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In 2013, the world saw Jake Starr almost immediately return to the top of the heap, and become the SCW World Heavyweight Champion. It was a year where Jake peaked in January, and just tumbled from then on. If Jake had been able to continue winning, many would have viewed his year as more of a success, but unfortunately, that did not happen. Instead, Jake seemed to hover around the "mid card level," and unfortunately, his goal of becoming a World Champion or Supreme Champion in the second half of 2013 didn't happen.
The good thing is, 2014 brings a new year. 2014 brings Jake's opportunity to work his way back into a position where he could finally rise his stock, and make himself the next man on the list of SCW Supreme Champions. It's a goal Jake has made no bones about admitting is his primary goal for the year. He has his sights set on winning, and he doesn't care how long it takes, or who has the belt, he will pursue them, and eventually, he will take that championship for his own mantle. He has rung in the New Year, and he has accepted that 2013 was not his year. He also has accepted that he has to completely revamp his mentality, and prepare for a battle the likes he has never faced. It's something he's excited about, but yet terrified at the same time. As Jake sits at his desk, he, for once, is simply sitting back and relaxing. Nothing special is going on, and he just sits surfing the internet. He's using these last moments of relaxation to his advantage before he is forced to begin a quest that could be his hardest to date. It's some much needed relaxation. 2013 emotionally drained him, and sent him to the brink of retirement, before realizing that a lot of his issues stemmed from more complacency, but more importantly it stemmed from Jake having his focus in some many different directions, he couldn't truly concentrate on one thing or another. In 2014, he hopes to remedy that. He hopes to go along, and work his way back up to a level where he's far more content with his performance. While surfing the net, his phone rings. He looks down on the phone on his desk and sees that it is an incoming call from his wife's nephew, Thören Holt. Thören is 12 years younger than Jake, and has always been full of piss and vinegar. He's always seemed like a "misfit" on his wife's side of the family, never really fitting into the mold that many of them do. He's had his hair longer, he's stood more on the liberal side of the political spectrum, and he's never been afraid to speak his mind. In Jake's eyes, he's a younger version of himself. Jake hasn't heard from Thören in some time, so seeing his name pop up on his caller ID is a very welcome sight. Jake quickly answers, and shouts out the name of his extended family member. Jake Starr: Thören! Thören Holt: Jake! Jake Starr: It's been a while man! Thören Holt: I know... That's all on me! How have you been doing? Jake Starr: Not too bad... Can't complain... Outside of seemingly forgetting out to win in wrestling, life isn't too shabby. How about you? Thören Holt: Eh... Well... Yeah... I've had a bit of trouble keeping my nose clean, but I'll tell you more about that some other time. Jake is a bit shocked to hear Thören has been having a possible rough time as of late.
Thören Holt: ... Anyway, you terribly busy? Jake Starr: Do you consider surfing cam girl websites "busy?" Thören Holt: Well, honestly, it could possibly be considered a type of "busy work," if you know what I mean? Jake laughs.
Jake Starr: ... Yeah, I can safely say that I am NOT that kind of busy at the moment. When the door to your office is standing wide open, and people have a clear view, you can't go around just fapping at will. Thören Holt: Well what about the noise? Let's be real here, those girls usually put on as loud of a show that they can. Jake Starr: God invented the mute button for a reason, my friend! Thören audibly chuckles.
Thören Holt: Yessir, he did. Thören finally gets around to asking Jake what he really needs to know.
Thören Holt: ... Would you mind if I came by? I'm in the area, and would love to do a little "face time" with you... Jake Starr: You're always welcome man. Mi casa es su casa! Thören shows a similar sarcasm to that of Jake.
Thören Holt: Shit... I never was that good at Spanish! Jake chuckles.
Thören Holt: Alright man, I'll be over here soon. Jake Starr: Sounds good, sir! Jake hangs up the phone, and as he does so, he sees his wife walking down the hallway. He quickly shuts his laptop, and calls out to her.
Jake Starr: ROEPER! Roeper is startled at Jake's beckoning of her. She freezes, and slowly turns around, almost dropping her cup of coffee she had in her hand. She walks over to the open door, and looks in on her husband, at his desk.
Roeper Hart: You bellowed? Jake Starr: You'll never guess who's coming over as we speak... Roeper Hart: Ok, since I'll never guess, I won't waste my breath. Who? Jake smirks at his wife's "appropriate" retort.
Jake Starr: Thören is in town! Roeper immediately becomes excited, as she hasn't seen her nephew in some time.
