|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 11:21 pm
The crowd has been hearing of a new face in the roster, known under the alias "Omen" but what was he like? What would this man bring to the table and would it be good enough? These questions would be answered in a few moments as the crowd growing in eagerness, making a more tense atmosphere as not even a little taste was enough to quench their thirst for knowing more about the mysterious man. Suddenly, it would be like it all changed once the song "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails hit the PA system.
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The music would continue as a howl would accompany the vocals and the beat. The crowd looked down at the ramp and stage which began to be overflowed with fog, the crowd getting eerie waiting for the appearance of the unknown man.
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
The chorus was about to begin as small parts of tattered clothing could be seen coming from outside the thick fog. The crowd tried to adjust their heads enough to see the man, but they would see him soon anyways as the man would walk outside the fog, with his hand grasping a stick in support of walking down the ring and in the opposite hand, a mirror ball.
Slowly the man began to take a few more steps and all his clothing would be shown, and what seemed to be a mask of sorts on his head. It looked like a burlap sack with holes cut out near the eyes so the man could see. Upon further inspection, the man's eyes were completely bloodshot.
"From Parts Unknown, weighing in tonight at 264 pounds, Omen!"
The announcer would do his job and announce the strange man's stats. Something seemed off about "Omen". Just by the way he walked and appeared was unsettling, imagine him speaking and wrestling. This man however has a pretty dark background, so him inside the squared circle will indeed be an experience.
Omen made his way down to ringside within a minute or so. He would look over the arena, surveying all sides of it for unknown reasons. This man was the personification of creepy if there ever was one. Omen definitely stood out among many other wrestlers. He would continue to slowly walk towards the stairs, where he would throw the stick inside the ring, and his mirror ball, beginning to climb up the stairs slowly, as if he needed to slowly move up the stairs, otherwise his legs would give out. However, that was just a ruse from the man, seeing he had a match, but is coming out here now.
Omen, would enter the ring and fall inside his corner, eyes open wide as he let out a spine-tingling yell out so the whole crowd could hear him. This would stop the hearts of many just for a moment, but after that creepy ordeal, he would exit the corner, looking at the fans that resided in the crowd. The Freak would be greeted with a microphone at this point, as he would be speaking.
"We're here. No, I don't mean I am here, but the two greatest personalities, the two greatest entities are here. The Voice and I are out here, to gladly bring out a part of our family. No, we are not talking about Salem. Because simply, the Salem you once knew is like dust in the wind, he is gone. I am talking about the redefined, and the newly born Copperhead."
The crowd would be in between cheers and jeers at the mentioning of Salem. Despite turning his back on all the fans who cheered him, they still gave him their support, knowing that he follows a righteous path with Omen and the Legendary Voice.
"I am introducing the very person who has not only defeated his opponents, but laid waste to them as if it were an easy task. He has taken down forces such as the likes of Jasper Shaw, Trent, Cartwright, Draze, and especially Tiger Hat who would have succumbed to an especially brutal side of the Copperhead."
Famous names which all held different personalities would ring through the ears of many. Had it been that many already? It seemed just like yesterday that Salem had shown his true colors, the colors that would shine bright crimson.
"However, there is more to come. The Copperhead is beginning to become more violent, more aggressive, the darkness inside his heart is taking control and once it does.... Let me just say that no one will stand in his way. Because the Copperhead will no longer be a man who responded to your voice. No, he will become something godly, something that you only hear from stories. Salem will not be a mere face in the crowd. The Copperhead will be a menace, a deity of sorts. Even I get goosebumps from the mere thought of it."
Omen would give a little shake with his body before laughing over the microphone. People would be booing still, ignorance seeping out of them and shining in a dull grey aura. Omen would begin to breathe after saying all he did and laughing. The heavy inhaling and exhaling being easy to acknowledge to the microphone being near his mouth still.
"The voice says he is ready. I believe he is ready. Which is why I am letting go of the chains that restricted his final transformation in the monster that Salem, the Copperhead, and the OECW Seasons Champion has become."
Omen would point up the ramp in an instant after finishing his statement in regard to his thoughts on what his beliefs are.
