The white and gray ribbons of granite sparkle across the tabletops in the late afternoon sunlight spilling in through the large glass front hall inside the CCPE Arena Concessions area. Rows of these tables are angled across a large room, ringed in silver piped chairs with gray upholstered cushions. Devlin Knight, Ragnarok and John Cable are seated at one of the elegant tables near the front doors. Ragnarok, clad head to toe in a chic black collarless black suit, and Devlin Knight, donning a classic light gray suit jacket with black slacks and a royal blue shirt, are having a discussion between the two of them, about the events of last Monday Night SMASH, while John Cable is nervously tapping his thick heavy fingers against the empty tabletop in front of him.
Devlin Knight: Are you alright, John??
Cable’s concentration on his own thoughts is broken as he turns his masked visage towards the smiling Devlin Knight and Ragnarok, who whispers something towards Devlin Knight as Cable sighs to himself.
John Cable: I thought we were supposed to meet with them twenty minutes ago? I’m a fairly busy man, and I like to keep to my schedule. Has anyone even heard from Goth or Clyde this morning?
The two men look at each other, causing Devlin Knight to nod his head as he turns his attention towards John, and spins in his seat to face the masked man across the table.
Devlin Knight: Look, John, Goth informed me earlier that he was trying to get in touch with Newton. It would be best that we wait for them.
Cable shoots an angry look towards his fellow WGWF partners for Un-Civil War, along with Goth and Clyde Newton. Well at least John was sure about the men who were present, and he had already been approached by Goth about the matter just the other night, but Clyde Newton had been a discussion point in many circles since he’d been added as a part of the group. He had to agree to the questionable nature of his addition to the team with Goth the other day on Monday Night Smash when he brought it up, appreciating the fact that Goth was at least looking at the bigger picture here.
John looks over towards the other two men, first at Devlin and then to Ragnarok. Months ago, Devlin had gone to war with John in a brutal Iron Circle match. He knew what Devlin was capable of and what he could bring to the team. Ragnarok had just finished a barn burner of a match just the other night… and they had been in the ring before on the same side, so he felt like he knew where Pun was coming from too.
John looks up towards the sound of a door opening, noticing Goth entering the Arena with a troubled look on his face as the other two realize he had arrived. Goth takes off his heavy leather coat as he hangs it on his chair before situating his black leather pants and taking a seat with the other three.
Ragnarok: And??
Goth holds up his hand towards the group to beg for just a moment as a waitress walks over towards him to take his order. After a moment, the waitress goes back towards the kitchen and then Goth finally turns his attention towards the other three men who look at him in anticipation of news about Newton.
Goth: It took me a long time before Clyde even answered the phone, and then all he said was that he would be here when he can.
Cable smashes his fist onto the tabletop, enraged after hearing Goth’s remark, causing the others to turn suddenly to look at him in surprise.
John Cable: What??? What do you mean ‘When he can’?? A man is only as good as his word… and if his word is flippant then what good is he?
Goth looks at John plaintively, seeing the cracks in the group already stressing the edges and hoping this wasn’t the beginning of the end of this group before it ever really got started, and lets out a deep, mournful sigh. He gestures towards John warmly to come and sit and talk with everyone who is there, nodding his head, and while the anger is building inside of him, John reluctantly sits down and shakes his head.
Goth: Look John, I’m just as annoyed as you are. I have been trying to get in touch with this guy since the whole team was announced. If it was up to me I would have replaced him with someone else.
John Cable: Then why haven’t we already!!! If it’s that easy then just make it happen already!
John Cable crosses his arms across his chest while staring towards Goth with hard glare from beneath the mask.
Devlin Knight: Look Goth, I have to agree with John. Why is Clyde even still a part of our team anyway?
Goth nods his head as he takes a sip from the glass of wine that was handed to him by the returning waitress. He takes his moment to savor the taste, sucking his teeth and inhaling the after vapors before turning his eyes towards the other three men, who are eagerly waiting to find out what makes him so important after all.
Goth: I have already talked with Chris Page, but he told me that he isn’t going to be altering the team this close to the show. We either get him on our side, or just enter the match with the four of us. Page made sure I understood he was counting on us to make it work and pull out the win for the WGWF.
