Post by level1boss on Oct 21, 2023 22:19:14 GMT -5
[The scene opens to an unfinished, dimly lit parking structure under construction, concrete pillars towering overhead. The sound of hammers and drills fills the air as El Karas, clad in his distinctive, colorful mask along with his casual street clothes, strides purposefully through the maze of exposed rebar and scaffolding.]
El Karas: "In the heart of Los Angeles, on the unforgiving streets, I was forged. I've known the darkness, and I've been through the crucible of life's trials. But I stand before you now, not as a victim, or even as a survivor, but as someone who thrived: something beautiful that came out of the concrete."
[El Karas continues to walk, his words intertwined with the clinking of construction tools in the background.]
El Karas: "I've been in and out of mental institutions, a lost soul searching for meaning in the chaos. It's easy to get lost in the shadows, to let the pain consume you. But I found a way out, a path to redemption. You see this vibrant attire I wear? It's more than just a costume; it's a testament to my changed outlook on life. It's a statement that I've risen from the depths of despair, from the darkest corners of my mind, and emerged with a full perspective. These streets, the same ones that taught me what despair looked like, are where I learned what was important: community. I've embraced the colorful side of life and I'm not afraid to show it. I wear this attire to symbolize my transformation, my journey from worrying about what level I was parked on and started just living life to its fullest."
[El Karas continues to walk, the setting providing a stark contrast to his colorful presence.]
El Karas: "Ya know, it doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about talent, legacy, or [he looks around the construction zone] unfinished parking garages: everyone seems to be more focused on being on ‘another level.’ That used to be me all of the time. These days, I’m more interested in foundations: building something that supports others in their journeys. At what level will they find themselves? Hopefully, one that the foundation I set can help them reach. But the man I pinned in the Battle of Britain, the man I face again in Birmingham on November 6th, seems content with undercutting his opponent’s levels rather than building up his own. Spike Kane. You call yourself the 'God of Xtreme,' some would call it proof of your hubris but, truthfully, I see it as evidence that you began your wrestling career at a time when crotch chopping was still in style. You’ve done it all since then too: The highs. The lows. The in-between where you bury a mortal enemy on the same night you’re beaten by a complete unknown.
[El Karas continues walking, his words echoing in the cavernous space.]
El Karas: "It’s in that ‘in-between’ where you find yourself now isn’t it, Spike? You call yourself a god yet you find yourself overlooked by your…peers. Did you catch that? Your. Peers. Now, you can claim that there’s no way I could be considered your equal but you and I both know why this match was booked: and it ain’t ‘cause I’m standing in the ring waiting for you before the cameras come back from commercial. You're past that point in your career where a company would give you an 'enhancement talent.' The truth is that, now, you aren’t a god or even all that extreme: you’re just another one of my peers.”
[He reaches an area where construction workers are welding, sparks flying around him, creating a dramatic backdrop for his promo. There’s enough light pointed towards him that he’s very clearly visible but the effects behind El Karas feel more grounded in reality.]
El Karas: “When we step into that ring, it won't matter whether people think you're a 'god' or that I’m some 'rising star.' It will be about exposing your ego, dismantling the pedestal you've placed yourself upon, and reminding you that there is no rung on the ladder high enough that someone beneath you can’t reach.
[El Karas continues to walk, the sparks getting smaller and the light getting dimmer from behind but, from the side, you can see that he’s passing an unfinished elevator, which is where he’s chosen to stop as he leans against the wall.]
El Karas: "In the world of professional wrestling, you can't be defined by your past. You must evolve, adapt, and overcome. I've gone from the streets to the squared circle, from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of hope. Spike, the thing about levels is that they're constantly shifting. When we faced off in that battle royal, I did something unexpected, something that shattered the perception of where we both stand in W:UK: but in our upcoming match, it's not about you 'getting a win back,' as they say. It's about proving that in this ring, the playing field is level. It's about showing that your name, age, or reputation doesn’t determine the result. When we step into that ring, it's not about proving something to the fans; and I’m not arrogant enough to believe you need to prove anything to me; this is about proving something to yourself. Because that’s exactly what I’m looking to do: prove to myself that the years I spent in those dark places on the streets of LA aren’t stronger than the human spirit. That community is stronger than individual ambition. I'm working towards the day where Everybody Eats...and I hope you join me in that fight once our business is concluded November 6th."
