Post by Buck Dempsey on Dec 10, 2012 5:15:28 GMT -4
It has been a long since he had been to Portland. It was back on his 2009 North American tour. It wasn’t really much of a tour. He just ended up having a few random bookings in places he normally didn’t visit. Places like Portland, Montreal, Toronto, and Anchorage. He even had shirts printed up to try and make some extra cash. He still had a box back in his ex wife’s garage. He saw a few on eBay a month or two ago and they we’re fetching some decent cash.
But this match is about much more than just visiting a city he hasn’t been to in years. This is one of the few matches that will go on to define the final stretch in Buck’s career. It’s no secret he plans on retiring in a year and a half. His only main goals when he entered CRW was to make enough money to retire on and end his career on a high note. To carve out a legacy in a career that was mostly just disappointment after disappointment. The money issue was taken care of when Buck signed a written contract earlier this year. But the string of disappointments have only continued.
While he has had moderate success in CRW things haven’t gone very well for him outside of that. His run in the Extreme Tournament was lackluster. While he captured the hearts of fans it was the capturing of wins he lacked for advancement past the group stage. He never planned on advancing. In fact his main purpose for joining the tournament was to give moral support to the other CRW wrestlers involved in such a high profile event. His thirty three years of experience in the business have been quite valuable to the CRW wrestlers who have chosen to befriend him. But it soon became apparent that Buck might have had the best chance to advance when compared to his other fed mates.
Yet the matches got harder. Instead Buck changed his focused onto one major goal. To beat Marko Flins. Buck’s reasoning was that if he could beat Flins he could still compete against the highest level of competition even at his age. Though the outcome of the match didn’t go the way Buck had wanted. Instead he left the tournament feeling unaccomplished and downtrodden.
Buck decided though that this wasn’t the time to give up. That he had to keep on going against the best The Experts had to offer. So he decided that he would do that no matter the cost and against any competition. He went to PW with tag partner Donovan Davenport to take on Ja Gi and John Carlson but again a loss. He went to SCW looking for a chance of redemption against Marko Flins but instead found himself in a six man tag against Flins, Doug E Fresh, and Sabra Nikolayev. And even though he put up a commendable showing against the True Expert champion again he walked away with a loss.
While each of these losses were heartbreaking Buck knew that he had to stay steadfast. Giving up was not an option. While his reputation for always choking in big matches was only growing the same could be said for his reputation about having matches the fans want to see. He then had a new goal. To complete the cycle and compete in every Experts fed. He reached out to all of them but APW was the first to get back to them. He even found two APW stars who wanted to challenge the grizzled veteran. Evan Envi and Terry Marvin.
Buck doesn’t believe in backing down from challenges. It is not in his nature at all. So he did the only thing that seemed acceptable to him. Accept both challenges. Things ended up working for the best with Envi agreeing to face Buck on his home turf of CRW. Then he and Marvin agreed on a date for their match which would have him travel to APW.
This would be the first time traveling to an Experts fed alone. Well his daughter Betty and son Eddy said they would come to give him support. But he also knows they each have different agendas. He knows Betty is there to make sure everything goes smoothly for her old man. And Eddy? Well he just happens to think Aubrey J. Parker is hot and is hoping to be able to try and make a move on her. No matter how many times Buck tries to tell him that there is no way she would be interested in a sixteen year old, he continues to believe in the theory that if there’s a will there’s a way.
Now where were we? Oh yes, in all of Buck’s other trips he has had other CRW roster members with him. For the PW show it was actually PW vs. CRW. So a good chunk of the roster was there. On his trip to SCW, Diego De La Vega came to compete as well. This though this is completely different. But even though Marvin is an opponent he has made him feel welcome into coming into APW. Plus Portland isn’t very far from CRW’s home turf of the Bronx is only about five hours away. All in all the trip should turn out pretty well. It would only turn out great if he managed to walk away with the victory.
Talon was a bit reluctant to let Buck go and compete. But deep down he knew that in the end Buck was going to do whatever he wanted to anyway. When it came to facing the top competition Buck didn’t care if he was under contract or not. Buck also had a little edge as he has found himself a role backstage. His experience has made him an invaluable asset to Talon who also employs Buck as a backstage advisor and talent scout. Buck even helped with the key signings of Rex Evans and Adrien Specter. So Talon finally relented and let him do the match.
