Post by Ace Bennett on Jan 16, 2017 22:10:23 GMT -5
The morning sun peaked its way through Austin Hayes apartment window as our hero began to stir himself awake. Rubbing the dreariness from his eyes, he threw his "adult" Marvel superhero comforter off of his body and onto the floor of his disheveled bedroom. It was mere days before his debut against Brandon Bison at the uninspired but aptly named WFWF Year End Show 2016. He felt that he was ready to begin his slow climb up the WFWF ladder to one day become the WFWF World Heavyweight Champion. Opening his door, he greeted his companion Daisy, a sleek grey cat who he had adopted a year prior, by picking her up into his arms. He placed her back down after giving her a few pets as his attention has turned to some dice that had fallen on the floor.
Austin Hayes: I thought I told you to stay off the table.
Being a cat, Daisy looked up at her owner and pushed her head into his leg with a gentle purr, seeking more attention and not particularly caring about the displaced dice. Picking up the dice, he placed them back into the box where he kept his Magic the Gathering decks and other paraphernalia for one of his more expensive hobbies. Today was Commander night, and he was meeting up with a couple of the guys at a local brewery to play some Magic. Checking the time, he had noticed that he slept in a bit later than he was accustomed to. Dropping the full time job to become a professional wrestler had this effect on his sleep schedule, something that he did not take exception to. Austin definitely enjoyed his sleep.
Booting up his computer, Austin decided to take a few minutes to wake up before accomplishing anything. Normally, a few minutes turned into a few hours when he had time off like this, but this time his attention was caught when he went to WFWF's official website to see an announcement about the upcoming Supreme Gauntlet 17. Apparently, 10 guys were going to have a shot at becoming the next challenger to Drakz' WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. The thought of competing in such a contest overwhelmed him with excitement, but also terrified him on a deep level. Fighting Brandon Bison was one thing, going toe to toe with someone like Trace Demon or David Brennan was completely different. They outclassed him right now, and he knew that. Luckily, he didn't really have to worry about that, the ten competitors in the gauntlet had been informed of their participation already and Austin hadn't heard anything about it. Not that it would make much sense anyways, he hadn't even had his first match with the company yet.
Daisy jumped up on the couch that Austin was sitting on and sidled up next to him, the sunken cushion sinking down even further. Austin closed his computer and gave the begging feline the attention she was seeking. He hadn't lived in Jacksonville for long, a few months in fact. His previous job had forced him to move around a lot. In fact, he called three different states home in the past year. Daisy was the one consistent companion that he had.
A-choo!
There was one problem. Austin is allergic to cats. His friends all asked him why he would get a cat when he was allergic, and truth be told he didn't really know. He just knew he couldn't take care of a dog living by himself and wanted something or someone to spend time with. Feeling his nose leak and his eyes begin to itch and water, Austin decided to fire up his shower and clean the the loose cat fur off of him. He got off the couch, and Daisy followed him like a second shadow. Avoiding his feet with precision only a cat could have, Daisy somehow avoided getting stepped on as Austin walked to the bathroom. Opening the shower curtain quickly, the cat ran off, startled by the high pitch sound of metal on metal as the curtain's beaded rings rolled down the metal bar that held the curtain up. Now alone, Austin took a much longer shower than normal.
As the warm water hit the back of Austin's neck, he couldn't help but think of the lucky 10 competitors that were going to get to go at it in the Supreme Gauntlet. One of those guys were going to get the next shot at the biggest prize in the sport that he loved so much, the whole point of him joining the WFWF in the first place. A twinge of jealously fell over Austin, a red heat building up in his stomach. That heat twisted and turned and forged itself into a rock the more he thought about the likelihood that if it were him, he would just end up on his back night after night, last place in his group with no chance in the world to be the guy who fights Drakz. Yet another name on the list of guys that were supposed to be the next big thing that faded into obscurity before they lived up to their potential. Yet another Cam Nitta. Yet another Jason Garrett. He didn't know what he would do with himself if he failed in such spectacular fashion. He wasn't ready and he knew it.
As the final suds of soap rinsed from his body and made their way to the ocean or wherever water goes once it goes down the drain, a thought hit Austin. Like the lazy piece of s**t that he is, he hadn't checked the mail in nearly two weeks. Blowing a couple more snot rockets into the draining water to clear any final allergens the steam from the shower had helped loosen, he gave himself one more scrub down and turned the water. Waiting on the other side of the curtain was his furry companion, ready to give her owner another sneeze filled cuddle. Giving her a wet pet to the top of the head, Austin grabs his towel and dries off. Not enjoying the water on his hand, Daisy runs to the living room returning the couch giving Austin the respite he is looking for to get dressed.
Fully dressed, Austin leaves his apartment and walks to the pavilion where his apartment complex had their mail boxes. Inserting the key and turning, the door swings open and a number of week old advertisements for local grocery stores and pizza places flow out like an avalanche. At the top of the pile is a note, presumably from the mailman that simply said "Check your mail more often, a**hole." Austin scoffed as he sorted through the pile, discarded old ads and credit card offers. As he dug through bills that needed to be paid, there was a note from WFWF Headquarters. Throwing the bills aside onto the group, Austin tore into the letter with WFWF's logo.
David Brennan, Austin Hayes,
It is with great pleasure to say that you have been invited to compete in the first ever Supreme Gauntlet 17! You are among ten men who have been chosen to compete in two groups of five to determine the next number one contender to the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. Each competitor will wrestle every other in his or her group with points being awarded for victories. At the end of this stage the superstar with the highest score from each group will compete against one another in the finals to decide who is the next true #1 contender for WFWF World Heavyweight Champion, Drakz.
Further information, including your fellow competitors in the gauntlet, groups, and other pertinent information will be revealed in the coming days.
We are very excited to have you compete in this brand new direction of WFWF and wish you the best of luck in the Supreme Gauntlet!
Lila Sleater
Austin, my apologies for the incorrect name on this invitation. This invitation is indeed meant for you and I can assure you that this was just an error in the use of copy/paste.
