Post by Avery Miles III on Aug 11, 2016 6:45:07 GMT -5
051 * Paid My Dues
Scene 001 - Home of Avery and Taylor - Indio, California - August 11th, 2016
OFF CAMERA
*We open as Avery Miles III is at home enjoying some time with Taylor and Brooklyn. Taylor is relaxing on the couch for a change, something she rarely gets to do. Avery looks quite silly sitting on a small plastic chair, careful not to break it. Princess Brooklyn is serving him only the finest of teas as he chows down on imaginary cookies*
Avery: This is quite delicious, Princess Brooklyn!
Brooklyn: Yum, Daddy!
Avery: Don’t you mean Court Jester, Daddy?
*The three year old blonde has a good laugh at that one*
Taylor: Or maybe he's the King.
*Taylor moves to sit beside her daughter on the floor.*
Taylor: And you know the King would do anything for his baby princess.
*Taylor looks over at Avery with a genuine smile.*
Avery: Always! The Princess, and my Queen…
*He looks back at Taylor and smiles*
Avery: … well, they both come first!
*Brooklyn stands up from the chair and heads over to her father. She wraps her arms around his leg and loves on her daddy.*
Brooklyn: I love you, Daddy!
Avery: Aww, I love you took my little Princess.
*The three year old runs over to her mom and reaches up for more of the same from her mom*
Taylor: I love you, forever and ever.
*She hugs her baby girl tighter*
Avery: Time for a bath, Brooky! I am going to straighten this up. Why don’t you go on upstairs and pick out some jammies. And a book. We will get you a bath, a story, and bed time.
*The doe eyed blonde girl nods and runs upstairs in a flash*
Avery: That girl is the sweetest. Reminds me of someone.
Taylor: Let’s me help you get that-
Avery: You relax, babe. I got it. You had a hard day of training. Let me put in some work for a change.
*He smiles, cleaning up the tea party*
Taylor: Doesn't mean I should shrink my mom duties.
*She reaches out to caress the side of his face*
Taylor: You know, I noticed something
*She starts helping her clean up the toys*
Taylor: We’re not married, been together less time and yet we have a more stable relationship than Gavin and Ash. Don't get me wrong, outside of a ring I have nothing but love for both of them but it was just something I noticed
Avery: I don’t want to talk bad about them. I just… they do their own thing. It’s whatever. I just hate that he and others bring up how you are my new “shiny” thing. It’s… aggravating. I just… it bothers me so much.
Taylor: Apparently people think using me is the way to get under your skin. If who you're dating really had any relevance to wrestling talent there would be a lot of people that would have never been champions or successful
*She sighs*
Taylor: It's not like we are two random people. We have known each other for nearly 14 years. We dated before. It's not like every other relationship in this business. I mean how long were Gav and Ash even together before he proposed and then they elope! They're barely adults.
*Taylor’s voice starts to take on the trademark ‘ranting’ tone*
Avery: I really wish them the best. I would never want to fight with you like they fight. I sort of like these tea parties. And watching television and cuddling. I just… I don’t get what the whole point is. I never was intentionally going at them, Tay. I just wish that I would get the respect that I think I deserve. And he is basically disregarding me and what I have done. Breaking my back all across the country. And he is the standard bearer.
*Avery shakes his head*
Avery: I just… I don’t know why he needs to come at me like that? Just because you and I are good, and I can come home to a great family after a loss… I am mediocre? I am a failure?
*He sighs*
Taylor: You hold two title belts in two companies and came close to a third in FSW. You are far from a failure. You are arguably one of the hardest working in this business.
Avery: Tell that to anyone else.
*He pulls her in closer on the couch, and offering a kiss*
Avery: At the end of the day, I have you and Brooklyn. We are all happy. I have something that a title cannot hold a candle to. He might be the greatest in NGW, but I feel like the greatest by lucking out with the two of you.
*Taylor takes a deep breath*
Taylor: It's obvious that he's afraid of losing her. He’s amazed that such a free spirit has agreed to settle down with him but in the back if his mind, he’s not sure he can hurt Ash. We are all trained to put on a brave face and convince an audience that we're the shit. That we’re invincible. What I noticed the most about Gavin is, he talks TOO much.
