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For the first time since Jake met Ron, Ron is on the proverbial ropes. In a moment that blindsided Ron, his own wife Alice turned on him, and provided sworn testimony to debunk everything that he has alleged in this battle against his daughter and son-in-law. It wasn't something he was ready for. He was mentally prepared for Jake to bring forth several statements from his friends, his family, and some of his peers, and he was even prepared to see a statement from Child Protective Services, seeing as how he kicked them to the curb, but his own wife? The woman who took the same solemn vows as he did, to have and to hold, in good and in bad, had double crossed him.
It ultimately left him completely and utterly speechless. Being speechless is something Ron knows very little about. Being a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force left him with the job of being a communicator, and always being able to inform his subordinates of what to do and when to do it. It's the mentality he's always had, and always carried with him. He was always able to be the patriarch of the family, tell everyone where to be, when to be there, and what the plans were. When Jake came into the picture, he stepped up into a role Ron wasn't ready to relinquish. It boiled over, and lead to this point. Now Ron realizes Jake's influence, and his "free thinking" ways have influenced the family outside of just his daughter. It's something that he just can't figure out. He can't comprehend where he went wrong, and allowed such a thing to happen. As he sits in silence, he feels the eyes of Jake's lawyer continue to stare a hole right through him. He does everything he can not to make eye contact, feeling that it would definitely show J. Philip Brown the amount of uneasiness that he is feeling. Inside, he is flabbergasted. His mind racing, wondering what would possess his wife to sell him out. As he stews, it all truly sinks in that the trump card that Jake's lawyer played was real, and he wasn't kidding. The fact that Alice wrote a sworn affidavit says it all. He begins to mumble to himself, thinking nobody can hear him, but J. Philip hears him loud and clear... Ron Hart: How can this be? Why would Alice turn her back on me, not just ocne by pulling her name off of the suit, but twice now, by testifying against me? As J. Philip hears Ron, he begins to realize that Ron is having a severe moment of clarity about the situation. It's a sight that makes him almost begin to feel a sense of compassion for him. The feeling almost makes him want to extend an olive branch of peace toward him, with the goal to try and resolve everything, but at the same time he realizes that over time there have been enough olive branches extended to Ron, and nothing has ever come from it.
His non-compassionate side begins to realize that this could possibly be a ploy by Ron to try and trick him. He decides that it would be in his and Jake's best interest to continue to pile onto Ron, hoping that he will be forced to show his hand. In deciding to do so, he looks in the direction of the arbiter. J. Philip Brown: ... Alice is also more than willing to come in and testify here at the hearing as well, if you would like her to. Hearing that, Ron quickly vocalizes his shock.
Ron Hart: WHAT?! J. Philip Brown changes his focus from the arbiter, back to Ron.
J. Philip Brown: I said that Alice is willing to step into this room, look you in the eye, and be straight forward about everything that has gone on. She's willing to do it in person, as well as in her statement she's already contributed, as another avenue if necessary. Ron begins to feel that fury boil again.
Ron Hart: If Alice steps into this room, she'll admit COMPLETELY that the whole statement she gave to you was coerced and fake. Trust me... You don't want her to recant now. Jake's lawyer cocks an eyebrow.
J. Philip Brown: Do you honestly believe that Alice will recant? Ron grins.
Ron Hart: Oh yes... I do! She would in a heartbeat the MINUTE that I began to cross-examine her. Her entire statement, at that point, would become void. The arbiter would, then, have no choice but to throw it out. Jake's lawyer nods slightly.
J. Philip Brown: So you would bully her, like you have in the past? Ron's top lip begins to quiver as he feels that shot was unwarranted and outright false. Rather than responding, Ron lets the tension continue to grow. As several moments pass, and the tension mounts, the door to the room swings open, and Jake steps back in.
The minute J. Philip sees Jake, he quickly jumps up and begins walking toward him. It's a sight that shocks Jake. He feels as if his lawyer is approaching him to confront him. He begins to worry that something truly bad has happened in his absence. As his lawyer reaches him, J. Philip quickly whispers to Jake. J. Philip Brown: I'm sorry, man... I had to do it.. Jake's eyes widen, and the worrying feeling begins to increase intensely.
