Post by Dude McSweetpants (H) on Jun 6, 2012 11:29:58 GMT -5
I did this just two days ago for an efed called THW. Believe it or not, this isn't even close to my best but nontheless.
Friends in Low Places
Part 1
The scene begins just after Landon had been escorted from ring side during the Gateway to Glory match. Hate and anger are clear across her face as officials escort her backstage. Throwing the chair against the wall, Landon throws probably the biggest temper tantrum in the history of temper tantrums.
”THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY WIN! AAAAHHHHHH!”
Landon says as she’s instantly met by Stacie Ingram who is standing there with concern on her face trying to get her friend’s attention. Landon looks at her long time friend who is trying to calm her down.
”Landy, please… just stay calm alright? Please? For me.”
Landon looks at her friend with a sharp look of anger.
”For you? Why should I do that for you, when you can’t even show any concern for me? Why should I do anything for you when you were nowhere to be found during my injury recovery? Or how about when you were nowhere to be found when I needed a friend to talk to after hearing about my father passing away? You want me to help you out, which I would be more than willing to do… but when I need you around, you’re never there. Funny how things changed since I got you that job of yours in the first place.”
”Okay so maybe you’re right… maybe I should be there more. But look at yourself. You’re a high profile athlete, who usually has a grip on herself. But now, you’re sitting here throwing a fit and making a fool of yourself. Snap out of it Landy, you’re better than that.”
”You’re right, Stace… I am a high profile athlete. I know it. I know that deep down, I am ten times better then everyone in the locker room. Hell, I could take MG Newton’s world title in my sleep. Yet I’m always blindsided by some obstacle that takes me away. And why? Because I didn’t take my position serious last year. Well this time around, I’m all about me. I’m not going to get caught up in all of these fancy girly girl emotions, I’m not going to go around and try and show respect to people… the only thing on my mind is making sure that the THW Honor Championship becomes mine.”
Just as Landon is finishing up her rant, she hears the sound of the ring bell from the entrance gate. Gabbi Sparks’ theme song plays over the sound board in the arena as the sound of thousands of Ice Hot fans cheer in rejoice. Landon herself, at one point, would be seen jumping up and down with excitement backstage. But this time, things were different. She was looking back towards the entrance way with sheer anger and jealousy flowing through her veins. The camera focuses in on her face before fading to black.
Friends in Low Places
Part 2
The camera comes into view inside the headquarter office of Julia Rivera where she is seen sitting behind a desk with papers in front of her, surrounded by lawyers while Landon Crabtree is on the other side of the desk with her lawyers. The two seem to be in the middle of a new contract negotiation, even though Landon has plenty of time left on hers. With that in mind, it brings to question why she has a sudden interest in a new contract already.
”So… what exactly are you wanting this new contract for? Yours still has three months on it.”
”Well to be honest, I feel like my current contract is just not up to par. Afterall, it was negotiated between an egotistical maniac like Jaheem Thomas and that useless ex-agent of mine. So I figured that you and I could have a sit down, with plenty of certified witnesses, and renegotiate. Not to mention, having buried my father; my mother is going to need my help. My current pay rate simply won’t be enough.”
”Landon, let me be the first to say that I’m sorry to hear about your father, and I understand your desire to want to help your mother. But at the same time, I’ve got overhead to deal with and I can’t promise that I will be able to get you a new contract.”
”Why not? You gave Jazmin a new one. What? Because I don’t have Miranda as my best friend, I can’t get a new contract? Because I don’t neglect my home, I can’t get a new contract? I’ve worked myself to the bone putting my health on the line. I’ve gone nearly a whole year by playing ‘fair’ as you call it. I don’t see why we can’t renegotiate my contract.”
”Well Landon, it’s like this… Jazmin has shown improvement and is a promising asset. The rookie contract she was given last year did expire and she was signed to one that would help suit her more. You, on the other hand, have time still on your contract. Plus, as much as I understand the efforts you’ve put forth, the fact remains that you just haven’t been the promise you should’ve been. If anything, we would be more willing to redo the contract we have for you right now.”
The news to Landon is a bit of an insult, considering Landon not long ago was rivaling Jazmin over the International title. Landon tries to keep her composure, but her pride is taking a serious beating. Still, she stays civilized and rebuttals her case.
”Okay so how about this… how about we make temporary contract extension that goes from now until Honor Roll 4. Within that time, I’ll make sure that there’s enough backing to my claims of a new contract. After that, we’ll negotiate a new one from there.”
