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It has been a road paved with victories for Jake Starr, since returning at Taking Hold of the Flame. He has been a man on a mission, and a man feeling that he has one goal, and that is to get his hands on Shawn Winters, and bring him to, what he feels, is a fair justice. Everyone is well aware of the events as they have transpired here in 2011. Everyone knows that this is a battle that was waged this year by Winters, while Jake was on the shelf. But yet, while everyone realizes this is something that was started by Winters, and Jake even before he had ever stepped foot in an SCW ring, some feel Jake has ulterior motives...
There is a group of individuals, behind the scenes, who feel his claims are disingenuous. Some have made their feelings that Jake has his sights set on the one prize that, they feel, is always his primary target. Those people feel Jake is using the whole concept of "getting his hands on Shawn Winters," as a ploy to truthfully get a shot at the SCW World Heavyweight Championship. It's something many people have perceived as Jake's goal no matter what. They have seen him ask for shot after shot, as well as receive shot after shot, and feel that the odds of it happening again are probably better than not. It's a perception Jake is well aware of. For a while, Jake understood where the criticism came from. When he first faced James Exeter, the title match was marred by outside interference. Jake felt the World Title opportunity was stolen from him by Damian Angel. Jake did, and he'll admit it openly, demand a rematch. He wanted a shot to face Exeter mano y mano, and hopefully showcase his true abilities, without the worry of someone influencing the decision. The second go round was marred with an equally crazy decision. It wasn't decided by interference, but it was decided by a draw. Jake, being the determined man that he is, called for one more match. He wanted the end all-be all match to be signed, with Jake putting his Adrenaline Championship on the line against Exeter's World Championship. It was the match that Jake finally was able to step up in, and win the World Championship. But that wasn't the only example the nay-sayers use. When Jake lost the World Championship, and was still never pinned for it, Jake wanted a chance to face the man who stole the belt from him. He ultimately got the chance, but it wasn't until after he had lost the World Championship. Jake kept calling for chances to fight again for the World Title, and it finally culminated when Jake won the World Championship for the second time. Sufficient cause, right there, right? Well it doesn't end there. When David Helms capitalized on his opportunity, and became the new World Champion, Jake wanted his chance to reclaim his gold. It's a belief that Jake will resume his desire for gold, and ultimately is doing the non-stop focusing on Winters to just get himself a shot again. This really began to seem the case after this past Breakdown. Shaun Cruze, at Rise to Greatness, survived a hellacious Scaffold Match, and earned a shot to call out the World Champion, should he choose... And chose he did. At breakdown, Cruze called out Winters, and made it clear, he wanted a World Title shot. It was a decision that Jake wasn't totally excited about, but not completely deterred by. Jake decided to confront Cruze, and see if Cruze would be willing to put his World Title match on hold for one month, and give Jake the match that he's been clamoring for since he returned. It was a bit of a shocker for Cruze, No decisions were made by Cruze, and Jake hopes that maybe, just maybe, Shaun is giving it a definitive thought. It is, however, something that many of Jake's friends aren't quite sure why he did. Since Breakdown ended, Jake, Tommy "Thorn" Valentine, and David Helms have been gathering up their belongings, cleaning up, and preparing to head back to their hotel for the night. They've each grabbed their suitcases, and cohesively headed for the parking garage. As the three walk, Helms looks extremely shocked and concerned about something. It's a look that Helms can't seem to get off of his face, or wrap his mind around. Neither Thorn or Jake seem to realize that Helms is bothered by anything. As they exit the arena into the parking garage, Helms finally has gotten to a point he has to ask Jake flat out, and find out the truth about the situation that has his mind completely boggled. David Helms: Ok Jake, I have to ask you something... Jake Starr: Alright... David Helms: Did you really ask him that? Jake Starr: Yeah... I did... David Helms: Why? Jake Starr: Because I'm determined to get my hands on Winters. Thorn, realizing where the conversation has headed, and the topic at hand, decides to try to help explain where Helms is probably coming from.
