of my system on my way to not only becoming a household name when talking about the main event, but the next World Champion, would be something quite effective and absolutely necessary for me.”
Hank Brown: “You mentioned that there are going to be quite a few people in the WAR match this year, Roy. There are in fact going to be thirty-two competitors this year, and I have to ask this since none of the fans at home can, who do you think is the biggest competition for you?”
Roy Speede: “Well Hank, to state the obvious, if the World Title weren’t being contested right before the WAR match, I would say that whoever doesn’t walk out of that match the World Champ would be huge threats to my chances of winning the WAR, but considering that a triple threat match in which three people will be put through hell to win one title belt is the match leading up to WAR and that those that don’t win will be in the WAR, none of them will honestly be that difficult to defeat. I hate to say it, since FPV is in that World Title match, because right now, I doubt either of those two have the ability to stop Jonny Fly, but Waylon Cash and FPV don’t scare me that much when it comes to the WAR match. Sure, they’re big names that have been in the World Title picture for the last few months, but they’ll have gone through hell already, and will have to come back to the ring tired out of their wits and mentally unprepared for the WAR match. On the off chance that Cash or FPV does win the title, and here’s hoping that it’s my Genesis tag partner, Jonny Fly might be credible as a WAR competitor only because he’s the man in this company that’s been virtually unstoppable for the last nine months, and even as tired as he would be, I could imagine he’d put up a good fight.
But in reality, none of the World Title contenders are big threats to my chances of winning WAR. If I had to pick anyone on the roster who I’m most concerned about beating me out for the WAR victory, it’d have to be The Polar Phantasm, as he’s calling himself now. The man went berserk and held the People’s Championship for just shy of four months, and even beat Switches the Clown for the title to begin with. I think that if anybody in this match is going to be searching harder for the Main Event than I am, it’d be The Polar Phantasm, because anybody who establishes a legacy by having the longest title reign with the belt since Outcast held it for a couple days longer five years ago must be one tough competitor to beat, and I have the feeling that, if Phantasm’s head is in the match, he’d be a threat to any chance I might have of winning the WAR. However, with a name like The Polar Phantasm, and the fact that he’s been dealing with a conniving little varmint harassing him and his fiancé... wife... girlfriend... whatever she is, I’m not sure he’ll be able to have his head in the game for WAR.”
Hank Brown: “Speaking of The Polar Phantasm, he’s a part of Pantheon. How much do you think stable wars will come into play in the WAR match?”
Roy Speede: “While I think it’s a viable question, Hank, I think that, when it all comes down to it, people are going to realize that having a shot at the World Title might mean temporarily setting aside alliances in favor of going for the glory. Sure, there are going to be instances where, if Franky and I are in the ring at the same time, we’ll work together and floor everyone that comes near us, but when all is said and done, I’m not going to trust Franky as far as I could throw him, and I won’t hesitate to drop him to the mat and collect the three-count. Of course, we’re not the only group in this match, and there are teams with more than just two people in them. Pantheon, as you mentioned, has a full four wrestler line up in the WAR match, and if Corey Black really does show up for WAR, there’s no doubt in my mind that breaking up the Pantheon boys and taking them out one by one is the strategy that has to be aimed for. I know for a fact that Johnny Reb, the winner of last year’s WAR, is a part of Pantheon, and with Jeff Purse’s big return this week, I’m not too sure I want to deal with Pantheon personally. Will I do it for a chance at the World Title? Absolutely. I’ll go through whomever I have to if I can win this match.
The thing about it, though, is that, although Pantheon is a group full of very talented wrestlers, they’ll have to worry about one another at some point, and when they start to turn on one another for the sake of WAR is when it’s time to step in and go after them. I’m no stranger to fighting Purse, nor Reb, nor Corey Black for that matter, and although my only involvement with them has been tag matches over the years, I pinned Jeff Purse at Ultimate Showdown, and none of the four men have ever beaten me specifically. I’ve had my fair share of battles with Corey Black, actually, but it’s time for him to man up and show everyone that he’s capable of winning the WAR, because, in a career that has spanned ten years in the WCF, a WAR victory is one of those things that still eludes the grasp of the man formerly known as Creeping Death. Certainly, five World Title reigns is nothing to be embarrassed about, but a WAR victory would confirm to everyone that Corey’s still got it. Reb’s got three World Title victories in his own right, and while I’ve been impressed with Reb’s abilities ever since I first set foot in the company, there’s nothing to say that he’s going to have a repeat performance, and statistically, everyone knows he won’t. As far as Pantheon goes, they may have the numbers and the talent, but they’re nothing to fear.
Then there’s the Church of Dark Saints, who aren’t capable enough as wrestlers to be deserving of me talking about their impact, no matter how miniscule it may be, on this match in the first place. Sure, they’ve got former World Champ Oblivion leading their charge, but who else do they have on their team? A former Television Champion and one half of the Tag Team Champions, who aren’t even affiliated with the same stable, is the best they can muster up as a backup team. Granted, I’ve never personally pinned Synn before, and as satisfying as that would be, I don’t really care. He won a fatal four way I was in back in July, back when my head wasn’t on straight and then before that he hadn’t been involved in any match I’ve been a part of since the second fight of my career; he doesn’t know how much I’ve improved and become so much more capable of a wrestler than he could’ve ever imagined. As for the rest of them... I’ve dealt with Oblivion before, and as good as he can be, he’s past his prime, and is surrounding himself with a group of people in an attempt to use numbers to make himself look good. There’s not much to say about him, really, because the masked man isn’t going to make a mark on this match, and if any part of the Church of Dark Saints is worth mentioning, it’s Synn, simply for the fact that he betrayed me and aligned with my cousin, only to watch him horribly lose, and ever since Synn has avoided me. It doesn’t surprise me a bit, but it just goes to show that he realizes what I’m becoming, and I hope he lets the rest of his stablemates know to stay out of my way lest they want to be defeated singlehandedly by The Silver Lining.
There’s The Misfits, a pair of idiots who should just leave the company right now, Tommy Kain and Johnny Stylez, in the WAR match, too. I don’t know what more I have to prove about these two; Kain lost his Hardcore Title to me in the Ultimate Showdown match and didn’t even make the final four, and Johnny Stylez, after going through hell just to get a shot at me and my belt, came up short, and the best he could do was a frying pan to the skull. I could go on an endless tirade about how Stylez can’t spell, or about how Kain is no more than a watermark on the history of my Hardcore Championship, but there’s no sense in going on and on about that when my history of dealing with the two says it all.
