6 MAN LADDER MATCH
Ethan Rivers vs . JS2 vs. Joon Lee vs. Marcus Fuller vs. El Landerson vs. Kieran O'Shae
Pro Wrestling, in and of itself, and by its very nature, is a pervasive sport. A modern day gladiatorial conquest in which its participants put themselves into grave danger, electing the risk of bodily harm for various reasons. Everyone has their reasons, private and personal. For some, the golden gleam of fame, notoriety, wealth and fortune is more than enough to lure certain individuals into the practice of physical combat. For others, a deep love and respect for the art of pro wrestling itself is what drives them to risk their lives, time and time again. While these two philosophy’s differ greatly, residing on opposite ends of the wrestling spectrum, one holds no more weight than the other. There must exist a certain level or respect for any person willing too undergo such treacherous lifestyle. And of there own willingness at that.
So what then, drives one Ethan Rivers?
While financial upside is always a pleasant reward, and gives a certain level of sustainability to ones life, that isn’t quite it. On the other hand, its more than a love or passion for the art of wrestling itself. Though, that’s not to say that it doesn’t exist as well.
Rather time and time again, as he openly states, Ethan has decided to envoy on this dream for the purpose of proving self worth. Not only to himself, but also to the entire world. A simple conquest by statement, but an incredibly difficult one in nature. And what is this so called mission statement?
To be the greatest pure wrestler in the world.
Now, this by no means is an uncommon goal. Plenty have come before Rivers making claims with similar bravado and earnestness. In fact in his IIW debut, Rivers would be pit against one returning technical wrestler, Ryan McCann, who had made a eerily similar claim. A deep rooted love and respect for the sport would lead both men to face off in a clean exchange, where no one would need to resort to cheating, much to the delightful gratification of Mr. “By the Books”. Ultimately it would be Ethan who would emerge victorious after this test of technical capabilities.
But even still, on the following episode of Mayhem, Ethan Rivers would find himself face to face with an even more dangerous opposition. This time he would be enthralled and engulfed in a battle with an individual known as TJ Alexander. A man who had proven his worth and his ferocity on the independent circuit prior to coming to IIW. This in and of itself would instantly place Rivers in a disadvantageous position. After all, Rivers to this point in his career had only ever competed in that single aforementioned match with McCann. And Alexander was a big fish where he swam before.
Pressure, much like the ocean tides, rises and falls however, and when push came to shove, Rivers REJOINDER would dispel any of his disillusionment, giving way to a nice and clean;
1.
2.
3.
Breathtaking was, in a single word, how Rivers would go onto explain this feeling of ecstasy and elation. Maybe he wasn’t merely as brash or cocky as many initially perceived him to be? The newcomer, the upstart, the undefeated.
Of course with success comes greater and greater competition. More spotlight. More attention. Wanted or otherwise. It was in this very state that Rivers would face to face with his most arduous opposition to date. And due to unforseen circumstances involving other talent on the roster, this arduous Goliath of an opponent would come face to face with him during a main event match. The absolute first time that Rivers would ever step into this position. And what a peculiar feeling it was to main event a Mayhem while the likes of Jake E Dangerously and Russel Wayne still roamed the halls of the promotion. Nonetheless, this was the first true test for Mr. By the Books. And of course this physically and mentally demanding toll would e in the shape of…
Scotty “Silver Bullet” Adams
This match was the unnerving definition of a “mirror match”. Not unlike testing your best time against the ghost competitor in the classic Mario Kart series; Ethan and Scotty matched one another in every conceivable manner. The claim being the greatest pure wrestler and the technical wizardy to back up such boisterous remarks. That was front and center. But so was an undefeated streak, existing for both men. While neither individual held any prestigious (or any) championship gold, an undefeated streak gave every encounter that big match feel. And both men clearly treated their match in the main event as such.
Scrapping and scraping, Rivers was only barely able to pin Adams for the one, two, three. Even this was only because of his ability to, at the last literal moment, reverse into his quick finishing move, the Glimmering Warlock. Even using this finisher seemed to go against Ethans core beliefs in professional wrestling. Keeping it a “No Fly Zone”. That just goes to show the utter desperation seething through every bone in his body. Ethical quandaries aside, the match created and its subsequent results had begun to engage Rivers in a spectacular way. Every puzzle piece was slowly forming the picture he had painted in his own head. Now it held outward exposure. Others could start to see what he saw in himself.
So adamant was Rivers about challenging Liam Cain for his IIW Television Championship belt. For weeks he emulated a Sunn o))) song and droned on and on. But opportunity presents itself as some strange gift sometimes. Low expectations preexisted. Ethan was prepared to grab that bottom rung championship belt, as Scotty Adams had mentioned. He was ready to climb the ladder each level at a time, but the IIW management had other ideas in store.
