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Topics - Caleb Houston

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1
Climax Control Archives / Testing 1..2.. Is this thing on?
« on: December 19, 2014, 11:51:05 PM »
 ==========================
…Wake Up…
11:45 am
December 15th, 2014
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cameras: OFF
===========================

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

The annoying beeping from the alarm quickly ripped me from my deep sleep. Brining both of my hands up to my face I began to rub the tired from my eyes. I looked at the white paint on the ceiling, and laid there for a few seconds longer as the rest of my body slowly began waking up. I groaned loudly as I reached over with my right hand and smacked the top of the alarm clock making sure the bone chilling buzzing would stop.

“Enough of that..” I said with a big yawn. I scooted my legs off the bed, and sat there in my boxers for a few seconds still trying to come to terms with this whole being awake situation. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a pair of black basketball shorts. I reached over and grabbed them sliding them up over my legs. I looked around the bedroom for a few seconds, confused.

“Liz…” I called out as I pushed myself up from the bed, and slowly made my way out of the bedroom. Since Liz had started saying here full time the place was a lot cleaner. She didn’t really put up with the beer bottles and cigarette butts all over the place. As a matter of fact I don’t think I’ve smoked a cigarette inside these walls in about three weeks. What a change.

“Liz, are you here?” I called out once again as I made my way out toward the living room. I walked over to the island that separated the kitchen from the living room. There was a notepad laying on the marble countertop. I pulled out one of the bar stools sitting in front of the island and took a seat looking down at the notepad. I picked the notepad up, and read the note that was left for me.

“Caleb, went shopping. I left you pancakes in the fridge. Someone will be stopping by at some point this morning. They want to talk to you about a pretty big opportunity I set up for you. At least listen to them. For me? XoXo, Liz. P.S. Behave today mister!” I dropped the notepad back down onto the counter and looked over toward the fridge. It took me a little bit, but I was finally able to muster up the energy to walk over that way. Pulling open the fridge door I reached in and grabbed the plate of pancakes Liz had left for me. She had formed them into little heart shapes. It was the little things that like that meant so much. She had her own life going on. With her own goals, but she still made the time to do nice things like this for me. I carried the plate over to the couch with me, and sat down. After I turned on the television, and found my favorite Monday morning cartoons I began to dig in to this scrumptious breakfast. As I finished up the last bite I couldn’t help but wonder Liz had set up for me today. It could either be really good, or really bad.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Moment of truth.” I said to myself as I pushed myself up from the couch picking up the plate before heading over toward the door. I wasn’t really dressed to impress anyone right now. Hopefully the fact that I was half naked wouldn’t offend the person on the other side of the door. I set the plate down on the counter before I pulled open the door. Standing there in the hallway was a young woman, brunette, around the age of 25 years old. She was dressed in a black and white business dress, and her hair was pulled back in a tight bun. Most people would consider her attractive. I could see her eyes widen as I opened the door. I brought my right arm up and began to gently rub my shoulder. As if I was shielding her from seeing anything. She extended a hand to me, and introduced herself.

“Caleb..?” She asked. I nodded my head. “My name is Dana McIntyre. Liz told me to come by and meet with you today.” She said. In a polite gesture I shook her hand, and welcomed her inside the condo. She offered me a smile as she walked inside. Her eyes scanning every inch of the place. Her heels clicked against the tile floor as she made her way through the hallway.

“Nice to meet you Dana.” I said as I grabbed one of the t-shirts I had let laying on the table the night before. I pulled it on over my head, and continued a few steps behind Dana. “Would you like a drink or anything?” I offered. Trying to be as polite as possible.

“No thank you.” She said. “Did Liz give you any details as to what I had planned?” Dana asked me.

“No..” I shook my head. “She just told me someone was going to be stopping by. I didn’t have a chance to talk to her yet today. This is my one day to sleep in.”

“Ah, okay..” She said to me. I motioned her to come inside of the living room. I took a seat on the couch, and turned off the television. Otherwise I would be more focused on the cartoons instead of that she was saying. She took a seat across from me on the love seat, setting her purse down on the coffee table. Searching through it eventually pulling out a pen and a small pink notebook. Something about women, and the color pink. She focused her attention back to me with and offered me a warm smile.

“Well, like I said my name is Dana McIntyre and I work for WrestleHouse Radio. We are looking for someone to come on our show, and give a little insight to the wrestler world. Someone who lives the business each and every day.” She did her best the sell the idea to me. Something that I wasn’t completely sold on. I’ve never been the person to give an interview.

“Hmmm…” I responded bringing my right hand up to the back of my neck rubbing it uneasy. Liz had told me to behave so throwing this woman out now I don’t think would constitute as behaving. “…I’m not really the best person for an interview..” I told her.

“Why do you say that?” She asked furiously scratching away at her notebook. I tried to peek over and see what she was writing, but the scribbling was too fast and nowhere near legible.

“It’s just never really been my style.” I said to her. Sighing deeply I closed my eyes, and let my head fall backwards. I started at the ceiling for a few seconds before groaning loudly and looking back down towards Dana. “Fuck it… what do I have to lose.” I said to her. It was very tough for me to say these next words because I knew I would regret it. “I’ll do it…” An instant look of pain shot across my face as I said those words.

“Perfect. I’m glad this is working out.” Dana said as she took a break from her scribbling and focused her attention back up to me. She was beaming from ear to ear. This must have been a very big deal for her career. “Have you ever done anything like this before? Do you know what types of things to expect?”

“Honestly, no. I think in my career I may have given one or two interviews but that was about it. This is all new to me. I’m assuming they’re going to ask me a lot of questions and I’m going to answer them?” I said with a questioning look on my face.

“Pretty much. Normally we do things as a No Holds Barred type of questions. We want to know everything.” Dana told me.

“Alright… I’m going to warn you now my life isn’t too entertaining.” I told her.

“That’s fine. We’ll make it entertaining for the listeners.”

I shook my head, and rolled my eyes. “So when are we doing this?”

“Actually tonight.. Are you ready?”

I shook my head. “I guess I don’t really have a chance.”

“Hahaha…” She laughed uneasily. “No, not really!”

“Alright well just let me know the time and the place.” I told her. She smiled and pulled a card out from the back of her notebook. On the back she wrote down the time, and the address of where I was to meet her before handing it over to me. I took the card from my hands, and the two of us stood up. I extended my right hand to her for a shake. We offered each other another parting smile before I showed her to the door. As she left I glanced down at the card in my hand.

==========================
…On Air w/ Caleb Houston…
6:45 pm
December 15th, 2014
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cameras: OFF
===========================

Well, there was no turning back now I thought to myself as I made my way through the front doors at the radio station. I looked around the entrance way and was a little taken back by what I was seeing. I fully expected something different walking in here. I guess the ‘Airheads’ with Brendan Frasier, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler was burned into my head. This was completely different. It was small. It smelled funny, and there was absolutely no one walking around the inside of this place. Dana rounded the corner and greeted me with a smile as she led me down a different corridor to where I was assuming the studio was. We stopped outside a small room with a black door. Dana turned her attention to me and asked me if I was ready. I nodded my head as she opened the door and we walked through. On the other side of the glass window was the radio personality Mike Payne. Noticing us walk through the door he raised his right hand to hold us back as he finished up his intro speech. The on air light switched off and he waved me through the door. I gave Dana one more glance before heading into the studio. Mike extended his hand to me and sat me down across from him. I placed the headphones over my ears and he did the same across from me.

“Test test.. can you hear me?” Mike asked.

“Yeah. Loud and clear” I responded.

Mike nodded his head. We listened to the last bit of commercials playing through. Most of them were promoting the different wrestling organizations. Featuring a few different superstars. The likes of Drake Green, Joey Harris, and Delia Darling. Mike presented his hand to me. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

“Ladies and gentleman. As always my name is Mike Payne and I would like to welcome you back to WrestleHouse Raido. I am here with our very special guest this evening Caleb Houston. This is the first time we’re getting a candid interview with an active superstar. You’ve heard about this before, and many of you have given us questions to ask him. I will do my best to get through them all, but as usual we will be pressed for time. First off Caleb we would like to thank you for being here today.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’m looking forward to seeing what the wrestling world wants to know about me. As everyone knows I’ve always kept my personal life pretty much closed off. Now, may be your only chance to get to know what really makes me tick. Let’s make these questions worth my time, and yours.” I said. Almost as if I was challenging the listeners to get me to crack.

“Alright, well let’s get started here. The first question we have is easy and pretty standard for something like this, but the world wants to know. What inspired Caleb Houston to become a wrestler?”

“Well, I guess that goes back to me being a little kid. When I was about five years old I started wrestling for a local program. It was something I did to keep myself out of trouble. My father was never really around as a kid growing up. So I guess he signed me up for the wrestling program to make childcare a little cheaper on him. I started as a kid, but didn’t really fall in love with it until I made the team in middle school. Had a pretty solid career down there, and my freshman year of high school I made the varsity team. It was about 50 percent skill and 50 percent luck. There were only two other kids in my weight class, and they were pretty easy to beat out. Had I been up or down a weight class it could’ve been a completely different story for Caleb Houston.”

“Now, before you came here we did a little research on your high school wrestling career. What we found was that you were offered a full college scholarship in your junior year from three different wrestling programs. Oklahoma State, Penn State, and Iowa. But then after that we couldn’t find anything from your senior year, and it looks like there was never a college career. What happened there?”

“Actually Mike. I never returned to high school for my senior year. There were some things going on in my personal life around that time, and I just couldn’t bring myself to go back to that school anymore. Too many bad memories for me. Against the wishes of a lot of close people in my life I dropped out of school, and went to Taiwan. Kind of drastic I know, but it’s a decision that if I could I think I would go back and make again.”

“Well, maybe one day we’ll be able to get a little more information on that story. But that seems like it might be better suited for another place, and another time. Moving right along. What drives Caleb to continue his professional career?”

“This goes hand in hand with what I said before. I never finished high school. There aren’t many other options out there for a high school dropout. I don’t want to be just another statistic. I want to prove everyone wrong. The people who told me I would never amount to anything because of where I came from, or the decisions I made in my life. Each and every time I step into the ring it’s like I’m giving them the middle finger. Saying look at me now. It feels good.”