Prophecy is going to be a part of the WAR match, and Hank Lane, Steeltoe Joe, and Tek have all stepped it up in recent weeks. Tek and Joe, who when they debuted were the last people I would’ve ever expected, aside from Adam Young, to win gold in the WCF, had a month-long reign with the Tag Titles, and if that’s not something that says ‘okay, maybe these two aren’t as shitty as I thought’, there’s no real way to describe them. I find that I tend to approve of the way Steeltoe Joe handles himself, and as far as things go, I’ve got a ton of respect for the man’s Christian morals and how he incorporates them into his wrestling and the promos he shoots for his matches, but these three can’t compete as singles wrestlers, and that’s that. There’s no way any of them will win the WAR match, and I don’t even feel like going into the level of detail required to explain why that is.
Then, there are a whole ton of wild card opponents to deal with; I’ve already mentioned Waylon Cash, so I’ll skip over him. Eric Price, the reigning TV Champ, has turned into a pretty impressive wrestler as of late, and if he hadn’t debuted as a part of Tek’s little circle, I would probably have the impression that Eric Price is the real deal. However, recognizing his history, I know that he’s only stepping up to the Television Title, and that’s the furthest he’d ever be able to make it. Odin Balfore, a man who everyone was thinking was going to win the WAR last year after his dominating performance, is going to again compete in the WAR, but I have the feeling that this year, the ‘Bad Mother Fucker’ as he calls himself won’t have much luck in the competition department. He’s grown soft, and his age is starting to get to him. I’ve been saying for years it’s time for him to hang up the boots, but a less than stellar performance in the WAR match might be an eye opener to him that it really is time to retire. Steve Orbit, the United States Champ, is another one of those hit and miss competitors that I look at and think, ‘yeah he’s had his moments, but he’s not ready to go to WAR’. ‘The Mack’, as he calls himself, is pretty talented in the square circle, but he’s another one of those guys who isn’t ready to step up into the spotlight and go for the big gold. There’s ‘Sarah Twilight’, or in other words, a post-operation transvestite Logan in a wig, and I don’t have to say how retarded that sounds just saying it. He... She... IT, not to step on Oblivion’s punchline, is too obsessed with Orbit to have any success in this match, and if you ask me, I’m going to have to kick some sense into it just to bring back some sense into its head.
Aside from them, we have a group of even more untalented hacks, as to differentiate from the rest of the group whom I’ve previously mentioned, that are really only in this match because their names are on the roster and are more of ‘I said everyone, and I meant it’ additions to the match on Seth’s part. People like Doc Henry, Adam Young, some guy named Jimmy, and Chris Guy fall into this category. Two of them I’ve never heard of, and one’s a notorious jobber. The other I’ve beaten more times than I can count, and I don’t want to have to go into detail and spell it out all over again. Kale Windsor is a decent competitor I guess, but he still falls into the ‘unaccomplished, talentless freak’ category rather than the ‘actual wrestlers that aren’t a part of a group’ section. And then there’s Sado, whom I haven’t grown too familiar with. Last, but certainly not least, there is the possibility of seeing a few surprise returns thrown into the match at Seth’s discretion to surprise us, and I personally have heard names like Ryan Blake, Donald Deruty, Kira Sakazaki, Stuart Slane, Jay Price and even Philip Baines thrown out as potential surprise entries to the match. I for one don’t care who the surprise entires are, and I intend to beat each and every one of them regardless.”
Hank Brown: “Roy, we’re running out of time. Is there anything else you’d like to say to wrap this up.”
Roy Speede: “Sure, Hank, I’ll finish this interview up as quick as I can. Fans and haters alike, believe what you will, but when all is said and done, there can only be one WAR XI winner, and that winner is going to be yours truly, ‘The Silver Lining’ Roy Speede. Thirty of more competitors are going into this match looking for victory, and only one can come out on top, and just when all hope seems lost for Speede nation, the Silver Lining in that darkness peeks through. And through that crack that I’m peeking, I’m going to burst through and into the main event of One. To anyone who has any chance of being the World Champ by that time, consider this your warning; I’m coming for you, and when I say that, you damned well better believe that’s The Silver Lining.”
Hank Brown: “Thank you for your time, Mr. Speede, and good luck!”
Roy Speede: “Thank you, Hank.”
Roy hands Hank the microphone and walks away as the scene fades to black.
And in order to do that, one has to accomplish something much more special than just a simple midcard career; excelling past the norm is what someone like Mariano Rivera, with his six hundred and some saves can say he’s done, or what Brett Favre, with over seventy-one thousand passing yards and five hundred touchdowns can say he’s done. Excelling past the norm isn’t when someone makes it pretty far only to get stuck blending in. Think of it this way; if the topic of conversation is baseball, can you tell me who the hell Peanuts Lowrey is? How about Ronald Reed? No? Didn’t think so. Sure, they both accomplished their dream of being a Major League Baseball player, but they never excelled past the norm when it came to the big leagues, and because of that, ninety percent of the audience listening to the sound of my voice right now couldn’t tell me the significance of either one of their careers. Whereas there might be a few significant names out there right now that will be in the same boat later, like for example Adam Laroche and Jeff Francoeur, who some of you may have heard of now but will never be truly ‘great’ players; they’ll be the Peanuts Lowreys of this generation, those guys who made it to the big time, but never excelled there. That all brings me to another big point I’d like to make about this match.
How many guys are going to be out there who may be recognizable right now, but have no credit to their name that would make them memorable beyond a month after they left the company? How many of these young kids much like myself have been waiting in the wings, anticipating their chance to step into the limelight and bask in what some call the ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ praying to their deity of choice that it will actually happen and that they won’t end up working their hind quarters off for years without ever once making the main event of Slam, let alone headlining a Pay-Per-View or even getting a World Title shot? There are quite a few, and even I could be considered one of those kids waiting for his shot, ‘but unlike them, I have the ability to excel. I have the talent to make that dream a reality, and WAR is the perfect opportunity to show all those who don’t believe it that I’m the real deal’. That’s exactly what each and every one of those kids is going to be saying, and I could sit here and type up a blog post saying that I’m going to do the same thing, but the fact of the matter is, sitting here on the Internet and talking smack from behind a monitor and a keyboard is something that even a little twelve year old boy could do, and yet when the time to act on those words would arise nobody would act on what he or she had said for fear that he or she would end up unable to back up his or her words.
