The Rebel Without A Cause :|: Wes Ikeda

"..::Start Roleplay::.."

The funny thing about opportunity is that sometimes life comes full circle. And for Wes Ikeda, his professional wrestling future was nearly as complicated as his past. It had been a long road back over the last three and a half years since he'd almost died for this business. He didn't think being back in the main event of Wrestlemania would work. He hadn't wanted it, but this was what had been thrust upon him. He knew there were some men in the back who were going to crucify him for it. He didn't have any business taking this spot, and unlike the Wes of the past, this Wes, the current one, who had worked so hard, who had hit absolute rock bottom and scratched and clawed his way out of it, he knew he had no business taking it. It was the Board of Directors, the network, the fans, that had convinced him he had to take it. It was the natural next step of his professional life.

Thursday, May 7, 1998
It was a strange day in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, a small suburb just across the river from Detroit. Many of the men Wes found himself with were huddled around an old TV in a tiny banquet hall closet. Mercedes-Benz had just bought DaimlerChrysler hours before, and since many of them worked in the auto parts industry of The Motor City it wasn't hard to tell what their troubles were. Wes was a bartender, so if the plants closed, it really just meant more business for him. He stood up, pulling an aline undershirt on, and tucking it into his jeans, before sitting back down and reaching for his wrestling boots. They were still a little new, which made them stiff on the inside, but he knew he'd break them in before too long. Except for the 1969 Corvette Stingray he drove, these were the most expensive thing he owned, so he had to make them work. The blue collar town loved a good, old fashioned local Border City Wrestling Show on a Thursday night, and as the BCW World Champion it was only natural that Wes wanted to give them a show.
Scott D'Amore: I know it's bad news fellas...
Wes looked up at the owner and promoter of BCW who tried to reassure his guys for the sake of the show.
Scott D'Amore: Wes, come with me.
Wes picked up his bag, and tossed Scott's title in it. They were expensive, and the belt was on loan to him as long as he was champion, so he couldn't risk losing it. Mostly because he couldn't afford to replace it. He'd make $100 tonight if he was lucky, but he loved what he was doing, so that made it hard to care what the wages were. Once the two men were in the hallway, Wes spoke up.
Wes Ikeda: I'm not trying to say I don't have any faith in ya, boss, but we're thirty minutes until curtain, and I ain't seen any trace of your friend Chris Jericho.
Scott D'Amore: Yeah, that's why I wanted you to follow me.
Scott stopped in front of a doorway, and gave two short knocks before opening the door. He revealed a private seating and changing area, and seated on the couch inside was WCW Superstar Chris Jericho. He was just coming off a match at Nitro in which he had defeated 'Bore-us Malenko', a man who wrestled six matches in WCW and whom the industry and internet has forgotten about since. Jericho was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, his long blonde hair pulled back with a hair tie. He stood up.
Scott D'Amore: Chris, this is Wes.
Wes extended his hand, and Chris shook it.
Scott D'Amore: I appreciate you putting him over tonight.
Chris Jericho: I'm never thrilled about a loss, but I know it's how these things go.
Wes Ikeda: For what it's worth, I appreciate it too.
Chris Jericho: I'm happy to help out BCW, and Scotty has sent me some of your stuff. I'm just glad you can actually work.
That seemed like a genuine compliment, but before Wes could respond, Scott turned to him.
Scott D'Amore: Chris and i need to talk. Why don't you run and get ready for your match, make sure we get started on time, okay?
Wes nodded and turned to leave. It wasn't until he was standing in the Gorilla position later that night, moments before his match, that he saw Jericho again. Wes was at the far side of the makeshift staging area, and he pulled back the curtain just enough to steal a peak.
Chris Jericho: I never look. Helps with the nerves.
Wes Ikeda: You still get nervous?
Chris Jericho: Not much anymore, but from time to time.
Wes Ikeda: I would have figured that after beating Ultimo Dragon in Japan the nerves would be completely gone.
There was a second of silence.
Chris Jericho: Oh, so you are a fan.
Wes Ikeda: You could say that. My God, there's like 500 people out there...
