Post by Spencer Adams on Mar 28, 2021 17:36:36 GMT -5
A never ending wave of boos floats through the air in the T-Mobile arena as the night winds down, loud disapproval winding and echoing through the halls backstage. The monitors lining the area tell the whole story, one of betrayal and heartbreak being played out in real time.
Spencer: Thank you.
Lead up to Evolution and every locale gets swarmed with more media than ever. Hours after competing and I still haven’t gotten to my locker room, stuck in a maze of hungry minds.
Nate Burleson: Spencer, you got a minute? I know you’re a busy man and you’ve been hit with questions all night, but I’d love a word for the network.
Spencer: What’s up?
Nate Burleson: Crazy stuff here tonight, but I wanted to pick your brain on the ending of your match tonight. Particularly, Kyle Kemp standing tall over the rest of the competitors in Timebomb’s Elimination Chamber match.
Spencer: Final WCF TV champ, hardcore title, Battlebowl, Nightingale, Claire Hawkins..all of it is behind me and all of it has played out in my favor. I feel good, Nate, great really. Every pundit under the Sun has rushed to the scene with the same lukewarm take: “Spencer Adams is lava fucking hot right now.” Spencer Adams has all the momentum in the world right now. Spencer Adams is the favorite to walk out of that chamber. We’re talking about the biggest name in the company tearing through anyone and anything thrown his way.
You want to know how I feel about Kemp’s closing moments? Let me reiterate. I feel GREAT. I’ve had more matches against Kyle Kemp than most people will have matches in general. I’ve got the man scouted down to a t. Despite the experience we have against each other though, Kyle Kemp still struggles to solve Spencer Adams between the ropes. Sure, he can grab a tag win here or there, but me versus Kyle Kemp? It’s been damn near six years and the man can’t figure it out to save his life.
Kyle Kemp is a competitor who always exists right on the verge of a breakout, grabbing everything except for the elusive top spot. Don’t get me wrong, Kyle Kemp is good at what he does. He wouldn’t have won every other belt under the sun if he wasn’t. I don’t talk shit on Kyle, because he’s a shit competitor. I do it, because my presence in this world means that Kyle Kemp lives with limits. I am the bar that Kyle Kemp can’t get over, the Donkey Kong to his Mario who gets to taunt him as he runs face first into barrel after soul crushing barrel.
Kemp scores a big win over Adams and Lockhart to pick up tag gold and just as it feels like there’s reason for optimism, I repeat history and throw him out of Battlebowl. Kemp gave it his all and Spencer Adams walked away with everything, because as soon as Dandy’s feet hit the ground, Kemp had no security blanket. It was just him there, faced once again with the mountain that he can’t ever seem to actually climb. I have hung over Kyle’s head his entire career and sure, take him out of context and he seems to have a serious chance at Timebomb. Turn on the Spencer Adams three-disc Blu-Ray set? You’ve got a solid four hours of dude lying face up with teary eyes pointed at the roof that will prove otherwise.
Kemp thinks that the powers that be have screwed him over and owe him more, thinks that I owe him more from our time as friends and teammates. I get it and I see him. We’ll have that match, but it won’t be this time out. He’ll have that one on one opportunity at another L in due time, but not here. No, this is where I get to be the reason for another one of his famous “What went wrong?” promos we all love watching so much and you know, I’m actually happy to see Kyle join me in that structure. I welcome Kemp, because when we step through that door and the cage is locked, I’m turning the voice of The Following into a Spencer Adams testimonial.
I turn the opposite direction and part ways while a thank you from Nate is shouted out in my direction as I round the corner and swing the door open in time to see Faith pivot his head towards me. I crouch down against the wall, eyes going to the ground as the air around goes silent for a brief moment.
I lift my head up, trying to conjure something that resembles a half smile.
Spencer: Der Metzger, a man amongst boys inside the squared circle who has torn through his opposition like they were gift wrap up to this point. Unpinned, unshaken, R2 held down every single second spent in that ring. The off button literally doesn’t exist with the guy and that’s what’s made him such a menace to this point. AW has been the staring contest that Metzger remains champion at, because the second that you decide to blink, he turns you into fucking cranberry sauce. I know, because a couple weeks back, he tried to do the same against me. There was just one small issue with the game plan though.
