Post by Adrien | Adam on Oct 21, 2017 2:49:54 GMT -5
In reference to points, Ruby Lance and Adam Sanders were written by their handlers in this.
October 19th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“Wouldn’t it have been easier if we had just FLOWN to Georgia?”
“Absolutely. But come on! We’re having a wonderful time, aren’t we?!”
The three-time World Heavyweight Champion wants to roll his eyes, but he’s trying to keep his eyes focused on the road. Instead, he shakes his head in annoyance. Adrien Cochrane’s made longer drives in his life, certainly. But this one was definitely high up on the list. And it was definitely one of the most avoidable, which adds to the vexation to the Dropkick King. Of course, his travel companion wholeheartedly disagrees with that sentiment. In fact, he was quite enjoying the entire experience. Granted, Eddie Walker has been able to enjoy the whole thing from the passenger seat instead of worrying about the other vehicles on the interstate.
Eddie: “Besides, look at this sweet rental car! Think of all the adventurous things we can do on the way there!”
Cochrane sighs a bit as he only wants one thing: to get to his destination.
Adrien: “Adventures. Right. Are we getting any closer to Meridian so we can make a pit stop for gas? I’m going to assume you have to use to restroom sooner or later as well.”
Meridian, Mississippi was a town on the way to Macon, Georgia. Adrien didn’t want to wait til Birmingham, Alabama to make this stop and as an LSU alumni, he definitely did not want to stop in Tuscaloosa.
Eddie: “You really want to stop in Meridian. Birmingham will probably have more options for us to eat. Or we could stop at Tu...actually, I just remembered what else is there and you’re probably best driving as fast as you can past that town. But Birmingham…”
Adrien: “God only knows if we actually have enough gas to make it there. I’d rather play it safe and fill up at Meridian. I’m sure we can find a nice place to break there. Sorry, it’s not a large city like Birmingham…”
Eddie: “Fine, fine…”
There’s a moment of silence as Adrien focuses on the road, eventually clicking his blinker to signal he is going to pass someone driving a bit slower than him. As soon as he crosses over into the left lane to pass him, Eddie breaks the silence.
Eddie: “I do have good news though.”
Adrien raises his eyebrows. It was the only method of nonverbal reaction that would allow him to keep his eyes looking forward.
Eddie: “I can see the genuine interest you have here. I did get us a flight back to New Orleans for Saturday morning. And I will actually be coming to Chicago for this upcoming show.”
Adrien gives a weak half smile. To make sure Eddie doesn’t get overly excited about Adrien’s reaction, it was the left half of his mouth that curved into that expression. Walker had a hard time dealing with the fallout of the last time Adrien and his upcoming opponent, Coda, stepped into a ring as opponents. With Walker being a manager to both Coda and Adrien, it was a bit conflicting for him when Coda and her partner Kayla Richards attacked Adrien and his partner, Honey.
Eddie: “I’ve spoken to Coda. She’s really wanting this to be a straight-up test of skill and strength between the two of you. So hopefully...no funny business.”
Adrien resists the urge to roll his eyes again as he gets back into the right lane of Interstate-59. Even with Eddie’s words, Adrien feels the mistrust brewing in the back of his mind. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Eddie. He trusted Eddie with more than he trusts himself with. Eddie is the only person who isn’t a member of his family that has access to his social security number. Eddie even has access to Adrien’s bank accounts and credit cards.
In the end, it wasn’t even Coda he distrusts. It was the people Coda was trying to keep at bay. Matthew Shields and Kayla Richards had a tendency to interpose themselves into matches of Adrien’s. At least one of them meddle in his affairs every time he is in the ring. The only time they haven’t was the time he had a match with the two of them and even then, the match ended in a no contest because they decided to get weapons involved instead of actually proving they could beat Adrien in a fair match.
Eddie: “You alive in there?”
Eddie started getting a bit concerned at Adrien’s lack of a response to his statement from Coda.
Adrien: “It’s not that I don’t trust Coda.”
Eddie: “Yeah, you just don’t believe her wishes of the other Destroyers to remain backstage will be granted. What can I say, I only have a connection with Coda. And I think my connection with her is the only thing that stops me from being hunted backstage like an animal by the other three.”
Adrien: “Which is good. I don’t want you at risk for anything.”
Eddie is a forty-one year old who has never taken part in anything athletic in his entire life. He’s only backstage to support to people who take hits, not take them himself. Granted, Eddie’s got a list of clients that would target anyone who lays a hand on him. To have the guns of Adrien, Coda, Scotty Latimer, Mariano Fernandez, Rayven Hardy, Melina Garrison, Joshua “The Jew Blazer” Goldstein, and Alicia Lukas...anyone who lays a hand on Eddie might not make it out of the NGW locker room without suffering repercussions.
Adrien: “I worry about her.”
Eddie: “Yeah. You’ve made that known. You’re not the only one to either. Johnny Maverick, Honey, Alechs, Jazmyn...all of them have voiced something similar to that. I do have to ask though. The fact that you worry about her is pretty vague. What exactly are you so worried about?”
Adrien: “It’s just that sometimes you are a product of who you surround yourself with. I wonder at times if Shields is disingenuous in terms of what he says about her.”
Eddie’s eyes widen a little bit.
Eddie: “All I can verify is that Coda trusts him. She’s even told me that I should not concern myself with her relationship with Kayla and Matthew. I try not to push the topic and risk having her completely shut down or worse...dismiss me as her manager.”
