The Long Way Around - Part 2 - Past, Present, Future
Jan 17, 2018 16:20:52 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer, Rage (aka NoMercyMaster2001), and 2 more like this
Post by Robbie A on Jan 17, 2018 16:20:52 GMT -5
16 January 2018
“I’m pretty sure you could have got me a suit that fit slightly better.”
I stand in front of a small, thin mirror, as I adjust my jacket with a small frown on my face. Satisfied with the adjustment I turn around to face Alex Reid, who stands expectantly at the hostess’ booth at the front of the restaurant. The hostess plays it cool, I’m clearly not the first person who’s taken way to long to be ready to be seated, and no doubt I won’t be the last. I also doubt I’m the worst either, this is one of the most established and expensive eateries in Bristol, and I have no doubt that more particular have walked through these doors.
“In my defence, you gave me all of ten minutes for me to find something that even remotely came in your measurements.” Is Reid’s sharp reply, though said with a smile.
“True.” I walk towards him and nod at the hostess, who begins leading us to a table. “However, you were the one who wanted to eat here, so I needed something to wear, Isobel here wouldn’t have let me anywhere near here if I was wearing my jeans and a hoodie, so this is as much on you as it is me.”
Isobel gives me a coy glance and a knowing smile, in return I offer a subtle wink which only widens her smile.
“Yes, and I wanted to come here because you’re paying and I fancied being treated!” Jokes Reid.
“Gentlemen, your seats, remember to play nice with each other.” Isobel purrs, and offers a hand out at the small table at the back of the building, it’s quiet with a window to the left, offering a view of Bristol’s harbour which is well lit, although slightly ruined by the weather. I smile again and take my place at the table, as does Alex, who is chuckling at our back and forth. Isobel remains to ask us what beverages we’d like, for Alex a red wine, and I order a large scotch. As she departs we relax further, and begin to talk.
“So this bastard weather is why you’ve come by?” Reid asks, moving onto less argumentative subjects.
“Sort of. I had the option of Birmingham which under most circumstances I would have taken, however I thought I’d swing by the lock up and pick something up, is there anything you’d want from it whilst I’m there?”
“Rob, I genuinely have no interest in procuring almost everything within that lock up, the fact that you continue to ask me if I do want something from there is appreciated but equally gives me a great sense of amusement.”
“Alright, dickhead.” I sigh, and prompts us both to laugh. As we do our drinks arrive and I nod to the waiter in appreciation.
“It’s always good to have you in town though, rather than chasing after you in some corner of the world.” Reid raises his glass and I raise mine in return. “So Supremacy is best part of two weeks away but I know you like to be in town as soon as possible, so I’m guessing Dublin then straight on to Minneapolis tomorrow morning?”
“Actually no. I’m going to pop into New Orleans first, just for a day, maybe two.” I say before taking a sip of scotch.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, you’re wondering if its a good idea to delay my arrival and acclimatise to the area. It’s a day or two, and let’s be honest I’ve been there enough times to know what to expect, plus I was in Russia recently, I’m getting used to the cold!”
“Not quite.” Reid smirks. “Okay yes I thought that briefly, but I’m just amazed at how much time you keep giving that place. It’s nice though, nice to see you have a bit more than just me to lean on in your life.”
“They’re a good bunch of people. It’s more than that though, I should probably try and check in on Leon as well.”
“He is still really pissed at you, can’t you find another guy?” Reid says, holding back a giggle.
“Nobody that I would trust.” I reply with a smirk, Reid acknowledges this with a knowing nod.
“I understand. What I don’t understand though is this damn match, and why you’re so keen on being in it!”
“What can I say? It’s another XHF circus match. I’m still trying to decide if its better or worse than last time. On the one hand, there’s actual reward and worthwhile for me to be in it. Yet, on the other, there’s a freaking bear in this match, and pretty much no rules apart from maim everybody else and drop a crown on your head whilst sitting on a throne.”
“Man, that bear...”
“Yes I know, it’s a bear, it has a huge cock that would make the dirtiest of whores blush and he I have every intention of staying away from him wherever I can.” Reid raises an eyebrow at this, though is also trying not to laugh at me. “I’ve never wanted to run from a fight, I’ve never backed down, but that bear...nope.”
