Daylight Savings Time
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The season was ending. People were turning their clocks back as Jack Frost descended (albeit, half-assedly with how much the weather has fluctuated lately) to change Autumn into Winter. All Hollow's Eve was approaching in five days and all of the children were perking up to the idea of gnawing on their favorite sweets and candies until their fresh, pearly whites were granulated. From there, the dreaded, maniacal dentist and their fidgety arms and shifty eyes would drill and pull and jam clay into the cavities that burrowed into their gums.
Of course, your parents would have to inspect each piece of candies before you were ever allowed to munch on the fruits of your wittle piggy's labor because, supposedly -- and I've never seen it happen -- people put needles and poison and all kinds of jolly roger-inspiring doohickies in their candies because they hate those pesky childrens.
It was a pretty radical time of year.
But the clocks were turning back and the season was beginning its process of change in the next two months just as we find ourselves on the last edition of Your Feature Presentation before season two. The season finale was readily anticipated by its daily-growing fanbase and by the cast itself.
A new season meant new things and with the way things were progressing, that could mean any number of things. Between the gossip about Ripplemagne and Hayden Clarke, the growing questions of whose side he will pick in the Reed's Angels/Resistance feud, the Dead Nation trials, his Sterling Championship Match this week and the change in the MxM lineup.
...The transition was tough...
"The flow of time is always cruel. Its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it. A thing that doesn't change with time is a memory of younger days..."
"It is something that grows over time; a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger over time. The passion of friendship will soon blossom into a righteous power and, through it, you will know which way to go..."
"Time passes, people move. Like a river's flow, it never ends. A childish mind will turn to noble ambition. Young love will become deep affection. The clear water's surface reflects growth..."
The Legend of Zelda fans will recognize these quotes and realize that Ripplemagne has been playing Ocarina of Time for the sixteenth time and forced the White Mage to add the quotes into our opening feed. Oddly, they're all pretty relevant. Which is odd, considering this is Ripplemagne that we're talking about...
Indeed, time does flow like a river. In some cases, history repeats itself.
Finally, we get a dim feed as we behold the stage that is Thursday Night Chaos from an overhead view. We can't, actually, see the fans, but their voices are causing a 10 on the Richter scale as many among them chant "We Believe". The pillars of the stage stretch far beyond any man's individual size, but in the right presence, such things were capsized by the collateral growth of an individual.
The stage begins to fill with white smoke as several pyros ignite at the top of the stage, prompting even more cheers. An unidentifiable song begins to play in the background as a female voice rings forward; presumably, Carly Mitchell...
Announcer:
"On his way to the ring!"
The smoke begins to become even more tenebrous as it's clear someone stirs beneath the smock of reconnaissance. Vipers of smoke begin to outstretch from the cloud that has filled the stage and dissipates the far it goes from the cluster.
Announcer:
"Weighing in at one-hundred and fourty-five pounds...!"
We, finally, see the silhouette of a petite young man beginning to come forward monotonously. There's still far too much static between our feed and the individual to get a clearer picture of the young man, but there's clearly someone there. The lighting begins to darken more as an omnious blanket of orange lighting encapsulates the stage, but somehow, makes it even more difficult to see what's going on...
Announcer:
"He is the leader of the legendary Matinée ex Machina Inc....!"
The figure begins to come forward more as the silhouette becomes even more prominent amidst the unusually grandeur supply of smoke...
Announcer:
"The reigning World Heavyweight Champion!"
Nearing closer, his features begin to come out and we can make out a milky skin complexion and either dirty blonde or auburn hair complimenting a lean frame. But it's still too skewed to see more beyond that...
Announcer:
"This... is...
...CJ Davenport...!"
Before we can get a clearer picture of the matured, seven years older, CJ Davenport, the feed fades...
* * *
And now, for your feature presentation...
* * *
The ensuing battle of Fort Sumter led to a Union/Resistance success. Amidst all of the uncertainties, inner and outer squabbling... the end saw Ripplemagne and Bucky Skyler as the sole survivors of their team. But the Confederates, much to history's nod of approval, were the victors that night. And not because they won the match or ruined the match.
Mirroring the entropy that was Fort Sumter, there was but one casualty. And it was a Union casualty.
Though, Ripplemagne had to reconsider if he saw Reed's Angels are the Confederacy or the Resistance as the Confederacy. It was, afterall, the Resistance waging this war; historically speaking, the Confederacy were the rebellion and the Union was the half that wanted to preserve the status of the states.
It didn't matter. Etching himself as one of the sole survivors of the match, Ripplemagne stagnated himself at the top of the mountain. When all was said and done, the King of Hearts had outlasted Napalm, Tony Harrison, Cole McGrath, Shane Tallin, Kameron Chase, The Tang, James Magnum and Reese Black. The only other person who could say that they did that was Bucky Skyler, who may well have been defeated, himself, by Reese Black without Ripplemagne's involvement.
