Big match Spencer (Part 1 of 2)

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Part 1: Post Slam 1/24/16 

A shaky camera trails behind Spencer Adams who is dressed in street clothes and making his way towards the backstage exit post Slam. Chipped away face paint clings to the man’s hairline as he continues down the hall. His black hoodie is pulled up not only as a shield from the harsh winter cold, but also as a means of taking attention away from the tired look in his eyes courtesy of the stress that WCF talent puts on themselves due to the intense work and travel schedule that is endured. The antidote drags a rolling suitcase behind him before coming to a stop as he hears the sound of press approaching.

Reporter: Spencer! The fans are sure to be buzzing after tonight! Do you think you can you give us a bit of your time?

He turns around to look at the eager, young reporter looking back at him with a microphone in hand and a cameraman behind her. Spencer runs his hand across his sleep deprived face and over his hair as the reporter steps closer and moves the microphone in position for him to reply.

Spencer: Yeah, sure. Wh-

He lets out a deep breath, rolling his eyes as he feels the phone in his right pocket begin to vibrate between his leg and the denim, serving as an annoying little reminder of a conversation he would rather not have.

Spencer: I’m sorry, guys. I’m gonna have to take this one real quick.

His hand extends down into the pocket as he pulls out his phone and swipes his finger across the screen before raising it to his ear. Although hard to understand, an overly-enthusiastic, high pitched voice can be heard on the other side of the conversation as the caller begins to speak like that of a South Pole wearing fat man in the front row at a Twista concert. He allows the caller to speak as he runs his hand along the site of the rapidly growing migraine they are causing him to have.

Spencer: Are you finished yet?

The voice on the other end gets a bit louder and rambles off a few more things before going silent.

Spencer: Alright, let’s just get this out of the way right now since you’re so determined to fuck with me and everyone else on the roster just for shits and giggles. There is absolutely zero chance of Spencer Adams traveling with Adam Young. That’s not happening. I don’t care what fucking threat you toss my way, that will never be the case. I say that with confidence, because I know my value in this company. No matter what little bullshit you may try to pull on me, it simply will not work.

The voice becomes even louder, shouting about cookies and other stupid shit of the sort.

Spencer: Here’s the thing. Seth Lerch knows how important Spencer Adams is to this company and how important Spencer Adams is to his bank account. You wanna try to test that theory? Motherfucker, I have my finger on the pulse of this shit! I fight for the people and as a result, end up putting asses in the seats! Hellimination? Me and my brothers steamrolled Pantheon and took their belts at that one! Do you really believe that the majority of the fan base would’ve tuned in for #BeachKrew? No, they tuned in to see me, Teo, Vic, and the people stand up for what we believe in.

So no, Kat. I will not follow through and commit to your request that I buddy up with dickheads that I have zero interest in associating with and no, I have no fear of being punished by the motherfucker who has been handing out empty threats like grocery coupons. Go ahead and cry to “Koala Lion”, go ahead and throw the biggest temper tantrum that you possibly can from the inside of Seth Lerch’s office, but prepare to get shut the fuck down almost immediately. I’m selling the merch, getting the people to their feet, and carving out a legacy that even the most bone-headed of business men wouldn’t dare try to stop.

The phone call goes silent for a few seconds.

Spencer: How’s that for an answer?

The voice continues to rant on before the person on the other end hangs up the phone. Spencer tucks his cell back into his pocket as he turns his attention back to the reporter.

Spencer: Sorry about that. What’s up, guys?

The reporter looks a bit surprised at the call and change of tone from Spencer as there is a bit of hesitation before she continues on with her interview attempts.

Reporter: You and the rest of the competitors in the Final Destination match have shown to be a little dysfunctional to say the least as we close in on Sunday’s big match. Rumors and speculation are running rampant about what is in store for this one. What do you have to say about the way things have gone in this lead up?

Spencer: Well, it’s a big match, a fucking huge match actually. It comes with the territory. I don’t give a fuck who it is in that match, I’m placing the target point blank in the middle of their damn forehead. I can’t afford to leave any of my opponents with the ability to fight on. I can’t let them prevent me from getting what’s mine. I have to knock each and every person the fuck out this week. That’s the only way that I will see success on Sunday.

Reporter: And how are you feeling going into this match? This is possibly the most high profile match you’ve ever been in. Is there an added pressure for you to perform at a certain level at Fifteen?

Spencer: There’s always an added pressure, especially during a PPV match. The stage is always bigger and everyone is looking to use it to their advantage. This is the most high profile match of my entire career, make no mistake about it. WAR was huge and so was Hellimination, but this takes it by a long shot. I have big opponents this week and when I pull out the victory against six of the biggest challenges ever placed in front of me, I’m coming for my spot at the very top. After all the criticism about my value making me more of a tag wrestler and all the doubt that has been thrown my way, this match is a very big deal. I know that I’m not the favorite. Hell, I’m probably the last guy that people expect to walk away with the briefcase and that’s fine with me. I say just watch me do it.

The reporter is taken back a bit again as Spencer continues on waving and high fiving the hordes of fans on his way out the door.

