Post by Scotty 'Silver Bullet' Adams on Mar 22, 2023 13:53:11 GMT
** Three Months Prior **
"Hey babe, Osh called---"
Bianca states this, as the 2 sit inside of their home in Eltham. Scott happily 'retired' from the ring and once more faded into the role of father and mentor to the next generation of graduates from his academy. Glancing at her, he looks genuinely surprised, considering he believed Osh was dead. He had seen the explosion occur and assumed that was that--- apparently, it wasn't.
"You're joking, right?" He remarks.
"No." She affirms, shaking her head before showing him the number on her phone. Sure enough, it's Osh's number. "I thought it was a prank at first, but sure enough--- it was him."
"What did he say?" He asks, trying to think of a reason why Osh would reach out to him.
"That he has a proposition for you and wants you to get in touch as soon as possible. I couldn't get anything else from him aside from that." Her statement rests within his mind as he begins to scroll through his phone. Trying to find Osh's number so that he can return the call.
He may not know what Osh wants or why he is reaching out to him, but he would be remiss not to hear the man out. After all, Osh gave him a place to continue cementing his legacy. A place where he could showcase just who he is and what he is about when he had been trying to get his toes back into the cycle back in 2021. When he was looking to reach a new audience. A realm who hadn't seen his style of purity in the ring before. So, for him, the least he can do is hear the man out. See what it is he might wish for him to do--- even if it means making a return to the ring.
Finding the number he is searching for, he presses on it, then presses call before lifting the phone to his ear and stating "Hey, I heard you had a proposition for me---".
** A week later **
Finalising his luggage, Scott looks across at his wrestling gear. He had retained it and was planning on framing it, but now, he may very well need it once more. That he may need to hop back in the saddle and show that he can still keep up. That even though his body is worn down and broken, he still has the flame within him. The capability of stepping into the ring and going toe to toe with anybody. He had informed those working at Adams Enterprise HQ as well as Bianca that he intended on taking Osh up on his offer. On stepping in and acting as sort of a balancer or liason between Shaun Hart and the IIW board of directors.
Yet nobody could know it is him under the mask. Something he was perfectly okay with--- he wanted to be in the shadows at this point of his career. Of his life and just sit at home with Bianca and Lucina whilst handling Adams Enterprise and Adams training academy business. In fact, he made sure that Osh guaranteed him that he could stay home unless he absolutely needed to fill a committment for the IIW--- which was agreed too.
"I never thought I would be doing this again." He whispers to himself, folding up some t-shirts that he plans on taking with him on his trip to IIW HQ, in order to meet with the board. He's never been a big suit guy, but has operated in capacities similar to this in the past and intends on at least dressing business casual for the meeting.
Looking around, he smiles upon seeing something, though it is unknown what what something is before turning and walking out of the room. Heading down the hallway, he appears to remember something, quietly stating about how if the Mecca and Shaun think they run things, they're in for a reality check. Soon enough, he is in his living room, where Bianca is watching Home and away on the TV.
"You sure you want to do this again?" She asks, referring to him returning to wrestling. He nods, smiling at her.
"Yeah." He responds in a terse manner.
"Just--- make sure you're doing this for the right reasons." She remarks, knowing that although Scott will likely tell her he's doing this for the right reason, deep down she questions whether he is doing this for him, or for one last shot at the spotlight.
"Don't worry about that, babe. I know exactly why I'm doing this. It is what needs to be." He responds, walking over to the couch and sitting down. "You know I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was right."
"I guess." She states, not entirely convinced but knowing better than to question his motives. After all, she has seen him take on authority roles in the past. Both inside and outside of the ring, much like the role Osh had asked him to do.
He just watches the TV, knowing that soon, he will have to meet up with the board and discuss where they are headed from here. His route back into the frey with the IIW.
"Trust me. This is exactly what must be done in order to make things right." He remarks to himself, knowing that if this is the role they want him to fill. If he is the man they want to counter act Shaun and his methods, then he is going to do exactly that. No matter what it takes.
** Four days later **
Scott sits alone in his apartment in Manchester, having just completed his first meeting with the board of directors, concerning Shaun Hart and the direction that the IIW is heading in. Although, he didn't attend the meeting as himself. He couldn't, for part of him agreeing to do this was that he wouldn't be operating under his own name. He did not wish for a single soul outside of those who were in the office with him as well as Osh. Not the public, not the news sites and especially not Shaun or the rest of the Mecca.
