Post by CJ on Nov 16, 2011 17:08:26 GMT -5
“Are.. You..fucking..kidding.. Me?!! CHUCKIE… YOU DID IT!!!”
The sounds of the arena come pouring into the newly opened hallway as Chuck Johnson steps inside with a slight swagger. His head, glistening with a steady stream of perspiration, shakes a bit as he slams the door shut behind and smiles in Vernon’s direction. Breathing heavily, he then struggles to speak, only to find himself at a loss for words. All of the past few months suddenly comes crashing down upon him emotionally, the blood sweat and tears given along with the long hours in the gym, all in one immense tidal wave, knocking him almost off of his feet. Realizing that his friend was in dire straights, Vernon immediately holds out his hands and “catches” CJ, helping to brace him against the nearby wall.
Vernon: Relax, Son. You done good…
CJ: I am fine. I just wish that.. You know… Jack Bull could see me now.
Vernon: I know. Trust me, he is out there right now, grinning from ear to ear. Tonight, you have beaten the number two man in the business.. Brett Cross. The best part though is that you not only defeated him, but you did so convincingly. With that win, coupled with the victory against the World Champion two weeks ago, it is safe to say that you are the hottest property in professional wrestling!
CJ immediately looks up at Vernon upon hearing that last part of his sentence. With his mind swirling about as if it was being run through a dryer, CJ could hardly believe what he was hearing. From the start, he had never dreamed of being in this spot. When he had first decided to give wrestling a try just over a year ago, it was purely to make a bit of extra money to help pay the bills. Running a ranch was not an easy nor lucrative profession at all. Wrestling offered him a healthy bit of cash to even things out, but that all depended if he actually won a match or not of course. From there, it felt like life was a roller coaster ride for CJ, one that went up and down more times than the stock market! Returning a few short months ago to give the sport one more try, coupled with a new found attitude, CJ aimed to make a huge difference. He did not start off slow either, knocking out the hottest rookie in the business in Immanuel Taylor. Then it was in to TITAN, the currently reigning World Champion himself. CJ managed to defeat the monster convincingly, leaving him only Brett Cross as an opponent left in his quest for redemption.
With Cross down now, there was no where left to aim his growing frustrations at. CJ mused that he could take aim at the lower ranked competitors, and really make an impact on the sport in the process. That would not get him where he wanted to be though. He had just defeated the two top men in the company. All that was left now was the World Championship itself! Standing there, staring at Vernon who was obviously concerned for him, CJ laughed at the though of him actually becoming a World Champion one day. Rednecks like him were just not built for that type of thing. Oh, they were great for a good fight when blood needed to be spilled for sure. When it came to prestigious titles and such though, that pleasure was left to the more “marketable” men in the business. Being a redneck with a less than exciting background did him no favors for sure, but CJ had to wonder… why not him? Why couldn’t a regular Joe like himself become something great?
Gathering himself once again, Chuck Johnson stands back up erect and pats Vernon on the shoulder. The two of them head off down the hallway as CJ turns to Vernon with a smirk upon his face. Vernon catches this, and immediately begins laughing.
Vernon: I know that look. What do you have cooking inside of that well abused brain of yours?
CJ: You know what I am thinking.
Vernon: I do? (Short Pause) Wait. (Short Pause) Chuckie.. No. Just no!
CJ: Why not?
Vernon: Prestige is around the corner. You just went to hell and back on a fucking train to take out Cross and TITAN. You are in no condition to main event at Prestige, our BIGGEST show in the company.. And to take on those two serial killers again let alone at the same time.
CJ: Listen, boy. Have some damn confidence, will ya’? Did you see the look on those fans faces tonight?! They believe in me, man. They practically WILLED me into winning against those two chumps! I can do it, I know it. I just have this feeling..
Vernon: So do I. It’s the feeling that you are going to get killed in there! Those two men have literally been at one another for the last few months. No offense, but you have to think that you possibly beat them because their focus was not really on you at all. Let’s get real here.
Chuck suddenly stops in the hallway, only to turn and glare at Vernon with an intense hatred.
CJ: Are you fucking kidding me? I expected better from you..
Vernon: Chuckie.. Listen-
CJ (Interrupting): Shut up! I beat TITAN and Cross straight up, no handicaps, and that is that! I can be the World Champion, Vernon. I just know it. I feel better than I ever have before and for the first time in my life, I actually have a purpose! Those fans need someone who is just like them to hold that belt. I don’t know how long it has been since they could really connect with the World Champion. I represent them and in some weird sort of way.. They represent me! It’s my damn duty to become something more than I was determined to be, and I will be damned if I will let them down and just accept the status quo! It’s time that the EUW had a new name across that banner out there. I say my name works just fine!
