Redemption: Eurasian Title Open Challenge

[Ty Burna]

Rush will be returning to action this week as he will be defending his Eurasian championship in an open challenge where anyone who is not currently wrestling on Redemption may have the opportunity to face Rush for the title. However, there was an ulterior motive for Rush to issue this match: to call out former champion Black Dragon who currently has the title in his possession after stealing it from Rush and is without a contract. Will the Dragon answer the call and compete in this match to gain not only his contract back but also the title he never lost or will Rush be facing someone else?

Deadline is Wednesday, July 25th at 11:59 PM Central Time.

Note: Anyone without a scheduled match for Redemption may RP in here for an opportunity at the Eurasian Title. Rush must also RP in this thread as well.​

 

[Spear]

Scott Williams is backstage at a WZCW house show. He is sitting in a steel chair, one that you might find out near the ring, staring blankly into space. He is not dressed in his ring gear, as he was not booked at the house show. Instead, he is wearing a plain white t-shirt and some jeans. Williams is visibly frustrated. He's frustrated because he lost his chance to be in the Mayhem Championship Scramble to Stevenson Marquel. Rebecca Serra approaches him, microphone in her hand. She is wearing a pink dress.




Scott, may I ask you a few questions?


Williams stares coldly into the eyes of Rebecca Serra. He does not say anything, but continues to stare directly into her eyes. She breaks eye contact, looking away because she is a bit frightened.


Well...?


Williams finally speaks, although coldly. He is no longer even looking at Rebecca.


If you're going to ask me anything, it better actually be worth my time.


Okay then... What is your take on losing to Stevenson Marquel for a spot in the Mayhem Championship Scramble at Redemption?


Williams is now not only frustrated, but now he is a bit angry.


Stevenson Marquel did not defeat me. Are you aware of what he did? He robbed me. I do not blame him though, because robbing people is the only thing he's good at, other than going to prison and selling drugs. Now that I think about it, Stevenson Marquel is the epitome of what is wrong with WZCW today. There are many wrestlers who WZCW could hire. And instead of hiring someone who could actually be the future of this company, it hires a half crippled former gang member. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention he's also a convicted felon. Poking your opponent's eye in a match is illegal. If any authority figure had any common sense, they would've come out as soon as that poor excuse for a man got the three count on me, overturned the referee's decision, and named me the winner by disqualification. WZCW never surprises me with their lazy decisions. Hell, while we're at it, why am I not booked tonight?


He looks like he is going to say something else, but he does not. Rebecca moves on to her next question.


Rush is holding an open challenge at Redemption for the Eurasian Championship. Do you plan to answer this challenge of his?


...there's an open challenge for the Eurasian Title!?


Yes.


A smirk breaks out on the face of Williams. His frustration has been lifted, and now he has a look of confidence.


Well Becky, we'll just have to see if I'll answer it, now won't we? For all you know, you could be looking at the next Eurasian Champion.


Before she can ask another question, Williams gets up off his chair and walks away, smirking.

 

[Jessie Lynn DivaGirl]

Isbael Stone is seen backstage, looking angry. She's in a red and black school girl out fit, her black hair hanging long down her back. Leon Kensworth approaches her quietly with a mic.

Leon Kensworth: Um, Miss Stones-?

Isabel Stone: It's STONE. Singular. What do you want?

Leon: Sorry. Miss Stone, you had your first match at Aftershock and lost to Connor Reese. Any hard feelings?

Isabel glares then speaks in a sarcastic tone.

Isabel: Oh no, I feel great. I mean, it's not like I got knocked off the turnbuckle by a giant and fell on my head or anything! She gives Leon a look. What do you think you moron? I should've WON that match! Instead, Burnside knocked me to the ground giving Reese the win!

She breathes heavy, obviously more pissed than before. Leon continues.

Leon: Miss Stone, are you angry because what happened between you and Johnny Scumm got into your head, causing you not to pay attention?

Isabel looks at Leon with a death glare and a growl erupts from her throat.

Leon: Um, I mean, mmaybe if you had focused on beating the two men you were facing maybe you would've-

Isabel lunges at him making an attempt to bite his face. With a shriek Leon runs off. Isabel fixes her hair, turns, and bumps into Johnn Scumm.

Johnny Scumm: Hey Isabel. I just wanted to say-

Isabel: Can it Scumm. She moves to walk away from him.

Johnny: -that I was sorry that Burnside blindsides you. If he had fallen against the ropes you would've beaten him and Reese easily. I was really impressed.

Isabel turns to him, lifting an eyebrow.

Isabel: Are you playing with me? Or still trying to get into my pants? I'm not interested Scumm and I don't want to talk to you anyway. So if you don't want to become a human punching bag, then I suggest you LEAVE ME ALONE. She glares hard at him.

Johnny: Isabel, I just wanted to say that me and a lot of others thought you did fantastic in the match. You took your advantages and ran with them. I knew you would do great. And unless you just want to pout in your room, maybe you should try for the open challenge.

Isabel: What open challenge? Her mood switches and sh's suddenly interested in what Scumm has to say.

Johnny: The Eurasian Title is up for grabs. I think you have true potential to get it. So, I suggest you go for the open challenge on Redemption. My advice is next time you sit on the turnbuckle, be prepared to jump off and over a flying body that gets whipped into the corner. Don't want that pretty face to be hurt.

