Post by aleisterdavison on May 3, 2020 8:07:03 GMT -5
SCENE ONE.
It's been three months since I last stepped foot inside of a ring and honestly, I miss it.
My voice echos around the empty gym, as I sit atop a metallic blue steel chair in front of my lime steel locker with a navy blue towel draped across my neck and sweat beading down my face, arms and body. Soaking through the nylon fabric of my jet black wifebeater as well as my black MMA style cotton shorts.
My snow white Nike athletic shoes resting against the wooden floor as I look around at the gym that has become my home ever since I returned home from my excursion to Japan, where I competed in the Japanese Wrestling Legion promotion as well as Ichiban Pro Wrestling, even becoming their first gajin to win the JWL world championship. At only 19 years of age.
I loved it there, just as much as I loved the occasional trips to England that I would make as part of the talent exchange program JWL had with Six Star Pro, based out of Manchester.
A slight smile beginning to curl up in the right-hand side corner of my mouth as I continue looking around at the equipment. The cherry red nylon punching bags that hang from steel chains. The rowing machine that is in the center of the gym. The weights that I have, varying from 50 lbs to 350 lbs. The two rows of treadmills positioned against the Northernmost wall. It has all played its role in keeping me in shape as I've been looking. Searching for my new home in wrestling. A new place, where I can show the world why I am known as "Invictus".
Rising from the chair, I slowly make my way across the gym. The sound of my feet hitting the wooden boards echoing as I do so. Twisting my body to the right, I let out a low breath before making my way toward the coffee brown door which leads out to the hallway of my home that runs from my room to the front door. Gently placing my hand atop the golden brass doorknob, I turn it clockwise before nudging it open and sliding my body through.
Pulling the door closed behind me, I twist my body to the right and begin to calmly and leisurely walk toward my room. Passing the silver picture frames that I had hung up in order to liven up the otherwise dreary slate white walls of the hall.
Most of them being snapshots from my travels to both England and Japan, as well as some of my mom and stepdad. Two people who have influenced my life outside of the ring and made me into the man I am today. Continuing to walk, I let out a smooth breath as I inhale.
Aleister: This is what I was born to do.
Gently expressing this, I stop and allow myself to glance at one of the pictures hanging on the wall to my left. Within its golden picture frame, it is a picture of my entrance during Ichiban Pro Wrestling's annual Tokyo Dome show in 2018. One of the greatest spectacles I have EVER and will ever be apart of. One of the things I checked off my professional wrestling bucket list. It's a night that will remain with me forever and one I am eternally thankful for.
Remembering that moment, I absorb the emotions flowing through me. The respect of the crowd, even though I was portraying the villain that night. The aura that surrounded me as I stepped out onto the stage. Realizing that it was all real. That it WASN'T a dream. The fact that I lost that night against Shino Katada doesn't matter to me.
Feeling tears begin to stream down my face, I raise my right hand up and wipe the back across my face. Attempting to dry my eyes and allow myself to gather my thoughts. Regain my composure and focus on the now. On attempting to replicate the emotional connection I hold with that night back here. Back home.
Dropping my hand back by my side, I turn my body once again. This time resuming the walk to my room. Reaching the door, I swivel my body to the left, extending my right arm out and clasping the steel doorknob gently. Turning the knob clockwise, I slightly push it ajar, wriggling my body through whilst being mindful not to let the towel slide off my shoulders.
Upon entering the room, I push my doot closed as I walk across the soft polyester/nylon hybrid moss green carpet that lines my floor before making my way across to my single bed, which has a steel base, a midnight black pillowcase with a white cotton pillow within as well as a velvety sky blue cotton blanket draped across the top of my nylon slate white mattress.
Sitting down atop the mattress, I reach up with my right hand, pulling the towel off my shoulder and tossing it into my snow white laundry basket. The rattling sound of the towel hitting the bottom slightly echoing when it does. Tilting my head to the right, I glance at my iPhone 9 sitting atop my mahogany bedside table, blinking to inform me that I have a missed call.
Reaching over with my right hand, I grasp my phone. Pulling it in and unlocking it, seeing that the missed call is from Cassandra, my agent. Clicking her name, I press the green "Call" button, knowing that if she is calling me, it's more than likely something that needs my attention. Preferably immediately.
Cassandra: Hey Aleister.
