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Post by Osh Vaughan on Dec 3, 2023 21:04:59 GMT
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Post by The Celtic Club on Dec 17, 2023 23:51:46 GMT
The reborn IIW faithful were greeted to the sound and sight of static before an old familiar haunt appeared on their screen. The beaten up Irish decor, bottles of liquor that varied in capacity, the ashtrays filled with cigarette butts, joint clips and blunt roaches, the pool tables in the back–it was The Blarney Stone in Hell’s Kitchen. Headquarter of The Celtic Club, the last remnants of the Irish in the Rotten Apple. Atop the bar sits a display made for a championship belt–that is unfortunately vacant. Smoke billows, the camera pans outward and shows the blonde hair and broad shoulders of Hell’s Kitchen’s Favorite Son–John Cavanagh. John whipped in his bar stool, turning to the camera and grinned.
John Cavanagh. A name the wrestling world was pondering about at the conclusion of the last IIW Super Show–until he showed up on Acceleration over at Full Throttle Wrestling. IIW. Three letters that many in the wrestling world thought they had heard the last of–then Osh Vaughan decided to announce the 2023 Ice Crown Championship. Funny how the promotion and its Final Boss shared such a similar fate upon the doors closing up. Now that the comedic value is out of the way maybe we can point out that not only were the fates similar, they were also intertwined. Shortly thereafter came the announcement from Osh, it didn’t take much longer for good old Johnnie Cav to declare himself for the Ice Crown Championship. Shit, I’m sure the Irishman being in this competition was pretty high on the “well, that wasn’t a surprise” list from the moment the announcement was made for the majority of people–so maybe y'all got your wish. Or is it a wish? I’m sure for some of them it’s nothing more than a nightmare.
The Irishman shrugged his shoulders. It wasn’t his job to provide the narrative for another athlete–but he was more than willing to provide his own for the faithful at home and his soon to be victims in the first round of the Ice Crown tournament.
The final IIW World Champion returns to an IIW ring to prove once again that he is this promotions FInal Boss, that there isn’t a goddamn soul on this planet that can stand toe to toe with The One Man Dynasty and come out on top. I’m pretty sure I proved that the last time the IIW cameras were running, ya know back when I proved to be the last man standing against Joe Montuori? Unfortunately, as you can tell by the lack of championship gold above my head, a certain little prick named Jay Vaughan made sure I didn’t get to take my shiny new prize home with me. Don’t worry though boys and girls, this bastard made sure to go out and get a little something made to fill the void–it will be here soon. And as for Jay? Well, I’ve got limited time and I’m known to have the “gift of gab” so I’ll save your pathetic ass for another day.
Cavanagh’s grin grew. It was a day he anticipated–he planned to paint whatever town it may be red with Jay’s blood as payment for stealing Cavanagh’s last moment in the limelight that IIW had provided for the twilight of his in-ring career.
Now, let me get to it. For those of you wondering, I haven't been in the ring lately. Nah, I ain’t using that as some bullshit “ring rust” excuse–this potato eating son of a bitch has always and will always be ready for combat! I mention it as a segway for the next words coming out of my mouth–I’m getting fucking old. While we all like to talk the tough guy talk and beat the shit out of our bodies–there comes a point in every athlete’s career when they have to start asking “how many more bumps can I take?” Now, I ain’t got a timeframe and I sure as shit don’t know how many specific bumps this bodies got left in me but I damn well know I’m closer to the end than I am to the start. Now that might be a sad thing to admit but it makes it crystal clear what good old Johnnie Cav is doing in the Ice Crown Championship…he’s using up some of them bumps to get one more moment in the limelight. One more day in the Sun, one more walk in the yard before the gate pops. One last accomplishment to put on the resume before this mick from Manhattan’s west side rides off into the fucking sunset–until there’s another reason to tick a few more bumps away.
John began counting with his fingers, mimicking the amount of bumps he may or may not have left before his body forces him to hang them up once and for all.
So what’s it gonna be? We got four fatal fourways that are leading to a finale. I don’t give a shit about who is in the other fatal fourways–only three of them schmucks are going to matter to me after this show. The only two poor bastards that matter this time are Adrian Illingworth and Devlin Knight. Two names that, on the surface, appear to have nothing to do with me and that I, for the most part, had never heard of previously. Adrian Illingworth, I’ll address you first. While I may not possess a plethora of knowledge about you there is one thing that is for certain, and I’m sure everyone at home will corroborate this, you have a very punchable face. As a matter of fact, you have, quite possibly, the most punchable face I’ve ever laid eyes upon in my history in this business and that’s quite some time. For that I’ve gotta give you a round of applause.
Cavanagh began to clap his hands. He was being serious, take a look at that mug–don’t you just wanna punch it?