”I like that idea, and I’ll see what I can do… I just hope you don’t take any of this personal. I really do want to help you, because I know you can be a good person… but I’ve got to separate personal from business.”
Landon nods slowly as she stands up and walks out of the door. As she’s walking, the handycam like camera begins to follow her. While she’s walking, she begins to speak up.
”You see that? Week after week, I’m out here to bust my ass. Sure, I may get injured occasionally, but I’ve always done it for the so called greater good. I’ve proven time and again that I’m an athlete of promise, but time and again I get kicked to the curb. It really just makes everything I do seem like a blimp to them. But that’s okay, because now I’ve got two months to make an impact. I’ve got five days to prepare for my match against that selfish Gabbi Sparks. When this is all said and done, Landon Crabtree will have THW by the balls and will squeeze until she gets what she’s owed.”
Landon says as she speeds up her pace. One of her lawyers comes up and puts a hand over the camera, keeping them from getting anymore thoughts from Landon. The camera goes out from lack of video feed.
Friends in Low Places
Part 3
The cameras come into view in the city of Albany, New York where Landon Crabtree is seen walking around the streets in a business suit with a purpose. Her hair is pulled back into a pony tail and sunglasses rest over her eyes to protect them from the bright rays of the summer sun shining down. As she’s walking, Landon opens the door to “Murdock Family Talent Agency” and enters into the building. The camera feed switches to inside the building’s lobby where Landon walks up to the receptionist desk.
”Ah, Ms. Crabtree, we’ve been expecting you. Your appointment is on the second floor in room 213.”
Landon doesn’t make any effort to thank the metro man at the desk, instead she just turns and continues walking towards the elevators. As she’s walking, an elevator opens and she enters it. Pressing the button for the second floor, Landon takes off her sun glasses before spotting someone coming for the elevator. Landon reaches over and presses the door close button, cutting the person off.
”I don’t sign autographs… or share elevators.”
Landon says quietly to herself as she waits for the elevator to stop. The elevator does indeed stops, and the sliding doors open where she’s met by Eric Murdock, formerly known as Lil’ Knoxville from NSWA. Eric smiles as he looks at Landon, who simply continues walking as she talks.
”Your sister in there?”
”Expecting you as always.”
Landon says as she reaches conference room 213 and enters it. The person in the chair is another former NSWA wrestler, Pure Innocence. Innocence stands and greets her apparent client with a handshake and offers her a chair.
”Ms. Crabtree, welcome. May I offer you something to drink?”
”I’d like to just get down to business if we can.”
Innocence smirks as she sits down in her own chair. She opens the folder in front of her and searches through papers. As she’s searching, she speaks up.
”So, it says in your file that you’re looking for a Public Appearance Agent who has knowledge in your field of work correct?”
”Yeah, but I’d rather work with someone who actually has success… You know, because bottom feeders aren’t worth my time.”
”Well I’d hate to break it to you but success is a very point of view term… especially in the business you’re in. And trust me, I know that business well enough. But since you seem to be insistent on a certain person, I’ll have to get you the right one won’t I?”
Landon just looks at Innocence who chuckles at the sure arrogance this young lady has. Standing up, Innocence walks to the door and heads out. While she’s gone, Landon figures now would be the best time to get her phone out and call her mother.
”Hello?”
”Mom? Hey! It’s me, Landon.”
”Oh hey sweetie, is everything alright?”
”Yeah I’m fine, just dealing with Pappa passing. What about you? You don’t sound too good.”
”I’m not sweetie… I’ve become very sick over the past few days.”
”Have you been to the doctor?”
”No dear, you know I don’t believe in those old things. Don’t worry baby, it’s just a cold. I’ll be okay. Now I’m sure you’re busy so run along now and take care of business. When you come home, I want to hear stories about your time away.”
”Alright well call me if you need anything. I love you Momma.”
”I love you too sweetie.”
Landon’s mother said before she hung up the phone. A tear had dripped down the side of Landon’s cheek as she put her phone back into her pocket.
”Landon Crabtree?”
Landon quickly snapped back into her bitchy attitude when she heard her name called. She stood up and turned around to be standing in front of possibly the most successful Murdock of the entire family. Yes, he was another NSWA escapee, but Xtreme Steve also had the longest career out of his family. Landon smiled, this was the one who was going to take her to the top and she knew it.
