Woman’s Day
Hotel Martina del Rey, Los Angeles, California
8th of March 2022
Goth and Melissa are having breakfast in the morning, enjoying the quietness of the water that surrounds them as they are enjoying their food and each other’s company. Goth is sitting in his chair, wearing a white buttoned down shirt and a maxing white knee high pants and wearing loafers at his feet. Melissa is dressed in a beautiful dress with a flower print, glowing with excitement ever since Goth had proposed to her at the romantic dinner that Candy had organized for them after ruining two romantic moments for them. Goth stares at her with a smile upon his face, finally he had found the courage and the right moment to ask her to marry him, which she obviously had responded with a yes. He had not felt this way since he had first proposed his first wife, he amazed himself how he had felt as insecure and nervous as he did then many years ago. It made him think back how badly he was when he started dating with her, he had not dated a woman since his marriage.
“Penny for your thoughts Gerrit.”
He heard her ask, causing him to smile as he took a bite from his breakfast before turning his eyes to his fiancé while cleaning his mouth with a napkin.
“I was thinking back to when we started dating, how long ago it was since I had dated Chantal.”
The two smile as a silence falls over them, Melissa brushes a strand of hair out of her face as she stares at the man that she fell in love with several years ago. Their age difference never bothered her, she saw something in the man that was hidden behind his alcohol abuse he had been enduring. She had seen the old photo’s that hung around the house of the man that he used to be, she saw a caring individual that was obviously hurt due the death of his wife. She remembered shedding a tear in the beginning, wanting to help him so much that eventually they fell in love after he allowed her into his life.
“I was at least glad that our first date wasn’t at McDonalds.”
The two share a laugh, Goth nodded his head as he takes another bite from his breakfast before turning his attention towards his fiancé. The moment that the two gazed straight at each other made him realize how fortunate he has been, realizing that he could have very well been dead if he had not met this woman. And now, several years later he finds himself engaged and back into wrestling for a final time.
“A final time…”
The words caused Melissa to raise her eyebrow.
“Excuse me??”
Her reaction did not seem to register at first with him as his thoughts dwindle back to the night that he and his then wife Chantal stood at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Where he had asked Despayre to induct him, Despayre. A memory of his wrestling past from AWA and this company, someone that he had great matches with and also he learned to respect him for all that he had done. He realized that they were a perfect fit, the loveable and always innocent persona in Despayre… and the evil that he always enjoyed to bring out of him. The personification of evil was something that many of the fans often thought that he was like that in real life. But he and those who had known him knew better, he kept staring for a few seconds before shaking his head and stared back at Melissa.
“I just never thought I would be sitting here, be at the best shape ever and finally have asked you to marry me.”
The two smile, Goth reach his left hand towards her right and grabs it tenderly in his own. He rubs his fingers against the palm of her hand before locking their fingers to become one. He sighs, he is very fortunate he realizes in his personal life. But he had high hopes of reaching glory by now, he was fortunate to win the one championship title that has eluded his career to finalize that part of his life. But he wants more, he had hopes of reaching the finals of the Blast From The Past and challenge the world champion for the gold…. Whomever it may be, but unfortunately he realize that this has eluded him.. for now.
“I am so thankful that you are here Melissa, I hope that we both can look back afterwards and take pride in what we have achieved together.”
Melissa smiles
“Thanks hun, but I have hardly done anything since we have gone on this trip together.”
Her eyes well up with some tears, she understands his words. Realizing that her love has driven him to prove to her and the rest of the world that he has one final run left in him. She was there when he beat former champion Mark Cross, where he had become Mixed Tag Team Champion. She has seen his pride show every time that his son was around and witness all the current wrestlers that respected his legacy, but also wanted to take him down.
“We both know that this isn’t true”
He picks up her hand, raising it to his lips before kissing it. His gaze is upon the ring that is on her finger. The one ring that he had given her on the night that he had scowled Candy for contacting him. For not wanting to show up with Melissa, but eventually did. In the end he was Candy thankful for trying her best to make it up to him as he was desperate in trying to come up with another romantic date. His eyes raises upwards towards the woman he loved, the second woman ever that had managed to win his heart. The sight of her staring at him lovingly caused him to swallow hard as he quickly grabs a glass of water and takes a sip.
“I love you”
The words are soothing for Goth as Melissa understood that his nerves got the best of him, his eyes linger past her towards the beach. Watching the waves that is so soothing, causing him to remember the last time that he and Chantal had stood in the ocean as they had watched a romantic sunset. The thought had caused him to swell up a little, causing him to turn his gaze away from his fiancé, not wanting her to see his emotional reaction.
“Chantal??”
He nods his head as he slowly turns his gaze back towards her, finding the gaze of understanding and compassion. Their fingers entwine deeply within each other as both their hands had not left each other as they feel each others love intensifies between the two. Goth finally smiles as he nods his head
“Want to go for a walk??”
Melissa smiles and nods her head before the two stand up, Goth holds her hand in his as the two walk bear feet towards the sand and water. Ultimately Goth wraps his arms around Melissa in a romantic embrace as the two kiss each other. The kiss lasts for several moments until Goth’s cell phone rings, causing him to groan in agony.
“I knew I should have turned that damn thing off.”
Melissa giggles as she looks up at the man with love in her eyes.
“Maybe it’s Candy, who has another romantic date planned for us.”
Goth groans even louder, frustrated as the phone keeps ringing. He stares at Melissa as he is reluctant to answer the phone but she nods her head.
“It’s okay Gerrit, perhaps its important.”
He lifts his head upwards and sighs before nodding, he kisses her on the forehead before turning around and looks at the number on his phone. Recognizign it as he quickly answers the call.
“I didn’t thought I would hear from you again.”
He turns towards Melissa and sighs
“I will see you later, I just want to spend some more time with Melissa.”
The person on the other line reacts before hanging up on him. Goth turns his attention back towards Melissa as he holds her in his arms.
“You okay??”
Goth smiles at her before kissing her forehead.
“It’s time for me to close one chapter and open up another….”
The two kiss as the camera moves towards the reflection of the sun upon the water.
The confirmation
The shot opens up in one of La’s best Jazz clubs “The Famous” where Goth can be seen sitting at a table somewhere in a private spot waiting for someone as he is drinking a glass of wine. His gaze is upon the jazz band who are playing some classic Jazz tunes, trying to concentrate upon the music but he is clearly anxious. Awaiting for the arrival from the person that had called him earlier today, it had caused him to be both excited and annoyed. Excited over the prospect of hearing what the woman had to say to him and annoyed because he wanted to have a romantic night with Melissa. But she had told him that he needed to go, as she had something planned for him when he would come back to the hotel.
“Is this seat taken??”
Goth smiles as he turns his attention away from the band towards the woman that stands in front of him, she is wearing a black dress that fits perfectly around her body. Goth had to admit that he had not noticed how attractive the woman looked the first time they had met, but realized that the situation was more formal. He stands up as he takes her seat and moves it backwards so that the woman can sit down
“Thank you”
She says as Goth sits down again, he stares at the woman who the camera can only see from behind as it is focused upon the former world champion. Goth’s eyes are concentrated upon her as a waiter shows up and takes an order from either and walks off.
