It’s funny how things come about full circle in the sport of professional wrestling. Upon his in-ring debut in Sin City Underground, Carter McKinney aka Helluva Bottom Carter was being heralded as one of the more promising young recruits on the roster. Having graduated from the famed GO Gym, Carter indeed lived up to his potential during his stay in SCU, reigning not only as one-half of the Pride Tag Team Champions alongside his BFF - Ariana Angelos, but Carter also surprised many by capturing every singles championship available to the male superstars in SCU even before he celebrated his twenty-third birthday. Including reigning as the youngest Underground Champion in SCU history, a feat that would never be broken due to the closure of the promotion. And once the closure was finalized, Carter was one of a handful of SCU talents signed almost immediately by Mark Ward and Christian Underwood.
Excitement was imminent by the SCW Universe, fans anxious to see if the path to success would continue in SCW as it had in SCU. But, unfortunately, as Carter would put it; “This path had more rocks in it.” Carter had experienced quite a bit of success, but not the same level as he had enjoyed in the previous two plus years. He had suffered not only defeats, but also a couple of injuries that had derailed any momentum that he might have started to build up for himself. By his own admission, he wasn’t giving the bookers much of a reason to keep his name at the top of the contracts when it came to big matches and title opportunities. It’s now why he is here… today.
Summer XXXTreme was one of SCW’s most anticipated shows of the entire year, one of the top three if you will alongside High Stakes and Into the Void. Not only because of the stacked show from beginning to end, but also because of the unique nature of a wrestling show taking place ON the cruise ship itself! Carter had been in attendance at least twice to support Ariana and their then-friend Krystal Wolfe. But he had yet had the opportunity to actually compete. And unfortunately at this point in time, it appeared as if he was again going to be left on the outside looking in while others gained the opportunities that he himself craved.
Tuesday“I will never get tired of this.” Carter said casually as he leaned against the railing of the ship, his tanned forearms resting on the rails as his dazzling blue eyes looked out over the ocean waters. In times past, the weather had been less than cooperative during the Summer XXXTreme cruise, but in 2023, it had been nigh on perfect from the very moment the ship had left port in Los Angeles. The sky was the brightest of blues and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen as the ship continued its journey, churning waves though the water in its wake. Even this went as smoothly as could be expected, like a hot knife cutting through soft butter. And no, he was not talking to himself, even though there really was nothing wrong with such a thing.
It’s when you have to repeat yourself because you weren’t listening is when you should start to worry.
Carter was, in fact, speaking to the man that was standing beside him; tall, tanned and buff - his boyfriend and fellow SCW Superstar, Miles Kasey. Something that was still taking some getting used to saying, although a part of Carter gleefully believed he would never would. He had spent so long denouncing himself at the very idea of having someone like Miles as both boyfriend and lover, he still wondered if the time would ever come when he would wake up and it would all end up as some wonderful dream.
Carter tilted his head to the side, giving his man his very best comical yet withering stare (yet mostly comical) as he stated, “It almost makes one forget that you got Mom and Grams a suite with a private balcony.” The camera panning out just wide enough to show the two lovebirds stood on the upper deck of the Princess, other passengers and their SCW peers going about their own business alongside them. They, like many of the other SCW stars - both male and female alike - had enjoyed this cruise as intended; a working holiday. Many fans, both young and old, male and female alike, had approached both Carter and Miles for autographs, photo ops and just to chat - to which they happily obliged to each and every request. But this little corner of the ship was their own personal time for each other and the SCW Universe seemed able to read into that fact and left them to their own devices, namely one another. For the time being at least.
“Don’t be jealous now.” Miles teased. “You get something in our suite that they don’t.”
“Oh yeah?” Carter asked. “What's that?”
“Me in your bed.” Miles leaned over and whispered into his ear in a husky voice, his accent only added to the tantalizing tease behind the words of promise.
This, of course, caused a rippling shudder to go through Carter, just the effect Miles was hoping for. It did the self confidence a lot of good when you could cause such a natural response in your loved one by mere words alone, or perhaps it was the implications behind those very same words.
“But if you think that this is something, wait until tonight.” Miles said just as casually, but to Carter who had a perpetually playful mind, he glanced up at the taller man beside him and smiled that bright, dazzling smile of his and asked, “Is that a flirtation?”
