Post by "The Icon" Shawn Rossdale on Jun 1, 2018 14:28:12 GMT -5
** The alarm rings and Shawn snaps up, looks around and sees his good friend Belfrey standing at his doorway in his Primrose Hill mansion. This house, unlike his Stillwater, MN house is a true mansion in every respect. He grew up in this house, and his late father willed it to him obviously. Belfrey stands there ever so diligently. Shawn seems to be a bit uncomfortable and turns himself to the edge of the bed, boxer briefs on, and shirtless. He places his elbows on his knees and runs his messy slightly dyed hair around with his hands. **
Belfrey: Good morning sir. Is something amidst?
Shawn: ... Yeah. Another bad dream. Good morning to you too Belfrey.
Belfrey: Sir, breakfast?
** Belfrey had been holding a solid silver platter with various breakfast sandwiches. It included a sausage and cheese bagel with Belfrey's special breakfast sauce. Sunny side upped eggs, and a bacon and lettuce toasted sandwich. Along with a heavy pulp glass of orange juice. Shawn has always believed in a big breakfast. **
Shawn: Why yes. That would be brilliant. Thank you. Could you please lay it right here.
Belfrey: Most certainly sir.
Shawn: Belfrey... I was having bad dream about my upcoming 5 on 5 elimination Survivor Series type match. It was pretty intense.
Belfrey: I assume you won the match sir and became a legend in AXW.
Shawn: No, not hardly. It was a bit off beat. Off kilter. I came to the ring, and I just didn't have it. I couldn't hang with these guys. I gave it my all, my soul... and I just fell short. I ended up getting rolled up pretty quickly by Seth Dillinger actually, I was the 1st one in and the 1st one out. And I was embarrassed. The crowd still loved me, and the place was still buzzing as I was ordered to the back of the stadium. The open stadium was jolting. The lights made it all seem so surreal, and I felt ashamed to be smashed down and eliminated in my home country. In front of my fans. And letting down... AXW. It means more to me than anything Belfrey. It was so real.
Belfrey: The event is still a few days away sir.
Shawn: Are you sure? (laughs)
Belfrey: Very much sir. May I accompany you here while you eat in your bed?
Shawn: That's fine Belfrey.
Belfrey: Why thank you sir. I've missed you.
Shawn: I've missed you too old friend. Please don't tell anyone of our conversation late last night.
Belfrey: A noble man like myself would take it to his grave sir.
** After sleeping a few hours in the Irish hotel after AXW's flagship show, Rossdale decided to bolt and travel home very late. It wasn't that far anyways. Ireland to London is hardly a trip really. Shawn was feeling so good and so ecstatic that he ended up spilling his guts about his 2 month disappearance from ICW, from life in general to Belfrey. He's told Bobby Barratt in AWF a little about it, but didn't lay the full cards down. In a dim lit room last night he told his closest old friend, one he lost sight of in his busy and stressful ICW days, and one he trusts with his life. His butler Belfrey. His family butler since he was a kid. The revelations of the 2 month absence from the world were heavy. **
Shawn: Good. I know I can trust you old friend. That nightmare, it's starting to fade from my head, but I really hope I don't let anyone down. AXW is my home. This is where I chose to step up to the plate after almost 11 years out of the game. AXW is where I belong I think. I've just had two matches, but I felt better than ever in those.
Belfrey: Sir, you looked very good. I was always watching you, I was away when you first came back. Then when I heard you had signed a short term deal with AXW, I was elated.
Shawn: I just don't want that nightmare to become true. I definitely won't back down. I know AXW could use this 100,000 dollars. It isn't about the money for me. It is still about pride, self respect and being more than you are.
Belfrey: Sir. If I may?
Shawn: You may.
Belfrey: It was only a simple nightmare. It is only what you fear, what you don't wish to happen. You're in the best shape I've ever seen you in. You look great. Healthy and I'm confident that my little Shawn will be able to pull through and if not win the elimination match... be a strong player. You'll contribute most definitely sir.
Shawn: I'm not so little anymore am I. You still say that.
Belfrey: You were just 9 years old when I first came to be your butler sir. You'll always be near and dear to my heart. Like a very close nephew I never had.
Shawn: You're right Belfrey. It was just stupid dream. And you know what? I think I'll shake this. Dreams aren't real. I can make what is real... a reality for everyone. Win or lose this match, I want AXW to feel empowered by me being there. I want to help and contribute to this fucking match man. I'll have Effigy, Price, Anomaly and Kanyon's back. I'll give my all. Where that shakes out. We'll see. This match is big.
