Post by doc on Aug 11, 2010 11:31:59 GMT -6
She was the standout amongst her peers, the one you would notice from a distance, as if her surrounding friends weren't even there at all.
It was no surprise that she was Prom Queen. If anything, there was no competition at all. Not because there weren't other beautiful girls - there were many. But none with her stunning beauty, her intelligence, her talent... she had everything.
She was not immune to the bitchiness of little girls wishing that they could be like her. There were was jealously, there was envy. And large amounts of it. But she was intelligent enough to understand this. No matter how hard the other girls tried, no matter which make up they wore or clothes they tried on - they would never be like her.
And they hated her for it.
People said she carried an arrogance about her, and sometimes, she was just out of control. A little eccentric, as all great minds are.
But she was equally as popular. Why wouldn't she be? Girls wanted to be her and boys wanted to be with her. They followed her every where she went, stalking her almost. She was an icon to her generation, and she didn't mind the attention.
But it's amazing how quickly things can change. The Prom Queen chose a college where she could still keep in touch with many of her high school colleagues, and at first, she picked up where she left off. She became the centre of attention once again, her beauty and talent easily noticed by those students who had never met her before. They couldn't believe her grace, her class.
She had the world at her feet.
The jealousy and popularity continued. Many spoke of her behind her back, particularly poorer students who couldn't afford to go the same high school from which she graduated. Of course, she had expected this. She never turned her nose up at anyone. She never has.
When someone needed help, she gave it willingly. When someone asked for advice, she took her time to explain things properly to them. She was gracious to everyone she came across, even though they weren't on her level of intelligence.
But that obviously wasn't enough for them.
Because then her life turned sour. She was popular at her new college when things were going good. All the girls still wanted to be her, all the guys still wanted to get with her. But she became invovled in a shady circle of friends, and soon everything went downhill.
She became known as a drugged-up mess. She would lay on the streets at night, begging for change from the same people who used to idolize her. And what did they do?
They raped her.
Raped her of her dignity, her pride, her respect. They raped her for everything she had. And they left her lying in the street, her torn clothing barely covering her bones, her odds of surviving slim. So what did they care? She was as good as dead, wasn't she? They'd never have to see her again. Never have to deal with her.
So they left her there.
They left her there to die.
The mood is vibrant in the Young Gun locker room, in what must only be a short time after Collision. Doc and Venom are grinning and high-fiving each other, their friend JFK patting them both on the back. Everyone falls silent however when the door opens, and the three Young Guns turn around to see the nCw National Champion, Charlie Velez, enter the room.
"Nice job .. Victor .. Doc .."
Velez nods at both his team-mates.
"Man, I have to admit, it is great to have some gold again. It just .. looks good on me, you know?"
Charlie laughs a little and Venom playfully pushes Doc's shoulder away. Charlie then responds, his business-like tone dashing any hopes of a party any time soon.
"Of course. I'm glad you're back with us, mentally. I heard what you had to say last week, and I just want you not to worry."
Doc lowers his eyebrows, a little unsure what Charlie will have to say to him now.
"Your time is coming, Doc. You have to be patient to make it to the top in this industry, you know that. The Young Guns and Front Office are in this together, and your mind shouldn't be focused on title belts or main events right now. Focus on Andrew Jacobsen. Focus on Reckless Jack, Adam Knite. We all have common enemies Doc. Once we deal with them, everyone will be rewarded, I promise you. Besides, when have you ever cared about titles or main events? I remember when all you wanted to do was have match of the year every time you stepped in to that ring. You thrived on stealing the show away from the main event."
Doc realizes how true this is, and for a second, he loses eye contact with Charlie. In embarrassment at himself, he can't even look his brother.
"Charlie, I know. I learned about this business the hard way - we all did. But I'm sick of it. Why should I have to listen to these stupid kids disrespect me? Who the f*ck are they to deserve my attention? I've paid my dues, won title belts, beat everyone worth beating.. I've done it all. But they keep talking Charlie, talking smack, not a care in the world that they're talking to one of the greatest perfomers in history. The only way to shut these people up is be successful here, in nCw, and -."
