SCW World Title Match RP 2 of 2.
“Nobody's taller than the last man standing” - LaMichael James
Intro:
I stood in front of the microphone, I looked like hell, but after so many times of having you face caved in, I really didn’t think it mattered much.
In just a few days, two and a half men will enter a match to decide the next world champion. So, sue me, I’m being honest. Ken and I are the only real men in this match. We give Jack a half-a-man rating, well, because it’s Jack.
I shrug, and think to myself, God I hate that asshole
A fatal four-way match, where the champion has already asked for war, is not a match but a war. But hell, he asked so nicely, and everything that’s what it will be. Two of the three people I face in this encounter are absolute scumbags and I have no qualms about putting them down or at least in their place.
I shake my head and smile again.
They say that no one can stop the reaper when it comes for your soul. We shall see but the truth is the matter is I don’t want any of your souls. There’s only one thing that will do.
I make the belt motion across my abdomen, still with a smile.
Ten pounds of gold is currently in the possession of “Godly” Ken Davison. The current, reigning, and defending World Champion.
Leaning on the podium in front of me, my expression softens slightly
Years from now people will say that they came to watch a wrestling match, but what they got was one of the bloodiest affairs they’d ever seen in their lives. Where that title is concerned, and my friend already knows this, I will not have any remorse or regrets when it comes to who gets hurt.
I feel my expression harden as I ease up on the podium and stand more to my full height.
Only one can lift that belt and I plan on being that person because no one stands taller than the last man standing.
I run my thumb across my throat.
No retreat, no surrender, and no survivors.
“The Aftermath”
Looking outside of the offices of Jeff Castello, I see the trees move ever so slightly, bending every once in a while as the breeze increases. The back-and-forth sway of the trees reminds me very much of Vivian’s life in the past few months. She and Grey have been through a lot recently. Someone from her past had come looking to end her life because of the choices they made. We had spent the day, reviewing how they would protect her and Grey, and Krayon of course. After that harrowing experience, they needed time and space to heal. Watching them as a couple, it was easy to see that Grey was her rock. They interacted with such love and compassion for one another. The verification process of a new identity and home somewhere was the important part I thought as I stared at my own reflection in the window of Jeff’s office. I scrubbed my face with my hands, God I looked like shit right now. In just a few days, I’d be trying to win the world title from Ken or whoever I could beat down and pin. It didn’t have to be him after all, and that made me smile. My thoughts were interrupted by Jeff, “Hey, let’s go get some coffee and have a smoke,” he said, bringing me back to the present.
Scratching the back of my head, I give a sheepish smile, “Yeah, a good stretch of the legs wouldn’t hurt.” On the way to the door, I stopped and scratched Krayon behind the ears he whined softly and I touched Vivian lightly on the shoulder. I stood back up and met Jeff at the door. We headed out into the lobby and walked through the twisting and turning hallway to the elevator. I flashed my id to the Marines posted there and they let us both pass into the elevator. We were on the thirty-fifth floor so we had time to talk. He looked in my direction, and the look was one of concern. “Mac, what’s going through your head right now? I’ve seen that look a hundred times.” I shrugged in return, “just the face I was born with,” I said in my most innocent voice. He nudged me with his elbow, “Every time I see that look, I know you’re about to do something reckless, and probably life-threatening.” I knew what he was talking about but I shrugged it off. “Please tell me you’re not going after the men that tried to kill Viv.” I nodded at the statement, “No, that’s not why…it has nothing to do with your case. This,” I point to my face, “Is because of the match I have coming up. Two of the three men in that match, I despise. With all the shit that Amber’s been through? I’m out for blood this time, Chief.”
