Post by Meatball-kun on Jul 5, 2014 14:47:49 GMT -6
Rebecca Dalton: "Mr. Matthews? Right this way."
Chuck tears his eyes away from the poster in front of him to see Rebecca standing near the door of a gym. It's a pleasant enough looking facility. It's been squeezed into the sixth level of a skyscraper downtown, but it's far roomier than Chuck originally anticipated. Weight racks, workout machines, and heavy bags line the walls, and in the center, a large octagonal cage. A large poster hangs in the front window, hyping up big matches scheduled at the gym's sponsored show.
Rebecca Dalton: "Our facilities. My company owns the gym. The boys come here to train, work out, and get ready for their fights."
Chuck Matthews: "All of them?"
Rebecca smiles.
Rebecca Dalton: "It's a small operation, Mr. Matthews. We're unknown in the United States, and we've flown under the mainstream radar for quite some time. My boss has high hopes that a deal with your network will be just what we need to take our fighters to the next level."
Chuck Matthews: "And you have a loyal fanbase?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Among the locals, yes. We're among the most popular promotion on this island. But with big-time American companies poaching talent from around the world, it's very difficult to be noticed outside Japan."
Chuck Matthews: "And that's where my company comes in."
Rebecca Dalton: "Your company has a reputation for investing in new blood. Taking care of the little guy. You sponsor promising new athletes in wrestling. You televise independent promotions seeking to break into national fame. With our MMA operation, you'll be broadcasting something new. You'll help us reach our growth, and we'll be providing you with an in to the Japanese market, as well as good publicity for sponsoring the smaller companies."
Chuck Matthews: "I like it."
Rebecca Dalton: "There is one problem, though."
Chuck nods, smiling to himself.
Chuck Matthews: "I was waiting for that."
Rebecca Dalton: "Well...like I said, our operation is small, and we're pressed for funds. Most of our income is spent on the facilities and paying the fighters."
Chuck Matthews: "So you need me to pay the production costs."
Rebecca Dalton: "Well...most of it. We understand that it's a half-million dollars American. We can pay twenty-five percent."
Chuck Matthews: "So in order for this deal to go through, I'm short well over a quarter-million."
Rebecca Dalton: "I did say this would be an investment."
Chuck nods.
Chuck Matthews: "Right...right."
Rebecca Dalton: "A sign of good faith?"
Chuck raises an eyebrow. Dalton points to a young man in the corner.
Rebecca Dalton: "You sponsor athletes, yes? I happen to know that the young man over there is unsigned and unsponsored. He's also the best fighter we've got."
Chuck Matthews: "Is that right? What's his story?"
The two begin walking towards the man, talking as they go.
Rebecca Dalton: "He's an American. Had a little bit of trouble with the law back home, did some time, and now he's looking to get his life back together. Problem is, most American companies won't deal with him, not with his background. So he's here in Japan, trying to make a name for himself.
Chuck Matthews: "Interesting."
They stop to watch him, letting him get a few more kicks in on a heavy bag. He spots Chuck and Rebecca standing behind him, and stops his workout.
Kyle Kidd: "Hey."
He grabs his towel, wiping sweat from his face.
Rebecca Dalton: "Kyle, this here is Chuck Matthews. He's runs-"
Kyle Kidd: "MEN TV. Yeah, I've heard of you. It's an honor."
Chuck Matthews: "Miss Dalton here tells me you're a fighter."
Kyle Kidd: "Yessir. Just working, hoping one of the American companies takes notice, lets me move back home."
Chuck Matthews: "And where is home?"
Kyle Kidd: "San Antonio, sir."
Chuck Matthews: "No kidding. My wife's from there."
Kyle bows his head slightly, but seems unsure of what to say.
Chuck Matthews: "I hear you're a hell of a fighter."
Kyle smiles sheepishly.
Kyle Kidd: "I wouldn't say that, but thank y-"
Chuck Matthews: "I want to see what you can do."
Kyle Kidd: "You wh-...I mean, of course, but...."
Chuck looks around the room, and spots a fighter near the cage, looking in. He's bald, a muscled, tough-looking Japanese fighter.
