Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2014 11:05:47 GMT -5
The scene opens up to a close-up of WCF Hall of Famer Gravedigger sitting on the ground, leaning back against a gray, marble looking wall. He’s wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt and his MS-13 biker jacket over the top of his shirt. He’s looking off camera and is deep in thought with his left hand resting on his head.
The scene zooms out a little to reveal that he wasn’t leaning against a marble wall, but the back of someone’s tombstone as it becomes obvious that he’s sitting in the middle of a graveyard. Off in the distance is what appears to be around a dozen motorcycles. A group of bikers are standing around in a couple of groups talking to each other. Obviously these guys are members of the violent street gang Mara Salvatrucha aka MS-13. What other street gang would be hanging out with Gravedigger anyway?
The cameraman walks around the grave that Gravedigger is leaning against, aiming over his shoulder at the actual tombstone he’s staring at. The name on the tombstone: Jennifer Borroughs. Jennifer was 14 when she died and her death year is 1989, making this the 25 year anniversary of her death. The camera swings back around to Gravedigger as he finally speaks.
Gravedigger: I’ve mentioned the story of my twin sister’s death a couple of times before here in WCF and this year is the 25th year since her passing. Some of the guys currently wrestling for WCF and those who have wrestled for it before have these elaborate stories of abuse, murder, growing up on the hard streets of some badass city or neighborhood. They have this crazy ass story of how they came to be who they are. Mine on the other hand, the story of how Gravedigger came to be is not that elaborate. It’s simple. My twin sister died in a freak pool accident in our backyard. I didn’t handle it well and eventually became Gravedigger once I laced up my wrestling boots for the first time.
The name Gravedigger was born out of death and is a simple tribute to my sister. Part of me died that day, but eventually that hole in me was filled up by Gravedigger. It was filled up by The Dark Side. Darkness swam up over me and I nearly drowned in it, ironic since my sister died that way. What saved me? Not wrestling. Not my family or my friends. What saved me from drowning in the darkness was embracing it, something I used to preach on the daily here in WCF. Embrace the darkness or get swallowed up by it.
Some of you may be wondering why I’m telling this story. Why is the cameraman here in the graveyard where my sister is buried? Am I doing this because I returned and I’m looking for some place good to have the camera follow me? No, there’s always a grand plan, a great reason behind the things I do and say. You’re about to find out. It’s going to become obvious really soon.
Gravedigger stands up, takes one last glance at Jennifer’s grave, and then turns and walks back towards the bikers. He puts his hand up to his mouth and whistles loudly. The bikers all stop what they’re doing and turn around.
Gravedigger: Let’s move out!
The bikers all walk over to their bikes and hop on. One of them steps out of the way and towards his bike, revealing a Hispanic woman in dreads standing beside the lead bike. It’s Gravedigger’s woman, Juanita Juarez aka JJ. She’s the sister of one of MS-13’s leaders, Diagur. The woman who managed Gravedigger when he was wearing a mask, known as Hector Rodriguez at the time.
JJ: You good?
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: Yeah, let’s go.
Before he can say anything else, his voice is drowned out by 13 other bikes being turned on and revved up. Gravedigger walks up to his motorcycle and hops on. He brings it to life as JJ climbs onto the back and wraps her arms around him. He revs up his motorcycle and glances back over his shoulder at Adrian, who is on the bike behind him. He nods at Gravedigger who pulls forward. The rest of the bikes pull out with him and they turn onto a road and eventually a highway. Cars slow down beside them and people gawk at the long line of bikers. A huge city can be seen nearby. It’s the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix. At first thought you think that it’s obvious we’re just here because it’s the site of this year’s War, but then remembering the graveyard where Gravedigger’s sister was buried at was just visited causes the realization that this town means more to Gravedigger than just the site of WCF’s War. This is actually Gravedigger’s hometown. The place where it all started…
The camera slowly zooms in on Phoenix and the scene slowly fades out.
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The scene fades back in to a suburban looking area. The street is quiet. Some children are playing. The neighborhood is slightly upscale. The houses are pretty big to be honest. At one house, a man is spraying down his car that he apparently has just soaped up. The scene is peaceful and quiet for the most part, it’s just your typical late summer morning in Arizona.
That all falls apart when a loud rumbling can be heard off in the distance. The children glance around, the man washing his car looks around curiously as the sound gets louder. All of a sudden, a group of bikes turns off a street a couple of blocks down the main road. Gravedigger and MS-13 come riding down the street. The kids run up onto the nearby porch at the house they’re playing at. The guy washing his car drops the hose, the water still running, and runs for his door. A couple of driveways down the bikes slow down. Gravedigger and Adrian pull their bikes into the driveway while the rest of the group pulls their bikes off to the side of the street.
Gravedigger climbs off of his bike, followed by JJ. He stares at the house for a few seconds before finally walking up towards it. Adrian and the others all get off their bikes and gather near the bikes, talking amongst each other. The front door of the house walk up and an older woman walks out with a huge smile on her face.
Woman: John!!
For the first time in forever, Gravedigger smiles a non-sadistic smile. He walks up and gives the lady a hug and kisses her on the top of the head.
Gravedigger: Hey ma. How you doing?
Gravedigger’s mom steps back, a huge smile still on her face and puts her hands on her hips.
Ma Digger: I’m doing great, I’d be doing better if you came to visit more often.
She turns to JJ, still grinning and steps forward to give JJ a hug.
Ma Digger: And look at you, Juanita! So great to see you, you look amazing!
JJ beams.
JJ: Thank you, Mrs. Borroughs. You look beautiful yourself.
Gravedigger: Where’s dad?
Ma Digger: He’s around back cooking the steaks. Your friends all joining us?
Gravedigger shakes his head.
Gravedigger: Nah, they’re heading out to find a bar nearby. We may have a couple of steaks to cook for a couple who hang back.
Gravedigger turns and nods at Adrian who nods back and turns to the bikers. He walks over and talks to a couple of them. He then heads over to his bike along with all but two of the remaining MS-13 members. Their bikes come to life as they turn them on. A minute later, the sound of the bikes fades out into the distance. Ma Digger turns and gestures for Gravedigger and JJ to follow.
Ma Digger: Come on, supper will probably be ready soon.
The scene fades out.
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The scene opens back up a little later with Gravedigger, JJ, and Gravedigger’s parents seated around a large picnic table in the backyard. Digger is devouring a steak while JJ is chatting with Digger’s mother.
JJ: Wow, she sounds like she was an amazing person. I just wanted to say again how sorry I am for your family’s loss all those years ago. That has to be hard, even as the years go by it’s still hard, right?
Digger’s mom nods.
Ma Digger: Yes, it’s been really hard this year being the 25th anniversary.
Digger’s dad speaks up.
Pa Digger: Yeah, we’ve had a tough time getting John’s older brother, Brian, to come anywhere near here all year. Chester is taking it pretty bad as well. He started drinking heavily a few months ago.
Gravedigger gives his dad a look of concern.
Gravedigger: I did not know that. We haven’t talked that much since I was here last year before War. He’s drinking because of Jenn?
A loud muscle car can be heard somewhere off-camera as the group continues talking.
Ma Digger: Yes, but that’s not completely the reason, he’s never gotten over that attack from that Oblivion guy from a couple of years ago. It really messed him up not only physically but has taken a big mental toll on him as well.
