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Messages - Jack Washington

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1
Climax Control Archives / Starting Over: Chapter 1: On Our Own
« on: November 03, 2023, 11:59:32 PM »
Prologue: 

Jack was unsuccessful in winning the SCW world title, but isn’t apparently in the worst of spirits. He seemed to be accepting of everything more so than usual. After nearly having a mental breakdown, it appears that Jack is okay, but one has to wonder about his true mental state going into this triple threat match for the SCW Roulette championship, a championship that if he won, would mean Jack is a triple crown winner.

 

Outside the ring, Jason was apparently set up by the returning Mexicans, who nearly killed Jason about a year ago. While the police are still hunting for them, Jason still seemingly encountered them, and now, Jack must prepare to deal with their full wrath once again.

 

--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV

 

Pacing. Pacing back and forth. Stopping only to peer out the window from time to time as Brian came in the door.

 

Jack: Anything?

 

Brian looked at him like he was crazy. He was certainly acting crazy. Paranoid is more apt.

 

Brian: Stick, they ain’t about to do anything in broad daylight. Plus, the security team is out there and on watch, just like they always are. You do not have to act like the world is coming to an end. If they come, that’s why you hired Ed. His team is on it.

 

He stopped. As if this just hit him. Despite the fact that he had hired Ed and his team, and they were the best. He was nervous, scared even, that the Mexicans would be back sooner rather than later. This was something he has already really accounted for, but now, it was happening.

 

Jack: You’re right. You’re right. I’m just... I dunno man, I’m a little paranoid.

 

Brian shook his head and really for the first time in a long time, he put his hand on Jack in a show of comfort. Brian was never the touchy-feely type so this was a little shocking and jarring to Jack, but he nodded as well.

 

Brian: Stick, you will make yourself sick is you continue like this. You know, I told you a couple of weeks ago to take a vacation, and it looks like you can use another one already.

 

He nodded again, a small smirk crossed his face. He was worrying about this, and maybe too much. He sighed and seemed to relax. He sat down in his chair, trying to lean back, but stopped and looked up at Brian.

 

Jack: What about the Casino?

 

Brian: What about it?

 

Jack: Do we know that it’s safe?

 

Brian: It should be. Johnny’s got that. Just let him know.

 

Jack: But he doesn’t know.

 

Jack was of course referring to the fact the Mexicans knew of the spots underground at the casino below the parking garage that they had built. The spots they worked without anyone noticing.

 

Jack: I’m going to have to tell him, or we’re going to have to seal that part off. Probably both.

 

Brian: I’m sure it can be arranged.

 

Jack: Good, can you get on that. I need to make a quick trip.

 

Brian: Where?

 

Jack: We may need some backup.

 

--

Harrah’s Hotel & Casino

 

Jack had come to see Sonny. It had been quite a while since he had spoken to Sonny, and the last time was not favorable conversation that Jason had lead to the point where it seemed Jack and Jason may go to war with Sonny. 

He was just hoping time had healed that wound.

 

He was escorted to the penthouse suite, he felt the sharp point of a gun barrel in his back a few times, so he was pretty certain it wasn’t going to be all good. The door opened and there was Sonny, sitting in a chair, staring at him.

 

Sonny: What do I owe the honor, son? Come to finally run me out?

 

Jack: No, Sonny. I’m actually here to talk some business.

 

Sonny only chuckled in response.

 

Sonny: Business. Yeah, I remember that was last time too.

 

Jack: I want to apologize for my brother, he gets impulsive and he’s not all the way right in the head. He speaks without thinking.

 

Sonny: Or his just confuses saying the loud part quiet and the quiet part loud.

 

Jack: Again, I’m sorry, I just want to talk about some new information that came to light.

 

Sonny eyed him suspiciously. There was no doubt a gun was close by if Jack made any sudden moves. 

 

Jack: Look, I’m not here to shoot you, you patted me down, I’m not armed. I just want to talk.

 

Sonny: Make it quick.

 

Jack: We may... have a problem with the Mexicans coming back.

 

Sonny: Oh really?

 

Jack; Yes, my brother got arrested a couple weeks ago.

 

Sonny: Oh yeah, I heard about that.

 

Jack: You did?

 

Sonny: I got eyes and ears everywhere kid, it’s a rule of being in this business. 

 

Jack: Fine. I get it, but he was set up by the Mexicans. He told me so himself.

 

Sonny: And that’s a sad story. You’re breaking my heart, kid. What does it have to do with me?

 

Jack: If they are coming after me, you know you are on their hitlist.

 

Sonny stopped and stared at Jack. Maybe Jack had gotten through to him, but Sonny simply started chuckling.

 

Sonny: And?

 

Jack: I’m just saying … we worked together before. Why not do it again?

 

Sonny now busted into outright laughter.

 

Sonny: You... you wanna work together? No, no you don’t want to work together. I’ll tell you what you want. You want some insurance. You want backup. You want a crutch. 

 

Sonny stood up, pulling a box of cigarettes out of his pocket and lighting one up.

 

Sonny: If you want to be a player here, be a player. I can deal with them if they come back. Obviously, you can’t. But you’re gonna have to figure that one out for yourself, kid.

 

Jack: I’m just...

 

Sonny: Sorry kid, the answer is no. It’s survival out there. You either adapt, or you perish. It’s as simple as that. I’ve grown my empire. Grown my guys. You’re lucky I don’t crush you and your idiot brother out now. I’m sure you can find your way out of here.

 

Jack say that Sonny had simply turned to walk away. He was going to say something, but it wasn’t going to make any difference. He simply left, dejected, and sullen. He shrugged, and pulled out his phone once he got to his car.

 

Jack: Brian.... it didn’t work out. Tell Jay... we’re on our own.

--

 

On Camera:

 

Click.

 

He doesn’t wear a smirk, or a scowl, it’s a blank look, one of... almost indifference.

 

Jack: I could complain. I could. But what’s the point? I’ve come to realize at this point that I’m basically yelling into the god damn ether and everybody just sees the truth, as me complaining about things and trying to cover up my failures. I’m just Jack, the guy who whines when he loses. 

Despite the fact that I’ve never complained about a loss. I take them, they happen. I get over them quickly. Just as quickly as I do wins. Do you hear me talk about how I beat guy X or guy Y repeatedly? No. I won those matches, I moved on. It’s the same with losses. I lost at High Stakes, and you know what, it was a six pack challenge and I should have been better. I could sit here and bitch, but there’s no point in doing so. I mean, shouldn’t I be happy? I go from one title shot to another this week. What’s there to complain about? 

I mean, sure, Austin Mercer and Goth, two men who ALSO didn’t win are facing each other for a chance to compete for the world title, and I’m just getting this random Roulette title match, which is just a bunch of bullshit, but hey, why complain about it? Why would I need to point out the nonsense of randomly having these men who got the same result I did, getting a chance neither of them deserve? There’s just no point in it anymore. I’ve done shitty things, I’ve won matches by awful means, I’ve talked down to many, many people. My record isn’t clean, I never argued that it was. I’ve simply spoken the truth. I may be a lot of things, but a liar isn’t one of them.

But I guess that, and a couple bucks may get me a coffee and nothing else. I’ve learned to just stop caring about the what match I’m in. I know where I need to be, and obviously calling attention to it is just making people mad and this is just the punishment for it.

But Jack, you’re getting a championship match! You shouldn’t be complaining! It’s the Roulette title. A title, I am, quite frankly, too good for. That’s not a brag, that’s a statement of fact. What do I need the Roulette title for? That’s for wrestlers who are just starting or are comfortable there, or it’s their celing. I know it, you know it. And I’m... correct me if I’m wrong, a two-time Internet and World champion. What does this do for me? 


 

A shrug. 

 

Jack: There is no real answer to this, but hey, I won’t complain about it. I’m happy to have this opportunity, and happy to get some more gold, and hell, I’ll complete the triple crown and add to my already impressive legacy. Sure, why the hell not?

That’s what the thing is, right? The chance for me to do that and then... I’m out of their hair for a while. I’m not going to complain about it, I’m going to take it, and then as soon as I’m done with the Roulette title, I’m going to kindly as for my  one on one match for the SCW world title. I have not had one since I won the title the second time. Just so you all know, I am keeping score, but now, I’m not going to harp on it. I’m going to let it be known now, and then when the time comes, I’m going to bring it up until it happens. 

But for now, I’m going to win this Roulette championship, and make it mean more than any of the other champions that have come before me. 

And I get it, it’s Roulette, it could be anything. Lucky for me, I’ve thrived in this environment pretty much my entire time, and for my entire life. I’ve had curveballs thrown at me left an right. I wrestled in a god damn maze, I fought in pudding. Hell at this point, some stupid ladder match or table match or belt on a pole match is going to be a breeze. I’ve been a survivor for a long, long time. So I don’t sweat whatever comes from the Roulette wheel.


 

He shakes his head, and another heavy shrug follows.

 

Jack: I don’t sweat Peter Vaughn either. Everybody was so hyped when he showed up and he won some matches and everybody was showing him with praise. Almost like they did me. Except you know what I did? I went on and became a world champion. And Peter Vaughn has been stuck right here, where I left him all those months ago. In the rearview mirror. Haven’t thought about him, Haven’t looked at what he’s done, because I haven’t cared. He was my opponent months ago, I beat him, I moved on. I guess he’s been Roulette champion for a long time. 6 months or something. Well, isn’t that special? I suppose that after I beat him and win the title from him, that he will just shoot up the rankings and get himself a big time title match again, right? 

I will again, be holding onto this and I will bring it up when the time is right. 

But hey, how the hell are you Peter? Still doing that Janitor thing? Still being a crazy person? Getting into some wacky adventures and making sure you spout off nonsense about nothing in particular and falling ass-backwards into victories? Good job. That’s your thing, that’s what you do, so, I can see now that I have missed nothing important happening. I know, I know, you’ve had that title for a long time, and you’ve probably become attached to it like a janitor does his trusty mop and all that right? And wouldn’t it just crush you if someone like me just took it from you? You’re so close to immortality, so close to setting a record and then... poof, it’s gone, just like that, in a flash.

Welcome to my world. 

That’s how I’ve been feeling for the past year and some change. I beat chumps like you, and then I make it so far and then one tiny little hurdle and I stumble, and POOF, it’s all gone. Now, you get to know exactly how I feel all those times. So close to accomplishing something great, only for someone to come out of nowhere, and take it all away in one fell swoop.

But let’s just be honest with each other Peter, you have that title, because Goth vacated it or whatever. You beat some scrubs and you’ve been fending off those scrubs for six months, but you know what’s about to happen to you, don’t you? You’re going to get exposed. You will be exposed for the fraud that you are as the Roulette champion, because I’m going to beat you for it. First try and everything. And then all you hard work goes down the drain. 

But hey, maybe they’ll give you a re-match or something. I’m sure you’ll be rewarded so, why even complain about what’s coming your way? I know I wouldn’t.


He stares, hands on hips, and rolls his eyes almost in disbelief of his current situation.

 

Jack: And I sure as hell don’t sweat Bill Barnhart. Though, I wish I could be like Bill Barnhart in a way, and maybe I’m starting to become that. I wish I could be that guy who comes out week after week and fails miserably, and keeps a smile on his face. Because you’re aware of something important Bill. You’re aware that no matter what, as long as you don’t ruffle feather, so long as you are a good little solider and you keep doing what is asked of you, you’ll eventually fall ass backwards into matches like this.

I wish I coud be like that Bill, but that’s not me. That’s you, and that works for you. Keep it up my guy, because it just doesn’t fail you. You know good and well you have no business in this match, you won this title before on a fluke, and lost it just as quickly, and you’ve been running on this hamster wheel ever since. I can appreciate your confidence, but again, we both know you are utterly outmatched. 

You know damn well that when it comes to this, people like me go to the top, and folks like you stay right where they are comfortable. But I will tell you this, I’m not comfortable with this position. I’m going to win this match and then, I’m sure I will be seeing a lot of you in the future. Because this is where you reside. This area of SCW. I know I should be a lot higher than this, but this is where I am now. So, I’m going to make the most of it for now, Bill. I’m sure I’ll be kicking your ass a lot in the near future, but rest assure, it’s not because I want to. I’d much the same just beat you, and Peter, and then move on back to where I belong. 

But, for now... this is where I am. So, it’s going to suck for you in the near future.


 

Another, shrug. At this point it’s been his go-to move.

 

Jack: So, I’m going to win this match, but you know, if by some act of God that I don’t. I don’t even care. I’m through with that. I’m through really trying to make this mean anything. Nobody else wants to, so, I guess I’ll just be along for the ride. 

Until the time is right. 

I will remember everything, so don’t you worry, I’ll be keeping score and I will keep track until the moment arises. Roulette title, fine, that’s the just the first step.


 

He shooes the camera away, flopping into his recliner. We fade to black.

 

Click.

 

Starting. Over.

2
Prologue:

Jack appeared to have some kind of mental breakdown as he inches closer to his world championship match, but also appeared to have some kind of breakthrough in his line of thinking as he laid out everything and aired all of his grievances. One can only wonder what he’s going to say this time as we are mere days away from the big match.

 

This breakdown also showed outside the ring as Jack was essentially forced out of the house by his uncle Brian. Jack drowned his sorrows in alcohol on a boat which was a dangerous combination, and now the police are wanting to speak with him, and we can only venture to guess what that’s about.


 

--

Lake Mead

Las Vegas, NV.

 

The police were there. A few cars, so this appeared to be nothing major, but then again, he probably would face a fine or even an arrest for his drunken use of the boat. He staggered around as the bullhorn called his name, but he wasn’t really registering it right away. He was looking on the deck for something. The fishing pole. Where the hell was it? Also why where there so many calls and texts? 

 

Cop: Mr. Washington, would you please come ashore.

 

He sighed. One thing at a time, he reasoned. He waved and stumbled, trying to sober up as quickly as possible. The headache was not going to help, but he managed to get the boat to the edge of the lake without too much trouble. He slowly climbed out of the boat and approached the cop, attempting to stand up straight, but there was no reason to try and hide his hangover or the fact that he was shitfaced. 

Jack: What.... what can I do for you, officer

 

He leaned in, studying the officer’s chest to try and read his name tag.

 

Jack: Lennox.

 

Cop: Mr. Washington, we’d like you to come with us.

 

Jack: For what? This is my boat. I didn’t do anything.

 

Cop: We’re not here about the boat or to arrest you. It’s about your brother.

 

His hangover ceased instantly. Adrenaline forced him to sweat out whatever alcohol was left in his system. This wasn’t good and it must have been what the calls and texts were about. 

He rushed back onto the boat after telling the cop to hang on and grabbed his phone and climbed back off. He checked his phone and all the calls were from Brian. All the texts were from Brian confirming what the cops were talking about.

He looked the cop dead in the eyes. 

 

Jack: Where is he?

 

Cop: Come with us please.

 

--

Las Vegas Detention Center

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jail. 

Fuck. 

He was uncomfortable despite not being in handcuffs himself this time. He was escorted by the police to an interview room which was being recorded obviously. He didn’t understand why, but he was determined to get it over with quickly. He sat, fidgeting in his chair, wanting answers before a chubby man in a brown suit came in. He sat down and cleared his throat.

 

Cop: I’m detective Anderson, Mr. Washington. I just want to ask you some quick questions about your brother and what happened.

 

Jack: What happened?

 

Det. Anderson: Before we get into that, I just want you to know you’re not under arrest or anything.

 

Jack: I get that. I don’t care about this interview. Whatever you need to ask, just ask so I can see my brother. Where is he, and what happened?

 

Det. Anderson: Okay, calm down Mr. Washington Your brother is currently in custody at this time.

 

Jack:  For what?

 

Det. Anderson: Your brother was found with a large quantity of drugs last night, he appeared strung out and resisted arrest. 

 

At first, he was resigned that this could have happened. Jason had a problem with drugs. More specifically Morphine. But when the detective just said “drugs” It made him curious, and suspicious.

 

Jack: What kind of drugs?

 

Det. Anderson: A few pounds of pure cocaine.

 

Jack: WHAT? That doesn’t make any sense.

 

Det. Anderson: I’m just relaying to you what happened. Do you happen to know if your brother was dealing or using this stuff?

 

Jack: No, he doesn’t. 

 

He was indignant. The question was an insult.

 

Det. Anderson: Okay, he’ll still need to be tested for it in his system, but for now he’s being held on a $25,000 bond. 

 

Jack: Because he was found with it? Where did you find him?

 

Det. Anderson: He was near your casino. The Golden Flamingo.

 

A dark, angry feeling fell over him. Now he wanted answers.

 

Jack: Get on with your questions.

 

Det. Anderson: Were you aware of your brothers whereabouts last night?

 

Jack: No.

 

Det. Anderson: Can you account for your whereabouts last night?

 

Jack: I was on my boat.

 

Det. Anderson: All night?

 

Jack: Yes all night. You brought me in from it!

 

Det. Anderson: So you don’t know when your brother left the house?

 

Jack: No. I was gone before he either came home or he stayed out. I have been at the lake since... Jesus I don’t know like 3pm yesterday.

 

Det. Anderson: Since 3pm? All nighter?

 

Jack: I was drunk. So yeah. 

 

Det. Anderson: So you have no recollection of the previous night?

 

Jack: If you’re going to ask me every question twice this is going to take too long. I left the house, I went out on the boat and drink until I passed out. I woke up because you’re telling me something happened. Then you tell me my brothers a coke dealer or a coke head. You really have no idea what you’re doing. I’m done answering your questions. Where is my brother?

 

The detective was annoyed, but there really wasn’t much to this interview. Jack was being honest about everything. He stood up, straightened himself out and then escorted Jack to see Jason. 

Jason was sitting on the bench, eyes at the floor, hands held together looking very upset. But when he saw Jack, he stood up and rushed to the bars.

 

Jason: Bro.

 

Jack: Jay. What the hell?

 

Jason: It’s not what you think.

 

Jack:  Not what I think? You’re in jail and they’re telling me you had powder! What the fuck else as I supposed to think? How could you be so stupid? We got too much going on for this to continue to be a thing man! I can’t keep bailing your ass out after every single time you fuck up!

 

Jason: Whoa, whoa, you got it all wrong! It wasn’t me this time.

 

Jack: It wasn’t you? 

 

Jason: No... them …

 

Jason looked around and whispered in Jack’s ear. His eyes widened, and then morphed into narrow slits on rage.

 

Jack: God damn it. I knew it wasn’t going to be forever.

 

Jason: But I got good news.

 

Jack: What?

 

Jason: I found out where they are.

 

Jack: Where?

 

Jason: Out in the desert. I just need to get out of here and I can show you.

 

Jack: Okay, I’m going to get you out of there.

 

Jason: Trust me. I’m going to make this up to you. I ain’t got nothing left to lose besides you.

 

Jack: That makes two of us. Sit tight.



He walked from the cell outside and pulled out his phone. A button is pushed.



Jack: Brian.


Brian was yelling on the other end. He had to pull his head away from the phone.

 
Jack: Brian, listen, I got it. I got the whole thing. We need to prepare. Ana Sofia has come back around.

--

 

On Camera:

 

Click.

 

He looks... different now. Eyes wide but full of something that we haven’t seen in a long time, maybe ever before. A spark.

 

Jack: I admit I was looking at this all wrong, you know? I was looking at this as the endless cycle of despair. The god damn clown car that everybody just kept getting out of and I was sitting here wondering if I was on crazy pills or something. I was thinking that none of this makes sense. I have already exposed how I won, I kept winning and got nothing, while people who don’t win, or more accurately, just don’t lose, are being rewarded. And while that’s all the truth, it doesn’t really apply here. And really, it’s not even the big picture. I missed the forest for the trees. But now, I see what this truly is.

This is an opportunity. An opportunity to finally put everything to bed, end all the talk, all the controversy, all the nonsense, to an end, in one fell swoop. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. But at the end of the day, even if by some miracle, I’m not the world champion... it doesn’t matter. Because I know what I am. I’m the face of this franchise. I’m the franchise player. Nobody is investing their future with Austin Mercer. We see that Hawkes isn’t worth it. Sure, as shit not doing it with Alexander Raven, or Carter. And investing in old men has never worked, so Goth is out. There’s only one man in this match that will consistently be here, only one man who has the skills and capability of leading this team, and that’s me.


 
He holds up one finger. The index. And a look of confusion crosses his face.

 

Jack: You really think that James Hawkes is worth it? I certainly don’t. Look Hawkes, let’s just understand that you haven’t been here for long stretches. Oh, I know we’re just counting this year, right, my guy? Oh, you’ve been around since Blast from the Past. Wow, that’s really great. Let’s not talk about the fact that you just disappear and only come back when you feel the need to, or when someone calls you out, or when you just... needs to feel relevant again. Remember when you put out an open challenge and it was promptly fucking ignored? And Fenris had to help you save face? It wasn’t that people were scared to face you, because fucking somebody as trash as Teddy Warren proved that the mystique of James Hawkes isn’t shit. He called you out years ago when there was a time nobody wanted to mess with you. 

You just may think that people were scared, they were afraid. No, they just didn’t want to bother with you. Because I don’t know if the memo has been sent out, but I’m around now, and I’m basically the person who’s going to replace you. There’s already an asshole here that proven to be better than you ever were at it, so you don’t need to come around here anymore. It’s just that simple. You’ve been outsourced. It’s the way life works, James. You done gone soft by losing the title in the first place. I mean, a few years ago, some geriatric like Michael Harris who has to use every old ass trick in the book just to survive, beat you. Beat the iconic James Hawkes and now, the words you say, they just don’t mean as much as they used to. 

As each day passes, you look like less and less of a threat, but rather, a dude still trying to cling to his reputation. There was a time when you spoke and everybody listened. Now, we’re tired of it. We’ve got better options. Nobody wants to wrestle you in an open challenge, because there’s no value in it anymore. I mean, truth be told, this entire match, this entire 6 pack challenge... is your fault. If you hadn’t lost the match to the old man, then you’d be sitting pretty having some match with Carter or Raven since you two want to purse slap each other on the internet. But that’s not where we are, is it? The old you would have wiped the floor with that old man if you are as great, and bad ass as you say. But you didn’t. So, what happened? Why did that happen, James? 

I’m just the guy telling the truth James. We, the entire wrestling world, are over you. We no longer require you to be around. Nobody is asking for you anymore. We’re done with that. If last year at this time wasn’t enough of a hint, this should be. Now you can say whatever it is you want to make yourself feel better about it. You can puff out your chest with false hope and in your own mind you may still believe that the whole “J2H” thing is cool and it means something special, but it doesn’t. It means the same thing today as “VCR”. Most people are going to wonder what the fuck it even means. 

You, my guy, are old news. We’ve moved on past you. And really, the best part is, you know it. You are fully aware that the name, the brand, whatever you want to call it, it’s lost all its luster the moment you lost the world title. Hell, before that when nobody wanted to be your opponent. Hell, even before that when Teddy Warren fucking call you out. 

And I am here, to replace you. I’ve already been at your level, and while you continue to go down, I’m on the rise. I’m reaching the very top, and I will make sure you understand that point at High Stakes, because I will be sure to step on your neck to make it official. Then you can go back to slap fighting on social media with people.

Speaking of which...


 

He chuckles. This one full of the sarcasm he’s known for.

 

Jack: Raven... I have to admit, you amuse me now. You amuse me because of how incredibly fickle you are when the moment rises. You think I’m throwing a tantrum. No, I speak facts, but people just don’t like the truth when it hits them in the face. And you are one of those people. Because oh, how easily we forget to be humble when we’re not humbled. Oh yeah, I remember Raven. I remember it as clear as day. But you? You've obviously forgotten. Probably because it doesn’t make you look good or seem as cool as you think you are.

See, for all the talk about your accomplishments when you and Hawkes were having that petty dick measuring contest, you seem to just kind of omit some shit. Like, how... I beat you for the Internet title. And then, not only did I beat you, I then... proceeded to beat you...AGAIN one on one. I not only made HISTORY as your expense, I then proved that it wasn’t a fluke, and beat you when you had a chance to prove yourself. I did that. And you know what came from the chubby fingers of Alexander Raven after that? You remember? It was you acknowledging those facts. You admitted that I was better. I know, go ahead and scramble on your social media and delete it if you want. But you knew right then and there that I was able to back up everything I’ve said to you, and about you. You? You’ve talked a big game and have nothing to show for it since I beat you. 

So no, you don’t deserve to be here, no matter what you want and try and claim. But again, it’s okay for you, you’ll get another chance, and you will fail, and it will be like water off a duck’s back. That’s the difference between you and me, Raven. I take these chances seriously, because I don’t have unlimited shots like you. Despite you having no right to have been chosen, you get them. That’s not a complaint, or a tantrum, that’s a fact.

All you want to do is cling to whatever you had a while back and try and flaunt it like it means something to me. No, Raven, I am the man who continues to ensure that you don’t get any higher than you are supposed to. When you think you’re about to reach glory, when you think you will finally ascend to the highest plane... I will be there and I will put you right back down where you belong. I’ve done it as many times as we have faced off. 

“I don’t think anyone takes me to the places that Jack Washington does.”

Those words are yours, Raven. 

But I guess that’s all out the window because you want to be seen as a threat. Now you want to act like I’m in the wrong before you want to feel tough. You feel strong, Raven? Do you? Do you understand the truth? Understand this, you will NEVER be able to beat me straight up, and I will make sure that never forget this one just as well when I am the world champion, because I’m going to make sure I look you dead in the eyes as I leave with it.

And you will have to live with me, beating you, again.


 
He makes a check mark with his finger.

 

Jack: Carter, I still think you’re the favorite. Despite the fact that, again, you’re just another person who backed their way into this match, you are the darkhorse aren’t you? The sentimental favorite. Wouldn’t it just be wonderful and dream come true and really storybook moment if Miles walks away the Internet champion, and you walk away the world champion. Oh boy, what a happy couple. What a moment it would be. It’s just too bad it’s not going to happen.

Let’s just be honest with each other Carter, you know you don’t belong here. You know good and well you should just consider yourself lucky your name is going to be announced as a challenger. This for you, is a bonus, really. And that’s really a reason to envy where you are in this match. Because I have to be honest, I envy the position. You have no worries, no expectations. You don’t have to think about your reputation being ruined. You don’t have to think about what happens if you lose. There are no expectations for you. I wish I could do that. I wish I could just walk through life and just not have any reason to care. 

But you are one of the reasons I had an epiphany. Because I realize that I can do just that. I can just not have expectations, I can just be unassuming and everybody thinks I’ve lost my mind and everybody thinks I’ve got crazy and no one suspects me. In a way, you have created this Carter, so I want to thank you for it, before I beat the holy hell out of you, and anybody else who gets in my way. Maybe. Kinda. And then you and Miles care have a similar story to tell about how you ALMOST won the big one. 

Though, for you, that’s the thing isn’t it? It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. It’s the friends we made along the way kind of thing, isn’t it? And I really just don’t want you to have that. No, I need to be the world champion because you aren’t going to be upset or mad that you’re not at that level. You know you’re not at that level, everyone knows you’re not at that level, and this is just going to be the best example that will ever be displayed. You’re simply going to be outclassed because you’re not good enough. Nothing more, nothing less. 


 
He says it matter-of-factly. There’s no hiding any feeling there.

 

Jack: And speaking of nothing less, or just plain less, It’s Austin Mercer. Again. The man who just continued to be one giant example of wasted potential. But you have like the best story of all, you know that? I am almost amazed at this point. How you can do nothing for several months, or even years, and then you come back and do one thing, and it’s like we discover you all over again. I wish I had a sweet deal like that. I wish I could take off from being relevant for that long and then just popping back up to do one semi-impressive thing and act like it’s the biggest thing since sliced bread.

I just can’t do it. It’s the one thing you can do, that I can’t. Aside from be tall and completely waste golden opportunities. I won King for a Day and shot for the moon. You won and... gave yourself a mixed tag title match. You could have at least grown a set of balls and challenged for the world title. But you know, I get it. You knew you were utterly outclassed in that department, because you’ve become apparently big for nothing. You’re like 9 feet tall and do fuck all with it. You know when push comes to shove, you’re not here for this anymore. You don’t really want the smoke. You just enjoy the 15 minutes you seem to get every year.

I know this, because I tried. I tried so god damn hard to get you to give me something that I could sink my teeth into, but instead you went the whole brown bread route, or you tried to be too cool for it, but you’re not cool. You’re lame. You’ve always been lame. You will always be lame. So even when you win something, you make it lame by association. I guess that’s one other thing you do really well. Taking the fun out of literally anything. 

So now, you get yet another crack at trying to not be lame, and sadly, you and I both know you’re just going to be lame regardless. And we can’t have you being a lame world champion. That’s just not going to do. There’s too much as stake. But if SCW ever causes massive amounts of insomnia, we’ll be sure to give you a call. I know, you’ll be back, Goth will be back, Raven will be back because you are the cockroaches in this company, but it’s going to put a huge smile on my face knowing that I proved everything I said about you being true, yet again. And you will hear about it over and over and over. Every time you come back. 


 

A sly grin, full of malice exposes itself much like his teeth. 

Jack: And yes, we finally come to Goth. My least favorite person in the world. I have resigned myself to the fact that it’s going to have to be me who deals with you permanently. And you know, I had to fight with myself about it. Because I’ve watched your old matches, I’ve seen you and how many times you have re-invented yourself. You’ve done whatever it has taken to stay afloat. So, really, I see that now all my efforts were kind of pointless. It seem that no matter what happens to you, you will find a way to come crawling back into things. You will find a way to survive even death. So, it’s doesn’t really do anything to threaten you, because what’s there to say that hasn’t been said? I finally understand exactly what I have to do now.

And, I guess I never really thought it was going to actually come to this, but I might have to literally hurt you. Like, break an arm, break a leg, like cripple you. And it made me look deep inside myself because I had to have that conversation with myself Goth. How would I feel actually breaking you into pieces. Could I live with that? Could I stand on that? That to literally make sure you don’t come back I had to end your career. Because this has been about just winning and proving I am everything I say that I am up until now. The point was that I beat somebody, and then move forward and I don’t think about them again, I’m not out to ensure that people can’t make a living. I’m an asshole, but I’m not heartless.

But I realize now that I kinda have to. In order to me to actually rise, you, You Goth... you have to fall. So I had look myself in the mirror and ask myself if I was okay with that. And Goth, the answer was a resounding “YES.” 

Now, don’t get me wrong. It took a bit of convincing myself. I had a bit of a struggle and then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I have to do it, because you’re going to make me do it. You’re going to force my hand Goth. You really are. You’re going to make me do something that shouldn’t have to be done Goth. You’re going to force me to do it, because that’s how it HAS to be.There is no other way to do this. There’s no way around it. You are going to make me look you in the face as I beat you unmercifully, until you physically cannot take it anymore, and break your body to the point where you just can’t continue with this, or anything anymore.

It didn’t need to be this way Goth, it really didn’t. But you’ve made your choice, so now, I’m going to make mine when I step over the pieces of you that will be laying in that ring to claim the world championship.


 

He shrugs.

 

Jack: I never said this was going to be easy. I said I had nothing left to lose. I don’t have anything on the line, I have nothing left to say at this point about any of those people that I will be in the ring with. We are now on equal ground. I don’t care about whatever you think about me, I never have. I am coming into this match, with a smile on my face for the first time in a while, because I see what’s ahead of me. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I don’t have anything left to lose.

But I have EVERYTHING to gain.


 
He makes a belt motion across his waist. Fade to black.

 
Click.

 
Face. Of The Franchise.

3
Prologue: 

Jack was defeated by Goth and it appears to have affected him more than usual. He did receive what should have been good news for Jack, but it is unknown exactly how he took it all things considered after the loss. Jack was not seen to be in the most stable of moods following the loss and following Climax Control itself. The question becomes what will Jack say, or do to prepare for the Main event of the biggest show of the year?

 

Outside the ring, Jack’s mental state may have some effect on his decision making when it comes to the Casino and other things in his life. Jack wanted to make an impact based on his Uncle Brian’s words but failed to do so. Perhaps everything is getting to Jack so close to his big moment.


--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV.


 
He looked miserable. He sat in his chair and the chair looked indented ever more than usual. A wife-beater shirt and pajama pants. 5 day old 5 o’clock shadow. Unblinking eyes that were darting around the room at rapid fire pace. Quick, in and out breathes to match. His eyes moved and the head followed like he was transfixed on a bug. 

 
Brian: You alright, Stick?

 
He didn’t answer. He continued to look all around, not focused on one thing in particular. Brian stood there waiting for a response which at this point he knew wasn’t coming. He stepped directly in Jack’s line of sight and bent down, getting a foot away from Jack’s face.

 
Brian: Earth to Stick, what the hell?

 
His eyes briefly met with Brian’s. And just as quickly went right past. It was almost like Brian wasn’t even there. Brian waved his hand in front of Jack’s face and it still didn’t register. Finally he snapped his fingers and flat out yelled.

 
Brian: JOHN!

 
Being called his given name seemed to snap him out of the trance. He looked up at Brian, almost surprised he was there.

 
Jack: Huh? Oh. What?

 
Brian: What do you mean, “What?” You’ve been sitting here like a lunatic for days now. You don’t eat, you barely sleep and when you do it’s in this recliner. You need to get a hold of yourself.

 
Brian spoke words and he clearly heard them, but it was as if Brian was talking to a wall. Even when they were making eye contact. He was clearly not listening. Jack leaned back in his recliner, rocking gently, before hand waving Brian away.

 
Jack: I’m not doing that.

 
Brian was perplexed at the response. It’s as if Jack was answering a completely different question or set of words. Brian knew he had to take drastic action at this point, standing in front of Jack and literally pulling him to his feet.
 

Jack: What?!

 
Brian hauled up a slapped Jack upside the head. Jack seemed to finally snap out this full on breakdown.

 
Jack: What the hell was that for?

 
Brian was incredulous. 

 
Brian: What? Are you serious? What is the hell is wrong with you? You need to get your ass out of the house. Go get laid or something. Because you need to seriously get your shit together. You can’t be acting like a fucking maniac and live right. 

 
He looked at Brian and shook his head.

 
Jack: It doesn’t matter. It just doesn’t matter.

 
Brian: What the hell are you talking about it doesn’t matter? You’re babbling and clearly on the verge of a mental breakdown. 

 
Jack: All of it is meaningless now. I lost, and I lost control. I needed control. And now I don’t have it. You don’t understand.

 
Brian: You’re right, I sure as shit don’t.

 
Jack: Nothing means anything anymore. Who cares about the belts and all that?! People just get everything and I’m the only one who loses! It doesn’t make sense!

 
Brian: Okay, I’ve heard enough. Get your ass out of here. NOW!

 
Brian pushed and prodded and poked at Jack to actually get a move on. It took a long time and some convincing, but soon, he was out the door and out of Brian’s hair for a while. But where was he even going to go, and what was he going to do?

 

--

Lake Mead

Las Vegas, NV


 
He found himself on his boat. Fishing in lake Mead as he did to relax at times. But this time, it really wasn’t doing anything. He was aimless, not even really bothering with the fishing part of it, drinking heavily until he was stumbling around on the boat and nearly fell overboard. But he didn’t see the problem for what it truly was, instead simply placing a life jacket around him and continuing to drink and walk back and forth on the boat. He cast his line after a while, in no condition to really fish, or operate the boat in general. 

He sat there, fishing rod in hand, but not even really holding onto it. He got angry, speaking to no one in particular.

 
Jack: What have I become? What am I? Who’s gonna take me seriously?! Can’t even beat an old man, and now... now you will give me what I want? Get outta here man! I do... what I gotta do and they don’t respect me. They give me no respect. They think they’re better than me! You... you ain’t no face of any... fucking franchise... you ain’t... shit. You’re just.... a guy. A guy that does the win! Win and win and then.... poof! It’s all gone! All gone, so long, bye-bye. 

 
He looked over board, his face somewhat visible in the water.

 
Jack: Look at you. Look at you you bum. You don’t have it. You can’t even control you! Your life! What do you have to show for all it? Nothing. Not a damn thing. Now you take that... you take it and you think about it. 

 
He had given himself a stern talking to, a piece of his mind. And he was both satisfied, and hurt by his own words. 

 
Jack: This is what you do... Fish.

 
Eventually, he passed out right there on the boat. Fishing rod in hand, life jacket on and in a complete stupor. Everything was crumbling down.

 
He awoke several hours later. He sat up because there was something in his ear. Some odd buzzing sound. “what the hell is that?” he thought. What is making that noise because it’s ruining his day. Even more than it was.

He stood up, noticing it was the early morning hours. Well, not really noticing so much as just seeing the sun peaking over the horizon. But that wasn’t important. The buzzing noise. Yes, the noise.

 

He looked down and noticed his phone. Was that it? He thought he shut it off. He doesn’t remember doing it, but he didn’t remember much either anyway. He was able to clear his vision just long enough to see 14 missed calls. Several unread texts. And then a loud woop broke that up. What was that? He looked to find the source.

 

Several police cars lined up on the shore. One cop with a megaphone shouting at him.

 

Cop: Mr. Washington, we need to talk...

--

On Camera:


 
Click.

 
He stares straight ahead, unblinking. Then blinks rapidly, as if coming out of a trance. Manic and wide eyes pierce the screen. His face is sullen as if pondering something he never wanted to.

 

Jack: Maybe... maybe they’re right. Maybe I’m all talk and no action.  I say I’m going to go out there and kick somebody’s ass, and then... I lose. I lost. I go out there and lose and what else is there to say about it? Because I talked a big game. That’s what I do. But normally I back it up. Normally I take care of this type of thing and now... No what is there left? You might sit there and think, well Jack, you’re in the main event. You’re entered into the match for the world heavyweight championship. Who cares about losing to Goth? And... and under normal circumstances, you’d have every right to think that I would think that, or be thinking that right now. But I’m not. I’m not thinking that at all, because I’m sitting here, instead of being the odds-on favorite, I’m... I’m an underdog.

And the thing is, I really shouldn’t be. I really shouldn’t be. This just doesn’t make sense. Maybe I’ve just been all talk all this time. Forget those two reigns as both World and Internet champion. Maybe those were flukes? Because I’ve been biting and scratching and clawing my way to the top, and then, one minor slip up, and I’m right back down at the GOD DAMN BOTTOM! I tried to brush it off and act like those were just hurdles, and minor setbacks and now? Now I’m beginning to think that maybe I’m not rewarded because I don’t deserve it. I play it back in my mind this entire whole damn thing, and yet... I can’t come up with an answer that makes any fucking sense! 

