Post by cjphoenix on Jan 19, 2024 19:36:42 GMT -5
Fourteen months.....
The narrative voice of CJ Phoenix speaks as we see him at a party in Vegas to bring in the new year. Having competed at the Liberation Frequency event just hours earlier and then catching a flight to Vegas shortly after, it was clear that he was physically drained. Fortunately, the concoction that Datura made for them using the Echinacea flower that he brought was helpful after all. Sure he'll still be sore as hell in the morning, but he at least had enough firepower to make it through the night now.
That's how much time will have passed between my last one-on-one match and my upcoming one at First Dance. FOURTEEN! How is that possible!? I spent 2021 establishing my reliability and erasing the stigma that I was just some ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ bottom feeder. I showed my versatility AND my ability to be the most over person in a company in 2022. 2023 was SUPPOSED to be the year I led the charge. The year I took my rightful place at the top of the mountain and took the wrestling world to new heights. Unfortunately, none of that happened.
The countdown had begun at the Aria Resort and Casino. Less than a minute remained until 2023 was over. Crowds of people began to pool in as the final moments of the year ticked away. There was so much excitement in the atmosphere that it was getting hard to tell the drunk people from the sober ones. With a drink in one hand and his wife's hand in the other, the Luminary of Despair had a genuine smile on his face. A look of hope for his future.
So why am I even celebrating? I was injured physically and broken mentally when the year started. For months, every wrestling show I watched was a painful reminder that all I could do at the time was....watch. Even after I was cleared to wrestle again, I let my contract run out. As much as I had wanted to sprint back to the squared circle, I didn't want to make the same mistake again. I ignored my mental health because my physical health had recovered....and it cost me too much. Not this time. I had to make a change and get out of my comfort zone or else I'd be holding myself back forever.
Tell the Mechanic to take a break. I'll get to him later. Right now, I'm talking to the Janitor. The one who cleans up all of the Mechanic’s messes. Trying to keep the image of Peter Vaughn as clean as possible, but it's not as easy as it sounds, is it? It's hard holding that darkness back when your life is in shambles and your career is a cavalcade of chaos. I know because I've been there. I've painted a smile on my face in front of the masses while my life collapsed in the background. I've pretended everything is fine when it never was. That's what you're doing now. Not only with that darkness within you, but also with our upcoming battle. Hiding the truth behind a veil of bullshit.
I wish you could've SEEN how hard I was laughing when you tried to make it seem like you just looking at me bothered me. No, it bothered YOU. It STILL bothers you, and you know what? It should. You just had the greatest run of your career here. Starting last year by winning the WGWF World Title. Holding it hostage for most of the year. Riding the highs of success and fame until it all came crashing down at Summer Madness. The same night the Vaughn Village went up in flames was the same one where I had my first ever WGWF match. I left that night victorious and with the crowd firmly on my side while you left defeated, heartbroken, and drenched in despair. The same thing’s gonna happen when I beat you at First Dance because whether you know it or not, you're becoming the monster I grew out of. Someone trying hard to fight his opponents while fighting himself. Sure you won the title back a month after Summer Madness, but you lost it a month after that and haven't recovered it sense.
Now you find yourself at an impass. Do you keep forging on the path to prove yourself as the litmus test of all who enter and dare cross your path? Or will you give in to your jealousy and revert back to the Mechanic in a desperate attempt to recapture the spotlight that has passed you by?
Spoiler alert: it's the latter. If it wasn't, you wouldn't be so AFRAID of me. It's awfully convenient that you've been wanting to test the mettle of others, but when I step up, the gate’s closed. This was supposed to be PERFECT for you! What better to way to solidify yourself as the cornerstone of the company than by facing the Luminary of Despair in his first singles match since November of 2022? You should be EXCITED about this! Yet, all you've been doing is complaining and going back on your own morals. Is it ‘no more Mr nice guy’ because you're facing someone that can actually BEAT you? It's all good when you're knocking down people you're a step above, but I'm not one of them. I'm your equal on YOUR best day and BETTER than you on MINE, and I'm gonna prove it!