I allow a gentle laugh to leave my mouth.
Aleister: Hey Cass. You wanted to talk?
Stating this, My mind begins to think of possible reasons she could want to call. Did a wrestling promotion enquire about my availability to her? Is there something wrong with my Fiances? Did an emergency come up? All of those would be valid reasons to call me and require my undivided attention. The first option being the most preferable out of the three.
Cassandra: Yeah. I got a call from OPW management earlier today, stating that they had seen your tapes from Japan and were interested in having you on their roster.
My mouth curls into a smile as I feel a sense of excitement begin to race through my body at those words.
Cassandra: Aleister?
Her voice more inquisitive, I slightly jolt put of my delighted bliss. I had forgotten that I was still on the phone.
Aleister: Sorry. Tell them I'd be more than happy to sign and to send you the contract.
I allow my smile to grow as I cast a glance over to the picture of me with the JWL world championship draped across my right shoulder. Soon, I plan on replicating that success. Soon, I will be at the top of the industry, where I belong. Inhaling, I calmly laugh.
Cassandra: Okay. I'll call them later and let them know.
I nod my head instinctively, even though I know she can't see me.
Aleister: Okay. E-mail the contract once it's sent and I'll sign it. Honestly, I just want to get back into the ring. Do what I do best and take names.
Cassandra laughs at my remark. She knows how much it means to me. The countless hours I have been putting in, making sure I remain in wrestling shape. In condition to set foot into the ring again. Wiggling back on my mattress, I lift my feet onto the bed before laying back and looking up at the roof.
Knowing that it is all starting to once again, fall into place. Just as it did in Japan. Just as it did in England. Just as it will here in OPW.
Cassandra: I will. Anyway, I have to go and send some e-mails and call OPW back, so I'll talk to you later.
Aleister: Alright. Talk to you later. Bye.
I pull the phone from my ear, using my thumb to press the 'end call' button before reaching out and putting the phone back on the table. This is the chance. The opportunity that I had been seeking. That I honestly deserve, in order to showcase that everything I declare, is the truth. That I am everything that I tell you I am.
That when I say I'm invincible in that ring, it isn't just a gimmick. It isn't just me saying words. It's who I am. It's what I am. Even if that means I have to drench the ring with blood. With sweat. With tears, I will.
All in the name of making a statement. All in the name of leaving my mark on this industry. Exhaling, I feel my mouth straighten as my eyelids begin to close and the light fade into darkness. My deep blue eyes becoming covered as I fall asleep.
These dreams will soon become reality and when they do: Don't say I didn't give you fair warning. That you weren't warned of what is about to rise. On the storm that is coming OPW's way, whether or not they are ready for it.
SCENE TWO.
Five hours later, I sit in an antique but comfortable pebble colored single seat leather couch in my lounge room, wearing a white shirt with the design of a black phoenix, the word "Invictus" in wine in the middle. Much like the image you are accustomed to seeing appear on the Tron when I make my entrance as well as denim jeans and the same snow white Nike sneakers as earlier.
A slight smile is on my face, as I stare into the lens of my video recorder. Set up atop a steel tripod and set to record the statement I wish to make. The first words I have for both those in the OPW locker room and the OPW fanbase at home. Neither side knowing who I am, or what has been delivered to their roster now that I am here.
Aleister: Hello OPW. You might not know who I am, but I promise: soon enough you will. You'll have no choice but to realize that I am the truth. That I am not just another name on the roster. Another person who pretends that they are the best, but ALWAYS happens to fall short when the time comes for them to back it all up.
Nor am I somebody who's going to pussy around, dancing away from anyone who might wish to stand forward. Who might wish to step between those ropes and face me. That's not who I am and that's never the sort of person I am.
Pausing, I inhale as a smirk curls up on the left side of my mouth and my eyes remain laser-focused on the lens. Making sure that each and every person who watches this understands that I'm not like the rest of them.
That I ain't here to bullshit around and try and make myself out to be this paragon. This entity that will talk shit, but becomes a quivering coward who flees at the first sight of a challenge. That shit didn't fly when people tried it in Japan, and it's not going to fly if you try it against me here.
Aleister: I didn't run when people called me out in Japan. I didn't try and flee when people claimed they were the ones to break me in England and I sure as fuck won't cower and quiver if somebody attempts to do the same here. In fact, I invite them to try.
