Three Of A Kind
Nov 25, 2016 15:46:51 GMT -5
Post by ChrisMadison on Nov 25, 2016 15:46:51 GMT -5
"That wasn't quite as decisive as I had hoped it would be."
"There's no denying Evan Envi is a world class talent. I had no problems saying three years ago when we were in APW together. I had no problems saying it a few weeks ago leading into our match at FGA's five year anniversary show; and, I have no problem saying it in the aftermath. Evan Envi's problem has never been about talent; it's the fact that he thinks the world should be catering to him."
"Could he beat me?"
"I don't see why not. Three years ago he bested me, winning the match for his team in a six man elimination tag team tables match. I'm convinced that if you put Envi and I in a series of matches the end result would be a dead split down the middle. Two weeks ago just wasn't his night. In fact, in an ironic twist of events, Evan came up short because of an officials mishap; instances that usually turn in his favor. Then, in typical Evan Envi fashion, he took to social media to bitch and moan about the injustices that cost him a match."
"Injustices..."
"...more like karma turning around and biting you in the ass! If he's looking for pity from me he's barking up the wrong tree. Did the referee miss Envi's hands on the ropes? Yeah he did. But FGA's officials have also missed a handful of tights as Evan Envi pinned Rick Young and Envi's feet on the ropes as he defeated Nero Darling. I don't remember hearing them cry about the officiating after their matches with Evan Envi. But that could just be my old age setting in."
"It doesn't end there."
"As if dealing with Evan Envi's ego isn't enough to drive a man insane; for the second straight show, I have had the pleasure of running into Ryan LeCavalier after the cameras stopped filming. Now I'm not sure where this budding rivalry stems from, but if Ryan LeCavalier thinks she's going to run her mouth, flex some muscles, and scare me away, she's in for a rude awakening. Up until I re-signed with FGA, we had never crossed paths before. If it's a fight she wants, it's a fight she's going to get! I just hope she realizes what she's getting into."
"But as we're ironing out the details of our inevitable fight, it's business as usual leading into the next Vertigo. Evan Envi, he's been given the opportunity to prove that his loss to me at the Five Year Anniversary Show was a product of poor officiating as we mix it up yet again. This time, a six man tag team match that sets the table for a pay per view caliber main event. You have the Usual Suspects in your corner while I have Johnny Karma and Noelle Smith. A lot of different personalities in this match with the advantage seemingly pointing your way. In a tag team match you have former tag team champions, and perennial contenders, in your corner."
"But you know me Evan; it's going to take more than that to intimidate me."
"I may not have a history with Noelle Smith or Johnny Karma but that doesn't make us one scary trio. They, unlike you and I, know what it takes to be successful. We're the only ones in this match that haven't held FGA championship gold. To me, that speaks volumes to the level of talent that's going to fill that ring in the Ryan Center. You and I can go into this match and fight flawlessly, still coming up on the losing side of things. How confident are you that Chris Tyron or Jason Marx doesn't slip up and give you a second loss to me in as many shows?"
"Just the kind of momentum you need on your side with a Pride Championship match against Molly Reid in the not so distant future..."
The feeling of redemption was supposed to be gratifying. In the days following FGA's Five Year Anniversary show, Chris Madison reflected on his singles victory over the Pride Championship's number one contender, Evan Envi. A win was a win; the kind of sentiment that has been expressed for countless years in this business. There's never a footnote that accompanies victories in the record books. Yet, an official who was out of place, missing Evan Envi's hands grabbing the ropes as he was being pinned has robbed Chris of that feeling of satisfaction. What did he actually prove with that so-called win.
"I get it Chris; I really do. But there's not going to be a single person upset that Envi lost the way he did," Nick suggested while instinctively cracking a smile.
Chris shot his younger brother a glance, barely acknowledging his remarks. He laid on his back in the center of one of the training rings at the Warehouse with one of the students kneeling by his side. Chris interlocked his fingers behind his head while bringing his knees up towards his stomach, keeping them perpendicular to the canvas. He began to kick his legs in a pedaling motion while simultaneously bring his elbows up to touch the inside of his knees, alternating at a rapid pace between his right and left elbows. Chris paused, extending his legs outwards, keeping his heels three inches off of the mat while slightly sitting up and flexing his abdominal muscles. The student next to him suddenly rained down crushing hammer fists to Chris's exposed stomach as Nick looked down at the stopwatch in his hand. With each blow a burst of air and a grunt escaped Chris's gritting teeth.
At the twenty second mark Nick called out, "time!"
