Post by Mark Mania on Aug 25, 2010 14:37:02 GMT -4
It's true what they say. All good things must come to an end. Nothing lasts forever. All of these cliches that we deal with day in and day out. Now, while all good things may come to an end, when that end happens, is up to you. Because these cliches seem to indicate that losing is okay. That bad things happen to good people. That even if you lose something..."nothing lasts forever." But now, what is forever? Who can measure...forever? What if I consider "forever" to be my entire career? What if I consider "forever" to be my entire life, what if I consider "forever" to merely be the time that I spend in APW? Does that mean that nothing can last up until the end of my time in APW? Does that go on to mean, that my time with the Xtreme Title is destined to come to an end? Of course it does! But it doesn't mean now. Oh hell no, it does not mean now. Beaten and bruised, battered to within an inch of my life last week, but this does not mean that my time with the Xtreme Title is over. There is unfinished business. I cannot and will not be a one and done champion. I have proven than I am "crazy". I have proven that I am "xtreme". And I have proven, that I can beat "Victor Hades". Hades and I have been going back and forth for months now. By back and forth, of course I mean, Victor Hades has been on the losing side of our matches for months now. Some people would say that this just means he has something to prove now, some people would say that I'm getting too far ahead of myself, some people would say I've never beaten him one on one. Well, some people are real dumb. Because I am not counting Victor Hades out of this match, but I know I can beat him, and that is something that Victor Hades cannot say.
The hospital smells terrible. There is no other way to describe it. It smells like death, old people, and urine. Even in a private room set aside for the affluent crowd, it still smells awful. Crazy Joe is laying in a hospital bed, brace around his neck, cast on his left leg that is elevated slightly, and still the mask on, unflinching. Oddly enough Crazy Joe seems to have a distinctive smile. He's sitting up in the bed staring into nothingness. He knows that Sunday is only a few days away now. He knows that he's going to need to be in top shape to be able to beat Victor Hades, and he also knows that due to the hands of Mark Mania, he will not be able to be in top shape. The doctors have said that the cast must remain on for two weeks and he won't be able to bend his neck for at least a week. All of this sounds deflating to Crazy Joe, but, staying true to his name, he has no plans of giving up and allowing Victor Hades to take his title. Crazy Joe knows that he is in pain, but, he also knows that he's seen worse. He's seen far worse. He's won matches feeling far worse than he is now. Victor Hades will be a challenge, but it will not be impossible.
Crazy Joe is lonely in the hospital room. Emily, his assistant and Crazy Joe hopes, a little more than his assistant, has been gone for many hours now. She has a difficult time seeing Crazy Joe like this has there are definite feelings attached to what should have been a work relationship. Emily understands the profession and understands when Crazy Joe gets hurt in the ring it's part of the job. But what she refuses to understand is how Crazy Joe can continually be attacked week after week outside of the ring. Champion with a target on his back is one thing, but this is ridiculous. Is what she continually says to Crazy Joe. Crazy Joe knows this, and he feels bad putting Emily through everything that she's been through, especially when he's the one controlling it all. His life is his own playground, and currently, everyone is a pawn in his giant chess game of life. Crazy Joe understands that everything must happen for a reason, and that, good things come to those who wait. But Shockwave has been a long time coming. Even before he became the Xtreme Champion, Shockwave was significant. The biggest event of the summer for APW, Crazy Joe had no plans of letting down the APW fans this coming Shockwave. Crazy Joe knows that this will be a Shockwave that he, Victor Hades, and all of APW will never forget.
It's too simple to just say what will happen, so rather, Crazy Joe likes to play along in this chess game of life, not letting on to the fact the he is not the King, the Queen, or a bishop or a knight. He is the player, and he is controlling all of the pieces on the board, not just the pawns... But it is the pawns, like Victor Hades, that must fall in the battle. Chess is an interesting game, because you cannot just react to a singular move. You must know what move is coming and have a plan of how to counter, and you must know the next move that is coming as well. You need to always be steps ahead of your opponent or you will lose. Chess is a lot like wrestling in that way. You learn your opponent, you understand how he works, how he moves, and what is coming next. Crazy Joe understands this, which is why he feels as though he has the upper hand coming into Shockwave. He and Victor Hades have been in the ring with each other many times now. Never one on one, but, when Crazy Joe is in a match, he prepares for everyone in that match regardless of it's one on one, two on two, or four people all against each other. Crazy Joe understands that knowing your opponent is the key to victory. Crazy Joe has successfully beaten Victor Hades three times now. Twice in a tag team match and once in an Xtreme Scramble match...At the last pay-per-view. Crazy Joe also understands that when you are on the brightest stage, that is when you must fight your hardest. There is no brighter stage than a pay-per-view, which is why, through the first two pay-per-views that Crazy Joe has been a part of, he is undefeated. He has no plans of messing up that streak now at Shockwave against Victor Hades. Despite the fact, that some people, believe he is the underdog.
