Post by TheNewBreed on Jan 6, 2024 23:52:35 GMT -5
* * * * *
Wispy gray clouds floated across the waning moon high overhead as an owl hooted in the distance. The dilapidated plantation house looked to have been in disrepair for quite some time as John approached the broken front staircase. The brick masonry on either side of the walkway was crumbling and bare of the wood planks that once would have led to a grand wrap around veranda. Long ago, this would have been quite a stately manner... but now, it was barely a shell of its former grandeur. The sun faded slat shutters hung precariously from the edge of the windows in the few places where they still remained at all, and many of the windows were shattered and broken by ages of tossed rocks flung by the fingers of young ones who wanted to feel the thrill of smashing things that don't belong to them.
“What the hell is this? A Scooby Doo crossover?” Cable grumbles as he takes a tentative step up from the sidewalk onto the crumbling porch and gingerly tests his weight against the aging wood still present.
“Well... here goes nothing, I guess.” he chuckles to himself nervously as he shifts his weight onto the veranda and steps up onto the higher platform.
“OK... so far so good.” he mumbles as he takes another gentle step further onto the porch.
A few steps in, John seems to relax a little bit, before... as he takes the next step, the boards beneath his feet give way to splinters, and John sinks through the porch and disappears into the dark hole below.
“For fuck's sake!” John bellows from beneath the porch in anger.
* * * * *
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, fans of WGWF, gather 'round and lend me your ears because it's time for a showdown like no other! I stand before you as the Untamed Demon, the one and only Damage, and I've got a bone to pick with a certain individual who's been hiding behind the shadows for far too long. His name is Mr. Clyde Newton, the so-called fortunate one who's been running around like a scared rabbit every time my name is uttered. Now, I want to be respectful here because that's the kind of demon I am, but Mr. Clyde, you've been testing my patience for far too long. You think you can escape the wrath of the Untamed Demon. Well, let me tell you something, Mr. Clyde – you can run, but you can't hide forever.
You see, I've been watching you closely, Mr. Clyde, and it seems like you've developed a special talent for avoiding confrontation. I mean, come on, buddy, are you a wrestler or a master of hide and seek? It's like every time I step into the ring, you conveniently find a way to disappear, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat – or in your case, pulling yourself out of a challenging match.
I respect your skills in the ring, Mr. Clyde, but I've grown tired of chasing shadows. It's time for you to step up, face your fears, and go one-on-one with the untamed force that is Damage. No more hiding, no more running – it's time to settle this like true warriors in the squared circle.
You see, while you've been busy playing hide and seek, I've been honing my skills, perfecting my craft, and preparing for the day when I finally get my hands on you. The WGWF universe has been waiting for this clash, and I can assure you, Clyde, it's not going to be pretty for you.
So, Mr. Clyde Newton, consider this a respectful challenge. You've been ducking and dodging me for far too long. Every time I step into the ring, you conveniently find a way to slither away, keeping your tail tucked firmly between your legs. It's like you've mastered the art of evasion, always managing to escape the clutches of the Untamed Demon. But let me tell you something, Mr. Clyde – your luck is about to run out.
But here's the thing, Clyde Newton, luck can only get you so far. You may have had your moments, but it's time for you to face the untamed reality. You can't keep running forever because eventually, our paths will cross inside the WGWF X Division Title Steel Asylum Cage match, and when they do, there won't be any escape. But before that you and I have some unfinished business on the coming Smash’s Main Event. Perhaps, I cannot wait till January 28th to peel you limb from limb. Trust, I cannot wait to do that. It sounds delicious right??
Mr. Clyde, my friend, you can continue to play the elusive game, but deep down, you know that your time is running out. The WGWF universe deserves this clash of titans, and I'm here to deliver. So, Clyde Newton, prepare yourself because when the Untamed Demon comes knocking, there's no turning back. It's time to face your fears and step into the ring with the one who's been patiently waiting.
Having said all this,I'll say this again. You're a talented wrestler, no doubt about it. You've got skills, and you've proven yourself in that ring. However, talent alone won't save you when you step into the ring with the Untamed Demon. It takes more than just skill to face someone like me – it takes guts, determination, and a willingness to embrace the chaos.
Mr. Newton... speaking of embracing the chaos… we’ve got to stop meeting like this. It isn’t good for your record, and we all know how JMont feels about those who aren’t pulling their weight, don't we?
When we fought the first time I told the whole world you wouldn't heed the warning... you wouldn't listen... you wouldn't learn anything... and I was right.
Here we are a few months removed from that night, and you have leached yourself to JMont and the Unfortunate Ones to become relevant instead of putting in the work yourself, and earning it.
It figures though.
A young kid like you doesn't have the work ethic it takes to earn anything, especially fame and notoriety.
You're definitely not the kind of young talent to value hard work and determination to rise to the top on our own merits.