Instead of rushing myself back to wrestling, I took some time to get reacquainted with my peace. Trips with the wife. Casino runs. Streaming games. I had a couple of conversations with Spencer Adams about bringing back King Shit, but I couldn't bring myself to accept the offer. Not yet.
Once I was comfortable enough in my happiness, I went back to face the demons that haunted my thoughts. I was tired of the dark clouds of failure blocking my joy. Memories of the matches I lost in AW. Not winning the All-In briefcase or the World Title. Watching as my closest allies and rivals departed one by one. I won't lie, it's a shitty feeling when I think back on it. I had to let it go though. All of that anguish behind me was taking my attention away from the road ahead. When I accepted that I didn't accomplish back then, my eyes finally opened to see what I did.
==>Secret Unlocked: FLASHBACK<==
Summer Madness Night 2
Shortly after the show ended, CJ stayed behind for a quick press conference. Here we find him at the tail end of said conference.
Reporter: CJ! Congratulations again on your win tonight.
Phoenix: Thanks.
Reporter: How did it feel to be back in the ring in such a huge match after being gone for most of the year?
Phoenix: It felt great. It's like not playing one of your favorite games for a while and then coming back to it. It may take a minute to get reacquainted with the controls, but after that, muscle memory takes over and it feels like you never stopped playing. Fortunately, I got to team with Spencer Adams. That familiarity made it easier to get back into the swing of things.
Journalist: Was this a one-off appearance tonight or are you planning on becoming a part of the WGWF roster if you're not already on it?
Phoenix: Uhhhhh we'll see. The atmosphere was nice. The crowd was energetic. Chris was really welcoming and professional. I'ma take a day or two to think things over and then see if we can get a deal done. If things go well, then yeah. You'll see me here again.
The mediator is heard saying ‘one more’ to signify that the next question will be the last.
Writer: Will we see another King Shit run with you and Spencer Adams, and if so, when do you think it'll happen?
Phoenix: Yes to the first part. As for when, I don't know. I'm kinda just taking things one day at a time right now. Obviously, he and I are good friends. He's a brother to me and vice versa. He's also got stuff on his plate right now just like I do. Eventually it'll happen, but I'm not stressing when.
The mediator thanks them all for coming out tonight. Then, the flashback ends with the attendees cheering for CJ as he heads out while waving at them.
I won three different championships in AW and brought life to each division along the way. I proved that I make the titles that I hold relevant and not the other way around. My once inconsistent confidence had been fully rejuvenated. “I'm more than the Luminary or Despair. I'm CJ PHOENIX and that means NOTHING can keep me down forever!” When I found myself shouting those words in front of my bathroom mirror, I knew I was finally ready to come back. So I made the call to Spence and we stole the show at Summer Madness. My road to redemption had begun.
Alright Janitor, you can go clean up your act or something. I'm talking to the Mechanic now. That's who I saw out there when I was taking notes. You're Peter’s personal scapegoat, aren't you? The fall guy for whenever he goes off the deep end. I saw the way you were staring down JD Smith while she was screaming in agony. It must've sounded like your favorite song on repeat to you.....until you saw me and the record scratched.
How did it feel to see the same darkness and malice you possess staring back at you?
I see you for what you really are. You're the embodiment of the flaws Peter tries to cover up like anger, envy, and paranoia. So the question is...why did you show up that night? A soda doesn't fizz up and explode everywhere unless it's shaken up first. That means that moment you were in a trance happened because PETER VAUGHN IS SHAKEN UP!
