burnin' down the house.
Oct 26, 2013 20:42:42 GMT -4
The Main Attraction, Jason Cashe, and 2 more like this
Post by J-Hop on Oct 26, 2013 20:42:42 GMT -4
And I might see you in my nightmare
Oh how'd you'd get there
Cause we were once a fairy tale
But this is farewell
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Fast asleep after a hard day of work. Deep into the night, on the morning side, there lied Hopkins who was mostly hidden under the covers. He wasn’t the only one as it was another hump shown a few inches from him.
“Huh?”
A tired voice coming from Hopkins emerged as his head peaked out further from the covers.
“...What the hell is that?”
He begins to not only awake himself, but that of the person beside him. Shaking and disturbing.
“What, man? Tryna’ get some sleep here!”
The woman’s voice responded in a cranky, angered manner.
“You smell that?”
Hopkins asked as the smell grew closer. He stood up and away from the bed.
“I smell nothing. It’s probably someone cranking their fireplace. Go back to sleep, aight?”
Obviously not interested, the woman made her way back to sleep as Hopkin’s ears perked up like a bomb-sniffing dog, knowing something was up. He stepped out of the room as he could see layers and layers of smoke. Walking a bit faster, he headed downstairs where the smoke was traveling from as the entire living room was set to flames.
“OH SHIT! OH FUCK!!!”
Hopkins’s eyes widened to the max as he rushed up the few steps, nearly tripping himself up. He rushed back into the bedroom as he turned on the light, yelling and screaming.
“GET UP! GET UP! IT’S A FIRE!!!”
Rushing, breathing heavily, stuttering damn near at the same time, it was hectic. Always is when situations like this occur. If the woman wasn’t bothered about waking up before, she showed change QUICK, as she scurried to slap on her attire. Hopkins slid into his jeans and a tank top as he slapped on his kicks. He waited for the woman before taking off.
“We gotta’ hurry! Who the fuck would do this?”
Hopkins questioned himself as his eyes stuck on the steps heading down, hoping the fire didn’t reach yet.
“Your crazy ex?”
The woman asked as Hopkins just shook his head.
“Nah, I don’t have that problem ... yet!”
As she finally finished up, she rushed. She grabbed onto Hopkin’s hands as they both covered their nose with their top. Leading down the steps, the fire hadn’t cut their trail off. It was close. Minimal area to move on the floor as the door was torched. The small window was the next and best option. Hopkins stepped back and kicked the window out.
“You first!”
Assisting the woman out first, she landed right on her feet. It was right at the ground. Hopkins came next as both made it out alive. Hopkins scurried from the side of the house as a silver car all of a sudden sped off, burning it’s squeaky tires.
“Son of a BITCH! They burned me out of my home!!”
Loud sirens of the police, the fire department came in surrounding fashion as they arrived to water down what was left of Hopkins’s mini-mansion. The sirens grew louder and louder as all came to a cut.
“AAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!!”
Huffing and puffing, Hopkins sat upright in his bed, feeling all around himself as the Sun was shining bright through the vertical blinds. Hopkins looked around as all seemed normal. Full of sweat, burning up, he slid from underneath the sheets as he sat on the edge of the bed.
“Bad dream ... Bad, bad dream!”
Huffing and puffing continued but not as hard and rough as moments ago. Collecting himself, Hopkins ‘swiped’ the sweat off his face like a wiper blade as his cell “danced” along the smooth surface of the cherry oak nightstand.
“Anthony Bailey - Oct. 21st, 2013 - 10:11 AM”
Reading the Caller ID text on the phone, Hopkins picked it up.
“Yo, what’s up bro?”
.....
“Sure, sure ... I’ll meet up with you! Where?”
....
“Aight, cool! I’ll be there shortly!”
And as he hung up and placed the phone back on the nightstand, all seemed back to normal for Hopkins as he shook his head, still beading up with sweat.
brooklyn • 10.22.13 • “the return”
Smiling like a million bucks -- Overwhelmed with happiness. Being home brought a smile to my face. I always had come back home, this was the longest of the comebacks. I got to meet up with old friends, walk the sidewalks of my old neighborhood. Glad to be away from this side of life but never forgetting my roots. For today though, back in town, it was only right being that in a day, I’d be on the next flight to Tokyo. My hair, it needed work, it needed ‘reshaping’, and in Brooklyn, there was no better barber shop than “Uncle Fred’s Tune Up”. It was a no-holds barred where mouths flew loose along with the clippers. It had been here for ‘unteen’ years and it was still lively. It was where I came for my trims and till this day, it still is.