These fools fell victim to one of the classic blunders.
We know how these things play out. A competitor with a chip on their shoulder feels they need to pick a fight with the baddest motherfucker in the yard, they see Spencer Adams, they feel froggy, and then they strike. With a sweaty brow and a racing heart, they take their best shot. Problem is, Spencer Adams doesn’t stay down. In fact, Spencer Adams gets right back up and shows them how to finish things right. Any ounce of momentum or opportunity they once thought to be theirs gets flushed and they’re left looking like a mo-ron.
I can’t really blame Metz though, the man only knows forced directives as part of his depressing existence as an MKUltra experiment carried out by a real life Josef Heiter. His handlers would lead you to believe that Metzger is totally in control and that his every move is cold and calculated when he’s really acting purely on instinct and reflex. While that still does pose a serious threat to most, Metz is bound to run into a brick wall of his own, someone who knows composure and has the ability to navigate around surface level threats.
Truth is, Der Metzger shouldn’t be in this match to begin with. Royce and Harper will give you their best Zuckerberg smiles and tell you that this is the ideal situation for Metz and Devil’s Gate to be in, but all that confidence is just swimming in delusion. Royce is not unleashing a monster on Spencer Adams at Timebomb, because Royce is the monster himself. Not a menace, not a threat to me, but an absolutely deplorable human being who is wheeling out someone clearly living with severe autism and trying to sell the choice to do so as being valid and intelligent.
Der Metzger in a chamber match is what happens when the system fails as if it were in a competition to do so and Metzger remaining under the control of these men is proof of that. Real competitors train their asses off for a match like this. Metzger is given electroshock sessions and Dahmer lobotomies and that’s supposed to prime him for this? By continuing to do things the way they have and allowing their “patient’s” participation in this match to happen, they aren’t just putting the blood on their hands, they’re rolling in a pool of it. This is a structure whose every inch is a weapon and this belt right here means that when I’m locked inside of it, I’m dangerous and while I can’t save Metzger from this one, I will absolutely devalue the stock they put in him to pennies. This isn’t just charity, this is obligatio-
Faith: Do they like her?
I don’t have all the answers I wish that I did, because this is a fucking gut punch if I’d ever felt one. I wish I could just be happy for her, but I know the difference.
Spencer: I don’t know..
I knew. I knew that Philidor spared no expense in making sure that Lissie felt the superstar treatment in every city that we were passing through. In Phoenix, they really had gone the extra mile. Every inch of the city was covered by her face. If there was a billboard, it had Lissie Hope on it. If there was a bus stop, a Lissie Hope promo poster painted it from top to bottom. Hell, with just the time spent in traffic, the Goodyear blimp must’ve circled the area fifty times dragging a banner with her face across the skyline. It made for a tough drive, just knowing what the fallout may be when I-
Spencer: Of course.
Faith: Oh..
Spencer: She’s..just lost.
Faith: She is?
Spencer: When you...when WE moved, we didn’t know exactly what we were doing, did we? We had to figure it out as we went.
Faith: Yeah..
Does she recognize what’s happening yet? Does she have actually have everything she want-
There are..forces present and I know that you at least understand that much. You see the evil in groups run by people like Metzger and Blake, because you’ve expressed the sentiment. Still though, you come into this field of competitors who are vying for the top spot in this company via nefarious means with a propeller hat on your head and a lighthearted grin on your face like you’ll be ready when the time comes, like that guy with that demeanor is going to be enough to stave off the cult of capitalism or a third rate Lost Breed that’s headlined by a seventh grade science fair project.
I can’t sugar coat any of this for you, Trey. This is where childlike wonder dies, a structure and a situation where that twinkle in your eye is going to blind you and no matter how much you try to posture as if this is big match Trey shit we’re about to see, you are too fucking nice to not end up in a neck brace when the dust has settled. Accept that, understand that, and for the love of God, tuck tail and run your ass back to whatever Joss Whedon X Alpha Sigma Phi crossover universe you came from, because there’s just no room for it here.
