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Post by Osh Vaughan on May 3, 2021 0:29:04 GMT
World Title Jake E Dangerously vs Scotty Adams vs
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Post by Jake E Dangerously on May 4, 2021 16:12:41 GMT
Voice Over: Ladies and Gentlemen, the time is 4:48 PM... It's Tuesday, you know that means it's time for... Duran Duran's “View to a Kill” hits and we face in to a studio somewhere in the greater Manchester area. The set up is a typical late night talk show style with a fancy oaken desk set on the left of an oversized fancy chair and a matching couch on the far right. In front of the couch is a coffee table matching to the style and wood finish as the desk. Behind it all is a night time skyline picture of Manchester. The camera pans past the desk, past an area with only a purple velvet curtain to the man of the voice over himself, newly released from a closet near you... Larry Fishburg!
Larry: That's right, boys and girls and big kids too, it's time for us all to enter... THE DANGERRRR ZONNNNNE! Larry: And now, here's your host, the man of the hour, the IIW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.... JAKE E DANGEROUSLYYYY!!!!! From behind the purple curtain comes the reigning champ, his hair slicked back, wearing a rather nice but not overly obnoxiously fashionable black suit. The studio audience applauds and cheers and Dangerously takes a few bows and mouths the words “thank you” before blowing the audience a few kisses.
Jake: Thank you, thank you. You know usually I'm never quite sure if I'm going to make it here on time but the streets seem almost deserted these days, has anyone else noticed it? It's like there's an apocalypse out there or something.
Boo! Hiss! That joke didn't land at all.
Jake: Alright, alright... So has anyone else seen this? Mayhem a few weeks back I'm called out by this guy, Scotty Adams. Most boring name in the business folks, but hold onto your hats because this is really the tip of the iceberg, because everything about this guy is as boring as it comes. Now he claims that he wants MY title as some sort of early birthday present, but I gotta let you know right off Scotty, the match against me is the present. It's not like you actually *earned it after all. You were a middling talent in match to grab those keys, and then once you did you beat a guy who's had help to win every match he's won and you built on your momentum after challenging me by losing. Great way to build momentum going into the biggest match of your career, Scotland.
But hey, good news for you is that everyone in IIW, the other guys in the locker room, the folks like Larry over there, and even these fine fans who come out to watch in person. That one gets a pop from the crowd.
Jake: See Scotty, a match against me for a guy like you is a gift. You might be turning 33 the day after World's Collide, but that makes you about 8 years younger than me, and I know to you that seems like a lot, but you know where I was 8 years ago Scotty? Not too far after an unbeaten run as the IIW International champion. You'll have to get history and records on the phone, but that's up there for one of those longest of all time runs. And BEFORE that I was the IIW World Champion. Longest reigning, but everyone knows that. Meanwhile where were you? What have you done to earn you way here? Very little Scotty and that's why facing me for a guy like you is a gift. It's a gift where you get lifted up to my level and actually see what it's like on top of the wrestling world. It's easy for a guy like you to come in somewhere and say you're the greatest at this or that and I see it from people like you every day. All you guys who brag of accomplishments and say how great you are, but don't really have anything substantial to show, meanwhile I'm here as the IIW World Champion, the only accolade that PROVES you're the best professional wrestler alive today. In the words of Lavarr Burton, don't take my word for it... I'll prove it to you in the ring at Worlds Collide. But hey, were not all here for that right? We're here to entertain and have some fun! That gets a pretty generous reaction from the crowd.
Jake: We've got a great show for you folks. David Hasselhoff is here! Huge ovation!
Jake: So stick around and we'll be right back! There's a brief moment of Jake just smiling and waving to the studio audience.
Larry: Uh, Jake?
Jake: Yeah Larry?
Larry: We're still live...
Jake: What do you mean we're live?
Larry: Live... like live... like on camera. Like cameras or hot or whatever they say.
Jake: Larry, why are we still live? I said go to commercial. I'm the host, it's my show, when I say go to commercial we go to commercial...
Larry: Yeah but um... We're on Netflix now...
Jake: So?
Larry: So Netflix doesn't have commercials. It's ad free, so there's no going to commercial..
Jake: Ah... Well then.... Bring out Charlie!
Larry scrambles and shuffles and drops some papers from his podium and just kicks them away.
Larry: Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for the custodian who puts the custo in janitorial services, my BEST friend every other alternate Wednesday evening and allegedly a father of 5... CATS.... the host with not a lot to offer...... CHARLIE SCHMIDTTTTTTT! Charles walks out from behind the curtain wearing a scowl and a brand new pair of blue/gray overalls completely free of mystery stains and walks over to Larry Fishburg.
Charlie: The Q is silent idiot! He smacks Larry hard on the back of the head. Everyone loves physical comedy, especially when it's done to Larry so they laugh. You can't crack Larry though, he keeps wearing his usual “I just shit my pants” grin. Charlie continues on his way and sits in the big chair, joining Jake who is sitting behind the desk.
Jake: So Charlie, you and I have had our issues in the past, so I've gotta ask, what made you agree to be the new co-host on the Danger Zone?
Charlie: Well, you're an asshole, but you do replace all the mops you break usually and there's supposed to be money involved? And they told me I could eat at catering.
Jake: Yeah Netflix provided all the food so go nuts. Charlie pulls some potato salad out of his pocket in his bare hand and shoves it in his mouth.
Charlie (with a mouth full of food): Thnks.... Jake: I don't mean while we're talking Charlie. He spits it out on the floor.
Charlie: Sorry. Jake just looks down at the potato salad on the floor then back at Charlie.
Jake: So tell us how you got David Hasselhoff on the show. Charlie: Well funny story, true story actually... So you call me up to co-host and I'm thinking that's really nice, so I think I gotta get guests cause those are on talk shows right? So then I see someone in a car like they're gonna rob the place and she says something like Scotty's gonna win, and I'm thinking that doesn't sound right. But like we could have her as a guest and be like 'did you get paid to say that' and she'd be like yeah. So I was on Osh's computer looking and I found her video and then like I Googled it and it said he was married to David Hasselhoff...
Jake: I'm not sure if that was really the Hoff's wife...
Charlie: Well anyway I sent an email to the Netflix guy and like he knows people and the Baywatch guy agreed if he gets cast in a movie. So now he's here.
Jake: Well let's not keep the Hoff waiting... Ladies and gentlemen... DAVID HASSELHOFF!
The Knight Rider theme plays and out comes the Hoff, smiling and waving to people. He comes over to the show and shakes hands with Jake E and hugs Charlie before sitting down, brushing something off his dark blue suit.
Hoff: Is that cream cheese?
Charlie: Yeah I got a bagel in my pocket in case I get hungry. Hoff: I should have thought of that. I might have to get a bite of that later.
Jake: So Mister Hasselhoff...
Hoff: No please, we're friends, it's just The Hoff.
Jake: So Hoff, are we getting this right, your wife is doing Tik Tok videos giving her predictions on who's going to win at Worlds Collide?
Hoff: No way! My wife, who's very uninformed when it comes to wrestling, would never do such a thing, and even if she did, she'd do it on TMZ where it might get seen by someone important. Who did she pick?
Jake: She picked Scotty Adams in a match against me for the World Championship. Hoff: World Championship! Against you? No one's making that pick. I don't even know who this Scott guy is but come on, if I've never even HEARD of the guy what chance is there that he's going to beat the guy who put British wrestling on the map in 2007? And now here we are in 2021 and you're the World Champion and this guy no one knows is going to win? What am I being Punk'd? Is that even still a thing?
Jake: I really doubt it.
Hoff: Me either. There's really two things that don't last in this world, popular game shows run in prime time slots and people who challenge Jake E Dangerously for World Championships.
Jake: Could be true, but let's focus on you for a minute. Your music career is white hot at the moment isn't it?
Hoff: It's been some time but it's picking up steam again. I just released my first metal song back in January actually.
Jake: And from what I hear you've brought your band here tonight, any chance we could end up hearing that song?
Hoff: Well if you play your cards right, I might be convinced to belt out a few verses.
Jake: Well before that we've got another guest still. We tried to book Scotty Adams old high school sweetheart, but it turns out she was a dead interview, so we went ahead and got one of his best friends in the whole world....IMOGEN POOTS!
The beautiful blue eyed starlet walks out from behind the purple curtain wearing a form fitting glittery dress. She smiles and politely waves before walking over to receive a courtesy hug and cheek kisses from David Hasselhoff and Jake E Dangerously. Charlie just gives her a what's up wave from his seat at the far end of the couch where he munches on his bagel.
Jake: So I hear you're lifelong friends or something with Scotty Adams?
Imogen: Who? I'm sorry, I’ve never heard of him before. I only here because I heard he was going to be here... She indicates The Hoff.