"No - the only way to shut people up is to be the same person who was so dominant up until now. They aren't disrespecting you because you're not World Champion, or because you haven't beaten Angel more than five times in a main event situation - or anything crazy like that. They disrespected you because they smelled blood. They noticed how you suddenly went from being almost super human, a machine even.. to being no better than they are. Drugs were your weakness Doc, they showed that you are only human like the rest of us. And that's why people aren't so scared any more. In this business, people generally operate on a "what can you do for me today" basis, that shouldn't be news to any of us. Look around you. This is the Young Guns Doc, the f*cking Young Guns. The most successful group in the history of professional wrestling. But you might have noticed that we aren't exactly locker room idols around here."
Doc nods his head, letting Charlie know that he acknowledges his words.
"Once we take care of the Revolution.. nCw is ours. But we have big matches to take care of this week guys, so let's focus on that for now."
Charlie pauses for a second, leaving Doc, not sure if he is finished speaking or not, to turn to his tag team partner for a quick work. But before he can even make eye-contact with Venom, Charlie has proceeded to pull a bottle of champagne out his ass. Love that guy.
"Buuuut, let's worry about all that tomorrow. Tonight we party, together, and celebrate those shiny tag team belts. Nice job guys, I know you'll be great champs."
Charlie and Doc grin at each other and exchange a handshake before Venom and Charlie do likewise. JFK joins in and soon the four men are popping the bottle of champagne (not to be drunk by Doc of course), when suddenly the internal door between the Young Guns and Front Office locker rooms is kicked open.
For a moment, nobody appears.
But then we see the long flowing hair, dark sunglasses and white grin that we can only associate with one man - Steve Awesome.
"Somebody mention a party?"
"I guess it only makes sense to start with Andrew Jacobsen, the man who requested - sorry, demanded a match this week against any three members of the Front Office. What's up Andrew, feeling brave?"
"Or just hoping I wouldn't be one of those three?"
"Teaching you a lesson is actually long overdue kid. Ever since you stuck your big nose in to the whole Young Guns/Knightlife affair, I've been waiting for a chance to slap you around a little. You need to realize quick that getting involved where you don't belong generally doesn't result in happy endings. Right now, you're probably seeing yourself getting involved with the big boys and patting yourself on the back. Sticking up for Zelda Knite has allowed you to compete with people way out of your league son.. and that's fine, it's great while you're enjoying the adulation."
"But once that bell rings, I'm going to make you regret ever opening your mouth to begin with."
"And all over what, AJ? Over Zelda? You really thought you'd be in with a chance of boning her? Well too bad kiddo, 'cause one of your little stable-mates has beat you to the punch."
"Just last week you were on television still flapping your gums with admiration for her. Give it up man. You said last week that Zelda looked like a legitimate threat against Lance Ryan, so why can't she look after herself when it comes to Charlie? You've proven that the issue isn't and never was about a grown man threatening a little girl."
"But if it makes you feel any better about yourself, keep believing that the Front Office are the evil masterminds behind everything from your toast being burnt in the morning to getting a flat tire on the way to the gym. Fact is, you can't get the girl you want, even by putting yourself in the firing line - and I realize it's making you feel inadequate. And you probably should feel inadequate."
"I would if I was as pathetic as you."
"So I understand.. you have this big chip on your shoulder, and you need someone, anyone, to point your little finger at and blame everytime you mess something up. We ruined the 3 Year Anniversary? Fox screwed you out of a World Title shot? I don't know what planet you've been living in kid, but I was there."
"In fact, I was the one tossing your stupid ass over the top rope. And that's why you don't have a shot at the World Title."
"So blame me and Cross, not Leonard Fox."
"I mean, I thought you were a man of morals? It's not OK for the Front Office to work together to eliminate you, but it's OK for you and Rob Diamond to double team Venom together? Because that's what was happening before I even got near that ring kid. Maybe that bump on your head when I eliminated you caused some amnesia or something, 'cause it sounds like you need go back and watch the f*cking match again before you open your mouth with any more hypocritical excuses. You got the match you wanted this week alongside Hall of Fame tag-team partners.. you can't blame Mr. Fox for this one. So who you going to blame if you can't get the job done? Huh? Who you going to blame kid? Are you finally going to take a look in the mirror and realize that problem isn't The Front Office?"
"You've set yourself up for a big fall, kid. It's not easy to face the facts when they conflict with your beliefs. It hurts when you realize that you and you alone are responsible for everything you achieve, or fail to achieve. There's no conspiracy. No bribery, no abuse of power. You just aren't cool enough to get the girls you want. You just aren't good enough to win the matches you say you should have won. When all of that starts to sink in AJ.. it will break you. And while you're experiencing the world at it's harshest, without your defense mechanisms to fall back on.. when you're at an all-time low, depressed and anxious.. I'll take pleasure in every second of dragging you out to that ring and pinning you - one... two... three."