The two men stare at one another a moment until Vernon finally concedes.
Vernon: Will you at least mention my gym when you become big and famous? I could use the business.
CJ: Of course.
Vernon: I guess we better go see the boss then. Let’s just hope he feels the same way as you do.
15 minutes later. The office of Mark Rivera.
Rivera: (already speaking) -Let me get this straight. You want me to change my main event at Prestige, the most important show in our industry, at the last minute? Not just change it though, but insert a man who has only been here a few months and offer him the chance at the biggest prize in our sport? Does that sum it up?
Mark Rivera leans back in his chair, his face serious and void of all emotion. His hands are clasped together, his thumbs twirling against one another. Standing before him is Vernon and Chuck Johnson. Chuck, with beer in hand, smiles in Rivera’s direction before responding.
Rivera: You do know that alcohol is not permitted in my office?
CJ: Of course. It’s just liquid vitamins.
Rivera: Right. You are not scoring many points in your favor here. Why should I make these changes, Charles?
CJ: It’s Chuck. Why should you make these changes? Are you fucking serious?!
Vernon immediately steps between CJ and Rivera as tempers begin to flare. Keeping a cool head, he tries to finish CJ’s sentence.
Vernon: What Chuck is saying is that he has obviously made a strong case in terms of Prestige. The main event is Brett Cross and TITAN. Now, over the last month, Chuck has not only defeated them, but done so soundly. Let’s also remember that our business is about the fans and there is no denying their support for Chuck here. This could make an already big match.. Epic.
Rivera smirks as he lights up a cigar. Rolling his eyes after, Rivera then swivels his chair around and turns his back to the duo, choosing instead to stare out the open window. Chuck becomes angered at this, and chooses to turn around and head towards the door.
CJ: Screw him, Vernon! He obviously does not know how to run a business if he can’t see the sense in this shit. If he can’t see things clearly, that perhaps another company will.
Rivera: SIT DOWN!
CJ stops in his tracks and smiles. He then looks over his shoulder.
CJ: What?
Rivera: You heard me… have a seat.
CJ then walks back into the room and finds a seat on a leather recliner. Vernon does the same beside him. Rivera keeps his back to them as he speaks.
Rivera: I have noticed the impact that you have made around here, Johnson. Your wins against Cross and TITAN have put me in a rather sticky situation as far as the Prestige card goes. You see, while I have no doubt of your skills at all I have to ask myself. Why should I do this for you? Doing so would turn you into an overnight sensation and push your popularity into the stratosphere! Let’s not leave out the thought that you might actually win the match, and I am stuck with a World Champion who has a history of stirring trouble backstage. You have offered me no real reason to believe that you are a changed man at all. There is no way in hell that I am sticking you in that match just because you feel you are.. Ready.
CJ grimaces as he leans forward. Rivera then swivels back around and places his hands on the desk before him.
Rivera: The Asylum is in trouble financially. My roster is in disarray. Stocks are down. Right now, it is no secret that this company needs a strong injection of life at the moment. I have seen the way that the fans react to you, Johnson. It’s crazy to witness the way that they get behind you and ratings reflect this as well. I can not ignore this. So, against my better judgment, I am going to place you in that match. You are going to have your shot at winning the World Championship. Before you begin to celebrate, keep in mind that you will be facing two men who are without peer. TITAN is probably the most skilled champion that has ever worn that strap. He is dominance personified. As for Cross, it would be wise for you to keep in mind that you are dealing with a man whose power is unrivaled.. Anywhere. I have watched Cross literally dismantle his opponents. This match means everything to these two men. I almost feel like I am sending you off to die.
Smiling now, CJ stands up and speaks.
CJ: We should also not forget one last thing.
Rivera: What is that?
CJ: I have already broken off the both of those men. The World Championship means a fair bit to me as well. Winning that strap means that I have finally become something much better than I ever expected to be. I may not be the strongest in that locker room nor the most skilled.. But I have heart.. And let’s face it. It’s my heart that is selling those tickets for you right now! It’s my heart that is putting asses in those seats.. and it’s my heart that is going to defeat those two men to become the next EUW World Champion. I didn’t come here to die, Mark. I came here to win at all costs. That is exactly what I plan to do..
CJ then nods at Vernon and heads for the door. Grabbing the doorknob, he twists it and begins to exit before turning back to face Mark Rivera once again.
CJ: Get ready to be a part of history. In 2 weeks, a regular man will step in that ring against a Monster and a Viking. On that night, regular will be good enough. Hail the Ale!
As the door slams shut behind CJ, Mark Rivera is left staring at the back of it.
