Rivalry Renewed
Sept 15, 2016 18:25:40 GMT -5
Post by Chandler Scott on Sept 15, 2016 18:25:40 GMT -5
Hospital Ángeles
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
08-25-16
◉ OFF-CAM
Emily Carter lays peacefully on her hospital bed at Hospital Ángeles in Tijuana. The previous evening, during a three team trios match, she was accidentally speared off a balcony by Prince MacRear. The move caused both wrestlers to plunge down to the stage below. Suffice to say, it was a terrifying moment for everyone inside the Coliseo Inmortal. That wasn’t how anyone wanted the night to end, especially Emily and MacRear. As their friends watched on in shock both inside the arena and at home via eVolve, the two were rushed to the nearest medical facility. Tweets expressing love and support for one, the other or both were sent throughout the night. The following morning, Emily awoke from her slumber. But when she opened her eyes, she didn’t see Annie Dupree, Molly Reid or Jensen Banks. However, she did see another familiar face. She saw…
Emily Carter: Chandler!
Emily yells out at the delight of seeing her older brother sitting next to her bed.
Chandler Scott: Hello to you, too.
He answers back with a warm smile. Emily smiles back.
Emily Carter: What are you doing here?
Chandler Scott: You’re in the hospital, Em, why wouldn’t I be here?
She shakes her head.
Emily Carter: No, I mean… how did you get here so fast? Did Annie or Jensen call you?
Chandler shakes his head.
Chandler Scott: No one had to call me. I was here the whole time.
A confused look forms on her face.
Emily Carter: What do you mean?
Chandler reaches over and places his hand on top of hers.
Chandler Scott: There hasn’t been a single match that you’ve fought where I wasn’t there. North Carolina. Your shows for SSWA. Last night. I’ve always been there.
The realization that Chandler not only never missed any of her matches, but watched live brought the biggest smile to her face.
Emily Carter: Awwww. How come you never said anything?
Chandler Scott: Why would I? It’s not about me. It’s never been about me. It’s about you going out there and doing your thing. I don’t need to announce to the world that I’m going to see my lil sis wrestle. I’m not going to put the attention on me. I want it right where it belongs. On you. I find a nice spot in the arena, just out of view, and enjoy. Besides, you don’t need the pressure of knowing that I’m out there watching. But I guess the secrets out now, huh?
Emily Carter: Pretty much.
The two share a small laugh. But the conversation turns serious.
Chandler Scott: When you took that fall last night, I can’t even put into words how scared I was. I wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. I wanted to move, but it was like I was frozen in place. You’ve been through so much this year. The last thing I ever wanted to see was you laid up in another hospital bed again. But here we are.
Emily Carter: It was an accident…
Chandler Scott: I know, I know. Don’t worry. MacRear isn’t going to get any steel steps thrown his way.
Emily cracks a smile. Despite their history, she wonders how MacRear is doing.
Emily Carter: I hope he’s okay, too.
Chandler Scott: I think so. How are you feeling, though? I know what the Doc’s said, but I want to hear it from you.
This isn’t the first time Emily’s been awake since the fall. The doctors had spoken to her an hour or so after her arrival.
Emily Carter: I think I’m gonna be okay. Just a little banged up and shook up. It’s a good thing that we broke each others fall. Does Mom know?
Chandler Scott: Uhhhhh… no, actually. Mom and I haven’t really talked since… you know…
The relationship between their mother and Chandler has been “uneasy”, to say the least, since the Page assault. Emily reaches over and puts her hand on top of his.
Emily Carter: Hey. What I said to Jessie? I meant every word of it. I don’t blame you for what happened to me. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Even Mom.
Chandler gives her a warm smile.
Chandler Scott: I know… I know…
He tries his best to change the subject.
Chandler Scott: ... So, Jensen Banks, huh?
Emily Carter: Yeah.
Chandler Scott: You like him?
Emily Carter: I love him.
He gives her another warm smile.
Chandler Scott: … that’s good, Em. Good for you.
Emily Carter: How are you? Is everything still good with you and Sa-
Chandler immediately cuts her off.
Chandler Scott: We’re not going to talk about me.
She senses something is up.
Emily Carter: ... is everything alright?
Chandler presses his tongue against the side of his mouth. He really doesn’t want to burden her with his issues. Especially not now.
Chandler Scott: Uhhhhh… no, actually. No, it’s not alright.
Emily furrows her brow. She speaks with worry, assuming the worse.
