Post by Mac on Sept 25, 2022 20:20:42 GMT -5
Expectations
“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” ― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
{Soft-ish Intro}
[off camera]
Fall or Autumn was different for every state, here in Nevada it was much like Texas. It simply didn’t matter what the season was called elsewhere it was nearly triple digits every day. So, it was just hot, no other word be needed to describe it. With a cup of coffee in my left hand and a cigarette in the other, I pondered these things as the beads of sweat begin to form on my forehead. I set the coffee cup down on the table beside me and wiped my brow with the small hand towel that had been slung over my shoulder. As of late, I had failed across the board. That wasn’t lost on me by any stretch of the imagination. Neither was the fact that I don’t wallow in self-pity, the truth of it is that I would do everything in my power to correct those mistakes. From my relationship with my wife to my not being present when Kat needed me most. Amber was on the mend as was Kat. My little sister was resilient and the surgery had gone well but she knew in her heart of hearts that she would not ever be able to compete again. I was extremely appreciative of Chris hiring her as an agent to help lighten his own workload.
Which begged the question, “How’s he going to react when he finds out what I’ve been up to.” I had a group of outlaws in mind for the mission ahead of me. They had all agreed that it needed to happen in the worst way. The game changers had to pay, no two ways about it. The sport would be better off without that kind of scum on the bottom of its wrestling boots. I might be an asshole but there were levels that even I wouldn’t stoop to. I would also admit that during certain situations, when it called for it, you just had to bash people in the face with a brick. This was definitely one of those situations. Larry Tact is a bigger asshole than I could ever hope to be. I was just meaner than him, a fact that he would come to realize in the very near future. I already had made an impression on him, but soon I would leave him with a lesson in humility. It’s definitely not something he was accustomed to. Not many could say that they had humbled Larry Tact, I intended to be one of the few. My cigarette had burned itself out as I sat here with my inner monologue debating what could or should be versus what is. I dropped it in the butt can that I kept by my chair and lit another one.
I didn’t hear her come out the patio door but I knew she was there, all the same, the smell of cinnamon enveloped me in its loving caress. Her perfume always smelled amazing, must be how she won so many arguments with me. She would say that it was her superior logic and tactics. I couldn’t really argue that point too much, our couch was comfortable but not that much. She brushed by me causing me to look up and smile as she shot me a wink and a smile of her own. She had in her hand the carafe and an empty mug that she set down on the table between us. The dogs followed close behind her, all eleven of them, which made me chuckle watching the parade. “Well shit, red, that’s quite the entourage you have.” She paused briefly as she was pouring her coffee, “What can I say, they have good taste.” I nodded my agreement, “Yes they do.” She chuckled quietly, “Good answer, Bane.” I took another long drag of my cigarette, “It’s the only answer, love, it’s the truth.”
I exhaled slowly and she cleared her throat, “Ahem, what’s got you so consumed and in your own head this morning?” I smiled, “That’s the easy part, with everything going on. Especially with your former protege being an absolute fucking fool. Masque Delune is the kind of opponent that can end your career. I know you know this and I’m just hoping that she can be turned back before it’s too late.” Amber said nothing in response at first, there was a storm behind those eyes but then she looked down and let it pass. “I’ll do everything I can.” While she stewed, I refilled my cup with black coffee. Then casually I said, “I know that’s a touchy subject for you, but I felt like it needed to be said.” She nodded her head in acceptance and then something occurred to her, “Did you go to Level Up because of her?” I smiled at my every perceptive wife, “In part, yes. Not the only reason though.” I took one last drag of my cigarette before crushing it out. “The Game Changers are another part of that.” She studied me for a moment before finally sighing, “The self-imposed duties of the big brother slash husband slash father are never done are they?” I nodded my head, knowing she was right. “It is the season of settling scores, my love.” She chuckled as I took a sip from my cup. “One of these days, you’ll make like Budda and let that shit go.”
