Post by Mad Mumf on Oct 9, 2013 19:57:22 GMT -4
Japan, home to one of the richest and most vibrant cultures in the world. It's a place where, when you leave the moderninzed and technologically advanced big cities, you can still find places that look much the way they did hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. You can find elements of the old world mingled with the new on a regular basis. Traditions from years gone by are upheld by some while new ideas and views and bits of creativity spring to life every day.
Oh sure, Japan has its bizarre side with its gameshows, city life, anime and manga subcultures, freaky porn and kink obsessions, and of course hentai. But hey, who doesn't enjoy a little tentacle porn from time to time, am I right? Even things such as that though speak to how open and diverse the culture is in Japan. There are the traditional parts of society, but when you look into the cities, where tradition is adapted to or not as important, you see people living their lives the way they want to live them.
Even their enjoyment of professional wrestling is entirely different from the rest of the modern world. They have a love for it, but they show a different appreciation for their superstars and show respect only to those who have earned it and who deserve it. Some fans would sooner sit there silent than cheer you if you have not earned their respect or approval.
In that way, and in so many ways, it's visible that Japanese society revolves greatly around honor and pride just as it has for centuries going back to the days of the Samurai, fierce warriors who were honor bound to the code by which they lived. It was this same honor and pride that eventually led an American soldier to visit Japan and to eventually come under the tutelage of an old man who still taught the ideals of Bushido and of the samurai. While he may not use a sword, those ideals still apply greatly to his day to day life as a fighter and a person.
The scene opens up to rural Japan, somewhere near Yokohama. The building in view is visibly old and the yard surrounding it is slightly overgrown, but somehow still well tended. The roads outside of wooden makeshift gates are all still made of the same dirt that ronin and farmer alike traveled hundreds of years ago. As the camera looks down along this road at the spread out and roughly built, yet warm and welcoming looking, houses we see Mumf come walking along the same path we're watching with a lightly packed drawstring bag draped over his shoulder.
He pauses at the gate with a smile, lightly touching the roughly carved wood that sits crooked on its hinges. He eases the gate open and begins walking along the carved path through the grass towards the front door of the hut. When he reaches the voice he knocks loudly and is immediately responded to by the aggravated obvious voice of an older man.
The owner of said voice eventually yanks the door open in a huff but breaks out in a nearly toothless grin and begins jabbering in a much more cheerful voice in spitfire rapid Japanese while walking into the house. Mumf can't help but laugh and follow the old man into the hut occasionally responding back in Japanese, though his words obviously lack a native touch, his ability to be well spoken in the language obvious as the scene fades to black.
As the scene fades back in, we see Mumf sitting on a wooden chair, sturdy but obviously aged as he speaks with the old man, now in English, in front of a warm and welcoming fireplace. In the background, there's an old CRT television with an advertisement playing for the upcoming APW event in Yokohama.
The old man jerks his thumb over his shoulder before speaking in a heavily accented English.
Old Man - So this is how you are putting your skills to use now, Adam? What happened to being a soldier and using your skills and my teachings to deal with the evil people that couldn't be dealt with by the typical guidelines?
Mumf - The honor in it faded away when myself and the other men on my team were asked to do dishonorable things for politcal reasons. Your teachings were part of the reason why I got out of there. I wasn't about to sacrifice my values and standards for the sake of a paycheck or for the sake of the orders from some man sitting behind a desk who'd never fought for anything in his life.
Old Man - Ah! So you were paying attention. I always had my doubts and had figured you were falling asleep when I was lecturing you.
Mumf - You weren't lecturing, my old friend. You were imparting wisdom and experience. I'd have been a fool not to listen to you.
The old man laughs with a smirk.
Old Man - You were a fool regardless, but you were willing to learn, and learn you did. That makes me proud as a teacher, though I've never thought of myself as much of one.
Mumf - And what about you? What have you been occupying your time doing since the last time I was here.
Old Man - Mostly yelling at children banging on my door or making too much noise outside. But I lecture them and teach them, much as I did with you.
Mumf - Does your family still visit?
Old Man - Sometimes, but not as much as I'd like. I'm not getting any younger and I'd like to spend some time with them before I die. But my son is always working, and they can't afford to have me live in the city, and neither can I, nor would I want to leave this place. This is my home and where I'd like to have my final rest. But enough of sad topics, tell me of this woman you are scheduled to fight. A man fighting a woman...not something to boast about to be sure...
