7 Years In The Making

[Chaz Holiday]

*** "The Itch." It's a term you hear all the time in the wrestling business. Someone that's been out of in-ring action for an extended period of time and eager to get back in. Craving it, like a vice. Chaz Holiday had found himself in just that situation. He's had only a limited amount of matches over the past several years - opting to semi-retire from the sport. But he wasn't ready to call quits completely. And this was the reason why. He knew he still had plenty of gas in the tank and for that reason, he knew he'd still want to compete on occasion.

The latest occasion occurred when he was at his home is Los Angels, watching television, one night. A commercial for FGA's upcoming Pay-Per-View event, Only The Strong Survive, aired. It showcased the big Undisputed Championship match, as well as the Gold Rush Rumble - something Chaz took part in seven years ago. That got him thinking; what if? Rumbles in Pro Wrestling are notorious for debuts, returns and general surprises. With that thought in mind and without hesitation, Chaz grabbed his cellphone off of the table, next to him. Going into his contacts, he found the number he was looking for and hit "call". ***

Chaz Holiday: Hello? Hey, it's Chaz!... I'm great, how are you? How's business?.... Awesome! I'm happy to hear that! I know things have been rough on the wrestling business, this past year... Well that's fantastic. Hey, look... I had an idea... and I want to run it past you.  I just saw your commercial on TV, for the big show coming up. And I was wondering, do you have the Rumble all booked up?... You don't? Interesting. Well, would you possibly be interested in having me participate in it? I'm free on the date of the show and I'd love to stop by, see some friends and partake in the Rumble, if you're interested of course. If not, no hard feelings. I know it's kind of last minute... Yeah? Really?... Great!! Yeah, I'm happy to do it! I'm excited!... I'm glad I made the call too! Look, I know you're busy, so I'll let you go. I'll see you soon!... Okay, great! Talk soon! Buh bye!

*** After that, with a five minute phone call, Chaz had found himself booked for the show. He was elated and somewhat nervous. But he knew those nerves would quickly disappear. He wouldn't have time to be nervous. It was time to prep. It was time to get ready. It was time to scratch that itch. ***

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*** It was another sunny day in LA - the usual. With the warm sun shinning bright, it made for the ideal occasion to take the opportunity to spend some time at the pool. And that's exactly what Chaz Holiday was doing. Lounging pool side, within his gated backyard, Chaz had a cold drink (very possibly, most definitely of the alcoholic variation) in hand. His free hand rested behind his head, some designer sunglasses shielding his eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. He took a sip from his drink, letting out a satisfied sigh afterwards. ***

Chaz Holiday: You know what, ladies and gentlemen? Life is pretty darn good, right now. Everyone is coming off of, probably, the most taxing year and a half of their lives. Things are starting to return to normal, or at least close to normal. And for me in particular, I'm doing more wrestling than I've done in a while. It's days like today that I really reflect on how truly blessed I am.

*** He took another small sip from the beverage, before setting the glass down beside him. ***

Chaz Holiday: I'll be honest. I wasn't sure I'd wrestle again, after my last stint with the FGA, in 2020. I felt pretty content with things. But then the urges started building up again. Stronger than ever. And 2021 has ended up being one of my most eventful years in wrestling, in quite some time. Probably since I was a full time wrestler, to be quite honest. And you know what? I'm loving every second of it.

*** He moved the hand from behind his head, sitting up and looking into the camera. ***

Chaz Holiday: I'm loving it, man! I haven't felt this invigorated in a long time! You know how the old saying goes - when you're feeling froggy, leap. So I made like Frogger and I leapt. Right into the FGA Gold Rush Rumble.

*** With a large smile on his face, the pearly whites on full display, he took a deep breath in, before slowly exhaling. ***

Chaz Holiday: While it's only been a little over a year since I've wrestled in a FGA ring, it's been SEVEN years since I've competed in the Rumble. Seven years! The Rumble isn't something you can exactly prepare for, either. Scouting the competition only goes so far because this is a whole new beast. It forces everyone out of their comfort zone, out of their usual routines. So you have to be ready for anything and everything. The only thing you can do, really, is to make sure your stamina is up to par.

You have to train and prepare, as if you're going in at number one. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to possibly wrestle as long as half hour, 45 minutes, hell even an hour, just to win. Luckily for me? Stamina has never been an issue and I'm in, possibly, the best shape of my life. Like a fine wine, getting better with age, baybay!

*** Letting out a small chuckle, Chaz lifted his sunglasses, placing them on the top of his head. ***

Chaz Holiday: Now, I know... My odds? On paper, they don't look great. Let's be honest. There's some AMAZING talent in this match. Talent that's been wrestling on a much more consistent basis than myself. People like Lowri Moss, Chandler Scott, Nina Stokes, Tyler Storm, my old "buddy" Ace Voltage, Savanah Taylor, Mighty Sparrow, Seth Iser, Ashley Sands and the list goes on and on! Truly an impressive field. The amount of Championships and accolades accumulated by everyone in this match is staggering. Not just within the FGA but their careers in general. It's truly like an All-Star group of people.

Even though I said my odds don't exactly look good... that doesn't mean I'm counting myself out. Quite the opposite, in fact. My odds are just the same as everyone else's, really. There's just so many elements and scenarios... it's next to impossible for anyone to have a decided advantage over the rest. But I truly do feel like I have a good chance. I'm determined to show the world that I've still got what it takes to compete at a high level. I know I have it in me. And what better way... what better test, than the Gold Rush Rumble? I'm not gonna say I have a chip on my shoulder because honestly, what do I have to be jaded about? Nothing.

But I will say I'm driven and when it comes to determination? I honestly feel no one can top my drive. I've overcome numerous roadblocks and obstacles, in my life and in my career. And this? This is another one. One I look forward to facing, head on. Because I love a good challenge. I love when I'm tested. The Rumble? A true test. Your heart, your intestinal fortitude, your endurance, your mental strength, everything is tested. And just like the name of the show? Only the strong will survive.

I'll see everyone in Baltimore.

*** With that, Chaz a small smile and wink into the camera. Taking his shades off, he placed them down in his seat and walked over to the edge of the pool, before diving in, as the scene fades out. ***