After some time, we reached the lobby. The lobby at this particular office was very nondescript, it was so boring it made a wrestling changing room seem lavish. As we approached the coffee bar, I asked, “So, what’s next for Vivian and Grey?” He looked disappointed that I had asked the question. “That’s bad news for you, especially. It’s a big part of the witness protection program that a lot of people never even consider.” I nodded, I knew it was coming but I was hoping it wouldn’t. “So, that means no contact with family and friends,” I said, it wasn’t a question, I was just seeking verification of my own fear. Quietly he said, “Afraid so.” I could hear the sadness in his voice. I clapped him on the shoulder, “She’ll be fine, hoss, don’t worry about that.” He looked up and smiled, “I know, I was worried how you might take that news. I know you guys have been close for a long time.” I nodded, “I may be sad about it later, but it’s no good for her to hear it or for Grey to see it.” We got our coffee and stopped by the station with creamer and sugar. That’s when I zipped my jacket up, it was cold as hell outside. Or maybe that was just my soul turning a little bit blacker. It was getting really hard to tell these days.
“I’m guessing this is where we part company for a while?” He shook his head, “Not really, I do need a smoke, by the time we are done here, they will be on their way to a new life.” I laughed, “You didn’t have to try to deceive me, Jeff.” He shook his head, “No deception, you know the protocol.” Indeed I did, I’ve done many of these over the years with Jeff, but this was the first one that was so personal. I knew I should not have contacted him for this, but damnit we both had personal ties to Vivian and Grey. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Jeff. So far it hadn’t.
He finished making his coffee turn colors and we stepped out into the cold Maryland night. I lit my cigarette with my zippo and he did with his as well. “Mac, do you ever regret leaving the service?” I nodded, “Sometimes, my life would have been very different if I had stayed. I would have most likely ended up dead, to be honest, so there’s that.” He chuckled, “Because of Spaz,” he asked. “Between him, his goon squad, and being so wreckless.” He smiled, “Well that is one thing you no longer have to worry about. You know that holding area under the pentagon?” I smiled in return, “The one that acts like a faraday cage?” He laughed, “yes that one, no comms in or out. You couldn’t buy a cell signal in that joint with a fist full of fifties.” I nodded, “yeah, I get that. That’s where he’s being held?” He shrugged, “I can neither confirm nor deny that question” I barked a laugh, “I understand, senator.” He shook his head. Taking another long drag of my smoke and exhaling slowly, the awkward silence continued. “Something on your mind, Jeff.” He nodded, “You remember, Gomez?” “Yeah, the war criminal that we allowed to retire instead of facing a firing squad as he should have.” He nodded solemnly, “One of our many mistakes. I’m hearing rumors that someone is trying to release all the skeletons in his closet. If it was anyone else I wouldn’t care, but his skeletons would impact a lot of people.” I nodded in recognition of the threat. It didn’t affect me personally but it was a national security issue that Jeff would have to deal with.
“Wet work?” I asked him and he nodded again. “I’ll send the information over by courier in a few days.” We shook hands as we parted company and I headed out for the next stop.
Once again in front of a microphone and preparing to talk about my least favorite subject. A guy who makes other scumbags look saintly. A guy with no redeeming qualities. Makes Knox look like a decent human.
Oh, I think I'll start with you, Jack. I get it, in your world, King Jack decides who the worthy are. Who should hold the title and who shouldn’t even be considered a contender? Welcome to reality Wash. This ain’t Philly or Kansas. It’s the real world where words don’t win you matches. Thinly veiled insults and accusations don’t mean shit in this reality. What does matter is that we will compete in a fatal four-way match to determine who’s the best of the best in this company? Are you following along or do I need to get out the construction paper and the crayons? Okay, crayons it is then.
I reach under the podium and grab a piece of construction paper and a box of crayons and set them on the podium. I start with the purple crayon and continue speaking.