Chris sat up and crossed his legs, trying to catch his breath. Nick opened his mouth, on the verge of commenting before being interrupted. "How's he doing," the familiar voice asked.
Nick turned to find Frankie Morrison standing at his side with a cup of coffee in one hand and his other hand on his hip, slightly pushing back the navy sports coat he wore. As Frankie pressed the paper cup against his lips Nick began to vent. "He's in here killing himself like he lost. I know things didn't quite go as planned, but he still won that match. Envi didn't have the strength to pop his shoulders off of the mat. He rebounded from his loss to Annie Zellor and beat Envi down," he urged.
"You've got to cut the guy some slack. He's coming off of the most dominant stretch of his career; and his first match after a loss ends with a bit of controversy. It meant a lot to him to climb into that ring and make an example out of Evan Envi. That didn't quite happen; and now, he's trying to prevent another mishap," Frankie explained, knowing the intricate workings of his client's mind.
"Even if it means killing himself? Just the other week he was in here until the early hours of the morning; training non stop. I know we always joke around about him being more like a machine than a man, but machines break down. He needs rest. He needs," Nick disclosed with the utmost concern for his brother. He knew if anyone could get through to him it was Morrison.
"I know," Frankie said cutting Nick short. "Rest just isn't in the cards right now. The best thing I can do is deliver some good news and get his head out of the gutter."
The skepticism in Nick's squinted eyes was an instant tell in his lack of faith. He didn't believe it was as simple as delivering good news, but wasn't going to stop him from trying. "Have at it," Nick offered while motioning forward towards the ring and taking a step back.
Frankie walked up to the ring apron and continued sipping on his cup of coffee as Chris pushed himself through another round of the same abdominal workout. Frankie winced with each echoing blow to the body as he waited for the opportune time to chime in. The student threw his last hammer fist and then slumped backwards into a seated position. Chris sat upright again and reached out to shake the students hand, thanking him for his help. "You couldn't pay me enough to willing take shots like that," Frankie exclaimed. Chris looked over at his manager and hugged before shaking his head with a smirk on his face. The student pulled a boxing glove off of the hand he was striking with and then began to unravel his hand wrap. "You got a minute Chris," Frankie asked while nodding his head to the side.
Reluctantly, Chris rolled out of the ring under the bottom rope and sat up on the ring apron. He was thrown a towel that he snatched out of mid air with one hand, and began to wipe himself down. Without making eye contact he gave his manager the platform he was looking for. "What is it Frankie? I'm a little busy right now," he said.
"I've been on the horn all day with FGA offices. Next card was announced," he informed his client. Chris shot his head up and awaited the reveal of his next opponent. "I think you'll be pretty happy about. You're setting up the main event in a six man tag match. Three people to take your frustrations out on!"
Chris nodded his head as he spiked the towel down by his side. "I feel bad for the three poor souls that's being thrown across the ring from me," Chris warned. "Who else is involved in this match?"
"You're teaming with Noelle Smith and Johnny Karma," he instructed his client. "How's the Usual Suspects sound?"
"Like fresh meat being dangled into a lion's den! Who's their partner though," Chris instinctively asked, sensing that his manager was leaving out the best for last.
"It's time to prove your superiority again," he insisted. "Evan Envi!"
Chris's face lit up like a child getting his first glimpse of the gifts left out by Santa Claus on Christmas morning. "You better not be pulling my leg Frankie," he cautioned with sincerity.
"Trust me, I'm not messing with you. You, Noelle, and Johnny Karma will face off with Evan Envi, Jason Marx, and Chris Tyron on the twenty-sixth," he reassured. "I know you weren't exactly thrilled with the way things ended at the Five Year Anniversary Show. This gives you the chance to drive home the fact that inside the squared circle, you're undoubtedly better than Evan Envi!"
"You sure know the right strings to pull," Chris chuckled. "Six man tag? I can get on board for that. After seeing the replay, seeing Envi's hands grabbing that bottom rope, it kind of feels like an empty victory. I wanted nothing more than to prove that I'm better than he is; I wanted to drag him back down to reality. The only thing that outcome accomplished was feeding into this false sense of reality that he sells so well."
"Envi is a salesman. He's got a silver tongue and could probably sell sand in a desert. With this being a six man tag match there's no guarantee that you're coming out of this satisfied," Frankie advising Chris of the reality he already knew. "If you don't factor into the fall, all of those questions still exist."