Although I know Fred, I knew that soon as I walk through that door, he was going to be on my ass. Months and months and no Jair Hopkins sighting. He looks at my ‘ratchet’ hairline, he’s gonna be ‘mad-pissed’ but when you live this life of a entertainer, a wrestler, things get quite “hectic”. I wanted to look good heading to Tokyo and I know Fred wouldn’t disappoint, not one bit.
[ Door opens - chime sounds. Shock & Awe happens... ]
“Oh snap! Look who the hell it is? You FINALLY decided to show up!”
Fred shouted out loud as he held clippers and a comb in his hand as a dude was sitting the opposite direction, staring at himself in the mirror. Fred had a look of sarcastic ‘shock’ on his face as I slowly cracked a smile.
“You know I can’t forget about you, Fred!”
“Boy, you know I’ve been cutting your hair and shaping you up since you were “itty-bitty small”? Now you’re up in age, on your own, living in the bright lights ... you forget about the smaller things in life that aided you along.”
I shook my head as that was completely untrue.
“Huh? Fred, you know that ain’t true!”
Fred shook his head as he gave his attention back to the customer as he had his head turned around.
“I taught you how to stay neat and trimmed because appearance mattered. Look at your hairline, all mishandled to shit!”
Fred was obviously PO’d but I walked further towards him through the somewhat crowded shop. Folks were minding their own business as the others chose to listen in, being completely noisey.
“Fred, you know you’re my main guy. Always have been. I know I haven’t been on my regular schedule but business ... business has “picked up” tremendously. You know the business I’m in. The schedule is always and forever hectic. I know it’s a late deadline but I came to you today, needing trimmed and looking good for this trip to Tokyo.”
Fred looked at me with a grim stare as he steadily held those clippers and comb in hand. Seconds later, that huge smile of his showed.
“Come ere’ boy! You know I love you like a father! I know busy that lifestyle is. I’m just messin’ with ya.”
A huge sigh of relief escaped as I responded with a smile. Knowing his hands were full, I gave him a quick embrace.
“Give me a few minutes and I’ll take you next.”
“Awesome man, thanks! I truly appreciate it.”
Going over near the big window, I sat down in the chair and stared out the window for a bit before turning back to Fred and his client. Fred went back to work as he finished up what he had on the back end, near the guy’s neck. Combing out and clipping around the edges precisely, Glancing over as he spun the man around, he smiled and nodded at his work.
“Right on the money!”
He untied the bib from around the guys neck as he shook it off on the floor. The man stood up as he looked into the mirror, checking over before approval. A smile followed by a greeting of hands as he paid Fred the amount for the job. The guy then nodded at everyone before walking out of the door.
I was surprised at how quiet it was, no one was chattering about much. It WAS still early, near noon. Around afternoon time, it would probably pick up. Fred grabbed his broom as he brushed in gentle strokes, the cut hair and trims before picking up and dumping it. Swiping his hands together, it was onto the next one.
“Aight brotha’ ... Sit on up in this chair!”
As I proceeded to get up and walk towards the chair, the young man across me stood up as he looked at Fred.
“Hey man, I’m the next in line!”
Fred looked at him as he pointed at him.
“This is family. Family first. I know I said you were next Jermaine but I got enough books for you to read over there on the table to keep you busy for the next few minutes. Do that for me, will you?”
Fred gave one final glance at him before looking back at me.
“C’mon Son, let me give you a fresh line-up. If your hair had emotions, it’d be sad as shit right now, kid. That’s alright though, I’m going to give it a smile!”
He laughed after saying that as I sat down. He strapped the bib/cloth around my neck as he grabbed the other pair of clippers before going to work.
“So kiddo, you said you’re headed for Tokyo? Damn! I guess life is good for you.”
I nodded with a smile.
“Yeah man, it’s a blast. I got a small circle, two men I consider my “brothers”, my family. It’s been a success. They walked me through, showed me the way and right now, we stand as one.”
Fred smiled, nodding at the same.
“Good stuff, man! Small circles is the best damn thing to have. You involve yourself with too many and you’re screwed.”
Frank paused as he seemed to be thinking about something.