Adrien: “And if that happens, you can no longer look after her. Which I appreciate, by the way.”
Eddie: “Oh yeah, of course. Her well-being throughout this whole mess is our top priority. The moment things go south, I’ll be there to get you involved.”
Cochrane nods.
Adrien: “As I said, I’m grateful you’re there to make sure she’s okay. She’s the only Destroyer that none of the Guardians really have any personal qualms with. She treats us with respect for the most part. And when she says she just wants a battle of skill and valor against me, I believe her.”
Eddie: “Yeah, yeah, I know. Trust me, I would love to see a straight match between you two with no funny business. I’m just afraid that I won’t get that wish and I’m going to have to deal with the aftermath and have to deal with Coda trying to plead to me that she had no part in whatever happens...basically I’m going to be just as frustrated as you if Shields shows up during your match.”
Adrien: “You can say that when you get hit by that damn kendo stick of his.”
The sign Adrien drives by says that the next exit is Meridian and is just a mile away. And gets into the turning lane so he can get into Meridian momentarily.
Adrien: “You know we could have had this conversation on a plane too, right?”
Eddie: “Yeah, but I can’t bug you about needing to go to the bathroom on a plane. Plus, the food will be better than what we get on an airplane.”
Adrien: “Don’t tempt me into leaving you somewhere in the middle of Birmingham.”
October 20th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“I will never understand how you can look at a menu that quickly and already know what you want.”
The Dropkick King scoffs a little bit at the comment made by the West Coast Genesis wrestler. He gives a warm smile before patting him on the back.
Adrien: “See, Adam, I go into these types of restaurants already knowing what I want to eat. I just have to make sure it’s on their menu.”
Adam Sanders shakes his head a little bit as he stares at the menu a little bit more. The duo just finished participating in a charity event, run by Avery Miles III and his newly announced wife, Serenity Miles. While Adrien’s road trip companion had to take care of some business with a few of his other clients, he decided a nice dinner with his student and protege was appropriate. He doesn’t get to see the young man a whole lot ever since he moved out from Tennessee to California to wrestle in West Coast Genesis.
Adrien: “There aren’t that many options, Adam. It’s a hibachi restaurant. Do you want steak, shrimp, chicken, or a combination of them?”
Adam: “I know, I know. I’m just looking at the sushi menu too. Part of me wants something off here too.”
Adrien: “Get whatever you want, dude. After you pinned Chris Marks to hopefully silence him for a few days, you earned it.”
Cochrane smiles as he watches Sanders try to figure out what sort of delicacies he will be enjoying this evening.
Adam: “Thanks. Wait...is that who I think it is?”
Ruby Lance makes her way into the restaurant and nervously looks around for a spot to sit. She scans the restaurant before spotting fellow WCG competitor along with his mentor NGW star Adrien Cochrane. She smiles when she makes eye contact with Adam and offers him a wave.
Adrien: “I think that is exactly who you think it is, Adam. Small world, huh?”
Adam: “Well, I guess there are so many restaurants within a radius of the event.”
Adrien: “This is true.”
Adam waves back at Ruby politely. Adrien takes it a step further as he pulls out a chair with his left foot. Ruby startles a little at the chair being nudged towards her and she looks to Adam as if he'll offer some kind of explanation for it beyond what Adrien has already offered by pushing it towards her.
Ruby: “Oh, uh, thanks but I don't want to… interrupt. Or something like that.”
She cringes a little nervously as she glances towards Adam, not sure if she should be apologizing for that. Was that rude? She kind of thinks it was.
Ruby: "I mean, I appreciate the offer. I just… I mean, I don't want to intrude or anything."
Adrien: “I can see why you two get along. The only thing being interrupted is Adam trying to figure out which sushi he wants to eat. Come, we could use the company. Especially considering you are my newest co-worker, aren’t you?”
Adam nods his head, starting to go into Adam mode where he gets too nervous to speak, but he does want to hang out with the person he’s begun befriending on social media. Adrien offers a warm smile to try to make the offer more inviting for Lance.
Ruby: "Um… sure. Thanks."
She smiles at Adrien as she accepts the seat offered to her, scooting in closer to the table. She shoots a smile in Adam's direction. For once, she's not the most awkward person at the table so that's comforting in its own way.
Ruby: "And, uh, yeah. I guess we are co-workers now. Just in the sense that I'm part of the roster. I'm sure it'll be a while before we're in the ring together."
Adrien: “Oh, with all the randomness that goes on sometimes, you never know. You could be my next opponent after Coda for all we know. Though it’s safe to say, it might be awhile before you see young Adam here.”
Adam: “Yeah, unless you come back to WCG.”
Adam finally starts speaking again. Which Adrien felt a bit relieved that he did. It would have been difficult to carry the conversation without him when he was the one befriending Ruby on Twitter.
Ruby: "Oh, I'm still part of the WCG roster. Devlin wants me to continue defending the South Bay title until I lose it. Which, admittedly could be very soon. I've got Izzy coming up and if I manage to get past her then it's both Danni LeBlanc and Austen Blackwell. So, you know, plenty of opportunities to get bounced in the coming weeks."
She laughs at that, though she's clearly not amused or excited about it at all. Leaving the comfort of WCG is clearly something that makes her more nervous than the thought of being on the NGW to begin with.
