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With the Battle in Brooklyn and Heaven Knows now in the past, and with a Breakdown that saw Jake Starr toss his name into the Taking Hold of the Flame battle royal, the world is on edge to see what happens next. Both of those moments were big for Jake Starr. The first, he was able to get past the events of last year, and emerge with the United States Championship still around his waist, and subsequently he walked out on Breakdown and shocked the world with his announcement. The announcement makes no sense to many. Jake had a free ride to the main event of Rise to Greatness, and has still chosen to throw his name into the gruelling marathon that is Taking Hold of the Flame. The reasoning is unknown. The mentality is unknown. What is known is that Jake is willing to go through the grind to try and get to the top, yet again. It's become the M. O. of Jake Starr through the years, so why people are stunned is beyond those who truly follow him.
Also on the radar of the official Social Misfit of SCW is Alex Young, a bright up and comer in SCW, who is hoping that he can follow the likes of Devon Kayl and David Miller, and upset the great Jake Starr, following one of his momentous victories. Jake hopes to continue the new trend he has been setting, and simply going out there, and doing what he did in his first two years in the organization, and that is winning time and time again. Knowing that matches won't get easier, at any point, Jake hae been doing a lot of extensive training to prepare himself for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that he could face. When he walks into the arena, especially against someone he isn't familiar with, he has to come in with a game plan that is solid, yet capable of being altered to whatever the situation is. It has to be fluid, and he has to be dynamic. It's a mentality that not many people can handle. A lot of the newcomers, and even some of the established "midcard level" competitors walk in with their idea of how things will go, and do what they can to make it play out This is the moment the upper echelon is separated from those midtier guys, and are proven to be the best of the best. This type of training has lead Jake to encounter a few more bumps and bruises as of late. He's been trying to put himself through training regimens that would help him adapt better to the varying styles. Each time, his body is put through a different type of grind, and he ends up working out different muscles, and in cases like tonight, these were ones he didn't know he could wear out. After getting home and showering, he walked to the freezer in the kitchen, and got a couple ice packs. He retreated to the bedroom, and flopped down on his bed, feeling his right knee and lower back have the "burn" of a good workout. He places one ice pack on his knee, while putting the other behind his back, and subsequently laying down on it. As he utilizes his home remedies to begin to feel the aches and pains subside, he heard the door to Mara's room quietly latch. He looks up and sees his wife, Roeper, walk into their bedroom. This is the first time she's seen Jake laid-up like this, and begins to assume that her husband is unable to take the punishment of the training like he used to. He looks more in pain, and far more banged up than he has in the past. It's this sight that brings a sense of concern over Roeper. She immediately flashed back to the days when Jake would go out, train hard for hours on end, and come home with enough energy to want to keep going, without ever ONCE showing a sign of being banged up. This "new reality," that Jake can't go like he used to, is just another shred of evidence suggesting that maybe Jake should begin looking into wrapping his career in wrestling up. She looks at Jake, who this whole time has been looking at her relatively lovingly, and speaks. Roeper Hart: So... How you feeling? Jake's response is a mere grunt.
Roeper Hart: ... That good, huh? Jake Starr: Meh... I am a little more sore than normal, but I blame that on my own stupidity. I decided to try a couple of new things which, in hindsight, probably wasn't the best idea I've ever had, but oh well. I probably just decided to contort myself in ways God never intended. But it's nothing that a little ice can't resolve. Roeper's eyes widen in a very sarcastic, unimpressed, manner.
Roeper Hart: Ah! Maybe you're just getting old...? Jake chuckles, thinking Roeper is just giving him a hard time.
Jake Starr: I am ONLY as old or young as the woman that I feel! Roeper can't help but return the sarcasm.
Roeper Hart: Well... I feel like an old maid, so you MUST be pretty damn ancient. Jake Starr: I hope not... I wasn't planning on doing a "trade=in" at the wife dealership, for a newer model, for at least another few thousand miles. Roeper cocks an eyebrow.
Roeper Hart: Gee.. Thanks... Jake just chuckles, as Roeper approaches the bed, and sits down on the edge. She puts one hand lightly on the ice pack.
