---

Those handcuffs were quite uncomfortable. One of the only thoughts running through the teenager’s hand. No, Kevin wasn’t worried about the legal trouble he was in. He wasn’t worried about what his parents were going to say. He wasn’t worried about being expelled from school over what he did. He was just worried about how uncomfortable those cuffs were. That was until he found himself being slammed down into one of those metal chairs.

“Take a seat and don’t move!”

The words rang out from a very angry man that had planted Kevin right in that seat. For a second Kevin looked around. It was kind of like the TV shows and movies. A big investigation room. Consisting of two chairs, a table, and a door. Only one way in and one way out. Now considering his age this isn’t where he should have been. Not without his parents. Not without a lawyer. So this was already heading in a bad direction. At least for the man that had slammed him down in the chair. Officer Lee found himself with his arms folded across his chest. Glaring at the teenager.

OFFICER LEE: Do you understand the magnitude of trouble you’re in right now, boy?

KEVIN CARTER: For what? Self defense?

OFFICER LEE: Must think you’re clever or something. That wasn’t self defense!

KEVIN CARTER: I know my rights. It was self defense.

OFFICER LEE: And I know the law better than you do. It is my job. Beating another stupid over the head with a metal lunch tray is no self defense!

It was more than obvious that the teenager was getting under a grown man’s skin. All from the most simple of things. Kevin sat there in the chair with his arms behind his back, smirking at the office before him. Not helping his case at all.

OFFICER LEE: Something funny to you?!

KEVIN CARTER: Something is always funny to me. But in particular right this second? This entire situation is funny to me. From you putting me in handcuffs, dragging me down to the station, the entire bad cop attitude, and everything in between. You think it’s getting you somewhere. That’s the most hilarious part about it. Because it’s not doing shit for you.

OFFICER LEE: That right there is what is wrong with you smart punk mouth ass kids. You think you know it all. You think you have more control over things than you actually do. You think you always have a leg up on an adult, but you couldn’t be more wrong.

KEVIN CARTER: Are you done boring me with your logic?

OFFICER LEE: You little prick.

Again, the teenager’s words were enough to get under the officer’s skin. To the point that he snatched a hold of Kevin by the front of his shirt. Yanking him out of the chair. Turning to slam the young man up against the wall. Kevin didn’t seem to be phased at all. Keeping that smirk across his lips.

KEVIN CARTER: Man. My parents are going to love to hear that you keep putting your hands on me. And I’m sure some of the best lawyers in the state of california would love to jump on a case about an officer abusing a minor and using his authority to do so.

OFFICER LEE: At the age of seventeen and in the state of California. You can be charged as a minor for what you did. It could ruin your education. You could never graduate. You won’t be seeing mommy or daddy for a very long time. It’ll ruin opportunity after opportunity for you. You’ll never become anything when you get out from behind bars. Is that really the road you want to take? Do you really want to end up being a deadbeat to society?!

KEVIN CARTER: Aw look at you trying so very hard to try and scare me. It’s kind of cute.

That smugness just oozes out of the young man. Further only landing himself in hot water with this officer. Not that it made a bit of a difference to the teenager.

KEVIN CARTER: Are you trying to say you’re charging me? Because this entire time you’ve asked me questions without a lawyer present and you’ve yet to read me my rights. Just making mistake after mistake. How does someone like you? How does Someone so incompetent manage to get that badge?!

OFFICER LEE: You’re really lucky right now, kid. Real lucky right now that I’m holding back.

KEVIN CARTER: I think the only one that’s lucky right now is you. Because you know as well as I know. Any other situation. Outside of that outfit. Without that badge. Without these handcuffs keeping me shackled. I would have beat your ass by now.

Of course that smug smirk remained on the teenager’s expression. Everything about the kid just told a story that he believed everything that was coming out of his mouth and felt like he had some kind of control over the situation at hand. Only adding to the frustration for the officer. His grip got a little tighter on the front of Kevin’s shirt. Allowing himself to get into the teenager’s face a little more. Speaking in quite the low tone as if it was meant to be more intimidating.

OFFICER LEE: Cute to think so kid. Sadly for you that’s just a fever dream, but you’re about to really find out who is in control here. When I ruin your life at such a young age, you little prick.

No sooner than those words came out of the officer’s mouth. The door to that room came flying open. Another officer could be seen standing there in the doorway. Glaring over at the two of them.

CHIEF WILLARD: Lee! Get your hands off that young man.

OFFICER LEE: Chief. You don’t understand...

CHIEF WILLARD: I said take your hands off him! His parents are out here in the lobby!

A frustrated sigh left the officer’s lips. His grip on the teenager had been released. Kevin’s smirk found itself getting a little wider. Almost like he had known he was going to be right all along. With the chief of police heading back out the door and the other officer starting to follow behind. That smart ass teenager just couldn’t help himself. Popping off one last time at the mouth.

KEVIN CARTER: You are about to find out that police aint shit. Can’t wait to have your career and your livelihood in the palm of my hand!

Those words had the officer stopping in his tracks. His expression showed more frustration than before. For no other reason than he was starting to realize that he couldn’t do anything about the situation that was taking place. There might have even been some inkling in the back of his head this career might’ve been in some trouble. Out the door he walked shaking his head. Leaving the teenager alone for the time being. With that smug smirk on his lips. Kevin walked away from the wall and took a seat in the chair, waiting for it to all resolve itself like he knew it would.

---

Tank was barking up a storm. All thanks to the sound of the wheels of the suitcases rolling across the floor. Both Lilith and Kevin dragged their bags from the bedroom down the hallway. In just a few short hours they would be headed for Colorado. Another title defense was set to take place for the Internet Champion himself. Meanwhile it was a situation where Lilith had some of her own business to handle. Kevin leaned his bag against the wall by the front door. Pulling out his phone from his pocket to look at something on it.

KEVIN CARTER: Our flight is at three.

LILITH LOCKE: Plenty of time to get to the airport.

KEVIN CARTER: If I do not change my mind between now and then.

LILITH LOCKE: Why would you change your mind between now and then? This is a scheduled title defense. No way around that.

KEVIN CARTER: There is always a way around things Lilith. You just need to start thinking outside the box more. Not everything is so black and white.

There was a slight shake of his head. The man started to walk away from the front door heading towards the kitchen area. He could hear not only Lilith’s footsteps behind him, but his dog following along as well. Making it to the fridge to pull out a bottle of water.

KEVIN CARTER: As far as why would I change my mind? Better question you should ask is why shouldn’t I change my mind? Look at the grand scheme of things.

Untwisting the cap to his bottle of water. He began to take a swig from it. Lilith crossing her arms and just eyeballing him a bit. Trying to make sense of the situation.

LILITH LOCKE: I guess, I just don’t get it?

KEVIN CARTER: There’s two problems with this situation Lilith. First and foremost, I am being forced to defend my championship. Two weeks before the next big supercard. Do you see anyone else being forced to do so two weeks before?! Do you see anyone else having someone like Alexander Raven breathing down their fucking necks?! And do you see anyone else being in a situation where they have to keep eyes in the back of their head just for a title defense?!

LILITH LOCKE: ... No?

KEVIN CARTER: My point exactly. Once again Christian and Mark are just swinging their tiny peckers around. Because they can. Putting me in an unfair position. And for what? Because, I am steam rolling everyone they put in front of me? Because they want to make me feel some kind of pressure? Because they’d rather back someone like Alexander who has made it known more than once he doesn’t give a shit about them or this company? It’s an attack against me. An unfair attack at that. And if I just happen to not show up. What the hell are they really going to do about it?

LILITH LOCKE: Well, we both know the answer to that question. They’re going to strip you of the Internet Championship. Something you worked hard for. Why would you be so silly to put yourself in a situation like that? You see what I mean. You’re not making much sense.