"Just like you did to me."
"Damn I'm rough. That party last night was wild!"
When we open back up, Venom is walking down a long stretch of open road alongside his partner, Doc. Both men have gym bags slung over their shoulders, taking an easy stroll to an out-of-town gym somewhere.
"A whole lot wilder for you than it was for me bro."
Venom laughs a little.
"We're all proud of you for making it through. For real though. I know you're a little confused about the direction you want to take your career in right now, but it's to be expected man. You're diving head first back in to a reality you haven't known in a long time, your head is probably all over the place."
"I guess so. It's been easier for me with you guys around. We don't hide the truth from each other, you know?"
"Charlie's pep talk get you thinking?"
"And yours last week. Both of you were right, I just couldn't believe what I was hearing from all those people who wrote me off without a second look. It's just weird. We're almost like rookies again, trying to make our name, but at the same time, almost everyone we face seems aware of our history at 'the other comapany'. So it's like.. do you know us, or don't you?"
"Man, these kids don't know sh*t. They've heard about us, that's true, but they don't know anything. They were just talking about our past to try and paint us in a bad light with the authority figures around here, that's all. But look how it worked out for them in the end. We're best buds with the boss! So don't read too much in to anything they say. Once you remind them what you can do in the ring, it'll be cool. I mean, even Charlie, JFK, Steve, myself.. we've all known you for a long time, Doc, but even we weren't 100% sure you were going to bounce back. It really looked like you were in a bad place."
"Damn. I thought coming back from adversity was my whole schtik."
"Yeah, but usually you don't lose to AJ Phoenix. That's how we knew this was a real bad one."
"Ah."
"Anyway, I'm hyped for our match this week. We get to face The Hollands.. man this should be awesome."
Doc shrugs.
"It's cool."
Venom looks at his partner.
"You don't seem too enthusiastic."
"I don't really care who we're facing. Obviously, I'm aware how tough a week it's going to be for us, but I'm more focused on getting myself back in to shape. I just want to win. I could care less about having a match against three guys who could never brake the glass ceiling as singles competitors. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's not cool if we have a great match and put on a real show. But at the end of the day V, we need to get the job done."
"Oh, don't worry about that. The Hollands have taken tag titles away from me in the past, so I already know a few things about those guys. Let's get inside and we can talk strategy."
"Sure thing boss."
As the camera pans out a little, we can now see the building that Doc and Venom have been walking towards. A small but stylish gym where nCw's new tag team champions will spend the next week preparing for a huge pay per view contest.
And we're out.
"The Brothers Holland.. two men who have made an impact both here at nCw and at 'the other company'. I guess the only surprising thing is that we have never crossed paths along the way.."
"Until now, of course."
"I mean, did we ever exchange pleasantries in the past? Ever bump in to each other at a show and shake hands? Let me answer that one for you gentlemen. We never did. Somehow you managed to become successful during a period when I wasn't actively wrestling.. but don't worry. I know who you guys are. We have a mutual friend in MGK, he told me all about your talents. You know.. that's MGK, the guy who kicked Dave Holland's ass then got his ass kicked by me. He told me it was cool facing you and all, and I'm sure you guys had a great match and built a real respect for each other. "
"Personally though, I'll just take the win on its own."
"Because even though we never crossed paths, I'm sure you guys know all about me. How could you not? You were employed by a company which I carried on my shoulders while you two were still shining boots backstage, waiting for your big break. And around there.. they call me the best who ever done it, so the chances are that you already know what I'm all about."
"But I know that what you're thinking. None of that will matter this week, right? Certainly not here at nCw, where both of you are considered the best thing since sliced bread. I guess you could say the roles have been reversed, but here's the difference. When I look at all the names who couldn't make the grade in 'the other company' but were treated as Gods here, I don't exactly piss my pants in my fear. You guys had a competitive environment to prove yourself, just like all of the Young Guns did. But you chose to take advantage of a company which was just starting up, and commanded a roster nowhere near the size. You skipped the queue all the way to the front, along with all your old pals who recently jumped ship again when they stopped making the grade in this company."