I’ve heard you call yourself confident so often. I think you spelled narcissist wrong. The funny thing about those kinds of people, they crave power and authority but sadly have the accountability of a toddler. You’re a megalomaniac at best and just a shit-talking punk at worst. A man who truly believes he’s the best on the stick of any of us. That’s funny, you’re good at it but hardly the best. 10 years in SCW? Yeah, I get that, you’re proud of the only place you’ve ever been. You’d rather be a big fish in a small pond than ever dream of competing where the competition is too big for you. You talk about how you’ve been overlooked, as evidence you’ve tied the lack of your picture not being on the main page. As for why you haven’t gotten your shot before now? Well, maybe it’s because the last time you had it, your reign made you look like you were competing in amateur hour. So poor little Jack Washington feels neglected and abandoned, don’t yall understand? Jack, we all know you’re an attention seeker, so go buy yourself a fucking puppy and sit down.
I stop drawing momentarily, eyeballing my work I smile.
You believe you are the only one in this match who deserves to hold that title. You are wrong, but let’s pretend for a moment that you’re right. What would that look like? Let’s see, you don’t do appearances for the company as it is, would that change to make you look more legit as a champion? Nah, you’re too busy running a casino, I’ve been to it, nice place. It looks like you’ve got people to help keep things running smoothly. I always suspected that you had some business acumen, that’s one thing at least you’ve proved me right on. I thought for a long time that you were a smart man until I saw your promo.
I put the purple crayon back in the box and withdraw the black one and begin working on my masterpiece.
What did you call Amber? My girlfriend? You know good and damn well that she’s my wife, you know the woman that held the bombshell longer than anyone in the history of this company.
I stop drawing and hold up the black crayon and wag it as I think about what to say next.
That’s funny.
I continue to draw and talk, getting more and more amused with my drawing.
You were right about the fact that I couldn’t protect her, I couldn’t protect her. She made a decision, funny they do that sometimes. They make decisions all on their own. I don’t protect her because she doesn’t need my protection. I assume that it’s the same in your family. Don’t you have a younger brother? I’m sure that he’s made choices that you didn’t agree with but you didn’t protect him from his choices? I’m sure you do understand that. Maybe not though, maybe you don’t give a fuck about anyone but yourself.
I shrug in indifference and then placing the black crayon back in the box, I withdraw the red one.
Your assertion that no one could fill your shoes, is true. That’s because no one wants to. You are the epitome of what most people never aspire to be. To be straight with you, I think you’re a fucking poser and a fraud. Sure, you beat me, and Fenris as well. The difference is that when we lose, we learn something from that. By the way, it is bragging regardless of if you can back it up, it makes you look like a putz. You might consider doing it a different way. Another great point, yes, I’ve lost my fair share of matches here but I never ran away and I never duck anyone who wants to fight.
Now finished with the red one, I put it back into the box and close the lid. I don’t reveal what the drawing is quite yet though.
Good thing this isn’t social media, Jack. The fact checkers would have a field day with your bull shit. The Saviors are alive and well and I’m still very much a part of it. When we decide someone has to go, we do it our way. Take Supreme Machine for example. After he challenged me for the world title, I sent him home with his tail between his legs. When I beat Alex Jones, he fucking retired. Mark Cross? He left when I beat him for the title. I’m sure you remember Mark, the same guy that beat you for the title. Not only beat you but embarrassed you live on pay-per-view. It was glorious watching him work. Another footnote to my time in SCW is the fact that I’ve beaten the men that beat you previously. Like when Goth took the internet title from you. Mark Cross and Alex Jones, did the same thing.
With my masterpiece done, I take a cigarette out and light it with my zippo. The inscription on it reads, “Toe Tags and Body Bags.” Amber had given this to me as a wedding gift. I smile as I remember the day fondly. Toe tags and body bags were exactly what I envisioned for this match.
Yet, my time in this company is uneventful, is it?
I shake my head again in indifference to his opinion of my body of work. Some people's opinions simply didn’t matter.