There’s a moment of silence between the four men as Goth allows them to let the words sink in, giving him the opportunity to loosen his tie. He takes another sip of the glass of wine before turning his attention towards the three others.
Goth: Look guys, I know that this sounds nearly impossible, but everyone seated around this table is a world champion caliber athlete. The four of us have been in many different wars in the past, giving us the edge in the situation where we can put our pride aside for the benefit of the WGWF.
There’s a moment of silence between them as the three others listen to the Goth’s words, knowing exactly what this match means.
Goth: And, even though it may seem impossible to take on five world class athletes, does that mean that none of you will show up in a few days??
He lets his gaze wander over towards John Cable, then turns his attention towards Devlin Knight before turning towards Ragnarok. He stares at them in turn, his stern gaze measuring each of them to the size of the fight they have to bring to the team, knowing very well what potential each of them have within them, and the Legacies they have forged in the ring. Sensing the struggle within, noticing that he needs to push their buttons a bit further in order to get them on the same page, Goth continues.
Goth: No matter how bad the odds may seem, I am not going to give up. Especially not to a team that has Joe Montuori on their side.
Goth grips the wine glass furiously, causing the wine inside to shake a little due to the intensity of emotions coursing through him after he mentioned the name of J Mont... the man that nearly ruined his career last year, causing him to be sidelined for many months. The fact that he had gained his meager measure of revenge over him that he had earned already had not shut down the hatred that he had felt for him since that fateful day, making it the main reason for him to sign up for this match besides being loyal to the brand who gave him a chance.
Goth: Forgive me.
It took him a few moments to get his senses back on track, remembering that the whole discussion had started with the subject of why Clyde Newton had not arrived yet. Goth closed his eye momentarily, and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly before opening his eyes again.
Goth: I want to believe that he’s going to show up and prove he thinks this match is as important to him as it is to each of us, even though my gut feeling tells me otherwise.
Devlin Knight interjects.
Devlin Knight: And what if he shows up? Will we be able to trust him?? Because the last time I remember it was YOU that reminded us all that he is a part of The Fortunate Ones. This is the one thing that's been bugging me, Goth… Despite all the differences we have in this little group here, one thing we have in common… one thing each and every one of us share… Is our loathing of J Mont and The Fortunate Ones. That is. of course, except for Clyde but I guess it's like team TPW, eh? You've got Junko on that team and she cannot stand J Mont just like everybody else… but the difference with her is she's experienced enough and professional enough to do what it takes for TPW. Now, if it came down to it, could Clyde Newton take a step back and BE WGWF or is he too much TFO?
Goth looks over towards the former Fred Debonair, a man that had made a remarkable turnaround since his return. Something that he could actually admire as he leans back against the backrest of the chair while letting the words sink in. A question that he had to admit he did not have a decisive answer to, something that angered him a bit if he was honest.
Ragnarok: Goth?
Goth turns his thoughtful gaze towards Ragnarok, the two of them joining Cable not many months ago as partners in a six man… a man that he knew he could trust prior to meeting with him during the last episode of Monday Night Smash. Goth opens his mouth, once, twice, grasping for words, but he has nothing to say as he shakes his head and remains silent for a few moments longer.
John Cable: It’s a fair question. I know for a fact that I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.
Goth: Yeah I know, John. Realistically, it IS a good question. Can we trust the guy?? And honestly?? I don’t know if I could ever trust anyone that is associated with J Mont. Does that answer your question??
The three other men nod their heads as they have to agree with Goth’s statement. He picks up the glass and empties the rest of the wine between his lips before letting out another heavy sigh as he places it back upon the table.
Goth: J Mont is a manipulative individual, he demands people’s allegiance towards HIM, nothing else matters to him. He does not care whether this or any other company thrives. He only cares about how fat his pay check is and how often he gets a chance to get under each and everyone else’s skin. Hell, we all saw what he did to Chris Page at Last Dance!!!
The other three men nod their heads in agreement as Goth lets out another exasperated sigh.
Goth: Look, I told Clyde that I expect his allegiance because if he didn’t give it his all in this match, I would do things to him that would put that match I had against J Mont to shame.
