Post by Mark Hunter on Apr 22, 2021 20:17:00 GMT -5
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PERSPECTIVE
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“The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.” - Chris Pine
Unaired Footage
London, England
April 17th, 2021 - 15:01
Opportunity after opportunity. Every week whether it be a main event on the regular televised program or a headliner featured on a Proving Ground fully paid pay-per-view. Mark Hunter recently came off another big win in his career against the only man to have a one on one victory over him, the monstrous Lance Williams in a brilliant back and forth match. Back, and forth these two incredible athletes filled with talent, and the determination of a champion sought out to ruin each other's bodies, and possibly prematurely end their career before it ever reached their prime, all that despite being friends. When he accepted that match, he understood the risks, the downfalls. He understood everything. It was okay to hear all the critics deliver their message through their blogs; Mark didn't care. They weren't in this business as much as he was so why should a competitor like him focus on the negative words of people who only get the chance to ever wrestle in their heads? Pathetic, and unwarranted. Uncalled for most likely.
After defeating Lance and confronting Indy backstage, Mark's body gave out. Exhaustion overcame him like hard hitting squalls bashing against the wooden walls of a little shack. He had finally felt the effects of continuously facing people such as Dickie Watson, Indy Darling, and Lance Williams regularly. Finally, Mark Hunter defeated one of his toughest opponents in a match meaning so much to Mark, he had partially at least righted the one wrong on his whole singles career in wrestling. Exhaustion had taken its toll. Medical said he would be able to compete at Public Execution but not at 100%, safe to say his condition is better than Indy’s however, so no excuses. Bottom line: He'll make it to Brazil as favourite and in better condition than Indy Darling.
April 17th, Saturday Afternoon in London. Traffic was shitty as usual, and well, it was really that bad. Mark sat down in the back of a cab still pressing against the knee braced ever since facing Dickie. Maybe it was the seating that was uncomfortable but with an injury like that, however minor, everything feels uncomfortable. He was on his way to view some sights, and take a few pictures for his collection. Spending time with Jelena after being separated for so long rekindled that Championship caliber fighter within his soul, and definitely put his focus back into the picture of where he needed to be all along.
Exiting the cab, he paid the rude driver off, and went about on his little walk to see the sights he’s often taken for granted. Wearing a black T-Shirt in black Joggers, and white converses on. And little accessories to complete the look with a crystal Michael Kors watch, and slim gold chain around his neck. Mark embraced the London environment; satisfying his senses. The sight of different people, smell of different foods, and all the beautiful sites of nature mixed with man-made constructions. London was truly a magnificent place to be in but to live in as he had at times, only those fortunate to achieve such a wealthy lifestyle would fully understand the beauty, and potential of such a historic location to the entire world. However, the only things that bothered him were the thoughts of who burned down his brother in laws bar, and the upcoming match with his new GM, Indy Darling.
What the hell man? This was a HEADLINER!! Allow that to settle into your mind. Headliner, and seventy five percent of the entire Project Honor roster has no idea what it's like to be booked in big matches. Hell, they haven't even reached the co-main event as of yet. So why the hell is this General Manager giving himself special treatment at the expense of granting a Grand Title shot to a deserving member of the roster? Only thing that mattered is Mark was sick and tired of helping others get up on the card. Basically, Indy insulted him and the roster by stealing this spot, and slapped every deserving wrestler in the face to add salt into the wound whilst doing it by making them stand by as Lumberjacks.
“This is nice.”
Yes it was. Mark was on a rooftop of a well known pub in the busy streets of London, and he leaned against the thick fence directly in front of Big Ben. Arms pressed against the metal, and hazel eyes really capturing the enticing, and monumental view of the biggest clock tower in the world. As he leaned in closer, he was joined by an old geezer. Your everyday neighborhood old guy who you could just sit down with, and have a nice talk about anything. You know, that one old guy who lives near you, and surprised you with wisdom more than Solomon could. As he stood beside Mark, he chuckled. Mark looked beside him to the old geezer. Wrinkled skin, breath probably smelt like prunes, old baggy clothing, and white hair twirled up in locks to finish the look off.
“Beautiful isn't he?”
The accent was heavy, English accent of course. Mark nodded, and kept looking forward while interlocking his fingers together. The old geezer leaned forward on the thick metal fence as the two conversated.
“I take it you're not from around here.”
“No. I'm here on business, and business only, I have a company I’ve ignored for about six months, I’m here to complete it’s sale. Although the bonus is seeing London again. I was born about twenty five miles from here but live in the states now, despite spending a fair bit of time in England, I haven't been here for a few years, and certainly miss all of...this.”
