Monday January 10, 2011
CPW Zoo Enclosure- Four-Store War Area
Los Angeles, California
11:05 PM Local Time
I don’t know how long I lay on that floor.
It couldn’t have been more than a few minutes. Almost immediately, the referee had come to my side, asking me if I was okay. I had assured him I was- I just needed a few to catch my breath, and he had moved on to attend to other participants. But when I sat up, I had been shocked to discover that I was the only one remaining in the Four-Store area. Even Tough Eagle, the man I had just pinned, was gone, as was Haley Dark, although smears of her blood covered the walls and the floors- the poor girl was in for an a long night after having shards of glass rammed into her back.
I staggered to my feet. The four-stores were eerily quiet. Before they had been a cacophony of tumbling boxes, breaking glass, heavy bodies hitting the floor, and the occasional scream of pain. It was almost like those first few minutes after a tornado just ripped through your neighborhood- the howling madness was gone, but the sounds of everyday life hadn’t dared to return yet.
I staggered to my feet, looking around at the destruction the eight of us had just wreaked. Shelves were overturned, boxes and boxes of food were everywhere, many of the packages destroyed, their contents spilling out. I shook my head at the sight, then began to shuffle towards the door. However, my foot snagged on something, and I looked down to see what I had hit.
Two shiny, silver leather belts. I bent down, and picked one of the belts up. The front plating was leaf-shaped, and around the edge, the words ‘Teaming Panda’s Championship’ was etched into the faceplate. The referees must have left them at my side after the match had ended. I smiled, rubbing my hand across the nameplate on the stem. It was empty right now, but soon, my name would be etched into it. The first name to ever be etched into the belt.
I bent down again, and grabbed the other belt, but something caught my eye, off to the side. I tilted my head just to the side, and gasped as I saw the small round object.
The orange I had slipped on during the match.
Draping both belts over my right arm, I grabbed the orange with my left, and held it up. I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony- like any match, I had refused to use foreign objects, but it was this orange that had won me the match. Had I not slipped on it, the chain of events that led to me pinning Tough Eagle would likely have never happened.
Still holding the orange and both title belts, I took one last look around the four-store area, and began to leave. Even as I walked towards the nearest door, it opened, and half-a-dozen CPW stagehands came in, their faces falling when they saw the mess they were about to clean up. I smiled sympathetically at one of them- I sure didn’t envy the task that awaited them!
But another task awaited me as well- I needed to find Terrence.
The hallway was completely empty, everyone either watching the main event, or back in the four-store area trying to clean up. Without any leads or clues as to where my husband might have gone, I decided to just head back to the locker room.
For once, I was right on the first try, as the moment I opened the door, I was greeted with the worried visage of my husband. He swept upon me, relief etching into his features. “Wendy! Thank God! What took you so long to come back from the-” he paused as he saw the two title belts draped over my arm, and his concern for my safety melted away immediately at the realization. “No... fuckin’ way... we won?”
I grinned. “We won. I pinned Tough Eagle after a Vortexinator. They didn’t tell you?”
Terrence snorted. “Didn’t tell me shit. One thing, I’m in a room with three other people, taking turns whacking each other over the head with shit, and the next thing I know, the referees are between us, yelling at us that the match is over. I didn’t know what the hell was going on, and they wouldn’t let me go look for you. So I just came back here.” he finished with a shrug.
I looked around the locker room, surprised to find that we were the only occupants. Pollaski and Cassie must have taken Theresa to watch the main event.
“Where WERE you, anyways?” Terrence suddenly asked.
“I just needed a moment,” I replied. “I took some really hard hits from Silent Dragon earlier, and I was pretty drained. I’m okay now, though.”
I held one of the belts out to Terrence, and he took it, inspecting it the same way I had just a few minutes earlier. He was smiling, but the barest flicker of... something... crossed his face for just a second.
“You okay?” I asked.
Terrence nodded, but then he burst out into a laugh. “Fat lot of help I was in winning these”
“It was a team victory,” I protested. “You did your part, and I did mine...”
But Terrence shook his head. “Hon, I never even SAW you after the match started- we both just kinda got split up. And the next thing I know, the match is over. Hell, I didn’t even know we won until just a few seconds ago.”
I shrugged. “It was chaotic. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Besides, I’m going to need help defending them,” I finished with a grin.
Terrence laughed again, and shook his head. “Not if you keep wrestling the way you’ve been.” He suddenly turned serious, although there was still a small smile on his face. “And I’m serious about that, hon. You’ve really come into yourself this time around.”
“You’re just as good as you were during our first run, too,” I said, but Terrence only shook his head.
“Maybe, I’m just as good. But you’re better than you were five years ago. You’re more disciplined, if that’s possible. But most importantly, you’re more confident. You’re not falling apart out of anxiety, you’re not overanalyzing every single thing you do. That confidence has made you so much better, its almost scary.”
“Thanks,” I said, blushing crimson at the compliment.
“So yeah, I’m serious when I say, tonight’s your win. I’ll gladly be champion next to you, and you can bet we’re gonna hold these belts for a long damn time. But tonight, hon, my hat’s off to you.”
I set my belt down on the locker room table, and held up the orange in my hand. “Well, it wasn’t just me. This little guy helped just a bit.”
Terrence looked at me skeptically. “An orange? What, you throw it at someone?”
I laughed, and shook my head. “I can’t even begin to describe what happened- you’ll have to see the replay.” I quickly dug my nail into the rind, and began to peel it.
“And now you’re gonna eat it?” Terrence shook his head. “There’s gratitude for ya...”
