Post by Xavier Lux on Dec 22, 2022 18:36:08 GMT
While most people would choose to stay warm and cozy in the comfort of their blankets on a cold, winter morning, specially this close to Christmas, Xavier Lux has decided to participate in an event new to the area: “The Polar Bear Run and Plunge” here in Manchester, England. His purpose? To not only get to know the landscape but to prepare his body for the coldest match he has ever been in. The challenging 26.2k course which goes through towns, parks, forests, and hills, is followed by an “arctic dive” into Waterswallows Quarry that really qualifies more as a cliff dive, considering how far up the jumping point is and the freezing water below… But at least they have confirmed that it is not frozen, so you know, if you die, it won’t be from a broken skull or limbs. The finish line has been set up at the shore of the quarry below our current spot, which is the jumping off point. The runners have started to show up, and Xavier Lux is not among the first five, or even twenty-five. He wouldn’t be as arrogant as to pretend he is the fastest runner here. If he wanted to ‘pretend’, he would have done a vignette climbing Mount Everest wearing nothing but a t-shirt and shorts. While he may be one of the fastest wrestlers in the ring, his purpose for entering this event was not to test his speed, but his endurance… Not to the distance, but the cold. It is indeed a bitter one this morning, not negative whatever it is going to be in the arena, but colder than he is used to. Xavier finally comes out of the forest and follows the trail into the clearing of the cliff, we see that he is not wearing much, long running tights, short sleeve runners top, gloves and a CCPE beanie hat. He stops at the Gatorade station for a quick drink.
Xavier Lux:Back for more I see, glad you saw enough in my first promo to want to come back for seconds. Just gotta do a little something-something first, why don’t you find me at the finish line and then we can talk okay? Cool.
He crushes the foam cup on his hand and then tosses it into the trashcan nearby before approaching the jumping off point. There is a doctor there to check his vitals as well as race representatives to make sure he understands the risk of what he is about to do. He nods. They give him the greenlight and he walks to the edge of the cliff and looks down at the water below, which doesn’t look very friendly. You see the few runners who already took the plunge swimming towards shore, but he also sees one being loaded into one of the boats, clearly, it didn’t end up well for him. Xavier takes off the beanie and gloves, as well as his shoes and socks. He tosses everything aside, then lets his hands, head and feet get used to the cold… He then looks ahead instead of down and takes a deep breath...
Xavier Lux: For the crown.
… he exhales and then jumps off. He keeps it simple, stiffening his body and goes in feet first. The officials on the boat look on, checking their stop-clocks, knowing exactly when to decide is time to go in to get him. Xavier, emerges ten seconds afterwards and appears to be okay, giving them the thumbs up. They point him which way to go in case he is disoriented, and he begins to swim his way over.
. . .
A little while later, we find Xavier sitting on a picnic table which is covered by a tent, there are many all-around, but he is in this one all by himself. He has now changed, but still barefoot and wearing shorts, a CCPE t-shirt and has one of those aluminum foil-looking-sheet warmers they give you after you finish a race over his shoulders. He sips on an unknown hot beverage. Around his neck he has a medal of sorts.
Xavier Lux: I know what you are thinking, “participation medals” right? Yeah, I’m not a fan either… I believe in: “to the winner go the spoils” and so I don’t expect to get any sort of reward for just participating in the rumble… But then again, I am expecting to win it. But this right here, is not a participation medal but apparently I was first for my age group which, depending on how you look at it, can or can’t be a good thing.
He walks out of the tent, leaving the warm sheet behind and letting his toes get a good feel of the frozen grass underneath them. He turns, the quarry now serving as a nice backdrop.
Xavier Lux: I wanted to talk about the three wrestlers in this rumble that I know, two of which happen to be champions here.