This confuses Crazy Joe mightily. Crazy Joe is currently the Xtreme Champion, Victor Hades was one of the people he beat to become the Xtreme Champion, and Victor Hades has gone 0-3 against Crazy Joe in his career. However, some people believe Crazy Joe winning, would be some sort of an upset. There is upset involved here, because it's how Crazy Joe feels. Through tireless efforts and through winning the Xtreme Titles, beating Michael Lively, beating the Overdrive Champion, and having a target on his back for nearly two months, he has not flinched once. He has not showed signs of weakness or of lack of commitment. Crazy Joe has dedicated himself to APW, to the craft of wrestling, and to letting everyone know that "he is one bad motha' fucka', that don't take, no crap, from nobody!" Well, that is how the movie Cool Runnings would put it anyways. Crazy Joe has been working hard to prove that his name means something in APW, and so help him God, he is not going to "upset" Victor Hades, he is going to beat him, retain his championship belt, and leave Victor Hades to wonder why his opponent was ever considered an underdog.
Crazy Joe has been here before though. He started off as an unknown, he started off with no one what to expect from him. A few tough weeks in, and then Crazy Joe was merely an afterthought. People thought he would remain at the bottom of the barrel after losing to Michael Lively at Test for the Best. He was the big underdog, especially with not only Michael Lively in the match, but also, the big bad Victor Hades. Crazy Joe was lucky just to compete with those guys. But then, Crazy Joe proved everyone wrong. Crazy Joe gave one hell of a performance that could not, and would not be ignored. He wore his title proudly, and had no intentions of ever giving it up. Which is still how he feels now. Now that it is "his" title. HE is the Xtreme Champion, not Michael Lively, not Victor Hades, but HE is the one who wears the championship belt around his waist. And it is HE who will walk out of Shockwave with the belt around his waist.
Crazy Joe already feels as though he's been in the hospital for too long. Despite the neck brace and cast, he just wants to get into his gym and begin preparing for this match. Laying on his back will do nothing for preparation. Though, Crazy Joe knows that he has been preparing for months for this moment. The true revelation about Crazy Joe and about his abilities, his desire, and his damn determination. The past has arose quickly for Crazy Joe. It is not only in his dreams that he has memories now. Crazy Joe remembers most things. But this is neither the time nor the place to go into long winded memories and stories from the past, for all these things will come in time. Right now, it is only about Crazy Joe needing Emily to get back soon so that he can get the hell out of this hospital and back to his house to cut off this cast and get to work.
Mercifully, as if Emily could hear his thoughts, she knocked quietly on the door.
Sir, are you awake?
She always calls him Sir now. Crazy Joe feels bad about it, because he wishes that she could call him by his real name, but he did not feel that it was right yet. Also, he hated the name "Joe". It was just so basic. Crazy Joe was a name invented in Japan for no other reason than to capitalize on the hardcore environment.
Yes, Emily, I'm fine, please come in.
Emily entered into the room and, looking stunningly as always, proceeded to shut the door behind her and bring a book and some water for Crazy Joe.
Thanks Em, but I'm not going to need the book, I have to get out of here.
Crazy Joe knows this request will not sit well with Emily, but, there is know other option. Crazy Joe reaches for the water as Emily still stars blankly at him.
Get out of here? Have you lost your mind? Your kneecap is dislodged, your ankle is broken, and you can't move your neck! What are you thinking?
I'm thinking that I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that I leave Shockwave with the Xtreme Championship.
Oh really? You could've fooled me. I thought you were thinking that you would do whatever is necessary to permanently injure yourself and ruin your career entirely.
Crazy Joe had never thought of this. Was that what "forever" meant? Could "forever" come far sooner than he expected? One long-term injury and the prospect of forever would rage ever closer?
Em, I'm fine. I've been through worse, and I've fought on worse.
On worse!? You can't even stand on your damn leg or look left to right! What is Victor Hades going to think when he sees you hobbling down to the ring with crutches at your sides?
He's going to think he has the match won. Which is exactly what I want him to think. I want him to believe that because I am crippled and hobbled up that there is no chance that I will be able to win the match. Keep in mind, crutches could be an advantage, this is an Xtreme match.
Crazy Joe smiles at this statement, hoping for the same back from Emily. The smile is not reciprocated however and so Crazy Joe's fades quickly as well.
Listen, it's going to be fine. A few timely shots with the crutches to Victor Hades, than a nice big Crazy DDT and Victor Hades will be laid out and I'll walk away, still champion.
You're unbelievable! You have got to be out of your damn mind. I can't help you out of here! I don't support this.
Emily, I don't pay you to support my decisions, I just pay you to do what I need you to do.
Crazy Joe didn't like playing this card because it made their relationship more about work than anything else, and it didn't want Emily to think she had no say in the relationship, but, he had to get out, there was nothing he could do, he needed to get home.
Emily offered a huff and then looked at Crazy Joe disapprovingly. Even with this look though, she still began to get Crazy Joe's clothes ready and helped him get ready to try and get out of the bed.
Thanks Emily, I know that you're upset, but, I can't risk not being ready.
You're risking a lot worse.
Emily said this under her breath, but Crazy Joe still heard it. After a while of preparation Crazy Joe was finally ready to attempt getting out of his bed and out of the hospital. Emily is carrying all of Crazy Joe's stuff as Crazy Joe attempts to stand up on his one "good" leg. Because even though it is far better than the broken ankle and dislodged knee cap of it's partner, his left leg was still is bad shape. Crazy Joe crawled out and got his balance under his one good leg and his crutches. He began walking on the crutches around the bed and towards Emily and the door.
This is such a bad idea.
Crazy Joe knew that Emily believed this. She couldn't understand what was truly going on. However, at the end of it all it would become apparent to her. She wouldn't be happy, but at least all the lies could finally stop.