- Lila
Well f***.
Jose Gomez: Dude, you're f***ed.
Austin Hayes: I'm aware.
Travis Mathis: No you have to understand, you're really f***ed.
The three friends sat at a table in the buzzing brewery. In front of each of them was a deck of cards and in the case of Travis and Jose, a pint of beer. Loud and dimly lit, the Aardwolf was not exactly an ideal place to being place Magic: The Gathering, but the bar staff had gained a bit of a rapport with Travis and Jose, who both partook in drinking the locally made brews on a more than regular occasion. Not a beer drinker himself, Austin came for the game and for the company. Looking down at the board, Austin was, as usual behind in the game as Travis and Jose both had been playing MTG for much longer than he, knowing the interactions and intricacies of the card game much better than he. While Austin simply plays a couple of creatures to ensure that he wouldn't die this turn, Jose puts together a combination of three cards that make so there is literally no way he can lose, going infinite and causing Travis and Austin to scoop up their cards in defeat.
Jose Gomez: And that's how it's done boys.
Austin Hayes: And once again, Jose durdles his way to victory.
The three laugh together, having enjoyed their game. Austin, while new to this group has been welcomed with open arms most notably by Jose and Travis, with whom he shares several common interests with. They have made his transition to Jacksonville all the much better. While this brewery is not a place he would hang out, he's more than glad to come despite the treacherous drive through construction and people who don't seem to realize that cars come equipped with turn signals to let your fellow drivers know when you want to cut them off. The two friends have been very supportive in this new endeavor of joining the WFWF, transitioning from simply a hobby to a full time gig. While not necessarily superfans of the product, the two definitely know what the going ons within the company are.
Travis Mathis: So you're telling me that you've not even had your first match yet and you've been put into this insane gauntlet thing for their biggest prize for a reason that not even you yourself are aware of?
Austin Hayes: Yup.
Jose Gomez: Again, you're f***ed.
Austin slinks down into his chair. He is f***ed. Beyond imagination. He was about to go into this thing with the nine best wrestlers in the world....and him. It was like they were setting him up for failure. He still didn't know if he could beat Brandon Bison, let alone someone like Joe Bishop. Or David Brennan. Or Dex. Or Josh Dean. Or Trace Demon. And if he's in this thing, surely those guys all are. He found his mind going to the episode of Dragon Ball Z where Freiza killed Krillin and Goku went Super Saiyan. He was Krillin: helpless as Frieza simply raised a finger and sent him flying through the air as he exploded into a million tiny little pieces. This gauntlet was Freiza and Goku simply didn't exist.
Austin Hayes: I think I'm going to tell them I don't want to take part in this thing. I really shouldn't be doing something so dumb so early on in my career. I mean, I could get killed by some of these guys.
Travis Mathis: Or you could just take it for what it is.
The trio were silent as Austin looked at Travis, perplexed at what he could possibly mean. Travis took another swig of what must have been his fourth pint for the night as Jose started putting away his cards and play mat, getting ready to head out for the night.
Travis Mathis: I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you aren't f***ed because you absolutely are. I have no doubt that you're going to get your ass kicked like (some guy) in (some random movie that Austin doesn't get the reference for) but isn't that kind of the point early on? These guys are better than you are. Just like me and Jose are better than you at Magic. You aren't going to get better unless you face these guys. We've only been playing for a few months and you've already improved at Magic a ton. Just imagine how much getting your ass kicked by these guys is going to help you in the long run, as much as it's going to hurt you in the short run.
It hit him like a train. What a coward he had been. He couldn't let fear get the best of him in such an opportune situation. This was just the place he wanted to be so early in his career. Sure he had no chance, but he could at the very least play spoiler for other people.
Austin Hayes: I gotta go, thanks for this. Make sure he doesn't drive until he sobers up a bit.
Jose Gomez: *hic* F*** you. *hic* I'm plenty *hic* sober.
Travis Mathis: You got it, see you on Sunday. Vampires this week.
As Austin prepares for his debut match later in the night, taping up his wrists and stretching out he is deep within his thoughts. His heart pounding through his chest, he has become more aware of the implications if he loses than ever. What if he made the gauntlet and Brandon Bison didn't? That would make him look worse than he already felt like he looked being put in without having a match at all. The first set of videos airs announcing competitors and his heart sank into his chest as he awaited the videos to end as his match was on right after. The first competitor announced is David Brennan, one of those people who would almost assuredly kick his ass if the opportunity were presented. He looked up to the screen and couldn't help but be intimidated by the man. As Brennan's picture faded, one of the promo shots he had taken earlier in the day begin to air as of course they decided to announce him second for some reason.
Austin Hayes: Well s***.
Jose Gomez: I tried to warn you man.
Austin Hayes: I thought for sure rolling a 6 with 5 dice would be a hit.
Jose Gomez: You were outmatched, Monique was better than Jack in almost every way possible.
Austin Hayes: Talk about irony....
And here Austin thought that his weekly D&D session could get his mind off of his upcoming match with Trace Demon. In reality, he was terrified because he had never fought someone who was so much better than him. This guy is a WFWF Hall of Famer, after all. Austin thought he was going to be able to kick some ass before getting his kicked. Even in the vampire world, Austin was getting outclassed.
Don Emerson: At least you let the rest of us get out without having to try to fight her.
The party was a bit smaller than normal, with just Austin, Don, and Travis, with Jose as the DM. The death of Austin's character, which was just given to him as a way to try out this slightly different version of D&D called Vampire the Masquerade, essentially ended the night as Austin did not have a secondary character ready. The guys sat around for a bit and talked at the converted pool table. The three friends were all working desk jobs similar to what Austin had left in favor of going to the WFWF so naturally they were curious about what he had jumped into. Austin, more comfortable with the group than he was previously, willingly conversed about his new career.
Travis Mathis: Is Trace Demon really that much better than Brandon Bison? I mean, you really did some crazy stuff there last time, can't you just do that again against Trace?