“Okay, let’s put the bear to one side for a minute, this is for the big one though, right?”
“The big one indeed, the X*Crown. Something I’ve wanted before, something I’m not willing to let slip past me again. I know I had a few skeletons regarding the European title, and perhaps I still do, but the X*Crown...there’s a few threads pulling there as well. A few threads for you as well. The VXW Title’s part of it nowadays”
“Why say those letters?” Reid sharply responds, his mood momentarily souring.
“Because it creates a big frowny look on your face that’s priceless. However the point is there’s so much history in that title. It’s something I should be apart of, it’s something I want to represent, and you know what tends to happen when I want something enough, I get it.”
“Well, as always I’m proud of you buddy, just don’t get yourself killed and I’ll be happy. If you win then all for the better! Now, enough work talk, I only have you around for one night before you go see your new friends. So shut up and drink your drink, you’re even more fun when you’ve had a couple.”
“Yeah and it’ll only be a couple, I’m not Storm Crow.”
“Whatever dude, just drink.” We laugh and clink our glasses together before taking another sip.
Welcome to the XHF Network
Your video is loading…
Fade into a dark room, illuminated by a single light bulb overhead. Sat on the floor, cross-legged is Rob Arnold, dressed in a sharp suit, surrounded by a number of miscellaneous items. Cradled in his arms is a championship belt, though it’s not clear at this point as to what it is.
“The concept of the X*Crown is one that I’ve always found fascinating. It celebrates the past, the present, and the future all at the same time. Now I know what you’re thinking, how can that be? It took me a while to come to this realisation I will admit, but stick around, you’ll soon agree with me.
Let’s begin with the past. The X*Crown is made up of eighteen different titles. Now if you do the maths and consider average roster sizes of these federations they represented, I would propose that this title represents over four hundred wrestlers, add to that those who have come and gone within the XHF itself, we’re getting pretty quickly to five hundred and over. That’s a staggering amount. However what most of these five hundred are now, are nothing...No more than names on a page, statistics, another never was or never will be. People barely remember the BWF or the CWF, those who were apart of it, who fought for it, sure they will but in the eyes of the world which now moves so fast? No, not at all.
Similarly, very few will probably remember the CWA, the company that I represented when I took a shot at the X*Crown. I gave up this very title for the X*Crown, and I gave it up without a moments hesitation. However I did it too hastily, I did it as a ploy to lure Congo into a trap, and simultaneously we put the British Brotherhood on the radar. Though as time has gone on, I feel that I did the CWA a disservice, a company that I represented, that I gave years of my life to, I just threw it away. This was a folly of a young man, my folly, and one that I have most certainly learned from.
Then there’s the present. The X*Crown is held by those who are at the top of their game, those who are prepared to take on everybody and anybody. That hasn’t changed from inception. Anybody from a failed federation can rock up and get a shot as long as there’s a world title on their shoulder. You have to be able to adapt to that, always have an eye over the shoulder, it’s a big burden. When you’re not doing that, you have to come up against competitive, hungry athletes week in, week out.
And then, there is the future. The X*Crown represents innovation, doing things differently, thinking outside of the box. To be the future, you have to be all of these things and be all of these things successfully. It also represents rebirth. The rebirth of the failures inserted into the title, processed and it comes out the other side to last for years to come.
So you see...past, present, future”
Arnold smirks and pauses.
“Past, present...future. Three things that are also being represented in this match by some of its competitors. First, the past, the past is Curtis Kanyon. Firstly it amazes me that Curtis has been able to stay alive longer than his brother, if I were a gambling man I would have taken a loss on that one. Kanyon still clings onto the madness that we used to see on XHF television, though I’m at least thankful that he’s not wearing a blonde wig any more.”
Arnold smirks once more.
“Kanyon will soon find that times have moved on, moved beyond the same laboured jokes, moved beyond wrestling pigs, and he’ll find that this business is getting more and more dangerous. Just like Scorpion found out when I scrambled his brain so hard he’s probably still in a Russian hospital. Kanyon, you are the past, and when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you were back in that much safer time.”
