Pretenders or Contenders?
Jun 20, 2024 19:24:02 GMT -5
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Post by Ezra Gideon on Jun 20, 2024 19:24:02 GMT -5
Contenders or Pretenders?
{Memphis, Tennessee - Unnamed Hotel - 9 A.M. “How We Got Here”}
[6 months ago]
[Off Camera]
The morning sun shows through into a dimly lit hotel room, its warmth cascading across three people. They are all still fast asleep as a banging comes from the door jolting them all awake. A man yelling from the hallway causes the young man to smirk.
“You did it again you little shit! What the fuck were you thinking?!”
The two young ladies with him giggled and dashed for the bathroom as he called back.
“Davey, chill man.”
The young man reached down and pulled the tracksuit bottoms up to cover his nakedness as he staggered to the door. Opening the door, Davey came in with a scowl on his face.
Davey: Ezra, you are making my life an absolute hell.
Ezra: Oh? Do tell.
The big italian leaned in almost nose to nose, the smell of coffee and eggs engulfing Ezra.
Davey: You got fired…..again!
Ezra arched an eyebrow in a way that said he was only a little surprised. Ezra shrugged and went to the kitchen to get coffee started.
Ezra: So what was the reason this time?
He watched as his Uncle’s jaw clenched and unclenched, he had to give the old guy credit, he was trying to keep his composure. The two young women returned to the living room, slipping their shoes on. Davey looked over, one blonde and one redheaded woman. Davey pointed at the redhead.
Davey: Sam.
The young woman arched her eyebrows in surprise.
Sam: What about me, Uncle Davey?
She said it with a coy smile and batted her eyelashes at him, showing no shame at all. He chuckled in response.
Davey: Girl, that shit won’t work on me, I’m too old and way too fucking tired.
She sighed a little sigh.
Sam: I can fix it if you want? Daddy can’t tell me no, you both realize that? Right?
Ezra chuckled now and Davey shook his head in dismay.
Ezra: No Sam, I’ll just move on down the road as they say. Your Dad hasn’t paid me for the last two shows anyway.
That got Dave’s attention real quick and he was about to lose his temper but kept it in check.
Davey: What the fuck you mean? That’s not something we can let go, Ezra.
Ezra shrugged as if he didn’t care, but Sam was not going to let that go. She knew how much the boys made per show, she was the CFO of the company. At 22 years old, she was one of the most successful young women in the Indies right now. Sam grabbed her purse and pulled out a wad of cash, she put it in Ezra’s hands.
Sam: Always get paid, Ezra. You’ve been the top draw in this company for months. Let me know if that covers everything and keep in touch.
With that she grabbed her friend's hand and they left the room, leaving the silence the only thing left. Ezra handed the cash to Davey. Dave began thumbing through the bills and once he finished counting he let a long sigh go.
Davey: Well, that will certainly help. You’ve got to remain focused on the task at hand kid, I know you like to have a good time but sometimes the pussy just ain't worth the price you’re paying. Shit like this will destroy your reputation in the industry and it won’t matter how talented you are.
Ezra shrugged his shoulders and then nodded knowing his uncle was right.
Ezra: Good times are easy, and cheap Uncle Davey, but they don’t allow you to leave your mark on the business. The answer to your question earlier is yes, it was worth it.
His agent and manager just laughed and shook his head.
Davey: I mean, I get it, she’s got a kicking body….
They fist bump each other.
Ezra: Yeah, and she brought a friend.
Present Day
Ezra smiled at his Uncle as they watched the direct deposit hit their accounts.
Davey Bologna: That’s a nice sum of money right there.
Ezra Gideon: Beats the hell out of going to the two bit indy owner and asking for your money, eh?
Davey chuckled and shook his head.
Davey Bologna: that it does, kid, that it does.
His Uncle Davey was his mother’s brother and someone that Ezra trusted with everything. His Uncle had never let him down and this was no exception.
Ezra Gideon: Thank you, Unc, for everything you’ve done for me.
The appreciation from his often brash and sometimes harsh nephew caught him by surprise, the kid was not known for his gratitude. Davey blushed ever so slightly.
Davey Bologna: You’re welcome, E, you’re a damn good talent and worth every second of my time.
There was an awkward silence between the two, but it didn’t last long.
Ezra Gideon: Getting fired over Sam was worth it, Unc.
He said that as he held up the phone showing his Uncle his new balance.
Fade.
