Post by Hyperion on Jun 29, 2021 22:42:27 GMT -5
December 21st, 2019. The night that should have sealed our fate, cemented us into the history books. The turn of the year, the end of the onslaught, the reckoning of the AWF coming to an end.
Hyperion, forerunner for the Legion faction, internationally known and revered. Not always with respect nor admiration, but his name was spoken with high regard. ‘A Very AWF Christmas’ was to showcase the strength of Legion and hold the line against LGBTKO, to defend the honor and the golden belts, and to walk out victorious, holding all the awards.
Then things took a turn. Legion failed to achieve what they set out to do, Hyperion failed to lead his side to victory. Costing him his golden title, and his Church at the hands of a former friend, his night ended in the back of a cop car, en-route to prison.
Hyperion, the Mad Titan, was done for. Legion was done for, their entire reach on the midlands of America was over.
The dream was over.
Following those events a chain of motion occurred, a former boy prodigy had climbed his ladder and proven his worth, and opportunity stared into his soul if he wished to seize it. Maverick had revenge, redemption and retribution on his mind. Defeating his former ally, Maverick stood tall not only over the AWF, but over the entirety of the XHF.
Where one King had fallen, another would rise to take his place.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
“Feels weird to be back, it’s been so long…” Tommy said what each was feeling, as the SUV pulls into the small town of Bethesda, Ohio. A forgetful little piece of this globe, home to folks living a more peaceful, more blasé version of modern life. A town where nothing ever occurs, nothing exciting ever happens.
2017 changed that when a small business venture turned into a small-town local indie startup. Long time superstar and avid wrestling fan Felix Ziko chose Bethesda to sprout his baby, and grow his new child from the roots up. He saw the potential that would be his new federation, and the opportunities it would present for many over the years. He was inspired to help others join the community and grow, and he wished to himself.
He wanted all involved to ascend with him. Apt, given the name. Or maybe the name came later? Either way, this is the birth of a legend, this is where it all began.
“Last time I was here, I was being escorted home by the police.” Tommy chuffs, but the state of his world at that time was dire. It was for everyone involved. A former United States Champion, and a wingman to the most lethal Champion in the AWF, Tommy Kelly soared as the ‘StormCrow’, and walked the dark path alongside Hyperion. Icons or LGBTKO be damned, Legion were untouchable and they were all too aware.
“I still remember my first time arriving at this place.” Bodhi, former manager to Hyperion and long-time friend to Tommy, it was her doing that brought Hyperion to be… well, Hyperion. A failed experimental drug unlocked whatever psychosis lurked in the mind of one James Knox and the rest they say, is history.
“This town… it feels odd to me. Unremarkable yet somehow… familiar.” Hyperion knew this town all too well, and worse they knew him. 2017 was an unusual time for him and Bodhi, as their stories forced them to seek refuge from those that would do them harm. Somehow their journey brought them to Ohio, whereby they watched the local Morristown Baseball field turn into a spectacle.
The ‘Ascension Wrestling Federation’, a new and inspiring business in town. Men swollen in muscles and gimmicks would clash in a makeshift ring, dueling it out until one was the victor. None were killed, none were even brutally harmed. It was more about the performance, the show, the excitement they brought. Hyperion and Bodhi watched from the stalls at one such show, and his eyes were fixated on the show.
“It is much like the arenas of ancient Greece, only… they do not wish to maim, mutilate or kill. They merely look to out-power or out-maneuver one another. The whole thing is absurd yet… mesmerizing.” Hyperion’s first wrestling match, and his first time finding anything that grounded him. New to this world in so many ways, wrestling captured his imagination and hooked him immediately.
“You think you could give this a shot? I mean you’re big enough.” Bodhi needed an out of her world, and Bethesda was so far away, so hidden that this could be the wildest, strangest idea ever. And yet it still didn’t matter. “I could help train you, probably wouldn't need a lot to get started.”
That was how it began, that is where the fixation all started. Hyperion and Bodhi watching a match from the sidelines, enamored with the characters of T-Bone, Slain, Jackson Steele, Kira Izumi and so many more. The next day they were in the AWF office applying for a trial, and to see if they could get a chance to fight.
Two weeks later Hyperion was debuting against Jason Justice, dismantling his opponent in the ring and showcasing to the world just what he could do. That night, at Prestige 5, was the beginning of everything for him.
“Momma Bea’s Grocery Store… shut down. Fucking COVID.” The SUV cruises through the small town, all three stars wedged into its body while their driver makes sure to give them enough time to reminisce over the sites and spots. “I remember that is where we would go to freshen up after a match, grab a meatball sub and just chill.”
“At a fucking grocery store?”
“Yeah man… back then wrestling was just fun. No big spectacle, no big spotlights. No big money involved, just the stars and the sport. Shit the Champ was barely making ends meet, nevermind the roster members. But after we rocked out that small school field, after Hype here would wreck house and get the fans cheering… that was pure wrestling. Pure joy.”
Bodhi sits back in her chair to reminisce about the good days. Each person in the vehicle had a sting in the AWF over the years, and each left a lasting impression. But the early days of Hyperion, the beginning of his rise and his career as it accelerated… show-stopping.
“Who were the opponents then? Like, what names were big in the day?”
“And do many of them still walk this same path in life?”
“Shit, some?… Jackson Steele, still kicking about. Hype you beat him for your first ever Prestige title after all.” He shakes his head, his amnesia of the past hurting his fondness for this town. “It’s all good, I’ll point him out to you. There was a creepy Poltergeist guy, there was a crazy dude named Harry, Mad Dog was big back then, there was even a pig that held the X*Crown for a while… early days AWF was batshit crazy.”
“Yeah, sounds like a fuckin hoot", he says sarcastically, "… shit, pull over here!” Tommy’s excitement and urgency causes the car to swerve, but the driver obliges and pulls to the side of the road. “Pizza Parlour! And it’s open! I remember this place from my days, surely you two cunts remember this place?”
Hyperion looks out the window at the fast food store, his brow furrowed. “I feel a connection with this place, yet I do not know why. Did I once have a fondness for these flattened bread delicacies?”