"No. After this, my focus shifts for the time being," Chris reassured his manager. "I mean don't get me wrong, it'd be nice to have my hand raised with Evan Envi crumbled at my feet. But I know there's too many different factors to be confident in that being the exact outcome. Eventually everyone is going to stop buy Evan Envi's bullshit. Although, a few more Molly Kick's to the head and he'll just keep diving down into that rabbit hole that he tries to persuade and reality."
"I got the sense from his reactions on social media that he despised you, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what you had done that was so horrible," Frankie reflected while trying to remember the distant past of their APW days. "He's convinced that you cost him the APW Overdrive Championship and sent him packing from the company."
"Which couldn't be any further from the truth," Chris blurted with a look of disbelief. "It was common knowledge that he had already signed a new deal with SCW. He packed his own bags and had the intention of taking the APW Overdrive Championship with him. If anyone cost him that match and handed the Overdrive Championship to Tommy Knox it was Alexander Duvall and Niobe Martin. They're the ones that were neck deep in shit, not me. I kept my nose clean of that one."
"Yeah, in his mind you were the one with the loaded gun," Frankie joked, finding humor in Evan Envi's absurdity.
"Right! And this is how crazy his mind works. He's moaning because people got involved meanwhile Jenny Knite was notorious for giving him a helping hand! Just like now, nothing has changed; he's crying because of the way the match ended when he just won twice in the last few months by cheating! Everything's only acceptable if it works in his favor," Chris declared. "At least I've got a couple of partners who are fully capable of handling themselves for this one," he acknowledged as he suddenly changed gears.
"Absolutely! Karma and Noelle are world class. A former two time Pride Champion and a former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion in your corner, fighting by your side, can't go wrong there," Frankie agreed. "And they'll be just as motivated for this match as you are. They're dying to get their hands on the Usual Suspects."
"Barring any unforeseen hiccups, they'll get their hands on them. I don't have my sights on Marx or Tyron. Hell, if you didn't tell me they were in this match they would have never crossed my mind," Chris explained. "From what I've seen, they're one hell of a tag team. A classic ripped from the pages of wrestling history. I know Johnny Karma is going through some personal hardships. But he seems to have a good support system in place between Cherry Baum and Noelle. I'm thinking this match is just what the doctor ordered for him."
"First one back since his loss," Frankie asked.
"Believe so," Chris replied.
"Yeah, could be emotional for him. At least he'll have you and Noelle to lean on if things get a little out of control," Frankie pointed out.
"He's definitely going to be the wildcard in all of this," Chris alluded to. "Evan Envi is Evan Envi. Put his delusions aside and you still have a perennial championship contender. Marx and Tyron with Rother at their side are capable of doing anything to pick up the win."
Frankie was quick offer himself up at ringside despite the fact he usually keeps himself tucked away in the backstage area. "I don't know how much help I could be out there. Usually I let you just go out there and take care of business your way. But if it's just a matter of keeping Rother in check I'm fairly certain I can pull through for the three of you," he enthusiastically volunteered.
"Might not be all that bad of an idea," Chris uttered with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"It wouldn't be the first time I've accompanied you to the ring. I usually escort Elena down to the ring for her matches," he said, speaking of his other client, Elena DeDraca.
Chris nodded his head as the corner of his mouth slowly raised. "May not be all that bad of an idea," he acknowledged.
Chris Madison was sitting inside the locker room of his training facility on a wooden bench with his back pressed against a row of lockers. He reached up and scratched at his scruffy beard while trying to catch his breath.
"This time of year everyone tends to reflect on what they have in their lives that help push them through the daily grind. Friends, family, wealth, good health, generally most people can find something to be thankful for."
"I'm thankful for all of the opportunities that I've gotten over a long career that's vastly approaching seventeen years. Week by week I get to march out to that ring and do what I love. When I chose to walk from 4CW I was taking a bit of a leap of faith. FGA didn't owe me a second shot to prove myself. 4CW was a sure thing; I had carved myself a nice spot in the company and was arguably the best talent they had under contract. But the challenge of being successful in a place which seemed to have my number drew me away. I know the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but god damn, it's been an easy transition!"
"Just a few months in and I've already had an opportunity in a tournament to crown the FGA World Champion. I've also gotten mix it up with some of the toughest in this industry; picking up wins over people like Ruby Tyler, Molly Reid, and Evan Envi. Redemption has been fueling my return to FGA. I'm not there yet, but the résumé I've been putting together over a short period of time has been steps in the right direction."
Chris paused momentarily as he leaned forward.