Instead of climbing the proverbial ladder, Ethan Rivers will need to climb the literal one.
Victory will redirect the career of whichever man is able to climb the ladder and grab the contract. A contract that allows the winner a match for any championship title belt in the promotion, say for the world belt. Television Championship? Maybe the UK or International? The horizons have grown closer, the mountains have started moving, the tides of change have picked a northern blow.
The Rivers are rising.
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Distant remnants of “Modern Wolf Hair”, as performed by Chiodos, reverberate through the densely packed halls of the arena. The Date is November 21st, 2021 and the surprising main event of Scotty Adams versus Ethan Rivers had just moments prior concluded. Rivers had pinned Adams via Glimmering Warlock, the first time the move had been showcased anywhere outside of the small school where it had been developed, North in Canada, sometime ago. Rivers leans against a wall for support, his body dripping of sweat as he feverishly grasp for air, his hands on his knees as he leans over. A sight for sore (or even sewn) eyes.
Even still, in a state of utter exhaustion, where his bones felt cold and inside out, Ethan couldn’t help but wear a smile. A grimaced one wrought with physical anguish, but a smile nonetheless. While McCann and Alexander posed challenges, Ethan had sought them more as stepping stones for his career trajectory. Silver Bullet, on the other hand, had riddled Rivers with self doubt from the time of the matches announcement near the start of November. To emerge victorious just now had lit an insatiable fire beneath him.
Joshua Attwood: ”You did it ya’ sonuvabitch, you god damn did it!”
[center][color=grey]Raising his head, still taking deep breaths to regain oxygen and in turn composure, Ethan first hears than sees Josh, trucking own the hall, towel and water in hand. A feeling of elation washes over Rivers upon seeing the items. He goes to respond, but the only verbalization to be heard are those deep breaths.[/center]
Ethan Rivers: ”…*gasping*”
Joshua Attwood: ”Haaa, no worries bruh, I’ve got you!”
Josh could arguably seem more excited about the winning pinfall than even Rivers. Be that because he didn’t just undergo the physical demand of the contest against Adams, or that because of his position as manager, this could perhaps leads to more financial upside in the future. Regardless, Josh was ecstatic, tossing the cold and dampened towel around the neck of River and handing off the bottle of water.
Ethan Rivers: ”Gosh dang yes, water!”
Instantaneously Ethan begins throwing back the water, spilling much of it as he desperately drinks. Josh can’t help but to chuckle at the sight. Ethan wipes the residue of spilled liquid from his chin, beginning to laugh a bit himself.
Ethan Rivers: ”Thanks.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Ehh, what are managers for, don’t mention it. Besides, you just main evented a Mayhem. Do you know how much business this could do for us going forward bro? Podcasts, interviews, bigger matches-”
Ethan Rivers: ”The Television Championship.”
As if composed from mortar and stone, Ethans gaze is cold and sturdy, locking eyes directly with his manager, Joshua. Stalwart in nature, Ethan seems entirely focused on this goal, as he had been stating on numerous occasion the weeks leading up to this evening. Josh chuckles dismissively, throwing his arms behind his head in a relaxed way.
Joshua Attwood: ”Ethaaan, man, guy, bruh, bro, my dude; we are so far beyond that entire division. The TV title? No no no, think bigger. Wheres the perspective?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Where’s the… perspective?”
Joshua Attwood: ”The perspective.”
Ethan Rivers: “You were all gung-ho on the idea a few days ago. What is my goal not a lofty enough ambition?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Bingo.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Yeah, I uh, I’m going to need you to elaborate a little more than that.”
Josh gives a gentle slap to the back shoulder of Ethan as he begins to casually pace while speaking, a single hand within the confines of a single jean pocket.
Joshua Attwood: ”Look bro, things have changed. Things like, literally just changed. A “few days ago” you were just the hot shot prospect building wins. But duuude, not only did you just offset Adams, but heeello, you were just like, in the main event. Think about it my man, thiiink abooout iiiit.”
With his solitary free index finger, Josh makes a pointing motion towards his head.
Joshua Attwood: ”Everything just changed for you man. No more opening and lower card matches. Nah. You’re going straight to the top my dude. You have just completely outgrown TV title division. Leave poor ol’ Liam Cain alone. Think about the… the….”
In a brazen display, Ethan lunges upward in a jumping like motion, landing on his feet, a single finger gesturing out and up, as he interrupts Josh.
Ethan Rivers: ”...the WORLD. HEAVYWEIGHT. CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Joshua Attwood: ”Yes!- wait, what? NO.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Ye- wait, what? No?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Yeah, no.”