Chuck Matthews: "He looks ready for a fight. Go on. I want to see how you do."
Kyle Kidd: "Him? You...you want me to just up and fight him?"
He looks at Rebecca, who motions towards the ring.
Rebecca Dalton: "Go on."
She leans close to him, speaking something in a hushed voice. When she retreats, Kidd nods, and heads to the cage. He stops only to speak with the Japanese fighter, and points over at Chuck and Rebecca.
Chuck Matthews: "What did you tell him?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Oh...just some encouragement. I told him you were looking to sponsor a new fighter, and this could be his perfect opportunity."
Chuck Matthews: "I haven't said that."
Rebecca Dalton: "He doesn't need to know that."
The two fighters step into the cage. Kidd glances over at Chuck and Dalton. Slowly, the two begin circling each other, and their fight is under way.
Chuck Matthews: "He seems comfortable in a fight at least. Knows what he's doing."
Rebecca Dalton: "Like I said: He's one of our best talents."
Chuck Matthews: "And he's unsigned?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Most companies don't want to put their brand with a convicted criminal."
Chuck Matthews: "And what exactly was he convicted of?"
Rebecca opens her mouth for a moment, but pauses.
Rebecca Dalton: ".....battery."
Chuck watches as Kidd rolls across the Japanese fighter's body, trapping the latter in a triangle choke.
Chuck Matthews: "He's good. He's very good."
Rebecca Dalton: "The best."
Chuck sighs.
Chuck Matthews: "So...quarter million, huh?"
Rebecca Dalton: "That's the price."
Chuck looks over at her, a slight smirk on his face.
Chuck Matthews: "Let's go talk business."
---------------------------
Chuck Matthews: "And so I continue on my journey through the EXODUS ranks.
You know what's cool about me? As long as I've been here...as long as I've been competing in EXODUS...I still manage to remain completely detached from everything that's going on.
I mean, people know I exist. That's not up to question. People are familiar with the name Chuck Matthews. And those in EXODUS who didn't know me before I came in? They sure as hell do now. But I'm still flying low. I'm still moving under the radar of the top dogs in EXODUS. I've not been outright targeted by anyone specifically. I'm not under attack by the champions, by their contenders. I just....exist.
What I think people fail to realize is: That's exactly what I'm after.
Let me ask you: What is it that my entire master plan revolves around? What is the commonality in all of my speeches? What is it that makes my plan the most dangerous?
Well, that's simple: The fact that nobody else knows what it is. Shit, they're still working on step one. But here's the kicker: Not only can you not figure out what the plan is, you can't figure out the man behind it.
Unfortunately, while you're all busy scurrying trying to figure out what makes me tick, I'm continuing my plan. I've mentioned this before. Time is quickly ticking. You window of opportunity is closing fast. You need to figure out a weakness, and you need to do it quickly, before I move into the next phase of the plan. You've realized that the longer this goes on, the more dangerous I become. With every week, I push my agenda just a little bit further...but are you keeping up with my pace?
Enter Demento.
Now...we can look at this a few different ways.
A month or so ago, I was climbing quickly to the top of the card. An midcard match here, an uppercard there...I think I was in the main event of a show, if memory serves. Suddenly, I'm back to opening it up. Suddenly, I'm fighting somebody with no experience here in EXODUS.
Now...we've seen guys like Justin Brooks do the same thing. And it shoved that dude right over the edge. So can they pull the same trick twice? Put Chuck at the bottom of the card. Start him all over again. Put him where no star wants to be. Surely THAT will rattle his chains a little bit?
I'm ashamed. I thought you'd know me better by now. On the contrary, this adds to my plan. What's that I just got done saying? Anonymity is my greatest asset? Your plan to throw a wrench in my plans is to shove me further out of everyone's sight? Take even MORE people's eyes off me? Let me retreat deeper into the shadows, where I can observe from a distance without appearing in anybody's peripherals?
Tell me: Is that REALLY a wise decision?
But, of course, there are multiple sides to any decision. Let's not focus on myself for a moment. Let's focus on the opponent. Let's look at YOU, Demento.
