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Lately, for Jake Starr, it's been a question of, "how will he rebound?" Now, though, the question has changed. He's not trying to rebound from a tough loss, or a close call. He's, instead, looking to continue down the path that he has begun to finally forge for himself, once again.
Going into Ride the Lightning, Jake had earned himself a victory over the former World Champion, Katie Steward. Granted it was a bit contested, and riddled with controversy, it was a win. He was then given an even bigger and tougher challenge, yet again involving Katie Steward. Unlike before the pay-per view, however, it wasn't JUST Katie Steward standing in his way, but it was another man, as well. Along with Katie, Jake had to contend with a man who had not only beaten Jake, but outsmarted him. Along with Katie was SCW Hall of Famer, CHBK. Unlike their last encounter, though, Jake made sure he wasn't outsmarted. This time, it was Jake who emerged victorious, and did what he had to do, in order to continue his quest to become one of the "power players" in SCW again. It was a victory that Jake needed. It was one that really hit close to home. He's been facing a tough time outside the ring, as of late, and he's been fearful that there could be carryover. As the results had it, things definitely showed very little sense of carryover. At the same time, Jake has looked into the idea that his friend, David Helms, had given him, suggesting that maybe he should have Roeper and Mara get out of Des Moines, and go somewhere more safer. After really thinking about the logistics, and the possibilities of how to sneak his wife and daughter out of town, without the agents who have been basically glued to their every move, finding out. Finally, things began to click. Jake has spent the better part of the day making all the last minute preparations for the departure of his family. As the hours passed, Roeper wondered what Jake had been up to, but ultimately attributed it to Jake being Jake, and him ultimately dealing with something that didn't concern her. Little did she know, it completely concerned her. As the hours waned, and night fell, Roeper headed to bed, and Jake's clock began to tick. As time passed, Jake's patience began to get more and more short. He's been pacing back and forth with his phone in his hand. Multiple times he's looked down, and repeatedly commanded it to ring, as if it would instantly obey, and begin to sound off. He shows tons of other sigs of anxiety, sweating, uneasiness, quickness of breath, and a desire simply lash out at whatever, and whoever crosses his path. After several minutes, which have seemed like an eternity for Jake, the phone finally rings. It's a sound that is music to Jake's ear. He quickly clicks the "Answer" button, and doesn't even bother saying hello... Jake Starr: Are you hear?! The voice on the other end tells Jake that "they" have just landed.
Jake Starr: ... You guys need to hurry. I still haven't heard from Brandon yet on if he's seen the car snooping or not, so I want this to be as fast and as "invisible" as possible... The voice assures Jake that "they" can see the car waiting for "them" by the hanger, and once "they" get it, "they'll" be on "their" way.
Jake Starr: ... Good... Jake hangs up the phone, and makes his way over to the window in his office. He peels back the curtain slightly, having seen headlights illuminate the window, obviously marking another vehicle approaching his house. He quickly notices that the mystery car is that of his friend Brandon Evans.
Jake sees Brandon hop out of his vehicle, and bound for the front door. Brandon looks over each shoulder, making sure nobody is watching. In seeing this, Jake quickly makes his way out by the front door, and quietly opens it for his friend. Brandon makes his way in, slightly out of breath. Jake wastes no time in trying to find out what Brandon knows... Jake Starr: Any updates? Brandon Evans: The car that's been stalking your house, and the two fat asses who've put their permanent imprint on the broken springs, are at a diner about a half a mile away. Thankfully, I once hooked up with the waitress, and she still has a thing for me. So she's my go to informant. She was EXTREMELY helpful in ensuring they'd be there for a while. Jake is a bit skeptical.
Jake Starr: ... You really think we can trust her? Brandon nods his head.
Brandon Evans: Oh yeah... I promised to give her a nice "tip" in return! Jake rolls his eyes.
Jake Starr: Thanks for sharing... Brandon shrugs.