“Judging from your career it looks like you’re doing a great job with that middle finger. Keep that bitch extended Caleb. Whether you believe it or not there are a lot of people out there who are living for you, and people that find you as an inspiration. This next question comes from Jamie in Nebraska. Caleb, How did you decide which moves to use as your finishers?”

“Hmm… my finishers. That’s a pretty good question. Honestly, that just comes down to my fighting style. I’ve always considered myself a hybrid style of wrestler. I like to incorporate each and every one of my disciplines into what I do in the ring. When it comes to ‘That Sinking Feeling’ it’s a move I saw a few years ago and absolutely fell in love with. I feel like it’s something completely out of my element, and a move no one expects from me. ‘Down In Flames’ that’s my go to move. It’s basically something I use to put my opponent to sleep. Everyone in this industry has a big mouth, but NONE of them have the jaw to back it up. When my foot connects with your face it’s inevitable you’ll be hitting the canvas. Then there is the ‘Gold Rush’ that was actually the first finisher I ever used. The sleeper hold is a move that is used by just about everyone in this industry. Adding a suplex to that move and dropping your opponent right on their head is sure to take the wind out of their sails.”

“Have you suffered any severe injuries in the ring?”

“Severe injuries. Now you’re going to really make me think here. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had anything that I would consider as severe, but my definition may be different from someone else. I’ve had the stitches, and broken bones. But I’ve never had an injury that kept me out of the ring for an extended period of time. Every break I’ve taken from this industry has been on my time not my bodies.”

“Speaking of breaks. What brought you back to wrestling after your hiatus?”

“Boredom? Lack of money? When I first walked away from wrestling back in February of 2013 I thought for sure I was going to be done for good. The gym was going great, and I was content with where I was in life. It got to the point where I was spending money a lot faster than it was coming in, and I was looking for any and all sorts of work. I actually picked up some work for Liz Smalls being her bodyguard as she was traveling, and going from event to event. We talked a bit, and somehow she found out that I was a former wrestler. She kind of pushed my back into the ring. Told me there was no sense being done with it when I was still so young, and still had so much more to accomplish.”

“Liz Smalls you say. Well I’m sure you know exactly where this next question is going. What’s it like dating ‘The Cost to Coast cover girl’?”

“Dating Liz is interesting. I guess I would be lying if I said I didn’t see it coming. It’s very rare you feel a spark with someone, but after our first few interactions I knew there was something there. I felt like she knew it was there, too. Since we actually took the leap things have been great. She’s been keeping me on my toes, and she’s been giving me that drive that I’ve been lacking for so long. I can’t say what’s going to happen next year, or next week even with this. But right now it’s great.”

“Staying on the same path here this next question comes from MG in Chicago. A lot of people are dying to know, and understand…. What on earth do you see in Liz Smalls?”

“What do I see in Liz Smalls? Well, where do I start? For one she’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve met in my life inside, and out. A lot of people dislike her I know that, but then again a lot of people can’t handle the truth. No matter what’s going on with her you know that you’re going to get exactly what Liz is thinking and feeling. She holds no punches. She’s also the person who helped me get my career back on track. Plus I just enjoy being around her. In an industry like this where you’re around people you hate on a constant basis it’s nice to be around people you like to be around. When you find them you need to keep them close.”

“This one comes from Tibalt in Nevada. JT, Hydro, Liz. Kill one. Marry one. Sleep with one.”

“Hmm.. tough question. Kill I guess would have to be Hydro. I guess because he always disappears on me. Sleep with one probably going to have to go with Liz. Because well… reasons that I don’t think we need to go into detail right now. Marry one would be JT. He makes good money I make good money. Why not make great money together?”

“What’s it really like teaming with JT?”

“Teaming with JT can be difficult sometimes. We have very different personalities. He likes to plan for things that are coming, and make sure each of us know exactly what we’re going to do before we do it. He’s a tactician, and sometimes it gets to be a little overwhelming. Me on the other hand I’m a bit more laid back. I roll with the punches, and take things as they come. I feel like if you go in there with a plan and something throws you off then you’re going to have a rough go the rest of the match. The way I do things I just react. I’ve always been a counter striker so my match is always laid out by what my opponent does. I will always find their weakness and I will always expose it.”

“Who is your greatest rival?”

“Another tough question here. There have been so many matches in my career. It’s tough for me to pick my greatest rival. If I have to pick someone on the spot right here right now I think I would have to go with Myke Adams. Currently we are 1-1 against each other. I feel like we need to have that third match. We need to find out once and for all who the better wrestler is. Will we ever get there? I’m not sure. Maybe that’s a match that’s best served not happening. Some questions are just better left unanswered.”

“Why SCW out of all the places out there?”

“SCW just felt like the best place to go when JT, Hydro and I were looking. The staff looked great, and it felt like they really cared about their competitors. We’re still in the honeymoon process right now. Maybe I’ll have a completely different view on the company in six months, but right now I feel like this was the best place to go to showcase my talents.”

“Your opinion on the current talent in SCW? And on the Champions Specifically?”

“The current talent in SCW… hmm. I feel like it’s hit or miss. You have some guys and girls in there who know what they are doing. They prove that each and every time the bell rings. Then you have some people who think they’re a lot better than they actually are. They can go out there and toot their own horn all they want, but everyone realize they’re just bitches. Right now I’m kind of just going to let everyone do their thing. It’s only a matter of time before they get booked with me. Then they’re going to be regretting each and every thing they said. The champions… I feel like the women’s side is set up right with the champions. You can justify why certain people have their belts. On the males side.. well that’s just a complete shit show. Their world champion is AVERAGE at best. They don’t even have a roulette champion, and the superstars they have booked in the running for that title couldn’t even wrestle their way out of a paper bag. Then, it comes down to the tag team champions. Right now they just have a placeholder. In a few weeks there will be relevancy brought back to the SCW Tag Team division when JT and I walk out with those belts. ”

“Who do you feel is your biggest rival in SCW?”

“I don’t think I can answer that question. I haven’t really been there long enough to develop a real rivalry. At this point I think I would have to say everyone. I’ve made it no secret that I don’t have much respect for anyone who wrestles inside of that company. I’m ready and willing to square off with anyone they place in front of me.”

“This next question comes from Chris in Idaho. What is the significance behind your ring entrance?”

“Honestly, I’m not even sure what my ring entrance is like. I’ve never actually watched one of my matches. I know a lot of these guys and girls have these very intricate entrances trying to hype up the crowd, or sell themselves a bit more to the crowd. Me, I’m not into that bullshit. When my music hits everything else shuts off. I have one goal in my mind. That’s to go out there and beat my opponent. I feel like from the time my music hits until the time that ending bell rings I turn into a completely different person. Everything is a blur to me when I’m in the ring.”

“A lot of people look at you as this dimwitted and, for lack of better term, stupid kid at heart kind of guy, but tell us. Who is Caleb Houston? Really?”

“Caleb Houston is just a guy who likes to wrestle. A guy who doesn’t really have many other options except to succeed. I don’t really care what anyone else thinks about me. I want to have a good time. A lot of people can’t accept that, and they get a little bent out of shape by the things I say or do. But fuck it right. You only live once.”

“This next one is from Abigal in New York. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?”

“Five years. Damn, I just want to be alive.”

“Alright. We have time for one last question. Let’s say wrestling was no longer in the picture for you, for whatever reason. What would you be doing with your life?”

“Damn. I guess it’s really tough to think about life without wrestling. If I wasn’t wrestling I would probably spend a little more time at the gym. Maybe take a bigger role in managing the day to day activities. Basically just trying to stay alive. Fighting the same fight everyone else is.”

With that said the on air light clicks off. Mike stands up from his seat across from me thanking me for coming on the show. He tries to convince me to come back onto the show again, but I was very reluctant to give him an answer. Where it was nice to be able to talk about some of these things I knew next time the questions would only get more personal. I was able to keep my composure this time, but I didn’t think I could continue to do that going forward.

===============


To Whom It May Concern,

So, another card, another tag team match. I swear, eventually Mark and Christian will realize that Caleb Houston isn’t exclusively a tag team wrestler. Eventually, they’re going to have no other option but to let me fly. You can only keep someone caged up so long. Hell, this could even all be part of their grand master plan. They’re always kind of tight lipped as to the future of their superstars. I could sit here and speculate on that for hours. But at this point, why? There is nothing I can do to change what is lined up for me this week. This week the lineup is a bit different from what I’m used to. Instead of teaming with JT I have a person in my corner who I don’t think I’ve said more than five word to in my entire life. I’ve tried doing my history homework on her, but there wasn’t much I could find. She’s not exactly a warm and cuddly type of person judging on what I’ve read. A few things I do know is that she’s aligned herself with the Mean Girls. So that must count for something, right? I don’t think Delia would allow someone without the ‘it’ factor to come near a wrestling ring with her. The other is I know she likes to get herself inside of her opponents head. Sounds almost identical to my MO. I just hope she decides to bring her A game on Sunday.

Now, the opponents. We start off with SCWs own Melody Grace. I guess the term young and dumb would be perfect to describe her. She likes to walk around backstage smiling, and bouncing around bringing ‘joy’ to everyone on the SCW roster. I guess you could consider her a skinnier, year round version, of Santa Claus. Except I’m not quite sure I’m buying completely into her deal. I think it’s all an act. She plays like she doesn’t know any better. But that’s exactly it. She’s just playing a game. She’s made her decisions on who she wants to align herself with in the SCW. Unfortunately for her that little team of ‘sinners’ she’s decided to stick with are on a collision course with JT and I. The shots have been fired. The battle has begun. In the end only one group will be left standing. Male. Female. It doesn’t matter to me. In the end the only thing that matters is winning. Proving to the world I am the superior competitor. Melody you were given an opportunity to make a change. Given the chance to remove yourself from this battle.  You made the wrong decision. Sunday night at Climax Control I’m going to show you just how big of a mistake that actually was. You’ll witness first-hand the beginning of the end. Are you getting it yet Melody? That Sinking Feeling…

Despayre…. Quite fitting we get this match this week, don’t you think? Sort of a little sneak preview for what’s going to happen in a few weeks at Inception.  A little warm up match to feel each other out for what is set to be one of the biggest matches of the year for SCW. Let’s get down to it here Despy… or whatever it is people call you these days. You’ve walked around with that gold around your waist long enough. This is the beginning of the end for you. This week you can’t hide behind your partner. You can’t hide behind Angel. When you’re in the ring. I’m in the ring. Simple as that. The past for you has been filled with a lot of ups, but life is just like a rollercoaster. You can tick along on that track going up further and further, but eventually that track stops, and there is only one option left. Only one more way to go, and that’s down. You’ve had your moment in the sun. Now it’s time all that fun goes Down In Flames.

