Post by Kenji on May 18, 2024 15:57:13 GMT -5
{{When dialogue is like this, it's being spoken in Japanese}}
JUST OVER SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 15th, 2024…
The American Airlines flight from Columbus, Ohio to Seattle Washington is starting its descent into Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The seatbelt light flashes and the *ping* catches Kenji Miyamoto’s attention as he stirs awake from his mid-flight slumber. He looks to the seat next to him and catches Ari smiling at him, next to them in the three seater, Sebastian Blake is dumping what's left of their in-flight food and drinks, into a trash bag being held by a flight attendant.
JUST OVER SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 15th, 2024…
The American Airlines flight from Columbus, Ohio to Seattle Washington is starting its descent into Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The seatbelt light flashes and the *ping* catches Kenji Miyamoto’s attention as he stirs awake from his mid-flight slumber. He looks to the seat next to him and catches Ari smiling at him, next to them in the three seater, Sebastian Blake is dumping what's left of their in-flight food and drinks, into a trash bag being held by a flight attendant.
Sebastian - {{Ahh there he is, the mighty yet tired warrior. I won't ask if you slept well we know you did}}
Kenji - {{Yes, I did… Did neither of you rest??}}
Ari - {{I did for maybe an hour but then I decided I wanted to watch a show on my phone}}
Sebastian - {{How are you feeling, Kenji-San?}}
Kenji - {{I am good, very excited! I have already experienced the Smash brand and now I'm heading into WGWF Brawl at three wins from four matches, time for a fresh challenge…}}
Ari - {{That is an incredible accomplishment, so far and even now you have some kind of title shot on Brawl, as the X-Division Champion is still on Smash…}}
Sebastian - {{Yes, Ari is right… I wonder how the WGWF are going to resolve that issue?}}
Kenji - {{The way I see it, I've currently got two choices… I look at the alternative and potentially take on Mr. Montuori for the WGWF Intercontinental belt, or I face off against Amber Mansley and bring the X-Division title back to Brawl…? Either of those work for me, Sebastian-San.}}
Kenji thanks the Flight Attendant who's making one more sweep of the plane, making sure overhead compartments are latched and trays are stowed away. He reaches into the pocket on the back of the chair in front of him and pulls out a notepad with a pen, opening up to a few pages deep… He holds up the notepad and Sebastian and Ari look slightly confused. There are sections of names on the list, with some like the KRAKEN Kazmerick and Gideon King crossed off, there's an angry face right next to Clyde Newton’s whilst the rest have crosses or asterisks next to them…
Ari - {{What are these, Kenji? People you have fought before??}}
Sebastian - {{It's everything, right Kenji? It's those he's faced, those he wants to face as well as those he's been unsuccessful against…}}
Kenji - {{That's right Sebastian-San. You see, Clyde so far is the only one with an angry face next to it because of course…}} he is… Bastard!
The three share a laugh as the plane continues its descent and gradually touches down on the runway tarmac. The passengers all do the usual annoying applauding thing that causes Sebastian to shake his head as both Ari and Kenji laugh to themselves as the plane grinds to a halt and the scene dissolves to black…
LOBBY OF THE HYATT HOTEL, SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 15th, 2024…
As we reopen we find ourselves in a plush, marble and glass foyer. A giant eighty inch television set hangs on the wall behind the foyer bar and is currently showing the Mariners in action. Hotel guests and businessmen and women alike, sit at the bar drinking, chatting and idly watch their Baseball team. We pan back to a luxurious looking white fabric sofa chair against a wall near the elevators where Kenji and Sebastian are sitting. One of the elevators dings and Ari steps out, dusting off her hands and handing a key card to Sebastian and nods to both men.