”Yes, that’s me.”
”Nice to meet you. The name’s…”
”Stephen Murdock… aka Xtreme Steve. Two NSWA Double X slash Hardcore champion, former RWC Hardcore champion, former NSWA and RWC President and Vice President respectively. Traveled to numerous of promotions and won countless of titles. You’ve created a legacy in your family name. I kind of heard short stories about you here and there.”
”Right… don’t do that. It bothers me. Just breathe, stay calm, and we’ll be okay. Got it? Good. Now, follow me.”
Steve said as he began walking down the office area. As he walked, Landon followed behind. Not in a fan girly girl fashion, but in confidence. She knew that if she was going to break molds, she needed someone whose career mirrored hers. Someone who was beneath the proverbial glass ceiling until one day was finally given the chance. With that in mind, Landon walked behind her new agent knowing full well that she could never be denied her growing legacy. As they walked, the two came upon another room where they walked in. Inside were the other two Murdocks who were sitting at the rounded conference table.
”Ms. Crabtree, we’ve been looking for an athlete like you for some time now. We believe that you have tools to be the best, but you’re not the best at bringing it out of yourself. We’re just wrapping our heads trying to figure out why. Why do you stay within the wrestling business? What are you there for? What do you want from it?”
”I want this business to realize that I’m the best thing since the invention of airplanes. I want them to realize an athlete when she walks into the business. Most importantly, I want to become a legacy like never before. I want to be the most remembered star this industry’s ever come to know. Now I know that the vision is within reach, I just need guidance to get to that point.”
”Confidence is great, but don’t let it become cockiness. Everyone who gets in the business wants to be the best. I’ll tell you what though, since I’m a nice guy, I’ll give you a few tips to start with. From there, we’ll set up appearances you can make. I’ll help you get to those stages you need to be, and you just rock them, sound fair?”
”Sounds more than fair. So I guess we’ll start tomorrow?”
”Indeed. Until then, have a nice day and we’re proud to have a talent like you aboard.”
Stephen says as Landon nods of courtesy and leaves the office. She puts her sunglasses back on as she walks to the elevators with an arrogant smile on her face. As she gets into the elevator, the doors close and the camera goes out.
Friends in Low Places
Part 4
Wind is crashing in as the camera comes into view inside of a room looking out of a window over the New York City streets. The windows are opened and the curtains are flapping softly as the camera scrolls down to the floor and continues to flow until it comes across pictures of Gabbi Sparks over the past year in her most successful moments. Two pictures have her with her hand raised as the Honor Cup Winner, One of the pictures shows her with the Honor title raised high above her head, and the final one shows Gabbi celebrating her recent win at Gateway 2 Glory where she punched her ticket for Honor Roll 4. The sounds of Landon’s soft but surreal voice creeps in as the camera locks in on the pictures.
”Two time Honor Cup winner, first and only… Former Honor Champion… and winner of Gateway to Glory. The accolades that Gabbi Sparks has achieved within just one year alone are undeniable. Her abilities in the ring are on a level that far surpasses many of her peers. She’s on a plateau that allows her to scan the horizon and look down upon those beneath her with confidence knowing she’s rightful for the top. There’s a reason she was named best of 2011. She’s earned it, and there’s nobody in the world that can say she hasn’t.”
The camera suddenly begins to pan over more to the left, staying on the floor, until they reach another set of pictures. This time, the pictures are of Landon Crabtree in four not so glorious moments. Losing her Pure Title to John Ojeda, losing the Evolution tournament, losing against Jazmin for the International title, and most recently being eliminated in the Gateway to Glory match.
”Then you look at her opponent for this week and see a historically easy opponent to overcome. You see a woman who walks around with a sense of undeserved arrogance and has choked upon every moment she’s been given to prove herself. You see someone who at one point was not afraid to openly admit to being the biggest supporter of Gabbi Sparks, and with her failures, it was easy to see why. But at what point does admiration to begin to subside? At what point does personal conquest take over and bring upon envy for those we once called heroes? At what point do we break from the mold and erupt anew?”
The hand of the person operating the camera, Landon, moves a picture of Landon being pinned by Gabbi Sparks out from under the “Landon” pile and places it in front of the camera between both piles. Focusing the camera on just that picture, Landon continues to speak.
