[Michael Harris]

OOC: Well, I hope I did enough to at least compete. I’m iffy on this piece, but sometimes that happens lol. All the best my man. According to Google Docs rp comes out to 6843 words!

FLASHBACK — 2004

The buzz in the building was still at an all time high. The sense of accomplishment that Michael Harris was feeling as he walked back through the curtain into the gorilla position was something he couldn’t put into words. He had just competed against five of the very best superstars that Blood Bath had to offer, and walked out of that Hell in a Cell with the BB2 World Heavyweight Championship. For the first time in his career he could say that he was a World Champion. It made all the long nights and all the hard work that went into this industry worth it.

Yet as the all time high was running through him. Harris locked eyes on both owners that set there at the positions. Tammy and Kevin Douglas, both looking back at him. There was a look on their faces that pretty much sent a message to him loud and clear. They didn’t seem pleased. They didn’t seem happy. They didn’t seem to be sharing the same emotions as him. But at the same time he couldn’t understand or even register exactly why they could be upset. The night was a success, but nevertheless he walked past them. Knowing it wasn’t the time to address the matter. All while thinking to himself.

“What Did I Do Wrong?”

He had to shake that thought out of his head. Especially if this was going to be a night where he celebrated. Which in every aspect he deserved to celebrate, but as he continued to walk towards the locker room area. He was walking past superstar after superstar. All of them giving the same looks that he was getting from the owners. It was starting to really get to him. Deciding to just put his head down as he continued to the locker room area. As soon as he was there, he sat down in front of his gear bag. Tossed the title down in front of him and just stared at him.

“The Untouchable”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
What the hell is up everyone’s ass? How the hell can being the champion make me the bad guy?

His words just came out of him and echoing off the locker room walls. At that moment he thought he was alone, but that wasn’t the case. As someone spoke back.

“Because you’re in the spot everyone else wants…”

Once those words were heard. Harris looked up to see David Xavier Christensen standing there. Ice pack on his head. Dry blood covering his face. It was one of the men he had just competed against only several minutes ago. Harris just looked at him confused as David took a couple of steps towards him.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
I’ve been here a long time, kid. The moment you walked into the doors. Not very many people saw a lot of value in you. They consider you an enhancement talent. If I’m just shooting from the hip here. A guy that can put on some good matches with the so-called “real” talent here, but not someone they ever truly had the intentions of getting behind. Yet for the last two years, you’ve proved them wrong. You’ve climbed through the ranks. You’ve made a name for yourself. You forced change and you forced them to buy into the narrative. It’s hard to deny it, when you keep winning, and when you’ve got an arena full of people supporting you. Telling Tammy and Kevin, you’re the guy. Not the one they have hand chosen.

About that time David pulled a chair that wasn’t too far away and sat it right next to Harris. Taking a seat as he proceeded to continue.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
I don’t mean to be rude when I say this or to cause any bad feelings. But the only reason you were put into tonight’s match was because I said it needed to be done. They were going to continue to deny you left and right. Until it just stopped the crowd from cheering for you or until you requested your release. I’m an asshole myself, as you know. But I don’t believe that’s how business should be done. Especially not when it comes to up and coming talent.

“The Untouchable”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
If that’s true. I guess I owe you a thanks? In a weird way I suppose.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
You don’t have to thank me and I don’t want a thank you. I just did what I felt was right. You got your opportunity and you made the most of it. Capturing your first World Championship. Slaying five of us to do it. That’s some real talent, but all the dirty looks I am sure you got when you got to the back. All the whispers you’re going to hear going forward. All the shit that’s going to be said behind your back. It’s all because they don’t want you as the top guy. They don’t want you to be champion. Especially members of this locker room. They want that spot more than anything. It’s just a situation where now they’re not going to be two-faced and keep their feelings hidden about you.

Hearing the words being told to him. Harris just sat there a little in shock. At no point had he ever been a dick to anyone. He had never been an asshole. He kept his head down. He worked hard. He did everything that was ever asked of him. Just to find out no one believed in him and now that he had achieved something. No one wanted him to have it. It was quite the shock and it was certainly going to warp his mind.

