Post by CJ Phoenix on Jan 30, 2022 14:50:19 GMT -5
Congratulations, Gerard Angelo. You won the tournament and landed yourself a shot at my title. What a story for you, right? A tale that comes around every couple of months here. An upstart pulls off a series of upsets, shocking the crowd as they put the roster, and the world, on notice. A guy that nobody would've picked to be the one to face me ends up being the one to overcome the odds. Now we're at the part where the scrappy challenger tries to get into the champion's head by attempting to convince him that the time in his reign is running out. They hope it gives them just enough of an edge to pull out the upset. After that, they parade about it until they're blue in the face. It's how a lot of people got their legs here....or anywhere in this sport. It's almost like it's....
A ROLE
That's what makes you different from the other "newbies". You're not new, but you know how to play that role, don't you mister "Hollywood Hero"? With no perceived expectations, you have nothing to lose but pride in your first few matches. Even then, you can just make an excuse to try and spin things in your favor. Kinda like you've been doing all month. Ignoring all of the asterisks and saying the right things on the internet to rile up the anger of the fans. You get under their skin to the point that they're begging for someone to put you in your place. Then, a couple of wrestlers step up, declaring that they'll be the ones to teach you some respect and humility, unaware that you're not the oblivious, wet behind the ears rookie that you portray yourself to be. Something like an actor in their mid 20s playing a teenage character. That's how you trap them. Luring them in with your arrogance before overwhelming them with your experience. Perhaps in another division it would've worked, but not here. Not for my title.
You see, Gerard, I'm an improv specialist. I don't follow any scripts, especially not yours. While you may be good at playing your role, I've adapted to being better at playing against it. What? You think you're the first narcissistic prick I've faced that believes it's their time and that they're gonna perform a hostile takeover? You're not even the first one this month. "It's the era of Angelo. Learn to love it." He says. Here's the thing about that. At its core, the 'era of Angelo' is just the latest in the monthly cycle of insecure attention seekers desperately trying to grab as much clout as they can before they crash into the fortress of despair, forcing them to either accept that they have to change or run away like scared bitches with their tails between their legs. Just wait until mid-February when Timbuktu Timmy turns up and claims that it's "Timmy Time!", and then Shawn Jeena shows up in April and now it's his time and so on and so forth. It never ends, but it never goes far, either. Ol' tried and true don't stick like glue. To be honest, Gerard. I'm not even mad at you. I'm not surprised either. I'm just disappointed. You could be a true blockbuster. A game changer worthy of my praise and admiration. Instead, you showed that you're all Hollywood and NO Hero by clinging to the lowest hanging fruit. Taking the easy way out and by trying to stand out as the new, overconfident asshole...but we've got like 30 of those already and we're TIRED man. The people are TIRED after dealing with cretins like you running amok in 2021. Just like how they're TIRED of seeing Batman's parents die in every movie...even the ones that he's not the main character in! They're TIRED of every Madden being a sloppy, 60 dollar roster update to an abysmal mess! That's what you are. An overpriced, 60 dollar roster update to the last few people that came and left with the same "mentality" as yours. I didn't become US Champion so that Action Wrestling could stay in the dark ages of being force fed the same status quo of firecrackers making noise for a second and then disappearing, and I'm damn sure not about to let you get a hold of it and plummet its value back into the cesspool of irrelevance. I hope you have good insurance, because you're gonna need all of the king's men to put you back together after Revolution.
January 27th
1:27PM
Washington, DC
We find ourselves in the nation's capital mere days away from Revolution V. The Luminary of Despair arrived here early to do a bit of sightseeing. His journey has led him to the Smithsonian. While he does observe the historic items inside, there's only one that he truly wants to look at. The Hope Diamond. He tunes out the world as he fixes his gaze upon the legendary object. An apparition of Junko Enoshima appears next to him, tapping away at the box around the diamond as they communicate telepathically.
Junko: I never thought I'd love a 'hope' anything, but this makes for a fine exception.
Phoenix: I'm guessing that's because of its history.
