Post by cjphoenix on Mar 2, 2024 23:53:15 GMT -5
Date: February 26th, 2024
Time: 5:04PM
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Down in the Crescent City of New Orleans, we find CJ Phoenix inside Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. The store owner, Monica Sonnier, is staring at him. She's draped in robes and trinkets as she looks like she's checking to see if something happened to CJ.
Monica: Hmmm...no poison in your system, and I don't detect any evil energy from witchcraft.
Phoenix: Seeeeee? I told you I'd be fine. It's been three months and I haven't died once. Datura’s cool.
The shop owner sighs and lowers her guard a bit.
Monica: Just because you haven't died doesn't mean you can't still fall under some kind of spell.
Phoenix: Am I under one now?
Monica: No.
Phoenix: Then we're good.
Monica: HOW can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time?
Phoenix: Natural talent.
Monica: .....no comment. I guess I'll accept that you've befriended a decent witch. Do you need more stuff to try and keep her appeased?
Phoenix: No, but I'll take more of those Echidna leaves.
Monica: Echinacea?
Phoenix: Yeah. Those.
Monica: Sure.
CJ lets out a yawn.
Phoenix: Sweet. Thanks.
Monica checks the time before looking back at CJ.
Monica: You? Tired this early?
Phoenix: I didn't sleep much this past weekend. I was at the Denzel Porter Invitational all three nights and I spent the days either chopping it up with fans on the casino floor or studying the matches that went on. Plus, I've got interviews and stuff throughout the week.
Ever since I went back to being a part of a roster, I've been preparing myself for life at the top of the mountain. That way when I get there, I'm not panicking trying to manage everything. Don't get me wrong, I know how to carry weight as champion, but I want to do more than that. I want to attack my weaknesses and DESTROY THEM!
Monica: And WHERE'S the part when you sleep?
Of course, I can't burn myself out in the process. So I have to pace myself.
Phoenix: As soon as I get home...and most of tomorrow. The wife's already threatened to puncture three of my tires if I even consider driving anywhere tomorrow.
Monica: She'd do that!?
Phoenix: Probably. Either way, I'm not risking my tires to find out if she's bluffing or not. I just got them shined.
Monica laughs as she goes to retrieve more Echinacea plants.
Well well well, if it isn't a familiar foe. Did I impress you enough at First Dance or do you need a second serving of humble pie, Peter? I'll give you credit, you owned up to your loss and you didn't let it bog you down. I respect that kind of resiliency. Out of my three opponents, you're the only one that's actually faced me before. It took everything to win our first encounter. I'm certain this one will be difficult as well.
I know I'm not facing the same Peter Vaughn I battled at First Dance. The stakes have changed, and so have we. There's a title on the line. A vacant one at that. A fumbled football that four players are scrambling to recover. A perfect motive for you to get back on your horse and prove your resurgence is more than just talk. I can hear it now.
“PETER VAUGHN! ON HIS ROAD TO REDEMPTION, HE'S THROWING HIS HAT IN THE RING TO TRY TO SECURE A TITLE AND SPEARHEAD A NEW ERA IN THE DIVISION! HE'S GOT HIS EYES SET ON THE-”
...............
Wait a minute. I detect a dilemma. Just like Tristan Slater, you're fighting for a title with no current holder this month AND next month for a different one. The Bloodbath Championship. It sounds simple at first glance, right? Just try to win and hold both titles. Looks good on the ole resume, but not good enough for you, Peter. That piece doesn't fit in your puzzle anymore. As much as the ego doesn't mind, the man you're trying to be does. You know that for the sake of competition, and your health, that even if you theoretically won both belts, it would do more harm than good. Not only would you be taking away opportunities from others on the roster to shine and potentially get their breakthrough, you'd also end up burning yourself out and devaluing both belts. Is that REALLY what you want? For your tale of redemption to just be a bonus chapter in the story of greed and recklessness that you thought you left behind?
