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Supercard Archives / Re: J2H v KRIS RYANS - BATTLE OF THE GREATS
« on: November 04, 2021, 09:13:41 AM »
There's many reasons why J2H only ever wrestled in SCW. Every federation on the planet claimed to have the best talent in the world, but we know that is not true. Every company claimed to have the best people running the place, but again, we know that's not true. Most companies have generic wrestlers doing generic things, wearing one colored shorts, cutting the same old, uninspiring, uncreative bullshit promos, that last thirty seconds and claim their the greatest thing since sliced bread. SCW did have the biggest talent in the world, the best talent in the world, and eventually, the people worth a shit gravitated themselves towards SCW. Just look at Myra Rivers, she's been tweet happy lately saying how she is glad she came to SCW, and is SCW for life. Jessie Salco has been selling the company to every single person she could after that ridiculous stunt a certain other federation recently pulled. Look at this High Stakes card alone, Melody Grace returns, Mikah returns, debut from another bible basher, rumors of other returns and debuts.
SCW has the drawing power like no other, one of the reasons of why go anywhere else? Why go anywhere else when the talent that has been through the revolving door of SCW has been nothing short of phenomenal? Why go elsewhere when SCW can take a wrestler and mould them in to a star, and yes, I put J2H in that category.
That was one of many reasons. The schedule, the schedule was one of the most relaxed in the world. No house shows, just TV, work on the promo side, the public relations side a few hours a day and life was golden. SCW was smart in that sense. By all means go home for five days if you want but set you up with local things to help sell the company. It's a diverse strategy that appealed to J2H. SCW had wrestlers from all over the world, for a couple of hours a week, you could go do a signing, go work on a promo and you're hitting markets all over the world in one go. Asses on seats and eyes on screens is the easiest way to put it without too much effort. Smart business.
J2H was a huge asset in that sense when SCW wanted to put him to use, he was an ambassador for the company at times, his phone would go off, Christian or Mark on the other end offering him a couple of thousand for an hours work within short distance of his home and those offers came a lot. He lived in Beverly Hills, he was close to Los Angeles, one hell of a diverse place. There was countless places SCW could set him or Melody up with to sell the SCW brand. Store openings, club nights, sports events, pretty much anything.
Why be anywhere else when your health is respected in such a way, that for a physical sport, the company does everything it can to take it easy on you. So many places just want to take from wrestlers till they're beaten and broken, till they're nothing but a shell of who they were, all the juice taken out of them. Austin Parker once told J2H in one of his many rants on the ranch about SCW and the way he was treated, to stick with it, there was so many other shit holes out there that wouldn't give this level of respect to their guys.
Another reason, SCW operated close to home. California had a lot of SCW shows pre pandemic. Many within a very short distance. Vegas wasn't too far away either, both great places to work. Both had entertaining things going on, although J2H very rarely ventured out with people after shows, he was happy to do what he had to and go home, but still, there were life in those states. The tours around the world was incredible, paid to see the world and work one show, and some promotional stuff was amazing, especially when SCW would pay for most of it. Exotic places as well as die hard fans in locations was something that was hard to put in to words. Obviously, there was some drawbacks to this. Arizona, so many shows in Arizona and the place is boring as fuck. There's nothing special about Arizona, but the selling side is that it wasn't too far from home. It wasn't at the other end of the country, it wasn't a one of blood money show on the other side of the world. It was close, another selling point to work for SCW.
However, there was situations like the one he found himself in now. SCW had been on a celebration tour in a way, a celebration of life trying to get back to normal. SCW had arranged a tour of America, again, smart business when you consider the fans have been locked away for so long, starved of live entertainment. Vegas had seen the SCW and SCU stars week in and week out when the rules changed, but SCW was now hitting places that are hungry to see their favorite wrestlers. That is not a fun side for J2H.
He thought when he agreed this match, the show would be in Las Vegas, it's SCW biggest show of the year and he thought Vegas would be a great place to hold it. The MGM Grand would have been a great choice. He never expected this cycle to extend the tour, he thought Vegas was gonna be the one where the whole build up and show would likely be. He had even considered a penthouse suite in Vegas for two months with his wife, son and Simpson, to really get in to the High Stake spirit, but SCW had pissed in his drink so to speak.
Madison Square Garden, the home of so many things, but famous for huge wrestling shows, and I mean HUGE shows. A place where the greatest in our history have stepped in the ring in front of over eighteen thousand fans. It was by far the Mecca of wrestling, and one if the biggest shows SCW had ever done. Maybe this was a sign that SCW was about to step up their arena booking, no more shitty little nightclubs and after ten years, the evolution from small independent fed, to wrestling powerhouse was complete. J2H had no issue with the venue, although he'd never wrestled there, he had no issue with the fact that in a few days, Eighteen thousand plus fans would be in that building screaming his name, or cursing it. It didn't worry him that he will be put to sleep during Jake Sullivan's Hall of Fame acceptance speech, it didn't worry him at all about what famous faces he'd bump in to backstage. There was only one thing he didn't like about this whole thing...
... New York.
He hated New York with an absolute passion. He thought it was one of the worst cities in the world. The Big Apple was a rotting cesspit of human life, and tourists. He never understood why people would want to see the city that never sleeps. He never understood why people would waste their money and time in a place where the catchphrase should be "hey I'm walking here!" He through the city would be best served bulldozed and starting again, because to him, the place was rotten to the core of that apple, it was not worth his time to be in, but he knew his personal rules. If it was outside of California, Vegas or Arizona for a supercard, show up days before the event. There was more media shit to be done in the week building up to a supercard than any other time of the SCW cycle. You had to make yourself seen in public, you had to be relatively fan friendly, you had to be approachable even if in character. You had to make yourself a big deal and get media eyes on you. Social media makes that a hell of a lot easier. All you had to do was walk out of a nightclub at two in the morning, and wait for the camera flashes. That was the old J2H, that was not in New York. He didn't want to be around these people, he sure as hell didn't wanna be media friendly, but here he was, stuck in what he took to social media to call a rat hole. He didn't wanna be around the people, he wanted to avoid them as much as he could. He even considered going to New Jersey, and although his links in the past with Gianni Di Luca saw him in Jersey a few times in his life, he didn't consider that was much better.
While Melody loved to soak in the culture of different cities, J2H did not. This was gonna be a hard few days and he was gonna do everything he could to avoid being out, but something did get his curiosity up to leave the rented luxury Chelsea at 777 Sixth Avenue apartment. It was Madison Square Garden, it was the show, he didn't want to show up the day of the show and just look around like usual. He wanted to see what SCW had done with the place. He knew he wouldn't be the only one there, other wrestlers had the same thought, it had been flowing through the dressing room for a while that people wanted to see the place. He didn't know who he'd run in to and he didn't care, but he had to see it for himself.
It was time for a family trip.
There was a reason J2H chose the Chelsea at 777 Sixth Avenue apartment, for he and his family to base themselves out of, well, a few reasons actually. It was an apartment, not a hotel room, sounded by strangers and colleagues, it was just a place he, Melody, James Jr and Simpson could spend the week, without the nuisance of strangers waiting for them in the lobby, people trying to find their room number. It's a blessing and a curse to be that famous. He didn't want to teach his son about that side of fame just yet. the Chelsea apartment seemed to be the best place to be. Plus it way less than half a mile from Madison Square Garden and less than ten to the airport. This could be his safe haven without having to leave and be disturbed. Although that nagging feeling got the best of him and he had to see that arena. He'd promised his son he would take him there and show him some stuff.
