Post by Captain Howdy on Dec 15, 2012 5:10:24 GMT -6
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside
There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass
Be careful as you pass,.move along, move along
Come inside, the show's about to start
Guaranteed to blow your head apart
Rest assured you'll get your money's worth
Greatest show in Heaven, Hell or Earth
-From: Karnevil 9 (First Impression, Part 2) by Emerson, Lake and Palmer
The scene slowly fades in from black, as "Captain Howdy" by Twisted Sister begins to play. We find ourselves looking into a large, well-appointed living room once again, at a familiar scene to most of us at this time of year. A huge tree is being wrestled into place in one corner of the room, by the statuesque blonde we have come to know as the Mistress. Across the room, Nadia Snow-Jacobs watches closely, as she holds her infant son in her arms. After a few moments, she nods and the Mistress sets herself. As the music fades, we can hear the conversation between them, and the other occupant of the room.
NADIA: That's it, you've got it. Now just hold it there.
MISTRESS: Doing my best. This is a huge tree. I can't believe you only paid twenty dollars for this, James.
A few moments later, the man we know as Captain Howdy, or perhaps James Jacobs, stands up from where he was beneath the tree, trying to tighten the screws in the stand. He brushes pine needles off of his sweater, as he smiles and speaks.
CAPTAIN HOWDY: I got it at one of those "cut your own" lots. Any tree on the lot, twenty dollars, but you cut it down yourself. I'll be honest, it wasn't that easy, but I think it's worth the effort.
N: It's a beautiful tree, and when the branches settle down it will look even better. I'm just a bit worried...we're going to lose at least a quarter of the living room to that thing.
CH: More room for presents.
M: Just like a little kid.
CH: So? What's wrong with that?
M: Nothing, nothing at all.
N: Do we have enough ornaments and lights to decorate it?
CH: If not, we just go buy more.
N: You and your ornaments. I swear, no matter how different you and He are about some things, you're exactly alike when it comes ot Christmas. That surprises me, to be honest, given what He is like in the ring.
CH: Well, he is a part of me, so it probably comes from me. When my wife left and took our son with her, I didn't celebrate for a few years. I didn't even help decorate when I was in Arc Ana Asylum that one Christmas. Then, once I met Amanda, that all changed.
M: We never missed a single holiday while we were travelling together. No matter where we were, we made the time for Christmas.
N: Glad to see some things don't change. Seeing as this is our son's first Christmas, I want it to be special.
CH: So do I, believe me. Thus, the huge tree. It just seemed right. Just don't start decorating it until I get home, ok?
N: We won't, I promise. Just don't take too long getting back after your match. You've got a tag team thing this week, right?
CH: Yup. And the nice thing is, all three of the other in this match are wrestlers I've never met before. I think, though, that they could not have given me a tag partner that I'd have any less in common with though.
M: What, did they put you with the pretty boy?
CH: Funny. No, worse... they stuck me with the religious one.
M: Ewwww...that could get ugly.
CH: Only if he tries to convert me or give me some pamphlet during the match. I'll get through it, and we'll see what happens. Maybe I'll even get into the Christmas spirit, and just let him walk away.
N: Unless, of course, he costs you the match.
CH: There is that. Speaking of which, seeing as Tom brought his camera, and is filming this as we speak, I should probably get my message to them out of the way.
N: Good idea. I'll go feed Jimmy, and get him ready for bed.
M: I've got some laundry to do. I'll just expect to get Tom back when you're done with him here.
CH: No worries. I won't even keep him too long.
M: I'll hold you to that.
The Mistress smiles, and walks out of the room, while Nadia walks over to James, and kisses him gently. They smile at each other, as she walks over to some stairs, and heads up to the baby's room. The Captain watches her go, then turns back to the camera, smiling.
CH: So, it's a new week, and a new challenge has been placed in front of me. I was of two minds when I saw the match I had been placed in this week. Then again, I'm of two minds about just about everything. That's what being a split personality means, in case you were wondering. On one hand, I was glad to be facing off against wrestlers I hadn't met before. I have great respect for Nighthawk, but he and I have wrestled so often that we could both probably stand in for each other in other matches.