Thorn: You do realize how this looks, right? Jake seems puzzled.
Jake Starr: What are you talking about? Thorn: Well, let me put it this way... SOME people may see it as you trying to get another title shot in SCW. Jake just rolls his eyes.
Jake Starr: Listen, I could give two shits about what THOSE PEOPLE think about me. I have been perfectly clear all along about my intentions. I have been completely honest about my plans to fight Shawn Winters at Apocalypse. David Helms: Dude, I understand, but your actions can probably be perceived otherwise. Jake Starr: So... I really don't particularly care. Helms shrugs, realizing that Jake's level of caring isn't as high as it probably should be.
David Helms: Honestly, I think we just wanted to make sure you understood what people would probably think. Jake Starr: Truth is, people have always had opinions of me that were bogus. Unlike before, however, I've been clear all along. I've been straight up with the fact that whether Winters won or lost against Valiant was completely pointless. If he was the champion, great, if he wasn't, I wanted him at Apocalypse, period! David Helms: I know that, man, but I can't figure out why, if the belt was completely irrelevant, why would you ask Cruze to step aside now? Jake Starr: Well answer me this first... You guys had a bit of a working relationship with Cruze while I was on the shelf, am I right? Both men simply nod.
Jake Starr: Well tell me about this relationship then... Thorn and Helms give each other a bit of a look, and Thorn opts to be the one to throw some explanation out there.
Thorn: Basically, we've told you about him, mostly, and we just kind of had each other's back for a short while when you were gone. Jake Starr: So, from what you told me before, and that little tidbit there, he was really just a goody-goody like you, David? Helms is kind of shocked at Jake's claim.
David Helms: I wouldn't really consider myself a goody-goody, but yeah, I would say we both seemingly fought for the good side. Jake Starr: So... Like I said, he's a caped crusader, like you? Helms rolls his eyes at Jake.
David Helms: I just never felt a need, at the time, to break or bend any rules. Jake Starr: So, yes, you were a superhero... Helms shakes his head, and rolls his eyes again.
David Helms: Ok... Whatever... Jake Starr: Listen, I did what I did, with Cruze, because I know that "superheroes" always look for the good route to take. They always try to avoid doing anything that may make them look selfish. I never pretended ONCE in my life to be a hero, I just was myself. I have a serious bone to pick with Winters, and I'm not afraid to step on some toes to get it, or try and exploit some people's nicey-nice ways. Thorn: You do realize that your match with Winters WILL HAPPEN eventually, right? It's kind of an inevitable truth... Jake Starr: Yeah, I know... But I'm, what they call, an impatient ass, who doesn't appreciate anyone walking around, acting all high and mighty, and ducking me. David Helms: Well, you realize you're going to face him eventually. So why be in such a hurry, and try to force others to have to change their plans? Jake freezes dead in his tracks. Jake freezing forced the Next Level members to follow suit, and stop in the middle of the parking garage, along with Jake. They look at Jake, confused. Jake looks the two men square in the eye, with a sense of frustration and determination emitting from his gaze.
Jake Starr: Winters called me out when I was HURT... Not when I was on the toilet, not when I was in the locker room, hell, not even when I was just out of town, but still actively competing. He did it when I was fucking HURT! Now he's parading around SCW, claiming to be a real "champion," and yet, what is he doing, he's DUCKING ME! I may not be a damn hero, but I am a true champion. A champion won't duck ANYONE! Hell, did I ever ONCE duck either of you? Thorn: No... David Helms: No sir... Jake slowly begins to nod again.
Jake Starr: Exactly! Winters is hoping Cruze is next. He doesn't want me, he wants anyone but me. If Cruze is next, then he'll continue to prolong the inevitable... Helms takes a deep breath, followed by an audible sigh. Hearing this, makes Jake look over his way.