I laughed a little harder at her joke than was really necessary, “No, probably not. What did you do with my wife? That didn’t sound like her at all.” I reached over to check her for fever, which of course got my hand slapped away. She finally responded to my question, “She’s still very much here, Mac. We both know what’s about to happen, just like you said it would. Why are you keeping tabs on Avalon is my question.” I’ll be honest, it was a fair question. Why would I care about this girl, I had no attachment to her nor any investment in her success or failure. “I think it’s because I see a kid who is vulnerable to a man like Shane. I hate to see people get twisted up into someone else's version of what they think they should be.” She seemed to accept that but then she threw out, “I thought we weren’t adopting any more of other people's wayward children?” Then she laughed a genuine laugh. “I think we both knew that was a lie when I said it.” “That we did, that we did.” She said it in a friendly way, but also in a confident manner, she knew me way too well. She just wanted me to admit my own flaw, which of course I was going to accommodate her. It was one of the keys to marriage, communication, admitting when you are wrong, and apologizing when it was needed.
“Then there was Kat being injured and forced into an early retirement,” I said softly, that one still stung. She reached over and grabbed my hand. “We are trained for this, we all know that particular demon will come calling at some point.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, “I know, but if I had been there…” she shook her head, “No, Mac, if not in Level Up, then in Sin City. You can’t protect or save us all, love. You have to accept that.” I nodded in fake acceptance, “I know, but I can sure as hell try.”
I run my hands along the noise-suppressing foam as I make my way to the microphone stand. Sound-dampening materials and equipment are in excess some would think but I wanted my voice to sound as crisp and clean as I could. I wanted my promos to sound and look like they had been done in a professional studio. It was the perfectionist in me that caused it, or my “CDO” as Amber would call it. I’ve been this way since childhood. It’s the reason I do things the way that I do and I never settle for second best. The camera comes to life as I press the button on the control desk. I smile at the blinking light on top of the camera, I look over my left shoulder as the neon sign that reads, “Live” comes to life.
“Lord Raab”
I speak his name softly, but firmly as to avoid the sound of reverence. That much I was certain of, I held no reverence for that man at all. I begin speaking more loudly and clearly to make sure there are no questions about my intent.
“The mini tourney begins to be named number one contender. I know this is stating the obvious but I feel like it needs more emphasis. The importance of the title needs more emphasis. Despite the fact that Tact has spoiled the spirit of that title, it’s still as important as any title in this company. Due to the fact that Raab has no clue what I’m going to say, he’ll assume the worst will be said.”
I smile at the statement, knowing it’s true based on how he talked about other competitors. Those people were individuals that he was facing for the first time.
“The difference is, he knows me, we’ve fought far too many times in the past. He likely will not expect the respect I’ve shown him thus far. He does at times take facts presented as insults, and sometimes he’s right. I know that in the past when he faced Tact, that was the case.”
I shake my head and sigh, although I’ve always had respect for the man, he’s always been kind of dense.
“The point here is, Raab, there are a number of things that you did or didn’t do that I took exception to. I’m going to repeat what I said earlier, Raab. As a tag team partner, one of your jobs in that capacity is to protect your partner. To have their back, not present them as a focus for your opponent. Yet, that is exactly what happened. The Game Changers took advantage of your weakness, you were the weak link on that team. They knew that should they attack you, it would only motivate you to destroy him. If they attacked Kat, however, that would get in your head. You wouldn’t be able to function in your title match, because of the guilt you would feel over your partner being brutalized because of your incompetence. The end game was exactly what they wanted. She was severely injured and you couldn’t get it done against Tact.”
The sound of a freshly starched shirt can be heard as I raise my arms to rest my hands on my hips. I glare at the camera as if he was standing right there face to face.
“You never were able to attain any form of revenge against them and so I took matters into my own hands. I fooled them into believing I was just some mercenary that could be bought for the war games match. In the end, I took care of making sure that Kat would be getting a little revenge on them. That wasn’t all of it though was it? No, in her last match, you were her partner against the blue bloods. That was all I asked of you was to protect her. Again she was injured and had surgery following that match. Every single fucking time, you failed the expectation. Now, you’re getting another opportunity to mean something here in Level Up.”