The obvious reasoning here is NOT to push Chuck down the ranks. That only makes his life easier. No...the clear reasoning is because Demento is an unknown. You're a fresh talent. You're at the bottom of the barrel, and you've got a long mountain ahead of you.
EXODUS has a habit of doing that. They throw their freshest meat to the hungriest dogs. Shit, my first match here was against Steve Lenton. Figure that one out. But you, Demento...you're burdened with a tremendous responsibility. See...we knew you'd be at the bottom of the card. That's a given. We knew whoever fought you would, therefore, meet you at the bottom as well. The tricky bit: Why Chuck? Why, out of an entire roster, was I the man selected to welcome you to the fold?
BECAUSE you're unknown. It's that simple. You, my friend, are expected to be the factor that I can't figure out. You are supposed to be the unknown variable. And I applaud the powers that be for putting it together. See, Demento...I'm the Smartest Man in Professional Wrestling. I'm the brains of the operation. The man with the plan. Now, I'm well aware that I don't exactly have the most impressive track record here...but if there's one thing I've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, it's that I hold one very distinctive advantage over all of my opponents:
I can outsmart anyone.
Is that even up for debate? Is there anybody that's been able to beat me at my own game? Rhetorical question, dear viewers. The answer, each week, becomes a louder and more resounding "No."
And that's where you come in, Demento. I've fought men and women with plenty of experience, both in the wrestling world, and here in EXODUS. You, on the other hand...you're new. I don't have a plan for you. I CAN'T have a plan for you. Do you follow the logic? Every previous opponent has had tapes to watch, material to study. I've been able to observe, learn their moves, spot their weaknesses, and plan for ways to exploit them. I walk into each match, armed with knowledge. I know their moves. I know their strengths. I know their weaknesses. And I've planned accordingly.
But I wouldn't have a reputation as the brightest mind in the business if that was my only trick. Fact of the matter is, that's amateur hour. Shit, that's the sort of stuff EVERY wrestler should be doing. Examining tapes? Watching matches? Find me one wrestler who hasn't done that at some point or another, and I'll show you a guy who hasn't made it far in this industry. Sure, maybe I've got the cool advantage of having a brain a little more in-tune for these sorts of things...but ask yourself: What truly makes a man a genius?
It's not to simply "know." Anybody can "know." No...what makes me different is that I know what to DO with that knowledge. I know how to take what I know, and apply it elsewhere. I know how to think on my feet.
And THAT is where you run into hot water, Demento.
See...the plan here is that if I can't plan for you, I'm going to fall apart. If I don't see every move of yours coming, I won't be able to work my magic. But what they fail to realize is that planning is only half the battle. At the end of the day, I do have to...you know...wrestle the match. I do, in fact, have to know how to fight. I'm not smart because I know your moves, no. I'm smart because I can predict your moves. I'm smart because I can think five moves ahead. I'm smart because once you're moving, I can see where you're going to end up next, and I've already thought of a way to avoid it by the time you actually pull it off.
Improvisation, ladies and gentlemen. THAT is what being the Smartest Man in Wrestling truly entails. I'm a complete package when it comes to brains. I walk into a match prepared...but if I can't do that, I've always got a trick up my sleeve. I've still got that ability to adapt, to see the moves as they come. To come up with a plan on the fly.
Why the fuck else do you think I keep telling you how to beat me? Why else would I tell you, week after week, how you can go about stopping my plans? It's not because my plan is set in stone. No, far from it. It's because in the unlikely event that you DO stop it, I'm intelligent enough to have a backup for when things go wrong. I'm able to think around any setback. I'm able to maneuver around any unseen obstacle.
You, Demento, are one such obstacle.
But, as I always say: Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you ARE the kryptonite that can slow down Chuck Matthews. Maybe YOU are the guy that can reveal the crack in my armor. When I debuted here in EXODUS, I was thrown against a man that they said I didn't stand a chance in hell against. And, to their credit, they were right: I lost. But damn it if I didn't take him to the edge and back.
Do you have that same determination? Do you have the talent, the wherewithal to topple the Smartest Man in Wrestling? Can you throw me off my game?