“The Untouchable”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I mean if that’s how things are going to be. I’m a man. I can handle that shit, but I’m not about to let them ruin what is the biggest achievement of my entire career up to this point. And I’m damn sure not going to let them do anything to try and get this championship away from me.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
You shouldn’t let anyone take tonight away from you. When this conversation is over, you shouldn’t even think about it. Go out tonight. Have a few shots. Enjoy this win. But, I promise you. There will be shady doings. I promise you. They’re going to throw everything at you. They’re going to try their hardest to set you up to fail. They’re going to do everything they can to get that championship off you. You just have to do what you’ve been doing. Fighting, fighting, and fighting. Don’t give up.

“The Untouchable”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I haven’t given up yet, and that’s without me knowing how they felt and what they were doing before I got to this point. Now more than ever, I’m definitely not giving up. It seems like I’m going to have to start carrying myself like I have a chip on my shoulder.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
Listen man. I’m going to put it as simply as I can. Pro wrestling is a very cut throat business. This isn’t the first time you’ll deal with shady promoters. This isn’t the first time you’re going to deal with a jealous locker-room. This isn’t the first time you’re going to have a company that doesn’t want you as their Heavyweight Champion. Those are just facts, but it’s how you carry yourself in the end that matters. You’ll either crumble to their pressure, or you’ll end up becoming the best damn thing they’ve ever had in their company.

That last little bit made Harris really think about his future in this business. He had only been doing it a couple of years at this point. Was this really something he wanted to deal with long term? Just for the sake of being successful. That was a question he’d have to answer before long. David found himself standing up from his chair and extending his hand towards him.

“The Hardcore Savior”
DAVID ★ XAVIER ★ CHRISTENSEN
Pleasure to share the ring with you tonight. Even more of a pleasure to be involved in the crowning of a New Heavyweight Champion. Good luck with the future!

Harris simply stuck his hand out as there was a firm shake between the two. David shortly breaks it off and walks out of the locker room. Harris was left to sit there and think about tonight, what was going to happen in the near future, and what was going to happen in even the distant future. What he didn’t realize now was that twenty plus years from now. This moment would be the reason for his change in mentality and personality. This moment would also prepare him for several other moments like this. Simply put Michael Harris was going to grow into something that was undeniable.

✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕

One of the many perks to being married to a wealthy woman and being the SCW Heavyweight Champion was being able to live a very lavish lifestyle. Thankfully for “The Icon” Michael Harris. He was able to fly on a very private jet. Didn’t have to deal with the usual TSA stuff. Didn’t have to deal with regular flight attendants and didn’t even have to deal with sharing the plane with anyone else. Which was the best perk amongst it all. Never having to deal with people and being constantly bothered. Just a very peaceful life to live when you were “The Icon”.

Being several thousand feet in the air. Heading to their next destination of Scotland, Carmen and Blair both decide to take a nap in the bedroom of the plane. Harris stepped out of it and walked towards the lounging area. He took a seat in a chair and proceeded to pick up his tablet off the little table in front of him. For a brief second he could see his reflection in the black surface of the tablet. Before sliding his thumb across it to open it up. But as soon as he opened it up, There was a haunting reflection staring back at him on the tablet. The Demon that he had been living with was glaring at him with hatred in his eyes. Of course Harris found himself frozen in fear.

“Just like I expected you to do. Show your true colors. Show that you haven’t turned the page without me. And showing that you’re nothing more than a giant fucking coward.”

Those words ringing so loud in Harris’ head it was causing a headache. Much like it had done every single time he had to deal with his.

“Two weeks ago, you were barely able to get past Miles. Then you allowed yourself to get punked over and over again. You should have mopped the floor with that reject Austin. You should have made sure Miles wasn’t able to stand up on his own two feet ever again. But you failed and you failed miserably. Then after failing like that. The next week… you refuse to show up. You refused to be in the arena. You refused to meet the challenge of both of them head on.”