KEVIN CARTER: I don’t have to make sense to you or anyone else. I just have to make sense to myself and that’s all that matters.

Placing the cap back on the bottle. He opened the fridge to toss it back inside. Before bringing his attention right back to her.

KEVIN CARTER: And if they did strip me. What the hell are they gonna do with it? Put it up for grabs in a mediocre multi man match? Go out of their way to hand it to someone like Miles further proving their clear favoritism once again towards a man that doesn’t know how to get his head out of his ass and succeed on his own?

LILITH LOCKE: They could just reward Liam with the championship.

KEVIN CARTER: The jackoff that shouldn’t have had the title shot to begin with?! That’s the whole other reason I am considering not showing up. How the hell do they hand someone who has two wins? Two wins over non significant and important people a fucking title shot?! How do they give someone a title shot that likely won’t even be here three months from now?!

LILITH LOCKE: I don’t have an answer to that question, Kevin.

KEVIN CARTER: I know you don’t and it isn’t up to you to have an answer. But the whole fucking problem is that the two morons running this place wouldn’t have an answer either. They’ve got no idea what they’re doing and it shows every goddamn week. It’s showing this week. And I’m tired of it!

Once again the champion shook his head.

LILITH LOCKE: So, then what are you going to do?

KEVIN CARTER: Guess, you’ll find out like everyone else.

Frustration was starting to boil over for the Internet Champion. As history had shown in the past, it could be a very bad thing for whomever was standing in his cross hairs. Assuming that the Internet Champion found it ‘worth’ his time in the long run to actually show up. There was a very good chance that Liam Davis was going to find himself in a bad way from the jump. This could end up being the first and last chance Liam is ever featured in the limelight again when the Scumbag is done with him.

---

The shot found itself starting to slowly fade in. Night had fallen, but thanks to the bright lights of the stadium. It has become very easy to make out the Suplizio Field. In fact the pitching mound was becoming the primary focus. All thanks to someone walking right towards it. With the shot getting a little closer and a little clear, it was revealed to be none other than the Internet Champion himself, Kevin Carter. Quite possibly wearing the most ridiculous outfit possible. A baseball Los Angeles Dodgers baseball jersey intentionally left unbutton to showcase the Internet Championship around his waist.

The LA Laker basketball shorts didn’t match at all, but those were on and barely hanging to his waist. A chain-link oversized type of necklace hanging off his neck. With a Los Angeles Rams fitted cap turned to the side. And the retro Jordan 12s to complete the outfit. Nothing out there could have made him look any more ridiculous and he had to have known that. Nevertheless he finally found himself taking the middle of that pitcher’s mound. Letting his eyes find the recording cameras. His usual smart ass smug smirk starts to cross over his expression.

“I know, I know. Right now I look pretty fucking dumb. But I assure you there is always a method to my madness. It’ll all make sense soon enough. Which is why I am not here to waste any time. It has been announced that this Sunday. I will be forced to defend my Internet Championship once again. Forced to defend my championship against someone by the name of Liam Davis. Basically, I am being forced to defend my championship against someone that has been here for all of a cup of coffee.”

Taking a second to shake his head from side to side. Some very clear undertones that he wasn’t exactly happy with the decision being made.

“Now before anyone gets their panties in a bunch. Because I know it’s coming. Being forced to defend my championship. That’s not really a problem for me. I’ve made it clear I’ll be a fighting champion. That’s more than some champions we have now and some we’ve had in the past. This defense will make it number five. More times than some previous champions ever defended it. Well on my way to becoming one of the longest reigning champions of this title’s history. Over a hundred and fifty days clocked in. The problem I have with this defense is. Number one.”

“I’ve got a psychopath breathing down my neck. Well let me rephrase that. I’ve got a fake psychopath breathing down my neck. A guy that’s so obsessed with being spooky and scary. Desperately wanting me to fear him. And because I am not buying into any of that. It’s a bitter pill for him to swallow. Making him a little more on edge. Making him lash out a bit. So, as far as I am concerned. I have to grow eyes in the back of my head for this to even be a fair title defense. There’s no doubt in my mind. First chance Raven got. He would screw me out of my championship. Just to say he did something worth talking about.”

Of course this was going to be the narrative that he painted. Anything and everything he could to make himself sound like a victim. Even when the reality was Kevin brought a lot of this on himself to begin with. Something he was not going to take credit for. Not even close.

“I’m not the only one that knows that. So does Mark. So does Christian. They know he will be lurking in the dark, but they don’t care about what kind of unfair advantage that puts me at. In fact, if it meant the championship was no longer around my waist. They’d turn a blind eye to it and celebrate in private. That’s what kind of horrible people we have for bosses of a very profitable company. But then again, these are also the same men that chose to make this a match to begin with. Which is the second reason I have a problem with this title defense.”

“Like I said Liam has been here for all of a cup of coffee and he’s being rewarded with a title shot. Only three matches into his career here?! Meanwhile when I came back. I went almost six months. Maybe even more before I was even considered for championship opportunities. Do you people really not see the selective favoritism our bosses constantly choose to show? Of course they don’t. I’m always the one making shit up. I’m always the one that’s delusional. I’m always the one that’s lying. According to them and everyone else. But seriously, what the hell has this idiot done to deserve a title shot?!”

Carter left those eyebrows of his remained arched up in a questioning manner. It was a valid question had it been any other situation. Had it been anyone else. Then it would have been a question that got an answer. Hell, had it been anyone else this likely wouldn’t have even been happening. It was that narrative he was painting that they were just out to get him.

“Are you really going to say that his first two matches were that impressive? Are you really going to tell me that the two wins he has to his name have some ground for him to stand on? For crying out loud. Liam beat LJ Kasey and Justin Smith. Tell me who the hell hasn’t beaten them. We all know that Justin is a walking talking punching bag for the entire roster. Only person that has ever lost to him in recent memory is Bill Barnhart and that tells you all it needs to tell you right there. And as far as LJ goes? Anyone from the Kasey family is a fucking joke.”

“Defeating them doesn’t have any weight or significance to it. Nor should it ever be a damn thing where it dictates who gets a championship shot and who doesn’t. If that’s how this worked. If that’s how things were. If that was the merit and the standard to rewarding people. Then we would be seeing people like Logan Hunter getting consistent World Championship shots. Once again this just shows that this company and the men running it have no idea what the hell they are doing. They’re constantly doing dumb shit like this. Once again letting someone have something they don’t deserve to have.”

“And in the process of doing that. It’s allowing them to think that they’ve got some kind of stake in the company now. I am willing to bet anything that just handing this title shot to Liam has him thinking he’s a big deal. Has him believing that he’s going to be a force around here. I’d even be willing to bet that Liam has it already in his mind that he’s going to be able to go the distance to defeat me. He’s already got it in his head that he’s walking out of this Sunday with the Internet Championship around his waist. This is what happens when you just grant people things without making them work for it. You make them delusional!”

There was quite a bit of frustration that consumed the voice of the Internet Champion. Frustration that would no doubt end up falling upon deaf ears. As it always did. He paced himself back and forth on that mound.

“Although, this is partly Mark and Christian’s fault. Their decision making results in things like this. I do have to admit that they’re only half at fault. Liam was already a nut case when he signed his name to the contract. I mean seriously, this whole cop thing? This whole using wrestling as a way to help with ‘anger management issues’ as it was put. Is his brain locked into a timeline of the seventies and eighties with professional wrestling? You know where you saw the stupidest and goofiest of characters?”

“Repo men, Indians, and Clowns. And haven’t we already seen men claim to be police officers in this business? Especially during that time period? So not only are you a liar. Not only are you someone that can easily be considered a goof. It also seems to me, Liam. That you do not have an original bone in your body. No creativity to you whatsoever. Just rehashed shit we have already seen somewhere else throughout history. Yet you get rewarded with a title shot against me... Fantastic.”

