|
Post by Osh Vaughan on Aug 24, 2021 0:34:57 GMT
Interim United Kingdom Championship Match vs
|
|
|
Post by Mike Angelo on Aug 29, 2021 7:09:14 GMT
A Journey to Freedom
~ 400 years. Give or take a few dozen. That’s how long it took for Canada to go from vastly undiscovered land to having its own independence. Sure, there were natives there long before that, but the country we know as the ‘Great White North’ gradually came to be as French and British colonizers fought over the land. But there was not much of a fight, as the French could not match the military might of the British forces and would eventually sign the Treaty of Paris, ceding Canada to British rule. It would be a couple hundred more years before Canada would all but be a free country in reality, while still recognizing the monarch as its own. It was a slow road to independence, paved by struggle and the hardship involved in trying to unify multiple groups of people. It was a freedom born out of perseverance, not born from blood like the Americans to the south own fight for it. Though the US and the UK would eventually mend their relationship, the Canadians never truly went through the same kind of struggle to be free. But they still found a way to get there.
Maybe it is that long history of association with the British that makes me feel so at home living here in Manchester? It’s almost as if a Canadian is a long-lost friend to this land and is welcomed back after a mystical journey with open arms. Sure, I have been here before in my life, plenty of time in fact, but I have never called it home. But that is what it is already starting to feel like, a home. Do I miss my life back in Ottawa? Of course, but there is something cathartic about essentially starting all over here in Manchester. Back in Canada, I’m somewhat of a celebrity, who lives in a nice house with a beautiful wife and makes regular appearances on a television show while also helping to run a successful wrestling academy. But here, right now, I am nothing more than a stranger living in the basement of a dingy old electronics store, working my ass off to become something and someone again. The only people I know here is a daughter that’s never really forgiven me for being such a bad father for such a long time and an old friend who I haven’t spoken to in a long time. Oh, and a bunch of his obnoxious relatives too, but they were children the last time I saw them.
It’s been a humbling journey so far, but it’s been a journey that I am glad I decided to make. Nothing makes a man feel more alive than a challenge, and this has been the biggest challenge I’ve had to face in a long time. I have had to simultaneously live up to the expectations of my old fans while also proving to the new ones that I have what it takes to be a star once again in this business. Step by step I will continue to prove the doubters wrong that say I’m too old for this by beating whoever the IIW puts in front of me. And no matter the circumstances, whether it be on Mayhem or a PPV, non-title or for the chance to become an interim champion, I will come out on top. This is a story that I’m taking lead on and will continue to write it the way I see fit.
But first I have some personal things to attend to. ~
Mike Arches: “Wait, so you’re telling me you won by DQ...because the girl’s leg got a mind of its own and started going crazy?”
Mike was on the phone with his daughter, the IIW Women’s Champion Moira Arches, in the middle of his morning workout routine. He had been utilizing the IIW Gym more often now that he had found a place to live near the arena and had gotten more comfortable as a member of the roster with a few matches under his belt. Though they both worked for the same company, the two of them really hadn’t had much of a chance to see each other the past few weeks due to how busy they had both been in their respective careers. But occasionally, Moira would call and ask her father for advice, which was something that he was happy to have in his life now. Though it was the wrestling business that fractured their relationship when she was a child, it was also the major catalyst that had been bringing them back together again.
Moira Arches: “Well, I mean, yeah, exactly. I just grabbed onto the leg, and it started to flip the fuck out. Did you know she got that thing from Amazon?”
Mike Arches: “That actually makes a lot more sense now, considering. So, you pick up another win, in the weirdest of ways. And your old man goes out there and gets his ass kicked for awhile before also picking up another win.”
Moira Arches: “I think that makes the Arches family 10 and 0 since joining the IIW.”
Mike Arches: “I think you’re right. That’s gotta be a better record than the Debonair family, right?”
Moira Arches: “Ugh, please, could we not talk about them? I have to face Casie soon now that she’s the number one contender and you know that just means that I’m going to have to deal with Mercedes and Steph and whoever else they have in that group of creepers.”
Mike Arches: “Is this your way of asking me to accompany you to the ring again when the two of you have your title match? I did a pretty good job at keeping those kids away last time.”