Belfrey: Sir. I wouldn't worry. But I would worry about your food. It might be getting oldly cold.
** Shawn smiles and asks Belfrey to leave him while he eats. He enjoys his lukewarm food, and his delicious orange juice. He then takes a shower in his master bathroom and while he took one the previous night... the feel of his own bathroom is untouched. The shower area is so large he could job small laps in there. Shawn's loneliness is helped tremendously by Belfrey returning after Shawn casting him out over a dispute before ICW was started. It truly is water under the bridge at this point. Shawn heads downstairs, dressed in a suit and tie. With his jacket in hand, beige dress shirt with a red and black tie dangling. Belfrey walks up to him to help fix his tie. **
Belfrey: Remember sir. Press conference today. Be sharp. (fixes his tie for him)
Shawn: Thanks old man. It's just a small thing AXW has put together for a few of the guys on our side. I'm the last to go on. Price, Anomaly, Kanyon and Effigy have all spoken before our big event. It's just me now I think. Not sure.
Belfrey: Just relax. Be yourself and you'll shine through. And be sure to mention that degenerate James Raymond. He must be needing sodium.
Shawn: Ha! He was salty wasn't he? No matter. I will deal with him soon I guess. I'm not worried. Thanks old man. Thanks for helping me put that mental mind fuck behind me.
Belfrey: That mind fuck sir... is in the past. You're a new man today. You've been a new man since you've come back. Now carry on.
Shawn: Alright. Where's the keys?
Belfrey: On the key hook sir.
** Shawn waves goodbye and gets in his Firebird. He could of been driven, but he's not that much of a prick. He would very much rather drive himself. Belfrey stay home mostly, and outside of him ridiculous salary of 85k per year with all the very best benefits and free housing... he takes great care of the house. Shawn makes the relatively short drive to The New Lawn stadium. Not much going on at the moment. As he gets out a reporter fires up to him from the gates. **
Reporter: Mr. Rossdale, you are one of the last to arrive for the press today. What are your feelings?
Rossdale: Hey. Glad to be here. I'm just looking forward to getting on with this. Showtime is upon us and I can't wait to do AXW proud.
Reporter: How do you feel about being on the same team as your most recent foe? Effigy?
Rossdale: Like he said himself. I made him feel human... like the human he actually is. (laugh) No matter though as I will gladly have him on my side. He proved to be a worthy opponent and I respect him. Two Distortion kicks to end him. That was a large bit to take in. I'm sure he'll be a good sport and do what is required.
Reporter: And what is that Mr. Rossdale?
Rossdale: Not get in my way... help the team and know his place. While I respect him. He's beneathe me. His role is clear. I'm not bothered by him one way or another.
** The walking speed Rossdale is taking it picking up as he enters a small side room from the garage area of the small stadium. The room has about 15 people or so sitting proper to listen to the "Icon" speak. Camera flicker and flash... Shawn is quite used to this... as he sits down. **
AXW Rep: We'll be taking a few question for AXW Star and Assault Champion Shawn Rossdale. Please raise your hand, and I will point at you, then you ask. Thanks.
** Shawn positions himself comfortably and gets a sip of the Aquafina water that sits in front of him. Chilled nicely. **
Reporter #2: Shawn, thanks for being here. I'll just cut to the chase... What are your thoughts and feelings on Michael Storm and Jackson Steele from AWF? They very much dismissed you it sounds. Does that bother you? Rattle you?
Rossdale: No. It doesn't. I'm nervous for this match yeah. While I'm confident in my abilities. I think that them dismissing me as a nobody and an afterthought is a grave mistake. It is a rookie mistake mentally. You never underestimate your opponent. Never.
Reporter #3: Mr. Rossdale, why do you say that? And why do you think Jackson and Michael said such things?
Rossdale: Well to be fair, it is quite simple. They are nervous and the fear of dealing with me haunts them in their dreams. Why would you discount a veteran that has been around? Why do that do a AXW title holder?
** Shawn motions to under the table. He pulls out the AXW Assault Championship. He lifts it out of the brown leather bag he was carrying with him. He shows it around and cameras blind him briefly. **
Rossdale: This belt... is proof that my comeback is legitimate. I'm not a flash in the pan. I currently hold the #2 belt in AXW. James Raymond was a tough opponent, but in the end he didn't have what it took. Period. His lack of devotion to his craft was apparent. He fell short. So in short. Steele and Storm just fear and cast aside what they don't understand.
Reporter #4: Mr. Rossdale. Talks of your contract ending soon have been in the rumor mill for some time. What is the deal? I heard you signed through Xtraction... I heard you signed long term? Can you set the record straight please?