I dare them to stand up and call me out. Be a man and face me. It'd be a nice change for once because when I look up and down the OPW roster, I see a bunch of frauds.
A bunch of people who want you to believe they're tough. That they actually stand for something but crumble at the moment their beliefs. Their lies are called into question. Quivering and crying that they actually have to back their shit up and cannot just hide behind the fans. Behind management.
I promise you, if you tried that shit in Japan, they'd have you on the first plane back to America. So that you can run home and cry to your mom about how the big bad bullies were hurting your poor little feelings.
I can't help but laugh at my last remark. People may not want to hear it, but deep down: they know it's the truth. They know I'm right.
Aleister: I know. I know. You're going to talk about how I'm the newcomer here. That I should know my role and take my lumps but fuck that noise. I ain't gonna stand in an orderly line and wait for my shots. My opportunities.
That's not who I am. I'm here to TAKE those opportunities and make them mine. I don't care if it's not my turn. I'll make it my turn and if you have a problem with that, then fucking stop me.
Step up and I'll knock you down to the mat before you can even say a damn word about it. How it's meant to be. How it was in Japan. They know how I am, just like you will when I step between those ropes. I call myself "Invictus" for a reason.
It's because, between those ropes, I AM incomparable. I am unconquerable. I am the best. That ain't changing, no matter what you want to think. No matter who is thrown in front of me.
I pause, allowing the focus to be on the intense, steely look within my blue eyes. An intensity that is unparalleled. Both inside and outside of OPW.
Aleister: You'll see that soon enough.
I lean forward, my icy cold stare driving daggers through the lens, whilst my face retains a cold, emotionless expression. Leaning back, I inhale then exhale before calmly clearing my throat, which had dried up during this little statement.
Aleister: If you don't know by now, you will. I am Aleister Davison but you can, and will, call me "Invictus". Dwell on it. Confront it. Admit to yourself that this storm. This moment is mine and all you can do is bear witness.
Slowly rising from the couch, I walk over to the camera and push the "stop" button, as the recording rolls to its close. I've said all that I needed to and when the time comes, I will prove each and EVERY word I have spoken.
Trust me.
It's been three months since I last stepped foot inside of a ring and honestly, I miss it.
My voice echos around the empty gym, as I sit atop a metallic blue steel chair in front of my lime steel locker with a navy blue towel draped across my neck and sweat beading down my face, arms and body. Soaking through the nylon fabric of my jet black wifebeater as well as my black MMA style cotton shorts.
My snow white Nike athletic shoes resting against the wooden floor as I look around at the gym that has become my home ever since I returned home from my excursion to Japan, where I competed in the Japanese Wrestling Legion promotion as well as Ichiban Pro Wrestling, even becoming their first gajin to win the JWL world championship. At only 19 years of age.
I loved it there, just as much as I loved the occasional trips to England that I would make as part of the talent exchange program JWL had with Six Star Pro, based out of Manchester.
A slight smile beginning to curl up in the right-hand side corner of my mouth as I continue looking around at the equipment. The cherry red nylon punching bags that hang from steel chains. The rowing machine that is in the center of the gym. The weights that I have, varying from 50 lbs to 350 lbs. The two rows of treadmills positioned against the Northernmost wall. It has all played its role in keeping me in shape as I've been looking. Searching for my new home in wrestling. A new place, where I can show the world why I am known as "Invictus".
Rising from the chair, I slowly make my way across the gym. The sound of my feet hitting the wooden boards echoing as I do so. Twisting my body to the right, I let out a low breath before making my way toward the coffee brown door which leads out to the hallway of my home that runs from my room to the front door. Gently placing my hand atop the golden brass doorknob, I turn it clockwise before nudging it open and sliding my body through.
Pulling the door closed behind me, I twist my body to the right and begin to calmly and leisurely walk toward my room. Passing the silver picture frames that I had hung up in order to liven up the otherwise dreary slate white walls of the hall.
Most of them being snapshots from my travels to both England and Japan, as well as some of my mom and stepdad. Two people who have influenced my life outside of the ring and made me into the man I am today. Continuing to walk, I let out a smooth breath as I inhale.
Aleister: This is what I was born to do.