James Jr was the biggest wrestling fan in the house. He watched SCW avidly and knew people's names without ever meeting them. He didn't spend much time backstage but when he did, it was often straight to a dressing room and hide away, not through shyness, because J2H didn't want to interact with people he didn't have to, but today, he promised to show his son the arena, hoping it would be quiet and that most of the other SCW wrestlers were out sightseeing. He knew there was a chance he would run in to some people, the bosses schedule meetings with wrestlers and behind the curtain staff at the arena all the time. It wasn't uncommon to have people there that you wouldn't expect.
J2H stood by the front door of the apartment, he had a baseball cap on his head, baggy pants and a zipped up hoodie, the hood over he hat.
J2H: I don't know why we just don't get a car to the arena.
He spoke to himself but Melody was behind him, with young James in tow. He didn't see them coming or even hear them, but Melody's voice caused him to jump out of his skin.
Melody: Because the arena is right across the way, we don't need to burn up gas when it's a nice day out there and we'll be there in a few minutes.
He cocked his head slightly to see Melody as he peered under the lower brim of the baseball cap, keeping his eyes shaded as he hoped not to be recognized on their few minute walk across down West 24th Street and right down 7th Avenue, towards Penn station and through to Madison Square Garden. He knew most of the SCW crew were staying at The Stewart, just across the road from Madison Square Garden and hoped there wouldn't be a crowd of people outside as he passed on the other side of the road.
J2H: Still, it's New York and people are idiots. I don't want them breathing on me.
Melody smiled, knowing her husbands dislike of New York, but she refused to let him get his way with this.
Melody: The fresh air will do you good. It's not too far, and you're doing all you can to cover your face, so let's go. Let's go see what SCW has done to Madison Square Garden.
He wanted to argue and call the whole thing off, screw it, he thought to himself but one look down on his eager sons face, excited to go and possibly meet some of the heroes he sees on TV, made J2H accept the fact of leaving the apartment and going.
J2H: Come on then, let's go to the arena.
He reluctantly opened the door and in to the crisp afternoon air he walked, holding his sons hand on the left side and Melody holding James Jr's hand on the right. J2H looked around apprehensively at the people walking past, his head down. Maybe he should have asked his wife to dress down, but the smile on her face, looking around at the shining city, embracing everything her eyes could see, knows she would never had done so.
Melody: This place is beautiful.
J2H refused comment on the beauty of the city and it wasn't long before they were crossing the road and turning right on 7th Avenue. He glanced his head up to see huge crowds waiting on the other side of the road at the hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite SCW wrestler, maybe hoping some would stop for a selfie or an autograph. Moving past Starbucks, the crowd seemed to grow in numbers as security lined the doors in front of the lobby. People hurried past him, crossing the road to join the crowd, not noticing J2H. A few whispers came from the passing crowd that Melody Grace was right there in front of them but thankfully, none stopped the couple as they found their way to Penn station. The area was busy, people moved around bumping in to each other. It made J2H appreciate the quiet life in Beverly Hills where he could stay in his own little world and not have to worry. He looked down at his son, his eyes enthralled by the crowd around him.
J2H: I hate this place.
Although he muttered to himself, he doubted if he said it out loud, anyone would even hear it above the noise of people on cell phones trying to look like a big deal and the noise of the over the top New York traffic.
Melody: There it is.
Melody said to James Jr, as she pointed with her free hand towards the iconic Madison Square Garden. His eyes lit up wide, unable to hide his little smile, the complete opposite of his father, who groaned under his breathe as the three turned left and towards the arena. It wasn't took long before they were at the security office and instantly waved through. There they were, in the backstage area of Madison Square Garden.
J2H: Well, this is busier than I hoped.
And it really was. Not only was SCW's backstage personnel in full flow, but a lot of the SCW roster was backstage. J2H started to move through the building, following signs on the wall to locker rooms, and gorilla position. James Jr looked around excitedly, clinging to his mother's and father's hand as hard as he could as he could finally see some wrestlers that he was so used to seeing on TV.
JJ: Daddy! It's Bulldog and Bea!
J2H cocked his head to the left to see Bulldog Bill Barnhart and his wife Bea, walking out of a room and turning left, away from J2H.
J2H: Yeah, that's Bulldog, but we ain't gonna talk to him, he's probably got more fleas than Iris.
Melody couldn't stop her firing a look towards her husband, but he smiled back at her. He had no major dealings with the Barnhart's and was very unlikely to have in the future. James Jr's eyes grew wider as they rounded the corner, following the signs to the staging area to see none other than Mac Bane and Amber Ryan.... or was it Bane now? J2H didn't care but a certain little guy did.
JJ: Mac Bane!
Hearing his name, Mac turned his head to look down at James Jr, who beamed a bright smile back at the Texas native. Mac just reached up to the brim of his cowboy hat and tilted it towards the innocent James Jr. He didn't care if you were a good guy on television or a bad guy, these people were his heroes and more so knowing that they knew his parents. Mac put a fist out to J2H as they approached, J2H, finding Mac one of the few tolerable people in the SCW locker room, bump his fist back.
Mac: Who's the little guy?
J2H: This is our son James Jr.
J2H and Mac teamed for a match before Mac went on to become World champion. They were probably never gonna invite each other over for a BBQ or anything like that, but they had a healthy amount of respect for each other.
Mac: Good to meet ya kid.
Just hearing those words sent James Jr in to a state of happiness.
Mac: We gotta get going, but catch ya on Sunday.
J2H nodded and the two groups went either way, not before Amber gave James Jr a wave, putting the widest smile on his face that he could possible have, his eyes trailing Amber as he walked in one direction and looked in the other. When Amber and Mac were out of sight, he turned his attention to the front.
JJ: Oh my God
Melody and James looked down at James Jr, following his eyes towards where he was looking.
JJ: It's Mercedes Vargas! She's won everything like a million times and going in the Hall of Fame again. She's the best Bombshell there's ever been after Mommy.
Melody appreciated her son saying that but no one could argue with Mercedes SCW achievements, she had been a staple in the women's division for so long, embodying what it take to be an SCW star. Mercedes turned to see the young boy, before looking up to see who he was with. Seeing Melody and J2H, Mercedes nodded towards them before waving at the grinning young boy. He looked up at his parents proudly.
Melody: She knows who you are now.
That brought a wider smile to his face. Melody was right, she and her husband had been around Mercedes long enough for Mercedes to know the history on them, and it didn't take a million guesses to work out that their son was the one holding on to them for dear life, or so it felt. Mercedes turned away and the group walked on, continuing down the hallway to where the black curtain is to walk through and in to the arena. James Jr's quickly let go of his father's hand and pointed towards the person who just walked through.
JJ: It's Myra! Mommy! It's Myra!
Myra Rivers walked down the steps behind the curtain, smiling in the direction she heard her name.
Myra: Hey there!
JJ: Hi Myra!
His eyes were swooning as he looked at the woman he'd seen in epic wars on his TV screen, only to see her walking towards him.
Myra: What's your name?
JJ: James, but Mommy and Daddy call me JJ.