Roeper Hart: AWESOME! When will he be here?! Jake Starr: I assume soon. He said he was heading this way. Roeper Hart: That's great! I wonder why he's in the area. Jake Starr: He said something about not be able to keep his nose clean, so I figure I'll get to hear what that is all about. Roeper Hart: Oh! I wonder if I should call and check in with my sister then? Jake Starr: She may not even know what it's about. Maybe Thören has something going on that he feels like he can talk to me about. Roeper Hart: Maybe... Will you fill me in? Jake Starr: Most likely. If it is deeply personal, and he just needs a "friendly face" whom he can trust, I may have to obey that trust relationship. Roeper understands, but also hates that she may not be kept in the loop. She has a natural "gossipy side" to her personality that needs to be titillated every now and then.
Roeper Hart: Well, I hope everything is ok! Jake Starr: I can definitely say he seemed to sound like he was in relatively high spirits. Roeper Hart: I hope so! As they continue to chat, and allow the conversation to trail off to completely trivial subjects, the doorbell to their home rings.
Jake Starr: ... And I bet that is him! Jake calmly stands up as Roeper turns to exit. She heads for the door, with Jake in toe. Roeper reaches the door first, and as she opens it, she sees her nephew Thören standing there on their stoop.
Roeper Hart: HEY YOU! Thören Holt: Hey Roeper! She quickly rushes out the door and embraces him.
As Jake reaches the foyer, the pair have come inside, and Jake extends his hand to shake Thören's. Thören returns the gesture, and Roeper wastes no time getting the conversation progressing. Roeper Hart: You look great! How have you been? Thören Holt: I've been alright. I was in the area, and honestly have been dealing with some things that I thought Jake may be able to help me with. So I gave him a buzz, now here I am. Roeper Hart: Is everything alright? Thören Holt: I'm fine... I'm not dying or anything. Jake sarcastically wipes the sweat from his brow.
Jake Starr: PHEW! Thören Holt: I know, right?! Jake then switches from the pleasantries to the business at hand.
Jake Starr: We can head back to my office and talk, if that sounds alright? Thören Holt: Yeah... That sounds good... Thören turns his head and looks at Roeper.
Thören Holt: Good to see you, Roeper! Roeper Hart: Likewise! Roeper watches as the two disappear down the hallway, and into Jake's office. Her mind becomes more and more curious as to what is going on, but realizes there is a time for snooping, and a time to respect privacy.
As the pair enter Jake's office, Jake immediately offers Thören a drink. Thören is quick to oblige, as he takes a seat. Jake pours him a glass or bourbon on the rocks, along with one for himself, and after handing it to his friend, he subsequently heads around to sit down on the opposite side of his desk. After taking a sip, he looks at Thören and inquires. Jake Starr: So... How have things been? Thören Holt: I've had my ups and downs... That's for sure. Jake Starr: I figured that by what you said on the phone, but let's be honest here, man, you came to me for a reason. Thören Holt: Yeah... I felt like you would be one of the only people who could actually relate to me. Jake Starr: That sounds kind of scary. I barely relate to ANYONE on ANYTHING. Knowing Jake, and his inability to control his sarcasm, Thören laughs.
Thören Holt: Yeah, well, I think this may be a different story, though. Jake Starr: Well, bro, I'm all ears! Thören sighs, and begins to explain.
Thören Holt: Well... It goes like this... Lately I have become more and more aggressive in my life. Jake Starr: Hmm... Ok... Thören Holt: ... And I have found myself more and more wanting to just, well, fight... I tried to do the whole MMA thing, and I went through the training for a good amount of time. Hell, they even arranged for me to have an amateur cage fight. The biggest problem was, it didn't do anything for me. From there, it escalated into a bar fight here and there, and ultimately a couple arrests here and there for drunk and disorderly conduct. Jake Starr: Wow... Thören Holt: Yeah... I mean, I realize that the MMA thing is fun, but the fact is, it's too strict. I want some more freedom. I want to be able to fight in a manner that is, well, mine. I want to be able to throw people around, drop people on their head, things like that... Jake begins to get the picture of Thören's desires.
Jake Starr: You want to wrestle, don't you? Thören slowly begins to nod.
Thören Holt: Truth is, I see all of these guys, technical guys, brawlers, high flyers, submission specialists, cheaters, everything you could want to do, you can. Every style I could have an inkling that sounds "enjoyable" to fight as, I could. Jake Starr: Yeah... To a point... Thören Holt: AND THEN... THEN... Then they have the type of lifestyle that I want. I want that glitz. I want that glamor. I want THAT! I want people to know who I am. I want to see my name up there in lights, and I want to be someone people not only fear, but revere as well. I fucking want it all, man... Jake can sense a theme to Thören's comments. He can sense a selfish tone to his desires and wants.