Mumf - Yeah I'm never overly thrilled about being made to face a woman, but the women you see in this business are certainly not the gentle type who shirk away when threatened. These women are fighters and I've had my share of bumps, cuts, and bruises from matches with them. I learned a long time ago not to underestimate any woman I face or to let up on them at all. They knew what they were signing up for, and they come to the ring expecting a fight, so it would be wrong to deny it to them or to back down like a coward because they have a few extra parts than me and one part significantly less.
The old man laughs again.
Old Man - I've seen some who look like they may not be missing those parts if you were to go looking.
Mumf - I'd rather not go looking for anything on those type, thanks.
The old man chuckles again and then coughs a bit, covering his mouth while Mumf gives him a moment. When the old man pulls his hand away, there's a little spot of blood on his hand. Mumf looks at him after spotting it, his eyes wide.
Mumf - Did you just cough up blood?
Old Man - I did. I am afraid I have some bad news. I do not have much time left. A few months at best. It is some form of lung disease that the doctors can not treat. My son took me all the way to Tokyo to get it looked at, but they said there was nothing they could do for me except to ease my last few months. I am glad you visited when you did so I could at least see you and talk with you before I rest, though. I am old and weary and will welcome the long sleep, especially now that I've gotten to see one of my students again.
Mumf leans back in his chair, this new bit of news obviously hitting him hard as he runs a hand across his face.
Mumf - Did the doctors have any ideas on how to combat it? Perhaps some experimental procedures?
Old Man - I have lived long enough, Adam. There is no reason to prolong it or delay what happens to us all some time or another. They should save that effort for those who are younger and have longer to live. I am content. That reminds me. I have discussed it with my son and signed the necessary papers so that when I pass, I am going to leave you this house and all of my belongings in it.
Mumf - You can't do that, old man. What about your son.
Old Man - He's fine with it. It would be too much for him to manage this place and his home in the city. At least I know you will find some way to put it to good use and perhaps come here from time to time to calm yourself and also to remember me.
Mumf - I'd be honored.
The scene fades to black as the pair continue talking. We fade back into a new scene several days later with Mad Mumf sitting in a chair in a hotel room with a letter sitting on the table next to him. The fireplace in the suite is crackling quietly as he stares absentmindedly into the flames. The camera pans onto the sheet of paper and we learn that it is a notice of death for whom we can only assume is the old man he visited several days ago. Mumf remains quiet for a few more minutes before finally speaking in a low and calculated voice.
Mad Mumf - Greatness is something achieved through both words and actions over the course of many years. It doesn't necessarily mean being famous or renowned. It doesn't even mean having done things the world will know about forever. Sometimes it can be the impact on a single person's life or the teachings one has administered to a select few that makes that person great. I knew such a man and he died a day after I came to visit him. He was a friend, a mentor, and helped shape the warrior you see before you today. It is with him, and his teachings, in mind that I will aspire to my own goals of greatness and have an impact on those around me. I will achieve my goals and claim the prizes that I aspire to, beginning with a single match and ending with my name written into the stones of history in the APW. I will not rest, and I will not stop until that goal is accomplished, and even then I will continue, because there will always be more. There will always be another goal, and there will always be more greatness to achieve and more honor to attain.
In a matter of weeks, I'll be stepping into the ring against two men and having an opportunity to claim the Xtreme Title. It won't be easy, but nothing on the path to greatness, or in the earning of honor and respect ever is. It will be a night in hell for A.C. Smith and Leon Roberts, but when the dust clears, it is my hope to leave that building as a newly crowned champion.
In preparation for that, and before I ever get to that point, however, I have to keep my focus and my sights set on another opponent, a formidable woman in the form of Kaylyn James Evans. The girl knows how to fight, and I'm sure there have been times she's gotten pissed off by a male opponent underestimating her.
Let me assure you Kaylyn that you aren't going to have that problem this week. Outside the ring, you would NEVER catch me placing my hands on a woman, but once you step between those ropes you become something different. You become a competitor whose sex doesn't matter. You become a combatant in the eternal war for fame, glory, and greatness. You become just another victim...
