Post by theprotagonist on Apr 3, 2015 18:14:37 GMT -5
"I wouldn't profess to be perfect. Some may say I'm still wet behind the ears, that I'm too green to make this leap. I say, if you're good enough, you're old enough. Experience is a virtue, but it will only take you so far."
As his voice fades in Jamie Jackson comes into view, sat on a wooden chair in an empty room. Behind him looms a large black wall. He leans forward continuing his speech.
"Carmine Reaper, Ryan Zane, CJ O'Donell, Deacon Wolfe, John Carter, TJ McDaniels and Hayden Phoenix. I will expose these charlatans for their flaws and weaknesses. For their sins. In Trials and Tribulations the righteous will prevail. Some of these competitors have talent, some of them are good wrestlers. But I am a great wrestler. You may have to see it to believe it, but under estimate me at your peril.
Allow me to take on the role of the teacher here. While I may not be able to mentor some of you so-called 'seasoned professionals' in the ring, I can certainly educate you out of it, for the time being. Here is why the young and innocent protagonist will succeed. Here are your flaws. Your sins. While you may all be different in size, style and even sex, you all have one fallible flaw. You each suffer from idolatry of the self. In this match the subjective, yourselves, will reign over the objective, the victory. All seven of you carry this trait, but in different forms. Allow me to elaborate on your seven deadly sins."
He pulls a small piece of white chalk from his shirt pocket. stands up and limps slowly over towards the black wall behind him. He begins by writing the words 'CARMINE REAPER = PRIDE'
"Carmine Reaper. Former champion of this, former champion of that. The man who has come to make NGSE his 'next kingdom', like the king that he is. Oh how modest and self-righteous of you Lord Reaper. May we all bow down to your royal plethora of talents and achievements. I see you suffer with great PRIDE."
He points to the word.
"Now who could 'SUFFER' with pride? Surely, pride in ones achievements and abilities would be a good thing? Something that would breed confidence in one's own talents. Arguably, yes. Confidence is not something you are bereft of, we all known that Lord Reaper. But your pride goes way beyond celebrating your own success and talents. You are basking in it, dining out on those glory days to the point where you believe your own hype. The sin of pride is essentially believing you are better than all others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of your adversaries, and excessive admiration of one's self. Your pride, your vainglory and your boasting will be your downfall. You put yourself on such a high pedestal that you will underestimate not just myself but possibly everyone else in this matchup.
Perhaps your outwardly bullish manner and over inflated ego are masking something. Masking those inner demons that made you such a lost soul. Perhaps you spend so much time alone because that way you only have yourself to massage that ego. Surrounding yourself with company might reveal some home truths and that self-fulfilling prophecy might begin to wane. You call yourself 'the everyday kind of man'. Again, believing your own hype. What 'everyday man' sits alone in the dark all day long? You say 'no matter who is in that match I'm going through them'. Again, your sense of self has you warped. You fail to see what's really in front you. And right now, there are seven other competitors looking to bring you crashing down to earth, looking to expose you for the charlatan you really are."
He moves back to the wall, this time writing RYAN ZANE = GREED.
"Ryan Zane, the unknown entity in this scenario. Even greener than me in terms of NGSE. But I've done some digging around, Ryan, and I see your fallacies too. You, my friend, are a greedy man. And this will be your downfall. Greed can manifest itself in many ways, mostly in a materialistic forms. Your greed is your appetite for fame, for acceptance. You're craving the spotlight, desperate to be noticed by the opposite sex, crying out for acceptance. I know you spent a great deal of time throwing yourself around the place in Hollywood, risking your body and your life while the talented actors took all the fame, glory and credit. They got the money, they got the women, you got the bumps and bruises. So you tried your luck. Played your own cards. Clearly you got dealt a bad hand. Things didn't take off. But the drive in you is strong. You're so determined, so inspirational! Oh how that fame and life of wealth and women was not going to allude you, not at any cost! So how else can you get your name out there? Of course, of course. Professional wrestling. Where else do people get thrown around the place every week? After all, that's your forte, right? Who needs hours of training and honing your craft when you know how to take a fall? Big mistake. This world of wrestling may lead you to fame. It may make you money. It may even get women to like you. But this profession is an art. A craft. Your one-track mind and selfish attitude will be the death of you. You will not succeed in this business. Because you're greedy. You care not for applying yourself. Developing your technique. You're so desperate for this lifestyle that you're even competing on the other side of the world. It's no secret that you're flying to Anzac in between in matches for NGSE. How can a man like that fulfil his full potential in the ring when he's clocking up so many air miles? You are a weak minded individual with many unresolved issues. I don't know about your childhood, but I'm guessing something went on back there to cause this overwhelming greed. I fear not for you as a threat in this matchup, I merely fear for your sanity as a greedy and appalling individual."