He smiles at her, hoping to get a reaction. Isabel goes over this information in her mind.

Isabel: I think I'm gonna go for it. Thanks Johnny.

Johnny: No problem.

He smiles and leans in as if to kiss her cheek and she slaps him hard across the face before storming into the locker room.

Isabel: What a freaking putz. Eurasian Title eh? Time to call up coach.

She pulls out her off-themed phone which has the Pittsburgh Pirates' logo on it and calls someone.

Isabel: Daddy? I need your help. I'm going for the Eurasian Title at Redemption- yes Daddy, I did lose the match. -pause- No Daddy, it's an open challenge. -pause- Right. So if I'm going to kick some ass for that title, I'm going to need some training. How soon can you come over?

She smiles as she listens to "Daddy" talk as the camera fades.

 

[FlexAmerican Dynamite]

The Misadventures of Krypto

Open Challenge? What a Rush!

Krypto and RJX9 are sitting in the Lars’s couch in his apartment while he is out grocery shopping. Krypto has a very confused look on his face.

So….is this what humans do?

What do you mean sir?

I mean, do they tell you one thing and at the last second they change it and expect you to just go along with it?

Angry over what happened at AfterShock sir?

No, I’m not angry, but I’m definitely not happy. I’m just intrigued at the way the people of this planet go about their business. I mean back on Meltdown I was supposed to have a tag team match, but at the last second it was changed to a triple threat match where the person who I thought was my friend ended up beating me. And then on AfterShock when I was scheduled to face Johnny Scumm but he was beaten unconscious and I was put into another triple threat match with that same friend and he was beaten. Therefore not only he but I also lost a shot at the Mayhem Championship.

Serves him right sir…

And then Derek Jacobs who had lost his Mayhem title match was given another shot immediately even though he was decisively beaten. Unlike me who was never beaten in my match.

It’s because they don’t respect you…

And then another free title shot was given to a guy named Connor Reese who was barely on the roster for a day and had only won one match.

Well at least he won a match….

What’s that supposed to mean?

Exactly what it entails sir, you weren’t successful because you played by their rules. You let them push you around and put you in situations where you will never win. And it’s because you’re soft.

Please don’t start with the whole aggressive thing again I’m really not in the mood.

Think about it Krypto, everybody is getting handouts and opportunities besides you. And you want to know why?

No but I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.

It’s because you’re an Alien. Yes, I said it. It’s obvious these humans are afraid of a species outside of theirs to become successful on Earth. That’s why they put you in situations in which they knew you wouldn’t succeed. That’s why when they knew you were going to beat Johnny Scumm they probably hired some maniac to knock him out so it gave them an excuse to screw you over.

Humans aren’t that mean.

Tell that Derek Jacobs, the person who destroyed you in your first match when you were just looking to learn about this world. They put in you that match as a warning that they would never ever let you succeed. And as a reward they decided to give him back to back shots a championship.

It…could be just a coincidence.

Tell that to Angel, he could have beaten that rookie back on Meltdown but instead knowing you trusted him he stabbed you in the back and took the glory for himself. Then on AfterShock when he knew you wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice he basically handed himself over to Darren Bull just so wouldn’t have a title shot.

I don’t think that was his intention…

Well it happened, and it’s going to keep happening unless you learn that humans take what they want here. They just don’t wait for a chance, be nice about it and ask if it’s okay with others.

There’s nothing wrong with having some common decency. My father even programmed that into you, so why have you been acting this way lately?

Humans, Krypto, I’ve been desensitized. During your matches I’ve been watching these human television networks. I know how they operate. I know what the Jersey Shore is, I’ve watched a man named Ted tell his children a beautiful story of how he met their mother, I know the Secret the life of an American Teenager. Did you know any of these things Krypto?

I guess I haven’t really experienced Earth yet.

Then you know exactly what you need to do now don’t you?

And what exactly is that?

You need to….

Hey Krypto what’s up!

At that moment Lars enters the apartment (Without his signature Wolverine costume on) with multiple bags of groceries in hand, he accidentally drops one that contains a carton of milk on the kitchen floor, Krypto leaves RJ on the couch and rushes over to help.

(Damn that fat bastard)

Let me help you out there Lars.

Krypto and Lars grab some paper towels and begin to clean up the spilt milk.

Shedding skin again I see.

Oh right….yeah it should be back soon. (This guy either really loves roleplaying or he really thinks I’m an alien….naw there’s no way, might as well play along, not like I have any other friends)

I wanted to thank you for letting me and RJ stay at your home for the foreseeable future; we really had nowhere else to go.

No problem man, it’s kind of been my dream to hang out with a WZCW wrestler, though it would be cooler if you can win a match.

I tried my hardest on AfterShock.

I’m not saying you didn’t. In fact it almost seemed liked things had conveniently fallen into place for you not to qualify for the Mayhem Scramble. Two spots just being handed to Jacobs and that new guy Reese, one already being taken by the champion, your original opponent being taken out so you can be put in a triple threat match you weren’t prepared for.

Would you call it a conspiracy?

Lars chuckles.

Your starting to sound like Drake Callahan now man. Oh and speaking of wrestlers who are past their prime Rush is holding an open challenge for his Eurasian title.

A what for his what?

I know you were pretty bummed that you didn’t make the Redemption PPV card, and everybody else who didn’t make the card has a chance to possibly fight the Eurasian champion Rush for his belt.

