That's Not What I Mentos
Dec 12, 2021 2:40:38 GMT -5
CJ Phoenix, Max f'n Daemon, and 1 more like this
Post by Dionysus on Dec 12, 2021 2:40:38 GMT -5
One million dollars.
Locked up in a derelict building, fending off all comers...for one million dollars.
Doesn't seem like all that great of an opportunity for everyone involved, does it?
...
Well, I suppose you're right. I should rise to the occasion when the situation calls for it. Its how I got this far, right? Number one in the Havoc Rumble, a key factor in not one but two of Action Wrestling's biggest factions this year-...Yes, not the only one, before anyone decides to get on my case about it. Tag team champion. Best ass in the business. ...Okay, that one also doesn't really count either, huh?
But what does that say about me? About the year that I've had? I could've been in the Wrestler of the Year tournament, could've won more gold, maybe even get around to finally dealing with that pesky rattling sound whenever I run the air conditioner in my house. Maybe I just didn't want it enough this time around. Maybe there are others waiting in the wings to get their chance; the bastards, the bitches, the maxes and witches, the hatebringers, the despair. And because I tend to put myself at the back of the line, these others will immediately jump ahead.
...Maybe I need to change this outlook. Its been a problem for years for me. I've never really been one that wants to absolutely outshine other people, that I choose my words carefully rather than firing off at the mouth. And sure, these can be admirable traits, but I also know that deep down there is an insatiable hunger for more. Out of this business, out of life, out of...well, everything I suppose. I mean hell, others in my life are moving on too; Daniel winning the Wrestler of the Year tournament, my mother about to be married to my long-time business partner, that investigator whose likely on his next case by now. Hell, I bet my-
But honestly, is one million dollars really enough motivation for anyone to get involved in a match like this? ...Okay, you're right; its probably enough for Max. A chance to dish out more damage, walk away with a large purse, and use that money to buy more publicity for some other match he'd rather be in. Max is the type of guy who will tell you, flat out, whether or not he likes the match-up he sees. And its respectable, in a sense; it shows you have an understanding of your own self-worth. I mean, it isn't exactly enough self-worth to convince yourself that fighting in an abandoned building for cash is probably not the smartest idea, but hey, what are a few increases in premiums to a guy who dishes out punches like Chris Brown at an All You Can Beat Buffet, right? I mean, I get it too; the guy has only the Pure Cup that he's added to his resume for the year. Winning this match would be a big one, considering the other talent lined up.
Now Holden, he's the wild card of the bunch. Currently undefeated, showcasing that hunger and drive that many a superstar joining us here have before the reality sets in to what the talent level is really like. He intrigues me the most, I think; partly because he is an unknown variable, the newcomer with everything to prove, but he also seems more...complicated than he really comes off. Is it reluctance that I see in you wanting to play the role of the villain? Or is it you trying to figure out just what kind of person you want to be in this business? The question is pretty straightforward: without anyone telling you, what do YOU want? Who do YOU want to be? You won't get far here unless you have at least some idea of what your identity is going to be. Hell, even my-
Its a rare treat that I get another opportunity at a man who is on his way out. I'm sure you'd think the same too, right Corey? But truth be told, what more can be said that hasn't been mentioned already? Is this one million going to help set you up for a comfortable retirement? Maybe you'll be able to indulge that midlife crisis you've been putting off for one last ride in the biz. I wonder what that would look like. A new car? Nah, you seem the type that's fine driving any old "gets me from A to B" beater. Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you. Hmm...maybe a boat? Something you could leave at a marina and invite your drinking buddies onto for the occasional fishing. ...Then again, I picture you in your ring gear when you head out to that marina, and it just makes me chuckle. Could be the adrenaline junky lifestyle; bungee jumping, parachuting, hell maybe even hot air ballooning just for a bit of relaxation between jumps. Why not a pilot's license? Plenty for you to consider right there, after all...you just have to get past a bunch of us to get that one mil. But maybe I could lend you some of those winnings, should I win it, to help indulge yourself however you want to.
Ahh, but you can't mention indulgence without talking about Addy in some way shape or form. I'll be honest with you; I like Addy. A no-nonsense gal with a lot of spunk, someone who has truly embraced who they are and what they really want out of life. Maybe take a few notes on that, Holden. ...Oh don't be crass; it isn't anything so simple as me wanting to be more intimate. Its about respect, right? And I respect what she's done as well as what she will do. Hell, it isn't easy racking up wins the way she has recently. Have you seen anyone win a handicap match in such a decisive way? Or be able to beat Regan Voorhees out of a title? ...Okay, maybe that second one wasn't the best example...but still, Addy is good people who, unlike someone I won't mention, I'm glad never ended up under anyone's thumb. It does make me wonder about An-
Can I ask you something? When the hell are they just going to pull the trigger on Claire? Seriously, I have to know. She practically made the television title division her own for years. Literally YEARS. And the result of all that work? What felt like a token appearance in the Wrestler of the Year tournament and a shot at the US title instead. Come on, how much harder do I need to plead to just give Claire the entire goddamn world? ...What, it seems weird that I'm praising people now? You don't seem to know me all that well, do you? There are people that I can like and respect and still want to beat. Truth be told, I haven't had the pleasure of a win over Claire. It'd be nice to have a win over Claire. I'd prefer having a one-on-one win over Claire, but hell, I'll take what I can get. That probably means more to me than the million, I suppose.
Which I suppose just leaves Phoenix. I wonder how he thinks of all these motives for wanting to be involved in this match. A group of people, left to their own devices in a building that is all but abandoned, meant to inflict serious harm for both freedom and a cash prize. I guess there's just a part of me that really will never really get inside his head.
I don't know; what do you think?
...Yeah, you're probably right; it IS a bit boring to have nothing to say about Phoenix. Maybe I keep letting him off easy because of our past. He's had a stellar year; hardcore champion, US champion. I should be happy for him. And yet...there's something different about him. Maybe its that fire he's been trying to grasp all these years. He's finally got the pieces laid out in front of him to be the competitor he's always wanted to be. Phoenix has come a long way since our days in The Brotherhood...and yet...there is something about him I just can't shake. Am I starting to see more of myself in him? A guy who has fully embraced the chaotic nature of this business and he's also just along for the ride?
See, THAT'S the beauty of this match. I can answer all these questions, all these doubts about myself and the others, and still walk out with a fat stack of cash for my troubles. All I need to do is burn the witch, lay the bastard down, love the hatebringer, show hope to the despair, kick Max's ass and fuck the bitch.
...Wait, that's not what I meant-