Loaded RP {Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby}

WHAT’S IN A NAME
{RAIDER 1:2}


The promoter looked at us, put his left hand on my shoulder and his right hand on my buddies shoulder. He didn’t even have to say anything else; we knew what he was about to say. A rush of adrenaline exploded through my body. This was it. He said to us, ”How would you two like to have a wrestling match of your own?”

I was in awe. My nerves were going through the roof. The promoter told us to not worry and to have some fun with it. How could we not worry? We had no experience, much less any gear to compete. We went to the ring in what we wore to the show, jeans and cowboy boots, minus our shirts. The Ball Busters made their way out to the ring taking turns cracking on us country boys, living up to their name, and getting the crowd excited for what was to come.

This was my first lesson in wrestling. Expect the unexpected. I thought, since we were doing a favor to the promoter, these guys would go easy on us and have a quick match. We knew we weren’t going to win, hell we didn’t even try because we were told to lose, but as the crowd got louder the hits got harder. My buddy and I tagged back and forth as much as possible to mutually share the a** kicking we were receiving. The match was like cat and mouse, the crowd laughed as we ran around the ring and cheered when we were caught.

Then it happened. I was running off of the ropes and, without thinking, tied my arms up on the top rope. One of the Ball Busters charged at me and I instinctively ducked, causing him to fly over the top rope and onto the outside. The audience erupted in displeasure. It was the first time in the match we had an advantage and the first time I felt heat from the crowd. That energy, all of it pushed in my direction, empowered me. I started to feed off of it. I continued to run around the ring, now with a new sense of accomplishment. I felt like a celebrity. If this was going to be my only wrestling match, I was going to have fun with it. That is until I got caught with a quick right to the temple. Lights out.

I faintly remember different members of the crowd screaming obscenities or just cackling at me as my buddy helped me to the back, but whatever, this wasn’t my job and I still managed to get a rise out of them, so f**k them. Once we got to the back, the boys came up to us and said we looked like naturals out there. Really? I thought to myself… That was pretty bad. But, just like any drug, I became addicted. And my new addiction needed to be fed. My days of filming were over.

After the show, we asked the promoter if we could have another match or maybe get some training from one of the guys. He laughed for a second, but he saw the look in our eyes, a look that needed no words. It was the same look he had seen many times from other young guys with dreams and desires of success. He told us to hit the gym everyday, put on some muscle mass on over the next month, and he would see what he could do for us.

Months passed, losses became wins. 150 pounds turned into 170. 170 pounds turned into 200. My grades started to slip in college, but I was in my final year and stuck with it. Once I got my degree though, all bets were off and my buddy and I started to hit the circuit. Every weekend, driving hundreds of miles, covering all of the east coast, we worked different events for little to no money. The thrill was worth it all and so was the experience. We began to build a reputation and the money got better. The losses were fewer and farther between the wins. We were living the life.

Then the copious amounts of alcohol came into play. As well as the drugs. And the parties. I mean, we always had a post-match joint and knew how to have a good time, but we quickly entered a world of darkness that neither of us had seen before. The life of a professional wrestler.

And then it happened. I got a call from one of the bigger promotions at the time, AFRWF. They weren’t as big as what they once were, but they were hoping to turn things around by bringing in a ton of new talent and rebuilding. Someone saw me, thought I had a marketable look, and next thing you know I was signed to a contract. I tried to bring my buddy with me, but they weren’t interested. When I got to AFRWF, management said they wanted to tweak my gimmick though and wanted me to come up with something different. With my buddy, we were a goofy knock off of Cheech and Chong, telling stories of the nights we had in our El Camino to varying crowds. We would laugh and joke and get the crowd interested only to turn on them and cheat for a win. It worked, but stepping away from tag team wrestling, I decided I wanted to go down a more serious road with my singles career. I looked around the new world I found myself in with the Frosts, the Links, the Bombs, the Freaks and the Shapes.

I thought long and hard about whom I wanted to be and what name would define me. What words people would associate with my name. I didn’t want a real gimmicky character like I had before; I wanted something that was closer to my real personality. I had a few days before I had to go back to management with my ideas. If I didn’t figure something out, they would for me. I had to come up with something.

