Post by Chaos Stryke on Sept 27, 2012 17:45:37 GMT -4
We open to a black feed, but the voice of Logan Alexander breaks the silence.
I’ve had two weeks to think about my failure. There were quite a few mistakes in that last match I had. It was my first singles match in years and to my own highly critical eye, I have not made any improvement. I went out on a losing skid and I’ve come back in on a losing note. One might make the case that I returned to action in APW with two victories. I pinned Stefan Raab and I made Snake Boy submit, but those were collaborative efforts. I could not have won those matches without Aubrey there.
I’m sure other people would be ashamed to make such a claim, but why should I be? I’m proud of my partner. On the last episode of Meltdown she reinforced that conviction by winning an opportunity to compete for the North American championship at One Night in Hell. I am hoping that she can make that opportunity count. In a month’s time, I’ll get to see if she’ll be ready to take the final step to claim the championship. She earned it. She deserves it.
This week however… Circumstances have been set up wherein the waters of that particular issue may become muddied…
Short clips from M&M’s two matches together play while he talks, showing Aubrey and then Logan in action, the two of them working together, then the end of the two matches and M&M having their hands raised. The clips fade out after.
You cannot honestly set foot in the ring and call yourself a wrestler if you do not aspire to be the person at the top of the mountain, whatever its size. My return wasn’t so I could chase my own dreams of glory. If that had been the case, I would have returned on my own some time ago, and not just at the request of my partner.
Aubrey earned her chance last week… but I now have a similar chance placed before me as well. I can’t just turn my back on such an opportunity. It’s not in my nature to just bow out without good reason… But I do find myself somewhat conflicted because I am facing three other opponents in the ring… One of them is Aubrey.
Clips of M&M together are shown of them backstage, giving interviews, training. The last image is a composite of to different images so that Logan and Aubrey are shown face to face in the ring.
I knew that coming back into wrestling with a partner might present a challenge such as this. You run that risk when you sign a contract. We train together, plan strategy together, and look out for one another. Facing each other isn’t something two people that do such things generally plan for.
This isn’t a matter of chivalry either. I will hit a woman in the ring. Heck… there’s video evidence of me putting down a female manager in rather violent fashion because she interfered against me in a match. I’m generally a noble sort, but I’m not naïve. If someone is willing to get involved, they have to be willing to accept the consequences.
Aubrey knew that stepping into a wrestling ring in a male dominated fed would mean she’d have to go toe to toe with the guys and take whatever lumps came with it. I’m not going to just refuse to fight her nor will I try to go easy on her. That is a disservice to both of us, it proves nothing, and it would imply that we are weak as a unit because we can’t handle a little rough patch like this.
Next is an image of the North American championship, overlaid on clips of Aubrey competing.
I don’t know what Aubrey really thinks of this of this situation. She has nothing to lose here. She doesn’t have to fight if she doesn’t want to, but I don’t believe it will come to that. There is the possibility that this match will just be a precursor to what may happen at One Night in Hell. If I win, Aubrey would have to confront this situation again anyway, only the stakes would be even higher.
It’s entirely possible that we will never come to blows in this match or any potential follow up match down the line, but I wouldn’t bet on it. M&M might be facing the toughest test to date this week… each other. People see what is happening with Noble Hart and they are the Tag Team champions. They are fighting for a big prize against one another on the horizon as well. Aubrey and I aren’t that far along, but I’m sure that a lot of people will be sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what might happen on Meltdown with us.
In all honesty… this match changes nothing for me between myself and Aubrey. I believe she feels the same. But I know that strange things can happen inside the ring that can alter relationships suddenly… APW has been showing a lot of that as of late. I honestly hope that no damage we do in the ring is permanent… but one can never be sure.
The scene fades to black once more.
We open to another scene with a camera looking down from the top of a small arena’s sitting area to a wrestling ring set up in the middle. The arena is mostly empty except for the rows nearest the ring. They aren’t heavily occupied, but there is a small crowd on each side watching the people in the middle of the ring.