Gently expressing this, I stop and allow myself to glance at one of the pictures hanging on the wall to my left. Within its golden picture frame, it is a picture of my entrance during Ichiban Pro Wrestling's annual Tokyo Dome show in 2018. One of the greatest spectacles I have EVER and will ever be apart of. One of the things I checked off my professional wrestling bucket list. It's a night that will remain with me forever and one I am eternally thankful for.
Remembering that moment, I absorb the emotions flowing through me. The respect of the crowd, even though I was portraying the villain that night. The aura that surrounded me as I stepped out onto the stage. Realizing that it was all real. That it WASN'T a dream. The fact that I lost that night against Shino Katada doesn't matter to me.
Feeling tears begin to stream down my face, I raise my right hand up and wipe the back across my face. Attempting to dry my eyes and allow myself to gather my thoughts. Regain my composure and focus on the now. On attempting to replicate the emotional connection I hold with that night back here. Back home.
Dropping my hand back by my side, I turn my body once again. This time resuming the walk to my room. Reaching the door, I swivel my body to the left, extending my right arm out and clasping the steel doorknob gently. Turning the knob clockwise, I slightly push it ajar, wriggling my body through whilst being mindful not to let the towel slide off my shoulders.
Upon entering the room, I push my doot closed as I walk across the soft polyester/nylon hybrid moss green carpet that lines my floor before making my way across to my single bed, which has a steel base, a midnight black pillowcase with a white cotton pillow within as well as a velvety sky blue cotton blanket draped across the top of my nylon slate white mattress.
Sitting down atop the mattress, I reach up with my right hand, pulling the towel off my shoulder and tossing it into my snow white laundry basket. The rattling sound of the towel hitting the bottom slightly echoing when it does. Tilting my head to the right, I glance at my iPhone 9 sitting atop my mahogany bedside table, blinking to inform me that I have a missed call.
Reaching over with my right hand, I grasp my phone. Pulling it in and unlocking it, seeing that the missed call is from Cassandra, my agent. Clicking her name, I press the green "Call" button, knowing that if she is calling me, it's more than likely something that needs my attention. Preferably immediately.
Cassandra: Hey Aleister.
I allow a gentle laugh to leave my mouth.
Aleister: Hey Cass. You wanted to talk?
Stating this, My mind begins to think of possible reasons she could want to call. Did a wrestling promotion enquire about my availability to her? Is there something wrong with my Fiances? Did an emergency come up? All of those would be valid reasons to call me and require my undivided attention. The first option being the most preferable out of the three.
Cassandra: Yeah. I got a call from OPW management earlier today, stating that they had seen your tapes from Japan and were interested in having you on their roster.
My mouth curls into a smile as I feel a sense of excitement begin to race through my body at those words.
Cassandra: Aleister?
Her voice more inquisitive, I slightly jolt put of my delighted bliss. I had forgotten that I was still on the phone.
Aleister: Sorry. Tell them I'd be more than happy to sign and to send you the contract.
I allow my smile to grow as I cast a glance over to the picture of me with the JWL world championship draped across my right shoulder. Soon, I plan on replicating that success. Soon, I will be at the top of the industry, where I belong. Inhaling, I calmly laugh.
Cassandra: Okay. I'll call them later and let them know.
I nod my head instinctively, even though I know she can't see me.
Aleister: Okay. E-mail the contract once it's sent and I'll sign it. Honestly, I just want to get back into the ring. Do what I do best and take names.
Cassandra laughs at my remark. She knows how much it means to me. The countless hours I have been putting in, making sure I remain in wrestling shape. In condition to set foot into the ring again. Wiggling back on my mattress, I lift my feet onto the bed before laying back and looking up at the roof.
Knowing that it is all starting to once again, fall into place. Just as it did in Japan. Just as it did in England. Just as it will here in OPW.
Cassandra: I will. Anyway, I have to go and send some e-mails and call OPW back, so I'll talk to you later.
Aleister: Alright. Talk to you later. Bye.
I pull the phone from my ear, using my thumb to press the 'end call' button before reaching out and putting the phone back on the table. This is the chance. The opportunity that I had been seeking. That I honestly deserve, in order to showcase that everything I declare, is the truth. That I am everything that I tell you I am.
That when I say I'm invincible in that ring, it isn't just a gimmick. It isn't just me saying words. It's who I am. It's what I am. Even if that means I have to drench the ring with blood. With sweat. With tears, I will.