Ethan Rivers: ”no?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Yeah.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Ohhh?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Listen, our career is still early. And as for right now Jake is E-asily the most Dangerous threat to that beautiful unbeaten streak my guy. Ravage another division, build that streak up like Samoa Joe entering TNA back in 2006 when we were young. Because that streak alone will build you up as a top guy, even without that World title.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Mmm, I do love me some 2006 Samoa Joe.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Of course dude, we ALL love us some 2006 Samoa Joe.”
Ethan Rivers: ”But I mean… I’m still the best pure wrestler in the world, yeah?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Yeah. Yeah you are buddy. Lets build you a great career here in IIW, just, like, maybe aim those ambitions a little itty bitty bit higher than the TV championship. Buuut also a little itty bitty lower than the World Heavyweight Championship.”
Ethan Rivers: ”I still want the World Television Heavyweight Championship.”
Joshua Attwood: ”I-it’s not even called that!”
From a jarringly close proximity, a whistling is distinct, hastily gathering the attention of both Ethan and Joshua alike. There conversation broken, both men dart their head to the west corridor. They lay eyes on a man, dressed in appropriate business attire, one arm in the air attempting to wave them over. In a dazed confusion both Ethan and Joshua make there way over to the man.
IIW Official: ”Gentlemen, if you’ll come this way, the media scrum is about to begin.”
Ethan Rivers: ”I’m sorry, the whaaa?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Oh shit, yeah, dude, I totally forgot, we have a place in this Mayhems media scrum.”
Ethan Rivers: ”We-for what?!”
Joshua Attwood: ”You. Won. The. Main. Event. Come on, lets gooo!”
Ethan Rivers: ”B-b-but, my suit! I need my suit.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Fuck the suit!”
Ethan Rivers: ”Do. Not.”
IIW Official: ”Sirs, we don’t have time for, uh, whatever ‘this’ is”
Both Josh and Ethan simultaneously advert there gazes from one another and relocate them to the IIW staff member. A brief wisp of silence lingers through the group, as the three men stare at one another, almost dumbfounded. Finally this momentary awkwardness is broken as Josh loudly thrust his hands together, the clap echoing throughout the arenas hallways.
Joshua Attwood: ”To the scrum!”
Perhaps with a minor twinge of exasperation, the IIW official lets out an audible sigh. He turns to his side, indicating which direction the three would be going. A flat hand outstretched, the fingers closing in, beckoning both Rivers and Attwood to hurry along. This was easily backed up by the haste within each step that the men would take, almost struggling to keep up with the official in question. Ethan was a bit weary, still utterly obliterated and exhausted by the match he had just had.
“How the hell am I going to talk when I can hardly breathe?”
He mused to himself as they swiftly navigated the crowded corridors of the arena. After what felt like quite an elongated jog, the men arrive at a set of cold steel doors. Ethan looks over to the official who simply gives him a nod, no words being uttered. Joshua, without any brief lapse of moment, burst through the door first. It was only now that Ethan came to the stark realization that Attwood was in fact, dressed in a suit, just like he had requested himself.
”That prick.”
Ethan quipped, but made sure to let it stay subtle and disguised beneath his larbored breaths. He felt a bit beside himself at this point. But then again, this is the attention he had always clamored for. A platform to promote, ney, prove his words true. Besides, gladiators didn’t speak before the public in suit and tie. No. They wore their battle wounds like badges of honor, and then, so would he.
Following directly behind Josh, with less of a swagger to his step, Ethan proceeds into the room. Seated in steel chairs are a plethora of news reporters. Some from wrestling outlets, others from television media. As the enter the small stage, a flash of cameras is unleashed, forcing Ethan to shield his face out of reflex. Josh, however is all smiles and basking in the attention and spotlight. As the two become situated a rumbling of voices erupts until one can clearly cut through.
Reporter: ”Yes right here! You just had your first ever main event.”
Joshua Attwood: ”I’d like to say my client is aware, but I’ve also had to tell him about four times already.”
Attwood spoke, a much more suave cadence then whenever he was off camera. At his comments a gentle flit of laughter spreads through the crowd like a small spark catching dried leaves. Everyone seemed to chuckle but Ethan.
Reporter: ”Originally a steel cage tag team match was listed to be the main event of this evening. Can you divulge as to what happened to make the main event Rivers versus Adams?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Well-”
Joshua Attwood: ”Management smarted up and finally put my client in the spot he deserves. Next question.”
Reporter #2: ”Ethan, you’ve recently made lots f remarks about wanting to go after the Television championship d-”
Once more, Attwood cuts off the conversational link between Ethan and the reporters at the media scrum asking questions.