Brandon Evans: So... Have "they" arrived? Jake Starr: Right as you were pulling up, they had called to say they had just landed, so they'll be here soon. I suppose now would be a good time to wake Roeper, and tell her she's going on a little trip... Jake turns to head down the hallway, but quickly pauses to give Brandon one more bit of information.
Jake Starr: ... Oh and FYI, I have all of her things packed up and ready. Mara's too! Brandon Evans: Good... Jake Starr: They're both in the entertainment room. Brandon Evans: Alright man, I'll grab them, and get them by the door, and they'll be ready to go when she is. Jake Starr: Sounds good... Jake gives Brandon a final nod, and turns back toward the bedroom. As he reaches the cracked open door, he peeks in and sees Roeper asleep in the bed. He slowly opens the door and walks in, doing his best not to make any unnecessarily loud noises, knowing that it would jolt his wife awake, and make her quite perturbed at him. He approaches the side of the bed, and lightly sits down on the edge, next to her. He takes a moment to really soak in the beauty that is her sleeping, but then realizes the haste of the situation. He puts his hand, gently, on her shoulder, and whispers down to her...
Jake Starr: ... Honey... Roeper slowly comes out of her comatose-like slumber, and lets out a couple groans. She realizes it's still night, and is confused at Jake's reasoning for waking her.
Roeper Hart: Babe? What's wrong? Jake smiles softly at her.
Jake Starr: Nothing's wrong, babe. I just need you to wake up, and get Mara. Hearing Jake's comment brings Roeper out of her "sleepy" state with almost no hesitation. Now she immediately believes something is seriously going on.
Roeper Hart: Ok Jake, what is going on? Jake Starr: You guys are getting out of here while all of this crap gets sorted out. I don't trust those guys to not try something borderline illegal. I want you both SAFE! Roeper sighs.
Roeper Hart: Jake, they're not going to do anything. It would be stupid of them to do so, and not to mention complete career suicide. Jake Starr: Honestly, I don't care. I don't trust them. You know, I'm doing this because I want someone trustworthy to be able to watch over you guys, without having to rely on Brandon. He can't be expected to live here, he has his own life. I need to know that you two are being looked after, and are safe from these guys. Jake's paranoia is evident to Roeper, who pins it, not on the fact Jake is truly thinking that these people would act, basically, like the mob, but more along the lines of someone who is panicking and scared.
Roeper Hart: ... So where are we going, then? Jake's reply is simple.
Jake Starr: Somewhere safe! Even with her squinting eyes, Roeper's eye roll is easily visible.
Roeper Hart: So, does this little excursion really have to be at 1 in the morning? Jake nods.
Jake Starr: Yeah... It does... It had to happen when these guys staking us out were preoccupied, and ultimately when we could get you out of here the easiest. Thankfully, the plane just landed, and "they're" on "their" way to get you and Mara. Roeper is shocked. Her initial thought was Jake relocating her and Mara somewhere within the city of Des Moines, but apparently, she was gravely mistaken.
Roeper Hart: A plane?! I didn't realize we were leaving completely. Jake Starr: Yeah... These dolts probably have this city scoured, and I'm wanting to make sure they actually have to TRY and find you guys. Roeper Hart: Alright... Where are we going, then? As she poses the question, again, to Jake, there is a faint knocking on the door that is overheard by both Jake and Roeper. Brandon lets the visitors in, and the same voice from the phone call Jake received is heard. Roeper immediately picks out the voice of Jake's father, Jeff, which is quickly followed by that of Jake's mother, Denise.
As Jake hears these voices, he turns back toward Roeper with a smile on his face. Jake Starr: What better place to send you than with my folks? They ADORE you, they ADORE Mara, and they're just as appalled as we are about this whole ordeal. It's the PERFECT locale. Roeper Hart: So let me get this straight, you bought your parents plane tickets to come up here, and us plane tickets back with them? Don't you think that's a bit suspicious, and would be easy to track down? Jake smirks again.