<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>

{He begins to stir after a vicious shot to the back of the head. Ace drops the microphone and walks over to him. His eyes open.}

Sh*t… Not again.

{He puts his right hand behind his head, the source of the pain. He looks at his surroundings… Dave Demento is laid out with a chain wrapped around his neck, Randel Benjamin is unconscious and the ring mat is crimson red. It looks like a crime scene. He removes his hand quickly, looks at it and is relieved there is no blood. He checks himself to make sure he isn’t bleeding anywhere else. Ace, void of emotion, puts his hand out and pulls him to his feet.}

What the f**k happened here?

{Ace helps Raider to the back as medics rush to the ring to aid Randel Benjamin and Dave Demento. After the attack that just happened, these guys are lucky they are still alive. They surely will never step foot in a WFWF ring again.}


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3/18/2012: WAKE UP CALL


{The sun beams in through the windows, warming his blanket and causing him to break into a sweat. He continues to toss and turn for a few minutes, presumably uncomfortable, until his subconscious can no longer take it. He rolls over and grabs his phone off of the coffee table to check the time; it’s a quarter past noon. He lets out a grueling sigh as he runs his fingers through his muddled hair. He finally sits up and tosses the blanket that was on him to the other side of the couch. Operating in slow motion, he gathers himself enough to look around the apartment and see if there is any sign of movement. The coast is clear. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a dime bag of white powder. He goes back into his pocket and pulls out his keys. He takes one of the keys, opens the bag, sticks it in there, and then takes the key to his nose. He inhales and within seconds, the drug takes over; he feels somewhat better. He checks his surroundings again; all clear. He repeats the process. He slyly puts the bag and keys back in his pocket and pinches his nose after inhaling once more. He lets out a sigh of relief.}

RAIDER
Well, it’s good to see your awake and functioning. Coffee?

{Aiden almost falls off of the couch; he is completely caught off guard. Raider stands behind the couch with a cup of coffee in each hand.}

AIDEN
Yeah… Sure. When did you get up?

{Raider hands him one of the cups of coffee and walks over to one of the chairs in front of the couch. He takes a seat.}

RAIDER
I’ve been up for about an hour now. I couldn’t really sleep much anyway. So what were you doing a second ago? Seems I startled you a bit.

{Raider plays dumb. Aiden takes a sip of his coffee, trying to think of an excuse. He hoped Raider didn’t see, but he knows he did. He drags the moment out by putting his coffee cup on the table and placing his head into the palms of his hands. After a second he raises his head.}

AIDEN
I’ve got a killer headache… You got any ibuprofen? I feel like I got hit by a truck and I really don’t remember the end of the night. Anything noteworthy I should know about?

RAIDER
I’m out of ibuprofen. I think the coke will suffice, don’t you agree? I’ve got a bit of a headache too, mind if I take a bump?

{Aiden’s eyes widen. His heart beat races, he has been stunned twice in the matter of seconds.}

RAIDER
C’mon bro… You know I like to party every once in a while. I know you had that with you last night and you held out on me. At least you could pass it over and let me get a bump to make up for you being a d*ck and not sharing last night.

AIDEN
You know what, usually I’d tell you to go f**k yourself, but I’ll give you a key this one time. I just don’t want to see you slip. And don’t ask me for it again, agreed?

{Raider nods. Aiden hesitates, but pulls the bag and keys out of his pocket.}

AIDEN
Here.

{Raider gets up and walks towards Aiden. He sits his coffee mug on the table and grabs the bag from Aiden.}

RAIDER
I don’t need the keys. Thanks though.

{Raider walks toward the kitchen and out of the living room. Aiden is on a five second delay. Raider turns the light on in the kitchen and heads for the sink. Aiden leaps over the couch and charges for the kitchen, realizing what he thinks is about to happen is about to happen. Raider turns on the faucet, opens the bag and pours the bags’ contents down the drain just as Aiden reaches the kitchen. Aiden is frozen like a deer in headlights with his jaw on the floor. Raider tosses the empty bag on the counter and turns off the water. He looks at Aiden.}

RAIDER
This is for your own good, Aiden. You helped me when I needed it, and I am going to help you. But I can’t help you unless you work with me. This sh*t has got to stop. Here. Now. No more. You got me!?

