Maverick Jones vs. WTF

[Russ]

1 roleplay per person and a 2,000 word limit. Good luck!

Deadline is Saturday June 23rd at the following times...

GMT - 23:59
North Australia - 09:29 (Next Day)
West Australia - 07:59 (Next Day)
CST - 17:59
EST - 18:59
PST - 15:59

[jagilki]

The warm fuzzy glow of an old black and white television set lights up a dark basement.  A basement that is familiar.  A basement that feels like home.  There is an old worn down Ring in the center.  The Ring glows with such reverence that the capital in the word is apparent.  It's not just a ring.  It is a Shrine.  It is a temple.  It is a Holy Object.  Yes dear reader, the capital of The Ring is inherent in the wood.  It is inherent in the fibers of the mat.  This is a Church.  This is a place where one man prays.  This is a place where one man places his faith.  The wear and tear apparent upon The Ring are part of it's glory.  Part of it's charm. 

There are punching bags and medicine balls.  There is a set of old weights.  Everything is old.  Everything is used.  Everything is LOVED.

Sitting in an old chair in front of the old TV is an Old Man.  Sitting in front of the television set is Wilfred  Tiberius  Follet.  A year has passed, but as the Old Man watches the “Rasslin” on “The Telly.” you can see the passion in his eyes.  You can see the life in his face.  A huge smile envelopes the Old Mans face. 

This is Joy.

The Old Man is watching some VWF.  He's watching highlights of Maverick Jones.  He's not supposed to be watching this for joy.  He's not supposed to be watching this for pleasure.  He's not supposed to be getting entertainment from this.  No, he's supposed to be studying.  He's supposed to be learning.  He's supposed to be serious.

WTF: “Kick his ASS MAVERIK!  Kick his ASS!”

Wilfred Tiberius Follet waves a cane above his head.  He points it to the screen and turns to a man sitting in a chair next to his.

WTF:  “Billy Bob, do you see that?  Do you see that my dear boy!  That's just brilliant!  That's what I strive for.  That's why I want to be a wrestler!  I want to get in the ring and have a violent clash!”

WTF turns back to the “Telly” just as Maverick hits a devastating move on his opponent.  Billy Bob Quartermain flinches.

BBQ: “But Mr. Follet.... What about your knees?”

WTF shakes his cane in BBQ's direction.

WTF: “What about my knees?  They're just fine.  Besides, I've got knee braces.”

BBQ shakes his head.

BBQ: “Come on Boss, don't get that way.  I'm just worried about you.  You're like a Father to me.”

WTF turns back to the TV and “Harrumphs” at this.  His eyes glow as he watches further highlights of Maverick Jones' career.”

BBQ: “I know you've got all the confidence in the world Sir, but what if this guy takes things further than is necessary?  What if he tries to take you out of the tournament?  What if he makes this more personal than it needs to be?  It's just not safe.

WTF sighs and stands up.  He looks down at Billy Bob.

WTF: “Billy Bob, Son, have you not just been watching this man?  He's not that kind of Professional Wrestler.  He's an exemplary specimen of the sport.  He's a Fine Young Gentleman.  If I shall lose to the Young Man, it shall be no shame.  It shall be an honor.  An honor just to be in the ring with him I say.”

Billy Bob shakes his head and stands up as well.

BBQ: “But, Sir... We both know that past actions mean nothing in the Wrestling Ring.  We know that people change inside it.  We both know that when emotions run hot one might perform actions that they normally wouldn't.”

WTF shakes his head.  He paces back and forth, then pulls out a handkerchief and wipes his forehead as he looks at The Ring.

WTF: “Son, you know that I'll readily admit when I am wrong.  The Ring does do things to people.  It does bring out baser instincts that they normally wouldn't let rule them.  But to be a true Gentleman is to fight those base instincts and let your more civilized attitudes control you.   This Young Fellow strikes me as a Civilized Person.”