Neither the current World Heavyweight Champion, the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion, nor a former World Heavyweight Champion who, next to Hunter, has more reigns than anyone else in the history of the company... were left standing.
This week, Bucky Skyler had a number one contenders match with James Magnum for the World Heavyweight Championship and Ripplemagne had a match with Javon Lynch for the Sterling Championship -- otherwise known as the lowest tier championship in the company.
If this were anyone other than Ripplemagne, they would have a storm of complaints in protest of this. Why should Bucky Skyler get a shot at the top tier title when Ripplemagne was also a victor in that match and was only getting a shot at the lowest tier title?
Actually, it was because Ripplemagne preferred it that way. In his eyes, he was still a fresh faced rookie who had to earn his stripes before going for anything beyond the lowest tier belts. In his mind, he had much to do -- including a run in each division beneath the World Heavyweight division -- before ever stepping foot in that league. Some may argue that in his short career, he's amassed a reputation big enough to give him that star power and that his record speaks for itself.
But Ripplemagne didn't want a shot at the World Title. Not yet, anyway. When he did it, he wanted to make sure that there was no one that could question if he deserved it or not.
Besides, what he was getting this week was more than the Sterling Championship Title. After her interview with Javon Lynch last week, Hayden Clarke made a sobbing call to the majestic Ripplemagne. The two have had a rather informal relationship in the last few weeks and, as one of Global Extreme Wrestling's premiere interviewers, Hayden was subject to quite a few heels trying to build heat by being rude.
It was a behavior that Ripplemagne never quite understood. If you're a wrestling superstar, you vent enough frustration in the ring. Why pick on someone who is, obviously, not a fighter and is just doing their job? Sure, Ripplemagne antagonized Jamie Irish in the Action Wrestling League, but that was to get a few laughs.
The Patriarch of Pretty never threatened Jamie Irish, nor did he throw belligerent epithets his way. In the past, Hayden may have dealt with such behaviors, but this time, she was kinda-sorta dating a wrestling commodity, who has never been pinned or submitted.
When Ripplemagne heard what happened -- let alone saw what happened on GEW.net -- it was this match that he requested and he hadn't even considered the Sterling Championship when he did. There was something about a bully that always made Ripplemagne rise to his feet. Whether it was e-ballin' young adults clenching their sphincters on the internet or lonely mesomorphs with dysfunctional homes doing it in person, Ripplemagne hated to see it and would do whatever he could to quell it.
And that was for strangers. Forget about when it was someone close to him.
Ripplemagne:
"No, no, no. If you stand like that, you leave yourself open on every front."
And it was for this reason that our feed opens up again in what an Autumn eclipsed park in Manitoba, Canada. The dewy-glistened grass that blanketed the park was beginning to curl under its own weight as yellow and brown began to discolor it like balsamic vinegar poured into a cup of cold water. There weren't many people our in the mid-season, but Ripplemagne and CJ Davenport, both clad in Believe t-shirts; Ripplemagne's in purple and CJ's in red. While CJ was dunning a pair of baggy sweat pants, Ripplemagne rocked a pair of black UFO pants that he typically only wore for training.
As you can imagine, Ripplemagne's golden locks are as bouncy and voluminous around his porcelain face as ever. It looks like CJ has begun trying to wear his hair like Ripplemagne, but it doesn't really work as well on a younger kid as it does on the Patriarch of Pretty. Maybe when he was older.
Ripplemagne:
"Always stand with your feet facing your opponent because if you stand at angle, all they have to do is push you and you'll go down. Stand straight forward and if they push you, you can just take a step back and recover."
It looks like the two are going over wrestling techniques in spite of the fact that Ripplemagne isn't tremendously older than CJ Davenport to begin with. In fact, the two were close enough in age to be brothers.
But Ripplemagne understood the value of an older brother. It was his own older brother that wrestled him damn near every day of his childhood until he could take care of himself. In fact, Ripplemagne never competed in the indies -- ever. All of his skill comes from wrestling friends and family. It was probably this reason that his primary talents were in fast paced boxing and pure wrestling.
CJ, on the other hand, was a frail, young boy without much to stop anyone from bullying him. Trying to comply with Ripplemagne, CJ stands upright with his toes facing Ripplemagne and his fists emulating Ripplemagne's Muay Thai boxing stance...
Ripplemagne:
"Oll korrect. You've got your arms and footing right. Now, bend your knees to give you some leverage for your hits. Believe it or not, a lot of your power comes from your legs and back."