*She gives Avery a smile*
Taylor: When the day comes that you and I have to stand on opposite corners I will never give you less than everything and after it's all said and done, I know that we’ll walk out still loving each other the same. Gavin has been one of the biggest bullies in this business so him coming out with those accusations is simply borrowing someone else's words. If you gotta quote your opponent's last opponent who lost, then maybe your material is running out.
*Avery is taken back, it is obvious that Taylor takes the attacks to her boyfriend a little more to heart. He has been in this position over and over again, and has become accustomed to people attacking him with personal shots*
Avery: I think think that he has so much pressure on him Tay. It’s… I think he is forced to lash out to those around him. Win or loss, I will still shake his hand regardless. And I will leave the ring with my head raised. Period.
Taylor: Don't get me wrong, I respect him, what he’s done but bringing up Alycia? SHE LEFT YOU! Does he not get that? She's the one that decided that the miscarriage was too hard. That it wasn't worth fighting for your relationship. Regardless of what happens with us Ave, I'm not going to leave. And I know that you would fight until your last breath for us and if Gavin doesn't know that... well that hurts a lot.
*Avery smiles at her and kisses her.*
Avery: You are my rock. Regardless of whatever happens, you have been here for me. And I appreciate that. And allowing me to give Brooky a real father; that means the world to me.
*He kisses her again*
Avery: This… this is perfect.
*He smiles at her ready to tuck the Princess in for the night*
Taylor: I’ll go give our princess a goodnight kiss and then I’ll make us some hot chocolate and we’ll cuddle on the couch with some movies. Sound good?
Avery: You are too sweet. Sounds good.
*He has a seat on the couch*
Avery: Hot Chocolate and movies. We are such boring parents.
*He laughs*
Taylor: Won't be boring when we go to bed
*She gives him a little slap on his behind before going up the stairs*
Avery: I love that woman.
*Avery flips the television on as he gets ready for some adult time*
Scene 002 - Indio Police HQ - Indio, California - August 11th, 2016 - Earlier in the Day
OFF CAMERA
*Avery Miles III is sitting in the lobby of the Police Headquarters. He taps his foot patiently.*
Det. Abraham: Mr. Miles?
*Avery nods as he follows the Detective into his office*
Det. Abraham: I first off want to thank you for coming in. I know this is not easy.
Avery: Can we just get this over with?
Det. Abraham: Yes sir, sorry. So we were able to match some paint scratches to a particular model and we have a list of possible people that it could be. We are trying to confirm a couple of things.
*He pulls out an evidence bag with a piece of jewelry*
Det. Abraham: Did thing belong to your wife, sir?
*Avery grabs the bag as a few tears begin to fall from his eyes. It is a gold locket*
Avery: May… May I?
*The detective nods. Avery pulls it out as opens the locket. It is a picture of Avery, Zoe, and Taylor only days before Taylor had to move away. He holds the locket in his hand as he barely keeps it together*
Det. Abraham: Is that you?
Avery: Yes. It was my wife, myself, and Taylor.
*The detective nods*
Det. Abraham: You can keep this. We wanted to make sure it was claimed in person. In addition, we have a few questions about why your wife may have been on that side of town. It seems out of the ordinary for her.
Avery: What are you saying?
Det. Abraham: Nothing definitely. We just, we are exploring all options and possibilities. We want to bring justice for you and your family.
Avery: Thank you.
Scene 003 - Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA - August 12th, 2016
*We open as Avery Miles III stands backstage in the arena as he is in front of an NGW logo backdrop. He stands in street clothes alone, with a look of no emotion*
We are almost there. Just a day and some hours away from the battle of Grimes versus Miles. A match that I’ve wanted to prove myself, and yet a match that was not even on the list of matches that Gavin Grimes even considered. Nevertheless, we are here.
*He offers a slight smile*
You brought up quitting. How you’ve never quit. Never surrendered. Never given up. But you know what? I've never quit either. I've continued along even with failure. And losses. And tragedies. If anything, I have more of a reason to have quit or given up, and here I am. I’ve paid my dues as well. I might be a third generation, but I was a nobody when I started. I used a fake name. I did not want to rest upon the history of my father and his before him. I trained in an old school facility. One of the few trainees of a place that was literally falling apart in on itself.