I don't think so. So I'm gonna help you out by winning the Intercontinental Title. And then I'm gonna make it THE premier title. The one people will line up for MILES to get a shot at. Not because I'm the one holding it. They're gonna line up for it because of how valuable I make it. No title I've EVER held has been seen as just another trinket or another belt to add to the collection while I was champion. That's not gonna start with that Intercontinental Title either. You and I both know that title needs a TRUE champion that will keep it from falling by the wayside. So it's a win-win for everyone! I’ll become champion. The division will be in good hands. The fans will love it. And you get to focus on bathing in blood....unless...
That title isn't your focus either. Perhaps it's TPW’s Intergalactic Title that's holding your focus hostage. It would make sense considering you went out of your way to go after its champ, Matt Knox, at the Denzel Porter Invitational. The same event that hosted WGWF just a single night prior. I was there that night, and that tells me that somewhere in your mind, you're wondering if he's gonna do the same thing in New Orleans. Somehow, your focus has become even more divided than it was the first time we clashed. You're the waiter trying to balance a wobbling stack of glasses only to trip and have them all fall and break. It's alright though. Even if that weren't the case, the result wouldn't change.
Bell.
Match.
Bell.
CJ Phoenix wins the Intercontinental Title.
Go ahead and take the concept of winning Monday Night off your plate. Take the task of carrying that belt to greatness off as well. While you're at it, the weight of being the face of the WGWF can go too. I got all of that, but if you're still feeling hungry after dealing with what's left on your plate, your new champion will happy cook up some étouffée.
What weaknesses am I attacking right now? The disconnect I have with communicating with the fans during shows. As I await Monica's return, all I could think about is my approach to conquering this internal battle. I know I'm well loved by the fans. I can tell by how they cheer for me wherever I go. It's easy to connect with them during my matches, but when I'm not in the ring, I used to seldom be involved.
Show up. Wrestle. Go home.
That was me with the exception of the occasional interaction with a few fans. I know I don't have to ALWAYS be in everyone's faces all day, every day, and I won't be, but I have to get outta more of my comfort zone. That segment last Brawl was a big first step, but I still have to do more. I'm not just trying to carry a title or a division. I'm gonna carry this company. I'm gonna carry wrestling into new realms of success. That starts with me doing everything I can to connect with as diverse of an audience as possible. Luckily, the next Brawl takes place in familiar territory. I'm very familiar with NOLA from the beads to the beignets.
Monica walks back with a bag with a few Echinacea plants in it.
Monica: This oughta last you a while.
Phoenix: Nice! Thanks a lot.
Monica: Anytime.
Phoenix: Hey, before I go. Do you think you can teach me about some of this stuff?
Monica: You mean how to use them?
Phoenix: Yeah. I have knowledge of the supernatural and a few experiences with it, but I wanna learn how to put it into practice. Even if it's just the basic things like protecting my home from evil energy and stuff.
Monica takes a moment to consider his request.
Monica: Are you sure about this?
CJ nods his head.
Phoenix: Yeah. I know you've got work and I've got a bunch of shit to do, but every once in a while when I stop by here, I'd like to learn something.
Monica: Very well. Just try not to do too much at once. The results could be catastrophic.
Phoenix: Got it.
I've already formed a connection with the people here in a sense, but it still makes sense to hear them out. So I came up with an idea. Something that I can test drive here and then take everywhere afterwards. I'm gonna start holding mini press conferences on the Fridays before shows. That way, it'll give fans a chance to connect with me while I build a consistent availability for them. Everyone wins and everyone's happy. Let's just hope that ends up being the case.
You're one hell of a pest, Tristan Slater. I see you out there playing sidekick to Mac Bane. Most people would forget that you're a decent wrestler yourself. Not elite or anything, but decent enough to punch up if you're being overlooked. Unfortunately, I take every opponent seriously.