Junko: Bingo. The irony that something with such a positive name and radiant beauty would have such a dark and tragic history is fascinating. Reminds me of myself.
Phoenix: Oh I'm sure it does.
Junko puts her hands on her hips and pouts.
Junko: Hmph. You're just mad it doesn't remind me of you. You're like...the opposite.
Phoenix: You know what? You're right.
Junko: As I tend to be.
Phoenix: I really am becoming the opposite of the Hope Diamond. I'm a symbol of despair, yet I bring despair in a way that provides hope...which fuels even greater despair in an endless cycle of perpetual ascension.
Junko: Hear me out. Steal the diamond and wear it. That way you can have all of the glorious despair that comes with it!
Phoenix: No thanks. Besides, I'd rather be successfully defending my title in a cage Sunday than rotting in a prison cell.
Junko: Suit yourself. Actually, that reminds me. You said this thing was important. What does the Hope Diamond have to do with Revolution?
CJ closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. It's almost as if he still finds himself in disbelief about what he's grown to become.
Phoenix: The benefits of taking the path less traveled.
Junko: Benefits of a cavalcade of quesadillas. See? I can throw words together too.
Phoenix: I'm sure you can, but I'm serious. I've been wondering about why Gerard Angelo would take the approach he has to Action Wrestling.
Junko: You mean being a pompous asshole?
Phoenix: Yeah. I could be wrong, but I feel like he could've been better. That's when I remembered in my studies that he goes by "Hollywood Hero".
Junko: Hollywood? Disgusting.
Phoenix: Very, but think about it. What if he's only doing this because it's the only choice he feels like he has?
Junko puts a finger on her chin.
Junko: You mean like how Hollywood chases certain stereotypes and then forces most of their potential superstars to degrade themselves behind closed doors? Then, when some of those people get tired of hoeing themselves out for a fleeting spotlight, they get turned on. Their image gets attacked until they become a shell of their former selves. You're either a puppet or a punching bag out there.
Phoenix: Pretty much. He may not even like being like this. He just knows it's a popular thing to do, so he's riding the bandwagon. It's a common thing in most industries now. Radio stations play the same 5-10 songs a dozen times a day. Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network just spam Spongebob and Teen Titans GO for a quarter of the day. Madden's had the same Superbowl celebration for half a decade now. He may be so full of himself that he gets high off the smell of his own shit, but he's not that stupid. In fact, I'd even go as far as to say that he's hiding his true self.
Junko: Ooooooh. There's more to him than he's showing huh?
Phoenix: I'm sure of it. He plays the role almost too well. Kinda like how Andrew Lincoln can play Rick Grimes in his sleep, but offscreen he's nothing like him. Gerard's only doing this because he's been out of the game for almost a year. He's falling back on his vices and doing what's comfortable to him, but he's still selling himself short. If he does have any hidden talent left, I have to do more than just defeat him Sunday. I have to leave him locked in the cage with his own realization of failure. That way, when he sees me walking out with the title still around my waist, it'll push him to go beyond the mentality he has...or he'll go to a different division and pretend none of this happened. Either way, I still have work to do. With Hope's Peak Academy AND the United States Title.
Wanna know why I came up with the Trials of Despair, Parasite Angelo? It's part of the winds of change. Not the light breeze from a fan that a self-centered egomaniac points at himself while seeing how many times he can say 'I told you so'. The REAL winds of change that I've worked tirelessly to create and sustain since the moment I won the US Title. A force that creates a follow-wind strong enough to uplift AW and inspire both current and future talents. Not only has this been a prominent tournament that's highlighted Action Wrestling this month, it gave eight people a chance to showcase themselves AND it created a resume for the future.....and you didn't even earn it. You landed a draw in the first round and got an assist in the third. The only reason you got out of the first round is because Bender got stretched too far in the match that HE WON. Despite that, you can at least salvage the fact that the Trials have given you a head start towards pursuing not one, but THREE different titles on Monday Night Clash.