Austin Hayes: It's like playing against our local high school team versus playing against the New England Patriots. They're not even in the same league. And I'm closer to the former than I am to the latter right now.
Travis Mathis: Yeah....sportsball.
Don Emerson: Well of course with that attitude you're going to lose, you gotta have some more confidence in yourself man.
Austin Hayes: You're probably right. I'm honestly just going into this hoping to give him at least a halfway decent run for his money.
Jose Gomez: Well we got your back buddy, even if you're f***ed.
Travis Mathis: Agreed.
The group share a laugh and begin talking about less serious topics, a nice respite for Austin ahead of the biggest opportunity in the infancy of his career.
Austin Hayes: I thought I told you to stay off the table.
Being a cat, Daisy looked up at her owner and pushed her head into his leg with a gentle purr, seeking more attention and not particularly caring about the displaced dice. Picking up the dice, he placed them back into the box where he kept his Magic the Gathering decks and other paraphernalia for one of his more expensive hobbies. Today was Commander night, and he was meeting up with a couple of the guys at a local brewery to play some Magic. Checking the time, he had noticed that he slept in a bit later than he was accustomed to. Dropping the full time job to become a professional wrestler had this effect on his sleep schedule, something that he did not take exception to. Austin definitely enjoyed his sleep.
Booting up his computer, Austin decided to take a few minutes to wake up before accomplishing anything. Normally, a few minutes turned into a few hours when he had time off like this, but this time his attention was caught when he went to WFWF's official website to see an announcement about the upcoming Supreme Gauntlet 17. Apparently, 10 guys were going to have a shot at becoming the next challenger to Drakz' WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. The thought of competing in such a contest overwhelmed him with excitement, but also terrified him on a deep level. Fighting Brandon Bison was one thing, going toe to toe with someone like Trace Demon or David Brennan was completely different. They outclassed him right now, and he knew that. Luckily, he didn't really have to worry about that, the ten competitors in the gauntlet had been informed of their participation already and Austin hadn't heard anything about it. Not that it would make much sense anyways, he hadn't even had his first match with the company yet.
Daisy jumped up on the couch that Austin was sitting on and sidled up next to him, the sunken cushion sinking down even further. Austin closed his computer and gave the begging feline the attention she was seeking. He hadn't lived in Jacksonville for long, a few months in fact. His previous job had forced him to move around a lot. In fact, he called three different states home in the past year. Daisy was the one consistent companion that he had.
A-choo!
There was one problem. Austin is allergic to cats. His friends all asked him why he would get a cat when he was allergic, and truth be told he didn't really know. He just knew he couldn't take care of a dog living by himself and wanted something or someone to spend time with. Feeling his nose leak and his eyes begin to itch and water, Austin decided to fire up his shower and clean the the loose cat fur off of him. He got off the couch, and Daisy followed him like a second shadow. Avoiding his feet with precision only a cat could have, Daisy somehow avoided getting stepped on as Austin walked to the bathroom. Opening the shower curtain quickly, the cat ran off, startled by the high pitch sound of metal on metal as the curtain's beaded rings rolled down the metal bar that held the curtain up. Now alone, Austin took a much longer shower than normal.
As the warm water hit the back of Austin's neck, he couldn't help but think of the lucky 10 competitors that were going to get to go at it in the Supreme Gauntlet. One of those guys were going to get the next shot at the biggest prize in the sport that he loved so much, the whole point of him joining the WFWF in the first place. A twinge of jealously fell over Austin, a red heat building up in his stomach. That heat twisted and turned and forged itself into a rock the more he thought about the likelihood that if it were him, he would just end up on his back night after night, last place in his group with no chance in the world to be the guy who fights Drakz. Yet another name on the list of guys that were supposed to be the next big thing that faded into obscurity before they lived up to their potential. Yet another Cam Nitta. Yet another Jason Garrett. He didn't know what he would do with himself if he failed in such spectacular fashion. He wasn't ready and he knew it.
As the final suds of soap rinsed from his body and made their way to the ocean or wherever water goes once it goes down the drain, a thought hit Austin. Like the lazy piece of s**t that he is, he hadn't checked the mail in nearly two weeks. Blowing a couple more snot rockets into the draining water to clear any final allergens the steam from the shower had helped loosen, he gave himself one more scrub down and turned the water. Waiting on the other side of the curtain was his furry companion, ready to give her owner another sneeze filled cuddle. Giving her a wet pet to the top of the head, Austin grabs his towel and dries off. Not enjoying the water on his hand, Daisy runs to the living room returning the couch giving Austin the respite he is looking for to get dressed.
Fully dressed, Austin leaves his apartment and walks to the pavilion where his apartment complex had their mail boxes. Inserting the key and turning, the door swings open and a number of week old advertisements for local grocery stores and pizza places flow out like an avalanche. At the top of the pile is a note, presumably from the mailman that simply said "Check your mail more often, a**hole." Austin scoffed as he sorted through the pile, discarded old ads and credit card offers. As he dug through bills that needed to be paid, there was a note from WFWF Headquarters. Throwing the bills aside onto the group, Austin tore into the letter with WFWF's logo.
It is with great pleasure to say that you have been invited to compete in the first ever Supreme Gauntlet 17! You are among ten men who have been chosen to compete in two groups of five to determine the next number one contender to the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. Each competitor will wrestle every other in his or her group with points being awarded for victories. At the end of this stage the superstar with the highest score from each group will compete against one another in the finals to decide who is the next true #1 contender for WFWF World Heavyweight Champion, Drakz.
Further information, including your fellow competitors in the gauntlet, groups, and other pertinent information will be revealed in the coming days.
We are very excited to have you compete in this brand new direction of WFWF and wish you the best of luck in the Supreme Gauntlet!
Lila Sleater
Austin, my apologies for the incorrect name on this invitation. This invitation is indeed meant for you and I can assure you that this was just an error in the use of copy/paste.
- Lila
Well f***.
Jose Gomez: Dude, you're f***ed.
Austin Hayes: I'm aware.
Travis Mathis: No you have to understand, you're really f***ed.
