Game Difficulty: Hall of Fame/Legendary
Apr 29, 2016 23:27:12 GMT -5
Logan, Night Rider, and 6 more like this
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2016 23:27:12 GMT -5
Another shit sandwich has been placed in front of me. Ugh, God and Seth really do hate me, don't they?
The short version is that I'm being forced against my will to team with the biggest racist I've ever heard of in Dag Riddik, then there's his partner, the worldly notorious Face of Treachery, Logan. What the fuck did I do to deserve this? Is this some sort of conspiracy to "break the rookie"? Can't they just haze me normally? Like put a can of frozen shaving cream into my gear bag? Or duct tape me and send me headlong into the ladies locker room? I CALL BULLSHIT!!!!
I can just imagine the conversation the three of them had in order to pull this off. Hell, those two probably didn't even know of me until Seth brought it up. Heard The Family was light a competitor for Trios, and THIS is how they're going to get in? More of Seth Lerch just fucking over the entire roster, is what I think this shit is about! They were probably all like...
Seth Lerch: Hey guys, what can I do to fuck over the WCF a little more?
Logan: SHUT UP!!! Er, I mean, uh...
Dag Riddik: PUT US IN TRIOS SO WE CAN RAPE THE NIGGERS IN FRONT OF THE SPICKS IN MEXICO!!! DUH!!!
Seth Lerch: GREAT IDEA!!! But you only have two of you on the team... I KNOW!!! I have this rookie moron whom I just hired, and you guys can exploit the hell out of him to the point he'll probably want to quit!!!
Logan: You silly boudle!!! We want to WIN this thing so everyone on the roster will cry "favoritism" when it actually happens that we win! How are we going to do that with an untested rookie?
Seth Lerch: I don't always recruit off of the street... Well, sometimes, but this time, I actually scouted this guy for awhile to make sure he wasn't some fucking schmuck who was going to be a bottomless drain on my wallet and a waste of space on the roster. Like that Jayson Price guy, whom I've booked for Trios, even though he's really trying to rehab. Like that'll fucking work!!!
Dag Riddik: He ain't a nigger, kike, spick, or camel jockey, is he?
Seth Lerch: I think he's French...
Dag Riddik: He's a fuckin' FROG!? Goddammit Seth!!! You tryin’ to team us up with a cheese-eating surrender monkey?
Seth Lerch: That's Mr. Lerch, to you!!! And as for the frog thing, he certainly can jump like one! You saw him at Aftermath, right?
Logan: Uh... I was busy preparing for the match I had later on that night.
Dag Riddik: I don't watch the noobs...
Seth Lerch: You gotta be fucking kidding me! Thankfully, I have this computer and I downloaded the entire Aftermath show on here so you can see just who you're getting teamed up with! Yay technology!!!
They probably watch it halfheartedly, and sees me get my ass handed to me for a minute or two. At least until the end of the match, when I hit Shag with a ton of offense. They probably shit themselves when they saw me hit "Game Over", essentially shagging Shag and his team over the victory. Logan probably said something like this...
Logan: We could do worse. Put him on our team, so we can ruin this kids career!
Dag Riddik: Yeah, I'll tolerate this frog if we can ruin the lives of everyone in the WCF in the process! Sign his horrible body odor up for Team Family!
Seth Lerch: It is done!!!
Then afterwards, they probably do some evil cackling laugh, or posturing, or whatever it is they do whenever they think they got the world by the short and curlies. Then after all of that, Seth ruins my day with his call to inform me of what has transpired in what I can assume is a rape dungeon. I was in the middle of playing Candy Crush on my phone when I got a call on a time trial level, to make it most inconvenient. I pick up the call with a sigh, and ask (since I don't have Seth in my phone...)
Me: Hello?
Seth Lerch: You're booked for next week in Mexico City. Be there!
So much for my trip to Vegas, where I had planned to play some Texas Hold'em and if we got drunk enough, maybe propose to Susan and have ourselves a spontaneous Vegas wedding. We've been together for 7 years, known each other for about 9 years, so why not now?
I respond with...
Me: Who is this? Is this some sort of prank? I wasn't slated for Trios.
Seth Lerch: This is Seth Lerch, and an opening came up on one of the proposed teams.
Me: Which team? Is it the team with Corey Black and Teo Del Sol? I know Jayson Price had that rehab thing, and it would be an honor to be...
Seth Lerch: God no! This is not a punishment! I'm putting you on a team with a REAL CHANCE to win this thing!
I couldn't think of any other team that had announced their intentions as of yet, so I asked...
Me: What team, then?
Seth Lerch: Team Family! Logan and Dag Riddik...
My heart just sank to my asshole, as he continued on and on about how we'd be a great fit and we'd have a great shot at winning, and blah blah blah, when I thought of my Vegas weekend, and said...
Me: Can I pass on this? Teaming with an unapologetic racist and the most treacherous wrestler in the...
Seth Lerch: Are you high? I don't want to know, and that's why we don't do drug testing! But do you NOT understand how big of a deal this is? Hell, I recommended you to them, and they agreed! You know how hard it is to get Logan OR Dag to agree to ANYTHING?
Me: About as hard as it is for me to agree to team with those two animals...
Seth Lerch: They're not that bad...
Me: Says the guy who helped them out last show beat one of the nicest guys in the fed down just for being there!
Seth Lerch: Eh, he probably deserved it for whatever reason...
Me: Well, I had this Vegas thing planned with my girl, and...
Seth Lerch: There's gambling down in Mexico City! Not a problem!
Me: I was also thinking of getting married...
Seth Lerch: They got priests that do weddings down there all the time! Hell, if you pull it off, I'll even get you guys a honeymoon suite...
Me: I don't wanna do it.
Seth Lerch: Well, I don't wanna fire you, but it will probably happen if you don't come down and wrestle in Mexico City.
Me: Do you hate me for some reason? First you put me on a team with Cathy Fitch, who tried like hell to sell us out, and now you're forcing me to team with The Family?
Seth Lerch: Nobody's forcing you, but there are definite incentives if you do this, and major repercussions if you do not. Choice is yours. Anyways, I got a massage in 10 minutes. I'll see you in Mexico City! Or not. Maybe that gaming store still has your position open, but I don't know! Good luck with that, either way if you don't show!
He hung up the phone, as I stood in place frozen in shock at what I just heard. I remember snapping out of it when Susan says to me...
Susan: Who were you talking to?
Me: An asshole who just ruined our weekend and maybe my career...
To gloss it all over, she asks what ruined our weekend, and I told her. She was horrified, I was horrified, we got into an argument over what to do, with me deciding that perhaps keeping my career and trying to get through this shitty situation was my best move. She thinks I should go back to Portland and get my old job back, as she thinks Seth is trying to ruin me by surrounding me with hacks and untrustworthy individuals. She storms off to catch the flight out of Toronto back to Portland, declaring that she refuses to go to Mexico City, despite all the gaming opportunities there, out of protest.
