 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
With the constant turmoil surrounding Jake Starr, and the ongoing saga with Shawn Winters, the stress has been obviously taking a toll on the former World Champion. When Jake heard the announcement from Sasha Drachewych, that Shaun Cruze was, indeed, cashing in his chance to face Winters at Apocalypse, his heart sank even further. He had been hoping that his last-ditched effort to persuade Cruze to change his plans, and wait to cash in until the following month at Under Attack would be successful, and yet, they came up short. It was disheartening, disappointing, and disconcerting. Jake felt he had a strong case, and felt that Cruze would understand. Sadly, he was wrong.
But Jake knew it was a possibility. So now, Jake has to resort to doing what he's gotten quite good at, waiting, again. It is a feeling that, while he knew was possible, he hadn't completely thought about, or considered. He didn't know how he'd react, or feel if it came to fruition, and the lack of planning has taken a toll on him. He knows that he needs to refocus his attention to his match at Breakdown, and hope for a good enough performance to turn enough heads to get his name back on the docket to return to the spotlight. He needs to step up, and do like he's said all along, and make an example of Draco. If he succeeds, he'll have an argument to be booked at Apocalypse in a match that could catapult him into the limelight. Since returning from being backstage at Ammo, Jake has had to endure a slew of emotions. He's been angry, feeling that for once, he was being overly-rational with his demands. Many have claimed his demands have simply shown his greed, and this is the one time he's felt he's had a legit argument to be selfish in his desires. He's felt anger toward Shaun Cruze, feeling that the opportunity he had earned wasn't one that had a time limit on it, or would change due to time. He's felt anger that Shawn Winters, yet again, has eluded his grasp, and gotten to go on with the claims he's made against him. Along with the anger, he's faced disappointment. He's been disappointed in the fact that Winters has gotten a pass with him again. He knows, deep down, that Winters is fearful of him, and knows that Winters is aware that time is ticking. He just wishes that the clock had reached midnight for Shawn by now. Dealing with this cavalcade of emotions is something that Jake doesn't really quite know how to go about doing. One option he has been considering has been talking to his wife. She knows him, and she knows how he thinks. She also has been around throughout his entire professional wrestling career. She's seen his ups and his downs, and knows what has worked for him in the past to resolve it. Jake knows this, and has taken that fact into careful consideration. He's elected to wrack his brain one last time, before troubling his wife with his, truthfully petty, issues. He knows, deep down, she has much bigger issues to worry about, worrying about their daughter in his absence, and working to keep things at home afloat as well. Jake paces back and forth around his office, trying to decide if he's left with one option, in dealing with his issues. He's been repeating the phrase, "I need to find a way to calm down," to himself over and over again. He, truthfully, sounds like a broken record. As he paces, he catches a glimpse of his phone sitting on his desk. It's this sight that puts a thought into his mind, that may save him from troubling his wife. He thinks that maybe, what he truly needs, is to talk to a friend. He thinks that maybe he can talk to someone who can have a bit more of a point of view that understands his a little better. He begins to think about who his options would be to call. He could call Shawn, a man who has been by his side as his best friend and confidant through the years. Shawn has ridden the "high life" in the industry, and been knocked down just as quickly, suffering several defeats of his own that shook the foundation of the wrestling industry, but at the same time, has been out of "the game" for several years. His point of view on the industry stems from his encounters with the continual political battles that plagued the industry the years back. It's a point of view that, while having it's moments of validity, has for the most part gone the way of the dinosaur. The industry, Jake knows, is filled with people who like to try their best to make things political, but has definitely dropped severely from the days when Shawn was just as active a competitor. Another option is Brandon Evans, Jake's long time comrade. Jake knows that Brandon is aware of the SCW landscape, and knows what the life is like. Jake's biggest issue with calling Evans is, well, quite simple. Evans always flew to the beat of his own drum, and truthfully wouldn't probably fall into the category of "rational ear" that Jake needs. That makes Jake's options slim. After thinking, pacing, talking to himself, and trying to find a solution, he realizes that the odds of who would be the best bet, is the one man who has had his back in SCW, basically since his debut, Thorn. Tommy and Jake struck a quick friendship, and have continued that friendship through many ups and downs. Jake realizes this is the best option for him to get the "ear" he wants. Jake walks over to his desk, and sits down behind his computer. He picks up his cell phone, dials Thorn, and puts it on speakerphone. He figures while he talks, he can take care some of some of his business at the same time. As the phone rings, Jake realizes it takes his friend a bit longer than normal to pick up. As Jake reaches over to end the call. The voice of Thorn is heard... Thorn: Hello? Jake Starr: Hey man... Jake begins to pour his heart out to his friend, and as he finishes pauses, waiting for a reply.