Crazy Joe was working hard to rely on his crutches and still nurse his neck as he walked out the door. It had been awhile since Crazy Joe was on crutches, but, navigating around on crutches in like riding a bike, and quickly Crazy Joe was making his way comfortably down the hallway towards the exit. Emily was by her side, not doing a good job to look inconspicuous. Crazy Joe wondered if she was almost trying to draw attention to them so that someone would come and put him back in his bed. Although, Crazy Joe didn't need any help drawing attention to himself as he was a big, toned, man, wearing a mask. Crazy Joe was used to getting stared at, used to the insults at the mask. Used to it all by now. And this was no different, as each person he walked by, patient, nurse, or doctor all stared at him as if he was some kind of a freak. Although, apparently luck was on their side, as they made it out of the hospital and to Emily's car without being stopped.
Thanks Em.
Emily ignores this comment and starts the car and begins driving. It takes Crazy Joe a few seconds to get his barrings underneath him and realize whats going on. He's sitting an old Saturn, that despite Emily's best attempts to keep looking like new, has a distinct look of old on it. Crazy Joe has gotten used to transportation via limo, or ambulance, as has been occurring as of late.
Do I not pay you enough? Why are you driving around this crappy little car?
It's not crappy! I've had this car since I was 16!
I can tell. But wouldn't you prefer a new car, like one of those hybrid things?
I don't need a new car, I'm doing perfectly fine with this one. Sorry that I can't cater to your every whim and have a giant limo waiting for you.
Crazy Joe understood she was upset, but this seemed to be a little far. He wasn't doing anything that out of the ordinary, just escaping a hospital so he could train for his match. That warrants being upset a little bit, but, this has just gone too far in his mind. He considers getting into an argument with her about her being upset, but realizes this is a bit redundant and tries to take another course.
So, you live with me, have had the same car for seven years, and I pay for all the food. What do you do with the money that I pay you?
Emily looks at him angrily. But then apparently realizes that she's not too sure what she spends her money on.
Uh, my cell phone, gas?
That's the best you got? Cell phone and gas. What is that $200 a month total? Are you kidding me? So you are just making absolute bank every week. Hell, good for you.
I pay for things when I need to, my entire life doesn't just always revolve around you!
Really? I can't think of a time when we weren't together.
Emily looks at him shocked.
You can't think of a single time!? Really? How about last week when you disappeared for five days, what do you think I did, sat in the doorway waiting for you to come home.
Crazy Joe did not see that coming, because admittedly, he had forgotten. Well, originally he had forgotten, what he was doing became apparent while he was in the hospital. But again, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss what he was doing when he was away.
I told you Emily! I just had some things to take care of.
It was a lie when he told her that last week, and it was a lie again this week.
But that's not what is important, I just want to make sure that you're taken care of, and now I see that you are more than taken care of.
Yes, I'm doing well sir. Thank you for asking.
Crazy Joe couldn't help but to hear the sarcasm in her voice, but figured sarcasm was better than anger, and decided to push along.
Well, I always worry about you Em.
Crazy Joe quickly learned this was the wrong thing to say at this time.
You!? You worry about me!? Are you kidding, I sit backstage and watch you get repeatedly attacked and get into Xtreme matches and look like you're not going to make it out alive, and you worry about me!? You have been attacked basically every week since you've had that Xtreme title, and you're worried about me!?
I tell you Em, you don't need to worry about me, I'm fine.
Again, Crazy Joe realizes this was the wrong thing to say as Emily looked at him up and down, in his cast and neck brace.
Yeah, you seem perfectly fine. Good thing you told me last week that I didn't have anything to worry about. You were really right about that. When did you realize that you were completely wrong? When Mark Mania was throwing you against the wall, busting your knee cap, just basically guaranteeing you'd live a shorter life.
Crazy Joe smirked, but immediately knew that was the wrong thing to do and he stopped quickly enough that Emily missed it. Crazy Joe rubbed the back of his neck that had the brace on it to try and make it less stiff.
How am I supposed to expect that some mad man who came out of no where would have a personal vendetta against me?
Because apparently everyone has a personal vendetta against you!
She did have a point though, Cooper Conrad, Victor Hades, and now Mark Mania had all been gunning for him at one point. Even the Overdrive Champion Shaun Kilgore and his posse were going after him at some point. He knew he had a target on his back, but, he couldn't help but think that he was going to be perfectly fine.
Emily, I've told you before, all of that is taken care of. Shaun Kilgore has his hands more than full with Bryan Payne, the Sports Nutz are busy enough trying to win the tag titles, and Cooper Conrad has already lost his mind. It's down to me and Victor Hades.
And Mark Mania.
Right, and Mark Mania. But, screw that guy. He hasn't done anything to deserve my attention.
Emily looks at him again astonished. As Emily knows that the only reason that Crazy Joe is in a cast and neck brace is because of Mark Mania. Crazy Joe can see the look in Emily's face.
Oh well, this of course. But I mean, the guy hasn't even stepped into a ring yet, what do I care what he does. I'm sure he'll try to interfere at Shockwave too. But, I can't worry myself with him, Victor Hades is the only man that is getting my attention right now, and he's the only one who will be in severe pain come Shockwave.
Save it for when we get home. If you're going to do this, you might as well give it your all.