Jake Starr: Babe, when have I ever taken major trips like this, without doing so in style? Roeper Hart: Ah... Eric sending the jet again? Jake shakes his head.
Jake Starr: Eric found out there are people proactively monitoring his flight times and flight plans. On top of that, when he's gone on trips or excursions meeting with various people, he's seen some weird people near the hangers where he's parked. Roeper seems a bit more confused.
Roeper Hart: Who're we flying with then? I mean, I know it's not commercial, but Eric usually loans you his... Jake Starr: Yeah... This time I called up a friend who has access to her own private jet, and one that won't seem out of place coming here. The mention of a "her" immediately catches the attention of Roeper.
Roeper Hart: Who is "her?" Jake Starr: SHE is the namesake to her own organization, and thanks to her, you'll be flying courtesy of Foxx Global. Rachel has been kind enough to fuel up one of her private jets, go pick up Mom and Dad, and then fly up her to get you guys. The mention of Rachel Foxx's name makes Roeper a bit uneasy. The idea of Jake having decided to call up Rachel, of all people, doesn't necessarily sit well, as she's always seen Rachel as a woman who could someday cause issues between Jake and her. At the same time, she realizes Jake is willing to exhaust each and every avenue in order to help his family out. With a sigh, she finally responds back.
Roeper Hart: Ok... What do I need to do? Jake Starr: Truthfully... Nothing other than getting Mara up, and heading out with Mom and Dad. Your bags are packed, as are Mara's... Roeper Hart: Well what about you? Jake Starr: I'm staying behind. I want to keep these guys thinking that everything is as "normal" as they were before they decided to go have a bite to eat, as long as possible. I am going to hold down the fort until this blows over, or I feel safe it's OK to come down to see you. Besides, Mom and Dad will ensure NOBODY gets anywhere near you or Mara. Roeper Hart: Well you do realize they'll probably be even more adamant, once they realize she's gone? Jake Starr: I could care less. It's time we played hardball with these jerkoffs! Roeper chuckles at Jake's assertion, but realizes it really is time to begin migrating toward departing. She slowly begins to get out of bed, still completely wearing her pajamas. After walking over to get Mara, she looks down the hallway and sees Jeff and Denise waiting for them. She makes her way down, and is immediately rushed out the front door, barely able to lean back and give her husband a kiss, and barely given time for Jake to say goodbye.
As they rush toward the car, she's flanked by Jake's parents on one side, and Brandon on the other. Once they're both in the car, the car tears off toward the airport. Brandon stays by the curb, watching the car make the corner, and ensuring they're not followed. Several minutes later, the car with the two stake-out agents comes around the opposing corner. Their headlights immediately shut off, seeing Brandon staring them down. Brandon grins, giving the agents an uneasy feeling, and finally realizing that they've been caught. Instead of sticking around, the men panic, and rush off, going in the opposite direction of the vehicle carrying Roeper and Mara. It's a sight that gives Brandon a feeling of ease, and he looks back at Jake, still standing in the doorway, and gives him a smirk and a nod. Jake breathes a sigh of relief, finally feeling that his wife and child will be able to escape Des Moines unnoticed, and he'll be able to turn his focus back to the ring, once again. If his focus continues to be as "on point" as it has been, it's possible that he could conceivably be on that upswing he's been desiring for so long. Jake Starr: Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome each and every one of you, personally, to the most exciting time of the year in Supreme Championship Wrestling. It is that time when every single one of us in the back are on the edge of our seats, and truthfully don't have a fucking clue what to expect. It's a time when careers are made, and legacies are etched in stone. It's a time when everyone has a chance to truly make a name for themselves and subsequently shock the world... It's Taking Hold of the Flame... And it's Rise to Greatness! This is a moment where, like I said, we're all on pins and needles. We all know what is at stake with these two pay-per views. We know how it can transform us into superstars overnight, but