Post by Manabu on Jan 5, 2012 16:32:45 GMT -5
Origins Story Part 3
Section 1
Manabu sets his glass on the round oak table that is in front of him. He pushes away from the table, gets out of the Green padded chair that he is sitting in, and walks to the center of the room. He looks up at the ceiling. The ceiling used to be white, now it’s speckled with patches of Gray, like part of it had fallen out before.
He walks over to the single bed. He takes off his shoes, places it near the dresser; part of the wood is chipped off. Manabu unbuttons his White dress shirt and places it on the bed. He looks down at the tacky Lime Green bed-spread. He shakes his head; this is the last time that he’ll be staying at the Motel 8.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“1:23 am.”
Manabu brushes a bit of dirt off one of his Black pant legs before letting out large sigh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t still readjusting to this wrestling life. The life of a paralegal is stressful too, don’t get wrong. But it’s nothing like hoping in the car for six hours to make $300, or catching a 12 p.m. flight so that you can make it to your show the next day.
“Wrestling is a f*****g grind!”
Manabu lets out a small laugh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“But what can I say, I love it!
“Yeah, I’ve said some critical things about UWA, but I’m starting to get used to the place. Ryan Blake gave me a 2nd chance in this business, something that most wrestlers don’t receive. I’m grateful for that, I really am. I see UWA as an opportunity; an opportunity to hone my skills, get my name back out there, and hopefully rise to the top again.
“Speaking of which, this next match is also a large opportunity for me as well. I guess you could say it’s another test. A couple of weeks ago I was thrown into a match with Neptune. As you all know, Neptune is one of the top names in this company. And if I’m not mistaken, he was undefeated at the time as well. Again, I’m not sure why I was placed in said match, although I think UWA wanted to see just how good I really was. They must have been knocked out of their seats; I dominated that match and gave Neptune a very embarrassing loss.
“I mean, can you imagine it? You are the cream of the crop, and then the rookie who hasn’t had a match in two years whoops you’re a**? That’s crazy right?
“But to Neptune’s credit, he didn’t wallow in his sorrow. In fact, he went out and captured the vacant UWA World Championship.
“But, there’s a small problem, at least of Neptune. Guess who he has the honor, or horror of facing this week?
“Yours truly of course!
“Neptune, you always seem to talk a big game. But, at times, hell, many times, you don’t back up your words. You walk around the back, barking orders like people actually give a f*** about who you are. You talk down to interviewers, you try to humiliate people. Hell, you even tried to intimate the owner of the company.
“Here is the real problem though, you are not intimidating Neptune. Ryan Blake didn’t back down to you did he? Of course he didn’t. Only weak cowards fear you, and fortunately for me, I don’t fit into either category.”
Manabu shakes his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ve been studying you Neptune, and I’ve noticed some other trends in your character.
“Your most glaring flaw is that you are unfocused. It’s a miracle you even had the mental wherewithal to win the UWA title. So, I did I asses your focus? Well, let’s go back to a couple of weeks ago when you faced Samuel Silas. Instead of talking about your opponent and the match, you spent out 80 percent of your time talking about me. Let’s be clear Neptune, you pulled that match out of you’re a**. You were on the verge of losing that match, you know it and I know it.
“Your focus was sketchy when I faced you the first time!”
Manabu gets up off of the bed and walks over to the table. There is a bottle of water sitting there. Manabu opens up the bottle and takes a seat in the chair next to the table. He takes a long sip.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“What amazes me is that you still fancy yourself as a god.
“Neptune, you have studied mythology before right? I have to ask, because sometimes I question if you had any schooling at all.
“Let me break it down to you Neptune. In mythology, whether it be Roman, Greek, Norse, etc, the ‘gods’ were the builders. They created the earths, the people, all of that. They had wonderful power, but, there was a problem— they were flawed. You see, just about every ‘god’ worth knowing in mythology had some type of major character flaw. Kind of tragic huh?”
Manabu laughs at his own joke.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Play that part back later Neptune, you’ll get it eventually.
“The point I’m trying to make is, yes, those ‘gods’ started everything. But who were the ‘heroes’ of those stories? Who are the people that we actually care about? We brush past those ‘gods’ to get to the ‘humans’! And who are the mere mortals in UWA? Those would be people Ryan Blake, people like Fear, people like myself.
“You want to ‘build’ this company? Ok, go ahead. But, guess who’s going to be here to take the company to new levels?”
Manabu gets out of his chair and walks over to the TV. He turns it down, but the sound his down on low.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“And lastly, I’ve got one more thing Neptune. I’ve got one word for you—respect. I know your type Neptune; you hide your insecurities by putting on a mask of arrogance. If that works for you, then that’s cool.