Joshua Attwood: ”My client and I have moved passed such things. We’re looking for bigger divisions and recognition. Whenever the staf-”[/i]
This time it would be Ethan who intervened and redirected the conversation while another member of it was speaking.
Ethan Rivers: ”Well “I” still want to go for that Television Championship. Look, main event slot or not, undefeated or not, I’m still new here. Im a fresh face on the IIW block. As much as I would love to go for the World title, I still have an ample amount to prove to everyone in the audience, and everyone in the back locker. So the TV title is-”
Joshua Attwood: ”-is all but a distant memory! Gentlemen, ladies. We can all see that my client, Mr.Rivers is set for greater things. Like the International Championship, or maybe even the UK title. Next question.”
Ethan adverts his attention from the reporters before him to his manager, Joshua. His eyes were now like daggers piercing through his friend. A bit of anger rustled within him, but he did his best not to let any signs of it show. Maintaining composure as best he could in his current state.
Reporter #3: ”It seems like there’s some disagreement in the camp?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Ha ha ha. None at all. And lets be frank, the management here in IIW are intelligent. They wouldn’t even let my client go after the TV title if he wanted to now.”
Reporter #3: ”Per the stipulation of his match at the Red Alert pay-per-view, he technically could go after the TV title if he wanted.”
For the very first time so far, Attwood has no quick rebuttal to fire back. His face is skewered with confusion at the statements made by the third reporter. He looks to Ethan for clarification, but he is just as confused as his manager. Having just finished his match some twenty minutes prior, both men were quite preoccupied, and neither had heard any announcement given the pay-per-view.
Joshua Attwood: ”Come again?”
Reporter #3: ”At Red Alert, Rivers will be in a 6 man ladder match, where the winner will receive a shot at any title of their choosing, barring the World title.”
Joshua Attwood: ”So that means… any title…. We, uh. We werent made aware of this. B-but rest assured, upon winning this match, like my client certainly will, he will have his eyes set firmly on-”
Ethan Rivers: ”The WORLD. TELEVISION. HEAVYWEIGHT. CHAMPIONSHIP.”
Joshua Attwood: ”That is NOT what the title is called and… Hey you! Stop writing that. All of you stop writing that! My client is by no means going to seek contention for the television championship. We are aiming bigger! We… You know what? If you could all bare with us, me and my client are going to need a short recces. And when we return, we will be more than happy to answer all of your inquiries.”
With that, Josh sharply latches onto the still throbbing arm of Rivers, aggressively pulling him back through the steel doors where the two had first emerged for the Mayhem media scrum. As the doors heavily shut behind them, Ethan rips his arm away from Attwood, as Attwood locks his sight directly onto Ethan. A bit of turmoil perhaps brewing between the two friends.
Joshua Attwood: ”What the fuck are you doing? We are not going for the TV title. Duuude! Come on, think ahead. Think big. Enough with the white meat baby face bullshit.”
The two men stand in complete silence. An aggravated look snarled along both of their faces, no contrast between them. Ethan takes a single step forward, slightly closing the gap between them both. At this, Josh takes an instant and nervous step backward. Ethan immediately lets a small smile out.
Ethan Rivers: ”I’m kidding. I wont tell the media that if I win that I want that Television title.”
Joshua Attwood: ”You wont tell the media that because…. You aren’t going to go for the TV belt, right?”
Ethan Rivers: ”...”
Joshua Attwood: ”Ethan, riiight?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Riiight.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Why don’t I believe you?”
Rivers extends an offering of a simple shoulder shrug.
Ethan Rivers: ”Ye’ of little faith methinks?”
Joshua Attwood: ”Ugh, okay we need more information on this. Maybe I-”
IIW Official: ”What the hell are you two doing?! The company reallocated this time for you two to speak with the press. You cant just… LEAVE the press after that short period of time, get the hell out there!”
Seemingly materializing from no where, the official who had directed the two men to the scrum initially appeared in a defeated rage. His arms outstretched pointing the two full grown men to go back to the scrum, like parent scolding their own toddlers. With some hesitation Attwood and Rivers proceed back into the other room, the official literally pushing along. The two stumble back through the door, awkwardly, making their way back to the center of the stage as a flurry of questions all arise at the same time.
Joshua Attwood: ”One at a time, one at a time. Uhm, actually, me first. Does A N Y B O D Y, anybody here, at all, no who is competing in this match?”
An odd heir of stillness quickly ravages through the media crowd. A single solitary bead of sweat accumulating on Attwoods brow. He makes a quick tug at his collar. After what feels like an eternity, one of the reporters chimes in. The reporter who had initially broken the news to both Rivers and Attwood raises her hand.
Reporter #3: ”Uhm...”
