SteelCitySon
League Member
Number One Contender Elimination match… last two surviving get IC and World shots, respectively
Troy Douglas vs. Jonathan Marx vs. Rocko Daymon vs. Cameron Cruise
- Thread starter SteelCitySon
- Start date
TSiegel
I spoil things.
First Impressions.
"I gotta say that it's interesting how things work out for you"
(Cameron Cruise paces onto a black EPW backdrop, dressed in black jeans and a black shirt that says "Pissing off the entire planet....one man at a time.", "Anarchy" black shades, and backwards "Brooklyn Dodger" cap.)
CC: People had been telling me about EPW for months and months and in all honesty, I never got a chance to really look at without a quick glance or look every now and then.
Then one day, Suicide committed the very crime that led to his departure.
Injuring people with INTENT.
See, it's one thing if you're proving a point, like having intentions to win the match, and leaving.
But it's another, when the match gets out of hand to the point that it's not even about the victory anymore.
(Cruise pauses a moment to slide his shades down to the bridge of his nose, revealing his eyes, and then putting them back on.)
Suicide made that mistake, and didn't recognize it. Even if he did, there wasn't the slightest bit of remorse, because he did it again, and again, and again.
He did it to the point that I got tired of seeing it. Wrestlers had begun to worry about their careers and bodys whenever they had to step into the ring with him. Critics even talked about banning his finisher, it had apparently done so much damage.
But yet, no one had done anything about it, no one.
So, when Paul Freeman asked that I come backstage to watch the show, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on the monitors in the back. Knowing his move was coming, no one in the back bothered to step up to put a stop to it.
In all honesty, I was really intent on keeping my appearance quick and easy but due to Suicide's ignorance...(Cruise sighs) ...I couldn't help it, I had to take credit.
But ya see, once the match was over I got a call on the cell from the boss and I again, thought it was to finalize plans to meet him in Madison Square Garden.
But no, the guy chickened out and left town. Hell, he quit the whole organization!! All because someone had the cajones to step up and stop him. So as a reward, the boss wants to give me a shot at becoming a number one contender for the two top spots in company?
Talk about your late Christmas presents.
However, one never gets to point "A" to point "B" without a catch.
I have to go through three men, two out of the three Im abit more familiar with. The first one I know of knows his game very well and is pretty much on top of the world right now.
Jonathan Marx.
This encounter is one I'm really looking forward to for a few reasons. You're leading in the NFW North right now Jon, a conference some would say is alot tougher than the other and to some degree, I agree. However, at the same time, I have the misfortune of being in the basement of the South.
Insert laughter here.
But see, here's where it gets truly interesting Jon. The same man that's signing your checks here in EPW, is the same man who you get to face in NFW here in a few days. You literally have the chance to kick the boss' butt and get PAID for it.
Who's to say they wouldn't want that in their favor?
However, back to what I was saying. What's interesting is that now, not only do we get to have an outside "Interconference match", but at the same time....if I beat you, I've just beaten quite possible the best in the sport...and been rewarded for it.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not assumming anything, lord knows doing that in the past hasn't exactly worked out in my favor.
But the trick here is this Jon:
While I may not have the best track record in comparison to yours, you'd be surprised just how long and how much punishment I can take. Try me, you'll see.
Now, the next man I've seen is Troy Douglas. First off Troy, I suppose a congratulations is in order for you, you won the GWE X-treme title in a very hard fought match. But to be brutally honest Troy, you really want to know what I think about it?
(Cruise claps slowly and sarcastically.)
I really could care less. What I do care about is if you can keep up with me in the ring. Do so, and yeah I promise you'll get a handshake from me that means something. Until then, surprise me. I've been told it's very hard to do.
Now, the third man I have to get past apparently didn't get his daily dosage of "The Brady Bunch" the other night because he threw himself abit of a temper tantrum.
Geez Daymon, had I known you were gonna do that I would've brought my niece's pacifier for you to pout with in the back!
(Cruise takes off the shades as the camera pans in for a close up.)
Get over yourself son, or you'll see the same thing happen to you that I did to Suicide. Trust me, I WILL NOT think twice about doing it either. I came into Empire Pro to make an impact, and I ain't done yet doing it.
Now...I guarantee you if you don't like that, then that's just a Reality Check, that you just....won't like.
"I gotta say that it's interesting how things work out for you"
(Cameron Cruise paces onto a black EPW backdrop, dressed in black jeans and a black shirt that says "Pissing off the entire planet....one man at a time.", "Anarchy" black shades, and backwards "Brooklyn Dodger" cap.)
CC: People had been telling me about EPW for months and months and in all honesty, I never got a chance to really look at without a quick glance or look every now and then.
Then one day, Suicide committed the very crime that led to his departure.
Injuring people with INTENT.
See, it's one thing if you're proving a point, like having intentions to win the match, and leaving.
But it's another, when the match gets out of hand to the point that it's not even about the victory anymore.
(Cruise pauses a moment to slide his shades down to the bridge of his nose, revealing his eyes, and then putting them back on.)
Suicide made that mistake, and didn't recognize it. Even if he did, there wasn't the slightest bit of remorse, because he did it again, and again, and again.
He did it to the point that I got tired of seeing it. Wrestlers had begun to worry about their careers and bodys whenever they had to step into the ring with him. Critics even talked about banning his finisher, it had apparently done so much damage.
But yet, no one had done anything about it, no one.
So, when Paul Freeman asked that I come backstage to watch the show, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on the monitors in the back. Knowing his move was coming, no one in the back bothered to step up to put a stop to it.
In all honesty, I was really intent on keeping my appearance quick and easy but due to Suicide's ignorance...(Cruise sighs) ...I couldn't help it, I had to take credit.
But ya see, once the match was over I got a call on the cell from the boss and I again, thought it was to finalize plans to meet him in Madison Square Garden.
But no, the guy chickened out and left town. Hell, he quit the whole organization!! All because someone had the cajones to step up and stop him. So as a reward, the boss wants to give me a shot at becoming a number one contender for the two top spots in company?
Talk about your late Christmas presents.
However, one never gets to point "A" to point "B" without a catch.
I have to go through three men, two out of the three Im abit more familiar with. The first one I know of knows his game very well and is pretty much on top of the world right now.
Jonathan Marx.
This encounter is one I'm really looking forward to for a few reasons. You're leading in the NFW North right now Jon, a conference some would say is alot tougher than the other and to some degree, I agree. However, at the same time, I have the misfortune of being in the basement of the South.
Insert laughter here.
But see, here's where it gets truly interesting Jon. The same man that's signing your checks here in EPW, is the same man who you get to face in NFW here in a few days. You literally have the chance to kick the boss' butt and get PAID for it.
Who's to say they wouldn't want that in their favor?
However, back to what I was saying. What's interesting is that now, not only do we get to have an outside "Interconference match", but at the same time....if I beat you, I've just beaten quite possible the best in the sport...and been rewarded for it.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not assumming anything, lord knows doing that in the past hasn't exactly worked out in my favor.
But the trick here is this Jon:
While I may not have the best track record in comparison to yours, you'd be surprised just how long and how much punishment I can take. Try me, you'll see.
Now, the next man I've seen is Troy Douglas. First off Troy, I suppose a congratulations is in order for you, you won the GWE X-treme title in a very hard fought match. But to be brutally honest Troy, you really want to know what I think about it?
(Cruise claps slowly and sarcastically.)
I really could care less. What I do care about is if you can keep up with me in the ring. Do so, and yeah I promise you'll get a handshake from me that means something. Until then, surprise me. I've been told it's very hard to do.
Now, the third man I have to get past apparently didn't get his daily dosage of "The Brady Bunch" the other night because he threw himself abit of a temper tantrum.
Geez Daymon, had I known you were gonna do that I would've brought my niece's pacifier for you to pout with in the back!
(Cruise takes off the shades as the camera pans in for a close up.)
Get over yourself son, or you'll see the same thing happen to you that I did to Suicide. Trust me, I WILL NOT think twice about doing it either. I came into Empire Pro to make an impact, and I ain't done yet doing it.
Now...I guarantee you if you don't like that, then that's just a Reality Check, that you just....won't like.
CuseTroy
League Member
Taking the Chance
FADE IN...
On a cool March day in New York, EPW superstar Troy Douglas sits on a bench in the middle of Central Park. Around him, you can faintly hear the sounds of the metropolis, and in the distance the great skyscrapers create enormous silhouettes over the city. He wears a long sleeved black t-shirt, and pair of black denim jeans, and his tan leather jacket. He turns towards the camera, a determined yet thoughtful look on his face, and begins to speak.
Troy Douglas:
What did you call that chair shot, Rocko? Oh yes, now I remember.
"A second win." An opportunity to go on to bigger and better things, a way to lift me up out of the swamp of midcard hell. Noble intentions, Rochester, but next time you want to help me, let me give you some advice.
