Post by Devlin Knight on Oct 4, 2023 15:13:10 GMT -5
Space Oddity.
Ground Control to Major Tom…
Ground Control to Major Tom…
Take your Protein Pills and put your helmet on…
The song's reverberations persist, unwavering, as we bear witness to cinematic sequences featuring the man once known as Fred Debonair. He strides confidently through the halls of the Resnick Psychiatric Hospital, the midday sun casting dramatic shadows over this expansive institution, nestled in the remote outskirts of Los Angeles, California. The date is April 2023.
The scene transitions to a modestly furnished room where the man is seated. A comfortable, solitary bed adorned with fresh linens occupies one wall near the door. The walls are adorned with soothing, neutral hues, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
Yet, Devlin Knight pays no heed to his surroundings. He decisively removes his Air Pods, placing them on the desk before him. The song now emanates faintly and distantly as he shuts his eyes, pushes away the chair, and rises, determined and resolute.
Ground Control to Major Tom…
Take your Protein Pills and put your helmet on…
The song's reverberations persist, unwavering, as we bear witness to cinematic sequences featuring the man once known as Fred Debonair. He strides confidently through the halls of the Resnick Psychiatric Hospital, the midday sun casting dramatic shadows over this expansive institution, nestled in the remote outskirts of Los Angeles, California. The date is April 2023.
The scene transitions to a modestly furnished room where the man is seated. A comfortable, solitary bed adorned with fresh linens occupies one wall near the door. The walls are adorned with soothing, neutral hues, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
Yet, Devlin Knight pays no heed to his surroundings. He decisively removes his Air Pods, placing them on the desk before him. The song now emanates faintly and distantly as he shuts his eyes, pushes away the chair, and rises, determined and resolute.
VO: ”The purpose behind my return to Resnick Psych Hospital isn't shrouded in mystery; everyone is well aware of the reasons. What truly begs questioning is why I chose to remain there for an extended duration when departure was a readily attainable option.”
Devlin walks toward the en-suite bathroom and switches the fluorescent light on before turning the cold tap and splashing water on his face…
VO: ”It had taken him an age to come back, forever before I saw him… Just standing there, staring as I let the cold wash over me.”
Devlin switches the tap off and leans over to grab the hand towel, jumping at the sight of the Rabbit in the mirror…
Devlin: ”Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the little Donkey man!”
Rabbit: ”I’m sorry Devlin, I didn’t mean to startle you…”
Devlin: ”What time do you call this?! I’ve been here for over a month already!”
Rabbit: ”A month? Jeeze it hasn’t even been a day on my end…”
Devlin: ”Fabricated time dilation and all that eh? Makes sense… Look, I’ve got half an hour until they call me for lunch and pills.”
Rabbit: ”Don’t worry, it’ll be as though you never left… Step back a bit.”
With a firm nod, Devlin takes three deliberate strides backward. The Rabbit's hand glides across what first appears to be the mirror's surface, but it transforms, bubbling and vanishing as it advances toward Devlin. A brilliant, searing light compels him to shut his eyes, enveloping him in profound darkness.
As the gentle breeze caresses his cheeks and birdsong fills the air, Devlin reopens his eyes, his gaze scanning the dense jungle surroundings. He spots the Rabbit and responds with a determined shrug, ready to face whatever lies ahead.
As the gentle breeze caresses his cheeks and birdsong fills the air, Devlin reopens his eyes, his gaze scanning the dense jungle surroundings. He spots the Rabbit and responds with a determined shrug, ready to face whatever lies ahead.
Devlin: ”Where are we??”
Rabbit: ”We’re on the moving islands of Thoth…”
This is Major Tom to Ground Control…
I’m stepping through the door…
And I’m floating in the most peculiar way…
And the stars look very different… Today…
The two moons rise in the sky as more cutscenes begin to form of Devlin and his time on this unknown land.
I’m stepping through the door…
And I’m floating in the most peculiar way…
And the stars look very different… Today…
The two moons rise in the sky as more cutscenes begin to form of Devlin and his time on this unknown land.
VO: ”I could quite literally go anywhere I wanted with the Rabbit, the me from the twelfth Earth, I think? Potentially fifteenth but who’s counting right? So why did I keep taking myself back to Resnick? Why did I keep re-entering the portal inside the en-suite of my room? Well that’s pretty simple… You see the more things change, the more they stay the same and familiarity is a big part of that. When I finally made my way back to WGWF things felt different… There were different Champions, different people fitting nicely into different tiers of the company but there were also those same familiar faces… The same serpent tongues forming words that just didn’t make sense…”
As the scene fades sequence once more, we find ourselves in the common room of the hospital. The subdued ambience strikes us instantaneously and the comforting, warm pale blue walls entice us to move deeper into the space and the simple yet calming artwork depicting serene landscapes and views that adorns the walls pulls our gaze all around as the gentle, diffused natural light streams in from the windows along one side…
Plush, upholstered armchairs and couches are scattered around the vicinity, their colors blending seamlessly with the decor. The coffee tables are low and sturdy, offering a place for patients’ books, puzzles and games along with their coffee or tea and biscuits… In one corner stands a bookshelf, stocked with all types of reading material from magazines to novels and self-help books and a few board games sit nearby.