Gravedigger glances up and double takes as he looks off to the side of the house. He stands up, causing everyone to glance back in the direction he’s looking.
Gravedigger: Speak of the devil.
Chester is arguing and pushing at the two MS-13 members who stayed back. He keeps yelling at them that this is his parents house and to let him by. Gravedigger eventually speaks up.
Gravedigger: Guys! Let him through!
The two bikers part and Chester storms through. Gravedigger half grins as Chester still looks pissed off. He steps away from the table and starts walking over.
Gravedigger: Little brother! How have you been?
Chester: Don’t little brother me you asshole!
Gravedigger is caught off guard by the response.
Gravedigger: What??
Gravedigger glances at his parents with a look of confusion. They sigh and shake their heads.
Chester: I heard about the money.
Gravedigger: What money?
Chester has finally walked across the yard, a slight drunken stumble to him as he reaches Gravedigger. He gets right in his face, a really pissed off look on his own.
Chester: Don’t play stupid with me. Mom and Dad told me. You gave them all of it?! You even drew up legal papers saying they couldn’t give me any of it either??
Gravedigger is a little pissed by this point and gives his parents a “really?!” look. He looks back at Chester.
Gravedigger: It was my money. I can do what I want with it.
Chester: Whatever, but why did you sell everything? What are you doing? You becoming a nomad with your biker friends or something?
Gravedigger: It was all a distraction. I didn’t need any of it. The nightclub, the house, the cars.
Chester scoffs and then laughs.
Chester: Bro, you could have at least signed over the nightclub to me. Why did you completely cut me out of all of this?
Gravedigger: Because you’d blow it all immediately on stupid shit. And after what I was just told, you’d probably piss it all away on alcohol. Why the hell didn’t you tell me you are having a problem?
Chester is even more pissed now and glances at his parents.
Chester: I don’t have a problem! Is that what they told you? Just because I take the occasional drink doesn’t mean I have some kind of problem you asshole.
Gravedigger laughs.
Gravedigger: Occasional drink? You’re drunk off your ass right now and you stumbled in here and say you only have the occasional drink?
Chester: Well forgive me Lord Gravedigger. I didn’t realize that mourning the anniversary of our dear sister’s death wasn’t good reason to drink.
Gravedigger: Don’t you use her as an excuse to drink. You’ve been drinking for a while now. Mom and Dad didn’t have to tell me. I’ve known about it for a while. I can see it in your eyes.
Chester: Do you now?
Chester leans in closer and widens his eyes.
Chester: What else do you see there? You see the reflection of an asshole there, too?
Gravedigger palms Chester’s face and shoves him away.
Gravedigger: Get out of my face! JJ, let’s get out of here. I don’t have time for this shit.
Gravedigger turns and starts storming across the yard, JJ hurrying after him.
The scene fades out.
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The scene opens back up once again in the makeshift WCF studios somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona. Gravedigger and Hank Brown are both being wired up and attended to by make-up artists to prepare them for the upcoming interview. After a few more seconds of touch up, both are ready to go and everyone steps off screen leaving Gravedigger and Hank Brown alone in the camera shot. Hank Brown glances off camera and nods, then turns to the camera, apparently being given the signal to begin.
Hank Brown: Hank Brown here in an interview that I have very much been looking forward to. An interview with a legend. A Hall of Famer. A former War winner. A guy who was once my boss. The Epitome of Hardcore…Gravedigger. Gravedigger, thanks for doing this interview.
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: You’re welcome, Hank. Thanks for taking the time to interview me.
Hank Brown nods and smiles.
Hank Brown: No problem. First of all, I’d like to give my condolences to the family seeing as how it’s the 25 year anniversary of your twin sister’s death. That must be hard on you and the family.
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: Yeah, the death itself was hard enough to deal with, especially for me as her twin, but even after all this time, the pain has only dulled, never gone away. Knowing that a quarter of a CENTURY has gone by since her death is just mind blowing itself. The hardest part is realizing that that’s 25 years of life she could have lived and there’s no telling where she would be, if she would have had kids. There’s no telling where I or the rest of my family would have been had she never died that fateful day. I may not even be sitting in this seat. I could be doing god knows what right now.
Hank Brown: Well, I know I don’t speak for everyone, Gravedigger, but I’m glad you’re sitting he—
Gravedigger holds a hand up.
Gravedigger: Hank, enough with the sucking up. I’m here for the interview, I get it. You like me.
Hank grins sheepishly and clears his throat.
Hank Brown: Well, yes. Let’s move on. I first want to start off this interview with some hard hitting questions before we get into the people you may or may not face this Sunday in the War match. The first thing that has been on a lot of people’s minds is what is different about this return? Let’s be honest here, you’ve returned several times since your last major run here where you ended up winning the world title. Aside from your hardcore title reign during one return, you’ve had very little success these last few years.
Gravedigger: Wow, hit me with the hard one first thing, Hank. Jeez.
Gravedigger chuckles.
Gravedigger: Look, I don’t expect anyone to believe this return is different. I expect everyone to think I can’t hang like I used to. I’m 39. We’re going to hear the old jokes. We’re going to hear the holding down the new guys jokes. We’re probably even going to hear Jeff Purse talk about our hardcore match that one time a few years ago when he beat me.
What’s different about this time is that I have shed myself of all distractions. As you heard earlier when I was verbally jumped by my brother Chester, I stepped down as owner of Penn State Wrestling Federation, I sold my nightclub, I sold my house, I sold my cars. What you may or may not have gathered from the incident with Chester earlier is that I gave the money to my parents. What I own, what I have to my name is a few pairs of clothing, my bike, and a couple of hundred dollars. It’s like we’ve gone back in time to 2001 at the beginning of my career all over again.
Hank Brown nods with an interested look on his face.
Hank Brown: So why do you believe that giving away all your riches and getting rid of all your outside responsibilities, these distractions, will make things different for you this time around?
Gravedigger: Because I have everything to lose now. Before, when I would lose it didn’t matter. I was still making money from the club. I still had this fat paycheck from PSWF. Yeah, I still have a great contract with WCF, but if I don’t win, I don’t get those big paydays. I want to be on top of WCF again. It’s what I’ve wanted for years. It’s why I keep returning, but I’m always distracted. Now, all I have are my accomplishments. I have my talent. I have my skills. I have JJ and MS-13. That’s all I have. I have nothing else to distract me. All I have in my sights right now is that big gold belt, the WCF championship. To get there, I have to win War. This Sunday…I will win War.
Hank Brown: I believe you, sir. So, what exactly set all this into motion? Were you just sitting there a couple of weeks ago and realized War was coming up and decided to throw your proverbial hat into the ring? Did Seth contact you and say he wanted you to stop Price from winning War?
Gravedigger shakes his head no.
Gravedigger: Not entirely, no. I had it in my mind months ago that I was going to return to WCF and enter War. If you’ll remember, I last returned at the first of this year, but distractions caused that return to get derailed. These distractions always cause my returns to get derailed and so as quickly as I returned, I left. There was only one problem. Little did I know it, but destiny was about to rear its ugly head and force me back towards the path of returning to WCF. 2014 is a special year, a unique year. Call these events coincidence or see them for what they actually are, the calling of my destiny here in WCF. As has already been stated, 2014 marks the 25 year anniversary of my sister’s death. Her death is what eventually put me in this business, it’s what put me in this chair, and it’s what will put me in that ring on Sunday. 2014 is also the 13th year for me in this business. For the boneheads out there, 13 is the number in MS-13. 13 also appears in the name of the event for War. War XIII….War 13. It’s a sign. Some of you will laugh and scoff at this. You’ll make jokes, you’ll have fun with my comments, but the only one who will be laughing when the smoke clears this Sunday is me. Gravedigger. The winner of War XIII.