See, I learned a very long time ago not to overlook or shirk away from a match because the person opposite me is a woman. I learned that lesson the hard way. I learned it at the hands of people like Sharlene Berger, Dark Angel, and most importantly, somebody I helped bring into this business, Kirsta Lewis. That woman turned on me and allied with me so many different times it made my head spin and even went so far as to stab me in the back several times. It was after one of those times that I learned the hard way that you cannot....CAN NOT treat any opponent in that ring differently based on what bits and pieces they have. I have scars to prove and remind me of those lessons learned. I've had my face burnt and I've been through hell and back again as a result, but not any more.
I'd be a fool to write you or anybody off in that ring, male, female, or transvestite. That's why, if you're not careful, you're going to find yourself leaving that ring looking like one of Chris Brown's girlfriends. You, male or female, are part of my preparation for stepping into the ring with two great competitors at One Night in Hell, and by any means, I am going to give you the beating of a lifetime. Momentum can be crucial in this business, as can confidence and preparedness.
I plan to come out there and show not just you, but my opponents at One Night in Hell just how well prepared I am. Just how ready for a fight I will be. And just how hungry for violence and bloodthirsty I have become. One Night in Hell may still be weeks away, but for you, Kaylyn James Evans, this Thursday night will be an extra special night in hell. I've come on this camera from time to time and joked around and been pretty cheeky and sarcastic, with a smile on my face and ready to crack fun at someone who deserves it.
You don't see me smiling right now, do you? No. You don't. Because I am dead serious. I'm serious about what I'm going to do to you. I'm serious about winning the Xtreme Title. I'm serious about hurting anyone who gets in my way as I climb to the top. And I'm sure as hell serious about enjoying each and every fight between then and now, you included.
So let's cast aside the obligatory, "don't underestimate me because I'm a woman" nonsense, let's forget about the fact that I am not ignoring you because of a title match that I have upcoming. Let's not even look at the fact that you don't want to be taken lightly in any way as a competitor. They're all non-factors. I am looking at you just as I would look at any title opportunity.
Why?
Because beating the hell out of you will prove a point, just like every match I win, every drop of blood I spill, and every opponent's bone that I shatter. Every single match I win and some of the ones I don't proves to those in the back with doubts that I am damn good at what I do and that some day, every single title holder in this company will need to face me down in that ring and be ready to have what they treasure wrenched from their grip as I raise my arm in victory and leave as a champion.
That road has already begun to be travelled and you are the next paving stone, Kaylyn James Evans. Be ready for me, because your night in hell starts tomorrow.
The scene fades back to black as Mumf leans back in his chair again and resumes staring into the flames.
Oh sure, Japan has its bizarre side with its gameshows, city life, anime and manga subcultures, freaky porn and kink obsessions, and of course hentai. But hey, who doesn't enjoy a little tentacle porn from time to time, am I right? Even things such as that though speak to how open and diverse the culture is in Japan. There are the traditional parts of society, but when you look into the cities, where tradition is adapted to or not as important, you see people living their lives the way they want to live them.
Even their enjoyment of professional wrestling is entirely different from the rest of the modern world. They have a love for it, but they show a different appreciation for their superstars and show respect only to those who have earned it and who deserve it. Some fans would sooner sit there silent than cheer you if you have not earned their respect or approval.
In that way, and in so many ways, it's visible that Japanese society revolves greatly around honor and pride just as it has for centuries going back to the days of the Samurai, fierce warriors who were honor bound to the code by which they lived. It was this same honor and pride that eventually led an American soldier to visit Japan and to eventually come under the tutelage of an old man who still taught the ideals of Bushido and of the samurai. While he may not use a sword, those ideals still apply greatly to his day to day life as a fighter and a person.
The scene opens up to rural Japan, somewhere near Yokohama. The building in view is visibly old and the yard surrounding it is slightly overgrown, but somehow still well tended. The roads outside of wooden makeshift gates are all still made of the same dirt that ronin and farmer alike traveled hundreds of years ago. As the camera looks down along this road at the spread out and roughly built, yet warm and welcoming looking, houses we see Mumf come walking along the same path we're watching with a lightly packed drawstring bag draped over his shoulder.
He pauses at the gate with a smile, lightly touching the roughly carved wood that sits crooked on its hinges. He eases the gate open and begins walking along the carved path through the grass towards the front door of the hut. When he reaches the voice he knocks loudly and is immediately responded to by the aggravated obvious voice of an older man.