Devlin Knight walks away from the corner bookshelf carrying a thin book in his hand and as he sits down on one of the armchairs and places it down on the coffee table we see that it is the short story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene. He closes his eyes and leans back in the chair but something shakes him awake suddenly. But when he opens his eyes he’s no longer situated in the Common Room but instead back in the living room of his adoptive fathers New York apartment…
Plush, upholstered armchairs and couches are scattered around the vicinity, their colors blending seamlessly with the decor. The coffee tables are low and sturdy, offering a place for patients’ books, puzzles and games along with their coffee or tea and biscuits… In one corner stands a bookshelf, stocked with all types of reading material from magazines to novels and self-help books and a few board games sit nearby.
Devlin Knight walks away from the corner bookshelf carrying a thin book in his hand and as he sits down on one of the armchairs and places it down on the coffee table we see that it is the short story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene. He closes his eyes and leans back in the chair but something shakes him awake suddenly. But when he opens his eyes he’s no longer situated in the Common Room but instead back in the living room of his adoptive fathers New York apartment…
Devlin: ”What the hell is going on here?? There’s no way I teleported from the Common room…!”
Rabbit: ”Definitely not teleportation no… A dream.”
Devlin looks around to see the Rabbit standing next to a far wall in the room.
Devlin: ”So if this is a dream, how are you here?”
Rabbit: ”Seriously? Lucid Dreaming, Devlin…”
Devlin: ”Is that a thing?”
Rabbit: ”You’ve traversed the length and breadth of Dimensional intersections and yet you’re asking me if Lucid Dreaming is a thing??”
Devlin: Valid point… So what am I doing here??”
Rabbit: ”That, I can’t tell you… You’ve got to think back, Dev, back to before you ended up here. Think back in fact to over ten months ago…”
Devlin: ”… What is the date today?!”
Rabbit: ”September 16th…”
Devlin: ”Aaah shit! What hospital is she in?”
Rabbit: ”L.A. General but I wouldn’t worry… She knows you’re in here, she isn’t expecting you to be at the hospital…”
Devlin: ”I’ll be damned if I miss the birth of my child. Wake me up…”
The Rabbit smirks and winks.
Rabbit: ”Brace yourself…”
The Rabbit swiftly raises his hands and forcefully claps them together, creating a thunderous sound that startles Devlin awake from his slumber in the armchair within the common room. He hurriedly reaches for his Graham Greene book, intending to depart. However, he spots a caregiver pushing a medication trolley and holding a clipboard, aware that he must remain until all the names for this dispensary round have been called. With patience, he stands his ground.
Carer: ”Ok as always if I call your names, please go stand by the right side of my trolley and wait… Adam Spencer! Nathan Clyne! Terry Pahria! Carly Skysens! Garry Edwards! Steven Johnson! Blake Brockstein and Xander Lowe!”
Devlin listens to each name and shakes his head in disbelief… These names sound familiar, not entirely alike. Same-same, but different, but still same… But he can’t quite put a finger on it as he leaves the common room and heads back to his en-suite…
For here am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do……
As Devlin approaches the front entrance of Los Angeles General, we notice the modern, glass façade that reflects the California sunshine. The automatic doors glide open, and Devlin steps into a spacious, well-lit lobby. Soft instrumental music plays in the background, creating a calming atmosphere. Devlin looks across at one of the glass panels and sees The Rabbit watching him, nodding.
To his left, there’s a reception desk with friendly staff ready to assist visitors. To his right, a cozy waiting area is adorned with comfortable chairs and vibrant artwork. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts from a nearby café… Devlin looks around and spots a directory map indicating different departments. Following the signs to the main corridor.
The hospital is meticulously clean, and the walls are decorated with inspirational quotes and images of medical breakthroughs. Continuing down the corridor, Devlin passes by several outpatient clinics, each specialising in different medical fields. The busy yet organised flow of doctors, nurses, and patients showcases the hospital’s commitment to efficient care.
