Renee Young: As mentioned by your previous opponents, age does seem to be a factor?
*That Cheeky bitch…*I must have been scowling as she shifted uneasily.
As willing as the mind is, sometimes the body is unable. Sometimes it takes a little more than it did last week, and a hell of a lot more than it did last year. Though my years have been filled with mindless abuse, I am but a product of my environment. I grew up on tough love, I was never the athlete, the popular one or the biggest. In times past I’ve sought comfort as many men have, in what will inevitably be my downfall, the same as my father before me. From now until that point, my age is but a number. Ronald Reagan was 69 when he became President, don't rule me out just yet.
*I'm getting ahead of myself here...*so here I was, backstage with the EBWF crew. A small section of the corridor had been cornered off to enable a backdrop to be set up. A few crates, a black curtain, the Warfare sign and the proverbial pretty lady. Standard interview to ensue, standard awkwardness, standard outcome - I'd get bored after a few questions and walk off. Since entering the building I'd felt uncomfortable, it was all too plastic, easily burnt....
Renee Young: Raven, last week at king of the ring saw your first PPV match. Your thoughts?
*My initial reaction was to dismiss the event, pretend like it never happened. Unfortunately in these situations I’m unable to…Congratulations to you Jack, you won outright. You got the better of me, snatched the opportunity and put me down. It’s as simple as I wasn’t good enough to beat you, I was ill prepared. Rest assured that the same won’t be said the next you have the misfortune of facing me. The Phoenix needs to burn to emerge!
*Spending the night with a single malt wasn’t my greatest idea.Opening the event was huge, I know from the reaction we received we didn’t let each other down. It was a hard fought bloody affair wrapped in emotion, Jack and I go way back.
*ECW seems like a dream it’s been so long, back then we had top billing. Jack even helped me with Dreamer from time to time, the man was an animal but he earned my respect.There’s no love lost between us, but sharing history with someone puts you in a different state of mind. Instantly the veil is lifted and all you see is the same person, the last time you stepped into the squared circle with them echo’s in your head.
I could see him now, that ugly bastard grinning like a special needs kid – he still hasn’t changed.This time it was different, this time you won Jack. Seems some of us are slowly losing it, while you’re going from strength to strength. Maybe the craziness you’ve been harbouring all these years has finally caught up with you, pushing your body past its mundane limitations.
Renee Young: As mentioned by your previous opponents, age does seem to be a factor?
*That Cheeky bitch…*so here we are again, let's skip ahead a little.... You can go back if you want...
Renee Young: Last week saw the crowning of a new breakout champion, you two already have some history - right?
Jim, I admire you...
*This was a lie...Taking your opportunity and making the most of it. You looked comfortable out there...
*Another lie...But you didn't look invincible. It all boils down to one thing, both this match and our four way - distractions. Now that baron and Nakamura can have at it, you're open to the elements. You can't hide in that apartment, creating collages of your favourite superstars forever. I see one thing that was very misleading about your little art project. Last time I checked, you choked against me one on one...
*Finally a truth...I don't think you should cross me off just yet, you keep dreaming about Jericho and you'll never see me coming. It's not all about the title though, I don't need the validation it carries, recognition after I put you in your place, again, will be sufficient.
*At first an ember, it burnt slowly inside me. Over time, let's just say I'd prefer to lose hand than see that smug upperclass poser progress.Renee Young: This week sees you face off against Sydal, think you have what it takes?
As I said before, the Phoenix has burnt. It's time to emerge and get back to gaining control. I get you Sydal, you're working hard, your climbing the ladder, I see that. I respect that. But you can't stand in my way, not this week, not next year, not ever. The darkness is coming, and it's claiming you first.
*As my phone vibrated I realised the interview was over - I told you earlier this was ending sooner than expected. The only upside was a pretty blonde, sweeping her hair from dark eyes at intervals damn near hypnotic. Little black dress, classy but tight, I hated her for being one of them. She didn't even have to try, but I knew and took comfort in the fact that a single flaw would break the illusion. She had to be perfect every time, I couldn't keep up with that. I hadn't washed my clothes for a week, I didn't see the need to appease. The problem wasn't the people who didn't care, it was the ones pushing the expectations too high. I despised it, the glamour created a society obsessed, vain, lazy... I was off point. Taking the phone from my pocket I previewed the text, he was here. Dreamer told me he'd once lost his shit over a spilt Coke in McDonald's, this could be fun...