I follow, but only to get on the flight. Not to try and calm her down, or get her to see things from my view. She wouldn't understand, and probably never will. It doesn't mean that her anger hurts any less, given the situation that I find myself in. At least I'll be back in Portland soon. Maybe Sammy can help me make heads and tails of this shitty situation that I find myself in...
Sammy: Who did you piss off to get this kind of draw from Seth?
This was what Sammy greeted me with when I went down to the gym to talk to him about my recent luck, or lack thereof, in terms of partner draw at Trios. I just shrugged my shoulders, before he says...
Sammy: My only advice is to watch your back. Those are two of the shittiest human beings on the roster right now. Dag is pretty self-explanatory, but Logan? He's been operating for about 15 or 20 years, now. Still as low as a snake can go, that one.
Me: I know! I've been watching wrestling for more than a few years, now. And if I haven't learned shit else while watching it, it's knowing that whenever he's involved in something, all bets are off.
Sammy: My concern goes deeper, as in if he sees nothing in it for him, he just walks away. Take last year's Trios, when they left that fat guy in the ring against Black, Orbit, and Fly. They ate the fat boy alive. While Logan and that dead chick went off to do who knows what to each other.
Me: Yes, I watched last year's Trios, too. Had to get some pointers on how to effectively do the tag team thing after being stuck in Cruiserweight status for so long. Cruiserweight tag teams are WAYYYYY different than when doing so with the heavy guys.
Sammy: Hell, I learned a few things last year. Mostly what NOT to do as a tag team. Lot of those teams had singles guys on them, and it showed. Those matches were sometimes painful to watch. Expect that kind of shit from Dag and Logan. As in they don't know shit about tagging.
Me: Even worse is the team we're slated to face. Got Corey Black...
Sammy: The past his prime Hall of Famer just trying to get one more feather in his cap?
Me: If you want to put it that way. But Jayson Price is technically still in his prime...
Sammy: I thought he was in rehab. He'd be interesting to watch on that Dr. Drew show, I bet. That guy has issues that go far beyond addiction.
Me: If you say so. But knowing my luck, he shows up in great shape and...
Sammy: Yeah, in great shape. Coming out of rehab. Then going to Mexico. I wanna see how THAT works out for him.
Me: Then there's Teo del Sol. He's basically my mirror...
Sammy: Actually, I have nothing bad to say about the guy. Seems to be a rather stand-up guy. Though he's missing something that would make him great, rather than just good. He'll be more than just your mirror in the ring. If anything, he'll probably be the anchor that assists that team. He's held those belts before. The Trios belts. He knows what it takes to win them, and maybe hold on to them. Don't know how many defenses they managed to have...
Me: Well, I won't make much of an anchor. Those guys aren't going to listen to me. And why should they? I'm just a stupid fucking rookie to them. Except to Dag, who'll call me something offensive that has to do with my ethnic background along with stupid fucking rookie.
Sammy: Ah, don't listen to that squarehead. He's got his head so far up his own ass he's eating breakfast again. Instead, listen to this old mick bastard sitting in front of you, and disregard everything that asshole has to say about you. Do your talking in the ring if you have to talk to the snow bunny at all. You got that, froggy?
Me: My mom's half is British, or some shit like that... He'll probably call me a fog breather or some other shit I've probably never heard of.
Sammy: Sticks and stones, but inside that ring, feel free to break a motherfucker all you want. But AFTER you guys have either won the whole damn thing, or you're eliminated. Whichever happens.
Me: I wish none of this was happening. Susan's all pissed off about the whole situation. She feels like Seth is setting me up to get hurt badly in the long run. She may be right, but her idea of circumventing it was go back and work for Natural 20 again...
Sammy: You're not seriously considering going back to working in a store after being inside of a pro wrestling ring in front of millions of people, are you?
Me: Fuck, no! This was what I wanted when I walked through that door almost 8 years ago! I mean, I didn't think it would ever happen, but now that I'm here? I'm not leaving until I'm carted out the door in a wheelchair, if that's what it takes! But try explaining that to a woman!
Sammy: Preaching to the choir, son. God knows I've had my issues with the ladies over the years. Tried to find me one that would understand, but that never came to be.
Me: We were supposed to go to Vegas to do a little gambling. I was going to pop the question.
Sammy: Oh, wow! Uh, you were going to try and get married out there? I don't think I can help you in that department.
Me: Now I'm not even sure if we're together or not. She hasn't talked to me since I found out about Trios.
Sammy: She'll talk to you eventually. She has to. Even if it's to say, and I hope she don't say it, but if she thinks it's over between you two.
That was the dread he was waiting to hear from her next. And the worst part of it was that they'd been together for 7 years? Or was it 8 now? It's been so long, and for her to leave because of something like this? When she knew this was what I wanted to do, if given the opportunity?
Gaming is fun and all, but it barely pays the bills. Unless you're on those Gaming Technology shows to talk about games and your reviews of them. I'm not that lucky, so pro wrestling was my ticket, despite all the overwhelming odds. But now that I'm here and she wants to walk away? Seems pretty chickenshit to me if that was the case.
We haven't crossed that bridge yet, so I'll try not to think that the absolute worst was going to happen. If it did, then I'll handle it as I see fit when the time comes. Sammy then says, I guess to break up the heavy situation...
Sammy: So if you got a few minutes, the guys want to say hello to you. We all saw the match, and it was a hell of a debut. You didn't get your ass kicked nearly as bad as we used to do to you down here. You can maybe give the guys some pointers on how not to make an ass of yourself at the big league level, as well...
Me: You mean keep my head down, mouth shut, do what I'm told, and not kill anybody?
Sammy: If that's what works for you. But in my day it was all about Hardcore. I guess we have differing views on how to operate. Either way, I wanna make sure these guys haven't killed each other. You coming?
Me: Might as well, I guess...
We both get up from our chairs in his office and step out into the gym, where I see some guys standing around waiting to move in the ring, while two guys are each running the ring and hitting the ropes in a crisscross manner. They guys stop when Sammy shouts that I'm in the gym, as some clap, a few whistle, and some shout praises at my work in my only match as a "big time pro". And they're happy to point out that last part, too.
It was what passed as a "heroes welcome" in these parts, as many of them did indeed bust my balls about the beatings and the shit I went through to get where I am. No walking on eggshells around here. But it still didn't take my mind off of other more important things in my life. Like Susan, or what future I may have with the WCF when The Family chews me up and spits me out. Regardless of whatever success we do manage to gain.
