Post by Mikey eXtreme on Feb 17, 2019 7:17:31 GMT -5
THE BOOK OF EXTREME
The Journey Continues
I
The Journey Continues
I
Michael had two questions:
- 1. What made James Wolf a hardcore Icon?
And
- 2. Who was James Wolf?
These weren’t questions anyone should have before going to war with someone, but this was where Michael X was. This was one step removed from becoming the number one contender to Jay Omega’s Hardcore Championship.
But, was it Jay Omega’s championship? In the eyes of the DARK PROPHET, the eyes of the Sanctum of X, that championship belonged to Michael X. The KING of eXtreme was not defeated for that belt, and thus, should still be wrapped squarey around his waist.
But, he had traded up to become World Champion, a feat that has put Michael X in a class of his own. However, it was the Hardcore Championship that Michael flourished with last year, even becoming Hardcore Champion of the Year. It was with that championship that Michael felt the most comfortable with. It was with that championship that Michael did the most damage with. Now, it was his time to win it back.
The only person that stood between him and beating Jay Omega twice in a three week span? James Wolf.
So, who was James Wolf? How did he find himself on death’s doorstep? Because, that’s where he stood. That’s where he was waiting, with a false confidence that he stood a chance in this realm. That’s right where Michael wanted him, right where he thought he was comfortable, but once that bell rang, and Michael’s mind clicked into that extreme gear, there was no saving James Wolf.
Ol’ X showed the world what he was capable of on Slam when he defeated Jay Omega in the middle of that ring at his own game. The King of Pain fell to the King of eXtreme and the world knew it was coming but they still doubted him going into it. They still thought that Jay Omega would pull through and show the world why he was holding that belt.
But it was Michael X that showed the world why he should still be holding the Hardcore Championship and in due time, that belt would be right back where it belongs. It didn’t matter who stood in that ring with Michael X, he was going to bring them to a world that they didn’t want to find themselves in. He was going to bring them deep down into that darkness where they had no way out of.
Jay Omega had no chance to win, do you really think that James Wolf stands a chance?
II
It was uncomfortably cold outside for Michael X and Vidalia as they exited the van that Freakshow had driven to their motel. It was a brisk mid-30s outside, and the two of them were wearing light hoodies. There wasn’t much wind, but there was still a solid chill in the air.
They approached the door to their room, Freakshow had a room directly next to theirs that they were unsure if he was going to use or not. They all used to bunk together in the same room, but lately they’ve needed a lot more privacy than usual, and tonight would be no different. Tonight they planned to wake up the entire complex with their screams of ecstasy. But, while Michael and Vidalia were walking towards their room, Michael suddenly stopped.
Michael X: You feel that, Vi?
He spoke very calmly, there was something sadistic in his tone.
Vidalia: Yeah, it’s fucking cold out here.
Michael X: No, it’s uncomfortable.
Vidalia” Yeah, uncomfortably fucking cold.
She shivered, slightly, as she spoke. Michael ignored the annoyed tone of her voice. They weren’t going to be out in the cold much longer, and they warm each other up shortly. There was a point to this, or at least Vidalia hoped.
Michael X: This is what it will feel like to James Wolf once we both step inside that ring, right before they ring that bell. This is what he will have to deal with.
Vidalia, who was freezing, didn’t care where this was going. She just wanted to enter their room, room 8, the last room at the end of the parking lot. She just wanted to turn the heat on, slip into something more comfortable, or nothing at all, and climb into bed. Michael, however, wanted to ramble on.
Vidalia: It’s going to be cold in the arena? Where are you going with this.
Michael smirked. He looked into Vidalia’s beautiful brown eyes, and whispered to her.
Michael X: He wishes.
Michael laughed. His voice rose,
Michael X: This uncomfortableness is changing your entire mood, Vi. It’s making you act differently, it’s beating you.
Vidalia: I’m going to beat the fuck out of you in a minute.
Michael X: This is how I’m going to defeat James Wolf before that bell even rings, Vi. He’s going to get lost in this moment. He’s going to fail himself, you see? He won’t be able to deal with this feeling and he’s going to panic. He’s going to do something dumb. Something that he can’t recover from.
He doesn’t realize the trouble that he has gotten himself into, Vi. He thinks that he is one win away from facing Jay Omega, but he doesn’t realize that he can’t win this match. He can’t beat the greatest competitor to ever step foot inside that WCF ring.
Michael ran his hand over his head as he pushed the hood off. His hair, a light stubble at this point, was trying to grow itself back. Michael would have to shave in the morning to keep his appearance. The Dark Prophet smiled as he seen Vidalia reaching her arm out for the key to their room.