Lars stops cleaning up and begins to put groceries away in the refrigerator.

How will it be decided?

Randomly I guess, but I thought I’d tell you just in case you wanted to see if you could get a shot.

Interesting…do you think I have a chance?

I don’t man, it’s unpredictable, and anybody could possibly get a shot. Plus after getting lucky enough to be picked you have to actually beat Rush, and that’s no easy task my friend. I was there at Kingdom Come II when he had that heart attack and I thought he’d never be back but he returned better than ever.

Heart attack?

Oh yes, Rush is the oldest member of the WZCW roster, that day his age caught up with him and his most important organ gave out.

Is it possible to repeat this process?

Whoa whoa there Krypto, wrestling might be a physical sport but purposely trying to cause someone fatal harm is wrong.

Well what do you suggest I do?

I don’t know use your speed and agility advantage. It’s really all up to chance that you even get picked to fight him.

How did a person his age even become champion anyway?

Well Ty Burna stripped the longest reigning Eurasian Champ Black Dragon of the belt because he wasn’t on contract and Rush beat Matt Tastic for it. Then Dragon stole it. It honestly seems like this whole open challenge is a ploy to get Dragon to show up to Rush can try to destroy him.

So he will not be expecting to face a person such as me?

Krypto I told you this so you won’t be sad about not making the card, I don’t think you should get your hopes up man.

I know but over the last two weeks I realize anything is possible here on Earth, everything is unpredictable, and everything can change at a moment’s notice. I know there is a small chance that I’m picked out of the plenty of people who are jumping at chance to win that title, and an even smaller chance that I actually beat Rush but I’m ready, I’m ready to take this opportunity and sky rocket to the top, just like I rocketed to this planet. Even if I’m chosen and I don’t win at least I can prove I can hang with the best.

It would be amazing if your first win would be against one of the most seasoned veterans and it were for the Eurasian title.

Just like I said I’m ready for anything. Rush might be in for a very surprising night should I be picked to face him.

Are you ready to help me go get the rest of the groceries out the car?

Sure thing man.

Krypto and Lars leave the apartment to retrieve the rest of the groceries.

(I was so close, and then that comic book nerd ruined it all giving him hope. Part of me hope’s he does get picked just to get smashed down and humiliated by Rush. Only then will he learn…)​

 

[TBK]

Silence and joy (are) for those who had endured so much suffering, yet found at last a great and lasting happiness.
~ Baroness Emmuska Orczy

Two Years ago....​

We open to a somewhat slender blonde female, her hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a pair of reading glasses, a white dress shirt and black dress, complete with high heels. She sits behind a desk with a pen and pad of paper on top of it in a somewhat small room with not much else other than books, the mandatory psychiatrist chair, a wooden door connected to the outside, and her degree, framed behind her on the wall. She's reading a book, when she gets a knock from the door.

???: Pardon me, Miss MacArthur. May I enter?

The psychiatrist, puts her book in her desk drawer, before responding.

MacArthur: Of course. Please, come in and have I seat.


A younger version of the Masked Gentleman steps through the door. One without a mask and wearing a white dress shirt, black pants, a belt with a red strap and a pair of black shoes. He takes no time to lay down on the Psychiatrist chair. His Psychiatrist picks up her pad of paper and pen and starts writing.

The Gent: So, it's been about three months since I've been released prison, and stop me miss if I start to sound foolish. I've come to realize in my five years I've lost of my life that there's not much to do when you have a tenancy to steal things after I leave. For years, I was contemplating what to do once I left. It's an idea of partial ignorance and partial lack of options.

The Psychiatrist stops her writing to interrupt.

MacArthur: Pardon me, but aren't you from a rather rich family? I remember you told me that you were rich enough to do nothing in life and your future six generations could as well with how much money you have. Why not simply retire? Heck, why did you bother stealing in the first place?

A sigh escapes from the lips of The Gent.

The Gent: The thrill. A rich life is fun, however, what is life without a gamble or two? I cannot stay simply sipping wine and eating caviar. It's fun to take risks...so, and here's where I might be a tad crazy. I've been reading my novels...and I realize what I truly wish to do. I wish to be a symbol of hope. A man who stands up to evil.

MacArthur: So a Crime Fighter?

The Gent: More like a fighting gentleman.

A look of confusion comes across the face of the Psychiatrist. However, she just shakes it off.

MacArthur: Whatever, Quixote.

The Gent: Then...maybe it's not too out there?

The man now soon to be known as 'The Masked Gentleman' stands up and smiles as he walks towards the door.

The Gent: Thank you for your time, Miss MacArthur. One day, you may hear of me, again.

The Gentleman not yet with a mask smiles, as he closes the door behind him. The Psychiatrist immediately pushes aside her pen and paper and pulls out her book again, continuing.

MacArthur: What a nut.

Modern day....​

We now see a very calm Masked Gentleman in front of the door to the WZCW Locker room, using his right hand to lean on his cane, dressed in a formal black suit, with a black top hat, white gloves and a red bow tie he keeps adjusting. To his left, dressed in a tank top and blue jeans complete with a cowboy hat, is the well known Rebecca Serra. She clears her voice before holding up the microphone to her mouth.

Becky:: The Masked Gentleman, I believe you had asked for an interviewer so that you could make an announcement?

Becky hold the microphone up to The Masked Gentleman's face. The Gent swings the cane around to lean on his shoulder, and uses his free hand to tip his hat to the young interviewer before accepting the microphone, holding it in his free hand.