Carter rolled his eyes a bit. Further displaying his frustration and overall annoyance by the man he was set to face off against.

“Let’s say that I want to go ahead and play along with this idea that you are a police officer. Let’s say that I am going to go ahead and believe this story you are telling us. Do you not realize how dangerous that actually is for you? There are plenty of people out there Liam that do not like law enforcement. They do not respect law enforcement. I’m one of those people. I don’t even respect the rules and regulations of the damn company we work for. You think I am going to give a shit about your badge? You think I’m going to bow at your feet because you hold some kind of higher power outside these four walls? You think that I am going to cower in fear because you think you’re above the law yourself?”

“Nah, that’s not going to happen. It’s not even going to be close to happening. Not when I remember the first time I encountered the law. I was a seventeen year old boy. Officer tried to bully me. Tried to swing that badge in my face. Tried to make me feel his authority. And more than anything else. Tried to make it seem like law enforcement was leaps and bounds above everything and everyone else. Told him then, what I’d tell him or any officer now. Take the badge off. Meet me in the streets. Let’s see just how big and bad you really are. So really when you think about it Liam. You should consider yourself lucky that I am calling this nothing more than a gimmick. Otherwise you could find yourself really getting hurt!”

The narrowed expression said it all for Carter. He was not backing down from his beliefs. Not even a little bit. Therefore making it clear it was going to be a long night for the man he was set to face.

“Or maybe just maybe... His mind time locked to the mid to late two thousands? This is where we are expected to buy into the voices in his head are what made him do it. That’s what we’re meant to buy into and believe right? We’re going to hear something outlandish when it comes to some kind of mental disorder. Don’t they call it intermittent explosive disorder? Or some stupid shit like that. Not to mention what the hell do you have to be so angry about huh? What has you so triggered that you need to come into wrestling to work out all this frustration?”

“Surely, it can’t be about being a sad lonely fuck right? After all, you’ve felt the need to tell anyone and everyone who would listen how useless you see relationships. Not that anyone gave a fuck or cared to have your opinion on the matter. The reason you’re angry and frustrated surely can’t be because of people like me. After all, it was a couple of weeks ago in your pointless match with Justin. You brought my name up and slobbered all over it like a big fat dick. About how you didn’t respect me. Wouldn’t respect me. Yada yada. I had nothing to do with the situation. But felt the need to bring my name up.”

“Kind of like you just wanted drama to come your way and that’s exactly what you got. No need to backtrack from it now. But of course that can’t be why you’re angry right? It can’t be why you’re frustrated? My existence can’t bother you that much. But you know what Liam? It’s not really going to matter why you are angry. It’s not going to matter why you are frustrated. It isn’t going to make a lick of difference that you are using wrestling to work out all these issues. Because when this match is over with. I got a good feeling. You’re going to go running far, far away from SCW.”

“As you are never going to want to ever face me again. You’re never going to want to be subjected to what I intend to do to you ever again. You are never going to want to ever experience having your ego shattered into millions of pieces ever again. And when you do, tuck your tail between your legs. The very second you go running for the hills to never be seen again. I can confidently say. It’ll ultimately be the smartest thing you ever did!”

Once again the narrowed expression of his locked on with the recording cameras. Surely everything that was said wouldn’t settle right with Liam. It was going to be a situation where he’d want to prove the Internet Champion wrong, but could he actually make that happen was the question.

“But that finally brings me back to this outfit. The look. How ridiculous it all is. I decided that for once in my career here. It’s time for me to relax a little. Time for me to have some fun. Time for me to be more than just the usual dickhead that you all see week in and week out. It’s time for me to not take something so serious. Considering the two men that run this company don’t take me seriously at all if they’re going to make me face a joke like this. Guess you could say this is going to be a once in a lifetime experience for every single one of you. Now drop that beat!”

Following those words coming out of his mouth. Almost right away there was a very generic hip hop beat that began to play over those speakers of the empty field. Carter cleared his throat for a brief moment before beginning to make a fool out of himself.


Carter had stopped his ‘rap’ skills for a moment. Smirking from ear to ear. Clearly having fun making a mockery out of the man he was set to defend his championship against in just a few days. The thing was the Scumbag was the only one that would find this amusing. To everyone else it was cringe and in some retrospect just downright disrespectful to Liam Davis. That smirk started to fade as he appeared the man was far from done with this new found talent of his.


To make matters worse and push it over the edge with the ‘cringe’ feel. Carter crossed his arms across his chest as if it was some kind of ‘cool’ pose. By then the generic hip hop beat was starting to die down. What the cameras just captured, what Liam was going to have to endure, and what the fans were going to have to digest with this was a lot. But that’s where the shot found itself starting to zoom out a little at a time before completely fading to black. With the stage set on just exactly how the Internet Champion viewed this entire ordeal.

Each foot step that was made. It somehow echoed off the concrete walls. Kevin kept his eyes forward as he followed behind an officer. In a matter of seconds the two of them approached a door. Taking his keys out the officer unlocked the door and held it open for him. Kevin stepped through and took a look around. A single table in the room with two chairs. About that time the officer came up behind him.

OFFICER: Thirty minutes is all the visiting time allowed.

KEVIN CARTER: I don’t think we’ll even be using all of that thirty minutes. Don’t think he’ll be too happy to see me.

OFFICER: This better not cause our inmate to get rowdy.

KEVIN CARTER: That’s what you’re here for right?

That exchanged look between the two was a little unsettling. That was until they heard the sound of another door being closed. Looking in that direction there was another officer leading a man in handcuffs and shackles around his ankles. It wasn’t just any man, it was Kevin’s son: Wyatt. The second Wyatt realized what was going on. He became enraged.

WYATT CARTER: What the fuck is he doing here?!

OFFICER #2: Go. Sit.

WYATT CARTER: I don’t want anything to do with this clown!

OFFICER #2: I said sit!

He was being forced to take a couple of steps forward. Finding himself taking a seat in that open chair directly across from where his father sat. Kevin looked across the table at his son. Smirking ear to ear.

KEVIN CARTER: This isn’t a good look for you, kid.

WYATT CARTER: Go fuck yourself.

KEVIN CARTER: Still hostile over all of this?

WYATT CARTER: I am in here for at least a year because of you!

KEVIN CARTER: No, you’re in here because of yourself. Your own actions are what landed you in those handcuffs and a jail sentence.

WYATT CARTER: You’re the one that pressed charges! You’re the one that took this to court!

KEVIN CARTER: As any good father would to teach his son a lesson.

His lips curled a little more into that smirk when he spoke. Wyatt on the other hand could be seen starting to grow with anger. The color in his face started to turn to an angry shade of red. His fists doubled up in those cuffs, but there wasn’t a lot he could do. After all, it wouldn't go over well for him at all.

KEVIN CARTER: This seems to be a recurring theme in my life lately. Personally and professionally. It’s always somehow my fault. Never anyone else's. Despite it being clear that they have their faults.

WYATT CARTER: What the hell do you want? Huh? What is the point of all of this? You got what you wanted. I am serving my time!

KEVIN CARTER: Wyatt. If you think this is what I wanted. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. No. What I wanted was for you to grow up to be a man. I wanted you to grow up and see things the way I saw it. See people for who they are, like I saw them. I wanted you to be a spitting image of who I am. That way you would never be chewed up and spit out like you were nothing by the world. But your mother. She is a problem. She’s made you soft.

WYATT CARTER: Keep my mother’s name out of your fucking mouth!

KEVIN CARTER: If I could go back and change things. I would. Because I realize now more than ever the biggest mistake I ever made in my life was having kids with that selfish fucking cunt.

Those words were aimed to get a reaction out of the near eighteen year old. Wyatt went to lunge at his father, but was quickly grabbed a hold of and slammed back in the chair by both officers.