“So I am curious, what took you so long?”
He asks with a sly smile upon his face before taking another sip of his glass of wine, he turns his attention back towards the woman while holding the glass in front of him as he awaits her answer.
“I didn’t wanted to distract you from your Blast From The Past tournament, I noticed that you already had your hands full with your tag team partner.”
She says with a soft giggle, Goth doesn’t react as his eyes are locked upon the woman still as he takes another sip from the glass of wine.
“I assumed you weren’t so pleased with me finally proposing to Melissa…”
His sentence is cut off when the waiter had returned with a bottle of wine that Goth had ordered and another glass for the woman. The waiter pours the wine into her glass as well as refilling that of Goth before walking away.
“I know that Chantal wanted you to find happiness Gerrit, so that wasn’t the reason hy I contacted you.”
His eyes are focused upon the woman, who elegantly takes a sip from the glass of wine after toasting it with Goth. He takes in every single movement of the woman before taking a sip of his own
“Then I assume you are going to tell me more about Chantal then?”
The camera can see the long black hair move from left to right as the woman shakes her head no
“There’s time for everything Gerrit, there are obviously so much more that I have to tell you about Chantal. But I asked you to meet me…., because we have been watching you.”
Goth’s eyes raise upwards in surprise, but he does not say anything as he awaits her to continue.
“We noticed how you have manifested yourself inside the ring and outside of it… and we….”
“We???”
There’s a moment of silence coming from the woman, who is patiently sipping from her glass of wine before putting a napkin to her mouth. The waiter returns as he hands them both the menu list as the two decide what they want to eat before he takes their order and moves away again with their orders.
“The same people that I mentioned the last time we talked Gerrit, the same people that made sure that you two could safely travel to the United States…”
Goth nods his head as he now remembers what she had been talking about, he had forgotten all about it as he has been focused upon proposing Melissa and the opportunity to win the tournament and had failed in doing so.
“I am surprised that some people are willing to wait this long before they show any kind of interest, so what’s the catch??”
His eyes are burning a hole through the woman, who is seemingly unfaced by the words from Goth, putting her hands together before placing them underneath her chin as she is clearly staring at Goth.
“I wonder if you are truly this clueless Gerrit, I thought that the legendary Goth had a keen eye upon detail?? I guess the concerns were valid enough for them to wait this long.”
An eyebrow raises, clearly Goth is set back by the response of whom he hadn’t even figured out what her name was. Wondering to himself what she had meant with the concerns.
“You see Gerrit, you don’t mind me being personal with you do you?”
Goth nods his head in approval as he has only one thing in mind, finding out more about these “them” that she was referring to.
“You see Gerrit, they have been watching you since you and Chantal had broken through the ranks of GWA. It was rather by coincidence that you two showed up on our radars, seeing that prior to that we actually lost you out of sight.”
“How convenient….”
The response from Goth is cynical, but mostly curious and anxious to find out more as he allows her to continue.
“We noticed your street smarts, at that moment in time we assumed that inducting you into our realm would have been a waste of our time… We…”
“Waste of your time?? If that’s the case then by all means…..”
He makes a gesture to where the exit of the club is marked, but deep down inside he knew that he did not wanted her to leave.
“As charming as always aren’t you Gerrit?? I can tell why Chantal loved you, although I bet it took her lots of patience to break through that rough shell of yours??”
Goth smirks as he moves his glass a few inches towards the woman’s direction in a nod of admiration.
“And then we saw you evolve and our interest increased, we saw you turn from a henchman into a team player… all the way to a leader and a foundation to where others had to try to overcome in order to survive in the rough world of professional wrestling isn’t it??”
His eyes gazes at her as he remains quiet, allowing her words to sink into his brain. He is obviously cautious as the words from the woman opposite him are too good to be true.
“Last time we spoke you intrigued me, but this?? This you could have picked up from any wrestling Wikipedia and run off with whatever story you can find. I hope you can come up with something better than this… I.. ”
“Like why you decided to wear that face paint in the early days of your career?? And I am not referring to the obvious reason that your Wikipedia page mentiones that you wanted to hide your identity. Because that was really laughable.”
Goth’s curiosity is immediately drawn to her statement, wondering if she indeed knew the true reason behind it all.
“You always stared into the mirror before each and every match after the paint was put on, because always told Chantal that it seemed as if you had a out of body experience looking down at yourself from afar.”
The look on his face stiffens, clearly she had found out a very personal secret that he had only shared with his deceased wife. We can see him grab for his glass as the grip of his fingers tighten around the glass as his hand is clearly shaking.
“So I guess there’s more to you than I had imagined miss….”
“My name is not relevant right now Gerrit, the only relevant thing you need to concern about is that we finally want you to deliver upon our expectations..”
His eyes burn a hole through her
“And what may that be??”
Suddenly she lets out a soft laugh, reaching down towards a purse that she had placed next to her seat and reaches for something inside of it. after a few moments she hands him a picture of him from his GWA days, drenched in blood while clutching the title belt between his arms. He gazes at the old picture before turning his attention back at her.
“The night I won Psycho Circus?”
The woman shakes her head no
“We expect you to survive, just like you did at that night. Where you outlasted 10 other wrestlers inside a Hell in a Cell elimination match. That Goth.”
She points at the picture for emphasis.
“That is the Goth that we need Gerrit, not the one that we saw getting embarrassed by his tag team partner week in and week out. We want the one Goth that would bleed instead of giving up. We want the Goth that would take every possible risk, because HE knew if you didn’t that you would be cut free by those like us.”
He stares at the picture, grabs it between his fingers and lifts it slightly off the table. The memories flood back from that very same night where he made history. Where he became one of only four competitors that ever won that demonic match, because he wanted it the most. The realization slowly hits him as he nods his head before turning his gaze back to the woman.
“I know now what I have to do, tell them…. That I intend to go that extra mile to get what I want…. And to have earned your acceptance….”
Goth slowly starts to produce a sinister smile, something that we have not seen him produce in a very long time. The two talk some more as the shot slowly fades.
So has it been written…, so shall it be done…,
(https://www.wwe.com/f/styles/talent_champion_lg/public/rd-talent/Profile/Vampiro_pro.png)
A picture of Goth is shown as the shot opens, a picture of him during his time in Global Wrestling Alliance (2006 to 2008). An era where Goth’s character was so much different than the man that we know today. Whether it is because the obvious face paint, the different clothing or the mere fact that the man always stood out in a crowd. A man that never fit in, never belonged and yet one of the most revered and respected competitors the company ever signed. Hall of Famer, wrestler of the year, multi-champion in every possible division.
We see Goth staring at the man that he once was as the camera zooms out, he is dressed in casual work out clothes while drinking some water. His eyes are fixated upon the face painted individual that he admittedly had forgotten ever have been. Forgotten? More like wanted to forget, granted it was the era where he celebrated his breakthrough in the wrestling industry. Have gone from sleeping in an old car to with his wife to save money, all the way to the most expensive hotels and everything he could have ever ask for. And yet he kept his life simple, hating the establishment. Something he knew now that he had become a part of. This caused him to chuckle
”Hello me, meet the real me
And my misfit's way of life
A dark, black past is my most valued possession
Hindsight is always 20-20
But looking back, it's still a bit fuzzy
Speak of mutually assured destruction?