Cannabis Cup Night Two. Main event. Peter Vaughn breaks the emergency glass and calls upon the Mechanic. The final boss that's gotten him this far. Championship on the line....and he falls to ENIGMA. Frustrating, isn't it? The Janitor has moved on. Peter at least TRIED to move on, but you won't let him. YOU'RE his ego that can't shake the bitter taste of defeat. You're ANGRY because you've been forced back into your cage. There was no need for you anymore now that Vaughn wanted to mend some of the fences he'd broken. Your mortality was put on full display for all to see.
Your CONFIDENCE was SHAKEN!
Look at who's holding the WGWF World Title now. Cholo. A phenomenal wrestler and at the least a respectable rival. Peter may be proud of Cholo, but you're not. You're jealous of him. Every day he's champ is a day you're not. You'd love nothing more than to blindside him to get closer to the gold. The Mechanic doesn't know humility. He doesn't want to be happy for others. He's too busy being ENVIOUS of people like ENIGMA, Cholo, and yours truly. All of which have higher ceilings that Peter Vaughn does.
Your EGO was SHAKEN!
And now there's me. The newest reason for you to lose sleep at night. I'm living proof of what you aspire to be. Someone who can WEAPONIZE his anger instead of hiding behind it. I lost a year of my career at a time where my momentum was skyrocketing. I lost a tag title to an injury and not to an actual opponent. I got picked in the LAST round of the WGWF draft. I have plenty of reasons to be bitter like you, but I choose not to be. I use those frustrations as motivation. I sacrificed one year to gain an eternity of greatness. I lost a title, but I'll obtain many more. And when I stand atop the WGWF as its World Champion, it'll be as the Last Round Legend!
I'm not afraid of my anger. I don't envy anyone else's successes. I just work my ass off until I reach my own. I've achieved what you're mentally struggling to accomplish, so it makes you PARANOID because you think I'm here to replace you. With me here, your days are numbered as a frontrunner. You're a placeholder set to pass the torch, but since I've already proven you're too envious to be happy for others, you're trying to cling onto it. So I'm gonna TAKE that torch and light a flame brighter than you can imagine!
Your COMFORT was SHAKEN!
So with your confidence, ego, and sense of comfort all in shambles, it's no wonder you showed up that night, only for Peter to frantically screw the top back onto the bottle because he's ALSO in shambles. Sadly for you, that mental downward spiral’s gonna continue after our bout. You'll show up, I'll defeat you, and then you'll be thrown back into your prison.
You may call yourself the Mechanic, Peter Vaughn, but I'LL be closing shop at First Dance.
We return from the flashback to the New Year's countdown. We're down to the final 10 seconds as the crowd counts down.
TEN!
So there you have it. A tale of two halves. Two sides to the same coin of redemption. While I may not have gotten to do much in the ring this year, I made up for it with everything I've done outside of it.
NINE!
I feel like a chapter of my life is closing. Within that, a chapter of my career is ending as well. Some things didn't go the way that I had hoped, but that's okay. I've learned to accept that it's okay and that I can move on from it. I still built a hell of a resume. Plus, I've set myself up for even greater achievements.
EIGHT!
So to answer my earlier question. Why am I even celebrating? I've got seven reasons.
SEVEN!
I made it through the year. Despite how broken and depressed I was at the start, I stand here with reforged hope and resolve.
SIX!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of WGWF. I get to start the next chapter of my journey. I have the chance to face familiar and new faces alike. Iron sharpens iron and I'm planning on slicing through diamonds.
FIVE!
I'm thankful for everyone that's been here for me through all the ups and downs. Kaiyah, Nessa, Spence, and all the friends and rivals I've made in the locker rooms.
FOUR!
Reality. My time away gave me the chance to truly stand up to my own uncertainty about how I got to where I am now. The start of my resurgence may have been built on lies and false memories, but everything I've been through since then has all been real. I'm rebuilding MY reality.
THREE!
The fans still support me. They didn't miss a beat when I came back. They didn't give up on me, and neither will I!
TWO!