"COME ON OUT SALEM, IT'S SHOWTIME. GO ******** NUTS!"
The Freak would begin to laugh as finally-
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2015 6:46 pm
As Omen spoke, his audience became distracted by a video clip flashing to life on the Titantron, attracting the eyes of all in attendance. As the chain fell to the ground and the heavy thump of electric guitar pounded through the speakers, the video would switch to a compilation of stunts and moves Salem had done throughout his treasured tenure in BBW. Glimpses of his matches with Jarel Damone, Ryan Killman, Hiro Shin-Mozas, Freakshow, and Draze were present, among others...each one spliced between intimidating shots of Salem's facial expressions mid-match. Though a majority of the crowd booed as Salem strutted out onto the stage with his Seasons Championship in-tow over the shoulder, some cheered for "The Copperhead", appreciating the new edge to his persona at the expense of more mainstream likability. Standing on the center of the entrance platform, A black, satin boxer's robe with silver trim cloaked Croft from the fans and obscured his face from sight - his head, hanging and bobbing with the rhythm of the band and lyrics...
It’s all the same to me…
Look at all this useless talk!
Look at all this useless talk!
Look at all this useless talk UPON THE CROSS!”Tossing his head back at the start of the next line, Salem’s face looked towards the rafters though his eyes were closed…feeling the heat of thousands of red sparks that were showering him on the stage. The fans enjoyed the sparkling display, which was dense enough to obscure the Seasons Champion from sight, cameras going off all around the arena. ”You look at me, but you don’t see,
Understand I’m a sinner!
Don’t corner me, don’t lecture me,
Raise your hands! You’re a sinner!”Starting off down the ramp as the sparks faded behind him, Salem stared sharply towards the ring, marching towards it with a slight smirk to his lips. Reaching the apron, Salem shrugged his shoulders and slipped the satin robe off, hanging it on the bottom rope and revealing his bare chest and belted black pants – typical attire for when he wrestled. Gone were the horns and facepaint he'd had in previous outings, or the pointed teeth and muzzles that he'd dawned when defending his belt at Spring in the Ring against Draze. However, the smile salem wore still haunted some in the crowd, those who'd remembered those pearly whites stained with the blood of Salem's mauled victims. Jumping up to the ropes, Salem ducked his head under the top cable and walked towards where Omen stood, gesturing for his microphone. Once in hand, Salem smiled, a shark-like grin that made those who hated or loved him do so even more passionately for his snarky attitude. But, after soaking in the Bismarck hospitality, he raised the receiver to his lips and spoke for the first time in what felt like months. ”Heh…y’know, I’ve started to see things more clearly than I ever have, lately.” the champion started cryptically, some in the crowd booing during his brief pause just because. ”See, some of you people have called me a sell-out. Others boo me because I’m not the most…’family friendly’, you could say. But to that, I ask you – what have I ever presented myself as, but the definition of success?”Turning around in place slowly, Salem spread his arms out and started chuckling a bit, riling up those whom he knew came to berate him. Instead of letting their jeers get under his skin, however, Salem simply shrugged, smiling it off like it was nothing more than a stray raindrop out of the clear blue sky.”I mean, my first day here, I become your first-ever world champion. And I proved my place when I blew up Jarel in that hearse, shortly after. But then, Freakshow meddles in, and sees I’ve got a good thing going…so he does the only thing he’s good at, and that’s have someone else handle his problems. But even though Ryan Killman cost me my BBW World Title, what’d I do about it? I choked his a** out. I made sure he didn’t show his face around me again…and yes, Ryan – I know you’re somewhere backstage right now. And I hope you like the way this title looks around my waist...but I think he – just like Cartwright, just like Tiger Hat, and just like Draze – all know better than to come after this.” the champion boldly declared, gesturing with his world title by lifting it above his head.”So, what’s changed, huh? Why is it that you people don’t like me? Is it because of Freakshow? Hiring more help to cost me my match with him at Winter Warfare? Are you people so petty that you’d fault me for giving him the fight of his life, and coming up short because of circumstances I couldn’t prevent? No, no…it’s got to be something else. So, what is it? Is it this?” he asked, gesturing outward with the Seasons Championship once again. ”Do you people think I don’t deserve this belt, or something? Do you think that the “Face of the Year” isn’t good enough to be your Seasons Champion? Or maybe…” Salem paused, reaching up with his free hand to stroke his chin curiously for a second, lost in thought. ”…yeah. I think that’s it. You people think this is your championship. That I’m your champion. Well, news flash – I’m not. Everything I do, everything I’ve done, everything that I am, it’s because I live for me! I take care of myself! I don’t just meddle around in dead-end jobs, chained to the same boring lay that settled on you way too early for her looks to fade and way too late for you to find a better option, get a mortgage I couldn’t