He stifles a laugh.
“Then there is the present. Jackson Grace, a man near the top of his game. I got to know Jackson Grace a little more personally at the last big XHF get together, Xtraction. This guy will be a challenge in this match, just as he was then. However recent weeks have proved that the man can and will be defeated. Much like the present, Jackson Grace makes errors, errors that will cost him this match, errors that people like me thrive on. Jackson Grace is good, but he still has some refining to do.”
Arnold pauses and raises an eyebrow.
“Which leaves the future. Damien Young, and James Raymond. Both breaking onto the scene, both making waves in TGK and FWA. They’re good, they could even be great, but is this one jump too far? It takes one hell of a lot to jump into a match like this. You’d have to be exceptional or pull out an exceptional performance to come out on top in a match like this. You know, like at Xtreme Xmas when a certain Rob Arnold won the XHF Title out of nowhere at his first attempt.
Let’s be honest though, when you already have one Rob Arnold in the ring, you can’t expect a repeat performance from somebody else, can you?”
Another smirk.
“All of them are pieces of the X*Crown. Past, present, future. Whilst they all encompass individual traits, I am the sum of all the parts. I am simultaneously the past, the present, and the future. I am the history maker of the XHF, the man who toppled MGK and his little clique, the man who carried the European Title, the man who carried the whole UK on his back. I embody this CWA title and all it represents, the company I carried on my back. I take the pride I had when I won this, and I will carry it through to Supremacy.
Now we are in the present, and I’m the guy to fear, I’m breaking arms, breaking skulls, I’m the most dangerous man in the XHF Network and should damn well be respected. I will systematically take apart any and every opponent that is offered to me. My momentum has been building and building and I don’t feel like stopping any time soon.
Finally, just like the concept of old titles being reborn, after years of being away, kept to the shadows, I am revitalised, I am refreshed, and I feel like I could go on until I’m an old man. I will continue to be feared, continue to win championships well into the future.
I embody the X*Crown, and come Supremacy, I will sit with my crown, over the pile of bodies that were created of my own hand. At that moment the world will know that I am the past...the present...and the future.”
Fade out.
“I’m pretty sure you could have got me a suit that fit slightly better.”
I stand in front of a small, thin mirror, as I adjust my jacket with a small frown on my face. Satisfied with the adjustment I turn around to face Alex Reid, who stands expectantly at the hostess’ booth at the front of the restaurant. The hostess plays it cool, I’m clearly not the first person who’s taken way to long to be ready to be seated, and no doubt I won’t be the last. I also doubt I’m the worst either, this is one of the most established and expensive eateries in Bristol, and I have no doubt that more particular have walked through these doors.
“In my defence, you gave me all of ten minutes for me to find something that even remotely came in your measurements.” Is Reid’s sharp reply, though said with a smile.
“True.” I walk towards him and nod at the hostess, who begins leading us to a table. “However, you were the one who wanted to eat here, so I needed something to wear, Isobel here wouldn’t have let me anywhere near here if I was wearing my jeans and a hoodie, so this is as much on you as it is me.”
Isobel gives me a coy glance and a knowing smile, in return I offer a subtle wink which only widens her smile.
“Yes, and I wanted to come here because you’re paying and I fancied being treated!” Jokes Reid.
“Gentlemen, your seats, remember to play nice with each other.” Isobel purrs, and offers a hand out at the small table at the back of the building, it’s quiet with a window to the left, offering a view of Bristol’s harbour which is well lit, although slightly ruined by the weather. I smile again and take my place at the table, as does Alex, who is chuckling at our back and forth. Isobel remains to ask us what beverages we’d like, for Alex a red wine, and I order a large scotch. As she departs we relax further, and begin to talk.
“So this bastard weather is why you’ve come by?” Reid asks, moving onto less argumentative subjects.
“Sort of. I had the option of Birmingham which under most circumstances I would have taken, however I thought I’d swing by the lock up and pick something up, is there anything you’d want from it whilst I’m there?”