Roeper Hart: ... But seriously... Maybe you really are getting to that point where you should think about slowing all of this down? Jake rolls his eyes.
Jake Starr: Babe... We already talked about this, and you know that I promised that I wouldn't be one of those guys who went on too long. I also promised that I would be careful, and not become a veg-head... Roeper Hart: I know... But I am still worried, especially when simply training for something causes you to be in pain. It's almost like I am watching you deteriorate right before my very eyes... Jake Starr: You're not, and deep down, you know that. I was just stupid, and tried to do more than I probably should have. Hell... Even those "young guns" out there would have a little pain and discomfort after that workout. Roeper sighs, and resigns herself to the realization that Jake is still being extremely defiant on the matter.
Roeper Hart: Ok... Fine.. Jake Starr: Roeper... I'm on a roll out there. I have momentum like I haven't had in a LONG time. I mean, things are FINALLY getting back on track, for once, and it's not just a figment of my imagination. The way this year has gone for me, thus far, has started to give me a lot of insight on where things will ultimately go from here on. And hell, besides that, I have some serious business that I need to tend to before I EVER consider moving on. Roeper rolls her eyes.
Roeper Hart: Oh really? What now? What title or accolade are you obssessing over this time? What reason have you come up with to continue to perform, that will magically be the ONE THING that validates your legacy? What is it, this time, that will make you ignore things from my perspective? Jake becomes a bit annoyed.
Jake Starr: Roeper... Just stop, seriously... It's not a title, it's not an accolade, it is nothing that will cement my legacy. It is, in fact, nothing that I couldn't live without, but it is just business. Roeper rolls her eyes again, not believing what Jake is saying.
Roeper Hart: Fine... What is this "important business," then? Jake takes a deep breath.
Jake Starr: It's your nephew... Roeper's eyes squint in confusion. Hearing Thören brought up wasn't what she was expecting to hear. Jake sees the mood shift a bit, when he brings it up.
Jake Starr: Yeah... Your nephew has been sneaking around backstage, in SCW, and is trying to game some "secret intel," so that he can somehow stage a coup against me, or something. Roeper Hart: When did this happen? Jake Starr: A few weeks ago. Brandon and I are in the process of dealing with it appropriately. So... Until this shit is resolved, I am not leaving the business. Roeper Hart: Why wasn't I told? Jake Starr: Because it's nothing for you to worry about. We have to deal with it. You worrying about it isn't going to help us at all. Now Roeper is flustered on multiple fronts now. It is something Jake can easily see.
Jake Starr: I have to take care of these things before I can "slow down." But I promised you that I would be smarter about things, and I'm doing that... Roeper Hart: Yeah... Smarter like entering into some unnecessary battle royal? Jake Starr: ... You know I'm... Roeper immediately cuts him off.
Roeper Hart: You know... It's whatever... Roeper gets up, obviously upset, and storms out of the room. Jake understands her frustrations, but knows that keeping her out of the loop as far as her family is concerned was essential long term, if he wants to truly discover Thören's intentions. He also realizes that doing "extra activities" may not be as welcomed right now, but it is what is within his heart, and what he wants to do. Jake sighs and goes back to being in "recouperation mode," turning the TV on, and knowing it's all he can reall do right now.
Roeper, in the meantime, walks out to the entertainment room, and pulls out her phone. She feels that there is one person who may be able to help her understand Jake, and get through to him in a manner that very few others could. She starts up a FaceTime phone call with Jake's father, Jeff. Jeff is surprised to see the request coming through, and is eager to answer, and see what is going on. Jeff Hart: Roeper! Roeper Hart: Hey there! Jeff Hart: How is my favorite daughter-in-law doing? Roeper Hart: Well... I wish I could say I was completely hunky dory, but unfortunately that isn't the case. Jeff gets a bit concerned.
Jeff Hart: Is everyone ok? Roeper Hart: Oh yeah... Everyone is fine... This is all about my emotions, right now, and I couldn't think of anyone else to call. Jeff Hart: Oh? Well tell me, what's up? Roeper Hart: Basically, I'm getting more and more worried about Jake, and his long term health. I am starting to see signs that his body may have reached a point where he needs to settle, and... Jeff cuts Roeper off, and finishes her sentence.