Joshua Attwood: ”YES. You. Perfect.”
Reporter #3: ”Uh, yeah. In the match, along with Rivers himself, it’s going to be, El Landerson.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Mhmm.”
Reporter #3: ”Joon Lee.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Of course.”
Reporter #3: ”JS2.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Oh my.”
Reporter #3: ”Kieran O’Shea.”
Joshua Attwood: ”I literally don’t know who any of these people are, do you?”
Attwood speaks this directly into the microphone that he is holding, but he turns to Rivers, holding his free hand above his face, as too pretend he is whispering to Rivers.
Ethan Rivers: ”Wh-no, I actually know who most of those guys ar-”
Reporter #3: ”And Marcus Fuller.”
Before even being given an iota of a second to react to Rivers total disagreement, Attwood whips his head back around to the reporter giving him his information on his “clients” first pay per view showing.
Joshua Attwood: ”Marcus Fuller?”
The reporter quickly re-checks the notes that she has, but only briefly as required.
Reporter #3: ”Uhm, yup. Fuller.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Shit, okay, that dudes pretty big. *ahem* It makes no difference to my client. I’m sure most of you don’t even know who these other competitors ARE!”
Reporter #2: ”Actually I think we all kno-”
Joshua Attwood: ”-NOT ONE OF YOU. I don’t think my client even needs to speak on this matter. My client has earned this opportunity, and the rest of these men, frankly, haven’t. Do you even want to say anything about this Rivers?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Yeah! I actually think tha-”
Joshua Attwood: ”-OF COURSE you don’t! Because there’s nothing more to be said. There’s one reason any of you should be buying the pay per view. Ad this goes to you cuties at home too; Ethan Rivers is about to take the match of the night. He’s about to embark on the next big step of his career. If you want to witness history in the making, buy buy buy. And we… we are out. No more questions.”
Ethan Rivers: ”No, I-”
Joshua Attwood: ”-No more questions. Thank you. Excuse me and my client!”
In a cartoonish spurt, Attwood escorts Rivers off the stage and back through those same steel doors as before. As the doors shut firmly behind the two men, Attwood extends his arms upwards. His face contorted in a juxtaposition of joy and childlike glee. This, a stark contrast and immeasurable opposition to Rivers look of complete and utter disdain for what had just transpired.
Joshua Attwood: ”Dude, we absolutely killed it!”
Ethan Rivers: ”WHAT!?”
Joshua Attwood: ”I mean, you could try and keep up a little bit more next time, but bro, I was flawless out there.”
Ethan Rivers: ”That was beyond unprofessional. Do you have any idea how utterly fucking awful that was?! Im now your “client?”, you underminded me at every chance you had. You weren’t even listening to me at all, just cutting me of-”
Joshua Attwood: ”Yeah, no, I’ll be right there. Hahaha, yeah, yeah. See you soon.”
In some cruel twisting ploy of irony, Ethan turns to see that Attwood wa not listening at all. Rather, with a cellphone to his ear, he had begun indulging another unknown individual, not paying any mind or ear to Ethan himself. He can’t help but sigh at this point, completely spent. Joshua hangs up his phone, waving off Ethan as he briefly communicates with him.
Joshua Attwood: ”For sure, yeah, whatever you’re saying dude, I’m like, saying too haha. You’ll have to pardon moi, “I” have a date.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Huh? No, we need to discuss this right now.”
Joshua Attwood: ”Toootally my guy ha ha. Catch ya later friend.”
Like in a trance state, Attwood blissfully seemed entirely aware of the misconduct and boundary stepping he had just enacted during the media scrum. Entirely ignoring the statements made by Rivers, Attwood almost literally skips his way down the hall, leaving Ethan beside himself. Letting out a sigh, he watches Attwood leave his line of sight. For a few moments, Ethan sits on ponders his next step, when he hears the reporters starting to move around in the other room. In a brazen act, and without much consideration or hesitation, Ethan re-enters the media scrum area, waving the reporters to stay, even momentarily. He finally had something to say for himself now.
Ethan Rivers: ”Hey wait, hold up!”
Ethan beckons out as he barges back through those doors one more time. To his utter dismay, as he enters the he realizes virtually every reporter and camera man had already left. All except for the female reporter that had spoken with Attwood previously, and her camera man. Near the rear exit, the reporter stops, turning to face Ethan as he calls out.
Reporter #3: ”I think we have more than enough”
Ethan Rivers: ”How would the two of you like to have the exclusive promo and interview from me for the Red Alert pay per view?”
The reporter stops and muses over the offer, looking towards her cameraman. They two share an identical nod in unison.
Reporter #3: ”I mean, we could spare some more time.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Then fire off some questions and lets do this properly.”
