Post by Shadow on Mar 23, 2013 19:26:08 GMT -4
[shadow=white,left,2400]OVERDRIVE: March 7th 2013[/shadow]
Shadow is walking backstage heading for the ring and his match. His long leather duster floats inches above the concrete floor and his blue eyes are masked by his black sunglasses. As he continues down the hallway, Shadow passes several people and crew members. Some smile and tell him to "Break a Leg," others continue about their jobs, some don't even make eye contact. One is even playing a guitar. He strums it and taps the guitar as he plays.
Crewman: I can hear what you're thinking. All your doubts and fears. And if you'll look in my eyes in time you'll find the reason I'm here.
He continues to play a few notes. Shadow stops and turns to face the man. Many others also halt their actions and watch.
Crewman: And in time all things shall pass away, in time you may come back some day
Silent pause as the crewman's head remains down. He plays on.
Crewman: To live once more...
He taps the acoustic guitar three times to keep the beat as he plays.
Crewman: or die once more...
Another pause as the Crewman looks up and the fans boo when they see Slade Craven with an evil grin on his face.
Slade: But in time your time will be no more.
He stops plays and just sets the guitar down. Shadow stays where he is, summing up just what in the hell "The Main Man" is thinking. Craven approaches Shadow.
Slade: You like that? I heard that and though of you. I'm going to play it while sitting on your tombstone.
The Usher of Darkness just glares
Shadow: Who keeps letting you in? Don't you have your own show you should be on? Oh that's right you didn't get booked on the big final Asylum before Rasslemania.
Slade: Oh. Don't worry. I'll still be there.
Shadow: So will I.
The fans erupt!
Slade: You think that scares me?
Shadow: What like your little diddy there was supposed to? I suppose you're hear to back up Level One, big surprise.
Slade: Here to help that asshat? Hell no. I'd rather pull a Celebrity Deathmatch and bring the damn lighting fixture down on all three of you assholes. Save me a lot of trouble.
Shadow: Listen I got to go kick the crap out of Level One, why don't you go find yourself a nice TV store display window to go watch it at like the rest of the bums, Slade.
Slade: You really think you can beat Level One?
Shadow: I know you didn't You didn't in your big first match in APW and you didn't at New Year's Retribution right before you left APW. And when I'm done booting his face through the back of his head tonight you can take solace in the fact that you're next.
Shadow points at Slade's chest, millimeters away but he never lets his finger come into contact. Shadow just grins.
Shadow: I'll see you soon, Slade.
He turns around and heads toward the ring as "The Main Man" stands there fuming. The camera pans to Shadow as he heads down the hallway and the fades to black.
The scene opens in a graveyard, yet another graveyard. However due to this being in Canada in March while also being in broad daylight there is no ominous atmosphere. It's a bright and beautiful day. Shadow stands in the center of this cemetery wearing the classic black monk robe with the hood pulled up over his long blonde hair. His hand is currently resting on a rather large headstone.
"Well, the weather said that this would be a rather rainy day," Shadow starts off. "But it's not always gloom and doom with me. Sometimes the brightest days signify the darkest nights."
The camera pans back and we see the name of one first people Shadow rid APW of way back when he was on Meltdown.
"Prometheus Grimm"
"Ole Grimm here was one APW's young upstarts. A little on the memo side, but had the possibility of a bright future. However, he debuted against me. That night on Meltdown marked the end of his short career in Action Packed Wrestling. He, like this other participant in that so aptly named 'elimination' match,"
Shadow moves to his right and we see an Angel Headstone with the name "Matthew Turner" engraved in the stone.
"Were hoping for Megastar in APW. Of course not everyone is meant for greatness here as Johnny Diamond had me teach them. Some people are just not meant to go to Overdrive."
Shadow continues to move to his right.
"There are plenty of forgotten jobbers here."
He steps on a small little square grave marker that simply reads: "Bacon." Then with a single stride his foot lands on another that says: "O'Hare."
"And my future opponent that awaits me at Rasslemania has lived this truth."
Shadow reaches a crucifix headstone but the name is not visible. The big man walks around the cross.