He notices the words inspire the others, seeking something that would put their minds somewhat more at ease. John Cable is about to respond, only to be cut off when their orders are being presented towards them by the restaurant employees. He investigates the expression on John Cable’s face, noticing as he has done in the past that John digests information in a different way than others would. Something that he has found interesting, wondering how far he could go with his ability to fuck with his mind as he has done with others in the past. Only to shrug off the thought, remembering that he needs him as much as the others in this team to be victorious.
Goth turns his gaze towards his plate, admiring the salmon that he had ordered. It always made him remember the time that he went for a city trip through Scotland, eating at a hotel restaurant near a small city where they served the best salmon fishermen caught the same morning. Grabbing his knife and fork, cutting off the first peace of the salmon and closes his eyes as he takes his first bite.
Devlin Knight: How long should we wait for him??
He hears Devlin Knight ask everyone in general, causing the four men to look around the table in anticipation of who will answer this question. Goth smiles at the waitress who has refilled his glass before he tells her to leave the bottle upon the table before watching her leave, turning his attention back towards the others after raising his glass towards them.
Goth: Don’t worry, I told him that he has until we have finished our meal. I mean seriously, do you think I am going to be waiting until the DPI comes around??
The other men smirk as they nod their heads and they also start on their meals, Goth smiles as he senses that they are becoming a cohesive unit, something he was trying to achieve in such a short time and relieved to have finally achieved it. Well at least to the majority of the team as Clyde’s absence hovers over their heads as a dark cloud, causing him to grind his teeth for a moment.
They share their meal for a while, having a few chit chats among themselves, laughing a bit at old stories as well as enjoying their meals. Goth suddenly looks at his phone as he receives a message, causing the others to direct their attention towards him and the mood at the table to shift immediately. .
Ragnarok: Clyde??
Goth nods his head as he reads the message before turning his attention towards the other while placing his cell phone back upon the table.
Goth: Clyde says he’s finally on his way
John Cable: That’s it??
Goth turns his gaze towards Cable, giving him a stern look, and John realizes in the moment it’s not Goth he’s mad at, and backing off the fire directed at him.
Goth: What do you want from me, John? If you want to work out some of your frustrations then I will gladly step outside with you and fight it out.
Cable is about to shoot back a response, but notices a look from Devlin who diverts his gaze just a moment too late back to the empty chair where Newton should be.
John Cable: Something you want to say to me, Devlin?
Devlin Knight: Oh there's a lot I want to say John and none of it is bad, but right now isn't the time for that… or this for that matter. Goth’s right. There's only so much he can do at this point… only so much any of us can do really.
Goth: Thank you Devlin. I already told him that we aren’t going to be here all night, all right?? Let’s turn our anger upon him when he gets here instead of turning into a time bomb among ourselves, OK?
Devlin Knight: Besides there's already one person in this whole shindig who's spent long enough with J Mont to want to dig his own eyes out with a rusty spoon and has turned his life around because of it… Maybe another can?
John Cable, Ragnarok, Goth and Devlin look at each other for a bit before shaking their heads and laughing…
All in unison: Nah!
The laughter dies down and the group is overcome with a silence again which causes Goth to let out a mental sigh, not sure whether he would hit the right spot with them, but willing to give it a try nonetheless.
Goth: Why don’t we just enjoy our meal, talk about past experiences… And who knows, we may get John Cable to tell the scoop about him and Lexi Gold.
Jon Cable: What scoop?
Goth, Devlin Knight and Ragnarok burst out in laughter as John Cable is seen looking puzzled before being relieved as Goth tells him that it was merely a joke.
*Thirty Minutes Later*
Everyone is still seated at their table, Goth is seen talking to someone upon his cell phone as the others are anxiously listening to the conversation that he’s having.
Goth: Look, Clyde, we expect you to be here within the next ten minutes. Because if you don’t show up, you will have to pay a very hefty bill, YOU GOT ME?
We see the other three men stare at Goth, having taken it upon himself to do all he could to create a unit out of the five ego’s. They notice him starting to bite on his lower lip in order to maintain his cool, but ultimately Goth nods his head as Clyde Newton seems to respond in a fashion that causes Goth to calm down some before ending the call.
Goth: Okay guys, either we all have a free meal… Or he is going to be walking through those doors in the next ten minutes.
Ragnarok rolls his eyes and stands up from the table, excusing himself, and wanders out of view and down a hallway not too far away, and Cable checks his watch again as Devlin chuckles to himself.