[With a sense of finality, El Karas disappears into the construction site, leaving behind a message of unity, equality, and a challenge for his opponent, Spike Kane]
El Karas: "In the heart of Los Angeles, on the unforgiving streets, I was forged. I've known the darkness, and I've been through the crucible of life's trials. But I stand before you now, not as a victim, or even as a survivor, but as someone who thrived: something beautiful that came out of the concrete."
[El Karas continues to walk, his words intertwined with the clinking of construction tools in the background.]
El Karas: "I've been in and out of mental institutions, a lost soul searching for meaning in the chaos. It's easy to get lost in the shadows, to let the pain consume you. But I found a way out, a path to redemption. You see this vibrant attire I wear? It's more than just a costume; it's a testament to my changed outlook on life. It's a statement that I've risen from the depths of despair, from the darkest corners of my mind, and emerged with a full perspective. These streets, the same ones that taught me what despair looked like, are where I learned what was important: community. I've embraced the colorful side of life and I'm not afraid to show it. I wear this attire to symbolize my transformation, my journey from worrying about what level I was parked on and started just living life to its fullest."
[El Karas continues to walk, the setting providing a stark contrast to his colorful presence.]
El Karas: "Ya know, it doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about talent, legacy, or [he looks around the construction zone] unfinished parking garages: everyone seems to be more focused on being on ‘another level.’ That used to be me all of the time. These days, I’m more interested in foundations: building something that supports others in their journeys. At what level will they find themselves? Hopefully, one that the foundation I set can help them reach. But the man I pinned in the Battle of Britain, the man I face again in Birmingham on November 6th, seems content with undercutting his opponent’s levels rather than building up his own. Spike Kane. You call yourself the 'God of Xtreme,' some would call it proof of your hubris but, truthfully, I see it as evidence that you began your wrestling career at a time when crotch chopping was still in style. You’ve done it all since then too: The highs. The lows. The in-between where you bury a mortal enemy on the same night you’re beaten by a complete unknown.
[El Karas continues walking, his words echoing in the cavernous space.]
El Karas: "It’s in that ‘in-between’ where you find yourself now isn’t it, Spike? You call yourself a god yet you find yourself overlooked by your…peers. Did you catch that? Your. Peers. Now, you can claim that there’s no way I could be considered your equal but you and I both know why this match was booked: and it ain’t ‘cause I’m standing in the ring waiting for you before the cameras come back from commercial. You're past that point in your career where a company would give you an 'enhancement talent.' The truth is that, now, you aren’t a god or even all that extreme: you’re just another one of my peers.”
[He reaches an area where construction workers are welding, sparks flying around him, creating a dramatic backdrop for his promo. There’s enough light pointed towards him that he’s very clearly visible but the effects behind El Karas feel more grounded in reality.]
El Karas: “When we step into that ring, it won't matter whether people think you're a 'god' or that I’m some 'rising star.' It will be about exposing your ego, dismantling the pedestal you've placed yourself upon, and reminding you that there is no rung on the ladder high enough that someone beneath you can’t reach.
[El Karas continues to walk, the sparks getting smaller and the light getting dimmer from behind but, from the side, you can see that he’s passing an unfinished elevator, which is where he’s chosen to stop as he leans against the wall.]
El Karas: "In the world of professional wrestling, you can't be defined by your past. You must evolve, adapt, and overcome. I've gone from the streets to the squared circle, from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of hope. Spike, the thing about levels is that they're constantly shifting. When we faced off in that battle royal, I did something unexpected, something that shattered the perception of where we both stand in W:UK: but in our upcoming match, it's not about you 'getting a win back,' as they say. It's about proving that in this ring, the playing field is level. It's about showing that your name, age, or reputation doesn’t determine the result. When we step into that ring, it's not about proving something to the fans; and I’m not arrogant enough to believe you need to prove anything to me; this is about proving something to yourself. Because that’s exactly what I’m looking to do: prove to myself that the years I spent in those dark places on the streets of LA aren’t stronger than the human spirit. That community is stronger than individual ambition. I'm working towards the day where Everybody Eats...and I hope you join me in that fight once our business is concluded November 6th."
[With a sense of finality, El Karas disappears into the construction site, leaving behind a message of unity, equality, and a challenge for his opponent, Spike Kane]