LOBBY OF THE HYATT HOTEL, SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 15th, 2024…
As we reopen we find ourselves in a plush, marble and glass foyer. A giant eighty inch television set hangs on the wall behind the foyer bar and is currently showing the Mariners in action. Hotel guests and businessmen and women alike, sit at the bar drinking, chatting and idly watch their Baseball team. We pan back to a luxurious looking white fabric sofa chair against a wall near the elevators where Kenji and Sebastian are sitting. One of the elevators dings and Ari steps out, dusting off her hands and handing a key card to Sebastian and nods to both men.
Ari - Alright, I've dropped the bags into the room. {{The Maître d’ has said that he can get us a table in about fifteen minutes...}}
Kenji - {{What is the time?}}
Sebastian - {{It's 5:30, plenty of time…}}
Kenji - {{Then let's go to the bar, flood the gullet then we eat…}}
Ari and Sebastian both agree, so Sebastian and Kenji stand and the three begin to make their way to the bar, but before they reach the stools, something catches Kenji’s attention. He shakes his head and closes his eyes but jumps suddenly when he feels a hand on his shoulder…
Sebastian - {{What's wrong, Kenji-San?}}
Kenji - {{Nothing, I just… Let's go drink eh?}}
The three of them sit themselves on the stools and Sebastian calls out for three Sambuca shots, before turning to Kenji…
Sebastian - {{So be honest with us, how are things feeling?}}
Kenji - {{What do you mean?}}
Sebastian - {{Everything, moving over to Brawl?}}
Ari - {{Have you met with Jack Daniels yet?}}
Kenji - {{I've spoken to him but not met him yet… But things are looking fine. I feel very good about it all, fresh even. It's a new challenge and a new place to begin a new chapter in the Kenji era}}
Sebastian - {{Absolutely, Kenji-San and what a place to begin huh? Taking on CJ Phoenix. That match has a lot attached to it and a lot riding on it…}}
Kenji - {{It does, Sebastian and this was one of the things I had spoken with Mr. Daniels about… I know the quality of talent on Brawl is equally as good as those I faced on Smash, but he felt I had what was needed to go against the big names right away…}}
Sebastian - {{That is quite the compliment, but between us here that's the same message I was getting about you from Jonathan Barrows, when you first arrived here…}}
Ari - That is amazing, Kenji. I knew when I was watching you back in Japan that you would make something of yourself this side of the globe…
The three knock back their shots, which makes Kenji cough a little.
Kenji - {{I have to actually make something of myself, Ari…}}
Sebastian - {{And you will… You're already getting there.}}
Kenji - {{Well I appreciate the confidence you have in me. Hopefully I can return that soon…}}
Sebastian - {{This faith is my return to you, Kenji-San. There is nothing you owe me.}}
Kenji - {{Yet?}}
Sebastian - {{Yet…}}
Kenji - {{Asshole…}}
The three of them laugh and clink shot glasses together before knocking those back as a waiter comes along to let them know there's a table waiting which they approach and sit down…
Ari - {{Do you know much about Phoenix then? I've admittedly only seen him a few times…}}
Kenji - {{I've seen him a number of times over the course of a few promotions, yes. I'm fully aware of who he is, what he's capable of, what dangers I could be walking into and so on…}}
Ari - {{And so what do you think happens if you beat CJ? If you pin the current number one contender to the world title?}}
Kenji - {{No idea as I've not thought that far ahead yet… But I'm sure when I'm done, the night is over and we're sharing more food and drinks, it'll come to me…}}
The trio carry on chatting, as the scene fades out…
OBSERVATION DECK OF THE SPACE NEEDLE, SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 17th, 2024…
Kenji, Ari and Sebastian are slowly walking around the observation deck of the Space Needle, taking in the sites below… Sebastian slowly peels himself away from the two youngsters…
OBSERVATION DECK OF THE SPACE NEEDLE, SEATTLE, WA, USA. MAY 17th, 2024…
Kenji, Ari and Sebastian are slowly walking around the observation deck of the Space Needle, taking in the sites below… Sebastian slowly peels himself away from the two youngsters…
Sebastian - And so it begins, Kenji-San is making his presence known on Monday Night Brawl, only four matches into his WGWF career where he's only lost one currently and it took everything in Clyde Newton's power to beat him, let's be honest. But now after disposing of Gideon King in a hard fought struggle only one week ago, he makes his way from Smash and a whole new roster, a whole new group of people who Kenji can and will take to task… And that starts with the man who won a number one contender's match against Jonathan Cable at WrestleWars… CJ Phoenix.