"In a few days I get the chance to add to that résumé as I take on Evan Envi once again; this time with Chris Tyron and Jason Marx by his side. Two weeks ago Envi and I took turns trying to break each other down. I may not like the guy but I'll never deny his ability to wrestle. I finished him off by dropping him down on the back of his neck with the End Game. Knowing he didn't have the strength to pop a shoulder up off of the mat, he reached out and grabbed the bottom rope out of desperation. The official missed it; his ring awareness was spot on and the match should have continued. But if it had, what would have been different?"
"Evan Envi's head wasn't in that match. He knows he's got a guaranteed shot at Molly Reid's Pride Championship. Nothing left to prove until they square off at Final Frontier. But that's a dangerous approach to take. Evan, you're not being thrown into squash matches that you should easily walk out with your hand raised. FGA is still challenging you, gauging what they could possibly have if you are to dethrone Molly Reid. Right now, you're not doing yourself any favors. But what did you expect? You know who I am. You know what I can do. You've seen my dirty work first hand. Taking me lightly is dangerous, even career threatening."
"But this is what you wanted right? You couldn't accept that the referee made a mistake. You wanted a continuation. Now you get me for the second straight show. I'm not going to ease up on you. This persistent whining only makes me want to pummel your face in even more than before. Stupid me figured you'd just take your lumps and move along; try and reserve yourself for that upcoming title match. I'm starting to think that Molly kick may have done more damage than initially suspected."
"I get the false sense of security that having former tag team champions by your side in a six man tag team match provides. But before you crown yourselves the winners of this match, take an honest look at the trio standing across from you. I'm the least decorated of the three and I might be your worst nightmare in that ring. Tyron and Marx haven't gotten to experience the relentless barrage of offense I bring to the table. As a partner it's your responsibility to let them know what you're getting yourselves into."
"But you wouldn't understand that, would you?"
"Everything is always all about Evan Envi. It doesn't matter what Marx and Tyron have been up to. Their sole purpose is to make sure you make it through the night. They might not know it yet, but they're simply pawns in your game of chess."
Madison rolled his head clockwise, forcing his neck to crack before looking back into the camera in front of him.
"But those are roles that you boys are used to, aren't they?"
"Ever since you came to FGA, you've had someone holding your hands along the way; standing in your corner through every match. When you first debuted in FGA three and a half years ago it was Tiffany Lawrence Michaels; today it's Anthony Rother. There's no denying that you're a talented tag team. You took FGA by storm the first time around, and have cemented your spots in your return. I can't help but wonder how much of that success is thanks to the people you surround yourselves with?"
"Michaels, Rother, they've played pivotal roles in plenty of your wins. Whether it's distracting the referee or unsuspectingly grabbing a foot under the bottom rope, a hand is always needed in order to come out on top. What would Chris Tyron and Jason Marx be without that additional person standing in their corner who's willing to do whatever it takes to give them a helping hand?"
"I get the sense that we may never know. A couple of cowards like you boys never leave home without that insurance policy following by your side. A true sign of the insecurities that fill those weak minds of yours..."
"When you left FGA the first time around, this company continued to grow, continued to thrive. WITHOUT YOU! And now, in your return, the only reason you've stay afloat is because of that weasel that accompanies you to the ring. This match, it has enough volatile personalities involved to to explode into an uncontrollable war. The official in charge is going to have his hands more than full. Seems like the perfect environment for Rother to dirty his hands."
"But what would happen if Rother was neutralized? We've seen it. Ruby Tyler and Kevin Hardaway beat you guys after Rother pissed his pants like the little bitch that he is. Status Quo retained their FGA Tag Team Championships after Peaches speared him into the security guard railing. Without him leading your charge, you boys are simply failures! You aren't the tag team experts that you parade around to be; just the beneficiaries of a titled playing field."
"Guess what?"
"That won't be the case come Vertigo!"
"Although Noelle, Karma, and I may not have much experience, the potential of this trio is unmatched. It's going to take more than some sniffling little suit to knock me off of my game. There isn't a trick up Rother's sleeve that I haven't seen over the years. If he insists on getting himself involved, proper measures will be taken! You guys aren't the only ones with a manager who's willing to get himself involved..."
Madison smirked as he nodded his head.
"At Vertigo, The Usual Suspects and Evan Envi are going to be exposed for who they truly are... COWARDS, three of a kind, who've always got to bend the rules in order to level the playing field. When all is said and done, the three of you will be crawling your way backstage trying to concoct another pathetic excuse for what went wrong; it's what you guys do best. The only problem, no one's buying the B.S. you're selling!"
Madison rose to his feet and walked off camera as the scene cut to black.