“No, we’re going to eat it.” I said, grabbing the juicy fruit, and ripping it in half. I offered one of the halves to Terrence, who took it. “After all, the victory is both of ours.” And I tore off a piece of my half, and popped it in my mouth. It was, by far, the best tasting orange I ever had. Terrence ate some of his too, then leaned forward, and grabbed me, pressing his lips into mine. For a second, I was rigid in shock, and a little bit of disgust, before finally giving in, and returning the gesture. For a long time, we stood embracing. Finally, I broke away, and stepped back for just a second, unsure of whether I should be smiling or retching.
I had to say it. “Oh, and Terrence?”
“Yeah?”
I shot him a severe look. “If you EVER kiss me with a mouth full of half-chewed food again, I’ll kill you.”
Terrence broke into a grin, then popped another piece of the orange in his mouth. “Sorry, hon!”
==========================================
Friday January 21, 2011
McGillity’s Rattlesnake Petting Zoo & RV Park
Van Horn, Texas
6:10 PM Local Time
[So as yet another massive blizzard begins to form over the Eastern United States, the WhirlyBirdz head west to sunny California for their second Zoo taping]
[Nice timing, eh?]
[Anyways, the Birdz have stopped for the evening in the not-so-Texan-sounding town of Van Horn, a small hamlet of about 2500 120 miles east of El Paso. Luckily, they’ve found a fairly nice campground with all the accommodations, and prepare to spend a quiet evening before the final nine-hundred mile push to Los Angeles.]
[Taking advantage of the mild Texas weather, Wendy has set up camp outside this evening, sitting in a lawn chair, the camera about a dozen feet away. It’s not THAT warm outside, so she’s still wearing a black windbreaker, and a pair of jeans, but after spending most of January in a veritable feezer, she’s pretty much willing to take any excuse to be outside right now.]
[As we fade in, Wendy can’t help but give a short little grin, and holds her half of the CPW Tag Titles up for just a second, then quickly folds the belt and places it in her lap.]
“Well, we did it!”
[There’s no bragging in Wendy’s voice (okay, maybe there’s a LITTLE), but the expression on her face is one of elation, with just a little relief thrown in.]
“Terrence and I were hoping that we could pick up in CPW right where we left off in PWX, and we managed to do just that. In our very first match, we captured the Teaming Panda Titles, and look to continue the run that begin seven months ago in Kansas City.”
[A small shrug]
“But I think both of us know that we’re incredibly fortunate to have won the Four-Store War. Given how chaotic that contest was, it was virtually anyone’s game, and I just happened to be fortunate enough that no one else saw me making the cover on Tough Eagle. It’s hardly the most dominating way to end a match like this, but for what that match was, and the opponents we had involved, I’ll more than take what the fates gave me.”
[Wendy gives a lopsided smile]
“And yet, I know that our journey to become the top Tag Team in CPW has only just begun. I’m certain that Steely Vengeance, Double Dragon, and the Cherrybombs are all very much in the running to get another shot at us, as well as CPW’s newest aquires, the Syn City Syndicate. Whichever team emerges with the first-chance to dethrone us, I look forward to the challenge they will bring to Terrence and I.”
[Short pause, while Wendy gathers her thoughts]
“But, alas, that’s a challenge that will have to be settled at another time. This week, I make my CPW singles debut, and after last week, I’m going to have one heck of a tough act to follow.”
[Another small smile]
“One of my resolutions for this new year was that I was going to do everything in my power to become a better, more highly valued singles competitor. Someone who won’t be merely viewed as an afterthought. In a way, I’ve already made steps- I’m in the finals of fellow CWC member X3W’s tournament, one match from becoming their first ever champion.”
[Wendy’s positively beaming as she says this, although she quickly manages to sober.]
“But the climb to the top in CPW is going to be noticeably harder. X3W was a blank slate- a simple tournament decides the champion, and there was no heirarchy, no rankings you had to move up. But here in CPW, that tournament is a thing of a long ago past, won by Joey Flash. A rankings, a heirarchy has been established, and, like everyone else, I’m starting at the bottom.”
[Obviously SOMEONE didn’t see the power rankings put out last week...]
“I’ve got a long way to go to prove that I belong on the level of superstars such as Belladonna, Joey Flash, Aoraki, and Michelle Taylor. I have to work my way up, and I start this week, against Silent Dragon.”
[It should be noticed that she says ‘superstar’ and ‘Michelle Taylor’ in the same sentence without even so much as a hint of irony.]
“And Dragon, that’s not an insult to you- far from it! I know all too well what you’re capable of, because I have to admit that you did a pretty good number on me during that four-store war, and had the two of us not gotten separated, things might have ended a lit more unfortunate for me. And I daresay, of all the teams in Catholic Panda Wrestling that will be making an attempt at our titles, Double Dragon has the best shot of knocking Terry and I from our perch.”
[Wendy tilts her head slightly, a nod of respect for her opponent for the week.]
“I have nothing but respect for you, Dragon, and I think that in a lot of ways, you and I are very similar. We’re the same height, and we both wear the emerald as our birthstone. Both of us are high-flying wrestlers, and can launch an explosive move from out of the blue. I daresay I’m probably a bit quicker, and more flexible, while you are likely stronger, but I think we’re both very evenly matched. And I think both of us carry the honor of being the quieter, more sensible members of our respective tag teams.”
[Wendy smiles a bit at this, over the irony of pointing out that someone named ‘Silent Dragon’ is a bit on the quiet side.]
“But unfortunately, I think both you and I have been saddled with the perception that we are also the weaker members of our tag teams as well. Obviously, it’s a bunch of hogwash, but I’ve said it a thousand times- perception means EVERYTHING in this business, and sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about it.”
[Short pause]
“But that doesn’t mean we sure as heck can’t try!”