Devlin Knight: If that's the case then I'm gonna go ahead and order another main and some damn tiramisu for dessert… But no… let's be serious, we'll see him walk through the doors with thirty seconds to spare because like his daddy, J Mont, that's just who Clyde is. We all know it and what's worse he knows we know it and he's still stringing us along! He'll come waltzing in here like nothing has happened and expect us to bend over and play along and I'll do it, for the good of the group because I've got the bigger picture in mind but just know our eyes don't need to be on each other…
Goth takes in the words from Devlin, noticing how he has got a point upon his comment and sighs. He scratches the back of his head in an attempt to find the right words that would ease the tension that everyone can feel is brewing between the four of them.
Goth: Look Devlin, I don’t trust him. And i don’t want to trust him, every time his name comes up it is Joe Montuori all over again.
He grinds his teeth but shakes his head, he knows that losing his control won’t benefit him or the others.
Goth: The mere fact that he has such an irreverent mentality is going to be the downfall of our effort to come together for this one special match. The simple fact that we all have better things to do besides waiting for his sorry ass isn’t connecting with him apparently. I could have been back home with my wife and son and I cannot… because of this jackass.
Goth pounds his fist upon the table, noticing the looks of the three men piercing through his soul as well as the sudden whispers from the other tables around him. He grabs his napkin and wipes his mouth as he is doing some soul searching to collect his thoughts.
Ragnarok walks back up to the table looking over at Goth and his partners. He doesn’t say anything before sitting down. Placing his hand on the shoulder of Goth he smiles, and then looks around the table at everyone else.
Ragnarok: Guys, I know some of us have had a rough past, but I know we need to look to the future and realize that TPW is a real threat to WGWF supremacy. I trust each of you, and I have your backs in this.
Goth smiles. He and Ragnarok had connected with each other since the moment they decided to team up against the established team of Chris Page and Robert Main. He had to admit that he had hoped that he would have been drafted to Brawl instead of Smash during the Cannabis Cup, but realized some things are just out of your control. He’s about to say something further when the waitress emerges and makes her way over to the table.
Waitress: How’s the food? Maybe a dessert menu?
Goth turns his attention towards the others, allowing them to make their orders. Only to turn his attention towards John Cable, who as he has been throughout the evening has been very quiet.
Goth: John?? Is there something you want to say about all of this??
John Cable lifts his head and turns his attention towards Goth, the two men have a moment of a silent stare as Goth senses that there’s a mental struggle going on inside his head. John places his phone on the table that he had been staring at the entire time and looks over towards everyone and chooses his moment to speak.
John Cable: I can’t help this feeling in the pit of my gut that we’re all being set up with Newton somehow. Everyone at this table has history and rapport. You’ve both been in the ring as my partner…
John motions towards Ragnarok and Goth, and then towards Devlin as he continues.
John Cable: And Lexi and I pledged our might to the cause of Devlin’s Army to oppose the Unfortunate Ones on SMASH just the other night. I know Page has no love for JMont… Hell I think Goth might like him more than Chris does at this point… but why Newton? Of all the people that COULD have been selected for the team, who picked him? And why did they choose HIM?
John looks at his watch and notices how late it is.
John Cable: Look… It’s already later than I expected to be. I have meetings to get to, and while this has been a real pleasure, It’s obvious Clyde has better things to do than win this match. As far as I’m concerned, we let Newton tag in when JMont gets in the ring for the giggles, he can take the brunt of the damage early on and wear the other team down beating on him, and then we can finish the damned thing and make the win happen for the WGWF.
Goth instinctively looks over at Ragnarok, searching for possible advice from him on how he should respond towards it. Only to see him shrug his shoulders, a response he had already guessed he would give him. The same can be said for Devlin Knight who won’t give him any advice either. Causing Goth to nod his head and slowly rise from his seat as he drops the napkin on the table.
Goth: I guess we all have free meals tonight guys, we better get a good night's sleep and talk further tomorrow on how we should take on….
