[Christian Underwood]

 Please post all RPs for this match in this thread!

First RP Period Deadline:
United States: 11:59pm EST Saturday 04/02/2016
England: 04:59am Sunday 04/03/2016

[J2H]

  The face of J2H is seen, sitting by candle light in a fairly empty room, from what the camera can see. his head covered in a hood, just his eyes can be seen and the candle light flickers, causing a shadow on his face.

J2H: Mock all you want but I've changed dramatically, I've worked hard to get where I am, and I learned so much along the way. Pretty recently someone mocked me for training with Austin Parker... Do you think training with Austin was easy? I dare you to walk a mile in my shoes when I was training with Austin, but the things I learned, will stay with me for a life time, it wasn't easy but I did it and made it through day one....

*******

The end of day one, a gruelling, yet non wrestling day (If you want a recap... click here )

A shattered, physically beat James Huntington-Hawkes III, lies face first on the couch of the guest house on Austin Parker's ranch, his eyes softly closed, tired from his day of hard labour and farm work, something the spoilt brat has never done before. His breathing shallow as the last words Austin has said to him rings through his head.

This day was not over, regardless of it already being twelve hours from when it started, the young man had one more engagement to fill before his day comes to an end. One that he had heard to be as challenging as the rest of the day, meeting Mrs. Parker. Not that Mrs. Parker was some kind of hard nosed monster, rumours were that she instantly commanded respect in her own home as well as anywhere else her feet would go, but the high level of respect and decency Austin himself commanded for his wife in any situation. Despite Austin's hard exterior, his wife was someone that never saw that side of him, and he would not let anyone disrespect her over any little thing. I guess deep down when it concerned his wife, Austin was a Southern gentlemen... He'll probably punch me for saying that, but it could be the truth!

James was tired, he knew once he was tired, control over anything coming out of his mouth was minimal. Tired people say stupid things, but this one could cost him a tooth at least.

A groan comes from the young man as he forces himself up and on to his knees, spinning his leg to the floor and quickly jumps around in to a seated position, a huge yawn escaping his lungs as he sits slightly bent over, the balls of his hands running over his tired eyes. Just lifting his arm's sent a ripple of pain and tiredness shooting through his shoulders, but determined, he pushes himself to his feet, moving towards the bedroom door in the small guest house. He lifts a suitcase from the floor, the pain in his aching muscles fire through his shoulders as he lifts the suitcase on to the bed and unzips it, flipping open the top and looking inside.

James: This is what he packed?

A roll of his eyes and a quick turn around for James as a look of disappointment crosses his face.  

James: I better take a shower or something, turning up there stinking like horse shit will not be the one for tonight.  

He sighs deeply before releasing yet another long yawn, the tiredness more than creeping through his body, the desire to sleep getting stronger, but he walks through another door, the camera staying where it is, and the sounds of running water is heard.

James: Fucking hell that's cold!

Let's not follow James in to the shower, it might excite some way too much, yes I'm looking in your direction Melody, sadly, yours too Christian... Let's skip to half an hour later.

30 minutes later...

White training shoes are the focus of the scene as the camera rests on the feet of James Huntington-Hawkes III. The camera moves up his body to see black suit pants. The higher the camera moves, it spins to the back of J2H, showing the back of a black jacket and to the top of his head, his hair neatly combed. He taps his knuckles on the wooden door of Austin's ranch house before it swings open to see Austin Parker standing there. Instantly, Austin's face lights up with a beaming smile.

Austin: What the hell are ya wearing, boy?

The camera moves to the front, to show James is wearing a tuxedo, complete with white shirt and black bow tie. Austin looks James up and down, his eyes fixated on his white training shoes.

Austin: And ah'm no fashion guru but ah'm sure those shoes look out of place.

A laugh breaks through Austin's lips as James forces his teeth together, looking at his shoes before his head moves up to meet Austin's gaze.

James: It's all I had on short notice. I didn't know I was gonna be here, so I didn't exactly bring things to dress for dinner. Besides, these are the only shoes I had and I couldn't turn up with no shoes on.  

Austin: Well you dressed like a penguin. Is that how you rich folks dress just for dinner?

James: It is actually. People with class always dress for dinner.

Austin: Trying to say ah got no class?

Score one for tiredness as James' slow mind let's the words fall out before his brain can think. A defensive look crosses his face as he holds his hands up to Austin.  

James: I didn't mean it like that. I meant I always dress like this for dinner, well, not always with the bow tie and I usually have much better shoes which usually cost more than what most normal people spend on a car.

Austin: Even when ya just sitting there on ya own, filling ya face while watching TV or something?

James: I never sit and eat while watching TV. It takes away from the whole point of eating. How can you taste everything if you mind is distracted by mindless drivel and boring reality shows on television?

Austin rolls his eye at the young man and a sarcastic tone leaves his lips.

Austin: And there's me thinking eating was there to stop ya being hungry.

James: It is, but if that's the case, why not just eat cardboard to stop you being hungry? Why was time and money cooking stuff?

Austin: Ah was being sarcastic. Now are ya gonna come in here? Ya letting the heat out.

James nods as Austin steps back and away from the door, allowing James to step inside. His eyes look around the wood covered walls of the living room, where a fire burns brightly in a fireplace against the wall. James looks around at the simply furnished place, with wooden floors and a thick rug covering them.

James: You wrestled for years, won titles, made money, why aren't you living in a mansion in a better place?

Score two for tiredness!

Austin: What's that supposed ta mean?

An uncomfortable look crosses James' face as he pulls on his collar, looking at Austin.  

James: I just mean that you could have been in a better place, lived in luxury.

Austin grits his teeth, speaking through them.

Austin: So ah can live in a place which costs more money, which bring crime, which means mah kids can't walk the streets safely without some ass with a gun targeting them for being mah kids? Ah was born and raised here boy, this is who ah am, can take the man out the south but ya can't take the south out of the man. This is mah home and no amount of money will make me leave it.

James: I'm sorry, I'm just tired and not thinking.

Before Austin continues, a woman appears from behind Austin, from a side door, her hair neatly tied back, and an apron on her body, covering a floral dress. She puts her arms around Austin from behind.

Austin: James, this is mah wife, Angel.

James smiles towards her, raising a hand in a greeting. She speaks at him with a southern accent unfazed by the way James is dressed.

Angel: Nice t' meet ya James. Welcome t' our home.

James: You too Mrs Parker and thank you.

Angel: Please call me Angel.

Austin: Ms. Angel.

Angel playfully hits Austin on the shoulder before looking back at James.

Angel: How was your first day of training?

A slightly disgruntled look crosses James' face as he looks at the woman.

James: I wouldn't call it training Ms. Angel, a lot of farm work and running around but not exactly wrestling training.

Angel: But ya returned from the store, not many do.

James turns his head to a smiling Austin, proudly look at the smaller James who tilts his head back.

James: Wait... That was a test?

Austin: Ah had to see if ya had the nerve to return after ah put ya through that hell of running around the farm. Ya haven't had to work for a lot boy, handed the world and ah wasn't gonna waste mah time if ya didn't have the backbone to return here.

Angel: Don't feel too bad James, he does this to everyone. He take 'em out of their comfort zone and see what they're made of.

James: So I passed the test.

Austin: Just about. Ah heard ya walked away at first an' then came back. Ah got eyes everywhere.

Angel: Well dinner will be ready in five minutes so if you'll just step this way.

Angel points towards a door in the corner of the room and leads the way. James looks at Austin, who is still smiling proudly at his test, and the fact James had no idea about it, before following his wife to the kitchen.

*******

The camera cuts back to the face of J2H, still sitting in the dimly lit room.

J2H: People sit there and think wrestling is all about the physical side, but you're stupid to think so. Take a lot more to succeed in wrestling than being able to throw down a few  moves here and there. It goes way deeper than that, and I didn't know that until day two of my training. Day two was eye opening and I didn't even have to do one single move....

*******

Day 2.... 6am...

Just like the day before, it started with an early morning call.

Austin: Get ya ass out of bed boy, we got work to do.

James rolls over in bed, his body hurting thought muscles he never knew he had until just yesterday. A groan comes from his lips as he turns to face the door where Austin Parker stands, his body masked by shadow.

James: Do you ever sleep?

Austin: Is it stupid question day today an' nobody told me?  

James attempts to sit up, but his body stiffens up as he moves forward, his body hanging somewhere between a laying position and a seated position.

Austin: Shake it off princess, we have work to do.

James: You mean shovelling horse shit? Or maybe feeding the chickens, or goats or whatever else you have running around here? Or maybe ya got another test lined up for me.  

Austin: Or maybe I might just teach ya a bit about this business.

Music to James' ears as he sits up straight, wincing as pain fires through his body, shooting through his spine like an electric shock.  

James: Might wanna give me a minute or two hundred.

Austin: Ya got five minutes and ah wanna see ya at the barn, or ya can forget this training stuff and ya wanna learn right?

Pushing the covers off of one of his legs, it's now his lower bodies half that feels the pain, his muscles aching at every movement.  

James: Think you can give me six minutes?

Austin: Four and a half now.

James: Ok, ok!

James pushes through the pain as Austin leaves the room. He gets to his feet and stretches out his body, his joints cracking as he straightens up...

Let's skip to four minutes later shall we? It's much more interesting then seeing James move around getting dressed...

Four minutes later, James is seen moving at an above average pace towards the barn where Austin Parker stands, tapping his watch. James' get to the barn and Austin nods slowly.

Austin: Another four seconds an' you'da been shovelling horse shit.  

James: Glad I'm not, now are we gonna start wrestling training?

A look of excitement sits on James' face as he looks at Austin.

Austin: Not until you lift that.

Austin points to a nearby bale of hay next to him and James moves close to it, moving his hands on to the straps and trying to lift but the tired muscles for the day before refuse to work for James as the bale barely moves. Austin smirks at James.

Austin: Always tomorrow.

A disappointed look crosses the young man's face as he shakes his head.  

James: Oh come on! It moved!

Austin: Not enough, but ah will teach ya a thing or two today.

Austin points to the barn door and pushes it open. he walks in quickly followed by James who looks around. A wrestling ring is set up in the barn, causing James to smile but Austin quickly shakes his head and points towards hay set up in a row in front of the wrestling ring.

James: Ummmm?

Austin: Sit ya ass down there, we're not here to teach ya how ta do any move, we're here to teach ya a different side of rassling.  

James slowly moves to the bale of hay and sits down, Austin stand in front of him talking

Austin: Everyone thinks a bunch of flashy moves is all it takes to win in this game. High flying stuff that dales the crowd, but that's bullshit. A lot of being one of the best is about what you leave behind. You can do all the flashy bullshit ya want but no one is gonna remember it.

James: Wait, so there's a ring sitting there right behind me, but we're here to talk?

Austin: Ya here to learn, ya idiot! You wanna know why no one takes you seriously?

James: I do! I work as hard as the rest, I go to where ever they want to send me on these stupid tours but everyone still laughs at me!

Austin: It's because ya don't respect the business. People who came before you gave you a place to work. They might have moved on, hell, most of them might not rassle anymore, but they set the boundaries, they set the business up the way it is. If you walk around with ya nose in the air and thinking you're the shit, people are not gonna respect you.  

James: Half the SCW locker room does that.

Austin: And half the SCW roster wouldn't be missed if they retired tomorrow, but if ya respect the business, than ya remembered. Ya don't sit at home all the time watching the shows, ya be at the shows all the time. Ya work ya ass off and it doesn't matter if they boo or cheer ya, ya be there and if ya have a belt ya promote the hell out of it.

James: Sounds a lot of boring work.

Austin glares at James with a stern look.

Austin: It is hard work. It's meant to be hard work, but it's the greatest job in the world. Ya get to see places ya wouldn't usually see, meet people ya never met before.

James: I hate people, mostly full of germs and disease.

Austin: Well that attitude has to change. Ya win something important, it's ya damn job to get out there an' meet people. It ya job ta do whatever they tell ya too. That it where ya attitude has to chance James, because ya need to be in these people's minds constantly. They buy the cheap shit with ya face on all the time, they spend money on buying seats to see ya, so ya need to be everywhere. Ya shake hands and smile. It's the only way ya be successful in this business. If ya sit there and do nothin', don't expect anyone to give ya a damn thing. If ya not gonna get off ya ass to work for them, they ain't gonna do a thing for you.  

James: I do plenty. I'm out there all the time getting beat up and treated like a kid.

Austin: Ya are a kid, but ya can be the hardest working kid out there. They will learn to respect ya, just don't run before ya can walk.

James: Meaning?

Austin: Build yaself up bit by bit, don't go in there and expect to win everything, because by the time I'm done with ya, ya be wanting to be at the top, you'll be showing desire, but first, we gotta put some muscle on that body cause ah've seen more meat on a chicken wing. We need to teach ya have to talk cause ya shit on the mic an' we need to teach ya how to rassle and be more interactive with the fans.

James: Oh thanks a lot for the confidence boost.

Austin: I ain't here to hold ya hand, Ah'm here to kick ya ass in to shape an' turn ya in ta a rassler. Ya want sugarcoating, go back ta Simpson an' sit there having people mock ya.

James sighs deeply  

James: I'm sick of being mocked.

Austin: Then clean the shit out of ya ears, because mental things in rassling, is as important and physical things.

*******

Fade in to the candle lit room once more.

J2H: Austin was right. It's why I put myself out there to connect with the fans now. I might not want to be he was right. This is why I am the greatest World Champion of all time. Yeah, I said it. Greatest World Champion. I took Austin's advice and I took it far and I'm still taking it far because I can. I'm still getting myself out there and making my voice heard. You might not be able to keep up with his training, because that is brutal, but you should listen to his advice. I did and I'm the World Champion for a reason, but I will still keep putting myself out there....

*******

Friday morning... Yes, yesterday morning.

