Post by Shadow on May 27, 2013 10:14:13 GMT -4
[glow=grey,9,200]THEN...[/glow]
Maracabo, Venezulea: At ringside, Conner Murphy pulls out a carton of flammable liquid. Gabriel Krown sets up the table over the highest concentration of thumbtacks, and the table is doused by Murphy. There is a deathly silence as Murphy throws Krown a lighter and he sets the table alight. Murphy grabs the nearly destroyed Warren Peace with a gut wrench and powerbombs him through the table.
The next week, Shadow stands in the back of the arena in Santiago, Chile. The crowd is roaring with approval. He's mouthing off about his planned handicap match with the brutal tag team known as Sang Real.
"I've been Jonesing for this for a hell of a long time" Shadow declares, "You go handle your family emergencies... But next week, the world gets Shadow vs-- YOU two. "
[glow=grey,9,200]NOW...[/glow]
Santiago Chile,
One Week Ago:
Hannah Storm is walking backstage in the black dress she wore that night (which no one had complimented her on yet). She looked a little bummed by this as she looks up and sees her next interview walking out of his locker room. Shadow is carrying his dufflebag and still wearing the leather duster and Eclipse T shirt, he's heading out. She speed walks up to him.
"Shadow!" Hannah calls out, catching his attention. "Shadow, wait up!"
The giant turns back to her, looking her up and down from behind his shades.
"Nice dress," he says making her night. "What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to get your thoughts on a few things for APW.com,."
"Like what?"
She pulls a tape recorder from her purse and clicks the button.
"Shadow, there were a lot of rumors that you did not resign your contract with APW. In fact after Overdrive, there were people who doubted you would even be here tonight. Can you shed some light on these matters?"
The big man nods slightly. He knows it's time to set the record straight.
"Hannah," Shadow begins, "I know the look Alexander Duvall displayed after Buckson Gooch knocked me out gave everyone the impression my ass was as good as gone. But don't you folks go worrying. I plan to be raising hell for as long as possible. Duvall's going to have to try a whole hell of a lot harder than Buckson Gooch if he wants to take me out. Oh, and I plan on participating in the Test for the Best tournament. I didn't get to participate last year. This year I intend to win."
"Well the Test for the Best brackets have not even been announced yet. We will just have to wait and see who Mr. Duvall pits you against. But what about what happened in Brasilia?
"You mean when Buckson Gooch 'scrambled' my Razorback (whatever the hell that means)? Listen Hannah, I like Gooch. He's a good man, but he should have just let me finish off Evan Envi. If Buck had let me to drop Envi, things might be different for them now. Evan Envi got off light; if I'd had my way, Envi wouldn't be walking right now."
Hannah brings the tape recorder back, but Shadow stops her. He isn't angry, just clarifying.
"Hold on a minute; I'm not finished, Hannah. Listen my hats off to the Goocher for his brutal battle with Evan Envi at Mayhem. I've been down that road with Evan Envi. The man takes things to the limit. But Gooch I was trying to help you. I wanted you to walk out of Mayhem as the Overdrive Champion. I'm sorry I guess it wasn't in the tea leaves."
He keeps Hannah's tape recorder pointed toward himself.
"And in regards to Alexander Duvall; I'm sure he liked what he saw when Gooch nailed me in Brasilia. Sick bastard. He finally got what he wanted. That's all I have to say about him...for now at least."
Shadow relinquishes his hold on her hand and Hannah pulls her recorder back.
"I didn't mean to touch a raw nerve, Shadow." She still senses some cynicism.
"You did no such thing, Hannah." Shadow smiles assuring. "But now, let me ask you something. And be honest. You get hit on by every male member of the APW roster, right?"
Storm looks a little taken aback.
"We yes."
"How did it feel when Connor Murphy said he wanted to do[/b] you during their pretentious promo?"[/color]
"I-uh," She doesn't know what to say.
"Do you think he has any idea where the clitoris is?"
Hannah's eyes get wide with shock. Thank goodness this is not broadcast live.
"I mean, would you[/b] want to 'Sherpa' Connor Murphy on his never-ending quest to find the clitoris? Hell, the man probably has only see them on the internet. For all he knows is the damn thing is a myth!"[/color]
"I don't," Hannah stammers. 'I don't know what to say."
Shadow shushes her with a finger and offers, "What you say... is that these misogynist morons need to learn is that they will never deserve a night with an apple like you."
"Are you flirting with me, Shadow?"
