Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on Oct 23, 2016 15:54:26 GMT -5
Mālama WCF
Scene I “Heading Towards Battle”
Honolulu International Airport – Honolulu, Hawaii
Scene I “Heading Towards Battle”
Honolulu International Airport – Honolulu, Hawaii
Airports are always crowded, but when you’re one of the most successful wrestlers in one of the most successful promotions in the world, it seems to be even more crowded. It’s fun, and healing to the heart, when you have dozens, or even hundreds of fans surrounding you wanting autographs, or their pictures taken with you. Despite what the
It’s not an easy thing to do, by any stretch of the imagination. Yet in the end, it can pay off. Bates entered the company as a rookie. He had been in no other wrestling promotion, and was fresh out of his father’s wrestling academy. He fought his way to the top, and was in the Main Event of one of the greatest wrestling promotions in the world in less than two months. Since last year’s Ultimate Showdown, Bates had been in the Main Event or towards the Main Event consistently whenever he stepped in that ring. The people knew his name. Love him, or hate him, people know Thomas Uriel Bates.
They also know Gemini Battle. Battle’s success had a slower start, but Gemini was a lot like Bates in that he will fight through the struggle and come out on top. The man had achieved so much in his career. Until recently held the record for most eliminations in War. Along with Bates was the first WCF Trios Champion. He even held the WCF World Championship for a time, just as Bates predicted early on in his career. Gemini Battle was a man not to be taken lightly, which is why Bates was a little worried about this trip.
He was going to the Battle Station. The Battle Station is Gemini Battle’s estate in New York, which he likes to call a lair, castle, fortress, whatever the term he uses. Come to think of it, with all the stuff going on lately, maybe he thinks the Battle Station is a spaceship? No matter, it was Gemini Battle’s home, and Thomas Uriel Bates was going up to see him.
Since Bates returned to the WCF however, Gemini has held a grudge against him. Their match for the World Championship was one of the toughest fights Bates had been in, and perhaps the most personal. Those issues, Bates hoped, were in the past. After all, they were now on the same team, fighting against a common foe.
It’s not the first time they teamed up either. These two, along with George Murdock, were at one time the Defilers of Logic, a trio’s team within the Dark Riders Gang Motorcycle Club. Together they won the Trios Championship, the first team to ever have done so. Together, they beat the Vapor Kings, then the Poondock Saints, and destroyed all hope of the merger of those two great groups in the form of Imperium. Together, they defeated the legends of Old Pantheon. Together, Bates and Battle, they won the WCF Tag Team Championship, and although it was just to earn both a ticket into Ultimate Showdown, it showed what a dynamic team the two of them are.
These thoughts, and more, ran through the mind of Thomas Uriel Bates as he signed the autographs, posed for pictures, and of course sat through the endless selfies from the fans. It was a warm feeling to be loved. To know that even though he did not at present possess the WCF World Championship, he was still their champion. He was still the one they looked for to protect the WCF, and the wrestling promotion they so much loved. Belt or no belt, he was their champion.
He bid all of them farewell, and made his way outside. With a deep breath, he breathed in the fresh Hawaiian air and started to walk towards the hanger, directed by an airport staff member. With each step, he was getting closer and closer to his eventual destination. With each determined step, he was approaching The Battle Station. With every step, he was closer to a reunion of the Defilers of Logic.
Can the two of them put aside their differences and team together once more? They already showed that they can put aside differences when they teamed up for the Tag Team titles, but that was before their hotly contested World title match. Can the Defilers of Logic reunite? With everything that has happened, can they once more team up and face the ever growing threat the WCF faces, in the form of
He thinks they can. If he’s right, and Gemini Battle and Thomas Uriel Bates team up once more to meet this threat, then Team WCF stands a chance. Then, the Defilers of Logic can once again protect the wrestling promotion that Bates loves. Then, the brotherhood that formed the Dark Riders Gang can be rekindled.
How can
He stepped into the hanger, and smiled as he viewed the private jet before him. The Golanv Enterprises logo, and custom paintjob for his uncle’s business had been removed. Now the jet was black, and the vertical stabilizer bore the logo of the Dark Riders Gang MC: WCF Chapter. The tail bore the symbol, written in scratchy font, of the Defilers of Logic. This was his plane. This was his Club’s plane. He was going to the Battle Station not to meet up with his tag team partner for the week, but rather to get his brother.
Scene II “Who Is Johnny Rabid?”