Being able to compete in different match types in such a short time is similar to having to defend a title across Clash and CruiserClash, thus giving you an argument for the CBS Title.
The second trial was a hardcore match. One that you can pat yourself on the back for after you beat an old amnesiac having an identity crisis. That gives you a leg up if you choose to chase the Hardcore Title since you have a bit of experience with those matches now.
Three straight weeks of competing in grueling bouts can make you a household name around here, and line you up for a TV Title match.
You never even considered any of that, did you? Of course not. If you wanna stick to your "era of Angelo" nonsense, take it over there because it will get you nowhere against me. You see, while titles are nothing more than belts until one gifts them value, there are certain aspects that make each Title in Action Wrestling different from the others. The CBS Title is an opportunity for wrestlers to defend against contenders from both shows. The Tag Titles show what happens when forces unite for a common cause. The Hardcore Title draws out the most violent of competitors and fans. The World Title is obviously viewed as the pinnacle of the company. But what about the US Title? It has no definitive role, making it the belt with the most potential. I've been harnessing that potential far better than you could ever hope to. So no. You can't have it. Especially after it spent a year being a high-priced trophy at best and an afterthought not even worth defending at worst. It may have suited you had you arrived last year, but that ship has sailed. Change was long overdue for the state of the United States Title scene and the perception of what it takes to be a successful wrestler. I've taken it upon myself to bring about that change by ripping apart the status quo piece by piece. Do you know what that kind of change is called?
Junko's arm phases through the glass as she tries to swipe the Hope Diamond, but her hand phases through that too.
Junko: Dammit! Stupid rock. Are you sure this thing is as important as you say it is?
Phoenix: I'm certain of it. Every day, people come into this building to observe historical events and artifacts. When they get to this section where the jewelry is, they all do the same thing. They walk by and check out a few diamonds and necklaces. They may glance at the paragraphs mentioning the origin of some of them. However, every time they reach the Hope Diamond, they don't slow down. They stop. They stop because this diamond is so much different than the others. Those extra moments could change lives in Action Wrestling. Everything I do, from the Trials of Despair to the Hope's Peak Academy project to whatever I come up with next, is all for those extra moments. Not for me, but for those watching. Waiting. Wishing they could be a part of something greater, but not knowing if they could reach it because they're afraid it wouldn't be accepted. The Hope Diamond didn't care about that. By name, one would assume that it's a symbol of hope, love, joy, or some other positive emotion. If it was, it would just be another lucky trinket in a museum. However, since it's the opposite, it finds itself in a class of its own. That's what sets me apart from the rest of the roster. Without context, someone that calls themselves the Luminary of Despair could easily be seen as a hedonist that is only capable of being that. I may have started there, but I'm far from it now.
Junko: Sucks for you. I like being a hedonist, but you believe that you not being one will change people? I mean, it has so far, so I guess it's working.
Phoenix: Right. The fact that I've gone this far away from the path that I'm supposed to stereotypically go down and still managed to be a champion makes me living proof that you don't have to do the popular thing to be successful. In those moments where people are on the fence about pursuing their own goals, they can look to me and gain hope that they too can succeed. Even if they trip and fall along the way, it's better than never trying and always wondering what could have been.
Junko: Aha! So you want them to try so that they can fail! That's BRILLIANT!! I knew you could plunge the world into despair!
Phoenix: That's only half of it. I don't want them to fail so that they can give up. I want them to have the courage to try so that even if they fail, they have the drive to get back up and keep trying. The despair comes from the failure, and the comes from the resiliency.
Junko: You really got all of that from looking at a shiny rock. I'm impressed.
Phoenix: Part of my training. I'm not just pushing myself beyond my physical limitations. I'm pushing myself creatively as well. That's how I'll get the most out of being the United States Champion. Speaking of which, we should leave. I have a defense to prepare for.