An irish whip from one corner to another. A missed clothesline follows. The dazed person is picked up for a running powerslam, but manages to slip loose. His opponent turns, kick to the midsection, implant DDT, and that’s it. The people around the ring give a cheer for the showing and the winner helps his opponent back to his feet.
Opportunity… you just can’t ignore it when it comes by. You do what you can to make it count and hope it’s enough.
The camera turns and we see Logan Alexander sitting alone in one of the upper rows of seats. He’s got a bottle of water in one hand and takes a drink. He appears to be enjoying the show of his school’s students below. He’s dressed in plain grey pants and a white t-shirt and glances at the camera briefly before returning his focus to the ring below.
I heard about the battle royal for One Night in Hell… and I can honestly say, title shot or not, I want no part of that match. I’ve suffered enough injuries in my career, and I’m quite happy to pass on this chance to get more. This week’s match gives me a chance to bow out a bit more gracefully though. If I can win, I get a slot in the North American championship match and I’m no longer available for barbed wire hardcore battle royal duty. Two birds with one stone.
I wouldn’t mind getting a shot at the N.A. strap. It’s what new wrestlers looking to establish themselves, and older wrestlers looking to get themselves back on track aim for. I need to get things straightened out on an individual level and this is a good direction to go.
Some might think that making such a claim will be undermining my team with Aubrey, like I’m putting my interests in front of ours because I’m gonna try for the North American title even our goal is the Tag Team championship. But if I can better myself, it makes M&M better. And I also feel that if Aubrey and I are competing for a goal, even if it’s a common one, we can push each other in order to achieve it, or them, which will make us even better.
But let’s get to some of the actualities. Monday night I step in against the “Instant Classic” Ryan Collins, the “New Black” James Noir, and the other half of M&M, Aubrey J. Parker. It’s classic four way action with some simple stipulations. If Ryan or Aubrey wins, the status quo for One Night in Hell holds as it currently is. If James or I win, there’s another warm body in the North American title hunt.
He takes another drink of water and glances at the camera again.
Ryan Collins is on a hot streak and he’ll let the world know it. He’s also a shady character in the ring, with some mat wrestling skills, so he could be a fun one to grapple with until he ends up getting outmatched. That’s where the shady part will come into play no doubt.
I know where he’s coming from though. He’s just returning from an injury that kept him out of action for an extended period of time. I’ve done that on a couple of occasions myself now. I know what it takes to get over the hump and on track for stardom. I’ll just let you know that there is no shortcut to the glory you’re seeking Ryan.
He frowns slightly at the camera.
I see you complaining about things that are going on, like what matches you’re being booked for. That’s the standard fare. You should know that you’re going to have things like that happen. Until you actually prove yourself, why should anyone give a fig about what you prefer? You’re undefeated now, but how much of that is a result of you overcoming challenging opposition and not just easy wins? How often have you been tested yet?
Your big match was the tag match you didn’t even want to be in. Your team won, but you didn’t score the fall, yet you prance around like a cheerleader afterwards talking about how you ‘beat’ the champion. You need to claim victory on the hard work of others to make yourself seem like something important. You hardly sound like you’ll even be worth the time to face in the ring, but I need the practice and the workout quite frankly.
Logan smirks and looks back down towards the ring where the next match there is getting started.
I’m going to test your skills and ability in this match. I’m going to do everything in my power to show you up in the ring. You claim that you’re the best, so let’s see how well that holds up under pressure. You’re pretty much in a must win situation on Monday night, Ryan. If you don’t pick up the win in this four way match, how can you possibly be expected to win against five or six others at the pay per view?
Feel free to talk at Alfred. He’s the best thing you have going for you if you’d just listen to him, but you’ve already let all your success go right to your head. You haven’t won much of anything and you haven’t proven anything yet. This week, you’ll get to find yourself on the wrong end of the win loss tally, then you’ll get to see what it feels like to be one of the losers you so dislike.
He laughs quietly at that though.