Can you outsmart a genius?"
Chuck tears his eyes away from the poster in front of him to see Rebecca standing near the door of a gym. It's a pleasant enough looking facility. It's been squeezed into the sixth level of a skyscraper downtown, but it's far roomier than Chuck originally anticipated. Weight racks, workout machines, and heavy bags line the walls, and in the center, a large octagonal cage. A large poster hangs in the front window, hyping up big matches scheduled at the gym's sponsored show.
Rebecca Dalton: "Our facilities. My company owns the gym. The boys come here to train, work out, and get ready for their fights."
Chuck Matthews: "All of them?"
Rebecca smiles.
Rebecca Dalton: "It's a small operation, Mr. Matthews. We're unknown in the United States, and we've flown under the mainstream radar for quite some time. My boss has high hopes that a deal with your network will be just what we need to take our fighters to the next level."
Chuck Matthews: "And you have a loyal fanbase?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Among the locals, yes. We're among the most popular promotion on this island. But with big-time American companies poaching talent from around the world, it's very difficult to be noticed outside Japan."
Chuck Matthews: "And that's where my company comes in."
Rebecca Dalton: "Your company has a reputation for investing in new blood. Taking care of the little guy. You sponsor promising new athletes in wrestling. You televise independent promotions seeking to break into national fame. With our MMA operation, you'll be broadcasting something new. You'll help us reach our growth, and we'll be providing you with an in to the Japanese market, as well as good publicity for sponsoring the smaller companies."
Chuck Matthews: "I like it."
Rebecca Dalton: "There is one problem, though."
Chuck nods, smiling to himself.
Chuck Matthews: "I was waiting for that."
Rebecca Dalton: "Well...like I said, our operation is small, and we're pressed for funds. Most of our income is spent on the facilities and paying the fighters."
Chuck Matthews: "So you need me to pay the production costs."
Rebecca Dalton: "Well...most of it. We understand that it's a half-million dollars American. We can pay twenty-five percent."
Chuck Matthews: "So in order for this deal to go through, I'm short well over a quarter-million."
Rebecca Dalton: "I did say this would be an investment."
Chuck nods.
Chuck Matthews: "Right...right."
Rebecca Dalton: "A sign of good faith?"
Chuck raises an eyebrow. Dalton points to a young man in the corner.
Rebecca Dalton: "You sponsor athletes, yes? I happen to know that the young man over there is unsigned and unsponsored. He's also the best fighter we've got."
Chuck Matthews: "Is that right? What's his story?"
The two begin walking towards the man, talking as they go.
Rebecca Dalton: "He's an American. Had a little bit of trouble with the law back home, did some time, and now he's looking to get his life back together. Problem is, most American companies won't deal with him, not with his background. So he's here in Japan, trying to make a name for himself.
Chuck Matthews: "Interesting."
They stop to watch him, letting him get a few more kicks in on a heavy bag. He spots Chuck and Rebecca standing behind him, and stops his workout.
Kyle Kidd: "Hey."
He grabs his towel, wiping sweat from his face.
Rebecca Dalton: "Kyle, this here is Chuck Matthews. He's runs-"
Kyle Kidd: "MEN TV. Yeah, I've heard of you. It's an honor."
Chuck Matthews: "Miss Dalton here tells me you're a fighter."
Kyle Kidd: "Yessir. Just working, hoping one of the American companies takes notice, lets me move back home."
Chuck Matthews: "And where is home?"
Kyle Kidd: "San Antonio, sir."
Chuck Matthews: "No kidding. My wife's from there."
Kyle bows his head slightly, but seems unsure of what to say.
Chuck Matthews: "I hear you're a hell of a fighter."
Kyle smiles sheepishly.
Kyle Kidd: "I wouldn't say that, but thank y-"
Chuck Matthews: "I want to see what you can do."
Kyle Kidd: "You wh-...I mean, of course, but...."
Chuck looks around the room, and spots a fighter near the cage, looking in. He's bald, a muscled, tough-looking Japanese fighter.
Chuck Matthews: "He looks ready for a fight. Go on. I want to see how you do."