Now, Phoenix I think it's safe to say that you're no pushover, you're no easy mark, light work, whatever phrase you want to put on it that's not you and Kenji knows this too, he knows it because he's been paying attention to you. He's watched your title runs in Action Wrestling… Singles, tag and trios. He's watched the way you dealt with opposition in the WCF and Phoenix, most importantly he's watched how you've performed right here, in the WGWF. Kenji has been keeping sharp eyes on those he feels worthy of stepping into the ring against and you definitely tick all the boxes for that…
Sebastian looks out at the setting sun, from the observation deck of the Space Needle and takes a deep breath in, before slowly looking down at the traffic and people below…
Sebastian - You see this view? It's a representation of what has happened with Kenji since he arrived in the United States… It's indicative of his meteoric rise in the business, to date… Regardless of whether or not he holds any titles, his name will never be forgotten when talking about WGWF roster members and it'll be synonymous with both Brawl and Smash! But right now he only has one goal in mind and that's taking CJ Phoenix out of the equation.
Chase Jackson Phoenix… You are something special that's for sure, friend… Not only for your actions inside the squared circle but the charity and voluntary work you have commited to, outside of the ring… But listen very carefully Phoenix because this is when the real stuff begins… And I'm only going to say this once. You can throw your veiled insults all you wish, you can spin your tales of despair but that won't change the facts… While you've been out there, smiling for the cameras, pretending to be something you aren't, Kenji has been in the ring, in the gym, putting in the work! He's earned everything he has right now.
Sebastian continues to walk around the Needle, the sun setting beyond the horizon slowly and now we see the lights of Seattle slowly begin to twinkle, one by one.
Sebastian - People talk about the setbacks Kenji endured, the struggles he faced and they act like these defined him but what they and you will soon find out, is that they made him stronger, they made him relentless, they made him the man he is today… Kenji-San is ready for this challenge Phoenix, you won't have to worry about that… He isn't scared, there'll be no hiding, no in Kenji Miyamoto you've got an opponent that will willingly walk into the Lion's Den and set - it - off…
In Kenji Miyamoto Phoenix, you've got a man who'll be defending his place on Brawl, defending the fact that Jack Daniels drafted him from Smash! There'll be no excuses, trust me on that one. When you step into the ring with Kenji it'll be a fight like you've never had before, a fight that you will just about, most likely be able to handle! You've been known to speak on monsters and the darkness too Phoenix, but let me explain something to you. Kenji? He thrives in the darkness, he embraces the chaos… That is where he's at his best.