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I was trying…

“SILENCE!”

As soon as he screamed that single word. Harris felt this overwhelming amount of weight over his mouth. He couldn’t open his mouth, let alone even turn his head to one side or the other. Again, the power of The Demon being shown to him.

“You are the World Champion of a company. Keep in mind a World Championship you sold your soul to me to even have. Which means you are representing me at the end of the day. And the last thing I am going to endorse is a coward. When, I can simply end your life with the snap of my fingers and have everything I’ve ever wanted out of you. Refusing to show up. Refusing to take the fight to them. Refusing to be the war machine that I have seen before infuriates me in ways I can’t even begin to explain on any level. You disgust me.”

The constant degradation took a toll on Harris. Not something that anyone would ever see or even understand. Hell, no one would even believe him when he explained what was going through. It was just a matter of “stress” he was going through as it had been told to him, but that was clearly not the case.

“And if that isn’t bad enough. You’re constantly letting that company disrespect me. You’re constantly letting those two imbeciles running the company make you look weak.You just let them shit on your kitchen table and make you eat it. It’s fucking embarrassing.”

So badly in that moment Harris wanted to speak. He wanted to say something to defend himself, but it was the hold that was on him that prevented him from doing so.

“There is no reason whatsoever why you should be defending that championship. No number one contender has been crowned. No one has won Blast From The Past. No one has even stepped up enough to be worthy of being in the ring with you, but you’re just going to let them do this to you. You’re just going to let them force you to defend your championship against a peon. You’re going to let them cuck you for someone like Malachi. Don’t you see the writing on the wall, Old Man? No one wants you as the SCW Heavyweight Champion. Not a single fan. Not a single person in the back. Certainly not management. That’s why they’re doing this. They’re hoping you crumble under pressure. They’re hoping that you fail. They want to be able to have their hand-chosen champion. And all signs are pointing to them wanting to be Malachi.”

Again, it was just the constant beating down on him. The Demon was doing everything it could to break his spirit, his mental state, and even his physical well being. Any normal human being would’ve caved by now. Harris wouldn’t give into that, but it was becoming increasingly harder each time this happened.

“What do you have to say for yourself?! Answer me boy!”

As soon as those words echoed throughout his already throbbing head. Harris could feel that weight being lifted from his mouth. First thing he was able to do was gasp, before collecting himself. Peering down at The Demon’s reflection in that tablet.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
What am I supposed to do?!

The amount of rage coming out in that question could be felt.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Everything I have done has been wrong to you. I failed when I came back to wrestling. My actions made me weak. I’ve been punk’d out in your eyes. Even when I win, I lose according to you. I’m out here fighting for my life at this point. All because of a dumb decision I made. All because my ego couldn’t keep me away from this business, but at the same time I didn’t think I could do it on my own. So yeah, I made the deal I made with you. And I should have seen every last bit of this coming!

His own eyes were narrowing with hatred while staring at the Demon’s reflection. For the first time ever really being able to let loose without the Demon controlling his every word, thought, and action.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I’m not a fucking idiot. Not like you or anyone else around me seems to think. I know that Christian Underwood doesn’t want me as champion. I know that the SCW audience doesn’t want me as their champion. I am more than aware of the personal and professional jealousy in that locker room. I know they don’t want me as champion because they want to be the champion. They want to be in my shoes. They wake up hoping and praying that they can even be a quarter of the man and wrestler that I am. But as much as I know, all of that. I know that you don’t want me as champion. You don’t want me to remain undefeated. You are hoping and praying for my downfall so you can take what I promised you if I didn’t live up to the deal. And deep down it drives you insane that I continue to rise to the challenge!