We look at the world through different lenses, and mine aren’t rose-colored. I see clearly, now more than ever. Ken and I have no issues with one another. You could say that I’ll help him make sure that you don’t walk out of the arena with that title. You are quite simply the least deserving competitor of a title reign that I’ve ever seen. Wanna act like the world, business and company owe you something? You’re dumber than you look if you believe that. You’re not the guy who put this company on his back the last two years. What have you ever done to help this company thrive? How much talent have you recruited to make sure this company continues to thrive? How have you even promoted this company, whether it be through interviews or special appearances? Any? If you do, name them. I’ve never seen you lift a finger to help anyone but yourself.
I start to show the picture, but I remembered a couple of things that had to be said.
My world title wins have been far from random, but living in the past is not what I do. You’re apt at calling others out for their pasts but never owning your own mistakes. As I said earlier, you have the accountability of a toddler. The first time you beat me, I was the world champion then. I said then that I didn’t care about that match with you because at that time it was true. You didn’t get rewarded for it then. I guess that’s one less stepping stone you can lay claim to, huh? The last time, you beat me, no excuses or deflection from me. You got me, beating me wasn’t what got you this match. Management must have had some sympathy for you because you’re such a whiny bitch.
I smile, amused with my opinions and thoughts being expressed in this way.
Regardless of how you got into this match for the title, you won’t be leaving with it, Jack. The only way you're leaving this match is on a stretcher, toe tag is optional.
Before leaving the area, I lift the construction paper up off the podium, then I present it to the audience at home.
Rest In Peace
Dumbass!
I leave it behind on the podium, laughing as I exit the room.
The cool breeze cut through the area like a knife through butter. It carried with it the light scent of pine and a faint stinging sensation to exposed skin. I breathed it in deeply, I loved the winter months. It very rarely got this cold in Port Arthur but I loved it when I did. I had thought about Vivian and Grey often over the last few days, and about what the wet work might be this time. I knew who it was about but not what it was about. This was a part of my life I had yet to share with Amber, I needed to make sure I did that soon. She was back in Vegas right now, while I was attending to some things on the ranch. Those things had to do with cougars hunting on our land, and killing and eating our calves. Off to the right of me, I could hear movement. I doubted it was one of the cats since I was sitting on my front porch. Plus, I wouldn’t have heard them if it was. I took another long drink of coffee from my Contigo branded coffee cup. Loved these damn things, keeps coffee hot. “Hey Mac, came the call from that direction. My foreman, Jimbo was not exactly subtle or quiet which suited me just fine. I yelled back, “Same place as last time,” I said in a flippant and sarcastic nature. He came up on the porch and sat down in a chair not far away. “We got problems, Chief. There’s more than one big cat out there.” My eyebrows shot up and I almost snorted my coffee through my nose.
“Fuck me,” I said quietly. “Yeah, we spotted 3 different ones, all males.” if you know anything about male cats, they don’t co-exist well together, and there would eventually be a dispute over territory. There was also a female cougar living on the land but she rarely ever came after the cattle. “You boys, got the tranqs and cages to transport them?” He nodded, “We do, everything is all set to go.” I lit another cigarette and the acrid smell drifted up around my face. “Alright, Let’s get started then. We’ll use four-wheelers instead of horses. The last thing I want is to have one come up lame.” He smiled that crooked, Han Solo-style smile at me, “Way ahead of you boss, gassed up and ready to go” I laughed lightly, “That’s the reason I pay you the big bucks, Jimbo.” We headed to a barn, just to the right of the house, the four and three-wheelers were kept there. They were loaded out with water, rifles, and jerky. All are strapped into the driver-side storage. We cranked ‘em up and headed out to the last known location. When we arrived at that spot, I could clearly see the tracks, these boys were not small. At least based on the depth of the impression their paws made. I scanned the area but there was no sign of them, not that I could tell. It was approaching sundown, so we had to be careful.
