“Good evening Dublin welcome back to Whisky with Wendy. I’m your host Wendy O’Reily and today I have a special guest. He helped me get my feet on the ground last April when he made a surprise appearance in the streets and honored me with an interview. Some call him cold hearted, egotistical, and self absorbed I call him Roy “The Cobra” Viper” Wendy says giving me a grand intro as she takes a seat and the camera pans to reveal me already seated dressed in simple jeans and my EUW trademark shirt.
As Wendy takes her seat, she looks at me, expecting a response. “Well thank you Wendy, mighty nice of you to give me a glowing entrance like that. And you forgot bastard in that list.” I oblige her with a smile and chuckling at my last bit. “But it’s good to be back, you do know you’re the only one I trust to do live interviews with don’t cha love?” I add deciding to play the role I know the public want, a smug little fuck.
“Well thank you for that honor, but enough pleasantries, I asked you here because so much has changed since I last interviewed you. Roy, you failed as an Irish Champion. You bashed in Kirk Kennedy’s head. You lead attacks against the locker room with your group. You then got injured in a tables match. After Prestige you were awarded EUW rookie of the year. Most recently you returned to once again destroy the current owner of the company. Without even winning a title you managed to become as much a house hold name as Titan, Sabora, Xplode, and Jack Bull. How does one manage fame without fortune as you have?” Wendy asks me like any reporter trying to get under the skin of their subject.
‘Wow this bitch is going after you from the start. Doesn’t she remember you helping her out?’ Tai says before I shut him out of my mind for the interview. While he had his point and reasons I couldn’t risk freezing on TV while I had a mental debate.
I snicker at Wendy as I formulate my answer letting my tongue probe my cheek a little as I mulled over how to counter her questions. I let out a sigh before I return her gaze and then look into the camera. “…By being the most promising asshole on Television.” Wendy leans back obviously about to speak and I quickly hold up my hand to let her know I intended to elaborate. “Anyone can get on the telly, anyone can have a match, but you have to really go out of your way if you want a decent spot on the roster. The easiest way is to sell tickets; well you can only do that so many ways. You can be a champion, have a great feud, or be the one guy people come to see in hopes he gets his comeuppance. Well as you already stated I’m no champion, so that was out. I feud with the entire locker room so no way for that to be great. That just leaves being hated so much by the public that they pay to see me get my ass kicked.” As I finish I lean back in my chair and turn to Wendy letting her know I was done and she could tear apart my statement if she wanted to.
Wendy, quickly turning red, smoothed the creases of her pants suit. “Well guess you did what you had to, which would explain what you did this past Sunday to trigger the reconstruction of the Asylum back into the EUW.” Wendy paused her thought to judge my reaction. I was all smiles as she tried to analyze my motives. “But I, as well as the public, want to know why. You and Mark seemed to have an arrangement where you could basically do whatever you wanted. Why throw that away?” She asked as applause from the audience started. Obviously Wendy had asked for questions before hand and I was now in the hot seat.
As the audience cheered her line of questions, I couldn’t help but grin.
‘This is gonna be fun’ I think to myself before I place my elbows on my knees and thread my fingers between each other. “I put Mark in power for reasons I’ll keep to myself and the Sins for now. I removed Mark to remind him of that and because Hetfield made me a better offer.” The crowd is now silent wondering what I was offered and hoping I will tell. “It was business, plain and simple. However with the reinstatement of Warrior I got a nice little bonus.”
“Well that was very vague but I’m glad you brought Warrior up, saves me the transition. The new commissioner vacated the titles and has put together a tournament to crown a new World Heavy Weight Champion due to the recent loss of talent. What are your thoughts on Warrior’s actions and your standings in the tournament next week, Roy?” Wendy shot back continuing to push fan issues and rarely taking her eyes off me to constantly judge my reaction.
