Post by Cris on Jun 1, 2013 18:17:07 GMT -4
‘I already found the devil he’s my best friend - He taught me how to leave, but I don’t wanna end’
It was rare that Christian Kane found himself in the offices of his lawyer, agent and overall confidant Samuel Talbot these days. With Kane all over the place wrestling and Talbot just having gone through a messy divorce in Los Angeles the two never really had the time to meet. But there comes a time where you need to drop what you’re doing to attend to certain matters, and this was one of those matters. Normally it’d be Kane who’d arrange a meeting with Talbot, but this time it’s the other way round. Shaking his clients hand, Samuel motions for Kane to sit and he does so. After they’ve exchanged their greetings Talbot sinks his hands into his pocket, sighing deeply.
“Where is it going wrong here?”
Taken aback by the remark Kane’s demeanour suddenly changes. From a laid back position on the chair he now sits forward, choosing against standing.
“Excuse me?”
“Come on, Christian. Don’t play dumb with me.”
Samuel sits in his plush leather chair and rests his forearms on the desk. Staying silent, Christian stares daggers into the young LA lawyer.
“APW.”
Rolling his eyes, Kane leans back and folds his arms. A defensive yet nonchalant stance.
“So what?”
“So what...? Are you serious Christian? You don’t care about your reputation?”
“My reputation?” He chuckles slightly. “I’m with the Sindicate now. If you consider that to be damaging to my reputation then I may have to stop giving you the time of day.”
“Oh really? Well keep losing like you do and soon enough the Sindicate will be more than happy to kick you to the curb and forget about your entire existence.” Talbot clenches a fist, sighing as he tries to find the words. “You know who you’re running with here.”
Kane nods. “Yeah, I do. Or else I wouldn’t have allied myself with them. You of all people should know that you need to give me more credit when it comes to this.” He taps his temple. “I only make people think I’m stupid so I can use it to my advantage later.”
“Well it hasn’t worked here.” Talbot snips back, stopping Kane dead in his tracks. He was right. Completely right. The last match Christian Kane can remember winning was back in January. Whether that’s true or not is up to debate, but that’s what it feels like. A big win would be nice, but what he really needs is some consistency...momentum.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose Kane stares down at the floor. “Yeah. That’s gotta change.”
“It has to change and it will change. You’re a commodity. You’re a superstar.”
“I know. I’m all of those and more.”
“And what you have that most of these other guys don’t? Potential. We can both agree you’re in no way performing at your limit here, correct?”
Kane nods.
“Right. So if you’re pushing them to the limit while you yourself aren’t even going at 100%, just think of what you can do if you ARE going at 100%!” Talbot exclaims with enthusiasm. He just wants to see Christian do well. A lot of people do. But they’re not the ones that can change Kane. Only he can.
“I get it Christian. The money. It’s guaranteed. But the fame isn’t. The respect isn’t. You’ve worked a year short of a DECADE building your legacy. Every bead of sweat, all the blood you’ve lost, the tears you’ve cried - the countless trips to the hospital at 1am have all collectively built up to this point in your career. Action Packed Wrestling. And I’m sorry, but you’re fucking blowing it.” Samuel shakes his head. “Listen, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this, but you needed to he-”
“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW!?” Kane stands, takes a few steps and blasts a kick against the wall leaving a sizable hole. “Do you think it’s EASY to overcome this shit!? I’ve been victimized ever since I got to this fucking company. This place doesn’t owe me ANYTHING. I’ve told you time and time again, but you don’t seem to listen. The only people that listened to me were the Sindicate. Aubrey. They cared. They understood.”
“I know the busine-”
“The business has changed, Samuel. You’re younger than me and you can’t see that? You preach these shitty ideologies that your dad probably taught you when you were a kid, and simply put they’re nowhere near valid anymore. Fame, success, respect? It isn’t so black and white anymore. It’s a clusterfuck out there, Talbot. And I know I’m rapidly approaching waters edge. That’s why I grabbed onto a rock - the Sindicate. They, unlike many before them carry with them not only prestige, but stability. Stability that I’ll find nowhere else. I have all the time in the world to turn this around and I fucking will. Count on that.”
“Test for the Best...”