Jeff Hart: ... And you're ready for him to start looking at "wrapping things up?" Roeper sighs.
Roeper Hart: Yeah... Basically... Roeper sees Jeff smile.
Jeff Hart: ... And knowing my son, he's probably not taking it all that well, is he? Or at least not as easily as you would like? Roeper Hart: Well he's not "angry," but he's definitely not seemingly taking it as seriously as I would like him to. Jeff Hart: I can believe that. I was the same way when I got to that point in my career. Roeper Hart: ... Do you have any suggestions on how I could sway him, or get him to, at least, think about it a little harder? Jeff Hart: I wish I could tell you that there was an "easy way" to do that. Unfortunately it's just not the way is going to probably work out. He's too stubborn to listen to reason, especially if he's pushed. If he gets pushed to do something he doesn't want to do, he'll go out of his way to do the exact opposite. He's thick headed, like that. So, if you want to get him to back things off, and try to get his mind focused elsewhere, don't confront him repeatedly. He'll continue to migrate in an opposing direction. I think playing it cool may be your best bet. Maybe try making suggestions for things for them to do as a family, while he's at home, and in a sense, get his mind off of everything wrestling related. I mean, I'll be honest... Jake's going to retire when the time is right. He's concerned with solidifying his legacy, and stroking his ego, he won't do anything that would let it get tarnished. Roeper sighs again.
Roeper Hart: ... I hope you're right. Jeff Hart: Well, if it will make you feel any better, I can tell you this little secret, but it needs to stay between us. I made Jake promise that, before he went into the business, he wouldn't be one of those guys who just was trying too hard, and never succeeding. I made him promise that, if he couldn't be successful, he wouldn't waste the time or effort, but try and find whatever it was that he could do "good." I also told Jake that if, at any point, I needed to step in and be Jake's "reality check" on how things are really going. Roeper Hart: Like I said... I hope you're right. Jeff Hart: You just need to understand and believe in Jake's ability to understand and know his own limits. Age will slow him down, and it'll make him think more. For some people, they change game plans, and can trudge forward. For others, it's a harsh reality. The way this year has gone for Jake, is a 180 degree turn from where he was, and truthfully, it could be the infamous "last hooray" for him. It could be that moment that everyone dreams about, and could be there for him. Deep down, Jake knows his time is becoming more and more limited, and you need to be there for him. Roeper Hart: Why? Jeff Hart: Honestly because he is so invested in his professional wrestling career, when it all ends, it'll be one of those things that Jake has problems adapting to. It'll be an emotionally difficult time for him, and it'll be because he'll need to begin his transition to life outside of the business. He'll need someone to just be there for him... With those final words, the conversation shifts from about Jake, to the general "how's the family" type of conversations that normally happens between father-in-law and daughter-in-law. Jeff asks mostly about Mara, and does what he can to try and bring Roeper's worries to things that are more in her control.
Going forward, Roeper knows that she needs to begin to try and not let everything get to her, and trust her husband. She knows that her mentality is one of worry, and Jake is someone who knows about how he feels far better than anyone else would. The question is, is Roeper right? Is Jake's body breaking down on him? Or is he simply facing the pains of the profession? Jake Starr: When it came to Riding the Lightning... Er... Whatever that was renamed to this year, everyone expected me to go out there and pull a repeat of last year. People expected me to take someone lightly, and have someone pull the upset. They expected, as always, Jake Starr to take it easy, and let history repeat itself, again. I mean, hell, isn't that how the cliche goes? Isn't that what everyone expects of me? Nobody ever believes that I can transition to something new, and let something special actually happen. But... Jake smirks.
... Ryan Watson defeated... ... Ryan Watson defeated... AGAIN... ... Trios Tournament WON, after two difficult losses... ... Donovan Kayl defeated... ... And yes... Katie Steward... DEFEATED! Jake lifts the United States Championship belt up from out of frame, and tosses it over his shoulder.
