Post by Ezra Gideon on Sept 4, 2024 21:45:21 GMT -5
The Rematch
{Post Match - Summer Madness - “Cry Me A River”}
[on-camera]
As he passed Gorilla with his manager and agent Davey Bologna by his side, he was exhausted, battered, and bruised from the triple threat match but couldn’t stop smiling. What he had just accomplished was not lost on him. He had been proving people wrong, and it felt so good. He stopped as Davey put a hand on his shoulder.
Davey: The first of many, Kid.
He slapped Ezra on the shoulder with many of the production crew looking on and smiling at what had just transpired.
Ezra: Yes sir, but before I can think about that, I’ll have to think about defending this.
He said as he looked down at the X-Division Championship. The media crew was getting in place, in hopes of getting a sound byte, or comments from the new champion. He looked at them and smiled. He was more than happy to accommodate them.
Ezra: Tonight I did the unthinkable because tonight I beat the unbeatable. Despite the lies and bullshit that Amber Mansley put out there for the world to see, the people still believed in me and Kenji. I’m not gonna lie about it because that would be the TFO way of doing things. Kenji and I were focused on her not walking out with the title. We took care of business and unfortunately, we can’t share this title, but he knows that we did what we set out to do. Make damn sure that the TFO had one less title to brag about. My friend, Kenji, we’ll run it back in the future.
An attendant handed him a bottle of water and he took a drink from it and thanked him with a smile and a polite nod.
Ezra: As for Mansley, I know you’ll be seeking a rematch for this title. I’m more than willing to kick your head off again. Next time, try the truth when you talk about me. I’ve earned everything I’ve ever had. Yeah, I went to college on an athletic scholarship, that I earned. I worked my ass off for several years, grinding it out on the indy scene to get the attention of a mainstream company. Yes, Cholo is my friend and mentor and he gave the ownership group here my video to review. We are not the same, Amber, not even close. You got outsmarted and that’s the part that bothers you the most, isn’t it?
He smirks at the camera and shakes his in disgust.
Ezra: Authenticity? You? Does JMont realize you’ve been using him this whole time to make sure that you got an easy start here? I haven’t had to put up a smoke screen for anyone, this is who I am. I was born championship material girl, can you say the same? I can hear the whining already about how you got screwed over, cry me a river, bitch.
Davey: Don’t forget about that clown that hit you after the match.
Ezra: Ah yes, Xavier Lux, the cheap shot artist. You didn’t have to do that to get my attention, I knew it was a matter of time before you showed your true colors. You’re a coward and a bitch, I know Cholo will be concerned but there’s no need, I’ll handle my business with you. In the end, you’ll be regretting life choices, old man.
Fade.
Ezra had begun his training with this vigilante group who only refer to themselves as “The Light”, small arms training and knives were what they had started him with. Learning to disguise himself had proved useful more than once. His rising fame in WGWF had been a hindrance on more than one occasion and so he almost never went out anymore just as himself. So, he and Davey had forged press passes and a fake camera crew in tow as they made their way to the Federal Building. They had an agreement from the judge for an interview and this would allow them to put his training to the test. No one had anything on them that could be used as a weapon so security wouldn’t be an issue. This was to be a simple recon assignment, collecting facts and nothing more. They easily moved through security and to the appointed room where the judge would arrive in a little while, or so they had been told. Ezra and Davey took seats, farthest from the door while the camera crew sat in the seats provided along the right hand side of the room.
Davey: What does your gut tell you?
Ezra: Other than I’m insane?
The fake crew got a chuckle, but Ezra continued.
Ezra: This interview was far too easy to set up. She didn’t ask to be paid for her time, and no announcement had been made in the press about what transpired. You’ve seen no headlines in the news about this. The people of Dallas would be outraged by this and calling for her head on a pike.
Davey listened carefully and nodded his agreement.
Davey: Then what would you do if you were working alone on this?
Ezra: I’d wait and see what happens.
A U.S. Marshall entered the room and handed them each their press passes. His name was John Greist and he seemed a pleasant enough fellow.
Marshall Greist: The judge should be with you in a few minutes.
Ezra: Thank you, Marshall Geist.
A faint click in his prosthetic ear hid the earpiece as the handler who sat a couple of miles away chimed in, in his ear.
Handler: He’s not a marshall.
There was something in the set of his eyes as the “Marshall” studied he and Davey, his body language was all wrong for a man who’s supposed to be a public servant. Everyone Ezra was working in this room heard the same thing he had. No one revealed any concern, and no increased breathing rate and stress were visible. The pretender tried to casually unlatch the clasp holding his firearm on his hip.