A small studio is set up, where a computer sits between two microphones on a table. A headset is seen either side. A chair sits opposite each microphone and the camera moves around to J2H and Simpson, J2H is seen wearing camouflage pants, beige and white patches over them with a white sleeveless shirt, a black baseball cap and a thick gold chain around his neck. Firmly around his waist is the SCW World Heavyweight Championship. He looks up at Simpson, standing next to him.

J2H: I really don't want to do this Simpson.

He inhales sharply, his eyes closing before flicking open on his exhale. Simpson looks at him with a look of concern on his face.

Simpson: Why not sir?  

J2H flicks a loose hair from under the baseball cap, pushing it behind his ear and looking at Simpson.

J2H: Because I have been out there constantly since I won this belt. I have been pushed to do so much, that I have not had time to do a thing myself. It's been constant work and no fun. Hell, the last time I had fun was when Melody woke me up at stupid O clock to go out there and do crazy things, other than that, it's been work, work, work.  

Simpson: I understand sir, but it is just one podcast recording with Mr Solomon and the weekend is yours to do as you feel.

A sympathetic look crosses Simpson face and J2H nods slowly.

Simpson: It's literary the last thing in your schedule to do for this week work wise. From there, you can do what you like. You could have some time with Ms. Grace.

J2H snaps his head around, glaring at Simpson.

J2H: Why would you instantly suggest I do that?

Simpson: Despite rumours that you are reuniting sir, I know you are not but you do seem to have fun with her. You seem peaceful.

A frown crosses J2H's face as he looks away, before turning his head back to Simpson.

J2H: Maybe, but I haven't heard from her much this week so who knows, maybe she found someone else to hang out with or something.

Simpson: I doubt it sir, I'm not the first to see that she would drop many things to be with you.

J2H tilts his head, looking through lowered eyebrows, causing Simpson to backtrack.

Simpson: I mean be around you in terms of hanging out and having fun.  

J2H: Hmmmmm.

Before the two can continue, a man approaches them and reaches out a hand towards Simpson, before shaking it and turning to J2H and shaking his hand.

Simpson: Mr Solomon, I presume.

Jason: I am but you can call me Jason. It's a pleasure to meet you guys.

J2H: You too.

Jason: Welcome to my podcast called Solomonster Sounds Off. It's great to have you here Mr.... I'm not sure what to really call you.

J2H: You can just call me J.  

Jason: I'm really excited to do this. I spoke to Christian Underwood and I couldn't believe he was going to get you come on the podcast.

J2H: Well he is the boss and I need to sell this company as well as myself. How do you want me to be?

A confused look crosses Jason's face.

Jason: How do you mean?

J2H: Well I can talk normal about things or I can talk as the SCW World champion.

Jason: Just relax, be yourself, we'll talk about off and on screen stuff.  

J2H: Fair enough. Shall we get this started?

Jason nods and walks away, moving to the side of the table where the laptop is facing. J2H looks at Simpson one more time.

J2H: Last thing for the week.

Simpson: Last thing sir, good luck.

J2H turns around and moves towards the chair that's free opposite Jason and takes a seat, lifting up the headphones and putting them on his head and moving the microphone in to position. He looks across the table at Jason, giving him a nod to start whenever. On the table in front of him is a bottle of water, which he quickly unscrews the cap.

Jason: Hello everyone, this is Jason Solomon here on Solomonster Speaks Out. Today we actually have a guest in the studio with me right here and right now. As you can tell by my voice, I really excited here because sitting right across from me is a man who in the last two months, has really seen his star rise to top. He is a two time former Sin City Wrestling Roulette champion, a former Sin City Wrestling Tag Team champion and is currently The Sin City Wrestling World Heavyweight champion. Trained by Austin Parker and only twenty two years old. Sitting in front of me with the World championship belt around his waist, let me welcome to the show James Huntington-Hawkes III, known to you as J2H! Welcome to the show J.

J2H nods his head, impressed with the introduction.

J2H: That's one hell of an introduction. Thanks for having me here today.

Jason: The last few months for you must have been a whirlwind, how are you handling your new found fame?

J2H: Pretty well. I do what the company want me to do, because if I do my job well enough, people are interested enough to watch me and keeps Sin City Wrestling going.

Jason: Sin City Wrestling has done amazing things since it's opened it's doors in October 2011. What started off small around the Las Vegas area has managed to grow rapidly, to the point where tours happen twice a year and you've branched out in to both California and recently Arizona. Do you see this as it's limits financial wise or do you think it will continue to grow?

J2H runs his hand on his chin  

J2H: That's not for me to say really. I think that things can grow in to bigger and better things, if they want to move in to another state, but I'm not one hundred percent sure we shoulda took the plunge in to Arizona. That might cause controversy, or put me on the bosses bad list, but when we was in California and Nevada, fans came from everywhere to see us. California was a big draw to bring people in, who wouldn't want a weekend on the east coast? Being in Vegas was a huge draw, it pulled it people from all over the world. People come to Vegas every day to gamble, we added something to their time there. I'm not sure people would sit there and come to Arizona for a regular show. For Blaze of Glory V, they're gonna flock there from all over, but regular shows, I'm not too sure.

Jason: Surely being in Arizona could draw in new fans from the surrounding states like New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and maybe even from across the border in Mexico, where there is a rich history of wrestling.

J2H: Maybe but I think the draw is being in one or two places and letting people come to us. I think we're good enough to pull them in without over spending. It's hard on the wrestlers too, the drives back home to Vegas where a lot of people live, seems to get longer. I get the whole branching out every now and again thing, but if we go too far, we'd need to change our name.

A smile crosses J2H's face as he picks the water bottle up and takes a gulp.

Jason: So you wouldn't like to see SCW become a touring company, a different state every week, house shows and the like?

J2H: I wouldn't mind doing it like the SCW World Tour last year, some states would get missed because we don't do fifty two shows a year, but I don't think I can do it every year. I kinda like home a lot.

Jason: Let's move away from talking about Sin City Wrestling for a moment and talk about you. What's been the major changes to you since you won the World Heavyweight Championship?

J2H: Well everyone seems to give a damn about me now one way or the other. Before I was just a guy in the wrestling business but lately I'm being spoke about more and more. I knew it could happen but no one thought I'd stand a chance in the gauntlet to win this thing, now my name is in everyone's mouth, everyone from openers to people in other companies are talking about me one way or the other. I think being asked to sign things more often has been another major change.

Jason: You mentioned people more vocal about you, it has been said that some of your fellow wrestlers have been critical of you for winning the championship.

A frown hits J2H face very quickly.

J2H: There has been one or two people back there that have more faces than a town clock. Saying one thing to my face, saying different things behind my back. Screw them. At the end of the day, I worked harder than all of them. They don't know it but I worked so damn hard for that match, with training and spending all hours recording promos, I actually made myself ill and nearly never made the tag match let alone the main event. I was worn down before the matches even started and I still went out there and gave it my all.

Jason: Do you take responsibly for people that left? Do you feel that you winning that championship influenced their choice?

J2H: I do in terms of Ethan Alexander and Sean Jackson. I think they wanted it so bad that when they didn't win it, they just sulked like babies and went home. Two men that are meant to be adults crying off because of they couldn't win the title that night, but I'm telling you straight up, those two chasing the title would have been a lot more fun that having Travis Nathaniel Andrews stepping up. Obviously they would have both left at some point after I beat them both, but at least they wouldn't have looked like a pair of babies. As for Goth and Simon, no, I don't feel responsible for them leaving. The fire in Simon's eyes went a while ago, and maybe he was actually just going for the tag titles with Ben for the sake of Ben getting a foot on the title ladder rather then him not having tag titles. Goth's retirement was a bit bad timing wise, coulda gone in to the Supercard as champion and gone out on a high, but to retire when your last match was a Blast From The Past match was a lame way to retire. He deserved better than that

Jason: It does seem like you're trying to help build new stars right now.

J2H: I'm the top champion, wouldn't be a good champion if I didn't try to get people interested up there and give them a chance to become new stars. It's why I put out that open challenge. People think it was a joke a champion should have to chase his own challengers but to me, it was a chance to open the door to everyone to step up and seize an opportunity that they wouldn't likely get. It also shows which people are here for the love of the sport and which are here just to boost their own ego and add a title belt to their collection.

J2H raises his eyebrows and smiles.

Jason: And SCW bosses we ok with you taking the initiative and going out there and giving people who might not have come in to their thinking, a chance?

J2H: They were fine with that. They don't exactly run SCW like most places are run and that's what makes it a better place. If you have an idea, they're happy to let you go for it. They believe in creativity and I saw a chance for some people to push themselves and really step up and I hope some do step up.

Jason: Let's switch focus to Blaze of Glory V, SCW's hottest show of the year. This card is seriously stacked from top to bottom with great talent.

J2H: It is, even though a lot of big names have gone, there's so many big names on this show, so many great match ups, so many chances for people to go down in SCW history. This feels like a new start for SCW, a chance for newer names to rise up and put on a show and give the fans something to think about.

Jason: Both the men's division and women's division will be looking to out do each other no doubt?

J2H: It's always the way, but there's a lot of talent in both, regardless of the women having more big names about them, but both sides will be trying to out do each other and that's a good thing to me. It drives on the show to get better and better as it goes along.

Jason: All championship belts on the line, do you think there will be many title changes?

J2H: Actually no, I think there's some strong champions here who will do their best to hang on to their titles and my guess is most will. If they don't, their challengers would have to step up beyond what they've done before in the past and really go for it. If they do that, they're announcing themselves on the world.

Jason: They're two vacant championships, who do you predict they will go to?

J2H: Straight up, I don't know about the tag team championships. That's a coin toss, I was in the ring with Ben Jordan last Sunday and he's sharp. Jamie Dean is well rested with a lot to prove for his team. He's been gone a while, he's got to justify being Ben's partner. On the other side, Raab is a monster, don't get me wrong, I can take him but we all saw what he can do, Samuel doesn't do much in the ring, says yarp a lot, and we're all trying to figure out if he's all there in the head, but he's not been in the ring in ages either, so I don't know. As for the Internet title, I hate to say it, but if Rage can get his head in the game and see that's just the level he's at right now, then Rage should take it. Lucian Frost wants it, Casey is a beast and can pull off the victory, Dmitri is unknown really, but Rage if he can stop sulking and get his mind off me, cause that ain't happening bro, then he could come out and win.

Jason: Do you feel Rage won't put the effort in cause his sights are set on you?

J2H: Well he's like Lucian Frost here. Lucian said he wants my belt someday, Rage says he does, Casey too. If either of those three win, then they have to lift their level and stay where they are and build like I am. If Dmitri takes the belt, the three who want the top belt, my belt, won't be stepping up either because if they can't complete at second string level, they can't at the top. If Rage wins and is willing to put his belt on the line against mine, I might be interested but that match is a double edged sword, damned if you do, damned if you don't, so it will be a good one to watch.

Jason: You mentioned Lucian there. Do you think his return to supercard action will add to the buy numbers?

J2H: Of course. He was the first Roulette champion and when he's on fire, he's one of the best out there. I'd love to face him someday, it would be cruiserweight wrestling at it's best and I think people will buy the show to see him.

Jason: Outside your own match, what matches are you really looking forward to?

J2H pauses, running his hand on his chin.  

J2H: I'm looking forward to Melody getting her hands on Candy to be honest. I've been around Melody long enough to know that she is not herself because of the stuff Candy has done lately. I know she's sick of Candy dominating things around her, so I'm looking forward to Melody putting her in her place and turning it in to the Melody Show for once. I've got my eyes on Sam Marlowe's match, because she's doing for the women's division what I'm doing for the men's and trying to lift it to new heights. Brother Grimm and Tim Staggs interests me for obvious reasons and the Blast From The Past final of course gets me interested.

Jason: Who do you think is gonna win that one?

A wide smile crosses J2H's face as a more in character version of himself kicks in.

J2H: It doesn't matter at all. Spike Staggs and Lucy Seraphina, Despayre and Crystal Millar, I have no preference who win that one. My gut says Despayre just to torture me and to allow Spike to go crawl back under his rock and out of SCW again, but it doesn't matter. I will be watching closely because I have to, but it doesn't matter which one of these two win it, come the next supercard, I'll be beating them too.  

Jason: Confident man on the air.

J2H: You gotta be confident, you gotta not let doubt creep in to your head.

Jason: You headline your first SCW Supercard as champion, Blaze of Glory V, what goes through your mind when you think about that?

J2H: That I'm determined, that I'm confident, that I'm ready to take on Connor Murphy and Travis Nathaniel Andrews. I think about how determined I am to take Connor out of the game and put right that time he defeated me. I think about how I'm gonna give Travis his fifteen minutes of fame and how I'm gonna walk out with the SCW World Heavyweight Championship belt around my waist. I feel like I've taken on and beaten bigger and better opponents than those two, I feel like pinning Goth at My Bloody Valentine, was bigger than when I pin either of these guys. I feel that I can take on the world and the world would back down as soon as I step forward. It would be incredibly hard for you to find another person out there as confident as I am right now.  

Jason: Blaze of Glory V is coming from Phoenix, Arizona, correct J?

J2H: Indeed Jason, Sunday the tenth of April, live from the GCU Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. There's still a few tickets left and when I say a few, I mean just a few, but if you're one of the unlucky ones not to get a ticket, you can join us from your own home, streaming from scwrestling.net. Believe me, it's not a show you'd want to miss and if you do, you'll regret it. It's our biggest show of the year for a reason.

Jason: J, it's been great having you in today but we're out of time. I wish you the best of luck for your match on April the tenth in Phoenix. We'll be back after this short break where we will be rounding up all your wrestling news for the week.

Jason hits a button on the laptop, sending it to a commercial. He stands up, extending his hand to J2H. He shakes it firmly as he takes off his headset with his free hand.

Jason: That was great! Thank you so much for coming in.

J2H: Not a problem, it was more fun than I thought it would be.  

Jason: You  are welcome back any time.

J2H: I will keep that in mind.

Jason turns away, moving back towards the computer. J2H turns to Simpson.

J2H: So how'd I do?

Simpson: Extremely well sir, that was a very interesting view on things.