Rossdale: Yes I can. Bobby Barratt from AWF got me on. I didn't want to compete against my good old pal with a tremendous history just yet. So for now.. I'm tried and true for AXW. This is my home. I'm signed through the end of July for now. With an option to opt in or out for August. I'll need a new contract come September 1st at the latest. For now, I'm in AXW, I hope to bring home the win for our side at Xtraction.
Reporter #5: Shawn, what about your team? Are you confident in your teammate's abilities?
Rossdale: Oh for sure. I think that they are all good wrestlers. Anomaly is fantastic. He's a true star. Effigy I spoke of already, Kanyon and Price are right there. They'll all be tremendous help to me and Anomaly. Let's be straight here, I think we'll pull the train the farthest on our team. We should at least right? We're the Champions. Kanyon's briefcase is a nice addition as well. We all take this thing serious... and AWF is going down. It's just the way of it. It won't be easy by any means, but you don't fight to lose right?
AXW Rep: The last question is next. Then we'll be escorting Mr. Rossdale to his car. Thank you for coming.
Last Reporter: Who are you worried about the most on the AWF side? And please tell us what you think about the fan polls and rumors going around about the prediction of how AXW will stack up.
Rossdale: Yeah the prediction are just ridiculous. People have me going out pretty quick. I don't know how I will do... but I'm not going out 1st. I'll make some chaos. I'll create havoc. I feel like I'm not getting my due. I'm just 2-0 in AXW, but I have a title. I guess being a new face has its downsides. I think my work, dedication and passion speak for itself. In speaking about my worrying about AWF? They are a great federation. A great company, but they don't have the wit, the swagger or the simple technical ability to stack up against AXW. We are what we are... and that is deadly. I'd say Dillinger is the most interesting one of the bunch. I think he'll bring all we can handle. I'll be ready, and I know the rest of the AXW team will be. Come Xtraction... we'll prove it to everyone. Thank you all very much.
** More questions get blurted out, but Shawn gets up, takes his title over his shoulder and his brown leather bag. He takes a FINAL BOW to the crowd. He walks out, waves and looks very confident. Bad dreams are just that... bad dreams. What is remarkable is at 42 years of age, and not wrestled competitively since 31 years of age... his physical and mental attributes are incredible. He might of been born into money, but he grew up just as rough as anyone might. The lack of concern is very alarming on the AWF side. They aren't calculating the skill and the intensity and experience Shawn Rossdale and AXW will bring. If anyone on AXW can't keep up, they should stand back and let the Icon shine... as he is can carry the mail. **
Belfrey: Good morning sir. Is something amidst?
Shawn: ... Yeah. Another bad dream. Good morning to you too Belfrey.
Belfrey: Sir, breakfast?
** Belfrey had been holding a solid silver platter with various breakfast sandwiches. It included a sausage and cheese bagel with Belfrey's special breakfast sauce. Sunny side upped eggs, and a bacon and lettuce toasted sandwich. Along with a heavy pulp glass of orange juice. Shawn has always believed in a big breakfast. **
Shawn: Why yes. That would be brilliant. Thank you. Could you please lay it right here.
Belfrey: Most certainly sir.
Shawn: Belfrey... I was having bad dream about my upcoming 5 on 5 elimination Survivor Series type match. It was pretty intense.
Belfrey: I assume you won the match sir and became a legend in AXW.
Shawn: No, not hardly. It was a bit off beat. Off kilter. I came to the ring, and I just didn't have it. I couldn't hang with these guys. I gave it my all, my soul... and I just fell short. I ended up getting rolled up pretty quickly by Seth Dillinger actually, I was the 1st one in and the 1st one out. And I was embarrassed. The crowd still loved me, and the place was still buzzing as I was ordered to the back of the stadium. The open stadium was jolting. The lights made it all seem so surreal, and I felt ashamed to be smashed down and eliminated in my home country. In front of my fans. And letting down... AXW. It means more to me than anything Belfrey. It was so real.
Belfrey: The event is still a few days away sir.
Shawn: Are you sure? (laughs)
Belfrey: Very much sir. May I accompany you here while you eat in your bed?
Shawn: That's fine Belfrey.
Belfrey: Why thank you sir. I've missed you.
Shawn: I've missed you too old friend. Please don't tell anyone of our conversation late last night.
Belfrey: A noble man like myself would take it to his grave sir.