Interestingly, mister James Noir looks to be cut from a similar cloth. He’s another technician who likes to work the limbs and has a strong transitional game, uses strikes effectively, but his big move requires that his opponents give him their blind side. That is a very important thing to know about you James. It reminds me that turning my back on you is dangerous. Unfortunately for you, I don’t care which way you’re facing. I can potentially break you in two or turn out your lights from just about any direction.
He shakes his head slightly.
Gosh… I watched your first appearance and it was just a long ego stroking session. It really boggles my mind how is seems that everyone who sets foot into a wrestling company seems to think that they are the next generation of super star and demand immediate respect and opportunities despite being no one of any importance.
You walk in and you just start making demands as though you actually deserve any sort of consideration James. You want to make ‘big money’ seeing as you don’t like the entry offer. What’s wrong? Aren’t you making enough to cover the cost of your smokes or something? You were whining about having to face Mr. Dangerous in your first match, afraid that you might get hurt.
Logan looks right at the camera incredulously.
Are you serious? You want to be a wrestler, where the object it to pretty much beat up your opponent while they do the same and you’re worried about getting hurt? You are in the wrong industry. You can get hurt even when people don’t intend to hurt you. You gonna run home and cry to mommy if that happens? Grow up or move along. If this is too much for you, go be a figure skater.
He snorts softly, and looks away while having another drink.
Then of course, you’re demanding a title match. I just have to ask, for what?
I’m not begging for or demanding any title matches, but here I’ve been given a chance to earn one. You know what it means to earn something rather than just being given everything, right James? Well, you’ve been given a chance, now we’ll get to see if you actually deserve it or if you’re just another guy who’s all talk.
You compare yourself to the guys at the top of the mountain when you’re standing at the bottom. Let’s see what the ‘New Black’ can really do. Show us that you’re all you say you are or be prepared to limp out as the new black and blue.
So… that brings me to you Aubrey.
Logan looks more thoughtful now, considering his words.
I know that this isn’t the kind of situation you want to be in. We’re a team first and foremost. When you first came to me at my school you wanted to learn. When you came back to see me, it was because you wanted to get better. Even though we are competing in a match here, this is still an opportunity for you to learn and improve.
I don’t have sole claim to who you have become in the ring though. I haven’t been the only influence on you. I’m not going to say that I taught you everything you know. I taught you the basics and you evolved from there. I’ve taught you some of my better moves and tactics, but you’ve changed them to suit your own approach.
We’ve worked together and we know each other quite well, but we don’t know everything about each other. That makes me look forward to this match. It’ll be like many of our sparring sessions, just that we will be going much further than we’ve ever had to before. I learn more about you.
He smiles slightly and glances towards the camera.
You said last week that you didn’t know if you could bring yourself to face me. Well, I’m not going to give you a choice in the matter Aubrey. If it comes down to you and me in the ring on Monday, I’m not pulling any punches and I’m not going to walk out. I have taught you to go for the win and I expect you to be trying to beat me. I expect you to be trying even harder than I am to win this match.
I will try to beat you. I will try to bend you until you break. I will do all that I can to push you to the point that you cannot go on. I’m not going to do this out of malice or anger though Aubrey. I’m not going to give you my best because I want to hurt you. I’m going to do so because to do any less would be an insult to you and your abilities.
You don’t need me to hold your hand or go easy on you because we are partners. You need me to make you dig deeper inside yourself and find a way to overcome the challenge I pose. You need me to force you to get better.
He looks right at the camera now.
You need to come back at me with everything you have. I want you to be focused on winning this match. Your goal should be to put Ryan in his place and deny James and I the opportunity that you already have. Don’t think for a moment that just because we are friends and partners that I won’t step on you in the ring should you give me the opportunity.
When the bell rings, the sentimentality gets put aside and it’s all about taking care of business. We can’t both win here. I’m going to aim to win, and so should you. If you aren’t ready to do that Aubrey… then you haven’t learned anything important from me at all.
But, when the match ends, I’ll congratulate you if you win and I hope that the reverse will be true as well. Then we’ll walk out of the ring as a team once again. That’s all there is to it.
Logan looks away, focusing back on the ring, glaring down towards it.
It starts with four but it ends with one. I want to be that one. Which of you is going to stop me?