Thorn: Ok... And... Jake notices a bit of a difference in Thorn's tone. There seemingly is a complete lack of compassion or empathy in his voice. It's not something Jake is used to hearing from Thorn. Jake begins to repeat a lot of what he just said, figuring that maybe if he repeats it, and adds some extra emphasis to certain spots, it may trigger Thorn's emotional response.
Thorn: Yeah... You just said that, what's your point? Jake now knows his friend is definitely not on a normal keel.
Jake Starr: My point is basically I was hoping for some advice. I was hoping maybe you'd be able to give me some words of wisdom about what I might should do to feel better? Thorn: Feel better? Well just accepting the fact that I'll be embarrassing any chump that gets in my way from here on out, should make you take a little extra comfort in life... Jake is completely taken aback by Thorn's completely adversarial stance against him.
Jake Starr: Dude, what is your deal?! Thorn: What's my deal? I don't have a deal. Just know that the next time you step into the ring with me, I sincerely hope that you have the World Heavyweight Championship around your waist. It would make wiping what's left of you off of the bottom of my boot that much fucking sweeter... Jake is in complete shock, and caught off guard. He's left almost speechless.
Jake Starr: What the hell are you talking about, man? Thorn: That's easy... Whatever Dean wants, trust me, Dean gets! With those final words, Thorn immediately ends the call. Jake's phone beeps three times, showing him the call has been disconnected. All Jake can do is sit and stare at his phone, which is still illuminated with his list of calls displayed. A definite sense of bewilderment comes over him. After the pause, and the complete sense of shock wears off, Jake immediately shuts his laptop, and makes a b-line out of his office, headed for the entertainment room. He knows his wife and daughter are hanging out in there, and he has to tell her exactly what just happened.
Upon entering the entertainment room, Roeper looks up at her husband, and smiles. Her happiness is immediately met with a sense of confusion that she can see plain as day on her husband's face. A slight sense of concern comes over Roeper, but more so confusion. Roeper Hart: What's on your mind, babe? Jake Starr: Umm... Honestly... I really don't quite know... The confusion still surrounds Jake's entire aura.
Roeper Hart: What do you mean? Jake finally shakes off a bunch of the shock, and begins explaining everything to his wife.
Jake Starr: Well, I was talking to Tommy, and honestly, he just didn't sound right... Roeper immediately feels a serious sense of concern come over her. It was a similar feeling Jake had when Syren and David began palling around. She worries that this could be the beginning of the second implosion of Jake and the members of the Next Level.
Jake continues on explaining the events, hoping to share his confusion with his wife. Jake Starr: I was really battling with how I should deal with this whole Winters thing, and I figured maybe he'd be able to talk some sense into me. I mean, I've been angry, sad, pissed, depressed, raging, mopey, I've run the gamut of emotions, and gone back and forth from mad to sad and back again. He's been up and down the SCW roller coaster, just like me, so I figured he'd be that "voice of reason" that I needed, and especially now since I was ready to listen. So I called, and he picked up, and kind of began a bit stand-offish. Roeper Hart: How so? Jake Starr: Well, I explained all of the emotions, and he kind of just went, "ok, fine." It was like he didn't care. I even tried explaining things again, and it was the same response, but this time with more of a, "why are you telling me this," vibe. Roeper is stunned.
Roeper Hart: Weird... Jake Starr: Yeah... Then I kind of asked him why he was being a dick, and he goes off, talking about how if we ever face off again, he hoped I was champion, so he could beat me, and wipe the mat with me. Roeper goes from stunned, to completely blown away.
Roeper Hart: Wipe the mat with you? Jake Starr: Apparently... None of this makes sense to Roeper.
Roeper Hart: This just doesn't add up. These words, these actions, they just don't sound like Tommy. Jake Starr: I agree... Then the ending got even weirder... Roeper closes her eyes slowly, not believing that it could get anymore awkward.
Roeper Hart: Oh no... Jake Starr: Just wait to hear this bit... Tommy hung up on me, but not before telling me that, "whatever Dean wants, he gets." Roeper cocks an eyebrow, even more so confused than before.