“We all did, pizza is the fucking best. C’mon, we can grab a quick slice, for old times sake.”
Jumping out of the SUV the trio enter the Pizza Parlour, Bethesda’s only pizza takeaway. The walls are adorned with pictures of different sceneries and horizons but one wall is dedicated to the business that grew the town, the AWF. Hyperion strolls to the wall to study the pictures, recognizing only himself but none others.
“I want to remember, I want to know more but I-”
“Hey! You are not allowed in here! You’re barred!”
A small angry server yells out from behind the counter, one that has crossed paths with Hyperion one too many times it seems.
“Steady on pal, we’re just doing a flyin’ visit is all.”
“I know you too, you and your little cult ruined this town. Ruined lives everywhere! You are scum, all of you, and I want you out of this shop, right now!”
“Hey buddy, look it’s not like that anymore. That is all in the past now-”
“I don’t want to hear that BS, tell that to my cousin. That monster drowned her in the river, along with my neighbour. He should still be in jail, rotting away. I said OUT! NOW!”
Failing to remedy the situation, Bodhi instructs Tommy and Hyperion back to the SUV.
“What the fuck got into him!”
“What, was it not clear enough? You boys played cult and fucked up his world. Fucked up a lot of lives.”
“Blame the big guy for that, I tried to shut the whole thing down.”
“It...doesn’t matter. Driver, just take us to the AWF building. No more stops.”
The driver takes the instruction from Bodhi and the car begins to move, but Hyperion looks out the window, longing to know more, dying to understand why.
THE WAR THAT NEVER DIED
The AWF Heavyweight Champion, Hyperion. His reign was mighty, his path to domination undeterred. None could stand against the Titan, his power and size steamrolled the competition. He led his faction of The Order to battle, but his sights were set on taking the entire world by storm.
The AWF Prestige Champion, Bobby Barratt. None had entered the AWF with as much arrogance, as much flair and as much confidence as Barratt. Flanked by his partners in the Icons, Jack Diamond and Maverick, the group was unstoppable. A wild pack of wolves seeking control.
The stage was set, both champions would face off in the ring and the winner would leave as the unified champion, merging both belts into what was then the new Prestige Championship. Could the Icon survive without his cronies there to back him up? Could Hyperion defend his honor against the rising star, without his team of The Order interfering or delaying the match?
The Order and the Icons had clashed many times, going toe to toe in the ring as well as taking the fight outside of the ring. There was no off-limits for their fight, no restrictions to how they could hurt each other. Barratt and his dogs barked and the Order barked back. The fight was set and it could only go one way - one must win and one must lose.
Hyperion failed to honor his team, and in the end it cost him everything.
The fight was so brutal, so engaging that Hyperion collapsed onto the mat, only to be awoken in a stupor. Forgetting who he was, forgetting all he had done, not knowing his friends from foe he ran from the arena and vanished from sight.
Bodhi tracked the Titan and tried to offer him help, but it was of no use. Hyperion was ‘gone’ from this world, and all that remained was a confused and agitated James Knox. Preferring to remain in the woods away from civilization, the Icons saw no more obstacles in their way and led their brand to dominance.
Clinging to the coattails of Jack and Bobby before him, Maverick quickly grew to become the mouth of the group, the louder and irritating runt. He sought more power in the faction, more opportunities and more chances to represent the Icons brand in good old violence. Which didn’t go down so well with Bobby. So Maverick sought to earn his stripes another way.
Calling out challengers from all areas, he picked his opponents wisely. Foes that had vanished, returned, left on injury. None that could answer the call. None but one Mad Titan.
Bodhi managed to comfort the beast in the woods, and reassure him the hurting days of the past were gone. Knox struggled with his inner demon, his dark passenger but once it left him he himself didn’t know what to do. Through careful help and consideration,. Bodhi was able to bring the real Knox back… or so she thought.
The return match was booked, Knox versus Maverick. The stage was set, the locker room prepared and right before the match… Hyperion returned, more vile and enraged than ever before. Lashing out at Bodhi, he left her a battered heap on the locker room floor and marched to the ring.
This would be the first time Maverick fell at the hands of Hyperion, but not the last.
Hyperion had returned! The King was back! But at what cost? This revival of the God, this reincarnation was not like before. He was ruthless, he was violent, he showed no mercy for his fellow man. He was cruel, conniving and sought control.
The Mad Titan was back, and madder than ever.
A WALK THROUGH TIME
Arriving at the AWF building the trio exit the SUV and make their way to the front door. To Bodhi and Tommy this feels surreal, like a walk through time. But to Hyperion it feels unsettling, like he should know this place yet can’t put his finger on it.
“So this is where we fought all those moons ago?”
“No this is just the HQ, this is where the magic behind the scenes happens. We’re only here to sign some contracts.”
“A contract? To fight once again?”
Tommy shoots him a glance, a little confused with his answer.
“Yeah… for you and Maverick? For the Ironman match at Clash of the Icons?”
Hyperion looks right through Tommy, his mind escaping him. Maverick… to hear the name aloud so often, to know it yet not remember it, to know there will be a fight but to not truly know your foe.
The years since Hyperion’s return did not bode well for any who encountered him. A raging storm of brutality, a lying and manipulative deceiver, Hyperion’s return signalled a change in the timeline. For those who believed a God could be stopped, Hyperion changed their perspective. For those who thought he was a gimmick, their support changed with him. For those lost in the world, Hyperion gave them a home, gave them a purpose.
The Church of Hyperion.
A stroke of genius that came with seeking power, seeking to build an army. Hyperion knew that to bring forth the changes in the world he wished to see, he would need to do so by force. Icons or LGBTKO aside, none had stood against him and survived the fight. To build an army around his strength and his dominance…
Maverick. The name echoes in his skull, ringing back over and over. The first clash means nothing, a figment of memory lost to time. However one thing crawls from the depths of his mind…
Hyperion grabs his head with both hands, a feeling of pain washing over him. Tommy and Bodhi run to his aid, but he pushes them aside with ease.
“Hype, what is it? What’s wrong?”
Hyperion staggers around, holding his head as a memory flashes back.