Hank Brown nods.
Hank Brown: Well, that would certainly be an awesome thing to see, you as the winner of War this year. A lot of things have changed since your last War win, as a matter of fact, a lot of things have changed here in WCF since your last match at the beginning of this year. A lot of new faces.
Gravedigger: Yeah, who the fuck is this Ice Beckman guy? That’s what blows my mind the most is that the guy holding the big gold belt is someone I don’t even know. It’s someone I haven’t been in the ring with. It’s someone who wasn’t even an employee here when I was here in January. The guy has some skill on the mic and in the ring. He has to if he can beat Steve Orbit and win the Ultimate Showdown.
Hank Brown: Yes, a match you’ve never been in as long as you’ve been here.
Gravedigger shrugs.
Gravedigger: Yeah, things have never worked out for me to be in it honestly. One’s main event is another match I’ve never been in. Something that will change when I win War.
Hank Brown chuckles.
Hank Brown: Yes, you keep pulling me back to War. I’m getting sidetracked. So let’s talk about the participants. First, who do you see as your biggest adversary in this match? Jayson Price? Jonny Fly? Steve Orbit? Torture? Jeff Purse? Bobby Cairo?
Gravedigger: All of them. Not just the ones you mentioned, but all of them. Even the surprise entrants that aren’t listed on the website as participants this Sunday. There is no biggest adversary for me because they are all equally big adversaries. In a match like War, all it takes is a distraction and you’re done. One wrong move and someone could take me out. Anyone. From former World champion and War winner Jonny Fly to one of these new guys . The newest guy on the roster, this Tobias Barnz. The guy who is joked about backstage as being my son could be the one that pins me or makes me tap. I could be eliminated by the rookie or anyone in this match. The same goes for everyone. Any person in this match overlooking anyone else is setting themselves up for failure.
I’ve won this match before and I know what it takes to win. Winning the match doesn’t guarantee that I’ll do well as we’ve seen the last couple of times I’ve entered War. Logan, the man who has won this match more than anyone and is the only person to have won it more than one time, can tell you there’s no guarantee for a win.
Hank Brown nods.
Hank Brown: Very true. Well, then in that case, how about I say a name and you tell me your thoughts? We won’t cover the entire roster of entrants since that number currently stands at 32 not counting yourself. How about we start with fellow Hall of Famer Bobby Cairo?
Gravedigger grins.
Gravedigger: Bobby Cairo, that son of a bitch. One of the major names in this business that I haven’t had too many run-ins with. I went toe to toe with one of his protégés, Chad Evans, years ago, but that’s been about it. I have mad respect for Mr. Cairo being a legend and all and the guy is talented as hell. You have to be when you’re the Godfather of Professional Wrestling. My mom is actually a huge fan of Bobby Cairo to be completely honest here.
Bobby’s one of the few legends that has never won the War event. Unlike Corey Black who cowers at the thought of War each year, Bobby Cairo wants to get that W. He wants to finally cross that one major item off his WCF bucket list and finally win War. Sorry, Bobb-o. I can’t let that happen. There’s only one legend, one Hall of Famer who is going to walk out of Phoenix, Arizona with the War win and that’s me. Bobby is going to make a big impact in the War match no doubt, simply because he’s Bobby Cairo, but the impact will result in him lying on the mat being pinned and eliminated from War.
Hank Brown: Jeff Purse. What are your thoughts on this former War winner?
Gravedigger: Jeff Purse. Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way. He beat me in a hardcore match a couple of years ago. For a guy that’s made fun of me before about bringing up my past a lot, nearly every time he mentions my name, he brings up that match as if it’s a badge of honor…and it should be, because it is.
Purse, you may have won War before and due to the stipulations, won the world title, but let me remind you, again, that your title reign didn’t amount to shit since you did nothing but defend it against Adam Young, so therefore your War win amounted to practically nothing. You had a couple of brief title reigns since then, one highlighted by a loss to Adam Young’s flunkies. You’re exactly where you were the last couple of times we’ve been in the same ring together and I pointed out that you were just hiding in the shadows of Pantheon. Looks like that hasn’t changed one bit. Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere for a job. I hear that when you were a popcorn vendor that the fans were never more satisfied. Mainly because they didn’t have to watch you flail about in the ring or flop in the parking lot when you failed to look both ways. Maybe the next person will remember to put the car into reverse afterwards.
Hank Brown is taken aback.
Hank Brown: Damn, Gravedigger. That’s a little harsh. Are you saying Jeff Purse should die?
Gravedigger: In a fire. Yes. Maybe take Jayson Price with him.
Hank Brown: Well ok then. You mentioned Jayson Price. The man you apparently returned for.
Gravedigger: No, no. I didn’t return for Jay Price, but Seth did promise to bump up the paycheck a significant amount if I took out Jay Price. Fucking Jay Price. This guy is another little gnat that just won’t die. He’s always been nothing more than a hanger-on and it’s about time someone put him and the fans out of their misery by putting him down…for good. Like the last few times we were in the ring together, Jay, you’re going to end up on the losing end and I can promise that. I’m almost determined enough to see you eliminated that I would sacrifice my own chances at winning, almost but not quite.
It’s going to be beautiful when I see your face in that ring and cave it in. Pray that you get into that match pretty quickly and then eliminated before my music hits, because if you’re in that ring when my music hits, your chances at winning this match go from ‘probably not going to happen’ to ‘no fucking way’. Our business will never be finished until one of us retires and as you can tell from my actions these last few months, that time is nowhere near for me. You’ve won damn near every belt WCF has and this is definitely the one notch that will more than guarantee you a spot in the Hall of Fame. I mean you definitely need something major to happen for you to get the stigma of your world title reign off people’s minds. Unfortunately, your dreams of winning this match are not going to come true.
Hank Brown: Steve Orbit. Former multiple time world champion. Always a favorite in this match.
Gravedigger: Steve Orbit. I love me some Steve Orbit. I have always been a fan of that guy and his general attitude. His take no shit attitude. Seeing him turn on Pantheon last month brought a tear to my eye. It was such a touching moment, but it may end up costing him dearly in this match. The rest of Pantheon are all in this match and he will have to be watching his back at every moment. You know what though, Steve? Just know that you have Gravedigger on your side…until it comes time for me to win the match. I may be a big Steve Orbit fan. I may have a Steve Orbit t-shirt hanging up in my closet and JJ may have even accidentally called me Steve Orbit a time or two in a moment of passion, but them’s the breaks! Steve, you’re definitely a favorite in this match and no one would be surprised if you won it, but I just can’t let that happen my friend.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about Torture.
Gravedigger: Torture. I’m saying it right now live on camera. You’re an asshole. I’m still not over you pinning me back in 2009 when I was the owner of WCF. You could have just laid down in that match and let me win. I would have been a gracious winner. I would have given you a two month severance package for standing up to me, it would have been so much better than what I would have done to the rest of your ragtag little group. You’re another legend in this company who has never won the War match before and I have to say I’m surprised that you’ve never won the thing. A legend like yourself. A guy who went undefeated as long as you did. You would think you would have won the War event, but you haven’t. Like Bobby Cairo, you’re also another one of those people I’ve never really faced off with. I mean yeah, there was the triple threat with Corey and the Casket match around the same time, but there’s never been any real chance to build something up with you. Despite the fact that we’ve been in other companies together as well. We’ve both been in this business about the same amount of time as well.