[Wendy breaks into a self-deprecating grin]
“The way I see it, neither Terrence nor Draco are wrestling on Episode 13, which means that Monday Night is all about the so-called ‘Second Bananas’ of the WhirlyBirdz and Double Dragon. A chance to prove what we can do when the opportunity presents itself. I’ve resolved to make the most of my opportunities, and I hope you’re prepared to do the same.”
[The grin fades just a little, until its a just small smile, although the smile’s practically belying the fires of determination now in Wendy’s eyes]
“We’re the fourth match on this show, the exact midpoint of the card. So let’s go out there, and let’s show Val and Cammy that they stuck us a couple of slots too early. But know that I’m going to be fighting to win, Dragon. I’m going to give you the toughest fight of your career, and when all is said and done, I fully plan to be walking out of this match the victor. Because I’ve said a lot of big things today. I’ve made my plans known, and they’re ambitious ones, to say the least. Now comes the hard part, the part where I have to back it up.”
[Wendy takes a deep breath, and again, the smile fades just a little bit more.]
“Because you of all people know that actions speak louder than words.”
[Fade]
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
EPISODE 71: Age of Aquarium
Saturday January 15, 2011
Georgia Aquarium- Ocean Voyager Exhibit Entrance
Atlanta, Georgia
3:21 PM Local Time
“WOW! Look at all the fish, mommy!”
I didn’t vocalize it, but I certainly shared my daughter’s amazement as we walked into the Ocean Voyager tunnel. The water outside the glass tunnel was achingly blue, and I gaped in wonder at the thousands of fish swimming on both sides- even above me!
Built just a few years ago on twenty-acres of land north of Centennial Park in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium was the largest in the world. It’s feature exhibit was this Ocean Voyager tunnel, a 100 foot glass tunnel that ran along the floor of a massive 6.8 million gallon tank, plus a massive viewing wall (the world’s second largest) at one end. Outside, in the 30 foot deep tank, swam nearly 100,000 fish, constituting the largest indoor aquatic collection in the world.
In short, it was a perfect place for us to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
To my surprise, the display was lightly attended at the moment, likely due to the Falcons game set to kick off in just a couple hours on the other side of downtown. I was relieved- I’d never been a fan of large crowds.
Theresa didn’t care about crowd-size or exhibit specifications. She immediately ran to the window, pressing her face to the glass, her mouth open in fascination as a large hammerhead shark idly floated by, seemingly oblivious to the gaping eyes of the four-year old fixed upon it. Theresa bounded after the shark, trying to keep pace with it as it idly floated parallel to the tunnel.
“Don’t get too far from us!” I admonished her, and smiled as the hammerhead veered sharply away from the glass, off to find other pursuits. Theresa stopped, and watched it go, looking slightly disappointed that her unwitting companion had abandoned her.
I smiled to myself, and turned my attention to the exhibit. It didn’t take long to find the featured attractions of the exhibit- 4 massive whale sharks that the aquarium had imported from Taiwan.
The biggest fish in the world, whale sharks could grow to be as much as 50 feet long, and weigh 80,000 pounds; these were decisively smaller, only about twenty to twenty-five feet in length. Still, I could only marvel as I watched the enormous, graceful fish swimming idly overhead. Being that this was the only place in America one could see such incredible animals, I silently thanked the genius that had scheduled a Shatterpoint taping in Atlanta.
“You know,” a voice said off to my side. “For a couple-hundred bucks, they let you in there to swim.”
I turned to see my manager standing next to me, looking through the glass. Like me, Pollaski’s gaze was directed at the four massive whale sharks floating just several feet below the surface. He had a smirk on his face, and I cast him a dubious glare, thinking he was teasing me.
“I’m serious,” he replied without blinking. “I saw it at the front desk. Two-twenty-five, and you can be a part of a guided swim in the tank.”
“Wow, that’d be incredible!” I breathed, turning back to the glass. Such an experience would be once-in-a-lifetime. To be able to swim up close next to whale-sharks and manta rays and tarpon and-
A chirping noise coming from Pollaski’s pocket broke into my thoughts, and I snorted in irritation as my manager rooted around to pull out his phone. Nothing ruined a view like this as much as a cell phone going off.
Pollaski, however, didn’t seem too chagrined by his breach of etiquette. With the smooth motion of a pro, he quickly glanced at his Droid, gave a short laugh, then shoved the device back in his pocket.
“What?” I asked, curiosity mixing in with my irritation.
“Oh, nothing”, Pollaski replied, although the sudden smirk on his face completely betrayed his feigned nonchalance. “Crazy KYD just got arrested.”
“WHAT?”
The words burst from my mouth before I could think twice, and I flushed slightly, realizing a few other people in the tunnel had turned to look at me. I managed to lower my voice before speaking again.
“How do you know this? What happened?”
Pollaski shrugged. “I get wrestling news alerts on my phone. Helps me keep up with the time. And I don’t know. All it says is that he got arrested. But I’m not surprised. Dude’s like the Lindsay Lohan of pro-wrestling. If he ain’t getting into trouble for one thing, its another.”
I mulled all this over for a second, trying desperately to focus my thoughts. Finally, one managed to separate itself from the jumble that was cluttering my brain. “What’s going to happen with the match?”
Pollaski shrugged, his smile fading just a little. “It’ll probably still happen. Unless he murdered someone, he’ll probably get out on bail. Good thing too. There’s a lot of people wanting you to kick this guys ass. I doubt there’s anyone more appropriate for putting Crazy KYD in his place than you.”
That was certainly an intriguing enough thing to say. “Why’s that?” I asked, taking the bait.
Pollaski paused for a second, as if debating over telling me something. Finally, he took a deep breath. “After the last Shatterpoint went off the air, while you were getting ready to leave, I ran into Graham Clausen. We got to talking, and he mentioned that he hoped you’d win this week. He and KYD aren’t exactly friends.”
I nodded, remembering watching the confrontation that took place back at the first Shatterpoint. “Because of his daughter...”