Davey: Is there a problem, Marshall?
Before the imposter could respond, the door flew inward and off its hinges catching him by surprise and pinning him to the floor. The room became very crowded as s.w.a.t. Stormed in and cuffed the man on the floor. A man came in rubbing the back of his neck, dressed only in a beater and slacks.
Davey: You must be the real Marshall Greist, I’m guessing.
The man, obviously a little worse for wear, nodded his agreement.
Marshall Griest: Yes sir, that would be me. I’m not sure what exactly happened here but we’ll get this cleaned up. Who are you?
Before Ezra could respond, Davey stepped in to handle the situation.
Davey: I’m John Dove and this is my colleague Richey Carmichael from the Star-Telegram. We were to meet with Judge Adella Browning this morning to get her take on a recent case that she dismissed.
The marshall shook his head, as he turned a bit pale.
Marshall Greist: That will not be possible, the judge was found dead in her home late last night.
A stunned silence filled the room, a silence that was so loud it was almost deafening.
Davey: We had no idea.
Marshall Greist: No one did, it was kept out of the media, so please keep that information to yourself.
Davey: Of course, Marshall, nothing we have seen here today will be published, you have my word.
Fade.
A few hours later, the scanner app that Ezra had on his phone began to deliver the news about the judge as it was released to the press by the Chief of Police. Then there was more information that blew up the app, a mass grave had been found near the Trinity River in Dallas. Ezra showed it to Davey.
Davey: Fuck, it looks like the original jury has been found.
Ezra shook his head in disgust and sighed heavily.
Davey: They are trying to not only get revenge on those who put him in jail but also cover their tracks.
Ezra: Well, the thing is, we already know who we’re looking for. The real question is does he know we’re looking for him?
Davey: I’d say the imposter earlier was proof that they do. At least they know my face but they don’t know yours.
Ezra: We don’t know that for sure unless you’ve met this man face to face before.
Davey sat quietly, thinking of the last time he had laid eyes on the perpetrator or even if he ever had contact with him.
Davey: Honestly? No, I don’t remember ever having met him.
Ezra thought for a moment and a question had been nagging at the back of his mind.
Ezra: What’s the man’s name?
Instead of telling him, Davey handed him the file folder. Ezra studied it’s contents and found what he was looking for. His eyebrows arched almost in shock as he saw the name. Before he could say anything else, Davey held his hand up.
Handler: We are detecting several listening devices in that building.
Davey: Let’s move to a safe place then.
The team quickly exited the room and moved to a designated safe house in Azle, Texas. The safe house had been scanned before they arrived and they were assured they could talk there.
Davey: Yes, his name is Robert F. Busch. Now that he's out of prison, he has access to great wealth and resources. I suspect he’s developed his network and is trying to track whoever we have in the field in Texas right now.
Handler: All ops have been notified.
Ezra: How many in Texas?
Davey smiled as the handler chimed in again.
Handler: two hundred and thirty six is the rough estimate.
Davey: Exact numbers are kept at a higher level, for the sake of safety.
Ezra: Next move then?
Davey: We wait.
Fade.
One thing you could always count on is a criminal returning to the scene of the crime, especially one as arrogant as Robert Busch. The security tape from the Judge’s home had confirmed his presence there and the act itself. A warrant was issued for his arrest and a statewide man hunt had ensued.
Ezra: I get the feeling that this is where we would normally step out of the way and let the authorities do their job, so why are we still here?
Davey looked over at Ezra and nodded, his face never changed in expression. He was focused and, there had to be something that was driving him on this case in particular.
Davey: Yes, under normal circumstances we would. This is not normal though, the fact that he was able to get his release, only to turn around and murder all of these people? It makes no sense.
Something about the way that Davey was saying what he said, not so much what he said but, the way he delivered it clicked in Ezra’s brain. This was personal for Davey, but that didn’t make sense. As far as he knew, Davey had no personal ties to any of the victims. Ezra laid a hand on Davey’s shoulder and spoke as quietly as he could manage to his uncle.
Ezra: Does this have anything to do with Uncle Sammy?