Wes heard Jericho chuckle a bit behind him and then 'One Crazed Anarchist' hit. Chris took to the gorilla position and spoke just loudly enough for Wes to hear him.
Chris Jericho: I'm giving you an opportunity here, kid, don't blow it.
And before Wes could meet his eye, or utter an reply, Jericho threw the curtain open with a flourish and headed out to the ring.

Saturday - Fan Axxess
'Mr. Ikeda! Mr Ikeda, Renee is ready for you!'
Wes Ikeda: I can't just leave this line!
A very intimidated stagehand, an intern probably, looked very intimidated when the owner of the company growled in his direction. Fans were lined up down the corridor waiting to meet Wes Ikeda, but he had a promo to film and Renee Young was, due to no fault of her own, way behind schedule. Once the line handlers had assured everyone that Wes would sign every autograph after he got back, Wes stepped away. The intern was hot on his heels as security made a path through the Axxess crowd.
Intern: Mr. ikeda, I am so...
Wes Ikeda: What's your name?
Intern: Caroline.
Wes Ikeda: A word of professional advice, Caroline, do not apologize for things that are not your fault.
The way clear, Wes stepped up the steel steps, and got into the ring with Renee Young, hundreds of eyes zeroed in on them. Renee had the microphone to her side and spoke low.
Renee Young: I am so sorry.
Wes Ikeda: It's okay. We're all very busy. I'd rather it be me, than one of our guests. Let's go...
The crowd had been cheering since he'd entered the ring, and Renee raised the microphone to get them to die down.
Renee Young: Ladies and Gentlemen, the winner of the 2016 Royal Rumble, Wes Ikeda! Wes, tomorrow night you make the final stop at Wrestlemania where you will face your best friend, EBWF World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho for his title. This might be the most cliche question ever, Wes, but how are you feeling?
Wes couldn't help but smirk just a little. How was he feeling? That was a loaded question, and it seemed like everyone was asking it lately.
Wes Ikeda: I'd be lying to you Renee, if I forgot to mention that I'm feeling just a little bit... uneasy. Chris Jericho is a living legend. He is the best in the world at what he does, day in and day out, but the weird thing about that is that I don't see him that way anymore. Chris Jericho is a superstar. He's a wrestling God amongst mere mortals, but to me, Chris is just a man. A good man, a devoted father and husband, an infallible friend, and when he won the World Championship at the Royal Rumble, our Destiny had already been written. There was nothing that was going to stop me from winning the Royal Rumble, and quite frankly, I was happy he won.
Renee Young: You wanted to face Jericho at Wrestlemania? You wanted to fight your friend?
Wes Ikeda: I wanted the best possible outcome for the EBWF fans, and I know for sure that watching The Miz headline Wrestlemania wasn't it. I also know for sure that Chris and I will tear the roof of any place we face each other, from bingo halls to sold out arenas, we've done it all. We've seen it all. Chris Jericho has been my friend for 18 years. There is no one else on this earth that knows me better. There is no one else on this earth who can predict my next move before I make it. Look around me, Renee, except for my children, there is only one other constant in my career. Chris Jericho has watched me burn through four wives. He's watched my children grow up. He's been there through the agony of loss and the triumph of victory. I don't have anything bad to say about Chris Jericho.
Renee Young: If I could, Wes, it's not much of a match promo if... you have nothing bad to say about Chris Jericho.
Wes Ikeda: I'm not so sure that's what this business needs right now. I'm not so sure that with all the bad guys running around here that what we really need is me badmouthing Chris or giving you a whole laundry list of reasons why I might beat him. I do know this, it's been six years since Chris Jericho headlined Wrestlemania, and he's wanted this. This is the goal. We all wake up on the Monday following Wrestlemania, and start the dirty job of clawing to the top all over again. Jericho has wanted this. And no matter what happens, I know that whoever walks out with the victory is the man who had the better night, and therefore deserves the championship.
Renee Young: A lot of people think that Jericho got you on a blind tag last week, and stole a victory from you. What were your feelings about that?