Imogen: I'm honestly kind of star struck right now, I used to have a bit of a crush on you during your Baywatch days.
Hoff: Of course you did, you and every other red-blooded American!
Imogen: I'm British actually...
Hoff: Even better!
Imogen: I've only sort of heard of you before... She indicates Jake E.
Imogen: Aren't you friends with the Queen?
Jake: Uh, actually yeah. She's a big fan going way back now.
Imogen: THAT'S where I know you from. You were on the telly at Prince Philip's funeral.
Jake: Yeah those were a hard few days.
Imogen: Oh, do give the Queen my best if you see her again.
Jake: I'll be sure to mention you when I speak to her again. No doubt I'll talk to her before Worlds Collide.
Imogen: What's Worlds Collide?
Jake: It's a big wrestling extravaganza being put on by IIW right here in Manchester on May 16th. It'll be wild, it'll be entertaining. I can get you tickets if you'd like.
Imogen: Is the Queen going to be there? Jake: I don't know if she'll be up to such a public appearance just yet, but knowing her she'll be watching on from Buckingham.
Hoff: I'll be there, ringside!
Imogen: OK then, if I can get tickets beside you.
Jake: Consider it done! Now turning the tables to our final guest, we finally managed to secure someone who actually is close to Scotty Adams, the love of his life and also an IIW star on the rise... BIANCA LANGFORD!!! Out walks a lovely looking woman, great legs, big smile in a a strapless white dress, mid thigh. She's beautiful, but definitely older than Bianca Langford.
Jake: Uh... Charlie... Charlie, that's not Bianca Langford.
Charlie: Who?
Jake: Bianca Langford, Charlie she's Scotty's girlfriend and signed to the IIW roster under First Class. I told you to look at the roster sheet and sign Bianca Langford and we could get her and Scotty's view on our upcoming match. Charlie where did you find this woman? Charlie: Well uh, I just looked at some of the old stuff I had kicking around my apartment and saw her so I went around to her flat and asked her and she said she'd be glad to come present her side.
Jake: Charlie, that's JENNY FLETCHER! Charlie, this is the mother of Curtis! She's the one in the middle of the whole Jonny C and Osh drama from a few years ago! We have TONS to talk to her about, but this isn't the appropriate time or place... Jenny you stick around I'd love to do an after hours interview with you, but for now that's going to be all for now! To Scotty Adams enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame having a match against me gives you, for everyone else I love you all and we'll see you next time, now without further ado, to play us out here's DAVID HASSLEHOFF and his hit “Through the Night”!!!! David Hasselhoff plays as the scene fades.
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Post by Scotty 'Silver Bullet' Adams on May 4, 2021 17:11:06 GMT
I walk down the streets of Manchester, attempting to clear my mind. Focus on the tasks that lie ahead of me. Both in terms of my personal life and my Professional life. Meaning both Adams Enterprises and Professional wrestling.
Neither one having more thoughts devoted to them than the other.
Exhaling, I glance around. Allowing everything to consume me; wash through my body as I extend my arms out, in a pose very much similar to a crucifix. A soft smile on my face.
Holding the pose for 10 seconds, I then place my hands back by my sides as I continue my walk. Pondering just how I should approach the delicate balancing act of being both a businessman and a wrestler. Yes, I have mastered the art and done it effectively up to this point, but you can always get better at that sort of thing, you know?
"No excuses."
Whispering this, I remind myself of my mantra. This is the life *I* chose for myself. This is the path I elected to wander, so its burdens. Its costs are mine - and mine alone - to bear. I'm not someone who pities himself, or expects others to have pity for me. Staring at the vacant space in front of me, I softly laugh.
"Tyler, you beat me. Straight up. Not gonna run from that. You were the better man on the night."
I softly clap, before bowing my head.
"I'm willing to admit when someone beats me. 2 weeks ago, you did just that."
I exhale, glancing back up, having addressed the thought pressing against my brain. Responded to the elephant in the room, as they like to say.
It's been the comment on everybody's lips. The statement radiating around social media - I lost against Tyler Debonair. I wasn't able to get the job done. That is true, but he earnt the win. He went out there and flat out won. I'm not ashamed of it. Yet it is also the past now. It's done and dusted; there is no use in dwelling on it.
Reaching the main strip, I turn my body to the right, entering a clothing store. Remembering that there *is* another reason I came out on this walk. That is, to meet up with Liam - an associate of mine, and who I have been training with ever since landing in Manchester. Noticing him at the cashier's desk, I smile.
"Hey man."
Liam: Hey Scotty.
He walks across to the right, as I smile.
Liam: What's up?
I ponder my words, having forgotten the soecific reason I came here. Despite remembering that I did have to some.
"Did you manage to get the stock?"
It's his turn now to consider his thoughts, as he exhales.
Liam: Nah. They said they couldn't bring them in 'til Wednesday. I tried asking around, and nowhere else has it, either.
"Ah, that's fine. Don't need it until next week, anyway."
He nods.
Liam: Alright. I *did* manage to find an old copy of the forms though. You want them?
I smile, shaking my head softly.
"Could you send them to Rebecca for me? She's the one dealing with all that."
Liam: Will do. Same address as usual?
"Yep."
He begins to walk toward the back of tje store, to prepare the forms and make a note to himself about sending the stock to Bec, instead of directly to me. He motions to me to follow him, as I survey the shop. Seeing if there's anything that interests me. It's just the typical clothing and other attire, in different colours.
Reaching the back, I notice a red t-shirt with a *familiar* logo on it.
"Y'all got the shirts, I see?"
Liam looks at me, laughing.
Liam: Yeah. We got them yesterday, thanks. They've been selling like hotcakes too.
"Ah, nice."
I smile. Georgia had designed this shirt for me, as part of the new line of merchandise we've been releasing over the past few weeks.
"Glad to hear people have been liking them."
Liam: Yeah. I was gonna ask you if we could have a restock.
I laugh.
"Of course. I'll get the factory to bring some here on Thursday."
He smiles.
Liam: Thanks.
He opens the door to the back room, as we enter. Planning to continue our discussion in secret. ---
I sit, within the confines of an empty Television studio. The same one Bianca used for her discourse about Fiona and their match - a studio that we had rented for 2 weeks. Though, I sit atop a purple lawnchair, rather than the green one she sat on.
Exhaling, I look into the lens of the camera, pondering the task that lies ahead. The frontier that I must overcome, when I set foot in the ring at Worlds Collide. The *opportunity* that most people would kill themselves in order to obtain, that awaits me.
"The pressure is all on *you*, Jake."
I smirk.
"You're the one who has *everything* to lose in this match. You are the one who has it all on the line, when we set foot between those ropes. When the spotlight is on and you are standing toe-to-toe against *me*."
I laugh, as an image projects itself onto the screen. One of Jake defeating Jonny C for the title, followed by one of me - winning the Key to Success on the same night.
"You see, Jake, you have the opportunity to prove you're not just one and done when it comes to winning that title. That you *are* able to go out there and elevate the belt. Make it prestigous instead of merely faltering at the first hurdle. Failing when the time comes to put your money where your mouth is and show you can live up to the spotlight you have placed on yourself."
I smirk, laughing.
"Yet you've done this all before. See, I've done my research on you, Jake. I've studied your movements, your previous glories and successes - over and over again. I know that your name is embedded within the roots of the IIW. That you are an icon of this company.
No, of this *industry*.
And I respect that. I'm not here to take that away from you. I'm not here to dismiss that at all."
I recline back in the chair, a steely focus crossing my eyes.
"Nor am I here to enter a dick measuring contest about accolades. For that's not the person I am. What purpose does it *really* serve, aside from using those accolades as a crutch? As a means to shield yourself from the insecurities that lie within? I'd much rather step between those ropes and *show* you what I am capable of. Show you what you're truly facing, rather than tell you."
I sigh.
"For anyone can talk on and on about what they have achieved. What weight those achievements supposedly grant them, but it takes a *real* man. One who is *truly* elite to go out there and back those words up. This is what people fail to understand. This is the rabbit hole they keep diving down, helpless to escape."
Footage now plays of a multitude of different wrestlers, all rambling about how great they are; their achievements in the past.
"Yet they act stunned and play the 'woe is me' card when it all crashes around them. When their veil. Their facade is stripped away from them and they are left with nothing, aside from misery and despair."
I lower my voice into a whisper.
"Don't let that be you, Jake."
I mockingly grin.
"Don't let that title be all you have. Because it will be a shame to see you crash and burn. Become just like Jonny C, should I take that from you at Worlds collide."
I shrug my shoulders.
"Just remember, I'm not the one with the weight on my shoulders. I'm not the one who has anything to prove - I'm just the one who has everything falling into its place."