Buck figured he would be riding on a wave of good fortune going into this match. Instead it’s the polar opposite. It was only a few weeks ago when Buck lost his tag team titles in a brutal War Games match. He ended up being the final member of his team but was choked out when his opponent wrapped a broken ring rope around his neck. Buck refused to give up and fought to the very end, eventually passing out from the lack of oxygen. Since then Buck has been back battling his personal demons. His ability, or lack thereof, to be clutch in the high profile matches eating at him. So he dealt with it the only way he knows how, the bottle. Buck’s alcoholism is no secret. He will even tell you himself, but he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. He has had this “disease” for quite a long time now. But he will tell you its not what ruined his life, wrestling did. And while wrestling has been a cruel mistress to him he has never walked away. Even when his wife told him to pick wrestling or her, he chose the ring. And when it lead him to be homeless, living in a van having to work indy’s almost every night just to get by he still never quit. There is no argument this man bleeds this business.
And now at the time of another low point in his career he keeps pushing forward. Knowing in the back of his mind that time is indeed not on his side. That a key win here could propel him to where he needs to be. Cause realistically its not everyday an outsider can walk into APW and beat the Universal champion. In fact when you actually say it out loud it sounds damn right impossible. But Buck doesn’t believe in impossible. He thought it was impossible for a forty eight year old man to find himself in the limelight again. And now here he is, arguably one of CRW’s biggest names.
CRW is also a big driving point for this match to Buck. This company is not only his present but his future. Upon his retirement his contract says he will take a full backstage role. Thus he is willing to do whatever it takes to help establish any credibility to the young company. He will face any one at anytime if it means more exposure for CRW. But Talon himself is also a major driving point. Talon lost to Terry Marvin in the Extreme Tournament. A match that he wished he could have one. Buck is a very loyal person. In fact in most cases he is more willing to help a friend than he is willing to do anything for himself. So to beat Terry Marvin, while it would be great for his career, would avenge Talon’s loss. To Buck that is the most important thing. To show that CRW’s roster is full of top caliber talent and to come home to Talon and say “I took care of it boss”.
Still he knows that this is quite the challenge. Most people half his age wouldn’t be able to do this so how could he? Buck’s speed, agility, and perhaps even technique can’t match up against a man like Terry Marvin. Buck’s only hope is his strength, which somehow has yet to deteriorate over the years. In fact his “hands of stone” in CRW are quite famous. Many a man has been laid out with his vicious right hook. Buck tries to stick to game plans but like he told his daughter they almost never work. So for this match his plan is simple. Just roll with it. Buck tends to never fall for mind games. He’s been doing this so long that he can usually read his opponents next move and relies on counters. But when on the offensive his style is hard and punishing. He knows this won’t be easy, and honestly he wouldn’t have it any other way. As he opens his eyes to great the day Buck knows not of what awaits him. Yet he cares not. Just to wake up is a blessing in its own. That is if you believe in that stuff. Buck’s usual first thought is “I need a cigarette”.
________________________________________________________________________
The scene changes to show Buck and his kids being shown his locker room for the evening. The drive which to most people is long seemed almost like rocket speed to Buck who chooses to drive from his home in Minnesota to the Bronx every other Saturday to be in the Bronx in time for Face Off. Buck sits down on the bench and places his bag in front of him. His daughter taking a chance to look around.
Betty: Seems like a decent enough place.
Buck: What? You thought they would have given me the worst room in the whole joint?
Betty: I wouldn’t have been surprised. I mean technically we are the enemy.
Buck lets out a small laugh as he opens up his bag and starts to take out his gear.
Buck: Yeah, but they seem pretty excited to have me here.
Betty: Of course they do. Any chance to beat one of the competitions top guys would be great for them.
Betty is always on the defensive. She trusts nothing and no one, well besides a few. He understands her being reluctant towards any act of kindness from someone who is supposed to be an enemy. Buck however is a firm believer in respect given respect gived. So far everyone at APW has only been gracious to Buck so that is how he will be to them.
Buck: No matter what the match is going to be good for business on both sides. I mean let’s be honest. If I could hold my own against Doug E Fresh, I should be able to hold my own against Terry Marvin.