As such, he decided that it would be best if he donned a mask and even changed his voice when he did speak, as well as using the moniker of 'Mr. Intensity'. Simple but effective at the same time and an indication that he cares about the company. That he wants what is best for IIW as a whole and isn't afraid to put his foot down. Throw his weight around if need be.
Thankfully, that wasn't required in the first meeting, as it was simply talking about the direction of the company and what needs to be done in order to keep the Mecca--- primarily Shaun in check. For him, as much as he isn't the most formal of people, he didn't mind meeting with the board. It is a part of being a successful businessman. Making sure you do everything that is needed to make sure that the deal is sealed and done in a beneficial manner to all parties involved. Something that he will continue to do as commish of the IIW, no matter how long or how short the tenure in the role is.
One thing that he isn't going to do, however, is become a corporate stooge or shy away from what makes him, him. He might tone some of it down so that people don't connect the dots and realise that it is him under the mask.
"If I'm gonna be the one doing this, then nobody is to know," was the exact statement he made the moment the subject was broached during the meeting. They agreed to that condition.
Pulling his phone out from his pocket, he checks his messages. Most of them are pertaining to either Adams Enterprises or personal matters, but one in particular catches his eye. It's from Alyce, who informed him that she was flying into the UK for holiday tomorrow and wanted to catch up with him. He sends her an acceptance of the offer, seeing as he is staying in Manchester for another week before flying home.
"The show is just getting started." He remarks before continuing to ponder his new job within the IIW sphere.
He wants to make sure that he does it right. Knowing full well that soon enough, he is gonna have to step out of the shadows and into the open once more. Reveal that it was him under the mask the entire time.
** Three weeks later **
"Do they know?"
Stating this on the phone, Scott paces around his living room at home. The IIW board had just decided to retain Shaun as General Manager following a tense board meeting, whilst Scott, under the Mr. Intensity moniker took control of Mayhem, prior to returning back home. It is unknown who he is talking to on the phone, but it appears that he got a response of no.
"Good. Let's keep it that way for now. Soon enough, they will all know--- that time isn't now, however." He remarks.
In the background, Bianca returns with Lucina from daycare, but Scott's focus remains on the phone, listening to the response he gets.
"Don't worry about that. My lips are sealed." He affirms, getting a positive response from the person on the other end of the line, alongside a rundown of something that is only clear to him.
"You already know I'll be there when the time comes. Tell him if he wants me in the ring, all he has to do is ask." His words precise in nature, he obtains a reply of alright, before being informed that they'll be in touch with the next step of their plan.
"You know where to find me," is all he states in response before hanging up the phone and making his way to the kitchen.
"Hey babe, how's things?" He asks Bianca upon entering the kitchen.
"Good. The daycare told me Lucina is reading at a grade 1 level already and they want to put her in accelerated classes." She responds, smiling.
A smile coming across his own face, Scott couldn't be happier with that news. He knows how intelligent Lucina is for her ahe and how hard he and Bianca have worked to help her.
"That's awesome." He states.
"Yeah. They also want one of us to come on a field trip with them to the muesum on Wednesday." She comments.
"You want me to go, don't you?" He remarks, knowing that Bianca has a meeting with Channel 9 on Wednesday morning, whereas he doesn't have any committments.
"Yeah. I would but--- you know. Got that interview with Samantha." She replies.
"I'll absolutely do it." He wastes no time in stating. "I wanna catch up with her teachers anyway."
Bianca smiles. She knew he would see it as a good opportunity to find out for himself about Lucina's progress and get out and about. Especially seeing as she knows that soon enough, he'll likely be returning to the ring full-time. Or at least, close to full-time. Holding Lucina close to her, Bianca turns to head out of the kitchen and put Lucina in her room for a nap.
"Great. You know where the daycare is, right?" She asks.
"Of course I do." He responds, laughing as she walks off.
Deep down, he knows that this is one of the rare opportunities he is gonna have to meet with them before he heads back to the IIW. Something he suspects Bianca realises as well--- as much as he might tell himself otherwise, he knows he's not just going back for sparodic appearances. He'll be on the road the vast majority of weeks, as it is what they deserve. Sitting down, he begins to reflect upon his choice.
