HWA Message Board: Focused

HWA Headquarters and Academy – Santa Monica, CA – 7:15 a.m.

Everything had been a bit different since Matt had been gone. As much of a void as he had left, had he been right? Jeremy wondered. Had he needed to focus on his career, his ring work, and move past grudges? Yes, and No, he decided was the answer. He did need to focus, but nothing in the world would make him forget or forgive Maniac, and Lunatik only added his name to the list by association. If Hans, a twenty-year veteran still harbored a deep dislike for the man after two decades…how the hell did anyone, even Matt expect him to do much different?

He was focused now, that much was true. He felt Havoc had proved that. He hadn’t lashed out in anger, he was calm, cool and collected. He wanted to break Lunatik’s teeth with his fist, but he didn’t. He wanted to take that clown and wipe the smile off his face with his foot, but he didn’t. He would save it for the ppv. Too bad the phrase “Legend Killer” had long been taken. It fit what he had planned for the short-run return of Maniac’s bestie. For now, the equipment at the Academy was fired up. He was fired up from his workout and it was time to put thoughts to video as he hit record.

(Jeremy): Lunatik, I wasn’t going to do this, but you’ll forgive me this brief divergence. There’s a little something that must be addressed first.

He smiles and shakes his head, amused.

(Jeremy): Maniac…I guess it really is election season. Everybody saw you walk in here for the first time in God knows when, put on your best “I care mask,” shake hands, and spend time with recruits in the ring like you give a shit about anything or anyone here. It’s the same crap the politicians do when they’re trying to win people over…show up for a change and pretend. You might get a few votes, but I’ll never buy into your lies. This thing you’ve got brewing with Erica….at least you have the good sense to know you belong in hell with your little creation, and your time to join her will be sooner than you think.

But that’s enough about Thing 1, let’s talk about Thing 2. Ever since Ring Master when you made your big return Lunatik, you’ve walked around here like the halls and walls belong to you, as if you were returning to your vacation home. As if you’d pick up where you left off the last time your name was on the roster. The only people that cheered that night were over 40 because they’re the only ones who remember who you were from their childhood. Other than a brief return way back when you’ve had close to 20 years of irrelevancy in this business and at Road to Ruin, I’m going to show you just how irrelevant you still are.

He adjusts himself in his seat, clasping his hands together thoughtfully.

(Jeremy): I’m not going to elaborate on my background, how I got here, doubts I had, and why I stayed…Google it, it’s well documented. What’s important is the here and now. A year and half ago the stage was set for every Bastion Booger to every Buff Bridges to make their return to this company. What seemed exciting then to the wrestling world, quickly turned controversial. People like you and your “friend” don’t come back here to produce, you come to play. The nostalgia of opening your old toybox is just too much to resist, but what you’ll find is your old games are obsolete.

A new generation of talent put those old boxes on the shelf and rewrote the entire script. This isn’t a game to us, we took the scraps and broken pieces you all left behind and rebuilt the entire company. I’m not discounting your in-ring abilities, I know you’re still physically capable and good for you, but you’re not on my level. And, that’s not an age thing, that’s strictly speaking talent for talent at any stage of your career. I can’t blame you for what you did at Ring Master, sticking your nose in my business to save Maniac’s ass. I wouldn’t expect you to walk away from him any more than I would walk away from Sean if he were in need, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’ve joined a fight against a greater force than you.

Jeremy leans in staring straight into the camera as if face to face with Lunatik.

(Jeremy): I don’t like you Lunatik, and I don’t respect you. Our match will be the canvas on which I take that stupid paint from your face and create a work of art the wrestling world would be talking about for a long time. It will spark a debate about the failed returns of superstars of yesteryear and if it’s even worth it for the quick crowd pop and ratings spike, when the rapid decline follows just as quickly.

I’m not going to sit here and say I’m going to beat you within an inch of your life…I’ll save that for your friend. I’m simply going to outwrestle you, outclass you, and win. You’ll leave that ring knowing you gave everything you had, and it wasn’t good enough and never will be. That’s not an insult Lunatik, it’s just the hard truth of the matter. You got a little win in that tag match, but that had more to do with me in my own head and you capitalizing on it, than anything else. I was thinking earlier about the moniker “Legend Killer” which not only is taken, but I realize now is far from fitting.

Jeremy stands up and grabs his towel from the back of the seat.

(Jeremy): You may be a veteran Lunatik, but you’re no legend, and I’m going to prove it to you at Road to Ruin.

Jeremy leaves the recording room, the doors slowly closing behind him as the sounds of the gym floor above and below rumble as the sound fades to black.