Rivera: ..Hail the Ale? That guy needs some serious help..
The sounds of the arena come pouring into the newly opened hallway as Chuck Johnson steps inside with a slight swagger. His head, glistening with a steady stream of perspiration, shakes a bit as he slams the door shut behind and smiles in Vernon’s direction. Breathing heavily, he then struggles to speak, only to find himself at a loss for words. All of the past few months suddenly comes crashing down upon him emotionally, the blood sweat and tears given along with the long hours in the gym, all in one immense tidal wave, knocking him almost off of his feet. Realizing that his friend was in dire straights, Vernon immediately holds out his hands and “catches” CJ, helping to brace him against the nearby wall.
Vernon: Relax, Son. You done good…
CJ: I am fine. I just wish that.. You know… Jack Bull could see me now.
Vernon: I know. Trust me, he is out there right now, grinning from ear to ear. Tonight, you have beaten the number two man in the business.. Brett Cross. The best part though is that you not only defeated him, but you did so convincingly. With that win, coupled with the victory against the World Champion two weeks ago, it is safe to say that you are the hottest property in professional wrestling!
CJ immediately looks up at Vernon upon hearing that last part of his sentence. With his mind swirling about as if it was being run through a dryer, CJ could hardly believe what he was hearing. From the start, he had never dreamed of being in this spot. When he had first decided to give wrestling a try just over a year ago, it was purely to make a bit of extra money to help pay the bills. Running a ranch was not an easy nor lucrative profession at all. Wrestling offered him a healthy bit of cash to even things out, but that all depended if he actually won a match or not of course. From there, it felt like life was a roller coaster ride for CJ, one that went up and down more times than the stock market! Returning a few short months ago to give the sport one more try, coupled with a new found attitude, CJ aimed to make a huge difference. He did not start off slow either, knocking out the hottest rookie in the business in Immanuel Taylor. Then it was in to TITAN, the currently reigning World Champion himself. CJ managed to defeat the monster convincingly, leaving him only Brett Cross as an opponent left in his quest for redemption.
With Cross down now, there was no where left to aim his growing frustrations at. CJ mused that he could take aim at the lower ranked competitors, and really make an impact on the sport in the process. That would not get him where he wanted to be though. He had just defeated the two top men in the company. All that was left now was the World Championship itself! Standing there, staring at Vernon who was obviously concerned for him, CJ laughed at the though of him actually becoming a World Champion one day. Rednecks like him were just not built for that type of thing. Oh, they were great for a good fight when blood needed to be spilled for sure. When it came to prestigious titles and such though, that pleasure was left to the more “marketable” men in the business. Being a redneck with a less than exciting background did him no favors for sure, but CJ had to wonder… why not him? Why couldn’t a regular Joe like himself become something great?
Gathering himself once again, Chuck Johnson stands back up erect and pats Vernon on the shoulder. The two of them head off down the hallway as CJ turns to Vernon with a smirk upon his face. Vernon catches this, and immediately begins laughing.
Vernon: I know that look. What do you have cooking inside of that well abused brain of yours?
CJ: You know what I am thinking.
Vernon: I do? (Short Pause) Wait. (Short Pause) Chuckie.. No. Just no!
CJ: Why not?
Vernon: Prestige is around the corner. You just went to hell and back on a fucking train to take out Cross and TITAN. You are in no condition to main event at Prestige, our BIGGEST show in the company.. And to take on those two serial killers again let alone at the same time.
CJ: Listen, boy. Have some damn confidence, will ya’? Did you see the look on those fans faces tonight?! They believe in me, man. They practically WILLED me into winning against those two chumps! I can do it, I know it. I just have this feeling..
Vernon: So do I. It’s the feeling that you are going to get killed in there! Those two men have literally been at one another for the last few months. No offense, but you have to think that you possibly beat them because their focus was not really on you at all. Let’s get real here.
Chuck suddenly stops in the hallway, only to turn and glare at Vernon with an intense hatred.
CJ: Are you fucking kidding me? I expected better from you..
Vernon: Chuckie.. Listen-
CJ (Interrupting): Shut up! I beat TITAN and Cross straight up, no handicaps, and that is that! I can be the World Champion, Vernon. I just know it. I feel better than I ever have before and for the first time in my life, I actually have a purpose! Those fans need someone who is just like them to hold that belt. I don’t know how long it has been since they could really connect with the World Champion. I represent them and in some weird sort of way.. They represent me! It’s my damn duty to become something more than I was determined to be, and I will be damned if I will let them down and just accept the status quo! It’s time that the EUW had a new name across that banner out there. I say my name works just fine!
