Prologue:
Jack was on top of the world, still.
He had successfully defending his championship at High Stakes, SCW’s biggest show, and now, he was going to bask in it. He was proud of everything he had accomplished, and now, he could put the members of Wolfslair in the rear-view mirror for now, now he had the holidays coming and he was very proud that he would end the year, as crazy as it was, as the world champion and he believed he was very close to doing that, until the SCW booked him to defend the championship against Kris Ryans. There was no doubt that Jack was not happy about this and he believed it was yet another attempt by SCW to undermine him and do whatever they could to get the championship off him. He was just too good, too fast. So once again, he was going to have to prove himself a worthy champion. While Jack was annoyed by this, and he had become increasingly paranoid about it, he knew he had to be ready otherwise he would slip up, and that’s what a lot of people wanted to have happen. This was just another test, but with a familiar foe, one who had beaten Jack early in his career. But Jack was bound and determined to prove that that was back then, and this was now, it was different, just like he was shooting for the outcome to be. Different from last time.
Outside the ring, Jack had relinquished control of the Casino he purchased day to day operations to Benny. While Jack was still a figure head and really pulling the strings, Benny was given the chance based on his experience and connections. Jack would be spending much less time at the Casino now, until it was open for business, and while construction was nearly complete, Benny would be hiring and setting up most of the way on the operations side.
Of course, Jack still had dealings with the Mexicans, and despite their objections to Benny’s involvement, Jack had assured them that they would deal with Jack personally, while they got to house their products. Jack knew it wouldn’t be smooth sailing at all times, but he knew if he played his cards right, he would stand to make a profit from that, as well as the Casino. Jack was playing both sides which was highly dangerous, but he figured if only one side knew, then he’d be able to manage. If Benny ever found out, he’d either want a cut, or he’d be bringing the police into the situation, and that was what Jack hoped to stop if Benny did find out, with the casino ownership piece. Jack had a plan and he was moving forward with it despite the dangers that lay ahead.
Jack also purchased a home in Las Vegas, no longer having to live under SCW’s Saxon hotel rules and finally gaining a place for himself, and it was a secluded and gated home that he knew afforded him protection. But Jack wasn’t about to continue to live in fear, instead he was going to assert control over his life. Now, having finalized the purchase and closed on the house, Jack was going to treat himself.
But this is the season where ghosts of the pasts come into play... --
Washington Estate
Las Vegas, NV
Two weeks ago
Jack was now outside his new house, along with his realtor, Greg. Jack looks over the house, once again like a proud parent, having really felt he accomplished something with this move he made. Jack stood staring at the house, hands on hips, sunglasses on and a satisfied grin on his face, as Greg, the agent stood next to him, also smiling. He went to touch Jack’s shoulder, but thought better of it, as Jack wasn’t paying him any attention. Greg only cleared his throat in order to get Jack to look at him. Jack shot a death glare at him.
Jack: Why are you ruining this moment?
Greg: I’m sorry Mr. Washington, I just wanted to go ahead and finalize everything.
Jack doesn’t respond right away, he continues to take a long look at his home, the grin returning to him face. He finally stops and removes his sunglasses, and then turns to Greg.
Jack: Where do I sign?
Greg had been holding a clipboard, He turns and hands it Jack, who holds it, staring at the paper, and then signs his name. Greg smiles as Jack hands him the clipboard back.
Greg: Great. Everything is all set, Mr. Washington.
Jack: Good. Very good.
Greg: Well, this is it, congratulations, Mr. Washington.
Greg extends his hand and Jack at first is reluctant to shake it. He stares the open hand of Greg.
Jack: COVID, Dude.
Greg pulls his hand away sheepishly.
Jack: Thank you. I mean, I would shake your hand, this is a big deal and you have been very helpful in this, but you know, I don’t want to get sick. I don’t know where you’ve been.
Greg just laughs nervously. He didn’t want to get Jack upset or mess anything up, the sale was final, so Greg was just estatic to try and finish this off.
Greg: Yes, well, anyway, here you go.
Greg pulls a keyring out of his pocket. The 4 keys adorned on them. He holds them out and Jack takes them.
Jack: So... this is it?
Greg: Yes. Yes, Mr. Washington, you’re a homeowner.
