HWA Message Board: Obsession

Biloxi, Mississippi, just across from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

I’d lost track of time, of days, I think it was Sunday, maybe Saturday or something but it wouldn’t be long now. Everybody knew Maniac’s pattern. He always arrived at the hosting city a few days in advance and besides that, his stupid bus was easy to spot. All I had to do was get to Biloxi before him and keep my eyes peeled and that’s what I’ve done. I slept in this damn rent-a-car and parked across from the arena and waited. The guy that came every day with the hot dog cart thought I was homeless keeps offering me free food, but I always paid him. He’s a reminder that there are still good people in the world. I don’t look homeless do I? I pull the sunshade down and looked at the mirror on the back.

(Jeremy): Well, shit!

My facial hair was becoming unkept for sure, and in just a few days the lack of my usual skincare routine was showing. I pushed the sun shade back up into place and there it was….that fuking bus coming from down the street. I knew it instantly.

(Jeremy): Voilà!

I pulled the seatbelt on and started the car. The bus was just turning the corner and drove rather slowly past the arena.

(Jeremy): What the fuk are you looking at?

This was probably some sick ritual he had, driving past the arena like he owned it, checking on the property. This was just like him. Arrogant son of a bitch, like a dog trying to mark his perceived territory. The bus turned the corner right onto Beach Ave. I could easily stay a decent quarter mile or more back and still have eyes on the thing, it’s not like it was about to speed down the street. 15 minutes later the damn thing had it’s turn signal on and was turning left into the lot for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

(Jeremy): Typical!

I waited for the bus to park, and the engine was still going when Maniac stepped out and headed straight inside the lobby. There was Greg behind him. He needs to be fired. All he ever does is hang under Maniac’s ass. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him record for anyone else. Why the hell does “he” get special treatment? This is the exact kind of shit I’m talking about, but people think I’m just bitching and moaning. I get out of the car and can barely stand up.

(Jeremy): Jesus!

My damn back was stiff after sitting and sleeping in this thing nonstop. It was a mild pain. Nothing in comparison to the pain he’s caused Matt…the pain he’s caused me. I stretch, grab my jacket, a baseball cap and my sunglasses and I head into the lobby. I scanned the area quickly, and spotted him making his way through the lobby like he was Elvis ####ing Presley, surrounded by fans.

(Jeremy): Hmph…Fans!

These weren’t fans. These were flies. They always gather on shit. He looks like an old rocker overjoyed that people still remember who he even was. Look at him grinning, eating it up. Okay, he’s on the move now. Where is he…

(Jeremy): Of course!

I can already hear the sound of the casino machines. People hoping for good fortune and “Lady Luck” to be on their side. I could use her on mine right now. These things are rigged and I’m starting to think our company is too. How the hell else does he keep getting ahead? How does he keep winning? There he goes to the bar, not a care in the world. I hang back and find a seat nearby, pull my phone out and set it on the table. I bought this little stand and one of those spy sound amplifier things on Amazon and turn it in his direction so I could hear. He won’t see me. He sets his phone on the bar in front of him and seconds later I hear him listening to the Busted Open Podcast.

Is that Sean I hear? I didn’t know he was going to be on there. When the hell was this? I don’t even know what day it is. I listen in alongside him. Why the hell was Bully such an asshole to Sean? I had actually liked the guy, he gave me some good advice once but if he’s going to insult my friends like that, my company then to hell with him. He’s no better than Maniac, some veteran who’s body will retire from the business long before their ego does. Not long after the podcast his phone rings and he picks up.

(Maniac): Well, this is the second time I’ve been surprised. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call, boss man?

(Jeremy): Boss man?

Who is he talking to? The $50 was totally worth it, this little device works great.

(Maniac): Yeah, I figured as much, but we wanted to try. Stu thought he could legitimize his Title reign by beating me in my playground, but I understand where you’re coming from. The contract signing at Havoc will go smoothly, and we’ll still have one hell of a match at Fatality. I appreciate the call, big guy, give Wisdom my best. Oh, and Butch..

(Jeremy): Butch?

Since when are they all chummy? Does Sean know about this? Like what the actual fuk is going on? Hearing him say Butch’s name threw me off, I didn’t hear the end of the call if he said anything. But I did hear him say something about Stu-E wanting to beat him in his playground. His playground?

(Jeremy): The Asylum!