“Yeah,” Pollaski replied, grimacing. “I asked Graham what happened. The whole thing’s a very sensitive subject with him, but eventually I managed to get him to tell me.”
“And?”
Pollaski gestured at the glass all around us, as if reminding me where we are. “Do you really want to talk about this right now?”
I took the point- we were hear to have fun and enjoy the aquarium, not to hear about messy child custody battles. “I guess not,” I agreed. Even so, I instinctively looked over at my own daughter. Terrence had perched Theresa on his shoulders, and the two of them were pointing at various fish that swam by, my husband occasionally saying something that made her squeal with laughter. I sighed.
“I worry about her, you know.”
“Oh don’t start on this,” Pollaski suddenly snapped, causing me to jump.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re about to go on another one of these ‘am I a good parent even though I wrestle?’ angst trips again, and I’m not in the mood to hear it, because we both know that the answer is ‘yes’.”
I glanced over at Pollaski, and was surprised that he had his arms akimbo, and was staring at me with no small amount of annoyance. “I’m sorry. It’s just- I can’t help but worry about it.”
“That’s because good parents are SUPPOSED to worry about it.” Pollaski replied, breaking into a small smile. “But look at your daughter, and tell me that child isn’t cared for enough.”
“I will,” I replied, glancing at Dan. “Because when it comes to your children, there’s no such thing as ‘enough.’ Not enough love, not enough time, not enough happiness.”
Pollaski chuckled. “If that’s the case, what the hell are you standing here talking to me for? Get outta here, and go enjoy this with your family. I’ll tell you all about Crazy KYD tonight.”
“Thanks, Dan.” I said, breaking into a smile, and turning away from him.
Theresa was still perched on Terrence’s shoulders as I approached. “What’s that one, daddy?” she was asking, pointing at another fish.
“Ah!” Terrence replied in a tone that any college professor would be jealous of. “THAT is the ever elusive ‘rounded mirrorfish’.”
“Terrence, that’s just a tuna fish,” I corrected, walking to his side.
Terrence looked over at me, and grinned. “Don’t be silly, Wendy. Everyone knows that you can’t tune a fish!”
Theresa shrilled in laughter at my husband’s ‘joke’, and I reached up, helping her down from my husband’s shoulders, and bouncing her in my arms. “So how you like the aquarium, Terr-Bear?”
“It’s fun!” she responded, grinning at me. Something in the tank caught her attention, and she pointed. “Mommy, look! That fish is letting off steam!”
I followed her gaze, and turned immediately red. Sure enough, one of the manta rays had just swam by, and a stream of liquid had emerged in its wake, the substance taking on the appearance of a vapor cloud as it dissipated into the water. Nearby, I heard several of the other visitors snickering at my daughter’s exclamation. “Uh, Theresa, that’s not steam.”
“Then what is it, mommy?”
I know I shouldn’t have been embarrassed- after all, it was a completely natural function of the body- even in manta rays. But my words failed me, and I was forced to look at my husband for help.
He offered none, just grinned at me. “Yeah, hon. What is it?”
“Its...” with no other alternative, I leaned over and whispered into my daughter’s ear.
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!”
Maybe that swimming with the whale-sharks thing wasn’t such a good idea, after all...
==================================
Sunday January 16, 2011
Centennial Olympic Park- Fountain of Rings
Atlanta, Georgia
8:12 PM Local Time
“A perfect life?”
[A short, cold laugh that contains no humor in it whatsoever]
“Hardly.”
[Fade up]
[We’re in Atlanta’s famed Centennial Olympic Park, a staple of the Olympic scene during the 1996 Games. The Atlanta skyline shines brightly in the backdrop, as Wendy stands about fifteen feet from the camera, standing upright, her scarlet hair fluttering behind her in the slight breeze. It’s a fairly chilly night in the ATL, and so Wendy’s buttoned up in the same green jacket she was wearing at the Prudential several weeks ago.]
[Wendy stands in the Fountain of Rings, a collection of 251 water jets placed in the concentric circles of the five Olympic Rings, a popular destination for park-goers on the blistering Georgia summer days. It being January, however, the fountain’s are off (thankfully!), although the rings are aglow in red and white alternating lights.]
“Ever since I joined X3W, it seems that quite a few misconceptions have been made about me. Too many people have been quick to paint me as some wholesome, goody-goody princess who’s never had a bad day in her life. And now I’ve found out that my opponent for this week, with a thick stack of papers in his hand supposedly detailing every aspect of my life’s story, somehow thinks that my entire life has just been one enormous bed of roses.”
[Atlanta may be chilly tonight, but that’s nothing compared to the cold fury etched on Wendy’s face as she stares at the camera.]
“Jason Riviera, you and Jasmine obviously weren’t paying close enough attention. Because you missed the part about my father being so ashamed of the career I chose, that he tried to cripple me in an attempt to drive me from wrestling. Or how I sat holding the hand of my mother during her last hours, her side completely caved in from the bumper of a semi-truck. Or how I watched my Father get led away in handcuffs after the police discovered he had pushed her into traffic on I-465?”
[Wendy’s voice wavers as she talks, and she quickly brings her sleeve up to her face, quickly running it under her eyes.]
“And do you know what it’s like to be chained to a wall for two weeks? The feeling of helplessness and despair, being completely at the mercy of a monster who is merely using you as a pawn? Have you ever been held down by three men in the middle of a wrestling ring, and threatened with rape, because you had the audacity to be their opponent for that evening?”
[Wendy shakes her head angrily]
“Don’t you DARE assume I’ve had it easy, Jason. Because I have been through hells you couldn’t even BEGIN to understand. I’ve fought tooth and nail just to survive this long, much more so to have the family and life I do now.”