The three friends sat at a table in the buzzing brewery. In front of each of them was a deck of cards and in the case of Travis and Jose, a pint of beer. Loud and dimly lit, the Aardwolf was not exactly an ideal place to being place Magic: The Gathering, but the bar staff had gained a bit of a rapport with Travis and Jose, who both partook in drinking the locally made brews on a more than regular occasion. Not a beer drinker himself, Austin came for the game and for the company. Looking down at the board, Austin was, as usual behind in the game as Travis and Jose both had been playing MTG for much longer than he, knowing the interactions and intricacies of the card game much better than he. While Austin simply plays a couple of creatures to ensure that he wouldn't die this turn, Jose puts together a combination of three cards that make so there is literally no way he can lose, going infinite and causing Travis and Austin to scoop up their cards in defeat.
Jose Gomez: And that's how it's done boys.
Austin Hayes: And once again, Jose durdles his way to victory.
The three laugh together, having enjoyed their game. Austin, while new to this group has been welcomed with open arms most notably by Jose and Travis, with whom he shares several common interests with. They have made his transition to Jacksonville all the much better. While this brewery is not a place he would hang out, he's more than glad to come despite the treacherous drive through construction and people who don't seem to realize that cars come equipped with turn signals to let your fellow drivers know when you want to cut them off. The two friends have been very supportive in this new endeavor of joining the WFWF, transitioning from simply a hobby to a full time gig. While not necessarily superfans of the product, the two definitely know what the going ons within the company are.
Travis Mathis: So you're telling me that you've not even had your first match yet and you've been put into this insane gauntlet thing for their biggest prize for a reason that not even you yourself are aware of?
Austin Hayes: Yup.
Jose Gomez: Again, you're f***ed.
Austin slinks down into his chair. He is f***ed. Beyond imagination. He was about to go into this thing with the nine best wrestlers in the world....and him. It was like they were setting him up for failure. He still didn't know if he could beat Brandon Bison, let alone someone like Joe Bishop. Or David Brennan. Or Dex. Or Josh Dean. Or Trace Demon. And if he's in this thing, surely those guys all are. He found his mind going to the episode of Dragon Ball Z where Freiza killed Krillin and Goku went Super Saiyan. He was Krillin: helpless as Frieza simply raised a finger and sent him flying through the air as he exploded into a million tiny little pieces. This gauntlet was Freiza and Goku simply didn't exist.
Austin Hayes: I think I'm going to tell them I don't want to take part in this thing. I really shouldn't be doing something so dumb so early on in my career. I mean, I could get killed by some of these guys.
Travis Mathis: Or you could just take it for what it is.
The trio were silent as Austin looked at Travis, perplexed at what he could possibly mean. Travis took another swig of what must have been his fourth pint for the night as Jose started putting away his cards and play mat, getting ready to head out for the night.
Travis Mathis: I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you aren't f***ed because you absolutely are. I have no doubt that you're going to get your ass kicked like (some guy) in (some random movie that Austin doesn't get the reference for) but isn't that kind of the point early on? These guys are better than you are. Just like me and Jose are better than you at Magic. You aren't going to get better unless you face these guys. We've only been playing for a few months and you've already improved at Magic a ton. Just imagine how much getting your ass kicked by these guys is going to help you in the long run, as much as it's going to hurt you in the short run.
It hit him like a train. What a coward he had been. He couldn't let fear get the best of him in such an opportune situation. This was just the place he wanted to be so early in his career. Sure he had no chance, but he could at the very least play spoiler for other people.
Austin Hayes: I gotta go, thanks for this. Make sure he doesn't drive until he sobers up a bit.
Jose Gomez: *hic* F*** you. *hic* I'm plenty *hic* sober.
Travis Mathis: You got it, see you on Sunday. Vampires this week.
As Austin prepares for his debut match later in the night, taping up his wrists and stretching out he is deep within his thoughts. His heart pounding through his chest, he has become more aware of the implications if he loses than ever. What if he made the gauntlet and Brandon Bison didn't? That would make him look worse than he already felt like he looked being put in without having a match at all. The first set of videos airs announcing competitors and his heart sank into his chest as he awaited the videos to end as his match was on right after. The first competitor announced is David Brennan, one of those people who would almost assuredly kick his ass if the opportunity were presented. He looked up to the screen and couldn't help but be intimidated by the man. As Brennan's picture faded, one of the promo shots he had taken earlier in the day begin to air as of course they decided to announce him second for some reason.
| Reality A final shot of David Brennan with the WFWF International Champion fades away as it cuts to a less experienced competitor, a man who will debut later tonight, Austin Hayes. “While Austin Hayes is new to the WFWF, very new in fact as he debuts here tonight, he has garnered a reputation as a very impressive high flyer. Young and new to the game Hayes may be the least experienced in this tournament but he’s trained with some of the best high flyers in Florida and it’s this pedigree that not only has gained him a contract here in the WFWF but has also gained him a spot in the tournament. Hayes might not have the same level of experience as the rest of the field but rest assured his youth, energy and sheer talent will likely carry him far in the Supreme Gauntlet 17!” | Austin's Mind A final shot of David Brennan, the guy who will likely win this thing, with the WFWF International Champion fades away as it cuts to a competitor who literally hasn't even had a match in the WFWF yet, Austin Hayes. “While Austin Hayes is new to the WFWF, very new in fact as he debuts here tonight, he is literally just some guy we pulled off the street who we decided to announce made the tournament second for some reason. Young and new to the game Hayes may be the least experienced in this tournament so we have no idea what the actual f*** gained him a spot in the tournament in the first place. Hayes might not have the same level of experience as the rest of the field but rest assured he will come in dead last in the Supreme Gauntlet 17! Seriously what the f*** were management thinking? This guy is just an a**hole." |
Austin Hayes: Seriously? They couldn't at least wait until my match was over?
As if on cue "Unstoppable" by Foxy Shazam plays over the PA system. It was time. Something within Austin sparks alive and he goes to the place he loves to be the most, in the ring.