‘She’s trying to catch me off guard and yet stay playful about it. Well I’ve never been caught off balance in the ring and I’m not going to be this time.’ I think and I move my hands calmly to the arm rest of the chair I was seating in before leaning back all without changing my expression. “My opinion on the commissioner striping the titles; is none existent. I didn’t have a title so why should I care. As for my standings in Warrior’s little tournament, it brings me such joy to know that I have the easiest path to the finals. I start with Brandon Young, the former HardKore Champion, which means he at best opens a pay-per-view. So it won’t be a headline or show stealing match but at the same time it is better than a cake walk match like both the semifinals will be.” I pause noticing that Wendy and the crowd both would like me to elaborate on my comments.
Taking the pause as an opening Wendy speaks for the crowd. “So you, obviously, don’t think highly of Sirena Mata, Michael Snow, Justin King, or Stephen Callaway if you are claiming that the semifinals will be a cake walk.”
“Why should I? What have they done? Burrows was the Lion Heart Champion, Young was the HardKore Champion, they are the favorites in this tournament because they are champion caliber. As for Payne and I… well, if Payne beats Burrows that’s something, and I’m me, The Venomed Vindicator of the EUW, The Cobra, I have been here longer than anyone competing in that locker room. What more do I have to say?” I ask Wendy but as I hear murmurs in the crowd I lift my right hand and rotate it in small circles before placing it on my ear, encouraging the crowd to speak up.
Wendy stammers as the crowd erupts in boos covering up any suggestions they might have suggested. Chuckling at the room’s response I lower my hand and turn to Wendy. “So to answer your question, no I don’t think highly of the other four. I, personally, think that Warrior messed up and made what should have been semifinals, quarterfinals. There is an upside to Warrior’s mistake though; I get to rest before the finals and not really stress out about the semis. I mean come on; I’ll have already beaten someone better.” The smile on my face is now ear to ear while the crowd is almost in an uproar. My comments were doing exactly what I wanted, pissing off everyone.
Wendy’s cheeks are now the same color as her hair as the studio’s security moves behind the cameras just in case things get out of hand. The cameras take a quick tour of the room and Wendy quickly puts her hand in her ear to get feedback from the production box, I on the other hand decide to step up my act and fold my hands behind my head and just relax with my smile shining. Once the cameras refocus on Wendy and I, she nods and shifts her gaze to me. “Harsh words from someone who has never won a match when a title was on the line. How can you be so confident in your ability when time after time you fail to achieve your goals of becoming a champion? In fact how can you down play half of the EUW roster when they have only had a handful of matches? Didn’t it take you a while to actually do anything in the business?” Wendy retorted quickly, only breathing when she had to. The tone she used wasn’t pointed so it told me she was being told to attack me, not truly wanting to and with how the crowd was acting the producers just wanted ratings. Well that was something I was particularly good at.
Faking a laugh I move back to a seated position after patting Wendy’s leg to play up how funny I thought her questions were. “Wendy, Wendy, Wendy. Whoever said my goal was to be a champion?” I ask rhetorically before quickly continuing. “Sure when you last interviewed me I promised to be Ireland’s poster boy. That didn’t happen and I set my sights on a new goal that most people simply can’t grasp. My only goal,” I put quotes in the air as I say that word, “if I’ve ever had one, is to put on a show so phenomenal that, regardless of my record, I’m the headline of any article about the EUW. And in that aspect I’ve succeeded Wendy. I ended Kirk’s career, had full run of the locker room, done commentary, interrupted matches, headlined shows, and sent Mark to prison all in a single year.” I stop to take a sip of water. “Why am I so confident you ask? Well if you look at the roster I have almost as much time in the EUW as the rest of the locker room combined. So I say what I say because I know what I know. And what do I know? That I’m the only one to have beaten both the heavy favorites and no one else on the roster can hold a candle to me. Hell Burrows only won the Lion Heart Title because Bane sidelined me for the rest of the year. I will do what I’ve always done next Monday and shock the world somehow or way.”
Not being able to think of a quick answer Wendy takes the easy way out only a host can. “Well with that we’ll be right back after a word from our sponsors. I’m Wendy O’Reily with EUW’s Rookie of the Year, Roy Viper” Wendy gives the camera a quick smile as the camera man’s hands signal the commercial break. Wendy lets out a sigh of relief before downing her whole glass of water and fanning herself with her hands. “Gah Roy, you are so hard to sit opposite. You almost cause a riot, and speak in such a way it’s almost pointless for me to even be here.” Wendy says after she has had a chance to cool off.
