The Return of the Mascot Mafia
Oct 30, 2021 0:53:04 GMT -5
Post by Seth Iser on Oct 30, 2021 0:53:04 GMT -5
We are treated to something a little on the different side as we see the busy streets of Philadelphia going on in the background. By this it’s a clue that this has all been pretaped and put together. People rushing through the city and traffic going crazy, the normal expectation for a big city, then get a shot of a man who hasn’t been cleared to wrestle but it looks as if he’s one step closer to that in the former World Champion. The man who proclaims himself as the Greatest Mind in Professional Wrestling in Seth Iser, balancing himself using a cane rather then a crutch, a smaller brace on the knee he recently had surgery on, the usual three piece suit that he often wears, and a sneer that’s as cold as the other side of the pillow.
Seth Iser: Brian Stryker. I’m at the heart of where you kind of have a little connection with. In some ways, this place has claimed you as much if not more than the place you’re billed from and credit to you a little for that. The city that claims itself full of brotherly love in Philadelphia. But...I think a little tour here...as well as a couple of things you’ve done in your career...need to be done to put things into perspective.
We then start as Iser is walking, gritting his teeth a little for using the cane, but there is a purpose in his walk as he seems closer to being able to wrestle. After a brief little walk...we see a couple of rundown streets. A couple of people who are looking for a bit of hope glancing up at Seth before slinking away deeper into the streets as they also see the camera.
Seth Iser: I smile when I’m angry...I cheat and I lie. I do what I have to do in order to get by. But I know what is wrong...and I know what is right. And I’d die for that truth...in my secret life.
Seth doesn’t sing those lyrics but rather coldly recites those lyrics.
Seth Iser: This...is where you and I share chilling similarities, Brian. And I never say something just to hear myself talk. That would...defeat the purpose of what I’m doing now. You’ve started to become a little more open about your past transgressions with substance abuse. But this was...our secret life even in the public eye. I was wondering why your name was familiar to me even when I was younger and in the process of getting re-established for cleaning up...then it hit me.
He taps the cane down on the hard floor with a little more authority, glaring coldly at the camera with that stern expression.
Seth Iser: You took my spot on the wrestling dead pool.
A stern frown etched on his face as he lets that hang for a minute before he shakes his head.
Seth Iser: No, not the comic, a literal dead pool. Wrestling and wrestlers have a cruel sense of humor, especially back then Brian. We, at different points because of our issues with drugs, were part of a dead pool in some circles. A vicious game of prediction on who may die next because our issues were so bad. We’d both been in the hospital...arrested, discarded by portions of society even. Even if we had some notoriety...we were both like an unstable deck of cards. One last push of pressure...and it all came crumbling down. It was time for do or die…
And as Iser starts to walk away from this we have a brief little cut as he’s walking away. The next sight is far different and significantly more iconic than the rundown location Iser was at previously. A shot of the Philadelphia Museum in the background and the famous 72 steps that lead up to it. Seth takes a moment to tap his cane on the first step before turning to the camera, balancing on his good wheel.
Seth Iser: So you did what I had done...and what so many others couldn’t when wrapped in the vices and bliss of addiction...you found a way to beat it. You climbed up those daunting stairs…
As he says this, Seth is starting to go up those stairs not in that jog from Rocky but rather that limp that shows he isn’t fully healed yet but putting enough weight on his leg even with some cane support that he’s...closing the gap.
Seth Iser: Step by step...being sober actually went from being the gravest challenge to feeling like a normal part of life. Day by day...bit by bit...up these stairs we both went in our own way...trying to repair our lives. And we never really crossed paths in our respective climbs. We never bumped into each other on these harrowing roads...and maybe if we did...the cards might’ve been dealt a little differently in some aspects. I can’t pontificate on what I don’t know...but fate has a weird way of doing things to people like us...especially in our line of work.
He pushes forward a little further, some adrenaline kicking in to hide the pain as he continues walking up the steps before glancing back at the camera, and the poor camera man having to climb up said steps to keep his shot of Seth.
Seth Iser: Hell boy...when you came to this company...you fired one hell of a shot here when you got an opportunity. Trouble in Paradise...you remember the pay per view Brian...but for the unaware or the new fans...here is a reminder.