My heart races. This ####er has asked for another Asylum Match. He has the…… I’m shaking. I lose my thought for a moment. I can’t believe he has the nerve, the balls to ask for that match after what he did to Matt. It should be banned. I could break his neck. I could break his neck right here and he wouldn’t see me coming. He deserves that. No, I take it back. That’s not what he deserves. He deserves for everyone to see his demise televised. He deserves to have his career ended on live tv just like he did to Matt. I don’t care if it makes him a martyr. Damnit, I missed what he said next, why the fuk is he laughing now?

(Jeremy): Oh great….Sideshow Bob.

I watch as Greg walks up, fuking ass-kisser. I turn my head a bit getting further lost in the crowd, the brim of my cap turned down.

(Greg): Wow Maniac you’re taking the rejection better than I thought.

I see Maniac nod taking down the last of his drink and getting the bartenders attention so he can order another. Maybe he’ll drink himself to death. Could I be so lucky?

(Maniac): I’m no fool Greg, I seen that coming from a mile away. But, that doesn’t mean violence won’t be golden at Fatality because it will be and it’ll be glorious.

What the hell is he planning? Didn’t get your way with Butch but he’s obviously got something else in mind. As if I’ll allow that to happen. As if I’ll sit back and watch him ruin another career. I feel like I’m on fire, if I looked at my hands right now I’d expect to see ripples in the air around them. I hate him! I fuking hate him. I hate everything about him. His voice, his stupid laugh, his clothes, the way his Adams Apple bobs when he slurps down his goddamn drink. I barely listen as he goes on about visiting local attractions and Greg with his ever-ready camera is right with his buddy to film. I watch as he records something about Wolfy.

(Jeremy): “…wherever you are…”?

What’s going on with Wolfy? I hear him take a jab at Tobias and then starts getting into Hans and Jesse’s match as if it’s any of his business.

(Maniac): ….Jesse is back hungrier than ever looking to prove he hasn’t lost a step since his absence. And Hans, just like everyone else looking to climb the ladder and get a HWA Championship match. No better motivation than that am I right? And just to let you both know if I beat Stu-E and become champion I’d be honored to face either of you for the championship…...

(Jeremy): Hmph!

I can’t help but let my exasperation show. He really thinks himself a leader, some motivational voice. Listen how he’s talking to them as if there’s actual reasoning in his head. And there comes another drink…what is that 3? 4? I lost count. It’s hard to keep up and listen in at the same time.

(Maniac): And then we have the champ himself, You know champ it was great having you as a guest on my bus after this previous Havoc but has anyone ever told you that you sound like Bert with Mary Poppins tit in his mouth?

He thinks he’s a comedian now too. Thinks he’s funny. Just how he thought it was all fun and games terrorizing Matt, taunting and teasing him into that match. You sanctimonious fuk, I’ll end you. I’ll end you and make you wish you never heard of wrestling.

(Maniac): ………. Sean, you really are a Parker aren’t you?

I suddenly get drawn back to attention. Did he just say Sean’s name?

(Maniac): Then again, I guess one could wonder if you really are because you talk a big talk about how winning the HWA Championship is your destiny yet there you are without it. Butch did what he said he would do, why can’t you Sean? Why is it you can only talk a big game but when it comes time for the title to be on the line you choke?

There he is laughing again, I can’t take it, who is he to mock Sean? For a guy who talked about the title since he came back he hasn’t got it either. He wasn’t in the Ring Master finale…Sean was, he hasn’t even had a title shot until now, Sean has. He didn’t even earn the shot he’s got it was fuking given to him. I’m trying to calm down but I can’t, all I see is red, all I see is Matt’s face when the doctor looked at his CT scan and went over the results. Piece of Shit of a so-called human being always having his fun at other people’s expense. Not for long. Not for long Maniac. I’m watching you. I won’t leave your side and when the moment is right I’ll put you down.

My eyes blur with tears of absolute rage. I’m delirious! I’ve never been so consumed with anything in my life, I can’t stop shaking. I jump up and leave the area quickly. I can’t be this close to him right now, I just can’t. I’m going to lose it. I watch as he finishes his drink, gets up and nods to Greg before he heads off. I follow, just a spec in this sea of hundreds of people watching as he goes over to the Blackjack table. He nods to the table, if any of them know who he is they don’t show it. Probably too consumed in the game to notice right away, but I know it’s coming, and I’ll know he’ll do what he always does and ham it up.