I shake my head in disbelief and lower my hands back down by my side.
“How many times must you fail before the company realizes what a waste of roster space you are? How many chances do you get at a title belt you can’t hope to win? What about the other side of this mini tourney? Do you really believe you could beat the uber-talented rookie in Paul Freedom? Catalina would eat you for a snack old man. Not to worry though Raab, I’m here to make sure you don’t make it that far. You’re tired and after all these years of avoiding people, I’ve heard through the rumor mill that you’re trying to embrace the fans?”
I accidentally snort as I laugh out loud.
“Who are you trying to fool, them or yourself? You’ve called yourself a monster for years and you want people to believe that you’re a nice guy? Not the man I know and have faced so many times, I’m not buying it, not even if it were on sale at K-Mart in a blue light special.”
Again I shake my head with a disgusted look at the camera.
“Maybe it’s time for you to hang up the boots and call it good. I don’t see you having a future here if you can’t take care of business. I can’t imagine you ever having relevance here as a singles competitor, and who the hell would trust you as a tag team partner?”
Fade
“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” ― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
{Soft-ish Intro}
Chris and I came to Level Up in hopes of walking away with the multi-player titles. That didn’t happen obviously. Avalon and Shane walked away with those after a hell of a fight. I’ve congratulated them both publicly so I won’t spend a lot of time on a failed effort. After that tournament was completed, I was approached with an idea. I come to work for Level Up and get the opportunity to help right some things that are so very wrong. What are those things? Well, there’s more than one, and that should be obvious to all concerned. The details of all of that can wait though, wouldn’t want to give away the surprise after all. For some, it really won’t be a surprise, but for others who believe they are beyond my reach? Oh, that’s going to be the epitome of a good fucking time right there. The other thing of note is that I hadn’t spoken to Chris about this little plan of mine. He didn’t negotiate the contract and I never ask permission. I mention this because there are always those who want to say that CCPE is trying to take over yet another company. I’m here of my own volition at the request of some friends of mine. This is not CCPE business, it’s personal business. Don’t worry, the who’s and the why’s will become more obvious over time.
So, it’s time to really set the expectations, isn’t it? A lot of you don’t know me and it’s fair to assume that you might want to know what to expect. My expectation for myself is to win this mini-tournament and take home the Power Championship. It’s not what I’m really after here but we all start someplace right? I was offered this opportunity to fight for it. That’s what I’m about, I don’t want anything handed to me, I want to do what I’ve always done. I fight my way to the top, with no shortcuts and no favors cashed in. This is the way I made my top to a certain little company in Las Vegas over the past two years. I started in their hardcore division and won that title. I then went on to the internet division and won that title. Then came the best part, I put my internet title on the line against then world champion Mark Cross and won the world title for the first time. Well, my first time with them, that is. I would go on to win that title two more times, no bragging, just laying out the facts as they are.
Now then, back to the present, no one should ever try to justify anything by clinging to the past. I face Lord Raab for one side of the Power Championship contenders tournament. Raab and I go back a way, we’ve fought each other many times in the past. I have a lot of respect for the man and his accomplishments. He’s been a world champion on several occasions himself, among various other titles he’s held. His body of work is impressive, and he is what I consider a worthy opponent for my official debut. That’s right, this is not some special one-off appearance as some might have speculated. I’m here for the long haul, and this match will speak volumes about what you can expect from me while I’m here. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, failed expectations. My expectation from the man who calls himself a monster and I’ll get into that in a minute. What I expected of you, big man is that you would be a good tag team partner for Kat. That you would protect her from the likes of the Game Changers and The Royals. That’s not what happened though is it? Nah, you fucked that up, match after match after match. She trusted you and she gambled her career on that. She’s retired now, in part due to the injuries suffered as your partner.