Well, that wasn't a complete disaster at least. As he makes his way backstage, a production assistant rushes up to him and hands him an ice pack for the shoulder that he banged up a bit in his match with Brandon Bison.
Production Assistant: Austin, we're going to have to rush you to the locker room, you're going to interview with Alecia Matthews and Daniel Knight about you being in the Supreme Gauntlet once this video stops airing.
Austin Hayes: What? I just-
Production Assistant: There's not really time to explain right now. We have to go!
Great. Just who he wanted to talk to right now. He didn't even get a chance to celebrate his first win in the WFWF before he is going to get badgered by Douche Canoe McGoo. He was rushed to his locker room where a camera had been set up while he was in the ring. A second production assistant thrusts a microphone into his hand as he hears the voice of Alecia Matthews.
Alecia Matthews: Austin Hayes is joining us from backstage.
He hears a small pop from the crowd. He relaxes a bit, knowing that at the very least the fans enjoyed his match with Bison just a few short minutes ago.
Austin Hayes: Thanks for having me Alecia.
Alecia Matthews: Austin, first the obvious question. How does it feel to know that you could be the number one contender for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship mere weeks after debuting?
No hesitation in this one.
Austin Hayes: It's quite bizarre actually. I never thought I'd be in such a situation, especially so quickly. I mean I've only had one match now, and that just happened. I'm blown away and all I can really say is I'll put my best effort in to make sure Ms. Sleater's decision wasn't a mistake.
Relieved, Austin lets out a sigh as it appears that was the only prepared question for him. He awkwardly smiles as he waits for the play by play announcer to dismiss him.
Alecia Matthews: Thanks for being here with us ton-
Daniel Knight: But why you?
Oh for f***'s sake. Austin plays dumb even though he fully knows where this is about to go.
Austin Hayes: I beg your pardon?
Alecia Matthews: Daniel not now...
Here we go.
Daniel Knight: No Alecia, something needs to be said to this clown! Why you? Why, out of all of the talented guys we have in that locker room back there that have come and fought night in and night out, has Lila Sleater decided to choose you, the biggest joke of a person I've ever laid my eyes on? The guy who is sitting there in what appears to be a purple shirt with cats with wings flying through space on it? Why should I take this decision seriously?
Austin's mind was all over the place now. Here was this guy, who gave him one look and wrote him off, confirming every single fear and trepidation that he had going into this thing. There probably are more talented people that are being left out at his expense. Why should he take him seriously? He really couldn't think of a reason to be taken seriously, a 1-0 record wasn't exactly something to rest your laurels on. Maybe he should have told them he didn't want to do this after all...
His head goes to his feet and he can't help but not make eye contact with the camera.
Austin Hayes: I don't know...
Daniel Knight: Speak up boy.
Austin's thoughts come back to that scene in Dragon Ball Z, except this time while he is still Krillin and Daniel Knight is Frieza, lifting him up and preparing to tear him to pieces. Helpless. Useless. Dead. Then, something hits him. Even if he is the worst possible person to be in this gauntlet, he isn't going to just let anyone keep him down. He's going to get back up. And with every defeat he was going to come back stronger. Even if this wasn't his time to come out on top, he was going to make it clear to everyone that he would be eventually, no matter how hard he had to work to get there.
I'm not Krillin.
I'm mother f***ing Goku.
Austin brings his eyes straight to the camera, a fire burning in them that wasn't there before.
Austin Hayes: You know it's really cute, Dobby, if I didn't know any better all of this negative attention you're giving me leads me to believe you've got a little crush. Just because I made you look like the moron that you are doesn't mean that you get to write me off just like that. When it comes to me being in this thing, I'm just as confused as you are, David. Believe me. I've been here all of three seconds and now I'm thrust face first into this cluster f*** of a tournament?! Can you imagine how bizarre that sounds to me?!? You don't think I heard the crowd's reaction when my name was the one called and not someone who has been around a bit longer? But don't get it twisted, I'm in this thing. I have the same chance as the other nine men to walk out as the number one contender to the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship, and I'm going to make sure that I do everything in my power, win, lose, or draw, to make sure that the fans, my fellow competitors, and even you Donny, remember the name Austin Hayes.
Hayes drops his microphone and shoots the production assistant a look as he tries to keep him in the locker room. Knowing that his efforts will get him nothing but a black eye, he steps aside for Austin, who takes a walk down the hallway trying to compose himself. He never quite knows where those outbursts come from, but he knows that he will have to learn to harness them in order to be successful in the WFWF.
Seriously though, f*** Daniel Knight.
The Masquerade was alive and well. In San Francisco, vampires are hidden in plain sight, masked to the humans that they feed upon to remain alive. The head vampire at Elysium of the Camarillo had sent Jack Clark and company on a mission to fetch information about the whereabouts of a person of interest in the investigation of a murder of a prominent figurehead within the vampiric society. Jack had so happened to have a special interest in this investigation, as the victim was a sort of mentor to him, the man who brought him towards being a member of the law keeping force within Elysium. He was determined to get to the bottom of the Sheriff's murder and to make those responsible pay in blood.
Having received a lead from one of his colleague's contacts, Jack led his party to an abandoned warehouse which was believed to be occupied by a member of a rival clan that may have some claim as the true prince of San Francisco. This visit served two purposes as this rival clan might not only have the location of our person of interest, but we may find any intentions of the Sabaat to attempt to break The Masquerade and reveal the vampires to mankind, which can only lead to a disastrous outcome for all involved. Having just got his fill from stores in Elysium, Jack did not notice the smell that a colleague noticed. Fresh blood.
Being tipped off, Jack jumped to action. He entered the warehouse to find that their person of interest was in fact in the warehouse.
Jack Clark: Monique! Get down!
Jack then began to light up the place as Monique hit the ground. Dropping three of his adversaries, Jack advances towards Monique, now knowing fully well that the Sabaat are planning an all out war against the Camarillo. With this knowledge in tow, he knew he must rescue Monique as she would be key in a victory for the Camarillo. Pulling out his sword that the murdered sheriff had bestowed upon him, Jack charges one final adversary guarding Monique, slicing him in half as his body erupts into a cascade of ash.