Nice story, tell it to Reader's Digest!”
A pleased look is on his face after quoting the first few lines of Megadeth’s classic Sweating Bullets, reflecting back upon how he once was. Combining it with the song that is about someone suffering of Schizophrenia, looking back at how often he had evolved his character to where some of his opponents even wondered whether he was one himself.
“Oh dear me, how I have often wondered what my career would have looked like if I had not allowed me to grow beyond that what I once was. It’s as if the question has been lingering inside my mental state of confliction, whether I should grow into who I am…. Or just remain upon the level that I once was….”
“Obviously, it’s not that it would have been a degradation of some sorts. But who am I to attempt to explain evolution upon those who still hoping for a magical bean. Those who wish upon a miracle, only to have their faces shoved down into the sand just like a scared ostrich would do. But it would have been a question rather upon the fact whether I would have been better off with….”
His fingers dig into his right cheek in a scratching like gesture
“Or without the outer shell that would have taken all of your attention of ridicule and mockery, because that’s what weaklings often prefer to use when their weak and insufficient minds are incapable of digesting greatness. Looking back upon our past my friend, I have to admit that perhaps it has been experiences that I have been missing all along. To walk amongst the realm of monsters behind masks, new born that want to make a mark for themselves…. And others that predicate themselves to be larger than life…, merely because they have the means to justify their needs… needs of weaknesses, needs of clenching their sinful lives as purified…”
Goth grins as his fingers slowly drop from his cheek, the scratch marks that his fingers had left slowly fading as now both hands hold on tightly upon the image that has been an important part of his career and even his life.
“Whether it was nicknames that told the tale of where I had been at that moment of my life…. The Bringer of Chaos, the King of Kings, The Gothfather and so many more. I could have written an entire bestselling series of books that would amaze you all, yet all of you are too predictable and easily to be distracted to even take the time to update your vocabulary isn’t it?? Perhaps that’s why I have abandoned you my friend… predictability is the worst enemy in our line of work isn’t it?? I knew eventually I could ngle braincell. But that’s what you had to deal with isn’t it? Those who had been waiting for YOU to arrive for many centuries… and yet never so fulfilled to believe it if it was staring them down…. Right between their eyes.”
“Forgive me if I haven’t been able to convince you with merely my words and a simple picture… in an era where people thrive through social media and believe everything what streaming services can manipulate their brains to confuse them with whatever is true and false?? I have known the answer all along, I have just kept you hidden all these years…. To see whether they could find the true answers upon themselves… and yet, we both knew the answer didn’t we??”
The smile has changed into a cold look of distain, anguish is filling his eyes as the stare is fixated upon the makeup that made him stand out at first… because people didn’t know the true meaning behind it.
“NOBODY KNEW THEN!! AND NOBODY KNOWS NOW!! How long do I need to hide the reality that will bloodstain their eyes and make them all become believers of their own destiny?? Destiny to fail, destiny to succumb among the pressure that I have been subjected to for many years. Don’t they know that beating the one that they have beaten isn’t an accomplishment as it would have been you??”
His fingers rasps the picture, the picture shows marks of decay as it is over fifteen years old… perhaps even older. He smiles as he sees the fingers touching each other.
“Many thought I was a freak, emo or whatever they could have assumed to grasp inside their little minds. They saw the makeup and assumed I was scared. I just didn’t wanted to fit in, just like I am aware that Supreme Machine wishes to believe his role as monster. Tainted hopes and believes are just a mere mirror of their own negligence, I pity those who try so hard and fail over and over again. I mean seriously, I felt as if I was nothing more than a mere tutor for the little Hilton boy that thought he was owed something…..”
He sighs as his fingers remain upon the picture as if he was staring at a loved one.
“Finally the last command has been granted, finally I can renounce the Goth that you once knew…. Thought you had figured out and take a grasp of reality that even I assumed was perished. Not anymore my friends, no longer am I limited to advances of the weak and desires of the foolish. I am here to educate those who are willing to grasp reality, yet pity those who don’t. And tell me those out there in this grandioso of that what we call earth… What are we here for upon this place we call Sin City Wrestling?? Oh I know the answer already, to be a champion isn’t it?? how near sighted and yet….. so true. We all want something that gives us the mere assumption of hope, power and dominance… while all that you needed was here all along.”
“And even I have to admit, I had been wanting glory, championship gold, fame and fortune. Titles and monikers that meant nothing but a distraction for YOU isn’t it?? I guess I must have been a very good boy to have been waiting this long…. Waiting for the answer that even I had wondered whether it would come now or soon, or perhaps even never… But the answer has been granted, I shall once again don the treachery of deceit abided individuals that are nothing more than a marked mask of reality. I am speaking riddles for you all to hear I know, but that’s the easiest expleanation that I will give you… for now.”
“Survival, a key word for us all to grasp onto, survival. To be willing to let go of everything else in your entire existence to reach for that one glorious goal in life…. And before you all start to foam from the mouth with desire and greed. Because you want to take hold upon every given opportunity to jump forwards in the hopes of grasping glory and fortune…. While your head needs to be clenched in the dirt of your own misery. Because I know deep down inside, none of you are even willing to do anything NEAR that what I have done to reach glory… or more specific, what I am going to do to be granted with your adoration and gratitude. Because none of you are even remotely capable of believing in reality my dear soon to be departed fools.”
“Survival, a key word to us all isn’t it?? To run the gauntlet, to endure physical and mental pain of to eliminate or being eliminated. A question that I need to ask you all, do you truly believe that you have got what it takes to eliminate all of those who stand in your way?? You see, I have known it all. I have known it from the first moment that I have been re awakened…”
He is silence for a moment, admiring his old personification of whom he is today.
“I do no longer need to paint my face to be different, I no longer need to alter myself to separate myself from the entire world. Because there is only one direction that I need to go towards my friends… and that’s to the top. The top that is paved with the basic notion that I need to survive.., I need to remove you from the equation. Let us not make it all too difficult and see the reality as it already pertains.”
“Whether it is names that I have already confronted and eliminated from the equation in either the Blast From The Past tournament or in mere singles confrontation… Or the unknown that is always a proven certainty that you cannot underestimate… oh the joy of setting sights upon the two sides of reality… the known and the unknown. The side of those who wish to undo the wrong that has been done to them…. And the side of those who believe that they are merely just better than HE who stands in their way. The joys of life are often so easily grasped in merely two hands…..”
Goth suddenly closes his fists around the image of his former self and clutches it inside of them as if he is to protect it from outside influences.
“I please myself knowing that some of you are just waiting for that moment to come that you could cash in the moniker of having championship potential, granted you have worn some championships already my Italian friend, it has shrouded your career with more don’ts than do’s. And the essency is so evident isn’t it Agostino?? Oh yes, my Italian motorcycle craving friend, who I had already warned that your ability to fly through the skies does capture the imagination of the fans. Fans who admire those who put their bodies on the line in the hope of one day hitting that insane move and achieve everlasting glory, even if it means that it will shorten your career with years…, maybe even decades…. And for what?? For the reason that you are already aware of the lack of substance that would allow you to have a career that I have had… and to this very day still have. And of course, you could tell the world that I have been unfortunate by losing in the same tournament as you as well as losing the title that I once had just like you. But that would be unfair to have the fake assumption that you are my equal my troubled friend, because if you believe in delusions than I have to pity your entire career and free you from the impossible task at hand that you cling onto just like I do to my past”
Goth drops the image upon the ground in front of him as the camera lowers towards it to capture it’s frail state before returning to the man itself.