You really don't need to hit me in the head with a chair to give me a hand. In fact, as has been the situation my entire career, I prefer to get by on my own merits. I feel I've done pretty well to this moment. Seventeen times a champion in both tag team and singles competetition. Respected around the world as one of the most "underrated" talents in the professional wrestling world today.
"Underrated". That's kind of a funny word, isn't it?
I've always enjoyed flying under the radar, not having the attention squarely focused on me. I'm not fit to be a star, not in the least. I'm a wrestler, and I'm here because I enjoy wrestling. It's what I choose to do with my life. The money, the fame, all that stuff is extra. I could live without the calls from agents, lawyers, and reporters. I can't live without being in the ring, fighting. That's why I came back from the darkest time of my life, because I knew I would never fully recover from being away from this sport forever.
Yeah, I've always liked the "underrated" tag. But now?
Now, I'm ready to take my spot in the forefront. I'm ready to be the first man to challenge a reigning Empire Pro World Heavyweight Champion. I'm ready to go from "underrated" to full on star. The lifestyle still doesn't suit me, but I want that gold. I want to represent what it means to be a World Champion. I want the responsibility of being the vanguard of an entire company. I want to be on top of that mountain badder than anything.
Right now, I have to go through three other men at Black Dawn to take that step.
Rocko Daymon, you're up first. Like we've both said, we seem to share a rather similar past. We've both been subjected to personal tragedies from all parts of our lives, and persevered. We've both felt the pain that is withdrawl from our addiction to this sport, and come back better than effort. Man, we've even both gone through our personal hell with that nutcase Clapper.
I have all the respect in the world for you, Rocko, because you've gone through the same kind of life I've gone through, and you're still standing. I admire you for having your convictions, the dedication to your family. I respect your choices, Rocko, because as men in this business we must respect the choices of our opponents in order to survive.
But, I can't say I'm exactly happy with your actions.
You have something against Karl Brown, take it out against him on your own time. I hold nothing against you for the attack, Rocko, and though I'll never fully understand your reasoning, I'll allow you the privilege of not having to explain. You want me to have a shot to be World Champion? That's great. I have the same respect and hope for you. If and when I hoist that gold in the air, I would have no qualms in granting you a title shot, as I hope you would do for me. We still haven't met, but at Black Dawn we will. And at Madison Square Garden, our little mutual admiration society breaks up. This is my shot, and I'm gonna take it. I'm sure you'll have the same sentiment. You and I, we'll have to talk sometime Rocko. But, Black Dawn ain't that time.
Troy takes off the leather jacket and rests it next to him on the bench.
There is another man in this match who I have immense respect for, and that man is you, Cameron Cruise.
I have no problem with what you did to Solian at Aggression. In fact, had I still not been reeling from that chairshot, I dare say I would have done the same thing you did. Suicide needed to have respect for the men he was in the ring against, and when he used that Burning Hammer to try and take men out of this company, he sealed his fate.
But, that doesn't mean I'll let you do the same thing to me.
You're probably as deserving for a World Championship as any man in this business, Cameron. I've watched you for a good, long time, but I've never had the chance to take you on in the ring. At Black Dawn, we meet face to face, and you find out just where I'm coming from.
Cameron, you told me to try and keep up with you in the ring. I assure you that I can. I'm not just as "hoss", as Messr. Scooter McGufferin has so eloquently referred to me as in his columns. I am a three time North Carolina state high school wrestling champion, and I studied the art of the mat under a man who is a legend not just in America, but all over this world. Not to mention, I've been a fan of this business for all of my 27 years, including a promotion I believe you know a little, the CSWA. I've been watching since the beginning, and I've seen you far more times than you can comprehend. I have immense respect for what you can do in that ring.
But, I don't just plan to keep up with you, Cam. I plan to surprise you a hell of a lot more than you can imagine. You'll see just what the hell I'm made of, and you'll know at the end of the night that the respect is mutual. Good luck to you, both now and in the future.
Finally, there is one man I'll make some short, but poignant remarks about. A man who I've wanted to address for quite some time, now more than ever after his recent actions in East Rutherford.
You're up, Jonny Marx.
For 4 and a half months, you were one of the men I watched most closely, Marx, as you exploded on to the circuit, and then very quickly got shoved down all of our throats. Everywhere, we heard about how great Marx was, and if he wasn't there, he was on his way to every company on the circuit. At the beginning, you were impressive kid. Now?
We're all freaking sick of it. Especially me.
You worked for NOTHING, Jonathan. You brought your little rich Princeton-boy attitude into every organization around, and because you thought you were smarter than everybody, you angled in on the territory of the real stars, the people that had bled and sweat their way to the big time.
You, you came in and sucked the life out of every company around here. You're a cancer, Marx. You invade, and soon you start to take over. I can see it happening in Empire Pro already. Freeman saw what you were, and he was smart enough to get rid of you. But, being the whiny little prick that you are, you complained to Dan Ryan and got him to reinstate because you would "take care of Freeman" for him.
So what do you do? You go out and physically harm the CEO of this company, and only after that does he book you in this match. Next time, Marxie, try earning your spot. I've done it, Rocko's done it, and Cameron Cruise has done it. You, you're the firework. You're on the scene for a little bit, and it's real shiny and everyone's high on you for a while, but after a while it all changes.
You know what happens to a firework after a while, don'cha Princeton boy?
It fizzles, and nobody gives a damn about it because another firework has already come along.
It's your turn to burn out, Jon. EPW, NFW, anywhere. The cancer of Jonathan Marx shall end. "The Gentleman" is the disease.
And I'm the cure.
That's my part, Marx. See you at the end of the...
Screw it. You're not worth my time anymore, Jonny. I gotta get ready.
Cameron, Rocko, I'll see the two of you, the REAL competitors, at the end of the road.
Bye.
...FADE OUT
FADE IN...
On a cool March day in New York, EPW superstar Troy Douglas sits on a bench in the middle of Central Park. Around him, you can faintly hear the sounds of the metropolis, and in the distance the great skyscrapers create enormous silhouettes over the city. He wears a long sleeved black t-shirt, and pair of black denim jeans, and his tan leather jacket. He turns towards the camera, a determined yet thoughtful look on his face, and begins to speak.
Troy Douglas:
What did you call that chair shot, Rocko? Oh yes, now I remember.
"A second win." An opportunity to go on to bigger and better things, a way to lift me up out of the swamp of midcard hell. Noble intentions, Rochester, but next time you want to help me, let me give you some advice.
You really don't need to hit me in the head with a chair to give me a hand. In fact, as has been the situation my entire career, I prefer to get by on my own merits. I feel I've done pretty well to this moment. Seventeen times a champion in both tag team and singles competetition. Respected around the world as one of the most "underrated" talents in the professional wrestling world today.
"Underrated". That's kind of a funny word, isn't it?
I've always enjoyed flying under the radar, not having the attention squarely focused on me. I'm not fit to be a star, not in the least. I'm a wrestler, and I'm here because I enjoy wrestling. It's what I choose to do with my life. The money, the fame, all that stuff is extra. I could live without the calls from agents, lawyers, and reporters. I can't live without being in the ring, fighting. That's why I came back from the darkest time of my life, because I knew I would never fully recover from being away from this sport forever.
Yeah, I've always liked the "underrated" tag. But now?
Now, I'm ready to take my spot in the forefront. I'm ready to be the first man to challenge a reigning Empire Pro World Heavyweight Champion. I'm ready to go from "underrated" to full on star. The lifestyle still doesn't suit me, but I want that gold. I want to represent what it means to be a World Champion. I want the responsibility of being the vanguard of an entire company. I want to be on top of that mountain badder than anything.
Right now, I have to go through three other men at Black Dawn to take that step.
Rocko Daymon, you're up first. Like we've both said, we seem to share a rather similar past. We've both been subjected to personal tragedies from all parts of our lives, and persevered. We've both felt the pain that is withdrawl from our addiction to this sport, and come back better than effort. Man, we've even both gone through our personal hell with that nutcase Clapper.
I have all the respect in the world for you, Rocko, because you've gone through the same kind of life I've gone through, and you're still standing. I admire you for having your convictions, the dedication to your family. I respect your choices, Rocko, because as men in this business we must respect the choices of our opponents in order to survive.
But, I can't say I'm exactly happy with your actions.
You have something against Karl Brown, take it out against him on your own time. I hold nothing against you for the attack, Rocko, and though I'll never fully understand your reasoning, I'll allow you the privilege of not having to explain. You want me to have a shot to be World Champion? That's great. I have the same respect and hope for you. If and when I hoist that gold in the air, I would have no qualms in granting you a title shot, as I hope you would do for me. We still haven't met, but at Black Dawn we will. And at Madison Square Garden, our little mutual admiration society breaks up. This is my shot, and I'm gonna take it. I'm sure you'll have the same sentiment. You and I, we'll have to talk sometime Rocko. But, Black Dawn ain't that time.
Troy takes off the leather jacket and rests it next to him on the bench.
There is another man in this match who I have immense respect for, and that man is you, Cameron Cruise.