Jake Starr: What in the hell happened?! J. Philip Brown: I played the trump card... Jake is taken aback yet again. The first thought is the question of why his lawyer seemingly made such a scene over something that turned out to be an action that is actually not bad. The second thought is a shocked one, wondering why their trump card got played so relatively early in these proceedings.
Jake Starr: What brought it on? J. Philip Brown: Honestly, I just felt like it was the right time to do so. Ron went on this tirade, and threw out several fallacies toward you and your family that I just couldn't let go without a counterpunch. Along with that, I didn't know how much the arbiter was buying into it. That's when I decided that Ron was feeling WAY too high and mighty about what he was saying, and needed to be brought back down to Earth. So... It just felt right... Jake nods.
Jake Starr: I understand. I trusted you to play that card if you felt it was necessary, and you felt that it was. Ron sees the two whispering for an extended period of time, and immediately has a sense of uncomfortableness with it. He calls the pair out.
Ron Hart: You know, it's about damn time that you showed up, Jake. You should have seen everything that went on in your absence. Everything you hoped would have saved you has failed. I forced your lawyer to play your hand long before you would have liked him to... You have NOTHING left. Ron's little jab toward Jake finally sends him over the edge. Jake nudges his lawyer out of the way, and goes to opposite side of the table from Ron. Jake slams his hands on the table, and glares right into Ron's eyes.
Jake Starr: Is that right? Have you been able to go around, pulling all of the damn strings, like you always have? Are you succeeding in running the show, like you want? Ron smirks and nods.
Jake Starr: You are so far from right, it isn't even funny. For once in your life, you're completely off of the pulse. You don't even comprehend the fact that your OWN FAMILY is completely sick and disgusted with you. They have FINALLY seen the bullshit that I have had to endure for too long. They're SICK of it, and just like me, they're ready to bring you DOWN. Jake's lawyer begins to feel that Jake is spinning out of control. He puts his hand on top of Jake's shoulder, hoping it'll once again pass along the message that he should calm down. Jake immediately does get the message that his lawyer is pushing across, he immediately stands up straight, and turns toward his lawyer.
Jake Starr: No... Not this time... I'm not calming down. It is time that I speak my mind to this guy. It's something the arbiter needs to hear as well. J. Philip raises his hand off of Jake's shoulder, basically giving Jake the go-ahead, but in his eyes he tries to convince Jake that he should calm down. It's a message Jake receives again, but responds by simply shaking his head, and turning back toward Ron.
Ron, seeing this, feels that this is the time where the world will see the same Jake Starr that he has always seen. Jake's eyes glare on Ron, and he finally unleashes... Jake Starr: Ron, you've always called me a monster, and you've always said I was a bad person. You have always acted like my professional wrestling persona was who I was all of the time. Everyone that knew me, however, knew that it was complete bullshit. All of the people who truly know me know that I'm an amazing father, and I'm someone who has ALWAYS looked out for my wife and daughter. All along, Ron, it was YOU who were wrong about who I am, and not the other way around. I have ALWAYS had two facets to my personality... I've had the wrestler, and the family man. You never decided to acknowledge one of those two sides of me, and yet, you never even met the other. You flat out met the family man, and you thought it was the wrestler. Never once has the wrestler met you... UNTIL TODAY! Jake looks in the direction of the arbiter.
Jake Starr: I don't care if you don't like hearing me for who I am professionally, but... Jake points at Ron.
Jake Starr: ... this man, however, has brought it out of me. It's time for me to simply say everything that is on my mind about this man, and believe me, it's good that it's going on the record. Jake then turns back to Ron.
