Post by Tatiana on Dec 10, 2023 12:22:19 GMT -5
Promo: Once Upon a Time in Texas
And so, just like that… The dream is over. Gone is my reign as AW World Champion, no longer do I carry the honor of representing my federation as its top superstar. Yes, I dispute the fact that I failed to kick out on time - and despite knowing in my heart that my shoulder came up before the impact of the third count - there is no use in crying over spilled milk.
I can’t change the fact that Downfall is the World Champion.
And that I am now a former champion…
Does it hurt? Absolutely. I love this sport, I love this business, I love the fans of Action Wrestling and most of my peers both in and out of this glorious federation. And to stand here today with the knowledge that I no longer represent any of them as the champion is a solemn thing for me.
And yet, here I stand… Empty. Beaten. Knocked down.
But not out.
There are whispers backstage, people wondering if I will go the way of a few others in recent times. They talk in hushed tones about rumors that I’m in talks with other federations - MANY of which have courted me both privately and publicly. And yet here I am… Proof that you can’t always believe everything you read in the gossip columns.
In February, I will be participating in the Denzel Porter Invitational - not just as a proud Canadian, but also as a representative of Action Wrestling. In fact, by the time February comes around, I’ll be representing this great federation as its World Champion.
Bold statement?
Nope
You see, like ANY champion with at least one defense under their belt, I have a rematch clause built into my contract. And despite all the petty bullshit swirling around with Gerrard and this Shadowlove asshole - don’t forget that I’m the #1 Contender and everyone else is in line behind me.
So, now we get into the crux of the matter…
Let’s start.
Number ONE - Dake Ken Jr. | Long time no see, pal. The last time you and I met in the ring was during that aforementioned defense. You talked a lot of shit, your dimwitted blowhard daddy talked even more shit. And then you went out there and got your ass schooled by the best shooter this side of the Mason-Dixon line.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it. You’ve got talent, kid. Not only that, but you have all the physical advantages that should make you a top star in this business - the only thing that holds you back is the fact that your brain is a large scoop of mashed potatoes. You’re all mouth, all ego, and you rush into every situation like a bull chasing the red cape.
You talk shit, then you get hit. And Clash in Texas isn’t going to be any different than the last time we met in that ring. Except this time, you might get punked by Teo or Angelo as well.
Number TWO - Shadowlove | Dude Love, Grouplove, Questlove - whatever the hell your deal is, I don’t give a damn. The federation is buzzing about your BIG return, everyone is so hyped about it! Everyone except the three people across the ring from you.
It’s one thing to make a big appearance and spoil somebody’s night by surprise, it’s quite another to have to face them straight up without any of the nonsense. And tonight, on Clash - you’ll get a chance to prove that you’re still worth everyone hyping you like the 2nd coming.
I don’t know that much about you, nor do I care. You don’t impress me, you don’t intimidate me, and you don’t inspire fear in anyone. I know you think you’re a big deal, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re at the bottom of the ladder around here. And until you climb your ass back up and pay your dues - then you’re nothing but a stupid name on the roster.
Number THREE - Downfall | Well… Bitter pill. But congratulations on your stunning victory. Not only are you the Action Wrestling Superstar of the Year, but also the new champion. One should hold both accolades at the same time - and nobody can dispute your ascension to the top of the mountain this year.
That said…
When you stand in that ring tonight and look across at the three people opposing you. Don’t focus on Teo Blaze - and don’t be thinking about Angelo. Your number-one opponent and the only threat to your reign as the AW World Heavyweight Champion is right here. You may have gotten the better of me at Turmoil. You may have knocked TJ on her ass and rode off into the sunset with the world on your shoulders - but you failed to finish me off. You failed to put me away for good.
So, while you stare off into the sunset.
Don’t forget to watch your ass.
Because I’m coming for it, champ.
Turmoil wasn’t the end; it was just the end of the season.
So, cowboy… You struck gold in California - you’re riding high on that white stallion. But when you ride into Texas burdened by the weight of your newfound fortune, know that you’ve crossed state lines.
You’re no longer protected by the Angelenos in the city of Angels.
No-no, my friend.
This is Texas. Land of the outlaws.
