Post by MYŌJIN on Sept 10, 2021 22:55:42 GMT -5
“Are you ready to start?”
“As ready as I think I'll ever be.”
A few moments passed as MYOJIN sat in a chair in a studio next to a microphone at a table. Sitting at the opposite was Caden Yung, who had a rather excited expression on his face as he turned to his microphone. “Aaaaaaaalright! And here we are with the first episode of the Honor Roll podcast! I’m your host, Caden ‘Mr. Steal Yo Girl’ Yung- and for our very beginning, we have a special guest! One of the mainstays since the very beginning of Project: Honor and the brand Proving Ground, and the person that will be challenging for the X-Factor Championship at Night of Honor at the freakin’ Tokyo Dome, the Shining Star- MYOOOOOJIN!”
MYOJIN took a deep, slow inhale before sighing.
It had taken a lot of convincing for the blonde to get on board with getting on a podcast for Project: Honor, the somewhat defeated look on their face gave that away pretty easily as they leaned nonchalantly in their chair. Truth be told, as much as they enjoyed being in the spotlight and stealing everyone’s attention- they were impatient when it came to doing promotional events to hype up matches and shows. The only reason they were there was that Caden was a good friend, and he needed a special guest for the beginning episode of the podcast.
Night of Honor was growing closer and closer- possibly the greatest event Project: Honor will have held in their first full year of existence at the Tokyo Dome, in the Shining Star’s home country- Japan. Not only that? But MYOJIN would finally be getting the match that they had been waiting forever for since Hell on Earth, the match that had been eluding them ever since the very beginning- a match for the X-Factor Championship.
Everything that they had been struggling for, everything that they have been fighting for- was finally reaching the moment of truth. The payoff. The happy ending, and while they were excited? ...There wasn’t that same nervous anxiety that they had often felt. That excitement that both emboldened them and unnerved them. It was missing, whatever that feeling was- and they weren’t able to understand what it was and why it bothered them. It should be good that they didn’t feel jittery, right?
“Hey… Uh, MYO? This is the part where you say hey to all the fans and stuff, dude?”
“Huh? Oh-” The blonde blinked, realizing that they had been lost in their head- and that they were alive. They cleared their throat, putting on their charismatic, familiar, and exaggerated voice with a cool smile. “My apologies. Hello, lovelies! I’m so happy to be here tonight.”
“And we’re happy to have you!” Caden responded brightly, “So, how has life been recently for the Shining Star?”
“Life has been pretty good if I do say so myself. I’ve been finishing up tours in XHF and OWA and took some time to rest for a little while, to spend time with my family and rest from some injuries- and it took some time, but… I finally feel that I’m back at one-hundred percent completely. That I’m ready for any fight at any time. I’ve always been one to always adapt and improve on my craft to the best of my ability- I try to change things up, I try to never grow stale- because a wrestler fails at their job whenever they become stagnant, I believe.” The blonde spoke, a small smile appearing on their face as they talked.
“So, this is going to be a pretty big match for you. Possibly your biggest match since facing Dickie Watson last year at Bloodbath for the Grand Championship in a match that stole the night- You’re going to be challenging Lance Williams for the X-Factor title in an Iron Man match, man- “Speaking of resting from injuries, you’ve been out of commission for a little while- recovering from a brutal injury sustained at XHF- This will actually be your first match back in the ring ever since that, so how’s that making you feel?”
MYOJIN winced at the reminder, almost instinctively putting a hand to their side- where they had been stabbed with a screwdriver in the same match where the X*Crown Championship had been taken away from them- but that was something to focus on for another time... They had been forced to take time off, but thankfully were medically cleared to come back and wrestle at Night of Honor- to finally be able to capitalize on the title shot they had earned.