{CCPE Arena - Las Vegas, NV - “Contenders or Pretenders?”.}
[On-Camera]
The air is heavy with anticipation of what the newcomer could say to make his opponents take him seriously. Ezra looks down at the microphone in his hand and then lifts his head. He looks around the ring and smiles. Ezra was currently in search of answers, he was a guy that loved to learn, and teaching was near and dear to his heart. He would start with that.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): A lot of people in this industry like to use promotional material set in exotic and sometimes odd locations. For me though, standing in this ring, that’s what matters. They will use those locations to try to make themselves look more interesting, putting on airs is what we call it where I come from. Pretending to be something you’re not is a trendy thing to do in the wrestling business these days.
Behind Gideon, stands his manager and Uncle, Davey Bologna, wearing a smile filled with pride at the approach his client is taking.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): My debut match was a successful one, I faced off against Connor Mallory. If anyone was surprised by my win? Well, stick around and I’ll educate you. All of you.
The smile is gone from the young man, his face and his tone take on a more serious approach.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): A fatal four way match to name a new number one contender for the x division title.
He leans back against the ropes and crosses his arms almost in defiance.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ll face Nick Danger, Mark Wright and David Francis. No DQ, first pinfall or submission wins the opportunity to face the winner of the Hanari and Mansley match. This honestly feels like I’m fighting a nursing home.
He steps away from the ropes and rests his hands by his side.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent):Long story short, that’ll be me.
He shoots a smile and a wink at the camera.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): Many would love to be in the position I’m in going into the War Games Pay-Per-View. I’m the youngest of the competitors in this match.
A more confident smile appears on his face, almost bordering on arrogance but he doesn’t allow it to go that far.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): So, who is my competition? I guess I should start with the oldest, shouldn’t I.
He rubs his hands together, appearing to be very excited about the match.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): David Francis, is the old man of this group. His bio says he’s forty four years old. He’s not equipped to handle this style of match, is he? He’s going against three younger talents who rely mostly on speed and technique. He’s a self proclaimed power house who feeds his ego by showing off for the crowd. That my man is a good way to get your teeth knocked down your throat. I’ll give him his flowers though, because I always was taught to respect my elders. This dude has had a storied career, he’s a former multi time world champion and he deserves the respect of all.
He pauses and inclines his head slightly as a show of respect.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I do respect you for your legacy and accomplishments, David, I grew up watching his matches and so I have a fondness for his approach. That’s not to say that if I get the opportunity, I won’t kick his head off, because I certainly will.
He smiles as he moves onto the next competitor.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): “Mad Dog”, is another guy I grew up watching. He’s wrestled in several promotions and won a few titles here and there. In his mid thirties now and if you watch him, you can tell he’s lost a step. Not a knock on him, because that will happen to us all at some point in our careers. I think he’s likely had to change his in ring style somewhat because of his age and injuries. No offense sir, but you’re not ready for what’s coming in this match. The youth movement is upon you and others like you.
His eyes narrow slightly as he thinks about the interaction he had recently with Nick Danger. It was just a passing conversation on the company site but it struck him as funny.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): The Rising Ace, Nick Danger. Another guy that’s not that much older than me. A former champion, it appears that most of his success has come from tag team matches. I’m not saying that you’re a specialist of any kind. I’m not dumb enough to believe that. He’s the one guy in this match that can match my speed and agility in the ring.
He smirks at the thought of that.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): But he wont. I told you Nick, I’m always ready. You told me to shoot my best shot? I most certainly will. You won’t see it coming but I will shoot my best shot. I don’t know, maybe I misunderstood your meaning but it sounded like you don’t think I have a chance in this match.
Crossing his arms, he leans in, his eyes narrowed at the insult. Whether it was real or imagined remains to be seen.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ll be considered the underdog in this match, as I always am. I came to terms with that long ago, but there is a reason that I was pursued so heavily by this company. I was the absolute best on the indy circuit for many years. Many of you will think that because I’m considered a rookie that that’s what I am. I’ve been wrestling since I was sixteen years old. I’ve been trained by and with the very best that this sport has to offer.
He shakes his head and laughs.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ve been told I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and maybe I do. I grew tired of being discounted a long time ago. Others like to act like my being on the roster doesn’t matter. Just because I’m not six foot six and three hundred pounds? In case you missed it, I just embarrassed a guy just like that last Smash. I called him out for his lack of heart and I wasn't wrong. Proving that I belong is what I do best, and taking my shot? Yeah, I don’t miss. Ever.
