Ceilings & Glass

[jayshort]

fade- in:

It was him, it had to be. His face, the texture of his hair, the eyes, his stance. The confidence he exuded, as he rubbed his chin, searching for his words ... the arrogance he displayed as he grinned, apparently amusing himself. It was him, Sean Stevens ... Triple X. Despite the difference in appearance, despite colder than usual glare in his stare, it was him.

"I know how this story plays out, Dan."

He smacked his lips, forcing a smile, like earlier, only this time, it was a little more fake.

"We used to talk about it, remember? On the phone, through instant messenger. Some people are born winners, World Champions ... some people are put here for a reason, destined to defy the odds, and while it sucks to admit it, I'm not that person. I've tried to be ... don't get me wrong. I've fought to be, I've given this sport my blood, my sweat, and my tears to be that guy. ...but, I'm not. And, the way I see it? ...this time next year I'll be thirty, and my skills will start to deteriorate, I won't be able to jump as high, my superkick that GUNS swore wasn't as effective as Shane Southerns' really won't be. I don't have too much time to right the wrongs, and fix the sinking ship that's been my career, but it's been a fun ride trying. ...that I can say.

"Then there's you."

He paused, carefully forming his next sentence.

"My friend, the guy who is the exact opposite of everything that I am. I'm small, you're tall. I'm thin, you're heavy. I out- jump my opponents to victory, acquiring severe knee injuries along the way, and you ... well ... you steamroll your way through whomever your opponent happens to be that day ... acquiring just as severe knee injuries along the way.

"But, the biggest difference is, you've done it, Dan. And, despite what the rumor mill may tell, I'm damned proud of you ... of my friend. I once criticized you for being a big fish in a small pond because you were champ in your home federation, but you stepped up to the plate, took my challenge dead on, and did the one thing I've never been able to do ... and, you've got fifteen pounds of gold over your shoulder for your efforts ... you get an 'A', Dan ... you passed.

"Why they signed this match? ...I don't know. I had my opportunity against Windham, and I couldn't cut it. The f#cked part is, I don't even think he is better than me. Maybe my mouth is destined to be my claim to fame ... maybe the fact that I was a damned good talker that - even if I couldn't - made you think I had a chance at beating any opponent on any given night. Maybe the higher- ups thought I'd come out here and hype the hell out of this match, giving the CSWA's main event the attention it really doesn't deserve.

"I..."

He caught himself, thought it over, and began again.

"I'm not the same person I was when I faded out, D. I mean, I'm not gonna try and fool you into thinking I went through this metamorphesis, to the point where I'm going to win this match, nope. I'm just smarter, a little more hip to situations ... and, while I see this situation for what it really is, it doesn't mean I'm gonna b#tch and moan about it, either.

"What you're gonna get, is one of the hardest matches you've ever been in. Not like before, where you were the evil anti- CSWA villain, and I was the superhero, here to fight for the honor of this promotion. It's a little more than that ... a little more is at stake. I'm bringing one hundred and ten percent, despite what I already know. The entire arsenal is coming with me, all the counters, all of the wrestling knowledge acquired by being in the ring with guys like you, Mark Windham, Eli, and Hornet ... and I'm gonna push you. ...push you to your limits ... push you to limits you never knew you had. I'm gonna force you to fight through situations you never dreamed you'd have to fight through. I'm gonna test everything that you know, and even a couple of things you don't know.

"And, if you're the man that I know you are, you'll pass ... just like everything else in your life. If you're as tough as I know you are ... you'll bleed and not pass out ... you'll hear your bones crack and not tap ... and, you'll earn your victory. That is, if Mark Windham, Hornet, or whoever else the CSWA's office has behind that curtain, waiting to make their big return, their big announcement, or their monumental declaration, allows it. It should be fun ... it'll be a chance for us to kick it like we did when we hated each other. It'll give us a chance to see who the better man really is, and I'm thinking we can determine that without resorting to that already set- in- stone outcome."