I snicker at her comment before standing up and moving behind her. “I just do whatever is needed for the ratings. That is what your bosses want after all. Asking me pointed questions like those. So I just play the part.” I admit to her in the privacy of the break. With the crowd still shouting and our microphones being off I could say whatever and not be heard for a few minutes. As I stand behind Wendy I lightly put my hands on her shoulders. “My, my, you’re tense. Mind if I work a knot or two out?” I ask with a certain lilt in my voice to sooth her and provoke non pointed conversation.
“By all means,” Wendy answered relaxing and surrendering to my hands. As I dig my fingers into the tight knots in Wendy’s shoulders, from the mental stress she was putting on herself, she decided to initiate the conversation. “I’m sorry about being so pointed, Roy. I’m just doing my job and asking what the producer wants.” Wendy admitted what I already knew for her body language and the prescience of security. I continue to rub out her shoulders rotating around her spin to make sure to get them all as we took advantage of the break.
“It’s nothing, love, I get it. The company needs views and I’m a perfect opportunity. Tis why I always have center stage in the EUW and why I act the way I do. I mean if I didn’t act so much no one would watch. No one is gonna stop their busy lives to watch a show were everyone panders to the crowd. So I exaggerate my motives and crowd reactions. Do I want to hurt my coworkers? No but it makes for good TV and since I just do it, most of the time without any for warning, the company pushes me. Why; because I make the show interesting. Tis why the title isn’t my main focus, crushing my opponent’s dreams is. Stealing a win or interrupting a match every now and then makes people want to watch. So if you have to ask pointed questions go ahead I’m use to being the deal with the devil for ratings. But honestly if you want to really get the views let me talk about my plans for the tourney. Let me rant about how much I hate,” I over emphasize hate so that Wendy knows I’m not serious, “my opponents and the rest of the locker room. Let’s make good TV love.” I say in a comforting voice hoping to get past the bullshit of interviews and get to the point, my public declaration of vindication.
‘The games of talk shows are so dull and boring why do producers play them, Wendy didn’t like attacking me and the crowd is already primed so why wait?’ I ponder before I see the camera start to move and the countdown begin.
I pat Wendy’s shoulders before retaking my seat to keep up appearances. By now the crowd has died down a little and our microphones had been switched back on, the break was over and it was time for me to do what I do best, exaggerate and gloat. “Thank you for tuning into Whisky with Wendy; I’m your host Wendy O’Reily and I’m joined by Roy “The Cobra” Viper from the EUW. If you didn’t catch the first part of this interview it will be online following the broadcast as
www.WendyWhisky.com as with all today’s segments.” Wendy began as if reading from a script as all interviews sound on the return from a break. “Now Roy, we’ve talk about your opinions on the EUW, what about your plans or strategies going into this three round gauntlet?” Wendy continued hitting exactly what I wanted to cover and receiving a thankful nod from me.
“I wouldn’t call it a gauntlet per say, well at least not for me. See a gauntlet in tells a series of matches back to back well for me that is not that case. Brandon and I have the best position in the tournament because after our match we get to rest for three, providing more time than anyone to rest. So while either of us won’t be fully recovered we’ll still be better rested than our opponent. Then after our second match if either of us would win we get a match to rest before the finals whereas our opponent doesn’t even get to leave the ring. So this is by no means a gauntlet for either Brandon or I, in fact we have the most time to recover and thus be in the perfect position for victory.” I begin as I start to feel my blood flow as the matches begin to appear in my mind, the strengths and weaknesses of everyone I’ve researched and used any contact I have to get the upper hand. I smile as I mentally start to run through next Monday’s show.
Wendy takes advantage of my sudden silence, “Hmm never thought of it like that. And since you’ve already said the semifinals were a joke I guess that combined with the rest you or Brandon receive will put you farther ahead of either Burrows or Payne. But you still haven’t mentioned a plan or strategy to combat the challenge Warrior has present all eight of you, three matches in one night.” As Wendy finished she grazed my knee as she leaned back in her chair letting me answer.