Peace. This is my greatest achievement of 2023. The ability to come to peace with everything. All of my mistakes and failures. All the doubts and worries. Instead of just attacking with my despair, I've come to peace with it. My life has been improving ever since. Oh, and the voices in my head have disappeared.
The view cuts to CJ and in front of him are Junko Enoshima and Ibuki Mioda. He waves at them as they're waving goodbye at him. They fade away and back into CJ’s subconscious mind.
Maybe someday I'll pay them a visit.
ONE!
Finally, I'm celebrating my future. Everything that I'm gonna accomplish, starting next year. World Champion. Then Tag Champion. Then THIS champion. Then THAT Champion. I will make this the GREATEST year of my career! It shall become....
You're not ready for me, Peter. To you, this is just a match. An excuse to let out some anger and that's it. Your words might say you're in it for more than that, but your heart isn't. You're not risking anything for any rewards like I am. So you're already psychologically half-assing it, which is about to get your whole ass kicked.
This actually MEANS something to me. I'M the one that they're coming to watch. You've already established yourself here, but I haven't yet. So I have a lot on the line here. I have to prove myself and outperform my expectations. I can't just sit back and coast off of last year like you. This is my chance to slingshot myself into the World Title scene and earn my seat on the throne!
You wanna know why I was taking so many notes? It's because I'm taking this shit seriously! I'm not overlooking ANYONE no matter how much better I may be. When I threw down the challenge to you, I was challenging myself too. I didn't want my return match to be a three minute snoozer against some local at the gym for the sake of an easy win. I wanted a REAL battle. One that makes it worth doing all this studying and game planning. I'm going BEYOND greatness and in order to do that, I have to aim as high as possible! What better place to start that ascension than by shooting down a former World Champion in my first singles match here?
You can flash that fake smile all you want, Peter, but it won't save you from the truth. I'm gonna annihilate you on my way to the top of the company and the WGWF World Title. It won't matter if you're the janitor, mechanic, or even the grocery store clerk. When CJ PHOENIX brings the HEAT to Sun Bowl Stadium, you'll be the one going down in flames!
The narrative voice of CJ Phoenix speaks as we see him at a party in Vegas to bring in the new year. Having competed at the Liberation Frequency event just hours earlier and then catching a flight to Vegas shortly after, it was clear that he was physically drained. Fortunately, the concoction that Datura made for them using the Echinacea flower that he brought was helpful after all. Sure he'll still be sore as hell in the morning, but he at least had enough firepower to make it through the night now.
That's how much time will have passed between my last one-on-one match and my upcoming one at First Dance. FOURTEEN! How is that possible!? I spent 2021 establishing my reliability and erasing the stigma that I was just some ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ bottom feeder. I showed my versatility AND my ability to be the most over person in a company in 2022. 2023 was SUPPOSED to be the year I led the charge. The year I took my rightful place at the top of the mountain and took the wrestling world to new heights. Unfortunately, none of that happened.
The countdown had begun at the Aria Resort and Casino. Less than a minute remained until 2023 was over. Crowds of people began to pool in as the final moments of the year ticked away. There was so much excitement in the atmosphere that it was getting hard to tell the drunk people from the sober ones. With a drink in one hand and his wife's hand in the other, the Luminary of Despair had a genuine smile on his face. A look of hope for his future.
So why am I even celebrating? I was injured physically and broken mentally when the year started. For months, every wrestling show I watched was a painful reminder that all I could do at the time was....watch. Even after I was cleared to wrestle again, I let my contract run out. As much as I had wanted to sprint back to the squared circle, I didn't want to make the same mistake again. I ignored my mental health because my physical health had recovered....and it cost me too much. Not this time. I had to make a change and get out of my comfort zone or else I'd be holding myself back forever.
