Post by sonstuds on May 17, 2007 16:05:28 GMT -5
{Calvin Lee uncomfortably sits down on a leather couch, observing his surroundings. Sans minor differences, it’s a mirror image of EBR’s house in St. Louis; inexplicably creepy. The lighting is, of course, dim. All the furniture is black. In fact, it’s all the same furniture. Separation issues seemingly prevent EBR from replacing anything unless needed. The walls are empty, but still EBR’s favorite dark shade of red due to its relaxing tone; and he had paint cans in his old basement. Packing boxes are scattered around neatly on the floor. One would presume they’re filled with EBR’s sports memorabilia which were bought at various flea markets. Possibly Detroit related jerseys and pictures. Sans the Red Wings, of course. They can fuck themselves.
EBR walks in the room clasping a bottle of Miller Lite as Calvin attempts to nonchalantly look away. This awkward situation isn’t lost on EBR. He places the beer on the table before relaxing on his recliner. Calvin pulls the bottle towards him and twists the cap off, receiving a cold stare. Now realizing it was never intended for him, but at the same time being to far in, he drinks it regardless. EBR takes this especially hard. After all, tastes great and less filling. Both men are disappointed in themselves and each other, prompting them to remain silent for several moments. Calvin tries to break the ice.}
Calvin: So uh…why’d you bother moving?
EBR: Small talk?
Calvin: I’m just trying to be polite…
EBR: Hrm…so, what was it you wanted to ask me?
Calvin: I dunno, I guess I just need someone to talk to.
EBR: Sort of like Kids Help Phone?
Calvin: Not really…
EBR: Big Brother?
Calvin: Nope…
EBR: Mentor?
Calvin: {Growing evidently frustrated} Would you just let me talk!?
{Rolling his eyes, EBR quiets down. Meanwhile, Calvin stares down at the ground.}
Calvin: I was thinking a lot of what you said about me. It was my biggest match to date, and what do I do? I lose. The one time I actually get a chance to prove myself. The spotlight is all on me; it was the biggest moment of my career. I needed that match. Everything you said was right.
EBR: That’s weird. Usually people dismiss and ignore what I say…{Smiling}…wow, that’s pretty neat. Kind of makes my day, you know?
{Calvin squints.}
EBR:…Do go on.
Calvin: It’s just…it’s almost not fair. I tried, man. Then you go in and win a match that serves you no purpose.
EBR: Well, that’s not true. Regardless of what I may or may not have said, which I did for the record, the match meant something to me. I couldn’t very well go out there and lose my return match after six months into retirement-
Calvin: It was only four.
EBR:…However, this coming week is a little bit different. The rematch means nothing.
Calvin: For you, maybe.
EBR: In general. Let me tell you a story of an event that took place many years ago in the WFWF-
Calvin: 2003?
EBR:…Yeah. Anyways, Total Apocalypse is rising through the ranks, defeating credible superstars like Alex Sean and The Destroyer. Meanwhile, I’m injured doing a talk show where I bashed mid-carders.
Calvin:…
EBR: 2003 was a crazy year in general. So, I’m just kind of sitting around and trying to think of a logical way to get my name back out there. I figure I assault a guy that, frankly, at the time was more successful than me. So, we roll around to Enmity; Heavyweight Title, Total Apocalypse versus Stuart2k1. He seemingly has the match won; I make my return by bashing him in the face with a steel chair. Of course, he loses ‘cause steel chairs were harder and more effective back then. Nowadays you need to crucify and run people over with cars. It was a simpler time altogether.
…of course, in hindsight it probably would have made more sense to attack him after he won so when we’d face it’d be for the Heavyweight Title…not to mention Stuart2k1 was the one who injured me in the first place...I guess I never really thought the whole thing through…hrm…
Calvin: So, I’m gonna naturally assume Total Apocalypse was ticked off?
EBR: Yeah, a little bit. Basically, I tried to re-make my name at his expense. Really, the same thing you tried to do to me. Of course, I actually cost him the Heavyweight Title and assaulted him, as opposed to your approach of calling me a homosexual.