** 12 days later **
Scott, under the Mr. Intensity mask, has just made an announcement regarding the upcoming edition of Mayhem. One that he hopes gets under the skin of Shaun Hart and forces him to realise he doesn't have as much control as he assumes he does.
"The cards aren't in your hands, Shaun. They never were," he remarks.
The distortion in his voice is by design. After all, he has a very distinct accent that would give him away if he spoke, so he had Adams Enterprises design a voice changer. Thankfully, he has only needed to go into the ring to strike Shaun down, leaving the speaking portions behind the scenes.
"You seem to have a false belief of what it means to hold power. To have control. That is why you pin yourself to the Mecca. You wish for them to provide you with the power you seek, yet you cannot fully obtain it. It aches you to know that all you are doing, is exactly what is going to lead to your downfall." He cautions.
Walking forward, it is now clear that he is in some sort of darkened room. Whether it is in an arena or not is unknown. A small smile can be seen under the mask as his eyes stare forward.
"You will realise that the power you thought you had, was never yours to hold in the first place. That you are nothing more than a figurehead. A man who serves the purpose of a puppet," he states. "A puppet that can and will be replaced when the time calls for it to occur and when that time arrives, there isn't a single thing you'll be able to do about it."
Laughing, his eyes begin to emit a soft glow as he lets those words fill the air. Sink into Shaun's mind whenever he hears them. Let them bother him until he realises that it is the simple truth of the matter.
"That time will come and when it does, I will be here. Staring right in your eyes and telling you that you were warned." He states.
With those words, he exits the room. He has said all that he needs to and knows that deep down, Shaun is afraid of the moment his identity comes to light and all is revealed. Plus, he has another meeting to attend to, this time about the combat brand.
** Two weeks later **
"Everything set?" He asks.
Inside of the Adams training center in Eltham, he leans against the corner. It has been 4 days since he was informed of the plans to reveal his return to the world at Keys 2 Success, and he wants to make sure that he is in ring shape for when that occurs. After all, he knows how ring rust can get and how important it is to find a rhythm between the ropes.
"Yeah. We're all good to go whenever you are." Adam Greyson, his long time friend and training partner, responds.
"Alright." Scott remarks, getting himself into a fighting stance.
His body may not be in the condition it once was, the effects of almost 20 years in the ring creeping up on him, but he knows that he can still go between the ropes. That on his day, he can hang with anyone that is thrown his way. Just as he always has and always will.
"You ready?" Adam asks.
Giving him a simple nod of the head, the two move forward and engage in a collar and tie lock up to begin the training session. One that Scott is able to gain an advantage in by using his elbows and delivering a sharp strike to the head of Adam. Following that up with a knee to the stomach into a snap suplex.
"You haven't lost it when it comes to that, I'll tell you that much." Adam states, laughing as he clutches at his back.
Scott simply hoists Adam up and pulls him in for a short arm clothesline, only for Adam to spin outta the move and hit him with a sharp kick to the gut into a snap DDT. Dropping a knee onto Scott's back, Adam smiles, having managed to get one up on Scott. Though that was a mistake, as a drop toe hold drops him back to the mat face first.
"Gotta stay on your toes at all times. You should know that." He remarks, shaking his head.
Bouncing off the ropes, Scott delivers a basement dropkick to the side of Adam's head before rolling him onto his stomach and getting a 2 count on a mock pin. Something that informs Adam that as much as this might be for practice, Scott is still taking it seriously. As such, he ramps up his own intensity, surprising Scott with a forearm smash to the face followed by ducking under his clothesline attempt and nailing a back suplex when the 2 rise. He then doesn't let up, leaping into the air and connecting with an elbow drop that knocks the wind outta Scotty, who despite the pain, is pleased with how this session is going.
The back and forth between the two continues as they hit a variety of moves on one another, including a slingshot DDT and corkscrew neckbreaker from Scott in the 35 minutes that the session continues before the 2 roll outta the ring, grabbing themselves a bottle of water and taking a few sips.
"Felt good being able to get back into the ring again." Scott states, wiping some sweat from his face.
"I can tell. I wasn't expecting you to wanna go that hard." Adam responds.
"Of course," Scott replies, smirking. "If I'm gonna do this again, I wanna do it right. I ain't about to half ass this."
"I get you." Adam states.