"There's no denying Evan Envi is a world class talent. I had no problems saying three years ago when we were in APW together. I had no problems saying it a few weeks ago leading into our match at FGA's five year anniversary show; and, I have no problem saying it in the aftermath. Evan Envi's problem has never been about talent; it's the fact that he thinks the world should be catering to him."
"Could he beat me?"
"I don't see why not. Three years ago he bested me, winning the match for his team in a six man elimination tag team tables match. I'm convinced that if you put Envi and I in a series of matches the end result would be a dead split down the middle. Two weeks ago just wasn't his night. In fact, in an ironic twist of events, Evan came up short because of an officials mishap; instances that usually turn in his favor. Then, in typical Evan Envi fashion, he took to social media to bitch and moan about the injustices that cost him a match."
"Injustices..."
"...more like karma turning around and biting you in the ass! If he's looking for pity from me he's barking up the wrong tree. Did the referee miss Envi's hands on the ropes? Yeah he did. But FGA's officials have also missed a handful of tights as Evan Envi pinned Rick Young and Envi's feet on the ropes as he defeated Nero Darling. I don't remember hearing them cry about the officiating after their matches with Evan Envi. But that could just be my old age setting in."
"It doesn't end there."
"As if dealing with Evan Envi's ego isn't enough to drive a man insane; for the second straight show, I have had the pleasure of running into Ryan LeCavalier after the cameras stopped filming. Now I'm not sure where this budding rivalry stems from, but if Ryan LeCavalier thinks she's going to run her mouth, flex some muscles, and scare me away, she's in for a rude awakening. Up until I re-signed with FGA, we had never crossed paths before. If it's a fight she wants, it's a fight she's going to get! I just hope she realizes what she's getting into."
"But as we're ironing out the details of our inevitable fight, it's business as usual leading into the next Vertigo. Evan Envi, he's been given the opportunity to prove that his loss to me at the Five Year Anniversary Show was a product of poor officiating as we mix it up yet again. This time, a six man tag team match that sets the table for a pay per view caliber main event. You have the Usual Suspects in your corner while I have Johnny Karma and Noelle Smith. A lot of different personalities in this match with the advantage seemingly pointing your way. In a tag team match you have former tag team champions, and perennial contenders, in your corner."
"But you know me Evan; it's going to take more than that to intimidate me."
"I may not have a history with Noelle Smith or Johnny Karma but that doesn't make us one scary trio. They, unlike you and I, know what it takes to be successful. We're the only ones in this match that haven't held FGA championship gold. To me, that speaks volumes to the level of talent that's going to fill that ring in the Ryan Center. You and I can go into this match and fight flawlessly, still coming up on the losing side of things. How confident are you that Chris Tyron or Jason Marx doesn't slip up and give you a second loss to me in as many shows?"
"Just the kind of momentum you need on your side with a Pride Championship match against Molly Reid in the not so distant future..."
_______________________________________________________________
November 14th, 2016
Long Island, New York
Long Island, New York
The feeling of redemption was supposed to be gratifying. In the days following FGA's Five Year Anniversary show, Chris Madison reflected on his singles victory over the Pride Championship's number one contender, Evan Envi. A win was a win; the kind of sentiment that has been expressed for countless years in this business. There's never a footnote that accompanies victories in the record books. Yet, an official who was out of place, missing Evan Envi's hands grabbing the ropes as he was being pinned has robbed Chris of that feeling of satisfaction. What did he actually prove with that so-called win.
"I get it Chris; I really do. But there's not going to be a single person upset that Envi lost the way he did," Nick suggested while instinctively cracking a smile.
Chris shot his younger brother a glance, barely acknowledging his remarks. He laid on his back in the center of one of the training rings at the Warehouse with one of the students kneeling by his side. Chris interlocked his fingers behind his head while bringing his knees up towards his stomach, keeping them perpendicular to the canvas. He began to kick his legs in a pedaling motion while simultaneously bring his elbows up to touch the inside of his knees, alternating at a rapid pace between his right and left elbows. Chris paused, extending his legs outwards, keeping his heels three inches off of the mat while slightly sitting up and flexing his abdominal muscles. The student next to him suddenly rained down crushing hammer fists to Chris's exposed stomach as Nick looked down at the stopwatch in his hand. With each blow a burst of air and a grunt escaped Chris's gritting teeth.
At the twenty second mark Nick called out, "time!"
Chris sat up and crossed his legs, trying to catch his breath. Nick opened his mouth, on the verge of commenting before being interrupted. "How's he doing," the familiar voice asked.