Jake Starr: ... You have something you'd like to say? David Helms: May I be candid? Jake Starr: I expect candidness and honesty from both of you. David Helms: Ok... Well, be honest. Does the title have absolutely nothing to do with this, or is it just easier for you to focus on Winters, and use him as your excuse because you really want a chance at the World Championship again? Jake is a bit thrown off from the straight-up question Helms asks him. He does, however, understand the point of view Helms is coming from. After a bit of a pause to reflect on the question, Jake finally gathers his thoughts enough to respond.
Jake Starr: Truthfully, the belt doesn't factor in at all with my current desire. Winters called me out, like a pussy mind you, when I was on the shelf. I called Winters out from day one in SCW. I hadn't even stepped into the ring yet, and I was calling out the World Champion because that's how I roll. It's beyond time for the clash of SCW titans to happen once and for all. It's beyond time we settle this argument about who is superior. David's mind isn't completely convinced that Jake is being genuine with his desires, but figured Jake doesn't have too many reasons to lie to him.
David Helms: Alright... Jake Starr: I see the World Championship as a goal, I won't lie there. Winning it now would be great and all, but it's of zero concern in my quest to get Shawn Winters. Thorn: Then why can't you just wait, let the Shaw(u)n's fight it out, then strike? Jake Starr: That's easy... I've been waiting for this battle since February. I've been patient. I've sat around and waited my turn. I'm tired of being patient now, and I've decided I'm just going to be selfish. Thorn nods slowly.
Thorn: I get that... Jake Starr: If Cruze says no, then there is NOTHING I can do about, and I'll be forced to wait. I won't like it, but I won't have much of a choice in it. I'm not out to take Cruze's chance or steal his moment, I just want Winters, and I want him NOW! Helms cocks an eyebrow.
David Helms: You sound like one of those horrendous J. G. Wentworth commercials... Jake pauses, and realizes what he said to cause the comment, and ultimately begins to chuckle to himself.
Jake Starr: Touche... Touche... Thorn pats Jake on the shoulder.
Thorn: You'll get your chance eventually brotha... Jake just begins to shake his head slightly.
Jake Starr: I shouldn't have to wait any longer. David Helms: Dude, I know you're frustrated. I don't blame you either, but the odds are, Cruze is going to cash in the chance he earned at Apocalypse. Jake Starr: I just wish Cruze would do the "right thing," like he supposedly does, and simply give Winters over, so he can get what he damn well deserves... Helps just shakes his head again.
Jake Starr: ... I mean, I shouldn't have had to wait this long. Winters got lucky when he won Taking Hold of the Flame because he knew he'd get to put off the worry of facing me down. It was pure dumb luck that the stars aligned for him. Now, Cruze miraculously decides this is the prime opportunity to jump into the mix, and Winters will get yet ANOTHER pass... Thorn pats Jake on the back again, hoping to settle his frustration. Jake, knowing he's letting someone get to him, who shouldn't, takes a deep breath, trying to relax himself.
Jake Starr: I just want to fucking ruin Winters's day... Helms, knowing Jake is capable of taking measures into his own hand when he doesn't get his way, decides to make sure Jake isn't trying to think too drastically.
David Helms: Well... What is your plan if Cruze denies your proposal? Jake Starr: I'm going to fucking shoot him... Helms immediately goes wide-eyed, and begins to panic internally. Jake, seeing the reaction he wants, grins.