I then symbolically point forward.
"See you at Worlds Collide, Jake."
I then stand up, preparing to walk off. ---
<<<You see the show Jake did?>>>
Opening my messages as I sit inside of my 2008 model lime green porsche, I see this one from Bianca.
===No, Not yet. Just finished filming a message to Jake. What did he talk about?===
I sigh. What type of show could Jake have filmed?
Either way, I begin to drive out of the parking lot, headed back home. Though, I *do* have a few errands to run prior to that. Continuing to drive, I notice the message ping on my phone as I pull over.
<<<He basically did a shoot on you, running you down and claiming you were boring.>>>
I laugh. I've heard many people try that line of attack throughout my career. I'd call it more *efficent* than anything else but if he wants to play that card, he can. It's water off a duck's back to me.
===Let him think that. I *want* him to lead himself down that passage.===
I type out another message.
===I'll watch it when I get back though.===
Placing the phone back down, I resume driving. My mind focused solely on making sure everything is mapped out for when Worlds Collide arrives.
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Post by Jake E Dangerously on May 8, 2021 16:02:11 GMT
Somewhere, probably in Manchester, in some gym. There's a mat set up and two people on in. They're wearing the training gear of combat sports. Shorts, rash guard, fingerless padded gloves, and large kick pads. Currently one, a large mountain of a man is trying to muscle the smaller into some sort of submission, but despite his obvious size and power advantage the smaller man is able to wriggle free time and again.
Before two long they notice the camera and break. The larger man going to a bench on the far side, dropping himself on the bench to have a drink of water while the smaller man approaches the camera. It is the IIW World Champion, Jake E Dangerously. He takes out his mouth guard and swallows a quick mouthful of water before speaking.
Jake: I know it's highly unusual but I actual do train sometimes.
He wipes his mouth the sleeve of his rash guard.
Jake: So I hear ol' Scotland speak on a bunch of topics he knows little to nothing about, which seems to be his MO, but this time he's addressing me, so I'll try to suppress the giggle the stuff he says usually earns. Everything is falling into place huh? How nice it must be for someone like you to sit back and have everything to fall into your lap and work out. Judging from the actual amount of effort you put into anything it's good because you haven’t got enough skill at anything to actually accomplish anything.
Which is why you're so quick to dismiss accolades. It's not that it's any “shield from the insecurities that lie within”, it's that you don't have any to speak of. Accolades an an empirical measuring stick that we can use to actually judge our accomplishments against each other. Now I can see why you would want to dismiss that as useful when your only real accomplishments are beating a former CIA spook who is paranoid at the best of times, but double so looking over his shoulder in your match because of the frequency of times he's had other people interfere on his behalf that he knew payback is coming for him, and speaking of which, your only other real big match was winning a key after someone else had already claimed one AND half a dozen people interfered to take a guy out of the match and help another guy get one, AND that guy had almost killed another guy. So basically you were the best of the bottom half of that match. A theme for your life, a leader in mediocrity.
He takes the gloves off and sets them on the bench beside him. Jake: How's that for symbolism Scotty?
So yeah, the pressure is on me, but since I've been doing this at this level longer than you've been doing anything productive at all, let me lay it out for you. Yeah the pressure is on me in this match, but that's the pressure I live with every day of my life. I'm the longest reigning IIW Champion of all time. Again, that's not an insecurity thing, that the statement of a relevant fact. The fact is I've handled this pressure better than anyone ever. Many others have tried and failed because THEY couldn't handle the pressure that I create at the top. I'm not the guy who raises the championship, I'm the guy who MADE the championship.
You talk all your shit about making the championship better, but face the actual facts Scot, if for some reason you were able to beat me at Worlds Collide, that title would make YOU. You have done anything anywhere yet to prove you're an elite competitor. You haven't proven to anyone that you're this great talent that can raise the game. All you've proven so far is that you can compete with varied success. If you managed to beat me and win the title then you'd be made. You would be looked at in a way you never have before as something you never have been before. You talk about all these guys talking about all their accolades because they're insecure, no, it's because you and everyone else knows the only championship that really matter is MINE. Being the IIW World Champion is the ONLY thing that matters in professional wrestling because it's the symbol of the status that comes with it, the status that you are the BEST professional wrestler walking on planet earth today. And you know what made that status Scotty? I did. Not Jonny C, not Shawn Taylor, not that one Ruin guy who shut the whole place down a few years back. I did. Because I had the reputation and I actually live up to it.
When you're sitting there at Worlds Collide lacing up your boots for the biggest match of your career take a good look around. Take a good look at all of the other faces sitting around you. Run all those other names through your head. They aren't there for you Scot. They aren't here because Scotty Adams name is on the roster. They're here for me. Just like you. Each and every one of them recognize that I'm the best. They all know the name Jake E Dangerously is the best in this business. It's not because I'm the IIW Champion either, it's because they know I'm the best. That title isn't the thing that makes me the best, it's the reward I earned for myself just for being the best.
You know why I named my match with Jonny C as the greatest of my career so far? Because it was. It was the goal I set for myself and I succeeded. I spent a bit of time out of the business, building a regular life for myself, doing some stuff I found fun, but the real challenge was coming back. The real challenge was after so long away could I come back and re-establish myself as the force I once was not just in IIW, but in the professional wrestling world as a whole. And who better to do it against than the guy I MADE more than a decade ago. A guy who I told would make his career if he beat me. He did, and what did it do for him? It built him up into the legend he is now. You see Scotty he saw that bar I set and made it his life's work to try to raise it. Now he's a legend in his own right.
Kick that notion around in your tiny little head for a minute Scotty. You talk about all the pressure being on me, but that's pressure I put on myself. Over and over again, time after time, night after night. That's the bar I set. That's the elevation I've reached. Always going higher, always getting better, and I've got a LONG history of doing it over and over. That's why the pressure isn't on me Scotty. It's another night, another big show, another chance to prove I'm the best.
But the quality of my opponent isn't always the best, and that's where you've come in Scott. So far you haven't proven much of anything to anyone. If anything you've proved you're not wholly committed. You work at running this supposedly successful business that no one had heard of until you turned half of every promo you do into a boring infomercial about this “business” yet no one has any idea what your business does yet. Then the other half of you is set in the ring in your matches but only in this overarching vague way because you can't think of a specific reason why you're any better at this that anyone trying to earn a contract on the Combat roster. You say you've done your research and you know how I move then you speak like you've only ever seen one match and even then you didn't watch it you just heard someone else talk about it. Then there's the way YOU move Scott. You fancy yourself some top prospect, some amazing athlete, but you move like the idea is foreign to you. Not just in the ring, look at the way you move in your own promos, like the notion of human motion is unknown to you and you're trying to mimic what you've seen on television. You're awkward in the ring and you're awkward in real life.
And you think you have any sort of advantage. You want to be the best but you don't even understand the sport and you're not wholly committed to it. You hope this title isn't all I have like actually being dedicated to being the absolute best at something you're deeply passionate about would be a bad thing. It's good you have something else Scott, because you're not going to be overwhelmingly successful at this. You haven't got the tools and you show off that fact every time you try to cut a promo. You're trying to half ass being the best and you think not only are you going to raise the bar against people who are more dedicated and invested in this than you are, but you actually think people are going to love you for it.
I've got to be honest Scotty, even those lovely people close to you don't think you've got much of a chance. They're not wrong.
He takes another sip of water.
Jake: And then there are the fans. You know why they love me now Scotty? It's not shaking hands and kissing babies, that's for sure. It's respect grown into genuine love. You know how you do that? You say outlandish things and then you back them up. That earns respect. The fans around the world didn't love me the moment I first stepped foot in the ring. They didn't love me when I first got to IIW. I came off as brash, arrogant, and egotistical. I said wild outlandish things, and as much as they wanted to see me fall on my face and get my head kicked in, but time after time they watched me prove myself. The very few times I got knocked down they saw me get back up and keep going. They watched me run my mouth and prove myself, then after I proved myself they watched me keep going.
I didn't just get to be the IIW World Champion and wear this title with pride, they saw me go out on other programs aside from just IIW and prove it. They watched me wear that belt on other shows and win other World titles and build the legend that is IIW. They watched all those other guys from all those other shows fall before me and chase me to IIW so that they could prove I was the best. I didn't just prove I was the best and raise the IIW title to heights it's never been, I raised IIW to heights it's never been. And now look at it. I didn't just traverse a chasm of time and proved that I STILL belong on the top of the mountain in professional wrestling, I proved that all of IIW belongs on that height.