Main Office, First Hawaiian Bank – Honolulu, Hawaii
Main Office, First Hawaiian Bank – Honolulu, Hawaii
The new age steel and glass image of the bank may look good to some modern eyes, but to Thomas Uriel Bates it seemed too cold. He was a man that liked the classics. He preferred them, in his music, in his books, in his attire, and especially in his surroundings. He would rather had been surrounded by countless books, seated at an oak desk with a leather top, and of course the comfortable leather chair. Instead, the “desk” was more of a cold metal table painted black, the chair some form of plastic with padding, and the walls nothing but endless glass where he could see every single movement made by everyone else in this floor of the First Hawaiian Bank.
We don’t always get to choose our surroundings. Sure, some people will always pick their surroundings. They will cast aside their commitments, or their service to some cause, or constituents, and instead spend their time and money on expensive foods, or lounging around some set with not a care in the world, even as their charges burn and collapse in front of them. There are these types, and then there are the people who will put aside their own comforts to do the job they have been tasked to do.
So, it is here that we find Thomas Uriel Bates, sitting in that plastic chair, his massive arms on the cold metal table, and perhaps the one item in the room of his own choosing, the elaborate fountain pen held in his right hand. He signs his name on a check, places it in an envelope, and seals it shut. He pushes the envelope to the side in a failed attempt to cover the addresses, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Other envelopes can be found on the desk, addressed to various other charities such as Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, the Order of Malta, the Constitutionalist Party, and the National Rifle Association.
The massive gentleman notices the camera has now begun to focus on the envelopes, and so he covers them with his massive hands. He turns them upside down, in a failed attempt to conceal them from the camera. He looks into the camera with disapproving eyes until they finally focus back on him, rather than the envelopes.
He soon speaks, in that usual deep toned Mississippi Delta Southern Accent. A distinguished voice, despite what some in the usual crowd attempt to claim. His voice was calm, yet determined. He was addressing someone, and as such he would make it clear his words were heard.
Thomas Uriel Bates: Johnny Rabid, I would like to commend you for your recent charitable donation to the World Children’s Fund. One million dollars to such an esteemed foundation will make sure a lot of children are fed. Of course, I do hope your donation was in earnest, and not just to light on the name of WCF. Of course, even if it is, the children will still be fed, so I thank you for your donation.
Of course, that is only if your donation was real. Your announcement regarding the donation is questionable, as of course it included a jab at me. As usual, it attempted to paint me as a racist, and my legal Motorcycle Club as a band of random outlaws. As I have yet to donate to the World Children’s Fund, I know the announcement is false. You have just taken the name of a reputable charity and used it for some immature joke that only your friends in BeachKrew chuckle at.
With that, we have come to truly know Jonathan Rabid. You see, I did not know who he was until he showed up leading into War, demanding a title shot without ever earning one. I took him then to be some over privileged individual who felt entitled to everything. I pictured him as the child that was always a troublemaker at school, but whose parents blamed the teacher while letting him run around with no discipline.
To fake a donation to charity just to make a joke is perhaps the most significant telling of this individual’s character. Charities should be promoted not for jokes, but for the work that they do. I donate to charities on a regular basis, and have my favorites to choose from. I have not, nor will I ever, use those charities for some sick joke. They are doing a service, and a much needed one at that. The World Children’s Fund tries to feed hungry children in impoverished nations across the globe, and you just made some joke about them? I would ask what kind of a man you are, but you have already revealed the answer.
Bates took a breath to calm himself, as the current issue was indeed one that lit a fire of rage within our mountain. He continued.
Thomas Uriel Bates: Charitable donations are meant to be private, not paraded through the streets waiting for someone to pat you on the back and congratulate you. For crying out loud, a charitable donation is not about you, it’s about the work that they are doing! You revealed your true character then. You truly fit in with the rest of BeachKrew.
So, I know what you’re going to do. You’re going to come down that ring full of arrogance. You’re going to do everything you can to win the match, even though you’ll be cheating. You’ll bring in your hired referee, you’ll use the ropes for leverage, you’ll find a way to sneak in weapons, maybe your referee will even pass you a pair of brass knuckles. Maybe you’ll use a favorite of your ilk, and crowd the ring with your people for a big group attack. Just know this Johnny; I’m ready for you. I already see it coming, and I can take whatever measures I need to make sure you don’t get away with it.
I’m coming down to that ring not expecting a fair fight. I’m not expecting you to even bring your best. Johnny, I’m not expecting you to even try to wrestle and actually compete with the rest of us in that ring. I’m expecting you to be the lowlife I know you are.