J2H: I did what I had to do. I did what Christian wants a champion to do. I sold myself to the people, I sold SCW to the people and I sold Blaze of Glory V to the people. When you look at it, throw in my new sharp tongue and outrageously great wrestling skills, I'm actually the best champion SCW could ever hope for.

Simpson: You just might well be sir. Anyway, all we need to do is send in your promo for this week for the editing team to put together and you have the weekend off.

J2H: That Simpson, is music to my ears.

A wide smile moves across the face of J2H as he walks past Simpson, the camera fading out.

*******

Back to the candle lit room, the camera now at a wider angle than it was before. J2H sits at a table, a hood over his head, his eyes peering out at a single lit candle, as that is the only light that fills the dim room. His face straight as he looks towards the glowing light as the light bounces off of the gold and leather of the SCW World Heavyweight Championship belt in front of him on the table.

J2H: The lit candle and dark room has been a bit of a theme today, maybe now we'll find out why. Oh I haven't gone crazy or anything like that, far from it, but it's time to get in to the mind of some people, so tonight, we act all pissy and broody, just like Connor Murphy. Don't worry Travis, I will dedicate the set up to you, where I will set up like a whiny little bitch, with delusions of grandeur, but until then, we're gonna play this promo all dark and mysterious, just like Connor.

J2H runs his hand over the candle, the flame quickly jumping higher.

J2H: Ever since I won this thing.

His hands softly caresses the championship belt.

J2H: I've done all I can to prove I'm a worthy champion, I've gone above and beyond to pull people and this company out of the shit after a lot of people packed their bags and went home, I have taken the responsibility on my shoulders. That's a lot of responsibility for anyone, but for a twenty two year old man, I have that responsibility. Everything Christian Underwood and Mark Ward have asked me to do, I have done for their company. I have sat in web chats to talk to the fans, I have been on podcasts, I have been on radio stations, television shows, everything I could to fill the gap left by so many people. I did that to lift the company.

His eyes stay on the flame as he points a thumb to himself

J2H: I have worked my ass off, done things that I never thought I'd do to lift this place up and for what? To be labelled a joke by trying to get people to lift their games? For trying to get people to step in to the void left by so many who got too old, or couldn't be bothered, or had a hissy fit when they didn't win what I did, packed up their bags and went. I'm giving people less fortunate than I am, ones not blessed with as much talent as I have, the chance to do something they couldn't do before and be someone that people remember. Where's my thank you for doing all of this? It's nowhere to be found yet since I've won the belt, have a missed a show? No! Have I not been around to use my position to sell things? I've been here week after week working so damn hard but not one of you have said I'm doing a great job. You're all happy to mock instead about what I do here, yet the people who mock me, don't exactly appear and sell themselves, do they?

He slowly runs his finger across the name plate of his title belt.

J2H: No, you just all sit there and think I'm not good enough to be a champion, and I will constantly prove that I am.  

He waves his finger in front of him.

J2H: Have I not changed from who I used to be to who I am to lead you all? You'll be stupid to think I haven't, have I got better? A million times over. Now I am a leader, now I am better than before and I need to look out for the company too. My face is everywhere because I am the best champion SCW has to offer, the hardest working man in wrestling today and as I showed on Climax Control, I will be willing to do what it takes to keep what is mine. I laid down this open challenge to all so people can step up. There's a lot of egos backstage, like Rage who thinks this belt is his god given right, fuck the lack of talent, and the basic amateurish move list, and the fact that people find him boring, and the fans would rather stick pins in their eyes rather than watch him bore the hell out of them. He thinks this belt is his right. He's not the only one who thinks it's his god given right to have what he doesn't deserve, one of my opponents at Blaze Of Glory V does too. That's you Travis Nathaniel Andrews.

J2H lowers his head, his eyes locked in tight on the wax dripping from the burning candle.

J2H: Did you really think I wouldn't hear about what you say behind my back?

He tilts his head to the side, his eyes still on the falling wax.

J2H: Telling people that you are REALLY gonna beat me? No one believes that Travis, they just know that you will be using some kind of dirty tactic to try and beat me. Everyone knows you're only here because I am a fighting champion and was willing to take on the whole of SCW at the biggest show of the year. You're not here on merit, you're not here because it's your time to actually win the title. Everyone knows this. Talking shit about me behind my back, telling everyone who will listen that you're actually better than me? That you're actually going to win the title, we all know that's junk Travis, we all know that you won't walk out there with my title belt, we all know that if we wrestled every week for the rest of the year, you'd end up with no victory to your name. You're here because I let you be here, no other reason. Where do you think you're going to end up after Sunday, Travis?

J2H presses his hands together.

J2H: And if you say as a World Champion, I will slap the taste out of your mouth.  

He tilts his head, his eyes leaving the candle to look at the camera.

J2H: Well? Have you ever asked yourself if this is just a bit too far for you Travis? If this whole thing is biting off more than you can chew? Look at yourself bro, take a good long hard look at yourself and wonder in all seventeen years you've been involved in wrestling, you've had more theme songs than you've had titles. Fourteen theme songs in seventeen years and held twelve title belts.

A smile crosses the shadowed face of J2H.

J2H: I don't give a fuck how many times you've won those twelve belts but dude, you're embarrassing. Seriously, seventeen years in the sport, fourteen themes and twelve different titles and people call me the joke?

A tilt of the head comes from J2H who looks deeply at the candle again

J2H: You've done nothing impressive here, while I'm on my third title belt. You've linked up with groups who disbanded shortly after. For a must see superstar, no one really turns up to see ya and if they did, they'd leave here very disappointed Travis. They'll be asking for their money back and wondering how they're gonna get that time back that they wasted seeing you. You thinking people turn up to see you, it's like your talent Travis, it's all in your head. Having a personal assistant is pointless cause well, we all know you sit at home waiting for that phone to ring, hoping someone will take pity on you for a personal appearance or that someone needs a jobber with experience, because that is truly what you are Travis, that is it plain and simple.

He runs his hand over the title belt in front of him, looking away from it.

J2H: Yet you think you are worthy enough to hold this belt. You feel you are the man who can take SCW forward in to a new era when you struggle to get past people I get past with ease. You are not the future of this place Travis, and you never will be, you're nothing to me, you're nothing to anyone you've ever faced. Just remember bro, you're here because I let you be here, you're headlining the biggest show of the year because I let you. You're getting your shot at greatness because I allowed it, not for any other reason at all, none, nada, zip. I put you where you are and trust me, it's not out of the kindness of my heart, it's not because I thought you deserved this, or that you've worked hard to get a shot you've never had before. It's not even because I thought you could give me a challenge. It's simply because of me feeling one thing towards you.

J2H turns his head to look back at the camera.

J2H: Pity.

He turns his head back to the candle with a smile and talks away from the camera.

J2H: I pity you Travis, I pity the fans for having to watch you but being in the ring with me might actually get them to take interest in someone who doesn't deserve their time. Enjoy that spotlight while you have it Travis because after I'm done with you, your spotlight will become very, very faded. It will become as dull as a tree. This is the only time you will ever be in the main event, appreciate it while you can cause believe me, it won't happen again. You have one shot at taking my title, just the one, there will be no rematch and you sure as hell won't be handed a spot again. This is it for you and you won't even come close to getting what's mine. You won't be anywhere near me again. You will fail at this Travis and there is no return from that, you'll be back jobbing to Steve Ramone before you know it. You'll be back opening the show on the next Climax Control. This is your one moment in the sun and I wouldn't be shocked to see you walk out crying by the end of this one. Another SCW star bites the dust when I'm done with you. You'll be running off to another place seconds after I destroy you at Blaze of Glory and show the world that you just don't belong at the top.

He runs his hand along his chin, looking intently at the flame.

J2H: It just amazes me you think you have a chance Travis. You've said and done some stupid things in your life but thinking you have a chance in this match?

He quickly turns his eyes back to the camera, slowly shaking his head.  

J2H: That's gotta be the most stupid thing ever to be known in the history of SCW and there's been some real morons here. Your moment in the sun will not be lasting, you won't even get a tan. This is your one and out. You'll never have this chance again and you just don't have it in you to ever defeat me. You can try till your lungs stop breathing and your heart stops beating but you will be looking at me with me not even have broken a sweat. I'm too far ahead of you Travis, or you'd have this belt, not me. If you was meant to have this thing, you'd have been in at least the final few to take it, but you wasn't. This just ain't your time, it never will be, you've weaselled your way in here, but you won't be walking out with anything other than the sense of defeat.

He turns back towards the candle.

J2H: You're just not that good, even with your tricks that I suspect you will play Travis. You will show yourself up to the world that all those years, all that training, still not good enough to hold my title, not now, not ever.

J2H smiles at the camera.

J2H: That's the junk out of the way, let's talk about a little more junk shall we? Are you enjoying this Connor? Are you liking the dark, mysterious setting where people think you're cool, instead of thinking what a cliche this is? Sorry I don't have a little ball to bounce or some playing cards to randomly throw, just to make people think I'm all dark and deep. Truth time Connor, no one actually thinks that. No one thinks that cool, people think it's pretty fucking stupid. The day of the mysterious character passed a long time ago. The days of emo passed and for a guy your age still doing that, just look like an old guy trying to recapture his youth... Just stop it man, it just isn't worth it anymore. I'm dark, I'm deep, I'm mysterious.... and what?

J2H shrugs his shoulders as he looks down at the table and candle burning.

J2H: Does that make you championship material? No, it doesn't. All it does is save on your electric bill when you're skulking around your house! It doesn't actually mean a damn thing, does it? Are you a better wrestler cause you're all mysterious? Let me think about that one.

J2H taps his chin with his fore and middle finger.

J2H: Nope, it does not. Does it mean you can win every week. Let me have a little think about that one too.

He repeats his previous actions, tapping on his chin and slowly shaking his head.

J2H: Again, it does not. So answer me this Connor, what makes you think you of all people can dethrone me? I mean if we look at it in the last couple of months, Ben Jordan defeated you, I defeated him. Do you see where I'm going with this one? I'm better than the guy who defeated you, that means I'm actually better than you are. I'm already one ahead of you because you're not gonna fair any better at Blaze of Glory V, as you did at the last big event. Another title will slip through your fingers, like it did at the last supercard because when we get down to it, you're not very memorable, are you? You're not someone people will drive on to win because well, you're just not that special. I have always wondered something Connor, maybe you can clear that up for me here.

He tilts his head, looking at the camera.

J2H: Do you only have a job, because your head is up Vixen's ass? I mean everyone seems to go running to her and her old man like they're royalty, but they're not. I mean you run to Vixen like everyone else, she has a little pillow talk with Spike, Spike goes running to uncle Erik and BAM someone has a job. You couldn't keep the New XTremes together, in fact a lot of people don't even remember you being part of that group. They remember the good guys, but you? No one seems to remember you being there at all. Then we've got this Nobodies group, who is more remembered for the women over you and Tim, yet you're still employed. Having friends in high places must help, and be honest, you must have wanted to bang Vixen because it's the only reason you'd hang with her pointless brother...

<font color=w

[J2H]

  A mocking tone comes from his lips.

J2H: Oh no, I mentioned Vixen too many times, no doubt now she'll appear like Beetlejuice in either Connor's promo or at the show to respond to me because we all know she loves the attention. Do me a little favour Connor and I might respect you a little bit more, keep her at home playing mommy cause people just are not that excited to see her anymore. I heard more noise at a funeral than when she appeared on Climax Control, novelties worn off cause it's all about the new generation of wrestlers like me. I probably wouldn't listen to a word she says anyway, but my question remains. Do you have a job in SCW, just because of her?  

He turns away from the camera.

J2H: Doesn't matter anyway, not gonna change how things are going down at Blaze of Glory V. Do you know what it would mean for this company to have you win the World Heavyweight Championship, MY World Heavyweight Championship? It would be disastrous. I've gone out and done all I can to promote SCW, but you seem like the kinda guy who would pick a fight with his own shadow because it looked at him funny. Is this really someone Christian Underwood and Mark Ward want leading their company? A man with only a slightly better championship quality than Travis Nathaniel Andrews. I've been Roulette champion twice here, Tag Team champion here, and now the World Heavyweight champion, and the only difference between Travis and Connor's careers here, is that Tag Team title Connor won. That is it, nothing more nothing less, just that one difference that gives Connor the championship pedigree, but compared to mine, it's meaningless.  

He taps the front of his title belt.  

J2H: This and this alone trumps everything Connor has done in his entire life, everything. This is what makes me the better man. Who the fuck would want a champion who bases himself off of an Irish vigilante? You're Canadian bro, it might not be the best country in the world but be Canadian for fuck's sake. You're not true to yourself, what's even your real name? This is not a guy you want to see at the head of the company, this is not a person you want to see holding top gold, this guy is a menace to SCW and I will be taking care of him. This is not a man capable of being a leader here, and I am. I have the quality, I have everything you need from a champion and Connor has none of it. He just isn't the kinda guy you want at the top of any major company. I am the right person and I will beat every single person here to prove it and Connor, you just happen to be one I will make an example of.

He looks at the camera, the hood shading his eyes.

J2H: You're not suited to things like I am Connor, you're not ready to be a champion, I mean you've never won a singles title in your entire life, never ever, not once, so what makes you think you can just waltz in here and take my title from my very own hands? What makes you think you have the talent to do just that and take the biggest prize in the game? Just face it, if you have to base yourself on someone you're not, you can not be ready to lead a company, because you're only slightly less delusional than Travis, not by much though. This should show people that ya not ready for this. You can call me the same but the fact is, I'm walking out with my title belt, I will be doing everything I say I'm gonna do.  

A smile crosses his face as he bows his head, his eyes looking upwards.

J2H: That's not delusion, that's confidence, that's leadership, that's taking the bulls by the horns and telling you both no matter what you try and do, it will not be good enough, it will never be good enough. I will walk out of Blaze of Glory V with what belongs to me. There's not a chance you two clowns will ever take that from me... That's real talk bitches.