Part 2: Grave Mistake 

The scene opens up from the inside of The People’s Choice locker room where Spencer is sitting behind an announcer’s table set up in the middle of the room, complete with monitors, headsets, the cover, the whole deal. Papers that tell him how to do his job are lined up neatly in front of him in case he forgets how to correctly do his job for some reason. He cracks his knuckles before adjusting the headset and smiling at the camera.

Spencer: Hello, ladies and gents. My name is Spencer Adams and I’m proud to bring to you another edition of that sweet, sweet, crippling shoot that sends shivers down the spines of the WCF roster. As everyone knows, it’s a big part of The Antidote’s game to talk a bit of shit and get under the opponent's skin. I’m out for every advantage and possible trick that I can utilize in order to pick up a victory and this should be considered a big part of that. This shit is meditative. WFor any first time viewers or anyone who has not witnessed what I do both verbally and in the ring, I assure you that you’re all in for a treat. I often talk about going out there and giving it my all and all that other typical shit like that, but motherfuckers are not ready for what’s about to happen on Sunday.

The door handle across the room begins to turn as Teo walks in, a look of confusion on his face as he observes his partners’ antics. He scratches at his head a bit and lifts that eyebrow of curiosity like one might do if they were to witness two tweakers blowing each other in an alleyway.

Teo: Um...should I be concerned about what’s going on here?

Spencer: I’m doin’ the shoot, Maggal!

Teo: Um..right.

Teo walks past Spencer and towards his locker where he can be seen in the background, now sorting through his gear.

Spencer: You’re no fun.

The antidote extends his hand in front of him, adjusting his bottle of Diet Mountain Dew so that the label can be seen more clearly by the viewers, because it’s important to shamelessly plug your sponsors. Does Spencer wish he could enjoy the beverage himself? Yes, but he’s not allowed any potty breaks and there are people yelling into his headset, so he remains in his seat and reads off recycled catchphrases like he’s told.

Spencer: Um...puppies and um...Roman Reigns?

He tips his cowboy hat and smiles like a fucking idiot as he looks into the camera again.

Spencer: Many would consider me to be the good guy. I come in early and leave late, stay after for the fan base, and try to fight for the right things. This week is when the good guy has to go bye bye for a little bit. I’ve gotten to where I am today as a result of a constant grind as well as the people that I’ve got behind me, but that little something extra that I’ve got in me, it’s coming out in full effect this week. This is just one of those occasions where cruelty and viciousness is what it takes for Spencer Adams and the people to walk out of Fifteen with a shot at the WCF world championship and I am dead serious when I say that I’m coming for the head of each and every competitor that tries to stand in the way of me achieving this goal and tries to stop this matchup from reaching it’s inevitable conclusion. Make no mistake about it, I’m winning this shit. It may not be obvious to everybody, but this is my fucking match.

Now, I’d like to address somebody who is in for a fucking beatdown in this seven-man clusterfuck. If there’s one thing I have confidence in, it’s what I do when I step through those ropes. All I’ve ever required was to be booked in a match and I’ve turned heads every single time that’s happened. I’ve spent every week in the WCF going out there and putting on amazing technical performances on a very consistent basis, because it’s what I love to do ever since I stepped foot in a ring and if there’s one thing that really fucking annoys me, it’s somebody having the fucking nerve to discredit all that I do as a performer. Sure, I’ll always have people who aren’t fans of me, who aren’t impressed by what I do and that’s fine, but when I have to go watch tape and see somebody disrespecting my climb on a weekly basis, I’m not okay with it. THAT is something that I have a big problem with.

Gravedigger, ever since I’ve gotten to the WCF, you’ve done nothing but sit at one of these tables and ridicule my every action as a performer. You’re a hall of famer and it should be expected that you have your own opinions and knowing the type of guy that you are, I understand that those opinions will not always be positive, that’s not the problem though. It’s not that Spencer Adams is some sensitive, salty motherfucker, I just know that you’ve been treating me like some kind of joke for far too long. I’m a performer and so were you at one point, so you should be able to understand that when a motherfucker wants to disrespect another performer's craft, they must be prepared to face the backlash from whoever it is they’re busy talking shit about.

This match is about a lot things for me and respect is definitely one of them. I’d be stupid if I tried to tell you otherwise. This match will be showcasing an all-star cast of talent from the beginning of WCF to the current. The keyword there is “current”. It is meant to be a match where a rising star has the chance to “skip to the front of the line” and take their shot at the world champion at the show of their choosing and I’ll be damned if I let the WCF galaxy have to watch a disrespectful fuck like you snag yourself a world championship match in this current landscape. The people have been the ones helping me get to this point in my career and I’m going to make sure that the person holding that briefcase is somebody who is prepared to represent the WCF the right way, not somebody who sits behind the announce table and shit talks those of us out here scratching and clawing to get to the top of the mountain.

I can’t discredit your in ring ability or your career, but what I can do is force you to watch me build this legacy week after week and smile in your direction, knowing that my triumphs make you legitimately mad. I’ve held three championships, put on many impressive performances, and even been able to be one of the biggest thorns in the side of a group like #BeachKrew. You know, that group that you’ve been associating yourself with in order to try to get over? They’re one of the biggest forces the fed has ever seen and if I don’t back down to a group like that, I’m sure as hell not going to back down to you either. I’m out here making waves and as long as you’re the man with the headset, you’ll see me hoisting up countless other championship belts as I prove you and every other doubter wrong.