And there is none more dangerous than a sharpshooter gunning for the gold sitting pretty on your shoulder.
As far as my tag team partners in this thing are concerned… It doesn’t take a genius to see that the only thing the three of us have in common is that we all dislike each other. The booking committee has put us together in this volatile environment as unlikely allies for the twisted entertainment value.
And to be honest, I can’t blame them. I mean, when else would you ever see the trio of Gerrard Angelo, Teo Blaze, and Tatiana Jolee cooperating in a tornado tag match?
Pure intrigue.
So, I’m just going to put this out there. Angelo, you and I go back far enough so that you don’t need me to spout off about how much I dislike you. And Teo, I can’t say that I dislike you, but I know you and Angelo have some heat. But Monday Night Clash isn’t about digging up bones or burying hatchets.
It’s about winning a match.
I don’t like the way Turmoil ended any more than the rest of you. But we’re in the unique position of being able to put our foot up the asses of three people who are best known for being HUGE assholes. So, I’m putting aside all of my dislike for Gerard (see, I said your name right this time) - and focusing on the task at hand.
I can’t control what either of you do. But I hope that professional pride will outweigh personal animosity and that the three of us can focus on beating these three amigos into the ground.
- - - - -
ACT I: Reflections (Off Camera)
And they’re not wrong…
For a month now, I’ve been in a spiral of sorts, caught between the pressures of being the AW World Champion and a fast-dissolving relationship with the woman I
For a time, I was able to bottle it up…. Focus on work and not on life. And I was able to defeat two world-class wrestlers on my way into the finals of Turmoil.
But then Turmoil came… And it all fell apart…
“I can’t blame Turmoil on any of that.”
“No, but it probably didn’t help matters.”
My gaze lifted from the floor and cast upon the woman sitting across the coffee table from me. Charlene Vespa - better known to the wrestling world as Charlee Venice. She was the one true love of my life - my ex-wife - and the only other person who knew about this whole mess.
“It doesn’t absolve me for not coming up with the win when I needed it.”
Part of me ached every time we saw each other. I was grateful that we were able to remain friends after the divorce - but she was the one who sought our split. Something about wanting to have kids and not ‘really’ being gay (whatever that means).
I still loved her. And I held her up on some sort of pedestal like a Greek goddess.
“You’re only human… You can’t turn the feelings off, even if you think otherwise. Wrestling isn’t just a job, it’s your life… Everything is interwoven.”
I sighed…
“Why do you always have to be so right?”
Charlee reached across the table and placed a hand on mine. I could only meet her gaze, those intense blue eyes almost piercing into my soul.
“We were married for eight years. You’re not as complicated as you think.”
She said with a subtle smile - I wasn’t sure if I should take that as an insult or a compliment.
“You spoke with her, right? It’s over… You can try to put it behind you.”
I did speak to Hope, yes… Or rather we yelled at each other on the phone. The truth is that I’ve avoided her like the plague because I know I’ll fall apart into a crying soppy mess when I do.
And I didn’t want to give her that…
Not yet, anyway.
I guess we were more or less split up (I think?). But it wasn’t something that either of us had clarified yet. Though, how does one come back from something like infidelity?
How could I ever trust her again?
“It never is.”
She replied, withdrawing her hand from mine.
“But, instead of trying to put it out of your head. You can close that chapter and lose yourself in wrestling to cope.”
“You know me so well…”
Losing myself in wrestling is what I intended. My last match was a giant failure, I lost the title and my dignity. But Turmoil was over, I was the #1 contender - and the hunted has become the hunter. Downfall got the better of me, I can’t change the past.
But I can sure as hell look to the future.
“I am a little worried about your tag match. I don’t trust that Gerard Angelo guy one bit.”
“Gerrard? Yeah… He’s a snake in the grass. But I don’t have any choice but to trust him. Unfortunately, I don’t have you to watch my back like you used to do in Canada.”
“I haven’t been in a wrestling ring since COVID… I don’t know how much help I would be.”
Rust, for sure. But at least I knew I could trust her, which was more than I can say about my tag partners on Clash.
“You will have to cheer me on from ringside, then.”
I smiled, having gotten her tickets last week. Maybe she would be my lady luck again?
If nothing else… She’d provide some much-needed morale support.