A day after my talk with Sammy about this predicament I found myself in, I found myself boarding a flight in Portland for Boston, then onward to Dallas, before landing in Mexico City to compete in the Trios tournament with partners I trust about as much as a bull in a china shop. The first leg to Boston wasn't eventful, as that flight lasted about 30 minutes, give or take. But the next leg to Dallas was definitely eventful. Or was it insightful? It was pretty intense, considering the encounter I had on board the flight to Dallas.
So there I was, flying First Class once again. I'll give Seth credit, for trying to screw me over, he's at least taking the sting out of this particular blow to my career by offering up such amenities en route to Mexico City. I figured to take the sting out of this whole mess, I figured why not add some tequila to the bill for Seth to pick up? After all, tequila was the alcohol of Mexico, and who knows how long I'll be down there, or for how long this unsettling feeling will stay with me. And just like any good alcoholic, why not base my coming alcoholism on fears real or implied? And kill said feelings with alcohol.
My third mini bottle into some Patrón Añejo, and the guy in front of me turns around to look at me after an order for the fourth bottle. He's got slicked back hair that resembles the Reed Richards look. Gray over the ears, but jet black everywhere else. He also has on some spectacular mirrored Ray-Bans and a navy suit to go with the look. This encounter was where I learned about what real stress feels like, as he says...
Government Looking Guy: Slow down there on that tequila. Don't want to be completely blown out for your matches down in Mexico.
Me: Matches? How do you know what I'm going down to Mexico for?
Government Looking Guy: Let's just call me a fan. Especially after that one time in Providence when you took two huge guys and hit them both with a 1-Up at the same time. That was some real giant killing stuff, right there.
Me: Glad to meet a fan. Now you can tell your friends you met that guy way back when he had a promising but failed career as an international wrestler...
Government Looking Guy: You've still got some career in you, yet. I think you'll do just fine in this upcoming match. I mean, your team is facing a has-been, a burnout, and a guy who can't seem to break through the glass ceiling and has resigned himself to mediocrity. This with a guy who has defied time and logic, and an up and comer who seems destined to break that glass ceiling at some point.
Me: Glad you have that faith. But those guys on my team are rattlesnakes, and the other team, as damaged as they are, are not guys I'd want to trifle with. Who knows if or when Black is going to break out his form from 2002, or if Price manages to break out his World Champion form? Or if Teo decides this is the night to break through that glass ceiling?
Government Looking Guy: You have valid points, but seriously, what are the chances of all that happening down in Mexico City?
What were the chances? This guy was probably right in that the chances were slim, but why take that chance? He then got up and moved into the seat next to me that was vacant, much to my dismay. I mean, I wasn't feeling very sociable, and would have rather drowned my sorrows in whatever solitude I could find. But he settles himself in the seat, and offers out his hand and says...
Dennis Kincaid: My name is Dennis, by the way. You're James Chevalier.
Me: Great to meet you. Now can you please move back to your seat? Not really in the mood to talk to anybody, given everything that has happened to me in the last few days.
Dennis Kincaid: I wish I could leave you to your wallowing, but I'm afraid you find yourself in a situation that benefits me...
He then pulls out a badge, and shows it to me. It reads National Security Agency, Department of Defense. It also has his picture and his name on the identification card. I look at him, and say...
Me: Am I supposed to shake and freak out now? Or is this another practical joke played on me by Sammy?
Dennis Kincaid: Ah yes, your instructor. Always with the punking and practical jokes. No, I'm the real deal, and you're in a position to help me out.
Me: Tell me something about me if you really are the NSA...
Dennis Kincaid: You average about 82 hours a week on Neverwinter, which is a free to play RPG that caters to casuals because you think that paying for World of Warcraft and all the expansions as they come out is getting to be ridiculous. Even though you pay about the same amount for in game items that you have to pay for. Actually you pay more than if you played World of Warcraft, truth be told. That is, until you signed with the WCF, in which you've logged about 4 hours of gaming total since you signed the contract.
Balls!!! This fucking guy knew my gaming schedule!!! Right down to the hours logged on an open to the public game! He then says...
Dennis Kincaid: Your world rank on Call of Duty is 1,221, which is pretty excellent considering that millions of people worldwide play the game. Shall I continue?
Me: So why are you bothering me? Has someone logged a complaint against me or something?
Dennis Kincaid: If we were after you, we wouldn't let it be known. No, this has something to do with one of your teammates. Dagvald Riddik, who we believe has ties to an organization called Helvete's Engels, a Norwegian crime syndicate, as well as the Kalmar United Front, a terrorist group that has made it their mission to overthrow the governments of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. As a favor to those countries, we're conducting reconnaissance for them on identified agents of the KUF. Though the HE has been making some headway into the United States as of recently.
Me: So you want me to spy on Dag for you? Are you kidding me?
Dennis Kincaid: Pretty please, with sugar on top?
Me: Fuck no! Never mind how dangerous that may be if I get caught by him, but that guy is a Grade A+ asshat! You hear the shit that comes flying out of his mouth about anybody in general? He's a real hateful fuck that I want to spend a little time around as humanly possible!
Dennis Kincaid: Please stay calm and keep your voice down. This is a matter of national security. If the KUF overthrow Scandinavian countries, that could spell doom for several European markets, which will also adversely effect our own markets. A lot is on the line here if they are successful in overthrowing those governments. We're talking worldwide economic crisis. And you can help prevent that by helping us with Dag Riddik. Just think, if he's taken down on terrorist or racketeering charges, he's off the grid for good. You'll be doing the whole world a favor!
Me: And if I fail, I get to retire to a chalk outline. I think I'll pass on this offer to die unassumingly in the middle of nowhere for nothing.
Dennis Kincaid: Okay. Well, if anything does occur that involves him, I have no choice but to assume you are an accessory to his criminal activities...
Me: What?
Dennis Kincaid: And by refusing to help the United States government on such matters of national security and its interests, you may be subjected to sanctions, such as finding yourself on No Fly lists, being subjected to annual audits by the Internal Revenue Service, and all sorts of other sanctions that just scratch the surface. Hell, your whole family may be involved, so I might have to add them to the list of offenders. Who knows just how deep these ties run. Was it your father, who turned his back on his country after being imprisoned despite his record of service in Vietnam that made him a homegrown domestic terrorist, James?
Me: My father is a patriot who made some mistakes and paid for it already! Leave him and my family out of this!
Dennis Kincaid: Oh, this doesn't just affect your family. Susan Pendergrass and Samuel Donnigan may also be subject to sanctions, as well. They are your closest associates, are they not?
Me: BULLSHIT!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS IT WITH EVERYONE BLACKMAILING ME INTO THEIR BULLSHIT?
Dennis Kincaid: None of this has to happen if you just report Dag's movements every once in awhile. That's all we're really asking of you. No James Bond shit on your part, but rather when he comes and goes, how long he's gone, if he says anything that remotely centers around his associations with the KUF or with the Helvete's Engels. We're not asking you to become his best friend.