For here am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do……
As Devlin approaches the front entrance of Los Angeles General, we notice the modern, glass façade that reflects the California sunshine. The automatic doors glide open, and Devlin steps into a spacious, well-lit lobby. Soft instrumental music plays in the background, creating a calming atmosphere. Devlin looks across at one of the glass panels and sees The Rabbit watching him, nodding.
To his left, there’s a reception desk with friendly staff ready to assist visitors. To his right, a cozy waiting area is adorned with comfortable chairs and vibrant artwork. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts from a nearby café… Devlin looks around and spots a directory map indicating different departments. Following the signs to the main corridor.
The hospital is meticulously clean, and the walls are decorated with inspirational quotes and images of medical breakthroughs. Continuing down the corridor, Devlin passes by several outpatient clinics, each specialising in different medical fields. The busy yet organised flow of doctors, nurses, and patients showcases the hospital’s commitment to efficient care.
VO: ”Now, I'm about to witness the birth of new life in this universe. I shouldn't be here; according to everyone who knows me, I should be in my private room at Resnick, which is near UCLA but on its own land. Escaping reality is common, especially in the wrestling ring, but right now, it feels like one of the most literal forms of escapism I've experienced.”
Devlin reaches a set of elevators. Taking the one labelled “Maternity & Labor Wards.” As the elevator doors open on the designated floor, he is greeted with soft pastel colors and a peaceful ambiance. The labor and delivery area is divided into private rooms, each designed to provide comfort and privacy for expectant mothers.
We can hear the gentle hum of medical equipment in the background. Nurses and doctors move about, tending to the needs of patients. The rooms are equipped with modern birthing beds and large windows offering scenic views of Los Angeles. As Devlin approaches the labor wards, he notices the anticipation and excitement in the air. New life is about to enter the world, and the dedicated healthcare professionals here ensure that this journey is as safe and comfortable as possible for both mother and child. And then he hears her screaming…
We can hear the gentle hum of medical equipment in the background. Nurses and doctors move about, tending to the needs of patients. The rooms are equipped with modern birthing beds and large windows offering scenic views of Los Angeles. As Devlin approaches the labor wards, he notices the anticipation and excitement in the air. New life is about to enter the world, and the dedicated healthcare professionals here ensure that this journey is as safe and comfortable as possible for both mother and child. And then he hears her screaming…
Devlin: ”Aurora!”
He runs toward the voice, instantly recognising it and pushes open a door without even checking. But there’s no comical “oops wrong room!” Here, he’s found her, his fiancée Aurora Frost sat let’s akimbo covering her modesty, with a midwife hidden between them, under a cover. Holding Aurora’s hand is Devlin’s twenty-four year old daughter, Mercedes-Jane Knight; both women look at him in shock…
Aurora: ”Dev??”
MJ: ”Dad?!”
Devlin: ”Well, I’m glad to see you had someone with you, on the off chance I couldn’t be here…”
Aurora: “But, how are you? Here I mean.”
Devlin: ”That’s a long ass story and I’ll explain later but I can’t stick around very long so let’s get this princess out of you shall we??”
Devlin takes Aurora's other hand as the Midwife readies her for another round of panting and pushing. The scene then shifts in a fizzle of static to Aurora peacefully asleep in bed, while Mercedes gazes out the window.
In the corner of the room, Devlin sits in a large armchair with the newest addition to the family, Ava Sienna Knight. His expression reveals everything, both before and after the Rabbit unexpectedly appears in the mirror, startling both him and Mercedes. Devlin rises, soothing a stirring Ava as he approaches the mirror.
In the corner of the room, Devlin sits in a large armchair with the newest addition to the family, Ava Sienna Knight. His expression reveals everything, both before and after the Rabbit unexpectedly appears in the mirror, startling both him and Mercedes. Devlin rises, soothing a stirring Ava as he approaches the mirror.
Devlin: ”Now?! I thought you said it would be like I’d never left??”
Rabbit: ”Yeah, we did that already… But we have elsewhere to be.”
Devlin looks around as he gets the scent of something… Something that makes him grin from ear to ear…
Devlin: ”Cannabis…? Cannabis?! Oh! The Cannabis Cup?!”
The Rabbit nods as Devlin spins around to face Mercedes who’s already got her hands held out.
MJ: ”It’s alright dad… I’ll explain everything. Besides I’m sure you’ll find a way back to us.”
Devlin: ”You’re damn right I will.”
Devlin winks and kisses both daughters on the forehead, before turning slowly, moving through the rippling mirror… Sending us into a complete, chaotic darkness.
All we hear is the melancholic orchestral instrumental of Devlin Knight’s theme tune “Welcome Home” playing extremely low in the background as a shadow walks slowly through the black.
All we hear is the melancholic orchestral instrumental of Devlin Knight’s theme tune “Welcome Home” playing extremely low in the background as a shadow walks slowly through the black.