"But that doesn't earn my respect. It doesn't earn jack sh*t in the real world. Yet Dave was talking in a promo the other week about how The Brothers Holland were the team to beat in this industry for the ten years prior to their retirement. Nah. They were the team to beat at nCw and nCw only. Look at the title records for 'the other company', and sure, you guys were a good team. Couple of short tag team title reigns. But who held the titles more times than you guys? Who held the titles for longer than you guys? Who managed to win the biggest singles belts in the company while being tag team champions? Answer those questions, and you'll remember who the real dominant force in this industry was during those years you claimed that The Brothers Holland were the team to beat."
"The Young Guns."
"The problem is, the iconic status which you've enjoyed at nCw has started playing little mind tricks on you. You guys have become so used to hearing praise, so used to being treated with respect and admiration that you actually seem to believe that you're on the level of a Charlie Velez, a Steve Awesome, a Venom, a Doc. I can see why, to some of the guys in this company, you two might a big thing."
"You're better than them."
"But as good as us? Since when? When the f*ck did you two do something to earn my respect? The last time I seen you guys wrestle, you were cannon fodder to the biggest, baddest sharks in the ocean. An easy victory to build momentum before a big pay-per-view match, that kind of thing. And that's why we never spoke. I was one of those sharks, and you two weren't worth a second of my time. But now I'm hearing you guys talk about yourselves as if you were the the headliners, the guys who dominated the roster? Did you ever beat Doc? Did either of you ever beat the one man who actually did dominate the entire roster? You can name any champion you want from back then - anyone who you think is either on my level or better than me. And tell me any one of them who has a positive win/loss record against me?"
"Yeah, you can't. There's not one."
"That's why it p*sses me off to see people like The Hollands claim they were superstars when, to me, these guys are nothing special. And maybe I'm not the man around here - yet. But I've been around for what, a few months? Maybe showing everyone at nCw that the 'legends' they worship here aren't even in my league will speed things up a little."
"It's kinda fitting. When you guys faced Dirty Deal a couple of weeks back, Dave had a nice little speech prepared. What was it he said again? That we were going "to see the original great ones dispatch the greatest pretenders to the throne"? Yeah, that's it. Funny how you seemed to forget all about the Young Guns, especially since The Young Guns were always the team to beat - and you guys were those pretenders to the throne."
"Within nCw, how can I argue with what you guys have achieved? A couple of tag title reigns, a National Title reign. Probably even beat The Ace at some point in there too; can't forget those epic victories against the best competition around. You guys are real monsters. The two of you have achieved about as much here in your entire careers as the Young Guns have in a couple of months. At this rate, The Brothers Holland will go back to being cannon fodder for us again by the turn of the year."
"And let's get serious about our match this week. If Ron Gibson managed to kill Milo Holland for fifteen seconds, you think I can't keep him down for three seconds?"
"F*ck outta here."
But the Prom Queen wasn't as weak as they all thought. Behind her exterior beauty was a toughness rarely seen, and she fought back against her addictions. She fought back against the society which once idolized her, and now considered her as good as dead. She made her way back out of the gutter, back to where she left off.
And a couple of years down the line, those people who had shown her such warmth in her prime, but stabbed her in the back with such cruelty in her decline.. they seen her again. But not in person. Instead, they had to look up to see her on a billboard facing them, and they rubbed their eyes in disbelief. She was now the celebrity she looked destined to be throughout her teenage years; no longer the junkie who had lost everything.
But those people looking at her on the billboard? They don't have sh*t. She would have took them all to the top with her, but they revelead their true colors as soon she hit a rough patch. She accomplished everything on her own, while they accomplished nothing.
Because she's been criticized, abused, raped. But she goes out there and does things, both good and bad.
The rest of you just sit on your ass pointing fingers.
It was no surprise that she was Prom Queen. If anything, there was no competition at all. Not because there weren't other beautiful girls - there were many. But none with her stunning beauty, her intelligence, her talent... she had everything.
She was not immune to the bitchiness of little girls wishing that they could be like her. There were was jealously, there was envy. And large amounts of it. But she was intelligent enough to understand this. No matter how hard the other girls tried, no matter which make up they wore or clothes they tried on - they would never be like her.
And they hated her for it.
People said she carried an arrogance about her, and sometimes, she was just out of control. A little eccentric, as all great minds are.
