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Supercard Archives / Re: World Championship: Mac Bane (c) v Matthew Knox
« on: May 13, 2022, 11:27:46 PM »
The Season of Settling Scores Part 3
“The fury of a demon instantly possessed me. I knew myself no longer. My original soul seemed, at once, to take its flight from my body; and a more than fiendish malevolence, gin-nurtured, thrilled every fiber of my frame.” - Edgar Allan Poe, The Black Cat
{Hotel - Greece - “Family”}
[off-camera]
[Saturday 3 AM]
While I am an asshole on television, that’s not something I will ever be when it comes to my family. So when the phone rang, I looked at the caller i.d. and it was my youngest sister, Angie. I slid the bar over immediately because she’s the kind that never calls because she needs something. “Hey sis,” I began and she launched into her story. “Big brother, I need a huge favor!” She was obviously fan girling over something. I laughed as I sat up. “It’s not funny, Mac! This is uber important!” Amber looked at me, then rolled over and hugged my arm. Looking down at her I could tell she was amused by the call itself. So she sat up to listen in. Angie, “So, I was listening to Rachel Zion on the radio and she always communicates with her fans on Facebook, because she has the best radio show ever!” I cannot hide my amusement and Amber rolls her eyes but we continue to listen. “You’re coming back to the states soon, right?”
“Yeah, we have a flight later this morning,” I said with a smile. “Oh boy! Can you come to Port Arthur on Tuesday around lunchtime?” “Well, I’ll see what I can do Ang, but you know we are on a tight schedule right now.” A short pause for a deep breath and we braced for the incoming barrage. “So, I know you went to school with Rachel, and she loves you and Amber, she’s always talking about the Golden Couple of wrestling. So, I was hoping you could guys could introduce me to her.” Then Silence on the line, “We can certainly try sis.” Then she began to ramble on about how grateful she was. She hung up shortly after that. “Wow,” was all Amber said before rolling back over and going to sleep.
A few days later
We got to Port Arthur right before noon, my baby sister was there already. She was so excited to see us, dressed in her jeans, boots, and button-down blouse. She had really put in the extra effort for this introduction. She came running up to the rental car, like some wild thing that was amped up on espresso or something. Amber and I looked at each other and laughed a little. Then we exited the car, and gave her fierce hugs. I looked up from my hug with her and could see Rachel inside the restaurant where they were doing a live event today and if I read her lips correctly, she had said “Holy Shit!”. I smiled at the reception. With one arm around my baby sister and holding Amber’s hand, we went inside. The whole place was very excited when we came into the place. Some of these people I knew from high school, in Rachel’s case, had been Melissa’s best friend in high school and were one of the bridesmaids when Melissa and I married. “How the hell are ya, Mac?” She rushed over and gave me a hug. “Oh my fucking god, Amber fucking Ryan, as I live and breathe.” Then she rushed Amber and gave her a hug. I flinched, mostly because in social situations that shit could be dicey with Red. She did fine though and even hugged her back.
‘Shit, I’m sorry, I’m a hugger,” she began to apologize to Amber who to her credit waved it off as nothing. “It’s okay really, thank you so much for talking about us on the radio, we appreciate that very much.” She blushed a little, “Not gonna lie I’m fan girling really hard here.” I’d have to intervene soon and Amber knew that as well, looking over at me briefly. “Rach, this is my baby sister Angie, I wanted to introduce you to each other. She loves your show.” To my and Amber’s surprise, my baby sister turned the fangirl thing way down to low levels. Maybe it was her business sense that took over from there. “I know you,” Rachel said. “You’re the young lady he commented on my manicure posts, and girl your nails are fantastic. Where do you get them done?”
My baby sister was on fucking point as she lead the conversation from there. Amber whispered to me, “I had no idea.” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders, kind of dumbfounded myself all I could say was, “who knew?”. I thought to myself, Angie knew, that’s for certain. She spoke with confidence and never missed a beat while explaining the product she was selling. I’ve always been proud of my family but that was a special proud brother moment for me. I was so glad that I agreed to do this for her.
{LAX - Los Angeles CA - “A Mistake”}
[off-camera]
[Sunday 4 PM]
There is a distinct advantage to flying private over public. People. Always fucking people who are super annoying is the only way to put it. I had a four-hour layover in Germany and another four and a half here in L.A. I sat not too far away from the terminal, watching the planes arrive and leave, more as an amusement than anything. I kept catching this dude from the corner of my eye, who was watching me. He seemed upset and likely drunk as he would glare for a minute and then get up and pace. He was obviously talking himself into something. It was likely something stupid, but such is life. So me being me, I took my bandanna and sunglasses off and stored them in my carry-on bag. This guy is one of those travelers who gets juiced up at an airport bar. I could smell him and his obvious need for whiskey. I smirked when I saw he was wearing an old “Carnage Wrestling” Matt Knox T-shirt. I casually looked in his direction so he could be sure that I was the guy he wanted to confront. I simply smiled, and evidently, that was enough for his courage to be at maximum. I watched him sway a bit as he approached. “Yep, smashed out of his fucking mind,” I said to no one in particular. He came over and stopped in front of me.
“You’re that Mac Bane guy, did the show in Greece?” I looked up and nodded my confirmation to him. “I am.” He could have done anything else in the world but he chose to stick his finger in my face, just about a quarter-inch from my nose. He then started yelling at me, belligerent insults about how I let my marriage rot, regurgitating a lot of the same shit as Knox had said. “Remove your finger from my face, only warning you’ll get.” He looked at me, kind of dumbstruck, as if it didn’t register with him that he had made an egregious mistake. When he didn’t do as I asked, people around him started to murmur. He got brave and tried to jab me in the eye with his finger. Which I reacted to, quickly raising my left arm to knock it away, and counter striking with a fist to the exposed solar plexus. That one counter, had him on the floor before he could even comprehend what just happened. “Son, I get it. You’re a wrestling fan and obviously a mark for Knox. My recommendation for you is that you go sleep it off.” The smell of whiskey, probably jack daniels I’d assume. “And for fucks sakes, understand your audience and your enemy. I am NOT someone who tolerates fools.” As he writhed on the ground in pain, I simply stepped on his right hand to apply a simple wrist lock. I was still applying pressure to the wrist lock when security showed up.
“Mister Bane, we’ll handle it from here.” I nodded to the security officers and released the wrist lock allowing them to drag him to his feet. “Will you need a statement from me?” I asked in a polite manner. “No sir,” He motioned toward the terminal desk. “The ladies saw what was happening and called us. I think we’ve got everything we need.” The young man who had assaulted me was being led away in stunned silence at what just happened. “At least the binders will keep him from making an ass of himself for the time being,” I said in an amused tone. I sat back down and went back to staring out the window watching the planes arrive. That simple act of defending myself would practically guarantee that I would have peace for the rest of my time in L.A. I thought about what happened just now. I wouldn’t press charges, that’s always a waste of time. That young man, wouldn’t learn anything from the experience, so why bother. I mean, he doesn’t realize it yet, but he put himself in far more danger than he realized. Funny enough, so did the man he was such a huge fan of. Knox had pushed me passed the limit, there was no doubt about that. It was taking every ounce of everything I am to hold my destructive nature at bay. Just until the match, then there would be no holding anything in check. I would destroy him for his assumption that I was like everyone else.