Another thing I take seriously is the prestige of this company and its titles. Considering Bane is poisoning the World Title as we speak, we damn sure don't need his underling doing the same to another belt. Brawl deserves AT LEAST ONE champion that gets them on their feet instead of rolling their eyes or heading off to take a piss break. With me holding that Intercontinental Title, fans around the world will actually have a singles champ they can cheer for. Someone they know will elevate ANY and EVERY belt that he holds! They need a CHAMPION not a cham-PEON like you.
Which brings me to the other reason why this match is so important. As much as it's about me winning, it's almost as much about you losing. Be honest, this match isn't even your MAIN concern, is it? You're still upset that you were “ROBBED” out of a win against Cholo. If you think that's bad, how do you think Bane will feel when you slither your way back to him empty-handed? How much DESPAIR will you feel when you show him and everyone else that you've relegated from a persistent threat to an abject failure that's nothing more than a punching bag disguised as a puppet?
Do you trust him, Tristan? Does he trust YOU?
CAN he trust you to get the job done? I wouldn't, because you won't. But he won't help you either. You're not worth the assistance to him, even in a match with no disqualifications. So what does that say about how he sees you?
He sees you as unworthy of being champion.
Peter Vaughn sees you as unworthy of being champion.
Devlin Knight sees you as unworthy of being champion.
CJ Phoenix KNOWS you're NO LONGER worthy of being champion.
You tossed that away the moment you traded your independence to be a henchman. You're better than that. No. You WERE better than that. You still CAN BE better than that.
Sadly, you won't be.
You're gonna mosey on down to New Orleans, Mac's gonna let you off your leash, and then you're gonna get your head kicked off while I ride down Bourbon Street as the new Intercontinental Champion!
Date: March 1st, 2024
Time: 7:00PM
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Inside the Harrah's New Orleans, there's an impromptu setup for a press conference. Sitting behind the table is CJ Phoenix with a microphone. He's got Mardi Gras beads around his neck and a large hat on his head resembling that of Baron Samedi. He waves at the group of fans in the conference center, drawing a burst of cheers. CJ had been signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans throughout the day. Now it was time for the closing part, the press conference.
Phoenix: Hello everyone and welcome to the first edition of Fridays with Phoenix! I appreciate you all for coming out here. It's been a lot of fun. So much so that I'm gonna make this a tradition before every show. I'ma spend the day hanging out with the fans, and then we're gonna have ourselves a press conference on the way out. So I'll be taking a few Qs before I start taking in some brews!
Reporter 1: This is your first match for a singles title in almost two years. How are you feeling right now?
Phoenix: Confident, but not blinded by arrogance. Having three opponents makes an already challenging contest even more difficult. Each of them brings a different skill set to the match, so I have to keep my head on a swivel at all times.
Reporter 2: How do you even prepare for a match like this?
Phoenix: Well, that's a bit of a trick question. Anyone can prepare, and I did a lot of studying, but matches like these are so chaotic that are things you can't prepare for. Temporary truces. Surprising betrayals. Then you add the fact that the Intercontinental Title is on the line and you have a recipe for insanity in the squared circle.
I was fortunate that most of the questions were easy to get through.
Reporter 3: Should you win the Intercontinental Title Monday night, who would you want to defend it against first?
Phoenix: Hmmm....yes. I don't have a specific name in mind, so I'd mix it up with anyone.
I stuck around for a few more questions before a call from my wife stole my attention away.
Phoenix: Hello?....yeah I'm here. Really? What's the matter?....... It's okay, babe. You did fine. Just relax and I'll handle it when I get there tomorrow, okay?..... goodnight. Love you too.
Without indication of what “it” is, the scene fades to black.
Devlin Knight. I'm sure you're the only somewhat likable person that won't be happy to see me. Everyone else here in the Boot loves me, and the boot’s what I'm gonna give you in the form of a Talon Kick on my way to taking home the Intercontinental Title. Though I suppose that's WHY you're not happy to see me. You worked your way back into the graces of the fans. Unlike most people I face who hide their insecurities, you put in the effort to try to fix yours.
You changed for the better, and for that, I respect you.