You're not the kind of guy to cherish your honor or be proud of the thing you do.
You're only concerned with climbing the ladder and reaping the benefits of the glory that comes with the spotlight, and be damned to anyone who stands in your way to the top, right, Clyde?
You think riding with JMont in armored cars and zeppelins is your key to the kingdom... but you've ignored the tragedy of those who fail JMont. You've dismissed the possibility that you could fail, and thus... you have dismissed the threat that lurks behind every moment at Jmont's side.
JMont has a steep punishment scale when it comes to failure, and you're on that knife's edge every single day with him. One moment you could be besties... and the next you could end up like Sonya Benson did... crippled... shelved... betrayed.
I mean, it's the risk you take when you climb into bed with snakes... but you knew that already.
What you don't know... is what happens when you climb into the ring this Monday on SMASH and find yourself staring at the lights yet again, and then end up in the same boat at Last Chance when you fail to snag the new SMASH X-Division Title and you show JMont that you aren't carrying your weight for the Unfortunate Ones.
I think you'll find the repercussions skewed just to the wrong side of proportionality, and you'll find out exactly what JMont does to those he deems unworthy.
But... you already know the risks... but you won't learn the lesson until JMont shoves it down your throat.
You damned sure didn't listen a few months ago... and you won't listen now, so I don't know why I'm even trying to explain it to you again... but here we are...
I guess the only thing I can do about it now is shove the lesson down your throat myself on Monday, and hope you get it this time, buttercup… before JMont has to deliver the message himself. I'm done trying to be nice about it... now... I'm just going to do what I do best and show you the ropes... the hard way.
* * * * *
“Welcome to the Abyss, John.” a deep rumbling voice echoes in the darkness beneath the porch.
“What the...” John grumbles angrily in the dank depths as he brushes off the dirt on his suit
“Here in the shadows, only fear exists. There is only torment and terror here in the darkness… with the Untamed Demon!!” Damage’s voice bellows in the dark as a spot light flashes to life shining from behind the imposing figure of the massive man standing in the shadows of the corner as John shields his eyes from the blazing light.
“For fuck’s sake, Damage! You trying to blind me tonight?” John growled from behind his hands as the spotlight continued to glare from behind Damage.
“Well… no Mr. Cable. I was just showing you how I’ve been working on the scenery for my promos. Mr. Knight and Mr Page gave me some pointers on setting the scene for a more impactful promo a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I might show you what I’ve been working on.” Damage explains as he reaches for the switch to the spotlight and once more the cavern beneath the veranda is washed in darkness.
“Sorry, Mr. Cable. I just thought you might like to see the progress I’ve made since then, is all.” Damage continues meekly.
“It’s fine, Damage. Realistically, I think this house and the setting could be a really good location for a promo for you. I remember a bunch of years ago I would find some run down or abandoned hotel or apartment building just like this to shoot in… and, to be fair… this kinda brings back a lot of memories for me. It’s been a while since I worried about where I was to shoot a promo. I’ve been just letting my in ring work speak for itself.” John says as he straightens his shirt and tie in the darkness.
“Is that why you don’t do interviews or in ring promos anymore? I know you used to. I’ve seen them… and you haven’t done very many since Relaunch.” Damage asks him as he opens a small door in the wall behind him, and an equally decrepit stone staircase winds its way down in the ground disappearing in the darkness.
“Something like that… sure. Honestly, I didn’t put my money into the WGWF to sit out in the ring and sing Christmas Carols for the people, Damage. It was a business investment, and the only way that makes sense for me is to make profits with the product. Those fans pay their hard earned money to come to the show and watch me fight, and so help me… that’s what they're gonna get. Where exactly does that go?” John asks as Damage makes his way down the crumbling stone stairs and into the catacombs below.
* * * * *
Now, let's talk about your so-called "Fortunate Ones", shall we? They walk around like they're invincible, strutting with their heads held high, thinking they're untouchable. Well, Mr. Clyde, you may be part of that group, but let me make one thing crystal clear – no group, no alliance, and certainly no fortunate streak will save you from the impending chaos I'm about to unleash. The Fortunate Ones may think they're on top of the world, but they're about to come crashing down, and it starts with you, Mr. Clyde Newton and you Mr. Enigma.
I've watched you from a distance, studied your every move, and I've come to the conclusion that you're nothing more than a scared little mouse trying to avoid the cat that is my friend Mr. John “The Beast” Cable. Well, guess what, Mr. Enigma? I'm not just any cat; I'm the Untamed Demon, and I'm ready to pounce. No amount of fortune or luck can protect you from the reckoning that's coming your way.
Mr. Enigma, Enigma, Enigma – the so-called master of mystery and illusion. You've paraded around with that Smash Championship, thinking it makes you invincible, that it shields you from the inevitable clash with the Untamed Demon. Well, let me burst your bubble, Mr. Enigma – I am a hungry and angry Demon and now I am joined by Mr. John “The Beast”' Cable to play with you. Imagine what will happen when a Hungry Demon and a Beast join together and go for a hunt? That title won't save you when you're face-to-face with the chaos I bring. You might be the Smash Champion, but you're about to get smashed in a way you never saw coming.