Fade
{Top of the World - Las Vegas NV - “Errors In Judgement”}
[off-camera]
Two Days Prior
In this world, there are a lot of people that will literally do anything to turn a buck. They will set your business on fire because you’ve made an enemy at some point in your life. They will try to kill members of your family. They’ll also pay the paparazzi for pictures of your loved ones, in compromising positions. So, that being said, let’s move this story along.
I was at the Oblivion Garage, checking on progress, we were about halfway home, which was amazing to me. Amber and I could never have gotten this far this fast on our own. My moment of reverie was broken by the ringing of my phone. So, even though it came from an unlisted number, I slid the bar to answer it. “This is Mac.” was my response to the caller. The voice when they replied was disguised, it came across as robotic and devoid of emotion. “Mr. Bane, we have some business we’d like to discuss with you. We will be at the top of the world restaurant in two days' time. Make certain you are there, it would be a shame if these pictures I have of your wife were to become public and further damage both of your reputations.” The call then disconnected.
Needless to say, I cussed like a sailor after getting that call. I was pretty sure of where the pictures came from. I wouldn’t say anything though, certainly not to Amber, she had enough on her plate at the moment. I heard voices from far off to my left, and much to my surprise, my wife, looking as stressed out as usual came out. She was evidently coming out of the meeting with Reverend McCrae. A meeting I had no knowledge of. I was trying to be more trusting of her, so I didn’t give her the evil eye or anything, just a warm smile as she and the reverend approached. “Ah, Mister Bane, what do you think of the progress so far?” Yep, this guy was a snake oil salesman alright but I’d play along for the time being. “Amazing,” I said with a little bit of awe in my voice. “It really does look amazing.” I smiled as I shook his hand. “Wouldn’t you say so, Red?” She nodded her head slowly as if trying to think of what to say. “It is, Mac I’m sorry I forgot to tell you about this meeting. It was really just to finalize some details and the problem with logistics.” I smiled and nodded, “It’s all good, Red. Thank you for handling it, I appreciate it.” I lied almost as easily as she did just then. There was a lot more to that story than she was letting on.
Present Day
Which led me here today, sitting in the restaurant, I took in the sites and smells of it. This was an expensive place to eat, not a place that Amber and I would ever go out to unless it was a public relations event of some kind. I’m sure that this clown was using this very public setting to make sure I behaved myself. Little does he know, that I am never afraid of making a scene. However, I’d take a look at what he has and listen to what he had to say. As instructed I ordered the charred Ahi for my guest and the calamari fries for myself. It would be someone that just came up and sat down with me. Imagine my surprise when the woman that came up and sat down was a dead ringer for Amber.
“Thank you so much, Mac, this looks wonderful” Her voice was too sweet for my wife, but the casual passerby wouldn’t think anything of it. She looked enough like Red and smelled like her too. I don’t know how she knew that detail but the cinnamon perfume was dead on. “Impressive, is it not?” She asked in a very coy way and winked at me. I finally found my voice, “It is, very detail oriented I see.” She smiled prettily at me, “Well, she does have good taste in perfume at least.” I nodded, “Not so much in men?” I asked in an equally coy way. She laughed, just as the waiter arrived. “Are you prepared to order?” His slow and deliberate speech was a bit off-putting. Before I could speak, she cut me off, “Yes, I’d like the prime rib, new york style. My husband will have the bone-in ribeye. I waited for the waiter to wander off, “My husband?”, she shot me a warning glance. “Oh yes the game, and if I don’t choose to play?” She glared at me and produced an envelope, “that picture goes out to every dirt sheet and major publication in the world.”
I tapped my index finger on the tabletop for a moment. I’m not worried about the dirt sheets so much, we can claim photoshop on that, but the others… “That’s right honey, you need to think very carefully about your next move and words, and I did think it through very carefully. “The cost?” She eyed me for a moment and then produced another envelope. Looking at it, I then looked up at her. “Is that the final figure?” She smiled, “We are not trying to force you into bankruptcy.” The food arrived just then so the conversation was cut off. The waiter cleared away the starters, and I saw an exchange between the two, it was just a glance and a slight nod given to him by her. Now I knew who, the real question was why. “So, when I pay this, how will I know it won’t be released anyway?” She smiled again, in that uncomfortable way. “You’ll just have to trust me, Mac.” I began laughing and I took her small hand in mine and leaned in as close as I could. When I spoke to her, it was in a very quiet voice, “You had better send me every copy of these fucking pictures or I will hunt you and your boyfriend back there down and kill the both of you. Do you understand me?” She gulped and turned a very white shade of pale and nodded her head.
“Does this envelope have your contact information or the account number I’m wiring the money to?” She nodded, not saying a word. “Un-fucking-believable,” I said in that same low voice. “I’ve never understood why people do things like this.” I shook my head in disgust as I opened the envelope, finding what I was looking for, I accessed an application on my phone. I transferred the amount to the account listed. “Check your balance, dear,” I said through clenched teeth. She nodded, “Was it you or him that took the pictures?” I asked again in that soft but threatening way that I have about me. “It’s there, it was me, and it was planned. Pro athletes make so much money…” I held up a finger to her lips shushing her. “We do, but we are also the ones that put her bodies and lives on the line for the sake of entertainment and competition. What gives you the right to attack one of or any of us in this way.” She nodded, “I grew up very poor, there were many nights there was nothing to eat.” It sounded rehearsed, but I let that go. “Since you know so much about myself and my wife, you’d know that we both grew up poor and on a lot of days went to bed hungry. Sorry, not buying your sob story.” I released her hand and she calmed a bit. “Where are the other copies of this picture?”
The young man that she was obviously working with, made his appearance, “Is everything okay? Your companion seems to be a little stressed.” I looked up at him with the best fuck you look I could manage. “Where are the rest of the photos?” He looked between the two of us and almost panicked, fortunately for the three of us this place was empty. I grabbed him by the tie and pulled him toward me. “Kid, you can fuck with me all you want, you start fucking with my family and I’ll end you. I’m going to ask one more time, politely.”
“Where
Are
The
Fucking
Pictures?!”