Myra smiled at the little blonde boy as she rustled his hair, causing him to slightly turn away, first time his shyness had shone through.
Myra: JJ, that's a cool name, I mean really cool. I like it.
Myra looked up at J2H, locking eyes with him. She was another who he had never really had a conversation with but he knew who she was and his legend in SCW was known by everyone who stepped in to that ring and beyond.
J2H: He's a big fan.
His tone was dry, but he knew his son was a Myra Rivers fan. Myra smiled at J2H before looking down at James Jr.
Myra: Well JJ, how about a picture?
His eyes darted towards Melody, as if to ask for permission but Melody already had her phone in her hand and nodded to him. He moved next to Myra, but Myra reaches down and picks him up, holding him to her side as he smiles uncontrollable. A few seconds later, James Jr had picture proof of a memory that would last forever.
Melody: Thank you.
Myra: You're welcome. I'll see you soon JJ.
He grinned at his new friend as she rustled his hair once more and walked away, heading deeper in to the building. J2H looked down at his swoony eyed mini me.
J2H: Ok JJ, this area we are in is called the gorilla position.
James Jr looked at his father with slight confusion on his face.
JJ: Why is it called that?
J2H was just about to answer him, when he looked up to see someone just entering the area, and looking around.
J2H: Because there's always a gorilla like that in here.
J2H pointed his thumb to where his eyes were looking and James Jr looked up, jumping on the spot.
JJ: CAAAAAAASEY!
It was indeed friend, former tag team partner and sometimes enemy, Casey Williams. Casey had known J2H for a long time, enough to be considered one of the family. He was loyal to a tee and always had time for J2H and his family.
It didn't take a few seconds before James Jr was changing in the direction of Casey as he stood next to Hitamashii. Casey saw him out of the corner of his eye, lifting him up in the air as he approached.
Casey: Little man! Where's the old people?
James Jr let out a tiny laugh, knowing was Casey meant as he pointed towards where J2H and Melody were watching on. Casey and Hitamashii walked towards them, Casey carrying James Jr as he held his arms around Casey's neck.
Casey: This little monster belong to you.
J2H scratched the side of his head as he looked at Melody curiously.
J2H: I don't know, is that our little monster?
Melody looked at J2H with a mock thinking face of her own.
Melody: I don't know, it don't look like our little monster.
James Jr turned his head around to look at Melody.
JJ: It's me Mommy!
Melody smiled at James Jr and nodded her head.
Melody: It is our little monster!
He reached out towards Melody, grabbing her around the shoulders, to give her enough time to hold on to him.
Casey: Have you seen it out there?
Casey pointed in the direction of the arena, causing J2H to glance at the black curtain and back to Casey with a shake of his head.
J2H: No, but we're about to head out there now and look.
J2H casted his eye to the left of Casey to see Kate Steele running towards J2H.
J2H: Come any closer you bi polar idiot, and I swear to everything good and holy I will get Casey and his strange looking silent friend here to stomp you in to the ground.
Kate stops in her tracks and looks towards J2H.
Kate: But....
J2H: Shut up!
His yell took everyone by surprise except James Jr, who was now seeing his father in full pelt wrestling mode. He loved watching his father cut promos on the screen, the way he spoke to people. He knew Daddy as well as J2H and smiled.
J2H: I swear to God, in front of all these people, you come within 50ft of us while we're here today, I will make sure you don't make it to Sunday.
Kate frowned towards him, but a smart ass look crossed her face.
Kate: How about dinner tonight then?
Kate's frown turned in to a smirk as he looked eye to eye with him. They didn't like each other, countless times J2H had shot down Kate being Melody's best friend as fictitious and all in her head.
J2H covered his sons ears as he looked at her with a cold stare.
J2H: How about fuck off?
The two exchanged a smirk and J2H looked towards Casey.
J2H: We're going out there, if that one hundred and twenty whatever pounds, bag of horse shit comes anywhere near that curtain, throw her through the wall. Tell you weird Silent Bob friend there he can do the same. I am not letting that crazy ruin the first time my son steps through that black curtain.
Casey nodded his head, casting a weary glance towards Kate as she watched on and J2H removed his hands from his sons ears. He quickly nodded his head towards Melody, who nodded back and the two, Melody holding her son in her arms as they reached the steps and walked up. Melody places James Jr down just behind the curtain.
Melody: Ready to see what Mommy and Daddy see when we come out the curtain? Without the fans of course.
James Jr was excited as he waited for his father to pull back the curtain, as he did, he and Melody quickly moved through and J2H breathed deep, following them through. The three looked around in amazement, SCW has spared no expense at all in this themed setting. J2H looked around the seating area, his mind racing forward to what it will be like for eighteen thousand plus people filling this famous around. The noise was always loud at SCW shows but this would take the roof off the place. He could barely register the people around him, the technical people, set builders, other wrestlers. His couldn't even feel his legs as he walked down the ramp towards the ring, he was in a world of his own as he looked around and smiled. This was it, the venue to end all venues. Only one thing snapped him out of his dream like state, the sound of his son's voice.
JJ: UNCLE AUSTIN!!!
Uncle Austin? There's only one person he calls that and he's shovelling horse shit right now, somewhere on a ranch in Georgia. Surely he was mistaken.
Austin: Hey buddy.
J2H looked up to see his son speeding towards Austin Parker sitting on the steel ring step, the man who taught J2H everything about the wrestling business. Not only the wrestling business, but how to be a responsible human being. J2H was shocked to see James Jr jumping at his mentor and embracing him. J2H couldn't believe his eyes as Austin hugged Melody. Austin looked at the approaching J2H with a warm smile.
Austin: Howdy.
J2H was still in shock as he looked at Austin.
Austin: Close yer mouth boy, yer let the flies in.
That was definitely Austin Parker, now standing in front of him but he couldn't believe.
J2H: What the fu.... hell are you doing here?
Austin smiled at the shock on J2H's face as he peered under the brim of his cowboy hat.
Austin: Well, ah was minding mah own, sitting on the ranch and then mah phone rang and it was Mark, he asked me ta get on over here for this show. He figured ah could calm some nerves if anyone was about ta mess their pants backstage in an arena like this.
J2H: Well you are old and such, at the age where ya don't care what ya say to people.
It was a nice return from J2H. When J2H first went to a reluctant Austin for training, a jibe like that would have earned him a quick pop to the lip.
Austin: Imma let that slide because ya boy and all.
JJ: Mommy, can we get in the ring?
His eyes were not even up to the ring apron yet but Melody nodded and Austin placed him on the ring apron and Melody popped up the steps and in to the ring, before helping her little man in to the ring.
JJ: Are you gonna get in the ring Daddy?
J2H slowly shook his head as he looked up at his boy, peering through the ropes.
J2H: Daddy's gonna have a quick chat with Uncle Austin first.
James Jr nodded and turned to Melody in the ring as James turned away, finding a gap in the barricades for he and Austin to walk through and sit in the front row.
J2H: If I knew you were coming....
Austin: Ya'd have baked a cake?
J2H: Very funny. No, I would have invited you over, but I'm glad you're here actually.
This got Austin's interest but he wouldn't be Austin without a poker face.
Austin: Lemme guess, you were gonna talk to me about retiring. Ah'm not stupid, ah watched ya promo, y'all thinking this is gonna be your last match.
Austin had him. It was a call he considered making to Austin a few times lately.