When Ripplemagne was younger, he'd be put in submissions for extended periods of time. Though he could never calculate the exact time, it felt like hours. Whether it was a hammerlock -- a move he believed was the most painful submission to apply on someone -- or a sleeper hold. Other times, it was just pinning the small boy, so he couldn't fight back.
In his youth, Ripplemagne didn't understand this and resented his brother, but appreciated the tough love of it now. It was his brother deriding him whenever he would tap out that made Ripplemagne vow never to tap out.
Memories were clear as day. A hold would be locked on and the only way to get out of it was to tap out. But when he did, that was even worse. When he didn't submit and waited until another family member broke it up, he'd at least get respect for waiting it out.
It was because of this that the only person he ever submitted to in his entire life was his older brother. Ironically, an eight year difference -- much the same with CJ.
CJ Davenport:
"I don't know about this. I'm not big or strong enough for this."
Ripplemagne:
"Size means nothing. Tony Harrison and Toby were the first ones eliminated in the ten man tag team match and they were the largest in the match. The key to a good fighter of any sort is that they figure out how their own body works and use it.
It's ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will, five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain. And a hundred percent reason to remember the name."
CJ Davenport:
"Isn't that just your theme song by Fort Minor?"
Ripplemagne:
"...Maybe."
In the background, Tobias Stone, otherwise known as Napalm, seems to be coming out of the MxM Movie Trailer without his Stay Puft Marshmellow Man costume. Instead, he's clad in a pair of navy jeans and a sweat shirt. Rubbing his neck, he waddles over to the petite duo, lumbering over them like the giant eying Jack who climbed the beanstalk.
The former tag team champions lock eyes with one another as Ripplemagne leaves his fighting position he was demonstrating with CJ to greet his friend. In the match, this week, Napalm was the first eliminated and he took it really hard.
For Napalm, he felt like he had failed Ripplemagne and MxM. But the young leader of the stable made him feel less pressured with a smile and assurance that it was alright. When Ripplemagne and Bucky Skyler were still left standing at the end of the match, Napalm felt relieved by his early departure from the match.
The young man made it easier to leave the ring. He didn't tell him that he won when he didn't, nor did he try to make him feel like he did something right by losing. Nor did he try to bad mouth the opponents or make excuses. The only thing he told Tobias was "We'll get 'em next time."
Ripplemagne:
"You heading out?"
A nod came from Napalm as the two stood motionless, but CJ had a bewildered look on his face. Looking at the two, there was almost a panic in his eyes.
CJ Davenport:
"Where are we going?"
Following the match this week, they went back to the trailer to find a letter. A letter of resignation for Tobias Stone from Chelsea Reed. Due to Napalm being eliminated first in the match, he was released from the match and considered "dead weight". In reality, his contract had expired and that was Chelsea's administration's way of saying that they didn't plan to recontract him.
There was a bit outrage that night, but Napalm waved it off and announced that he had planned to retire anyway. The monster that was Napalm was, in reality, Tobias Stone incarnated into the beast that his father wanted him to be. Despite an affinity for the business, Napalm was a docile man at heart.
But throughout his journey in Global Extreme Wrestling, he learned much about himself; including the ability to stand up for himself. In the process, he gained a family, fame and an entire cast of friends. Back home, he had plans to continue his work with the late Reese Davenport, CJ's biological father and Tobias's former tag team partner, by opening up a breakfast counter for "twisties" and "splats"; otherwise known as pretzels and pancakes to settle down with Regina and CJ.
Napalm:
"I just said my peace with everyone inside."
CJ Davenport:
"What, why?! Where are we going?"
Ripplemagne:
"Andy's cutting out this week too. College starts for him soon back in the city. I was kind of looking forward to seeing you and Ahn leaving skid marks in the drawers of everyone on the roster."
The two share a laugh, ignoring CJ's probing for the time being. Tobias and Regina would explain the situation to him on the ride back home.
Ripplemagne:
"Who wouldn't be afraid of a giant Stay Puft Marshmellow Man and an enormous Viking with a Great Hammer?"
CJ Davenport:
"Guys! Tell me what's going on!"
Ripplemagne:
"You know, you and I never had a one on one match."
Still ignoring CJ's queries, Ripplemagne gives a gentle shove into Napalm's shoulder, but he doesn't seem to budge. The two laugh as Napalm does it back, but Ripplemagne seems to move a lot more...
Napalm:
"If you're ever in Louisiana, give me a call and we can put on a local show. I know a few people back in my hometown who have been watching us and would probably jump at the opportunity to see us one on one."
Ripplemagne:
"Make sure you're available if Gooey ever goes to Louisiana then. You remember last time you got in the ring with me."
Napalm:
"Haha. If my memory serves me correctly, that was a handicap match."
Ripplemagne:
"Puh-tay-toh, puh-tah-toh. Fact is, I beat you."