Maybe this Sunday, what fans have been waiting to see will finally happen…again. Torture and Gravedigger standing toe to toe in 2014 at War. You better hope that doesn’t happen because I still owe you for those two matches. Your undefeated streak should never have gone on that long. I should have been the one to end it, not D-Day years later. I owe you one and I’m cashing it in on Sunday if I get the chance.
Hank Brown: Well since we’re talking about Torture, how about the next one you mention is Jonny Fly, last year’s War winner?
Gravedigger: Jonny Fly. The guy once considered the modern day this guy, the modern day that guy, hell at one point he was considered the modern day Torture. Not after last year’s War though. The guy rarely ever loses at all and then on top of that he wins War. The moment Jonny Fly won War, he solidified his place in the Hall of Fame. There’s no doubt. There’s no months of trying to prove himself like Torture had to. No need to win some big match. Fly is guaranteed to be talked about amongst people like Bobby Cairo, Logan, Corey Black, and myself as Hall of Famers. It’s inevitable. And this Sunday, he could end up doing something at War that no one has done before, not even Logan. Win back-to-back War matches.
If anyone in this match has a target on his back, it has to be Jonny Fly. Anyone not gunning for him, his fellow Pantheon members included, is an idiot. Fly has the absolute biggest target on his back out of anyone in the match. The new guys better pay attention because whoever eliminates Fly will be remembered. The one who guaranteed we don’ t have a repeat winner. The one that prevents Fly from getting yet another win. All I have to say to Fly is good luck on Sunday, because you’re going to need it more than anyone else.
Hank Brown: How about we keep the Pantheon train rolling with Corey Black?
Gravedigger rolls his eyes.
Gravedigger: Corey Black isn’t even going to try this Sunday. Hell this guy probably didn’t even want to be in the match to begin with. He was probably threatened with termination or the elimination of future XIII events if he didn’t show up for War. For being someone who is another legend in this business that hasn’t won War before, he frankly doesn’t care about winning it. He’s going to be the only one not actually trying because he’s already got an upcoming world title shot. Corey Black will be there to watch Fly’s back and ruin everyone else’s night by eliminating them as well. I will taunt Corey Black by hitting him with my version of the Burning Hammer…The Embalmer and eliminate him that way. I caused his elimination at War before at the hands of Adam Young. What better way than to one-up him again.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about the other former War winner in this match…Johnny Reb.
Gravedigger: The invertebrate Confederate or whatever the hell he calls himself. The last time we faced off was in the Trios tournament and before that was a world title match in 2009. Reb wants to re-establish himself here in WCF as a worthy competitor once more. He wants to win that War match one more time so he can climb the top of the mountain and win the World title again. The only problem is a fellow Legend such as myself standing in your way. See, you’re not going to win because I’m not going to let that happen. Reb, I wish you all the best, but don’t get your hopes up, because I’m going to be dashing them in the middle of the ring if you get in my way.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about one other specific person…the newest member of the roster…Tobias Barnz.
Gravedigger grins.
Gravedigger: Tobias Barnz. The guy who supposedly my bastard son. Tobias, take some advice from your father and don’t show up Sunday. I can promise you right now, you will not be following in my footsteps by winning your first War. I can’t let that happen. Look where it got me. I can’t leave this place. I’m addicted to it. I cannot and WILL NOT let that happen to you. Wait, maybe you should show up and show your loyalty to your father by taking out the other people in the match and then you can just lay down for me at the end, right? That sound good? Yeah, let’s go with that one. The first father-son duo (unless the paternity test results come back otherwise) to take over the War event and win.
Hank Brown: Ok so what do you think about the possibility of surprise entrants. Is there anyone you think will make a surprise return and enter the War match?
Gravedigger: Hellz Angel.
Hank Brown: You always say that every year. Are you serious this time?
Gravedigger: I’m always serious about it. I’m going to say it every damn year so that no one forgets that man’s name and if he hears it enough, he will eventually have to show up!
Hank Brown: Ok, any others?
Gravedigger: Logan. I know you’re out there watching this. You’re not on the official list but I know you’re lurking in the shadows of WCF munching on a hot dog, just waiting for the opportunity to run out and win once more. I’m onto you! Speaking of Logan, I bet that little shit Roy Speede will be a surprise entrant. It’s just like that scum-sucking leech to ruin the whole damn thing by coming out there. I dare you to enter the match Speede. I’ll drop whoever I’m about to pin and come straight for you and make you the fastest elimination ever. I swear to God I’ll fucking do it!
Hank Brown: Ok any serious predictions here?
Gravedigger: Goldberg.
Hank Brown: He’s not even---I give up on that question.
Gravedigger: What? I was talking about the goalie from The Mighty Ducks movies.
Hank Brown: Ok that’s even more ridiculous. Fine. Let’s just wrap up this interview. You have anything you want to say left? Anyone you want to call out?
Gravedigger: Yeah, I’m not finished. Apparently one of the newer guys here, Alexander Richards, was running his mouth just a little while ago about how he was going to eliminate me and says I don’t care about winning. Who the hell do you think you’re talking to? The only thing you’re going to eliminate me from is a food eating contest you fat piece of shit. You wanna run your mouth at me? You want to talk about how you’re going to eliminate me? Then please, by all means, if we’re in the ring together Sunday, come try me big boy. I’ll toss a couple of ding dongs in the middle of the ring and then take you out while you’re distracted by them. Just because I was here in the past and a big name then, that doesn’t mean I stand no chance against someone like you. I can still wrestle circles around you. I will make it my mission if I have to to eliminate you. So now, feel proud that I mentioned your name. Alexander Richards’ name was said by the legendary Gravedigger and after Sunday night, unless you are already eliminated, your name might be said alongside mine again when I’m the one who causes you to be eliminated. You want me? You’re going to get me.
Sunday is the return of Gravedigger to a WCF ring. I’m not returning to relive past glories, no, this is going to be a present glory. I’m going to win War and go on to fight for the World title. Yeah, I’m up there in age now, 39 years of age, and a lot of the people here are going to talk about how they’re younger, faster, better, but see that’s where all you War rookies show your ignorance. Those of you saying the same thing that have been in War before and never won will also show why you haven’t won already. You don’t have to be the youngest, the fastest, or the best. You just have to survive. War is about being the sole survivor, eliminating everyone else before they eliminate you.
There may be many of you younger and faster than me, but there’s also many of you who have never won before. Logan, of all people, has proven that anyone can win even if you’ve won before. I’m not here as some sideshow act. I’m not here just to eliminate Jayson Price, although I will take great pleasure in doing so. I’m here to win the damn thing. I’m here to gain more glory. To win another War. To go on and win another world title. To go on and dominate WCF once more. WCF is due for another time of Gravedigger on top. That won’t happen if I don’t win War.
To the other War entrants, go ahead now and come to the realization that when your music hits and you run out to the ring, that you’re not going to hear your music again that night. Know that when you walk away from that ring later on, it won’t be as the winner. That is reserved for Gravedigger. I will win because it is my destiny to win this match on Sunday.