Underneath the previous he writes CJ O'DONNELL = GLUTTONY.
"Eat big. Train big. That's what they say don't they? Anyone desperate to pile on the pounds to such excess must be a glutton for punishment. Now up to a whopping one hundred and sixty pounds, yet still your physique, CJ, is a fabrication of your true self. You've been over indulging in training, weight gain and improving your physicality so much but it's clearly taking your eye off the ball. Last week you couldn't beat the likes of John Carter; a man who can't buy a win. And Keg, the moronic beer-boasting cliche with the worst UWL record in history. You've hardly been seen or heard from in recent times. I'm sure you wished nobody saw you in that Five Lakes Championship match too after that farce. I don't know where you've been, or what you've been up to. Presumably guzzling on spinach and protein shakes in order to get redemption on the high school bullies. Or spending your days in the gym, over-indulging yourself in training in order to gain your brothers' respect. Your extravagant need for self-respect concerns me. I cannot see how you made it into this matchup, but there always must be fodder, something to separate the weak from the chaff. You certainly are 'distinguished'. I can distinguish your blatant lack of talent compared to some of the other competitors in this match. Bask in your moment of glory, CJ, because I don't see you making waves around here anytime soon."
Underneath again, he writes DEACON WOLFE = LUST.
"This is the twenty first century. Society is finally coming round to reflect on the fact that men and women are indeed equal. And what's great about professional wrestling is that it offers the opportunity to showcase this. We are all on a level playing field. So to throw a female member of the roster into the mix will bring intrigue and interest from various pockets of the wrestling community. Quite why Deacon Wolfe was handpicked for this role, I am yet to fathom. But stand proud Deacon, for you are going to be the one who casts doubt into the fans minds. 'Could a woman become NGSE champion?' they will say. 'Oh no, we all saw what happened to poor Deacon Wolfe,' they will reply. Well, I'm not they. I'm a well-rounded, level-headed individual. I'm here to say a woman CAN be NGSE Heavyweight champion. And probably will be. Just not you. But here's why. You are sinned. Just like your contemporaries here in the Trials and Tribulations match. You suffer with lust. Yes, it's true. Lust for for fame, lust for the perfect image, lust for your failing partner Timothy Hunt. That last one isn't ordinarily a bad thing. We all need a little romance in our lives. Ryan Zane will attest to that, the poor lonely sod. But all I see in NGSE and on social media outlets is this sickening love-in between the two of you. It didn't get either of you anywhere in Pittsburgh, it won't get you anywhere this time around. You both seem more interested in each other and your image that you haven't really applied yourself to really achieve anything here in NGSE. It has be known that the penitent of lust walks within flames to purge themselves of lustful thoughts and feelings. That's what you're doing here, Deacon. This match will be your awakening. While I applaud the inclusion of a female wrestler in this bout, I am disappointed that it is you who should inhibit their progression to the upper ranks."