Jack: I am, aren’t I?
Greg: Yes sir.
Jack began to almost play with the keys on the keyring. Despite there only being four keys, Jack turned them around and swung them around on his finger. Finally, he grasps the keyring in his fist and turns to Greg.
Jack: Alright, I suppose our business is concluded, so you can go ahead and leave.
Greg: Right. Right, enjoy Mr. Washington, you’ve made a hell of a purchase.
Greg again goes for the handshake, but thinks better off it. With a bounce in his step, he makes his way to his car, with the paperwork in hand as he whistles a happy tune before driving off, leaving Jack alone. Jack continues to stare before he entered the gate, shutting it and locking it behind him. He smirks as he moves up the outside stairs to his pool and patio area, smiling the entire time. He takes the time to admire the entire area, before unlocking the door from the outside, smiling as he opened it and entered what is at this point a giant empty house. Jack was pleased as he made his way through the halls and could hear his footsteps as the only noise around. Here it was, it was all his and he was very, very pleased with it.
Jack: All mine.
Jack continued around the house, before he finished his tour and took a deep breath as he stopped in front of the front door.
Jack: New house smell. Damn that’s good.
Jack finally realized that while the house was his, and while he had the keys, there really wasn’t anything here, and that needed to change. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed.
Voice: Stick?
Jack: We’re official.
Brian: Is that so?
Jack: Damn right.
Brian: Good on ya, Stick, I guess I’ll be over soon.
Jack: Yeah, the movers are coming this weekend, but as soon as that’s all taken care of, we’re going to discuss the rent you’re going to pay.
Brian: Very funny, Stick.
Jack: I’m not joking. This shit was expensive, and if you’re going to live here, you’re chipping in.
Brian sighs on the other end.
Brian: Okay Stick, we’ll talk about it. I’m on the way. This is a cause for celebration.
Jack: Yes, it is.
Jack ended the call just like that. He had a bottle of champagne to celebrate, and all alone, he popped the corked, spilling champagne everywhere, but he didn’t care. He would clean it up later, but for now, this was his celebration, and he was enjoying it exactly how he wanted. By himself. This was his moment.
--
Washington Estate
Las Vegas, NV
Jack was still standing around, drinking the champagne out of the bottle when Brian showed up. Jack had to go outside and unlocked the gate, allowing Brian in. Brian looked at Jack and the bottle in his hands, shaking his head at his young nephew.
Brian: Getting a head start, Stick?
Jack: You said this was a cause for celebration, right?
Brian: Yeah, nobody said for you to drink the whole bottle.
Jack: It’s my champange.
Brian: Yes, I’m aware of that. Not even gonna bother to share, are you?
Jack looked Brian, and then at the bottle, and then back to Brian.
Jack: I would but... I don’t have any glasses yes.
Brian: Then what are you even doing here? You got the keys, you should be finding a nice hotel or something until everything is ready.
Jack just shook his head, handing what was left in the bottle over to Brian, as he turned and stared at the house in front of him.
Jack: Because it’s mine. I can do whatever I want here. It’s fucking great. This is something I bought, with my own money. Money I earned. I don’t have to live in anybody’s shadow anymore, Brian. My dad is no longer a factor in my life and I’m fucking thrilled. This whole thing has been worth it. I’ve got everything I want. I’ve done it my way and it feels really, really fucking good.
Jack leads Brian into the house, the two of them inside the empty place with nothing but the echoes coming from the house as they walk around. Brian is less than impressed, but happy for his nephew for accomplishing a goal of his.
Brian: You got lofty goals there, kid. But uh, I think you better start at least with some furniture.
Jack rolls his eyes at Brian’s joke.
Jack: Very funny. I told you, the movers will bring the stuff in over the weekened. And then I’ll get used to it.
Brian: Yeah, but, right now, it’s empty.
Jack: I know that, but you know, it’s like anything, sometimes you just get an exterior, a skeleton and once you will in all the details, man, it looks nice. And It’s what I’m doing both in and out of the ring. I’m building. You see how far I got with the casino, I laid the foundation, just like here. This is just a foundation right now. It’s bare bones, I’ll admit that, but soon, soon it’s going to be filled. Just like the casino. And just like I’m doing in SCW.