[Wendy’s expression softens slightly.]
“And yet, as horrible as those experiences have been, for how many times the memories have woken me up at night, they’re part of who I am today. Because in spite of it all... or maybe BECAUSE of it all, I’ve come to understand what’s truly important.”
[Wendy looks up at the sky for a few seconds, then returns her gaze to the camera]
“It’s a simple truth, but one that’s so easy to lose sight of in this world. But in the end, when the bell has rung for the final time, and all our wins and losses have been counted, the impact we’ve had on our loved ones will matter far more than any titles or accolades we ever received. Our muscles will weaken, Jason. Our speed will slow, our reflexes will dull, to the point where all that’s left of us are dusty old DVD’s lying in pawn shop bargin bins. But even then, family will remain.”
[Not that she’s in a lecturing mood or anything...]
“And maybe that’s why you came to this misconception, Jason. Because I have been blessed with a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter, and the ability to travel this nation participating in a sport I love. And I am happy! The demons of my past will ever haunt me, but I’ve learned to deal with them, and I will not let them control my life.
[Wendy says this matter of factly, but again, her voice wavers just a bit]
“It all comes down to accountability. The willingness to take control of our lives, to do what we can to leave the past behind, and create a future for ourselves. To admit our past failures, and do our best to learn from them.”
[Wendy pauses for a second, as if debating whether or not to breach this subject. Obviously, Pollaski had finally told her the situation involving Crazy KYD’s daughter, Alleigh. Still, was it really her place to speak up?]
“Maybe its not my place to say it, but I don’t see anyone else doing so. Jason, until you realize that you have no one to blame but yourself for Alleigh being taken from you, you’ll NEVER get her back.”
[Apparently she thinks so.]
“Your problem is, you think the world owes you. Because the consequences of your actions are less than desirable, you’ve painted yourself out to be some victim. You’re more content with wallowing in your own situation, instead of doing something to change it.”
[It’s probably understandable why Wendy would be vocal on this subject. After all, she does have a child of her own. That, and she’s always felt that her own parents viewed her more as either an inconvenience or a heir to the family legacy than a treasured daughter]
“Ask yourself one simple question, Jason. Why do you want your daughter back? Do you really desire to repair the bridges that have been damaged? Do you want your family restored to normal again? Or are you just trying to appease your wounded pride?”
[Wendy’s eyes turn hard again]
“If it’s the latter, Jason, if this isn’t about your daughter, but some game to you so that you can feel better about yourself, then there isn’t a fire in hell that’s hot enough for you.”
[Wendy’s eyes soften a bit, and she shakes her head sadly.]
“But if you truly desire a reunion, if your motives are purely for the welfare of your child, then I wish you the best of luck. However, you’re sure as heck going about it the wrong way.”
[Wendy paces just a little to her left, although the camera pans slowly to follow her]
“You need to wake up, and realize that the succubus you have allied yourself with is part of your problem. You’ve made the mistake of appointing Jasmine Rydel as your guide, and this ugly woman will only lead you down the wrong path, sucking away what’s left of your soul until all that remains is a whithered husk.”
[For the record, it should be pointed out that Wendy hasn’t referred to Crazy KYD by his ring name even once. This is a special quirk of hers- she refuses to refer to people she dislikes or has little respect for by their ring names]
“Week after week, you and Jasmine seem to concoct these master plans. A plan to get Alleigh back. A plan to win this tournament. You don’t need plans- you need perspective. If you want your daughter back, you just need to do the right thing. And if you want to win this tournament, you just need to quit trying to figure out how to take revenge on the world that wronged you, get in the ring, and start trying to figure out a way to beat me. And I can guarantee you one thing- both are easier said than done.”
[Small shrug]
“Because no plan is fool-proof, Jason. I’ve been watching old EPW matches, and plenty of times I’ve seen Jasmine’s ‘plans’ come crashing down around her, resulting in your defeat. And if that viper tries anything this week, the result will be the same. Because you won’t be the only one having someone else accompanying them to the ring this week.”
[Dan Pollaski, yo]
“The balls in your court on this matter. Keep this match clean, and the only thing you’ll have to suffer from my manager is him yelling, which he admittedly does way too much. But if you get Jasmine involved, then Pollaski will respond in kind, and I guarantee you he can handle himself a lot better than he’s been letting on. Because ultimately, neither Jasmine Ryven nor Daniel Pollaski is going to play a role in the outcome of this match. This match will be decided between Wendy Briese and Jason Riviera. The stakes are too high for it to be otherwise.”
[For the first time all promo, Wendy finally breaks into a small smile]
“And what stakes they are! Fourteen wrestlers began this tournament, and only four remain. By the end of tomorrow night, the finals will be set. And even better, the two men who were tipped as the favorites in this tournament- Kris Keebler and Psycho Soldier- are no more. It is truly anyone’s game between Szalinski, Jenova, you, and me.”
[That smile widens just a bit]
“But the winners tomorrow night won’t just make the finals of the tournament. They’ll make history. They’ll be the ones all eyes are on as we head towards Dallas, and will headline the first ever X3W pay-per-view. I’m sure everyone’s figured it out by now, but I’ve never headlined a pay-per-view in my career.”
[The prospect has Wendy practically dancing with excitement.]
“But there’s one more thing you got wrong, Jason. I’m not trying to follow in my husband’s footsteps. I don’t want to do things the way he did, and I probably couldn’t even if I did. I’m blazing my own trail. I’m forging my own destiny. And no one, especially a child, is going to keep me from reaching the goal.”
[Wendy sobers for just a second]
“Because ultimately, that is what you are, Jason, and by your own admission. You may proudly proclaim yourself Crazy KYD, but a quick look at the thesaurus labels you for what you really are- a delusional child. A nearly 35 year old man suffering from Peter Pan syndrome. One that’s overdue for one monster of a reality check.”