{Calvin nervously shifts his eyes around.}
EBR: Anyways, fast forward to Bulletproof. I need to win against him in order to rebuild my status as the best young wrestler in the WFWF. Of course, I promptly lose and just end up looking foolish. Now, you need to realize I had only lost a handful of matches in my entire WFWF tenure at that point. Six months undefeated, in fact. Naturally, you could understand my mindset afterwards. On Enmity, for whatever reason, I face Total Apocalypse again. I’m thinking at the time that a win here would be redemption and they’d both cancel each other out, right?
{Listening attentively, Calvin leans in.}
EBR: They didn’t. Sure, I won the re-match, but who cares? If I had won in the first place would there have even been a re-match? You think back to any EBR versus Total Apocalypse match. Do you think of our tag match at Superbrawl? Our match on HALO II? The Re-match? No, you think of Bulletproof. We’re in the same boat, Calvin. You can beat me this week. More power to you. Just keep in mind it won’t mean anything to me. Probably won’t mean anything to you either.
Calvin: Yeah, but the general idea is that every match is supposed to mean something-
EBR: Hah, please. Majority of matches mean shit. Seriously, what’s accomplished with our match? Regarding us, Forever Unscarred was the only one that mattered.
Calvin: Where does that leave me then? That was the biggest match of my career. Now I have no way of making it right?
EBR: Man, there’s no such thing as {finger quotes} “biggest match of someone’s career”. That’s just silly. Every few months wrestlers chirp in what they think their biggest match is, regardless of how many times they’ve said it. “I’m fighting for the International title; this is the biggest match in my life”. Two months later; “I’m in the ring with the chance to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Forget what I said two months ago, this is my new biggest match”. Give me a break. In June you’ll have a far bigger match then what we had at Forever Unscarred. Well, at least that’s what you’ll say.
Calvin: Maybe, but it’s all a moot point. I just don’t know where to go from here, you know?
{EBR begins nodding his head sympathetically.}
EBR: Mmhmm…maybe grow some balls? Seriously, get over yourself. It was one match. And c’mon…it was against me. What were you expecting? I’m better than you. I mean, I have the win to prove it.
{EBR begins laughing as Calvin looks down, distressed.}
EBR:…You used to laugh at shit like that. Seriously though, you wouldn’t call out Frost, or Raider, or Kyzer.
Calvin: But they’re established veterans, all who left at their best.
EBR:…So did I.
Calvin: You’re kind of a different situation.
EBR:…No, I’m not.
{He tries to continue, but stops himself. He stares at Calvin for several seconds.}
EBR: Just try beating people that are more on your level or something.
Calvin: Well, me and Luther have had moderate success in the tag division. Maybe I can just rebuild my name and reputation through that?
EBR: Uh…well…I guess…
Calvin: What’s that supposed to mean?
EBR: The Tag Team Titles aren’t really that impressive. You’ll never become an established star because of them. You ever heard of Jack Hunter?
Calvin: Doesn’t ring a bell.
EBR: One of the greatest tag wrestlers in the history of the WFWF. You ever heard of The Shape?
Calvin: Of course.
EBR: {Smirking} You really only achieve lasting success through what you do individually. Don’t get me wrong, the Tag Titles are respectful and what not. If you want to try and win them then by all means, don’t let me persuade you otherwise. Just keep it in perspective.
Calvin: Then why do you want them?
EBR: That’s an entirely different situation altogether. I’m not trying to make my name through them, nor do I think it’ll be impressive when I eventually win them back. It’s not about self-glorification; it’s about taking what I never lost.
…Though, that presents the entire debate on whether or not I’d even be taking them. I think you could make the case that Yukio Blaze was the one who took them. Though, he took them from the Axis who originally took them from me and Al. Hrm…think about that for a minute.
Calvin: Yeah…I’ll do that…
EBR: You think took is really the right word for it? Maybe I should say steal instead?
Calvin: That would mean they had to cheat to win.
EBR: Not necessarily. They could have just literally stolen the belts.
Calvin:…Do you actually think that happened?
EBR: I dunno…did they?
Calvin:…No.