“No you horny toad, it’s a fact.” Miles quipped, but he then paused and shrugged. He pinched together a thumb and forefinger, adding, “Maybe a little bit of a flirtation.” Miles stood upright, the fingers of one hand wrapped around the railing while his free hand stretched out to drape an arm comfortingly alongside the shoulder of the young man who had so unexpectedly captured his heart over the past year. Miles said, “I just meant that being out here watching the water under the stars is special too. Better in my opinion.”
Carter found himself leaning into Miles’s strong upper body almost instinctively from the moment that muscled arm wrapped itself around his shoulders. One thing Carter had come to discover about his boyfriend the past few months was that he was big on cuddling. Not something Carter could or would complain about.
“It would have been nice to get to experience this with an actual match, especially with Mom and Grams here for the first time. Not that they’d watch me compete but still…” Carter sighed, still not happy with the fact that his open challenge had not been accepted from anyone in or out of the promotion. He went on to say, “Still, there are certain consolations.”
“Wow. Talk dirty to me, why don’t you?” Miles piped up, causing Carter to close his eyes and snort back a laugh.
“I just mean…” Carter closed his eyes and in a state of relaxed bliss, he found himself stating the simple truth, “It’s just nice being able to experience this with someone you love, isn’t it?”
And the moment he felt Miles’s fingers on his shoulder grip just a little more tightly did Carter realize what he had just said. Carter had long had strong feelings for Miles, even before the two had become an official couple. It was, in fact, one of the worst kept secrets in the locker room, even when Carter was in that abusive relationship with Lazarus. But to come right out and state he loved Miles? That was something that he had been struggling with since the relationship’s inception. Miles had stated his feelings time and again, but Carter had always managed to reciprocate those feelings without saying it outright. Not because the feelings weren’t genuinely there, but because he was simply afraid to say it after convincing himself he wasn’t worthy of those feelings.
Carter opened his eyes wider than normal, casting a sidelong glance toward Miles whom he could see was staring at him with an unnerving intensity. But Carter could also see that playful wisp of a smile on Miles’s lips.
“That’s the first time you’ve told me that you loved me.” Miles half-whispered, to which Carter turned his gaze toward the ocean’s waters and he nodded his head about as fast as the wings of a hummingbird. Miles asked, “Are you okay?” Again, a rapid nod.
Miles smiled genuinely and he drew Carter closer against him as the couple looked out over the water, Carter half mumbling, “Oh my doctor is just going to love this…!”
ThursdayYou know what one of the best things about any cruise is? The food, of course! From morning until late into the evening, the kitchen was in perpetual motion, putting forth a delectable array of gourmet edibles for the entirety of the ship’s passengers. For many, you could look at and order from a menu just as in any restaurant, but the best thing to be offered on the Princess Cruise was the buffet that stretched almost endlessly across and around the vast dining hall of the ship. Foods; appetizers, entrees and desserts from around the world were offered, fresh and tantalizing to the taste buds. And considering the ship was filled with hungry wrestlers, those buffets were being constantly refilled more than usual!
Carter, alongside his loved ones, both friends and family alike, gathered at one of the tables reserved for his respective party of his Mother and Grandmother, Miles, Ariana and Francisco, and of course, Dawn Warren and that special lady of hers.
“Don’t touch my lobster!” Miles smiles, having taken note of Carter’s wistful stares at the King Lobster legs on his plate that were piled high, but not so high he couldn’t playfully hold his arms over them so as to keep them from Carter’s reach.
“Not to worry!” Carter replied, sighing and resuming his own meal, having taken great delight in the bountiful offering of many types of sushi. He stated, “I’d just as soon rather not go into Anaphylaxis shock.” Referring, of course, to his genuine allergy to shellfish and most forms of seafood. A tragic thing considering his own favorite food was sushi, one of the few seafood's that he could eat safely.
“Wait, you’re really allergic to shellfish?” Francisco asked, a curious frown on his handsome face. “I thought that was just something you said to keep from eating Ar-” Francisco then noted Ariana’s own gaze right toward him and he quickly corrected himself, “Ar-tificial ingredients?”
“Smooth.” Joan aka Grams said as she lifted a goblet of a dry red to her lips, earning a smile from her daughter and a snicker of appreciation toward the elder’s wit from the rest of the table. It was then that the SCW Co-Owner, the ore pleasant of the two - “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward, approached the table with a gentle discretion.
Hot Stuff said, “Excuse me?” Mark gave Joanna and Joan both that charming smile of his. He then looked around the rest of the table, prompting Carter to start, then said, “Oh, I’m sorry. Mom? Grams? This is Mark Ward, he owns and runs SCW.”