The two laugh some more as CJ seems to be getting readily annoyed by them not responding to him. But instead of continuing, he's decided to listen in and see what he can pick up from eavesdropping.
Napalm:
"Do me a favor?"
Ripplemagne:
"Hm?"
Napalm:
"Don't stop."
Ripplemagne:
"Stop what?"
Napalm:
"Doing what you do. You have the uncanny ability of coming into a place and changing the entire landscape. Every choice you make has repercussions for everyone involved -- and you seem to always make the best calls.
Look, forget Reed. Forget Dexter. Forget Shane and forget Magnum. When you get in the ring, you outshine them all and you're going places. James said that you don't stand for something, but I don't think that's true. You don't talk about what you stand for, but you lead by example and mostly the entire locker room respects you because of it.
You're the new face of Global Extreme Wrestling and I know I'm not the only one who sees it. I guess that's why I hated you so much in the beginning."
Ripplemagne:
"...Thanks, man."
What could he say to that? He contemplated saying something smug like "I know. I'm awesome, right?" Or something arrogant like "Don't start getting all mushy on me now, ya big lug." But that was all that came out.
In truth? Ripplemagne held Napalm in high regard. Believed he had a great eye for the business and, despite debuting at around the same time, Ripplemagne believed Napalm to have the eye of an experienced veteran. It was weird considering Brock Stone was always on Toby's case about knowing nothing in regards to the business.
Napalm:
"This guy you're fighting this week?"
Ripplemagne:
"Certified Poon? Or is it Certified C--"
In the distance, we hear Miss Sarah's voice screaming at the top of her lungs...
Miss Sarah:
"RIPPLEMAGNE!"
Ripplemagne:
"How the Hell did she hear me from the trailer?!"
We see Napalm belly laughing at Ripplemagne's reaction as the Patriarch of Pretty can't help but laugh, himself...
Ripplemagne:
"Just once, I'd like to offend bitches without being crucified for it!"
Napalm:
"We already took that trip to Compton and said the name 'Javon Lynch' to everyone we could find. Still didn't figure out why they call him that. But, really, was Joe Morgan from the Royal Ordinance of Wrestling any different from Javon?"
Ripplemagne:
"Mm... not really. They both had the same gimmick and both talked about pretty much nothing."
Napalm:
"And you beat him no matter how many times he said he was going to beat you, didn't you?"
Ripplemagne:
"I'm none too worried about baby boy blue. Joe Morgan wasn't the first bandanna-clad pseudo-thug who tagged my hit list and, being that my hometown is still the Empire State, Javon Lynch probably won't be the last.
He's no different than any other popgun-totin', 50 Cent-wannabe kid who can't spell the word 'ho' correctly. With his hygiene, they better delouse him before putting him in the ring with the magnificent Ripplemagne."
There's a shudder that stems from Ripplemagne as he considers the lice and ickyness growing on the surface of his skin. For a germophobe like Ripplemagne, that was a no-no.
In his youth, Ripplemagne found himself in a lot of conflict. His opponent for the week wasn't anything he hadn't experienced. By Ripplemagne's appearance, one would never think he could throw a proper punch, so, of course people would think he was a prime target for bullying.
They'd learn quickly.
With a grin, Ripplemagne turned to CJ, the smaller-than-average kid who reminded him of himself. Turning to CJ, Ripplemagne finally acknowledged him when he was quiet...
Ripplemagne:
"You've got seven years, CJ. Train and watch my matches. Take note of the mistakes I'm undoubtedly going to make. Trust -- I'm going to make a lot of 'em."
Napalm:
"Haha. Does the cocky persona disappear when you're saying your goodbyes?"
Ripplemagne:
"Nah. We all know I don't make mistakes. It just sounds like the right thing to say."
The two share a laugh again as Ripplemagne snickers to himself and continues...
Ripplemagne:
"Besides. It's not 'goodbye'; it's more like 'see you later, ya fat bastard.'"
Again they share a laugh as Tobias Stone shakes his head and Ripplemagne gets a straight face with a pleasant smirk...
Ripplemagne:
"Take care of yourselves."
Rather than respond, Toby extends his right hand to Ripplemagne who eyes the twinky-like fingers. Looking up at his former tag team partner, he smirks and grabs his hand. There's a shake, but in an instant, the two embrace each other as it seems Napalm engulfs Ripplemagne.
The smaller man's hand pats on Napalm's back as they share one of those manly pat-on-the-back hugs. When they finally rear back, CJ throws his hand to Ripplemagne, who catches it in thumb over thumb highfive-to-handshake deal.
They exchange nods as Tobias Stone takes his adoptive son and heads off to Ripplemagne looking on from the distance. The credits of the season begin to roll by as the King of Hearts finally freezes in the frame of the camera...