That brings me to yet another point I’d like to make about the WAR match. There needs to be an absence of fear in the mind of a competitor, or that competitor will make minimal impact, and there will be no chance of victory. One could sit here all day and blog about how great they are, and when the time comes for the match, he or she could prove it or, much more likely, show that he or she was making inaccurate statements. I’m not that kind of person. I don’t sit here and blow smoke as if I were some sort of pompous ass who in reality has nothing better to do than sit at a computer and talk shit about everyone who’s anyone while hiding behind a monitor where nobody can get to him. Sure, I have pride in the fact that I’m the Hardcore Champion, and that my reign has gone through four defenses in two months, but the fact of the matter remains, that there is more to this than just who has the gold going into the match. This is WAR, for the love of God, and previous accolades don’t matter. It doesn’t matter how many people you eliminated last year, or what you’ve done to show you’re a decent competitor over the course of the last year. It matters what you do once you climb into that ring between those ropes to truly show that you’re the real deal, and while I could sit here talking about what it really takes to do that, I’ve got better things to do. So while I’m not going to sit here and talk shit about everyone else, I’ll follow up on what I’ve said earlier. I’m not going to be the one to say I’ll accomplish everything I ever dreamed in that ring because I’m that good, because that may or may not be accurate when it all boils down to it. However, I can promise you that, without a doubt, I have absolutely no fear going into this match, and I don’t care who the hell I have to go through, I’m not going to back down from the challenge that is WAR, and anyone who has the senseless idiocy to do so may as well not show up for the match, because doing that kind of thing is exactly what makes it impossible for one to win.
~Roy Speede
Roy Speede is lying on the bed of his hotel room with a heating pad pressed against his forehead. On the TV is the ESPN network, which is airing a special on the greatest matches in wrestling history. It’s currently showing an Ironman Match from One 2004 featuring Logan, Steve Carr, Hellz Angel, and Outcast, match that Logan would go on to win. Roy’s eyes are closed, however, and he is just listening to the commentary of the match. There’s a knock on the door to his hotel room, and Roy responds by yelling rather than getting up.
Roy Speede: “Ugh... WHAT?!”
Abbie Grande: “Roy, it’s Abbie! Can I come in?”
Roy Speede: “Fine, whatever...”
The door creaks as it opens, and then the slam of it closing is heard as Abbie walks in wearing denim mini-shorts and a tank top. Roy doesn’t move from his laid back position on the bed, nor opens his eyes, and Abbie sighs.
Abbie Grande: “Roy, is everything okay? You missed your workout today, and Tony was worried about you. I had planned to bring you lunch, but you never showed up.”
Roy Speede: “I’ll be fine. I just need a day to rest. That shot to the forehead with that frying pan rattled me a bit.”
Abbie Grande: “But it didn’t keep you from getting the win.”
Roy Speede: “Of course not. I’d be the laughing stock of the whole company if I lost to Johnny Stylez. There’s no way I’d let that happen.”
Abbie Grande: “Well are you sure you’ll be okay? I mean, you’ve got the War match this Sunday, and I don’t want you getting hurt any worse.”
Roy Speede: “I’ll be fine, Abbs. I just want to take a day to let this headache go away.”
Abbie Grande: “Did you go to a doctor about it? Are you sure you don’t have a concussion?”
Roy Speede: “It’s not concussed, Abbie. I stopped by the WCF medical station after I got back to the arena to make sure.”
Abbie Grande: “That’s good, I guess, but do you really need that heat compress on your head?”
Roy sighs and then sits up, opening his eyes and looking directly at Abbie as he moves the heat compress from his forehead and reveals a swollen red mark on his forehead above his right eye.
Roy Speede: “Does this answer your question?”
Abbie nods her head.
Abbie Grande: “Yeah, it does. That looks really painful! Now I know why you weren’t at the gym to train with us!”
Roy Speede: “Yeah, that pretty much explains it. So, anyway-“
Abbie Grande: “Anyway, just stay in bed, Roy. I don’t want you to worry right now. Just relax and enjoy your day off, and we’ll meet at the gym first thing tomorrow, okay?”
Roy Speede: “Alright, that sounds fine to me. I can do that.”
Abbie Grande: “Good.”
She walks over and kisses him on the cheek. He lies back with a slight smile as he puts the heat compress back on his forehead.
Abbie Grande: “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She turns and walks over toward the door to his room as the scene fades...
Into the shot of Roy’s car pulling up to the gym the next day. Roy steps out, the swelling on his head having gone down significantly as he clicks a button on the key fob of his vehicle, and the headlights flash as it locks. He walks over to the door and reaches to pull it open, but the door is locked. He sighs and turns around, leaning against the large glass door as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.
Roy Speede: “Dammit. The text from Abbie said eight o’clock sharp. Where the hell are they?”
He sighs and looks toward the parking lot, seeing a couple of guys standing around. Roy walks over, and immediately recognizes one of them; Tony Tate is standing in the parking lot talking to another man about Roy’s size.
Roy Speede: “Tate, what the heck are you doing out here? I need to start my training session. Abbie said to meet you here ten minutes ago! Why isn’t the gym even unlocked?”
Tony Tate: “Simple, Speedo. You know how the War match is full of opponents, and how it’s not just one person you’re focusing on, correct? Well I’ve talked with a few of my friends, and I’ve got a few people coming to help you with your training today so that you can learn agility and alertness in the ring when you have multiple opponents after you.”
Roy Speede: “Alright, I guess that’s okay. So who all did you- wait a minute, Nolan? Is that you?”
Roy motions toward the man standing beside Tate, a man who might be remembered from Roy Speede’s past, Nolan Walker. Nolan nods and extends his arm, and Roy shakes his hand.
Nolan Walker: “So ya do remember me then, ah Speedy? Good ta see ya.”
Roy Speede: “Good to see you. Sound different than last I talked to you, though.”