I went ahead and beat person after person after person and yet, they continue to throw them at me and I don’t get the recognition, I don’t get the respect, I don’t get anything. How many times did I whoops Goth’s ass? And yet, he keeps coming back. I keep thinking, I gotta be doing something wrong. I must be a big fucking idiot, because I keep doing these things, and yet, I am going nowhere. I felt for long like a hamster on a wheel. And then, I get back on the wheel, like a fucking lunatic. I get back on the wheel and I keep on running. And I run, and run, and run, and then it’s like... they dangle the carrot in front of my face, knowing damn well I deserve it, but no... it gets snatched away from me. Oh 4 way match, 3 way match there, 6 ways from Sundays match, and then... someone else, snatches victory from me. I beat people Austin Mercer and Alexander Raven over and over and over and yet they too... won’t go away!

And at the end of the day? My effort, has been for nothing. Not a god damn thing. Carter just... survives a beat the clock challenge and boom... world title match. Goth comes back for the 90th time... sure. Hawkes just... is around... sure! Why the fuck not?! Let’s just add anybody and everybody. 

And then there’s me. What does me winning time and time again mean anymore? Nothing. What do I have to show for anything anymore? Nothing. Just this... Having lost to the old man, and then it’s like... like took pity on me, they give a championship opportunity. Well, isn’t that special?! Huh? Isn’t that amazing! I win over and over, and get nothing and then I lose and get rewarded. This is the most ass-backwards thing I think I’ve ever seen. 

I suppose I should talk about how I’m going to win, but... from this line of thinking I’m beginning to think I should just stop this right here. Because what’s the point? What am supposed to say? I’ve been in this position before, and I come away with nothing. This has become a cruel joke. So... let’s just run through this. 


 
He non-chalantly raises a hand to start.
 

Jack: I’ll start with Hawkes. And Yes, I’m going to call him that because I refuse to call another grown man “J2H” because that name is dumb. I’m sorry, but it is. It sounds like a dude who hustles his shitty mixtape to you on the streets. It sounds like a dude who just has himself on his spotify playlist. You can say J2H because you think it sounds cool, but it doesn’t. Maybe it’s a slight step up from James Hawkes or James Huntington Hawkes, but it’s a pretty small step. I’m sorry, I had to say it. Like I gotta say this, because apparently nobody else has the balls to, and really it applies to fucking the old champion just as much as you: I’m tired of you. 

I’m so sick and tired of you. I don’t even know about you to even care about you, but all I keep hearing ever since I came into this company was that I was just like you. I had the same attitude you do. At first, I was like “Who?” Why are we talking about you? You were gone. You were a memory. And this was my time. This was my time. It was about me. And then... and then you show back up, and you wrestle some loser, and then you go away again. 

And before you do it, because I know you will... but before you try and say I’m some kind of ripoff, let me just stop you right there. We are not the same, and I am very happy to admit that. But YOU? You’ve just had this handed to you. You have a fucking butler. You’re got those manicured hands. Those hands that say, you’ve never worked a day in your life. And I know, you’re proud of that fact. Because it gives you the out to say that everyone doubts you because of your lifestyle. Right? That’s what drives you to be good. The idea of shutting people up because they don’t think you’re a tough guy. But that ain’t me, my man. Not me at all. You act like you don’t care and you act like you don’t like everybody, but really, you just don’t like the people who don’t bend the knee.  Well buddy boy, you ain’t gonna like me either.

I’m not that guy. I don’t want to be you. Not because I can’t, but because why would anyone want to? I’m a prick, and I’m an asshole, because that’s who I am, it’s not an act that I put on like you do. But hell, maybe I should, right? Maybe I should just pretend that I’m miserable and a prick because it sure as shit work for giving you shit you don’t deserve. Yes. I said that too. No, that’s not how this works, my guy. If I can’t just rely on shit I did months ago, neither can you. It just seems like we’re all in this shit because why not? You just like everybody else, you’re not special. You’re a dude who keeps coming back around here because he gets bored at home shooting peasants or whatever it is you do. I’m out here working.  I’m going to be so happy when you lose this match and you walk the fuck away back to wherever it is you came from and hopefully, you never come back.



His face is more animated, standing and pacing, walking back and forth and moving like he’s had 10 cups of coffee. Like a crazed conspiracy theorist.
 

Jack: But then again knowing my luck, you’ll come back because lord knows Raven and Goth and Mercer won’t go away either. I mean, how many god damn times to have to beat Alexander Raven? What in the fuck did he go to get here? This is just the same old song and dance as before. How many more times is this going to happen? Again, I feel like I’ve gone crazy. But then again, maybe I fucking have. Because it’s just being stuck on that damn hamster wheel. It’s like I keep hitting the randomizer button and every single time I hit stop, you’re name, your stupid face pops up. I’m stuck in a nightmare at this point. It’s just a loop over and over. I’m in purgatory. That HAS to be it, there is no other explanation for why you continually pop back up over and over again. I must have DIED at this point.

But sure, what the hell, you can keep getting chance after chance. Maybe I’m just missing the fucking biggest point ever or something. Maybe that’s it. Maybe I should be cold and dark and mysterious and wear eye-liner or whatever. You call yourself the forgettable nobody and yet, you keep showing up. Nothing makes sense anymore! You keep getting so many chances. It’s like you have a cheat code. I must be imagining things because I swear that you were in the King for a Day match and lost, just like I did. Since then you’ve... done what? I tried not to pay attention to you, but it’s not like it matters at this point does it?

So, what does a match like this matter to you anyway, Raven? You’re just going to get another chance down the road, so I should be asking you to share your secret, because it sure as shit ain’t winning matches. It’s sure not coming up big in big matches. Maybe that IS the thing. Because it’s clear that people see something in you to keep having these chances fall in your lap. So, you know what? I’ll bite, my man. How do you do it? I’m genuinely curious at this point because it’s enough to make me tear my god damn hair out. 

And I’m sure, after you lose this match, it won’t matter. Because you don’t do what I do. You can’t say what I say. Maybe that’s the problem. I mean, I’m virtually radio silent on the internet where everybody argues and are giant keyboard warriors, but even that doesn’t help. You on the other hand will continue to spew nothing but cryptic nonsense because you think it’s cool, but you know damn well you sound like an idiot. But that works for you. I don’t understand it, the entire world has gone crazy, or maybe it’s just me. You’ll just be here, again, despite everything.


 
He chuckles. But not a happy or even sarcastic one. It’s one that sends out a desperate cry for help.

 
Jack: And the same applies to Austin Mercer as well. Austin at least fluked his way to King for A Day. Did he do anything with it? No of course not, but what the hell we’re just adding bodies at this point so why not the biggest body, right? That makes sense if you don’t think about it. That’s been it with you hasn’t it Austin? That... that must be it. I’m searching for answers at this point man and I don’t know if I’ve found any that don’t drive me up a wall with you. You have these pockets of just being around, failing and just hanging on by the skin of your teeth, and yet... you continue to get rewarded for it. I do not understand this logic. Again, you couldn’t beat Miles, and yet you get into the King for a Day, and then... you win. You win the thing that you shouldn’t have been in the in the first place. HOW?! How does that work? Why does it work for you and not for me?!

Maybe it’s the camp, or something. Right? Maybe that’s it. Maybe I should take back all the true statements I made and just bite the bullet and try and join up with Wolfslair. Maybe that’s what it is. Maybe that’s why you keep hanging around, trying to keep a stupid camp’s name going when it has not produced anything that hasn’t burned out within a year. Maybe that’s me now, I don’t know anymore. There must be something to it. Okay, let me not just throw myself that low, and reach that level of desperation. You can keep going with that whole thing, but I’m not going to stoop to that level. 

Maybe I should start my own camp. Call it the Lyon’s De... not, it should be like Team Punish... I don’t know, I’m not good with this stuff. But there must be some reason that you are here outside of winning a chance to do something amazing and knowing full well you are not capable of it, and give yourself and someone else a chance and fail at that too! There must be something. So, I’m throwing my hands up and giving up, there’s clearly something you are doing that I’m not Austin. I have to doing something wrong. 

But what’s it matter to you at this point? I’ll keep seeing you in a spot you don’t belong in, and then you’ll emerge with some other random fluky huge win after like 3 months of nothing, and then the shine will go right back onto you. It’s just how this works. 

I don’t know how we got here, and I cannot get off this ride. 


He now outright laughs, shaking his finger as if he has come to a cruel realization.
 

Jack: And you know how I know that I can’t get off this ride? You know how I know that I’m stuck in purgatory or hell, or both? Because sure enough I run into Goth. Sure, you’re here. Of course you’re here Goth. You also keep finding your way back into my path despite everything I’ve tried to get rid of you. You just keep coming back. And I would find it all the more infuriating, but maybe it’s that time of the month.

It is Halloween season right? It is the time where the dead rise up from their graves. There’s plenty of holidays commemorating this. Plenty of movies made about this. So, maybe this is the more logical answer. Goth is a zombie. It makes so much sense when I think about it. Maybe it’s just me going crazy, maybe it’s just me who thinks this. But how else do you explain this?

Oh, you can tell me that Goth isn’t dead, but now I know better. Now it all makes perfect sense. He’s just return to walk the earth and at this point, just to torture me. Just to constantly be in my way. Always in MY path. Not anybody else’s, just mine. For now until eternity. Because you know even if I’m the champion, Goth will just find his way into my path again. He always does. He will never go away. I can’t. I just can’t anymore with Goth.

 
He shrugs. A laugh of almost pure delusion.

Jack: Oh and Carter. Welcome to the party. Glad you could make it. I’m sure you did something great besides not lose. It had to be, right? That’s the only thing that makes any sense. But then again, nothing about this makes sense anymore. I suppose that makes you the odds on favorite, doesn’t it? It must. Right? Because otherwise I have no idea what makes a contender. I’m winning and getting nothing, and you’re... surviving and you’re here now. The whole world has just gone upside down hasn’t it?

I mean, what else is there to talk about with you Carter? You were a joke for so long it was like a forgotten joke, and then all of a sudden you are a big deal. You’re getting thrown into the mix for god know why, and you, sit here with literally the most the gain. Hell, let’s just be honest, you don’t even NEED to win, you just being here, you just GETTING here is an accomplishment for you. So you should be praised, we should give you everything now. Hell, we might as well crown you the champion now. You’re the emotional favorite. 

And even though I personally don’t care about it, it just means everything doesn’t it? What more do I have to do? I’ve been sitting here rambling about you because you’re just not interesting enough to actually cover in more than a few sentences. It’s obvious they want to crown you, so you know what? I’ve hit the point of not actually caring. I’m just done. You might as well just plan your victory speech now Carter. You're just too precious for words I guess. Despite the fact that you have been not even close to a person of significance until just now. So you must be the new thing. You must be the guy now right? Why the hell not. Because this, this is for everybody now. You're just one of the people now. Enjoy it, because this is most likely going to be your only brush with it. You are a visitor here. But hey, you may pull a rabbit out of your ass being here and win. Because why the fuck not?! I'm just... I'm just so done with this.



His head buries itself in his hands. Rubbing his face.


Jack: I’ve reached that point now. I hope you are all happy. Because...

 
The eyes light up. As if coming to a great realization.

 
Jack: Wait... wait wait wait... I’ve just realized what I’ve been missing. Nothing. Nothing at all. I always felt like if I didn’t win, I didn’t back up what I said, then it was bigger loss than it really is. I felt like my reputation took a hit. But... Because much like everybody else here... not winning the title, means nothing. Hawkes already has records. Carter is just here for the fun. Goth, Raven, Austin? They’re losers anyway. But they’ll bounce back, because they don’t care. 

I took the time, build this entire thing and it’s caused me to be like this. So now... now I’ve have my epiphany... 

I don’t have anything to lose either. 

And that makes me... a very dangerous man.


 

He laughs. Almost a maniacal laugh. Fade to black. The echoing laughing still there.

 
Click.
 

FACE. OF. THE. FRANCHISE.

4
Climax Control Archives / Clean Slate: Chapter 9: Wake Up Call
« on: October 06, 2023, 11:59:24 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was fresh off of a victory over Bill Barnhart, but was still sour over not winning King for a Day, and now wondering what was up next in his future, and what he could do to get what he truly felt he deserved in a world championship opportunity. Jack has always felt slighted, but he appeared to be as a crossroads.

However, with the announcement of vacancy of the SCW World title, Jack was going to be sure to throw his name in the ring for a possible opportunity. But Jack would have to focus on facing SCW legend Goth once again before any decisions were made.

 

Outside the ring, Jack and his family looked to have a new face running the casino, citing Brian’s declining health, Jason’s drug issues, and Jack’s traveling. They seemed to have found a new man in a man named Jimmy, and now all that was left was the finalize that deal, with a background check.


 

--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV

 

Brian sat in his own recliner sleeping comfortably as Jack simply sat at the kitchen table, looking at his phone, as if waiting for it to ring The house was super quiet. Eerily quiet. Finally, Brian was the first to stir from his nap, rising slowly and stretching, coughing and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Jack paid this very little mind and Brian slowly came out it walking to the fridge and pulling out some lunch meat to make himself a sandwich. He noticed Jack sitting there, just looking at his phone.

 

Brian: You alright there, Stick?

 

Jack: Just waiting to hear back from Bobby.

 

Brian: You know that could take a while, trying to dig up dirt on somebody. You gotta watch them and see how they move.

 

Jack: I’m aware of that.

 

Brian: And I’m aware that staring at your phone ain’t gonna make it go any faster.

 

Jack: Then what do you suppose I do?

 

Brian: Go try and find something constructive. You’re a wrestler ain’t ‘cha? Go wrestler or something.

 

Jack shot daggers at Brian, who arched a brow.

 

Brian: Touched a nerve I see.

 

Jack: I’m not in the mood to talk about it.

 

Brian: So, you would rather just look at your phone and watch as it does nothing all day?

 

Jack: Damn right.

 

Brian: Must be rough.

 

Jack: I don’t want to hear it.

 

Brian went back to making his sandwich chuckling to himself. Jack was getting more and more irritated by the second.

 

Jack: What is so god damn funny?!

 

Brian: You. It’s very funny that you’re so wound up about this.

 

Jack: Because it’s bullshit!

 

Brian: I’ll bet.

 

Brian finishing making his sandwich and put away all the lunch meat and bread and sat down at the table, pouring himself a drink of booze along the way. He sat quietly, simply eating the sandwich as Jack finally let it out.

 

Jack: They just don’t see it, and it’s bullshit!

 

Brian perked up, as if hearing this for the first time.

 

Brian: What? I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention.

 

Jack again glared at Brian, if looks could kill Brian would be a pile of ooze.

 

Jack: They just keep screwing me over and making me jump through hoops.

 

Brian: Oh?

 

Jack: Don’t act like you don’t hear me talking about it all the time.

 

Brian: Oh, I do, It’s really fucking annoying, Stick. But please, tell me more.

 

Jack: Fuck you, Brian. I mean, how many more times are people just going to get handed things and I’m over here scratching and clawing and all I get are scraps. It’s bullshit.

 

Brian: Yeah, I heard that part too. So, what are you going to do about it?

 

Jack opened his mouth and then stopped. For the first time in a while, Jack was kind of speechless. It was an asshole thing to say, but in a way, Jack hadn’t been doing anything about it other than complaining. He was angry and upset for sure, at the end of the day, he was just complaining to the ether. 

He sat there, in a stunned silence, actually contemplating the question. Finally, not even looking at Brian, he answered.

 

Jack: I... I don’t know.

 

Brian: Well Stick, I suppose you better do something quick, because you know what? I’m tired of hearing you talk about how much you deserve X, Y, & Z. The facts are in, bitching about things doesn’t make them go away or change them in any way. That’s everything in this damn country. People complain about shit all the god damn time and don’t lift a finger to change it themselves. They just expect if they yell loud enough, people will hear them. 

 

Jack looked at Brian, who took a bite of his sandwich to finish it off.

 

Brian: And that’s not the way the world works.

 

Brian dusted his hands, wiped his face and hands with a napkin, and threw the napkin and plate away. He sat back down and Jack was still in a state of shock pretty much. He had no idea what he needed to do or say at this moment. 

 

Brian: So, what are you going to do, are you going to complain about it so more like a... what do they call them broads? Karen? Kathy? 

 

Jack: Karen.

 

Brian: Whichever. You’re being that.

 

Jack: But I’m right.

 

Brian: And? What does being right have to do with it? Who cares if you’re right? Do you know how many loud ass wrong ass opinions there are out there? Millions. Being right, being wrong, being loud? I don’t understand the kids from your generation, Stick. The old phrase still works best. Actions speak louder than words.

 

Jack: BUT I DO...

 

Jack stopped, stared at Brian with a blank expression and buried his face into the phone again. He was completely now just disinterested in the conversation.

 

Brian: Actions speak louder than words, Stick.

 

Finally, after a long silence, the phone did ring. Jack took a second to snap out of it and pick answer the call from Bobby.

 

Jack: Bobby? Yeah... yeah I’ll have them escort you in.

 

Jack ended the call and waited. After a few seconds, one of the larger security guards brought Bobby in.

 

Jack: Thank you Marlon.

 

Bobby came and sat at the table as Marlon waited.

 

Jack: We’ll be in a minute, you can wait outside.

 

Marlon: Yes, sir.

 

Marlon exited as Jack turned to Bobby.

 

Jack: So, what’s the scoop on this Jimmy dude.

 

Bobby: Man, this dude is legit. Been doing all the things I can for ya, Jack. This guy is connected. Used to being in the underground stuff. But built himself a reputation. Been asking on the streets and they all seem to know him. They all respect him. I think you’re making a good choice because I think it would be good to have this dude on side if anything ever happens. Plus, got the rep for being a stand-up guy. So, this is a good choice.

 

Jack: You think so? He mentioned something about a “Jazzy B” Out in California. Anything there.

 

Bobby: Oh, Jazzy B dealt with a lot of stuff. She’s running her own stuff. In an out of jail though. I think she might have even been in the pro wrestling thing. At least that’s what I heard.

 

Jack perked up.

 

Jack: Really?

 

Bobby: That’s what they say.

 

Jack: Alright, thanks Bobby. Keep an eye out for anything else. 

 

Bobby: You got it.

 

Jack and Bobby shook hands, Jack holding Bobby’s head close to his own.

 

Jack: You’re my boy.

 

Bobby: I got you, Jack.

 

Bobby soon departed and Jack took a deep breath and began walking towards his gym.

 

Brian: Good talk, I guess.

 

Jack: Don’t worry, I’m about to go make things happen.

 

--

 

On Camera:


 

Click:

 

Jack looks exasperated as he paces back and forth. The man almost appears to be at his wits end as he begins.

 

Jack: I don’t know what else you want me to do. I really don’t. I’m getting so sick and tired, and really sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m just over this nonsense right now. Who in their right mind is not watching me, and seeing the results and not rewarding me for what I deserve? It’s an absolute disgrace to this business that I have gotten what I deserve. 

And don’t try and give me the sour grapes look. Don’t try and tell me that I haven’t earned it. Don’t sit here and try and bullshit me that the King for a Day match was my opportunity. I’ve seen people get championship matches for less and less every damn month. It’s like we just pick names out of a god damn hat these days. In fact, we do. Hell, we let the Bombshell’s champion just pick names at random. But me? Naw not me. I go around and beat people over and over again and what does it get me? Nothing. I may occasionally get thrown a bone when they all feel like it. But now, with all the nonsense, this has become a strange situation and a golden opportunity all at the same time. 

The old man, who has no business winning the world title in the fucking first place, now, has had a bout of dementia or old timer’s disease or whatever. Don’t know, don’t care. That title, is now vacant. It’s vacant, and it has only one home. My waist. How many more times, are you all going to deny me? Because if I’m not in conversation, hell, if I'm not THE conversation, then something is wrong. So, I’m going to let you all think about it, and I need my answer by the end of show on Sunday.

But, of course in their infinite wisdom, they have to continue to give me stupid ass hurdles over and over again trying to make me “earn it” when they know damn well I’ve earned it time and time again and they just keep moving the damn goalposts.

Now look, I don’t care that Austin James Mercer put me against Bill Barnhart. I beat his ass and that was that. He thought that was a cute thing there and I’m sure he just was tickled and cracked that dumb ass grin he has because he thought he was so clever. It was a minor inconvenience and I’m past that now. But once again, these people just crawl out of the woodwork, coming back time and time again, apparently just to be a pain in my ass.

Yes Goth, I'm talking about you.


 

Jack throws his hands up, again just frazzled about the upcoming match.

 

Jack: You see it, I see it. We’re against each other. And quite frankly, I was DREADING doing this again this week. Because you just don’t take the hint, do you? You don’t get it. I just wanted you to go away. Go away and don’t come back around anymore. I thought, after last time you would finally take the hint, walk away and stay your ass at home drinking prune juice, yelling at clouds or whatever it is old people do these days. I just wanted to be rid of you. Your presence is annoying to me. I was breathing so well the past few months know good and well you were out of the picture. 

Imagine my chagrin when you popped back up again like a fucking pimple recently.

Why? Why Goth? Why are you making this a thing again. You are literally the Spongebob meme right now. How many times do I have to teach you this lesson? How many times do I have to beat your old ass down before you understand how this works? What more can I do at this point? I have beaten this man time and time again, and then he scored a fluke victory and proceeded to do jack shit with the Internet title that I just won it again recently without too much trouble. Like, what more can I say about this man? What more do I need to do to finally rid myself of his presence? Why will he not just stay down? I’m just come to the conclusion that Goth is just too stupid to stay down.

I’ve gone over this so many times before and now all those thoughts have come flooding back into my brain the time this match was announced. Do you guys want me to beat him so badly that he physically CAN’T come back? Is he that big of a pain in the ass to all of you running this company as well? Like, what the fuck is there left for me to bring up about Goth that doesn’t make this feel like a re-run? How much is there left to really discuss? I have to ask these questions man, because it’s pissing me off that it’s almost like it’s my day to watch Goth and make sure he doesn’t piss himself. It’s not a job I want or need. You keep throwing this man at me even though he doesn’t deserve to be the same ring with me.

Yes, I said it, and I said it because it’s true. That’s what I do. And now it’s beginning to look like I’m going to have to go that far because unless I do it, it simply won’t be done and Goth will continue to pop up over and over despite the fact his welcome was worn out long ago. I suppose it’s my duty to beat his brains out and leave him laying again. 

But you know, I don’t even want to do that. That’s why I was dreading this. Because I don’t want to have this old man’s blood on my hands and now, my hand is being forced in this situation. This is not what I wanted to have to do, but apparently, I don’t have a choice in this situation do I? 

So, now I’m going to have to say some things that I don’t really want to, but it has to be said.


 

Jack looks into the camera, shaking his head, almost pleading with his eyes.

 

Jack: Goth, I want you to look into my eyes and understand what I’m about to say to you.  I’m in this position and I don’t like it. But I’ve got to tell you the truth.

I don’t want you to show up on Sunday. 

I don’t. I don’t want to see you in the ring anymore. I don’t want you to keep coming back and taking the beatings you keep taking. Because your time is over and the thing is, it’s not even just you that doesn’t realize it. It’s the people who continue to parade you out like some circus freak time and time again like it’s not slowing killing you.

I want you to stay your ass at home and take the forfeit and then we can call it good. I don’t want to see you ever again at this point. I’ll be the first to admit that I cannot stand you. I want you to just go away because you don’t belong here anymore. But it’s obvious that the powers that be think you can still offer something, so they’re going to keep dragging you out here and putting you in my way. It’s like they want both of us to suffer. They constantly want you to try and be the person who shuts me up, knowing damn well that you are incapable of doing so. And I guess it gasses you up to think the same thing. So you’re putting me in the spot where I have to hurt you and truth be told, I don’t want to do that. Not because I like you, not because you’ve earned my respect, it’s the simple fact that I’m tired of you.

I’m tired of dealing with you, I’m tired of hearing you, I’m tired of talking about you, and I’m just plain tired of seeing you. They are going to make me do something that I don’t want to do. You are going to make me doing something I don’t want to do. Don’t force my hand, Goth. I’m asking you right now to just walk away. Go away. Vanish. You had your time, what little of it there was, but you are simply cutting into my time, and that’s going to force a chain reaction that’s going to lead to you being put out and injured at my hands. I don’t want your blood on my hands Goth. I’ve already proven to you that I am better than you. I have proven that I am at the top of my game, and you just aren’t there anymore. It’s over for you. Stop coming back and pretending that this is still your time. 

Just walk away. 

This is the last warning, Goth. This is just going to be the last time, Goth. After this, I don’t want you to come back around here. Stop trying to make this a thing. I’m done with you. I’ve been done with you. I’ve already moved past you several months ago. Stop coming back around, stop getting in my way.

I know you’re too hard-headed to listen, but I just want it to be right here, on camera that I warned everybody about what is going to happen. I warned you all, I warned Goth. After that... none of this is my fault. What happens, is going to be on all your heads, not mine.


 

Jack shakes his head.

 

Jack: I just hope that you don’t make me do it, Goth. I know you’re going to, I know you’re going to force my hand. And so, you had better be ready to deal with the consequences.

 

Jack simply walks away and the scene fades to black.

 

Click.

 

FACE OF THE FRANCHISE.

5
Climax Control Archives / Clean Slate: Chapter 7: Starting Over
« on: September 15, 2023, 11:59:11 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was of course, unseccessful in winning King for a day, despite a firm confidence he would. Now he must work with the consequences of perhaps getting overconfident in his own abilities and no longer having anything to work with. Now, he steps into the ring as ordered by the King for a Day, Austin James Mercer. Jack is obviously not happy about this, and now we see what happens as he’s continually pushed to the edge.

 

Outside the ring, Jack appears to have scared off Cosmo, Jason’s morphine dealer in order to better help Jason break his addiction, but now, he seeks to take things more seriously than before as he looks to regroup and refocus his energies on his family.


 

--

Grand Flamingo Casino

Las Vegas, NV

 

Jack sits in the owner’s chair, it is his day at the Casino, but everyone is there as well, both Jason and Brian also sit at the board room conference table. At the end of the table, is an unfamiliar man dressed in a suit. He’s a bit older and balding, and the suit looks a little ill-fitting, but otherwise he’s okay looking. Jack reads through some papers in front of him before actually addressing the man. He peers up and then eyeballs the man, reading what is most likely his information.

 

Jack: Jimmy? James?

 

Jimmy: Jimmy is fine.

 

Jack: Alright Jimmy, I’m going to give to to you straight, I need a guy. I need to guy to be here full time. I need a guy who can hanlde this while I’m away, while Brian’s away and while Jason is away. I can’t be here full time, so I need somebody I can rely on.

 

Jimmy: I can do that.

 

Jack: Can you? See, a lot of people say they can do things, even if they can’t. You gonna tell me you’re a perfectionist too? That you work too hard? Don’t give me the job interview Jimmy, I need it straight okay?

Jimmy: I’m not quite sure what you mean. I’m being straight with you.

 

Jack: I have my doubts, Jimmy. That’s what I mean. I need to know, hell, WE need to know we’ve got a guy here, who isn’t going to run off with the money, a guy who isn’t going to try and fuck us out of money at all. A guy who runs a tight ship and can handle business when it comes to business. We need a guy who can be us when we’re not here. And also... A guy who is going to do what he’s told. Now, if you can be that guy, you need to tell me you can be that guy. If not... then I think we’re done here.

 

Jimmy leans forward in the chair, folding his hands on the desk.

 

Jimmy: Mr. Washington, I don’t have to bullshit you. I’ve been in the casino business for a long time. I’ve worked for a lot of men, who did a lot of things. Things I don’t know about, because I didn’t need to know about them. Because that wasn’t my job. My job is to do what the job I’m being given is, not to be in everybody’s business. 

 

Jack: Good. Good.

 

Jimmy: I’m more than good. I’m the best at this, you want experience, I can give you experience. You’re hiring me to do a job, and that’s what I’m going to do. It’s as simple as that, my friends. You can either take it or leave it.

 

Jack smirks, looking at his family and nodding in approval.

 

Jack: Well, I guess there’s only one little test we have left to do then.

 

Jack stands up from the table, and Brian and Jason flank him. They make their way towards Jimmy, and then Brian pulls out a pistol and aims it squarely at Jimmy’s forehead.

 

Brian: What if this is happens? What are you going to do.

 

Jimmy didn’t even blink. He wasn’t startled or scared, just took off his glasses and sighed, cleaning them as he sat there. He put them back on and looked up.

 

Jimmy: You want a sob story or are you going to shoot me? Because if not, then I think we’re done here.

 

Jack looked at Brian, who relented. He put the gun back in his jacket pocket and nodded.

 

Jack: Well, I think we found our man. Welcome aboard, Jimmy.

 

Jimmy stood up and shook hands with all three Washington’s and shrugged.

 

Jimmy: So, when do I start?

 

Jack: When can you start?

 

Jimmy: Whenever you need me, Boss.

 

Jack: That’s a good man. Also... looking over your stuff there, there’s a bit of a gap between when you worked last. 

 

Jimmy smirked.

 

Jimmy: Oh, I was working, but just....getting paid under the table and all. 

 

Jack: I see. That wouldn’t happen to be in the.. Import/export business would it?

 

Jimmy broke into a chuckle.

 

Jimmy: Lucky guess I’d say. 

 

Jack and crew shared a laugh until Jack grew very serious.

 

Jack: Yeah... where... exactly? And who did you work for? 

 

Jimmy: A nice hispanic lady. Really fine work she did.

 

Jack grew suspicious and glared at Jimmy.

 

Jack: It wouldn’t happen to be a Hispanic lady by the name of Ana Sofia... would it?

 

Jimmy looked confused for a moment.

 

Jimmy: No, but I heard about here, she’s a bit of a pain to deal with. So I heard. No, my Boss was out of California. She uh... went away for a while after she did some business in New York. I mean, that’s where she started.

 

Jack: Oh?

 

Jimmy: Yeah, They called her Jazzy B. Maybe you heard of her?

 

Jack: Can’t say that I have. How’d you get mixed up with her?

 

Jimmy: I helped her get her feet wet out in California. Lots of stuff comes in there, she needed to get started. 

 

Jack: I see.

 

Jimmy: Hey... if you need it, I can... maybe hook you up with her.

 

Jack: No thanks, but I’ll keep it in mind. Samantha will see you out.

 

Once again, the three Washington’s shook hands with Jimmy, who was escorted out by Samantha the secretary. Jack sat down as Brian lit up a cigar.

 

Brian: I think that went well.

 

Jack: Yeah?

 

Brian: Yeah. I mean, good thing that it wasn’t the Mexicans with this guy, huh?

 

Jack: Yeah.

 

Jack went back through the papers, and combed through them to find the information he needed. He sat in silence for a moment.

 

Jack: What department did we put Bobby in again?

 

Brian: I think he’s in the warehouse now.

 

Jack: Good. 

 

Jack picked up the phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, it was answered.

 

Jack: Bobby? Hey... Bobby, I got something I need you to take care of for me...

--

 

On Camera:

 

Click.


Jack is clearly annoyed, and he is pacing. He just looks like the smallest thing could make him explode as he starts.


Jack: I’m getting really tired of this stupid game. I’m sorry, but the facts are in that I am the only one worthy of a world title match, and the fact that Austin Mercer decided to do this shit instead of anything else is absurd. Though, I have to give credit where credit is due, if I was in his shoes, like I should have been, I would probably have done the same thing. But let’s just understand the facts. I actually beat a credible opponent in order to get into the King for a Day match, while Alexander Raven has basically a bye, and neither Miles nor Austin could actually beat one another. And yet, all three of them were rewarded. If there needs to be any more evidence shown that I am getting royally shafted, there it is. I should have been king, but now, because three asshats were allowed to just to be in a match they didn’t deserve, the law of averages kept me from getting what is rightfully mine.

So yeah, I’m getting really tired of this stupid game.

I continue to have to jump through hoop after hoop after hoop, and everyone else just gets by by doing the bare minimum. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills at this point and it’s starting to piss me off.

You may be sitting there thinking I’m pissed off about this, and you’re DAMN RIGHT I AM. I have done everything that has been asked of me, and still I sit here, on the outside looking in. So, I guess at this point, you must be asking, what I’m going to do about it, and the answer is simple, I’m going to eliminate all the other people standing in my way, because obviously, I need to get the point across that I am at the top of the list here in SCW, and I shouldn’t be tolerating this disrespect. Because it’s high time I put my god damn foot down because otherwise, I’m going to keep getting jerked around and have the carpet yanked out from under me at every turn.



Jack is clearly angry as he continues.

Jack: So now, I have to wrestle Bill Barnhart, well isn’t that special? This must be a big old important day for you, huh Bill? You and your wife are probably howling at the moon you’re so ecstatic about this. You get to rub elbows with greatness for a few moments on Climax Control. Now, I want you to get a lot of sleep, I know you’re going to have butterflies in your stomach, you’re going to be all anxious, because this is the closest you will ever get to being at the top of this company. Being in the ring with me is an experience, but I want you to be at your best. I want you fresh and ready to go, because I’m going to be honest with you here Bill, this will not be a long night for either one of us. Because while this might be exciting for you, I’m just going to let you know... you are going to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

I don’t have time to sit here and try and go in the ring with you and brawl with your big dumb ass. I have more important things to do. I have a World championship to chase, and you’re just in the way. So, this can be really easy for you Bill. You can come out on Sunday, and take this ass whooping and move on with your life, and tell your kids, or … jesus you might have children... I mean, your cat or dog or... relative whatever, you can tell them all about how you once were in the ring with the best thing going today. The face of the franchise. You can tell everybody that, it’ll be a quick night of work, and a lifetime of memories.

We can do it that way, and trust me, that’s the way I’d like to do it.

Or, because I know how stupid and stubborn you are, we’re going to have to do it the hard way, aren’t we?

 

Jack rubs his face, clearly exasperated about this whole thing.
 

Jack: But you know deep down you don’t want it the hard way, Bill. You don’t want to make this a problem. But I know your pride is going to make you make a dumbass decision. You’re going to want to make this difficult. You’re going to try and do something you know you shouldn’t do. But here’s the thing Bill, you really don’t want to do that. Because you know I’m already pissed off. You know I’m already over this, and you know I’m fully capable of doing some pretty bad things to you, don’t you? You are well aware of what I’m capable of doing and yet, you’re going to try and make this difficult for the both of us.

That’s what I don’t get, but I know it’s going to happen. You’re going to already be dealing with me pissed off, and I’m trying to cut you a break by just making this quick and easy, but I KNOW, I KNOW that you’re going to make this difficult. So what I’m going to do is appeal to you right now and tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way, and I want  you to think about all the things that you enjoy doing, Bill. Think about all the nice things you have, think about the quality of life you have currently. 

Because if you make this difficult, I can, and I will take all of that away from you.

See, I wasn’t mad at you particularly Bill. I’m mad at the situation. Hell, I’m generally annoyed about everything. But the choice you are making here is going to be very hazardous to your health. I will not hesitate to take you apart if you choose to make this something more than it should be. I wasn’t going to take out ALL of my frustrations on you, but if you keep thinking the way you’re thinking, I will. And then, you know what happens, Bill? Then we both have a long night. It means I have to do more work, and you have to spend more time in pain on the canvas, getting crushed under my boot. And truth be told, I don’t know if I really want to do that, but you’re going to make me do that, aren’t you?

So, I’m gonna give you a couple of days to think about it. Go fishing or hunting of whatever it is you do. Enjoy yourself, Bill. Enjoy what you do, because it might very well be the last you get to do it, without some kind of physical assistance. I want you to look at your wife and think about how much you enjoy being able to hold her and be able to do all the things you do with her, and then imagine what it’s going to be like to not be able to do those things again. Because that’s where you’re heading Bill. That’s where this is all going. Do you really want that? I know you don’t, so don’t make me the bad guy in this situation Bill. 


 
Jack finally stops, as if coming to a realization and rubs his face again, finally shrugging.
 

Jack: You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize I just wasted my breath trying to talk sense into you. I really did. I just wasted my time because you’re hard-headed. All that time I just appealed to you and gave you fair warning, was a waste of my time. Because I know you’re going to make this difficult, and I know you won’t listen to a word I just said to you. So you know what? Fine, Bill. I just don’t want you to say that I didn’t warn you. I don’t want anybody to come at me, after what happens on Sunday like I’m the bad guy.  I want it to be known right now that I did not want this to be something bad, but now, it’s going to be something bad. It’s going to be me, beating Bill Barnhart unmercifully for a few minutes more than I even need to. It’s going to be me taking Bill Barnhart apart and then leaving the pieces lying in the ring. I’m going to dismantle Bill Barnhart, and he only has himself to blame for this. For everything that’s about to happen to him, he only has himself to blame.

I guess he could blame Austin James Mercer, but he sucks anyway, so I doubt it’ll even phase him.  But the vast majority of the blame for me having kicked the shit out of Bill Barnhart and leave him in the state I’m going to leave him in, is going to be Bill’s fault. So Bill, if you can’t be a good example, you’re just going to an example. You’re going to serve as warning for the rest of the locker room that I’m not playing any more games. 

Just remember, you asked for this.


At Climax Control you will find out exactly why I am what I say I am.


Jack shoos the camera away as we fade to black.

 
Click.

 
Face. Of. The Franchise.

6
Prologue:

Jack continues to prepare for his King for a Day match at Violent Conduct. As the days get closer, Jack gets more and more confident in his chances to win. Will it happen, or will it all backfire in his face?

 Outside the ring, Jack now knows the supplier of Jason’s drugs, and in order to stop any further issues, Jack plans on paying a visit to the one known as “Cosmo”.


--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack was walking outside, headed to his car with his brother behind him, but Jason wasn’t pleased about what was happening. 

 

Jason: Come on bro, you don’t have to do this.

 

Jack paid his brother no mind headed to his car. He wasn’t in the mood to talk about it at this point. Jason finally tugged at Jack’s jacket to stop him.

 

Jason: Come on man... 

 

Jack: Jay, stop. There’s only one way this ends, and that’s me doing this. You’re not going to talk me out of it.

 

Jason: Comso is a good dude.

 

Jack: He nearly killed you. No Jay, I’m done playing nice. 

 

Jason: Dude...

 

Jack: You can either come with me, or go back inside. I’m not dealing with this. I’m doing to deal with him. There’s no other way that this goes down. I’m not having it happen again.

 

Jason: …

 

Jack got into the car and started it. Jason sighed and rushed over to the passenger side and got in.

 

Jason: Just don’t do anything crazy.

 

Jack: … Trust me.

 

--

Unknown Address

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack pulled up to the house.

 

Jason: Just let me start, please.

 

Jack didn’t respond to his brother, instead shutting the car off and exiting the car. Jason frantically doing the same and the effort was to stay in front of Jack.

 

Jason: Dude, don’t. 

 

Jack: Get out of the way, Jay.