Tell the Mechanic to take a break. I'll get to him later. Right now, I'm talking to the Janitor. The one who cleans up all of the Mechanic’s messes. Trying to keep the image of Peter Vaughn as clean as possible, but it's not as easy as it sounds, is it? It's hard holding that darkness back when your life is in shambles and your career is a cavalcade of chaos. I know because I've been there. I've painted a smile on my face in front of the masses while my life collapsed in the background. I've pretended everything is fine when it never was. That's what you're doing now. Not only with that darkness within you, but also with our upcoming battle. Hiding the truth behind a veil of bullshit.
I wish you could've SEEN how hard I was laughing when you tried to make it seem like you just looking at me bothered me. No, it bothered YOU. It STILL bothers you, and you know what? It should. You just had the greatest run of your career here. Starting last year by winning the WGWF World Title. Holding it hostage for most of the year. Riding the highs of success and fame until it all came crashing down at Summer Madness. The same night the Vaughn Village went up in flames was the same one where I had my first ever WGWF match. I left that night victorious and with the crowd firmly on my side while you left defeated, heartbroken, and drenched in despair. The same thing’s gonna happen when I beat you at First Dance because whether you know it or not, you're becoming the monster I grew out of. Someone trying hard to fight his opponents while fighting himself. Sure you won the title back a month after Summer Madness, but you lost it a month after that and haven't recovered it sense.
Now you find yourself at an impass. Do you keep forging on the path to prove yourself as the litmus test of all who enter and dare cross your path? Or will you give in to your jealousy and revert back to the Mechanic in a desperate attempt to recapture the spotlight that has passed you by?
Spoiler alert: it's the latter. If it wasn't, you wouldn't be so AFRAID of me. It's awfully convenient that you've been wanting to test the mettle of others, but when I step up, the gate’s closed. This was supposed to be PERFECT for you! What better to way to solidify yourself as the cornerstone of the company than by facing the Luminary of Despair in his first singles match since November of 2022? You should be EXCITED about this! Yet, all you've been doing is complaining and going back on your own morals. Is it ‘no more Mr nice guy’ because you're facing someone that can actually BEAT you? It's all good when you're knocking down people you're a step above, but I'm not one of them. I'm your equal on YOUR best day and BETTER than you on MINE, and I'm gonna prove it!
Instead of rushing myself back to wrestling, I took some time to get reacquainted with my peace. Trips with the wife. Casino runs. Streaming games. I had a couple of conversations with Spencer Adams about bringing back King Shit, but I couldn't bring myself to accept the offer. Not yet.
Once I was comfortable enough in my happiness, I went back to face the demons that haunted my thoughts. I was tired of the dark clouds of failure blocking my joy. Memories of the matches I lost in AW. Not winning the All-In briefcase or the World Title. Watching as my closest allies and rivals departed one by one. I won't lie, it's a shitty feeling when I think back on it. I had to let it go though. All of that anguish behind me was taking my attention away from the road ahead. When I accepted that I didn't accomplish back then, my eyes finally opened to see what I did.
==>Secret Unlocked: FLASHBACK<==
Summer Madness Night 2
Shortly after the show ended, CJ stayed behind for a quick press conference. Here we find him at the tail end of said conference.
Reporter: CJ! Congratulations again on your win tonight.
Phoenix: Thanks.
Reporter: How did it feel to be back in the ring in such a huge match after being gone for most of the year?
Phoenix: It felt great. It's like not playing one of your favorite games for a while and then coming back to it. It may take a minute to get reacquainted with the controls, but after that, muscle memory takes over and it feels like you never stopped playing. Fortunately, I got to team with Spencer Adams. That familiarity made it easier to get back into the swing of things.
Journalist: Was this a one-off appearance tonight or are you planning on becoming a part of the WGWF roster if you're not already on it?
Phoenix: Uhhhhh we'll see. The atmosphere was nice. The crowd was energetic. Chris was really welcoming and professional. I'ma take a day or two to think things over and then see if we can get a deal done. If things go well, then yeah. You'll see me here again.
The mediator is heard saying ‘one more’ to signify that the next question will be the last.