We fade out of Iser’s shot before going back in time...Trouble in Paradise 2017.
Tijerina crawls toward the ropes as Stryker tries to get steady. Stryker goes over to Tijerina, who drop toe holds him across the middle rope! Tijerina slingshots over and hits a Leg Drop across the back of Stryker’s head!
Stryker slumps to the mat, almost like he’s fainted as Tijerina continues to stomp at the head! The ref holds Tijerina off as he checks on the challenger who can barely stand! Stryker gets to his knees, but falls back to the mat! Tijerina pulls him back up at the centre of the ring and tries for Storm’s End, but Stryker’s legs go limp!
Kris Cruise: This is a cause for concern… all those blows to the head might have been too much for Stryker
Stephy Auger: That’s what Julian’s the best at. Wearing opponents down until they’re practically sludge!
Tijerina just drops Stryker as the challenger is motionless. Some younger fans look concerned as the ref goes to stop the match, but Stryker snaps to life and gets an inside cradle!
Kris Cruise: Stryker with an inside cradle! He was playing possum!
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE-KICKOUT!!!
NO, IT'S TOO LATE!!!
Kris Cruise: He’s got him!! We have a new champion!!
Stephy Auger:WHAT?! NO!
The crowd explodes as Stryker scurries out of the ring with Tijerina having kicked out just a fraction of a second too late. When he sees the ref call for the bell, the Spaniard looks unreservedly mortified.
* DING! -- DING! -- DING! *
The ref climbs out of the ring to collect the FGA 15 Championship. Stryker slowly backs up the ramp clutching at his head, clearly in pain but a wry smile shines through on his face.[/quote]
We then return from this and see that Iser has made it to the very top of the stairs with his cane out in front and a stern expression still on his face while a light air of perspiration comes over his face on this humid day in Philly, especially with his choice in attire.
Seth Iser: It felt good for you that day, didn’t it? Any championship has meaning, especially if the wrestler makes it so...and any professional wrestler that claims that gold is useless doesn’t have a damn place in our industry. Titles are a symbol of both our progress as a professional wrestler and ultimately one of the no doubt lasting images of our legacies. You can dispute many things...but nobody can take that night...away from you. Just like nobody can take the championship wins I’ve had here...away from me. Some thought this would be the springboard for you. Much like the Eagles Super Bowl Win. You had momentum...and the chance to be Pride Champion right there...
A calmness from Seth’s face as he brushes the stray hair from his face before shaking his head as if he was a disappointed teacher. He suppresses a twitch over his face, irritated about another thought that’s...coming.
Seth Iser: It just never happened for you. For one reason or another…
You can hear the sigh escaping from Seth as he again just calmly palms that cane in hand.
Seth Iser: The wrestling industry kept waiting for you Brian. We see the talent...but where is that BIG result? That one moment where we could all point to and have that indisputable proof I was talking about. Didn’t happen then. You jump Tyler Storm and proclaim a new attitude...I think maybe now for you. I was hoping...no...rooting for you to beat Tyler Storm because maybe you were starting to finally put it all together. And we’d have the kind of Pride Title match between two old grizzled veterans that this company had never truly seen before. But…when Tyler Storm spiked you with his damn Eye of the Storm...after you had chased off with a commanding lead even in your best of series...he found a way and you didn’t. If you think I’m lying…Only the Strong Survive in 2019.
After that highlight we’re at a different location entirely now...one that the hardcore FGA fan might be a little more familar with, the Liacouras Center. It’s empty, other than Iser himself up front and the poor camera man who was assigned to follow him this whole way.
Seth Iser: After that defeat you went away for a while. Got your knee fixed...wonder how that feels like…
Seth twitches in sarcasm while gritting his teeth as he takes a step forward, using the cane as support for the step.
Seth Iser: But the call of our sport was too much after you thought you were done. You came up to me...ballsy as that was to make your intentions known for the Gold Rush Rumble. The next week...you were in THIS building, the place that’s become your second home in a way, and treated to a hero’s welcome. You had a good showing...picked a fight with me in the Rumble and here we are present day for you. All Star Showdown rapidly approaching...and I’ll be confirmed to be clear by then. Brian Stryker vs Seth Iser...