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Fin
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* * *
The season was ending. People were turning their clocks back as Jack Frost descended (albeit, half-assedly with how much the weather has fluctuated lately) to change Autumn into Winter. All Hollow's Eve was approaching in five days and all of the children were perking up to the idea of gnawing on their favorite sweets and candies until their fresh, pearly whites were granulated. From there, the dreaded, maniacal dentist and their fidgety arms and shifty eyes would drill and pull and jam clay into the cavities that burrowed into their gums.
Of course, your parents would have to inspect each piece of candies before you were ever allowed to munch on the fruits of your wittle piggy's labor because, supposedly -- and I've never seen it happen -- people put needles and poison and all kinds of jolly roger-inspiring doohickies in their candies because they hate those pesky childrens.
It was a pretty radical time of year.
But the clocks were turning back and the season was beginning its process of change in the next two months just as we find ourselves on the last edition of Your Feature Presentation before season two. The season finale was readily anticipated by its daily-growing fanbase and by the cast itself.
A new season meant new things and with the way things were progressing, that could mean any number of things. Between the gossip about Ripplemagne and Hayden Clarke, the growing questions of whose side he will pick in the Reed's Angels/Resistance feud, the Dead Nation trials, his Sterling Championship Match this week and the change in the MxM lineup.
...The transition was tough...
"The flow of time is always cruel. Its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it. A thing that doesn't change with time is a memory of younger days..."
"It is something that grows over time; a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger over time. The passion of friendship will soon blossom into a righteous power and, through it, you will know which way to go..."
"Time passes, people move. Like a river's flow, it never ends. A childish mind will turn to noble ambition. Young love will become deep affection. The clear water's surface reflects growth..."
The Legend of Zelda fans will recognize these quotes and realize that Ripplemagne has been playing Ocarina of Time for the sixteenth time and forced the White Mage to add the quotes into our opening feed. Oddly, they're all pretty relevant. Which is odd, considering this is Ripplemagne that we're talking about...
Indeed, time does flow like a river. In some cases, history repeats itself.
Finally, we get a dim feed as we behold the stage that is Thursday Night Chaos from an overhead view. We can't, actually, see the fans, but their voices are causing a 10 on the Richter scale as many among them chant "We Believe". The pillars of the stage stretch far beyond any man's individual size, but in the right presence, such things were capsized by the collateral growth of an individual.
The stage begins to fill with white smoke as several pyros ignite at the top of the stage, prompting even more cheers. An unidentifiable song begins to play in the background as a female voice rings forward; presumably, Carly Mitchell...
Announcer:
"On his way to the ring!"
The smoke begins to become even more tenebrous as it's clear someone stirs beneath the smock of reconnaissance. Vipers of smoke begin to outstretch from the cloud that has filled the stage and dissipates the far it goes from the cluster.
Announcer:
"Weighing in at one-hundred and fourty-five pounds...!"
We, finally, see the silhouette of a petite young man beginning to come forward monotonously. There's still far too much static between our feed and the individual to get a clearer picture of the young man, but there's clearly someone there. The lighting begins to darken more as an omnious blanket of orange lighting encapsulates the stage, but somehow, makes it even more difficult to see what's going on...
Announcer:
"He is the leader of the legendary Matinée ex Machina Inc....!"
The figure begins to come forward more as the silhouette becomes even more prominent amidst the unusually grandeur supply of smoke...
Announcer:
"The reigning World Heavyweight Champion!"
Nearing closer, his features begin to come out and we can make out a milky skin complexion and either dirty blonde or auburn hair complimenting a lean frame. But it's still too skewed to see more beyond that...
Announcer:
"This... is...
...CJ Davenport...!"
Before we can get a clearer picture of the matured, seven years older, CJ Davenport, the feed fades...
* * *
And now, for your feature presentation...
* * *
The ensuing battle of Fort Sumter led to a Union/Resistance success. Amidst all of the uncertainties, inner and outer squabbling... the end saw Ripplemagne and Bucky Skyler as the sole survivors of their team. But the Confederates, much to history's nod of approval, were the victors that night. And not because they won the match or ruined the match.
Mirroring the entropy that was Fort Sumter, there was but one casualty. And it was a Union casualty.
Though, Ripplemagne had to reconsider if he saw Reed's Angels are the Confederacy or the Resistance as the Confederacy. It was, afterall, the Resistance waging this war; historically speaking, the Confederacy were the rebellion and the Union was the half that wanted to preserve the status of the states.
It didn't matter. Etching himself as one of the sole survivors of the match, Ripplemagne stagnated himself at the top of the mountain. When all was said and done, the King of Hearts had outlasted Napalm, Tony Harrison, Cole McGrath, Shane Tallin, Kameron Chase, The Tang, James Magnum and Reese Black. The only other person who could say that they did that was Bucky Skyler, who may well have been defeated, himself, by Reese Black without Ripplemagne's involvement.