Moira Arches: “Actually, this is my way of asking you not to get involved. I trust you and believe you when you say that you have nothing to do with them and that you only came back to wrestling to support me and to get back into the ring, but the timing still just seems really suspicious to me and a lot of other people.”
Mike Arches: “And why would it be suspicious? I came back because it was the night of your big title match and I wanted to be there to watch you win your first one.”
He could hear her sigh over the phone, as faint as it was.
Moira Arches: “Yeah, and it was also the first night that Fred Debonair pops back up in wrestling. It’s no secret to anyone the history the two of you have.”
Mike Arches: “Hey now, I’ve never denied that fact, have I? Of course, the two of us have history, but so do you and the rest of his family too. But I’ve told you before that it’s just a big coincidence that him and I happened to debut on the same show. My entire career has been wrapped up in Debonair drama, and I didn’t come back just to have that happen again. But it’s like I can’t seem to escape it. And besides, him and I are still friends, I won’t deny that either, but that doesn’t mean that we’re conspiring. And certainly not against you of all people.”
Moira Arches: “Is this my dad talking or is this Mike Angelo, because frankly it’s hard to tell sometimes lately.”
Mike Arches: “Mike Angelo has been dead for years, Moira. And I’d never keep anything from you, at least not anymore. I was hoping you’d at least trust me a little bit by now.”
Moira Arches: “Can we change the subject? You have a title match at the PPV coming up, don’t you?”
It was his turn to sigh now.
Mike Arches: “If you insist. And yeah, I do. Sort of, anyway. It’s an interim title shot, which I guess kind of just means that if I win, I get to walk around with a title belt that isn’t actually mine until the champion decides that he’s ready to come back and try to take it off me.”
Moira Arches: “That’s kind of…weird, isn’t it?”
Mike Arches: “Not really, I’ve seen it happen in wrestling before. And if I win, I’ll just look at as though I have one more obstacle afterwards to really be called the champion. But first things first, I have to win the match at the PPV.”
Moira Arches: “You’ve done a really good job of that so far, winning that is. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble then either. Anyway, I should go, okay? Sorry for always ending up kind of…in a mood when we talk, okay? I think a lot of it is just the stress of being a champion and my mind still trying to work through a lot of the things that happened growing up. And I want you to know that I love you, and I am glad you’re here with me, it’s made things a lot better.”
Mike Arches: “I love you too, kiddo. And I understand, and I don’t take it personal at all. Your mom is just as emotional as you are. And please don’t tell her I said that okay? Alright, bye!”
He puts his phone away and wraps up the rest of his morning routine. He had a meeting with some of the behind-the-scenes road agent-types, a Combat match, and a trip to the grocery store that ate up the rest of the hours of his day. He finally got back to his new apartment (room) when it was well late into the evening. Even though he took a shower after his dark match, he felt like he should again before making a meal on the hot plate in the corner of his room he called the kitchen. After his meal was over, he began to prepare for bed. But something was keeping his mind from shutting down enough to rest, and he knew exactly what it was. It was the anticipation and the excitement for his upcoming PPV title match that was making it hard for him to relax. He hadn’t had a title match since 2005, and that was teaming with his partner Riley Andrews for the RWF Tag Team championship. He hadn’t had a one-on-one singles title match in even longer. And that was what was keeping him awake after such a long day. He just had to take a moment and address the thoughts running through his mind or else he’d never be able to sleep.
So, he got out of bed, threw on an old “Traitor” WIWF TV-shirt and a pair of sweats, and made the short walk into the old television recording studio that he had been fixing up since moving into the building. He had done a lot of work getting the place functional enough to record promos on and in doing so, it had really helped him tap back into that old mindset that he had when he had first broken into the wrestling business. Though the studio was even older than the year 2000 he first debuted, the vintage vibe it gave off played into his role of old dog in a new yard. Once things were ready to go, he hit record.
The Epitome: “Would you just take a look at that, The Epitome Mike Arches is still undefeated here in the IIW! Eddie Zam, you may have had all the history and all the star power going into our match, but it was me that left the ring with my arm held high. I told you, and I told the rest of the IIW, that I was going to continue with my winning ways and that I was going to do whatever it took to get past you and I did it. In fact, everything that I have said I was going to do here in IIW so far has gotten done. I beat a clown, I beat a rookie, and then I beat you. And you still haven’t bothered to even mention me. I’m sure your ego took a big hit, and that’s okay, I understand. But I’d hope that you at least take a moment to admit that you were never going to beat me, and that’s why you’ve been so quiet. But you know something, it really wouldn’t have mattered what you said before or after our match. I was going to win and there was going to be nothing you could say or do that was going to change the outcome. I’m more focused than you have ever been, and it showed. Next time, and if there is one, I hope you wake up and give me the best version of yourself that you have. Because the man I hit with the High Road was hardly a worthy challenger at all, no matter what happened before the end of the match.”