On the other hand, I'm not a big tag team wrestler. I've done it before, as the Tag Titles in my office will prove, but it's not my first choice. Still, it will be interesting to get to know some of my competition here in the NCW. I understand that the two men on the other side of the ring know each other fairly well, and will present a stern test to my partner and I this week, especially as I don't know him from Adam.
So let's see where we stand for this week. The first thing I noticed, to be honest, is that neither of my opponents had a whole lot to say about me. Now, I understand that that is probably due to a lack of familiarity, but it's a but puzzling, if I can be honest. After all, it's not like there isn't plenty of video of me out there, or that they couldn't ask around to find out what I am like. No, they seemed more concerned and interested in the man who was assigned to be my partner. I find that interesting, rather than insulting, because to be honest, I'd rather be in a handicap match than paired with a man with his particular viewpoint.
Let me start with the man who addressed me first this week. That would be one Jake Conway, otherwise known as the Ace. I suppose that I should be impressed that I am already in a match with a Title holder here in the NCW, but I've been around long enough to know what this is. This is the powers that be in this place trying to find out if the newcomers can handle themselves when the competition level is high. I've been in that position before. I've been the one that was placed against the newest members of the roster, because management knew that if they came back after I got my hands on them, then they could last in whatever federation I was in at the time. It's a thankless job, to be sure, but a necessary one.
Ace, it looks like you've gotten that tap on the shoulder at this time. You get to find out what I'm all about, and what my partner is capable of. You get to be the one that puts us through our paces, and makes us prove ourselves. I hope you're not taking that lightly. It's a big responsibility. Unfortunately for you, I'm not the typical newbie showing up and hoping to just do well. I've been around a long, long time. Long enough, actually, to know that my past accomplishments and years of experience don't count for much here. I've done this several times now. I've been in many, many places. Each time, I started over, and each time I got from the beginning to the very top of the mountain. It just takes time, patience, and a trail of broken bodies left behind. Thank you, by the way, for being kind enough to remind me that I indeed have been "reset" as you say.
I will say this...I am looking forward to meeting you probably as much as you say you are to meeting me. I want to see what passes for a Title holder here in the NCW. I want to know just how difficult it will be to get there myself at some point. Facing you this weekend, well, that will go a long way toward giving me that information. I've seen some of your work, and I have to be honest, you remind me a bit of one Evan Andrews. That name may or may not mean anything to you, but it does to me. We'll see if you live up to that praise or not. We'll see if you're able to stay the trump card, or if you'll end up being royally flushed.
Oh, and as for my "issues"...they've been settled for a while now. I just found out that I very much enjoy fighting, hurting, and breaking people, which they really don't allow children's television show hosts to do very often.
As for young Mister Caleb Lockewood, well, I have to be honest. I don't know as much about you. I know you like to fly around the ring, and you're quite good at it. I heard what you said about Nighthawk, and I have to agree with you. I've had my own wars with the man over the years, and there is not a single time that I haven't taken away something from the match, or learned something new about wrestling that I hadn't known before.
You've said you have some measure of respect for me. I appreciate that. Hopefully, after this match is over, there will be more of that in both directions. Make no mistake though, Caleb, even though I'm standing here tonight, speaking nicely to you and your partner, I'm not a nice guy. Once that bell rings, once that match gets underway, you'll learn that the hard way. I can be polite right now, because neither of you has done anything yet to cause me to be otherwise. I will, however, do whatever I have to in order to gain a victory for my team. It isn't personal. It won't be for a while. It's just the way I do things. Your partner seems to be the more technical type. As I proved this past week against Nighthawk, I can handle myself in that area. You, you're a high flyer. You're a risk-taker. I'm not built for that. I do know how to deal with someone with your particular skill set though, so we'll just have to see which of us is the more successful.