“Ah, I see. It's good to slow down, and appreciate all the small things.”
“You call Big Ben a small thing?”
“I've lived in London for more than sixty years son, this right here is just another clock to me.”
Mark looked at the old geezer like he was mad. How could such a tower building become a small thing in this guy's eyes?
“Just another clock?”
“Why yes? It's true purpose is to tell time. It's no more significant than the nice watch you have on your wrist there son. We only give value to it or else it would have no value at all. I see you also have value in something that you do. I'm guessing you are an athlete.”
“Yes. I am. I'm a Professional Wrestler.”
“Ah! Professional Wrestler. London is quite fond of the sport, and I believe you must be a very highly-valued competitor in it. So why do you look so offended?”
“You ever get the feeling that you aren't appreciated and don't feel like you're in the spot you should be?”
“If you mean being young then yes.”
Both men chuckled at that corny joke. Mark looked forward but down to the people carrying on with their everyday activities. He really enjoyed the time with this old geezer who was at least kind enough to initiate a great conversation right off the bat. Must be the people skills developed in some weird retirement home or learning about the young generation through Degrassi. A thought crossed Mark's mind, and really put him in a position to ask.
“Uhh, I have a question.”
“You want to know why you haven't been forced to defend your title at Public Execution, and have to resort to facing a guy you’ve beaten twice already.”
“What? How the hell did you know about that?”
“The real question is, why are you so worried about Indy? Aren't you prepared to face anyone anytime? It's alright to react to such a match but you have to remember. You are a competitor, a Straight Shooting competitor. The value you put on this guy is what you make of him to be. Have you forgotten that if he wins, he gets to claim bragging rights? That's something you always want right? So why value him as important when you know deep within your heart, you could beat him for a third time? Screwy finish or no screwy finish!”
Words were barely spoken. Mark couldn't believe everything he said but it struck him deep within. Indy Darling is just another stepping stone he has to get over, and by any means necessary. The image he wants to portray will slip away between his fingers if he doesn’t. Also to put his new boss in his place is an opportunity many would kill for, Mark would never get another shot like this. To others it would be just another match but to Hunter, this has to be a last act on route to becoming the leader Proving Ground needs. Mark turned his head to look at the old Geezer again but he was just gone like he vanished in a cloud of smoke. What the fucking hell? How is that even possible? So was this all in his head or a sign from God? Either way, words were spoken, and fallen on well deserved ears. As Mark took one last look at Big Ben, he nodded, and went about his way. Suddenly, his phone started ringing, and it was Jelena's picture on the screen. At that moment Mark felt good and couldn't deny it.
“Heyo.”
“Hey. Are you alright?”
“Yeah. I'm good. London is great, I wish you were here though.”
“Great. I have good news to tell you, it’s a slight bomb I forgot to drop on you before you left.”
“Yeah, what is it?”
“We're having twins.”
Well. Umm. Shit. Great news. Mark stopped on his power march, and nearly collapsed to the wall of a store. He held onto the phone, and started smiling. Twins? Damn with extra Damn.
Unaired Footage
London, England
April 17th, 2021 - 20:14
Mark Hunter is lounging on the four poster bed in his room at The Dorchester on Park Lane, he looks zoned out as he stares blankly at the ceiling. Mark is dragged back to reality by the message received tone on his phone, he grabs at it and reads the following message from “Unknown Number”.
‘The Dorchester is too good for scum like you. The fire at Steve’s bar was first, I’ve just vandalised that pretty motor you’ve been driving since getting to England, that is the second and far from last way I’ll be giving you what you fucking deserve.’
Mark jumps up grabbing at his keys, door card, and jacket. He literally flies out the door of his room.
“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” - Edmund Burke
Aired Footage
London, England
April 20th, 2021 - 10:40
The days in the week have trickled by slowly whilst Mark has stayed at The Dorchester in London. He has been racking his brain searching for answers to many questions and having no luck. Grand Title over his right shoulder, dressed in a Burgundy suit and staring straight at the camera, it is clear Mark Hunter is ready to tell the world his thoughts.
“Since I arrived in Project Honor you have all been treated to displays that very few can say they’ve seen before. You've been treated to myself competing in stunning match after stunning match with wrestlers such as Lance Williams, Dickie Watson, and Indy Darling. They put it all on the line against yours truly and many of you between your jeers and cheers had the same thought as them when it was over. The right man won. The better man won. That man of course is me! Mark Hunter. Did you really ever expect anything else? I know I didn’t.”
