Post by cjphoenix on Feb 3, 2024 17:42:40 GMT -5
Gather round, everyone! Today I'll be reading from the Book of Despaircans. Chapter two, versess five through twenty four. This is the story of the Luminary’s slugfest in Vegas.
Having emerged victorious against the mighty Vaughn of Petersburg, CJ Phoenix ventures to the location of his next Trail of Despair, the City of Sins. The battle had taken its toll on him, but he still forged on. He knew that the Trials of Despair would be brutal, but they would also result in him unlocking his true potential. After taking the night to rest, CJ began preparing for his next opponent. The creature known as Goth. Now Goth wasn't like the average entity. Not only was he a veteran of battle, he also held a history of conquering lands and holding their gold hostage. He was a shady tactician whose tongue spoke justice while his mind and actions displayed injustice. He was a trickster that could wear down his target before going in for the kill. In the City of Sin, this allowed him to blend in almost perfectly.
And so the Luminary studied. Through the tales of Goth’s battles, he learned that there were a few still capable of seeing through Goth’s facade, causing him to grow desperate. In those moments of desperation, he has been conquered. This time, the conqueror would be CJ Phoenix.
CJ had become accustomed to the deceptions and temptations that the City of Sin had to offer. His frequent visits allowed his eyes to adjust enough to see the darkness hiding in plain sight. The sounds of countless people and slot machines around him resembled that of a wrestling crowd, making it easier to stay focused in intense situations. He also learned through poker how to take calculated risks as opposed to dumb, irrational movements. It would take a calm mind and a resilient body to defeat Goth. Fortunately, CJ Phoenix had both, but he was still humble enough not to overlook his adversary. And so, he studied and prepared himself to face his next trial.
January 22nd, 2024
1:07 AM
Las Vegas, Nevada
First Dance had ended a couple of hours ago. Even though the music may have stopped, after the fight I had against Peter Vaughn, it's no surprise I'm still tangoing on the pain train. It's what I needed though. A hard-fought victory over one of the most decorated wrestlers on the roster. On top of that, it just felt good getting back in the ring and wrestling again.
We open to the sight of a black limousine pulling up to the front of the Bellagio Casino and Hotel. CJ Phoenix emerges from the vehicle as a concierge grabs his luggage, greeting him with a “welcome back, sir.” along the way.
Phoenix: Always good to be back.
As often as I've visited Vegas, be it for poker tournaments, wrestling events, or just entertainment in general, it's essentially become my home away from home.
Our protagonist makes his way up to his luxury suite and wastes no time diving onto the bed. His frequent casino trips over the years have allowed him to build up his tier status to high enough levels to get comp rooms like this.
Now that he's able to relax for a bit due to the next WGWF event being in Vegas, Phoenix takes out his phone for the first time since he left Texas after First Dance. He smiles at the congratulatory texts he received from his wife and a few of his friends. However, one message catches him off guard.
“I think I'm gonna take a dip in the free agency pool.”
H'WHAT!?
I had to read that again. And then a third time for extra confirmation. It came from Spencer Adams. The guy who had a hand in convincing me to compete in WGWF was leaving!? I was so confused. It's like he hot tagged me into the company. So I gave him a call.
Adams: Hello?
Phoenix: Hey bro. I just got your message. You good?
Adams: Yeah I'm good. It took me a while to think it over, but I ultimately decided that it's the right move for me.
Phoenix: That's fair.
Adams: Sorry man.
Phoenix: No need to apologize dude. You do what you believe is best for you. I'll be fine, trust me.
Adams: I know you'll be. I just feel bad because I know we all wanted to see a King Shit run in WGWF and a part of me feels like I let you and the fans down.
Phoenix: Nahhhh not at all. As long as I'm here, there's always a chance, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.
Adams: That's good. It's a really good company. I'll be sure to stop by from time to time, but I know you're gonna do well. All that high level competition will keep making you better. Iron sharpens iron, right?