The Epitome: “And look at what all the success I’ve had so far has brought to me. A title shot at the next PPV, Up In Smoke, after just my fourth official match. Well, an interim title shot. Because apparently Anthony Phoenix can’t be bothered to defend his shiny new UK Title belt. So, was does management do? They book me in a match against some newcomer for the right to call myself Interim UK Champion, all the while Phoenix gets to still claim he’s a champion too. Maybe he’s too busy shopping for Halloween supplies a month early to paint himself with and that’s why he can’t be in a match? Whatever the case, I owe him one anyway after our little scuffle over the Hardcore Title. He was lucky that I tried to get the better of him before I got back into the swing of things in the ring. Because had I gone after him now, it would have been a totally different outcome. And if, no, when I win my half of the claim to the UK title, I’m going to show him what that outcome would have been…a loss at the hands of Mike Arches. But I’ll cross that bridge when the time comes, because in order to get to Phoenix and the right to call myself a true champion, I have to get through Shawn Stone.”
The studio, illuminated by just a single spotlight and some red and green strip lighting, gives off an ominous when seen through the 30-plus year old viewfinder of the camera.
The Epitome: “Once again, I am being thrown into a fight with someone that I know little to nothing about. And once again, it’s against someone who’s attitude screams overcompensation. In fact, Stone reminds me an awful lot of Eddie Zam. They both like to constantly remind everyone just how important they are and how smart they are and how big of a star that they are. But you know something else that guys like that have in common? Lack of focus. Lack of guts. And lack of ability to shut up and perform when it matters most. You want to talk about all your past accomplishments of being the biggest star on the indy circuit? Or about all the buildings that sold out just because you were on the show? Well, guess what, Stone…selling out 50 tickets at the local VFW Hall means nothing in this business. I’ve been part of matches that sold out entire arenas and were broadcast all over the world. And even if that was 20 years ago, the fact of the matter is that it means a lot more than anything you’ve ever done in this business.”
The Epitome: “The way things stand right now…you’re nothing but a rookie who happened to pick up a win in his first match against a middle of the road talent like Ryan McCann. Was it an impressive win? Maybe. But it did nothing to help prepare you to step into the ring with me. Like I have proven over and over here in IIW, I have what it takes to be a star in this business. I’ve done it once before and I will continue to make that climb back to the top once again. My age is nothing but a badge of honor for lasting as long as I have, not a hindrance. And the experience that I have is going to be far too much for you to handle when the two of us lock up at the PPV. I’ve won every title that I have ever put my eyes on and becoming the interim UK Champion is going to be no different. You might think you have what it takes to stop me from accomplishing that goal, but you’re wrong. And I would hope that an educated man such as yourself would be wise enough to admit it. But something tells me that you’re going to end up making the mistake of riling me up and making me want it even more. Because right now, I have nothing against you, and it isn’t personal. Our match is purely just man versus man for a title belt. But the moment you open your mouth and say something that pisses me off, you’re going to see just how much more dangerous I can be.”
The stern, serious look on his face is only more prominent in the shadows the lighting of the studio gives off. But he pauses for a moment, and then smiles.
The Epitome: “But you know what, Stone. I welcome what you have to say. I’d be interested to see if you do your homework and take a little look at my background. Hell, maybe you can even find some of my old matches on YouTube or whatever network bought out the RWF tape library. Maybe you’ll even take the time to study those matches and think of a game plan that might give you a shot at beating me. I would guess that a man with your educational background would know the value in research. The only problem with this suggestion, is that the more you see of me in the ring, the more you’re going to understand how little of a shot you have at beating me for the title. I have the kind of drive and desire that you can’t teach or learn. I’ve always been able to use that passion to reach levels that a lot of people thought I’d never reach. I scratch and I claw, and I fight my way to the top no matter what is placed in my way. Tougher opponents? Doesn’t matter. Entire stables? Doesn’t matter. The more the odds are stacked against me, the harder I push back. It’s cliché to say that you should never mess with a cornered animal, but that always applied to me, and it still does. Don’t believe me? Ask Eddie Zam or Liam Cain. Or better yet, ask someone who’s known me my entire career, Fred Debonair. He can tell you all about what it’s like to have to face me when I am totally focused on winning a match.”