Harris was more than challenging that Demon in this moment. Not the wisest thing to do when his life had been threatened time and time again, but at the same time his back was against the wall.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
When I arrive in Scotland… When I show up at Climax Control… When I step into the ring with Malachi. There’s only one way that ends. I take his head off and I keep my SCW Heavyweight Championship around my waist. With everyone against me! I will stoop to whatever low I have to in order to keep my championship. Even if it means driving his pregnant wife on her fucking neck in front of him. To make him tap out in defeat. It does not matter to me. In the end, I leave with my championship. And you right along with the rest of them can kiss my ass!

Strong words leaving his lips. Never breaking eye contact with The Demon. All of the sudden that booming headache resumed with the Demon speaking out.

“For your sake… I hope you don’t fail on Sunday!”

Then within a single blink of Harris’ eye. The Demon was gone. No longer in the reflection of the tablet. Instead there was the home background that should have been there as soon as he opened up the tablet. For a brief moment, it felt like a victory. It felt like he proved himself. It felt like he had gotten one over on that Demon that has continued to haunt him, but that moment didn’t last long. Because the thought of those final words spoken to him crept into his mind. Once again the pressure was on. Not just to retain, not just to be the best wrestler in the world, but to survive. As long as he held the SCW Heavyweight Championship. It was his only chance at survival.

✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕

The sun was just starting to set in Scotland. Carmen had retired to the hotel room for the night. Blair on the other hand wasn’t content with such. She instead had made it clear that she was going to get some one on one time with her husband. Her hand wrapped firmly in his as they walked along the sidewalk. It appeared that while they were physically together. Harris himself wasn’t mentally there. It was clear by that distant look on his face. Blair knew him, knew him better than he knew himself at times. She could tell the gears were turning in that head of his.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
Aimer…

It was able to break his distant look for the time being. His eyes shifted towards her.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Yes, babe?

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
What is the matter?

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
What do you mean, what’s the matter? Nothing is the matter. I’m fine. I’m just walking here with you. Isn’t this what you wanted?

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
Yes. This is what I wanted, but I also wanted you to be more present. Mentally.

She wasn’t exactly a woman that shied away from anything. She was very bold and very blunt. To him, to the rest of the household, and anyone she came in contact with. That’s simply just how she carried herself.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
Parle moi.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Listen, I don’t really want to get into it right now. It’s nothing that serious. At least not serious enough to ruin the evening.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
Michael Andrew Harris!

That heavy accent carried when she full-named him. Causing him to not only stop in their tracks as far as walking but to glare at her for just a brief moment.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Blair, I’m just trying to prepare myself mentally for walking into Climax Control. That’s all.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
What do you have to prepare for? This is a cakewalk for you.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Is it Blair? Is it a cakewalk for me? Cause I don’t see it as such. Not when it seems I have an entire promotion from the owners to the locker room to even the no name janitors that clean the locker rooms after the show gunning for me. They all want me to flop. They all want me to fail. Every single one of them is rooting for my downfall and do not want to see me leave on Sunday with the SCW Heavyweight Championship. It’s really Me Against The World.

For a brief moment. He shook his head. Further showing signs of frustration.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
It has been like that every week since I came into this company. I get threatened to be suspended and fired after my debut. I got called into the office and basically punked out after I put my hands on a fan that deserved it. I had an entire arena full of people telling me that I didn’t deserve a shot at the SCW Heavyweight Championship. Telling me that I couldn’t compete on the level of Mac Bane. Meanwhile this is when I’m winning every match I have. Then, I defeated him for the championship. And every troll account in twitter wants to come at me. Talking about how I cheated to win. How if it wasn’t for you or Carmen. I’d never have won the championship. Then I’m being forced into the ring with kids that aren’t worth my time like Miles Kasey. Only to be attacked by dumb fucks like Austin Mercer. Then to top it off, when I refused to show up for my own safety. I’m punished and being forced to defend my SCW Heavyweight Championship before the Super Card. Against a kid that’s no better than Miles. He isn’t worth my time and doesn’t belong in the ring with me.

Blair stood there in silence. Maybe she was regretting asking what was wrong, just a little. Because he found himself just unloading on her. Not that it was her fault, but unloading in the sense of getting it all off his chest.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I’m good at what I do. I’m a talented motherfucker. I continue to rise above and beyond, but the question remains. When is enough going to be enough? When am I going to start getting the respect I deserve?