The Gent: Indeed I do, Ms. Serra. You see, I would like to send out a message to the current EurAsian Champion, Rush, who had issued an open challenge at Redemption. While I cannot speak on an ancestry of myself as an Asian, I was born in France, and frankly, to know that not one, but two continents, one of them being the continent I was born and raised, is being represented by a man of your nature disgusts me. Therefore, I would like you to know that I have all full intentions of accepting your open challenge at Redemption.

The Masked Gentleman hands back the microphone to Becky Serra.
Becky:: Masked Gentleman, despite a good early start, winning your first two matches, you've lost all your matches since you've debuted on Ascension. Do you think that will affect your mindset going into this?

Becky Serra once again holds up her microphone in front of the Masked Gent.

The Gent: You are correct, Ms. Serra, and I know I simply cannot blame it on my opponents, you see. Do not get me wrong, they are all strong competitors, however, I was given opportunities, three in fact, and what have I done other than waste it? So to answer your question, "do I think it will affect my mindset", it will, but on a positive note. I will use it to inspire myself and to make sure that I will not waste it again.

Becky:: ...and if you win, you would have two accomplishments, in fact. You'd be a EurAsian Champion as well as having a victory a man who's a sort of legend to WZCW in Rush. What would this mean for your career?

The Gent: Well, for starters, I'd like to say to a man such as Rush with over 30 years in wrestling and still being able to put on a show, that I wish to be what he could be in some ways. I wish that I had the experience of Rush. I wish I could say that I had the respect of Rush. I wish that one day i could have even half the accomplishments of Rush and be as well known...

Becky:: Didn't you say you didn't like Rush?

A smile comes across his face as his expression changes from calm and collected to enthusiastic.

The Gent: I was just getting to that. You see, I will not deny all Rush has done for the business...however, the difference among myself and Rush is that if I had everything that Rush had, I would have used it to lead the new generation, instead of targeting them, and I would thank everyone that had gotten me where I was, instead of throwing them aside for personal gain. Come Redemption, I hope that even if I do not win, I shall at least be able to knock some sense back into you.

The Gent pulls from out of his pocket his calling card, the tiny red mask. However, instead of simply throwing it into the air, he hands it to Ms. Serra instead.

The Gent: Adieu.

The Masked Gentleman walks off, a tad more focused than usual, twirling around his cane.

Becky:: The Masked Gentleman, everyone.

 

[Muffin Top Merkley]

The ancient Egyptians had elaborate burial rituals for their dead.

It was their belief that these rituals were necessary to ensure immortality after death.

The bodies of the deceased were mummified. The body’s organs removed and preserved.

Once the body was dried of moister with salt, the remains were ritualistically anointed with oils and perfumes.

The deceased was then wrapped in natron and canvas to prevent decomposition and preserve the body.

Sacred charms and amulets were placed both in and around the mummy.

What was believed to be magic intended to protect the soul from harm and give good luck to the Ka of the mummy was cast.

The body was then laid to rest in a sarcophagus inside a tomb.

It is inside that tomb, where the mummy was believed to rest eternally.

In a ritual designed to allow for breathing in the afterlife, the mummy’s mouth would later be opened.

Everyday items, gifts and treasures were given to the deceased and left in the tomb with the body so that the soul could reunite with the body and survive in the afterlife.


The tomb of King Tutankhamen, contained everyday objects such as: bowls, baskets, combs, utensils, furniture, food, and water.

It also housed: A golden shrine to the king which was over nine feet tall and seventeen feet long. Seven oars, a silver trumpet, golden boxes filled with jewellery. Hundreds of shawabti figures which were believed to act as servants to King Tutankhamen in the afterlife were also given to the King.

Seven funerary boats were left for the King as a means to travel across the sky and through the netherworld.

The tomb and all of its remains were protected by a number of large statues to guard the body and treasures.

King Tutankhamen died in 1323 BC.

The tomb of King Tut was discovered in 1922.

Everything that was left for the King to enjoy in the afterlife remained untouched.

Possessions can only be enjoyed in life.

And you can’t take what you enjoy in life with you, when you’re dead.



*****************************



[Color=RoyalBlue3]Kings Tower is a colossal ninety-nine storey high skyscraper, seemingly constructed from pure glass. It’s located across the street from St. Catherine’s Hospital and blocked most of my view to the outside world as I lay in the hospital bed where I spent most of my time after Kingdom Come II. Kings Tower was a true impressive achievement of modern architecture when it was first constructed in 1968. Today, it has becomes such a staple of the city that it goes unnoticed by those who walk by it on their daily commute. On clear, sunny days, I could see Eloida Park reflecting off of the glass that lined the outside walls of the Tower. Eloida Park was filled with brightly coloured flowers, multiple playgrounds for children to enjoy under the shade of fully grown Maple and Oak trees. In the centre of the park, was a crystal clear lake surrounded by a white, sandy beach. To the world, the park was pure, beautiful, serenity.

To me, from my point of view, it was distorted, reversed and unnatural.

WZCW was at one point pure and beautiful. A place where the best wrestlers from around the world would come to compete with the sole intention of determining who the better wrestler inside the ring was. WZCW was a place where athleticism and showmanship was on display three hundred days of the year and fans respected the men who stepped through the ropes.