OFFICER: That is going to be your only warning!

Wyatt found himself glaring at the two of them. Being so young and not being in control of his emotions. That was the very reason he was in this situation to begin with. Being forced to look over at his father when he heard him speak again.

KEVIN CARTER: But that day you showed up at my place. The day you showed me who you were under all the coddling of your mother. I knew you had become just like me. You did see things the way I did. You just need a little more guidance.

WYATT CARTER: I am nothing like you. When are you going to get that through your thick skull?!

KEVIN CARTER: You are like me Wyatt. It’s not something you see right now. All that misguided hate for me is why. I get it, but what you don’t understand is. I can make all of this go away. I can put an end to all of this. All you have to do is agree to follow my guidance. Take up the family business. Join me in harming the ones that ruined our family. Help me punish all of the wrestling business for what they did to me. For forcing me to be absent in your life.

WYATT CARTER: No! No, I am not joining you. I want nothing to do with you and damn sure don’t want anything to do with the wrestling business.

KEVIN CARTER: You need to reconsider Wyatt.

WYATT CARTER: I said what I said! I am not joining you or the business. How are you this off your rocker? How can you see that you aren’t the problem? And it had nothing to do with the business or the people in it. It has everything to do with you being a shitty human being. An awful father!

For a second there was nothing but an uncomfortable silence that filled this tiny room. Kevin sat there looking at his angered son. This unimpressed expression seemingly overcame his expression, The slightest little nod coming from Kevin as he found himself pushing the chair back and starting to stand up.

KEVIN CARTER: So be it then Wyatt. You want to rot next year here? You can have it that way. But remember an assault charge at such an early age. It’s going to have consequences for the rest of your life. No school is going to want to accept a student into their community with a criminal record. Most jobs are going to turn you away when they do a background check. Life is going to be very-very hard for you when you get out. But this offer I am giving you now. Can make it so much easier for you. A father-son duo. Taking liberties on others for everything they took from us.

WYATT CARTER: I would much rather have the next fifty years of my life. Be nothing but difficult. I am fine with struggling. Fine with having my life not be the way I originally saw it. As long as I never have to deal with you ever again. I sincerely hope when your time comes. You experience the most painful of deaths. You sorry son of a bitch!

Kevin just smirked at his son’s response. Finally stepping away from the chair and turning his back to the near eighteen year old. Nothing more to be said as he nodded to the officer that led him into the room. That was his cue to start leading him back out. Kevin wastes no time in following behind him. This had gone the way the scumbag expected, but he was hopeful. It wouldn’t stay this way. His son didn’t realize it yet, but he was becoming more and more like him by the day. Soon it would boil over, he’d embrace him, and he’d come calling begging to be forgiven.

---

“Keeeeevvviiiiiinnnnnn!”

The voice of Lilith rang out from down the hall. His eyes were bloodshot. He smelled of alcohol. Everything about his expression said hungover as he hung to the edge of the bed. Trying to collect himself from the night before. The creaking sound of the door being pushed open made his head throb some. Forcing him to look over his shoulder. Entering the room was Lilith. She hadn’t left his side since Into The Void. Everywhere that he was.

LILITH LOCKE: Good morning!

Silence still followed from the Scumbag. Nodding in her direction as he stood up, snagging a dirty cut off t-shirt off the floor to place over his tattooed covered torso.

LILITH LOCKE: We have company.

Taking his hands and trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Hearing what she did almost instantly forced him to look at her. A slightly confused and annoyed expression.

KEVIN CARTER: Company?

LILITH LOCKE: Mmmhmmm! Your presence is requested by royalty.

KEVIN CARTER: What the hell are you talking about?

LILITH LOCKE: Ms. Calaway. She was in the city. Requested that she spoke to you. Took it upon myself to give her the address so we could chat.

KEVIN CARTER: You did what?

LILITH LOCKE: Oh don’t be worried. She’s no harm. Besides I’ll cut someone if they want to try anything crazy with you.

There was a bit of a smirk on Lilith’s lips. Kevin glared a little harder. As that wasn’t exactly the point at hand. Inviting anyone to where he lived was an invasion of privacy and that was something that would need to be handled. But for now it had to be put on the back burner.

KEVIN CARTER: We’ll talk later.

His voice was stern. Finding himself not giving the woman a chance to even properly respond. Before he was walking past her. Out of the bedroom, down the hall of the two story home, and to the set of steps. Jogging down them until he hit the first floor, coming around the corner to the living room, and sure enough. There stood Alexandra directly in the middle of his living room. His glare would only intensify as he spoke.

KEVIN CARTER: Can I help you with something?

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Oh. There you are. Wasn’t sure if Lilith was telling the truth? Seems like a bit of an oddball.

KEVIN CARTER: Believe me. I’ll address the situation when you leave. Not exactly a fan of people coming to my home. For any reason. But people connected to Miles and Carter. That’s really crossing a line. I can only assume the worst out of you.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Don’t you think it’s a little unfair for you to judge someone based on their affiliations?

KEVIN CARTER: You’ll come to understand. I’m not someone that believes in what’s fair or unfair. Now the question remains the same. Can I help you with something?

His attitude was cold and almost hateful. Alexandra seemingly picked up on the fact he was about business and the faster this moved along. The better it might be for her. She just held her hands up in a small defenseless manner.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Look, I will not waste your time. I’m not trying to have a hostile environment or anything like that. I simply am just here to ask you to do me a favor.

KEVIN CARTER: A favor? What the fuck do you think I am some kind of ambassodor for Make A Wish? I don’t do favors or anything like that.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Maybe not, but I think this favor is something that you could at the very least have fun with. If you’ll just entertain me for a second.

KEVIN CARTER: This conversation has already gone on long enough. So spill it.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Fair enough. As the reigning Queen of the Day. I am requesting your services for Climax Control. I’d like to put you in a match with Artie.

KEVIN CARTER: Excuse me?

His face said it all. It was becoming a little more riddled with confusion. Trying to make sense of all of this.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: I am not exactly a fan of his. Not a fan of someone that likes to use social media as a place to hide and run their mouth. After years in this business. I’ve always handled business in the ring, but this new generation and the way SCW works. I can’t handle it myself. But I can put him in the ring with you. And then have you be the one to teach him a lesson.

KEVIN CARTER: And You take me as someone that wants to do your dirty work for you?

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: I could see where you see it as that, but I see it as an opportunity for a man that is bloodthirsty to quench his thirst.

KEVIN CARTER: Ah appealing to my ego? Like that’s going to make the situation any better. You’re asking a lot. Especially when there’s no benefit to this for me.

Shaking his head a little bit. His arrogance was truly showing. Alexandra taking notice of it all. Letting out a small sigh of frustration on her end.

KEVIN CARTER: You really should have came with a better pitch.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: I tell you what. You agree to the match. I’ll make sure that every bit of the odds are stacked in your favor.

KEVIN CARTER: Not that I need anything like that. But, I’m listening. What do you have in mind?

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Hmmm. How about Artie being blindfolded the entire match? He won’t be able to stop the onslaught of violence you bring him.

With those words escaping her. There was another bit of silence. Kevin stood there looking at her. Mowing it over in his head.

ALEXANDRA CALAWAY: Can’t tell me that doesn’t really appeal to a violent man like yourself? We have all seen what lines you’re willing to cross...

KEVIN CARTER: Mhm... Right... I’ll think about it. Now see yourself out.

There was nothing left to be said. As he pointed right towards the front door. The very one he assumed Lilith had let her in. No fight was given. She nodded her head and saw herself out. Leaving him to stand there. Pondering over what was brought to the table. There was no real upside. There was no benefit for him. But at the same time beating someone within an inch of their life and they couldn't see it happening? Well that did appear to the sadistic part of him. Maybe just maybe it was worth it.