He falls silent and the camera continues to watch him before the scene fades to black.
I’ve had two weeks to think about my failure. There were quite a few mistakes in that last match I had. It was my first singles match in years and to my own highly critical eye, I have not made any improvement. I went out on a losing skid and I’ve come back in on a losing note. One might make the case that I returned to action in APW with two victories. I pinned Stefan Raab and I made Snake Boy submit, but those were collaborative efforts. I could not have won those matches without Aubrey there.
I’m sure other people would be ashamed to make such a claim, but why should I be? I’m proud of my partner. On the last episode of Meltdown she reinforced that conviction by winning an opportunity to compete for the North American championship at One Night in Hell. I am hoping that she can make that opportunity count. In a month’s time, I’ll get to see if she’ll be ready to take the final step to claim the championship. She earned it. She deserves it.
This week however… Circumstances have been set up wherein the waters of that particular issue may become muddied…
Short clips from M&M’s two matches together play while he talks, showing Aubrey and then Logan in action, the two of them working together, then the end of the two matches and M&M having their hands raised. The clips fade out after.
You cannot honestly set foot in the ring and call yourself a wrestler if you do not aspire to be the person at the top of the mountain, whatever its size. My return wasn’t so I could chase my own dreams of glory. If that had been the case, I would have returned on my own some time ago, and not just at the request of my partner.
Aubrey earned her chance last week… but I now have a similar chance placed before me as well. I can’t just turn my back on such an opportunity. It’s not in my nature to just bow out without good reason… But I do find myself somewhat conflicted because I am facing three other opponents in the ring… One of them is Aubrey.
Clips of M&M together are shown of them backstage, giving interviews, training. The last image is a composite of to different images so that Logan and Aubrey are shown face to face in the ring.
I knew that coming back into wrestling with a partner might present a challenge such as this. You run that risk when you sign a contract. We train together, plan strategy together, and look out for one another. Facing each other isn’t something two people that do such things generally plan for.
This isn’t a matter of chivalry either. I will hit a woman in the ring. Heck… there’s video evidence of me putting down a female manager in rather violent fashion because she interfered against me in a match. I’m generally a noble sort, but I’m not naïve. If someone is willing to get involved, they have to be willing to accept the consequences.
Aubrey knew that stepping into a wrestling ring in a male dominated fed would mean she’d have to go toe to toe with the guys and take whatever lumps came with it. I’m not going to just refuse to fight her nor will I try to go easy on her. That is a disservice to both of us, it proves nothing, and it would imply that we are weak as a unit because we can’t handle a little rough patch like this.
Next is an image of the North American championship, overlaid on clips of Aubrey competing.
I don’t know what Aubrey really thinks of this of this situation. She has nothing to lose here. She doesn’t have to fight if she doesn’t want to, but I don’t believe it will come to that. There is the possibility that this match will just be a precursor to what may happen at One Night in Hell. If I win, Aubrey would have to confront this situation again anyway, only the stakes would be even higher.
It’s entirely possible that we will never come to blows in this match or any potential follow up match down the line, but I wouldn’t bet on it. M&M might be facing the toughest test to date this week… each other. People see what is happening with Noble Hart and they are the Tag Team champions. They are fighting for a big prize against one another on the horizon as well. Aubrey and I aren’t that far along, but I’m sure that a lot of people will be sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what might happen on Meltdown with us.
In all honesty… this match changes nothing for me between myself and Aubrey. I believe she feels the same. But I know that strange things can happen inside the ring that can alter relationships suddenly… APW has been showing a lot of that as of late. I honestly hope that no damage we do in the ring is permanent… but one can never be sure.
The scene fades to black once more.
We open to another scene with a camera looking down from the top of a small arena’s sitting area to a wrestling ring set up in the middle. The arena is mostly empty except for the rows nearest the ring. They aren’t heavily occupied, but there is a small crowd on each side watching the people in the middle of the ring.
An irish whip from one corner to another. A missed clothesline follows. The dazed person is picked up for a running powerslam, but manages to slip loose. His opponent turns, kick to the midsection, implant DDT, and that’s it. The people around the ring give a cheer for the showing and the winner helps his opponent back to his feet.