Brian: I saw that, congratulations on the big win.
Jack: Pfft. No sweat. I’m the champ.
Brian: They going to give you the holidays off I suppose, right?
Jack: Well, the show before holiday break I have to be there fucking stupid title defense. I mean, they could have just let me live and let me do what I needed to do to end 2021, but no, some asshole has a title shot. It’s fucking unreal. Plus, I already let them know I’ll be in the arena for the first night. Despite it all, Gotta celebrate this victory properly.
Brian: I see.
Jack: I’m tell you, Brian, things could not be looking up further for me. I told Benny this was the start of something great, and I fucking meant it. I can’t wait to see what 2021 is all about if this is how 2020 ends.
Brian: Not if you lose.
Jack turns and side eyes Brian, before turning and pointing a finger in his face.
Jack: Don’t put that shit on me, Brian. Don’t kill my fucking vibe. I’m the champion, and I’m going to stay that way for a long time. I’m going to pull in that championship money!
Brian eases forward and pushes Jack’s finger away gently.
Brian: Relax, Stick. I was just messing with ya. Now, I guess we gotta really go celebrate now, I’m getting creeped out by the echo in here.
Jack: Alright, alright, but soon, we’re going to fucking rock this place with a house warming party! Fuck. Yeah.
--
Washington Estate
Las Vegas, NV
One Week Ago It is the night of Jack’s house warming party. It’s a select group of people, all of them of course wearing masks due to COVID. However, Benny did decide to bring along some women to the party as well. And Bobby was able to round up some party-goers and a DJ to play some music in Jack’s newly furnished home. Jack was able to mingle with several people and the good times were being had. However, there was still much to discuss.
Jack sat at the head of the kitchen table, Benny on one side, and Brian on the other. There was a bottle of Jack Daniels between them, most of the way finished along with three shot glasses, and three men are smoking cigars per usual.
Benny: I gotta say, kid, you’re doing pretty well with a place like this.
Jack: Thank you Benny. I like it a lot.
Benny: Maybe you need some boys around here, just in case.
Jack eyed Benny suspiciously.
Jack: Just in case of what?
Benny: I don’t know, never know with all these crazies around here. Out there spreading diseases and all that.
Jack: That’s why people are wearing masks here. I think you’re implying something else, Benny.
Benny: Look, kid, you got enemies everywhere, Kid. They come from everywhere and they don’t stop coming just because you move away. You know that by now.
Jack: Are you suggesting that people from the street are coming here. Well, let’s just think about this for a second, the only reason that somebody like that would should up now, is that they knew where I lived. Now, as I look around, something interesting does strike me right now. There’s only 3 people who would inform other people that I live here. One, is me, and one is Brian, who’s also going to be staying here. So, I think that kind of narrows it down, Benny. Are you going to be that fucking guy now?
There is a tense moment of silence, and Brian happens to break it up by pouring himself another shot.
Brian: You guys can drive a man drink. Arguing like bitches.
Jack: No, Brian, that sounds like foreshadowing. But thanks Benny, Now I know where to look if things go sideways here.
Benny: I was just saying to look out for yourself, Kid. I ain’t trying to set you up.
Jack: I hope not, Benny, because that would be pretty fucked up. Is that how you would repay me Benny, I put you in this position and you’d try and take me out?
Benny: No, god damn it! I’m not saying that at all. We’re working together kid, I agreed to do this with you. I was just saying to look out for issues, because we both fucking got them. Sonny ain’t out of the picture either. You know that, right? He’s still gonna scheme about how to put us both out of business. He’s got unlimited resources. He’s not gonna just let you compete.
Jack: Well, it’s a good thing I got you, isn’t it? Like I said a bunch of times, Benny, if we work together, we can make this work. But I need to know I can trust you on this shit.
Benny: Of course, you can.
Another period of silence, before Brian pours the last of the whiskey and downs it himself.
Brian: Are we done now? Nobody’s setting anybody up. Jesus christ you two. Get a hold of yourselves. We ain’t even off the ground yet, and we got this shit happening. Get your heads out of your asses, gentlemen, we need to be able to fucking see, before we’re blindsided by actual problems, not pretty squabbles.