”Gabbi, I realize that you have a desire to always push the mold further and strengthen the fear you hold over people until it cannot be broken. Even people who idolize and wish to accomplish similar tasks as you, Gabbi, you treat them like scum and walk over them. Example, Jay Swift was a great friend of yours and believed you were a great champion. You even gave him props for winning Gateway to Glory last year, but as soon as his mind games began to outweigh the prowess of your own, you began to disown him as a friend and began to take matters serious. True, your title was in jeopardy and you did what you could to win, but at the end of the day… it’s funny how you belittle your hometown of Helena, Montana every time you’re reminded of your hometown, but then you turn around and show that no matter how far you run, the instincts of the Helena born asshole burn deep inside you.
But for the benefit of the doubt, I’ll give you the pass because it was for the Honor title, so I’ll believe that fight or flight instincts kicked in. Then, however, how would you explain the course of actions you take upon the under carders, like myself, who may not have the best win and loss records to their name… but dedication is key. For example, prior to Gateway to Glory, what was it that you referred to me as? Injury prone, was it? I mean here I am, the person who had put aside my own personal conquest and then Jazmin’s International title only to try and help out two people I thought were my friends. Sure, I would later learn that this is a wrestling business and there are no friends, but still I tried to prove that some people aren’t cold and ruthless. I mean all it got me was double crossed by a selfish Jakob Alexander and injured by a two timing Noah Van Dyke. Nonetheless, the fact remains that my injuries here, Gabbi, only go to prove how strong I truly am. As Chumbawamba goes; I get knocked down, but I get up again.
Gabbi, my returns from injuries puts me at higher dedication level than many people in the company, past or present. I mean, I could suffer an injury and then bail out like oh so many in the past… John Ojeda, Marissa Slut, Vespertine, or Anthony Bloodbath to name a few… but I don’t. Because at the end of the day, I’m here to prove that I am the best wrestler in the world. I can’t do that by running away just because I get a small boo boo can I? No, I have to come back from injury if need be and continue to fight until I reach that goal. A goal which I will achieve Gabbi, and when I do, everyone will be forced to marvel in my glory just like this Tuesday when the face of the next generation shocks the world and pins the current face of THW. Gabbi, I am the greatest athlete that has ever lived, and this Tuesday I’ll prove it when I make you tap out.”
The camera instantly fades without any warning and the feed comes to an abrupt end.
Word Count: 3,360... again, that was easy to do.
Friends in Low Places
Part 1
The scene begins just after Landon had been escorted from ring side during the Gateway to Glory match. Hate and anger are clear across her face as officials escort her backstage. Throwing the chair against the wall, Landon throws probably the biggest temper tantrum in the history of temper tantrums.
”THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY WIN! AAAAHHHHHH!”
Landon says as she’s instantly met by Stacie Ingram who is standing there with concern on her face trying to get her friend’s attention. Landon looks at her long time friend who is trying to calm her down.
”Landy, please… just stay calm alright? Please? For me.”
Landon looks at her friend with a sharp look of anger.
”For you? Why should I do that for you, when you can’t even show any concern for me? Why should I do anything for you when you were nowhere to be found during my injury recovery? Or how about when you were nowhere to be found when I needed a friend to talk to after hearing about my father passing away? You want me to help you out, which I would be more than willing to do… but when I need you around, you’re never there. Funny how things changed since I got you that job of yours in the first place.”
”Okay so maybe you’re right… maybe I should be there more. But look at yourself. You’re a high profile athlete, who usually has a grip on herself. But now, you’re sitting here throwing a fit and making a fool of yourself. Snap out of it Landy, you’re better than that.”
”You’re right, Stace… I am a high profile athlete. I know it. I know that deep down, I am ten times better then everyone in the locker room. Hell, I could take MG Newton’s world title in my sleep. Yet I’m always blindsided by some obstacle that takes me away. And why? Because I didn’t take my position serious last year. Well this time around, I’m all about me. I’m not going to get caught up in all of these fancy girly girl emotions, I’m not going to go around and try and show respect to people… the only thing on my mind is making sure that the THW Honor Championship becomes mine.”
Just as Landon is finishing up her rant, she hears the sound of the ring bell from the entrance gate. Gabbi Sparks’ theme song plays over the sound board in the arena as the sound of thousands of Ice Hot fans cheer in rejoice. Landon herself, at one point, would be seen jumping up and down with excitement backstage. But this time, things were different. She was looking back towards the entrance way with sheer anger and jealousy flowing through her veins. The camera focuses in on her face before fading to black.