Now, let's talk about this little game you've been playing, Enigma. The game of cat and mouse, where you scurry away every time the Beast comes knocking. It's almost comical how you've been evading Mr. John Cable, keeping your distance, thinking you can outsmart the chaos. But let me tell you something, Mr. Enigma – illusions won't save you, and mystery won't shield you from the reckoning that's headed your way.
You call yourself an enigma, a riddle wrapped in a mystery, but the real mystery is how you managed to become the Smash Champion while avoiding a confrontation with the Untamed Demon. You see, I've been watching, waiting, and biding my time. The WGWF universe has been itching for this showdown, and you can't escape it any longer.
The Fortunate Ones may think they have some kind of upper hand, strutting around with their titles and their false sense of security. But when you're in the ring with the Untamed Demon, all that fortune and luck will crumble like a house of cards. Mr. Enigma, you can hide behind your illusions, but reality is catching up, and it's coming in the form of chaos and destruction.
Let's address the elephant in the room – that Smash Championship around your waist, Mr.Enigma. You may flaunt it like it's a badge of honor, but soon enough, it'll feel like a chain dragging you down. The Untamed Demon doesn't care about titles or accolades; I care about one thing and one thing only – bringing chaos to anyone who stands in my way.
Now, I'll give credit where credit is due. You've had some impressive moments in the ring, Mr.Enigma. You've shown skill, cunning, and a certain level of mastery. But let's not forget, you haven't faced the Untamed Demon yet. You haven't stepped into the chaos that I bring, and that's a whole different ball game.
The Fortunate Ones may think they're living the dream, reveling in their success, but dreams can turn into nightmares, and success can crumble in an instant. Enigma, your days of running and hiding are over. The Untamed Demon is here to expose the illusion, unravel the mystery, and leave nothing but chaos in his wake.
As for that Smash Championship, Mr. Enigma, I hope you cherish it because after our showdown, it might feel a lot heavier. You may be the champion now, but when you step into the ring with the Untamed Demon, you'll understand that titles are just temporary, while chaos is eternal.
Enigma… we already know the weight of that Title is growing harder and harder to bear for you. What with your family and your responsibilities to JMont that he expects you to uphold, I'm sure you could use a rest. Lord knows if I had to deal with JMont as regularly as you do I would need a taste of the retired life for sure.
But fear not, O man of mystery… The rest and relaxation you deserve is coming, sooner than you think it is.
I know what it means to you to be the SMASH Champion. I know what that Belt represents. I know who made it so important in the first place… and it has a great deal of meaning to me as well.
As the two men who put wins in our columns at Us VS Them, it only makes sense it would come down to us… the two gladiators hand selected by Smash himself who rose to glory representing Team Smash… clashing over the very Title he brought to prominence in his own company.
Rest assured, Enigma… as long as I hold the SMASH Title… his legacy will continue on, and you will have not failed your friend.
But Monday night isn’t about the SMASH Title, is it?
It’s about the ranks of the Unfortunate Ones taking another L on global Television. It’s about showing the bunch of you that you can’t just claim to be the best in the world and have it magically come true. If that were how it worked, Artemis would actually be the IC Champ right now, and so would Tristan Slater.
Delusions of grandeur and inflated egos is all I see when I look at your rag tag bunch of self important selfish pack of assholes… and it makes me sick to watch how you traipse around here telling the world how great you all are, when combined, Enigma is the most important member of the group and he hasn’t suffered a real challenge to the Title he drapes over his shoulder since he took it from Page and beat Vaughn bloody to keep it.
For a Belt that means so much to everyone… you would think you would want to make it mean something by defending it against anyone who thought they were bad enough to take it from you… and yet… here we are.
Hiding behind secret stipulations that only Enigma gets to know about before the matches and a single challenge rule to boot. It seems to me the deck’s getting more and more stacked in your favor, and still… you refuse to put the Belt on the line and actually prove why you have it in the first place.
Seems to me that Smash would be so proud of what you’ve done with his legacy thus far… but that’s for you to stare at yourself in the mirror and reconcile at the end of the day, isn’t it, Enigma?
Not like you don’t have enough of your own failures to look at and measure your worth against already, right?
And trust me, Enigma… I know what this match is really about. This is the Unfortunate Ones chance to do some pre-work heading into the Pay Per View. This is Newton’s opportunity to level the playing field with Damage and your chance to test me out and maybe work over a couple of my injuries while you’re at it before you have to defend his Title against me.
You see… I know what you think.
The flaw here in your logic is we aren’t in there with you… you’re in there with us…
Good luck boys. You’re going to need it.