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The world was treated to one hell of a night, on Sunday, June 1. Taking Hold of the Flame 2014 was a battle between 40 members of the SCW roster, and some other rosters as well, who were all in search of a one-way ticket to the biggest match, on the biggest show, in the biggest organization in the world. It was a match that saw shocking, early, eliminations, like that of Merrick Wiseman, Harmony Fisher, and Selena Frost, but at the same time saw returning stars like James Evans and Masquerade make relatively deep runs into the match.
For one man, however, his quest to run the deepest feel a bit short. For Jake Starr, he was doing well in trying to withstand the barrage of competition, but when members of the roster who weren't even involved in the match got involved, and began to single people out one by one, the odds became too much for him to withstand. Jake was ultimately eliminated by the likes of CHBK and Mikaela Street. It was an elimination that was a tough pill to swallow for Jake. He's been adamant about walking into Rise to Greatness as the undisputed number one contender, and now, he will not be afforded that opportunity, but instead, he'll have to utilize his right as a Trios Tournament champion to get into that spot. It was an avenue he had not wished to pursue, initially because of the fact he didn't want to deal with the inevitable backlash, but now, he has no other option. After being eliminated, Jake was given the depressing task of walking to the back with his head slumped down. Sure, there were moments when he tried to "stalk" CHBK for doing what he did, but he ultimately realized that it wasn't going to change the fact that he was NOT going to be winning the battle royal. While doing so, he got to hear the "oohhs" and the "ahhs" of the crowd, as they saw the exciting concluding moments, including the simultaneous elimination of Regan Street and Syren. It was a moment that he didn't want to be a part of because in his mind, he had failed in his mission, his dream, and his goal. It was something that pulled on his heartstrings because there is now an even more difficult hill to climb, knowing he has to go through TWO other people to continue his winning streak at Rise to Greatness and also become the World Champion for a fourth time. As Jake finally gets behind the curtain, the walk to his dressing room seems neverending. His mind is racing with the events of the match, but at the same time, everything that transpired beforehand. After spotting Roeper and Helms inside the cafe together, Jake's mouth has been relatively silent. He's barely spoken to Brandon, and even less so to Roeper. It's something that, to a point, is a bit unusual for Jake. Usually, as he approaches a match like Taking Hold of the Flame, where he has something so big on the line, he's amped up. He seemingly sufferes severe cases of oral diarhea, and never shuts up. There are also times where it's obvious he's so focused on the task at hand, that he doesn't seem to say much. Unfortunately neither seem to be the case. This time, Jake has been silent and distant. He's barely uttered words to either during meals, barely seemed to show any signs of having any type of relationship with either, but rather just being in their presence. Both Brandon and Roeper have just felt that this time, things are more intense, more meaningful, and more serious, therefore illiciting a far different reaction and approach than what they have seen in the past. After finally making it back to his dressing room, Jake walks in, and both Roeper and Brandon look up. They had been watching the match from the back, and when they see Jake walk in, they are unsure of what to say. Jake doesn't bother saying anything either, and instead simply goes into an immediate preparation to wind down, and get out of the arena. He begins to take off all of his ring gear, and sits in silence with the end of the pay-per view in the TV in the background. As the namesake match comes to a conclusion, and Kelcey Wallace is named the victor, Jake stands up and turns the television off, and goes back to disrobing. When Jake turns off the TV, both Brandon and Roeper look at one another. They never know how to approach Jake when he's in this mood. Brandon looks over at Roeper, and Roeper back his direction, both trying to nonverbally cipher whether or not to try and address everything that had just happened. Brandon raises his eyebrows in a manner that makes Roeper realize Brandon is looking to her to break the ice. She casually shakes her head in a way that Jake wouldn't realize what was going on. She returns the look in Brandon's direction, to which he grimmaces, and shakes his head in a much more noticeable way. Even though they try to do things in a very nonchalant way, Jake sees it all, and ignores it. He's more worried about taking his remaining gear off, and throwing it in his go bag. He finally finishes undressing, still remaining silent, and stands up to head for the shower. Once in the shower, and out of earshot thanks to the pouring of the water, Roeper quickly looks back at Brandon. Roeper Hart: Why didn't you say anything? Brandon Evans: Why didn't you? Roeper Hart: Because being here and seeing his reactions to things isn't my forte, like it yours! Brandon Evans: Yeah, well I see this crap all of the time. The only reason this is a little more awkward is because this silence started BEFORE he got eliminated. Roeper nods.