I sat on the seat of the four-wheeler, chewing on a piece of jerky and I heard that first shot ring out nearby. “I missed and he’s headed your way Jimbo,” was the call over the radio. “Shit,” I said as I saw Jimbo duck down. The cougar flew right over the top of him, but Jimbo was a small wiry man, and quick as a proverbial cat. He spun around and took aim, he squeezed the trigger and the big cat dropped on its side. It tried to rise several times but then the medicine kicked in and it was sleeping in a matter of seconds. I picked up the radio, “One down, we’ll need help loading this big fella into the cage for transport.” After a few moments, “On our way.” I felt the four-wheeler rock a bit and thought it must have been me shifting to my position at first. That was when I could feel hot breath on the back of my neck. I knew I had to act because I knew there was another one right behind me. Without hesitating I dove out of the four-wheeler and Jimbo was right there to put the second one to sleep with a single shot. “That was a bit closer than I’d like to experience again,” I said breathlessly. He smiled as he helped me up, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything sneak up on you, are you okay?” I dusted myself off and smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I’m good, a bit distracted by other things but I’m okay.”
The other team rolled in at that time and began helping Jimbo load both cats, we could hear a shot off in the distance.
To be continued.
Rest In Peace
Dumbass!
Matthew has been very quiet, it’s almost like he’s retired again or has decided he’s not up for another fight with me. He couldn’t beat Washington or Ken, so what did he do instead? He pulled the ropes away from Ken, forcing him to tap out to Jack when Ken held the internet title. Do you even recall why I did everything but end your career when we were in the ring last? I know I haven’t forgotten the man that tried to destroy my life. My career didn’t mean shit to me, but to take advantage of another man's wife is the lowest of the low. The amount of mental anguish that I suffered when I started hearing things is probably something you cannot fathom. Yet here you are back again, and back into the fold with Masque. I mean, I shouldn’t care, right? Having given you everything you needed to move on. Documentation to get you out of harm's way and Masque. I forgave you when you were present and Masque tried to kill my wife and you did nothing. You did nothing to try and help her, you stood there like it was nothing to you. Like she meant nothing to you. Was it just another attempted conquest of a woman you didn’t deserve?
I shake my head in disgust, I always felt this way when I spoke about him. I just cannot fathom someone with absolutely no morals. It breaks my brain to even consider what happened to him to make him this way.
You always called Amber your friend, but I sensed nothing that even remotely resembled that. I don’t think you even know anymore. I tried so hard to try to be your friend. All I got in return was a handful of nothing. If you were to ask her, she would shrug off her injuries as if they don’t matter. She knows, in great detail, what you did and didn’t do. She’s a much gentler soul than I am, I don’t forget and I won’t forgive you again. The only thing left is your destruction. We had a death match, not so long ago, didn’t we? At the end of that, I stood over you, do you remember? The things I did to you in that match have likely never been done to you before in a match. The methods I used were those that I’ve learned throughout a very long career. I felt no remorse for those things. I felt justified in everything I’ve done to this point. I’ll continue to feel that way until you are out of this business for good.
I could feel the bile rising in my throat, I hated this topic almost as much as I hated him. To me, that was hard to believe.
Every strike, punch, kick, slam, or whatever I deliver to you will be meant to make you beg. To make you beg for me to stop, to tap out, to just fucking give up. Now I hear that Ken wants to do this the old-school way. I would call it the carnage way but for me, that’s not true. It's the way that I broke into this business. I hope you are all ready for anything to go. This ain't for the weak of heart or like Knox, those of no spine.
I scrubbed my face and shook my head.
I just can’t even with this shit right now.
I stayed there for just a moment, feeling like I might throw up but then swallowed it back down and headed to the door leading out of the studio.