The 2 then head towards their respective gym bags, knowing that this session is really just beginning, and that things are gonna ramp up sooner rather than later. After all, it's how their sessions have always gone in the past.
** 5 days later **
Scott sits in Jane's living room, having decided to visit and check up on the progress of Adams Enterprises newest project. One that they have been working on for the past 5 months.
"How are things going with the program?" He asks.
Pushing a manilla folder towards him, Jane opens it to reveal about 15 graphs. Each one revealing a different part of the project and its progression.
"Everything is meeting the KPIs, luckily. Plus, we managed to get TRX on board to help finance the developments, so hopefully everything will be fully in motion by April." She responds, pointing to one of the graphs in particular.
"Good. Just make sure that they remember the protocols when building. Don't want this to become like the "Xhibit" project." He states.
Jane nods, having already sent a memo out to the development team about that very topic. After all, thus project has a lot riding on it, so the margin for error is extremely minimal.
"I know. Plus, with you returning to the ring, I also know you don't wanna give people ammo to use against you." She remarks.
"Bianca tell you about that?" He inquires.
She smiles, nodding.
"Yeah. She told me a few weeks ago about your plans. You sure you wanna return? I know you said last time you were ready to ride off into the sunset." She comments.
Sighing, Scott ponders this. It is something he has deeply considered ever since Osh called him and initally asked. As much as he has embraced his role as Mr. Intensity, not even he truly knows if he is making the right decision. If this is what he wants, or if this is what he feels he has to do. She is right in that he stated last time he was ready to ride off and leave wrestling behind. Move onto the next chapter of his life.
"Honestly, I don't know," he confesses. "I don't know what I truly want anymore. All I know is that this is what must be done. That the Mecca must be taken down and that I am one of the people who can do it."
"Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons." Jane responds.
"I will." He affirms.
As much as he states that, deep down--- he doesn't know what those right reasons are. As much as he wishes for them to be expunged, is this the route to truly go with it? Is he really one of the pillars to tear them down? Those questions plague his mind as the rest of the conversation feels like a blur.
** 2 weeks later **
Donning the mask once more, Scott sits in a rocking chair. Pondering what to say to Shaun and Goliath before their match. One that they requested be a handicap match. The 2 of them, against Mr. Intensity. A condition he was all too happy to agree to.
"All roads lead to this. The 2 of you stepping into the ring against me, wanting to know who I truly am. Wanting to know why I have been a thorn in your side for this long, hoping that this match will provide you with the answers you seek." He remarks.
The chair continuing to sway back and forth, a small smile appears from under the mask. One that is creepier than his typical smile, and almost depraved in its nature.
"What the two of you seem to be neglecting, is whether or not the answers you will be getting--- are the ones you truly desire. Ask yourselves, do you want the answers or do you only want what you assume to be the truth?" He enquires.
Planting his feet onto the ground, his glare becomes cold. The smile that was on his face replaced by an emotionless one. As if he was a statue.
"Think about it, because when the truth comes out. When it all comes to light, are you gonna be ready to accept it? Are you going to embrace it, or are you simply gonna warp it so that it fits the image you wish for it to? When the 2 of you step into the ring with me, are you gonna come up fighting, or are you hoping the numbers game will be enough? That it will intimidate me into falling in line?" He remarks.
A soft laugh floats into the air at that.
"Because I'm not scared of you. I never have been. You are the ones who have been scared this entire time. I can see it in your eyes every time I have stared into them. I can sense the fact you know your time is coming and that worries you. It causes you to try and grip onto whatever control you believe you have. Hold it like it's your child." He states.
"Come Keys 2 success, it will all be stripped away from you--- and there will be nothing you can do about it." He continues.
His laughter growing, he returns to rocking back and forth on the chair, waiting to see what comes of his message.
** The night of Keys 2 success **
Scott, in full Mr. Intensity attire, sits in his private locker room. Waiting for the moment he will step out in front of the crowd once more. Tightening the strapping on his knee, he takes a deep breath.
"This is what must be done." He states.
Sitting back on the steel chair, he looks around the locker room. Knowing that by the end of the night, everybody will know it was him under the mask. That he has made his return to the company.
"I'm ready." He whispers.
Rubbing his hands together, he looks at the screen, waiting for them to prepare for the main event to begin.
"It's time." He comments.
Standing, he walks out of the locker room, preparing to head to his fate. What every action he has taken over the last 3 months has led to. Knowing that this is the point of no return. There is no turning back now...