“Rob, I genuinely have no interest in procuring almost everything within that lock up, the fact that you continue to ask me if I do want something from there is appreciated but equally gives me a great sense of amusement.”
“Alright, dickhead.” I sigh, and prompts us both to laugh. As we do our drinks arrive and I nod to the waiter in appreciation.
“It’s always good to have you in town though, rather than chasing after you in some corner of the world.” Reid raises his glass and I raise mine in return. “So Supremacy is best part of two weeks away but I know you like to be in town as soon as possible, so I’m guessing Dublin then straight on to Minneapolis tomorrow morning?”
“Actually no. I’m going to pop into New Orleans first, just for a day, maybe two.” I say before taking a sip of scotch.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, you’re wondering if its a good idea to delay my arrival and acclimatise to the area. It’s a day or two, and let’s be honest I’ve been there enough times to know what to expect, plus I was in Russia recently, I’m getting used to the cold!”
“Not quite.” Reid smirks. “Okay yes I thought that briefly, but I’m just amazed at how much time you keep giving that place. It’s nice though, nice to see you have a bit more than just me to lean on in your life.”
“They’re a good bunch of people. It’s more than that though, I should probably try and check in on Leon as well.”
“He is still really pissed at you, can’t you find another guy?” Reid says, holding back a giggle.
“Nobody that I would trust.” I reply with a smirk, Reid acknowledges this with a knowing nod.
“I understand. What I don’t understand though is this damn match, and why you’re so keen on being in it!”
“What can I say? It’s another XHF circus match. I’m still trying to decide if its better or worse than last time. On the one hand, there’s actual reward and worthwhile for me to be in it. Yet, on the other, there’s a freaking bear in this match, and pretty much no rules apart from maim everybody else and drop a crown on your head whilst sitting on a throne.”
“Man, that bear...”
“Yes I know, it’s a bear, it has a huge cock that would make the dirtiest of whores blush and he I have every intention of staying away from him wherever I can.” Reid raises an eyebrow at this, though is also trying not to laugh at me. “I’ve never wanted to run from a fight, I’ve never backed down, but that bear...nope.”
“Okay, let’s put the bear to one side for a minute, this is for the big one though, right?”
“The big one indeed, the X*Crown. Something I’ve wanted before, something I’m not willing to let slip past me again. I know I had a few skeletons regarding the European title, and perhaps I still do, but the X*Crown...there’s a few threads pulling there as well. A few threads for you as well. The VXW Title’s part of it nowadays”
“Why say those letters?” Reid sharply responds, his mood momentarily souring.
“Because it creates a big frowny look on your face that’s priceless. However the point is there’s so much history in that title. It’s something I should be apart of, it’s something I want to represent, and you know what tends to happen when I want something enough, I get it.”
“Well, as always I’m proud of you buddy, just don’t get yourself killed and I’ll be happy. If you win then all for the better! Now, enough work talk, I only have you around for one night before you go see your new friends. So shut up and drink your drink, you’re even more fun when you’ve had a couple.”
“Yeah and it’ll only be a couple, I’m not Storm Crow.”
“Whatever dude, just drink.” We laugh and clink our glasses together before taking another sip.
Welcome to the XHF Network
Your video is loading…
Fade into a dark room, illuminated by a single light bulb overhead. Sat on the floor, cross-legged is Rob Arnold, dressed in a sharp suit, surrounded by a number of miscellaneous items. Cradled in his arms is a championship belt, though it’s not clear at this point as to what it is.
“The concept of the X*Crown is one that I’ve always found fascinating. It celebrates the past, the present, and the future all at the same time. Now I know what you’re thinking, how can that be? It took me a while to come to this realisation I will admit, but stick around, you’ll soon agree with me.
Let’s begin with the past. The X*Crown is made up of eighteen different titles. Now if you do the maths and consider average roster sizes of these federations they represented, I would propose that this title represents over four hundred wrestlers, add to that those who have come and gone within the XHF itself, we’re getting pretty quickly to five hundred and over. That’s a staggering amount. However what most of these five hundred are now, are nothing...No more than names on a page, statistics, another never was or never will be. People barely remember the BWF or the CWF, those who were apart of it, who fought for it, sure they will but in the eyes of the world which now moves so fast? No, not at all.