we also know how it is looked upon by our peers. When it comes to Taking Hold of the Flame, it's a battle, it's a grind, and it's a war. You have 30 guys who are all wanting to earn that spot, opposite the SCW World Champion, at Rise to Greatness, and have their shot to main event the biggest event of the year. You have 30 superstars who are willing to put it ALL on the line, for their shot to win, arguably, the most anticipated event of the year. It's a lot to really soak in, if you ask me. It's a lot to really comprehend. It's not just some random event where you can fight a little, and try to win. It's more than that. It's a chance to change the face of SCW, and put everyone on notice. It's why it's the most hotly contested, highly difficult, and most desired match to win for EVERY superstar on the roster... ... And for all intents and purposes, is my first time to "officially" enter! Now, don't get me wrong, this will be my fourth Taking Hold of the Flame pay-per view, coming up, and yes, I've involved myself with the main event twice before, the only difference is, this is Jake Starr's FIRST entrance into the event. In my first year, Big Daddy Dick decided that he was going to, well, ban me from the match. He decided that Jake Starr wasn't cool enough, nor was I relevant enough... Granted I was already a champion, and it was his doing and decisions that put me there, he still was a bit displeased. Then last year, I was mid-identity crisis, and the OSMR was born, and entered. It was quite the enjoyment, if you ask me. This year, however, it's no OSMR. It's no "officially unofficially" including myself. This year, it's Jake Starr, and he's in the match, and he's out for BLOOD. This year, Jake Starr is going into a match where he's got about as much chance as a fly, watching a fly swatter inches from its head and closing. Nevertheless, this year, the words "Taking Hold of the Flame Champion," and "Number One Contender for the World Championship" will officially go on my resume, and be 100% attributed to my name. BUT... Jake holds up one finger.
... Before we even get to the big shin-dig at the pay-per view, there is a little more business to attend to surrounding it. Before we ever get to the granddaddy of them all, match wise, we have to see who is going to be the lucky bastard who the odds may give just a wee-bit more favor to, going in. It's an edge that I'd love to have. I'm not so wrapped up in my own ego to realize that in this kind of match, I need ANY and ALL help I could get. So on Breakdown, the world is going to get a little taste of what Taking Hold of the Flame is going to be like. The world is going to see the passion it brings out in ALL of the competitors. They're going to QUICKLY realize that this year will not only be the most memorable Taking Hold of the Flame ever, it'll be the most difficult to win. At Breakdown, it's EIGHT of SCWs best going head to head in a battle royal, all vying for that coveted 30th entry. It's a spot that gives quite a bit of advantage to whomever is blessed to earn it. I mean, think about it... You have 29 guys who've all gone in, and beaten up people, along with being beaten by others, and it's down to one person left to enter, and it's you... Doesn't that just make you froth at the mouth? Doesn't this sound worth AS MUCH as Taking Hold of the Flame itself? Doesn't it make you want to simply go out, give it everything you've gotten, on Breakdown, and do whatever it takes to win? Who wouldn't want that spot, seriously? You are literally the freshest one in the entire match, and you're able to see exactly who has some momentum, and who doesn't. It allows you to continually alter your game plan until the last minute, when you could change it up, hoping it was the right call. Nobody else would have that. They would know who was coming to the ring, but they wouldn't know how to approach you simply because they'd have "X" number of others to worry about as well. You, on the other hand, know how everyone is strategizing and "playing the game." You are the proverbial "Ace in the Hole." The best part is, I'm one of those eight who was selected to be worthy of that opportunity... I'm one of those SELECT FEW who have the chance to hold the trump card, in my first official entry... I'm ready to go through whoever decides to get in my way, as I make a b-line for Christy, and a date to prove she's only champion BECAUSE I LET HER, and NOT because she earned it... Jake smirks and shakes his head.