Writer: Will we see another King Shit run with you and Spencer Adams, and if so, when do you think it'll happen?
Phoenix: Yes to the first part. As for when, I don't know. I'm kinda just taking things one day at a time right now. Obviously, he and I are good friends. He's a brother to me and vice versa. He's also got stuff on his plate right now just like I do. Eventually it'll happen, but I'm not stressing when.
The mediator thanks them all for coming out tonight. Then, the flashback ends with the attendees cheering for CJ as he heads out while waving at them.
I won three different championships in AW and brought life to each division along the way. I proved that I make the titles that I hold relevant and not the other way around. My once inconsistent confidence had been fully rejuvenated. “I'm more than the Luminary or Despair. I'm CJ PHOENIX and that means NOTHING can keep me down forever!” When I found myself shouting those words in front of my bathroom mirror, I knew I was finally ready to come back. So I made the call to Spence and we stole the show at Summer Madness. My road to redemption had begun.
Alright Janitor, you can go clean up your act or something. I'm talking to the Mechanic now. That's who I saw out there when I was taking notes. You're Peter’s personal scapegoat, aren't you? The fall guy for whenever he goes off the deep end. I saw the way you were staring down JD Smith while she was screaming in agony. It must've sounded like your favorite song on repeat to you.....until you saw me and the record scratched.
How did it feel to see the same darkness and malice you possess staring back at you?
I see you for what you really are. You're the embodiment of the flaws Peter tries to cover up like anger, envy, and paranoia. So the question is...why did you show up that night? A soda doesn't fizz up and explode everywhere unless it's shaken up first. That means that moment you were in a trance happened because PETER VAUGHN IS SHAKEN UP!
Cannabis Cup Night Two. Main event. Peter Vaughn breaks the emergency glass and calls upon the Mechanic. The final boss that's gotten him this far. Championship on the line....and he falls to ENIGMA. Frustrating, isn't it? The Janitor has moved on. Peter at least TRIED to move on, but you won't let him. YOU'RE his ego that can't shake the bitter taste of defeat. You're ANGRY because you've been forced back into your cage. There was no need for you anymore now that Vaughn wanted to mend some of the fences he'd broken. Your mortality was put on full display for all to see.
Your CONFIDENCE was SHAKEN!
Look at who's holding the WGWF World Title now. Cholo. A phenomenal wrestler and at the least a respectable rival. Peter may be proud of Cholo, but you're not. You're jealous of him. Every day he's champ is a day you're not. You'd love nothing more than to blindside him to get closer to the gold. The Mechanic doesn't know humility. He doesn't want to be happy for others. He's too busy being ENVIOUS of people like ENIGMA, Cholo, and yours truly. All of which have higher ceilings that Peter Vaughn does.
Your EGO was SHAKEN!
And now there's me. The newest reason for you to lose sleep at night. I'm living proof of what you aspire to be. Someone who can WEAPONIZE his anger instead of hiding behind it. I lost a year of my career at a time where my momentum was skyrocketing. I lost a tag title to an injury and not to an actual opponent. I got picked in the LAST round of the WGWF draft. I have plenty of reasons to be bitter like you, but I choose not to be. I use those frustrations as motivation. I sacrificed one year to gain an eternity of greatness. I lost a title, but I'll obtain many more. And when I stand atop the WGWF as its World Champion, it'll be as the Last Round Legend!
I'm not afraid of my anger. I don't envy anyone else's successes. I just work my ass off until I reach my own. I've achieved what you're mentally struggling to accomplish, so it makes you PARANOID because you think I'm here to replace you. With me here, your days are numbered as a frontrunner. You're a placeholder set to pass the torch, but since I've already proven you're too envious to be happy for others, you're trying to cling onto it. So I'm gonna TAKE that torch and light a flame brighter than you can imagine!
Your COMFORT was SHAKEN!