You look at that and you say talking about accolades makes you insecure. It does, but not the people talking about them Scotty, it makes YOU insecure. When you pile up all those accomplishments and you're standing there looking up everyone sees the height of arrogance you are willing to reach saying things like you could raise the title to places I'd never dream of when you can't comprehend the level I've already brought it to. I don't blame you for the statement, I appreciate the ego, it's just everything else you say that betrays that you have no idea what you're talking about. And spare me the vague, unspecific come back. Spare me the everything is falling into place, everything is going to plan bullshit because everyone and everything sees how transparent it is. You don't have a plan, you fall ass backwards into whatever good thing comes your way, but all you're going to fall ass backwards into at Worlds Collide is another one of the many ass kickings you have coming in IIW. You wrestle a full time schedule Scotty, but you have part time commitment. You give wrestling as much of less thought than you do to anything else in your life and that's not enough to succeed here. You have a side business, but IIW is my business. It's my business to defend my title against any contender I face. It's my business to represent this company and contribute to it and make it the best it can possibly be. It's my business to be the best professional wrestler alive. That's my business, Scotty. See it all laid out there bare for the world to see and everyone to understand? See how it's simple and straightforward and everyone tuning into IIW on Netflix can get behind it and support the concept? It's not some vague, convoluted, mysterious thing that sees my exchange undescribed packages and parcels and paperwork in everyone of my promos just to make me look more human so that people can latch onto me and “identify” with me as a character.
I don't need to drag all of my personal acquaintances into every promo I do so people can see I have friends and that I'm “likeable”. I don't need to tell you that guys over there's name... He gestures to the large man sitting on the bench on the other side of the mat who's currently scrolling his phone.
Jake: Just so there's something going on in my promos to make me more “interesting”. I have personality Scotty, people are interested in me just for me, it's because I have charisma. Natural charisma that means I don't have to make a shit eating grin over and over in my promos to think I have emotion. People listen to my words and hear the tone in my voice and they connect with that emotion. They see my simple goals, being the best, laid out in everything I do and they respect that. They see that I don't just talk shit but I back it up and that makes my word WORTH something and they love me for it. They love me because they trust me. They know I'm in this for the long haul, the can invest in me because I'm invested in this. I'm invested in being the best and I'm invested in making IIW the best and I prove it every single chance I'm given, and they know that things might no work out all the time, I wont be IIW Champion forever, but when I lose it it wont be to some half assed jagoff who's only half invested in this, it'll be to someone who pushes beyond their wildest dreams to prove that they're the best. That's not you Scotty, you've already proven that.
And I know some barely there mentally twat who has word of the day toilet paper so you can make your promos sound more interesting that you really are wont get that and you'll say I'm in you head, you'll think you must be if I can say all this stuff, but I say all this because it's my job. This isn't a “shoot” Scotty, it's a fucking promo. This is my sad attempt to get people interested in seeing our match at Worlds Collide. This is my attempt in getting people interested in our match beyond the simple getting to see me wrestle and defend the World Championship. Trying to sell tickets not to just our show, but to our match on a card that has the finals for the International Title, the return TV title match between Anthony Phoenix and Rogue, and headlined by War Games. I'm trying everything I can to get people interested in the idea that maybe they might see me at my best get upset by this new guy, but it's not going to happen. No one thinks you're going to win. Everything you've shown so far in IIW has proved you're not ready. You're not ready for the title, you're not ready for the match, you're not ready for the responsibility, you're not ready for me. This isn't a shoot Scotty, it's a promo. This isn't some great thing where you've gone above and beyond and got under my skin, you're just not that good. This is my job. This is what I do to everyone. I see if you can measure up. Usually people do better.
It's not that I'm looking past you to other more worthy challengers Scotty, I'm not dismissing you for everything you haven't done yet, it's that I and everyone else can see RIGHT THROUGH you. You're transparent and you don't even know it.
You asked what it would do to me if I lose? Ask the very few people who have actually beaten me. I'm still here, I'll fight my way back. I've done it before and I'll do it again, that's what being the best is Scotty. If you somehow manage to shift the moon and the stars in the time you have left and get a win over me at Worlds Collide I don't all of a sudden become that guy who was a one match champion and when the pressure was on I couldn't get it done, I didn't just arrive to the top of this business Scotty, I've been here a long time. If I lose I'm still the greatest champion of all time, and that's the pressure you'll have to live up to knowing it's only a matter of time before I'm back to prove it again. You think there's any more pressure on me now than there was at KKND? Get over yourself Scotty. Get over yourself and all of the unearned hype you insulate yourself with and get real, it's the only way you're going to even have a hope at competing WITH ME at Worlds Collide, let alone of beating me. He picks up the gloves and starts to pull them back on.
Jake: Now, while you get back to the drawing board there Scotty and try to come up with something that could actually make someone believe there's a reality where you have a chance at beating me, I'll be getting back to doing what keeps me at the top. Pushing myself higher and harder and keeping my edge sharper than anyone else.
Now get out, you have work to do. Fade.
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Post by Scotty 'Silver Bullet' Adams on May 9, 2021 5:27:04 GMT
"You know, I expected you to do your research on me, Jake."
I state this, as I sit atop a black leather chair within my personal studio. Having just finished watching Jake E. Dangerously's "Danger Zone" broadcast. Safe to say, I wasn't impressed or amused by it. Not because it wasn't entertaining, but because it showed that he isn't willing to put a modicum of effort into figuring out *anything* about me.
"See, you seem to have this little illusion in your head. This thought that just because Jonny C or anyone else that fits that mold are arrogant personas. Just because they like to ramble on and on about their accomplishments. What they have done in the past, that I *would* do the exact same thing. When that isn't who I am - at all."
I softly laugh.
"As I said the last time I talked to you, I *don't* need to brag about my past. I don't need to portray myself as this iconic persona. As this man who has done it all, because what purpose does it *truly* serve? What would it mean, if I were to portray myself as this icon. This megastar, if I ultimately end up falling flat on my face? If I ended up sh*tting the bed when the time comes to ya know --- actually back up my words?"
I smirk, awaiting a response.
"The answer is nothing, Jake. Or well, none. It would not mean jack sh*t, because words are ultimately hollow. Alone, they hold no meaning. They have no value on which to stand upon. That is, if we are unable to back those words up with our actions."
I exhale.
"Which *you* have more than done throughout your career. In recent times even more so. For that, you should be lauded. You should be seen as the man to beat, because you have earnt that title."
I clap my hands, smiling cheekily.
"Nobody can take that away from you. You went out there and stamped your authority. You went out there and closed the chapter on the story with Jonny - you proved on that night, you were the better man. That you would be the one enscribed as the first ever IIW champion in its rebirth."
I pause, waiting for the perfect moment to continue.
"That, however, was the *easy* part. The first step, so to speak. Now, is where your challenge truly begins. This is where you have the opportunity to *prove* you're not a one hit wonder. That you have the durability. The staying power to become a champion that is remembered. A champion, that is seen not as a mere stepping stone. A mere means to keep the belt warm, before the next man came around and took it, but the *real* final boss. The final frontier man must cross, if they are to unseat you from your throne."
I smirk, wiggling my body slightly.
"See, Jake. You seem to think that this is *my* make or break moment. My 15 minutes of fame. That I am the one who should be honoured to be in your presense. That this bout is a gift. Yeah, nah. Sorry. That's not how this sort of thing works. Much like your assertations about me only being a middling piece of the puzzle during the keys to success match shows a lack of *true* understanding."
I roll my eyes, remembering that specific quote.
"A lack of ability to grasp concepts that a veteran like you should really know. See, I'm surprised I have to explain this to you, Jake. I figured an 'icon' of the ring like yourself would already know this, but - wrestling isn't about who is the flashiest. Or whoever is the most popular. Or even who people deem as the most 'deserving'."
I smirk slyly.
"It's about who goes out there and *takes* the opportunities that are put before them. The ones who are willing to go out there and control their own destiny, instead of merely falling into line and playing to the beat of a drum supposedly designed for them. At KKND, I went out there and *took* the key. I grasped the opportunity and did what I needed to in order to acquire it. Even if that means being gritty. Grinding out the victory and being --- boring, as you put it."
I mockingly gasp, as I stand up and begin to walk around the studio.
"Last time I checked, the record books never recorded the pizzazz or the pomp and circumstance. All they did, was note who was the winner and who was the loser. You know, the thing that *truly* matters when we set foot between the ropes. Or at least, what *should* truly matter."
Stopping in front of a picture of myself holding one of the many titles I have won in my career. Yes, it goes against what I said about accolades - but that's not the point here.
The point is to show that contrary to Jake's beliefs, I *do* have my own accolades, even if I don't have the need to constantly reference them or bring them up.