“Wrestling isn't ballet. Every single person that decides to step in the ring know the risks that they are taking- and I had a lot of time to think after what had happened to me, I had a lot of time to consider- I've healed, physically… but for the first time in forever, I realized that I'm not invincible. That I can't come back from just anything- and it made me wonder if I'd be in the right mindset to compete for a title as soon as I'd come back.” MYOJIN spoke, running a hand through their golden hair. A troubled expression on their face as they looked down, before continuing to speak.
“And I know- someone probably with a lot more smarts than yours truly would have waited until they felt very sure of themselves… But I felt like I needed to do this. That I have to do this, actually… I know that management could have simply scheduled my title match against Williams on a later date and could've given him a filler opponent- letting him skate by holding that title a little longer- but I'm so tired of waiting… I'm so tired of the anticipation. I've lost an opportunity at becoming Legacy Champion before due to injury, and I refuse to let that happen again.”
Caden nodded, listening intently. “I can respect that! But you know, there's something I have to ask- you've had a great year, but in Project: Honor things have… been a little not so great. You haven't won a championship in the company yet- but a lot of people really think it's your time. Your chance to finally do what many believe you're capable of. I've been in the ring with you before, so I have to admit- I believe you can do it too. But I'm curious, what's been driving you toward the X-Factor title? Why do you want it so bad?”
MYOJIN had expected that to be brought up sooner than later. The fact that they had never held a championship within Project: Honor, despite their many attempts. It didn't bother them that much anymore, given they had heard the same criticism from their detractors plenty of times. But, what they hadn't expected to been asked was… Their reason for wanting the championship that Lance Williams carried. They had never truly thought about why, the Shining Star had never thought to ask themself their reason.
They paused, the question going through their head again and again. Clearing their throat, MYOJIN did their best to answer. “At Night of Honor, I'm going to have my first actual title match for that belt. It's crazy, isn't it? I was in the tournament to become the inaugural champion-”
“And ya know, you lost to me. Juuust sayin'.” Caden pointed out, giving a little wink. MYOJIN was not so amused as they simply stared at the Assistant Manage, Caden raised his hands in self-defense.
“Which you only did because that asshole back then had distracted me.” The blonde noted.
“...But you know what? That kind of describes my history with that belt in the first place- in this fed as a whole. I lost a chance in the tournament, then when I had faced the first champion to earn a shot at him- he got himself disqualified and ran off, never defending the belt until Indy Darling finally got it from his grasp. Kind of reminds you of our current champion, right?” MYOJIN smirked.
“I then lost to Williams in the second tournament for a shot at the belt when it had been vacated… to Williams. Every time I've taken a step forward, I've gone two steps back. Whether it be by unfortunate circumstances or just not being the better competitor on that night…. This is the closest that I have ever been- and it's not just about winning gold anymore, it's not about getting to brag or boast- it's about like I've said all the way back at Hell on Earth- proving that I am capable. That I am more than just an underdog. More than just a journeyman. That I can finally show that I have what it takes to be a champion in this company…. and if I can't do that? If I can't do it now after I've finally come so far? ...Then maybe I don't deserve to be here. Maybe I should just leave.”
Caden was surprised by those last words, MYOJIN could tell by the slight widening of his eyes. He then spoke again, “That brings us to Lance Williams- the champion. You haven't been able to get a win over him in a while now and some people have doubts that you'll be able to do it when the title is on the line.”
MYOJIN simply smiled in return toward their old friend and earliest rival.
“I've made a career out of doing things people believed I wouldn't be capable of doing. Defying the odds, upset victories, always fighting uphill, and somehow succeeding at them because I'm just that damn good at this sport. Williams got me once, he was a better man that night- but he hasn't been able to pin me again since either.”
“At Night of Honor? I'm going to just be doing what I've always done, and that is proving I should NEVER be doubted.”
There was a lot to think about.
The match was coming closer and closer- and the blonde wasn't sure of how that exactly made them feel. Still, they were missing that filling. That feeling of adrenaline running at the mere thought of a match that should be causing their blood to rush. They had been preparing the entire month for it, they knew that they wanted it. But at the same time, MYOJIN wasn't sure of how to feel. They sat in a cafe, doing their best to figure out what it was that they were missing.