Betty just shrugs her shoulders as she continues to look around. As Buck takes out his black knee pads and black trunks he notices Eddy opening the door and looking out.
Buck: Who you looking for?
The words surprise Eddy who jumps a bit. He then closes the door and turns around. Trying to act as if nothing happened.
Buck: Well?
Eddy takes a seat next to his father.
Eddy: Nobody just looking around.
Buck can just tell by the tone he’s not telling the truth. Buck’s ability to read people is probably the best ability he has. He then has an idea of who he was looking for.
Buck: There’s no point in looking for her Eddy. You’re not old enough.
Eddy: You don’t know that!
Buck: I know your 16 and no woman is going to date a 16 year old.
Eddy: I’m nearly 17.
Buck: That doesn’t really make it much better.
Eddy: I’m still going to try.
Buck: Fine whatever. I’ll try to introduce you to Aubrey later tonight.
Eddy: Thanks Dad.
Betty then walks back into camera view as Buck pulls out his old beat up yellow boots out of his bag.
Betty: How you feeling Pops?
Buck: A little sore but nothing I’m not used too.
Betty: You should have scheduled this match not to take place a day after Face Off. You should have taken some time to heal up.
Buck: It doesn’t matter to me princess. Once I’m in the ring I’m good to go.
Betty: Psychologically you might be good to go but who knows about physically. Your getting a little to old to do this on consecutive nights.
Buck: I’ll let you know when I’m getting to old for all of this. Right now I’m just focused on what’s going on tonight.
Eddy: This is going to be your toughest match in a while Dad. I mean, he’s one of the best in the world.
If Eddy says it then it has to be true. Eddy only does two things. Play baseball and watch wrestling. He has been called a walking wrestling wiki by many people. And on plenty of occasions Buck has gone to his son for information on an opponent. This only makes Buck worry a little more. Best in the world? He thought that title belonged to Doug. But he has heard before that Marvin could be a top challenger to Doug at anytime. While Buck? Well there’s people who don’t even think he would be a top challenger for the CRW World title. But as for it being one of his toughest matches, it might be if you were to match it purely on skill. But there have been plenty more matches recently that have been more emotionally tough. And those are the ones that wreck havoc on his psyche. This one is just as emotional. He’s just been trying to play it off to himself that it isn’t. Another loss like this could just be the final blow to break the old man’s heart.
Buck: Are you forgetting War Games Eddy?
Eddy: No, I just didn’t really want to mention it.
At least he was being honest to him. Buck didn’t really want to talk about it either. The loss has sent Buck’s whole world in a downward spiral.
Buck: Well I appreciate that, but who knows maybe a small break from CRW and a change of scenery could be just what I needed.
Betty: Don’t kid yourself old man.
Buck: And what is that supposed to mean?
Betty: While War Games had a direct impact on your future in CRW matches like these are the ones people will reference when they look back on your entire career. How in your twilight you still went toe to toe with the best competition in the world. If you lose, then it’s just the same old story of Buck Dempsey. A win though? A win changes everything. I mean yes right now people might say “did you see that old guy beat Terry Marvin?”. But the real fans and people years from now will still be talking about that time against all odds Buck Dempsey persevered and beat Terry Marvin.
Persevere. The word means so much to Buck. Its what he has told himself this entire ride. That he needs to keep persevering. He has to keep going. The word means so much that his tag team with Donovan Davenport is even named PERSEVERANCE. Even when he seems to be neck deep in the shit of life he does whatever it takes to persevere. In the wake of heartbreaking losses and monumental challenges he continues to keep the word in the back of his mind. But Betty is right. These are the matches that make a career. These matches are the ones that people will always reference when they think of Buck’s final years in the game. He can’t ignore the fact any longer. He wants this win. He wants a bit of solace in these weeks of devastation.
Buck: You’re right.
Betty: So what are you going to do?
Buck: What I always do. Give it everything I’ve got.
And when he says that he means it you better believe your ass he does. Buck leaves everything in that ring. Nothing is ever left behind. It doesn’t matter how tired or how sore or how he feels. One hundred percent is always given. And if he were to die in that ring? Then he would tell you he died in the only place he belonged.
Eddy: I believe in you Dad.
Betty then walks over and sits on the opposite side of her father.
Betty: Me too Pops.