There is another brief moment where Benny and Jack stare at one another and then finally Jack nods. He knew Brian was right, although he already had other plans in motion. But riling up Benny was not the right idea.
Jack: You’re right, you’re right, we need better communication, that’s all. I didn’t mean to go off on you Benny, I do need your wisdom and experience in this situation. I’m just a little on edge these days. That’s how I was raised, you know that. Trust is something that needs to be earned in my book, and that’s not something I give away easily.
Benny nods himself.
Benny: I get it kid, it’s good to be paranoid sometimes. Keeps you on your toes. I’m with you on this, I’m ready to help you. We’re teaming up and that’s what we need to do.
Jack: Good. I uh... I need some air. Get some more of that whiskey out of the fridge. After a little hiccup like this, I’ll probably need a drink to calm my nerves.
Jack stands up from the table, and walks out of the room, headed to his back patio to catch his breath. He pondered the future as he leaned forward on the back patio porch, it was quiet and he was all alone with his thoughts. He stared at everything in front of him, including the pool, and if Benny was trying to get into his head, he was succeeding. Jack realized that a gate was strong, but maybe he did need people to actually be guarding him. But would that mean he was living scared?
He thought about this for a while before Brian appeared at the back door, whistling for him. Jack turned and spotted him.
Brian: You coming?
Jack: Yeah, just... give me a minute, yeah?
Brian: Don’t blame me when this is all gone, Stick.
Jack: Yeah, I know.
Brian disappeared behind the door again and left Jack alone again.
Jack: Fuck.
Jack let out the word and his thoughts again raced. The door swung open behind him again. Jack didn’t bother to look back before he spoke.
Jack: I said I’d be right there.
Voice: Hello, John.
Jack spun around quickly with the soft, feminine voice he remembered, and the word “John” His name. And only one person ever called him that.
Jack: Jessica?
Jessica: I see you’re living a good life out here.
Jack: What... what are you doing out there? Shouldn’t you be in Philly?
Jessica: I probably should be, but I’m on vacation. I just came here to see what all the fuss is about.
Jack: Jessica, I...
Jessica: You’ve made something of yourself John. I can respect that. Ownership in a casino, World champion wrestler. You’ve done well in a short amount of time.
Jack: I.. appreciate that. I still don’t understand why you’re even here. I mean, it’s been a long time.
Jessica: It has, doesn’t mean that two friends can’t get together, does it?
Jack: No, but it’s just... It’s good to see you is all.
Jessica: Likewise, John. I figured you’d be too big for me at some point, so might as well get it done now before that happens.
Jack: That’s not who I am Jessica. You know me.
Jessica: I do know you, and that’s why I came here, because what I see on TV, and how fast word travels, you aren’t that boy I knew all those years ago.
Jack: I grew up, Jessica. But I didn’t change.
Jessica: Yes you have, John, you can’t fool me into thinking that either way. That’s not how this works. You’re changing and becoming exactly like your father.
Jack: What? How can you say that?
Jessica: Because of what I know John. Because of who I know, and how I know them. It’s the other reason I came here tonight. People let me know you were here, and exactly what day you’d be doing this. That doesn’t strike you as odd.
Jack: I mean, it does, but...
Jessica: John, I’m a cop, I’m trained to be able to get information from people without having to beat them up or otherwise twist their arm. And you know, sometimes, people tell me things, and I need to find out if they’re true. And the bad part is, John? I already know what I know is true without having to talk to you. People already told me and I see now they are correct.
Jack: What are you talking about? I hate this cop double talk. Come out with it.
Jessica: I came here to warn you Jack, because of our past, and that boy that I knew, despite what happened, I don’t want him to get hurt. People told me how to find you, and people are watching you. People you know, and people you think you know.
Jack: Who told you?
Jessica: Marta. Marta Jimenez.
Jack: Who?
Jessica laughs knowingly.
Jessica: There was a women in a trunk a few months back. Ms. Ana Sofia Domingez and her crime family have been pushing their stuff all across the country, and Marta was one of the people buying from her. And you know what happens when you miss a payment? You die. That’s what happens when Ana Sofia thinks you have crossed her. And she wanted you to get rid of her.
Jack: She... But I didn’t.