Phoenix: Absomotherfuckinglutely! And no matter where you end up, if you need support, I got your back, king
Adams: Likewise, king.
Phoenix: I'm gonna try that whole sleep thing now since I just got to Vegas a little while ago. I just had to check up on you right quick.
Adams: Much appreciated. Think I might try that too. Talk to you later!
Phoenix: Byeonara!
That's gonna take some time to process.
CJ stares at the ceiling as his mind ventures into deep thought. On one hand, there was sadness. Had it not been for Spencer, CJ would've never been at Summer Madness, which means he also likely would've never made it to WGWF. It feels like the King Shit reunion was just yesterday, and now they're splitting apart again with only some backstage banter to show for their time. Sure, they can still have matches if the situation calls for it, but those walks backstage will be a bit darker without his closest ally there.
Oh the other hand, there was motivation. There was even more reason for him to push himself to the top of the WGWF. If this is truly the Year of the Phoenix, then he has to prove that he can get it done on his own. With the voices in his head quelled and now no Spencer Adams to hang out with during the shows, he's alone now....but that's okay. That's how a metamorphosis works. A caterpillar spends time alone, with only darkness surrounding it, and yet it emerges as a beautiful butterfly. So too shall CJ Phoenix, coated in an aura of despair, emerge as the Luminary that will lead the WGWF to the brightest of futures.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, Goth, allow me to break those verses down for you. With all the time that I've spent in Vegas, I've dealt with plenty of false prophets like you. With all my time in the wrestling ring, I've dealt with FALSE PROPHETS like you. People who speak of themselves like gods, only to be humbled as barely being good enough to be called mortals. At least when I show people their despair, I do it in a way that's teachable so that they at least have something they can learn and use to improve upon themselves. Whether they choose to do so is up to them, but I at least lead the horses to water. You, on the other hand, try to drag them to the slaughterhouse. You're not helping anyone and we both know that. What ‘hurt’ do you REALLY want people to embrace? The pain that they're dealing with, or the pain you inflict on them by lashing out because you can't deal with your own?
Oh how the mighty hath FALLEN, Goth! You can tell a lot about someone by how they act in two situations; when they have everything and when they have nothing. The first night of the Cannabis Cup is when you had everything. The main event. The biggest spotlight. The victory over J Mont. The roaring crowd on your side. So what did Goth become after hitting such a mountainous high?
CONCEITED!
You let it get to your head. That win deified you in your mind. Everything was coming up aces for you until that Number One Contender’s match against Mac Bane happened. Sometimes, it's hard to find the exact moment when everything falls apart, but in your case, it was easy. That hoof to the groin shattered more than just your dreams of facing Cholo at First Dance for the WGWF World Title. It truly broke your heart because it came from someone that was close to you. Someone you trusted. He used an underhanded tactic to get ahead, and you were the sacrifice. I get that. I've been betrayed by former friends before over title opportunities. It's a fucked up feeling, but I didn't let it turn my heart cold like you did. What did you become after your ego train got derailed?
BITTER!
You still haven't gotten over that night and it shows. I was there with my pen and notebook when you aired your frustrations towards Bane and gave a lame ass sermon on how you were gonna heal people by hurting them. J Mont is still insufferable, so that didn't work. You said you'd become the....lemme see if I'm saying this right....Intergothicnintal Champion? How'd that turn out for you? Oh yeah, that's right. You tried to pull a Mac Bane and use underhanded tactics to win. Only problem is that it didn't work as well for you as it did for him. It won't get any better for you either because you're not willing to practice what you preach. You REFUSE to heal from that night, and it's gonna keep hurting you. You don't have to believe me, but when we square up in Sin City and I beat you, you'll see that I'm right.
I've led you to the healing waters, horse. That reflection you see is your despair. Drinking from it and moving on is your choice. Will you do the right thing, or will you continue to hide behind your mask?