I am not okay with failure, but it does not define me. That is the difference. I can use failure as a means of forwarding my career. My training. I use it as a lesson.
I hate that you try and turn things around on me, calling me arrogant. Am I not able to gloat about beating someone that is essentially using my own personal tragedies as fodder? So you are saying that if I came out and took personal shots at you and Ash, about her being being attacked by Dirk... that you wouldn't want to gloat after beating me? Making a point of rubbing it in my face? You are cocky and arrogant, yes. But I didn't see you as a liar either. And alas, Alycia is brought up as well. You think I didn't fight for her? You only know what I've allowed to be seen. Just like you and Ash only show what you allow people to see. Behind closed doors, Gav. Behind closed doors.
*Avery paces back and forth. He focuses in on the camera, not allowing his emotions to control his speech*
I know that I don't know the whole story that is Gavin Grimes. Just like you don't know everything I've gone through. Dealt with. My own setbacks, personally and professionally. I even agree with you about Ashleigh. Ash is a great person. I’ve even said that you two were made for each other. I see how happy the both of you are. I had a conversation with her to help better myself. I came to HER for advice. I know how amazing she is, even through her tough exterior. She can be a softy, you know that. And I am glad that the both of you have each other. And I just hope that you two can maybe find that calm that you both deserve. No personal shots. Just well wishes, Gav. I only want the very best because after this match is over, I still consider you a friend and someone that I truly respect. I can keep personal and professional live separate. I just hope that you can do that as well. I know that Gavin and “Gabbin” are two entirely different people.
*Avery pulls out his phone and brings up an image of Avery and Brooklyn. Avery is wearing a tiara as Brooklyn has a fake scepter in her hands. He turns the phone’s screen to the camera*
I said that I would rather share time with my daughter than to battle those around me, yes. You do your thing. I do mine. I am just saying that we go about our personal lives in a different manner. I am not above saying I have made my mistakes. I have been a shitty friend at time. It is public knowledge that I cut a promo in a drunken stupor. I am only human, Gavin. I have no room to judge you. I just make sure that regardless of what happens inside of the ring, I make sure to not take the weight of that home. I go home and I am not a champion. I am not a man that had to defend the choices that he has made. I am daddy. I am her hero. I am the loving boyfriend of Taylor. That is who I am. I don’t define myself by my in ring failures.
*Avery slides the phone back into his pocket and nods into the camera. He looks down at the ground, and slowly back up at the camera as his brow arches slightly*
I feel almost as though people want it both ways. Avery Miles, one of the most successful in NGW. Beating nobodies week in and week out. Or, Avery Miles... can't get the job done and simply chokes when it counts. You say that I am content with mediocrity, and yet I am signed to three companies. Have had other companies fold that I was signed to. I was in two companies that did not treat me the best and made me look like a fool. Took on the challenge of fighting for NGW in the Super Falcon Cup and winning. You represented the company in Manifest Destiny. And I applaud you for that. And I know that was a MUCH bigger tournament. But if I was okay with just getting by, why would I bust my ass to hold two titles? And sign up for a third company. A company owned by a one, Chris Night. I might be a willing to help a newer company out get things going; I guess that is a downfall of mine.
*Avery looks down at the chair just off camera, as it pans. There sits his NGW Marquee and IPW Heritage Titles. He smiles as the camera pans back*
I've been in contact with Devlin about my title run. And I wanted to bring stability. This is a better time now than ever, I guess. Win or lose, after Victory and Honor... I will vacate the Marquee Title and move back into the Five Lakes Division. Or is that not good enough either? Would you rather see me in the Unified? Because if that is what it takes to earn some fucking respect around here, I will do it. I thought that I would maybe earn some after beating Jenson and taking his title, but apparently no. You are right. It WAS an upset victory. Just like this coming Saturday my victory over you will be an upset as well. And after I win, I will have put everyone on notice. Come Saturday night, will I be one hundred percent? Honestly, I doubt it. I am healing these ribs. But I won't let that or anything else make me let up on you. I am going into this full steam ahead. I have no other option.
