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Post by Osh Vaughan on Mar 26, 2024 12:34:43 GMT
Match 5
Jesse James vs Trent Darby
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Post by Trent Darby on Apr 5, 2024 21:55:51 GMT
COLOR CODE Plum is Trent Fate can be cruel.
This is not a unique thought, it is something that everyone has found themselves lamenting at least once in their lives The first time you get passed over for a promotion, the first time someone you open your heart to doesn’t return your feelings. The first time you think that your dream job may just be unobtainable after all. To live is to suffer, as a famous quote once bemused, and while there is some part of the human psyche that realizes that everyone runs into a bad stretch of luck now and again, it is not a fact that the universe is running amok to screw you over on a personal level.
Of course, this moment of self-realization has never stopped anyone from lamenting to themselves or others the unfairness of their current situation, and this would continue to be the case Sometimes, unreasonable as it may seem to the outside eye, it was better to just complain and lament to an understanding ear than to bottle things up inside in an attempt to use reason and factual understanding of the human psyche.
This was one of those cases.
It was a relatively pleasant evening for an early April afternoon, the horrors of winter were slowly starting to fade away into a memory hole that would be locked away for the next six months and the first hints of spring getting its act together and warming up were ever steadily starting to occur. As a result, you would often see people out and about, making casual conversation as they went about their day, living their lives to the best of their ability. None of these faceless people are our point of focus however, as the point of view for this scene finally settles on the form of a man, slumped against a wall of a tall building almost hidden in shadows, clad in the orange and black of a Baltimore Orioles jacket and with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of tattered and patched jeans. As our POV focuses in on our protagonist, he takes a moment to take a single long drag of a cigarette that had become a stub of his former self before he begins to speak at nobody in particular, but perhaps at everyone all at the same time.“There’s an old saying that’s sprung to mind lately, with things being the way they are about how a person eventually dies two deaths. First when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name on Earth for the last time. But if you think about it, if nobody is thinking about you or saying your name while you live and breathe, then haven’t you already died your first?” Well, someone was in a real mood this afternoon. Our friend in the baseball jacket pauses just long enough to take a short drag on his cigarette, brushing dreads out of the way of glazed-over eyes as he seemed to be staring at nothing, unfocused before he spoke up again “Before we get to the main issue I want to speak to y’all about today, I just have to get a few things off my chest. See, IIW’s revival has had be thinking of the way things are, and the way they should have been.” Who doesn’t love a good, vague walk down memory lane? Pulling his knee closer to his chest, Trent cast a glance over his shoulder to the faceless people who were still walking down the street, not even sparing a glance at the strange-looking man who was sitting against gilding monologuing
“ Let’s rewind the clock about a year, and then we’ll start to get to why this matters to one person in particular. Fair to say not all of IIW’s ‘loyal’ viewing public-” very heavy with the air quotes here for what it’s worth. “May not remember since I was fighting over on Fridays, but I was doing my best to make a name for myself over there. See, unlike some of the people who have come and gone from IIW like a revolving door, I’ve had to work, I’ve had to fight and claw for the right to continue to make a living in the sport I fell in love with when I was six years old. I was never offered spots into the biggest name faction in the wrestling world, I never got the opportunity to cost on old-time nostalgia name recognition, each time I joined a company to most people it seemed like I was a new face, even though I’ve done this professionally for about a decade now. But while that may seem like a complaint, in many ways, it’s a benefit, if people have no expectations for you then it’s easy to soar above and beyond and impress.An old high school tactic, set the bar very low so people are surprisingly pleased when you’re able to tip-toe over it. Aim for nothing and people will act like you’ve hit paydirt, baby. “And, not tryin’ to talk myself up too big here, IIW was doing good by me. See, I got to go against big-name dudes, dudes most people would kill to get to rub elbows with, much less fight. PG-13, Caleb Scott, Xavier Lux, just a few dudes that have gone places and had varying levels of success, and I was using their namesakes to build one for my own. I went out, and I beat PG-13. I went out, and the world saw me pin Xavier Lux.-” We were being a bit loose with the meaning of the word ‘pin’ in this case it seemed, technically in the history books that match had not ended in a pin, heavily leaning on the fact he had seemed to get a visual pinfall during a period where the referee had been knocked down and out, but if you were waiting for him to give that detail you would be waiting for quite a while. “And, when things should have been at their highest point for me, when everything seemed like finally things were going right for ol’ Trent Darby, IIW announced its hiatus, and everything was wiped away. Like it had never even existed. Very rarely do people even get a glimpse into a window of stardom, and for a lesser man having it slammed shut in your face like that would have been a sign that they weren’t ever supposed to make it."