January 26th
8:25 PM
Las Vegas, Nevada
Ahhhhh, nothing like a Friday night in Vegas. Many of the 9-5ers are done for the week and ready to unwind. Travelers and tourists alike are piling in. It's inside of Mandalay Bay that we find CJ Phoenix speed walking through the casino floor. He's on the phone with his friend, Vanessa Rivers, the host of the Denzel Porter Invitational 3.
Phoenix: Okay, tell me what's around you.
Vanessa: Ummmm a lot of slot machines.
Phoenix: Alright. Anything else?
Vanessa: A roulette thing.
Phoenix: Table?
Vanessa: No. I don't think so.
Phoenix: Okay, I know where you are.
Vanessa: Well that makes one of us.
After 20 seconds of navigating the maze that is the casino floor, CJ finds Nessa and she looks relieved to see a familiar face.
Vanessa: I don't know how ANYONE finds their way through these places without a map and a compass. Kind of a design flaw if you ask me.
Phoenix: It's an intentional design flaw. If you don't know where you're going, then you're more likely to be enticed to try one or two more machines along the way instead of just heading out.
Vanessa: Ohhhhhhhhh so it's a trap.
Phoenix: Basically. It's like putting a moth in a room full of lanterns.
As they're talking, CJ guides Nessa to the outskirts of the casino floor and into the lobby. Nessa covers her face and sighs.
Vanessa: This is so difficult.
Phoenix: What are you trying to do?
Vanessa: Prepare for the DPI3.
Phoenix: Isn't that in Allegiant Stadium?
Nessa puts her hands down.
Vanessa: Yeah, but I'm gonna be here the whole weekend. That means things like after-parties and press conferences and stuff. I can't enjoy myself if I keep getting lost, you know? And it's a three night event, so that's A LOT of walking and talking. So I need tons of water and I've never hosted a multi night event before and-
She starts rambling on almost incoherently, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Phoenix: Whoa, whoa. Slow down. One step at a time. Tell you what. Since I'll be here for a few weeks, I'll be able to help you navigate these mazes. And when the Invitational rolls around, Kaiyah will be here too in case something comes up and I'm not on the floor.
Vanessa: Awesome. Thanks.
Phoenix: Anytime. Also, remember to pace yourself. Plan things out one day at a time so that when each night comes, you'll be prepared.
Nessa’s like a little sister to me. Considering what we went through and the fact that her actual older brother is still behind bars, Kaiyah and I have been looking out for her whenever she needs help with something. I'm already committed to going to the Invitational because the WGWF will be showcased on night 2. It's a perfect opportunity to do some learning, especially in the main event.
Vanessa nods as she recomposes herself.
Vanessa: Right. I've got an idea for what themes I'm going for each night. So that's a start. Friday I'm gonna-
Her stomach growls loudly enough to interrupt her, causing her to look a little embarrassed.
Vanessa: Dammit. I knew I forgot something.
Phoenix: You forgot to eat!? How the hell did you do that?
Vanessa: Listeeeennnnnn. I was busyyyyyyy. Time gets away from you here.
Phoenix: It does. Also an intentional design flaw. Come on. Let's go get some food before your stomach goes rogue.
The two go back into the cyber jungle that is the casino floor, heading towards the buffet as we fade to black.
Since we're gonna be scrapping in Vegas, let's make a bet. How long will it take for Goth to get over his God complex? Over/under is set at a thousand years. Everyone take the over because it's likely not happening in this lifetime.
I'm not dumb enough to overlook you, especially considering your style of wrestling. You're a wise, technically sound competitor that likes to dismantle your opponents. You want them to be overwhelmed with pain just as you are. I'd say the cliche line of “I'm like like them”, but that doesn't cut it. THEY'RE not like ME. YOU'RE not like ME! You don't have my resolve or tenacity.
I have a PURPOSE here! I'm on a mission and NOTHING will keep me from accomplishing it!
