Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2016 6:27:22 GMT
  – – – – –
RAKES ARE THE DEVIL ☠
CHAPTER 01
“Alright you pesky rake. You’re not going to get me this time!”
Standing right there in the middle of his backyard was the man they called Johnny Sykes. His attention was glaring down at the grass covered ground where an old and rusty rake laid on the ground. The interesting part of Johnny’s face is it looked a little beat up. There was a couple of scrapes and there was a couple of welts all across his cheeks as well as forehead. About that time Johnny stepped towards the rake. His foot found itself hitting the “teeth” of the rake and it caused the wooden handle of it to come straight up smacking him directly between the eyes.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Son of a gun!
Turning away from the rake that had hit him in the face and now fell back the ground. Johnny was holding his face and head stomping his feet against the ground in pain. Little did Johnny know that his son and his best friend were standing on the back porch watching this go down. They stood there looking on in amusement but also looking on in pure confusion. David all the sudden turned to the nine year old boy.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Explain?
J A X (the son of a prankster) S Y K E S
He thinks he’s facing a rake in his next match. He’s been out here preparing for hours and he keeps getting hit in the head the same way with a rake.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Why in the hell?
There was an instant palm face from David as he shook his head about from side to side. Slowly raising his hand out of his palm to look back at the small child.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
I am likely going to regret asking this but why does he think he’s facing a rake?
J A X (the son of a prankster) S Y K E S
He has been put in the ring with someone named Johnny Raike and ever since he heard the Raike part of the name. He’s convinced himself he’s facing a rake. I don’t get it. I tried to explain. Others have tried to explain. He just doesn’t get it.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
That’s your dad for you. I’ll see if I can get through to him. Won’t be easy, but I’ve been dealing with this since two thousand six.
J A X (the son of a prankster) S Y K E S
Well before you try, can I ask you something Uncle David?
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Sure thing kid. What’s up?
J A X (the son of a prankster) S Y K E S
Is my dad special needs? I know something isn’t right. I’ve known for a while now. Just never had anyone to ask.
For a moment David kind of looked at the young boy with a heavy heart. No one ever really knew if Johnny was or wasn’t technically classified as special needs. It was clear something wasn’t right. That much had been clear for a very-very long time. In the same light though Johnny was a very-caring person. A very loving person. He just didn’t get things like everyone else. David found himself shaking his head.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
No... no. You’re dad isn’t special needs. He just doesn’t get things like everyone else does. He lives in his own little world most of the time. He sees things in a very unique and creative way compared to others. There’s nothing wrong with and there’s nothing to worry about. Your dad is going to be just fine.
Briefly David patted Jax on the shoulder before turning and stepping off the porch to head towards where Johnny was in the backyard. By this point Johnny had somewhat recovered from being whacked in the head with the rake. He seemed to be consumed at this point with a little bit of rage. Shouting out at the prone rake on the ground.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
That’s it. I’ve freakin’ had enough! Now you’re going to pay!
Angrily he stepped towards the ladder. Once again his feet hit the teeth of it causing the wooden part of the rake shoot straight up into the air. It was on the verge of cracking Johnny right between the eyes again. Thankfully David used his quick reflexes and reached out snatching the wooden part of the rake preventing it from smacking Johnny square in the face.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Are you trying to knock yourself out or something?
It had registered to Johnny that his best friend was before him. David had been seen a lot more these days. Then again they hadn’t seen each other in six long years. Kind of made sense why he had been around so much as of late. Johnny took a couple steps away from the rake as David was able to now let it fall back down to the ground.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
No, obviously not! Who wants to get knocked out? That’s not fun.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
That’s the route you’re going continuing to smack yourself in the head with a rake.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
I’m not smacking myself in the head! The rake is faster than I am and I got to figure out how! I’ve got a big match against a rake on May twelfth.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Johnny, you’re not facing a rake.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Yes I am!
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
No you’re not.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Yes I am!
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
No!
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Yes!
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
NO!
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
YES!