J2H blows out the candle, leaving the room in utter darkness. The sound of the chair scraping along the floor is heard, shortly followed by footsteps and a door slamming shut...

(Sorry about the gap in between, got told my RP got cut off half hour after posting...)

[Connor Murphy]

 Connor’s smirk as he looked down at the brand new phone in his hand widens in glee.  The rather bright screen shows a twitter feed with the name @nobody_rogue and his first few posts seemed to have gotten him some attention and not the good kind.  But hey, when someone puts the invitation out there to come and play…what the hell did he expect?

This Tuesday night, Connor was relaxing in his apartment.  Watching Marvel’s Agents of Shield wasn’t keeping his attention as he played with the new toy.   Muting the television, he brings the phone up and dials a number then hits speaker.  The sound of ringing can be heard before the sound of a voicemail picking up is heard then the voice of his friend Devlin can be heard.

Devlin’s voice:   I ain’t here right now so if you want to talk to me wait for the beep and talk…I promise I will listen…*beep*

Connor Murphy:  Devlin, man what are you doing on a Tuesday night with the answering machine on?  Come on, you know a tugger only takes ya five minutes and a sportsock.  Jeez man, when you get this call me back.

Connor hits the release button and smirks as he tosses the phone to one side.  Getting to his feet, he heads towards the fridge and yanks it open to reveal a large case of imported beer.  His grin widens as he reaches inside and pulls out a bottle of Molson.  Sliding the neck into his fingers and with a deft flick of his wrist, he opens the beer and brings it to his lips.  

Walking slowly back to the couch, Connor hears the beginning whine of the ringer as the phone vibrates and rings against the seat cushion.  Grabbing it, he doesn’t even look at the caller as he answers it.

Connor Murphy:  Listen Dev, I told you it would only take five minutes man.  

Voice on the other end:  Connor Murphy, what are you talking about?  It’s Pussy Willow and I wanted to see if I could get an interview with you in the near future like tomorrow.

Connor has the grace to blush wildly for only a few seconds before the ever present smirk he had been wearing for the past couple of days returns full force.  Not saying anything, he once more brings the bottle to his lips and downs most of the rest of the beer in silence.  On the phone, Pussy can be heard talking or at least trying to get Connor’s attention.

Pussy Willow:  Connor, seriously we need to have a talk you and I.  I mean have you seen your match for the supercard and what exactly is going through your mind at what could be a fiasco for you when you face two men, not one but TWO men in the ring at Blaze of Glory?  No wait, why don’t we make that the first question that I ask you when I see you tomorrow.  

Connor waits for a moment, not saying anything as he listens to Pussy’s slight catch of breath at the end of her comment.  Taking a long slow breath, Connor seems about to respond but instead brings the last drink of his beer to his lips.  On the other end, Pussy’s impatience finally gets the better of her.

Pussy Willow:  Connor MURPHY!  Why are you doing this to me?

Connor smirks but the tone of his voice is held to a friendly teasing lilt.

Connor Murphy:  Now would I do anything to you Pussy?  I mean anything bad?  

Pussy Willow:  I just want to talk to you about your match and the fact you are facing J2H and TNA for the Heavyweight title.  This is a first for you isn’t it…no wait, that is another question for tomorrow.  Meet me at…where to meet…hmmm

Connor Murphy:  Why don’t we meet for lunch?  Say the Hard Rock Café?  And because I am feeling generous, it will be my treat.

Silence greets the offer which causes the smile on Connor’s face to fade slightly.  

Connor Murphy:  Pus…

Pussy Willow:  Now that you know how it feels Connor, I will see you tomorrow.  

The connection is broken as Connor looks at the receiver in his hand, a muttering curse mixed with laughter the last thing he does before sliding his phone along the table in front of him.  Leaning back on the couch, he looks up at the ceiling as he again chuckles.

Connor Murphy:  Well I guess she is finally catching on to my humour.  Bout time I say.  

The next day, Connor sits in a booth at the Hard Rock Café under a picture of Jimi as he lets his fist curl around a glass that is sweating from the remains of an ice cold drink in it.  A waitress is seen leaning over the back of the seat as she flirts with Connor.  This is where Pussy finds him, his hand on a piece of paper that he is handing to another of the wait staff.  She can see his signature and smirks as the fans that were working thank Connor and move away.

Pussy Willow:  Ever the popular one  aren’t you Connor?

Connor Murphy:  What can I say, people finally know who I am I guess.

Pussy slides into the booth and gives Connor a smile.  Beside her, the camera person also slides his bulk into the seat and points his rather large cam corder at Connor and begins filming.  Murphy smiles as he reaches forward to point into the camera.

Connor Murphy:   And you mister need to pull back on the instafilming.  I said that I would be here to talk to Pussy but this ain’t the place to get the interview.  So why don’t you put that picture taker away and enjoy lunch then we will get to the interview later.

Putting his hand up, he motions for the waitress to come over and take their orders.  Connor himself looks over the menu and with a smile orders the cowboy rib eye and taps his drink glass for a refill.  The cameraman orders a burger and Pussy orders a salad.  

Once the orders are taken, the waitress offers Connor a smile and heads off.  The cameraman begins to fiddle with the camera as Pussy leans her elbows on the table and directs a pointed gaze at Connor.

Pussy Willow:  Well Connor, I don’t suppose you knew that you would be getting the title shot at James Huntington-Hawkes the Third at Blaze of Glory V did you?  After all, when was the last time you went for a big title like this?

Connor scratches at the side of his jaw as he thinks about the question.  

Connor Murphy:  To be honest Pussy, I knew it was only a matter of time that I would be facing him again.  I mean come on, that kid keeps talking and talking and talking and what does that make me want to do?  

The cameraman doesn’t look up as he mumbles ‘shut him up’ under his breath.  Connor picks up on it and with a smirk, motions at the cameraman.

Connor Murphy:  Exactly right!  This man gets it.  And if this man wants to shut him up, I know that I need to do the best I can to shut him up.  Ever since he managed to squeak out the win for the belt he’s thought he was untouchable.  And in a way he is because only person that seems to want to touch him is Melody Grace and I think she took too many trips on the rainbow if you ask me.

Connor waves his hand in a namby pamby motion like some unicorn princess might.  Pussy can’t help but laugh at the picture that Connor is presenting as under the table she uses her foot to prod the cameraman in a secret signal to continue to film Connor.  His barest movement indicates he is as Pussy turns back to Murphy, her smile widening.

Pussy Willow:  He does have a reason to crow because technically he beat everyone on the roster to win that title.

Connor Murphy:  No he didn’t Puss.

Pussy Willow:  Of course he did Connor.  He beat everyone in a gauntlet match for the vacated title and…

Connor tuts at Pussy as his head shakes from side to side.  Her voice fades slowly as she can see Connor negating what she is saying.

Pussy Willow:  Ok smart man, why are you saying no he didn’t then hmmm?  You were there at that show too you know.

Connor Murphy:  Precisely.  I was at the show and I watched from backstage as all those people went out to the ring for a shot at the title.  But there was someone that didn’t go out to that ring.  Someone that decided the hassle wasn’t worth it.  Someone who wasn’t desperate enough to step into a match that had all the odds stacked against all the participants.  I mean Pussy, all it would have taken was one wrong mistake and your title shot was gone.  Hell, the numbers game favoured friends and allies.  And given that in a match like that, your friends would turn on you quicker than quick made it a crap shoot.  And I don’t like odds like that.  That’s why when Jimmy keeps claiming he beat everyone for that title I can keep sitting here and wonder how he has to keep lying to himself to make himself feel better.

Connor smiles at a confused Pussy who puts her fingers together and lowers her hands to the tabletop as she leans closer to the man.

Pussy Willow:  But Connor, he’s done it, he is the champion and he did it in a gauntlet match.  You can’t take that away from him.  

Connor Murphy:  I don’t doubt that Pussy.  But there is something I can take away from him.

Pussy Willow:  His title belt?  Is that what you are talking about?  He is going to fight tooth and nail to keep it.  

Connor is about to answer when the waitress sets another glass in front of him.  Reaching onto the tray, she sets a drink in front of Pussy and the cameraman each.  With a wink at Connor, she walks away watched by the cameraman who turns the camera to take in the sway of the waitress’s hips.  Connor smirks and waves the girl off as he turns back to Pussy.

Connor Murphy:  I don’t doubt that either Pussy.  I mean he has to really because that is the only real reason he has left in the ring right?  He wins the title and boo hoos his way into reneging on ‘giving it up’  Like some little bitch he tried to manipulate the wrestlers in Sin City Wrestling and fooled almost everyone.  And I will give it to him, he said jump and most of the roster began hopping around like energizer bunnies.

Pussy Willow:  All except you…

Connor’s grin appears as he taps at his temple with his empty hand before pulling the glass towards himself and takes a long swill of the dark brew inside it.  Pussy gets a look of superiority as she straightens up in her seat.  Connor sets the glass down once more as he looks at Pussy.

Pussy Willow:  So you are saying Connor that you didn’t want the title?

Connor Murphy:  That’s right Puss, I didn’t want the title.  I knew he was too much of a greedy little spoiled brat to give up the title.  I want to say I told you so but actually I didn’t because I didn’t care about the title or J2H.  That is until he pissed me off.

Pussy nods along with Connor’s speech until the last of it brings a confused look to her face.

Pussy Willow:  How in the hell has J2H pissed you off?  As far as I know, he hadn’t said anything about you.

Connor Murphy:  Obviously Pussy, you haven’t been listening to our brat champion.  He seems to think that I am less smart than the average bear because I found the tag titles more important at My Bloody Valentine.  He basically called into question my intelligence and it pissed me off.

Pussy Willow:  So that is why you are going to beat him for his title?  To win it and take it from him?

Connor shakes his head negatively which surprises Pussy.  She leans forward and gives Connor a direct look which causes the man to lean back with a smirk creasing his face.  Pussy thinks for a moment and holds up a hand.

Pussy Willow:  Okay, first you tell me you are going to beat him but then you tell me you aren`t going to take his title.  Which is it?

Connor Murphy:   Okay Pussy, let me set this straight for you so you won’t be misunderstanding me.  I am not going into this match to take the title.  I am going into this match to beat the holy hell out of J2H and make sure that the title is off his waist.  If that means I have to put it around mine, so be it.  But one way or another I NEED to humble this little man.

Connor gets a fierce look on his face.  Pussy is surprised at the look as she tilts her head slightly to contemplate what Connor is saying.
 
Connor Murphy:  See, I am a pretty easy going guy.  I love a good fight and I am pretty sure that I am going to get one at Blaze of Glory.  But that boy wearing the title doesn’t deserve to have it.  Hell, whatever did he do to earn it huh?  Pretty sure the only reason he got the chance at it was the fact it was an open invitational gauntlet match.  Little man couldn’t get a title shot any other way.

Pussy Willow:  That is very harsh Connor.  Maybe he would have gotten a shot at it eventually.  He has held the other top titles at one point or another.  So theoretically he may have gotten a title shot.

Connor only laughs at that comment.

Connor Murphy:   Thanks Puss, I needed that laugh.  I don’t think that Jimmy would have gotten the shot myself.  I mean really, what has he done to deserve one?  Nothing.  He’s been coasting really.  Nothing special, midcard or lower…

Pussy Willow:  Well then Connor, if that is how you feel, how can you justify your title shot?  You haven’t done anything to deserve it either?

Connor Murphy:  Oh sweetie, I am the only one that does deserve it, we both know it.  And the worst part is, the more that Jimmy talks about me not deserving it, makes it more obvious that I do.

Now thoroughly confused, Pussy holds up her finger and uses it to rub at the bridge of her nose as it the thought process of trying to understand what Connor meant was giving her a headache.

Pussy Willow:  I know I am going to have to ask this but what are you talking about?  

Connor leans back, his arms spreading out on the back of the booth as he takes in Pussy and the cameraman who now focuses on his face with the camcorder, all pretense of not filming gone.  The smirk on Connor’s face is very enigmatic as he winks mischievously before answering.

Connor Murphy:  What happened when Jimmy won the title?  What did he keep saying he was going to do with it?

Pussy Willow:  He said he was going to give it up…  

Connor Murphy:   Then he turned around and said it was all a work.  You know that when he played everyone, you could hear the wheels turning and the kissing commence.  I am sure that Christian and Mark needed chapstick for their asses when the masses proceeded to ask for the shots at J2H.  

Pussy’s eyebrows rise at that comment.  

Connor Murphy:  Come on, Puss, everyone would be kissing their asses asking for the shots, basically begging for it like they deserved it.  And what have I done Pussy?

Pussy shrugs as she can’t think of what it was that Connor was referring to.

Pussy Willow:  Ok, Connor, what are you suggesting that you did.

Connor Murphy:  I am point blank saying that I didn’t need to kiss ass or ask for the shot because it was given to me.  J2H thinks he can walk around thinking that I am not going to bring the fight to him and trust me.  I am bringing the fight and taking the belt.

As he finishes his speech, the waitress arrives with their meal and slides the salad to Pussy and the steak towards Connor.  The burger for the cameraman is set in front of the camera so Connor looks like he is rising from the bun.  As Pussy takes a small bite of the salad and then points at Connor with the fork.

Pussy Willow:  So you have told me all about James, but he isn’t the only one in the match.

Connor Murphy:   I know that but really he is the only one that I think is worth talking about.  

Pussy Willow:  So you realize that there is Travis Nathanie…

Connor takes a bite of his steak and then waves his fork at Pussy.

Connor Murphy:  I ain’t worried about TNA, that little joke is nothing more than a footnote in this match.  Basically all he is going to be is a mention by Justin and then the splotch on the mat when I win the match.

Pussy Willow:  You are going to beat TNA for the belt?

Connor Murphy:  Actually you know what I am going to do Sweetie, I am going to pin J2H on top of TNA.

Pussy Willow:  Come on Connor,  that is just being too cocky you know.