BBQ crosses himself as he turns the television off.

BBQ: “But what...?  What pray tell will you do if this Maverick does let the Dark Side take him?  Do you have a plan?”

Wilfred  Tiberius Follet slowly walks to The Ring.  He approaches it as one would an Alter.  He places a hand lovingly upon the Ring Apron.  He rubs the hand back and forth, savoring the texture.  He turns to Billy Bob.

WTF: “I'm may be an old coot, but I can still show these young whipper snappers what for.  Age before Youth.  Experience before Naivety.  We shall put on a match for the ages.  We aren't the Giants and Titans of the ring.  The Dirt Sheets aren't writing Soliloquies and Epics about us.  We are just a match on the Card.  Numbers in the artistic equation of the science of the ring.  Cogs in the eternally grinding machine.”

Wilfred Tiberius Follet tugs on a ring rope.  He smiles as the tension is just as it should be.  He rubs his hand down the ropes, feeling them.  He turns back to Billy Bob Quartermain and smiles.

WTF: “Son, should Maverick Jones turn to the thuggish side.  Should he drop his morals in order to do nefarious deeds, then I shall simply have to stick to the Higher Ground.  A true Gentleman would accept the loss before relegating himself to his baser instincts.  I sincerely doubt that Young Maverick will partake of such a course of action.  But if he should, then I am prepared.  I'm not the old doddering fool that you think I am.”

Billy Bob turns pale.

BBQ: “Sir, I don't think you're a fool!  I have all the respect in the world for you.”

WTF smiles.  He leaves The Ring, with a backwards glance, and pats Billy Bob on the head.

WTF: “I know Son, I know.  But I also know that you think I am Foolish for partaking in this tournament.  I tell you I am not.  I may be Old, but I'm not decrepit.  They shall not tear down my foundations yet.  This Old Timber is still firm.”

At about this time, the door to the basement opens.  A switch is thrown and full lights shine upon the scene.  Lucinda Marie Francine Abigail O'Reilly walks into the room, carrying a tray.  She smiles at WTF and Billy Bob.

LMFAO: “Good Morning.  How long have you two been down here watching that.... Stuff?”

Wilfred Tiberius Follet's back goes up at his Sport being called “Stuff”.  However, before he can give the young lady a stern talking to, Billy Bob meets her and helps her with the tray.

BBQ: “What fine delights have you brought for us this morning Lucinda?”

BBQ lightly sets the tray down and removes the cloth covering it.  There are a handful of Home Baked Muffins and a kettle of Tea.

LMFAO: “Oh nothing much, just Tea and Muffins.”

WTF sets in his chair and slowly pulls the paper from a Muffin.

WTF: “No Milk?  Milk is the drink for the morning.”

LMFAO holds the kettle up and waves it in the direction of WTF.

LMFAO: “Oh come on Mr. Follet, would you not like a cup of tea?”

WTF shakes his head sourly.

WTF: “No, Lucinda, I don't want any Tea.”

LMFAO waves the Tea under WTF's nose.

LMFAO: “But I made it just for you.”

Billy Bob perks up.

WTF: “No, I'm sorry but I don't like Tea in the morning.  I vastly prefer Milk.[/b]

Billy Bob interjects himself.

BBQ: “I'd love some Tea Lucy.”

LMFAO ignores Billy Bob she begins to fill a cup and starts to hand it towards WTF.

LMFAO: “It's Camomile.”

WTF sits forward.

WTF: “Camomile?  That's my favorite.  You know what.  Lucinda I think I will take a cup of Tea.”

LMFAO turns and hands the cup to BBQ.  She huffs as she walks off carrying the Kettle.

LMFAO: “Fine, if you don't want the Tea you don't have to have it.  I don't need to be condescended towards”

As LMFAO storms out of the room.  BBQ slowly sips on his Tea and WTF jumps to his feet.  He follows behind LMFAO.

WTF: “But I really would like some Tea!”