A sneer creeps back onto the veteran’s face as he braces himself on that cane momentarily before he lifts the cane up himself and takes a couple of labored steps without the aid of the cane.
Seth Iser: I’m almost back. And while I’m honing myself to get back...solely with the thought of kicking your ass to prove our difference...you're starting to lose your marbles a bit. Tout...some god forsaken app or product...and then talking of leg slaps. Boy, you better find the seriousness...the resolve...the drive it took not to win the 15 Championship...no…
He shakes his head coldly before his eyes fire up.
Seth Iser: You damn sure better find the resolve you found when you got kicked your habit with drugs. The fight...the will to god damned survive! You need that extra intangible to try to match what I bring…you do that, I actually give you a chance to beat ME. The former Pride and World Champion! The greatest veteran wrestler in the world today and Wrestling’s Greatest Mind Because in that scenario you’re combining your talent with purpose! If you don’t?
A mix of absolute confidence and some fury creeping onto his face.
Seth Iser: I’m going to humble your ass in Orlando. Am I u--
Before he can conclude his speech an orange mascot walks into the shot and starts dancing in front of the camera. Those who follow hockey will know that this is Gritty, the mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers. And Seth palms his cane in disgust before using his free hand to spin the poor mascot to face him.
Seth Iser: What the hell are YOU doing? Halloween isn’t this day nor is this one of your damned sporting events. This is my time. Not hockey time. Move your ass out of the shot. Now.
Gritty continues to stare dead eyed at Seth, tilting his head to the side. Soon out from behind Gritty come the other Philadelphia mascots. The Phillie Phanatic, Swoop the Eagle, Franklin the Dog, and even Phang the Snake. They all start to circle Seth, before a finger taps him on the shoulder. Seth turns around to see a smirking Brian Stryker, wearing a long trench coat, standing there, arms folded.
Brian Stryker: Hey buddy. Surprise!
Seth Iser: What the f--
Stryker reels back and delivers a hard kick right on Seth’s chin before he can let out that four letter word. Seth stumbles back, dropping his cane as Seth bumps into Gritty. Gritty grabs Seth’s arms and holds them behind his back as the rest of the mascots start surrounding Seth. He’s yelling at Stryker and the mascots as soon a comic hail of fury fists start raining down on Seth in a beatdown that could only be believed if caught on film, which it is.
Brian Stryker: First rule of Philly Iser. Don’t shit talk us in our own city. You know what they say, “Bad things happen in Philadelphia.” I’ll see you in Orlando. Where this will all be settled.
Stryker looks down at Iser’s cane as he kneels down and picks it up. He gives it a twirl in his hand before he does a slight Gene Kelly esque dance around the mascots, whistling “Singin’ in the Rain”, while they continue their beatdown of Iser. Feather, and fur flying, and squeaking filling the Liacouras Center. When the mascots finished, Seth dropped to his knees, Stryker kneels down to his level.
Brian Stryker: You see Seth, that “resolve” you say I need? It never left. The man before you is not the man you talked about before. Not even before the drugs. The man you see before you is simply, the truth Brian Stryker. No vices, no pain, no handicaps. I am the best I will ever be. So what you’ll need to do is figure out this one thing. How do you beat a man who doesn’t fear you? Cause that’s what the truth is Seth. If anything, I pity you. I look at you and see the man I was a few years back. Broken, hobbled, and angry. A man with a body that just can’t keep up. A man angry at the world because he can’t do what he used to and who takes it out on others. That was me when I was going around acting like my shit didn’t stink. And it took me being utterly humiliated on live tv to finally say enough was enough. Consider this me paying it forward. I’m going to help you realize the errors of your ways. You’ll be thanking me Iser. Here.
Stryker stands up, placing Iser’s cane at his feet.
Brian Stryker: Orlando is waiting. Don’t make them wait to long.
With a snap of his fingers, Stryker turns and walks away, hands in his pockets. The mascots follow Stryker, the odd Mafia disappearing into the night, leaving Iser alone and embarrassed.