---

The shot was slow to open up. It was clear by the sun barely peeking out through the clouds that it was in the wee hours of the morning. Standing right there on a pile of rocks with his hands in the pockets of his shorts was a very familiar face. The Internet Champion himself, Kevin Carter. His eyes narrowed as he looked over the water with his first words being said.

“You really fucked up eh Artie?”

There was a slight rise of the Internet Champion’s eyebrows. His eyes not wavering from the water of the lake.

“I mean you really got to get under someone’s skin for them to want to willingly put you in a match with me. Especially with some of the ‘things’ I’ve done lately to people that I’ve squared off against. But you really must have pushed this chick’s buttons if she’s willing to throw you in a match with me and then make the stipulation where you got to be blindfolded the entire time. Oof. Really sounds like we got a classic case of fuck around and find out here.”

A slight shake of his head in disappointment came. Finally, he found himself making eye contact with the recording camera. His always arrogant smirk featured across his expression as he continued.

“Now don’t get me wrong here Artie. I don’t have a dog in the fight. Not when I consider the entire King and Queen for a Day to be fucking stupid. Worthless even. Most of this goddamn roster doesn’t know a wrist lock from a wrist watch. Why the hell should these idiots have any control over matches? Why should they have any input on how things play out? Mark and Christian don’t even know what they’re doing. No more need for shit covered hands in a diseased infested cookie jaw if you ask me.”

“But ultimately what is done is done. This is what Alexandra has chosen you fate to be. This is the situation I have been forced into. Therefore I will deal with the hand I was dealt. However, as you can already tell. It’s not like it’s a bad hand by any means. No, the only downfall to this is I have to waste my time by getting into the ring with someone like you. You on the other hand. Boy oh boy are you at a disadvantage. Wish I could say I feel sorry for you, but I don’t.”

“It takes a lot for me to have some kind of sympathy for someone. Especially considering how wicked the world is around us. It’s a very selfish place too. Everyone is about themselves. Everyone is about what they want to accomplish. They do not give a damn about anyone else. You think people had sympathy for me when I was released over a decade ago? Do you think people have shown me compassion or sympathy over the things I’ve had to do to get even since coming back?”

“Do you think for even a single solid second that people have felt sorry for me at all? In some of the unjustified and uncalled situations I have been forced into for the last year? No, not at all Artie. Not at all. Instead they have all said the same thing over and over again. They’ve said that I deserved it. They’ve said that I brought it on myself. They’ve said that I was the one that has crossed the line far too many times and therefore it's all my fault. So, what makes you different hmm?”

Once again he raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner like he was going to egt some kind of response.

“You’re not different. So let me tell you this. There are two reasons I don’t feel sorry for you. The very first reason being that you brought this on yourself. You just had to run your mouth. You just had to go get on Twitter or X. Whatever the fuck they’re calling it these days. Had to get on there and whine. You had to cry. You had to talk about how unfair all of this is to poor little you. You had to show that deep down. You’re nothing more than a pussy. No different than Logan Hunter at this point. It doesn't get any lower than that Artie, but that’s the level you seemingly want to be on.”

“I do find it down right hilarious. That you wanted to speak out against the ‘reigning’ King and Queen. Wanted to mock them and quickly point out how it is only something that lasts for a day. Talking about how in the grand scheme of things. It doesn’t really matter once that night ends. Which you are correct. That’s how the stupid gimmick works. But if it doesn’t matter in the end? If it’s all going to be over within the blink of an eye? Then why the hell are you so pressed about it? Why are you out here crying like a baby back bitch about how you were cheated?”

“Why is it such a big deal that you didn’t talk away with the crown? You’re making yourself look like a hypocrite. But have no fear Artie. I am really-really good at figuring people out. It’s a special skill of mine. A skill that pisses people off because it usually leads to me exposing them, but nonetheless. I got it all figured out Artie. You can’t stop whining and crying about it. Because it’s the only chance you had to ever be successful here in Sin City Wrestling. Becoming King for a Day was going to be the only ‘moment’ you’d ever have around here.”

Carter just glared right at the cameras. That smirk of his almost seemed like it was aiming to taunt the man he was set to share the ring with in the next forty eight hours. After all, if there was one thing about the Internet Champion. He knew how to get under the competitor’s skin.

“Everyone knows that you don’t have it in you to be a champion. They know that you do not have it in you to be a Main Event player. They know that you don’t have the ability to sell out arenas. They know that you’re never going to get your name big enough to where people actually want to pay to see you wrestle. To be blunt with you, Artie. Every single person in this company knows. You’re just here to be a slightly better version of Justin Smith. That’s it. That’s where your ceiling is.”

“And since we’re on the honest and open train here Artie. You didn’t even really belong in the King for a Day match anyway. They just tossed you a bone. For no other reason than they were tired of listening to the pity party you were throwing for yourself over not becoming number one contender for MY championship. That’s the only reason you were there. No one expected you to win. No one expected anything special out of you. The only person that believed you had a chance was well... you.”

For a second there was silence. Carter wanted those words to register with Artie. He wanted it to really sink into the man’s brain. That he and only he was the one that ever thought he stood a chance. Everyone else had written him off a long time ago.

“And that’s what brings me back around to reason number two for why I do not feel bad for you. You are delusional. Now to be fair. That’s not that different from ninety percent of the locker room. It’s a disease that truly plagues this company, but that is what is going on. You are delusional. You think you’re better than what you are. You think that you actually matter here. You think that you are this second coming of Jesus to professional wrestling. Despite being someone that’s wrestled maybe what ten matches in the time span of a year? Get fucking real, kid.”

“But then again your wife thought the same thing about herself. She also had a god-complex. So I see where you are getting this mindset from Artie. A sad mindset that you are very likely both going to be passing on to your offspring. Doing nothing but setting up your kid for failure in the future. That will end up just being another second generation wrestler laughed out and will ultimately never make it. At the end of the day. That delusional you are experiencing is just going to forever keep your mindset clouded. But the reality of all of this is. You are dog shit.”

His arrogance was so clear in his tone of voice. One of the many things that made him one of the most hated people in the company.

“By all means let the delusional take you down the wrong both. It is your right to ignore my words and it’s even your right to ignore the clear signs. However at the end of the day Artie. You cannot outrun the facts and the facts don’t lie. Something that people seem to have a hard time understanding, but they are considered facts for a reason. They hold nothing but the truth in them. So, you may tell everyone that you are training your hardest and that you are going to be ready to go when you see me on Sunday. But the fact is there is no amount of training out there that can prepare you for the type of hell I will bring you in that ring. You will very-very quickly look completely overwhelmed and cave under the pressure.”

“You can sit there and tell everyone that is willing to listen to you. That you got the skills to overcome the handicap of being blind folded and that you’ve got the skills to pull the upset of the year off by pinning my shoulders to the mat. Yet, the fact is that blind fold is more helpful to you than you could ever imagine. It’s not a handicap at all. If anything it gives you something to hide behind later when you lose. Something to use in your favor. Something that will actually hold weight when you start that woe is me shit again. It’ll hold far more weight than your argument did for losing that Ladder Match at Into The Void.”

“And as far as the whole having me figured out so you can pin my shoulders to the mat? The fact to that is you’re just a liar. That’s not even close to true Artie. How could you have me figured out? How could you of all people be one of the few to ever beat me? Yet, you couldn’t find a way to defeat a grown man that puts on face paint and dances around in a cape every week... You couldn’t find a way to defeat the legendary choke artist that is known as Miles Kasey... And you couldn’t find a way to defeat one of the most boring and generic wrestlers to ever walk through the halls of SCW. You know him as Eddie Lyons. Men I have or could very easily defeat.”