But she was equally as popular. Why wouldn't she be? Girls wanted to be her and boys wanted to be with her. They followed her every where she went, stalking her almost. She was an icon to her generation, and she didn't mind the attention.
But it's amazing how quickly things can change. The Prom Queen chose a college where she could still keep in touch with many of her high school colleagues, and at first, she picked up where she left off. She became the centre of attention once again, her beauty and talent easily noticed by those students who had never met her before. They couldn't believe her grace, her class.
She had the world at her feet.
The jealousy and popularity continued. Many spoke of her behind her back, particularly poorer students who couldn't afford to go the same high school from which she graduated. Of course, she had expected this. She never turned her nose up at anyone. She never has.
When someone needed help, she gave it willingly. When someone asked for advice, she took her time to explain things properly to them. She was gracious to everyone she came across, even though they weren't on her level of intelligence.
But that obviously wasn't enough for them.
Because then her life turned sour. She was popular at her new college when things were going good. All the girls still wanted to be her, all the guys still wanted to get with her. But she became invovled in a shady circle of friends, and soon everything went downhill.
She became known as a drugged-up mess. She would lay on the streets at night, begging for change from the same people who used to idolize her. And what did they do?
They raped her.
Raped her of her dignity, her pride, her respect. They raped her for everything she had. And they left her lying in the street, her torn clothing barely covering her bones, her odds of surviving slim. So what did they care? She was as good as dead, wasn't she? They'd never have to see her again. Never have to deal with her.
So they left her there.
They left her there to die.
Success, gold, women and cheques,
But troubled inside,
Doesn't feel like the best.
Ears still ringing,
The whistle of the critics,
It's time to cue the silence,
Their opinions are timid.
But troubled inside,
Doesn't feel like the best.
Ears still ringing,
The whistle of the critics,
It's time to cue the silence,
Their opinions are timid.
The mood is vibrant in the Young Gun locker room, in what must only be a short time after Collision. Doc and Venom are grinning and high-fiving each other, their friend JFK patting them both on the back. Everyone falls silent however when the door opens, and the three Young Guns turn around to see the nCw National Champion, Charlie Velez, enter the room.
"Nice job .. Victor .. Doc .."
Velez nods at both his team-mates.
"Man, I have to admit, it is great to have some gold again. It just .. looks good on me, you know?"
Charlie laughs a little and Venom playfully pushes Doc's shoulder away. Charlie then responds, his business-like tone dashing any hopes of a party any time soon.
"Of course. I'm glad you're back with us, mentally. I heard what you had to say last week, and I just want you not to worry."
Doc lowers his eyebrows, a little unsure what Charlie will have to say to him now.
"Your time is coming, Doc. You have to be patient to make it to the top in this industry, you know that. The Young Guns and Front Office are in this together, and your mind shouldn't be focused on title belts or main events right now. Focus on Andrew Jacobsen. Focus on Reckless Jack, Adam Knite. We all have common enemies Doc. Once we deal with them, everyone will be rewarded, I promise you. Besides, when have you ever cared about titles or main events? I remember when all you wanted to do was have match of the year every time you stepped in to that ring. You thrived on stealing the show away from the main event."
Doc realizes how true this is, and for a second, he loses eye contact with Charlie. In embarrassment at himself, he can't even look his brother.
"Charlie, I know. I learned about this business the hard way - we all did. But I'm sick of it. Why should I have to listen to these stupid kids disrespect me? Who the f*ck are they to deserve my attention? I've paid my dues, won title belts, beat everyone worth beating.. I've done it all. But they keep talking Charlie, talking smack, not a care in the world that they're talking to one of the greatest perfomers in history. The only way to shut these people up is be successful here, in nCw, and -."
"No - the only way to shut people up is to be the same person who was so dominant up until now. They aren't disrespecting you because you're not World Champion, or because you haven't beaten Angel more than five times in a main event situation - or anything crazy like that. They disrespected you because they smelled blood. They noticed how you suddenly went from being almost super human, a machine even.. to being no better than they are. Drugs were your weakness Doc, they showed that you are only human like the rest of us. And that's why people aren't so scared any more. In this business, people generally operate on a "what can you do for me today" basis, that shouldn't be news to any of us. Look around you. This is the Young Guns Doc, the f*cking Young Guns. The most successful group in the history of professional wrestling. But you might have noticed that we aren't exactly locker room idols around here."