So, your paid off referee will have no choice but to once again count the pin as your shoulders, or perhaps Sanchez’s shoulders are on the mat. That is, if you even stick around. If the battle’s going bad for you, I wouldn’t be surprised if you ran away. If you don’t Johnny, then get ready for the most pain you’ve ever felt. When I drop you for The Badge, or I kick you with my Boot, perhaps you will reflect on your life choices as your laying there motionless.
Our giant stands and places his fountain pen back in his coat pocket. He grabs the envelopes, and carries them with him as he exits out the glass door. Our giant may very well have wished to slam those doors in frustration, but today’s structure wouldn’t be able to handle it. They don’t make them like they used to.
Scene III “The Pandora”
S.S. Pandora – Two miles off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii
S.S. Pandora – Two miles off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii
There are perks of being related to one of the top fifty richest people in the world. Getting to borrow your uncle’s luxurious super yachts is one of those perks. The yacht itself is modeled somewhat after the infamous Lady Moura, the two hundred and fifty-million-dollar yacht owned by Saudi Arabian businessman Nasser Al-Rashid. It was slightly larger, and included a swimming pool with a retractable roof. The name, Pandora, written across the back in twenty-four karat gold. The Eurocopter Mercedes-Benz EC 145 resting on the helicopter pad. This was one of the most expensive and luxurious yachts in the world.
Today, and for the past week or two, it served as the headquarters and home of Thomas Uriel Bates. Technically it was while he was serving as his uncle’s liaison to some holdings in the island State, but it also served him quite well for his day job of professional wrestler. It was here that Bates would go to collect his thoughts, train for his upcoming matches, and plan strategies for dealing with the latest threat,
Our giant rested across the port bow of the yacht, wearing white trousers and a white polo shirt, the collars flapping in the wind. Far off in the vast distance he could make out the Diamond Head of Honolulu, which he had visited earlier. He held his glass of what appears to be Scotch, and smoked a My Father Le Bijou 1922 Torpedo Box Pressed. He looked more relaxed than he had in a long time.
Why shouldn’t he relax? Yes, he lost the World Championship to Corey Black, but look at the lengths Corey Black had to go through in order to do it. Bates was also booked for a rematch. In addition, he may very well be rekindling his friendship, his brotherhood, with Gemini Battle. BeachKrew, Pantheon, and The Sentinels all teamed up at War just to try to get rid of him. The world may seem to be crashing on his shoulders, but his shoulders were big enough for the burden.
Of course, he did have a match coming up. Kevin Bishop and Psychopomp were no slouches in the ring, and despite his resentment for Johnny Rabid and David Sanchez, he knew that he had a fight coming from them as well, even if it would be dirty. There were no cameras around, and no WCF Drone to hear his thoughts, so our mountain did the one thing left for him to do; enjoy his day.
He could respond to David Sanchez’s video against him, but what would that do? David Sanchez did what every member of
Bates knew David Sanchez. He’s a disgraced MMA fighter, and has been in and out of wrestling promotions since he started, including both UCI and the WCF. He’s hard to work with, and is an opiate user. David Sanchez may try to sound smart, he may try to sound sophisticated, but when he keeps talking his true self emerges. He’s just another one of the BeachKrew boys pretending to be Pantheon.
So how is David Sanchez even successful? Yes, he has wrestling talent, that is clearly evident in the fact that David Sanchez does hold a victory over Bates. However, his behavior in and out of the ring had resulted in a low desire for companies to hire him. Why now is he successful? He’s the Mayor of Chicago, but is that worthy enough for him to be successful?
Chicago is a desolate wasteland, especially since David Sanchez became mayor. Crime and corruption run rampant, and even his own administration has partaken in the sinful nature that has now become a hallmark of Chicago. He tries to run Chicago like a dictator, typical of Chicago politics, but he’s not a very effective one. Gang wars still claim the lives of many an innocent, week after week. Drugs still fill the streets, and even the police are in on the take. Is David Sanchez rich? Yes, he seems to have quite the funding since becoming Mayor, but is he successful? Not quite so much.
However, David Sanchez does hold a victory over Thomas Uriel Bates. He has won a match against the Mountain of WCF. He has even taken away a title from our giant, the WCF United States Championship. Was the victory in earnest? Isaiah Chavez and Dune were both ringside, an easy distraction, but did they indeed cost the giant the match? Did they interfere? No, they didn’t. While they undoubtedly were a distraction, David Sanchez did earn his keep.