Gravedigger smirks at the camera as the scene finally fades to black.
The scene zooms out a little to reveal that he wasn’t leaning against a marble wall, but the back of someone’s tombstone as it becomes obvious that he’s sitting in the middle of a graveyard. Off in the distance is what appears to be around a dozen motorcycles. A group of bikers are standing around in a couple of groups talking to each other. Obviously these guys are members of the violent street gang Mara Salvatrucha aka MS-13. What other street gang would be hanging out with Gravedigger anyway?
The cameraman walks around the grave that Gravedigger is leaning against, aiming over his shoulder at the actual tombstone he’s staring at. The name on the tombstone: Jennifer Borroughs. Jennifer was 14 when she died and her death year is 1989, making this the 25 year anniversary of her death. The camera swings back around to Gravedigger as he finally speaks.
Gravedigger: I’ve mentioned the story of my twin sister’s death a couple of times before here in WCF and this year is the 25th year since her passing. Some of the guys currently wrestling for WCF and those who have wrestled for it before have these elaborate stories of abuse, murder, growing up on the hard streets of some badass city or neighborhood. They have this crazy ass story of how they came to be who they are. Mine on the other hand, the story of how Gravedigger came to be is not that elaborate. It’s simple. My twin sister died in a freak pool accident in our backyard. I didn’t handle it well and eventually became Gravedigger once I laced up my wrestling boots for the first time.
The name Gravedigger was born out of death and is a simple tribute to my sister. Part of me died that day, but eventually that hole in me was filled up by Gravedigger. It was filled up by The Dark Side. Darkness swam up over me and I nearly drowned in it, ironic since my sister died that way. What saved me? Not wrestling. Not my family or my friends. What saved me from drowning in the darkness was embracing it, something I used to preach on the daily here in WCF. Embrace the darkness or get swallowed up by it.
Some of you may be wondering why I’m telling this story. Why is the cameraman here in the graveyard where my sister is buried? Am I doing this because I returned and I’m looking for some place good to have the camera follow me? No, there’s always a grand plan, a great reason behind the things I do and say. You’re about to find out. It’s going to become obvious really soon.
Gravedigger stands up, takes one last glance at Jennifer’s grave, and then turns and walks back towards the bikers. He puts his hand up to his mouth and whistles loudly. The bikers all stop what they’re doing and turn around.
Gravedigger: Let’s move out!
The bikers all walk over to their bikes and hop on. One of them steps out of the way and towards his bike, revealing a Hispanic woman in dreads standing beside the lead bike. It’s Gravedigger’s woman, Juanita Juarez aka JJ. She’s the sister of one of MS-13’s leaders, Diagur. The woman who managed Gravedigger when he was wearing a mask, known as Hector Rodriguez at the time.
JJ: You good?
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: Yeah, let’s go.
Before he can say anything else, his voice is drowned out by 13 other bikes being turned on and revved up. Gravedigger walks up to his motorcycle and hops on. He brings it to life as JJ climbs onto the back and wraps her arms around him. He revs up his motorcycle and glances back over his shoulder at Adrian, who is on the bike behind him. He nods at Gravedigger who pulls forward. The rest of the bikes pull out with him and they turn onto a road and eventually a highway. Cars slow down beside them and people gawk at the long line of bikers. A huge city can be seen nearby. It’s the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix. At first thought you think that it’s obvious we’re just here because it’s the site of this year’s War, but then remembering the graveyard where Gravedigger’s sister was buried at was just visited causes the realization that this town means more to Gravedigger than just the site of WCF’s War. This is actually Gravedigger’s hometown. The place where it all started…
The camera slowly zooms in on Phoenix and the scene slowly fades out.
---------------
The scene fades back in to a suburban looking area. The street is quiet. Some children are playing. The neighborhood is slightly upscale. The houses are pretty big to be honest. At one house, a man is spraying down his car that he apparently has just soaped up. The scene is peaceful and quiet for the most part, it’s just your typical late summer morning in Arizona.
That all falls apart when a loud rumbling can be heard off in the distance. The children glance around, the man washing his car looks around curiously as the sound gets louder. All of a sudden, a group of bikes turns off a street a couple of blocks down the main road. Gravedigger and MS-13 come riding down the street. The kids run up onto the nearby porch at the house they’re playing at. The guy washing his car drops the hose, the water still running, and runs for his door. A couple of driveways down the bikes slow down. Gravedigger and Adrian pull their bikes into the driveway while the rest of the group pulls their bikes off to the side of the street.
Gravedigger climbs off of his bike, followed by JJ. He stares at the house for a few seconds before finally walking up towards it. Adrian and the others all get off their bikes and gather near the bikes, talking amongst each other. The front door of the house walk up and an older woman walks out with a huge smile on her face.
Woman: John!!
For the first time in forever, Gravedigger smiles a non-sadistic smile. He walks up and gives the lady a hug and kisses her on the top of the head.
Gravedigger: Hey ma. How you doing?
Gravedigger’s mom steps back, a huge smile still on her face and puts her hands on her hips.
Ma Digger: I’m doing great, I’d be doing better if you came to visit more often.
She turns to JJ, still grinning and steps forward to give JJ a hug.
Ma Digger: And look at you, Juanita! So great to see you, you look amazing!
JJ beams.
JJ: Thank you, Mrs. Borroughs. You look beautiful yourself.
Gravedigger: Where’s dad?
Ma Digger: He’s around back cooking the steaks. Your friends all joining us?
Gravedigger shakes his head.
Gravedigger: Nah, they’re heading out to find a bar nearby. We may have a couple of steaks to cook for a couple who hang back.
Gravedigger turns and nods at Adrian who nods back and turns to the bikers. He walks over and talks to a couple of them. He then heads over to his bike along with all but two of the remaining MS-13 members. Their bikes come to life as they turn them on. A minute later, the sound of the bikes fades out into the distance. Ma Digger turns and gestures for Gravedigger and JJ to follow.
Ma Digger: Come on, supper will probably be ready soon.
The scene fades out.
----------------------
The scene opens back up a little later with Gravedigger, JJ, and Gravedigger’s parents seated around a large picnic table in the backyard. Digger is devouring a steak while JJ is chatting with Digger’s mother.
JJ: Wow, she sounds like she was an amazing person. I just wanted to say again how sorry I am for your family’s loss all those years ago. That has to be hard, even as the years go by it’s still hard, right?
Digger’s mom nods.
Ma Digger: Yes, it’s been really hard this year being the 25th anniversary.
Digger’s dad speaks up.
Pa Digger: Yeah, we’ve had a tough time getting John’s older brother, Brian, to come anywhere near here all year. Chester is taking it pretty bad as well. He started drinking heavily a few months ago.
Gravedigger gives his dad a look of concern.
Gravedigger: I did not know that. We haven’t talked that much since I was here last year before War. He’s drinking because of Jenn?
A loud muscle car can be heard somewhere off-camera as the group continues talking.
Ma Digger: Yes, but that’s not completely the reason, he’s never gotten over that attack from that Oblivion guy from a couple of years ago. It really messed him up not only physically but has taken a big mental toll on him as well.
Gravedigger glances up and double takes as he looks off to the side of the house. He stands up, causing everyone to glance back in the direction he’s looking.
Gravedigger: Speak of the devil.