If this were another timeline or if this were you and I having a chat backstage about a Cruiserweight title shot you were super excited about, things would be different and my words would be softer. Problem is that we’ve already seen how this story played out when a guy with a heart like yours actually made it to that grand stage and was tasked with defending the belt against the kaiju from Arkansas. We all watched Alex Richards run to Evolution 3 where he had his limbs ripped off by Loretta Bennett’s bestest boy.
While Alex Richards was and is one hell of an unorthodox fighter, he was still Alex Richards at the end of the day in the exact same way that you’re just Trey Bouchet. Your buddy BMAC can gas you up as a serious threat here all he wants, but he hasn’t spent that much needed time under the blistering heat of this scene either. You will be taken out, because you have to be taken out. You are not the hero of this story, rather a civilian playing crossing guard in a world of villains. Here, you’re just some guy named Trey, a fan pulled from the crowd to shoot the halfcourt shot for fifty racks and a cheap pop. Please, understand that I say this out of love for everything that you are. Leave now, while you can still do so on your own to fe-
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
As I undo the locks and go to crack the door, it’s shoved open hard and I find myself sent into an adjacent wall. Her tongue shoves its way into my mouth and her hand shoots for my groin. I push away, raising a curious brow.
Lissie: I just wanted to come see my favorite person.
Spencer: Faith is sleeping. You can’t just come barging in whenever.
Lissie: We’re in Las Vegas!
I raise a hand to hush her and shoot a quick glance toward the side room to check on him.
Lissie: Look at my man, the face of the company. I bet it feels good, doesn’t it?
Spencer: Why don’t you just lay down and we’ll talk about everything in the morning.
Lissie: Lots of people would kill for a spot like yours. I know I would.
Spencer: Liss.
Lissie: Really, they put you on every bit of advertising there is and why shouldn’t they? The people love you! You’re one of the most decorated, the workhorse that never stops working. I wish I had a fucking tenth of what you do.
Spencer: You’re doing fine. You think everybody wins briefcases and world titles?
Lissie: I just...I love you so fucking much, but I look at what you have and I feel jealous and I hate that I do, but I mean, look at yourself. Look at who I’m dating and tell me how I’m supposed to think any differently.
Spencer: Liss..
Lissie: I just want this all to matter, you know? Greatest female talent AND greatest talent. Not Lissie Hope the fuck up, the asterisks champion, or the drug addict. I just need to be more than-
Spencer: We all know why you’re here, Corey. Aside from the obvious that there aren’t three people on the planet better than you at this sport and your contention match against Downfall was a foregone conclusion. Yes, part of your mission is being the one to become a two time AW champ, but that’s an added bonus for you. You’re really here, because despite the fact that she’s outsmarted you twice now, you still feel that you have a score to settle with Ash Blake. In your heart of hearts, you have convinced yourself that the war between the two of you isn’t over.
Truth be told, it has been since the day it started. I know, I’m supposed to bow as I mention you and look for a hand to shake, but I can’t ignore the fact that you lost the plot back in January. While you were busy hyper focused on your Beowulf metaphors and your status as a living statue, Ms. Blake was leading you straight into the trap that she knew you would fall for. Contrary to what you may believe, her mission wasn’t simply to take you out, but her baiting your ego with a little cheese was all that it took to completely sever your peripheral vision.
You operate based on self preservation, because as a Snake Plissken cosplayer and thousand year veteran of this sport, you feel like the target is on your head. Ash Blake never really wanted you though, Corey. It may have been fun for her to make you squirm and I’m sure it felt good to take the belt off of someone of your prowess, but let’s not bullshit here. She wanted AW as a whole and for three months now, you have lacked the ability to see the real plot being executed to perfection around you, even when her true intentions are as obvious as it gets.