As each Iconkick flashes back into his memory, Hyperion feels it over and over and over. Holding his head as if the lashes were in real time, he drops to one knee and lets out a vicious roar, waiting for the onslaught to end. But it keeps coming, and coming, and coming…
“Hyperion!”
And like that, it’s over. Hyperion releases the grip on his own head and looks up to see both Bodhi and Tommy watching him, concerned and alarmed.
“Dude… what the fuck.”
“Are… are you alright? Did I hurt either of you?”
“No, but are YOU alright? What was that?”
“I think… I think I might remember something. A figment of the past perhaps...I do not wish to linger on this thought.”
Bodhi and Tommy exchange a glance, and help him back to his feet. He non-verbally assures them he is alright, and after a moment of concern they make their way to the AWF building.
Iconkicks. Five in a row, all meticulously placed, all with archer-like precision. The night that Hyperion entered the fight with a boy, and discovered he was a boy no more. The pup was now a wolf.
As they walk the halls of the AWF building, Hyperion’s head throbs. The flashbacks of that fight, the memories… all begin to return. His past brawls with the Icons, his encounters with the Mercenary Maverick, his attacks on their property and their retaliation on his. The brutal chaos and carnage that came from their fights.
“Oh sweet, check this out Hype. ‘A Walk Through Time’, and check out who’s big ugly mug is on the feckin’ wall.”
A collage of photographs from the years gone by, showcasing matches and brawls that occurred. A long hallway adorned with images on both sides, black and white pictures of the AWF’s best moments, a veritable highlight reel. The trio stares at the walls as they walk forward, getting lost in the moment for those spots.
To Hyperion, this is agony. He grimaces with every step, with every flick of his eyes as images and memories flood his brain. His world, the history of his time in the AWF, pouring back into his skull like daggers through his mind. Fights that have cost him, fights that have sent him over the edge, fights that saw him seize a monumental victory. Everything from the day he arrived to the halls of the AWF pours into his skull like building wax.
”Check this one out ya mad bastard, you tried to kill we with your wand after a show one time… last show either of us were ever on here.”
Hyperion looks at the wall, sees the images of the police surrounding him, as he stands over the prone Kelly on the ground, trident primed and ready to kill. Their friendship ended that night, as the StormCrow saw to ruin the hopes of the Church of Hyperion. Burning down the community, setting alight all they had worked for and achieved, destroying all the power and control he had claimed.
“Feels like a million year ago now doesn-”
Before he can get out another word Hyperion has him by the throat and is lifting him high into the air, pinning him against the wall with ease. Tommy thrashes and kicks, not expecting this at all and caught off guard.
“Hyperion, what the fuck are you doing!”
Bodhi tries to release him but is unable to break the hold. Hyperion is like a man possessed, his eyes and sight blurring and waning as he squeezes the life out of Tommy.
“You took everything from Us. You took our home, our people, our freedom. You took OUR world! For that treachery, I will take your life.”
Hyperion continues to grasp and squeeze at the neck of Tommy, but a cold hard thud to the skull drops his grasp and staggers Hyperion forward. He turns in time to see it coming, a hard fire extinguisher to the crown of the skull, enough to drop him fully.
“They form us to take us apart, they unite to separate Us. They do not wish to see us as one. They do not wish to set us free!”
DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE
The Hydra once ruled all that opposed it. Once lived life without fear. A snake of many faces, unmatched in power.
That is, until she met the Titans.
Brothers and Sisters, the first of us all. Power unmatched and unstoppable, they were molded by the Creators themselves to rule these lands. Gods amongst Man.
Many stepped forward to fight, to try to conquer them. To try to stop them. But none were successful, none alone could manage to break their tyranny. Unifying their armies, the world of Man still fell short to the power of the Titans.
But the snake that betrayed them slithered beneath their feet. The snake that was once ignored, dismissed, brushed aside, led the charge on their home and their inevitable defeat.
The two-faced snake, coy and cunning, allowed them to lower their guard. They mistook his size and weakness to be of no concern to them, and continued regardless. This snake joined their opponents in battle, and proved them wrong. Beware of the snake.
Once the forgotten child of his clan, once the poor lackey, now leads the greatest empire in the world. The foolish doubters now reverse the snake. Those that shunned his name now praise it.
The King.
He has taken you for a fool, and has taken all that you were. Once the greatest of Man, a God sent down to lead them, you are now a failing forgotten memory. Do not fail this last attempt. Do not allow this snake to fool you once more.
You stand one a piece, both bitten in defeat and elated in victory. Do not misstep and fail Us again.
The King must fall.
HARD KNOX
Waking up, Hyperion clutches his head in agony and slowly opens his eyes. Bodhi stands before him, armed with the extinguisher while Tommy scratches at his own throat for air. The hall remains empty aside from the trio, and thankfully so.
“What… what happened?”
Tommy shoots Hyperion a filthy glance, whereas Bodhi is more concerned.
“Did I…?” He sees the tension on Bodhi’s stance, ready to strike. He sees the look of fear in Tommy’s eyes as he begins to stand. “I… I apologize, I know not what I have done. These halls, these images and memories, they have washed my mind with foul thoughts.”
“What, memories? Do you remember these events? Are you remembering what happened before?”
He waves his hand to pause her concerns, but it is true. From his arrival to Bethesda to his final days in the AWF, to his time incarcerated due to his Church, to the fights in a baseball field, his entire world in the AWF comes back to him at once.
“I simply feel… strange, here. In this place.”
He turns and staggers away from them, giving them space to recoup and gather themselves. One wall merely reads “Hall of Fame”, and resting amongst the fighters and the heroes of the show is a picture of Hyperion. But it doesn’t truly look like him, it doesn’t truly feel like him.
“I require air, I suddenly feel very mortal.”
He turns and pushes past Tommy and Bodhi again, bolting for the exit.
“You need to sign the paperwork!”
"Let him fuckin' go, bastard."
But it doesn’t matter, Hyperion is making a beeline to exit the building and nothing will stop him. As soon as he gets outside, he sucks in a deep lungful of air, and quickly throws up on the ground before him. His body rejects every urge to stop, and he fails to stop himself.