First, there is J-Mont, the undefeated International Champion. That’s huge, and he’s huge, and someone I can see winning this whole thing. The man may be “twisted” with a Z, but the man is also smart, strong and clearly a good mathematician. That’s a helluva combination, and I am glad we are fighting under the same flag even if, at some point, we’ll have to fight each other… But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Second, Mr. Fred Debonair, the United Kingdom Champion and the man who passed on the invitation for this rumble. He is one of the more highly regarded stars on this roster and I can see why, and I can also see him winning this thing. Thank you for the invite, and thanks for the warm welcome the other day.
That’s a helluva pair, and if I decide to stay in this promotion after the rumble, you better believe that I will follow on their steps by not only staying undefeated, but winning championship gold.
Now the chances of us being in the ring at the same time are not good unfortunately, as they have the early draws, #3 and #7 respectably, and I’m not saying they won’t be there when I enter the rumble at #17, but anything and everything can happen in these type of events… But if the three of us manage to be in at the same time, then the rest of the wrestlers in this thing better watch out… CCPE is not a stable, but we fight under the same banner and proudly represent it and will defend it until we have to face each other. That’s just the nature of the beast and they understand it just as I do, but if one of us wins, CCPE wins…
He takes a sip of his drink.
Xavier Lux: The only other wrestler I know in this rumble is an old fossil who should have retired a long time ago and left this business for the real grinchs of the industry. Time has passed him by, and if he and I happen to cross paths at the rumble, I will prove it. “Thundering” Terry Marshall… I’m sorry, he’s “Too Sweet” Terry Marshall now, I forgot he picked up that nickname after doing a year in county. Hey, I don’t want to get into it, that’s his business and from what I hear, business was good in the joint… But let’s leave that alone and focus on the here and now and Terry coming in at number four. Well, it looks like we’ll only be together on this thing on paper, as there is no way in hell you are still in the rumble when I enter. How many people have you heard of that have won rumbles from the number four spot? Exactly, it’s a forgettable number just like your career… Too bad I won’t be the one eliminating you, but hey, there is always next year right?
He finishes the drink and signals to someone to bring him another.
Xavier Lux:Now I know there are 26 other wrestlers on this thing, and in case you didn’t pick up on my sarcasm on my first promo, let me spell it out for you now: I do not know who the hell these people are, and I don’t care. I won’t waste my breath on most, but there are two that got my attention so they should feel honored.
First, there is Bobby Mack. I wanted to update him and let him know that my bio is now up on the website, so you can go and check it out and get to know me better man. I’m sure you’ll become a fan in no time. Unlike the men I mentioned, you come out way later than I do, at #29. That’s a sweet spot, who’s balls did you have to mack, Bobby to get that spot? Don’t answer that, all I care about is that when you come out, and I’m in the ring waiting for you, the rest let me get first dibs. You have a big mouth Bobby, and I am very much looking forward to shutting it.
Second, there is Max Stone… Nice graphics, NERD. What do you think this is? A graphics design class? Trying to get an A+ from Professor Vaughan? This is wrestling, here we do our fighting in the ring and not behind a computer in the basement of your mom’s house… Please tell me you are in fact an actual wrestler and not just some keyboard warrior… Oh you are a sword not a throne, great analogy there, pal… Did you not watch House of Dragons? Did you not see what a throne made of swords did to the king? A death of a thousand cuts, does it ring a bell? No, me either, I’m not a nerd like you and I don’t watch those shows…. Just saying…
He smirks and gets another hot beverage handed to him. He takes a moment to enjoy it before continuing.
Xavier Lux: Oh, no, wait, I get it… you hate CCPE, that’s what this is about? Calling us Chris Page’s lapdogs… How original. Well guess what Max, if Fred and Joe have been digging holes and shitting all over the IIW yard is because a) they can and b) you haven’t been able to do a damn thing about it… and now there is three of us, but don’t worry, I am just here for the rumble, even if I win… maybe… I got other things to take care off before finding a home fed, but tell you what, come March, if you are still around, whining about CCPE, I’ll come back, just for you, and give you just one more reason to hate the greatest franchise in the wrestling world today.