J2H: I'm facing a guy going in the Hall of Fame on Sunday, we're at the home of wrestling, what better way to go out? I won't say retirement because you know, but I could happily stop answering the phone when wrestling calls. How did you know when it was time to go?
Austin: Ah didn't numbnuts, ah retired because of injury. That was mah problem, ah didn't know when to slow down, when to pack up an' go live a life without gettin' up in the mornin' an' feelin' like ah just been hit by a train. If ya decide this is where it ends, ya probably a wiser man than ah am.
It took a few moments to sink in but J2H understood what Austin was saying. He wasn't saying stay, he wasn't saying go. He was saying be your own man and do what's good for you.
J2H: Well just in case I do say this is it for me, I would be honored if you come down to this ring with me. Just like the old days. SCW might as well get some extra use out of ya.
Austin looked around the arena, only needing a few seconds before nodding his head.
Austin: Ah hell, ah got nothing else to do.
With that, the two men sat back, taking in the view as the camera faded out.
Central Park was usually alive with people, locals and tourists trekking their way through as a scenic way to work, or to look at the beauty and settings for many things they've seen on television. Today, it was silent, eerily silent, no chatter, just the birds in the trees on this November morning. No sounds of laughs or camera clicks, just silent. The camera saw the beauty but only one other person did, the camera moving in on J2H as he sat on a bench.
J2H: You are right at home, this is Central Park, but you notice something different about it?
He smirked at the silence around him.
J2H: It's completely quiet, not a stupid annoying New Yorker, not a stupid annoying hot dog guy selling diseased meat, just me and the cameraman in one of the most famous parks in the world. You see SCW know my hate for this city and it's people, so someone in the office said let's send J2H out in to New York and cut a promo, send the biggest star out in public and cut a promo. Well, here and I am and there's no one around and you know why?
He couldn't help but feel happy inside.
J2H: Because I have the power to make things go my way, I have the influence to shut this mother fucking place down and oh I did just that. See, real power ain't about money, real power is about influence and look around, this is my influence, this is my power. How did I get this power? Because I worked for it, I worked for every ounce of it. Must be wondering what that has to do with anything. It's real simple. Hard work pays off and on Sunday, two of the hardest working people in wrestling clash in Madison Square Garden, two of the hardest working people in the world get in that ring and go for it.
It's what the world wanted to see and he knew it.
J2H: Now I admit, I could go and watch Kris Ryans talk about me and cut him down, disproving everything he wants to fucking say about me, but I'm better than that. I ain't watched his shit and I ain't gonna until Saturday night, because you don't get that power by being cheap and lazy, you get the power, you get the eyes on you by being you and that's what I am doing. I'm sure it was absolutely lovely Kris, I'm sure it was great, really I am, but that was last week and this is this week and I've switched focus. There's no more Mikah jokes, there's no more of that, I ain't even gonna take petty shots like if it wasn't for Fenris banging the son of a preacher man, we all know who's bed you'll really be in, but no. My focus now is adding to the power and influence I already have and I know this is big night for you. Hall of Fame to start, a match against me later on, I mean this must be the feature of all your wet dreams. It's recognition for being a hard worker, it's recognition for being one of the most elite wrestlers in the world. Topping it off with a dream match, a chance to show you can take my crown as the most SCW wrestler there has ever been. I can't let that happen.
J2H valued his reputation highly as the man people think of when it came to SCW.
J2H: Congratulations by the way, Hall of Fame induction in the home of wrestling. That's something a lot of us can't claim to have done, that's something only the rare few can say and your one of them. Take comfort in that at High Stakes, take a lot of comfort in that, because the rest of your night, is about to slide downhill very fast.
There was an air of seriousness about J2H today, not his usual, vicious, rip the flesh off the bone style, something focused and serious. Maybe Austin Parker's return had focused his mind on wrestling rather than the city.
J2H: You're going to be on a high, you're going to be flying looking out in to that crowd of eighteen thousand plus, hanging from rafters and it's gonna be an emotion high, but what goes up, must come down and things like that seem to come down hard Kris. I've hit the highs and I've hit the lows, but I've rode that high well for a long time, but this, within hours of being verified as one of the all time SCW greats, another SCW great, the greatest SCW great is going to drag you down to earth with the biggest crash you've ever had. I know you've had low moments in your life and you're about to relive them. It's not about hitting that floor Kris, it's about how you respond, but think of it like this. You are not the first to talk yourself in to a match with me, you may very well be my last but you're not the first and you won't be the last and I have beaten them down time and time again.
He loved proving people wrong.
J2H: Back when I won the World championship, I remember walking to the back and seeing Rage and Goth complaining that I should never have one, I got more shitty looks thrown at me than anything else. I had doubts that I can be a champion and let's just say someone who is in the sister fed instantly dropped me a message telling me he was close with Mark Ward and we could do something where I dropped the belt to him, all because he overheard me on the phone to Austin. Austin told me many things that night and you know what I did? I went out there and I smacked Goth around, I went out there and constantly smacked Rage around, I beat Drake Green in a Match of the Year, I beat Despayre in a Match of the Year, hell I beat Despayre all the fucking time. Lord Raab, absolutely destroyed him every chance I got. Casey Williams, defended that title against him too. Why am I mentioning all these people? They'll all in the Hall of Fame Kris, or about to be and I beat them to prove to the world I am the best.
He moved forward, putting his hands together and resting his elbow on his legs.
J2H: So Mr Hall of Fame 2021, what are you gonna do that's different from these guys?
He leaned back as if he was waiting for an answer.
J2H: I'll tell you Kris, you're going the same way as them. I've taken those Hall of Fame names and I've beaten every single one of them. Do you see where my focus lies now? It lies with adding your name to that list, it lies with adding more power to my name, more influence. You may have set the ball rolling a year ago Kris, but to me, this is where I stop the ball, this is where I am going to add another Hall of Fame name to my list. You see that Kris, is what it's all about I mean cause let's be honest, money is money, I got a shit ton of it and I'm sure you have a few stacks put away. This is just about taking each others name and a pissing contest. It's what it is, but I'm determined not to possibly go out as a loser and I got the ace up my sleeve back in my corner.
He was talking about Austin Parker.
J2H: No one kept me more focused at the job in hand than Austin Parker, and I've been around him for a day and I'm so much more focused, you can tell that from my tone Kris. I ain't coming here to lose my influence over the world, I ain't come to this rat invested sewer of a city, to leave it with people thinking I'm a loser. The words oh fuck no comes straight to mind Kris. I will be adding your name to the list of Hall of Famers I have beaten, fuck, if they dig up Jordan Williams and Nick Jones, I'll beat those too and they were arguably better than you are.
That was a debatable comment and he knew it but stirring the pot was his thing.
J2H: But I really hope you enjoy the rest of your night, the whole Hall of Fame shit, I hope you enjoy that huge crowd with their eyes on you, I hope you savour the moments of being in the ring with me and hell, I'll shake your hand when it's all said and done. I will step back and let these grimy, sweaty people congratulate you on a losing effort, I will let you have that spotlight once more where you can wave at the fans and decide your future, but it doesn't change the fact of a few things that is about to happen, spoiler alert and all that shit.
J2H smiled at the camera.