Roeper Hart: Yeah... Usually he's pretty amped up. I wonder if something else is wrong? Brandon has an idea of something else that could be floating through Jake's head, but decides that subject is probably something he should leave alone, so he simply shrugs.
Brandon Evans: I wish I knew... He does, however, decide to delve into the situation from the aspect at which Roeper knows that he knows.
Brandon Evans: ... Speaking of wishing I knew... How did everything go with Helms? Roeper Hart: I would say it went about as well as it could have. I will say that he seemed pretty genuine with what he said. Don't get me wrong, I'm still taking it all with a grain of salt until I see some action on his part. Brandon Evans: And what kind of "action" would you be expecting? Roeper Hart: Hell if I know? I just know that seemed to truly want to make amends for everything that went down, and I want to believe that it's all real, but I have my reservations. Brandon Evans: Yeah... I would have them too. It was too "out of the blue" to seem like there wasn't something else going on, there. Roeper Hart: I thought that, myself, at one point. But just talking to him makes me believe that this could be legit. I'll admit, I want it to be legit. I want it to be real. But the thing is, I am NOT going to be going into things blindly believing everything. Brandon Evans: That is probably the smartest thing to do. The pair hear the shower turn off, and they immediately know the conversation has to end.
Brandon Evans: ... You know, I should probably go take some of this crap out to the car... Roeper Hart: Ok... Brandon picks up several of their things and begins to carrying it all out to the car. As he does so, Jake comes out of the shower to see Brandon exiting. Jake doesn't even acknowledge anything, and instead simply continues his post-event routine, by drying off and getting dressed.
The silence that has filled the room continues to give a severely awkward vibe. Even with Brandon making a couple trips back and forth to the car, Jake doesn't acknowledge anything, or comment on anything. After several trips, and several minutes, Brandon returns one last time. Brandon Evans: ... Alright, I think I got everything loaded, minus those last few things over there. Roeper Hart: Sounds good... Roeper looks over at Jake, and decides to be the one who FINALLY initiates conversation with him.
Roeper Hart: ... You about ready, Jake? Jake puts his second shoe on, and responds without looking up.
Jake Starr: Yeah... Sure... Jake finally stands up, and throws his go-bag over his shoulder. The cold response finally pushes Roeper to the point where she is sick of it. She scolds Jake.
Roeper Hart: Alright, Jake... The match is over. Get over it. You're going to have your moment, regardless, and you know it. You just need to get over this damn battle royal, and move on! Jake slowly turns his head in his wife's direction.
Roeper Hart: ... I don't deserve this whole "silent game" treatment, or this cold treatment for that matter... Jake finally breaks, and lashes back at his wife.
Jake Starr: Did I deserve to be sneaked around on, and blatantly lied to? Roeper is shocked.
Roeper Hart: Wh... What are you talking about? She hopes that Jake is talking about something other than the obvious.
Jake Starr: Oh quit playing games, Roeper! I saw it with my own eyes, and knowing that you were willing to sneak off and meet with David behind my back has me in a bit of a purturbed mood... Roeper's eyes widen, and her head spins in Brandon's direction. Brandon's eyes widen, and he only can think of one way to reply.
Brandon Evans: You kow... Maybe I should go wait in the car now? Roeper Hart: Oh I do NOT think so... I can't believe you told Jake... I trusted you! Jake Starr: Don't blame him... I made him talk. I made him tell me what was really going on, and now, it's your turn to fill in the details. You need to come clean, RIGHT NOW, or realize that I'm going to feel even more betrayed by you than I am now. Roeper Hart: Why do you feel betrayed, honestly? Why is my meeting with David, me getting some answers to some very troublesome times, an act of betrayal, huh? You know, as well as I do, that if I had told you about the meeting, you would have made it IMPOSSIBLE for he and I to take those first steps. I went out there because SOMEONE had to do it. You wouldn't have. You have too much fucking pride to have done it. You would have been the jackass who said, "screw off, David!" Jake wastes no time snapping back.