I'm not gonna underestimate you, but I WILL conquer you by undermining you. Matthew 12:25 says that a house divided against itself will not stand. The same applies to the mind, Goth, and it's why I'll be victorious. I burned the dilapidated mess that used to be my mental state to the ground so that a new fortress can be reborn from its ashes. I have accepted my flaws and past failures and I wear them proudly as battle scars! I don't fight to my last breath, Goth. I fight until I make you take YOURS!
My mind is focused to the point where I have funnel vision. That means every obstacle set before me funnels into the path to my success and that path is LINEAR! No detours. No hidden agendas. No distractions or side quests. It's just CJ Phoenix and a whole lotta corpses left behind on my path to being World Champion!
EVERY opponent gives me a chance to test myself.
EVERY win brings me a step closer to the top.
EVERY opportunity is a result of me putting the in the work in AND out of the ring to prove each and every night why I'm BUILT to be the face of the company!
My house is built on an unshakable foundation, but yours is collapsing from the inside out. You're preaching a word that you don't even follow. You see that I'm your opponent, but you're already thinking about facing Jenny Myst for the TV title at the third Denzel Porter Invitational. Beneath that, your TRUE focus is on a slow, but steady quest for revenge against Mac Bane. Instead of taking the high ground and facing him head on, you're taking the same, selfish path that he did in an attempt to catch him off guard the same way he did you. That division within your heart and mind is what's caused you to become desperate when your plan A of breaking your opponents down doesn't work. That's why you fell short against Austin Ramsey and it's why you'll fall short against CJ Phoenix.
I KNOW your heart isn't in this, Goth. Think about it. No matter if I beat you in five seconds of 50 minutes, you still have a match at the DPI3. You STILL get a TV Title shot. I'M the one that needs to win here! There is no safety net for me to fall back on. You may be playing with house money, but I'm in it to win it. I’ve bet on myself since I signed here, and I'ma ride that bet all the way through the finish line. So you can take your weak ass sermons, your bullshit philosophies, and your secret envy to be like Mac Bane and play three card monte with them in Hell because when we square up on Brawl, I'm cashing out a win!
Having emerged victorious against the mighty Vaughn of Petersburg, CJ Phoenix ventures to the location of his next Trail of Despair, the City of Sins. The battle had taken its toll on him, but he still forged on. He knew that the Trials of Despair would be brutal, but they would also result in him unlocking his true potential. After taking the night to rest, CJ began preparing for his next opponent. The creature known as Goth. Now Goth wasn't like the average entity. Not only was he a veteran of battle, he also held a history of conquering lands and holding their gold hostage. He was a shady tactician whose tongue spoke justice while his mind and actions displayed injustice. He was a trickster that could wear down his target before going in for the kill. In the City of Sin, this allowed him to blend in almost perfectly.
And so the Luminary studied. Through the tales of Goth’s battles, he learned that there were a few still capable of seeing through Goth’s facade, causing him to grow desperate. In those moments of desperation, he has been conquered. This time, the conqueror would be CJ Phoenix.
CJ had become accustomed to the deceptions and temptations that the City of Sin had to offer. His frequent visits allowed his eyes to adjust enough to see the darkness hiding in plain sight. The sounds of countless people and slot machines around him resembled that of a wrestling crowd, making it easier to stay focused in intense situations. He also learned through poker how to take calculated risks as opposed to dumb, irrational movements. It would take a calm mind and a resilient body to defeat Goth. Fortunately, CJ Phoenix had both, but he was still humble enough not to overlook his adversary. And so, he studied and prepared himself to face his next trial.
January 22nd, 2024
1:07 AM
Las Vegas, Nevada
First Dance had ended a couple of hours ago. Even though the music may have stopped, after the fight I had against Peter Vaughn, it's no surprise I'm still tangoing on the pain train. It's what I needed though. A hard-fought victory over one of the most decorated wrestlers on the roster. On top of that, it just felt good getting back in the ring and wrestling again.