EBR: Alright, I’ll guess I’ll have to stick with saying took. Maybe put an asterisk next to it so people will know how I should still be the champ?
Calvin: Seems like something you can figure out on a later date…after you win them…when I’m not here…
EBR: {Smirking} Still have the habit of always wanting to be the centre of attention, I see.
{Calvin nonchalantly shrugs.}
Calvin: You knew what you were getting when you invited me, which I appreciate by the way. It’s just…I dunno…I feel like in some senses it’s just been a downward spiral since Alex abruptly left without telling us.
EBR: Once again, you need to learn to get over yourself. The Anointed ended months ago. Don’t even try and blame that for a lack of recent success. You set all your goals on this high pedestal, then when you don’t achieve them you make it seem like it’s the shock of the world.
{Calvin tries to intervene, but he’s immediately cut off.}
EBR: Seriously, sit down and think about what it is you want, then just fucking do it. No one comes in and tries to win the Heavyweight Title from the get go. It seems like that’s what you’ve been trying to do, and look at what it got you.
Calvin: That’s not really fair-
EBR: Yeah, it is. If it weren’t than you wouldn’t be here. I’m not being condescending; I’m just telling you what no one else will. Right now, you’re just the guy that has potential. That’s fine, but people have been saying that about you for a year. Sooner or later you need to finally break out. Eventually, you won’t have potential. You’ll just be mediocre.
{Staring at EBR, Calvin processes everything. He sits emotionless as EBR looks at his wrist.}
EBR: Well, I’m gonna need you to get going. I have some company coming over.
Calvin: You’re not wearing a watch, but okay…
{Both men stand up as EBR politely walks Calvin to the door. Just as Calvin’s about to leave, he suddenly jerks around.}
Calvin: You know, I understand what you were saying about the Tag Titles, but you need a partner and straight up? I’ll ditch Luther in a second if you’re into it. Besides, I think we effectively proved we can still get along.
EBR: Being real with you? I only let you come over to bring a grasp of closure to our past history. Regardless of what happens on Felo-De-Se, we’re both done with each other. {Laughing} Besides, if you still wanted to be associated you shouldn’t have badmouthed me. Now get out.
{Rejected, Calvin walks out of the house disappointed as EBR closes the door. Sauntering back into his living room, he sees the bottle of Miller Lite. His pessimistic attitude tries to kick in, but to no avail. That bottle is half full no matter how you cut it. More than half, actually. It’s at that moment he remembers why he never liked Calvin Lee.}
EBR walks in the room clasping a bottle of Miller Lite as Calvin attempts to nonchalantly look away. This awkward situation isn’t lost on EBR. He places the beer on the table before relaxing on his recliner. Calvin pulls the bottle towards him and twists the cap off, receiving a cold stare. Now realizing it was never intended for him, but at the same time being to far in, he drinks it regardless. EBR takes this especially hard. After all, tastes great and less filling. Both men are disappointed in themselves and each other, prompting them to remain silent for several moments. Calvin tries to break the ice.}
Calvin: So uh…why’d you bother moving?
EBR: Small talk?
Calvin: I’m just trying to be polite…
EBR: Hrm…so, what was it you wanted to ask me?
Calvin: I dunno, I guess I just need someone to talk to.
EBR: Sort of like Kids Help Phone?
Calvin: Not really…
EBR: Big Brother?
Calvin: Nope…
EBR: Mentor?
Calvin: {Growing evidently frustrated} Would you just let me talk!?
{Rolling his eyes, EBR quiets down. Meanwhile, Calvin stares down at the ground.}
Calvin: I was thinking a lot of what you said about me. It was my biggest match to date, and what do I do? I lose. The one time I actually get a chance to prove myself. The spotlight is all on me; it was the biggest moment of my career. I needed that match. Everything you said was right.
EBR: That’s weird. Usually people dismiss and ignore what I say…{Smiling}…wow, that’s pretty neat. Kind of makes my day, you know?
{Calvin squints.}
EBR:…Do go on.
Calvin: It’s just…it’s almost not fair. I tried, man. Then you go in and win a match that serves you no purpose.
