 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
This year began as Jake Starr would have wanted it to... With a win. Jake was able to go out, and kick off the year in a manner that would show him that things were, indeed, changing. It wasn't a pretty victory, but nevertheless, Jake beat Matt Auclair, and can now turn his attention to bigger fish in the pond.
Next on Jake's radar is none other than the last man who beat him, and former United States Champion, Simon Lyman. This man has proven to the world that he is capable of winning high profile matches, and stepping up to any challenge. Jake sees him as a moment where he can prove himself worthy of the opportunity he has been granted at War of the Roses. Jake knows that Simon will be his first "true test" of 2014, and one that will either make people believe in him, or continue to feel that Jake is in the waning moments of his storied career. It will ultimately be a battle that gives Jake confidence, or makes him, once again, question his abilities to compete at the highest level of the professional wrestling spectrum. Before heading off for Breakdown and War of the Roses, Jake is spending one final day relaxing at home. He sits in his entertainment room, sprawled out on his couch. It's a rare day in the Starr household, as it is just he, his wife, and their daughter there, with everyone else making trips back to their regular homes. Jake's parents have decided to move from Austin, Texas, up to Des Moines, to help Roeper out with Mara, and be supportive of Jake, while Roeper's parents are simply headed home to check up on things for a while. It's a moment of true peace and quiet that Jake has not had in some time. As he relaxes, Jake is flipping through the television, trying to find something of interest to watch. He's even looked on his DVR, wondering if there was something there he could watch without having to "think" or pay an inordinant amount of attention. He quickly realizes that his options are relatively limited, and also realizes he can feel himself begin to nod off to sleep. Feeling the urge to nap, Jake simply decides to find something mundane on TV, and have it act as "background noise" for him, while he naps. As he finally starts drifting off to sleep, Roeper walks into the room. Jake doesn't hear her come in, nor does she realize Jake has dozed off. Without even thinking Roeper calls out to Jake. Roeper Hart: Hey babe! Jake is immediately startled, and wakes up. He is in a state of confusion, not quite sure what is going on, where he is, and what just happened. He was apparently in REM sleep, and already dreaming. Whatever his dream was makes him exclaim.
Jake Starr: NO! I promise I didn't pay for her! Roeper immediately cocks an eyebrow, and glares at her husband.
Roeper Hart: Well... I think we'll be discussing what THAT was about a bit later, now won't we? Jake, still groggy and confused, begins to take in his surroundings, as Roeper continues.
Roeper Hart: ... But right now, we have something more important to talk about! She goes and sits next to him on the couch, as Jake still has not really realized what is going on. He begins to think something is seriously wrong, and starts panicking slightly.
Jake Starr: What's wrong? Is everything OK? Jake then realizes that Mara isn't with Roeper, nor in the room at all.
Jake Starr: MARA! Where is she?! Roeper realizes how "out of it" Jake is, and chuckles.
Roeper Hart: Jake, she's OK! She's just napping right now. Everything is normal! Jake breathes a sigh of relief.
Jake Starr: Oh! Good... Jake can feel his heartbeat slowly come back down to a normal pace.
Jake Starr: So what's going on? Roeper Hart: Well... I wanted to talk to you about Thören. See, I am still curious... Jake cocks an eyebrow.
Jake Starr: About what? Roeper Hart: Well... I asked you to fill me in on everything, and you haven't said a WORD about what the two of you "talked" about. I mean, you guys went into your office, you "talked," then you came out and hung with everyone like nothing had happened. I was literally eavesdropping on every word the both of you said, once you emerged, and you two talked about nothing that seemed, even remotely, "personal." I find it hard to believe that you both were able to just leave it in your office, and act like everything was hunky dory... Jake Starr: Well, in all honesty, it wasn't something to really bring up in the crowd of the masses, like that. It was simply something that he felt that he could come to me about, and me be able to relate to on the level he needed. Roeper Hart: What did you guys talk about? Jake Starr: Trust me when I say that it was something that was just personal to him. Roeper is a tad annoyed at Jake's vague replies.
Roeper Hart: ... Well, are you EVER going to tell me what he said? Jake knows that the story isn't something that necessarily needs to be kept from Roeper, but decides to string it out a bit for fun, since she woke him up.
Jake Starr: I guess the more important question is, do you DESERVE to know what he said? Jake's inquisition makes Roeper cock an eyebrow.
Roeper Hart: I damn well better deserve to know. Jake sees he's getting under Roeper's skin, and smirks.
Jake Starr: You know, I don't know if you do, or not... Roeper is getting more annoyed.
Roeper Hart: JAKE! Do NOT play games with me like that. You are GOING to tell me, or else... Jake is intrigued by the threat.
Jake Starr: Or else, what? Roeper Hart: Or else I'm withholding sex until you do! Jake chuckles.