Seth Iser: Brian Stryker. I’m at the heart of where you kind of have a little connection with. In some ways, this place has claimed you as much if not more than the place you’re billed from and credit to you a little for that. The city that claims itself full of brotherly love in Philadelphia. But...I think a little tour here...as well as a couple of things you’ve done in your career...need to be done to put things into perspective.
We then start as Iser is walking, gritting his teeth a little for using the cane, but there is a purpose in his walk as he seems closer to being able to wrestle. After a brief little walk...we see a couple of rundown streets. A couple of people who are looking for a bit of hope glancing up at Seth before slinking away deeper into the streets as they also see the camera.
Seth Iser: I smile when I’m angry...I cheat and I lie. I do what I have to do in order to get by. But I know what is wrong...and I know what is right. And I’d die for that truth...in my secret life.
Seth doesn’t sing those lyrics but rather coldly recites those lyrics.
Seth Iser: This...is where you and I share chilling similarities, Brian. And I never say something just to hear myself talk. That would...defeat the purpose of what I’m doing now. You’ve started to become a little more open about your past transgressions with substance abuse. But this was...our secret life even in the public eye. I was wondering why your name was familiar to me even when I was younger and in the process of getting re-established for cleaning up...then it hit me.
He taps the cane down on the hard floor with a little more authority, glaring coldly at the camera with that stern expression.
Seth Iser: You took my spot on the wrestling dead pool.
A stern frown etched on his face as he lets that hang for a minute before he shakes his head.
Seth Iser: No, not the comic, a literal dead pool. Wrestling and wrestlers have a cruel sense of humor, especially back then Brian. We, at different points because of our issues with drugs, were part of a dead pool in some circles. A vicious game of prediction on who may die next because our issues were so bad. We’d both been in the hospital...arrested, discarded by portions of society even. Even if we had some notoriety...we were both like an unstable deck of cards. One last push of pressure...and it all came crumbling down. It was time for do or die…
And as Iser starts to walk away from this we have a brief little cut as he’s walking away. The next sight is far different and significantly more iconic than the rundown location Iser was at previously. A shot of the Philadelphia Museum in the background and the famous 72 steps that lead up to it. Seth takes a moment to tap his cane on the first step before turning to the camera, balancing on his good wheel.
Seth Iser: So you did what I had done...and what so many others couldn’t when wrapped in the vices and bliss of addiction...you found a way to beat it. You climbed up those daunting stairs…
As he says this, Seth is starting to go up those stairs not in that jog from Rocky but rather that limp that shows he isn’t fully healed yet but putting enough weight on his leg even with some cane support that he’s...closing the gap.
Seth Iser: Step by step...being sober actually went from being the gravest challenge to feeling like a normal part of life. Day by day...bit by bit...up these stairs we both went in our own way...trying to repair our lives. And we never really crossed paths in our respective climbs. We never bumped into each other on these harrowing roads...and maybe if we did...the cards might’ve been dealt a little differently in some aspects. I can’t pontificate on what I don’t know...but fate has a weird way of doing things to people like us...especially in our line of work.
He pushes forward a little further, some adrenaline kicking in to hide the pain as he continues walking up the steps before glancing back at the camera, and the poor camera man having to climb up said steps to keep his shot of Seth.
Seth Iser: Hell boy...when you came to this company...you fired one hell of a shot here when you got an opportunity. Trouble in Paradise...you remember the pay per view Brian...but for the unaware or the new fans...here is a reminder.
We fade out of Iser’s shot before going back in time...Trouble in Paradise 2017.
Tijerina crawls toward the ropes as Stryker tries to get steady. Stryker goes over to Tijerina, who drop toe holds him across the middle rope! Tijerina slingshots over and hits a Leg Drop across the back of Stryker’s head!
Stryker slumps to the mat, almost like he’s fainted as Tijerina continues to stomp at the head! The ref holds Tijerina off as he checks on the challenger who can barely stand! Stryker gets to his knees, but falls back to the mat! Tijerina pulls him back up at the centre of the ring and tries for Storm’s End, but Stryker’s legs go limp!