“I read a few months ago that you were put into some rehab facility? I didn’t choose to follow because I know you to never put yourself in harms way.”
As Fred brought that up, old memories that should never re-appear, I let out a sigh, remaining silent.
“Yeah, it was bad moment for me. A bad look. I know you “hipped” me to life but the life of the famous, it got to me. Hearing critics, it drove me slightly overboard man. I just wanted to sleep, didn’t expect to end up in a hospital and in a damn rehab facility. Those the moments I wanna’ forget, know what I mean?”
Fred nodded.
“...But I also know those are the type of memories to keep me in line. Avoiding things like that. It’s hard out here for a pimp, let alone a successful entertainer. I got the help and I got back on track. I learned.”
Fred nodded and then proceeded to slap the side of my face.
“Ya’ asshole, you know better than that! I didn’t want to believe it but my boy kept telling me it was all over, wide-spread.”
I rubbed the side of my face.
“Damn, Fred! No need knock my teeth loose. All is done. I’m back to normal. I got alot at stake now. I’m a damn role model, for christ sakes. One thoughtless act and it’s over.”
He nodded as his facial expression read “Trueee!!”
“Tokyo, be careful over there, kid. Lots of crazy shit.”
I cracked a smile.
“I’m strictly going over there for business. Me and my brother, we have to protect our domain. We’re Tag Champs, tough battle but we are rolling with heavy hearts. We’re looking to stamp our flag on site and leave, still Champs. I can’t leave Tokyo without getting revenge.”
Fred paused as he heard me say “revenge”.
“Revenge? Revenge for what?”
“These two jackasses publicly came out and stated they hired some dudes to burn down my boy Juan Ramirez’s wrestling school.”
Fred’s eyes widened.
“Oh shit! You gotta’ be kidding? I heard that on the news. No one had came with any more news on it. I guess they won’t.”
I nodded my head. Fred suddenly grew pissed.
“It’s a damn shame you can’t make a difference without someone being jealous.”
“Nah, it isn’t jealousy. They want what we have. They wanted to make a brash statement, be public on it. Raise eyebrows. They just don’t know how much dogshit they stepped in.”
Fred nodded as he stood back, looking at my hairline. Seconds later, he smiled.
“All done, kiddo!”
I brushed my face as I got up and looked in the mirror.
“You haven’t loss a step!”
He cracked a smile.
“..And I never will.”
Shaking myself off with what hair may have been on my clothes. I gave Fred one last hug for the meantime until next visit. He whispered as he grabbed the twenty bucks out of my hand that I was giving him.
“Be safe, young man!”
Nodding as I stared at the pictures of famous folks that came into the barbershop. I let go. I made my way on out, letting the next person get their turn. I threw the peace sign up before exiting.
Tokyo, Japan / 10.25.13
...We’re here! [blows out an imaginary candle]
**CoughCough**
I held faith in you two. TDB had faith in NGR. New Gen Rising, you two were uprising. People loved you. You were gaining notoriety. You were doing the right thing. We “clicked” as a unit. When Unforgiven took out Bailey, my homie, my brother. Brian Hollywood came to the rescue. No history, no chemistry, no nothing. Just new friends. We pulled through, with all that was against us, we pulled it out in a victory formation. Fuck, we even dapped fists like brothers.
Sure, we could’ve offered you women or money. But handing you a quality-designed tee-shirt, hoping for more support. Having your backs for what you’ve done for us, it’d been damn near invaluable. Yet instead, you choose to go personal, take it to a dark place that no one wanted to visit. Hiring some goons’ to burn down a place that was monumental in some folks lives. It helped hone the skills of wrestlers and talents all around. Bailey, Jason Kash, numerous others, it was a place where you could focus, train and work hard to become excellent. It was a place for kids, “hoodrats” like me to come home to, keep us out of the streets and alive. It was not just a wrestling school, it wasn’t even just a gym. It was a community. In a sense, it was my church.
You’re both lucky to still be alive right now, breathing...
You wouldn’t be in Tokyo, prepping for the biggest fight of your career. You’d be in the ground, getting burried by your parents.
While some may “blow it off” and let it pass, I can’t. I won’t. Not until I leave you two coughing up in your own blood. Anthony, I know he just wants to get this over and done, but within the environment we’ll be in, I’m going to pay homage, and do what most of my kind do to the ‘lost ones’. Waste a 40oz. malt over you two ‘scums’.