{Aiden snaps out of his trance and is in Raider’s face.}

AIDEN
WHAT THE F**K’S THE MATTER WITH YOU? NOT COOL, BRO! THAT WAS SOME EXPENSIVE A** BLOW AND NOW IT’S GONE! FOR F**KS SAKE!

{Aiden’s emotions take over and he is about to crack. His temperament is that of a Rottweiler’s. And the fact that he is coked up doesn’t help. He rears back and tries to punch Raider. Raider catches his arm and uses his momentum against him, sending him into the wall. Aiden falls down, his nose is now bleeding. Raider grabs a rag and walks over to Aiden. He tosses the rag to Aiden and puts his hand out. Aiden grabs the rag and holds it to his nose. He takes his other hand and Raider pulls him to his feet.}

RAIDER
I told you Aiden, I am not putting up with this sh*t anymore. I got a call from Dirk last night and at this point, I don’t know what to believe. He told me some pretty crazy stuff and I went out on a limb and told him I hadn’t seen you. The cops are looking for you, Aiden. From the sound of it, you have some issues you need to resolve. If you don’t get sober, get off the blow, and fix your problems, you don’t have to worry about me firing you because you’re going to have bigger problems with the authorities and I won’t be able to help you then.

{Aiden’s eyes fill with water. Raider’s words are daggers to the heart. The drugs, the lying, the abuse, the corruption… He was given a second chance, and he is about to f**k up again. There is no turning back after this. Get better or give up. Aiden fights back the tears.}

AIDEN
I promise you I have everything under control… Things spiraled out of control when you fired me, but since you rehired me I haven’t been using as much and I’ve been getting stronger mentally. The sh*t hit the fan and I am trying to dig my way out. It’s not going to be an overnight thing. But, going out last night for St. Patty’s, I figured I would have a night to party, have a good time, and forget about all the bad stuff. For old times’ sake, you know? And so you know, the stuff with the cops is a big misunderstanding. My girl and I got into a big fight a few weeks back and things got heated, but I didn’t harm her. We are talking through things and I will get it all worked out, no worries.

RAIDER
I hope for your own sake you do, bro. I want you to be there, representing me, when I make it back to the top of WFWF. I think it will bring you some positive publicity and help you reestablish yourself within the agency. I got a tag match with Ace coming up and I am going to focus on that. You just get yourself to rehab or whatever you need to do to get better.

{Aiden nods his head and walks past Raider. No more words are spoken; he understands what he must do. He gathers his things and is gone within a few minutes.}


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4/8/12: A DAY TO REMEMBER


{A few weeks have passed. Winter is now Spring. Raider has two matches under his belt since his return and his first match tagging with Ace was a success. He is home for a few days, back in the City, before heading to the West Coast for the next edition of Loaded. He hasn’t seen Aiden since the morning after Saint Patrick’s Day. Today they have agreed to meet and go over business, but this is also the day Raider will test Aiden to see if he has sobered up. There are no grades in this test, only a pass or fail.

It is nine in the morning, there is not a cloud in the sky and the weather is unusually warm on this day. It seems there are more people out than usual. Raider makes his way to the East Village and finds himself standing outside of a building waiting for a buzzer to let him inside. Within seconds the buzzer sounds and he goes inside, walks up four floors and heads to the door that reads, “4B.” As he raises his hand to knock on the door, the door swings open and Aiden appears. He is clean-shaven, his bones no longer protrude through his skin, and he is dressed to the nines. Raider, almost surprised, nods his head without realization at the physical improvements of his friend.}

AIDEN
Hello bro! You’re late and f**king with my schedule.

{Aiden looks down to his watch and then up to Raider, cracks a smile, and the two shake hands. Aiden turns and walks down the hall, continuing as he goes.}

AIDEN
There is some coffee in the pot and some bagels on top of the refrigerator in the kitchen, make yourself at home. And welcome to my office.