"Slade," Shadow says, "I remember at Shockwave this year you and I had the opportunity to trade places. You went for the Overdrive title, something that was once mine, and I well I briefly claimed the Extreme title something you went out for and lost your ass in when you were set ablaze. That night I pried that belt from the cold dead hands of this poor bastard."
As the camera pans around the image of one "Steve Striker" is shown in a picture at the center of this cross.
"Yes, I have racked up a rather high body count in APW."
He kicks takes a step and kicks a white mask that was resting against another small, nearly unnoticeable gravestone. This marker belonged to Tek. Shadow doesn't realize the white plastic mask shatters when it hits Dante's tomb.
"I am rather proud of that fact too. While Mr.. Dangerous may be APW's resident job mopper he doesn't have the same, 'umph' that I do. All credit to Dangerous that he deserves, I think the fans sometimes like watching people like me give them their moneys worth by ripping it from the loins of women like those buried here."
Shadow reaches a trail and begins walking along it. He passes yet another headstone. This one has a smooth rounded top, kind of like the bald head of the man who is buried beneath it: "Vincent Pennington."
"Then there are those who actually made themselves something before I squashed their hopes and dreams. Candles that burned brightly, if you will, that I snuffed out. These few men also deserve a moment of silence in their memory."
We reach a larger gravestone, very gothic and a little gaudy. The name on it: "Irver Famori."
"But none were more renowned and respected than the king himself."
Shadow approaches a mausoleum. Its a decent sized one. There is a name over the doorway: "Streets Wilson."
"All these wrestlers, most cut down before their prime. They all have one definitive thing in common, they just couldn't hack it."
Shadow turns back to the camera.
"It's why I am here today. I have prepared a new addition for my eternal collection. I have personally dug a fresh grave for my next opponent, someone who shares in all their qualities: Wasn't too great on Meltdown, never meant for Overdrive, someone the people didn't want to see any more and a person who's biggest mistake was thinking they actually could take me down."
As expected the camera pulls to the left and shows a mound of freshly unearthed dirt piled next to Street's crypt. As the camera continues to move we see the hole in the ground. The brown soil contrasting with the grays and greens of the world. Then it becomes apparent why this was done during the day. The colors. At night or under a dull grey sky the imagery wouldn't pop like it does in the daylight.
"Slade" Shadow takes a breath, "You were my brother, my partner, and my friend. I hate seeing you like this; all stressed out and wallowing in forgotten misery. I am here to put you to rest. In a way, I am glad you asked me to do it. No I don't want to claim your career, heaven knows there are enough of those matches taking place at Rasslemania. And I'm not insane like Kurt Nobel, wanting to out and out kill you: That's just ridiculous. No, Instead Slade, my comrade, I plan to bury you, plain and simple. Then your failed existence you call a career can be complete."
Shadow takes a knee by the open grave.
"But don't worry brother," Shadow takes another deep breath as if he is holding back a tear, "As painful as it may be (for me) to do this to you. I'm sure I will be strong enough to go on without you."
He smiles as the wind blows across the cemetery and whips the hood off Shadow's head. His blonde hair bright in the sunlight. Shadow smiles happily as the camera fades out.
So it's come to this then: Slade versus Shadow? Well someone had to make this match sooner or later. I recall our days in EEW when I was first starting out the promoter did not know that we were in cahoots and planned to turn me loose on you when you got there. I was his ace in the hole and it killed him when it turned out I was a member of the Ass Kickers Anonymous. That was my only stint as a heel.
You on the other hand seem to like being the bad guy Slade. I've noticed that about you. You like to lie. You lie to the people, you lie to your friends, but most importantly: you lie to yourself. I don't lie Slade. I may misjudge the future but I don't lie. And I wont steer you wrong, I wont hold back tonight, brother.
Everyone makes mistakes, its human nature. But what you have failed to realize is the gravity of your latest and greatest mistake. You challenged me to a buried alive match, you stupid son of a bitch. Slade I need to ask this now, are you really aching to end your story? Fine! I'll happily bounce your half assed, sometimes here-sometimes not, childish, drama king bitch ass out of my life for good.