Adrien: “It’s all part of being a champion. You have to be prepared for anyone and everyone. You get a big target on your back, and the best can hang in there and hold off the onslaught. Besides, it will just make it all the more impressive when you still get a few more defenses in even when you are prepared to move up to bigger and better things.”
Sanders nods his head.
Adam: “If you hang on long enough, maybe you can face me before you go.”
Adrien: “Could happen. Though you got a chance at another title, my friend.”
Ruby: "Yeah! It will be really awesome if you win the Long Beach title and I can get past Izzy with my belt. Then we could have two great champions representing West Coast Genesis. I mean, the same could be said if Izzy beats me. I didn't mean that she wasn't someone who would make a great champion. I just mean… well, it would be cool to be champions together in West Coast Genesis."
She blushes, slightly embarrassed by almost sounding like she didn't think Izzy was good enough to present the company.
Adam: “Yeah, it would be. Where’s Scotty? I would have thought he would have been with you…”
Ruby: "Oh! He had to meet with Eddie to discuss some things. I kind of hate going on without him, but he insisted that I get something to eat. Something about Eddie tending to go on and on or something like that. Not even sure if I'll see Scotty tonight by the way he made it sound."
She laughs and shakes her head. Apparently, it was a pretty funny conversation centering around poking fun at Eddie's personality.
Adrien: “As the person who has known Eddie longer than anyone, I can vouch for that. I was the best man at his wedding, after all. But once he has an idea of something that he can do for his clients, he’s going to work his butt off to do so.”
Sanders nods. Since his break up with Kenzie Rydell, anytime Kenzie came to some sort of event to see Adrien, Eddie would spend time with Adam so he wouldn’t be alone.
Adam: “Yeah. I’m sure whatever Eddie has planned for Scotty is good.”
Ruby: "I hope so. I know he's been a little down about his career lately. He's just had a little bit of rough luck out there lately. If Eddie can help him out, I'd be very appreciative. I don't even know him, but he'd be one of my favorite people."
She does her best effort at a smile, even though the conversation has taken a less upbeat turn. She shrugs her shoulders and falls silent, eager to get a different topic going but with nothing on her mind as that go-to.
Adrien: “You ever decide on a sushi roll, kid?”
Adam: “I think so.”
Adrien: “Alright. Ruby, are you wanting something from the hibachi menu, sushi, or both?”
Ruby: "Uh… I've never actually eaten in a place like this before. I was just gonna browse the menu and pray something looked good. Any suggestions?"
Adrien: “Well, basically, you choose your form of meat: steak, shrimp, or chicken. They will serve it with fried rice, some fried vegetables, and actually cook it right there in front of us. With a soup and salad, usually as well.”
Adam: “And you can also get some sushi from this little menu too.”
Ruby: "That's raw fish… right?"
The expression she makes says that she's not on board with that if she's guessed correctly based on everything she's heard about sushi from television.
Adam: “Common misconception, actually. Some are raw, some are cooked, some don’t even have fish in them.”
Adrien: “This kid practically lives off sushi.”
Ruby: "Hm. Well… um… it sounds pretty good. I'll take something that's not fish. I'll trust you to pick it out for me, Adam."
Adrien: “You kids enjoy that. I’ll just take the steak and shrimp hibachi meal.”
Adrien grins as he sets his menu down in front of him. Adam starts marking on his card which sushi has fish and which doesn’t for Ruby to look at.
Ruby: "Kids? You can't be much older than us."
She gives Adrien a look before laughing and shaking her head. She turns towards Adam and leans in to look at what he's done so far on the card so she can see what options are available to her.
Adrien: “I just turned thirty-one two weeks ago.”
Adam: “I actually used to watch Adrien matches back when I was in college. He’s been doing this a long time.”
Ruby: "Well, yeah, I guess that's true. I don't know, people on TV just look younger to me, I guess. Not that you look old in person! Clearly, I still see you as around our age."
She shrugs her shoulders and gives a bit of a cringing smile. Is she apologizing for thinking he looks young? That's odd. She doesn't really know what to say or do right now.
Ruby: "Anyway! We've bragged about our title opportunities and such. Isn't it your turn?"
Adrien: “You talking about the NGW Heavyweight Title? Well, yeah. Thanks to the Destroyers screwing up that number one contendership match, I am in that title match next pay per view. I think they said the name was Resurgence?”
Adam: “Adrien is trying to get Heavyweight Title number four, don’t let him be modest.”
Adrien: “Trying to, anyway. I can’t seem to have a match that doesn’t end in disqualification or some sort of interference anymore.”
Ruby: "Yeah, that's honestly some of my trepidation about coming up the roster, to be honest. Things in West Coast are kind of mellow, for the most part. I mean, we have a few bad apples trying to spoil the bunch, but a lot seems to be settled in the ring without much wildness factoring in. NGW is a bit of a bigger stage, though, so things get a little more out of hand, I've noticed."
Adrien: “And by bad apples, you mean Julianna DiMaria, right?”
Adam, who is still on the WCG roster with Julianna, sinks a bit in his seat.
Adrien: “I’m hoping my friend Alechs silences her from being so loud and obnoxious on Twitter.”
Adam: “One can only hope.”
Ruby: "Obviously Julianna is the biggest apple. Or rather than baddest? Definitely the sourest."
Good one, Ruby. Hey, she laughs at it!
