I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends (691)
Dec 31, 2022 17:40:52 GMT -5
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Post by Alex Marley on Dec 31, 2022 17:40:52 GMT -5
"ALEX!"
Alex Marley jumps from his futon. The same mysterious figure that had convinced him to enter Cruiser Havoc stands before him once again. He dons a black cloak, and his face is obscured by a solid black mask.
"WHOA! What the hell? I haven't even smoked anything today!"
"Okay, first: we both know that's a lie. And second, I'm real. How have you not gathered that?"
Alex reaches out to touch him. Sure enough, his fingers meet the figure's torso.
"Duuuuuuude…."
The mystery man rolls his eyes.
"Okay, now that that's out of the way, we need to talk."
Alex returns to his seat, patting the other side for his guest, who elects to stand.
"About what, bruh? I did what you asked!"
"Yes, you did well! I'm quite proud of your performance, but to say that your task is complete would be far from true."
Marley looks at him, puzzled, and the man continues.
"Look, a single elimination isn't enough, Alex. CruiserClash is in such a dismal state; your joviality must be a constant. You have to shine through all the sorrow."
"Ooookay, and how does one do that?"
"Easy. You take it one step at a time. And it seems like that first step is J.C. Keeton."
Alex's eyes widen!
"Keeton??? Shit man, can't I start with, like, Flop?"
"No. Keeton is perfect. A good showing against Keeton- a win, especially- will prove to everybody that you're really back. Besides, I think you overestimate the man."
"Ha! Overestimate? We're talking about the man who dethroned QDT."
"QDT was bound to lose, eventually. A champion shall not be judged by the beginning of his reign. The quality is much more important, and Keeton hasn't had an important reign yet. Neither lasted much longer than one month. And if that proves nothing, it proves he can be beaten. You just have to be smart about it.
"See, Alex, Keeton is good in the ring, but he's only human. Don't deify him. He's got weaknesses, and if you can use them to your advantage, you're set.
"First and foremost, he lacks conviction. Last year, he made a promise to the world that, if he failed to recapture the title, he'd never wrestle on CruiserClash again. But just one year later, and here he is. Just last week, he promised he would walk out of Havoc, yet again, with the Cruiserweight belt. Yet, he arrives to the season premier, empty-handed. And this man has the nerve to say that he loves this company. In the three years since he's debuted, he's been away for over half. Hell, if Torture hadn't called him back to AW, who'd even know if we'd see his face again."
Alex nods attentively.
"That brings me to weakness #2: I don't think he's as dedicated to AW as he claims. Think about it! He gets fired, and *HE* has to be begged to return. He sticks around for 2 months or so, and then leaves as soon as he's no longer receiving a champ's paycheck. Only to come back for some Havoc money when things dry up. I don't know about you, kid, but that doesn't seem like dedication to the ring. That sounds like a love for money. And as you know, the love for money is the root of all evil.
"And thus we come full circle. You're back in AW for one reason, and one reason only, Alex. To give the fans somebody to root for. Who wants to root for evil?"
"Nobody, I suppose."
Alex looks to be heavily considering his friend's words.
"Precisely. Now, J.C. Keeton will paint you as an easy target. I'd even guess that he asked for this match personally, because he doesn't want to put in the work. And that attitude will be his downfall. See, he may have the strength advantage, but you are quick. You're smart. You can out-wrestle, out-think, and out-last him. And he'll never even see it coming."
A smirk grows on Alex's face.
"You really think I can do it?"
"No."
The smirk shifts into disappointment.
"I know you can. Make me proud, kid."