He was doing his best to hold it together as I released his tie. “I’ll get them now”, he said through a shuddering breath. He placed a thumb drive on the table. “We never loaded them to our laptop at home.” I looked at them both, “Take a seat kid.” He only hesitated for a moment. “When I get up from this table, you are going to do two things. You will come to sit where I am now and enjoy this meal. Your girl over there is going to pay for it. Is that clear?” He nodded his head, obviously still very scared. “If I ever see either of you again, this deal is null and void. I’ll know you’re out to hurt my family again, and I’ll do what any Texan would do.” I looked between them and they both nodded. “If those pictures make their way out into the world, I know your faces and since you weren’t smart enough to use an anonymous name on that account I know your names.” Again they nodded, “Young lady put your hands back up on the table I wouldn’t want to think your reaching for the pea shooter in your bag.” She quickly did as commanded. “The bright side here is, your plan worked, you are now a lot more wealthy than you were half an hour ago. I stood up with the forty-five caliber pistol still in my right hand. I slipped it back into my holster and covered it. “Remember what I said, both of you. My benevolence only goes so far.” They both quickly nodded, and in unison said, “thank you.” I picked up the envelopes from the table and started for the door.
“Some things are just not worth going to prison for kids,” I said as I walked out of the room. I paused long enough by the door to watch the young man start eating my meal as I stepped out into the hallway. I waited long enough to hear him say, “Yes that was the only copy, I swear!” then she replied to him, “you fucking moron, we could have gotten so much more money if you hadn’t caved like a bitch.” I chuckled, just as I thought. I took my phone back out again, logging into the application and then reversing the transaction, “And now you’re poor again.” I said with all amusement and felt zero guilt about it.
Fade.
{In-Studio - Las Vegas NV - “Half-Truths and Lies.”}
[on-camera]
[Sunday, May 8th at 7 PM]
I stand in the studio that Amber and I built in our home, way back when we first bought it. Tonight I’m dressed in something more simple and comfortable. Simple grey tracksuit pants, a white t-shirt with black lettering that says “Dominate” on it. My super comfortable sketchers slide on shoes. My hair hangs loose. I’ve turned the lighting down a bit dimmer than normal to allow the moonlight to brighten up just a touch. I had just finished watching Knox’s promo and was more than a little amused. We were getting ready for the showdown at Ano Liosia Olympic Sports Hall in Athens Greece.
Well, shit, Matt. I guess nothing is off-limits now, is it? Someone was trying to be funny, okay it actually was funny. My wife called you daddy? Really? That’s fucking hilarious to me. You always warn people about talking about your kids but there we are. The reason it’s so funny to me is, that your own kids have never called you that. Of course, by the time they actually knew about you, that part of their childhood had passed, hadn’t it? Fucking dead beat. Get the fuck out of here with that nonsense. You should tell Corey he’s got nothing to worry about as far as his crown goes. The only thing you’re the king of is cheap heat. I mean in your first promo you made a lot of accusations. Why? Oh, that’s the easy part. He’s scared. He knows that I am the guy that can put him down. That’s what scares him most in his life, is that he’ll piss the wrong guy off and they’ll end his career. That would mean he doesn’t get to choose when and where he goes out. The wrestling world knows it too which scares him even more. Dumbass put a poll out there and it was favored by quite a lot to me. Corey Black and I were two of the three, some roided up chick that I can’t remember the name of was the third. Who gives a shit right? It’s just another stupid Twitter poll that doesn’t amount to shit. It doesn’t make them wrong, it’s just that they are not in this match. Oh, by the way, Matthew, recycling things you’ve said to others in order to wax poetic? Regurgitating that same old pathetic poem you used against Ken? That’s beyond sad, Chief. Quoth the Raven…blah blah blah.
Shaking my head, I sigh a bit, before continuing.
Regardless of you wanting to be a poet, I made you the guy I would face for a reason. See, when I made the announcement, what most people missed was that I said that you were not a real contender, just the next to pay the price. Mostly because I want you to be humbled, you need it, and no one will argue that point. While you walk around accusing others of hubris, all the while not accepting of your own faults. Some would call it hypocrisy, but I can’t even call it that, it’s way beyond that. You’re one thousand percent correct, I’m an arrogant prick. Rightly so, I might add. I had no break in my career. I didn’t drop off the face of the earth into a trashcan because I couldn’t handle success. I don’t have an addictive personality so I didn’t succumb to the same trap you did. I’m proud of you for being clean for so long, Heroine is a fucking nightmare. Maybe the most important thing is that I didn’t successfully kill every relationship I had in order to chase pussy. I sure as fuck didn’t knock up a dozen women just to prove I could. I didn’t want my children to grow up not knowing their father or whether he loved them or not. Funny enough, one of your own kids reached out to me and asked if I would be her dad. Not her Daddy but her father. You really should spend more time with Ronnie to see if you can patch that up. That one has a real deep-seated hatred for you. Not that you care that much about any of them. You didn’t have a hand in raising them after all. Why should you give a shit about people you barely know. I mean, I get it, as did the magazine. What was the headline, The biggest douchebag in our industry has all the gold? Well, not all of it. Really not even a tenth of a percentage to be fair. All the gold in the industry won’t fill the void in your heart.
My look of amusement has not changed at all, I smirk at the camera.
I’m going to make something perfectly clear. You say you're coming to fight, let me assure you. You’ve never been around me when I go to that place. You are not ready for what’s coming for you. I’m not trying to scare you, I don’t want you to be able to say that you had no idea. Let’s just go ahead and get this out of the way. His name is Alex Jones, not Alix. Alix is your daughter, you might want to get that clear in your head. I mean I know Alex can be a bit of a bitch but com’on man. There is so much talk about moral high ground and penance these days. It just makes me laugh. Another point for you bird brain, I often did take the moral high ground in my past. Penance? Nah, I’ll save you a seat on the bus to hell. We can revel in old times, damn…I hope they have scotch. Probably not though, they probably only have that cheap shit you drink. You’ll also have to forgive me, I didn’t grow up in a catholic school nor was I born Jewish, so guilt really has no place in my heart.
My smirk never slides, but, I force myself into taking on a more serious tone.
Never broke your stare? More importantly, I flinched? Things you should consider before running your mouth about me. What I did in my first ten months here. It’s almost unparalleled in this company's history. I was a triple crown champion in my first ten months. That was with me stepping away for at least 2 months. You never flinched? Please, you started whoring yourself out to any company that would have you. Well, up until you lost a match or two, then it was the same old same old. You weren’t good enough for those places, and you quit. Just like in Carnage when you couldn’t beat Amber or Joe. People who work for Sin City tend to do the same after I embarrass them. They want the title but they’re not really willing to put in the work or pay the price to take it from me. Believe me, the price is high, you’ll start figuring that out once the bell rings. I hope you’re not going to be like some other people around here. I beat them, they can’t believe they lost and they run for Florida as quick as they can. They always show up for the Blast From The Past tournament though. They also, always scream the loudest, too funny. Oh, wait I shouldn’t forget the funniest part of your promo. I’ve never stood on my own…
I begin laughing so hard and slapping my thigh. Then I abruptly stop.