The urge to take that rake and bop Johnny on the head with it was rather strong within David. Yet, he realized that this was who Johnny was. He had dealt with him this long. That he understood that he was kind of in a roundabout way dealing with a child. Sighing heavily David looked at his friend.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
No listen to me for a change. You’re not facing a rake. Your facing Johnny Raike.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Impossible Davey, you can’t clone me and have me face myself.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
No no. Believe it or not there’s more than one person named Johnny in this world. You’re facing a man by the name of Johnny Raike.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Wait, what? Why would anyone name a rake after me?! That’s goofy as heck!
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Jesus fucking Christ! You’re impossible sometimes!
David shook his head from side to side. The frustration was starting to set in as Johnny looked on confused. That’s when David reached down inside of his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. After a couple of taps on the screen with his fingers. Soon enough he turned his phone around to reveal a photo of Johnny Raike on the screen as he pointed to it.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
That is who you’re facing Johnny. That is the man they call Johnny Raike!
The puzzled look on Johnny’s face twisted up a little more as he took the phone into his hand and seemed to have studied it a little more. Soon enough he was able to look up from the photo slowly starting to hand the phone back.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Well to be fair. You can’t blame me for confusing him with a rake. He’s skinny as one and his teeth are so jacked up that they look like the bottom of a rake!
He had this grin spread across his face. It was a pretty infectious grin at that. David shook his head a little bit and took his phone away from Johnny.
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
I would have said he resembled that of a meth-head more than a rake, but whatever floats your boat.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
There’s going to be a floating boat involved?
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
It was a figure of speech.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Why would you finger speech?
D A V I D (the best friend) C H R I S T E N S E N
Ughhh! Let’s just get you to a gym so we can get you prepared.
David shook his head once again in frustration and started to walk away. Johnny had that boyish yet clueless grin spread all across his lips as he started to follow behind his best friend. This was a good example as to why many people questioned Johnny Sykes even being in the business. It didn’t appear like the kid could function very well on his own especially when it came to being very easily confused. Yet even though that might be the case. Johnny had proven time and time again in the past that he could be one of the best professional wrestlers that were ever seen.
YOU’RE GETTIN’ PWNED! ☠
CHAPTER 02
A few days had gone by and in that time everything had been cleared up for the adorable yet always confused Johnny Sykes. Speaking of the Original Prankster though. Today the PAW world was going to be getting a little video from him. A little video that no one was going to want to miss for it was going to explain just exactly how the young man felt about his second match ever in Pure Amusement Wrestling. Not just that but it was almost a given that the young man was going to have something to say when it came to Johnny Raike. That alone was worth hearing and seeing.
Cue where the cameras found themselves rolling at that very moment. As soon as the cameras revealed to be on the Original Pranksta himself. Johnny was walking around carrying a rake over his shoulder. Something that seemed to be going on with this belief that he was facing a rake. That was quite the twitter exchange for anyone that had seen it. Flipping the rake off his shoulders kind of like it was some type of lightsaber. Johnny then slammed it straight down into the ground and used it for him to lean on as he locked his eyes on the cameras before him.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Soooooo I found out I’m facing Johnny RAIKE and not a RAKE in general. Sorry to the twitter guy for the confusion. You still going to fight me in REAL LIFE though! I’m going to find you bro... then it’s on like donkey kong.
His left hand was balled up in a fist. Almost like it was some type of warning.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
For now though I gotta focus on you Mr. Raike. To be honest buddy like I was telling my friend earlier today. You kind of do look like a rake. Nobody can blame me for getting closed. You’re super duper skinny. Like a rake. Heck, I’d even say like a toothpick. You got them sharp razor like teeth. All of which look like the teeth of a rake. I could flip you upside down and use you to rake up the leaves in my backyard. But then again that’s my opinion. My friend says you look like a meth-head. Whatever the frick that is.
Johnny just let a small shoulder shrug fall from his very own shoulders. Surely, that wasn’t going to be something that Raike too kindly to. Understandably so.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
It isn’t about you being used as a rake. It isn’t about me thinking you were a rake. It isn’t even about my friend thinking you’re a meth head. However it is about the two of us squaring off in the middle of thousands and thousands...