I have no problem with what you did to Solian at Aggression. In fact, had I still not been reeling from that chairshot, I dare say I would have done the same thing you did. Suicide needed to have respect for the men he was in the ring against, and when he used that Burning Hammer to try and take men out of this company, he sealed his fate.
But, that doesn't mean I'll let you do the same thing to me.
You're probably as deserving for a World Championship as any man in this business, Cameron. I've watched you for a good, long time, but I've never had the chance to take you on in the ring. At Black Dawn, we meet face to face, and you find out just where I'm coming from.
Cameron, you told me to try and keep up with you in the ring. I assure you that I can. I'm not just as "hoss", as Messr. Scooter McGufferin has so eloquently referred to me as in his columns. I am a three time North Carolina state high school wrestling champion, and I studied the art of the mat under a man who is a legend not just in America, but all over this world. Not to mention, I've been a fan of this business for all of my 27 years, including a promotion I believe you know a little, the CSWA. I've been watching since the beginning, and I've seen you far more times than you can comprehend. I have immense respect for what you can do in that ring.
But, I don't just plan to keep up with you, Cam. I plan to surprise you a hell of a lot more than you can imagine. You'll see just what the hell I'm made of, and you'll know at the end of the night that the respect is mutual. Good luck to you, both now and in the future.
Finally, there is one man I'll make some short, but poignant remarks about. A man who I've wanted to address for quite some time, now more than ever after his recent actions in East Rutherford.
You're up, Jonny Marx.
For 4 and a half months, you were one of the men I watched most closely, Marx, as you exploded on to the circuit, and then very quickly got shoved down all of our throats. Everywhere, we heard about how great Marx was, and if he wasn't there, he was on his way to every company on the circuit. At the beginning, you were impressive kid. Now?
We're all freaking sick of it. Especially me.
You worked for NOTHING, Jonathan. You brought your little rich Princeton-boy attitude into every organization around, and because you thought you were smarter than everybody, you angled in on the territory of the real stars, the people that had bled and sweat their way to the big time.
You, you came in and sucked the life out of every company around here. You're a cancer, Marx. You invade, and soon you start to take over. I can see it happening in Empire Pro already. Freeman saw what you were, and he was smart enough to get rid of you. But, being the whiny little prick that you are, you complained to Dan Ryan and got him to reinstate because you would "take care of Freeman" for him.
So what do you do? You go out and physically harm the CEO of this company, and only after that does he book you in this match. Next time, Marxie, try earning your spot. I've done it, Rocko's done it, and Cameron Cruise has done it. You, you're the firework. You're on the scene for a little bit, and it's real shiny and everyone's high on you for a while, but after a while it all changes.
You know what happens to a firework after a while, don'cha Princeton boy?
It fizzles, and nobody gives a damn about it because another firework has already come along.
It's your turn to burn out, Jon. EPW, NFW, anywhere. The cancer of Jonathan Marx shall end. "The Gentleman" is the disease.
And I'm the cure.
That's my part, Marx. See you at the end of the...
Screw it. You're not worth my time anymore, Jonny. I gotta get ready.
Cameron, Rocko, I'll see the two of you, the REAL competitors, at the end of the road.
Bye.
...FADE OUT
TSiegel
I spoil things.
(Fadein, a dirt road, off away from Cruise's Cabin in the woods. The camera continues quickly until they find Cruise, dressed in black jeans and a solid green shirt and his Anarchy shades, skipping stones across a small lake. Finally noticing the camera, Cameron shakes his head abit.)
CC: My father use to tell me when I was a kid....he said "Cameron....there's gonna come a time when you're going to have to do things on your own. But when you do, you're going to have to decide which obstacles to overcome, the big or little things. Do your old man a favor kid....take 'em both on."
(Cruise smiles)
CC: Perhaps I shoulda done more with myself than just play ball and go out on the weekends with my friends. Maybe now my dad wouldn't have stayed home on the nights I had late games.
"Sweat the small stuff son, because if ya don't it'll only come back to haunt you."
Perhaps if I did, things might be different now than what they are, but then again, maybe not.
Now, Troy Douglas I appreciate the fact that you're more or less a fan...as everyone else would. But you see, while we both respect each other, and you can do more than just the "Hokey-pokey" with your belt....we have differenting opinions about things. Things that I'm afraid DO matter, and it's because of those things that this match has just taken a turn for the worse.
See, you spent half of your promo respecting myself and Daymon, and that's your right, don't mistake me.
But what you fail to realize or eve RECOGNIZE , is that while you're trash-talk all you want about Jonathan Marx, Jonathan Marx is the ONLY one in the lead right now in NFW. That means that not only has he beaten some of the BEST this industry has to offer, but he's done it CONSISTENTLY.
Now, I'm not going to stand here and blow smoke up your posterior and tell you that I don't want a piece of him, because you evidently already know that. But that's not the biggest of my worries right now, 'cause you see Troy, you fail to see the big picture. A picture in which I apparently didn't make too clear or you couldn't see due to that shot you took from Daymon.
I wasn't done with Suicide at Aggression. As a matter of fact, I was ready to deal with him at Black Dawn myself, but he chickened out and quit. Now, is it my fault he quit and chose to do things elsewhere?
It's possible, sure.
But it's not the sole reason why I'm here.
Take it and call it as you like, I got lucky being put in this match. I really did.But it doesn't change the reason why I'm in EPW, and that Troy is to do business as it should be with either Sands or Beast.
But that's later, first thing's first.
Think of yourself as underrated all you want, really please do. Because while that might not be your first time....it certainly won't be MY LAST. You see, I've been looked at my whole career, and in some critics' eyes, even NOW , as the underdog. Never, had I been the one favored to win, and to tell the truth, THAT'S OKAY.
It's because of that reason that I've gotten to where I am today, and if I had it over again...I wouldn't change a thing.
I told you once before and I'll say again.
Surprise me. Really, because I've been doing it for quite awhile now and nothing's phased me. You say you can keep up with me? Good for you kid. But do me one favor first...
Prove it. Convince me that your better, because I haven't seen it yet.
Jonathan might be quiet right now, and Daymon might be looked at as a loon, but you do that one thing for me, and perhaps things might change around here.
Then again, perhaps not.
Hate to tell a fan like you how it is, but if you can't accept it, then Troy Douglas, that's a Reality Check that you just....won't...like.
(Cruise skips the last stone and looks one last time at the camera, sternly.)
Champ.
Fade.
CC: My father use to tell me when I was a kid....he said "Cameron....there's gonna come a time when you're going to have to do things on your own. But when you do, you're going to have to decide which obstacles to overcome, the big or little things. Do your old man a favor kid....take 'em both on."
(Cruise smiles)
CC: Perhaps I shoulda done more with myself than just play ball and go out on the weekends with my friends. Maybe now my dad wouldn't have stayed home on the nights I had late games.
"Sweat the small stuff son, because if ya don't it'll only come back to haunt you."
Perhaps if I did, things might be different now than what they are, but then again, maybe not.
Now, Troy Douglas I appreciate the fact that you're more or less a fan...as everyone else would. But you see, while we both respect each other, and you can do more than just the "Hokey-pokey" with your belt....we have differenting opinions about things. Things that I'm afraid DO matter, and it's because of those things that this match has just taken a turn for the worse.
See, you spent half of your promo respecting myself and Daymon, and that's your right, don't mistake me.
But what you fail to realize or eve RECOGNIZE , is that while you're trash-talk all you want about Jonathan Marx, Jonathan Marx is the ONLY one in the lead right now in NFW. That means that not only has he beaten some of the BEST this industry has to offer, but he's done it CONSISTENTLY.
Now, I'm not going to stand here and blow smoke up your posterior and tell you that I don't want a piece of him, because you evidently already know that. But that's not the biggest of my worries right now, 'cause you see Troy, you fail to see the big picture. A picture in which I apparently didn't make too clear or you couldn't see due to that shot you took from Daymon.
I wasn't done with Suicide at Aggression. As a matter of fact, I was ready to deal with him at Black Dawn myself, but he chickened out and quit. Now, is it my fault he quit and chose to do things elsewhere?
It's possible, sure.
But it's not the sole reason why I'm here.
Take it and call it as you like, I got lucky being put in this match. I really did.But it doesn't change the reason why I'm in EPW, and that Troy is to do business as it should be with either Sands or Beast.
But that's later, first thing's first.
Think of yourself as underrated all you want, really please do. Because while that might not be your first time....it certainly won't be MY LAST. You see, I've been looked at my whole career, and in some critics' eyes, even NOW , as the underdog. Never, had I been the one favored to win, and to tell the truth, THAT'S OKAY.
It's because of that reason that I've gotten to where I am today, and if I had it over again...I wouldn't change a thing.
I told you once before and I'll say again.
Surprise me. Really, because I've been doing it for quite awhile now and nothing's phased me. You say you can keep up with me? Good for you kid. But do me one favor first...