The sharp look he received spoke volumes, he knew it must be true at that point. Ezra also knew better than to pursue it any further. His Uncle Sammy had been his father’s brother. Sammy and Davey had grown close, much closer in fact than many in the family knew. Sammy had been Davey’s best friend, and Ezra suspected they had been more than that. He loved both men, no matter what their relationship was. Many in the family believed the two men were lovers, although it was never said out loud, it was only whispered about when they felt that Davey couldn’t hear them. Davey always heard, he just never said anything to them about it.
Handler: We have a sighting of the executioner, your orders, Lead?
It wasn’t Davey who spoke next, but Stephan, who led the organization. His voice was soft but commanding.
Stephan: Fire when ready.
That caught both Ezra and Davey by surprise. Davey quickly took out his cell phone but it was too late as they heard the shot.
Davey: God dammnit Stephan! That’s not the mission! We don’t just kill people!
Stephan didn’t pick up the call but simply spoke over the shared link they had through the handler.
Stephan: Tell that to the family of the victims.
Fade.
Davey and Ezra had agreed the best path forward was to push the previous day's events out of their mind and focus on the title match. So to address the rematch they decided that Disney World would be the best place for this. They stood in front of the castle and smiled at all the people milling about and taking in the sites, sounds, and smells of Disney. Ezra halfway expected Emily to show up out of nowhere and talk about how great this all was, but Ezra wasn’t in the mood for it to be fair. The recording indicator flashed on Davey’s side of the device and he gave the nod to Ezra that he could begin.
Ezra: Here we are at the happiest place on earth.
The camera swings around capturing all the smiling faces and the fits of rage by children who didn’t get what they wanted. You can hear Davey chuckle as he swings the camera back to Ezra.
Ezra: Reminds you of certain people, doesn’t it? Those kids throwing a fit remind me way too much of TFO. Clyde couldn’t win, so he stole a title. JMont couldn’t beat Enigma so he’s been absent, although rumor has it that he has a special statement to make about his career soon. Then there is the former champion, Amber Mansley, who got her rematch though didn’t she? That’s right their collective sugar daddy made sure that happened for her. That’s right, she may not have done it in public but you can bet your ass she was whining to the old man about how she was screwed.
Gideon smiles as Davey is laughing hysterically behind the camera.
Ezra: I’m guessing the irony is lost on someone like her. All the times, that people challenging her for that title got screwed over by outside interference. The medicine doesn’t taste so good when you’re the one being dosed, does it?
He shakes his head and makes that “tsk, tsk” sound as a form of mock sympathy.
Ezra: Our general manager had the gall to ask me if I had asked Jetta not to interfere. That was a bit cute but hardly relevant, considering I didn’t ask her to interfere to begin with. She’s a grown woman who made a decision based on her disdain for Amber. That had zero to do with me or Kenji. Not that I expect anyone from that stable to believe me, then again, I don’t care whether they do or not.
Ezra considers the previous promotional material that Amber put out for the triple threat match. Davey keeps telling me I need to be more savage, he thinks to himself.
Ezra: You claim that you grew up without knowing your parents, I don’t believe you. Like the lies and the accusations you made about me, they have no basis in fact. I mean, I get it, y’all don’t like facts, why let the truth get in the way of a good story right? Right. Now then, this match will not be like the last one. Your sugar daddy, Chris Page was right about one thing, accept the fact that you were outsmarted and own it when that happens. If you had accepted that, then this rematch wouldn’t be happening. Not that it will change anything at all, it’s not like I’m just gonna lay down for you and let you win. No, you’ll have to fight and claw for everything you get in this match. Just like I’ve had to claw and scratch for everything I’ve earned in this company since day one.
Gideon remembers all too well the things that she had said to him and about him leading up to the triple threat, and he would be damned if he was going to let that stand unanswered.
Ezra: I spent 6 years in the indies grinding every day, some nights not getting paid despite everything that we had done. I earned my stripes, yeah Cholo told me I should try out for WGWF and even made sure they got my videos. Barrows and Daniels already knew who I was and what I was capable of. This may surprise you but a bidding war ensued for my services back when there were two brands. I chose the offer from Barrows because it would make me work harder for what I got. I’ve never taken the path least traveled, because I didn’t want anyone to ever make an excuse for me if I failed. They already made theirs for you, because of the rules in a triple threat match. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is defending this strap against you to prove them wrong once again. I was hungry and you were complacent. You took everything for granted and didn’t realize who you were stepping in the ring with. It’s time for this mickey mouse bullshit with TFO to come to an end.
Fade.