Ugh... What the fuck did I get myself into? Why me? What did I do to deserve this? I felt as if I had no real choice in this matter. Threats of government sanctions against me were one thing, but my friends and family? And I thought Seth was the worst! This just reinforced my views on how oppressive government was. Funny how in school we were taught just how horrible every government in the world was in their own way, but our government? I mean, I'm just a wrestler who has a penchant for gaming every once in awhile. I'm a nobody who's getting kicked around for their benefit!
I just nod my head as an acceptance to do what this government stooge wants me to do. Hopefully this guy and Dag kill each other in a blaze that can be seen for miles around. Or meteors come crashing down on each of their heads. Anything to get me out of this situation!. He then says...
Dennis Kincaid: Excellent! We'll be in touch.
Me: How?
Dennis Kincaid: Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll know when we get into contact. Just look for handle FluffyTheTerrible, and we'll handle the rest. Have a good rest of the flight, and lay off of the tequila already. You need to be sharp for your upcoming match...
He takes the fourth bottle of Patrón Añejo that I was going to down with a vengeance, before he gets up and returns to his seat.
I try to wrap my head around all of this that has developed. Teaming with The Family, threatened with my job if I don't do it, gang-pressed into spying on a potential terrorist/criminal on the behalf of the United States government. Maybe Susan was right. I should have tried to get my job back. Left this garbage behind me, as this "dream job" has become an absolute nightmare.
We were about to enter descent, as we're all prompted by the Captain to fasten our seatbelts and put our tables in the upright position. I comply, as I secretly wish that we crash and burn in a fiery death that would prevent me from having to do what I've been tasked to by any and all to do on their behalf and against my will...
Yeah, my luck wasn't that good...
The rest of my trip to Mexico City was uneventful. My wish that we would crash and burn en route did not happen, which brought me some sadness. My calls to Susan remained unheeded, which brought me more pain and sadness. And it must have showed, as Hank Brown avoided talking to me, thank whatever God is out there for that. Or maybe the rookie allure has worn off, which is alright. Means less focus on me, and expectations aren't going to be super high. Or are they?
Last week my team managed to pull off the victory. Hell, I scored the pinfall. And that with a bunch of grab-asstic group of total misfits that I honestly thought would never gel together in a million years. Okay, we didn't exactly gel, but the other team gelled together even worse than we did, and I managed to capitalize on that when I planted Richie Shag in the middle of the ring for the pinfall.
This week were not a bunch of rookies. One of my opponents was a Hall of Fame wrestler. Another is probably going to the Hall of Fame. The third guy may very well find himself in that territory, as well. These were guys worthy of respect, even Jayson Price, who was battling to regain his life without the use of substances or alcohol. And if he was serious about his treatment, he wouldn't even consider leaving rehab for this match. Either way, whether he shows or not, he still is worthy of respect and is a brave soul.
I mean, if he shows, he risks relapse to face the three of us and could find himself down a darker road than he has already embarked on. But nobody would call him a coward or a quitter in terms of professional wrestling, albeit at the expense of his personal life. If he stays in rehab, he'd be called a coward and all sorts of garbage that there was no call for. Especially since his rehab is best for him and the WCF in the long run. But I'm just a rookie. I don't know shit about shit.
That would probably be what Corey Black would say about me. Tons of respect for the guy for his longevity in the ring, but growing up and seeing him on television, he looks like he'd be a real asshole to deal with. Probably had something to do with his overall stature, and overcompensating as a result. I could bag on that, but regardless of his disposition, there is nothing anybody can say or do to disrepute what has already transpired. He has the World Title reigns. He has won not one, but two WCF Classics. Hell, he's already been on a winning Trios team before! He's got the experience to guide this team, no question about it.
But again, retreading on old ground that has already been driven on before, Corey Black's age is catching up with him. Or its caught up with him, but he has yet to know or acknowledge it. Where he once owned with skill, power, and heart, the former two have long since departed him, but the latter remains. Meanwhile, our team dinosaur is in the same boat. Hell, I hope Logan and Corey Black kill each other in that ring. Literally. Maybe it would put an end to their long-standing pissing contest as to who really is all that embodies the WCF.
Then there's Mr. del Sol. Some call him Sunshine, and Dag has probably called him much worse. A guy who relieved former World Champion with a wall of accolades Jonny Fly for his first Television Title reign. Lost it to Los Tiburones, only to recapture it two weeks later from the same guy. Is currently threatening to become the longest reigning People's Champion in the history of the WCF, with 5 months of holding that title under his belt. Some say that he has yet to tap into the potential that he has shown on a few occasions, and tonight could be the night he shows us all.
He is the example that I would love to follow, if given the opportunity. It just happens to be that I'm on a team with villainous assholes who will do anything hook or crook to win this match. As much as I hate to lose, I can't find it in myself to just STEAL anything from anybody who works for anything fair and square. But with Mr. Sunshine being the primary target of ridicule and racial epitaphs for Dag, I'd be secretly happy if Teo was able to close the pie hole of Dag Riddik just for a few seconds. Of course, after the fact I'm going to do my best to put Teo on the ground in an unconscious state, but I would be happy to see him 1-Up that loudmouthed asshat that is my teammate.
My own team has its fossil/Hall of Famer in Logan, and what a career he has had. A long line of treachery he has blazed across the WCF. Honestly, who HASN'T Logan pissed off during his career in the WCF via the treachery he is so fond of using against his allies? Dag Riddik? That's a first, but for how long before the honeymoon is over? Sure, he's given me sound advice for this upcoming match, such as use my sadness and anger against my opponents. Then he followed it up with a "SHUT UP" and walked away like an ass. Why am I not surprised?
That was miles better than Dag Riddik, the most miserable person I'd ever met. Did his parents not hug him enough as a child? Or were they the immigrants who thought it was better where they were at before, and had regrets about leaving? This guy was fucking WARPED! But at least I'm certain he's not a racist, but more of a hater in general. As in he HATES EVERYTHING! Probably himself the most. I just told him to keep whatever the fuck makes him ovulate so goddamn much to himself, before he called me a frog. Fucking bastard.
If we somehow make it out of this match on top, it's still going to be a long night. It's going to be a long tournament, and it's going to be absolute Hell getting through it. A long hard road though Hell to get to the Trios Final for those belts and the honor of winning this tournament.
I put everything that was fucking with me into the back of my mind. Susan not talking to me. Being on this team of treacherous haters. Being put against current and future Hall of Famers who'd like nothing more than to make a rookie eat shit in front of thousands in Mexico and the millions more watching on the television. Being pressed into doing the government's dirty work. As much as these guys used their problems to fuel their hate, I'm going to take the high road on this one. They're distractions, and I'm certain that even our opponents, as honorable as they seem to be, would be more than happy to use anything against me.