That is because you set the bar, Gavin. You are the golden standard. I guess it is time for me to raise that bar, Gav. You wanted to fight the very best. You fought much better opponents defending your title than the talent that I have defended my title again. I cannot control that. And you are right about seeking out Sasha Foote after seeing that you had only Heath Sommersby to beat up on. But isn’t she same Sasha Foote that lost a GOLDFISH ON A POLE MATCH in that shit place in Texas that I left.
*He grins*
You made a point to say that I face much lesser talent. Do you think that for some reason I am scared to compete with talent? I challenged Dead Eye. I challenged Dirk. I wanted this match with you. I've faced Corey, Aurora and Damon. I fight who they put in front of me. Maybe I should attack people on Twitter and challenge everyone on the roster left and right? Perhaps that is why you are "better" than me? I stay in my lane, keep my head down, and don't cause waves. Perhaps I am going about this all wrong?
*He shakes his head no as he grabs and lifts both titles to the camera*
You said two things that really stuck to me. Two things that I am going to remember when it comes to putting you down for the count. The first? That I move on to the next shiny thing.
*He looks to both titles*
Technically, you are not wrong. Now I know that these are not Gavin Grimes’ Unified Title… but that comes in due time.
And second, you said. And let me quote:
"Fuck no, it won’t. You don’t have what it takes to beat me Avery..."
*Avery breathes deep and smiles. He stares into the camera with a closed mouth and fire in his eyes for a solid thirty seconds*
I don’t have what it takes? Fine. Underestimate me. You say you’re not but if you can’t even accept the smallest, slightest chance that I can beat you than you are lying to yourself. It is in the back of your head. You’ve even said that the chance of failure scares you. It makes you lash out and risk it all to make sure that you win. Deep down you probably think that people around NGW whisper that Avery Miles might just beat you. Maybe Devlin thinks it. Maybe even Ashleigh thinks it.
I’ve paid my dues. I am ready for the match of a lifetime quite possibly. It is time I earned the respect of my peers. I am done being seen as the guy that choked when it came time for the big match. I am sick of being told that my career is just like my personal life; a series of tragedies. I am tired of people feeling sorry for me. I am going to show everyone just who I know I am, and how I am not to be taken lightly.
Just because I did not suffer through what you did, does not mean that I do not know what loss is. What pain is. What suffering is. We all deal with our own conflicts, whether they be inner or outer. I only wish the best for you and perhaps you can find that peace one day. For me? I still deal with the balance of peace and conflict. But I know better than to think that everything is rainbows and sunshine. I have had to scratch and claw to get to where I am in my career. Losing a series of title matches, it really made me focus and train harder than I have ever trained. I put forth everything I had into my training, and then some. I pushed my own boundaries past to where I thought I could even go. That is the thing about becoming the best, you even may surprise yourself. I beat Jenson. I won the Super Falcon Cup. And I am going to beat you.
*Avery looks off camera as he continues to speak*
We might come from different backgrounds. Different cities. And have different upbringings. But inside of the ring, none of that matters. You are determined for your reasons, and me for mine. We can debate who wants it more; who is better. Let our actions do the talking and we will see what truly is going to happen. I know that you are going to bring everything that you have, and I will do the same.
I know that I have an uphill battle. I am fighting with a knife in a gunfight. It won’t be easy, but I know that why you might be the favorite, I know that I have a chance. You have my focus. You have my full attention. Titles aside. Personal lives aside. Wins and losses aside. This match is a match of wills. Who wants it more? Who needs it more? Who is willing to do what they need to do more? I am not scared. I’ve felt failure. It does not scare me, Nor do I need it to fuel me. If I were to retire right now, I would know that I gave it my all and I could be happy with what I have at home. But you? You let the title define you. And that will be your ultimate downfall. It might not be me. It might not be now. Hell, it might not even be Ashleigh. But you WILL fall, and it will be because inside. Deep down. You are not okay. You are scared. You cannot accept failure for what it is. You cannot accept a loss for the lesson that it can teach. When you hit the ground running here in NGW at the top, your expectations are to keep and hold the title. It can only go down from there. What more can you do? You own the most defenses. The longest reign. What more can Gavin Grimes do? Your own legacy is on the line. For me? The sky's the limit.