Jake Starr: Are you asking for my help with all of that? Thören Holt: No... I just felt that you might understand a little better than others. Jake Starr: I think the fact is, you do want my help here. Thören Holt: I don't need any help, Jake... Thören begins to riled up.
Thören Holt: ... Jake, I can do this on my own, if I want to. I don't need "Super Jake" to come to the rescue and guide me. Jake doesn't let Thören get under his skin, and get him riled up.
Jake Starr: I wasn't trying to rescue and guide you... Thören continues to get riled up.
Thören Holt: Well you know, you could have fooled me! Jake Starr: I'm not trying to play Superman, Thören... I have just been in this business for a long, long, time, and anyone who wants to get in has a long road of pain and disappointment that they cannot even fathom, ahead of them. Before it EVER becomes glitz and glamor, it's pain and heartache. This is something that I could help you avoid, man. Thören Holt: So... You want to be the hero, then? Jake Starr: Like I said, no... I am simply offering up advice which nobody gave me. Yeah, I was raised in this business, and yeah, my family name means something, but the fact is, nobody let me know about a lot of the shitty aspects that are out there. So I am offering all of this knowledge to you, so you can avoid what I went through, and hopefully have a smoother transition into the business. I'm not trying to "make" you anything, but I'm just offering up some veteran advice. Thören begins to calm down, realizing Jake isn't trying to tell him what to do.
Thören Holt: ... I just don't want to be someone who has to live in your shadow. Jake Starr: I wouldn't want that either. Hell, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. There have been too many people who have been hurt in that position. Like I said, there are a lot of things, though, nobody ever explains, that could simply make life a little easier for you. It's honestly something that is your choice to take or leave. I understand that you don't want to be "kin to Jake Starr," but what I know and could pass along may make your life easier in this business. Thören Holt: Are you saying I couldn't do it without you? Jake laughs, and responds in a VERY sarcastic tone.
Jake Starr: Yeah... Exactly... Jake's sarcasm goes away again.
Jake Starr: ... All I'm saying is that very few can make it in this business, and I wouldn't try and convince you that you could if you couldn't. You're talented, you're athletic, you're smart, and that could very well make you the next big thing. It's all up to you to make it happen, though. I can give you the tools, the knowledge, and whatever other pieces of help that... Thören immediately cuts Jake off, and raises his voice again.
Thören Holt: Jake, how many times do I need to tell you, I don't need help, here! This time, Jake's voice raises as well.
Jake Starr: Thören! Listen... You came to me a damn reason. It wasn't to have someone just pander and say, "Oh wonderful, that's a great idea! You should do it! Yay team!" You came to me because you knew I could HELP you. I am not going to play this game with you, where you say, "Oh I don't need your help, but I GUESS I will take it." This is your chance to take it or leave. I will love you just the same because we're family, but when it comes to the business, I am not going to just help or stick my neck out for anyone. You need to think about what it is you want here because I am not making any decisions for you. Jake takes the final swig of his drink, and leans forward. He stares down Thören, as Thören simply leans back with this young eyes nervous, yet determined to succeed. Jake realizes the tension is high, and ultimately unnecessary, and does what he can to cut it.
Jake Starr: ... Why don't you come and just hang out for a while. You're part of the family, so why not just come relax for a bit... Thören nods.
Thören Holt: That sounds good... With that agreement, Jake and Thören stand up and head for the entertainment room, where Roeper and the family are currently hanging out. Everyone is excited to see Thören, and they all simply take the time to enjoy the rare opportunity to have members of the extended family join them as well.