You see Ace? Those sixteen years may not matter here in terms of record or standing, but they do matter when the time comes to get in the ring. They do matter when it's time to plan and execute that plan. Experience is a harsh teacher, but one that I've learned a great deal from. I know how to shut your young friend down. I know how to counter you, much as you did Caleb in your training session. It just depends on which side executes better, and has that one bit of luck on their side.
And, as for the last person in this match, my partner...well, let's just say that I dislike you on general principal. If we were opponents rather than tag partners, I'd disabuse you of some of your spiritual beliefs, while I abused the physical part of you to the point of cruelty. I have no problem with anyone's personal beliefs. I do have a problem when they try to project them onto me. If you avoid that, we'll be fine. Regardless of anything else though, I've never once abandoned a partner, or turned on them during the match. I'm not about to start now. When you reach for that tag, I will be there. When you need a save from being pinned, I will do whatever I can to get there. I hope you can say the same, because if not, well, you'll be the first one I truly do go after with the intent of breaking you into little pieces. Do your part, and we'll walk out of the match, and go our seperate ways. Don't do your part...
I'll leave that to your imagination.
Caleb, Ace, you two are the first new opponents I've had since I got here, and by all accounts, this will be a difficult match. I love a challenge. I promise you both, that I will give you all you want and more. I will show you why I was given the moniker of "Most Dangerous Man" in every federation I've ever been in. I didn't just claim it, I was called that by the fans in each place. I was called that by my peers in each place. I earned that little nickname. Before I am done here, I will earn it again, and you two are going to be the first ones to help me with that. One of you is going to find out the hard way what happens when I decide that, for you, PLAYTIME'S OVER!! When that happens, not only will I begin to make believers out of the management and fans of the NCW, but I will also do so with the wrestlers who think I am a joke, or don't take me seriously. You two disagree over whether or not I deserve respect, but after this match, that won't be the case any longer.
See you two later. I know I'm looking forward to this, very much.
"Captain Howdy" begins to play once again as the man himself turns and walks away. He heads for the stairs that lead to the second floor, and as he climbs toward his son's room, the scene slowly fades to black.
We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside
There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass
Be careful as you pass,.move along, move along
Come inside, the show's about to start
Guaranteed to blow your head apart
Rest assured you'll get your money's worth
Greatest show in Heaven, Hell or Earth
-From: Karnevil 9 (First Impression, Part 2) by Emerson, Lake and Palmer
The scene slowly fades in from black, as "Captain Howdy" by Twisted Sister begins to play. We find ourselves looking into a large, well-appointed living room once again, at a familiar scene to most of us at this time of year. A huge tree is being wrestled into place in one corner of the room, by the statuesque blonde we have come to know as the Mistress. Across the room, Nadia Snow-Jacobs watches closely, as she holds her infant son in her arms. After a few moments, she nods and the Mistress sets herself. As the music fades, we can hear the conversation between them, and the other occupant of the room.
NADIA: That's it, you've got it. Now just hold it there.
MISTRESS: Doing my best. This is a huge tree. I can't believe you only paid twenty dollars for this, James.
A few moments later, the man we know as Captain Howdy, or perhaps James Jacobs, stands up from where he was beneath the tree, trying to tighten the screws in the stand. He brushes pine needles off of his sweater, as he smiles and speaks.
CAPTAIN HOWDY: I got it at one of those "cut your own" lots. Any tree on the lot, twenty dollars, but you cut it down yourself. I'll be honest, it wasn't that easy, but I think it's worth the effort.
N: It's a beautiful tree, and when the branches settle down it will look even better. I'm just a bit worried...we're going to lose at least a quarter of the living room to that thing.
CH: More room for presents.
M: Just like a little kid.
CH: So? What's wrong with that?
M: Nothing, nothing at all.
N: Do we have enough ornaments and lights to decorate it?
CH: If not, we just go buy more.
N: You and your ornaments. I swear, no matter how different you and He are about some things, you're exactly alike when it comes ot Christmas. That surprises me, to be honest, given what He is like in the ring.