Michael X: Vi, he doesn’t realize that he is only days away from the worst night of his career.. Of his life, in fact. He doesn’t realize that he’s about to step into that ring with a man who doesn’t just throw caution to the wind, but a man who outright killed caution many years ago.
I’m not stepping into that ring to earn a shot at Jay Omega, I’m stepping into that ring to do bodily harm to James Wolf and show the entire world that I truly deserve to be the Hardcore Champion. I’m stepping into that ring with James Wolf to show the world that I am as hardcore as you can get.
And he was.
Michael X had done stuff inside a WCF ring that was almost unspeakable. During his United States Championship reign he had ended the career of Chelsea Armstrong in a horrific post match attack that left the entire WCF in shock. Chelsea had never been seen again inside of a WCF ring and after a beating that badly, would NEVER be back. More recently, at the July 13, 2018 XIII, Michael had damn near killed Sam Shields with a machete. There wasn’t anything that Ol’ X wasn’t willing to do in order to win a match, and this was something that James Wolf was going to learn the hard way. This was something that James Wolf was going to regret for the rest of his time inside a WCF ring.
Michael X: The world must have forgotten about me, Vi. It wasn’t that long ago that I was busting heads in the middle of that ring defending that Hardcore championship and showing the world what Hardcore really was. Now, Jay Omega thinks that he gets to gallivant around with my championship? And pathetic wannabes like James Wolf, who wishes that he could be one millionth as good as me, think they have a chance to shine in MY division? He’s absolutely out of his damn mind.
Vidalia finally snatches the key away from Michael and he playfully chases her towards their room. She gets to the door and hurriedly struggles to get the key into the lock. Michael comes to a stop, wraps his arms around her waist and jokingly pulls her away from the door, but she pulls away from him and finally gets the door open. They both enter their room as Freakshow enters his own room, leaving their bags in the car.
Michael keeps talking to Vidalia as they enter the room.
Michael X: I’m about to make this division matter again, just like I was doing before I became World Champion. I’m going to have the entire world talking about hardcore wrestling and they’re all going to be talking about me. They’re all going to be amazed by what I do in that ring and it all starts now. It all starts here. Once I’m done with the pure destruction of James Wolf? Once they release his body to his family, then I’ll move on to Jay Omega, but until then, I won’t be happy. Right now? I’m not happy.
Right now, all I can think about is the pain that I’m about to unleash on the poor soul of James Wolf. All I can think about is the anger building up inside of me, the fact that I have to earn this number one contenders match against James Wolf. The fact that James Wolf’s name can even be mentioned in the same breath as mine. The fact that I defeated the current Hardcore Champion at his own game and yet, I have to now step into the ring to show the world that I belong in a match with Jay Omega?
James Wolf is going to pay for that. It might not even be his fault, hell, he wasn’t dumb enough to try to challenge me, but he’s dumb enough to think that he can win this match. He’s dumb enough to believe his delusions. He’s dumb enough to think that he is going to be the next Hardcore Champion, but he’s stepping into that ring this week with the REAL hardcore champion and I’m not allowing him to step out of that ring.
He’s going to be carried out of that ring, unless I drag him out of there myself. He’s going to be carted out of that arena and put in a box, put out of his misery and I’m going to be the one that does it. I’m going to be the grim reaper that finally takes down this #FALSEICON.
There’s nothing that’s going to take this anger out of me, Vidalia.
Vidalia sat on the edge of the bed. She looked up at Michael with seductive eyes.
Vidalia: I’m sure I can do something about that.
Ol’ X smiled.
Michael X: Oh, is that so?
The scene faded as they both climbed into bed.
III
Vidalia: Is there anything to do in Virginia?
Vidalia’s voice was soft as she spoke to Michael, who was driving the van they rode from town to town. Freakshow, not to be seen was presumably still at the motel. The place they were staying in was pretty small, there was not much room for anything. There was a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a mini refrigerator, a microwave, and a bathroom that was just as cramped as the main room.
It was a small complex, and for the money, well, you got what you got. The intimacy of the rooms had lead to a very loud and exhilarating night last night that surely everyone staying at the motel had heard. Ol’ X and Vidalia didn’t care though, it wasn’t their fault that the room were so small, they hadn’t designed the complex, and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Especially not with all the alcohol that they had consumed after checking into their room.
Michael X: Doubtful.
Michael’s voice was the exact opposite of Vidalia’s voice, his was stern and confident. His was loud and boisterous. When he spoke, people listened. Vidalia could sometimes go unnoticed in a conversation, whereas Michael X made sure he was the conversation.