pay for, have the value of my house get cut in half, and then raise kids with the same complacent genetics with the hope that they end up making more than thirty-five thousand dollars a year!”At this insinuation, most of the crowd grew livid with anger, booing harshly at Salem for his coarse remarks. The champion, however, remained a rock – oblivious to their spite, and instead continued to spit some more of his venom at the crowd.”You see, that was my problem! I always tried to please you people, I wanted so badly to be ’your champion’, to be admired, respected by you…but why?! All the applause in the world doesn’t mean a damn thing when you’re in a cutthroat industry such as this! Around here, you’re either a victor or a victim, because if you aren’t on your game and focused on what’s in front of you then someone will stab you in the back to take your place! So I've decided that I'll claw, bite, and tear my way through anyone or anything that tries to hold me back! The chains are broken, the gloves are off, and it's time for "The Most Wanted Man in Wrestling" to return to his place at the mountaintop!"The small demographic that supported Salem popped hard for his powerful proclamation, but others continued to disrespect the Seasons Champion, growing louder with their dissent as Salem simply shook his head in solemn contempt, having calmed a bit since the outburst."...I'm the first person to ever win two singles titles in this company, I'm the first ever BBW World Champion, and I’m through living to please you people just because you pay for this…’entertainment’. You eat popcorn, bring your children to these violent events, buy memorabilia of whichever wrestler they want, knowing full well that to us, every show breaks us, bloodies us, forces us to give you more and more so we can earn a living and make a place in your hearts,,,and maybe hold this.”Lowering his title, Salem’s dead-eyed stare was broken as he closed his eyes, then opened them and gazed at the shining face of his OECW Seasons Championship, kneeling with a reverent awe. No longer looking tense and apprehensive, he relaxed while practically whispering to the restless crowd.”…I only want to make a place for myself, here…on this nameplate, on this championship. You can call me a sadist, but it’s the pot calling the kettle black when I only provide the sort of ‘entertainment’ that you think is worth your time and money. You can call me the 'Devil of BBW'. In the original Hebrew, 'Satan' meant adversary...opponent, and I intend to become the ultimate opponent. Whether it means breaking someone's face with a brick to the mouth, or slamming someone's head into a sack of thumbtacks...this title's not going anywhere. So, I hope you’re ready, North Dakota…I hope you’re ready America, the Western Hemisphere, the whole ********’ world…because while you all might live your mundane lives vicariously through me…I’m going to live out every twisted fantasy of mine through this company. You want blood? I’ll give you blood. You want bodies broken, bruised, beaten into submission? Check, check, and check. But you remember…when you see me holding this belt, and look down at my feet at the remains of whichever sonuvabitch was unlucky enough to try and take it from me…you remember: you came for the show.”The audience was buzzing after the brief monologue, Salem turning his sights to Omen to give him a firm nod before smirking, turning towards the ropes as if he were about to depart. But before he could duck his head under, Salem paused – his thigh vibrating strangely. Slipping it out from his pocket, he paused and saw a number he didn’t realize. Lowering the microphone, he hit the answer icon on his touchscreen and brought it up to his ear as the crowd booed and cheered."...Yes?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 3:24 pm
Freakshow sits in the holding area of a crowded prison cell holding a phone to his ear. Behind him are three Hispanic men who seemed to remember him, he didn't remember them, but they remembered him and that couldn't possibly be good. It is likely that the only reason he hadn't been gang raped yet was the fact that it had just been televised that he had come into contact with Hepatitis C. After his arrest earlier in the show he had been dragged to a remote area in the BBW backstage area to be interrogated. While most members of his stable, also arrested, had been released due to insufficient evidence, Freakshow possessed on his person a number of substances that necessitated further investigation. It was after the discovery of these substances that BBW security were forced to hand the manager down to the local police. The local police who upon reception of the manager inquired into his past records and discovered a laundry list of unresolved, suspiciously suspended, and otherwise questionable violations, some international. As such, the man was thrown into the cell and booked with bail well beyond the digits that one would expect for a possession and assault charge at best. Todd R. Sexton was in Panama. Brantley Summers was in Guam. AJ Warner, well, he was AJ Warner. Aaron Fatsumoto didn't carry a cellphone. Kujaku had a very poor data plan. The FWU didn't have a dollar to their name. And Asimov, well, they hadn't even exchanged numbers with. He had been left with one plan of recourse. One plan of action in his time of need. There was only one man left who he had, in legal terms at least, that he had a small amount of control over. The sweat and panic could be heard through the phone.