Was it their ambition? No.
Was it their edge? No.
...Then, what was it?
“Shouta? Earth to Shouta, hello!”
MYOJIN blinked- turning to narrowly dodge a sudden roundhouse kick from their older sister, the wrestler YOKAI- or more personally known to them as simply Akira. She continued throwing multiple strikes in their direction, causing them to quickly roll out of the way- catching another kick and sending her down to the ring mat before going for a headlock, instead suddenly being countered with a drop toe hold as Akira quickly sprang to her feet with a grin on her face. “You're going to have to do a LOT better than that if you're going to take me down, Sho. Pay more attention!”
She held a hand out, the blonde begrudgingly took it and stood up. The two had always bonded over being each other's most trusted sparring partner. It was their way of showing their true feelings- and while MYOJIN had often been able to keep up with her, currently they were falling behind as they placed their hands on their hips- sweat dripping from their thick head of hair.
“What's up with you?” She asked, raising an eyebrow to the Shining Star.
“Hm? Nothing, I'm fine.” They quickly responded, rolling out of the ring and taking a deep breath as they went to grab a Gatorade from the apron.
“Uh, clearly something is. You kind of just blanked out- if I hadn't gotten your attention, I would've kicked your head off. Is your head not in the game?” Akira asked, moving to sit down next to them. The blonde frowned, simply shrugging as they rubbed the side of their face.
“I, uh… I honestly don't know what's wrong with me recently. Usually up right before a match, I start feeling anxious. I start feeling pumped. But right now? I'm feeling strange. I feel like.. I don't know, frustrated. I hate that I feel like everyone sees me as unlikely to win.”
Akira brought herself over, “Don't tell me you're seriously not believing in yourself. After everything, you've managed to accomplish recently? After everything you've done? You're champion material, you know that… I know that. The thing is, you have to believe that still too.”
MYOJIN looked toward her as she reached over to place her hand on their shoulder. “It's time to show everyone in that company that you have what it takes. Show that asshole that you aren't a failure like he keeps trying to tell you that you are. I believe in you, your friends believe in you- It's time to finally believe in yourself.”
“I don't think that I'm not capable of doing it. I just… I've been fighting for the chance all this time, I want to make the best of it. I want to finally know for sure to myself that I have what it takes.” MYOJIN responded, taking a sip from their drink.
“I'm going to be giving my best- and I want to make sure that there aren't any mistakes. Any excuses.”
“So do that. Show the world that you've finally reached your potential here. Be the best that you can be.” Akira gave a smile, standing up and heading back into the ring. “But that also means you're going to have to continue working your ass off. So get back in this ring and actually pay attention to your surroundings before I kick your ass.”
The blonde stood, giving a grin. They were ready. Finally, it felt- it truly felt like they were ready.
And they weren't going to let another chance slip out of their grasp. Not this time.
Night of Honor is here.
The biggest event this company will have had this year- in one of the most famous, most historically important arenas in the entire world when it comes to professional wrestling- the Tokyo Dome- and it all feels so fitting. The chance to compete for the X-Factor Championship in the second ever Iron Man match in the company, the first I won- mind you- in my home country of Japan. That's pretty exciting- Actually, that's an understatement- it's a fucking ONCE in a lifetime chance… and it all feels like the closing of a chapter in my story.
It's not the first time that someone in my family has ended up here. My old man, back when he competed in MMA, had fought here in that stadium a few times at the height of his career. Some wins, some losses.
Months ago, maybe when I first begun- that would've been the thing on my mind for the longest. I was always so obsessed with trying to live up to a legacy, my family's when I started out- a desire to step out of their shadows and show the world just what I'm capable of- and looking back, I think that it was what had always held me back. My need to live up to a legacy instead of creating my own. Instead of growing to becoming the very best wrestler I could be, I was always comparing myself to others.