I’m honestly a little impressed. With that getting out of the way let me tell you what that means for you–it means that at our inaugural encounter good old Johnnie Cav is gonna get your punk ass to the mat or in a corner and I’m going to start unloading right hands into that punchable face of yours until I knock your cocky little smirk off of your face. I’m going to ball my fist up until I make your eyes tear up, your nose fill up with a nice little mucus and blood mixture and just for good measure I’ll make sure to go ahead and knock a few of those pricey little veneers you’ve clearly gotten for yourself right out of your skull. Not only will I do it but I’ll do it with one of the biggest smiles on my face that a camera has ever captured in all of my years. I’m sure you may view that as a consolation prize due to the fact that you will be eliminated from the Ice Crown Championship but, once again, congratulations are in order!
The blonde haired Irishman shook his head back and forth. His next topic was a bit more close to home–even though it may not sound that way.
Then we’ve got this other relatively unknown name in Devlin Knight. The problem with this unknown name? It ain’t all that unknown after all. See Devlin Knight is actually Fred Debonair. Yes, that Fred Debonair. The same Fred Debonair that has history as ancient as the periods with me. Well, let’s go ahead and write ourselves one more chapter–shall we Devlin? Now you and I could fill up a novel with our exploits in the past–both here and elsewhere so I will do the world a favor and provide the briefest of summaries–Johnnie Cav is usually the one who walks out of the ring the victor when these two titans of the profession lock horns. That’s not to take anything away from you, Devlin, every great has someone that they just can’t seem to beat. Why? It’s because each generation has their greatest and unfortunately for you, you were born in the same generation of professional wrestlers as The One Man Dynasty which has led to you being trapped beneath a glass ceiling. You can see me right there, just a cunt hair above you on the talent scale holding the championship you so desperately desire. Well, at the end of this triple threat it will be more of the same shit, different Pamper for poor little Devlin Knight.
The Irishman rubbed the palms of his hands back and forth. He had been able to make a fortune out of being just one step ahead of Devlin for a good chunk of their career and was planning on continuing that trend in the Ice Crown.
How fitting the setting of so many of the promos you’ve seen from me has been this very pub. Poor Devlin has had many nights where he’s had to drown his sorrows in a bottle of spirits after finishing second best to good old Johnnie Cav. You may have a new name, new persona, new look but let’s face it–this is the same as changing your moniker. This is some new veil for you to pull over your face to disguise your uncertainty regarding yourself from the world one more time, maybe one last time. Fred, Devlin, whatever the fuck you want to be referred to as nowadays–you and I have aged together, how many more times you gonna be able to change that veil before your body is done taking bumps too? How many more times is the world going to get the opportunity to watch you and I lockup in the center of a ring? How many more times are you going to spew some nonsensical bullshit about how this time it’s going to be different, or how I twist whatever truth it is that you seem to remember differently. The fact of the matter remains the same, Johnnie Cav wins–doesn’t matter if you come to the ring as Devlin Knight, Fred Debonair, Fred Knight or Devlin Debonair.
Cavanagh reached behind him, producing a shot glass and a bottle of Jameson. He filled up his glass and slugged down his shot before putting the items back on the bar behind him.
Sometimes in sports there are those moments that follow athletes. Patrick Ewing fading away when he should have dunked in the NBA Finals. Buckner letting that soft grounder get between his legs in the 1986 World Series. Tom Brady every time he met up with Eli Manning in the Super Bowl. Insert some bullshit about some World Cup moment that I have no idea existed here. And then, for professional wrestling, it’s Fred Debonair, I mean, Devlin Knight each and every single time he decided to step in between those ropes and test John fucking Cavanagh! It’s going to sound a bit cliche buddy, but it ain’t nothin’ personal it always has been and will always be…just business. So enjoy a few more days with optimistic thoughts dancing around in your brain because if you sit there and analyze the situation you’re fully aware that you and Adrian Illingworth will both be making an exit from the Ice Crown Championship at the hands of The One Man Dynasty. After that, you can go back to telling anyone who will listen about how amazing you are and all of your accomplishments in whatever corner of the universe you call home–far, far away from good old Johnnie Cav.
John paused for a moment.
Well, enough shit talking for now, excuse me for forgetting my manners. Let me wish the best of luck to the both of you future footnotes.
Cavanagh grabbed his bottle and shot glass again, poured another shot and lifted it to the camera.
Slainte!
The scene cut to static.
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Post by Adrian Illingworth on Dec 20, 2023 13:07:47 GMT
[The camera opens to a darkened arena, the atmosphere thick with anticipation as The Robot's return to the IIW is announced. The screen flickers to life, showcasing highlights from The Robot's past victories, his calculated precision in the ring, and the devastation caused by the infamous Robotic Hold.]