So with your confidence, ego, and sense of comfort all in shambles, it's no wonder you showed up that night, only for Peter to frantically screw the top back onto the bottle because he's ALSO in shambles. Sadly for you, that mental downward spiral’s gonna continue after our bout. You'll show up, I'll defeat you, and then you'll be thrown back into your prison.
You may call yourself the Mechanic, Peter Vaughn, but I'LL be closing shop at First Dance.
We return from the flashback to the New Year's countdown. We're down to the final 10 seconds as the crowd counts down.
TEN!
So there you have it. A tale of two halves. Two sides to the same coin of redemption. While I may not have gotten to do much in the ring this year, I made up for it with everything I've done outside of it.
NINE!
I feel like a chapter of my life is closing. Within that, a chapter of my career is ending as well. Some things didn't go the way that I had hoped, but that's okay. I've learned to accept that it's okay and that I can move on from it. I still built a hell of a resume. Plus, I've set myself up for even greater achievements.
EIGHT!
So to answer my earlier question. Why am I even celebrating? I've got seven reasons.
SEVEN!
I made it through the year. Despite how broken and depressed I was at the start, I stand here with reforged hope and resolve.
SIX!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of WGWF. I get to start the next chapter of my journey. I have the chance to face familiar and new faces alike. Iron sharpens iron and I'm planning on slicing through diamonds.
FIVE!
I'm thankful for everyone that's been here for me through all the ups and downs. Kaiyah, Nessa, Spence, and all the friends and rivals I've made in the locker rooms.
FOUR!
Reality. My time away gave me the chance to truly stand up to my own uncertainty about how I got to where I am now. The start of my resurgence may have been built on lies and false memories, but everything I've been through since then has all been real. I'm rebuilding MY reality.
THREE!
The fans still support me. They didn't miss a beat when I came back. They didn't give up on me, and neither will I!
TWO!
Peace. This is my greatest achievement of 2023. The ability to come to peace with everything. All of my mistakes and failures. All the doubts and worries. Instead of just attacking with my despair, I've come to peace with it. My life has been improving ever since. Oh, and the voices in my head have disappeared.
The view cuts to CJ and in front of him are Junko Enoshima and Ibuki Mioda. He waves at them as they're waving goodbye at him. They fade away and back into CJ’s subconscious mind.
Maybe someday I'll pay them a visit.
ONE!
Finally, I'm celebrating my future. Everything that I'm gonna accomplish, starting next year. World Champion. Then Tag Champion. Then THIS champion. Then THAT Champion. I will make this the GREATEST year of my career! It shall become....
THE YEAR OF THE PHOENIX!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
You're not ready for me, Peter. To you, this is just a match. An excuse to let out some anger and that's it. Your words might say you're in it for more than that, but your heart isn't. You're not risking anything for any rewards like I am. So you're already psychologically half-assing it, which is about to get your whole ass kicked.
This actually MEANS something to me. I'M the one that they're coming to watch. You've already established yourself here, but I haven't yet. So I have a lot on the line here. I have to prove myself and outperform my expectations. I can't just sit back and coast off of last year like you. This is my chance to slingshot myself into the World Title scene and earn my seat on the throne!
You wanna know why I was taking so many notes? It's because I'm taking this shit seriously! I'm not overlooking ANYONE no matter how much better I may be. When I threw down the challenge to you, I was challenging myself too. I didn't want my return match to be a three minute snoozer against some local at the gym for the sake of an easy win. I wanted a REAL battle. One that makes it worth doing all this studying and game planning. I'm going BEYOND greatness and in order to do that, I have to aim as high as possible! What better place to start that ascension than by shooting down a former World Champion in my first singles match here?
You can flash that fake smile all you want, Peter, but it won't save you from the truth. I'm gonna annihilate you on my way to the top of the company and the WGWF World Title. It won't matter if you're the janitor, mechanic, or even the grocery store clerk. When CJ PHOENIX brings the HEAT to Sun Bowl Stadium, you'll be the one going down in flames!