Kyle Kidd: "Him? You...you want me to just up and fight him?"
He looks at Rebecca, who motions towards the ring.
Rebecca Dalton: "Go on."
She leans close to him, speaking something in a hushed voice. When she retreats, Kidd nods, and heads to the cage. He stops only to speak with the Japanese fighter, and points over at Chuck and Rebecca.
Chuck Matthews: "What did you tell him?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Oh...just some encouragement. I told him you were looking to sponsor a new fighter, and this could be his perfect opportunity."
Chuck Matthews: "I haven't said that."
Rebecca Dalton: "He doesn't need to know that."
The two fighters step into the cage. Kidd glances over at Chuck and Dalton. Slowly, the two begin circling each other, and their fight is under way.
Chuck Matthews: "He seems comfortable in a fight at least. Knows what he's doing."
Rebecca Dalton: "Like I said: He's one of our best talents."
Chuck Matthews: "And he's unsigned?"
Rebecca Dalton: "Most companies don't want to put their brand with a convicted criminal."
Chuck Matthews: "And what exactly was he convicted of?"
Rebecca opens her mouth for a moment, but pauses.
Rebecca Dalton: ".....battery."
Chuck watches as Kidd rolls across the Japanese fighter's body, trapping the latter in a triangle choke.
Chuck Matthews: "He's good. He's very good."
Rebecca Dalton: "The best."
Chuck sighs.
Chuck Matthews: "So...quarter million, huh?"
Rebecca Dalton: "That's the price."
Chuck looks over at her, a slight smirk on his face.
Chuck Matthews: "Let's go talk business."
---------------------------
Chuck Matthews: "And so I continue on my journey through the EXODUS ranks.
You know what's cool about me? As long as I've been here...as long as I've been competing in EXODUS...I still manage to remain completely detached from everything that's going on.
I mean, people know I exist. That's not up to question. People are familiar with the name Chuck Matthews. And those in EXODUS who didn't know me before I came in? They sure as hell do now. But I'm still flying low. I'm still moving under the radar of the top dogs in EXODUS. I've not been outright targeted by anyone specifically. I'm not under attack by the champions, by their contenders. I just....exist.
What I think people fail to realize is: That's exactly what I'm after.
Let me ask you: What is it that my entire master plan revolves around? What is the commonality in all of my speeches? What is it that makes my plan the most dangerous?
Well, that's simple: The fact that nobody else knows what it is. Shit, they're still working on step one. But here's the kicker: Not only can you not figure out what the plan is, you can't figure out the man behind it.
Unfortunately, while you're all busy scurrying trying to figure out what makes me tick, I'm continuing my plan. I've mentioned this before. Time is quickly ticking. You window of opportunity is closing fast. You need to figure out a weakness, and you need to do it quickly, before I move into the next phase of the plan. You've realized that the longer this goes on, the more dangerous I become. With every week, I push my agenda just a little bit further...but are you keeping up with my pace?
Enter Demento.
Now...we can look at this a few different ways.
A month or so ago, I was climbing quickly to the top of the card. An midcard match here, an uppercard there...I think I was in the main event of a show, if memory serves. Suddenly, I'm back to opening it up. Suddenly, I'm fighting somebody with no experience here in EXODUS.
Now...we've seen guys like Justin Brooks do the same thing. And it shoved that dude right over the edge. So can they pull the same trick twice? Put Chuck at the bottom of the card. Start him all over again. Put him where no star wants to be. Surely THAT will rattle his chains a little bit?
I'm ashamed. I thought you'd know me better by now. On the contrary, this adds to my plan. What's that I just got done saying? Anonymity is my greatest asset? Your plan to throw a wrench in my plans is to shove me further out of everyone's sight? Take even MORE people's eyes off me? Let me retreat deeper into the shadows, where I can observe from a distance without appearing in anybody's peripherals?
Tell me: Is that REALLY a wise decision?
But, of course, there are multiple sides to any decision. Let's not focus on myself for a moment. Let's focus on the opponent. Let's look at YOU, Demento.