Wes Ikeda: That's a tag team, sometimes you have to take your openings.I trust that Chris knew what he was doing.
Renee Young: Let's be real though, you won the Royal Rumble. You have to feel as though you deserve this. Doesn't going up against one of your friends make it worse? How could you possibly do this?
Wes Ikeda: I'll do it like I always do. I'm a wrestler. Chris is a wrestler. This is what we do, and I think the fact that we're friends doesn't mess with our ability to have the match, I think if anything it makes the match better. I respect the hell out of Jericho, but I wouldn't expect him to go easy on me, and I'm sure as hell going to take everything I got to him. I want to be the World Champion. And the odds are good for me. I've defeated AJ Styles at Wrestlemania. I've defeated Ric Flair at Wrestlemania. Jericho's Mania Main Event track record, Renee, well... it ain't good. And tomorrow night, I guess we're going to see if Chris can step up to the challenge or not. Now if you'll excuse me, Renee, there's a whole line of people over there that want a photo op with yours truly.
Renee Young: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, Wes Ikeda.
Wes Ikeda: I'm sorry. Were you looking for me?
The man's head snapped up, and his eyes met Wes. Wes tried to let go of Nicole. He wanted to distract the man, long enough for Nicole to get back to her office, but she was too terrified to let go of him.
You.
Nicole clutched Wes at his belt loops, and Wes took two steps toward the man. Wes kept his voice even. The man's gun was still pointed toward the floor.
Wes Ikeda: Is there something I can do for you?
>Is there something. you. can do. for me? You know it's funny you should ask that.
He raised the gun, and put the barrel to his temple, scratching his head with it. He then gestured toward Wes with the gun, waving it around wildly as he explained himself, sort of.
You lied. You lied to everybody. You said he was your friend! And you're nothing; nothing but a liar!
Wes Ikeda: Who? Who was my friend.
You know who! You know. who!
Wes looked at the shirt the man was wearing, and cleared his throat.
Wes Ikeda: Jericho. Do you mean Jericho?
Who else would I mean? You lied. You said he was your friend, and now Sunday... Sunday you're going to try to end him! I cannot let that happen! It won't happen! Chris Jericho is a wrestling icon.
It was becoming more clear as to what was going on here. The man with the gun was a viewer, and a Chris Jericho fan, who hadn't quite grasped the concept that what was going to happen on Sunday was determined by a staff of writers, and Chris and Wes themselves. How was Wes supposed to explain that to a man who had stormed the building, and killed at least one person?
Wes Ikeda: I think. that maybe there's been some sort of. ...um... misunderstanding.
The gun was still pointed at the floor, and Wes moved into the lobby, Nicole moved with his steps staying tightly fastened to him.
Wes Ikeda: Maybe we can...
No! No! You stay right there. Don't move. DON'T MOVE! Wes stopped suddenly and put both of his hands up slowly. Nicole crushed back into his back.
Wes Ikeda: I think maybe if we could just talk...
There is NO TALKING! I DO NOT WANT TO TALK! DO YOU HEAR ME?! SHUT UP!!!
Wes took a deep breath and went very quiet. He could feel Nicole quivering behind him, silently crying. He had to do something.
Wes Ikeda: What's your name?
I said NO TALKING!
The man fired a warning shot, that traveled through the drywall and into Wes' office.
Then suddenly Wes' chest was on fire. Pain, searing pain, and he saw it as if in slow motion as the bullet penetrated the gunman's temple, tearing at the flesh around his forehead. Wes saw it all so vividly, this stranger that had torn his life asunder in just minutes, fell to the ground unceremoniously discarded. And then there was nothing but the pain again. His chest was tight, and it hurt as though someone had reached in and tried to tear his very soul from his body.
Help my sister... No, help my sister...
Natalie...
Chris Jericho: You have to stop trying to talk. Stop.
Nat. Natalie. Baby.
He felt Jericho closer to him now.
Chris Jericho: Stop talking! Whatever you're trying to tell me, I do not need to know. Because you are not dying! Do you hear me?! Not dying. So I don't need to know. SHUTUP.
Natalie.