I think that you just can’t stand it. You can’t stand to sit behind that table, knowing that your best years in this business are too far behind you for you to be able to jump back into this and perform at the same level as a guy like me who is out here carving out his spot in WCF history. Hell, even your buddy Billy was able to go from “jobber” to viable competitor and you still had to sit there and watch him take up a spotlight that should be yours, right? You see me out there going for opportunities and because you also don’t like the model “good guy” type, it makes your skin crawl to see a noble competitor be able to get the job done. This isn’t just my profession, it’s my passion, Digger.

This is classic “good guy vs. bad guy” type shit and I have my finger on the pulse of this situation right now. Morally, I don’t think the two of us would exactly see eye to eye. While you’ve been lurking ringside, I’ve been doing what I have to do in order to get to the level that a guy like you was once at and my place on the card this week proves that I’m right fucking there. You’re one of the few people who doesn’t yet realize that, but I’ll go ahead and blame that on the fact that you have yet to really step foot in the ring with the antidote. While I can’t really call you a stepping stone, you are one of the biggest reasons that Final Destination is a proving ground for me. There’s no “passing of the torch” in this one, because I’m prying it away from you no matter what the cost. This is where I use you, crush you, in order to be the face of the WCF.

I’m in this thing, because I’m next. I’ve been next ever since I debuted here and I prove that on a consistent basis by showing consistent growth and a lack of ceiling. Why are you in this thing, Digger? Do you really plan on coming in, winning the briefcase, and beating someone like Wade Moor, Joey Flash, Dune, or any of the other elite competitors on the current roster? Is it because you plan on this triumphant return where you hit a new sort of prime and are able to hang with the very best on a weekly basis? No, it isn’t. We all know that you’re here because “Hey! It’s the fifteenth anniversary! You know what we need? Legends!” That’s true, it is important for WCF to fill such a big occasion with as many big names as possible, but just including Gravedigger on the card does not mean that Gravedigger is going to walk away with a world title opportunity in his hands.

Do you really have that itch back, Digger? This match isn’t for guys like you, it’s for me specifically. I’m going to keep that briefcase in my possession leading up to One and that’s fact. We all wish that the damn chupacabra would’ve swallowed your ass whole back in Mexico, but since that didn’t happen, I guess I get the privilege of brutalizing you myself. Are you going to shut up that annoying little shit Spencer Adams that you’ve been rolling your eyes at for the past eight months? You want to run your mouth? I can do that better. You wanna slide under that bottom rope and start throwing those rights and lefts like somebody hit the Y or triangle button and set off that comeback meter? I can and will do that shit better and when you hear that “ding ding ding!!!”, you and the other five motherfuckers are going to have a hell of a time keeping up with the antidote. I really hope you come with that fire and no, I don’t mean arthritis. Boom. Old guy joke elohel. Fifty points for Gryffindor, bitch.

Fade to black.

Part 3: A change in plans (I.L.F. Part ten) 

As Jeb had peeled out of the driveway of McGrady’s farmhouse, thick clouds of dust and gravel were kicked up into the air, making the path resemble that of a warzone. The familiar figure sat in his study, reading glasses tilted to help him read a pile of documents that was on the desk in front of him. He shot a glance at the window, keeping a paranoid eye on the dirt road leading up to his home, a path that he could still just barely see through the haze of gray earth that is spread from the ground and past eye level as well.

Let’s hope they don’t mess this one up too. There’s so much riding on this. Every time one of them ventures out there, a risk is taken. I always worry that they don’t know how to handle themselves outside of the home. I like to think I’ve taught them how to blend in, but I guess that I can never be too sure of that.

McGrady let his hand hang downward, his fingers being met with the lapping tongue of the canine laying beside the chair. His fingertips transition to the top of her head as he begins to run them across her thick mane.

McGrady: It’s okay, girl. Jeb will be back soon enough. He went off to go get more friends for you to play with. I think you’ll really like having more people around. There’s another child too and I know how much you love chasing each other through the field.

He smiles as he continues to pet the spotted border collie whose head is now level with the ground as she sinks down onto her stomach. McGrady shifts through the various papers, taking time to weed out unwanted documents and place them in a small paper shredder on the side of the desk.

They’re coming..I don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to stay here. Is it safe here? I’m not sure. We’ve been able to last this long, but what if I’ve accidentally been creating cracks in the system? What if Jeb is the one that finally breaks open the floodgates?

A gentle hand taps at the outside of the door as McGrady lowers the papers.

McGrady: Yes?

The door opens as an aging woman enters the room. She approaches the desk and puts her left hand on McGrady’s shoulder. He turns to greet her, flashing more of that artificial smile that he had given to his pet. The woman’s right hand begins to pet the dog that is now pawing at her leg.

: Do you know where Jebediah went? He pulled out of here in such a hurry. Is everything alright?

McGrady: Everything is fine, dear. Jebediah just went out to go gather the guests.

