All or Nothing: Mind Over Matter vs. Runn Reynolds Runn (Tag Team Titles)

[Ty Burna]

All England Rules Match (See Ascension 41 for details)

Deadline is Tuesday, December 20th at 11:59 PM Central Time

 

[a0161613]

A small grey haired man walks into the Austin Reynolds Gym in downtown Chicago. His breath fogs his glasses in front of him, a remnant of the cold and wintry morning in the Second City. The gym is quiet. There is not much light coming through the small windows so the room is grey and dim. Beyond the front office, he peers through some double doors. This room though large is darker still and the man can barely make out the end of the room. He sees a wide range of gym equipment. In the far corner of the room, immersed in shadows, he spies a roped surface on a raised area. He recognises it immediately and frowns.

That is the reason why he is here.

Dom: “Can I help mate?”

A gruff and deep Scottish voice appears from a door on the other side of the room.

???: “Erm, hello, I’ve come to see Mr Reynolds. I believe he is the owner of these premises?”

Dom: “Aye, that he is. He’s not here at the moment. Do you want to have a cuppa tea? He should not be too long.”

???: “Ah yes. That would be good...thank you.”

Dom: “I’m Dominic, his manager. I help Austin out here and there.”

They shake hands and Dominic welcomes him into the side office.

???: “Ah, I suppose you would be the one person who would know that I don’t have an appointment.”

Dom: “Aye, I thought I had missed something.”

???: “No, this was an impulsive decision to come here. I’m Richard Jackson.”

Dom hands him a cup and puts the teapot down on the table. They both sit down either side of a large desk.

Dom: “Mr Jackson, of course. I see. I’m sorry, I didn’t see the resemblance at first!”

RJ: “No worries. You weren’t to know. Is Mr Reynolds due back soon?”

Dom: “Aye, any moment now. So how is Ricky? Looking forward to the big day?”

Mr Jackson gives him a baffled look.

RJ: “I’m sorry?”

Dom: “The pay-per-view? The guys have a big match.”

RJ: “Oh, I see. I don’t really follow the shows. I’ve never really approved of Ricky’s interest in it and we aren’t on great terms.”

Dom: “Ah I see. I understand. Wrestling is not everyone’s cup of tea.”

RJ: “Really? I would have thought you would be a big advocate of it.”

Dom shrugs and leans back in his chair.

Dom: “I can see why some people would not enjoy it. But I’m very lucky that Austin is very good at what he does, he’s the perfect client in many ways. I have to do very little for him.”

At that moment Austin walks into the office.

Dom: “Ah Austin, this is Mr Jackson. Ricky’s father.”

RJ: “It’s good to meet you at last sir.”

Jackson stands and shakes hands with the Ratings Winner.

RJ: “And you Mr Reynolds.”

Dom: “I’m going to leave you two in peace. Good to meet you Mr Jackson”

Richard nods as Dom moves to exit the room.

Austin: “Cheers Dom.”

Austin perches on the edge of the table as Dom leaves the office.

Austin: “Mr Jackson, I have to say, working with your son has been an absolute pleasure. He’s quite remarkable.”

RJ: “I do love my son Mr Reynolds -”

Austin: “Austin, please.”

RJ: “Ok, Austin...I do love Richard but we don’t have the best relationship. It’s always been just the two of us and I have found him to be very difficult. He is quite smart but his attitude riles me quite a lot and this dalliance with wrestling has gone on longer than I thought. I had hoped that it would pass and he would go to college and then take over the business.”

Austin’s original compliment seems to be rejected by Ricky’s father whose tone is very serious and concerned.

Austin: “Well I can appreciate that. It’s only natural that you would want your son to follow in your footsteps but he is a very talented young man.”

RJ: “Can I ask what your relationship is with my son?”

Austin: “He’s now a very good friend. We’ve helped each other out on a professional basis and now work with each as a tag team. He has shown a remarkable aptitude in his work and it’s been a pleasure being a part of his development.”

Jackson raises his eyebrows at Austin’s effusive praise for his son.

RJ: “Well I’m finding this very difficult to accept. I really don’t like that he is doing this, it just seems to be something that he does just to wind me up, like all his practical jokes at school and the sky diving and all the other crazy things that he did without my permission. I want him to finish school and then get a proper job.”

Austin: “I’m sorry you feel like that Mr Jackson but I have to say, I’m not sure how Ricky will react. He is an extremely talented young man. I’ve not seen anyone take to wrestling like he has.”

RJ: “He is extremely headstrong.”

Austin: “Very much so. If you confront him, he is likely to bolt off in the opposite direction. Can I be honest?”

RJ: “Of course.”

Austin pauses as he considers his words. He looks tense and nervous.

Austin: “I think if you support him then you may be able to salvage a good relationship with him. Personally, I had my grandfather who was an absolute rock for me. Having someone who would support me emotionally and invest in me financially meant the world. Looking back, his presence was invaluable when I got started. He’s the reason I’m here now”

Austin: “Now I have Dominic who takes care of so much behind the scene for me. I wouldn’t swap his presence for anyone.”

RJ: “So you are saying that I should offer him money, to pay for these endeavours and support him financially?”

Jackson appears surprised that Austin would advocate such a course of action.

Austin: “No, not at all. But Ricky is so crazy and impulsive that he could use a calming influence to point him in the right direction.”

RJ: “Well he seems to be doing alright with you.”

Austin: “We are doing OK but it’s taken a lot of hard work.”

RJ: “Richard and I just seem to clash heads, he wants to do one thing and it’s always the complete opposite of what I suggest.”

Austin: “I do think that if you were both to approach this with a clean slate, then you could be OK.” Austin sees Jackson is unconvinced but presses on. “Look, I’m certain that being in wrestling is a great move for Ricky at the moment. He just seems to have a natural energy for it and he is learning all the time. I’ll tell you something that you won’t know about your son, Ricky and I lost our first match together when he made a very basic and impetuous mistake. But I’ve got something that will show how much he has improved and grown in a space of five or six shows.”

Jackson nods. Austin walks to a cabinet and pulls out a DVD. He then slots it into the TV that is mounted to the wall.

Austin: “This was a match we had the other day. It was one of the longest that I’ve ever been involved in so for Ricky this would have been extremely difficult. But he was superb.”