*The camera fades on a shot of Avery looking dead pan into the camera*
Avery Miles III
Scene 001 - Home of Avery and Taylor - Indio, California - August 11th, 2016
OFF CAMERA
*We open as Avery Miles III is at home enjoying some time with Taylor and Brooklyn. Taylor is relaxing on the couch for a change, something she rarely gets to do. Avery looks quite silly sitting on a small plastic chair, careful not to break it. Princess Brooklyn is serving him only the finest of teas as he chows down on imaginary cookies*
Avery: This is quite delicious, Princess Brooklyn!
Brooklyn: Yum, Daddy!
Avery: Don’t you mean Court Jester, Daddy?
*The three year old blonde has a good laugh at that one*
Taylor: Or maybe he's the King.
*Taylor moves to sit beside her daughter on the floor.*
Taylor: And you know the King would do anything for his baby princess.
*Taylor looks over at Avery with a genuine smile.*
Avery: Always! The Princess, and my Queen…
*He looks back at Taylor and smiles*
Avery: … well, they both come first!
*Brooklyn stands up from the chair and heads over to her father. She wraps her arms around his leg and loves on her daddy.*
Brooklyn: I love you, Daddy!
Avery: Aww, I love you took my little Princess.
*The three year old runs over to her mom and reaches up for more of the same from her mom*
Taylor: I love you, forever and ever.
*She hugs her baby girl tighter*
Avery: Time for a bath, Brooky! I am going to straighten this up. Why don’t you go on upstairs and pick out some jammies. And a book. We will get you a bath, a story, and bed time.
*The doe eyed blonde girl nods and runs upstairs in a flash*
Avery: That girl is the sweetest. Reminds me of someone.
Taylor: Let’s me help you get that-
Avery: You relax, babe. I got it. You had a hard day of training. Let me put in some work for a change.
*He smiles, cleaning up the tea party*
Taylor: Doesn't mean I should shrink my mom duties.
*She reaches out to caress the side of his face*
Taylor: You know, I noticed something
*She starts helping her clean up the toys*
Taylor: We’re not married, been together less time and yet we have a more stable relationship than Gavin and Ash. Don't get me wrong, outside of a ring I have nothing but love for both of them but it was just something I noticed
Avery: I don’t want to talk bad about them. I just… they do their own thing. It’s whatever. I just hate that he and others bring up how you are my new “shiny” thing. It’s… aggravating. I just… it bothers me so much.
Taylor: Apparently people think using me is the way to get under your skin. If who you're dating really had any relevance to wrestling talent there would be a lot of people that would have never been champions or successful
*She sighs*
Taylor: It's not like we are two random people. We have known each other for nearly 14 years. We dated before. It's not like every other relationship in this business. I mean how long were Gav and Ash even together before he proposed and then they elope! They're barely adults.
*Taylor’s voice starts to take on the trademark ‘ranting’ tone*
Avery: I really wish them the best. I would never want to fight with you like they fight. I sort of like these tea parties. And watching television and cuddling. I just… I don’t get what the whole point is. I never was intentionally going at them, Tay. I just wish that I would get the respect that I think I deserve. And he is basically disregarding me and what I have done. Breaking my back all across the country. And he is the standard bearer.
*Avery shakes his head*
Avery: I just… I don’t know why he needs to come at me like that? Just because you and I are good, and I can come home to a great family after a loss… I am mediocre? I am a failure?
*He sighs*
Taylor: You hold two title belts in two companies and came close to a third in FSW. You are far from a failure. You are arguably one of the hardest working in this business.
Avery: Tell that to anyone else.
*He pulls her in closer on the couch, and offering a kiss*
Avery: At the end of the day, I have you and Brooklyn. We are all happy. I have something that a title cannot hold a candle to. He might be the greatest in NGW, but I feel like the greatest by lucking out with the two of you.
*Taylor takes a deep breath*
Taylor: It's obvious that he's afraid of losing her. He’s amazed that such a free spirit has agreed to settle down with him but in the back if his mind, he’s not sure he can hurt Ash. We are all trained to put on a brave face and convince an audience that we're the shit. That we’re invincible. What I noticed the most about Gavin is, he talks TOO much.