"That is all I am focused on. I'm not gonna try and run you down, at least not outside of the ring, Jake. I'm not gonna act like this is a foregone conclusion. Because it isn't. I'm not as naive as to believe it is. All I am going to do, is *show* you at World's Collide that when we step between those ropes. When it is simply you and I in that ring, that I am more than you may realise. That I can more than reach your level."
I continue to walk, my eyes feeling a burning passion inside of them.
"And that when the smoke clears, I will be the one with the gold within my hands. Looking down at the man who let Midas' touch become a curse. A burden that *he* could no longer handle. A burden, that he once saw as a blessing."
With that, I exit the studio. My piece having been said - at least, for now. ---
I stand outside of Old Trafford, the home ground of one of the biggest teams in the world - Manchester United. As a Liverpool fan, it makes me feel sick to even be here, but there *is* a point behind this. One that will become evident in time.
"Hello again, Jake. You might be wondering what I am doing here. Why is it, that I have picked this as the backdrop of this little chinwag? Don't worry, it'll become apparent to you soon enough. Before we begin though, I want you to know something. For you are the one who brought this up in your little discourse, when you allowed yourself to wander blindly into the rabbit hole. The mistake of questioning how committed I am to wrestling."
I softly laugh at that comment.
"You are right. My focus is divided between Adams Enterprises and wrestling. Yet what you either fail or refuse to comprehend is, that doesn't mean my committment is divided at all. Especially when I step between those ropes. When I -wrestle-. I would have simply stayed retired, I wouldn't have come through the doors here at the IIW if I was anything less than 100% committed to wrestling. If there was anything clouding my mind and preventing me from being able to give this industry everything that I have inside of me. Just as you give everything you have inside of you when you step into that ring."
I pivot my body around and begin walking towards the stadium. About 300 metres later, I turn back around.
"See Jake. You are right about one thing. Your name, your brand is established here in the IIW. Night in and night out, you have proven that when you lay claim to being the best. To being the pillar that holds the IIW upright, you are exactly that. That won't *ever* change, regardless of what happens at Worlds Collide. I've never stated anything else aside from that - my queries about you falling were simply about *you* Jake. I know how much it means to you to be in the position you are. To be the one others are looking up to. Hoping that they can reach your level. Thing is, Jake - what would it do, if you were no longer that pinnacle?"
I shrug.
"If someone were to eclipse you and take your title away? You can say all you want that you would simply fight your way back to the top and reclaim the crown. The belt. Or that regardless, people would see you as the best - even if you didn't have the world title draped on your shoulder, but would you see youself in that light? That's the question that you will have to answer, when the time comes. A time that could very well come at Worlds Collide, if you go into this match believing foolishly that I am not fully committed. Or focused on ensuring that *I* am the one to cut you down. If you believe that your little insults or your cute attacks on me outside of the ring are enough to give you some sort of mental edge between the ropes."
I snicker.
"And they say *I'm* the arrogant one. You also seem to not realise that there's this little tool people can use - well, multiple tools really, called the internet and DVDs. I hear they can be useful when it comes to enabling people to do research on their opponents. Study their tendencies, their strengths and weaknesses and help formulate a strategy for the match itself. What would I know though? It's not like I use them or anything. Isn't that right?"
I laugh.
"I mean, in your mind - the only way you can learn about someone is by being in the same locker room as them, or physically being at the matches they compete in. That just shows me how little you *truly* know what awaits you at Worlds Collide. But I dunno, maybe you like flying blind into matches. Maybe it's easier for you to learn about your opponents on the fly, even if that is merely leading you down the path of failure. Of falling short, against a man who has already answered the questions you pose.
Yet I will say - it's one thing for me to tell you all this. To tell you I already know your identity in the ring. It's another thing altogether to execute the strategy and actually fulfill my promises. Back up my words. Just as it is one thing for you to go on about how I'm predictable. About how you supposedly 'see right through me'. It's another to step between those ropes and beat me."
I inhale, as I tilt my head over my right shoulder, staring right at the 'Theatre of Dreams' tagline, written underneath the Old Trafford sign.
"See, we can claim to know our opponents. We can even claim to know ourselves - but the challenge isn't simply to know what we're gonna do. It's stopping them from being able to go out there and do it. For that, the only stage that is appropriate to provide that evidence within, is the ring itself. More specifically, Worlds Collide."
I exhale, a slight smile crossing my face.
"Which brings me to where I chose here to engage you within this discourse. You see that sign? The theatre of dreams - the location where legacies have been made over the years. The battleground for many iconic teams to do battle within, mirrors our own bout. See, whereas I am not an IIW icon like yourself, I am an icon of this industry. My name is made. It's everlasting as is, and believe me - I could talk all I wanted to about accolades if I so desired. I don't however, because they aren't relevant. They hold no meaning within this battleground. Nor am I the sort of person who throws them around willy-nilly regardless.
So yes, Jake - this *is* my biggest match since walking through the doors of IIW. Yet I merely see it as another match. Another battle in order to ensure people realise that no matter who they are. No matter how much they claim to know about me, the onus is on them to execute. To be the one to bring me down."
I pause, allowing the breeze to brush against my clothing.
"The same applies for me, when it comes to bringing you down. Yet there is another reason why I don't see this specific match as my biggest, at least from a mentality standpoint. And Jake, this might come as a little bit of a surprise. A shock, considering your words about my committment but - it's because no matter what, *every* match gets the same treatment. The same focus. Whether it be the opening match of the night, or one for the world title. You know why that is?"
I await a response, my half-smile beginning to creep across my face.
"It's because it is how *I* can *prove* I am as good as I make myself out to be. It's how I show that when you hear people talk abput me. When you hear them say 'my best is the best', there is evidence that dictates precisely that. Evidence that holds water, even under the brightest spotlights. I don't need to tell you why I am better. Or superior. Or why I am going to beat you, when I can go out there and show you why. Leave you with no doubt that on the night, I was the better man. It also means that each time I do, it holds meaning. It holds weight."
I calmly survey the empty grounds surrrounding me. My mind simply focused on everything I have been stating.
"You'd be surprised with how far that goes, Jake. I don't need or desire to dismiss any opponents, because what good does it do? If you win, big f*cking woop. You beat someone whose name you dragged through the mud and made out to be nowhere near your level. If you lose, however, you end up with egg on your face. You made them out to be a nobody and not on your level, only to *lose*? Really?"
I raise my right eyebrow.
"Wouldn't that make you worse than dirt? That's how it would work, wouldn't it? Let's look at it this way, and use an example you talked about yourself - Russell Wayne. You like to talk about how he needs help to win every match he is in, yet refuse to ask 'why is that help even allowed to become an influence?' because that is what you *should* be asking. Is it because it would prove that *I* had the focus. The concentration to ensure that irrespective of what chicanery his friends may have tried, that it would be me walking out with the victory?"
I gasp in mock surprise.
"Oh wait, that is the *exact* reason I won. I even invited his little clique to come out and try, because I already knew it would not matter. My sole focus was on Russell for that very purpose. Just as come Worlds Collide, my sole focus is on *you*. So go ahead, film your TV shows. Talk all you want about me or where you percieve my loyalities to be. How I'm this boring personality, because it'll make it all the sweeter when I walk out of the ring with the victory and the championship and ensure that people truly understand what I mean when I say I *will* take it to heights you have never seen."
I begin walking forward and toward the parking lot.
"I will say, I don't claim to do this for the fans. I don't *need* them to love me. To accept me. I do this for the industry. I do this for wrestling. Nothing else. I will see you at Worlds Collide, Jake. Bring your best. I'll be bringing mine and you will be able to see with your own eyes that I am everything I claim to be between those ropes."
I walk off, knowing that for now - Worlds Collide is where it will all fall into place. It is where Jake will see that between those ropes, I am one of the best to have ever done it. No matter where I have been in my career.
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Post by Jake E Dangerously on May 12, 2021 15:37:02 GMT
Somewhere backstage at the world famous IIW there is an old school interview area set up. It probably hasn't been used much in the last decade, but it's still there. It's not super flashy, but it doesn't need to be. A background made up of the IIW logo repeating over and over and a podium to the left hand side of the screen.
It was probably this man that had this area set up years ago. Jake E Dangerously. The champ walks into the shot, wearing an Edmonton Oilers ball cap, faded jeans, and a simple black IIW t-shirt. In his hands he holds the IIW World Championship, which he places on the podium.
Jake: You know Scotty, it's never good to look like an obvious hypocrite when you're trying to talk trash. That doesn't deter you though does it? You just keep spouting off at the mouth and doing the exact same thing you’re accusing me of but somehow you've worked out in your head that you're immune to such incredulity, so for the slow witted Scotland Adams I'll give you a second to do that stupid little laugh then I'll explain. He pauses so Scotty can do his little “soft laugh”.