"Hey babe, Osh called---"
Bianca states this, as the 2 sit inside of their home in Eltham. Scott happily 'retired' from the ring and once more faded into the role of father and mentor to the next generation of graduates from his academy. Glancing at her, he looks genuinely surprised, considering he believed Osh was dead. He had seen the explosion occur and assumed that was that--- apparently, it wasn't.
"You're joking, right?" He remarks.
"No." She affirms, shaking her head before showing him the number on her phone. Sure enough, it's Osh's number. "I thought it was a prank at first, but sure enough--- it was him."
"What did he say?" He asks, trying to think of a reason why Osh would reach out to him.
"That he has a proposition for you and wants you to get in touch as soon as possible. I couldn't get anything else from him aside from that." Her statement rests within his mind as he begins to scroll through his phone. Trying to find Osh's number so that he can return the call.
He may not know what Osh wants or why he is reaching out to him, but he would be remiss not to hear the man out. After all, Osh gave him a place to continue cementing his legacy. A place where he could showcase just who he is and what he is about when he had been trying to get his toes back into the cycle back in 2021. When he was looking to reach a new audience. A realm who hadn't seen his style of purity in the ring before. So, for him, the least he can do is hear the man out. See what it is he might wish for him to do--- even if it means making a return to the ring.
Finding the number he is searching for, he presses on it, then presses call before lifting the phone to his ear and stating "Hey, I heard you had a proposition for me---".
** A week later **
Finalising his luggage, Scott looks across at his wrestling gear. He had retained it and was planning on framing it, but now, he may very well need it once more. That he may need to hop back in the saddle and show that he can still keep up. That even though his body is worn down and broken, he still has the flame within him. The capability of stepping into the ring and going toe to toe with anybody. He had informed those working at Adams Enterprise HQ as well as Bianca that he intended on taking Osh up on his offer. On stepping in and acting as sort of a balancer or liason between Shaun Hart and the IIW board of directors.
Yet nobody could know it is him under the mask. Something he was perfectly okay with--- he wanted to be in the shadows at this point of his career. Of his life and just sit at home with Bianca and Lucina whilst handling Adams Enterprise and Adams training academy business. In fact, he made sure that Osh guaranteed him that he could stay home unless he absolutely needed to fill a committment for the IIW--- which was agreed too.
"I never thought I would be doing this again." He whispers to himself, folding up some t-shirts that he plans on taking with him on his trip to IIW HQ, in order to meet with the board. He's never been a big suit guy, but has operated in capacities similar to this in the past and intends on at least dressing business casual for the meeting.
Looking around, he smiles upon seeing something, though it is unknown what what something is before turning and walking out of the room. Heading down the hallway, he appears to remember something, quietly stating about how if the Mecca and Shaun think they run things, they're in for a reality check. Soon enough, he is in his living room, where Bianca is watching Home and away on the TV.
"You sure you want to do this again?" She asks, referring to him returning to wrestling. He nods, smiling at her.
"Yeah." He responds in a terse manner.
"Just--- make sure you're doing this for the right reasons." She remarks, knowing that although Scott will likely tell her he's doing this for the right reason, deep down she questions whether he is doing this for him, or for one last shot at the spotlight.
"Don't worry about that, babe. I know exactly why I'm doing this. It is what needs to be." He responds, walking over to the couch and sitting down. "You know I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was right."
"I guess." She states, not entirely convinced but knowing better than to question his motives. After all, she has seen him take on authority roles in the past. Both inside and outside of the ring, much like the role Osh had asked him to do.
He just watches the TV, knowing that soon, he will have to meet up with the board and discuss where they are headed from here. His route back into the frey with the IIW.
"Trust me. This is exactly what must be done in order to make things right." He remarks to himself, knowing that if this is the role they want him to fill. If he is the man they want to counter act Shaun and his methods, then he is going to do exactly that. No matter what it takes.
** Four days later **
Scott sits alone in his apartment in Manchester, having just completed his first meeting with the board of directors, concerning Shaun Hart and the direction that the IIW is heading in. Although, he didn't attend the meeting as himself. He couldn't, for part of him agreeing to do this was that he wouldn't be operating under his own name. He did not wish for a single soul outside of those who were in the office with him as well as Osh. Not the public, not the news sites and especially not Shaun or the rest of the Mecca.