"Not in the slightest. I know office romances don't work."
He ponders for a moment on this ex, Dita. Hannah sees the look and knows he's sincere.
"Sorry, Shadow." Storm says to him.
"Don't be." Shadow replies.
"Speaking of your past. There were some chants during your match with Buckson Gooch. Could you elaborate on why the crowd was chanting for Slade Craven? Do you know if he is going to return?"
Her eyes are looking for a yes. To have that big scoop!
"No," Shadow shakes his head. "I'm sorry Hannah, but I have no idea about Slade, or even know where he is. No one has heard from Slade since Rasslemania. Like all the fans out there, I am itching for Slade to return to APW. Although, I don't know if he ever will."
Shadow's eyes are a little downcast.
"Shadow," Hannah Storm continues the interview. "After what happened to Warren Peace, what do you really think about your opponents?"
This time it's Shadow's turn to be taken aback. He actually does a double take.
"Hannah," He asks. "Did you now see my on air promo tonight? I'll tell you exactly what I think of those two late term abortions. They're co-dependent c-"
Shadow stops himself. He pauses for a moment and then smiles.
"Hannah, neither Connor, nor Murphy can survive solo. They need one another, in more ways than biblical too. I was honestly looking forward to the handicap match. Killing two birds with one stone, it's... Well... it's just efficient."
He seems so happy to say it that way too.
"You are really looking forward to that handicap match aren't you?"
"Actually Hannah," Shadow sighs, "I was informed a little while ago that it would be a tag match next week."
"Really? Do you already know who your partner is?"
"Yes, Yanzel Holmes. Sienna Harrison was told to make it a tag match. Because I'm entering the Test for the Best tournament, Alexander Duvall did not want me 'injured' before my big first match, wonder what that means. But, not that I put much stock into those two being able to close the deal."
"Even after what they did to Warren Peace?"
"Two reasons Hannah," Shadow counts with his fingers. "Xtreme Champion and One Night in Hell."
Hannah remembers those nights. Although they were not moments where Shadow came out on top he still viewed his performance as damn good.
"Hannah, those two have no idea who they are facing this week. They think that because THEY put down a guy like Warren Peace, they are 'bad ass.' Nothing against Warren, but there were two of them. They think that Warren, Yanzel and others like myself are less than them; therefore, they refuse to acknowledge real talent. And that's bullshit. Nothing is more disrespectful that two uppity bitches who refuse accept reality. I'm going to enjoy teaching these two bitches a lesson next week. Yanzel Holmes is welcome to join the fight. I'm sure he is looking forward to some payback for a few weeks back. Connor and Krown are stains Hannah. They need to be wiped out."
"Shadow," Hannah starts "I want to ask you just one more question. What are your thoughts on APW returning to the States since New Years?"
"Well Hannah, It's no secret that we are all looking forward to our flights. We've been on the road for six months. I even traveled to countries I'd never visited before. It was a great experience to branch out on APW's world tour. But regardless of where I've been, or where I will ever go in the future. There is no place like home Hannah."
Shadow smiles softly and picks up his duffle bag. He turns his back to Hannah Storm and begins walking down the hallway. The nostalgia in his voice resonated off the walls. Even Hannah Storm was ready to be Stateside. Shadow couldn't deny the things he learned on the road. He wont ever forget sitting on a crowded Costa Rican street with Buckson Gooch, laughing about the big tag match coming up. But Shadow was ready to be back in the U.S.; to be home. He wondered if that's where Slade was. He even wondered if that's where Dita was. Shadow turns the corner toward the parking lot as the camera fades to black.
Portland, Oregon
Sunday, May 26th
Shadow was the last one off the the plane. Althought he'd liked nothing more than to charge the plane and exit first, he had to face facts: Shadow was a big guy, this was not the biggest plane, and the only seat with leg spacing enough to accompdate his big ass frame was the aft row. Not seats, row. So Shadow requested a special flight. He last touched down at Tijuana International and changed planes, heading toward Portland International. Shadow was finally home. His hair was pulled into a pony tail, tucked through the back of his Trailblazer's basketball cap. Shadow fit right in. He was just taller than everyone else. Some people suspected he was a former Oregon State linebacker. This made Shadow smile. He hadn't forgotten how to blend into a crowd.
"Baggage Claim is on the 'LOWER' level."