Prove it. Convince me that your better, because I haven't seen it yet.
Jonathan might be quiet right now, and Daymon might be looked at as a loon, but you do that one thing for me, and perhaps things might change around here.
Then again, perhaps not.
Hate to tell a fan like you how it is, but if you can't accept it, then Troy Douglas, that's a Reality Check that you just....won't...like.
(Cruise skips the last stone and looks one last time at the camera, sternly.)
Champ.
Fade.
PaulNJ21
I shunned a voodoo witch, decapitated a black cat
What Would Jonathan Do?
::Jonathan Marx and Brandon Jacobs are walking out after a showing of “Passion of Christ.” Jacobs is still weeping and sporting a “Martha” armband on his right arm. Marx is holding a box of tissues::
JONATHAN MARX: Maybe this was the wrong weekend to go see the “Passion of Christ.” With Martha being sent up the river and all, you are an emotional wreck.
BRANDON JACOBS: I know, I know… ::grabs a tissue to blow his running nose:: Give me a second to get myself together.
JONATHAN MARX: Don’t worry about it. A lot of people have been moved by this movie, it is hard not to be. I haven’t seen that kind of brutality since Damien Priest’s first NFW promo.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon begins to weep even more::
JONATHAN MARX: Don’t worry. He is not coming back. He has retired now.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon’s crying calms down::
JONATHAN MARX: My one problem with the movie was Jesus Aramaic was a bit off. But what can you expect from the son of a carpenter.
BRANDON JACOBS: I can’t just get over that anyone would do that to another human being. I hate those ancient Romans. If I saw one in the street, I’d kick his ass.
JONATHAN MARX: Now, now… you can’t hate all ancient romans for the crimes of a few. That would be like me hating Cameron Cruise because he is part of the NFW South. He can’t help what others have done.
BRANDON JACOBS: At least you get to wrestle Lindsay Troy….
JONATHAN MARX: Wrong Troy, still ball less, but wrong Troy….. I’m facing Troy Douglas. Apparently he has singled me out in this match up, he has called me a “cancer”. Can you imagine that? People get all up in arms because you have a few servants, a Princeton education, and an ambition to set the world right. Have I ever whipped anyone?
BRANDON JACOBS: Besides for that one time against DJ Havok where you whipped that room full of men to shed your ambitions about whipping another human being, no. But you paid all of them $200 for their time.
JONATHAN MARX: Exactly. I’m a Gentlemen. Troy Douglas just wants to become a star by beating me before I become the Emperor, so he can brag to all of his friends at the trailer park that he has beaten the great Jonathan Marx. Hell, I can’t blame him. I would do the same in his position.
BRANDON JACOBS: I bet that is exactly what Troy Douglas is thinking, he is asking himself “What Would Jonathan Do?”
JONATHAN MARX: But what Troy Douglas fails to realize, just like Jesus, there is only one true messiah. He can’t be and he can’t beat me. It is rather quite insulting.
BRANDON JACOBS: Young Troy Douglas is quite brash to think that he can hang in the ring with Cameron Cruise and yourself. Cameron Cruise is a former CSWA champion. He has had a bit of bad luck in NFW, but he still has world of talent.
JONATHAN MARX: Cameron Cruise is an excellent fellow, but I have to agree with you about his bad luck. It is like a black cat is repeatedly crossing his path. Do you want to know how cursed Cameron Cruise is?
BRANDON JACOBS: How cursed is he?
JONATHAN MARX:He is secretly a fan of both the Red Sox and New York Jets.
BRANDON JACOBS: Wow, that is cursed.
JONATHAN MARX: Not only that, he has had front row tickets to every Maelstrom vs. Anarky match…
BRANDON JACOBS: Ouch.
JONATHAN MARX: Cameron Cruise is the kid who you would never want to go to a theme park with because odds are you would break down on the roller coaster if he rode with you.
BRANDON JACOBS: I don’t know if I believe in curses though…
JONATHAN MARX: As a well educated man, I know I shouldn’t either. But with the wealth of talent that Cameron Cruise has, there is no other way to explain it. But I hope this will be the match to break the curse and Cruise accepts my invitation to fight by my side in order to make sure we both walk out of the match with title shots. Hopefully we can team up and put that wannabe Troy Douglas and Rocko Daymon if he shows up in his place.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::smile begins to break through the sadness on his face:: You know, Troy Douglas trying to be you would be like casting Arnold Schwarzenegger in James Caviezel’s role as Jesus.
JONATHAN MARX: Man, that would be awful, thank god he is governor of California….. but you know, I would pay to see Governor Jesus.
BRANDON JACOBS: Arnold? Arnold would be an awful Jesus!
JONATHAN MARX: Yes, yes he would, but It would all be worth it for the moment where Arnold turns to the camera in his sandals and torn robe and says, “I’ll Be Back.”
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon cracks up and his good mood is finally restored::
FTB
::Jonathan Marx and Brandon Jacobs are walking out after a showing of “Passion of Christ.” Jacobs is still weeping and sporting a “Martha” armband on his right arm. Marx is holding a box of tissues::
JONATHAN MARX: Maybe this was the wrong weekend to go see the “Passion of Christ.” With Martha being sent up the river and all, you are an emotional wreck.
BRANDON JACOBS: I know, I know… ::grabs a tissue to blow his running nose:: Give me a second to get myself together.
JONATHAN MARX: Don’t worry about it. A lot of people have been moved by this movie, it is hard not to be. I haven’t seen that kind of brutality since Damien Priest’s first NFW promo.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon begins to weep even more::
JONATHAN MARX: Don’t worry. He is not coming back. He has retired now.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon’s crying calms down::
JONATHAN MARX: My one problem with the movie was Jesus Aramaic was a bit off. But what can you expect from the son of a carpenter.
BRANDON JACOBS: I can’t just get over that anyone would do that to another human being. I hate those ancient Romans. If I saw one in the street, I’d kick his ass.
JONATHAN MARX: Now, now… you can’t hate all ancient romans for the crimes of a few. That would be like me hating Cameron Cruise because he is part of the NFW South. He can’t help what others have done.
BRANDON JACOBS: At least you get to wrestle Lindsay Troy….
JONATHAN MARX: Wrong Troy, still ball less, but wrong Troy….. I’m facing Troy Douglas. Apparently he has singled me out in this match up, he has called me a “cancer”. Can you imagine that? People get all up in arms because you have a few servants, a Princeton education, and an ambition to set the world right. Have I ever whipped anyone?
BRANDON JACOBS: Besides for that one time against DJ Havok where you whipped that room full of men to shed your ambitions about whipping another human being, no. But you paid all of them $200 for their time.
JONATHAN MARX: Exactly. I’m a Gentlemen. Troy Douglas just wants to become a star by beating me before I become the Emperor, so he can brag to all of his friends at the trailer park that he has beaten the great Jonathan Marx. Hell, I can’t blame him. I would do the same in his position.
BRANDON JACOBS: I bet that is exactly what Troy Douglas is thinking, he is asking himself “What Would Jonathan Do?”
JONATHAN MARX: But what Troy Douglas fails to realize, just like Jesus, there is only one true messiah. He can’t be and he can’t beat me. It is rather quite insulting.
BRANDON JACOBS: Young Troy Douglas is quite brash to think that he can hang in the ring with Cameron Cruise and yourself. Cameron Cruise is a former CSWA champion. He has had a bit of bad luck in NFW, but he still has world of talent.
JONATHAN MARX: Cameron Cruise is an excellent fellow, but I have to agree with you about his bad luck. It is like a black cat is repeatedly crossing his path. Do you want to know how cursed Cameron Cruise is?
BRANDON JACOBS: How cursed is he?
JONATHAN MARX:He is secretly a fan of both the Red Sox and New York Jets.
BRANDON JACOBS: Wow, that is cursed.
JONATHAN MARX: Not only that, he has had front row tickets to every Maelstrom vs. Anarky match…
BRANDON JACOBS: Ouch.
JONATHAN MARX: Cameron Cruise is the kid who you would never want to go to a theme park with because odds are you would break down on the roller coaster if he rode with you.
BRANDON JACOBS: I don’t know if I believe in curses though…
JONATHAN MARX: As a well educated man, I know I shouldn’t either. But with the wealth of talent that Cameron Cruise has, there is no other way to explain it. But I hope this will be the match to break the curse and Cruise accepts my invitation to fight by my side in order to make sure we both walk out of the match with title shots. Hopefully we can team up and put that wannabe Troy Douglas and Rocko Daymon if he shows up in his place.
BRANDON JACOBS: ::smile begins to break through the sadness on his face:: You know, Troy Douglas trying to be you would be like casting Arnold Schwarzenegger in James Caviezel’s role as Jesus.
JONATHAN MARX: Man, that would be awful, thank god he is governor of California….. but you know, I would pay to see Governor Jesus.
BRANDON JACOBS: Arnold? Arnold would be an awful Jesus!