The graze brought me back to reality and to the fact that it was my turn to answer. Flustered from my lack of focus, I clear my throat while I think of how to explain my plans for the tournament without giving any one of my opponents an advantage over me. “Well Wendy I would love to tell you and the world but that would put me at a disadvantage. A general doesn’t walk onto TV the week before a big battle and reveal where his troop deployments are. So while I can’t get specific I can tell you the general idea in tackling this challenge.” I counter with a classic diversion that puts me on the receiving end of a giant sigh from the audience wanting to know my plans.
I take a sip of water as everyone in the room waits for my explanation. As I swallow I flash a smile at the camera before moving to the edge of my seat. “You see when you’re face with multiple matches within a single night you can’t let them drag on. You have to get in, get the win, and let everyone else wear themselves out. This is an endurance style show where it won’t always be the best wrestler that wins. You could tear a muscle or break a bone in your first match if you’re not careful and let them go on like a normal match. For example, I typically go in and let them get in a few hits to see what side they favor and what style they want to use and I then use the obvious counters to their choices in order to gain an advantage. Well I can’t do that next Monday because I would be taken unneeded damage in the feeling out phase of my game plan. So instead I have to come in fangs bared ready to strike the first chance I get. I promise you this Wendy any chance I get I’ll inject my opponent into the mat and take a quick win so I can hurry to the back and stat icing whatever needs it. This is the kind of tournament where I’d rather be Sabora than Titan to use a reference everyone can compare to.” Once I finish I look around the room and see a lot of nodding heads from the audience as well as some questioning looks about how exactly I planned to pull this off. Wendy on the other hand decided to push forward a try for some ratings, or was told to. Not quite sure which.
“So wouldn’t this be a great chance for your group, The Seven Sins, to help you. Take advantage of one referee and just attack all your opponents during their matches or when the ref is focused on you? Use the numbers you’ve gained to your advantage?” Wendy pressed causing a few members of the audience to shout “Seven Sucks, Seven Sucks” which I had heard enough times at shows to know the fans opinion of my family.
Chuckling at the reacting I shake my head before answering Wendy’s question. “No actually. I understand why you would ask but no it wouldn’t benefit me to have the Seven Sins actively trying to screw my opponent. It’s a one fall elimination tournament if they were to help me and get caught I’d be disqualified and would lose my chance at the title. So I won’t have the Seven Sins randomly attacking my opponents or screwing with anyone I face during the match. Will they be at ring side? Of course. Might we use some rules to our advantage? Definitely. But I will promise you, Wendy, and all those present or watching that I will not have the Seven Sins attack any one of my opponents during the tournament or backstage before and after it.” The audience boos my response believing me to be lying but only time could prove them wrong. While I had promised not to attack my opponents I had talked to Leo, John, and Peter so that if it looks like I might lose to rush out and attack me causing my opponent to be disqualified not me. Minor lapse on my part not to mention that on live television but I’m only human.
“Sounds like you plan on being a straight shooter in the tournament or is this all just empty promises, Roy? Do you honestly expect me or anyone watching to believe that after a year you plan to stop taking the easy way out? I find that hard to believe, especially since two of your opponents, Natalie Burrows and Bandon Young, have personal issues with you.” Wendy responds rather quickly with an empty tone telling me she wasn’t enjoying the conversation as much as I was.
“No I’m not saying that. If the ref isn’t looking I won’t think twice about a low blow or raking someone’s eyes. But I am serious about the Seven Sins not attacking my opponents. I want to prove that after a month away I can still make more headlines in one night than the rest could while I was away. Why short change that by having gang attacks? It’s counterproductive; the fans have already seen it and now expect it so I have to mix things up. But I’m glad you brought those two up. Mind if I stop talking general and get specific about my plans for the tournament?” I ask understanding that my time was quickly coming to a close.