... So to everyone who went out there and VEHEMENTLY doubted me, and believed that I would lose this championship, just like I did the World Title, last year, FUCK YOU! I got the last laugh! I am STILL the champion, and I am STILL the hottest superstar on the roster, not named Shaun Cruze. I won't deny that he's the big man on campus. He's earned it. He deserves to be seen as the biggest thing going, but he needs to know that there is definitely someone nipping at his heels, and there is someone who is out to possibly do what it takes in order to userp him at that number one position. But let's be honest... Before that happens, there is a lot that WILL happen before he is dethroned. For one, there's Breakdown, which I'll get to in a bit... But there is also Taking Hold of the Flame. There is the possibility that someone goes into that pay per view, and eliminates him. There is a possibility that Shaun Cruze may not even make it to Rise to Greatness as the champion, and in turn isn't the top dog anymore. The fact is, though, I still aim for that "top dog" status, and I wam willing to go to whatever lengths possible in order to achieve that. I am willing to go to the extremes, and put myself through a lot of things that most wouldn't do, especially if they were in my position. They would be content knowing what they have in their back pocket, and simply enjoyed the "free pass," but yeah, I'm not that way. And because of that... Jake flails his left arm in the air, in a waving motion.
HELLO TAKING HOLD OF THE FLAME BATTLE ROYAL! Jake stops the waving.
Yeah... I knew a lot of people were shocked that I put my name out there for that cluster fuck, but yeah, I did. I figure, in a sense, I'm hedging my bets. I'm giving myself another chance to do something magical, and if I fail, OH WELL! Nevertheless, I am going into that battle royal with a purpose, and that's to win. I'm not throwing my name in because I feel people question me. I do it because I want to prove myself. I want to do something else that I have never done before, and make 2014 a year everyone remembers as the "Year of the Starr." I'll admit, I know it's a long shot to win... You have 40-plus people all wanting to try and beat 39 others, and only ONE PERSON gets to emerge? Yeah... That's a real "gimme," if you ask me. How could I not be the favorite? Oh yeah... THIRTY-FUCKING-NINE OTHER PEOPLE! So, yeah I figured it was a "why the hell not" moment for me. I figured I would toss my name into the hat, and see if I can do something else, that I never have. I figured I would, should I win, increase my odds going forward. I decided to make people turn their heads and look at me going, "oh shit, he's in the match, too!" Whether they think I'm going to win, or not, they know that I am not someone they can simply overlook. They know that they'll have to take me seriously, and ultimately try and take me out because if they don't, I'm that type who can simply exploit them. Hey... It's what I do! But I'll be honest... It's something that I know is on my horizon. It is something that I know I will have to mentally prepare for, and I will have to devote myself to, in order to hopefully emerge victorious. But it's not what is starting me in the face, right now. It is not what I have to focus on, right here, right now, because there is something else that I need to turn my attention to. There is an opponent who has been placed in my path that I have to make sure I take into account, and dispose of properly, before looking ahead to the battle royal, and that man is Alex Young. Jake switches the belt to his other shoulder.
Alex Young is someone who has been making people notice him since he showed up in SCW. He's been winning matches that make people realize that he is a fast up and comer, and he most recently, he walked into the two night special, and he ran his way through Havoc Warrior Exodous, much like I did before. But he's shown himself to be no pushover. It's something that I have to take notice of, even though I am going to go out there and will embarrass him thoroughly. But let's be serious here for a moment... Let's talk about Breakdown... Going into that match, I have a lot on my plate. I have a lot that is staring me in the face. I have a lot to think about with every match because the world knows how history can possibly turn around and repeat itself again. We saw what Miller did to me, and we know what could happen, if I simply look past the man that I am paired up against next. So when it comes to a guy who I know is an up and comer, and has a desire to do something special in SCW, I have to realize he's coming in, and he's coming in hard. Alex Young is going to want a moment where he can say, "I have shown that I can run with the big boys," and sure, a win at the pay-per view is a good start... But look at who it was against. Look at who he beat up on, and ultimately, how easy it was for him to win. It wasn't a "career moment" for him... It wasn't something people will look back on, and talk about, but it is something that I have to respect. It's a spotlight moment for him, that I have to take into consideration, when I go out there and fight him on Breakdown. I have to understand that he wants a moment where people will give him the respect he wants, and he feels that he deserves. He knows that he is going to be facing off against a guy who is as HOT as anyone in the business, and a win would put him DIRECTLY in the spotlight. Nobody would be able to deny his existance any longer... Nobody would be able to ignore him anymore... Those facts put me at a disadvantage of sorts. If I win, I don't get that same benefit. I don't have the ability to say that beating Alex Young will do a whole hell of a lot for my career, and it's not because he's not talented. It's because he simply hasn't established himself enough to give me a "bump" in my stock. If he was a former or current champion, if he had just come off a win against someone who had my number in the past, if he had done something special that people were already clamoring about, THEN it'd mean something to me. The fact is, he has NOTHING to lose, and I have a LOT to lose. My stock could drop faster than the Malaysian flight did from the radar. His could rise at a meteoric rate, as well. It's something that is just a proven fact. He wins, he becomes a somebody overnight. I win, I stay right where I am. For some, that notion is something that doesn't bring a lot of motivation to mind. Who wants to actually TRY when there is nothing to gain from it? Jake's eyes become quite serious.