J2H: And what's gonna happen is we are gonna hear the loudest cheer of the night for the most anticipated match ever. We are going to have every single person in the building with their eyes locked on us. We're coming back through that curtain to the biggest round of applause any wrestlers have ever given and then I'm going home and I'm going home smiling for two reason.
J2H holds up two fingers to the camera.
J2H: One, because I'm leaving New York and two, because I've just added Kris Ryans to the list of Hall of Famers I've beaten.
J2H stood up and looked around the empty park, a smug smile on his face before looking at the camera.
J2H: That's real talk bitch!
And with that, the camera fades to black.
SCW has the drawing power like no other, one of the reasons of why go anywhere else? Why go anywhere else when the talent that has been through the revolving door of SCW has been nothing short of phenomenal? Why go elsewhere when SCW can take a wrestler and mould them in to a star, and yes, I put J2H in that category.
That was one of many reasons. The schedule, the schedule was one of the most relaxed in the world. No house shows, just TV, work on the promo side, the public relations side a few hours a day and life was golden. SCW was smart in that sense. By all means go home for five days if you want but set you up with local things to help sell the company. It's a diverse strategy that appealed to J2H. SCW had wrestlers from all over the world, for a couple of hours a week, you could go do a signing, go work on a promo and you're hitting markets all over the world in one go. Asses on seats and eyes on screens is the easiest way to put it without too much effort. Smart business.
J2H was a huge asset in that sense when SCW wanted to put him to use, he was an ambassador for the company at times, his phone would go off, Christian or Mark on the other end offering him a couple of thousand for an hours work within short distance of his home and those offers came a lot. He lived in Beverly Hills, he was close to Los Angeles, one hell of a diverse place. There was countless places SCW could set him or Melody up with to sell the SCW brand. Store openings, club nights, sports events, pretty much anything.
Why be anywhere else when your health is respected in such a way, that for a physical sport, the company does everything it can to take it easy on you. So many places just want to take from wrestlers till they're beaten and broken, till they're nothing but a shell of who they were, all the juice taken out of them. Austin Parker once told J2H in one of his many rants on the ranch about SCW and the way he was treated, to stick with it, there was so many other shit holes out there that wouldn't give this level of respect to their guys.
Another reason, SCW operated close to home. California had a lot of SCW shows pre pandemic. Many within a very short distance. Vegas wasn't too far away either, both great places to work. Both had entertaining things going on, although J2H very rarely ventured out with people after shows, he was happy to do what he had to and go home, but still, there were life in those states. The tours around the world was incredible, paid to see the world and work one show, and some promotional stuff was amazing, especially when SCW would pay for most of it. Exotic places as well as die hard fans in locations was something that was hard to put in to words. Obviously, there was some drawbacks to this. Arizona, so many shows in Arizona and the place is boring as fuck. There's nothing special about Arizona, but the selling side is that it wasn't too far from home. It wasn't at the other end of the country, it wasn't a one of blood money show on the other side of the world. It was close, another selling point to work for SCW.
However, there was situations like the one he found himself in now. SCW had been on a celebration tour in a way, a celebration of life trying to get back to normal. SCW had arranged a tour of America, again, smart business when you consider the fans have been locked away for so long, starved of live entertainment. Vegas had seen the SCW and SCU stars week in and week out when the rules changed, but SCW was now hitting places that are hungry to see their favorite wrestlers. That is not a fun side for J2H.
He thought when he agreed this match, the show would be in Las Vegas, it's SCW biggest show of the year and he thought Vegas would be a great place to hold it. The MGM Grand would have been a great choice. He never expected this cycle to extend the tour, he thought Vegas was gonna be the one where the whole build up and show would likely be. He had even considered a penthouse suite in Vegas for two months with his wife, son and Simpson, to really get in to the High Stake spirit, but SCW had pissed in his drink so to speak.
Madison Square Garden, the home of so many things, but famous for huge wrestling shows, and I mean HUGE shows. A place where the greatest in our history have stepped in the ring in front of over eighteen thousand fans. It was by far the Mecca of wrestling, and one if the biggest shows SCW had ever done. Maybe this was a sign that SCW was about to step up their arena booking, no more shitty little nightclubs and after ten years, the evolution from small independent fed, to wrestling powerhouse was complete. J2H had no issue with the venue, although he'd never wrestled there, he had no issue with the fact that in a few days, Eighteen thousand plus fans would be in that building screaming his name, or cursing it. It didn't worry him that he will be put to sleep during Jake Sullivan's Hall of Fame acceptance speech, it didn't worry him at all about what famous faces he'd bump in to backstage. There was only one thing he didn't like about this whole thing...
... New York.
He hated New York with an absolute passion. He thought it was one of the worst cities in the world. The Big Apple was a rotting cesspit of human life, and tourists. He never understood why people would want to see the city that never sleeps. He never understood why people would waste their money and time in a place where the catchphrase should be "hey I'm walking here!" He through the city would be best served bulldozed and starting again, because to him, the place was rotten to the core of that apple, it was not worth his time to be in, but he knew his personal rules. If it was outside of California, Vegas or Arizona for a supercard, show up days before the event. There was more media shit to be done in the week building up to a supercard than any other time of the SCW cycle. You had to make yourself seen in public, you had to be relatively fan friendly, you had to be approachable even if in character. You had to make yourself a big deal and get media eyes on you. Social media makes that a hell of a lot easier. All you had to do was walk out of a nightclub at two in the morning, and wait for the camera flashes. That was the old J2H, that was not in New York. He didn't want to be around these people, he sure as hell didn't wanna be media friendly, but here he was, stuck in what he took to social media to call a rat hole. He didn't wanna be around the people, he wanted to avoid them as much as he could. He even considered going to New Jersey, and although his links in the past with Gianni Di Luca saw him in Jersey a few times in his life, he didn't consider that was much better.
While Melody loved to soak in the culture of different cities, J2H did not. This was gonna be a hard few days and he was gonna do everything he could to avoid being out, but something did get his curiosity up to leave the rented luxury Chelsea at 777 Sixth Avenue apartment. It was Madison Square Garden, it was the show, he didn't want to show up the day of the show and just look around like usual. He wanted to see what SCW had done with the place. He knew he wouldn't be the only one there, other wrestlers had the same thought, it had been flowing through the dressing room for a while that people wanted to see the place. He didn't know who he'd run in to and he didn't care, but he had to see it for himself.
It was time for a family trip.
There was a reason J2H chose the Chelsea at 777 Sixth Avenue apartment, for he and his family to base themselves out of, well, a few reasons actually. It was an apartment, not a hotel room, sounded by strangers and colleagues, it was just a place he, Melody, James Jr and Simpson could spend the week, without the nuisance of strangers waiting for them in the lobby, people trying to find their room number. It's a blessing and a curse to be that famous. He didn't want to teach his son about that side of fame just yet. the Chelsea apartment seemed to be the best place to be. Plus it way less than half a mile from Madison Square Garden and less than ten to the airport. This could be his safe haven without having to leave and be disturbed. Although that nagging feeling got the best of him and he had to see that arena. He'd promised his son he would take him there and show him some stuff.
James Jr was the biggest wrestling fan in the house. He watched SCW avidly and knew people's names without ever meeting them. He didn't spend much time backstage but when he did, it was often straight to a dressing room and hide away, not through shyness, because J2H didn't want to interact with people he didn't have to, but today, he promised to show his son the arena, hoping it would be quiet and that most of the other SCW wrestlers were out sightseeing. He knew there was a chance he would run in to some people, the bosses schedule meetings with wrestlers and behind the curtain staff at the arena all the time. It wasn't uncommon to have people there that you wouldn't expect.
