[ Tyrone Walker ] The Returning Champion

[jay]

It’s been a minute since Tyrone Walker last stepped foot inside of a squared circle. In fact, the last time he stood inside of a ring he lost the North American Cruiserweight Championship; a title he had won a year prior by way of conquering the second annual Cruiserweight Cup. 

At the time it was the feel good story of the tournament as the middle-aged Walker turned back the clock to successfully compete in and complete his glorious journey. A tall task considering he was in the ring with others half his age and experience both in and out of the ring. 

Not bad considering he seemingly entered the event on a lark with no serious expectations. Truth is, the man has always been a wild card. So, it wasn’t all that surprising when, as he would put it, ‘messed around and won the damn thing.’ 

Then COVID-MANIA hit and the ever popular YaBoiTy (as he’s known on Twitter and Instagram) lost all of his momentum after the entire world had shut down during quarantine. He did manage to defend his hard fought ‘chip’ against the previous champion, but couldn’t do it again. 

Losing to Marcus Smith, Ty shrugged it off in his usual way. “Good match, young blood” he reportedly said to Smith with a bro-clap before handing the mantle over to the younger man. Then he faded away like the old gunslinger riding off into the sunset. 

...and now he’s back? 

\ \ \ \ W / / / /

Some weeks ago. 

Team Danger Studio. 

Jacksonville, Florida. 

The crew are gathered around a large circular table that looks like an ancient, time travel device that has been retrofitted with modern technology connected to a center console. In reality it’s just a big ass, old timey looking, wooden clock face that serves as their work station. 

This is the origin point of Team Danger Radio. The official podcast of Tyrone Walker and Stephen Greer. Today the boys talked with Gus Arnold, the boss man of Northern Pro Wrestling, who joined the show to promote NPW’s big New Year’s Eve event. 

Up on the wall above the engineer’s booth, the red LIVE sign goes dark, signifying the show has gone off the air. 

“Alright, we’re off.” says their engineer, Jimbo, from his booth. 

“Right on, bruh.” Ty says with an appreciative nod. 

“Awesome, I got to race like a piss horse.” The KoP announces as he gets up. “Good talk, Gus.” 

Ty shakes his head. Gus, still on the Skype Chat, is nonplussed by the KoP’s overshare, who takes off out of the studio as quickly as his busted 46 year old frame can take him. 

“So.” Gus breaks the ice. “You guys aren’t coming in to tag with Jay?” 

“Nah.” Ty begins, pausing as he cracks open a water bottle and takes a drink. “We would, but the kid wants to do it his way, so we're gonna respect that.” 

Gus nods. “Understood.” His tone is flat. 

“Yeah.” Ty nods. “No big, tho. We might’ve reached out to someone… allegedly.” 

“Ah.” Gus’ brow rises with curiosity. “Staying out of it, but not really, eh?” 

“Something like that.” Ty shrugs with a coy smile. “Young blood was clear about it, but he never specifically said we couldn’t talk to someone who has beef with Bloodline.” 

“Right. That’s a pretty extensive list.” Gus admits while fidgeting with something unseen on his end. 

“Yeah, but not many who have a direct connection to Jay, kna’sayin’?” Ty’s smile curls just a little more deviously. 

“Ah…” Gus’ eyes shift as the answer comes to him. “Well, that narrows it down significantly.” 

“Yeah, it does.” Ty nods and takes another slug of water. “Don’t tell the kid, tho.” 

“Will do.” Gus nods his confirmation. “So hey, I got to go. Things to do, you know how it is.” 

“No doubt, bruh. Thanks for dropping in for the show.” Ty bobs his head back before shifting around in his seat. 

“Oh, hey.” Gus says as a thought comes to him. “Before I go.” 

“Sup?” Ty asks with a raised brow. 

“The Cruiser Cup is just around the corner.” Gus begins his pitch. “Don’t know how you feel about it, but figured it doesn’t hurt to ask if the reigning champion wants in on it.” 

“Word.” Ty’s head bobbles a little as he lets the idea sink in. “Hmm.” 

A moment of silence builds up as both men fiddle about with stuff. Gus shifts rustles around some papers, while Ty just swivels his office chair back and forth as he continues to mull over the idea of returning as the defending champion. 

“Sure can do, boss.” Ty says as he suddenly stops and focuses back in. “But, I need you to do something for me.” 

“Oh-kay…” Gus says, opening the door with a touch of apprehension. 

“I’ll run the gauntlet again, but I want you to put me in the same block as the kid.” Ty states his terms. 

“Are you sure?” Gus asks, a little confused by the request. To which Ty nods. “Okay then, I thought you might not want to be involved because of Jay, so… this is different.” 

“Yeah, well.” Ty shrugs. “Young blood doesn’t want our help, so this is me, not helping.” His grin flares again with a sinister edge to it. 

“Consider it done.” 

“Word.” 

[fin.]