Post by Jack Diamond on Oct 22, 2018 17:35:39 GMT -5
October 21st 2018
San Francisco, CA
The scene backstage is nothing but excitement. Bobby Barratt has just punched his ticket into the final round of the End of Days Tournament. Even though Bobby is battered and bruised from the violent battle with Duke. It is all smiles for the three Icons as Maverick and Jack Diamond congratulate their brother on his win. Jack's phone goes off in his pocket and he gives it a quick look before going back to celebrating.
Jack Diamond: Truly an amazing match, mate. Once again we made that overgrown buffoon our bitch!
Maverick: Oh man, did you see his eyes when Bobby shoved that cattle prod into his little Dukester?
With this Maverick begins to act like he is being electrocuted while he is holding his nether regions and rolling his eyes into the back of his skull. Jack and Bobby burst out laughing which brings a grimace of pain to Bobby who grabs his sides... still feeling the effects of being slammed through the Spanish announce table.
Bobby Barratt: I told that big bastard I wasn't playing. After the grueling cage match earlier I had every intention to end Duke's hopes as quickly and as viciously as I could.
Maverick: Speaking of the cage match... I can't believe that--
Record Scratch.
The scene cuts to black just as Maverick had started to talk about the tag team title match where Jack and Bobby took on the GUNs. We all seen what happened. The live crowd witnessed an amazing battle that was unfortunately blacked out due to the technical difficulties. Let's call it what it was though... a clusterfuck on XHFs part letting a bear loose. What did they expect? Now the powers to be are forcing everyone to be hush hush about the results until the night of the End of Days finale. The scene comes back in as a few suited gentlemen leave the Icons' locker room. A more solemn look sits on the three of their faces.
Maverick: Well that was bullshit. How the hell do they expect everyone to keep that match quiet for a week?
Bobby Barratt: Well, you seen the memo they just handed us. They are threatening legal action to anyone who gives the results away. Monetary penalties... the works.
Jack Diamond: Man, fuck money! If we want to talk about it then we will-
Bobby Barratt: I don't know Jack, it may be best to leave this one alone...
Jack looks over at Bobby, a little shocked. Bobby is usually the first Icon ready to buck the system. Jack feels like he sees a look in Bobby's eye that is concerning. Not wanting to push the issue, Jack just leans in and slaps Bobby on the back of the shoulder.
Jack Diamond: Yeah, maybe you're right. There will be plenty of time for that later. Actually, I have to get out of here anyways fellas. Mongo has some BS press conference set up for me in Minnesota tomorrow morning before I fly out to Dublin.
Bobby Barratt: Sure man, you have that huge match coming up next week. Of course Mongo wants to parade you around to line his pockets even more. I think my media shit is set up throughout the week as well. I'm going to head out too so I can get rested up. This having two matches in one night thing was awful.
Bobby stands and gathers his things before fist bumping Jack and Maverick and heading out of the locker room. Jack stares as Bobby leaves, knowing something is off. He is snapped out of it as Maverick breaks the silence.
Maverick: I'll just be happy to be close to home this week .
Jack Diamond: Don't you have to worry about bobbing for apples first Mav?
Maverick: Ugh, yeah. Don't remind me. I'll be in Canton a little longer this week but then will meet you guys over in Ireland.
Jack Diamond: Well bro, keep an eye on things at the Lounge for me. Anyways I need to go catch my flight. The XHF has my press conference set up super early. When I'm done with that I think you and I should grab Bobby and take him to get his car.
Maverick: That sounds like a plan, I'll call the shop and make sure they are still on track to finish early. Bobby is going to be excited as hell man.
Jack Diamond: Yeah, he'll be something alright..
With that, Jack Diamond stands and grabs his bag. He tells Maverick bye before leaving the arena to catch his flight.
October 22nd 2018
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jack exits an airplane terminal as the scene picks back up. It is a cold early morning in Minnesota as people are bundled up waiting on their loved ones to come off of their flights. Jack, dressed in an Icon hoodie and athletic pants instead of his usual tailored suits, scans the crowd before him.
JACK!
Jack turns just in time to catch a jumping Dakota Paige in his arms as they share a loving embrace. It has been a while since Jack has been able to see Dakota. With her experience in media, Jack has had her overseeing public relations and advertising for The Diamond Lounge and the two of them have been on the go ever since the casino opened. As Jack sets her back down he gives her a quick kiss on the forehead.