This is why Crazy Joe really liked Emily, even when she was clearly upset, she still supported him and wanted to see him succeed. Someone wanting you to succeed is one of the most important parts of a relationship. And Emily, despite her wish that Crazy Joe would accept the fact he had a target on his back and be more careful, still always wanted Crazy Joe to succeed and supported him.
You're right. But I'm nice and ready to go. This should be a blast.
Crazy Joe was truly excited for this match. A nice, one on one match, no added drama, no worrying about who was pinning who or what else was happening outside of him and Victor Hades. This time there would be no doubt about it. If Crazy Joe could walk away with a victory here, he would be the undisputed champion and the two month era of Crazy Joe vs. Victor Hades would finally be over.
Crazy Joe contemplated this more as they finally arrived at his house after a drive that felt like it went on for far too long. They parked and Crazy Joe started to get out of the car. He put both feet on the ground, but quickly realized the cast and grabbed his crutches and began walking towards the front door. Emily rushed ahead of him to open the door and Crazy Joe walked into his house looking as immaculate as it did after he had disappeared for five days last week. Clearly this is what Emily was doing while he has been in the hospital.
Em, the place looks amazing as ever, you know, you don't need to go insane on the cleaning every time I'm gone.
Cleaning helps me forget, deal with it.
I don't mind dealing with an incredibly clean place one bit.
This back and forth between him and Emily was taxing on him, but he took solace in the fact that Sunday was right around the corner and everything would make sense to Emily then.
Emily went to get the voice recorder as she always does for Crazy Joe, because Crazy Joe likes to listen to himself after each time he delivers his message to his opponent. It's something of an obsessive compulsive disorder, but it helps him think, and Crazy Joe always figures, whatever helps, helps.
Emily returns from the other room with the voice recorder as Crazy Joe is settling into his desk laying the crutches to his side. Crazy Joe feels the neck brace trying to see where it hurts when he applies pressure. He decides that there is not enough pain when he's just looking forward to warrant him having the neck brace on any more. But when he begins to remove it, Emily offers an angry glance motions for him to put it back on. Realizing that he's upset her enough today, he decides that he'll keep it on. Emily begins the recorder and Crazy Joe readies himself.
Another week, another victory for Crazy Joe. Sure, Bryan Payne helped, there can be no denying this. But, my opponents were defeated, and I continue to work my way through this company and show everyone from the top brass to the nobodies like Branden Harvey that you do not mess with Crazy Joe. Mark Mania will find that out soon enough. But I cannot worry about Mark Mania now, because only one man stands in my way right now and that man is Victor Hades.
Hades, again, you were showed up by me, again, you were on the losing end while I walked out the winner. You know, our little feud would be a lot more fun if I was ever actually in danger of losing to you. I was under the impression that all the great rivalries involved winning and losing by both sides. Red Sox and Yankees was a one way rivalry for quite awhile, but the Red Sox ended up storming back against the Yankees and made the rivalry interesting. The Celtics and Lakers in the 80's went back and forth for quite awhile, and even going back and forth now in the 2000's. But what will people remember of Crazy Joe and Victor Hades? Well, they'll remember Crazy Joe, that's for sure. Your comeback has been a little less than you expected eh Hades? Everyone heralds you as the biggest villain in wrestling. They claim that you are the quintessential "bad guy". Now, while I'm no super hero, I do wear a mask, and have a secret identity. So I'm right there with you big guy.
The interesting thing about hero's and villains though, is that the villains always lose. Good guys win, bad guys lose, end of story. Haven't you ever watched Batman? It looks like Joker, the Penguin, or Two-Face have the upper hand for awhile, then, when the rubber hits the road, Batman comes through and makes the villain look like a moron. It's getting pretty close to that time for you Hades. Everyone is on your side, everyone is convinced that you are the better man here. It's time for the hero to come and save the day from the evil Victor Hades.
You can be deranged, you can be insane, hell, you can even be committed to a mental institution. I don't give a damn. Because when we're in that ring, I can go just as far as you. I can give it my all just like you, I can lay in a pool of my own blood, and get right back up, blood draining from my body, and make you pay for what you've done. You're sick and sadistic? Bring it on Victor. I'm not afraid of sick and sadistic. I've seen sick and sadistic, hell I've been sick and sadistic. You can't be an Xtreme Champion without getting yourself into "Xtreme" situations. I've been on the wrong side of many xtreme matches that people said I should not be able to walk away from. Yet, here I am, maybe not 100%, but here I am.
So you can come out, try and kill me, try and destroy me, and I will get right the hell back up. You can beat me down with whatever weapon you can find. Chairs, baseball bats, ladders, trash cans, tables, the list can go on forever. I don't care, I'm not worried about what you bring to the table, because, as I've said many, many times before, I'm not worried about the great Victor Hades. I am not scared by the great Victor Hades. The most heralded come back since Streets Wilson, Mr. Victor Hades is no match for Crazy Joe. You can be one Xtreme son of a bitch, but I am the MOST Xtreme son of a bitch, as you can tell from this wonderful title that I have. You had your chance at this title, you had the opportunity to take this title from Michael Lively and call it your own. But you failed. Just like you did last week Victor. You failed.
Sunday is a mere few days away Hades. Victory is in both of our views now. Anything could happen from here. What is going to matter is who is better, who wants it more, and who can take more pain than the other. Sick and sadistic versus Crazy. Which will prevail to walk away with the title after Shockwave? They say that "To the victor go the spoils." But, they're very wrong about this cliche, for it shall go "To the Crazy go the spoils."