Vidalia: Well, where are we going?
They weren’t dressed to go out, they were just dressed. Casually, as this was their day off. This was their day to enjoy the local town where Michael X was booked to wrestle. This was their day to have fun. Ol’ X, who had just shaved his head this morning, wore a grey hoodie with a pair of beat up black jeans. Vidalia, black leggings and a black top. There was nothing special about it, but she commanded every eye to take notice of her.
Michael X: I don’t know.
Michael shrugged. He really didn’t know. He figured they could just drive around until something popped up, or something caught their eye. Though, he didn’t have high hopes that they would find anything exciting and thus figured they would probably just end up at a bar or a restaurant. However, this was Valentine’s week. It’s funny how a single day can morph itself into a week. Michael had showered her with gifts on Valentine’s Day, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, chocolate, a teddy bear. The usual gifts, but they were busy and still hadn’t had a meal to celebrate their love for one another.
Michael X: I still owe you that dinner, so let’s look for something good.
They drove around for what felt like the entire day, but was only about 45 minutes before Michael pulled the van into a big parking lot. Some kind of shopping center, he assumed. He didn’t notice any signs for the stores inside but passed by the shell of what used to be a Toys R Us.
Michael X: Damn, that’s a shame.
Vidalia nodded her head in agreement.
Michael X: Think about all the boys and girls out there that can’t get their Michael X action figures.
They both laughed. Sure, they could just buy them anywhere else but there was something special about going to Toys R Us and getting a new wrestling figure, something that kids these days just don't get to experience.
Vidalia: At least it saves some kids from getting James Wolf figures from their grandmas.
They both laughed again. What was worse than grandma trying to get you something that she knows you enjoy, but getting it completely wrong at the same time. Grin and bear it, and just go with it.
Michael X: Not sure they have those, though. Though, I did hear that Adam Young was petitioning for a line of jobber figures so, there’s always the possibility that one was made, but even if one was made. I don’t think anyone’s grandma is dumb enough to sink money into one of those.
More laughter as they drive past big box stores, and craft stores. There’s something for everyone in this center, But, nothing that really catches their eyes. Nothing that screams out for their attention.
There is a small restaurant across the street from the shopping center, though. So Michael pulls the van into a spot, puts it in park, and kills the engine. It’s not really dinner time yet as it’s only around 3:13. They both look at each other, thinking the same thing, and try to think of a plan to kill a few hours.
Michael X: Could always grab a few drinks?
They were going to do that anyway. So there was no real urgency in the plan.
Vidalia: Could always walk around the shops, maybe we’ll find something we didn’t know we needed.
She shrugged, she really didn’t have any ideas.
There was a hardware store in the shopping center and Michael thought about checking it out, maybe finding something special to introduce to James Wolf in the main event of Slam. Though that idea had some kind of merit, James Wolf didn’t deserve that. He wasn’t that caliber opponent that filled Michael’s mind outside of the WCF world, and thus he shot that idea down. Though, Freakshow did mention something about needing a ball pein hammer. Though, that wasn’t something that Michael wanted to buy in such a big area. Who know what Freakshow needed that thing for and there were plenty of cameras around.
Nah, Freakshow could just borrow one from someone in town. Surely that’s where he would wonder to once he woke up and seen that Michael and Vi took the van out for a while.
Michael X: I guess that’ll be alright.
Michael pulled the keys from the ignition, sliding them into his pocket as he stepped out of the van. It was a tad bit chilly out and Michael probably should have been wearing something more than just a hoodie. Vidalia was slipping a cardigan on over her top as they both walked towards and hhgregg.
IV
Michael sat upon a throne, his crown adorned with barbwire. In his hand was a scepter: a kendo stick covered in more barbwire. This was the King of eXtreme, and as he sat there, staring into the camera, there was a look a of hatred in his eyes.
Michael X: James, you call yourself the antidote.
Michael cracked a smile.
Michael X: You call yourself the Hardcore Icon. Yet, I’ve never heard of you. Some kind of icon, huh?
Michael laughed.
Michael X: But, that’s fine. It’s normal for people to hype themselves up, it’s normal for people to make themselves bigger than they actually are. That’s fine. The problem is when you start to buy into your own hype, James. Hype that you have clearly been smoking for quite sometime. Hype that I’m here to show you, is just that, hype.
Once you step into that ring, with the fucking KING of eXtreme? Well,
Michael laughed, again.