Connor Murphy:  I have every right to be that cocky because what really has TNA done in this federation.  Every time I have faced him I beat him like some kind of red headed stepchild.  As much as he wants to claim to be the end all of this match and that he will have the title when all is said and done he will be nothing more than the punching clown that keeps coming back for more with a goofy ha ha ha.  

Pussy Willow:    Why that is an interesting picture you are painting.

Connor again takes a bite of the steak, the juice slowly creeping from the corner his mouth and dribbling down his chin.  Wiping at it with a finger, Connor chews then points again with his fork.

Connor Murphy:  As much as I could rip him to bits, it becomes too easy to do something like that.  I mean, I have heard that every dog has its day but he’s a dog that just won’t hunt.  So this title match is basically going to be between Jimmy and me.  And now that we have figured that out let’s just finish this meal and move on with getting ready for the show next week…

Suddenly a phone tone is heard and Connor reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone to spy his friend’s name on the screen.  Holding a finger up, Connor slides out of the booth to talk on the phone as Pussy and the cameraman begin to dig into their meals and before he walks away, Connor digs into his pocket and tosses some bills on the table and walks away.

Pussy Willow:  Connor, where are you going?  We have this interview to do.

Connor Murphy:  Wish I could stay but sweetie, there is an emergency I have to take care of.  Devlin says it is something about a sport sock shortage that my friend has been going through…

With a laugh at the phone he waves to Pussy and walks away leaving Pussy looking disappointed and the cameraman begins to shovel his fries into his mouth.

[Christian Underwood]

 All RPs posted now counts toward the second RP Deadline.

Second RP Period Deadline:
United States: 11:59pm EST Friday 04/08/2016
England: 04:59am Saturday 04/09/2016

[J2H]

  Last week was overly busy for the young man known as J2H. Working on promotional stuff for Sin City Wrestling was a big part of the week, but the youngest SCW World Champion was getting more and more used to the role, growing in to his skin so to speak as the man the company looked up to, was becoming more and more comfortable. Doing so much in a week is always a tiring experience but the Gods of SCW have been kind to J2H this week, a much lighter week with only one thing planned SCW wise, apart from the usual smile at the fans and speak up the company at every chance, and that was to cut a promo on Connor Murphy and Travis Nathaniel Andrews. No more, no less, just one little SCW related thing.

J2H started to like his own company at times when he wasn't running around saying SCW so many times that he repeated it in his sleep. He started to enjoy the quiet times that made the busier times not so bad. Sure, he liked to go out there and party after shows, it's how most choose to relax after a show. It's not easy to switch off when the adrenaline's pumping and you just wanna be around more people, but when it dies down, it's back to normality. Most return to their families to spend a week with the people closest, some work for other companies in an attempt to swell their popularity and bank balance, but J2H does neither. Home, alone, peaceful, relaxing.... Unless you have a friend called Melody Grace.

Yes, I said friend, for all the hell she put J2H though, friend is appropriate because they have grown close in a friendly way. She believed he could win the World title, when not many did, she stopped him from being on his own just in case he got lonely, she spend a ton of money on a car and a party for his birthday, even though at the time, he would do all he could to avoid her. He hadn't opened the box she'd bugged him to, more out of personal pride, yet he'd let her get closer as a friend, because that's the way they saw each other... Or so he thought up until April 5th...

Things changed on April 5th as something so many people saw, yet J2H refused to believe, came to light in a very public forum, ah yes, we are talking about Twitter...

*******

Simpson: There you go sir.

A cool breeze crosses the balcony attached to the home of J2H, in Beverly Hills, California, overlooking the grounds below. The grass blows softly as a shirtless J2H sits on a chair, in white shorts, with a black stripe down either side, shoeless but wearing sunglasses. His eyes peer around the green grass below, softly moving to his right in his eye line as the breeze moves amongst the blades. On his bedroom balcony, a table sits to his left, with three other chairs around it, a book closed on it with a bookmark peering through the top, next to a drink, with Simpson's hand moving away from it, having just placed it on the table, also his phone within reaching distance. J2H turns his head, looking towards his outdoor swimming pool before turning back to Simpson.

J2H: Thank you Simpson.

A buzz comes from the table, causing J2H to look across at his phone. He breathes deeply as he looks on the screen before reading for the orange looking drink and picking it up.

Simpson: You're welcome sir.

Before he can move the clear glass to his lips, his phone buzzes once more, vibrating off the wooden table. Another deep breath finds it's way to J2H's lungs as he puts the drink down.

Simpson: Something wrong sir?

J2H: Take a seat Simpson.

A curious look crosses Simpson's face as he moves around the table, this might seem like a usual request for someone, but for J2H and Simpson, not so much. Simpson took his role in J2H's life very seriously, where during certain hours of the day, he was J2H's man servant, only at certain times the line was blurred. Simpson knew this was not once of those certain times as he moves to the seat almost in front of his young charge, while J2H tapped away furiously on his phone. As Simpson sits, J2H places his phone back on the table next to him, looking up at Simpson's slightly concerned face.

J2H: Don't worry, I'm not gonna fire you or anything, so don't shit yourself there.

A slight nod comes from Simpson, the strong muscles in his neck jolting sharply.

Simpson: What is on your mind sir?

J2H: I am in two minds Simpson...

Once again, the phone on the wooden table vibrates at speed against the wooden grains, causing J2H to point a finger at it.

J2H: And that is partly the reason I'm in two minds Simpson.

Simpson moves his hand over his bald head, not quiet understanding what J2H means with his last comment.

Simpson: Care to elaborate sir?

J2H: Melody Grace, Simpson, the woman you told that I miss.

A curl comes from Simpson's lip, expecting the worst from J2H.

Simpson: Sir, she asked me how I was, and how you was and if you missed her, cause she missed you and you know I can not lie at all.  

J2H puts up a hand to stop Simpson from continuing and the larger man takes the hint, stopping his explanation in his tracks.  

J2H: I'm not mad at you Simpson, I know your inability to lie is famous in this neighbourhood, but some things shouldn't be discussed. She's been here so much, you might as well have given her a key to the front door.

An uneasy look crosses Simpson's face, causing J2H to narrow his eyes and look at his man servant, suspicion in his eyes.

J2H: She doesn't have a key still, does she Simpson?

Simpson: Not that I'm aware of sir. She handed her key back a long time ago, so unless she has a copy, she does not have a key.

J2H: Good. Anyway, my point, she has been here a lot Simpson, even at three in the morning, because you said to her that I miss her.

Simpson: She just doesn't want you to be lonely sir. She has noticed how you like to lock yourself away when you have time off and is concerned about you.

J2H: Look, just because she bounces around the place from city to city to hang out with strangers to do whatever, doesn't mean it's for everyone.

Simpson: So what is your concern sir? What puts you in two minds?

J2H: People are talking Simpson. Every man and their dog are talking about us. Everyone are asking about me and her and I'm partly sick of it Simpson and I'm partly not. I'm sick of the fact that they look at me like I'm getting back together with her, people want us to. Fuck Simpson, I heard someone call us a cute couple the other day, a cute fucking couple when we're not a couple. People are putting it all on me that I am not interested blah, blah, blah, but Melody can go around with anyone she wants and no one questions it? I'm in two minds of what the fucking hell to do here.

Simpson: Sir, are you jealous?

A look of contempt crosses J2H's face.

J2H: Fuck no! I'm tired of the double standard bullshit, I get questioned why not, she doesn't get questioned about her being all over the place and talking to all these guys. I'm in two minds on if I should just say fuck this and hide away.

Simpson: Ms. Grace would be distraught losing your friendship sir.

J2H: AH HA! Friendship! Thank you Simpson, you are one of the few amongst the fools that see it that way, but here's the thing with friendship, it can come and go so easily, a few days later, I forget that they were even a part of my life. I was friends with Giani Di Luca and Jimmy Ringo, days after those two fucked off, I couldn't give a damn, and haven't heard from them in forever, I can do this again.

Simpson: If it's just friendship sir, then there shouldn't be a reason to throw it away just like that out of the blue.  

J2H lowers his sunglasses, looking at Simpson, but his phone buzzes again, causing him to look at it first before turning back to Simpson.

J2H: Of course it's just friendship! Right now, she's asking me to go looking at houses with her. Does that sound like a date kind of thing?

Simpson slowly shakes his head, agreeing with J2H but raises an inquisitive finger.

Simpson: Maybe people think you encourage her on Twitter. When she asks for something, you usually give it to her. She asked to come over, you let her.

J2H: Because that's what friends do. They don't say no when they're not doing anything. But I put her in her place all the time Simpson, like right now, she said on Twitter at me about four AM cuddling, which I shot down with a smart ass reply.  

Simpson: Very good sir, but I'd urge you to think twice about ending your friendship, if you're sure that's all it is.

J2H: It is just friendship Simpson, pure and simple. It's the way we both see it.

Before he can continue, another buzz from the phone vibrating on the wood. J2H looks down at the front of the phone with a tilted head as he reads the latest tweet from Melody.

"@YoMelodyXo 23s

@SCWNeedsJ2H one day you'll want me... #sigh"

Simpson stands from his seat.

Simpson: Sir, if you plan on helping Ms. Grace, you should probably get ready soon. I will inform the driver that you'll be requiring his services.

J2H keeps his eyes firmly on the screen.

J2H: Yeah, yeah.

Simpson walks around the table, moving in to the bedroom and J2H quickly taps back the reply "@YoMelodyXo Was that you thinking out loud?" He sits back and waits for a reply, tapping his fingers impatiently on the arm of the chair.

J2H: If you're not hitting your head on the wall, then reply...

His lack of patience is quickly rewarded as his phone buzzes and he grabs it in his hand once more, looking at the latest message

"@YoMelodyXo 12s

@SCWNeedsJ2H nope! It's all out on the table now!!"

He runs his hand over his head, his eyes focused on the message on his phone.

J2H: Well, this could be awkward...

He stands up but a wide smile crosses his face as he looks around.

J2H: What can I say? Sometimes no words are needed.

The proud smile stay on his face as he turns to walk in to the house and the scene fades.

*******

The sound of running water is heard and steam is seen rising above a shower setting. The windowed frosty glass is steamed up and condensation runs down the outside as the distorted body of a man can been seen inside, soap over his body as he whistles contently as the hot water hits his body. His hands can be seen through the frosted glass moving over his upper body, washing the soap off. The hand reaches out to a tap and it's quickly spun and turned off. A white towel is seen in front of the frosted glass and wrapped around the waist of the man. The door slides open showing the back of him.

<img src=http://addsherpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fat-man-shower.jpg>

The man turns and walks away, walking past J2H as he sits on a bench looking at the camera.

J2H: Well Melody wanted a shower scene...

A smile crosses his face as he turns to Simpson standing next to him, J2H wearing work out jogging bottoms and a tank top.  

J2H: This is why I hate being away from home Simpson, public gyms where anyone can just stroll in and out, bringing in all kinds of things.

Simpson: This seems to be one of the most hygienic gyms around sir.

J2H: We're in Phoenix, Simpson. They have a whole different scale of what's clean to the rest of the country in a bad way. I mean a high hygiene rating in Arizona is about the same hygiene rating as a McDonalds bathroom in Africa. I really don't know why SCW book shows here. This place is a mess. I'd rather let them hold a show at my house than here.

Simpson: I wouldn't talk too loudly sir, Christian Underwood has had unique ideas before.  

J2H: I wouldn't be surprised, he'd probably think he could have it for free or something. Anyway Simpson, let's get out of here.  

J2H reaches down to next to his feet, reaching down and picking up a black gym back and lifting it over his shoulder. Simpson leads the way as the two walk out of the locker room area, passing people as they go and in to the lobby area. J2H looks around as they come to the door, his face drawing looks from a crowd of teenage girls as he steps through the door held open by Simpson. Simpson follows him through the door.

J2H: I have a bad feeling...

He was right as one of the girls screams, pointing out to him.

Teenage Girl: Oh my god! Oh my god! It's J2H! It's J2H!

Her screams attract other peering eyes, first at her and secondly in the direction she was pointing at.

Simpson: Looks like you was right sir.

J2H: Aw shit!

Simpson: I think it's time you put on your SCW face sir.

J2H: I think it's time I offered up my house to have SCW shows there all the time so I don't have to deal with this shit and I can use my own gym.

The teenage girls make a beeline towards J2H as he stands frozen in place.

J2H: SCW face it is, ugh!

The girls get towards him, and J2H quickly holds up his hands.

J2H: Whoa there! I'm happy to stand and talk sort of but do not touch me!  

Before J2H can inhale, phones and pens appear out of nowhere with scraps of paper, thrust in front of SCW World Heavyweight champion. He looks at Simpson, Simpson with a sympathetic look on his face staring back at him and reaches out for the nearest pen and takes it in his hand signing the nearest piece of paper and handing it back before repeating it with another pen and another scrap of paper.

Teenage Girl: You're my favourite wrestler and you're the hottest wrestler in SCW!

Arrogance instantly starts to flow through J2H hearing this, he turns to the girl.

J2H: Of course I'm your favourite wrestler, I'm everybodies favourite wrestler because I'm the world champion. People love me and yeah, I'm hot. I don't even have to try to be hot like everyone else in SCW, I just am hot.

Teenage Girl: You're so gonna keep your title on Sunday.

J2H: Tell me something I don't know girl. I got this yo! There ain't a single person in the locker room that can beat me, not one. Doesn't matter if Connor Murphy got lucky against me a long time ago. I'm better than him now.  

Teenage Girl: You're better than Travis too.

J2H: No doubt, no doubt. Travis couldn't beat anyone in SCW, he don't stand a chance against me. No one knows why he thought he could step up, but I'll be knocking him back on his ass before you know it.

J2H takes a pen from someone else quickly signing as the crowd become larger and almost engulfing him in a circle.  

J2H: I hope you guys all have tickets to see me do what I gotta do and beat these two losers in to the ground.  

Teenage Girl: I have a ticket!

