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The way Tactical Warfare ended was eye opening for many. The victory by the tandem of World Champions wasn't necessarily the reason for this surprise, but it was how the victory was accomplished. PUNK HAZARD opted to dissolve itself, rather than face the full demise at the hands of the World Champions, but regardless of that fact, they were beaten. It was a much-needed victory for the Champions as PUNK HAZARD had become a severe thorn in their side, and more importantly, been ones to inflict severe damage to them without warning. The victory signified the end of the constant feeling of looking over your shoulder, fearing an assault at the hands of the gang.
Since that moment, though, the victory has been short lived. Many of those who emerged victorious have been suffering losses and negative moments, taking the glee of PUNK HAZARD's demise away quickly. Jake Starr is hoping that he isn't the next to suffer the same fate. He walks into Breakdown facing off against someone whom he is very familiar with, Katie Steward. Jake knows that Katie presents a tough challenge, but is one that he has toppled before. He also realizes that another victory could prove highly beneficial for him, in his quest to become a power player in SCW again. At the Des Moines International Airport, planes continually fly in and out throughout the day. As one private jet lands, carrying Jake Starr and Thoren Holt, Jake knows how good it feels to be home. His body is in a state of feeling that he is not accustomed to. Since Tactical Warfare, he's definitely felt sore. His body has ached, and is reeling from the war that he was right in the middle of. This feeling makes him realize that he's not the same man that he once was. He's beginning to realize that his body doesn't recover as fast as it did when he first walked into the organization, and he's becoming more of an "elder statesman," rather than a "young buck." It's something he's not quite ready to admit publicly, and is doing everything he can to hide it from anyone else's view. The time spent with Jake, however, has allowed Thoren to actually begin to pick up on some of Jake's "tells" and better interpret how Jake is doing. This understanding has allowed Thoren to actually become closer with Jake, and step into the role that Brandon served in with greater ease. As the plane taxis along toward the fixed-base operator (FBO), Jake looks out the window and just takes in the view from inside. He sees the hangar where he had parked his car near, and sees a very familiar vehicle parked right beside it. It is the vehicle of his wife, Roeper. This sight surprises Jake because he wasn't expecting to see her there to greet him. And while there is a level of surprise to this, Jake is actually excited to have a "welcoming committee" there awaiting his arrival. The plane begins to pull in toward the FBO headquarters, and as the ground's crew secures the craft the pilot shuts the engines off, and everyone is cleared to deplane. As Jake grabs his go-bag, and descends down the staircase, the members of the ground's crew begin removing their hearing protection. Jake sees as one of them making a signal toward the entry into the FBO, motioning to "come on." That signal makes the door swing open, and Mara come running out, straight toward Jake. It's a sight that brings a huge smile to Jake's face. Mara Jade Hart: DADDY!!! Jake lowers his backpack off of his shoulder, onto the tarmac, and bends over to catch his daughter at full speed. He lifts her up, feeling his sore muscles ache as he lifts her into the air, and into his arms.
Jake Starr: And how are you doing, Princess? Mara Jade Hart: I'm doing OK! I've missed you, though! Jake Starr: Aww, Princess, I've missed you, too! Jake looks up, and sees that Roeper has also exited the FBO, and is strolling in his direction as well. As she reaches Jake, she also embraces her husband and leans in to give him a kiss.
Jake Starr: Hi honey! Brandon Evans: Hey babe! After the brief pleasantries are completed, Jake then looks back at his, now not-so-little, girl.
Jake Starr: So how has school been going? Mara Jade Hart: Oh... Ok... Most of the kids are leaving me alone a little more now. Jake nods.
Jake Starr: Well that's good... Are any of them saying anything mean? Mara shrugs.
Mara Jade Hart: No, not really anymore. Some just don't talk to me, now, but there are some who have been nicer to me, though. Jake smirks, remembering his little "discussion" with the PTA President.
Jake Starr: Heh... Yeah... I had a little bit of a feeling that was going to happen. This also triggers Roeper into bringing up a little nugget of information for Jake to ponder and process.
Roeper Hart: Umm... Yeah... About that... I think you and I may need to have a little "talk" about that here in a bit... Jake cocks an eyebrow.
Jake Starr: Why in a bit? Roeper genuinely smiles back at Jake.
Roeper Hart: Because... Right now, there is something a little more important we need to take care of... Jake cocks an eyebrow again.
Jake Starr: Oh really now? Roeper Hart: Yep... In fact I have a little bit of a surprise for you. Jake smirks, and a few improper thoughts rush through his head.