Nothing's gonna stop me from continuing to change Action Wrestling for the better. Not any hundred page excuses for losing to me. Not anyone thinking they understand despair to the degree that I do, and certainly not some self-proclaimed "living legend". If being a journeyman coasting off of a few wins in different places makes you a legend, then Ryan Fitzpatrick is the greatest quarterback of all time. At least in his case, he's fun to be around. In your case, you'll be fun to beat down. When Revolution 5 is over, you will have received a few things, but none of them will be my US Title. Instead, you'll gain nothing but cuts, bruises, a stretcher to rush what's left of you to an ambulance, and a crippling case of Cleithrophobia. That's the fear of being trapped by the way. Figured I'd tell you since you're gonna have nightmares about being trapped in a cage until you're a "no-longer-living legend".
If you want to see a true living legend, perhaps you should go to the Smithsonian and check out the Hope Diamond. I'm certain you've heard of it. Out of all the historic jewelry in that building, that one's the most well-known because like me, and unlike you, it dares to be different while you're just one of the 129 little diamonds on the Hooker Emerald that sign up to whore out as much spotlight as they can before they get pummeled and fade into obscurity just as quickly as they showed up. Oh, what's that? You've never heard of the Hooker Emerald? That's okay. Most of the fans will feel the same way about you in a few months. This Sunday, I'm ending the era of Angelo before it gets a chance to take flight. But hey, at least you'll be remembered as the lucky guy who got to be sacrificed at the end of the Trials of Despair. Congratulations.
A ROLE
That's what makes you different from the other "newbies". You're not new, but you know how to play that role, don't you mister "Hollywood Hero"? With no perceived expectations, you have nothing to lose but pride in your first few matches. Even then, you can just make an excuse to try and spin things in your favor. Kinda like you've been doing all month. Ignoring all of the asterisks and saying the right things on the internet to rile up the anger of the fans. You get under their skin to the point that they're begging for someone to put you in your place. Then, a couple of wrestlers step up, declaring that they'll be the ones to teach you some respect and humility, unaware that you're not the oblivious, wet behind the ears rookie that you portray yourself to be. Something like an actor in their mid 20s playing a teenage character. That's how you trap them. Luring them in with your arrogance before overwhelming them with your experience. Perhaps in another division it would've worked, but not here. Not for my title.
I'm not here to teach you respect, and I don't give a fuck about your lack of humility.
January 27th
1:27PM
Washington, DC
We find ourselves in the nation's capital mere days away from Revolution V. The Luminary of Despair arrived here early to do a bit of sightseeing. His journey has led him to the Smithsonian. While he does observe the historic items inside, there's only one that he truly wants to look at. The Hope Diamond. He tunes out the world as he fixes his gaze upon the legendary object. An apparition of Junko Enoshima appears next to him, tapping away at the box around the diamond as they communicate telepathically.
Junko: I never thought I'd love a 'hope' anything, but this makes for a fine exception.
Phoenix: I'm guessing that's because of its history.
Junko: Bingo. The irony that something with such a positive name and radiant beauty would have such a dark and tragic history is fascinating. Reminds me of myself.
Phoenix: Oh I'm sure it does.
Junko puts her hands on her hips and pouts.
Junko: Hmph. You're just mad it doesn't remind me of you. You're like...the opposite.
Phoenix: You know what? You're right.
Junko: As I tend to be.
Phoenix: I really am becoming the opposite of the Hope Diamond. I'm a symbol of despair, yet I bring despair in a way that provides hope...which fuels even greater despair in an endless cycle of perpetual ascension.
Junko: Hear me out. Steal the diamond and wear it. That way you can have all of the glorious despair that comes with it!
Phoenix: No thanks. Besides, I'd rather be successfully defending my title in a cage Sunday than rotting in a prison cell.
Junko: Suit yourself. Actually, that reminds me. You said this thing was important. What does the Hope Diamond have to do with Revolution?
CJ closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. It's almost as if he still finds himself in disbelief about what he's grown to become.
Phoenix: The benefits of taking the path less traveled.
Junko: Benefits of a cavalcade of quesadillas. See? I can throw words together too.
Phoenix: I'm sure you can, but I'm serious. I've been wondering about why Gerard Angelo would take the approach he has to Action Wrestling.