Nick turned to find Frankie Morrison standing at his side with a cup of coffee in one hand and his other hand on his hip, slightly pushing back the navy sports coat he wore. As Frankie pressed the paper cup against his lips Nick began to vent. "He's in here killing himself like he lost. I know things didn't quite go as planned, but he still won that match. Envi didn't have the strength to pop his shoulders off of the mat. He rebounded from his loss to Annie Zellor and beat Envi down," he urged.
"You've got to cut the guy some slack. He's coming off of the most dominant stretch of his career; and his first match after a loss ends with a bit of controversy. It meant a lot to him to climb into that ring and make an example out of Evan Envi. That didn't quite happen; and now, he's trying to prevent another mishap," Frankie explained, knowing the intricate workings of his client's mind.
"Even if it means killing himself? Just the other week he was in here until the early hours of the morning; training non stop. I know we always joke around about him being more like a machine than a man, but machines break down. He needs rest. He needs," Nick disclosed with the utmost concern for his brother. He knew if anyone could get through to him it was Morrison.
"I know," Frankie said cutting Nick short. "Rest just isn't in the cards right now. The best thing I can do is deliver some good news and get his head out of the gutter."
The skepticism in Nick's squinted eyes was an instant tell in his lack of faith. He didn't believe it was as simple as delivering good news, but wasn't going to stop him from trying. "Have at it," Nick offered while motioning forward towards the ring and taking a step back.
Frankie walked up to the ring apron and continued sipping on his cup of coffee as Chris pushed himself through another round of the same abdominal workout. Frankie winced with each echoing blow to the body as he waited for the opportune time to chime in. The student threw his last hammer fist and then slumped backwards into a seated position. Chris sat upright again and reached out to shake the students hand, thanking him for his help. "You couldn't pay me enough to willing take shots like that," Frankie exclaimed. Chris looked over at his manager and hugged before shaking his head with a smirk on his face. The student pulled a boxing glove off of the hand he was striking with and then began to unravel his hand wrap. "You got a minute Chris," Frankie asked while nodding his head to the side.
Reluctantly, Chris rolled out of the ring under the bottom rope and sat up on the ring apron. He was thrown a towel that he snatched out of mid air with one hand, and began to wipe himself down. Without making eye contact he gave his manager the platform he was looking for. "What is it Frankie? I'm a little busy right now," he said.
"I've been on the horn all day with FGA offices. Next card was announced," he informed his client. Chris shot his head up and awaited the reveal of his next opponent. "I think you'll be pretty happy about. You're setting up the main event in a six man tag match. Three people to take your frustrations out on!"
Chris nodded his head as he spiked the towel down by his side. "I feel bad for the three poor souls that's being thrown across the ring from me," Chris warned. "Who else is involved in this match?"
"You're teaming with Noelle Smith and Johnny Karma," he instructed his client. "How's the Usual Suspects sound?"
"Like fresh meat being dangled into a lion's den! Who's their partner though," Chris instinctively asked, sensing that his manager was leaving out the best for last.
"It's time to prove your superiority again," he insisted. "Evan Envi!"
Chris's face lit up like a child getting his first glimpse of the gifts left out by Santa Claus on Christmas morning. "You better not be pulling my leg Frankie," he cautioned with sincerity.
"Trust me, I'm not messing with you. You, Noelle, and Johnny Karma will face off with Evan Envi, Jason Marx, and Chris Tyron on the twenty-sixth," he reassured. "I know you weren't exactly thrilled with the way things ended at the Five Year Anniversary Show. This gives you the chance to drive home the fact that inside the squared circle, you're undoubtedly better than Evan Envi!"
"You sure know the right strings to pull," Chris chuckled. "Six man tag? I can get on board for that. After seeing the replay, seeing Envi's hands grabbing that bottom rope, it kind of feels like an empty victory. I wanted nothing more than to prove that I'm better than he is; I wanted to drag him back down to reality. The only thing that outcome accomplished was feeding into this false sense of reality that he sells so well."
"Envi is a salesman. He's got a silver tongue and could probably sell sand in a desert. With this being a six man tag match there's no guarantee that you're coming out of this satisfied," Frankie advising Chris of the reality he already knew. "If you don't factor into the fall, all of those questions still exist."
"No. After this, my focus shifts for the time being," Chris reassured his manager. "I mean don't get me wrong, it'd be nice to have my hand raised with Evan Envi crumbled at my feet. But I know there's too many different factors to be confident in that being the exact outcome. Eventually everyone is going to stop buy Evan Envi's bullshit. Although, a few more Molly Kick's to the head and he'll just keep diving down into that rabbit hole that he tries to persuade and reality."