Jack Clark: We have to get you out of here. Come on, let's go before we all get killed.
Monique remains completely still. Icy cold eyes pierce Jack's chest as he the pieces of what is transpiring come together in his mind.
Monique: Did you honestly think that I was going to forgive the murder of my beloved Franz by the fraud you call Prince?! The Sabaat will rise and the Camarillo will fall! San Francisco is ours! I suggest you leave, or die in the place you stand. You are nothing in my presence.
Feeling the power of Monique, the rest of Jack's party retreats away from the warehouse, likely to relay the information that they just heard to the prince. Cowards. With a hefty swing that had previous carved an adversary in two, Jack swings at the prone Monique. With a quickness that could not be comprehended by Jack himself, Monique catches the blade between two fingers. Looking at Jack, she simply shakes her head as a fire ignites within her irises. Deep within him, Jack feels a heat, which quickly accelerates into an inferno in his stomach. He lets out a scream of sheer agony.
Monique: I apologize that it must be like this.
Jack's body begins to glow, the life being sucked from him. Jack looks at his maker, as his body breaks apart until nothing is left but a pile of ash.
As if on cue "Unstoppable" by Foxy Shazam plays over the PA system. It was time. Something within Austin sparks alive and he goes to the place he loves to be the most, in the ring.
Well, that wasn't a complete disaster at least. As he makes his way backstage, a production assistant rushes up to him and hands him an ice pack for the shoulder that he banged up a bit in his match with Brandon Bison.
Production Assistant: Austin, we're going to have to rush you to the locker room, you're going to interview with Alecia Matthews and Daniel Knight about you being in the Supreme Gauntlet once this video stops airing.
Austin Hayes: What? I just-
Production Assistant: There's not really time to explain right now. We have to go!
Great. Just who he wanted to talk to right now. He didn't even get a chance to celebrate his first win in the WFWF before he is going to get badgered by Douche Canoe McGoo. He was rushed to his locker room where a camera had been set up while he was in the ring. A second production assistant thrusts a microphone into his hand as he hears the voice of Alecia Matthews.
Alecia Matthews: Austin Hayes is joining us from backstage.
He hears a small pop from the crowd. He relaxes a bit, knowing that at the very least the fans enjoyed his match with Bison just a few short minutes ago.
Austin Hayes: Thanks for having me Alecia.
Alecia Matthews: Austin, first the obvious question. How does it feel to know that you could be the number one contender for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship mere weeks after debuting?
No hesitation in this one.
Austin Hayes: It's quite bizarre actually. I never thought I'd be in such a situation, especially so quickly. I mean I've only had one match now, and that just happened. I'm blown away and all I can really say is I'll put my best effort in to make sure Ms. Sleater's decision wasn't a mistake.
Relieved, Austin lets out a sigh as it appears that was the only prepared question for him. He awkwardly smiles as he waits for the play by play announcer to dismiss him.
Alecia Matthews: Thanks for being here with us ton-
Daniel Knight: But why you?
Oh for f***'s sake. Austin plays dumb even though he fully knows where this is about to go.
Austin Hayes: I beg your pardon?
Alecia Matthews: Daniel not now...
Here we go.
Daniel Knight: No Alecia, something needs to be said to this clown! Why you? Why, out of all of the talented guys we have in that locker room back there that have come and fought night in and night out, has Lila Sleater decided to choose you, the biggest joke of a person I've ever laid my eyes on? The guy who is sitting there in what appears to be a purple shirt with cats with wings flying through space on it? Why should I take this decision seriously?
Austin's mind was all over the place now. Here was this guy, who gave him one look and wrote him off, confirming every single fear and trepidation that he had going into this thing. There probably are more talented people that are being left out at his expense. Why should he take him seriously? He really couldn't think of a reason to be taken seriously, a 1-0 record wasn't exactly something to rest your laurels on. Maybe he should have told them he didn't want to do this after all...
His head goes to his feet and he can't help but not make eye contact with the camera.
Austin Hayes: I don't know...
Daniel Knight: Speak up boy.
Austin's thoughts come back to that scene in Dragon Ball Z, except this time while he is still Krillin and Daniel Knight is Frieza, lifting him up and preparing to tear him to pieces. Helpless. Useless. Dead. Then, something hits him. Even if he is the worst possible person to be in this gauntlet, he isn't going to just let anyone keep him down. He's going to get back up. And with every defeat he was going to come back stronger. Even if this wasn't his time to come out on top, he was going to make it clear to everyone that he would be eventually, no matter how hard he had to work to get there.
I'm not Krillin.
I'm mother f***ing Goku.
Austin brings his eyes straight to the camera, a fire burning in them that wasn't there before.
Austin Hayes: You know it's really cute, Dobby, if I didn't know any better all of this negative attention you're giving me leads me to believe you've got a little crush. Just because I made you look like the moron that you are doesn't mean that you get to write me off just like that. When it comes to me being in this thing, I'm just as confused as you are, David. Believe me. I've been here all of three seconds and now I'm thrust face first into this cluster f*** of a tournament?! Can you imagine how bizarre that sounds to me?!? You don't think I heard the crowd's reaction when my name was the one called and not someone who has been around a bit longer? But don't get it twisted, I'm in this thing. I have the same chance as the other nine men to walk out as the number one contender to the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship, and I'm going to make sure that I do everything in my power, win, lose, or draw, to make sure that the fans, my fellow competitors, and even you Donny, remember the name Austin Hayes.
Hayes drops his microphone and shoots the production assistant a look as he tries to keep him in the locker room. Knowing that his efforts will get him nothing but a black eye, he steps aside for Austin, who takes a walk down the hallway trying to compose himself. He never quite knows where those outbursts come from, but he knows that he will have to learn to harness them in order to be successful in the WFWF.
Seriously though, f*** Daniel Knight.