We open to the sight of a black limousine pulling up to the front of the Bellagio Casino and Hotel. CJ Phoenix emerges from the vehicle as a concierge grabs his luggage, greeting him with a “welcome back, sir.” along the way.
Phoenix: Always good to be back.
As often as I've visited Vegas, be it for poker tournaments, wrestling events, or just entertainment in general, it's essentially become my home away from home.
Our protagonist makes his way up to his luxury suite and wastes no time diving onto the bed. His frequent casino trips over the years have allowed him to build up his tier status to high enough levels to get comp rooms like this.
Now that he's able to relax for a bit due to the next WGWF event being in Vegas, Phoenix takes out his phone for the first time since he left Texas after First Dance. He smiles at the congratulatory texts he received from his wife and a few of his friends. However, one message catches him off guard.
“I think I'm gonna take a dip in the free agency pool.”
H'WHAT!?
I had to read that again. And then a third time for extra confirmation. It came from Spencer Adams. The guy who had a hand in convincing me to compete in WGWF was leaving!? I was so confused. It's like he hot tagged me into the company. So I gave him a call.
Adams: Hello?
Phoenix: Hey bro. I just got your message. You good?
Adams: Yeah I'm good. It took me a while to think it over, but I ultimately decided that it's the right move for me.
Phoenix: That's fair.
Adams: Sorry man.
Phoenix: No need to apologize dude. You do what you believe is best for you. I'll be fine, trust me.
Adams: I know you'll be. I just feel bad because I know we all wanted to see a King Shit run in WGWF and a part of me feels like I let you and the fans down.
Phoenix: Nahhhh not at all. As long as I'm here, there's always a chance, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.
Adams: That's good. It's a really good company. I'll be sure to stop by from time to time, but I know you're gonna do well. All that high level competition will keep making you better. Iron sharpens iron, right?
Phoenix: Absomotherfuckinglutely! And no matter where you end up, if you need support, I got your back, king
Adams: Likewise, king.
Phoenix: I'm gonna try that whole sleep thing now since I just got to Vegas a little while ago. I just had to check up on you right quick.
Adams: Much appreciated. Think I might try that too. Talk to you later!
Phoenix: Byeonara!
That's gonna take some time to process.
CJ stares at the ceiling as his mind ventures into deep thought. On one hand, there was sadness. Had it not been for Spencer, CJ would've never been at Summer Madness, which means he also likely would've never made it to WGWF. It feels like the King Shit reunion was just yesterday, and now they're splitting apart again with only some backstage banter to show for their time. Sure, they can still have matches if the situation calls for it, but those walks backstage will be a bit darker without his closest ally there.
Oh the other hand, there was motivation. There was even more reason for him to push himself to the top of the WGWF. If this is truly the Year of the Phoenix, then he has to prove that he can get it done on his own. With the voices in his head quelled and now no Spencer Adams to hang out with during the shows, he's alone now....but that's okay. That's how a metamorphosis works. A caterpillar spends time alone, with only darkness surrounding it, and yet it emerges as a beautiful butterfly. So too shall CJ Phoenix, coated in an aura of despair, emerge as the Luminary that will lead the WGWF to the brightest of futures.
Until we meet again, fellow king.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, Goth, allow me to break those verses down for you. With all the time that I've spent in Vegas, I've dealt with plenty of false prophets like you. With all my time in the wrestling ring, I've dealt with FALSE PROPHETS like you. People who speak of themselves like gods, only to be humbled as barely being good enough to be called mortals. At least when I show people their despair, I do it in a way that's teachable so that they at least have something they can learn and use to improve upon themselves. Whether they choose to do so is up to them, but I at least lead the horses to water. You, on the other hand, try to drag them to the slaughterhouse. You're not helping anyone and we both know that. What ‘hurt’ do you REALLY want people to embrace? The pain that they're dealing with, or the pain you inflict on them by lashing out because you can't deal with your own?