Emily Carter: Awwwwww, I’m sorry.
Chandler shakes his head as he dismisses the comment with a wave.
Chandler Scott: Hey, don’t worry about me. It is what it is. I’ll be alright. Trust me. The important thing is that you’re not hurt worse than you are. Okay?
She relents with a sigh.
Emily Carter: … okay.
Silence remains between the two as they look down. He looks back up at her.
Chandler Scott: … I love you, Em.
She looks back up at him.
Emily Carter: … love you, too, Chan-Chan.
Chandler Scott: … “Chan-Chan”. Jesus, I haven’t heard that since…
Upon hearing Emily’s childhood nickname for him, Chandler is immediately transported back to his childhood. A much happier, peaceful time when there was harmony among all five members of the family. He’s hit with a wave of emotions, which causes him to exhale deeply. He shakes his head, turns and looks back at her with a tear in his eye.
Chandler Scott: … thanks, Em.
She reaches up and wipes the tear from off his cheek.
Emily Carter: Anytime.
◉ ON-CAM
(Our feed opens to a shirt with a cartoon version of Zero McHannon’s face on it. The artist drew McHannon with his mouth agape. When the camera zooms back just a bit more, the words “Say Something Stupid™” are arched over the drawing. The camera continues to zoom out until the wearer of the shirt is revealed. It’s none other than Chandler Scott, your 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner.)
“A rivalry…” Chandler states before gathering his thoughts. “It’s defined as competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.” He continues...
“When you think of the great rivalries in sports, what are some of the ones that immediately spring to mind? Yankees-Red Sox? Duke-North Carolina? Lakers-Celtics? Canadiens-Bruins?” He asks as he gesticulates to the camera.
“Now let’s talk about wrestling. In particular, Frontier Grappling Arts.” A smirk forms.
“When someone asks ‘what are some of the greatest rivalries in FGA history?’, what are the ones that jump out at you? Chandler Scott and Blaine Harrison? Chandler Scott and Cordelia Stevenson? Chandler Scott and Jimmy Page?”
“Are you noticing a common denominator here?” Chandler asks the obvious question with another smirk.
“But there’s another storied rivalry that probably deserves some mention. And that’s the one that features myself… and Kevin Hardaway. It seems as though no matter where we go and no matter how much time has passed, our names will always be linked. I guess I understand why. It’s a story that’s run for multiple years. It’s a story that’s spanned over two to three companies. And yet another chapter will be written this Saturday when we once again lock horns. But if you’re expecting an outcome other than Chandler Scott walking out of that ring with his hand raised, then you’re just as delusional as Hardaway.”
“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear here. My relationship with the fans may have changed over these last few months. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, Kevin, and that is my intense dislike for you. I still cannot stand the sight of you. But it’s not for the same reasons as before. A long time ago back in 2012, feelings of insecurity consumed me as I looked at you,” he utters with shame. “It annoyed me that a guy like you, who had just spent two months invading and waging war against this company, could immediately be embraced by the fans after a half-hearted ‘I’m sorry’ speech. Meanwhile, I was viewed as persona non grata, even though I was on the frontline fighting the good fight for this company. The way that you were accepted into this company with open arms, it rubbed me the wrong way. It pissed me off. As those feelings of envy and jealousy began to fester, I made it my goal to rid this company of you. My mission in life was to break you in more ways than one.”
“Over the course of the first half of 2013, you and I traded momentum back and forth. Whether it was me beating you for the Pride Title and breaking your wrist… or you hitting me with a steel chair and costing me said title, the momentum continued to swing both ways. But there was one thing that was never traded between us and those were wins. Oh yeah, there were physical altercations were you got one over me on. I’ve got no problem admitting that,” he places his hands back to give Hardaway his due. “But whenever you and I stepped into the ring in any official capacity? It was always my arm that was raised. It was always my name that was echoed throughout arenas as the winner. It was always you that in that familiar position of a loser: flat on your back… helpless… hapless.”
“But that wasn’t enough for me. Oh no no no. I wanted to further drive home the point that I was better than you in every way, shape and form. I wanted that gap between the two of us to increase tenfold. So after becoming FRONTIER-exclusive in the summer of 2013, I made it my mission to conquer your old stomping grounds. You were Mr. FRONTIER! The first two-time World Champion! You were this. You were that. You used to be the man! That is, until I usurped you. Over the course of 418 days, I reigned supreme as its World Champion. And within that timespan, I established myself as the number one wrestler in that company’s history - a company whose alumni consisted of the likes of Laurel Anne Hardy, Brad Jackson and Andreas Lasiewicz, just to name a few. Within that timeframe, I obliterated every championship record there. But best of all, I made everything that you accomplished there - the wins, the titles, the moments - pale in comparison.”
