Post by theprotagonist on Mar 26, 2015 3:05:33 GMT -5
[Thursday morning. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jamie Jackson, less than 72 hours from his NGSE debut, comes into focus. He enters the building through a revolving door, his coat collar pulled up round his neck. It was a brisk walk from his motel room, and despite the cool breeze infiltrating his open necked shirt, he hadn't felt the weather all too much. He was too high from the adrenaline of what had been a whirlwind two weeks.
A fortnight ago he was an unknown foreigner looking to make his mark on the independent wrestling scene. In what could only be described as a 'right place, right time' moment he had embarked on a a lifetime opportunity in the NGSE, the new, exciting and upcoming affiliate of the UWL. Big plans were afoot for 'Trials and Tribulations'. He knew he had to put it to the back of his mind but he couldn't switch off from it completley. The prospect of a Heavyweight Title shot this early in his career wasn't something he'd expected. The more he came to terms with it the more he was envisioning himself as a champion. It was always his goal, and his ambition. He always knew he had the talent and the drive to achieve this. But being thrust into the spotlight this quick had got his head in a spin. Still, he had more important things on his mind. Tomorrow night he was scheduled to make his in-ring debut, a triple threat match. He was feeling confident in about the match, but less so about the fans it had to be said. He was coming into this as an unknown, facing off against two fan favourites. He knew from his time in England it was always easier facing the heels. It was easier to get over when your opponent already had something in his nature that the crowd didn't endear themselves too. Here he had to make impact from the off. Not only did he have to win but he had to win in style. The fans wouldn't take to him beating two of their beloved if he didn't deserve the victory. That was important to him. Quite why he never knew, but he took pride in his performances.
This was all bouncing around in his head like a a pinball machine. As he walked through the corridors of the TribLive Radio studios he was battling with the idea of conveying his message on air, whilst hiding his anxieties.
A stocky man with high-waisted chinos and a tight flannel shirt motioned him into a room.]
Man: You're on in 2. Make yourself comfortable.
[As Jamie walked the man gestured to a chair facing the host. He took off his coat, hung it on the back and sat down. It was typical of such a setting; microphones, a plethora of recording and production equipment. A large sign behind the seats read 'TribLIVE Radio: Wrestling Reality 1 on 1'. Sat opposite him was journalist and radio/television personality Justin Labar. He acknowledged his arrival with a thumb in the air whilst going about his presenting.]
Justin Labar: It's Justin Labar on TribLive Radio, and it's a special couple of weeks here in Pittsburgh for wrestling fans as we have New Generation Sports Entertainment rolling into town this coming Saturday March 28th. I'm joined in the studio today by one of the newest additions to the NGSE roster. He is going to be making his debut right here in Pittsburgh. From London, England, I am happy to be joined by 'The Protagonist' Jamie Jackson, great to have you with us.
Jamie: Great to be here.
Justin: So you're in town for the NGSE live show, it looks like a great card. You're not a familiar name to the wrestling faithful here in Pittsburgh, tell us about your background in the business.
Jamie: Well I was touring round England, mostly small venues, just setting out in the business, trying to make ends meet. It was mostly school gymnasiums, bingo halls, local community centres, that sort of thing. Most of the guys were old-timers, on their way down. Stiff guys, full of aggression, looking to recapture the glory of their youth. They would mostly talk about 'the good old days' and namedrop some of the big fish they went up against when they were in their prime. They didn't like me coming in and stealing their thunder, they still considered themselves to be big draws. I felt like I was standing in the tide while it was flowing the other way, to be honest with you. Me on the way up, them on the way down. When the tour was over I used my pay cheque to book a one-way flight over here and set myself up with Ezra Goldman.
Justin: I'm not familiar with that name.
Jamie: Ezra Goldman? Wrestling Super Agent. Says he can pick up the phone to anyone in the business.
Justin: I think he's leading you down the garden path, buddy. I've literally never heard of the guy.
Jamie: That son of a bitch. Well I can't complain he set me up with the NGSE pretty quick so he can't be all bad. He got me booked up for my debut time right here in Pittsburgh.
Justin: Did you already know of the NGSE? What are you hoping the achieve with this brand?