... But you know, when I looked at the list of people, and really thought about who was in this little Taking Hold of the Flame "preview," I came to a really sad realization. I realized that this isn't just a preview of an epic battle that is coming over the horizon, but it's also a pilot episode for SCW's new television network. If it's not, they need to jump on it, and they need to make sure I get royalties for this idea. But the truth is, this match in SCW is literally going to be a display of the finest "B-Listers" that Supreme Championship Wrestling has to offer. It is a laundry list, a who's who, a roll call of the top guys in SCW, who wish they were somebody, or were somebody back in the day, and now are relatively irrelevant to the "big picture" of SCW... Ladies and gentlemen... I'll be personally welcoming you to the pilot episode of "The Surreal Life: SCW!" A graphic of the logo from the reality TV cluster-fuck, "The Surreal Life" over Jake's right shoulder. Under the primary logo, the SCW logo is emblazoned as well. Jake looks over, obviously pretending to see the CGI logo up next to him, and then turns back to the camera, smiling and nodding.
Yep... That's it! Now, you may be asking yourself how I even could FATHOM thinking that. You may be wondering how I could ever think that this list of superstars should be compared to the likes of Vanilla Ice, Ron Jeremy, and Tawny Kitaen, but it's actually quite easy, and I really encourage you all to sit right, grab some popcorn, and take notes. Before I get too in depth, let me explain what "The Surreal Life" is... It's this show that grabs those "past-their-prime" celebs who have had their time in the limelight, but have since fallen by the wayside as far as popularity goes. They stick these guys in a house, and put them through little games and tasks, ultimately for the pleasure of the viewers. So again, how does SCW, and this match, compare to that piece of work? Well, let's begin... Here... Jake points his finger directly at the logo, while still looking directly at the camera. The picture shifts to Adam Allocco.
First, you have Adam Allooco. When anyone thinks of Adam, they think of a surly individual who is NEVER happy. He's the chronically pissed off person, who is put on the show in order to pick fights with everyone, have everyone talk about how much he irritates them, and things of that nature. Then, there's this person... Jake pauses, as the photo changes over to Greg Cherry.
Greg, yeah, he's the big guy of the bunch. He's that "Ralphie May" type of guy, who is there to chronically eat, annoy everyone with his desire to get ahead, and win the game. He's the one guy who agreed to sign onto the show, hoping it'll relaunch his career from the dumps, which by what happened at the last pay-per view, I'd say his is tip-toeing on the border of. Now, let me buzz through a couple of these a little quicker... Shaun Cruze's picture shows up.
... Pretty boy, loved once by the ladies... James Evans is up next.
... The guy who shows up, vanishes, shows back up, changes who he likes, and ultimately realizes it's all due to his tidy-whiteys being WAY too tight... Next up, Gable Winchester.
Duh... Token black guy, that EVERY SHOW must have... The picture then shifts to Syren, and Jake goes to quickly respond, but realizes with Syren, her role can't be summed up as easily as the previous few.
Then there's this broad... This one, is the first of two femme fatales that this match have. Syren is a breed all her own. She's the "bad girl" of the show, who is coming in to stir shit up with everyone. I'm telling you, she's going to be the one hitting on the lonely men, hoping that her body and boobs get her ahead. She's also one of those who is going to talk... A LOT! If anyone has ever watched any episode of ANY show in SCW, you know this mouthpiece will talk your ear off... Then, surprisingly, the picture shifts over to Jake himself. He looks a bit puzzled, but realizes he fits in the mold as well.
... Yeah, I'm on here too. I'm like Dave Coulier here. I'm that guy everyone loves, and can usually get along with anyone. I'm out to win, but I'm also out to be myself, and not be fake... As Jake is talking, the production team, apparently, thinks Jake is done with his comments on himself, and shifts the picture over to the final competitor, Katie Steward.
... Alright... Apparently I'm done talking about myself. That's a shock... Anyway... Onto Katie... Katie is that crazy bitch that, much like Gable being the "black guy," every show must have. You have to have that person, so everyone can continually be on edge, worrying that this one loon is going to OD, commit suicide, kill someone, or try and fight a mirror, thinking it's someone calling her names. The logo then reappears next to Jake.