Chester is arguing and pushing at the two MS-13 members who stayed back. He keeps yelling at them that this is his parents house and to let him by. Gravedigger eventually speaks up.
Gravedigger: Guys! Let him through!
The two bikers part and Chester storms through. Gravedigger half grins as Chester still looks pissed off. He steps away from the table and starts walking over.
Gravedigger: Little brother! How have you been?
Chester: Don’t little brother me you asshole!
Gravedigger is caught off guard by the response.
Gravedigger: What??
Gravedigger glances at his parents with a look of confusion. They sigh and shake their heads.
Chester: I heard about the money.
Gravedigger: What money?
Chester has finally walked across the yard, a slight drunken stumble to him as he reaches Gravedigger. He gets right in his face, a really pissed off look on his own.
Chester: Don’t play stupid with me. Mom and Dad told me. You gave them all of it?! You even drew up legal papers saying they couldn’t give me any of it either??
Gravedigger is a little pissed by this point and gives his parents a “really?!” look. He looks back at Chester.
Gravedigger: It was my money. I can do what I want with it.
Chester: Whatever, but why did you sell everything? What are you doing? You becoming a nomad with your biker friends or something?
Gravedigger: It was all a distraction. I didn’t need any of it. The nightclub, the house, the cars.
Chester scoffs and then laughs.
Chester: Bro, you could have at least signed over the nightclub to me. Why did you completely cut me out of all of this?
Gravedigger: Because you’d blow it all immediately on stupid shit. And after what I was just told, you’d probably piss it all away on alcohol. Why the hell didn’t you tell me you are having a problem?
Chester is even more pissed now and glances at his parents.
Chester: I don’t have a problem! Is that what they told you? Just because I take the occasional drink doesn’t mean I have some kind of problem you asshole.
Gravedigger laughs.
Gravedigger: Occasional drink? You’re drunk off your ass right now and you stumbled in here and say you only have the occasional drink?
Chester: Well forgive me Lord Gravedigger. I didn’t realize that mourning the anniversary of our dear sister’s death wasn’t good reason to drink.
Gravedigger: Don’t you use her as an excuse to drink. You’ve been drinking for a while now. Mom and Dad didn’t have to tell me. I’ve known about it for a while. I can see it in your eyes.
Chester: Do you now?
Chester leans in closer and widens his eyes.
Chester: What else do you see there? You see the reflection of an asshole there, too?
Gravedigger palms Chester’s face and shoves him away.
Gravedigger: Get out of my face! JJ, let’s get out of here. I don’t have time for this shit.
Gravedigger turns and starts storming across the yard, JJ hurrying after him.
The scene fades out.
-------------------------
The scene opens back up once again in the makeshift WCF studios somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona. Gravedigger and Hank Brown are both being wired up and attended to by make-up artists to prepare them for the upcoming interview. After a few more seconds of touch up, both are ready to go and everyone steps off screen leaving Gravedigger and Hank Brown alone in the camera shot. Hank Brown glances off camera and nods, then turns to the camera, apparently being given the signal to begin.
Hank Brown: Hank Brown here in an interview that I have very much been looking forward to. An interview with a legend. A Hall of Famer. A former War winner. A guy who was once my boss. The Epitome of Hardcore…Gravedigger. Gravedigger, thanks for doing this interview.
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: You’re welcome, Hank. Thanks for taking the time to interview me.
Hank Brown nods and smiles.
Hank Brown: No problem. First of all, I’d like to give my condolences to the family seeing as how it’s the 25 year anniversary of your twin sister’s death. That must be hard on you and the family.
Gravedigger nods.
Gravedigger: Yeah, the death itself was hard enough to deal with, especially for me as her twin, but even after all this time, the pain has only dulled, never gone away. Knowing that a quarter of a CENTURY has gone by since her death is just mind blowing itself. The hardest part is realizing that that’s 25 years of life she could have lived and there’s no telling where she would be, if she would have had kids. There’s no telling where I or the rest of my family would have been had she never died that fateful day. I may not even be sitting in this seat. I could be doing god knows what right now.
Hank Brown: Well, I know I don’t speak for everyone, Gravedigger, but I’m glad you’re sitting he—
Gravedigger holds a hand up.
Gravedigger: Hank, enough with the sucking up. I’m here for the interview, I get it. You like me.
Hank grins sheepishly and clears his throat.
Hank Brown: Well, yes. Let’s move on. I first want to start off this interview with some hard hitting questions before we get into the people you may or may not face this Sunday in the War match. The first thing that has been on a lot of people’s minds is what is different about this return? Let’s be honest here, you’ve returned several times since your last major run here where you ended up winning the world title. Aside from your hardcore title reign during one return, you’ve had very little success these last few years.
Gravedigger: Wow, hit me with the hard one first thing, Hank. Jeez.
Gravedigger chuckles.
Gravedigger: Look, I don’t expect anyone to believe this return is different. I expect everyone to think I can’t hang like I used to. I’m 39. We’re going to hear the old jokes. We’re going to hear the holding down the new guys jokes. We’re probably even going to hear Jeff Purse talk about our hardcore match that one time a few years ago when he beat me.
What’s different about this time is that I have shed myself of all distractions. As you heard earlier when I was verbally jumped by my brother Chester, I stepped down as owner of Penn State Wrestling Federation, I sold my nightclub, I sold my house, I sold my cars. What you may or may not have gathered from the incident with Chester earlier is that I gave the money to my parents. What I own, what I have to my name is a few pairs of clothing, my bike, and a couple of hundred dollars. It’s like we’ve gone back in time to 2001 at the beginning of my career all over again.
Hank Brown nods with an interested look on his face.
Hank Brown: So why do you believe that giving away all your riches and getting rid of all your outside responsibilities, these distractions, will make things different for you this time around?
Gravedigger: Because I have everything to lose now. Before, when I would lose it didn’t matter. I was still making money from the club. I still had this fat paycheck from PSWF. Yeah, I still have a great contract with WCF, but if I don’t win, I don’t get those big paydays. I want to be on top of WCF again. It’s what I’ve wanted for years. It’s why I keep returning, but I’m always distracted. Now, all I have are my accomplishments. I have my talent. I have my skills. I have JJ and MS-13. That’s all I have. I have nothing else to distract me. All I have in my sights right now is that big gold belt, the WCF championship. To get there, I have to win War. This Sunday…I will win War.
Hank Brown: I believe you, sir. So, what exactly set all this into motion? Were you just sitting there a couple of weeks ago and realized War was coming up and decided to throw your proverbial hat into the ring? Did Seth contact you and say he wanted you to stop Price from winning War?
Gravedigger shakes his head no.
Gravedigger: Not entirely, no. I had it in my mind months ago that I was going to return to WCF and enter War. If you’ll remember, I last returned at the first of this year, but distractions caused that return to get derailed. These distractions always cause my returns to get derailed and so as quickly as I returned, I left. There was only one problem. Little did I know it, but destiny was about to rear its ugly head and force me back towards the path of returning to WCF. 2014 is a special year, a unique year. Call these events coincidence or see them for what they actually are, the calling of my destiny here in WCF. As has already been stated, 2014 marks the 25 year anniversary of my sister’s death. Her death is what eventually put me in this business, it’s what put me in this chair, and it’s what will put me in that ring on Sunday. 2014 is also the 13th year for me in this business. For the boneheads out there, 13 is the number in MS-13. 13 also appears in the name of the event for War. War XIII….War 13. It’s a sign. Some of you will laugh and scoff at this. You’ll make jokes, you’ll have fun with my comments, but the only one who will be laughing when the smoke clears this Sunday is me. Gravedigger. The winner of War XIII.
