Chapter 8: Making the Rounds
Jan 29, 2022 20:03:06 GMT -5
Carter Shaw, Holden Ross, and 1 more like this
Post by Chronic Chris Page on Jan 29, 2022 20:03:06 GMT -5
CHAPTER 8: Making some Rounds
Continued from: Who am I?
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“I know it’s going to be tough to pull off but we’re going to get it done.” The voice of Chris Page brings our scene in as we are at his Tampa, Florida estate where we find Chris packing a travel bag for what’s going to be a very long week.
CHRIS PAGE: Nobody knows more than I do how important the next several days are for CCPE than I do.
Hello friends,
I wish I could say you should know who I am… but considering JC Keeton is the example that’s going to be set I believe it’s safe to say you didn’t pay attention. Why would you? It’s JC KEETON! It’s not like the guy is out there setting the wrestling world on fire by any means, am I right? He’s the same dude that every time he throws a dagger in my direction it’s a legit rehash of what he had to say LAST-FUCKING-YEAR on a cruise ship.
The dude wouldn’t know originality if it walked up and slapped him in the face.
I mean, I would call him a broken record but even they have some value.
CHRIS PAGE: I mean I don’t know what you want me to say. I’ve been going ninety to nothing over the last three months setting all this up for success by hand-selecting everyone that I’ve brought into this Enterprise. Everyone from Mac, Sebastian, Flynn, Montouri, Sahara, all the way down is tied to various companies that all are under a false narrative that they are the best. Put your money where your mouth is. Chris throws the last item into the suitcase, he zips his bag on his California King. He turns attention to his floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tampa Bay as the sun is setting off in the distance.
CHRIS PAGE: The reality of this situation rests with making money while showing the world that change is possible within a business that constricts itself.
Let’s go back to where this story began, hmm? The TFCC is an incredible concept from a brilliant mind in the business for a supershow of sorts. Anytime you rely on talent that isn’t under any contract you’re going to have people back out at the last minute; wasn’t that the case for you JC? Your opponent backed out, and after what I’ve seen from you over the last several weeks I can completely understand why! The tweet came across my screen, I answered the call along with Graham, I showed up, stole the show, match of the weekend, while you picked up a victory under some false pretense that I give a flying fuck about it.
Did you pin me? Nope.
Did you pick up my pieces? Yep.
Here’s a cookie.
CHRIS PAGE: Listen, I got to go but I don’t want you or anyone else to worry about me or the schedule I cut. I am the workhorse of professional wrestling, now is the time to prove it.
How dumb is it to call a guy fat or out of shape when that guy is three inches taller and twenty-three pounds heavier? It baffles my mind how guys like you; the younger generation, have the intelligence of fucking slugs when it comes to war of the words. It truly goes to show that you have no idea who I REALLY am or what I’m capable of. Brings a smile to my face because I just as easily call you Brandon Moore, Todrick Ramsey, Aidan Reynolds, The Cool Kids, or any other younger talent I’ve been in the ring with over the last several months for no other reason than CLEARLY, you all took the same promo class when training. That teacher should be fired. Being generic is a choice you’ve elected to make.
CHRIS PAGE: I love you too. Chris hung up the phone before letting out a deep sigh. Over the last several weeks’ life has gotten a little complicated with the emergence of his long-lost mother coupled with the return of his son he had not seen in almost a decade.
CHRIS PAGE: JEN! His voice rang out of his bedroom. Several seconds later his personal assistant, Jen O’teri hurries into the room.
CHRIS PAGE: Is the car ready?
JEN: Yes.
CHRIS PAGE: Jet ready?
JEN: Yes.
CHRIS PAGE: Have them get the bags, it's time to go.
Washington, D.C. and Action Pro is the second stop of the CCPE coming out party following Mac Bane successfully retaining the SCW World Title last Sunday. This is a small step within a bigger equation that’s going to run throughout the weekend into next week, but a step nonetheless, I just wish it was engaged with someone that gives a shit about what they’re doing versus standing on the sidelines professing to be one of the best. Question. Mr. Keeton, when was the last time you wrestled a match in Action Pro? When was the last time you’ve wrestled a match anywhere for that matter?
More importantly, what’s next?
I can’t speak for you but after I embarrass you on your own turf I’ll be shooting over to Fight’s Blood Money 2 event; don’t pretend like you nor everyone else on this roster didn’t know about it AND elected not to take part… but you’re one of the bests, right? You’re so cutting-edge that sticking to the waters you’re accustomed to swimming in makes you something to anyone with a half of a brain. Not only do I have that to contend with, but I'm also headlining the FASTEST sellout of the Denzel Porter Invitational while they created a third night so guys like you didn’t feel left out.