Before he could finish his statement. The voice of David could be heard plain as day although he wasn’t on camera. His statement “No... hundreds and hundreds. PAW isn’t that big, Johnny!” which was an accurate statement. Johnny arched his eyebrow a little bit and then rolled his eyes starting to continue.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Thousands and thousands. Hundred and hundreds. Or even in just front of ten people. Point being Raike, the two of us are going to face each other May 12th. Now from what I’ve been told. You believe you’re pretty good. You been with this crazy company since the beginning almost and in that time with the company. You’ve managed to pick up some wins. You’ve managed to compete against some of the best people PAW has to offer. You’re even a former champion. All of this is what has made you tell anyone and everyone that would listen you’re super. You’re duper. You’re like the greatest thing ever to step into a wrestling ring.
All of the sudden Johnny could be seen clapping his hands together. Though it was kind of hard to make out whether or not he was being sarcastic. It was a given that Johnny was someone that was a bit of a jokester. At the same time it was hard to see when he was joking and when he wasn’t.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Listen bruh, I ain’t trying to rain on ya parade or anything. However just because you’ve won three or four matches doesn’t make you the greatest wrestler. I’ve won at least a hundred matches but I know I’m not the best. There’s always room to improve. There’s always something to work on. There’s always someone that’s going to be just a little bit better. Just because you’ve competed against some of the bigger names in PAW. That doesn’t make you the greatest. I’ve competed against some pretty big names myself. Names that I can’t say because I don’t want to get sued. Apparently there’s like copyrights and stuff that exist!
For a brief moment he frowned while shaking his head some.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
And it doesn’t make you the greatest just because you’ve held a championship. Sure, that means you’re pretty good. It means that you’re good enough to with a shiny gold belt. It means that people should pay attention to you, but it doesn’t make you the greatest. Don’t know how many championships you’ve ever won in your career. However I’ve won quite a few. Even beat my best friend for one.
Of course the boyish grin crossed his lips as it was clear Johnny was having a little bit of fun at his best friend’s expense. To which once again David’s voice could be heard. “Fuck you Johnny!” causing Johnny to snicker a little more.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
But I can tell you two things about me holding a championship Mr. Raike. Number one, I never let it trick me into thinking that I was the greatest. I’ve also never lost a championship to a DJ. You on the other hand did. So, your claims to being one of the greatest kind of just went out the window when you lost to a guy that doesn’t even wrestle. He just plays with that spin thingy in a booth. I never even understand how they got music to come out of those...
He trailed off for a very brief moment. Somehow being able to snap himself back to focus before things got too out of hand.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Not only did you prove you aren’t the greatest. Not only did you lose your championship to a DJ. Not only did you lose your championship that doesn’t even wrestle for a living. But you lost to a DJ who doesn’t wrestle who just happens to be dating Taylor Swift. Do you realize like you’re basically F.U.B.A.R.ed now?! Like bro, she’s going to come out with her next hit song. It’s going to totally just shred you apart like every other dude she’s ever made a song about. You’re not going to be able to escape it by any means. How horrible would it be if she did like the ultimate diss record and started to sing about how you were never-ever-ever getting back your championship?!
Once again that big boyish smile could be seen on his lips. The kid was straight up cheesing and seemingly enjoying every last bit of it too. Poking a little bit of fun at the man that he was going to be climbing into the ring within a few weeks. Some might say that wasn’t the smartest thing in the world to do. Then again it was kind of a given that Johnny wasn’t the smartest human being walking.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
From what Davey told me. Me having a little bit of fun. Me telling a joke or two. Me not being super-duper up tight. That’s going to make you a wee-bit upset. Davey tells me it’s going to force you to throw your weight around and let you say a lot of mean things towards me. Things that you’re going to hope that get to me and hurt my feelings. I mean I didn’t think I was in middle school anymore. Kind of thought that I escaped bullying years ago, but I guess if that’s what makes you feel all-warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Once again there was just a shrug from Johnny. Almost like he didn’t care too much about what could end up happening.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
Honestly dude, if you’re all about bullying just because someone doesn’t do things the way you like or if people don’t look at things the way you do. Then not only are you kind of pathetic, but you kind of remind of these little ten, eleven, and twelve year olds that I play online when I’m doing my thing on Black Ops III. They are the kids that like to talk a lot of trash, make a lot of your momma jokes, and seem as hardcore as they can over the game. Those same kids aren’t going to be as hardcore if someone they offended online ever showed up at their door step and punched them in the mouth. Now don’t get me wrong I’d never punch a kid in the mouth. That’s just wrong, but you Mr. Raike? You can certainly get punched in the face if you try to bully me. Heck, you can get more than kicked in the face. Johnny Sykes don’t play that shiz, Feel me mah ninja?