Jake: Blah, blah, blah accomplishments. The only thing worse that being stupid is repeating your stupidity over and over like you think that will make it true. You talk and talk about everyone else talking about their accomplishments and I know you must mean that Dan DiStoner promo for a few weeks back where he goes on and on and on about the stuff he's done and everyone's like what's the fucking point? But you're missing the important part of all that.
See to you Scott, you think it makes you look stupid when you fail to do whatever it is you claim you're going to do, and in you case, yes it would. The difference is you've never done anything important. I know that you think that means “oh well Jake just isn't bothering to do research about me”, when it's more like you've never done anything worth talking about. That's why you don't talk about it.
You can't name any specific thing you've done because you haven't done anything. You've won nothing but unimpressive titles in unimportant promotions here and there. You think that's because I haven't looked into what you've done and seen your old matches or anything, but its because I HAVE, Scott. But unlike you I grasp the reality of the situation. Those places and titles don't matter because they aren't here. They aren't IIW. The difference, because you need things to be obvious and spelled out for you, is that IIW is better. IIW is the pinnacle of this business and the people that get the chance to compete here are the best of the best. We're not any other promotion with a handful of wrestling school dropouts and maybe one guy that can do anything in the ring, and most of the places you've been, you're that guy so you have no real idea of what competition really is. But while you were busy building your ego and very little else I was here competing against the best of the best from everywhere helping establish IIW as the premier place to compete in IIW. He pauses to look at the IIW World Championship.
Jake: I was busy competing for that and making it worth more than every other title in this business combined. But you don't know that because you obviously didn't bother doing any research or even listen to a word literally anyone around you has been saying.
No, Scott, you were busy with Adams Enterprises portfolio. Your business as nondescript and vague as your wrestling career.
If you were listening you wouldn't have bothered repeating yourself about this one and done champion nonsense. Either that or you're new enough to think you saying something as stupid as that would get under my skin rather than make you look as unaware of the situation you're in. I may have just regained that title, but take a look at my record. You want to talk about wins and losses mattering Scotty, take a good look at the man who holds the best win/loss record in IIW history. Sure I'm unbeaten now, but in 14 years I've lost so little you can count those losses on one hand with fingers left over. There are two men alive today who have beaten my in and IIW ring. One's retired and the other one I just avenged the loss to. That's the reality of it Scotty, those are the facts. But let's go back a bit shall we? We'll frame things in perspective you can understand. See when I came to IIW I was a defending World Champion in another company. I was very well known and my name was established. You make that claim for yourself even though no one really knew who you were and you had no buzz around you. You're a doofus with a bit of raw skill that's been OK in a few places that don't matter. But you think you're a made man, so if you want to live forever in the dark corners of the Who Gives a Fuck Wrestling Federations of the world then that's great for you.
But I didn't just live with that, I took my already noticeable fame and built it to the next level. I came here and I didn't just compete, I dominated. I did everything I ever said I'd do and I made myself better and in doing so I made IIW better and I made the IIW World Championship better.
We're same in the regard that you want to do the same. You come from elsewhere that you think is important and you think you're going to follow my footsteps and have this meteoric rise and elevate the business to heights unknown, but then you talk and expose you just have no idea what heights it's already at. He looks again at the IIW World Championship, the title he raised to its zenith.
Jake: You talk about how great you are because you fell into opportunity. For you it was finding a way to win. If you can call having a bunch of other guys take out everyone in your match to the point that you still struggle to beat two guys left to grab the one real accolade in your career, that key that got you this match. That sure looks great on paper. If you didn't see the match you'd think you really dug down and found a way to win.
Then you beat the other guy with a key like you. AGAIN, looks great on paper, but once you see the actual facts it falls apart a bit, that guy has struggled to get a win without outside help. Then what Scott, that match you had after that where you were really finally but to the test, where you lost to one of the guys who will compete for the International Title at Worlds Collide. Great job digging down and taking control of your own destiny there. Meanwhile I was avenging an over decade old loss by defeating the guy who took that title away from me in the first place, for that title. THAT'S controlling your own destiny. When the odds were stacked against me, when my back was against the wall I overcame, but now you think you're going to be the hard part. You have this idea built up to think you're someone when just now, you're nobody. To hear the story you tell you'd think I'd never defended this title before and that I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but that would be ignoring a simple tiny bit of research that shows that... oh what's that? Go ahead look it up, the champ is waiting.
Jake: I've defended that title more than anyone. You see Scotty, I do know what I'm in for. I've controlled my own destiny since day one, and everyone in the world except you knows it. You're the one that has to beat me, not the other way around. Think about that, you have to PIN me or make me SUBMIT. I'll save you a bit of research Scotty, I've never submitted in my life and that wont start with you. So all you have is the off chance that maybe you can pin me, and these shoulders haven't stayed on the mat for a three count in a good long while and I don't see them doing it now.
See there's the thing Scotty, it's not on me to bring you down. No one cares about you, bringing you down has no value. More-so, bringing you down has so little value you were just brought down less than two weeks ago. Your words say your titan, but your deeds don't match that, such poor form for a guy who says how your deeds are so much more important than your words. I'd say that too if my words rang so hollow that my deeds, few as yours are, would seem more weighty by comparison.
But you're the guy that proves that every night you're the best and this match is the biggest of your career but it's not because every match get the same focus and that's a lot of words saying fuck all. Those are your words Scotty, long and rambling and hollow as they are. Every match gets your best is a stupid thing to say when you're walking into a World Championship match off the back of a loss. Your best wasn't good enough in you last match but we're all supposed to believe that it' good enough to lift you up and gain you a win in this match, which isn't just a match for nothing like your match against Tyler Debonair, but actually for all the marbles, as they say? That match is no different than this one? This is why words matter in this business Scotty. I know you don't get that because you don't really have the ability to spit out a coherent thought all the while thinking you're some kind of super wrestling genius. Your best wasn't good enough just a few days ago and according to your own word it's going to be good enough to defeat a more difficult opponent when the stakes are MUCH higher.
Oh but you *prove* you're as great as you make yourself out to be. Well if we apply your logic to that, then we have exactly the conclusion I came to. You prove that you're average at best. Sure, you proved you're independent good, but this isn't some little promotion somewhere, this is IIW. You might be indy good, but you're, at best, IIW average. And that's why words matter Scotty. You can't be as good as you were in your last match. You came in here arrogantly thinking you're the best and you're going to just jump in the ring against whoever and prove it to everyone, but somehow I'M the one not doing my research? If you bothered to check you'd know I got to be the best, not by having an ago about my ability and stagnating, but by being BETTER every single time I get in that ring. Epic match at KKND? Doesn't matter, because you're not facing the Jake E Dangerously from that match, you're facing the one that came out the other side, the one that learned that match's lesson and is even better than before. You talk about being great in every match regardless of it's position on the card but I doubt you even saw I opened Combat a few weeks ago, with a title defence no less. See you say a thing and that words don't matter Scotty, but I've already done whatever you've said and I say words do matter. Words matter because they illustrate lesson learned. The illustrate what we know and what we don't. More the don't in your case, but they matter. In the span of two promos you've gone from “good job Tyler, you were the better man” to “I give the same effort in every match regardless, it doesn't matter” when you showed your best isn't good enough for your average Mayhem match, let alone the most significant match in your career. Your words expose your weaknesses, and that's why they matter Scotty. In your case they show you haven't really learned anything in defeat, you haven't bothered to do any research about IIW or myself you'd know what you're headed into, that this isn't just another match. I proved long ago regardless of position on the card or the title I hold, I am that final boss you speak of. And when you're the final boss in IIW you're not just the pinnacle in IIW, but in all of wrestling. But no one expects you to know that, you think you're walking into just some wrestling company going to do whatever you please. Your words expose how mentally unprepared you are for this match, because it does matter Scotty. You've already proven you're not the best in this company before you even get to a point to show you're best in the ring. You shown not only are there better than you in the ring, you've proven, with those damning words you think so little of, that you have no bounce back, you have no drive to get back up and do better because you've walked in here mistakenly thinking your best is THE best, even though you've been proven wrong very recently. He picks up the IIW World Championship and rests it over his right shoulder.
Jake: Now lets address this dirt nonsense. See, you already have the idea in the back of your head, which shows exactly what you really think of yourself. You said I drag your name through the mud and when I beat you so what, but if you win I'm somehow less than dirt, but you overlook that you're supposed to make us think you're not dirt. You're supposed to convince us that you learn and grown and that makes you dangerous, but instead you prove that you don't learn and grown you're just as good as you are and that’s it, making yourself dirt. You lose and you prove you are the mud we drag your name through, in your head. You win and in your mind you're still dirt, we're just worse, when in reality if you win you would prove you're the best, and there's no shame in being beaten by the best.