“Exactly.” He turns, inspecting the damaged wall as he continues to speak. “People can say what they like about me. That I’m a choke-artist. A fuck up.” Kane shakes his head. Clearly irritated. “I know what I’m capable of. As do the Sindicate. I’ve come so close to success too many times to not achieve it now. Samuel, this week on Raab-A-Mania or whatever they want to gimmick it as I will win my qualifying match and following that there will be no stopping me.”
“I’m convinced. But what...say...what if you lose?”
Kane closes his eyes momentarily. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. Nor should it yours, you asshole. If I lose...I do not see a future for myself in APW. I make enough money elsewhere for it not to be a major blow to my income.”
“Money...again...”
“It’s what it’s all about, Talbot. It’s what it’s always been about, clearly you didn’t get the memo.”
Burying his face in his hands for a second, Samuel is clearly frustrated by Kane. It’s like the Canadian Sensation knows what he has to do...yet is refusing to commit to it. “What happened to the wrestling?”
“That side of me died a long time ago, Sam, and you know that. When you’ve been in the business as long as me you see things. Bad things. Stay in the game too long, become overexposed to this shit and zap...the passions just seeps right out of a guy. First hand experience.”
“There’s nothing you can do to get that passion back?”
“When I become interested in this again, maybe.”
“The Sindicate doesn’t interest you?” Talbot asks rhetorically. “Federation wide domination?”
Kane turns towards the door. He’s heard enough. He’s seen enough. “Early days...I’ll send you a check for the wall.” With that, Christian walks out of the office, leaving a bewildered Talbot to lean back on his chair, reflecting on the conversation that’s just transpired.
♠♠♠
I get asked a lot why I don’t care anymore.
In fact, it’s all people ask me. Everytime I catch a flight and a fan approaches me in the airport the question arises, and really, I’ve never really had one singular answer. It’s a multitude of reasons, always has been - but this week - I may have found the reason. You see I wasn’t supposed to be wrestling on ‘Raab-A-Mania’ this week. Oh no, precious Kaylyn James Evans just had to wrestle - didn’t she? I was forgotten about. I was the afterthought I thought I’d never become, and yet when I thought this company couldn’t disrespect me further. When I thought there couldn’t be a general manager as incompetent as the last I’m proven wrong time and time again and I’ve had enough.
There’s your fucking reason. I’m a last minute REPLACEMENT. I should have to be jumping up and down on the sideline begging for the coach to put me in the game. I am the star fucking player and it’s about time everyone and their girlfriend’s realised it. I could throw a hissy fit. I could bitch, moan, whine and complain more than I already do but this week I’ve decided that I won’t. I’ll just respond to this blatant disrespect in the only from these idiots seem to understand - brutality.
I’m added into a Test for the Best qualifying match against Legion and Evan McDonald - two of the newest faces on this brand, and you know, it’s not so much I’m facing them, but it’s the fact I was drafted in at the last second to face them. What does that say about this company? How poorly run is it? I was angry for a long while, sure - but then it dawned on me how big an opportunity this is.
An opportunity to display my dominance. I am no gatekeeper, never have been, never will be, but on Sunday night I will happily play that role to welcome the pair to my show. I need a break. That...that much is clear. And this is my break. And I will break you, Evan. You can flaunt yourself around as the half-assed, cheap patriotic imitation of me that you are but that doesn’t change the fact that you my friend, are a goofy looking, non-talented waste of space. You do not belong in the same ring as me. You don’t belong on the same show as me, and hell, you don’t belong in the same company as me. It’s only a matter of time before you’re shown the door here and I will send you on your way with a smile on my face. The only reason you’re even here is because you’re tall and even then you could fight your way out of a wet paper bag. Everything I have seen from you is embarrassing and if I were to lose to you on Raab-A-Mania I will publicly fucking kill myself in the middle of the ring.
But you, Legion...you are more interesting. You like me have a reputation...a good one too and I know what you can do. But I also know that you’re not better than me. Then only reason why you’re here is because Aubs knocked you over the top rope, and the only reason you’re still here is because you’re too stubborn to call it quits. But that’s okay, because I’ll enjoy sharing the ring with another journeyman...but this’ll be your last. This’ll be your last because I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired with the way this company is run. You and I both know I won’t get anywhere by moaning about it, and as they say...actions speak louder than words.