Hank Brown nods.
Hank Brown: Well, that would certainly be an awesome thing to see, you as the winner of War this year. A lot of things have changed since your last War win, as a matter of fact, a lot of things have changed here in WCF since your last match at the beginning of this year. A lot of new faces.
Gravedigger: Yeah, who the fuck is this Ice Beckman guy? That’s what blows my mind the most is that the guy holding the big gold belt is someone I don’t even know. It’s someone I haven’t been in the ring with. It’s someone who wasn’t even an employee here when I was here in January. The guy has some skill on the mic and in the ring. He has to if he can beat Steve Orbit and win the Ultimate Showdown.
Hank Brown: Yes, a match you’ve never been in as long as you’ve been here.
Gravedigger shrugs.
Gravedigger: Yeah, things have never worked out for me to be in it honestly. One’s main event is another match I’ve never been in. Something that will change when I win War.
Hank Brown chuckles.
Hank Brown: Yes, you keep pulling me back to War. I’m getting sidetracked. So let’s talk about the participants. First, who do you see as your biggest adversary in this match? Jayson Price? Jonny Fly? Steve Orbit? Torture? Jeff Purse? Bobby Cairo?
Gravedigger: All of them. Not just the ones you mentioned, but all of them. Even the surprise entrants that aren’t listed on the website as participants this Sunday. There is no biggest adversary for me because they are all equally big adversaries. In a match like War, all it takes is a distraction and you’re done. One wrong move and someone could take me out. Anyone. From former World champion and War winner Jonny Fly to one of these new guys . The newest guy on the roster, this Tobias Barnz. The guy who is joked about backstage as being my son could be the one that pins me or makes me tap. I could be eliminated by the rookie or anyone in this match. The same goes for everyone. Any person in this match overlooking anyone else is setting themselves up for failure.
I’ve won this match before and I know what it takes to win. Winning the match doesn’t guarantee that I’ll do well as we’ve seen the last couple of times I’ve entered War. Logan, the man who has won this match more than anyone and is the only person to have won it more than one time, can tell you there’s no guarantee for a win.
Hank Brown nods.
Hank Brown: Very true. Well, then in that case, how about I say a name and you tell me your thoughts? We won’t cover the entire roster of entrants since that number currently stands at 32 not counting yourself. How about we start with fellow Hall of Famer Bobby Cairo?
Gravedigger grins.
Gravedigger: Bobby Cairo, that son of a bitch. One of the major names in this business that I haven’t had too many run-ins with. I went toe to toe with one of his protégés, Chad Evans, years ago, but that’s been about it. I have mad respect for Mr. Cairo being a legend and all and the guy is talented as hell. You have to be when you’re the Godfather of Professional Wrestling. My mom is actually a huge fan of Bobby Cairo to be completely honest here.
Bobby’s one of the few legends that has never won the War event. Unlike Corey Black who cowers at the thought of War each year, Bobby Cairo wants to get that W. He wants to finally cross that one major item off his WCF bucket list and finally win War. Sorry, Bobb-o. I can’t let that happen. There’s only one legend, one Hall of Famer who is going to walk out of Phoenix, Arizona with the War win and that’s me. Bobby is going to make a big impact in the War match no doubt, simply because he’s Bobby Cairo, but the impact will result in him lying on the mat being pinned and eliminated from War.
Hank Brown: Jeff Purse. What are your thoughts on this former War winner?
Gravedigger: Jeff Purse. Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way. He beat me in a hardcore match a couple of years ago. For a guy that’s made fun of me before about bringing up my past a lot, nearly every time he mentions my name, he brings up that match as if it’s a badge of honor…and it should be, because it is.
Purse, you may have won War before and due to the stipulations, won the world title, but let me remind you, again, that your title reign didn’t amount to shit since you did nothing but defend it against Adam Young, so therefore your War win amounted to practically nothing. You had a couple of brief title reigns since then, one highlighted by a loss to Adam Young’s flunkies. You’re exactly where you were the last couple of times we’ve been in the same ring together and I pointed out that you were just hiding in the shadows of Pantheon. Looks like that hasn’t changed one bit. Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere for a job. I hear that when you were a popcorn vendor that the fans were never more satisfied. Mainly because they didn’t have to watch you flail about in the ring or flop in the parking lot when you failed to look both ways. Maybe the next person will remember to put the car into reverse afterwards.
Hank Brown is taken aback.
Hank Brown: Damn, Gravedigger. That’s a little harsh. Are you saying Jeff Purse should die?
Gravedigger: In a fire. Yes. Maybe take Jayson Price with him.
Hank Brown: Well ok then. You mentioned Jayson Price. The man you apparently returned for.
Gravedigger: No, no. I didn’t return for Jay Price, but Seth did promise to bump up the paycheck a significant amount if I took out Jay Price. Fucking Jay Price. This guy is another little gnat that just won’t die. He’s always been nothing more than a hanger-on and it’s about time someone put him and the fans out of their misery by putting him down…for good. Like the last few times we were in the ring together, Jay, you’re going to end up on the losing end and I can promise that. I’m almost determined enough to see you eliminated that I would sacrifice my own chances at winning, almost but not quite.
It’s going to be beautiful when I see your face in that ring and cave it in. Pray that you get into that match pretty quickly and then eliminated before my music hits, because if you’re in that ring when my music hits, your chances at winning this match go from ‘probably not going to happen’ to ‘no fucking way’. Our business will never be finished until one of us retires and as you can tell from my actions these last few months, that time is nowhere near for me. You’ve won damn near every belt WCF has and this is definitely the one notch that will more than guarantee you a spot in the Hall of Fame. I mean you definitely need something major to happen for you to get the stigma of your world title reign off people’s minds. Unfortunately, your dreams of winning this match are not going to come true.
Hank Brown: Steve Orbit. Former multiple time world champion. Always a favorite in this match.
Gravedigger: Steve Orbit. I love me some Steve Orbit. I have always been a fan of that guy and his general attitude. His take no shit attitude. Seeing him turn on Pantheon last month brought a tear to my eye. It was such a touching moment, but it may end up costing him dearly in this match. The rest of Pantheon are all in this match and he will have to be watching his back at every moment. You know what though, Steve? Just know that you have Gravedigger on your side…until it comes time for me to win the match. I may be a big Steve Orbit fan. I may have a Steve Orbit t-shirt hanging up in my closet and JJ may have even accidentally called me Steve Orbit a time or two in a moment of passion, but them’s the breaks! Steve, you’re definitely a favorite in this match and no one would be surprised if you won it, but I just can’t let that happen my friend.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about Torture.
Gravedigger: Torture. I’m saying it right now live on camera. You’re an asshole. I’m still not over you pinning me back in 2009 when I was the owner of WCF. You could have just laid down in that match and let me win. I would have been a gracious winner. I would have given you a two month severance package for standing up to me, it would have been so much better than what I would have done to the rest of your ragtag little group. You’re another legend in this company who has never won the War match before and I have to say I’m surprised that you’ve never won the thing. A legend like yourself. A guy who went undefeated as long as you did. You would think you would have won the War event, but you haven’t. Like Bobby Cairo, you’re also another one of those people I’ve never really faced off with. I mean yeah, there was the triple threat with Corey and the Casket match around the same time, but there’s never been any real chance to build something up with you. Despite the fact that we’ve been in other companies together as well. We’ve both been in this business about the same amount of time as well.