“If you can’t find a way to come out the otherside with a victory when it comes to them. You don’t have a snowball's chance in hell at defeating me. And when you think about it. It’s probably a good thing you will have that blindfold on. You won’t have to see the danger that awaits ahead. You won’t have to see the firsts that I’m going to throw that will no doubt break your nose in the first punch. You won’t have to see the steel steps off into the distance before I throw you into them. And more importantly you won’t have to see the end coming when I put you on my shoulders then drive your brittle ass neck into the mat. Again the blindfold is more of a help than you could imagine.”

Carter was just oozing with arrogance at that point. No denying that he was just making a mockery of the entire situation at hand.

“Like I said from the gate Artie. I do not have a dog in this fight. I could give a shit less about the gimmick that is King and Queen for a Day. I have no allegiance to Alexandra or her little authority for the night. Instead the only allegiance I have is to myself and the way I envisioned things for myself. Therefore when it comes to this situation. I’ve got no problem at all in being the one to hand out a punishment. One that you clearly very desperately need.”

“I’ve got no problem with injecting you with that dose of reality that you’ve been running from for far too long. There is no part of me that is going to feel even the slightest bit of guilt or remorse for that matter when it comes to beating some common sense into you. If anything I am going to get a sense of sick satisfaction listening to you cry out in fear. I’m going to love every single second of hearing you beg and plead for me to spare your little wrestling career.”

“As a matter of fact, Artie. You know what would actually be beneficial to you. I mean this truly from the bottom of my heart. Since you’re so obsessed with royalty and so obsessed with being a fake king. Maybe just maybe you should spend all of your time training on how to grovel at the feet of your superiors. Because when it comes to sharing the ring with someone like that me. It doesn’t get any more royal. I am at the top of the food chain when it comes to hierarchy.”

“I am everything that you have ever wanted to be and then some. So, if you learn to grovel at my feet. Like the little bitch that you are. Like the little bitch you are always going to be. Then maybe just maybe. I will take pity on you and let you have another month or so of existence around here before your ego and not being very good to begin with makes you fizzle out. Or you can ignore what I say and I’ll be an unruly King and make you suffer in the worst of ways.”

Once again the Internet Champion just flashed that smirk about.

“Long live King Carter.”

His lips curled into a bit of a devious smirk when it came to that lost sentence spoken. He fully expected it to get under the skin of Artie, but that was a big part of who he was. Getting under their skin. Having that mental control over them. It was all part of the master plan in the long run. That camera remained on that smirking yet narrowed expression for a few moments longer. Helping drive the point home that the Internet Champion believed every word that came out of his mouth. It was just a matter of proving it. The very second he turned to walk away the shot started to fade out leaving everyone in suspense for now.

---

The chaos of the main event of Climax Control was without a doubt going to be the most talked about thing for the next week. After all, the much awaited Jayden vs J2H match did not end the way anyone would have thought. Speaking of J2H, it was at that moment. He came storming into the back with Kevin right there beside his side. Everything about their expression to the way they walked said everything it needed to. Neither one of them would be in the best of moods.

J2H: What was that out there?!

In that little gorilla position they stood in. J2H grabbed a hold of one of the steel chairs sitting nearby and tossed it across the room in a fit of anger. It hit the wall with the floor before crumbling to the floor. Taking notice of the camera crew right there before them. J2H instantly getting in the view and shouting at the top of his lungs.

J2H: I had him beat! I had him fucking beat!

Kevin Carter: In the center of the ring. You pinned him. Everyone saw it!

J2H: I’ve had it with that, kid. I am tired of every single time I turn around. He’s finding a way to come back. Finding a way to leech onto me. Finding a way to stay relevant by being in my light!

Kevin Carter: And every time we hurt that kid. Every time we put him on the shelf. Every time we push him further and further into the grave. We’re the ones punished. We’re the ones painted to be the bad guys in this situation.

J2H: Just stay down Jayden!

Frustration crippled both men. Their blood was hot. Everything was bubbling over. Yet, they had no idea it was about to get even worse. As they had no idea that ‘Hot Stuff’ had finally made his way back into the back. Standing behind the two of them with his arms folded and listening to their ‘bitching’ for the lack of the better word.

Kevin Carter: Are you two done crying?

As anyone would have expected. The two of them turned around and put their attention to the man that no doubt had a hand in what had transpired out in the ring. The glares that consumed their eyes.

Kevin Carter: You piece of shi---

MARK WARD: Sunshine. I wouldn’t start with me. I got something for you in just a second. But you.

He pointed right at J2H.

MARK WARD: You can cry. You can whine. You can throw your little temper tantrum. We let you know many months ago. We’re not bending at the knee anymore for you. Those days are done.

J2H: Bending at the knee?! I beat that kid. I beat him fair and square. You just go and give him something he didn’t deserve!

MARK WARD: See that’s the problem with your ego, James. I never denied you beating Jayden. You did pin his shoulders to the mat, but he also made you tap out at the same exact time. I just did the right thing. If you want to be mad at someone. Be mad at yourself for your shortcomings!

J2H: Oh so you think you’re a comedian now?

MARK WARD: Comedian? No, but I have always found myself to be quite funny.

Kevin Carter: And you saw what happened the last time you thought you were funny when I was around. Surprise to see you stick your nose in our business again. Aren’t you still licking the wounds I gave you physically and emotionally back at High Stakes.

MARK WARD: Surprised to see you’re still desperate for attention after all this time passed. That win didn’t really work out for you the way you liked huh? Everyone still doesn’t give two shits about you.

Carter could be seen balling his fist up real tight. Those words got under his skin right away. Forcing Mark to take notice. He just smirked right in the Internet Champion’s face.

MARK WARD: I wouldn’t do anything that would jeopardize your position here Kevin. See, you’ve already crossed more than enough lines tonight. Strike one was putting your nose in MY main event and trying to change the outcome. Strike two came when you put your hands on one of OUR officials.  That’ll be coming with a hefty fine by the way.

Kevin Carter: That’s not even an official. He’s a fucking moron pretending to be one. And what about putting his hands on me huh?! If he’s an official shouldn’t he be in trouble too?!

MARK WARD: I consider it self defense.

The glare in Carter’s eye said more than enough.

MARK WARD: And if you think you’re man enough to take that swing. It’ll be strike three. I’ll strip you of the championship and send your ass packing for a second time. So, are you sure this is the route you want to go?

Kevin Carter: Go fuck yourself.

MARK WARD: Ah, just what I thought. Still a ball-less wonder when you got to confront something head on. Good though because that means. I can inform you of what your punishment for tonight’s actions will be. Next week in San Francisco. You’ll be defending the Internet Championship.

Kevin Carter: Of course. Am I meant to be surprised by your clear abuse of power? You’ve been doing it for over twelve years. Who are you just giving a freebie title shot too now? Hm?!

MARK WARD: You’ll find out when I am ready for you to find out. I will however tell you that you’ll be defending it inside a Steel Cage!

Kevin Carter: What?!

J2H: You can’t do that!

MARK WARD: I can and I just did. You two have a great night.

His words were followed up with a small wink in their direction. Just making sure it was the icing on the cake to an already very frustrating night for the two of them. Carter instantly grabbed the roots of his hair just about ready to rip it all out at that point. Meanwhile J2H stood there shaking his head a little bit. No matter what these two tried. There was always a road block being placed in front of them much to the delight of the SCW fans. No telling where things were going to go from here. That’s when the cameras faded themselves out.

---

The shot was slow to open up. As it was doing so the first sound that could be heard was that of engines of passing cars. Right there just to the side of the infamous Golden Gate Bridge is where the cameras found themselves. There was a slow pan of the camera to find themselves revealing their primary reason for being there. His arms placed against the bridge and looking out over the edge at the water below was none other than the Scumbag himself. Not acknowledging the camera's presence, but he knew they were there. Speaking with one word.