Jake Starr: Dude, I was kidding... Like I said earlier, I'd wait. I have no plans to be involved with that match until it's over. If Cruze cashes in, it's his chance, not mine. It wouldn't be fair to possibly screw him over because I know how that feels. Damian Angel did it to me, and believe me when I say it's a bitter taste. So that's why I simply asked him to step aside for one month. The title will still be there, he won't be forfeiting anything by waiting. David Helms: Well, you know if you wait one more month, you won't be forfeiting anything either. Winters will still be there, too. Jake Starr: True, but then say Winters were to win against Cruze. He'd miraculously grant Shilo his rematch, and it'd be a neverending cycle of me waiting. If Cruze won, he'd try and invoke his rematch clause himself, thus again, making me wait! Thorn: Dude, it will eventually be your turn... Jake Starr: Yeah, and when it comes around, and he doesn't have any reason to really man-up against me, it'll be just like the previous times when I've stepped into the ring with the "big boys," and they just half-assed it. I want to beat Shawn Winters when he's at the top of his game, on his high horse, when he's in his prime. Most of the other times I've walked into major matches, especially those who people have perceived as the superior beings, they've simply "phoned it in," like a little puss. To this day, guys like Ace Marshall, Chad Evans, Jason Zero, hell even Hurse, those types of guys who are all big and bad, and yet face me, and decide they'd rather shit in their own mouths, rather than try, they just walk around using it as a damn excuse. I don't want Winters to have that same "luxury." Thorn: You DO realize that none of those guys have an excuse either, right? You beat them, period. It was their decision to "phone it in," or bust their ass, and when they decided to half-ass it, and lose, it's on their record. They got beat by YOU! Whether they tried or not is irrelevant... You BEAT them... Jake Starr: I just don't want the damn "spin doctors" to have some form of excuse when I put Winters in his proper place... Thorn: That's what I'm saying, they won't. The "spin doctors," as you are calling them, have no right to run their mouths now, or ever. You beat them when you were steamrolling the competition left and right. They can make all of the damn excuses they want from today to tomorrow, but the masses know Jake Starr beat those guys PERIOD. Winters will, ultimately, be the same way. Jake's only response is to slowly shake his head some more.
Thorn: If Cruze agrees, you'll get your wish. If he doesn't agree, it'll happen when it's supposed to happen. Those words are a reply that Jake has become accustomed to hearing. He continues to shake his head, and immediately begins making a b-line toward his rental car, leaving his compatriots behind, standing there. Helms and Thorn give each other a brief glance, and without saying anything exchange thoughts, completely understanding the frustration of their friend.
As Jake reaches his vehicle, he uses his remote entry to pop the trunk, and flings his belongings into the back. He lets out another sigh, and slams the trunk shut. Helms and Thorn look on from a bit of a distance, and continue to empathize with their friend. They also know that, while Jake is definitely flustered with the whole situation surrounding Shawn Winters, he must continue to focus on the tasks given to him on his path to Winters. They know that if he derails himself mentally from that focus, it'll spell disaster for him now, and down the road. The two begin to try and come up with some form of plan to try and get Jake to use his frustration for "good," rather than letting it lead to his own self-destruction. Jake Starr: When it comes to the landscape of Supreme Championship Wrestling, there is no question that it completely surrounds one man, and one man only. Since wining the World Championship over Shilo Valiant, Shawn Winters has been a marked man on multiple fronts. You have Shaun Cruze, a man who has earned a right to face Winters at his convenience. You have Shilo, who feels he's about ready for his rematch. Then there is me. Since continuing my run through those that the SCW brass feels are "worthy opposition," I've expected everyone to realize that, while several have a claim to the hide of Winters, only one of those people really "deserves" it right now. Call me selfish, I could give a fuck, it's me. When I went down in February, I had to sit back and watch a cocky-assed bitch come out on television and call me out. I had to watch him parade around, and claim I was scared of him. I had to watch him convince others that he had scared me off to the point of no return. He wasn't champion then. He wasn't of any consequence to anyone but himself, and his man-boy lover, Ace Marshall. But he knew he had my attention, and he wanted to keep it. It's the exact same scenario now. This time, however, instead of using the obvious nature of me being away as his protection, he's simply using whatever is convenient at the time to keep me away. First it was Allocco, now it's whoever he gets at Apocalypse, as long as it isn't me. Some champion, huh? He gets to run his mouth, and do basically whatever the hell he wants, and has yet to pay any