{Raider walks in and goes to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. Part of the kitchen is open to the living room where Aiden now stands, a huge desk up against one side of the wall, a black leather couch lined up on the opposing side.}

RAIDER
I’m digging how you have flipped your place into your own little office, seems you got everything you need. I take it you haven’t worked things out with Dirk to come back to the office yet?

AIDEN
Not yet. I’m working on it. Dirk is like a father to me. He is just disappointed with me after what all has happened over the past few months. With the drug binge and the issue with the cops, you know? I understand where he is coming from, but I will be back in full force in a few more weeks, you just wait and see.

{Aiden’s confidence seems to be restored. The issues he had a few weeks ago are now absent. He takes a seat at his desk and starts going through paperwork.}

RAIDER
That’s great news; I haven’t talked to Dirk since that night, so I figured you guys had worked things out.

{Raider takes his cup of coffee and walks into the living room. Raider takes a seat on the couch. Raider always admired how Aiden could switch to work mode in a split second.}

RAIDER
So… I am glad to see you have worked things out and everything looks like it is getting better. But, as a friend, do you mind me asking what happened with the cops? I know you said you had everything under control, and I believed you, but I was worried. That call I got from Dirk really had me spooked.

{Aiden continues to shuffle through the paperwork.}

RAIDER
Aiden?

{Aiden finally stops what he is doing and turns his attention to Raider.}

AIDEN
I appreciate your concern, but I am not proud of that, and I hope we can move past that. I have talked to my girlfriend and we are trying to work through it, as I told you that day, but those types of things you don’t just wake up and move on from. It’s hard enough as it is on me. I have come to terms with what I did and the way I acted, I asked for forgiveness, and I was lucky enough to have received it. But, as you told me when you rehired me, business first, friends second, and we have some work to cover. Just know that things are getting better.

RAIDER
I’m sorry to pry, but I am glad to hear that from you. Now on to business and the reason why I came… I know I’ve been messaging you about trying to get some promotional work over the past few weeks and I haven’t heard much from you, but have you had the time to get anything lined up yet?

AIDEN
Actually, yes. I took a look at your schedule and I saw you are heading to San Diego next, so I made some calls and have you making an appearance at the zoo there.

{Raider bursts out into laughter. Aiden has a big smile on his face, he chuckles a little.}

RAIDER
A zoo?

AIDEN
Now, hear me out, you always tell me your crazy stories about your interactions with lions and I know your passion about those crazy cats, so I called the San Diego Zoo and scheduled you an appearance to go out there near the lion exhibit and tell your stories, followed by a Q&A session that will wrap up with a small window for autographs for your fans. I know it’s nothing big, but I did it because I knew you’d get a kick out of it and it’s just great publicity overall. I mean the kids are gonna love you, man.

{Raider continues to laugh. Aiden is still all smiles.}

RAIDER
Okay, I’ll do it. I appreciate your thought process on it and how you’re looking out for me. This is the Aiden I miss. Now lets keep this going and get some more events lined up.

{Raider suddenly drops his coffee and the small amount that is left spills on the carpet. Raider places his right hand behind his head and winces in pain. Aiden gets up and grabs a towel to clean up the spill as he looks to his friend.}

AIDEN
Wow, you okay dude?

RAIDER
Yeah… I’ve been in some pain after that fat a** bashed me in the back of the head with a chair. And it doesn’t help that I was knocked out in my match with Ace before that. I missed wrestling but I forgot how brutal it can be. I’ll be fine; don’t worry, but every once in a while the pain just jumps up out of nowhere.

{Aiden finishes cleaning up the mess and goes back to his chair by his desk.}

AIDEN
You really should get that checked out, just to be on the safe side. By the way, I know you don’t like to watch your matches, but did you see Ace snap after the match? He really did a number on those guys and had some interesting things to say.

RAIDER
No, I didn’t, I heard some of the guys talking about it but I was busy getting checked out by the medical staff to make sure I wasn’t suffering from any concussions. What was it all about anyway?

AIDEN
See for yourself.