So, you see what I mean? Doesn't it make sense how this is just the recipe for television spin-off success? If you say no, you don't know how it follows the formula to a "T." See, each one of us fits this formula for a reason. We each have had our moments in the limelight, and we've each squandered it for some reason or another. From there, some of us have done what we could to try and get back up to the top, but ultimately, we're all still really a bunch of "B-List" guys in SCW. We're not the top cream of the crop. If we were, we wouldn't be hoping, so much, to win Taking Hold of the Flame. We wouldn't be hedging our bets on this match, hoping it gives us that added edge. But the truth is, we're all here. We're all facing the truths that we're stuck in that upper-mediocre level of the roster, and have to do something drastic to change that. Sure, you can argue that Syren's been a Tag Team Champion longer than anyone else, and sure, Shaun Cruze just won the United States Championship, but here's the thing. The Tag Team Titles mean little to most people. It's not a division where people go all bat-shit insane to try and top... Well, unless you're Dark Fantasy, then for some reason, it's like a lifetime goal. For Cruze, he shocked a lot of people, but people still don't buy into the fact it wasn't a flukey win. So yeah, he's not a major "A-list" guy, if you ask me. But like I said... Neither am I... The graphic goes away, and the camera centers on Jake, himself.
So I'm out to really change all of that. I'm out to make myself a little more of a "mainstream" success again. In order to do so, I have to win Taking Hold of the Flame, and dammit, I need to make sure every edge out there is my court. I have to look at this as my big chance. I have to use this match as a chance to make a MAJOR statement. And that doesn't mean I have to win... No... A win isn't a necessity... No matter how much I call these guys B-listers, and include myself there, they still garner a lot of respect amongst the locker room. Hell, a lot of people still look at Katie as the "former World Champion," and I've beaten her TWICE in a row. Yes, for the THIRD time IN A ROW I'll be walking into a match where she is one of my opponents. I have to dethrone the "queen" one more time. In doing that, she'll truly be sent to the back of the line, and sent away from my dealings for the foreseeable future. Syren, like I said, nobody really cares about her Tag Team accomplishments, but they know she can do some damage on the singles side as well. Former Women's Champion, that's a title she has on her resume. That's been some time. Now, now she's really trying to recapture that respect, and give the world an all-Infamous Rise to Greatness. I'm not going to allow it. I, like many, am sick of Infamous and their domination of every show. She's going to try and show the world that Infamous is still the top dog, as a whole. I'm going to go out there to dethrone Infamous. I want my goal to be to prove Christy has ME to thank. I want to prove that I'm no B-list guy, and face it, for some reason beating Infamous would do it, regardless of who it is. The one person in this match I'm most interested in fighting, again, is Adam Allocco, however. It's completely personal, too. It goes back to the beginning of my SCW tenure, and also my return last year. We're one and one against one another, and both wins were ones that really irritated the other. When he beat me, I wanted a chance to fix that injustice. When I came back, and he jumped in the way of my chances to beat up Winters, guess what, I won, and he felt he had been "injusticed." So, honestly, this could turn into a moment where we get to try and remind the other of whose win was legit, and whose win was simply a lucky flash in the pan. Jake takes a deep breath, and lets out out rather briskly.
Now, I could really could say something about every single person in this match, but it'd just get kind of boring. So I'll finish this by saying this... Winning would be nice, hell, it'd be great. It'd be a moment where I could sufficiently say I'd have an edge going into the big match itself. But at the same time, I know that win or lose, I'm still going into Taking Hold of the Flame with the goal of winning. If I'm number 30, great, fuck, if I'm number ONE, I'll go in thinking I can run the table, and win regardless. I don't care what number I am, I'm just determined to win. So everyone better take notice... My morale won't be defeated if I'm not number 30... I just will accept that I won't get to have the "easiest path," and I'll make due. In the end... I will win! When the dust settles... Jake Starr will be number one! And hell... When I win this whole shin-dig, and become the number one contender, I'll bust our Robin Leach to bring my ass to the ring, like a true "Surreal Life" cast member should! Fin |
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