Jessica: I know you didn’t. She talked to a lot of people, thankful that you kept her alive. And that’s very commendable Jack. You did a good thing by not killing her.
Jack: If she didn’t make any noise in the trunk I would have. She’s lucky I knew she was there. She saved her own life.
Jessica: But you spared her. And people saw her. People who work for Ana Sofia. She’s in protective custody right now because of it. And Ana Sofia knows she’s alive, she may just be decieving you into thinking that she’s okay with it, or that she doesn’t know. But you’re in a bad deal if you work with her John.
Jack: I can’t just back out of that. I made a promise, and I keep my promises, Jessica. I don’t want to hurt people like that. I lived way too long in that life that violence is the go-to option for anything. I want that time to be over. I didn’t want to kill her -
Jessica: And you’re in this mess because of it. Just like your father would be.
Jack: There is no easy way out of this Jessica, you know that.
Jessica: I do, I can talk to people here and possibly get you out of this mess before you’re poisioning the rest of Las Vegas.
Jack: Las Vegas is a poison in itself, Jessica. You know that just like I do. They call this place Sin City for crying out loud. There’s no redeeming this place, just like there’s no redeeming Philly, and you know, maybe there’s no redeeming me at this point. Maybe I was in that life for too long, I don’t know. But I’m not going to sell any of it, I’m not going to use any of it. Doesn’t that count for something?
Jessica: No, it doesn’t. You’re assisting all the same. Like I said, I can talk to people and maybe get you out of this.
Jack: You... you want me to snitch?
Jessica: Don’t say it like it’s not a solution to the problem. Like your moral code won’t allow it.
Jack: That’s a code I lived by. I don’t narc on anybody. That’s not how that goes.
Jessica: It’s only going to end one of two ways John. Either you in the ground, or her entire operation in prison and the spread of her disease stopped.
Jack: Don’t make me do that Jessica, don’t put me in that position.
Jessica: You already are, John. You have a choice you can make and maybe save things, or make them worse. Ana Sofia is one day not going to have use for you. She already knows you live here. She’s already got people watching your every move.
Jessica moved closer to Jack, putting a piece of paper in his hand, and actually hugging him. It takes a moment for it to register on Jack before he hugs her back.
Jessica: Think about your choice.
Jack: Jessica...
Jessica turned, shaking her head, and she walked away, and eventually leaving the party. A minute after Jessica was out of sight, Brian once again peeked his head out of the back door.
Brian: Come on, Stick!
Jack: Yeah... yeah.
Jack looked down at the piece of paper, and put it in his pants pocket, rejoining the party.
--
On Camera:
ClickWe are with Jack in his new home. His Christmas stocking is hung over his fireplace, notably it’s the only stocking hung. Seemingly in the holiday spirit, Jack is seated on his leather couch, a cigar lit and half smoked in an ashtray beside him on the side cabinet next to the lamp. Jack is leaning back, and an actual smile across his face, and the SCW world championship draped across his lap. Jack even wears a santa hat for good measure.
Jack: Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that bring you the most joy, you know? Just being able to sit here still the SCW world champion, a second successful title defense under my belt and damn, life was good. Having buried Wolfslair in the ground for good, I was ready to finish this year on a pretty positive note. I have silenced any and all doubters who continue to try and tell me that I’m still unproven and that are just jealous that I picked up the ball when they fumbled. I told them to put me in coach, I was ready to play, and bam, I fucking picked up the ball, ran and scored the touchdown and won the big game. I have done exactly what I said I was going to do and I have made no bones about how I conduct my fucking business. I win, I may play dirty, I may cheat, I may bend or break the rules, but I get results. You may not like it, but it’s the truth. It’s the main thing I pride myself on. I have exposed many a bitch, posing as internet tough guys and keyboard warriors and people who are not on my level. I have no backed down from any challenge, nor will I start any time soon. Do I make tactical choices on whether to fight? Of course. That’s just how a smart man thinks. That’s how a champion, moves. It’s pretty simple.
So, this nonsense with O’Malley finally growing a nutsack and trying to go through his redemption story is touching and all, but he deserves nothing. This man had two championship, and now they’re all gone. And, after I mopped the floor with him, he put on some Dropkick Murphy’s or watched Matt Damon movie and now he’s all ready to fight me. Cool. I have already completely obliterated O’Malley twice, so I will have no problem doing it a third time, and making sure he, like Alex Jones, and like Austin James Mercer, are completely out my hair once, and for all.