CH: Well, he is a part of me, so it probably comes from me. When my wife left and took our son with her, I didn't celebrate for a few years. I didn't even help decorate when I was in Arc Ana Asylum that one Christmas. Then, once I met Amanda, that all changed.
M: We never missed a single holiday while we were travelling together. No matter where we were, we made the time for Christmas.
N: Glad to see some things don't change. Seeing as this is our son's first Christmas, I want it to be special.
CH: So do I, believe me. Thus, the huge tree. It just seemed right. Just don't start decorating it until I get home, ok?
N: We won't, I promise. Just don't take too long getting back after your match. You've got a tag team thing this week, right?
CH: Yup. And the nice thing is, all three of the other in this match are wrestlers I've never met before. I think, though, that they could not have given me a tag partner that I'd have any less in common with though.
M: What, did they put you with the pretty boy?
CH: Funny. No, worse... they stuck me with the religious one.
M: Ewwww...that could get ugly.
CH: Only if he tries to convert me or give me some pamphlet during the match. I'll get through it, and we'll see what happens. Maybe I'll even get into the Christmas spirit, and just let him walk away.
N: Unless, of course, he costs you the match.
CH: There is that. Speaking of which, seeing as Tom brought his camera, and is filming this as we speak, I should probably get my message to them out of the way.
N: Good idea. I'll go feed Jimmy, and get him ready for bed.
M: I've got some laundry to do. I'll just expect to get Tom back when you're done with him here.
CH: No worries. I won't even keep him too long.
M: I'll hold you to that.
The Mistress smiles, and walks out of the room, while Nadia walks over to James, and kisses him gently. They smile at each other, as she walks over to some stairs, and heads up to the baby's room. The Captain watches her go, then turns back to the camera, smiling.
CH: So, it's a new week, and a new challenge has been placed in front of me. I was of two minds when I saw the match I had been placed in this week. Then again, I'm of two minds about just about everything. That's what being a split personality means, in case you were wondering. On one hand, I was glad to be facing off against wrestlers I hadn't met before. I have great respect for Nighthawk, but he and I have wrestled so often that we could both probably stand in for each other in other matches.
On the other hand, I'm not a big tag team wrestler. I've done it before, as the Tag Titles in my office will prove, but it's not my first choice. Still, it will be interesting to get to know some of my competition here in the NCW. I understand that the two men on the other side of the ring know each other fairly well, and will present a stern test to my partner and I this week, especially as I don't know him from Adam.
So let's see where we stand for this week. The first thing I noticed, to be honest, is that neither of my opponents had a whole lot to say about me. Now, I understand that that is probably due to a lack of familiarity, but it's a but puzzling, if I can be honest. After all, it's not like there isn't plenty of video of me out there, or that they couldn't ask around to find out what I am like. No, they seemed more concerned and interested in the man who was assigned to be my partner. I find that interesting, rather than insulting, because to be honest, I'd rather be in a handicap match than paired with a man with his particular viewpoint.
Let me start with the man who addressed me first this week. That would be one Jake Conway, otherwise known as the Ace. I suppose that I should be impressed that I am already in a match with a Title holder here in the NCW, but I've been around long enough to know what this is. This is the powers that be in this place trying to find out if the newcomers can handle themselves when the competition level is high. I've been in that position before. I've been the one that was placed against the newest members of the roster, because management knew that if they came back after I got my hands on them, then they could last in whatever federation I was in at the time. It's a thankless job, to be sure, but a necessary one.
Ace, it looks like you've gotten that tap on the shoulder at this time. You get to find out what I'm all about, and what my partner is capable of. You get to be the one that puts us through our paces, and makes us prove ourselves. I hope you're not taking that lightly. It's a big responsibility. Unfortunately for you, I'm not the typical newbie showing up and hoping to just do well. I've been around a long, long time. Long enough, actually, to know that my past accomplishments and years of experience don't count for much here. I've done this several times now. I've been in many, many places. Each time, I started over, and each time I got from the beginning to the very top of the mountain. It just takes time, patience, and a trail of broken bodies left behind. Thank you, by the way, for being kind enough to remind me that I indeed have been "reset" as you say.