Until then, just do me a favor, sit back down, keep playing with your little computer and make a nice little graphic with one of the CCPE members walking out of Manchester the winner, with the Ice Crown proudly on their heads. If you make mine first, I’ll get Page to sign an autograph for you. 8x10 good?
He finishes the second drink but doesn’t ask for more.
Xavier Lux: As for the rest of the field, nobody cares about the field, but the players on it and from what I see in this roster, there are very few … So, let’s change the word to “The Filled” because that is what most of you are, fillers… Like I said before, your only purpose is to make the rest of us, the true contenders, the winners, look good and do take a good look at me, I am a winner… all I am missing is a crown, and come January 29th, not too far from here, I will win it.
He decides to go for a swim again, continuing to work on his only real opponent at the rumble, the cold.
Xavier Lux:Back for more I see, glad you saw enough in my first promo to want to come back for seconds. Just gotta do a little something-something first, why don’t you find me at the finish line and then we can talk okay? Cool.
He crushes the foam cup on his hand and then tosses it into the trashcan nearby before approaching the jumping off point. There is a doctor there to check his vitals as well as race representatives to make sure he understands the risk of what he is about to do. He nods. They give him the greenlight and he walks to the edge of the cliff and looks down at the water below, which doesn’t look very friendly. You see the few runners who already took the plunge swimming towards shore, but he also sees one being loaded into one of the boats, clearly, it didn’t end up well for him. Xavier takes off the beanie and gloves, as well as his shoes and socks. He tosses everything aside, then lets his hands, head and feet get used to the cold… He then looks ahead instead of down and takes a deep breath...
Xavier Lux: For the crown.
… he exhales and then jumps off. He keeps it simple, stiffening his body and goes in feet first. The officials on the boat look on, checking their stop-clocks, knowing exactly when to decide is time to go in to get him. Xavier, emerges ten seconds afterwards and appears to be okay, giving them the thumbs up. They point him which way to go in case he is disoriented, and he begins to swim his way over.
. . .
A little while later, we find Xavier sitting on a picnic table which is covered by a tent, there are many all-around, but he is in this one all by himself. He has now changed, but still barefoot and wearing shorts, a CCPE t-shirt and has one of those aluminum foil-looking-sheet warmers they give you after you finish a race over his shoulders. He sips on an unknown hot beverage. Around his neck he has a medal of sorts.
Xavier Lux: I know what you are thinking, “participation medals” right? Yeah, I’m not a fan either… I believe in: “to the winner go the spoils” and so I don’t expect to get any sort of reward for just participating in the rumble… But then again, I am expecting to win it. But this right here, is not a participation medal but apparently I was first for my age group which, depending on how you look at it, can or can’t be a good thing.
He walks out of the tent, leaving the warm sheet behind and letting his toes get a good feel of the frozen grass underneath them. He turns, the quarry now serving as a nice backdrop.
Xavier Lux: I wanted to talk about the three wrestlers in this rumble that I know, two of which happen to be champions here.
First, there is J-Mont, the undefeated International Champion. That’s huge, and he’s huge, and someone I can see winning this whole thing. The man may be “twisted” with a Z, but the man is also smart, strong and clearly a good mathematician. That’s a helluva combination, and I am glad we are fighting under the same flag even if, at some point, we’ll have to fight each other… But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Second, Mr. Fred Debonair, the United Kingdom Champion and the man who passed on the invitation for this rumble. He is one of the more highly regarded stars on this roster and I can see why, and I can also see him winning this thing. Thank you for the invite, and thanks for the warm welcome the other day.
That’s a helluva pair, and if I decide to stay in this promotion after the rumble, you better believe that I will follow on their steps by not only staying undefeated, but winning championship gold.
Now the chances of us being in the ring at the same time are not good unfortunately, as they have the early draws, #3 and #7 respectably, and I’m not saying they won’t be there when I enter the rumble at #17, but anything and everything can happen in these type of events… But if the three of us manage to be in at the same time, then the rest of the wrestlers in this thing better watch out… CCPE is not a stable, but we fight under the same banner and proudly represent it and will defend it until we have to face each other. That’s just the nature of the beast and they understand it just as I do, but if one of us wins, CCPE wins…
He takes a sip of his drink.