‘Give up. Maybe you should get a real job. Wrestling will never love you the way you love it. It hadn’t exactly been uncommon to hear some variance of these ‘helpful’ suggestions from people have IIW had taken its hiatus and other federations hadn’t exactly been kicking doors down in a rush calling, looking to bring the last honest man in professional wrestling into the fold. “So, when IIW came calling again, you would think that meant that meant this time things would be different, right? I mean, last time I was here there were people at the top, sure but you also had a whole lot of geeks getting opportunities, opportunities they didn’t deserve. But, they say those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and once again people who don’t deserve opportunities are the ones getting them.” Not to name any names, of course, but you sort of get the feeling somehow that he was slowly but surely getting to the crux of this whole spiel. Good for him. “They come to me, and say ‘Trent, we need somebody to fight this guy who ran rough shot over our main event last Mayhem. Went and took out Curtis, scared Clyde so bad he ran off with his tail between his legs before he could get his ass whooped. Me, bein’ the agreeable sort said hell yeah, I’ll fight em. If I can beat a former world champion in PG13, I can beat this dude, whoever he is. And they come back with great, you get nothing if you win but if Jesse wins, he gets a Global title match at the pay-per-view. And that-” Trent’s voice raises an octave, causing a few bystanders to jump and for the first time really glance over at the weird huddled man with dreadlocks. For his part, Trent catches himself before he continues any farther, scoffs, and simply brushes loose dreads away from is face once again before he continues on, trying to get his voice back under control. “That is the problem that plagues IIW to this day, they expect nothing in return for something. And if this had been a year ago, when I didn’t know my value to this company, when I was simply trying to get a foot back in the pro wrestling door, to get another chance to make a name for myself in this sport, perhaps I would have simply gone along with it. But y’see Jesse, this go around there are people who know what I can bring to IIW. People who have seen me wrestle big names in our sport, and this time, in IIW I won’t be satisfied with simply hanging back, and waiting for a crumb to be thrown my way.” For the first time, at the point Trent actually pushes himself up to a standing position against the wall, and stares blankly out into the cityscape for a moment, saying nothing for a moment as the idle sounds of a busy street are the only things that can be heard until finally: “Ladies and gentlemen, and to Jesse James in particular. For those who didn’t watch Combat during IIW’s last season, I am Trent Darby, Charm City’s Chosen. The last honest man in IIW, hell the last honest man in the entirety of professional wrestling so you can trust that everything I say is my truth. Jesse…I don’t know much about you.” This is accompanied by a slight half-shrug, it was not quite sure if this was intended to be disrespectful or lazy or not. “That’s not meant to be an insult, much like how I’m sure you don’t know who I am. But we’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other when we meet on Monday man. And you’ll have plenty of time to learn what I can do, when you’re sitting at home, not competing in a Global title match.” There was a small hint of a smirk at this nothing like, one that is quickly wiped away and hidden with a quick shake of a head. “And that, Jesse is not a promise, not even a threat. It is simply a fact, given to you by the last honest man in pro wrestling. Be seein’ ya real soon now.”
Word count: 1.8k
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Post by The James Gang ☠️ on Apr 7, 2024 18:35:52 GMT
A few hours after Mayhemwent off the air
The James Gang meets up at a local pub in Manchester to celebrate Dallas and Austin's first win after Mayhem went off the air. The gang sits at a booth in the back and waits for the waitress to bring them their rounds of shots, everyone is there except for Robert Morgan, Jesse sits by himself on one side of the booth while Mike sits on the opposite in the middle between Austin and Dallas, putting his arms around them with a proud smile.
Mike James: You fucking boys came through for The Gang!!! Jesse and I never doubted you, boys, you showed the Celtic Club whose time it is now and Jesse couldn't be any more proud of ya.
Jesse smirks for a moment before looking at Austin and Dallas with a pleasing smile.
Jesse James: I'm very satisfied with the results of your match, you managed not to embarrass the Gang and make me look like an idiot for putting my faith in you but of course, I wouldn't have allowed you to be part of this if I didn't think you two could become one of the best damn Tag Teams in the world and so far you are on the right track.
Mike looks af Jesse with a confused look and then let's out a laugh.
Mike James: Jeseus Jesse lighten up brother, we're supposed to be celebrating a win and you're over there giving out half-ass compliments.
Jesse looks at his older brother Mike with a serious look and then shakes his head.
Jesse James: Mike you might be older but let me remind you who runs this gang, it's ME!
Mike nods his head and gets ready to respond but gets cut off by Austin.
Austin Davis: It's alright Mike we know Jesse is proud of us but he's got that Global Championship on his mind.
Dallas Davis: Yeah our win is nice but we want to see Jesse get his Global Championship match just as much as he does, especially after what happened with Crush and Clyde and then that Maverick guy just showing up and basically getting gift-wrapped a Championship.
Mike looks over at Jesse.
Mike James: Yeah what the fuck was up with that bullshit?
Jesse James: Wrestling politics is what Robert called it but he's supposed to be talking to that bastard Osh and securing me what I want.
The Gang nods their head in understanding as the waitress finally brings their shots of whiskey to the table and right on cue as if he can stiff out some whiskey like a bloodhound Robert Morgan walks through the doors of the bar with a smirk on his face, he makes his way over to the table and pulls out some tip money for the waitress as she leaves the table, Robert takes a shot and then let's out a wooooooo before smirking at the Gang.