Opportunity… you just can’t ignore it when it comes by. You do what you can to make it count and hope it’s enough.
The camera turns and we see Logan Alexander sitting alone in one of the upper rows of seats. He’s got a bottle of water in one hand and takes a drink. He appears to be enjoying the show of his school’s students below. He’s dressed in plain grey pants and a white t-shirt and glances at the camera briefly before returning his focus to the ring below.
I heard about the battle royal for One Night in Hell… and I can honestly say, title shot or not, I want no part of that match. I’ve suffered enough injuries in my career, and I’m quite happy to pass on this chance to get more. This week’s match gives me a chance to bow out a bit more gracefully though. If I can win, I get a slot in the North American championship match and I’m no longer available for barbed wire hardcore battle royal duty. Two birds with one stone.
I wouldn’t mind getting a shot at the N.A. strap. It’s what new wrestlers looking to establish themselves, and older wrestlers looking to get themselves back on track aim for. I need to get things straightened out on an individual level and this is a good direction to go.
Some might think that making such a claim will be undermining my team with Aubrey, like I’m putting my interests in front of ours because I’m gonna try for the North American title even our goal is the Tag Team championship. But if I can better myself, it makes M&M better. And I also feel that if Aubrey and I are competing for a goal, even if it’s a common one, we can push each other in order to achieve it, or them, which will make us even better.
But let’s get to some of the actualities. Monday night I step in against the “Instant Classic” Ryan Collins, the “New Black” James Noir, and the other half of M&M, Aubrey J. Parker. It’s classic four way action with some simple stipulations. If Ryan or Aubrey wins, the status quo for One Night in Hell holds as it currently is. If James or I win, there’s another warm body in the North American title hunt.
He takes another drink of water and glances at the camera again.
Ryan Collins is on a hot streak and he’ll let the world know it. He’s also a shady character in the ring, with some mat wrestling skills, so he could be a fun one to grapple with until he ends up getting outmatched. That’s where the shady part will come into play no doubt.
I know where he’s coming from though. He’s just returning from an injury that kept him out of action for an extended period of time. I’ve done that on a couple of occasions myself now. I know what it takes to get over the hump and on track for stardom. I’ll just let you know that there is no shortcut to the glory you’re seeking Ryan.
He frowns slightly at the camera.
I see you complaining about things that are going on, like what matches you’re being booked for. That’s the standard fare. You should know that you’re going to have things like that happen. Until you actually prove yourself, why should anyone give a fig about what you prefer? You’re undefeated now, but how much of that is a result of you overcoming challenging opposition and not just easy wins? How often have you been tested yet?
Your big match was the tag match you didn’t even want to be in. Your team won, but you didn’t score the fall, yet you prance around like a cheerleader afterwards talking about how you ‘beat’ the champion. You need to claim victory on the hard work of others to make yourself seem like something important. You hardly sound like you’ll even be worth the time to face in the ring, but I need the practice and the workout quite frankly.
Logan smirks and looks back down towards the ring where the next match there is getting started.
I’m going to test your skills and ability in this match. I’m going to do everything in my power to show you up in the ring. You claim that you’re the best, so let’s see how well that holds up under pressure. You’re pretty much in a must win situation on Monday night, Ryan. If you don’t pick up the win in this four way match, how can you possibly be expected to win against five or six others at the pay per view?
Feel free to talk at Alfred. He’s the best thing you have going for you if you’d just listen to him, but you’ve already let all your success go right to your head. You haven’t won much of anything and you haven’t proven anything yet. This week, you’ll get to find yourself on the wrong end of the win loss tally, then you’ll get to see what it feels like to be one of the losers you so dislike.
He laughs quietly at that though.
Interestingly, mister James Noir looks to be cut from a similar cloth. He’s another technician who likes to work the limbs and has a strong transitional game, uses strikes effectively, but his big move requires that his opponents give him their blind side. That is a very important thing to know about you James. It reminds me that turning my back on you is dangerous. Unfortunately for you, I don’t care which way you’re facing. I can potentially break you in two or turn out your lights from just about any direction.