EBR: Well, that’s not true. Regardless of what I may or may not have said, which I did for the record, the match meant something to me. I couldn’t very well go out there and lose my return match after six months into retirement-
Calvin: It was only four.
EBR:…However, this coming week is a little bit different. The rematch means nothing.
Calvin: For you, maybe.
EBR: In general. Let me tell you a story of an event that took place many years ago in the WFWF-
Calvin: 2003?
EBR:…Yeah. Anyways, Total Apocalypse is rising through the ranks, defeating credible superstars like Alex Sean and The Destroyer. Meanwhile, I’m injured doing a talk show where I bashed mid-carders.
Calvin:…
EBR: 2003 was a crazy year in general. So, I’m just kind of sitting around and trying to think of a logical way to get my name back out there. I figure I assault a guy that, frankly, at the time was more successful than me. So, we roll around to Enmity; Heavyweight Title, Total Apocalypse versus Stuart2k1. He seemingly has the match won; I make my return by bashing him in the face with a steel chair. Of course, he loses ‘cause steel chairs were harder and more effective back then. Nowadays you need to crucify and run people over with cars. It was a simpler time altogether.
…of course, in hindsight it probably would have made more sense to attack him after he won so when we’d face it’d be for the Heavyweight Title…not to mention Stuart2k1 was the one who injured me in the first place...I guess I never really thought the whole thing through…hrm…
Calvin: So, I’m gonna naturally assume Total Apocalypse was ticked off?
EBR: Yeah, a little bit. Basically, I tried to re-make my name at his expense. Really, the same thing you tried to do to me. Of course, I actually cost him the Heavyweight Title and assaulted him, as opposed to your approach of calling me a homosexual.
{Calvin nervously shifts his eyes around.}
EBR: Anyways, fast forward to Bulletproof. I need to win against him in order to rebuild my status as the best young wrestler in the WFWF. Of course, I promptly lose and just end up looking foolish. Now, you need to realize I had only lost a handful of matches in my entire WFWF tenure at that point. Six months undefeated, in fact. Naturally, you could understand my mindset afterwards. On Enmity, for whatever reason, I face Total Apocalypse again. I’m thinking at the time that a win here would be redemption and they’d both cancel each other out, right?
{Listening attentively, Calvin leans in.}
EBR: They didn’t. Sure, I won the re-match, but who cares? If I had won in the first place would there have even been a re-match? You think back to any EBR versus Total Apocalypse match. Do you think of our tag match at Superbrawl? Our match on HALO II? The Re-match? No, you think of Bulletproof. We’re in the same boat, Calvin. You can beat me this week. More power to you. Just keep in mind it won’t mean anything to me. Probably won’t mean anything to you either.
Calvin: Yeah, but the general idea is that every match is supposed to mean something-
EBR: Hah, please. Majority of matches mean shit. Seriously, what’s accomplished with our match? Regarding us, Forever Unscarred was the only one that mattered.
Calvin: Where does that leave me then? That was the biggest match of my career. Now I have no way of making it right?
EBR: Man, there’s no such thing as {finger quotes} “biggest match of someone’s career”. That’s just silly. Every few months wrestlers chirp in what they think their biggest match is, regardless of how many times they’ve said it. “I’m fighting for the International title; this is the biggest match in my life”. Two months later; “I’m in the ring with the chance to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Forget what I said two months ago, this is my new biggest match”. Give me a break. In June you’ll have a far bigger match then what we had at Forever Unscarred. Well, at least that’s what you’ll say.
Calvin: Maybe, but it’s all a moot point. I just don’t know where to go from here, you know?
{EBR begins nodding his head sympathetically.}
EBR: Mmhmm…maybe grow some balls? Seriously, get over yourself. It was one match. And c’mon…it was against me. What were you expecting? I’m better than you. I mean, I have the win to prove it.
{EBR begins laughing as Calvin looks down, distressed.}
EBR:…You used to laugh at shit like that. Seriously though, you wouldn’t call out Frost, or Raider, or Kyzer.
Calvin: But they’re established veterans, all who left at their best.
EBR:…So did I.
Calvin: You’re kind of a different situation.
EBR:…No, I’m not.