Junko: You mean being a pompous asshole?
Phoenix: Yeah. I could be wrong, but I feel like he could've been better. That's when I remembered in my studies that he goes by "Hollywood Hero".
Junko: Hollywood? Disgusting.
Phoenix: Very, but think about it. What if he's only doing this because it's the only choice he feels like he has?
Junko puts a finger on her chin.
Junko: You mean like how Hollywood chases certain stereotypes and then forces most of their potential superstars to degrade themselves behind closed doors? Then, when some of those people get tired of hoeing themselves out for a fleeting spotlight, they get turned on. Their image gets attacked until they become a shell of their former selves. You're either a puppet or a punching bag out there.
Phoenix: Pretty much. He may not even like being like this. He just knows it's a popular thing to do, so he's riding the bandwagon. It's a common thing in most industries now. Radio stations play the same 5-10 songs a dozen times a day. Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network just spam Spongebob and Teen Titans GO for a quarter of the day. Madden's had the same Superbowl celebration for half a decade now. He may be so full of himself that he gets high off the smell of his own shit, but he's not that stupid. In fact, I'd even go as far as to say that he's hiding his true self.
Junko: Ooooooh. There's more to him than he's showing huh?
Phoenix: I'm sure of it. He plays the role almost too well. Kinda like how Andrew Lincoln can play Rick Grimes in his sleep, but offscreen he's nothing like him. Gerard's only doing this because he's been out of the game for almost a year. He's falling back on his vices and doing what's comfortable to him, but he's still selling himself short. If he does have any hidden talent left, I have to do more than just defeat him Sunday. I have to leave him locked in the cage with his own realization of failure. That way, when he sees me walking out with the title still around my waist, it'll push him to go beyond the mentality he has...or he'll go to a different division and pretend none of this happened. Either way, I still have work to do. With Hope's Peak Academy AND the United States Title.
Wanna know why I came up with the Trials of Despair, Parasite Angelo? It's part of the winds of change. Not the light breeze from a fan that a self-centered egomaniac points at himself while seeing how many times he can say 'I told you so'. The REAL winds of change that I've worked tirelessly to create and sustain since the moment I won the US Title. A force that creates a follow-wind strong enough to uplift AW and inspire both current and future talents. Not only has this been a prominent tournament that's highlighted Action Wrestling this month, it gave eight people a chance to showcase themselves AND it created a resume for the future.....and you didn't even earn it. You landed a draw in the first round and got an assist in the third. The only reason you got out of the first round is because Bender got stretched too far in the match that HE WON. Despite that, you can at least salvage the fact that the Trials have given you a head start towards pursuing not one, but THREE different titles on Monday Night Clash.
Being able to compete in different match types in such a short time is similar to having to defend a title across Clash and CruiserClash, thus giving you an argument for the CBS Title.
The second trial was a hardcore match. One that you can pat yourself on the back for after you beat an old amnesiac having an identity crisis. That gives you a leg up if you choose to chase the Hardcore Title since you have a bit of experience with those matches now.
Three straight weeks of competing in grueling bouts can make you a household name around here, and line you up for a TV Title match.
You never even considered any of that, did you? Of course not. If you wanna stick to your "era of Angelo" nonsense, take it over there because it will get you nowhere against me. You see, while titles are nothing more than belts until one gifts them value, there are certain aspects that make each Title in Action Wrestling different from the others. The CBS Title is an opportunity for wrestlers to defend against contenders from both shows. The Tag Titles show what happens when forces unite for a common cause. The Hardcore Title draws out the most violent of competitors and fans. The World Title is obviously viewed as the pinnacle of the company. But what about the US Title? It has no definitive role, making it the belt with the most potential. I've been harnessing that potential far better than you could ever hope to. So no. You can't have it. Especially after it spent a year being a high-priced trophy at best and an afterthought not even worth defending at worst. It may have suited you had you arrived last year, but that ship has sailed. Change was long overdue for the state of the United States Title scene and the perception of what it takes to be a successful wrestler. I've taken it upon myself to bring about that change by ripping apart the status quo piece by piece. Do you know what that kind of change is called?