*She gives Avery a smile*
Taylor: When the day comes that you and I have to stand on opposite corners I will never give you less than everything and after it's all said and done, I know that we’ll walk out still loving each other the same. Gavin has been one of the biggest bullies in this business so him coming out with those accusations is simply borrowing someone else's words. If you gotta quote your opponent's last opponent who lost, then maybe your material is running out.
*Avery is taken back, it is obvious that Taylor takes the attacks to her boyfriend a little more to heart. He has been in this position over and over again, and has become accustomed to people attacking him with personal shots*
Avery: I think think that he has so much pressure on him Tay. It’s… I think he is forced to lash out to those around him. Win or loss, I will still shake his hand regardless. And I will leave the ring with my head raised. Period.
Taylor: Don't get me wrong, I respect him, what he’s done but bringing up Alycia? SHE LEFT YOU! Does he not get that? She's the one that decided that the miscarriage was too hard. That it wasn't worth fighting for your relationship. Regardless of what happens with us Ave, I'm not going to leave. And I know that you would fight until your last breath for us and if Gavin doesn't know that... well that hurts a lot.
*Avery smiles at her and kisses her.*
Avery: You are my rock. Regardless of whatever happens, you have been here for me. And I appreciate that. And allowing me to give Brooky a real father; that means the world to me.
*He kisses her again*
Avery: This… this is perfect.
*He smiles at her ready to tuck the Princess in for the night*
Taylor: I’ll go give our princess a goodnight kiss and then I’ll make us some hot chocolate and we’ll cuddle on the couch with some movies. Sound good?
Avery: You are too sweet. Sounds good.
*He has a seat on the couch*
Avery: Hot Chocolate and movies. We are such boring parents.
*He laughs*
Taylor: Won't be boring when we go to bed
*She gives him a little slap on his behind before going up the stairs*
Avery: I love that woman.
*Avery flips the television on as he gets ready for some adult time*
Scene 002 - Indio Police HQ - Indio, California - August 11th, 2016 - Earlier in the Day
OFF CAMERA
*Avery Miles III is sitting in the lobby of the Police Headquarters. He taps his foot patiently.*
Det. Abraham: Mr. Miles?
*Avery nods as he follows the Detective into his office*
Det. Abraham: I first off want to thank you for coming in. I know this is not easy.
Avery: Can we just get this over with?
Det. Abraham: Yes sir, sorry. So we were able to match some paint scratches to a particular model and we have a list of possible people that it could be. We are trying to confirm a couple of things.
*He pulls out an evidence bag with a piece of jewelry*
Det. Abraham: Did thing belong to your wife, sir?
*Avery grabs the bag as a few tears begin to fall from his eyes. It is a gold locket*
Avery: May… May I?
*The detective nods. Avery pulls it out as opens the locket. It is a picture of Avery, Zoe, and Taylor only days before Taylor had to move away. He holds the locket in his hand as he barely keeps it together*
Det. Abraham: Is that you?
Avery: Yes. It was my wife, myself, and Taylor.
*The detective nods*
Det. Abraham: You can keep this. We wanted to make sure it was claimed in person. In addition, we have a few questions about why your wife may have been on that side of town. It seems out of the ordinary for her.
Avery: What are you saying?
Det. Abraham: Nothing definitely. We just, we are exploring all options and possibilities. We want to bring justice for you and your family.
Avery: Thank you.
Scene 003 - Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA - August 12th, 2016
*We open as Avery Miles III stands backstage in the arena as he is in front of an NGW logo backdrop. He stands in street clothes alone, with a look of no emotion*
We are almost there. Just a day and some hours away from the battle of Grimes versus Miles. A match that I’ve wanted to prove myself, and yet a match that was not even on the list of matches that Gavin Grimes even considered. Nevertheless, we are here.
*He offers a slight smile*
You brought up quitting. How you’ve never quit. Never surrendered. Never given up. But you know what? I've never quit either. I've continued along even with failure. And losses. And tragedies. If anything, I have more of a reason to have quit or given up, and here I am. I’ve paid my dues as well. I might be a third generation, but I was a nobody when I started. I used a fake name. I did not want to rest upon the history of my father and his before him. I trained in an old school facility. One of the few trainees of a place that was literally falling apart in on itself.