: Okay, well you know that it’s my job to worry about him.

McGrady: I know.

: Wait a minute, what guests? I didn’t know we were having company. You should’ve let me know ahead of time. The house is such a mess! I’d be so embarrassed to have someone walk in and have to see it in it’s current state. Do you think I’ll have time to at least tidy up the place?

McGrady: It won’t be today.

: Then why did Jebediah leave now? Seems a bit silly, doesn’t it?

McGrady: I require his help away from here. We have...family that I’d like to be re-acquainted with.

: What family are you talking about?

McGrady: Not tradition family of course. I mean our project...with the death of John Adams came the death of our project, the death of our experiment. I have no choice but to shut it down. I just don’t feel it would be the right move to let it continue how it is now.

: Nobody here is at fault with that.

McGrady: Of course not. The one at fault is decomposing under the dirt as we speak.

: So then what happens with the project?

McGrady: I sent Jeb out so that he can retrieve the rest of them of course. They belong here with the rest of us and with John’s death, it’s not wise for them to be out there on their own. If we leave them out there, we risk leaving behind loose ends and we put everything that we care about in jeopardy.

: Only the mother knows about our operations and you know she wouldn’t tell the children what’s going on. What’s the harm in leaving it be? Wouldn’t it be a bigger risk to try to remove them from their place in everyday society?

McGrady: It’s more about John’s death. That’s the real loose end. We can’t allow the authorities to start looking into who he is.

: John Adams...isn’t technically a real person in this situation.

McGrady: You wouldn’t think that they will end up finding out because of that very reason, but they just might. What happens if they manage to trace him back to us? Sure, we’ve gotten rid of most incriminating documentation, but once our shield is down, who knows what might happen to us.

: Well, I support what’s best for the family. Let me know if there’s anything that I can do to help, dear.

She wraps her arms around his shoulders, leaning over and placing her lips on his cheek before standing upright again and heading out of the room. McGrady is left to himself as he continues skimming through the papers. He stops at a sheet with information on Spencer, similar to the ones in the file that Jeb took with him. He tilts it at an angle that helps him view the words a little more easily.

Hmm..makes me wonder what these people would’ve turned out like if they were not saved.

Part 4: An intriguing foe 

We return to the inside of The People’s Choice locker room, its walls lined with fan art and various reminders of the group's accomplishments and journey together in the WCF. We see Spencer Adams and Teo Del Sol pumping themselves up, discussing their respective challenges at Fifteen.

Teo: I’m excited for you, man. This is a big shot, probably the biggest shot that you’ve ever had here. We’re going to make sure that you’re one hundred and ten percent prepared to go in there and take that briefcase. I think it’s time that we bring the world championship back to the people. Sure you still have a long road ahead of you, but you’re right there, Spencer. There’s nothing stopping you. All you have to do is scrape by enough, just barely outlast the other six competitors in that match.

Spencer: We’re both facing legends here. This week is colossal for you too. No matter the result, there will of course still be a lot for us to be proud of, but we’re going to make sure that the result is in our favor. The people want us to succeed and we’re going to bring that to them. The People’s Choice face Steve Orbit, Logan, Gravedigger, and Torture this week. All of those names in just one fucking week.

Teo: This is going to take a lot more than focus. You know, things got a lot more interesting when names got added to your match. Two hall of famers and a wrestler who shares the same blood as Johnny Reb, a former world champion in his own right.

Spencer: Bonnie’s a great competitor, no doubt. We knew that the minute she debuted here. She’s definitely a solid talent, but I’m still Spencer motherfucking Adams and my name carries a weight around here. I’ve made sure of that. I’d put myself up there against any motherfucker that the bookers want to throw my way. I welcome that competition, man. I’ve faced bigger challenges than her and I’ll continue to do so after I’m holding a special little briefcase, a one-way ticket to main event status. I actually don’t have a problem with Bonnie Blue in the least. She fights for many of the same things that we do and I appreciate seeing that.

Yes, I respect her as a performer, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t completely demolish her to get the job done. I’ve had that same respect for a lot of people who I’ve still fucking crushed and Bonnie Blue isn’t special as far as that shit goes. It’s funny really. If you would’ve put me in the ring against a woman when I first started, I’d have been very hesitant to even attempt to compete against them, but WCF isn’t every day life and I learned that shit real fucking quick. In fact, one of the biggest lessons here is that you’ll often times be facing people you can’t imagine going against, but will get over that strange feeling in time. I won’t sit here and call her a bitch for the next twenty minutes like your average, generic motherfucker who can’t cut a promo would though.

I’d consider us to be allies in a way since I know what Rebellution is about and respect the hell out of it’s members. In fact, The People’s Choice are more than willing to join you in any fight against people like #BeachKrew and any other corrupt force as long as it helps keep order in the federation. I may not be properly acquainted with Demarcus Jordan yet, but I’ve gone to WAR with Gemini Battle and see a fire similar to mine within Andre Holmes. I’m not here to make friends this time around though. The bottom line is that Bonnie Blue will serve as another enemy to me. She wants what I want, what I need really and I can’t allow her or anyone else to rob me of the lifelong dream to headline this shit.