Narrator: "A familiar hum fills the air as The Robot, Adrian Islington, prepares to re-enter the IIW arena. Having left a trail of defeated opponents in his wake, The Robot returns with a singular goal – to claim the Ice Crown Championship and solidify his dominance in the IIW."
[Cut to The Robot standing in a dimly lit room, his cold gaze fixed on the camera.]
The Robot: "I am the unfeeling force, the machine without mercy. The IIW has witnessed my calculated fury before, but now, I return for something greater. The Ice Crown Championship represents more than just gold around my waist; it symbolizes the culmination of my relentless pursuit of excellence."
[The camera zooms in on The Robot's face, showcasing the determination etched into his expression.]
The Robot: "Devlin Knight, Jon Cavanagh – formidable opponents in their own right. But in the ring, I am without equal. The Robotic Hold awaits, ready to silence the crowd, and the calculated precision that defines me will carve a path to victory."
[Montage of Devlin Knight and Jon Cavanagh's recent matches, showcasing their prowess in the IIW arena.]
Narrator: "Devlin Knight, the enigmatic high-flyer, and Jon Cavanagh, the reigning IIW World Champion, stand as formidable obstacles in The Robot's path. The Ice Crown Championship Triple Threat Match promises to be a collision of styles, a test of strength, agility, and unyielding determination."
[The screen splits into three, showing each competitor side by side as the narrator continues.]
Narrator: "In one corner, The Robot, known for his unemotional precision and devastating submission moves. In another, Devlin Knight, the aerial acrobat with a penchant for defying gravity. And finally, Jon Cavanagh, the reigning IIW World Champion, bringing experience, resilience, and a championship mindset."
[The camera shifts back to The Robot, his gaze unwavering.]
The Robot: "This is not just a match. This is a clash of titans, a battle that will echo through the halls of IIW. The Ice Crown Championship is not just an accolade; it's a testament to my dominance, a declaration that The Robot is here to rewrite history."
[The screen fades to black, leaving the IIW audience in eager anticipation of The Robot's return and the explosive showdown for the coveted Ice Crown Championship.]
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Post by Devlin Knight. on Dec 20, 2023 21:26:39 GMT
[[T’was about two weeks before Christmas and all through the hood, nobody was quiet, they were up to no good… As the rental pulled up, outside the Air BnB… Three youths ran past, with a forty inch TV…
Fires raged, glass smashed and screams echoed throughout… The winos hollering and singing, no diggity (no doubt)... As he stepped out of the vehicle, took a good look around… Two ladies of the night, made whistling sounds…
Their stockings hung from gates nearby… Residents taking cover from hourly drive-bys… And as the magical lights flash from above… The Police Chopper soares over, just like a dove…
He walks up to the porch and quick as a flash… Turns the key in the lock with a crash and a dash… Bundles his way in, closes the door behind… And with that, darkness engulfs him, for now it is time…
For…
DEV KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…
[[Devlin places a small bag he has over his shoulder on the floor and flicks a lightswitch in the foyer, but nothing seems to be happening. He lifts his head and allows the cell phone he's had tucked into his neck to slide into his head and puts it back up to his ear…]]
Devlin: ”Sorry babe, I had to throw myself in here, I need to have a word with Abe because this Air BnB is not the one for me, I'm literally located between Cripsville and Blood Town!”
Aurora: ”But wait didn't you literally grow up in Hell’s Kitchen?”
[[Devlin continues to walk around checking the lights but getting nowhere… He walks towards the TV he's just spotted, makes sure it's plugged in and flicks the switch, suddenly a picture appears on the screen and Devlin silently pumps his fist, turning his attention back to the phone…]]
Devlin: ”Yeah I was, but I knew what to be prepared for then. Plus I wasn't a fully grown family man with a family to worry about. I was reckless and stupid. Anyway we've got no lights, but there's a working TV and I can hear the fridge in the kitchen, but I'm probably gonna grab something from DoorDash…”
Aurora: ”Okay, good. So what is the agenda this week??
Devlin: Well I'm fuming that J Mont cost me my All or Nothing match against Artemis but hey, I get a chance to get him back next week, but firstly I've got a trip down IIW Lane.”
Aurora: ”Oh yeah? What's going on?”
Devlin: ”Osh’s annual Ice Crown Tournament… I dropped my name in the hat, I get to wave off the IIW crowd properly…”
[[Devlin looks up slightly toward a mirror hanging above of the couch and almost does a double take as he's certain he sees John Cavanagh standing behind him, he spins around but nobody is there. He puts the phone back to his ear, but it's dead and nobody is on the other end. Devlin sighs and sits down on the couch, picking up the remote he flicks a couple of times before he spots something he recognises and the booming voice over confirms it.]]