But what we're you thinking; a Buried Alive match? I hang out and cut half my promos in graveyards, as shown, and you're wanting to step into the ring with me, at the biggest event in Action Packed Wrestling ever, and make it that type of match? You poor pitiful bastard, I thought stays in the mental wards were meant to deter suicidal tendencies.
But I can see why you'd have a death wish. I mean your career hasn't been the same since 2003, the past ten years have not been that good to you: Divorce, alcoholism, no belts worth mentioning, no victories worth remember and then a shitty second rate year in what you claimed would be the great comeback of Slade Craven? Damn you really needs to fire your life coach.
We were friends man, best friends. There wasn't a thing in the world I wouldn't do to help you bro and then you kicked me in the face. Let me reiterate that: You Cliq Kicked me in the face! What did I ever do to you, Slade? No one forced you to return to APW, when I asked if you wanted to come back with me, you could have said no. But instead your glory seeking, attention needing ass just had to return. Slade, you were never ready for APW. Im sorry to be the one to break this to you, but you never had a chance here. You didn't way back when we were cutting family friendly, no profanity promos and you sure as hell don't now that you're all sinister and shit.
And in regards to your mind games: try again son. Slade, Rasslemania culminates our one year return to APW and it's really sad that when I'm done planting your ass six feet under, you wont get to make it to the next one.
So you stand there and call me all kinds of names, tell me how you plan to pull some magical victory rabbit out of your own ass and be the man who buried Shadow. But in truth you're just lying to yourself. Let me be the one to take a wrecking ball to that glass house you call your world there son. Slade you never had a shot at me. Look at our runs here and tell me you can't see it. Look at the evidence that shows you who was meant to be a Megastar. Keep watching Slade because I am bringing it all down around you. And when the earth finally swallows you up and the world has forgotten your relic ass, you can take solace in the fact that the person you claimed to "make" is reigning in your stead.
See you in Hell, Brother.
Shadow is walking backstage heading for the ring and his match. His long leather duster floats inches above the concrete floor and his blue eyes are masked by his black sunglasses. As he continues down the hallway, Shadow passes several people and crew members. Some smile and tell him to "Break a Leg," others continue about their jobs, some don't even make eye contact. One is even playing a guitar. He strums it and taps the guitar as he plays.
Crewman: I can hear what you're thinking. All your doubts and fears. And if you'll look in my eyes in time you'll find the reason I'm here.
He continues to play a few notes. Shadow stops and turns to face the man. Many others also halt their actions and watch.
Crewman: And in time all things shall pass away, in time you may come back some day
Silent pause as the crewman's head remains down. He plays on.
Crewman: To live once more...
He taps the acoustic guitar three times to keep the beat as he plays.
Crewman: or die once more...
Another pause as the Crewman looks up and the fans boo when they see Slade Craven with an evil grin on his face.
Slade: But in time your time will be no more.
He stops plays and just sets the guitar down. Shadow stays where he is, summing up just what in the hell "The Main Man" is thinking. Craven approaches Shadow.
Slade: You like that? I heard that and though of you. I'm going to play it while sitting on your tombstone.
The Usher of Darkness just glares
Shadow: Who keeps letting you in? Don't you have your own show you should be on? Oh that's right you didn't get booked on the big final Asylum before Rasslemania.
Slade: Oh. Don't worry. I'll still be there.
Shadow: So will I.
The fans erupt!
Chase: Did he say what I think he said?
Harvey: Shadow said he's going to be on Asylum this week. This will be the first time Shadow has made a live appearance on Asylum since coming back to APW!
Harvey: Shadow said he's going to be on Asylum this week. This will be the first time Shadow has made a live appearance on Asylum since coming back to APW!
Slade: You think that scares me?
Shadow: What like your little diddy there was supposed to? I suppose you're hear to back up Level One, big surprise.
Slade: Here to help that asshat? Hell no. I'd rather pull a Celebrity Deathmatch and bring the damn lighting fixture down on all three of you assholes. Save me a lot of trouble.