 

Jack physically moved his brother out of the way. He walked to the door, where the lights were off, but there was still music audibly coming from behind the door. He knocked, at first firmly. And there was no answer after a few seconds.

 

Jason: He might not even be home.

 

Jack glared at his brother and knocked again, this time more forcefully than before. Again, after a few seconds, there was no answer. 

Jason: Dude, come on. Let’s just go.

 

Jack once again glared at his brother and then pounded on the door. Finally, there was some rustling and the door swung open. The dishevled bearded man stood in the doorway, no shirt, no shoes, and some fatigue pants which he was buttoning up.

 

Jack: You must be Cosmo.

 

Cosmo: Whoa, like... who are you? Do I know you?

 

Jack: No, but you know my brother. 

 

Cosmo: Oh.. .cool. So uh... what’s up dude?

 

Jack: We need to talk about your stuff.

 

Cosmo: My stuff? Dude I don’t know what you’re talking about. My stuff is my stuff. You can’t take my stuff dude. That’s against the law. It’s unlawful. You will go to jail, dude!

 

Jason walked up and put his hand on Cosmo’s shoulder, and Cosmo’s face lit up.

 

Jason: Cosmo, bro.

 

Cosmo: Whoa, dude, hey how you doing man? Listen, you know like, there was this other dude that was just here and he was a total buzzkill.

 

Jack had already heard enough and just shoves Cosmo into the house with Jason following behind them and shutting the door. Cosmo ends up on his couch.

 

Cosmo: Hey dude! That’s not fucking cool!

 

Jack: It wasn’t meant to be. Now shut up, and listen.

 

Cosmo: Yo, who’s your friend man, he’s a total asshole.

 

Jack: I said shut up.

 

Jack sits squats down, not wanting to sit in anything. 

 

Jack: Now, you’re going to listen to me, and listen good. Whatever you gave my brother here, almost killed him. I had to take him to the emergency room and he almost died. And that is on you. So, I think you’re going to owe me for a hospital bill. But, you know what, I don’t even really care about the bill at this point. No, no, I want something better.

 

Cosmo: Yo, this dude is crazy Jay-Jay. 

 

Jason: Cos, you gotta wake up.

 

Jack leaned in close to Cosmo, and whispered, but loud enough to make his point.

 

Jack: If you ever sell my brother anything ever again, I’m going to come back here, and I won’t be alone. I will have my people and we’ll take you on a little trip. A trip that you will NEVER come back from. You understand me? 

 

Cosmo nods as he gets the message.

 

Jason: Bro, you have to understand him. 

 

Jack: UNDERSTAND? Jay, that motherfucker is a junkie and he’s no good. No Jay, I think you need to understand that you don’t need people like this in your life. Now come on, let’s go.

 

Cosmo: Rude. So damn rude.

 

Jack kicks over Cosmo’s table in response, and then Jason has to physically drag him out of the house. 

 

Jason: You didn’t -

 

Jack: Don’t tell me what I did or didn’t have to do, Jay. Just don’t. You know it was only a matter of time before he gave you something else, or something stronger, and then you’d be fucking dead. Don’t try and defend this piece of shit. Now come on, we’re going home, and if I see that you are still getting shit from this guy, I’ll put him in the fucking ground.

 

Jason can only hold his hands up.

 

Jason: Yeah.

 

--

On Camera:


 
Click.

 
Jack was eased back into his recliner in his home, arms behind his head to begin. He then leaned forward and looked at his watch, smirking.

 
Jack: The countdown is on. There are only a few days remaining until I take the crown and become King for a Day yet again. I hope that this is actually going to open eyes around here and let everyone understand my greatness. Stop questioning me when I say I’m the man. Stop questioning me when I say I am the face of this Franchise. If you thought I was going to fall off, you were once again, wrong. It must be a miserable feeling to be wrong so often and hate on me so much. I’m just a man who comes out here and tells you the truth. You may not like it, but you don’t have to. All you have to do is accept it. Accept that I am as good as I say I am. How many more times must I jump through these hoops? I busted my ass time and time again, so don’t act like I didn’t earn it, because I did.

Now, as for whatever else is going to happen when I’m King, I don’t really care. I guess I have to make up some random card and put together some matches and whatnot, but that’s not important to me. You may say I’m playing with people’s careers, and you’d be right, and whatever happens to other people’s careers is not my concern anyway. Not my monkey’s no my circus. I’m only doing things for them, because it will be my duty as the King.

But I know, you’re asking yourself right now, “Jack, how can you be so confident? You’re sitting here talking about being King and you haven’t even won yet!” 

First of all, I can be as confident as I want. Second, do you honestly believe that any one of those three jokers has a chance? Look, I gave them all their flowers last week. I gave them a round of applause and that’s as much as I’m going to give them. No, actually, I’ll give them a little more how about that? I’ll give Austin Mercer credit for being tall, I’ll give Miles credit for being fearless, and I’ll give Raven credit for being stubborn. But that’s about it. They don’t deserve any more from me. What have they done lately? All they’ve done is float around aimlessly and stumble their way into this match. All three of them. So, would I have any less confidence than I usually do. This thing is a forgone conclusion. 

It just makes me scratch my head that any of you think that any of these three others have a chance. Do I look like a man who’s going to fall flat on his face? No. Absolutely not. I have come through time and time again, and these three have a combined one fluke world title reign between them and a whole lot of unused potential. You can have potential in one hand and shit in the other and you know which will fill up faster.


Jack shakes his head and continues.

 
Jack: Do you think that Alexander Raven, after being dismantled by me multiple times, is all of a sudden going to rise and show everyone he’s as good as people have been hyping him up to be? Please. Alexander Raven has shown me nothing but the fact that he is stubborn and won’t get it through his thick skull that he’s not in my league. He keeps trying, knowing damn well it’s only going to lead to embarrassment and another loss. Maybe he’s got a thing for that, I don’t know. All I know if that every time he’s been in the ring with me, I put him down. He may have been the smartest one this week by not actually bothering. Maybe now, he will accept reality and quite being some damn stubborn. 

The man can talk, he can really waste oxygen, but you know what, this time he wasn’t going to do that, and for that, I actually applaud him. He stopped wasting my time and your time by doing that. It’s wasn’t going to make a big difference anyway, but my point still stands. Maybe this is a step in the right direction for Raven. I thought after the last two times he would just go away. I put him in the rear-view mirror and now he’s back on more time. Hopefully, this is the last time. I will once again make an example of Alexander Raven, on my way to the top. That’s just how it is, and that’s how it always will be. So no, I am not worried about Alexander Raven.


 
Jack scoffs and shrugs.
 

Jack: Oh, maybe I should be worried about Austin James Mercer. Maybe somebody finally woke up this sleeping giant. Maybe. In reality the word should be “hopefully” Because Austin hasn’t been relevant in like 2 years. The man wins the world title and then fades into obscurity. And the whole story from that time has been the same. Can Austin James Mercer get back to where he once was? 

And the answer, obviously, has been no.

What has Austin does recently to make anybody think he’s actually a threat? What? I ask you, right now, what is it? He has been here. He has been in matches, and at the end of the day, nobody has cared about anything he’s done recently. He has been trying to re-capture the past and the truth is, that small dance at the top was a fluke. Austin will NEVER get that again. He is right now, where he belongs in the shuffle, with all the other stiffs. He is interchangeable with everybody else in SCW. The proof is in the pudding people. If Austin thinks that because he cheap shotted his partner that it means something important, he is wrong. The only thing it means is Austin is really good at attacking people when they aren’t looking. Meaning he’s pretty much a coward.

Austin has no business getting this opportunity, it will be yet another failed revival for someone who has had far too many at this point for me to care, or worry. 


 
Jack’s eyes widen, holding up a finger as if he just remembered something.

 
Jack: Oh, wait, I think you guys really want me to worry about Miles Kasey. I shouldn’t underestimate Miles, because he’s been shown to be willing to do anything and everything. He’ll put his body at risk. And he’s apparently big mad now at Austin and at me and Raven and he’s really gonna make all of us pay and show everyone that he is a main event player.

Yeah, been waiting on that for a long ass time. Nothing has come from it yet, and nothing will come of it. 

Miles has simply shown he’s really good to convincing everyone he is going to break through that glass ceiling that everybody talks about. And again the question is, how long do we have to wait? When is Miles going to actually do something instead of making it seem like he’s about to do something? If Miles was a little smarter, he may have seen Austin was going to attack him. Austin is desperate for relevance after all. But Miles still fell for it like a dummy.  So now he’s mad.

And I don’t care.

Miles’s track record speaks for itself. He’s another person with so much wasted potential. It’s really sad. The man has had countless opportunities and failed time and time again. That’s his thing. That’s what he does. This match isn’t going to be any different. Miles will fail, because that’s what Miles does. And no matter how mad he gets, no matter how hard he tries, he is simply not good enough to break through that ceiling, he will always smash his head and it will put him right back down at the bottom. That’s how Miles is. Nothing will change that.


Jack shrugs, ready to finish this up.

Jack: So no, After careful consideration, I have ZERO reason to be concerned about any of these three men. Sure they may look tough, they may act tough, but at the end of the day, there is one star in this match, and three would-be stars if they actually acted on their potential. But thus far, none of them have, and I don’t think any of them will. 

No, this match is about ME. It should have been about me from the jump and not any of them. I am the star. I am the future. I am the present. I am everything I say I am. This is just another occasion where I have to prove it again. And quite frankly, I’m tired of doing it. 

I’m going to climb the ladder, and become the King. And then I will make the match and give myself the world title match I’ve deserved for over a year. There is nothing and nobody that can stop me in this match. I will not be denied. 

So I hope that J2H and old man Harris are paying attention. I’m calling my shot and coming for that world title. 

And I will be the world champion again. 

The countdown is on.


 

Jack takes one last look at his watch, before easing back in his recliner and shooing the camera away as we fade to black.

 

Click.

 

Face. Of. The. Franchise.

7
Prologue:

Jack figured it was a losing battle for the tag match. He knew he couldn’t trust Alexander Raven, nor was going to bother trying to. At the end, Jack and Raven lost, which Jack would obviously attribute to Raven. Jack wasn’t big on this match to begin with since he doesn’t trust anyone and his suspicions were proved correct. But now, there are no teams in the next match. Now, the four-way match would be between the four men, and one will emerge as King for a Day. Jack is hard at work preparing for his chance to repeat as King.

 

Outside the ring, Jack was taking care of his brother Jason after a morphine overdose. Now with Jason back on his feet, the brothers, and Uncle Brian, look to solidify their position in Vegas. But first, some loose ends needs to be tied up


 

--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV

 

Jack was seated as Brian walked in the door, it being his day to look over Casino management. The quick nod of acknowledgment hit and no words were spoken. Brian, as he always did, poured himself a glass of whiskey and drank it. Jack was looking at his phone, but he still knew what Brian was doing.

 

Jack: Rough day?

 

Brian: Same shit, different day, really. 

 

Jack: That bad, huh?

 

Brian: Yeah.

 

Jack: Good, just means the money comes in.

 

Brian: How’s your brother?

 

Jack: He’s better now. Still trying to figure out where he got that stuff from. 

 

Brian: Why don’t you ask him?

 

Jack: I just need to have the time be right, I think. 

 

Brian: You gonna wait until he overdoses again?

 

Jack shoots a glare at Brian

 

Brian: Just asking.

 

Jack: That’s not funny.

 

Brian: You need to find out, you better go to the source.

 

Jack again glared at Brian, and then realized he was right. He took a second, and then put his phone in his pocket and stood up, heading to Jason’s room to check on him. He knocked firmly on the door.

 

Jason: Yeah?

 

Jack entered as that was what Jason usually said, but his response was good to hear. He was coherent at least. Jack looked on as Jason strummed on an acoustic guitar, sitting on the floor.

 

Jason: What’s up, Bro?

 

Jack knelt down to be eye level with Jason, a small smile on his face.

 

Jack: How ya feelin’.

 

Jason: Better. Just took a lot out of me.

 

Jack: I’m glad you are feeling better. But we have to address the elephant in the room.

 

Jason: What?

 

Jack: Who is giving you the morphine?

 

Jason: What?

 

Jack: You don’t just get morphine like that Jay. I’m not an idiot. Don’t insult my intelligence or try and hide it. Just tell me.

 

Jason: I... uh... I got a guy.

 

Jack: I figured that much. Who?

 

Jason: Oh, a dude I’ve known since our days in the Army. He was a medic. 

 

Jack: Jay, you do realize that you almost fucking died, right? I don’t know why you’re treating this like it’s no big deal.  It’s really not. You need to get it together man. I need you. I can’t have this. WE can’t have this. You have to give me something here.

 

Jason: I’m just trying to stay positive after all this. I feel like this is about to become a negative.

 

Jack: YOU DYING IS FUCKING NEGATIVE, JAY! I... I’m sorry, but we have to make sure this dude stops. You have to cut it off. We need to get you the help you need because I need you for the future.

 

Jason: I... I’ll just tell him to stop then.

 

Jack: Don’t. Jason, come on man, I’m being serious. That shit is killing you.

Jason: I need it. You don’t know what it’s like to have PTSD

 

Jack: And morphine isn’t the answer, Jay. Stop this. Look, you just tell me where to find the guy, and I will go take care of it. 

 

Jason: What?

 

Jack: I said, just tell me where the guy is, and I will take care  of it.

 

Jason: Nah bro, you can’t just wipe that dude out! He’s cool. He didn’t do that to me, I did. I let it get out of control and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.

 

Jack: Jason, you know how many times I’ve talked to addicts? And you know what they all say? The same thing. Exactly what I want to hear. I know you have a problem. I’m trying to help you fix it. Once that’s done we won’t have any more issues. But you can’t hide this from me anymore. Just... trust me on this, okay? I know, you think you need that stuff, but you don’t. I’m trying to help you. But you have to let me help you.

 

Jason puts the guitar down and sits up on his bed.

 

Jason: I don’t know how to say this. War does this to people. And they present some questions, and those questions are ugly. And I didn’t want to know the answers to those questions. It’s like banging on a door and it opens and there’s noises you’ve never heard before and it’s dark. Do you want to go into that room? No. It’s messed me up. 

 

Jack slowly stands up and places a hand on Jason’s shoulders.

 

Jack: Let’s go get you some help, but first... what’s his name?

 

Jason: Bro, don’t do this...

 

Jack: The name, Jay.

 

Jason pauses, looking up at Jack and there are tears in his eyes.

 

Jason: Cosmo...

 

--

 

On Camera:


 

Click.


Jack is leaning back in his recliner. Instead of the scowl, we again get a smile, but this is even more smug than usual.

 
Jack: I bet you are all thinking that I’m gonna be mad or pissed off about what happened at Climax Control and how Raven lost the match for our team, but I am not. Because I know the truth about all this stuff. So me losing a match that really wasn’t going to change anything for the future, is fine. I knew that Raven sucked so he wasn’t going to be a partner who was worth a damn. I knew that Miles and Austin were going to turn on each other and that’s what happened. I knew that. What’s the point of stressing over this? The facts are the facts. I am the only man in this fatal four-way who actually beat someone of quality to qualify for it. Raven got the Troll, and Austin and Miles couldn’t even beat each other so they both got rewarded for being inept.

But no, I’m not mad, why would I beat mad about this? So, if you’re disappointed that I’m not all up in arms about this, that’s too bad. Because I’m not sweating a match on Climax Control with the same group of idiots I’m fighting in two weeks time, where I don’t have to depend on somebody else who I know isn’t going to be able to watch my back. No, now I can take my time and enjoy things. As a matter of fact, I’m feeling pretty generous since Sunday. So you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to give each and every one of my opponents a round of applause.


 
Jack reclines back, and begins applauding.


Jack: Here is a round of applause for Miles Kasey. You were actually able to continue your amazing streak of winning matches that nobody will care about outside of Carter. Congratulations on getting to say you beat me in a match that in the grand scheme of things will mean less than nothing. You’re really great at doing that type of stuff. You can get to a point where you can compete for something, and then... when it looks like you’re going to break through, you fall flat on your face. It didn’t even take 10 seconds after that bell rang and you got your hand raised and Austin took you out. This is you, Miles. This is what you do. You can’t tell me I’m wrong. I’ve seen it time and time again. So you got your win, way to go.  I hope you enjoyed it for those 10 seconds, because that’s all you’re going to get my guy.

Again, I can’t really emphasize this enough, you’re here, because you didn’t lose. Not because you won, not because you got your hand raised, but because you weren’t good enough to win, and not terrible enough to lose. You are middle of the road, Miles. That’s what you are, and that’s what you will always be. But again, you really deserve this round of applause to living up to what you’re good at. It’s amazing that you have gained zero progress after all this time.

So, you don’t need to worry about finding some way to win and making a big name for yourself after what seems like forever. I’m sure that after I win this match and go on, that you will inexplicably receive another opportunity in which you will fail at. You are the most consistent person I know Miles. So at Violent Conduct, I am sure you will not disappoint, by being what you are: Disappointing.


 
Jack goes back to the mocking applause for the next person.
 

Jack: Here’s a round of applause for Alexander Raven. You deserve this for being incredibly stubbon and stupid. It must take a lot of your mind and body to be so persistent, knowing full well you simply don’t have the ability to do what you think you can do. That part of your brain must not have evolved with you, because it’s all I see time and time gain. You just are here, and then you fail and you start over, and you get to your peak again. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. Well, maybe sad isn’t the word for it. Annoying is more fitting. 

It’s just the facts of the situation, Raven. I told you that the Internet title was as far as you were going to go, and that’s exactly where you should stay. But no, you continue to poke your head out of the basement, and then make noise like you’re important, and then you get slapped back down to reality. I mean, are you really going to gloat about beating the Troll? The Troll, bro? Really? They might as well have handed you a god damn invitation. This was gift-wrapped for you. You even made a joke about it, and then you won. Do you feel proud? Accomplished? Do you feel some sense of pride that you pretty much cost us the tag match last week? I bet you do, don’t you? Well, I will give you this round of applause, because you deserve it. And much like I will with Miles, and with Austin, I will slap you back to reality, because you should already know I’m the man around here. This match at Violent Conduct, is just more proof of that.

I just hope that at the end of this, it finally gets through your head that you’re not on my level, and you never will be. Just like I took your title, I’m going to take this away from you too. Because much like the Internet division, this is as far as you go.


 
More mocking applause follows. Jack actually stands up.


Jack: And of course, a huge round of applause for Austin James Mercer. Holy shit make it a standing ovation. You won last week, and THEN you attack your partner from behind like a chump. I mean, a huge cheer for you, not for those actions specifically, but... you actually showed you still have a pulse after all this time. I mean, I was thinking you were some kind of zombie at this point with how sad it has been to watch you shamble around and fail time after time and accomplish next to nothing anymore. I mean, my god dude, you were the world champion like 3 years ago or something.  What the hell happened to you?

Wait, nevermind, I already know, you ran into me, and I exposed you. I mean, you are like 8 feet tall, 280 pounds of muscle, and it’s all going to waste because you want to lay back and not put in the work. Your master Alex at least tried, but you? You rolled over and played dead like a dog. So don’t come at me now, or anybody else now like you’re a bad ass. It’s embarrassing to watch. It just makes me shake my head. You really have accomplished zero since I took it all away from you. You’ve been stuck at level 1 and you’ve never made any effort to actually get yourself back up. You’ve been stangnent. And now, you are in the wrong place, at the wrong time if you’re hoping that sneak attacking someone and getting a tag match will jumpstart you back to where you think you belong. Because the truth is Austin, you don’t belong trying to go for the world title, you don’t belong in the main event. You have your 15 minutes and you wasted them. Now, we’re moving on to bigger and better things in SCW.

Namely, Me. We’re done with people like you wasting your potential and our time if you’re not going to do anything. I tried before to light a fire under your big ass and you did nothing with it. Why on EARTH would anyone give you another chance? No, Austin, just no. It’s over, and I will prove it to you, once again at Violent Conduct.


 
Jack’s intensity dials down just a touch as he finishes this up.
 

Jack: Now, you can all line up and thank me for giving you way more credit than any of you deserve. I earned my win and you all didn’t. I have been the best for a while now, and this company continues to make me jump through hoops to get where I need to be. And now, all of that is going to go away. There will be NO ONE who denies me being the SCW World champion again, because I should be. I make no bones about it, There is no hiding what I’m going to do. I did it last time, and I will do it again.

I will be facing whoever is the SCW world champion, be it Hawkes, or be it old man Harris. It doesn’t matter to me. The title will once again be mine after all is said and done. And there’s not a damn thing that any of my three opponents can do about it. Nobody is going to stop me. No matter how hard you all try and stop me, you won’t. I am zeroed in on this, and it will be a reality.

Just accept it.


 

Jack shoos the camera away as the scene fades.

 
Click

 
Face. Of. The. Franchise.

8
Climax Control Archives / Clean Slate: Chapter 5: What Really Matters
« on: August 11, 2023, 11:49:36 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was victorious in his last match against Jaycee McDonald, earning his the right to be in the King for a Day match at Violent Conduct. This is of course a match Jack thought he should have been in as he won the last one and shouldn’t have had to jump through hoops, but he did, and now, he is one match away from getting to make Climax Control in his image. All that remains before that is a tag match between the four men who will collide at Violent Conduct in the King for a Day match. As Jack teams with Alexander Raven to wrestle Austin Mercer, and Miles Kasey.

 

Outside the ring, Jack had another scare with his brother overdosing on morphine after a meeting with Sonny, an on again off again rival casino owner about people from Philadelphia possibly waging war on the street of Vegas with Jack, and with Sonny. Jack must piece this all together and it starts with family.

--

Washington Estate,

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jason is in bed. He clearly needed to be. Resting up and recovering from his overdose. Jack walked in with a glass of water, and sat down at Jason’s bedside and ensured he was still awake and alert.

 

Jack: You okay?

 

Jason: I’m... I’m sorry bro.

 

Jack: Don’t. I don’t need sorry from you. I need you to get better.

 

Jason: I know I shouldn’t have done it man, but I was in pain. I needed it. I just.. I took too much man.

 

Jack: Why didn’t you tell me that? We could get you some help, bro. You don’t need to hide that kind of shit from me. Seriously. Don’t do that. 

 

Jason: I needed it.

 

Jack: I get that part, Jason. I understand that you need it for everything you went through as a solider. I get that man. But you hid it from me on the sly. You didn’t tell me. Don’t do that to me, don’t do that to this family. 

 

Jason: I... I’m sorry.

 

Jack: Just get better. And when you get better, we’re going to get you off that, or at least get you on some kind of schedule. I’m not going to have this. I can’t lose you right now, Jay. I fucking can’t. There’s too much going on and I... WE got our backs against the wall. This isn’t the time for it. 

 

Jason: You’re right man. I’m sorry, I just... I need to rest.

 

Jack: Then rest. I’ll take care of you until you’re better, then we’ll get back to running this fucking place.

 

Jason: Yeah...
 

Jack: Yeah. Get better.


Jason: I just didn't want to fuck it up, I guess I did.


Jack: What happened happened, you are Brian are what really matters. That's what I need. I need my family. We, are all we got now. I can get revenge if they take you out. I can settle that score. I can't do anything if you take yourself out. You understand. You are too important to do that to yourself. I'm gonna get you the help you need.


Jason: Thanks, bro.


Jack: Yeah.

--

 

On Camera:


 

Click

 

Jack is usually in one of two modes: An agry scowl, or a smug smile, today it’s the smug smile as he lounges in his recliner to greet us.

 

Jack: Well, well, well. Look at what happened. I earned the opportunity to be in the King for a Day match, which I shouldn’t have needed to, but I jumped through the hoop placed in front of me, yet again, and now I am in the match officially. It’s becoming comical to me the amount of roadblocks that continue to be put in my way and I swerve around them every time, and yet, I can’t get any respect. I mean, my god this is getting sad. The state of this division is a mess and I just have to roll my eyes at people like Calvin Harris who is just floundering and has to put his stupid face on TV and still, nobody gives a rats ass about him. I don’t understand why he doesn’t go around shaking hands and whatever. Isn’t that what a champion is supposed to do? Instead he’s on TV basically saying “Look at me, I have a title!” and still... nobody cares. I made that title mean something and he is basically taking all of my hard work and flushing it down the toilet. But hey, that’s what a champion is, I guess. Way to be, right?

But he can have that title, and lower its credibility, I’ve already moved on to bigger and better things. It’s only a matter of time before I win King for a Day, and yes, I will put myself in a world title match, and then I will win it, and then everything will be back to the way it should be. The only real loose end is this stupid tag match putting the other three losers in a match with me. You all know how I am with this. I don’t play well with others. I don’t need anybody else to watch my back, you know why? Because I know enough to do it on my own and not trust any of the clowns. I’m not going to put one ounce of trust into these guys, and why should I? Then again, the whole concept here is that nobody should trust their partner. But I don’t work well with others unless they actually listen to what I say. I’m a leader and the face of this franchise for a reason.


 

Jack sits up in the chair, to put emphasis on his mood.

 

Jack: I already have to fucking groan because I have to team with Alexander Raven. I mean... Jesus this dude just won’t leave me alone. I thought after taking his title, and beating his ass like 5 times that he’d get the hint. But no, he’s going to stand on the apron and expect me to tag him in or like we’re going to work together or something. The only way this works is if he actually is capable on not fucking this up. Which given his history is a fool’s errand. All he has to do is not suck for 5 minutes, and we’ll actually win. But again, I have zero faith in that happening on Sunday.

I mean, Miles and Austin Mercer? Ugh, I thought Mercer was gone for good this time. He keeps coming back like a fucking pimple. He just won’t go away. He continues to stomp around like a knuckle-dragging idiot and things he’s got something. He’s mean, he’s vicious, he’s a keyboard warrior for sure. I would think someone like Austin wouldn’t bother with that, but then I remember he’s an idiot and thinks he’s so cool when the exact opposite is true. And let’s just face it, Mercer’s here because he couldn’t actually beat Miles, and Miles couldn’t beat him. It’s just so sad when this happens and then people run around like they’ve accomplished something simply because they didn’t lose. If Mercer was half the man he thinks he is, he would have beaten Miles and then Miles wouldn’t even be here. He’d be laying around licking his wounds like Carter and nobody would be batting an eyelash.

But no, obviously Austin isn’t good enough to do that, so he just lucks into this. It’s really sad. I mean, didn’t Raven have the Troll to wrestle? What the hell is up with that? Why is it I have to stave off the new up and coming wrestler, the flavor of the month, and these guys get cake walks? And not only do they get cakewalks, they don’t even win! I guess Raven won, but if you’re bragging about beating the Troll, I feel bad for you.  The point is, Mercer couldn’t get that job done, and after they beat each other up, or... Mercer failed to do enough to actually win, they’re here. Pathetic. But he’s gonna act like he’s something special, and try and lead Miles when his leadership skills couldn’t get somebody out of a t-shirt.

 
And Miles is just in the same boat. He couldn’t beat Austin Mercer, and now he’s here. I hope this dude is thanking his lucky stars that he’s here, because they continue to give him chance after chance and all he does is fail. It’s a hard luck story, and you know I’d dig it even more if it had a happy ending, but the fact is, it won’t have a happy ending. If he couldn’t beat Austin Mercer’s big goofy ass, why does he deserve to be here. That’s right, I’m questioning you, Miles. 

I'm throwing down this punk card at your feet. I did the same thing to Austin a couple of years ago, and he never bothered to pick it up. Are you going to do the same thing? And are you going to let this dude try and lead your team? He’s a moron. You may suck, but at least you’re not AS stupid. You going to sit back and let Austin Mercer tell you what to do? I know I wouldn’t. I’m questioning whether or not you have to balls to actually step up and be what everybody seems to think you are. And I can tell you, you’re not going to do it with Austin Mercer with you.

 
And Raven, You just might be the luckiest man on the planet. Because I’m going to lead you, much like I’ve lead this entire company, to a win. You will probably never win a more important match in your life. I mean, to me, this whole thing is a waste of time, but hey, don’t say I never did anything for you, because you are about to get your hand raised, once again, when you don’t even deserve it.

 
The bottom line is I’m the only winner here. The other three are losers, either by choice, or by birth. And I’m going to show everyone a little preview of what will happen at Violent Conduct when I walk away King for a Day. I might just take out all three of them Sunday, but I won’t. Not because I can’t, but because I wouldn’t rob you all of all your hard-earned money. 

 
You plop that down for me, at Violent Conduct. This will be just another example of why I am the face of this franchise.



Jack shoos the camera away as we fade out.

 

Click.

 

Face. Of. The. Franchise.

9
Climax Control Archives / Clean Slate: Chapter 4: Trauma
« on: July 14, 2023, 11:49:51 PM »
Prologue:

Jack obviously did not have a good time at Summer XXXtreme, not only not being able to fish, not only not being able to stay away from people, but also lost the Internet title. Though the loss was significant, the loss wasn’t really the most important thing to Jack as now as has his sights set on a bigger prize. Jack now prepares to face Jaycee McDonald in the qualifying match for the King for a Day match. Jack is well versed in the match having won it previously. Now, will lightning strike twice?

Outside the ring, The Washington’s have returned the favor and seemingly allowed free reign for the Philadelphia crew to do what they wish in Vegas. It is unknown if the peace will last, but Jack and family are still very wary of anything going down. This is being done as a test to see if the peace is real in the first place. How long with it last, if it lasts at all? And who will be the one to break it if it’s real? 


 
--

Harrah’s Hotel and Casino

Las Vegas, NV



It was a familiar sight to see Sonny, Jack’s on again/off again ally and rival casino owner standing on his balcony and smoking a cigar. He has his golf putter, lining up a ball when his buzzer sounded. He sighed and shook his head.

 

Sonny: Always when I’m practicing.

 

Sonny marched over and answered the buzzer.

 

Sonny: What is it, Alice.

 

Alice: The Washington’s are here as you asked.

 

Sonny smirked and adjusted his shirt and pulled a comb out of his pocket and brushed his already thinning hair back a few strokes.

 

Sonny: Send them in.

 

The buzzer sounded and the mechanical lock unlocked and the door opened. Jack and Jason walked in, Jack looking confident, but Jason a little jittery as Jack shook Sonny’s hand.

 

Jack: Sonny.

 

Sonny: Kid...

 

Sonny looked over at Jason and was about to extend his hand, but looked worried.

 

Sonny: Is he okay?

 

Jack: He’s just tired. And a little nervous, anxiety and all. 

 

Sonny: I see.

 

Jack: So, to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?

 

Sonny: You want anything to drink?

 

Jack: No, sir. We’re just here for business. I thought we agreed to part ways last time.

 

Sonny: We did. We certainly did.

 

Sonny poured himself a drink of congac and took a sip.

 

Sonny: But I hear that you’ve got some boys from back home giving you trouble.

 

Jack: And where would a man like you hear some small time stuff like that?

 

Sonny: You have to have eyes and ears everywhere, kid. 

 

Jack: You don’t need to worry about it.

 

Sonny: Oh, but I do. You see, whether or not you plan to deal with them is one thing. But if they start messing with MY stuff, then we both have a problem.

 

Jack: Are you saying that this is my problem? Because it’s not my problem, Sonny. I moved away from them, and I came out here. I didn’t ask for permission.

 

Sonny: And now they just show up, out of nowhere, after all this time? You’ll have forgive my suspicion, but it looks all too convincing right now.

 

Jack: You think I set this up?

 

Sonny: That’s why we’re here, kid. I want to know if I should continue to look extra hard, over my shoulder, or if you are going to handle that.

 

Jack: It’s been handled Sonny. I didn’t set anything up to go after you. Why would I? We helped each other out, and then we went our separate ways. That was us concluding business.

 

Jason, who was still jittery and moving frantically at this point, stood up, shouting.

 

Jason: WE AINT WITH THEM! THEY AIN’T WITH US, MAN!

 

Sonny slowly turned his head, almost amused at the outburst and put his hands up in an effort to calm Jason down.

 

Sonny: Easy there, jitterbug. I just needed to be sure.

 

Jack stood up and grabbed Jason to lead him out of the room, excusing himself and Jason in the process.

 

Jack: Listen bro, you gotta let me handle this.

 

Jason: I’m... I’m sorry... he’s just got it all wrong bro, you know that. We ain’t with them. 

 

Jack: I know that, you know that. I need to make sure he knows that and it doesn’t do us any good if you’re going to scream and yell like that. Okay, you need to relax.

 

Jason was still jittery and Jack finally took notice of this fully.

 

Jack: Jay, what’s the matter with you?

 

Jason: I just need some sleep, bro. I’m sorry, adrenaline kicking in. I’m wired right now.

 

Jack: Let me just handle this and then we’ll get you some rest.

 

The Washington’s returned to the room and Jack say back down.

 

Jack: Sorry about that. But to be clear, we’re not with them. They offered us a truce. I don’t buy it for a second, but if they do anything it’ll be against me, not you. 

 

Sonny: For your sake, I hope you’re right.

 

Jack: Yeah. Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?

 

Sonny: Not unless you’re into golf.

 

Jack: No, just fishing.

 

Sonny: Ah, not really my thing, but... it’s nice to have a hobby. 

 

Jack: Yeah.

 

Sonny: We’ll see you around, kid.

 

--

Washington Estate
Las Vegas, NV


It was later in the evening and Brian and Jack were at the kitchen table, and Jason was in his room. Jack and Brian were discussing the events of the day.

 

Jack: I really don’t want Sonny on our ass as well as anything from the boys.

 

Brian: This could be a bigger problem then. I don’t know if Sonny’s really going to buy that we’re not with the boys. Even if we’re not.

 

Jack: By the way, have you noticed anything weird with Jay?

 

Brian: He was acting kind of jittery, just said he was tired. He got some kind of black bag today and I haven’t seen him since he went into the room to lay down.

 

Jack: Black bag?

 

Jack and Brian are about to continue when music from Jason’s room begins blaring as it was at a dull roar before. Jack and Brian stand up and look at each other.

 

Jack: What the?

 

Brian: That kid...

 

Jack and Brian head to the door and knock. Obviously since the music is so loud, it’s unlikely it was heard. Jack then bangs on the door and there is still no answer. Jack tries to open it the door but it won’t open easily, as something was clearly blocking it. Eventually shoulders the door open and is horrified at what he sees.

 

Jack: Jay!

 

The reason for the loudness was Jason, slumped over and his body having hit the stereo. His lips were blue, his sleeve rolled up and a morphine needle sticking out of his arm. He was basically snoring and had labored breathing.

 

Jack: Jesus! Call an ambulance!

 

Jack pulled the need out of Jason’s arm and pulled him to a sitting position. His eyes were glazed over and he wasn’t responsive to anything.

 

Jack: Jay, what the fuck are you doing! Jay! Answer me!

 

Jason did not respond, nearly catatonic from the clear overdose of morphine. Jack looked around and there were small vials of morphine in the black bag Brian had seen earlier. 

 

Jack: Just stay with me, we’re gonna get you some help!

 

--

Sunrise Hosptial and Medical Center
Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack and Brian pace nervously outside the ER waiting room. It seems like ages that they wait with no word. Finally a doctor comes out from the double doors as Jack and Brian stand up, Jack rushes over.

 

Jack: How is he?

 

Doctor: He’s... sedated, but he’ll pull through. We’re doing everything we can to flush his system. It’s going to take a while, but we have him under observation, but he’s still going to stay a while here.

 

Jack and Brian both seemingly breathe a sigh of relief from hearing that.

 

Brian: We had no idea.

 

Doctor: Most addicts are pretty good at hiding symptoms. From what the nurses told me it was him falling over and going unconscious that may have saved him.

 

Jack: Fuck...

 

Doctor: He’ll just need some rest, but you can go home and rest easy. He’s going to make it.

 

Jack: He better. THAT'S MY BROTHER MAN! YOU HELP HIM!


Brian has to physically restrain Jack and pulls him away.

 

Brian: Come on Stick... nothing more we can do here...


Brian has to lead Jack to the hallway and out the front door for fresh air so Jack can compose himself.


Brian: He's gonna okay, Stick.


Jack: That's my brother, Brian, you and him... that's all I got man.


Brian: He's where he needs to be now. There's nothing you can do for him now. He's gonna make it, and that's all that matters.


Jack: Why the fuck did he do that?


Brian: He's an addict, Jack.


Jack: Nah, this... this happened because... because of me.


Brian: What?


Jack: I saw it today and he was freaking out and I yelled at him to calm down and I think he did this to himself because of me.


Brian: You need some rest, Jack. Come on...

 

--

On Camera:


 

Click.

 

Jack sits, once again with the scowl and annoyed look about him.

 

Jack: After the past couple of weeks, I’ve been in a really shitty mood. But oh, is this the part where I’m supposed to complain about losing the Internet title? I said from the jump I didn’t give a rats ass about it, and that if given the opportunity, I would gladly hand it over if it meant I get a shot at the world title. I simply made a title worth giving a shit about. I did think about it, but at the end of the day, the title just isn’t important to me enough for me to try and win it again from Calvin Harris. He’s going to mess the whole thing up, and I am tired of trying to clean up messes left by lesser champions. So, Calvin can have that title for as long as he wants. I don’t care. I can take it back from him at any time I wish, but right now it’s not important to me.

What more do I have to gain from being the Internet champion? I did everything I needed to the first time, and this time was just icing on the cake, and then it became an albatross. It was an annoying trinket that made my luggage heavier and wasn’t worth it. But the top prize? The world title? That’s worth it. I already won that twice, proving I am everything I say that I am, and a third time just cements the point. 

I don’t care about losing the Internet title, especially on that stupid cruise where I couldn’t even fish and be happy, I was miserable the entire time, and I am so very thankful that we are off that stupid boat now and I don’t have to worry about it until next year. Now, I can focus on the stuff that truly matters.

It was undeniable, as it usually is with me, that I deserve to get rewarded for what I’ve done. Most of the time it takes me screaming at the top of my lungs after doing what people don’t want me to be able to do, and winning time and time again, but this time, at least there wasn’t any room to try and keep me out of what is now the biggest thing in SCW right now. The King and Queen for a day challenge. You know the last time we did this stuff, I WON. I know, it shouldn’t come as a shock or a surprise to you at this point, but people like to try and downplay everything I’ve done at one point or another. 

And then, I used it to get myself what I wanted. A shot at the world title. So it should come as no surprise, again, that that’s exactly what I’m going to do when I win the damn thing this time. Yeah, I’m calling my shot because unlike a lot of people in this company, I have the balls to do so. J2H just won the title and he’s on notice. He can know I’m gunning for him all he wants, it will not stop me from beating his ass and taking the world title for a third time.


 

Jack’s words are those of an extremely confident person as he continues on.