Sure, Bates was distracted. He was just coming off Ultimate Showdown, and heading towards that World title match with Dune. He was not focused on the match, and was too busy looking ahead. Quite frankly, as bad as this was, Thomas Uriel Bates didn’t even care about the United States Championship at that time. He was glad to be rid of it. He wanted one thing, and one thing only, and at that time David Sanchez wasn’t even in the picture. Thomas Uriel Bates wanted to be the WCF World Champion.
Things are very different now. Bates learned from his mistake then, and works to do his best in every single match. Yes, Bates had an upcoming rematch for the World Championship against Corey Black and Gemini Battle, but what was happening in the WCF was much bigger than that. Bates needed to preserve the integrity of the WCF, and needed to make sure that there would be a future for this promotion. With
No, he had no words for David Sanchez, only action.
Scene IV “Mālama”
Off the coast of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Honolulu, Hawaii
Off the coast of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Honolulu, Hawaii
The waves have calmed down. Not long ago they were rough, high, and perfect for surfing. Had the WCF Camera Drone appeared not but ten minutes earlier, it would have caught an interesting sight. Thomas Uriel Bates surfing. Now the waters are calm, and the WCF Camera Drone finally makes its appearance. Perfect timing, right?
He used to get angry at that drone. Always hovering about, interfering with his business. Back when the WCF Chapter of the DRG was still active, they had to send out jamming signals just to prevent the cameras from filming important and secret meetings. Now however, such worries were gone. The cameras were still there, as evidenced by the drone, but the worry was gone.
Thomas Uriel Bates had grown somewhat accustomed to being in the light. To being constantly in front of a camera. He was a big superstar in one of the world’s greatest wrestling promotions, of course he would be in front of a camera. Privacy was something he had to learn to live without.
He still got annoyed by it, of course. However, instead of the desire to take the drone from the sky and rip it to shreds, he simply let it be. Besides, today was about reflection, not how much he hated the camera.
He sat on his surfboard just off the coast of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu. His legs dangling in the ocean, and his bare chest roasting in the sun. He felt good. For once, he felt good. Paradise was having its effect.
Of course, the constant hum of the drone reminded Bates of his obligations. He had a match coming up, and he was obligated to shoot on his opponents. The WCF Galaxy loved to hear from the wrestlers, and loved to hear them attempt to mentally destroy each other before physically destroying each other before a match. The WCF Galaxy enjoyed a game of wits just as much as any physical feat. They really are an intelligent bunch.
So, who should our mountain in the water address? Should he reflect on his tag team partner, Gemini Battle? Should he state the obvious that they work great as a team? That together they have held the Trios Championship, and the Tag Team Championship? How even though they are not exactly seeing eye to eye right now, they work well together, even if it’s just out of old habits? Sure Gemini Battle may have issues with Thomas Uriel Bates, and sure Thomas Uriel Bates may be deeply concerned for the mental health of his friend, but inside that ring it all goes away and the Defilers of Logic return right back to where they were over a year ago.
Should he talk about Psychopomp? He does like the little guy, but Psychopomp does know how to fight. He may have the mind of a child, but his wrestling skill is still good, and improving on a daily basis. Even though he did have Corey Black’s help, he even achieved a pinfall victory over Bates. That was indeed a shocker.
Maybe he should talk about Johnny Rabid, or David Sanchez? Corey Black, or Dune, or even Joey Flash? No, they’re not worth the time right now. All they do is run around making the same old and boring jokes. Gemini is right, when you’ve read or heard one thing from
So perhaps it is time for Thomas Uriel Bates to discuss Kevin Bishop. The other plague in this match, and a man who Bates has faced in the ring a number of times as of late. Kevin Bishop was indeed an interesting character, and the perfect candidate for Bates to discuss as he’s waiting on the wave, any wave at this point. So, our giant speaks, with a smile upon his face, and his eyes squinting from the sun.
Thomas Uriel Bates: This Sunday we have an interesting triple threat tag team match, don’t we? In one corner, we have the infamous BeachKrew with Johnny Rabid and David Sanchez, who undoubtedly believe that walking into this match acting like second graders imitating middle schoolers will get them a victory. In one corner, we have the Defilers of Logic, Gemini Battle and Thomas Uriel Bates, both men who will be going forward with a Triple Threat Match for the WCF World Championship against the traitorous Corey Black. In the last corner, we have The Brotherhood, represented by none other than Psychopomp and Kevin Bishop himself. This is surely looking like the match to watch this week, doesn’t it?
