Post by Dead Eye on May 23, 2018 1:27:54 GMT -5
“Progress”
•May 22, 2018•
•3:00 PM•
•The Forum Athletic Club•
•Atlanta, GA•
•Camera:ON•
•Entrer•
The scene opens with Dead Eye sitting in what appears to be an office or meeting room in the gym Cheyenne Rae was working before joining the NGW roster. Absent is Rae, who is nursing a slight injury she sustained in training. Dead Eye takes a deep breath and looks into the small camera he has propped on a table.
Dead Eye: “Progress. From Latin progressus, ‘advance’, ‘step onwards’. That's more of a historical definition, but it fits with me. This is exactly what I have been experiencing since stepping back into the ring.
“While some may call my return a flop or —to use a sports term— a bust, I don't look at it that way. In my first match back against Coral Rose, I defied what I thought I would experience in the form of ring rust. I was pretty solid until I met my friend-turned-foe, the turnbuckle. I froze like a popsicle in a meat factory.”
Dead Eye mimics shivering.
Dead Eye: “Then, I faced the challenge I wasn't quite ready for, regardless of knowing that it was bound to happen. It was a rematch in the classic series I've had against Avery Miles, III, which dates back to both of our NGW origins. I emotionally wasn't ready to face Avery, considering everything that we've both been through. This led to a mental battle of questioning my return.
“Ah, but then, Avery went and called me out. He said he wanted to face the best version of me, which I question exactly what stage I am there...but I digress. That's a topic for another day. See, Avery and I have always brought the best out of each other. No matter what side of the frenemy lines we're on, each battle has been an instant classic. I feel like that Dissension stage didn't do justice to our rivalry. Again, that's another topic for another day.”
Dead Eye lifts a finger up.
Dead Eye: “That match does, however, bring me to something I'd be remiss if I didn't add here. Isn't it ironic that Kayla Richards didn't show up with me standing in the ring with Avery… Or even when I was down for the three count… Or when Avery was helping me up. I guess that fan's sign, that coincidentally didn't get picked up by the NGW camera crew was right. ‘Kayla Richards fears Dead Eye’. I just thought I'd point that out. Besides, Avery issued the challenge to put an end to her pussyfooting , anyway. Kudos, Ave.
“So, let's get back on topic now. That match showed a little more on my end. While I once again didn't pick up the ‘W’, what can't be ignored is the progression you have seen in just two matches back. While my naysayers would point out just how lopsided of victories my opponents have edged against me, they fail to remember the severity of my injury and how long I spent away from the ring competitively.
“As I said to Avery before our match, I don't make excuses. I'm just pointing out facts here. I expect results, and I —of course— expect myself to win each rip. Unfortunately, that has yet to be the case in the brief time since my return.
Now, I face yet another challenging opponent in Aurora Graves. Now, I know a good bit about Mrs. Graves, even though this is the first the two of us will be stepping into the ring together. First of all, I can't help but notice her positioning in this company. She surely will someday soon compete for a shot at the big strap. The brass would be fools not to at least give her the opportunity. I mean, she has a track record, yaknow?
“I look forward to the challenge. This seems to be the setting I've been given by those calling the shots. Or, as John F'n Blade would put it ‘they’. ‘They’ either wanna see my name in the spotlight for some ‘butts in the seats’, to make me once again be the cash cow that got this company eyes from all over the wrestling world, or a third option. Perhaps, there's still some animosity afoot and people wanna see me fail. You decide where you stand on those options. I'll keep my two cents in my pocket for now.”
He smirks.
Dead Eye: “Let's keep the conspiracy theories to the many countless guys that put up vids on YouTube, though, huh? This isn't about Devlin Scott. This isn't about Kayla Richards or anybody else for that matter. This is about my match at Victory and Honor against Aurora Graves.
“Aurora, Avery and Serenity speak highly of you. You seem to be close, and I guess that makes you extended family to me. I've kept a distant eye on things even while away and have seen what you and Damon have done since coming here. I give much respect in those regards.
“I don't give handouts, though. My progress will continue, as it must. I don't think I need to go deep into the fact that this is my first supercard event since winning the NGW Unified Heavyweight Championship February two years ago. That night is ingrained in my brain as the pinnacle of my career, to-date. Now, I fast forward to once again stepping into a spotlight. The spotlight I share with you will be a big one. There are eyes on this match questioning whether or not I can pull it off. Winning against you would be no small step in my book.
“The way I see things is that this match will open eyes to whichever of us gets our hands raised when it's all said and done. I have every intention of my progress leading me to that outcome. It damn sure won't be easy. I know you will give me the best I've seen so far, which in no way takes anything away from Coral or Avery.
“I also recognize that you wanna bounce back, too. I sat back and watched your match against Coral. We both tasted defeat at her hands, and now we both want to learn from those encounters and get a little of both victory and honor. I know. I'm a punny guy.”
He once again smirks.
Dead Eye: “We'll be seeing a lot of each other once the twins are born. I'm sure we'll end up discussing strategies on sitting with them. Until then, we have a different kind of meeting, a meeting for the ages. I'll see you Sunday, Aurora Graves.”
Dead Eye cuts the feed.
•Finis•