VO: ”Which leads us to now, October 2023… A hell of a lot has happened between the day I left and now… I had done a lot that back then I didn’t care about but now, I regret. I had put my own son and daughter through things I can’t take back even with the power of travelling through places the Everyman isn’t capable of. I put friends in uncomfortable positions and now, I’m paying for that.
I made my way back to make amends, I came back to put things right and I’m beginning that journey on this coming Monday Night Brawl, when I set foot into the ring for the “Last Chance Battle Royale”. I knew after watching week after week of WGWF television, that anybody I am placed inside that ring with, was going to be one tough son of a bitch… And I wasn’t wrong, at all!
There are eight other men and women inside the squared circle on Monday at the CCPE Arena and each and every one of them has a story to tell… A background designed to have shaped who they are, a couple of them I’ve had interactions with in the past whilst others are fresh faces and new challenges to me.”
The shadow begins to shimmer slightly, taking shape and becoming Devlin Knight in the darkness. He continues to walk around the non-descript black space…
Devlin: ”Let's talk about Xavier Lux. He's a guy I've known for a bit, both have history in The Mecca and CCPE too. Just like me, he took a break but made a killer comeback that reminded everyone why he's a big deal in the industry. We've got something else in common too – we've both had some self-discovery moments lately, and we're itching to get back in the ring. But here's the twist: Lux won't be the one satisfying that itch. This showdown is where Xavier Lux will learn why it's way more awesome to have me on your side!
Introducing "The Southern Beauty," Brooke Blakely. Until now, fate has never brought our paths together, a regrettable missed opportunity. However, I won't underestimate her, just as I don't underestimate Lux or any other contender. As for Marisol Vilaró's system, I've heard about it, and it's no surprise that Blakely is now a "former" believer in it. Brooke’s last bout was against Nick Danger at Summer Madness, which she emerged victorious from. Before that, she defeated Emily Simms in July, showing she competes only every 1-2 months. We might consider ourselves fortunate in that regard.
L… A… Johnny Stylez man you’re one morose morherfucker disguised as someone who’s excited by his ill-gotten gains! I mean I’ve tried to keep up with the Joneses here but all I’m getting is a goddamn ice cream headache and noise that’ll give a deaf man auditory epilepsy! I mean I’m sorry am I supposed to have my jaw drop to the floor in awe because you ran a promotion? Me too! Wasn’t a successful one but I ran it… Am I supposed to be on my knees in prefixed adoration and wonder at you becoming majority owner of Brazzers? I mean it lists itself as the number one top adult site, I think you forgot to hire a website editor since 2012 hoss! I guess as they say if you can’t commit to the work, take stock in ownership. We’ll find out if you’re the same way in the ring on Monday.”
We see Devlin lift a leg and step over something, only to witness the en-suite in his room at Resnick materialise. He walks out to the main room and slumps down on the bed, rolling over, arms behind his head.
Devlin: ”Then there’s the likes of Ed Grado and Skylar Carsens. I’ve gotta say I love that plucky little bastard and strong chica respectively! Grado has the fortitude of a ten ton truck and Carsens gave an exceptionally good showing of herself in the fourway last week and no doubt will continue to do in the future, both of them just like everyone else in that ring is going to be a challenge.
The Pariah. One of those characters you find yourself facing who may or may not be an enigma, shrouded in a mystery, wrapped in a riddle who will show himself “when the time is right” and ultimately be an anticlimax… But you can never underestimate anyone as we all know. And finally two men who again, I’ve got some type of past with.”
Devlin sits up and rests his hands in his lap, looking into the mirror beside his bed, just above his desk.
Devlin: ”Clyde Newton and Spencer Adams, both remarkably talented and dedicated individuals, exhibit unwavering determination in their quest for success. Newton, a person with whom I frequently clashed even when we were on the same side, successfully acquired MY UK Title from another organization, IIW, when it ceased operations. On the other hand, while I didn't have the opportunity to witness Adams' full potential before my departure, his wealth of experience and impressive array of championship belts unmistakably highlight his remarkable skills. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing his brilliance in technicolor soon!
Eight individuals, all talented, eager and hungry but not one of them is Devlin Knight. Not one of those men or women, who I’m about to step into the ring with is me, nor do they have the capability to be me… I have been through the ringer lately and I’ve broken myself in a million and one different ways and yet I’ve still managed to pull myself together in order to come back here and put you all in your respective places… Monday we’re going home before the Cannabis Cup so light 'em if you can. It’s smoking season!”
Devlin stands as he says this and places his hand over the mirrored image which we now realise is a camera and the scene goes completely dark…
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you———…
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you———…