The Epitome: “Actually, you know what, don’t go asking Debonair about me. Chances are, he’d just punch you in the mouth for bothering him. My point is, Stone, no matter what you do or what you say leading up to the PPV, you’re going to end up on the losing end of things. I will beat you, and I will become the Interim United Kingdom Champion. And after that, I will go on to beat Phoenix too. I’ve already gotten accustomed to living in this country and I think that I’m going to like being their champion too. Now had the belt still been the Hollywood Championship, it might have fit better on you. When I think of Hollywood, I think of arrogance and classlessness, and overinflated egos. Something that seems right up the alley of a guy who has his own towel boy that follows him around. You might have been a fit for that title, but you are severely lacking in what it takes to become the UK champ. And how would I know? Well, I don’t. Nobody does. Because so far, Phoenix has done nothing with the title to give it any sense of purpose, besides losing to Cavanagh. Just like nobody who ever held the Hollywood title did anything to raise its prestige. That will all change when I add it to my long list of accomplishments in this business. I’ll elevate the title to something that people will want to see defended and I’ll even elevate you, Stone, when we face off for it. Because the only thing more important to me than winning is making sure that I put on a good match that fans want to see. And you get the benefit of being on the other side of that.”
The Epitome: “But rest assured, All-Star, this won’t be the last you hear from me before the two of us go toe to toe at the PPV. I have a lot on my mind and you’re the unlucky one who’s going to get all the attention from this point out. You may have been a big star in the land of nobodies, but you’ve got a long way to go before you make a name for yourself on the big stage. And I’ll be dammed before I let you make that name at the expense of mine. You're next on the High Road Hitlist and I can't wait to check you off.”
The scene fades to black as the darkened image of The Epitome Mike Arches becomes a shadow among the screen and the static lines of the VHS tape the promo was filmed on.
|
|
|
Post by All-Star Shawn Stone on Sept 2, 2021 14:53:47 GMT
With no cloud in sight, it's another glorious day in Manchester, Uk, at The Stone Estate that sits on miles of open land of bluegrass. The sun shines bright in the open blue like ocean sky. A golf ball can be seen rolling down towards an open cup with a flag pole sticking out of it. The ball rolls in, and a young skinny young man with a white polo shirt and brown khaki with golf shoes on the hot picks up the ball with his right hand and cleans it up, and looks ready to throw it back up from which it came until a loud stern voice can be heard yelling out to him.
Shawn: I swear to the big guy in the blue sky, if you even think again of throwing a ball back up to be like I'm Lassie, I'm going to hit you over the head with my gold club. First, Roger, then take money out of your check for making me waste time and money on you!
Roger's head slumps down as if the words of the man had just broken him to his very core. He hustles back up to the hill for fear of losing any money from his employer as he makes it up the mountain-like hill. He brushes himself off and puts the ball in the hand of a very stylish-dressed Shawn Stone, who wears a Pink Calvin Klein shirt with brown kakis and high-priced Nike golf shoes on. Shawn gives a quick wink before turning his attention to Roger and claps his hands together in excitement.
Shawn: Ok, Roger, listen up and listen up good. I'm off to a hot start here in IIW and plan on riding that wave momentum I hoped on when I took down that one-trick pony Ryan McCann.
Roger: That you did sir, I am very honored to have been there in your debut on Monday Night Mayhem. You certainly showed these Brits and Ryan what an All-American All-Star truly is.
Roger starts to bow towards Shawn. No doubt filling up the already massive ego of Shawn. As Roger continues, Shawn takes it in as you can feel the confidence coming off of him.