The Card
| Reality The Main Event! Supreme Gauntlet Block A --------------------------------------------------- Trace Demon vs. Austin Hayes Austin Hayes is one of the least experienced competitors in this tournament and although he made a successful debut at the end of year show he’ll know that he has to take it up a notch if he wants to come out on top. That’s not going to be easy when you consider he’s facing the only Hall of Famer in the tournament and a man who’ll be more motivated than ever after shockingly selling the WFWF just weeks ago. Trace Demon seeks redemption after losing at Superbrawl, but can he avoid the upset on night one of WFWF’s biggest ever tournament? | Austin's Mind The Main Event! Supreme Gauntlet Block A --------------------------------------------------- Trace Demon vs. Austin Hayes Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahah hahahahahahahahahahhahahahhhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahhahahahah ahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahaha. Seriously this is the main event? |
The Masquerade was alive and well. In San Francisco, vampires are hidden in plain sight, masked to the humans that they feed upon to remain alive. The head vampire at Elysium of the Camarillo had sent Jack Clark and company on a mission to fetch information about the whereabouts of a person of interest in the investigation of a murder of a prominent figurehead within the vampiric society. Jack had so happened to have a special interest in this investigation, as the victim was a sort of mentor to him, the man who brought him towards being a member of the law keeping force within Elysium. He was determined to get to the bottom of the Sheriff's murder and to make those responsible pay in blood.
Having received a lead from one of his colleague's contacts, Jack led his party to an abandoned warehouse which was believed to be occupied by a member of a rival clan that may have some claim as the true prince of San Francisco. This visit served two purposes as this rival clan might not only have the location of our person of interest, but we may find any intentions of the Sabaat to attempt to break The Masquerade and reveal the vampires to mankind, which can only lead to a disastrous outcome for all involved. Having just got his fill from stores in Elysium, Jack did not notice the smell that a colleague noticed. Fresh blood.
Being tipped off, Jack jumped to action. He entered the warehouse to find that their person of interest was in fact in the warehouse.
Jack Clark: Monique! Get down!
Jack then began to light up the place as Monique hit the ground. Dropping three of his adversaries, Jack advances towards Monique, now knowing fully well that the Sabaat are planning an all out war against the Camarillo. With this knowledge in tow, he knew he must rescue Monique as she would be key in a victory for the Camarillo. Pulling out his sword that the murdered sheriff had bestowed upon him, Jack charges one final adversary guarding Monique, slicing him in half as his body erupts into a cascade of ash.
Jack Clark: We have to get you out of here. Come on, let's go before we all get killed.
Monique remains completely still. Icy cold eyes pierce Jack's chest as he the pieces of what is transpiring come together in his mind.
Monique: Did you honestly think that I was going to forgive the murder of my beloved Franz by the fraud you call Prince?! The Sabaat will rise and the Camarillo will fall! San Francisco is ours! I suggest you leave, or die in the place you stand. You are nothing in my presence.
Feeling the power of Monique, the rest of Jack's party retreats away from the warehouse, likely to relay the information that they just heard to the prince. Cowards. With a hefty swing that had previous carved an adversary in two, Jack swings at the prone Monique. With a quickness that could not be comprehended by Jack himself, Monique catches the blade between two fingers. Looking at Jack, she simply shakes her head as a fire ignites within her irises. Deep within him, Jack feels a heat, which quickly accelerates into an inferno in his stomach. He lets out a scream of sheer agony.
Monique: I apologize that it must be like this.
Jack's body begins to glow, the life being sucked from him. Jack looks at his maker, as his body breaks apart until nothing is left but a pile of ash.
Austin Hayes: Well s***.
Jose Gomez: I tried to warn you man.
Austin Hayes: I thought for sure rolling a 6 with 5 dice would be a hit.
Jose Gomez: You were outmatched, Monique was better than Jack in almost every way possible.
Austin Hayes: Talk about irony....
And here Austin thought that his weekly D&D session could get his mind off of his upcoming match with Trace Demon. In reality, he was terrified because he had never fought someone who was so much better than him. This guy is a WFWF Hall of Famer, after all. Austin thought he was going to be able to kick some ass before getting his kicked. Even in the vampire world, Austin was getting outclassed.
Don Emerson: At least you let the rest of us get out without having to try to fight her.
The party was a bit smaller than normal, with just Austin, Don, and Travis, with Jose as the DM. The death of Austin's character, which was just given to him as a way to try out this slightly different version of D&D called Vampire the Masquerade, essentially ended the night as Austin did not have a secondary character ready. The guys sat around for a bit and talked at the converted pool table. The three friends were all working desk jobs similar to what Austin had left in favor of going to the WFWF so naturally they were curious about what he had jumped into. Austin, more comfortable with the group than he was previously, willingly conversed about his new career.
Travis Mathis: Is Trace Demon really that much better than Brandon Bison? I mean, you really did some crazy stuff there last time, can't you just do that again against Trace?
Austin Hayes: It's like playing against our local high school team versus playing against the New England Patriots. They're not even in the same league. And I'm closer to the former than I am to the latter right now.
Travis Mathis: Yeah....sportsball.
Don Emerson: Well of course with that attitude you're going to lose, you gotta have some more confidence in yourself man.
Austin Hayes: You're probably right. I'm honestly just going into this hoping to give him at least a halfway decent run for his money.
Jose Gomez: Well we got your back buddy, even if you're f***ed.
Travis Mathis: Agreed.
The group share a laugh and begin talking about less serious topics, a nice respite for Austin ahead of the biggest opportunity in the infancy of his career.
"You know, I've thought a lot about this Supreme Gauntlet thing ever since Lila Sleater thought that I was a good inclusion for whatever reason. I can guarantee you that nobody had my name on the short list of names of people even remotely in the running to be one of the ten that were to compete in this tournament. I mean, it makes sense. The only appearance in the WFWF to my name was a booked debut match and a pissed off color commentator. Even now, I'm only 1-0 against an unproven competitor and another at the same pissed off color commentator. Not exactly what anyone would call championship material. Hell, they're having a battle royal for a spot that I could have very easily competed in had they really wanted me to be in this thing."