It was time to focus on the match, and that stretch of road through Hell to Trios. The music begins to play, as I arise to meet the call. Logan and Dag do the same, as we prepare for the battle ahead.
May God help us all...
The short version is that I'm being forced against my will to team with the biggest racist I've ever heard of in Dag Riddik, then there's his partner, the worldly notorious Face of Treachery, Logan. What the fuck did I do to deserve this? Is this some sort of conspiracy to "break the rookie"? Can't they just haze me normally? Like put a can of frozen shaving cream into my gear bag? Or duct tape me and send me headlong into the ladies locker room? I CALL BULLSHIT!!!!
I can just imagine the conversation the three of them had in order to pull this off. Hell, those two probably didn't even know of me until Seth brought it up. Heard The Family was light a competitor for Trios, and THIS is how they're going to get in? More of Seth Lerch just fucking over the entire roster, is what I think this shit is about! They were probably all like...
Seth Lerch: Hey guys, what can I do to fuck over the WCF a little more?
Logan: SHUT UP!!! Er, I mean, uh...
Dag Riddik: PUT US IN TRIOS SO WE CAN RAPE THE NIGGERS IN FRONT OF THE SPICKS IN MEXICO!!! DUH!!!
Seth Lerch: GREAT IDEA!!! But you only have two of you on the team... I KNOW!!! I have this rookie moron whom I just hired, and you guys can exploit the hell out of him to the point he'll probably want to quit!!!
Logan: You silly boudle!!! We want to WIN this thing so everyone on the roster will cry "favoritism" when it actually happens that we win! How are we going to do that with an untested rookie?
Seth Lerch: I don't always recruit off of the street... Well, sometimes, but this time, I actually scouted this guy for awhile to make sure he wasn't some fucking schmuck who was going to be a bottomless drain on my wallet and a waste of space on the roster. Like that Jayson Price guy, whom I've booked for Trios, even though he's really trying to rehab. Like that'll fucking work!!!
Dag Riddik: He ain't a nigger, kike, spick, or camel jockey, is he?
Seth Lerch: I think he's French...
Dag Riddik: He's a fuckin' FROG!? Goddammit Seth!!! You tryin’ to team us up with a cheese-eating surrender monkey?
Seth Lerch: That's Mr. Lerch, to you!!! And as for the frog thing, he certainly can jump like one! You saw him at Aftermath, right?
Logan: Uh... I was busy preparing for the match I had later on that night.
Dag Riddik: I don't watch the noobs...
Seth Lerch: You gotta be fucking kidding me! Thankfully, I have this computer and I downloaded the entire Aftermath show on here so you can see just who you're getting teamed up with! Yay technology!!!
They probably watch it halfheartedly, and sees me get my ass handed to me for a minute or two. At least until the end of the match, when I hit Shag with a ton of offense. They probably shit themselves when they saw me hit "Game Over", essentially shagging Shag and his team over the victory. Logan probably said something like this...
Logan: We could do worse. Put him on our team, so we can ruin this kids career!
Dag Riddik: Yeah, I'll tolerate this frog if we can ruin the lives of everyone in the WCF in the process! Sign his horrible body odor up for Team Family!
Seth Lerch: It is done!!!
Then afterwards, they probably do some evil cackling laugh, or posturing, or whatever it is they do whenever they think they got the world by the short and curlies. Then after all of that, Seth ruins my day with his call to inform me of what has transpired in what I can assume is a rape dungeon. I was in the middle of playing Candy Crush on my phone when I got a call on a time trial level, to make it most inconvenient. I pick up the call with a sigh, and ask (since I don't have Seth in my phone...)
Me: Hello?
Seth Lerch: You're booked for next week in Mexico City. Be there!
So much for my trip to Vegas, where I had planned to play some Texas Hold'em and if we got drunk enough, maybe propose to Susan and have ourselves a spontaneous Vegas wedding. We've been together for 7 years, known each other for about 9 years, so why not now?
I respond with...
Me: Who is this? Is this some sort of prank? I wasn't slated for Trios.
Seth Lerch: This is Seth Lerch, and an opening came up on one of the proposed teams.
Me: Which team? Is it the team with Corey Black and Teo Del Sol? I know Jayson Price had that rehab thing, and it would be an honor to be...
Seth Lerch: God no! This is not a punishment! I'm putting you on a team with a REAL CHANCE to win this thing!
I couldn't think of any other team that had announced their intentions as of yet, so I asked...
Me: What team, then?
Seth Lerch: Team Family! Logan and Dag Riddik...
My heart just sank to my asshole, as he continued on and on about how we'd be a great fit and we'd have a great shot at winning, and blah blah blah, when I thought of my Vegas weekend, and said...
Me: Can I pass on this? Teaming with an unapologetic racist and the most treacherous wrestler in the...
Seth Lerch: Are you high? I don't want to know, and that's why we don't do drug testing! But do you NOT understand how big of a deal this is? Hell, I recommended you to them, and they agreed! You know how hard it is to get Logan OR Dag to agree to ANYTHING?
Me: About as hard as it is for me to agree to team with those two animals...
Seth Lerch: They're not that bad...
Me: Says the guy who helped them out last show beat one of the nicest guys in the fed down just for being there!
Seth Lerch: Eh, he probably deserved it for whatever reason...
Me: Well, I had this Vegas thing planned with my girl, and...
Seth Lerch: There's gambling down in Mexico City! Not a problem!
Me: I was also thinking of getting married...
Seth Lerch: They got priests that do weddings down there all the time! Hell, if you pull it off, I'll even get you guys a honeymoon suite...
Me: I don't wanna do it.
Seth Lerch: Well, I don't wanna fire you, but it will probably happen if you don't come down and wrestle in Mexico City.
Me: Do you hate me for some reason? First you put me on a team with Cathy Fitch, who tried like hell to sell us out, and now you're forcing me to team with The Family?
Seth Lerch: Nobody's forcing you, but there are definite incentives if you do this, and major repercussions if you do not. Choice is yours. Anyways, I got a massage in 10 minutes. I'll see you in Mexico City! Or not. Maybe that gaming store still has your position open, but I don't know! Good luck with that, either way if you don't show!
He hung up the phone, as I stood in place frozen in shock at what I just heard. I remember snapping out of it when Susan says to me...
Susan: Who were you talking to?
Me: An asshole who just ruined our weekend and maybe my career...
To gloss it all over, she asks what ruined our weekend, and I told her. She was horrified, I was horrified, we got into an argument over what to do, with me deciding that perhaps keeping my career and trying to get through this shitty situation was my best move. She thinks I should go back to Portland and get my old job back, as she thinks Seth is trying to ruin me by surrounding me with hacks and untrustworthy individuals. She storms off to catch the flight out of Toronto back to Portland, declaring that she refuses to go to Mexico City, despite all the gaming opportunities there, out of protest.