“Remember those feelings of insecurity that I mentioned earlier? Remember how I told you that those feelings of envy and jealousy began to fester in me? Well as you watched from the sidelines as I wrote my name in their record book, those same feelings began to fester inside of you. And as the days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, those feelings consumed you until you reached your breaking point… on a cold night in February of 2015.” Chandler nods.
“It was on that night when you made your debut in EXODUS, which coincidentally turned out to be my last night there. But more important than that was that this was the night where you laid me out in the ring. After years of me one-upping you and out-doing your accomplishments in two promotions, you finally got your long-awaited revenge. Now had you just attacked me from behind, then I could understand it. I had done it to you many times, so turnabout would’ve been fair play. But did that happen?”
Chandler shakes his head.
“Of course it didn’t.”
“Had you stepped into the ring, walked up to my face and knocked me out with one punch, then that’s something that I could’ve respected. But again, that didn’t happen, did it?”
“Of course it didn’t.”
“What happened was this: you waited until after a match I was in to have the lights turned off, rolled into the ring and attacked me in the dark. Then when the lights came back on, you stood there tall as if you had actually accomplished something.”
Chandler shakes his head as he gives Hardaway some unenthused claps.
“Wow, doesn’t get more badass than than!” The comment was drowning in sarcasm.
“In the weeks that followed, you deluded yourself into thinking that you were instrumental in my departure from that company. You continued to talk out of your ass with comments about how you destroyed me without breaking a sweat or how I wouldn’t step foot back into that company because I was afraid of you.” He snickers. “But as people like Cordy Stevenson, Dan Herrera, and everyone else that’s had the misfortune of hearing you talk in 2016 would know, your perception of reality is extremely flawed. First off, you have never put fear into my heart. Ever. That’s number one. Number two? I had a handful of reasons for leaving that company. But number one with a bullet was me coming back here to become FGA World Champion again. That’s right, I left there so that I could become a World Champion, which is something that you haven’t been in what, five years now?” Chandler looks down at the imaginary watch on his wrist. His gaze returns to the camera. “And let’s be honest with ourselves here. We could check back in with you in 2021 and you still wouldn’t have won another World Title.”
“In the time that has passed since our last encounter, I’ve only gotten better while you? Your career has pretty much stalled. I’d attribute it to old age or the amount of wear and tear on your body. But as I look into your eyes and as I hear the words that are coming out of my mouth, it’s clear to me that you don’t have the same drive that you used to. You still try your best to sound like you’re ready for a fight. But the fire in your belly isn’t there anymore. You take a look back and compare the Hardaway from 2010 or 2011 to now? Hell, compare the Hardaway from two years ago to now and the difference is like night and day. The Hardaway back then would take what he wanted. The Hardaway back then? His actions spoke louder than his words. The Hardaway back then could have given anyone in our industry a run for their money. What do I see now? What I see now is a K-Hard who’s words are hollow. I see a K-Hard who's more known for taking passive aggressive shots at myself, Cordy Stevenson and everyone else of note in this company because he’s no longer at that level. The Hardaway I see now would rather piss and moan his way into title matches.”
“But I get it. If I got two Byes into a tournament and then lost in the very next round, I’d be salty, too. Good thing I don’t have those problems, eh buddy?” He winks at the camera.
“The Hardaway back then could actually hold his own verbally. Now, he needs Ruby Tyler to fight his battles for him. Anyone takes a shot at Hardaway? Here she comes jumping out the window with her cape flapping to rush to your defense. Because, you know, apparently it’s only okay when she insults you. Never anyone else. Let me ask you, Kev, does she tuck you into bed, too?” He can’t help but chuckle.
“Listen, the fact that you and Ruby cosplay as Ghostbusters on the weekends? That’s just awesome. I think it’s great that you have such a cool hobby outside of the sport. And I’m sure that she’s also trained you well on how to shoot firearms and handle melee weapons. But guess what? We’re not going to be at a gun range on September 17, buddy. We’re going to be at the 1st Bank Center, LIVE in Denver, Colorado. This match isn’t going to be a Hardcore Match, so you can leave the star knives and battleaxes at home. But more important than that? It’s one on one. No Ruby Tyler there to hold your hand. No Ruby Tyler there to bail you out. Only you and me, just like old times. But let’s be real with each other. Even if Ruby was there? Even if this was a tag team match? You still couldn’t get the job done, because you never have.