Buck just nods his head and takes a deep breath. His time is running short and the same can be said for the time leading up to this match. His mind ablaze with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. This is crunch time. This is what it all comes down to. And these times for Buck, well these times are when the past could very well be the future.
The camera then fades to black as Buck stands up to remove his jacket.
But this match is about much more than just visiting a city he hasn’t been to in years. This is one of the few matches that will go on to define the final stretch in Buck’s career. It’s no secret he plans on retiring in a year and a half. His only main goals when he entered CRW was to make enough money to retire on and end his career on a high note. To carve out a legacy in a career that was mostly just disappointment after disappointment. The money issue was taken care of when Buck signed a written contract earlier this year. But the string of disappointments have only continued.
While he has had moderate success in CRW things haven’t gone very well for him outside of that. His run in the Extreme Tournament was lackluster. While he captured the hearts of fans it was the capturing of wins he lacked for advancement past the group stage. He never planned on advancing. In fact his main purpose for joining the tournament was to give moral support to the other CRW wrestlers involved in such a high profile event. His thirty three years of experience in the business have been quite valuable to the CRW wrestlers who have chosen to befriend him. But it soon became apparent that Buck might have had the best chance to advance when compared to his other fed mates.
Yet the matches got harder. Instead Buck changed his focused onto one major goal. To beat Marko Flins. Buck’s reasoning was that if he could beat Flins he could still compete against the highest level of competition even at his age. Though the outcome of the match didn’t go the way Buck had wanted. Instead he left the tournament feeling unaccomplished and downtrodden.
Buck decided though that this wasn’t the time to give up. That he had to keep on going against the best The Experts had to offer. So he decided that he would do that no matter the cost and against any competition. He went to PW with tag partner Donovan Davenport to take on Ja Gi and John Carlson but again a loss. He went to SCW looking for a chance of redemption against Marko Flins but instead found himself in a six man tag against Flins, Doug E Fresh, and Sabra Nikolayev. And even though he put up a commendable showing against the True Expert champion again he walked away with a loss.
While each of these losses were heartbreaking Buck knew that he had to stay steadfast. Giving up was not an option. While his reputation for always choking in big matches was only growing the same could be said for his reputation about having matches the fans want to see. He then had a new goal. To complete the cycle and compete in every Experts fed. He reached out to all of them but APW was the first to get back to them. He even found two APW stars who wanted to challenge the grizzled veteran. Evan Envi and Terry Marvin.
Buck doesn’t believe in backing down from challenges. It is not in his nature at all. So he did the only thing that seemed acceptable to him. Accept both challenges. Things ended up working for the best with Envi agreeing to face Buck on his home turf of CRW. Then he and Marvin agreed on a date for their match which would have him travel to APW.
This would be the first time traveling to an Experts fed alone. Well his daughter Betty and son Eddy said they would come to give him support. But he also knows they each have different agendas. He knows Betty is there to make sure everything goes smoothly for her old man. And Eddy? Well he just happens to think Aubrey J. Parker is hot and is hoping to be able to try and make a move on her. No matter how many times Buck tries to tell him that there is no way she would be interested in a sixteen year old, he continues to believe in the theory that if there’s a will there’s a way.
Now where were we? Oh yes, in all of Buck’s other trips he has had other CRW roster members with him. For the PW show it was actually PW vs. CRW. So a good chunk of the roster was there. On his trip to SCW, Diego De La Vega came to compete as well. This though this is completely different. But even though Marvin is an opponent he has made him feel welcome into coming into APW. Plus Portland isn’t very far from CRW’s home turf of the Bronx is only about five hours away. All in all the trip should turn out pretty well. It would only turn out great if he managed to walk away with the victory.
Talon was a bit reluctant to let Buck go and compete. But deep down he knew that in the end Buck was going to do whatever he wanted to anyway. When it came to facing the top competition Buck didn’t care if he was under contract or not. Buck also had a little edge as he has found himself a role backstage. His experience has made him an invaluable asset to Talon who also employs Buck as a backstage advisor and talent scout. Buck even helped with the key signings of Rex Evans and Adrien Specter. So Talon finally relented and let him do the match.