Nolan Walker: “That I do, brah. See after I left the WCF, I moved ta Ireland, and I guess the Belfast culture rubbed off on me. Kinda helps that my grandfather was Irish too, ah?”
Roy shakes his head and pulls his arm back.
Roy Speede: “That explains a lot. But how did you ever meet Tony Tate?”
Nolan Walker: “Oh, come on, Speedy, ya should know this. What would I do if I decided not ta wrestle anymore, ah? I became a bodybuilder, and Tony here is the guy who got me started. But does it really matter how I know him, or is it just important that I can help ya train, ah?”
Tony Tate: “What’s important is that you’re here to train, Speedo. Don’t worry about how I know him. He’s only one of several people I’ve contacted about training you here today.”
Roy Speede: “Oh, good. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be a two on one fight. I mean, I had to deal with one of those a month ago. I want a challenge.”
Tony Tate: “Don’t get overly confident. It took you a week to finally beat me mono a mono. I’m sure you’ll get a decent workout with Walker here too, but I’ve got at least two more, if not three, planning to show up. You two go inside and catch up. I’m going to go down the street and pick up some coffee for the guys.”
Roy Speede: “Alright, but I need the key to the gym first, Tate.”
Tony Tate: “Oh, right, I almost forgot!”
Tony reaches into his pocket and hand Roy a key ring with a large brass key on it and nothing else. He nods silently and turns, walking away before making a right and walking down the sidewalk. Roy nods his head and starts toward the gym with Nolan following closely behind.
Nolan Walker: “So I heard what happened ta ya with yer cousin. Is everything alright between ya two now, or are ya still at each other’s throats?”
Roy Speede: “I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him for betraying me, but that’s beside the point. He disappeared again after I kicked his ass, and I don’t think I have to worry about him for a while.”
Nolan Walker: “That’s good ta hear. Now come on, let’s get inside and warm up a little, ah?”
Roy Speede: “Yeah, let’s. I don’t want to sit and talk right now. My head still isn’t feeling too great after that frying pan shot a couple nights ago.”
The rest of the walk up to the front of the building, while short, is made in silence. Roy unlocks the gym and opens the door, and the two step inside, and Roy sets the key down on one of the tables near the door while Nolan makes his way over to the training ring and slides in under the bottom rope. Roy climbs up onto the ring apron, and uses the ropes to help him stretch. A few minutes pass, and then Tate walks in with five cups, four in a tray and one in his other hand. He takes a sip from one and then sets the tray down on the counter, and steps aside as three other men file into the gym one by one.
Tony Tate: “Alright, Roy. Before we get started, let me introduce the team. You know Nolan already, but these three here are some of my other students. Allow me to introduce you to Kevin Rolle, Mark Curtis, and Steven Willis. Boys, this is my top prospect right now, ‘The Dark Cloud’, Roy Speede.”
Roy Speede: “Good to meet you guys. And Tony, my nickname, uh... my nickname’s The Silver Lining.”
Tony Tate: “I know, but I was trying to give you a new one, something that’ll give you a fresher and improved sound. You’ve always been ‘The Silver Lining’, and your new level of ability needs a new nickname. ‘The Dark Cloud’ not working for you?”
Roy Speede: “Actually, no, it’s not. I want to stick with what I’ve got, but I appreciate you looking out for me, Tate.”
Tony Tate: “Whatever... Alright, guys, I’ve got coffee for all of you on the table, except you, Roy. I don’t mean to leave you out, but that stuff ain’t exactly the best for you, and it’s more or less to give these guys the caffeine rush they need if they’re going to help you reach your full potential.”
Roy Speede: “Not a big deal, Tony; I’ll be honest, I don’t even drink coffee. I really would rather have a tall glass of grapefruit juice or a Dr. Pepper.”
Tony Tate: “Well, it’s your lucky day. I’ve got a Dr. Pepper in the fridge in the back. In the mean time, run the ropes a minute or two.”
Roy nods his head, and Tony walks toward the back room of the building while Nolan slides out of the ring and over to the coffee table. Roy hits the ropes and takes off running full-speed across the ring, and repeats the action several times, hitting the ropes each time, as he was instructed to. By the time Tony gets back, Roy stops running, and is breathing a bit heavier than usual.
Tony Tate: “See, that’s why I had you run. You’re already out of breath. Key number one to these elimination matches is endurance, Roy.”
Roy Speede: “That much is understood, Tony. I competed in this match last year too, and I managed to fight for over twenty-two minutes before I was eliminated.”
Nolan jumps into the conversation between sips of his coffee.
Nolan Walker: “Didn’t ya tap out ta Logan last year?”
Roy Speede: “Shut up! That’s not the point!”
Tony Tate: “Oh, but you don’t realize how significant of a point that is, Roy. See, you fought for twenty-two minutes, but your lack of endurance and durability is what led to you having to tap out. That’s even worse than being pinned!”
Roy Speede: “I know, I know. I understand what you mean, Tony. I’m just so sick and damned tired of everybody bagging on me for not having endurance when I could outlast each and every one of you in endurance and beat each and every one of you in a race.”
Tony Tate: “Is that so, Roy? Well, why don’t you go ahead and prove it to me. Guys, set down your coffee. We’re going to take a little run around the block. Stop when you’re tired, but anyone who outlasts Speedo or beats him back here on his last lap while doing the same number of laps gets fifty bucks. Sound good, kid?”
Roy Speede: “Wait, fifty bucks from me? Why from me?”
Tony Tate: “Why not? I mean, if you’re so confident you can beat us, why do you have to worry?”
Roy Speede: “Good point! You’re on.”
The men file out of the gym and the race starts. As they take off and round the corner, Roy is in the lead by just a few steps, and he has widened his lead by about twenty feet as they make their way a couple minutes later around the turn leading to the sidewalk in front of the gym. As they all pass, however, Tate stops and walks inside. About thirty seconds pass before Abbie walks into the gym in skin tight jeans and a jacket with a bag in one hand and her purse over the other shoulder, an opaque plastic cup with a straw and a handle in the other, and Tate smirks.
Tony Tate: “Ahh, Abbie. Right on time. Roy and the other trainees are out on a run right now as an endurance test. And Roy even bet everyone fifty bucks he’s the fastest and can endure the most laps.”