I follow, but only to get on the flight. Not to try and calm her down, or get her to see things from my view. She wouldn't understand, and probably never will. It doesn't mean that her anger hurts any less, given the situation that I find myself in. At least I'll be back in Portland soon. Maybe Sammy can help me make heads and tails of this shitty situation that I find myself in...
Sammy: Who did you piss off to get this kind of draw from Seth?
This was what Sammy greeted me with when I went down to the gym to talk to him about my recent luck, or lack thereof, in terms of partner draw at Trios. I just shrugged my shoulders, before he says...
Sammy: My only advice is to watch your back. Those are two of the shittiest human beings on the roster right now. Dag is pretty self-explanatory, but Logan? He's been operating for about 15 or 20 years, now. Still as low as a snake can go, that one.
Me: I know! I've been watching wrestling for more than a few years, now. And if I haven't learned shit else while watching it, it's knowing that whenever he's involved in something, all bets are off.
Sammy: My concern goes deeper, as in if he sees nothing in it for him, he just walks away. Take last year's Trios, when they left that fat guy in the ring against Black, Orbit, and Fly. They ate the fat boy alive. While Logan and that dead chick went off to do who knows what to each other.
Me: Yes, I watched last year's Trios, too. Had to get some pointers on how to effectively do the tag team thing after being stuck in Cruiserweight status for so long. Cruiserweight tag teams are WAYYYYY different than when doing so with the heavy guys.
Sammy: Hell, I learned a few things last year. Mostly what NOT to do as a tag team. Lot of those teams had singles guys on them, and it showed. Those matches were sometimes painful to watch. Expect that kind of shit from Dag and Logan. As in they don't know shit about tagging.
Me: Even worse is the team we're slated to face. Got Corey Black...
Sammy: The past his prime Hall of Famer just trying to get one more feather in his cap?
Me: If you want to put it that way. But Jayson Price is technically still in his prime...
Sammy: I thought he was in rehab. He'd be interesting to watch on that Dr. Drew show, I bet. That guy has issues that go far beyond addiction.
Me: If you say so. But knowing my luck, he shows up in great shape and...
Sammy: Yeah, in great shape. Coming out of rehab. Then going to Mexico. I wanna see how THAT works out for him.
Me: Then there's Teo del Sol. He's basically my mirror...
Sammy: Actually, I have nothing bad to say about the guy. Seems to be a rather stand-up guy. Though he's missing something that would make him great, rather than just good. He'll be more than just your mirror in the ring. If anything, he'll probably be the anchor that assists that team. He's held those belts before. The Trios belts. He knows what it takes to win them, and maybe hold on to them. Don't know how many defenses they managed to have...
Me: Well, I won't make much of an anchor. Those guys aren't going to listen to me. And why should they? I'm just a stupid fucking rookie to them. Except to Dag, who'll call me something offensive that has to do with my ethnic background along with stupid fucking rookie.
Sammy: Ah, don't listen to that squarehead. He's got his head so far up his own ass he's eating breakfast again. Instead, listen to this old mick bastard sitting in front of you, and disregard everything that asshole has to say about you. Do your talking in the ring if you have to talk to the snow bunny at all. You got that, froggy?
Me: My mom's half is British, or some shit like that... He'll probably call me a fog breather or some other shit I've probably never heard of.
Sammy: Sticks and stones, but inside that ring, feel free to break a motherfucker all you want. But AFTER you guys have either won the whole damn thing, or you're eliminated. Whichever happens.
Me: I wish none of this was happening. Susan's all pissed off about the whole situation. She feels like Seth is setting me up to get hurt badly in the long run. She may be right, but her idea of circumventing it was go back and work for Natural 20 again...
Sammy: You're not seriously considering going back to working in a store after being inside of a pro wrestling ring in front of millions of people, are you?
Me: Fuck, no! This was what I wanted when I walked through that door almost 8 years ago! I mean, I didn't think it would ever happen, but now that I'm here? I'm not leaving until I'm carted out the door in a wheelchair, if that's what it takes! But try explaining that to a woman!
Sammy: Preaching to the choir, son. God knows I've had my issues with the ladies over the years. Tried to find me one that would understand, but that never came to be.
Me: We were supposed to go to Vegas to do a little gambling. I was going to pop the question.
Sammy: Oh, wow! Uh, you were going to try and get married out there? I don't think I can help you in that department.
Me: Now I'm not even sure if we're together or not. She hasn't talked to me since I found out about Trios.
Sammy: She'll talk to you eventually. She has to. Even if it's to say, and I hope she don't say it, but if she thinks it's over between you two.
That was the dread he was waiting to hear from her next. And the worst part of it was that they'd been together for 7 years? Or was it 8 now? It's been so long, and for her to leave because of something like this? When she knew this was what I wanted to do, if given the opportunity?
Gaming is fun and all, but it barely pays the bills. Unless you're on those Gaming Technology shows to talk about games and your reviews of them. I'm not that lucky, so pro wrestling was my ticket, despite all the overwhelming odds. But now that I'm here and she wants to walk away? Seems pretty chickenshit to me if that was the case.
We haven't crossed that bridge yet, so I'll try not to think that the absolute worst was going to happen. If it did, then I'll handle it as I see fit when the time comes. Sammy then says, I guess to break up the heavy situation...
Sammy: So if you got a few minutes, the guys want to say hello to you. We all saw the match, and it was a hell of a debut. You didn't get your ass kicked nearly as bad as we used to do to you down here. You can maybe give the guys some pointers on how not to make an ass of yourself at the big league level, as well...
Me: You mean keep my head down, mouth shut, do what I'm told, and not kill anybody?
Sammy: If that's what works for you. But in my day it was all about Hardcore. I guess we have differing views on how to operate. Either way, I wanna make sure these guys haven't killed each other. You coming?
Me: Might as well, I guess...
We both get up from our chairs in his office and step out into the gym, where I see some guys standing around waiting to move in the ring, while two guys are each running the ring and hitting the ropes in a crisscross manner. They guys stop when Sammy shouts that I'm in the gym, as some clap, a few whistle, and some shout praises at my work in my only match as a "big time pro". And they're happy to point out that last part, too.
It was what passed as a "heroes welcome" in these parts, as many of them did indeed bust my balls about the beatings and the shit I went through to get where I am. No walking on eggshells around here. But it still didn't take my mind off of other more important things in my life. Like Susan, or what future I may have with the WCF when The Family chews me up and spits me out. Regardless of whatever success we do manage to gain.
A day after my talk with Sammy about this predicament I found myself in, I found myself boarding a flight in Portland for Boston, then onward to Dallas, before landing in Mexico City to compete in the Trios tournament with partners I trust about as much as a bull in a china shop. The first leg to Boston wasn't eventful, as that flight lasted about 30 minutes, give or take. But the next leg to Dallas was definitely eventful. Or was it insightful? It was pretty intense, considering the encounter I had on board the flight to Dallas.