The two media members scurry back to the front of the stage.
Ethan Rivers: ”Naaah, you come up on stage. Leets make this professional.”
Shrugging her shoulders, the reporter gets on the stage standing beside Ethan, as the cameraman begins rolling.
Reporter #3: ”I’m Mia Young, standing here with Ethan Rivers, post media scrum. Tonight we are here to bring you a FISTS OVER HANDS exclusive, as we are on the road to Red Alert, the last pay per view of the year for IIW. Ethan, you were here on stage with your manager, uhm-”
Ethan Rivers: ”-Joshua Attwood.”
Ethan could feel his tongue metaphorically curl like a defensive serpent at the uttering Josh’ name after all that had transpired.
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Yes. There seemed to be quite a bit of conflict brewing between the two of you, or at least some miscommunications.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Attwood and I have some drastic disagreements about long term goals for me in the company. Of course we want to end up with the World Title someday, but its the steps leading up to it that are… murky.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”He seemed to be doing a lot of talking for you during the media scrum.”
Ethan Rivers: ”He did and he was. But make no mistake, there’s no weak spot in our camp. But see, some of the things he said, I need to re-correct in a major way. We can disagree about what championship belt I’ve got my eyes on in the future, but I have statements that need to be readdressed for Red Alert.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Barring Marcus Fuller, he said you two don’t actually know who any of the other 4 competitors involved in the ladder match?”
Ethan Rivers: ”And that’s the issue right there. See, Attwood and I trained with one another back in Canada. But between the two of us, only “I” went on to become a professional wrestler. Attwood is a man of media and business. When he said we don’t know about JS2 or El Landerson; sure, that might make for some great clickbait, but he is ONLY speaking on behalf of himself. As the worlds greatest Pure Wrestler, I promise you that I know more than enough about each and every single man in this match.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Why don’t we talk a little about some of the others in the match.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Fire away.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Why don’t we talk a little about some of the others in the match.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Thus far, I’ve heard nothing from anyone involved in this match. Luckily I don’t reside in any sort of glass house, so allow me to be the first to cast a stone or two.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Any thoughts on JS2, who will be making his IIW debut at the pay per view in this ladder match?”
Perhaps in a manner that borders cockiness and confidence, Ethan lets out a brash laugh, focusing his attention onto the camera.
Ethan Rivers: ”JS2. Not since the millennium days of Y2J have I heard, well, ANYONE dig into such an obscure name. Such a...silly, silly, terrible name. But all of that aside, I know quite a bit about this man. I know he started his career in this industry long ago. Far before me. At a young age he “broke out” in what he might consider to be “major promotions”, and who am I to say otherwise? I mean, truly, how major could they be if even Attwood hadn’t heard of you? But I digress. I’m not here to fault and belittle the achievements of the past. I mean, wouldn’t that be kind of funny? Because Mia, I’m asking you, what have I done prior to IIW?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”As far as I’m aware, IIW is the first company you’ve fought in.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Precisely my dear! Precisely. Who am I to act jaded in the presence of JS2, the King of the Jaded. See, when JS2 put the ink of his pen to paper and signed a deal with IIW, I made sure to go digging. Digging deep, deep down. And then deeper. And then deeper than that. And do you know what I found?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”I, uh, do not.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Ms.Young, that was entirely rhetorical. What I found was tapes of a young man, traveling from promotion to promotion. Never winning championship gold, much to his own dismay. What I saw was someone working their ass off, and never receiving the recognition they so desperately sought. I saw someone killing themselves for this business and never getting anything more in return than a cheap hotel and some McDonalds. Thanks for coming, see you later. And that all felt so different from my own journey. Ms.Young, do you know how any independent circuits I ran prior to IIW?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”I have a feeling that this is also rhetorical?”
Ethan Rivers: ”That it is! See I went right from my school to IIW, and why? Well I’ll tell you that too; my prows as a technical mastermind preceded me. I didn’t need to tour around the country making chump change, killing myself for an audience of 30 nobodies open fields. I didn’t ever abandon the purity and art of wrestling, performing idiotic “deathmatches”. I’m a real wrestler, and I do it in the professionals, and why? Because I’m a PROFESSIONAL. But still, I’m no idiot. JS2 never once has held a championship and he has scrapped and scraped his way up to the real majors of this industry. Chip on the proverbial shoulder? I’d say. Willingness to kill himself? Already proven. I have my eye on this jaded, deathmatch junkie. A guy with nothing to lose isn’t someone I’m comfortable in the ring with. Just another wild animal.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Well with a history of matches like this and a decade plus of touring the indies, seniority is certainly on the side of JS2. How about Marcus Fuller then? He seemed to spark some interest in your manager early this evening when his name was mentioned.”