[Wendy takes a step forward, and stares directly into the camera, her eyes suddenly intense with determination.]
“Jason Riviera, I’m glad to see you’ve been released from jail, and that this match will continue as planned. The last thing this company needed was someone advancing to the finals on a forfeit. And I sincerely hope that you get your priorities straight, and can manage to restore your family and your happiness.”
[A small, sad smile]
“But Monday night, for you, there will be no happy ending.”
[And fade]
Georgia Aquarium- Ocean Voyager Exhibit Entrance
Atlanta, Georgia
3:21 PM Local Time
“WOW! Look at all the fish, mommy!”
I didn’t vocalize it, but I certainly shared my daughter’s amazement as we walked into the Ocean Voyager tunnel. The water outside the glass tunnel was achingly blue, and I gaped in wonder at the thousands of fish swimming on both sides- even above me!
Built just a few years ago on twenty-acres of land north of Centennial Park in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium was the largest in the world. It’s feature exhibit was this Ocean Voyager tunnel, a 100 foot glass tunnel that ran along the floor of a massive 6.8 million gallon tank, plus a massive viewing wall (the world’s second largest) at one end. Outside, in the 30 foot deep tank, swam nearly 100,000 fish, constituting the largest indoor aquatic collection in the world.
In short, it was a perfect place for us to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
To my surprise, the display was lightly attended at the moment, likely due to the Falcons game set to kick off in just a couple hours on the other side of downtown. I was relieved- I’d never been a fan of large crowds.
Theresa didn’t care about crowd-size or exhibit specifications. She immediately ran to the window, pressing her face to the glass, her mouth open in fascination as a large hammerhead shark idly floated by, seemingly oblivious to the gaping eyes of the four-year old fixed upon it. Theresa bounded after the shark, trying to keep pace with it as it idly floated parallel to the tunnel.
“Don’t get too far from us!” I admonished her, and smiled as the hammerhead veered sharply away from the glass, off to find other pursuits. Theresa stopped, and watched it go, looking slightly disappointed that her unwitting companion had abandoned her.
I smiled to myself, and turned my attention to the exhibit. It didn’t take long to find the featured attractions of the exhibit- 4 massive whale sharks that the aquarium had imported from Taiwan.
The biggest fish in the world, whale sharks could grow to be as much as 50 feet long, and weigh 80,000 pounds; these were decisively smaller, only about twenty to twenty-five feet in length. Still, I could only marvel as I watched the enormous, graceful fish swimming idly overhead. Being that this was the only place in America one could see such incredible animals, I silently thanked the genius that had scheduled a Shatterpoint taping in Atlanta.
“You know,” a voice said off to my side. “For a couple-hundred bucks, they let you in there to swim.”
I turned to see my manager standing next to me, looking through the glass. Like me, Pollaski’s gaze was directed at the four massive whale sharks floating just several feet below the surface. He had a smirk on his face, and I cast him a dubious glare, thinking he was teasing me.
“I’m serious,” he replied without blinking. “I saw it at the front desk. Two-twenty-five, and you can be a part of a guided swim in the tank.”
“Wow, that’d be incredible!” I breathed, turning back to the glass. Such an experience would be once-in-a-lifetime. To be able to swim up close next to whale-sharks and manta rays and tarpon and-
A chirping noise coming from Pollaski’s pocket broke into my thoughts, and I snorted in irritation as my manager rooted around to pull out his phone. Nothing ruined a view like this as much as a cell phone going off.
Pollaski, however, didn’t seem too chagrined by his breach of etiquette. With the smooth motion of a pro, he quickly glanced at his Droid, gave a short laugh, then shoved the device back in his pocket.
“What?” I asked, curiosity mixing in with my irritation.
“Oh, nothing”, Pollaski replied, although the sudden smirk on his face completely betrayed his feigned nonchalance. “Crazy KYD just got arrested.”
“WHAT?”
The words burst from my mouth before I could think twice, and I flushed slightly, realizing a few other people in the tunnel had turned to look at me. I managed to lower my voice before speaking again.
“How do you know this? What happened?”
Pollaski shrugged. “I get wrestling news alerts on my phone. Helps me keep up with the time. And I don’t know. All it says is that he got arrested. But I’m not surprised. Dude’s like the Lindsay Lohan of pro-wrestling. If he ain’t getting into trouble for one thing, its another.”
I mulled all this over for a second, trying desperately to focus my thoughts. Finally, one managed to separate itself from the jumble that was cluttering my brain. “What’s going to happen with the match?”
Pollaski shrugged, his smile fading just a little. “It’ll probably still happen. Unless he murdered someone, he’ll probably get out on bail. Good thing too. There’s a lot of people wanting you to kick this guys ass. I doubt there’s anyone more appropriate for putting Crazy KYD in his place than you.”
That was certainly an intriguing enough thing to say. “Why’s that?” I asked, taking the bait.
Pollaski paused for a second, as if debating over telling me something. Finally, he took a deep breath. “After the last Shatterpoint went off the air, while you were getting ready to leave, I ran into Graham Clausen. We got to talking, and he mentioned that he hoped you’d win this week. He and KYD aren’t exactly friends.”
I nodded, remembering watching the confrontation that took place back at the first Shatterpoint. “Because of his daughter...”
“Yeah,” Pollaski replied, grimacing. “I asked Graham what happened. The whole thing’s a very sensitive subject with him, but eventually I managed to get him to tell me.”
“And?”
Pollaski gestured at the glass all around us, as if reminding me where we are. “Do you really want to talk about this right now?”
I took the point- we were hear to have fun and enjoy the aquarium, not to hear about messy child custody battles. “I guess not,” I agreed. Even so, I instinctively looked over at my own daughter. Terrence had perched Theresa on his shoulders, and the two of them were pointing at various fish that swam by, my husband occasionally saying something that made her squeal with laughter. I sighed.