{Post Match - Summer Madness - “Cry Me A River”}
[on-camera]
As he passed Gorilla with his manager and agent Davey Bologna by his side, he was exhausted, battered, and bruised from the triple threat match but couldn’t stop smiling. What he had just accomplished was not lost on him. He had been proving people wrong, and it felt so good. He stopped as Davey put a hand on his shoulder.
Davey: The first of many, Kid.
He slapped Ezra on the shoulder with many of the production crew looking on and smiling at what had just transpired.
Ezra: Yes sir, but before I can think about that, I’ll have to think about defending this.
He said as he looked down at the X-Division Championship. The media crew was getting in place, in hopes of getting a sound byte, or comments from the new champion. He looked at them and smiled. He was more than happy to accommodate them.
Ezra: Tonight I did the unthinkable because tonight I beat the unbeatable. Despite the lies and bullshit that Amber Mansley put out there for the world to see, the people still believed in me and Kenji. I’m not gonna lie about it because that would be the TFO way of doing things. Kenji and I were focused on her not walking out with the title. We took care of business and unfortunately, we can’t share this title, but he knows that we did what we set out to do. Make damn sure that the TFO had one less title to brag about. My friend, Kenji, we’ll run it back in the future.
An attendant handed him a bottle of water and he took a drink from it and thanked him with a smile and a polite nod.
Ezra: As for Mansley, I know you’ll be seeking a rematch for this title. I’m more than willing to kick your head off again. Next time, try the truth when you talk about me. I’ve earned everything I’ve ever had. Yeah, I went to college on an athletic scholarship, that I earned. I worked my ass off for several years, grinding it out on the indy scene to get the attention of a mainstream company. Yes, Cholo is my friend and mentor and he gave the ownership group here my video to review. We are not the same, Amber, not even close. You got outsmarted and that’s the part that bothers you the most, isn’t it?
He smirks at the camera and shakes his in disgust.
Ezra: Authenticity? You? Does JMont realize you’ve been using him this whole time to make sure that you got an easy start here? I haven’t had to put up a smoke screen for anyone, this is who I am. I was born championship material girl, can you say the same? I can hear the whining already about how you got screwed over, cry me a river, bitch.
Davey: Don’t forget about that clown that hit you after the match.
Ezra: Ah yes, Xavier Lux, the cheap shot artist. You didn’t have to do that to get my attention, I knew it was a matter of time before you showed your true colors. You’re a coward and a bitch, I know Cholo will be concerned but there’s no need, I’ll handle my business with you. In the end, you’ll be regretting life choices, old man.
Fade.
{Federal Building - Dallas, TX - “The Judge”}
[off-camera]
[off-camera]
Ezra had begun his training with this vigilante group who only refer to themselves as “The Light”, small arms training and knives were what they had started him with. Learning to disguise himself had proved useful more than once. His rising fame in WGWF had been a hindrance on more than one occasion and so he almost never went out anymore just as himself. So, he and Davey had forged press passes and a fake camera crew in tow as they made their way to the Federal Building. They had an agreement from the judge for an interview and this would allow them to put his training to the test. No one had anything on them that could be used as a weapon so security wouldn’t be an issue. This was to be a simple recon assignment, collecting facts and nothing more. They easily moved through security and to the appointed room where the judge would arrive in a little while, or so they had been told. Ezra and Davey took seats, farthest from the door while the camera crew sat in the seats provided along the right hand side of the room.
Davey: What does your gut tell you?
Ezra: Other than I’m insane?
The fake crew got a chuckle, but Ezra continued.
Ezra: This interview was far too easy to set up. She didn’t ask to be paid for her time, and no announcement had been made in the press about what transpired. You’ve seen no headlines in the news about this. The people of Dallas would be outraged by this and calling for her head on a pike.
Davey listened carefully and nodded his agreement.
Davey: Then what would you do if you were working alone on this?
Ezra: I’d wait and see what happens.
A U.S. Marshall entered the room and handed them each their press passes. His name was John Greist and he seemed a pleasant enough fellow.
Marshall Greist: The judge should be with you in a few minutes.
Ezra: Thank you, Marshall Geist.
A faint click in his prosthetic ear hid the earpiece as the handler who sat a couple of miles away chimed in, in his ear.
Handler: He’s not a marshall.
There was something in the set of his eyes as the “Marshall” studied he and Davey, his body language was all wrong for a man who’s supposed to be a public servant. Everyone Ezra was working in this room heard the same thing he had. No one revealed any concern, and no increased breathing rate and stress were visible. The pretender tried to casually unlatch the clasp holding his firearm on his hip.