Maybe this Sunday, what fans have been waiting to see will finally happen…again. Torture and Gravedigger standing toe to toe in 2014 at War. You better hope that doesn’t happen because I still owe you for those two matches. Your undefeated streak should never have gone on that long. I should have been the one to end it, not D-Day years later. I owe you one and I’m cashing it in on Sunday if I get the chance.
Hank Brown: Well since we’re talking about Torture, how about the next one you mention is Jonny Fly, last year’s War winner?
Gravedigger: Jonny Fly. The guy once considered the modern day this guy, the modern day that guy, hell at one point he was considered the modern day Torture. Not after last year’s War though. The guy rarely ever loses at all and then on top of that he wins War. The moment Jonny Fly won War, he solidified his place in the Hall of Fame. There’s no doubt. There’s no months of trying to prove himself like Torture had to. No need to win some big match. Fly is guaranteed to be talked about amongst people like Bobby Cairo, Logan, Corey Black, and myself as Hall of Famers. It’s inevitable. And this Sunday, he could end up doing something at War that no one has done before, not even Logan. Win back-to-back War matches.
If anyone in this match has a target on his back, it has to be Jonny Fly. Anyone not gunning for him, his fellow Pantheon members included, is an idiot. Fly has the absolute biggest target on his back out of anyone in the match. The new guys better pay attention because whoever eliminates Fly will be remembered. The one who guaranteed we don’ t have a repeat winner. The one that prevents Fly from getting yet another win. All I have to say to Fly is good luck on Sunday, because you’re going to need it more than anyone else.
Hank Brown: How about we keep the Pantheon train rolling with Corey Black?
Gravedigger rolls his eyes.
Gravedigger: Corey Black isn’t even going to try this Sunday. Hell this guy probably didn’t even want to be in the match to begin with. He was probably threatened with termination or the elimination of future XIII events if he didn’t show up for War. For being someone who is another legend in this business that hasn’t won War before, he frankly doesn’t care about winning it. He’s going to be the only one not actually trying because he’s already got an upcoming world title shot. Corey Black will be there to watch Fly’s back and ruin everyone else’s night by eliminating them as well. I will taunt Corey Black by hitting him with my version of the Burning Hammer…The Embalmer and eliminate him that way. I caused his elimination at War before at the hands of Adam Young. What better way than to one-up him again.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about the other former War winner in this match…Johnny Reb.
Gravedigger: The invertebrate Confederate or whatever the hell he calls himself. The last time we faced off was in the Trios tournament and before that was a world title match in 2009. Reb wants to re-establish himself here in WCF as a worthy competitor once more. He wants to win that War match one more time so he can climb the top of the mountain and win the World title again. The only problem is a fellow Legend such as myself standing in your way. See, you’re not going to win because I’m not going to let that happen. Reb, I wish you all the best, but don’t get your hopes up, because I’m going to be dashing them in the middle of the ring if you get in my way.
Hank Brown: Let’s talk about one other specific person…the newest member of the roster…Tobias Barnz.
Gravedigger grins.
Gravedigger: Tobias Barnz. The guy who supposedly my bastard son. Tobias, take some advice from your father and don’t show up Sunday. I can promise you right now, you will not be following in my footsteps by winning your first War. I can’t let that happen. Look where it got me. I can’t leave this place. I’m addicted to it. I cannot and WILL NOT let that happen to you. Wait, maybe you should show up and show your loyalty to your father by taking out the other people in the match and then you can just lay down for me at the end, right? That sound good? Yeah, let’s go with that one. The first father-son duo (unless the paternity test results come back otherwise) to take over the War event and win.
Hank Brown: Ok so what do you think about the possibility of surprise entrants. Is there anyone you think will make a surprise return and enter the War match?
Gravedigger: Hellz Angel.
Hank Brown: You always say that every year. Are you serious this time?
Gravedigger: I’m always serious about it. I’m going to say it every damn year so that no one forgets that man’s name and if he hears it enough, he will eventually have to show up!
Hank Brown: Ok, any others?
Gravedigger: Logan. I know you’re out there watching this. You’re not on the official list but I know you’re lurking in the shadows of WCF munching on a hot dog, just waiting for the opportunity to run out and win once more. I’m onto you! Speaking of Logan, I bet that little shit Roy Speede will be a surprise entrant. It’s just like that scum-sucking leech to ruin the whole damn thing by coming out there. I dare you to enter the match Speede. I’ll drop whoever I’m about to pin and come straight for you and make you the fastest elimination ever. I swear to God I’ll fucking do it!
Hank Brown: Ok any serious predictions here?
Gravedigger: Goldberg.
Hank Brown: He’s not even---I give up on that question.
Gravedigger: What? I was talking about the goalie from The Mighty Ducks movies.
Hank Brown: Ok that’s even more ridiculous. Fine. Let’s just wrap up this interview. You have anything you want to say left? Anyone you want to call out?
Gravedigger: Yeah, I’m not finished. Apparently one of the newer guys here, Alexander Richards, was running his mouth just a little while ago about how he was going to eliminate me and says I don’t care about winning. Who the hell do you think you’re talking to? The only thing you’re going to eliminate me from is a food eating contest you fat piece of shit. You wanna run your mouth at me? You want to talk about how you’re going to eliminate me? Then please, by all means, if we’re in the ring together Sunday, come try me big boy. I’ll toss a couple of ding dongs in the middle of the ring and then take you out while you’re distracted by them. Just because I was here in the past and a big name then, that doesn’t mean I stand no chance against someone like you. I can still wrestle circles around you. I will make it my mission if I have to to eliminate you. So now, feel proud that I mentioned your name. Alexander Richards’ name was said by the legendary Gravedigger and after Sunday night, unless you are already eliminated, your name might be said alongside mine again when I’m the one who causes you to be eliminated. You want me? You’re going to get me.
Sunday is the return of Gravedigger to a WCF ring. I’m not returning to relive past glories, no, this is going to be a present glory. I’m going to win War and go on to fight for the World title. Yeah, I’m up there in age now, 39 years of age, and a lot of the people here are going to talk about how they’re younger, faster, better, but see that’s where all you War rookies show your ignorance. Those of you saying the same thing that have been in War before and never won will also show why you haven’t won already. You don’t have to be the youngest, the fastest, or the best. You just have to survive. War is about being the sole survivor, eliminating everyone else before they eliminate you.
There may be many of you younger and faster than me, but there’s also many of you who have never won before. Logan, of all people, has proven that anyone can win even if you’ve won before. I’m not here as some sideshow act. I’m not here just to eliminate Jayson Price, although I will take great pleasure in doing so. I’m here to win the damn thing. I’m here to gain more glory. To win another War. To go on and win another world title. To go on and dominate WCF once more. WCF is due for another time of Gravedigger on top. That won’t happen if I don’t win War.
To the other War entrants, go ahead now and come to the realization that when your music hits and you run out to the ring, that you’re not going to hear your music again that night. Know that when you walk away from that ring later on, it won’t be as the winner. That is reserved for Gravedigger. I will win because it is my destiny to win this match on Sunday.
Gravedigger smirks at the camera as the scene finally fades to black.