"Uh.. Hello? It's Freak.. We have a bit of a problem.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 6:20 pm
No.
There was no way. Not him. Not that greasy, sniveling sound - one that could only come from the most slithering and sleazy of sorts...of which, only one Salem knew well enough to cringe upon hearing from. But as the titantron flashed to life before him with a scene of Freakshow flanked by foul-minded Filipinos, he knew.
Freakshow was calling him for bail money.
Chuckling as he pulled his head back into the ring, Salem straightened up and stared smugly back towards the screen, enjoying the sight far more than even the elated audience could comprehend. Clearing his throat, straightening the Seasons Championship on his shoulder, Salem held up the microphone as he spoke into the phone with some amusement in his voice.
"Heeeey, Freakshow. Yeah, I thought we had a nice arrangement where I tolerate your existence and you stay the ******** outta my way. But then again, you seem to be in the world's worst conga line...another vacation in Cuba? What problem do you seem to think we have?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:53 pm
"Look uh.. I know we've had some issues.. You know.. I really, uh, really wish I'd read through that contract a little bit more before I, well-Haha--I mean, maybe after I get out of here we can redraw the terms of your agreement--But uh-- Oh yeah, the problem.."
Freak looks back over his shoulder at the five or six mean ******** staring a hole into the back of his head. A lump slides down his throat. "Jesus christ.." He whispers to himself, perspiration caking his unhealthy complexion as he speaks with a hushed voice into the phone. This was certainly embarrassing. If Freak had any pride he certainly wouldn't be doing this. He didn't have any. A gargantuan ego, yes. A more than healthy amount of narcissism, yes. Self centered? Of course. But as far as actual dignity and the sense of self-worth that would follow from a actual positive conception of his own character? We'll let his words do the answering for us.
"...See, I've always considered you a good kid with a bright future. That's why, haha, that's why I went to such lengths to get you that deal in the first place. That's why if you do me this favor--friend to friend--I'd be more than willing to cut you a bigger piece of the pie, uh, you know.. After you bail me out of prison.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:29 pm
Salem chuckled as he heard Freakshow try using his silver tongue to talk his way out of another problem of his own construction. The fans, however, took to booing as soon as the man finished speaking, voicing their complaints with Freak's request. Still, Salem seemed to ignore their opinions, enjoying the scenario too much now that the reality had settled in. Whatever the reason Freakshow pursued him all this time, Salem knew that right now, Freak needed him. With a devilish smirk, "The Copperhead" replied like they were at a poker game and he'd held a Royal Flush.
"Heheh...yeah, okay, Freak." Salem said, amused at the attempted coercion. "Y'know, I could bail you out, Freak...but then again, I could just hang up right now and let you make new friends wherever you're going. I'm sure you're a really popular guy in the criminal circles...I bet the people in prison life would have no problem fitting into you - I mean, fitting you in. So, tell me - why should I ignore this obvious opportunity at vengeance for all the trouble you've caused me and let you walk free?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:36 pm
Freakshow stares at the window infront of him blankly. He could see one of the young men behind him, getting up from his chair. "Oh <********> The blonde looks behind him making eye contact with the cholo, then back away not wanting to turn to stone. Clenching his a** cheeks almost reflexively at the very notion of what could happen to him, the Marauder wraps his hand around the receiver, knuckles bone white as he speaks with a hushed whisper into the phone.