For Jake, this represents the final chance he has to relax before he has to begin his quest to be something special in 2014. He knows he has to begin to turn his focus toward Matt Auclair, and his goal of becoming a Supreme Champion. How will the transition from "relaxation" to "focused" be for Jake? Will it be easy, or will it be painful? One way or another, Jake will have to make that transition, and get 2014 off to the start that he needs to, in order to achieve the success he wishes to achieve. Jake Starr: 2013 was a year that came and went for me, with nothing but a fizzle. I came into the year riding high, and bashing people with chairs, all with the goal of getting a World Title shot. It was a formula that had become a norm for me every year I had been a member of the SCW roster. As a new year would roll around, either I would be World Champion, or I would be lobbying for my right to call myself the prime contender for it. 2014 is proving to be difficult to stay away from that. Now I say that because I'm admitting a flaw of mine. As I start a new year, I think that it is the route I am supposed to go. I think that I am supposed to run out and fight for an opportunity to win the World Title because it's what has happened every single New Year, but I know that's not what WANT and NEED to do. I know that, while it may be a habit, it's a bad one, and one I need to avoid. This year, it's a different kind of year for me because I am out to rebuild, and redefine my legacy. Don't get me wrong... I see what Greg Cherry is doing, and I completely am envious. I am jealous he had the idea to pull the stunt he's pulling, and I wish I had thought of it. I wish I could go in right behind him and say, "Mr. D, I'm next for the Gauntlet of Champions," but let's be honest, it wouldn't happen. Not for me, not for Fred the Camera Guy, not anyone. This was something special that Greg was able to pitch, and make people believe in. He was also willing to put EVERYTHING on the line to do it. You see, Greg was willing to walk in there, and say he was willing to walk away completely if he couldn't win ONE match. That takes some balls, and for a guy who hasn't won a "big match" since Jason Zero was still a relevant name, it says a lot about his desperation. So while I'm jealous and envious, I know it's not something I can ever really have. So I can't obsess over it. I also can't obsess over a championship I have no right to lay claim to, either. And that's the case with the SCW World Championship. Let's be honest with ourselves... I am not in that top tier of the SCW roster. I am not anywhere close to being seen alongside the likes of Blitzkreig, Kelcey Wallace, Syren, Shilo Valliant, or even Rachel Frost. Yeah, I know I've gotten in their business, but it was more for the sheer fun of it. I wasn't trying to "involve" myself and show that I should be intermixed with their title picture because honestly, I know I am not worthy of it. It's painful to admit... It sucks... Reality is not friendly sometimes... Jake takes a deep breath, feeling a tad bit emotional.
But the thing is, I realize this, and I hope by understanding where reality truly is, I might be able to start doing what I know I need to do, and that is slowly rebuild myself, and work my way back up in the eyes of the masses. Whether that means I ever get a World Title shot again is irrelevant. I am not concerned, and I can't be. All I want is to know, in my heart, that I can truly step out of that curtain and beat anyone they put in front of me because right now, there is a sense of doubt. Ever since the Thunderdome, the Chamber, and my match with Simon, I have begun to understand that the talent is SCW has passed me by. I've become complacent with being able to just do things at my pace, and be able to win on a whim. That's not a strategy I can accept anymore because it has let me down on three occasions, and they were three occasions which would have changed an ENTIRE YEARLY OUTLOOK for myself. So while the temptation is there to be greedy, while my old habits might have me wanting to simply go down that route which has been my norm, I'm not doing so. 2014 is a new year, and I have a new slate. More importantly, I have a new beginning, and a new opportunity to correct another mediocre year for Jake Starr. Now, a lot of people may remember an ultimatum I made. Many may think that ultimatum wasn't fulfilled, and I'm still here. Well, if you remember, I said I would be World Champion again, or have a shot at becoming a Supreme Champion. I had my shot. And I'm going to complete that task BEFORE we even get into Rise to Greatness season. Before the world ever gets to think about who will make their miraculous comeback at Taking Hold of the Flame, *cough* Cid Turner *cough* James Exeter * cough*... Jake clears his throat a little more realistically.
... Sorry about that. Damn Arctic weather is getting to me! Anyway, before anyone can fathom who may make a dramatic return at Taking Hold of the Flame, *cough* *hack* Jason Zero *hack*... Jake pauses again.
Jesus... Anyway, before any of that happens, SCW will have its SIXTH Supreme Champion. At that point, who knows what my career will bring. I could be perfectly content running with the United States Championship, and beating all challengers, like I have done in the past with other titles. I could decide I want to challenge myself, and go for multiple titles, which I've done before as well. I don't know. All I know is I have one agenda, and one agenda only. Until I win the United States Championship, I'm not stopping my pursuit. I don't care who holds the title, how many times they may stymie my goal of winning, or if they decide to dodge me when confronted about my challenge, I will haunt them... I will stalk them... I will NOT allow them to sleep comfortably... I will ALWAYS be lurking... Jake holds his friend "Chairee" up, who now is sporting a face made out of athletic tape on the bent up facade.