So there I was, flying First Class once again. I'll give Seth credit, for trying to screw me over, he's at least taking the sting out of this particular blow to my career by offering up such amenities en route to Mexico City. I figured to take the sting out of this whole mess, I figured why not add some tequila to the bill for Seth to pick up? After all, tequila was the alcohol of Mexico, and who knows how long I'll be down there, or for how long this unsettling feeling will stay with me. And just like any good alcoholic, why not base my coming alcoholism on fears real or implied? And kill said feelings with alcohol.
My third mini bottle into some Patrón Añejo, and the guy in front of me turns around to look at me after an order for the fourth bottle. He's got slicked back hair that resembles the Reed Richards look. Gray over the ears, but jet black everywhere else. He also has on some spectacular mirrored Ray-Bans and a navy suit to go with the look. This encounter was where I learned about what real stress feels like, as he says...
Government Looking Guy: Slow down there on that tequila. Don't want to be completely blown out for your matches down in Mexico.
Me: Matches? How do you know what I'm going down to Mexico for?
Government Looking Guy: Let's just call me a fan. Especially after that one time in Providence when you took two huge guys and hit them both with a 1-Up at the same time. That was some real giant killing stuff, right there.
Me: Glad to meet a fan. Now you can tell your friends you met that guy way back when he had a promising but failed career as an international wrestler...
Government Looking Guy: You've still got some career in you, yet. I think you'll do just fine in this upcoming match. I mean, your team is facing a has-been, a burnout, and a guy who can't seem to break through the glass ceiling and has resigned himself to mediocrity. This with a guy who has defied time and logic, and an up and comer who seems destined to break that glass ceiling at some point.
Me: Glad you have that faith. But those guys on my team are rattlesnakes, and the other team, as damaged as they are, are not guys I'd want to trifle with. Who knows if or when Black is going to break out his form from 2002, or if Price manages to break out his World Champion form? Or if Teo decides this is the night to break through that glass ceiling?
Government Looking Guy: You have valid points, but seriously, what are the chances of all that happening down in Mexico City?
What were the chances? This guy was probably right in that the chances were slim, but why take that chance? He then got up and moved into the seat next to me that was vacant, much to my dismay. I mean, I wasn't feeling very sociable, and would have rather drowned my sorrows in whatever solitude I could find. But he settles himself in the seat, and offers out his hand and says...
Dennis Kincaid: My name is Dennis, by the way. You're James Chevalier.
Me: Great to meet you. Now can you please move back to your seat? Not really in the mood to talk to anybody, given everything that has happened to me in the last few days.
Dennis Kincaid: I wish I could leave you to your wallowing, but I'm afraid you find yourself in a situation that benefits me...
He then pulls out a badge, and shows it to me. It reads National Security Agency, Department of Defense. It also has his picture and his name on the identification card. I look at him, and say...
Me: Am I supposed to shake and freak out now? Or is this another practical joke played on me by Sammy?
Dennis Kincaid: Ah yes, your instructor. Always with the punking and practical jokes. No, I'm the real deal, and you're in a position to help me out.
Me: Tell me something about me if you really are the NSA...
Dennis Kincaid: You average about 82 hours a week on Neverwinter, which is a free to play RPG that caters to casuals because you think that paying for World of Warcraft and all the expansions as they come out is getting to be ridiculous. Even though you pay about the same amount for in game items that you have to pay for. Actually you pay more than if you played World of Warcraft, truth be told. That is, until you signed with the WCF, in which you've logged about 4 hours of gaming total since you signed the contract.
Balls!!! This fucking guy knew my gaming schedule!!! Right down to the hours logged on an open to the public game! He then says...
Dennis Kincaid: Your world rank on Call of Duty is 1,221, which is pretty excellent considering that millions of people worldwide play the game. Shall I continue?
Me: So why are you bothering me? Has someone logged a complaint against me or something?
Dennis Kincaid: If we were after you, we wouldn't let it be known. No, this has something to do with one of your teammates. Dagvald Riddik, who we believe has ties to an organization called Helvete's Engels, a Norwegian crime syndicate, as well as the Kalmar United Front, a terrorist group that has made it their mission to overthrow the governments of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. As a favor to those countries, we're conducting reconnaissance for them on identified agents of the KUF. Though the HE has been making some headway into the United States as of recently.
Me: So you want me to spy on Dag for you? Are you kidding me?
Dennis Kincaid: Pretty please, with sugar on top?
Me: Fuck no! Never mind how dangerous that may be if I get caught by him, but that guy is a Grade A+ asshat! You hear the shit that comes flying out of his mouth about anybody in general? He's a real hateful fuck that I want to spend a little time around as humanly possible!
Dennis Kincaid: Please stay calm and keep your voice down. This is a matter of national security. If the KUF overthrow Scandinavian countries, that could spell doom for several European markets, which will also adversely effect our own markets. A lot is on the line here if they are successful in overthrowing those governments. We're talking worldwide economic crisis. And you can help prevent that by helping us with Dag Riddik. Just think, if he's taken down on terrorist or racketeering charges, he's off the grid for good. You'll be doing the whole world a favor!
Me: And if I fail, I get to retire to a chalk outline. I think I'll pass on this offer to die unassumingly in the middle of nowhere for nothing.
Dennis Kincaid: Okay. Well, if anything does occur that involves him, I have no choice but to assume you are an accessory to his criminal activities...
Me: What?
Dennis Kincaid: And by refusing to help the United States government on such matters of national security and its interests, you may be subjected to sanctions, such as finding yourself on No Fly lists, being subjected to annual audits by the Internal Revenue Service, and all sorts of other sanctions that just scratch the surface. Hell, your whole family may be involved, so I might have to add them to the list of offenders. Who knows just how deep these ties run. Was it your father, who turned his back on his country after being imprisoned despite his record of service in Vietnam that made him a homegrown domestic terrorist, James?
Me: My father is a patriot who made some mistakes and paid for it already! Leave him and my family out of this!
Dennis Kincaid: Oh, this doesn't just affect your family. Susan Pendergrass and Samuel Donnigan may also be subject to sanctions, as well. They are your closest associates, are they not?
Me: BULLSHIT!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS IT WITH EVERYONE BLACKMAILING ME INTO THEIR BULLSHIT?
Dennis Kincaid: None of this has to happen if you just report Dag's movements every once in awhile. That's all we're really asking of you. No James Bond shit on your part, but rather when he comes and goes, how long he's gone, if he says anything that remotely centers around his associations with the KUF or with the Helvete's Engels. We're not asking you to become his best friend.