Lemme tell ya something. In my time here and elsewhere, I’ve been a part of a few stables. This one? The Saviors weren’t even a thing until after I started my second reign as world champion. These days, it doesn’t really matter the why’s or the what’s of a stable being formed. No one will ever give the originators of the stable credit for forming a stable. It doesn’t matter if the reason is noble or nefarious. They always want to tear down what they didn’t create. My opinion on this is the same as it’s been for twenty years. I don’t give a fuck about your opinion. For your words to have any impact on me, I would have to value you as a person. You killed that not long after your arrival. So, instead of having a match with an old friend, I’ll just be putting down another rabid dog with no sense of pride, class, or honor. Knox, I can assure you, that when you look across the ring at me, you will have come face to face with the enemy. An enemy with no remorse, and no regrets, only malicious intent. I said it before and I’ll say it again, you’re fucked. You won’t walk away from this one. The reason is so simple, there are certain lines that should never be crossed. It’s okay that you want to blame me, but it doesn’t track, especially when you yourself finally admitted your obsession. You also blamed Amber for your situation with Masque. So, tell me again Matthew how I’m going to pay for my sins? Yeah, I don’t think so. You crossed the line, and I’m going to make you pay. It’s not going to be enjoyable for you, it will be a slow and methodical picking apart of the human anatomy. Maybe I’ll put up a Twitter poll of my own and ask people what they would like me to break first. Your jaw, so you can’t talk? Your fingers so you can’t type. Maybe it will be your legs, so you can’t walk away from this and have to have accountability for your own actions. Nah, that would only set expectations, unfair expectations at that. Considering you may not even make it to Into the Void.
My nostrils flared, and my brows furrowed as I glared at the camera.
Now then, I could go on and on with this dick measuring contest, but really what’s the point. I’m the only world champion in this match that matters. In Sin City, this title is the one that matters.
I hold the title belt up with both hands, looking over the edge of it, then slowly I lower it.
That’s not to say that yours doesn’t matter, it just doesn’t matter here. I will always respect your ability, but that is the only thing I respect about you.
Looking thoughtful for a moment, I smile recalling a conversation I had recently.
By now, I’m sure you heard all about what I did to Larry Tact. That was just a small dose of what I’m going to do to you. What happened at thirteen, was exactly as we envisioned. Still though, on a very small dose, as payment of what I owe you. I know you have no love lost for Kat, and yes she most definitely did hit you from behind with a pipe. Why do you suppose that was? It’s called betrayal Matt. You betrayed her and you paid a price. Have you ever seen what happens to a person, when they see what they believed was their future at the time, just vanish? Like when they discover that the person who they thought loved them is exposed for being obsessed with another man’s wife? I can’t tell you how many times I held that woman as she cried because of you. She’s family and she matters to me, she may not mean shit to you, but to some of us, she means a lot. As usual, you told a half-truth, you conveniently left out the part where you handcuffed her to a cage and lifted it into the ceiling for payback. You also conveniently left out the part where you had asked Kat where she would go when it came time to retire. She told me, although I’m not really all that shocked that she didn’t tell you, all things considered.
My appearance changes, if looks could kill, Knox would be dead three times before he hit the ground.
As for the comments you made about Seb, Chris, and others. Why? They really don’t even factor into this fight at all. While it’s true that Page will be in my corner, he’s never yet interfered in one of my fights. Neither has any member of CCPE. I see you out there trying to say that we are a stable, while amusing, it’s not factual. There are a number of us that don’t see eye to eye and are definitely not on the same page. Chris is our agent, to be blunt about it. He’s provided opportunities that many of them wouldn’t have had. We like having Chris work for us, and I’ll give you an example. My own net worth has almost doubled in the short time he’s worked for me. Seems to me that you’re being pissy with him because he never pursued you as a client. He had considered you, once upon a time before you started being such cunt. I guess it’s those years you spent away from the industry. It’s like you have this need to pick a fight with anyone and everyone. Knowing full well, that many of the people you’ve been poking could end your career. I realize that is a kind of morbid outlook but if you were to stop and think, for once, you’d also realize it’s true.
I shrug and smile as I continue.
Again, you won’t hear me, and that’s okay. I mean, it’s a proven fact, not a tact fact but a proven fact that you are a narcissistic gaslighting piece of shit. You had the balls to blame my wife for the position you find yourself in with Masque. I guess in the end, in the end…
I begin laughing, almost manically and then I stop.
In the end, it looks as though Karma has you in her clutches. All that time you spent trying to save someone who didn’t need saving, to begin with. Now, you’re trapped in your own fucking game. I wonder who might step up and save the lesser Raven. Now, that is a tough call, isn’t it? I can tell you who it won’t be, I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.
I shake my head in disgust, wondering why he just won’t listen. I told him several times not to try and involve himself in our business.
If I had a heart, I’d almost feel sorry for you. I can’t though, you put yourself in this position.
Songbird.
From Raven to Songbird, she really should start calling you pigeon, that would be more accurate. Between that and trying to start a war with the stars of every company out there, you’re spread far too thin, Matt. What happened to you? You’ve lost a ton of IQ points over the last two years. You’re tired and need rest. You’ll get some rest coming up shortly though. I’m going to pick you apart, son. Limb by limb, you are going to suffer. See, I’m not Joe, I’m not strictly a brawler, there’s far more to me than that. They pay me to hurt people, and you’ll find out, I’m really fucking good at it.
Glaring at the camera again, I set my jaw to that my intensity and intent are clear.
I’ll even give you some information that you probably didn’t know about it. That fight in the desert, when I drew first blood. You said you didn’t know I could move like that. Not everything you see on television or on tapes will reveal everything they know. Everything they are capable of. Take my background for example. You know I served my country as a member of the construction battalion. Forward operations and SEALS are trained in Krav Maga. A martial art that is more closely related to real-world situations. Situations we might run into out in the world.
I stretch my fingers out, listening as they all pop one after the other.
Now you know one of my oldest secrets. In the past few years, I started incorporating it into my match preparation. Knowing it and planning for it are two different things. I know about your own background, I’m not concerned in the least. It won’t help you, just like it didn’t help you in that fight out in the desert.
I roll my neck, listening to the vertebrae pop, each one providing a little relief. When I speak, it’s in a low-level tone devoid of emotion.
Your recklessness in the ring is well known. Being reckless against me would be suicidal. Trying the mat game against me would be suicidal. Being in the ring with me right now in my current frame of mind is stupid. But, then again, that’s what you do. I don’t fight like you do Matt, I use it all to my advantage, my opponent's lapses, their lack of attention to detail. I use my knowledge of almost twenty years of active in-ring competition. My knowledge of the human anatomy, and what their strengths and weaknesses are, both mentally and physically. You don’t understand any of that though. You’ll do your usual thing, spinning lies and twisting the truth. You’ll come into this match supremely arrogant. Last but certainly not least, I’ll put you down hard, Raven, there won’t be enough left of you for Marika to scrape up into a dustpan. I told you not to fuck around and find out, and here we are. I would say I’m sorry in advance, but I’m not, when it’s self-inflicted Matthew, I’ll have no sympathy, regret, remorse, or even an iota of guilt for fucking you up. Not for what I did to you at thirteen and not what I’ll do in our match at Into The Void. I am not however without some kindness, so I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll have Ken come to ringside and when the smoke clears and you’re on your back bleeding like you were at Thirteen, I’ll have him perform last rights over your broken body.