JONATHAN MARX: Yes, yes he would, but It would all be worth it for the moment where Arnold turns to the camera in his sandals and torn robe and says, “I’ll Be Back.”
BRANDON JACOBS: ::Brandon cracks up and his good mood is finally restored::
FTB
CuseTroy
League Member
Back Again From 'Round the Bend
FADE IN...
The scene opens on the inside of Syracuse University's Carrier Dome, the morning after the Orangemen upset the 8th ranked Connecticut Huskies 67-56. The building is mostly empty now, and only a few lights are on in the morning hours. Sitting on the home bench of Jim Boeheim Court is one Troy Douglas of EPW renown. He sits next to the scorers table, wearing a pair of navy blue sweatpants and a CSWA "America's Team" t-shirt. A single gold chain dangles from his neck, on the end of a a six pointed star, the Star of David.
TROY:
Ah, the Great and Powerful Wizard of Marx finally found it important enough to grace us all with his presence.
Whoop de friggin do.
You wanna be funny, Jon? You want to trade fourth grade insults with me? You want to make a stupid little joke of all the work I've done over the past four years to get to this point?
Fine. Just don't expect me to play along.
Yes, Jonathan. I did indeed call you a "cancer" in my last televised spot. Believe me, that's far from the worst thing that I've called you in private. But I can't say that stuff on air, because as Dave Thomas reiterates so very frequently, this is indeed a "family show".
I called you a cancer, Marx, not because you're rich, or smart, or have servants. I've got the former two myself. No, you're a cancer because of what you do. Not in the ring, where I understand how talented you are. No, you, Jon Marx, are a cancer because of things like what you said yesterday afternoon. You try and play silly little mind games, and convince people that they're not as good as they really are. You make them believe that only by deferring to you may they truly be successful.
You tell them there's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and the Marx Way.
That's why you're a cancer, Marxie. You get a bunch of lackeys to line up behind you and sing your praises, so that there's nobody talented left to challenge you. You kill off the spirit of this business, just to get ahead.
Let's make this next point very clear, Mr. Marx.
There is nobody, absolutely NOBODY, who is bigger than this sport. Not you, not me, not Rocko Daymon, Cameron Cruise, Suicide, Christian Sands, nor Marcus Wescott. You must show respect to both your opponents and the business which you serve. When your ego leads you beyond that, you have truly tread down the path that will ultimately lead to your final demise.
Your little run has reached the end of the road, Jonathan Marx.
At Black Dawn, the cancer becomes nothing but a benign cyst, an annoyance that can be zapped away, quick as the wind.
Now, onto some other matters, Marxie.
You saw "The Passion of the Christ". Good for you, buddy!
Troy claps sarcastically.
Guess what? I didn't.
Troy pulls out the chain from around his neck.
See this, Jonathan? The Magen David. The symbol of my people for millennia. My grandparents did not go through two years in a German concentration camp to hear you talk like this, Jonathan. My father didn't endure the hate mail and death threats when he became the first Jewish basketball coach at Jackson High to listen to you compare yourself to a messiah.
My people, we believe in an earthly paradise, not a heavenly one. Right now, I know of one way to make the wrestling business one step closer to that paradise.
Eliminate you from our ranks.
Jonathan, when and if you recover from what's gonna happen to you at Black Dawn, the wrestling world will have been that much better during your absence than it ever was with you among us. You will not become our "Emperor", Jonathan. There is no coronation waiting for you at the other end of this match.
Black Dawn truly is the beginning of a new age in wrestling.
It will be day one of the year 1, A.J.M.
After Jonathan Marx.
So come with your messianic claims, Jonathan.
You be Jesus.
I'll be your Judas.
And we know how that turned out, don't we kid?
By any means necessary, I will not let you leave Madison Square Garden with a title shot. Good luck, "Gentleman". You best bring your A-Game if you want to get through this. I have a feeling you might just be a popular target.
"Emperor Jon."
Troy rises and leans against the scorers table.
Now. Cameron Cruise. I have but a scant few words for you right now, but listen to them well.
I have nothing but respect for Marx's abilities in that squared circle. I said as much earlier. I just happen to loathe the way in which he conducts business.
We're coming from the same place in this match, Cameron. Two men, both considered underdogs throughout their careers, and perfectly happy in that role. Except now, it's time for one of us to step into that spotlight.
If it comes down to it, it would be a privilege to battle for that number one contender's slot with you, one-on-one. If it does indeed come down to that, then you may end up very surprised, Cameron.
What'll I do?
You think I'd tell you? Then it wouldn't be a surprise. And where's the fun in ruining the surprise before the cake is brought out and the candles are all extinguished?
No, Cameron, I'll save the surprises for Black Dawn. In mid-town Manhattan, all the stops will get pulled out. I haven't yet had the opportunity to show Empire Pro exactly what I'm made of. You, Cameron, will get a first hand look at just why I am who I am. My full scope of abilities is nothing that you've seen as of press time. I'll keep up, Cameron. You can bet your little log cabin on that.
It's just a matter of faith.
Points to the Star of David.
Rocko, you know my feelings about you. I'll divulge more when you come out from the shadows.
That's my part for now. I've got a ride to catch back to N...Y...C. See y'all at the end of the road.
...FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN...
The scene opens on the inside of Syracuse University's Carrier Dome, the morning after the Orangemen upset the 8th ranked Connecticut Huskies 67-56. The building is mostly empty now, and only a few lights are on in the morning hours. Sitting on the home bench of Jim Boeheim Court is one Troy Douglas of EPW renown. He sits next to the scorers table, wearing a pair of navy blue sweatpants and a CSWA "America's Team" t-shirt. A single gold chain dangles from his neck, on the end of a a six pointed star, the Star of David.
TROY:
Ah, the Great and Powerful Wizard of Marx finally found it important enough to grace us all with his presence.
Whoop de friggin do.
You wanna be funny, Jon? You want to trade fourth grade insults with me? You want to make a stupid little joke of all the work I've done over the past four years to get to this point?
Fine. Just don't expect me to play along.
Yes, Jonathan. I did indeed call you a "cancer" in my last televised spot. Believe me, that's far from the worst thing that I've called you in private. But I can't say that stuff on air, because as Dave Thomas reiterates so very frequently, this is indeed a "family show".
I called you a cancer, Marx, not because you're rich, or smart, or have servants. I've got the former two myself. No, you're a cancer because of what you do. Not in the ring, where I understand how talented you are. No, you, Jon Marx, are a cancer because of things like what you said yesterday afternoon. You try and play silly little mind games, and convince people that they're not as good as they really are. You make them believe that only by deferring to you may they truly be successful.
You tell them there's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and the Marx Way.
That's why you're a cancer, Marxie. You get a bunch of lackeys to line up behind you and sing your praises, so that there's nobody talented left to challenge you. You kill off the spirit of this business, just to get ahead.
Let's make this next point very clear, Mr. Marx.
There is nobody, absolutely NOBODY, who is bigger than this sport. Not you, not me, not Rocko Daymon, Cameron Cruise, Suicide, Christian Sands, nor Marcus Wescott. You must show respect to both your opponents and the business which you serve. When your ego leads you beyond that, you have truly tread down the path that will ultimately lead to your final demise.
Your little run has reached the end of the road, Jonathan Marx.
At Black Dawn, the cancer becomes nothing but a benign cyst, an annoyance that can be zapped away, quick as the wind.
Now, onto some other matters, Marxie.
You saw "The Passion of the Christ". Good for you, buddy!
Troy claps sarcastically.
Guess what? I didn't.
Troy pulls out the chain from around his neck.
See this, Jonathan? The Magen David. The symbol of my people for millennia. My grandparents did not go through two years in a German concentration camp to hear you talk like this, Jonathan. My father didn't endure the hate mail and death threats when he became the first Jewish basketball coach at Jackson High to listen to you compare yourself to a messiah.
My people, we believe in an earthly paradise, not a heavenly one. Right now, I know of one way to make the wrestling business one step closer to that paradise.
Eliminate you from our ranks.
Jonathan, when and if you recover from what's gonna happen to you at Black Dawn, the wrestling world will have been that much better during your absence than it ever was with you among us. You will not become our "Emperor", Jonathan. There is no coronation waiting for you at the other end of this match.
Black Dawn truly is the beginning of a new age in wrestling.
It will be day one of the year 1, A.J.M.
After Jonathan Marx.
So come with your messianic claims, Jonathan.
You be Jesus.
I'll be your Judas.
And we know how that turned out, don't we kid?
By any means necessary, I will not let you leave Madison Square Garden with a title shot. Good luck, "Gentleman". You best bring your A-Game if you want to get through this. I have a feeling you might just be a popular target.
"Emperor Jon."
Troy rises and leans against the scorers table.
Now. Cameron Cruise. I have but a scant few words for you right now, but listen to them well.
I have nothing but respect for Marx's abilities in that squared circle. I said as much earlier. I just happen to loathe the way in which he conducts business.