Neither the current World Heavyweight Champion, the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion, nor a former World Heavyweight Champion who, next to Hunter, has more reigns than anyone else in the history of the company... were left standing.
This week, Bucky Skyler had a number one contenders match with James Magnum for the World Heavyweight Championship and Ripplemagne had a match with Javon Lynch for the Sterling Championship -- otherwise known as the lowest tier championship in the company.
If this were anyone other than Ripplemagne, they would have a storm of complaints in protest of this. Why should Bucky Skyler get a shot at the top tier title when Ripplemagne was also a victor in that match and was only getting a shot at the lowest tier title?
Actually, it was because Ripplemagne preferred it that way. In his eyes, he was still a fresh faced rookie who had to earn his stripes before going for anything beyond the lowest tier belts. In his mind, he had much to do -- including a run in each division beneath the World Heavyweight division -- before ever stepping foot in that league. Some may argue that in his short career, he's amassed a reputation big enough to give him that star power and that his record speaks for itself.
But Ripplemagne didn't want a shot at the World Title. Not yet, anyway. When he did it, he wanted to make sure that there was no one that could question if he deserved it or not.
Besides, what he was getting this week was more than the Sterling Championship Title. After her interview with Javon Lynch last week, Hayden Clarke made a sobbing call to the majestic Ripplemagne. The two have had a rather informal relationship in the last few weeks and, as one of Global Extreme Wrestling's premiere interviewers, Hayden was subject to quite a few heels trying to build heat by being rude.
It was a behavior that Ripplemagne never quite understood. If you're a wrestling superstar, you vent enough frustration in the ring. Why pick on someone who is, obviously, not a fighter and is just doing their job? Sure, Ripplemagne antagonized Jamie Irish in the Action Wrestling League, but that was to get a few laughs.
The Patriarch of Pretty never threatened Jamie Irish, nor did he throw belligerent epithets his way. In the past, Hayden may have dealt with such behaviors, but this time, she was kinda-sorta dating a wrestling commodity, who has never been pinned or submitted.
When Ripplemagne heard what happened -- let alone saw what happened on GEW.net -- it was this match that he requested and he hadn't even considered the Sterling Championship when he did. There was something about a bully that always made Ripplemagne rise to his feet. Whether it was e-ballin' young adults clenching their sphincters on the internet or lonely mesomorphs with dysfunctional homes doing it in person, Ripplemagne hated to see it and would do whatever he could to quell it.
And that was for strangers. Forget about when it was someone close to him.
Ripplemagne:
"No, no, no. If you stand like that, you leave yourself open on every front."
And it was for this reason that our feed opens up again in what an Autumn eclipsed park in Manitoba, Canada. The dewy-glistened grass that blanketed the park was beginning to curl under its own weight as yellow and brown began to discolor it like balsamic vinegar poured into a cup of cold water. There weren't many people our in the mid-season, but Ripplemagne and CJ Davenport, both clad in Believe t-shirts; Ripplemagne's in purple and CJ's in red. While CJ was dunning a pair of baggy sweat pants, Ripplemagne rocked a pair of black UFO pants that he typically only wore for training.
As you can imagine, Ripplemagne's golden locks are as bouncy and voluminous around his porcelain face as ever. It looks like CJ has begun trying to wear his hair like Ripplemagne, but it doesn't really work as well on a younger kid as it does on the Patriarch of Pretty. Maybe when he was older.
Ripplemagne:
"Always stand with your feet facing your opponent because if you stand at angle, all they have to do is push you and you'll go down. Stand straight forward and if they push you, you can just take a step back and recover."
It looks like the two are going over wrestling techniques in spite of the fact that Ripplemagne isn't tremendously older than CJ Davenport to begin with. In fact, the two were close enough in age to be brothers.
But Ripplemagne understood the value of an older brother. It was his own older brother that wrestled him damn near every day of his childhood until he could take care of himself. In fact, Ripplemagne never competed in the indies -- ever. All of his skill comes from wrestling friends and family. It was probably this reason that his primary talents were in fast paced boxing and pure wrestling.
CJ, on the other hand, was a frail, young boy without much to stop anyone from bullying him. Trying to comply with Ripplemagne, CJ stands upright with his toes facing Ripplemagne and his fists emulating Ripplemagne's Muay Thai boxing stance...
Ripplemagne:
"Oll korrect. You've got your arms and footing right. Now, bend your knees to give you some leverage for your hits. Believe it or not, a lot of your power comes from your legs and back."