Jake Starr: You have NO IDEA what I would have done! I might have done just the fucking opposite! But hell, it doesn't even matter now, does it? What's done is done... Roeper Hart: It does matter, Jake! It matters a lot! It matters that you can't address the truth, head on! Jake Starr: Oh really? Roeper Hart: Yes, really! Jake Starr: And what is that fucking truth, huh? Since you know everything, why don't you just do my side of this conversation as well? Roeper Hart: Jake, you and I both know this is all about one thing, and that's that you don't have all of the cards or all of the information. You don't like being the guy who doesn't know everything at all times. You want that power to be the "decider" in this whole brokerage... Jake Starr: Well obviously you don't know me then, do you? Roeper Hart: Oh Jake, I think I do! I think it's driving you NUTS because you're desperate to find out what I know! Jake yells back at Roeper.
Jake Starr: I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU KNOW! Roeper's patience is running thin.
Roeper Hart: Then Jesus Christ, Jake, what's the big deal? Jake's response is done without thinking. Everything has been churning in his mind, and his response is candid, and without any semblance of holding back.
Jake Starr: I'M JEALOUS IT WAS YOU! There is another silence over the room, as Jake just shared more than he would have ideally have liked to share. His response is silence, and a frozen stance. As it sinks in, that he's at a point where it's too late to save face, he simply acknowledges the truth.
Jake Starr: I... I wish it were me in that cafe. I wish it were me getting answers. I've wanted to just sit down and talk with him so bad, and for so long. I want to know why. I want to know what made him think it was a good idea. I mean, hell, I'm not a bastion of goodness, if there was something he felt he needed, I'd have happily help. Since that day, I've just not felt "right." Something about it made me feel "wrong," and I'm seriously tired of feeling that way. I need my answers... Much like you did... Jake's head slumps down.
Jake Starr: ... I'm just upset I didn't get that chance... Roeper smiles, seeing Jake's vulnerability as a major breakthrough for them. It's a sight she rarely sees, but is always one she appreciates. She walks up to her husband, and without hesitation embraces him as feels a flood of emotions overcome him. He buries his head in Roeper's shoulder, and squeezes her tight.
Brandon, seeing all of this, walks up to Jake and puts his hand on his friend's shoulder. Brandon Evans: ... In time, man... Jake can feel Roeper nod in agreement.
Roeper Hart: Exactly... In time... With those final words, Jake simply stands there, embracing his wife, and allowing himself to truly come to grips with the fact that his feelings on the situation are out there. After finally getting to the point where he's content with everything, he lifts his head up, and tells the pair they can go now. Roeper nods, and Brandon gives Jake the stereotypical "bro hug," to show him that he is supported on all sides.
As they leave Roeper almost feels a sense of gratitude toward Brandon. Had he not allowed Jake to SEE the encounter, things could have been a lot different, as he would have simply heard about everything second hand. She feels that she now knows that a meeting between Jake and David will be inevitable, and that moment could bring a major turning point in their future relationship. Jake Starr: It's needless to say that things didn't pan out the way I had planned them... Well... When it comes to Taking Hold of the Flame, that is... Jake smirks.
When I walked into that arena, I had a genuine belief that I would be able to walk into that battle royal, and do whatever it took to won. I believed that there would be nobody who could go out there, match my desire and my want, and I would simply steamroll the competition. I... I honestly felt it was my destiny to win, and go on to main event Rise to Greatness. I felt that it was already written in the cards, that Jake Starr would live his dream, and the world would see history in the making. That battle royal didn't play out like I wanted. In fact, I was out-right robbed. It took people who weren't even involved in the fucking match to go out there, and take me out. It was disgusting. It was embarrassing. I didn't think SCW would allow such transgressions to happen, but honestly, it happened. Nobody can go and change it. Nobody can alter the fact that my opportunity was STOLEN from me, and ultimately, revenge will happen at Supreme Saturday, but in relation to this, I lost my chance to have that moment of pride. And it was at that point that I officially became "not the guy" who would be main eventing Rise to Greatness... Due to the Taking Hold of the Flame battle royal! Jake smirks again.