The kid was just downright hilarious. At times it was hard to take him seriously. Other times it was hard not to laugh with him or either at him. The one thing that was for sure is that he was heck of an entertainer when he had all eyes on him.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
On the realest of real notes. As the African Americans say... I keep it one hundred with ya boiiiii. I want the two of us to have a good match. I’ll be fine with having a great match. More importantly though it’s gonna be about respect. I ain’t got no reason not to respect ya. So don’t come in the disrespectin’ me or things are gonna get real-wild. Like Batman at Six Flags wild. Either way though Mr. Raike, at the end of the night there’s going to be two things that end up happening. Two things that you aren’t ever-ever gonna forget in ya natural born life.
Johnny left everyone with a bit of a cliff hanger. Yet it wasn't going to last for very long.
JOHNNY (the original prankster) SYKES
First ya gonna get Syked The Eff Out and then you’re gonna get pwned like a n00b!
Those sure enough would turn out to be the young man’s final words. Johnny giving that smile of his before waving to the cameras which quickly came to an end. Now everyone would have to wait two whole weeks to see how this was going to pan out with the both of them. Johnny was quick witted. Johnny was someone that liked to have fun. He was someone that liked to tell a joke and when the time called for it. He was someone that loved to pull a prank. Yet at the same time Johnny loved wrestling all the way to his core. In just his second match with Pure Amusement Wrestling. He was truly going to be put to the test. At the same time it might be best for Raike to come prepared because you never know what might be up a Pranksa’s sleeve. |
|
|
|
Post by johnnyraike on May 7, 2016 22:52:30 GMT
He hadn't let anyone see him cry. That was saved for the showers; deep, racking sobs that shook the body of the Thigh High Thriller. All that work, all that time and effort, only to once again watch the stone roll to the bottom of the hill. Johnny had never quite gotten the story of Sisyphus as a kid. He'd always thought it was the pushing, the climbing that was the punishment. It's only as an adult, only now that he sees the real twist of the knife is to watch the stone return to start. A career of titles snatched just from his fingers, of having once again to wash the dust off, face down the next one, and claw his way back up to the top have imparted that bit of knowledge to Johnny Raike. The boulder has slid once again, back to the bottom of the hill. It's climb or quit time now.
Losing in big situations always puts Johnny in a bad mood. Losing the Titan of the Midway championship only to fail to win the WRPD heavyweight title a week later raised the old doubts about whether or not he should be doing this. If this life he stumbled backward into was really worth all the pain and anguish, all the damage done to body, mind, and soul. He'll go to the boards tonight, seek out the haters and the nay sayers. It's not a healthy thing to do, and yet he does it. Perhaps it's penance, a relic of his Catholic upbringing. Perhaps he reads the accusations of choke artist, of hack, reads all the slurs and hatred because he feels he deserves it. Johnny tells himself it's motivation and doesn't face the fact that it doesn't motivate him.