Oh how the mighty hath FALLEN, Goth! You can tell a lot about someone by how they act in two situations; when they have everything and when they have nothing. The first night of the Cannabis Cup is when you had everything. The main event. The biggest spotlight. The victory over J Mont. The roaring crowd on your side. So what did Goth become after hitting such a mountainous high?
CONCEITED!
You let it get to your head. That win deified you in your mind. Everything was coming up aces for you until that Number One Contender’s match against Mac Bane happened. Sometimes, it's hard to find the exact moment when everything falls apart, but in your case, it was easy. That hoof to the groin shattered more than just your dreams of facing Cholo at First Dance for the WGWF World Title. It truly broke your heart because it came from someone that was close to you. Someone you trusted. He used an underhanded tactic to get ahead, and you were the sacrifice. I get that. I've been betrayed by former friends before over title opportunities. It's a fucked up feeling, but I didn't let it turn my heart cold like you did. What did you become after your ego train got derailed?
BITTER!
You still haven't gotten over that night and it shows. I was there with my pen and notebook when you aired your frustrations towards Bane and gave a lame ass sermon on how you were gonna heal people by hurting them. J Mont is still insufferable, so that didn't work. You said you'd become the....lemme see if I'm saying this right....Intergothicnintal Champion? How'd that turn out for you? Oh yeah, that's right. You tried to pull a Mac Bane and use underhanded tactics to win. Only problem is that it didn't work as well for you as it did for him. It won't get any better for you either because you're not willing to practice what you preach. You REFUSE to heal from that night, and it's gonna keep hurting you. You don't have to believe me, but when we square up in Sin City and I beat you, you'll see that I'm right.
I've led you to the healing waters, horse. That reflection you see is your despair. Drinking from it and moving on is your choice. Will you do the right thing, or will you continue to hide behind your mask?
January 26th
8:25 PM
Las Vegas, Nevada
Ahhhhh, nothing like a Friday night in Vegas. Many of the 9-5ers are done for the week and ready to unwind. Travelers and tourists alike are piling in. It's inside of Mandalay Bay that we find CJ Phoenix speed walking through the casino floor. He's on the phone with his friend, Vanessa Rivers, the host of the Denzel Porter Invitational 3.
Phoenix: Okay, tell me what's around you.
Vanessa: Ummmm a lot of slot machines.
Phoenix: Alright. Anything else?
Vanessa: A roulette thing.
Phoenix: Table?
Vanessa: No. I don't think so.
Phoenix: Okay, I know where you are.
Vanessa: Well that makes one of us.
After 20 seconds of navigating the maze that is the casino floor, CJ finds Nessa and she looks relieved to see a familiar face.
Vanessa: I don't know how ANYONE finds their way through these places without a map and a compass. Kind of a design flaw if you ask me.
Phoenix: It's an intentional design flaw. If you don't know where you're going, then you're more likely to be enticed to try one or two more machines along the way instead of just heading out.
Vanessa: Ohhhhhhhhh so it's a trap.
Phoenix: Basically. It's like putting a moth in a room full of lanterns.
As they're talking, CJ guides Nessa to the outskirts of the casino floor and into the lobby. Nessa covers her face and sighs.
Vanessa: This is so difficult.
Phoenix: What are you trying to do?
Vanessa: Prepare for the DPI3.
Phoenix: Isn't that in Allegiant Stadium?
Nessa puts her hands down.
Vanessa: Yeah, but I'm gonna be here the whole weekend. That means things like after-parties and press conferences and stuff. I can't enjoy myself if I keep getting lost, you know? And it's a three night event, so that's A LOT of walking and talking. So I need tons of water and I've never hosted a multi night event before and-
She starts rambling on almost incoherently, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Phoenix: Whoa, whoa. Slow down. One step at a time. Tell you what. Since I'll be here for a few weeks, I'll be able to help you navigate these mazes. And when the Invitational rolls around, Kaiyah will be here too in case something comes up and I'm not on the floor.