He writes JOHN CARTER = SLOTH
"On the subject of non-application, we move onto the sloth. Sloth in every sense of the word. There is no progression from John Carter, no development, no charisma, no anything. I've witnessed the dullest, laziest promos in the history of professional wrestling from this guy. If his opponent hasn't jumped out at him with a few personal insults, he doesn't know what to do or say about them. No research on his part about who he's facing, no comments what so ever. This is why he is the sloth. And why, quite frankly, he can't buy a win in NGSE. If you can't be beat CJ O'Donnell, a small boy trapped in his own high-school nightmare, or Keg, the beer-swilling bore-fest, or Zero, the butt-slapping lunatic, then there's no way you can overcome this obstacle. Train yourself, wise up, research your opponents, christ, I shouldn't have to be the one telling you this. You don't' have what it takes to succeed in this business, I'm afraid. Let's not beat around the bush, sloth."
He writes TJ MCDANIELS = WRATH
"The motor city monster making his return to NGSE after suspension. How exciting. How alluring for the fans of Kentucky to witness the presence of this physical specimen. Or not. Mcdaniels may be a monster alright. He may be big. He may be tough. But there's nothing going on upstairs with this kid. He'll be like a bull in a china shop charging around the place unleashing his fury on whoever gets in his way. That may work one on one. That may work when you're cowardly attacking people from behind. But in a match with seven other wrestlers, you can't take your eye off the ball. There are seasoned professionals competing here, with bags of experience. They will be looking to seize that opportunity, when your back is turned, and your shot at the title will be over before you know it. You're just a big battering ram, TJ. With nothing between the ears. You're wrath and rage has already taken you all the way down under to Anzac, and already got you suspended. You're so fuelled with uncontrolled feelings of hate and anger that you don't even see what's in front of you. I've seen you wrestle. Tough, like I said, but nothing impressive. I've heard you speak and there's no substance to anything you say. You talk a lot without saying anything at all. Full of cliches and nervous laughs. I don't know what fuels your wrath, but when it manifests it is an ugly scene. It may intimidate others. But any wrestler with half a brain will see their opportunity and take advantage of your weakness. Your sins will fail you here."
Finally, he writes HAYDEN PHOENIX = ENVY
"Ah yes. Hello old friend. I'm sure you're feeling rather smug today after our encounter. And let me be the first to congratulate you. I dominated the match in truth but let my guard down at the last minute. A rookie's mistake but if you're not willing to learn you're not going to develop in this business. Your sin is perhaps not the most severe, and so it is to my benefit that we have already faced each other. I know you now. I know you like the back of my hand. It is fresh in my memory, and fresh on my mind. My leg still hurts, and so does my pride. That will fuel me. I've heard all the positive things you've had to say about me. And I'm grateful for the respect you've shown. That respect is mutual, I can't deny it. More so now after our match. It would be arrogant of me to stand here and critique your in-ring abilities, especially when the score is one-nil to you. But, all this buttering me up? All this complimenting other wrestlers? This nice-guy image is becoming a sickening scene for all to witness. I pride myself on being honourable, righteous and where necessary, respectful of others. But this charade you keep up of being holier than thou doesn't wash with me. I see your sins. You're envious. Envious of the abilities you see in others that you don't possess yourself. You have an abundance of technical ability, that we can't deny. Hours of in-ring training will bless you with these skills. You saw me come into NGSE and you knew from the off you had met your match. That someone on the scene was as good as you without even trying. Without the experience. Just think, if I can run you that close in my first match here how good will I be a few months down the line? I'm on an upward curve, developing all the the time. Green, yes. Wet behind the ears, metaphorically speaking. But you saw me walk into your domain, where you were the fresh-faced hard-working fan favourite. The technical supremo. You saw me come in and you saw yourself, only with more charisma. More panache. More potential. You keep it clean, you keep it sweet. Trying not to pick fights with anyone, trying not to unleash their wrath or fury. You may assume that you can walk into this match unnoticed, the underdog, no one gunning for you outright, and come away the victor. You talk about alliances, I do not wish to take sides in this match. I am going into this alone, and coming out alone, as number one contender.
Now you all see why you will fail. I wish not to cast doubt in your minds with these home truths. But should you wish to seek confession to absolve you of your mortal sins, I am all ears. If not, you will be condemned to your wrestling hell when that Heavyweight title shot slips away before your very eyes.
The winner of this match goes on to face Ethan Birch for the title. The prize is there for someone to make a name for themselves. The story is yet to be written. The lead character in this story, if you don't know it already, will be 'The Protagonist'. See you in the ring, my sinners."