I will say this...I am looking forward to meeting you probably as much as you say you are to meeting me. I want to see what passes for a Title holder here in the NCW. I want to know just how difficult it will be to get there myself at some point. Facing you this weekend, well, that will go a long way toward giving me that information. I've seen some of your work, and I have to be honest, you remind me a bit of one Evan Andrews. That name may or may not mean anything to you, but it does to me. We'll see if you live up to that praise or not. We'll see if you're able to stay the trump card, or if you'll end up being royally flushed.
Oh, and as for my "issues"...they've been settled for a while now. I just found out that I very much enjoy fighting, hurting, and breaking people, which they really don't allow children's television show hosts to do very often.
As for young Mister Caleb Lockewood, well, I have to be honest. I don't know as much about you. I know you like to fly around the ring, and you're quite good at it. I heard what you said about Nighthawk, and I have to agree with you. I've had my own wars with the man over the years, and there is not a single time that I haven't taken away something from the match, or learned something new about wrestling that I hadn't known before.
You've said you have some measure of respect for me. I appreciate that. Hopefully, after this match is over, there will be more of that in both directions. Make no mistake though, Caleb, even though I'm standing here tonight, speaking nicely to you and your partner, I'm not a nice guy. Once that bell rings, once that match gets underway, you'll learn that the hard way. I can be polite right now, because neither of you has done anything yet to cause me to be otherwise. I will, however, do whatever I have to in order to gain a victory for my team. It isn't personal. It won't be for a while. It's just the way I do things. Your partner seems to be the more technical type. As I proved this past week against Nighthawk, I can handle myself in that area. You, you're a high flyer. You're a risk-taker. I'm not built for that. I do know how to deal with someone with your particular skill set though, so we'll just have to see which of us is the more successful.
You see Ace? Those sixteen years may not matter here in terms of record or standing, but they do matter when the time comes to get in the ring. They do matter when it's time to plan and execute that plan. Experience is a harsh teacher, but one that I've learned a great deal from. I know how to shut your young friend down. I know how to counter you, much as you did Caleb in your training session. It just depends on which side executes better, and has that one bit of luck on their side.
And, as for the last person in this match, my partner...well, let's just say that I dislike you on general principal. If we were opponents rather than tag partners, I'd disabuse you of some of your spiritual beliefs, while I abused the physical part of you to the point of cruelty. I have no problem with anyone's personal beliefs. I do have a problem when they try to project them onto me. If you avoid that, we'll be fine. Regardless of anything else though, I've never once abandoned a partner, or turned on them during the match. I'm not about to start now. When you reach for that tag, I will be there. When you need a save from being pinned, I will do whatever I can to get there. I hope you can say the same, because if not, well, you'll be the first one I truly do go after with the intent of breaking you into little pieces. Do your part, and we'll walk out of the match, and go our seperate ways. Don't do your part...
I'll leave that to your imagination.
Caleb, Ace, you two are the first new opponents I've had since I got here, and by all accounts, this will be a difficult match. I love a challenge. I promise you both, that I will give you all you want and more. I will show you why I was given the moniker of "Most Dangerous Man" in every federation I've ever been in. I didn't just claim it, I was called that by the fans in each place. I was called that by my peers in each place. I earned that little nickname. Before I am done here, I will earn it again, and you two are going to be the first ones to help me with that. One of you is going to find out the hard way what happens when I decide that, for you, PLAYTIME'S OVER!! When that happens, not only will I begin to make believers out of the management and fans of the NCW, but I will also do so with the wrestlers who think I am a joke, or don't take me seriously. You two disagree over whether or not I deserve respect, but after this match, that won't be the case any longer.
See you two later. I know I'm looking forward to this, very much.
"Captain Howdy" begins to play once again as the man himself turns and walks away. He heads for the stairs that lead to the second floor, and as he climbs toward his son's room, the scene slowly fades to black.