Now, WZCW is twisted and unnatural. Now it is a place where success is not measured on the mat, but rather by bloodshed. No longer is the better man determined in the ring, but rather by internet success. Wrestlers are now dubbed “entertainers” and depend on outlandish gimmicks to connect with the crowd rather than pure athletic talent. A person’s position on the card is determined by backdoor politicking and backstage jockeying rather than sport and work rate.

At Redemption, I literally stand against everything that WZCW is now defined by as I defend my EurAsian Championship against the world in an Open Challenge Match. Any slob, savage or blood-****e could be my opponent; their identity a complete mystery until their music plays and they walk to the top of the stage. It wouldn’t surprise me if the likes of Scott Williams, Krypto, The Beard, Le Gentleman Masque, Logan Burnside, The Angle, and even a woman all attempt to sweet talk their way into this contest.

Any of the potential candidates that could accept my open challenge at Redemption would appear to be a suitable champion when you look at the list of all of the past EurAsian Champions that have held the belt before me. Before me, the EurAsian Championship was tainted and held by losers, conmen, and frauds. Before me, no one had became the EurAsian Championship because of their talent inside the ring. I have finally made winning a title in this company based on what it should have been all along: wrestling ability.

The legacy of the EurAsian Championship has been diminished for far too long by being associated by names such as Chris Bedford, Blade, or worse of all, Black Dragon. I have officially filed the paperwork to have the current EurAsian title confiscated from the thief Black Dragon and returned to me so I can have it destroyed, smelted, rebuilt and renamed into a title that represents prestige, honour, and class. This new title will be a symbol for everything that I exemplify and embody.

I don’t need the EurAsian Championship around my waist to know that I am the true owner of that belt. I know I am the rightful Champion. But the WZCW fans, they can’t comprehend that a gold belt doesn’t make a champion, it’s the champion that makes the belt. They need something visual and tangible to understand who the better man. Of all of the possible challengers that I could face, there is only one person who I want to see when I look across the ring: the coward, Black Dragon. Despite me winning the match and earning my championship in the purest of forms, people still declare a masked criminal parading as a masked vigilante to be their champion.

I fully expect Black Dragon to make an appearance at Redemption. In fact, I welcome and encourage him to bring my championship belt and his lackeys to the ring because with Sam Smith in my corner as an extra pair of eyes, we’ll rob him of his mask like he robbed me of my title. I’ll take his identity much like he has taken mine when he stole the belt.

I am the true EurAsian Champion, not Black Dragon. I am the better wrestler and I don’t need twenty pounds of gold around my waist to know that. Two years ago I learned that I can’t take money, cars or championship belts with me when I die. At Redemption, no matter who my opponent is, I’ll earn the title of “champion” and the title of “legend” and those I can take to my grave. ​

[/COLOR]

 

[Arashi]

First Impression

“Arashi”

The dapperly dressed man pushed against the gate entrance causing it to scream loudly into the darkness, before falling off its hinges with a large crash. The man nearly leapt out of his shoes as he left out a modified yelp.

“Arashi, I know you’re here, it’s Luke.”

As Luke made his way down the driveway a streetlight flickered down upon him causing him to jump once more. Luke pushed onward seeing the house ahead. Luke came to the front door, he didn’t bother knocking, he knew there would be no answer. Opening the door Luke gasped , as the malodor of mold filled the air. As Luke made his way inside he could see a glint of light shining through the dusty old windows from outside.

Luke walked towards the small beacon of light, only to find Arashi laying on the ground, face down buried on the linoleum floor. Reaching down Luke gently placed his hand on Arashi shoulder.

“Arashi, you need to promo”

Arashi lifted his head off the linoleum floor exposing his black face paint to his agent. His dull eyes focused, and then pulled away.

“No.”

“It’ll be like the good old days”

Arashi scoffed at the idea, as he slowly pulled himself to his feet he stumbled into the wall. Leaning against the wall Arashi sighed heavily. Just then, Luke motioned for a single camera man to come in, as the camera man came Luke pointed to the opposite side of the room. There laid something random, a dust covered violin.

As the camera zoomed in, a hand lifted the instrument and bow. The camera zoomed out to see Arashi standing there with the instrument, looking over it for a moment.

“I know what you’re thinking. Who is this guy? There was a time when that question would have seem ludicrous. During that time I was the biggest name in the world of professional wrestling. Stadiums would fill up, media would surround me, and the eyes of the world were firmly on me.

Now, you don’t even know my name. That tells you everything you need to know about this business. Once a superstar in my home country; I now find myself in a company that’s never heard of me just scrapping by.”

Arashi began to slide the bow across the violin as the unmistakable intro to “Stairway to Heaven” began to resonate from the instrument. As he reached the chorus Arashi stopped without hesitation, and glanced up at the camera.

“It’s so beautiful and calming; isn’t it? It’s a master piece and one of my favorite works of all time, but it’s all for not. Because no matter how beautiful I play this masterpiece all I can hear is your screaming Rush.

Screaming the same tired old bleeding heart songs of the past. About how you’ve been done wrong. Telling the world that Black Dragon stealing that championship is a miscarriage of justice. That he is not worthy to hold that belt, that he isn’t a real champion.

Then, you go on to say that the Eurasian championship has been damaged beyond repair. That it’s worthless. That once you get that title belt back that you will melt it down and create another championship.