With this Crazy Joe sits back in his chair, and breathes deeply. Emily reaches up and stops the voice recorder. She is more at ease than she was before Crazy Joe had started talking because she can tell that Crazy Joe is motivated, and despite any injuries he may have, he will not give up until he is victorious in his match against Victor Hades.
Crazy Joe notices that Emily is happier and this puts a smile on his face. This smile is forced however, as he knows that a lot of things are going to happen in the next week, and that he and Emily's relationship may never be the same. He also knows that Victor Hades is one hell of a competitor. But, luckily, for Crazy Joe anyways, he knows this, and is ready for this.
The hospital smells terrible. There is no other way to describe it. It smells like death, old people, and urine. Even in a private room set aside for the affluent crowd, it still smells awful. Crazy Joe is laying in a hospital bed, brace around his neck, cast on his left leg that is elevated slightly, and still the mask on, unflinching. Oddly enough Crazy Joe seems to have a distinctive smile. He's sitting up in the bed staring into nothingness. He knows that Sunday is only a few days away now. He knows that he's going to need to be in top shape to be able to beat Victor Hades, and he also knows that due to the hands of Mark Mania, he will not be able to be in top shape. The doctors have said that the cast must remain on for two weeks and he won't be able to bend his neck for at least a week. All of this sounds deflating to Crazy Joe, but, staying true to his name, he has no plans of giving up and allowing Victor Hades to take his title. Crazy Joe knows that he is in pain, but, he also knows that he's seen worse. He's seen far worse. He's won matches feeling far worse than he is now. Victor Hades will be a challenge, but it will not be impossible.
Crazy Joe is lonely in the hospital room. Emily, his assistant and Crazy Joe hopes, a little more than his assistant, has been gone for many hours now. She has a difficult time seeing Crazy Joe like this has there are definite feelings attached to what should have been a work relationship. Emily understands the profession and understands when Crazy Joe gets hurt in the ring it's part of the job. But what she refuses to understand is how Crazy Joe can continually be attacked week after week outside of the ring. Champion with a target on his back is one thing, but this is ridiculous. Is what she continually says to Crazy Joe. Crazy Joe knows this, and he feels bad putting Emily through everything that she's been through, especially when he's the one controlling it all. His life is his own playground, and currently, everyone is a pawn in his giant chess game of life. Crazy Joe understands that everything must happen for a reason, and that, good things come to those who wait. But Shockwave has been a long time coming. Even before he became the Xtreme Champion, Shockwave was significant. The biggest event of the summer for APW, Crazy Joe had no plans of letting down the APW fans this coming Shockwave. Crazy Joe knows that this will be a Shockwave that he, Victor Hades, and all of APW will never forget.
It's too simple to just say what will happen, so rather, Crazy Joe likes to play along in this chess game of life, not letting on to the fact the he is not the King, the Queen, or a bishop or a knight. He is the player, and he is controlling all of the pieces on the board, not just the pawns... But it is the pawns, like Victor Hades, that must fall in the battle. Chess is an interesting game, because you cannot just react to a singular move. You must know what move is coming and have a plan of how to counter, and you must know the next move that is coming as well. You need to always be steps ahead of your opponent or you will lose. Chess is a lot like wrestling in that way. You learn your opponent, you understand how he works, how he moves, and what is coming next. Crazy Joe understands this, which is why he feels as though he has the upper hand coming into Shockwave. He and Victor Hades have been in the ring with each other many times now. Never one on one, but, when Crazy Joe is in a match, he prepares for everyone in that match regardless of it's one on one, two on two, or four people all against each other. Crazy Joe understands that knowing your opponent is the key to victory. Crazy Joe has successfully beaten Victor Hades three times now. Twice in a tag team match and once in an Xtreme Scramble match...At the last pay-per-view. Crazy Joe also understands that when you are on the brightest stage, that is when you must fight your hardest. There is no brighter stage than a pay-per-view, which is why, through the first two pay-per-views that Crazy Joe has been a part of, he is undefeated. He has no plans of messing up that streak now at Shockwave against Victor Hades. Despite the fact, that some people, believe he is the underdog.
This confuses Crazy Joe mightily. Crazy Joe is currently the Xtreme Champion, Victor Hades was one of the people he beat to become the Xtreme Champion, and Victor Hades has gone 0-3 against Crazy Joe in his career. However, some people believe Crazy Joe winning, would be some sort of an upset. There is upset involved here, because it's how Crazy Joe feels. Through tireless efforts and through winning the Xtreme Titles, beating Michael Lively, beating the Overdrive Champion, and having a target on his back for nearly two months, he has not flinched once. He has not showed signs of weakness or of lack of commitment. Crazy Joe has dedicated himself to APW, to the craft of wrestling, and to letting everyone know that "he is one bad motha' fucka', that don't take, no crap, from nobody!" Well, that is how the movie Cool Runnings would put it anyways. Crazy Joe has been working hard to prove that his name means something in APW, and so help him God, he is not going to "upset" Victor Hades, he is going to beat him, retain his championship belt, and leave Victor Hades to wonder why his opponent was ever considered an underdog.