J2H: Good, because it's gonna be a night you won't forget. There's gonna be so much great stuff going on, but the best that is gonna happen is when I walk down that ramp with the SCW World Heavyweight championship, beat two losers in to the ground, in to nothing, and send them home crying to their mommas, and walk back out with the title. If you haven't got a ticket, then ya just stupid because you need one and right now, but if you haven't, go sign up on the SCW site, and watch this guy prove to the world just how good he is.  

J2H signs another autograph before looking back at Simpson, jolting his head away as if to indicate that it's time to leave.

J2H: Look guys, I really need to get going right now, you wouldn't believe it if I told you where I was going, but I need to go. I got this promo to shoot, which will be on scwrestling.net later so sign up.

Simpson steps in front of J2H and the crowd seem to part as the big man leads, stepping either side of him. J2H follows, turning his head and raising his hand to the people with a smile on his face before turning back and looking forward, his face instantly changing to disdain.

J2H: I fucking hate the fans sometimes Simpson, seriously fucking hate them.

The camera fades out

*******

Inside a circus big top, clowns have the center ring as the practice their act, honing their craft, doing all they can to improve to put on a show for people willing to pay to see them perform. Three clowns circle each other, one holding a bucket, moving towards the other two in a threatening, menacing manner. He rears his arm back and throws towards the two others, but confetti flies out at the duo of clowns. From across the side, J2H walks in front of them, dressed blue jeans, torn at the knees with a light blue T-shirt with the number thirty four on it, as well as white shoes. The SCW World Heavyweight championship sits tightly around his waist. He wags a finger towards the camera.

J2H: Welcome to the circus, welcome to where people perform every night for a live crowd, where mistakes are costly, but people work to send others home with a smile on their face, not unlike our very business, wouldn't you say? Why have I brought you to the circus you're probably sitting at home watching and asking, why has a guy who would not usually be seen dead at a place like this, be thinking to have you all come and join me here.

He presses his hands together as the clowns behind him continue with their act, all three tripping over and landing on each other.

J2H: Last week, I cut a promo in the style of that fraud Irishman, Connor Murphy, I made it dark, I made it dingy and depressing and mysterious and all the rest, but this week, this week, I knew I would make it all about Travis Nathaniel Andrews, and this personifies you Travis, don't you think?

He spins around, his arms out wide, spinning three hundred and sixty degrees, turning back towards the camera.

J2H: This personifies you down to a tee, this is a bit of what and who you are. You're a man who likes the attention, just like everyone who performs in a circus.

A man juggling bowling pins crosses in front of J2H, slowly walking past as J2H follows him with his head, a smile on his face.

J2H: Let's be honest bro, no one joins a circus because they love the smell of elephant shit. They join because they want the attention, the fame. I mean that's juggler there that just showcased his skills can sit there and saw he was seen online by hundreds of thousands of people, he can say he had a part in a J2H promo, he can use that for attention. That's something you'd do too Travis, brag over trivial things because they like the fame. Not unlike you Travis, because it's what you crawl. We know you want...

J2H clicks his fingers and the big top falls in to complete darkness, except for one spotlight that soaks J2H within it's bright light.  

J2H: The spotlight, and you'd do whatever it takes to grab it with both hands and pull it away.  

J2H clicks his fingers again and the lights return on in the big top.

J2H: So the circus is all what you are, it's about the showmanship, the rale dale, the doing the unexpected, trying to wow people with your actions, doing all you can to be noticed, just like everyone else here, but what links you here more than anything else Travis, is these three guys.

The three clowns from earlier fumbles their way in front of the camera, each with a letter on their chest spelling out NTA. The clowns look at each other, scratching their multi coloured wigs before switching around to spell out TNA. J2H taps the clowns on the shoulder.

J2H: There ya go guys, you can scram now, you've had your moment in the sun and got your point across.

The clowns move to the right, the leading clown stopping and the others running in to his back, sending the three in a heap, J2H can't help but laugh at them before turning back to facing the camera.

J2H: See Travis! They are like you, they have the same effect on me as you do! They make me laugh! These guys make me laugh so much and you can do that to me just by opening your mouth. The circus, this is you Travis, you should join one after I'm done with you on Sunday, I'm sure these guys will still be in town for you to go join up with because they will offer you what you need. They will offer you the spotlight, they will offer you the chance to be center of attention, they will offer you the chance to have people watch you and chant your name. They will let you join one of my three painted up, wig wearing friends. Do you know why Travis?

He holds his hands out towards the camera, as if to wait for an answer, his face turning to an lowered eyebrow, arrogant smirk.

J2H: Because you're qualified, it's like your entire life should had lead to this place, like your whole life should have lead to you doing something great in Arizona. Not win the World Championship, god no! But you could find your true calling ring here in a different kind of ring, this kinda ring and being a clown would suit you perfectly. You already wear clothes that no one else would be seen dead in, you still get to travel from town to town, you still get to get in a ring, you'll still get your attention and you can already identify to these painted up people. They spend their lives getting laughed at Travis, and let's face it, so do you. No one likes a serious clown, right? They do something stupid and they get laughed at, you do something stupid like step up to me, get put in to the main event of the biggest show SCW puts on, and you go silent... People laugh at you for that.

He waves his finger at the camera.

J2H: Because you've talked like it was the last time you was gonna talk, got yourself here in this position, put yourself in my way, then just seem to disappear and try to get in that woman from Twitter pants more than you want this title. For the record bro, she ain't all that, ya hear me? Face looks like it's been squashed in a vice a bit, yo, but anyway, because you've put your attention towards some broad and not been focused on my title, just like those clowns, you can't be taken seriously anymore. Clowns are not serious Travis, you are not serious Travis, you belong here in this ring and not in my ring, because no one will ever take you seriously again. You put yourself in this place and you piss all over a chance that could change ya life forever? Nah bro, SCW deserves a champion that's gonna work for them, and for as long as I got air in my lungs man, it will never be you. You had one shot, one fucking shot Travis to make people remember you and you fucked it up before you even got in the ring. It embarrasses me that you even work for the same place as I do. Imma just leave your resume here on the way out. Just stick to being silent bro, cause these clowns don't talk either, will give ya a head start in ya new career when I'm done with you.

J2H smiles down the camera.

J2H: See Connor, see how much more interesting for others if you don't sit there in the dark and be mysterious. Interesting for the people at home when I rip opponents to bits, last week we had a candle, this week, clowns and a juggler. If you was more interesting, then last week I could have destroyed you in a much better setting but credit where it's due, at least you opened your mouth last week so people could confirm what an idiot you are.  

An arrogant smirk crosses J2H's face as he looks down the camera

J2H: At least you're trying to get in my head and take this golden chance with both hands unlike someone else we can mention.

He points a thumb over his shoulder where the three clowns are still lined up with TNA across their chests.

J2H: It seems me digging at you and poking at you had the desired effect I was going for, it had the effect of me getting you out of your shell and making you want this more. I did notice something watching your little thing about me. No friends around you at all, do you think there's a little hidden meaning in there somewhere. Do you think that maybe they thought about you telling them that you were gonna win the World Championship and thought that the awkward looks on their faces would tell you that your own friends didn't believe in you? You know it's bad when an interviewer doesn't just appear out of nowhere to speak to you, they call up to arrange it. You should get the hint Connor, because with me, they just appear because they are that desperate to talk to me. They've shown up at my house because they're excited to see me, but you, you're just bleh really.

He quickly runs his fingers through his hair with a cocky smirk on his face.

J2H: Even Pussy burned you by playing you at ya own game and you think you could take away my title cause you don't want me to have it. What are you? A child or something? I bet you was the kid who saw others with a toy that you didn't wanna play with but ya took it off them anyway just to prove a point.  

J2H slowly shakes his head in disappointment.

J2H: I'm glad you did the interview and I'm so glad you're getting noticed now, and you have one man to thank for that, and he's standing here talking to you. Because of me accepting your challenge, people now know who you are. You're welcome Connor, you're very, very welcome. For people to know who you are means you're no longer a Nobody. I have taken a guy who poisons groups and made people want to know about him, because people get to listen to me talk about him. Because I had your name in my mouth, you're popular. Was that the plan all along Connor? To use me to make yourself more known. Well played Connor, I'm sure your bookings at autograph signings just went through the roof and now you can charge more than ten bucks for your services.  

A casual shrug comes from the champions shoulders.

J2H: You wanna shut me up, get in line cause there's a whole lot of people who want to do it and they have something in common with you Connor, they just can't do it and neither can you. I offered the whole of SCW a chance to do so and scraped the bottom of the barrel with you and Travis, but trust me when I say there's a lot more who want to shut me up and no one will. Fact is, I'm too good for the likes of you and anyone else who wants to step it up to me here. Anyone can come at me, no one's gonna shut me up, I'll say what I want, when I want to who I want. That simple.

J2H wags his finger towards the camera.

J2H: I don't think I'm untouchable, I am untouchable and you know it to the point you have to mention Melody in hopes it's gonna throw me off my game but it won't. Where's your female company at bro?  

J2H quickly rubs his chin.

J2H: Unless women are not the company you want to keep, no judgement man, each to their own. I know straight idiots as well as not so straight idiots, all the same to me. Keep harping on about you not being in that match where I won this title, like it would have made a difference, when it really wouldn't have made any kinda difference. You act like if you was there, I wouldn't be champion. So wrong because if you was in it, I would have thrown your sorry ass out too so you could run back to your little friend. You're right, one mistake and my dreams would have been shattered, but I don't make mistakes, and you being in that match wouldn't have made me make a mistake either. Talk numbers game but you're making yourself look stupid. Did I have any friends in the ring? No, the only one remotely close was Casey Williams and I kick that idiot all over the place not long before, hardly call him a friend. Was Austin or Simpson in the ring? No and neither got involved when I pinned Goth too. Keep talking shit about how that match favoured people with friends because I had no one but myself in that ring, and I still won. If you opened your drunken eyes, maybe you'd be taking me just a little bit more seriously.  

J2H holds his thumb and forefinger slightly apart.

J2H: Your logic is flawed man, justifying yourself on bullshit and lies ain't gonna win ya shit. Do you think you're special because you didn't jump around when I had everyone else on the end of a string? I don't fear someone who didn't believe I was leaving nor do I give a fuck about that. Feel free to sit and focus on the fact that I could have left, but feat the fact that I never. You're pissy because I insulted your intelligence? Awww did Connor get a little butt hurt

J2H runs his fingers over his eyes, in a mock crying motion.

J2H: Poor baby. I insulted your intelligence for putting a title you never kept anyway, over the top title in the business. Well, let's facts Connor, I was right because clearly, you are as thick as shit. You ramble on about a match that's a numbers game which a solo guy won with no help, you get butt hurt over trash talk, you pull Melody in to this and try to justify things that doesn't matter anymore. That is proof you are not the sharpest tool in the shed. Please, keep mocking the gauntlet match, please do keep telling people it was the only way I could get a shot at the top title. Then please tell people how you got your shot Connor, tell the world how you "earned" it.

J2H rolls his eyes.

J2H: Pot, kettle, black Connor. The bottom line is you want to humble me. Here's the thing, you won't do it in this match, it's beyond your capabilities. I am however humble to the greats in this business but you are not now, nor will you ever be considered a great in this business. But I will humble you.

A more serious look crosses his face.

J2H: I will make you eat every word you've said about me, I will force you to look at me through different eyes when I beat you. You see humbling someone means you have to beat them, it means you have to teach them, it means you have to force them to look up to you and that is something I will never do. It will be the other way around because I will make you see that I'm not just a champion who got lucky, I'm not just a champion who's gonna give up the title just like that. This belt is not a hot potato. This belt is staying here for a long, long time, and you and everyone else will have to just get used to it. Come Sunday night at Blaze Of Glory V, you will be sitting there telling the world that J2H is the greatest champion SCW and the world has ever seen after I beat you and that clown Travis. That's real talk bitch.

J2H walks off camera as the scene fades out.

[Shane Hawthorne]

 

The night air was cool as Ruby Rose was standing out on the balcony in her dark wash jean shorts and flowery blouse. Her long red hair was tied up in a ponytail as she looked down at the people walking along the sidewalk. It had been days since she last spoke to her boyfriend Travis, who was currently on a business trip in Guam. She was moving some stuff into his penthouse suite while he was away. They had discussed her moving into his place but was waiting for Lilly’s approval. As Ruby is standing on the balcony, her phone vibrates inside her pocket. She quickly reaches into it and pulls out her phone. Her face lights up as Travis’ face is flashing on her phone screen. She swipes it open while placing her phone up to her ear.

“It’s about time you called. I was beginning to think you were through with me,” she says through the mouthpiece while turning her body so her back was leaning against the railing.

“I am sorry for not calling sooner babe. I’ve been in meeting after meeting with my hotel manager. The guy is fifteen cards shy of a full deck and I’m getting to close to strangling him,” responds Travis as he is standing outside of one of his hotels located in Dededo, Guam. The sun was beaming down as Travis was wearing one of his most expensive business suits.

“It’s really quiet without you. When you coming home,” she asks while grabbing a few strands of hair and twirling it around her finger.

“Hopefully soon,” he answers while getting a signal from Ralph that the meeting is resuming. “Honey, I have to go but I will call you when I’m back in the air.”

Before Ruby could reply to Travis’ comment, the phone clicks off as she pulls her phone down from her ear. Sandra, Travis’ little sister, is standing just inside the door of Travis’s master bedroom as she peeks at Ruby. “Is everything alright Sandra?” asks Ruby as her eyes finally catch a glimpse at Sandra staring at her.

“Yes, everything is just fine Ruby. I’m just happy my brother found an amazing girl like yourself. He has been so miserable in the female department,” answers Sandra as she steps a little further into the room. A smile forms on the face of Ruby as she is liking Travis’s little sister.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isn’t it funny how much a year can change one’s career? Last year, I wasn’t even on the Blaze of Glory card. I was relegated to some small appearance that didn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. After all my battles with Goth, Lord Raab and Casey Williams, I finally made it. I finally get to create my very own Blaze of Glory moment. What a better way to do it then in the main event. Now I know what most of you are probably thinking, how confident am I heading into this match? If you were to ask an outsider, then they will write me off because of my past shortcomings. They would say that J2H and Connor Murphy are bonafide superstars while I am just a pretend superstar.