Mr Jackson nods as he takes in the action in front of him. He sees his son flying around in front of him for the first time. Austin notices that he winces as Ricky is dropped by Hammond and he smiles.

Austin: “Don’t worry, it didn’t hurt that much.”

RJ: “Ah, I see.”

Austin hesitates. Again he has to consider what he says next.

Austin: “I don’t want to tell what or how to feel about your son...”

RJ: “But?”

Austin: “You came here for a reason. I think Ricky would benefit from your support and knowing that you are proud of him for achieving something.”

RJ: “But I’m not happy.”

Austin: “You wouldn’t be the first parent to be unhappy with the career choice of their child. I can understand that. The wrestling business is probably full of disappointed parents. What he wants to do is at a counterpoint with your attitude. I’m trying not to tell you how to feel or do your job as a parent, but I know Ricky. I just think he would benefit from you being in his life.”

RJ: “So you’re saying that I should forget about my feelings and focus on Ricky?”

Austin: “Absolutely.”

RJ: “OK, so what’s next for you two?”

Austin smiles as he sees Richard’s interest as quite significant progress.

Austin: “We’ve got a dead tough match coming up and it’s going to a true show of how much Ricky has grown.”

RJ: “How come?”

Austin: “The rules have been changed by our opponents and it’s been designed to hinder us and not allow us to use our best moves. Like you see here, how both Ricky and I use the ropes here.” Austin points to the screen where the match is still going on. “Well one of the rules is that we can’t use the ring ropes. It’s going to be tough but Ricky is coming here to train every day and we’re going to work like dogs to ensure that we win.”

RJ: “That sounds tough.”

Austin notices that Ricky’s dad is quite enthralled by the action in front of him. Ricky had put on a great performance and Austin was delighted that he could see his son in action.

Austin: “Tougher than you can imagine. The guys we are facing are the wrestling equivalent of a giant corporation. They are sneaky and know how to play dirty. They know how to corrupt the system and bend the walls to their whims. And worst of all, they know how to win.”

RJ: “I know the kind of businessmen that you mean. Cocky, uptight and confident that their money can buy them anything and should guarantee them everything”

Austin chuckles as Jackson smiles.

Austin: “The wrestling business is full of them and they’ve all got daddy issues. Now I don’t have any worries about Ricky. He’s a fighter and he won’t quit. I’m pretty confident that he can stay grounded too. But I am worried that they will screw us. They are going to have this second official there and I’ve heard rumours about their own commentator. It’s beyond fixed in their favour but if we do win then it will be the most significant accomplishment of my career.”

Austin: “I want us to win so it will be the defining moment for us. I don’t want it to be something we regret or blame the circumstances for. Ricky should use this to grow, to push himself when he is told that he isn’t good enough. When he is told that, he can remember when he became a tag team champion by beating the champs at their own game.”

Austin: “But if I know Ricky then once he had a taste of this success, then he won’t want to go back to school and college will seem like a distant thought.”

RJ: “Exactly. Well I want Ricky to be happy.”

Austin: “Ricky may never know what he truly wants but you’re his dad. You should be in each others’ life and he should know that he is lucky to have you.”

Jackson stands up and shakes Austin’s hand.

RJ: “I consider him to be the lucky one. It’s been a pleasure to meet you Austin. Unfortunately I have to cut our meeting short, I have an appointment in the city.”

They share some more small talk before Jackson exits. Austin mulls over the conversation and how he should approach the subject with Ricky. He notices the familiar clunk of the heavy door at the rear of the building. He looks through the window and sees a small shadow roll into the ring at the back of the gym. It could only be one person.

Austin: “Heyo Rickster. Glad you’re here early.”

Ricky: “Well I couldn’t wait bro.”

Austin: “That’s good, great actually. I had some ideas. Grab the rules will you?”

Ricky hops outside the ring and slides in a sign-written board that’s almost as tall as they are. He stands it up in the corner. The top part that gave some idea of history behind these rules has been ripped in two and lies discarded further away from the ring.

• To ensure that all rules are correctly enforced there must be two referees present, at least one of whom must be certified as competent in enforcing the rules listed hereafter.
• Foreign objects will be checked for by the certified ref.
• Winners shall be determined by submission or disqualification only.
• Upon contact with the ropes there is no obligation to break contact with the opponent and no count to do so will be delivered by an official.
• At no point may more than one competitor from each team be in the ring. The first violation of this rule results in a warning, the second in disqualification. (i.e. no double teaming or breaking up submission holds (if the ref's looking.))
• "Tags" take place either by making physical contact with your partner, or by the active partner leaving the ring.
• Eye gouging, shots below the belt, disrespecting your opponent, spitting, hair pulling, profanity, arguing with an official and closed fist strikes to the face are all grounds for disqualification.
• At no point may the ring ropes or the turnbuckles be used to gain elevation to perform a manoeuvre. Violation of this rule is punishable by disqualification.

Austin props the board in the corner and kneels down in front of it as Ricky sits on the top rope. Austin scans the board. He points at the bottom rule and nods.

Austin: “Everything on this board is set in stone. The double teaming is harsh but unavoidable. They should be at as much a disadvantage as we are. The two officials may be a bigger problem but –“

Ricky: “If we can play by the rules then their referee will still have to count us the win.”

Austin: “Exactly brother! But this one, this one we can get around quite easily.” Ricky perks up at the sound of a potential advantage. “At no point does it say that we can’t use each other to get elevation on moves. That would make up for not using the ropes, which they have placed an immediate disqualification as punishment. Now while we can’t be in the ring at the same time, it won’t be a problem when we are outside of the ring. They don’t forbid that. Plus we can use anything under the ring or around ringside.”

Ricky jumps down and looks at the board in more detail.

Ricky: “Wow, it sounds like they have not thought this through?”

Austin: “At the end of the day, these All England rules are designed to give wrestlers an advantage. Stark and Susumu are too smart for their own good so they have thought of every possible way to give them an advantage. So I reckon that they have gambled on having you in the ring for most of the match. We are going to have to avoid that. One thing I can’t think of a way around is the referees. You know that they are going to bring in one guy to help them bend the rules. That is going to work in their favour.”

Ricky: “Probably. You know that they will find a way around it if we win, so you know that we have to expect an instant rematch because something will be wrong. You know they are going to try and DQ us if we look at them wrong and they almost certainly have more than one plan in place to ensure they get us on the back foot.”