The scene fades out as he hobbles out of view.
As his voice fades in Jamie Jackson comes into view, sat on a wooden chair in an empty room. Behind him looms a large black wall. He leans forward continuing his speech.
"Carmine Reaper, Ryan Zane, CJ O'Donell, Deacon Wolfe, John Carter, TJ McDaniels and Hayden Phoenix. I will expose these charlatans for their flaws and weaknesses. For their sins. In Trials and Tribulations the righteous will prevail. Some of these competitors have talent, some of them are good wrestlers. But I am a great wrestler. You may have to see it to believe it, but under estimate me at your peril.
Allow me to take on the role of the teacher here. While I may not be able to mentor some of you so-called 'seasoned professionals' in the ring, I can certainly educate you out of it, for the time being. Here is why the young and innocent protagonist will succeed. Here are your flaws. Your sins. While you may all be different in size, style and even sex, you all have one fallible flaw. You each suffer from idolatry of the self. In this match the subjective, yourselves, will reign over the objective, the victory. All seven of you carry this trait, but in different forms. Allow me to elaborate on your seven deadly sins."
He pulls a small piece of white chalk from his shirt pocket. stands up and limps slowly over towards the black wall behind him. He begins by writing the words 'CARMINE REAPER = PRIDE'
"Carmine Reaper. Former champion of this, former champion of that. The man who has come to make NGSE his 'next kingdom', like the king that he is. Oh how modest and self-righteous of you Lord Reaper. May we all bow down to your royal plethora of talents and achievements. I see you suffer with great PRIDE."
He points to the word.
"Now who could 'SUFFER' with pride? Surely, pride in ones achievements and abilities would be a good thing? Something that would breed confidence in one's own talents. Arguably, yes. Confidence is not something you are bereft of, we all known that Lord Reaper. But your pride goes way beyond celebrating your own success and talents. You are basking in it, dining out on those glory days to the point where you believe your own hype. The sin of pride is essentially believing you are better than all others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of your adversaries, and excessive admiration of one's self. Your pride, your vainglory and your boasting will be your downfall. You put yourself on such a high pedestal that you will underestimate not just myself but possibly everyone else in this matchup.
Perhaps your outwardly bullish manner and over inflated ego are masking something. Masking those inner demons that made you such a lost soul. Perhaps you spend so much time alone because that way you only have yourself to massage that ego. Surrounding yourself with company might reveal some home truths and that self-fulfilling prophecy might begin to wane. You call yourself 'the everyday kind of man'. Again, believing your own hype. What 'everyday man' sits alone in the dark all day long? You say 'no matter who is in that match I'm going through them'. Again, your sense of self has you warped. You fail to see what's really in front you. And right now, there are seven other competitors looking to bring you crashing down to earth, looking to expose you for the charlatan you really are."
He moves back to the wall, this time writing RYAN ZANE = GREED.
"Ryan Zane, the unknown entity in this scenario. Even greener than me in terms of NGSE. But I've done some digging around, Ryan, and I see your fallacies too. You, my friend, are a greedy man. And this will be your downfall. Greed can manifest itself in many ways, mostly in a materialistic forms. Your greed is your appetite for fame, for acceptance. You're craving the spotlight, desperate to be noticed by the opposite sex, crying out for acceptance. I know you spent a great deal of time throwing yourself around the place in Hollywood, risking your body and your life while the talented actors took all the fame, glory and credit. They got the money, they got the women, you got the bumps and bruises. So you tried your luck. Played your own cards. Clearly you got dealt a bad hand. Things didn't take off. But the drive in you is strong. You're so determined, so inspirational! Oh how that fame and life of wealth and women was not going to allude you, not at any cost! So how else can you get your name out there? Of course, of course. Professional wrestling. Where else do people get thrown around the place every week? After all, that's your forte, right? Who needs hours of training and honing your craft when you know how to take a fall? Big mistake. This world of wrestling may lead you to fame. It may make you money. It may even get women to like you. But this profession is an art. A craft. Your one-track mind and selfish attitude will be the death of you. You will not succeed in this business. Because you're greedy. You care not for applying yourself. Developing your technique. You're so desperate for this lifestyle that you're even competing on the other side of the world. It's no secret that you're flying to Anzac in between in matches for NGSE. How can a man like that fulfil his full potential in the ring when he's clocking up so many air miles? You are a weak minded individual with many unresolved issues. I don't know about your childhood, but I'm guessing something went on back there to cause this overwhelming greed. I fear not for you as a threat in this matchup, I merely fear for your sanity as a greedy and appalling individual."