Then why do you want the title back? To create another title? You hardly need the Eurasian championship to do that. In fact, you could have a new belt made tomorrow and people would probably laugh at Dragon for carrying the title he has around.

However, that would make you less of a victim, give you less reasons to complain about everything. It’s kind of like how you destroy the credibility of the Eurasian championship in one sentence, saying it’s been diminished and ruined. Then you go on to say that Black Dragon stole your identity when he took that title.

So, I take it that your identity is that of a man who is diminished and should be melted down in a fire. I tend to agree with that statement. That you should be destroyed, and made into something new, like compost.

Realistically speaking this isn’t about justice. It’s about vengeance, you don’t like the Eurasian championship because it’s not what you think it should be. You want it to be the Rush title, a title that embodies everything you’re about. So, you’ll do everything in your power to destroy the past championship.

I do agree with you in one instance though.”

Arashi brought the violin up one his shoulder once more.

“If what you say about the past is true, and the Eurasian championship is a belt that’s been held by conmen, losers, and frauds. You truly are the TRUE Eurasian champion, because you’re the biggest fraud I’ve ever seen.”

Arashi started back into “Stairway to Heaven” as the scene fades.

 

[Theo Mays]

Leon Kensworth is seen with mic in hand and camera crew by his side as The Beard and Emily leave a romantic dinner, hand in hand. Kensworth waves his crew on as he chases down the odd couple.

Last week Beard you made claims of being a fixture in the Mayhem division, but yet again you came up short. WZCW has now put a statement out to all talent that an open challenge to the Eurasian Championship was made by Rush for Redemption. Do you have any plans on answering the challenge?

The Beard and Emily continue their stroll through town as there seems to be no interest in addressing Leon.

Beard if we could just get a moment of your time, we’d be much appreciated.

Leon, you don’t seek my appreciation nor do you care for the appreciation of a man who deserves or warrants such thing.

What do you mean by that?

Oscar Wilde once said that “behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic”. Leon I’m nothing you should appreciate. My uniqueness is all a form of tragedy. I’m nothing more than a martyr in the wrestling society. I’ve become a laughing stock. I’ve given up many of things to chase this dream of being a pro wrestler, but in the end it truly isn’t what I want. I thought I did, but sometimes you need to take the mistakes that you’ve made in your life and mold them into something special. Rush is having an open challenge for his championship. Rush truly seeks no interest in a talent like myself or anyone else. All he wants is Black Dragon. Why should I put my focus into a match with a man whose focus is elsewhere? Rush is setting himself up for failure and I’m not sure I’m the one you want picking up the pieces. There is no bigger failure in the wrestling community than myself. No one can take a man seriously when he can’t even take himself seriously. The Beard, the mottos, the poetry, the words of wisdom, it’s all a façade. Everything you see is nothing more than a mirage; it is something I am not. Honestly I’m not sure what I am anymore.

Does this mean we won’t be seeing you at Redemption?

The Beard pauses before Emily whispers in his ear and the two walk on leaving Leon and the wrestling world in the dust. Leon looks back at his crew and shrugs his shoulders, uncertain of The Beard’s future.
​

 

[a0161613]

Book of the Dragon​

~ Chapter 26 – Future Endeavours ~​

I stand motionless amid an army of waxworks. From all around me, as far as the eye can see, stand reflections of my soul. One thousand flavours of my identity look back at me across the room, each the same as me, but each subtly different. Hano is there a hundred times, Dragon stands behind him a hundred more. Muse is there, as is Anoki, as is Death and Nemo. The old man who tells stories is there in the distance, the smile drained from his face as he stands motionless with all the rest.

Somewhere, a long way away, is a future, but right now it only exists as a memory, and that is fading like lilac. This isn’t the dream; this is the dream taken to its logical conclusion. This is the dream when all the important parts of the brain are occupied keeping me alive. Somewhere on the edge of reason I recall being broken once again; hands around my neck, my head rocketing towards the canvas, layers of life yet to come being peeled away like the skin of an onion. But that was long ago and it was far away, a different place and a different time. Right now all that exits is the army of waxworks; it is a puzzle that needs to be solved.

“Where am I?”

I ask.

“You’re at the end of the road.”

...

“When can I leave?”

I ask.

“As soon as you find the one that’s real.”

...

I run forever between the waxworks, finding nothing in any of them but a fragment of my being. A long way away, the memory of my future fades into nothingness.​

***​

WZCW has come to terms on the release of WZCW Superstar Black Dragon as of Monday, June 4, 2012. We wish Dragon the best in all future endeavours.

That was all that waited for me when my eyes finally opened. A white room, clean sheets and a comforting smile attached to a doctor pulling open the curtains on a bright new day.

“Good morning Chief.”

My hand flies to my face. No mask. I guess the game is up; medical attention was never going to happen to a masked circus performer. The panic clearly registers across my face, as the Doctor smiles and winks.

“Don’t worry Chief; your young lady was in here earlier explaining to me the finer details of doctor patient confidentiality, and the profitability of forgetfulness.”

My young lady... he must mean Muse. She must have brought me here, lord knows how. Of course she was in the building, but stealing my recumbent form from the site should be a feat beyond even her. Apparently not.

“Besides,” the doctor continues, oblivious to my steam of thought, “my kids watch your show and it would be a shame to spoil their fun. I can’t say I approve of the violence myself, but if it’s you or Miley Cyrus then I suppose you’re the lesser of two evils.”