A REVOLUTION
Junko's arm phases through the glass as she tries to swipe the Hope Diamond, but her hand phases through that too.
Junko: Dammit! Stupid rock. Are you sure this thing is as important as you say it is?
Phoenix: I'm certain of it. Every day, people come into this building to observe historical events and artifacts. When they get to this section where the jewelry is, they all do the same thing. They walk by and check out a few diamonds and necklaces. They may glance at the paragraphs mentioning the origin of some of them. However, every time they reach the Hope Diamond, they don't slow down. They stop. They stop because this diamond is so much different than the others. Those extra moments could change lives in Action Wrestling. Everything I do, from the Trials of Despair to the Hope's Peak Academy project to whatever I come up with next, is all for those extra moments. Not for me, but for those watching. Waiting. Wishing they could be a part of something greater, but not knowing if they could reach it because they're afraid it wouldn't be accepted. The Hope Diamond didn't care about that. By name, one would assume that it's a symbol of hope, love, joy, or some other positive emotion. If it was, it would just be another lucky trinket in a museum. However, since it's the opposite, it finds itself in a class of its own. That's what sets me apart from the rest of the roster. Without context, someone that calls themselves the Luminary of Despair could easily be seen as a hedonist that is only capable of being that. I may have started there, but I'm far from it now.
Junko: Sucks for you. I like being a hedonist, but you believe that you not being one will change people? I mean, it has so far, so I guess it's working.
Phoenix: Right. The fact that I've gone this far away from the path that I'm supposed to stereotypically go down and still managed to be a champion makes me living proof that you don't have to do the popular thing to be successful. In those moments where people are on the fence about pursuing their own goals, they can look to me and gain hope that they too can succeed. Even if they trip and fall along the way, it's better than never trying and always wondering what could have been.
Junko: Aha! So you want them to try so that they can fail! That's BRILLIANT!! I knew you could plunge the world into despair!
Phoenix: That's only half of it. I don't want them to fail so that they can give up. I want them to have the courage to try so that even if they fail, they have the drive to get back up and keep trying. The despair comes from the failure, and the comes from the resiliency.
Junko: You really got all of that from looking at a shiny rock. I'm impressed.
Phoenix: Part of my training. I'm not just pushing myself beyond my physical limitations. I'm pushing myself creatively as well. That's how I'll get the most out of being the United States Champion. Speaking of which, we should leave. I have a defense to prepare for.
Nothing's gonna stop me from continuing to change Action Wrestling for the better. Not any hundred page excuses for losing to me. Not anyone thinking they understand despair to the degree that I do, and certainly not some self-proclaimed "living legend". If being a journeyman coasting off of a few wins in different places makes you a legend, then Ryan Fitzpatrick is the greatest quarterback of all time. At least in his case, he's fun to be around. In your case, you'll be fun to beat down. When Revolution 5 is over, you will have received a few things, but none of them will be my US Title. Instead, you'll gain nothing but cuts, bruises, a stretcher to rush what's left of you to an ambulance, and a crippling case of Cleithrophobia. That's the fear of being trapped by the way. Figured I'd tell you since you're gonna have nightmares about being trapped in a cage until you're a "no-longer-living legend".
If you want to see a true living legend, perhaps you should go to the Smithsonian and check out the Hope Diamond. I'm certain you've heard of it. Out of all the historic jewelry in that building, that one's the most well-known because like me, and unlike you, it dares to be different while you're just one of the 129 little diamonds on the Hooker Emerald that sign up to whore out as much spotlight as they can before they get pummeled and fade into obscurity just as quickly as they showed up. Oh, what's that? You've never heard of the Hooker Emerald? That's okay. Most of the fans will feel the same way about you in a few months. This Sunday, I'm ending the era of Angelo before it gets a chance to take flight. But hey, at least you'll be remembered as the lucky guy who got to be sacrificed at the end of the Trials of Despair. Congratulations.
You can learn to love that.