... And I will fucking beat them over their dumbass head, if they think they can avoid me! Now, if they play nice, I won't treat them like prey, but like a champion. I won't force them to worry that when they open the door to their dressing room, they'll immediately receive a chair-shot to the face. See, I want to beat WHOMEVER the United States Champion is on their best day. I want them to know they walked into the ring ready, and left having witnessed Jake Starr's start towards a reascension. I want people to assume they know I'll have a failed attempt at victory, then be surprised I succeeded. So I see 2013 as in my rearview mirror, and something that I will not be dwelling on. It's in the past, and what happened, happened. 2014, however, is fully in my control, and is something I plan on controlling COMPLETELY. I may not win World Championships in 2014, but I will turn heads. My name will rise from the ashes, and become synonymous with winning ONCE AGAIN. Jake lowers "Chairee" back to his side.
2014 will begin in a positive way for me, as well. It begins at the second Breakdown, after the Greg Cherry "Championship-a-palooza," and will, for all intents and purposes, be the first one that actually feels like Breakdown. The reason I say it's going to start off positive is because I get to go out there, and I get to begin fresh. I get to start working my way up that ladder to where I want to be, and I don't feel the pressure of having to do it quick. I don't have to be number one in SCW tomorrow. I don't have to be number one next month. It's a road less traveled, and one where there is no force to try and turn things upside down overnight. That means I can go out there and have the freedom to just fight however I want, and know that with each match, no matter how random or how meaningless in the end it will assist me in this resurrection. Thankfully at Breakdown it begins in a manner which I think will be quite enjoyable. I get to start 2014 off against a guy who has no regard for anything, likes to scrap, and honestly could probably go about doing what a lot of military guys do when they're this pissed off, and just take a few minutes to rub one out. Seriously... Nobody in life is that angry, I don't care how many times you were touched as a child, or violated on the school playground with a pine cone. Matt Auclair is just unnecessary surly about something, and is taking it out on anyone who'll give him the time of day. Guess what Matt, Jake Starr will happily entertain this anger of yours. Sure, I bet it won't be all that enjoyable, if and when you actually get a few minutes to pummel me, but the fact is, you're going to leave angrier than you arrived. I don't look past you when I say this, but you're just the beginning of my comeback in 2014. You're just a footnote I won't remember, once December 31st rolls around. I won't remember that we fought, I will have record that I won, and I'll simply forget that you were anything but a pouty-faced brat who can't control his own emotions. So fucking sad for you, isn't it? You have this great opportunity to walk into the ring with Jake Starr, and nobody will remember it, not even me! Well... I take that back. If you get two good shots in on me, you'll bring it up every chance you get, and hope it helps people remember you. They won't. They'll just move you onto that list of, "OK Who Are You Again?" This business is fickle like that. Some people have "it" while others don't. It doesn't matter how angry you are, it matters if you can do what it takes to WIN. I tend to believe you don't have that "it" factor. But with all of this anger, if you want to be remembered, let me make a suggestion to you. Take this as a tip from someone who used this to garner attention once in his life. Paint your entire body. Seriously! See, back when I was running from who I was, I was in blue body paint, and was going by a Star Wars-esque name of "Grand Admiral" Thrawn. I wasn't anyone that anybody knew, but when I walked out looking like a life-sized Smurf, people took notice. With your anger, seriously, go for the green body paint. You could totally have this catchphrase of "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry," and BOY would you turn heads! I could see it now... Undercard for a Sunday Night Aggression, some up and comer with no name versus THE FLABBY HULK! Seriously, you're not incredible! Have you looked in the mirror lately? You have these little a-cup man boobs, you wear granny-panty tights, and your head looks like a condom tip. It's not incredible. BUT BY GOD YOU'RE ANGRY! Jake gnashes his teeth together.
Grrrrrr! Jake smirks.
Angry I tell you! But listen, your dumbass anger issues will make you swing for the fences, and occasionally you'll connect. But walking into a ring against me simply puts you in a situation where you have to face off against someone who's fought guys who just rely on emotion. Your little anger issues are a dime-a-dozen to me. There's nothing I haven't seen. I know your type, and I know how to exploit it AGAINST you. I don't care if you've beaten Devon Kayl and I don't care if you have a win over one of my favorite people, Rachel Foxx, either. All I care about is the fact that this is a new year. I am out to destroy everything in my path, and become Supreme Champion. You're a speck on my radar that will soon be vanquished. I don't care what plans you have for this year, they won't start with me. I am focused, I am determined, and I am ready. You are a paler and slightly skinnier version of Greg Cherry. Better yet... You're like a grown up doppelganger of Chunk from The Goonies. Do you have some troll-like friend named Sloth? I mean, if you did, you could combine the green paint and your Goonies lookalikes, and have one HELL of a sideshow routine. By the way, if you ever do that, I fully expect royalties for that idea! See you at Breakdown, Chunk... Fin |
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