Austin shakes his head defiantly.

Austin: “Then we’ll have to do the same. Look, Stark and Susumu lost against Beckford and Black Dragon who have never teamed together before. That tells me that all is not quite well between them and the seeds of discontent will be growing after such a bad loss; that’s on top of them not getting on very well already, whereas we beat Blade and Hammond, two of the best wrestlers in this company and a better team than the one who had never worked together before.”

Ricky: “We’ve shown before that Mind Over Matter aren’t able to stop us from entertaining the fans. This gimmick is not going to stop us doing what we do better than anyone else in the company. I look forward to beating Mind Over Matter and seeing them fall into nothingness, where we can send this boring ass gimmick into oblivion after them.”

Austin: “This is the event that we have to come out on top. We don’t deserve another shot at them if we lose this. Losing at Unscripted was unfortunate but that kind of shit happens. They capitalised on a mistake. Wrestling the perfect match is impossible but I don’t doubt that we are able to do it and surprise everyone. Our best chance is forcing them to make a mistake of their own.”

Ricky: “How though?”

Austin lifts the board up.

Austin: “This match and these rules have Stark’s fingerprints all over it. I can’t believe that Susumu really knows these rules inside out. He seems to be the volatile one and I’m not sure Stark has that pitbull on a leash. Susumu is a loose cannon that we have to look out for but Stark also has to keep his eye on him!”

“And if Stark was as good in the ring as he is smart, then he would be great. But he is no David Cougar and Susumu is no Ty Burna. This is no dream team, they aren’t the Mega Powers and this is not the wrestling equivalent of Mount Everest.”

Austin drops the board to the floor. It lands on a corner with a crack. Austin leans it on the bottom rope and snaps the board in half with a quick boot through the middle. Ricky grins like a Cheshire cat, picks up half of the board and enthusiastically throws it across the gym.

“This is two high flyers against two wrestlers, nothing more, nothing less. The rules are going to be nothing more than an excuse for the losers. But Al Stark and Harry Susumu are not a proper tag team and have been the epitome of boredom. It makes me sick to the bone that they have got lucky against us so often.”

Ricky: “But their defeat on Meltdown proved something bro! They couldn’t cope with their offense and Beckford and Dragon not being able to work together only added to the chaos. That really stumped them. We need to completely disrupt them, throw them off their stride.”

Ricky: “There is one thing that stumps me bro. The rule that says you can only win by DQ or submission. Now assume that their ref won’t DQ them, how are we supposed to make them tap or have the referee call it right?”

Austin: “I don’t know mate. I’m not the most technically proficient submission guy. I’ve never won a match by submission.”

Ricky scratches his head as both men ponder their situation.

Ricky: “Me either. Man, these rules blow!”

Austin: “But you know what, we can’t let that stop us.....No-one expected me to beat John Constantine. I had to make the guy say I quit! This was back when he was good!”

Austin punches the turnbuckle hard as he expresses the frustration of recent weeks.

Austin: “So just like Constantine, Stark and Susumu are going to be punished for the disrespect that they have shown to us and the fans. So I cannot think of a better punishment for them than losing their titles to the antithesis of the wrestling selves.”

Both men exit the ring. Austin picks up the remaining half of the rules board while Ricky skips across the gym to pick up the part that he had thrown. As they head to the door, they both discard the rules board in the trash can.

Ricky: “And then we will be able to have our choice of match on pay-per-view.”

 

[GI Cake]

Behind the Ropes: Ricky Runn
An Underdog Story​

Back in July, 2011, Richard Jackson Jr. was just a simple young boy who had just recently graduated High School. With his whole life in front of him but with no direction, Ricky was at a crossroads. He would either have to listen to his Father and attend college or be kicked out of the house. Ricky cringed at the thought of being another college kid, the very idea would bring a frown to the normally smiling face of the man who would be known as the Second City Daredevil. On one faithful day, Ricky decided he would take up what his childhood dream and become a professional wrestler. He packed his bags and drained as much money from his account as he could and boarded the first plane to Chicago.

From there, Ricky banged on the doors of the WZCW corporate building demanding to speak to the first person he could about a job working for the company. But needless to say, he was turned down flat. Ricky had no wrestling experience or even any formal training. He would have been lucky to have even received a catering job for the Superstars. But Ricky didn’t give up hope; with the last of his cash he spent it on a small room in a Motel 6 next to a small dirty gym called “The Rundown”. As soon as he could, Ricky walked into the gym to see a worn down wrestling gym surrounded by beaten up workout equipment. The owner of the gym was a man by the name of Tommy “Big Man” Marino.

The reason why Tommy received the nickname “Big Man” was because of his short, portly appearance. His hair was combed over to attempt to cover the bald spot on his head. Big Man had dreams similar to Ricky, but was never able to stay in shape to even participate. So Big Man opened his own gym in hopes to train and manage “the next big thing.” But even as a manager he failed to inspire his wrestlers to Success. Big Man was reluctant to train the young kid from Miami. And for good reason, Ricky was living off pennies and had no way to pay for the training. As we know now, Ricky is persistent. He bothered Big Man to no end until he finally gave in and offered Ricky training; in exchange Ricky would live in the gym and spend every other day cleaning and fixing up the gym.

Over the course of the summer, Ricky was learning the ropes. Like a natural, everything clicked for Ricky. It didn’t matter what Big Man threw at Ricky; he learned and incorporated his energy and athleticism. At the end of the summer, the “Rundown” had a quick turn-around in fortunes and gathered a decent following of Chicago natives wanting to learn the ropes. Things couldn’t be going better for Ricky and Big Man. One fine summers’ day, a talent agent from WZCW stepped into the gym during the early morning. His eyes caught glance of Ricky working a match with the younger talent and instantly enamoured with the talent that the Daredevil had shown. So at the young age of 18, Ricky was signed to a developmental deal with WZCW. In training, he shone as a prospect with the likes of Johnny Scumm, Jack Skinner, and Saboteur.