This isn’t the first time I’ve faced the team of Kevin Bishop and Psychopomp. Of course, this time I don’t have CJ Phoenix in my corner. CJ’s a great fighter, and an accomplished wrestler here in the WCF. However, there’s no substitute for heading into battle with your brother at your side. That’s the difference this time, Kevin. When BeachKrew comes to interfere, I know that my brother will have my back. Even if at the moment he doesn’t want to. Even if right now he wants to bash my skull in himself, I know that he’s going to have my back anyway. Even if it’s just instinct he will have my back.
You see, that’s with brotherhood is about, Kevin. It’s not about making them out to be brainwashed cult members. It’s not about making them follow you. It’s about forming the brotherhood together. Gemini Battle would take a bullet for me, because deep down he knows I would gladly take one for him too. I don’t demand that he follow me, just as I never demanded anyone in the Club to follow me. We’re all brothers, and we would all fight for one another. Gemini, Mikey eXtreme, Danny Anderson, all of us. It truly was, and is, all for one, and one for all.
Now, Kevin, your brotherhood does have potential. I see some of them making that bond that will shape the face of the industry in years to come. They’re just not there yet. They will be, but it’s just not right now. You’re a great fighter, Kevin, and you have all the makings of a great leader, but sometimes you must work with other people rather than trying to control them.
Kevin, when the WCF was threatened by Seth Lerch, you joined with me and fought the Family and their paid henchmen. You understood the necessity of ensuring a future for the WCF. When the threat of invasion first came up, you were right there with me ready to face them head on. Yet, you soon lost focus, didn’t you? No longer were you at my side, but rather off in the distance trying to do your own thing as the WCF fights for its very survival. You withdrew from the fight, Kevin.
Now I understand that you want to carve your own path, and I can respect that, but this fight against Pantheon is bigger than the both of us. Pantheon’s mission is no longer to protect the WCF, it’s to destroy it. It is to drive it into the ground. If Pantheon is successful, then what will the Brotherhood have to gain? What will Kevin Bishop get out of it? A last paycheck, that’s all.
So, I fell, and your confidence was broken. A legend in the WCF comes back after a year of plotting his revenge for never beating me, and then takes two weeks to attack me and weaken me before our match, but I’m not what you expected, was I?
Was I immortal to you? Was I this unbeatable force that can take out anyone no matter what? Was I some being from Olympus or Asgard ready to smite my foes with some mythical hammer? I am just a man, Kevin. I’m not perfect. I can’t win every single match, especially with a broken rib and barely contained internal bleeding. I’m human, Kevin, and Corey Black got the best of me due to his cheap shots. I will have my revenge, but it will be the revenge of a man who has felt the sting of betrayal from one of the WCF’s most legendary figures, not the wrath of a god. Though, Corey Black may feel differently after Helloween.
Yes, Kevin, my back is now against the wall, and I’m out-numbered. You’re absolutely right that when I’m backed into a corner I change. That Mister Nice Bates goes away and the Monster of the Mountain unleashes his fury. The chips are down, all hands are played, and there is only one course of action left for a dying warrior. You charge. You charge forward with a Rebel Yell in your throat. You swing your battle axe until it breaks. You thrust your sword until it lodges itself in the bones of your enemies, and you sound your Olifant when you make your final stand. You may feel this is when a man is at his weakest, but is it really?
When a man has no other option, and has determined to make his stand even if it will be his last, then he is at his most dangerous. All his worldly concerns disappear, and all of life becomes clear. No longer burdened by trivial matters, and driven by a single focus, the dying man can now do what needs to be done. I will be fighting BeachKrew, or Pantheon, or whatever they call themselves, as a dying man fights his last battle. I will not yield, and I will not waver from my responsibilities. I will do everything I can to defend the WCF. The WCF must survive, and a future must be maintained, and if that means I must go it alone, then that’s what I’ll do.
Yet you know that I have been raising an army. I’ve been mustering the locker room, and preparing them for the fight against Pantheon. I am, as you said, weaponizing them. However, I’m not leading them to the slaughter. I am confident that they will be able to stand on their own, and achieve the greatness that I know is in them. They’re not out there to prove anything to me, they’re proving it to themselves.
That’s what you’re not understanding, Kevin. You’re so close to understanding it, but you’re just not there yet. So, you come on down to that ring this Sunday, and you keep those blinders on, ignoring the threat lurking right beside you. You lead Psychopomp, your child-like protégé into the slaughter, and you see what truly happens when a man is backed into a corner.
The wave finally hits up, allowing our giant to disembark from his thoughts, and leave the WCF Camera Drone behind. He is ready for what is to come. He has his brother at his side, and he can clearly see the enemy ahead. Thomas Uriel Bates is ready for the fight.