Jack Diamond: Hey babe, it's so good to see you. I've missed having you with me.
Dakota Paige: Oh my gosh, same here. I've got some really good news for you though, and possibly a bit of bad news.
Jack Diamond: There's always a little bit of bad that you have to take with the good isn't it? Oh well. You will have to get me up to speed but first we need to be getting over to XHF headquarters. Mongo has this press conference set up and with this flight from San Fran running a hit behind, I'm pressed for time. I'm going to have to get changed here at the airport.
Jack leans in for another kiss before he heads off to claim his luggage so that he can change into a suit before going to his scheduled conference. When Jack comes out of the airport restrooms thirty minutes later, he is in his familiar attire looking like a million bucks (or at least as good as you can look dressing yourself inside a restroom.)
Dakota Paige: Looking good... let's go, I've got us a car ready.
Jack Diamond: Good, I'm ready to get out of this airport. That restroom was God awful.
The two of them head out of the airport and get into the back of a limousine that awaits them. Jack let's Dakota climb in first and as he gets in and adjusts his tie, she is opening a briefcase. Jack looks on as she shuffles through some papers
Jack Diamond: Ok, let's talk business. What is the good news?
Dakota Paige: Oh, right, you like hearing the good first. Well, as you know, I've been looking for areas where you can grow The Diamond Lounge brand. I know you wanted to have one here in Minnesota since it's the home if XHF.
Jack Diamond: Yes. I want it in Minneapolis.
Dakota Paige: Right, well Minneapolis proved to be a bit of an obstacle with legalities and such but I found a nice spot in Scott County around the Prior Lake area. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community already has two places there and are looking to open a third. I've spoken to some of the higher ups in the tribe and they'd love to being the Diamond Lounge brand into the mix.
Jack Diamond: Wait, that sounds even better. They'll handle all operation yes?
Dakota Paige: Yep, you of course would have plenty of say and be a member of the board. The best thing is it is very close to the twin cities.
Jack Diamond: I like the sound of that. So is the bad news that it is not in Minneapolis proper? That's not too bad. Prior Lake is what? A thirty minute drive from HQ?
Dakota Paige: No, that's not the issue. This might be...
Dakota pulls out a card and hands it over to Jack. As he looks down at it he recognizes it immediately as the card that Mongo gave him during Night of Champions.
Xtreme Hotels
Chief Executive Officer
Mongo the Destroyer
Dakota Paige: Do you remember the strange conversation Mongo had with you at Night of Champions? The whole "got it right the first time" thing? Well, turns out we were right. He doesn't want you to open more hotels, especially in Minnesota. This could be a problem for us. He is heavily invested in this area. It could not only create hurdles for Diamond Lounge expansion but hurt you in the XHF as well...
Jack looks at the card, flipping it over in his hands a couple of times before scoffing and tossing it back onto a stack of papers in Dakota's briefcase.
Jack Diamond: First of all, I'm not worried about Mongo causing issues with The Diamond Lounge. It's a business and quite frankly one that I am damn good at. If he is worried about me stepping on his toes and hurting his Xtreme Hotel chain then he better step up his game .
Jack reaches over and grabs a glass and a bottle of scotch from the small mini-bar inside of the limo, pouring himself a drink. He swirls the elixir and takes a sip
Jack Diamond: The Diamond Lounge is much more than some seedy motel that he sticks his name on. Now, as far as this move possibly causing me problems inside of the XHF? Let him try. You see, Mongo is just like any greedy promoter I've ever worked for. It's about the buy rates, the ticket sales, and the publicity. There is no one in this network right now that provides Mongo with more cash than Jack Diamond and the Icons. Just look at this whole End of Days month. It's been dominated by the three of us.
Jack take another long drink before setting the glass down and pointing at the stack of papers in Dakota's lap, specifically the card he just tossed on top.
Jack Diamond: Mongo may be able to keep us quiet on what happened last night against Venom and Mueller. Hell, he may even be able to control what happens in most aspects around the network. One thing he won't control is when and where I grow my non-XHF business ventures. He wants to shut the Icons up? He wants to vaguely threaten Jack Diamond? No problem, I can get real quiet....
Dakota Paige: What does that mean?
Jack gets a sly look on his face as the limo comes to a stop and the driver walks around to open the door for the X*Crown champion
Jack Diamond: No Comment.