“At least I can live up to my historic career, I am capable of once again hold that championship belt that you believe to crave at. I hope you will be relieved when I either eliminate you over the top rope and watch your feet touch the floor…. Or merely watch you walk to the back after you tried your luck one time too many…. But it will not be a moment that I shall shed a tear my friend…, because you are far from worth any damn word coming out of my mouth next…”
“At least there is always hope when it comes down to the others in this ultimate task of survival. A man that I am positive that wishes to undo the wrong that has been done to him by the world itself… but most importantly his very own tag team partner that had let him down. The man that told me and Candy that not to forget that tag team wrestling is a duel effort….”
“Thank you for the wisdom, thank you for the clueless ideology that made you seem like Albert Einstein in realm of airheads. Please how did you have envisioned that me and Candy would have suffer at the greatness that was YOU and your other half?? Oh I know, she had let you down isn’t it?? she had promised you glory and riches ass he would not let you down. Whereas the reality had proven the mere fact that it wasn’t her that let you down… it was you…. ”
He raises his hands towards him as he stares at it with intensity, letting his eyes roam over every inch of scars that he had endured throughout the many years that he had been inside the wrestling industry.
“Don’t fool yourself to blame others whereas it was you that had guided us all with your wisdom of dual effort… but you had lied to yourself as you did not believe in the effort of others to aid you. You had no clue what it truly takes to trust your partner besides looking it up on Wikipedia what it would be like to share a bond… And yet, what was it that you truly shared??”
“Nothing Finn, you had nothing to offer. Nothing to give, nothing to make the world believe that you are capable of cashing in even a percentage of your threats and promises. I can’t blame her that she had given up on you before the tournament even started, because Y(OU are just a delusional fool that needs to grow a spine and stop acting like a puppet…. Because I am your master and I am pulling everyone’s strings… even yours. Just don’t go and sit at home in the corner, weeping like a little schoolgirl because everyone else in this world is so mean to you. Because it's how survival works Finn, it’s either you or them…. And by the looks of it.. just like Argento it’s all about you…”
He closes his eyes and shakes his head, not believing the two names that has been mentioned by him that have an opportunity to obtain a championship title shot.
“Why is it so hard to allow yourself to portray yourself in the fashion that you claim to be?? A motor cycle failure, a talkative question mark that does not know the front or back of a dictionary and the meaning of a simple word like yes or no. And then we move towards a man that proclaims to be a monster. Seriously my dear friend Supreme Machine…, Are you waiting for that phone call to star in another remake of the Blob?? To prove to the world that a monster has feelings also?? That you can be as cuddly as Edward Scissorhand??”
“I am sorry my friend, I have already beaten you. I have already drawn you into making a mistake by driving your skull into the steel ring post and cost you the highly anticipated revenge act of destroying Mac Bane in the semi-finals…. At least I can tell the world that you are indeed powerful, that you are indeed a deranged, mental unstable and quite foolish individual. You have promised the world that you would eliminate me at the Blast From The Past… and you have failed, you had promised the world that the combination of Samantha Marlowe and yourself would destroy the combination of me and Candy… and you have failed… Tell me, do you know why my dear unstable individual?? Why is it that you cannot seem to market yourself as a threat since entering this company to attack Senor Vinnie and Bill Barnhart?? You have lost your first ever match against these two men with your tag team partner who has been missing in action ever since… You have been unable to beat Fenris, yet pride yourself to have gone toe to toe with him… you could not beat me when the stakes were at its highest at that given moment… and you do not know why.”
“Truth is evident my friend, you are a monster. You are just another example of someone that needs a caring hand that will tell you that everything will be okay. That everything will be just fine… just as long as you keep your mouth shut and do what others tell you. Because that’s what simpletons are all about my friend…. Complicated fools are those who dare to think instead of those who know they can…. And that’s why I own you… and will eliminate you as I dare to once again survive…..”
Goth shakes his head in disbelief, not caring anything about the names that he has already mentioned.
“I know I may sound harsh about those who I have already vanquished from the equation of reaching anything near something that is glorious…. Too bad that I have to do the same for those who I have not had the opportunity. The opportunjity to test myself with Miles Kasey and Jaycee MacDonald. And when I look at these two names, I can already see where Miles will go wrong and where Jaycee has an opportunity to make something out of his career. Where someone had his opportunity already and where another is on the brink of showing the world why he has more potential than Kasey has ever had the hopes of ever achieving.”
“And do you know why Kasey?? Of course you don’t, there has never been a mental thought inside that thick skull of yours that is the key why you are in the end of the line. The kid that is often picked last when making teams… the one person that nobody wants, that nobody likes and never want to be associated with. You are so relegated to a level beneath that of Argento Romano… because you are just that pathetic. I know you will tell the world that I am wrong, that I should look in the mirror and try to put on some face paint to hide the stupid smile upon my face…. But that will not help you in surviving the onslaught of five other men in this match if they are granted the opportunity to bash that skull of yours into a million pieces. Because at least we are aware of what is at stake in this opportunity that is granted to us… And in comparison to Jaycee, you are just a waste of time”
“A waste because I have polluted myself too often by giving hope to people like you… while I would just consider taking down those who are worth a challenge. A young prospect that is coming from Jet City… Where Kris Ryans was born, the man that has so far always beaten me. A technical mastermind and a talent that is undeniably a legend in this industry. Something that for someone like you is an influence to do the same isn’t it?? To follow in his footsteps, even if it is just reaching a percentage of the success that Kris has had.”
“It would sure be a fairy tale that could come true isn’t it Jaycee? An opportunity that only a handful can hope to achieve and even less will ultimately achieve. Something that will pave their careers with gold, fortune and riches. The adulation of the fans. Because that’s what drives you isn’t it? To be the very best that your ability will allow you to reach and the right mindset to allow your body to take that extra step when it calls for you to do so?? Because unlike the other names that I have mentioned, I can tell that you are the only one that has that desire to makeyou’re your hopes and dreams come true. That wants to finally allow your words to be backed up by deeds of seemingly impossible proportions. That is where I admire your courage and your drive to succeed whereas others fail.”
“Too bad for you that it is the only straw that you have going for you to succeed in this industry my friend. Whereas you are a type of youngster that needs to earn his stripes by slowly rising up the ranks of any promotion. To earn the respect, to turn heads by so many, whereas I am just locked in to survive. Whereas I am here to once again challenge for the belt that I have held, that Kris Ryans has held…. And I will be serious to where I will tell you that I cannot allow you to accomplish that feat right now… Because before you learn to grab that opportunity to be glorious… you have to learn to survive…. And you will not be able to survive the one man that has made survival a way of life…. So I hope you will accept the crash course of survival that I will give you… until next time my friend.. until next time…”
With that the shot fades to darkness
A moment together
Los Angeles, California
Marina del Rey
Goth and Melissa are in their own hotel room, the two are cuddled up in their own bed watching some Netflix as Goth is streaming it towards he tv through his phone and a Chromecast. The two are watching a romantic comedy while holding each other in their arms.
