Post by DRAUGR on Nov 11, 2023 6:45:11 GMT -5
Our tale begins at Devil's Gate in Castle Rock, Maine. A cold and unforgiving exterior, where clouds seemingly live over the complex. We are taken through the hallowed halls, to the office of Dr. Reginald Royce, founder of Devil's Gate. Inside, his former assistant turned acting leader of this institution - Pete Harper - has been waiting for us.
Pete Harper: Hello there, Action Wrestling. I hope this video finds you well. I wanted to come directly to you on the anniversary of the founding of this great institution. It was on November 11 of 19██ that our esteemed leader Dr. Reginald Royce put all of his generational wealth into what people considered at the time to be considered science fiction. His peers called him a quack. They called him a snake oil salesman. They called him a charlatan.
Harper smirks.
Pete Harper: I must admit that I had the same thoughts when I first came here, too. Orientation was unlike anything I had experienced. Initially hesitant, I eventually opened my mind to what they had to offer. Four tours overseas had not prepared me for what Devil's Gate has to teach the world.
Harper pauses.
Pete Harper: Through grueling trials and devastating errors, Devil's Gate has grown into a global network of research facilities. What has been presented to you here in Action Wrestling with the likes of Der Metzger, Gatecrashers, and now the mighty DRAUGR is only a sliver of what we have worked on in recent years. The very recent revival of Projekt ICE has surpassed expectations and DRAUGR is well on his way to being our greatest success story. His reign as Action Wrestling World Television Champion is only the beginning, folks. DRAUGR is unlike any other. I have taken personal interest in his case because he's - -
Harper stops.
Pete Harper: No. I will save that thread for another day. What I'm here for today is to advocate on behalf of the mighty DRAUGR for his upcoming title defense against TJ Alexander, a man who considers himself to be a Game Changer. I have worked with many men and women who have "changed the game", and none of them had to boast about it.
Harper sighs.
Pete Harper: TJ Alexander, welcome to Devil's Gate. An institution that is unknowingly deeply rooted in the American psyche. We have watched you from afar for some time and we are here to help. Your proclamation that you will be champion is commendable. Maybe in a different timeline, than dream could be attainable. Certainly not here, not now. So long as DRAUGR is under our control, that championship will remain right where it is. Keep chasing that dream though, TJ. You fill the little guy with hope of a brighter tomorrow. Unfortunately your tomorrow - or rather, your Monday - will be filled with darkness.
Harper smiles.
Pete Harper: I took notice of your claim that "unforeseen circumstances" are to blame for you not yet winning this championship. I think you are mistaken. Your lack of heart has not gone unseen. Look how flippant you have spoken about XIII. A legendary event… and you couldn't give… oh… a rat's arse about it. Perhaps if you had… you would be in Teo Blaze's place in the Turmoil Tournament… or maybe you would already be World Television Champion instead of the mighty DRAUGR.
Harper smirks.
Pete Harper: Actions have consequences, TJ. Your lackadaisical approach to competition brought you to a moment in time where you are days away from a second consecutive loss to the mighty DRAUGR. You don't even understand the man you are about to stand across from in that ring. How could you possibly know how to defeat him? You referred to him recently as being confident in his words. Yet not a single person has heard him say a word since his return to this realm.
Harper pauses.
Pete Harper: Without uttering a word, he has absorbed all there is to know about Action Wrestling and everyone under its umbrella. He knows exactly what you are capable of, and there's nothing in your past to give a hint of a successful future. Your delusions are troubling and perhaps we could meet in private to discuss the various ways that Devil's Gate could help you strengthen your grasp on reality. You believed in your soul that your chances of success increased every second before your last match. Remind me, TJ. How did that work out for you?
Harper pauses.
Pete Harper: Ah, yes. You lost. Well, you were fortunate enough to not be pinned by the mighty DRAUGR, but that was all by design. He was just following orders when he trapped your arms in the ropes and forced you to watch the destructive power that he possesses. That was a clear message to you… that you will blindly ignore: you cannot overcome the mighty DRAUGR. Try and try… and try some more. Stand up seven times, and he will make you fall down eight. The cycle will continue until you give up this hopeless quest to dethrone the current, reigning, and defending Action Wrestling World Television Champion.
Harper pauses.
Pete Harper: TJ, you are a whisper. You are an echo. You are a man who could do great things here in Action Wrestling, if only you could open up your mind to the vastness of this universe you see so eager to conquer. The level to which you would take this championship to would be the dumpster. That's not quite the heights you have in mind, but it's the truth. You've got a long way to go before your standing matches up with your ego, TJ. You made bold claims that you are made of steel and that you would be the mighty DRAUGR's downfall. Again, I ask. How did that work out for you?
Das ende.