The door opens and Jack winks at Dakota as he gets out. The realization shows on her face as she just smiles and shakes her head before following the icon out of the car and they are immediately showered with cheers and flashing bulbs as anyone and everyone tries to get a shot of the champion. Jack straightens his jacket and takes Dakota's hand as they walk through the crown and inside of the XHF headquarters. As they enter the media room on the main floor, the room turns to look as the introduction sounds throughout the room.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the X*Crown champion heading into this Sunday's Annihilation Complex Match... representing the Icons and AWF.. "The Ace of Spades" Jack Diamond!
Jack walks up and onto the stage and takes his place behind the podium as Dakota slides off to the side to watch her man do what he does best. As Jack unscrews a water bottle and takes a sip, the announcer continues.
Announcer: Jack will now field some questions from the media.
Jack smiles and points to one of the reporters in the room. A young woman stands up and walks over to the house mic to ask the first question.
Reporter One: Jack, this Sunday you defend your title against six other competitors across the XHF network in what will surely be a grueling match. How do you prepare for something like this?
Jack just stares at the reporter with a blank look on his face. Tension fills the room as Jack does nothing but points to the next reporter. The first woman, perplexed by this, nervously sits down as the next reporter walks up.
Reporter Two: Hello Jack. There have been plenty said about you from some of your opponents in this match. There probably hasn't been anyone more vocal about you than Ember Ferrari. She has taken a hit of an interest in you as of late... are you worried what she may do?
Jack grabs the water and takes another sip but doesn't say a word. Meanwhile Dakota stands in the corner trying to stifle a laugh. She, herself, is nervous about what Ember may do. Jack, on the other hand, says nothing and points to another reporter.
Reporter Three: Mr. Diamond, earlier this year at Night of Champions it came down to you and Jackson Steele being the last two competitors in the Four Ring Circus match. You were able to walk away with the X*Crown championship that night, as unconventional as the ending may have been. In recent weeks, Steele has been vocal in pointing out just how close he came to winning those titles. He is set on righting what he did wrong in that match and finally claiming the one prize that has eluded him so far. Surely you have to think it may come down to the two of you again... can you speak on what it will take to put Jackson away once again and successfully defend your titles?
A damn good question. One that Jack would under any other circumstance love to answer and tell Jackson Steele and the world just what he thinks. Everyone looks around wondering what the hell is going on as Jack Diamond brushes off some lint from his shoulder. The answer everyone is ready to record never comes. Jack pauses and picks at his fingernails for a second before pointing to yet another reporter.
Reporter Four: Jack, you will be in the ring with a couple people who you've had run ins with before, some that you've never faced and a couple unknowns. Who are you looking forward to mixing it up with and do any of your opponents make you nervous?
Again, nothing. Jack just stands there nodding and then leans into the mic as if he is getting ready to answer. Instead, he just walks off the stage and grabs Dakota's hand and exits to the side. There is a hush that falls over the room as everyone tries to figure out just what the hell happened.
Announcer: Uh, that concludes the questions and answers segment with Jack Diamond. We here at XHF would like to thank you all for coming out this morning.
People begin to stir in their seats as cameras continue rolling, capturing the odd press conference. Scratching paper is heard as reporters make notes. Meanwhile, outside Jack leads Dakota back to the limo and she is just shaking her head. He stops and looks at her.
Jack Diamond: See, if XHF wants me to be silent.. they will get silent.
Dakota Paige: You know, Mongo will not be happy about that. That's probably going to cost you a nice fine.
Jack smiles...
Jack Diamond: Fuck money. And fuck Mongo...
The two of them get into the back of the limo and take their seats. Dakota begins to laugh and Jack looks at her quizzically
Dakota Paige: That one reporter has a point... we should be worried what Ember might do. After all she's already had a taste of "Jackie-poo"
Jack stares daggers at Dakota who is doubled over in laughter now. Jack frowns...
Jack Diamond: Thanks for making me lose my appetite. Go on, laugh it up...
Jack taps on the partition window to let the driver know they are ready. He sits back and just stares at Dakota. This is possibly one of the toughest matches of Jack's career coming up and he knows he is ready for it. No amount of mind games, stomach turning love letters, or disrespect will knock him off his game. For now though, he has Icon business to attend to. As the limo pulls off, the scene comes to an end.