Crazy Joe has been here before though. He started off as an unknown, he started off with no one what to expect from him. A few tough weeks in, and then Crazy Joe was merely an afterthought. People thought he would remain at the bottom of the barrel after losing to Michael Lively at Test for the Best. He was the big underdog, especially with not only Michael Lively in the match, but also, the big bad Victor Hades. Crazy Joe was lucky just to compete with those guys. But then, Crazy Joe proved everyone wrong. Crazy Joe gave one hell of a performance that could not, and would not be ignored. He wore his title proudly, and had no intentions of ever giving it up. Which is still how he feels now. Now that it is "his" title. HE is the Xtreme Champion, not Michael Lively, not Victor Hades, but HE is the one who wears the championship belt around his waist. And it is HE who will walk out of Shockwave with the belt around his waist.
Crazy Joe already feels as though he's been in the hospital for too long. Despite the neck brace and cast, he just wants to get into his gym and begin preparing for this match. Laying on his back will do nothing for preparation. Though, Crazy Joe knows that he has been preparing for months for this moment. The true revelation about Crazy Joe and about his abilities, his desire, and his damn determination. The past has arose quickly for Crazy Joe. It is not only in his dreams that he has memories now. Crazy Joe remembers most things. But this is neither the time nor the place to go into long winded memories and stories from the past, for all these things will come in time. Right now, it is only about Crazy Joe needing Emily to get back soon so that he can get the hell out of this hospital and back to his house to cut off this cast and get to work.
Mercifully, as if Emily could hear his thoughts, she knocked quietly on the door.
Sir, are you awake?
She always calls him Sir now. Crazy Joe feels bad about it, because he wishes that she could call him by his real name, but he did not feel that it was right yet. Also, he hated the name "Joe". It was just so basic. Crazy Joe was a name invented in Japan for no other reason than to capitalize on the hardcore environment.
Yes, Emily, I'm fine, please come in.
Emily entered into the room and, looking stunningly as always, proceeded to shut the door behind her and bring a book and some water for Crazy Joe.
Thanks Em, but I'm not going to need the book, I have to get out of here.
Crazy Joe knows this request will not sit well with Emily, but, there is know other option. Crazy Joe reaches for the water as Emily still stars blankly at him.
Get out of here? Have you lost your mind? Your kneecap is dislodged, your ankle is broken, and you can't move your neck! What are you thinking?
I'm thinking that I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that I leave Shockwave with the Xtreme Championship.
Oh really? You could've fooled me. I thought you were thinking that you would do whatever is necessary to permanently injure yourself and ruin your career entirely.
Crazy Joe had never thought of this. Was that what "forever" meant? Could "forever" come far sooner than he expected? One long-term injury and the prospect of forever would rage ever closer?
Em, I'm fine. I've been through worse, and I've fought on worse.
On worse!? You can't even stand on your damn leg or look left to right! What is Victor Hades going to think when he sees you hobbling down to the ring with crutches at your sides?
He's going to think he has the match won. Which is exactly what I want him to think. I want him to believe that because I am crippled and hobbled up that there is no chance that I will be able to win the match. Keep in mind, crutches could be an advantage, this is an Xtreme match.
Crazy Joe smiles at this statement, hoping for the same back from Emily. The smile is not reciprocated however and so Crazy Joe's fades quickly as well.
Listen, it's going to be fine. A few timely shots with the crutches to Victor Hades, than a nice big Crazy DDT and Victor Hades will be laid out and I'll walk away, still champion.
You're unbelievable! You have got to be out of your damn mind. I can't help you out of here! I don't support this.
Emily, I don't pay you to support my decisions, I just pay you to do what I need you to do.
Crazy Joe didn't like playing this card because it made their relationship more about work than anything else, and it didn't want Emily to think she had no say in the relationship, but, he had to get out, there was nothing he could do, he needed to get home.
Emily offered a huff and then looked at Crazy Joe disapprovingly. Even with this look though, she still began to get Crazy Joe's clothes ready and helped him get ready to try and get out of the bed.
Thanks Emily, I know that you're upset, but, I can't risk not being ready.
You're risking a lot worse.
Emily said this under her breath, but Crazy Joe still heard it. After a while of preparation Crazy Joe was finally ready to attempt getting out of his bed and out of the hospital. Emily is carrying all of Crazy Joe's stuff as Crazy Joe attempts to stand up on his one "good" leg. Because even though it is far better than the broken ankle and dislodged knee cap of it's partner, his left leg was still is bad shape. Crazy Joe crawled out and got his balance under his one good leg and his crutches. He began walking on the crutches around the bed and towards Emily and the door.
This is such a bad idea.
Crazy Joe knew that Emily believed this. She couldn't understand what was truly going on. However, at the end of it all it would become apparent to her. She wouldn't be happy, but at least all the lies could finally stop.
Crazy Joe was working hard to rely on his crutches and still nurse his neck as he walked out the door. It had been awhile since Crazy Joe was on crutches, but, navigating around on crutches in like riding a bike, and quickly Crazy Joe was making his way comfortably down the hallway towards the exit. Emily was by her side, not doing a good job to look inconspicuous. Crazy Joe wondered if she was almost trying to draw attention to them so that someone would come and put him back in his bed. Although, Crazy Joe didn't need any help drawing attention to himself as he was a big, toned, man, wearing a mask. Crazy Joe was used to getting stared at, used to the insults at the mask. Used to it all by now. And this was no different, as each person he walked by, patient, nurse, or doctor all stared at him as if he was some kind of a freak. Although, apparently luck was on their side, as they made it out of the hospital and to Emily's car without being stopped.