“I knew early on in all those matches that the win was mine and it was only a matter of time until I ended it. How did I know it? I could see it in the eyes of Indy Darling no more than thirty seconds into my debut, then again before the bell on our second meeting, and poor Dickie Watson just looked like a deer caught in the headlights in even quicker time than that. They were both not ready to be in the moment. They were both not ready for me. It was evident after I hit my first move. I was faster, smarter and just plain better than they were. It’s fairly simple. The cream always rises to the top, I have the Grand Title and I don’t plan on letting it go anytime soon. This is the beginning of a whole new chapter for this title.”
“Before me Proving Ground titles had been put in the hands of wannabes and weaklings for far too long. Due to Dickie and Indy, no one of any star quality has held either this title or the X-Factor belts and I don’t plan on letting either of those losers besmirch any title again. That’s why even in the non title match versus Indy coming up, I have to defeat Indy or I’m allowing him to continue besmirching the companies belts. Indy has abused his position and if I don’t do something about it, that abuse will lead to this championship belt being seen as the afterthought it was before I took it.”
“Indy, I’ll be holding my belt over your broken body at Public Execution. You had no business making this match in the first place. You could have proved you were better, you could have proved you cared, you could have granted an opportunity to a deserving member of your roster. BUT NO! You turned your General Manager position into a joke in no time at all. You’ve stolen this moment! You’re the fucking worst.”
“I’m gonna break you to the point that they are gonna need to run tests on you for weeks Indy. Normally I would take it easy and just try to beat you but I need to make a statement that selfish bastards like you will be easily thrown aside during my reign at the top of Proving Ground. You have shown me nothing but petulance and immaturity with your reactions to me in the ring and what I say in my promos. You can’t handle that I am everything you wish you were. I can see it when you talk about me. Your face gets a little red and your eyes flare with those jealous eyes. It’s like I’m staring at a girl I hooked up with but never called after that special night. Not only do you fail to handle it well but you can’t handle the fact that you deep down don’t even know who you really are anymore.”
“I’ve seen it all before Indy. A guy that wants to be liked and will adapt to all situations in order to be accepted by everybody. Sometimes you talk about how you are better and how you are the person to take this show and make it something and other times you try to pull at people's heart strings and want to talk about work ethic and the fans. Listen….we can all see right through you for the poser you are. You aren’t anything more than a lost little boy. You’re a nobody and you should’ve never been given any chances or power in the first place. It takes a real man to be a star and I am that man. I know who I am. I’m the guy that puts asses in seats by being one simple thing. By being The Grand Champion, Mark Hunter! You are the guy that loses to me AGAIN because you are Indy Darling, a sad lost little bitch.”
“When you faced me the first time I saw in your eyes that you had hope that this was going to be the moment where you could prove that you weren’t a fluke. That you deserved to be a somebody. Then I took complete control and I watched the confidence and excitement disappear. I saw you realize that you just aren’t in my league. In our second fight that hope was non-existent… now it’s take three and you have no hope, no chance, and because you’ve stolen this moment from the roster… nothing about you left to fucking respect!”
“You have put yourself in my crosshairs and now I’m going to have to end your career before it even gets to a point of decency. Now I know that sounds cliche but I don’t mean that I’m going to end your career physically although I could based on the injuries you already have. I mean mentally. You could have enjoyed your new position, you could continue to convince a small segment of people that you are worth a damn and make some money off of that but instead you get to be exposed again on Sunday night in the Mineirinho Arena. You will get in the ring and everyone will see one more time that I am just better than you and that you are all talk. I will prove that your little quips cannot be backed up by your actions in the ring.”
“There is one thing that does scare me about ruining you on Sunday. It’s the fact that you seem to already be a little obsessed with me. You seem to want to dissect everything I say and do, it’s a bit sad really. If you can’t move on after this Sunday when I show the world it’s all over for Indy Darling. I think I may need to get a restraining order. I don’t want to wake up one day and have you just staring at me at the foot of my bed, breathing heavily and talking about anything I said or did the previous day. I kind of feel like we are on the verge of something creepy man and I’m just gonna ask you to take your third defeat at the hands of Mark Hunter in stride and forget all about me. I know I’m good but damn man….not for you.”
“The greatest Grand Championship reign will continue this Sunday and the ratings and popularity of Project Honor will continue to rise and it will be because the right champion is holding the title. I’ll be holding that belt in the face of every Lumberjack you stole this opportunity from Indy, they could have had this moment. Think about that you selfish bastard before you think any of them are gonna be anti Mark Hunter!”
“I’ll be standing tall after this match for the roster you have shit on Indy, think about that before your next bullshit move as General Manager!”
That signals the promos end. Mark pulls out his phone and begins to look for flights from England to Brazil for Public Execution.