When Ripplemagne was younger, he'd be put in submissions for extended periods of time. Though he could never calculate the exact time, it felt like hours. Whether it was a hammerlock -- a move he believed was the most painful submission to apply on someone -- or a sleeper hold. Other times, it was just pinning the small boy, so he couldn't fight back.
In his youth, Ripplemagne didn't understand this and resented his brother, but appreciated the tough love of it now. It was his brother deriding him whenever he would tap out that made Ripplemagne vow never to tap out.
Memories were clear as day. A hold would be locked on and the only way to get out of it was to tap out. But when he did, that was even worse. When he didn't submit and waited until another family member broke it up, he'd at least get respect for waiting it out.
It was because of this that the only person he ever submitted to in his entire life was his older brother. Ironically, an eight year difference -- much the same with CJ.
CJ Davenport:
"I don't know about this. I'm not big or strong enough for this."
Ripplemagne:
"Size means nothing. Tony Harrison and Toby were the first ones eliminated in the ten man tag team match and they were the largest in the match. The key to a good fighter of any sort is that they figure out how their own body works and use it.
It's ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will, five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain. And a hundred percent reason to remember the name."
CJ Davenport:
"Isn't that just your theme song by Fort Minor?"
Ripplemagne:
"...Maybe."
In the background, Tobias Stone, otherwise known as Napalm, seems to be coming out of the MxM Movie Trailer without his Stay Puft Marshmellow Man costume. Instead, he's clad in a pair of navy jeans and a sweat shirt. Rubbing his neck, he waddles over to the petite duo, lumbering over them like the giant eying Jack who climbed the beanstalk.
The former tag team champions lock eyes with one another as Ripplemagne leaves his fighting position he was demonstrating with CJ to greet his friend. In the match, this week, Napalm was the first eliminated and he took it really hard.
For Napalm, he felt like he had failed Ripplemagne and MxM. But the young leader of the stable made him feel less pressured with a smile and assurance that it was alright. When Ripplemagne and Bucky Skyler were still left standing at the end of the match, Napalm felt relieved by his early departure from the match.
The young man made it easier to leave the ring. He didn't tell him that he won when he didn't, nor did he try to make him feel like he did something right by losing. Nor did he try to bad mouth the opponents or make excuses. The only thing he told Tobias was "We'll get 'em next time."
Ripplemagne:
"You heading out?"
A nod came from Napalm as the two stood motionless, but CJ had a bewildered look on his face. Looking at the two, there was almost a panic in his eyes.
CJ Davenport:
"Where are we going?"
Following the match this week, they went back to the trailer to find a letter. A letter of resignation for Tobias Stone from Chelsea Reed. Due to Napalm being eliminated first in the match, he was released from the match and considered "dead weight". In reality, his contract had expired and that was Chelsea's administration's way of saying that they didn't plan to recontract him.
There was a bit outrage that night, but Napalm waved it off and announced that he had planned to retire anyway. The monster that was Napalm was, in reality, Tobias Stone incarnated into the beast that his father wanted him to be. Despite an affinity for the business, Napalm was a docile man at heart.
But throughout his journey in Global Extreme Wrestling, he learned much about himself; including the ability to stand up for himself. In the process, he gained a family, fame and an entire cast of friends. Back home, he had plans to continue his work with the late Reese Davenport, CJ's biological father and Tobias's former tag team partner, by opening up a breakfast counter for "twisties" and "splats"; otherwise known as pretzels and pancakes to settle down with Regina and CJ.
Napalm:
"I just said my peace with everyone inside."
CJ Davenport:
"What, why?! Where are we going?"
Ripplemagne:
"Andy's cutting out this week too. College starts for him soon back in the city. I was kind of looking forward to seeing you and Ahn leaving skid marks in the drawers of everyone on the roster."
The two share a laugh, ignoring CJ's probing for the time being. Tobias and Regina would explain the situation to him on the ride back home.
Ripplemagne:
"Who wouldn't be afraid of a giant Stay Puft Marshmellow Man and an enormous Viking with a Great Hammer?"
CJ Davenport:
"Guys! Tell me what's going on!"
Ripplemagne:
"You know, you and I never had a one on one match."
Still ignoring CJ's queries, Ripplemagne gives a gentle shove into Napalm's shoulder, but he doesn't seem to budge. The two laugh as Napalm does it back, but Ripplemagne seems to move a lot more...
Napalm:
"If you're ever in Louisiana, give me a call and we can put on a local show. I know a few people back in my hometown who have been watching us and would probably jump at the opportunity to see us one on one."
Ripplemagne:
"Make sure you're available if Gooey ever goes to Louisiana then. You remember last time you got in the ring with me."
Napalm:
"Haha. If my memory serves me correctly, that was a handicap match."
Ripplemagne:
"Puh-tay-toh, puh-tah-toh. Fact is, I beat you."