Abbie Grande: “Why am I not surprised he’d do something like this?”
Tony Tate: “Because Roy’s always this hard headed, of course. There’s no other real way to explain it.”
Abbie Grande: “You make a good point. But uh, why would he waist all his energy on this stupid stunt rather than training in the ring?”
Tony Tate: “I didn’t go over the lesson on using your head yet.”
Abbie Grande: “Ahh, that makes sense. So we just sit and wait?”
Tony Tate: “Pretty much. Coffee?”
Abbie Grande: “No, thanks! I brought some iced tea with ginseng. I don’t like coffee.”
Tony Tate: “Suit yourself.”
Tony picks up his coffee cup and takes a sip, and shoots a look at Abbie as she sets her drink down on the table and sets her purse next to it. She walks over to the changing room with the other bag in her hand, however, and Tate grins as he watches Kevin, Mark, and Steven open the door and walk in one by one.
Tony Tate: “So, how many laps is that?”
Steven Willis: “We hit four, but Speede and Nolan are still at it I think. They got a full block ahead of us and we just stopped to save energy.”
Tony Tate: “So you mean they’re really pushing themselves?”
Steven Willis: “Yeah, and by the looks of things, we could be waiting quite a while.”
Abbie opens the door to the changing room and steps out in a pair of mini shorts and a tank top. She sighs as she hears what Steven says.
Abbie Grande: “Nolan’s racing him? Oh, that’s lovely. I knew those two back in Richmond, and they were always competitive like this... I think we’ve got time to go out for breakfast if you guys are hungry.”
Tony Tate: “No, Grandy. Fighting on a full stomach isn’t a good idea. It could lead to accidents if anyone gets the wind knocked out of them, and I’m not going to be the one to clean that crap up.”
Abbie Grande: “Good point. Well what else are we going to do to pass the time?”
Steven Willis: “I don’t know about you guys, but I think some actual in ring work is a good idea. Tony, let’s set up a tag match.”
Tony Tate: “No, guys. Just chill. Stretch and keep yourself loose, walk around some, but don’t wear yourselves out any more than you have to. I want to teach Speedo a lesson in conserving energy and using his head.”
Abbie Grande: “Hey Tony, do you mind if I get in on the practice session today?”
Tony Tate: “Not a bit. I think it’s a good idea. But I want you to loosen up some and stretch out. Run the ropes a few times back and forth though; don’t go out there and wear yourself out. Walker and Speedo are going to be drained completely by the time they get back.”
Abbie nods her head and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. After running back and forth a few times, hitting the ropes each time, she slides back out under the bottom rope and starts stretching. Tony sighs and looks at the clock, and then decides to call it quits. He walks outside and waits for the two to get back, and as they get to the door they’re neck and neck.
Tony Tate: “How many laps is that?”
Roy holds up seven fingers.
Tony Tate: “Alright, tell you what. One more lap. Nolan wins, he gets fifty bucks. Roy wins, and nobody gets their payday.”
The two nod and Tony nods his head.
Tony Tate: “Alright, go.”
Nolan and Roy take of sprinting down the sidewalk again, and Tate walks back into the building.
Tony Tate: “I told them they only have one more lap before they have to call it quits. That way we can actually get started.”
Steven Willis: “Good idea, Tony. I don’t want to be here all day if I can help it.”
Tony Tate: “Well, if you count breaks, we’ll be here training until probably around four thirty this evening. Roy’s got to be ready for this match, and he’s only got five days to do is.”
Abbie Grande: “About how far is it around the block, Tony?”
Tony Tate: “Oh... I’d say about a quarter mile, why?”
Abbie Grande: “They’ll be back any second then.”
And just as Abbie predicted, the door swings open, both men trying to squeeze through the door at the same time.
Tony Tate: “Alright, guys. Alright! It’s a tie! Relax!”
The two push through the doorway, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat, and Tony shakes his head before slapping Roy in the face.
Tony Tate: “What the hell is wrong with you? We’ve got a training session that’s going to last all day, and you just wasted all your energy to run two miles and got nothing done in the ring!”
Roy, still breathing heavily, leans back against the wall. Nolan walks over toward Abbie and smirks as he extends his arm. Abbie shakes his hand.
Abbie Grande: “Oh, Nolan! Good to see you again! What’ve you been up to?”
Nolan Walker: “Ireland... Bodybuilding...”
Abbie, getting the gist of what he’s trying to say between exasperated breaths, nods her head.
Abbie Grande: “Oh, well that’s good I guess. Glad to hear you’re taking up your heritage a bit more.”
Roy steps forward from against the wall, his breathing calming down a little bit.
Roy Speede: “Tony, I’m fine... Give me my Dr. Pepper... I’ll be fine... I just need to breathe a minute...”
Tony Tate: “We’ll see about that, Speedo.”
Tony walks over to the table and grabs Roy Speede’s Dr. Pepper can. He hands it to Roy who opens it, sips it slowly, and then sets it down after three or four sips.
Roy Speede: “Alright, can we get this training session started? I don’t want to waste any more time than I have to.”
Tony nods his head.
Tony Tate: “Sure, Speedo. Everybody get in the ring. Kid, the idea here is that you’ve got to be constantly searching and anticipate your opponents’ moves if you can. If everyone’s after you, you won’t stand a chance, so pick your battles and take chances if you have to, but don’t mess yourself up, and for the love of god, use some common sense, if there is any inside that head of yours! Sometimes I wonder...”
Roy is the first one into the ring, and everyone slides into the ring right away except Nolan.
Tony Tate: “Walker, come on, man! Or do you want to keep resting a few more minutes?”
Nolan Walker: “I’m going ta rest. Ya guys start without me and I’ll join in after a couple a more minutes.”
Tony Tate: “Alright, Speede. The idea here is that you’ve gotta pick your battles. Abbie, you help Speede out. Act as an ally. The four of us will act as opponents, and when Nolan joins in, he’s an opponent too.”
Abbie and Speede move so that they’re back to back, slowly rotating in a circle, looking for an opening to attack as the other four encircle them. Kevin Rolle is the first to make a move, and Abbie dodges a punch that connects with the back of Speede’s head. Speede falls forward slightly and catches himself by taking a step forward right into the arms of Tony Tate for a belly to belly suplex. Three of them gang up on Speede while Abbie gets up in the face of Mark Curtis and the two trade off move for move. This goes on for several minutes before Nolan slides into the ring, just in time to count a pin on Speede.