 

Jack: Oh, but wait, I suppose there’s one small problem in the way. Jaycee McDonald. Yet another Jet City reject. I mean, do we really need more of these Jet City people around here? All they do is win, and then lose and leave. That’s it. What more do they bring to the table? They hang around and then bail. But sure, let’s reward them, let’s keep giving them chance after chance knowing the exact same thing is going to happen again. If they succeed, they’re just going to disappear like a magician in a puff of smoke. So the question must be asked, why bother?

I would say that maybe Jaycee isn’t like the others, but no, he bailed too. He admitted it himself. And yet, here he is, getting rewarded. Has this man done ANYTHING of note since returning? No. And yet, here we are, rewarding him. It sickens me that these people continue to get opportunities from like 5 years ago, because we have to keep our word because they earned them and then vanished into thin air. 

What’s going to happen when this happens again? What’s going to be the excuse this time? I mean, Jaycee goes on and wins King for a day and then oops, he’s gone now so he can’t make the matches, we’ll just wait 5 more years and when he comes back we’ll let him do it? That’s stupid and it’s stupid he’s even in this match.

I mean, even the match preview is making shit up to make him seem important. Jaycee McDonald fell short at Summer XXXtreme? Excuse me what? The man didn’t even have a match, he wasn’t on the card, he had nothing to do on the cruise, until he answered an open challenge. So, how in the hell did he fall short? He fell short of having a match in the first place?  It’s absurd just how many lengths we’re going to, to make these Jet City jack-offs look like a bigger thing then they really are. 

Losing to Carter? Who cares. I’m just so tired of this nonsense where this stupid house of cards group keeps getting built back up, until they crumble again. Is this really what we should be doing? Hell, I have to ask the question why there even IS a qualifier to begin with. We all know that I am the only choice in this matter. Let’s stop handing Jet City things they don’t deserve and hoping that it keeps them around longer than 3 months. 

I mean, we’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel is Jaycee McDonlad is the best we can come up with at this point. Maybe we can bring back Casey Williams, hell let’s bring Jordan Williams back. Why the hell not? Let’s put them in these stupid qualifier matches. At the end of the day, there is no better option than me.

 

Jack points to himself, but shrugs before continuing.

 

Jack: I don’t care about Jaycee McDonlad or what type of athlete he is or how he’s the future, he’s the future for about 3 months and then he’ll be gone and maybe he’ll show up two summers from now and then we’ll have to start this whole thing all over again where we all have to pretend to give two shits about Jet City people. This shit has to stop.

All JayCee is to me, is the next guy in front of me. That’s it, nothing more. Beating him does not do me any favors outside of putting me in the match I should already be in. He’s just the guy I have to beat. I don’t care to know his name otherwise. He’s a name, a face, in a place, at a show. He might be the most althetic person this side of LeBron James in his prime. He just might be the most athleticly gifted, or the hardest hitter, or the fastest runner or highest jumper. He might have all the bells and whistles that you look for. But at the end of the day, I don’t care. He’s just a guy. He may have all the potential in the world.

But let’s have potential in one hand and shit in the other and see which fills up first, right?

But maybe this is what you all wanted, right? This is who you really want to get behind right? Hoping he beats me, and he moves and then I’m stuck twiddling my thumb because I lost the opportunity. That’s what this is really about. It’s the only reason I should have to compete in a qualifier. I am a two-time Internet and World champion. People have walked in and back into this company and just been handed shit. I won the whole thing last time. Shouldn’t I be the defender of this? Shouldn’t that grant me automatic entrance into the King for a Day match? Why should I have to earn it all over again?

This is the reason why, right? So we can try and spotlight a jack-off like JayCee McDonald and act like we are somehow equals. We’re automatically equals if he wins, right? Is that how it works now? I can beat 40 guys but the next time I don’t win all of a sudden a guy who has 2 wins is equal to me? What kind of horseshit is that? We are not equals. I was defending the second biggest championship in this company, and JayCee couldn’t get a match if his life depended on it. WE. ARE. NOT. FUCKING. EQUALS.

So what I’m going to do, and it will bring me just that much more satisfaction, is kick the shit out of another one of your hopefuls. I’m going to beat him, and then you will once again have to deal with me, and have to deal with the fact that I am the cream of the crop around here. I am exactly what I say I am, and you are looking not only at the winner of the match, but you’re looking at the next king for a day. You better start believing, people. If you’re not on the bandwagon, you should be. But then you don’t have to be. I’ll go straight to the top again, with, or without your approval.

JayCee, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.


 

Jack shoos the camera away as the scene fades.

 

Click.
 

Face. Of. The. Franchise.

10
Prologue:

Jack continues to prepare for his championship defense against Calvin Harris, even if he has to do it aboard the Princess Cruise, which he is never happy about. Jack not liking dealing with people or being around them most of the time is a huge reason why he’s so unhappy around the cruise, but he knows he has to do it as part of his job. Only time will time how much actual time he spends dealing with it.

 

Outside the ring, thanks to the advice of his brother of all people, Jack appears ready to test DeCosta’s word on how much of a truce there really is, but the Washington’s also appear to be ready to leave Philadelphia behind for good in any case.
 

 

--

Sun Princess Cruise

 

Jack tried to keep a low profile as he walked to his room. Head down, hoodie up, glasses, and a hat. He was bound and determined not to be bothered on this trip if he could help it. He entered his cabin and set down all his item, taking what he needed out of his luggage to set up his room just the way he wanted. Inside of his luggage his pulled out his travel kit and set it in the bathroom. He tested the bed and found it wasn’t the most comfortable, but it would do. He set out the Internet championship on the night stand and seemed pleased with himself. Then, he pulled out the only reason he would ever leave the cabin, and that was his fishing pole. He kept his not really useful but still he was trying level disguise and left the cabin, locking it behind him. He set off to find a spot away from people to fish, but obviously couldn’t with the cruise in motion. He spotted on the workers and pulled him aside.

 

Jack: Yo... cabin... cabin boy, You work here, right?

 

The worker rolled his eyes.

 

Worker: Yes, sir, how can I help you?

 

Jack: Where is the best place is fish?

 

Worker: Excuse me?

 

Jack: You know, fishing. On the crusie. Is there a spot to do it.

 

Worker: I’m sorry sir, we don’t allow fishing on the cruise.

 

Jack looks dejected.

 

Jack: You’ve got to be kidding me.

 

Worker: No sir, I’m sorry but there are fishing excursions that do happen on some cruises.

 

Jack: And is this one of them?

 

Worker: Unfortunately, no. 

 

Jack looks more annoyed than before he was given a glimmer of hope and then it was taken away.

 

Jack: That’s a bunch of shit. 

 

Worker: I’m sorry sir. I can try and look up if there is an excursion on the next cruise.

 

Jack: Why would I want to go.... nevermind. You are useless. Thanks for nothing.

 

Jack walked away dejectedly and went back into his cabin. Now, there was seemingly nothing for him to do for fun. He obviously wanted to stay away from everyone he could, and the only thing he could really fancy doing was drinking at the bar. He didn’t really want to just spend his nights drinking, as it would make him more miserable, but if he had to get out and socialize, this was pretty much his only option.

 

Jack: This stupid cruise is going to be hell.

 

--

Sun Princess Cruise

 

Jack would only venture out to head to the bar, and the gym on the cruise to get his workouts in. He tried desperately not to interact with anyone but did take part in the SCW meet and greet simply because he had to. He silently wrote his name and handed out his autographed photos for the alloted time he needed to. There wasn’t anything he hated more, but he did what he was scheduled to do, and then returned to his room.

 

The days seemed to last forever, and Jack by day three was looking at himself in the mirror and questioning his own sanity.

 

Jack: You know what they’re doing, right? They’re testing you. They know you hate this, and they’re trying to make it so bad that you crack. But you’re not gonna crack, are you? No, you can’t crack. You’re the rock around here. You’ve got to grin and bear it. You know that’s exactly what they want. They want you to just have a blow up, give them an excuse to take you down. You know you can’t do that. You can’t give them what they want. No, you’ve got to just do what they ask, and then, you can use that shit later. Yeah, use it against them. That’s what you gotta do. 

 

The fact that Jack was talking to himself about the situation was troubling enough, but it’s simply how much he hated this. He found himself simply watching old movies in 4K to pass the time that he had to himself. While everyone else was seemingly having a great time, co-mingling and getting along, Jack wanted nothing to do with any of it. 

 

He splashed water on his face and  shook his head. He just had to last a few more days.

 

 

--

Sun Princess Cruise

 

It was day 4 and Jack was miserable. He knew he only had a few days left, but it felt like too much. He found himself away from everyone, all on his own as he liked it, and sat staring at the ocean and how endless it seemed. Nothing but water around him. No birds, no land, just water. It felt like it stretched on forever. 

This is what madness must feel like.

 

Jack stared into the endless ocean until hands covered his eyes.

 

Jack: GET THE HELL OFF OF ME!

 

He shouted out loud and the hands released his eyes and he spun around in anger, ready to punch the person or fan who dared to put their hands on him. But then he say who it was and he stopped in his tracks.

 

Bobbie: Hey Jack!

 

He rolled his eyes at the sight of Bobbie Dahl looking at him, her hands up in a defensive posture.

 

Bobbie: Man, you really need to relax. I was just having a little fun.

 

Jack turned away and rested his head in his hand.

 

Jack: What do you want, Bobbie?

 

Bobbie: I was just seeing if you were okay. You’ve looked terrible each time I’ve seen you in the hallways and stuff.

 

Jack: Because I don’t want to be here, Bobbie.

 

Bobbie: Dude, this is like the open ocean! It’s so cool! What’s not to like?

 

Jack turned to look at her, almost incredulous to her enjoying herself.

 

Jack: Look at all these weirdos, neckbeards and losers. You think I want to be around them? At least in the SCW ring there’s a damn barricade! I don’t want them touching me! And I just want to be left alone! They won’t even let me fish on this damn cruise.

 

Bobbie: Yeah... you didn’t know that? The boat’s in motion. They don’t want anybody to fall overboard.

 

Jack: I... That’s not the point, Bobbie. I can’t do the one thing that makes me at least a little happy on this damn cruise, I’m surrounded by idiots and people who annoy the hell out of me. Why would I be having fun?

 

Bobbie shook her head.

 

Bobbie: You have to make the most of it. There’s really no other way. Look at me for instance. I don’t have this crazy bikini body that all these other girls do, but you know what? I’m determined to enjoy myself. No matter what anybody else thinks. I’ll play shuffleboard and dive into the pool! Why the hell not?! I’m here to enjoy myself and kick some ass. If you’re going to be a grouch this entire time then you’re going to be miserable.

 

Jack shooke his head.

 

Jack: Then I guess I’m going to be miserable. Good talk, Bobbie. You can go now.

 

Bobbie stood with her arms folded and wouldn’t leave as Jack had asked.

 

Bobbie: You really need to stop being a party pooper. Seriously. You’re bringing the whole vibe down. But you know what, I think I’ve got something that will cheer you up.

 

Jack: No.

 

Bobbie: You haven’t even heard it yet.

 

Jack: Whatever it is, I want NO part of it.

 

Bobbie: What, you don’t trust me?

 

Jack: No. I don’t.

 

Bobbie: Come on, just this once. Have I ever let you down...

Jack stares at Bobbie.

 

Jack: Don’t be like that.  I’ve trusted you before, and you always drag me into something stupid.

 

Bobbie: Come on! 

 

Jack: Bobbie! No!

 

Bobbie: Come on! Just this one last time. Then I’ll never bother you again. I promise!

 

Jack stares at Bobbie, considering this. 

 

Jack: This better be good.

 

Bobbie smiles and pats Jack on the shoulder.

 

Bobbie: You’re going to love this.

 

Bobbie leads and Jack follows, and Jack notices they are going to an area filled with fans. The same area of the meet and greet.

 

Jack: Bobbie, what are you doing?

 

Bobbie: Just follow me! 

 

Bobbie and Jack are now in front of everyone as they continue to walk through the sea of humantiy, until Bobbie grabs a megaphone that is not being. 

 

Bobbie: Okay everyone! Get ready because team Bobbie-Jack is BACK!

 

Jack’s eyes grow wide as he shakes his hand and puts his hands up, trying to downplay this announcement.

 

Jack: What? No! No, that is not a thing!

 

Bobbie: It is now!

 

Jack: No, it’s not!

 

The crowd breaks into a “BOBBIE-JACK” chant and Jack is having none of this. He obviously doesn’t want to take part in this. Bobbie is rallying the fans to continue and trying to get Jack to stay. Jack tries to leave but Bobbie won’t let him. 

 

Bobbie: One last time, for old time’s sake!

 

Jack looks like he’s going to blow a gasket staring a hole through Bobbie. Bobbie smiles and ushers fans towards her.

 

Bobbie: Okay, he’s in position.

 

Jack doesn’t even bother moving as he just fumes at what is happening. Bobbie is making faces and posing for pictures and Jack is basically in the background of the shots, looking as pissed off as one person could be. After a few minutes of this silent rage boiling over and a handful of lucky fans got an actual picture with the duo, Jack storms off, moving people out of the way and going off to be alone. Bobbie follows him and tracks him down as he screams at the top of his lungs to vent his frustration. Bobbie comes and pats him on the shoulder and Jack just shakes his head.

 

Jack: Why? Why did you do that?!

 

Bobbie: Jack I... I was trying to help. Come on, you gotta relax. It was just a joke.

 

Jack: A JOKE? Are you KIDDING ME?! What is wrong with you?! This is what happens. I give people an ich and they take a god damn mile! We... were a team for that stupid tournament. That is over now. Don’t ever do that kind of shit to me ever again! Do you understand me?

 

Bobbie: It was just to lighten things up a bit, that’s all! Look, it got you out there and let’s be real, you could have left any time back there. But you didn’t. You stayed and took those pictures. So, I think you enjoyed it more than you think.

 

Jack: I despise you, right now. 

 

Bobbie: But you know I’m right! Team Bobbie-Jack!

 

Bobbie puts her first out for a fist bump and Jack stares at her like she has two heads.

 

Jack: What is wrong with you?

 

Bobbie: Come on, for the last time. Look, nobody’s around. Nobody’s gonna know. Come on, fist-bump!

 

Jack shakes his head standing up. He does not return the fist-bump, but he does pat Bobbie on the shoulder, and Bobbie takes this as a sign of progress.

 

Bobbie: Yes! 

 

--

On Camera:


 

Click.

 

Jack is pacing in his cabin, he’s mumbling to himself, as if trying to make sense of something he clearly doesn’t.

 

Jack: I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. I really do. Am I being punk’d or something? Is this a joke? Because it’s seriously not funny. I expected that I’d listen to Calvin Harris and use it as an insomnia cure and move on with my day. It was supposed to be so easy. 

But I guess that old saying is true. “Nothing is fool-proof to a talented fool.”

Jesus H. Christ, I just wanted this to make some damn sense, but of course it doesn’t. I at least expected to learn something, anything that would be worth talking about. The only think I actually learned from listening to Calvin Harris is that he’s an idiot and he might chew on his own socks it’s so bad. I’d rather actually that be the case because at this point, it would be actually worth my time.

Let me break this down for you, Calvin, because clearly, you have no idea how this all works. Okay, the first part of this, was YOU, okay... YOU tweeting at ME. I can’t emphasize that enough. YOU tweeted to ME, that YOU wanted to get your “win back.” Okay. Are you with me so far? Are you following this? Am I going too fast for you?

Okay, so now comes the part where you tell me, and everyone else, that YOU aren’t going to harp on that match we had previously. Okay... that already doesn’t make any goddamn sense, but then you proceed.... AND TALK ABOUT THE MATCH ALMOST IN IT’S ENTIRETY. I tapped you out. You’re not bitter about it, you give me props. And it goes on and on and on.

Do you... do you not see the disconnect here? You tell me, you want the win back, which obviously is in reference to the first match. There’s no disputing this. You know and remember, clearly, that I beat you before. Then you say you aren’t going to harp on it. Which is already wrong because you are bringing it up in the first place. Then you harp on it. I’m at a loss, my guy. I really am. I am genuinely curious now as to how you can get yourself dressed every day without assistance.

You just speak in circles, and the worst part is, you really think you’re saying something meaningful. You think it’s profound in some way. Let me tell you there is nothing worse in this world then some asshole talking out of his ass when he knows nothing about the subject matter. I can’t be the only one who has to stand there and listen to somebody who doesn’t have a clue talk like an expert on something, when all they do is prove why they shouldn’t open their mouths in the first place. I feel like I should just play that clip from Billy Madison on repeat for 5 minutes because it means just as much as anything that comes out of your mouth. Because literally the next thing you say, will be the most insanely idiotic thing, I’ve ever heard. Fucking hell, man.


 

Jack bends over in an exaggerated manner to express his exasperation.

 

Jack: I mean, you really think you’ve got me pegged or giving out some new information that nobody’s touched on yet. Oh, you don’t go the extra mile Jack! I’ve got you now! You’re not showing up every single week to talk! Boom! Roasted! You’re not a team player!



Uh, Yeah. Duh.

Are you new? You must be new. Here’s a news flash for you Calvin: I don’t like any single person on this roster. I don’t want to be around any single person on this roster. Why in the hell would I want to be around them any more than I have to? I’ve NEVER been a team player. I’ve learned I can’t trust a single person around here. I come into work, I do my job, and I go home. I am no different from any other person walking the face of this earth that dislikes their co-workers. You want to act high and mighty because you... do all this extra shit? Good for you, bro. You know what it’s gotten you thus far? Not a damn thing. But sure, you go on this cruise, you shake hands, you kiss babies and take pictures and all that other crap. You do that, and tell me, after you lose, that it was worth it. You want to know what shaking hands got me? A cramp in my wrist. You wanna know what kissing babies would get me? Drooled on. You wanna know what taking pictures with fans would get me? Some bratty kid’s disease. No, Calvin, I’m not going to do it if I don’t have to, because it doesn’t get me what I’m after.

Again, you must be new, so I’ll spell it out for you. I’m here, to get paid, and win. You want to know how I became the world champion twice? It wasn’t by kissing a baby. You want to know how I got that first Internet title win? Didn’t shake the guy’s hand, I tell you that. 

No, you complete asshat, I won those titles, by... and hang on, because I’m about to blow your mind here.... I BEAT THE GUY WHO HAD IT. I know, I’ll give you a second to realize that. Maybe you’ve forgotten how this works. But again, I want my money. I get MORE money by WINNING. It’s a fairly simple concept, but I know you’re a little slow on the uptake. 

My legacy won’t be defined by who I took a damn selfie with, you ignorant jackass. My legacy will be defined by the bank account. It will be defined by winning wrestling matches. Or do you not know how pro wrestling works in general?

I get it, you were handed a title shot, so you may not remember how this works. That is how I get my money. I don’t shake hands with fans, I don’t go the extra mile to get my face of TV. I make people PAY to see ME. And when I show up, it’s an event, and the houses are packed. People line up to get a look at the face of this franchise. I’m playing the game, I’m not letting the game play me. 

You think I give a rat’s ass about some snot-nosed kid’s opinion? You think I look at social media more than I have to? No, I don’t. Because it’s filled with stupid opinions. And now, you have made it clear as day that not one person should listen to anything you have to say because you’re just talking out of your ass. 

Wait... I think I smell something, Calvin. I smell something I’ve smelled before. Yeah, it’s coming off of you. You know what it is? I do. DESPERATION. 


 

Jack smirks, smelling the air.

 

Jack: You are a desperate man, Calvin. You realize this should be the only time you even SNIFF this championship, and so, you’re going for broke. You really think this is something. You really do. And it would be funny, if it wasn’t so sad.

 Oh yeah, that’s why you’re shooting this shot. Hey, I get it, you gotta go for broke at times, but boy, oh boy was that attempt a swing and a miss. But you have to. You can’t rely on the past, because you failed. You can’t talk about the future, because you won’t be a part of it. You have try and paint this picture of me. This picture that I’m an awful person and I’m not somebody to look up to.

And you are correct.

But the difference is, I EMBRACE who I am. I’m not going out there and trying to be a role model. I’m not trying to be a people’s champion. No, I’m just trying to be the champion. Give me the titles, give me the money, and I’m all set. Is there something wrong with that, Calvin? Do you not understand that? Do you not approve of that? Well, neither one of those issues that you have, are my problem. I am an asshole. I talk a lot of shit. And then I go out there, and I back it up. Is that also a problem for you? Again, that’s not my problem. That’s a you problem. You’re going to learn to fucking get over it because it’s not going to make me change who I am any time soon. 

But let’s not act like you’re some kind of high and mighty wrestling purist either. I’m pretty sure you’ve done some shit you aren’t proud of, acted like a prick multiple times, I mean, you just did, to me. And yet, here you are judging me. Who in the fuck are you to judge me, Calvin? What gives you the right to judge me? You don’t get to just act superior to me now, when you didn’t from the jump. If you had done that, I might have actually had a little respect for you. But instead, when it suits you, you want to jump on this bandwagon like it’s a saving grace for you. And yet, it has backfired horribly because you thought I would take this bait and try and defend myself.

I don’t have to defend, of justify myself to someone like you. I’m an asshole, and I’m damn proud of it.


 

Jack actually thumps his chest to exaggerate the point.

 

Jack: Maybe you thought this would phase me, because you needed to talk about me. You damn sure aren’t interesting enough for me to remember or care. I mean, come on now, if you were anything to talk about, you’d be bringing up your title wins, you’d be bringing up your wars or whatever thing that could be at least somewhat interesting. But you didn’t. Instead, you chose to focus on what you think I should do. 

And it will not do you a damn bit of good.

You tumbled out of the gate, and that’s not my fault. Had you simply said “I’m coming for the Internet title” I would have said... Okay, let’s focus on this, let’s pick Calvin Harris apart piece by piece. I would have at least had to work for it. I would have had to do a little digging. I would have had to do more than more than what I’ve done already. But you didn’t. You made this easy for me. Even though I don’t really like doing this.

Because this isn’t a debate, Calvin. This isn’t about who is doing the most and who has the moral high ground. You think I want to go back and forth with you, you fucking numbskull? The fact is, you opened your mouth, and then tried to dance around what you already said. You said one thing and then tried to make it about not the thing you mentioned first. You’re the idiot that stumbled and you shot this dumbass shot and you’re going to pay the consequences for it.

So, let this be a lesson to you, since you didn’t bother to actually listen to what I say. Let me once again, make this clear to you, and anybody else: I don’t like, or care about anyone else but me, in this business. I don’t need, or trust anyone else in this business. I listen to one person, ME. I do this for one person: ME. And it has made me exactly what I am, and who I am. I have done amazingly well, living just like that.

After this is over, and you lose, and you’re on this cruise ship looking lonely as all hell because you failed, yet again... I want you to do me a favor though. Okay? I want you to shake hands, I want you to kiss babies, take selfies, go ahead and do a post-show media interview. Talk about the event and the show and how great everyone did and thank everyone for buying tickets. Because that’s what champions do right? That’s what leaders do. And I, will sit my ass in my room, and I will be comfortable as you do all the media you want to. I will sleep like a goddam baby knowing I still have this title, and you... well I guess you can sleep knowing you’ve gone above and beyond and it’s all for nothing. 

And then, you can piss off, and never bother me again. 

See you real soon, chump. 


 

Jack lays comfortably on his cabin bed, the Internet title resting on the nightstand, as the scene fades.

 
Click.

 
Face. Of. The. Franchise.

11
Prologue:

Jack was successful in his champion vs. champion match against Peter Vaughn, which allowed him to watch with great interest last week when the contender for his Internet championship was named, and it ended up being Calvin Harris. Jack now prepares, even as he is not happy with the entire concept of the Summer XXXtreme cruise, but he is scheduled to be there, and will be defending his title.

 

Outside the ring, Jack returns from a trip back to Philadelphia, where seemingly, all was forgiven with his past and he seemingly can return without any consequences, as was said to him by the new figure head in a man named “DeCosta”. Jack was highly suspicious of this and didn’t seem to take too kindly to this news, but then again, he didn’t believe it anyway. The questions remain about DeCosta and the rest of the people from Philadelphia’s venture into Las Vegas, and what effect it will have on Jack in the future.


 

--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack, Brian, and Jason all sat at the kitchen table in an uncomfortable silence. Jack was seemingly waiting for a response from either of them, Brian appeared to be in thought, and Jason was doing the same. Jack was cracking his knuckles and fingers with one hand and looking at the two of them. After about 10 seconds, Jason lurched forward in his chair, but Brian was the one who spoke up.

 

Brian: So that’s it, huh?

 

Jack: That’s what was said.

 

Brian: It certainly sounds legit, but yeah, you’re right, something is up with that.

 

Jack: You get that feeling too?

 

Brian: I do.

 

Jack: What about you, Jay?

 

Jason: I don’t know, bro. I wasn’t involved in that. I left before dad died.

 

Jack: But you can see how this is odd, though, right?

 

Jason: Yeah. I was in the Army; I know that a lot of times I’ve walked into situations I did not like.

 

Jack: So, what do you think?

 

Jason: It doesn’t smell right.

 

Brian: Jason is correct, but maybe that’s the idea here. They have to know we’re going to have this conversation and weigh our options. They put all the pressure on us. It’s either they think we’re scared and we won’t come back, or we think we’re in the clear and we do come back and then that is when they hit us.

 

Jack: Yeah, seems like it. 

 

Jason looks confused for a moment, before raising a hand as if he’s asking a question.

 

Jason: But... do we NEED to go back?

 

Jack: …

 

Brian: It would be nice to not have to worry about it.

 

Jason: I’m just saying... why?

 

Jack: It’s our home, it’s where we grew up.

 

Jason: And we got kicked out. Our whole family did. And you know what? We started over again. We came out here. You did, bro. You made THIS place our home. Vegas. We’ve got everything we need here. We don’t need home. We don’t need to go back there. Especially when it’s a place we aren’t even wanted, and we can’t even trust that we’re not gonna get our heads blown off if we step foot there.

 

Brian looks over at Jack and his face molds into one of thinking about Jason’s words and understanding them.

 

Brian: You know, Stick, he’s got a point.

 

Jack: Yeah... he does.

 

Jason: I know that it’s where we were born and raised. I get that man, but for real, we got it all, here. 

 

Jason shrugs and Jack and Brian look at each other and nod.

 

Jack: I think then it’s settled. 

 

Brian: You sure you want to leave all that behind?

 

Jack: The only thing tying me, hell, tying US to Philadelphia is our mother and she’s not going anyplace. I know it sounds al ittle harsh but... I think it is time we do leave that all behind. What more can we really do in Philly though, you know? Jay makes a good point.

 

Brian: Well, I guess that settles that then. 

 

Jack: I think we really just need to leave all that alone. We started over, like Jay said. 

 

Jason: I think we’ve done pretty well without them.

 

Jack: We have. So much so that they came out here to check on us. If anything, THEY are scared of what WE have become. Because we didn’t need them. Holy shit that makes so much sense now. Of course Anthony came out here to check it all out. They are worried we don’t need them. 

 

Jason: Makes sense to me. I don’t think they thought we would make it out here. And now, bam, we made it and they are upset. They’re worried. They’re scared even.

 

Jack stood up, actually fired up by Jason’s words.

 

Jack: Fuck yeah. They are scared of us. Scared we’re going to rebuild the empire we had back ho- Back in Philly. That’s what this is! Holy shit it’s like I’m seeing thigns clearly for the first time in a long time. We don’t need them. They need us. 

 

Jack rushed to the kitchen area and retrieved three shot glasses and poured himself and his family drinks. Jason looked at him and down at the drink.

 

Jason: Bro, you know I can’t do booze.

 

Jack: Ah... shit, that’s right. My bad. 

 

Jason waved it away.

 

Jason: It’s all good.

 

Jack looked to possibly remove the glass, but Brian put his hand over the glass and smiled.

 

Brian: We don’t waste good Jack around here.

 

Jack: Ha. 

 

Jack grabbed his glass, and Brian was double-fisting the other two. 

 

Jack: To us. Beating the odds.

 

Jack and Brian of course drank their shots down. Brian doing his one right after the other. Jack nodded, as there was cause for celebration apparently, but Brian stood up and held up a finger.

 

Brian: Uh, you do know that they’ve still got people here now.

 

Jack: … Really?

 

Brian: Yeah. And right now we put them on the standing orders that if anybody claiming they want to see you that they are turned away without official credentials. And they keep trying. But now they are just trying to get in. So we have that to deal with as well. I’m not sure what you want to do about it now.

 

Jack pondered this for a few moments, and then poured himself another drink and looked at Jason, and then at Brian.

 

Jack: I think we should extend them the same hospitality they extended to us.

 

Brian: Really?

 

Jack: Yeah, this is where we can test them. Turn the tables. Let them in from now on. We’ll see what they’re about.

 

Brian: You know that could be a problem.

 

Jack: Yeah, it could. But if DeCosta’s word means anything and it’s worth a shit, then it doesn’t matter, we shouldn’t have anything to fear. And unless 20 guys come in here, they’re not going to do anything because they don’t have the numbers. They will never have the numbers. So yeah, they want to come in, let them come in.

 

Brian: Look who’s developing those brass balls...

 

Jack: Well, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it. I have to pack for this stupid ass cruise again.

 

Brian: Already?

 

Jack: Don’t remind me how stupid this thing is.

 

Brian: Do they at least let you fish?

 

Jack … I don’t know. 

 

Brian: Take the pole, what are they gonna do, throw you overboard?

 

Jack: Shit, that just might be the one saving grace I have going onto that boat.

 

Jason: Ocean fishing is something else though.

 

Jack: I’ll look into it. But you may have just made this cruise bearable.

 

Brian: Oh, and don’t worry, we’ll hold down the fort until you get back...

 

Jack: I’m sure you will.

 
--

On Camera:

 

Click.

 

Jack wears a smug grin as he breathes on the Internet championship draped over his shoulder as he polishes it with his sleeve. He then looks around as if listening for something before starting.

 
Jack: Is someone going to pick up that phone ringing because I called it! I told you all I would beat Peter Vaughn and I did just that. I told you I was going to remove that blemish and I did that, and now I can move on and hopefully never deal with Peter again. I did what I said I was going to do, much like I pretty much always do, and I moved forward. It isn’t a hard concept, but you know how it goes, everywhere, there’s some haters. People just try to bring me down because they hate me, because they can’t do it like me.

If I sound like a broken record, that’s because I have to continue to drive this point home every chance I get. Because it’s just getting old on my end as well, to listen to people time after time, swear up and down they are going to shut me up, or prove me wrong, and time and again, they fail. They can’t do it, and then what happens, they get opportunities and I get whatever is left. I mean, people are just getting random world title match again, and I am stuck having to wrestle against Peter Vaughn, and I couldn’t even be a double champion. Didn’t even get that chance. 

But then again, it’s not like I wanted this Internet title to begin with anyway. This was a consolation prize that I would have thrown away if Bobbie and I won the Blast from the Past. 100%. I wouldn’t have had any use for the Roulette title, except to add to my list of accomplishments. But I would have instantly elevated it and made it unreachable for those stuck in that division anyway, so in a way, it’s a blessing in disguise. I don’t have to deal with that, and I can stick with this Internet championship.

It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? People are already tired of seeing me as the champion, but as I’ve said many, many times, I’m the best around here. I’m the face of this franchise. You may be tired of seeing me at the top, but it’s gonna be a LONG, LONG TIME before anybody comes and knocks me off it. It’s just a shame that we’re giving the two guys who need to be in a retirement home a world title match so we can all have one stupid nostalgia thing going on here. But you should be thanking me, because I’ve already made the Internet title far more important.

You can watch the senior’s tour, but the internet title is where it’s at. The only downside to my next successful defense, is that it’s going to happen on that stupid cruise ship where all the bratty kids and they chunk parents are going to be way to damn close to me and with try and get their grubby, sweaty mitts all over my gold and me. I should be paid more for dealing with it. 

Actually, that’s not the only downside. Having to defend it against someone like Calvin Harris is a huge downside. Not because he’s good, or a threat or anything, but because it’s a waste of my time.


 

Jack smugly looks at the camera and shakes his head thinking about his upcoming opponent.

 

Jack: Yes, Calvin, I called you a waste of my time because you are doing the same dumb shit that Alexander Raven did. You want to win over me. You want to even the score. You want to reclaim your honor, or whatever bullshit you’ve convinced yourself is a good enough reason. You know good and well you are not on my level. Didn’t you just randomly, out of nowhere, without any good reason get a world title match you didn’t deserve or earn? And didn’t you lose to an old man? 

So now you think you’re just going to walk onto this cruise and beat ME? Really? I don’t know what wild hair you got up your ass, but this isn’t the best way to go about this, chief. What you’re doing right now? That’s not it. After I already handed you your ass once, you want your win back? You’re gonna train extra hard aren’t you? Gonna dig down deep and pump yourself up real hard to get your win back? You want this win back, you NEED this win back!

And guess what? I. DON’T. CARE.

You’ve already started this the wrong way Calvin. You see, you’re trying to beat me, you didn’t even mention in your stupid little tweet about this gold I’m carrying. You see, your focus should be on this shiny piece of gold. You should be trying to actually do something with your SCW career as opposed to just hanging around and collecting a paycheck. At least then it wouldn’t be so sad to watch you on TV every week for no good reason.

But no, you get on TV, and you blather on about this and that and you really think you are interesting enough to do so. Nobody cares what you think, or what you randomly get. The only thing you’ve done of note is fluke you way into this title match. It makes me sick that people like you just soak up so much oxygen with your bullshit.

This championship could be the start of something good for you. It could be the next step for you. But instead of actually worrying about that, you want a win back. You want to get revenge. Please, why don’t you ask Alexander Raven how that worked out for him. Ask the folks who try again and again. Ask the people who pray for my downfall on a daily basis.

They all fail. And you will too. Your focus is on the wrong thing. But then again, maybe that’s because you understand that you aren’t championship material in the first place. Maybe you just want the win by hoping I won’t show up. And you know, this IS the show where that could happen. I don’t like this cruise, I’ve never liked this cruise and the least amount of time I spend on this ship, the better. That, my guy is literally the ONLY chance that you can win. I just miss the boat, or I don’t want to come out or something like that. I mean, if you want the win that badly, I can just smash you with a chair or kick you in your baby nuts and then you can have your win.

Otherwise, the moment I step foot on that ship, you’ve already lost.


 

Jack shrugs.

 

Jack: But since this title wasn’t what you wanted to mention until last Sunday, that’s why I’m calling it a waste of my time. You, much like Raven, think that this is about revenge on me. If that’s your focus, you’ve already lost. You should be thinking about winning this title, but what happens when you lose Calvin? Will you take the high road like Raven and actually give me the respect I’ve earned? Or will you be clamoring for another chance and another failed attempt? Please, do us all a favor and just accept the fact that I am, what I say I am. 

Because all Summer XXXtreme is going to do is prove that you are not that guy. You are not that guy, you are simply A guy. You just exist on the roster. That’s it. They’ll parade you around like you’re something from time to time, but at the end of the day, you’re not anything special. I’ve proven it once, and I can very easily do it again. It’s just that simple for me. I can take people out, much like you, any time I want to. You know why? Because I’m easily able to live rent free inside people’s heads. I do that for a living. I talk a lot of shit. I’ve done just now, Calvin. But you know what the difference is between me and everyone else? 

I back it up.

I have done that since day one. DAY. FUCKING. ONE. I’ve talked a big game, and I have not one, but two world title reigns, and two Internet championship reigns. I have beaten legends, hall of famers, and chumps like you since day one. I am the present, and future of this company, and you are along for the ride. That’s the difference between me and you, Calvin. You don’t have to like it, most people don’t, but at the end of the day, you will accept it, because you won’t have any other choice after you lose at Summer XXXtreme.

How many times will it take you, Calvin? How many losses will you take before it sinks in? And the real funny part about all this is, you brought it on yourself. You didn’t have to say anything or tweet anything about getting a win back or anything like that. You could have simply said I’m trying to win this title, and really make a name for yourself here, but instead, you’re focused on me. The title is secondary and you are an idiot for thinking so.

So, you will have nobody but yourself to blame after Summer XXXtreme is over and you’ve got the sad puppy dog eyes and that big plate of humiliation when you come back ashore with no titles, another big fat L on your record and feeling like complete shit after I beat the hell out of you. If you think that being hell-bent on revenge is going to beat me, you’ve got a lot to learn. But don’t worry I’ll give the lesson you so richly deserve on the cruise.


 

Jack turns, but then turns back, his face now stern and annoyed instead of the smug grin.


Jack: And by the way, don’t ever in your life call me “Kid.” ever again. Especially after I’ve already handed you your ass once. If you keep that shit up, by the end of this cruise, you will call me “Sir”. You will fall in line like everybody else. And then, once this is over, I will move on, and you will fall back into place at the bottom of the barrel where you belong. I hope you got something better than this. Because if this is the best you can do, I’m going to fucking eat you alive, at Summer XXXtreme 

I will beat the respect I deserve out of you, Calvin. There’s no two ways about it. You’re going to lose, and then you will have no choice but to give me what I’ve earned. 

If you don’t respect me now, trust me, you fucking WILL after Summer XXXtreme. 

Bet on it.


 

Jack stares intently into the camera as we fade to black

 
Click.

 
FACE. OF. THE. FRANCHISE.

12
Climax Control Archives / Clean Slate: Chapter 1: Who Made Who?
« on: June 02, 2023, 11:39:20 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was successful at Into the Void, defeating Alexander Raven and successfully defending the Internet title. It’s obviously not a title Jack was in search of, but after the event was over, it appeared there was a new found respect for him as many thought that perhaps Raven would take the title back. Jack now takes his successful defense momentum, and looks to get yet another victory as he is in a non-title match against current Roulette champion Peter Vaughn. Jack obviously remembers the last time where Peter was able to get the better of him. Can Jack right this wrong in his mind?

 

Outside the ring, Jack was able, perhaps secretly, to return to Philadelphia, in time for a brief reunion with his dead mother. But that was all Jack did in Philadelphia before Into the Void. He had been trying to find out why Anthony, a known bad seed from Philadelphia, was sent to see him directly. Perhaps this was a bad move by Jack but... perhaps it’s the start of something new?


--

Mount Peace Cemetary,

Philadelphia, PA.


 

Jack had finished the conversation with his mother’s tombstone and was leaving the cemetery, when a car pulled up in front of him. Jack was wearing a jacket and immediately reached inside from his pistol as the window rolled down. A smiling face was in the backseat, and the driver got out, and walked around to open the door, carrying an umbrella as it started to rain. Jack instantly recognized this man.

 

Jack: DeCosta.

 

DeCosta exited the car, standing and holding out a hand for a handshake.

 

DeCosta: Paulo DeCosta, I’m glad you remember me, Jackie Boy. 

 

Jack obviously did not shake this man’s hand. He knew enough not to.

 

Jack: I’m just here in between flights. But if this is where I’m going down, it’s a good a place as any.

