 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
The days are beginning to dwindle, as Under Attack draws closer and closer. It's a pay-per view that will put many of the stories and rivalries to a potential rest, or simply, to a point when they can have an end to the current chapter. It's a pay-per view that will put many people's "championship qualities" to the test. It's a pay-per view that will truly show, in this day and age, what SCW superstars truly have the "it" factor...
... And Breakdown will set the table perfectly for the pay-per view. Two matches at Under Attack, that will, regardless of if they're the "final encounter," end the current chapter, involve World Champion, Shawn Winters and Jake Starr, and former World Champion Lucas Knight and The Redeemer. Both matches have a mighty long history associated with them. For Lucas and The Redeemer, it's a battle that spans multiple organizations, and runs deep with both men. It's a personal war that Jake was input in, in his two matches with The Redeemer. Jake, who was victorious in both matchups, said all along that he expected The Redeemer to bring the emotion that he had toward the Order of Chaos into their matches, and he walked out knowing The Redeemer did just that. Jake was just a little better each time. For the other matchup, between Starr and Winters, it's one that spans several months, and is all within the walls of Supreme Championship Wrestling. The story is well known, and the rivalry has been one people have simply been awaiting the dramatic and epic encounter for. At Breakdown, the two matches become entwined as Jake and Lucas square off, again, inside the SCW squared-circle. The two have faced off before, most notably for the Underground Championship. That match was one that saw Jake travel to London, and ultimately mock Knight and his British heritage, by claiming he was becoming acclimated to the Underground Division, by visiting the legendary London Underground. It was a promo and a shoot that angered Knight. This match, also, was squarely in the middle of the massive feud between Infamous and The Brotherhood. The climactic ending was one that saw Jake capture Lucas's coveted Underground Championship, only to be laid out by the members of Infamous, and sent to the hospital on a gurney. It was a result that hit Jake hard. Jake made it a point to go and fight back, and ultimately get another piece of justice against Knight, ultimately winning his vacated World Championship. It was a victory where Jake felt he was the one who knocked Knight's reign off its tracks, even though he never technically beat Lucas that night. Now they meet again, and this time, there is no championship involved, which makes this a match with momentum on the line. Both men are walking into Under Attack with huge matches ahead of them. They're both walking in, doing their best not to look ahead to their pay-per view match, but instead focus on one another. They know that, should they make the mistake of looking ahead, they'll fall short of their goal, of going into Under Attack riding a massive amount of momentum... And there is no doubt that both men want that honor! Before Jake makes his way to Breakdown, however, he has another trip to make. After leaving his in-laws alone with his wife, Jake headed to the airport to catch a flight out of Des Moines, headed for New York City. Soon after takeoff, Jake wasted no time in getting his iPod out, and listening to music. He browsed through the catalogs in the seat-back pockets, and quickly found himself feeling a bit drowsy. With music playing, Jake opted to sleep off as much of the flight as possible. As he wakes up, he realizes they're approaching New York City. He begins to gather himself together, and prepare to landing. He looks around the first class cabin, and notices a child sitting across the aisle, with his mother, who has continually been staring at him. As Jake notices him, the kid immediately gets shy, and looks away from Jake. The mother looks down at her son, and wonders why he's buried his head on her all of a sudden. Jake, seeing the shyness, reaches into his bag, and pulls out a small picture of himself performing, that he carries around just for instances like this. He signs it, and leans over and slides it onto the little boy's tray table. The mother notices what Jake did, and then realizes from the photo who Jake is. She looks over, and just smiles at Jake, and mouths the words, "thank you." Jake nods, and mouths back, "my pleasure." The mother then picks her son's head up, and shows him the picture Jake signed for him. It's a gesture that makes the kid's day. After this, the pilot alerts the cabin and flight crew to prepare for landing. After hearing this, the flight attendant comes over the loud speaker. Flight Attendant: Ladies and gentlemen, in preparation for landing, we ask that you please put away and stow all portable electronic devices, return your seats and tray tables to their full upright, and locked, position. We will also be coming through the cabin to collect all remaining service items, and we will be landing shortly. Jake, in hearing this, turns his iPod off, and puts it in his bag. He leans his seat back up, and cranes his neck across the empty seat next to him, and looks out the window. He begins to see the magnificent skyline of New York City, and proudly admires the view. It's a view that is made even more beautiful from the air.