“Sometimes all of this still feels like a dream Gerrit”
Goth smiles, knowing exactly what Melissa is talking about. The fancy hotels, the first class flights and being able to visit the best hotels and having Goth being recognized by the fans was something she still had to get used to. He kisses her on the forehead as this causes her to look upon him with a smile before kissing him back.
“Plus you are forgetting our wedding plans.”
Her smile widens before kissing him on the cheek, she nuzzles her head upon his chest while lifting her hand with the engagement ring in front of her. She gazes at the shiny ring that he had giving her before asking her to marry him. She had cried a lot, tears of happiness had flown across her cheeks after they had kissed each other, it had caused them to forget everything that Candy had planned for them as that moment seemed to last forever, while it was actually just five minutes.
”I still have moments that I cannot believe what has happened.”
Goth caresses her hair as he has grabbed her hand with his other hand as both of them are staring at the engagement ring.
”That I had asked you to marry me??”
”No silly, I figured that after your first EVER valentine’s date that you had prepared for me. I meant the fact that Candy prepared something so romantic.”
”HEY!!!”
Melissa giggles as she feels Goth tickle her ribs after her taunting remark, he knew that she was just teasing him. He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer towards him as she now leans against him completely.
”I have done more romantic things.”
”Like what??”
She looks at him playfully, causing him to react with a large smile upon his face
”Remember our first dinner date??”
The look on Melissa’s face suddenly turns into a look that she is now on a warpath, punching him in the ribs as he lifts up his hands
”HEY!!!”
”Ordering something at the McDrive ISN’T A ROMANTIC DATE!!!”
She scowls at him, causing him to pout his lip in an attempt to plead with her. Only for her to grab a pillow and whack him against his arms that he had managed to get up in time to protect his face, causing him to laugh louder at his fiancé.
”Okay, okay…, I yield…. But we have done romantic things together.”
This causes Melissa to sit up, placing her hands on her hips while staring him angry at him.
”Don’t you start mister!!! Visiting that final Avenger’s movie with your son IS NOT A ROMANTIC DATE!!!”
She whacks him again with the pillow, this time managing to hit him against his shoulder.
”Oh yeah, I did enjoy visiting Legoland. Until I realized you spent more time playing with the damn Lego pieces than spending time with me!!”
This time she manages to hit him in the back of his head with he pillow as the frustration is brewing inside of her, but suddenly her expression changes into a sinister like smile
”Although visiting your mother back home was kind of romantic.”
Goth suddenly lifts his eyebrow at that statement coming from his fiancé, scratching the back of his head as he clearly doesn’t believe her.
”I thought you said….”
”Of course it wasn’t romantic!!! But the mere fact that she managed to torture you by bringing all those photo albums of you when you were such a cute little baby.”
This causes Goth to groan in response, Melissa had teased him about that for weeks since that day she got to meet his mother for the very first time.
”You are evil Melissa.”
She grins as she leans up against him and starts to whisper in his ear.
”Aww, but you were such a cute little baby Gerrit. It was so sweet from your mother that she had saved all these pictues of you. I can tell that you haven’t changed much since them.”
Goth has enough, realizing that she was making fun of him as he suddenly grabs her by the waist and tosses her over his lap and starts to tickle her ribcage as that causes her to laugh while twist and turn around underneath his grip
”I give up!!! Please stop!! You are a meanie!!!!”
Goth laughs as he obviously does not stop his tickle assault upon her, causing her to laugh around across his lap before he finally stops and the two embrace while kissing each other. They remain in their embrace for a few moments before his phone starts to ring. Causing Goth to groan before rolling his eyes at a giggling Melissa.
”This better be not Candy asking for the 1000th time whether you have actually said yes.”
Melissa giggles as she watches him reach for his cell phone and answers his the call.
”Hello??”
Melissa stares at him as Goth listens to the person who had called him, watching his gaze turn from annoyed to a serious one. She lifts her head upwards towards him, asking him who it is in a whisper as he shakes his head no.
”When??”
He nods his head before turning his gaze towards Melissa, who is now getting more and more curious as he grabs her hand and gives a comforting smile towards her. Trying to convince her that everything is alright, but it’s not completely succesfu.
”Sure thing, I will see you tomorrow.”
This causes Melissa to raise an eyebrow while watching him hang up on whomever it was who had called him.
”Who was that??”
She stares at him with a look of concern upon her face as Goth stares at his cell phone for a few moments before turning his attention back to Melissa.
”It’s that person who knew Chantal, I…”
”Her again?? What is this all about Gerrit??”
He can feel her eyes burning a hole through his soul, clearly not liking her man wandering off to some unknown person.
”It’s complicated to explain in a few minutes Melissa, I…”
”Oh yeah?? Why don’t you try me??”
Goth is silent for a few moments, realizing that Melissa isn’t going to be easily persuaded with a simple answer.
”I…,”
Goth tries to give her an answer, but gets cut off immediately by his fiancé.
”You know what Gerrit? I have stood by you since day one. I know what Chantal meant for you. So I will not stand you in your way to find out what she has to say about her. But I get a feeling that there’s more going on.”
He knows that he cannot hide the truth from her any longer, nodding his head as lets out a long sigh.
”Ok fine, there’s something I need to tell you.”
The two start to talk as the shot slowly fades.
Finally
The beach
The shot opens up at the beach, emptied for the crowd as many Sin City Wrestlers have taken resident at the hotel, granting them free movement without being interrupted by their fans besides the meet and greet moments that have been planned prior to Blaze of Glory X. Goth can be seen walking the beach, staring at the waves and admires the scenery as the sun shines brightly across the ocean in front of him. He is wearing black knee high pants, a black shirt that reads his name and the face painted image of him from the past. He had smiled as he saw that Melissa somehow had managed to buy the classic Goth shirt from a fan to surprise him, it made him wonder whether this was coincidence or that it was just meant to be after him meeting the unknown woman last week. He had rewatched his promo he had shot for his confrontation next week and he had to admit, that was how he remembered himself from the past. And he had to admit, he had missed being the way that he confronted the five other men that he will face off against. He had always remained the arrogant SOB he remembered thinking to himself, but this time it was different. It was as if he was revived of some sorts and boy he knew that most of them wouldn’t understand or like it.
He stands still, feeling water touch his toes as he is at the verge of entering the ocean. He had loved to feel the wetness underneath his feet, he remembered him visiting Scheveningen back home when he was younger during summer breaks. Those were the moments that he could forget about his troubles and depression that would be waiting for him when he and his parents went back home. His bad friends, hating school and every substance he could get his hands on.
“I am sorry mom”
He whispers as he closes his eyes, lowering his head as his thoughts wonder back to the days that he caused her so much headache by being out of control, it was one of the darkest pages from his life, something that to this very day he is still ashamed off. Thankfully he has been able to make it up to his mother thanks to Chantal, something he to this very day is still thankful for. His gaze raises back to the water, allowing the sunshine to shine brightly in front of him. He places dark sunglasses upon his face as a sinister smile emerges
“I am sorry for the rage that has been brewing inside of me when I was young, rage that I could not contain. Rage that I needed violence to unleash or driving you crazy with anger tantrums and screaming profanity. But I am thankful that you have granted me the winners mentality mother that I needed to get where I am today, I just wished I could have contained it better mother, but luckily right now… I am where I need to be.”