Stevens began to pace, the camera followed ... his surroundings started to show, a gym, a boxing ring, punching bags.

"One thing is for sure, Dan ... after our match, if you're still champion, like I think you'll be ... you'll be ready. Because Hornet won't be able to take you to hell like I can, neither can Eli, or Windham. And, there's nobody in my generation class that can touch me, in terms of talent, ability and drive ... not even the famous Shane Southern. So from the looks of it, you'll have a pretty good reign as king of the mountain. You deserve it, again, you've earned it.

"I'm just glad I could be of service, champ."

Sean turned his back and walked away, until there was nothing but a silhouette.

fade- to- black

 

[DBrunkGXW]

"The s**t's so deep I can't run away" - Billy Joe



------
He sat quietly for once....

After months of having no business to discuss where CSWA was concerned, suddenly everything had sprung back into action.

Still, there had been no rest. There was no chance to breathe or to recover. Old battles raged on in other locales. New battles emerged.....

DAN RYAN sat silently behind a large wooden desk, able to relax for a moment.....a month's worth of matches, of training and of going through the red tape involved in purchasing a home fading away for a moment.....

Ryan: "You know, Sean...."

"This sarcasm doesn't suit you all that well."

"You know me pretty well, Sean. I know you just as well. I don't see the need to go through all of that for the world to see. They simply should take that as a given and let the moment pass."

"Friends we are indeed, Sean. But are we so opposite? What are the differences really other than choices made and the circumstances around us? Are our physical attributes what define us, Sean? Or is there much much more?"

"In fact, why did we become close in the first place? Was it a simple matter of two of the boys running the roads together thrown together in friendship by that all too fickle thing called chance?"

"I don't have many friends in this business, Sean. You know that. The thing that made our friendship possible is that we both share that same drive to be great. It had nothing to do with skill. There are those out there with greatness in the ring oozing out of every pore in their bodies.....who I wouldn't give two s**ts for."

"But again, don't we both already know all of this?"

"So why then...is this such an interesting topic to you? If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think you were preparing the world for a shocking Sean Stevens turn on his friend."

smile....

"Wouldn't that be an interesting little kick in the nuts to shoot Sean Stevens back into the minds of the wrestling world? I'm sure it would. In fact, I'm sure it would be entertaining as hell. If that's your plan.....don't let a little thing like loyalty stand in your way."

Ryan lets a look of deadly seriousness cross his face...then smiles again...

"After all, Sean....let there be no mistake. We're not friends right now. You know how the game is played. This is my life...it's what I live to do....and friendship is irrelevant in the ring. If I find an opening...you better damn well not expect to receive anything other than the full weight of what I can do to come crashing down around you."

"Of course....the one thing you can be sure of is that you'll have a fair shot. If you can beat me, Sean....and I won't rule that out completely.....then I'll be the first to congratulate you backstage. Real life and circumstance have derailed what was a promising career....and I would be proud to hand the title over to a friend."

"But this isn't charity, Sean. This is who I am. This is what I'm all about....and all of that stuff you blew up my ass before? You're gonna have to overcome all of that on your own."

"I can't solve your problems for you, Sean....not that you'd ask me to. But maybe I'll be a step in the right direction for you. Maybe all of the mental barriers that have hamstrung you will fade away into one shining moment that vaults you back into the spotlight with a bang. Maybe this one night will make it all worth while."

"Or maybe the outcome really is set in stone. Maybe you've decided already that we're gonna have a by golly good time in the ring, shake hands after a fun light hearted match and go have a drink afterwards."

"Somehow, I don't think so."

"No....I don't buy the 'I just wanna kick it with my buddy' routine, Sean."

"But I think you probably expected that."

"I wish you didn't have to go through me in your first match back, and I wish my first defense back was with someone else for more reasons than one."

"But that's how the ball bounces."

"Just remember Sean.....I'm no fool. Take that in for all that it implies. Talk is cheap....but lies are expensive."

