Post by Austen Blackwell on Oct 14, 2017 5:49:17 GMT -5
We open as we are just a few hours from WCG Hype live from Squared Circle COn. It is in the wee hours of the morning. Austen whispers into the camera as in the background is a bed with his fiancee fast asleep. Austen quickly looks back as he does not want to wake Mercedes as he sits just outside of their hotel room on a balcony overlooking a pool. It was 3:20am in the morning, and all was quiet.
Austen: Today is the day. Another episode of Hype, but this one is a special one. When I beat Gabe I will move onto join Danni LeBlanc and either Ruby or Izzy in a battle for the south Bay. Danni, deservedly so, has been announced as part of the match already. And Ruby's own fate is in her hands; she needs to successfully defend it against Izzy. But for me? Beating Griffin will be what can rocket my career into the next level.
Mercedes turns in the bed, under the covers, behind him. He quiets for a moment to make sure not to disturb her.
Austen: what intrigues me is what Ruby Lance had to say. Someone I thought was a close knit part of our group. She, Danni, and I were a trio almost immediately. Before I met Mercedes, I actually asked Ruby if she would be opposed to me posting a woman crush on Twitter. It's sort of silly now in restrospect as how easily people post those things and how cliched they are; but I was new to the whole idea of Twitter and was not sure if she had a boyfreind. I met Mercedes. Danni met Donovan. And in time, Ruby found Scotty. But since she found Scotty, it is almost as if she was different. Now Scotty is a nice guy, and I have nothing against him. But I just feel like she is not part of the group that has included Jack recently. Do I wish we were a bit closer? Yes. Have I mentioned this to Ruby? I definitely have. She knows that I feel like she has distanced herself. But the thing that bugs me.
The sound of the blankets in the bed rustle and move is heard.
Austen: What bugs me is that Ruby admitted herself that she's been quiet. She has not addressed much lately. And we now know why. She hates the fact that she has to fight friends. She hated being in the ladder match. She did not like defending against myself or Danni.
Austen exhales, and then continues.
Austen: Ruby. I like you. You are a good friend. I mean that. You and I have talked and been there for each other. But lately? You aren't you. In the ladder match, you gave it your all. Did I do a selfless thing to save you? Sure. Would I do it? Sure. I have no qualms about it. But it was a choice that I made. You did not force me. And in our match against each other, we went hard at each other. We did not hold back. And that is the way it is supposed to be. Two competitors. We are friends, yes. But this is a job. This is a career. I am in it to win it, and when I beat Gabe and if you beat Izzy, I will have zero issues doing what I can to beat you and Danni. Nothing personal, and even Danni knows that. Hell, I am Donovan's best man and he knows it is all business. And that is such the attitude he is taking with you.
Austen looks back to make sure he is not bothering Mercedes still. An awoken Mercedes is not a nice Mercedes, and he knew that.
Austen: If you cannot stomach having to right friends, then you are going to cost yourself the championship. You are going to make on foolish move and be dropped. I am happy to drop you inside of the ring. Before and after the match, we are friends. Between those bells? We are opponents. I am sure that Danni will be taking it the same way. She wants to the title as bad as I do. We can separate personal lives from professional lives. Why can't you?
Austen bites his lower lip, and then continues, obviously troubled by something.
Austen: While I am at it, the C2 Con. Something I was concerned about. I saw some of the back and forth about the lines for autograph signings. You had some long lines. And some great fans. I am happy for you. And for the entire convention.
He briefly pauses. He wants to address it delicately and to not try to start anything. Ruby was a good friend, and while he did not know Scotty well, that was Ruby's boyfriend and for that Austen tried to be as respectful as possible.
Austen: And I am happy for every single fan that I have and enjoyed the time that I spent. For me it was not about how long or short the lines were; I even intereacted with fans as we walked about the hall. I realize that it was more Scotty Tweeting than you, Ruby. I heard some rumblings of rubbing people the wrong way. I just ask that you always be you, Ruby. Never change for anyone. You are awesome, but both companies have a lot of awesome people. I am sure that lines were just as long or longer for plenty of people on both rosters. I know that you like to make sure to respect people for what they have done and what they will do. I think that is a great quality to have. I just hope it does not disappear.
Austen smiles as he hears the voice of Mercedes out from behind him. She peeks out of the blanket wearing little to nothing. He turns back as she pats the bed.
Mercedes: Come back to bed, baby.
The recording ends.