The Game Changers went after her to get in your head, Larry scored a huge fucking bingo with that shit didn’t he. In her last match here, The Royals got her, now to your credit, you did get a measure of revenge for that one. I’m very glad to be facing you in this thing's first round. That way, you get to find out what a dominant performance looks like, not that you’ll remember it, but still. I hope you take notes and manage to learn something from facing a man who is out to destroy you. It’s not about liking or disliking you, Raab, it’s about setting expectations. I’m funny that way, I really like making statements. The simple truth is that you were never good enough to beat someone like Tact. You’ve never had the killer instinct that is needed, that’s also the reason you’ve never beaten me.
Fade.
So, it’s time to really set the expectations, isn’t it? A lot of you don’t know me and it’s fair to assume that you might want to know what to expect. My expectation for myself is to win this mini-tournament and take home the Power Championship. It’s not what I’m really after here but we all start someplace right? I was offered this opportunity to fight for it. That’s what I’m about, I don’t want anything handed to me, I want to do what I’ve always done. I fight my way to the top, with no shortcuts and no favors cashed in. This is the way I made my top to a certain little company in Las Vegas over the past two years. I started in their hardcore division and won that title. I then went on to the internet division and won that title. Then came the best part, I put my internet title on the line against then world champion Mark Cross and won the world title for the first time. Well, my first time with them, that is. I would go on to win that title two more times, no bragging, just laying out the facts as they are.
Now then, back to the present, no one should ever try to justify anything by clinging to the past. I face Lord Raab for one side of the Power Championship contenders tournament. Raab and I go back a way, we’ve fought each other many times in the past. I have a lot of respect for the man and his accomplishments. He’s been a world champion on several occasions himself, among various other titles he’s held. His body of work is impressive, and he is what I consider a worthy opponent for my official debut. That’s right, this is not some special one-off appearance as some might have speculated. I’m here for the long haul, and this match will speak volumes about what you can expect from me while I’m here. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, failed expectations. My expectation from the man who calls himself a monster and I’ll get into that in a minute. What I expected of you, big man is that you would be a good tag team partner for Kat. That you would protect her from the likes of the Game Changers and The Royals. That’s not what happened though is it? Nah, you fucked that up, match after match after match. She trusted you and she gambled her career on that. She’s retired now, in part due to the injuries suffered as your partner.
The Game Changers went after her to get in your head, Larry scored a huge fucking bingo with that shit didn’t he. In her last match here, The Royals got her, now to your credit, you did get a measure of revenge for that one. I’m very glad to be facing you in this thing's first round. That way, you get to find out what a dominant performance looks like, not that you’ll remember it, but still. I hope you take notes and manage to learn something from facing a man who is out to destroy you. It’s not about liking or disliking you, Raab, it’s about setting expectations. I’m funny that way, I really like making statements. The simple truth is that you were never good enough to beat someone like Tact. You’ve never had the killer instinct that is needed, that’s also the reason you’ve never beaten me.
Fade.
[off camera]
Fall or Autumn was different for every state, here in Nevada it was much like Texas. It simply didn’t matter what the season was called elsewhere it was nearly triple digits every day. So, it was just hot, no other word be needed to describe it. With a cup of coffee in my left hand and a cigarette in the other, I pondered these things as the beads of sweat begin to form on my forehead. I set the coffee cup down on the table beside me and wiped my brow with the small hand towel that had been slung over my shoulder. As of late, I had failed across the board. That wasn’t lost on me by any stretch of the imagination. Neither was the fact that I don’t wallow in self-pity, the truth of it is that I would do everything in my power to correct those mistakes. From my relationship with my wife to my not being present when Kat needed me most. Amber was on the mend as was Kat. My little sister was resilient and the surgery had gone well but she knew in her heart of hearts that she would not ever be able to compete again. I was extremely appreciative of Chris hiring her as an agent to help lighten his own workload.