(Jeremy): Fuking piece of shit!

I’d love to be the card dealer right now. The moment he say’s “Hit Me!” I’d do just that. I’d watch his life flash before his eyes as I pounced on him. I’d break every knuckle and bone in my hand just to pulverize him. I need to call Sean….maybe later. Something is going on we don’t know about. Something with his Uncle. All of this can’t just be coincidence. He ####ing “Gave” Maniac a title shot, they’re calling each other talking like old friends, Stu-E is visiting his goddamn bus, Draconis suddenly comes back out of the blue. Matt’s not here, it’s just Sean and I now. I have to watch his back.

Why hasn’t Sean gotten a title shot of his own? Who the hell is targeting Hans and why they haven’t done anything about it? They know he’s our friend, maybe they’re trying to drive us all out. I won’t let Maniac succeed. He won’t be World Champion if I have anything to do with it and I do. I have everything to do with it because I’ll be there watching, waiting.

I pull my phone out and again look at Matt’s picture in it, one of many. This one I took the first morning he stayed the night at my place, the first time we’d made love. I woke up and he was still asleep. I guess I did it because I didn’t think it was real. I wanted proof that he was there and he was mine at least for a moment in case he got cold feet about having a real relationship but he didn’t. He stayed with me, “I’m all in” he said, and he loved me, but how was I supposed to know that I would be his only love? His love of wrestling, of getting in the ring was going to be taken away.

I can’t help but cry, this woman passing by just looked at me with a pitiful stare. I probably look like I just lost my life savings at one of these damn tables. I pull myself together and refocus. He’s still playing, laughing and of course…here’s a little cocktail waitress bringing him a drink. I see the hundred dollar bill he tips her. All he’s doing is peacocking. Why do people buy into his shit? Look at her, she thinks he’s the greatest guy she’s seen in weeks. She’ll hover over this table like a hen on eggs just to keep the rest of them away. It’s what he does…sucker people in. He’ll probably slip her another hundred after she brings him a few more drinks, his own personal servant. She should be fired just like Greg. He’s not the only customer in here you dingy bitch, I should go complain to the manager. I’ve got hundreds to toss around too, see how that works in her favor. She’d deserve it. Anyone who sides with him deserves what they get.

I’ve seen enough for today. I know he’s here in the city, I can find him. I can track him, and Greg both. He’ll be around and I’ll be watching, taking notes. Come Havoc, this bullshit contract signing of his, this reward for sick behavior, God Help Me. I can’t call Sean. As much as I want to, as much as we need to get answers…I can’t. He might try and stop me. He might try and get me to see reason. I don’t want to see reason. I’ve seen reason for months and its done nothing but get me a dumb nickname for fans to chant, and drive Matt away, my baby. He wants me to focus on my career. He believes in me. How could he think he was a distraction. He’s everything to me, everything. It’s Maniac. You…you relic of HWA’s past…you’re the distraction, but not for long.

I turn and leave the Hard Rock. Glad to have all the chatter and noise behind me. I go to the car, this metal box I’ve lived in for days eating hotdogs and taking pissing in bushes. I have to find a hotel, I need to get ready for Havoc. Shit…I have a match….I forgot. I didn’t remember, I haven’t thought about it. I haven’t thought about anything. I grab my phone and go to the HWA app, firing it up quickly. I look like a mess but I don’t care. I clear my throat, press broadcast and here we go.

(Jeremy): Travis, it’s you and I at Havoc. I was rooting for you last week, but I think you found out fast what kind of people Maniac and Lunatik are. At Havoc I get to show you what kind of people the rest of us are. The ones who helped rebuild a respectable brand through hard work and dedication. I get to show you the true HWA and the vision of pure wrestling that still burns inside some of us. Bring you’re A-game and I’ll bring mine and we’ll give the fans something special to talk about.

I publish the recording and toss my phone in the seat. I need to get out of here, get a real meal, hit the gym, get some decent sleep. I look back at the hotel and know he’s still inside. I hope he enjoys this time, I honestly do. I hope he’s happy with the fickle fans he meets and the money he’s throwing around. I want him happy, just like Matt was happy. I want to take it all away never to return just like Matt. I can’t stop my head from racing, but for now I need to focus. Hotel first, shower, and then I’ll figure out the rest.

Fade to black.