** After sleeping a few hours in the Irish hotel after AXW's flagship show, Rossdale decided to bolt and travel home very late. It wasn't that far anyways. Ireland to London is hardly a trip really. Shawn was feeling so good and so ecstatic that he ended up spilling his guts about his 2 month disappearance from ICW, from life in general to Belfrey. He's told Bobby Barratt in AWF a little about it, but didn't lay the full cards down. In a dim lit room last night he told his closest old friend, one he lost sight of in his busy and stressful ICW days, and one he trusts with his life. His butler Belfrey. His family butler since he was a kid. The revelations of the 2 month absence from the world were heavy. **
Shawn: Good. I know I can trust you old friend. That nightmare, it's starting to fade from my head, but I really hope I don't let anyone down. AXW is my home. This is where I chose to step up to the plate after almost 11 years out of the game. AXW is where I belong I think. I've just had two matches, but I felt better than ever in those.
Belfrey: Sir, you looked very good. I was always watching you, I was away when you first came back. Then when I heard you had signed a short term deal with AXW, I was elated.
Shawn: I just don't want that nightmare to become true. I definitely won't back down. I know AXW could use this 100,000 dollars. It isn't about the money for me. It is still about pride, self respect and being more than you are.
Belfrey: Sir. If I may?
Shawn: You may.
Belfrey: It was only a simple nightmare. It is only what you fear, what you don't wish to happen. You're in the best shape I've ever seen you in. You look great. Healthy and I'm confident that my little Shawn will be able to pull through and if not win the elimination match... be a strong player. You'll contribute most definitely sir.
Shawn: I'm not so little anymore am I. You still say that.
Belfrey: You were just 9 years old when I first came to be your butler sir. You'll always be near and dear to my heart. Like a very close nephew I never had.
Shawn: You're right Belfrey. It was just stupid dream. And you know what? I think I'll shake this. Dreams aren't real. I can make what is real... a reality for everyone. Win or lose this match, I want AXW to feel empowered by me being there. I want to help and contribute to this fucking match man. I'll have Effigy, Price, Anomaly and Kanyon's back. I'll give my all. Where that shakes out. We'll see. This match is big.
Belfrey: Sir. I wouldn't worry. But I would worry about your food. It might be getting oldly cold.
** Shawn smiles and asks Belfrey to leave him while he eats. He enjoys his lukewarm food, and his delicious orange juice. He then takes a shower in his master bathroom and while he took one the previous night... the feel of his own bathroom is untouched. The shower area is so large he could job small laps in there. Shawn's loneliness is helped tremendously by Belfrey returning after Shawn casting him out over a dispute before ICW was started. It truly is water under the bridge at this point. Shawn heads downstairs, dressed in a suit and tie. With his jacket in hand, beige dress shirt with a red and black tie dangling. Belfrey walks up to him to help fix his tie. **
Belfrey: Remember sir. Press conference today. Be sharp. (fixes his tie for him)
Shawn: Thanks old man. It's just a small thing AXW has put together for a few of the guys on our side. I'm the last to go on. Price, Anomaly, Kanyon and Effigy have all spoken before our big event. It's just me now I think. Not sure.
Belfrey: Just relax. Be yourself and you'll shine through. And be sure to mention that degenerate James Raymond. He must be needing sodium.
Shawn: Ha! He was salty wasn't he? No matter. I will deal with him soon I guess. I'm not worried. Thanks old man. Thanks for helping me put that mental mind fuck behind me.
Belfrey: That mind fuck sir... is in the past. You're a new man today. You've been a new man since you've come back. Now carry on.
Shawn: Alright. Where's the keys?
Belfrey: On the key hook sir.
** Shawn waves goodbye and gets in his Firebird. He could of been driven, but he's not that much of a prick. He would very much rather drive himself. Belfrey stay home mostly, and outside of him ridiculous salary of 85k per year with all the very best benefits and free housing... he takes great care of the house. Shawn makes the relatively short drive to The New Lawn stadium. Not much going on at the moment. As he gets out a reporter fires up to him from the gates. **
Reporter: Mr. Rossdale, you are one of the last to arrive for the press today. What are your feelings?
Rossdale: Hey. Glad to be here. I'm just looking forward to getting on with this. Showtime is upon us and I can't wait to do AXW proud.
Reporter: How do you feel about being on the same team as your most recent foe? Effigy?
Rossdale: Like he said himself. I made him feel human... like the human he actually is. (laugh) No matter though as I will gladly have him on my side. He proved to be a worthy opponent and I respect him. Two Distortion kicks to end him. That was a large bit to take in. I'm sure he'll be a good sport and do what is required.
Reporter: And what is that Mr. Rossdale?