Kris Cruise: This is a cause for concern… all those blows to the head might have been too much for Stryker
Stephy Auger: That’s what Julian’s the best at. Wearing opponents down until they’re practically sludge!
Tijerina just drops Stryker as the challenger is motionless. Some younger fans look concerned as the ref goes to stop the match, but Stryker snaps to life and gets an inside cradle!
Kris Cruise: Stryker with an inside cradle! He was playing possum!
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE-KICKOUT!!!
NO, IT'S TOO LATE!!!
Kris Cruise: He’s got him!! We have a new champion!!
Stephy Auger:WHAT?! NO!
The crowd explodes as Stryker scurries out of the ring with Tijerina having kicked out just a fraction of a second too late. When he sees the ref call for the bell, the Spaniard looks unreservedly mortified.
* DING! -- DING! -- DING! *
The ref climbs out of the ring to collect the FGA 15 Championship. Stryker slowly backs up the ramp clutching at his head, clearly in pain but a wry smile shines through on his face.[/quote]
We then return from this and see that Iser has made it to the very top of the stairs with his cane out in front and a stern expression still on his face while a light air of perspiration comes over his face on this humid day in Philly, especially with his choice in attire.
Seth Iser: It felt good for you that day, didn’t it? Any championship has meaning, especially if the wrestler makes it so...and any professional wrestler that claims that gold is useless doesn’t have a damn place in our industry. Titles are a symbol of both our progress as a professional wrestler and ultimately one of the no doubt lasting images of our legacies. You can dispute many things...but nobody can take that night...away from you. Just like nobody can take the championship wins I’ve had here...away from me. Some thought this would be the springboard for you. Much like the Eagles Super Bowl Win. You had momentum...and the chance to be Pride Champion right there...
A calmness from Seth’s face as he brushes the stray hair from his face before shaking his head as if he was a disappointed teacher. He suppresses a twitch over his face, irritated about another thought that’s...coming.
Seth Iser: It just never happened for you. For one reason or another…
You can hear the sigh escaping from Seth as he again just calmly palms that cane in hand.
Seth Iser: The wrestling industry kept waiting for you Brian. We see the talent...but where is that BIG result? That one moment where we could all point to and have that indisputable proof I was talking about. Didn’t happen then. You jump Tyler Storm and proclaim a new attitude...I think maybe now for you. I was hoping...no...rooting for you to beat Tyler Storm because maybe you were starting to finally put it all together. And we’d have the kind of Pride Title match between two old grizzled veterans that this company had never truly seen before. But…when Tyler Storm spiked you with his damn Eye of the Storm...after you had chased off with a commanding lead even in your best of series...he found a way and you didn’t. If you think I’m lying…Only the Strong Survive in 2019.
Kris Cruise: Storm got caught!
Stephy Auger: YES!
Stryker keeps the Guillotine Choke applied while locking the body scissors on. Stryker looks at the Video Tron and sees time running out. He emphatically shakes his head once he realizes that he’s got Storm with nowhere to go.
Stephy Auger: Less than forty seconds left! You’ve got this, Brian!
The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. The capacity crowd is freaking out. They want Storm to win. But they realize that he’s in no man’s land. Stryker squeezes as tight as he can.
Kris Cruise: Stryker’s got it cinched in now!
Stryker repeatedly yells at Storm to tap. The crowd gasps when Storm drops to a knee. Stryker starts to laugh once he feels the end is near. If Storm won’t tap, he’ll get choked out just in time!
Stephy Auger: Storm’s nearly out of it! Just a couple more seconds and Stryker will have choked him out!
The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. He doesn’t respond. Looks of concern comes across fans in the crowd when Storm doesn’t respond to the ref after being prompted a second time. The ref raises Storm’s arm up and let’s go. The arm stays up! The crowd cheers as Storm wags his finger at the ref.
Kris Cruise: Storm’ still in this!
Stephy Auger: Is he? There’s twenty five seconds left!
Stryker shakes his head in disbelief as Storm slowly gets back to a vertical base. He then rushes forward and rams Stryker into the corner, breaking the hold! While Stryker writhes in pain in the corner, Storm stumbles back towards the center of the ring before dropping down to a seated position. An exhausted Storm slowly turns over on all fours. Once he gets back to his feet and turns around, Stryker charges out of the corner to attack…
… and gets speared for his troubles! The crowd explodes with cheers!