Thanks Em.
Emily ignores this comment and starts the car and begins driving. It takes Crazy Joe a few seconds to get his barrings underneath him and realize whats going on. He's sitting an old Saturn, that despite Emily's best attempts to keep looking like new, has a distinct look of old on it. Crazy Joe has gotten used to transportation via limo, or ambulance, as has been occurring as of late.
Do I not pay you enough? Why are you driving around this crappy little car?
It's not crappy! I've had this car since I was 16!
I can tell. But wouldn't you prefer a new car, like one of those hybrid things?
I don't need a new car, I'm doing perfectly fine with this one. Sorry that I can't cater to your every whim and have a giant limo waiting for you.
Crazy Joe understood she was upset, but this seemed to be a little far. He wasn't doing anything that out of the ordinary, just escaping a hospital so he could train for his match. That warrants being upset a little bit, but, this has just gone too far in his mind. He considers getting into an argument with her about her being upset, but realizes this is a bit redundant and tries to take another course.
So, you live with me, have had the same car for seven years, and I pay for all the food. What do you do with the money that I pay you?
Emily looks at him angrily. But then apparently realizes that she's not too sure what she spends her money on.
Uh, my cell phone, gas?
That's the best you got? Cell phone and gas. What is that $200 a month total? Are you kidding me? So you are just making absolute bank every week. Hell, good for you.
I pay for things when I need to, my entire life doesn't just always revolve around you!
Really? I can't think of a time when we weren't together.
Emily looks at him shocked.
You can't think of a single time!? Really? How about last week when you disappeared for five days, what do you think I did, sat in the doorway waiting for you to come home.
Crazy Joe did not see that coming, because admittedly, he had forgotten. Well, originally he had forgotten, what he was doing became apparent while he was in the hospital. But again, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss what he was doing when he was away.
I told you Emily! I just had some things to take care of.
It was a lie when he told her that last week, and it was a lie again this week.
But that's not what is important, I just want to make sure that you're taken care of, and now I see that you are more than taken care of.
Yes, I'm doing well sir. Thank you for asking.
Crazy Joe couldn't help but to hear the sarcasm in her voice, but figured sarcasm was better than anger, and decided to push along.
Well, I always worry about you Em.
Crazy Joe quickly learned this was the wrong thing to say at this time.
You!? You worry about me!? Are you kidding, I sit backstage and watch you get repeatedly attacked and get into Xtreme matches and look like you're not going to make it out alive, and you worry about me!? You have been attacked basically every week since you've had that Xtreme title, and you're worried about me!?
I tell you Em, you don't need to worry about me, I'm fine.
Again, Crazy Joe realizes this was the wrong thing to say as Emily looked at him up and down, in his cast and neck brace.
Yeah, you seem perfectly fine. Good thing you told me last week that I didn't have anything to worry about. You were really right about that. When did you realize that you were completely wrong? When Mark Mania was throwing you against the wall, busting your knee cap, just basically guaranteeing you'd live a shorter life.
Crazy Joe smirked, but immediately knew that was the wrong thing to do and he stopped quickly enough that Emily missed it. Crazy Joe rubbed the back of his neck that had the brace on it to try and make it less stiff.
How am I supposed to expect that some mad man who came out of no where would have a personal vendetta against me?
Because apparently everyone has a personal vendetta against you!
She did have a point though, Cooper Conrad, Victor Hades, and now Mark Mania had all been gunning for him at one point. Even the Overdrive Champion Shaun Kilgore and his posse were going after him at some point. He knew he had a target on his back, but, he couldn't help but think that he was going to be perfectly fine.
Emily, I've told you before, all of that is taken care of. Shaun Kilgore has his hands more than full with Bryan Payne, the Sports Nutz are busy enough trying to win the tag titles, and Cooper Conrad has already lost his mind. It's down to me and Victor Hades.
And Mark Mania.
Right, and Mark Mania. But, screw that guy. He hasn't done anything to deserve my attention.
Emily looks at him again astonished. As Emily knows that the only reason that Crazy Joe is in a cast and neck brace is because of Mark Mania. Crazy Joe can see the look in Emily's face.
Oh well, this of course. But I mean, the guy hasn't even stepped into a ring yet, what do I care what he does. I'm sure he'll try to interfere at Shockwave too. But, I can't worry myself with him, Victor Hades is the only man that is getting my attention right now, and he's the only one who will be in severe pain come Shockwave.
Save it for when we get home. If you're going to do this, you might as well give it your all.
This is why Crazy Joe really liked Emily, even when she was clearly upset, she still supported him and wanted to see him succeed. Someone wanting you to succeed is one of the most important parts of a relationship. And Emily, despite her wish that Crazy Joe would accept the fact he had a target on his back and be more careful, still always wanted Crazy Joe to succeed and supported him.
You're right. But I'm nice and ready to go. This should be a blast.
Crazy Joe was truly excited for this match. A nice, one on one match, no added drama, no worrying about who was pinning who or what else was happening outside of him and Victor Hades. This time there would be no doubt about it. If Crazy Joe could walk away with a victory here, he would be the undisputed champion and the two month era of Crazy Joe vs. Victor Hades would finally be over.