So I’m sorry, to both of you, truly. I don’t mean to get your hopes up. But shit got real serious real fast, and I refuse to lose this match. This is the beginning of Test for the Best and kids...I am the best.
Soon enough, you’ll both see.
“Where is it going wrong here?”
Taken aback by the remark Kane’s demeanour suddenly changes. From a laid back position on the chair he now sits forward, choosing against standing.
“Excuse me?”
“Come on, Christian. Don’t play dumb with me.”
Samuel sits in his plush leather chair and rests his forearms on the desk. Staying silent, Christian stares daggers into the young LA lawyer.
“APW.”
Rolling his eyes, Kane leans back and folds his arms. A defensive yet nonchalant stance.
“So what?”
“So what...? Are you serious Christian? You don’t care about your reputation?”
“My reputation?” He chuckles slightly. “I’m with the Sindicate now. If you consider that to be damaging to my reputation then I may have to stop giving you the time of day.”
“Oh really? Well keep losing like you do and soon enough the Sindicate will be more than happy to kick you to the curb and forget about your entire existence.” Talbot clenches a fist, sighing as he tries to find the words. “You know who you’re running with here.”
Kane nods. “Yeah, I do. Or else I wouldn’t have allied myself with them. You of all people should know that you need to give me more credit when it comes to this.” He taps his temple. “I only make people think I’m stupid so I can use it to my advantage later.”
“Well it hasn’t worked here.” Talbot snips back, stopping Kane dead in his tracks. He was right. Completely right. The last match Christian Kane can remember winning was back in January. Whether that’s true or not is up to debate, but that’s what it feels like. A big win would be nice, but what he really needs is some consistency...momentum.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose Kane stares down at the floor. “Yeah. That’s gotta change.”
“It has to change and it will change. You’re a commodity. You’re a superstar.”
“I know. I’m all of those and more.”
“And what you have that most of these other guys don’t? Potential. We can both agree you’re in no way performing at your limit here, correct?”
Kane nods.
“Right. So if you’re pushing them to the limit while you yourself aren’t even going at 100%, just think of what you can do if you ARE going at 100%!” Talbot exclaims with enthusiasm. He just wants to see Christian do well. A lot of people do. But they’re not the ones that can change Kane. Only he can.
“I get it Christian. The money. It’s guaranteed. But the fame isn’t. The respect isn’t. You’ve worked a year short of a DECADE building your legacy. Every bead of sweat, all the blood you’ve lost, the tears you’ve cried - the countless trips to the hospital at 1am have all collectively built up to this point in your career. Action Packed Wrestling. And I’m sorry, but you’re fucking blowing it.” Samuel shakes his head. “Listen, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this, but you needed to he-”
“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW!?” Kane stands, takes a few steps and blasts a kick against the wall leaving a sizable hole. “Do you think it’s EASY to overcome this shit!? I’ve been victimized ever since I got to this fucking company. This place doesn’t owe me ANYTHING. I’ve told you time and time again, but you don’t seem to listen. The only people that listened to me were the Sindicate. Aubrey. They cared. They understood.”
“I know the busine-”
“The business has changed, Samuel. You’re younger than me and you can’t see that? You preach these shitty ideologies that your dad probably taught you when you were a kid, and simply put they’re nowhere near valid anymore. Fame, success, respect? It isn’t so black and white anymore. It’s a clusterfuck out there, Talbot. And I know I’m rapidly approaching waters edge. That’s why I grabbed onto a rock - the Sindicate. They, unlike many before them carry with them not only prestige, but stability. Stability that I’ll find nowhere else. I have all the time in the world to turn this around and I fucking will. Count on that.”
“Test for the Best...”
“Exactly.” He turns, inspecting the damaged wall as he continues to speak. “People can say what they like about me. That I’m a choke-artist. A fuck up.” Kane shakes his head. Clearly irritated. “I know what I’m capable of. As do the Sindicate. I’ve come so close to success too many times to not achieve it now. Samuel, this week on Raab-A-Mania or whatever they want to gimmick it as I will win my qualifying match and following that there will be no stopping me.”