“You couldn’t beat me in a singles match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in a tag match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in a 60-Minute Iron Man Match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in North America.”
“You couldn’t beat me in the UK.”
“And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you won’t be beating me on Saturday.”
“Every time our paths have crossed, I’ve been just a step faster. I packed more of a punch. I was always just a step ahead of you. And that single step? That’s the difference between winning and losing, my man. Hey, you’ve had a storied career! You’ve done a lot of great things. People still remember The Headbutt! People still remember The Weed Whacker Incident! You have moments like those and many more. How many people can say that? You have a trophy case that’s adorned with title after title after title. No one can take away the titles you’ve won… unless, of course, you foolishly put them on the line in another promotion. But you would never do that, right?” Chandler smiles from ear to ear.
“In all seriousness, I’m looking forward to this. Why? Because Saturday Night is going to be Turn Back The Clock Night. You’re going to see a reinvigorated Kevin Hardaway. You’re going to see an inspired Kevin Hardaway. You are going to see Kevin Hardaway perform like he hasn’t in years because if there’s one match that Hardaway will get amped for, it’s a match against yours truly.”
“I know you, Kevin. I know you like the back of my hand. You’ve won titles and accolades and trophies from all over. But there’s one thing that you’ve never done and that’s defeat me. It’s the one thing that eats away at you to this very day. For all your achievements, you feel your career won’t be complete until you can say that you’ve defeated me. But for as much as you need this win, I need this win just as badly if not more. I’m on a hot streak right now. I need to keep that momentum going into this World Championship match. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you, of ALL people, trip me up or derail me.”
“This Saturday on Vertigo, the 1st Bank Center is going to be jumping. The fans will be cheering for their hometown boy. They’ll be cheering for Cordy, cheering for Dan, cheering for Fujiko, cheering for Karma, cheering for Molly. Hell, they’ll even be cheering for me now! But at the end of the night, Kevin? Every head will bow and every tongue will confess that CHANDLER… REIGNS… SUPREME.”
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
08-25-16
◉ OFF-CAM
Emily Carter lays peacefully on her hospital bed at Hospital Ángeles in Tijuana. The previous evening, during a three team trios match, she was accidentally speared off a balcony by Prince MacRear. The move caused both wrestlers to plunge down to the stage below. Suffice to say, it was a terrifying moment for everyone inside the Coliseo Inmortal. That wasn’t how anyone wanted the night to end, especially Emily and MacRear. As their friends watched on in shock both inside the arena and at home via eVolve, the two were rushed to the nearest medical facility. Tweets expressing love and support for one, the other or both were sent throughout the night. The following morning, Emily awoke from her slumber. But when she opened her eyes, she didn’t see Annie Dupree, Molly Reid or Jensen Banks. However, she did see another familiar face. She saw…
Emily Carter: Chandler!
Emily yells out at the delight of seeing her older brother sitting next to her bed.
Chandler Scott: Hello to you, too.
He answers back with a warm smile. Emily smiles back.
Emily Carter: What are you doing here?
Chandler Scott: You’re in the hospital, Em, why wouldn’t I be here?
She shakes her head.
Emily Carter: No, I mean… how did you get here so fast? Did Annie or Jensen call you?
Chandler shakes his head.
Chandler Scott: No one had to call me. I was here the whole time.
A confused look forms on her face.
Emily Carter: What do you mean?
Chandler reaches over and places his hand on top of hers.
Chandler Scott: There hasn’t been a single match that you’ve fought where I wasn’t there. North Carolina. Your shows for SSWA. Last night. I’ve always been there.
The realization that Chandler not only never missed any of her matches, but watched live brought the biggest smile to her face.
Emily Carter: Awwww. How come you never said anything?
Chandler Scott: Why would I? It’s not about me. It’s never been about me. It’s about you going out there and doing your thing. I don’t need to announce to the world that I’m going to see my lil sis wrestle. I’m not going to put the attention on me. I want it right where it belongs. On you. I find a nice spot in the arena, just out of view, and enjoy. Besides, you don’t need the pressure of knowing that I’m out there watching. But I guess the secrets out now, huh?