Fade.
“The fury of a demon instantly possessed me. I knew myself no longer. My original soul seemed, at once, to take its flight from my body; and a more than fiendish malevolence, gin-nurtured, thrilled every fiber of my frame.” - Edgar Allan Poe, The Black Cat
{Hotel - Greece - “Family”}
[off-camera]
[Saturday 3 AM]
While I am an asshole on television, that’s not something I will ever be when it comes to my family. So when the phone rang, I looked at the caller i.d. and it was my youngest sister, Angie. I slid the bar over immediately because she’s the kind that never calls because she needs something. “Hey sis,” I began and she launched into her story. “Big brother, I need a huge favor!” She was obviously fan girling over something. I laughed as I sat up. “It’s not funny, Mac! This is uber important!” Amber looked at me, then rolled over and hugged my arm. Looking down at her I could tell she was amused by the call itself. So she sat up to listen in. Angie, “So, I was listening to Rachel Zion on the radio and she always communicates with her fans on Facebook, because she has the best radio show ever!” I cannot hide my amusement and Amber rolls her eyes but we continue to listen. “You’re coming back to the states soon, right?”
“Yeah, we have a flight later this morning,” I said with a smile. “Oh boy! Can you come to Port Arthur on Tuesday around lunchtime?” “Well, I’ll see what I can do Ang, but you know we are on a tight schedule right now.” A short pause for a deep breath and we braced for the incoming barrage. “So, I know you went to school with Rachel, and she loves you and Amber, she’s always talking about the Golden Couple of wrestling. So, I was hoping you could guys could introduce me to her.” Then Silence on the line, “We can certainly try sis.” Then she began to ramble on about how grateful she was. She hung up shortly after that. “Wow,” was all Amber said before rolling back over and going to sleep.
A few days later
We got to Port Arthur right before noon, my baby sister was there already. She was so excited to see us, dressed in her jeans, boots, and button-down blouse. She had really put in the extra effort for this introduction. She came running up to the rental car, like some wild thing that was amped up on espresso or something. Amber and I looked at each other and laughed a little. Then we exited the car, and gave her fierce hugs. I looked up from my hug with her and could see Rachel inside the restaurant where they were doing a live event today and if I read her lips correctly, she had said “Holy Shit!”. I smiled at the reception. With one arm around my baby sister and holding Amber’s hand, we went inside. The whole place was very excited when we came into the place. Some of these people I knew from high school, in Rachel’s case, had been Melissa’s best friend in high school and were one of the bridesmaids when Melissa and I married. “How the hell are ya, Mac?” She rushed over and gave me a hug. “Oh my fucking god, Amber fucking Ryan, as I live and breathe.” Then she rushed Amber and gave her a hug. I flinched, mostly because in social situations that shit could be dicey with Red. She did fine though and even hugged her back.
‘Shit, I’m sorry, I’m a hugger,” she began to apologize to Amber who to her credit waved it off as nothing. “It’s okay really, thank you so much for talking about us on the radio, we appreciate that very much.” She blushed a little, “Not gonna lie I’m fan girling really hard here.” I’d have to intervene soon and Amber knew that as well, looking over at me briefly. “Rach, this is my baby sister Angie, I wanted to introduce you to each other. She loves your show.” To my and Amber’s surprise, my baby sister turned the fangirl thing way down to low levels. Maybe it was her business sense that took over from there. “I know you,” Rachel said. “You’re the young lady he commented on my manicure posts, and girl your nails are fantastic. Where do you get them done?”
My baby sister was on fucking point as she lead the conversation from there. Amber whispered to me, “I had no idea.” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders, kind of dumbfounded myself all I could say was, “who knew?”. I thought to myself, Angie knew, that’s for certain. She spoke with confidence and never missed a beat while explaining the product she was selling. I’ve always been proud of my family but that was a special proud brother moment for me. I was so glad that I agreed to do this for her.
{LAX - Los Angeles CA - “A Mistake”}
[off-camera]
[Sunday 4 PM]
There is a distinct advantage to flying private over public. People. Always fucking people who are super annoying is the only way to put it. I had a four-hour layover in Germany and another four and a half here in L.A. I sat not too far away from the terminal, watching the planes arrive and leave, more as an amusement than anything. I kept catching this dude from the corner of my eye, who was watching me. He seemed upset and likely drunk as he would glare for a minute and then get up and pace. He was obviously talking himself into something. It was likely something stupid, but such is life. So me being me, I took my bandanna and sunglasses off and stored them in my carry-on bag. This guy is one of those travelers who gets juiced up at an airport bar. I could smell him and his obvious need for whiskey. I smirked when I saw he was wearing an old “Carnage Wrestling” Matt Knox T-shirt. I casually looked in his direction so he could be sure that I was the guy he wanted to confront. I simply smiled, and evidently, that was enough for his courage to be at maximum. I watched him sway a bit as he approached. “Yep, smashed out of his fucking mind,” I said to no one in particular. He came over and stopped in front of me.
“You’re that Mac Bane guy, did the show in Greece?” I looked up and nodded my confirmation to him. “I am.” He could have done anything else in the world but he chose to stick his finger in my face, just about a quarter-inch from my nose. He then started yelling at me, belligerent insults about how I let my marriage rot, regurgitating a lot of the same shit as Knox had said. “Remove your finger from my face, only warning you’ll get.” He looked at me, kind of dumbstruck, as if it didn’t register with him that he had made an egregious mistake. When he didn’t do as I asked, people around him started to murmur. He got brave and tried to jab me in the eye with his finger. Which I reacted to, quickly raising my left arm to knock it away, and counter striking with a fist to the exposed solar plexus. That one counter, had him on the floor before he could even comprehend what just happened. “Son, I get it. You’re a wrestling fan and obviously a mark for Knox. My recommendation for you is that you go sleep it off.” The smell of whiskey, probably jack daniels I’d assume. “And for fucks sakes, understand your audience and your enemy. I am NOT someone who tolerates fools.” As he writhed on the ground in pain, I simply stepped on his right hand to apply a simple wrist lock. I was still applying pressure to the wrist lock when security showed up.
“Mister Bane, we’ll handle it from here.” I nodded to the security officers and released the wrist lock allowing them to drag him to his feet. “Will you need a statement from me?” I asked in a polite manner. “No sir,” He motioned toward the terminal desk. “The ladies saw what was happening and called us. I think we’ve got everything we need.” The young man who had assaulted me was being led away in stunned silence at what just happened. “At least the binders will keep him from making an ass of himself for the time being,” I said in an amused tone. I sat back down and went back to staring out the window watching the planes arrive. That simple act of defending myself would practically guarantee that I would have peace for the rest of my time in L.A. I thought about what happened just now. I wouldn’t press charges, that’s always a waste of time. That young man, wouldn’t learn anything from the experience, so why bother. I mean, he doesn’t realize it yet, but he put himself in far more danger than he realized. Funny enough, so did the man he was such a huge fan of. Knox had pushed me passed the limit, there was no doubt about that. It was taking every ounce of everything I am to hold my destructive nature at bay. Just until the match, then there would be no holding anything in check. I would destroy him for his assumption that I was like everyone else.