Doc nods his head, letting Charlie know that he acknowledges his words.
"Once we take care of the Revolution.. nCw is ours. But we have big matches to take care of this week guys, so let's focus on that for now."
Charlie pauses for a second, leaving Doc, not sure if he is finished speaking or not, to turn to his tag team partner for a quick work. But before he can even make eye-contact with Venom, Charlie has proceeded to pull a bottle of champagne out his ass. Love that guy.
"Buuuut, let's worry about all that tomorrow. Tonight we party, together, and celebrate those shiny tag team belts. Nice job guys, I know you'll be great champs."
Charlie and Doc grin at each other and exchange a handshake before Venom and Charlie do likewise. JFK joins in and soon the four men are popping the bottle of champagne (not to be drunk by Doc of course), when suddenly the internal door between the Young Guns and Front Office locker rooms is kicked open.
For a moment, nobody appears.
But then we see the long flowing hair, dark sunglasses and white grin that we can only associate with one man - Steve Awesome.
"Somebody mention a party?"
No longer that kid with bleary eyes dreamy,
No longer that man so proud to be greedy.
Just a star in the sky, longing to be the sun,
Or at least the north star...
Excuse the pun.
No longer that man so proud to be greedy.
Just a star in the sky, longing to be the sun,
Or at least the north star...
Excuse the pun.
"I guess it only makes sense to start with Andrew Jacobsen, the man who requested - sorry, demanded a match this week against any three members of the Front Office. What's up Andrew, feeling brave?"
"Or just hoping I wouldn't be one of those three?"
"Teaching you a lesson is actually long overdue kid. Ever since you stuck your big nose in to the whole Young Guns/Knightlife affair, I've been waiting for a chance to slap you around a little. You need to realize quick that getting involved where you don't belong generally doesn't result in happy endings. Right now, you're probably seeing yourself getting involved with the big boys and patting yourself on the back. Sticking up for Zelda Knite has allowed you to compete with people way out of your league son.. and that's fine, it's great while you're enjoying the adulation."
"But once that bell rings, I'm going to make you regret ever opening your mouth to begin with."
"And all over what, AJ? Over Zelda? You really thought you'd be in with a chance of boning her? Well too bad kiddo, 'cause one of your little stable-mates has beat you to the punch."
"Just last week you were on television still flapping your gums with admiration for her. Give it up man. You said last week that Zelda looked like a legitimate threat against Lance Ryan, so why can't she look after herself when it comes to Charlie? You've proven that the issue isn't and never was about a grown man threatening a little girl."
"But if it makes you feel any better about yourself, keep believing that the Front Office are the evil masterminds behind everything from your toast being burnt in the morning to getting a flat tire on the way to the gym. Fact is, you can't get the girl you want, even by putting yourself in the firing line - and I realize it's making you feel inadequate. And you probably should feel inadequate."
"I would if I was as pathetic as you."
"So I understand.. you have this big chip on your shoulder, and you need someone, anyone, to point your little finger at and blame everytime you mess something up. We ruined the 3 Year Anniversary? Fox screwed you out of a World Title shot? I don't know what planet you've been living in kid, but I was there."
"In fact, I was the one tossing your stupid ass over the top rope. And that's why you don't have a shot at the World Title."
"So blame me and Cross, not Leonard Fox."
"I mean, I thought you were a man of morals? It's not OK for the Front Office to work together to eliminate you, but it's OK for you and Rob Diamond to double team Venom together? Because that's what was happening before I even got near that ring kid. Maybe that bump on your head when I eliminated you caused some amnesia or something, 'cause it sounds like you need go back and watch the f*cking match again before you open your mouth with any more hypocritical excuses. You got the match you wanted this week alongside Hall of Fame tag-team partners.. you can't blame Mr. Fox for this one. So who you going to blame if you can't get the job done? Huh? Who you going to blame kid? Are you finally going to take a look in the mirror and realize that problem isn't The Front Office?"
"You've set yourself up for a big fall, kid. It's not easy to face the facts when they conflict with your beliefs. It hurts when you realize that you and you alone are responsible for everything you achieve, or fail to achieve. There's no conspiracy. No bribery, no abuse of power. You just aren't cool enough to get the girls you want. You just aren't good enough to win the matches you say you should have won. When all of that starts to sink in AJ.. it will break you. And while you're experiencing the world at it's harshest, without your defense mechanisms to fall back on.. when you're at an all-time low, depressed and anxious.. I'll take pleasure in every second of dragging you out to that ring and pinning you - one... two... three."