Those are some keen observations but there are gleaming holes in your predictions. First off, Connor Murphy has never beat me in a match. The last match we were involved in that was about pins and losses. It was a tag team match where he teamed with Jeremiah Hardin and I was paired off with Goth. Connor do you remember the outcome of that match? Oh you don’t then let me jog your memory. The outcome was me pinning Jeremiah in the middle of the ring while you were picking yourself up off the floor. So there goes your beating me remarks. You have never beat me. The same could be said with J2H. He claims to have beaten everyone on the roster but let’s go back to My Bloody Valentine. He never beat me. Since I was never entered into the gauntlet match. Which means J2H is fabricating his win loss record as a champion.

That is really sad when you think about it. Why must a champion fabricate his reign? Are you really that insecure about your wrestling ability? I mean after you won the belt you were contemplating dropping said championship. What kind of champion would want to do that? Since winning the championship, you have gone to great links to make an ass out of yourself. I commend you on being a fighting champion but are you really that stupid. You stand on your pedestal believing that no one can knock you off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The meeting was running longer than anticipated as Travis steps out of the hotel. He places on hand on his forehead while looking at Ralph. He can’t believe how incompetent his employees are when it comes to business.

“What are we going to do?” asks Ralph as he reaches into his jacket and pulls out a cigarette.

“I don’t know Ralph. We could cut our losses but we would lose this great island,” answers Travis as he takes the pack of cigarettes out of Ralph’s hand. He slams the pack several times into the palm of his hand before taking a cigarette out. He places it into his mouth and pulls out his lighter.

“Do you think Ruby could do a better job with handling your management team?” asks Ralph as he takes a few puffs of his cigarette.

“That’s actually a good idea Ralph but I would have to run it by her first. She is still recovering from her neck injury,” answers Travis as he takes a drag on his cigarette.

Both men blow a few smoke rings into the air when Travis’s phone vibrates in his pocket. He pulls it out and sees a text message sent from Ruby.

“I can’t wait to see you. I have a present for you when you get home.”

A quick grin forms on his face as Ralph takes a peek at the message. He chuckles while looking at Travis.

“You are one lucky son of a gun,” he declares while patting Travis on the back.

“Tell me something that I don’t know Ralph. Do you think you can finish up here? I have a plane to catch,” suggests Travis as he takes another drag of his cigarette.

“Yeah, I can handle things here Travis,” replies Ralph as Travis turns toward the large limousine waiting for him. Travis walks toward it and gets into the back while pulling out his cell phone.

“I’m coming home,” he texts Ruby as the limousine pulls away from his hotel while heading for the airport.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember when I said someone must knock you off that pedestal you have placed yourself on J2H. I believe you are lighting a fire that you have no real clue on how to keep it from spreading. You call me a jobber. You call me a delusional fool. It would appear that you forgot one thing. You forgot smart. You forgot intelligent. Listening to you ramble on about you showing me pity will do nothing to protect you.

In case you haven’t been around this won’t be the first time I main evented a show here in SCW. It might be my first Main Event on a supershow but there is something you don’t know about me J2H. When I put my mind into something then it will happen. Let’s take this match at Blaze of Glory for example. You have made it abundantly clear that I don’t “belong” in this match but I like to think differently about it. I believe I do belong in this match despite what others might think. Because if I gave a fuck about what people thought then I would have retired a long time ago. Seeing that I am still performing at a higher level proves that I still have a lot more in the tank.

You were quick to mention my many different theme songs but it’s obvious you didn’t count all of my championships. I actually have over 140 championships to my name. Most of them being world championships among five companies. I only mentioned three in my biography but let’s be honest for minute. You said this was your third championship. Interesting because no one really remembers your first two championship reigns. However you have no problem treating me like an outsider.

That is just fine J2H. You can play those games if you want just don’t go crying to Simpson after I smash your face in with my boot. I really don’t think you watch my matches because you would know that I’m a technical wrestler. Which is something you know nothing about since you rely on shorthanded tactics. Tell me J2H, how far are you going to play these charades? We both know you challenged the entire roster because in your mind no one was worthy enough to face you for that belt. When I answered your challenge, you thought i was joking. I bet a lot of people thought I was pulling your leg but that’s where being a veteran of this business gives me the edge.

I knew you would play the pity card. I mean how many has done that before but only to fall flat on their face. Take my battles with Goth for example. Yes, he did beat me but were they easy victories. No. He had to work for them and in the end. He didn’t leave feeling like a champion. That is what awaits you at Blaze of Glory J2H. The fire and passion that resonates inside me. That spotlight will remain mine as long as I am around and trust me J2H. Even if I do lose, you will not get rid of me that easily. I am like a thorn you just can’t pull out. There is a reason the people hate me. It’s not because of my “lack” of skill. It’s because I don’t hide who I am on a daily basis. How many times have you hid your true self J2H?

How many masks did you wear before winning the World Championship? You enjoyed being loved by the fans. Tell me J2H, how did it feel being Brother Grimm’s bitch? I bet it felt good huh. It’s got to suck knowing you couldn’t pull out many victories over him. However my one match with him turned out to be a win. That’s gotta sting. Knowing that I wiped your tormentor like a government mule. If I can do that then I’m sure you will get the same treatment. If you think I’m going to let this opportunity slip through my fingers then you really need to get your nose out of your ass.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The airport was crowded with people catching connecting flights and getting off flights. Ruby Rose was standing in the airport waiting to see the plane carrying her man touch down. She is beginning to pace back and forth as Vicki is sitting down.

“Where is he?” asks Ruby as she rubs her hands together. It’s been a couple of days since she had seen him.

“Calm down Ruby, I am sure Trav will be here soon,” assures Vicki as she crosses her left leg over her right.

“I hope so,” replies Ruby as a hint of worry comes through her voice. As Ruby continues to pace back and forth, a plane finally touches down as she twirls around to see it. A smile comes across her face as Vicki sits up in her chair.

“You sure did perk up,” comments Vicki as she glances over at Ruby who is walking towards the large glass windows. Her red hair is draped over her shoulder while grabbing two strands of it. She slowly begins to twirl it as the plane begins to deboard its passengers.

The doors swing open as passenger after passenger step off the plane. Ruby takes a quick look over the group of passengers before noticing another plane touching down on the runway. An airport attendant walks up behind her.

“Excuse me, are you Ms. Ruby Rose?” asks the attendant.

“Yes,” she answers while tilting her head to the side.

“Will come with me please,” ushers the attendant while pointing towards a door which leads outside. Without saying a word, Ruby follows the attendant with Vicki right beside her. The attendant leads them down a steep stairwell as Ruby grabs onto the railing. They make it down the stairs as the plane that just landed has just stopped rolling.

“What is going on?” asks a curious Ruby while walking across the asphalt in her high heel boots.

Before the attendant could answer, the plane doors open as a staircase unfolds from the underbelly. Ruby darts her eyes side to side as a man wearing an Armani suit steps out onto the top step. She lets out a high shriek while quickly throwing her arms around Vicki’s neck.

“Man, it’s great being home,” says Travis as he slowly makes his way down the stairs with Shawna right behind him. Right as his feet touch the ground, his eyes float over the crowd until they land on Ruby. He starts to walk towards her while she is running towards him.

Vicki and Shawna look on as Ruby leaps into Travis’s arms and attacking his lips with several kisses. “Did somebody miss me?” asks Travis while placing his girl back down onto her feet.

“You know I did babe. How was the meeting?” she asks while grabbing a hold of his hand.

“It was just too long and I had other important things to deal with,” answers Travis as they make their way back towards Victoria. She hugs her brother while smiling as well.

“It’s a good thing you came home Trav. I don’t know how long Ruby was going to last spending another lonely night in your bed,” replies Victoria. Ruby giggles a little as Travis playfully shakes his head at his sister.

“Mark Ward called while you were in Guam,” states Ruby as they walk up the steps.

“Oh, what did he want?” asks Travis as the attendant leads them through a private sector so the paparazzi doesn’t spot them.

“He wanted to know how prepared you were for that big match at Blaze of Glory. Babe, I really do hope you shut Connor and J2H up,” answers Ruby as they make it out of the airport. They are standing out front waiting for the limousine to pull up. As they are waiting, multiple camera crews spot the couple and comes running at them.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really hope all that smoking is worth it Connor. Seriously, where do you get off saying you have beaten me? History will say that you haven’t beaten me. In fact you have been in the same boat as me. When it comes to getting title matches, we both fail when it matters most. I admit it but that was then. This is now. I know for a fact that with you being in this match that anything can happen here in SCW.
J2H was the one who made the open challenge. He was the one who claimed that he could beat anyone on the roster. It’s not my fault that you aren’t willing to follow through with your plans. Everyone can hate me and that’s just fine with me. I never claimed to be the most liked person on the roster. In fact, I can careless what you assholes say about me. I know what I can do in that ring and it’s about fucking time that I was given this opportunity to finally showcase why I am the must see superstar in SCW.

Before you made your return last summer, I was the one who carried this entire company on my shoulder. I headlined several Climax Controls and had high profile matches. I was a champion without a belt. I was the no limit soldier. I fought anyone and everyone. I didn’t care whether or not they were going to be on my Christmas card list. All I cared about was keeping my spotlight. That’s what this is all about isn’t it J2H. It’s not about you showing pity. It’s about me being the bigger star than you could ever dream of becoming. Think about it, when was the last time you were asked to appear on several award shows. When did you get contacted to appear on television. Yeah, I thought so.

Is that really the kind of champion this company deserves? You are still a little boy J2H. You are letting the success of one match get to your head. Eventually, your world is going to come crumbling down around you and I will be there to witness it first hand. Mainly because it will be by my hand. I am not hiding who I am. I know that I have what it takes to be the best champion here in SCW.

Since you like talking about clowns then maybe you could pick up a shift at the clown store. I hear they love little boys who still need a babysitter. I mean that is what Simpson does for you right. At least Shawna has her own life. You want to poke at me but yet you are just like me. You are a spoiled brat who needs to be taught a major lesson in respect.

Am I quiet now? Am I biting off more than I can chew? I don’t think so boys. Why? Because for once I am doing things my way. I am done trying to live up to the standards you place on me. J2H and Connor Murphy can think that I’m some sort of joke all they want. In the end, I will still be the one walking out of Blaze of Glory with the SCW World Championship. You both had your time in the sun. There is a new era coming to the SCW. It’s an era that is all about attitude.

That is what I truly bring to this match. I bring the intensity. I bring the experience. I bring the will to win. I bring the heart of a gladiator. I will pull out all the stops just to prove every single person wrong. You might believe that I don’t belong in this match but by the end of the night. It won’t even matter because I will be your new World Champion.

You don’t have to like it. Hell you don’t have to watch but you will have to DEAL WITH IT.

[Connor Murphy]

 A table and two chairs sit in the middle of an empty room.  Looking around it reveals nothing as bare walls reflect the blinding glare of the bare light bulb.   Slouched in one of the chairs is a figure whose dark hair flops over his forehead.  One hand plays with a cigarette as the other flicks a lighter which send soft little clicks of flame upwards.  Dressed in a pair of dark denim jeans, black army boots and a dark tshirt that has seen better days, the man slowly watches as the door opens to reveal a man and woman.  They move into the room and the man lets a folder drop onto the table as the woman takes a seat across from the dark haired man slouched in the other chair.  

Man:  Do you realize why you are here?

The man seated in the chair looks up and a slow smirk starts to curl his lips as his eyes light up.  The woman only raises one eyebrow as Connor Murphy leans towards the table and brings his hand up with the cigarette to let it slide between his lips.

Woman:  This is a non-smoking building sir.  

Connor looks at her and then with a shrug, he pockets the lighter but leaves the cigarette to dangle from his lips.  He turns his attention to the man standing with his hands in fists resting on the table.

Connor Murphy:  No sir, why don’t you enlighten me.

The man growls slightly as he flips open the folder to show papers with writing on them.  He takes a finger and lets it trail along the words as he scans them.

Man:  Says here that you are in for attempted robbery according to this.

Connor sits up and leans towards the paper to read for himself the statement on it.  He can’t make out the scrawl of the words but can’t help but smirk wider at the comment at the bottom.

Connor Murphy:  You mean to tell me that you actually believe the crap that is written there?  I mean really?  Attempted robbery?  Of what huh, the Heavyweight title?  Don’t you have better things to do than annoy me with this?

The man glares as the woman smiles slightly at Connor who leans back after offering her a wink.  The man flips the pages again reading the folder.  He slams it closed then moves towards Connor to put his finger right into the face of Murphy who turns a sneer up to the man.

Connor Murphy:  Listen, I didn’t like it when pulled me in here on some flimsy excuse of an attempt to prevent me from the beating I am about to deliver at Blaze of Glory.  But you don’t move that finger out of my face, we are going to have a problem you and I.

The man watches Connor’s eyes narrow slightly as he curls his finger into his fist and jams it into his pocket.  The woman leans forward, her fingers laced together as she sets them on the table.

Woman:  Mr Murphy…

Connor holds his own hand up without looking at the woman at first.  Slowly he turns his head to offer her a smile.

Connor Murphy:  You can call me Connor.

The woman smiles condescendingly at the man who balls his fist at his side then moves behind the woman to lean against what looks like a mirror.  Connor focuses on the woman, totally ignoring the man.

Woman:  Connor then.  Now Connor, we have you here because we need to get to the bottom of this.  We have this young man saying that you are attempting to rob him of something he values highly.  And we have you saying that it isn’t true.  We have a job Mr…Connor and that is to get the facts and only the facts.  Would you care to tell us your side of the story hmmm?

Connor leans back, the cigarette still dangling for a split second before his hand moves up to pull it out of his mouth.  With it stuck between his two fingers he points at the man.  