I am not okay with failure, but it does not define me. That is the difference. I can use failure as a means of forwarding my career. My training. I use it as a lesson.
I hate that you try and turn things around on me, calling me arrogant. Am I not able to gloat about beating someone that is essentially using my own personal tragedies as fodder? So you are saying that if I came out and took personal shots at you and Ash, about her being being attacked by Dirk... that you wouldn't want to gloat after beating me? Making a point of rubbing it in my face? You are cocky and arrogant, yes. But I didn't see you as a liar either. And alas, Alycia is brought up as well. You think I didn't fight for her? You only know what I've allowed to be seen. Just like you and Ash only show what you allow people to see. Behind closed doors, Gav. Behind closed doors.
*Avery paces back and forth. He focuses in on the camera, not allowing his emotions to control his speech*
I know that I don't know the whole story that is Gavin Grimes. Just like you don't know everything I've gone through. Dealt with. My own setbacks, personally and professionally. I even agree with you about Ashleigh. Ash is a great person. I’ve even said that you two were made for each other. I see how happy the both of you are. I had a conversation with her to help better myself. I came to HER for advice. I know how amazing she is, even through her tough exterior. She can be a softy, you know that. And I am glad that the both of you have each other. And I just hope that you two can maybe find that calm that you both deserve. No personal shots. Just well wishes, Gav. I only want the very best because after this match is over, I still consider you a friend and someone that I truly respect. I can keep personal and professional live separate. I just hope that you can do that as well. I know that Gavin and “Gabbin” are two entirely different people.
*Avery pulls out his phone and brings up an image of Avery and Brooklyn. Avery is wearing a tiara as Brooklyn has a fake scepter in her hands. He turns the phone’s screen to the camera*
I said that I would rather share time with my daughter than to battle those around me, yes. You do your thing. I do mine. I am just saying that we go about our personal lives in a different manner. I am not above saying I have made my mistakes. I have been a shitty friend at time. It is public knowledge that I cut a promo in a drunken stupor. I am only human, Gavin. I have no room to judge you. I just make sure that regardless of what happens inside of the ring, I make sure to not take the weight of that home. I go home and I am not a champion. I am not a man that had to defend the choices that he has made. I am daddy. I am her hero. I am the loving boyfriend of Taylor. That is who I am. I don’t define myself by my in ring failures.
*Avery slides the phone back into his pocket and nods into the camera. He looks down at the ground, and slowly back up at the camera as his brow arches slightly*
I feel almost as though people want it both ways. Avery Miles, one of the most successful in NGW. Beating nobodies week in and week out. Or, Avery Miles... can't get the job done and simply chokes when it counts. You say that I am content with mediocrity, and yet I am signed to three companies. Have had other companies fold that I was signed to. I was in two companies that did not treat me the best and made me look like a fool. Took on the challenge of fighting for NGW in the Super Falcon Cup and winning. You represented the company in Manifest Destiny. And I applaud you for that. And I know that was a MUCH bigger tournament. But if I was okay with just getting by, why would I bust my ass to hold two titles? And sign up for a third company. A company owned by a one, Chris Night. I might be a willing to help a newer company out get things going; I guess that is a downfall of mine.
*Avery looks down at the chair just off camera, as it pans. There sits his NGW Marquee and IPW Heritage Titles. He smiles as the camera pans back*
I've been in contact with Devlin about my title run. And I wanted to bring stability. This is a better time now than ever, I guess. Win or lose, after Victory and Honor... I will vacate the Marquee Title and move back into the Five Lakes Division. Or is that not good enough either? Would you rather see me in the Unified? Because if that is what it takes to earn some fucking respect around here, I will do it. I thought that I would maybe earn some after beating Jenson and taking his title, but apparently no. You are right. It WAS an upset victory. Just like this coming Saturday my victory over you will be an upset as well. And after I win, I will have put everyone on notice. Come Saturday night, will I be one hundred percent? Honestly, I doubt it. I am healing these ribs. But I won't let that or anything else make me let up on you. I am going into this full steam ahead. I have no other option.