Ethan Rivers: ”He sparked interest in Attwood because of one thing; his mammoth proportions. You know, in mixed martial arts they’d never allow this behemoth of a man to compete here. Not only does he tower over me and everyone else, but his size give him an entirely unfair advantage in a ladder match.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”I mean, it’s not as though he can simply reach the contract from the ring alone.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Truuue, Ms.Young. True. But how many rungs up the ladder will he need to ascend? Two… maybe three? Meanwhile, I have to climb each and every individual rung just to be within arms reach. If you ask me, that’s not fair. But then again, I doubt this mans ever had to climb a ladder in his life. Cue the comedic music as I kick that thing out from under him as he nervously, and oh so slowly tries to climb it. But on a more serious note, I understand who Marcus Fuller is.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Oh?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Far removed from my style of clean, artistic, pure, technical mastery; Fuller is more akin to JS2. A brawling, chair swinging, table smashing dumby. Athletic? Suuure. Strong? Not a single doubt in my mind. Big? Well… I think that much was clarified. But skilled wrestler? Heh. That’s nothing more than a joke if you ask me.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”I mean, I’m the interviewer and I literally didn’t ask you.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Do I consider him a threat?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands):[/b] [color=white][i]”I also didn’t ask you that.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Of course I consider him a threat.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Oookay?”
Ethan Rivers: ”Precisely Ms.Young. The Tees family IS nothing more than a BIG “family” of bullies and goons. What they lack for in technical capabilities they more than make up for in numbers. Be it the number of members, the numbers of their height, or the numbers that come up on any scale they step on. I consider Fuller to be the biggest wildcard in this bout. Fan favourite to win is clearly me, but a man like Fuller stepping into a ladder match should keep it… interesting. Entertaining for certain. And sure, the thought of JS2 and Fuller tossing me off a ladder, like the degenerate psychopaths they are frightens me to some extent. But like they always say, fear is the coal that stokes the fire of victory.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”I don’t think that anyone has ever said that before.”
Ethan Rivers: ”But… I just said it. Like, just now.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”No you said “as they alway-” you know, nevermind. Lets not get off topic.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Splendid idea! Boxing champion, international celebrity. Whatever people want to call Fuller, they can. But I won’t allow anyone to call him a real PROfessional wrestler. Not while I stand in that ring opposing him. Lets just hope this A-Lister can be a real man and come to the ring without his family behind him. Sure he’s got one win against Kieran O’Shae, and trust me, we’ll get to him; but for anyone to think that a sole win like that qualifies him to even be in the same contention as me is terribly hurtful to my ego. So sure, take this as a call out Fuller. As the literal, BIGGEST threat in size, I’m gunning to cut you down at the knee bucko.“
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”On October 5th of this year, IIW signed a contract with one, El Landerson.”
Ethan Rivers: ”D-did you do that on purpose?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Pardon?”
Ethan Rivers: ”You mentioned the big bad muscle dumby, Marcus Fuller, and immediately after you asked about El Landerson? The tiny little itty bitty Mysterio Jr cosplayer? Ahhh! What a happy coincidence. El Landerson, you have a victory here in IIW. That’s more than I can say for most of the others in this match. But you’re dreary. Fast? Oh boy you btecha. A fun underdog to cheer for? Of course, you’re literally a miniature man that I can fit into my pockets. But like JS2 and Fuller I do not consider you a real wrestler. You can feel free to do all the dips and dives of your cheerleader acrobatic gymnast routine. Go for it. I’m sure the idiots at home will love you for it. But you’re an old man. Mia, tell the audience at home how old Mr.Landerson is, if you please.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Uh, 39 if im not mistaken.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Annnd mistaken you are! Miiiiiiisssssstaaaaaaaa LANDERSON…. Landerson, is 40. The only moves this senior should be performing is rest hold. See I can’t stand three things in this industry. Number one, is cheaters. We do things by the friggin’ books. Number two, is hardcore imbeciles who are rightfully being credited as killing this got-dang-business. Number three? The acrobatics. Ugh. Yuck. If anyone at home has ever heard me speak, they fully know that this is a NO. FLY. ZONE when I’m in the ring. Sure its fun to watch. And I can’t wait to see the visual of El “I Wish I was Rey Mysterio Jr” Landerson standing face to face with Marcus “the Bully” Fuller. I strongly dislike both men, so maybe I’ll just take a step back and allow these preposterously opposite sized men the time to duke it out. I’m not a villain. I know that’s what the boys and girls at home want to see. Hell, it’s certainly something I’m already giddy about. As long as the refs and the officials can keep El Landersons wife and his manager, as well as the Tees family out of this, I’ll be fine.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Moving on then, another competitor in the ladder match is Kieran O’Shae.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Ahh yes, the child of the group. O’Shae. Listen up, this isn’t FOW kiddo. All that “momentum” you gained there means nothing here in IIW. In fact, if im not mistaken, Marcus Fuller taught you that lesson like you were still in high school, didn’t he? Just this evening, Marcus beat you. I’m sure that must have crawled under your skin. It must be apparent with every throb of your head right now, isn’t it? You want a real lesson?”[/i]
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”...”