Roeper Hart: Who is Dean? Jake Starr: That's the 64 thousand dollar question! I know I don't know anyone named Dean... Roeper Hart: Well have you had a chance to talk to David about it? Jake slowly shakes his head.
Jake Starr: Nah, I hadn't gotten that far yet. Right after Tommy hung up on me, I kind of sat there in shock, then I came out here to tell you about it. Roeper Hart: I really think you need to talk to him about it. They're basically family to one another. If something is going on, then he'll know, and he'll be able to tell you. Jake Starr: I hope... I mean, yeah, we're still rebuilding everything, but I just don't want it to be like last time, but with Dave afraid to talk to me because Tommy has a beef with me. Roeper Hart: If you guys are really serious about moving forward from the past, then he shouldn't, and you shouldn't worry about it. I'm sure David will know what's going on. Jake Starr: Yeah... Believe me, I plan on calling him... Roeper Hart: Good... Jake looks down at his phone, still trying to process everything that went down with he and Thorn during their phone conversation. It's an unsettling feeling, hearing Thorn saying such confrontational things to him, especially being as unprovoked as he was. Roeper pats the couch next to her, hoping that maybe she'll be to calm her husband down. Jake walks over, and sits down along side his wife, but still is fixated on his phone.
She plans on inviting Jake to come with her, as she prepares to take their daughter in to see her doctor for a routine checkup. She knows that Jake has been wanting to be more and more involved with the raising of their daughter, even with his hectic schedule on the road, and figures maybe, just maybe, a mental break away from the stress, will allow him to have a clear frame of mind when he calls David Helms. Jake Starr: Very few times in my career have I ever felt the way I do. I mean, I'm blanketed with a cavalcade of emotions. Everything surrounding me pulls out a different emotions time and time again, and sometimes, I realize it's a battle I can't really fight on my own. It's times like these I realize a support system is what I need to continue to trudge forward with my goals. Now, I know what everyone out there is thinking... You're thinking, "Jake is going to ramble on and on about how annoyed he is with Shawn Winters ducking him over and over again." Well, you know I love giving credit where it's due, and really appeasing those who know me so well, but in this case, I have to say, you're wrong. You see, I've come to the resolution within myself that, while yes, I am annoyed, it's not something I have to bring up at every turn. Instead, I'll bring it up enough to make sure it stays fresh in people's minds, but not to the point where I'm going to have deities going around trying their best to make fun of me, and never realizing how little people think of them in real life, can keep saying the same thing over and over again, that nobody hears ever! So, that brings me to today... Today isn't about Shawn Winters because, well, he thinks every day is, and I like breaking tradition. Today, instead, is all about one man, and one man only, Draco... Er... I mean Trogdor, The BURNINATOR! See, after all of this time to really sit back and process the fact that I'm entering into a match with a mutated, wannabe, Ninja Turtle, I've realized that all of my training, all of my preparations up until this point in my career, have never ONCE prepared me to face a mutant. It's a realization that, honestly, was a hard pill for me to swallow. I know it's hard to believe, but that taste of humble pie, for me especially, was quite bitter. I'm used to feeling very confident and very positive going into a fight, but today, man, I have to admit that it just isn't there. So, I decided to seek some assistance from external sources. I've decided to do everything I can to really broaden my knowledge, by trying to jump head first into the world that I'm walking into... It's kind of like when I went and embarrassed Lucas Knight for his Underground Championship. Everyone remembers that day, right? Don't get mixed up with the time he decided losing the World Championship would be too difficult to deal with, and he just vanished, I'm not talking about that day. This was when I first decided to step into the world of the "Underground," and to really immerse myself properly, I went and got some first hand knowledge of Lucas's "Underground." I will tell you, going to the Tubes of London, and really stepping into his world was a big help in making me understand how I would be able to defeat him. It may not sound like much experience, but that little bit did wonders for me. So I've elected to go that route again... Although this time, no I won't be going to the sewers of New York City, and seeking the guidance of Splinter, although now that I think about it, it would probably be a great idea to have done that... But that'll have to come another day. Today, as you can see behind me, I stand in front of, what's called in "the biz," a green screen... Behind Jake, this whole time, has been a monochrome screen, that looks very similar to the ones used by weathermen across the world. Jake gestures toward it, Vanna White style.