... Now for those of you out there who saw Breakdown, you saw that, JUST LIKE I HAD SAID ALL ALONG, if I didn't win, the Rise to Greatness shot would be mine anyway. I made no qualms about my desires from the first day I officially had my golden ticket in my hand, from the Trios. I was NOT SILENT about what would happen if I didn't succeed, but apparently there are several people in this business who have stopped bothering listening to what I say because the uproar from Breakdown was quite, shall I say, comical? I mean, let's all be honest here... I'm the most self-centered, asshole, in SCW. My mind tends to revolve around me, me, me, and me. My dreams are my top priority, and since DAY ONE in SCW, my dream has been to headline Rise to Greatness. When I got that Trios contract, I knew that I had my dream within my grasp, and NOBODY could take it from me... But seriously... Who didn't think I would make sure the main event revolved around me? When I heard that Cruze and Wallace were going to have this unnecessary pomp and circumstance, to try and hype up a match that we've already seen, I decided that the best thing to do would be to let it happen. I wanted those two dolts to sit there and think that their little rematch, that only they seem to care about, would be setup, and ready for them to try and take it. Then, ONLY THEN, would Jake Starr take their jubilation, and subsequently piss in their Cheerios! When they thought that everything was final, I went out there and made sure they realized that this utopian match would NOT be happening, and instead, I revealed to them that this match, this moment, this historical night in the history of professional wrestling, wouldn't be "theirs," but instead, "ours." Then... CUE THE FURY! I mean, seriously, when I did what I did, I didn't expect my Twitter to EXPLODE, like it did. I wasn't expecting everyone to come out of the woodwork, and start flipping their shit, but when they did, when they started to go bat-shit insane, when they saw what I did, then I knew one thing for sure... I knew I had accomplished EXACTLY what I wanted to accomplish. I wanted people to realize that this show was about one person, and one person only, me. I wanted people to understand that my DREAM of SIX FUCKING YEARS would be turning from dream to REALITY. I wanted people to FINALLY realize I still existed! See, for too long, people have forgotten that Jake Starr exists in SCW. Sure, I was the United States Champion, but people didn't really turn heads to that. People didn't turn heads to the fact I was a Trios Tournament victor. People didn't care that I was the most recent Supreme Champion. People just didn't fucking care anymore. I was one of those guys who was relegated to "forgotten" and "historical" status. I was one of those guys like Christian Savior, Jason Zero, Greg Cherry, and hell, basically the entire roster of Greaternity, who people simply think are past their prime, and couldn't hang any longer. When you get to that level, when you are relegating to that status, people tend to stop talking about you, or paying attention to anything you do. So I figured I would put the kibosh on that. I figured I would refresh the minds of the masses. I figured I would remind people that I AM STILL FUCKING HERE! So I did what I did. It was something I had wanted to be straight forward about, but when I realized nobody was paying me any attention, I knew that it would, at the least, be a bit of a surprise, and make people remember that Mr. Rise to Greatness is going to be taking his streak to the ultimate challenge, and putting it ALL on the line. Jake shrugs.
... And there you have it. There is the big answer to the question on everyone's mind, and that question is, "Why, Jake? Why?" It was simple to answer, and was simple to convey. It was something I decided from the get-go, and if those of you who were like "zOMG" would have simply listened, you'd have known it was on its way. Plain and simple. Knowing that is GOING to happen, I have to say that it's easy to let myself allow my focus to stray a bit, and look at what is immediately at hand. I know that at Rise to Greatness, I'll either leave with everything, or nothing. I don't have to sit around and try to beg or plead for that opportunity to come my way, or worry that I'm going to be thrusted into another match that nobody remembers. People WILL remember this on, and people WILL talk about it years to come. For now, though, people need to talk about one person, who is out trying to make a name for herself in SCW. She is someone who has quite a history in the business, and wants to further that history in the biggest organization in the business. She's also someone who can go out there and take care of business in a multitude of ways. She can do it nicely... You can do it like Rachel Foxx, and do so in a completely tough, gritty, way, and then there is her completely "fuck-it-all" way of thinking. She's willing to throw the rulebook out the window, throw the middle finger to the "right thing to do," and simply go bat-shit insane on people... Jake goes to continue, then pauses, and stops. He stands there for a second and thinks about whatever it was that popped into his head. After wrapping his head around it, he looks back into the camera.