Jake Starr: Ron... You've been a thorn in my damn side for too long now. You've gone out of your way to try and screw me over, and ruin my family. You're an asshole, and you're a selfish one at that. I've put up with you screwing me over, and trying to drive a wedge between Roeper and I. Guess what, dummy... It didn't work! After you lost that battle, you turned your attention to my daughter, and guess what dick... That is failing too. I will tell you this... If you ever tried this when I was in an arena, you would have been bitch slapped into so many backstage sets, you would have lived your life in a black and blue mess. You would have had a crash course in who Jake Starr is when he's on the road, and not only would you have realized that you wouldn't be able to hang with the professional wrestlers, but more importantly, you would be so fucking scared of me, you'd almost BEG to be deployed to Iraq-istan for an easier time. Jake takes a deep breath.
Jake Starr: But... That man isn't the man who goes home and changes his daughter's diaper or kisses his wife goodnight. That man is the man who is willing to go out of his fucking way to make sure anyone who crosses me pays for it. There's a Social Misfit inside of me who REALLY wants to tear into you, and show you what it's like to feel even more threatened. There is a BOILING DESIRE inside of me to fix wrongdoings. Unfortunately for you, and your case for that matter, I can completely control it. If I couldn't, then I would flat out say you'd have a hell of a case. If I was a monster full time, then you know, I'd understand your concern for the safety of your daughter and granddaughter, but I'm not. I'm capable of distinguishing personal and professional lifestyles. Apparently unlike you, I don't feel the need to bring work home and treat my family like coworkers... Or little soldiers for that matter! The slight against Ron gets under his skin yet again.
Ron Hart: How DARE you? Seeing that he's getting to Ron brings a smirk to Jake's face. He knows he's getting to Ron, and can't wait to disrespect him more.
Jake Starr: At ease, soldier! You brought this on yourself, Ron! You wanted to meet the Social Misfit, and act like you know him, well this is your chance, mister! The fact of matter is that I am not putting up any of your shit any longer. Once this verdict is issued, you will be forced to simply stay away. Once the verdict is read, all you'll get to do is enjoy stories from others, rather than having experiences of your own. Jake leans across the table, and is able to get his mouth right within earshot of Ron's ear.
Jake Starr: ... Once the verdict is read, I win! Ron growls and snarls, as Jake leans back up with a cocky, "Social Misfit-esque" grin on his face.
After standing all the way up, he turns back to the arbiter. Jake Starr: What you just saw was my persona from a professional standpoint. Hiding it from you would have been ignorant of me because it is part of me, and it's shown all over televisions worldwide during any and all SCW and OWF broadcasts. When I go home, that guy doesn't. He stays at work. I sometimes have emotions that carry over, sadness, disappointment, happiness, but in front of my wife and kid, he doesn't exist. In Ron's eyes, however, they're all one person. By the fact Ron is still sitting her silently and obviously blindsided, in my mind, proves that Ron had NO IDEA who the true Social Misfit was. I wanted to show Ron, and remove ANY doubt from his mind that my in-ring lifestyle isn't the man who is his son-in-law. If it reflects badly, then I'm OK with that because I know Ron is now "enlightened." I had a point to prove to Ron, and it was one I will now have to live with. Ultimately, I know that whether it's here or in court, I will win this battle, and the nightmare WILL be over... But this was ABSOLUTELY necessary for me to finally fight back! The arbiter is completely stunned. She looks over at Jake's lawyer to see what he has to say. The lawyer, too, is taken aback by Jake's decision to go all out, like he did. He can only muster one simple statement.
J. Philip Brown: Well... I guess we rest our case, too. Arbiter: Well, I believe that I have definitely heard enough of this bickering, and I'm ready to begin reviewing all of the evidence that both sides have presented. I'll also take into account what I've heard as well. I believe that if there is a need for any kind of further discussion or evidence, I will be convening another meeting with very explicit instructions on what the mission is, and what I expect each side to present. If I can render a decision without that being necessary, however, then I will render that judgment and it will be mailed out via certified mail. With those final words, the arbiter stacks up her belongings, and makes a quick exit from the room. The tension and the personal bickering was more than she really cared to deal with, and ultimately she felt that by letting them air their grievances, and present their evidence, she could get out of their, and get a decision rendered in a much more controlled atmosphere than what would happen in that room.