With his sunglasses covering his hateful eyes it was time to turn his attention towards the rest of the jock carries Page had selected. Not happy about the decision, he took a deep breath before swinging the door open. The four men who he didn’t want to see have now become a reality sitting right in front of him. He knew the others didn’t like him but that only made him smirk even more. All four men turn their attention towards the cocky member from The Fortunate Ones who stands in the doorway to the dining room. All four men gaze upon him with anger upon their faces, relieved that he finally showed up yet not happy to see him at all. Goth is about to launch towards him, but Ragnarok grabs his arm causing Goth to look towards his one time tag team partner with anger upon his face. As the two were looking at each other Clyde was quick to speak up
Clyde Newton: Well here we go… The only champion in the entire match is standing inside your presence. You guys didn’t think I would show up? Well you guys were rubbing shoulders and whispering sweet nothings. I was out buying a new monster truck. When you have the money and the power like the Fortunate Ones you can do these things.
John Cable: Clyde… I could buy and sell your boyfriend, JMont, and his wife and kid three hundred times over if that's what I wanted to do and it wouldn’t put a dent in my bank account. Real men who deal in real business have more respect for their partners than to waste their damn time with frivolity and bullshit. WE were all HERE to discuss this match at Uncivil War… you know the one you’re a part of?
Ragnarok: This is a team event not about one individual, Clyde. I respect the fact that Mr. Newton is currently a champion but what difference does that make for a TEAM effort. I’m a former champion but I refuse to dwell on that as it doesn’t help us at the moment. All of us need to realize just how tough of a match this will be. Thunder Pro Wrestling will always be a threat and a challenge. However, that’s not always a bad thing in my opinion. They will always push us to be better… but we’re already the BEST. The pressure is on those boys because they wanted a fight from us, not the other way around. Each individual has pride on the line and eventually it will be bruised. The boys at Thunder Pro Wrestling will soon realize that they picked the wrong company to challenge, the wrong men to battle and there is nothing that can change that. I say all this to remind Mr. Newton of his place... Not as a champion in this match but as a PARTNER to each of us. Someone who needs to have our back and not be so selfish.
Goth turns his attention back towards Clyde Newton, then looks at the staring faces of the entire restaurant as the manager of the restaurant approaches him quickly.
Manager: Sirs… Respectfully, I’m going to need to ask to keep this matter quiet so as not to disturb our other guests, or else I will be forced to have you leave the establishment.
Goth apologizes towards him, telling him that he would make sure that everything will return to normal and give the restaurant a large tip for the inconvenience.
He watches the manager leave with a satisfied look on his face, allowing him to count to ten before turning his attention back towards Clyde Newton. Who had taken a seat next to him at the table and was casually perusing the menu.
Clyde Newton: What is this? A three star restaurant? I was promised a six course meal from a five star chef courtesy of Page himself. To think that bonehead actually picked me to represent team WGWF even after J Mont embarrassed him at Last Chance, but I guess I will indulge in the perks that come with this joyous occasion.
Goth thinks back to the words from the manager, reminding himself that he cannot allow his anger to take over and have a fight in a public place. It was something that he knew he was yearning to do, and as he thought about it, he wondered if John would cover the damages if it didn’t stay civil after all, and chuckled to himself.
Devlin Knight: Man the irony that you're acting the way you are when I've carried you long before anyone here even knew your ass let alone J Mont... Don't deny it either, remember what happened last time you and I teamed up?
Knight raises his hand abruptly to cut off a response from Newton.
Devlin Knight: It's rhetorical… My point is while you're sitting there bragging about holding a belt on Smash, no offense John, Rag… We're here trying to come up with a game plan to actually win for the entire WGWF here! You're a Champion on Smash, you're representing Smash yet your idolo is over there representing a completely different promotion, you don't see the nonsense there? Seriously, But I digress…
Devlin takes a deep breath as the remaining three men stare at John, awaiting his answer to the Newton debacle.
John Cable: I’m not waiting here one more minute to be insulted by this clown. The combined weight of the titles the four of us have held in our careers would crush this punk where he stands. The people who felt like this match was important were here the whole time… and we already discussed our mission with the TPW. I have faith in the four of us to do exactly what needs to be done to get the win for the WGWF… and if you get a participatory ribbon for showing up to the match, Clyde, then good for you.
Clearly Cable has had enough, not wanting to wait for one second longer. Staring into the eyes of Clyde Newton, who looks back arrogantly while chewing some gum. Only to cause Cable to get angrier by the second. This seemingly causes Clyde to get more and more amused by the second before turning his attention towards the waitress as he is about to order something.