The doctor smiles, evidently pleased with his attempt at humour, and continues to chatter on about inanity. This isn’t a conversation I could contribute towards at the best of times, let alone at the tail end of what I can only assume was another concussion, so I simply lie back and let the man practice his bedside manner.

“Oh, before I forget,” the man adds, mid way between pontificating on the hospital’s budget cuts and extemporising on his own childhood romance, “your young lady left a note.”

I’m sat upright at speed, and relieved to note that sudden movement no longer triggers a violent explosion of pain behind my eyes. However long I’ve been lying here, it’s been long enough to paper over some of the cracks. The doctor hands over a plain white envelope and, having finally sensed that I am probably not the sharing type, leaves me to it.

Muse hasn’t signed her name, but the curly, florid handwriting across the front speaks for itself.

Hano – You’ll know what to do.

That’s all she wrote. Curiosity quickly wins the day and I tear open the envelope. Inside rests a single printed page, its message every bit as concise as the frontispiece. My eyes dance across the words, once, twice, a third time. I smile, then I lean my head back and, for the first time in living memory, I laugh. You poor bastard Ty, you just made the worst mistake of your career. Then I settle back in the comfort of the sheets and go back to sleep.

***​

They say that if you seek peace you should prepare for war. I do not seek peace, but the methodology is much the same. The devil lives in the details, and the devil must be satisfied before one draws strength from the well of darkness.

Ty has elected to end our elaborate game of cat and mouse. When he took control of the company he took control of the contracted talent, and against my expectations noted my lack of right to be there. If I had to guess then I would presume that Bateman told him about our little arrangement. Bateman was never the type to go quietly into the night without stopping to make life difficult for somebody. It hardly matters now. I will say this for Bateman; he would never have been stupid enough to attempt what Ty has attempted. He would have seen the way that future would shape itself and would have stayed away. Alas, it seems the altitude of high office has gone to Burna’s head; the man considers himself invincible, and either cannot see, or does not care, what his future now holds.

If you take away my ability to fight inside the rules then all that happens is that I begin to fight outside them. Ty has applied a blowtorch to our cold war and now there is only one thing left to do.

I seek war, but first I must prepare for war.

***​

The quarry paces passively around the room. He’s waiting for Rebecca “Becky” Serra, but she won’t be coming to join him today.

It took me some time to find a man who fit the bill. Weakness is a quality I value far more in an ally than strength. The street scum I watch from the shadows is the best that I can find. In future pages he shall become my Centurion, and his role in the story is more than a minor one, but for now let us call him what he is: a violent, friendless street punk rebelling against the world and losing every round. As we turn through the pages of his life we’ll discover many similarities between him and me. We both cowered from a dark childhood and found our way into the pits of hell, fighting for survival. The boy in front of me is a close representation of what I might have become had I submitted to the darkness around me. At this time I do not know most of this, but it’s a curious irony, and brings you close to believing in the idea of a higher narrative.

The quarry slumps down atop some technical equipment, his boot tapping against the ground in an impatient little tune. I’m running out of reasons to wait, this meeting has been carefully choreographed for several days. Nothing should be left to chance, but people always have the capacity to surprise you. Either way, it is time to raise the prey from its sedentary state.

“Good evening.”

His head snaps towards the sound, but right now I’m nothing more than a voice in the shadows.

“Who’s there?” he asks.

I know that voice. I heard that voice a hundred times on the streets. It’s the voice of the prey that knows that the predator has it trapped firmly under its paw, but is going to desperately pretend that this is just a normal conversation because the prey wants so badly for this to be the case.

“A friend.”

It’s a lie, but a lie verging towards truth. I’m not his friend, and at this point I doubt that the war will end well for my Centurion, but one must offer the carrot before swinging the stick.

“I don’t have any friends.”

“Everyone should have a friend.”

“What do you want mystery voice?”

I smile to myself; I’ve always had a soft spot for sarcastic bravado.

“I’m here to offer you the opportunity of a life time.”

“Go on...”

He advances into the shadows as he talks, trying to locate the source of my voice. Fortuitously these old arenas are caverns of echoes during the midnight hours. His voice is cautious, but he’s listening. This isn’t the way I want to deliver my message however.

“You need more information?” I ask, “I should think it’s a fairly simply choice.”

“What is?”

I sigh, slightly more theatrically than necessary.

“The opportunity of a lifetime.”

“What is this opportunity of a lifetime?”

“I think you misunderstand,” I say, “You are being offered, by me, the opportunity of having a lifetime.”

The young man in front of me’s patience, never known for its longevity in the first place, is finally exhausted.

“Screw you; I don’t have time for stupid games.”

And without a backward glance he storms off towards the exit. The carrot has been exhausted, now for the stick. I stride silently from my next in the darkness, retractable baton being drawn from a pocket usually reserved for cigarettes. The fleeing quarry goes over like a log.

***​

The Centurion wakes up in shadow, his ears ringing with the sound of departing pain. I doubt even the doctor from the other day could switch a person off with quite the efficiently of a baton blow to the back of the head. The stage is set, the door is locked, there’s no longer any reason to conceal myself.

“You’re awake.”

The Centurion rubs his head and looks up.

“You.”

“Me.”

“The fuck do you want?”

Language. I strike him, once, the back of my hand glancing off his cheek. Adrenalin begins to flow through his veins and his rises to his feet, his body preparing him for fight or flight. The baton in my hand raises to point at his throat.