Michael X: You’ll find out that what I have isn’t hype. You’ll find out that I am the real deal, that when it comes to the world of HARDCORE, that Michael X is a man above all. That Michael X is a true fucking GOD. That I am the most hardcore mother fucker that has ever stepped inside of a wrestling ring.
You, James Wolf, are nothing. You are not on my level. You will never be on my level because I am miles above everyone. I am miles above the entire fucking game. There is nobody that can hold a candle to what I do.
I step in there and I shine.
I step in there and I do things that nobody can do. I step in there and I hurt people like you, James. People that don’t realize the danger that they are putting themselves in. I go in there with the plan to kick teeth down throats, while people like you go in there and find out that they only thing they can try to do is survive. But, I won’t allow that, James.
You’ve had your fair share of hardcore matches, James. At least, I hope so with a nickname like the Hardcore Icon, so you’re not new to this game, but once that bell rings you’re going to look like you’re in there for the first time. Once they ring that bell it’s like they’re locking you inside of a cage with me, and I’m a wild animal, James. I’m a fucking maniac and you’re going to find that out the hard way. You’re going to find that out just like everyone else that steps into my domain, that steps into MY RING. Into MY KINGDOM.
You don’t rule nothing, James. You’re a peasant and I am your fucking King. You will worship me. Worship the ground that I walk on, worship everything that I do to you in this match because this is the closest that you are coming to greatness.
I don’t care what you’ve done in your career, James.
Michael laughs. The only thing that matters to Michael X is the WCF. The only track record that matters inside his mind is what you’ve done against him in the that ring. What you’ve been able to accomplish inside of his Kingdom. Other than that, it’s all bullshit.
Michael X: Do you honestly think that I care about anything you’ve done in the minor leagues? Do you honestly think that I care about championships that don’t matter worth a fucking dime here? Don’t make me laugh.
You mean absolutely nothing to me or anyone chasing MY Hardcore championship. You mean absolutely nothing to anybody that matters in this company and in just a few short days, you’ll see that insignificance. You’ll see that you are the lowest of the lows on the totem pole and you’ll switch from the HARDCORE ICON to JUST ANOTHER JOBBER.
I’m Michael X, the fucking KING of EXTREME. That’s not something I just call myself, that’s something that I’ve gone out there and earned. That’s something that the rest of the roster can refer to me as because, it’s true. Because at any given moment in that ring I can bring you to places that you could only imagine in your worst nightmares.
This match is nothing but an invalid formality. This match is just there to crown be the number one contender, to a championship that I never lost, to a match that I’ve already earned. In a match that I cannot lose. Do you see where I’m coming from here, James? You’re already done. You don’t even have to show up to this thing because there is no possible outcome that has you earning a shot at the Hardcore championship. The only thing that you can earn from this match is a trip to the emergency room or the morgue, and you don’t even get to decide that one either. I’ll either send you to the ER or the Morgue and only I get to make that choice. Only I get to have that fun.
You get to step into MY kingdom and get kicked around just for entering. You’ll be put down and taken out like the garbage that you are. You’re not stepping into that ring this week with bums like Leon Hayze and Jaice Wilds. You’re stepping into that ring with an animal who has actually won something that matters and knows what it’s like to be successful. You’re stepping into that ring with one of the greatest competitors..
Michael stops himself, smirks, and restarts.
Michael X: You’re stepping into that ring with THE Greatest Competitor to ever step foot inside of a WCF ring. Last week, you beat nobodies. You beat Leon Hayze who Ol’ X took out of action months ago and after losing a few brain cells in that beating decided to come back and be forgotten. You beat Jaice Wilds who had the easiest ride to a championship match of his choosing had he just attempted to be something better than garbage but, we all know that was something that was just too much for him.
You’ve done nothing in the WCF that gives me any kind of worry going into this match. You’ve beaten a great big bunch of nobodies like Alex Richards. You’ve built yourself up solely in your mind and that’s just not going to cut it against me. That’s just not enough,
That’s why I’m who I am, and you’re well, that’s why nobody has ever heard of you, James. So, make whatever final arrangements you need to make. Have fun this week, and go into that match feeling better than you’ve ever felt before, because once that bell rings, DARKNESS is taking over, James. There ain’t no runnin’ from it, there ain’t nowhere to hide. Your fate is already determined.
Have fun in the curtain jerk match the rest of your career, because this is the biggest match you’ll ever have.
Michael laughs as the scene fades to black leaving us with two still unanswered questions.
- 1. What made James Wolf a Hardcore Icon?
- 2. Who the hell is James Wolf?
It also added a third question,
- 3. How badly was Michael X going to hurt James Wolf on his return path towards his HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP?