Shawn: Ok, that's enough, Roger. You're not getting any extra cash out of me. I don't care how much hype you do. We are sticking to the $7.50 an hour pay you agreed with when you signed on as my towel boy, but anyway, I needed this golf game before my big match at The Up In Smoke PPV; I got to keep my headspace clear going into this battle for the Interim UK Champion. It didn't take long for management to realize they have a bonafide star already in Double S. Seeing how they gave me this match after one night of seeing my potential greatness unfold. Bob Mitchell had to be in awe backstage, and finally, a light bulb came over that big head of his that I should be the next face of IIW. You saw it when we first walked into the building, Roger this place lacks the IT factor these fans want to see. That's why they gave me ole Mike Arches, a Hall of Fam big-time main event player. In my second match, I get to show them what I can do under those big bright lights up against The man, and as they said, Roger, if you want to be the man, you got to beat the man, and I plan on doing that at Up In Smoke. Then I'm going to have you put that gorgeous UK Championship around my waist and wait for that sorry excuse for a Champion Phoenix to get back. So I can slap him around and become the rightful UK Champion and raise it high in some much prestige God himself would be able to touch it. Unlike any of these losers that used to carry it when it was the Hollywood Championship, and who's damn idea was that in the first place? Does Manchester even look like it can stand up to the charm of Hollywood? This place is like a mix of Georgia and New York; they have no idea if they want to be royal or backcountry.
Shawn starts laughing at his own joke and looks at Roger, who immediately starts laughing at it as well. Shawn stops laughing and tries to speak again, but ole Roger is overdoing it and still laughing. Shawn snaps his finger, and Roger straightens up.
Shawn: Good God, Roger, it wasn't even that funny. Now, where was I? Oh yes, my legacy is only going to grow after this because that's all that matters to me right now is building The All-Star brand and decorating it with Championship Gold.
Shawn stops as he sees Herbert coming down in a golf cart from the Estate. Herbert stops the car just inches away from Shawn, which makes Shawn go off.
Shawn: WHAT THE HELL, HERBERT. I swear to go if you didn't back me when I went against my father's wishes to pursue my dream in wrestling, I would've been fired you.
Herbert rolls his eyes and is the opposite of Roger and wishes that Shawn would actually do it. Herbert pulls out an Apple tablet and hands it out to Shawn.
Herbert: Sir, we have this conversation every other week. You can fire me, but you'll have to pay the retirement plan we agreed on, which you know is very expensive.
Shawn bits his tongue, knowing he wants to say something witty but decides it's not worth it and instead looks down at the tablet.
Shawn: What the hell am I looking at right now, Herbert? What is this video?
Herbert: Well, sir, if you press the play button, you'll see Mr.Arches, your opponent for Up In Smoke, posted a promotional video for you twos match. I found it very entertaining myself, but I think you might find it a little upsetting.
Shawn pressed play and watches over the video with a grin but quickly, his facial expressions turn to a frown, and his blood starts to rush as his head turns bright red with rage. He keeps listening, and when Mike is almost done talking, Shawn cuts the tablet off and tosses it to Roger, who fumbles it for a moment but eventually, he gets it under control why Shawn turns to Herbert.
Shawn: You thought this was funny?
Herbert: I said entertaining, sir, but yes, I did find Mr.Arches to be funny with the jabs he threw.
Herbert smiles as Shawn kicks some grass up and then turns to Roger.
Shawn: Go get that damn camera you set up earlier on the hill. I got something to say.
Roger takes the golf cart and quickly goes get the camera and the stand. He loads it up in the cart and takes it back to where Stone and Herbert are. He sets up the equipment, and Shawn gets in position and combs his hair real quick, and has Roger spray some hair spray real fast. Herbert sits in the golf cart smirking, hoping this ends in a disaster.
Shawn: Ok, Roger, make sure you don't miss anything. I need the fans at home to see this, and more importantly, I need Mike to hear me and see me loud and clear.
Shawn claps his hands together and does a flexing pose as Roger keeps the camera on him.
Shawn: Ok, Mike, I heard you loud and clear, and I need you to know I was coming into this match excited to be in the ring with a man of your accomplishments. I've followed your career as a kid and even training on the indy scene; you were of the great ones I looked up to and aspired to be like, and who wouldn't want to be like you with all the success you've built. Time after time, you have answered the challenge. Nobody in this company has as much merit as you besides the World Champion Jake E. Dangerously.
Shawn winks at the camera.