The Man of the Hour,
Caleb Houston

2
Climax Control Archives / My Life. My Eyes.
« on: December 05, 2014, 12:57:39 AM »
 ==========================
…For Sale…
Flashback November 25th, 2014
Philadelphia, Pa
Cameras: OFF
===========================

For the first time in a while I was back in Philadelphia, and I had absolutely nothing to do. Usually when I came back here I was running to this place, or that place. But for once I could sit back, and actually think about things. Try to figure out where my life was, and where my life was going. Or so I thought.

“Ahhh…”

I said to myself as I sat back in the black leather chair behind my desk. Kicking my feet up onto the table, and relaxing a bit. I was wearing a pair of black Nike Air Max sneakers, black and gray sweatpants, and topping it all off was a black Ecko MMA long sleeve t-shirt. The weather in Philadelphia was much colder than Vegas. Normally the cold wouldn’t bother me, but I’ve spent so much time in Vegas that even the slightest hint of cold sent a chill down my spine. My eyes scanned around the office. The walls were loaded with pictures from my wrestling career. Showing the rise, and unfortunately the fall of everything I had been living for the past few years. I closed my eyes, and began to run over things in my head. EWA. Dope. PWX. Everywhere. As I thought about it there was a lot more lows in my career than there were highs. I guess that all fell back on my shoulders. I was only dedicated to one thing in my life, and it most certainly wasn’t wrestling. There was a knock at the door which slowly ripped me back into reality. I pulled my feet down from the desk, and slid in to make it look like I was actually working.

“Come in..”

I called out to the person at the other side of the door. I heard the person struggle with the doorknob a bit before they finally got it and were able to make it into the office. Standing in the doorway was Phil Behn. The man who I had been my boxing teacher since I was a young kid. He had a cup of coffee in each hand, and a manila envelope clenched between his teeth. With his right foot he reached backwards and kicked the door shut before approaching the desk. I offered him a halfhearted smile. Not that I wasn’t interested in talking to him. It’s just I knew exactly where this conversation was going to go, and I didn’t think I was ready to go there yet.

“Thanks..”

I said as I reached out and took the cup of coffee he was offering me. He pulled the envelope out from between his teeth and dropped it onto my desk before he sat down. When I met Phil he was young. About twenty three years old, and full of life. That was 15 years ago. He was now thirty eight. He looked miserable. His face was scarred up, but I guess after being a boxer for more than half your life that would happen to you.

“…So, do you think it’s time we talk about this?”

Phil asked me. Nodding toward the paperwork sitting in front of me. I sat there staring at it blankly. I wasn’t sure exactly what kind of information he wanted, but he always had a way of getting that shit.

“What’s the plan with all of this?” He asked me. “I mean, at this stage of your career I think it’s absolutely the best choice you can make. This traveling back and forth stuff is going to kill you kid. You need to focus on your performance in the ring. Not be worrying about what’s going on back here.”

“That’s why I hired you to manage this place. Because I knew I could trust you.” I said to him. “..And I don’t come back here just for the gym. You should know that by now.”

He nodded his head as I spoke to him. Let’s be honest. I had nothing to do with this gym anymore. All I did was stop by and show my face from time to time. Sign a few papers here and there. Basically make sure everyone is happy. Then I leave.

“Yeah, I understand. You have obligations, but if you don’t take this offer you may never have something like this again. Kid, its five million dollars for a place you put absolutely no money into.” He said to me. Shaking his head in disbelief.

“I don’t understand why someone would want to pay that kind of money for this place. The location is great yeah, and it’s fairly profitable but still not close to being worth 5 million.” I responded.

“Kid, they aren’t giving you the money for the gym. These guys are trying to start their own promotion. They’re buying the talent you have walking around here.” He had met these guys a few times, and he was always good at reading people. So if he was saying it then it must be true.

“Well, the last phone call I had with them they assured me that everyone would keep their jobs.”

“I’m not worried about that kid. We have a good thing here. Remember. I’m the one who’s telling you to do this.” He assured me.

“Yeah, it’s still a 30/70 split. All they want me to do is show up a few times a year. Make people think everything is still fine and dandy. It’s just a tough move, you know? I don’t really like dealing with change.”

“Sometimes you have to have that change to get to where you’re trying to go, kid. Trust me on that. I’ve been the one who never changed in their whole life. If I could go back and do it all over again I’d make about a hundred changes.”

I sat there nodding my head. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time I made a change. Maybe this is just what I needed to get my life where I needed it to be. I guess only time will tell.  

==========================
…MaMa?…
December 2nd, 2014
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cameras: OFF
===========================
Vegas was starting to feel more and more like home. As much as I loved Philadelphia it was nice to be in a place where no one knew my name. No one seemed to care where I came from, or where I was going. I could fly by under the radar, and get the things done that I needed to.

“….Home..”

I said to myself as I looked down at my right arm. Slowly pulling the needle from my skin. I could feel the icy cool burn starting to make its way through my brains. In just a few seconds I would feel that sense of euphoria I’ve always been searching to keep. With my free hand I reached over and pulled the band off my bicep. Tossing it into the trash can with the needle. I clenched and released my fist a few times as I could feel the drugs working their way through my system. As soon as they hit my heart it would be game over. I pulled my right sleeve back down to cover my arm. I pushed myself up from the chair, and out of the room I was now calling “my office.” I stepped out into the empty gym I had purchased with the profits of selling the last.

“..The Lions Den..”

I said to myself as I looked around. Inside my head I could envision this place packed with hopeful wrestlers, and workout enthusiasts alike. Everything looked so perfect. Now it was just time to make it happen. The money was available. The motivation, well that came and went. I think with the group of people I’ve surrounded myself with lately it would only be a matter of time before this was the place to be for all up and coming talent. I walked around the gym looking where I had laid out the two rings. I began smacking my lips as the cotton mouth was starting to set in. From behind me I heard the front door open. I knew it couldn’t be JT or Hydro they were off today doing their own thing. Not even sure if they were still in Vegas or not.

“..We’re not open..”

I called out not even turning around to see who it was. I just continued to float on my cloud. Everything around me started to feel warm again. There was no more hate right now. I felt like any decision I could make at this point in my life would be perfect.

“..Ehem..”

The person standing behind me cleared their throat. I let out a deep sigh before I turned on my heel to face my unwanted visitor.

“I thought I told yo-…” I caught myself mid-sentence when my eyes locked on her. There she stood no older than 40. Her dark skin shined in the light, and her black hair was pulled back in a tight pony tail. A black coach purse held tightly to her body. My eyes immediately brightened up, and I broke off towards her in a full sprint. I wrapped my arms around her, and hugged her tightly.

“Mama…” I said to her. Obviously she wasn’t my real mother. For starters I had never met my mother. Although I heard she had blonde hair, and was pretty. But that’s about it. Second of all she was black, and I was white. She was my best friend Julius’ mother. Loni Washington. If it wasn’t for her I don’t think I would’ve survived this far in my life.

“What… what are you doing here?” I asked her. Still beaming.

“Well, I heard one of my babies was around Philadelphia last week and couldn’t even stop by to see me.” She said to me with a disappointed look on her face. Immediately as she spoke the smile on my face slowly faded away. I immediately turned read, and began rubbing the back of my neck uncomfortably.

“Yeah, I’m sorry…. I-I just .. you know it was Thanksgiving week I thought you might’ve been busy doing your own thing. I didn’t want to impose or anything.” I said. It was a blatant lie. Actually I was avoiding her. I couldn’t bear to let me see her in the state of mind I was in right now.

“I invited you to come to dinner last week. The girls and I would love to see you, and catch up. It’s been too long Caleb.” She said to me. A look of concern on her face. There was no hiding anything from Mama. She has known about my struggles with addiction for quite some time. She’s reached out quite a few times trying to help me. I was just never very receptive of it.

“I know.. I just I feel bad. I don’t want to be the guy that only comes around on holidays. You know?” I told her. I didn’t want her to keep prying on my life. Not that I wanted to keep everything a secret from her. I just thought there were something that she might appreciate not knowing. “So, what brings you out to Vegas.”

“When my son tells me he’s living part time in Vegas now and tells me to stop by. Of course I’m going to take advantage of the free tickets.” Her son. She called me her son. It was amazing to think someone who didn’t have to care about me actually did. She was there for me on my first day of high school. She’s the one who coached me before my first date. No matter what she was going Loni never missed one of my wrestling matches, or any of Julius’ basketball games. Not only was she a mother to us, but she was also a father. Teaching us everything we ever needed to know about life.

“Well… welcome to Vegas, MaMa.” I said to her as I looked around the gym, and extended both of my arms out to the side looking around the empty gym. Showing it off to her. “This place is officially mine. In a few weeks it’s going to actually resemble a gym.”

“It’s big, Caleb. A lot bigger than the place back home. I’m proud of you. No matter what you’ve always been the one to go after your dreams. That’s what makes you so special. You never took no for an answer. Sometimes, that was your downfall.” She said to me. I knew where she was going with this. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for all the times I’ve hurt her in my life. It’s not like I purposely did it.

“Thanks mama. That means a lot coming from you. You’re the only one who ever gave me a chance.” I said to her. I took her by the arm, and began walking her around the gym. Showing her what I was planning inside my head. She could see how much effort I was putting into this and it put a smile on her face. Not many kids who were put in a situation I was at such a young age were successful. I was hell bent on changing that.


“It’s going to be beautiful.” She said. “I can see the passion you have for this. I’m glad to see you’re finally putting that into something that will benefit you.”

“Thanks..” I said to her flashing a half smile. “I’m really happy you showed up. I’m sorry I’ve been so distant toward you. Talking through e-mails definitely aren’t what I had imagined. I just… you know..”