Jake Starr: You really are desperate to know, huh? Roeper Hart: Jake... My nephew appears out of thin air, and says he's here to see YOU, and not really see his family. You don't think that's a slight bit "odd?" So yeah, I'm curious. Yeah, I'm desperate. I want to know the truth. Since he showed up, my mind has been running through every, possible, scenario of what this could all be about. I've had thoughts about this being him dying, to that he's in some kind of legal trouble with some illigitimate children and doesn't know what to do. I've thought about it all, Jake. I need to know, if for no other reason, to put my mind at easy that things aren't as bad as I have been thinking they could be. So please, Jake... I need to know... And YOU need to tell me. Jake sighs and realizes this runs a lot deeper than Roeper simply being a gossip. She truly does have a worry that something is wrong inside "her family," and wants to protect everyone, should it be necessary.
Jake Starr: ... You know, I could simply make it easier on you, and just say that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is no where NEAR as bad as you're thinking. Roeper Hart: That wouldn't help right now, Jake. My mind has been allowed to wonder, and it's wondered far. All I need, right now, are answers. Direct answers! Once I have those, I'll be able to believe you. Realizing Roeper's legitimate state of panic, even more so than his when he was awoken, Jake knows he needs to explain things to his wife.
Jake Starr: Alright, first and foremost you need to calm down, and stop panicking. Nothing, and I repeat NOTHING, that Thören told me is anything that you should be worried or concerned about like that. The fact, Thören has been dealing with a lot of internal anger problems as of late. He has had a lot of pent up aggression that he has been trying to find a logical and useful outlet for. He's gotten into some fights, been arrested, tried the whole MMA craze, and anything else that he could think of in order to try and get all of the emotion out. The only thing that he hasn't tried, and the reason he came to me, is pro wrestling... With this revelation, Roeper begins to understand why Thören would have come to Jake, and confided in him over anyone else.
Jake Starr: ... Now what kind of made me a little uneasy, and threw me off a bit, while he came to me for advice, he seems to have a very big aversion to being seen as someone who simply decided to follow in the footsteps of Jake Starr. His crazy aversion has me a little worried that his mentality could be one that gets him in trouble in the long run. The reason is, the amount of pent up anger and aggression he seems to be harboring has me concerned for what he could be capable of doing. I worry he could be a loose cannon. People don't normally seek out bar fights, unless they're a loose cannon deep down. Truthfully, I hope I am wrong about it, but I can't be for sure. Roeper feels compelled to try and defend her nephew.
Roeper Hart: ... Jake, you and I both know that Thören comes from a great family. He probably just needs some guidance to keep moving forward, and he realizes it. Why else would have gone out of his way to come to you? He knows you "fight" for a living, and he knew you would be able him come to grips with whatever it is inside, that has him so angry. Jake shrugs.
Jake Starr: Maybe...? All I know is to go out there and show him what this business is REALLY like. There is also this sense of greed surrounding him as well. He seems to think this business is all glitz, glamor, money, and fame. He doesn't seem to comprehend that there really is a "dark side" to the business, and I really hope that I can prove him wrong. I want him to realize how "real" things can get around the wrestling business. It's all I know how to do. I am not going to "not help" him because I would never do that to family. I would never tell a family member no because that's now how this family works. This feeling, though, that Thören came to me for some alterior motive, to use me as a springboard, makes me very uncomfortable in the pit of my stomach. Sure, Thören has talked to me about "the biz" in the past, and we've talked about how he could start making a name for himself. But he seemingly has ignored and forgotten that. So I'm hoping that he isn't using me, like he says he's very much against doing, and really wants to do things himself. If that's not the case, things could get interesting... From the baby monitor, Roeper hears Mara squeal, and realizes this conversation has to end. She realizes that mothering has become a priority over their conversation about Thören.
Roeper Hart: ... Well there's my call! She jumps up and heads back to the bedroom to check on their daughter. Jake understands that the conversation being cut short isn't anything against him or what he said.