Continuing from the previous section…
The shot had rung out from farther to the south. These big boys were caged and being loaded for transport. A ranger there, Sue McCalister was supervising the whole show, she nodded at me. “Perfect execution, never seen the likes of it really. Most ranches just shoot these animals and we never know about it.” A grim smile came over my face, “I kill for only two reasons, to protect my family and to eat.” She gave me a smile, “That’s a very honorable philosophy.” Before I could respond, I felt a hand on my shoulder, “They got the third big male, Mac.” I looked at Jimbo, “Okay, let’s go help the get loaded up and we can call it a night. Booze is on me.” I look back at the ranger but she was already on her machine and headed to the other site. “That’s more like it! You heard the man, let’s get this shit wrapped up and go get drunk!” It didn’t take long to get to the other site that they had scouted out. The scene was much like I expected, the cat was sleeping and they were loading him into the cage. Sue,” three for three, I’m impressed. We’ll have a doc check them over when we get them into town to make sure they’re okay.” I nodded, “please let me know once the exams are done. If we can improve the process we’ll certainly do that.” She didn’t respond, she just waved her goodbye and get back into her vehicle.
One of the ranch hands approached slowly, he was actually wringing his hands, like he was scared. Must have been being out here hunting the big cats. His name was Francisco, last summer he finished getting his citizenship, a very proud moment for us all. “Mr. Bane?” He looked terrified, so I let him take his time. “Yes Franciso, my goodness my man, why are you so nervous?” He takes a big breath and exhales slowly, “Can I be excused from this night of drinking?” I looked at him, I started to verbally dress him down but I caught something in his look. “That’s no problem at all.” He smiled and allowed a sigh of relief escaped him. “Thank you, boss. I really appreciate it.” I heard Jimbo clear his throat, “Francisco, do you want to tell him why?” He immediately looked down in shame. Francisco had always been one of our avid partygoers but something had happened recently. He had pain in his stomach and had to go to the doctor recently. “Take your time, no rush.” He sighed again, “I told you I would Jimbo,” he said giving his foreman side-eye. “Mr. Bane, I have what they call acute recurring pancreatitis.” I nodded, “What did the doc tell you?” He took a deep breath, “He says that I shouldn’t eat red meat and starchy foods anymore. No alcohol of any kind, either. What did I do to deserve this hell?”
I gave the man a rough embrace, “It’s not karma my man, it’s a disease, one that you can partially control.” He hugged me back and was trying so very hard not to cry. To be honest so was I. These men and women that worked for me were a part of my extended family and when they hurt, I hurt. “Francisco, It’s going to be okay my friend. I know this disease all too well. You remember my grandmother, Rita, yah?” I knew he would considering she used to feed most of these boys just about every day. “I miss her, she was the fucking best.” I nodded, “Yes she was, and she had a more serious form of this disease, it was a complication of her diabetes. They called her Chronic Pancreatitis.” He nodded sagely and then panic set in, “Am…am…ami gonna die?” I put my arm around his shoulder and squeezed him in close. “Dude, we all day some day. What you have isn’t treatable, but you can control how bad it gets. Listen to your doctor.” He nodded again and I could see the pain in his eyes. The rest of the hands had all headed back to the main house now and it was just the three of us. “Take some time off, Francisco.” He started to protest but I cut him off. “Paid time off my friend. Use the time for whatever you want to do, whether it’s your own research about this or just laying by a pool somewhere warm. Take care of yourself, my friend. The job and the work will still be here when you get back.” He gave me a quick hug in thanks and I smiled. “Take all the time you need.”
The call for carnage has been issued, I’m probably the only person that will answer that call. Just like you did for me. Together we have forever changed the landscape of this company. For reasons of my own, I didn’t want to be a part of this match, I felt like Goth should have gotten the nod instead of me. I did still have this rematch clause that I had no intention of using.
I look at the camera, and the disgust is obvious. Whether it’s because of talking about Knox previously or about the current subject of this conversation is unknown, even to me.
But, here we are old man. Just like the old days, isn’t it? I would say it was a coincidence that we keep finding ourselves standing across the ring from each other but we know that’s not true.
I speak my arms out and smile.