{Aiden turns to his laptop on his desk and pulls up the video clip. He plays it for Raider. Raider is surprised by Aces’ brutality to Benjamin and Demento. He listens to what Ace said to the audience. After the footage ends, Raider stands up and nods his head, staring at the computer screen.}

AIDEN
What do you think? Did you know about any of this? Guy seems a little crazy if you ask me.

RAIDER
That’s definitely not a side I have seen of him before… Thanks for catching me up and I’ll stay in touch to make sure I got the details for the promotional event.

{Raider is still looking at the computer screen and nodding his head. Aiden stands and draws Raider’s attention away from the monitor.}

AIDEN
You really should go to the doctor and just make sure everything is okay. I’ll be in contact with you soon.

RAIDER
Sounds good. Keep your head clean and I’ll talk to you soon.

{Raider doesn’t pay much attention to Aiden. He shakes his hand and walks out of the door. Aiden has a puzzled look on his face as Raider walks away, the clip recycling itself in his head.

Raider makes it out onto the street and pulls his phone our right away. He pulls up Ace’s number and hits the call button. The phone rings but there is no answer. Raider tries again. The only thing that he sees is the attacks, over and over, in his head. Again, no answer. Raider stands, thinks, and tries to place in his mind everything that happened on the last episode of Loaded.

He remembers coming to after being hit in the back of the head with a chair and being in the ring with a pool of blood and remembering that he wasn’t the one that was bleeding but he never thought of where it all came from. He remembers hearing guys in the back going on about staying out of Ace’s way but the thought never crossed his mind as to why they would say that. He knew Ace was a tough son of a b*tch but what he just saw took things to a new level… An unpredicted level.

Ace is supposed to be the guy that Raider will rage a violent war against the New Epoch with. Why is he so shocked now? This new violent side of Ace should be what Raider is looking for. But for some reason, something just feels off.}


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3/12/12: A NIGHT TO FORGET


{Below is an excerpt of the police report filed by Ms. Mackenzie on the twelfth night of March. A warrant for the arrest of Mr. Frost was issued following this report and a week later, on the nineteenth day of March, Mr. Frost turned himself in. He was placed in jail temporarily but was released after posting bail. Ms. Mackenzie decided to not press charges against Mr. Frost after he came forward.

Today is the twelfth night of April 2012. A month has passed, and as the saying goes, time heals all wounds, or so it would seem. It would appear that Ms. Mackenzie has reconciled with her aggressor, Mr. Frost, as there have been no further claims made at this time and no charges have been presented to the court. The status of the relationship between Mr. Frost and Ms. Mackenzie is unknown at this time.}




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THE TALE OF BRER RABBIT


{On the way to the zoo, Raider and Aiden pass a pet shop with a huge sign that reads, “Special: Buy one get one half off on Easter Bunnies!” Raider suddenly gets Aiden to pull into the shop and within minutes they are back on the road headed toward the zoo with the addition of a cardboard box in the backseat.

The promotional event for Raider was a success. There was about a hundred people that turned out, a mixture of children, their parents, long time fans and media reporters that were present. As agreed in the contract, Raider spoke near the lion’s den and told his stories of strength and inspiration that dealt with the lion. He plugged the zoo and their merchandise, just as it was asked, and followed with a question and answer session. Some lucky fans even got autographs and pictures taken. After the event wrapped, Aiden took over and explained to the crowd that Raider had to go and prepare for his upcoming bout against Ripp Jackson on Loaded.

Although Aiden explained Raider’s intentions, which was the truth, Raider has one final thing to take care of before leaving the zoo. He takes the cardboard box with him and heads toward the feeding area for the lions.}

Have you ever heard the tale of Brer Rabbit? The stories can be linked to African or Cherokee cultures, but were most popular during the Civil War period in the Southern United States; more specifically Brer Rabbit was a central figure in the Uncle Remus stories. Now that you have some background information, let me go a little deeper.