So flash forward to present day. Ricky Runn is teaming with the one and only Austin Reynolds. The two high-flying duo set out since day one as a team to win the titles. At All or Nothing, they seek to do just that. Just as the name of the pay-per-view suggest, Runn and Reynolds are in this for the gold or nothing at all. If the high-flying team fails to capture the titles they will have to start again with a roster full to bursting of talent ready and eager to take their spot. And more than ever, the odds are against them. The tag team champions Mind Over Matter have decided their match will have “All England Rules”. Among other stipulations, Ricky Runn and Austin Reynolds are prohibited from using the ropes or the turn buckles to attack the defending Champions.

Ricky Runn joins myself, Mark Lemming, for an live, exclusive and in depth interview. Click here at 8 PM Eastern to tune in!

At eight pm, the link on the web article becomes live. It opens up an audio stream between Ricky Runn and author of “Beyond the BiZ” Mark Lemming! The first voice to be heard is from Mark as he speaks loudly in his thick, Australian accent.

Mark Lemming: “Welcome BiZfits and welcome to the very first Beyond The biZ live interview with the one and only, ‘Smart’ Mark Lemming! I would like to thank you all for tuning in. And of course, let me introduce the man of the hour, he is the Second City Daredevil, Ricky Runn!”

Ricky Runn: “Thanks dude.”

“So Ricky… Or should I say, Richard Jackson Jr. Why did you go with a name change considering the amount of professional wrestlers that wrestler under their real name? “

Ricky Runn: “Well Mark, Richard Jackson Jr. didn’t sound as catchy as ‘Ricky Runn” does don’t it?”

Mark Lemming: “Good point mate, but why ‘Runn’? Is there any significance to it?”

Ricky Runn: “Well in your article about me Mark, you write about the gym I trained in called the ‘Rundown.’ If it wasn’t for that place, I wouldn’t have been able to become a wrestler. I figured I should pay my respects and use it as my new last name. In the last couple of years, The Rundown has played a much bigger part in my life than my father. I owe that place a lot.”

Mark Lemming: “I see, I see. Now what about your father? I can sense that there is a lot of tension there. Care if we explore into it?”

A loud sigh can be heard over the podcast before Ricky speaks.

Ricky Runn: “My father, he is one of those people who think they can control the world around them if they try hard enough and throw enough money at it. The truth is no one can. The world is so chaotic and random all the time he spent trying to control it all, his life passed him by. He is an insurance agent, he sells insurance to the same people he wished he could become, a risk taker. When I wanted to get into WZCW, I had to do everything in my ability and take every opportunity so I could get a contract. At one point I was living in the same gym I practiced in because I didn’t have any place to go. That is why my Pops and I haven’t really gotten along. It is because we are two different people.”

Mark Lemming: “Alright, alright, even if I was asking for your life story, I didn’t mean to ask about…Well your whole life story. Now at All or Nothing, the stipulations for your match against Mind Over Matter are really…Odd to say the least.”

Ricky Runn: “You’re telling me the rules they set are odd? They’re far from odd, the rules are just flat out ridiculous. I mean, we knew Mind Over Matter had set out on a mission to bore everyone since day one but to prevent Austin Reynolds and I from using our electric, awe inspiring move set just takes the cake.”

Mark Lemming: “I am sure that is not the only rule that bothers you as well.”

Ricky Runn: “Ohh I got whole list for you Markster. Who the hell is Takahiro?” Anyone, anyone?”

A pause is heard over the live stream, almost as if he is asking the listeners.

Ricky Runn: “Exactly dude, no one knows who this Takahiro guy is. I mean, I googled him on my phone and it came up with a translation of his name in English.”

Mark Lemming:“Oh really, what did it say?”

Ricky Runn: “Crooked *******.”

A loud laugh can be heard from both the Daredevil and Mark before continuing.

Mark Lemming: “Alright then, it seems like you have been doing your research for this match.”

Ricky Runn: “I sure have bro, Austin and I have been working our asses off in preparation for this match. Hell, in the gym we are taking some lessons in submissions and I got one move that will make Susumu cry I quit in 9 different languages.”

Mark Lemming: “Hm, care to share with the BiZFits, Rick?”

Ricky Runn: “Umm sure, while I am at it, you want to learn my bank information and take all my cash? I can’t give it away or Stark and Susumu will find a way to defend it. Besides, I’m the Second City Daredevil, I am all about surprises.”


Mark Lemming: “Fair enough, now you and Austin haven’t really been all that successful in WZCW as a team. Care to explain why?”

Ricky Runn: “I can’t lie; the Triple R Express hasn’t really been all that successful since our debut as a team. And to be honest, a lot of it has been on my part and the mistakes I’ve made. Back in Ascension where Reynolds and I faced Stan-Time for the titles, Reynolds had Showtime lined up for his vintage Ratings Killer, it would have certainly won us the match. For some reason, I let the adrenaline take over and tagged myself in. That turned out to be a dumb move as we lost and my mistake ended up with Austin being tweaked.”

Mark Lemming: “That wasn’t the only chance you had at gold wasn’t it Ricky?”

Ricky Runn: “Oh we got another shot. It was a long shot, but it was better than nothing. In what is WZCW’s craziest Pay-Per-View, Unscripted, the fans had to vote on all the matches and for the tag titles, Stan-Time either had to defend the titles against us in a Captain-Eliminations match…”

Mark Lemming: “By the way, between you and Austin, who was going to be the captain.”

Ricky Runn: “Does it really matter so much you had to interrupt me?”

Mark Lemming: “Sorry Ricky, but it always bothered me how much potential the story that could have clashed in that match. The history behind Austin and Showtime, the overall history Rogers has in the ring.”

Ricky Runn: “That match could have been awesome, but I guess it is one of those moments that will never happen.”

Mark Lemming: “Fine, fine. But let’s get back to your story.”

Ricky Runn: “Oh right, well…Where was I?”

Another pause breaks the pod-cast but Ricky gathers his thoughts about him again.

Ricky Runn: “Oh right, the match at Unscripted. Well as it turns out, Runn Reynolds Runn got more votes than Mind Over matter but didn’t get the nod over the mystery option.”

Mark Lemming: “But the mystery team didn’t show.”

Ricky Runn: “But that was lucky for us. That meant we got another shot at the titles. We had an awesome, triple-threat table elimination match!”

Mark Lemming: “Things didn’t really go for your favor either, hmm?”