Nolan Walker: “One... Two... Three! Speede, that’s a pin. Ya’re done!”
The three back off of Roy and Roy gets to his feet, looking over at Nolan questioningly.
Roy Speede: “What are you talking about bro? That wasn’t three!”
Nolan Walker: “That was three. I counted it. I mean sure three people pinned ya, but I counted it. Ya have ta be wary of those things.”
Roy Speede: “It doesn’t work that way in the match.”
Tony Tate: “He’s right, it doesn’t. But anyway, good to see you’re ready to go, Walker. Now, you’re on offense, and Speede, keep defending if you can.”
The scene fades with the five men encircling Roy and Abbie stepping back, acting as the referee.
The shot fades back in with Roy Speede following Hank Brown through the hallways of the WCF Arena, on their way to the WCF interview area.
Hank Brown: “So, I’m glad you made it early to your interview this time, Roy boy! You’re usually one of those last minute guys, and I’ve got way too many people I want to talk to this week to have that happen.”
Roy Speede: “Of course, Hank. I didn’t want to miss this chance. I’ve got a whole lot of thoughts on my mind that I’d love to put into an interview, and you’re the guy I always come to for an interview, you know?”
Hank Brown: “Yeah, I understand. I’m glad to hear that you’re not going to some other interviewer. I’ve seen a few people going to Shannan for interview lately, and that’s starting to bug me.”
Roy Speede: “I bet it is, Hank, but that’s just ridiculous. She’s a part of this company because she’s a whore who’s sleeping with the entire rest of the roster aside from me and because her brother is the owner of the company. She’s the worse half of the announce table, and anyone could do better than her. I miss the days when Bobby Cairo did announcing, to be honest.”
Hank Brown: “Well, I’m not going to say anything derogatory about anyone in the company since it’s my job to be impartial, but your opinions are your opinions. Alright, so any direction in particular you want me to lead this interview?”
As Roy responds to Hank’s question, the hallway opens up into the interview area of the arena, and Hank takes the two microphones from one of the prep team. He hands Roy one.
Roy Speede: “Not necessarily. I’ll be fine with whatever angle you want to take on it. I’ll probably talk a bit about most of the people in the match though.”
Hank Brown: “Alright, Roy. Suit yourself. Let’s get this thing started then. Ready?”
Roy nods as Hank takes his typical spot and Roy moves to the spot on the floor that has almost become standard for him as far as interviews.”
Hank Brown: “Hello, ladies and gentlemen! As always, I’m Hank Brown, and I’m standing by with the WCF Hardcore Champion, Roy Speede. Now, Roy, with WAR only four days away, what are your thoughts in preparing for the match that, if you won, could widely be considered the breakout match of your career?”
Roy Speede: “Well, Hank, first things first, I’m not sure if I entirely agree with that statement. While winning WAR would put me on the map, I for one think that I’m already one of the more recognizable names on the WCF roster whether I win this match or not. I’m the Hardcore Champion right now, and over the last year, I’ve gotten much better. I’ve stepped away from focusing solely on the tag team division, and after winning the United States Championship for the second time in my career and subsequently losing it, I placed second in the Ultimate Showdown match, a feat I didn’t anticipate being able to accomplish and very few could’ve even imagined. I not only one the Hardcore Championship, but have defended it successfully four times over the last two months, and I’m not looking back now. The Ultimate Showdown match showed me to be the second best wrestler in the company at that point, and while Jonny Fly has been at the top of the company consistently for going on nine months now, first with the Television Title and then soon after the World Title, he’s been sitting atop that pedestal with only one defeat, to Jay Price, and has had little opportunity to get better than where he’s at now. I, on the other hand, have gone from being a moderately successful midcard wrestler a year ago at this point to being one victory short here or there of being in the World Title Picture.
Sure, there’s that thought that I shouldn’t worry about the World Title while I’m still holding the Hardcore Title, but there’s also the thought that, during the course of my career I’ve already been a double champion once, and I could accomplish that same thing all over again with a WAR victory; I’d be one step closer to the World Title, and I would finally have a one on one opportunity to face the World Champ, whether it’s Jonny Fly at that point or anyone else in the entire company, at One for the belt that’s eluded my grasp for the last year and a half. Last year at One, I was in a match that didn’t even matter in the long run, but this year, I plan on changing that. I plan on making an impact and going to the main event of the biggest pay-per-view of the year. Why not, right? I’ve already main-evented Ultimate Showdown, and the WAR match itself is the main event of the pay-per-view named for it, so it’s really just be a hop, skip, and a jump from the victory that eluded my grasp at Ultimate Showdown. WAR is my opportunity to put the entire roster on notice, and with my recent record of getting incredibly close to my goal only to fall short, my name will be in the picture even if I don’t walk out of WAR the winner, as if that’s actually something I’m worried about. I’m confident that I’ll walk out the victor of the roster-wide match that’s brought fame to the WCF for the last ten years, and soon to be eleven years.”
Hank Brown: “You certainly do seem confident. Why is it that you’re so certain you’ll win this year? Didn’t you say last year that you were sure you’d walk out the WAR winner?”
Roy Speede: “Last year at WAR I was still eighteen years old and I was still naïve. I didn’t realize the importance of picking my spots, and I went into WAR firing on all cylinders from the moment my name was called. That was where I made a mistake, Hank. WAR isn’t about being a complete badass, for lack of a better way to put it; WAR is about picking spots and seizing opportunities better than anyone else. Sure, it’d be nice to break the record for eliminations in a single WAR match, but what are the odds of that happening, I ask you? Pretty damned low, that’s for sure. Especially for someone like me who doesn’t have a size advantage; that record is shared between multiple athletes who’re larger than I am and used their size to their advantage. I don’t have that size advantage, so if I intend to get close to that record, I’d have to do so in other ways, but the most eliminations isn’t my ultimate goal, because as Odin Balfore showed last year, even the person with the most eliminations doesn’t always win the match.