I also understand your frustrations. THIS is YOUR Superbowl, isn't it? The culmination of everything that you've been through to try and wipe the slate clean of the putrid and disgusting person that you used to be. What better way to crown that achievement than with a title, right? A title and a desire to walk in the footsteps of its last honorable champion, Cholo. A main event match in front of a massive, passionate crowd where you're the fan favorite. Everything was lining up perfectly....
Peter Vaughn? Yeah he's more tenured and a bigger draw than you, but you have the moral high ground on him. So the fans are more on your side.
Tristan Slater? Come on. That sleazy piece of shit? Of course the fans are on your side.
CJ Phoenix? .......ruh roh Raggy. The Knight is about to be slain.
Everything WAS lining up perfectly for you...until my name showed up in the match. All of a sudden, there's a brighter light in the room. There's someone in the match that they want to see more than you, and that's me. Especially when it comes to the people down here in the Big Easy. Lemme tell you what separate us, Devlin.
The people like you, but they LOVE me. They've seen your pain. They've LIVED through mine. What I have, what this CITY has, more than ALL OF YOU in this match COMBINED, is RESOLVE!
People gave up on this city when it was hit by disaster the same way they gave up on me. It slowed them down, but it never stopped them. They rebuilt themselves back up and now they're thriving more than ever before! When I was at the low point of my career AND my life, there was a point where I could've given up like so many doubters had given up on me. I was sinking in the darkest pits of despair.
I could've let myself fade away, but I didn't. Like the city we're about to do battle in, I got the fuck back up and kept moving! THAT'S what connects me to the fans the most!
I'm the embodiment of their HOPE! The LIGHT that guides them through the darkest times of their lives! The LUMINARY of Despair!
Devlin, you can hate me for raining on your pseudo Mardi Gras parade, but this is something I HAVE to do. I HAVE to win this match, and I will! Not for me or my legacy, but for THEM! The people of New Orleans and the people around the world that take the time out of their lives to see us. To support all of US! They need a champion that they love and I WILL BE THAT CHAMPION!
Time: 5:04PM
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Down in the Crescent City of New Orleans, we find CJ Phoenix inside Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. The store owner, Monica Sonnier, is staring at him. She's draped in robes and trinkets as she looks like she's checking to see if something happened to CJ.
Monica: Hmmm...no poison in your system, and I don't detect any evil energy from witchcraft.
Phoenix: Seeeeee? I told you I'd be fine. It's been three months and I haven't died once. Datura’s cool.
The shop owner sighs and lowers her guard a bit.
Monica: Just because you haven't died doesn't mean you can't still fall under some kind of spell.
Phoenix: Am I under one now?
Monica: No.
Phoenix: Then we're good.
Monica: HOW can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time?
Phoenix: Natural talent.
Monica: .....no comment. I guess I'll accept that you've befriended a decent witch. Do you need more stuff to try and keep her appeased?
Phoenix: No, but I'll take more of those Echidna leaves.
Monica: Echinacea?
Phoenix: Yeah. Those.
Monica: Sure.
CJ lets out a yawn.
Phoenix: Sweet. Thanks.
Monica checks the time before looking back at CJ.
Monica: You? Tired this early?
Phoenix: I didn't sleep much this past weekend. I was at the Denzel Porter Invitational all three nights and I spent the days either chopping it up with fans on the casino floor or studying the matches that went on. Plus, I've got interviews and stuff throughout the week.
Ever since I went back to being a part of a roster, I've been preparing myself for life at the top of the mountain. That way when I get there, I'm not panicking trying to manage everything. Don't get me wrong, I know how to carry weight as champion, but I want to do more than that. I want to attack my weaknesses and DESTROY THEM!
Monica: And WHERE'S the part when you sleep?
Of course, I can't burn myself out in the process. So I have to pace myself.
Phoenix: As soon as I get home...and most of tomorrow. The wife's already threatened to puncture three of my tires if I even consider driving anywhere tomorrow.
Monica: She'd do that!?