J2H stood by the front door of the apartment, he had a baseball cap on his head, baggy pants and a zipped up hoodie, the hood over he hat.
J2H: I don't know why we just don't get a car to the arena.
He spoke to himself but Melody was behind him, with young James in tow. He didn't see them coming or even hear them, but Melody's voice caused him to jump out of his skin.
Melody: Because the arena is right across the way, we don't need to burn up gas when it's a nice day out there and we'll be there in a few minutes.
He cocked his head slightly to see Melody as he peered under the lower brim of the baseball cap, keeping his eyes shaded as he hoped not to be recognized on their few minute walk across down West 24th Street and right down 7th Avenue, towards Penn station and through to Madison Square Garden. He knew most of the SCW crew were staying at The Stewart, just across the road from Madison Square Garden and hoped there wouldn't be a crowd of people outside as he passed on the other side of the road.
J2H: Still, it's New York and people are idiots. I don't want them breathing on me.
Melody smiled, knowing her husbands dislike of New York, but she refused to let him get his way with this.
Melody: The fresh air will do you good. It's not too far, and you're doing all you can to cover your face, so let's go. Let's go see what SCW has done to Madison Square Garden.
He wanted to argue and call the whole thing off, screw it, he thought to himself but one look down on his eager sons face, excited to go and possibly meet some of the heroes he sees on TV, made J2H accept the fact of leaving the apartment and going.
J2H: Come on then, let's go to the arena.
He reluctantly opened the door and in to the crisp afternoon air he walked, holding his sons hand on the left side and Melody holding James Jr's hand on the right. J2H looked around apprehensively at the people walking past, his head down. Maybe he should have asked his wife to dress down, but the smile on her face, looking around at the shining city, embracing everything her eyes could see, knows she would never had done so.
Melody: This place is beautiful.
J2H refused comment on the beauty of the city and it wasn't long before they were crossing the road and turning right on 7th Avenue. He glanced his head up to see huge crowds waiting on the other side of the road at the hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite SCW wrestler, maybe hoping some would stop for a selfie or an autograph. Moving past Starbucks, the crowd seemed to grow in numbers as security lined the doors in front of the lobby. People hurried past him, crossing the road to join the crowd, not noticing J2H. A few whispers came from the passing crowd that Melody Grace was right there in front of them but thankfully, none stopped the couple as they found their way to Penn station. The area was busy, people moved around bumping in to each other. It made J2H appreciate the quiet life in Beverly Hills where he could stay in his own little world and not have to worry. He looked down at his son, his eyes enthralled by the crowd around him.
J2H: I hate this place.
Although he muttered to himself, he doubted if he said it out loud, anyone would even hear it above the noise of people on cell phones trying to look like a big deal and the noise of the over the top New York traffic.
Melody: There it is.
Melody said to James Jr, as she pointed with her free hand towards the iconic Madison Square Garden. His eyes lit up wide, unable to hide his little smile, the complete opposite of his father, who groaned under his breathe as the three turned left and towards the arena. It wasn't took long before they were at the security office and instantly waved through. There they were, in the backstage area of Madison Square Garden.
J2H: Well, this is busier than I hoped.
And it really was. Not only was SCW's backstage personnel in full flow, but a lot of the SCW roster was backstage. J2H started to move through the building, following signs on the wall to locker rooms, and gorilla position. James Jr looked around excitedly, clinging to his mother's and father's hand as hard as he could as he could finally see some wrestlers that he was so used to seeing on TV.
JJ: Daddy! It's Bulldog and Bea!
J2H cocked his head to the left to see Bulldog Bill Barnhart and his wife Bea, walking out of a room and turning left, away from J2H.
J2H: Yeah, that's Bulldog, but we ain't gonna talk to him, he's probably got more fleas than Iris.
Melody couldn't stop her firing a look towards her husband, but he smiled back at her. He had no major dealings with the Barnhart's and was very unlikely to have in the future. James Jr's eyes grew wider as they rounded the corner, following the signs to the staging area to see none other than Mac Bane and Amber Ryan.... or was it Bane now? J2H didn't care but a certain little guy did.
JJ: Mac Bane!
Hearing his name, Mac turned his head to look down at James Jr, who beamed a bright smile back at the Texas native. Mac just reached up to the brim of his cowboy hat and tilted it towards the innocent James Jr. He didn't care if you were a good guy on television or a bad guy, these people were his heroes and more so knowing that they knew his parents. Mac put a fist out to J2H as they approached, J2H, finding Mac one of the few tolerable people in the SCW locker room, bump his fist back.
Mac: Who's the little guy?
J2H: This is our son James Jr.
J2H and Mac teamed for a match before Mac went on to become World champion. They were probably never gonna invite each other over for a BBQ or anything like that, but they had a healthy amount of respect for each other.
Mac: Good to meet ya kid.
Just hearing those words sent James Jr in to a state of happiness.
Mac: We gotta get going, but catch ya on Sunday.
J2H nodded and the two groups went either way, not before Amber gave James Jr a wave, putting the widest smile on his face that he could possible have, his eyes trailing Amber as he walked in one direction and looked in the other. When Amber and Mac were out of sight, he turned his attention to the front.
JJ: Oh my God
Melody and James looked down at James Jr, following his eyes towards where he was looking.
JJ: It's Mercedes Vargas! She's won everything like a million times and going in the Hall of Fame again. She's the best Bombshell there's ever been after Mommy.
Melody appreciated her son saying that but no one could argue with Mercedes SCW achievements, she had been a staple in the women's division for so long, embodying what it take to be an SCW star. Mercedes turned to see the young boy, before looking up to see who he was with. Seeing Melody and J2H, Mercedes nodded towards them before waving at the grinning young boy. He looked up at his parents proudly.
Melody: She knows who you are now.
That brought a wider smile to his face. Melody was right, she and her husband had been around Mercedes long enough for Mercedes to know the history on them, and it didn't take a million guesses to work out that their son was the one holding on to them for dear life, or so it felt. Mercedes turned away and the group walked on, continuing down the hallway to where the black curtain is to walk through and in to the arena. James Jr's quickly let go of his father's hand and pointed towards the person who just walked through.
JJ: It's Myra! Mommy! It's Myra!
Myra Rivers walked down the steps behind the curtain, smiling in the direction she heard her name.
Myra: Hey there!
JJ: Hi Myra!
His eyes were swooning as he looked at the woman he'd seen in epic wars on his TV screen, only to see her walking towards him.
Myra: What's your name?
JJ: James, but Mommy and Daddy call me JJ.
Myra smiled at the little blonde boy as she rustled his hair, causing him to slightly turn away, first time his shyness had shone through.
Myra: JJ, that's a cool name, I mean really cool. I like it.
Myra looked up at J2H, locking eyes with him. She was another who he had never really had a conversation with but he knew who she was and his legend in SCW was known by everyone who stepped in to that ring and beyond.
J2H: He's a big fan.
His tone was dry, but he knew his son was a Myra Rivers fan. Myra smiled at J2H before looking down at James Jr.
Myra: Well JJ, how about a picture?