{He tries to continue, but stops himself. He stares at Calvin for several seconds.}
EBR: Just try beating people that are more on your level or something.
Calvin: Well, me and Luther have had moderate success in the tag division. Maybe I can just rebuild my name and reputation through that?
EBR: Uh…well…I guess…
Calvin: What’s that supposed to mean?
EBR: The Tag Team Titles aren’t really that impressive. You’ll never become an established star because of them. You ever heard of Jack Hunter?
Calvin: Doesn’t ring a bell.
EBR: One of the greatest tag wrestlers in the history of the WFWF. You ever heard of The Shape?
Calvin: Of course.
EBR: {Smirking} You really only achieve lasting success through what you do individually. Don’t get me wrong, the Tag Titles are respectful and what not. If you want to try and win them then by all means, don’t let me persuade you otherwise. Just keep it in perspective.
Calvin: Then why do you want them?
EBR: That’s an entirely different situation altogether. I’m not trying to make my name through them, nor do I think it’ll be impressive when I eventually win them back. It’s not about self-glorification; it’s about taking what I never lost.
…Though, that presents the entire debate on whether or not I’d even be taking them. I think you could make the case that Yukio Blaze was the one who took them. Though, he took them from the Axis who originally took them from me and Al. Hrm…think about that for a minute.
Calvin: Yeah…I’ll do that…
EBR: You think took is really the right word for it? Maybe I should say steal instead?
Calvin: That would mean they had to cheat to win.
EBR: Not necessarily. They could have just literally stolen the belts.
Calvin:…Do you actually think that happened?
EBR: I dunno…did they?
Calvin:…No.
EBR: Alright, I’ll guess I’ll have to stick with saying took. Maybe put an asterisk next to it so people will know how I should still be the champ?
Calvin: Seems like something you can figure out on a later date…after you win them…when I’m not here…
EBR: {Smirking} Still have the habit of always wanting to be the centre of attention, I see.
{Calvin nonchalantly shrugs.}
Calvin: You knew what you were getting when you invited me, which I appreciate by the way. It’s just…I dunno…I feel like in some senses it’s just been a downward spiral since Alex abruptly left without telling us.
EBR: Once again, you need to learn to get over yourself. The Anointed ended months ago. Don’t even try and blame that for a lack of recent success. You set all your goals on this high pedestal, then when you don’t achieve them you make it seem like it’s the shock of the world.
{Calvin tries to intervene, but he’s immediately cut off.}
EBR: Seriously, sit down and think about what it is you want, then just fucking do it. No one comes in and tries to win the Heavyweight Title from the get go. It seems like that’s what you’ve been trying to do, and look at what it got you.
Calvin: That’s not really fair-
EBR: Yeah, it is. If it weren’t than you wouldn’t be here. I’m not being condescending; I’m just telling you what no one else will. Right now, you’re just the guy that has potential. That’s fine, but people have been saying that about you for a year. Sooner or later you need to finally break out. Eventually, you won’t have potential. You’ll just be mediocre.
{Staring at EBR, Calvin processes everything. He sits emotionless as EBR looks at his wrist.}
EBR: Well, I’m gonna need you to get going. I have some company coming over.
Calvin: You’re not wearing a watch, but okay…
{Both men stand up as EBR politely walks Calvin to the door. Just as Calvin’s about to leave, he suddenly jerks around.}
Calvin: You know, I understand what you were saying about the Tag Titles, but you need a partner and straight up? I’ll ditch Luther in a second if you’re into it. Besides, I think we effectively proved we can still get along.
EBR: Being real with you? I only let you come over to bring a grasp of closure to our past history. Regardless of what happens on Felo-De-Se, we’re both done with each other. {Laughing} Besides, if you still wanted to be associated you shouldn’t have badmouthed me. Now get out.
{Rejected, Calvin walks out of the house disappointed as EBR closes the door. Sauntering back into his living room, he sees the bottle of Miller Lite. His pessimistic attitude tries to kick in, but to no avail. That bottle is half full no matter how you cut it. More than half, actually. It’s at that moment he remembers why he never liked Calvin Lee.}