Having told Roeper everything, Jake hopes that she won't run off and bring the rest of her family into the mix. Jake knows that if Roeper brings her family into the mix of this, for one, Thören will not feel like he can trust Jake, and two, Jake knows that the opinion of his profession amongst Roeper's family isn't terribly high. Jake doesn't want them to believe he is trying to negatively influence Thören's life, but more like give him the answers to the questions he seeks. Nevertheless, with the peace and quiet now returning to the room, he leans back, and closes his eyes. It's a moment where he hopes to relax, and enjoy a little more time to nap. That idea, again, is cut short as Mara comes running into the room, and pouncing on her dad. Jake is stunned by the sudden surprise pounce, but immediately smiles seeing his little girl in a playful mood, and wastes no time "wrestling" with his daughter. She immediately gets the upper hand, and unlike many of the people he's faced in his SCW career, she is able to get the best of him. Roeper sees Jake being "pinned," and makes a fast three-count to declare Mara the victor. Jake Starr: 2014 has officially kicked off for me, in Supreme Championship Wrestling. It wasn't by some grandiose victory, or some kind of amazing and shocking moment. It was by a countout. Yes, folks, a countout. It wasn't something I was necessarily proud of. I know I could have gone out there, and out-right beat Matt Auclair, and shown the world that this new year was going to bring a new mentality, and a new attitude for me. I know I could have shown the world that there was NO FUCKING DOUBT in my mind that I would be the next Supreme Champion in the record books of SCW, but it didn't happen. Instead, it was a measly countout. It was a forgetful moment, that most people will never remember happened, including me. The only reason I remember it right now is because it just happened for me. It was the last event that happened for me in SCW, so it's that whole "fresh on the mind" type of thing. So, it definitely was not the way I wanted things to start. Now, don't get me wrong here, guys... I won. I started the year off with a victory, and that's how everyone wants to start off a new year. Everyone wants that ability to go out there, and win right off of the bat. They don't want to lose, and more importantly, they don't want to NOT have momentum going into whatever quest they may have out there. So I'm appreciative of the win, and I know it was deserved, but I wish I had done it my way, and not had it happen in a relatively cheap way. But as the cliche goes... A win, is a win! And now, I move on... With the announcement that was levied, stating that I would get the next crack at the United States Championship, I was excited. I knew that I was the logical choice because right now, everyone seems to have their eyes focused on the World Championship. It's something I can relate to, having been there in the past, myself. I have been in that position so many times, and sometimes you can do it. Sometimes you can have something directly in front of you, but know that World Title is on the horizon, and everyone knows that regardless of what you say, that prize is your primary concern. The United States Championship, right now, is an afterthought. Everything is an afterthought, after that World Championship. Jake shakes his head.
But not me... Not THIS GUY... So when it was announced, I was excited, like I said. But then, the caveat came down with it. It would be my last and only chance. It would be my ONE TIME to go out there, and win the championship, as long as Ryan Watson held it. If I lose, my goal, my focus, my desire, my EVERYTHING, is rendered moot. I'm forced to wait. I'm forced to sit back and watch as others get the chances I want so badly. I don't get to say, "Oh, I should still be the contender for that championship," because I will be officially forfeiting that right away. The War of the Roses is my only chance to succeed. I have to cinch it, and I have to embrace it. To a point, that whole idea that it's "all or nothing" is appealing to me. Lately, I haven't had much of an incentive to really feel pushed to do something. Sure, the idea of winning the United States Championship, and becoming a Supreme Champion is incentive, but it's always been there for the taking. Ever since Greg and I captured the Tag Team Titles, I was "on the clock" to become a Supreme Champion. And here's the fun part... We won those titles in 2010! So I've been able to take that plunge for over 3 and a half years or so, now. THREE PLUS YEARS! That means I was able to have done something special, but I had my sights set elsewhere, and it didn't really resonate for me to try and take advantage of that opportunity. I wanted to be the World Champion, and I focused my energy there. Now, I don't have that luxury anymore. I don't have the ability to sit back and say, "you know, if I don't get it this time, I can just find another date." I can't. I don't get to enjoy the solace of believing there will be other chances because THERE WON'T NECESSARILY BE! I'm not getting any younger, and Watson is someone who won't be willing to simply give that belt up easily. So with that knowledge, I know this is my big chance. This match, at the pay-per view, is where I make or break my legacy. This match will show me whether or not I still have what it takes because in my heart, in my gut, in my SOUL, I believe I am still one of, if not the BEST all-around talent in this organization. It will happen. I will win. I am not going to be the guy who fails again. I said, before I ever wrestled a match in 2014, that I was going to change the perception of Jake Starr, and the fact that the SCW brass have told me to put up or shut up, it's my moment and my MOTIVATION to make everything I stated a reality. It's, honestly, the most excited I've ever felt about a title match. It honestly makes me smile, and I cannot WAIT to go out there, and completely remove the doubt people have in me. I can't wait to shut people up AGAIN. I can't wait to turn back the clock on my career, and be the guy who PISSES PEOPLE OFF simply because I do what nobody else can do, and that's win the matches people wish I wouldn't. I mean, let's be honest, here... Nobody wants me on that list of Supreme Champions. So raise a toast to 2014... The year everyone becomes disappointed in what I do, all over again! Jake smirks, and switches topics to the business at hand.
