HDL RP: "The Bends"

{The cold streak for once upstart WFWF rookie Lawrence Cage lingers on into the latest card...After starting off on a nice two-win streak, he's lost two in a row and losing momentum. Now paired again with Chris Jackal in a triple threat match against his old foes the Hardcore Horseman and WFWF Tag Team Champions EBR and DGX, what can Cage bring to the table to bring back his winning ways? Can he get anything going?}

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{We find Lawrence Cage in a gym, steady at work in a vigorous physical routine. Push-ups, sit-ups, the punching bag...he's hitting the whole nine yards to get stronger. Hammering away at a huge punching bag, he slows down the rapid fire of blows to take a break, walking away to grab a swig of water from his water bottle. The gym seems rather desolate, save for a few people lifting weights on seemingly distant horizons, so Cage has a seat to take his day in so far.}

Lawrence Cage: Well, it's been a rough past few weeks, to be light. After getting embarrassed at Consequences, I thought that would be a light snag and a welcome to the WFWF. But that was only the beginning. After another loss, I seem to be such an average man. A boring 2-2 record lingers over me, and I only feel like if I don't turn it around soon, that loss column will build...and build....and build. So coming up, I have another shot at a win my most recent tag partner, Chris Jackal. Apparently to team up with me is just sort of a revolving door job, so there is a vague pleasantness in getting to see the same face twice. On the other hand, it's awful that I get to see the same faces again. Only now I'm talking about the Hardcore Horsemen. Lightning. Albright. Back when I had some momentum, I continually showed how much better than I am than you. Sure, I'm in a snag, but I'll always be better than you. You want to talk about getting the tag team championships? Never in a million years, baby. If you want to even get a shot at some gold, you have to display any semblance of talent. I mean...have either one of you even come close to winning a match? Just try getting over on me for once before you try and go after some gold. It's more difficult than you think.

{Cage gets up, and begins to walk across the area of the gym, his destination not really known. A young man wearing a typical gym get-up, shorts, a light tee slaps him a high five in passing, smiles exchanged. Eventually, Cage ends up across the gym at some treadmills. Apparently hurting for some cardio work, Cage gets on the machine and turns it on for a light walking cycle for a warm-up.}

Lawrence Cage: But this match isn't just about the Brutal Ponies. We have the WFWF Tag Team Champs in the ring with me. I've held some tag gold in my day, but never anything as big as this. Sure, the titles aren't on the line, but if I'm going to bring myself back as an up and comer, this is my chance. I'm willing to work with Jackal to form a team for the ages, but we're still young. At "Hips Don't Lie", it will be a test. We need to work together to find out if we can make it as a team. If any collective of talent needs to be talking about a tag title shot, it's me. Hell, throw in most WFWF talent. You got me on your side, you got a huge advantage. But these are champions we're talking about. DGX and EBR. EBR, a man who has held everything there really is to have. A sure-fire Hall of Famer. I stand to gain a lot from you, man.

{Cage increases the intensity of the treadmill, now operating at the level of a mild jog.}

Lawrence Cage: While I know what I'm capable of, I know I still have a lot to learn...This will be a good lesson for me alone...While DGX brings some people to the house, this is a former World Champ we're talking about...EBR, I want to get inside your head. I want you to know that at any point...I'll be there to strike... I won't stop until I can safely say that I am the future of the WFWF, and my turnaround begins at "Hips Don't Lie"...You better bring some trust with your partner...The Horseman? Terrible...But whenever you look away for a moment...I'll be there....Ready to lay you out and pin you in the middle of the ring. You may be big and bag...and you two might have a big composite resume...but sometimes you got to come in as the underdog to make the most noise....and I'm coming in like a feral dog. I'm always working to get better....Stronger....Faster...There is always room for improvement. I just need to get there the hard and honest way....Gym....Ring time....Everything I do, I can stand to learn....And when "Hips Don't Lie" rolls around....Class will be in session. But who is going to learn the most?

{Cage turns the treadmill up to a steady run, and with focusing his attention to the run, he shoos off any sort of outside distraction. While still obviously shaken up on a string of losses, can he finally turn it around and beat anyone? Only time will tell. If he can't make a win against the tag team champions and a couple of peons, who knows what could happen next...}