That is because you set the bar, Gavin. You are the golden standard. I guess it is time for me to raise that bar, Gav. You wanted to fight the very best. You fought much better opponents defending your title than the talent that I have defended my title again. I cannot control that. And you are right about seeking out Sasha Foote after seeing that you had only Heath Sommersby to beat up on. But isn’t she same Sasha Foote that lost a GOLDFISH ON A POLE MATCH in that shit place in Texas that I left.
*He grins*
You made a point to say that I face much lesser talent. Do you think that for some reason I am scared to compete with talent? I challenged Dead Eye. I challenged Dirk. I wanted this match with you. I've faced Corey, Aurora and Damon. I fight who they put in front of me. Maybe I should attack people on Twitter and challenge everyone on the roster left and right? Perhaps that is why you are "better" than me? I stay in my lane, keep my head down, and don't cause waves. Perhaps I am going about this all wrong?
*He shakes his head no as he grabs and lifts both titles to the camera*
You said two things that really stuck to me. Two things that I am going to remember when it comes to putting you down for the count. The first? That I move on to the next shiny thing.
*He looks to both titles*
Technically, you are not wrong. Now I know that these are not Gavin Grimes’ Unified Title… but that comes in due time.
And second, you said. And let me quote:
"Fuck no, it won’t. You don’t have what it takes to beat me Avery..."
*Avery breathes deep and smiles. He stares into the camera with a closed mouth and fire in his eyes for a solid thirty seconds*
I don’t have what it takes? Fine. Underestimate me. You say you’re not but if you can’t even accept the smallest, slightest chance that I can beat you than you are lying to yourself. It is in the back of your head. You’ve even said that the chance of failure scares you. It makes you lash out and risk it all to make sure that you win. Deep down you probably think that people around NGW whisper that Avery Miles might just beat you. Maybe Devlin thinks it. Maybe even Ashleigh thinks it.
I’ve paid my dues. I am ready for the match of a lifetime quite possibly. It is time I earned the respect of my peers. I am done being seen as the guy that choked when it came time for the big match. I am sick of being told that my career is just like my personal life; a series of tragedies. I am tired of people feeling sorry for me. I am going to show everyone just who I know I am, and how I am not to be taken lightly.
Just because I did not suffer through what you did, does not mean that I do not know what loss is. What pain is. What suffering is. We all deal with our own conflicts, whether they be inner or outer. I only wish the best for you and perhaps you can find that peace one day. For me? I still deal with the balance of peace and conflict. But I know better than to think that everything is rainbows and sunshine. I have had to scratch and claw to get to where I am in my career. Losing a series of title matches, it really made me focus and train harder than I have ever trained. I put forth everything I had into my training, and then some. I pushed my own boundaries past to where I thought I could even go. That is the thing about becoming the best, you even may surprise yourself. I beat Jenson. I won the Super Falcon Cup. And I am going to beat you.
*Avery looks off camera as he continues to speak*
We might come from different backgrounds. Different cities. And have different upbringings. But inside of the ring, none of that matters. You are determined for your reasons, and me for mine. We can debate who wants it more; who is better. Let our actions do the talking and we will see what truly is going to happen. I know that you are going to bring everything that you have, and I will do the same.
I know that I have an uphill battle. I am fighting with a knife in a gunfight. It won’t be easy, but I know that why you might be the favorite, I know that I have a chance. You have my focus. You have my full attention. Titles aside. Personal lives aside. Wins and losses aside. This match is a match of wills. Who wants it more? Who needs it more? Who is willing to do what they need to do more? I am not scared. I’ve felt failure. It does not scare me, Nor do I need it to fuel me. If I were to retire right now, I would know that I gave it my all and I could be happy with what I have at home. But you? You let the title define you. And that will be your ultimate downfall. It might not be me. It might not be now. Hell, it might not even be Ashleigh. But you WILL fall, and it will be because inside. Deep down. You are not okay. You are scared. You cannot accept failure for what it is. You cannot accept a loss for the lesson that it can teach. When you hit the ground running here in NGW at the top, your expectations are to keep and hold the title. It can only go down from there. What more can you do? You own the most defenses. The longest reign. What more can Gavin Grimes do? Your own legacy is on the line. For me? The sky's the limit.
*The camera fades on a shot of Avery looking dead pan into the camera*
Avery Miles III