"I got the sense from his reactions on social media that he despised you, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what you had done that was so horrible," Frankie reflected while trying to remember the distant past of their APW days. "He's convinced that you cost him the APW Overdrive Championship and sent him packing from the company."
"Which couldn't be any further from the truth," Chris blurted with a look of disbelief. "It was common knowledge that he had already signed a new deal with SCW. He packed his own bags and had the intention of taking the APW Overdrive Championship with him. If anyone cost him that match and handed the Overdrive Championship to Tommy Knox it was Alexander Duvall and Niobe Martin. They're the ones that were neck deep in shit, not me. I kept my nose clean of that one."
"Yeah, in his mind you were the one with the loaded gun," Frankie joked, finding humor in Evan Envi's absurdity.
"Right! And this is how crazy his mind works. He's moaning because people got involved meanwhile Jenny Knite was notorious for giving him a helping hand! Just like now, nothing has changed; he's crying because of the way the match ended when he just won twice in the last few months by cheating! Everything's only acceptable if it works in his favor," Chris declared. "At least I've got a couple of partners who are fully capable of handling themselves for this one," he acknowledged as he suddenly changed gears.
"Absolutely! Karma and Noelle are world class. A former two time Pride Champion and a former Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion in your corner, fighting by your side, can't go wrong there," Frankie agreed. "And they'll be just as motivated for this match as you are. They're dying to get their hands on the Usual Suspects."
"Barring any unforeseen hiccups, they'll get their hands on them. I don't have my sights on Marx or Tyron. Hell, if you didn't tell me they were in this match they would have never crossed my mind," Chris explained. "From what I've seen, they're one hell of a tag team. A classic ripped from the pages of wrestling history. I know Johnny Karma is going through some personal hardships. But he seems to have a good support system in place between Cherry Baum and Noelle. I'm thinking this match is just what the doctor ordered for him."
"First one back since his loss," Frankie asked.
"Believe so," Chris replied.
"Yeah, could be emotional for him. At least he'll have you and Noelle to lean on if things get a little out of control," Frankie pointed out.
"He's definitely going to be the wildcard in all of this," Chris alluded to. "Evan Envi is Evan Envi. Put his delusions aside and you still have a perennial championship contender. Marx and Tyron with Rother at their side are capable of doing anything to pick up the win."
Frankie was quick offer himself up at ringside despite the fact he usually keeps himself tucked away in the backstage area. "I don't know how much help I could be out there. Usually I let you just go out there and take care of business your way. But if it's just a matter of keeping Rother in check I'm fairly certain I can pull through for the three of you," he enthusiastically volunteered.
"Might not be all that bad of an idea," Chris uttered with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"It wouldn't be the first time I've accompanied you to the ring. I usually escort Elena down to the ring for her matches," he said, speaking of his other client, Elena DeDraca.
Chris nodded his head as the corner of his mouth slowly raised. "May not be all that bad of an idea," he acknowledged.
_______________________________________________________________
FGA Video Diary: Series 2 - Volume #4
November 23rd, 2016
Long Island, New York
November 23rd, 2016
Long Island, New York
[•REC]
Chris Madison was sitting inside the locker room of his training facility on a wooden bench with his back pressed against a row of lockers. He reached up and scratched at his scruffy beard while trying to catch his breath.
"This time of year everyone tends to reflect on what they have in their lives that help push them through the daily grind. Friends, family, wealth, good health, generally most people can find something to be thankful for."
"I'm thankful for all of the opportunities that I've gotten over a long career that's vastly approaching seventeen years. Week by week I get to march out to that ring and do what I love. When I chose to walk from 4CW I was taking a bit of a leap of faith. FGA didn't owe me a second shot to prove myself. 4CW was a sure thing; I had carved myself a nice spot in the company and was arguably the best talent they had under contract. But the challenge of being successful in a place which seemed to have my number drew me away. I know the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but god damn, it's been an easy transition!"
"Just a few months in and I've already had an opportunity in a tournament to crown the FGA World Champion. I've also gotten mix it up with some of the toughest in this industry; picking up wins over people like Ruby Tyler, Molly Reid, and Evan Envi. Redemption has been fueling my return to FGA. I'm not there yet, but the résumé I've been putting together over a short period of time has been steps in the right direction."
Chris paused momentarily as he leaned forward.