Let’s compare Bonnie Blue to Spencer Adams while we’re talking about her. I’ve won more than one championship in my time here and that’s definitely not something you can say for Bonnie. I’ve actually gone out there and made my name as a fucking champion in the WCF. I mean, how many television title matches is she going to get before she’s able to actually pull off a victory over a champion? Maybe Bonnie will get there one day, but she’s not even close to being there yet. If she was, they’d have added her into this match as soon as it was announced. You had me, Steve Orbit, Johnny Rabid, and Benjamin fucking Atreyu for christ sakes. What has that guy done in the past year other than keep the imaginary boss chair warm for Katherine Phoenix? It sounds to me like Bonnie Blue is considered to be below that standard. I want to see that shit changed just as much as anyone, just not this time.

That connection to Johnny Reb is still the only noteworthy thing about Bonnie and it’s not like she’s being buried by booking or anything. Hell, it’s like they’ve actually gone out of their way to see if she can shine, to see if she can pull of an important victory, but time and time again, she just fails. Maybe she doesn’t get a fair chance when you look at it like that. I mean, everybody is going to expect her to be just like Reb, just as good as he was, but she’s a long fucking ways from being there in the slightest. Many fans would have thought that we would end up seeing his second coming, but she’s just fallen way short of the expectations that we’ve had for her. Most people

Shit, she’s actually the only one who had to prove that she’s worthy in a qualifying match beforehand. As for me, I was qualified for the bout the very second Seth Lerch and the WCF booking team saw my name in the roster pages. I know my importance to the show, but can she show us where her true value is as a competitor? I’d like her to go ahead and point it out to us all, because all she has been as far as I’ve seen is “decent”. Talented as hell, but where’s the fucking execution? We’ve seen Bonnie Blue jobbing out to the likes of Dustin Beaver and for what? To prove to us all once again that Bonnie Blue can be beaten by a member of #BeachKrew’s B team? She has allowed herself to become an afterthought. Spencer Adams, Spencer Adams is the fucking face of working hard and making that potential mean something.

To be honest, Rebellution is aspiring to be everything that The People’s Choice already is. Bonnie isn’t stupid. I’m sure she knows that we’ve been paving the way for people like her and her Rebellution buddies. Shit, we accomplished everything that a team hopes to achieve almost immediately after forming and as for resisting corrupt bullshit, we did that first and did that better too. The winner of that briefcase will likely be looking at the world title with #BeachKrew either still holding it or lurking around it. Bonnie Blue is currently in my fucking footsteps, not the other way around. I’m the one who is several steps ahead of herself. While she’s busy taking notes on the strategy of Spencer Adams and studying on how to step up to the plate, I will be busy holding that contract up into the air.

Spencer motherfucking Adams is in this shit, because I’ve earned my place among the legends. I’m right in the middle of that road and I’m just driving further down it. I’ve had some failures, but I’ve definitely had some successes that not many people achieve in their rookie year. The first man to hold both the tag team and trios championships at the same damn time? Yeah, that was me and Vic. I think Bonnie Blue was still losing television title matches like it was her job at that point too. Is that really the kind of thing that somebody wants to be known for around here? I mean, holy shit, she might as well dump Rebellution and team up with someone like Raymond Hatcher, since she is basically as big of a choke artist as he is.

I’m sorry, but I just can’t see Bonnie Blue being able to defeat Wade Moor if she were to retrieve that briefcase and that’s another reason I will make sure that she doesn’t. The road doesn’t just end with the briefcase. We both know that and that’s why it’s crucial that the person who obtains it has to be the kind of person with the ability to get into that zone on more than one occasion. This gets the winner to that spot, but Bonnie Blue will choke once again if she is somehow lucky enough to pull herself up and retrieve the prize this Sunday. Both of these are jobs that I can and will get done. People fucking know I’d be able to get the job done there and that’s because I’ve shown that I can do it before. I was the one that ended his dream at the “bromance championship”.

There are a few obvious choices to bet on in this one between the three legends in this match. I’d put Johnny Rabid up there right behind them just because of the weight that the name #BeachKrew has when it comes to being legitimate threats to their competition, but myself, Atreyu, and Bonnie are the three sleepers. Atreyu is probably the odd man out of the three of us as most wouldn’t expect him to walk away at all, but there’s that thought in the back of everyone’s minds that Bonnie Blue or Spencer Adams could pull off what many would think to be impossible. It would be the biggest achievement of either of our careers. Does good ol’ Bonnie Blue have what it truly takes to get past me this Sunday? I don’t think so. You need a steel fucing backbone for this one and that’s something that I’m brining. So Bonnie can pull up with Doctor Who riding shotgun in the DeLorean, but I’m the one in the now and when I make her see defeat this Sunday, she will know as the flux capacitor explodes and I leave her stuck in the present, a reality where Spencer Adams is on top of the world and that’s a reality that can’t be changed.

Teo: Wow..

Spencer: What?

Teo: I like the confidence. Just make sure to carry that with you into the match this week and I have a feeling that you’ll walk away a richer man than you are now. I’ve been with you through this climb and I’m going to be looking on as you pull down that briefcase. Let’s get it done, for the people.