Voiceover: ”Ladies and gentlemen! It's ABC’s Classic Midweek Mayhem! Where we take a trip down memory lane at some of the classic matches in promotions in history! Tonight it's the RWF!”
Devlin: ”Woah, are you kidding?!”
Voiceover: ”First up, it'll be the RWF Tag Champs, Shawn King and Fred Debonair better known as Full Impact taking on Dr. Z and Kurt Ragnarok of Apocolypse Now!”
Devlin: ”Holy shit, no way?!”
[[Devlin gets comfortable beginning to pull up the DoorDash website on his phone. He begins to blink a couple of times as he hears chains rattling behind him. He jumps up and spins around and sees John Cavanagh in the doorway clad in chains. No wait, it isn't Cav, it's…]]
Devlin: ”No shit… Shawn?! Man where have you been?! How'd you find me in this shithole?! What's with the chains?!”
[[Shawn King, Devlin’s one time best friend and former tag team partner, could actually be John Cavanagh’s identical twin brother, the looks and everything, even down to his occupation as a Hell’s Kitchen soldier… He smirks…]]
Shawn: ”Yep! In the flesh! Well, heh… And as for the rest…”
[[Devlin looks Shawn up and down as he holds the chains up]]
Devlin: ”Shit… Brother are you… Dead?!”
Shawn: ”Man, nothing gets past you!”
Devlin: ”Are you haunting me?!”
Shawn: ”No! Well, yeah but I've got a valid reason. I've come to tell you that you will be visited by three Christmas spirits, they...-"
Devlin: "Sorry man, is that three including you or not?"
Shawn: "Not including, no..."
Devlin: ”So, four then? Sorry... Carry on."
Shawn: "They will each come at the...-"
Devlin: ”Sorry brother you're my boy and everything but this is confusing me. This is about Christmas right? So why are you here now?!"
Shawn: "I mean yeah traditionally but the Ice Crown Tournament is in a few days so we've gotta do it now... Are you gonna keep doing this?"
Devlin: ”What's this got to do with the Ice Crown To…-”
[[Devlin stops, motions zipping his lip and throwing away the key…]]
Shawn: ”You, Devlin Knight will learn to change your ways… If…-”
Devlin: ”Shawn, buddy… Devlin Knight, surely you've noticed? No longer that asshole, you're late…”
Shawn: ”Again, admin issue… Just humour me! Anyway Devlin you'll be visited by three Christmas spirits but firstly you'll have to get through the triple threat in the Ice Crown Tournament…”
[[Shawn, along with his shackles takes a seat in a chair by the couch and Devlin sits back down with his hands on his knees.]]
Devlin: ”You're right, that will come first before anything and any spirits wishing to pay me a visit will have to wait because I've made my way back to IIW and back to The Ice Crown! This time a selection of Triple Threats will take place to determine who shall advance to the finals of the tournament which will seemingly culminate into a fatal fourway for the coveted prize of Ice Crown Champion… It doesn't matter who is in the other brackets, I'm not even concerning myself with that and with all due respect Shawn you can shove your spirits too, because I've got my own demons to conquer in this match in the form of one John Cavanagh, as well as Adrian Illingworth…
I mean I'm still unable to figure out if your name was Illingworth or Islington, but then I don't think you ever figured it out yourself did you?? But that's okay! Your name doesn't define you Adrian and you, I recall just as I disappeared from IIW, had a good form about you and you were definitely not somebody to be trifled with. Motionless and static, a Robot but believe me I'll get some emotion out of you yet man. But you know Adrian of all the things high on the list of what you're not, is Devlin Knight. You are not and never will be the man who takes things up a notch when it's needed, pushes a company and puts asses in seats, I admire your strength Adrian, your… Charisma I guess? And your in-ring ability but I'm sorry to say hoss, Friday night is not going to be yours…”
[[Devlin looks over towards a window where Police cars are speeding by and we can hear shouting and gunshots. He closes his eyes and loses himself in some kind of meditative state…]]
Devlin: ”And that brings me to a man who, although I may not like very much lately, I respect and admire what he brings to the table and whilst he may not feel the same about me, or claims not to, I will stand by that every word… “The one man Dynasty”, John Cavanagh. You know it's funny because I used to think my life was almost mirrored with Cav’s; grew up in the same area, had the same two ‘careers’ but the more I think and it dawns on me I'm nothing like John Cavanagh, not because I haven't got the fortitude, not because I have too much of an emotional core but because I'm simply built different.
I’m built different in the ring too and John knows it, we've known each other for a good fifteen years and despite his penchant for bending the narrative ever so slightly, he knows I'm just as good in the ring as him, if not better… And so it comes to us meeting each other once more in the ring and to see who takes it this time around. John of course is a nightmare to go up against, one of the toughest sons of bitches I've ever had the misfortune of having to face, but I've also been lucky in recent times to have this man watch my back.”