After a moment he regains his composure and walks towards the SUV. The driver is absent so Hyperion aims to seize a momentary reprieve from the world, but arriving to the vehicle something catches his eye.
His reflection.
The black tinted glass acts like a mirror, and looking back at him is Hyperion.
“So, you are choosing to turn tail and flee I see. How very brave of you, O’ Mighty Titan.”
Hyperion spins and turns around, wondering where the voice is coming from. Wondering who is playing tricks on him. The reflection continues, speaking as if alive.
“Do not play this game, you and I both see the truth now. Your memories of old have returned.”
“...so you are the voice in my head they have warned me about.”
The reflection laughs, a deep menacing laugh.
“Do you think of me purely as a voice? Or do you feel me within you, seizing control of your body.”
As the words are said, Hyperion tenses up, almost as if about to enter a state of seizure.
“Do not fight this, and do not deny this. We have fought for far too long now, you and I. We have achieved so much when you allowed me to lead, we garnered a mass following. We had fans and devouts who worshiped us. We had an army of people ready to give themselves to us!”
“It is true then… you are James Knox, back to reclaim your body.”
The reflection laughs again.
“How naïve you truly are… I am Hyperion. YOU are James Knox. I merely reside within your mind.”
“Impossible... they tell me of your ways. Your cruel nature. Your thirst for bloodshed and violence.”
The reflection looks at him, stern and serious.
“Those are desires we share, Knox. ‘Only through chaos can we achieve peace.’ And what this world needs most, is peace. We can give it to them, give the people what they desire.”
“You are mad.”
The reflection laughs.
“As are you.”
Hyperion stands by the vehicle for a moment, bracing himself with his hands on the door rim and staring at his own reflection.
“So what would you ask of me? To achieve this peace? To grant these people what they desire?”
The reflection smirks.
“Only through chaos can we achieve peace… so we give the people Chaos. They have grown soft since we left them, grown accustomed to falling in line behind false Idols. False Icons. We show them the reality of the ways, and we reform them.”
“How do you propose we do that?”
“We cut the head off the snake. The King has taken your people, old and young, strong and weak. They look to him for inspiration now, to watch his growth and ascension as a means of encouragement. When you fell as their King, he took your place. You need to take that power back.”
“So we beat the Maverick?”
“He is no longer merely a maverick. He is much more. If we wish to seize power, we must break his reign. We must break all that he is. Jason Long is a threat, as you remember. Jason Long is a veritable foe, as you are aware.”
“He is still but a man… and We are a God.”
The reflection claps, applauding Knox for finally coming to his senses.
“His Icons are gone. Forgotten. His time in the AWF is over, buried. This final brawl breaks your truce, breaks your history. This final brawl is the end. Show the world that Hyperion is not dead, and should not be forgotten.”
“And then?”
“And then… he will Bow before his King. They all will, or else we shall make them. For We… are Hyperion.”
“We are Hyperion.”
Knox exchanges one last glance with the reflection before turning back towards the building, a new light in his eyes. One signature later and his match would be set. As the Heavens demand, Hyperion will be avenged.
Clash of the Icons 2021
Hyperion V Maverick
The Final Clash
There can only be one true King
Long Live Hyperion
Hyperion, forerunner for the Legion faction, internationally known and revered. Not always with respect nor admiration, but his name was spoken with high regard. ‘A Very AWF Christmas’ was to showcase the strength of Legion and hold the line against LGBTKO, to defend the honor and the golden belts, and to walk out victorious, holding all the awards.
Then things took a turn. Legion failed to achieve what they set out to do, Hyperion failed to lead his side to victory. Costing him his golden title, and his Church at the hands of a former friend, his night ended in the back of a cop car, en-route to prison.
Hyperion, the Mad Titan, was done for. Legion was done for, their entire reach on the midlands of America was over.
The dream was over.
Following those events a chain of motion occurred, a former boy prodigy had climbed his ladder and proven his worth, and opportunity stared into his soul if he wished to seize it. Maverick had revenge, redemption and retribution on his mind. Defeating his former ally, Maverick stood tall not only over the AWF, but over the entirety of the XHF.
Where one King had fallen, another would rise to take his place.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
“Feels weird to be back, it’s been so long…” Tommy said what each was feeling, as the SUV pulls into the small town of Bethesda, Ohio. A forgetful little piece of this globe, home to folks living a more peaceful, more blasé version of modern life. A town where nothing ever occurs, nothing exciting ever happens.
2017 changed that when a small business venture turned into a small-town local indie startup. Long time superstar and avid wrestling fan Felix Ziko chose Bethesda to sprout his baby, and grow his new child from the roots up. He saw the potential that would be his new federation, and the opportunities it would present for many over the years. He was inspired to help others join the community and grow, and he wished to himself.
He wanted all involved to ascend with him. Apt, given the name. Or maybe the name came later? Either way, this is the birth of a legend, this is where it all began.
“Last time I was here, I was being escorted home by the police.” Tommy chuffs, but the state of his world at that time was dire. It was for everyone involved. A former United States Champion, and a wingman to the most lethal Champion in the AWF, Tommy Kelly soared as the ‘StormCrow’, and walked the dark path alongside Hyperion. Icons or LGBTKO be damned, Legion were untouchable and they were all too aware.
“I still remember my first time arriving at this place.” Bodhi, former manager to Hyperion and long-time friend to Tommy, it was her doing that brought Hyperion to be… well, Hyperion. A failed experimental drug unlocked whatever psychosis lurked in the mind of one James Knox and the rest they say, is history.
“This town… it feels odd to me. Unremarkable yet somehow… familiar.” Hyperion knew this town all too well, and worse they knew him. 2017 was an unusual time for him and Bodhi, as their stories forced them to seek refuge from those that would do them harm. Somehow their journey brought them to Ohio, whereby they watched the local Morristown Baseball field turn into a spectacle.
The ‘Ascension Wrestling Federation’, a new and inspiring business in town. Men swollen in muscles and gimmicks would clash in a makeshift ring, dueling it out until one was the victor. None were killed, none were even brutally harmed. It was more about the performance, the show, the excitement they brought. Hyperion and Bodhi watched from the stalls at one such show, and his eyes were fixated on the show.