{Memphis, Tennessee - Unnamed Hotel - 9 A.M. “How We Got Here”}
[6 months ago]
[Off Camera]
The morning sun shows through into a dimly lit hotel room, its warmth cascading across three people. They are all still fast asleep as a banging comes from the door jolting them all awake. A man yelling from the hallway causes the young man to smirk.
“You did it again you little shit! What the fuck were you thinking?!”
The two young ladies with him giggled and dashed for the bathroom as he called back.
“Davey, chill man.”
The young man reached down and pulled the tracksuit bottoms up to cover his nakedness as he staggered to the door. Opening the door, Davey came in with a scowl on his face.
Davey: Ezra, you are making my life an absolute hell.
Ezra: Oh? Do tell.
The big italian leaned in almost nose to nose, the smell of coffee and eggs engulfing Ezra.
Davey: You got fired…..again!
Ezra arched an eyebrow in a way that said he was only a little surprised. Ezra shrugged and went to the kitchen to get coffee started.
Ezra: So what was the reason this time?
He watched as his Uncle’s jaw clenched and unclenched, he had to give the old guy credit, he was trying to keep his composure. The two young women returned to the living room, slipping their shoes on. Davey looked over, one blonde and one redheaded woman. Davey pointed at the redhead.
Davey: Sam.
The young woman arched her eyebrows in surprise.
Sam: What about me, Uncle Davey?
She said it with a coy smile and batted her eyelashes at him, showing no shame at all. He chuckled in response.
Davey: Girl, that shit won’t work on me, I’m too old and way too fucking tired.
She sighed a little sigh.
Sam: I can fix it if you want? Daddy can’t tell me no, you both realize that? Right?
Ezra chuckled now and Davey shook his head in dismay.
Ezra: No Sam, I’ll just move on down the road as they say. Your Dad hasn’t paid me for the last two shows anyway.
That got Dave’s attention real quick and he was about to lose his temper but kept it in check.
Davey: What the fuck you mean? That’s not something we can let go, Ezra.
Ezra shrugged as if he didn’t care, but Sam was not going to let that go. She knew how much the boys made per show, she was the CFO of the company. At 22 years old, she was one of the most successful young women in the Indies right now. Sam grabbed her purse and pulled out a wad of cash, she put it in Ezra’s hands.
Sam: Always get paid, Ezra. You’ve been the top draw in this company for months. Let me know if that covers everything and keep in touch.
With that she grabbed her friend's hand and they left the room, leaving the silence the only thing left. Ezra handed the cash to Davey. Dave began thumbing through the bills and once he finished counting he let a long sigh go.
Davey: Well, that will certainly help. You’ve got to remain focused on the task at hand kid, I know you like to have a good time but sometimes the pussy just ain't worth the price you’re paying. Shit like this will destroy your reputation in the industry and it won’t matter how talented you are.
Ezra shrugged his shoulders and then nodded knowing his uncle was right.
Ezra: Good times are easy, and cheap Uncle Davey, but they don’t allow you to leave your mark on the business. The answer to your question earlier is yes, it was worth it.
His agent and manager just laughed and shook his head.
Davey: I mean, I get it, she’s got a kicking body….
They fist bump each other.
Ezra: Yeah, and she brought a friend.
Present Day
Ezra smiled at his Uncle as they watched the direct deposit hit their accounts.
Davey Bologna: That’s a nice sum of money right there.
Ezra Gideon: Beats the hell out of going to the two bit indy owner and asking for your money, eh?
Davey chuckled and shook his head.
Davey Bologna: that it does, kid, that it does.
His Uncle Davey was his mother’s brother and someone that Ezra trusted with everything. His Uncle had never let him down and this was no exception.
Ezra Gideon: Thank you, Unc, for everything you’ve done for me.
The appreciation from his often brash and sometimes harsh nephew caught him by surprise, the kid was not known for his gratitude. Davey blushed ever so slightly.
Davey Bologna: You’re welcome, E, you’re a damn good talent and worth every second of my time.
There was an awkward silence between the two, but it didn’t last long.
Ezra Gideon: Getting fired over Sam was worth it, Unc.
He said that as he held up the phone showing his Uncle his new balance.
Fade.