We're coming from the same place in this match, Cameron. Two men, both considered underdogs throughout their careers, and perfectly happy in that role. Except now, it's time for one of us to step into that spotlight.
If it comes down to it, it would be a privilege to battle for that number one contender's slot with you, one-on-one. If it does indeed come down to that, then you may end up very surprised, Cameron.
What'll I do?
You think I'd tell you? Then it wouldn't be a surprise. And where's the fun in ruining the surprise before the cake is brought out and the candles are all extinguished?
No, Cameron, I'll save the surprises for Black Dawn. In mid-town Manhattan, all the stops will get pulled out. I haven't yet had the opportunity to show Empire Pro exactly what I'm made of. You, Cameron, will get a first hand look at just why I am who I am. My full scope of abilities is nothing that you've seen as of press time. I'll keep up, Cameron. You can bet your little log cabin on that.
It's just a matter of faith.
Points to the Star of David.
Rocko, you know my feelings about you. I'll divulge more when you come out from the shadows.
That's my part for now. I've got a ride to catch back to N...Y...C. See y'all at the end of the road.
...FADE TO BLACK
TSiegel
I spoil things.
"The Real Slim-Shady"
"Finally it's all out and in the open."
(Cruise slowly paces back and forth in front of an EPW-sketched backdrop, dressed in a Stanford Cardinal Baseball jersey, jeans, and his trademark Anarchy shades. With his arms crossed over his chest, he pauses a moment to brush some hair out of his face.)
CC: Ya know, it only takes just the right button-pressing to get under people's skin. To antagonize them or anger them, really it's a matter of patience that gets you in the game.
Tell the truth, I've been in "The Game" quite a long time, so I have a pretty good idea how a lot of people work.
Just so it's on the record, let me reiterate by saying that I knew how to get under a lot...not EVERYONE'S mind you, but a lot of people's skin.
As a matter of fact, it's got to be eating the lockerroom up right now by just the fact that I stole what potentially could be their shot at the Gold...in one fell swoop.
However in this case, I'm not sure I really have to do any of the work at this point. As a matter of fact, I think I might just sit back after this and take a quick nap, the babbling going on here is so rediculous.
Yeah, that's right folks, I said rediculous. Why?
Because Troy Douglas is thinking it to be more difficult than it is, that's why.
Ya know Troy, what difference does it make if Jonathan Marx has an opinion on a movie? I mean honestly, is his opinion that great that it's going to have an effect on the future of your career in Empire Pro?
I'd like to think not, but again, you're only making it hard on yourself. However while we're on the subject I find it interesting that you're fine with the phrase "Pot...kettle...black".
That's right Troy, scratch your head and go "Duh" once more because evidently you don't know how to properly insult a man.
See Troy, what you don't understand is that by you telling Jonathan how "Your People" do things is completely irrelavent to the point you were making. For example, you're telling Jon that he's not suppose a leader and a Messiah and etcera an so forth, when you turn yourself right around and tell him how things are with YOUR people and the way YOUR ancestors lived.
I mean, really now....(Cruise stops a second, brushing hair out of his face and takes his shades off.) How the hell is that going to help you with getting a shot at the Intercontinental or World title belts?
What...is your grandfather or your brothers and sisters going to wrestle for you too?
GET A GRIP ON YOURSELF, SON!
(Composing himself, Cruise puts the shades back on and continues.)
Now, I mean it's obvious Jonathan's got jokes, I can see that and hey, Ha-friggin'-Ha tough guy you're good, but the fact of the matter is, I gotta give the kid credit where credits' due, Jon.
You may be on top of the NFW right now, and for that you've got my respect, but please remember:
Not everything lasts forever.
Unfortunately though Jon, I'm sure you'll understand when I apolagize ahead of time, I have to finish addressing Troy Douglas or else he might next time turn literal with his promos.
(Pauses momentarily to collect his thoughts.)
Troy Douglas I think you might have misunderstood me when I told you I respected you see, because while the respect IS genuine, and it IS there....it's not for you.
I respect you Troy Douglas, because you're not an idiot. You're not, because obviously your ability to perform the way you do says it for you.
(Cruise claps once.)
Bravo.
But just because you've attained particular skills and excelled with them doesn't mean you're not ignorant, Troy.
Again let me reiterate to you that while it was luck and to some a blessing in disguise that I got a shot doesn't mean that it's going to BE luck when I get in the ring with you.
I'm not the underdog here Troy.
I'm not at all, because when I get into that ring, I intend on TAKING that shot just like I intend on TAKING that belt from whomever it is, after Black Dawn.
Now, based upon these last few promos I can probably bet that whether or not you like the tone of my voice that this is one hell of a Reality Check, that you just....won't like.
Fade.
"Finally it's all out and in the open."
(Cruise slowly paces back and forth in front of an EPW-sketched backdrop, dressed in a Stanford Cardinal Baseball jersey, jeans, and his trademark Anarchy shades. With his arms crossed over his chest, he pauses a moment to brush some hair out of his face.)
CC: Ya know, it only takes just the right button-pressing to get under people's skin. To antagonize them or anger them, really it's a matter of patience that gets you in the game.
Tell the truth, I've been in "The Game" quite a long time, so I have a pretty good idea how a lot of people work.
Just so it's on the record, let me reiterate by saying that I knew how to get under a lot...not EVERYONE'S mind you, but a lot of people's skin.
As a matter of fact, it's got to be eating the lockerroom up right now by just the fact that I stole what potentially could be their shot at the Gold...in one fell swoop.
However in this case, I'm not sure I really have to do any of the work at this point. As a matter of fact, I think I might just sit back after this and take a quick nap, the babbling going on here is so rediculous.
Yeah, that's right folks, I said rediculous. Why?
Because Troy Douglas is thinking it to be more difficult than it is, that's why.
Ya know Troy, what difference does it make if Jonathan Marx has an opinion on a movie? I mean honestly, is his opinion that great that it's going to have an effect on the future of your career in Empire Pro?
I'd like to think not, but again, you're only making it hard on yourself. However while we're on the subject I find it interesting that you're fine with the phrase "Pot...kettle...black".
That's right Troy, scratch your head and go "Duh" once more because evidently you don't know how to properly insult a man.
See Troy, what you don't understand is that by you telling Jonathan how "Your People" do things is completely irrelavent to the point you were making. For example, you're telling Jon that he's not suppose a leader and a Messiah and etcera an so forth, when you turn yourself right around and tell him how things are with YOUR people and the way YOUR ancestors lived.
I mean, really now....(Cruise stops a second, brushing hair out of his face and takes his shades off.) How the hell is that going to help you with getting a shot at the Intercontinental or World title belts?
What...is your grandfather or your brothers and sisters going to wrestle for you too?
GET A GRIP ON YOURSELF, SON!
(Composing himself, Cruise puts the shades back on and continues.)
Now, I mean it's obvious Jonathan's got jokes, I can see that and hey, Ha-friggin'-Ha tough guy you're good, but the fact of the matter is, I gotta give the kid credit where credits' due, Jon.
You may be on top of the NFW right now, and for that you've got my respect, but please remember:
Not everything lasts forever.
Unfortunately though Jon, I'm sure you'll understand when I apolagize ahead of time, I have to finish addressing Troy Douglas or else he might next time turn literal with his promos.
(Pauses momentarily to collect his thoughts.)
Troy Douglas I think you might have misunderstood me when I told you I respected you see, because while the respect IS genuine, and it IS there....it's not for you.
I respect you Troy Douglas, because you're not an idiot. You're not, because obviously your ability to perform the way you do says it for you.
(Cruise claps once.)
Bravo.
But just because you've attained particular skills and excelled with them doesn't mean you're not ignorant, Troy.
Again let me reiterate to you that while it was luck and to some a blessing in disguise that I got a shot doesn't mean that it's going to BE luck when I get in the ring with you.
I'm not the underdog here Troy.
I'm not at all, because when I get into that ring, I intend on TAKING that shot just like I intend on TAKING that belt from whomever it is, after Black Dawn.
Now, based upon these last few promos I can probably bet that whether or not you like the tone of my voice that this is one hell of a Reality Check, that you just....won't like.
Fade.
CuseTroy
League Member
The Final Chapter
FADE IN...
The bustling midday in the borough of Manhattan, city of New York. For most, this is a busy time, indicated by the din rising for every angle in the metropolitan center. For most, but not for all. Amongst the chaos of New York's afternoon stands EPW and GWE wrestler Troy Douglas, wearing a long sleeved Saint Joseph's Hawks t-shirt and a pair of khaki pants. Troy stands outside Madison Square Garden, his back leaned comfortably against the buildings facade. Listening closely, you can hear the noise arising from the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament currently being held in the arena. Troy ignores the noise and looks straight at the camera.
Troy Douglas:
It comes to this. We've reached the final chapter of this little conversation of ours.
Forgive me for not weeping at its passage.
I will admit, this has been fun. A delving into the minds of three of this business' finest young competitors. Cameron Cruise, Jonathan Marx, and myself. However, there is one man who has been, to date, conspicuous with his absence from these entertaining little proceedings.