As such, he decided that it would be best if he donned a mask and even changed his voice when he did speak, as well as using the moniker of 'Mr. Intensity'. Simple but effective at the same time and an indication that he cares about the company. That he wants what is best for IIW as a whole and isn't afraid to put his foot down. Throw his weight around if need be.
Thankfully, that wasn't required in the first meeting, as it was simply talking about the direction of the company and what needs to be done in order to keep the Mecca--- primarily Shaun in check. For him, as much as he isn't the most formal of people, he didn't mind meeting with the board. It is a part of being a successful businessman. Making sure you do everything that is needed to make sure that the deal is sealed and done in a beneficial manner to all parties involved. Something that he will continue to do as commish of the IIW, no matter how long or how short the tenure in the role is.
One thing that he isn't going to do, however, is become a corporate stooge or shy away from what makes him, him. He might tone some of it down so that people don't connect the dots and realise that it is him under the mask.
"If I'm gonna be the one doing this, then nobody is to know," was the exact statement he made the moment the subject was broached during the meeting. They agreed to that condition.
Pulling his phone out from his pocket, he checks his messages. Most of them are pertaining to either Adams Enterprises or personal matters, but one in particular catches his eye. It's from Alyce, who informed him that she was flying into the UK for holiday tomorrow and wanted to catch up with him. He sends her an acceptance of the offer, seeing as he is staying in Manchester for another week before flying home.
"The show is just getting started." He remarks before continuing to ponder his new job within the IIW sphere.
He wants to make sure that he does it right. Knowing full well that soon enough, he is gonna have to step out of the shadows and into the open once more. Reveal that it was him under the mask the entire time.
** Three weeks later **
"Do they know?"
Stating this on the phone, Scott paces around his living room at home. The IIW board had just decided to retain Shaun as General Manager following a tense board meeting, whilst Scott, under the Mr. Intensity moniker took control of Mayhem, prior to returning back home. It is unknown who he is talking to on the phone, but it appears that he got a response of no.
"Good. Let's keep it that way for now. Soon enough, they will all know--- that time isn't now, however." He remarks.
In the background, Bianca returns with Lucina from daycare, but Scott's focus remains on the phone, listening to the response he gets.
"Don't worry about that. My lips are sealed." He affirms, getting a positive response from the person on the other end of the line, alongside a rundown of something that is only clear to him.
"You already know I'll be there when the time comes. Tell him if he wants me in the ring, all he has to do is ask." His words precise in nature, he obtains a reply of alright, before being informed that they'll be in touch with the next step of their plan.
"You know where to find me," is all he states in response before hanging up the phone and making his way to the kitchen.
"Hey babe, how's things?" He asks Bianca upon entering the kitchen.
"Good. The daycare told me Lucina is reading at a grade 1 level already and they want to put her in accelerated classes." She responds, smiling.
A smile coming across his own face, Scott couldn't be happier with that news. He knows how intelligent Lucina is for her ahe and how hard he and Bianca have worked to help her.
"That's awesome." He states.
"Yeah. They also want one of us to come on a field trip with them to the muesum on Wednesday." She comments.
"You want me to go, don't you?" He remarks, knowing that Bianca has a meeting with Channel 9 on Wednesday morning, whereas he doesn't have any committments.
"Yeah. I would but--- you know. Got that interview with Samantha." She replies.
"I'll absolutely do it." He wastes no time in stating. "I wanna catch up with her teachers anyway."
Bianca smiles. She knew he would see it as a good opportunity to find out for himself about Lucina's progress and get out and about. Especially seeing as she knows that soon enough, he'll likely be returning to the ring full-time. Or at least, close to full-time. Holding Lucina close to her, Bianca turns to head out of the kitchen and put Lucina in her room for a nap.
"Great. You know where the daycare is, right?" She asks.
"Of course I do." He responds, laughing as she walks off.
Deep down, he knows that this is one of the rare opportunities he is gonna have to meet with them before he heads back to the IIW. Something he suspects Bianca realises as well--- as much as he might tell himself otherwise, he knows he's not just going back for sparodic appearances. He'll be on the road the vast majority of weeks, as it is what they deserve. Sitting down, he begins to reflect upon his choice.