Ruby: "It's been a bit of a running theme that she'll tick off someone new every time she shows up on Twitter. Kind of curious to see what Alechs does against her, to be honest. I know he's Honey's boyfriend and everything, so he's gotta be a pretty great guy."
Adrien: “Well, he’s a member of the Guardians with me.”
Adrien smiles a bit, wondering if Ruby knew about the newly founded alliance in NGW to fight the Destroyers.
Adrien: “You’ve got the Destroyers: Matthew Shields, Kayla Richards, Jack Tillman, and my upcoming opponent, Coda. To match their numbers, we have the Guardians: me, Alechs, Honey, and Jazmyn Rain.”
Ruby: "Jazmyn Rain. Yeah. Familiar with her. At least, I should be."
She smiles, doing her best to look not at all nervous about her first match on the big stage. She doesn't do a great job at it, but points for effort.
Ruby: "Honey has told me a bit about the Guardians and all that surrounds the need for them. I mean, more than what I've seen from watching from afar."
Adam: “Adrien is the leader of the Guardians.”
Adrien: “I really don’t like being called that. But the other three act like I am so whatever.”
Adam: “Well, if they think so then, isn’t that all that matters?”
The Dropkick King shakes his head a little bit.
Adrien: “I guess so. Either way, Jazmyn is a friend, but she’s fair. She’s going to give you a fight and not go easy on you, but she’s not going to try to end your career or anything. Just give you the fight you deserve to prove yourself.”
Ruby: "That's a relief, and honestly a lot of what I'm used to in West Coast Genesis. It's always good to know that you can go in there and just worry about doing what you're here to do, not watch your back or worry about getting screwed over. The only difference is that I don't really know Jazmyn as more than someone I've seen on TV and such. Usually, the person across the ring from me is someone that I enjoy spending my free time hanging out with."
Adrien: “All part of joining a new roster. You gotta get yourself immersed with some new faces and get your name known in the new locker room. You know little about them; they know little about you. But at least you have some NGW shows you look back on to learn more about her and she can watch some WCG stuff to learn about you. So it’s not so bad in this situation.”
Ruby: "Yeah. I definitely have a lot of reviewing to do. I've seen what Jazmyn can do, but I've been watching as a fan. I need to go back and rewatch in preparation."
She shrugs her shoulders and the heavy breathing that she takes shows that she remembers enough from watching as a fan that she's got her work cut out for her.
Ruby: "Luckily, I know a few people on the roster already. Obviously, I know Scotty. Then I've hung out with both Honey and Mason Moore outside of the ring. Then Jonathan Drake is my roommate. So, that's a bit comforting."
Adrien: “And now you’ve met me. See, once you start meeting everyone on the roster, you’ll feel at home here just as you did a West Coast Genesis. It takes some time, but you’ll get there.”
Ruby: "Yeah, you're right. I just hope I don't abandon this poor guy over here too soon."
She glances over at Adam and even gives him a playful nudge.
Adam: “I’ll be okay. I’ll make some friends over in West Coast soon enough.”
Adrien: “It’s a process. It takes time. Might take him longer since it takes him about six meetings in order to be able to actually speak around people. I’m surprised he was talking to quickly with you.”
Adam: “Yeah. I’m just glad I’ve had Eddie at every show so far.”
Ruby: "Scotty keeps telling me that I need to look into getting a manager so that I can make more money or something like that. I just don't know. It seems kind of weird to me to have someone making demands for me or whatever it is a manager does. I don't know."
She shrugs her shoulders and glances between the two men who both have a manager. The same one, to be exact.
Adrien: “Honestly, Eddie makes my life easier. He books my travel arrangements, he talks to NGW management for me, he helps my contracts get situated.”
Adam: “He brings you lunch backstage too, Adrien. Not to mention he files your taxes for you.”
Adrien: “That’s why I pay him more than all of the other clients do.”
Ruby looks more than a little impressed with the many talents of Eddie, as told by both Adrien and Adam.
Ruby: "What does he do for you, Adam?"
Adam: “He talks on camera for me because I don’t quite feel comfortable doing so myself yet. And the travel and contract stuff too. He arranges the flight and hotel for me.”
Adrien: “Also, Eddie charges all his clients except Adam. I tell Eddie everything he does for Adam is considered being done for me.”
Ruby: "You pay for Eddie to be Adam's manager?"
She looked genuinely surprised by that and instantly regretted the shock on her face, as it could be taken as an insult to Adrien's generosity.
Adrien: “I guess technically that’s true.”
Cochrane laughs a little bit.
Adrien: “Well, it looks like they are getting ready to take our order. Let’s get us some grub!”
All three agree as the waitress who seated Adrien moments before Ruby’s arrival approaches the table.
For the On Camera portion of this piece, click here!!
If you give it one chance, only give it one shot
Or give yourself a time limit then you stop
Did you drop or would you roll it?
Do you strike while the fire is hot?
Cuz when the iron is not
The elevator on your path’s wire is cut
Automatically, change up the spot
So you can pinch pennies or get pinned hard to a rock
Or hard place, between it is you as weak
Physics says you can’t leave until
You grow old and you can see it
October 19th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“Wouldn’t it have been easier if we had just FLOWN to Georgia?”
“Absolutely. But come on! We’re having a wonderful time, aren’t we?!”