Jamie: I knew a little, I saw the first show on late night television back home in England, and I've heard of a few of the guys from their time in other UWL affiliates. I knew they were based up here in and around the Great Lakes. First and foremost I wanna hit the ground running and win my first match. I wanna show these fans what I'm capable of. This is a great place to build up a regional fan base. and draw some money from the local crowds.
Justin: This is the first time the NGSE product has rolled into town, tell the listeners out there what NGSE is all about and why they should come along to the show..
Jamie: It's still new on the scene but gathering momentum pretty quick. Word gets round fast in this day and age. We got a strong roster. Things are hotting up in the run up to the first Pay Per View. Some of these guys, like myself, are on their way up in the business, much like the brand itself. We got some new people on the roster, as well as myself. The future's bright for NGSE.
Justin: And talk to us about your matchup.
Jamie: Call me bias but this is gonna be the best match on the card. Three guys, hungry to make an impression, got the makings of the great match up. Myself, the rookie already making a name for himself. Hayden Phoenix, the cultured fans favourite. Hayden seems like a man of similar ilk. I think the fans are going to see a great battle here. He'll go far in this business, I don't doubt that. But his trajectory to the top is on hold right now because he's got me standing in his way. If the fans are entertained by this dual I dare say our paths may cross again further down the line.
He was out of line with his comments about my agent though. He might come across a bit slippery, I'll give you that. But I put my faith in his hands and it's been rewarded. He put me on this pathway, the one that starts right here in Pittsburgh.
And there's Zero. The lunatic. I don't know a great deal about him. Hayden hit the nail on the head. He said Zero didn't take this business seriously, and to people like me and him, that is tough to get your head around. The fans want entertainment, and he probably provides that in his own way.
When I came to this promotion I promised them two things. One, that I'd reach the top. And two, they would be entertained along the way. I will be that guy on the highlight reels. That one the fans are talking about. That guy your son wants on his lunchbox at school. Book me on the midcard, book me on the lowcard, book me in the main event; I will be the story. I will be 'The Protagonist'.
Justin: Well Pittsburgh if you haven't done so already, get online, get your ticket and get down to the show. Jamie, thanks a lot for being with us today and we look forward to seeing you and the rest of the NGSE crew on March 29th.
Jamie: It's been a pleasure.
[He gets up from his chair and puts on his coat as the scene fades out to Justin discussing the remaining content of the show.]
A fortnight ago he was an unknown foreigner looking to make his mark on the independent wrestling scene. In what could only be described as a 'right place, right time' moment he had embarked on a a lifetime opportunity in the NGSE, the new, exciting and upcoming affiliate of the UWL. Big plans were afoot for 'Trials and Tribulations'. He knew he had to put it to the back of his mind but he couldn't switch off from it completley. The prospect of a Heavyweight Title shot this early in his career wasn't something he'd expected. The more he came to terms with it the more he was envisioning himself as a champion. It was always his goal, and his ambition. He always knew he had the talent and the drive to achieve this. But being thrust into the spotlight this quick had got his head in a spin. Still, he had more important things on his mind. Tomorrow night he was scheduled to make his in-ring debut, a triple threat match. He was feeling confident in about the match, but less so about the fans it had to be said. He was coming into this as an unknown, facing off against two fan favourites. He knew from his time in England it was always easier facing the heels. It was easier to get over when your opponent already had something in his nature that the crowd didn't endear themselves too. Here he had to make impact from the off. Not only did he have to win but he had to win in style. The fans wouldn't take to him beating two of their beloved if he didn't deserve the victory. That was important to him. Quite why he never knew, but he took pride in his performances.
This was all bouncing around in his head like a a pinball machine. As he walked through the corridors of the TribLive Radio studios he was battling with the idea of conveying his message on air, whilst hiding his anxieties.
A stocky man with high-waisted chinos and a tight flannel shirt motioned him into a room.]
Man: You're on in 2. Make yourself comfortable.
[As Jamie walked the man gestured to a chair facing the host. He took off his coat, hung it on the back and sat down. It was typical of such a setting; microphones, a plethora of recording and production equipment. A large sign behind the seats read 'TribLIVE Radio: Wrestling Reality 1 on 1'. Sat opposite him was journalist and radio/television personality Justin Labar. He acknowledged his arrival with a thumb in the air whilst going about his presenting.]