Ugh... What the fuck did I get myself into? Why me? What did I do to deserve this? I felt as if I had no real choice in this matter. Threats of government sanctions against me were one thing, but my friends and family? And I thought Seth was the worst! This just reinforced my views on how oppressive government was. Funny how in school we were taught just how horrible every government in the world was in their own way, but our government? I mean, I'm just a wrestler who has a penchant for gaming every once in awhile. I'm a nobody who's getting kicked around for their benefit!
I just nod my head as an acceptance to do what this government stooge wants me to do. Hopefully this guy and Dag kill each other in a blaze that can be seen for miles around. Or meteors come crashing down on each of their heads. Anything to get me out of this situation!. He then says...
Dennis Kincaid: Excellent! We'll be in touch.
Me: How?
Dennis Kincaid: Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll know when we get into contact. Just look for handle FluffyTheTerrible, and we'll handle the rest. Have a good rest of the flight, and lay off of the tequila already. You need to be sharp for your upcoming match...
He takes the fourth bottle of Patrón Añejo that I was going to down with a vengeance, before he gets up and returns to his seat.
I try to wrap my head around all of this that has developed. Teaming with The Family, threatened with my job if I don't do it, gang-pressed into spying on a potential terrorist/criminal on the behalf of the United States government. Maybe Susan was right. I should have tried to get my job back. Left this garbage behind me, as this "dream job" has become an absolute nightmare.
We were about to enter descent, as we're all prompted by the Captain to fasten our seatbelts and put our tables in the upright position. I comply, as I secretly wish that we crash and burn in a fiery death that would prevent me from having to do what I've been tasked to by any and all to do on their behalf and against my will...
Yeah, my luck wasn't that good...
The rest of my trip to Mexico City was uneventful. My wish that we would crash and burn en route did not happen, which brought me some sadness. My calls to Susan remained unheeded, which brought me more pain and sadness. And it must have showed, as Hank Brown avoided talking to me, thank whatever God is out there for that. Or maybe the rookie allure has worn off, which is alright. Means less focus on me, and expectations aren't going to be super high. Or are they?
Last week my team managed to pull off the victory. Hell, I scored the pinfall. And that with a bunch of grab-asstic group of total misfits that I honestly thought would never gel together in a million years. Okay, we didn't exactly gel, but the other team gelled together even worse than we did, and I managed to capitalize on that when I planted Richie Shag in the middle of the ring for the pinfall.
This week were not a bunch of rookies. One of my opponents was a Hall of Fame wrestler. Another is probably going to the Hall of Fame. The third guy may very well find himself in that territory, as well. These were guys worthy of respect, even Jayson Price, who was battling to regain his life without the use of substances or alcohol. And if he was serious about his treatment, he wouldn't even consider leaving rehab for this match. Either way, whether he shows or not, he still is worthy of respect and is a brave soul.
I mean, if he shows, he risks relapse to face the three of us and could find himself down a darker road than he has already embarked on. But nobody would call him a coward or a quitter in terms of professional wrestling, albeit at the expense of his personal life. If he stays in rehab, he'd be called a coward and all sorts of garbage that there was no call for. Especially since his rehab is best for him and the WCF in the long run. But I'm just a rookie. I don't know shit about shit.
That would probably be what Corey Black would say about me. Tons of respect for the guy for his longevity in the ring, but growing up and seeing him on television, he looks like he'd be a real asshole to deal with. Probably had something to do with his overall stature, and overcompensating as a result. I could bag on that, but regardless of his disposition, there is nothing anybody can say or do to disrepute what has already transpired. He has the World Title reigns. He has won not one, but two WCF Classics. Hell, he's already been on a winning Trios team before! He's got the experience to guide this team, no question about it.
But again, retreading on old ground that has already been driven on before, Corey Black's age is catching up with him. Or its caught up with him, but he has yet to know or acknowledge it. Where he once owned with skill, power, and heart, the former two have long since departed him, but the latter remains. Meanwhile, our team dinosaur is in the same boat. Hell, I hope Logan and Corey Black kill each other in that ring. Literally. Maybe it would put an end to their long-standing pissing contest as to who really is all that embodies the WCF.
Then there's Mr. del Sol. Some call him Sunshine, and Dag has probably called him much worse. A guy who relieved former World Champion with a wall of accolades Jonny Fly for his first Television Title reign. Lost it to Los Tiburones, only to recapture it two weeks later from the same guy. Is currently threatening to become the longest reigning People's Champion in the history of the WCF, with 5 months of holding that title under his belt. Some say that he has yet to tap into the potential that he has shown on a few occasions, and tonight could be the night he shows us all.
He is the example that I would love to follow, if given the opportunity. It just happens to be that I'm on a team with villainous assholes who will do anything hook or crook to win this match. As much as I hate to lose, I can't find it in myself to just STEAL anything from anybody who works for anything fair and square. But with Mr. Sunshine being the primary target of ridicule and racial epitaphs for Dag, I'd be secretly happy if Teo was able to close the pie hole of Dag Riddik just for a few seconds. Of course, after the fact I'm going to do my best to put Teo on the ground in an unconscious state, but I would be happy to see him 1-Up that loudmouthed asshat that is my teammate.
My own team has its fossil/Hall of Famer in Logan, and what a career he has had. A long line of treachery he has blazed across the WCF. Honestly, who HASN'T Logan pissed off during his career in the WCF via the treachery he is so fond of using against his allies? Dag Riddik? That's a first, but for how long before the honeymoon is over? Sure, he's given me sound advice for this upcoming match, such as use my sadness and anger against my opponents. Then he followed it up with a "SHUT UP" and walked away like an ass. Why am I not surprised?
That was miles better than Dag Riddik, the most miserable person I'd ever met. Did his parents not hug him enough as a child? Or were they the immigrants who thought it was better where they were at before, and had regrets about leaving? This guy was fucking WARPED! But at least I'm certain he's not a racist, but more of a hater in general. As in he HATES EVERYTHING! Probably himself the most. I just told him to keep whatever the fuck makes him ovulate so goddamn much to himself, before he called me a frog. Fucking bastard.
If we somehow make it out of this match on top, it's still going to be a long night. It's going to be a long tournament, and it's going to be absolute Hell getting through it. A long hard road though Hell to get to the Trios Final for those belts and the honor of winning this tournament.
I put everything that was fucking with me into the back of my mind. Susan not talking to me. Being on this team of treacherous haters. Being put against current and future Hall of Famers who'd like nothing more than to make a rookie eat shit in front of thousands in Mexico and the millions more watching on the television. Being pressed into doing the government's dirty work. As much as these guys used their problems to fuel their hate, I'm going to take the high road on this one. They're distractions, and I'm certain that even our opponents, as honorable as they seem to be, would be more than happy to use anything against me.
It was time to focus on the match, and that stretch of road through Hell to Trios. The music begins to play, as I arise to meet the call. Logan and Dag do the same, as we prepare for the battle ahead.
May God help us all...