Phoenix: Probably. Either way, I'm not risking my tires to find out if she's bluffing or not. I just got them shined.
Monica laughs as she goes to retrieve more Echinacea plants.
Well well well, if it isn't a familiar foe. Did I impress you enough at First Dance or do you need a second serving of humble pie, Peter? I'll give you credit, you owned up to your loss and you didn't let it bog you down. I respect that kind of resiliency. Out of my three opponents, you're the only one that's actually faced me before. It took everything to win our first encounter. I'm certain this one will be difficult as well.
I know I'm not facing the same Peter Vaughn I battled at First Dance. The stakes have changed, and so have we. There's a title on the line. A vacant one at that. A fumbled football that four players are scrambling to recover. A perfect motive for you to get back on your horse and prove your resurgence is more than just talk. I can hear it now.
“PETER VAUGHN! ON HIS ROAD TO REDEMPTION, HE'S THROWING HIS HAT IN THE RING TO TRY TO SECURE A TITLE AND SPEARHEAD A NEW ERA IN THE DIVISION! HE'S GOT HIS EYES SET ON THE-”
...............
Wait a minute. I detect a dilemma. Just like Tristan Slater, you're fighting for a title with no current holder this month AND next month for a different one. The Bloodbath Championship. It sounds simple at first glance, right? Just try to win and hold both titles. Looks good on the ole resume, but not good enough for you, Peter. That piece doesn't fit in your puzzle anymore. As much as the ego doesn't mind, the man you're trying to be does. You know that for the sake of competition, and your health, that even if you theoretically won both belts, it would do more harm than good. Not only would you be taking away opportunities from others on the roster to shine and potentially get their breakthrough, you'd also end up burning yourself out and devaluing both belts. Is that REALLY what you want? For your tale of redemption to just be a bonus chapter in the story of greed and recklessness that you thought you left behind?
I don't think so. So I'm gonna help you out by winning the Intercontinental Title. And then I'm gonna make it THE premier title. The one people will line up for MILES to get a shot at. Not because I'm the one holding it. They're gonna line up for it because of how valuable I make it. No title I've EVER held has been seen as just another trinket or another belt to add to the collection while I was champion. That's not gonna start with that Intercontinental Title either. You and I both know that title needs a TRUE champion that will keep it from falling by the wayside. So it's a win-win for everyone! I’ll become champion. The division will be in good hands. The fans will love it. And you get to focus on bathing in blood....unless...
That title isn't your focus either. Perhaps it's TPW’s Intergalactic Title that's holding your focus hostage. It would make sense considering you went out of your way to go after its champ, Matt Knox, at the Denzel Porter Invitational. The same event that hosted WGWF just a single night prior. I was there that night, and that tells me that somewhere in your mind, you're wondering if he's gonna do the same thing in New Orleans. Somehow, your focus has become even more divided than it was the first time we clashed. You're the waiter trying to balance a wobbling stack of glasses only to trip and have them all fall and break. It's alright though. Even if that weren't the case, the result wouldn't change.
Bell.
Match.
Bell.
CJ Phoenix wins the Intercontinental Title.
Go ahead and take the concept of winning Monday Night off your plate. Take the task of carrying that belt to greatness off as well. While you're at it, the weight of being the face of the WGWF can go too. I got all of that, but if you're still feeling hungry after dealing with what's left on your plate, your new champion will happy cook up some étouffée.
What weaknesses am I attacking right now? The disconnect I have with communicating with the fans during shows. As I await Monica's return, all I could think about is my approach to conquering this internal battle. I know I'm well loved by the fans. I can tell by how they cheer for me wherever I go. It's easy to connect with them during my matches, but when I'm not in the ring, I used to seldom be involved.
Show up. Wrestle. Go home.