Robert Morgan: Gentleman I just left from having a very positive meeting with Osh and I have a very good feeling by tomorrow morning Jesse is going to find himself in a match in which he wins he will get his shot at the Global Championship!
Jesse takes a shot and then smirks as he looks up at Robert.
Jesse James: I knew I could count on you Robert to get what I wanted and I'm glad it didn't have to take me visiting Osh office personally for me to get it done.
Robert nods his head with a pleasing smile.
Robert Morgan: Oh that boy Osh knew better then to not give The Nightmare what he wanted, especially after I replayed that ass whooping The Gang gave Curtis and Mike Fisher.
The whole Gang smirks and laughs as they remember their handy work from last Mayhem.
Mike James: Seems like everything is moving in the right direction Robert but who's Jesse facing?
Robert Morgan: That is unclear at the moment.
Jesse smirks and just gives everyone else some more shots.
Jesse James: It doesn't matter who Osh selects because nobody and I mean nobody will stop me from getting that Global Championship, this is just a stepping stone to the grand prize and I can drink to that.
Jesse smirks and then clicks his shot glass together with the rest of the gang and then they take their shots as the scene fades out.
A Few Days Later
We open up inside the Robert Morgan Estate where The James Gang stays when they aren't in Manchester UK for Mayhem. As the camera zooms into one of the room we see Jesse James throwing darts at a board while drinking a bottle of whiskey, he takes a big gulp and then throws a few more at the board before the door to the room opens up and it's Robert Morgan walking in with a smile on his face.
Robert Morgan: Its official Jesse, you're facing some dumb ass hippie by the name of Trent Darby he's the one that stands between you and your Global Championship match.
Jesse sits the bottle of whiskey down on a nearby table and looks up with a serious look at Robert.
Jesse James: Who in the hell is Trent Darby?
Robert smirks as he pulls out a file and hands it to Jesse, Jesse opens it up and starts looking over the contents inside.
Robert Morgan: Everything you need to know about that man is right there and once you are done looking it over, come Meet me in the meeting room so we can shoot your promo for Mayhem.
Jesse keeps looking over the file as he takes another sip from his whiskey and then puts on a smirk as the scene fades and then an hour later the scene opens back up to the meeting room where Jesse James sits at the head of the table dressed in an all back outlaw suit while smoking a cigar as Robert Morgan stands beside him with a smirk.
Robert Morgan: Trent Darby congratulations you've found your shining light because I can promise you this boy there ain't no bigger shining star in IIW than The Maverick Jesse James and you'll find that out real soon once Mayhem comes around and that bell rings you'll realize you're out of your depth.
Robert smirks.
Robert Morgan: Now don't frown that ugly mug up once you've seen this because this isn't meant to insult your wrestling ability, I'm sure you're talented because watching you against Reynold last Mayhem you sure did look impressive but the competition is about to get a whole lot tougher.
Robert points to Jesse James as he blows the smoke from his cigar out and as the smoke clears Jesse puts a smirk on his face as the camera zooms in.
Jesse James: Trent Darby you are looking into the eyes of a hungry man and my hunger can only be satisfied by becoming the very best in pro wrestling and in order to achieve that feat I have to win some Gold and more specifically I need that Global Championship and you are now standing between me and my opportunity at it and I won't miss my shot at this opportunity because like a marksman I always hit my target no matter what.
Jesse takes another puff from his cigar, inhaling the smoke and then blowing it back out in O shape form.
Jesse James: You see Trent what you are going to learn about me is that I will do whatever it takes to get what I want, there is no moral compass for me. There is no rule I won't see fit to break because I know this a dark and dirty world where only the people that can get down in dirty in the gutter can survive and I will survive like I always have.
Jesse sits up straight as he takes a shot of whiskey.
Jesse James: You think of yourself as the last honest man in pro wrestling but to be that's a bunch of bull shit because you see I'm an honest man because I don't hide who I am and what my intentions are and I'm in pro wrestling so how can you be the last honest man?
Jesse smirks
Jesse James: Since I came in and get the door down of IIW with the James Gang I have made my intentions clear that I will become Global Champion and Trent I will not allow you to alter those plans, I don't care how much fight you have in you I will beat the fight out of you even if it damn near kills me to do so because coming Champion is worth my life and I will sacrifice anything to get my opportunity at Immortality.
Jesse puts on a serious look on his face.
Jesse James: Robert mentioned that you were nothing more then a stepping stone to a higher mountain I intend to Climb and that comparison works but to me personally you are nothing more than an annoying pebble that sits in my boot that causes me a little bit of discomfort but come Monday Night Mayhem I will take my boot off and dispose of that pebble so easily as the insignificant dirt it really is because that's all you are Trent just a little annoying pebble that needs to be disposed and I will dispose you.
Jesse smirks as he takes another pull from his cigar.
Jesse James: Come Monday Night Mayhem i am going to steal your light Trent and turn it off for good and then move on to the Global Championship and that's not a threat but it's a damn sure promise and I can drink to that.
Jesse smirks and then winks at the camera as him and Robert click their shot glasses together and take their shots As the scene fades out.
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