Wendy nodded and moved her right hand to me palm up indicating “by all means.” “Thank you.” I say acknowledging her gustier. “Brandon Young, my first opponent and white knight to Ms. Burrows, Brandon is impressive at his tier of competition but he was the HardKore champion meaning he was the bottom tier. Brandon is at the point that he’s technically sound enough to keep but you don’t let him head line a show because he doesn’t have that X factor. He’s also been around about the same time I got my first title match so his experience is limited. Also this is a match where he can be disqualified which is out of the normal realm for any HardKore Champion who never has to worry about disqualifications. Add the fact that I’m twenty-seven pounds heavier and three inches taller and you have a classic. Brandon’s best bet is to fly against me; yet if he sticks his neck out even a little I’m gonna grab it, rotate behind him, and inject that pretty boy head of his into the mat for a three count. Now let’s pretend that doesn’t happen or that he’s scouted me and knows my plan of attack. Brandon is still a flyer and all I have to do is roll or duck out the way and he’ll do enough damage to himself that I can easily slide in and lock him in whatever submission I want to make him tap. Hell I might get to debut my new finisher if I’m lucky.” I pause with a giant smile as I can see the questioning looks about what new move I have.
I cut Wendy off before she has a chance to ask. “But everyone will have to wait. No point ruining the surprise that awaits my opponents. Now on to Natalie. Ms. Burrows is by far the favorite going into this tournament. She was the Lion Heart Champion, she’s a second tier competitor, an unconventional fighter, and a female. This girl is nothing, if not a surprise, anyone that didn’t take her seriously was left in shock as she walked out with a victory, but now that everyone knows she’s the real deal that element is gone. Not to mention I’ve beaten her and Brandon so all I have to do is not slip up to do it again. Nat is damn good at what she does and she usually doesn’t take her eyes off the prize but her focus can be a negative. I always have my mind open in a match, I’m always looking for a weakness or chink in the armor whereas Nat always has a plan and sticks to it. I evolve and adapt in the ring to make sure I’m not caught off guard but would Nat expect me to roundhouse kick her just so I could turn my back to her and let her think I was vulnerable? I severely doubt it. She’ll think she had me and close in, and then before you can blink she’ll be on the mat poisoned by The Venomed Vindicator of the EUW. My plans and strategies are simple, go out and shock everyone. Keep people on their toes and guessing what I’m doing and why. Make people think they have me then strike. I don’t ever have to change my game plan I just have to tailor it to whomever I’m facing at the time. And that’s why I won’t bother mentioning the rest of the roster. They have tapes, but have never been in the ring with me so they won’t expect the power, the speed, or the cunning I possess. They will plan to not get caught or not make a mistake but everyone does sometime and all I have to do is catch them and inject them.”
“Well that’s all the time we have. Be sure to tune in tomorrow where we’ll discuss different Whisky recipes. I’m Wendy O’Reily and remember a shot of Whisky may numb the pain but won’t keep Wendy away.” Wendy quickly interrupted in order to do the classic plugs. While I was slightly annoyed at this I understood and sat patiently hoping to get home in enough time for some sparing with Leo. As the audience filled out and the cameras were shut down Wendy turned to me. “Sorry out of time. But you were a great guest. Knew your points, didn’t get off track, and most importantly got the crowd in it. Thank you Roy.” She explained to me for whatever reason.
“Oh don’t worry about it. I just want to get home and prep. Three matches, new faces, and a title all in a week can’t exactly slack off. Thank you for the interview though. Kinda have to get use to these if I’m going to be one of the big names now.” I respond hoping to speed up the pleasantries and get out of here.
“Well you’re always welcome here and if it would be better I could come by and do a “Life of the Cobra” special or something.” Wendy pressed and the glint in her eye told me it was time to bail.
Hurriedly I take of my microphone and leave it on the table between the chairs that held the water. “Um…sure, Wendy, I’ll get back to you on that idea.” I say trying to think how to make this less awkward when I feel my phone vibrate inside my jeans.
‘Oh thank god.’ I think as I dig into my pocket. “Wendy I gotta take this. Thanks again. I’ll keep in touch.” I say in a rush as I stand up and head to the backstage area. “Oi, it’s the Snake.” I say as I answer the phone and walk past most of the production crew and head straight for the back exit where my bike was parked.
“Got a call from Shamus as the pub, the club has two matches for you tonight in hopes to prep you for the next week and make some money.” Leo’s voice responds on the other side of the call.