Which is why, when I beat you there's no harm done. You were beaten by the best, but you can give a good accounting of yourself and prove there's maybe something to you and you're getting better. That's something you can't do though, so when I beat you, if you do give me a real fight all it proves is that I might not be ready for someone who's any better than average. Oh but wait, given the quality of my last match and opponent we've already proven that's not the case. He turns to begin to walk away, but stops and turns back.
Jake: Oh, what? You want to what? Ignore your last match and skip to the last one you won? OK then... So you beat Russell Wayne, the match that gave you a big head. So you're going to try to use those words you don't care about to try to have it show how good you are? K, let's try this. Interference, uh huh... Oh but, there WAS no interference in your match, so all you did was prove he needs help to win, which is exactly what I said from the start. But I like that you tell yourself that you're so fucking good that they “dared not” interfere for they would know the inevitability of your greatness. OK Thanos, pump the fucking brakes for a minute because all that actually means in the real world is that they thought so little of you that they thought that Wayne could have dealt with you on his own, much like Debonair did. Now I know you wanted to hit me with a little flattery going with the whole “outside of IIW I'm already great” thing, you want me to see your rise as mirroring your own, but you know what REALLY mirrors me? Your promo.
You're so great and you're everything you say you are and you treat every match the same, then why did you switch up so much for this match. For a guy who cares little for words all of a sudden you have a lot of them. For a guy who doesn't like talking about accolades you seem to be talking them up all of a sudden. For as important as everything else is to you, you've dropped all your little friends, you dropped all your mysterious business dealings, you dropped all the little bits of your usual promos that go nowhere and do nothing but you have this misguided notion make you think you're interesting and you've adopted a very different style all of a sudden. Now you're doing what you like to call a “shoot”. My style.
So if this match is just like any other why the switch up Scotty? If the way you've been doing things is the right way and you're on the right path and you're going to prove everything to everyone, then why all of a sudden start imitating me? Before you answer that question Scotty, know that it's rhetorical. Everyone already knows the answer. It's because you know you're wrong. From start to finish. You're wrong about how good you are, you're wrong about your chances, you're wrong about me, you're wrong about coming out of Worlds Collide with my title. You're wrong about your focus, you're wrong about the things you've been saying. But you know I'm right. When it comes to the two of us, one is everything he says he is, the other one just says it. The one that's wrong always copies the other. You'd know that if you really bothered doing your research. You'd know you were wrong if half the things you said were true, but you're in my world now Scotty, not just in the ring, but in the promos. You see what I do and deep down you know it's the best, but you still think you can do it better. You're just a poor copy Scotty, that's what you amount to, a copy trying to do what you see others do better. You betrayed yourself in the hunt to be the best. You exposed how weak you are and you tried to cover it up with verbal armour forged by my hands, but you're not me Scotty. You never were and you never will be. You're not IIW World Champion, you're just a contender. You've had two weeks to prove you were anything more than that and you failed at every turn. Now, go ahead and take your last step, backtrack and scramble, but you've still go to finish it out and step in the ring with me Scotty, and if you bothered to do any of the things you accused me of not doing you'd know I'm a LOT better in the ring than I am at talking, and for me that's saying a lot. Fade.
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Post by Scotty 'Silver Bullet' Adams on May 15, 2021 18:51:06 GMT
I sit within the confines of an empty gym, atop of a bench. Simply taking the time to survey the empty surroundings, and the equipment that is usually occupied. Having finished my workout just 10 minutes prior. Yes, I *do* work out, contrary to what some might believe - even if my injuries have meant said workouts aren't as intense as they once were. That however, is irrelevant.
"To some, everything that has needed to be said. All our cards that we could play, are already on the table. There for the world to see, yet that's not how either of us operate is it, Jake? I *know* there's a few more barbs you wish to throw my way, much like I have a few more bullets in the chamber. Pointed directly at you. Those however, I will hold onto until the time is ripe."
A steely look appearing in my eyes, I stare forward.
"See, I've heard everything you've said. I've paid very close attention to your words, waiting for something that actually has impact. That doesn't come across as simply being the musings of a man who believes he has it all. Who sees me as just another name he can knock down and add to his list of victims before moving on to the next one. Because that's what you've portrayed this as so far --- and trust me, it's *not* the approach you should wish to take when the time comes and we stand toe to toe, mano a mano with one another."
I softly exhale.
"I know what you're going to say too, Jake. You've earned that right. You've proven that you are the top dog. That as you are the champion, I am the one who has to prove myself to you. It's the same phrases you have put out over and over again. To the point where we may as well just play them as recordings whenever you decide to open your mouth, as it's obvious that is your playbook.
Yet what you don't realise is that you are setting up a mountainous task for yourself. One that you may very well be unable to scale at Worlds Collide - even *if* you claim to thrive under pressure. Heck, you even stated that the greatest pressure you feel, comes from yourself."
I then hunch my shoulders, a holographic globe appearing on top of them.
"Just be wary that the weight of the world doesn't collapse atop of you. Otherwise, your words will have been all for nought. Hollow when the tide truly begins to swallow you whole. Leaving you with nothing but echoes of those very words, back to haunt you. Remind you of the promise you failed to keep."
The globe then disappears as I lower my shoulders.
"For only *one* of us has made those promises, Jake. I have deliberately held back from doing so, because I *know* that it'll all blow back up in my face if I don't fulfil them and fall short against you. I realise that writing myself cheques that I cannot guarantee I can cash is unwise. Especially against somebody like you. You'd simply use those promises as ammo. As notes on your bulletin board to motivate you, and I - unlike most who step into the ring against you - have no intention of feeding into that."
I flash a sly grin.
"You, on the other hand, appear to hold no qualms in giving me free ammo. Free motivation for Worlds Collide. These last 2 weeks have been the perfect exhibit of that. You've been the gift that keeps on giving in that regard, and I don't think you truly comprehend the passage you have wandered down. I thought you'd know better than that, being the favourite and all."
I laugh.
"Haven't you heard about the great underdog stories of the past? How a lot of them were fuelled by the favourites making themselves out to being this indomitable being, only to realise all they had done was give the underdogs ammo? The precise ammo they desired in order to take the top dog down? You know what they say about history. Those who fail to learn from it, are doomed to repeat it. Well, guess who has made those very same mistakes?"
I pause, knowing that I won't get an answer, but wish for those words to embed themselves within Jake's mind.
"That would be you."
I sarcastically stick my tongue out, before rolling my eyes. Not at what I said, but at my own gesture.
"If I were you, I would ensure my T's are crossed and my I's are dotted before Sunday. Make sure that everything I have forumlated and designed, falls into place. Otherwise, it might just be a cold, bitter night for you, as a coronation takes place on *your* watch."
I then remember that WarGames is also slated for World's Collide.
"And no. I don't mean that little pissing contest Osh and Bob are having. It doesn't matter to me who wins that battle and takes charge here, for they are merely the figurehead. The person in the shadows, so to speak."
I then stand up, gently smirking.
"I meant *my* coronation as world champion. That will be the image burnt into your memory, if you fail to heed my warning. If you hold any belief that this is merely another motion for you to go through. Because it's so much more than that, Jake."
Walking off, I place a blue towel around my neck. My words hopefully hitting their mark and informing Jake that this isn't the walk in the park that he is making it out to be. ---
45 minutes and a shower at home later, I sit atop a gold lawn chair on my patio, a redwood table in front of me. On top of it, sits a white manila folder. The words "Adams Enterprises" written atop it in red sharpie. A half-full bottle of 1.25 litre coca-cola is positioned to the left of the folder.
"You asked what exactly is it that Adams Enterprises does, isn't that right, Jake? So, allow me to show you what we do, as well as give you - and anyone else who might seek it - a little crash course. Or history lesson on how it all came to be."
Just then, Bianca walks out our back door, glancing across at me. A brown manila folder in her hands. Making her way over to the table, she places it down before giving me a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks hun."
Smiling, she turns and heads back inside to check on Lucina. Clearing my throat, I take a swig of cola before preparing my spiel.
"Before I begin however, there is something you really need to know. I've stated this before but I wanna make it crystal clear. Adams Enterprises does not mean I am not committed to wrestling. If it did, then I would have stayed retired and not risked my body by stepping back into the fire. All it means, is that unlike most people in this industry, I have something I can fall back on. Lean into once my inevitable expiration date comes between the ropes. You see, this is my means of ensuring my imprint. My legacy on this world exists far beyond my days in the ring turning to ash."
I exhale, maintaining my focus.
"I'm not one of those people who will simply rest on their wrestling career. At all. Why should I? Yes, within this little bubble we reside in, it holds weight. It has meaning to those who witnessed or even heard about our tales, but outside of this realm - we are just another person. Another supposed 'celebrity' whose legacy is solely within their field. Maybe that's how people wish for it to be, and that's fine. Not I though. I'd rather make a tangible influence upon the world and make sure that it is in a shape sustainable for those who come after us."