Mark smiled, extending a hand to both women and graciously saying, “Ladies. I’m sorry for interrupting your meal, but I needed to speak with Carter for a quick second.”
“Is something wrong?” Carter asked, to which mark shook his head in the negative, albeit with a smile. Mark answered, “No, quite the opposite. You know that open challenge you issued? Well, someone wants to take you up on it.”
“Wait, what? Seriously?” Carter leaned in as if he was having difficulty believing his ears this late in the week. “But – I took that off the table when nobody took me up on it.”
“Well, someone is offering to do just that.” Mark said, offering Carter a reassuring grip on the shoulder.
“Who?”
“Jaycee MacDonald.” Mark answered. Carter just stared at Mark, leaning toward him almost comically with a blank expression on his face. Mark snorted a laugh, taking the not-so-subtle hint and he reiterated, “A Jet City student. He just inked his deal and wanted on the show. So…” He patted him heartily on the back and said more in a statement rather than a question, “You interested?”
“Very!” Carter was all smiles as Mark nodded, stating, “I’ll get the contract drawn right up.” He then took his leave, pausing to again offer his apologies at the interruption to Carter’s Mom and Grandmother.
Carter called after the boss man, “Thank you!” And turned back, a smile as bright as the sun over the ocean, thrilled that he would get to compete after all. His table guests also congratulated them, each one thrilled Carter would get his first Summer XXXTreme match after all. Everyone save for his Mother and Grandmother, both who wore tight smiles despite themselves. They did not like the sport, nor the fact their boy had risked his body and mental well being by entering it. But they could put on a brave face given the circumstances because that is what moms and grandmas do, after all.
“Well…!” Carter exclaimed, his enthusiasm threatening to erupt. “This is perfect! And it makes my show tonight even better!”
“Yes, you know you still haven’t told us what exactly it is that you’re doing.” His mother casually observed, to which Miles turned and added, “Yeah, you haven’t even told me! What do Mark and Christian have you doing?”
Carter just smiled at Miles until…
LIP SYNCH BATTLE – SUMMER XXXTREME XI STYLE!
THAT is what SCW had Carter participating in as part of his cruise duties, and he could have been any happier at this as he had quickly recruited his favorite girls – Ariana and Dawn – and then in needing a third, he accosted none other than Kim Pain the moment she and the rest of the Saviors had boarded the ship! The endeavor took place in the largest nightclub aboard the Princess Cruise where the T-shaped stage was most prominent. The spotlight turned on above the stage and there it all began!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ae35fhcIzKE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Carter, front and center - dressed as a rarity in drag with a shimmering, black sequined mini dress with spaghetti straps, slit up the thigh, matching high heels and curly blonde wig, and the three ladies right behind him as his ‘backup’ singers! Hands on his hips, Carter grooves to the beat of the music as he sashays down the stage, putting on the performance of a lifetime as the music continued!
“Does he love me?
I wanna know
How can I tell if he loves me so?”
Is it in his eyes?
Oh, no, you'll be deceived
Is it in his sighs?
Oh, no, he'll make believe
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
That's where it is, oh, yeah”Carter spins and blows a kiss to the crowd, directed right toward Miles who sat front and center at a reserved table at the end of the stage, seated alongside his Mom and Grams, each having a thrilling time. Dawn Warren, dressed in a black, fringe-trimmed pants suit, steps forward and Carter takes her fingertips in his hand and gives her a spin as she takes over the stage with the others in the background, dancing in sync!
“Or is it in his face?
Oh, no, it's just his charms
In his warm embrace?
Oh, no, that's just his arms
If you want to know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
That's where it is
Oho, it's in his kiss (That's where it is)”Now it was Dawn's turn to take her leave from the spotlight, kidding a fingertip and blowing toward her fiance in the crowd. She then rejoined the others as Kim herself took center stage in the performance, much to the rousing approval of the fans and in particular, her Saviors comrades that were right there, cheering her on! Dressed in a sleek red and silver, long sleeved gown chosen for her by Carter himself, Kim strutted down the T Stage comPLETELY hamming it up!