"In a few days I get the chance to add to that résumé as I take on Evan Envi once again; this time with Chris Tyron and Jason Marx by his side. Two weeks ago Envi and I took turns trying to break each other down. I may not like the guy but I'll never deny his ability to wrestle. I finished him off by dropping him down on the back of his neck with the End Game. Knowing he didn't have the strength to pop a shoulder up off of the mat, he reached out and grabbed the bottom rope out of desperation. The official missed it; his ring awareness was spot on and the match should have continued. But if it had, what would have been different?"
"Evan Envi's head wasn't in that match. He knows he's got a guaranteed shot at Molly Reid's Pride Championship. Nothing left to prove until they square off at Final Frontier. But that's a dangerous approach to take. Evan, you're not being thrown into squash matches that you should easily walk out with your hand raised. FGA is still challenging you, gauging what they could possibly have if you are to dethrone Molly Reid. Right now, you're not doing yourself any favors. But what did you expect? You know who I am. You know what I can do. You've seen my dirty work first hand. Taking me lightly is dangerous, even career threatening."
"But this is what you wanted right? You couldn't accept that the referee made a mistake. You wanted a continuation. Now you get me for the second straight show. I'm not going to ease up on you. This persistent whining only makes me want to pummel your face in even more than before. Stupid me figured you'd just take your lumps and move along; try and reserve yourself for that upcoming title match. I'm starting to think that Molly kick may have done more damage than initially suspected."
"I get the false sense of security that having former tag team champions by your side in a six man tag team match provides. But before you crown yourselves the winners of this match, take an honest look at the trio standing across from you. I'm the least decorated of the three and I might be your worst nightmare in that ring. Tyron and Marx haven't gotten to experience the relentless barrage of offense I bring to the table. As a partner it's your responsibility to let them know what you're getting yourselves into."
"But you wouldn't understand that, would you?"
"Everything is always all about Evan Envi. It doesn't matter what Marx and Tyron have been up to. Their sole purpose is to make sure you make it through the night. They might not know it yet, but they're simply pawns in your game of chess."
Madison rolled his head clockwise, forcing his neck to crack before looking back into the camera in front of him.
"But those are roles that you boys are used to, aren't they?"
"Ever since you came to FGA, you've had someone holding your hands along the way; standing in your corner through every match. When you first debuted in FGA three and a half years ago it was Tiffany Lawrence Michaels; today it's Anthony Rother. There's no denying that you're a talented tag team. You took FGA by storm the first time around, and have cemented your spots in your return. I can't help but wonder how much of that success is thanks to the people you surround yourselves with?"
"Michaels, Rother, they've played pivotal roles in plenty of your wins. Whether it's distracting the referee or unsuspectingly grabbing a foot under the bottom rope, a hand is always needed in order to come out on top. What would Chris Tyron and Jason Marx be without that additional person standing in their corner who's willing to do whatever it takes to give them a helping hand?"
"I get the sense that we may never know. A couple of cowards like you boys never leave home without that insurance policy following by your side. A true sign of the insecurities that fill those weak minds of yours..."
"When you left FGA the first time around, this company continued to grow, continued to thrive. WITHOUT YOU! And now, in your return, the only reason you've stay afloat is because of that weasel that accompanies you to the ring. This match, it has enough volatile personalities involved to to explode into an uncontrollable war. The official in charge is going to have his hands more than full. Seems like the perfect environment for Rother to dirty his hands."
"But what would happen if Rother was neutralized? We've seen it. Ruby Tyler and Kevin Hardaway beat you guys after Rother pissed his pants like the little bitch that he is. Status Quo retained their FGA Tag Team Championships after Peaches speared him into the security guard railing. Without him leading your charge, you boys are simply failures! You aren't the tag team experts that you parade around to be; just the beneficiaries of a titled playing field."
"Guess what?"
"That won't be the case come Vertigo!"
"Although Noelle, Karma, and I may not have much experience, the potential of this trio is unmatched. It's going to take more than some sniffling little suit to knock me off of my game. There isn't a trick up Rother's sleeve that I haven't seen over the years. If he insists on getting himself involved, proper measures will be taken! You guys aren't the only ones with a manager who's willing to get himself involved..."
Madison smirked as he nodded his head.
"At Vertigo, The Usual Suspects and Evan Envi are going to be exposed for who they truly are... COWARDS, three of a kind, who've always got to bend the rules in order to level the playing field. When all is said and done, the three of you will be crawling your way backstage trying to concoct another pathetic excuse for what went wrong; it's what you guys do best. The only problem, no one's buying the B.S. you're selling!"
Madison rose to his feet and walked off camera as the scene cut to black.