Which begged the question, “How’s he going to react when he finds out what I’ve been up to.” I had a group of outlaws in mind for the mission ahead of me. They had all agreed that it needed to happen in the worst way. The game changers had to pay, no two ways about it. The sport would be better off without that kind of scum on the bottom of its wrestling boots. I might be an asshole but there were levels that even I wouldn’t stoop to. I would also admit that during certain situations, when it called for it, you just had to bash people in the face with a brick. This was definitely one of those situations. Larry Tact is a bigger asshole than I could ever hope to be. I was just meaner than him, a fact that he would come to realize in the very near future. I already had made an impression on him, but soon I would leave him with a lesson in humility. It’s definitely not something he was accustomed to. Not many could say that they had humbled Larry Tact, I intended to be one of the few. My cigarette had burned itself out as I sat here with my inner monologue debating what could or should be versus what is. I dropped it in the butt can that I kept by my chair and lit another one.
I didn’t hear her come out the patio door but I knew she was there, all the same, the smell of cinnamon enveloped me in its loving caress. Her perfume always smelled amazing, must be how she won so many arguments with me. She would say that it was her superior logic and tactics. I couldn’t really argue that point too much, our couch was comfortable but not that much. She brushed by me causing me to look up and smile as she shot me a wink and a smile of her own. She had in her hand the carafe and an empty mug that she set down on the table between us. The dogs followed close behind her, all eleven of them, which made me chuckle watching the parade. “Well shit, red, that’s quite the entourage you have.” She paused briefly as she was pouring her coffee, “What can I say, they have good taste.” I nodded my agreement, “Yes they do.” She chuckled quietly, “Good answer, Bane.” I took another long drag of my cigarette, “It’s the only answer, love, it’s the truth.”
I exhaled slowly and she cleared her throat, “Ahem, what’s got you so consumed and in your own head this morning?” I smiled, “That’s the easy part, with everything going on. Especially with your former protege being an absolute fucking fool. Masque Delune is the kind of opponent that can end your career. I know you know this and I’m just hoping that she can be turned back before it’s too late.” Amber said nothing in response at first, there was a storm behind those eyes but then she looked down and let it pass. “I’ll do everything I can.” While she stewed, I refilled my cup with black coffee. Then casually I said, “I know that’s a touchy subject for you, but I felt like it needed to be said.” She nodded her head in acceptance and then something occurred to her, “Did you go to Level Up because of her?” I smiled at my every perceptive wife, “In part, yes. Not the only reason though.” I took one last drag of my cigarette before crushing it out. “The Game Changers are another part of that.” She studied me for a moment before finally sighing, “The self-imposed duties of the big brother slash husband slash father are never done are they?” I nodded my head, knowing she was right. “It is the season of settling scores, my love.” She chuckled as I took a sip from my cup. “One of these days, you’ll make like Budda and let that shit go.”
I laughed a little harder at her joke than was really necessary, “No, probably not. What did you do with my wife? That didn’t sound like her at all.” I reached over to check her for fever, which of course got my hand slapped away. She finally responded to my question, “She’s still very much here, Mac. We both know what’s about to happen, just like you said it would. Why are you keeping tabs on Avalon is my question.” I’ll be honest, it was a fair question. Why would I care about this girl, I had no attachment to her nor any investment in her success or failure. “I think it’s because I see a kid who is vulnerable to a man like Shane. I hate to see people get twisted up into someone else's version of what they think they should be.” She seemed to accept that but then she threw out, “I thought we weren’t adopting any more of other people's wayward children?” Then she laughed a genuine laugh. “I think we both knew that was a lie when I said it.” “That we did, that we did.” She said it in a friendly way, but also in a confident manner, she knew me way too well. She just wanted me to admit my own flaw, which of course I was going to accommodate her. It was one of the keys to marriage, communication, admitting when you are wrong, and apologizing when it was needed.
“Then there was Kat being injured and forced into an early retirement,” I said softly, that one still stung. She reached over and grabbed my hand. “We are trained for this, we all know that particular demon will come calling at some point.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, “I know, but if I had been there…” she shook her head, “No, Mac, if not in Level Up, then in Sin City. You can’t protect or save us all, love. You have to accept that.” I nodded in fake acceptance, “I know, but I can sure as hell try.”