I then open the first manila folder. Revealing the mission statement - which I had just given an overview of, as well as the first article of what we do.
"So, what exactly is it we do? First thing, well, first - we are in the process of developing 15 schools, both primary and secondary, worldwide. Each envisioning at least 1,200 enrollments and our way of ensuring that even those who may not be the most well off, have easily and readily accessable education facilities. As such, they will all be free of charge and with the most up to date technology. We also plan on developing a further 150 childcare centres, accessable for parents who require additional assistance with their younger children."
I then flip the page.
"Aside from that, we are in negotiations with universities such as Venderbilt, Wake Forest, Harvard and Stanford in order to offer graduates scholorships into college. Fully paid for and tailored to their specific needs. I'm a firm believer in making education as accessible as possible, so that all children or young adults have an opportunity to build a foundation for their future and find their feet in this world."
Turning the page, I briefly think back to my own childhood.
"Offer them a sense of stability that I never truly had. Though education isn't the only area we focus on, of course."
I turn the page again, this time revealing a glossy 8x4 picture. One of the Adams Enterprise Global HQ, in Melbourne. In fact, it's only 500 metres from Federation square.
"You see, Jake. We are in a multitude of fields. Fashion, wrestling, Television, Film, video games being the primary fields we are in presently. We are mainly here to make an impact. A legacy as some might call it and leave our imprint on the world, long after we are gone. See, I'm not like you. I'm not the sort of person who settles for cementing his name in one field, unless I can truly mold its fabric. Its core to a state where it is sustainable for the future generations who come after us."
I flip the folder shut, before opening the second folder. This one showing a simple picture. One of me, sitting on a blue lawn chair, in front of the Adams Wrestling school back home in Eltham. The first school I ever opened.
"A legacy in terms of wrestling, is cemented within this school. No, within *all* our schools around the world. We are building the next generation of wrestler. The ones who shall wander the path that we are presently walking down. *They* are the ones who shall benefit from what I devise. From the passage that I plan on taking wrestling down. The heights I plan on elevating the shrine to."
Bianca: Don't you mean that you already have?
I look over my left shoulder, noticing that Bianca has come back out.
"Yeah. Though I'm talking more about *if* I am to hold that belt he cherishes oh so much."
Bianca: So, when you win at world's collide then?
I laugh.
"Yes. When I win, I will do as I have my entite career with belts. Elevate them to a level that people will merely hold Jake as a faded memory."
I then smile, looking back toward the tripod camera, as Bianca walks back inside again. Having heard Lucina begin to cry.
"There you go Jake. I did that - just for you. Mentioned my past credintals with championships. Well, in terms of what I do with them."
I mockingly shrug.
"Oh wait, I *didn't* do it for you. No, I informed you of the fact that soon, you will merely become a memory. Another name in the books. Remembered solely because you were the one who fell before my coronation. Remember that word? It's what I mentioned last time we had a little chat --- and one that will be a mere formality if you fail to heed the warning signs. If you refuse to understand what stands before you come Sunday."
I exhale.
"For your sake, I hope you realise it before its all too late." ---
Friday Night. A night that to some, leads to falling a drunken stupor that results in hangovers and regret the next morning. Yet to me, it is just another night, sitting at home and looking at various documents. Documentation which - as has been the case - was sent to me from our offices around the world. Even if Bianca (or even Rebecca if I send them to our US HQ) have been dealing with them for the most part.
Though currently, I'm not actually partaking in that activity. Nor am I at home either. Instead, I am sitting inside of a YMCA. More specifically, on top of the bleachers, looking down at the empty basketball court.
"Welcome to my game, Jake. It is one that you have been playing all along. Yet you haven't been able to decipher it. Instead, falsely believing that *you* are the reason I decided to leave my friends out of this. That you are the sole reason I have engaged you in discourse on my own. When that couldn't be further from the truth, buddy boy. Allow me to educate you. Enlighten you on the *actual* reality of the situation. See, Jake, I don't operate like the little puppets you claim to control. I don't do things because somebody decides they wish to use it as a point of attack. In fact, all you have shown - and you've already tried to spin it in your favour - is that you envy me. That you are deeply jealous of the success I have. Well, that I have made myself into, that you actually think your statements are why I've chosen this approach."
I then make a cutesy face, complete with 'aww' sound effect.
"Yeah, nah. The reason why it has been me and me alone addressing you is very simple - I have no need to involve anyone else. This might come as a shock to you, but sometimes, I delegate business to other people. You know, kind of like how any business works. Even IIW. But I doubt you would have even paid attention during any sort of business class. You don't seem like that type of person, and that's okay. It's on brand for you. Kind of like failing to comprehend simple concepts or understanding any nuance that might lay within said points. See, I wasn't talking about myself when I said 'you make them out to be dirt'. Never even implied that you had done so. Yet you latched onto that point and attempted to make it about me."
I then smile oh so slightly.
"That was an analogy. A statement made to show you that no matter who the opponent is, I am bringing them up to my level, rather than stooping to theirs. I thought a supposed 'intellectual' like yourself would understand that, but hey - I guess it was just an off day for you or something. Because you also made the mistake of bringing up your title defense on combat, as if I hadn't already studied that. I did. Trust me, I already know everything that I have needed to about you. Just as I *have* been telling you all along. Just as I am well aware of tne fact that you hold the advantage by not needing to directly beat me. Whereas I have to directly beat you, and have planned accordingly."
I then remember something, softly laughing.
"Oh, and I'll address two of your points in one here. You wanna know why my loss to Tyler doesn't faze me? You wanna know why I have the same 'arrogance' as always, despite it? The answer is simple - you're *not* Tyler. Anything that I may have learnt. Anything that may change my approach, only applies to the next time I step between the rope against Tyler. Not to this match against you. Unless you wanna see yourself as a carbon copy of Tyler, which you're not. Yes, on that night, he beat me. I don't hide from that, nor does it serve any purpose for me to dwell on that and let it eat away at me. Kind of like how what has worked for you in tne past. What worked for you against Jonny C, isn't going to work against me between those ropes. Even if you believe you *are* as infallible as you have made yourself out to be."
I wiggle forward about an inch.
"However, I must thank you for making my point for me, without realising it. Yes Jake, you are so self-absorbed that you didn't even realise you had. Which is what makes ot so funny. I think you know the point too - that *none* of my previous championship reigns. None of my previous glories and escapades matter within this realm, as they occurred before I walked through the doors here. Which is why it would serve no purpose for me to talk about them. To brag about them and use them. Though of course, you shot yourself in the foot by completely failing to understand that the stipulation at hand during the KKND match enabled me to use the situation to my advantage, just as anyone else in the match could have - and take the key available. Just like I'm sure you will at Worlds Collide. After all, you hold the champion's advantage - and I'm sure you'll be more than willing to use it if it means you can walk out with that belt you treat like the ring."
I put on a Gollum accent.
"Your precious."
I then stand up.
"I won't blame you for doing that either. I mean, you have that advantage for a reason and it would be foolish not to use it. Even if nothing you have said would lead people to expect it from you and might see you as cowardly should you do so, I wouldn't. Because I would do the same thing."
I hear my phone vibrate and pull it out.
《《《You gonna be home for dinner?》》》
I laugh slightly, before glancing around.
☆☆☆Yeah. I've just gotta pick some things up as well. Could you send Tessa the e-mail?☆☆☆
I then place my phone back in my pocket, attempting to remember where I was in terms of my train of thought.
"Who wouldn't?"
I then pause.
"As for your spiel about words mattering - my point was never that they don't matter full stop. Remember how I said you seem to struggle with any points that require nuanced thought? This is my prime exhibit of that being the case. Words *only* matter to the point that they are backed up with our actions. It should be simple. If you say something that you don't back up, or if I say something but then fail to back it up, how much weight do your words carry? What about mine? Because if you repeat the same statements over and over again, then fall on your face when your actions are required to cash them in, those words lose all meaning. I'll give you props - you have backed up those words to date. Yet to date doesn't mean it will be the same story on Sunday."
I then clear my throat, walking down the bleachers and onto the hardwood floor.
"When you step between those ropes against me. Where your actions will either vindicate you and prove I am as 'average' as you say, or prove that as I said, your words will merely hollow. That you relied on them, instead of truly understanding what awaits you."
I then wink.
"We'll see which truth ends out playing out. Which one of us is truly willing to ensure people know they are the pinnacle. That they are the one who was willing to do whatever it took to walk out with the belt."
I walk out of the YMCA, a final smile crossing my lips.
"See you then, Jake."
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