Jake Starr: Well honey... I would like to say that the tarmac is not really the place for those type of surprises... Roeper quickly catches what sexual innuendo Jake is putting down, and in return smacks him on the arm. This makes Jake laugh, while actually feeling a bit tender in the area where she got him. She then scolds him.
Roeper Hart: I wasn't talking about that kind of surprise, you inappropriate ass! Jake is still smirking.
Jake Starr: Yeah, but I couldn't resist... Roeper rolls her eyes.
Roeper Hart: Uh huh... Besides I think that this surprise will be a little bit better than that type, anyway... Now Jake is completely confused. He cannot comprehend what would actually be a better surprise than sex. As Jake's confusion grows, Thoren comes out from within the plane with a grin of his own on his face. Roeper looks up, and the two share a smile that suggests they both know something. He nods at her, and she does the same in return. Jake now looks at both, wondering what is actually happening, as his uneasiness grows. Roeper can sense the uneasiness growing, and smiles at Jake in a warm manner, telling Jake that everything is actually OK. She then looks back toward the door that she and Mara exited, and nods again. This "cue" makes the doors slowly open. Jake's eyes go wide as, for the first time in nearly a year, Jake sees his best friend, Brandon Evans, on two feet, and walking toward him. Jake slowly sets Mara down, and begins walking, himself, in Brandon's direction, still not believing what he's seeing. Brandon's gait seems relatively normal, with the most noticeable difference in him being his lack of muscle mass from where he was before the event.
As the two get within a couple feet of one another, Brandon smiles, and Jake can only muster one simple word. Jake Starr: ... When?! Brandon smirks, thinking the question is a bit comical in nature.
Brandon Evans: When did I get mobile again? Eh... It's been a while. Honestly, Roeper and Shawn have been helping me get through physical therapy, and that's been something I'll never be able to repay them for... Jake begins to get his wits about himself, and can talk more.
Jake Starr: Why didn't you tell me? I mean, I would have been there, too! Brandon smirks.
Brandon Evans: Exactly... That's why I didn't. You'd have never left, and your typical impatient-asshole self, I wouldn't have ever had time to rest. But besides... If I had told you, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to surprise you with something GOOD, rather than being on the verge of death...again... Jake begins to feel himself being taken over by the raw emotion of the situation. Brandon sees this as well, and walks up embracing Jake, as Jake quickly grabs him back. As this is happening, Thoren has walked down the stairway, and is now beside Roeper.
Roeper Hart: You know... Good job keeping all of that a secret. Thoren smirks.
Thoren Holt: It wasn't easy, that's for sure. It gets hard hiding your texts and not looking suspicious. Hell, it was hard for me to hide my excitement as well. I've been hoping for this day, too, for a long time now. Roeper reaches out and puts a hand on her nephew's shoulder.
Roeper Hart: You realize this is for you, too, right? Get over there... Thoren looks over at Roeper, and smiles. He nods, and then approaches Jake and Brandon, as they release their embrace of one another.
Jake Starr: You know, man, I wondered if I would ever see you like this again... Thoren steps up to the two, overhearing what Jake says, and interjects.
Thoren Holt: ... And that makes two of us! Brandon looks over at Thoren and smiles.
Brandon Evans: Well I can say you two weren't alone, there. Don't get me wrong... Those first few steps I had to take sucked. It just slowly got easier to at least walk, and I have a lot to do, still, but I'm upright, at least... Thoren, a bit unsure of how to show his appreciation, extends his hand for a shake. Brandon chuckles.
Brandon Evans: ... Get that shit out of here and get over here! Brandon steps forward and embraces Thoren, who, now, feels extremely overwhelmed with emotion. The emotion forces tears down his cheeks, and Jake catches a glimpse. Jake reaches out and pats Thoren on the back, knowing how responsible Thoren felt. After several moments, Thoren releases Brandon, and is finally able to talk without breaking into hysterics again.
Thoren Holt: ... So what now? I mean, where do we all go from here? Jake's comfort level with the situation begins to level out.
Jake Starr: ... Well I would hope for some place OTHER than the tarmac at the airport... This brings a chuckle from both men.
Brandon Evans: Truth be told I'm not allowed to really do much of anything, right now... Exerting basically ANY physical energy wears me out pretty fast, still. I have a ways to go before I can start feeling like I'm living a normal life, again. Thoren Holt: You're going back on the road with us, again, then, I presume? Brandon shakes his head.