That was me with the exception of the occasional interaction with a few fans. I know I don't have to ALWAYS be in everyone's faces all day, every day, and I won't be, but I have to get outta more of my comfort zone. That segment last Brawl was a big first step, but I still have to do more. I'm not just trying to carry a title or a division. I'm gonna carry this company. I'm gonna carry wrestling into new realms of success. That starts with me doing everything I can to connect with as diverse of an audience as possible. Luckily, the next Brawl takes place in familiar territory. I'm very familiar with NOLA from the beads to the beignets.
Monica walks back with a bag with a few Echinacea plants in it.
Monica: This oughta last you a while.
Phoenix: Nice! Thanks a lot.
Monica: Anytime.
Phoenix: Hey, before I go. Do you think you can teach me about some of this stuff?
Monica: You mean how to use them?
Phoenix: Yeah. I have knowledge of the supernatural and a few experiences with it, but I wanna learn how to put it into practice. Even if it's just the basic things like protecting my home from evil energy and stuff.
Monica takes a moment to consider his request.
Monica: Are you sure about this?
CJ nods his head.
Phoenix: Yeah. I know you've got work and I've got a bunch of shit to do, but every once in a while when I stop by here, I'd like to learn something.
Monica: Very well. Just try not to do too much at once. The results could be catastrophic.
Phoenix: Got it.
I've already formed a connection with the people here in a sense, but it still makes sense to hear them out. So I came up with an idea. Something that I can test drive here and then take everywhere afterwards. I'm gonna start holding mini press conferences on the Fridays before shows. That way, it'll give fans a chance to connect with me while I build a consistent availability for them. Everyone wins and everyone's happy. Let's just hope that ends up being the case.
You're one hell of a pest, Tristan Slater. I see you out there playing sidekick to Mac Bane. Most people would forget that you're a decent wrestler yourself. Not elite or anything, but decent enough to punch up if you're being overlooked. Unfortunately, I take every opponent seriously.
Another thing I take seriously is the prestige of this company and its titles. Considering Bane is poisoning the World Title as we speak, we damn sure don't need his underling doing the same to another belt. Brawl deserves AT LEAST ONE champion that gets them on their feet instead of rolling their eyes or heading off to take a piss break. With me holding that Intercontinental Title, fans around the world will actually have a singles champ they can cheer for. Someone they know will elevate ANY and EVERY belt that he holds! They need a CHAMPION not a cham-PEON like you.
Which brings me to the other reason why this match is so important. As much as it's about me winning, it's almost as much about you losing. Be honest, this match isn't even your MAIN concern, is it? You're still upset that you were “ROBBED” out of a win against Cholo. If you think that's bad, how do you think Bane will feel when you slither your way back to him empty-handed? How much DESPAIR will you feel when you show him and everyone else that you've relegated from a persistent threat to an abject failure that's nothing more than a punching bag disguised as a puppet?
Do you trust him, Tristan? Does he trust YOU?
CAN he trust you to get the job done? I wouldn't, because you won't. But he won't help you either. You're not worth the assistance to him, even in a match with no disqualifications. So what does that say about how he sees you?
He sees you as unworthy of being champion.
Peter Vaughn sees you as unworthy of being champion.
Devlin Knight sees you as unworthy of being champion.
CJ Phoenix KNOWS you're NO LONGER worthy of being champion.
You tossed that away the moment you traded your independence to be a henchman. You're better than that. No. You WERE better than that. You still CAN BE better than that.
Sadly, you won't be.
You're gonna mosey on down to New Orleans, Mac's gonna let you off your leash, and then you're gonna get your head kicked off while I ride down Bourbon Street as the new Intercontinental Champion!
Date: March 1st, 2024
Time: 7:00PM
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Inside the Harrah's New Orleans, there's an impromptu setup for a press conference. Sitting behind the table is CJ Phoenix with a microphone. He's got Mardi Gras beads around his neck and a large hat on his head resembling that of Baron Samedi. He waves at the group of fans in the conference center, drawing a burst of cheers. CJ had been signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans throughout the day. Now it was time for the closing part, the press conference.
