Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2021 17:09:35 GMT -5
Date: November 19th 2021
Location: Syracuse, NY
Time: Sometime after 7pm
Tonight was just your average Tuesday night at the VFW, or so I thought. I had just finished taping up my wrists and made my way over to the mirror. At this point the locker room was packed with wrestlers either getting ready for their upcoming match, or they were cleaning up and getting ready to head to the bar. I was part of the former. Tonight Vincent Carl and I will be having our rubber match. Falls count anywhere.
I had taken the first match with a clean pin, but less than a week later he was able to get that win back. The previous matches had been instant classics. Tonight would be no different.
"Time to roll.." I told myself as I pulled the shades down over my eyes and flipped up the collar on my leather jacket. Even though I was known as a hardcore wrestler I still had to look good for the show. After all these fans were the ones putting the food on my table.
As I made my way toward the door the other competitors told me good luck. A few of them warned me on what they heard Vincent was planning, and some of them told me I already had this in the bag. I was never one to be cocky, but tonight I just had a feeling. See we were entering my world, falls count anywhere. I could use anything in, or any part of, the arena to my advantage. I think the last time I participated in one of these matches I ended up pinning my opponent underneath a hot dog cart.
Finally, after what felt like 6 miles I reached the curtains out to the arena. I could hear Vincent's theme song still playing, some crappy house music, and the fans booing him up and down. As I peeked through the curtains Sammy Delvale grabbed my right arm and pulled me back. Sammy was not only the brains behind this organization, but he was also like a father to most of us on the roster. You see Sammy was the type of guy who took chances on younger wrestlers. Built them up, and then sent them out into the world. I signed on with Sammy eight years ago. When I was sixteen, and just getting into the business. He made sure I had a roof over my head, and money to continue training.
"Brandon, I told Vince to take his time heading out to the ring tonight. I need just a minute of your time." He told me. Usually before matches like this he liked to talk to the competitors. Give them the whole don't kill yourself speech. As the resident hardcore expert around here I was used to this conversations with Sammy. As we walked back from the curtain Sammy wrapped his arm around my shoulder. Much like a father would before he gave him a heart to heart talk.
"Brandon, do you remember when I first signed you?" He asked me. Of course I remember it like it was yesterday. My mom's basement. I'm pretty sure I had just finished up a round of Call of Duty. I won't bore you with those details. As he saw my head nod Sammy let out a long exhale. "Then you'll know how hard this is for me.." He said. This was a little strange. He never started a conversation like this. Was he going to ask me to throw the match? It was no secret that Vincent had fallen on hard times lately. Divorce is a rough thing. "...tonight is going to be your last night in CPW" He said.
At this point I was completely shocked. Was it something I did? Was it something I DIDN'T do? As I tried to pull away Sammy tightened his grip around my shoulder and walked me over to another section of the curtains, and pulled them open. "Do you see that gentleman out there? Gray suit. Black shirt." He asked me. I nodded my head as the man and I locked eyes for a moment. "That's Larry Gowan. General Manager of Uprising. As of last night he bought out your contract, and is looking to debut you on Revolution December 4th." I was shocked. Sammy was always the type of guy to push his talent on to the next level, but he didn't usually let them know just minutes before they were about to wrestle a match.
"Wow… Sammy.. I don't know what to say." I turned him as I finally stepped away from his grip. I extended my right hand, and shook his hand. For once I was at a loss for words.
"How about you go out there and show Mr. Gowan he didn't make a bad investment." I nodded my head as I heard the beginning of my theme song. Moving over towards the curtain I took one last look back at Sammy before I stepped through the curtains. I made my usual entrance towards the ring. Playing up the cheers of the crowd. As I made my way down to the ring the chants started. It was 2021. News traveled fast with social media.
"THANK - YOU - BRAN - DON" Was the chant. As it echoed around the building I couldn't help but choke up. Thank God for the dark sunglasses. Climbing up the stairs I stopped for a second and took in a deep breath. This could be the last time I ever competed in this building. Climbing up to the top rope I removed the sunglasses from my face. I tossed them out into the crowd before I hopped into the ring and rolled out of my jacket.
SOMETIME LATER IN THE MATCH.
Vincent and I had thrown everything at one another. Including a kitchen sink. Each one of us was a bloody, sweaty, mess. But neither of us could keep the other one down for the three count. Hands down this was one of the most physical matches I'd ever taken part of. Vincent had put on such a good fight that the fans were now torn on who they wanted to root for.
After a strong Irish Whip into the metal barricade I was finally given a chance to take a few breaths. Fans were handing me chairs, and various other objects to use in my offensive, but the only thing I wanted was a drink. Luckily one of the guys in the front row had half a cup of beer left over. Walking over to him I grabbed the cup out of his hand and finished it off in one big gulp before I threw the cup down at Vincent. Pulling up the mat on the floor I stood Vincent up and drove him headfirst into the concrete. Hooking his right leg I rolled over onto his chest, but somehow he was able to kick out before the three count.
I was shocked. This dude brought his A game tonight.
AGAIN LATER IN THE MATCH.