Right now, my boy Juan, while he might share a smile, since finding out you two shits set his place in flames, he hasn’t been the same. He told me he think he got “ARD”, the “Andre Rison Disease” Did absolutely nothing to deserve his shit getting burned down to the ground. It was just used to make a statement. A statement. A ‘motherflucking’ statement.
[Sighs...]
Lord have mercy on your souls, Jace and Brian. From New Gen Rising to New Gen Obsolete. Just when you were on the right track, you just had to find a way to screw it up. To be honest, it’s my fault for showing trust into you guys so quick and easy. I should’ve learned from past shenanigans, but I do have a thing called a “heart”, but to hell with it now. I got a pound of C-4.
Don’t think ... We’ve forgot about you ‘Unforgiven’.
Zachariah and Sentinel, I know, I envision you both watching from distance and just laughing and enjoying the fact that the heat has disappeared from off you thanks to the shocking latest news. You sit with comfort and joy, knowing that TDB nor NewGen’s eyes are on you. You quote lines from A-Team’s “Hannibal” as you just watch the clock tick to zero time left, when that bell rings looking to ‘swipe’ in like a hawk and take the titles for yourselves without much work because YOU KNOW that Hopkins and Bailey is out for Jace and Brian’s blood.
I just want to let you know before you bust open that expensive bottle of Chardonay. Our sights haven’t left you two. We are fully aware. While our attention is on NGR, don’t worry homies. We still got mad love for you two, too. We’re not going to leave you ‘hanging’. We’ve taken far too many behind-the-back crossovers from you two to just ... forget that you never existed.
We’ve traveled for over half a year with these titles, we’ve demolished the tag division. All may have not been pretty, but side by side, we fought like goddamn warriors. We fought honest, we fought clean. We’re still here. Everyone wants to take shortcuts to get notoriety, gain fame, more of a paycheck. Shit, nothing is ever easy. Whether doing it straight or crooked, you still end up at the same destination. It’s sad and unfortunate but my rage is silent. Come One Night In Hell, TDB is out for blood, vengeance and victory.
We’re in friggin, Tokyo, Japan. Every match’s stipulation has a meaning behind it. Those who will be in attendance want blood. They wanna chant “WU-TANG!” ruthlessly while aiming at necks. Protect ya’ neck, homies. Things are about to get real...
Oh how'd you'd get there
Cause we were once a fairy tale
But this is farewell
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Fast asleep after a hard day of work. Deep into the night, on the morning side, there lied Hopkins who was mostly hidden under the covers. He wasn’t the only one as it was another hump shown a few inches from him.
“Huh?”
A tired voice coming from Hopkins emerged as his head peaked out further from the covers.
“...What the hell is that?”
He begins to not only awake himself, but that of the person beside him. Shaking and disturbing.
“What, man? Tryna’ get some sleep here!”
The woman’s voice responded in a cranky, angered manner.
“You smell that?”
Hopkins asked as the smell grew closer. He stood up and away from the bed.
“I smell nothing. It’s probably someone cranking their fireplace. Go back to sleep, aight?”
Obviously not interested, the woman made her way back to sleep as Hopkin’s ears perked up like a bomb-sniffing dog, knowing something was up. He stepped out of the room as he could see layers and layers of smoke. Walking a bit faster, he headed downstairs where the smoke was traveling from as the entire living room was set to flames.
“OH SHIT! OH FUCK!!!”
Hopkins’s eyes widened to the max as he rushed up the few steps, nearly tripping himself up. He rushed back into the bedroom as he turned on the light, yelling and screaming.
“GET UP! GET UP! IT’S A FIRE!!!”
Rushing, breathing heavily, stuttering damn near at the same time, it was hectic. Always is when situations like this occur. If the woman wasn’t bothered about waking up before, she showed change QUICK, as she scurried to slap on her attire. Hopkins slid into his jeans and a tank top as he slapped on his kicks. He waited for the woman before taking off.
“We gotta’ hurry! Who the fuck would do this?”
Hopkins questioned himself as his eyes stuck on the steps heading down, hoping the fire didn’t reach yet.
“Your crazy ex?”
The woman asked as Hopkins just shook his head.
“Nah, I don’t have that problem ... yet!”
As she finally finished up, she rushed. She grabbed onto Hopkin’s hands as they both covered their nose with their top. Leading down the steps, the fire hadn’t cut their trail off. It was close. Minimal area to move on the floor as the door was torched. The small window was the next and best option. Hopkins stepped back and kicked the window out.