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
I cannot answer that, Aimer.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I know you can’t and honestly I don’t know if there is an answer. I don’t know if I’m able to actually get that or not. But what I do know is, I’m going to try the last thing on the list…

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
And what is that?

There was just a brief moment of silence on his end. A little bit of worry settled into the pit of Blair’s gut. Not sure where this was going to go, but the silence didn’t last for long.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I have thought about this time and time again this week. It’s why I have been struggling to prepare myself mentally. Because, I have to ask something of you and Carmen. I’ve never asked before. Something that… is out of character.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
Tu m'inquiètes!

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
On Sunday Night, I’m asking you both not to accompany me to the ring. I want you to stay in the back. Stay away from the ringside area. Stay away from the match. Just stay in the locker room and wait to see how it all plays out.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!

That was not the response that he was expecting to get from her. Not even getting a chance to say anything before she herself was unloading on him.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
I have paid for private flights after private flights. I made sure that that fine was taken care of. I have made sure that Carmen and I could be at every event, while making sure the children were taken care of at home. We have listened to your name being run through the mud. Had our names run through the mud. Been chased off. Risked our own physical well being. Time and time again. All of that just for you to ask us not to be there in your first title defense? I repeat. Have you lost your mind?!

Silence overcame both of them for a moment. Harris just looked back at her and realized that she had a point. Yet even though she had a point. She didn’t understand what he was going through. It was hard for her to do so and he understood that, but this is what he really needed.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I get where you’re coming from. I have asked a lot out of you and Carmen. You both have always delivered and did everything to make sure that I was taken care of. You have changed your entire lives around for me. To make sure I lived this dream out one last time. I’m super thankful for it. But I need this one last favor from you both. I need you to just stay out of it and let me do my thing. It’s the last hope I have to start getting the respect I deserve.

His pleas were falling on deaf ears. It was clear by the attitude that Blair was giving with her facial expressions.

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
I am disgusted at you right now.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Disgusted?

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
I did not stutter. You are more concerned with what those imbeciles think of you. More concerned with getting their respect. More concerned with pleasing them when they do not care about you at all. That is your priority over me? Over Carmen? Over your wives?! Yeah, you disgust me.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
You’re not listening…

“The Greatest Export”
BLAIR ★ DUCHARME-HARRIS
… I do not want to hear it! If that is your focus, fine. I will not be out there. Carmen will not be out there. We can just fly home and not even be in the building. Since it matters to you that much!

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Blair, you are overreacting!

That did him no favors either. She just glared daggers into his soul with her eyes. Before turning himself around with nothing but attitude and quickly storming off. Leaving him standing there alone. He took a deep breath and then let it out. Clearly, he was frustrated with everything about the situation and now he was going to have to pay the consequences on a much-much more personal level. All for the sake of retaining the SCW Heavyweight Championship. To the normal person, one would have to question if this was even worth it. Only time would tell for “The Icon”.

✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕

It was forty eight hours until Climax Control and the entire SCW fanbase was looking forward to the big event. The Blast From The Past tournament was already pulling the fans in, but this week it had been announced that the SCW Heavyweight Championship would be on the line. The hated “Icon” himself Michael Harris being forced to defend the title against the up and coming, Malachi. Needless to say, it was going to be an arena full of fans cheering, hoping, and praying for the downfall of the Champion. That being said with a camera crew on hand.