“Yeah… I get it. You’re big time now. It’s too embarrassing to be seen walking around with your mom.” She said to me with a smile. She was only half kidding.

“It’s not that ma’ you know that..” I said to her. Looking kind of uneasy. “Well, now that I have this place out here you know it’s going to be harder for me to come back to Philadelphia regularly right?” I asked her. She didn’t look too thrilled about that situation, but I could tell she knew it was eventually coming.

“Comes a time when all little boys leave their moms… I knew this day was eventually coming.” She said to me.

“Well... what do you say if you and the girls moved out here? I mean don’t you guys think it’s time to get away from that city for a little while? All the memories? All the broken promises?”

“Caleb… we couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking for work. The girls and school. There is just so much going on.” She said to me.

“Mama.. the girls are young enough where a change might not affect them too much. As far as a job you could work here. I could use someone to do the finances and stuff. I know you went back to school a few years ago for that accounting degree. It just seems like it would be perfect. I would be closer if you or the girls ever needed anything.” I said to her with pleading eyes. I wasn’t a little boy anymore so the puppy dog eyes weren’t going to work on her. Especially when Mama had her mind made up. She was almost as stubborn as me. I guess you could say I kind of learned from her.

“Caleb… I can’t say yes. But I also won’t say no. Why don’t you give me some time to think about it? That’s a pretty big change to make at the spur of the moment.” She said to me. “So… where can a girl go get some food around here?” She asked me.

“Well, there is a nice place around the corner that makes cheesesteaks. They’re no Genos, but they’re as close as you’re going to get around here. I can take you there.” I said to her as I motioned for her to follow me. We walked out of the gym, and I locked the door behind us.

==========================
…Happy Birthday, Caleb…
Flashback October 31st, 1996
Philadelphia, Pa
Cameras: OFF
===========================

Six years old. Today I turned six years old. In my eyes, like most little boys, I was a man now. I could start doing adult things. Like shaving. Not closing the door when I peed. All of the important things. I was sitting in front of the television. Watching the power rangers. Waiting for my dad to come home. He said he was going down to the store for a pack of cigarettes. That was over an hour ago. I was decked out in my red ranger gear. The party hat still sitting on the top of my head.

“…Heeeeyaaaahhhh!..”

I screamed out as I jumped up from my chair matching the power rangers move for move as they fought off the putties. In my eyes I was right there next to them. Helping save the world from all harm. I jumped from the couch, to the coffee table, and finally down onto the floor. Throwing a few kicks and punches in there as I did so. I was ready for battle. Trust me. If the rangers didn’t have me they would be screwed. I had ultimate power.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I was quickly pulled back into reality by a knock at the door. My dad had a key so I knew it wouldn’t be him knocking. I had the idea in my head this was actually the power rangers at my door and they were here to ask me to help them save the world, for real this time. I sprinted towards the door, and unlocked the chain before I pulled it open. I was kind of let down when I saw that it indeed wasn’t the power rangers standing at the door looking for my help. Instead it was Loni Washington. Julius and his family lived in the apartment directly below my dad and I. She was much younger here. No older than 22 years old. She peaked her head inside our apartment. It was absolutely destroyed. Beer bottles. Empty pizza boxes thrown all over the place. Mainly from my dad’s drunken nights. Which actually seemed to happen every night. I never thought twice about it. I understood. The man worked him ragged every day. When he got home it was his time. Not mine.

Caleb… your dad called me. You’re going to come stay at our house tonight.” She said to me. She looked disgusted. Not sure if it was something my dad said, or because she finally saw the filth I was living in.  

“But.. it’s my birthday. He’s getting a pack of smokes and then we’re going to have some cake.” I pleaded with her. I didn’t believe my dad called her and told her to come get me. Well, I’m sure he did, but I just didn’t want to believe it.

“We have a cake downstairs for you. Julius is putting the finishing touches on it.” She said. She had me at cake. I quickly began jumping up and down excitedly. If anyone knew what I was going to like it would be Julius. I followed her out the door, and down the stairwell to her apartment. We reached her unit and walked inside. It was much cleaner than my place. It also didn’t smell like skunked beer, and stale cigarettes. My eyes locked onto the cake and I immediately ran over to it. My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw it. It was, of course, a Power Rangers cake. Julius was putting the finishing touches on it much like Loni said. He was using the gel to add my name to the cake.

“Woooowww….” I exclaimed when I saw it. “It’s perfect.” I said as I pointed at the cake shooting a look of excitement to Julius, Loni, and then back down to the cake.
“Happy birthday to you…” They both began singing the song in unison as all I could do was sit there and stare at the masterpiece in front of me. When they finished the song I closed my eyes, and wished the biggest wish I could think of. I wished to have a family like Loni, and Julius had. I was sick of spending my nights in my room alone. Sick of picking roaches out of the cereal boxes in the morning. I wanted more than that. I didn’t want to grow up like my father. I wanted to be different. To be better. Then I blew out the candles.

“Which piece do you want?” Loni asked me as Julius each and I shot our hands toward the cake pulling out the candles sucking the icing off the bottom of them. I pointed at the top right corner. To me it looked like it had the most icing on it. Sugar is definitely the way to my heart. It also caused me to get a little crazy, but I think it has the same effect on every kid.

“Yumm…” I said as I took my first bite of the cake. It was absolutely delicious. Buttercream icing. Soft vanilla inside. Probably better than anything my dad had picked up at the 711 earlier today. We each sat there eating our cake. Julius and I kicking each other under the table. Loni giving us looks and rolling her eyes as we began to let out large belches when we finished the cake. This was our world, and she was just living in it.

“Mama.. can we give him his present now?!” Julius called out. He had been talking to me about this present for about a month. I was dying inside to know what it was. I had asked him to give me hints, but he just wouldn’t spill the beans.

“Sure, go get it. It’s in my closet.” Loni responded. Before she could even finish the sentence Julius pushed himself away from the table, and ran off toward her bedroom. He was only gone for a total for five seconds before he came sprinting back toward me. A box extended out to me. I quickly reached out and snatched the box from his hands.

“What is it?” I asked as I immediately shook the box trying to get one final hint before I opened it. I inspected the comics it was wrapped in before I started to rip into it. Just wanted to make sure there wasn’t anything I wanted to read before destroying. Nope. I began ripping into the package and once I had enough paper off I ripped open the lid of the box. Inside was a Philadelphia Eagles jersey. I pulled the jersey out it was a green #32 Ricky Watters jersey.

“Holy crap! Ricky Watters!?!” I gasped. I quickly pulled the jersey on and jumped up onto the chair. Spinning around showing the jersey off. It was perfect in my eyes. Although at this age I didn’t really understand football at all I knew I liked the Eagles. And I knew Ricky Watters was my favorite player.

“It looks like it fits..” Loni said as she reached out grabbing my hand. Making sure I didn’t fall off the chair. No one wants to end up in the ER with a split head on their birthday. I hopped down from the chair still jumping with joy. This was probably my all-time favorite birthday I’ve ever had in my life.

“You look like you could play..” Julius said to me his eyes wide, and a smile beaming across his face. He was excited to see how much I liked the present. Especially since he was more than likely the one who picked it out. If Loni had anything to do with it I probably would’ve got some books, or something like that.

“We should go out and play!” I screamed. Julius nodded his head and ran off to his bedroom grabbing his football. He came running out with it tucked underneath his arm. Bouncing off the furniture pretending it was would be tacklers. He leaned back and threw the ball at me. Which I barely caught before it landed on the cake.

“JULIUS!! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT THROWING THAT THING IN THE HOUSE!” Loni called out. A stern look on her face.

“I’m sorry mama..” Julius responded as he looked down at his feet.

“Can we go out and play?” We both asked her. Loni looked over at the clock on the wall.

“Yeah, but I want you home before the street lights come on..” She said to us. “NO EXCUSES YOU TWO!” She called out to us as we were already sprinting out the door.

==========================
…What’s been going on with you?…
December 3rd, 2014
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cameras: OFF
===========================

Another day. Another dollar. Now that I had finally committed to making Vegas my home. Midas Bar was going to become my home away from home. Wednesday nights were typically slower for the bar. So I was lucky enough to get here, and actually get a seat at the bar. I was relaxing tonight. Wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, and a plain black t-shirt. I was spinning a half empty bottle of miller light in front of me. Johnny, the regular bartender and new manager, was at the other end of the bar flirting with one of the young servers he had just hired recently. When you think of a creepy old man this guy was the epitome of that. I don’t think the phrase even existed until he was born.

“Creep…”

I said to myself under my breath as I put the bottle to my lips, and took a large sip. Just as I set the bottle down my back was greeted with a large open hand slap from none other than JT Midas. He was decked out in his usual maroon shirt, his gray slacks, and a gray pinstripe jacket. His gray fedora topped off the outfit. For some reason JT always felt the need to dress up. I guess he took the term dress to impress to heart. As you could tell I was more casual. Jeans and a t-shirt were perfect for me. I didn’t need to impress anyone. Nor was I trying to. JT sat down and waived Johnny over.

“The usual…” Johnny asked him.

“Yeah. Jack and Coke. A little heavier on the jack and lighter on the coke.” JT responded as he removed the hat from his head and set it down on the bar in front of him. I had my elbows rested on the bar, and was still fidgeting with the neck of my bottle. Zoning out a bit as I did so.

“…Where the hell have you been lately?” JT asked me.

“No where really..” I said with a shrug of my shoulders as I picked up the bottle, and finished it off this time. Johnny, on the spot, came back over with JTs drink and another bottle of Miller lite for me.

“What tab…” Johnny asked.

“His..” We both responded. JT shot a look at me, and just shook his head.

“Whatever, put it on mine I have to square up after this weekend anyways.” JT responded. I don’t think I’ve ever paid for a drink at this bar. I didn’t really feel obligated to anyway. Considering JT owned the bar, and like everything else in Vegas, the shit was overpriced anyhow.

“So, are you here tonight? Or are you still off in Caleb-land?” JT asked me.

“Nah. I’m here…” I responded. Short. To the point. “I’ve just been dealing with some stuff. Trying to get everything situated with the new gym.”