“Favoritism...”

Based on expression alone. It was being made clear out the gate he was not a man that was in a pleasant mood, but then again. Was there truly ever a time where he was? Not for quite sometime now.

“It has plagued this company since the beginning of time. Christian and Mark have alway had their shiny toys they couldn’t help but show their biases for. Many years ago their favorite toys were names like Drake Green and Simon Jones. Then they favored names like Kris Ryans and Goth. Basically anyone with above average talent and were willing to lick the soles of the bosses. They became one of the favorites. Got to have their backing and favored over all the rest. And I’ll tell you something else about those two ‘bosses’ of ours. Man, they love a good return.”

Carter just shook his head from side to side.

“We have seen people come and go out that revolving door. Whether they’re gone for a few months or they're gone for five or six years. The second someone returns. They make sure they roll out the red carpet. They make sure the person feels super special. Makes a big deal about their homecoming so to speak. Almost right away they start tossing things at those people that they don’t actually deserve. Whether it’s title matches, number one contenders matches, or whatever they see fit. Instantly showing that favoritism I was talking about. But again that’s only if those people are willing to be boot lickers.”

“Don’t believe me. Just look at what’s going on around us. The proof is right there. Take Senor Vinnie into consideration for a second. This fucking idiot savant is gone for years. Not a trace is heard from him. Got no idea if his ticker is still working or not. He comes back all of the sudden. First week back he’s given a free win while facing the SCW punching bag in that of Justin Smith. Then the very next week he’s tossed in the ring with another punching bag in Felix Hernandez. But this time it’s a chamber qualifying match. He has done nothing for all these years...”

“Has two matches and suddenly he’s getting a chance to compete for the number one contendership to the World Heavyweight Championship inside that Elimination Chamber. You cannot tell me that’s not favoritism. You cannot tell me that’s not Mark and Christian going out of their way to gift wrap him opportunities he isn’t deserving of. You cannot deny that Vinnie isn’t being held above everyone else just because of a few lucky stints in the past. Further proving the point that this company is in the fucking dumpser because of shit like this.”

Per usual his words were laced with venom. Aiming to poison the mind of anyone and everyone that was willing to listen to him. His way of turning the loved ones against the company. The more he turned against them, the more he felt like he won. Although the hatred that the fans had for him ran so deeply. Not many had ever allowed the man to poison their mind.

“Hell, if that isn’t good enough. Look at the bullshit that took place last week. Jayden being the cockroach that just won’t die. Comes crawling back with brain damage. The kid has never held championship gold. He’s never even sniffed it. Not once has he been close to calling himself champion. But because he’s well liked by the bosses. For being the ‘young upcoming stud’ and because of his crippled ass daddy is. They just tossed him a chance at being in the chamber last week. Not even a warm up match back. Nope, just tossed right into a qualifying match against the biggest superstar this place has to offer in: J2H.”

“Then Jayden does what Jayden is known to do. Despite having the odds in his favor with a corrupt ass moron for a referee on his side. He ends up biting off more than he can chew. He can’t find a way to beat J2H. As history once again repeats itself. J2H pins the punk and what happens? Mark comes out and says that J2H tapped at the same time of the pin fall?! And just puts Jayden in the Chamber match. He didn’t even fucking win. He didn’t qualify, but he’s given a freebie. Just allowed to fight in that chamber. Just allowed to have a shot at competing for the number one contendership.”

“Mark flat out shows a public display of favoritism and no one bats an eye at the shit! And it’s all because the kid plays ball. Yet, for someone like me. I was forced out years ago despite being the best thing they had going for them. I was told I wasn’t allowed to come around for reunion shows. I was told they didn’t want me for any services as I got a little older. When I wanted to come back this last time. I was told there was no place for me. So, I had to give into my demons. Put on a mask. Just to get my foot back in the door. Just to be treated like trash, because I wouldn’t be another boot licker.”

“The entire time I competed under that mask. I was only given one opportunity. That was that stupid ladder match for that even stupider briefcase. That was it. The only opportunity. And then of course once it became known who I was. They really weren’t going to give me anything I wanted. They were mad and salty. I had found a way to out smart them. So I had to find ways to force their hand. Ways to put their back against the wall. Ways to make them see they had no choice. That’s the only goddamn reason I’m the Internet Champion is because I forced their hand.”

“You people may not fucking like me. You may hate my guts. This entire locker room may want me to drop dead. But deep down in the back of your head. You know that I deserve more than the Internet Championship. You know I should have been given an opportunity for that World Championship. But no. They couldn’t let that happen. There is no goddamn good reason why I was never given a Chamber qualifying match. No good reason at all. It’s a fact I deserve a qualifying match more than Senor Vinnue. More than Jayden Harris. I damn sure deserved it over the likes of the Troll, Bill Barnhart, and Logan Hunter.”

“And I fucking deserved it way more than you, Connor Murphy!”

Within a matter of seconds he had truly managed to frustrate himself and let the anger of his get the best of him. That nasty glare in his eyes finally found its way to the camera as he pushed himself ouf of that leaning position. Looking right into the ‘soul’ of those SCW faithful.

“What? Did you really think I wasn’t going to call you out for being favored? You really think I was going to look past you being one of their shiny toys?! Did you think I wasn’t going to point out all the things they were doing to make you feel special in your little return? Did the thought really creep into your mind that I was just not going to say a damn word and let you bask in all this glory that you’ve been handed thanks to them? Because if you did. Then you’re even dumber than you look!”

Again there was a small shake of his head. That ever growing amount of frustration just seeped out of him with every word.

“Before we even discuss the chamber. Let’s go back to the end of 2024. You hadn’t been seen since two thousand and twelve. A four year little break. But boy were they swooning over your little return. A guy that had always been mediocre at best. They make things easy on you. Toss you right in Justin Smith’s way. A common theme around here. Allow you to get your sea legs back so to speak. You get the win that everyone knew was coming. The very next week you are tossed into the Triple Crown Challenge where the winner would get a shot at the Roulette Championship.”

“Again fitting the theme that I’m saying when it comes to you returning clowns. This match was also a freebie win for you. They flat out set you up to win. They made it clear. Again no one batted an eye. No one called Mark and Christian out for their favoritism. Instead everyone stayed silent and watched you defeat Bill Barnhart and The Troll to get a shot at that Roulette Championship. Yes, a championship match you didn’t truly deserve. Also a championship match that you ended up choking in. Completely pissed away. Showed who you truly were.”

“You showed exactly why you were always an afterthought in everyone’s head just like you did in your first run with this company. You and pressure don’t mix. You crumble under it. If I had been the man in charge of this place. That would have been the last time you ever got a freebie from me. The last chance I ever made you feel special. You’d have to actually prove your worth then. But that’s even if I would have even decided to keep you employed. Old dogs don’t learn new tricks. You’ve always been trash. You’ll likely always be trash. But I’m not in control and you got their sympathy like so many others.”

“So despite shitting the bed and not deserving it. They tossed you right into a qualifying match a few weeks back. You and HB Carter. This is the only company that would ever risk that being the main event of their show. Anywhere else, you’d be likely to even see it open a show. At best it serves its place as a dark match before the show, but I digress. Point is a match that couldn’t beat me to keep his Internet Championship is rewarded with an opportunity that should have been mine. Awarded it against someone like you whose opportunity should have also been mine.”

“Now I think everyone expected the outcome that would happen. Like I’ve said before HB Carter can’t ever be in too many losing situations. His undeserved ego can’t take it. He’ll start crying about how people are bigots and making everything about his sexual orientation. Despite it being twenty-twenty five and no one truly giving a fuck about what he does behind closes doors. So, of course he won. Of course his ego got that boost it needed. And of course you lost. Big match situation. Pressure is on. You fold. But what drives me the most insane about that shit Connor...”