"Name your price! Anything I can get you anything I have clout. You want a belt? I'll get ya a belt, ALL THE BELTS. How about a car? Girls?! I got plenty of girls.. Name your price, and I'll pay it! I need out of here Croft!.."
CLICK
Freakshow feels something cold and metal pressed against the back of his neck. "s**t."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:47 pm
Salem watched on with the thousands of others in attendance as the man behind Freakshow started to make a threatening move against the manager of the Midnight Marauders. The crowd began to cheer at the prospect of Salem simply hanging up on the villain, letting them see his fate broadcast across the titantron for millions to enjoy, but the prospect of power was one that "The Copperhead" couldn't ignore. Everyone's got a price, so they say. But Salem's wasn't any belt or fame. There was something else the self-proclaimed "Devil of BBW" had in mind.
"I'll tell you what, Freak...I'll cut you a deal, and I think you'll like it more than the one that fella behind you has in mind. But listen closely, because this is a one-time offer. I'll get you out of prison...make the calls, move the money, get you back on the streets...if you give me control of the Midnight Marauders International when I do. You can still be around to help with the day-to-day...but from now on, you and all the others will answer to me. Or, like I said. You can...take your chances. But we both know that you never pass on a sure thing, Freak. So, what's it gonna be? Am I the new leader of MMI, or am I ending this phone call?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 8:05 pm
"WHAT THAT'S COMPLETELY-" "Alright everybody... Shower time in twenty minutes!" The color totally drains from Freakshows face. Clutching at his tie he clenches his eyes shut, saying into his phone in a meek rasp, "Ok... Ok..." Freak looks back over his shoulder again, sweat pouring down his forehead, his yellow hair sticking to his head. This was bad. This was really really bad. Although it couldn't have been worse than his alternative. His long, hard, alternative. "DEAL! IT'S YOURS. GET ME THE <******** OUT OF HERE."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 8:29 pm
The crowd popped with excitement and disbelief as Freakshow complied, relinquishing control of the MMI to the very man who he'd used the group to torture over the past year. The moment was settling in among those on their feet in the crowd, but Salem simply smiled and nodded his head. "Don't worry, no one's going to be scrubbing your back. I'll have you out of there in fifteen. It's been a pleasure working for you." Salem teased, hitting the end button on his phone before turning towards Omen, offering his comrade a shrug of surprise. Meanwhile, the audience began to get unruly with their mixed reaction over the new development, provoking Salem to start dialing the personal accountant that managed finances for the MMI as he ducked under the top rope again, hopping off the apron as he strutted back towards the stage. As the phone started to ring, Salem cocked his head back, looking over his Seasons Championship towards Omen, still in the ring.
"You coming?" he asked into the mic, a tone of delight in his voice. "Looks like business is about to pick up around here! Heh-ha!"
Tossing the microphone into the air, Salem went up the ramp, ignoring the fans who reached out from the aisle as he spoke on the phone, passing through the curtain that led backstage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 5:53 pm
The conversation between the two men was over. Freakshow had given away his most prized possession and the call was over. The MMI had a new leader and the initiation of the true Salem Croft was complete.
Was this all coincidental? Possibly. Some would say that this was all a coincidence and some would say that Omen himself had planned everything, or maybe the Voice did. However, mystery would still sweep over the arrest of almost every MMI member except for the Copperhead.
Salem would finish his lines, asking if Omen was coming, which he would be. Slowly, the two would exit the ring and begin their journey up the ramp. Both men receiving an ovation of boos and cheers from all over the arena, not a single seat being quiet. This was truly what the most dominant team could do when together.
The two would finish their walk up the ramp and head behind the curtains. The segment was over and a black out would be cued in to signify so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