Friends in Low Places
Part 2
The camera comes into view inside the headquarter office of Julia Rivera where she is seen sitting behind a desk with papers in front of her, surrounded by lawyers while Landon Crabtree is on the other side of the desk with her lawyers. The two seem to be in the middle of a new contract negotiation, even though Landon has plenty of time left on hers. With that in mind, it brings to question why she has a sudden interest in a new contract already.
”So… what exactly are you wanting this new contract for? Yours still has three months on it.”
”Well to be honest, I feel like my current contract is just not up to par. Afterall, it was negotiated between an egotistical maniac like Jaheem Thomas and that useless ex-agent of mine. So I figured that you and I could have a sit down, with plenty of certified witnesses, and renegotiate. Not to mention, having buried my father; my mother is going to need my help. My current pay rate simply won’t be enough.”
”Landon, let me be the first to say that I’m sorry to hear about your father, and I understand your desire to want to help your mother. But at the same time, I’ve got overhead to deal with and I can’t promise that I will be able to get you a new contract.”
”Why not? You gave Jazmin a new one. What? Because I don’t have Miranda as my best friend, I can’t get a new contract? Because I don’t neglect my home, I can’t get a new contract? I’ve worked myself to the bone putting my health on the line. I’ve gone nearly a whole year by playing ‘fair’ as you call it. I don’t see why we can’t renegotiate my contract.”
”Well Landon, it’s like this… Jazmin has shown improvement and is a promising asset. The rookie contract she was given last year did expire and she was signed to one that would help suit her more. You, on the other hand, have time still on your contract. Plus, as much as I understand the efforts you’ve put forth, the fact remains that you just haven’t been the promise you should’ve been. If anything, we would be more willing to redo the contract we have for you right now.”
The news to Landon is a bit of an insult, considering Landon not long ago was rivaling Jazmin over the International title. Landon tries to keep her composure, but her pride is taking a serious beating. Still, she stays civilized and rebuttals her case.
”Okay so how about this… how about we make temporary contract extension that goes from now until Honor Roll 4. Within that time, I’ll make sure that there’s enough backing to my claims of a new contract. After that, we’ll negotiate a new one from there.”
”I like that idea, and I’ll see what I can do… I just hope you don’t take any of this personal. I really do want to help you, because I know you can be a good person… but I’ve got to separate personal from business.”
Landon nods slowly as she stands up and walks out of the door. As she’s walking, the handycam like camera begins to follow her. While she’s walking, she begins to speak up.
”You see that? Week after week, I’m out here to bust my ass. Sure, I may get injured occasionally, but I’ve always done it for the so called greater good. I’ve proven time and again that I’m an athlete of promise, but time and again I get kicked to the curb. It really just makes everything I do seem like a blimp to them. But that’s okay, because now I’ve got two months to make an impact. I’ve got five days to prepare for my match against that selfish Gabbi Sparks. When this is all said and done, Landon Crabtree will have THW by the balls and will squeeze until she gets what she’s owed.”
Landon says as she speeds up her pace. One of her lawyers comes up and puts a hand over the camera, keeping them from getting anymore thoughts from Landon. The camera goes out from lack of video feed.
Friends in Low Places
Part 3
The cameras come into view in the city of Albany, New York where Landon Crabtree is seen walking around the streets in a business suit with a purpose. Her hair is pulled back into a pony tail and sunglasses rest over her eyes to protect them from the bright rays of the summer sun shining down. As she’s walking, Landon opens the door to “Murdock Family Talent Agency” and enters into the building. The camera feed switches to inside the building’s lobby where Landon walks up to the receptionist desk.
”Ah, Ms. Crabtree, we’ve been expecting you. Your appointment is on the second floor in room 213.”
Landon doesn’t make any effort to thank the metro man at the desk, instead she just turns and continues walking towards the elevators. As she’s walking, an elevator opens and she enters it. Pressing the button for the second floor, Landon takes off her sun glasses before spotting someone coming for the elevator. Landon reaches over and presses the door close button, cutting the person off.
”I don’t sign autographs… or share elevators.”
Landon says quietly to herself as she waits for the elevator to stop. The elevator does indeed stops, and the sliding doors open where she’s met by Eric Murdock, formerly known as Lil’ Knoxville from NSWA. Eric smiles as he looks at Landon, who simply continues walking as she talks.
”Your sister in there?”