I mean, didn’t he just lose, handedly, to Agostino Romano? A loser I’ve crushed twice in recent memory. And now he thinks he’s just gonna waltz in and try to take some shortcut and take my championship? Piss on that. O’Malley, is going to learn, just like everyone else, when you come at me, you best not miss, and you best not piss me off. Everyone who has stepped to me has walked away with their ego bruised and a newfound respect when there wasn’t any to start with. O’Malley should already know, but if he keeps fucking with me, he’ll learn once again that I am not the one who you try and get one over on. People like that, end up regretting it. All but one, I guess, And I’ll get to him momentarily. Jack sighs, and removes the santa hat as he takes a puff of the cigar before continuing.
Jack: But, of course, it seems that in my personal and professional life everyone is out to try and ruin my holiday mood by forcing me to face my past. I mean, SCW is making me defend my championship AGAIN, the third time in under 2 months. I don’t remember Ben Jordan doing this, I don’t remember Al- wait no he didn’t have the title long enough... Whoever Ben Jordan beat, Vinnie? Yeah, Vinnie I’m sure wasn’t put in this type of situation. But when you say the things I say, when you move people and command attention the way I do, people want to try and knock you off. That’s okay. So, SCW decided rather than to pull up from the dredges and reach through all the garbage and find someone, anyone who could challenge me, that Kris Ryans just happened to have a SCW world title match in his back pocket. Which is fine, Kris won this on a game show or whatever so he’s got it and he’s got to use it, so he is. And apparently, I am supposed to be intimidated or afraid by Kris Ryans, I’m supposed to look at Kris Ryans and go... oh no, he’s a former World and Roulette champion. Oh no, he’s currently ruling the oh-so-competitive mixed tag division.
In case people don’t get it by now, I don’t have to respect any championship wins, anyone has earned in the past, especially when it was years ago. I proved that point a while back, didn’t I? You see, respect is a two-way street in this world. You have to earn it, and then you give it back. Alex Jones could have made his job really easy and said “hey kid, I know you’ve got heart and determination, but you know, I may not have more of these title reigns left, so I’m going to hold on this for as long as I can.” But no, Alex decided to flaunt his 10 or 15 title wins and disrespect me by telling me I wasn’t ready. And then, after he showed me the disrespect, I showed it back to him, and he got his panties in a wad and cried foul. And then, after he lost, he threw up a bullshit tweet about respecting me and then when right back to bitching about losing. But there was a key figure in that moment Kris, but we’ll get to that in second. After I disposed of Alex Jones, Austin Mercer came running in. He could have told the truth and said he was fighting for Alex Jones and Wolfslair, but he lied, just like he lied about his tweets and was resoundingly shown to be a complete fraud in the ring. He too, chose to disrespect me by being a pretender, and then to, have to throw out the bullshit surrender tweet after he got run over. I earned respect and then chose to try and take it away.
And then, there was you, Kris. Jack learns forward, his festive spirt is now gone, and a scowl replaces his smile.
Jack: Yeah, there’s always been you, going through and choosing actively to disrespect me by swinging from Wolfslairs nuts like god damn fanboy, choosing to not put respect on my name and then vanishing just as quickly as you appeared. You have been a ghost for a long time Kris. And now, you come back to haunt me, right? You’ve come back to do what you think you can do because you’re in my head, right?
Oh yes, I have not forgotten, I just don’t really bring it up, because it’s just wasn’t relevant before. People have already forgotten about it because they have seen that I didn’t stop and kept moving forward and driving and beating people’s asses and winning matches and titles and proving to everyone I was as good as I said I was. But no, Kris, I haven’t forgotten, you’ve been sitting on this little nugget because you think it gives you an edge. Sorry to tell you, it doesn’t. It only adds to my motivation.