“Whoa, Hug him and squeeze him tight
Find out what you wanna know
If it's love, if it really is
It's there in his kiss”But behind her, something else was taking place. Something, or someone had caught Carter's eye, causing him to stumble over himself. So surprised by what he was seeing, he came to a brief hope, causing Ariana to walk into him. This made him come to quickly to resume the performance. The four lined up, back to front at the rear of the stage, as the song ended, the performance reaching its climax much to the crowd's swelling approval! The four stepped down off stage, and their friends and loved ones proceeded to swarm them offering them their congratulations on the performance, as the fans whistled and applauded. But as Miles, along with Joan and Joanna, expected them to approach their table, they were surprised when he instead walked right past them. A dark expression of alarm on his face.
"Carter…?" Miles started to say, along with Joanna's "Honey?" They looked at each other and rose to see what the trouble was when Carter walked right up to, of all people, his estranged father - Cillian Macguire!
"What are you DOING here!?" Carter bellowed, startling everyone in the area, even causing the DJ to stop the music. Heads turned from all directions as Cillian rose from the seat he was on at the bar counter, fully or hopefully prepared for this inevitable clash.
"It was bad enough at the shows!" Carter hollered. "But now here!? On a cruise ship!? What is this, you're sick idea of a joke!? What, you think this makes me your captive audience for whatever bullshit you want to hand out and call ice cream!?"
"Carter…" Cillian started to say, but the young man was having none of it. He barely noticed his family approaching through the looky loos. Miles, his girls, even Mac and Whisper were coming over to see what was going on. And once they saw who Carter was talking to, their expressions darkened as one.
Cillian said, "I just want to talk to my son."
"You don't HAVE a son, 'Dad'!" Carter countered. "Remember!? I believe your exact words were 'I can't have a GAY son!' Well congratulations Dad!"
Carter reached up and tore the wig from his scalp and threw it at the man.
He shouted, "You don't! Oh and this…?" He waved a hand over his drag attire. "Not to worry! This is a rarity for me! I'm not into the drag scene or anything so I would hate to further bruise your narcissistic sensibilities!"
"Carter, lower your voice!" Joanna implored, her tone of voice pleading as she and the rest of their little group was quickly attracting the attention of those passengers around them, both fan and SCW star alike. Eyes and heads turned in their direction from Carter's first outburst, and all his mother wanted to do was calm her boy down before this entire cruise was ruined
"No Mom, I won't!" Carter answered in simple defiance, his gaze never leaving that of his father. "This man hasn't wanted a damn thing to do with us for TEN GODDAMN YEARS and he suddenly shows up like the last decade didn't even happen!?"
"Carter…"
"TEN! YEARS!!"
Cillian pleaded, "Carter, I just want to talk to you. Please!"
"Talk!?" Carter scoffed. "Sure, Dad! Let's talk! Let's talk about how after I came out, YOU tried to convince mom to have me sent to conversion therapy!"
This particular revelation had been unknown to the majority of Carter's inner circle of friends, save for Miles and Ariana. Those who did not know and were standing there at the time? Their gazes turned even darker than before and those gazes were directed light at Cillian.
Carter suddenly grabbed his father by the shirt, both hands wound tightly around the material and he pushed him up against the bar. This was the point where his mother stepped in, taking hold of his wrists, "Carter, stop!"
"Why are you even here stalking me!?" Carter yelled, years welling up in his eyes. The pain the memories of so many years of regret now exposed to the world. "Why the hell are you HERE…!?"
"Carter, stop this! Carter…!" Joanna pulled at his hands. *I did it! I invited him!"
And at once, everything froze. Everything went silent as all eyes turned towards Carter's mother. Carter's eyes were filled with a pained betrayal as he shook his head, trying to make sense of or come to terms with his mom’s startling confession.
"Mom…?"
Joanna, eyes closed from behind her glasses, nodded. "I invited him."
"Dear…" Joan aka Grams shook her head. "What were you thinking?"
Even Ariana and Miles, both of whom adored Carter’s Mom as if she were their own, and for Ariana who had been disowned years ago, she was. They both appeared shocked at this revelation. Carter swallowed hard, then turned back to Cillian with anger practically radiating from off of him. Through gritted teeth, Carter asked, "When are you going to die and stop ruining my life!?"
"CARTER!!!" Joanna scolded him, absolutely horrified by the words that had just escaped her son's lips. Yet Carter all but ignored his mother’s admonishing words, instead staring right into his father’s eyes and refusing to give him the satisfaction of breaking eye contact first. What Carter was not prepared for, however, was the pain he saw in return. Not the performance pain that an expert manipulator would feign in order to play the victim card, but real, genuine pain deep within his father’s eyes. Only then did Carter turn away from him, no longer caring. He walked past his Mom and Grams, past even Miles and Ariana.