Brandon Evans: Not full time, no. I don't think I could handle being out there that much anymore. I may feel differently in the future, and I could change my mind, but right now I just want to feel like a normal person again. I mean, sure, I'll roll with you guys on occasion. I'll want to have fun with you guys and be out there. I just don't think it'd be right for me to be out there full time. Besides... You're holding the fort down, now... I'd just be a pesky third wheel to you both. Thoren smirks, realizing Brandon is giving him the same excuse he once used.
Thoren Holt: Oh shut up... We both know I'm nothing compared to you. Jake Starr: Don't sell yourself short, man... I've come to rely on you being there for me, keeping me focused, realizing how stupid I've been, and doing what needs to be done. Hell, you were the one who ultimately kept reminding me about what going to Tommy would do for me as a person. It wasn't Brandon speaking through you. It was you, man... Hearing this vote of confidence from Jake makes Thoren feel proud, for once, and not a pest.
Jake Starr: ... Now can we get inside? This heat sucks! Brandon nods.
Brandon Evans: Yeah, I'm for that... Thoren and Brandon both begin walking toward the FBO doors, and Jake does an about face and walks back toward Roeper and Mara. As he reaches the two, he looks his wife in the eye.
Jake Starr: So seriously... How long has he been mobile? Roeper Hart: Honestly... About three months, now. Shawn and I have taken turns being with him getting through physical therapy. He's needed that because it wasn't pretty at first. But it's been hard not telling you, babe. But he said he didn't want you to know, and wanted you to finally see him back under his own power again. He wanted you to know he was better, and not have to watch and try and will him to get better. Jake nods.
Jake Starr: ... So, he's progressing well? Roeper Hart: They have said he's much further ahead of where they expected him to be now. He's just not at the point where his muscles can really support him for long periods, but he'll get there... Jake nods again, and sighs.
Jake Starr: ... Yeah... Roeper puts her arm around Jake, and Mara begins to lead them all toward the doors. As they're walking, Jake remembers the little nugget of information that Roeper had planted seeds about earlier, regarding Mara's school situation.
Jake Starr: ... So, what was that whole thing about, with her school? Roeper had forgotten to rehash the subject, having enjoyed the sight of her husband and best friend.
Roeper Hart: Oh yeah... Well... Umm... Jake sighs.
Jake Starr: Oh Christ, what now? Roeper Hart: ... So funny thing happened while you were gone. I got a call from the school's superintendent. He apparently wants to meet with us both regarding our, quote, "tactics," that we used on the president of the PTA. Jake chuckles.
Jake Starr: Tactics, huh? Roeper Hart: Yeah... They have apparently caused a bit of an issue with the school district... Jake lowers his head and shakes it in disbelief.
Jake Starr: Goodie... Well I guess that sounds like fun, doesn't it? Roeper Hart: My thoughts exactly... The trio enter the FBO, behind Thoren and Brandon, who have found a seat and are simply talking. Brandon is showing how much muscle mass he lost being laid up, and Mara is apparently glued to her father's side. The group begin to gather up the belongings, so that they may all do something they haven't gotten to do in a long time, and that's collectively gather at Jake's house. Brandon is expected back to the therapy ward, which is where he's being rehabilitated, at some point, but wants to spend some time with his friends for the first time in nearly a year.