Yes, I can readily admit to you, right now, that some 6 or 8 months ago, when I was newer to the company, Kris Ryans got a victory over me. The luckiest 3 seconds on his life and at this point the highlight of his 2020. I can, in a way, respect that. I was younger, I was still adjusting, and Kris Ryans showed me exactly where I stood that night. I didn’t have what it took to be at the top just yet, but I was god damn close. And after that, I got better. Better and better and more and more confident. I ascended to the top of the mountain faster than anyone could have expected. Within 3 months of debuting, I was a cunt hair away from beating Ben Jordan for the SCW World title. And then, in my second attempt, I won this championship right here and I have kept it ever since. So yes, I do owe Kris Ryans a lot. I have to fondly look back and understand what exactly happened and how it shaped everything for me. Jack throws up his hand, in an “hey, you never know” type motion
Jack: See, if I have just beat Kris Ryans, maybe all this other stuff wouldn’t have been so bad. Maybe, I wouldn’t be hearing from Kris subtweeting me like a bitch, quote tweeting and acting like the coolest dude. I mean, I can so imagine the idea that Kris Ryans has to shut his fucking trap because he’s already yesterday's news. What’s he going to say to me? I already whooped his ass once, and normally, that’s all it takes these days. I don’t hear Alex Jones running his mouth anymore. And Austin James Mercers out here acting like he wants to be a bad ass NOW instead of last month. I have beat respect into people, and that’s a fact. All but one person. All but Kris Ryans.
And I get it. Now, Kris is running around here, he made his big comeback, he didn’t even think he was welcome around here anymore since he fucked up so bad, and he’s basically trying to pass himself off and some sort of success story. And while it’s funny to hear that, you really believe that don’t you Kris? You come waltzing back in here and you’re trying to pick up where you left off when you left the first time right? This whole story gets a happy ending when you win this SCW world championship and all is right with the world? Sorry my guy, but this isn’t the movies. Because you got one win over me when I first started doesn’t mean jack shit now.
But when you stop and think about it Kris, it should worry you, it shouldn’t give you any confidence. Think about how you, coming back after a long layoff and then losing to Bill Barnhart happened, and everyone doubted you, and then you run into me. I don’t quite have it all together just yet, and you managed to build your confidence back up because you got the win. But even you, even you know that you pretty much lucked out and got by. And then what happened, Kris? I tore through this company and won this championship. You? Let me stop and think, you were sitting around, not taking this seriously because you had a championship match lined up shortly after our match. You went ahead and returned to 2017 and got everything back the way it was. You and Mikah sitting back and laughing at everybody and it was all fun and games for you. But while you may have expected me to roll over and die, I didn’t. Not even close Kris. I learned from you and I became the man. You are pretty much the only person in this company I haven’t be able to right what was a major wrong for me. A misstep at best and now, I get that chance. So, let me just tell you that this match means way more to me, than it EVER will to you. Why? Because you are on your high horse because you’ve got gold around your waist from a crummy, crumbling division and you think this is a joke. This is real life son, and this championship I earned, this championship that I had to bite, scratch, and claw for? I will do ANYTHING to keep it. Jack looks down at the championship, clutching it tightly to his waist.
Jack: Before I wrestled you, and slightly after I wrestled you, I was just trying to fit in. I was trying to figure out something that you make me stand out, at the same time, at least at that point, not trying to make waves, figuring that I would get a chance somewhere down the road, and that it was early in my career to set the goals that high.
But then I said, “Fuck all that.” Because I knew in my heart I was destined to be at the top. I wasn’t going to less that loss define me. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, I took it. And I became what I am today, the SCW world heavyweight champion. And now you come out of the grass like a snake, trying to stop what has been a truly awe-inspiring reign as the champion for me. I don’t think there’s ever been a champion like me, and if you think I’m going to let you stop me, Kris, you have got a truly painful surprise coming from me. At Climax Control I will erase any hopes that you had of becoming some sort of double champion at my expense. Oh no, I will go to any lengths I have to retain this championship. You see, my road to this championship wasn’t easy, but by god I did it. I took it to those so-called legends and hall of famers. I carved a path that no one else has come close to. There has been no one like me, and there never will be again in SCW. Not even you, Kris. Reality is here to smack you in your smug face one more time. You will be awakened from this fever dream you’re having right now of becoming the champion. Jack again leans back, another puff taken from his cigar.