Shawn: I'll be seeing you soon, Jake, don't you worry but let me get back to Mike here. You think I'm arrogant and just another young buck coming into the business thinking he's the greatest. Well, breaking news, Mike. I don't think I'm great; I know I'm great; there is a difference in faking it, and then there's me. I own it and wear it damn well better than anyone else has. You sit up high on your throne, ready to lecture me on how I should act in the business. When you did the same thing to make your way to the top all those years ago and now here's when I say something that's going to piss you off.
Roger wipes some sweat off Shawn's forehead with a towel and gives him a bottle of water. Shawn takes a sip and goes back to talking.
Shawn: Mike, you WERE great back in your time, but you took a break for a while, and time has since moved on. A new generation has been born, and I lead all of them when it comes to the next big thing in wrestling. I sold out those small arenas, Mike I made those promotions some money. I made it cool to be there; I made other starts want to Come there, and the same thing will happen when I raise the bar here in IIW, but as I said, the time has been running since you left. Your career doesn't have much left, so I understand why you want to have that same glory you once had, but I'm here to tell you, Mike, time is up for you. This company doesn't need an old man to build around. IIW is not looking to get sponsorships from AARP or Life Alert. That's just not cool to the young fans. They don't want to see you coming down with an oxygen tank attached to you because come on, Mike, you're not looking all that great these days. That back Sony bend the same, does it, Mike? It takes a little while for you to roll out of bed, doesn't it? And for what? All so you can stroke your ego one more time. That does nothing for the UK Championship and does nothing for this business. See, they need the All-Star to beat you in that ring and carry this company into the next era. I'm young and on fire, and it only took me one match to get the brass's attention. It took you twice as long to get where we are at, so I'm confident that it'll be another win for The All-Star and another notch on my belt. My legacy is growing, and unfortunately for you, Mike, your legacy is over. Hit the showers, go back home, and try being a father for once to Moira. Oh, by the way, she is hot. If you could slide her my number, that be great. Now I'll be seeing you soon, Mike. Take those pin pills and ice up them. Knees, I want you at your best when I pin you in the ring for the one, two, and three.
Shawn does a cut sign to Roger, and the camera goes dark, and the scene ends.
|
|
|
Post by Mike Angelo on Sept 8, 2021 19:52:42 GMT
Fool's Gold~ There is a flicker in the line. A snap and a hiss. You never even feel it, but there it is. Suddenly everything is different and what you once knew is just a distant memory. Your world changes and there is nothing you can do about it other than try and not let it eat you up completely. And that might just be the hardest part of the shock…recovery. We are a resilient species, though, so though dauntless it’s not impossible. But some of us are more resilient than others, because we’ve felt the shock many times before when this might just be your first time. The crackle and chaos become just another part of life that you learn to live with. It’s an awful existence, but it’s what you are used to and in a weird way it becomes comforting. The pain is a reminder that you’re still alive and that you can still feel something.
But how long can a man be expected to grin and bear it before he’s had enough? With each surge and each volt ripping through the atmosphere, he grows more and more defiant instead of passive. Instead of hunkering down and riding out the storm, he stands defiant against the force and dares it to strike him down. He will never be able to stand against the might and the fury, but he will go out on his own terms for once. In the end, it’s just blind, dumb courage but it makes him feel as though he’s the one deciding the already foregone conclusion.
Who is to say which is worse? A life of constant sorrow and anticipation of fear, or a short but valiant ending? Neither is going to save you from the snap and the hiss. From the flicker in the line. ~
Mike Arches finds himself pacing back and forth across the same line in the pavement he’s been walking over for at least an hour now. The hour felt like it had been ten to him, and he was ready for this phone call to be over with. But he knew that he couldn’t just hang up, since that would just lead to an even more uncomfortable call. And besides, he could never do that to Elise. She was his wife, and though she was giving him an ear full and then some, he loved her more than words could describe.
Mike Arches: “Uh huh. No, no, I get it. I understand what you’re saying, but can you just let me say something? You can at least give me that, can’t you? I’ve been patient so far. More than patient even!”
Elise Andrews: “Is there any point to that, Mike? You and I both know that you’re just going to try and talk your way out of this mess. And I know all your tricks, so whatever you have to say isn’t going to work on me like it does to everyone else. So no, you’re going to keep listening to what I have to say and when I’m done, then maybe I’ll let you have a word in edgewise.”