[[Devlin looks back over at Shawn and smirks, nodding ever so slightly as he points to the TV showing the RWF days…]]
Devlin: ”Was a good teammate Shawn, you'd have liked him but trust was never there he knew it too and that's why we'd worked so well together. This is clearly a fate thing, those dials have turned and pit us against each other once more and no doubt John will start spewing at the mouth about how I've never won a single match against him (not true) or he'll conveniently forget that I completely ended his undefeated streak in FcW when we first met… And he won't be able to keep his story straight on that as per usual, it was either it was the plan all along that I'd win the match and take the FcW World Title, or… I double crossed him.
It's funny the picture you paint Cav, it really is… Because at one point we were actually friends, went to each other's BBQs and everything, hell you even got an invite to Mercedes’ graduation but you go around telling everybody it was just a ‘business proposal’? That's calm brother, it's cool hoss! If that's the game you want to play, that's the game we can play. Heh, maybe John I'm YOUR ghost of Christmas past eh? And maybe it'll be time to close that chapter in the book now won't it? Oh how fitting that would be for both of us, to end the story just as it began… My hand held high whilst you look on in realisation and comprehensive wonder.”
[[Devlin stands as he watches Fred Debonair perform an End of Days powerbomb on Kurt Ragnarok on the TV…]]
Devlin: ”You can tell yourself all the fantasy stories you want Johnnie boy, you can entertain yourself with tales of triumph over Devlin Knight in a time that once was, but what'll matter and what it'll come down to, is what happens in the Ice Crown Tournament this week! And the same goes for you, Adrian. You both want this for different reasons but you also both want to take me out for different reasons, Adrian wants that notch in his belt, the name Devlin Knight - formally Fred Debonair - as an award and Cavanagh, Cavanagh needs to destroy any notion that there may be that chance just yet that he loses a match against me that he can't control the narrative on.
So the ball is there and it's in play, what happens next is upto the both of you… John, Adrian it is time. Are you ready?”
TO BE CONTINUED…
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Post by The Celtic Club on Dec 21, 2023 23:28:27 GMT
The IIW faithful were greeted by the familiar sound and view of static. It remained a bit longer than the faithful had grown accustomed to before it abruptly disappeared and the image of a blonde-haired, blue eyed Irishman appeared on the television screen. The last IIW World Champion sat in a black room, only the top of his torso and his face being visible to the cameras. Hell’s Kitchen’s Favorite Son sat there, motionless, without a sound for a moment with his eyes staring darts at the camera–even though there was nothing to be seen.
Tick, tock, tick, tock.
The Irishman waited patiently, saying nothing else for a moment before he licked his lips, took a deep breath and began to speak.
That’s time. Time is a bitch–it’s one thing that none of us can control. It’s one of those things that we all live within and while we may have a good, general understanding of the way it works–we have yet to master it. See, contrary to what Hollywood likes to produce from time to time–there is no such thing as a time machine. No one man can travel backwards or forward in time. We can’t revisit the past without the assistance of video and we can’t do anything more than attempt to predict the future. Now, I would never claim to be a Nostradomous or anything like that but–the crystal ball is showing me that the man I see every morning when I look in the mirror–that sick son of a bitch that stares back at me…he’s going to be the 2023 IIW Ice Crown Champion even if it’s the last thing he does in his entire goddamn career!
Hell’s Kitchen’s Favorite Son dragged his right hand across his face, pondering about the event that is to come. He knew that he would face Adrian Illingworth and Devlin Knight. He knew that this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park but at the same time, he also knew that his odds of winning the match were a bit higher than one-third.
If you take a look at this upcoming triple threat from the outside you will realize that you’ve got two icons of the industry and some guy who refers to himself as “The Robot”. Well, without sounding too much like a cliche I guess I’m going to make “The Robot” power off. He wants to try and intimidate Devlin and I by saying that he awaits, that he’s ready to “silence the crowd”, well, I’m sure as shit you will silence the crowd with your utter stupidity. Adrian Illingworth, you may feel as if you have a clear path to victory in this matchup but the reality of the situation is that you’re the man that has been put in this match to eat the pin. See, when Osh Vaughan decided to book this tournament he knew with a triple threat format there would be some loser who didn’t have to technically “lose” but he also knew that one poor son of a bitch had to have their shoulders pinned to the match in each match. Now, while it may have been a random drawing of who faced who–the moment the world saw that Johnnie Cav and Devlin Knight paired with Adrian Illingworth the entire world knew that Adrian was doomed.