{CCPE Arena - Las Vegas, NV - “Contenders or Pretenders?”.}
[On-Camera]
The air is heavy with anticipation of what the newcomer could say to make his opponents take him seriously. Ezra looks down at the microphone in his hand and then lifts his head. He looks around the ring and smiles. Ezra was currently in search of answers, he was a guy that loved to learn, and teaching was near and dear to his heart. He would start with that.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): A lot of people in this industry like to use promotional material set in exotic and sometimes odd locations. For me though, standing in this ring, that’s what matters. They will use those locations to try to make themselves look more interesting, putting on airs is what we call it where I come from. Pretending to be something you’re not is a trendy thing to do in the wrestling business these days.
Behind Gideon, stands his manager and Uncle, Davey Bologna, wearing a smile filled with pride at the approach his client is taking.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): My debut match was a successful one, I faced off against Connor Mallory. If anyone was surprised by my win? Well, stick around and I’ll educate you. All of you.
The smile is gone from the young man, his face and his tone take on a more serious approach.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): A fatal four way match to name a new number one contender for the x division title.
He leans back against the ropes and crosses his arms almost in defiance.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ll face Nick Danger, Mark Wright and David Francis. No DQ, first pinfall or submission wins the opportunity to face the winner of the Hanari and Mansley match. This honestly feels like I’m fighting a nursing home.
He steps away from the ropes and rests his hands by his side.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent):Long story short, that’ll be me.
He shoots a smile and a wink at the camera.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): Many would love to be in the position I’m in going into the War Games Pay-Per-View. I’m the youngest of the competitors in this match.
A more confident smile appears on his face, almost bordering on arrogance but he doesn’t allow it to go that far.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): So, who is my competition? I guess I should start with the oldest, shouldn’t I.
He rubs his hands together, appearing to be very excited about the match.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): David Francis, is the old man of this group. His bio says he’s forty four years old. He’s not equipped to handle this style of match, is he? He’s going against three younger talents who rely mostly on speed and technique. He’s a self proclaimed power house who feeds his ego by showing off for the crowd. That my man is a good way to get your teeth knocked down your throat. I’ll give him his flowers though, because I always was taught to respect my elders. This dude has had a storied career, he’s a former multi time world champion and he deserves the respect of all.
He pauses and inclines his head slightly as a show of respect.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I do respect you for your legacy and accomplishments, David, I grew up watching his matches and so I have a fondness for his approach. That’s not to say that if I get the opportunity, I won’t kick his head off, because I certainly will.
He smiles as he moves onto the next competitor.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): “Mad Dog”, is another guy I grew up watching. He’s wrestled in several promotions and won a few titles here and there. In his mid thirties now and if you watch him, you can tell he’s lost a step. Not a knock on him, because that will happen to us all at some point in our careers. I think he’s likely had to change his in ring style somewhat because of his age and injuries. No offense sir, but you’re not ready for what’s coming in this match. The youth movement is upon you and others like you.
His eyes narrow slightly as he thinks about the interaction he had recently with Nick Danger. It was just a passing conversation on the company site but it struck him as funny.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): The Rising Ace, Nick Danger. Another guy that’s not that much older than me. A former champion, it appears that most of his success has come from tag team matches. I’m not saying that you’re a specialist of any kind. I’m not dumb enough to believe that. He’s the one guy in this match that can match my speed and agility in the ring.
He smirks at the thought of that.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): But he wont. I told you Nick, I’m always ready. You told me to shoot my best shot? I most certainly will. You won’t see it coming but I will shoot my best shot. I don’t know, maybe I misunderstood your meaning but it sounded like you don’t think I have a chance in this match.
Crossing his arms, he leans in, his eyes narrowed at the insult. Whether it was real or imagined remains to be seen.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ll be considered the underdog in this match, as I always am. I came to terms with that long ago, but there is a reason that I was pursued so heavily by this company. I was the absolute best on the indy circuit for many years. Many of you will think that because I’m considered a rookie that that’s what I am. I’ve been wrestling since I was sixteen years old. I’ve been trained by and with the very best that this sport has to offer.
He shakes his head and laughs.
Ezra Gideon(speaking with an exaggerated Texas accent): I’ve been told I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and maybe I do. I grew tired of being discounted a long time ago. Others like to act like my being on the roster doesn’t matter. Just because I’m not six foot six and three hundred pounds? In case you missed it, I just embarrassed a guy just like that last Smash. I called him out for his lack of heart and I wasn't wrong. Proving that I belong is what I do best, and taking my shot? Yeah, I don’t miss. Ever.