Wes Ikeda: Nat...
He was murmuring. She turned toward him, placing her hand on his chest, feeling the raised bump of a scar there.
Wes Ikeda: Natalie...
Natalie Neidhart: I'm right here, baby, wake up. Wes...
She pulled back with a start as his body wrenched into a seated position, and his eyes opened wide. He was breathing heavily, and he looked around their luxury suite with wild eyes.
Natalie Neidhart: I'm right here. Are you okay?
Wes Ikeda: Are you okay? I didn't hurt you did I?
He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. She put her head on his shoulder and shook her head.
Natalie Neidhart: Another nightmare?
They had stopped for a long time, but they'd been reoccurring again, especially since he'd won the Rumble.
Wes Ikeda: Maybe I can't do it, Nat. I can't do it. There's no way I can do it.
Natalie Neidhart: There are a lot of things people told you you couldn't do, Wes. This is all you. This is in your head. You're not going to defeat yourself are you? Here, babe. Lie back down.
He did as she'd asked, and she settled in next to him.
Wes Ikeda: I love you. Do you know that?
Natalie Neidhart: It's the only reason I married you.
Wes Ikeda: The only reason?
Natalie Neidhart: Hey, the money and the Hottie of the Year Awards are nothing to slouch at, but yes, mostly because I know you love me.
Wes Ikeda: Your name was the last thing I said, before they put me on the helicopter, and I started to know I was going to...
She didn't let him finish.
Natalie Neidhart: And it's going to be one of the first things you say when you walk out of Wrestlemania, after having set the entire place on fire. After reminding the world what you can do and just who you are. And I will be so proud of you. We're going to get this behind us, Wes. I promise.
He held her close.
Wes Ikeda: Thanks, I think that was what I needed to hear.

Sunday - Wrestlemania
The crowd was hot for CM Punk and PJ Black and for good reason. The two men were putting on one hell of a singles match, and it was impressive to everyone in the back. Wes was ready for his match, standing backstage in his usual wrestling attire, wrestling boots, dark wash blue jeans, and a novelty t-shirt. This one had Hacksaw Jim Duggan's Profile in silhouette and read 'Bros before Hoooooooooos!' He'd remove it and throw it out into the crowd for his entrance, revealing the black aline undershirt underneath. The crowd looked massive on the monitors backstage, and went over to the right of the entrance near where production was, and pulled the curtain back, stealing a peak of the fans in the stadium.
Chris Jericho: I never look. It helps with the nerves.
Wes Ikeda: Holy shit...
Wes turned to face his friend.
Chris Jericho: What?
Wes Ikeda: That jacket looks stupid.
Chris Jericho: Yeah, well that shirt makes you a nerd, Nerd, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't what you were going to say.
Wes grinned back at him, shaking his head.
Wes Ikeda: There's more than 112,000 people out there.
Chris nodded slowly, looking toward the curtain where the Path to Glory Champion had just entered the backstage area to a round of applause.
Chris Jericho: Might be the biggest match of my life.
Wes Ikeda: The biggest match of my life...
Joanie Helmsley: Wes, you're on in 30.
She had on a headset, directing the show from her spot at the table.
Wes Ikeda: Wait, what... I'm not ready.
Joanie Helmsley: You better get ready. Your music is hitting in less than twenty.
Wes glanced at Jericho, but it was clear they had this. No words needed to be exchanged as Wes climbed the stairs to the Gorilla. Jericho was just behind him, and Wes felt his own shoulders rise and fall as he tried to calm his breathing. He knew he'd feel electric as soon as that music hit, and those fans were cheering for him. Their children were in the front row. This was going to be something else.
'Oh My... Here we go!'
Sound of Madness brought the roof off, and Wes hesitated at the sound of the cheers, almost in disbelief that they were for him. Then he felt a large palm at his back just between his shoulder blades, Chris Jericho gave him a little push, and the last thing he heard before he was blinded by the dazzling spotlights and the breathing sea of the thousands in attendance were the last encouraging words of his friend.
Chris Jericho: I'm giving you an opportunity here kid, don't blow it.
.........................................