“It is much like the arenas of ancient Greece, only… they do not wish to maim, mutilate or kill. They merely look to out-power or out-maneuver one another. The whole thing is absurd yet… mesmerizing.” Hyperion’s first wrestling match, and his first time finding anything that grounded him. New to this world in so many ways, wrestling captured his imagination and hooked him immediately.
“You think you could give this a shot? I mean you’re big enough.” Bodhi needed an out of her world, and Bethesda was so far away, so hidden that this could be the wildest, strangest idea ever. And yet it still didn’t matter. “I could help train you, probably wouldn't need a lot to get started.”
That was how it began, that is where the fixation all started. Hyperion and Bodhi watching a match from the sidelines, enamored with the characters of T-Bone, Slain, Jackson Steele, Kira Izumi and so many more. The next day they were in the AWF office applying for a trial, and to see if they could get a chance to fight.
Two weeks later Hyperion was debuting against Jason Justice, dismantling his opponent in the ring and showcasing to the world just what he could do. That night, at Prestige 5, was the beginning of everything for him.
“Momma Bea’s Grocery Store… shut down. Fucking COVID.” The SUV cruises through the small town, all three stars wedged into its body while their driver makes sure to give them enough time to reminisce over the sites and spots. “I remember that is where we would go to freshen up after a match, grab a meatball sub and just chill.”
“At a fucking grocery store?”
“Yeah man… back then wrestling was just fun. No big spectacle, no big spotlights. No big money involved, just the stars and the sport. Shit the Champ was barely making ends meet, nevermind the roster members. But after we rocked out that small school field, after Hype here would wreck house and get the fans cheering… that was pure wrestling. Pure joy.”
Bodhi sits back in her chair to reminisce about the good days. Each person in the vehicle had a sting in the AWF over the years, and each left a lasting impression. But the early days of Hyperion, the beginning of his rise and his career as it accelerated… show-stopping.
“Who were the opponents then? Like, what names were big in the day?”
“And do many of them still walk this same path in life?”
“Shit, some?… Jackson Steele, still kicking about. Hype you beat him for your first ever Prestige title after all.” He shakes his head, his amnesia of the past hurting his fondness for this town. “It’s all good, I’ll point him out to you. There was a creepy Poltergeist guy, there was a crazy dude named Harry, Mad Dog was big back then, there was even a pig that held the X*Crown for a while… early days AWF was batshit crazy.”
“Yeah, sounds like a fuckin hoot", he says sarcastically, "… shit, pull over here!” Tommy’s excitement and urgency causes the car to swerve, but the driver obliges and pulls to the side of the road. “Pizza Parlour! And it’s open! I remember this place from my days, surely you two cunts remember this place?”
Hyperion looks out the window at the fast food store, his brow furrowed. “I feel a connection with this place, yet I do not know why. Did I once have a fondness for these flattened bread delicacies?”
“We all did, pizza is the fucking best. C’mon, we can grab a quick slice, for old times sake.”
Jumping out of the SUV the trio enter the Pizza Parlour, Bethesda’s only pizza takeaway. The walls are adorned with pictures of different sceneries and horizons but one wall is dedicated to the business that grew the town, the AWF. Hyperion strolls to the wall to study the pictures, recognizing only himself but none others.
“I want to remember, I want to know more but I-”
“Hey! You are not allowed in here! You’re barred!”
A small angry server yells out from behind the counter, one that has crossed paths with Hyperion one too many times it seems.
“Steady on pal, we’re just doing a flyin’ visit is all.”
“I know you too, you and your little cult ruined this town. Ruined lives everywhere! You are scum, all of you, and I want you out of this shop, right now!”
“Hey buddy, look it’s not like that anymore. That is all in the past now-”
“I don’t want to hear that BS, tell that to my cousin. That monster drowned her in the river, along with my neighbour. He should still be in jail, rotting away. I said OUT! NOW!”
Failing to remedy the situation, Bodhi instructs Tommy and Hyperion back to the SUV.
“What the fuck got into him!”
“What, was it not clear enough? You boys played cult and fucked up his world. Fucked up a lot of lives.”
“Blame the big guy for that, I tried to shut the whole thing down.”
“It...doesn’t matter. Driver, just take us to the AWF building. No more stops.”
The driver takes the instruction from Bodhi and the car begins to move, but Hyperion looks out the window, longing to know more, dying to understand why.
THE WAR THAT NEVER DIED
The AWF Heavyweight Champion, Hyperion. His reign was mighty, his path to domination undeterred. None could stand against the Titan, his power and size steamrolled the competition. He led his faction of The Order to battle, but his sights were set on taking the entire world by storm.
The AWF Prestige Champion, Bobby Barratt. None had entered the AWF with as much arrogance, as much flair and as much confidence as Barratt. Flanked by his partners in the Icons, Jack Diamond and Maverick, the group was unstoppable. A wild pack of wolves seeking control.
The stage was set, both champions would face off in the ring and the winner would leave as the unified champion, merging both belts into what was then the new Prestige Championship. Could the Icon survive without his cronies there to back him up? Could Hyperion defend his honor against the rising star, without his team of The Order interfering or delaying the match?
The Order and the Icons had clashed many times, going toe to toe in the ring as well as taking the fight outside of the ring. There was no off-limits for their fight, no restrictions to how they could hurt each other. Barratt and his dogs barked and the Order barked back. The fight was set and it could only go one way - one must win and one must lose.
Hyperion failed to honor his team, and in the end it cost him everything.
Bobby Barratt falls to his knees as confetti flies from the ceiling of the AWF. Felix Ziko walks to the ring and bestows Bobby Barratt with the AWF Prestige Championship. Bobby's eyes grow wide as he sees his new belt. Bobby looks over to Hyperion, still fallen over. His eyes are still open. Bobby makes his way to him.
Bobby: Hyperion? Are you alright?
Hyperion turns his head to Bobby.
Hyperion: Hyperion? Who's Hyperion?