This causes the other four men to look at each other, John glaring at each in turn from beneath the mask, and with a disgusted sigh, he storms towards the hostess to clear his bill, and then marches out the door in a huff.
The other three men begrudgingly take their seats at the table, and glare at Newton.
Ragnarok: I’ve seen guys like you come and go in this industry Clyde. You talk a good game and you feel entitled. We don’t have time for that. I know you're good. The team knows you're good and the rest of the world knows your good, alright? All we need right now is for you to stay quiet and just listen and learn something tonight.
Clyde takes a drink from the glass of wine, looks over towards Ragnarok with a non concerning look on his face, as if he is saying that everyone should be thankful that he showed up at all.
Goth: Why don’t you do us a favor, and ask for a doggy bag and take everything with you and eat it all up back wherever you’re staying, because quite honestly?? I think I speak for the rest of us, but I can’t stand the fucking sight of you.
Goth hisses through his teeth, his eyes gaze towards every single table in the room to check if somebody had noticed what he had said. Only to sigh in relief as he notices that everyone has gone back towards their dinner and their companions. This gives him the chance to look back towards Clyde, who has leaned his arm across the backrest of the chair. Not at all concerned about what Goth just said.
Goth: Get…. out… We have a better chance against Thunder Pro Wrestling without you, so please go back where you came from and….
Clyde looks up towards Goth, staring into the eyes of the man who he had faced in OCW a while ago and shakes his head. Only to anger Goth even more, who leans forward and stares at him with his face only inches away from Clyde Newton.
Goth: Give me one explanation why you are stupid enough to not get out??
Clyde Newton: If I leave now you won’t get to eat your dessert and I can't watch the ice cream melt from your big dumb red face. You are so mad I thought the restaurant was serving coffee and tea time from the steam coming out those dumbo ears. We already know a guy like John Cable’s going to order the green fucking Jello from the desert menu anyway, so no loss there.
Goth rolls his eyes and looks over his shoulders towards the other two men, realizing that they need Clyde Newton in this match and reluctantly sits back into his chair.
Goth: Then I guess seeing the rest of us are all here, why don’t we turn our attention towards beating Thunder Pro Wrestling, huh?
The other two men nod their heads as Clyde is chuckling to himself as the scene fades to black.
* * * * *
John’s phone rings, and he reach a gnarled thick finger to the Bluetooth headset perched on his ear and clicks the button to answer the call.
John Cable: Hello?
Goth: John! Good to catch you. We are all going to return to my hotel for a drink and a chat about the match. It would be good if you would join us?
John Cable: Goth, thanks for the offer, but you know I don’t drink. Besides, I have a couple of meetings I’ve already had to reschedule tonight waiting on that asshole to show up earlier. Honestly, I don’t think it would be a good idea if I did join you tonight.
Goth: John, we need to work as a team in this…
John Cable: Goth… you know I know that. You also know that I know you very well… and I know Devlin very well… and I know Ragnarok very well… and I even know Clyde better than he likes me too. The fact of the matter, put simply… is that we are warriors of the highest order. We don’t need to work out a plan, or a strategy… we don’t need a gimmick or a gotcha to take this match at Un-Civil War. We have put years into this craft, and if we aren’t good enough to win this fight with TPW by now… we aren’t going to be after a few drinks at your house, you know?
Goth: I know that. That isn’t what tonight is about, anyway.
John Cable: Then what is it about?
Goth: Camaraderie. Trusting each other. Knowing…
John cuts him off suddenly.
John Cable: Honestly, Goth… I don’t need to trust any of you, and none of you need to trust each other either. you know as well as I do that this match comes down to each of us climbing into this ring when we have to, and doing our jobs. If we just do that… if we just keep our eyes open and keep each other from getting pinned and keep the tags hot… this match will work itself out however it’s going to. If Newton and JMont are going to screw us at Un-Civil war, then they’re going to do it anyway. The only thing we can do is look out for the company and keep our heads on swivels, Goth. I’m serious about that nagging feeling here… and Clyde’s got something up his sleeve. I know he does.