Kris Cruise: He got him! He got him!
Stephy Auger: Fifteen seconds!
Storm turns and looks at time winding down. He then pulls up Stryker and places him in an inverted headlock. He looks out the crowd and yells, “TIME TO…” The crowd quickly follows up with,
“BE WITNESS!”
The crowd cheers when Stryker gets clobbered across the back of the head with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into rolling elbow)! After Stryker drops to a knee, Storm quickly grabs him by the back of the tights and pulls him back to his feet. He then leans forward and lifts Stryker up onto his shoulders.
Kris Cruise: TYLER DOESN’T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT!
Stephy Auger: EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX!
Storm drives Stryker down with the Eye of the Storm!
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!
Tyler Storm -1
Brian Stryker - 0
* DING! DING!! DING!!! *
J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Best of 5 Series… TYLER STORM!!!
Stephy Auger: YES!
Stryker keeps the Guillotine Choke applied while locking the body scissors on. Stryker looks at the Video Tron and sees time running out. He emphatically shakes his head once he realizes that he’s got Storm with nowhere to go.
Stephy Auger: Less than forty seconds left! You’ve got this, Brian!
The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. The capacity crowd is freaking out. They want Storm to win. But they realize that he’s in no man’s land. Stryker squeezes as tight as he can.
Kris Cruise: Stryker’s got it cinched in now!
Stryker repeatedly yells at Storm to tap. The crowd gasps when Storm drops to a knee. Stryker starts to laugh once he feels the end is near. If Storm won’t tap, he’ll get choked out just in time!
Stephy Auger: Storm’s nearly out of it! Just a couple more seconds and Stryker will have choked him out!
The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. He doesn’t respond. Looks of concern comes across fans in the crowd when Storm doesn’t respond to the ref after being prompted a second time. The ref raises Storm’s arm up and let’s go. The arm stays up! The crowd cheers as Storm wags his finger at the ref.
Kris Cruise: Storm’ still in this!
Stephy Auger: Is he? There’s twenty five seconds left!
Stryker shakes his head in disbelief as Storm slowly gets back to a vertical base. He then rushes forward and rams Stryker into the corner, breaking the hold! While Stryker writhes in pain in the corner, Storm stumbles back towards the center of the ring before dropping down to a seated position. An exhausted Storm slowly turns over on all fours. Once he gets back to his feet and turns around, Stryker charges out of the corner to attack…
… and gets speared for his troubles! The crowd explodes with cheers!
Kris Cruise: He got him! He got him!
Stephy Auger: Fifteen seconds!
Storm turns and looks at time winding down. He then pulls up Stryker and places him in an inverted headlock. He looks out the crowd and yells, “TIME TO…” The crowd quickly follows up with,
“BE WITNESS!”
The crowd cheers when Stryker gets clobbered across the back of the head with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into rolling elbow)! After Stryker drops to a knee, Storm quickly grabs him by the back of the tights and pulls him back to his feet. He then leans forward and lifts Stryker up onto his shoulders.
Kris Cruise: TYLER DOESN’T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT!
Stephy Auger: EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX!
Storm drives Stryker down with the Eye of the Storm!
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!
Tyler Storm -1
Brian Stryker - 0
* DING! DING!! DING!!! *
J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Best of 5 Series… TYLER STORM!!!
After that highlight we’re at a different location entirely now...one that the hardcore FGA fan might be a little more familar with, the Liacouras Center. It’s empty, other than Iser himself up front and the poor camera man who was assigned to follow him this whole way.
Seth Iser: After that defeat you went away for a while. Got your knee fixed...wonder how that feels like…
Seth twitches in sarcasm while gritting his teeth as he takes a step forward, using the cane as support for the step.
Seth Iser: But the call of our sport was too much after you thought you were done. You came up to me...ballsy as that was to make your intentions known for the Gold Rush Rumble. The next week...you were in THIS building, the place that’s become your second home in a way, and treated to a hero’s welcome. You had a good showing...picked a fight with me in the Rumble and here we are present day for you. All Star Showdown rapidly approaching...and I’ll be confirmed to be clear by then. Brian Stryker vs Seth Iser...