Brer was a known trickster, succeeding with wit over brawn and would bend social mores to fit his liking. Brer Rabbit was a representative of enslaved Africans who used his wits to overcome situations and to get revenge for all of the wrongdoings that had been done to him. He wasn’t always successful, but his efforts made him a folk hero. The trickster had many dimensions. Sometimes he even turned his heroic antics into villainous behavior due to the lack of positive restraint and his amoral nature. Brer wasn’t admired in every situation; he was both an example of what to do and what not to do. The easiest way to put it, Brer used extreme measures in extreme circumstances to survive.

For example, Brer Fox lured Brer Rabbit into a trap to dispose of him by using the Tar Baby, a doll made of tar and turpentine to entrap Brer Rabbit. Brer Rabbit, as stubborn as he was, tried to talk to the Tar Baby and after the doll didn’t respond, Brer Rabbit began to punch and kick the doll, only to get stuck even more after each blow. He used his cunning ways and told the fox to not throw him into the brier patch because it would only make the situation worse. The Rabbit escaped the sticky situation and tricked the fox because he knew he could escape once was in the thickets. His conniving method was successful and he lived to see another day.

The folklore of Brer Rabbit reminds me of a guy, who a few weeks ago I couldn’t even tell you what his name was, but now is my opponent. The guy I am talking about is Ripp Jackson. He hails from Ireland, he is currently undefeated, and is half of the Tag Team Champions. He has tricked his way to where he stands and made a fool out of his tag team partner using his wit. He has, like Brer, used extreme measures in extreme circumstances to make the best of situations and get to where he is at currently. But, as I said, things don’t always work out for Brer and he isn’t always the hero. Brer ran his mouth and got stuck by the tar baby. Ripp, I am your tar baby, you can’t run from me and you will not outsmart me.

Plain and simple, you seem like a good guy on the surface, the fans cheer for you because you’re from Ireland and are a winner. But I see past the facade. I’ve watched footage of your matches and I see that look you get in your eyes. You always think you can outsmart your opponent, hell you even try to outsmart your own partner. You act like you stumbled into the WFWF and just happened to pick up a few victories and no one can blame you, you’re just Irish and lucky, right? Wrong. The front is over. You are stepping in the ring with one of the best the industry has to offer and when the bell sounds, I am going to break you mentally. I am not even worried about the physicality. You want to play mind games? Fine, but I will prove that when it is all said and done that you are just a chump and that your luck has run out.

{Raider reaches the cages where the zookeepers place the food for the cats. Raider bends down, opens the cardboard box and inside there are two rabbits. He then lifts up the latch of the steel cage where the food goes and he tosses the rabbits in. Typically the food is prepared and already dead but today there will be a struggle. As soon as Raider drops the latch, the rabbits are off. Within seconds the lions pick up on the scent and begin to move around the den. The rabbits go in different directions, each one trying to survive as long as possible. It has turned into a cat and mouse game.

The lions close in on their meals and soon enough, there is no other place for the rabbits to run. The lions catch their prey and blood covers the concrete floors inside the den. For the first time in a long time, these lions actually got the chance to kill their own food. The site of fresh blood sends them into a frenzy. They begin to circle the den, the tease they have just received has aroused them for more. It’s a good thing there is a fifteen-foot drop and a separation barrier between the lions and the patrons, or someone’s child might be their next target. Raider stands with a smile on his face.}

The rabbit might outsmart the fox, but the lion… It’s a battle that will have the same result every. Single. Time. The rabbit can run around for a while and survive but eventually someone or something will catch him and put him away.

Ripp, you can use your cunning ways to try and weasel your way to the top of the WFWF, but I want you to remember what happens at Loaded. Remember the man that gave you your first defeat. Remember the man that broke you mentally.

Ripp, I will beat you at Loaded. Your undefeated streak ends. Ace will beat Thunder. And in a few weeks, we are going to beat both of you and take your titles. The gig is up. Easter has come and passed, now it’s time for you to stuff your tail between your legs and piss off back to Ireland and let mommy dearest take care of her baby boy. Leave the professional work for the grownups.

{Raider pulls a flask out of his pocket. He taps it up against the bulletproof glass near the lions den to get their attention. They all look to him as he opens the flask and takes a swig.}

I would say Sláinte to you, Ripp, but I'll hold off saying it until after our match is over to wish you good health, ya bastard. See you soon.