Fade
{Top of the World - Las Vegas NV - “Errors In Judgement”}
[off-camera]
Two Days Prior
In this world, there are a lot of people that will literally do anything to turn a buck. They will set your business on fire because you’ve made an enemy at some point in your life. They will try to kill members of your family. They’ll also pay the paparazzi for pictures of your loved ones, in compromising positions. So, that being said, let’s move this story along.
I was at the Oblivion Garage, checking on progress, we were about halfway home, which was amazing to me. Amber and I could never have gotten this far this fast on our own. My moment of reverie was broken by the ringing of my phone. So, even though it came from an unlisted number, I slid the bar to answer it. “This is Mac.” was my response to the caller. The voice when they replied was disguised, it came across as robotic and devoid of emotion. “Mr. Bane, we have some business we’d like to discuss with you. We will be at the top of the world restaurant in two days' time. Make certain you are there, it would be a shame if these pictures I have of your wife were to become public and further damage both of your reputations.” The call then disconnected.
Needless to say, I cussed like a sailor after getting that call. I was pretty sure of where the pictures came from. I wouldn’t say anything though, certainly not to Amber, she had enough on her plate at the moment. I heard voices from far off to my left, and much to my surprise, my wife, looking as stressed out as usual came out. She was evidently coming out of the meeting with Reverend McCrae. A meeting I had no knowledge of. I was trying to be more trusting of her, so I didn’t give her the evil eye or anything, just a warm smile as she and the reverend approached. “Ah, Mister Bane, what do you think of the progress so far?” Yep, this guy was a snake oil salesman alright but I’d play along for the time being. “Amazing,” I said with a little bit of awe in my voice. “It really does look amazing.” I smiled as I shook his hand. “Wouldn’t you say so, Red?” She nodded her head slowly as if trying to think of what to say. “It is, Mac I’m sorry I forgot to tell you about this meeting. It was really just to finalize some details and the problem with logistics.” I smiled and nodded, “It’s all good, Red. Thank you for handling it, I appreciate it.” I lied almost as easily as she did just then. There was a lot more to that story than she was letting on.
Present Day
Which led me here today, sitting in the restaurant, I took in the sites and smells of it. This was an expensive place to eat, not a place that Amber and I would ever go out to unless it was a public relations event of some kind. I’m sure that this clown was using this very public setting to make sure I behaved myself. Little does he know, that I am never afraid of making a scene. However, I’d take a look at what he has and listen to what he had to say. As instructed I ordered the charred Ahi for my guest and the calamari fries for myself. It would be someone that just came up and sat down with me. Imagine my surprise when the woman that came up and sat down was a dead ringer for Amber.
“Thank you so much, Mac, this looks wonderful” Her voice was too sweet for my wife, but the casual passerby wouldn’t think anything of it. She looked enough like Red and smelled like her too. I don’t know how she knew that detail but the cinnamon perfume was dead on. “Impressive, is it not?” She asked in a very coy way and winked at me. I finally found my voice, “It is, very detail oriented I see.” She smiled prettily at me, “Well, she does have good taste in perfume at least.” I nodded, “Not so much in men?” I asked in an equally coy way. She laughed, just as the waiter arrived. “Are you prepared to order?” His slow and deliberate speech was a bit off-putting. Before I could speak, she cut me off, “Yes, I’d like the prime rib, new york style. My husband will have the bone-in ribeye. I waited for the waiter to wander off, “My husband?”, she shot me a warning glance. “Oh yes the game, and if I don’t choose to play?” She glared at me and produced an envelope, “that picture goes out to every dirt sheet and major publication in the world.”
I tapped my index finger on the tabletop for a moment. I’m not worried about the dirt sheets so much, we can claim photoshop on that, but the others… “That’s right honey, you need to think very carefully about your next move and words, and I did think it through very carefully. “The cost?” She eyed me for a moment and then produced another envelope. Looking at it, I then looked up at her. “Is that the final figure?” She smiled, “We are not trying to force you into bankruptcy.” The food arrived just then so the conversation was cut off. The waiter cleared away the starters, and I saw an exchange between the two, it was just a glance and a slight nod given to him by her. Now I knew who, the real question was why. “So, when I pay this, how will I know it won’t be released anyway?” She smiled again, in that uncomfortable way. “You’ll just have to trust me, Mac.” I began laughing and I took her small hand in mine and leaned in as close as I could. When I spoke to her, it was in a very quiet voice, “You had better send me every copy of these fucking pictures or I will hunt you and your boyfriend back there down and kill the both of you. Do you understand me?” She gulped and turned a very white shade of pale and nodded her head.
“Does this envelope have your contact information or the account number I’m wiring the money to?” She nodded, not saying a word. “Un-fucking-believable,” I said in that same low voice. “I’ve never understood why people do things like this.” I shook my head in disgust as I opened the envelope, finding what I was looking for, I accessed an application on my phone. I transferred the amount to the account listed. “Check your balance, dear,” I said through clenched teeth. She nodded, “Was it you or him that took the pictures?” I asked again in that soft but threatening way that I have about me. “It’s there, it was me, and it was planned. Pro athletes make so much money…” I held up a finger to her lips shushing her. “We do, but we are also the ones that put her bodies and lives on the line for the sake of entertainment and competition. What gives you the right to attack one of or any of us in this way.” She nodded, “I grew up very poor, there were many nights there was nothing to eat.” It sounded rehearsed, but I let that go. “Since you know so much about myself and my wife, you’d know that we both grew up poor and on a lot of days went to bed hungry. Sorry, not buying your sob story.” I released her hand and she calmed a bit. “Where are the other copies of this picture?”
The young man that she was obviously working with, made his appearance, “Is everything okay? Your companion seems to be a little stressed.” I looked up at him with the best fuck you look I could manage. “Where are the rest of the photos?” He looked between the two of us and almost panicked, fortunately for the three of us this place was empty. I grabbed him by the tie and pulled him toward me. “Kid, you can fuck with me all you want, you start fucking with my family and I’ll end you. I’m going to ask one more time, politely.”
“Where
Are
The
Fucking
Pictures?!”
He was doing his best to hold it together as I released his tie. “I’ll get them now”, he said through a shuddering breath. He placed a thumb drive on the table. “We never loaded them to our laptop at home.” I looked at them both, “Take a seat kid.” He only hesitated for a moment. “When I get up from this table, you are going to do two things. You will come to sit where I am now and enjoy this meal. Your girl over there is going to pay for it. Is that clear?” He nodded his head, obviously still very scared. “If I ever see either of you again, this deal is null and void. I’ll know you’re out to hurt my family again, and I’ll do what any Texan would do.” I looked between them and they both nodded. “If those pictures make their way out into the world, I know your faces and since you weren’t smart enough to use an anonymous name on that account I know your names.” Again they nodded, “Young lady put your hands back up on the table I wouldn’t want to think your reaching for the pea shooter in your bag.” She quickly did as commanded. “The bright side here is, your plan worked, you are now a lot more wealthy than you were half an hour ago. I stood up with the forty-five caliber pistol still in my right hand. I slipped it back into my holster and covered it. “Remember what I said, both of you. My benevolence only goes so far.” They both quickly nodded, and in unison said, “thank you.” I picked up the envelopes from the table and started for the door.