The three-time World Heavyweight Champion wants to roll his eyes, but he’s trying to keep his eyes focused on the road. Instead, he shakes his head in annoyance. Adrien Cochrane’s made longer drives in his life, certainly. But this one was definitely high up on the list. And it was definitely one of the most avoidable, which adds to the vexation to the Dropkick King. Of course, his travel companion wholeheartedly disagrees with that sentiment. In fact, he was quite enjoying the entire experience. Granted, Eddie Walker has been able to enjoy the whole thing from the passenger seat instead of worrying about the other vehicles on the interstate.
Eddie: “Besides, look at this sweet rental car! Think of all the adventurous things we can do on the way there!”
Cochrane sighs a bit as he only wants one thing: to get to his destination.
Adrien: “Adventures. Right. Are we getting any closer to Meridian so we can make a pit stop for gas? I’m going to assume you have to use to restroom sooner or later as well.”
Meridian, Mississippi was a town on the way to Macon, Georgia. Adrien didn’t want to wait til Birmingham, Alabama to make this stop and as an LSU alumni, he definitely did not want to stop in Tuscaloosa.
Eddie: “You really want to stop in Meridian. Birmingham will probably have more options for us to eat. Or we could stop at Tu...actually, I just remembered what else is there and you’re probably best driving as fast as you can past that town. But Birmingham…”
Adrien: “God only knows if we actually have enough gas to make it there. I’d rather play it safe and fill up at Meridian. I’m sure we can find a nice place to break there. Sorry, it’s not a large city like Birmingham…”
Eddie: “Fine, fine…”
There’s a moment of silence as Adrien focuses on the road, eventually clicking his blinker to signal he is going to pass someone driving a bit slower than him. As soon as he crosses over into the left lane to pass him, Eddie breaks the silence.
Eddie: “I do have good news though.”
Adrien raises his eyebrows. It was the only method of nonverbal reaction that would allow him to keep his eyes looking forward.
Eddie: “I can see the genuine interest you have here. I did get us a flight back to New Orleans for Saturday morning. And I will actually be coming to Chicago for this upcoming show.”
Adrien gives a weak half smile. To make sure Eddie doesn’t get overly excited about Adrien’s reaction, it was the left half of his mouth that curved into that expression. Walker had a hard time dealing with the fallout of the last time Adrien and his upcoming opponent, Coda, stepped into a ring as opponents. With Walker being a manager to both Coda and Adrien, it was a bit conflicting for him when Coda and her partner Kayla Richards attacked Adrien and his partner, Honey.
Eddie: “I’ve spoken to Coda. She’s really wanting this to be a straight-up test of skill and strength between the two of you. So hopefully...no funny business.”
Adrien resists the urge to roll his eyes again as he gets back into the right lane of Interstate-59. Even with Eddie’s words, Adrien feels the mistrust brewing in the back of his mind. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Eddie. He trusted Eddie with more than he trusts himself with. Eddie is the only person who isn’t a member of his family that has access to his social security number. Eddie even has access to Adrien’s bank accounts and credit cards.
In the end, it wasn’t even Coda he distrusts. It was the people Coda was trying to keep at bay. Matthew Shields and Kayla Richards had a tendency to interpose themselves into matches of Adrien’s. At least one of them meddle in his affairs every time he is in the ring. The only time they haven’t was the time he had a match with the two of them and even then, the match ended in a no contest because they decided to get weapons involved instead of actually proving they could beat Adrien in a fair match.
Eddie: “You alive in there?”
Eddie started getting a bit concerned at Adrien’s lack of a response to his statement from Coda.
Adrien: “It’s not that I don’t trust Coda.”
Eddie: “Yeah, you just don’t believe her wishes of the other Destroyers to remain backstage will be granted. What can I say, I only have a connection with Coda. And I think my connection with her is the only thing that stops me from being hunted backstage like an animal by the other three.”
Adrien: “Which is good. I don’t want you at risk for anything.”
Eddie is a forty-one year old who has never taken part in anything athletic in his entire life. He’s only backstage to support to people who take hits, not take them himself. Granted, Eddie’s got a list of clients that would target anyone who lays a hand on him. To have the guns of Adrien, Coda, Scotty Latimer, Mariano Fernandez, Rayven Hardy, Melina Garrison, Joshua “The Jew Blazer” Goldstein, and Alicia Lukas...anyone who lays a hand on Eddie might not make it out of the NGW locker room without suffering repercussions.
Adrien: “I worry about her.”
Eddie: “Yeah. You’ve made that known. You’re not the only one to either. Johnny Maverick, Honey, Alechs, Jazmyn...all of them have voiced something similar to that. I do have to ask though. The fact that you worry about her is pretty vague. What exactly are you so worried about?”
Adrien: “It’s just that sometimes you are a product of who you surround yourself with. I wonder at times if Shields is disingenuous in terms of what he says about her.”
Eddie’s eyes widen a little bit.
Eddie: “All I can verify is that Coda trusts him. She’s even told me that I should not concern myself with her relationship with Kayla and Matthew. I try not to push the topic and risk having her completely shut down or worse...dismiss me as her manager.”
Adrien: “And if that happens, you can no longer look after her. Which I appreciate, by the way.”
Eddie: “Oh yeah, of course. Her well-being throughout this whole mess is our top priority. The moment things go south, I’ll be there to get you involved.”
Cochrane nods.
Adrien: “As I said, I’m grateful you’re there to make sure she’s okay. She’s the only Destroyer that none of the Guardians really have any personal qualms with. She treats us with respect for the most part. And when she says she just wants a battle of skill and valor against me, I believe her.”