His glimmer of hope is his upcoming match with Johnny Sykes. No way to lose that one but to lose. No being the second fastest climber, no getting thrown to the floor and losing when someone else takes advantage of the work. Win, lose, or draw, Johnny knows that whatever the outcome of this next match, at least it will be all him. He needed that. A lifetime of being accountable to himself first and foremost has left the Thigh High Thriller with a need to sink or swim on his own merits. But the question of heart remains. Just how well can Johnny Raike wash away the stench and pain of failure, and can he do it by Thursday?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We open on the interior of a jet. It's nothing opulent, a few seats, a table, sink and some cabinetry. Light is streaming in through the windows, but the cabin lights themselves are off. The sole occupied seat is taken by Johnny Raike, who is staring glumly at the camera, rocking in his seat slightly. Johnny: “You know, I should be used to losing title matches without actually losing. I should almost be used to watching people win the World title on their third match in the company. But...fuck this one hurts. All my everything trying to get where I deserve to be, and I wasn't even involved in the fall that knocked me out. God. Fucking. Dammit. And I must be feeling like shit, I just actually said god. I'm betting a lot of you don't know why that's significant, but let's just say there's a reason I refer to myself as a recovering Catholic. Stress, darkness, tragedy, and the old habit comes storming back. But this isn't really the time for theology. This is time for me to do my job and sell some tickets.”Raike sighs, and it is full of weariness. Their isn't even close to a hint of a smile, and judging by the sunken look of his eyes, Johnny hasn't slept since the loss. He stares silently into the camera, just long enough for it to become uncomfortable, before forcing a pained smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Johnny: “And my job this next match involves Johnny Sykes. And the main event, which I can be proud of. Not to take away from other Johnny, but I am patting myself on the back for the card placement. I'm also wondering if Munin thinks we'll be extra hard on one another over who gets to be the Johnny, but I've given myself enough nicknames that you can have it. Or, you know, we just both use our normal names and everyone else can specify. Feel a little bad for commentary. Just remember, I have the tattoos. And Johnny, I have some things to say to and about you, but...I need to get some other stuff out first.”Johnny once more drops the pained smile, and instead just looks defeated. He slumps further back into the chair, as if retreating from the world. Johnny: “This has been a shit two weeks for me. Losing my belt to Calvin Harris, then losing my shot at the WARPED title to the only person I've met who might be more annoying than Calvin Harris, it leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth. I think someone needs to feed the universe some pineapple, or possibly dark chocolate. And I know that at heart I have only myself to blame, but two high profile losses... Fuck, I'm one for four in Pure Amusement main events. And while I like to think of myself as a man who's good in the clutch, I can't empirically back that up. I can't prove it. And I know that doesn't matter to a lot of wrestlers, I know a lot of people have an ego that picks them up when they lose and let's them act like it didn't happen, but I've had to deal with reality in my life, so that isn't how it works. I'm having trouble finishing. I'm choking. And I don't like it.”The American Wet Dream's face turns red, and he turns away from the camera to wipe at his eyes. Johnny: “And of course, I'm up here showing emotion, another thing you're just not supposed to do. Only anger, never sadness. Probably leaving room for the close minded to tell me I want to be a women again. But that's some anger I should save for a later time. Just know, because people still don't get it, that I don't take kindly to the idea that being a women is something aberrant to want, or that being a women is inherently mockable. It's on the same path as ever trying to insult me or anyone for being bi, or gay, or trans. We all have to chose where to plant our flag, what's worth making a stand for, and that one is mine. Not realizing your ignorance is not an excuse, sarcasm isn't a defense. And I will kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight, credit Bare Naked Ladies, until no one like me has to suffer for just being themselves.”Passion and anger return to Johnny's face as he talks, the red flush of his face changing from the splotchy pattern of holding back tears to the more even spread of ire. Johnny: “But that's not really a concern for this week. I don't know what Johnny Sykes stance on the LGBTQ community is. At a guess, and based purely on him being old school enough to not hit women, probably not the most progressive man in the world. But to date he's given me no true reason to believe he hates. Now, I know he has a video up on the Pure Amusement portal, but I don't watch those before I do my own talking, as I feel like I've mentioned before. I like to know that my thoughts are all mine, not the twisted fruits of someone else's