Shadow: Listen I got to go kick the crap out of Level One, why don't you go find yourself a nice TV store display window to go watch it at like the rest of the bums, Slade.
Slade: You really think you can beat Level One?
Shadow: I know you didn't You didn't in your big first match in APW and you didn't at New Year's Retribution right before you left APW. And when I'm done booting his face through the back of his head tonight you can take solace in the fact that you're next.
Shadow points at Slade's chest, millimeters away but he never lets his finger come into contact. Shadow just grins.
Shadow: I'll see you soon, Slade.
He turns around and heads toward the ring as "The Main Man" stands there fuming. The camera pans to Shadow as he heads down the hallway and the fades to black.
The scene opens in a graveyard, yet another graveyard. However due to this being in Canada in March while also being in broad daylight there is no ominous atmosphere. It's a bright and beautiful day. Shadow stands in the center of this cemetery wearing the classic black monk robe with the hood pulled up over his long blonde hair. His hand is currently resting on a rather large headstone.
"Well, the weather said that this would be a rather rainy day," Shadow starts off. "But it's not always gloom and doom with me. Sometimes the brightest days signify the darkest nights."
The camera pans back and we see the name of one first people Shadow rid APW of way back when he was on Meltdown.
"Prometheus Grimm"
"Ole Grimm here was one APW's young upstarts. A little on the memo side, but had the possibility of a bright future. However, he debuted against me. That night on Meltdown marked the end of his short career in Action Packed Wrestling. He, like this other participant in that so aptly named 'elimination' match,"
Shadow moves to his right and we see an Angel Headstone with the name "Matthew Turner" engraved in the stone.
"Were hoping for Megastar in APW. Of course not everyone is meant for greatness here as Johnny Diamond had me teach them. Some people are just not meant to go to Overdrive."
Shadow continues to move to his right.
"There are plenty of forgotten jobbers here."
He steps on a small little square grave marker that simply reads: "Bacon." Then with a single stride his foot lands on another that says: "O'Hare."
"And my future opponent that awaits me at Rasslemania has lived this truth."
Shadow reaches a crucifix headstone but the name is not visible. The big man walks around the cross.
"Slade," Shadow says, "I remember at Shockwave this year you and I had the opportunity to trade places. You went for the Overdrive title, something that was once mine, and I well I briefly claimed the Extreme title something you went out for and lost your ass in when you were set ablaze. That night I pried that belt from the cold dead hands of this poor bastard."
As the camera pans around the image of one "Steve Striker" is shown in a picture at the center of this cross.
"Yes, I have racked up a rather high body count in APW."
He kicks takes a step and kicks a white mask that was resting against another small, nearly unnoticeable gravestone. This marker belonged to Tek. Shadow doesn't realize the white plastic mask shatters when it hits Dante's tomb.
"I am rather proud of that fact too. While Mr.. Dangerous may be APW's resident job mopper he doesn't have the same, 'umph' that I do. All credit to Dangerous that he deserves, I think the fans sometimes like watching people like me give them their moneys worth by ripping it from the loins of women like those buried here."
Shadow reaches a trail and begins walking along it. He passes yet another headstone. This one has a smooth rounded top, kind of like the bald head of the man who is buried beneath it: "Vincent Pennington."
"Then there are those who actually made themselves something before I squashed their hopes and dreams. Candles that burned brightly, if you will, that I snuffed out. These few men also deserve a moment of silence in their memory."
We reach a larger gravestone, very gothic and a little gaudy. The name on it: "Irver Famori."
"But none were more renowned and respected than the king himself."
Shadow approaches a mausoleum. Its a decent sized one. There is a name over the doorway: "Streets Wilson."
"All these wrestlers, most cut down before their prime. They all have one definitive thing in common, they just couldn't hack it."
Shadow turns back to the camera.
"It's why I am here today. I have prepared a new addition for my eternal collection. I have personally dug a fresh grave for my next opponent, someone who shares in all their qualities: Wasn't too great on Meltdown, never meant for Overdrive, someone the people didn't want to see any more and a person who's biggest mistake was thinking they actually could take me down."