The owner of said voice eventually yanks the door open in a huff but breaks out in a nearly toothless grin and begins jabbering in a much more cheerful voice in spitfire rapid Japanese while walking into the house. Mumf can't help but laugh and follow the old man into the hut occasionally responding back in Japanese, though his words obviously lack a native touch, his ability to be well spoken in the language obvious as the scene fades to black.
As the scene fades back in, we see Mumf sitting on a wooden chair, sturdy but obviously aged as he speaks with the old man, now in English, in front of a warm and welcoming fireplace. In the background, there's an old CRT television with an advertisement playing for the upcoming APW event in Yokohama.
The old man jerks his thumb over his shoulder before speaking in a heavily accented English.
Old Man - So this is how you are putting your skills to use now, Adam? What happened to being a soldier and using your skills and my teachings to deal with the evil people that couldn't be dealt with by the typical guidelines?
Mumf - The honor in it faded away when myself and the other men on my team were asked to do dishonorable things for politcal reasons. Your teachings were part of the reason why I got out of there. I wasn't about to sacrifice my values and standards for the sake of a paycheck or for the sake of the orders from some man sitting behind a desk who'd never fought for anything in his life.
Old Man - Ah! So you were paying attention. I always had my doubts and had figured you were falling asleep when I was lecturing you.
Mumf - You weren't lecturing, my old friend. You were imparting wisdom and experience. I'd have been a fool not to listen to you.
The old man laughs with a smirk.
Old Man - You were a fool regardless, but you were willing to learn, and learn you did. That makes me proud as a teacher, though I've never thought of myself as much of one.
Mumf - And what about you? What have you been occupying your time doing since the last time I was here.
Old Man - Mostly yelling at children banging on my door or making too much noise outside. But I lecture them and teach them, much as I did with you.
Mumf - Does your family still visit?
Old Man - Sometimes, but not as much as I'd like. I'm not getting any younger and I'd like to spend some time with them before I die. But my son is always working, and they can't afford to have me live in the city, and neither can I, nor would I want to leave this place. This is my home and where I'd like to have my final rest. But enough of sad topics, tell me of this woman you are scheduled to fight. A man fighting a woman...not something to boast about to be sure...
Mumf - Yeah I'm never overly thrilled about being made to face a woman, but the women you see in this business are certainly not the gentle type who shirk away when threatened. These women are fighters and I've had my share of bumps, cuts, and bruises from matches with them. I learned a long time ago not to underestimate any woman I face or to let up on them at all. They knew what they were signing up for, and they come to the ring expecting a fight, so it would be wrong to deny it to them or to back down like a coward because they have a few extra parts than me and one part significantly less.
The old man laughs again.
Old Man - I've seen some who look like they may not be missing those parts if you were to go looking.
Mumf - I'd rather not go looking for anything on those type, thanks.
The old man chuckles again and then coughs a bit, covering his mouth while Mumf gives him a moment. When the old man pulls his hand away, there's a little spot of blood on his hand. Mumf looks at him after spotting it, his eyes wide.
Mumf - Did you just cough up blood?
Old Man - I did. I am afraid I have some bad news. I do not have much time left. A few months at best. It is some form of lung disease that the doctors can not treat. My son took me all the way to Tokyo to get it looked at, but they said there was nothing they could do for me except to ease my last few months. I am glad you visited when you did so I could at least see you and talk with you before I rest, though. I am old and weary and will welcome the long sleep, especially now that I've gotten to see one of my students again.
Mumf leans back in his chair, this new bit of news obviously hitting him hard as he runs a hand across his face.
Mumf - Did the doctors have any ideas on how to combat it? Perhaps some experimental procedures?
Old Man - I have lived long enough, Adam. There is no reason to prolong it or delay what happens to us all some time or another. They should save that effort for those who are younger and have longer to live. I am content. That reminds me. I have discussed it with my son and signed the necessary papers so that when I pass, I am going to leave you this house and all of my belongings in it.
Mumf - You can't do that, old man. What about your son.
Old Man - He's fine with it. It would be too much for him to manage this place and his home in the city. At least I know you will find some way to put it to good use and perhaps come here from time to time to calm yourself and also to remember me.
Mumf - I'd be honored.
The scene fades to black as the pair continue talking. We fade back into a new scene several days later with Mad Mumf sitting in a chair in a hotel room with a letter sitting on the table next to him. The fireplace in the suite is crackling quietly as he stares absentmindedly into the flames. The camera pans onto the sheet of paper and we learn that it is a notice of death for whom we can only assume is the old man he visited several days ago. Mumf remains quiet for a few more minutes before finally speaking in a low and calculated voice.