“Sit down.”

Reluctantly he complies. The boy in front of me may be many things, but his is not suicidal. Not yet. He resorts to surliness, sitting at the table where I have placed him, offering me no interaction of any kind. It will suffice.

“I have a proposition for you.”

“Was it really necessary to hit me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to make sure I had your full attention.”

“Mission fucking accomplished.”

I raise my hand again, he doesn’t flinch. He simply stares at me, suppressed rage being channelled into a stare like a thermal lance. Finally he sighs.

“What do you want Dragon?”

“Like I said, I have a proposition for you.”

“Not interested. Can I go now?”

“There is a door behind you. If at any point you wish to leave you need simply place your hand upon the handle, push down, and you will never see me again.”

He rises from his chair. I tighten my grip upon the baton as he takes a step towards the bared portal. He slows, then returns to his chair and surveys me once more. Behind the mask I smile; I have him now. I value weakness over strength since the desires of the weak are easier to see and their cravings easier to satisfy. The young man in front of me craves relevance beyond anything else. He fell off the map at an early age and since then has wanted to smash the world. He’s a crusader without a war, a rebel without a cause. He has accomplished nothing with his life, and that is the reason that he will help me. I doubt he cares if Ty Burna’s reign is allowed to go unchecked or not, I’m sure he’d have fought for the other side had they approached him, but they didn’t. All that he will get for following me is a future of pain and torment leading to his inevitable destruction, but during that time he will be relevant, he will matter to somebody. That’s all he’s ever wanted, and that’s why he’s mine for the taking.

“Tell me.” He says.

“This is your summoning to war. You’ve been drafted to be an unknown soldier.”

“Any chance of you talking straight?”

I hate talking straight.

“Fine. I want you to help me bring WZCW crashing down upon the head of Ty Burna.”

The Centurion laughs.

“What the hell makes you think I’d want a piece of that?”

“It’s better than doing nothing.”

The laughter stops. I was right.

I stand and slowly begin to walk around the Centurion’s recumbent figure.

“You’re an irrelevant detail. You’re nobody. You’ve been here the best part of a year and you’ve achieved nothing. Nobody celebrates your presence and nobody will mourn you when you depart. When Ty Burna was building his army he called upon a man wearing cardboard boxes pretending to be an android, but he never through of enlisting you. You have no friends, no past and no future. But this is your chance to finally do something.”

“And what’s in it for me if I say yes?”

“Absolutely nothing. But you’re going to do it anyway.”

“Why.”

“The same reason I do what I do. You have nothing better to be doing with your life.”

“How do you plan to get at Ty anyway?” He asks, “Last thing I heard you were out of the job.”

“So?”

“So how do you ever plan to get a match with him?”

“They sell tickets to the areas you know?”

“You’re hopping the barricade?”

“No. You are.”

And with that I press a scrap of black fabric into his hand. He unfolds it to reveal a Dragon mask.

“Wait, what?”

“Burna has elevated one of his puppets onto my pedestal. Some creature named Rush is carrying around my belt buckle. I do not care for the trinket terribly myself, but it’s as good a site for a declaration of war as any. You’re going to hop the fence and recover what is mine. “

“Hang on, hang on, I haven’t agreed to do any of this.”

“You can agonise about that on your own time, I already know your answer.”

He looks lost and confused, but he’s still in the room. That’s all I need.

“You’re the first; but there will be others. That’s your prerogative. I don’t care where you find them, but we’ll need an army.”

“An army! For what?”

“For the revolution of course.”

***​

Which, reader, brings us close to the present day. The Centurion worked out as well as I could have hoped, and the war is effectively underway; all that remains is to make the declaration official. That will come this Sunday.

The puppet known as Rush has issued an open challenge hoping to draw me out of the shadows. Be careful what you wish for Rush. I shall be at Redemption, but I am no longer alone. At Redemption you shall be introduced to the Legion. We are Legion and we are infinite, we can come at any time from any direction. We are the Guerrilla army, and you are standing on our home soil.

Rush, at Redemption we will come at you from the shadows and we will take you apart, piece by piece. Your body will be dismantled and left as a warning to others. Your crimes are not yet severe enough that you need to be redeemed, but it no longer matters. This is war, and you are on the wrong side. You are not a champion, and you are not my foe. You have not yet earned either of these rights. You are just another irrelevant detail, a lamb to the slaughter, a grisly warning of what will happen to those who make a deal with the Devil.

To everyone else: to David and to those who would be him; heed well Rush’s fate. The time is coming when each and every one of you will have to make a decision. To rise up or to fall down. This is not a battle, this is a war, and in war everyone is a soldier, it’s just a case of deciding whose side you’re on.

And finally to Ty, oh Ty, you cannot possibly have known what kind of hell you are about to unleash. You distracted me, you sated me, but now there is only one direction I am going to walk, and it carries me over your grave. There can be no treaty, there can be no negotiation, you have nothing that I want except for everything you possess, and that can start with WZCW. I will take it from you one piece at a time. A forest must be cleansed by fire in order for new trees to grow. On Sunday the fires of Legion will begin to spread, and we will bring the walls of your entire world crashing down upon you in a rain of fire and brimstone. Rush will be the start, but make no mistake Ty, you will be the finish.

Ty Burna, good luck in your future endeavours.

I swear to God you’re going to need it.