Underneath the previous he writes CJ O'DONNELL = GLUTTONY.
"Eat big. Train big. That's what they say don't they? Anyone desperate to pile on the pounds to such excess must be a glutton for punishment. Now up to a whopping one hundred and sixty pounds, yet still your physique, CJ, is a fabrication of your true self. You've been over indulging in training, weight gain and improving your physicality so much but it's clearly taking your eye off the ball. Last week you couldn't beat the likes of John Carter; a man who can't buy a win. And Keg, the moronic beer-boasting cliche with the worst UWL record in history. You've hardly been seen or heard from in recent times. I'm sure you wished nobody saw you in that Five Lakes Championship match too after that farce. I don't know where you've been, or what you've been up to. Presumably guzzling on spinach and protein shakes in order to get redemption on the high school bullies. Or spending your days in the gym, over-indulging yourself in training in order to gain your brothers' respect. Your extravagant need for self-respect concerns me. I cannot see how you made it into this matchup, but there always must be fodder, something to separate the weak from the chaff. You certainly are 'distinguished'. I can distinguish your blatant lack of talent compared to some of the other competitors in this match. Bask in your moment of glory, CJ, because I don't see you making waves around here anytime soon."
Underneath again, he writes DEACON WOLFE = LUST.
"This is the twenty first century. Society is finally coming round to reflect on the fact that men and women are indeed equal. And what's great about professional wrestling is that it offers the opportunity to showcase this. We are all on a level playing field. So to throw a female member of the roster into the mix will bring intrigue and interest from various pockets of the wrestling community. Quite why Deacon Wolfe was handpicked for this role, I am yet to fathom. But stand proud Deacon, for you are going to be the one who casts doubt into the fans minds. 'Could a woman become NGSE champion?' they will say. 'Oh no, we all saw what happened to poor Deacon Wolfe,' they will reply. Well, I'm not they. I'm a well-rounded, level-headed individual. I'm here to say a woman CAN be NGSE Heavyweight champion. And probably will be. Just not you. But here's why. You are sinned. Just like your contemporaries here in the Trials and Tribulations match. You suffer with lust. Yes, it's true. Lust for for fame, lust for the perfect image, lust for your failing partner Timothy Hunt. That last one isn't ordinarily a bad thing. We all need a little romance in our lives. Ryan Zane will attest to that, the poor lonely sod. But all I see in NGSE and on social media outlets is this sickening love-in between the two of you. It didn't get either of you anywhere in Pittsburgh, it won't get you anywhere this time around. You both seem more interested in each other and your image that you haven't really applied yourself to really achieve anything here in NGSE. It has be known that the penitent of lust walks within flames to purge themselves of lustful thoughts and feelings. That's what you're doing here, Deacon. This match will be your awakening. While I applaud the inclusion of a female wrestler in this bout, I am disappointed that it is you who should inhibit their progression to the upper ranks."
He writes JOHN CARTER = SLOTH
"On the subject of non-application, we move onto the sloth. Sloth in every sense of the word. There is no progression from John Carter, no development, no charisma, no anything. I've witnessed the dullest, laziest promos in the history of professional wrestling from this guy. If his opponent hasn't jumped out at him with a few personal insults, he doesn't know what to do or say about them. No research on his part about who he's facing, no comments what so ever. This is why he is the sloth. And why, quite frankly, he can't buy a win in NGSE. If you can't be beat CJ O'Donnell, a small boy trapped in his own high-school nightmare, or Keg, the beer-swilling bore-fest, or Zero, the butt-slapping lunatic, then there's no way you can overcome this obstacle. Train yourself, wise up, research your opponents, christ, I shouldn't have to be the one telling you this. You don't' have what it takes to succeed in this business, I'm afraid. Let's not beat around the bush, sloth."