Ricky Runn: “No it did not, which also lead to one of the scariest moments of my life. Just after Showtime was dumped through a table by his own tag partner, Cougar thought he would prove a point by attacking me. I was knocked out cold, I couldn’t move. One minute I knew I was going to send Stark through a table and the next was black. Doctors said I suffered some spinal damage and a concussion. Doctors thought I would be out for a long time.”

Mark Lemming: “But it didn’t stop you, did it?”

Ricky Runn: “You bet your ass it didn’t I came flying out of that ER, wanting to win the titles for more than just the fans and for vengeance, but for something else. I want to, no…I need to win those titles with Austin to prove that not only we are the greatest team in WZCW. But also I belong in this business; this business is the only thing I know in my young life, it’s the only thing that I feel truly great at. But the short time I spent in the hospital left me thinking. Austin has been saving my ass on one too many occasions. I mean, I can’t thank him for enough for he has done for me. But I can’t show what I have to prove as a star if Austin is saving my tail. I need to step up and show that Runn Reynolds Runn is a two man team. And that as a team, we can be champions.”

Mark Lemming: “Okay Ricky, here is the fun part. Before we tune out, What do you have to say about Alexander Stark?”

Ricky Runn: “Stark, I don’t like him at all. Stark can sit there and act like his fancy degrees from Oxford can make him better than anybody else. But it doesn’t. It just makes him a cocky prick with a few degrees from Oxford. I’ve been watching my footage and I can tell you, all his fancy little rules in his match will count for nothing unless he can keep up with the pace Austin and I will bring to the ring. Because it is a proven fact that Stark can’t even stay on the same level as the other wrestlers without slowing down. And once he realizes that his fancy rules can’t make up for the obvious athletic gap between Mind Over Matter and Runn Reynolds Runn, he is going to get frustrated and lose it. Then I will show him who the monkey is.”

Mark Lemming: “And what about Hiraku Susumu?”

“What about Susumu? Susumu can’t handle the idea of someone being smarter than him. And what better person to piss off an egomaniac than a fellow egomaniac? If I were watching the match, I would take into account watching Stark and Susumu fight over who is in charge. It is a meltdown we all can’t wait to watch. He believes that pain is the ultimate enlightenment, well, Reynolds and I will give him the most enlightenment he can ever ask for.”

Mark Lemming: “Alright Ricky, that is about all the time we have. Thanks again for allowing us to speak to you. Best of luck at your match at All or Nothing."

Ricky Runn: “Thanks for having me Mark. And don't forget to tune in this weekend for All or Nothing BiZFits! See you all later!"

Ricky is happy with the interview but glad it was out of the way as he was anxious to get it out of the way. The weight of anticipation is weighing heavily on his shoulders. The pay-per-view is close and Ricky wanted it to arrive already.

He reaches the front door in his typical bouncy manner until something stops him dead. Quite simply, it was the last thing he had expected to turn in a late, wintry Chicago evening.

Richard Jackson Senior is leaning against the side of his sons' car.

 

[Remix]

Stark smirks at Beckford before going for a Spinning Heel Kick, but Dragon gets free and dodges the kick and Stark hits Susumu, who falls through the ropes out of the ring! Stark looks out at his partner, his hand on his forehead. He turns around and Dragon kicks him in the gut and gets him ready for the Darkness Falls. Just before he’s about to hit the move, Beckford blind tags himself in! Dragon nails the Northern Lights Driver, and tries to go for the pin, but the referee informs him he’s not the legal man. Beckford quickly climbs to the top rope and hits the Cross County and hooks Stark’s legs, 1... 2... 3!

Stark angrily rises to his feet and switches off the television, breathing heavily due to his simmering rage.

Sascha Schwarz looks across at her employer, her eyes keenly assessing the situation. Knowing the only way to diffuse the situation she breaks the silence. "What exactly has got you so worked up about that loss Alex? As you keep reminding Hiraku, you're can't win every match. You knew that you were going to lose eventually." Stark turns his glare to his personal assistant; she calmly meets his eyes showing no emotion bar cool indifference.

"Context, Sascha!" he shouts. Seeing Sascha maintain her poker face he continues. "It is not that Hiraku and I lost, nor is it that I was pinned."

She rises too, her impassive mask slipping. "Then tell me what it is Alex!" she responds angrily and takes a step towards Alexander. "You pride yourself on your intellect, but you're acting like my five year old nephew after he loses a game with his father!"

"Because, Fraulein Schwarz..."

"Don't talk to me like that Alex." She interrupts. "I might have tolerated that...

"I was not merely defeated at Meltdown 66. I was humiliated." He carries on, ignoring Sascha's out of turn speech. "Hiraku and I: The WZCW Tag Team Champions were flat out defeated by Black Dragon. One man defeated the best tag team in the company."

"That's it? You're that angry because you underestimated the Eurasian Champion and he punished you for it?" She laughs, Stark's jaw and fists clench. "Mein Gott Alex, you're human."

"Thank you for your insight Sascha. I could never have made the conclusion that I am human without you." Stark rolls his eyes.

Finally having enough of Stark's behaviour Schwarz turns around and walks towards the exit of the large office. One hand on the handle she stops. "You fucked up Alex. Move on and learn from what happened with Dragon. Focusing on the past merely distracts you from what's really happening. Sometimes the past must be burned in order to clear space for the present." She slams the door behind her, leaving Stark to his own thoughts.

He hears the sound and slumps back into the arm chair. Sascha's words were the catalyst he needed. The reason for the defeat was suddenly obvious. Black Dragon thought and acted as a singles wrestler who relied upon his own skills entirely, Beckford was nothing more than one more variable. He had thought as a tag team wrestler. His focus divided between partner and opponent. While Dragon thought only of victory and how to bring it about by his own ability, he had been overly reliant on Susumu's skills to attain the same goal. Stark smiles to himself and walks towards the door. His revelation couldn't have come at a better time. The All England rules, with their prohibition on double teaming provided the perfect environment to test his hypothesis. From now on, Mind Over Matter is a team in name only. The last remnants of Alexander Stark's childhood dream died as the belt he sold his soul for was left, abandoned in the study.

Two days and several hours later, a sweat covered Susumu and Stark take a break from their training. While Susumu walks to their usual low table, stark reaches under the ring apron and slips something into his pocket. He looks across to Sascha. She nods. It's time to make his move. "I've been thinking, Hiraku" he calls out while walking towards Takahiro. The large Japanese man uncrosses his arms, just in case he needs put down the arrogant Englishman again.