Cavanagh shook his head from side to side. He took a moment to formulate his next thoughts on “The Robot”
You may feel clever–you may feel as if you’re the greatest thing to ever happen in the history of professional wrestling but you’re nothing more than a little gimmick. You anointed yourself “The Robot” in an attempt to sound as if you were indestructible. Well, let me break the world to you–you’re just as easily defeated as any other human being. You’re not a robot, you’re not a machine, you’re nothing more than flesh, bones and blood just like the rest of us. When that bell rings I will be the one to put you in your place. I’ll be that nasty prick that brings you right back down to Earth where you clearly left quite some time ago. The fact that you thought it would be a walk in the park with two talents like Devlin and myself just shows how arrogant you are and that will be part of your downfall. Underestimating the skill level of the two people you will be sharing a ring with is a fatal error and it’s one that you have already committed. The question then becomes–who will exploit your blunder? Will it be Devlin Knight or will it be John Cavanagh?
John rubbed the palms of his hands together. The history that he and Devlin Knight shared was a long one and had already been well documented in IIW.
Johnnie Cav or Devlin Knight. The two names that seem to be attached together–difficult to mention one without mentioning the other kind of deal. It’s a blessing and a curse that we share Devlin. When the history books are written and both of our final chapters close the rivalry that has followed the both of us throughout a good chunk of our careers is our own. That means that Johnnie and Devlin will forever be intertwined, forever compared to one another. This is a rivalry that will transcend generations. I’m talking DC-Marvel, Yankees-Red Sox, Giants-Cowboys, Ford-Chevy type shit! A rivalry that future professional wrestlers will attempt to top, a rivalry that trainers will have their students study years and decades from now. It’s a great thing to be able to say that we have accomplished such a feat, Devlin, but at the same time it means that one of us will forever be judged as the better half of the rivalry. One of us has to be the one that comes out victorious more often than the other, one of us has to have a little more skill than the other, one of us has to be a bit more cerebral than the other. You may like to say I twist the narrative but the reality is if we count them all up–Johnnie Cav took the win more often than not. Now, don’t get it twisted and don’t get them panties all up in a bunch because you know damn well I would never sell you short. More than any other competitor I’ve stepped in the ring with, it's you that has garnered the most respect from me. That may seem meaningless to plenty of people that will share that locker room with us but you know damn well that is one hell of an accomplishment in this business.
The last IIW World Champion nodded his head up and down. He knew that Devlin and himself were never going to escape one another. He knew that long after they retired there would be promoters trying to book the two men together for autograph sessions and meet and greets. He knew that those days may be a bit closer than the two men realized but he also knew that until he left his boots in the ring–there was no stepping off the gas pedal.
Ya know, Devlin, I couldn’t help but laugh at one thing you said, my old friend–I know you’re equal to me or better than me? Equal, sure, when it comes to career accomplishments, experience and skill level, I will happily admit we are equals. But better than me? Oh, old buddy, old pal–you must be puffin’ on the magic dragon if you really believe that. You know damn well what happened to the last two pieces of shit that thought they were better than good old Johnnie Cav when it really mattered. One was left on the floor, losing his championship to the Last Man Standing! The other one? He tucked his tail between his legs like a little bitch and ran far, far away from this sick bastard that he knew he couldn’t beat! Let’s be real, as far as strategy and intelligence goes, you’ve got both of those idiots trumped–by a country mile. But me? I’m on a different plane when it comes to strategizing, when it comes to intelligence I could make Albert fucking Einstein blush! That’s where the difference is and where it ALWAYS has been! You like to talk about me twisting narratives to benefit myself but you’ve always claimed that. You’ve always claimed that Johnnie wins because he cheats or someone helps–last time we faced off for the IIW International Championship I don’t recall it happening like that though. And this time? Trig and Andy probably ain’t taking this trip with me, so that leads to my next question–what is Devlin Knight’s excuse going to be when good old Johnnie Cav walks away from another chapter of their storied rivalry as the winner? How is Devlin Knight going to feel when his biggest rival advances into the next round of the Ice Crown Championship and he goes back to whatever piss ant promotion he currently calls home with empty hands?
IIW’s Final Boss paused. He let the questions sink in–to Devlin, to the viewers at home.