Philidor’s mission statement from the beginning has been to monopolize this business to the point that it loses everything that makes it special in the first place, because we’ve reached a point in this world where everything is about Mickey Mouse politicking. You’ve let them get too close for comfort, because you weren’t comfortable with the idea of being anybody else except for the king on the throne. It’s time to come to terms with the fact that you got got and these people are collectively Fortnite dancing over the top of your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
When you needed to be fighting for AW, you were too worried about fighting for Corey Black. You figure that there’s always that next company, that there’s always a good match to be had somewhere. If they ruin this, surely some carny hack establishment like Revo1 would throw the entirety of their payroll at you and sit you on the golden milk crate. What happens though when they have that and every other promotion under them as well? Do you think it stops with AW? I promise you, it doesn’t. It stops when Corey Black has their logo on his trunks like an MMA sponsor, when you’ve gone full cuck mode as the world champion of Philidor Championship Wrestling. I’m in this match ready for everything it has to throw at me with AW’s best interest in mind. After all, what’s a king without a kingdo-
Spencer: Have you enjoyed your stay at the top, Ashley? I’ve gotta tell you, it’s been fascinating watching you and CB at each other’s throats during your run. We’re talking about the King of All Wrestlers and a woman about as big as his right leg. Yet, you found a way to contain him, to lead him down the path that you’d chosen. Now THAT..is something that demands recognition. I know that through all of this, you’ve wanted that nod, that validation as a competitor from those you compete against. Not many of them have given it and they’re stupid for doing so.
You ARE the real deal and there’s no weakness in admitting that. People could sit here and argue about what’s fair or not, bitch and moan about how you’ve gotten the job done, but the bottom line is that you are the one defending at Timebomb. You could be subjectively argued as a lesser talent, but you’re objectively as resourceful as they come and not understanding that and treating it as a serious advantage that you carry around with you means you may as well be taking a finger poke of doom and rolling out of that chamber just as quickly as you entered.
You managed to get in Corey Black’s head, to isolate him and bring him into your world. The problem you’re about to face is the enemies that you’ve made along the way. Whether personal or not, your rise to the top has set off the alarms. Four of your challenges want to see to it that you’re slingshotted as far away from headlining Ford Field as possible, because they see what you have and they want it. One of your challengers will do the same out, because they know that you CAN’T be allowed that position.
I don’t just want that world title and the Evolution main event, I need it. I need it, because I’ve watched someone considered the biggest name this industry has ever seen fail against you too many times. I need it, because I’ve watched decent people with wounded hearts and hazy minds stumble into your arms and have their identities stripped back and seen them treated like fucking Motown singers. People I respect, people I care about getting fucking swindled by the tiny white girl version of Don King.
I didn’t grind away for the last three years making Action Wrestling what it is just to allow it being handed it over to people that want to take the sport out of the sport. I’ve done what I’ve done and busted ass to be AW’s biggest name so that when I do manage to come out on top over people like Carter, Noris, or Lissie, those matches and those victories actually mean something. The world that you’re creating and have recruited those people to be a part of, it’s just not fucking real.
I see your drive for industry dominance. It’s something I’ve become well-acquainted with over the years. Lost Breed, #BeachKrew, that version of Pantheon that nobody liked..I’ve had to stand ground against all of them and many more, fighting tirelessly just so that pro wrestling would still be pro wrestling. I can and will navigate the storm that is Philidor just as I have with all the rest and when you grow bored of the heat at the top, when you realize that Spencer Adams can’t be snuffed out, can’t be brought on board, and can’t be led astray from the issues you present this company with..I’ll be here, doing exactly what I’ve always done. I’ll be doing the right thing when the right thing feels the hardes-
Hey, this is Lissie. I can’t get to the phone right now. Please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks.
Beep.
Hey, Liss...it’s Spencer.
I know it’s been a minute since we’ve talked. To be honest, I don’t expect this one to be returned and that’s fine..but it’s important to me that I do this anyways.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to say to you, about dealing with the fact that I’d have to be the one to tell you all of this and..to do what I’m about to do.
What happened to Howard out there...well..
I guess that..I’m glad it’s gone down the way it has, because now at least you’ve gotten to see who it is that you’ve gotten yourself involved with. Even if you only saw their venom directed at you for just that one moment, you still saw it.
So..I hope you can understand. I hope you can still find peace when this is all said and done..
Liss..
I’m going to have to destroy them. I’m not happy about it, but this is how it has to be. Deep down, I think you know that too. When I do, know that it’s nothing against you. I know that you want the things that they can give you, but even you know it’s not right for you, that it’s not right for any of us, not like this anyways. I have to do this…
Lissie..
I’m sorry..