The offense had shifted three more times. Still Vincent, nor I were ready to give up. Cluttered throughout the ring and ringside area were mangled steel chairs, shattered fluorescent light bulbs, and thumbtacks. I even still had a few thumb tacks sticking out of my back and arms. This asshole Vincent dumped them out and dropped me back first onto them with a strong pump handle slam. Going in was never the problem, but fuck they were going to hurt coming out. "HOLY SHIT" chants had hit the arena multiple times.
The blood that was pouring out of Vincent's head had now reached his eyes. He dropped to one knee as he rubbed at his eyes to get rid of the burn. This was my opening to end the match. I was able to connect not only with one finisher, The Void, but I was also able to drop him with the Sleepwalker rolling him up with the last bit of energy I had. I was finally able to secure the three count. There was a huge pop from the crowd as the referee's hand hit the canvas for the 3.
After gaining the three count I sat up for a second and took a deep breath before falling back onto the canvas. I looked over at Vincent who was now beginning to get the fog out of his head. I patted him on the chest, and thanked him for the match before I rolled out of the ring.
Slowly I made my way over to the ring announcers table and grabbed his microphone. As I walked around the outside of the ring I spotted a fan with another beer and took it from him. I deserved this. Taking a few steps I knew now would be the time for my final words to the crowd, for now at least.
"So, as many of you may know. This was my last match in CPW, for now at least." As I said this the "THANK - YOU - BRAN - DON" chants started up again. I held my hand up to thank the fans, and offered them a bow. Over the last few years I'd seen some of these people more than I saw my own family.
"I've been coming to this arena for years. If this was in fact my last match here hopefully I was able to go out with a bang." Now, either from my nerves or blood loss, I was having a hard time keeping my feet beneath me. Leaning against the ring I sat the beer down and looked out to the crowd. "As of … well right now I guess.. I am officially a member of … Uprising. Just because I'll be leaving CPW it doesn't mean CPW is leaving me. I plan on being the same Brandon Mercer that I've been here for the last eight or so years." I focused my gaze over to where Larry was standing. He looked at me, and I looked at him.
"Don't worry Mr.Gowan.. I'll keep the blood off of your mats. Or I'll at least give it my best shot." Finishing up the beer I left the microphone and empty cup sitting on the ring. Standing in front of Larry I wiped the blood off of my hand and extended it to him. He obliged and shook my hand. With a simple thank you to him I raised both of my hands into the air and thanked the crowd one last time before I made my way back through the entrance curtain.
It was at that moment when I was alone that I broke down.
After eight years I had finally made it.
Location: Syracuse, NY
Time: Sometime after 7pm
Tonight was just your average Tuesday night at the VFW, or so I thought. I had just finished taping up my wrists and made my way over to the mirror. At this point the locker room was packed with wrestlers either getting ready for their upcoming match, or they were cleaning up and getting ready to head to the bar. I was part of the former. Tonight Vincent Carl and I will be having our rubber match. Falls count anywhere.
I had taken the first match with a clean pin, but less than a week later he was able to get that win back. The previous matches had been instant classics. Tonight would be no different.
"Time to roll.." I told myself as I pulled the shades down over my eyes and flipped up the collar on my leather jacket. Even though I was known as a hardcore wrestler I still had to look good for the show. After all these fans were the ones putting the food on my table.
As I made my way toward the door the other competitors told me good luck. A few of them warned me on what they heard Vincent was planning, and some of them told me I already had this in the bag. I was never one to be cocky, but tonight I just had a feeling. See we were entering my world, falls count anywhere. I could use anything in, or any part of, the arena to my advantage. I think the last time I participated in one of these matches I ended up pinning my opponent underneath a hot dog cart.
Finally, after what felt like 6 miles I reached the curtains out to the arena. I could hear Vincent's theme song still playing, some crappy house music, and the fans booing him up and down. As I peeked through the curtains Sammy Delvale grabbed my right arm and pulled me back. Sammy was not only the brains behind this organization, but he was also like a father to most of us on the roster. You see Sammy was the type of guy who took chances on younger wrestlers. Built them up, and then sent them out into the world. I signed on with Sammy eight years ago. When I was sixteen, and just getting into the business. He made sure I had a roof over my head, and money to continue training.
"Brandon, I told Vince to take his time heading out to the ring tonight. I need just a minute of your time." He told me. Usually before matches like this he liked to talk to the competitors. Give them the whole don't kill yourself speech. As the resident hardcore expert around here I was used to this conversations with Sammy. As we walked back from the curtain Sammy wrapped his arm around my shoulder. Much like a father would before he gave him a heart to heart talk.
"Brandon, do you remember when I first signed you?" He asked me. Of course I remember it like it was yesterday. My mom's basement. I'm pretty sure I had just finished up a round of Call of Duty. I won't bore you with those details. As he saw my head nod Sammy let out a long exhale. "Then you'll know how hard this is for me.." He said. This was a little strange. He never started a conversation like this. Was he going to ask me to throw the match? It was no secret that Vincent had fallen on hard times lately. Divorce is a rough thing. "...tonight is going to be your last night in CPW" He said.