 

Paulo raised his hands in mock surrender.

 

DeCosta: No Jackie Boy, I’m not here for a fight. I just wanted to see that you were in town. Been a long time since you came around here. All grown up now and all that. I know you’ve been wondering why Anthony came to see you. 

 

Jack: I’m more interested in knowing how you knew I was here.

 

DeCosta: Because I know things, son. People talk. The street’s talk. You know that. 

 

Jack: What is it you want then?

 

DeCosta: Just to talk. 

 

Jack: So talk.

 

DeCosta: Not here, it’s lousy weather.

 

Jack: A little rain never hurt anybody.

 

DeCosta: But a lot can kill ya.

 

Jack: I’m not getting in that car. You think I was born yesterday? You wanna talk, you talk to me, here, like a man. Just you and me.

 

DeCosta nods and smiles. that cheap, used car salesman smile.

 

DeCosta: That’s fair enough, Jackie boy. I can understand your hesitation. So we’ll talk. I know you had your cop friend snooping around trying to get some information. 

 

Jack: And? I can’t make anybody do anything. 

 

DeCosta: That’s true. But she was doing it for you. And she got you what you needed, yeah?

 

Jack: Maybe. Maybe not.

 

DeCosta: Okay, Jack, I get it. Things haven’t been good for you here for a long time. Long time.

 

Jack: You, and everybody else kicked me and my family out of here. Put a price on our heads.

 

DeCosta: That was old business. Only grudges. Some people never get over it. You know how people can get. 

 

Jack: It’s been that way for a long time. 

 

DeCosta: This is why I say it’s old business. Anthony tells me that you got yourself a little business out in Vegas.

 

Jack: I do alright.

 

DeCosta: Big money in them casinos and all that. 

 

Jack: If you’re asking for a cut, it’s not happening. I made that, on my own. It’s MINE. I left this alone, so you can leave me alone.

 

DeCosta: Whoa, whoa, no need to get hostile, Jack. It’s not like that. We heard you were doing good and I sent Anthony out to see you. Check to see if it’s true. Big wrestler and now a businessman.

 

Jack: I had good teachers.

 

DeCosta: Look, we don’t want any part of your business like that, Jack. It’s never been like that. We just want to make sure you’re okay, and to change some things from the past that don’t work anymore.

 

Jack: Is that right?

 

DeCosta: Yeah.  No backhanded deals, no cutthorat shit. I’m telling you, from me. It doesn’t get any more official than that, am I right?

 

Jack: Get to the point.

 

DeCosta: We just want to waive that little bounty of you, and your family. Okay? It’s an old hat thing. We got a good thing going here, and everything that was bad, wasn’t because of you. It was because of your old man. We didn’t need to drag you into this, nor your brothers, or old Brian. How is he, by the way?

 

Jack: Fine.

 

DeCosta: Yeah? that’s good. I’m glad to hear that. But, listen, you’re welcome here again. Okay, no bounties, no rough treatment, none of that. Those days are over. And I’m in charge now and I’m telling you, from me, right to your face, that’s done.

 

Jack: What’s the catch?

 

DeCosta: No catch, Jack.

 

Jack: There’s ALWAYS a catch. Paulo. I’m not stupid. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid.

 

DeCosta: And you’re treating me like a jerk-off. I come to you now and I say, the slate is wiped clean and you don’t want to hear it. Are you disrespecting me? Are you not going to accept my offer here? I’m offering that the stuff between your family and the rest of us, is over. Why not take it?

 

Jack: Because I know bullshit when I hear it. I know it when I smell it. It’s pretty hard to miss.

 

DeCosta: All we want, is for our boy, from our town, to remember where he came from. You’ve got a lot going on, but this is where you got your start. We just want you to remember that.

 

Jack: See, that’s a catch.

 

DeCosta: Philly made you, Jackie Boy. Philly made your family. We just don’t ever want you, to forget that.

Jack: I don’t know Paulo. The city never did anything to me or my family. It’s the other families here, that did that shit.

 

DeCosta tires of the conversation and leans into Jack.

 

DeCosta: Just remember us, that’s all. We made you.

 

DeCosta makes a simple head motion and gets back in the car as the driver comes around. The window is rolled down.

 

DeCosta: Maybe we’ll see you around more, kid. It was good to see you again.

 

DeCosta’s car drives off and Jack reaches into his jacket, only it’s not a pistol, but his phone. He pulls it out and quickly dials.

 

Brian: Stick?

 

Jack: DeCosta did send Anthony.  Said we’ve got a clean slate.

 

Brian: And you believe that?

 

Jack: Fuck no. I’ve got a flight to catch, we’ll talk more about it when I get back.



Brian: Alright. Be careful out there, Stick.


Jack: Yeah...
 

--

On Camera:


 

Click.

 

Jack is now wearing that cocky grin just as wide as he can, and holding up the Internet title, displaying it proudly.

 
Jack: Are you impressed yet? Have I done enough now? Do you believe me now? I just need to know because I’m out here, calling my shots, and they are hitting, all net, no rim and it looks like finally, I’m getting a modicum of respect. Far less than I deserve, but I have to start small apparently. I’ve been beating people’s asses for a long time and yet, they continue to hold their finger on me, because I tell the truth. I’m the best thing going today in this entire division and everybody wants to turn a blind eye like I haven’t been saying it for a long time.

Did I not tell you all I would beat Alexander Raven, yet again? And then go out and do just that? He wants to sit there and tweet like a beaten man, because that’s what he is. Oh, I respect Jack for taking me to my limits. Please. You should have respected me from the start. Then this wouldn’t be as humiliating as it is for you now. How’s that humble pie, Raven? Is it good? You get yourself a spoonful? You know, it’s especially satisfying when someone runs their mouth and are proven to be a fraud at the end of the day. I did that to Alexander Raven, and here I am, still your Internet champion, about to be for a long ass time because everybody knows there’s nobody that’s just gonna walk in here and beat me. 

And really, the thing is, I know why this is happening. To keep me away from the old man holding the world title so that so other relic can relive 10 years ago and justify why he comes back every year when he’s not necessary to the success of SCW. But let’s keep feeding these relics of the past their prunes and whatever so they can have their moment in the sun for they fade into obscurity. Meanwhile, the literal best thing on this roster is stuck making this Internet championship mean more than any other title in the world, despite not even getting the chance to be on TV.

Oh yeah, you didn’t notice that too? Into the Void was in the first part of May, it has basically been an entire month that I’ve been sitting here, waiting to flaunt this victory, and it’s like I don’t exist. It’s funny how that’s how we’re doing this now. It’s stupid and everybody should have caught on by now. SCW simply wants to be drug kicking and screaming to the eutopia that I would create as SCW champion. 

So, they stick me here and now? Now I have this feeling and this urge to make this championship the top title and really make it mean more important than anything. Because it the fossil’s compete for the world title, who cares? Anybody can win there, I suppose it’s who sucks less. This championship however, this will be the prize to be won. But almost like clockwork, they do their best to stifle that idea as well.


 

Jack scoffs and shakes his head, looking at his title as if apologizing to it.

 

Jack: You see what’s happening out there. This match is non-title. I’m not even defending the title, because I don’t have worthy opponents. Is it that sad around here that I cleaned out the division with one victory? Is there no one else? Is this the best they can come up with? It’s absurd and I should be demanding better. But let’s be real here, there is nothing better. You put me on the screen and guess what? You witness greatness. It’s just a fact as this point, even though most people don’t want to admit it. 

But they want to make a joke out of this by putting me in the ring with this Peter Vaughn guy again. Like, hey, this guy beat Jack one time with a horseshoe up his ass, and now, he can do it again. This fucking Janitor dude or whatever he is. The sun shines on a dog’s ass every once in a while, right? 

So, how have you been Peter? Do you even remember this last match we had? Do you remember how lucky you got? Do you remember how they sung your praises and touted you as the next big star of the company? You were the guy who was gonna rise to the top and be this big-time player? Remind me how that worked out for you. Because after that match, you sunk faster than a stone in the ocean. What happened to you man? Where did you go? What in the hell caused you to sink so low? 

All it really does is illustrate my point, I’m the best at this. I can give this untalented janitor a brush with greatness and see how he does, and what happened? How is this dude not the world champion right now? What happened? You all wanted this so badly and then... fucking nothing. Are you going to blame me for it? I mean, he beat me, right? He got the big win, he’s the conquering hero! Throw a parade for that man.

Or, just have him settle into his natural position. 

I mean, it must be something that caused him to be sitting here the Roulette champion, crashing through tables and falling off ladders and all that dumb shit to keep a title, and me, being the Internet champion, above him in the pecking order, the food chain, and any and all lists you can come up with. 

But I get it Pete, I do, for some people this game is really hard and it’s hard to be consistently great. That’s reserved for people like me. I’m great, and you had a FLASH of greatness and like a shooting star, that shit burnt out really quick. It’s really the only explaination for this. You are a flash in the pan and that’s really it. What else is there to say? You rubbed elbows with my greatness, and then it wore off. 

Let’s be honest with each other Pete, you weren’t as good as you thought, and you weren’t as good as they thought. Why do you think this match is not title for title? Because everybody knows that I would have taken your title and had both, and then I would have had to give it back and there would have been some dumb ass tournament or whatever and then BOOM, you would have won it again or something and people would still think you were something. But, you know you’re not. I know you’re not, and I’m going to go to right a wrong at Climax Control.


 

Jack flashes the cocky grin once more before continuing.

 

Jack: Oh, that’s right. It was still in the back of my mind after that match, because it didn’t feel right. But you got your fluke victory and you ran with it, straight into the ground. But you won, right? Bragging rights and all that. You are one of the very few that can have them. Except that that whole privledge goes away on Sunday after I beat you. That’s it, much like the aspiration of so many that believed in you, it just goes up in smoke, no more bragging, no more being able to say you beat me and I haven’t beat you. It’s just gonna be over and then, honestly, with the way things have turned out at this time? Why would there ever be a rubber match? Why would I need to beat you again? As far as I’m concerned, this is just me putting you down and then, yeah, I move on. I will no longer need to think about you, or anything else because you are much like Raven, you’re in the spot you were destined to be in the entire time. 

So I want you to count your lucky stars and thank everyone in SCW management that this isn’t a title match. Thank everyone in your life who has helped you get here, and hell, you should even thank me. Because at this point, you kinda owe me, don’t you? Yeah, you fucking owe me. If not for that match earlier in the year, you would be an afterthought. Nobody would think you deserve anything. I am the only reason that people are looking at you with that Roulette title and accepting it as acceptable.

Without that fluke win, without my help, everyone would be simply say “Who is Peter Vaughn?” And then following it with “Oh, he’s that wacky janitor guy” Instead of “This one time he beat Jack Washington, the best wrestler in the company” and then following that with “I was wondering what happened to that guy!” 

So yes, Pete, I will accept my thank you, on Sunday. After I beat you, you can look up and me, and nod your head and say “thanks.” Because I will be once again putting you on the map. Only this time, we won’t have this odd result of you winning and that fizzling out, while the loss makes me stronger and I go on to to make history multiple times. It’ll be the right way around this time where I beat you, and then you fizzle out again, and then I got on to make history multiple times.

Bottom line, you were a hiccup a few months ago, and I will not be making the same mistake twice. 


 
Jack chuckles to himself.

Jack: At the end of the day Pete, I made you back then, and now I’m going to give you just a little more of a brush of my greatness, and then I will break you. You will understand, that I AM THE MAN around here. There is NOBODY that can do what I do. Nobody can TOUCH me. You, Peter Vaughn, will end up like every other person who doubted me, and those who continue to doubt me, humbled and whether you want to or not, you will accept the truth. I am the face of this franchise.

Continue to doubt me all you want, SCW. All it does is fuel me. It just makes me want to rub it in your faces more and more. So mark this little champions match on your calendars. Because I’m going to ask you to remember this day. Remember when you tried to make this guy again, and you failed. Because he will fail. And at the end of it all, you will have no choice, but acknowledge my greatness, and give me the respect I have earned. 

You don’t have to like it, but you, along with Peter Vaughn, will learn to accept it.


 

Jack stares into the camera as we fade to black.

 

Click.

 

FACE. OF. THE. FRANCHISE.

13
Prologue:

Jack continues to prepare for his title defense, having seemingly mutually parted ways with Bobbie Dahl, and it was far more pleasant than one might have expected. Maybe this is Jack having a turning point, but then again, maybe not. 

Outside the ring, Jack spoke to Jessica since asking her to find out why Anthony visited the casino from Philadelphia, and if Jessica is correct, The feud because those in charge in Philly and Jack’s family may be over. Jack got a folder with a lot of notes and documents which has led him to the conclusion that maybe he can return to Philadelphia for the first time in many years. Although it could be something more sinister. Only time will tell.


--

Washington Estate.

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack was pacing behind Brian as he read through all the documents from Jessica. Jack seemingly wanted to believe what was in the notes, but he had to be sure. Brian was trying to read, but was distracted by Jack’s constant pacing. Brian tried to re-focus his eyes on the notes and finally turned his head to Jack.

 

Brian: Do you mind?

 

Jack: What?

 

Brian: You know, I’m trying to read this, and you’re just over my shoulder like a vulture.

 

Jack: I just need to know your opinion.

 

Brian: I’ll let you know when I get a chance to read it. 

 

Jack: I’m just saying this... this could be me and Jason being able to go back and... 

 

Jack hesitates, but Brian knows exactly what he is referring to.

 

Brian: You could have always done that. I don’t think they would have done anything.

 

Jack: Too risky. 

 

Brian: But, let me look at this and see where we’re at.

 

Jack finally relents and let’s Brian read without hovering over his shoulder. Jack sits at the kitchen table and pours himself a shot and gulps it down before trying to find something to occupy his time while he waits. The silence is maddening however, and Jack finds himself right back on his feet and pacing, becoming impatient once again. Brian sips on his coffee and sighs as he finishes.

 

Jack: Well?

 

Brian: Well, I think this is legit. I think time may have just healed the wounds. Look, your dad is the one who ruined what we all had going. It wasn’t you, it wasn’t me, it wasn’t Jason. It really wasn’t even Josh.

 

Jack: So, you think I can go back? I mean... It just sounds like a setup.

 

Brian: It very well could be, but I’d give Jessica a little more credit. She stuck her neck out for you more than once and it paid off.

 

Jack: I know, that’s why I let her go.

 

Brian: Let her go?

 

Jack: She doesn’t need to babysit me anymore. And neither do you. I’m a grown man and I got a cop watching my back and bailing me out. I can’t have her do that anymore. And really, you don’t need to do that either. 

 

Brian: You tryin’ to get rid of me, Stick?

 

Jack: No, I’m not. You’re family and I need you, because we both know Jason can go off at times and makes some rash decisions. He has to be watched. And I can’t do that 24/7. 

 

Brian: So, you want me to babysit him?

 

Jack: I’m not saying you have to babysit anybody. I’m saying we need to watch him because you know he can get a little crazy. 

 

Brian: And so can you.

 

Jack rolls his eyes.

 

Jack: Noted. But the point I’m trying to make here is that I don’t need people trying to keep my father’s bad deeds and dirty deals going. I think it’s time to just let that go, if they are willing to let it go.

 

Brian: I’d just be wary if I were you. 

 

Jack: But there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?

 

Brian: Yeah.

 

Jack sits down in his recliner and he begins to ponder what his next course of action actually would be. Would he take the chance and go back to Philadelphia? Because the whole thing could be a sit up to lure him there. Jack knew that if they came out, he would know and be able to respond. He had the advantage in Vegas, but in Philly? People could be anywhere and that was a chilling thought.

It was a while before Jason entered the house and dropped his bags. He saw the somber and serious look on the faces of Jack and Brian and shrugged.

 

Jason: What’s going on?

 

Jack looked up at Jason and sighed.

 

Jack: Not sure yet, but... maybe we can go home.

 

Jason: Whoa, no shit? A chance to go home?

 

Jack: I don’t know if this ever applied to you Jay. You weren’t a part of it. But... then again, neither was Mom.

 

Jason: I don’t know if they want me. It’s kind of weird. 

 

Brian: It looks like things might be being forgiven.

 

Jason: Man, that could be pretty sweet.

 

Jack: But I’m not sure if it’s legit. And there’s only one way to find out.

 

Jason: Let me.

 

Jack: No. We won’t really know unless I do it. I got to take a plane to London anyway. What’s a quick stop in Philly?

 

Jason looks at Jack, showing a lot of genuine concern for him as he reaches up and places a hand on Jack’s shoulder.

 

Jack: Don’t worry.

 

Jason: Bro, I don’t know man... just... be careful.

 

Jack: Yeah... I think it’s time to go home and visit.

 

Jason hugs his brother.

 

Jason: Say hi to Mom for me.

 

--

Mount Peace Cemetary

Philadelphia, PA


 

It is here we find Jack. Hoodie over his head staring at a gravestone.

HELENA WASHINGTON

BELOVED MOTHER

 

Jack stares for a long moment, but his eyes break the stare, and he is simply looking around. This is his home, where he grew up. And it has been almost a decade since he was able to return here. It felt normal and yet, alien to him at the same time. He looked and checked to see if anyone was around, as the rain poured down and the weather was dreary. He finally sighed.

 

Jack: Mom.

 

Jack waited, almost like he was looking for an answer, but he continued.

 

Jack: It’s me, Jack. I know I’ve been away for a long time and you’ve lost so much and I never got to come back before you were taken away from me. And for that... I’m sorry. I sorry you got dragged into this bullshit when you didn’t deserve it. I wish I could make things better. I wish you were here. And... and you’re not. 

 

Jack sighs.

 

Jack: I just got caught up in things that I know you didn’t want for me, and maybe deep down dad didn’t want for me either. I did a lot of terrible things and you raised me to do things differently. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the angel you wanted me to be. I wish I could say I can make that change, but I don’t know if I really can. Those days are becoming less and less and I don’t want to disrespect you, because you don’t deserve that. 

 

Jack shrugs.

 

Jack: Things just worked out the way they did and you paid the price for it. Hell, we all did. I can’t take any of it back and I have to live with the choices I made. You lost two sons because of this life. I can’t imagine how you felt, and then this life took you from me in more ways than one. I can’t express to you how sorry I am and how I feel responsible for it. 

 

Jack looks away and turns his whole body around to scope the area, but he is caught up in the moment.

 

Jack: All I can do now is try and make things as good as possible. I don’t know what lies ahead. Hell, I don’t know if this is going to be the last time I ever get to come here with all the shit that’s going on. I don’t know a lot of things, but dammit, I’m gonna try and do something to change it. I don’t want what happened to you to happen to anybody else. 

 

Jack walks up to the gravestone and puts his hand on it.

 

Jack: I’m done fighting all of dad’s battles. I’m trying to make things livable. I know this was a lot but, I know the little things were important to you. I want you to know that uncle Brian is watching our for me and watching out for Jason. Things outside of this bullshit are going well. I told you I was gonna make it, and dammit... I’m trying. I’m... I’m gonna go. 

 

Jack turns to leave, but turns back one last time.

 

Jack: And Jason says hi. I know he was your favorite.

 

Jack shakes his head, chuckling a bit as his own joke. He departs, but the journey was far from over.

 

--

 

On Camera

 

Click
 

Jack stands before us again, another amused look on his face, like he’s trying to contain his laughter.
 

Jack: I gotta say Alexander, you are consistent. If nothing else, you are consistent. Despite all the evidence that it will get you nowhere, you continue to spout nonsense and talk a whole bunch of shit. I mean, at this point I have to believe that maybe you are crazy. I mean, you have to know damn well that the nonsense you spew has zero effect on me, right? You do know that I’m just sitting back here, laughing at you, almost nonstop. Like, every time, right? You are a constant source of entertainment. You amuse me, Alexander.

But, for all the entertainment you provide, I have to say it’s getting a little old at this point. I tried to tell you that you should be thinking about how you shouldn’t take so much shit to me, because at this point you are 0 for 2. You haven’t been able to back up anything you say and it’s getting really sad. It’s like, you have to know at this point how silly you sound. Right? I can’t be the only one who sees this. It’s almost impossible. You have been talking for all this time and have failed miserably to back up anything you say. So, again, the question must be asked: 

Why am I supposed to take you seriously? 

Please, I need you to explain this to me. 

You think the scary word or the tough talk means a damn thing to me? I mean, honestly, do you? Let me just lay this out now so that hopefully, after like a year or something has passed and I don’t have to deal with you that entire time, that you remember this. It doesn’t mean shit to me. You can say whatever you really want at this point. You can talk about unicorns and zebras in the same breath when you’re talking shit about me and it will mean the exact same amount: ZERO.


 
Jack makes the hand gesture for zero to emphasize the point.

 
Jack: You’ve simply become a broken record, Alexander. That’s just it. You spew the same thing over and over and it’s like listening to a song on repeat. It’s fine for like 5-10 minutes, but after that, it becomes grating. It just gets on your nerves and you turn it off. That’s what I’ve essentially done with you now. I don’t need to listen to a word you have to say anymore because I’ve heard it before. You are falling into the same trap you fell into last time, however you want to switch it up and try and act like you really mean business or whatever the fuck, you just keep saying the same thing. 

And so far, it has netted you ZERO.

So, again, I’m going to offer you advice because you clearly need it. You need to find something else. A different approach, something. You need to figure out something new because all this is getting you is your ass kicked and having to go all emo and talk about you big of a failure you are. 

I mean, at least you realize it, but damn son, you’re making me feel like I’m committing a crime or something. Like I’m an adult robbing a child of his favorite toy. That’s more fitting than anything else. I’ve taken this from you, and now you’re throwing a god damn tantrum like a baby. You need to grow up. Realize that I am the face of this franchise. Realize I am everything I say I am, and everything I say about you, is the truth.  And I know the truth hurts, Alexander.

I have made people realize some painful truths around here, and they have no choice but to respect me. But obviously, I’m not getting it from you, you’re still barking like a rabid dog. But your bark is, and always will be worse than your bite. You do not have the skills to be on my level. And as evidenced by this championship on my shoulder, I can be at your level any time I want. 

But if you wish to keep barking, then I will treat you like any other person would an animal that is beyond control and foaming at the mouth and all that. You simply have to be put down. And in this case, for the third time. You just need to wake up from these stupid visions or whatever gives your motivation or tells you that you need to continue to write checks your ass can’t cash. This is going to be the final demonstration that you simply do not belong in the ring with me. It is over after this Alexander. Do you understand that? I’ve said it a lot, because I know you’re a little slow on the uptake. You will lose, and you will be at the back of the line. I don’t want to see you after this for a long, long time. You need to just go away. And if you don’t understand the words, my actions will make it crystal clear to you.



Jack finally shrugs and shakes his head, almost waving Alexander off.

 
Jack: I don’t even know what else there is left to say to you at this point, Alexander. You’re doing this stupid shit and it’s wearing off on me or something. I’m standing here talking about the same thing because you are. I want to get to something new. Something exciting, no a piss-poor phony-crazy dude who thinks he’s really hunting me down or something. 

Son, you should know you shouldn’t hunt anything you can’t kill. You should know that you need a lot more than what you’re bringing me to this match. You hunting for me is one of the biggest mistakes you will ever make in your life. You tried once and failed. You swore revenge, and you failed again. Now, you’re super swearing revenge or whatever and the fact is it will get you NOWHERE. And deep down in your heart, you know that. You know this is a mistake and you don’t want to be here.

Maybe that’s what this is all about at this point. Maybe it’s just that know all this and you’re just putting on the act, going through the motions because you realize you’re about to look like an even bigger idiot. But you can’t just change your tune now, right? You still have to be that guy that people expect you to be. Maybe you’re smarter than I give you credit for. Maybe you just know, and you’re just keeping up appearances.

If that’s the case, bravo. You had me fooled there for a second. I was thinking that you really were thinking you were going to win. But now I see the whole picture. I gotcha, Raven. 

But then again, there’s no way you are that smart.

No, that’s not what’s going to happen at Into the Void. What will happen is very simple. You will pump yourself up, you will talk yourself into believing you can take this championship from me. You will remind yourself it’s all you have. You will tell yourself that this is your title and you deserve it and it must be brought back to you and you must climb this mountain and reach the top and cement this title as being yours. You will hype yourself into a frenzy. You will feel the energy from all those people in London who might be cheering for you. You will feed off of it. It will give you new life, new energy and you will fight with everything you have!

And then you will fail.

And then you will realize that no matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, you are NEVER going to beat me. And then? The rest is up to you. What will do you when you come away empty handed, Alexander? What will be goal? Because this is as close as you’re going to get to this title, as long as I have it. You will forever remember the day I took it from you, and then you will never forget Into the Void, 2023, when I made sure that you NEVER touch this damn title as long as I have it. That’s right, you’re going to have to wait until I cash this damn thing in for a world title match or something. Or perhaps I get bored with it and just... move on. Then and only then will you ever have your greedy paws on this championship again. It’s going to be a long, long time before that happens. So I want you to think long and hard about what you have set yourself up for. Think about the long fall that’s about to happen to you. The terrible feelings you will have. The self-doubt. All of that, is going to make my victory all the sweeter for it. I want you to think about what you’ve done.

Because at Into the Void, you will lose, and once again, you will have no one to blame, but yourself. 

I can’t wait to see your face. Again.

And then never have to see your face. Again.


 

Jack shoos the camera away as we fade to black.



Click.

 
Face. Of. The. Franchise.

14
Prologue:

In what many are calling a sad ending, Jack and Bobbie did not actually win last week, losing their semi-finals match and are now eliminated from the Blast from the Past tournament. Many found the team’s antics entertaining and their odd couple relationship did seem to open up Jack and Bobbie both to a new audience. And maybe it opened them both up in terms of dealing with people. However, one curious sight was the last of the duo as after the loss, Jack actually checked in on Bobbie to make sure she was okay. It was considered almost shocking that Jack would do this as it is completely out of character for him. Perhaps there was more than met the eye with this?

 

Now, with that out of the way, Jack takes his freshly won Internet title to defend against the man he took it from, in Alexander Raven. Jack became the first wrestler in the history of SCW to win a title during the tournament, and now is going to have to defend it, even though he may not want to even have it. 


--

Cluj-Napoca, Romania   

One week ago


 

It is the aftermath of the loss suffered by Jack and Bobbie. Jack is already backstage as he was, but he is obviously upset and frustrated after the loss. Once the trainers were out to help Bobbie, Jack swiftly left and now, sits on an anvil case, rubbing his face with his hands and shaking his head, clearly frustrated. Bobbie eventually finds him, holding her neck and sporting an ice pack. Jack sees her and takes a deep breath, still clearly upset. Bobbie is down on herself as well as she shrugs and sighs.

 

Bobbie: I’m sorry. 

 

Jack doesn’t respond, instead trying to act like Bobbie isn’t even there and looking in different directions.

 

Bobbie: I let the team down and I failed us. I know that all this does is re-enforce your idea that you can’t trust anybody. And I get it, our partnership is over and now you don’t have to deal with me anymore. I just... wanted to apologize for letting the team down. 

 

Jack against doesn’t respond, instead just staring a hole through Bobbie, angry at her, but his eyes soften and he turns away from her.

 

Jack: You didn’t.

 

Bobbie is stunned to hear the words, and goes to touch Jack before thinking better of it.

 

Bobbie: I mean, I lost the match for our team. I figured you’d be pissed.

 

Jack: I am.

 

Bobbie: Oh.

 

Bobbie again lowers her head and thinks about touching Jack to physicalize her sorrow, but she doesn’t.

 

Bobbie: Yeah, so, I’m sorry, and I’ll uh... I’ll leave you alone now.

 

Jack scoots off the anvil case and turns and looks at Bobbie.

 

Jack: I am angry I lost. I mean... I’m angry WE lost. Because despite all the stupid shit you put me through, we won. And I’d be a liar if I said that I at least didn’t appreciate the effort you went to. You... you came through when I needed you for the most part. And... And you were a good partner. 

 

Bobbie seems to smile a little, before not trying to show any emotion

 

Bobbie: I... I appreciate that. I do. But I realize that at the end of the day, our partnership is over and I will take the lessons that you have taught me during this partnership and I will try and move forward to take from them.

 

Jack: That’s good. But... why are you acting like that?

 

Bobbie: Like what?

 

Jack: You’re all stiff like a robot or something. 

 

Bobbie: You’re the one who said I need to take this more seriously. I’m sorry that I just wanted to lighten the mood, I guess in the end, you were right. So, I’m just gonna take what you said and apply it.

 

Jack: Do I do that?

 

Bobbie: Uh, yeah! You always told me to be serious!

 

Jack: That’s not what I meant. 

 

Bobbie: What are you talking about then?

 

Jack: I swear I don’t act stiff like that. I think you need to work on that. Loosen up a little.

 

Bobbie is bewildered to hear Jack tell HER to lighten up. Bobbie looks around throwing her hands up in the air if she’s given up on everything.

 

Bobbie: I can’t believe you! You tell me all this time to be serious and NOW you’re telling me to lighten up?

 

Jack: Yeah, you’re way too stiff. You can’t go from one extreme to the other. 

 

Bobbie: You are ridiculous.

 

Jack: Look, you... you exceeded my expectations. I’ll give you that. You did way more than I thought you did and you put in way more effort than most people would. So, you know what? I’ll have to say it, because I don’t lie about these types of things. I... I enjoyed this experience for the most part, maybe next year, we can do this again and maybe we’ll win. I don’t know, but I wouldn’t... I wouldn’t be against it.

 

Bobbie is shocked by the words and actually goes in for a hug, but Jack stops her.

 

Jack: We’re not there yet.

 

Jack extends his hand and Bobbie shakes it. 

 

Jack: If nothing else, I got this title out of it. So, all in all, this... wasn’t terrible. Maybe next time.

 

Jack puts a hand on Bobbie’s shoulder and nods, before he departs.

 

Bobbie: Maybe next year...

 

--

Vesta Coffee Roasters

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack was now back home, and sitting in the coffee shop he frequented, he sat with two cups of coffee at an open booth. He was on one side, and soon enough, Detective De La Fuente, or Jessica as he knew her, came walking in. She sat down at the booth, a manilla folder in her possession and she laid it out on the table.

 

Jack: You could have just called you know?

 

Jessica: I could have yes, I could have emailed or texted, but I needed to give you this in person.

 

Jack: Did you find out what I needed to know?

 

Jessica: It took some digging, and some snooping. I had to call in a lot of favors and pull a lot of strings. More strings than I’m pulling already for you.

 

Jack: Nobody said you had to Jess.

 

Jessica: I made a promise to your father, because you were the one who was going to follow in his footsteps. He wanted better for you.

 

Jack: Given the circumstances, I don’t know if I’d call that a success or a failure. 

 

Jessica: I... I don’t even know anymore.

 

Jack: I know I made life hard on you Jess. I know that. You have done a lot for me. And after the past few weeks I’ve had, I can see things a lot clearer than I did before. You are one of the few people I knew I could trust and I took advantage of that. 

 

Jessica: John...

 

Jack: No, I think this needs to be said. You’re a cop, Jess. You’re out here, way out of the way, just for me. You have work to do, and I didn’t respect that. You just said I made this harder for you and how many strings you had to pull. And you know... I’m sorry about that.

 

Jessica: What are you trying to say, John? That you don’t want my help?

 

Jack: I’m saying you helped me more than you had any reason to. Or right to for that matter. You saved my ass out there. You saved Jason’s ass out there. You’ve gone above and beyond.

 

Jessica: I told you I made a promise to your father.

 

Jack looks Jessica in the eyes, forcefully.

 

Jack: And now, I want you to make a promise to me.

 

Jessica: What?

 

Jack: Whatever is in that folder, is the last thing I’m going to ask you to do for me, and after this? After you leave here? Go home. Gome back to Philly and help them there. You have done more than enough for me.

 

Jessica: It’s - 

 

Jack: No, it’s not. It’s not complicated at all. You have loyalty to my family, and I really appreciate all you’ve done. But there’s some things you need to be able to let go of. You don’t need to be attached to me or anybody else in my family. You serve a bigger purpose than simply bailing me out when I get in trouble.

 

Jessica: John, I don’t -

 

Jack: You don’t have to say, or do anything, Jess. Things need to be different. I’m not doing anything illegal, I’m not in trouble except with the Mexicans and you are already working on that for other reasons. This is the last thing I will ever ask of you. 

 

Jessica: I don’t know what to say...

 

Jack: You don’t have to say anything. Except what you found.

 

It takes Jessica moment to collect herself. She clears her throat and sighs.

 

Jessica: We uh... ahem. We listened to our people on the street. From what the word is, I think they’re ready for you to come back home.

 

Jack: Why?

 

Jessica: I don’t know. I think when Anthony showed up they were testing to see if you still held a grudge.

 

Jack: The grudge isn’t on my end, it’s on theirs.

 

Jessica: I know that. But, Anthony works for Vinnie Capatelli. Vinnie was sending feelers and well, obviously you were still high on guard. But what’s in that folder, it’s 100% legit. From people very high up in the pecking order. 

 

Jack: Really?

 

Jessica: Yes.

 

Jack: Well then... It’s... it’s about that time isn’t it?

 

Jessica: John, I just want you to be careful. 

 

Jack: I know. I know you’ve done what you could. Thank you, Jess. 

 

Jack stands up preparing to leave and Jessica stops him and hugs him.

 

Jessica: I think you should take a look at the folder. I’m gonna go. 

 

Jack: Alright.

 

Jessica and Jack have a long embrace before Jessica leaves, taking one last look at Jack before disappearing and getting into her car. Jack sits back down at the table, and opens the manilla folder and begins reading all the information.

 

Jack: Well... I guess maybe it’s time to go home.

 

--

On Camera:


 

Click

 

Jack stands once again in his own home, the Internet title draped over his shoulder. There is a look of confidence, but yet, also sorrow on his face.

 

Jack: I... I don’t know how to really take this. Because by all accounts, by all rights, I should be pissed right now. Once again I was proven right, and I could easily say that my partner let me down. My partner failed me. I should be bitching up a storm about how the deck was stacked against me from the outset, and now this will be the whole reason I can’t get myself what I am rightfully due, and that’s a world heavyweight championship. I have every reason to say that right here and now. 

But I won’t.

Because... Bobbie Dahl actually put in the work and she...well she came up short. And that happens to the best of us. I am relieved, actually out and out THRILLED that I don’t have to deal with her trying to be all buddy-buddy with me and all that, but it was something. So, for that, I can say that Bobbie Dahl did not let me down. We were one win away from the finals, which we clearly would have won, but it just didn’t happen. Things like that happen. So, for now, Bobbie Dahl, is okay in my book.

And I mean, look at what I got at the end of all this. Yet another Internet championship reign. 


 
Jack glances at the title as it hangs off his shoulder.

 
Jack: But I look at this title, and it is, exactly what the little match maker headlines wrote about it. A consolation prize. That’s what this is. Something to keep me occupied while the clowns continues to fight amongst themselves. I know exactly what this is meant to do. I’m not stupid. I said before I don’t need this title. I didn’t even want to win it when I did. And I already said if I won the damn tournament, I would be giving this title up immediately because what I want, is sitting on old man Michael Harris’s shoulder.  This thing? It’s an albatross. 

It simply keeps me in place. It keeps me at a spot where I don’t want to be.

Oh yeah, they’ll play it up time and time again, After I beat the hell out of every single opponent, and they send man after man as I beat them one by one, and they’ll probably throw like the same guy three or four times like last time until someone finally gets lucky. They’ll talk about my “Death grip” on the title and it’s their attempt to make me feel like it’s really something. All of it is meant to distract me from my ultimate goal, and that’s to be at the top where I belong. They’ll praise me for elevating the Internet title, and talk about how close I am to so many records. 

None of that will mean a damn thing, until I get the world title. 

So you may be asking yourself, why don’t you just forfeit it now? Why not go into Into the Void and just lose it? Because that’s where the other shoe drops. That’s where they say: “Oh, you won it and then you lost it? Why should you get a world title match when you can’t even hold the Internet title? You go back to the back of the line!” I know how this works, and it worked exactly the same way the first time. Why should it be any different this time around?


Jack shrugs.
 

Jack: I didn’t get pinned my last world title match. But I see people like Ken Davison, people like fucking Malachi, because like Austin James Mercer who has done FUCK ALL in like a year getting the spot where I belong. That’s the thing man, I may bitch, I may piss and moan, but more than anything else...

 

I’m right. 

And that’s what really pisses people off more than anything. I don’t just say shit to say it. I say it because it is true. Much like I have said for all this time that Alexander Raven is a blowhard who’s celing is this very title I took from him. I say it, because it’s the truth.


 
Jack pats the title and sighs.
 

Jack: I know Alexander, the truth fucking stings. You have talked a big, long-winded game for a long-ass time and what has it gotten you? This. This title right here, and then you meet someone in life, who is simply better than you. I have proven it before, and at Into the Void, I will prove it yet again. 

I mean, I took this title from you, and what do you do? You call yourself a failure. And while you’re not wrong per say, you need to understand that I am the top, so there should be no shame in your heart or mind that you lost to me. That’s what I am, Alexander. I am the best. You, losing to the best, is not a reason to hang your head in shame. You should be hanging your head because you overestimated your own abilities. You embarrassed yourself by doing that. I told you I didn’t even want this damn thing, but then you had to run your mouth...at length, I might add, about how you were going to avenge the first loss and how you were the hunter and I was going to be the prey.

Remind me again, Alexander, how did that work out for you?

Oh, right, you got beat. Again. And I took this title from you, all because you opened your mouth. You simply could have said, Jack, I’m coming to fight you and I’m gonna kick your ass and move onto the second round and you might have actually got there. All you had to do was keep it simple. But... not Alexander Raven. No, you’ve got to make some dumb ass comparisons and talk about the sun the moon and the stars and it got you...NOWHERE.

You got your ass beat and I know you’re like the edgy goth dude or whatever, so I’m sure you like wrote some poetry and talked about it with your gods or whatever. I don’t know, I’m just guessing because I don’t care enough to really find out. You don’t interest me enough Raven. You’re just a big shit-talker who cannot back it up. Unlike me.


 

Jack smirks at the self-praising comment.

 
Jack: So now, the question once again pops up here Alexander. The same one from before:

What are you going to say when you lose this time? 

Will you once again hang your head in shame? Will you finally just move on and try your hand at something else? Because you talked a lot of shit and had to eat every bit of it. 

It was the main reason I wanted to take this title from you in the first place. If you hadn’t been so gung-fucking-ho to try and get some silly amount of revenge, you’d probably still be champion right now. Now, of course, if this match was booked and you still were the champion, I would be taking it from you at Into the Void anyway. But it was you, that caused your own loss, and it became my gain. How does that make you feel, Alexander? Does it make you feel like now you have to try twice as hard? Does it make you feel like a failure? 