After she leaves, Ron and Jake continue to stare one another down, and Jake ultimately begins to grin. He feels he's given Ron enough doubt, and enough of a taste of who "both" Jake Starrs are. It's a realization that Jake hopes will ultimately haunt Ron, and make him realize that he was the one who caused all of these bad things to happen and caused the rift to grow as it has. If Ron is forced to think about that very fact maybe, just maybe, he'll grow up and eventually make it possible for them to be a family down the road. Jake Starr: The Apocalypse came and went, much like many other predictions of said event have gone, with a bit of a fizzle. Many were going around shocked, wondering what possessed me to NOT go out and get involved in the main event. Many people have come up to me and basically said I blew smoke up their asses for not following through with what I said I would do. Those people feel that maybe I just was lying, hoping to get some attention for myself. Heh... I have had the attention all along. Going into Apocalypse, my plans were clear. My plans were to go in there, and completely make the world wonder what I would do. I wanted people to see me compete, BEAT Memphis Cade, and then spend the rest of the night questioning what would happen next. I wanted these people to sit around and think, "When will Jake Starr strike?" and, "Who will he go after?" I wanted those thoughts to continually race through every fan in attendance, but more importantly, every member of that match. I wanted people to always be glancing over their shoulders, and not fully have any moment where they could devote EVERY minute of their attention to that match. Ultimately, I wanted everyone distracted... And I succeeded! Now... Believe me... The urge was there... Jake lifts the chair up, and begins to admire it as the weapon od destruction that he wields.
As I stood in the back and watched the main event unfold, I grabbed the chair tighter and tighter. I had this unmistakable urge to go out there, and just flip shit on everyone but Tommy and watch him pin Cruze, then pin that heifer, Syren. I wanted to go out there so bad. I wanted to just see the look of shear terror on their faces when they began to realize I was out to steal their chance of winning. It would have been so much fun to see Syren, Lucas, and Cruze all have to have their lives go into slow motion, as the chair was moments from cracking them over the skull... Jake lowers the chair back to his side, all along letting the callous grin continue to grow on his face.
... Oh it would have been so much fun! BUT... I wasn't there for fun that night. I was there to make a statement. More importantly, I knew that if I went out there and gave Tommy a win like that it PROBABLY wouldn't go over well. See, Tommy and David are very proud guys. They would have a slight beef that I didn't let them earn it themselves, so I refrained. Besides... The mental game did what I wanted it to anyway. I know that "The Bob's" were worrying about what I might do, and ultimately, I'm sure he had to change his Depends throughout the night because of incontinence, and being severely frightened... Which I must tell you is a TERRIBLE combination, but that is beside the point! He was constantly sending people to keep an eye on me, and while he didn't part anyone outside my door, or constantly in the same room with me, he did what he thought he had to, to ensure I "behaved." So, it was the option of annoy or piss off Tommy, AND trudge through "The Bob's" cavalcade of narcs, I figured I'd simply make everyone sweat. Everything I thought about and planned out went off without a hitch. I made sure the B-O-R-E-D of Directors knew EXACTLY that they weren't going to simply order how I was going to act, and get away with it. I wanted them to realize that crossing me, dissing me, and treating me as disrespectfully as they have, comes with severe consequences. I wanted to show those pieces of garbage just what they had been purposely overlooking. I wanted them to realize that no matter how much pressure they put on me, I would put it right back, 3 fold! And that is a message I will continue to deliver going forward... See, it didn't all just lead up to some big message at Apocalypse. It wasn't about one night. It wasn't about me hoping that after beating up some nobody would ultimately get these dimwits to show me some some love. No, it was about more. It was about something bigger, and something better. It's about showing the world that Jake Starr isn't gone from contention. It's about PROVING that I have deserved a World Title shot for SOME TIME now, and it's been purposely pushed away from me by some people with some personal agenda. It's something I'm not OK with, and ultimately, once the exposure takes full effect, nobody else will be either. Many people will feel this is a travesty, and they'll begin to look around and see that it wasn't just me. They'll begin to realize that Jake Starr The world will revolt. Those who've been held down will rise up as well. It takes a martyr to be the one who starts the revolution, and believe me, I'm destined for martyrdom! Jake stretches his neck out to each side. Deep down, the thought of continuing his rampage brings him a lot of glee and happiness. He knows that it would continue to make the Board of Director's job twice as difficult, but at the same time could prolong the inevitable. He also knows if he stops, he runs the risk of simply being forgotten once again. It's almost as if his brain is fighting itself, with each side truly feeling that it's the right call. The analytical side believes that Jake's rash decisions could truly harm his chances, and ultimately leave him in a hole he cannot crawl out of, while the impulsive side believes he's doing EXACTLY what he needs to be doing. Rather than listen to this internal squabble, he continues to move forward in his quest to remove ANY doubt of who is the "cock of the wok" in SCW.