Where ya been, Rochester?
I've been waiting all week to hear from you Rocko, so that you could offer us some kind of explanation as to your state of mind. Because frankly Rocko, I'm confused as hell.
'Course, you probably are too. You, perhaps more than anybody, has been screwed with since the day you signed with this company. I don't know if it's Freeman, or Ryan, or some unnamed big shot who has it in for you, Rocko, but you've been getting it big time since day one. I know, I've dealt with it before over these past few years. So, as someone who identifies with you, I'll give you some advice for Black Dawn.
Focus, Rocko, focus.
You can't afford to come into this match distracted. There's a shot at the World Heavyweight Title on the line in this shindig, and you can be sure that Marx, Cruise, and myself are gonna be on fire when that bell rings. If you can't get over whatever problems you're going through right now, not only will you leave the Garden sans a title shot, you may leave with a whole lot less than what you came in with.
Just focus, Rocko.
I need you on your game. I need you fighting the best you can, because I can not afford distractions in the ring. I can't afford to have Rocko Daymon's problems, and the actions he might take, taking the forefront of my mind during this match. I want to fight the REAL Rocko Daymon, not some psychologically screwed up pseudo-Rocko. So bring the A-game, for the sake of your opponents, your fans, and the EPW brass. Impress 'em, and maybe your problems will all be solved.
Now, to my partners in discussion this past week.
Jonathan, I've pretty much said everything I can about you this week. I'll leave you with just a couple pearls of wisdom before I finish.
It's simple Jon...DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME.
A year ago, nine other men underestimated my presence, and I walked out of a brutal extreme battle royal as a champion.
Even though I was champion, Stephen Waltz, DreamMaker, and Dallas Winston all underestimated me two weeks later, and I still walked out the champion.
The doctors underestimated my ability to recover, and said I may never get back in the ring again. Four and a half months later, I was back, proving everybody wrong again.
At Battleground Britain, Clapper thought I lacked something that made me unsuitable to be a champion. After the most brutal match ANYONE has ever seen, he had to use an axe to threaten a man's life and win the match, and I was, as always, still standing, and I walked out of Wales as X-treme champion.
You want to underestimate me, Marx? Call me trailer park trash? Tell me I'm just trying to go after you to steal a moment in your basking glow?
Go right ahead.
You'll just end up like every other man on that last...
Proved wrong.
Finally, we reach the man who now no longer needs the tag "underdog", Cameron Cruise.
You, Cameron, have perhaps reached me this week more than anyone else. I have gotten a glimpse of what goes on in your mind, and I see in you exactly what I see in myself. You are a man ready to shed the pangs of loss, of underestimation. You, like I, are prepared to take the game to the next level.
You, however, claim to already be there.
Me, I get to that plateau at Black Dawn.
You certainly DO have some work cut out for you at Black Dawn, Cameron, regardless of your opinions of my promo up in Syracuse on Monday.
In fact, I plan to ensure that you've got a hell of a lot of work to do if you want to get out of Black Dawn as the number one contender to the World Championship. Regardless of what we've said this week, all that matters is what happens in that ring, right inside this very arena.
That's where I'll make my final stand.
In front of you, Marx, Daymon, twenty thousand screaming fans, millions others on pay per view...hell, in front of the entire damn world. I put a stop to my stint in the midcard, Cameron.
At Black Dawn, in ONE FELL SWOOP, Cameron, I will vault right over you and into the number one contender's role.
It's a role I've been auditioning for my entire career.
At Black Dawn, the casting director calls, and the part becomes mine. My dream is three steps away from coming through.
Yes, they are three monstrous steps.
Cameron Cruise.
"Gentleman" Jonathan Marx.
Rocko Daymon.
Four men in a ring, and one common dream at stake. This is my opportunity, and I intend to make the absolute best of it.
Christian, Marcus, to the both of you, I wish you the best of luck in the main event.
But watch out, because whichever one of you leaves as Champion, the end of the road for your reign will rapidly approach.
'Cause I'll be waiting.
That's it for me, I've got nothing else to say until Black Dawn.
I'll be waiting in the ring.
Good luck, boys.
...FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN...
The bustling midday in the borough of Manhattan, city of New York. For most, this is a busy time, indicated by the din rising for every angle in the metropolitan center. For most, but not for all. Amongst the chaos of New York's afternoon stands EPW and GWE wrestler Troy Douglas, wearing a long sleeved Saint Joseph's Hawks t-shirt and a pair of khaki pants. Troy stands outside Madison Square Garden, his back leaned comfortably against the buildings facade. Listening closely, you can hear the noise arising from the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament currently being held in the arena. Troy ignores the noise and looks straight at the camera.
Troy Douglas:
It comes to this. We've reached the final chapter of this little conversation of ours.
Forgive me for not weeping at its passage.
I will admit, this has been fun. A delving into the minds of three of this business' finest young competitors. Cameron Cruise, Jonathan Marx, and myself. However, there is one man who has been, to date, conspicuous with his absence from these entertaining little proceedings.
Where ya been, Rochester?
I've been waiting all week to hear from you Rocko, so that you could offer us some kind of explanation as to your state of mind. Because frankly Rocko, I'm confused as hell.
'Course, you probably are too. You, perhaps more than anybody, has been screwed with since the day you signed with this company. I don't know if it's Freeman, or Ryan, or some unnamed big shot who has it in for you, Rocko, but you've been getting it big time since day one. I know, I've dealt with it before over these past few years. So, as someone who identifies with you, I'll give you some advice for Black Dawn.
Focus, Rocko, focus.
You can't afford to come into this match distracted. There's a shot at the World Heavyweight Title on the line in this shindig, and you can be sure that Marx, Cruise, and myself are gonna be on fire when that bell rings. If you can't get over whatever problems you're going through right now, not only will you leave the Garden sans a title shot, you may leave with a whole lot less than what you came in with.
Just focus, Rocko.
I need you on your game. I need you fighting the best you can, because I can not afford distractions in the ring. I can't afford to have Rocko Daymon's problems, and the actions he might take, taking the forefront of my mind during this match. I want to fight the REAL Rocko Daymon, not some psychologically screwed up pseudo-Rocko. So bring the A-game, for the sake of your opponents, your fans, and the EPW brass. Impress 'em, and maybe your problems will all be solved.
Now, to my partners in discussion this past week.
Jonathan, I've pretty much said everything I can about you this week. I'll leave you with just a couple pearls of wisdom before I finish.
It's simple Jon...DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME.
A year ago, nine other men underestimated my presence, and I walked out of a brutal extreme battle royal as a champion.
Even though I was champion, Stephen Waltz, DreamMaker, and Dallas Winston all underestimated me two weeks later, and I still walked out the champion.
The doctors underestimated my ability to recover, and said I may never get back in the ring again. Four and a half months later, I was back, proving everybody wrong again.
At Battleground Britain, Clapper thought I lacked something that made me unsuitable to be a champion. After the most brutal match ANYONE has ever seen, he had to use an axe to threaten a man's life and win the match, and I was, as always, still standing, and I walked out of Wales as X-treme champion.
You want to underestimate me, Marx? Call me trailer park trash? Tell me I'm just trying to go after you to steal a moment in your basking glow?
Go right ahead.
You'll just end up like every other man on that last...
Proved wrong.
Finally, we reach the man who now no longer needs the tag "underdog", Cameron Cruise.
You, Cameron, have perhaps reached me this week more than anyone else. I have gotten a glimpse of what goes on in your mind, and I see in you exactly what I see in myself. You are a man ready to shed the pangs of loss, of underestimation. You, like I, are prepared to take the game to the next level.
You, however, claim to already be there.
Me, I get to that plateau at Black Dawn.
You certainly DO have some work cut out for you at Black Dawn, Cameron, regardless of your opinions of my promo up in Syracuse on Monday.
In fact, I plan to ensure that you've got a hell of a lot of work to do if you want to get out of Black Dawn as the number one contender to the World Championship. Regardless of what we've said this week, all that matters is what happens in that ring, right inside this very arena.
That's where I'll make my final stand.
In front of you, Marx, Daymon, twenty thousand screaming fans, millions others on pay per view...hell, in front of the entire damn world. I put a stop to my stint in the midcard, Cameron.
At Black Dawn, in ONE FELL SWOOP, Cameron, I will vault right over you and into the number one contender's role.
It's a role I've been auditioning for my entire career.
At Black Dawn, the casting director calls, and the part becomes mine. My dream is three steps away from coming through.
Yes, they are three monstrous steps.
Cameron Cruise.
"Gentleman" Jonathan Marx.
Rocko Daymon.
Four men in a ring, and one common dream at stake. This is my opportunity, and I intend to make the absolute best of it.
Christian, Marcus, to the both of you, I wish you the best of luck in the main event.
But watch out, because whichever one of you leaves as Champion, the end of the road for your reign will rapidly approach.