"What about, Stark?" Susumu replies coldly. The small talk of lesser beings did not interest the enlightened.

"The power of knowledge." Stark ends the sentence with a kick to Takahiro's shin. In spite of himself, the large man's mouth opens and he lets out a cry of pain. Before he can retaliate, Stark pulls a small red spray out of his pocket and uses it beneath the giant's tongue. The effect is almost instantaneous. The colour drains from him and he loudly collapses to the floor. Stark tosses the spray to Sascha and leads Susumu into the changing room. The sounds of ambulances get louder and louder.

"You planned this, didn't you." There was no inquisition in Hiraku's voice.

"Of course I did. Takahiro will be fine, if you were at all concerned. The EMTs will be able to keep him stable enough for him to recover fully."

"What did you do?" There was a hint of worry in Susumu's voice. Evidently he didn't want to be harmed by whatever Stark had done.

"Demonstrated the devastating power of knowledge when correctly used." Stark looks at the irritated features of Susumu before continuing. "But more specifically, I crushed a Viagra tablet, added the powder to the rice ball he ate this morning and gave him a dose of GTN. Combining the two drugs caused his blood pressure to plummet, putting him in the state he is now." Stark grins maliciously and walks towards his locker.

"We all ate rice balls this morning. You had no idea which we'd choose."

"Very true. Perhaps though, all of them contained Viagra so it didn't matter. Or maybe Sascha added the Viagra after Takahiro selected his ball. You haven't shown me any of the side effects of Viagra, like a headache..." As soon as the words left his lips Stark saw a flicker of pain appear on Susumu's face. The name "Mind Over Matter" suddenly seemed very apt. "Or flushing in the face." This Nocebo induced side effect Susumu couldn't hide as Susumu's cheeks immediately became a shade pinker. "I suppose there's only one true test. Hold out your hand."

"Why?" Despite the question he still sticks out his hand. Apparently the risk of being drugged has shaken him.

Stark places a tablet in his palm. "That's a GTN tablet. I'm not going to patronise you by explaining what to do with it or why I've given it to you. I'm sure an enlightened man can figure it out." As soon as he's handed the tablet over, Stark grabs his bag and leaves. When the door closes behind him he smirks. He and Sascha had drugged all of the rice balls, whether Susumu concluded that or not. Stark tips a tablet into his hand and swallows it, safe in the knowledge that GTN tablets are designed for sublingual use and thus have no effect if they are swallowed. Not that Hiraku was likely to know that.

Another day later and Stark and Schwarz are once again at his home in Oxford, now facing a WZCW camera.

The director nods to Sascha, who is acting as the interviewer. "Alexander Stark, the WZCW universe wants to know your thoughts on Mind Over Matter's loss at Meltdown 66."

"My thoughts are beyond the comprehension of this 'WZCW Universe' but I suppose I shall humour you. My thoughts on this loss are the same as they are for every other setback I've over come in my career in and out of the ring. A learning experience. I made mistakes in that match; I will not do so again. But that's enough about the past."

"Very well Mr Stark. At All or Nothing, you will be facing Runn Reynolds Runn in an "All England rules" match. Could you tell me a little about those rules and how they came to be in your possession?"

"It would be a waste of my time to go through the rules. If you're confused, go watch Ascension 41. We explain them there. As for how the rules came to be in my possession, that is none of your concern. All you need to know is I obtained them from a trusted source who vouched for their authenticity."

"Who do you think the rules benefit, you and your partner Hiraku Susumu, or Runn Reynolds Runn?"

"Who wrote that question? Us of course! The Mule has never made anybody tap out to date and I doubt The Monkey could tell the difference between a heel hook and Captain Hook."

"Finally, could you tell us a little bit more about your opponents from your point of view?"

"The Mule, or Austin Reynolds if you prefer is the main threat of this team, if you can call him that. Of the two he has slightly more technical skill and has the definite edge in experience. However, talented and experienced he may be, but he is simply out of his depth in this match. The closest he has been to a submission match is his I Quit match with John Constantine, but the tactics used there would fail in this match." Stark takes a breath and continues. "Runn is worthless in this match. His athleticism gives him no advantage when the aim is to submit the opponent. Additionally, he is rash and impulsive which makes him liable to break the rules. Honestly, I hope he stays out of the match for the most part. Defeating a monkey is less of a challenge than making a former World Title contender accept that surrender is the only possible outcome."

"Thank you for your time Mr Stark." They wait for the red light above the camera to turn out and then leave the camera crew to clear up after themselves.

Stark leads them towards his large garden. "You were right about the past Sascha."

"What do you mean Alex?"

"That sometimes, the only thing to do with the past is burn it. Mind Over Matter's reign won't last forever. Once it comes to an end, I intend to burn that part of my life completely to light my path forwards." Out of Stark's pocket comes a Zippo lighter. Igniting it he tosses it onto a nearby pile, which quickly starts burning, casting an orange light over the pair. In the flickering light Sascha spots a programme from 'Das Zircus Wunderbar', the flames turning slowly turning it to ash. Still visible though is a young, blonde male flying though the air on a trapeze "This fire, eating old memories symbolises that I am no longer going to allow myself to dwell on the past, and from the ashes of the past I shall grow stronger until my superiority cannot be denied." Stark looks deeply at the fire which is still growing stronger. "Thank you Sascha for helping me realise this."

"You're welcome, I suppose" she replies, not quite sure what to make of the situation.

Stark turns from the fire. Not dwelling on the past includes not watching it burn itself out. After a few moments Sascha follows him indoors. They both have preparations to make.

 

[Harthan]

A blood red sunset falls at the end of a cold, late fall day at a small, wooded park. The air is brisk, with the hint of snow to come, but for now, the ground and the sky are clear. Atop a small hill, Hiraku Susumu sits, calmly considering the sunset. Behind him, Takahiro waits, looking off at the opposite horizon.

“Do you not wish to appreciate this glorious sunset, Takahiro?”

The great man looks over his shoulder. He sees the dying light wash over his master, framing him in red, leaving the rest of him darkened, looking nothing so much like a fallen angel. He grunts, turning back.

“I have seen the sun set before.”