Eddie: “Yeah, yeah, I know. Trust me, I would love to see a straight match between you two with no funny business. I’m just afraid that I won’t get that wish and I’m going to have to deal with the aftermath and have to deal with Coda trying to plead to me that she had no part in whatever happens...basically I’m going to be just as frustrated as you if Shields shows up during your match.”
Adrien: “You can say that when you get hit by that damn kendo stick of his.”
The sign Adrien drives by says that the next exit is Meridian and is just a mile away. And gets into the turning lane so he can get into Meridian momentarily.
Adrien: “You know we could have had this conversation on a plane too, right?”
Eddie: “Yeah, but I can’t bug you about needing to go to the bathroom on a plane. Plus, the food will be better than what we get on an airplane.”
Adrien: “Don’t tempt me into leaving you somewhere in the middle of Birmingham.”
It’s too late for redeeming
Ripped out the seams like a seamstress took you
You better believe
Hindsight seems like a demon but look
You have a ticket to beat it
And the train leaves the station
For each day you do not seize it
So scream carpe diem, it’s good for your health
Hearing freedom bells, smile
Plus it’s not going to seize itself
It’s only here for half awhile (Ha ha ha!)
So how can you be clairvoyant
If your voyage isn’t clear?
In clouded by snakes
Shrouded in doubt and in fear
October 20th, 2017
Cameras: OFF
“I will never understand how you can look at a menu that quickly and already know what you want.”
The Dropkick King scoffs a little bit at the comment made by the West Coast Genesis wrestler. He gives a warm smile before patting him on the back.
Adrien: “See, Adam, I go into these types of restaurants already knowing what I want to eat. I just have to make sure it’s on their menu.”
Adam Sanders shakes his head a little bit as he stares at the menu a little bit more. The duo just finished participating in a charity event, run by Avery Miles III and his newly announced wife, Serenity Miles. While Adrien’s road trip companion had to take care of some business with a few of his other clients, he decided a nice dinner with his student and protege was appropriate. He doesn’t get to see the young man a whole lot ever since he moved out from Tennessee to California to wrestle in West Coast Genesis.
Adrien: “There aren’t that many options, Adam. It’s a hibachi restaurant. Do you want steak, shrimp, chicken, or a combination of them?”
Adam: “I know, I know. I’m just looking at the sushi menu too. Part of me wants something off here too.”
Adrien: “Get whatever you want, dude. After you pinned Chris Marks to hopefully silence him for a few days, you earned it.”
Cochrane smiles as he watches Sanders try to figure out what sort of delicacies he will be enjoying this evening.
Adam: “Thanks. Wait...is that who I think it is?”
Ruby Lance makes her way into the restaurant and nervously looks around for a spot to sit. She scans the restaurant before spotting fellow WCG competitor along with his mentor NGW star Adrien Cochrane. She smiles when she makes eye contact with Adam and offers him a wave.
Adrien: “I think that is exactly who you think it is, Adam. Small world, huh?”
Adam: “Well, I guess there are so many restaurants within a radius of the event.”
Adrien: “This is true.”
Adam waves back at Ruby politely. Adrien takes it a step further as he pulls out a chair with his left foot. Ruby startles a little at the chair being nudged towards her and she looks to Adam as if he'll offer some kind of explanation for it beyond what Adrien has already offered by pushing it towards her.
Ruby: “Oh, uh, thanks but I don't want to… interrupt. Or something like that.”
She cringes a little nervously as she glances towards Adam, not sure if she should be apologizing for that. Was that rude? She kind of thinks it was.
Ruby: "I mean, I appreciate the offer. I just… I mean, I don't want to intrude or anything."
Adrien: “I can see why you two get along. The only thing being interrupted is Adam trying to figure out which sushi he wants to eat. Come, we could use the company. Especially considering you are my newest co-worker, aren’t you?”
Adam nods his head, starting to go into Adam mode where he gets too nervous to speak, but he does want to hang out with the person he’s begun befriending on social media. Adrien offers a warm smile to try to make the offer more inviting for Lance.
Ruby: "Um… sure. Thanks."
She smiles at Adrien as she accepts the seat offered to her, scooting in closer to the table. She shoots a smile in Adam's direction. For once, she's not the most awkward person at the table so that's comforting in its own way.
Ruby: "And, uh, yeah. I guess we are co-workers now. Just in the sense that I'm part of the roster. I'm sure it'll be a while before we're in the ring together."
Adrien: “Oh, with all the randomness that goes on sometimes, you never know. You could be my next opponent after Coda for all we know. Though it’s safe to say, it might be awhile before you see young Adam here.”
Adam: “Yeah, unless you come back to WCG.”
Adam finally starts speaking again. Which Adrien felt a bit relieved that he did. It would have been difficult to carry the conversation without him when he was the one befriending Ruby on Twitter.
Ruby: "Oh, I'm still part of the WCG roster. Devlin wants me to continue defending the South Bay title until I lose it. Which, admittedly could be very soon. I've got Izzy coming up and if I manage to get past her then it's both Danni LeBlanc and Austen Blackwell. So, you know, plenty of opportunities to get bounced in the coming weeks."
She laughs at that, though she's clearly not amused or excited about it at all. Leaving the comfort of WCG is clearly something that makes her more nervous than the thought of being on the NGW to begin with.