As WTF catches up with LMFAO she slams the door in his face.  WTF turns to BBQ and asks a question with his eyes.  Billy Bob shrugs.

BBQ: “She's going through rough times.  She's worried about you and how you'll do in this tournament.”

WTF sits down on a nearby old fold chair. He waves towards Billy Bob.

WTF: “Go deal with her.  Comfort her and explain that everything will be all right.  Then go ahead and get everything ready.  We leave for Vegas in the morning.”

After BBQ leaves the room, Wilfred Tiberius Follet stands and once more approaches The Ring.  He speaks to it like one might an Old Friend.

WTF: “Despite all the facade.  Despite the face we put on things, there are doubts.  Doubts that I can't put out of my head.  I can do this can't I?  This is the right path isn't it?”

WTF climbs into the ring.  He closes his eyes.  In his mind he sees the upcoming match. He hears the roar of the crowd.  He feels his blood pumping.  He feels the exhilaration of the fight.  He knows there will be pain.  He knows there will be agony, but he also knows it's all worth it.  To Fight is to Live.  To Live is to succeed.  To Succeed is to know Glory.  Yes, this is the right path.  It is his path.  It is the only path.

The Ring is his Temple, it is his Church, it may be his Tombstone, and that is as he wants it. 

Wilfred Tiberius Follet stands in The Ring, and all is as it should be.

[T-Birder]

Mixed Message

I've agreed to stranger things. There was that cult instance a long time ago my therapist tells me not to talk about. Working with Sean and Miss Karla to win the Extreme Tournament still tops my list. I read the dirt sheets, people say Sean doesn't like me at all, but deep down I'm sure he has a heart of gold.

That's the type of guy I am. Nothing but love for this business. Kinda like Willy Follet. I get to wrestle against a guy I don't have to worry will cheat me, or befoul me, or any other number of nasty things guys like to do to me.

My group draw isn't too bad. I drew against some names who aren't big in the business, and a name or two that might be big where they come from.

I'm kinda big where I come from too. Do they realize it? I'm the VWF World Heavyweight Champion. Now that's a title with lineage. A title that has been around since 1998. Coming in at about two months as Champion, I've been Champion longer than most promotions in the world have been open. The Expert's have feds with strong heritages, and I earned the top prize among them. That's soooooo cool! It really does mean a lot to me. I thank the heavens everyday that I get to do what I love, and occasionally get rewarded for it.

--------------------------------------

"Maverick are you even listening to me?" Miss Karla asked slapping Maverick on the back of the head.

"Sure was." Maverick replied. Sean Edmunds and Maverick struck a deal to form a Team VWF in the tournament, so they could help each other get to the Extreme Tournament Finals. An All VWF Final, that would go down in the history books. Maverick loved the idea, he was sure the fans would love it. As part of the deal, Miss Karla was to manage him. It was an odd situation as far as Maverick was concerned. He wasn't allowed to look in her direction at all, and she constantly told him what to do. Maybe that's why Sean was angry all the time, Miss Karla is sooooo bossy.

"You don't even know what you're doing when you talk to people!" she complained. "I don't understand how you can go through life bumbling your way through, letting people just walk all over you!"

"It worked out pretty well so far." Maverick smiled, tapping his VWF World Title belt, because it annoys her.

"That's your excuse for everything! UGH. I need a walk. I'll see you in a couple minutes so we can tape your interview! I booked you with Marvin Peabody and he's a very busy man so I'm told, so don't screw this up!" Miss Karla yelled from halfway down the hallway.

They were in Sin City, and it was in fact Maverick's first trip to Vegas. The SCW staff was working over time, probably not used to the massive amount of wrestlers in the building. The Casino was probably getting a lot of business from fans and wrestler's alike. Maverick was staying away from all that. Sean and Miss Karla hit the floor last night, but Maverick knew better, casinos are in the business for losers...and they didn't want him around anyway.