This smattering of good news, for Jake at least, is a battery recharge that he has needed. The back of his mind has constantly been going back to wondering exactly if and when Brandon would emerge from his hospital bed, and the clarity of knowing that it has been happening for a while now brings a sense of closure to a very dark situation in his life. It allows him to begin to shift the focus, fully, on growing back up, and being a little more "adultish" in who he is and how he acts. He hopes that his renewed focus in taking his life into its next chapter will continue to allow him to feel "freer" than he has in years past. Jake Starr: Retribution will always be the most special pay-per view for me, personally, and it is because it was my first in SCW, back in 2009. It was the pay-per view that helped to define Jake Starr as someone who should be seen as a truly considered a defining force in this company. And while that was the defining moment in 2009, in 2017, it was reiterated as I stepped into a demonic structure alongside people who I don't see eye to eye with. The five of us were tasked with ending the reign of terror of PUNK HAZARD, and allowing SCW to return to a sense of normalcy. Mission accomplished! We all walked out there and understood what was on the line. We understood that these yokels had done a lot to terrorize the locker room, and it was on our heads to finally end it all. We did it... We showed PUNK HAZARD what happens when you cross the line, and try to run roughshod over those of us who have truly sacrificed everything to achieve what we have achieved in this place. Now, I say all of this with the understanding that, let's be honest, the ending of that match was weird as fuck. I mean, PUNK HAZARD basically proved to the world that I wasn't lying when I said they were crumbling under the pressure. They proved that when I called them to task, and said that by not retaliating for my attacks on them they, effectively, admitted defeat. They proved it by their actions. The only difference was that they hoped to save face by trying to keep the five former World Champions from taking the credit by doing it themselves, but that didn't happen, did it? See, when they pulled their little stunt and decided to end it all themselves, all it did was give us the final nail to shove into the coffin we had buried them in already. So it didn't save them face at all. It proved their cowardice, and gave us the final peace we needed to know we were done with having to deal with their bullshit. And it leads us to where we are now... Everyone saw Kennedy Street and I talking on Breakdown. Everyone saw Ravyn and I talking once the match ended. Everyone wonders what is up with Jake Starr, and why he's acting completely different. People have accused me of simply trying something new to get my footing back, and this being another ploy to try and not have the kind of years like I've just had. People have said Jake Starr isn't serious. People have said Jake Starr can't be trusted. People have said I'm just waiting for some other opportunity to show its face, and then I'll do that. And I get it, you know... I know what the optics look like. I know what I've done in recent years doesn't really add up to my actions as of late and in most cases is in direct opposition. But the fact is, I'm being real with everyone. I'm being myself with everyone. Yes, my attitude has changed recently, and I get why people believe it's a stunt. I also know people who think it's a stunt will expect me to come out here and try to "prove" that it isn't by being over the top, apologizing, begging for forgiveness, and all of those types of events... Not going to happen... No, I'm not going to come out here and say, "guys, I know I've done a lot of you wrong, please forgive me." It's not that I don't feel bad for my actions, but it would be fucking disingenuous for me to come out here and say how sorry I am. Ultimately, it all happened for a reason. Ultimately, it has led me to understand myself better. It's led me to understand who I truly am. And if I was to come out here and say how sorry it was that it helped me learn that, I'd be bullshitting more than I ever have. Face it... I know I'm an ass... I know I'm a dick... I know I'm going to piss people off... But the fact is, I also realize I'm a human being. Did I make some poor choices? Yeah... I did... They led to me becoming someone I didn't like looking at. Those decisions made me see myself in a light that I realized wasn't me. I was following a herd down a path, trying to find myself. Jake cracks his neck.
I mean, seriously... I went out there and tried to be something I wasn't. I tried to be SOMEBODY I wasn't. It wasn't Jake Starr, it was some parody of myself that, hell, I WAS PLAYING. But if it hadn't happened, I don't think I would be where I am right now. I don't think I would have been as successful in teaming with Ace and Gable in the Trios if I hadn't been able to make that realization. Hell, I KNOW I wouldn't have gotten along with the other four at Retribution, that's for sure. But I've begun to realize that there is a time and place for everything. There are goods and bads. There are things I can and can't control, and my future and my destiny are DEFINITELY things I can control. So I've taken that control back! I'm not going to sit back, try and game the system, make threats, or do whatever it takes to try and MAKE people realize that I am the best motherfucker here, I'm simply out to prove it. Night after night I'm willing to go out there, bitch slap whatever peckerhead they throw at me, and win. It's what Jake Starr has ALWAYS done in his successful times in SCW. And while I'm not saying I'm going back to the "2009 version" of Jake Starr, I'm simply adopting his philosophy... Fuck up ANYONE who dares cross my path, and take WHATEVER opportunities come my way... ... Now on the subject of opportunities, let me just make one thing ABUNDANTLY clear. My Trios contract gives me ANY MATCH, with ANY STIPULATION, at ANY TIME over the next calendar year. When I won a few years back, I didn't exercise those last two caveats very well, and it bit me in the ass when Syren stole my moment. So, this time, it will be VERY different. Rise to Greatness is on the horizon, and yes, I expect to see my name penciled into that main event match. I expect Jake Starr to headline. But it WILL NOT be because of my Trios contract. It WILL NOT be because I'm cashing in. I have a plan to make this cash in a little more epic than that. So, kill the speculation... Kill the anticipation... Kill the EXPECTATION because if I'm going to Rise to Greatness, I'm doing it under my own volition, and not because of a technicality. But the question does surface asking, "so what next?" Where do I go from here? I've won the Trios, taken out YET ANOTHER pestilence upon our land, and now I have to figure out what happens next. I have to figure out what I am supposed to do, in order to keep this momentum going. I can't sit back and be complacent, and I can't let any opportunity slip through my fingers. That's why when Katie Steward, the self-professed "Queen" of Supreme Championship Wrestling was announced to cross my path YET AGAIN, I felt I had to use it to continue to make a statement. Jake smirks.
