Post by Teo Blaze on Aug 14, 2022 10:38:20 GMT -5
“You know, the Road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
The scene opens on the Cruiserweight champion walking down a crowded Memphis street. It wasn’t too far from the arena, but he had to admit that he’d always enjoyed walking among the public.
“Lázaro Vicente, or as I will be calling him, Goldie. Perhaps the only man who has ever been granted a title shot off of a humiliating defeat. It’s an interesting experiment Bunga has cooked up, no?
But then, this is where some champions would falter. They’d hear they were given sloppy seconds on an opponent who’d just been defeated, and they’d feel over the moon that they’d do the same! After all, once a loser, always a loser, right?”
Teo chuckles, the canvas bag holding his Cruiserweight Title over his shoulder glinted slightly in the light as the belt peeked through.
“You know, there was a time they said that about me. Every time I lost a match I was a choke artist, every title I failed to win was validation of my weakness. Oh I heard it all, Goldie. And you know what it did?
It energized me. It made me stronger. Every word of criticism, every insult hurled my way I wore on my back like a scarlet letter. Because that is what makes us stronger. That is what pushes us to get better, to hang in.
To Prove. Them. Wrong.
And right now, Goldie? That is exactly what you’re feeling. That sting of defeat, the embarrassment of knowing that you don’t deserve to be in this match. That this was a gift. Hell, you said it yourself last week, that Serenity didn’t deserve a title match coming off a loss!
Funny how the shoe changes when it’s on the other foot, huh?
But I’ve watched you, Goldie, I know how you tick. I know that you will find a way to justify this in your own mind. That you will win my title for your familia, for your countrymen. That your road to El Dorado has led you to the top of the Cruiserweight Mountain!
But Vincent. Your road is anything but over. There are no shortcuts on this road, no gifted glory. This is a road built on blood, sweat, and tears! The things men do for this title, the way it changes them- the chance to stand atop this brand has corrupted stronger fighters than you!
This title match, Gol-...Vincent. This is not the golden opportunity you think it is.
This is Fool’s gold.
It appears to shine bright- it tricks the eye, makes you think there’s value here. But this match? It’s a trap. Your eyes are blinded by its luster, and you cannot see the price you will pay for that greed.
I am this belt’s guardian, amigo. It is MY familia!!
And you of all men should know how hard one fights when his familia is threatened by a piece of goddamned filth who wants to take it away just because he thinks he can.”
Teo pauses, allowing himself to feel the weight of the Cruiserweight title on his shoulders, reflecting for just an instant on what he carries.
“The sting of this loss, the embarrassment of it all leaves you no choice but to fight harder than you’ve ever fought before, hell, I’m counting on it!
But it won’t be enough, Vincent. You are not ready to reach El Dorado, and in your heart of hearts, you know that I speak the truth when I say those words. You are nothing more than a loser! Un perdedor! And this week, your road to El Dorado leads through Hell! A Blaze that will burn away all of the lies you tell yourself and exposes the man beneath the bluster, not just the world can see but so that you can see just who you really are and how far you have to go!
That is the road through hell you must walk on your journey, Vincent.
After all…it’s a road paved with good intentions.”
Teo smiles, adjusting his lenses and walking through the crowd, carrying the hopes and dreams of Cruiserclash on his back.