"Just like you did to me."
Comrades in arms,
We're all here for war,
But beside my brothers in battle,
I couldn't care what for.
We're all here for war,
But beside my brothers in battle,
I couldn't care what for.
"Damn I'm rough. That party last night was wild!"
When we open back up, Venom is walking down a long stretch of open road alongside his partner, Doc. Both men have gym bags slung over their shoulders, taking an easy stroll to an out-of-town gym somewhere.
"A whole lot wilder for you than it was for me bro."
Venom laughs a little.
"We're all proud of you for making it through. For real though. I know you're a little confused about the direction you want to take your career in right now, but it's to be expected man. You're diving head first back in to a reality you haven't known in a long time, your head is probably all over the place."
"I guess so. It's been easier for me with you guys around. We don't hide the truth from each other, you know?"
"Charlie's pep talk get you thinking?"
"And yours last week. Both of you were right, I just couldn't believe what I was hearing from all those people who wrote me off without a second look. It's just weird. We're almost like rookies again, trying to make our name, but at the same time, almost everyone we face seems aware of our history at 'the other comapany'. So it's like.. do you know us, or don't you?"
"Man, these kids don't know sh*t. They've heard about us, that's true, but they don't know anything. They were just talking about our past to try and paint us in a bad light with the authority figures around here, that's all. But look how it worked out for them in the end. We're best buds with the boss! So don't read too much in to anything they say. Once you remind them what you can do in the ring, it'll be cool. I mean, even Charlie, JFK, Steve, myself.. we've all known you for a long time, Doc, but even we weren't 100% sure you were going to bounce back. It really looked like you were in a bad place."
"Damn. I thought coming back from adversity was my whole schtik."
"Yeah, but usually you don't lose to AJ Phoenix. That's how we knew this was a real bad one."
"Ah."
"Anyway, I'm hyped for our match this week. We get to face The Hollands.. man this should be awesome."
Doc shrugs.
"It's cool."
Venom looks at his partner.
"You don't seem too enthusiastic."
"I don't really care who we're facing. Obviously, I'm aware how tough a week it's going to be for us, but I'm more focused on getting myself back in to shape. I just want to win. I could care less about having a match against three guys who could never brake the glass ceiling as singles competitors. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's not cool if we have a great match and put on a real show. But at the end of the day V, we need to get the job done."
"Oh, don't worry about that. The Hollands have taken tag titles away from me in the past, so I already know a few things about those guys. Let's get inside and we can talk strategy."
"Sure thing boss."
As the camera pans out a little, we can now see the building that Doc and Venom have been walking towards. A small but stylish gym where nCw's new tag team champions will spend the next week preparing for a huge pay per view contest.
And we're out.
From liars to legends,
Two hall of fame siblings,
But they aren't close to him,
Who'd they think they're kidding?
Two hall of fame siblings,
But they aren't close to him,
Who'd they think they're kidding?
"The Brothers Holland.. two men who have made an impact both here at nCw and at 'the other company'. I guess the only surprising thing is that we have never crossed paths along the way.."
"Until now, of course."
"I mean, did we ever exchange pleasantries in the past? Ever bump in to each other at a show and shake hands? Let me answer that one for you gentlemen. We never did. Somehow you managed to become successful during a period when I wasn't actively wrestling.. but don't worry. I know who you guys are. We have a mutual friend in MGK, he told me all about your talents. You know.. that's MGK, the guy who kicked Dave Holland's ass then got his ass kicked by me. He told me it was cool facing you and all, and I'm sure you guys had a great match and built a real respect for each other. "
"Personally though, I'll just take the win on its own."
"Because even though we never crossed paths, I'm sure you guys know all about me. How could you not? You were employed by a company which I carried on my shoulders while you two were still shining boots backstage, waiting for your big break. And around there.. they call me the best who ever done it, so the chances are that you already know what I'm all about."
"But I know that what you're thinking. None of that will matter this week, right? Certainly not here at nCw, where both of you are considered the best thing since sliced bread. I guess you could say the roles have been reversed, but here's the difference. When I look at all the names who couldn't make the grade in 'the other company' but were treated as Gods here, I don't exactly piss my pants in my fear. You guys had a competitive environment to prove yourself, just like all of the Young Guns did. But you chose to take advantage of a company which was just starting up, and commanded a roster nowhere near the size. You skipped the queue all the way to the front, along with all your old pals who recently jumped ship again when they stopped making the grade in this company."