... You know, come to think of it, she's the female version of Jake Starr! Angelica Jones is someone who came into SCW, and also had the guts to insert herself into Taking Hold of the Flame. Did anyone think she would last past the halfway point of the match? Sure, she came in at 13, but look at who she outlasted, during that time... She outlasted Selena Frost, Brittany Lohan, Kennedy Street, Marcus V. Lopez, she outlasted Merrick Wiseman, who didn't even muster the ability to make it into the tens... And he's a "champion!" She showed that she's willing to compete. She showed she's willing to go out there and fight to make a name for herself, but at the same time, she made a very "SCW-rookie" mistake. She forgot that Jake Starr was in the ring with her at the same time, and like everyone else in that match, I saw her as a threat. So I did was any self-respecting asshole would do, I dumped her onto the floor! Knowing that I eliminated her, and me knowing what she will do in order to make a statement, makes me realize that I can't walk into Breakdown thinking that this is going to be some kind of cakewalk. I can't think that I am going to be able to give her a baptism by fire, and expect to not face any repurcussions. She's going to come out there and do whatever she feels is necessary to attack me. She's going to want to get back at me for taking away her shot at Rise to Greatness, and at the same time, she's going to want to show the world she is someone who should be feared in this business. The reason she's going to go out there with fists of fire is because, just like me in 2009, she has a pedigree people are expecting her to show whether or not it's able to last in this environment. She has to prove that she can live up to the hype. So what better way to do it, than to take out one of the two number one contenders for the World Championship? Why not bring everything you can bring in order to make people realize that you are, indeed, for real? That's exactly what she's going to do because that's exactly what I had to do. I had to prove to the world that I was every bit as good as my track record said I was, and I did so with furver. That's why, at Breakdown, I know what to expect from her, and what she will bring. I know how much intensity to expect, and I am seasoned enough to know what to do next... That's why, when all is said and done, I am going to give her a reality check in what it will take to cut the mustard in Supreme Championship Wrestling! Jake's commentary becomes more directive toward Jones.
... I know, Angelica, that you probably are going to assume, like everyone always does with me, that I am going to look past you. You're going to think that Jake Starr can't be bothered by some newbie, who is out trying to start making a name of his or herself, but the fact is, that isn't the case. You're someone to me. You're someone who I need to take out because on the path I'm on, I cannot afford to let someone make me wonder if, my plans for Rise to Greatness are going to be all for naught. I can't let someone take me off of my game. I am NOT going to let you use me for your own personal gain. I respect what you're wanting to do in SCW, but right now, this isn't when it is all going to begin for you. When you walk in, you can bring your nicey-nice attitude, you can bring your tough and gritty side, you can throw the rulebook out the window, you can do whatever, but remember, I know the same tricks. I am someone who is willing to toss the rulebook out the window as well. Remember who has Chairee by his side? I am not scared to go out there and simply take you completely OUT of the picture, if push comes to shove. I have done it before, and I will do it again! See, being ruthless isn't out of my POV. Being technical isn't either. Whatever fight you want to bring to the table, I will roll with the punches, and I will show you that I can adapt. After that, I will then show you why I am going for the World Championship at the biggest pay-per view in the industry. I know that you have been in wars, and I know you won't look at facing me like it's some kind of intimidating match. I like that... I like knowing that, while some people may not realize who you are, and write you off, you will still come out there and do your best to beat the shit out of me. I like knowing that you aren't like that lame-duck champion, Merrick Wiseman, and you'll pull out all of the stops. That shows a desire to be the best. It makes me understand that you won't let me out easy. But I'll be damned if I let you succeed! When the dust settles, you'll be looking at the lights, wondering what happened. You'll realize that all of those matches you've been in, in the past, can't compare to SCW. This match will be your wake up call to what it will take to succeed in SCW one day. You'll realize that you have a lot of things to work on, and ultimately, a lot to learn. In time, your championship days will come. Your signature wins will come, some day. They won't start with Jake Starr. They won't derail me from my trek to Rise to Greatness. So, while you may be the female Jake Starr, you're not going to follow my lead. You're not going to steamroll the competition, like I did. You're not going to take me out! This is Jake Starr's night. This is Jake Starr's moment. This is Jake Starr's road to Rise to Greatness! If you want to get in my way, you will get knocked down. Everyone will be knocked down. You can ask Kelcey and Shaun about what it feels like to be on Jake Starr's path, going toward the biggest event in history, and I can tell you, their spirits were quickly deflated. Yours... It'll be next. Whether it's by pinfall, submission, DQ, countout, hook, crook, or whatever else it takes, YOU WILL GO DOWN! Fin |
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