Emily Carter: Pretty much.
The two share a small laugh. But the conversation turns serious.
Chandler Scott: When you took that fall last night, I can’t even put into words how scared I was. I wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. I wanted to move, but it was like I was frozen in place. You’ve been through so much this year. The last thing I ever wanted to see was you laid up in another hospital bed again. But here we are.
Emily Carter: It was an accident…
Chandler Scott: I know, I know. Don’t worry. MacRear isn’t going to get any steel steps thrown his way.
Emily cracks a smile. Despite their history, she wonders how MacRear is doing.
Emily Carter: I hope he’s okay, too.
Chandler Scott: I think so. How are you feeling, though? I know what the Doc’s said, but I want to hear it from you.
This isn’t the first time Emily’s been awake since the fall. The doctors had spoken to her an hour or so after her arrival.
Emily Carter: I think I’m gonna be okay. Just a little banged up and shook up. It’s a good thing that we broke each others fall. Does Mom know?
Chandler Scott: Uhhhhh… no, actually. Mom and I haven’t really talked since… you know…
The relationship between their mother and Chandler has been “uneasy”, to say the least, since the Page assault. Emily reaches over and puts her hand on top of his.
Emily Carter: Hey. What I said to Jessie? I meant every word of it. I don’t blame you for what happened to me. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Even Mom.
Chandler gives her a warm smile.
Chandler Scott: I know… I know…
He tries his best to change the subject.
Chandler Scott: ... So, Jensen Banks, huh?
Emily Carter: Yeah.
Chandler Scott: You like him?
Emily Carter: I love him.
He gives her another warm smile.
Chandler Scott: … that’s good, Em. Good for you.
Emily Carter: How are you? Is everything still good with you and Sa-
Chandler immediately cuts her off.
Chandler Scott: We’re not going to talk about me.
She senses something is up.
Emily Carter: ... is everything alright?
Chandler presses his tongue against the side of his mouth. He really doesn’t want to burden her with his issues. Especially not now.
Chandler Scott: Uhhhhh… no, actually. No, it’s not alright.
Emily furrows her brow. She speaks with worry, assuming the worse.
Emily Carter: Awwwwww, I’m sorry.
Chandler shakes his head as he dismisses the comment with a wave.
Chandler Scott: Hey, don’t worry about me. It is what it is. I’ll be alright. Trust me. The important thing is that you’re not hurt worse than you are. Okay?
She relents with a sigh.
Emily Carter: … okay.
Silence remains between the two as they look down. He looks back up at her.
Chandler Scott: … I love you, Em.
She looks back up at him.
Emily Carter: … love you, too, Chan-Chan.
Chandler Scott: … “Chan-Chan”. Jesus, I haven’t heard that since…
Upon hearing Emily’s childhood nickname for him, Chandler is immediately transported back to his childhood. A much happier, peaceful time when there was harmony among all five members of the family. He’s hit with a wave of emotions, which causes him to exhale deeply. He shakes his head, turns and looks back at her with a tear in his eye.
Chandler Scott: … thanks, Em.
She reaches up and wipes the tear from off his cheek.
Emily Carter: Anytime.
◉ ON-CAM
(Our feed opens to a shirt with a cartoon version of Zero McHannon’s face on it. The artist drew McHannon with his mouth agape. When the camera zooms back just a bit more, the words “Say Something Stupid™” are arched over the drawing. The camera continues to zoom out until the wearer of the shirt is revealed. It’s none other than Chandler Scott, your 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner.)
“A rivalry…” Chandler states before gathering his thoughts. “It’s defined as competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.” He continues...
“When you think of the great rivalries in sports, what are some of the ones that immediately spring to mind? Yankees-Red Sox? Duke-North Carolina? Lakers-Celtics? Canadiens-Bruins?” He asks as he gesticulates to the camera.
“Now let’s talk about wrestling. In particular, Frontier Grappling Arts.” A smirk forms.
“When someone asks ‘what are some of the greatest rivalries in FGA history?’, what are the ones that jump out at you? Chandler Scott and Blaine Harrison? Chandler Scott and Cordelia Stevenson? Chandler Scott and Jimmy Page?”
“Are you noticing a common denominator here?” Chandler asks the obvious question with another smirk.