The smile widens as he sees a seagull dive into the water and in search for a fish to feed upon, he stares at the seagull until it’s out of his sight and nods his head.
“always ready to strike whenever it is needed, always ready to create something for yourself because nobody else will. Just like how I have earned the opportunity to have gained the attention of…”
“Forgive me if I do not want to spoil the surprise, because I want you to be there when I finally will reveal the grand surprise upon the world that is known as Sin City Wrestling.:
“Glad you could make it”
He nods his head past the camera as the shot widens and we see a woman emerge as her back is turned to the camera.
“I just came back from there Gerrit, everything is planned to perfection. We had been waiting for you to wake up.”
He smiles while nodding his head, slowly turning his attention to the woman that has approached him. staring at the dress that she is wearing as she is wearing a hat to cover herself from the rays.
“Does this mean I will finally get to know your identity??”
A soft laugh escapes her mouth before shaking her head no
“Not now Gerrit, not before the watchful eyes of the people…”
She gestures her hand elegantly towards the camera crew that is watching them closely as this causes Goth to laugh and shaking his head in disbelief.
“It’s important for us that we have gained your trust before we open up the gates of destiny. We want you to once again feel like the benchmark of anyone in this organization Gerrit, you are a valid prospect and we want to show you that we respect you and will support you every single moment of our collaboration. But it will take time, I hope you can understand that.”
Goth nods his head, he turns his face away from her as he stares at the ocean once more, the smile has vanished from his face as it has turned into a serious one.
“Trust you say, you see…..”
He turns his gaze towards the woman that shows frustration upon his face.
“I will call you Miss speciality.”
A laugh can be heard from the woman, she is shaking her head in reaction to the comment that Goth had made.
“I have been called many things Gerrit, but Miss Speciality?? That is new to me, but I guess that’s because you are my speciality isn’t it??”
Goth’s gaze upon her is still showing frustration, clinching his hands into fists as he is getting a bit tired of being kept in the unknown of who she is and what will happen next.
“I know you like to have control over your own destiny Gerrit, I can tell that you have become corporate ever since you ran your own wrestling company.”
Goth grinds his teeth before attempting to respond to her accusations but she gestures him to keep listening to her.
“Don’t take my words too much as a negative criticism Gerrit, because through those nine years you kept the manipulative edge as a wrestler as you kept the company relative. But that all changed when the doors closed, it seemed that you had forgotten to maintain that level of being pressured 24/7. Because lets be honest Gerrit, the best days in Sin City Wrestling was through the era when you were STIJLL the owner of your own company, who else could have done the same thing as you have done??”
The words strikes a never with the former champion as he slowly turns his head away from her, staring at the waves while trying to find an answer.
“You never thought you could have run a company, but you did. You put your own career on hold because you wanted others to have a shot at glory that you have had. I could tell that you took pride in seeing stars that once were labelled as mid carders at most and headline shows that drew so much money for you. And then that itch got in the way didn’t it?? That all so familiar itch that YOU had to involve yourself once more. What was it?? Oh yeah, The Gothfather right?? The Family, quite catchy title if you ask me. I know that the soul of a warrior truly never dies isn’t it Gerrit??”
Goth remains staring at the beach, his jawline tenses as he swallows a few times but refuses to react to the words of the woman. He slowly raises his hands towards his sunglasses and takes them off before turning his attention back to the woman.
“It slowly pisses me off that you know so much about me and yet, I am nowhere nearer since the first day that you approached me. Since YOU ALL started to notice me, you know I don’t like to be kept waiting Miss Speciality. I want answers, and I want them…..”
“Now??”
Goth is about to answer, but decides not to. Realizing that he has no leverage upon the woman and he doesn’t want to risk ruining anything that she and whomever it is that she is representing. And that is eating him from inside, he feels the anger building inside of him but manages to keep his composure as he responds by nodding his head
“Please….,”
“I have already told you that we have already been impressed by you as of late, I have already told you that we want you to be the man that we both know who you should be Gerrit. Are we going to play the role of deaf, blind and stupid??? Or are we going to be the man we all want to see once more… the true Goth??”
He is about to answer, but reluctantly refuses as the words sink into his brain. He starts to think about the pros and cons of what this would mean for him professionally, but perhaps even more importantly personally. Would Melissa understand him if he suddenly becomes the man that he had kept hidden from her, but more importantly for his son?? The fear of being seduced by the many temptations of alcohol and other temptations…. Was it all worth it to rekindle with that old burning desire, something he knew that was slowly burning inside of him?
“I have to admit, it’s very tempting.”
“But you worry about the impact it may have on your personal life? Your relationships you’re your fiancé and your son??”
He slowly nods, the words are too difficult to utter as he inhales deeply
“First of all, I want you to bring Melissa with you…, I am the voice of reasoning of the entire group as everyone comes to me if they need help. We will welcome all three of you in our own family, we will take good care of you and them… We will make sure that you will not succumb to temptations in the way you are worried about.”
Goth nods his head before letting out a final breath of relief, emotions can be seen running through his mind as he attempts to keep his composure. After a few moments of silence he turns his attention the sunglasses back upon his face and nods his head in understanding.
“Tell them that I will not let them down, I am ready to create an impact upon this company and leave everyone un…”
She lifts her hand towards Goth, causing him to stop midsentence.
“Please Gerrit, stop. You already gave away too many hints upon what is going to happen next. We don’t want to give away the rebirth of Goth now do we??”
There’s a moment of silence as he is staring at her, clearly overthinking every single word that she had said after interrupting him. He places a hand upon a chin and slowly nods his head as he comes to the conclusion that she is right once more. He slowly starts to grin after a few moments and turns away from her as he bursts out in laughter, he spreads his arms to either side and looks up at the sun and stands there for several minutes without saying a word.
“Gerrit??”
There’s nothing but silence as the man is soaking up every moment of the sunshine and listens to every possible sound of his surroundings.
“You have awoken me lady, you have awoken a side of me that I once feared unleashing upon this world… not because of what I would do to others, but what would become of me…. And finally I have decided it is time to stop listening, to stop worrying and to stop fearing the inevitable. ”
“And what may that very well be??”
“To take back what is mine, to teach the teachings of those who are too blinded by their own ideals…. And to every damn second of it….”
The woman nods her head in approval and walks off as she leaves Goth staring at the beautiful sight in front of him
“It’s time I start to show the world that I have returned….”
He whispers with a sadistic smile upon his face as the shot slowly fades.
Survival
The shot opens as Goth can be seen sitting upon a rather large beach towel, staring at the beach as we see his fiancé being taught how to stand upon a surfboard as she has always wanted to ride the waves. She had been squealing of excitement after learning the next surprise that Goth had in mind for her, the shot slowly zooms in on him as we see him smile while watching Melissa do her best.
“It has been quite a long time since I have had this much fun while being on tour with this wrestling company. Granted, being here with my fiancé is always enjoyable. Watching her experience something new makes her day and obviously that will benefit me also.”