No, I intend to walk out of WAR the winner of the biggest match of the year, and in order to do that, I have to be smart, unlike the ignorant adrenaline-burning attitude I walked into the match with last year. I’ve got a lot more on my plate this year, too, because unlike the only nineteen entrants in last year’s WAR match, there are going to be at the very least thirty entrants, and that’s if every active member of the roster sans whoever wins the World Title earlier in the night competes. That’s at least eleven more people I’ve got to worry about getting rid of in order to win, and when I beat twenty-nine other people, it’ll be a lot more impressive than beating eighteen other people like I would’ve if I’d won last year. It’s one of those things that, although it would’ve been impressive, would’ve left something to be desired had I won last year, because, even with the World Title around my waist without having to go through someone else last year, I would’ve wanted to have proven myself a lot better than I did last year going into this year. I would’ve wanted that much more to be the first man to ever win back to back WAR matches. Granted, Logan has three WAR victories under his belt, but they were every three years; nobody has been able to win back to back WAR matches, and that’ what I would’ve wanted to accomplish more than anything had I won last year. This year, however, it’s different. It’s very different.
This year, I want to win the biggest WAR match since WAR VIII, or eight for those of you who aren’t good with roman numerals. This year, I’m going to win, and I’m devoting myself to training harder and stronger than even the weeks prior to this one when I had a month off and then had to defend the Hardcore Championship. There are so many names in this match that I’d love to eliminate from the match just to have something to hang over people’s heads, but more than that it would be the biggest accomplishment of my career to win the WAR match, and with only the competitors who’ve already won the World Title as exceptions, anyone in the match could say that. However, unlike most wrestlers, WAR would only be a stepping stone for me, because from there I would be able to go on to bigger and better things; simply thinking about being in the main event of One in only my second year as a professional wrestler gives me the chills, and I know for a fact that getting the butterflies out of my system on my way to not only becoming a household name when talking about the main event, but the next World Champion, would be something quite effective and absolutely necessary for me.”
Hank Brown: “You mentioned that there are going to be quite a few people in the WAR match this year, Roy. There are in fact going to be thirty-two competitors this year, and I have to ask this since none of the fans at home can, who do you think is the biggest competition for you?”
Roy Speede: “Well Hank, to state the obvious, if the World Title weren’t being contested right before the WAR match, I would say that whoever doesn’t walk out of that match the World Champ would be huge threats to my chances of winning the WAR, but considering that a triple threat match in which three people will be put through hell to win one title belt is the match leading up to WAR and that those that don’t win will be in the WAR, none of them will honestly be that difficult to defeat. I hate to say it, since FPV is in that World Title match, because right now, I doubt either of those two have the ability to stop Jonny Fly, but Waylon Cash and FPV don’t scare me that much when it comes to the WAR match. Sure, they’re big names that have been in the World Title picture for the last few months, but they’ll have gone through hell already, and will have to come back to the ring tired out of their wits and mentally unprepared for the WAR match. On the off chance that Cash or FPV does win the title, and here’s hoping that it’s my Genesis tag partner, Jonny Fly might be credible as a WAR competitor only because he’s the man in this company that’s been virtually unstoppable for the last nine months, and even as tired as he would be, I could imagine he’d put up a good fight.
But in reality, none of the World Title contenders are big threats to my chances of winning WAR. If I had to pick anyone on the roster who I’m most concerned about beating me out for the WAR victory, it’d have to be The Polar Phantasm, as he’s calling himself now. The man went berserk and held the People’s Championship for just shy of four months, and even beat Switches the Clown for the title to begin with. I think that if anybody in this match is going to be searching harder for the Main Event than I am, it’d be The Polar Phantasm, because anybody who establishes a legacy by having the longest title reign with the belt since Outcast held it for a couple days longer five years ago must be one tough competitor to beat, and I have the feeling that, if Phantasm’s head is in the match, he’d be a threat to any chance I might have of winning the WAR. However, with a name like The Polar Phantasm, and the fact that he’s been dealing with a conniving little varmint harassing him and his fiancé... wife... girlfriend... whatever she is, I’m not sure he’ll be able to have his head in the game for WAR.”
Hank Brown: “Speaking of The Polar Phantasm, he’s a part of Pantheon. How much do you think stable wars will come into play in the WAR match?”
Roy Speede: “While I think it’s a viable question, Hank, I think that, when it all comes down to it, people are going to realize that having a shot at the World Title might mean temporarily setting aside alliances in favor of going for the glory. Sure, there are going to be instances where, if Franky and I are in the ring at the same time, we’ll work together and floor everyone that comes near us, but when all is said and done, I’m not going to trust Franky as far as I could throw him, and I won’t hesitate to drop him to the mat and collect the three-count. Of course, we’re not the only group in this match, and there are teams with more than just two people in them. Pantheon, as you mentioned, has a full four wrestler line up in the WAR match, and if Corey Black really does show up for WAR, there’s no doubt in my mind that breaking up the Pantheon boys and taking them out one by one is the strategy that has to be aimed for. I know for a fact that Johnny Reb, the winner of last year’s WAR, is a part of Pantheon, and with Jeff Purse’s big return this week, I’m not too sure I want to deal with Pantheon personally. Will I do it for a chance at the World Title? Absolutely. I’ll go through whomever I have to if I can win this match.
The thing about it, though, is that, although Pantheon is a group full of very talented wrestlers, they’ll have to worry about one another at some point, and when they start to turn on one another for the sake of WAR is when it’s time to step in and go after them. I’m no stranger to fighting Purse, nor Reb, nor Corey Black for that matter, and although my only involvement with them has been tag matches over the years, I pinned Jeff Purse at Ultimate Showdown, and none of the four men have ever beaten me specifically. I’ve had my fair share of battles with Corey Black, actually, but it’s time for him to man up and show everyone that he’s capable of winning the WAR, because, in a career that has spanned ten years in the WCF, a WAR victory is one of those things that still eludes the grasp of the man formerly known as Creeping Death. Certainly, five World Title reigns is nothing to be embarrassed about, but a WAR victory would confirm to everyone that Corey’s still got it. Reb’s got three World Title victories in his own right, and while I’ve been impressed with Reb’s abilities ever since I first set foot in the company, there’s nothing to say that he’s going to have a repeat performance, and statistically, everyone knows he won’t. As far as Pantheon goes, they may have the numbers and the talent, but they’re nothing to fear.