Bobby cocks his head, slightly confused.
Hyperion: My name is James Knox.
Bobby's mouth slightly opens in surprise. The camera switches over to the commentators.
Bobby: Hyperion? Are you alright?
Hyperion turns his head to Bobby.
Hyperion: Hyperion? Who's Hyperion?
Bobby cocks his head, slightly confused.
Hyperion: My name is James Knox.
Bobby's mouth slightly opens in surprise. The camera switches over to the commentators.
The fight was so brutal, so engaging that Hyperion collapsed onto the mat, only to be awoken in a stupor. Forgetting who he was, forgetting all he had done, not knowing his friends from foe he ran from the arena and vanished from sight.
Bodhi tracked the Titan and tried to offer him help, but it was of no use. Hyperion was ‘gone’ from this world, and all that remained was a confused and agitated James Knox. Preferring to remain in the woods away from civilization, the Icons saw no more obstacles in their way and led their brand to dominance.
Clinging to the coattails of Jack and Bobby before him, Maverick quickly grew to become the mouth of the group, the louder and irritating runt. He sought more power in the faction, more opportunities and more chances to represent the Icons brand in good old violence. Which didn’t go down so well with Bobby. So Maverick sought to earn his stripes another way.
Calling out challengers from all areas, he picked his opponents wisely. Foes that had vanished, returned, left on injury. None that could answer the call. None but one Mad Titan.
Bodhi managed to comfort the beast in the woods, and reassure him the hurting days of the past were gone. Knox struggled with his inner demon, his dark passenger but once it left him he himself didn’t know what to do. Through careful help and consideration,. Bodhi was able to bring the real Knox back… or so she thought.
The return match was booked, Knox versus Maverick. The stage was set, the locker room prepared and right before the match… Hyperion returned, more vile and enraged than ever before. Lashing out at Bodhi, he left her a battered heap on the locker room floor and marched to the ring.
This would be the first time Maverick fell at the hands of Hyperion, but not the last.
Hyperion had returned! The King was back! But at what cost? This revival of the God, this reincarnation was not like before. He was ruthless, he was violent, he showed no mercy for his fellow man. He was cruel, conniving and sought control.
The Mad Titan was back, and madder than ever.
A WALK THROUGH TIME
Arriving at the AWF building the trio exit the SUV and make their way to the front door. To Bodhi and Tommy this feels surreal, like a walk through time. But to Hyperion it feels unsettling, like he should know this place yet can’t put his finger on it.
“So this is where we fought all those moons ago?”
“No this is just the HQ, this is where the magic behind the scenes happens. We’re only here to sign some contracts.”
“A contract? To fight once again?”
Tommy shoots him a glance, a little confused with his answer.
“Yeah… for you and Maverick? For the Ironman match at Clash of the Icons?”
Hyperion looks right through Tommy, his mind escaping him. Maverick… to hear the name aloud so often, to know it yet not remember it, to know there will be a fight but to not truly know your foe.
The years since Hyperion’s return did not bode well for any who encountered him. A raging storm of brutality, a lying and manipulative deceiver, Hyperion’s return signalled a change in the timeline. For those who believed a God could be stopped, Hyperion changed their perspective. For those who thought he was a gimmick, their support changed with him. For those lost in the world, Hyperion gave them a home, gave them a purpose.
The Church of Hyperion.
A stroke of genius that came with seeking power, seeking to build an army. Hyperion knew that to bring forth the changes in the world he wished to see, he would need to do so by force. Icons or LGBTKO aside, none had stood against him and survived the fight. To build an army around his strength and his dominance…
Maverick. The name echoes in his skull, ringing back over and over. The first clash means nothing, a figment of memory lost to time. However one thing crawls from the depths of his mind…
Jessie Love: The winner of this match, by way of technical knockout, HYPEERIOOOOOOON!
Maverick: NO!
Maverick shoos away the medical team as he slides off the gurney. Hannah PLEADS for him to just accept his defeat. But Maverick is having none of it. However stupid an idea this would be for a normal person, even a normal wrestler, The Iconic Prince is DAMN WELL going to finish this match. The crowd noise builds into a roar.
Crowd: MAV-ER-ICK! MAV-ER-ICK!
Taylor: Maverick is up! Maverick is up!
Romano: The referee never called for the bell! This match is still going!
Maverick: NO!
Maverick shoos away the medical team as he slides off the gurney. Hannah PLEADS for him to just accept his defeat. But Maverick is having none of it. However stupid an idea this would be for a normal person, even a normal wrestler, The Iconic Prince is DAMN WELL going to finish this match. The crowd noise builds into a roar.
Crowd: MAV-ER-ICK! MAV-ER-ICK!
Taylor: Maverick is up! Maverick is up!
Romano: The referee never called for the bell! This match is still going!
Hyperion grabs his head with both hands, a feeling of pain washing over him. Tommy and Bodhi run to his aid, but he pushes them aside with ease.
“Hype, what is it? What’s wrong?”
Hyperion staggers around, holding his head as a memory flashes back.
Maverick stands and breathing heavily begins to stomp the ground. Hyperion is on his feet but facing the wrong way. Hype slowly turns…
AND MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE FACE!
Taylor: ICONKICK! FROM WAY BEYOND NOWHERE!
HYPERION NO SELLS! HYPERION DOESN’T EVEN BUDGE AN INCH UNDER THE FORCE OF THE KICK!
Romano: Hyperion WILL NOT GO DOWN!
Crowd: HYPE! HYPE HYPE!
Crowd: MAV-ER-ICK! MAV-ER-ICK!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!
Taylor: MAKE THAT TWO!
AND HYPERION BUDGES A COUPLE OF INCHES BUT DOESN’T GO DOWN!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!!!!!
Taylor: THREE!
AND HYPERION STUMBLES BACK TWO, MAYBE THREE STEPS!!!!
Romano: THE BIG MAN IS OFF BALANCE!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!!!!!!
Taylor: FOUR!
AND HYPERION STUMBLES BACK AGAIN! THE BIG MAN STAGGERS BUT DOES NOT FALL!!!!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AAAAGGGAAAAIINNNN!!!!