Adrien: “It’s all part of being a champion. You have to be prepared for anyone and everyone. You get a big target on your back, and the best can hang in there and hold off the onslaught. Besides, it will just make it all the more impressive when you still get a few more defenses in even when you are prepared to move up to bigger and better things.”
Sanders nods his head.
Adam: “If you hang on long enough, maybe you can face me before you go.”
Adrien: “Could happen. Though you got a chance at another title, my friend.”
Ruby: "Yeah! It will be really awesome if you win the Long Beach title and I can get past Izzy with my belt. Then we could have two great champions representing West Coast Genesis. I mean, the same could be said if Izzy beats me. I didn't mean that she wasn't someone who would make a great champion. I just mean… well, it would be cool to be champions together in West Coast Genesis."
She blushes, slightly embarrassed by almost sounding like she didn't think Izzy was good enough to present the company.
Adam: “Yeah, it would be. Where’s Scotty? I would have thought he would have been with you…”
Ruby: "Oh! He had to meet with Eddie to discuss some things. I kind of hate going on without him, but he insisted that I get something to eat. Something about Eddie tending to go on and on or something like that. Not even sure if I'll see Scotty tonight by the way he made it sound."
She laughs and shakes her head. Apparently, it was a pretty funny conversation centering around poking fun at Eddie's personality.
Adrien: “As the person who has known Eddie longer than anyone, I can vouch for that. I was the best man at his wedding, after all. But once he has an idea of something that he can do for his clients, he’s going to work his butt off to do so.”
Sanders nods. Since his break up with Kenzie Rydell, anytime Kenzie came to some sort of event to see Adrien, Eddie would spend time with Adam so he wouldn’t be alone.
Adam: “Yeah. I’m sure whatever Eddie has planned for Scotty is good.”
Ruby: "I hope so. I know he's been a little down about his career lately. He's just had a little bit of rough luck out there lately. If Eddie can help him out, I'd be very appreciative. I don't even know him, but he'd be one of my favorite people."
She does her best effort at a smile, even though the conversation has taken a less upbeat turn. She shrugs her shoulders and falls silent, eager to get a different topic going but with nothing on her mind as that go-to.
Adrien: “You ever decide on a sushi roll, kid?”
Adam: “I think so.”
Adrien: “Alright. Ruby, are you wanting something from the hibachi menu, sushi, or both?”
Ruby: "Uh… I've never actually eaten in a place like this before. I was just gonna browse the menu and pray something looked good. Any suggestions?"
Adrien: “Well, basically, you choose your form of meat: steak, shrimp, or chicken. They will serve it with fried rice, some fried vegetables, and actually cook it right there in front of us. With a soup and salad, usually as well.”
Adam: “And you can also get some sushi from this little menu too.”
Ruby: "That's raw fish… right?"
The expression she makes says that she's not on board with that if she's guessed correctly based on everything she's heard about sushi from television.
Adam: “Common misconception, actually. Some are raw, some are cooked, some don’t even have fish in them.”
Adrien: “This kid practically lives off sushi.”
Ruby: "Hm. Well… um… it sounds pretty good. I'll take something that's not fish. I'll trust you to pick it out for me, Adam."
Adrien: “You kids enjoy that. I’ll just take the steak and shrimp hibachi meal.”
Adrien grins as he sets his menu down in front of him. Adam starts marking on his card which sushi has fish and which doesn’t for Ruby to look at.
Ruby: "Kids? You can't be much older than us."
She gives Adrien a look before laughing and shaking her head. She turns towards Adam and leans in to look at what he's done so far on the card so she can see what options are available to her.
Adrien: “I just turned thirty-one two weeks ago.”
Adam: “I actually used to watch Adrien matches back when I was in college. He’s been doing this a long time.”
Ruby: "Well, yeah, I guess that's true. I don't know, people on TV just look younger to me, I guess. Not that you look old in person! Clearly, I still see you as around our age."
She shrugs her shoulders and gives a bit of a cringing smile. Is she apologizing for thinking he looks young? That's odd. She doesn't really know what to say or do right now.
Ruby: "Anyway! We've bragged about our title opportunities and such. Isn't it your turn?"
Adrien: “You talking about the NGW Heavyweight Title? Well, yeah. Thanks to the Destroyers screwing up that number one contendership match, I am in that title match next pay per view. I think they said the name was Resurgence?”
Adam: “Adrien is trying to get Heavyweight Title number four, don’t let him be modest.”
Adrien: “Trying to, anyway. I can’t seem to have a match that doesn’t end in disqualification or some sort of interference anymore.”
Ruby: "Yeah, that's honestly some of my trepidation about coming up the roster, to be honest. Things in West Coast are kind of mellow, for the most part. I mean, we have a few bad apples trying to spoil the bunch, but a lot seems to be settled in the ring without much wildness factoring in. NGW is a bit of a bigger stage, though, so things get a little more out of hand, I've noticed."
Adrien: “And by bad apples, you mean Julianna DiMaria, right?”
Adam, who is still on the WCG roster with Julianna, sinks a bit in his seat.
Adrien: “I’m hoping my friend Alechs silences her from being so loud and obnoxious on Twitter.”
Adam: “One can only hope.”
Ruby: "Obviously Julianna is the biggest apple. Or rather than baddest? Definitely the sourest."
Good one, Ruby. Hey, she laughs at it!