“I worry about her, you know.”
“Oh don’t start on this,” Pollaski suddenly snapped, causing me to jump.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re about to go on another one of these ‘am I a good parent even though I wrestle?’ angst trips again, and I’m not in the mood to hear it, because we both know that the answer is ‘yes’.”
I glanced over at Pollaski, and was surprised that he had his arms akimbo, and was staring at me with no small amount of annoyance. “I’m sorry. It’s just- I can’t help but worry about it.”
“That’s because good parents are SUPPOSED to worry about it.” Pollaski replied, breaking into a small smile. “But look at your daughter, and tell me that child isn’t cared for enough.”
“I will,” I replied, glancing at Dan. “Because when it comes to your children, there’s no such thing as ‘enough.’ Not enough love, not enough time, not enough happiness.”
Pollaski chuckled. “If that’s the case, what the hell are you standing here talking to me for? Get outta here, and go enjoy this with your family. I’ll tell you all about Crazy KYD tonight.”
“Thanks, Dan.” I said, breaking into a smile, and turning away from him.
Theresa was still perched on Terrence’s shoulders as I approached. “What’s that one, daddy?” she was asking, pointing at another fish.
“Ah!” Terrence replied in a tone that any college professor would be jealous of. “THAT is the ever elusive ‘rounded mirrorfish’.”
“Terrence, that’s just a tuna fish,” I corrected, walking to his side.
Terrence looked over at me, and grinned. “Don’t be silly, Wendy. Everyone knows that you can’t tune a fish!”
Theresa shrilled in laughter at my husband’s ‘joke’, and I reached up, helping her down from my husband’s shoulders, and bouncing her in my arms. “So how you like the aquarium, Terr-Bear?”
“It’s fun!” she responded, grinning at me. Something in the tank caught her attention, and she pointed. “Mommy, look! That fish is letting off steam!”
I followed her gaze, and turned immediately red. Sure enough, one of the manta rays had just swam by, and a stream of liquid had emerged in its wake, the substance taking on the appearance of a vapor cloud as it dissipated into the water. Nearby, I heard several of the other visitors snickering at my daughter’s exclamation. “Uh, Theresa, that’s not steam.”
“Then what is it, mommy?”
I know I shouldn’t have been embarrassed- after all, it was a completely natural function of the body- even in manta rays. But my words failed me, and I was forced to look at my husband for help.
He offered none, just grinned at me. “Yeah, hon. What is it?”
“Its...” with no other alternative, I leaned over and whispered into my daughter’s ear.
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!”
Maybe that swimming with the whale-sharks thing wasn’t such a good idea, after all...
==================================
Sunday January 16, 2011
Centennial Olympic Park- Fountain of Rings
Atlanta, Georgia
8:12 PM Local Time
“A perfect life?”
[A short, cold laugh that contains no humor in it whatsoever]
“Hardly.”
[Fade up]
[We’re in Atlanta’s famed Centennial Olympic Park, a staple of the Olympic scene during the 1996 Games. The Atlanta skyline shines brightly in the backdrop, as Wendy stands about fifteen feet from the camera, standing upright, her scarlet hair fluttering behind her in the slight breeze. It’s a fairly chilly night in the ATL, and so Wendy’s buttoned up in the same green jacket she was wearing at the Prudential several weeks ago.]
[Wendy stands in the Fountain of Rings, a collection of 251 water jets placed in the concentric circles of the five Olympic Rings, a popular destination for park-goers on the blistering Georgia summer days. It being January, however, the fountain’s are off (thankfully!), although the rings are aglow in red and white alternating lights.]
“Ever since I joined X3W, it seems that quite a few misconceptions have been made about me. Too many people have been quick to paint me as some wholesome, goody-goody princess who’s never had a bad day in her life. And now I’ve found out that my opponent for this week, with a thick stack of papers in his hand supposedly detailing every aspect of my life’s story, somehow thinks that my entire life has just been one enormous bed of roses.”
[Atlanta may be chilly tonight, but that’s nothing compared to the cold fury etched on Wendy’s face as she stares at the camera.]
“Jason Riviera, you and Jasmine obviously weren’t paying close enough attention. Because you missed the part about my father being so ashamed of the career I chose, that he tried to cripple me in an attempt to drive me from wrestling. Or how I sat holding the hand of my mother during her last hours, her side completely caved in from the bumper of a semi-truck. Or how I watched my Father get led away in handcuffs after the police discovered he had pushed her into traffic on I-465?”
[Wendy’s voice wavers as she talks, and she quickly brings her sleeve up to her face, quickly running it under her eyes.]
“And do you know what it’s like to be chained to a wall for two weeks? The feeling of helplessness and despair, being completely at the mercy of a monster who is merely using you as a pawn? Have you ever been held down by three men in the middle of a wrestling ring, and threatened with rape, because you had the audacity to be their opponent for that evening?”
[Wendy shakes her head angrily]
“Don’t you DARE assume I’ve had it easy, Jason. Because I have been through hells you couldn’t even BEGIN to understand. I’ve fought tooth and nail just to survive this long, much more so to have the family and life I do now.”
[Wendy’s expression softens slightly.]
“And yet, as horrible as those experiences have been, for how many times the memories have woken me up at night, they’re part of who I am today. Because in spite of it all... or maybe BECAUSE of it all, I’ve come to understand what’s truly important.”
[Wendy looks up at the sky for a few seconds, then returns her gaze to the camera]
“It’s a simple truth, but one that’s so easy to lose sight of in this world. But in the end, when the bell has rung for the final time, and all our wins and losses have been counted, the impact we’ve had on our loved ones will matter far more than any titles or accolades we ever received. Our muscles will weaken, Jason. Our speed will slow, our reflexes will dull, to the point where all that’s left of us are dusty old DVD’s lying in pawn shop bargin bins. But even then, family will remain.”