... And it's uses are quite infinite. They allow you to project images for the viewers at home that, while I may not be able to see them myself, you'll see them perfectly. Think, Tosh.O... But it also allows you to really interact with worlds very foreign to the one that, odds are, you and I live in. It's a portal to dimensions that are usually left to the imagination. Think A-Ha's 1984 video, "Take on Me," which allowed the world of the drawn to coexist with the world of the flesh. Or to make it relevant to the industry, think wrestling, circa 1980s, with the crappy, static, backgrounds, and the promos that seemingly made a lot of sense back then, but when watched now make you go, "what was he saying?" That's where it comes in today! Isn't that exciting? Are you on the edge of your seat yet? Well I hope so, but before I begin to bring you into a new world, along with me, I have to explain what lead me to this moment. Before I decided to try and enter another dimension, I sought guidance from manuals. I looked for some tutelage by jumping into the mindset of the man I will be confronted with fighting at Breakdown, by looking toward some others of his ilk... I looked here, in these historical documents... Jake holds up copies of X-Men comic books.
... And boy was I shocked at what I found. I didn't realize these guys had been living amongst us, and battling amongst themselves for so long. It taught me a lot about the inner workings of their civil war. Then, I got wind that they made a movie about these guys, and I decided to watch it, hoping it would provide me more insight. I'll be honest, I didn't learn much, outside of the fact that, for some reason, Gandalf was fighting Jean-Luc Picard... So it wasn't as informative as I was hoping! After consulting the historical documents some more, I realized that I could never, truly, immerse myself into their mentality. I couldn't sit there and go, "this is how I would think, if I were a mutant weirdo." I just, really, don't have a focal point to really have a point of view with. I did learn some sympathy for their kind, understanding that they have been continually ostracized from humanity, and looked upon as different. For some of them, I wouldn't consider them different. I mean there was that Professor X guy... He just was a dude in a wheelchair, with some cool mind tricks. Then there was that Gambit dude from the Bayou, who just was a bitchin' card shark. That's not anything I would have felt threatened by, unless I was gambling, or trying to repress memories of childhood rape. Then I saw that hairy Beast guy, that's when I realized that, yeah, seeing a blue Bigfoot in real life might cause me to have a little concern! It was at this point, I tapped out. It wasn't that I was scared, but more so a little more concerned about what I was in for. I realiZed that these documents alone wouldn't be enough to help me gain a full understand, and full edge over the man-beast. That brings us to now... That brings us to the green screen... That brings us to the bridging of two worlds, the one in which we live, and the one that was apparently the former home to the man I will face at Breakdown. It's a bridge that he's crossed, and now I will ultimate cross back, with the hope that I'll gain insight into his weakness. So... Without any further adieux, BRIDGE THE WORLDS, and be sure to mind the gap! As with any monochrome screen, it immediately changes from its solid green color, to a familiar office/living area. It is complete with a desk, an older style laser printer, and an older laptop. Jake turns around, acting as if he now can see the image and world projected behind him, then turns back toward the camera, smiling. From stage-right, a figure walks in, complete with Lucha Libre mask and boxing glove hands, and is startled to see Jake standing in his abode.
Strong Bad: WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?! Jake is startled, having not seen the infamous Strong Bad arrive, and turns toward the masked person.
Jake Starr: OH... Sorry... I'm... Strong Bad: NOBODY CARES! HA HA HA! STRONG BAD STRIKES AGAIN! Strong Bad lifts his arms in the air in victory, as Jake looks a bit confused.
Jake Starr: Well, ok... I actually came to get a little advice... Strong Bad: Awe crap... Jake Starr: ... And since your email is a bit clogged, I was kind of forced to appear in your world! Strong Bad: I was wondering why you randomly appeared in my living quarters... Jake figures now is a good time to begin explaining his presence.
Jake Starr: Well, see, here's the deal... I'm a professional wrestler, and I kind of have a match against someone who bears a striking resemblance to someone you may know quite well. Strong Bad: Wrestler, huh? I could kick your ass... Jake Starr: That may be, but I'm here, hoping to get you to give me some pointers, since you kind of know my opponent... Strong Bad: What the hell are you talking about? Jake reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a photo of Draco, and shows it to Strong Bad. Strong Bad's mouth, already seemingly permanently agape, goes even wider.
Strong Bad: HOLY CRAP! Jake Starr: Yeah, my thoughts exactly when I saw him! Strong Bad: You're fighting him? Jake Starr: Yeah... Strong Bad: You're going to get your ass kicked, BWAH HA HA HA HA HA! Strong Bad walks over to his Lappy 5000, and begins to check his email. Jake, still wanting advice, interrupts.