You were the hunter, so what happened? Why did you lose? You built yourself up so much and talked about how vicious and ferocious you were, only to wind up flat on your back. That’s just the plain reality of the situation. You accomplished a big pile of nothing, and now here you are, desperate to get this championship back. Desperate for the one thing that makes you relevant. So again, how is it going to look when you lose again? Because that’s what’s going to happen. You will lose again, and really, after that, I don’t want to see you again.


 
Jack dangles the Internet title from his hand, holding it out to show it off. It’s a piece of bait to him.


Jack: Yeah, you want this title? You want to win this title back? Well, I’m sorry, but you can’t have it. I’m sorry, you lost it once and I’m not going to just give it back because you’re mad about it. I believe the phrase is “GIT GUD” or something. And the fact is, you aren’t good enough to beat me. So what you see right here, this championship dangling from my hand. It’s as close as you’re ever going to come again to it. I hope you are staring intently at the screen, I hope you are salivating at the chance to hold it, to touch it, to feel it once again. 

Because that’s all you’re going to get.

Because once this match is over and you lose to me, There’s not going to be this third, fourth, fifth re-match bullshit. This is your chance. You fail, and you go to the back of the line. You get out of my face and into my rearview mirror where you belong. You go to the back of the line and start all over again. And then, maybe, just maybe once I’m done with this title and making it mean more than you ever could, then I might just forfiet it or something and you can win some kind of tournament or whatever they do and you can then hug and kiss this fucking title like it’s your blanket. I really won’t care. Because you’re not going to be able to TOUCH what I do to this title. You will never come close. 

I get it though man. I didn’t want the damn thing and now you want it back. Because I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this title represents your ceiling. This right here, is as high as you go, and you must feel naked without this. It must feel fucking awful that someone else has it, and now you’re just another dude. You’re not a champion, you can lay claim to being this great wrestler or top talent, because you don’t have the hardware to back it up. And now the quesitons are seeping in, aren’t they Raven? The questions that swirl around in your brain about maybe being a fraud. Maybe you’re all show and no go. You have had multiple chances to rise to the top of the ranks, and this is where you have settled.

It’s actually really pathetic when you think about it.


 
Jack shakes his head, throwing the championship back over his shoulder to continue.

 
Jack: Yeah, you are pathetic, Alexander. I said it, and I’ve backed it up in the ring, whereas you... haven’t. So this is gonna be just another example of how you cannot compete at my level. And I can easily compete at yours. Again, I won this on a whim. I didn’t even want it. And really, without too much poking and proding, I took it from you. Hell, I could GIVE you this title back and then win it from you again. I can do it any time I wish. That’s just how sad you really are Alex. 

So what I’m going to do, is give you some advice. Now I know you may be thinking I’m some punk kid or whatever, and that’s fine. But I’m not the one who’s going to be spending the rest of his career fighting for scraps that most are going to use as a building block. So, I’m going to give you the best advice I can think of at this point: Embrace it.

Embrace that this is it, and prepare yourself for yet another failed attempt at beating me. You cannot, and will not beat me, and that’s just the way it’s going to be. It’s just the facts of life. So, the quicker you accept this, the easier this is going to be. I’m trying to make this easy on you. I’ve warned so many people just like you, and you yourself before. When it comes to beating me, you just won’t do it. The easiest thing in the world to do is accept it.

Of course, you can just be an idiot and think you’re going to win, and part of me kinda wants that, just to see the look on your face when you fail. 

Last time, I didn’t make it a big deal. But this time? Oh, this time Alexander, I promise you that you will never live this down. 

See you soon.



Jack stares into the camera with a smirk on his face as we fade out.

Click.

 

Face. Of. The. Franchise. 

15
Climax Control Archives / Strange Bedfellows Chapter 2: Gone Fishin'
« on: April 21, 2023, 11:59:32 PM »
Prologue:

The unlikely team of Jack and Bobbie were once again victorious and now are moving onto the semi-finals of the Blast from the Past tournament. They are an odd couple for sure, but seemingly Jack is warming up to Bobbie and the two displayed at least good communication, if not outright teamwork their last time out. The sky appears to be the limit for this team, but they face another impressive team as they look to punch their ticket to the finals. Despite everything, the team chemistry is working out in Jack’s favor, at least inside the ring. Jack and Bobbie are proving to be quite the formidable team between the ropes. 

 

Outside the ring, however, is a different story. Jack is not fond or not nearly as receptive to the more hands-on approach to the teamwork or team bonding. It’s quite clear that Jack sees this as nothing but a partnership for the tournament, but Bobbie might see it as something more than that. But given Jack’s history and lack of need for that kind of relationship, Bobbie’s had to work extra hard to break down that wall Jack has built. But... maybe Jack sees this, or maybe more as time goes on? 

 

We’ll just have to see.


 

--

Eilean Mor, Flannan Isles, Scotland

Two weeks ago


 

This time it was Bobbie who was walking through the curtain first, and pumping her fist, very happy with her performance and the win garnered by Jack and herself. Bobbie took a minute to cool down, and that is when Jack walked by her, seemingly paying her no mind, focused more on the title belt on his shoulder. Bobbie had to reach out and grab him by the arm to stop him.

 

Bobbie: Well?

 

Jack: Well what?

 

Bobbie: Did I do enough this time?

 

Jack: Sure. We won.

 

Bobbie: “We?”

 

Jack: Yes, Bobbie. We. 

 

Bobbie: So, we’re partners now, right?

 

Jack: We’ve been partners this entire time.

 

Bobbie: You don’t treat me like a partner.

 

Jack sighed and shrugged.

 

Jack: It’s nothing against you. You did good. So... that’ll do.

 

Bobbie: I won the match for the team.

 

Jack: I said: “That’ll do.” What more do you want from me?

 

Bobbie: A little acknowledgment would be nice.

 

Jack: I said it! You did fine! You listened.

 

Bobbie: Really? That’s all I’m getting?

 

Jack rolled his eyes.

 

Jack: You’re being dramatic again.

 

Bobbie: We won, and I won the match for our team. And the best you can do is “That’ll do?” I mean, I think after all this I’ve earned just a little praise.

 

Jack: Oh my god.... fine.

 

Jack extends his hand for a handshake to satisfy Bobbie. Bobbie looks down at Jack’s hand and then back up at him.

 

Bobbie: A... Handshake?

 

Jack: Yeah, what? 

 

Bobbie: Come on, we’re partners, we’re beyond a handshake!

 

Bobbie goes in for the hug.

 

Jack: Nonononono...

 

Bobbie wraps her arms around Jack, who quickly pushes her away

 

Bobbie: Aww come on!

 

Jack: Stop. It! Just stop it! No hugs! We do not need to hug!

 

Bobbie: Come on! Don’t be like that. Get excited! We’re in the semi-finals!

 

Jack: You’re right. I am! I mean- We are! 

 

Bobbie’s face lights up from hearing Jack actually acknowledge them as a team.

 

Bobbie: See! I knew it! I knew there was a nice guy in there!

 

Jack: If you want to call that nice.

 

Bobbie: Okay, it was nicer then you have been to me. Which is not nice at all.

 

Jack: I’m not here to be nice to you, Bobbie.

 

Bobbie: That doesn’t mean you CAN’T be nice to me.

 

Jack: I am going cordial. Because quite frankly...

 

Jack sighs.

 

Jack: I need you.

 

Bobbie: You... need me?

 

Bobbie gets a big smile on her face and Jack immediately shuts it down.

 

Jack: NO! Not like that! Jesus. I mean we’re a team and I can win this mixed tournament on my own. And I’d rather have you on side than hating me and not listening.

 

Bobbie: You’re acting like I’m a dog or something! 

 

Jack: I didn’t... I didn’t mean it that way. I need a partner, and tonight... you proved to be a good partner. There. Is that good enough? Is that what you wanted to hear? 

 

Bobbie perks up a little

 

Bobbie: It’s a start. I would have thought we’d be past this by now.

 

Jack: Well, don’t blame me. I’m not the one stealing cars and posing as someone signficant other!

 

Bobbie: I was trying to make it easier!

 

Jack: Well, you didn’t. So maybe you could see how that is a bad idea?

 

Bobbie: Okay, fine. I will make it up to you.

 

Jack: By literally just showing up at the arena next time, ready to wrestle and not doing something dumb? Because that would make me very happy. That would in fact make up for everything you’ve done so far.

 

Bobbie: I’ve done way more good than bad! And that’s not even what I meant. You’ve just got to learn to trust me. The next trip, I’ve got it covered.

 

Jack: No, you don’t.

 

Bobbie: Yes, just trust me. Come on. Look, this is the only time I will ask you outside the matches to trust me. Just let me do this, and I know you won’t be upset. 

 

Jack eyes Bobbie suspiciously. He doesn’t really want to trust her, but he knows that not having her onside would be detrimental to the team.

 

Jack: Okay, fine. I’m going to trust you this one time. If you do anything to piss me off, I swear to god I will never let you near me ever again. I don’t care if we make it to the finals. I am not going to tolerate this. 

 

Bobbie: That’s all I’m asking. 

 

Bobbie hops up off the anvil case she was sitting on, and then walks off, but not before slapping Jack across the ass.

 

Bobbie: Good job out there!

 

Jack instantly get pissed at this his anger boiling over as Bobbie disappears from sight.

 

 

--

Hoia Forest, Transylvania, Romania

 

Jack was of course, not happy about the arrangement of tents. Bobbie’s was right next to his and Jack was of course miserable. In a rare instance since arriving, Jack unzipped his tent and was clad in fishing gear. He carried his pole and began walking into certain direction away from the campsite, out of view of all the SCW wrestlers and staff. He marched with his tackle box and lures. Bobbie happened to notice this, but only caught a glimpse of what, or who was headed off. 

 

Jack soon realized there wasn’t a river or creek he could fish in this deep into the woods.

 

Jack: Really? What kind of forrest is this? How is there no water around here? This is stupid.

 

Jack just continued to march and finally came across the Tăul de la Gura Baciului fishing pond. 

 

Jack: It’s about time.

 

Jack simply sat down, and begin fixing his lures and baiting his line. And once it was done, he cast the line into the pond and sat cross-legged to enjoy the peace and quiet. 

 

Jack: See, this is all I needed. I’m going to make the most out of this dump camping trip. What? Do they think I was gonna sit there and make s’mores and sing campfire songs? 

 

It wasn’t long before Bobbie, out of breath, stumbled out of the forrest and laid eyes on Jack. 

 

Bobbie: Jack!

 

She called to him, and again began to run towards him, very much out of breath. Jack rolled his eyes as his peace and quiet was interrupted.

 

Jack: You better not pass out. I’m not carrying you back to the campsite.

 

Bobbie: I was... *huff* Just trying to find you *Huff*

 

Jack: Well, now you have. So you can go back to the campsite and tell anyone important that I’m still here and still alive.

 

Bobbie: I... whew... Okay, I was just worried about you. I mean, people get lost and die in this forrest. Haven’t you heard the stories?

 

Jack: I’m sitting here at a fishing pond. It’s part of the tour. I think I’ll be okay. You’re good.

 

Bobbie: I... I uh... I didn’t know you fished.

 

Jack: Yeah, I fish. Lots of people do. It’s not new.

 

Bobbie: I was just... I thought we were building trust here?

 

Jack: You purposefully had our tents put next to each other.

 

Bobbie: Well yeah, we’re a team!

 

Jack shook his head, he didn’t want to be mean to Bobbie. He knew she was trying her best to make this work, and he wasn’t making it easy. He was still so resistant to trust anyone.

 

Jack: We... are a team. I appreciate you coming to find me. But I’m okay. Just fishing.

 

Bobbie: Did... did you catch anything yet?

 

Jack: Not yet. But it takes time. You’re not going to just catch a fish.

 

Bobbie slowly made her way towards Jack and sat down next to him. Jack and Bobbie shared an uncomfortable silence as Bobbie tried to see what Jack saw, as he just gazed at the pond. 

 

Bobbie: So... this is what fishing is?

 

Jack: Yeah.

 

Bobbie: It’s kind of boring.

 

Jack: It’s not meant to be instant gratification, Bobbie. It’s meant for reflection. Looking at nature and the water and seeing it for what it is.

 

Bobbie: Hmmm... I mean, I guess it’s lost on me in a haunted forrest.

 

Jack: It’s not haunted. People disappear in forrests all the time. There’s no vampires or anything of that other shit out here. It’s woods. There’s animals and it’s easy to get lost. 

 

Bobbie: Didn’t you see that Blair Witch movie! That kinda stuff is why we’re here.

 

Jack: The Blair Witch was dumb. That one guy punted the map they had into the river for no good reason. Then he was just standing in a corner. No, I don’t care about dumb legends. If there was any truth or proof to any of it, it’d be a different story, but there’s not.

 

Bobbie: You’re a real party pooper. There could be ghosts, you don’t know!

 

Jack: I doubt it.

 

Bobbie: But you think they could be real, right?

 

Jack: I guess enough people have seen... something in their lifetime that makes them think that. I haven’t seen it.

 

Bobbie:  But it could be.

 

Jack: Yes, it could be.

 

Bobbie: So, then this forest COULD be haunted.

 

Jack: It could be, but it isn’t.

 

Bobbie: But it..

 

Jack: Bobbie...

 

Bobbie: Sorry.

 

After another silence, Jack’s line finally gets tug. He stands up and starts to reel in whatever it is that he caught.

 

Bobbie: Whoa, you got something!

 

Jack: I’m aware of that! Come on you bastard!

 

Jack finally reels in a good sized fish, pulling it off the lure and insepcting it.

 

Jack: Nice. Very nice.

 

Bobbie: Wow... I can’t believe you caught that!

 

Jack: Good stuff there.

 

Bobbie: So... now what?

 

Jack: What do you mean, now what? This is dinner.

 

Bobbie: Wait, you’re going to eat it?

 

Jack: Yeah, gotta gut it and clean it, but that’s a good meal right there.

 

Bobbie: I don’t know.

 

Jack: What?

 

Bobbie: I mean, catching a fish in a haunted forest may not be the best idea.

 

Jack: Oh. My. God. For the last time the damn forest isn’t haunted! 

 

Bobbie: I just think it’s not smart.   

 

Jack: I’m not throwing it back.

 

Jack sets his pole down and opens his tacklebox, producing some newspaper and his hunting knife. He starts to gut the fish, noticing Bobbie has picked up the pole.

 

Bobbie: So... can I try?

 

Jack stops and sighs, he sets the fish on the ground and baits the lure for Bobbie with a worm.

 

Bobbie: Gross. Now what?

 

Jack: Just... cast it into the pond.

 

Bobbie: Just like this?

 

Bobbie does ending casting the lure into the pond correctly.

 

Jack: Yeah. 

 

Bobbie: Now what?

 

Jack: You just wait. You may not get anything thought.

 

Jack resumes gutting and cleaning the fish. Bobbie is watching and grossed out.

 

Bobbie: Ew. What are you doing?

 

Jack: You have to clean the fish. Pull all these guts out. You can’t eat that.

 

Bobbie: Ew.

 

Bobbie then feels the tug on the line.

 

Bobbie: Oh! I got a tug!

 

Jack: A bite?

 

Bobbie: Yes, whatever! 

 

Jack stops and helps Bobbie reel in the fish. Of course, when their hands touch, Bobbie gets fish guts all over her hands. She screams and is grossed out.

 

Bobbie: EW! EW! EW!

 

Jack: Calm down! Just wash it off in the pond. You’re going to make people think this is really haunted with you screaming like that!

 

Bobbie quickly washes her hands off and holds the fish on the lure. 

 

Bobbie: So... now what?

 

Jack: Are you going to eat it?

 

Bobbie: No!

 

Jack: Then... throw it back.

 

Bobbie: I’m sorry little fishy! 

 

Bobbie struggles to pull the fish off the lure, but does and watches the fish flop back into the water.

 

Bobbie: I don’t know if fishing is for me...

 

Jack: Well, more for me then. Come on, let’s go back to camp.

 

Bobbie: The sooner the better.

 

Jack: Gotta cook up this fish!

 

Bobbie: Gross.

 

Jack: Hey uh... good teamwork out there.

 

Bobbie gives a disgusted look to Jack.

 

Bobbie: Yeah...

 

--

On Camera:


 

Click

 

Jack is seated, the Internet title draped over his shoulder.

 

Jack: You know, maybe, just maybe... I didn’t give this whole stupid tournament thing as much thought as I needed to. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise, you know? I mean, think about it: I say all the time I’m the Face of this Franchise. I say I am the best, and I say nobody can stop me. And as many people as they lined up over and over again, I’ve turned them away, I have proven my points time and time again. I have shown I am everything I say I am, and yet, I still wasn’t given the chances that everyone else has. I began to wonder just how many mountains I would have to climb, and at this point, how times I have to climb the damn mountain itself, before I get ANY sort of respect around here. They say it’s earned, and not given, and I say... I HAVE earned it. Two-time and current Internet champion. Two-time World champion, and now, on the cusp of the Blast From the Past finals. 

And boy oh boy, did they make that round as stupid hard as possible. They throw the Internet champion at me round 1 Round 1! And what happens? I beat him. Again. And I took his title. Then, they put the damn Cowboy in front of me again. The guy they really want to be the man, and I beat him. Again. And now, they throw Calvin Harris in front of me? Calvin Harris? Again? 

You know, most people who have this kind of run in a tournament might think the deck is stacked against them. Hell, most people in my position would be thinking this is some kind of revenge tour or something like that. Jack Washington taking revenge on everyone who has beaten me or wrong me. It would be that great comeback story they write movies around. It would such a great plot. If the person it was about, wasn’t ME.

You see, I haven’t beaten these guys, so this was their shot at cleaning the slate. This was THEIR chance at revenge. And thus far, two have failed. Miserably, I might add. It’s like, I know the brass is shitting their pants now, knowing how close I am. And now I have just one more step to the finals and then what? Then what will there be as an excuse? Then what god damn hoop will I need to jump through? I’ve been sitting here making history this whole tournament and collected gold I didn’t even need. And you can bet your ass when this tournament is over, I’m the winner, you can take this stupid Internet title and do whatever you want with it. I won’t need it. Oh no, I have my eyes on one goal, and one goal only! And now, all that’s left is just one final hurdle, and then it’s the finals. And really, it doesn’t matter who I face. Well... let me take that back. It doesn’t matter who WE face in the finals.


 

Jack holds up a finger and even a small grin crosses his face.

 

Jack: Yes, Bobbie, as much as you annoy me, as much as you drive me up a wall with your stupid antics... you have earned my respect. Now, this DOESN’T by any means, by any stretch of the imagination, make us friends. We are not friends. we never WILL be friends. For now, we have reached this... level of, I guess respect. Because you came through in round 2. Now, granted, I could have taken the Cowboy, but when you listened to me, when you followed my lead and dammit, we won. 

I say this again, because it bears repeating: Don’t let it go to your head. I have to say that I’ve... actually never been in the semi-finals, and I’ll bet you haven’t either. This is not the time to slow down and smell the roses or whatever. We didn’t come this far, to come this far. Look, you have Dawn Warren. Another one of the the dumb fangirls to worry about. This is about focusing up and understanding the assignment that we have right now. 

You did exactly what I needed you to do and now we’re here. I will call a spade a spade. You picked up the win for our team and there’s nothing I can do but respect that. But you see Bobbie, I’ve been down this road before. Not just in the ring, but in life. You wanna know why I don’t trust any of these people? It’s because people let me down. But right now, right now, you’re earning a small amount of trust, because you did listen. We have one last thing to do and then, we’re onto the finals, where... I will consider this partnership done and dusted. 

And, begrudgingly, I appreciate your efforts to make this an easier partnership. I do. Obviously, you go overboard all the time and try a kill an ant with a machine gun when it’s not necessary. You don’t have to do that. I don’t need you to do that. I need you to focus on what lies ahead. If you do that, I am confident we can pick up the win. I mean, you think Dawn Warren and Calvin Harris are even trying to get along or be a team? You think they’re bonding somewhere? Of course not. If nothing else, you have helped to strengthen the... the team. Again, that’s all we are, Bobbie. Don’t get any more ideas in your head that anything else is going to happen. But you know what, we need to use that. We need to let it be known that there is no stronger TEAM in this whole tournament. I think we’ve proved that so far, and now, all we have to do is do it a couple more times.

And then we will never have to speak about this whole thing ever again. 

Okay, maybe that’s too harsh. I guess... this has been an experience if nothing else.


 

Jack shakes his head, shifting his focus

 

Jack: So anyway, let’s move on to one Calvin Harris. You back again, bro? Did you not get the lesson taught to you last time? I get it, I’m sure the brackets got shuffled or something. They really want you to be a big star around here, and they want to move me out. And you look like some other asshat that I used to beat up, but now you’re the guy. You are the guy they want. Now, you’re already on their bad side because you lost already to me one on one. So, they are putting most of their eggs in your basket. 

Not all of them. They still have the ringers they brought in to try and make this last ditch effort, should you fail. 

And trust me, you will fail. 

You think that all of sudden you’ve got what it takes to beat me? You think that you’ve learned enough to beat me now? Or, are you going to try and rely on Dawn to carry you? I mean, you and I both know that’s your best chance to succeed. But while your partner is a wild card, I know that Bobbie and I are on the same team. You have to hope against hope that Dawn isn’t daydreaming while I’m beating your ass. 

The thing is, you had your shot against me a little while back and you failed. So this fits perfectly with all the other times an opponent I’ve already handled comes back for revenge. I know that last loss still leaves a bad taste in your mouth, especially after you went ahead and embarrassed yourself by posting a picture of your punk ass kid drawing a picture of me.

It’s still weird to me that your kid was drawing my picture and not yours, and that you chose to post it. See, if I used social media like all these other clowns, I might do some shit like that. But you know, I don’t have to. I use it like every other person. To promote themselves. Because that’s what it’s for. Now of course, you have the dumbasses who just post terrible opinions and shout them like they are fact. No, I just make people pay attention to me. They see it, they know it, they recognize exactly what I’m about and who I am. And all of them know I am what I say I am. I don’t post stupid pictures that my kids drew. That’s what a refrigerator is for. That way nobody else sees how terrible it is.

But beyond that Calvin, I don’t remember what you said before, nor do I really care. I beat you before, and I know I will beat you again. It’s just that simple. Those that doubt me have a lot invested in you, so I have to ask you the same question I asked of Alexander Raven and of the Cowboy:

Are you going to able to live with yet another loss to me? 

Because let me tell you, the others took it a lot better than I expected. Maybe it’s just that I always back up what I say. Maybe they are finally getting me my respect. I’ve earned it over and over again, and I will expect the same from you. You got all poo-poo faced last time like you were expecting a different outcome. I know you wanted to win and everything, but no matter who I am put up against, the result is pretty much the same. I show everyone, including my opponent, that I am everything I say I am. I talk the talk and walk the walk. The amount of titles I’ve won in basically what.... 3 years? Nobody goes on that type of run. The top two championships in the company. Being at the top of the mountain time and time again? That’s ME. That’s what I do. 

And really, you know that’s not what you do.

You flat out said that you didn’t want to go after the world title and fight the other stupid Harris boy. So, I guess that begs the question why you’re even here? Why are you in this tournament? Why are you fighting so hard to win? Did you just join up here in order to provide a warm body? Did you want to help your female partner get a title shot and you can just gracefully bow out? 

Or did you reach down in between your legs and just now realize you have a set of testicles? Have the past two matches pumped you up to the point where you believe you CAN win the world title? Did this just pop up recently? Because it boggles my mind as to why you’re sitting here thinking you’re going to win the world title when you didn’t even believe in yourself not two months ago.

But, you know what? You don’t even have to worry about it Calvin. No, after this Sunday, you can breathe a big sigh of relief that you don’t have to fail in the finals, you can fail in the semi-finals and it means just the same. I mean, you can try and prove me wrong about this whole thing, but let’s just be honest, I am the one who proves people wrong.

I have been proving people wrong since day one. That’s why I am where I am. They doubt me, and quite frankly, they still doubt me, because they don’t want me to be where I am. But after I beat you, scatch that, after Bobbie and I beat you and Dawn, you, like everybody else, will show me the respect I have deserved for a long time. 

So, really, in the long run, I’m doing your ass a favor, Calvin. Removing you and all false hope you have of getting to the top of the mountain. Because that’s where I belong. So just be you, and be happy to be there, and don’t take this ass whoopin personally. 

It’s for the best.


 

Jack shoos the camera away as we cut to black.

 

Click. 

 

Face Of The Franchise.

16
Prologue: 

Jack may be as surprised as anyone else that he and Bobbie Dahl worked together so well as a team, and they managed to win their first round Blast from the Past tournament match, and in the process, Jack picked up his second Internet championship after pinning Alexander Raven, though his efforts wouldn’t have been enough and Bobbie was significant reason they were victorious. Jack of course would never actually admit this out loud, but he knew that Bobbie was a tag partner that he needed to trust, and this first test in Jack’s eyes was a rousing success. Of course, Jack didn’t want really anything to do with Bobbie outside of the bell to start their match, and the bell to finish their match. 

What Jack actually noticed about their relationship, if you could call it that, was that it felt more like mutual benefit than anything else. Jack wasn’t above helping people, his problem was always that he was forced to rely on them, and they always let him down. But maybe, just maybe Bobbie was going to be different? Jack obviously wasn’t a fan of the odds knowing his track record, but the results thus far, were positive.


 

 

--

Kelwana, British Columbia, Canada

Two Weeks Ago


 

 

Jack burst backstage after winning the Internet title and looked at it approvingly. He was very pleased with himself and having won the title. He was actually grinning and didn’t notice Bobbie Dahl was standing behind him.

 

Jack: That’s right. Champ baby!

 

Jack was showing off to anyone who was within earshot, however, he was then given a playful slap on the shoulder from Bobbie. He turned, saw that it was Bobbie and his smile disappeared.

 

Bobbie: Congratulations. I think we made a pretty good team out there.

 

Jack: Whoa, team?

 

Bobbie: Uh yeah, we even got a victory celebration and everything.

 

Jack: I did not need you to pick me up.

 

Bobbie: Okay, next time you can pick me up.

 

Jack: That’s not what I -

 

Bobbie: We can talk about the choreography and everything on the road.

 

Jack: Excuse me?

 

Bobbie: You know, travel together. Like a team. I’ve got some interesting ideas.

 

Jack: We are NOT traveling together.

 

Bobbie: Sure, we are! Like a true team! We just went out there and won. It was great! We can even have a team name. I’m just spit-balling here but “Team JackBob!” 

 

Jack: JackBob? That’s not even a word. It doesn’t go together.

 

Bobbie: Like I said... Spitballing! We can discuss this on the trip to Scotland. Which... by the way... what do you think about kilts? You shave your legs or...

 

Jack: ENOUGH! We are not...

 

Bobbie: We ARE a team. We just won.

 

Jack: No, I won. You just happened to be there.

 

Bobbie was frustrated by Jack’s immediate dismissal of her efforts.

 

Bobbie: You’ve gotta be kidding me! We won because we worked together!

 

Jack: No, I don’t think you understand. I won. I am the Internet champion. You didn’t win anything.

 

Bobbie: I WON THE MATCH! WITH YOU!

 

Jack recoils from Bobbie shouting at him. He put his hands up and tried to calm Bobbie down.

 

Jack: Alright, alright, relax. You didn’t screw it up.

 

Bobbie rolls her eyes and gives another frustrated sigh.

 

Bobbie: Is this all you wanted out this? You have a title and now you don’t care?

 

Jack: To be fair, I never really cared for this team in the first place.

 

Bobbie: That’s not the point! You know damn well it was teamwork that got us that win. The least you can do is acknowledge that!

 

Jack sighs.

 

Jack: Okay, fine. WE won the match. Are you happy now?

 

Bobbie: No. Look I get it, okay? You don’t like anybody, you don’t trust anybody. You’ve made the perfectly clear like 100 times. You don’t have to like me. But dammit, I’m trying to build at least a little rapport here! I’m trying to do the thing that you want me to do!

 

Jack: No, you’re not. You’re trying to be my friend or whatever. If you really wanted to do what I wanted you to do, you would have simply come up, congratulated me, and then gone off to do whatever it is you do in your spare time, and then ready yourself for the next match we’re gonna have. And then you show up, focused and ready to go. 

 

Bobbie: You really don’t get it, do you? I’m TRYING. You don’t understand, at all.

 

Jack: I don’t really want to.

 

Bobbie: Some of us don’t have all the advantages you do. Some of us don’t WORK the way that you think we should. I’m not a robot! I’m a human, and I need some interactions! And you need to respect that! You need to respect ME! You think I LIKE all the things people say about me?! You think I’m just gonna accept it? NO! I’m TRYING! 

 

Jack takes a breath and again holds his hands up.

 

Jack: Alright, I get it. Look... uh... good job out there. Okay, is that good?

 

Bobbie: It’s a start. Why are you like this?

 

Jack turns away, and puts the title on his shoulder.

 

Jack: Because I have to be. Been burned too many times, and people I actually care about have been hurt because of it. So yeah, I play this shit close to the vest. And I’m not going to allow people in. Because that’s the point that they find the best place to stab you in the back.

 

Bobbie: You think I’M going to stab you in the back? Why would I stab you in the back? 

 

Jack: Not... you in particular. You’re just with everybody else.

 

Bobbie: I can promise you now, I’m not going to stab you in the back. I want to win this as much as you do. I'm sick and tired of people making fun of me. I’m sick of being called a loser. I’m sick of all that! 

 

Jack turns his head to glance at Bobbie.

 

Jack: Then you need to stop doing stuff like this and toughen up.

 

Bobbie: I did that. And I could be a cold cynic like you. But you know what that got me? Nothing. I can’t do that. I won’t do that. And if that makes me a loser, then I guess I’m a loser. You can be just like everybody else and think that.

 

Jack: … 

 

Bobbie: Go ahead. Say it so that we can just get it out of the way and whomever we wrestle next time out can just pick up the pieces. 

 

Jack: … You’re not a loser. You have a loser’s mentality. I’m just... I don’t know why... but I’m trying to fix that.

 

Bobbie: And you’re doing a terrible job. You don’t have to like me, but at least... at least... respect me as a person, and as... your partner. Even if it’s just for a couple more weeks.

 

Jack: … As a person, I respect you. Partner? You held your own. I respect that.

 

Bobbie: Thank you.

 

Jack: Don’t let that go to your head.

 

Bobbie: … Yeah, I won’t.

 

Jack: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go celebrate.

 

Jack begins to walk away

 

Bobbie: Hey uh.... good talk?

 

Jack: Yeah...

--

Glasgow Airport

Glasgow, Scotland


 

Jack arrived without Bobbie this time. He actually got peace and quiet on the flights from Vegas to New York, and then the long 16 hours to Glasgow. Jack actually wasn’t recognized and didn’t bother to make himself known as he simply exited the plane, walked through the airport and collected his luggage, before heading to the rental car area. He walked up after a small wait in line he marched up to the counter.

 

Jack: I’m with Sin City Wrestling. There should be an SUV for me.

 

Receptionist: Name?

 

Jack: Jack Washington.

 

The Receptionist stops, and looks at a few things on her screen before smiling.

 

Receptionist: Aye! Mrs. Washington already picked it up and she’s waiting for you.

 

Jack: Mrs. Washington? There must be some mistake. I’m...

 

From behind Jack. Bobbie slaps him on the shoulder. She has a huge grin on her face.

 

Bobbie: Jackie!

 

Jack: …

 

Bobbie: Oh, sorry, I got us the ride already, it’s cool!

 

Jack sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. You would think he was 10 the way he was acting.

Jack: Why?

 

Bobbie: We’re PARTNERS. Come on. 

 

Jack: I can get my own car...

 

Bobbie: No worries, I got you.

 

Jack: I...

 

Jack didn’t want to make a scene, but he was pretty close to doing it anyway. He begrudgingly picked up his bag and followed Bobbie. Once they got to the car, Jack stopped.

 

Jack: WHAT THE HELL, BOBBIE!

 

Bobbie: What? Partners remember?

 

Jack: No! This is not part of the deal! We do not need to travel together! I can get my own car! And you told them you were my WIFE?!

 

Bobbie: We got a better car because of it! 

 

Jack: Why are you doing this to me?

 

Bobbie: Because you need it. This is going to be so cool. We need to get you in the kilt, and then we can visit the spooky lighthouse! It’s a road trip!

 

Jack: NO! OH MY GOD, NO! What is wrong with you? 

 

Bobbie: I thought... we were making progress?

 

Jack: Don’t. Don’t pull that right now. I had a long flight, I just want to go to the hotel, and sleep. I am not in the mood for these stupid things! You steal my car reservation, you tell people you’re my wife, and you want to visit some stupid lighthouse?! And you expect me to just roll with that?

 

Bobbie: I’m TRYING!

 

Jack: I can’t. I just can’t.

 

Jack picks up his bag and just starts walking. It really didn’t occur to him that he was just in a completely different country with no way around or knowing of which was he was going to be going, but he knew he had to get away from Bobbie. He simply started walking and exited the airport grounds and just started going. After a few minutes, Bobbie was pulling up beside him, slowly and waving to get his attention.

 

Bobbie: Don’t be like that... please?

 

Jack tried to ignore her and kept walking, not wanting to continue this.

 

Bobbie: I’m sorry. Okay! I was just trying to make this work! Please, just... come on, please get in the car. Look, I’ll drive you to the hotel and that’ll be it. I promise. 

 

Jack finally stopped, and Bobbie eagerly pulled over to the side of the road to let Jack in. Jack was still fuming, but relented and entered the SUV.

 

Bobbie: I was just trying to do something nice. I admit I went overboard. I was trying to be spontaneous. Help build our bond.

 

Jack: By stealing my reservation?!

 

Bobbie: I know. It’s overboard. I’m sorry. 

 

Jack: Just... just drive.

 

Bobbie and Jack drove to the hotel where the SCW wrestlers were staying and Jack checked in, along with Bobbie. 

 

Jack: I swear if you got us the same room...

 

Bobbie: No! Of course not! I can respect your privacy. I’ve got things to occupy myself with.

 

Jack: I didn’t need to know that.

 

Bobbie: NOT LIKE THAT!

 

Jack: Could we?

 

Bobbie: Yeah, sorry. Can I... Can I ask a favor?

 

Jack stopped and glared at Bobbie. He was in no mood for this, struggling to contain his rage.

 

Jack: WHAT? What could you possibly do to ruin this whole trip even further?

 

Bobbie: I just... I wanted to know if I could get you to just sit and we can talk strategy again. These are different opponents and stuff so, I just... I know I screwed things up, but I just want to get back on track. 

 

Jack: If this is something stupid...

 

Bobbie: No, not at all. I promise. Straight up.

 

Jack eyed Bobbie suspiciously as he would normally. He shook his head, clearly done for the day with all the nonsense.

 

Jack: Fine. 

 

Bobbie: Great. I’ll see you tomorrow then? I’ll call you.

 

Jack: Whatever.

 

--

 

Click.

 Jack is proudly showing off the SCW Internet title over his shoulder, and the cocky grin smeared all over his face. He let’s out a satisfied laugh as he begins.

 
Jack: Well, well well. Would you look at that. I told Alexander not to tempt fate. I warned him what was going to happen if he lost. And low and behold, he did. Damn, I hate to say I told you so, but... ah, who the hell am I kidding, I LOVE to say I told you so! I told you Alex, that if you tried for this dumbass crusade of “trying to get a win back” it would blow up in your face, and guess what? It DID! I hope you feel really stupid, or as stupid as you look right now, both literally and figuratively. All the bluster, all that talk, and you failed. And now, I AM THE INTERNET CHAMPION AGAIN! How does it feel, Alexander? How does it feel to be a complete failure? I told you I was going to rub this in your face, and I have to say, it feels really, really good to be doing it right now! You should have never pissed me off, and now, and forever, you will have to live with the fact that for all that, you walk away eliminated, and now, empty handed.

And to be fair, I wasn’t even trying to win this damn title. I already proved I was the best Internet champion in YEARS. I had no desire to win it again, because it proves nothing. but you know what, I’ll take it, and make it even better than you ever could. This title right here, is as far as you will EVER go, and that’s just a fact of life. You now have nothing you can do, but deal with it. Get used to this level of disappointment, Alexander, it’s going to be this way for a long, long time.


 
Jack buffs the belt with the side of his hand, and is very pleased with himself. His demeanor changes slightly as he continues.

 
Jack: Now, let me move on, because Alexander is in my rearview mirror. Let me move on to this week. Actually, no. I need to say something to... Bobbie Dahl.

Look Bobbie, you... you didn’t screw it up, and you held you own. That was a good first step. But the fact remains I don’t want to listen to you babble and ramble on about nonsense like you’ve been doing. Let’s get this straight: We are NOT friends. We’re not allies, accomplices, acquaintances, pen pals, none of that. We are simply partners based on a random draw. Nothing else. The deal is real simple, you hold up your end, and I will lead us to victory, just like I did two weeks ago. It’s not that hard. Look, you got this Laura Phoenix chick. I don’t care what you say about her or whatever. You know what you have to do. You know that another win puts us in the semi-finals. 

I get what you said to me. Not everyone can function like I choose to. So, we will have a level of understanding and I am okay with that. But again, this is a partnership out of chance. This is a chance for both of us to get better.

And for the record... based on what you’ve accomplished, you aren’t a loser. That’s about as nice as I can put it at this point, and don’t let that go to your head. You didn’t let me down this week, but I’ve been here in this very spot before, and then round 2 comes and bam, my partner fails me. It’s happened twice already. Just focus on what all these naysayers are gonna think. And while they are going to be correct that I carried you to the round one victory, that doesn’t mean you can’t come through and pull your weight. This is a golden opportunity for you. Based on how it looks, this Laura Phoenix chick sucks, and you can take her. You know what you have to do. Just don’t let me down, and don’t let yourself down.


 
Jack nods, believing his semi pep talk to be sufficient.

 
Jack: Now, onto the main course of this week. It’s you and me again, Cowboy. We gotta stop meeting like this, although that would mean we don’t meet ever, which would be fine by me, because quite frankly, I’m tired you. When this match was made, I was about to ask, why the hell MY championship is on the line, when you entered this stupid tournament as the champion and YOUR title should be on the line. 

But then, I remembered that you don’t even have a title anymore, Cowboy.

That’s right, you lost your title and some old asshat has it. You got nothing, and let’s not get any stupid ideas in that thick heads of your that you’re somehow going to win this title from me on Sunday. If you’re thinking about that, you better start thinking about baseball or some shit. You are NOT about to take this championship from me simply because you, much like Alexander, are hell bent on finally getting one over on me.