Mike Arches: “Okay, fine. You go right ahead.” -He was biting his tongue both figuratively and possibly even literally enough to make it bleed a little.-
Elise Andrews: “She’s your daughter, Mike. She’s not one of your road buddies who you don’t have to share any kind of real emotion with. She asked you to come over there to support her, and to help her because she was trying to open some kind of real line of communication with you. The two of us haven’t been all that good at getting to know who she has become as a person, and she was trying to open up a little and give you that chance. But what do you do, you go there and decide that you didn’t have enough time in the spotlight and start wrestling again? Why? Why would you do? You made something that was supposed to be about her just something about you again. And that’s exactly the reason why she never tried to get to know you better in the first place after all these years. I’m not alone in this, but you and I both know that we didn’t give her the kind of childhood that a little girl needs and now that we have another chance at it, what have you done? You’ve spent most of your time either helping Tyler and Katya train her to become a wrestler or now you’re doing this wrestling thing again and focusing on yourself instead of the whole reason you went to the UK in the first place…our daughter, Mike. YOUR daughter.”
The line in the pavement may have gotten a few inches deeper in the amount of time it took for her to say her piece.
Mike Arches: “You really think that’s the only reason I came here? To use her as an excuse to get back into wrestling. I could have gotten back into wrestling a dozen times over the years and always said no.”
Elise Andrews: “So what was different this time? Because she was already there and was making a name for herself? So, you felt like you could use that heat to jump back in?”
Mike Arches: “I’m not using her at all and the last thing that I need is any kind of heat or rub from her. In fact, the whole reason I’ve avoided whatever issues she’s had going on with the Debonairs is because she told me that she was wanting to do things her way and that if I was going to stay in IIW and wrestle, to do it on my own terms and not to get wrapped up in her stuff.”
Elise Andrews: “And I’m supposed to believe you when you say you’re not wrapped up in that same Debonair drama? I’m not an idiot, Mike. I know better than anyone how close you were to Fred, and I find it really hard to believe that him showing back up wasn’t a reason you decided to stay there and wrestle again.”
Mike Arches: “Okay, so what? It’s cool that an old friend of mine is deciding to wrestle again. How is that a bad thing?”
Elise Andrews: “It’s a bad thing because you were supposed to be there for Moira.”
Mike Arches: “I have been. But look, I get what you’re saying, and I’ll try to do better okay? In fact, I’ll go and see her as soon as I can.”
Elise Andrews: “But let me guess, only once you’re done getting ready for your next match, right?”
Mike Arches: “It’s a title match, Elise.”
Elise Andrews: “You’re the worst. Goodbye.” -She hangs up on him.-
Mike Arches: “Hello? Elise? Fucking hell…”
To: THE IIW PROMOTIONS DEPARTMENT From: Mike Arches Attn: Shawn Stone/UK Championship PPV Match
The Epitome Mike Arches is seen standing in front of a light-yellow curtain, holding onto a vintage style microphone while wearing his classic style blue colored vest, black jeans, and blue color shades. He turns slightly to look at the camera as the scene fades into picture.
The Epitome: “Just a few more days huh? These things seem to go quicker and quicker each and every time I get booked in a match. It’s like the universe is trying to tell me that I need to do work a little harder on my preparation routine now that I’m not the same guy that I was all that time ago when I was first doing this sort of thing. Getting old is a bitch, but the one thing that really gets me is just how much faster the days seems to go by. I’m not training any longer than I used to when I was just a kid breaking into this business, but it sure feels like it. And when you combine with the fact that it takes a little longer to recover from the bumps and bruises, and then mix in a whole lot of shit on my mind, it makes for a bad mood. No, in fact, it makes for a real shit mood if I’m being honest. And something tells me that it ain’t going to be getting any better until after the PPV. Because you know the one sure fire cure for feeling down in the dumps and beat up? Holding onto some gold. Even if it’s a bit of fool’s gold like the belt that I’m challenging for at Up In Smoke.”
The Epitome: “Why fool’s gold? Well, see, it’s because if…no, when, I pick up the win at the PPV, I don’t get to call myself the UK Champion. I get to call myself the interim UK Champion. The real UK Champion was apparently too busy to treat his own title with the respect that it deserves and decided to take the night off. So now I get to parade around with a belt that only makes me a champion in name and not in reality. Because at some point, I’m going to have to put up my half of the title and challenge Anthony Phoenix to his half. Make no mistake about it, I will be honored to represent the IIW as the UK Champion until that match happens, but it’s not going to feel real until I knock the current champion out of the picture and stake the claim one hundred percent in my own name. I just hope that Anthony decides to take the time to fit that match into his busy schedule and doesn’t make me have to chase after him. Because I may have underestimated him once before, but I sure as hell won’t be making that mistake again when I get the chance to beat him in the ring.”