The pilot begins to turn the plane toward the airport, and subsequently begins to line it up with the runway. Jake continues to watch as the plan continues its decent, and ultimately touches down in the "City That Never Sleeps." The pilot immediately welcomes everyone to New York City, and begins to taxi toward the terminal. As the plane taxis, Jake pulls his carry on from under the seat in front of him, and sets it on the empty seat beside him. As they reach the gate, and the doors are opened, Jake watches as those in the seats in front of him jump up, and grab their stuff to be the first off. Jake, in no major hurry, simply lets the overzealous passengers get off first, and then ends up following his fan as they disembark the plane onto the jetbridge. As Jake emerges from the doorway to the jetbright, two men immediately begin holding up signs resembling those Jake sees at every SCW event. Jake reads the first sign which says, "JAKE STARR IS MY HERO," and then looks at the other, which says, "THE SIGN NEXT TO ME IS IN SPANISH WHEN YOU'RE NOT LOOKING." It's a sight that catches Jake off guard, and is also one he can't quite believe. He didn't make it very public that he was traveling, and is a bit shocked word got around to fans in the airport. It's this sight that causes Jake to have a very poignant moment of curiosity... Jake Starr: Hmm... I could have sworn that "real life" was all off the record, and nobody knew about it... Man... That's odd... Before Jake can catch a glimpse of the two sign holders, they quickly begin to rush toward him, like the star struck fans they resemble. Jake freezes, both due to the shock of being caught, and because he knows it's just the right thing to do, when it comes to the SCW fanbase.
As the two get closer, they begin exclaiming, "OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! HE'S HERE! IT'S REALLY HIM," and it's at that point that Jake catches a glimpse of the pair. He realizes, now, that they are not two crazed fans, but instead Tommy and David, who had apparently beat him to the New York airport. It's a sight that makes Jake simply smirk, and shake his head. David and Tommy continue the act, pleading for his autograph. Tommy Valentine: Please?! Please Jake!? We really want an autograph!! Jake decides to take the game into his court.
Jake Starr: Alright, alright... But you both know my rule! If I sign something for you ladies, it has to be your cleavage... Oh wait, neither of you have any! With that dig at his friends, Jake simply walks past the pair deeper into the terminal. It's at this point the members of the Next Level realize Jake had turned the tables on them. They each look at one another, and chuckle, and then turn and follow Jake in the apparent direction of the baggage claim area. As the pair realize this is the direction they're headed, a sense of confusion comes over them both...
Tommy Valentine: Umm, Jake, why are we headed for the baggage claim? We were told our bags were checked "all the way through." Jake Starr: Your bags were... Tommy Valentine: Then why are we getting yours? Jake Starr: Well... Since when have I ever fully given you the details on trips we've taken? Hearing Jake remind them of his normal M. O. of giving as few details as possible, and his enjoyment of surprises, forces both men to get a bit worried. It's this sense of worry that forces Helms to make the bold move of asking Jake a question he's pretty sure won't get answered...
David Helms: Umm, Jake... Where are we going? Jake keeps with his cryptic ways.
Jake Starr: ... On a trip! It's a response that just fuels the worry, especially in David, still not mentally over the whole body paint incident.
David Helms: Is there body paint involved? Jake Starr: Trust me, nobody is dressing up. Hell for that matter, neither one of you even have to be seen. This is a trip that's more for the experience than anything! Tommy Valentine: You do remember that it was something very similar to those very words that you fed us before the infamous "bar" event. Jake chuckles.