“I’m convinced. But what...say...what if you lose?”
Kane closes his eyes momentarily. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. Nor should it yours, you asshole. If I lose...I do not see a future for myself in APW. I make enough money elsewhere for it not to be a major blow to my income.”
“Money...again...”
“It’s what it’s all about, Talbot. It’s what it’s always been about, clearly you didn’t get the memo.”
Burying his face in his hands for a second, Samuel is clearly frustrated by Kane. It’s like the Canadian Sensation knows what he has to do...yet is refusing to commit to it. “What happened to the wrestling?”
“That side of me died a long time ago, Sam, and you know that. When you’ve been in the business as long as me you see things. Bad things. Stay in the game too long, become overexposed to this shit and zap...the passions just seeps right out of a guy. First hand experience.”
“There’s nothing you can do to get that passion back?”
“When I become interested in this again, maybe.”
“The Sindicate doesn’t interest you?” Talbot asks rhetorically. “Federation wide domination?”
Kane turns towards the door. He’s heard enough. He’s seen enough. “Early days...I’ll send you a check for the wall.” With that, Christian walks out of the office, leaving a bewildered Talbot to lean back on his chair, reflecting on the conversation that’s just transpired.
♠♠♠
I get asked a lot why I don’t care anymore.
In fact, it’s all people ask me. Everytime I catch a flight and a fan approaches me in the airport the question arises, and really, I’ve never really had one singular answer. It’s a multitude of reasons, always has been - but this week - I may have found the reason. You see I wasn’t supposed to be wrestling on ‘Raab-A-Mania’ this week. Oh no, precious Kaylyn James Evans just had to wrestle - didn’t she? I was forgotten about. I was the afterthought I thought I’d never become, and yet when I thought this company couldn’t disrespect me further. When I thought there couldn’t be a general manager as incompetent as the last I’m proven wrong time and time again and I’ve had enough.
There’s your fucking reason. I’m a last minute REPLACEMENT. I should have to be jumping up and down on the sideline begging for the coach to put me in the game. I am the star fucking player and it’s about time everyone and their girlfriend’s realised it. I could throw a hissy fit. I could bitch, moan, whine and complain more than I already do but this week I’ve decided that I won’t. I’ll just respond to this blatant disrespect in the only from these idiots seem to understand - brutality.
I’m added into a Test for the Best qualifying match against Legion and Evan McDonald - two of the newest faces on this brand, and you know, it’s not so much I’m facing them, but it’s the fact I was drafted in at the last second to face them. What does that say about this company? How poorly run is it? I was angry for a long while, sure - but then it dawned on me how big an opportunity this is.
An opportunity to display my dominance. I am no gatekeeper, never have been, never will be, but on Sunday night I will happily play that role to welcome the pair to my show. I need a break. That...that much is clear. And this is my break. And I will break you, Evan. You can flaunt yourself around as the half-assed, cheap patriotic imitation of me that you are but that doesn’t change the fact that you my friend, are a goofy looking, non-talented waste of space. You do not belong in the same ring as me. You don’t belong on the same show as me, and hell, you don’t belong in the same company as me. It’s only a matter of time before you’re shown the door here and I will send you on your way with a smile on my face. The only reason you’re even here is because you’re tall and even then you could fight your way out of a wet paper bag. Everything I have seen from you is embarrassing and if I were to lose to you on Raab-A-Mania I will publicly fucking kill myself in the middle of the ring.
But you, Legion...you are more interesting. You like me have a reputation...a good one too and I know what you can do. But I also know that you’re not better than me. Then only reason why you’re here is because Aubs knocked you over the top rope, and the only reason you’re still here is because you’re too stubborn to call it quits. But that’s okay, because I’ll enjoy sharing the ring with another journeyman...but this’ll be your last. This’ll be your last because I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired with the way this company is run. You and I both know I won’t get anywhere by moaning about it, and as they say...actions speak louder than words.
So I’m sorry, to both of you, truly. I don’t mean to get your hopes up. But shit got real serious real fast, and I refuse to lose this match. This is the beginning of Test for the Best and kids...I am the best.
Soon enough, you’ll both see.