“Carter…” Whisper attempted to place a comforting hand on his arm but he, perhaps surprisingly, shrugged it off and continued on, leaving the room, all eyes on his retreating form save for his father and mother, both who shared a pained look to each other.
TBC…
How does one go about simply relaxing while on a cruise? Some indulge themselves in the many shows that take place, everything from movies being shown while under the stars to a stand up comedian or if you’re lucky, a magician. Others take part in the games of chance at the casino or a drink in one of the many bars. Still, others prefer to spend their leisure time simply laying back and relaxing at poolside, soaking in the crystal clear water of the pool while perhaps playing games such as volleyball or chicken. Others, such as Carter, will find a random spot where the sun is shining at its brightest and lay back on a lounge chair on the deck, clad in nothing more than a small, lycra swimsuit of a teal color. And that was, in fact, where he was now. The sun was bright overhead, and the weather warm but the breeze that blew over the ocean in which the Princess Cruise allowed some semblance of additional comfort to the warm temperatures. A pair of shades worn over his eyes to protect them from the sun, Carter was simply content to relax while working on his already impressive tan that complimented his platinum hair color and dazzling blue eyes.
“I have to admit that I find myself in something of a pickle. You see, I finally got what I wanted, and that was my first match at the Summer XXXTreme event. Now, I have to admit that I would have preferred that I be in a championship match, but it seems that it was not meant to be – yet. I tried to work my way into the Ultimate X match for the Roulette Championship but I wasn't able to pull it off against the champion Peter Vaughn. Then there were high hopes for Ari and myself attempting to get into the Fatal Fourway match for the Mixed Tag Team titles, but once again – Peter Vaughn. Only this time things didn’t end so decisively as the first time around because Peter had to be a Dick and cheat to win, holding my tights so I couldn’t escape the pin.”
Carter shook his head derisively.
“It just goes to show that you think you know someone… It also goes to show that I really can’t wait to see the look on Vaughn’s face when that mancake of mine drops him into the pool and claims the Roulette Championship for his very own! Won’t that be nice, Peter? Now I know, I was also offered the third spot in the title match despite my losses to Vaughn, but no. I don’t know how others manage it but I can’t face someone that I care about so much inside of that ring when the competition is at its highest and tempers begin to flare. For me, it would be too awkward and that is why I turned them down and Miles and Vaughn instead got saddled with the Troll as the third man in that match. Sorry guys…! Had I known…? Anyway..! In turning down that spot, I took a big risk in that I might not have a spot on the show, and it looked like I was right. I issued an open challenge to anyone, even men who weren’t signed to SCW. I half expected Mark Cross to jump at the chance but then again the World title wasn’t at stake or even on the cards. And if there isn’t a championship in line for him, and he thinks the opponent is a legit threat, then he simply won’t accept or acknowledge the challenge.”
“And so there I was for the longest time, thinking I was going to be left off another Pay-Per-View when lo and behold, my prayers were answered in the form of Jaycee MacDonald. I know!”
Carter held his hands up and out.
“If you were like me, you were probably thinking – who? But that was before I did a little digging around and would you believe it? The man is a graduate of none other than the Jet City Academy, the second best wrestling school in the sport today. Right after the GO Gym, of course. Wait… on the other hand there is Hellsgate with my buddy Mac Bane and my favorite ladies; Kim Pain, Kat Jones and of course – Whisper. So I guess that makes Jet City the third best wrestling sch– no. Wait…”
He tapped a forefinger against his lips as he casually glanced about, his eyes remaining hidden.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Hero Academy with Keira and Roxi and any school with those two ladies in charge has to be top notch, so… Well sorry Jaycee. I guess that makes Jet City maybe fourth? Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. After all, we are talking about a school where Kris Ryans is associated … or was. I can never really remember where he’s concerned. But the simple fact is the man is a former World Heavyweight Champion in SCW AND a Hall of Fame honoree two years ago so… cheers! Evidence enough that if you come from Jet City, you probably have all the potential in the world to take this business by storm. That is if you are willing to put in the effort and from everything I’ve seen so far, Jaycee doesn’t have that spirit in him. He seems more the sort that expects to have things handed to him and that right there is one of the key differences between him and I. No sooner did he sign Jaycee sign his contract with SCW than did he start complaining and whining about being left off the show when he really didn’t give Mark or Christian any reason to go out of their way to find him an opponent. Now me? I made the effort. I tried to work my way onto the card the old fashioned way.”