Goth: Well, that remains to be seen, but I am hopeful we can come together on this and fight for the WGWF with pride. The last thing I want is to lose to Joe Montouri at a Interfed Show.
John Cable: I’m not doing that, Goth… so no worries there. There is no way I am going to let JMont have that kinda shit to spout off about on the next SMASH for Christ’s sake.
Goth: We would never hear the end of it.
John Cable: And that’s exactly why I’m not worried about this. None of us want to hear JMont’s mouth if he gets the win. That;s motivation enough for me and you at least to make sure the WGWF Walks away with the win here. I’m counting on it… but no… I won;t be making it tonight.
Goth: If you change your mind… I sent the address to the hotel to your phone. Take care of yourself, and see you around, John.
John Cable: You too, Goth. We got this. Don’t worry about it.
* * * * *
Goth’s hotel room was quaint and tidy, even if a bit cramped for this much company. There was still much to discuss about their match with Joe Montuori, Junko Sua Souma, Xavier Lux, Larry Tact and Ava Arthur from Thunder Pro Wrestling. Clyde Newton is wandering around the small hotel room as the others are discussing the factors of the other team that may be a problem at Un-Civil War..
Goth: Can’t you please focus for once Clyde!!
Goth annoyingly asks Clyde Newton as the man reluctantly sits down at the end of the rather large sofa.
Goth: We are finally here, to get at least our heads straight
He looks over his shoulder at Clyde, who asks him What?? As he turns around and rolls his eyes.
Goth: Because this is our opportunity to show the world that we are a unit, even though we have our differences. Because let’s be honest people, WGWF has been calling themselves the top brand in pro wrestling today, so we got a lot to live up to. Hell, Chris Page expects us to beat those who oppose us.
The others nod while Clyde shrugs his shoulders.
Goth: It is easy for me to go off on solely on J Mont, but if that is what they are expecting then they got another thing coming. You see, I have faced Lux before and I know how good he is. I already know that Junko is a talented wrestler, scheduled to face yours truly in the future. But this is the now, the now where I have the opportunity to look down at the faces of all five competitors and show no fear. Because if they are expecting anything less from us, then we already got them by the throat.
He looks over the five names that are written down upon a piece of paper and nods his head.
Larry Tact, Ava and Junko are yet unfamiliar foes for me. But the unknown is what drives me to push harder, to close that chapter of what if?? There is no if in my book of revelation, there is only one way and that is straight through them. And I expect nothing more from all of you, because YOU are what makes us great. We could have thrown in five random wrestlers upon a rather large roster and perform to the expectations of either the Brawl or Smash brand. Thunder Pro Wrestling may have some talented names, but they aren’t the WGWF. And most importantly, they got a snake that will sell his own soul instead of going down for a fight… I do hope you remember me Joe, because the hour glass is slowly starting to run out and you and I will have our final stand my friend.
He closes his hands to fists, biting upon his lower lip in order to not get out of control
Goth: I want to be able to look you in the eyes before the bell rings, I want to be able to see the same commitment that I expect from you. But above all the entire WGWF locker room is expecting from us. We’ve got great champions in our unit, people who have achieved things and will achieve even more. And what a better way than to have brand supremacy written in the annals of time. Because that to me is just as important as winning every single title that I have won, and I expect for you all to feel the same.
With that he turns his attention towards the others, awaiting for someone else to speak up. Devlin pushes away from the cabinet he'd been leaning against, as he looks around at everybody…
Devlin Knight: You know when this match was made I was unsure of the approach I'd take and the one we'd take as a team especially being as we've got J Mont’s biggest fangirl sitting right here. I make zero apologies for what I'm saying Clyde because until this point you've still done absolutely nothing to prove me wrong and quite honestly I don't think you care what I or anyone here thinks of you anyway. But the focus now must truly be on TPW… Like a few of you I've only got first hand experience with J Mont and Xavier Lux via CCPE and Mecca, same with Clyde here… The rest of the group it's third hand, Junko Souma for example, I know via my sister Casie and daughter MJ primarily… The others? Larry Tact and Ava Arthur, I've never heard of, but I know each one was selected by their merits or their mouths and wallets in the case of J Mont and I know not one of them is a weak link… And that's where we've got to change matters.