All of SCW was about to find themselves hearing from the champion himself. With the scenery opening up the first thing the cameras were showing happened was the giant lighthouse that Climax Control would be taking place. The view starts at the top and starts to come down a little before. As soon as it came to the bottom of the lighthouse. There was Michael Harris. The SCW Heavyweight Championship slung over his shoulder. Eyes narrowed as he wasted no time in speaking up.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
How fitting is it that Climax Control this Sunday is being held here at Eilean Mor. The very place that three hard-working Lighthouse Keepers vanished seemingly into thin air. Not one time was a body discovered. Not once was an answer ever given. It goes down as one of the World’s wildest and mysterious Unsolved Mysteries…

There was a slight shake in the man’s head.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
But I said that it’s fitting because here very-very soon. There are going to be three men that vanish from Sin City Wrestling without a trace as well. And the first one to disappear is going to be a man by the name of Malachi… You see the oh-so-great authority figures of the company decided, it was quote unquote best for business on this tour to see the SCW Heavyweight Championship more than once. Because we all know they’re going to have me defend it at the next super card. But now they’re forcing me to defend it on Climax Control this Sunday and that’s the man they’ve chosen.

Again there was a slight shake of his head. Of course not to mention there was that pure look of disgust all over his face at the same time.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
I would like to know how the fuck they come up with some of these ideas when it comes to who they consider a contender for certain titles. None of it ever seems to make any sense. It’s almost like Underwood and Ward sit in a room. Throwing shit at a wall and seeing which turd sticks. It’s pathetic at this point, but what can I do? Nothing at the end of the day. No matter how unfair it is. No matter how out of line it is. No matter how much I call them out on their biasness. It’s not going to make a difference. I’m still going to be forced to defend my championship. At the end of the day, I’m still going to be forced to defend my championship against a man that I do not deem worthy of a championship shot. But even though I’m going to be forced into that situation. I’m not going to do what they’re hoping I do. I’m not going to crumble under the pressure and I sure as hell will not be losing my championship.

That being said, Malachi. If I was a betting man, I’d be willing to put money down on the fact you’re all giddy inside right now. You’re like a kid in a candy store or a kid that woke up on Christmas morning. Getting everything he ever wanted, without having to do shit for it. It’s one of the biggest nights of your entire existence, not just your career. But at the same time as big as it might be, it’s going to very-very quickly turn into one of the worst nights of your entire existence. Because the moment you step between those ropes and the bell rings. I’m not going to stop beating you until you’re unconscious. See, the thing is people keep playing with my name and keep doubting me despite what I have proven. So, now I have to go above and beyond. Now I have to make an example out of you to send my message loud and clear to them. You’re just in the wrong place, at the wrong time Malachi!

At that moment the wind picked up causing the man’s hair to blow out of his face a little. Revealing just how sinister of a look was all across his expression. By no means should it have been something that surprised people, but at the same time he still had to prove himself.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
But as much as people like to consider me foolish, I am anything but that. I’m not as foolish as to go into this match without knowing what I’m up against. Considering that all week long going into this match. I’ve heard time and time again about how I shouldn’t underestimate you. How I shouldn’t write you off so quickly. How I shouldn’t for a single second doubt you and your abilities. Simply put Malachi, people have really been hyping you up and it sounds like you’ve got some real support out there when it comes to taking the SCW Heavyweight Championship off me. So, while I won’t take you “lightly” as it has been put. I still have to ask the following… What have you done to get all this praise? What have you done to get all this support? What have you done to make everyone see you as someone that can dethrone me?

Like clockwork the cameras zoomed in a little on the Champion’s face just as he lifted his eyebrow up in a very questioning manner.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Is it because last week you were able to defeat Bill Bernhart? You know the same man that supposedly took Mac Bane to his limit when he was champion? That’s what is supposed to make me view you as a threat? I sure as hell hope not. Because that means absolutely nothing to me and I highly doubt it means anything to anyone else. Maybe, if you had beaten Bernhart when he had an actual win over Mac, or if you would have beaten Mac himself. Maybe just maybe then, I would have considered you to be a threat but not just because you beat a guy who ALMOST beat someone else. But you know maybe it’s because every single time you’ve competed on Climax Control. You’ve walked away with a victory. Guess you could say that you’re in a roundabout way, The King of Climax Control. As not very many people can say they’re undefeated on a brand.

At least in that moment. It appeared that the champion was giving Malachi his respect. His flowers if you will when it came to what he was able to accomplish. But at the same time, this was coming from a man that has proven to be one of the most arrogant men alive. There had to be a catch right?