Ethan Rivers: ”Mia, I’m asking you.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”That wasn’t rhetorical?”
Ethan Rivers: ”No, don’t be silly.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Sure.”
Ethan Rivers: ”Listen up O’Shae. I don’t have many qualms, if any, with you. You make good music, you really do. I mean, well, it’s okay at least. But I’ve seen you in the ring, and while I think brawling is better left to MMA and boxing than it is professional wrestling, but I sincerely appreciate after iota effort you put into your technical approach. Is it on par with moi? Not by a hundred kilometers, er, I mean… miles. Not by a hundred miles. Buts still, A for effort young boy. But if you want to succeed in this industry, take that loss you suffered from Fuller and let it fuel you. Let it be the coals that stoke the flame of victory!”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands):[/b] [color=white][i]”Just saying it doesn’t really make it a real saying.”
Ethan Rivers: ”O’Shae, maybe we can meet up and discuss some game plans eh? I don’t like brute nature off Fuller and his unfair size advantage, and you have a personal vendetta now that he’s utterly humiliated you. Just something to think about for this ladder match. Of course, I’m going to kick your teeth down your throat as soon as he’s disposed of, but hey, still something to think about young buck. Otherwise, I have nothing left to say about this kid. NEXT.”
Without intentionally realizing it, as his promo/interview proceeded along further and further, Rivers was starting to adopt that same heir of cockiness that he was so adamantly outraged at Attwood for displaying prior in the evening. Now that’s a dose of irony in and of itself.
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Well the final competitor in the match up is the debuting “Astro Heart”, Joon Lee.”
Ethan Rivers: ”...”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”...”
Ethan Rivers: ”Okay so, the thing is, Attwood maaay have been right when he said we didn’t know a single thing about Joon Lee. And that actual brings up a slight grievance that I have with this match going forward!”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands):[/b] [color=white][i]”Oh? Do tell.”
Ethan Rivers: ”First and foremost, I’m clearly out of my element in this match. Im a grounded, technical executioner. I preach of the no fly zone, and of no backyard fuckery in the form of weapons. And where do I end up Mia? - And yes this is rhetorical – I end up in a weapon friendly stipulated match that requires me to climb high HIGH above the ring. And who do they add in this match? High flyers and death match idiots. I can’t tell if these guys are more interested in killing the business or themselves! And much like the hot sauce, lets be frank; my record stands tall above everyone else in this match. In fact, if you combine the win rate of every else, COMBINED, they still don’t have as many victories as I do. I fully believe there is a conspiracy at play! One from the highest decree of the land. The management must be fully aware that I am by large the most technically astute member of this 6 way, so how do they even the playing field? They add absurd stipulations with people who are most well adapted for those ludicrous stipulations. I have a feeling one of the upper tiered champions must be getting pretty nervous about this win streak I’ve created. They must want to keep me down. The only wrestling I recognize is pure. So to add brawlers, high fyers, hardcore guys into the mix? Well, it will certainly make for a high octane match with tons of diversity. I IMPLORE eveyrone at home to buy this pay per view. Watch as I overcome the odds and take my next step to GREATNESS!”
With that, both Mia and Ethan face one another. Ethan gives a subtle nod to infer he has nothing more to say at the moment. Picking up on this non-verbal clue, Mia signals for her camera man to stop rolling the tape. With the microphone in hand, she hops down from the stage and back to the floor as her and her partner begin packing up their equipment.
Ethan Rivers: ”Hopefully you got everything you need that my manager wasn’t able to provide.”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”Oh we have more than enough, I’m sure.”
Ethan too hops down from the stage.
Ethan Rivers: ”Well what say you and I, maybe, go get a drink?”
Mia Young (of Fists Over Hands): ”You talk a lot. Your manager, what was his name, Joshua Attwood? Well he doesn’t talk nearly as much. But even still, you two are entirely the same cocky person. I’m good on that drink. I have places to be.”
With her condescending words fresh and their equipment packed, Mia and her cameraman both exit the room through the back door, leaving Ethan now entirely alone.
Ethan Rivers: ”Yeah, no, yeah, I’m pretty busy too. RAIN CHECK!”