Ruby: "It's been a bit of a running theme that she'll tick off someone new every time she shows up on Twitter. Kind of curious to see what Alechs does against her, to be honest. I know he's Honey's boyfriend and everything, so he's gotta be a pretty great guy."
Adrien: “Well, he’s a member of the Guardians with me.”
Adrien smiles a bit, wondering if Ruby knew about the newly founded alliance in NGW to fight the Destroyers.
Adrien: “You’ve got the Destroyers: Matthew Shields, Kayla Richards, Jack Tillman, and my upcoming opponent, Coda. To match their numbers, we have the Guardians: me, Alechs, Honey, and Jazmyn Rain.”
Ruby: "Jazmyn Rain. Yeah. Familiar with her. At least, I should be."
She smiles, doing her best to look not at all nervous about her first match on the big stage. She doesn't do a great job at it, but points for effort.
Ruby: "Honey has told me a bit about the Guardians and all that surrounds the need for them. I mean, more than what I've seen from watching from afar."
Adam: “Adrien is the leader of the Guardians.”
Adrien: “I really don’t like being called that. But the other three act like I am so whatever.”
Adam: “Well, if they think so then, isn’t that all that matters?”
The Dropkick King shakes his head a little bit.
Adrien: “I guess so. Either way, Jazmyn is a friend, but she’s fair. She’s going to give you a fight and not go easy on you, but she’s not going to try to end your career or anything. Just give you the fight you deserve to prove yourself.”
Ruby: "That's a relief, and honestly a lot of what I'm used to in West Coast Genesis. It's always good to know that you can go in there and just worry about doing what you're here to do, not watch your back or worry about getting screwed over. The only difference is that I don't really know Jazmyn as more than someone I've seen on TV and such. Usually, the person across the ring from me is someone that I enjoy spending my free time hanging out with."
Adrien: “All part of joining a new roster. You gotta get yourself immersed with some new faces and get your name known in the new locker room. You know little about them; they know little about you. But at least you have some NGW shows you look back on to learn more about her and she can watch some WCG stuff to learn about you. So it’s not so bad in this situation.”
Ruby: "Yeah. I definitely have a lot of reviewing to do. I've seen what Jazmyn can do, but I've been watching as a fan. I need to go back and rewatch in preparation."
She shrugs her shoulders and the heavy breathing that she takes shows that she remembers enough from watching as a fan that she's got her work cut out for her.
Ruby: "Luckily, I know a few people on the roster already. Obviously, I know Scotty. Then I've hung out with both Honey and Mason Moore outside of the ring. Then Jonathan Drake is my roommate. So, that's a bit comforting."
Adrien: “And now you’ve met me. See, once you start meeting everyone on the roster, you’ll feel at home here just as you did a West Coast Genesis. It takes some time, but you’ll get there.”
Ruby: "Yeah, you're right. I just hope I don't abandon this poor guy over here too soon."
She glances over at Adam and even gives him a playful nudge.
Adam: “I’ll be okay. I’ll make some friends over in West Coast soon enough.”
Adrien: “It’s a process. It takes time. Might take him longer since it takes him about six meetings in order to be able to actually speak around people. I’m surprised he was talking to quickly with you.”
Adam: “Yeah. I’m just glad I’ve had Eddie at every show so far.”
Ruby: "Scotty keeps telling me that I need to look into getting a manager so that I can make more money or something like that. I just don't know. It seems kind of weird to me to have someone making demands for me or whatever it is a manager does. I don't know."
She shrugs her shoulders and glances between the two men who both have a manager. The same one, to be exact.
Adrien: “Honestly, Eddie makes my life easier. He books my travel arrangements, he talks to NGW management for me, he helps my contracts get situated.”
Adam: “He brings you lunch backstage too, Adrien. Not to mention he files your taxes for you.”
Adrien: “That’s why I pay him more than all of the other clients do.”
Ruby looks more than a little impressed with the many talents of Eddie, as told by both Adrien and Adam.
Ruby: "What does he do for you, Adam?"
Adam: “He talks on camera for me because I don’t quite feel comfortable doing so myself yet. And the travel and contract stuff too. He arranges the flight and hotel for me.”
Adrien: “Also, Eddie charges all his clients except Adam. I tell Eddie everything he does for Adam is considered being done for me.”
Ruby: "You pay for Eddie to be Adam's manager?"
She looked genuinely surprised by that and instantly regretted the shock on her face, as it could be taken as an insult to Adrien's generosity.
Adrien: “I guess technically that’s true.”
Cochrane laughs a little bit.
Adrien: “Well, it looks like they are getting ready to take our order. Let’s get us some grub!”
All three agree as the waitress who seated Adrien moments before Ruby’s arrival approaches the table.
Cuz they’re inferior, get it?
Check their exterior, shred it
Cuz they’re fake
Don’t even pay them one cent of attention
Don’t even listen one second
Don’t even mention the fact that they said shit
Just let them bite down on their own worthless infection
Check your complexion
Make sure you’re still beaming, fiasco causing
Please stick up for what you believe in
Cuz the best part of you is seeing both the sides getting even
And individual with a conscious that has reached an agreement
Conception, no past tense
Always conceiving cuz when you look back
They will all be reaching out for your feet and screaming
Clawing the dirt, and you pick them up
You’re a person with a reason
Plus everyone deserves to have the urge to love breathing
You can tear yourself apart with the dark and light
Or you could just stop
Close your eyes and unite
For the On Camera portion of this piece, click here!!