Honestly? The idea of competing in such a large stadium in such a high stakes match is a little terrifying. A little scary, even, but a welcome challenge. A chance to make everyone that's ever rooted for me to be proud of me. A chance to finally earn what I've felt that should have been mine for a very long time. And you know something? I should be feeling excited, nervous, kind of scared- I should be feeling something in this match like I normally find myself feeling. Yet I'm not- and I've been wondering why for the longest time. Why I should feel something toward the opponent that I'm going to be facing- anger, hatred… But besides the need, the desire to surpass him and win my first title? I feel indifferent.
I feel that I have the entire world on my back. So many people, fans, friends, and family are believing in me. Not to live up to some legacy, but to start my own. They have put their faith in me- and you know, that IS stressful. That IS scary. The thought of that DOES make me nervous. So, thank you, Lance.
You're a reprieve to the things that have been giving me anxiety recently. In a world of hyperstimulation, you present a dull, boring breath of fresh air. Because if I can't count on anything else, I can count on you being as predictable as usual. I can count on you still being the generic, bland musclehead that you have always been.
I can count on you constantly bringing up how you've beaten me once and calling me a failure, because that's the only insult you really know how to use. I can count on you so desperately trying to seem like a fighting champion while ignoring the fact that you haven't defended that championship ONCE since you've won it.
I know I can count on you underestimating me because you managed to have pinned me once. I can count on your ego doing most of the work for me when you slip up, make an arrogant mistake, and then I start tearing you apart limb by limb. I definitely know I can count on your desperation causing you to screw up because you know that as soon as that gold leaves your hands, you'll go back to being the rarely successful singles competitor that you always were.
Lance, you really love to think that you're some sort of badass supervillain. That you're above everyone else and so frightening, so scary. You love the idea of people hating you so much because its the closest thing to a reaction you can GET out of these crowds.
Lance Williams, you're really unremarkable. The problem is- no one truly cares about you or anything that you do- and the only thing I want to do with you, is take that title.
You give people reasons to hate you, to despise you- because you're terrified and insecure of the ones people naturally dislike you for… And that's because you're just so…
...Unbelievably bland.
There is nothing that stands out about you. If anything, that championship has lost all the prestige Indy Darling had worked so hard to give it because of you. It's pretty much the same reign as Colton Saint, a loser who happened to get lucky and suddenly thinks he's a god.
In a sport where charisma matters just as much as talent, why do you have neither?
That belt is the only reason people give a SINGLE fuck about your existence. Yet, I wonder how many fans have stopped caring about this division since you became the face of it. You make everything you touch so boring. You make a title that I have been fighting for since day one on this company nothing more than a fancy looking prop.
Though once it's finally with me? I'll make that prop into a championship again.
I'll make people care about this division again.
I'm not going to hide behind tag partners and beat up GMs who aren't medically cleared and then claim I'm a legitimate champion.
At Night of Honor? I'm going to finally right a wrong… And that was you ever beating me.
You beat a version of me that was so insecure, so arrogant yet so unsure of themself because I stood at a crossroads and didn't know where to go. Struggling between choosing between living up to everyone else's expectations or my own.
But my mind is clear now. My heart has found resolve- and like I told Arata Asukara, the old Shining Star- the Heart and Soul of Project: Honor is reignited.
And it's finally time for me to save the X-Factor title and division. To bring it back to the prestige it deserves and even higher. To show everyone that luck doesn't strike twice. And most importantly? To rub it in your face when the so-called failure whoops your fucking ass. I've survived an Iron Man match before, I am beyond resilient- and it'll take a lot more than some joke like you to ever break me again.
Lance, you are just a footnote in my story. An obstacle to overcome. A dragon to slay- and after that? You can go back to being the low midcarder you were always meant to be.
I'm going to beat you. That's not a promise, that's not a hopeful statement- that's a spoiler.
Soon enough, the X-Factor title will be finally where it has always belonged.