A sneer creeps back onto the veteran’s face as he braces himself on that cane momentarily before he lifts the cane up himself and takes a couple of labored steps without the aid of the cane.
Seth Iser: I’m almost back. And while I’m honing myself to get back...solely with the thought of kicking your ass to prove our difference...you're starting to lose your marbles a bit. Tout...some god forsaken app or product...and then talking of leg slaps. Boy, you better find the seriousness...the resolve...the drive it took not to win the 15 Championship...no…
He shakes his head coldly before his eyes fire up.
Seth Iser: You damn sure better find the resolve you found when you got kicked your habit with drugs. The fight...the will to god damned survive! You need that extra intangible to try to match what I bring…you do that, I actually give you a chance to beat ME. The former Pride and World Champion! The greatest veteran wrestler in the world today and Wrestling’s Greatest Mind Because in that scenario you’re combining your talent with purpose! If you don’t?
A mix of absolute confidence and some fury creeping onto his face.
Seth Iser: I’m going to humble your ass in Orlando. Am I u--
Before he can conclude his speech an orange mascot walks into the shot and starts dancing in front of the camera. Those who follow hockey will know that this is Gritty, the mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers. And Seth palms his cane in disgust before using his free hand to spin the poor mascot to face him.
Seth Iser: What the hell are YOU doing? Halloween isn’t this day nor is this one of your damned sporting events. This is my time. Not hockey time. Move your ass out of the shot. Now.
Gritty continues to stare dead eyed at Seth, tilting his head to the side. Soon out from behind Gritty come the other Philadelphia mascots. The Phillie Phanatic, Swoop the Eagle, Franklin the Dog, and even Phang the Snake. They all start to circle Seth, before a finger taps him on the shoulder. Seth turns around to see a smirking Brian Stryker, wearing a long trench coat, standing there, arms folded.
Brian Stryker: Hey buddy. Surprise!
Seth Iser: What the f--
Stryker reels back and delivers a hard kick right on Seth’s chin before he can let out that four letter word. Seth stumbles back, dropping his cane as Seth bumps into Gritty. Gritty grabs Seth’s arms and holds them behind his back as the rest of the mascots start surrounding Seth. He’s yelling at Stryker and the mascots as soon a comic hail of fury fists start raining down on Seth in a beatdown that could only be believed if caught on film, which it is.
Brian Stryker: First rule of Philly Iser. Don’t shit talk us in our own city. You know what they say, “Bad things happen in Philadelphia.” I’ll see you in Orlando. Where this will all be settled.
Stryker looks down at Iser’s cane as he kneels down and picks it up. He gives it a twirl in his hand before he does a slight Gene Kelly esque dance around the mascots, whistling “Singin’ in the Rain”, while they continue their beatdown of Iser. Feather, and fur flying, and squeaking filling the Liacouras Center. When the mascots finished, Seth dropped to his knees, Stryker kneels down to his level.
Brian Stryker: You see Seth, that “resolve” you say I need? It never left. The man before you is not the man you talked about before. Not even before the drugs. The man you see before you is simply, the truth Brian Stryker. No vices, no pain, no handicaps. I am the best I will ever be. So what you’ll need to do is figure out this one thing. How do you beat a man who doesn’t fear you? Cause that’s what the truth is Seth. If anything, I pity you. I look at you and see the man I was a few years back. Broken, hobbled, and angry. A man with a body that just can’t keep up. A man angry at the world because he can’t do what he used to and who takes it out on others. That was me when I was going around acting like my shit didn’t stink. And it took me being utterly humiliated on live tv to finally say enough was enough. Consider this me paying it forward. I’m going to help you realize the errors of your ways. You’ll be thanking me Iser. Here.
Stryker stands up, placing Iser’s cane at his feet.
Brian Stryker: Orlando is waiting. Don’t make them wait to long.
With a snap of his fingers, Stryker turns and walks away, hands in his pockets. The mascots follow Stryker, the odd Mafia disappearing into the night, leaving Iser alone and embarrassed.