“Oh yeah? How’s everything going with that? Any regrets?” He asked.

“Yeah. There’s always going to be regrets. That was the first place I could ever really call my own. As far as everything with the new gym it started getting delivered today. They were still putting the rings together when I left. More of the equipment is coming tomorrow. I think that kid Jake is going to be over there when they deliver it. At least he says he will be.” I said. Jake was one of the bouncers here at the club. He offered a hand with the gym if I would give him a free membership. Of course I said yes. I hated having responsibilities. I’d give the kid a free open membership if he ran all my errands for me.

“Ah… Jake. I don’t think you have to worry about him. He seems like a good kid. He picks up shifts whenever one of these other assholes decides they don’t want to show up. I think he’s trying to become a wrestler one day.” JT said.

“Oh yeah? He’s kind of a little pussy.” I said. The first night I ever came here I got a little carried away. Jake was a little timid when dealing with the situation. Of course I wasn’t trying to cause a scene, or start a fight. Not here. I was smarter than that. I just wanted to see how the kid handled the heat. Like I had assumed he crumbled.

“Stop. He’s barely 18 years old. You got to give the kid some credit. He’s definitely changed his attitude a bit since that night.” Obviously JT didn’t forget the night either. He ended up picking me up from the drunk tank at 4am. Needless to say when I got out of here that night I got a little reckless.

“Yeah yeah yeah…. Whatever.” I said. JT leaned back in his chair. He had just noticed the new server himself. She was a blonde. JT always had a soft spot for blondes. I looked over at JT and just shook my head.

“She’s too young for you, bro.” I said to him.

“No shes not.” He said to me as he smiled and adjusted his shirt a bit. “I think I might take her home tonight and show her my Midas Touch.”

“Hah. Then I’ll be picking you up from jail.” I said to him.

“Would you stop?!” He said. “Look at that rack on her. She’s absolutely flawless. She has to be at least twenty one. ”

“Wanna bet?” I asked JT. His eyes brightened up as I said that. JT had a soft spot for making bets. Except he didn’t realize who he was betting. I was never wrong when it came to women.

“Yes. She’s 21. How old do you think she is?” He asked me.

“16” I responded as I took another sip of my beer. “You lose you buy the whole bar a shot. Three wise men”

“Deal” JT said to me as he extended his hand to me.  We shook on the bet finalizing it. He then motioned for Johnny to come over. “Johnny, what’s the new girls’ name?” Johnny wiped off his hands on a white towel, and looked down to the bar at her. She was sitting there texting looking absolutely bored.

“Adelina. Yesterday was her first day. So far so good. Not to mention she’s easy on the eyes.” Johnny said with a shit eating grin on his face.

“Adelina..” I called out. She immediately perked up and looked down toward us. I motioned her to come down to us. She slide the phone into the back pocket of her jeans before making her way down to us. “Don’t worry. You’re not in trouble.” I said to her. I could tell she was nervous.

“Okay…” She said to me. Her face was bright red, and she was chewing on her bottom lip intensely. She shot me a glance, and then quickly turned her attention to the floor.

“Adelina… My name is JT, and this guy here is Caleb..” I smiled and nodded at her as she looked up at me. She returned the smile before focusing her attention back to JT. “So.. I heard this is your second day here. How do you like it so far?”

“It’s really good..” She said smiling and nodding her head nervously. “Johnny is great. The customers tip really well, too!”

“Hah, yes. I’ve that before.” JT said flashing a smile. “So, what made you want to apply for a job here? Paying for school?”

“Yes! Well, I mean kinda.” She responded. JT looked over at me and flashed a wink. I just shook my head and laughed at him. He was setting himself up for failure.

“Oh really? What school do you go to?” JT asked.

“Palo Verde. I’m a Junior!” She responded. Bubbly. She was starting to get a little more comfortable.

“Oh well, that’s awesome. So that makes you what 20? 21?!” JT asked me jabbing me in the arm with his elbow.

“Oh… I think you misunderstood me.” She said her face bright red. “Palo Verde High School. I’m only 16!” She responded.

“FUCK” JT called out. “Johnny get everyone a three wise men on me.” He looked down at the bar and just shook his head. All I could do was sit there and laugh as I enjoyed another sip of my beer. The girl was called away from us by one of the other servers. I sat there just staring at JT. His gaze focused down at the bar.

“What’s wrong?” I asked him quirking a brow. Acting like I didn’t know.

“How the fuck… did you know that?” He asked me.

“Simple. I was walking in when her mom dropped her off…” I said to him as I shrugged my shoulders. “That and if you pay attention she hasn’t served anyone an alcoholic beverage all night. Nancy has been taking them to the tables for her all night. Oh, and not to mention I’m a lot smarter than you are.” I said with a smile.

“Whatever…” JT shot back. For as much as this guy loved to bet you would think he would learn the game he was playing before making such bets. Hopefully he had a little bit better of a call at the tables. Otherwise he’s going to end up broke here. Real quick.

“So, we got to discuss the plans for the match this week..” JT said to me. I raised my right hand and waived him off. I wasn’t really interested in hearing that right now. I knew who we had. I got the same text alerts he did. I just didn’t worry about things as much as him. He always wanted a plan. I just liked to act on things.

“Dude, you really gotta learn to communicate with me better. We can’t keep going into these matches blindly.” JT said.

“How many times have I communicated with you before a match? You know that’s not me. We get along just fine when the bell rings. Let’s leave it at that? Alright? You’re going to fuck up my whole plan if you keep pressuring me into talking. Damn, I feel like I’m dealing with a woman sometimes.”

JT just rolled his eyes at me. He stood there for a few seconds giving me a death stare. I could tell my unwillingness to talk before a match was beginning to piss him off. Oh well. He’d get over it.

“On that note… I’m gonna head upstairs for a bit. I got some things I need to do.” I said to him with a nod. I pulled a $20 dollar bill out of my pocket and threw it onto the bar before grabbing my beer. I made my way over to the steps, and went up. I headed down the long hallway toward where the offices were. I stopped for a second in front of the door to my office. I looked at my name which was written on the door in gold writing for a second before I turned the knob and went inside.

========================

To Whom It May Concern,

It’s no secret I’ve been in a foul mood the past two weeks. I wasn’t mad at anyone, or anything in particular. I’ve just had quite a few things weighing on my mind lately. Too many people looking for answers without even giving me time to think about it. The first one was selling the gym. The Lions Den Philadelphia was something I held pretty close to my heart. If it wasn’t for that place I would’ve never got my start in this industry. I would just be some other regular guy out there on the streets grinding trying to make ends meet. I always used that place as a getaway. When I needed some time to myself I would go there, and lock myself inside. Shutting myself down from the rest of the world. I guess I was just worried if I let that place go I wouldn’t have that ability to get away anymore. It took a lot of thinking, and a lot of convincing from JT and Liz. But I decided to let go of the gym. It wasn’t a complete separation. It was a 70/30 split. I would be removed from the day to day activities with the gym, but I was still required to make periodic appearances. You know. Show up. Smile. Shake Hands. The typical bullshit business politics. Oh and not to mention I was still going to bring home 30% of the monthly profits that would be a nice check for not doing anything anymore.

After not being booked last week I find myself locked in another tag team match. Not really complaining about that. But as much as I feel like JT and I benefit one another in the ring. I sometimes feel like our styles may clash a little bit. But that’s neither here nor there. We’ve learned to work with these “handcuffs” we’ve handed each other.

I guess at this point it’s no secret who we have this week. Power. This is a match that has been brewing since JT and I first stepped foot into SCW. When we came in here these three guys were at the top of their game. Of course we needed to go after them and prove a point. After the back and forth on twitter for close to a month SCW brass felt like it was finally time to throw us into a match together. You know, they actually couldn’t have picked a better match than this one. Granted, it’s not for the titles. But sometimes I feel like the fight to get to the titles is almost a little bit better than a fight for the titles. Both teams seem to want it that much more. Neither team has anything to lose, and are willing to push the limit that much further.

We start with Mr. J N Ringo himself. All in all. I get where he is going. It’s just he’s going about it the wrong way. He didn’t need to feed into it. He, like most other people, could’ve taken his lumps. He could’ve let the Players Club go on doing what they were doing. Instead he decided he wanted to feed into it. He wanted to allow us to get under his skin. That’s when he decided to start flapping his gums. For someone with such a big head you would expect him to be smarter than that. Last week was only the start Ringo. If your boys hadn’t shown up we would’ve given then SCW fans what they all came to see. Lucky for them they didn’t have to wait too long for this. In a few short hours and that bell rings all your goals, all your plans will be met with That Sinking Feeling

Giani DeLuca. Fist pump extraordinaire. Last week I noticed you had quite a few choice words about JT and I. And this specific ‘lifestyle’ you think we decided to lead. Was that all you had? Honestly? A few homophobic comments? Is that all you have for us? When I see comments like that it just proves to me you’re scared. You’re trying to throw JT and I off our game. Thing is we’ve heard it all before. We’ve heard the same comments from the same types of people. Keep that rage pent up inside of you Giani because you’re going to need every ounce of that to beat us. I promise you Giani Sunday night you will feel your career go Down In Flames

Mr. Nobody,
Caleb Houston

3
Climax Control Archives / Let's Rob A Bank
« on: November 21, 2014, 10:24:54 PM »
 ==========================
…In the beginning…
Flashback August 17th 2004
Philadelphia, Pa
==========================

It was a warm summer afternoon in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, Pa. The city I had called home for my whole life. The only place I had ever known really. There were two young boys on the basketball court one black, and one white. Me, Caleb Houston, and my best friend Julius Washington. He stood four inches taller than me, and was a much thicker build. I was smaller, and thinner. Each of our bare chests was covered in sweat. Julius had his back turned to me, and was dribbling down into the lane. I had one hand pressed on his back, and the other out to my left hand side.

Having played Julius in basketball for close to nine years I knew his tricks. I knew them before he even made them. Still when he turned around, sized up the basket, and took the shot he was money. All the time.

“Game is a little closer than usual…”I said. As Julius kept using his size to push me deeper into the lane.