His eyes darted towards Melody, as if to ask for permission but Melody already had her phone in her hand and nodded to him. He moved next to Myra, but Myra reaches down and picks him up, holding him to her side as he smiles uncontrollable. A few seconds later, James Jr had picture proof of a memory that would last forever.
Melody: Thank you.
Myra: You're welcome. I'll see you soon JJ.
He grinned at his new friend as she rustled his hair once more and walked away, heading deeper in to the building. J2H looked down at his swoony eyed mini me.
J2H: Ok JJ, this area we are in is called the gorilla position.
James Jr looked at his father with slight confusion on his face.
JJ: Why is it called that?
J2H was just about to answer him, when he looked up to see someone just entering the area, and looking around.
J2H: Because there's always a gorilla like that in here.
J2H pointed his thumb to where his eyes were looking and James Jr looked up, jumping on the spot.
JJ: CAAAAAAASEY!
It was indeed friend, former tag team partner and sometimes enemy, Casey Williams. Casey had known J2H for a long time, enough to be considered one of the family. He was loyal to a tee and always had time for J2H and his family.
It didn't take a few seconds before James Jr was changing in the direction of Casey as he stood next to Hitamashii. Casey saw him out of the corner of his eye, lifting him up in the air as he approached.
Casey: Little man! Where's the old people?
James Jr let out a tiny laugh, knowing was Casey meant as he pointed towards where J2H and Melody were watching on. Casey and Hitamashii walked towards them, Casey carrying James Jr as he held his arms around Casey's neck.
Casey: This little monster belong to you.
J2H scratched the side of his head as he looked at Melody curiously.
J2H: I don't know, is that our little monster?
Melody looked at J2H with a mock thinking face of her own.
Melody: I don't know, it don't look like our little monster.
James Jr turned his head around to look at Melody.
JJ: It's me Mommy!
Melody smiled at James Jr and nodded her head.
Melody: It is our little monster!
He reached out towards Melody, grabbing her around the shoulders, to give her enough time to hold on to him.
Casey: Have you seen it out there?
Casey pointed in the direction of the arena, causing J2H to glance at the black curtain and back to Casey with a shake of his head.
J2H: No, but we're about to head out there now and look.
J2H casted his eye to the left of Casey to see Kate Steele running towards J2H.
J2H: Come any closer you bi polar idiot, and I swear to everything good and holy I will get Casey and his strange looking silent friend here to stomp you in to the ground.
Kate stops in her tracks and looks towards J2H.
Kate: But....
J2H: Shut up!
His yell took everyone by surprise except James Jr, who was now seeing his father in full pelt wrestling mode. He loved watching his father cut promos on the screen, the way he spoke to people. He knew Daddy as well as J2H and smiled.
J2H: I swear to God, in front of all these people, you come within 50ft of us while we're here today, I will make sure you don't make it to Sunday.
Kate frowned towards him, but a smart ass look crossed her face.
Kate: How about dinner tonight then?
Kate's frown turned in to a smirk as he looked eye to eye with him. They didn't like each other, countless times J2H had shot down Kate being Melody's best friend as fictitious and all in her head.
J2H covered his sons ears as he looked at her with a cold stare.
J2H: How about fuck off?
The two exchanged a smirk and J2H looked towards Casey.
J2H: We're going out there, if that one hundred and twenty whatever pounds, bag of horse shit comes anywhere near that curtain, throw her through the wall. Tell you weird Silent Bob friend there he can do the same. I am not letting that crazy ruin the first time my son steps through that black curtain.
Casey nodded his head, casting a weary glance towards Kate as she watched on and J2H removed his hands from his sons ears. He quickly nodded his head towards Melody, who nodded back and the two, Melody holding her son in her arms as they reached the steps and walked up. Melody places James Jr down just behind the curtain.
Melody: Ready to see what Mommy and Daddy see when we come out the curtain? Without the fans of course.
James Jr was excited as he waited for his father to pull back the curtain, as he did, he and Melody quickly moved through and J2H breathed deep, following them through. The three looked around in amazement, SCW has spared no expense at all in this themed setting. J2H looked around the seating area, his mind racing forward to what it will be like for eighteen thousand plus people filling this famous around. The noise was always loud at SCW shows but this would take the roof off the place. He could barely register the people around him, the technical people, set builders, other wrestlers. His couldn't even feel his legs as he walked down the ramp towards the ring, he was in a world of his own as he looked around and smiled. This was it, the venue to end all venues. Only one thing snapped him out of his dream like state, the sound of his son's voice.
JJ: UNCLE AUSTIN!!!
Uncle Austin? There's only one person he calls that and he's shovelling horse shit right now, somewhere on a ranch in Georgia. Surely he was mistaken.
Austin: Hey buddy.
J2H looked up to see his son speeding towards Austin Parker sitting on the steel ring step, the man who taught J2H everything about the wrestling business. Not only the wrestling business, but how to be a responsible human being. J2H was shocked to see James Jr jumping at his mentor and embracing him. J2H couldn't believe his eyes as Austin hugged Melody. Austin looked at the approaching J2H with a warm smile.
Austin: Howdy.
J2H was still in shock as he looked at Austin.
Austin: Close yer mouth boy, yer let the flies in.
That was definitely Austin Parker, now standing in front of him but he couldn't believe.
J2H: What the fu.... hell are you doing here?
Austin smiled at the shock on J2H's face as he peered under the brim of his cowboy hat.
Austin: Well, ah was minding mah own, sitting on the ranch and then mah phone rang and it was Mark, he asked me ta get on over here for this show. He figured ah could calm some nerves if anyone was about ta mess their pants backstage in an arena like this.
J2H: Well you are old and such, at the age where ya don't care what ya say to people.
It was a nice return from J2H. When J2H first went to a reluctant Austin for training, a jibe like that would have earned him a quick pop to the lip.
Austin: Imma let that slide because ya boy and all.
JJ: Mommy, can we get in the ring?
His eyes were not even up to the ring apron yet but Melody nodded and Austin placed him on the ring apron and Melody popped up the steps and in to the ring, before helping her little man in to the ring.
JJ: Are you gonna get in the ring Daddy?
J2H slowly shook his head as he looked up at his boy, peering through the ropes.
J2H: Daddy's gonna have a quick chat with Uncle Austin first.
James Jr nodded and turned to Melody in the ring as James turned away, finding a gap in the barricades for he and Austin to walk through and sit in the front row.
J2H: If I knew you were coming....
Austin: Ya'd have baked a cake?
J2H: Very funny. No, I would have invited you over, but I'm glad you're here actually.
This got Austin's interest but he wouldn't be Austin without a poker face.
Austin: Lemme guess, you were gonna talk to me about retiring. Ah'm not stupid, ah watched ya promo, y'all thinking this is gonna be your last match.
Austin had him. It was a call he considered making to Austin a few times lately.
J2H: I'm facing a guy going in the Hall of Fame on Sunday, we're at the home of wrestling, what better way to go out? I won't say retirement because you know, but I could happily stop answering the phone when wrestling calls. How did you know when it was time to go?
Austin: Ah didn't numbnuts, ah retired because of injury. That was mah problem, ah didn't know when to slow down, when to pack up an' go live a life without gettin' up in the mornin' an' feelin' like ah just been hit by a train. If ya decide this is where it ends, ya probably a wiser man than ah am.