#bettheunder
I’ve got a showdown with one of the best in the business today, Dickie Watson.
… but what about you?
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Chris was headed to Revolution 5 but made a stop in Detroit, Michigan along the way. There was a small coffee shop on the east of the city that CCP frequented as a child growing up in the area. We join Chris as he sits at a corner table, back to the door sipping a cup of black coffee.
“I wasn’t going to come.” Chris raised his head hearing the voice that rocked his world just a week ago.
CHRIS PAGE: I’m glad you did. Chris slides his chair back, gets up, and stands face to face with his thirty-year-old son, Andy. There’s an awkward silence between the two until Chris motions for him to have a seat. Sit. Chris retakes his seat while Andy takes a seat across the table. A waitress walks over only to see Andy wave her off with his hand.
ANDY: I was shocked you called me so quickly, you didn’t seem overly thrilled I showed up with Stevie at granddads gravesite.
CHRIS PAGE: Shocked is a better choice of words. It’s been ten years since I last saw you and it was the first time, I met my mother. Put yourself in my shoes and then tell me how you’d react. Getting hit with a double whammy wasn’t my idea of fun. Chris says before taking a sip from his coffee cup.
ANDY: Have you talked to grandmother since? Andy asks with a sense of genuine thought.
CHRIS PAGE: Briefly, which is kinda why I’m here. I told her that the three of us could sit down later next week in New York; the problem is between bookings I’m in Washington and Iceland over the weekend, back to Orlando for another show. The only way I can make all this work is if you come with me.
ANDY: What makes you think I want to travel?
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy being on the road back in the day.
ANDY: I’m not the same guy I was back then, dad. Chris leans against the back of the chair as he looks over at his son.
CHRIS PAGE: I’m trying here, Andy. Meet me halfway.
The schedule I elect to cut was recently brought up in an attempt to do what, exactly? Further, establishing why I am looked at as one of the best of the best that doesn’t confine myself to one or two singular places? That I can outwrestle just about anyone on the planet? That I can light up any federation like it’s the 4th of July? This isn’t about my age, it’s not about my body, this is all about a young kid that is under this delusion that he is better than me. Prove it. I stepped into your world because you wouldn’t step into mine just like I’ve done with several others, shutting their mouths in the process.
CHRIS PAGE: Hit up Washington, Iceland, and Orlando with me. We can use this as a way to catch up on things. Andy let out a deeper sigh as he contemplated his next answer.
ANDY: If I do this and decide that you’re the same prick you were back then I want to know if I’m going to be free to leave at any point.
CHRIS PAGE: Of course. I think you’ll be very surprised just how much things can change with time. I’m not the same guy I was back then, and if you allow me to prove it… I will.
I’ve made light of the young Keeton being the equivalent of a charity case for me. Unlike most of you with irons in a few fires, I’m worldwide. This isn’t anything but an easy payday for someone like me; not that money is an option but collecting that Action money while cramming my boot so far up JC’s ass that his goddamn parents will question the conception is a bonus. I understand that when I walk through those doors, I’m in hostile territory. Doesn’t faze me.
I also understand that JC’s back is further against that wall than mine ever could be.
The pressure is on you to cash those checks that you have written from all your trolling on Twitter, all the third-grade babble you’ve elected to spit while I am onto bigger and better things after giving you some of my time. You aren't anything more than a means to end as I’m on my road to beheading what many call the “goat” as you sat back licking your wounds over the last month I’ve been touring, I’ve been in the ring with some of the best and the brightest, I have maintained forward momentum while you have just squandered anything you had going for you.
So who has the most to lose within this situation?
I will wait.
ANDY: Fine. Andy finally responds that brings a smile on the face of Chris Page before he responds.
CHRIS PAGE: Awesome!
ANDY: When do we leave? Chris shifts his head towards the coffee counter.
CHRIS PAGE: Check, please. Turning back towards Andy he then continues. Now. Chris finishes the cup of coffee as a check is brought over to the table by a waitress.
ANDY: I haven’t even packed anything.
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t need to. We can grab shit on the road.