Fade to black.

Part 5: Return of the cadaver (I.L.F. Part eleven) 

The sound of country music blares over the radio as Jeb rides down a back road, making his way through various suburbs of Illinois on his way to the Chicago area where he is to wait for Spencer Adams to arrive back home. With his hands wrapped around the steering wheel, his thumbs begin to drum against it as he hums along to the song being played. He leans back, reaching for the last cigarette in his pack and raising it to his lips before pulling the lighter out of it’s built-in holster and lifting it up to ignite the tip. The window creeps down a bit as the smoke is allowed to travel to the outside.

Shit..that’s the last one. I should be good for a little bit.

As the song changes, Jeb reaches up and begins to mess with the stereo. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a small, red light come on, letting him know that the tank is running low.

Jeb: Shit!

He looks ahead, spotting a sign for a truck stop at the next turn.

Jeb: Fucking hallelujah.

The truck turns off, pulling into the parking lot of a relatively quiet rest stop. Jeb parks along one of the pumps. He opens the door and climbs out of the truck before inspecting the pump and selecting his choice of gas.

God damn it’s fucking cold out here.

Paranoia kicks in as Jeb begins to watch the highway. His eyes squint a bit as another truck passes on the road behind him.

If this thing would hurry the fuck up. Shouldn’t take this damn long to pump fucking gas.

The counter on the pump continues to creep before Jeb feels it stop.

Finally.

He puts the nozzle back as he climbs into the truck once more, pulling up to a spot in front of the main building. Jeb pulls the mirror down, practicing his best bullshit smile to help give off that false sense of friendliness that he’s been taught to employ from time to time. He puts the mirror back into place and heads towards entrance to the rest stop. He grabs the metallic handle, pulling it open as he walks into the building.

Cashier: Pump number three?

Her facial expression rises up a bit to form a slightly disinterested look that compliments her sagging wrinkles, the tone of her voice showing how reluctant she is to be working where she is.

Jeb: Yeah, that’s me. Just gonna grab a couple things before I head back out on the road.

He heads past the front counter and over to the cooler doors. His eyes skim the near-endless selections of sodas and off-brand energy drinks. Jeb reaches in, pulling out a cherry cola and making his way back over towards the register.

Cashier: Is that gonna be it for you today?

He looks behind her at the rack of tobacco products.

Jeb: Go ahead and grab me a pack of the cheapest menthols you got.

His fake tone was nearly robotic, but the cashier chose to ignore it as she had gotten used to talking to her fair share of weirdos. She leans over and grabs a pack of generically labeled cigarettes with the word “cigs” written across them in plain, black lettering. The cashier places them on the counter as she totals up the purchase. Her tone even less enthusiastic than before.

Cashier: It’s gonna be an even ninety dollars.

He pulls out a rugged looking wallet and places a handful of bills on the counter before collecting his things and heading out.

Cashier: Have a nice day.

The small thud is heard as the front door swings shut behind him. Jeb enters his truck once more and begins to smack the pack of cigarettes against his palm of his hand. He pushes the keys back into the ignition, turning them until he hears the vehicle sputter back to life. He moves the mirror down once more, looking over his tired face before catching a glance of a dark dressed figure sitting in the background.

: Drive.

The voice can be heard from the backseat of the truck as Jeb freezes up, his heart rate seems to speed up and slow down at the same time and his breath becomes shaky as the feeling of cold metal pressed to his temple causes goosebumps to crawl along his skin.

Jeb: What do you w-

: Drive.

Jeb puts the vehicle in reverse, slowly backing up as he nonchalantly uses his mirror to sneak a glance at the man behind him. It’s hard to see exactly what his captor looks like, but he notices a long scruffy beard covering a face covered in dirt and harsh abrasions.

: I hope you understand that I’m not your average, run of the mill type in a situation like this. If you do something I don’t like, then I’ll be forced to do something that you don’t like. Understood?

Jeb tenses up even more at the shadow’s threat.

: Understood?

He nervously nods his head as he puts the truck into drive and heads out back onto the highway. An eerie silence fills the cabin as the speed picks up and Jeb swallows hard.

: Now we’re going to take a little trip.

Jeb: What’s this about?

The words anxiously slip out from between his lips as he continues to shoot short glances into the mirror.

Jeb: Wait...are..are you..?

: You look like you’ve seen a ghost.

Another short silence creates a small break in the conversation.

: Pull down this road.

Jeb: I don’t think this way leads to anything.

He slowly takes the turn, the tires running over the bumpy mix of dirt and gravel.

: I know. Now keep on going.

More silence as the tension continues to grow. The person in the back presses the gun a little harder against Jeb’s head, tapping the barrel against it in a slow, rhythmic motion.

: This looks like a good spot, now get out slowly.

Jeb follows the instruction as he steps outside, the gun still aimed at his head.

: Now open the back too.

Jeb once again does as he is told and the hooded figure exits the backseat and steps out into the cold, winter air.

: Now this truck belongs to me, just like everything else you have on you.

The thief moves his hood down, revealing the rest of his battle-hardened features.

Jeb: Holy shit...John? I thought you were dead. It was all over the place. This doesn’t make sense.