Crazy Joe contemplated this more as they finally arrived at his house after a drive that felt like it went on for far too long. They parked and Crazy Joe started to get out of the car. He put both feet on the ground, but quickly realized the cast and grabbed his crutches and began walking towards the front door. Emily rushed ahead of him to open the door and Crazy Joe walked into his house looking as immaculate as it did after he had disappeared for five days last week. Clearly this is what Emily was doing while he has been in the hospital.
Em, the place looks amazing as ever, you know, you don't need to go insane on the cleaning every time I'm gone.
Cleaning helps me forget, deal with it.
I don't mind dealing with an incredibly clean place one bit.
This back and forth between him and Emily was taxing on him, but he took solace in the fact that Sunday was right around the corner and everything would make sense to Emily then.
Emily went to get the voice recorder as she always does for Crazy Joe, because Crazy Joe likes to listen to himself after each time he delivers his message to his opponent. It's something of an obsessive compulsive disorder, but it helps him think, and Crazy Joe always figures, whatever helps, helps.
Emily returns from the other room with the voice recorder as Crazy Joe is settling into his desk laying the crutches to his side. Crazy Joe feels the neck brace trying to see where it hurts when he applies pressure. He decides that there is not enough pain when he's just looking forward to warrant him having the neck brace on any more. But when he begins to remove it, Emily offers an angry glance motions for him to put it back on. Realizing that he's upset her enough today, he decides that he'll keep it on. Emily begins the recorder and Crazy Joe readies himself.
Another week, another victory for Crazy Joe. Sure, Bryan Payne helped, there can be no denying this. But, my opponents were defeated, and I continue to work my way through this company and show everyone from the top brass to the nobodies like Branden Harvey that you do not mess with Crazy Joe. Mark Mania will find that out soon enough. But I cannot worry about Mark Mania now, because only one man stands in my way right now and that man is Victor Hades.
Hades, again, you were showed up by me, again, you were on the losing end while I walked out the winner. You know, our little feud would be a lot more fun if I was ever actually in danger of losing to you. I was under the impression that all the great rivalries involved winning and losing by both sides. Red Sox and Yankees was a one way rivalry for quite awhile, but the Red Sox ended up storming back against the Yankees and made the rivalry interesting. The Celtics and Lakers in the 80's went back and forth for quite awhile, and even going back and forth now in the 2000's. But what will people remember of Crazy Joe and Victor Hades? Well, they'll remember Crazy Joe, that's for sure. Your comeback has been a little less than you expected eh Hades? Everyone heralds you as the biggest villain in wrestling. They claim that you are the quintessential "bad guy". Now, while I'm no super hero, I do wear a mask, and have a secret identity. So I'm right there with you big guy.
The interesting thing about hero's and villains though, is that the villains always lose. Good guys win, bad guys lose, end of story. Haven't you ever watched Batman? It looks like Joker, the Penguin, or Two-Face have the upper hand for awhile, then, when the rubber hits the road, Batman comes through and makes the villain look like a moron. It's getting pretty close to that time for you Hades. Everyone is on your side, everyone is convinced that you are the better man here. It's time for the hero to come and save the day from the evil Victor Hades.
You can be deranged, you can be insane, hell, you can even be committed to a mental institution. I don't give a damn. Because when we're in that ring, I can go just as far as you. I can give it my all just like you, I can lay in a pool of my own blood, and get right back up, blood draining from my body, and make you pay for what you've done. You're sick and sadistic? Bring it on Victor. I'm not afraid of sick and sadistic. I've seen sick and sadistic, hell I've been sick and sadistic. You can't be an Xtreme Champion without getting yourself into "Xtreme" situations. I've been on the wrong side of many xtreme matches that people said I should not be able to walk away from. Yet, here I am, maybe not 100%, but here I am.
So you can come out, try and kill me, try and destroy me, and I will get right the hell back up. You can beat me down with whatever weapon you can find. Chairs, baseball bats, ladders, trash cans, tables, the list can go on forever. I don't care, I'm not worried about what you bring to the table, because, as I've said many, many times before, I'm not worried about the great Victor Hades. I am not scared by the great Victor Hades. The most heralded come back since Streets Wilson, Mr. Victor Hades is no match for Crazy Joe. You can be one Xtreme son of a bitch, but I am the MOST Xtreme son of a bitch, as you can tell from this wonderful title that I have. You had your chance at this title, you had the opportunity to take this title from Michael Lively and call it your own. But you failed. Just like you did last week Victor. You failed.
Sunday is a mere few days away Hades. Victory is in both of our views now. Anything could happen from here. What is going to matter is who is better, who wants it more, and who can take more pain than the other. Sick and sadistic versus Crazy. Which will prevail to walk away with the title after Shockwave? They say that "To the victor go the spoils." But, they're very wrong about this cliche, for it shall go "To the Crazy go the spoils."
With this Crazy Joe sits back in his chair, and breathes deeply. Emily reaches up and stops the voice recorder. She is more at ease than she was before Crazy Joe had started talking because she can tell that Crazy Joe is motivated, and despite any injuries he may have, he will not give up until he is victorious in his match against Victor Hades.
Crazy Joe notices that Emily is happier and this puts a smile on his face. This smile is forced however, as he knows that a lot of things are going to happen in the next week, and that he and Emily's relationship may never be the same. He also knows that Victor Hades is one hell of a competitor. But, luckily, for Crazy Joe anyways, he knows this, and is ready for this.