“But there’s another storied rivalry that probably deserves some mention. And that’s the one that features myself… and Kevin Hardaway. It seems as though no matter where we go and no matter how much time has passed, our names will always be linked. I guess I understand why. It’s a story that’s run for multiple years. It’s a story that’s spanned over two to three companies. And yet another chapter will be written this Saturday when we once again lock horns. But if you’re expecting an outcome other than Chandler Scott walking out of that ring with his hand raised, then you’re just as delusional as Hardaway.”
“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear here. My relationship with the fans may have changed over these last few months. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, Kevin, and that is my intense dislike for you. I still cannot stand the sight of you. But it’s not for the same reasons as before. A long time ago back in 2012, feelings of insecurity consumed me as I looked at you,” he utters with shame. “It annoyed me that a guy like you, who had just spent two months invading and waging war against this company, could immediately be embraced by the fans after a half-hearted ‘I’m sorry’ speech. Meanwhile, I was viewed as persona non grata, even though I was on the frontline fighting the good fight for this company. The way that you were accepted into this company with open arms, it rubbed me the wrong way. It pissed me off. As those feelings of envy and jealousy began to fester, I made it my goal to rid this company of you. My mission in life was to break you in more ways than one.”
“Over the course of the first half of 2013, you and I traded momentum back and forth. Whether it was me beating you for the Pride Title and breaking your wrist… or you hitting me with a steel chair and costing me said title, the momentum continued to swing both ways. But there was one thing that was never traded between us and those were wins. Oh yeah, there were physical altercations were you got one over me on. I’ve got no problem admitting that,” he places his hands back to give Hardaway his due. “But whenever you and I stepped into the ring in any official capacity? It was always my arm that was raised. It was always my name that was echoed throughout arenas as the winner. It was always you that in that familiar position of a loser: flat on your back… helpless… hapless.”
“But that wasn’t enough for me. Oh no no no. I wanted to further drive home the point that I was better than you in every way, shape and form. I wanted that gap between the two of us to increase tenfold. So after becoming FRONTIER-exclusive in the summer of 2013, I made it my mission to conquer your old stomping grounds. You were Mr. FRONTIER! The first two-time World Champion! You were this. You were that. You used to be the man! That is, until I usurped you. Over the course of 418 days, I reigned supreme as its World Champion. And within that timespan, I established myself as the number one wrestler in that company’s history - a company whose alumni consisted of the likes of Laurel Anne Hardy, Brad Jackson and Andreas Lasiewicz, just to name a few. Within that timeframe, I obliterated every championship record there. But best of all, I made everything that you accomplished there - the wins, the titles, the moments - pale in comparison.”
“Remember those feelings of insecurity that I mentioned earlier? Remember how I told you that those feelings of envy and jealousy began to fester in me? Well as you watched from the sidelines as I wrote my name in their record book, those same feelings began to fester inside of you. And as the days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, those feelings consumed you until you reached your breaking point… on a cold night in February of 2015.” Chandler nods.
“It was on that night when you made your debut in EXODUS, which coincidentally turned out to be my last night there. But more important than that was that this was the night where you laid me out in the ring. After years of me one-upping you and out-doing your accomplishments in two promotions, you finally got your long-awaited revenge. Now had you just attacked me from behind, then I could understand it. I had done it to you many times, so turnabout would’ve been fair play. But did that happen?”
Chandler shakes his head.
“Of course it didn’t.”
“Had you stepped into the ring, walked up to my face and knocked me out with one punch, then that’s something that I could’ve respected. But again, that didn’t happen, did it?”
“Of course it didn’t.”
“What happened was this: you waited until after a match I was in to have the lights turned off, rolled into the ring and attacked me in the dark. Then when the lights came back on, you stood there tall as if you had actually accomplished something.”
Chandler shakes his head as he gives Hardaway some unenthused claps.
“Wow, doesn’t get more badass than than!” The comment was drowning in sarcasm.
“In the weeks that followed, you deluded yourself into thinking that you were instrumental in my departure from that company. You continued to talk out of your ass with comments about how you destroyed me without breaking a sweat or how I wouldn’t step foot back into that company because I was afraid of you.” He snickers. “But as people like Cordy Stevenson, Dan Herrera, and everyone else that’s had the misfortune of hearing you talk in 2016 would know, your perception of reality is extremely flawed. First off, you have never put fear into my heart. Ever. That’s number one. Number two? I had a handful of reasons for leaving that company. But number one with a bullet was me coming back here to become FGA World Champion again. That’s right, I left there so that I could become a World Champion, which is something that you haven’t been in what, five years now?” Chandler looks down at the imaginary watch on his wrist. His gaze returns to the camera. “And let’s be honest with ourselves here. We could check back in with you in 2021 and you still wouldn’t have won another World Title.”