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Except… I can say that. I am undefeated on Climax Control, but I’m also undefeated as a whole. You see you might be able to pick up some wins every week. But when it comes to making it to the super card every month or so. You drop the ball. You lose the big one. You prove that… How do the kids put it these days? You don’t have that “DOG” in you. Meanwhile, I have slayed names like Ken Davison and Chris Page on Climax Control. I have proven the likes of Miles Kasey doesn’t belong in the ring with me on Climax Control, but importantly I proved that I’m the real deal by defeating Mac Bane for the SCW Heavyweight Championship at Blaze of Glory. I’m four matches deep and not a single loss to my name. So, when you break it down, Malachi. Clearly, I’ve got the edge over you there as well. Your undefeated streak on Climax Control might be longer than mine, but when it comes to winning when it matters. You fold under the pressure. So, I’m not worried.

Such a smug action took place with a simple shrug of his shoulders. He was not doubt letting it be known how he felt.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
And I know Malachi. You’re the type to take the low hanging fruit. You’re going to point out how I’ve had Carmen and Blair in my corner this entire time. You’re going to point out how they continue to help me win. You’re going to bitch about the deck being stacked against you, when in reality it’s far more stacked against me than it is you. You’re going to say the same shit everyone else has said, but here’s a little newsflash for you. I’m not coming with Blair to the ring. I’m not coming with Carmen to the ring. No one is going to be out there at all. It’s just going to be me and you. No crutch for me and not one for you to lean on when this is all said and done. Makes me ask the question. What’s the excuse going to be when you can’t blame your loss on that? What’s the excuse going to be when there is no quote unquote shady finish? What’s the excuse when I straight up dog-walk your ass from one side of the ring to the other huh? Are you going to have one? Or are you going to take your loss like a man? Cause, again if I was a betting man. I’d have to say no.

Again the cameras just got a close up of that smirk of his. It was one of the many things that just made people say he had a very punchable face. It was also one of the things he really liked to use to his advantage.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Truth be told, Malachi. I tried, here. I tried to understand this support you had. I tried to understand where people were coming from. I tried to see why anyone would think you were a threat to me. And it’s just too easy to poke a hole in every theory out there. People can say I’m an asshole, that I’m a prick, and I’m just the most arrogant fucking piece of shit on earth. Which may be right, but I can assure you. I don’t want my reign to be filled with title defense after title defense that meant nothing. I want to be met head on with a challenge. I want to have someone that’s going to take me to my limits. I want someone to make me work for this championship I have. But the reality is, I’m just that much better than the roster that it isn’t going to happen. It sure as hell isn’t going to happen with someone like you, Malachi. A thought that truly should’ve passed through your mind by now. But since you want to be just as stupid as everyone else. Then, I’ll do what I have to do on Sunday. Send you vanishing into a pit of obscurity never to be seen again.

Each word that came from his mouth at that moment was driving every point home. Harris was doing himself no favors at all. Making himself sound more and more like the dick everyone claimed that he was. That being said a real smug smirk began to cross his lips at that moment.

“The Icon”
MICHAEL ★ HARRIS
Don’t worry though Malachi. I’m not nearly as heartless as everyone seems to think I am. After Sunday comes and goes. Once your career has ended by my hand. Once you’ve been shown first-hand. You simply don’t belong in the ring with me. And once your goal of becoming SCW Heavyweight Champion has gone down in a blaze. I’ll be sure to offer Bella a spot in the Harris Household. After all, someone has to raise the baby to grow up to be a man!

That last sentence alone was going to make Harris the most hated man in the building forty eight hours from now. No doubt painting a giant X on his back when it comes to Malachi, but at the same time based on all that had been heard. “The Icon” was more than ready for whatever might come his way. Cameras got another close up of that smirking expression before they faded out. Leaving the entire Sin City Wrestling universe to wonder what would happen when these two finally met in the Main Event.