But like I said... Apocalypse wasn't the ending, it was merely another facet of my long-standing plan, here. I know that beating Memphis Cade isn't going to help turn "The Bob's" around. I know it's going to take something on a far grander scale. I know that it's going to take me doing the LAST thing they want to see me do... I'm pinning Syren on Breakdown! I didn't stutter... I didn't misspeak... I didn't talk out of my ass, like I'm sometimes known to do. Instead, I did something else that I am very well known for doing, I spoke the gospel of what WILL be happening. See, when the event for Breakdown was announced, I know exactly what the bookers were hoping for. They were hoping for a time when I could simply be put in my place, not just by the Paper Champion, herself, but also by the likes of Adam Allocco, and his little "Mini Me." They thought that they would be able to put the collective brain matter of Nickelodeon Gak on a team together, and it would be able to finally shut me up. They thought that such a "dynamic" group would be able to take me down a few notches. Unfortunately, they kind of screwed up. They kind of stuck me on a team with two men who, well, know how to work with me. They put me on a team with guys who have shown that they truly have my back through thick and thin. They reunited The Brotherhood! Now, collectively I'll admit, we haven't been very close lately. I'll admit that we have gone down two very separate paths. The Next Level returned to its ways, and Jake Starr forged on alone. Honestly, throughout that whole time, I felt a sense that they threw me to the wolves, and basically washed their hands of me. I felt that, in their eyes, they needed to move on, and move away from me. It was something that pained me inside, but I just dealt with. Even though they moved on, and I thought it kind of sucked for me, I never once doubted that, if need be, they would be there for me if necessary. I knew that if I ever got into a real bind, and needed someone to help me out, they would be there. It's why, no matter where they were, or what path they walked down, they were always my brothers... And guess what, now they get to watch out for me, and I for them. Think about the history there. Think about how Syren played that critical role in bringing The Brotherhood to its knees, and almost dismantling us completely. Think about how she was what caused the rift between David and myself. It's something that almost screams "perfection." These bookers had to have been thinking that I would walk in with animosity toward these guys, and believe me, I have some bitter feelings about this feeling of alienation, but guess what, in life, no matter who your friends are, or who your family is, there is going to be some rocky parts of life that you don't like. There will be moments where you feel like you want to just shake the shit out of them, and ask them what in the hell they were thinking. But in the end, they're still your friends, they're still your family, and yes, they're still my brothers. So regardless of what they hoped I would be doing, and how they hoped I would be feeling, I'm anxious, and I'm prepared. I'm psyched because it's going to have that moment of nostalgia, and give the crowd a feeling that they haven't had in some time. It's going to have that moment where merchandise sales get to have a boost from those leftover "Brotherhood" t-shirts they had lying in stock, and ultimately, it's going to be a moment when we all get to stand there, together, victorious. But having said that... I did mention that I was going to be the one pinning Syren, right? I did mention that I'm going out there to make a statement, right? I know I did! Jake points over his left shoulder, and a box appears. It replays his statement from moments ago, "I'm pinning Syren on Breakdown," and Jake nods. He then lowers his pointing hand and continues.