tree. Perhaps he's said heinous shit, perhaps he's praised me and my looks, I don't know yet and won't for a little while. But from what I've seen of Sykes so far, I'm ready to comment.”Johnny cracks his neck, starting to get back into his usual swing of things. Johnny: “And first things first, I have to say damn! I'm a student of catch, so watching your match against Trixie and Kelly was amazing. Shades of Johnny Saint or Johnny Kidd out of Johnny Sykes. Truly impressive, and I tip my hat, though I rarely wear it, to you. That match does raise a whole bevy of what if questions, though. What if you hit the girls? What if that had been one on one? What's going to happen when you face down someone you don't feel morally opposed to hitting? Granted that last one wasn't a what if, but it's my promo and my chartered jet, so I'll allow it. With one thing and another I couldn't stand the idea of a fourteen hour flight home. I probably shouldn't be alone right now at all, and technically there's a pilot and co-pilot along with me, but still, less time in isolation is the correct call. Johnny, and it feels weird to say that not in third person, I have you filed in my list of people to watch. If that's how well you can do with a self-imposed handicap, then I have no option but to see you as a threat. As someone who can probably put me on my back. Against my will of course, although...I wouldn't tell you no. You're a not unattractive man, and that is rule two. I, or course, follow rule one and two, but do what you can with what you etcetera.”The Hedonistic Hellcat shakes his hair to clear his head before continuing. He seems not to know where to go, the aura of Johnny he'd pulled up a moment ago dimming. After a moment he finds a thread, talking softly. Johnny: “And I guess Munin agrees with me, because here we are in the main event. A placement I'm starting to see as ominous. Here we are- I assume we, it's true for me,- eyes on the prize, wanting to get to the top. And while I do have one of the most impressive win-loss ratios of anyone in Pure Amusement, at this point I find that, yet again, I have to fight so I can fight for number one contendership. At least O'Donnell is going to finally stop sitting on that accolade, the log jam is going to cost us sooner or later if we don't get some people flowing through. And I'd love to get back into that hunt, but... then again, maybe not. Maybe the goldless legends are right, maybe this life should be more about the match and less about the glory. Or maybe they all sat where I'm sitting today, looked at the writing on the wall, and convinced themselves they don't need the spot light of championship, the pressures of the main event. Legends don't need gold, that's true, but does that still count when they just can't get it or keep it?”The dark cloud begins working it's way over Johnny's face again, self doubt creeping into his voice. Johnny: “I've been back from my time away for almost two years now. And I've had notable wins. No matter what, HoliCraze Hell will always be my tournament, but it somehow doesn't feel the same. That trophy fills me with pride but also, more and more now, shame. Like a personal reminder that I can only do so much with the truly important parts of this business. That I can take, but I can't keep. Like the Titans of the Midway championship. Like the WARPED number one contendership. Like the Total Vendetta championship way back when in Total Mayhem. I've talked about my curse, and the problem is I'm starting to believe. I'm starting to feel I'm cursed to never be anything more than the also ran, the footnote, the worthy foe. I have begun to live in fear of the day people say 'Johnny Raike was good, but he never really had that one run, you know?' I'm the Most Liberated Man in Professional Wrestling, but the one thing I can't be free from is myself. I fear I've built myself into a prison of trying to be the person I believe Johnny Raike should be.”Another sigh from the Beautiful Nightmare, this one less weary than the earlier. Again, Johnny lets silence hang in the air just long enough to be uncomfortable, before continuing. Johnny: “And that's where we get into the wrinkle. Usually by this point I've talked to my faeries, freaks, and fuckbois, I've gone over how I'll win, how hard I train, how much this job and this place mean to me. Usually I'm up and perky, usually I'm invincible. But the cracks are showing, the armor ablating. I've taken enough hammer blows of pain and disappointment just since the start of this year to crush a weaker person. And I'm starting to see that I too have a breaking point. I'm starting to understand that I too can be crushed. I've been living as Johnny Raike, American Wet Dream, for so long now that it's hard to tell the person from the persona. The pain and anger and bitter, bitter disappointment all cut deep into me. The better I get at wrestling, the more I develop, the worse it gets. Rookie Raike took beatings for the better part of a year, before that it was an underweight slip of a boy who figured taking hits in a cage must be better than turning tricks. And back then, I didn't care. Water off a ducks ass if i lost. But now I feel like I have to always be better than. Than what, I don't know how to say. But I think a lot of you feel me, at least those of you who've been there. Caring is death.”