Buck figured he would be riding on a wave of good fortune going into this match. Instead it’s the polar opposite. It was only a few weeks ago when Buck lost his tag team titles in a brutal War Games match. He ended up being the final member of his team but was choked out when his opponent wrapped a broken ring rope around his neck. Buck refused to give up and fought to the very end, eventually passing out from the lack of oxygen. Since then Buck has been back battling his personal demons. His ability, or lack thereof, to be clutch in the high profile matches eating at him. So he dealt with it the only way he knows how, the bottle. Buck’s alcoholism is no secret. He will even tell you himself, but he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. He has had this “disease” for quite a long time now. But he will tell you its not what ruined his life, wrestling did. And while wrestling has been a cruel mistress to him he has never walked away. Even when his wife told him to pick wrestling or her, he chose the ring. And when it lead him to be homeless, living in a van having to work indy’s almost every night just to get by he still never quit. There is no argument this man bleeds this business.
And now at the time of another low point in his career he keeps pushing forward. Knowing in the back of his mind that time is indeed not on his side. That a key win here could propel him to where he needs to be. Cause realistically its not everyday an outsider can walk into APW and beat the Universal champion. In fact when you actually say it out loud it sounds damn right impossible. But Buck doesn’t believe in impossible. He thought it was impossible for a forty eight year old man to find himself in the limelight again. And now here he is, arguably one of CRW’s biggest names.
CRW is also a big driving point for this match to Buck. This company is not only his present but his future. Upon his retirement his contract says he will take a full backstage role. Thus he is willing to do whatever it takes to help establish any credibility to the young company. He will face any one at anytime if it means more exposure for CRW. But Talon himself is also a major driving point. Talon lost to Terry Marvin in the Extreme Tournament. A match that he wished he could have one. Buck is a very loyal person. In fact in most cases he is more willing to help a friend than he is willing to do anything for himself. So to beat Terry Marvin, while it would be great for his career, would avenge Talon’s loss. To Buck that is the most important thing. To show that CRW’s roster is full of top caliber talent and to come home to Talon and say “I took care of it boss”.
Still he knows that this is quite the challenge. Most people half his age wouldn’t be able to do this so how could he? Buck’s speed, agility, and perhaps even technique can’t match up against a man like Terry Marvin. Buck’s only hope is his strength, which somehow has yet to deteriorate over the years. In fact his “hands of stone” in CRW are quite famous. Many a man has been laid out with his vicious right hook. Buck tries to stick to game plans but like he told his daughter they almost never work. So for this match his plan is simple. Just roll with it. Buck tends to never fall for mind games. He’s been doing this so long that he can usually read his opponents next move and relies on counters. But when on the offensive his style is hard and punishing. He knows this won’t be easy, and honestly he wouldn’t have it any other way. As he opens his eyes to great the day Buck knows not of what awaits him. Yet he cares not. Just to wake up is a blessing in its own. That is if you believe in that stuff. Buck’s usual first thought is “I need a cigarette”.
________________________________________________________________________
The scene changes to show Buck and his kids being shown his locker room for the evening. The drive which to most people is long seemed almost like rocket speed to Buck who chooses to drive from his home in Minnesota to the Bronx every other Saturday to be in the Bronx in time for Face Off. Buck sits down on the bench and places his bag in front of him. His daughter taking a chance to look around.
Betty: Seems like a decent enough place.
Buck: What? You thought they would have given me the worst room in the whole joint?
Betty: I wouldn’t have been surprised. I mean technically we are the enemy.
Buck lets out a small laugh as he opens up his bag and starts to take out his gear.
Buck: Yeah, but they seem pretty excited to have me here.
Betty: Of course they do. Any chance to beat one of the competitions top guys would be great for them.
Betty is always on the defensive. She trusts nothing and no one, well besides a few. He understands her being reluctant towards any act of kindness from someone who is supposed to be an enemy. Buck however is a firm believer in respect given respect gived. So far everyone at APW has only been gracious to Buck so that is how he will be to them.
Buck: No matter what the match is going to be good for business on both sides. I mean let’s be honest. If I could hold my own against Doug E Fresh, I should be able to hold my own against Terry Marvin.
Betty just shrugs her shoulders as she continues to look around. As Buck takes out his black knee pads and black trunks he notices Eddy opening the door and looking out.
Buck: Who you looking for?
The words surprise Eddy who jumps a bit. He then closes the door and turns around. Trying to act as if nothing happened.