Connor Murphy:  I’ll tell ya what I know but I ain’t going to if he doesn’t stop glaring at me.  I don’t think that is very nice do you?

The man straightens and moves menacingly towards a smirking Connor only to have the woman restrain him.  The two talk in hushed tones, the woman calmly and the man showing his agitation.  Connor can’t help but smirk more as she gets the final word.  As she does, Connor again brings the cigarette to his lips, the lighter somehow magically in his hand and ignited as it rises towards the cigarette.

Woman:  Do I have to remind you Mr. Mur…Connor that this is a non-smoking building.

Connor looks at her before letting the lighter stop midway to the tip of the cigarette.

Connor Murphy:  What are you going to do?  Arrest me for smoking?

Man:  Damn right we will!

The woman glares up at her partner and shakes her head angrily.  Turning to smile at Connor, she reaches across the table to grasp at the hand holding the lighter and pulls it away from him once it flamed out.  A slight gasping intake of breath is the only indication that she had burned herself on the hot metal of the lighter as she sets it aside.  

Woman:  Connor, why don’t you tell us your side of this story.  We have a statement here from a J2H indicating that he suspects that you are going to try and steal his title.  Is this true?

Connor takes the cigarette from his mouth and tucks it behind his ear as he thinks about what she has just said.  He can’t help but chuckle as he lets his hand wipe at the smirk on his face as he tries to take this seriously.

Connor Murphy:  Are you telling me that Jimmy 2H had you pull me in here because he thinks that I am going to try and steal his title?  I thought Travis Nathaniel Andrews would have been behind this for me trying to rob him of some spotlight he thinks he deserves.   Hmph, I guess James really is afraid of me and what I might be doing at Blaze of Glory.

The man looks at Connor with interest, his eyes lighting up.

Man:  So you mean that you are admitting to committing this crime?  I knew it…

The man reaches for a pair of cuffs that clink as they are pulled from a back pocket.  The woman tries to stop him but the man is too quick for her and slams one of the cuffs against the wrist of Connor who rises quickly to his feet.  Yanking his hand away from the man, Connor rushes around the table to stand behind the woman who steps between him and the man intent on finishing the arrest.

Connor Murphy:  I ain’t admitting to the crime of attempted robbery you jackass.  I am telling you that it is a crime that you believe that little bastard’s lies.  This is his desperate attempt at trying to keep me from winning his title that he knows I am capable of doing so being arrested for attempted robbery would be the least of my worries.

Man:  You had better realize that I can see right through you and I am not too thrilled that you think you shouldn’t be rolled for something we both know you are more than likely planning.  I should beat you down here and now!

Woman:  What about innocent until proven guilty hmmm?

Connor Murphy:  Yeah, where’s a video camera when you need one huh?

Connor’s comment drives the man to lunge towards him with his hands curled into stiffened fingers that itch to wrap themselves around Connor’s neck.  The only prevention is the woman who steps up to her partner and puts her hands on his chest to hold him back.  The two hold a whispered conversation that Connor pretends to ignore.  He moves to sit back down, the cuff dangling from his wrist as the man stomps towards the door and yanks it open angrily.  Standing in the open doorway, he motions for another person to join the woman in the room.

Woman:  My partner is going to get coffee, can he get you anything?

Connor Murphy:  How about a bottle of beer and some pretzels?

The man sneers as the woman lowers her head, shaking it slightly her hair hiding a slight smirk.  The man pointedly ignores Connor’s request as he softly speaks to a uniformed officer who nods once then turns to leave.  Connor only smirks as he lounges back into the chair once more.  The man closes the door then leans back against it as the woman again looks up at Connor.

Woman:  So Connor, where were we?

Man:  He was admitting to wanting to steal…

Connor glares as he leans forward to point at the woman.

Connor Murphy:  Like I said, I am not going to rob James.  Get it right, he has to defend that title, hell, he was the one that made the challenge so as a matter of fact that would mean that he is offering it up to be taken, actually giving it away in a sense.  And I ask you…to give away the title, is that a crime?

The man’s look of anger fades slightly as the common sense of what Connor is trying to say begins to influence his thoughts.  The woman crosses her legs as she leans towards Connor.

Woman:  Continue sir.

Connor pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts before beginning to speak.

Connor Murphy:  Take for instance all the crap that James has been saying about me.  Talking about how I was only able to join Sin City Wrestling because of Vixen Staggs and her pillowtalk with her husband.   And if that wasn’t enough, he had the nerve to say it was because I wanted to bang her that I would talk to Vix...

The man leans forward at the lewd comment, his mouth slightly agape as if the slightest suggestion of copulation was titillating him.

Man:  Well…did you?

Connor Murphy:  I grew up with Vixen and her brother is my best friend.  Of course I wanted to but I didn’t act on it.  I mean really…keep your mind a little higher than the gutter for once.  Vixen is more like a sister to me if you really must know so that is totally off the table.

The man straightens as he wipes at his lips, hiding the slight spot of drool with a hand covering a cough so blatantly faked that the woman’s eyes roll before she turns back to Connor.

Woman:  So Connor, if you are only going to be facing this man in the ring, why then would he have us pick you up for attempted robbery?

Connor Murphy:  Maybe the question you have to ask yourself is why in the hell is James 2 H needed to get you involved.  If you ask me it is because the boy is desperate.  After all he understands what this is going to mean if I walk into that match and win his title.  It is going to mean that he is nothing more than a fluke, a flash in the pan that only managed to get the win because he was at the right place and the right time.  See, he keeps boasting about being the man of the hour by winning that gauntlet.  Yeah so he won one match that happened to be for a title.  Big deal.  

The woman and man share a look as Connor rubs his hand through his hair as his fingers wrap themselves around the cigarette and brings it forward again.  The woman’s eyebrow rises slowly as Connor sets it between his lips and lets a grin pass over his face.

Connor Murphy:  The lighter is still in my pants doll, don’t worry..I know, non-smoking building and all.  Guess I just need to have the feel of it there as I talk.  So where was I?

Woman:  Something about a big deal winning the title in one match…

Connor nods as his tongue moves over the bottom lip to the side of the cigarette.

Connor Murphy:   Yeah, the big deal of winning one match, so the brat prince managed to be lucky for one day.  One match is all that it takes and I hope that he realizes that it might only take me one match to take that title off of him.  And if I do I want him to know that I am having my one match.  And if I don’t win after that, at least I was able to shut him up.  Because in reality that is what everyone wants.

Man:  Not everyone.  He has to have fans.

Connor chuckles slightly as his body ripples from the hilarity he is fighting back.

Connor Murphy:  Oh yeah he has a fan or two at least one or two on twitter.  Oh don’t get me wrong, there are a bunch of groupies that only love him because he looks like a certain Canadian singer but if you ask me, I don’t see it.

Woman:  What do you mean you don’t see it?

Connor motions for his interrogators to move closer.  As they do, he brings his hand up to motion them even closer.   Looking around the room as if trying to hide a secret, Connor begins to whisper.

Connor Murphy:  I think that they think he looks like Bieber.  I tell you, I don’t see it.  Bieber is so much more mature and better looking.

The woman sits back with a look of shock on her face.  The man smirks at the comment and nods knowingly.   Looking at the woman, the man begins to take over the questioning.

Man:  So we know you seem to think that Mr. Huntington-Hawkes isn’t telling us the whole truth about this title he keeps harping about.  But I tell you that he is convinced that you are about to steal it.  Or at least take it from him and he wants to prevent that in the worst way.  I mean seriously.  I believe the quote he used was “Put that sonuvabitch away for good and I’ll make it worth your while.”  Now I could do that and he could end up fixing me up nicely but I want you to prove to me that I don’t want to do that

Connor can see that the man wants him to offer him more than what James 2H was.  Connor leans back and puts his feet up on the table and gives the man a smirk.

Connor Murphy:  What do you want me to say, ain’t like I got the money to match James.  Hell maybe I don’t even have the moves or the fan or shit like that.  But what I do have is my self-respect.  Hell I can sit here and listen to him talk through you about how he is the champion and that he deserves to be.  About how I talk all goth like and dark like some emo kid.  Shit like that makes me laugh.  

Woman:  How can you say that?  What do you mean?

Connor Murphy:  I mean he’s talking about me not wanting to do his little game of being in the face of everyone in the company.  Going out to the ring talking the talk, again I have to just really call bullshit on that.  Yeah I don’t do the ring thing.  So what if I decide that I want to get into my zone rather than make a spectacle of myself for the fans.  I don’t have to go out and make myself be a carbon copy of the brat prince by saying all the stuff he does.  See, when I talk about having self-respect, I mean I don’t go out and whine like a little bitch about how I don’t want the title and when I win it I will give it up like he did.  

The man looks uncomfortable as Connor spears him with a glance as his hand rises and thumps against his chest.  

Connor Murphy:  I speak from the heart.  I don’t like the mind games and the excuses that James uses.    Point blank and straight shooting is the only way I know how to do this.  I don’t rely on anyone.  I don’t need a groupie to stroke my ego.  I don’t need the adoration of a unicorn wannabe stalker who keeps suggesting he is her everything to feed my confidence.  And I sure as hell ain’t cocky enough to believe that I can’t be beaten like he keeps suggesting.  Anyone can be beaten just like he proved at My Bloody Valentine when he won the title.  

Crossing his arms over his chest, the man sniff in disbelief at the comments that Connor is making which only makes Connor shake his head as he gets to his feet.  As he does, the woman rises as well as the man moves to stand in front of Connor.

Man:  What do you think you are doing?

Connor shoots him a look as he holds up the cigarette in his fingers and waves it in the face of the man.

Connor Murphy:  You are either going to let me smoke this in here or we can go outside and finish our little conversation.  Your choice big man…make me break the law or follow it.

The woman smirks from behind Connor’s back as the man growls and then motions at the cuffs.

Man:  If that is what we are going to do, then you need to have these on.

Connor lets his lips compress together before bringing up his hands to enable the man to cuff him properly.  Once he is cuffed, he offers an elbow to the woman and smiles.  She slides her arm through his as the pair exit the room.  The man follows behind as they work their way from the interrogation room and into the parking lot.

Once outside, the woman leans against a patrol car as Connor puts the cigarette into his lips and reaches for the lighter in his pocket.  Bringing both hands up as he sparks the cigarette and then sucks in a slow burn of smoke.  Blowing it out just as slowly, he leans beside the woman who begins to talk again.

Woman:  Well, if we are to believe Mr Hawkes, you are in the match and this Travis character is in the match too.  But listening to Mr Hawkes, he seems to think you are more of a threat than Mr. Andrews.  What are your thoughts about that sir?

Connor leans towards the woman using his shoulder to give her a friendly nudge.

Connor Murphy:  I would say he’s probably right.  But I didn’t say that.  Matter of a fact, Travis ain’t really registering on my radar because I don’t really worry when I step in the ring.  James does because I want to shut him up in the worst way but Travis Andrews…What has he done in Sin City really?  I mean I know I haven’t been memorable to most of the roster because I tend to come up a little short…

The man chuckles and mutters ‘a little short’ with a snigger that gets Connor’s attention.  The man wipes at his smile and turns away as the woman shakes her head at him.  

Connor Murphy:  As I was saying, Travis just doesn’t worry me at all because he is just as cocky as the champion is.  And if you ask me that is just asking for trouble you know.  I mean I could kick his ass just as easily and totally cut James out of the title picture all together.   Yeah, can you picture that happening, me kicking the crap out of Travie and pinning him to win the title.  I wonder if James even thought of that?

Woman:  Oh I am sure that has crossed his mind once or twice.  

Connor Murphy:  You’re probably right.  James couldn’t be that dumb even though he’s got Melody Grace rubbing off on him or rubbing him or some such nonsense.   Watching those conversations on Twitter…would make anyone sick to their stomachs.    

The man once more wipes at the drool on his lips at the suggestion of wrestler porn action.  Connor inhales another long drag from the cigarette then putting his fingers along the filter, he pulls it away to let the smoke trickle from his lips as he contemplates the glowing ember at the end before flicking it towards the man who jumps to avoid being burned.  

Connor Murphy:  So I suppose now that I am done my cig we can go back inside.  

The woman stands again as Connor moves towards the station and begins to climb the stairs.  He stops at the top of the stairs as the pair follow behind him.  He watches as they get to the stair just below where he is standing and as they look up at him, he smiles.

Connor Murphy:  I just thought of something.  You two ain’t got me for anything you know.  James wouldn’t be desperate enough to have me charged with anything because he knows that I am a threat and that his title reign wouldn’t be legit if he didn’t beat me in that ring.  And Travis wants to prove once and for all that he is some kind of significant contribution to the company and here I am just walking into the match with only one thing on my agenda.

The man looks at Connor with a cocky smirk on his face as he crosses his arms once more.

Man:  Oh really, and what could that be?

Connor Murphy:  I’m just looking for a fight plain and simple…like the one that is going to happen in about five seconds…

Connor swings at the man sending him to the pavement with a double ax handle to the jaw.  The woman reaches for something in a pocket as Connor is surrounded by officers and men.  Fighting his way through the group he is about to make his escape when the woman steps in front of him and holds up her hand, a small black instrument in her grip.  Connor moves closer as her finger presses inwards and the soft twang of the leads being released and the umph of pain that escapes Connor on their impact.  Suddenly the thrum of electricity is heard as Connor is taken down and begins to twitch uncontrollably…

Connor jolts awake in his own bed, shivers still working their way through his body as if the dream was real.  On the dresser across from his bed, the snow of the television is barely heard as he runs a hand over his now sweating face.  Self consciously laughing at himself, Connor swings his feet out of the bed and onto the floor.
 
Connor Murphy:  It was a dream…holy hell.  

Looking at the clock, Connor sees that it is only four am and then with a groan falls backwards onto the bed as he reaches for the remote.  The last thing seen in the room is Connor’s hand pointing the remote at the television and pressing a button.  As the room goes dark, Connor’s voice breaks the silence of it.

Connor Murphy:  Won’t be a dream on Sunday for sure…