Jake Starr: Trust me guys, you two are coming along to enjoy this just as much as I am! Tommy Valentine: I've definitely heard you say things like that before! Jake Starr: Guys, I promise you, this time things are going to be quite different. David Helms: How so? Jake Starr: You'll see! David Helms: You do know I REALLY hate hearing that, right? Jake stops in his tracks, and looks over at David, who has caught up to flanking him on one side, while Tommy is on the other.
Jake Starr: Listen... if it makes you feel any better, you're going to be the one running the camera! Hearing David's role, which sounds very simple, and unassuming, Tommy begins to feel more uneasy about his part.
Tommy Valentine: ... And I will be doing...? Jake looks over at Tommy.
Jake Starr: You're simply in charge of making sure God doesn't decide to smite me. You're also in charge of making sure I don't do anything that will make Roeper want to kill me! Tommy Valentine: Does that make me your glorified baby sitter? Jake nods.
Jake Starr: Pretty much, yeah! Tommy Valentine: Well... That can't be too hard, I suppose... Jake Starr: I assure you guys, you both are merely along for the ride on this one. If I have to compare it to another trip, compare it to the trip we had to London. Both members of the Next Level slump their heads, remembering how they both were having issues babysitting Jake. It's a reaction that Jake quickly sees.
Jake Starr: Listen, it's not going to be LIKE London, it's just one of those where there's nothing for you two to worry about. I'm going to be tourist-y this time around. David Helms: Thank god! Jake smirks, and then resumes his path toward the baggage claim area of the airport.
As they approach the carousels, a man stands to the side with a sign reading simply, "oo6," and three suitcases next to him. The man is wearing a hat from the Golden Nugget, and Jake immediately recognizes him as their liaison for this trip. Jake leads the trio up toward the man. Jake Starr: Hi there... Jake Starr, Tommy Valentine, David Helms... Liaison: Pleasure to meet you all. oo6 asked me to come pick you guys up, and take you to your aircraft. Since it's in a private hanger, we'll have to leave the terminal here, and go around to the side entrance along the perimeter. I took the liberty of ensuring all of your bags arrived safely. Helms and Valentine are both quite impressed with the service.
David Helms: So, if you're ready, gentlemen, follow me. The trio each grab their respective bag, and follow the liaison out to the awaiting vehicle parked outside. Each man throws his belongings into the back of the trunk, and jump into the car. Jake looks over at his colleagues, and asks a very important question of them...
Jake Starr: So... Remember your passports? It's a question that horrifies the Jake's friends. It's a piece of the puzzle neither knew they were supposed to bring. Jake, seeing their horrified looks, looks up toward the driver.
Jake Starr: Did you receive the package? The driver reaches in the passenger seat, and passes a manilla envelope back to Jake.
Jake Starr: It's a good thing all of our wives are in such close contact at all times... Jake opens the envelope, and pulls out the passports for Tommy and David. He hands them out to their respective owner.
Jake Starr: You'll need these! Both Tommy and David are quite shocked at Jake's ability to plan things so well. Jake then looks back up at the driver, once again.
Jake Starr: Have "the others" arrived yet? The driver looks up into the rear view mirror, to make brief eye contact with Jake.
Liaison: Yes sir. They are hear, and awaiting your arrival at the hanger. Tommy and David's looks go from impressed, back to confused.
Tommy Valentine: Umm... "Others?" David Helms: Yeah... I didn't know there were other people coming along with us... Jake smirks.
Jake Starr: Oh yeah... I forgot to tell you that we're getting company along with us on this little adventure! Another sense of fear comes over the Next Level. Jake sees it, and chuckles again.
Jake Starr: Don't worry guys... I called in a couple favors to a couple of guys who definitely know a thing or two about partying! As Jake says that to his comrades, the driver makes the turn toward their security gate, along the perimeter of the airfield. The security guard stops the car, and checks all of the IDs of the men inside the vehicle. He then runs a brief sweep of the luggage, the carry on bags, etc., before officially clearing them onto the airfield. Once he's gone through all of his required checks, and validated that the men are cleared for entry, he unlocks the gate, and lets them in.