See... Told ya! Now, for once, I'm going to admit that I'm going out there with a bit of a personal agenda. I'm not going out to screw Tommy or David out of anything, don't get me wrong here. I have nothing but their best interests in mind. I plan on making us win. I plan on doing everything possible to ensure The Brotherhood walks away, laughing all the way to the bank. But that's the thing... I plan on doing this, and I plan on putting Syren's shoulders on the mat. There's a reason for this, too... Since I've gone on my little "quest" to make things right, I have been willing to go to whatever lengths are necessary in order to get my message across to the Bored of Directors. I've been willing to step up and make sure I shut down ANY argument they may think they have over me. They thought Thirteen would shut me down. They thought some STUPID and UNNECESSARY tournament would keep me from going for what I want, and they were wrong both times. Now, they hope that the world will see Tommy and David carry me, so they can simply say, "'The Next Level' was the driving and most successful part of The Brotherhood, and not Jake Starr." They want it to be a night where Tommy and David can showcase their talent, and ultimately give themselves more cause going forward, leaving me further in their wake. They figure that I'll be so hung up on my past with each of these guys, that I'll do something that gives my partners the chance to score that big win. Sorry folks... Not happening! Not this time. See, when I go into this match, I know I have friends watching my back, but they also know what this could mean for me. They know that I've been held down for a while, and they know I'm out to change it. They expect me to go balls to the wall. They know me well enough to know that I see this is as a chance to shut down critics, not just by beating two people I have shown up recently, but by showing up the one person who the Bored thinks was worthy of being HANDED something she NEVER earned. This is my chance to show up the Paper Champion, herself. It's something I'm not passing up, or letting anyone trump me on. She's mine! I know that even when I shut her down, and I put her shoulders to the mat for three seconds, the Bored will find a way to spin it, saying I didn't do it alone. Well the fact is, I'll make sure things aren't fuzzy to them. I'll make sure things are crystal fucking clear. I'll make sure that going into Under Attack, they will be pushed to make sure Jake Starr's name is somehow included in the top of the billing. They'll realize that Jake Starr will have taken down their precious World Champion, and done so in a manner that they cannot dispute. I will make sure Breakdown is my moment. I will make sure that everyone, even Tommy and David, look at me and wonder why I haven't been where I belong. When Syren realizes what happens, embarrassment will set in for her. She'll realize that all of her hype will have been brought down to reality by the ONE MAN who has been a thorn in her side since the DAY she stepped into SCW. She's going to realize that, not only have I been rising in the polls because I've been winning, but because I'm still the best fucking thing here. I'm still THE GUY who stepped up, in SCW, and took the 2 for 1 Special by storm. I'm still the guy who brought Hurse down to reality. I'm still a member of the ONLY team that has ever beaten Dark Fantasy! Jake goes to conclude, but realizes that there could very well be a situation where he's forced to take out one of the other members of that team. It's something that he's vaguely considered, and hopes to avoid. He hopes that by pinning Syren, it'll mean more. But nevertheless, the possibility of something different is there.
But now, on the off chance Syren decides she's going to bail, and leave Allocco and Cade in there all by their lonesomes, my plan will have to be altered a bit. See, I wouldn't put it past her to know what is going to happen, see the writing on the wall, and cut bait, and head to the locker rooms early. And if that happens, then I'll be forced to simply do what I've already done, and I'll have to take out Allocco or Cade, whichever decides that they want to play the role of "victim." Because you have to understand, if it comes down to me having to take out one of the members of the "Bromance," then so be it. I've done it before, and I'll do it again. Cade tried to step up to the "big boy" leagues at Apocalypse, and look how he turned up? Allocco, he tried to prove he didn't hold a fluke of a victory over me, but again, look how he turned up? It's a simple fact, here. This is a tag team match, where I have a very singular-minded mentality. I am looking at this, admittedly, from a selfish standpoint, because I've stood back too long and let the world pass me by. I let others have that selfish mentality, and look where they got... They got ahead. So fuck it, it's my turn. It's my turn to be selfish, and my turn to continue MY QUEST for respect, and the championship that I covet. So if Syren runs like a vagina with legs, and what I'm having to deal with Cade and Allocco, fine... The day will be mine... Fin |
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