** 12 days later **
Scott, under the Mr. Intensity mask, has just made an announcement regarding the upcoming edition of Mayhem. One that he hopes gets under the skin of Shaun Hart and forces him to realise he doesn't have as much control as he assumes he does.
"The cards aren't in your hands, Shaun. They never were," he remarks.
The distortion in his voice is by design. After all, he has a very distinct accent that would give him away if he spoke, so he had Adams Enterprises design a voice changer. Thankfully, he has only needed to go into the ring to strike Shaun down, leaving the speaking portions behind the scenes.
"You seem to have a false belief of what it means to hold power. To have control. That is why you pin yourself to the Mecca. You wish for them to provide you with the power you seek, yet you cannot fully obtain it. It aches you to know that all you are doing, is exactly what is going to lead to your downfall." He cautions.
Walking forward, it is now clear that he is in some sort of darkened room. Whether it is in an arena or not is unknown. A small smile can be seen under the mask as his eyes stare forward.
"You will realise that the power you thought you had, was never yours to hold in the first place. That you are nothing more than a figurehead. A man who serves the purpose of a puppet," he states. "A puppet that can and will be replaced when the time calls for it to occur and when that time arrives, there isn't a single thing you'll be able to do about it."
Laughing, his eyes begin to emit a soft glow as he lets those words fill the air. Sink into Shaun's mind whenever he hears them. Let them bother him until he realises that it is the simple truth of the matter.
"That time will come and when it does, I will be here. Staring right in your eyes and telling you that you were warned." He states.
With those words, he exits the room. He has said all that he needs to and knows that deep down, Shaun is afraid of the moment his identity comes to light and all is revealed. Plus, he has another meeting to attend to, this time about the combat brand.
** Two weeks later **
"Everything set?" He asks.
Inside of the Adams training center in Eltham, he leans against the corner. It has been 4 days since he was informed of the plans to reveal his return to the world at Keys 2 Success, and he wants to make sure that he is in ring shape for when that occurs. After all, he knows how ring rust can get and how important it is to find a rhythm between the ropes.
"Yeah. We're all good to go whenever you are." Adam Greyson, his long time friend and training partner, responds.
"Alright." Scott remarks, getting himself into a fighting stance.
His body may not be in the condition it once was, the effects of almost 20 years in the ring creeping up on him, but he knows that he can still go between the ropes. That on his day, he can hang with anyone that is thrown his way. Just as he always has and always will.
"You ready?" Adam asks.
Giving him a simple nod of the head, the two move forward and engage in a collar and tie lock up to begin the training session. One that Scott is able to gain an advantage in by using his elbows and delivering a sharp strike to the head of Adam. Following that up with a knee to the stomach into a snap suplex.
"You haven't lost it when it comes to that, I'll tell you that much." Adam states, laughing as he clutches at his back.
Scott simply hoists Adam up and pulls him in for a short arm clothesline, only for Adam to spin outta the move and hit him with a sharp kick to the gut into a snap DDT. Dropping a knee onto Scott's back, Adam smiles, having managed to get one up on Scott. Though that was a mistake, as a drop toe hold drops him back to the mat face first.
"Gotta stay on your toes at all times. You should know that." He remarks, shaking his head.
Bouncing off the ropes, Scott delivers a basement dropkick to the side of Adam's head before rolling him onto his stomach and getting a 2 count on a mock pin. Something that informs Adam that as much as this might be for practice, Scott is still taking it seriously. As such, he ramps up his own intensity, surprising Scott with a forearm smash to the face followed by ducking under his clothesline attempt and nailing a back suplex when the 2 rise. He then doesn't let up, leaping into the air and connecting with an elbow drop that knocks the wind outta Scotty, who despite the pain, is pleased with how this session is going.
The back and forth between the two continues as they hit a variety of moves on one another, including a slingshot DDT and corkscrew neckbreaker from Scott in the 35 minutes that the session continues before the 2 roll outta the ring, grabbing themselves a bottle of water and taking a few sips.
"Felt good being able to get back into the ring again." Scott states, wiping some sweat from his face.
"I can tell. I wasn't expecting you to wanna go that hard." Adam responds.
"Of course," Scott replies, smirking. "If I'm gonna do this again, I wanna do it right. I ain't about to half ass this."
"I get you." Adam states.
The 2 then head towards their respective gym bags, knowing that this session is really just beginning, and that things are gonna ramp up sooner rather than later. After all, it's how their sessions have always gone in the past.