‘Great, so I do an interview during the day and now have two stress fights tonight. Well I might as well kiss training today goodbye.’ I think to myself I as kick open the exit door in frustration. “And this couldn’t wait ‘til I’m home because?” I ask letting Leo hear my frustration and annoyance at his news.
“Cause I figured you’d like the heads up so you can budget your time. I know you spend most of it trying to talk to Morgan and training. Thought I’d save you some time.” Leo stammers slightly worried I’d come home and kick his ass and from the sounds in the back ground worried that Morgan would do it right then.
“What do you mean trying? We talk and he needs to learn to back the fuck off when I tell him.” Morgan’s voice carries through to the phone, causing me to laugh at Leo’s predicament.
“Be there asap.” I answer before closing my phone and sitting down on my bike.
‘More pissed that normal, great. Maybe I should take Wendy’s offer.’ I think as I take my helmet of the bars of my baby.
‘Oh Morgan would love that. Wendy interviewing you and throwing you flirty looks in front of your girlfriend. Dude put your women problems to rest and focus. You have a tournament to win and your first opponent isn’t a newbie like the rest of the matches.’ Tai’s voice lectures me from my mind now that he’s not lock out for an interview.
‘Get home and get ready for your fights tonight and use them as practice. If the club set them up they aren’t going to be Titan sized opponents if they want you ready for next week.’ ‘Gah, Tai, you know exactly what I’m going to do. So why lecture me. I’m going home taking to Morgan hopefully and then crushing whoever the club has set up for me tonight. So what’s your opinion on the interview?’ I ask Tai as I put the keys into the ignition and fire up my motorcycle to life.
As the engine purrs as I rev the throttle a little Tai answers me.
‘I think you were very broad and didn’t give too much away. Though focusing on Brandon and Natalie could cost you.’ I counter Tai’s comments as I back out of my parking spot.
‘Oh I’m not. Justin King has little experience but could pull an upset, so could Callaway, Payne, Mata, or even Snow but I haven’t watched their tapes or read their files yet so I couldn’t detail how to counter them. Tomorrow or the next day though I’ll know every injury, sore muscle they’ve suffered and every move they use. I’m not letting this chance at the title get away from me.’ ‘Fair enough. But also don’t forget you have to beat Brandon for all that training to even matter. Can’t get ahead of yourself or behind your opponent. Stay focused yet flexible. Most people will focus too much on their first opponent and forget they have two more after that.’ ‘I know Tai, oh do I know. Brandon is a tough case but the guy only has a handful of grappling capability, a few strikes, and flying. He is a watered down version of John or Leo. I train with guys that use his style but have more to offer I know what to do against him. High risk moves can pay off and I’m not forgetting that but I have been tested more than Brandon, I can out last him, out wrestle him, out strike him, and definitely out submit him. He doesn’t have the tools to beat me one on one. His skills are honed enough. I’m not saying I’m the best but I’m better than Brandon Young.’ I respond annoyed that Tai was saying everything I already knew. I hit the throttle and drive out of the studio parking lot and head home on the nice pavement of Dublin.
‘We’ll see. Say you’re dazed on the mat when suddenly you see Young two feet above you, what do you do?’ Tai asked prepping me with simple think-on-your-feet questions.
‘Two feet? Raise knees prepare for a Boston Crab or Arm Bar submission for when he bounces off. Four feet roll out of position, allow him to hit the mat and then stomp on exposed limbs. Six feet or more spring up and hit Venom Injection while he can’t counter. On the ring post, hit ropes to knock off balance then hit with Venomdecator. I know what to do in the moment Tai. You’ve trained me to be able to handle any style and opponent.’ ‘Just asking, better safe than sorry. And good to know you have the increments mapped out this far ahead. But what if he springs off the ropes after an Irish whip?’ Tai continued to press to make sure I was fully prepared.
I sigh in frustration at the simplicity of this training.