“Hah… for now. You know you’ll never beat me.” He said with a laugh. His back pushing me further, and further back. Julius tried to fake to the right, but my hand kept him tight. This is when I saw my chance. I used my speed and reached across his body timing it perfectly on the dribble knocking the ball away from him. In three quick steps I made a break for the ball. I grabbed it with my right hand picking up the dribble I took off on a full sprint toward the basket a few steps in front of Julius.

One more step. I thought to myself before I picked the ball up, and pushed off my right foot toward the basket. I let the ball roll off my fingertips bouncing off the backboard before dropping into the basket. I placed my hands on my hips, and turned to Julius with a smile on my face. Julius hated losing more than anything else in the world. Especially at basketball, to me. It was a very rare occasion I ever won, but when I did I wouldn’t let him live it down for weeks. He could beat me 47 times in those weeks of my glory, but there was always that one time I would never let him live down.

“Bullshit!” He screamed as he grabbed the ball and threw it against the fence. Bouncing off the fence the ball rolled toward the end of the court. I just shook my head at Julius reaction. All I could do was smile as he stomped around like a three year old who just had their lollipop taken away.

“Damn man… What is Coach Chaney going to think knowing his future small forward just got beat by a week ass white boy..” I said laughing. Julius since he was little had dreamed of going to Temple Univeristy and playing basketball for John Chaney. He used to drag me to the Liacouras Center every time Temple had a home game. It had been like this for five, maybe six, years. In just a few weeks we would be starting high school. Julius had already had aspirations to be the first freshman to start at S.P.H.S. Me… well I was going to wrestle. That was about it.

“Shut up.. One game. I trashed you 21-4 the game before that.” See what I mean. I had a very selective memory. The only thing I had in my mind was the 20-21 victory I just had. I just shook my head as I made my way over to the bleachers and took a seat. I pulled a bottle of water out of my book bag, and took a sip. The cold water felt great on a hot day like today. If my memory serves me correctly that was the hottest it had been in Philadelphia in quite a while. Julius came walking over to me dribbling the ball. He was so embarrassed from the loss he couldn’t even look up at me.

“Want some water?” I asked as I extended the bottle out to him. He nodded his head and grabbed the bottle from me. He took a few sips from the bottle. Before he began to laugh at me. I looked at him confused.

“What” I asked him.

“Son…. that 3 you tried last week…. Looked worse than Shaq shooting a free throw.”He said to me. I didn’t have the greatest outside shot in the world. Mainly I just threw the ball up toward the basket and prayed it would find the net. I shrugged it off as I pulled my t-shirt out of the bag. I pulled it on over my head. My cell phone which was wrapped up in the shirt landed on my lap. I picked the phone up, and flipped it open.

“Hey.. we gotta run. PJ wanted us to meet him fifteen minutes ago.” I said to Julius. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when I said this. PJ was our ‘boss’ I guess you could say. I pulled Julius’ tank top out of the bag and tossed it to him before I zippered it closed.

“He pissed?” Julius asked. I gave him a look that said I hope not. As I quickly tossed the bag on my shoulders. Julius and I made our way off the basketball court.

==========================
…Let’s Go Rob a Bank…
Present Day
Las Vegas, NV
==========================

Oddly enough for the first time in recent memory I was in Las Vegas, but I wasn’t drunk. No, you see I had more important things on my mind right now. I needed to figure out how I was going to fix the epic mistake I had just made.

“So, do you really think it was that bad of an idea?” I asked JT. There was an overwhelming look of concern in my eyes.

“Uh yeah…” JT said as he peaked over his menu. We were out to dinner. Yeah, of course we had a condo full of food. That would involve us cooking, and well neither of us were that good at it at all. I mean honestly… who burns toast?

“Yeah, I guess it was pretty stupid. They were on the corner looking for donors. I thought I had good genes. I mean I have good genes right?” I asked him.

“Of course you do. That’s not the point though.”

“What do you mean that isn’t the point?”

“Well, what if the woman who gets your sperm is like 300 pounds, and has no teeth. You know looks like that mom from honey boo boo. Then you’re stuck getting married to her, and being forced to have sex with her, and ONLY her for the next 18 years.” JT said. I looked at him kind of confused.

“Why would I be forced to only be with her? I mean I don’t think I’ve been loyal ever in my life.”

“The kid man. The kid. It’s like a law or something. If someone pops out your little sperm nugget you’re forced to stay faithful for 18 years, or something. I read it in a book somewhere.” JT said to me. He was very convincing right now. He always had a little bit more book knowledge than me. He could pick something up and read it once. Remember it forever. Of course I had no other option but to believe him at this point.

“So what do you think I should do?”

“Go back in there and tell them you have leprosy or something.”

“No… I can’t do that.” I said to him shaking my head furiously. “There is a nurse that works there. She may not know it, but she was my girlfriend when I filled that cup up. She was lookin co-rrect! I think I might even ask her out on a date”

JT looked at me. He didn’t have anything to say. It was very rare that JT didn’t have something to say. Except when it came to me.

“What if we went back in there and you know… stole it? Or something?” I asked him. A questioning look on my face. I mean the outside of the building was so small there is no way the two of us wouldn’t be able to find the sample and destroy it.

“We… hah no. You did this not me. I am taking no part in any of this.” JT said to me laughing. He turned his head over to the right as the waitress reached over and dropped our food off in front of us. JT had ordered some sort of salad with all types of healthy shit on it.

”Dude… it looks like a garden is having an orgy on your plate.” I said to him with a look of disgust. Since the SCW card was only a few days away JT was on this health food kick lately. He wanted to rid his body of all the toxins inside of it. Or some other bullshit that he had read in one of his fucking self-help books.

“Bro, you’re never going to be able to compete at Climax Control if you keep eating like a four year old.” JT said to me as the waitress laid a mountain of mozzarella sticks in front of me. It’s been about three days with a steady diet of mozzarella sticks. Something about them. It’s been like a party on my palate.

“Yeah…. But theyr’re …. Absolutely scrumptious!” I said with a mouthful of the deep-fried cheesy goodness. An ear to ear grin on my face. “So, you’re really not going to help me with this? I mean when you think about it. You’re actually guilty by association…. Uncle JT.”

It was those words that absolutely set him off.

“NEVER! CALL ME! THAT! AGAIN!” JT said. Almost screaming it at the top of his lungs. I’m not sure if he was scared of the thought he would be an uncle. Or the fact that I, Caleb Houston, would become a father if we didn’t somehow resolve this situation. “Of course I will help you.”

“Good.” I said to him.“Now, how do you suppose we go about doing this?” I asked. Leaning back in the booth a bit. It was time to get serious here. We needed to put our heads together and figure out how we were going to resolve this situation. As JT began to talk I slowly started to drift off to my dream world. Planning was never my thing. I just liked to show up and get the job done. JT on the other hand. He liked to plan things…

==========================
Monday – October 27th, 2008
Elite Wrestling Academy
Most Wanted!
==========================

Having been singed with EWA and working two times a week for the past five months was finally taking a toll on my body. The constant grind, and travel was breaking me down. I’m not sure what I expected when I signed my contract, but it wasn’t to feel like this on a daily basis. I guess you could say I wasn’t really prepared for the world I was living in right now. I had better learn quickly, or I would be just another flash in the pan.

“Here kid… I want you to take two of these when you start having pain. The doctor said to me as he handed me a bottle of pills “They’ll make you feel better. Just make sure you take them on a full stomach otherwise they’ll be coming right back up.” He warned.

I reached out and grabbed the bottle. My eyes looking up at the doctor. He was much older than me. For some reason I trusted him. Elizabeth Black was paying him, a lot more than me, to keep her stars healthy. I knew he wouldn’t steer me in the wrong direction. His job was to make sure the talent could compete. I gripped the bottle tightly in my hands. Nervously rolling it between my fingers. Debating whether or not I should be honest with the doctor about my history. Would these have any negative affect with the other things I had been doing. But I knew if I asked that question it would only be a matter of time before I would be in the office pissing in a cup. Right now my future, and my bank account couldn’t handle that.

“Thanks doc..” I said as I pushed myself off the table. Wincing in pain as I did so. I took a deep breath before turning my attention back to the doctor. His face was buried in some paperwork. I stood there for a few seconds just staring. My conscience telling me to be honest.

“Got something to say kid?” He asked me.

“Nah… I mean... Nah nevermind. Thanks though..” I said to him with a nod as I turned my head, and made my way to the door. I shot one last glance back at the doctor, little did I know this man would soon be my best friend, before I made my way out into the hallway. I slid the prescription bottle into the pocket of my basketball shorts and continued on my way to my locker room. T-Minus 45 minutes til I needed to get in the ring, and I wasn’t even half ready yet. As I turned the corner I could hear two grown men cackling like little school girls. When I looked up I was met by the greasy haired rat Michael Santiago, and his trusty side kick the backstreet boy wanna be Shane Knight.

“Fucking perfect….”I said to myself as I continued down the hallway. As I got closer I could see they were in fact in front of my locker room carrying on. Michael was holding a black sharpie in his right hand, his left covering his mouth to hold in the fits of laughter. I looked at my locker room door, and underneath the placard that said ‘Houston’ Michael had scribbled ‘we have a porbem.’

“Houston… we have a probem? I think you forgot the L there Michael.” I said.

“No… you are the L… L for LOOSER!” Michael responded. Trying to be as witty as possible.

“BOOM! THAT JUST HAPPENED!” Shane said to me about an inch away from my face. Both of his arms outstretched to the side.  Trying to intimidate me.

“Oh… man. You guys got me good.” I said rolling my eyes a bit. I really didn’t have time for these two. Especially tonight. I knew exactly what they wanted to do. They wanted to get inside my head, and throw me off my game. They couldn’t stand to see me succeed. To be better than they were.

“Yeah we did.” Michael and Shane said in unison as they reached up and gave one another a high five.

“You see Caleb. You’re not a good wrestler.” Michael said.

“Yeah, you’re really not a good wrestler.” Shane repeated like the parrot he was.

“You’ll never be as good as us.”

“N-E-V-E-R!” Shane repeated. Once again an inch from my face. I could feel my blood boiling in my veins. I reached up with my right hand and placed it on Shanes’ chest giving him a push. Letting him know I wasn’t going to back down. Especially from tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb.