** 5 days later **
Scott sits in Jane's living room, having decided to visit and check up on the progress of Adams Enterprises newest project. One that they have been working on for the past 5 months.
"How are things going with the program?" He asks.
Pushing a manilla folder towards him, Jane opens it to reveal about 15 graphs. Each one revealing a different part of the project and its progression.
"Everything is meeting the KPIs, luckily. Plus, we managed to get TRX on board to help finance the developments, so hopefully everything will be fully in motion by April." She responds, pointing to one of the graphs in particular.
"Good. Just make sure that they remember the protocols when building. Don't want this to become like the "Xhibit" project." He states.
Jane nods, having already sent a memo out to the development team about that very topic. After all, thus project has a lot riding on it, so the margin for error is extremely minimal.
"I know. Plus, with you returning to the ring, I also know you don't wanna give people ammo to use against you." She remarks.
"Bianca tell you about that?" He inquires.
She smiles, nodding.
"Yeah. She told me a few weeks ago about your plans. You sure you wanna return? I know you said last time you were ready to ride off into the sunset." She comments.
Sighing, Scott ponders this. It is something he has deeply considered ever since Osh called him and initally asked. As much as he has embraced his role as Mr. Intensity, not even he truly knows if he is making the right decision. If this is what he wants, or if this is what he feels he has to do. She is right in that he stated last time he was ready to ride off and leave wrestling behind. Move onto the next chapter of his life.
"Honestly, I don't know," he confesses. "I don't know what I truly want anymore. All I know is that this is what must be done. That the Mecca must be taken down and that I am one of the people who can do it."
"Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons." Jane responds.
"I will." He affirms.
As much as he states that, deep down--- he doesn't know what those right reasons are. As much as he wishes for them to be expunged, is this the route to truly go with it? Is he really one of the pillars to tear them down? Those questions plague his mind as the rest of the conversation feels like a blur.
** 2 weeks later **
Donning the mask once more, Scott sits in a rocking chair. Pondering what to say to Shaun and Goliath before their match. One that they requested be a handicap match. The 2 of them, against Mr. Intensity. A condition he was all too happy to agree to.
"All roads lead to this. The 2 of you stepping into the ring against me, wanting to know who I truly am. Wanting to know why I have been a thorn in your side for this long, hoping that this match will provide you with the answers you seek." He remarks.
The chair continuing to sway back and forth, a small smile appears from under the mask. One that is creepier than his typical smile, and almost depraved in its nature.
"What the two of you seem to be neglecting, is whether or not the answers you will be getting--- are the ones you truly desire. Ask yourselves, do you want the answers or do you only want what you assume to be the truth?" He enquires.
Planting his feet onto the ground, his glare becomes cold. The smile that was on his face replaced by an emotionless one. As if he was a statue.
"Think about it, because when the truth comes out. When it all comes to light, are you gonna be ready to accept it? Are you going to embrace it, or are you simply gonna warp it so that it fits the image you wish for it to? When the 2 of you step into the ring with me, are you gonna come up fighting, or are you hoping the numbers game will be enough? That it will intimidate me into falling in line?" He remarks.
A soft laugh floats into the air at that.
"Because I'm not scared of you. I never have been. You are the ones who have been scared this entire time. I can see it in your eyes every time I have stared into them. I can sense the fact you know your time is coming and that worries you. It causes you to try and grip onto whatever control you believe you have. Hold it like it's your child." He states.
"Come Keys 2 success, it will all be stripped away from you--- and there will be nothing you can do about it." He continues.
His laughter growing, he returns to rocking back and forth on the chair, waiting to see what comes of his message.
** The night of Keys 2 success **
Scott, in full Mr. Intensity attire, sits in his private locker room. Waiting for the moment he will step out in front of the crowd once more. Tightening the strapping on his knee, he takes a deep breath.
"This is what must be done." He states.
Sitting back on the steel chair, he looks around the locker room. Knowing that by the end of the night, everybody will know it was him under the mask. That he has made his return to the company.
"I'm ready." He whispers.
Rubbing his hands together, he looks at the screen, waiting for them to prepare for the main event to begin.
"It's time." He comments.
Standing, he walks out of the locker room, preparing to head to his fate. What every action he has taken over the last 3 months has led to. Knowing that this is the point of no return. There is no turning back now...