I run my hands along the noise-suppressing foam as I make my way to the microphone stand. Sound-dampening materials and equipment are in excess some would think but I wanted my voice to sound as crisp and clean as I could. I wanted my promos to sound and look like they had been done in a professional studio. It was the perfectionist in me that caused it, or my “CDO” as Amber would call it. I’ve been this way since childhood. It’s the reason I do things the way that I do and I never settle for second best. The camera comes to life as I press the button on the control desk. I smile at the blinking light on top of the camera, I look over my left shoulder as the neon sign that reads, “Live” comes to life.
“Lord Raab”
I speak his name softly, but firmly as to avoid the sound of reverence. That much I was certain of, I held no reverence for that man at all. I begin speaking more loudly and clearly to make sure there are no questions about my intent.
“The mini tourney begins to be named number one contender. I know this is stating the obvious but I feel like it needs more emphasis. The importance of the title needs more emphasis. Despite the fact that Tact has spoiled the spirit of that title, it’s still as important as any title in this company. Due to the fact that Raab has no clue what I’m going to say, he’ll assume the worst will be said.”
I smile at the statement, knowing it’s true based on how he talked about other competitors. Those people were individuals that he was facing for the first time.
“The difference is, he knows me, we’ve fought far too many times in the past. He likely will not expect the respect I’ve shown him thus far. He does at times take facts presented as insults, and sometimes he’s right. I know that in the past when he faced Tact, that was the case.”
I shake my head and sigh, although I’ve always had respect for the man, he’s always been kind of dense.
“The point here is, Raab, there are a number of things that you did or didn’t do that I took exception to. I’m going to repeat what I said earlier, Raab. As a tag team partner, one of your jobs in that capacity is to protect your partner. To have their back, not present them as a focus for your opponent. Yet, that is exactly what happened. The Game Changers took advantage of your weakness, you were the weak link on that team. They knew that should they attack you, it would only motivate you to destroy him. If they attacked Kat, however, that would get in your head. You wouldn’t be able to function in your title match, because of the guilt you would feel over your partner being brutalized because of your incompetence. The end game was exactly what they wanted. She was severely injured and you couldn’t get it done against Tact.”
The sound of a freshly starched shirt can be heard as I raise my arms to rest my hands on my hips. I glare at the camera as if he was standing right there face to face.
“You never were able to attain any form of revenge against them and so I took matters into my own hands. I fooled them into believing I was just some mercenary that could be bought for the war games match. In the end, I took care of making sure that Kat would be getting a little revenge on them. That wasn’t all of it though was it? No, in her last match, you were her partner against the blue bloods. That was all I asked of you was to protect her. Again she was injured and had surgery following that match. Every single fucking time, you failed the expectation. Now, you’re getting another opportunity to mean something here in Level Up.”
I shake my head in disbelief and lower my hands back down by my side.
“How many times must you fail before the company realizes what a waste of roster space you are? How many chances do you get at a title belt you can’t hope to win? What about the other side of this mini tourney? Do you really believe you could beat the uber-talented rookie in Paul Freedom? Catalina would eat you for a snack old man. Not to worry though Raab, I’m here to make sure you don’t make it that far. You’re tired and after all these years of avoiding people, I’ve heard through the rumor mill that you’re trying to embrace the fans?”
I accidentally snort as I laugh out loud.
“Who are you trying to fool, them or yourself? You’ve called yourself a monster for years and you want people to believe that you’re a nice guy? Not the man I know and have faced so many times, I’m not buying it, not even if it were on sale at K-Mart in a blue light special.”
Again I shake my head with a disgusted look at the camera.
“Maybe it’s time for you to hang up the boots and call it good. I don’t see you having a future here if you can’t take care of business. I can’t imagine you ever having relevance here as a singles competitor, and who the hell would trust you as a tag team partner?”
Fade