Post by Ace King on May 16, 2017 4:44:39 GMT
Bouncing back is difficult.
I might be coming to Osaka without the EWC Television Championship… But at least I’m going to a place where most people have the balls to fight face-to-face.
It’s been a rough month, sure, but this is a way to get back on track, because I’m of a completely different mindset. See, where everyone else wants to become NJFC’s next Global Champion… I need it.
Sure, laugh at my declaration… Just remember to wipe the smirks off your fucking faces when I make good on my word.
Otaki… Megan… Whoever the hell you are... You’re good, and you’re as resilient as anyone… But on Wednesday, you’re first in line for the slaughter.
I’m not dumb enough to overlook you, but for all the talk about my shortcomings, you have no idea what it’s like to face me, much less doing so when I’ve got nothing to lose.
Though I lost to Devin Hearst in Tokyo, he’ll tell you what I can do… Which is just the tip of the iceberg if I get him again, because I. WILL. NOT. LOSE. AGAIN.
I’ve said my fair share, but the way to the top is through action, and I will leave no doubt with mine.
May 13, 2017
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Penn.
12:47 a.m.
Disbelief.
It’s appropriate to describe my feeling as I sit in the Rampage locker room empty-handed after Harvey Yorke took MY Television Championship. Sure, he kicked me in the balls and raked my eyes to do it, but he still did it.
I quietly pack my bags, hoping to disappear into the night. Instead, a hand clasps my shoulder.
“I want to say it means nothing, that it’s just a pretty accessory. But… I’ve lost titles before. Hell, the last time Saint straight fucked me out of the US Title, just to put it on his precious Luke Wolfe. Look how that turned out,” Shelley chuckled, almost knowing what she said wasn’t exactly uplifting. “You’re better than this. That so-called loss doesn’t reflect who you are. People pull shit like that because they can’t win cleanly. You can redeem yourself, though, and I know you will. Go out to the ring in Osaka and remind everyone who Ace King is.”
I hesitate to face Shelley; though I won’t say it outright, I feel like I let her down… Yet she’s here. Maybe she’s onto something, though; the chance for immediate redemption is rare and shouldn’t be discounted, because when one sun sets, another rises.
“I suppose,” I heave. “But it was validation for me; I didn’t think I’d be a champion again, so to lose like that…”
My voice fades, again trying to withhold my emotions.
“Never again.”
I sigh and look at Shelley; I’m not sure why she believes in me, but maybe it’s a sign. Maybe the self-loathing needs to end… Maybe I need to believe in myself… And maybe I need to shut some people up once and for all.
Ever had to fight someone with nothing to lose, and everything to gain?
Four people are about to find out what it’s like. Yes, four, because I’m going to walk out as NJFC Global Champion, no matter what it takes.
Of the 16 competitors entered, I’m probably the last guy who should be saying it… Hell, I’m probably the most vulnerable wrestler in the field. It’s an easy opinion to have… For anyone who doesn’t know me, anyway.
Those who do know me understand I force myself to dig deeper when I’m on the ropes. While everyone else is going bombastic in declaring their suitability to be champion, I’m the one who’s kept quiet and plotted my course. You see, with all the things we can do in the ring… Not one movement matters if you can’t get the job done.
For me, it’s about efficiency, while making sure everyone knows exactly who the hell they’re dealing with.
Otaki’s first, and while I’m not taking anything away from her Rumble in the Bronx victory last fall, it’s a little easier to accomplish when you can bide your time. That luxury doesn’t exist here, because it’s one-on-one, and when you’re locked in with a caged animal that feels threatened, good luck when it lashes out.
Yes, I’m wounded by losing the EWC Television Champion in a dishonourable manner, but if I’ve earned any kind of hallmark in my career, it’s of a man who keeps punching and pushing forward against all odds, relentless in the pursuit of victory.
I proved myself to be the consummate counterpuncher a couple weeks ago, taking just about everything Hearst had while firing back with shots of my own. I don’t know if I see the same killer instinct in you, though, Otaki. I mean, you talk a big game, but apart from that one night, have you ever backed it up? I didn’t think so.
It’s time to put up or shut up, although your choice ultimately won’t matter, as I plan for your head to be the first of four on a pike.
To the rest of the competitors in the tournament… Anastasia Hayden… Toshikazu… Craig Anderson… Takashi Shinobu… Bianca Reed… Bryan Williams… James Edwards… Jack Tillman… Ricky Valero… Benny Stevens… Jessica Sears… Owen Gonsalves… Hiroyoshi Suzuki… And last, but certainly not least, Devin Hearst…
Most of you don’t know me from a hole in the wall, but allow my systematic destruction of Otaki to precede me, because the same fate awaits three more of you. I’m done fucking around, and the guy you saw in Tokyo has been replaced by a man with an iron will, cold blood, and most importantly, a clear mind.
I know what I must do in Osaka, and I‘LL BE DAMNED if I let anyone keep me from becoming Champion, for I have nothing else to lose in the ring.
I wish the remaining competitors all the best… Until I’m staring them down.
Bet On It.