He shakes his head slightly.
Gosh… I watched your first appearance and it was just a long ego stroking session. It really boggles my mind how is seems that everyone who sets foot into a wrestling company seems to think that they are the next generation of super star and demand immediate respect and opportunities despite being no one of any importance.
You walk in and you just start making demands as though you actually deserve any sort of consideration James. You want to make ‘big money’ seeing as you don’t like the entry offer. What’s wrong? Aren’t you making enough to cover the cost of your smokes or something? You were whining about having to face Mr. Dangerous in your first match, afraid that you might get hurt.
Logan looks right at the camera incredulously.
Are you serious? You want to be a wrestler, where the object it to pretty much beat up your opponent while they do the same and you’re worried about getting hurt? You are in the wrong industry. You can get hurt even when people don’t intend to hurt you. You gonna run home and cry to mommy if that happens? Grow up or move along. If this is too much for you, go be a figure skater.
He snorts softly, and looks away while having another drink.
Then of course, you’re demanding a title match. I just have to ask, for what?
I’m not begging for or demanding any title matches, but here I’ve been given a chance to earn one. You know what it means to earn something rather than just being given everything, right James? Well, you’ve been given a chance, now we’ll get to see if you actually deserve it or if you’re just another guy who’s all talk.
You compare yourself to the guys at the top of the mountain when you’re standing at the bottom. Let’s see what the ‘New Black’ can really do. Show us that you’re all you say you are or be prepared to limp out as the new black and blue.
So… that brings me to you Aubrey.
Logan looks more thoughtful now, considering his words.
I know that this isn’t the kind of situation you want to be in. We’re a team first and foremost. When you first came to me at my school you wanted to learn. When you came back to see me, it was because you wanted to get better. Even though we are competing in a match here, this is still an opportunity for you to learn and improve.
I don’t have sole claim to who you have become in the ring though. I haven’t been the only influence on you. I’m not going to say that I taught you everything you know. I taught you the basics and you evolved from there. I’ve taught you some of my better moves and tactics, but you’ve changed them to suit your own approach.
We’ve worked together and we know each other quite well, but we don’t know everything about each other. That makes me look forward to this match. It’ll be like many of our sparring sessions, just that we will be going much further than we’ve ever had to before. I learn more about you.
He smiles slightly and glances towards the camera.
You said last week that you didn’t know if you could bring yourself to face me. Well, I’m not going to give you a choice in the matter Aubrey. If it comes down to you and me in the ring on Monday, I’m not pulling any punches and I’m not going to walk out. I have taught you to go for the win and I expect you to be trying to beat me. I expect you to be trying even harder than I am to win this match.
I will try to beat you. I will try to bend you until you break. I will do all that I can to push you to the point that you cannot go on. I’m not going to do this out of malice or anger though Aubrey. I’m not going to give you my best because I want to hurt you. I’m going to do so because to do any less would be an insult to you and your abilities.
You don’t need me to hold your hand or go easy on you because we are partners. You need me to make you dig deeper inside yourself and find a way to overcome the challenge I pose. You need me to force you to get better.
He looks right at the camera now.
You need to come back at me with everything you have. I want you to be focused on winning this match. Your goal should be to put Ryan in his place and deny James and I the opportunity that you already have. Don’t think for a moment that just because we are friends and partners that I won’t step on you in the ring should you give me the opportunity.
When the bell rings, the sentimentality gets put aside and it’s all about taking care of business. We can’t both win here. I’m going to aim to win, and so should you. If you aren’t ready to do that Aubrey… then you haven’t learned anything important from me at all.
But, when the match ends, I’ll congratulate you if you win and I hope that the reverse will be true as well. Then we’ll walk out of the ring as a team once again. That’s all there is to it.
Logan looks away, focusing back on the ring, glaring down towards it.
It starts with four but it ends with one. I want to be that one. Which of you is going to stop me?
He falls silent and the camera continues to watch him before the scene fades to black.