John: Now I didn’t ask you to speak, did I? Lose the clothes too.

Jeb: John..you can’t be serious...it’s freezing out here.

John: Did I fucking stutter?!

He slams Jeb up against the side of the truck, pressing the gun to his head and speaking in a very stern tone.

John: Now.

A sign of complete weakness shows in Jeb as he shows defeat, stripping down to the nude as he begins to shiver as the temperature immediately gets to him.

John: Now was that so fucking hard?

Jeb falls silent once more as John Adams lets out a small chuckle, a small puff of air exiting through both nostrils.

John: Did people really think that would be the end of John Adams? I run this fucking world! Isn’t that what Father McGrady taught us all to do? That’s why me, you, and every other sad sack flocked to him, right? We were lost. None of us knew what we were doing in our lives and so we joined him, joined his cause, and joined his new religion and you know, for awhile I was sipping on that fucking kool-aid right along with the rest of you, but that’s when it hit me, a big fat fucking epiphany! Why bow down to that old bastard when I could be doing the exact thing that he’s been preaching to us and take complete control of everything in front of me? So that’s what I’m doing. Now you have two options here, you can go ahead and start walking as far away from here as you can until you drop from exhaustion and freeze to death, or I can pull the trigger on you and end your existence right fucking now.

Jeb: Come on, John...I..

John rears back and slams his fist into the side of Jeb’s jaw before delivering another hard shot to the gut, effectively dropping him to the ground. He reaches around the cabin and pulls out a jug of water, splashing it over Jeb’s freezing skin.

John: Get the fuck up!

He lifts Jeb to his feet who is shaking drastically more by now. He gives him a little shove.

John: Since you couldn’t decide, I’ve done it for you. Get moving.

Jeb turns around to plead with John, but the gun is pushed closer to him once more. John motions for Jeb to move as he listens and slowly moves away from the sight, leaving John just behind him.

John: Faster!

The pace picks up, terror filling every ounce of Jeb’s being.

John: Pathetic.

He lifts the gun up, aiming at the legs of his fleeing victim and taking two shots, one at the back of each kneecap. Jeb lets out a harsh scream as he tumbles to the ground again.

John: Who the fuck is supposed to hear that? We’re in the middle of nowhere, you fucking idiot!

He laughs maniacally along with the bloodcurdling screaming.

John: Help me! Help me! Help me! Guess what?! You’re alone! Infamy lives forever and I’m it’s fucking mascot! Have fun freezing to death while you fucking bleed out. I’m sure the combination will be absolutely terrifying.

Jeb struggles to crawl towards in sign of help as John pulls his hood back up and climbs back into the cabin of the truck. As he adjusts the seat and goes to pull out, he hears the sound of country music over the radio. He lets out a sickening grin as he turns the volume up and heads in the direction that they had come from, singing along to his music as Jeb struggles in the background.

John: Country roads, take me home to the place, I belong! West Virginia, mountain mamma, take me home, country roads!

Part 6: Doomsday 

We cut back to The People’s Choice locker room where Spencer Adams now sits completely alone, staring towards the tripod and into the camera.

Spencer: I’m just gonna get right into it here, people. I have a fear. It’s the same fear that I’ve had for a very long time and in many ways, it’s come true, but not entirely. It’s that same fear that if there is no resistance to help keep balance around this place, #BeachKrew very well could just take control of this entire place. Luckily, there is a pretty heavy resistance from the rest of us in the locker room and while #BeachKrew holds their fair share of championship gold, they still have the people who keep this whole operation going there to prevent them from taking over. I maintain my confidence, because I know that I’m one of the people who is able to really take it to this collective of goons who want to come in and destroy what I love. I’ve fallen to them on more than one occassion, but I’ve still gotten back up and dropped them as well.

Back a few months ago, the WCF locker room rejoiced as Jared Holmes was taken out of the picture. As he was brought down, the rest of us felt that rain cloud fade away. The head of #BeachKrew was put on the injured list and a giant hole was left in his place. While we didn’t take Cerberus down completely, we all felt good to see one of it’s heads sliced off. #BeachKrew wasn’t destroyed, but they were weakened. There was a clear gap that was felt. Wade Moor has been world champion for awhile, but it felt like it dropped off after that. His equal was gone and naturally, it would make sense for one of their other members to try to step up in a major way and that’s a spot that Johnny Rabid has been trying to fill ever since it became vacant.

Now here we are, at one of the most important matches that I’ve ever seen. It’s January, and I’m willing to call this the most crucial point of the year, not just for myself, but for the landscape and well being of both this company and the entire wrestling world. You have trios, trilogy, WAR, Ultimate Showdown, Hellimination, and now this, the Final Destination match. The minute this thing was announced, we all knew that it was going to be a big deal for years to come. Seven of us will get that ticket to the main event at the time of our choosing and if that man happens to be Johnny Rabid, then we are gonna be looking at a very dark year in the WCF. I’ve faced the guy, he’s as tough and as crafty as they come in this business and I know that if I’m not performing to the very best of my abilities, we could be looking at another #BeachKrew championship reign.