The obvious reasoning here is NOT to push Chuck down the ranks. That only makes his life easier. No...the clear reasoning is because Demento is an unknown. You're a fresh talent. You're at the bottom of the barrel, and you've got a long mountain ahead of you.
EXODUS has a habit of doing that. They throw their freshest meat to the hungriest dogs. Shit, my first match here was against Steve Lenton. Figure that one out. But you, Demento...you're burdened with a tremendous responsibility. See...we knew you'd be at the bottom of the card. That's a given. We knew whoever fought you would, therefore, meet you at the bottom as well. The tricky bit: Why Chuck? Why, out of an entire roster, was I the man selected to welcome you to the fold?
BECAUSE you're unknown. It's that simple. You, my friend, are expected to be the factor that I can't figure out. You are supposed to be the unknown variable. And I applaud the powers that be for putting it together. See, Demento...I'm the Smartest Man in Professional Wrestling. I'm the brains of the operation. The man with the plan. Now, I'm well aware that I don't exactly have the most impressive track record here...but if there's one thing I've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, it's that I hold one very distinctive advantage over all of my opponents:
I can outsmart anyone.
Is that even up for debate? Is there anybody that's been able to beat me at my own game? Rhetorical question, dear viewers. The answer, each week, becomes a louder and more resounding "No."
And that's where you come in, Demento. I've fought men and women with plenty of experience, both in the wrestling world, and here in EXODUS. You, on the other hand...you're new. I don't have a plan for you. I CAN'T have a plan for you. Do you follow the logic? Every previous opponent has had tapes to watch, material to study. I've been able to observe, learn their moves, spot their weaknesses, and plan for ways to exploit them. I walk into each match, armed with knowledge. I know their moves. I know their strengths. I know their weaknesses. And I've planned accordingly.
But I wouldn't have a reputation as the brightest mind in the business if that was my only trick. Fact of the matter is, that's amateur hour. Shit, that's the sort of stuff EVERY wrestler should be doing. Examining tapes? Watching matches? Find me one wrestler who hasn't done that at some point or another, and I'll show you a guy who hasn't made it far in this industry. Sure, maybe I've got the cool advantage of having a brain a little more in-tune for these sorts of things...but ask yourself: What truly makes a man a genius?
It's not to simply "know." Anybody can "know." No...what makes me different is that I know what to DO with that knowledge. I know how to take what I know, and apply it elsewhere. I know how to think on my feet.
And THAT is where you run into hot water, Demento.
See...the plan here is that if I can't plan for you, I'm going to fall apart. If I don't see every move of yours coming, I won't be able to work my magic. But what they fail to realize is that planning is only half the battle. At the end of the day, I do have to...you know...wrestle the match. I do, in fact, have to know how to fight. I'm not smart because I know your moves, no. I'm smart because I can predict your moves. I'm smart because I can think five moves ahead. I'm smart because once you're moving, I can see where you're going to end up next, and I've already thought of a way to avoid it by the time you actually pull it off.
Improvisation, ladies and gentlemen. THAT is what being the Smartest Man in Wrestling truly entails. I'm a complete package when it comes to brains. I walk into a match prepared...but if I can't do that, I've always got a trick up my sleeve. I've still got that ability to adapt, to see the moves as they come. To come up with a plan on the fly.
Why the fuck else do you think I keep telling you how to beat me? Why else would I tell you, week after week, how you can go about stopping my plans? It's not because my plan is set in stone. No, far from it. It's because in the unlikely event that you DO stop it, I'm intelligent enough to have a backup for when things go wrong. I'm able to think around any setback. I'm able to maneuver around any unseen obstacle.
You, Demento, are one such obstacle.
But, as I always say: Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you ARE the kryptonite that can slow down Chuck Matthews. Maybe YOU are the guy that can reveal the crack in my armor. When I debuted here in EXODUS, I was thrown against a man that they said I didn't stand a chance in hell against. And, to their credit, they were right: I lost. But damn it if I didn't take him to the edge and back.
Do you have that same determination? Do you have the talent, the wherewithal to topple the Smartest Man in Wrestling? Can you throw me off my game?
Can you outsmart a genius?"