Similarly, very few will probably remember the CWA, the company that I represented when I took a shot at the X*Crown. I gave up this very title for the X*Crown, and I gave it up without a moments hesitation. However I did it too hastily, I did it as a ploy to lure Congo into a trap, and simultaneously we put the British Brotherhood on the radar. Though as time has gone on, I feel that I did the CWA a disservice, a company that I represented, that I gave years of my life to, I just threw it away. This was a folly of a young man, my folly, and one that I have most certainly learned from.
Then there’s the present. The X*Crown is held by those who are at the top of their game, those who are prepared to take on everybody and anybody. That hasn’t changed from inception. Anybody from a failed federation can rock up and get a shot as long as there’s a world title on their shoulder. You have to be able to adapt to that, always have an eye over the shoulder, it’s a big burden. When you’re not doing that, you have to come up against competitive, hungry athletes week in, week out.
And then, there is the future. The X*Crown represents innovation, doing things differently, thinking outside of the box. To be the future, you have to be all of these things and be all of these things successfully. It also represents rebirth. The rebirth of the failures inserted into the title, processed and it comes out the other side to last for years to come.
So you see...past, present, future”
Arnold smirks and pauses.
“Past, present...future. Three things that are also being represented in this match by some of its competitors. First, the past, the past is Curtis Kanyon. Firstly it amazes me that Curtis has been able to stay alive longer than his brother, if I were a gambling man I would have taken a loss on that one. Kanyon still clings onto the madness that we used to see on XHF television, though I’m at least thankful that he’s not wearing a blonde wig any more.”
Arnold smirks once more.
“Kanyon will soon find that times have moved on, moved beyond the same laboured jokes, moved beyond wrestling pigs, and he’ll find that this business is getting more and more dangerous. Just like Scorpion found out when I scrambled his brain so hard he’s probably still in a Russian hospital. Kanyon, you are the past, and when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you were back in that much safer time.”
He stifles a laugh.
“Then there is the present. Jackson Grace, a man near the top of his game. I got to know Jackson Grace a little more personally at the last big XHF get together, Xtraction. This guy will be a challenge in this match, just as he was then. However recent weeks have proved that the man can and will be defeated. Much like the present, Jackson Grace makes errors, errors that will cost him this match, errors that people like me thrive on. Jackson Grace is good, but he still has some refining to do.”
Arnold pauses and raises an eyebrow.
“Which leaves the future. Damien Young, and James Raymond. Both breaking onto the scene, both making waves in TGK and FWA. They’re good, they could even be great, but is this one jump too far? It takes one hell of a lot to jump into a match like this. You’d have to be exceptional or pull out an exceptional performance to come out on top in a match like this. You know, like at Xtreme Xmas when a certain Rob Arnold won the XHF Title out of nowhere at his first attempt.
Let’s be honest though, when you already have one Rob Arnold in the ring, you can’t expect a repeat performance from somebody else, can you?”
Another smirk.
“All of them are pieces of the X*Crown. Past, present, future. Whilst they all encompass individual traits, I am the sum of all the parts. I am simultaneously the past, the present, and the future. I am the history maker of the XHF, the man who toppled MGK and his little clique, the man who carried the European Title, the man who carried the whole UK on his back. I embody this CWA title and all it represents, the company I carried on my back. I take the pride I had when I won this, and I will carry it through to Supremacy.
Now we are in the present, and I’m the guy to fear, I’m breaking arms, breaking skulls, I’m the most dangerous man in the XHF Network and should damn well be respected. I will systematically take apart any and every opponent that is offered to me. My momentum has been building and building and I don’t feel like stopping any time soon.
Finally, just like the concept of old titles being reborn, after years of being away, kept to the shadows, I am revitalised, I am refreshed, and I feel like I could go on until I’m an old man. I will continue to be feared, continue to win championships well into the future.
I embody the X*Crown, and come Supremacy, I will sit with my crown, over the pile of bodies that were created of my own hand. At that moment the world will know that I am the past...the present...and the future.”
Fade out.