“In the time that has passed since our last encounter, I’ve only gotten better while you? Your career has pretty much stalled. I’d attribute it to old age or the amount of wear and tear on your body. But as I look into your eyes and as I hear the words that are coming out of my mouth, it’s clear to me that you don’t have the same drive that you used to. You still try your best to sound like you’re ready for a fight. But the fire in your belly isn’t there anymore. You take a look back and compare the Hardaway from 2010 or 2011 to now? Hell, compare the Hardaway from two years ago to now and the difference is like night and day. The Hardaway back then would take what he wanted. The Hardaway back then? His actions spoke louder than his words. The Hardaway back then could have given anyone in our industry a run for their money. What do I see now? What I see now is a K-Hard who’s words are hollow. I see a K-Hard who's more known for taking passive aggressive shots at myself, Cordy Stevenson and everyone else of note in this company because he’s no longer at that level. The Hardaway I see now would rather piss and moan his way into title matches.”
“But I get it. If I got two Byes into a tournament and then lost in the very next round, I’d be salty, too. Good thing I don’t have those problems, eh buddy?” He winks at the camera.
“The Hardaway back then could actually hold his own verbally. Now, he needs Ruby Tyler to fight his battles for him. Anyone takes a shot at Hardaway? Here she comes jumping out the window with her cape flapping to rush to your defense. Because, you know, apparently it’s only okay when she insults you. Never anyone else. Let me ask you, Kev, does she tuck you into bed, too?” He can’t help but chuckle.
“Listen, the fact that you and Ruby cosplay as Ghostbusters on the weekends? That’s just awesome. I think it’s great that you have such a cool hobby outside of the sport. And I’m sure that she’s also trained you well on how to shoot firearms and handle melee weapons. But guess what? We’re not going to be at a gun range on September 17, buddy. We’re going to be at the 1st Bank Center, LIVE in Denver, Colorado. This match isn’t going to be a Hardcore Match, so you can leave the star knives and battleaxes at home. But more important than that? It’s one on one. No Ruby Tyler there to hold your hand. No Ruby Tyler there to bail you out. Only you and me, just like old times. But let’s be real with each other. Even if Ruby was there? Even if this was a tag team match? You still couldn’t get the job done, because you never have.
“You couldn’t beat me in a singles match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in a tag match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in a 60-Minute Iron Man Match.”
“You couldn’t beat me in North America.”
“You couldn’t beat me in the UK.”
“And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you won’t be beating me on Saturday.”
“Every time our paths have crossed, I’ve been just a step faster. I packed more of a punch. I was always just a step ahead of you. And that single step? That’s the difference between winning and losing, my man. Hey, you’ve had a storied career! You’ve done a lot of great things. People still remember The Headbutt! People still remember The Weed Whacker Incident! You have moments like those and many more. How many people can say that? You have a trophy case that’s adorned with title after title after title. No one can take away the titles you’ve won… unless, of course, you foolishly put them on the line in another promotion. But you would never do that, right?” Chandler smiles from ear to ear.
“In all seriousness, I’m looking forward to this. Why? Because Saturday Night is going to be Turn Back The Clock Night. You’re going to see a reinvigorated Kevin Hardaway. You’re going to see an inspired Kevin Hardaway. You are going to see Kevin Hardaway perform like he hasn’t in years because if there’s one match that Hardaway will get amped for, it’s a match against yours truly.”
“I know you, Kevin. I know you like the back of my hand. You’ve won titles and accolades and trophies from all over. But there’s one thing that you’ve never done and that’s defeat me. It’s the one thing that eats away at you to this very day. For all your achievements, you feel your career won’t be complete until you can say that you’ve defeated me. But for as much as you need this win, I need this win just as badly if not more. I’m on a hot streak right now. I need to keep that momentum going into this World Championship match. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you, of ALL people, trip me up or derail me.”
“This Saturday on Vertigo, the 1st Bank Center is going to be jumping. The fans will be cheering for their hometown boy. They’ll be cheering for Cordy, cheering for Dan, cheering for Fujiko, cheering for Karma, cheering for Molly. Hell, they’ll even be cheering for me now! But at the end of the night, Kevin? Every head will bow and every tongue will confess that CHANDLER… REIGNS… SUPREME.”