The driver pulls the car onto the airfield and begins slowly making his way toward the hanger. As he pulls around the front, the private jet of the Golden Nugget sits on the tarmac being fueled up. The pilots are walking around the outside of the plane, performing their preflight checks of the exterior. At the foot of the stairs of the plane stand two men, one black man and one white one. Both David and Tommy begin to look, squinting to try and make out who they are. Tommy's eyes widen first, followed by David's... Tommy Valentine: Is that... Jake interrupts.
Jake Starr: It is! David Helms: ... And is that... Jake interrupts yet again.
Jake Starr: The one and only! Tommy's head then jerks toward Jake.
Tommy Valentine: What in the hell are they doing here? Jake Starr: I told you... They know how to party! So I called in a favor, and offered to bring them along for added "intel." It's a cryptic answer that receives quite a bit of silence from both men. After the pause, Helms begins to make the connection Jake was alluding to, and Tommy then follows suit. Both men have seemingly made the connection as to the reasoning as it pertains to Jake's plans, and show Jake they've caught on, by simultaneously throwing out an "AHHH!"
Jake Starr: They could serve a very integral purpose once we get there! The driver parks the car, and subsequently pops the trunk. Jake looks up at the liaison.
Jake Starr: Don't worry, we can grab the bags ourselves! The driver then reaches over into the passenger seat, and hangs back another envelope, this one containing the itinerary for the trip. Jake opens it, and distributes copies to both Tommy and David. This is the first time that either man have actually seen the plans and final destination for the trip.
After reading down the itinerary, both men immediately go wide-eyed and look back up in Jake with a defined sense of shock in their eyes. Jake, almost knowing that reaction was coming, simply sits there, staring back, with a grin on his face. David Helms: Really?! Jake Starr: Yep! Tommy Valentine: This is for real? Jake Starr: Yeah! Very real! David Helms: Wow!! Jake's smile is still on his face.
Jake Starr: I told you! I wasn't kidding you when I said that you'd be ok with this. Tommy Valentine: I am DEFINITELY ok with this. David Helms: Dude, this is going to be NICE! With the initial shock now over, the three get out of the car, and go grab their bags. After doing so, they begin to make their way toward the two men waiting by the plane. After greeting one another, and Jake making all of the introductions, they all make their way on board the plane. The pilot greets each man, and welcomes them aboard the plane, and explains all of the features and amenities of the aircraft. With all of the checks done, the pilot has the door to the aircraft closed, and the plane begins taxiing toward the runway, to make its way toward their destination.
The continued curiosity builds, as Jake's little scheme is still shrouded in mystery. With Jake being how he is, one can only imagine what he has in store. Along with that curiosity, the identities of the two men add another level of mystery to the situation. As time progresses toward Under Attack, one can only imagine who and what Jake has planned. Jake Starr: To say that I'm ready for Under Attack would be a complete and utter under statement. But it's true. I am ready. I'm more than ready. I've been ready. Quite honestly, I'm so God damn anxious about that day that I barely sleep at night! And why would I not be? Why wouldn't I be this stoked? I'm finally getting what it is I have been jonsing for, and clamoring for, since I came back! I get to shut Shawn Winters's stupid little vagina-lipped mouth UP! It's something that I just can't get out of my mind! But I'm not stupid... I'm not so tunnel visioned that I can't see anything else! Before Under Attack ever happens, I face one of the toughest challenges I've faced going into a pay-per view. Usually I face people who really allow me to work out the kinks, and mentally correct any errors I may have in my game plan. Honestly, most of the matches have been relatively easy, which isn't to say anything about my opponents, I just feel that on top of my game right now. But this time, this time, going into Breakdown is much different. Walking into a match where I can't go work out any kinks. I'm walking into a match that, honestly, I don't get any perks, any gimmes, any anything in. I walk into a match with a man who I have a pretty long and drawn out history with, and a man I know has zero dispositions at all, about sending my ass to the hospital... So bring it on Lucas! Here's a man who has been a large part of my SCW history. Whether it was my introduction to the Underground