The smile widens as he watches on while Melissa attempts to get on the board while her teacher holds on to the board.
“You see, when I was younger. I was all about wrestling, the only fun things that me and my wife ever did besides wrestling was having romantic dinners or going to a club or concert. It was what we liked to do, but never expanded our horizon. Something I am fortunate enough to at least catch up to the things that I have been missing all these years. To widen our horizon so to speak, something that I hope to at least be capable to do the same to the five men that I will have to dispose of in the Guantlet match. Something that when things go my way, will also benefit me.”
He watches on as he sees that Melissa gets on her stomach on the surfboard while being told to paddle with her hands in the water towards a wave. The teacher lets go off the board as she does so, paddling towards a wave before attempting to stand up, only to lose her balance and fall into the water.
“Obviously the first thing that everyone needs to know is learning to stand up after you fall. A fall could obviously be compared to fail isn’t it?? Because there are two things that you can do when you fail, you either bitch and moan… or just get up and dust off the sand and start all over again. That’s a free education to the realms of wrestling, although there’s of course the third option that only cowards wish to grasp upon as if it is they are too scared to decide what fits best for them… people like that are not even worth my time and energy to even waste my braincells upon. You two know who you are, sad little pathetic gutless insects. You see, people are apparently not aware of their responsibilities when it comes down to present not only themselves, but the company that pays them to perform before the people. You are a disgrace to even be mentioned in the same breath like men as Supreme Machine, Finn Whelon and Jaycee MacDonald. And I know why you… Gutless idiots who are too spineless to have their own opinion, afraid that people like me will decimate you verbally in a way that is nothing what would happen inside that six sided ring.”
“Already my effective words that I have spewed upon you two has had such a successful effect upon you that you already have given up haven’t you?? That’s what cowards do,k they look at the card and call in sick whenever they are afraid that you may break something or make a fool out of yourself. Don’t worry little cowads, I never had any expectations besides being squashed underneath my boots, leaving a small blood trail while I move on to bigger things that are worth my time. Something I have been looking forward doing since the card has been announced, the mere fact that I finally get an opportunity to move ahead of many of you to that championship title shot I have yet not received after beating then champion Mark Cross. Someone that is already hides underneath whatever big enough rock until Next year’s Blast From The Past comes around. And yet I have to advance in a gauntlet match to finally get what I should have gotten after my second match back… I guess it’s where losers like you two should be counting their blessings in the hope that your airplaine is delayed to make it to the show on time…. OR whatever excuse you can find to hide for one more week.”
Goth shakes his head, his gaze still focused upon his fiancé, who gets back on the surfboard to try again.
“Now I have to admit that I had not expected much from you Finn, but I am the type of guy that likes to give clueless individuals like you the benefit of the doubt. I hope you do understand what that means, because I have to admit. Your promo has kept me shaking my head in disbelief and that’s not something that happens to me too often. I mean seriously man, where did you get your ability to speak your mind?? Are you incapable to you’re your focus upon someone longer than a few seconds?? Because even though I didn’t expected much from you. I at least I had hopes that you would have improved from the last time that we came in contact with each other. You know, that one tag team match where you imagined that your partner was just a failure??”
“Why don’t you just wake up Finn?? It’s quite obvious that you are a failure. A failure, a non talented wrestler that has lack of success. Now I know that this is an explanation, something that even an individual like you can understand…. But will never accept, because that’s what life is all about.. to accept the inevitable that you are destined to achieve before retiring. Because that is what you are, “an economic policy that is doomed to failure”.”
“You see the difference between explanations Finn?? The first explanation was a safe bet to prepare you for the difficulty to grasp upon the realization that I have exceeded you further by merely stepping foot inside the six sided ring and make people realize in the errors of their ways. You see, I have made mistakes down my career as well…. but unlike you, I have the ability to learn and grow. While you?? Well you are still attached to the educational guide for wrestling for Dummies. And before you are going to state the obvious that words are only words and even though how harsh they may sound… they will not harm you… right?? ”
He chuckles as he shakes his head in disbelief.
“Of course they don’t, that’s the first thing that you learn the hard way isn’t it?? Never allow others to realize that they are right… even how obvious the reality is and the facts prove it to be a shadow of a doubt… You are forced to tell the world that in your case that I am wrong. And you know, I thought last week I would try to make it simple. Give you an opportunity to talk yourself out of some harsh and difficult situations… But only to realize that you already have been accepting the obvious. That you will enter this match, hoping for the sixth and final spot in this Guantlet match. in the hope that all the others are either so exhausted or somehow have thrown themselves out of the ring before you will enter the match. Because that is the harsh reality of your entire wrestling career, because what you do on the mic reflects upon what you are capable… or in your case… Incapable of doing when things matters most. Because lets face it, you DO want to have to look back upon your career and realize that YOU at least had an opportunity to fight for the biggest prize in the game??”
“Or was that something that just struck you in the dust filled upper room that is supposed to be your brain? Because I asked you a few simple questions, that even a three year old wouldn’t have had such a difficulties to answer the way YOU have failed to even attempt to do. It’s like I am listening to someone reciting a groceries list in front of one of the many isles and still wonder whether you should buy the blue one or the red. You open your mouth without even having any clue of what the f*** you talking about… So what do you assume the result will be inside the six sided ring??”
“Don’t worry, I already know the answer. It’s absolutely nothing, you will excel in being clueless and tell the world that I am wrong. That you will be able to eliminate everyone else because you are Finn freaking Whelan right???”
He turns his gaze towards the camera for the first time and shakes his head no.
“You are nothing more than a joke, a bad joke that forces me to grant the people to laugh the loudest when I eliminate you. Because they will witness history, that’s right Finn. For the first time you will realize that you have an important part in history… Because it’s upon me to make sure that YOU will never have a future in this business as long as I am alive.”
He sighs before turning his head back to his fiancé, watching her as she once again got up to her feet once more after falling from her surfboard.
“I pity you Finn, pity for the sole reason that you are just as worthless like those who decided to be a coward. Something I am thankful for not having to worry about you being one isn’t it Supreme Machine??. A monster never hides, a monster never forgets and forgives… A monster like you that only cares about hurting people and destruction. And why is that Supreme Machine?? To think in such a shortcoming capacity?? Because lets face it, destruction does not bring you glory and gold, as that is what your words are trying so desperately to convince those who are weak at heart. Forgive me Supreme Machine, I wonder what it is that causes you to be so destructive?? You, just like Finn have been unable to at even acknowledge a mere factual statement that YOU AREN’T destructive at all…. But that’s alright my masked crusader, I already know the weakness that screams out to be acknowledged so desperately by others because that mask has short circuited the oxygen transfer to your brain.”
“You see Supreme Machine, oxygen is needed to allow your brain to function properly. When your brain functions properly, it allows you to think!! And with thoughts, you have a chance to outsmart someone like uhm….. The three stupid piggies that all have built their self-defences from straw… because all three are just too lazy to even try. You are not like that are you my friend??”
Goth reaches inside a bag that is next to him, pulling out an old picture and smiles at it.