“You first!”
Assisting the woman out first, she landed right on her feet. It was right at the ground. Hopkins came next as both made it out alive. Hopkins scurried from the side of the house as a silver car all of a sudden sped off, burning it’s squeaky tires.
“Son of a BITCH! They burned me out of my home!!”
Loud sirens of the police, the fire department came in surrounding fashion as they arrived to water down what was left of Hopkins’s mini-mansion. The sirens grew louder and louder as all came to a cut.
“AAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!!”
Huffing and puffing, Hopkins sat upright in his bed, feeling all around himself as the Sun was shining bright through the vertical blinds. Hopkins looked around as all seemed normal. Full of sweat, burning up, he slid from underneath the sheets as he sat on the edge of the bed.
“Bad dream ... Bad, bad dream!”
Huffing and puffing continued but not as hard and rough as moments ago. Collecting himself, Hopkins ‘swiped’ the sweat off his face like a wiper blade as his cell “danced” along the smooth surface of the cherry oak nightstand.
“Anthony Bailey - Oct. 21st, 2013 - 10:11 AM”
Reading the Caller ID text on the phone, Hopkins picked it up.
“Yo, what’s up bro?”
.....
“Sure, sure ... I’ll meet up with you! Where?”
....
“Aight, cool! I’ll be there shortly!”
And as he hung up and placed the phone back on the nightstand, all seemed back to normal for Hopkins as he shook his head, still beading up with sweat.
brooklyn • 10.22.13 • “the return”
Smiling like a million bucks -- Overwhelmed with happiness. Being home brought a smile to my face. I always had come back home, this was the longest of the comebacks. I got to meet up with old friends, walk the sidewalks of my old neighborhood. Glad to be away from this side of life but never forgetting my roots. For today though, back in town, it was only right being that in a day, I’d be on the next flight to Tokyo. My hair, it needed work, it needed ‘reshaping’, and in Brooklyn, there was no better barber shop than “Uncle Fred’s Tune Up”. It was a no-holds barred where mouths flew loose along with the clippers. It had been here for ‘unteen’ years and it was still lively. It was where I came for my trims and till this day, it still is.
Although I know Fred, I knew that soon as I walk through that door, he was going to be on my ass. Months and months and no Jair Hopkins sighting. He looks at my ‘ratchet’ hairline, he’s gonna be ‘mad-pissed’ but when you live this life of a entertainer, a wrestler, things get quite “hectic”. I wanted to look good heading to Tokyo and I know Fred wouldn’t disappoint, not one bit.
[ Door opens - chime sounds. Shock & Awe happens... ]
“Oh snap! Look who the hell it is? You FINALLY decided to show up!”
Fred shouted out loud as he held clippers and a comb in his hand as a dude was sitting the opposite direction, staring at himself in the mirror. Fred had a look of sarcastic ‘shock’ on his face as I slowly cracked a smile.
“You know I can’t forget about you, Fred!”
“Boy, you know I’ve been cutting your hair and shaping you up since you were “itty-bitty small”? Now you’re up in age, on your own, living in the bright lights ... you forget about the smaller things in life that aided you along.”
I shook my head as that was completely untrue.
“Huh? Fred, you know that ain’t true!”
Fred shook his head as he gave his attention back to the customer as he had his head turned around.
“I taught you how to stay neat and trimmed because appearance mattered. Look at your hairline, all mishandled to shit!”
Fred was obviously PO’d but I walked further towards him through the somewhat crowded shop. Folks were minding their own business as the others chose to listen in, being completely noisey.
“Fred, you know you’re my main guy. Always have been. I know I haven’t been on my regular schedule but business ... business has “picked up” tremendously. You know the business I’m in. The schedule is always and forever hectic. I know it’s a late deadline but I came to you today, needing trimmed and looking good for this trip to Tokyo.”
Fred looked at me with a grim stare as he steadily held those clippers and comb in hand. Seconds later, that huge smile of his showed.
“Come ere’ boy! You know I love you like a father! I know busy that lifestyle is. I’m just messin’ with ya.”
A huge sigh of relief escaped as I responded with a smile. Knowing his hands were full, I gave him a quick embrace.
“Give me a few minutes and I’ll take you next.”
“Awesome man, thanks! I truly appreciate it.”