Division, whether it was putting me in the hospital because I ended his reign as champion, whether it was disappearing when his World Championship was on the line, we have run into one another on numerous occasions. Breakdown just adds to that list. It's a day where Lucas comes in, having recently retured to SCW, and has begun the process of reestablishing himself among the SCW elite. It's something that I have ZERO doubt he'll do again. This is an opportunity for Lucas. It's a chance for him to come in, face a guy who has had his number, and overcome the adversity that has seemingly surrounded his side of our meetings. He won't be taking me lightly in the least! But at the same time, that goes both ways. Lucas has shown me time and time again that he can step up to a challenge, stand firm against everything I can dish out, and then return the favor. He's shown me that he can rumble with the best of them. Hell he's shown the world he is worthy of capturing the SCW World Championship. He's no slouch! But neither am I! ESPECIALLY not now! ESPECIALLY with the stakes at hand! You see, this time around, Lucas and I face each other with some major stakes on both sides. This time, it's not about titles. This time, it's not about Jake Starr trying to dethrone Lucas Knight. This time, it's not about Infamous versus The Brotherhood, or whatever it is we're going to call ourselves this time around. No, it's nothing like that this time. It's not some personal grudge where I'm out to ruin some party of his, like he did mine. Let me explain... It's just a time when the two of us are in a similar boat. I'm in the process of steamrolling my way back up the ladder, hoping to club Shawn Winters right off of the little high horse he's been keeping warm for me, and reassume my position amongst the elite. I want to ruin Winters's day, ruin his title reign, ruin his happiness in Greaternity, and show why he made the biggest mistake in his life, calling me out like he did. Lucas, like I said, he's trying to reestablish himself. He went away on a pretty sour note. Vanishing as the World Champion, being forced to vacate the belt you strive to achieve, and going basically AWOL for some time, isn't a way you want people to remember you. You don't want your legacy to be something that sad. You want to be remembered for the pain you caused others, the championships you earned, and the dominance you had while holding that belt. That's where Lucas is, in my opinion. I could be wrong, you never know. But if I were in his shoes, if I had done something like that, and if I were trying to build my reputation back up, that's how I would feel. I'd want opportunities to go out there, and show that, "yeah, I made some mistakes and poor decisions, but I can right the ship, and show the world I'm still capable of what I was known for." So I just assume he's a very similar person. I know how competitive he is, and I know how much it means to him to succeed, so why wouldn't he have a similar feeling? That's how this match differs, though. I went down with an injury during a period where I was in a slump. Faith in my ability to perform when it mattered was down, and guess what, people lost confidence in me. People stopped respecting me. All of a sudden, guys who had been gone for God knows how long were seen as "superior" to me. I supposedly was less than, and not equal to, the likes of Adam Allocco and Porno Lad. Lucas, he kind of failed as a World Champion. Now he's facing similar scrutiny. The world knows we've battled, and also knows we have been on quite a bit of a combined roll since we've each come back. So it's a pretty major clash for us. That's when the stakes come into play, my friends. That's when the lines are drawn in the sand. You see, we're both riding hot streaks. We're both out there, dominating people, and showing that we're still part of the cream of the crop. As far as I know, he is like me in the sense he hasn't lost a match since returning, either. He's in a bit of a pickle with The Redeemer, and their history has made their rivalry seemingly quite bitter. There seems to be a substantial amount of personal animosity there, and both Lucas and The Redeemer are hoping to have the edge in momentum going into Under Attack. On that same note, I'm in the same boat with Shawn Winters. I want to make sure he doesn't think I've had any lapse in momentum, as I move toward our match. It's something that would honestly put the ball firmly in Winters's court, for me, and I just can't have that happen. I have to be the one calling the shots. I have to be the one with the edge! So I MUST beat Lucas Knight again! It's just that damn simple! It's that black and white! Jake slowly approaches the camera in a very dramatic fashion.