“Are you wondering why I made a reference to the three little piggies bedtime story for children as reference towards you?? You see, the two silent lambs and the black little sheep have something in common. They seek answers in their own weaknesses, believing in their own stupidity that it is their strength. And that’s why the comparison does not get any father than the lazy fat little pig that built his house from straw… their mental instability is their own straw like defence, because they will never emerge any further than merely being repetitive and un inspiring… let alone be as talented as you, just don’t take these comment to be one of complimentary, because it’s far from being one. Because the only difference between them and you is the mere fact that they hide behind excuses of fear and stupidity. You on the other hand are just hiding behind a lie, you hide behind an imaginary believe that you are fear itself. That you are rage, that you are destruction and true power. And yet, you are so weak. At least you have a belief that you hold onto with both hands in desperation. Is that why you hide behind a mask Supreme Machine?? Not because you wish to represent fear, but merely for the fact that YOU FEAR ME!!! Now I have heard your half assed excuses, I have heard your futile attempts to acknowledge some half ass essential statements that I have made. But did you truly believe that I was regretting the fact I had fixed something many years ago that didn’t needed to be repaired??”
“I am evolution when it looks you straight in the face, oh yes. I have acknowledged my past, because I am proud of it… because I realized that there was a thin line wandering through my career that I am missing right now… The determination, the psychological edge that I have upon you since I had opened my mouth. I am nothing like you Supreme Machine, perhaps back then I would have considered it as a sign of understanding. Because I dared to be different, I dared to rebel against society in its entirety. But I have aged my friend, I have grown to acknowledge and idolize everything that made me who I am today. While you?? You just hide behind a piece of leather, that you have to attach to your stinking face for how many years further down your career?? You may proclaim that I cannot get better like you, perhaps so. But warfare and survival isn’t won in the battlefield my friend. It’s won up here…”
He taps his forehead while staring at the camera before turning the picture around and shows another old picture of himself from the days as head of his own wrestling company.
(https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/ac5/ffa/3e735f11bd4b586636e859762ef4302355-marilyn-manson.rvertical.w600.jpg)
“In the area that you are clearly lacking, in the mind. The brain that allows you to evolve, to grow and to educate yourself by learning from your own mistakes. Handsome fellow isn’t it??”
He stares at the picture for a moment as he places it back inside the bag before turning his attention to the camera.
“Out with the old and in with the new, isn’t that how the saying goes?? It’s quite interesting how correct or incorrect people make their own sayings, merely by adapting the situations in their own benefit whenever they see fit. I just realize that you wish to remain in the realm of what you are comfortable with. To be in the shadows of others, to be commanded whenever someone, whether it was Mac Bane or any other individual with a peanut sized brain…. Or merely hide in the shadows of those who are truly accomplished enough to succeed. We know it’s big words for you to understand Supreme Machine, but then again. But that is what happens if you haven’t been updated in how many years?? No Supreme Machine, if you think me luring you in to hit the steel ring post to beat you was bad…, think again to what I will do to you in the Guantlet Match to survive… Because I am a survivor…. And you?? I don’t think so…”
He is silent for a moment or two, his demeaner as he suddenly becomes very serious.
“It’s quite astonishing to see that when you have to degrade four of your five opponents in this gauntlet match, it makes you wonder why they are even in this match in the first place?? In movies or series they would be considered extra’s, you know those who are getting paid to have an insignificant role in something important. Or perhaps act like a zombie, merely because you got a sweet tooth.”
He chuckles for a few moments at his remark, but that changes after five seconds as he once again becomes very serious.
“But then there’s hope in the darkness, a shining light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. A talent, a prospect from Jet City. Jet City, a name that is well known to me as I have been in the ring with the man that was a major part of the Jet City tag team combination, a team that won tag team gold in this company. Kris Ryans, a master tactician and a student of the game. Nothing but respect for the man that has thwarted me in the past in title matches. So when I realized that you were a part of his training school, I realized that I had something that would truly be someone that I could sink my teeth into.”
“Figure of speech of course, but at least I am aware that you are highly educated to not make that mistake like the carnivore man beast Supreme Machine would. And yet, I wonder Jaycee. I wonder how far your education has taught you the value of survival, the street smarts mentality that is needed to do whatever it takes to gain the upper hand in a match like this. Oh sure, I am sure that you have been taught every wrestling trick in the book, but the book is only this far to teach you the values of survival, not even close of what I have learned to even survive a single day on the streets for years. But that was then and this is now, I am old, I am close to get married… I should have everything that I wanted in life huh??”
Goth smiles as he shakes his head no
“You see young apprentice, I appreciated the words that you uttered. Wanting me to be the final man to be in the match, because you didn’t wanted to throw me out of the ring…. oh no, you wanted to achieve greatness by pinning or making a Hall of Fame Legend submit. It almost brought tears to my eyes, to realize that finally someone acknowledges me the way I should have been all along. Is that what Kris also taught you? To be humble? To accept the legacy of those who has paved the way for you?? Good for you, I guess beneath the layers of arrogance that Kris possesses that there is still something far more deeper than meets the eye.
“I have to admit that I speak of his arrogance with respect, because he is one of the few that can back up almost evrery word that he speaks. I can tell he is a street smart punk ass kid that I respect, it is just so sad to see that you are trying so hard to act tough. To be the same way in the hopes that I would get all mellow inside by all the respect that you have mentioned about me…. But the problem in the end is this Jaycee.”
“The man that you assumed that would be listening is no more my son, I have been holding back for that wonderful moment that will be coming this Sunday. And before you think I was holding back to shine for this glorious opportunity then I have to tell you no my friend. It’s more than that, it’s more than everything in this universe combined. I am here to fight, I am here to gain the one thing that has been eluding me for years. I have come here to once again wear the crown of my achievement, not because I am sour like many others assume that I am. The one sthat are telling behind my back that I should have stayed retired……”
He slowly shakes his head no.
“The honour, the prestige of finally being reborn after all these years and become something new. Where anyone else sees age, I see glory and opportunities. Opportunities that one day will come knocking for you to obtain, but at this moment in time… I see onloy flaws in the purity that are your words. You almost begin to believe in the hope that you have spoken out to anyone to hear. Hope of you somehow being able to beat me by pinfal or submission.”
“Whereas I am going to tell you my friend, take every given opportunity that is presented to you. Do not wait for that one single moment that you believe will benefit your career. Because then it will turn into an obsession, an obsession will turn into you making mistakes. And even though I have to admit that it would be my biggest wish to shut an upstart up, by doing exactly that what you wish to do to me…. I don’t care Jaycee. I don’t care whether it is you or anyone else in this match. I only are about surviving, I only care about having my hand being raised after surviving FIVE OTHER MEN. Because then and only then I know I have made it once again. That I will be looking over my shoulder after I exit the ring and look at you for the final time. Nodding my head in approval that you came this close in beating me.”
He puts his fingers together to emphasize his words.
“Only to make you realize that this close is just miles away of achieving what you are hoping for. Because hope is for those who have nothing to hold on to in their lives. When you realize that my friend, you will realize that there’s nothing that Jet City could do to prepare you for the man that will walk out victorious in our gauntlet match. And that man is me…..”
Goth turns his attention to his fiancé, who had walked over towards him after her surf training. The two kiss each other as the shot slowly fades.