Vanessa: Awesome. Thanks.
Phoenix: Anytime. Also, remember to pace yourself. Plan things out one day at a time so that when each night comes, you'll be prepared.
Nessa’s like a little sister to me. Considering what we went through and the fact that her actual older brother is still behind bars, Kaiyah and I have been looking out for her whenever she needs help with something. I'm already committed to going to the Invitational because the WGWF will be showcased on night 2. It's a perfect opportunity to do some learning, especially in the main event.
Vanessa nods as she recomposes herself.
Vanessa: Right. I've got an idea for what themes I'm going for each night. So that's a start. Friday I'm gonna-
Her stomach growls loudly enough to interrupt her, causing her to look a little embarrassed.
Vanessa: Dammit. I knew I forgot something.
Phoenix: You forgot to eat!? How the hell did you do that?
Vanessa: Listeeeennnnnn. I was busyyyyyyy. Time gets away from you here.
Phoenix: It does. Also an intentional design flaw. Come on. Let's go get some food before your stomach goes rogue.
The two go back into the cyber jungle that is the casino floor, heading towards the buffet as we fade to black.
Since we're gonna be scrapping in Vegas, let's make a bet. How long will it take for Goth to get over his God complex? Over/under is set at a thousand years. Everyone take the over because it's likely not happening in this lifetime.
I'm not dumb enough to overlook you, especially considering your style of wrestling. You're a wise, technically sound competitor that likes to dismantle your opponents. You want them to be overwhelmed with pain just as you are. I'd say the cliche line of “I'm like like them”, but that doesn't cut it. THEY'RE not like ME. YOU'RE not like ME! You don't have my resolve or tenacity.
I have a PURPOSE here! I'm on a mission and NOTHING will keep me from accomplishing it!
I'm not gonna underestimate you, but I WILL conquer you by undermining you. Matthew 12:25 says that a house divided against itself will not stand. The same applies to the mind, Goth, and it's why I'll be victorious. I burned the dilapidated mess that used to be my mental state to the ground so that a new fortress can be reborn from its ashes. I have accepted my flaws and past failures and I wear them proudly as battle scars! I don't fight to my last breath, Goth. I fight until I make you take YOURS!
My mind is focused to the point where I have funnel vision. That means every obstacle set before me funnels into the path to my success and that path is LINEAR! No detours. No hidden agendas. No distractions or side quests. It's just CJ Phoenix and a whole lotta corpses left behind on my path to being World Champion!
EVERY opponent gives me a chance to test myself.
EVERY win brings me a step closer to the top.
EVERY opportunity is a result of me putting the in the work in AND out of the ring to prove each and every night why I'm BUILT to be the face of the company!
My house is built on an unshakable foundation, but yours is collapsing from the inside out. You're preaching a word that you don't even follow. You see that I'm your opponent, but you're already thinking about facing Jenny Myst for the TV title at the third Denzel Porter Invitational. Beneath that, your TRUE focus is on a slow, but steady quest for revenge against Mac Bane. Instead of taking the high ground and facing him head on, you're taking the same, selfish path that he did in an attempt to catch him off guard the same way he did you. That division within your heart and mind is what's caused you to become desperate when your plan A of breaking your opponents down doesn't work. That's why you fell short against Austin Ramsey and it's why you'll fall short against CJ Phoenix.
I KNOW your heart isn't in this, Goth. Think about it. No matter if I beat you in five seconds of 50 minutes, you still have a match at the DPI3. You STILL get a TV Title shot. I'M the one that needs to win here! There is no safety net for me to fall back on. You may be playing with house money, but I'm in it to win it. I’ve bet on myself since I signed here, and I'ma ride that bet all the way through the finish line. So you can take your weak ass sermons, your bullshit philosophies, and your secret envy to be like Mac Bane and play three card monte with them in Hell because when we square up on Brawl, I'm cashing out a win!