Going over near the big window, I sat down in the chair and stared out the window for a bit before turning back to Fred and his client. Fred went back to work as he finished up what he had on the back end, near the guy’s neck. Combing out and clipping around the edges precisely, Glancing over as he spun the man around, he smiled and nodded at his work.
“Right on the money!”
He untied the bib from around the guys neck as he shook it off on the floor. The man stood up as he looked into the mirror, checking over before approval. A smile followed by a greeting of hands as he paid Fred the amount for the job. The guy then nodded at everyone before walking out of the door.
I was surprised at how quiet it was, no one was chattering about much. It WAS still early, near noon. Around afternoon time, it would probably pick up. Fred grabbed his broom as he brushed in gentle strokes, the cut hair and trims before picking up and dumping it. Swiping his hands together, it was onto the next one.
“Aight brotha’ ... Sit on up in this chair!”
As I proceeded to get up and walk towards the chair, the young man across me stood up as he looked at Fred.
“Hey man, I’m the next in line!”
Fred looked at him as he pointed at him.
“This is family. Family first. I know I said you were next Jermaine but I got enough books for you to read over there on the table to keep you busy for the next few minutes. Do that for me, will you?”
Fred gave one final glance at him before looking back at me.
“C’mon Son, let me give you a fresh line-up. If your hair had emotions, it’d be sad as shit right now, kid. That’s alright though, I’m going to give it a smile!”
He laughed after saying that as I sat down. He strapped the bib/cloth around my neck as he grabbed the other pair of clippers before going to work.
“So kiddo, you said you’re headed for Tokyo? Damn! I guess life is good for you.”
I nodded with a smile.
“Yeah man, it’s a blast. I got a small circle, two men I consider my “brothers”, my family. It’s been a success. They walked me through, showed me the way and right now, we stand as one.”
Fred smiled, nodding at the same.
“Good stuff, man! Small circles is the best damn thing to have. You involve yourself with too many and you’re screwed.”
Frank paused as he seemed to be thinking about something.
“I read a few months ago that you were put into some rehab facility? I didn’t choose to follow because I know you to never put yourself in harms way.”
As Fred brought that up, old memories that should never re-appear, I let out a sigh, remaining silent.
“Yeah, it was bad moment for me. A bad look. I know you “hipped” me to life but the life of the famous, it got to me. Hearing critics, it drove me slightly overboard man. I just wanted to sleep, didn’t expect to end up in a hospital and in a damn rehab facility. Those the moments I wanna’ forget, know what I mean?”
Fred nodded.
“...But I also know those are the type of memories to keep me in line. Avoiding things like that. It’s hard out here for a pimp, let alone a successful entertainer. I got the help and I got back on track. I learned.”
Fred nodded and then proceeded to slap the side of my face.
“Ya’ asshole, you know better than that! I didn’t want to believe it but my boy kept telling me it was all over, wide-spread.”
I rubbed the side of my face.
“Damn, Fred! No need knock my teeth loose. All is done. I’m back to normal. I got alot at stake now. I’m a damn role model, for christ sakes. One thoughtless act and it’s over.”
He nodded as his facial expression read “Trueee!!”
“Tokyo, be careful over there, kid. Lots of crazy shit.”
I cracked a smile.
“I’m strictly going over there for business. Me and my brother, we have to protect our domain. We’re Tag Champs, tough battle but we are rolling with heavy hearts. We’re looking to stamp our flag on site and leave, still Champs. I can’t leave Tokyo without getting revenge.”
Fred paused as he heard me say “revenge”.
“Revenge? Revenge for what?”
“These two jackasses publicly came out and stated they hired some dudes to burn down my boy Juan Ramirez’s wrestling school.”
Fred’s eyes widened.
“Oh shit! You gotta’ be kidding? I heard that on the news. No one had came with any more news on it. I guess they won’t.”
I nodded my head. Fred suddenly grew pissed.
“It’s a damn shame you can’t make a difference without someone being jealous.”
“Nah, it isn’t jealousy. They want what we have. They wanted to make a brash statement, be public on it. Raise eyebrows. They just don’t know how much dogshit they stepped in.”
Fred nodded as he stood back, looking at my hairline. Seconds later, he smiled.
“All done, kiddo!”
I brushed my face as I got up and looked in the mirror.
“You haven’t loss a step!”
He cracked a smile.