[Not that she’s in a lecturing mood or anything...]
“And maybe that’s why you came to this misconception, Jason. Because I have been blessed with a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter, and the ability to travel this nation participating in a sport I love. And I am happy! The demons of my past will ever haunt me, but I’ve learned to deal with them, and I will not let them control my life.
[Wendy says this matter of factly, but again, her voice wavers just a bit]
“It all comes down to accountability. The willingness to take control of our lives, to do what we can to leave the past behind, and create a future for ourselves. To admit our past failures, and do our best to learn from them.”
[Wendy pauses for a second, as if debating whether or not to breach this subject. Obviously, Pollaski had finally told her the situation involving Crazy KYD’s daughter, Alleigh. Still, was it really her place to speak up?]
“Maybe its not my place to say it, but I don’t see anyone else doing so. Jason, until you realize that you have no one to blame but yourself for Alleigh being taken from you, you’ll NEVER get her back.”
[Apparently she thinks so.]
“Your problem is, you think the world owes you. Because the consequences of your actions are less than desirable, you’ve painted yourself out to be some victim. You’re more content with wallowing in your own situation, instead of doing something to change it.”
[It’s probably understandable why Wendy would be vocal on this subject. After all, she does have a child of her own. That, and she’s always felt that her own parents viewed her more as either an inconvenience or a heir to the family legacy than a treasured daughter]
“Ask yourself one simple question, Jason. Why do you want your daughter back? Do you really desire to repair the bridges that have been damaged? Do you want your family restored to normal again? Or are you just trying to appease your wounded pride?”
[Wendy’s eyes turn hard again]
“If it’s the latter, Jason, if this isn’t about your daughter, but some game to you so that you can feel better about yourself, then there isn’t a fire in hell that’s hot enough for you.”
[Wendy’s eyes soften a bit, and she shakes her head sadly.]
“But if you truly desire a reunion, if your motives are purely for the welfare of your child, then I wish you the best of luck. However, you’re sure as heck going about it the wrong way.”
[Wendy paces just a little to her left, although the camera pans slowly to follow her]
“You need to wake up, and realize that the succubus you have allied yourself with is part of your problem. You’ve made the mistake of appointing Jasmine Rydel as your guide, and this ugly woman will only lead you down the wrong path, sucking away what’s left of your soul until all that remains is a whithered husk.”
[For the record, it should be pointed out that Wendy hasn’t referred to Crazy KYD by his ring name even once. This is a special quirk of hers- she refuses to refer to people she dislikes or has little respect for by their ring names]
“Week after week, you and Jasmine seem to concoct these master plans. A plan to get Alleigh back. A plan to win this tournament. You don’t need plans- you need perspective. If you want your daughter back, you just need to do the right thing. And if you want to win this tournament, you just need to quit trying to figure out how to take revenge on the world that wronged you, get in the ring, and start trying to figure out a way to beat me. And I can guarantee you one thing- both are easier said than done.”
[Small shrug]
“Because no plan is fool-proof, Jason. I’ve been watching old EPW matches, and plenty of times I’ve seen Jasmine’s ‘plans’ come crashing down around her, resulting in your defeat. And if that viper tries anything this week, the result will be the same. Because you won’t be the only one having someone else accompanying them to the ring this week.”
[Dan Pollaski, yo]
“The balls in your court on this matter. Keep this match clean, and the only thing you’ll have to suffer from my manager is him yelling, which he admittedly does way too much. But if you get Jasmine involved, then Pollaski will respond in kind, and I guarantee you he can handle himself a lot better than he’s been letting on. Because ultimately, neither Jasmine Ryven nor Daniel Pollaski is going to play a role in the outcome of this match. This match will be decided between Wendy Briese and Jason Riviera. The stakes are too high for it to be otherwise.”
[For the first time all promo, Wendy finally breaks into a small smile]
“And what stakes they are! Fourteen wrestlers began this tournament, and only four remain. By the end of tomorrow night, the finals will be set. And even better, the two men who were tipped as the favorites in this tournament- Kris Keebler and Psycho Soldier- are no more. It is truly anyone’s game between Szalinski, Jenova, you, and me.”
[That smile widens just a bit]
“But the winners tomorrow night won’t just make the finals of the tournament. They’ll make history. They’ll be the ones all eyes are on as we head towards Dallas, and will headline the first ever X3W pay-per-view. I’m sure everyone’s figured it out by now, but I’ve never headlined a pay-per-view in my career.”
[The prospect has Wendy practically dancing with excitement.]
“But there’s one more thing you got wrong, Jason. I’m not trying to follow in my husband’s footsteps. I don’t want to do things the way he did, and I probably couldn’t even if I did. I’m blazing my own trail. I’m forging my own destiny. And no one, especially a child, is going to keep me from reaching the goal.”
[Wendy sobers for just a second]
“Because ultimately, that is what you are, Jason, and by your own admission. You may proudly proclaim yourself Crazy KYD, but a quick look at the thesaurus labels you for what you really are- a delusional child. A nearly 35 year old man suffering from Peter Pan syndrome. One that’s overdue for one monster of a reality check.”
[Wendy takes a step forward, and stares directly into the camera, her eyes suddenly intense with determination.]
“Jason Riviera, I’m glad to see you’ve been released from jail, and that this match will continue as planned. The last thing this company needed was someone advancing to the finals on a forfeit. And I sincerely hope that you get your priorities straight, and can manage to restore your family and your happiness.”
[A small, sad smile]
“But Monday night, for you, there will be no happy ending.”
[And fade]
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