As expected the camera pulls to the left and shows a mound of freshly unearthed dirt piled next to Street's crypt. As the camera continues to move we see the hole in the ground. The brown soil contrasting with the grays and greens of the world. Then it becomes apparent why this was done during the day. The colors. At night or under a dull grey sky the imagery wouldn't pop like it does in the daylight.
"Slade" Shadow takes a breath, "You were my brother, my partner, and my friend. I hate seeing you like this; all stressed out and wallowing in forgotten misery. I am here to put you to rest. In a way, I am glad you asked me to do it. No I don't want to claim your career, heaven knows there are enough of those matches taking place at Rasslemania. And I'm not insane like Kurt Nobel, wanting to out and out kill you: That's just ridiculous. No, Instead Slade, my comrade, I plan to bury you, plain and simple. Then your failed existence you call a career can be complete."
Shadow takes a knee by the open grave.
"But don't worry brother," Shadow takes another deep breath as if he is holding back a tear, "As painful as it may be (for me) to do this to you. I'm sure I will be strong enough to go on without you."
He smiles as the wind blows across the cemetery and whips the hood off Shadow's head. His blonde hair bright in the sunlight. Shadow smiles happily as the camera fades out.
So it's come to this then: Slade versus Shadow? Well someone had to make this match sooner or later. I recall our days in EEW when I was first starting out the promoter did not know that we were in cahoots and planned to turn me loose on you when you got there. I was his ace in the hole and it killed him when it turned out I was a member of the Ass Kickers Anonymous. That was my only stint as a heel.
You on the other hand seem to like being the bad guy Slade. I've noticed that about you. You like to lie. You lie to the people, you lie to your friends, but most importantly: you lie to yourself. I don't lie Slade. I may misjudge the future but I don't lie. And I wont steer you wrong, I wont hold back tonight, brother.
Everyone makes mistakes, its human nature. But what you have failed to realize is the gravity of your latest and greatest mistake. You challenged me to a buried alive match, you stupid son of a bitch. Slade I need to ask this now, are you really aching to end your story? Fine! I'll happily bounce your half assed, sometimes here-sometimes not, childish, drama king bitch ass out of my life for good.
But what we're you thinking; a Buried Alive match? I hang out and cut half my promos in graveyards, as shown, and you're wanting to step into the ring with me, at the biggest event in Action Packed Wrestling ever, and make it that type of match? You poor pitiful bastard, I thought stays in the mental wards were meant to deter suicidal tendencies.
But I can see why you'd have a death wish. I mean your career hasn't been the same since 2003, the past ten years have not been that good to you: Divorce, alcoholism, no belts worth mentioning, no victories worth remember and then a shitty second rate year in what you claimed would be the great comeback of Slade Craven? Damn you really needs to fire your life coach.
We were friends man, best friends. There wasn't a thing in the world I wouldn't do to help you bro and then you kicked me in the face. Let me reiterate that: You Cliq Kicked me in the face! What did I ever do to you, Slade? No one forced you to return to APW, when I asked if you wanted to come back with me, you could have said no. But instead your glory seeking, attention needing ass just had to return. Slade, you were never ready for APW. Im sorry to be the one to break this to you, but you never had a chance here. You didn't way back when we were cutting family friendly, no profanity promos and you sure as hell don't now that you're all sinister and shit.
And in regards to your mind games: try again son. Slade, Rasslemania culminates our one year return to APW and it's really sad that when I'm done planting your ass six feet under, you wont get to make it to the next one.
So you stand there and call me all kinds of names, tell me how you plan to pull some magical victory rabbit out of your own ass and be the man who buried Shadow. But in truth you're just lying to yourself. Let me be the one to take a wrecking ball to that glass house you call your world there son. Slade you never had a shot at me. Look at our runs here and tell me you can't see it. Look at the evidence that shows you who was meant to be a Megastar. Keep watching Slade because I am bringing it all down around you. And when the earth finally swallows you up and the world has forgotten your relic ass, you can take solace in the fact that the person you claimed to "make" is reigning in your stead.
See you in Hell, Brother.