Xavier Lux: The only other wrestler I know in this rumble is an old fossil who should have retired a long time ago and left this business for the real grinchs of the industry. Time has passed him by, and if he and I happen to cross paths at the rumble, I will prove it. “Thundering” Terry Marshall… I’m sorry, he’s “Too Sweet” Terry Marshall now, I forgot he picked up that nickname after doing a year in county. Hey, I don’t want to get into it, that’s his business and from what I hear, business was good in the joint… But let’s leave that alone and focus on the here and now and Terry coming in at number four. Well, it looks like we’ll only be together on this thing on paper, as there is no way in hell you are still in the rumble when I enter. How many people have you heard of that have won rumbles from the number four spot? Exactly, it’s a forgettable number just like your career… Too bad I won’t be the one eliminating you, but hey, there is always next year right?
He finishes the drink and signals to someone to bring him another.
Xavier Lux:Now I know there are 26 other wrestlers on this thing, and in case you didn’t pick up on my sarcasm on my first promo, let me spell it out for you now: I do not know who the hell these people are, and I don’t care. I won’t waste my breath on most, but there are two that got my attention so they should feel honored.
First, there is Bobby Mack. I wanted to update him and let him know that my bio is now up on the website, so you can go and check it out and get to know me better man. I’m sure you’ll become a fan in no time. Unlike the men I mentioned, you come out way later than I do, at #29. That’s a sweet spot, who’s balls did you have to mack, Bobby to get that spot? Don’t answer that, all I care about is that when you come out, and I’m in the ring waiting for you, the rest let me get first dibs. You have a big mouth Bobby, and I am very much looking forward to shutting it.
Second, there is Max Stone… Nice graphics, NERD. What do you think this is? A graphics design class? Trying to get an A+ from Professor Vaughan? This is wrestling, here we do our fighting in the ring and not behind a computer in the basement of your mom’s house… Please tell me you are in fact an actual wrestler and not just some keyboard warrior… Oh you are a sword not a throne, great analogy there, pal… Did you not watch House of Dragons? Did you not see what a throne made of swords did to the king? A death of a thousand cuts, does it ring a bell? No, me either, I’m not a nerd like you and I don’t watch those shows…. Just saying…
He smirks and gets another hot beverage handed to him. He takes a moment to enjoy it before continuing.
Xavier Lux: Oh, no, wait, I get it… you hate CCPE, that’s what this is about? Calling us Chris Page’s lapdogs… How original. Well guess what Max, if Fred and Joe have been digging holes and shitting all over the IIW yard is because a) they can and b) you haven’t been able to do a damn thing about it… and now there is three of us, but don’t worry, I am just here for the rumble, even if I win… maybe… I got other things to take care off before finding a home fed, but tell you what, come March, if you are still around, whining about CCPE, I’ll come back, just for you, and give you just one more reason to hate the greatest franchise in the wrestling world today.
Until then, just do me a favor, sit back down, keep playing with your little computer and make a nice little graphic with one of the CCPE members walking out of Manchester the winner, with the Ice Crown proudly on their heads. If you make mine first, I’ll get Page to sign an autograph for you. 8x10 good?
He finishes the second drink but doesn’t ask for more.
Xavier Lux: As for the rest of the field, nobody cares about the field, but the players on it and from what I see in this roster, there are very few … So, let’s change the word to “The Filled” because that is what most of you are, fillers… Like I said before, your only purpose is to make the rest of us, the true contenders, the winners, look good and do take a good look at me, I am a winner… all I am missing is a crown, and come January 29th, not too far from here, I will win it.
He decides to go for a swim again, continuing to work on his only real opponent at the rumble, the cold.
Word count: 2000 via wordcounter.net