penalty for it. Nobody seems to realize that I've been waiting MONTHS to take him on, and shove his words down his throat. This isn't some random idea I conjured up, hoping it'd get me into a title hunt, no, instead this is something that I've deserved for some time now. It's something I've earned, simply by having to deal with him. But it just doesn't seem to matter. It's to the point I'm resorting to asking others to forego their opportunities for my own personal vendetta. I usually don't go that route, and honestly, don't particularly like that I'm forced to do that now. Nevertheless, I'm tired of being in a position where it's just, "oh Jake, don't worry, eventually you'll get a chance." Hell, I said one thing on Twitter, accepting a challenge, and BOOM, the brass is all over making it happen immediately. I call someone out, and they stick their fingers in their ears, and "la la la la la" me day in and day out. I think it's safe to say I'm a bit perturbed at Winters being allowed to slip past me time and time again. And honestly, I think it is very fair of me to be that way. But, what I'm going to do about it is what I've continued to do all along. I'll continue to step out here, and call Winters out time after time, and every time he finds an excuse to not face me, then guess what, it's his reputation he's tarnishing. I'm trying to get him to step up to the plate, and he's being a baby, and running scared. I really think that is a Greaternity staple... Well either run scared, or simply half-ass things, then make excuses time after time, trying to justify why you sucked. The other thing I will do, that honestly will continue to paint me in the better light with everyone but the whining "spin doctors," is step up to the plate against ANYONE the management department wants to throw my way. Since day one in SCW, I have stepped up to the plate against everyone they've sent my way. It didn't matter if it was a somebody, a nobody, or in some cases, everybody, I took them all on. Hell, I basically played the "let's draw a name out of a hat, and put Jake Starr against him" game, week after week. And what's funny, it seems like that game has been resurrected again, well with the exception of Allocco, he made sense. Nevertheless, week after week, I get word that it's not going to be Winters manning up, but rather someone else. Best part is, he can't even find anymore of his little buddies to do him favors. Instead, he just makes excuses... But, the facts are out there, again. Winters is fearing me, and he's going to do anything possible to ensure he stays at a massive distance from me. My focus, regardless of the fact that I cannot get my mind off of Winters, and what I want to do to him, I have to look at what IS in front of me right now... And sadly it's not Winters... Lucky prick... Instead, today I face down a new opponent. It's something that, honestly, is a rarity for me. Having been around SCW as long as I have, and having stepped up to every challenger that has come my way, new people are a rarity. This time, I face down a man known as Draco. Draco? Really? I'm facing a wizard? Wow, I didn't know they really existed! Well, I hope the wizard-boy understands what he is walking into, when it comes to me. I am not your average customer. Hell, I'm not even a Voldemort. Malfoy can bring every spell he has, every length of wand he can find, and he can try to do whatever wizardry that he feels may help him, but ultimately, it won't be enough. I'm not looking past him, but I'm definitely on a personal roll where I feel confident. I feel like I am one of the most dangerous men on the roster, right now. I've stepped up against whatever can be thrown my way. I have stepped up to competitions that many felt that I wasn't going to be able to best. Do I think some wizard is going to be able to come and hocus-pocus me away? Do I think Draco Malfoy is going to be able to bring his little pretty blonde locks, his holier-than-thou attitude, his entitled sense of belonging, and be able to derail me? HELL NO! This wizard boy is going to wear his little cape down to the ring, and hope the fact that he knows Harry Potter is going to intimidate me. But guess what Draco, it's a book. It's fake. It's a antagonist in a book, there to provide a conflict to the heroine. It's not real. Neither is wizardry. Being a little magician is simply proving you're capable of fooling the masses, and believe me when I say that I don't get fooled. I don't let myself fall for slight of hand nonsense. He can try to make me fall for his gimmicks and his slights of hand, but guess what, he won't have many chances to even think about waving his wand, and firing off his little charms. Maybe if Malfoy brings the rest of his Slytherin classmates, and try their snake charms on the world, and maybe then he may be able to... Out of nowhere, the infamous hand appears, with a piece of paper for Jake.
Awe hell... Jake realizes that the hand only appears when he's seemingly said something incorrect. He takes the paper from the hand, and the hand disappears under his desk again. After reading the paper, Jake's eyes immediately show a sense of shock.
Really?! Seriously?! No way! The hand appears again, this time with a photo. Jake takes the photo, looks at it, and is immediately frightened.