Mad Mumf - Greatness is something achieved through both words and actions over the course of many years. It doesn't necessarily mean being famous or renowned. It doesn't even mean having done things the world will know about forever. Sometimes it can be the impact on a single person's life or the teachings one has administered to a select few that makes that person great. I knew such a man and he died a day after I came to visit him. He was a friend, a mentor, and helped shape the warrior you see before you today. It is with him, and his teachings, in mind that I will aspire to my own goals of greatness and have an impact on those around me. I will achieve my goals and claim the prizes that I aspire to, beginning with a single match and ending with my name written into the stones of history in the APW. I will not rest, and I will not stop until that goal is accomplished, and even then I will continue, because there will always be more. There will always be another goal, and there will always be more greatness to achieve and more honor to attain.
In a matter of weeks, I'll be stepping into the ring against two men and having an opportunity to claim the Xtreme Title. It won't be easy, but nothing on the path to greatness, or in the earning of honor and respect ever is. It will be a night in hell for A.C. Smith and Leon Roberts, but when the dust clears, it is my hope to leave that building as a newly crowned champion.
In preparation for that, and before I ever get to that point, however, I have to keep my focus and my sights set on another opponent, a formidable woman in the form of Kaylyn James Evans. The girl knows how to fight, and I'm sure there have been times she's gotten pissed off by a male opponent underestimating her.
Let me assure you Kaylyn that you aren't going to have that problem this week. Outside the ring, you would NEVER catch me placing my hands on a woman, but once you step between those ropes you become something different. You become a competitor whose sex doesn't matter. You become a combatant in the eternal war for fame, glory, and greatness. You become just another victim...
See, I learned a very long time ago not to overlook or shirk away from a match because the person opposite me is a woman. I learned that lesson the hard way. I learned it at the hands of people like Sharlene Berger, Dark Angel, and most importantly, somebody I helped bring into this business, Kirsta Lewis. That woman turned on me and allied with me so many different times it made my head spin and even went so far as to stab me in the back several times. It was after one of those times that I learned the hard way that you cannot....CAN NOT treat any opponent in that ring differently based on what bits and pieces they have. I have scars to prove and remind me of those lessons learned. I've had my face burnt and I've been through hell and back again as a result, but not any more.
I'd be a fool to write you or anybody off in that ring, male, female, or transvestite. That's why, if you're not careful, you're going to find yourself leaving that ring looking like one of Chris Brown's girlfriends. You, male or female, are part of my preparation for stepping into the ring with two great competitors at One Night in Hell, and by any means, I am going to give you the beating of a lifetime. Momentum can be crucial in this business, as can confidence and preparedness.
I plan to come out there and show not just you, but my opponents at One Night in Hell just how well prepared I am. Just how ready for a fight I will be. And just how hungry for violence and bloodthirsty I have become. One Night in Hell may still be weeks away, but for you, Kaylyn James Evans, this Thursday night will be an extra special night in hell. I've come on this camera from time to time and joked around and been pretty cheeky and sarcastic, with a smile on my face and ready to crack fun at someone who deserves it.
You don't see me smiling right now, do you? No. You don't. Because I am dead serious. I'm serious about what I'm going to do to you. I'm serious about winning the Xtreme Title. I'm serious about hurting anyone who gets in my way as I climb to the top. And I'm sure as hell serious about enjoying each and every fight between then and now, you included.
So let's cast aside the obligatory, "don't underestimate me because I'm a woman" nonsense, let's forget about the fact that I am not ignoring you because of a title match that I have upcoming. Let's not even look at the fact that you don't want to be taken lightly in any way as a competitor. They're all non-factors. I am looking at you just as I would look at any title opportunity.
Why?
Because beating the hell out of you will prove a point, just like every match I win, every drop of blood I spill, and every opponent's bone that I shatter. Every single match I win and some of the ones I don't proves to those in the back with doubts that I am damn good at what I do and that some day, every single title holder in this company will need to face me down in that ring and be ready to have what they treasure wrenched from their grip as I raise my arm in victory and leave as a champion.
That road has already begun to be travelled and you are the next paving stone, Kaylyn James Evans. Be ready for me, because your night in hell starts tomorrow.
The scene fades back to black as Mumf leans back in his chair again and resumes staring into the flames.