Davey: Is there a problem, Marshall?
Before the imposter could respond, the door flew inward and off its hinges catching him by surprise and pinning him to the floor. The room became very crowded as s.w.a.t. Stormed in and cuffed the man on the floor. A man came in rubbing the back of his neck, dressed only in a beater and slacks.
Davey: You must be the real Marshall Greist, I’m guessing.
The man, obviously a little worse for wear, nodded his agreement.
Marshall Griest: Yes sir, that would be me. I’m not sure what exactly happened here but we’ll get this cleaned up. Who are you?
Before Ezra could respond, Davey stepped in to handle the situation.
Davey: I’m John Dove and this is my colleague Richey Carmichael from the Star-Telegram. We were to meet with Judge Adella Browning this morning to get her take on a recent case that she dismissed.
The marshall shook his head, as he turned a bit pale.
Marshall Greist: That will not be possible, the judge was found dead in her home late last night.
A stunned silence filled the room, a silence that was so loud it was almost deafening.
Davey: We had no idea.
Marshall Greist: No one did, it was kept out of the media, so please keep that information to yourself.
Davey: Of course, Marshall, nothing we have seen here today will be published, you have my word.
Fade.
{The Trinity River Bridge - Dallas, TX - “The Jury”}
[off-camera]
[off-camera]
A few hours later, the scanner app that Ezra had on his phone began to deliver the news about the judge as it was released to the press by the Chief of Police. Then there was more information that blew up the app, a mass grave had been found near the Trinity River in Dallas. Ezra showed it to Davey.
Davey: Fuck, it looks like the original jury has been found.
Ezra shook his head in disgust and sighed heavily.
Davey: They are trying to not only get revenge on those who put him in jail but also cover their tracks.
Ezra: Well, the thing is, we already know who we’re looking for. The real question is does he know we’re looking for him?
Davey: I’d say the imposter earlier was proof that they do. At least they know my face but they don’t know yours.
Ezra: We don’t know that for sure unless you’ve met this man face to face before.
Davey sat quietly, thinking of the last time he had laid eyes on the perpetrator or even if he ever had contact with him.
Davey: Honestly? No, I don’t remember ever having met him.
Ezra thought for a moment and a question had been nagging at the back of his mind.
Ezra: What’s the man’s name?
Instead of telling him, Davey handed him the file folder. Ezra studied it’s contents and found what he was looking for. His eyebrows arched almost in shock as he saw the name. Before he could say anything else, Davey held his hand up.
Handler: We are detecting several listening devices in that building.
Davey: Let’s move to a safe place then.
The team quickly exited the room and moved to a designated safe house in Azle, Texas. The safe house had been scanned before they arrived and they were assured they could talk there.
Davey: Yes, his name is Robert F. Busch. Now that he's out of prison, he has access to great wealth and resources. I suspect he’s developed his network and is trying to track whoever we have in the field in Texas right now.
Handler: All ops have been notified.
Ezra: How many in Texas?
Davey smiled as the handler chimed in again.
Handler: two hundred and thirty six is the rough estimate.
Davey: Exact numbers are kept at a higher level, for the sake of safety.
Ezra: Next move then?
Davey: We wait.
Fade.
{The Trinity River Bridge - Dallas, TX - “The Executioner”}
[off-camera]
[off-camera]
One thing you could always count on is a criminal returning to the scene of the crime, especially one as arrogant as Robert Busch. The security tape from the Judge’s home had confirmed his presence there and the act itself. A warrant was issued for his arrest and a statewide man hunt had ensued.
Ezra: I get the feeling that this is where we would normally step out of the way and let the authorities do their job, so why are we still here?
Davey looked over at Ezra and nodded, his face never changed in expression. He was focused and, there had to be something that was driving him on this case in particular.
Davey: Yes, under normal circumstances we would. This is not normal though, the fact that he was able to get his release, only to turn around and murder all of these people? It makes no sense.
Something about the way that Davey was saying what he said, not so much what he said but, the way he delivered it clicked in Ezra’s brain. This was personal for Davey, but that didn’t make sense. As far as he knew, Davey had no personal ties to any of the victims. Ezra laid a hand on Davey’s shoulder and spoke as quietly as he could manage to his uncle.
Ezra: Does this have anything to do with Uncle Sammy?