We simply are the main event. People like Jack and others won’t like that one bit, but people like us don’t care what they think. So, a fatal four-way for the title, Brother. It’s already a no-DQ match, and you want to raise the level of intensity.
With a smile and a wink I continue.
I’m good with that.
I hold my head in my right hand, the thinker's position, and I continue to talk about the past. Our history is important.
I, too, remember that match you talked about. The difference is, we are much different people than we were then. Back then, I was this brash kid who had no fear or respect for anything or anyone. That match changed my perspective, not because I lost but because I encountered a true peer. Since then, you’ve found what I always hoped you would. Someone who loves you unconditionally. There I go getting all sappy again.
I straighten my face from the fond memory of his and Kyra’s wedding and come back to the tas at hand.
That was where this all began, that match set a bar in that place that they would never be able to duplicate, no matter how hard they tried. It’s where we won each other's respect. More important to me, was the friendship that followed. A brotherhood that would cross two decades.
I give a slight bow with my hands in front of me, a kind of namaste gesture if you will.
Our mantra has always been, “Brothers to the bone, never ride alone.” For me, that will never change. My only concern right now is about how you have an allegiance of some sort with Masque. I think she holds some influence over you and is in your ear and your head. It’s what she does. I’ve always considered you the master manipulator until I encountered her.
I allow my expression to soften, I need to make sure that he understands that my concern is legit and I don’t want that for him.
That’s a real problem right there. It’s like you either didn’t consider what that cunt put my family through, or you just don’t care about what she did to Amber. Do you feel like she’s some kind of kindred spirit from when you were younger? You’re seeking the help of some sort, and I get it, the people you love can’t help you breathe. Any of us would have helped if you had just asked.
It’s sad really, but I digress.
Although I’m still sad about that situation, I let it go and I’m back to business.
The first time we met for a world title, it was a time that you had every advantage. You had outsmarted me in every way. I’ll never use it as an excuse, just pointing out the obvious. It’s tough to defend a belt when you are distracted. You knew this and used it against me. You’ve always been an opportunist, what was even stranger was the fact that I wasn’t even mad.
I shrug and smile as if to say, what can I possibly say to that?
It’s not that strange, probably because I would have done the same thing. We both know it to be true so it’s not some great revelation.
Taking on a more serious expression, with my lips pursed and my eyebrows furrowed.
This match will be chaotic, to put it mildly. As for the soft spot in your heart for me? You’d better find some fucking cement and cover that shit up. I didn’t want to do it this way, but it appears as if I have no choice. The last time we played with kid gloves, those will be off for this match. Not because of anything that you’ve done but because of the other players involved. So when that bell rings you’d better be ready to fight.
Balling my fists up, I continue to talk about this match and its consequences.
I’m always ready to fight, brother, but I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know. Every day of my life, I’ve chosen violence, and this will be no different. That ten pounds of gold you carry has belonged to me on three separate occasions.
I don’t pause, I just continue to plow on thru what I need to say.
It’s time for it to return home.
The shitty thing is that no one has to pin you to take that title from you. The match design itself is great because it takes away the champion's advantage. What it does is stack the deck against the champion. I know you know all of this but you need to be hyper-aware of that fact. I’m not saying these things to insult your intelligence, they are just reminders from a friend.
Any thoughts of regret or remorse vanish more quickly than they might have appeared.
Here is the really bad news, old friend.
We both know that Knox is a non-entity in this match, he will play no role in the decision. Jack Washington spends too much time in front of a mirror telling himself and anyone who’ll listen how great he is.
That!
Brings everything down to you and me.
My gaze is relentless, my focus is razor-sharp.
As it should be because that’s the way it’s always been. I harbor you no ill will, despite the petty jealousy and your opportunistic nature. Know this brother, I love you and I hope you’ll be able to forgive me when I take my title back.
I hope we will always be able to call each other brother.
Fade