“I trust you have eaten before, but you continue to do that, do you not? Come, it is not often one gets such an opportunity as this.”

Takahiro turns around now. In truth, it was not the sun that he was avoiding; it was the disturbing image of Hiraku framed by the red light. He had only known the man for a short time, but he had a reputation in their homeland. What he had seen of the man so far only lived up to it. Still, he did not wish to cause trouble.

“It is…most exquisite, master.”

Hiraku looks over his shoulder at Takahiro and smiles. It was the smiling that Takahiro had grown to despise most – charming, exquisite smiles, a mouth full of white teeth, but his eyes were always the same cold, judging eyes that they always were. Takahiro wasn’t sure if he was mocking him, or if he was just incapable of a regular human smile. Maybe both.

“In my youth, I loved nothing so much as the setting sun,” Hiraku says.

“Living in the city, of course, it was rare that I got to see it properly. But when I was in the countryside…ah, so beautiful.”

Takahiro found it odd to consider the man before him as a youth. A man known far and wide in Japan as the premier “problem-solver” in the Yakuza, as he was called. Takahiro could imagine why a man such as he would have such an appreciate for the setting sun. He had always worked in the night, it was said, and a visit from Susumu at night meant one did not see the day.

“I prefer the rising sun, I must say.”

“Is that so? A strange thing. The rising sun has its charm, but it brings the day. Such a trite period, filled with meaningless hustle and bustle while the masses go about their aimless lives. Sunset brings the night, when such fools sleep, and men like you and I may do our work.”

“I would have thought you would admire the rising sun as much as I, master. Do you not bring the light of enlightenment to those living in darkness?”

Hiraku chuckles. Takahiro is again distressed at the sound. Much like his smiles, there was no warmth to them.

“The enlightenment you have been taught about exists only in stories, Takahiro. No, no, I’m afraid my brand of enlightenment – the only true enlightenment – happens in the dark. The sun must set for me to do my work, and for the souls of the misguided to be reclaimed.”

“Of course, master. I do not question your work.”

Takahiro stares into the back of his master, wondering where he had gone, what he had done, in the five years he went missing. The story was the same everywhere. One morning, he simply stopped showing up, and no one could find him. Five years passed, everyone assuming he had died in some bizarre accident. Five years, until rumors started circulating about a man wrestling, of all things, that looked just like Hiraku. No one dared to try to bring him back to the fold. He had gone mad, they sad, and was determined to live life as a prophet. What had happened?

“When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?”

Takahiro is snapped back to reality from his reverie with his master’s words.

“What?”

“From the Englishman, Shakespeare. I read his work, as Stark was so enamored with it. The man has his moments. ‘When the sun sets, who doth not look for night?’”

“All do, master.”

“That they do, Takahiro, that they do. When the sun sets, all men of reason look for night. They did for me once. When the sun sets, they looked for me to come and take them. I was the night.”

He rises and turns away from the sun, stilled framed with burning red, faces still in darkness from the shadows. Takahiro was almost afraid, but why should the man want to hurt him?

“I am night now, still, only of a different kind. And night is coming for all of them, Takahiro. For all those who dare oppose me. Night is coming for Austin Reynolds and Ricky Runn.”

He spits the names like venom.

“Their defeat at my hands was their sunset, and they should know night is coming. I will teach the fools what it means to trifle with me. It would be delightful to watch them struggle around the web of rules I have woven for them, only to fail miserably in defeat. As they lay broken, perhaps then they may glimpse the truth. They may look upon me, and see the night, but see in me too the blinding sun. For it is so that the light blinds, but blindness is the way. They must become blind to see again. I was their sunset, I am their nightfall, and I will be their glorious sunrise.”

Takahiro hides the expression of bafflement on his face, so as not to upset Hiraku. But he was confused and awed by this man, who had lived up to his reputation and more.

“Come, Takahiro. It is time to go. We must leave this place and make preparations for the morrow.”

Hiraku brushes past Takahiro on the way down the hill, and the giant man follows, wondering where his time in this man’s service will lead him.

---

Hiraku enters the parking lot of the small park he had chosen to meditate in for the evening. He had not returned to his study since the incident the week before. There was too much risk. He did not trust himself to be alone until he had sorted out everything in his head. But there were other things to do, and he had Takahiro for that. Someone to watch over him, lest the strange madness that had taken hold of late return. He knew the code of honor the man lived by, and the money he was paying his master would make him loyal to the death.

The limousine waits in the parking lot. He didn’t like the gaudiness, but his previous vehicle could not admit Takahiro, and so he had been forced to purchase this. Years in the Yakuza had its advantages.

He gestures for Takahiro to enter ahead of him before sitting down himself. The driver closes the door after him and takes off for his home. Hiraku grabs the day’s newspaper from a nearby stand. They ride in silence for a few minutes.

“What about Stark?” Takahiro asks suddenly.

Hiraku looks over the paper and raises an eyebrow.

“What about him?”

“On the hill. You told me what you would do to Runn and Reynolds. But not what the two of you would do.”

Hiraku smiled a little, surprised that Takahiro was still dwelling on that. It would take him time to be used to the company of an enlightened man, he supposed. He sets the paper aside.

“Stark has his own nightfall coming, Takahiro. He will be of service in the match, but he will act only to my ends, as he has been since the moment we began this endeavor. He has greater things to worry about.”

“What do you mean?”

“I am Stark’s sunset as well. Let us leave it at that, hm?”

Takahiro nods, a little reluctantly. A few more minutes of silence pass as Hiraku continues to read.

“Why do you team with him, master?”

Hiraku again looks over the paper, slightly annoyed. Because he has hit a nerve, yes? He shakes his head, ignoring the voice. His hand starts shaking, but he calms it. He looks Takahiro in the eye, but he knows he must look distressed.

“Master? Are you well?”

“Quite. I team with Stark because I wish to help him come to enlightenment. He is my first serious project in this new land. I am making him better. That is all.”

That is all, he says. Fool. Hiraku ignores the voice again, but he cannot drown it out. You know the truth. Stark showed you that you are false, and you know it. He beat you in your first match. He showed you that you are a liar, that you are not enlightened, you’re just a puffed up fool with a bag of fancy words.

“I…am…not…” Hiraku mutters through gritted teeth.

“You said something, master?”