‘If he jumps, flatten myself on the mat so he eats canvas. If he comes with a forearm, duck and shift behind him for series of German Suplexes. If he does nothing, aim for sleeper hold or back body drop to neutralize momentum. Really Tai do we have to do this?’ ‘Yes we do until you get home. Then I’ll leave you be for a while.’ I groan as his answer before answering his series of questions as I sped down the asphalt pushing my bike well over the speed limit. Once home was in sight I slowed downed and let out a sigh of relief, the endless scenario questions were over.
Once my bike was parked and I was at the door I could hear Morgan’s voice through the door. “But Skye it’s been three months. I can’t just not do anything. Please give me some advice. Any advice.” My eyebrows furrow as I wonder what’s going on and open the door. As soon as the handle is turned though, Morgan panics. “He’s here. I’ll call you back later” Morgan slams the phone onto its charger as my hand becomes visible. As I finally get through the door she has a knife in her left hand and carrots in her right as she appears to be chopping them for soup. In less than thirty seconds my girlfriend ended a call and made it look like she was cooking to get me to avoid noticing something.
“Hi baby what’s for dinner?” I ask overly sarcastically as I move behind her and hold her in a close hug. She seems a little thicker than last time we were this close. Quickly she turns around in my arms and pushes me away before pointing the knife at me.
“Don’t you dare use that judgmental tone with me, Roy. We’re having soup but you’ll be in the street fighting when it’s ready so seems like none for you. Hmm that must be familiar.” Morgan snipes back causing me to grit my teeth.
I take a few deep breaths as I flex my hands from fist to open over and over again in hopes of calming down.
‘What is wrong with her?’ I think as my heart rate slows. “Morgan what did I do this time to piss you off?” I ask calmly through gritted teeth as I do my best to not lose it with her.
“Nothing dear. But you know I hate you being snarky and Leo hasn’t exactly kept me in good company today. Why don’t you get cleaned up and then head to the pub so you can warm up before your matches. We can talk tonight.” Morgan answers in an overly cute tone. Secretive, bitchy, and then cheery in three sentences. I wasn’t going to deal with her like this right now.
Shaking my head I let out a sigh as I turn to head to my room. “Whatever you say Morgan.” I respond half heartedly more annoyed than ever today and glad I had two street fights to beat the hell out of two people I didn’t know.
Roy would go on to send both his opponents that night to the hospital with concussions and several cuts. Most of the crowd couldn’t believe he was being so brutal so near a big night, but Roy didn’t care. Morgan had set him off and unfortunately those two opponents became victims of a lover’s quarrel.
The rest of the time leading up to the February sixth broadcast of Monday Night Suicide was devoted to prepping for the tournament. Roy slept in the gym to avoid issues with Morgan and the whole family understood and helped. Peter would help Roy prepare for Natalie and Sirena due to their similar builds. Leo and John served as stand in Brondons, Kings, Callaways, and Snows. Shamus played the part of Jackson Payne in Roy’s preparation for the tournament. Mary played peace keeper and delivered the food and information the girls gathered to Roy so that unless they wanted to Roy and Morgan didn’t have to see each other.
Not much was known about Sirena Mata, Michael Snow, or Jackson Payne due to their lack of exposure to the sport so Roy was limited to knowing their builds and styles but not their injuries and tactics. Callaway and Justin on the other hand had matches with the EUW and thus anything Roy wanted to know what at his disposal and he planned to use it to his advantage.
Roy’s focus was winning the tournament so he would undergo as many of the Seven Sins as he could without rest until he couldn’t stand. At that point the group would start to read him information about all the possible opponents he could have. The one constant in all this was due to the fact that Brandon was a guarantee Roy would always start his fights and strategy meetings with a double dose of Mr. Young’s file and style. Roy was dead set on at least making it past the first round and he wasn’t going to let some aerial monkey stand in his way. He knew he was better, wiser, and better prepared that Brandon Young but that didn’t stop him from wanting to make sure this would be the shortest of all the quarterfinal fights.
As Roy prepares in Dublin the rest of the locker room also gears up for battle. It’s a war for the vacant EUW Heavy Weight Championship of the World, and it airs on February sixth two thousand twelve. Watch as the EUW rise from the ashes of the Asylum and crowns a new champion. It’s real, it’s live, on Monday Night Suicide. 