"The next time you're tempted to bulls**t me.....keep that in mind."

Ryan relaxes....

"Now then....I believe you promised to take me to hell."

"I guess I've got some bags to pack."

FADE OUT

 

[jediPREZ]

*sorry, posted under wrong thread*

 

[jayshort]

"I don't know if I should be angered or hurt, D."

fade- in:

He was seated on cement steps outside his apartment building. Couples walked back and forth - some purposely grinning, just to be seen on television. It's not that they were excited, though ... Sean Stevens ... Triple X had lived at his very apartment on Highlander Court for close to seven years now, and his neighbors were well aware of him, his career, and the circus-like atmosphere that came with it.

Stevens glanced up at the cameraman, giving him the "thumbs up" signal, as he began recording.

"If it needs to be said, I've got nothing but love for you. You've done nothing to me directly to suggest otherwise, and if we were the friends that I think we are, you'd know that. ...or atleast I'd think you would. Turn on you, Dan? I'm above all of the nonsense that's become this industry, Ryan. You know that. I'd just as soon slap you in your face directly, than do it when you least expect it. I'm a man ... you're a man ... I'm not looking to be thrust into the CSWA title picture, or the main event scene here, let's just say, I know my position."

He scratched his head.

"And, contrary to what you think, I wasn't being sarcastic, I was as real that day as I am now in telling you that if you're expecting anything less than a hard, grueling war, you're sadly mistaken. And, I don't want any hand- outs, I won't take any hand- outs, nor do I expect them. You're the CSWA World Heavyweight Champion, you've reached a plateau that we've both dreamed of reaching, and knowing the competitor that the both of us are, there's no friend in the world that would even make us consider throwing a World Title match. All I'm saying is, I know how this works.

"I'm not trying to throw a pity party, or have anyone feeling sorry for me ... but, this is the CSWA, Dan. Maybe you feel a little stronger about it because you're champ, but I haven't been as blessed as you've been lately. This is the company that takes, and takes, and takes, and gives a lot less in return. This is the company that sat idle while Hornet played whatever political card he had left to hold me down, just because of my relationship with Poison Iv--"

He paused, thought it over, and began again.

"That's still a sour subject, I'm not ready to go there just yet.

"I know you're not a fool, you wouldn't be where you are in this business if you were. But, what you need to realize is, I'm not here, in this company for reasons common to normal wrestlers. It's not about the gold, it's not about the check, I have enough money saved up to see to it that my great grandchildren don't want for anything.

"It's about the passion, the need to sweat, to bleed ... to fight for something. This is a stressful business, but it pails in comparison to sitting in a courtroom being accused of rape. It pails in comparison to having your good name, that you've worked for smeared, just because a groupie decided she could. As talented a competitor as you are, as much bodily pain as you could possible cause me ... no disrespect, but it can't compare to facing the realization that the love of your life cared more about this business more than you ... that your best friend was jumped in an alley, stabbed to death, for four hundred dollars.

"There's a bigger picture that you're not getting, Dan. You're a student of the game, you're an assassin, you can pick apart an opponent before even stepping foot into the ring with him. You've got what it takes to be successful in this business for a very long time, because you get it. ...but, you obviously don't get me."

He shook his head, going deeper in detail into something he didn't want to touch.

"This is my sanity ... my sanctuary ... it's either this or death for me. So when you analyzed our situation, and came up with the conclusion that there's more than meets the eye to this picture, you were right. But, it's not your typical good guy turns bad garbage. It's Sean Stevens, your friend, laying it all on the line, knowing the outcome is set in stone, knowing the competition that awaits him...

"...and, not caring."

Stevens got up from his seat, and walked away from the camera, toward the entrance of the apartment.