He writes TJ MCDANIELS = WRATH
"The motor city monster making his return to NGSE after suspension. How exciting. How alluring for the fans of Kentucky to witness the presence of this physical specimen. Or not. Mcdaniels may be a monster alright. He may be big. He may be tough. But there's nothing going on upstairs with this kid. He'll be like a bull in a china shop charging around the place unleashing his fury on whoever gets in his way. That may work one on one. That may work when you're cowardly attacking people from behind. But in a match with seven other wrestlers, you can't take your eye off the ball. There are seasoned professionals competing here, with bags of experience. They will be looking to seize that opportunity, when your back is turned, and your shot at the title will be over before you know it. You're just a big battering ram, TJ. With nothing between the ears. You're wrath and rage has already taken you all the way down under to Anzac, and already got you suspended. You're so fuelled with uncontrolled feelings of hate and anger that you don't even see what's in front of you. I've seen you wrestle. Tough, like I said, but nothing impressive. I've heard you speak and there's no substance to anything you say. You talk a lot without saying anything at all. Full of cliches and nervous laughs. I don't know what fuels your wrath, but when it manifests it is an ugly scene. It may intimidate others. But any wrestler with half a brain will see their opportunity and take advantage of your weakness. Your sins will fail you here."
Finally, he writes HAYDEN PHOENIX = ENVY
"Ah yes. Hello old friend. I'm sure you're feeling rather smug today after our encounter. And let me be the first to congratulate you. I dominated the match in truth but let my guard down at the last minute. A rookie's mistake but if you're not willing to learn you're not going to develop in this business. Your sin is perhaps not the most severe, and so it is to my benefit that we have already faced each other. I know you now. I know you like the back of my hand. It is fresh in my memory, and fresh on my mind. My leg still hurts, and so does my pride. That will fuel me. I've heard all the positive things you've had to say about me. And I'm grateful for the respect you've shown. That respect is mutual, I can't deny it. More so now after our match. It would be arrogant of me to stand here and critique your in-ring abilities, especially when the score is one-nil to you. But, all this buttering me up? All this complimenting other wrestlers? This nice-guy image is becoming a sickening scene for all to witness. I pride myself on being honourable, righteous and where necessary, respectful of others. But this charade you keep up of being holier than thou doesn't wash with me. I see your sins. You're envious. Envious of the abilities you see in others that you don't possess yourself. You have an abundance of technical ability, that we can't deny. Hours of in-ring training will bless you with these skills. You saw me come into NGSE and you knew from the off you had met your match. That someone on the scene was as good as you without even trying. Without the experience. Just think, if I can run you that close in my first match here how good will I be a few months down the line? I'm on an upward curve, developing all the the time. Green, yes. Wet behind the ears, metaphorically speaking. But you saw me walk into your domain, where you were the fresh-faced hard-working fan favourite. The technical supremo. You saw me come in and you saw yourself, only with more charisma. More panache. More potential. You keep it clean, you keep it sweet. Trying not to pick fights with anyone, trying not to unleash their wrath or fury. You may assume that you can walk into this match unnoticed, the underdog, no one gunning for you outright, and come away the victor. You talk about alliances, I do not wish to take sides in this match. I am going into this alone, and coming out alone, as number one contender.
Now you all see why you will fail. I wish not to cast doubt in your minds with these home truths. But should you wish to seek confession to absolve you of your mortal sins, I am all ears. If not, you will be condemned to your wrestling hell when that Heavyweight title shot slips away before your very eyes.
The winner of this match goes on to face Ethan Birch for the title. The prize is there for someone to make a name for themselves. The story is yet to be written. The lead character in this story, if you don't know it already, will be 'The Protagonist'. See you in the ring, my sinners."
The scene fades out as he hobbles out of view.