A rueful smirk from Raike. Johnny: “And so, in a very long, drawn out way, we come to the part where I say out loud that one thought I've been scared to share. I don't think Johnny Raike is going to make it to Wicked Ten. I just don't know that I trust the Sissyboy Savior to show up for a main event and not choke. I think the Idol of Idolatry might be best off being idle. And for all that I'm loathe to break my streak of appearing on every Pure Amusement Wrestling show so far, I don't know if I can trust this Hedonistic Hellcat.”Johnny gives one of his usual shrugs, though without the usual twinkle in his eye. Johnny: “Johnny Sykes, I think you deserve better than what I feel I can deliver right now. I know the paying customers do too. I'll be in the park that night, I wouldn't dare to disappoint the kissing booth crowd, but I'm very heavily considering not getting in that ring. Maybe I just need to recharge, and I do want to fight you. But I look at just that one triple threat match and know that I dare not come at you with less than one-hundred percent of my confidence, of my soul, of myself. I don't think I'll have it come bell time. I just don't know. But I haven't made up my mind yet. I don't know what I'll do any better than you do. I care about providing for Pure Amusement. I give a shit that we look good, because that's just the kinda guy I am. I helped start this place, I won't be the reason for a lackluster main event. So I've talked to a friend, a friend who's been dying to be under the lights of Pure Amusement. I think you'll like her, Sykes. Might even be willing to hit her.”A coy smile breaks through the mirthless face of the Brutiful One. Johnny: “I think that's just about all I have to say.”A look of sudden realization flashes across Raike's face. Johnny: “Oh yeah. GZW. I almost forgot. John Champa, I'll address this to you and be quick. I told you to do something to impress me, and you come back with yet another speech about how good you are for business. That we need you. We need the man who wants to bring war to us, that makes sense. But you start pulling out numbers. You talk about fifteen-thousand and shit on us for bringing in crowds of four and five thousand. You imply you're better than me simply because you think, incorrectly, that you have performed in front of bigger crowds than me. I was in front of a sold out Tokyo dome last night twice, I've been on HBO. Fuck your fifteen-thousand. I told you to prove to me you were serious, and that's what you came back with. So, listen up. My offer to fight you is hereby rescinded. I will not validate your petty bullshit with my presence. Do what you must to get your belts back, though considering they're here and the state of GZW, you probably can't. It's why Sampson has to beg on Twitter hashtags as he throws lazy insults and sexual harassment at Munin. But Raike v Champa, not happening. And you can call me a coward, or a bitch, or an Indian giver, I don't give a shit. Make your name on someone else, or better yet buy two new belts and refuse to recognize Munin. You know, like a company in literally any other business would do. I know GZW doesn't draw like it used to, but you mean to tell me the company is so broke you can't afford new belts? What, did you misplace the gate from your fifteen-thousand?”
Johnny gives a challenging look to the camera. Johnny: “And just so you know, when I say offer rescinded, I mean forever. I don't care if you cost me matches, torch my booth, wire the park with explosives and ransom the crowd to get me to fight you, it won't happen. I'll send heartfelt, handwritten notes to the survivors and bereaved, but I won't bow to you or any of your other pseudo-terrorist friends. And before you object, you're waging a campaign of guerrilla strikes and intimidation to get what you want, that's what terrorism is. Doesn't have to be about religion, turns out you can resort to it over something as stupid as two straps of leather and tin. If you can't treat a championship as an idea and a belt as a symbol, then maybe you don't deserve to be a wrestling company. But I said I was going to be quick. So I'll see my loyal viewers and assorted haters around. Might need to give me some time. But I promise you, my replacement will be my equal in looks and talent, so take solace in that. Thank you to those who've reached out with kindness, it means more than you know, and I'll see you when I see you.”
Johnny reaches toward the camera, for a moment hand is all that can be seen, before the video cuts completely. |
|