”Expecting you as always.”
Landon says as she reaches conference room 213 and enters it. The person in the chair is another former NSWA wrestler, Pure Innocence. Innocence stands and greets her apparent client with a handshake and offers her a chair.
”Ms. Crabtree, welcome. May I offer you something to drink?”
”I’d like to just get down to business if we can.”
Innocence smirks as she sits down in her own chair. She opens the folder in front of her and searches through papers. As she’s searching, she speaks up.
”So, it says in your file that you’re looking for a Public Appearance Agent who has knowledge in your field of work correct?”
”Yeah, but I’d rather work with someone who actually has success… You know, because bottom feeders aren’t worth my time.”
”Well I’d hate to break it to you but success is a very point of view term… especially in the business you’re in. And trust me, I know that business well enough. But since you seem to be insistent on a certain person, I’ll have to get you the right one won’t I?”
Landon just looks at Innocence who chuckles at the sure arrogance this young lady has. Standing up, Innocence walks to the door and heads out. While she’s gone, Landon figures now would be the best time to get her phone out and call her mother.
”Hello?”
”Mom? Hey! It’s me, Landon.”
”Oh hey sweetie, is everything alright?”
”Yeah I’m fine, just dealing with Pappa passing. What about you? You don’t sound too good.”
”I’m not sweetie… I’ve become very sick over the past few days.”
”Have you been to the doctor?”
”No dear, you know I don’t believe in those old things. Don’t worry baby, it’s just a cold. I’ll be okay. Now I’m sure you’re busy so run along now and take care of business. When you come home, I want to hear stories about your time away.”
”Alright well call me if you need anything. I love you Momma.”
”I love you too sweetie.”
Landon’s mother said before she hung up the phone. A tear had dripped down the side of Landon’s cheek as she put her phone back into her pocket.
”Landon Crabtree?”
Landon quickly snapped back into her bitchy attitude when she heard her name called. She stood up and turned around to be standing in front of possibly the most successful Murdock of the entire family. Yes, he was another NSWA escapee, but Xtreme Steve also had the longest career out of his family. Landon smiled, this was the one who was going to take her to the top and she knew it.
”Yes, that’s me.”
”Nice to meet you. The name’s…”
”Stephen Murdock… aka Xtreme Steve. Two NSWA Double X slash Hardcore champion, former RWC Hardcore champion, former NSWA and RWC President and Vice President respectively. Traveled to numerous of promotions and won countless of titles. You’ve created a legacy in your family name. I kind of heard short stories about you here and there.”
”Right… don’t do that. It bothers me. Just breathe, stay calm, and we’ll be okay. Got it? Good. Now, follow me.”
Steve said as he began walking down the office area. As he walked, Landon followed behind. Not in a fan girly girl fashion, but in confidence. She knew that if she was going to break molds, she needed someone whose career mirrored hers. Someone who was beneath the proverbial glass ceiling until one day was finally given the chance. With that in mind, Landon walked behind her new agent knowing full well that she could never be denied her growing legacy. As they walked, the two came upon another room where they walked in. Inside were the other two Murdocks who were sitting at the rounded conference table.
”Ms. Crabtree, we’ve been looking for an athlete like you for some time now. We believe that you have tools to be the best, but you’re not the best at bringing it out of yourself. We’re just wrapping our heads trying to figure out why. Why do you stay within the wrestling business? What are you there for? What do you want from it?”
”I want this business to realize that I’m the best thing since the invention of airplanes. I want them to realize an athlete when she walks into the business. Most importantly, I want to become a legacy like never before. I want to be the most remembered star this industry’s ever come to know. Now I know that the vision is within reach, I just need guidance to get to that point.”
”Confidence is great, but don’t let it become cockiness. Everyone who gets in the business wants to be the best. I’ll tell you what though, since I’m a nice guy, I’ll give you a few tips to start with. From there, we’ll set up appearances you can make. I’ll help you get to those stages you need to be, and you just rock them, sound fair?”
”Sounds more than fair. So I guess we’ll start tomorrow?”
”Indeed. Until then, have a nice day and we’re proud to have a talent like you aboard.”
Stephen says as Landon nods of courtesy and leaves the office. She puts her sunglasses back on as she walks to the elevators with an arrogant smile on her face. As she gets into the elevator, the doors close and the camera goes out.