Could I see Johnny Rabid cashing in on Wade Moor? No, in fact just as all champions before him, Wade Moor will fall to a great challenger just like every champion before him. Now picture a scenario where Wade Moor is pinned and we have a new champion. “Hooray, the belt is out of #BeachKrew’s grasp!”, right? Now imagine Johnny Rabid cutting the new champions celebration short by clocking him upside the head with the side of a metal briefcase and doing whatever he can to take that belt from him, because if Johnny Rabid wins this Sunday, I know that’s going to happen. WCF fans and talent alike need to understand that we cannot let this sort of thing happen.

The thing is that through all these battles, Spencer Adams is still right here as one of the biggest foes to #BeachKrew’s chaotic tyranny. I’ve gone toe to toe with the very best that this company has to offer and you people are looking at the man who is going to come out on top this Sunday. The people who support me out there, they can feel it in the atmosphere, they know now that big match Spencer Adams, that guy who eliminated Gemini Battle and #BeachKrew leader from the WAR match is coming out in full fucking force. Rabid will have to recognize that the man who crushed the dream of his superior #BeachKrew office is coming for his fucking throat. I’ll probably say it a million more fucking times before then, because I’m that confident in my abilities and I’m damn determined to take this one home for the good guys and for every motherfucker trying to climb the ladder and giving it everything they’ve got to be that guy, the one on the front of the PPV posters every month. This is the episode where Johnny Rabid comes really close, but is pulled down and quarantined by the antidote.

This is where you really get to test yourself Rabid. That potential greatness that you’ve shown up to this point, it’s put up on full display and really fucking challenged against people who are already at a level of greatness past yours and guess what? I’m one of those motherfuckers. You beat me in a grueling battle at One and managed to walk away as a tag team champion, so bravo on that one, but you’re still behind me. Sorry to burst your fucking bubble like that, but I figure I’m doing you a favor by letting you down now to lessen the emotional blow you will feel when opportunity slips right between your fingers. That “Well he’s a great tag team wrestler, but I don’t know if he can be a successful singles competitor” stigma that’s been attached to me for some time now is getting passed off to you the minute you lose to me.

After I add “Legendary singles competitor” to that list of things I’m known as, I will still be polishing a mountain of awards and achievements. I will be the one with the giant, bronze statues. I will be the one who will be added into the fucking WCF logo and Johnny Rabid will be long fucking gone. You’ll have a tag title win at One to talk about, to rant about to all of the miserable employees at the nursing home. You and your squad of #BeachKrew thugs want to run this shit? I’ll be the motherfucker switching your mac and cheese with all-natural prune juice and unsweetened applesauce just to make sure that the taste of defeat from knowing that I went on to achieve legendary status has a taste of added sadness to go with it and the orderly changing your near-bursting colostomy bag will revel in your tears. It’s a bit depressing to think that all that will start sooner rather than later after I put you on the chopping block and end your career, forcing you into retirement decades before what you would have planned.

This win is one that ends all the questions about just how good I am. I’m replacing every single question mark with a big fat fucking exclamation point and it will fucking cripple every shred of confidence that you have in the process. I’ve said it before, but again, Spencer Adams versus Johnny Rabid is a battle for supremacy over the other. We both step in here looking to bring the best in ring ability that the federation has ever seen and as a result, both of us are constantly trying to outshine the other. That’s another category where I’m above you in though too. You hold victories over me, but sadly, you just don’t possess that same level of intrigue that a guy like me does.

While some people may bet on you, you still will not be one of the first things that comes to mind as fucking amazing. I can’t stand Zombie McMorris as a person, but he has a certain value that just can’t be eliminated through losses and just like Zombie McMorris, Spencer Adams has a value that remains even through those losses. So you beat Spencer Adams at One, right? Well then why is Spencer Adams in this fucking match? It’s because even in defeat against you, I still look fucking better. Zombie McMorris lost like a thousand matches straight and the second that he went for that internet championship, people were like “Holy shit..ZMAC is killing it!” and that’s exactly what I do after defeat. I reapply the face paint, I wrap that wrist tape just a little bit tighter, make sure my boots are just a little more snug, and I go out there and raise my fucking stock through success and jaw dropping performances.

I’m glad you’re coming to the party actually. It will only make what I do this week that much more important. Actually, thank you for adding another notch to my belt. “Spencer Adams FUCKING BODIES Johnny Rabid.” I can see that shit now, oh so beautiful. Johnny Rabid isn’t going to come in and take away Spencer Adams’ dream, he’s only going to make the milestone victory bigger for me. Seth Lerch was just so naive to put people like you in this thing and think that he was simply creating a blockbuster matchup. Seth doesn’t yet realize that he was feeding poor Johnny Rabid to the devastating force that is The Antidote. Rabid, get ready to feel passion fueled by a lifetime of struggle and fight and topped off with a touch of thousands of fans screaming their fucking heads off for yours truly. Think of this as the kiss goodnight before I put you to sleep. When you eventually manage to wake up, I’ll still be there to remind you of what I did. That mobile above your head is getting replaced with me dangling that briefcase above your head, keeping it just out of reach. This isn’t your time, it’s mine.

Fade to black.