'Cause I'll be waiting.
That's it for me, I've got nothing else to say until Black Dawn.
I'll be waiting in the ring.
Good luck, boys.
...FADE TO BLACK
TSiegel
I spoil things.
"Who do you think you are Douglas?"
(Fadein to Cruise's front porch, where Cruise is dressed in black pants, sneakers, a solid blue shirt and his black Anarchy shades. His arms are folded over his chest very much like a parent would scolding a child.)
CC: I 'm serious kid. You shoot a few promos on me while wearing shirts of old wrestling teams that not only no longer exist....they HATE EACH OTHER!! That's of course alongside the bandwagon of a cinderella basketball team that AREN'T going to win it all.
You don't know me Troy Douglas. You never have, and frankly, I'm going to go out on a limb here but...you never WILL.
You see in me what you see in yourself....
Psssh.
(Cruise spits off to the side and shakes his head in disbelief.)
Get a grip, kid.
That's somethin' else kid, you're damn right I claim to be on the level, that's because I've had enough experience to BE on the level.
You've wrestled punks like Suicide and Daymon who frankly, won't see the light of REAL competition for what might as well be their careers!
(Cruise starts to pace back and forth on his porch slowly, slowly forming his words.)
You've been auditioning for a role? In what? the Broadway version of "Ready to Rumble"? Get real kid.
The four of us....or by the looks of Daymon not sayin' nothin'...THREE of us, were given a shot because we either did good, got lucky, or have been puttin' the fear o' god in some people.
Marx and I...we know where we stand as far as those categories go....what about you?
The best thing I can think of that you did lately, was SURVIVE Douglas. That's right, you didn't even WIN that belt, that punk a** felt SORRY for you. That's why your the champion.
Not to mention, ain't a damn fool in that lockerroom who gives a damn about IT or you ANYWAY.
This is your only opportunity Douglas, to not only NOT win a world title shot at Aggression, but to get your punk a** kicked by two or three other guys in the process.
I suggest you make the most of it.
Now... (Cruise spits again.) if you don't like that, then that is most DEFINATELY, a REALITY CHECK...that you just....won't like.
Chump.
Fade
(Fadein to Cruise's front porch, where Cruise is dressed in black pants, sneakers, a solid blue shirt and his black Anarchy shades. His arms are folded over his chest very much like a parent would scolding a child.)
CC: I 'm serious kid. You shoot a few promos on me while wearing shirts of old wrestling teams that not only no longer exist....they HATE EACH OTHER!! That's of course alongside the bandwagon of a cinderella basketball team that AREN'T going to win it all.
You don't know me Troy Douglas. You never have, and frankly, I'm going to go out on a limb here but...you never WILL.
You see in me what you see in yourself....
Psssh.
(Cruise spits off to the side and shakes his head in disbelief.)
Get a grip, kid.
That's somethin' else kid, you're damn right I claim to be on the level, that's because I've had enough experience to BE on the level.
You've wrestled punks like Suicide and Daymon who frankly, won't see the light of REAL competition for what might as well be their careers!
(Cruise starts to pace back and forth on his porch slowly, slowly forming his words.)
You've been auditioning for a role? In what? the Broadway version of "Ready to Rumble"? Get real kid.
The four of us....or by the looks of Daymon not sayin' nothin'...THREE of us, were given a shot because we either did good, got lucky, or have been puttin' the fear o' god in some people.
Marx and I...we know where we stand as far as those categories go....what about you?
The best thing I can think of that you did lately, was SURVIVE Douglas. That's right, you didn't even WIN that belt, that punk a** felt SORRY for you. That's why your the champion.
Not to mention, ain't a damn fool in that lockerroom who gives a damn about IT or you ANYWAY.
This is your only opportunity Douglas, to not only NOT win a world title shot at Aggression, but to get your punk a** kicked by two or three other guys in the process.
I suggest you make the most of it.
Now... (Cruise spits again.) if you don't like that, then that is most DEFINATELY, a REALITY CHECK...that you just....won't like.
Chump.
Fade
PaulNJ21
I shunned a voodoo witch, decapitated a black cat
Bagels and Bodyslams
::Jonathan Marx and Brandon Jacobs are sitting in a bagel shop at breakfast time::
BRANDON JACOBS: Yo anti-semite, pass the cream cheese. :
asses the cream cheese:: Thank you.
JONATHAN MARX: B’Vakasha. Pass me the salt Nazi, I need it for my loxs and eggs. : :asses the salt::
BRANDON JACOBS: :asses the salt:: That Troy Douglas boy is a hell of character. You watch one movie about Jesus and he turns it into “Die Jews, die.”
JONATHAN MARX: Jesus didn’t preach hatred. Jesus would have never wanted innocent Jews to die for the crimes of a few. Jesus himself was a Jew and under that premise he would hold his family and friends responsible too if he was a vindictive *****. He preached love the neighbor, not love your gentile neighbor.
BRANDON JACOBS: Apparently he has been watching too much FOX News.
JONATHAN MARX: What can you do? You would think that since I took the last name of a Jewish hero of mine that being anti-Semitic is the last thing on earth that I would be accused of.
BRANDON JACOBS: He is just trying to get under your skin. Although he is right about how the bible has been manipulated by those in power in order for their own means.
JONATHAN MARX: It is part of the curse of being Jonathan Marx. He is turning me into a korban. Everyone thinks they are being creative by calling me an idiot or overrated repeating the same trite rhetoric over and over in a vain attempt to con everyone, but the fans at home are much too smart to buy it.
BRANDON JACOBS: Troy Douglas is one of many wrestlers today who seeks to insult the intelligence of the masses through his words and ring work further driving the product down the toilet.
JONATHAN MARX: It is a shame, the fans deserve something better than him. They deserve a champion who respects both old school and new and wants to take wrestling back to the pinnacle that our forefathers wrestled at.
BRANDON JACOBS: They are uneducated. They don’t know any better.
JONATHAN MARX: Ignorance is no excuse. Schelps like him have caused the world to go to hell. Well, I’m not letting it. I’m sick and tired of having to put up with people like Troy Douglas who are trying to ruin this sport. If he thinks he is going to beat me, he is meshuge. The only way I’m ever going to correct the problem is to become a champion and lead these children by example into the promise land.
BRANDON JACOBS: Emperor Marx will reign supreme.
JONATHAN MARX: And once that happens, I’ll get rid of that awful trayf catering in back and have it done properly by a kosher deli.
BRANDON JACOBS: You my sir are a mensch.
::bows his head in respect to Jacobs::
FTB
::Jonathan Marx and Brandon Jacobs are sitting in a bagel shop at breakfast time::
BRANDON JACOBS: Yo anti-semite, pass the cream cheese. :
asses the cream cheese:: Thank you. JONATHAN MARX: B’Vakasha. Pass me the salt Nazi, I need it for my loxs and eggs. : :
asses the salt:: BRANDON JACOBS: :
asses the salt:: That Troy Douglas boy is a hell of character. You watch one movie about Jesus and he turns it into “Die Jews, die.”JONATHAN MARX: Jesus didn’t preach hatred. Jesus would have never wanted innocent Jews to die for the crimes of a few. Jesus himself was a Jew and under that premise he would hold his family and friends responsible too if he was a vindictive *****. He preached love the neighbor, not love your gentile neighbor.
BRANDON JACOBS: Apparently he has been watching too much FOX News.
JONATHAN MARX: What can you do? You would think that since I took the last name of a Jewish hero of mine that being anti-Semitic is the last thing on earth that I would be accused of.
BRANDON JACOBS: He is just trying to get under your skin. Although he is right about how the bible has been manipulated by those in power in order for their own means.
JONATHAN MARX: It is part of the curse of being Jonathan Marx. He is turning me into a korban. Everyone thinks they are being creative by calling me an idiot or overrated repeating the same trite rhetoric over and over in a vain attempt to con everyone, but the fans at home are much too smart to buy it.
BRANDON JACOBS: Troy Douglas is one of many wrestlers today who seeks to insult the intelligence of the masses through his words and ring work further driving the product down the toilet.
JONATHAN MARX: It is a shame, the fans deserve something better than him. They deserve a champion who respects both old school and new and wants to take wrestling back to the pinnacle that our forefathers wrestled at.
BRANDON JACOBS: They are uneducated. They don’t know any better.
JONATHAN MARX: Ignorance is no excuse. Schelps like him have caused the world to go to hell. Well, I’m not letting it. I’m sick and tired of having to put up with people like Troy Douglas who are trying to ruin this sport. If he thinks he is going to beat me, he is meshuge. The only way I’m ever going to correct the problem is to become a champion and lead these children by example into the promise land.
BRANDON JACOBS: Emperor Marx will reign supreme.
JONATHAN MARX: And once that happens, I’ll get rid of that awful trayf catering in back and have it done properly by a kosher deli.
BRANDON JACOBS: You my sir are a mensch.
::bows his head in respect to Jacobs::
FTB