Taking a step towards the cameras. Making sure the focus stayed right on him.

“You know you didn’t deserve neither one of those opportunities. You knew you couldn’t win the Roulette Championship, but you took the match anyway. You knew you couldn’t beat HB Carter. You knew you couldn’t compete in the elimination chamber. You knew you shouldn’t be anywhere near the World Heavyweight Championship. Yet, you still took the opportunity and didn’t feel guilty about it. Did not feel an ounce of guilt knowing that you were taking from someone like me. And why would you, right? Every single person in this business is a selfish as they fucking come.”

“So many of you will pretend to be a good guy. You’ll pretend to be this wholesome person. You’ll do anything and everything to fool people into thinking you are all about them. But in reality at the end of the day you are all about yourself. You'll be all about what’s going to make you the most money. You’ll be all about what’s going to put you in prime positions. You’ll be all about what’s going to make you the major star. It’s what we do. I don’t fault you for being that way. I just fault you for pretending you aren’t that way. So I get it Connor. I get why you did what you did. But your sins don't get to go unpunished.”

Carter’s nasty glare only seemed to intensify in that moment. His tattooed arms finding themselves folding over his chest. Keeping his gaze forward.

“I knew there would be a time and a place where I got to punch you in your face for taking from me. I just didn’t realize it would be so soon. But then again based on how everything has been playing out. I guess, I cannot say that I am surprised that I’m being forced to defend my championship against another person that’s undeserving. Don’t get me wrong Connor. I have no problem being a fighting champion. I said it when I got the Internet Champion. Line them all up. So I can knock them all down. This is going to be a generational and record breaking Internet Championship reign.”

“I just want competition. I want people that are going to push me to the edge. I want to be in the ring that actually deserves to be competing for my championship and deserve to actually be in the ring with someone of my caliber. You are not one of them. You never will be, but as per usual. I don’t get to be one of the favorited toys around here. I have to deal with the bullshit they force me into. Not that I’m concerned. I’ll walk in the champion. I’ll walk out the champion. Even if they’re banking on that I don’t. I just have to question one thing.”

“Week to week. This roster is growing thinner and thinner. People are dropping like flies left and right. Now there is no denying that I was going to hurt you for taking opportunities from me, but the moment the decision was made to put the two of us in a Steel Cage match. That’s when the entire game changed. That’s when they guaranteed that they were without another man on this roster. That’s when they made a decision on your career coming to an end without even consulting with you. Isn’t that funny how it works Connor? They gave you the world time and time again, but also end up being the ones to fuck you over the most in the end.”

For a brief moment he let a smirk cross his lips. There was no denying that he was finding some kind of amusement in this. All he could do when he found himself constantly having his hands tied behind his back by the management of the most corrupt place he had ever worked for.

“The thing that you’re about to find out with me Connor is I do not like being made to feel like I'm an animal. I do not enjoy the feeling of being trapped. Do not find the idea of having bars and chains all around me. Nothing about being made to feel like I’m just a zoo animal and meant to be there to entertain and amuse the masses settles right with me. It really and I mean really triggers my mental. That’s why I already know how bad things are going to be for you inside that cage. Cause if it’s an animal they want. It’s an animal that they’re going to get. It just won’t be a tamed one.”

“No, the moment the two of us are in there. The very second that door is locked. You’re in for a world of hurt. You’re going to be in a situation where your survival rate is at a low. I’m going to rush you. I’m going to attack you. I’m going to use all four of those Steel Cage walls to my advantage. I could take your head and just bash them into the walls. Over and over and over again. Until your brain becomes mush. Until you’re riddled with CTE. Until the infamous crimson mask takes over your entire face and you’re just begging for mercy.”

“But there will be no mercy had. No wild animals don’t take mercy on their prey. They do what needs to be done to remain at the top of the food chain. Of course you do have the option to run Connor. There is that chance for you to climb the top of the cage. There is that chance for you to get up there, swing yourself over, and escape. Perfect chance for you to not actually have to face a deranged wild animal. However the problem with that is a wild animal will track its prey down. They will chase it down. They will always have that blood thirsty mentality.”

“So, the moment you even start to climb that cage to escape. I’m going to pounce on you. I’m going to grab you by the throat and I’m going to rip it in front of thousands of people. Watch your lifeless body fall back down to the mat. I’ll listen to the gasps, the screams of horror, and the overall shock that will surely overcome the arena of people that were there just to watch us amuse them. I’ll listen to all the chatter and whispers about how I took things too far. But more importantly than anything else Connor. I will bask in my own glory. Knowing I remained at the top of the food chain and kept the Internet Championship right where it belongs.”

There was simply no getting that man to see things in any other light or way other than how he wanted to see them. Sure, Connor was going to have his own thoughts. His own views. His own way at looking at things, but as far as Carter was concerned. He was just a dead man walking and that’s all that mattered.

“As much as you can effectively blame Mark and Christian for what is no doubt going to be your final match ever. As much as you can blame them for screwing you over in the worst way by putting you against someone like me. As much as you could even blame the fans for their love and support for you. The love and support that ultimately made you a favorite toy for those two men. The reality is Mark, Christian, and the fans are only one percent to blame. You on the other hand. You as an entire person and as a wrestler. You are the other ninety nine percent to blame.”

“Like I said, I get why you did what you did. I get why you took the hand outs. You’re a selfish wrestler just like we all are. Cash, Fame, and Popularity over everything. It’s a crippling disease to have as a pro wrestler, but it’s who we are. However there is this thing called risk to reward ratio. If you’re going to risk your career. If you’re going to risk your image. If you’re going to be okay with just constantly being handed things. Taking all these freebie title shots and all these other freebies to be in key situations. Then you have to capitalize on that and walk away with the reward eventually.”

“You have yet to do so. You have failed every single time. And the reason you have failed every single time is you’re not built for this business. You’re not built to have the company placed on your shoulders. You’re not built to be put in a division to carry it and elevate it. You don’t have the strong foundation it takes to be a champion. As mentioned before. The moment the slightest amount of pressure hits those shoulders. You crumble. You fall apart. You become dirt and dust below all the rest of our feet. That has been seen time and time again, Connor.”

“If only you had become more self aware. If only you had finally started to deny those freebies. If only you had decided to finally buckle down, put in the work, and get better. If only you had finally started to earn those things and let those shoulders of yours actually become strong. Maybe just maybe this conversation would have been different. Might’ve been filled with a little more respect. A little more honor. Little more dignity if you will. But you didn’t. So that’s exactly why you are going to get every single bit of what’s coming your way this Sunday. You deserve to rot in obscurity and irrelevancy!”

His dark hateful expression was still there. However it was the self gratification and sick satisfactory that was starting to shine through with that smirk of his.

“You know, it was a long time ago. I heard a quote that people love success, but they hate successful people. That fits you people of Sin City Wrestling to a tea. You fans have called for someone to have great success and let you come along for the ride. You’ve begged for the right person to gain success and change the culture and the atmosphere of Sin City Wrestling. You’ve been frothing at the mouth for someone to have success and to make Sin City Wrestling as a whole better. But the moment I get that success. The moment I’m in prime position to do all of those things. You want to hate me. You want to stand in my way. You want to go in a different direction. You prove how fickle you have always been when it doesn’t become all about you. That’s fine. Because you can believe me when I tell you. I’m going to enjoy cramming my success down your throat!”

Following those words. The cameras just got that last little look of those hate-filled eyes of the Internet Champion. That little smirk of evil on his lips drove home that final point. All before Carter turned his back to the cameras and started to walk down the walk-way of the Golden Gate Bridge. With every step he got further and further away. Allowing the shot to slowly start to fade back out. Leaving everyone to wonder just exactly what was going to happen inside that Steel Cage when it was all said and done.

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