Then there’s the Church of Dark Saints, who aren’t capable enough as wrestlers to be deserving of me talking about their impact, no matter how miniscule it may be, on this match in the first place. Sure, they’ve got former World Champ Oblivion leading their charge, but who else do they have on their team? A former Television Champion and one half of the Tag Team Champions, who aren’t even affiliated with the same stable, is the best they can muster up as a backup team. Granted, I’ve never personally pinned Synn before, and as satisfying as that would be, I don’t really care. He won a fatal four way I was in back in July, back when my head wasn’t on straight and then before that he hadn’t been involved in any match I’ve been a part of since the second fight of my career; he doesn’t know how much I’ve improved and become so much more capable of a wrestler than he could’ve ever imagined. As for the rest of them... I’ve dealt with Oblivion before, and as good as he can be, he’s past his prime, and is surrounding himself with a group of people in an attempt to use numbers to make himself look good. There’s not much to say about him, really, because the masked man isn’t going to make a mark on this match, and if any part of the Church of Dark Saints is worth mentioning, it’s Synn, simply for the fact that he betrayed me and aligned with my cousin, only to watch him horribly lose, and ever since Synn has avoided me. It doesn’t surprise me a bit, but it just goes to show that he realizes what I’m becoming, and I hope he lets the rest of his stablemates know to stay out of my way lest they want to be defeated singlehandedly by The Silver Lining.
There’s The Misfits, a pair of idiots who should just leave the company right now, Tommy Kain and Johnny Stylez, in the WAR match, too. I don’t know what more I have to prove about these two; Kain lost his Hardcore Title to me in the Ultimate Showdown match and didn’t even make the final four, and Johnny Stylez, after going through hell just to get a shot at me and my belt, came up short, and the best he could do was a frying pan to the skull. I could go on an endless tirade about how Stylez can’t spell, or about how Kain is no more than a watermark on the history of my Hardcore Championship, but there’s no sense in going on and on about that when my history of dealing with the two says it all.
Prophecy is going to be a part of the WAR match, and Hank Lane, Steeltoe Joe, and Tek have all stepped it up in recent weeks. Tek and Joe, who when they debuted were the last people I would’ve ever expected, aside from Adam Young, to win gold in the WCF, had a month-long reign with the Tag Titles, and if that’s not something that says ‘okay, maybe these two aren’t as shitty as I thought’, there’s no real way to describe them. I find that I tend to approve of the way Steeltoe Joe handles himself, and as far as things go, I’ve got a ton of respect for the man’s Christian morals and how he incorporates them into his wrestling and the promos he shoots for his matches, but these three can’t compete as singles wrestlers, and that’s that. There’s no way any of them will win the WAR match, and I don’t even feel like going into the level of detail required to explain why that is.
Then, there are a whole ton of wild card opponents to deal with; I’ve already mentioned Waylon Cash, so I’ll skip over him. Eric Price, the reigning TV Champ, has turned into a pretty impressive wrestler as of late, and if he hadn’t debuted as a part of Tek’s little circle, I would probably have the impression that Eric Price is the real deal. However, recognizing his history, I know that he’s only stepping up to the Television Title, and that’s the furthest he’d ever be able to make it. Odin Balfore, a man who everyone was thinking was going to win the WAR last year after his dominating performance, is going to again compete in the WAR, but I have the feeling that this year, the ‘Bad Mother Fucker’ as he calls himself won’t have much luck in the competition department. He’s grown soft, and his age is starting to get to him. I’ve been saying for years it’s time for him to hang up the boots, but a less than stellar performance in the WAR match might be an eye opener to him that it really is time to retire. Steve Orbit, the United States Champ, is another one of those hit and miss competitors that I look at and think, ‘yeah he’s had his moments, but he’s not ready to go to WAR’. ‘The Mack’, as he calls himself, is pretty talented in the square circle, but he’s another one of those guys who isn’t ready to step up into the spotlight and go for the big gold. There’s ‘Sarah Twilight’, or in other words, a post-operation transvestite Logan in a wig, and I don’t have to say how retarded that sounds just saying it. He... She... IT, not to step on Oblivion’s punchline, is too obsessed with Orbit to have any success in this match, and if you ask me, I’m going to have to kick some sense into it just to bring back some sense into its head.
Aside from them, we have a group of even more untalented hacks, as to differentiate from the rest of the group whom I’ve previously mentioned, that are really only in this match because their names are on the roster and are more of ‘I said everyone, and I meant it’ additions to the match on Seth’s part. People like Doc Henry, Adam Young, some guy named Jimmy, and Chris Guy fall into this category. Two of them I’ve never heard of, and one’s a notorious jobber. The other I’ve beaten more times than I can count, and I don’t want to have to go into detail and spell it out all over again. Kale Windsor is a decent competitor I guess, but he still falls into the ‘unaccomplished, talentless freak’ category rather than the ‘actual wrestlers that aren’t a part of a group’ section. And then there’s Sado, whom I haven’t grown too familiar with. Last, but certainly not least, there is the possibility of seeing a few surprise returns thrown into the match at Seth’s discretion to surprise us, and I personally have heard names like Ryan Blake, Donald Deruty, Kira Sakazaki, Stuart Slane, Jay Price and even Philip Baines thrown out as potential surprise entries to the match. I for one don’t care who the surprise entires are, and I intend to beat each and every one of them regardless.”
Hank Brown: “Roy, we’re running out of time. Is there anything else you’d like to say to wrap this up.”
Roy Speede: “Sure, Hank, I’ll finish this interview up as quick as I can. Fans and haters alike, believe what you will, but when all is said and done, there can only be one WAR XI winner, and that winner is going to be yours truly, ‘The Silver Lining’ Roy Speede. Thirty of more competitors are going into this match looking for victory, and only one can come out on top, and just when all hope seems lost for Speede nation, the Silver Lining in that darkness peeks through. And through that crack that I’m peeking, I’m going to burst through and into the main event of One. To anyone who has any chance of being the World Champ by that time, consider this your warning; I’m coming for you, and when I say that, you damned well better believe that’s The Silver Lining.”
Hank Brown: “Thank you for your time, Mr. Speede, and good luck!”
Roy Speede: “Thank you, Hank.”
Roy hands Hank the microphone and walks away as the scene fades to black.