Justin Labar: It's Justin Labar on TribLive Radio, and it's a special couple of weeks here in Pittsburgh for wrestling fans as we have New Generation Sports Entertainment rolling into town this coming Saturday March 28th. I'm joined in the studio today by one of the newest additions to the NGSE roster. He is going to be making his debut right here in Pittsburgh. From London, England, I am happy to be joined by 'The Protagonist' Jamie Jackson, great to have you with us.
Jamie: Great to be here.
Justin: So you're in town for the NGSE live show, it looks like a great card. You're not a familiar name to the wrestling faithful here in Pittsburgh, tell us about your background in the business.
Jamie: Well I was touring round England, mostly small venues, just setting out in the business, trying to make ends meet. It was mostly school gymnasiums, bingo halls, local community centres, that sort of thing. Most of the guys were old-timers, on their way down. Stiff guys, full of aggression, looking to recapture the glory of their youth. They would mostly talk about 'the good old days' and namedrop some of the big fish they went up against when they were in their prime. They didn't like me coming in and stealing their thunder, they still considered themselves to be big draws. I felt like I was standing in the tide while it was flowing the other way, to be honest with you. Me on the way up, them on the way down. When the tour was over I used my pay cheque to book a one-way flight over here and set myself up with Ezra Goldman.
Justin: I'm not familiar with that name.
Jamie: Ezra Goldman? Wrestling Super Agent. Says he can pick up the phone to anyone in the business.
Justin: I think he's leading you down the garden path, buddy. I've literally never heard of the guy.
Jamie: That son of a bitch. Well I can't complain he set me up with the NGSE pretty quick so he can't be all bad. He got me booked up for my debut time right here in Pittsburgh.
Justin: Did you already know of the NGSE? What are you hoping the achieve with this brand?
Jamie: I knew a little, I saw the first show on late night television back home in England, and I've heard of a few of the guys from their time in other UWL affiliates. I knew they were based up here in and around the Great Lakes. First and foremost I wanna hit the ground running and win my first match. I wanna show these fans what I'm capable of. This is a great place to build up a regional fan base. and draw some money from the local crowds.
Justin: This is the first time the NGSE product has rolled into town, tell the listeners out there what NGSE is all about and why they should come along to the show..
Jamie: It's still new on the scene but gathering momentum pretty quick. Word gets round fast in this day and age. We got a strong roster. Things are hotting up in the run up to the first Pay Per View. Some of these guys, like myself, are on their way up in the business, much like the brand itself. We got some new people on the roster, as well as myself. The future's bright for NGSE.
Justin: And talk to us about your matchup.
Jamie: Call me bias but this is gonna be the best match on the card. Three guys, hungry to make an impression, got the makings of the great match up. Myself, the rookie already making a name for himself. Hayden Phoenix, the cultured fans favourite. Hayden seems like a man of similar ilk. I think the fans are going to see a great battle here. He'll go far in this business, I don't doubt that. But his trajectory to the top is on hold right now because he's got me standing in his way. If the fans are entertained by this dual I dare say our paths may cross again further down the line.
He was out of line with his comments about my agent though. He might come across a bit slippery, I'll give you that. But I put my faith in his hands and it's been rewarded. He put me on this pathway, the one that starts right here in Pittsburgh.
And there's Zero. The lunatic. I don't know a great deal about him. Hayden hit the nail on the head. He said Zero didn't take this business seriously, and to people like me and him, that is tough to get your head around. The fans want entertainment, and he probably provides that in his own way.
When I came to this promotion I promised them two things. One, that I'd reach the top. And two, they would be entertained along the way. I will be that guy on the highlight reels. That one the fans are talking about. That guy your son wants on his lunchbox at school. Book me on the midcard, book me on the lowcard, book me in the main event; I will be the story. I will be 'The Protagonist'.
Justin: Well Pittsburgh if you haven't done so already, get online, get your ticket and get down to the show. Jamie, thanks a lot for being with us today and we look forward to seeing you and the rest of the NGSE crew on March 29th.
Jamie: It's been a pleasure.
[He gets up from his chair and puts on his coat as the scene fades out to Justin discussing the remaining content of the show.]