The two laugh some more as CJ seems to be getting readily annoyed by them not responding to him. But instead of continuing, he's decided to listen in and see what he can pick up from eavesdropping.
Napalm:
"Do me a favor?"
Ripplemagne:
"Hm?"
Napalm:
"Don't stop."
Ripplemagne:
"Stop what?"
Napalm:
"Doing what you do. You have the uncanny ability of coming into a place and changing the entire landscape. Every choice you make has repercussions for everyone involved -- and you seem to always make the best calls.
Look, forget Reed. Forget Dexter. Forget Shane and forget Magnum. When you get in the ring, you outshine them all and you're going places. James said that you don't stand for something, but I don't think that's true. You don't talk about what you stand for, but you lead by example and mostly the entire locker room respects you because of it.
You're the new face of Global Extreme Wrestling and I know I'm not the only one who sees it. I guess that's why I hated you so much in the beginning."
Ripplemagne:
"...Thanks, man."
What could he say to that? He contemplated saying something smug like "I know. I'm awesome, right?" Or something arrogant like "Don't start getting all mushy on me now, ya big lug." But that was all that came out.
In truth? Ripplemagne held Napalm in high regard. Believed he had a great eye for the business and, despite debuting at around the same time, Ripplemagne believed Napalm to have the eye of an experienced veteran. It was weird considering Brock Stone was always on Toby's case about knowing nothing in regards to the business.
Napalm:
"This guy you're fighting this week?"
Ripplemagne:
"Certified Poon? Or is it Certified C--"
In the distance, we hear Miss Sarah's voice screaming at the top of her lungs...
Miss Sarah:
"RIPPLEMAGNE!"
Ripplemagne:
"How the Hell did she hear me from the trailer?!"
We see Napalm belly laughing at Ripplemagne's reaction as the Patriarch of Pretty can't help but laugh, himself...
Ripplemagne:
"Just once, I'd like to offend bitches without being crucified for it!"
Napalm:
"We already took that trip to Compton and said the name 'Javon Lynch' to everyone we could find. Still didn't figure out why they call him that. But, really, was Joe Morgan from the Royal Ordinance of Wrestling any different from Javon?"
Ripplemagne:
"Mm... not really. They both had the same gimmick and both talked about pretty much nothing."
Napalm:
"And you beat him no matter how many times he said he was going to beat you, didn't you?"
Ripplemagne:
"I'm none too worried about baby boy blue. Joe Morgan wasn't the first bandanna-clad pseudo-thug who tagged my hit list and, being that my hometown is still the Empire State, Javon Lynch probably won't be the last.
He's no different than any other popgun-totin', 50 Cent-wannabe kid who can't spell the word 'ho' correctly. With his hygiene, they better delouse him before putting him in the ring with the magnificent Ripplemagne."
There's a shudder that stems from Ripplemagne as he considers the lice and ickyness growing on the surface of his skin. For a germophobe like Ripplemagne, that was a no-no.
In his youth, Ripplemagne found himself in a lot of conflict. His opponent for the week wasn't anything he hadn't experienced. By Ripplemagne's appearance, one would never think he could throw a proper punch, so, of course people would think he was a prime target for bullying.
They'd learn quickly.
With a grin, Ripplemagne turned to CJ, the smaller-than-average kid who reminded him of himself. Turning to CJ, Ripplemagne finally acknowledged him when he was quiet...
Ripplemagne:
"You've got seven years, CJ. Train and watch my matches. Take note of the mistakes I'm undoubtedly going to make. Trust -- I'm going to make a lot of 'em."
Napalm:
"Haha. Does the cocky persona disappear when you're saying your goodbyes?"
Ripplemagne:
"Nah. We all know I don't make mistakes. It just sounds like the right thing to say."
The two share a laugh again as Ripplemagne snickers to himself and continues...
Ripplemagne:
"Besides. It's not 'goodbye'; it's more like 'see you later, ya fat bastard.'"
Again they share a laugh as Tobias Stone shakes his head and Ripplemagne gets a straight face with a pleasant smirk...
Ripplemagne:
"Take care of yourselves."
Rather than respond, Toby extends his right hand to Ripplemagne who eyes the twinky-like fingers. Looking up at his former tag team partner, he smirks and grabs his hand. There's a shake, but in an instant, the two embrace each other as it seems Napalm engulfs Ripplemagne.
The smaller man's hand pats on Napalm's back as they share one of those manly pat-on-the-back hugs. When they finally rear back, CJ throws his hand to Ripplemagne, who catches it in thumb over thumb highfive-to-handshake deal.
They exchange nods as Tobias Stone takes his adoptive son and heads off to Ripplemagne looking on from the distance. The credits of the season begin to roll by as the King of Hearts finally freezes in the frame of the camera...
* * *
Fin
* * *