Jack: I can see your dream right now Kris. You got me right where you want me don’t you? Yeah, you’ve got those people cheering you on, you’ve got everybody on your side, and they give you that energy to take my championship.
Oh yeah, you’re on a roll aren’t you? A little spinning wheel kick, bam! A jawbreaker, wham! A tornado DDT, BOOM! You’ve got this Kris! Can you see Mikah backstage screaming in approval?! Yeah, it’s right there! It’s unbelievable what you’re doing, it’s amazing. Why not add a little side effect and you are in the driver’s seat my man! The world title is in your grasp, it’s 2017 all over again, holy shit! You’ve hit the Smackshot and whoo boy you’ve got this in the bag man! But why not, why not go for the kill? You’ve got all the momentum, you’re it, you’re on fire. This is it, your big moment! And oh man, the fans are on their feet as you hit that vaunted Godspeed! That’s it, you’ve done it! You just gotta make that cover and there it is! One. Two. Three. You’ve done it, you’re the world champion! Mikah can sprint down to the ring and celebrate and everyone is chanting your name as you make history, you’re a damn double champion! Holy shit you are that damn good my man. Jack has a wide grin as he describes this, but as soon as he’s done, it disappears, and Jack snaps his fingers as he says:
Jack: Wake up.
Because all that shit, I just went through? It’s just that, a dream. A dream scenario that will NOT be playing out for you on Sunday.
On Sunday, you will learn that while you got me once, you will NEVER get me again. I learn from my mistakes Kris. I learned from that match and on Sunday, I will beat your scrawny ass like you stole something. You are in for the beating of your life. You will serve as yet another example and testament to my greatness. All there was before to fight for was money, and now, it’s not just money anymore. It’s this championship. And I hold this championship very near and dear to my heart. I know you fucking saw what I did to get this, because you always had a little snide comment. I know you were paying attention and I know you will always have that first match to fall back on, but when it counts more than anything, Kris. I will be an entirely different animal than I was back then. I’m the one backed into a corner now with you coming for my championship. I’m the one with everything to lose. You’re not going to lose jack shit. You’re still going to be a mixed tag team champion; you will still be in a partnership you enjoy and on top of a shit division.
Me? I lose and everything I just busted my ass for, and prove the doubters wrong, they pop up again like a fucking pimple. Oh, looks like Jack got lucky, and then Kris Ryans swooped in and now Jack has to rebuild everything. Jack’s gotta earn himself another championship match, but Kris Ryans has his number, he’s 2-0 against him. Jack Washington cannot beat Kris Ryans in the ring.
I said it before, and I will said it again.
“Fuck. All. That.” Jack shakes his head “no” like a person who doesn’t want something to be true.
Jack: I’m not ever going to let any shit like that be said about me. No, no that will not stand and I will not have my world championship title reign be ended by a smirking jackass who thinks he has my number. No, I will finally exorcise that ghost once and for all. I will put Kris Ryan’s away and show that I am exactly what I say I am. I am the franchise player in this company. I am it’s premier champion. SCW has been waiting to see me fail, and it makes me all the more paranoid. It makes me all the more eager to prove each and every single person wrong. They have made me this cornered animal, and that is when an animal is at it’s most dangerous Kris. When you give me no options but to fight, I will fight, and when I fight, as is proven, more often then not, I win. And it makes all those haters sick. It makes them so jealous because they just can’t stop me. They pray and pray each and every night, hoping that their prayers get answered and I go away, and somebody beats me for this championship. But that’s all they seem to be able to do. Hope and pray that someone does it. And you wanna shoot your shot, Kris? You wanna choose now to cash in this championship match? Well, my guy you choose the worst possible time to try it. You should have done this before Ben Jordan lost, you could have had your little dream match and it could have meant something. But now, it’s just going to be you, and me, and son, Your chances of taking this championship from me, are slim and none, and slim just fucking left town.
Sunday, I will beat you, and you, like everyone else, will never ever get to hold anything over me. I am the SCW world heavyweight champion for a reason Kris, and it’s because I am the god damn best thing going today. And you will find that out on Sunday.
Happy Holidays, you fucking peckerhead. Jack stands up, and puts out his cigar and we are left with the last flickering light from the cherry of the cigar as we fade.
ClickThe Champ. Has. Spoken.