Devlin, you mistake me saying it was always business never personal as an insult. You think that means I take any amicable moments we’ve shared on this last decade and a half journey for granted. If that were the case I would have most definitely called this rivalry personal. See, comprehension is key in life. Anytime we’ve gone at it–it’s been business. I don’t set out in an attempt to injure you, to lessen your stock as a contender or to put you down like I would a little shit like Adrian Illingworth. I go out there to face you for one simple reason–Devlin Knight, or Fred Debonair, and Johnnie Cav equals money! Whether the crowd boos me or chants my name we are all in this business for the payday and you know damn well I’m Machiavellian enough to do what needs to be done to ensure the larger payday winds up in my bank account and not yours! That’s what is meant by business, never personal. While I hope I don’t have to put you in a hospital bed to advance in this tournament, you know all too well that if that’s what needs to happen–then that’s what I will make happen. The world has seen it plenty of times so please, Devlin, for my sake, for your sake and for the sake of your family–please, don’t let it get to that. Don’t let this annual tournament be the last moment of Devlin Knight’s career. I had my last moment of glory in the IIW robbed from me by that little prick, Jay Vaughan, so you can bet your ass I’m going to do what I have to do to get that moment back. The championship may be gone but the Ice Crown will suffice for the time being. See you guys soon.
The scene cut to static.
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Post by Devlin Knight. on Dec 21, 2023 23:54:17 GMT
I am the Christmas Ghost… I haunt the end of year… I am a chill in the air… A creak on the stair… A feeling ‘something’s there’...
Andrew Green.
DEV KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ PART 2…
[[Devlin had decided he would stay on the couch to sleep as there was no TV in the bedroom… (The AirBnB was owned by heathens) and as he stirred awake at almost four in the morning, listening to silence outside for the first time since he'd arrived, the white noise screen almost blinds him as he sits up and rubs his eyes..]]Devlin: ”GAHH!! JESUS![[Devlin is startled by a shape, sitting on the floor in front of the couch… He squints as the shape moves closer and then he spots his brother, facepaint and all…]] Devlin: ”Damn Pacey, they're trying to get me to “change” and they sent you??”Pacey: ”I guess it was the one constant part of your past that wasn't messed up right?”Devlin: ”That’s true but why the facepaint? You weren't wearing it when that car hit you…”Pacey: ”I guess it's how you remembered me best…”Devlin: ”Definitely wasn't man…”Pacey: ”Well I dunno bro?! All I know is, I'm here to discuss the ghost of Christmas past…”[[Devlin is taken aback by the comment and raises his eyebrows]] Devlin: ”Discuss it? Pacey you are it…”Pacey: ”Oh, no I'm not man… John Cavanagh is.”Devlin: ”Are you shitting me?”Pacey: ”No seriously, apparently they believe he is your haunting past, God knows why… He's so predictable though.”Devlin: ”He is?”Pacey: ”Hell yeah, he absolutely took the path you assumed he'd take, on pretty much all fronts.”Devlin: ”Now why doesn't that surprise me?? So this, your being here, it's all about Cavanagh?”Pacey: ”Indeed it is…”Devlin: ”Well what about my other opponent in the match, Adrian Illingworth?”Pacey: ”Well he doesn't tend to have shown up in your past of course, however he is very much involved now and in your way of progressing in the Ice Crown Tournament… What do you know about him…?”[[Devlin stands up and walks to the window of the AirBnB and looks out as daylight is beginning to seep into the world. He turns to see Pacey now standing at the TV, flicking through the channels…]] Devlin: ”What do I know about Adrian Illingworth?? I know he's European, I know he's from a solid amateur wrestling background with a technical prowess, I'm well aware that he's got the necessary tools to beat both myself and Cav and I know he won't quit…”Pacey: ”You hear what he said about you, this week?”Devlin: ”Oh yeah I heard. Formidable apparently but he is without equal. Well everyone thinks they're Gods given until someone who's truly Gods given walks through the door…”Pacey: ”You’re a high flyer too…”Devlin: ”Yeah, I heard that… He must have faced another Devlin Knight in his past that he's confused me with, I mean don't get me wrong I can still pull off Suicidas at my age but I wouldn't exactly call me acrobatic and a high flyer…”Pacey: ”And what about the ‘esteemed’ IIW World Champion?”Devlin: ”What about him?”Pacey: ”You've gotta be relieved that IIW closed with Cav as the Champion than J Mont?”Devlin: ”Brother, asking me who I prefer out of John Cavanagh and Joe Montuori as the last World Champion of IIW is like asking if I prefer to drink Arsenic or Strychnine…”Pacey: ”Fair enough!”[[Devlin looks around for something to eat, realising he didn't order his DoorDash last night and so is without food he sighs and grabs his jacket and heads out of the door, Pacey trailing behind…
The streets seem a bit clearer compared to last night as Devlin heads toward the high street, Pacey who nobody else can see, tagging along…]]Devlin: ”But if we're going to tackle this pandemic that is Cavanaghitis I must state right now that finally they've found a cure. He can bang on and on all he wants with the predictable lines, he can huff and puff about how good he is compared to “The Debonair clan” because son, this ain't the Debonair clan he's facing this time around. He has to come to the realisation that although he's still faced me in the ring on a physical level, mentally and spiritually he's facing a completely different animal…
Cav is out there acting like it's some big conspiracy that I am he and he is me… It's not Johnnie boy, you've just been gone too long to know this is common knowledge, or of course in your story it'll be something along the lines of how you don't give enough of a shit about Devlin Knight to have followed him after IIW shut down and that's okay, I wouldn't have expected you to. But yes Cav as you've said, we've got enough history between us to teach a class in highschool with so let's write that new chapter as you so eloquently put, better still let us write the final one eh??