Jake Starr: Oh c'mon, you can tell me how to fight Trogdor! You created him! Only you have the power to bring him down... Well apparently you, Gable, and some others that have beaten him, but that's beside the point. Strong Bad: Trogdor will strike again! Strong Bad begins to break into song, singing the Trogdor anthem. Jake immediately looks up, apparently at the production booth, and gives the universal gesture for "cut it off." The scene behind Jake immediately goes back to the green screen.
Jake Starr: Well that was a bust wasn't it... From nowhere, the voice of Strong Bad is heard yelling.
Strong Bad: YOU SUCK! BWAH HA HA! Jake Starr: Ok... Kill his feed too! Jake shakes his head again.
Jake Starr: Well that apparently didn't go as I had hoped. I hoped that Strong Bad would be able to tell me the secrets to defeating his monster, and instead, he didn't. So, I guess I'm shit out of luck right? I guess since, I've never faced a mutant, I'm going to fight a losing battle, right? Wrong! See, while the historical texts, and the creator of this freak of nature didn't help much, what does is the fact it's my industry. It's what I've done. He can't burninate me! He'd be disqualified, and lose. Sure, I'd be roasted to a crisp, and potentially dead, I'd still have earned the victory. It's like when people forget to show up for matches, or don't try, they still lose, and I still win. So, in the record books, it doesn't matter HOW I won, as much as IF I won. That's what I take into this match knowing. I know that, when it comes to the world of wrestling, this isn't a world for mutants to enter, parade around, and think they're unstoppable, Godly, or anything of the sorts. Hell, we have one guy who walks around claiming he's a God, and yet, I beat God, and if you follow the train of thought there, God created mutants, therefore, I'll easily beat mutants. It's simple logic, if you think about it! This match, no matter how trivial it is, in the big picture, isn't trivial to me, and my aspirations. I have desires to rise to the top of SCW again, and dominate it's rankings. I have desires to make sure I am seen as not just A FORCE to be reckoned with, but as THE FORCE to be reckoned with. The path in front of me mirrors my initial rise to stardom here, and I will continue to walk it. I faced any random foe they threw my way, and believe it or not, I made sure the world knew who was superior. I became THE GUY everyone wanted to face. I WILL be that guy again. So, no matter how random Draco the Dinosaur is as far as an opponent goes, no matter how far in over his head he is against me, I plan on making an example out of him. I don't plan on being gentle or easy on him, and I damn sure don't plan on giving him any kind of free pass. I don't care if he's a mutant, a God, a Titan, an immortal, or flat out invincible, it won't matter. Hell, he could be Keith Richards, for all I care, and be proof that even if you drink Drano, you won't die, and it wouldn't matter. It isn't going to change anything. It isn't going to alter the outcome. I am a man on a mission, and I am not going to be stopped. I won't be stopped by a lackey, a friend, a crony, a suck up, a God, or an army of devout followers of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It's that fundamentally simple. It's like the fact the sky is blue... It's like 2 plus 2 equals 4... It's like food becomes poo... It's like Sean Connery was the best Bond... It's like R-O-L-A-I-D-S spells Rolaids, not relief... It's like putting the Benny Hill Theme ("Yakity Sax" for those of you unfamiliar with The Benny Hill Show) behind ANY video, no matter what it is, and speeding the video up, makes the video funny... It's like the fact Chaz Bono has more testosterone running through her system than Ace Marshall and Chad Evans COMBINED... It's THAT DAMN SIMPLE! This match is going to go one way, and one way only. This match will be the outcome that everyone already knows except one specific individual, who everyone accepts lives in his own fantasy world of what is "good" and what isn't. This match will be one where I do, what I do best. I'll flip my way to a victory, and pin his little half-human, half-dragon ass to the ground for three seconds, and watch him hobble to the back wondering which direction is up. It WILL be a match where Jake Starr sends a message to several members of the SCW roster, saying, "no matter how much you hide, no matter how much you duck, no matter how much you run your mouth when you don't have the balls to step up, your days are coming to an end, and you know it." Truth is, that message was already sent, and now they simply are trying to tread water for as long as they can before the Kraken takes them down. At Breakdown, the peasants will rejoice, and Jake Starr will continue his unstoppable ascension back to the top of Supreme Championship Wrestling. Fin |
|
|||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||