"But that doesn't earn my respect. It doesn't earn jack sh*t in the real world. Yet Dave was talking in a promo the other week about how The Brothers Holland were the team to beat in this industry for the ten years prior to their retirement. Nah. They were the team to beat at nCw and nCw only. Look at the title records for 'the other company', and sure, you guys were a good team. Couple of short tag team title reigns. But who held the titles more times than you guys? Who held the titles for longer than you guys? Who managed to win the biggest singles belts in the company while being tag team champions? Answer those questions, and you'll remember who the real dominant force in this industry was during those years you claimed that The Brothers Holland were the team to beat."
"The Young Guns."
"The problem is, the iconic status which you've enjoyed at nCw has started playing little mind tricks on you. You guys have become so used to hearing praise, so used to being treated with respect and admiration that you actually seem to believe that you're on the level of a Charlie Velez, a Steve Awesome, a Venom, a Doc. I can see why, to some of the guys in this company, you two might a big thing."
"You're better than them."
"But as good as us? Since when? When the f*ck did you two do something to earn my respect? The last time I seen you guys wrestle, you were cannon fodder to the biggest, baddest sharks in the ocean. An easy victory to build momentum before a big pay-per-view match, that kind of thing. And that's why we never spoke. I was one of those sharks, and you two weren't worth a second of my time. But now I'm hearing you guys talk about yourselves as if you were the the headliners, the guys who dominated the roster? Did you ever beat Doc? Did either of you ever beat the one man who actually did dominate the entire roster? You can name any champion you want from back then - anyone who you think is either on my level or better than me. And tell me any one of them who has a positive win/loss record against me?"
"Yeah, you can't. There's not one."
"That's why it p*sses me off to see people like The Hollands claim they were superstars when, to me, these guys are nothing special. And maybe I'm not the man around here - yet. But I've been around for what, a few months? Maybe showing everyone at nCw that the 'legends' they worship here aren't even in my league will speed things up a little."
"It's kinda fitting. When you guys faced Dirty Deal a couple of weeks back, Dave had a nice little speech prepared. What was it he said again? That we were going "to see the original great ones dispatch the greatest pretenders to the throne"? Yeah, that's it. Funny how you seemed to forget all about the Young Guns, especially since The Young Guns were always the team to beat - and you guys were those pretenders to the throne."
"Within nCw, how can I argue with what you guys have achieved? A couple of tag title reigns, a National Title reign. Probably even beat The Ace at some point in there too; can't forget those epic victories against the best competition around. You guys are real monsters. The two of you have achieved about as much here in your entire careers as the Young Guns have in a couple of months. At this rate, The Brothers Holland will go back to being cannon fodder for us again by the turn of the year."
"And let's get serious about our match this week. If Ron Gibson managed to kill Milo Holland for fifteen seconds, you think I can't keep him down for three seconds?"
"F*ck outta here."
He's realized at last,
No need to move so fast,
Warming to the task,
He only has to blast.
Can you smell it in the air?
He only has to blast.
And the Gun becomes feared again.
Smells just like the past.
No need to move so fast,
Warming to the task,
He only has to blast.
Can you smell it in the air?
He only has to blast.
And the Gun becomes feared again.
Smells just like the past.
But the Prom Queen wasn't as weak as they all thought. Behind her exterior beauty was a toughness rarely seen, and she fought back against her addictions. She fought back against the society which once idolized her, and now considered her as good as dead. She made her way back out of the gutter, back to where she left off.
And a couple of years down the line, those people who had shown her such warmth in her prime, but stabbed her in the back with such cruelty in her decline.. they seen her again. But not in person. Instead, they had to look up to see her on a billboard facing them, and they rubbed their eyes in disbelief. She was now the celebrity she looked destined to be throughout her teenage years; no longer the junkie who had lost everything.
But those people looking at her on the billboard? They don't have sh*t. She would have took them all to the top with her, but they revelead their true colors as soon she hit a rough patch. She accomplished everything on her own, while they accomplished nothing.
Because she's been criticized, abused, raped. But she goes out there and does things, both good and bad.
The rest of you just sit on your ass pointing fingers.