Larry Tact is huge, he's a very big man and can generally be found loyal to the promotion and himself as opposed to working on behalf of a group so his place here is kind of fifty-fifty given as the loyalty here would be more to TPW and not J Mont, he is extremely experienced both in the ring and off the cuff of a fight… Now Ava Arthur as much as I don't know anything really about her, I'm well aware she's one half of the former TPW Tag-Champs “Lights Out” who lost the belts to Max and I’s next opponents in the S.E.X Cup, Rogues’ Gallery… All In all it's pretty safe to say that they are all formidable opposition, champs or former champs and practically ok par with us HOWEVER that's the one they're not. Us.
You can't take Joseph Montuori, Larry Tact, Ava Arthur, Xavier Lux and Junko Souma, you can wrap them up in a neat little ball and combine all their strengths and maximum traits and they still won't meet the skill set of Team WGWF! Joe Montuori for all his mouth and bad high school trolling antics, cannot hold a candle to me and he knows it! I respect the hustle of those I don't know and I appreciate what both Junko and Lux bring to the ring… But as a unit they have absolutely nothing on us, even if Clyde goes scurrying back to J Mont like Wormtail in The Prisoner of Azkaban, TPW will be flailing in the wind…
Ragnarok: This match to me is another checklist moment. We work our asses off every day in order to have big moments like this. Our roster is stacked with talent so to be chosen is truly an honor. Then on the other side we have Thunder Pro Wrestling. A company that will always do what it must to remain near the top. However, this is about staking our claim to not just being the best but that the power of J-Mont will not affect anyone here. I know all the names at Thunder Pro and I’m disappointed honestly. This was the best they could give us? It’s like going against the B team but maybe the owner is confident in what they have to offer compared to the very best. It might even be a case where the best didn’t want to compete against our fabulous five. We carry the company on our shoulders each week, never giving up win or lose but what can you guys say about your company. Besides when the owner of WGWF is the greatest entertainer of all time Chris Page, that’s all we need in our corner. Thunder Pro Wrestling shoot your best shot.
It wasn’t long before the attention of the floor landed in the hands of Clyde Newton but not one soul on the entire earth was expecting what would happen next.
Clyde Newton: Listen Joe I want you to shut the fuck up and hear what I have to say. Since the beginning of time you and I have run this shit together far and wide. When you moved, I moved with you. When you bled with this company I was right beside you with the same crimson mask. All of the sudden you were chosen to represent TPW we are beefing now? Might as well grab another can of beefaroni to feed that sad pathetic ego to another level. Let’s be real honest the only reason TPW chose you is so you can stand in the corner and flex your pecs like you are trying to holler but she wont holler back. I am sure you have noticed even your own wife doesn’t look at you the same when she wakes up next to you.
Taking a deep breath you could see the intensity and anger inside his hate fueled mind as he continues to rant and rave.
Clyde Newton: Now we have to speak about the other organization of buffoons that TPW has trusted faith upon thy hands. The first question I have that comes to mind is who the fuck is Larry Tact? Is this guy supposed to be in this match? You look like you try too hard and probably smell like cheap champagne and cigars.
Slamming his fist down on the table in front of him in a rage as he continues to release his ball of verbal anger towards everyone.
Clyde Newton: Xavier Lux the man I know all too well… We have done a lot of things together and a lot of things against each other. I understand you are getting sick of the bald jokes so let me shift the attention towards a new aim of attack. You failed at the Cannabis Cup, you failed as Last Chance and now you will fail again. So let’s go ahead and make this the trifecta already and show TPW why you shouldn’t have been an option.
The other wrestlers at the table are actually looking towards Clyde in confusion because it seems like he is actually focused and making a statement. Waiting to see what they hear next they listen attentively.
Clyde Newton: Lastly we have the two females of TPW Junko and Ava… These might be the only two who have a testicular fortitude on the entire team. I know Junko is one crazy bitch but the thing about unpredictability is that it makes you vulnerable. Of course we also have Ava you could stand in a corner and look pretty and let the real wrestlers fight please and thank you. The last thing we need is Joe inside the ring with a female because this time instead of pissing his pants well you get where this is going.
Devlin Knight: Unfortunately, I think we do. That’s disgusting.
The men all roll their eyes at Clyde and fake being nauseous as they laugh and the scene fades to black.