“Some things are just not worth going to prison for kids,” I said as I walked out of the room. I paused long enough by the door to watch the young man start eating my meal as I stepped out into the hallway. I waited long enough to hear him say, “Yes that was the only copy, I swear!” then she replied to him, “you fucking moron, we could have gotten so much more money if you hadn’t caved like a bitch.” I chuckled, just as I thought. I took my phone back out again, logging into the application and then reversing the transaction, “And now you’re poor again.” I said with all amusement and felt zero guilt about it.
Fade.
{In-Studio - Las Vegas NV - “Half-Truths and Lies.”}
[on-camera]
[Sunday, May 8th at 7 PM]
I stand in the studio that Amber and I built in our home, way back when we first bought it. Tonight I’m dressed in something more simple and comfortable. Simple grey tracksuit pants, a white t-shirt with black lettering that says “Dominate” on it. My super comfortable sketchers slide on shoes. My hair hangs loose. I’ve turned the lighting down a bit dimmer than normal to allow the moonlight to brighten up just a touch. I had just finished watching Knox’s promo and was more than a little amused. We were getting ready for the showdown at Ano Liosia Olympic Sports Hall in Athens Greece.
Well, shit, Matt. I guess nothing is off-limits now, is it? Someone was trying to be funny, okay it actually was funny. My wife called you daddy? Really? That’s fucking hilarious to me. You always warn people about talking about your kids but there we are. The reason it’s so funny to me is, that your own kids have never called you that. Of course, by the time they actually knew about you, that part of their childhood had passed, hadn’t it? Fucking dead beat. Get the fuck out of here with that nonsense. You should tell Corey he’s got nothing to worry about as far as his crown goes. The only thing you’re the king of is cheap heat. I mean in your first promo you made a lot of accusations. Why? Oh, that’s the easy part. He’s scared. He knows that I am the guy that can put him down. That’s what scares him most in his life, is that he’ll piss the wrong guy off and they’ll end his career. That would mean he doesn’t get to choose when and where he goes out. The wrestling world knows it too which scares him even more. Dumbass put a poll out there and it was favored by quite a lot to me. Corey Black and I were two of the three, some roided up chick that I can’t remember the name of was the third. Who gives a shit right? It’s just another stupid Twitter poll that doesn’t amount to shit. It doesn’t make them wrong, it’s just that they are not in this match. Oh, by the way, Matthew, recycling things you’ve said to others in order to wax poetic? Regurgitating that same old pathetic poem you used against Ken? That’s beyond sad, Chief. Quoth the Raven…blah blah blah.
Shaking my head, I sigh a bit, before continuing.
Regardless of you wanting to be a poet, I made you the guy I would face for a reason. See, when I made the announcement, what most people missed was that I said that you were not a real contender, just the next to pay the price. Mostly because I want you to be humbled, you need it, and no one will argue that point. While you walk around accusing others of hubris, all the while not accepting of your own faults. Some would call it hypocrisy, but I can’t even call it that, it’s way beyond that. You’re one thousand percent correct, I’m an arrogant prick. Rightly so, I might add. I had no break in my career. I didn’t drop off the face of the earth into a trashcan because I couldn’t handle success. I don’t have an addictive personality so I didn’t succumb to the same trap you did. I’m proud of you for being clean for so long, Heroine is a fucking nightmare. Maybe the most important thing is that I didn’t successfully kill every relationship I had in order to chase pussy. I sure as fuck didn’t knock up a dozen women just to prove I could. I didn’t want my children to grow up not knowing their father or whether he loved them or not. Funny enough, one of your own kids reached out to me and asked if I would be her dad. Not her Daddy but her father. You really should spend more time with Ronnie to see if you can patch that up. That one has a real deep-seated hatred for you. Not that you care that much about any of them. You didn’t have a hand in raising them after all. Why should you give a shit about people you barely know. I mean, I get it, as did the magazine. What was the headline, The biggest douchebag in our industry has all the gold? Well, not all of it. Really not even a tenth of a percentage to be fair. All the gold in the industry won’t fill the void in your heart.
My look of amusement has not changed at all, I smirk at the camera.
I’m going to make something perfectly clear. You say you're coming to fight, let me assure you. You’ve never been around me when I go to that place. You are not ready for what’s coming for you. I’m not trying to scare you, I don’t want you to be able to say that you had no idea. Let’s just go ahead and get this out of the way. His name is Alex Jones, not Alix. Alix is your daughter, you might want to get that clear in your head. I mean I know Alex can be a bit of a bitch but com’on man. There is so much talk about moral high ground and penance these days. It just makes me laugh. Another point for you bird brain, I often did take the moral high ground in my past. Penance? Nah, I’ll save you a seat on the bus to hell. We can revel in old times, damn…I hope they have scotch. Probably not though, they probably only have that cheap shit you drink. You’ll also have to forgive me, I didn’t grow up in a catholic school nor was I born Jewish, so guilt really has no place in my heart.
My smirk never slides, but, I force myself into taking on a more serious tone.
Never broke your stare? More importantly, I flinched? Things you should consider before running your mouth about me. What I did in my first ten months here. It’s almost unparalleled in this company's history. I was a triple crown champion in my first ten months. That was with me stepping away for at least 2 months. You never flinched? Please, you started whoring yourself out to any company that would have you. Well, up until you lost a match or two, then it was the same old same old. You weren’t good enough for those places, and you quit. Just like in Carnage when you couldn’t beat Amber or Joe. People who work for Sin City tend to do the same after I embarrass them. They want the title but they’re not really willing to put in the work or pay the price to take it from me. Believe me, the price is high, you’ll start figuring that out once the bell rings. I hope you’re not going to be like some other people around here. I beat them, they can’t believe they lost and they run for Florida as quick as they can. They always show up for the Blast From The Past tournament though. They also, always scream the loudest, too funny. Oh, wait I shouldn’t forget the funniest part of your promo. I’ve never stood on my own…
I begin laughing so hard and slapping my thigh. Then I abruptly stop.