Rossdale: Not get in my way... help the team and know his place. While I respect him. He's beneathe me. His role is clear. I'm not bothered by him one way or another.
** The walking speed Rossdale is taking it picking up as he enters a small side room from the garage area of the small stadium. The room has about 15 people or so sitting proper to listen to the "Icon" speak. Camera flicker and flash... Shawn is quite used to this... as he sits down. **
AXW Rep: We'll be taking a few question for AXW Star and Assault Champion Shawn Rossdale. Please raise your hand, and I will point at you, then you ask. Thanks.
** Shawn positions himself comfortably and gets a sip of the Aquafina water that sits in front of him. Chilled nicely. **
Reporter #2: Shawn, thanks for being here. I'll just cut to the chase... What are your thoughts and feelings on Michael Storm and Jackson Steele from AWF? They very much dismissed you it sounds. Does that bother you? Rattle you?
Rossdale: No. It doesn't. I'm nervous for this match yeah. While I'm confident in my abilities. I think that them dismissing me as a nobody and an afterthought is a grave mistake. It is a rookie mistake mentally. You never underestimate your opponent. Never.
Reporter #3: Mr. Rossdale, why do you say that? And why do you think Jackson and Michael said such things?
Rossdale: Well to be fair, it is quite simple. They are nervous and the fear of dealing with me haunts them in their dreams. Why would you discount a veteran that has been around? Why do that do a AXW title holder?
** Shawn motions to under the table. He pulls out the AXW Assault Championship. He lifts it out of the brown leather bag he was carrying with him. He shows it around and cameras blind him briefly. **
Rossdale: This belt... is proof that my comeback is legitimate. I'm not a flash in the pan. I currently hold the #2 belt in AXW. James Raymond was a tough opponent, but in the end he didn't have what it took. Period. His lack of devotion to his craft was apparent. He fell short. So in short. Steele and Storm just fear and cast aside what they don't understand.
Reporter #4: Mr. Rossdale. Talks of your contract ending soon have been in the rumor mill for some time. What is the deal? I heard you signed through Xtraction... I heard you signed long term? Can you set the record straight please?
Rossdale: Yes I can. Bobby Barratt from AWF got me on. I didn't want to compete against my good old pal with a tremendous history just yet. So for now.. I'm tried and true for AXW. This is my home. I'm signed through the end of July for now. With an option to opt in or out for August. I'll need a new contract come September 1st at the latest. For now, I'm in AXW, I hope to bring home the win for our side at Xtraction.
Reporter #5: Shawn, what about your team? Are you confident in your teammate's abilities?
Rossdale: Oh for sure. I think that they are all good wrestlers. Anomaly is fantastic. He's a true star. Effigy I spoke of already, Kanyon and Price are right there. They'll all be tremendous help to me and Anomaly. Let's be straight here, I think we'll pull the train the farthest on our team. We should at least right? We're the Champions. Kanyon's briefcase is a nice addition as well. We all take this thing serious... and AWF is going down. It's just the way of it. It won't be easy by any means, but you don't fight to lose right?
AXW Rep: The last question is next. Then we'll be escorting Mr. Rossdale to his car. Thank you for coming.
Last Reporter: Who are you worried about the most on the AWF side? And please tell us what you think about the fan polls and rumors going around about the prediction of how AXW will stack up.
Rossdale: Yeah the prediction are just ridiculous. People have me going out pretty quick. I don't know how I will do... but I'm not going out 1st. I'll make some chaos. I'll create havoc. I feel like I'm not getting my due. I'm just 2-0 in AXW, but I have a title. I guess being a new face has its downsides. I think my work, dedication and passion speak for itself. In speaking about my worrying about AWF? They are a great federation. A great company, but they don't have the wit, the swagger or the simple technical ability to stack up against AXW. We are what we are... and that is deadly. I'd say Dillinger is the most interesting one of the bunch. I think he'll bring all we can handle. I'll be ready, and I know the rest of the AXW team will be. Come Xtraction... we'll prove it to everyone. Thank you all very much.
** More questions get blurted out, but Shawn gets up, takes his title over his shoulder and his brown leather bag. He takes a FINAL BOW to the crowd. He walks out, waves and looks very confident. Bad dreams are just that... bad dreams. What is remarkable is at 42 years of age, and not wrestled competitively since 31 years of age... his physical and mental attributes are incredible. He might of been born into money, but he grew up just as rough as anyone might. The lack of concern is very alarming on the AWF side. They aren't calculating the skill and the intensity and experience Shawn Rossdale and AXW will bring. If anyone on AXW can't keep up, they should stand back and let the Icon shine... as he is can carry the mail. **