Thankfully, before I gear up for Watson, I get myself an opportunity to truly walk out there and prepare for the pay-per view. I get a chance to truly answer whether or not I am ready to take that leap, and achieve my dream, and I get to do so by facing off against the last man to hold the United States Championship, and the only man who can say, thus far, he denied me my dream, and that man is Simon Lyman. For those who haven't been keeping the tabs on my career in the same way I have, let me give everyone a quick summation of Simon and my history. Simon is the former United States Champion, and was the first man I ever faced, with that championship on the line. Simon and I battled tooth and nail, and he could tell what I was there to do. I made no qualms about my mission, and he made no bones about his goal. I was there to take his title, and he was there to crush my dream. When the dust settled, my dream remained a dream. After that, he and Ryan Watson battled, and it was Watson, obviously, who came out on top. It was the night when Lymon entered the same world as Jake Starr, as a "contender." He and I are walking into a fight, both knowing what this means for the other. He is very well aware of my match, and I can promise you that he knows what all is on the line for me. I can also promise you that he is completely carefree, as far as whether or not I have momentum against Watson. Lyman wants to go out there and get back what Watson took from him, so facing me is something that will make people pay attention, in that world of, "who is next in line for the United States Championship." See, when he and Ryan fought, I knew that I wasn't in line for that opportunity. I knew that I had to sit back and wait my turn. Simon is in a similar boat, here. Simon knows that if he can perform, and perform well, it would be hard to say that, regardless of what happens at War of the Roses, Simon Lyman should be the next in line for a chance at the United States Championship. What I am focusing on, though, is this simple fact. I am going out there, and I am going to take this as an opportunity for myself to show that I belong in this race. Simon is a guy who, I know, brings a fight every time he steps into a ring, and it's my goal to go out there and shut his ass down. It's something that people wouldn't overlook, like some stupid countout, over some mediocre guy who nobody will remember once he's gone. Beating Simon Lyman is a milestone for myself, and one that would put me in the right footing for the War of the Roses. And I WILL be in the right footing! See, in 2013, the world got used to seeing me lose the match right before a pay-per view. It became the "norm." It didn't matter what happened at the actual pay-per view, but it was almost like clockwork that I would lose whatever match I had, going into said pay-per view. It was, as if, I couldn't allow myself to worry about each match, but instead I seemed to act as if each match didn't matter. Once my PPV match was put into stone, I seemed to coast. I allowed myself to just ignore the relevancy of the big picture, and tunnel vision myself into a really bad habit. I'm not letting that habit continue this year. I am not starting a similar trend to last year. I am not being tunnel visioned! See, Simon is a guy who I have a lot of respect for. I know he can beat me, and he's proven it. Usually, I try to "prove" that times like that were flukes. His win was no fluke. His win was legit, and he was the better man. The difference is, this time, I feel closer to my prime than I have in some time. I feel closer to being the "dominant" version of myself because I have a goal, a mission, and a dream. It's not just some feeble, made up, crap shoot, which I am hoping brings me back to the "good ole days," but instead, this is a time where I go out, and I right the wrongs. I fix my own mistakes. I show people who the best in the fucking universe is, and I do it one match at a time. That was my philosophy back in the day. Each match meant SOMETHING. It wasn't just about the "big ones," because the big ones were the ones you earned. You had to put forth the effort, and the grind, and the blood, and the sweat, all for the purpose of proving that you deserved the chance you were bestowed. This year, everything matters. Everything HAS to matter. So when I go out there, I am going to look at this in a manner that is appropriate. See, I have to beat Simon Lyman. I have to show the world that I can beat someone who has been at that United States Championship "mountaintop." I have to show the world that I can go above and beyond what people fathom of me, and I have to step up and win. If I don't, why would anyone think I could beat Ryan Watson? Why would I think that I could beat Ryan Watson? The truth is, if I get taken down by Lyman again, I won't believe that I can take out Watson. I won't believe that I can simply beat the guy who beat Lyman. Nobody will believe that I can. Hell, a lot of people have that whole "transitive property" mentality. So, if I can't beat Lyman, and Watson beat Lyman, then I can't beat Watson. This time HAS to be different... This time HAS to prove to be the true STARTING POINT... Yeah, I have already kicked this year off with a win, but it didn't define anything. It didn't prove I was "back." It wasn't what I wanted it to be, so I have to make sure THIS MOMENT IS! I have to make sure Simon Lyman not only loses to me, but is pinned, and pinned DEFINITIVELY. I have to make sure people look back on Breakdown and go, "wow, Jake really did it." So at Breakdown, I hope everyone is ready to witness, and ACCEPT what 2014 has in store for them. I hope Simon realizes that who he faced last year isn't who he'll face this time around. He's going to run into a man on a mission. He's going to face off against a man who has one purpose, and that purpose is to show the world I can beat him, and I can ultimately beat Watson. 2014... One step at a time... Next step, Simon Lyman... I will take that step! Fin |
|
|||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||