Phoenix: Hello everyone and welcome to the first edition of Fridays with Phoenix! I appreciate you all for coming out here. It's been a lot of fun. So much so that I'm gonna make this a tradition before every show. I'ma spend the day hanging out with the fans, and then we're gonna have ourselves a press conference on the way out. So I'll be taking a few Qs before I start taking in some brews!
Reporter 1: This is your first match for a singles title in almost two years. How are you feeling right now?
Phoenix: Confident, but not blinded by arrogance. Having three opponents makes an already challenging contest even more difficult. Each of them brings a different skill set to the match, so I have to keep my head on a swivel at all times.
Reporter 2: How do you even prepare for a match like this?
Phoenix: Well, that's a bit of a trick question. Anyone can prepare, and I did a lot of studying, but matches like these are so chaotic that are things you can't prepare for. Temporary truces. Surprising betrayals. Then you add the fact that the Intercontinental Title is on the line and you have a recipe for insanity in the squared circle.
I was fortunate that most of the questions were easy to get through.
Reporter 3: Should you win the Intercontinental Title Monday night, who would you want to defend it against first?
Phoenix: Hmmm....yes. I don't have a specific name in mind, so I'd mix it up with anyone.
I stuck around for a few more questions before a call from my wife stole my attention away.
Phoenix: Hello?....yeah I'm here. Really? What's the matter?....... It's okay, babe. You did fine. Just relax and I'll handle it when I get there tomorrow, okay?..... goodnight. Love you too.
Without indication of what “it” is, the scene fades to black.
Devlin Knight. I'm sure you're the only somewhat likable person that won't be happy to see me. Everyone else here in the Boot loves me, and the boot’s what I'm gonna give you in the form of a Talon Kick on my way to taking home the Intercontinental Title. Though I suppose that's WHY you're not happy to see me. You worked your way back into the graces of the fans. Unlike most people I face who hide their insecurities, you put in the effort to try to fix yours.
You changed for the better, and for that, I respect you.
I also understand your frustrations. THIS is YOUR Superbowl, isn't it? The culmination of everything that you've been through to try and wipe the slate clean of the putrid and disgusting person that you used to be. What better way to crown that achievement than with a title, right? A title and a desire to walk in the footsteps of its last honorable champion, Cholo. A main event match in front of a massive, passionate crowd where you're the fan favorite. Everything was lining up perfectly....
Peter Vaughn? Yeah he's more tenured and a bigger draw than you, but you have the moral high ground on him. So the fans are more on your side.
Tristan Slater? Come on. That sleazy piece of shit? Of course the fans are on your side.
CJ Phoenix? .......ruh roh Raggy. The Knight is about to be slain.
Everything WAS lining up perfectly for you...until my name showed up in the match. All of a sudden, there's a brighter light in the room. There's someone in the match that they want to see more than you, and that's me. Especially when it comes to the people down here in the Big Easy. Lemme tell you what separate us, Devlin.
The people like you, but they LOVE me. They've seen your pain. They've LIVED through mine. What I have, what this CITY has, more than ALL OF YOU in this match COMBINED, is RESOLVE!
People gave up on this city when it was hit by disaster the same way they gave up on me. It slowed them down, but it never stopped them. They rebuilt themselves back up and now they're thriving more than ever before! When I was at the low point of my career AND my life, there was a point where I could've given up like so many doubters had given up on me. I was sinking in the darkest pits of despair.
I could've let myself fade away, but I didn't. Like the city we're about to do battle in, I got the fuck back up and kept moving! THAT'S what connects me to the fans the most!
I'm the embodiment of their HOPE! The LIGHT that guides them through the darkest times of their lives! The LUMINARY of Despair!
Devlin, you can hate me for raining on your pseudo Mardi Gras parade, but this is something I HAVE to do. I HAVE to win this match, and I will! Not for me or my legacy, but for THEM! The people of New Orleans and the people around the world that take the time out of their lives to see us. To support all of US! They need a champion that they love and I WILL BE THAT CHAMPION!
Je serai la meilleure version de moi-même et, ce faisant, je rendrai le monde meilleur