English. He couldn't help but think to himself. Shadow was not fluent in any other language, he felt out of place while overseas. He loved the fans, but he really missed home. He'd shipped Baby home a week ago. She was in storage and he couldn't wait to go get her. But first he was here to work. Then he would go to Jericho and retrieve her. Shadow stepped on the escalator, descending to the ground floor of the airport. He inhaled that Oceanside air.
"The red zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only. There is no stopping in the white zone."
A male says over the announcement system. Shadow approaches the baggage claim and sees his duffle. He reaches down, hoists it up then turns for the exit. As he walks through thr sliding doors a female announcer says
"The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only. There is no stopping in the red zone."
Outside the rain drizzles. The scent of the sea salt rain was soothing. Shadow approached the street and hailed a cab and heads for his hotel. He has a match to prepare for.
Family emergency? Oh, come on! I knew that your father's were pussies, but I didn't guess it was their time of the month, too! So let me guess, they found out the literal "fruits" from their loins were about to get devastated by "Daddies" childhood nightmare and called you back to the nest. Right? Jeez. I was really looking forward to finding out what makes "Royal Blood" different from everyone else's regular blood. I mean, does it flow any different? There's a bunch of tests I wanted to run and you two bitches puss'ed out.
His voice becomes so happy but sarcastic at the same time.
But it's okay. You're on the menu tomorrow night! Hell, they even gave Yanzel Holmes the chance to redeem himself after that tag match with Warren Peace. No, Let me rephrase that with due respect to my partner, Hell Yes!
Big grin.
I mean it sir, It's an honor to shake your hand! For: what you did for the streets of L.A., what you selflessly gave to those communities, and the example you set for your children.
Shadow nods
Your grandpappy's a fine man. Hell if he ain't one Bad Mother Fucker. When this is over I'm going to send him something nice. In this business Yanzel, you cannot worry about hurting yourself. It's like quicksand. If you constantly worry about that, then you'll eventually make it happen. The only reason they are there is to remind you to always protect yourself out there. Our opponents this week, they are the reason we have to protect ourselves.
Royal Blood, Holy Grail, Jerk-Offs, it's all the same to me You two pretentious pontificating pricks have run your mouth to me for the last time. It's not what you said either. No it's the way you two bastards: look, dress, and carry yourselves; you disrespectful, second class, Un-Real-istic pricks.
Shadow's voice drips with disgust at the end there. He quickly switches back to a smile. He has respect for his partner.
Yanzel, because you used to be a cop; I say we show these two what Americans do with elitist hypocritical bastards. Why don't you show a little police brutality and I display some unnecessary force? Yanzel, I've noticed you've had a rough couple of weeks; however, I think your grandpappy set you right. You're a decent guy, you want to do right for your family; you need to help me snuff out these two stains to make the world a better place for your kids to live in. Because...
Shadow raps on his chest twice.
I have a dream. That your two identical little girls will live in a world where they will not be oppressed because of the status of their blood, but by the amount of ass their father whooped!
Smirk.
You damn straight. Yanzel I am looking forward to partnering with you tonight. You know why? Because you're in it tonight. You're ready. I saw you in the locker room a while back. I'm glad I got to shake your hand. We're going out there tonight, let's put those boys in their place!
Shadow paces for a moment.
Connor, Murph. Listen guys. It's not that I think that you suck. It's just I expected more from the two of you. I get it you're big on family, whatever happened last week that made you bail; whether it was your Dad's vagina's bleeding or your brother felt up another underage boy scout, I don't care.
Let me give you two geniuses a few tips. First, shave off that ridiculous pubic hair you call a beard. Seriously, I can't help but wonder if Connor's chin forest is just Gabe's ball bush, fresh off the bathroom floor. You two freaks disgust me. Second, stop dressing like fraternity sisters. Get yourself some professional wrestling attire. You think you're cool, prancing around in matching spandex? Not calling you fags or anything... no, you to bitches are fags.
He laughs.
I bet you won't even listen to me. I bet you're probably ignoring me. Yup, I know that while this promo plays, the two of you are just standing there wondering where you can find a closet to have "class" in when I'm done speaking. Let me ask you something, are your father's really proud of you?
No pause.
Nope, I doubt it. I wouldn't be. No, bullies are not worth taking pride in. And that's all you are. Bullies. You got the drop on Yanzel Holmes and jumped Warren Peace. Now you think you have what it takes to do the same to me? You need to brush up on your history boys. Meltdown is my territory.
Diamond Standard grin.
Meltdown! Daddy's home! I am here to Kick Ass!