The Epitome: “But all of that will mean nothing if I don’t get through Shawn Stone first. But make no mistake about it, I will defeat you, Stone. You seem to enjoy bullying weaker willed people around to make yourself seem more important, but you can rest assured that you won’t be able to bully me in any sense when the two of us square off at the PPV. You, of all people, should be more than aware of that if you truly were a fan of mine back when I was a regular in this business. You might even remember that the one thing I did better than anyone else was acting as a wall in which others could not get through in order to protect whoever it was, I happened to be aligned with. My friends, my business partners, fellow stablemates…they all knew my ability and trusted in me to ensure that no harm would come to them without first going through me. And though I may have been dangerous as an enforcer, you probably remember me when I was at my most dangerous…alone. Well, you see, I’m looking around the IIW Locker Room and I don’t see anyone asking me to stand beside or in front of them…so I’m alone. And that spells trouble for you when you have to look past the stars in your eyes and wrestle me.”
He pauses for a moment and a coy smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
The Epitome: “In fact, something tells me that even though you’re trying to do your best to just project your false sense of unearned greatness…and don’t worry, I get it, you’re new and you’re trying to establish yourself…something tells me that you’re giddy getting the chance to go up against me and maybe learn a thing or two. I can see the excitement thinly hidden behind the arrogance in your words, Stone. I get it though, it’s not every day that someone who has yet to really make a name for themselves anywhere that matters get an opportunity at a title, be it interim or otherwise, and against someone who’s done everything there is to do in this business. It’s kind of a win-win for you no matter what happens. In the unlikely event that you win, you get to hold onto the belt and go after Phoenix and the rest of wrestling world gets to praise you for winning such a big match in only your second bout. And if you end up losing to me, you still get a huge rub by being in the ring with someone who is guaranteed to put on a show and who has some name value, even if dated, to help get you over. I am a little envious of you, Stone. Because I don’t have the luxury of being able to lose without really losing anything.”
The Epitome: “See, if I end up not being able to pull out a win, then all that talk of me being too old and just being lucky up to this point becomes a valid concern. To myself and to the fans. You end up looking like a genius because your claims of my being too old to matter come true and then I’m left having to try and rebuild after. I can’t, and I won’t, let that happen. Because I did not come back just to have my return cut short at the knees by some loudmouth punk like yourself. I have not put in all this hard work rebuilding my body and putting myself through the paces of working from the bottom back up just to have it all come unraveled at the hands of some guy who has done nothing on the big stage. I won’t let it happen, and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that it doesn’t. I’m going to bring everything in my bag of tricks to the table and am going to leave nothing left behind. Because I can’t afford to lose. And I won’t. My focus is on nothing but making sure that I beat you.”
The Epitome: “But your focus is elsewhere, isn’t it, Stone? You’re already yelling into the void with the hope that the World Champion will hear you. I won’t dare speak for the man, but I am sure he has a lot more to worry about than you. So, you might want to readjust your focus on the present and stop dreaming of the future that you’ve got a long way to work towards. One step at a time as they say, right? And I’m not just a step, I’m a whole fucking mountain that you have to climb. And I just don’t think you have the tools yet, pal.”
He takes his glasses off and takes a few small steps towards the camera.
The Epitome: “Listen up, Stone. You might be younger than me, but that does not mean that the passion that I have for this business burns any less bright. I came back to prove to myself more than anyone that I could still hang, and I’m not going to let someone like you change my goals. I’m going to beat you and become the Interim Champion. And then I’m going to beat Phoenix and become the true UK Champion. And I’ll build this title into something that people will be proud to win. I’m not doing it out of any glory chasing or ego boosting. I’m doing it because I love professional wrestling more than anything else in this world, for better or for worse. And I’m not going to betray that love again like I did before. I’m back and I’m better than I have ever been. And you are going to find that out soon, All Star.”
The camera cuts out and fades to black.
|
|