At this point I was completely shocked. Was it something I did? Was it something I DIDN'T do? As I tried to pull away Sammy tightened his grip around my shoulder and walked me over to another section of the curtains, and pulled them open. "Do you see that gentleman out there? Gray suit. Black shirt." He asked me. I nodded my head as the man and I locked eyes for a moment. "That's Larry Gowan. General Manager of Uprising. As of last night he bought out your contract, and is looking to debut you on Revolution December 4th." I was shocked. Sammy was always the type of guy to push his talent on to the next level, but he didn't usually let them know just minutes before they were about to wrestle a match.
"Wow… Sammy.. I don't know what to say." I turned him as I finally stepped away from his grip. I extended my right hand, and shook his hand. For once I was at a loss for words.
"How about you go out there and show Mr. Gowan he didn't make a bad investment." I nodded my head as I heard the beginning of my theme song. Moving over towards the curtain I took one last look back at Sammy before I stepped through the curtains. I made my usual entrance towards the ring. Playing up the cheers of the crowd. As I made my way down to the ring the chants started. It was 2021. News traveled fast with social media.
"THANK - YOU - BRAN - DON" Was the chant. As it echoed around the building I couldn't help but choke up. Thank God for the dark sunglasses. Climbing up the stairs I stopped for a second and took in a deep breath. This could be the last time I ever competed in this building. Climbing up to the top rope I removed the sunglasses from my face. I tossed them out into the crowd before I hopped into the ring and rolled out of my jacket.
SOMETIME LATER IN THE MATCH.
Vincent and I had thrown everything at one another. Including a kitchen sink. Each one of us was a bloody, sweaty, mess. But neither of us could keep the other one down for the three count. Hands down this was one of the most physical matches I'd ever taken part of. Vincent had put on such a good fight that the fans were now torn on who they wanted to root for.
After a strong Irish Whip into the metal barricade I was finally given a chance to take a few breaths. Fans were handing me chairs, and various other objects to use in my offensive, but the only thing I wanted was a drink. Luckily one of the guys in the front row had half a cup of beer left over. Walking over to him I grabbed the cup out of his hand and finished it off in one big gulp before I threw the cup down at Vincent. Pulling up the mat on the floor I stood Vincent up and drove him headfirst into the concrete. Hooking his right leg I rolled over onto his chest, but somehow he was able to kick out before the three count.
I was shocked. This dude brought his A game tonight.
AGAIN LATER IN THE MATCH.
The offense had shifted three more times. Still Vincent, nor I were ready to give up. Cluttered throughout the ring and ringside area were mangled steel chairs, shattered fluorescent light bulbs, and thumbtacks. I even still had a few thumb tacks sticking out of my back and arms. This asshole Vincent dumped them out and dropped me back first onto them with a strong pump handle slam. Going in was never the problem, but fuck they were going to hurt coming out. "HOLY SHIT" chants had hit the arena multiple times.
The blood that was pouring out of Vincent's head had now reached his eyes. He dropped to one knee as he rubbed at his eyes to get rid of the burn. This was my opening to end the match. I was able to connect not only with one finisher, The Void, but I was also able to drop him with the Sleepwalker rolling him up with the last bit of energy I had. I was finally able to secure the three count. There was a huge pop from the crowd as the referee's hand hit the canvas for the 3.
After gaining the three count I sat up for a second and took a deep breath before falling back onto the canvas. I looked over at Vincent who was now beginning to get the fog out of his head. I patted him on the chest, and thanked him for the match before I rolled out of the ring.
Slowly I made my way over to the ring announcers table and grabbed his microphone. As I walked around the outside of the ring I spotted a fan with another beer and took it from him. I deserved this. Taking a few steps I knew now would be the time for my final words to the crowd, for now at least.
"So, as many of you may know. This was my last match in CPW, for now at least." As I said this the "THANK - YOU - BRAN - DON" chants started up again. I held my hand up to thank the fans, and offered them a bow. Over the last few years I'd seen some of these people more than I saw my own family.
"I've been coming to this arena for years. If this was in fact my last match here hopefully I was able to go out with a bang." Now, either from my nerves or blood loss, I was having a hard time keeping my feet beneath me. Leaning against the ring I sat the beer down and looked out to the crowd. "As of … well right now I guess.. I am officially a member of … Uprising. Just because I'll be leaving CPW it doesn't mean CPW is leaving me. I plan on being the same Brandon Mercer that I've been here for the last eight or so years." I focused my gaze over to where Larry was standing. He looked at me, and I looked at him.
"Don't worry Mr.Gowan.. I'll keep the blood off of your mats. Or I'll at least give it my best shot." Finishing up the beer I left the microphone and empty cup sitting on the ring. Standing in front of Larry I wiped the blood off of my hand and extended it to him. He obliged and shook my hand. With a simple thank you to him I raised both of my hands into the air and thanked the crowd one last time before I made my way back through the entrance curtain.
It was at that moment when I was alone that I broke down.
After eight years I had finally made it.