I feel this will be the point where you try to paint yourself as the hero of this story, Chase… The one who plans to bring Kenji down and continue to solidify his place in the spotlight… You go right on ahead but remember when the bell rings all those words, all that bravado, will mean absolutely nothing. Because as you well know, in that moment it isn't going to matter who's good side the camera caught first, or which of you the crowd will cheer for, it will come down to who wants it more! Which of you is willing to go further and who has the will to win…
As Sebastian walks around the Needle, he passes Kenji and Ari who grab him so the trio can take a selfie… Sebastian leans in and whispers something in Kenji's ear who nods and puts his thumb up. Sebastian turns back as Kenji and Ari sit down on one of the seats on the middle of the observation deck…
Sebastian - We've heard you talk before Chase, about how you're better than certain people on your best day, Kenji is not one of those individuals, that's something you can assure yourself of before you get into the ring with him… When you lock horns with my client Phoenix, you'll come to understand that even his worst day will be enough to take you down. Kenji-San doesn't have too many points to prove at the moment Phoenix, remember that, he's currently standing as number one contender to one belt in the WGWF already…
But just imagine Chase… Just imagine that Kenji is able to beat you, Monday night… You, the man who only recently at the latest WGWF Pay-Per-View event, WrestleWars, became the number one contender to the belt held by Cholo. Interesting dynamic if I do say so myself… Kenji has battled and beaten his demons, he has fought through hell and he is still standing, Mr. Phoenix. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain from facing you… You, the desperate man who makes speeches beseeching to be heard, but you still fail to understand the depths of your own ignorance…
Allow me to elucidate a little and educate you some, Chase… Here in this grand theatre of blood, sweat and testicular fortitude, where every action speaks louder than the words that precede it, you claim to be able to see through your opposition and yet your understanding is as shallow as a mirage in the desert… You have spoken of false prophets in the past, as if you've uncovered some grand revelation, how quaint… Las Vegas, the city of illusions, has taught you absolutely nothing but to trust your own eyes. And those eyes, Phoenix? They deceive you…
The Trio enter “The Loupe Lounge” inside the needle and sit down at one of the booths picking up a cocktail menu, Ari shuffles up next to Kenji in order to help him translate the drink items…
Sebastian - One thing that Kenji doesn't do, is allow a win to inflate his ego, he knows that victory is not an end but a means… A necessary step in evolution. The end of his final match against Gideon King was a crucible, where he forged the next phase in his existence because unlike you Chase, Kenji doesn't crave fleeting adoration of the crowd, he gets it regardless, but what he does seek is the eternal truth that lies beyond the cheers…
One thing you'll understand when you step into the ring with Kenji Phoenix, is that his methods are deliberate, his actions calculated… When he hurts, it is not out of spite but rather necessity! Each blow and act of aggression isn't personal, they will be lessons… A mirror held up to your own failings and weaknesses. You seem to still be gabbing like those untaught screwups who duck out of highschool early because they think the school of street smarts beats all! You spew fiery sermons but we all see through the facade… All the talk will not mask the reality that you're about to step into the ring with someone who has transcended petty squabbles and mental frailties that plague lesser men…
Now, while you talk of resolve and tenacity as you have done Chase, Kenji Miyamoto has lived it, has breathed it, and has manifested it into something far bigger… A legacy. Kenji-San is immortal in the Wrestling ring, not because of some delusion of Grandeur but because he has earned it… Kenji has witnessed your attempts at cheap psychological tricks previously Phoenix and they may work on those weak of mind, but Kenji is far from that, he is a seasoned warrior… He is the pinnacle of pain personified.
Kenji and Ari order their cocktails, but Sebastian just orders a soft drink. He turns as the waiter nods and leaves with their menus.
Sebastian - You've spoken of funnel vision, you've spoken of linear paths however I'm sorry to tell you Chase, those are concepts for the simplistic. The path Kenji treads is an intricate web of strategy and dominance… You've also shouted about a whole lot of corpses being left behind on your way to the top…? You might wanna be sure not to trip over your own, my man…
Your swagger is commendable, but when you step into the ring with Kenji, all the sermons, philosophies, and hollow words will crumble. You'll realise very quickly that any time that you've bet on yourself, this one will be a fool's gamble… On Brawl you will find out that the house always wins and Kenji Miyamoto represents the house… He operates on a completely different level, Chase, a plane where needs are irrelevant because the outcome is predetermined by sheer superiority…
Prepare yourself, Chase Jackson Phoenix, for the flame that drives you is about to be extinguished and all that's going to be left behind, are the ashes of your defeat, at the hands of The Cold-Hearted Angel… Good luck.
Sebastian winks at us before turning back to Ari and Kenji in inaudible conversation as the scene reduces to static…