“..And I never will.”
Shaking myself off with what hair may have been on my clothes. I gave Fred one last hug for the meantime until next visit. He whispered as he grabbed the twenty bucks out of my hand that I was giving him.
“Be safe, young man!”
Nodding as I stared at the pictures of famous folks that came into the barbershop. I let go. I made my way on out, letting the next person get their turn. I threw the peace sign up before exiting.
Tokyo, Japan / 10.25.13
...We’re here! [blows out an imaginary candle]
**CoughCough**
I held faith in you two. TDB had faith in NGR. New Gen Rising, you two were uprising. People loved you. You were gaining notoriety. You were doing the right thing. We “clicked” as a unit. When Unforgiven took out Bailey, my homie, my brother. Brian Hollywood came to the rescue. No history, no chemistry, no nothing. Just new friends. We pulled through, with all that was against us, we pulled it out in a victory formation. Fuck, we even dapped fists like brothers.
Sure, we could’ve offered you women or money. But handing you a quality-designed tee-shirt, hoping for more support. Having your backs for what you’ve done for us, it’d been damn near invaluable. Yet instead, you choose to go personal, take it to a dark place that no one wanted to visit. Hiring some goons’ to burn down a place that was monumental in some folks lives. It helped hone the skills of wrestlers and talents all around. Bailey, Jason Kash, numerous others, it was a place where you could focus, train and work hard to become excellent. It was a place for kids, “hoodrats” like me to come home to, keep us out of the streets and alive. It was not just a wrestling school, it wasn’t even just a gym. It was a community. In a sense, it was my church.
You’re both lucky to still be alive right now, breathing...
You wouldn’t be in Tokyo, prepping for the biggest fight of your career. You’d be in the ground, getting burried by your parents.
While some may “blow it off” and let it pass, I can’t. I won’t. Not until I leave you two coughing up in your own blood. Anthony, I know he just wants to get this over and done, but within the environment we’ll be in, I’m going to pay homage, and do what most of my kind do to the ‘lost ones’. Waste a 40oz. malt over you two ‘scums’.
Right now, my boy Juan, while he might share a smile, since finding out you two shits set his place in flames, he hasn’t been the same. He told me he think he got “ARD”, the “Andre Rison Disease” Did absolutely nothing to deserve his shit getting burned down to the ground. It was just used to make a statement. A statement. A ‘motherflucking’ statement.
[Sighs...]
Lord have mercy on your souls, Jace and Brian. From New Gen Rising to New Gen Obsolete. Just when you were on the right track, you just had to find a way to screw it up. To be honest, it’s my fault for showing trust into you guys so quick and easy. I should’ve learned from past shenanigans, but I do have a thing called a “heart”, but to hell with it now. I got a pound of C-4.
Don’t think ... We’ve forgot about you ‘Unforgiven’.
Zachariah and Sentinel, I know, I envision you both watching from distance and just laughing and enjoying the fact that the heat has disappeared from off you thanks to the shocking latest news. You sit with comfort and joy, knowing that TDB nor NewGen’s eyes are on you. You quote lines from A-Team’s “Hannibal” as you just watch the clock tick to zero time left, when that bell rings looking to ‘swipe’ in like a hawk and take the titles for yourselves without much work because YOU KNOW that Hopkins and Bailey is out for Jace and Brian’s blood.
I just want to let you know before you bust open that expensive bottle of Chardonay. Our sights haven’t left you two. We are fully aware. While our attention is on NGR, don’t worry homies. We still got mad love for you two, too. We’re not going to leave you ‘hanging’. We’ve taken far too many behind-the-back crossovers from you two to just ... forget that you never existed.
We’ve traveled for over half a year with these titles, we’ve demolished the tag division. All may have not been pretty, but side by side, we fought like goddamn warriors. We fought honest, we fought clean. We’re still here. Everyone wants to take shortcuts to get notoriety, gain fame, more of a paycheck. Shit, nothing is ever easy. Whether doing it straight or crooked, you still end up at the same destination. It’s sad and unfortunate but my rage is silent. Come One Night In Hell, TDB is out for blood, vengeance and victory.
We’re in friggin, Tokyo, Japan. Every match’s stipulation has a meaning behind it. Those who will be in attendance want blood. They wanna chant “WU-TANG!” ruthlessly while aiming at necks. Protect ya’ neck, homies. Things are about to get real...