“Woah… are you sure you want to do that?” Michael asked me. Offended. “You realize there is two of us, and only one of you.” He said.

“Yeah, I know how to count. I also know that you two aren’t going to do anything. Man, we’ve played this game before. Countless times. Don’t you remember? This always starts with you two getting a little too cocky for your own good. Then you both wake up on the ground looking like little bitches.”

“We ain’t no bitches!” Shane called out as he stepped closer to me again.  

“Yeah.. keep telling yourself that.” I said as I shook my head in disgust, and took a few steps closer to my locker room before Michael reached out and grabbed my right arm. I looked down at his hand on my arm, and then focused my attention on him.

“Where do you think you’re going? We aren’t done with you.” Michael said to me.

The games were over. I ripped my arm out of his grasp, and squared up. These dudes had me feeling froggy. It was about time to stop the mouth and start throwing the fists. As I cocked my right arm back ready to swing. My arm was grabbed by one security guard as a few more stepped in between the three of us. EWA couldn’t afford to have the three of us throwing down back here where no one could see it. No this needed to happen in the ring where Elizabeth Black could get her money’s worth. There was a bunch more shouting back and forth. Quite a few wild punches, which never hit their mark, thrown before security pushed me back into my locker room.  

==========================
…Finalizing The Plan…
Present Day
Las Vegas, NV
==========================

“Caleb….Earth to fucking Caleb.” In that moment I was brought back to reality by a breadstick smacking me right on the bridge of my nose. I inhaled deeply and shook my head. Waking up from my little daydream. Looking across the table my gaze was met by JTs. He looked irritated. I had no idea how long he had been talking, or what he had even said.

“Bro… were you even listening to a word I said?” He asked me.

“Yeah man of course. I was.” I responded quickly. An offended look coming across my face. I couldn’t let JT know I had fallen asleep. Otherwise he would go on some other forty-five minute tangent about how I need to get focused, and figure out my priorities. Bitch my priorities good. Go in fuck shit up, and then walk out.

“Okay, Then what was I saying?” He asked me. He gave me that ‘prove it look.’ I shrugged it off with a laugh.

“The whole thing? Or just the quick rundown…” I said. Stalling a bit so I could figure something interesting to say. “Alright, here is what you said. We go in there, get the job done, and get out of there. No distractions. No questions.”

“……..Close enough” JT responded. He looked down at this salad which he had devoured. He looked depressed. I guess this health food kick he was on wasn’t really helping his mindset at all. He shot a look over to my plate which still had two mozzarella sticks left on it. I could sense him eye raping them. Gently, I grabbed my plate and brought it closer to me. I wasn’t going to fall for any of his jedi mind tricks.

“Bro… can I get a cheese stick?”

“Hah… no. Remember you’re eating healthy.”

“Come on. It’s one cheese stick. You really don’t need to eat all 50 of them…”

“Who the fuck are you? You ain’t my momma. You don’t tell me what I do and don’t need…. Bitch.”

“Bro… I’m going to be really upset if you don’t give me a cheese stick.” JT said to me. He looked down. He was trying to give me that depressed toddler look.

“I don’t really care if you get upset or not. You’re the limp wrist who decided to order the damn salad. I’m the man who ordered the cheese sticks. There are starving kids in Africa that will be upset if I don’t finish these cheese sticks myself. It would be considered a waste.”

“Dude… you’re such a dick.”

“Mhmm..” I responded with a smile as I grabbed the last two cheese sticks and shoved them in my mouth. I savored every last crumb of their deep fried goodness as JT watched me. For a split second I thought I saw tears welling up in his eyes. Out of sheer frustration JT slammed his hands on the table, and pushed himself up.

“You’re paying dickhead.” He said as he scooted out of the booth, and walked toward the front door of the restaurant.

“Fine by me.” I responded. Reaching my hand into my pocket throwing some money on the table to cover the bill, and the tip. I let out a large burp before getting up from the table following after JT. “Honey… wait for me.” I called out. When I made my way out of the restaurant JT was leaning against the building arms folded in front of him.

“Are you really upset?” I asked him. Slightly concerned. Slightly not giving a shit.

“Yeah man. Damn. Why do I gotta be so committed to this? Next time I tell you I want to eat healthy and stop drinking make sure I sleep on it before I make the decision.” JT said to me pushing himself away from the building. The two of us continued through the parking lot to my truck.

“You got it… dude.” I unlocked my truck, and the two of us climbed in. I shot JT a look who was finally starting to get out of his emo girl mood. “So… are you ready to do this?” I asked him. He looked at me, and rolled his eyes.

“Ready as I’ll ever be…”He responded with a deep sigh. I fired up the engine to my truck, and pulled out from the parking lot. Inside my head ‘The Final Countdown’ began playing. As I pulled out onto the street I shot JT a look who was staring at the window.

“So, let me ask you a question.” JT said to me. “Is there actually anything going on upstairs in that head of yours? I mean, honestly. The ideas you get in your head sometimes…” JT was speechless. All he could do now was shake his head.

“Yeah, there is a lot of stuff going on up there, all the time. It’s actually quite annoying. Like, I don’t know it’s hard to explain. I just have these voices who give me these ideas.. it’s really weird.” I said with a confused look on my face. I had these dreams, and these visions all the time. It was like a movie was constantly playing in my head. I wanted to turn it off, but I couldn’t. No matter what I did I was always taken back to that day. The day that’s haunted me for over six years.

JT and I continued the rest of the drive in silence.

==========================
Monday – October 27th, 2008
Elite Wrestling Academy
Most Wanted!
==========================

The hours leading up to my matches were always the most tense in my life. I could never sit still, and focus, well, that was next to impossible. I was geared up, and ready to go. I gave my board shorts one last solid tug before I made my way out of my locker room. At this point the show was already on. I could hear the roar of the crowd above me, and the stomping of their feet. I looked around sweat already forming on my brow. Tonight was going to be the biggest night of my career so far. In a little bit under 30 minutes I would be stepping into the ring, and if I came out on top I would become the #1 Contender to Keith Daniels and his world title.

“Focus…. Focus..”

I said to myself as I made my way down the hallway. Even with all the noise going on around me I could hear my footsteps on the ground I could even hear my muscles stretching as I took each step. Tonight was the worst the anxiety had been even worse than my professional debut. My heart was pounding against my chest. I found a quiet empty section of the arena where the lights were dimmed. I looked down to my right hand. Clenched inside of it were two of the pills the doctor had given me no more than twenty minutes ago. I tossed the pills into my mouth, and tilted my head back before I gulped them down. Hopefully these would help me take the edge off. Maybe they would help me forget everything else that was going on. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I leaned back against the wall. Just as I was starting to relax someone rounded the corner almost knocking me off my feet.

“Heads up, kid.” I said to the man standing off to my right a bit. He was an inch maybe two shorter than me. His hair was clean cut, and dark brown. He looked happy. A feeling I hadn’t felt, or even know, for years over a year now. He was dressed up in a pair of wrestling tights, and boots.

“Sorry about that, man. Didn’t see you there.” He said to me as he rubbed the back of his neck. He was embarrassed I could tell. To me he looked green.

“Yep.” I responded as I focused down at my boots. I didn’t want to make eye contact otherwise he might know what was going on. I didn’t know this kid. If he ran off and told Miss Black how he saw me that wouldn’t work out well for me at all. I would lose my title shot, and everything I’ve worked for over the past few months. Especially if he thought it would benefit him.

“Well, hey, I’m JT. This is my first time wrestling for a big promotion.” He said to me with an ear to ear grin as he extended his right hand for a shake.

“That’s funny…” I said to him with a laugh as I took my gaze off my boots, and focused on him. “This is my hundredth time not caring tonight.” I said. I wasn’t buying the nice guy act. I’ve seen it thousands of times before. He just like many people before thought I would benefit him. Then when he got where he needed to be he would turn. It’s a revolving door of that crap in this business. JTs smile turned into a more serious look after he looked me over for a few seconds.

“You’re Caleb Houston, right?” He asked me. Pointing at me a bit. I guess this kids parents never taught him it wasn’t nice to point. I shook my head before I focused my attention back to the floor. For me this conversation was over. I didn’t have the time to chit chat with this kid. I had things I needed to focus on.

“You’ve got a big match tonight, man. You could become the number one contender for Keith Daniels’ Elite World Championship! It looks like I’m facing Paul Blair tonight.” He said to me. His voice cracking in excitement a bit. I could tell he was eager to get in the ring. He was bouncing his weight from foot to foot

“I don’t care.” When would he get the hint to leave me alone? Couldn’t he tell I wasn’t in the mood to talk? What are you a wrestler or a fan boy?

“Well, good luck out there, man.” JT said. Was he being genuine? Was he acting? I didn’t know. All I knew was I wasn’t supposed to have friends in this business. Anyone who I’ve ever let get close to me I let down. They ended up getting hurt. For whatever reason I had a big X on my back. It was just better I work alone. Gave me less to worry about. JT nodded at me before he headed back off toward the waiting area.

“Good luck, kid.” I whispered to him under my breath.

===============================================

To Whom It May Concern,

Little did I know that October night back in EWA that I had just met my best friend. Someone who six years later I consider closer than family. I have to be honest when I first met JT I thought it would only be a matter of time before he flamed out. See, I was considered undersized to be in this business. JT was even smaller than me. One thing the kid has is heart. I’ve never once seen him give up, not even against the biggest opponents. The other thing he has is the kid isn’t afraid to take risks. If it’s near the ring, and he can get on top of it. He’ll probably jump off of it. I’ve never seen someone as graceful as him flying through the air. The Blue Angels would be jealous of him. His ground game is solid. As close to perfect as you can get. He’s been the only person who has ever tested my skills rolling. The kid has skill. Even better he knows he has skill. I’m glad he’s in my corner except standing across from me. I owe a lot of my career to the man who will be fighting with me Sunday night. He’s always been the one to keep me grounded. He found what makes me tick, and knows how to keep me focused even when everything else around me seems to be crumbling down. It’s safe to say without JT Midas there wouldn’t be a Caleb Houston, and there sure as hell wouldn’t be a Players Club. Fortunately for all of you he’s here. You may not know it yet, but he is the piece that makes this sport tick. Soon, everyone will see it. Soon, everyone will know exactly what I’m talking about. I won’t seem so crazy anymore.