Now, let's get this out there... Katie has NEVER beaten Jake Starr. Katie WILL NEVER beat Jake Starr. But that doesn't mean I'm overlooking her. The fact is, she is one of the OGs of SCW, and someone I have tangled with on a number of occasions. We have both verbally sparred and said about as much about one another as any two individuals could. So, I won't lie when I say that, like my first statement, much of this could sound repetitive. That doesn't mean, however, that you should tune it out because NEVER ONCE has my tone on Katie changed. Never ONCE have I said anything I didn't stand by, or explicitly say again. This one won't be any different. You see, royalty is something that means NOTHING to me. I've never grown up in a monarchy, or any of its offshoots. So her "Queendom" means jack shit to me. Her desire to claim rule over SCW is meaningless because I just don't recognize her as any type of royalty. Sure, she's been in SCW for a long time. Sure, she's an OG. Sure, she's earned the right to be one of the most respected individuals on the roster. But she has never, nor WILL NEVER, reach a point where I look at her as "Queen" of my realm. She's merely someone who plays dress up with a crown, and expects everyone to simply follow her lead on what she says. Not this guy... Nope! You see, I know what Katie can do in the ring. I know what she can bring into a match. I respect it. I know she knows how to bring the fight. But the fact is, she's doing what she's done EVERY TIME we have crossed paths, and just happening to walk into the match against me at the wrong damn time. See, she expects to be considered great no matter when. She expects to find ways to get any and all opportunities she wants. And she expects this match to be another chance for her to justify her desire for more chances to get what she wants. Why does she believe this? Why does she believe that Jake Starr is going to be the one who "does the job" and helps her ascend to whatever throne she is aiming for now? It's because of how things have transpired since Tactical Warfare. Many of us who competed have not had the best of times since taking PUNK HAZARD out. She expects me to suffer the same fate! Now, while recent history may suggest that I'm next in line to come up short, fuck Katie Steward. Fuck her desire to screw her harem, following, court, or whatever it is she calls them, out of their rightful opportunities. Fuck her for THINKING she can use me as her next foil. This isn't a time where she's going to just use me for her own gain, and expect me to lie down for her. This isn't her lucky day in that regard. See, I have been going out there NIGHT AFTER FUCKING NIGHT proving myself. I tried the bullshit that she's trying to pull now. She's trying to find ways to game the system, but what the FUCK has she done to actually DESERVE the chances she's trying to take or has taken for that matter? The answer is NOTHING! She hasn't won Tactical Warfare. She hasn't won the Trios. She hasn't done ANYTHING to justify her being ahead of me in the pecking order, and because of that VERY FACT, she's going to get her bitch ass kicked AGAIN by me. Unlike those who entered Tactical Warfare and have sense had a bit of a shitty luck since, I'm the guy who is making waves once again. I am the guy who is beginning to make people question what they have been believing. For two years, I sucked. No bones about it. Now, however, I am stepping up to whatever challenge I can get my hands on. She's another challenge. She's another opportunity for me to show the world what they've been seeing isn't a joke. That's why on Breakdown, I'm going to beat her, yet again. I'm going to put her in her place. I'm going to show her why this place is becoming MY WORLD again. She can believe this will forever be her kingdom, but she still would have to justify why this guy has ALWAYS had her number. Breakdown, I plan on dialing it up again! You know what that means, Katie? Do you REALIZE what that implies for you? It implies you're going to lose, and lose EMPHATICALLY! It means your luck against me is simply NOT going to change. It means you should be pulling a Missy Elliot, and "putting your thing down, flipping, and reversing it." That means you should be trying to throw your minions into this match to make them look bad, and not you. Because that's what is going to happen, Katie. You're going to look bad. You're going to look like the farcical, wannabe, monarch that you TRY to be. It'll be another moment where you're exposed. And it'll be MY CHANCE to shine. With others having slipped up, now is my chance, and if you think I'm going to let you stop me, think again. Yeah, anything could happen, but not on this night. Not when this is going to ultimately be MY NIGHT. So answer the call, Katie... Expect a telemarketer... And be prepared to get bludgeoned in the face repeatedly with the receiver! Fin |
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