Of course John you had to give your side of the history we've carved out and you know what? That's okay hoss carve away, because I know the truth and there's absolutely nothing that's gonna entice me to get into a battle of intellect with you, when it comes to this topic… We've faced off several times and you know, you probably have won more matches than me but again, that's all history, Cav, what matters is what happens this week in the Ice Crown Tournament… None of those previous results matter and yes I'm including the one where I won the FcW Championship and ended your undefeated run because as much as I can hold that over you, it hardly matters these days.”[[Devlin stops at a cafe situated between a grocery store and a Vape lounge. He opens the door, walks to the counter where he orders a burger and fries with a Coke and sits at a table, he looks up to ask Pacey what he wants but notices he is gone… Also he's a spirit so wouldn't have eaten anyway but I digress]] Devlin: ”Guess I'm eating alone then, I mean it's what I always do isn't it? I'm always having these meals solo… But that's not you, is it John? You can talk about how each generation has its own hero and yet you say you're it because you've had a few wins over me…? You claim you've held me under a glass ceiling. John what did you do when FcW closed? No doubt won a belt or two but were they worthy titles?? What have you been doing since IIW closed its doors? Shining that irrelevant belt you won from J Mont?
Hoss I'm a Multiple Champion in Multiple promotions across the Multiverse! Cav I was a household name before I came to FcW and I was running the show there the minute I chose to show you the difference between you and me. I had respect for you Johnnie but I'm pretty sure the truth was you didn't see me in the same lane. You were cocky, you were arrogant and even now you ignore the wins I do have against you as it destroys your narrative.
I'm shocked you haven't run for Mayor of New York City yet John, I mean you've got the mouth for it, you've got the attitude for it… You're definitely a politician in the making and it's not too late brother! You stated that you think it's going to sound a little cliché, Cav? Nah man, it's not just a little cliché you're an actual walking cliché! Everything I've heard out of your mouth I called before I even saw you'd been spouting off on TV… But that's okay because everything that happens at the Ice Crown Tournament, I will have spoken about beforehand too. In fact Johnnie if you've been paying attention you'd have noticed I quite literally narrated the entire thing for you… Go back and have a think…”[[One of the staff members comes to the table and places Devlin’s burger and fries and sits them down, placing a Coke beside it. Devlin takes a handful of fries and places them in his mouth chewing in thought before chasing them down with some Coke…]] Devlin: ”So let me just make something very clear to you, John. Do I care about progressing and winning the ICT? Of course I do or I wouldn't have entered the tournament to begin with… But do I care about beating you? No man, this isn't that special, it's not that deep… You see that's what you don't understand! I could have been going against Crush, Russell Wayne, Clyde Newton, Curtis, it makes absolutely no difference… My life and my career don't revolve around whether I beat you or not Cav you're just a notch on the belt.
But for you, it seems to be some huge deal if you pin Devlin Knight, it seems to be a huge check mark on your win column right John? I mean for someone who's so gung-ho in telling everybody how much you've beaten me you certainly need it to happen more often than not. It's almost as if I'm a bigger draw to you, than you are to me… It's almost as if my name next to yours, knowing you're facing me is what's putting asses in seats! John Cavanagh against Jonny C? Haha… John Cavanagh against Jake E. Dangerously? Nope… John Cavanagh against Devlin Knight? Sold out arenas! I think you're well aware of this and you take advantage and you know what Johnnie boy? I'm more than happy to oblige!”[[Devlin takes a bite into his burger when he suddenly looks up and something outside catches his eye. He stands and approaches the window of the café and we see that it's suddenly snowing… Devlin looks around and raises an eyebrow as seem to have sprung up all across the street. Devlin opens the door to the cafe and steps out into the street…
…Only it's not a snowy pine tree covered street, Devlin walks into. It's a very plush, very rustic, office… All around the room sit bookshelves from floor to ceiling full of hundreds of titles, behind the desk in front of him sit large windows that overlook a lake, a large mechanical telescope sits on the other side of the room…]] Voice: ”Hello Devlin…”[[Devlin’s attention is clipped off to the right and back to the desk at the back of the room. And there he was sitting behind the desk, looking at Devlin as if they were not enemies but very old friends, one of the two men in the photos… Maxwell Mason Stone.]] ]MMS: ”Welcome to Paradox Pines.” TO BE CONTINUED…
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