Hiraku can only manage a grunt, not trusting his voice. His hand shakes violently, and he sits on it to hide it.

Why don’t you just admit it, already? You keep Stark close to see where you went wrong, hoping desperately to justify your loss to him, but you never will. Stark proved in three seconds that you’re just a charlatan, and you’re spiraling down, down, down trying to prove you aren’t. Just admit the truth, already.

Hiraku desperately searches for a knife, the only way he knows to stop it. But he finds his own voice in his head stronger this time, yelling at him not to, yelling at him to defeat his enemy. Is it his own voice? It sounds like it, but there is another note, to, something he almost remembers…

All the while your little world falls apart, your illusions are shattered. Pathetic. You are an embarrassment to yourself. The only thing worse than a liar is a liar who believes himself.

Hiraku glances fervently to see if Takahiro has noticed anything, but he is looking idly out the window, not noticing Hiraku's silent struggle.

He thinks fervently. There must be some way to beat this…

Holding on, still? Haven’t bitten your tongue out yet? Clawed at your face? You’re getting better. I’ll be back soon enough.

Suddenly, the presence in his head is gone, and Hiraku inhales deeply. Too deeply. Takahiro looks over at him.

“Master? You look pale.”

“I am fine, Takahiro.”

“But –“

“I am fine!”

Takahiro looks at him deeply, evenly. He shrugs.

“Very well.”

Hiraku raises the paper up again, pretending to read it. I beat it this time, he thinks.

But what is it?

------

The limo pulls up the house that Hiraku has purchased for his stay in America. Not large, but clearly well made, and fairly expensive. He didn’t buy it for the luxury; he bought it because it was the only thing he could get that was secluded enough.

He steps out of the limo and gestures for Takahiro to follow. His feet are a little shaky beneath him, but he manages to get to the door without incident. He enters the house and tosses the paper he was reading on a table while Takahiro follows him.

“Takahiro – a drink. Make one for yourself, if you desire.”

He takes a seat in the foyer while he waits. He observes a piece of artwork on the wall. All the furnishings had been left behind – the previous owners had had to rush out quickly, he was told, some form of foreclosure or something, and had sold all their furnishings with the home. So much the better for Hiraku, it made his life simpler. As such, he had not chosen the painting, though he found he liked it.

A dragon dominated the scene, which he found pleasing. An emblem of his homeland, and of himself, for what could better describe him than a dragon? A perfect beast of mythical proportions, as he himself was a perfect man with mythical properties. The dragon seemed locked in combat with two valiant warriors. Samurai, perhaps, thought it was unclear. They nagged him, but it seemed obvious to Hiraku that in time the dragon would prevail. He stared at the picture a bit longer, before noticing a final detail. Atop the dragon’s back was a small monkey, hurling a piece of fruit at the warriors to little effect. He snorted at the touch of comedy.

He marveled at the appropriateness of the picture, imagining it a reflection of his own life. He, a mighty dragon, assailed by lesser warriors without a hope of victory – and at his side, an ineffective companion, good only for distracting him.

“I might prefer to have the monkey,” he says to himself, laughing.

Takahiro reenters the room with two drinks, handing one to Hiraku. He silences his laughter and returns to the paper, at an article he had just left off at. He finishes it, eyes narrowing all the while, before making noises of disgust.

“Read this, Takahiro.”

He hands the paper over the giant, who glances at the title.

“Texas Rangers bid 51.7 million dollars to negotiate with pitcher Yu Darvish…what am I looking for, master?”

“That is all. Do you not see how utterly absurd it is? Over 50 million dollars to negotiate with a man. And for what? What good will he do? Throw a ball faster than the next man in a silly game, entertaining the masses to throw away their hard earned money? It disgusts me, at every level. The men who play, thinking they have some valuable talent, when they are little more than a pack of trained animals. The men who run it, stuffing their pockets with unearned money. And most of all the masses who support it, pissing away all of their money when they should be bettering themselves. Revolting.”

Takahiro shrugs.

“As you say, master.”

“It is as I say, Takahiro, all things are thus. And I say this, to – that is the problem I see rampant before me. Greed. Greed everywhere.”

Hiraku takes a long drink and cups the glass in his hands. He stares into the cup and slowly comes to a realization.

“So obvious, Takahiro. Greed. Greed is the source of my problems, and greed will be their solution.”

“I do not follow, master.”

“Of course not, Takahiro, of course not. But you will. I lost last week…because of greed. How many times have I damned the humanity seeping through in me? Human greed made me want to win that match, made me want to gain momentum, made me want so many things…perhaps even made me want to be a champion. And perhaps it was enough to sustain me for a short while, but clearly it will no longer be sufficient, because it is tainted. I must be free from greed…and then I can exploit my opponents’ greed.”

He stands up and goes to a bag in the corner, where he has stored his championship belt. He looks at it, and shows it to Takahiro.

“Isn’t is obvious? I must be free of the desire to win. I must be free of the desire to retain this championship. I must be free of the desire of all things except my sacred mission – to help the lesser to enlightenment. So clear.”

He tosses the belt on the ground and spits upon it.

“Meaningless lump of gold. Do you think, Takahiro, that I have any desire to hold it? That I have any desire to defeat Runn and Reynolds at this pay per view, that I have any desire to retain this gold? I do not. Were it not for my mission, I say, let them take it and be glad of it. But I am too full up of righteousness for that. I must keep the fools away from It, lest their heads grow large, lest they be filled with arrogance, for that path will only lead to their regression. I must grudgingly keep this, and grudgingly retain it, from them, and from all comers, so that they will continue to despair. And their despair will turn to anguish. And their anguish will show them the error of their ways, and they will understand why greed has undone them, and they will come to me and beg for my wisdom.”

Hiraku looks at Takahiro and smiles widely.

“So obvious, Takahiro, so obvious. How could I have lost sight? So obvious.”

“…Yes, master, but…is it so easy only to say it, and be free?”

Hiraku glances with fire at Takahiro, and he is amused to see the man recoil half a step before remembering himself.

“Not for a worm like Runn. Not for a dog like Reynolds. But for the one and only true perfect soul in the universe…all things are as I say. If I say I am free, I am free. I need only realize it, think it, and say it, and it shall be so. You must learn, Takahiro.”

“Of course, master. All things must be as you say.”