It took a few moments to sink in but J2H understood what Austin was saying. He wasn't saying stay, he wasn't saying go. He was saying be your own man and do what's good for you.
J2H: Well just in case I do say this is it for me, I would be honored if you come down to this ring with me. Just like the old days. SCW might as well get some extra use out of ya.
Austin looked around the arena, only needing a few seconds before nodding his head.
Austin: Ah hell, ah got nothing else to do.
With that, the two men sat back, taking in the view as the camera faded out.
Central Park was usually alive with people, locals and tourists trekking their way through as a scenic way to work, or to look at the beauty and settings for many things they've seen on television. Today, it was silent, eerily silent, no chatter, just the birds in the trees on this November morning. No sounds of laughs or camera clicks, just silent. The camera saw the beauty but only one other person did, the camera moving in on J2H as he sat on a bench.
J2H: You are right at home, this is Central Park, but you notice something different about it?
He smirked at the silence around him.
J2H: It's completely quiet, not a stupid annoying New Yorker, not a stupid annoying hot dog guy selling diseased meat, just me and the cameraman in one of the most famous parks in the world. You see SCW know my hate for this city and it's people, so someone in the office said let's send J2H out in to New York and cut a promo, send the biggest star out in public and cut a promo. Well, here and I am and there's no one around and you know why?
He couldn't help but feel happy inside.
J2H: Because I have the power to make things go my way, I have the influence to shut this mother fucking place down and oh I did just that. See, real power ain't about money, real power is about influence and look around, this is my influence, this is my power. How did I get this power? Because I worked for it, I worked for every ounce of it. Must be wondering what that has to do with anything. It's real simple. Hard work pays off and on Sunday, two of the hardest working people in wrestling clash in Madison Square Garden, two of the hardest working people in the world get in that ring and go for it.
It's what the world wanted to see and he knew it.
J2H: Now I admit, I could go and watch Kris Ryans talk about me and cut him down, disproving everything he wants to fucking say about me, but I'm better than that. I ain't watched his shit and I ain't gonna until Saturday night, because you don't get that power by being cheap and lazy, you get the power, you get the eyes on you by being you and that's what I am doing. I'm sure it was absolutely lovely Kris, I'm sure it was great, really I am, but that was last week and this is this week and I've switched focus. There's no more Mikah jokes, there's no more of that, I ain't even gonna take petty shots like if it wasn't for Fenris banging the son of a preacher man, we all know who's bed you'll really be in, but no. My focus now is adding to the power and influence I already have and I know this is big night for you. Hall of Fame to start, a match against me later on, I mean this must be the feature of all your wet dreams. It's recognition for being a hard worker, it's recognition for being one of the most elite wrestlers in the world. Topping it off with a dream match, a chance to show you can take my crown as the most SCW wrestler there has ever been. I can't let that happen.
J2H valued his reputation highly as the man people think of when it came to SCW.
J2H: Congratulations by the way, Hall of Fame induction in the home of wrestling. That's something a lot of us can't claim to have done, that's something only the rare few can say and your one of them. Take comfort in that at High Stakes, take a lot of comfort in that, because the rest of your night, is about to slide downhill very fast.
There was an air of seriousness about J2H today, not his usual, vicious, rip the flesh off the bone style, something focused and serious. Maybe Austin Parker's return had focused his mind on wrestling rather than the city.
J2H: You're going to be on a high, you're going to be flying looking out in to that crowd of eighteen thousand plus, hanging from rafters and it's gonna be an emotion high, but what goes up, must come down and things like that seem to come down hard Kris. I've hit the highs and I've hit the lows, but I've rode that high well for a long time, but this, within hours of being verified as one of the all time SCW greats, another SCW great, the greatest SCW great is going to drag you down to earth with the biggest crash you've ever had. I know you've had low moments in your life and you're about to relive them. It's not about hitting that floor Kris, it's about how you respond, but think of it like this. You are not the first to talk yourself in to a match with me, you may very well be my last but you're not the first and you won't be the last and I have beaten them down time and time again.
He loved proving people wrong.
J2H: Back when I won the World championship, I remember walking to the back and seeing Rage and Goth complaining that I should never have one, I got more shitty looks thrown at me than anything else. I had doubts that I can be a champion and let's just say someone who is in the sister fed instantly dropped me a message telling me he was close with Mark Ward and we could do something where I dropped the belt to him, all because he overheard me on the phone to Austin. Austin told me many things that night and you know what I did? I went out there and I smacked Goth around, I went out there and constantly smacked Rage around, I beat Drake Green in a Match of the Year, I beat Despayre in a Match of the Year, hell I beat Despayre all the fucking time. Lord Raab, absolutely destroyed him every chance I got. Casey Williams, defended that title against him too. Why am I mentioning all these people? They'll all in the Hall of Fame Kris, or about to be and I beat them to prove to the world I am the best.
He moved forward, putting his hands together and resting his elbow on his legs.
J2H: So Mr Hall of Fame 2021, what are you gonna do that's different from these guys?
He leaned back as if he was waiting for an answer.
J2H: I'll tell you Kris, you're going the same way as them. I've taken those Hall of Fame names and I've beaten every single one of them. Do you see where my focus lies now? It lies with adding your name to that list, it lies with adding more power to my name, more influence. You may have set the ball rolling a year ago Kris, but to me, this is where I stop the ball, this is where I am going to add another Hall of Fame name to my list. You see that Kris, is what it's all about I mean cause let's be honest, money is money, I got a shit ton of it and I'm sure you have a few stacks put away. This is just about taking each others name and a pissing contest. It's what it is, but I'm determined not to possibly go out as a loser and I got the ace up my sleeve back in my corner.
He was talking about Austin Parker.
J2H: No one kept me more focused at the job in hand than Austin Parker, and I've been around him for a day and I'm so much more focused, you can tell that from my tone Kris. I ain't coming here to lose my influence over the world, I ain't come to this rat invested sewer of a city, to leave it with people thinking I'm a loser. The words oh fuck no comes straight to mind Kris. I will be adding your name to the list of Hall of Famers I have beaten, fuck, if they dig up Jordan Williams and Nick Jones, I'll beat those too and they were arguably better than you are.
That was a debatable comment and he knew it but stirring the pot was his thing.
J2H: But I really hope you enjoy the rest of your night, the whole Hall of Fame shit, I hope you enjoy that huge crowd with their eyes on you, I hope you savour the moments of being in the ring with me and hell, I'll shake your hand when it's all said and done. I will step back and let these grimy, sweaty people congratulate you on a losing effort, I will let you have that spotlight once more where you can wave at the fans and decide your future, but it doesn't change the fact of a few things that is about to happen, spoiler alert and all that shit.
J2H smiled at the camera.
J2H: And what's gonna happen is we are gonna hear the loudest cheer of the night for the most anticipated match ever. We are going to have every single person in the building with their eyes locked on us. We're coming back through that curtain to the biggest round of applause any wrestlers have ever given and then I'm going home and I'm going home smiling for two reason.
J2H holds up two fingers to the camera.
J2H: One, because I'm leaving New York and two, because I've just added Kris Ryans to the list of Hall of Famers I've beaten.
J2H stood up and looked around the empty park, a smug smile on his face before looking at the camera.
J2H: That's real talk bitch!
And with that, the camera fades to black.