The sharp look he received spoke volumes, he knew it must be true at that point. Ezra also knew better than to pursue it any further. His Uncle Sammy had been his father’s brother. Sammy and Davey had grown close, much closer in fact than many in the family knew. Sammy had been Davey’s best friend, and Ezra suspected they had been more than that. He loved both men, no matter what their relationship was. Many in the family believed the two men were lovers, although it was never said out loud, it was only whispered about when they felt that Davey couldn’t hear them. Davey always heard, he just never said anything to them about it.
Handler: We have a sighting of the executioner, your orders, Lead?
It wasn’t Davey who spoke next, but Stephan, who led the organization. His voice was soft but commanding.
Stephan: Fire when ready.
That caught both Ezra and Davey by surprise. Davey quickly took out his cell phone but it was too late as they heard the shot.
Davey: God dammnit Stephan! That’s not the mission! We don’t just kill people!
Stephan didn’t pick up the call but simply spoke over the shared link they had through the handler.
Stephan: Tell that to the family of the victims.
Fade.
{Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL - “Mickey Mouse Bullshit”}
[on-camera]
[on-camera]
Davey and Ezra had agreed the best path forward was to push the previous day's events out of their mind and focus on the title match. So to address the rematch they decided that Disney World would be the best place for this. They stood in front of the castle and smiled at all the people milling about and taking in the sites, sounds, and smells of Disney. Ezra halfway expected Emily to show up out of nowhere and talk about how great this all was, but Ezra wasn’t in the mood for it to be fair. The recording indicator flashed on Davey’s side of the device and he gave the nod to Ezra that he could begin.
Ezra: Here we are at the happiest place on earth.
The camera swings around capturing all the smiling faces and the fits of rage by children who didn’t get what they wanted. You can hear Davey chuckle as he swings the camera back to Ezra.
Ezra: Reminds you of certain people, doesn’t it? Those kids throwing a fit remind me way too much of TFO. Clyde couldn’t win, so he stole a title. JMont couldn’t beat Enigma so he’s been absent, although rumor has it that he has a special statement to make about his career soon. Then there is the former champion, Amber Mansley, who got her rematch though didn’t she? That’s right their collective sugar daddy made sure that happened for her. That’s right, she may not have done it in public but you can bet your ass she was whining to the old man about how she was screwed.
Gideon smiles as Davey is laughing hysterically behind the camera.
Ezra: I’m guessing the irony is lost on someone like her. All the times, that people challenging her for that title got screwed over by outside interference. The medicine doesn’t taste so good when you’re the one being dosed, does it?
He shakes his head and makes that “tsk, tsk” sound as a form of mock sympathy.
Ezra: Our general manager had the gall to ask me if I had asked Jetta not to interfere. That was a bit cute but hardly relevant, considering I didn’t ask her to interfere to begin with. She’s a grown woman who made a decision based on her disdain for Amber. That had zero to do with me or Kenji. Not that I expect anyone from that stable to believe me, then again, I don’t care whether they do or not.
Ezra considers the previous promotional material that Amber put out for the triple threat match. Davey keeps telling me I need to be more savage, he thinks to himself.
Ezra: You claim that you grew up without knowing your parents, I don’t believe you. Like the lies and the accusations you made about me, they have no basis in fact. I mean, I get it, y’all don’t like facts, why let the truth get in the way of a good story right? Right. Now then, this match will not be like the last one. Your sugar daddy, Chris Page was right about one thing, accept the fact that you were outsmarted and own it when that happens. If you had accepted that, then this rematch wouldn’t be happening. Not that it will change anything at all, it’s not like I’m just gonna lay down for you and let you win. No, you’ll have to fight and claw for everything you get in this match. Just like I’ve had to claw and scratch for everything I’ve earned in this company since day one.
Gideon remembers all too well the things that she had said to him and about him leading up to the triple threat, and he would be damned if he was going to let that stand unanswered.
Ezra: I spent 6 years in the indies grinding every day, some nights not getting paid despite everything that we had done. I earned my stripes, yeah Cholo told me I should try out for WGWF and even made sure they got my videos. Barrows and Daniels already knew who I was and what I was capable of. This may surprise you but a bidding war ensued for my services back when there were two brands. I chose the offer from Barrows because it would make me work harder for what I got. I’ve never taken the path least traveled, because I didn’t want anyone to ever make an excuse for me if I failed. They already made theirs for you, because of the rules in a triple threat match. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is defending this strap against you to prove them wrong once again. I was hungry and you were complacent. You took everything for granted and didn’t realize who you were stepping in the ring with. It’s time for this mickey mouse bullshit with TFO to come to an end.
Fade.