"I've debated with myself over my own personal merit whether or not I truly deserve to compete against the best this world has to offer for a shot at the greatest prize in our great profession. Literally all the WFWF can say about me right now is 'oh wow he's done some stuff in Florida' so it's hard to tell if even the WFWF themselves think I belong. I'm very sure that Trace Demon doesn't think I belong in this thing. Trace Demon probably looks at this week's match as essentially a bye for himself against another rookie flash that will be around for two or three shows and then fade back away. And I can't say that I blame him, considering the WFWF's history with rookies in this place. Anyone remember Andrew Carter?"
"As I've had this internal struggle with myself about whether I deserve this opportunity or whether it should have gone to someone else, I've come to a very important conclusion. It doesn't matter. I have this opportunity in front of me, an opportunity that was once just for a chance to fight for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship but has now become a chance to become the champion. Whether or not I deserve it, I'm here. And I'm here to fight. Whether it be Trace Demon, Joe Bishop, Anna Ahriman, or anyone else in Block B or otherwise, anyone put across from me in that ring will have a hell of a fight to put up if they plan on winning against me."
"Appropriately, my first opponent in my block is going to arguably be my toughest. Trace Demon has done it all. He's won all of the championships and accomplished everything that can be accomplished in this company. He is one of the guys that I strive to be, even if he hasn't exactly done it in the best way. The man is a Hall of Famer for a reason and I have nothing but good things to say about him as a wrestler. And in reality, I'm completely overmatched here. I'm sure if you go to Vegas and bet on the Supreme Gauntlet, Austin Hayes is at the bottom of the betting odds."
"I say f*** the odds."
"When I look at Trace Demon, I see a man who just lost his second consecutive SuperBrawl main event. I see a man who just sold the company that he rule over with an iron fist for such a long time. I see a man who looks to be doing everything in his power to achieve what he has failed to achieve for so long, recapturing the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. When I look at Trace Demon, I see a desperate man. Desperate men make mistakes. Desperate men look to do everything to secure that one thing and view the bigger picture without viewing the smaller details right in front of them. He's got a lot of other things on his mind aside from me being his opponent."
"Nobody thinks that Austin Hayes will defeat Trace Demon in Chicago. Hell, I'm not sure that I can do it myself. But, if I resign myself to that fate I'm letting myself down way more than losing any much could. I want Trace Demon to overlook me. I want Trace Demon to view me as nothing more as a mean to an end. I want Trace Demon to think that he is going to tear through me with ease. The second he falls into one of those traps is the second he falters. The second Trace Demon goes easy on me is the second Austin Hayes defeats Trace Demon."
"Prepare yourself Trace, because as much as you probably think this will be a walk in the park, you're in for one of the bigger fights of your life. I will not cave to you simply because of who you are. I will not give in just because I think I am going to lose this match. I will make sure that even if you do win this match, you will never want to face me again because you know that I'm going to be that much better the next time you face me."
"Look past me, Trace. I dare you."
"I've debated with myself over my own personal merit whether or not I truly deserve to compete against the best this world has to offer for a shot at the greatest prize in our great profession. Literally all the WFWF can say about me right now is 'oh wow he's done some stuff in Florida' so it's hard to tell if even the WFWF themselves think I belong. I'm very sure that Trace Demon doesn't think I belong in this thing. Trace Demon probably looks at this week's match as essentially a bye for himself against another rookie flash that will be around for two or three shows and then fade back away. And I can't say that I blame him, considering the WFWF's history with rookies in this place. Anyone remember Andrew Carter?"
"As I've had this internal struggle with myself about whether I deserve this opportunity or whether it should have gone to someone else, I've come to a very important conclusion. It doesn't matter. I have this opportunity in front of me, an opportunity that was once just for a chance to fight for the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship but has now become a chance to become the champion. Whether or not I deserve it, I'm here. And I'm here to fight. Whether it be Trace Demon, Joe Bishop, Anna Ahriman, or anyone else in Block B or otherwise, anyone put across from me in that ring will have a hell of a fight to put up if they plan on winning against me."
"Appropriately, my first opponent in my block is going to arguably be my toughest. Trace Demon has done it all. He's won all of the championships and accomplished everything that can be accomplished in this company. He is one of the guys that I strive to be, even if he hasn't exactly done it in the best way. The man is a Hall of Famer for a reason and I have nothing but good things to say about him as a wrestler. And in reality, I'm completely overmatched here. I'm sure if you go to Vegas and bet on the Supreme Gauntlet, Austin Hayes is at the bottom of the betting odds."
"I say f*** the odds."
"When I look at Trace Demon, I see a man who just lost his second consecutive SuperBrawl main event. I see a man who just sold the company that he rule over with an iron fist for such a long time. I see a man who looks to be doing everything in his power to achieve what he has failed to achieve for so long, recapturing the WFWF World Heavyweight Championship. When I look at Trace Demon, I see a desperate man. Desperate men make mistakes. Desperate men look to do everything to secure that one thing and view the bigger picture without viewing the smaller details right in front of them. He's got a lot of other things on his mind aside from me being his opponent."
"Nobody thinks that Austin Hayes will defeat Trace Demon in Chicago. Hell, I'm not sure that I can do it myself. But, if I resign myself to that fate I'm letting myself down way more than losing any much could. I want Trace Demon to overlook me. I want Trace Demon to view me as nothing more as a mean to an end. I want Trace Demon to think that he is going to tear through me with ease. The second he falls into one of those traps is the second he falters. The second Trace Demon goes easy on me is the second Austin Hayes defeats Trace Demon."
"Prepare yourself Trace, because as much as you probably think this will be a walk in the park, you're in for one of the bigger fights of your life. I will not cave to you simply because of who you are. I will not give in just because I think I am going to lose this match. I will make sure that even if you do win this match, you will never want to face me again because you know that I'm going to be that much better the next time you face me."
"Look past me, Trace. I dare you."
I dont know good luck 
