Off the back of his victory at Apocalypse, Austin Reynolds was in superlative mood. He felt unbeatable, untouchable and rightly so. Reynolds had seen off a credible threat, in a great match and retained his important title.
Apocalypse was over now but the effects were still being felt, even days later. He was bruised from head to toe and was moving with a little less energy.
Nonetheless he felt that this victory was significant and deserved a celebration. To that end he had made an appointment with a good friend of his to complete a job that he had started when Austin started in WZCW. That star on his right shoulder was looking a little lonely. It had always been his intention to expand on it and this was the perfect opportunity.
He had just come out the parlour with his shoulder bandaged up and he was going to meet Dom and Hayley at their favourite local restaurant. As he sat in the same seat that he always looked to be in, he watched the world go by outside. The peace and calm tranquillity allowed his mind to wander to the events of the past few weeks.
Apocalypse was, to put it lightly, devastating and took a huge toll on everyone. From the Mayhem champion who lost his belt to the World Champion who got screwed out of his title. Austin walked out but he was still feeling the effects of it. Not just physically but mentally also, Beckford had posed a huge challenge and to still emerge as champion was the justification he was seeking.
He was the Ratings Winner and nobody could dare doubt this now. Austin lived up to the hype just like he promised.
Baby!
Dude, you looked like you were a million miles away.
Im fine.
Dominic & Hayley take a seat each in the booth. They have just ordered food for themselves and Austin and come carrying three bottles, including fizzy water for Austin.
Darling I think we have been a bit harsh on you recently.
Yeah mate, youve been under so much pressure but you came through it. Youre still the man, you always were and you always will be. We wont doubt you from now on. We will help you out with anything you need. I am all about you now.
And I will do anything I can for you too.
Austin is surprised. He thought he had their support anyway and it hadnt crossed his mind that he was in it on his own.
Guys, where has this come from?
The pay-per-view, we realise that you are more confident about things than we are. You deserve our utmost faith and unwavering support. You deserved it all along but you will get it from now on.
But like you dont already know, we thought you were superb on Sunday.
Like seriously outstanding.
Austin tries to resist blushing but is sure that he failed.
Thank you. I know you have my interests at heart and I do appreciate it even if I go over the top sometimes.
But you have backed it up. I know we werent the only ones impressed either. The bods in charge have booked you in a match already. Dom waves a brown envelope at Austin.
Who?
Ill tell you when we get back to the office. Austin reaches for it but Dom pulls it out of his way, just as their meals arrive. Me hungry, need to eat.
Two hours later, having eaten and drunk plenty at their lunchtime meeting, they return to Dominics penthouse office suite, nursing fully stomachs.
Ill be damned if that wasnt their best meal yet.
They keep getting better and better.
They all collapse into the leather chairs. Dom reaches into his jacket pocket and slowly pulls out the envelope again.
Opponent....Ascension....ugh...you know the deal.
Austin grins as Dom sleepily reaches across to him.
John Constantine huh? Wasnt he backstage on Sunday?
Austin waits, expecting a response but Dominic is snoring with his mouth wide open and Hayley is curled up in a ball. He chuckles as the two people he is closest to in the world show ultimate relaxation. Yet he was antsy. The activity of last weekend meant he was still buzzing a little and still had unspent energy and excitement.
He had to focus that on next weeks Ascension.
He walks out to the balcony, quietly shifting the doors to slip himself through. The fresh air of a sharp gust hits him hard and cold.
John Constantine, there is going to be many comparisons made between you and I. Not least the fact that you are going to make your debut in a match against the Elite X champion. Its inevitable; this is your big shot. Its your chance to make a name for yourself.
Austin inhales deeply. He wants to make Keanu....or John Constantine understand that hard work begets just rewards but just showing up and expecting the world on a plate will just not cut it.
You wanted competition, a litmus test, just like Frankie Smith was for me? Everyone needs one and you demanded yours. On pay per view no less. Now I would love to take a man of your stature seriously but I have a problem with what you did at Apocalypse. This is only part of the problem I have with you. Not only did you demand attention and competition, but you interrupted Doug Crashin? How am I meant to take someone who does that seriously?
It was this kind of thing that made Austin laugh. Making an impact is perfectly reasonable; even doing it at someones expense was acceptable to him but Doug Crashin? That was such a random thing to do that it made him think of the facepalm gif that Dom showed him the other day.
I see you, a failure in high society, a stained reputation. You had it all but you lost it. Your chance to become a huge star and you let it slip. You had it all, but didnt have a clue about how to appreciate it and threw it down the pan.
Its funny though. Its just like Chris Beckford. He takes risks. He tried to reach one step too far, to fly that little bit further, beyond what he is able. Where did that get him? He got beat, damn near crippled, live on pay-per-view.
Austin contemplates the action at Apocalypse, how it has affected him, Beckford, the Elite X title itself. Everything changed and it was never going to be the same again. But he wasnt disappointed; as champion he was ready to put himself on the line for the show. For the ratings.
And so, you are next in line to face WZCWs biggest new star. Congratulations. Enjoy the time back in the spotlight. I promise you, your ten minutes in the ring with me will be more successful than you entire political career and it will be more entertaining than your career suicide.
Nobody wants to see John Constantine on their TVs anymore. You mean nothing now, so save your money. But I will make you relevant before you fade back into obscurity because I am the five-star attraction that you wish you could be.
Austins brash nature is coming to the fore. He had heard about Constantine in the news and his move to wrestling had not escaped his notice. The entire episode had left a sour taste in his mouth. He was intending to ensure he felt that on Ascension.
And you are a filthy example of all that is wrong with corrupt organisations, my fans are going to enjoy seeing me destroying what you stand for. WZCW is no place for what you stand for. Politics is going to get you nowhere in this place because everyone know I am the best choice.
And with his words out in the open and lost to the breeze, he heads back inside. Dominic and Hayley look absolutely peaceful and Austin knows he is too. His calm demeanour betrays the utmost confidence that he has in himself.
John Constantine poses no threat to this.