Taylor: FIVE! FIVE ICONKICKS! AND HYPERION IS STILL STANDING!
THIS TIME HYPERION REELS! HYPERION IS FORCED BAWARDS TO THE ROPES, OUT OF HIS OWN CONTROL!
AND MAVERICK CHARGES! HE EXTENDS A LEG IN MIDAIR AND CONNECT WITH A SINGLE LEG DROPKICK WITH ENOUGH VENOM BEHIND IT TO DROP HYPERION TO THE MAT!
Taylor: STAR DESTROYER! STAR DESTROYER! STAR DESTROYER!
Hyperion crumbles to the mat. Maverick lands on top of him and hooks a leg…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! MAVERICK WINS! MAVERICK WINS! MAVERICK WINS!
Crowd: BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!
Jessie Love: Your winner of the match, by way of pinfall. “The Iconic Prince” MAAAAAAAVEEERIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!
AND MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE FACE!
Taylor: ICONKICK! FROM WAY BEYOND NOWHERE!
HYPERION NO SELLS! HYPERION DOESN’T EVEN BUDGE AN INCH UNDER THE FORCE OF THE KICK!
Romano: Hyperion WILL NOT GO DOWN!
Crowd: HYPE! HYPE HYPE!
Crowd: MAV-ER-ICK! MAV-ER-ICK!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!
Taylor: MAKE THAT TWO!
AND HYPERION BUDGES A COUPLE OF INCHES BUT DOESN’T GO DOWN!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!!!!!
Taylor: THREE!
AND HYPERION STUMBLES BACK TWO, MAYBE THREE STEPS!!!!
Romano: THE BIG MAN IS OFF BALANCE!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AGAIN!!!!!!
Taylor: FOUR!
AND HYPERION STUMBLES BACK AGAIN! THE BIG MAN STAGGERS BUT DOES NOT FALL!!!!
SO MAVERICK ICONKICKS HIM AAAAGGGAAAAIINNNN!!!!
Taylor: FIVE! FIVE ICONKICKS! AND HYPERION IS STILL STANDING!
THIS TIME HYPERION REELS! HYPERION IS FORCED BAWARDS TO THE ROPES, OUT OF HIS OWN CONTROL!
AND MAVERICK CHARGES! HE EXTENDS A LEG IN MIDAIR AND CONNECT WITH A SINGLE LEG DROPKICK WITH ENOUGH VENOM BEHIND IT TO DROP HYPERION TO THE MAT!
Taylor: STAR DESTROYER! STAR DESTROYER! STAR DESTROYER!
Hyperion crumbles to the mat. Maverick lands on top of him and hooks a leg…
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! MAVERICK WINS! MAVERICK WINS! MAVERICK WINS!
Crowd: BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!
Jessie Love: Your winner of the match, by way of pinfall. “The Iconic Prince” MAAAAAAAVEEERIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!
As each Iconkick flashes back into his memory, Hyperion feels it over and over and over. Holding his head as if the lashes were in real time, he drops to one knee and lets out a vicious roar, waiting for the onslaught to end. But it keeps coming, and coming, and coming…
“Hyperion!”
And like that, it’s over. Hyperion releases the grip on his own head and looks up to see both Bodhi and Tommy watching him, concerned and alarmed.
“Dude… what the fuck.”
“Are… are you alright? Did I hurt either of you?”
“No, but are YOU alright? What was that?”
“I think… I think I might remember something. A figment of the past perhaps...I do not wish to linger on this thought.”
Bodhi and Tommy exchange a glance, and help him back to his feet. He non-verbally assures them he is alright, and after a moment of concern they make their way to the AWF building.
Iconkicks. Five in a row, all meticulously placed, all with archer-like precision. The night that Hyperion entered the fight with a boy, and discovered he was a boy no more. The pup was now a wolf.
As they walk the halls of the AWF building, Hyperion’s head throbs. The flashbacks of that fight, the memories… all begin to return. His past brawls with the Icons, his encounters with the Mercenary Maverick, his attacks on their property and their retaliation on his. The brutal chaos and carnage that came from their fights.
“Oh sweet, check this out Hype. ‘A Walk Through Time’, and check out who’s big ugly mug is on the feckin’ wall.”
A collage of photographs from the years gone by, showcasing matches and brawls that occurred. A long hallway adorned with images on both sides, black and white pictures of the AWF’s best moments, a veritable highlight reel. The trio stares at the walls as they walk forward, getting lost in the moment for those spots.
To Hyperion, this is agony. He grimaces with every step, with every flick of his eyes as images and memories flood his brain. His world, the history of his time in the AWF, pouring back into his skull like daggers through his mind. Fights that have cost him, fights that have sent him over the edge, fights that saw him seize a monumental victory. Everything from the day he arrived to the halls of the AWF pours into his skull like building wax.
”Check this one out ya mad bastard, you tried to kill we with your wand after a show one time… last show either of us were ever on here.”
Hyperion looks at the wall, sees the images of the police surrounding him, as he stands over the prone Kelly on the ground, trident primed and ready to kill. Their friendship ended that night, as the StormCrow saw to ruin the hopes of the Church of Hyperion. Burning down the community, setting alight all they had worked for and achieved, destroying all the power and control he had claimed.
“Feels like a million year ago now doesn-”
Before he can get out another word Hyperion has him by the throat and is lifting him high into the air, pinning him against the wall with ease. Tommy thrashes and kicks, not expecting this at all and caught off guard.
“Hyperion, what the fuck are you doing!”
Bodhi tries to release him but is unable to break the hold. Hyperion is like a man possessed, his eyes and sight blurring and waning as he squeezes the life out of Tommy.
“You took everything from Us. You took our home, our people, our freedom. You took OUR world! For that treachery, I will take your life.”
Hyperion continues to grasp and squeeze at the neck of Tommy, but a cold hard thud to the skull drops his grasp and staggers Hyperion forward. He turns in time to see it coming, a hard fire extinguisher to the crown of the skull, enough to drop him fully.
“They form us to take us apart, they unite to separate Us. They do not wish to see us as one. They do not wish to set us free!”