Lemme tell ya something. In my time here and elsewhere, I’ve been a part of a few stables. This one? The Saviors weren’t even a thing until after I started my second reign as world champion. These days, it doesn’t really matter the why’s or the what’s of a stable being formed. No one will ever give the originators of the stable credit for forming a stable. It doesn’t matter if the reason is noble or nefarious. They always want to tear down what they didn’t create. My opinion on this is the same as it’s been for twenty years. I don’t give a fuck about your opinion. For your words to have any impact on me, I would have to value you as a person. You killed that not long after your arrival. So, instead of having a match with an old friend, I’ll just be putting down another rabid dog with no sense of pride, class, or honor. Knox, I can assure you, that when you look across the ring at me, you will have come face to face with the enemy. An enemy with no remorse, and no regrets, only malicious intent. I said it before and I’ll say it again, you’re fucked. You won’t walk away from this one. The reason is so simple, there are certain lines that should never be crossed. It’s okay that you want to blame me, but it doesn’t track, especially when you yourself finally admitted your obsession. You also blamed Amber for your situation with Masque. So, tell me again Matthew how I’m going to pay for my sins? Yeah, I don’t think so. You crossed the line, and I’m going to make you pay. It’s not going to be enjoyable for you, it will be a slow and methodical picking apart of the human anatomy. Maybe I’ll put up a Twitter poll of my own and ask people what they would like me to break first. Your jaw, so you can’t talk? Your fingers so you can’t type. Maybe it will be your legs, so you can’t walk away from this and have to have accountability for your own actions. Nah, that would only set expectations, unfair expectations at that. Considering you may not even make it to Into the Void.
My nostrils flared, and my brows furrowed as I glared at the camera.
Now then, I could go on and on with this dick measuring contest, but really what’s the point. I’m the only world champion in this match that matters. In Sin City, this title is the one that matters.
I hold the title belt up with both hands, looking over the edge of it, then slowly I lower it.
That’s not to say that yours doesn’t matter, it just doesn’t matter here. I will always respect your ability, but that is the only thing I respect about you.
Looking thoughtful for a moment, I smile recalling a conversation I had recently.
By now, I’m sure you heard all about what I did to Larry Tact. That was just a small dose of what I’m going to do to you. What happened at thirteen, was exactly as we envisioned. Still though, on a very small dose, as payment of what I owe you. I know you have no love lost for Kat, and yes she most definitely did hit you from behind with a pipe. Why do you suppose that was? It’s called betrayal Matt. You betrayed her and you paid a price. Have you ever seen what happens to a person, when they see what they believed was their future at the time, just vanish? Like when they discover that the person who they thought loved them is exposed for being obsessed with another man’s wife? I can’t tell you how many times I held that woman as she cried because of you. She’s family and she matters to me, she may not mean shit to you, but to some of us, she means a lot. As usual, you told a half-truth, you conveniently left out the part where you handcuffed her to a cage and lifted it into the ceiling for payback. You also conveniently left out the part where you had asked Kat where she would go when it came time to retire. She told me, although I’m not really all that shocked that she didn’t tell you, all things considered.
My appearance changes, if looks could kill, Knox would be dead three times before he hit the ground.
As for the comments you made about Seb, Chris, and others. Why? They really don’t even factor into this fight at all. While it’s true that Page will be in my corner, he’s never yet interfered in one of my fights. Neither has any member of CCPE. I see you out there trying to say that we are a stable, while amusing, it’s not factual. There are a number of us that don’t see eye to eye and are definitely not on the same page. Chris is our agent, to be blunt about it. He’s provided opportunities that many of them wouldn’t have had. We like having Chris work for us, and I’ll give you an example. My own net worth has almost doubled in the short time he’s worked for me. Seems to me that you’re being pissy with him because he never pursued you as a client. He had considered you, once upon a time before you started being such cunt. I guess it’s those years you spent away from the industry. It’s like you have this need to pick a fight with anyone and everyone. Knowing full well, that many of the people you’ve been poking could end your career. I realize that is a kind of morbid outlook but if you were to stop and think, for once, you’d also realize it’s true.
I shrug and smile as I continue.
Again, you won’t hear me, and that’s okay. I mean, it’s a proven fact, not a tact fact but a proven fact that you are a narcissistic gaslighting piece of shit. You had the balls to blame my wife for the position you find yourself in with Masque. I guess in the end, in the end…
I begin laughing, almost manically and then I stop.
In the end, it looks as though Karma has you in her clutches. All that time you spent trying to save someone who didn’t need saving, to begin with. Now, you’re trapped in your own fucking game. I wonder who might step up and save the lesser Raven. Now, that is a tough call, isn’t it? I can tell you who it won’t be, I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.
I shake my head in disgust, wondering why he just won’t listen. I told him several times not to try and involve himself in our business.
If I had a heart, I’d almost feel sorry for you. I can’t though, you put yourself in this position.
Songbird.
From Raven to Songbird, she really should start calling you pigeon, that would be more accurate. Between that and trying to start a war with the stars of every company out there, you’re spread far too thin, Matt. What happened to you? You’ve lost a ton of IQ points over the last two years. You’re tired and need rest. You’ll get some rest coming up shortly though. I’m going to pick you apart, son. Limb by limb, you are going to suffer. See, I’m not Joe, I’m not strictly a brawler, there’s far more to me than that. They pay me to hurt people, and you’ll find out, I’m really fucking good at it.
Glaring at the camera again, I set my jaw to that my intensity and intent are clear.
I’ll even give you some information that you probably didn’t know about it. That fight in the desert, when I drew first blood. You said you didn’t know I could move like that. Not everything you see on television or on tapes will reveal everything they know. Everything they are capable of. Take my background for example. You know I served my country as a member of the construction battalion. Forward operations and SEALS are trained in Krav Maga. A martial art that is more closely related to real-world situations. Situations we might run into out in the world.
I stretch my fingers out, listening as they all pop one after the other.
Now you know one of my oldest secrets. In the past few years, I started incorporating it into my match preparation. Knowing it and planning for it are two different things. I know about your own background, I’m not concerned in the least. It won’t help you, just like it didn’t help you in that fight out in the desert.
I roll my neck, listening to the vertebrae pop, each one providing a little relief. When I speak, it’s in a low-level tone devoid of emotion.
Your recklessness in the ring is well known. Being reckless against me would be suicidal. Trying the mat game against me would be suicidal. Being in the ring with me right now in my current frame of mind is stupid. But, then again, that’s what you do. I don’t fight like you do Matt, I use it all to my advantage, my opponent's lapses, their lack of attention to detail. I use my knowledge of almost twenty years of active in-ring competition. My knowledge of the human anatomy, and what their strengths and weaknesses are, both mentally and physically. You don’t understand any of that though. You’ll do your usual thing, spinning lies and twisting the truth. You’ll come into this match supremely arrogant. Last but certainly not least, I’ll put you down hard, Raven, there won’t be enough left of you for Marika to scrape up into a dustpan. I told you not to fuck around and find out, and here we are. I would say I’m sorry in advance, but I’m not, when it’s self-inflicted Matthew, I’ll have no sympathy, regret, remorse, or even an iota of guilt for fucking you up. Not for what I did to you at thirteen and not what I’ll do in our match at Into The Void. I am not however without some kindness, so I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll have Ken come to ringside and when the smoke clears and you’re on your back bleeding like you were at Thirteen, I’ll have him perform last rights over your broken body.
Fade.