Friends in Low Places
Part 4
Wind is crashing in as the camera comes into view inside of a room looking out of a window over the New York City streets. The windows are opened and the curtains are flapping softly as the camera scrolls down to the floor and continues to flow until it comes across pictures of Gabbi Sparks over the past year in her most successful moments. Two pictures have her with her hand raised as the Honor Cup Winner, One of the pictures shows her with the Honor title raised high above her head, and the final one shows Gabbi celebrating her recent win at Gateway 2 Glory where she punched her ticket for Honor Roll 4. The sounds of Landon’s soft but surreal voice creeps in as the camera locks in on the pictures.
”Two time Honor Cup winner, first and only… Former Honor Champion… and winner of Gateway to Glory. The accolades that Gabbi Sparks has achieved within just one year alone are undeniable. Her abilities in the ring are on a level that far surpasses many of her peers. She’s on a plateau that allows her to scan the horizon and look down upon those beneath her with confidence knowing she’s rightful for the top. There’s a reason she was named best of 2011. She’s earned it, and there’s nobody in the world that can say she hasn’t.”
The camera suddenly begins to pan over more to the left, staying on the floor, until they reach another set of pictures. This time, the pictures are of Landon Crabtree in four not so glorious moments. Losing her Pure Title to John Ojeda, losing the Evolution tournament, losing against Jazmin for the International title, and most recently being eliminated in the Gateway to Glory match.
”Then you look at her opponent for this week and see a historically easy opponent to overcome. You see a woman who walks around with a sense of undeserved arrogance and has choked upon every moment she’s been given to prove herself. You see someone who at one point was not afraid to openly admit to being the biggest supporter of Gabbi Sparks, and with her failures, it was easy to see why. But at what point does admiration to begin to subside? At what point does personal conquest take over and bring upon envy for those we once called heroes? At what point do we break from the mold and erupt anew?”
The hand of the person operating the camera, Landon, moves a picture of Landon being pinned by Gabbi Sparks out from under the “Landon” pile and places it in front of the camera between both piles. Focusing the camera on just that picture, Landon continues to speak.
”Gabbi, I realize that you have a desire to always push the mold further and strengthen the fear you hold over people until it cannot be broken. Even people who idolize and wish to accomplish similar tasks as you, Gabbi, you treat them like scum and walk over them. Example, Jay Swift was a great friend of yours and believed you were a great champion. You even gave him props for winning Gateway to Glory last year, but as soon as his mind games began to outweigh the prowess of your own, you began to disown him as a friend and began to take matters serious. True, your title was in jeopardy and you did what you could to win, but at the end of the day… it’s funny how you belittle your hometown of Helena, Montana every time you’re reminded of your hometown, but then you turn around and show that no matter how far you run, the instincts of the Helena born asshole burn deep inside you.
But for the benefit of the doubt, I’ll give you the pass because it was for the Honor title, so I’ll believe that fight or flight instincts kicked in. Then, however, how would you explain the course of actions you take upon the under carders, like myself, who may not have the best win and loss records to their name… but dedication is key. For example, prior to Gateway to Glory, what was it that you referred to me as? Injury prone, was it? I mean here I am, the person who had put aside my own personal conquest and then Jazmin’s International title only to try and help out two people I thought were my friends. Sure, I would later learn that this is a wrestling business and there are no friends, but still I tried to prove that some people aren’t cold and ruthless. I mean all it got me was double crossed by a selfish Jakob Alexander and injured by a two timing Noah Van Dyke. Nonetheless, the fact remains that my injuries here, Gabbi, only go to prove how strong I truly am. As Chumbawamba goes; I get knocked down, but I get up again.
Gabbi, my returns from injuries puts me at higher dedication level than many people in the company, past or present. I mean, I could suffer an injury and then bail out like oh so many in the past… John Ojeda, Marissa Slut, Vespertine, or Anthony Bloodbath to name a few… but I don’t. Because at the end of the day, I’m here to prove that I am the best wrestler in the world. I can’t do that by running away just because I get a small boo boo can I? No, I have to come back from injury if need be and continue to fight until I reach that goal. A goal which I will achieve Gabbi, and when I do, everyone will be forced to marvel in my glory just like this Tuesday when the face of the next generation shocks the world and pins the current face of THW. Gabbi, I am the greatest athlete that has ever lived, and this Tuesday I’ll prove it when I make you tap out.”
The camera instantly fades without any warning and the feed comes to an abrupt end.
Word Count: 3,360... again, that was easy to do.