All in the name of making a statement. All in the name of leaving my mark on this industry. Exhaling, I feel my mouth straighten as my eyelids begin to close and the light fade into darkness. My deep blue eyes becoming covered as I fall asleep.
These dreams will soon become reality and when they do: Don't say I didn't give you fair warning. That you weren't warned of what is about to rise. On the storm that is coming OPW's way, whether or not they are ready for it.
SCENE TWO.
Five hours later, I sit in an antique but comfortable pebble colored single seat leather couch in my lounge room, wearing a white shirt with the design of a black phoenix, the word "Invictus" in wine in the middle. Much like the image you are accustomed to seeing appear on the Tron when I make my entrance as well as denim jeans and the same snow white Nike sneakers as earlier.
A slight smile is on my face, as I stare into the lens of my video recorder. Set up atop a steel tripod and set to record the statement I wish to make. The first words I have for both those in the OPW locker room and the OPW fanbase at home. Neither side knowing who I am, or what has been delivered to their roster now that I am here.
Aleister: Hello OPW. You might not know who I am, but I promise: soon enough you will. You'll have no choice but to realize that I am the truth. That I am not just another name on the roster. Another person who pretends that they are the best, but ALWAYS happens to fall short when the time comes for them to back it all up.
Nor am I somebody who's going to pussy around, dancing away from anyone who might wish to stand forward. Who might wish to step between those ropes and face me. That's not who I am and that's never the sort of person I am.
Pausing, I inhale as a smirk curls up on the left side of my mouth and my eyes remain laser-focused on the lens. Making sure that each and every person who watches this understands that I'm not like the rest of them.
That I ain't here to bullshit around and try and make myself out to be this paragon. This entity that will talk shit, but becomes a quivering coward who flees at the first sight of a challenge. That shit didn't fly when people tried it in Japan, and it's not going to fly if you try it against me here.
Aleister: I didn't run when people called me out in Japan. I didn't try and flee when people claimed they were the ones to break me in England and I sure as fuck won't cower and quiver if somebody attempts to do the same here. In fact, I invite them to try.
I dare them to stand up and call me out. Be a man and face me. It'd be a nice change for once because when I look up and down the OPW roster, I see a bunch of frauds.
A bunch of people who want you to believe they're tough. That they actually stand for something but crumble at the moment their beliefs. Their lies are called into question. Quivering and crying that they actually have to back their shit up and cannot just hide behind the fans. Behind management.
I promise you, if you tried that shit in Japan, they'd have you on the first plane back to America. So that you can run home and cry to your mom about how the big bad bullies were hurting your poor little feelings.
I can't help but laugh at my last remark. People may not want to hear it, but deep down: they know it's the truth. They know I'm right.
Aleister: I know. I know. You're going to talk about how I'm the newcomer here. That I should know my role and take my lumps but fuck that noise. I ain't gonna stand in an orderly line and wait for my shots. My opportunities.
That's not who I am. I'm here to TAKE those opportunities and make them mine. I don't care if it's not my turn. I'll make it my turn and if you have a problem with that, then fucking stop me.
Step up and I'll knock you down to the mat before you can even say a damn word about it. How it's meant to be. How it was in Japan. They know how I am, just like you will when I step between those ropes. I call myself "Invictus" for a reason.
It's because, between those ropes, I AM incomparable. I am unconquerable. I am the best. That ain't changing, no matter what you want to think. No matter who is thrown in front of me.
I pause, allowing the focus to be on the intense, steely look within my blue eyes. An intensity that is unparalleled. Both inside and outside of OPW.
Aleister: You'll see that soon enough.
I lean forward, my icy cold stare driving daggers through the lens, whilst my face retains a cold, emotionless expression. Leaning back, I inhale then exhale before calmly clearing my throat, which had dried up during this little statement.
Aleister: If you don't know by now, you will. I am Aleister Davison but you can, and will, call me "Invictus". Dwell on it. Confront it. Admit to yourself that this storm. This moment is mine and all you can do is bear witness.
Slowly rising from the couch, I walk over to the camera and push the "stop" button, as the recording rolls to its close. I've said all that I needed to and when the time comes, I will prove each and EVERY word I have spoken.
Trust me.