The two men stare at one another a moment until Vernon finally concedes.
Vernon: Will you at least mention my gym when you become big and famous? I could use the business.
CJ: Of course.
Vernon: I guess we better go see the boss then. Let’s just hope he feels the same way as you do.
15 minutes later. The office of Mark Rivera.
Rivera: (already speaking) -Let me get this straight. You want me to change my main event at Prestige, the most important show in our industry, at the last minute? Not just change it though, but insert a man who has only been here a few months and offer him the chance at the biggest prize in our sport? Does that sum it up?
Mark Rivera leans back in his chair, his face serious and void of all emotion. His hands are clasped together, his thumbs twirling against one another. Standing before him is Vernon and Chuck Johnson. Chuck, with beer in hand, smiles in Rivera’s direction before responding.
Rivera: You do know that alcohol is not permitted in my office?
CJ: Of course. It’s just liquid vitamins.
Rivera: Right. You are not scoring many points in your favor here. Why should I make these changes, Charles?
CJ: It’s Chuck. Why should you make these changes? Are you fucking serious?!
Vernon immediately steps between CJ and Rivera as tempers begin to flare. Keeping a cool head, he tries to finish CJ’s sentence.
Vernon: What Chuck is saying is that he has obviously made a strong case in terms of Prestige. The main event is Brett Cross and TITAN. Now, over the last month, Chuck has not only defeated them, but done so soundly. Let’s also remember that our business is about the fans and there is no denying their support for Chuck here. This could make an already big match.. Epic.
Rivera smirks as he lights up a cigar. Rolling his eyes after, Rivera then swivels his chair around and turns his back to the duo, choosing instead to stare out the open window. Chuck becomes angered at this, and chooses to turn around and head towards the door.
CJ: Screw him, Vernon! He obviously does not know how to run a business if he can’t see the sense in this shit. If he can’t see things clearly, that perhaps another company will.
Rivera: SIT DOWN!
CJ stops in his tracks and smiles. He then looks over his shoulder.
CJ: What?
Rivera: You heard me… have a seat.
CJ then walks back into the room and finds a seat on a leather recliner. Vernon does the same beside him. Rivera keeps his back to them as he speaks.
Rivera: I have noticed the impact that you have made around here, Johnson. Your wins against Cross and TITAN have put me in a rather sticky situation as far as the Prestige card goes. You see, while I have no doubt of your skills at all I have to ask myself. Why should I do this for you? Doing so would turn you into an overnight sensation and push your popularity into the stratosphere! Let’s not leave out the thought that you might actually win the match, and I am stuck with a World Champion who has a history of stirring trouble backstage. You have offered me no real reason to believe that you are a changed man at all. There is no way in hell that I am sticking you in that match just because you feel you are.. Ready.
CJ grimaces as he leans forward. Rivera then swivels back around and places his hands on the desk before him.
Rivera: The Asylum is in trouble financially. My roster is in disarray. Stocks are down. Right now, it is no secret that this company needs a strong injection of life at the moment. I have seen the way that the fans react to you, Johnson. It’s crazy to witness the way that they get behind you and ratings reflect this as well. I can not ignore this. So, against my better judgment, I am going to place you in that match. You are going to have your shot at winning the World Championship. Before you begin to celebrate, keep in mind that you will be facing two men who are without peer. TITAN is probably the most skilled champion that has ever worn that strap. He is dominance personified. As for Cross, it would be wise for you to keep in mind that you are dealing with a man whose power is unrivaled.. Anywhere. I have watched Cross literally dismantle his opponents. This match means everything to these two men. I almost feel like I am sending you off to die.
Smiling now, CJ stands up and speaks.
CJ: We should also not forget one last thing.
Rivera: What is that?
CJ: I have already broken off the both of those men. The World Championship means a fair bit to me as well. Winning that strap means that I have finally become something much better than I ever expected to be. I may not be the strongest in that locker room nor the most skilled.. But I have heart.. And let’s face it. It’s my heart that is selling those tickets for you right now! It’s my heart that is putting asses in those seats.. and it’s my heart that is going to defeat those two men to become the next EUW World Champion. I didn’t come here to die, Mark. I came here to win at all costs. That is exactly what I plan to do..
CJ then nods at Vernon and heads for the door. Grabbing the doorknob, he twists it and begins to exit before turning back to face Mark Rivera once again.
CJ: Get ready to be a part of history. In 2 weeks, a regular man will step in that ring against a Monster and a Viking. On that night, regular will be good enough. Hail the Ale!
As the door slams shut behind CJ, Mark Rivera is left staring at the back of it.
Rivera: ..Hail the Ale? That guy needs some serious help..