Like I said, this has nothing to do with the past. This isn't a rivalry rekindled. This is a match where two men who, yes, don't like one another, are looking to continue moving forward on their quest back to the top. It's something I must do! I can't be like Winters. I can't let my mental game lapse. Winters lolly-gagged into Ammo, didn't think much of Gregory, and look what happened... The World Champion got BEAT! His match that was his "tune-up" for Under Attack, his match that was supposed to be the one where he could go in, and showcase why he is the favored specimen to, not only beat me, but retain his World Championship, all in the same night. Instead... HE BLEW IT! He let me sit at ringside, and watch him screw up. He let me scout him, showed me every weakness, and made sure to tie it in a pretty red bow for me. So I can't do the same for him! I can't give him a Christmas present early! So when I walk into Breakdown, I fully expect him at ringside. I expect Shawn to try and scout me, just as I did him. I expect him to be there playing cheerleader for Lucas, much like I did for Greg. I expect him to want me to lose, so he can figure out a way to exploit me the same way Lucas would. I know he's hoping I won't be riding anymore momentum than him. Hell, if I was, it'd basically be lights out for him. So honestly, I don't foresee that happening! /Lucas, you and I go back a long way. You and I have fought many battles, but sanctioned, and unsanctioned. We've verbally assaulted one another on Twitter, we've basically wished every piece of ill will on one another that two guys could wish. But in all of those wars, there was two constants. One... We put on a hell of a show. We went out there, and we stole the show. We beat the holy-living hell out of one another, and we did so because we're both so passionate about this business. We both went out there to win, and to show we were superior. In a nutshell, we defined what makes a "hard fought" rivalry. The second constant, however, isn't one I know you'll like to relive, but it's there. The second constant, each time, was Jake Starr emerging victorious. I inched you out at that imaginary finish line each time. It wasn't because of any other reason but that I'm just better. I respect you, I respect the sense of angst and worry you bring out in me each time we're in the ring. But the truth is, even with that respect, we can't deny that I emerged victorious each time, and this time will be no different! You see, Lucas, I'm not that same Jake Starr you have fought in the past. I'm better. I'm more focused. I'm more driven. I'm more motivated than I've ever been. I'm not out to mock your British accent, or try and be funny about you. It's not that kind of match, this time, Lucas. This time, it's my time to go in there, pin you, and not gloat, not rub it in your face, and not act like it really means much else, than the fact I beat you. I'm not out to prove anything. I'm not out to destroy Infamous, or the Order of Chaos, or whatever it is you're all called now a days. Those days are my past, and you simply are my last hurdle before I bring down the monolith that many perceive is Shawn Winters. So I hope you heard me, Lucas. I hope it all registered. I hope it all sunk in. I'm going out there to do what I've done each time, and then move on from you, and gear up for Winters. You, truthfully, can hope for whatever motivational boost you hope to garner going into your fight with The Redeemer, and it won't happen. This is my journey, my quest, and MY DAMN TIME! Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, is getting in my way, ruining it, or causing it any hiccups. You, simply, will be a vicim of the times. You are on a quest of your own, but believe me when I say that mine is fueled by far my passion, anger, hate, and desire than yours. I'm not taking anyone lightly, nor am I conserving my energy for any reason. I want Winters to see EXACTLY what he is in store for at Under Attack. You're not someone I can "make an example out of," but you are someone I can go out there, and use as proof that Winters fate is all but sealed... Lucas... We dance again, we'll steal the show, we'll leave it all in the ring, and in the end, the result will be the same. It'll be me victorious, and it'll be you kicking yourself thinking, "what if." It'll also be Shawn Winters looking at me with my hand raised, and realizing his decision to call me out was one of the WORST MOVES he could have ever fucking made! Fin |
|
|||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||