Oh sure, you won the fatal four-way, and you won the world title, and I’m sure you felt really good about it. But you’ve already noted that you can’t beat me. I mean, if you REALLY want to count that four-way match as you beating me, you can. But you know deep down in your heart that you didn’t pin me, you didn’t make me submit, you pinned some other asshole who didn’t belong in the match in the first place. You got that tainted victory, and now, you have another chance, Cowboy. You can make things right.

But then again, you’ve almost resigned yourself to the fact that you may not ever be able to beat me. That little piece of doubt is all I need, Cowboy. Because it tells me what I need to know. I’m in your head. I know now when you saw that this match was the match that was going to happen, you groaned, didn’t you? Oh yeah, you said to yourself, “well shit” or “Great horny-toades" or whatever you Cowboy’s say. Because you knew then, and you know now, that I’m going to beat you yet again. I’m gonna advance in this tournament, and really, right now, maybe you’re thanking your lucky stars that you’re NOT the world champion, because...well shit, Cowboy... you’d be about to lose that title to me. 


 
Jack smirks at this comment.
 

Jack: Oh my god, would that have been hilarious. I would have beaten the two top champions in the company back-to-back matches. Oh, that would have really pissed people off! But sadly, you don’t have the title anymore. So, you can take a deep breath, you can just relax and enjoy this next loss to me and just add it to the mental checklist you’ve made when it comes to wrestling me.

But you know, part of me actually respects the fact that you are aware that you may not be able to beat me in the ring one on one. And I get it, this match technically isn’t one on one. So, you know even if by some miracle you managed to win, it still wouldn’t be in a one-on-one situation. But I know you want this win badly. You want to get back to having yet another championship match when you clearly don’t deserve it anyway, but winning this tournament would be something for you. And I know you’d feel like you got that monkey off your back if you managed to win against me while doing it. That’s the real prize isn’t it, Cowboy? That’s what you’re really after in this whole thing. Because you really need to prove it to yourself more than anything.

Raven did the same thing two weeks ago, my guy, and you run a mighty risk of failing yet again, much like he did. Are you really sure it’s worth it to put it all on the line like that? Am I under your skin that much? Do you want to punch me in my face and shut me up for good? Does it mean that much to you? I know you’re going to play it cool, but you’ve already let too much slip. You’ve already shown how much I am in your head. 

So what’s it going to be like for you to lose to me again?

Again, lucky for you, you’re not the world champion, because I already made history in this tournament, and you know deep down I would have made more at your expense. I would have taken that title from you. And you know, I could have stopped right there. Because that’s what this is about for me. I don’t need to beat you, I’ve been there and done that. I’ve done it, and still you get called great. Yeah, that one pissed me off. But at the end of the day Cowboy, I’ve moved on because I am better than you. You know it and I know it. It’s not like it’s rocket surgery or even brain science. But how are you going to deal with it, is not the most intriguing thing.

Like, are you going to brush it off? I know that you’ll want to. You’ll want to give me the stone face and act like it didn’t happen or that if doesn’t really bother you. But I know it does. You know it does. This one isn’t count to techincally count on the scoreboard, and really, you should be thankful we’re not keeping score, because this would turn into a blowout real quick. 

But maybe, you’re thinking you can save face and maybe earn an ounce of momentum, because you think you’re going to take this title from me. Let’s just stop playing pretend Cowboy. Let’s stop with this. You’re not going to beat me, and you’re not going to win this match period. This is where the tournament ENDS for you. This is where I beat you again and I move on and you get left in the dust. You are left to pick up the pieces once again. I can’t wait to see that happen again.


 
Jack rubs his hands together ready to wrap this up.

Jack: But hey, don’t worry Cowboy, I’m sure you’ll just get some random rematch and they will continue to think you are the greatest thing since sliced bread yet again. That’s how this seems to work around here. You were just given the title that I earned, and continue to earn each and every time I’m out in that ring. All this match really is, is more of me proving that fact. It’s more ammo for me when I say that I am everything I say I am. 

 
You are just more proof. That’s just it my guy. Nothing more. Me and my... my partner, we’re going on to the semi-finals. And then to the finals. It started with taking this championship from Alexander Raven, it will continue with beating you, and then whoever else stands in the way. 

 
And as far as Laura Phoenix goes? Meh. I don’t have to worry about her, Bobbie will take care of her. That’s right, I’m prediciting it here and now. 

 
Maybe there’s something to this whole trust thing. Maybe.

 
Whatever. Look, Cowboy, I’m going to beat your ass and you know it. Just get all the excuses you can ready for when it happens. I will once again prove to you, and everyone else, I am the FACE of this franchise.

See you in the semi's.


 

Jack looks back down at the Internet title as we fade to black.

 
Click.

 
Face. Of. The. Franchise.

17
Prologue:

Jack was unsuccessful in winning at Blaze of Glory, losing to Peter Vaughn in a match Jack was very confident about winning. Now Jack will have to go back to the drawing board from a singles match perspective, but now he faces participating in the Blast From the Past tournament, something he clearly doesn’t enjoy, and teaming with Bobbie Dahl, which also doesn’t make Jack happy, as they prepare to enter the tournament as a team. Or... something close to it.

 

Outside the ring, after not one, but two instances of Jack’s past invading his present, he relied on his old Police friend Jessica De La Fuente to find out just who is behind the intrusions. Jessica agreed after much deliberation, knowing her life could be at risk in doing so. But while Jessica does her work, Jack and company can only play the waiting game, trying not to stress about how this is all going to play out.


 

--

Blaze Of Glory

Las Vegas, NV

Two weeks ago

 

Jack was with the trainer after his match, getting checked out after his loss, which had the already surly Jack in a foul mood. Once he was almost finished, there was a knock at the door, and Bobbie Dahl is waving at him, to which Jack is at first confused, and then obviously annoyed.

 

Bobbie: Hiya Jackie!

 

Jack stared daggers at Bobbie who threw up her hands, trying not make the situation worse, but there really was no winning that battle when it came to Jack.

 

Bobbie: Soooo... I don’t know if you heard the news, but we’re uh... we’re teaming up in the tournament.

 

Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head.

 

Jack: Great. You’ve let me know your message. You can leave now.

 

Bobbie: Come on, Jackie, all I’m asking for is a chance.

 

Jack: A chance? For what? Look, I don’t want you, or anyone else as my partner. The only reason I entered this tournament was to win the world title, and it’s my best chance. All you have to do is not screw it up. And judging by how this is starting? It’s gonna be another waste of my time.

 

Bobbie: Hey, I’ve beaten lots of people! And I’m trying to make this work! And this was my best chance to talk to you. 

 

Jack: No.

 

Bobbie sighs.

 

Bobbie: Okay, this wasn’t the best time, I get it. But even when I was here before, you were always by yourself. You seem a little... I don’t know, lonely. I figured, might as well try and forge a relationship.

 

Jack: By interrupting me?

 

Bobbie: I said it wasn’t the best time, okay?! Not the best first impression. Okay, so we got off... on the wrong foot. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make this work. I’m just here to talk, and you know get to know one another.

 

Jack: I don’t want to “get to know you”, Bobbie. We’re not partners by choice, we’re partners by chance. You were sitting at home on your ass and just threw your name in the hat. You haven’t been working at this.

 

Bobbie: And I got off my ass and I’m here now! Can’t you give me a little credit? This is MY chance too! And I know with you as my partner, we can get this done. It’s possible.

 

Jack: Until you screw it up.

 

Bobbie: Why are you so rude?!

 

Jack: Because I tell the truth and people don’t like it. This is a business relationship. We’re not going to hang out or go to the mall or whatever it is you like to do. I don’t know, and I don’t care.

 

Bobbie: The mall? How old do you think I am? I get it, it’s business, but we have to be a team. And teammates have to trust each other! This was a gesture of friendship! A short-sighted one, but a gesture.

 

Jack: I don’t want to be your friend, Bobbie.

 

Bobbie: Because you haven’t gotten to know me. Look, All I’m asking for is a chance. Okay, let’s just talk. Make conversation. You’ll see I’m a lot more than meets the eye!

 

Jack didn’t respond to that, but hopped off the trainer’s table and begins walking away, Bobbie trying to keep up with him.

 

Bobbie: Come on Jackie!

 

Jack: STOP. CALLING ME THAT!

 

Bobbie: Okay! Okay! I’m just trying to be friendly. Jack. Okay? Jack. 

 

Jack: Don’t you get it? I don’t want to talk to you, I don’t want to be friends, or even partners with you. We’re not a thing! We will NEVER be a thing!

 

Bobbie folds her arms.

 

Bobbie: Not with that attitude! Can we at least try? It’s gonna take both of us to win! Whether you want to admit it or not, we’re in this together. You want to win, I want to win. If we work together, I think we can do it. But we’re not gonna get anywhere if you don’t trust me at least a little.

 

Jack: …

 

Jack begrudgingly sees the point Bobbie is making. He shakes his head, looking up and is obviously annoyed at all this.

 

Jack: I will never trust you. Not even as far as I can throw you.

 

Bobbie: Let’s just chat. Come on, just work with me here!

 

Jack: Ugh... fine. What do you want to talk about?

 

Bobbie’s grin is from ear to ear. 

 

Bobbie: Yes! You see, just trust me. I feel like I’m Barbra Walters or something? I’m getting inside the mind of Jack Washington! I’m breaking new ground!

 

Jack: Oh my god...

 

Bobbie: Relax, I’m not gonna probe you... okay, that was poor choice of words. I won’t grill you. I promise.

 

Jack: Kill me now...

 

Bobbie: Okay, just one question then I swear I’ll let you be.

 

Jack: What is it?

 

Bobbie: Okay, so... don’t get mad, but, I never see you with anybody. Like ever. No like... special lady or anything?

 

Jack: No.

 

Bobbie: So... are you... you know...

 

Jack: You said one question. We’re done here.

 

--

Harry Reid International Airport

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack has already boarded the flight, and he is sitting down in the aisle seat. Ignoring most of the stewardesses, he has his phone on and headphones in, listening to music. He is basically ignoring everything until there is a commotion in front of him, and low and behold, it’s Bobbie Dahl, who is waving to him.

 

Bobbie: Jack! 

 

Jack: How? HOW? Why?

 

Jack tries desperately to ignore Bobbie. She continues to wave and motion as she tries to get past people in the crowded and cramped airplane. She ends up next to Jack and look down at her ticket.

 

Bobbie: Whoa, isn’t this convienient! I’m in the window seat!

 

Jack tries ignoring her, but she puts her bag in the overheard compartment and shrugs.

 

Bobbie: Unless you want it?

 

Jack removes his headphones, still annoyed.

 

Jack: What?

 

Bobbie: The window seat... It’s my seat.

 

Jack: Oh, for the love of... Why are you even on this flight?

 

Bobbie: Because I live in Vegas.  Didn’t you know that?

 

Jack: No, why would I know that?

 

Jack begrudingly gets up and moves for Bobbi. Bobbi is cramped, but finds a way into the small airplane seat. Jack sits back down and tries to put his headphones in, but Bobbie is already leaning into him.

 

Bobbie: So, how’s it going, partner?

 

Jack: Do not.

 

Bobbie: Look, it’s a long flight. Your phone isn’t going to last forever. We can talk, strategize and stuff!

 

Jack: No.

 

Bobbie: I thought we agreed to talk to each other? Communicate! We’re a team.

 

Jack: There is no “We”, Bobbie.

 

Bobbie: There has to be otherwise we’re gonna lose. You agreed! Come on!

 

Jack angrily, slaps his headphones down and stares at Bobbie.

 

Jack: WHAT? What could you POSSIBLY want to talk about?

 

Bobbie: I’m just trying to make conversation.

 

Jack: You suck at it.

 

Bobbie: If you’re going to be rude we’re never gonna get anywhere!

 

Jack: Oh my god...

 

Bobbie: So... just making conversation here... We are you from... orgininally?

 

Jack: You already know this. Philadelphia.

 

Bobbie: How would I know? Okay, we’re just starting small. 

 

Jack: Last time you asked me if I was gay.

 

Bobbie: Again, baby steps. I apologize. I just notice these things.

 

Jack: I don’t need you to notice anything.

 

Bobbie: But you’re not though, right?

 

Jack: Okay, one... No. Two, it’s none on of your damn business! What kinds of questions are these?

 

Bobbie: Okay, we don’t have to get that personal. I gotcha. Just seeing my boundries. So hypothetical... if you WERE, which dude on the SCW roster would you do?

 

Jack looks incredulously at Bobbie.

 

Jack: Are you serious, right now?

 

Bobbie: I’m no saying you HAVE to! I’m just saying, for the sake of argument. Like Fenris right? Totally Fenris. I mean, if I was gay and a man, that’s who I’d do.

 

Jack: What is wrong with you?

 

Bobbie: Okay, okay, we’ll move off of the topic. I just want to get you to open up.

 

Jack: From the way you’re talking you want to do Fenris.

 

Bobbie: What? No!  I’m very happy in my life.

 

Jack: So, you do wanna bang Fenris?

 

Bobbie: Look, having a small crush on someone does not mean you want to bang them!

 

Jack: You’re borderline obsessed.

 

Bobbie: I am not! 

 

Jack shakes his head.

 

Jack: I thought we were going to talk strategy?

 

Bobbie: Well, let’s talk strategy. You think that Ogopogo thing is real?

 

Jack: The what?

 

Bobbie: You know, we’re going to Ogopogo for the match. It’s a monster in the lake.

 

Jack: What does that have to do with our match?

 

Bobbie: Oh, right, the strats.

 

Jack: Strats?

 

Bobbie: Yeah, it’s shorthand for strategy.

 

Jack: DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

 

Bobbie: Oh, no. We need to make one.

 

Jack: Just... don’t screw up.

 

Bobbie: What, that’s it?

 

Jack: Does it have to involve more than that?

 

Bobbie: Well how will I know if I screw up? Not saying I will, or won’t. I’m just saying what happens if I do and then there’s still time to fix it?

 

Jack: Then it’s not a screw up.

 

Bobbie: Oh, it’s that easy? Okay, cool. I guess, strategy session over?

 

Jack: Thank god.

 

Bobbie: So, like what’s your best celebrity impression?

 

Jack: Are you KIDDING ME?

 

Bobbie: I’m afraid I don’t know that one.

 

Jack: BECAUSE IT’S WAS A BIT!

 

Bobbie: I thought we were bonding! Teamwork!

 

Jack looks like he’s about to explode. The stewardess comes over and taps him on the shoulder.

 

Stewardess: Sir, I’m going to need you to calm down and lower your voice.

 

Jack: Can... Can I get a different seat?

 

Stewardess: I’m sorry, we’re full up. Everyone made the flight. Now please, if you could keep your voice down.

 

Jack goes to say something, but clenches his fists and tries to keep his anger in check.

 

Bobbie: I mean, other people have been way louder. You should hear some of those SCW girls when they get together.

 

Jack: Stop! Okay. Just...stop!

 

Bobbie: Okay, relax, goodness you’re face is all red and stuff. I mean, we can talk about my hometown. Chicago. You ever been there?

 

Jack: … Will it get you to stop if I say yes?

 

Bobbie: Well, okay, I’m not actually FROM Chicago, I’m from Coal City, that’s like an hour away and I think if you’re within like an hour of some big city, it’s cool to say you’re from that city. I mean, what if literally it was down to like 5 feet or something with those crazy city limits designs they have? Those are wacky as heck. Anyway, I always thought Chicago was so cool because it’s like a big city, but it’s not like you know, the city people think of when they talk about a BIG city. It’s like Chicago is just as busy as any other place, you know?

 

Jack had been trying to tune Bobbie out, so he had no idea what she said.

 

Jack: … Yes.

 

Bobbie: See, I’m glad you agree with me! It reminds me of the time, I wanna say I was like 10. And this was just like the worst morning when I got up and my hair was a mess and I just felt terrible. And so I made myself a piece of toast, and it wasn’t like the good bread either. We had for some reason bought like the off-brand bread. You ever have that? It just tastes different to me. 

 

Jack: I’ve made a terrible mistake.

 

At this point Jack is no longer paying attention, having put his headphones in and is looking at his phone. Bobbie is still talking but even she isn’t looking at Jack. She’s just going. 

 

Time passes and Jack has fallen asleep, and as he awakens, Bobbie is laying on his shoulder. He jerks her awake and she is startled by this.

 

Bobbie: Huh? Are we there yet?

 

Jack: If you’re going to sleep, sleep against the window.

 

Bobbie: Oh, yeah... So uh... you think we should have like a team name or something?

 

Jack: No.

 

Bobbie: Every good team needs a name. We could be like Sonny and Cher and sing “I got you, kid”.

 

Jack: Babe.

 

Bobbie: What?

 

Jack: It’s I got you, Babe. Not kid.

 

Bobbie: Okay find, maybe we’ll be like some other great duo. 

 

Jack: Just... focus on not being a joke anymore.

 

Bobbie: … You think I’m a joke?

 

Jack: Everybody thinks you’re a joke, Bobbie. I really couldn’t care less. If I were you, I’d spend less time thinking about lake monster or celebrities or fucking toast. 

 

Bobbie turns and thinks for a second.

 

Bobbie: You... you were paying attention.

 

Jack: It was like a fly in my ear. 

 

The captain comes over the intercom

 

Captain: Ladies and gentlemen we’ll be landing in Kelowna very shortly. As always we’d like thank you for traveling with us today, and we hope to see you again next time you have a flight. 

 

Bobbie: Well... it wasn’t that bad was it?

 

Jack: Let’s just say mistakes were made...

--

 

On Camera:
 

 

Click

 

Jack, as usual, wears a scowl on his face as he sits in what appears to be a hotel room. He looks especially exasperated on this occasion.

 

Jack: I should have won, and I didn't. It's that simple. It's how it goes sometimes. I'm not going to cry over spilled milk, because I know who I am. But hey, now I can already see the future, they’re going to give Peter Vaughn all that other bullshit pats on the back, and me? Well, obviously, I have to go back to square one. I have to start all over again. That’s the way this has worked for some time. And even when I get where I need to be, they throw some completely irrelevant jackasses in my way instead of just giving me what I earned. It’s ridiculous. And now? Now, I have to team with some chick and do some stupid mixed tag tournament thing to get where I need to go. 

The thought did occur to me to simply throw this stupid match, and maybe, since everyone else is in the tournament, I’d be one of those guys to get one of those random ass championship matches thrown my way. But then again, I stop and think... “No, they won’t give it to me.” No, no, I have to win this damn thing otherwise they will continue to hold it over my head like I’m the worst person in the world. Everybody else gets something, and I’m left with my dick in my hand, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. 

 I have busted my ass, and jumped through every damn hoop, but there just bring more and more my way. This stupid Blast from the Past tournament has been nothing but a waste of my time, and I’ve already proven I am more than capable of winning the world title on my own. I don’t NEED to have to drag someone else to get where they need to go. I’ve already had to drag this company kicking and screaming to where it needs to be, and every time I have a grip on things, some asshole comes out of the woodwork to ruin it. It has happened twice, and when I kick the shit out of Michael Harris or Calvin Harris or Wood Harris or whoever is the damn champion, I’m sure they’ll just do it again. 

They left me with no other options than to do this. Twice now, I have been let down by trying to rely on these women to at least hold up their end of the bargain. All they have had to do is not lose, and actually give two ounces of effort and we can win. It’s not that hard. But every time it’s been getting only so far, only to be let down. It’s like the definition of insanity around here.


 

Jack holds his head in his hands as he continues.

 

Jack: So, I’ll make this really simple for Bobbie Dahl. Crystal clear in fact since the bullshit has already started. All you have to do is show up and not be a liability. Don’t stand around gawking at the fans or trying to build some kind of relationship with me. I don’t know what that stupid bra bullshit was, but we’re not going to be doing any of that. We’re here, and together, despite everything, and you and I have to work together. I’ve already shown I’m a leader and capable of making all the correct decisions. It’s a simple relationship we have to have, you understand? It’s two people who have to work for a common goal. You want to prove to people you’re not a loser, right? That you actually are capable of doing something and not being the butt of all the jokes around SCW, right? This is your chance. You should be able to handle every single woman that enters the ring against you. You should be a killer. For once in your life, just don’t be a complete joke and try and make this something it isn’t. I will tell you up front, here and now: If you follow my lead, if you do the things you know you can do and just listen, we’ll win the whole damn thing. Just focus on the task at hand. 

I mean, you know you hit the jackpot when it comes to having me as a tag partner. Why? Because you know I’m good. You know I’m everything I say I am. You just have to keep that mindset and just... you know... do something when you need to do something. I don’t need you distracted by anybody trying to tell you to make jokes or do something stupid. You should be able to weed that stuff out of your life. At the very least, just think about how much better it’s going to be, and how much respect you’re going to get when at you’re right there at the end and you finally get over the hump. Yes, I am doing you a favor, but you really don’t need to, and quite frankly, you shouldn’t thank me.

Because I’m just letting you know now that once this whole tournament is over, it doesn’t matter to me what you do after it. You can go back to sitting on the couch at your house and pet your dog, or whatever the hell you were doing before this. You came back here for a reason. Let’s focus on that reason and make this easy. The way I see it, you can follow my lead, focus on getting your respect back, and we’ll be fine. 

 

You handle whatever her name is Calloway or whatever and I will take care of Alexander Raven. I think that’s the teams. Sure. Whatever. You got it, Bobbie? Good. Good talk.


 

Jack then shifts his weight in his chair, and the stone cold gaze returns to the camera.

 

Jack: Alex, my guy, for the life of me, I did not remember you. I didn't even know you were Internet champion until the match was announced here. Because I came in and dominated that division. They had to send the same guy a million times before I just got tired of it. How many more times was I going to have to face Goth because I went insane. They were just going to keep sending him, time after time, until he eventually won. It was nauseating. 

Gonna be honest with you here chief, I have not been paying attention to you for as long as I can remember. To me, you were just an opponent one time and I kicked your ass and that was pretty much supposed to be it. You see, I have a very simply philosophy. I beat someone up, and then I move on. I leave them in my review mirror, my guy. You think I give two shits about Peter Vaughn now? No. And I stopped caring about you a long time ago.

But I guess you got some kind of grudge or something because I beat you. You had to make your little tweet about how you’re gunning for some kind of payback or whatever, and bro, I gotta be honest here, again... I don’t care. Whatever personal stupid vendetta vengeance thing you got going? I don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, I’m already above you in the pecking order. I’m already reached the top of the mountain, twice. I’ve been at the head of this company for a long time, and people like you? I hope you are comfortable with your Internet championship, because that’s going to be as far as your elevator goes, my guy. I rose above it, came back down and did that too.

So why would I be concerned about you wanting revenge on me? Please, Alex, tell me. You explain it to me, why I should give two shits about what you think. Who are you? Have you been world champion? No. Have you SNIFFED at it? No. Add to that, that I beat you the last time we wrestled, and I have ZERO reason to be concerned. I’m more concerned about my partner losing the match, than I am about you actually fucking winning it. You really think I care about your quest for validation? Sorry to rain on your parade my guy, but it’s just another day to me. You are just the first round opponent to me. It’s just that simple. But you know what that tweet did? It got me thinking. So, good on you for that. But really... it got me thinking.

Now it’s become amusing to me. What happens if you lose again, Alex? What happens when you find yourself without a championship, and you’ve got zero to fucking show for all your rhetoric? I mean, I’ve heard you talking up a storm before about hunting and whatever the fuck else you drone on about. But seriously, what happens when you lose to me again? I mean, twice? And then you lose your championship on top of it? How embarrassing would that be? How on earth would you be able to show your face anywhere in SCW again? 

See, here’s how this is supposed to work, Alex. You fight me, you lose, and you move on. You harboring some kind of weird grudge is dumb, even for someone like you. But the point is, you’re supposed to move on. Because people who move on, they become just a faded memory to me. Those that are smart, keep my name out of their mouth after the match, and they move on with their careers. That’s what most people have done. Those who kept saying my name, those who kept trying to prove that I wasn’t what I say I am, end up hurt, embarrassed, or both.  People who don’t let it go, end up way worse than everybody else.

Do you wanna be that guy, Raven? Puff out your chest and fail miserably, yet again, walk away without a title and be left wondering why the hell you made that choice? You seem hell bent on that, so okay, we’ll play this little game. What happens after you lose again? Are you going to get DOUBLE revenge on me? Are you going to come after me, twice as hard? I’m actually genuinely curious to see how badly you take this loss. 

But, I’d be lying if I said I actually wanted to win the Internet title again before that tweet. I really don’t need to win that again, but thanks to your motivation, I’m actually really wanting to win it, just to see the look on your stupid face when it happens. Are you going to fucking cry about it? Like actual tears? I’d be all for that. That, and it makes for a decent consolation prize just in case I get screwed out of this tournament. So, you will have nobody to blame but yourself when this all blows up in your face Alex Raven.

Before you opened your mouth, you were just another opponent. Now, you’re a target. Now, instead of just beating you and moving on, you’ve opened my eyes and now, I’m gonna remember this shit so fondly. To be Internet champion again and take it from somebody so hellbent on getting win back, is going to be fucking hilarious. And you better believe that I will rub this in your face at every turn. I will NEVER let you forget the day you got beat and lost the Internet title to me. Oh no, I will remember March 26th forever now. And it’s going to be all your fault, Raven. I hope you can live with that.

And I hope you can live another fact of life, Alex. I'm above you. I will ALWAYS be above you. No matter angry you get, no matter how much you want revenge, it's not going to change. I'm going to beat you. No... Bobbie and I are going to beat you and that Calloway chick and then, once again, you will be in my rear view. And I take your Internet champion on top of it.

I hope you're happy with what you've unleashed.


 

Jack actually seems to relish the thought of beating Alexander Raven now.

 

Jack: And just... before I go, I want Michael Harris to know I’m not going to go away. Mike, you have better hope and pray that Bobbie Dahl somehow loses this for me. Because if that happens, you can consider yourself, the luckiest man on the face of the earth. You should be counting your lucky stars right here and now. But I also want you to take a good, long hard look at my face. Because first, I’m going to take the Internet title from Alexander Raven, and then when you see this face again, I will be aiming for you. Hopefully you take notes, and you actually learn from the mistakes Alexander made. Because you make them... You don’t have a chance in hell against me.

 
Anyway, get ready Alex. I can’t wait to see the look on your face. And whatever the Calloway chick thinks, I'm going to go out on a limb and actually think that Bobbie will come through. It may come back to bite me on hte ass, but one last time, I'm going to trust somebody else.


 

Jack stares into the camera as the scene fades.

 

Click.

 

Face. Of. The. Franchise.

18
Supercard Archives / Re: PETER VAUGHN v JACK WASHINGTON
« on: March 10, 2023, 11:28:00 PM »
Prologue:

Jack continues to train hard for Peter Vaughan at Blaze of Glory, and seems to be picking up on things after doing a bit of research into Peter’s past. Jack isn’t shy about letting loose, so one has to wonder where exactly he’s willing to go with what he has learned.

 

Outside the ring, Jack, Brian, and Jason met a familiar face from their past in Anthony, who claimed to represent potential buyers of the Golden Flamingo Casino from Jack, and they are based out of Philadelphia. Based on Jack’s past, those are bad people, but who is really behind the operation remains a mystery. It has put Jack on edge as he continues to run the casino, but now is fully aware of people looking to remove him from power. Perhaps... permanently.


 

--

Mothership Coffee Roasters,

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack was seated. He wore a heat to lower his visibility to others. He was one side of a table, just waiting. He checked his watch and absent-mindedly went through his phone just to pass the time. He did have a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of him, but he wasn’t drinking it. At least, not yet. Finally, after a reasonable amount of time, the door to the coffee shop swung open and in walked Detective Jessica De La Fuente.  Jack simply raises his hand and Jessica walks towards him, she stops a few feet away as he stands up for her, but there is no embrace, handshake or even a “hello.” They both sit down as the waitress come over to the table.

 

Waitress: Can I get you anything?

 

Jessica: Just a small coffee.

 

Waitress: How do you take it?

 

Jessica: Cream and sugar, please.

 

Waitress: Sure thing.

 

One she leaves, there is once again silence as Jack sips his coffee now that it’s a little cooler. Jack sighs and  leans back in the chair.

 

Jack: Jessica.

 

Jessica: John.

 

Jack: How are you? You look great.

 

Jessica: Let’s not do the small talk thing, John. You were never good at it anyway. I know you didn’t just invite me all the way out here for coffee.

 

Jack: The coffee is really good.

 

The waitress comes back with a hot coffee for Jessica. She smiles and accepts it before the waitress turns and walks back. Jessica takes a sip and nods.

 

Jessica: It is, but cut the shit. You want to explain this to me, or are you just continue to continue to waste my time? I can’t just run out here whenever you call. I have a job to do.

 

Jack: I know, and I’m very appreciative of you coming all the way out here. I’ll pay for you to go back.

 

Jessica: I don’t need you to pay for anything. I need you to tell me why I’m here.

 

Jack takes another sip of his coffee and gives a refreshed “mmm” as he swallows it.

 

Jack: Anthony Carbone came out to see me last week.

 

Jessica stops her first train of thought and takes it in.

 

Jessica: Anthony, why?

 

Jack: There have been two different times where people have come to the Casino and tried to talk to me, about buying it. Actually, I take that back, three times. Anthony was just the latest. There were two other guys I never saw before.

 

Jessica: So is Anthony trying to buy it?

 

Jack: No. Anthony, and those other two seemed to represent someone else. Someone from back home.

 

Jessica: Okay...

 

Jack: I thought I left all that behind me, Jess. I really did. I guess you just can’t escape your past, can you?  Fuck I mean, I left there because they were going to kill me. And I walked away and left them behind. I started over.  And now they’re still coming for me?

 

Jessica: I don’t know why they would still be after you.

 

Jack: Well, somebody is, Jess. I need you to find out who.

 

Jessica: John, I just can’t drop what I’m doing to always help you.

 

Jack: I’m not asking you to drop everything Jess. I’m asking you to find out some information for me. It doesn’t have to be right this second. But, this is kind of important.

 

Jessica: What exactly do you expect me to do? You know the moment I ask about anything regarding you they’re going to know you’re onto them.

 

Jack: They already know that I know. They wouldn’t have sent Anthony if they didn’t want me to know. I know how this works, and so do you.

 

Jessica: John, you know I care about you. You know I will do what I can to help you if it’s within my means but you’re putting a lot of people at risk for this.

 

Jack: That’s how the game is played Jess. You think I want this? It’s how this seems to work for me now. I can’t run from this, I’ve been running for a long time.

 

Jessica: John, don’t throw all that you have away. 

 

Jack: I’m not, I will be ready for this. I just need you to help me, so I’m ready.

 

Jessica stares at Jack in silence for a few seconds, she begins to drink her coffee without much being displayed. She takes more and more frequent drinks of the coffee before just gulping the last swig down. She looked up at Jack and there were almost tears in her eyes.

 

Jessica: And then what?

 

Jack: What “and then”? Either A, this was a scare tactic and they are just testing me, or they’re coming for a war.  I thought they were going to leave me alone, but they aren’t. I’m a public figure now. They can see me, and they’ve been waiting to do something, and now, it looks like they are.

 

Jessica: And if I help you?

 

Jack: Then your job is done, Jess. It’s as  simple as that. You get me the name of the person in charge, Anthony’s boss, and then, we’re good. I won’t ask you to do anything else. 

 

Jessica: Maybe not ever again.

 

Jack: I can’t say that’s not true.

 

Jessica: I’m not gonna let you throw your life away. I made a promise to your father.

 

Jack: Yeah, everybody who made that promise did what they had to do to help me. I’m only asking for this one last thing, Jess. After that, you can forget I exist. I won’t be your problem for you, and you can walk away with a clean slate. You did your job. I won’t hold it against you.

 

Jessica: John...

 

Jack takes a sip of his coffe and finishes off the rest.

 

Jack: This is good coffee. 

 

Jack stands up, adjusting his hat. He pulled some bills out of his wallet and slapped them on the table.

 

Jack: It was good to see you, Jessica. Take care of yourself.

 

Jack began to leave, exiting the coffee shop and getting into his car, as soon as he started up his car, Jessica ran out.

 

Jessica: John!

 

Jack sighed, turned his car off and got out.

 

Jack: It’s all I’m asking Jessica.

 

Jessica looked more manic than usual, and she actually embraced him. 

 

Jessica: I... I’ll help you. 

 

Jack: Thanks.

 

It was rare, but for those he really cared about, Jack could be caring and loving. He embraced Jessica back and the two hugged for what seemed like minutes, but was really only a few seconds. They broke it off, both of them staring into each other’s eyes, before Jack got back in his car and started it up again. He took one last look at Jessica before he drove away.

 

--

Lake Mead

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack and the family were out of the boat, attempting to de-stress from the whole situation. All three has lures in the water, trying to enjoy the weather at the very least.

 

Jason: Nice day. This is where it’s at.

 

Brian: Between this and the car, I think this is a good way to get away from things. Good call, Stick.

 

Jack: I thought it was time to get out of the house. I think we’ve had enough excitement for a while. 

 

Brian: I was fine. I got the car.

 

Jack: You should be outside, it’s a nice day, we’re out on the water. What more do you really want to ask for?

 

Brian: Couple of broads be nice.

 

Jack: Of course you’d say that.

 

Jason: For real though bro, this is a pretty sweet.

 

Jack: Yeah.

 

There is a long period of silence as the men fish. Jason is the first to get bored of silence and rubs the back of his neck, as if he doesn’t really want to ask the next question, but he’s going to.

 

Jason: So, what’d she say?

 

Jack: I thought we were de-stressing?

 

Jason: Just curious is all.

 

Jack: She said she’d help.

 

Jason: And you think she is?

 

Jack: Yeah, she wouldn’t lie to me.

 

Brian: But do you think she can really get the truth out of anybody back there?

 

Jack: You too?

 

Brian: I’m just saying...

 

Jack: It’s the first step in the plan. 

 

Jason: There’s a plan?

 

Jack: There’s always a plan. But using Jessica is more...diplomatic than anything else. If we get names, then we can move forward.

 

Brian: Stick, you know you can’t have a war here, you got way too much going on out here to start again. 

Jack: That’s very true. I don’t plan on having the fight here if I can help it.

 

Brian: …

 

Jason: What do you mean?

 

Brian: Stick, that’s suicide!

 

Brian knows what’s happening, and actually gets a bite, and has to struggle with the lure.

 

Jack: I’m not saying it has to happen that way. There doesn’t have to be a fight at all to be honest. But considering they sent Anthony here, and those other two, it’s only an escalation. It’s only a matter of time before more and more people show up. I assume they already are.

 

Jason: Wait... what’s suicide, Brian? 

 

Brian fumbles and eventually loses the fish, he swears under his breath and slams the lure down, before standing up and marching towards Jack.

 

Brian: Your brother is thinking about doing something stupid.

 

Jack: As a last resort.

 

Brian: Don’t you even think about it. It ain’t worth it.

 

Jack: You just said the fight can’t be here. It’s either here... or it’s there.

 

Jason finally gets it.

 

Jason: You mean... go back home?

 

Jack: I do.

 

Jason: Yeah bro, I gotta agree with Brian. All that’s happened, I don’t think that’s a good idea.

 

Jack: Never said it was good plan. I’m not running from my past anymore. 

 

Another small period of silence happens.

 

Jack: Let’s just enjoy the weather and locale, yeah? I’ve got a show to do on Sunday, and when it’s over, I’ll come back and we’ll see where we are. For now... this is the focus.

 

Brian: … You’d better think this shit through.

 

Jack: Oh, I am.

 

Jason stands up, and pats Jack on the shoulder.

 

Jason: Bro, I know you don’t want to do this, but if it comes down to it... I got your back.

 

Jack: Thanks Jay.

--

 

On Camera:


 

Click

Jack is actually smirking more these days, this is almost a full on grin. He looks ready to dive in.

Jack: It always makes me laugh when I find another pretender. A person who has become something else in order to get where they want to go. People who have to a fucking chameleon and have to try and blend into a crowd, all the while, trying to stand out. To have change their entire persona is just amusing to me. That’s you, Peter. In case you didn’t know. I mean you should, but in case you didn’t. 

While all these pricks at the top kiss your ass and pretend you’re something special, the truth of the matter is, this isn’t the real you. This is what you adopted. This is what you changed into. And really, all you are is a trash version of me. You are just making me look bad with how you’re going about this. 

You’re a phony, Pete. You’re not this angry guy who makes smart ass comments because that’s who you are, you’re an angry guy who makes smart ass comments because you HAVE to be. Any other way you have gone about it has only netted you a reasonable amount of success, and you’re tired of being just a guy. But that’s all you’re ever going to be. You don’t know how to be THE guy. You’re calling me “Boyo” like you’re fucking Irish. Did that just appear too? Irish guy from Texas? Does that shit make any sense? Sure, whatever Pete, we’ll go with that, you’re Irish now.

Oh, you’ve won world titles? Oh my gosh! How many of them were doing this shtick, Pete? How many of them were when you were the friendly neighborhood garbage man? Or sanitation engineer, whatever you want to call it. Wait, no, I’m sorry... Janitor. The point is, you changed. You had to because you knew just being that guy wasn’t going to last forever. You are a pretender, Pete. 

You want to act like you’re me. My guy, I was born pissed off, I was raised to be pissed off, you are pissed off because you were a fucking janitor. And now you want to act like a bad ass? Holy shit where’s that meme?! Stop the fucking presses, Peter Vaughan is big mad now! I must be in trouble! 

Or not. Because you’re just an actor. 

You think people can just teach you to have a killer instinct? You think anybody believes this brainwashing shit?

Maybe you’re a really good actor. Maybe you’ve got this whole thing figured out and down to a fucking science. You have found a way to manufacture some anger and some prick behavior. My guy, I wrote the fucking book on prick behavior. You are learning from me. You are just biting my style and doing it poorly. You are an imitator, and not an innovator.

Because you know what I want to see, Pete? You know what I need to see, that I haven’t yet? You actually say something with your whole chest. Because I can do that shit all day. I think you are garbage and I’m not afraid to say it. Why? Because that’s the shit I do. I told you last time you better ask about me. You better read the internet or ask the fucking Saviors about me. I’ve already handled their whole crew. If you think beating Mac Bane impresses me, been there, done that. Twice. Ken Davison, took his title and left him still having put up fucking pictures on his twitter account and during his interviews because he thinks this is a fucking 2001 and anything he does is interesting. But you know what, at least the fucking cowboy and the preacher man stay true to who they are. You can’t say the same, can you? Nah, I didn’t think so.


 Jack shakes his head and shrugs.