Carter leaned forward briefly in his deck chair.
“By earning it! And even though things didn’t work out quite like I had hoped, I still didn’t give up. I missed out on the two championship matches so I went out and tried to find an opponent myself. Jaycee didn’t do either of these things. He just started complaining and calling out the higher ups for…” **air quotes** “Not being invited to the party. Okay, sure. He did well enough in the 2022 Blast From the Past tournament, but after that? The man practically fell off the face of the earth. He gave us nothing, he gave SCW nothing and yet he expects things to be handed over to him like he’s some sort of God's gift to the sport.”
He chuckled, shaking his head and even though his eyes couldn’t be seen, the smile of mirth was evident enough on his lips.
“But you know what really gets me about this guy? More so than his not being willing to work his way up the proverbial ladder in order to earn his spot in the business? It’s the way he openly and brazenly tries to use the names and reputations of other men, bigger and better men with actually established resumes in this business, as a means to an end! I mean, why else would he be running off at the mouth from the safety of his computer screen on social media, naming some of the best the Superstars division has to offer? Names like Ben Jordan and Alexander Raven to name just a couple! Accusing their work of being ‘shit’ and saying that he could run circles around them! I mean like – Seriously!?”
Carter lowered the shades from over his eyes, down the bridge of his nose so he could give the camera a condescending, knowing look.
“Jaycee, no offense but have you been forgetting to wash the fruit off before you eat it? Every one of those names that you mentioned is your better in every way! Let’s take count, shall we? Ben Jordan?”
He held up one finger on his hand.
“Former World Heavyweight Champion, Two-time World Tag Team Champion and Roulette Champion! Not to mention the ACW Triple crown winner! What exactly have you done to even compare to those accomplishments you self-deluded asshat? Oh that’s right! Nothing!”
“Then there’s Miles Kasey, who not only is a former Roulette Champion but has SMOKIN’ hot ass to boot! Again, no real comparison between the two of you. Ben Jordan himself, you know the guy I just spoke about? He called Miles the future of this sport. Not Jaycee – Miles.”
“Alexander Raven might not be my favorite guy in the world but the man is a former Internet AND Roulette Champion, and people are saying it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the top with the World Heavyweight title! The guy had one of the best runs as the Internet Champion and for you to think you could even rate above him… no.”
“Then there’s Peter Vaughn who I’ve already talked about, and I said enough to already prove my point where that guy is concerned. I’m not happy he had to cheat to beat me but his record so far is damn near impeccable! If I’m going to be perfectly honest, I’d say the Roulette title is holding him back but that’s just me. Vaughn could chew you up and spit you out until there wasn't enough left to make a decent lunch!”
“Then there’s Oliver Zahn, and him I am familiar with because he’s another Jet City grad. But unlike you, at least he’s going somewhere? At least he’s earning his way rather than acting like a Karen and crying out for the manager so he can get his way? Yes, he is in a spot that I wanted to be in, namely the World Mixed Tag event, but he also earned his way there. But you – Jaycee – you haven’t earned a damn thing and yet you think you’re already the next best thing! Well here’s a bit of friendly advice. A dose of ‘tough love’ if you want to call it that. Don’t worry about Ben Jordan. I don’t want you to worry about him or Raven or Miles or any of the other names that you dropped in a sad attempt at manipulating the system in order to get yourself bigger and better matches before you ever earned them. It’s me you have to worry about.”
He tapped a forefinger to his bare chest.
“All five of those men have accomplished more in SCW than I have – I can admit that. But if you’re seriously looking past me as a guaranteed win?”
Carter paused as none other than Miles Kasey, clad in nothing more than a tiny white speedo with green palm tree prints on it walks onto the scene and hands his boyfriend a drink with an umbrella in it. Carter smiles his appreciation – at both the drink and the view, before finalizing his promo. He shrugged toward the camera.
“Then I’ve already won. You’re just like any other guy who has delusions of grandeur, Jaycee. You’re suffering from what’s known as a dreaded case of the ‘Me, Me, Me’s’. You have a condition known as Entitlement, which is easily diagnosed as believing you’re owed something for doing absolutely nothing. That’s you, Jaycee. And that is why this is going to be the sweetest win – for me. I am going to love nothing more than putting your shoulders down to the mat, then sitting back and listening to you come up with every excuse in the book as to why you lost.”
He raised his glass in a toast toward the camera.
“Cheers Jaycee. Things are over for you before they even got started.”