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Having my son present for what is sure to be the biggest coming-out party any management company has ever had given me the warm fuzzies, more so with it being CCPE’s taking center stage. Most of you are under the delusion that I’ve surrounded myself with people better than me. Well, DUH! I’m not in my prime, I’m moving on within my career by selecting the next crop of talent that will lead this profession for the next twenty years like I’ve done the previous twenty. Not being in my prime is something else that JC should find concerning with all the bullshit he’s thrown over the last several months. How are you going to look yourself in the mirror knowing that this old, fat man just cleaned your fucking clock in the middle of that ring where it matters?
You don’t have a Graham to fall back on. It’s me and you; man versus bitch.
While you’re my charity case doesn’t mean that I’m not going to thoroughly enjoy smacking you around from one side of my ring to the other. You don’t get to use my name to make yourself relevant within the small ponds you’re swimming in. I bet you’re thanking your lucky stars that security removed me from the building last week or else you wouldn’t have your name on the marquee now. Don’t get the sour grapes when I boast and brag about this little notch being added to my belt… no… wait… I gain about as much from that as I have since granted you this opportunity, nothing.
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“Hold on, so you’re telling him that you’ve created some Enterprise?” Andy asked as the scene opened in Washington, D.C. at the National Library. Both Chris and his son are bundled up as they are standing outside the fence looking at the White House.
CHRIS PAGE: Ten signings with five federation ties, or should I say ten that are known. The two turn around where a limo is waiting for them on the street. There are plenty of tourists gathered, this is a landmark for fucks sake. Pictures are taken of them as they enter the limo.
ANDY: I don’t understand how you do it. Chris shuts the door behind them as they venture on.
CHRIS PAGE: Because contrary to what people might think, it’s not about me anymore. I’m smart enough to know that there’s still a little of that CCP dust that I can sprinkle on all these guys and girls that give a shit about leading by example.
If anyone has remotely paid any attention to what I’ve been doing over the last several months one of the things you’ve heard me say countless times is that leadership is by example. I’m the figurehead of CCP Enterprises; I’ve umbrellaed a plethora of talent that have elected to sit under my learning tree. What kind of message would I send if I didn’t get my hands dirty? If I didn’t step on the front lines? If I didn’t set the example for what is one of the elites within this sport truly is.
I eat, drink, walk, talk, shoot, shit professional wrestling. It’s been good to me. This is how I give back.
CHRIS PAGE: Revolution 5 is about leadership by example. Shutting his mouth is minor in the bigger picture when CCPE has the opportunity to add another Universal Title, a set of Tag Titles, and a virtual unknown between the XWF and Fight. I’m but just such a small piece to a bigger picture that I hope you’ll see. People can change.
ANDY: I hope you’re right.
CHRIS PAGE: There’s no hope in the equation. I don’t have hidden agendas anymore. I’ve come to the point in my career where I’m okay with everything that I’ve accomplished, right now I’m having more fun watching CCPE start to flourish into the polarizing force it’s destined to become. You could have a seat at that table.
ANDY: Dad, I haven’t been in a ring in ten years.
CHRIS PAGE: I didn’t say it had to be as a wrestler. You’re a legacy if you choose to believe it or not. You’re my legacy. Our place is in the business in some form or fashion. It’s up to you if you want to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I might not have been there way back when, but I sure as hell can be here for you now.
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And this is where I’m going to leave you, Mr. Keeton.
You’re the man with something to prove while I’m the man that’s just here for the ride. I gave you the gift of an opportunity to step up and show the world Tara’s cruise wasn’t a fluke. It’s been met with the same sophomoric drivel that’s thrown by everyone else; in that essence, you let me down. I figured your second-generation status such as mine that your old man would have taught you better, but ultimately, you’re a tenth-rate Thaddeus Duke if that didn’t give Thaddeus a bad name. There are no do-overs, there are no excuses, this is me standing across the ring from you where all the talk ends and we separate the men from the boys. I’ve stayed crisp, I’ve stayed sharp, and I’ve stayed relevant within this business based on my reputation mixed with what I bring to the table. I show up, eyes hit your product. It’s pretty fucking simple.
Fourteen minutes and fifty-nine seconds of your fifteen minutes of fame are about up.
The only thing left is for actions to speak. When the smoke clears, when the dust settles, I’ll be easily recognizable… I’ll be the guy that’s blowing you a fucking kiss from the top of the ramp when you wake up after I’ve put you down. The old dog is going to take a nice bite out of the young pup's ass. The one thing I want you to remember when you wake up Monday morning; licking those wounds, trying to muster up any sort of self-respect; you remember that your actions have consequences.
I’m the repercussions of those consequences.
I’m Chris Page.
Good luck, kid. You’re going to need it.