AHHHH!!! I'm fighting that guy?! Maybe I should be scared because I'm not fighting a wizard, instead I'm fighting the real life Trogdor! Seriously... I mean, think of the little song... Trogdor was a man Or, maybe he was a dragon man... I mean, the damn dragon had a beefy arm coming out of the back of his neck. So I don't believe that I am going against just anyone. I think this time, I'm fighting a mutant. It's not like the X-Men type of mutant, it's like Ninja Turtles type of mutant. Like this guy slipped in some ooze, and was merged with some type of reptile. Talk about a crazy looking dude! Jake takes a deep breath.
Ok... I'm better now! So in all seriousness, I'm fighting a guy who bases his entire gig on intimidation. He comes out dressed like Ultimo Dragon, only designed by a semi-retarded costume designer, and he expects that it'll be enough to throw everyone off. He wants everyone to think that his look will make his opposition reconsider their game plan long enough for him to strike, and HOPEFULLY do so effectively. Apparently, at least thus far, it hasn't worked for him as often as he'd probably have liked, but it's worked a couple of times. So what does he do, he probably uses that to think that eventually it'll work more and more often. Not this time, slick! I hope he is listening. I hope Trogdor listens REAL CLOSELY... Breakdown may be a day when you walk in with an opportunity to right the ship that has been your career. Your career has been up, it's been down, it's been swirling in a toilet, it's been everywhere but up my ass. You are walking in with an opportunity to derail me from achieving my goals. You have an opportunity to stop me from continuing to ascend the ladder of SCW, and making my way back to the top. You have these lavish opportunities right in front of you. Hell, this Friday, you have a chance to beat the man who will face Shilo Valiant for the United States Championship. You will have a chance to walk into Ammo, and face Warren James, then go right into Breakdown, and face the two time World Champion, longest reigning Adrenaline Champion, and arguably the hottest star in the organization, me. I mean, most would kill for those back to back opportunities. Most superstars know what those two matches could do for their careers. Think about it Trogdor... Knocking off both would immediately take you from a nobody, to a somebody. You would have successfully stepped up to the plate, and erased any doubts regarding your skills. But two more losses would just continue to degenerate your stock into the, as the old school fans say, "jobber" status. It's a status that, I'll admit, I walked into SCW carrying. Everyone believed I was a nobody. Everyone thought I was just another name on the roster. I had to go out there, face the competition that was put in front of me, and ultimately shock person after person by defeating legend after legend. I had the same type of opportunity you have staring you in the face. You, unfortunately, don't seem to have that drive to achieve the same type of success. Instead, you seemingly just want the freedom to do whatever you please, and ultimately just be handed success. Sorry Dragon Man, that isn't going to be happening with me. I'm not handing you shit. You have guys like Winters, who would love for me to succumb to someone the likes of you. He would love to see me trip up, in one of the more simpler tasks in life. Why? Because he knows that if I were to trip up against you, it'd be detrimental to my mentality. Tripping up against Allocco wouldn't have impacted me the same way. It would have just delayed the inevitable. Failing to put your Ultimo Trogdor gimmick in its place amongst the cellar-dwellers would kill my psyche, and fuel those who continue to criticize me. They'd have a field day saying how "boring" I am, and how they were right all along, saying I couldn't cut it. So believe me when I say that Breakdown will be another instance of me shutting some people, well one in particular right now, up. So I hope you're ready for Breakdown Trogdor... I hope the beefy arm coming out of the back of your neck is getting an especially good workout. I hope your spinities are being sharpened up. I really hope you work on your majesty. If you do all of that, you may make losing quite stylish. People may remember your name at least, instead of simply looking at you like you're a mutant freak. I'm confident, slick... I'm prepared to make YET ANOTHER statement toward Shawn Winters. I'm prepared to continue to showcase why I'm not to be pushed to the side, like many would want to do. I'm prepared to put another notch on my wall of another name who failed to conquer the mountain that is, Jake Starr. I'm more than prepared to face-down Shawn Winters at Breakdown, and make sure he can't duck me anymore... Fin |
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