Buck: Well?
Eddy takes a seat next to his father.
Eddy: Nobody just looking around.
Buck can just tell by the tone he’s not telling the truth. Buck’s ability to read people is probably the best ability he has. He then has an idea of who he was looking for.
Buck: There’s no point in looking for her Eddy. You’re not old enough.
Eddy: You don’t know that!
Buck: I know your 16 and no woman is going to date a 16 year old.
Eddy: I’m nearly 17.
Buck: That doesn’t really make it much better.
Eddy: I’m still going to try.
Buck: Fine whatever. I’ll try to introduce you to Aubrey later tonight.
Eddy: Thanks Dad.
Betty then walks back into camera view as Buck pulls out his old beat up yellow boots out of his bag.
Betty: How you feeling Pops?
Buck: A little sore but nothing I’m not used too.
Betty: You should have scheduled this match not to take place a day after Face Off. You should have taken some time to heal up.
Buck: It doesn’t matter to me princess. Once I’m in the ring I’m good to go.
Betty: Psychologically you might be good to go but who knows about physically. Your getting a little to old to do this on consecutive nights.
Buck: I’ll let you know when I’m getting to old for all of this. Right now I’m just focused on what’s going on tonight.
Eddy: This is going to be your toughest match in a while Dad. I mean, he’s one of the best in the world.
If Eddy says it then it has to be true. Eddy only does two things. Play baseball and watch wrestling. He has been called a walking wrestling wiki by many people. And on plenty of occasions Buck has gone to his son for information on an opponent. This only makes Buck worry a little more. Best in the world? He thought that title belonged to Doug. But he has heard before that Marvin could be a top challenger to Doug at anytime. While Buck? Well there’s people who don’t even think he would be a top challenger for the CRW World title. But as for it being one of his toughest matches, it might be if you were to match it purely on skill. But there have been plenty more matches recently that have been more emotionally tough. And those are the ones that wreck havoc on his psyche. This one is just as emotional. He’s just been trying to play it off to himself that it isn’t. Another loss like this could just be the final blow to break the old man’s heart.
Buck: Are you forgetting War Games Eddy?
Eddy: No, I just didn’t really want to mention it.
At least he was being honest to him. Buck didn’t really want to talk about it either. The loss has sent Buck’s whole world in a downward spiral.
Buck: Well I appreciate that, but who knows maybe a small break from CRW and a change of scenery could be just what I needed.
Betty: Don’t kid yourself old man.
Buck: And what is that supposed to mean?
Betty: While War Games had a direct impact on your future in CRW matches like these are the ones people will reference when they look back on your entire career. How in your twilight you still went toe to toe with the best competition in the world. If you lose, then it’s just the same old story of Buck Dempsey. A win though? A win changes everything. I mean yes right now people might say “did you see that old guy beat Terry Marvin?”. But the real fans and people years from now will still be talking about that time against all odds Buck Dempsey persevered and beat Terry Marvin.
Persevere. The word means so much to Buck. Its what he has told himself this entire ride. That he needs to keep persevering. He has to keep going. The word means so much that his tag team with Donovan Davenport is even named PERSEVERANCE. Even when he seems to be neck deep in the shit of life he does whatever it takes to persevere. In the wake of heartbreaking losses and monumental challenges he continues to keep the word in the back of his mind. But Betty is right. These are the matches that make a career. These matches are the ones that people will always reference when they think of Buck’s final years in the game. He can’t ignore the fact any longer. He wants this win. He wants a bit of solace in these weeks of devastation.
Buck: You’re right.
Betty: So what are you going to do?
Buck: What I always do. Give it everything I’ve got.
And when he says that he means it you better believe your ass he does. Buck leaves everything in that ring. Nothing is ever left behind. It doesn’t matter how tired or how sore or how he feels. One hundred percent is always given. And if he were to die in that ring? Then he would tell you he died in the only place he belonged.
Eddy: I believe in you Dad.
Betty then walks over and sits on the opposite side of her father.
Betty: Me too Pops.
Buck just nods his head and takes a deep breath. His time is running short and the same can be said for the time leading up to this match. His mind ablaze with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. This is crunch time. This is what it all comes down to. And these times for Buck, well these times are when the past could very well be the future.
The camera then fades to black as Buck stands up to remove his jacket.