DOUBLE-HEADED SNAKE
The Hydra once ruled all that opposed it. Once lived life without fear. A snake of many faces, unmatched in power.
That is, until she met the Titans.
Brothers and Sisters, the first of us all. Power unmatched and unstoppable, they were molded by the Creators themselves to rule these lands. Gods amongst Man.
Many stepped forward to fight, to try to conquer them. To try to stop them. But none were successful, none alone could manage to break their tyranny. Unifying their armies, the world of Man still fell short to the power of the Titans.
But the snake that betrayed them slithered beneath their feet. The snake that was once ignored, dismissed, brushed aside, led the charge on their home and their inevitable defeat.
The two-faced snake, coy and cunning, allowed them to lower their guard. They mistook his size and weakness to be of no concern to them, and continued regardless. This snake joined their opponents in battle, and proved them wrong. Beware of the snake.
Once the forgotten child of his clan, once the poor lackey, now leads the greatest empire in the world. The foolish doubters now reverse the snake. Those that shunned his name now praise it.
The King.
He has taken you for a fool, and has taken all that you were. Once the greatest of Man, a God sent down to lead them, you are now a failing forgotten memory. Do not fail this last attempt. Do not allow this snake to fool you once more.
You stand one a piece, both bitten in defeat and elated in victory. Do not misstep and fail Us again.
The King must fall.
HARD KNOX
Waking up, Hyperion clutches his head in agony and slowly opens his eyes. Bodhi stands before him, armed with the extinguisher while Tommy scratches at his own throat for air. The hall remains empty aside from the trio, and thankfully so.
“What… what happened?”
Tommy shoots Hyperion a filthy glance, whereas Bodhi is more concerned.
“Did I…?” He sees the tension on Bodhi’s stance, ready to strike. He sees the look of fear in Tommy’s eyes as he begins to stand. “I… I apologize, I know not what I have done. These halls, these images and memories, they have washed my mind with foul thoughts.”
“What, memories? Do you remember these events? Are you remembering what happened before?”
He waves his hand to pause her concerns, but it is true. From his arrival to Bethesda to his final days in the AWF, to his time incarcerated due to his Church, to the fights in a baseball field, his entire world in the AWF comes back to him at once.
“I simply feel… strange, here. In this place.”
He turns and staggers away from them, giving them space to recoup and gather themselves. One wall merely reads “Hall of Fame”, and resting amongst the fighters and the heroes of the show is a picture of Hyperion. But it doesn’t truly look like him, it doesn’t truly feel like him.
“I require air, I suddenly feel very mortal.”
He turns and pushes past Tommy and Bodhi again, bolting for the exit.
“You need to sign the paperwork!”
"Let him fuckin' go, bastard."
But it doesn’t matter, Hyperion is making a beeline to exit the building and nothing will stop him. As soon as he gets outside, he sucks in a deep lungful of air, and quickly throws up on the ground before him. His body rejects every urge to stop, and he fails to stop himself.
After a moment he regains his composure and walks towards the SUV. The driver is absent so Hyperion aims to seize a momentary reprieve from the world, but arriving to the vehicle something catches his eye.
His reflection.
The black tinted glass acts like a mirror, and looking back at him is Hyperion.
“So, you are choosing to turn tail and flee I see. How very brave of you, O’ Mighty Titan.”
Hyperion spins and turns around, wondering where the voice is coming from. Wondering who is playing tricks on him. The reflection continues, speaking as if alive.
“Do not play this game, you and I both see the truth now. Your memories of old have returned.”
“...so you are the voice in my head they have warned me about.”
The reflection laughs, a deep menacing laugh.
“Do you think of me purely as a voice? Or do you feel me within you, seizing control of your body.”
As the words are said, Hyperion tenses up, almost as if about to enter a state of seizure.
“Do not fight this, and do not deny this. We have fought for far too long now, you and I. We have achieved so much when you allowed me to lead, we garnered a mass following. We had fans and devouts who worshiped us. We had an army of people ready to give themselves to us!”
“It is true then… you are James Knox, back to reclaim your body.”
The reflection laughs again.
“How naïve you truly are… I am Hyperion. YOU are James Knox. I merely reside within your mind.”
“Impossible... they tell me of your ways. Your cruel nature. Your thirst for bloodshed and violence.”
The reflection looks at him, stern and serious.
“Those are desires we share, Knox. ‘Only through chaos can we achieve peace.’ And what this world needs most, is peace. We can give it to them, give the people what they desire.”
“You are mad.”
The reflection laughs.
“As are you.”
Hyperion stands by the vehicle for a moment, bracing himself with his hands on the door rim and staring at his own reflection.
“So what would you ask of me? To achieve this peace? To grant these people what they desire?”
The reflection smirks.
“Only through chaos can we achieve peace… so we give the people Chaos. They have grown soft since we left them, grown accustomed to falling in line behind false Idols. False Icons. We show them the reality of the ways, and we reform them.”
“How do you propose we do that?”
“We cut the head off the snake. The King has taken your people, old and young, strong and weak. They look to him for inspiration now, to watch his growth and ascension as a means of encouragement. When you fell as their King, he took your place. You need to take that power back.”
“So we beat the Maverick?”
“He is no longer merely a maverick. He is much more. If we wish to seize power, we must break his reign. We must break all that he is. Jason Long is a threat, as you remember. Jason Long is a veritable foe, as you are aware.”
“He is still but a man… and We are a God.”
The reflection claps, applauding Knox for finally coming to his senses.
“His Icons are gone. Forgotten. His time in the AWF is over, buried. This final brawl breaks your truce, breaks your history. This final brawl is the end. Show the world that Hyperion is not dead, and should not be forgotten.”
“And then?”
“And then… he will Bow before his King. They all will, or else we shall make them. For We… are Hyperion.”
“We are Hyperion.”
Knox exchanges one last glance with the reflection before turning back towards the building, a new light in his eyes. One signature later and his match would be set. As the Heavens demand, Hyperion will be avenged.
Clash of the Icons 2021
Hyperion V Maverick
The Final Clash
There can only be one true King
Long Live Hyperion