"I hope you truly are ready for On Time, Dan. Because something tells me, it's not gonna be what you're expecting."

fade- to- black

 

[jayshort]

**and, this ladies and gentlemen, is why you should go to the "main event" section of the CSWA site first. that way, you would know not to roleplay in a thread, for a card, that's already almost up.**

 

[Steve]

Oh well

Still enjoyed it anyway

But...you haven't missed the primetime rp deadline, yet

 

[TSiegel]

I realize it's OORP and Im sorry, but Good stuff gents, I loved it all. Good luck.

Tom

 

[DBrunkGXW]

FADE IN

Simple CSWA backdrop. "CSWA 15: Anniversary" is emblazoned on each corner.

DAN RYAN stands front and center....

Ryan: "Sean...."

"Don't get me wrong, man. Do I suspect you of some form of foul play in our match? No, I wouldn't say that."

"But you must understand that in my position one must be prepared for all possible outcomes. I fully expect that, knowing who you are, we'll put on a hell of a show and give a true picture of what we're capable of at bell time."

"Try not to be offended. It simply comes with the territory. I don't have the luxury of assuming anything, even with you....my friend."

"And yes....we are still friends, as much friends as I've had in this business."

"A war of words will not change that."

"But much as I try to understand your current place, I simply ask that you understand mine. I must look at you as I look at anyone else. That has to include watching my back at all times."

"I actually do get you, Sean."

"And you know I have dealt with more personal tragedy than even you have been unfortunate enough to pile up yet. I pray for your sake that you never do. You know what they say.....no parent should have to bury their child. Throw in both parents at the same time, and that's the past I've had to carry around with me. It took a while to deal with, but I managed. In time you'll do the same. Maybe, like me....it will make you stronger than ever....ready and able to take the step that I know you long to take. Not for the fans, not for Merritt...but for Sean Stevens."

"I said it before....that passion you speak of....that's what makes us so alike. This business is in every fiber of my being. It's who I am and what I am all rolled up into one. It's all I know."

"In fact, Sean.....I almost am willing to take whatever rage you feel inside...if it will help you become who you want to be. There won't be a time in my life when I discard a friendship for selfish reasons. But at the same time....and like I said already....this business is my life. You know how that feels. You may have reached a breaking point already. But there's more to it. You're on the verge of seeing that. I hope I'm there when it all comes together."

"It's a pity this had to be your first match back. I don't particularly want it. I'm not all that interested in being in this position. Here I have a friend in his first match back after a serious time in his personal life trainwrecked his career for a while....and he has to go through his friend in order to start things up again."

"I know you, and I get you, Sean. But the situation sucks."

"The only thing I know, is that I'll be ready for whatever awaits me. Whether I am able to expect exactly what that is doesn't matter all that much to me. I plan to be able to counter whatever comes my way."

"Win or lose, I'm the same man I was before any of this.....and I'll be there to back you up whenever needed....just like you've been for me. And I know you don't want any handouts....so if I'm encroaching on that need to prove something, I'll be happy to take a step back."

"But Sean....you're not gonna find what you're looking for until you stop accepting what is seemingly written in stone."

"You can't take that next step until you have been able to say 'F**k it. I don't care what they say. I know who I am and I know what I can do, Merritt be damned'."

"Did anyone really expect me to beat Mark Windham for the title? Did you?"

"The script was written, the stage was set. I was the warmup for Mark to waltz into Anniversary to face his brother, or Eli or whoever else was put into that position."

"I shook up the world, to borrow a phrase....because I knew what I was capable of, and I wouldn't settle for anything less than showing the world live and in living color that hype isn't everything.....that scripts can be rewritten....that long odds can be overcome."

"So you see, Sean....I'm not willing to accept a win for nothing. I won't accept the script and take it for granted because I'm living proof that things change."

"But while you go through your own change in attitude....in appearance....and in the very essence of your soul....I'll be looking on with great interest...and as always, my support."

"We have to put all of that aside for now though, my man."

"For one night only, we're not friends. That's just how it has to be. If you need weapons, use them. Do whatever it takes just as I would."

"I'll still be there for you when it's over..."

FADE OUT