... THIS GUY! See, while there isn't a lot to gain, there is still that "lots to lose" that lingers in my mind. There is a lot there that could harm me, long term, that I am not willing to deal with. I've busted my ass this ENTIRE FUCKING YEAR, doing everything I can to prove to the world that I am back to normal. I have treated every match like it's my last. I have gone out there each night, with the desire to destroy opponents one by one. I want people to see me for how dominant I am. I want to be, just like I said earlier, the biggest guy in this organization AGAIN. That means I can't look past people. That means that I cannot half-ass a match here or there. Every match MUST be 100%, and it MUST be as if everything is on the line. So at Breakdown, Alex Young will be just as important as Ryan Watson, Donovan Kayl, Katie Steward, and EVERYONE ELSE who I have run through this year. He won't be just some shmuck. He'll be everything to me, and he'll be that guy who I have to beat, to continue my right to say I am the fucking BEST AROUND. Alex, is that something you're ready for? Are you ready to go one on one with someone who has been to the top of the mountain, and is truly hungry for it again? Do you think you can step up and compete at a main event level, having NEVER been there in your career? Do you think you can rise to the occasion, and take me down? Those have all better have been YES answers because if there is ONE moment of doubt in your mind, I have already scored the win. If you don't believe all those are true, then Jake Starr won't even have to try. It's something that you need to understand, and I'm not afraid of telling you, straight up. I'm not afraid of telling you HOW you need to approach this match, and there's a reason for that... Jake steps forward toward the camera.
... I want you at your fucking best. I want you at the pinnacle of your existence. I want to see JUST HOW BAD you want to be one of the best in SCW, and then I want to show you just HOW GOOD you have to be. See, I was in your shoes, once. I walked out there, and I thought that I could just waltz my way into the limelight, without being prepared. You know what happened that first time I was in a match with someone of that quality, and with that much passion behind them? It was early in my SCW career, and Adam Allocco took me down, and showed me how "not ready" I was. Sure, I was the Adrenaline Champion, but I wasn't ready to be catapulted to the top of the heap. After that, James Exeter was my first match in the BIG BIG TIME, for the SCW World Championship. Exeter gave me the reality of what it took. Exeter beat me down. Exeter educated me. And from the moment I came back from that schooling, I became the BEST WRESTLER SCW HAS EVER FUCKING SEEN! I became the BENCHMARK, the TOP DOG, the EVERYTHING in this industry, and I became it because I realized what it took. You haven't been there, so I hope you take from me, what I took from Exeter. I hope you realize that, while you may be a talented individual, you're not ready for what I am going to bring. You're not at the point where you can hang with me. At this point in my career, especially in 2014, very few are at a point where they can hang with me. I am too determined. I am too dedicated. I am too focused, to let anyone stop me. I am also not in the mood to "pass a torch" to someone new. That means your ass belongs to me. That means I'm the one who will emerge victorious. That means I will WIN! Face it... Right now, it's not your time. Breakdown won't be your time either. Why? I am the United States Champion... I am the future World Champion... I am the fucking MAN! Fin |
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