Jack: See, SCW just wants you around to be the kid friendly version of me, Pete. One day, you can go back to being the janitor. You can switch back and forth like a pendulum. One week you’re this, the other week, you are that. I can’t, and I won’t do that. I’m always gonna be me. And what I am, is the best in the company. I’ve done disrespected every legend and big time person who came into this company. You’re not special, you can get this work just the same. Because that’s who I am. It has never mattered who or what they think they are. I have a skill for seeing into real people. I see through bullshit, my guy. And you are fucking full of it. 

You want to in, you want to be cool, you just don’t want to be you.

I know, it’s tough to get your ass roasted like this. I know you’re hearing my voice, just like you did before and you’re wondering and you’re probably shouting it out loud 

“Who does this guy think he is.”

That’s just it, Pete, I don’t THINK I’m anybody. I KNOW I’m the fucking man. I know I’m the face of this franchise, and I know you have had one match and you act like you did something. Now, after to lose, and trust me, you will lose, one way or another, what happens then, huh? You gonna go back to the trash man thing? You gonna double down on being a poser and keep thinking you are in my league. You gonna be all grumpy and shit and tell me “It was one match and I’ll beat your ass next time!” And all that? You gonna do that? You have plenty of options I guess, right? You have plenty of things you could try to be, but being like Jack Washington ain’t it, chief.

Me, doesn’t matter, I don’t change my stripes, Pete. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. This is 100% me. You are just trying to be a bad ass, and everybody can see it, I’m not the only one. But really, I’m the good guy in this scenario. I’m trying to save you the embarrassment of acting like a clown instead of being real. Because the fake ass people you obviously run with, aren’t real enough to tell you what I’m telling you now. They watch you and they laugh behind your back. They pat you on the back, and they might as well be putting a fucking “kick me” sign on your back.

I could sit here all day and run you down for being a phony, a fake and a fraud. I’ve done it to many other people who are still salty and are among many people hoping and pray that you do get the job done. They want you to knock me down a peg. They hate me so much they are beside themselves. They want me to fail so bad. They line up man after man after man and still, I’m here, and I haven’t changed my tune. Can you really say the same, Pete? No. They want you, to be the new me. But, you will find out, just like they have, no matter how many clowns get out of the car, they will not stop me from getting back to the top of the mountain. I did it faster than anybody else in this company. I took this company by the throat and led it, kicking and screaming to where it is now. And they have trotted out man after man to try and replace me. You’re just another name, just another face, that will try. 

And you will fail.

I’ve already proven myself time and time again, Pete. I’m untouchable in this company. They didn’t think I could do it, and yet, I took down Alex Jones, I took down Jay... whatever his name was. I beat giants, legends, and people they had such high hopes for being champion. And I did it with ease. Now, you know where we are? They finally got somebody who got lucky and beat me, and they’ve been throwing roadblock after roadblock at me, in the hopes that I will fail. 

They tried to relegate me to the Internet title. I put my mark on that title, and I had it a title that people wanted to go after. I made it a hot commodity. I made it worth working for. And now look at it. Who is even the champion? Does anybody care? No. And now that I’ve made it known I’m coming for the World title again, You can see how DESPERATE people are to keep me away from it. I should be wrestling for that championship this Sunday, but instead, I get you, you damn poser mother fucker.

Every attempt they have made to stifle me has been a failure. You’re going to be no different.
 

 
Jack makes a check mark with his hand.

Jack: I told you this is about me, it’s not about you. You don’t even know who you are, my guy. Sunday, you are simply going to be another person I beat, and I put in my rear view mirror. You can be very smart about this, take this ass whooping, and this L, like a man, and move on with your career and the upper reached of mediocrity. Or, you can try and come back at me, you can add your name, and your voice to the list of haters who keep me at the top. You’re not going to change me, I will be as real as it gets.

It’s why I told you to ask about me. Because while you have to muster the anger and manufacture the rage, I breathe it, my guy. And I will not hesitate to end your career in SCW before the shit even gets off the ground. Please believe it. I have taken people apart both physically and mentally. I’ve already done the physical part, Pete. All it took was you trying to be like me and do what I do. You only WISH you could. 

Let me just leave you with this, Pete. In like, you can fool a lot of people. You can trick people all the time. You can lie all you want, but there’s two people you can’t lie to. One of them is me. I see through all your bullshit and have since this match was announced. You know it, and I know it.

The other person who you can’t lie to? The man who stares at you in the mirror. You think that guy knows who he’s looking at? You think he’s fooled? Because the guy in the mirror has seen all your shit, good and bad. He knows you, Pete. He knows who you really are. You think he’s okay with you? The answer should obviously be “no” Because at the end, he’s gonna be there, and he’ll know if you cheated him.

 You’re cheating him, Pete. And you know it.

Now, be the real you, and clean your shit up. It’s what you were best at.


 

Jack shoos away the camera and we fade out. 

Click.

FACE. OF. THE. FRANCHISE.

19
Supercard Archives / Re: PETER VAUGHN v JACK WASHINGTON
« on: March 04, 2023, 11:54:56 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was again successful in his last outing, defeating Calvin Harris in a match that many had Harris picked to win. Jack of course expected an instant reward for this victory and wasn’t exactly given anything he wanted. Instead, he, almost against his better judgement, signed up for the Blast From the Past. Jack is notoriously a “me-first” wrestler, and has regretted doing this before, but perhaps he sees this as his only chance. Now Jack must move forward, given a match he did not really want at Blaze Of Glory against newcomer Peter Vaughn.

 

Outside the ring, Jack finally got everything off his chest, venting his frustration, but it was his brother Jason of all people, who isn’t the most mentally stable person in the world, who really helped his through it. Jack was appreciative of Jason’s efforts, but Jason also let it slip that there were buyers interested in the Golden Flamingo. Jack rebuffed the offer, but now one has to wonder who exactly these buyers are, and why they would want to buy the casino in the first place. The Washington family certainly has their enemies, and very few allies, but that what they have been for a long, long time. Against the world.


 

--

Grand Flamingo Casino,

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack and Brian are inside the manager’s office, just watching the floor, as on most days, the Casino had many people inside and Jack of course now had pretty much a full security staff and a special team for handling anything out of the ordinary. What started as a small time outfit, had grown into a full-fledged major operation. Because that’s what it took to run a casino. Jack, Jason and Brian watched everything, except for one room, the count room where all the money was counted. But so long as everybody was happy, it didn’t need to be seen or discussed. 

Jack took a drink of whiskey and kept an eye on the cameras. Brian was just looking through paperwork, but he knew enough to turn a blind eye to a lot of the shady under dealings with the city, and state officials. Again, so long as everybody was happy, and getting money, nobody really cared. 

 

Jack: It all looks right, doesn’t it?

 

Brian barely looked up and Jack didn’t bother to turn around. 

 

Brian: Of course not. It looks how it should.

 

Jack just nodded.

 

Jack: Yeah.

 

The buzzer from the intercom from the secretary broke up the minor conversation and Jack pressed down on the buzzer.

 

Jack: Yes Rose?

 

Rose: Mr. Washington, you have a visitor. He says he’s a family friend?

 

Jack and Brian stopped and looked confused by the sentence. Jack motions for Brian to be ready as Jack answers back after a longer than normal pause.

 

Jack: Who? 

 

Rose: He says his name is Anthony. Says he’s known your family for years.

 

Jack again paused and walked over to the managers desk and ensured his pistol was inside. He looked at Brian and nodded and took a deep breath before walking back over to the intercom.

 

Jack: Send him in.

 

Brian stood up and moved out of sight of the door. Whoever Anthony actually was, Jack was going to be ready. He stood, hands behind his back as the door opened and Anthony walked in. He wores a sports coat and jeans. The coat was open, but Jack didn’t acknowledge him at all. Anthony had a big smile on his face as he approached Jack.

 

Anthony: Hey! There he is! 

 

Jack put a hand up and instantly stopped him.

 

Jack: What do you want, Anthony?

 

Anthony put his hands up in mock surrender and backed up a few steps.

 

Anthony: Whoa, easy there, J-man! I’m just here to look at how you’re doing. 

 

Jack: Now you’ve seen it. So unless there’s something else you need, I think you’ve seen enough.

 

Anthony: Okay, J-man! So hostile. Look, I’m not here to cause trouble. I came right up to you, no sneaking around or anything. If I was coming for you, don’t you think I would have tried to do something like that?

 

Jack: Getting stabbed in the front is just as painful as being stabbed in the back. 

 

Anthony: Fair enough, but you see what I’m working with here. Your boys searched me before I even got on the elevator to come up here.

 

Jack: You still haven’t answered my question.

 

Anthony: Listen J-man, I come in peace. I just wanted to observe the operation. I mean, it’s been a long time since all that stuff went down. You think I’m still part of it?

 

Jack: 100%.

 

Anthony: That hurts J-Man.

 

Jack: Enough. You’re stalling and trying to make nice. What happened was a long time ago and it’s because of that, that I’m here. You and everybody else kicked my family out of Philly. And you know, out of respect for what happened, I stayed away. Moved out on my own, and I built this. You all got what you wanted, and I got what I wanted. So, it doesn’t make a lot of sense, why you are here, when I haven’t been there.

 

Anthony stopped and smiled again backing up slightly.

 

Anthony: Okay, J-Man, I got you on that. It was a long time ago and I’m not here to...make amends or anything. I’m here to see how things were, and then I’m outta here. Okay, I can see that you still feel some type of way about it and - 

 

The click of a hammer being pulled back on a pistol stopped Anthony. Brian was behind him now, having slipped behind during the conversation. 

 

Brian: You know we never did things like that before.

 

Anthony put his hands up with a pistol jammed in his back. Brian marched him forward.

 

Anthony: Oh, Bad Brian! Okay, you do got some family, J-Man! I didn’t know that.

 

Jack: Now you do.

 

Brian: So, unless you want to die right here, you can answer the question.

 

Anthony: Aye, alright. Couple of weeks ago my partners came through here. Talking about the buyout.

 

Jack: You sent them?

 

Anthony: People we both know did. Okay? They obviously had a rough experience and they sent me. 

 

Jack: Who?

 

Anthony: They’ll kill me if I tell them.

 

Brian: And I’ll kill you if you don’t.

 

Anthony: Come on now, this is family. There’s no harm done.

 

The door behind everyone pushed open and Jason walked in. Jason looked confused for a moment, but shrugged.

 

Jason: At least I didn’t miss the party.

 

Anthony: Holy shit! Jason? Jason Army man! 

 

Jason: Who... is this guy?

 

Anthony: Aw... don’t tell me you don’t recognize your old pal Anthony?!

 

Jason: Can’t say as I do. Who is this?

 

Jack: A pest.

 

Brian: We can just get rid of him. In fact... 

 

Jason: No. 

 

Jack: What do you mean “no?”

 

Jason: Listen bro, you kill this dude now, and it’ll bring a lot of bad stuff here. We’re good here. 

 

Jack stared for a few seconds. He pondered and was acutally a little taken aback by how this was thought through.

 

Jack: Let him go.

 

Brian grabbed the collar of Anthony’s shirt and picked him up, pressing him against the wall.

 

Brian: Don’t come back here.

 

Brian released Anthony but kept the pistol drawn on him. Anthony adjusted his clothes, smiling and backing out.

 

Anthony: Okay, you guys are a little hostile. Thanks Army man, you saved my life. J-man.... Look at you, all grown up. It was good to see you. I’m out, okay, you don’t want to do business, I get the message.

 

Anthony walked past Jason and patted him on the shoulder. He entered the elevator and the door shut with him inside. Jack pushed another button on his desk.

 

Jack: Ed, the guy in the suit jacket and jeans, make sure he leaves.

 

Jack breathed a sigh of relief and sat down at the desk. Jason was still very confused.

 

Jason: So... who was that guy actually?

 

Brian: Anthony. Your dad had a lot of business partners. He made Anthony a rich man, but he also sent Anthony to prison. 

 

Jack: You think he really meant to buy us out?

 

Brian: Not him. But somebody else.

 

Jack: Who’s in charge back home?

 

Brian: That’s a good question. Guess we may find out soon.

 

Jack: … It’s us against the world again...

 

--

 

 

On Camera:


 

Click.

 

Jack wears his usual scowl, but for once it turns into almost a smile, and chuckle almost immediately. It’s the look that simply says “I’m not surprised by any of this.” A look of knowing something is bad or insane, but you can’t help but just shrugs and accept it. Jack appears to be seemingly at his wits end.

 

Jack: I’m beginning to think that I just need to start juggling at this point. Maybe I should ride a unicycle or something. It’s obvious at this point that SCW brass see me as nothing but a dancing bear or some shit because I do everything that is asked of me, and I still get passed over for the rest of the clowns in the division and not get my respect. I go where they tell me to go, I do what they hope I fail at, and still, I get nothing. If someone could explain to me how Michael Harris is getting a world title match, I’d love to hear the bullshit. I’m almost used to it at this point. Getting nothing but the run around as I continue to do everything I’m supposed to do. 

What else is there for me to do? How do I get passed up for Michael Harris? How, sway? I must be missing something here. It’s a god damn travesty that this guy is getting a shot and I’m not. I beat everybody I’m supposed to beat, I don’t take the loss at the Inception and then I'm left hanging with my ass blowing in the wind while other undeserving assholes get what I’ve earned.

You wanted me to beat Calvin Harris, right? And then I fucking did. And not only that, I sign up for the stupid Blast From the Past knowing full well whoever my partner is, is going to fail and cost me at the end of the day. Whoever she is, it’s a waste of my time. Unless it was Amber Ryan, and even then, I have my doubts. The past two years I’ve been in this stupid thing, my partner has failed. But the brass wants to make it sound like it’s my only option. Like nobody else is going to get a world title match while I’m in the tournament, or while the damn thing is still going on. 

I was born at night, but not last night. I’m not stupid. Bill Barnhart who hasn’t won a match in 30 years just got a title match. What do I get? Fucking nothing. I’ve beaten everybody there is to beat and still they want me to prove myself. ME! It’s fucking unreal.

Trust me, they thought I was going to lose to Calvin Harris. They thought this guy was big time, and then beating me was going to propel him to probably getting a title match. I assume he’s going to anyway despite me beating him. That’s just how it works. I jump through every single hoop, and people I beat along the way get rewarded. 

Calvin Harris was just another notch on my belt, as I said he would be, and how am I rewarded for it? I get some random match at Blaze of Glory against... uh... Pete? Something like that. Peter? Whatever his name is. A guy who has had a grand total of one match, and now all of a sudden he’s on MY level? The disrespect is unbelievable around here.  I am the FACE OF THIS FRANCHISE and you people see it. I get crumbs while others get every opportunity in the book. How many times are they going to say “former 2-time SCW world champion” before that just loses all meaning? 

 

Again, you people see it. You know I’m telling the truth. You may hate my guts because of the things that come out of my mouth, but none of them are lies. Now they stick me against Peter Gabriel or whatever in the vain hope that he will somehow rise the occasion and beat me. Wait, no, not Gabriel... what the fuck is his name? It’s on the tip of my tongue... Vance? Vice? Vaugh... Vaugh. Peter Vaughn. I knew it could come to be eventually.


 

Jack snaps his fingers upon getting the name right, he’s seems pleased with himself.

 

Jack: So, look Peter, I was once in your position. The wide-eyed new person who is filled with all this potential and gets hyped up after one little thing they do. You won a match, good job. They are now throwing roses at your feet and acting like you are the best thing since sliced bread. They want you to succeed. They want you to show what you’ve got and fight the good fight and all that. They are literally trying to hand you everything. 

Okay, so it’s not anywhere close to what I did. I came into this company and took it by the throat and dragged it kicking and screaming to the best time they’ve ever had and now they’re just in denial. 

The point is, you made a good first impression and they love you. Oh yeah, they love you and they want you to be at the top. They’re going to hand you all kinds of things, make all kinds of promises. Trust me, I’ve been through it. See, as long as you don’t rock the boat, you’ll get along great here. 

But the one time you fail, like you will at Blaze Of Glory, you will forever be, just another face in the crowd. 

See, I would tell you that you gotta do something to stand out. I would tell you you have to do something to grab attention. But what the hell good has that done me, Pete? I’ve been talking trash, whooping people’s asses left and right, and I won the damn world title for this company fucking TWICE, but I still can’t get respect. I still have shitheads like you trying to swoop in and steal my spotlight.

So I’m gonna tell you now that shit ain’t happening. Oh no, you’re new, you will get plenty of chances down the road, probably more than I have, but I will be DAMNED if you try and get one over on me. You will not use me like I’m some kind of springboard. No, you, much like Mac Bane, much like Calvin Harris, and like every other person who has stood in my way, I’m going to use your sorry ass to make sure they get fucking SICK of me.

If you’re offended because I don’t know you, trust me, I don’t have to know anybody to hate them. I'm not one out here giving people a chance, because I've learned over my life that people will always let you down. They will fail and the only person you can rely on is yourself. You can be offended or whatever the case may be, I don’t really give a shit. Just understand what I’m telling you is the truth, and that’s why it hurts so much to hear.

I just call it like I see it, my guy. And I’m gonna be honest here and say you don’t look like much. Beating Miles Casey was just impressive enough for this to be a minor inconvenience for me. That’s about it. Am I supposed to be impressed you beat Miles Casey? Oh no, watch out, we’ve got a bad ass over here! He won one match and now everybody is supposed to just let you pass? Get the fuck outta here with that bullshit. 

And you see, the thing is Pete, because you have won one match, you have to manufacture pressure on yourself to maintain an unbeaten record. That’s really all you have going for you. You won once, and you’d like to win again. But judging by the look of you, and how you call yourself a former 5-time world champion, you understand that nobody is unbeatable. And so, really what’s happening here, is I’m going to do you a favor.  I’m going to relieve you of the burden of a winning streak. Because if you think that because you won one match that I’m in any way intimidated or nervous about this match, you have another thing coming, my guy. 

I don’t sweat you, Pete. I don’t sweat anybody walking the face of this earth. I know how good I am, and once the brass stops trying to make me jump through hoops, and go and wrestle people like you who are a waste of my time and effort, and give me the proper respect I deserve, matches like this one, will not be taking place, pretty much ever. Oh no, I will be at the top, where I belong, and you will be at the bottom, where you belong. Then you can take my place and be the dancing monkey. You can wrestle the Bill Barnharts and the Miles’s and the Ken Davisons of the company. You can have that role, I don’t want it, I don’t need it, I shouldn’t be in this position at all anyway.

I deserve better.


 

Jack makes sure he emphasizes the “better” part as he finishes this up.

 

Jack: So, look Pete, this is just how this is going to go. You show up at Blaze Of Glory, I beat your ass, and win, and then we never have to speak of this stupid shit ever again. Hell, we don’t have to speak, I don’t have to look at you, or know you exist. This is  basically a business transaction. I’m coming to the show, to win, you are coming to lose, and then we’re done. You can make this very easy on yourself, but I know, the wide-eyed new guy wants to make a good impression. Trust me, they’ll tell you they care, they’ll say all the right things, and make you feel special. And then once you fade back into the pack, you’ll become just another guy. And you will settle for it, won’t you?

You better. Don’t try and act like you’re me, and you deserve anything than this. This match here, is going to be your one chance to actually see what the true spotlight of SCW looks like. And then you will fail, and you will be just another face in the crowd. Until they hand you something else.

Trust me Pete, I am not the one to try and get one over on. You better be doing your research and ask about me. 

You will find out I am everything I say am. Whether you admit it before, or after I beat your ass at Blaze of Glory.


 

Jack shoos the camera away as we fade to black.

 

Click.

 

FACE. OF. THE. FRANCHISE.

20
Climax Control Archives / Brothers In Arms Chapter 7: Here To Stay
« on: February 17, 2023, 11:48:17 PM »
Prologue:

Jack was of course unsuccessful in regaining the SCW World heavyweight championship in the fatal four-way match, despite being extremely confident he would. Jack had explained his position over and over again and it may have been the main reason he lost. He simply believed this would be a walk in the park and it clearly wasn’t. Now Jack is looking at an even longer road ahead of him if he ever hopes to gain an SCW World title match again, and also recently like the rest of the viewing audience, saw the reformation of the Saviors with Mac Bane and Ken Davison. Jack may not actually care about that too much, but he has to take notice that it is going to be a problem for him. 

Jack was left off of SCW TV for the past couple of weeks, and now returns against the recently returned Calvin Harris, in a match two former world champions, and seeming clash of generations. Jack has been pretty quiet about recent developments, but that’s never stopped him from venting his frustrations before. 

 

Outside the ring, Jack’s family drama seems to finally be settling down as he looks to continue to run the casino with his brother, and uncle, and seemingly has found out through some therapy about himself and why he’s just so angry about everything. Only time will tell if this will help, or hinder Jack in the future, but for now, it appears that there are some calm seas for him. He purchased a junker car for his uncle Brian to restore, as this is something Brian always wanted to do. 

Of course, with how volatile and unstable his brother can be, and in turn how he can make Jack just as volatile and unstable as he is at times. It always feels like when there is a calm, it’s usually right before a storm.

 

--

Washington Estate

Las Vegas, NV


 

Jack sat stewing in his anger. He was in a rage over not becoming the SCW world champion, and it seemed like the smallest thing could send him over the edge. For what seemed like forever, he just sat there. He drank heavily. He had to do something, anything to kill both the pain and boredom he felt over having to sit at home. He barely moved, except to pour out the whiskey for himself, and then down it as quickly as possible. The burning of the Jack Daniels only served to fuel and stoke the firey rage inside of him.

 

Brian had entered the house, going from the garage into the house to wash his hands as he continued to work on the car Jack had bought for him. But he even felt the unnaturally cold vibe in the room as Jack stared straight ahead, sometimes with the TV on, and other times with nothing on the screen. Brian walked over and nudged Jack’s arm with his hip.

 

Brian: What’s the matter with you?

 

Jack of course didn’t answer. He barely reacted to the nudge with nothing but a quick glance and an icy stare back at Brian for a few seconds, before returning his gaze to nothing in particular.

 

Brian: You gonna sit there and feel sorry for yourself this whole time now? You can’t just sit there forever.

 

Jack again didn’t bother to respond or acknowledge Brian’s words or voice in any way.

 

Brian: Or I guess you can. But, you ain’t gonna accomplish anything doing it. 

 

Jack again didn’t even budge. After a long and uncomfortable silence, he poured another glass of whiskey and began to drink it. Brian was waiting for some kind of reaction from Jack, but wasn’t getting anything. Believing he had tried, Brian simply shrugged and finishes drying his hands.

 

Brian: Well, I’ll be in the garage. Holler if you need anything.

 

Jack gave him all of nothing. Brian shook his head, threw away the paper towels and went back into the garage, leaving Jack to his own devices again. He sat in the deafening silence and just stewed. It was like this for a long time before Jason finally came in the door, having taken his day at the Casino. He walked in pretty much not seeing Jack except a quick glance. Jason shot a hand up to acknowledge Jack.

 

Jason: ‘Sup, bro?

 

Jason wasn’t look and assumed Jack had made a move, but he clearly hadn’t. Jack poured himself a glass of water and grabbed a bag of chips and sat down on the couch next to Jack, who was in his recliner. Jason wasn’t really paying attention to Jack’s face, and he loudly opened the bag of chips.

 

Jason: Man, I gotta say, running that Casino has been really fun. You know, I think we’re really doing well. I think pretty soon we’ll be one of the top money-earners in the whole state. It was pretty genuis of you to take the Casino and make it off the strip. 

 

Jack again said nothing. He didn’t acknowledge Jason, until Jason began eating the chips. The loud crunching seemed to make Jack twitch.

 

Jason: But I did notice there’s some people who keep coming around. They never gamble, I think they’re scoping the place out. You ever see them?

 

Jason’s loud crunch finally pushed the final button and Jack leapt up from his chair.

 

Jack: GOD DAMN IT!

 

Jack screamed at the top of his lungs, he was seething and Jason really didn’t even acknowledge that. He looked at Jack, and then eat another chip.

 

Jason: You good, Bro?

 

Jack: NO! NO I’M NOT FUCKING GOOD!

 

Jason stood up, touching Jack’s shoulder to at least start to calm him down. 

 

Jason: I get it bro, I do. Sometimes you just gotta let it out, you know? Vent.

 

Jack: This is A BUNCH OF BULLSHIT! I HAD THAT FUCKING MATCH. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MINE!

 

Jason: Okay, dude, save your voice. You don’t need to yell that loudly.

 

Jack: Shut up. You weren’t there. You did have to deal with that bullshit! You didn’t have to have people know you’re telling them the truth, and not even acknowledge it. To know, that you’re so god damn right about everything, and they keep turning a blind eye.

 

Jason: Truth hurts, man. Some people can’t handle it.

 

Jack: I don’t... I don’t get it. I did what I was supposed to do. I earned the match, and then... they stick two other assholes in the match and then one of them is working with the champion and neither of the other two did a fucking thing to be in the match and it’s like... there ya go. It was basically a 3 on 1 thing man.

 

Jason: It’s tough, I get it.

 

Jack: No, you don’t. You don’t get it. There is a massive fucking plan to prevent me from being everything I say I am. They want to make me look like a liar, Jay. They want to make me out to be a liar. I ain’t a liar man! I’ve said what I’ve said. You know? Am I an asshole?

 

Jason: Sometimes, yeah.

 

Jack: Shut up, that was rhetorical. I KNOW I’m an asshole. I’m had to do some dirty shit to get where I I needed to be, but I ain’t ever lied to ya’ll. And this is how they treat me. They give me that shit match and then they leave me to rot at the house man. It ain’t fair. It ain’t FUCKING fair.

 

Jason: Bro, trust me, I know how you feel. I dealt with that shit all the time in the Army. You have a good thing going, you get exactly where you need to be, and then somebody comes along and they fuck it up because of stupid reasons. Or some officer comes in and changes the way you do things just because he or she doesn’t like it. I get it man, it’s fucked up.

 

Jack for the first time actually seems to be listening to Jason words instead of just hearing his voice and just ranting. 

 

Jack: Yeah, yeah, exactly. They’re trying to do some shit to get rid of me. GOD DAMN IT. I CANT LET THEM DO THAT! THIS SHIT IS TOO MUCH! I GOTTA DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! 

 

Jason: Bro, it’s cool, you don’t really need to get drastic.

 

Jack: YES I FUCKING DO! I NEED TO. I WILL SHOW THEM! OH YOU BET YOUR ASS I WILL SHOW THEM! THOSE MOTHER FUCKERS!

 

Jack breaks away from Jason and get out onto his balcony and screams at the top of his lungs. It goes for what seems like a fully minute, before Jack comes back inside and Jason pats him on the shoulder.

 

Jason: Feel better?

 

Jack: Yeah... actually. I really do.

 

Jack seems to be back to normal now. 

 

Jason: Yeah, sometimes you just gotta vent. Can’t keep it all pent up, you know?

 

Jason eats another chip, the crunch makes Jack wince. 

 

Jack: Yeah... Yeah you do. 

 

Jack turns to leave, and not be near Jason eating chips, but stops. He turns back to Jason, holding up a finger.

 

Jack: Wait... who did you say is at the Casino?

 

--

Grand Flamingo Casino

Las Vegas, NV.


 

Jack is in the managers office, Jason and Brian along side him as two other men we’ve never seen before are sitting at the table on the opposite end.

 

Jack: Okay gentlemen, I have seen you in my casino quite a few times, and you’re not gambling. While I appreciate the eyes on my business, I also don’t appreciate the eyes on my business. If you are my customer, that’s one thing, but since you clearly aren’t here to spend your money. There’s another reason you’re here. So... with all due respect...Who are you, and what do you want?

 

The younger man stands up, clearing his throat and adjusting his suit jacket.

 

Man – My name is Michael Montgomery, and this is my association, Robert Wall.

 

Robert tips his hat.

 

Michael: We’re here as... well let’s just to the chase, we’re here to try and negotiate with you. 

 

Jack: Negoiate what?

 

Michael: A potential, buyout.

 

Jack turns to Brian, trying to seemingly hold in laughter.

 

Jack: A buyout?

 

Michael: Yes, that’s what it would be technically, but really, it’s more of a... partnership. 

 

Jack: Boy, that seems like a bit of a walk back.

 

Michael: We have looked over the casino and we feel it’s a solid investment. We have some wealthy investors looking to break into the casino business and this is one that has seemingly popped up and done well. But it’s not worth what it could be worth. 

 

Jack: Are you saying we’re doing a bad job?

 

Michael: No, far from it, in fact. We think that has been a great turnaround you’ve given this area. That’s why we want to invest. 

 

Robert: You would be very handsomely rewarded for this.

 

Jack: I know you think I’m a dumb wrestler, but I know the difference, between investing and buying something like this. Plus, I have money. This isn’t about money. I have money. I make money, I can practically fucking PRINT money. So it’s not appealing to me.

 

Michael: And we understand that. This is why we’re having this conversation. 

 

Jason stood up, having finally heard enough.

 

Jason: Fuck these dudes. The casino isn’t for sale. That’s just what it is. Take it and go back to whoever it is you work for, because he didn’t have the balls to come here himself, and you tell him that. The Grand Flamingo is off the ground because of the Washington family, and it’s gonna stay that way!

 

Michael: We do have some things we’d like you to consider!

 

Jack: No, you don’t. We’re done here.

 

Jack pushes a button on the table intercom.

 

Jack: Ed...see these gentlemen out.

 

Ed, the bodyguard enters with his team and Michael and Robert stand up clutching their belongings.

 

Jack: This is OUR casino. If we see you come back here, and you aren’t sticking quarters in slot machines, it’ll be the last place you ever enter. Now, Ed here will show you both the door. Or the floor, or both if you’re not careful.

 

Ed ushers the men out and Jason shakes his head, Brian nodding along and Jack in thought.

 

Jack: People just seem to want to get rid of us... They want us to go away. I guess we have to show everybody we’re here for the long haul.

 

--

 

On Camera:


 

Click.

 

Wearing his usual scowl, Jack paces back and forth in his home. There’s a ton of pep in his step, even though he isn’t going anywhere. If looks could kill, the camera would be a pile of ooze at the moment. Jack looks like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode.

 

Jack: It’s almost like they want people to know this is some kind of game. You know, I go out of my way to do things the way they are supposed to be done, and then what happens? Oh, you earned your title match, but we’re gonna make it a fatal four-way just because we think it works. I should have been in the ring with Ken Davison, one and one, beat his ass, and won the World title for a 3rd time. Period.

 There’s no “yeah but” in that. What did Matt Knox do to be in that match? Nothing. What did Mac Bane do to be in that match? Nothing. I won matches. Including, against Mac Bane, might I add.  But no, just make this random match and act like I should be counting my lucky stars. It’s a big bunch of bullshit and everybody knows it.

Then we get to the damn fatal four-way and some more bullshit happens and Mac Bane flukes his way to another win. It’s like...no, let’s just tell everyone how great he is because we keep giving him chance after chance and sooner or later, the sun shines on his ass and he gets somewhere. I wish I had that. I wish I got these types of chances. 

Inception was the first time I got a World title match since I won it from Kris Ryans in 2021. I have been starved, because apparently, this company is against making money and treating their franchise player like he’s a franchise player.

And then, to top it off, it’s always awfully convenient that after these big shows and after I get the crumbs and the scraps tossed to me, that they try to forget about me. I mean, there’s matches already made for the next big show. And I... just this week, am seeing action for the first time. Oh no, let’s not put Jack on these shows. Let him sit at home, maybe he’ll leave us alone. 

But what they are REALLY after is me coming to the show and complaining. Right? That’s the big thing now. Jack Washington is a complainer, he’s a whiner. The truth of the matter is I point out everything that is wrong and unjust. All of them want to drone on and one about how you have to earn this, and earn that, when it’s bunch of bullshit. I beat the guys in front of me, and I barely got thrown a bone. Mac Bane does nothing and gets rewarded. Matt Knox does EVEN LESS and he gets rewarded. You tell me, is it fair? Was it earned? NO. FUCKING NO. 

And then, Inception happens, and the guy who wasn’t pinned, that would be me, gets left for dead, and Mac Bane and Ken Davison just get all these luxury matches and win despite their best efforts and get treated like they’re special, when I have PROVED, time and time again, they are not. They reformed the saviors, a group so forgettable they reformed and still nobody cares. Obviously, it just proved Ken Davison is a fluke champion, and Mac Bane can’t get shit done on his own. 

And what do I get? A big pile of shit. Here you go, Jack, we’ll put you in action against this Calvin Harris person and you have to start at the bottom. You have to earn it. Nobody else around here does, because we decide on a whim that people should get championship matches. But not you. You have to earn them. It’s complete bullshit and they just want to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it.


 
Jack is clearly not happy, only stopping a moment to take a breath. It seemed like all of this was coming out today.


Jack: By the way, I’m STILL not listed on the roster page. You have fucking Todd Williams on the roster, but not me. You see this shit? I just want everybody to see this shit. Understand that unless the shit actually impacts me, I don’t really give a shit about it. I don’t have to run onto social media and demand title shots after every big show. I don’t give a shit about the Internet or Roulette divisions. I’m above that, and I already fucking proved that too. 

No, I’m pointing out everything WRONG with this shit. You know why? Because it needs to be said. You can say I’m whining, but you know what? That’s because those saying that, are either A) Getting the special treatment, or B) Too chicken shit to say something. They all go to their low-end jobs and complain about them. Overworked and underpaid right? But yet you people LET people walk all over you, because you’re too scared to lose those jobs. I’m not afraid to say what needs to be said, and I don’t care who I piss off, or whose toes I step on. 

I say the shit that needs to be said. I tell the truth. That’s why they say I’m whining, because it’s the only defense they have, because they can’t call me a liar. Those are the facts of the situation.



Jack twitches his neck, the pacing having continued this entire time.

 
Jack: Now, Calvin Harris, right? I mean, I suppose beating you won’t do shit for me anyway. So, why do I have to bother with this? What does beating you get me? WIll it finally get my name on the roster page? Probably not. Am I going to be a world title match? No, of course not. We’ll go to the well of, well, you already had a title shot, we need new blood and all that happy horseshit. Meanwhile Mac Bane just gets chance after chance. Oh, episode 375 of Climax Control? Why not have uh... Mac Bane defend against... I don’t know, Senior Vinnie, just fucking because. 

You know, it’s rude of me to disregard you Calvin, making your triumphant return or whatever like you’re Jesus coming out of the cave. The fact is, I don’t really give two shits about you, or what you accomplished a decade ago. You got your roses then, didn’t you? Weren’t people singing your praises and calling you great then? Is that how it went? I don’t really care, I just trying to make some conversation here. In fact, no, I don’t really care about making conversation anymore. 

The thing is, you’ve already had your day. You had your time 5 years ago. And it is yet again more and more people just keep filing back in like this is some kind of country club, and people like you don’t get out of the fucking way and stay out the way. Just move on. Why come back? Why do you want to embarrass yourself at this point? You think anybody is impressed you beat Austin Mercer? Been there, done that, Slapped him down a number of times. And I will do the same to you. 

I know you really may just think that you still got it or whatever the old timer phrase is, 40 is the new 20 and all that, but the reality of this situation is you are out of your league now. Hell, considering everything, you were out of your league then. One random ass Battle Royal win doesn’t mean a damn thing to me. And it seems that it was light a shooting star. Here one moment, gone the next. You had yourself a little 4 month reign and then... nothing. 

I would think that had had your fill of the spotlight since you reached the top despite yourself, but here you are now, attempting to one again step back in. And I just so tired of this shit at this point.


 

Jack is still fuming, and still pacing. If this was on dirt, he would have dug a trench without a shovel.

 

Jack: You’re just like everybody else that keeps coming back. You refuse to get out of the way for the future, for the better. You keep coming back over and over. The fact is you are interrupting what is supposed to be my moments. I am the face of this franchise and they just don’t want to admit it. They want to bring people like you back all the time and hope that they people will just accept it. Everybody comes back, we’re a family in SCW, all that shit. They just don’t want to admit that I have told the truth, I have backed up everything I have said, and I have been wronged time and time again and been told to basically kick rocks for being in the right. And you get to benefit from it.

I always thought that when the generations change, the old one is supposed to pave the way for the new one. But I guess, there’s just a lot of resistance to me at this point. People like you keep getting the carpet rolled out for them and the brass still wants them to be seen at the shiny new toys, when it’s clear they’ve lost their luster.

So, I’m going to make this real simple for you, Calvin Harris. At Climax Control, I’m going to beat the holy hell out of you, and I will show you just how much this game has passed you by. Now, of course, you don’t really need to worry, I’ve beaten old timers a few times around here and they just keep coming back and getting rewarded for failure. So I don’t have any doubt in my mind that when you take this loss, it won’t really matter in the long run. 

But you can also take a little bit of solace in the fact that I am the best in this company, despite everybody’s attempts to hold me back. You are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, Calvin Harris. You’ve caught me at the time where I’m just pissed off. And while I would say it would be wise for you to just take this ass whoppin’ like a man and move forward, but as turns out, the one little thing I check on social media has to do with you.


 

Jack seems especially annoyed by the tweet, and by the sentiment behind it.

 

Jack: You post about how your little punk ass kid is drawing pictures of me. I’m not sure why you thought it was important to share that, but you did. Now, maybe your kid is smarter than you, because he’s drawing pictures of me, and not you. Maybe your kid is really just trying to tell you that he’s got a new favorite wrestler and you’ve been replaced. Maybe you should just take that subtle hint and accept the reality.

Or, maybe your kid is just trying to give you some false hope. I don’t know. He’d be as dumb as you if he actually thought you had a chance in hell this week anyway. But now, it’s just motivation for me. I’m already pissed off as it is, and now I have this little piece to work even further on. 

You know, I’m actually starting to think this whole thing just needs a little more push. It just needs to be put over the top, and then, then people will actually understand where I’m coming from. Maybe then people will actually know that I mean what I say and I say what I mean. Maybe I don’t need to just beat you, Calvin Harris. Maybe that’s not good enough anymore. 

Maybe, I need to not just beat you, but I need to hurt you. I need to put you on the shelf. I need to maybe end your career or something. Maybe I need to send you home to be a family man permanently. I don’t know, I haven’t decided yet if that’s all I want to do, but the fact is, I’m getting really sick and tired of being ignored around here, especially when I’m speaking the truth.

So, would you guys just enjoy it if I just broke Calvin Harris? Would THAT get me on the roster? Would THAT get me a random title match? I’m just asking at this point, because I feel like it’s the next step in this whole process. I’m going to have to do something to get myself noticed. I mean, I’ve already beaten everybody. I’ve already shown how much better I am at talking than everybody else. What the fuck else do I need to do?

Beat Calvin Harris? Sure. Hurt Calvin Harris? I just might. I guess we’ll see.


Fade on Jack's face turning to a very unsettling grin.

Click

Face. Of. The. Franchise.

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