"Is she gone?" Kyle Bacon whispered from behind a pile of trash.

"Yea." Maverick replied allowing Bacon to come out and dust off.

"I'll be damned if I let some Sin City rat take away MY interviews." Bacon said sitting in a chair next to Maverick. Maverick liked Bacon. He was a lot like Maverick, a hard worker and dedicated to his craft. He does his best to follow VWF superstars every where they go, at his own expense. The VWF isn't even paying him to be here. Maverick respects that kind of dedication. Plus, talking with Bacon is like talking with a friend. He never feels the pressure of being on stage when be interviewed by him. With an important first week match coming up, being relaxed was very important.

"Well we better hurry before she gets back." Maverick says, kicking back and relaxing. They watch as some SCW superstars walk by.

"Well, how are you feeling about all this?" he asked, relaxing a bit now that Miss Karla was long gone.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I'm not freaking out or anything."

"That's good to know. Back in the Extreme Tournament huh?"

"I've been in a couple events over the years. I was so oh so close to getting the Extreme Tag Team Titles. Second place in the Extreme Tag Tournament isn't too bad. I more than most people in this tournament know what it's like to come so close...and not be able to finish. It's a terrible feeling. But, I've gotten better since then. I mean I'm the VWF World Champion now, and that is such a big deal! It's a weight I don't have hanging on my shoulders. I know I have what it takes to beat the very best, because I've done it before. Gives me absolute focus on my goal, and that is beating Willy Follet."

"They call him WTF. In all the billings and everything." Bacon produces a program of the events to prove it.

"That's cool how his initials ended up. Mine only spell MBJ."

"BJ? What's the B stand for?"

"um....Brianna..." Maverick looked down at his shoes.

"Right-o. So what do you think about the man dubbed WTF?"

"He's got a lot of heart. But, I'm a bit concerned for him. Like I might have to hold back a bit."

"Why?"

"Because he's OLD! I don't want to hurt him, or anyone for that matter in the ring."

"To the point where you wouldn't beat him?

"This is our livelihood Kyle. I know some people have the mentality that they need to hurt their opponents in the ring to get ahead. I feel sorry for those people. I'm not like that. I want to beat Willy, but I won't hurt him to do it."

"You are always different from everyone Mav."

"I'm not like everyone else. I have too much respect for wrestling, for everyone in it, and everything it stands for. That's what sets me apart from everyone else. I'm glad I have an opponent who respects this business. You know what Miss Karla wanted me to tell Peabody this week?"

"What?"

"She wanted me to rip on Willy. Tell him how I'll beat him within an inch of his life just for fun. How Willy is a warm-up match for my 'ascension to the top of the celestial concourse'! She honestly told me to say that, and I have no idea what that means. I thought a concourse was those things in airports. If you climb to the top of those you'll get taken down by the TSA."

"Maybe you should take WTF down like the TSA."

"I do want to beat him, and I'll do what I need to to get the job done. At the end of the day I'm a better wrestler than him, and everyone else in this tournament. I'm gonna stand tall at the end this match."

"You're sending a mixed message."

"Maybe. But that's how I like it. It's not about sending a 'message' to the rest of the locker room. I let my actions speak for my words, instead of my words speaking for my actions. Eventhough that makes more sense, but I'm trying a metaphor here."

"What is Maverick's message?"

"I'm gonna win, and I'm going to do it the right way."

"Even with Miss Karla at ringside? We know what she does for Edmunds."

"Don't worry, the brass knuckles are too big for my hand. My gosh Sean has huge hands. Or maybe Miss Karla does."

"She's really upset." Kyle says pointing down the hall.

"Oh right...ummm" Maverick says looking at her hands as she walks over.

"We should go..." Kyle says starting to dart away.

"Right-o. She'll feel better when I win my match anyway. Experts, Willy, get ready. All this, still won't be enough to beat me!" Maverick says as he darts away with Miss Karla chasing him down...