A few months ago I was in a small promotion called Combat Entertainment. I can honestly say I hated the place. I hated the booking. I hated Texas. But most of all I hated the people. It was like EWA 2.0. It disgusted me each and every day I got out of bed knowing I had to take that ride down to the headquarters. But each and every day I did it. Not sure exactly why. I’m glad I did though. You see because in those walls I made a bond with another superstar. Someone who was in the same place I was just a few years prior. He was come up. He got in at the perfect time, and was ready to make a splash. Had the place lasted a few more months I have no doubt in my mind that man would’ve been world champion. No one could match his technical skills inside the ring. When someone tested him, and may did, they all went down in a heap from the Hydroplane. The kid has more energy than anyone I’ve ever met in my life, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the win. He hit a little rough patch during his tenure in Combat when his father passed away. It affected him emotionally, and physically. I never really had much of a family growing up. This kid though. Man, this kid was doing this for his family. The way he spoke about them, with such pride. You could tell just how important they were in his life. While he was dealing with that I could see a change in him. It was then I realized the kid needed someone. Actually, I think I needed someone too. I took him under my wing. Since then it’s been a party. He is the heartbeat of the Players Club.

Since I joined SCW. You could say I’ve been, loud, I guess is the word I’m looking for. High Stakes was a huge PPV for the company. I knew to get noticed I had to make some noise. That’s when the Players Club got together, and we knew what we needed to do. We needed to find someone to make an example of. That person just so happened to be Chris Shipman. He was the first person to go Down In Flames, but I promise you he won’t be the last. Since we came over here we were told Seven Deadly Sins was the biggest group in the company. That they struck fear into the heart of their opponents. That’s why we knew they needed to be the first to go down. You know it was all playing out perfectly until the rest of them grew their balls, and decided they wanted to make an appearance. That was mistake number one sins. You see we had a plan, and you didn’t let us finish. Funny how it worked out though. Shipman has yet to be heard from. None of the sins have made an appearance since then, either. Whys that? Did you see what you’re up against? Does that scare you? Don’t worry, the Players Club isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be here next week, next month, and even next year. You guys have a well-oiled machine there right now. Players Club is the wrench that is going to put an end to all that noise. Rage, can you feel it? The cold running up your spine causing those little hairs to stand up on the back of your neck. That’s the one sin you don’t have. That right there is fear.

As I move through my career the weeks leading up to a match get a lot easier. A few years ago I would be sick to my stomach right now tucked away in some bathroom stall puking. Not anymore. No. You see I’ve learned over these past six years just how this business works. There is advantages and disadvantages in every match. After time these said disadvantages started to fade away. It was the same story each and every time I stepped into the ring, and it would be no different this week. Since I started my career in this sport I was always considered undersized. I wouldn’t be able to stand and bang with the bigger, more experienced competitors. Fast forward six years. I’ve handled my own. I’ve proven that the ‘Davids’ are just as dangerous as the ‘Goliaths.’ This week wouldn’t be much different. Once again JT and I will be the underdogs. Once again we’ve heard that we don’t belong in the same ring as Gavin Stephens and Alex Kaelin. We’re too small. We don’t have the experience. After you hear the same words for so many years eventually you just begin to accept them. I guess you could say I’ve learned to welcome these criticisms. The way I see it. There’s no pressure. Ever. JT and I aren’t expected to win. We’re not loved by these fans. No one to please but ourselves. Makes it that much easier.

Alex Kaelin. If my memory serves me correctly this isn’t the first time you and I have worked together. If my memory serves me correctly you were already with Miss Blacks Elite Wrestling Alliance around the same time my career started in 2008. You were already a mainstay in this business, and I was just trying to break in. I don’t remember you sticking around much longer after I signed up. As a matter of fact I don’t really remember you ever sticking around anywhere for too long. Aren’t you supposed to be God’s Gift to wrestling Alex? So explain to me why you haven’t been able to catch on? You’re great at puffing out your chest and hyping yourself up, but when it comes down to it and it’s time to perform where you are then? Words are one thing. Performance is another. Keep telling everyone what they should think of you. I’m going to show them what they should think of you.

Usually, when it comes to my in-ring performance I’m a quite type of person. I never have much to say. I guess it’s never been something I ever focused on in my career. The only thing that’s ever mattered to me was if I got the victory or not. I could care less about the fans, or hyping up a match. The only thing I want to do is go out there, and do what I’m getting paid to do. That’s fight. It’s almost become a part of me. A part of who I am. I’ve waited so long, and worked too hard at this game to get lost in the aspect of letting my mouth fly free. I’ve poured too much of my blood, sweat, and tears into preparing to be the best this industry has ever seen. Everyone wants to worry about their past, and be respected for what they’ve done. Gavin. Alex. This goes out to you two specifically. I don’t care who you were before, or who you think you are now. The only thing that matters in this industry is who you are tomorrow, next week, or next year. Every promotion has an owner, or fans with a very short memory. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done before, or what titles you’ve held. At the end of the day the only thing either one of them cares about is whose shoulders were on the apron, and who was making the cover. Granted, over the past few weeks I’ve been a lot more vocal on twitter. What is my goal? To look like an idiot? Yeah, you could take it like that if you want to. Doesn’t affect me any. I’ll be the same person tomorrow that I am today. My goal is to get inside your head. To find out what makes you tick, and to break that down. Judging by recent events it seems as if I’ve been successful. At least with you two. I’ve learned this business is all about the mental aspect. How you prepare, and how you and how you can break your opponent down. You would think by now you two would’ve been able to figure that out. I mean Gavin you were the greatest champion in the history of champions, weren’t you? I guess that title is easy to claim when you’re wrestling against lesser talent.

This little crew, or whatever it is, you guys have rolling right now with Andrew Watts may sound great right now. Actually, I’m sure to newer more naive wrestling fans it probably looks great. But the people who actually know who, and what Watts is already know exactly where this is heading. Your little boyfriend is going to ride you two to the top. Then when the timing is right, for him, he’s going to drop you like a bad habit. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that guy is a cancer to this industry. A cancer to society as a whole. If a leech hard arms and legs it would be Andrew Watts. Call him Dr. Kevorkian because everything the dude touches dies. His words sound great now. Trust me. It’s only a matter of time before the true colors come out.

Gavin, there is one thing I’m going to need a bit of clarification on. Is repeating yourself part of your style? Or is that a side effect from previous head injuries? Honestly, there is part of me that is worried about you. I’m kind of nervous as to what might happen with another blow or two to the head. Will it explode like a cauliflower ear from a right hook? Or even better will one good punch send it to the rafters like a sock-em bopper? Alright, I get it. Those are a little far-fetched. But I’m sure I have reason to be concerned. They say ALS is a very serious side effect of too many injuries. It seems like you’re well on your way to suffering the same fate as so many before you.

Stephens you seem pretty proud of yourself for beating Equinox. Is this supposed to impress anyone? To strike fear in the hearts of the world? I think everyone was witness to what happened to that little boy a few weeks ago at High Stakes. How he was even a champion is beyond me. But it is what it is. That’s the reason why I don’t get paid to book the matches. I just show up when I’m called upon. I make history. At Climax Control I plan to be the person breaks down this whole world you’ve built around yourself. Seems like you have yourself a nice woman around your am. The question is this after she sees the beginning of your downfall this week will she still think you’re man enough? Or will she get sick of carrying the load, and drop you to the curb? I’ve had plenty of opportunities in my past to end careers. Most of them I’ve been successful with. But, this is the first time I will also have a shot at ending a relationship. It will be my pleasure to put another beautiful woman back on the market.

Alex. I will give you this. The attitude is there to be a superstar. As a matter of fact I see a little bit of myself in you. I see a man who knows he’s good at what he does. There is a difference though. When I tell myself I’m better than everyone else I’m not lying. I’m not withholding any truths to where I am, and where I’m going. Whereas someone like you. I don’t think you know where your future will take you. I don’t think you know what company you’ll be representing in six weeks. Myself? Yeah, I know where I’ve been. But most importantly I know exactly where I’m going. No one has to remind me what I am yet they continue to do so. Trust me. I see that person each and every morning when I look into the mirror.

Tell me this Alex. Do you have That Sinking Feeling yet? Does it bother you to know that your chance at getting to the top starts with someone, who in your eyes, doesn’t even belong breathing the same air as you? Don’t worry Alex. In a little while you and I won’t be breathing the same air anymore. I’m going to choke the air right out of your lungs. After that you’ll be doing what you’ve done multiple times before. Tucking your tail between your legs, and running. No one is going to fault you for that. Eventually you’ll find a promotion where you’re as big a deal as you keep telling yourself that you are. It just won’t be SCW.

It isn’t a secret that I’ve been very conflicted in my life. For as long as I can remember I’ve had these voices in my head. Pulling me in different directions. It almost changes by the minute. The only direction that keeps me sane, and gets me by is hurting people. This week Alex Kaelin and Gavin Stephens are on the list.  These voices are telling me I need to inflict the same pain on you that I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. That’s why at Climax Control as I am breaking you two down you’ll see a smile on my face. For that fifteen minutes, or however long the match is, those voices stop. They let me have peace. My beef isn’t with you two though. It runs deeper with that. It just so happens you two are the first on the list. But more importantly you won’t be the last.

Knowing who you two have decided to align yourself with, and the other information I’ve been given over the past week I’m not expecting this to be a fair match at all. Actually, I welcome it. Bring it all. Dig down deep. Rack your brain. Whatever you think is going to help you get the victory I want. When the dust settles after JT and I beat you I don’t want to hear any bullshit excuses that you had to modify your game plan to stay within the rules. Just be prepared that whatever you decide to throw at us we’re going to bring back ten times over. The twitter bullshit is over. No more words. No more hashtags. It’s all going to come down to skill. The Gold Rush is coming. Hopefully you’re hungry cause were going to make you eat each and every one of those words.

Stephens. You may be bold. You may be blunt. But I’m the fucking lighter. Time to spark it up, and put you Down In Flames.

Pretty soon the SCW community will be calling me John Wilkes Booth, because I’m gonna blow your mind.

The Assassin,
Caleb Houston

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