“But you will NOT disrespect my family and my heritage by screwing up my name! The Fujiwaras have been controlling most of Japan for centuries. And soon enough, we will control the ‘business’ as well, by MY hand. Your blatant disrespect will be repaid in that ring this week.”
Section 2
“Well, I guess it’s time for the last part of this little career memoir.
“I left off with my graduating from wrestling school. So, my first job in the business at a place called XDF. It was an upstart company; I actually found out about it from my trainer, Flex Johnson. Sensei Johnson put in a good word for me, and shortly afterwards, I had a job.
“It was a great time. They had me on this interesting contract; I worked every other week. But, the pay check was amazing.
“Then, s*** started going wrong.
“You could say I screwed everything up. Yeah, that sounds about right.
“I began to watch how certain people in the company where treated. The new, talented wrestlers, like myself, where never allowed to rise to the top. But the older wrestlers were automatically thrust towards the top, including my Sensei. They practically gave him their world title after three matches.
“I was heated, so, I decided to do something about it. It was foolish though. One day backstage, I attacked Sensei Johnson, giving him a one way trip to the hospital. With Flex out of the way for a bit, things in the fed started to change.
“But, then he came back.
“And he came back to take me out, not to reclaim his title. We had a series of battles, which all culminated with a First Blood match. I remember that night clearly. My music hit, and EVERY booed me. There wasn’t a Manabu fan in the arena that night. Then Flex’s music hit, the cheers were deafening. Our fight, and I call it a ‘fight’ because there wasn’t a lot of wrestling going on, was brutal. I lost that match, and eventually, management gave me the boot.
“After leaving XDF, I took a month or two off. I then tried to find another company—I couldn’t find one. Or should I say the ones I contacted wouldn’t hire me. So, what was I to do? Well, I went back to my paralegal job. The law firm was happy to have me back.
“But down inside, I really wasn’t happy. Paralegal money is nice, but it doesn’t override the feeling of being inside of that ring.
“But, hey, we’ve spent a lot of time dealing with my past. But, the past is over now. Let’s deal with my future. The fact of the matter is, I’m not in the same position that I was two years ago. Back then, some people knew my name. Now, most people have no clue who I am. But, that’s going to change very soon.
“Ha, what am I saying? It’s already starting to change.
“People in UWA are starting to realize just who good I really am. Look at Neptune. He won’t admit it, but the fool is frightened of this upcoming match. And to be honest, he should be. I’m gunning for you Neptune. Remember, I’ve already got a win over you, so-called ‘god’ of UWA.
“Guess it’s time for your fall.”
Section 1
Manabu sets his glass on the round oak table that is in front of him. He pushes away from the table, gets out of the Green padded chair that he is sitting in, and walks to the center of the room. He looks up at the ceiling. The ceiling used to be white, now it’s speckled with patches of Gray, like part of it had fallen out before.
He walks over to the single bed. He takes off his shoes, places it near the dresser; part of the wood is chipped off. Manabu unbuttons his White dress shirt and places it on the bed. He looks down at the tacky Lime Green bed-spread. He shakes his head; this is the last time that he’ll be staying at the Motel 8.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“1:23 am.”
Manabu brushes a bit of dirt off one of his Black pant legs before letting out large sigh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t still readjusting to this wrestling life. The life of a paralegal is stressful too, don’t get wrong. But it’s nothing like hoping in the car for six hours to make $300, or catching a 12 p.m. flight so that you can make it to your show the next day.
“Wrestling is a f*****g grind!”
Manabu lets out a small laugh.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“But what can I say, I love it!
“Yeah, I’ve said some critical things about UWA, but I’m starting to get used to the place. Ryan Blake gave me a 2nd chance in this business, something that most wrestlers don’t receive. I’m grateful for that, I really am. I see UWA as an opportunity; an opportunity to hone my skills, get my name back out there, and hopefully rise to the top again.
“Speaking of which, this next match is also a large opportunity for me as well. I guess you could say it’s another test. A couple of weeks ago I was thrown into a match with Neptune. As you all know, Neptune is one of the top names in this company. And if I’m not mistaken, he was undefeated at the time as well. Again, I’m not sure why I was placed in said match, although I think UWA wanted to see just how good I really was. They must have been knocked out of their seats; I dominated that match and gave Neptune a very embarrassing loss.
“I mean, can you imagine it? You are the cream of the crop, and then the rookie who hasn’t had a match in two years whoops you’re a**? That’s crazy right?
“But to Neptune’s credit, he didn’t wallow in his sorrow. In fact, he went out and captured the vacant UWA World Championship.
“But, there’s a small problem, at least of Neptune. Guess who he has the honor, or horror of facing this week?
“Yours truly of course!
“Neptune, you always seem to talk a big game. But, at times, hell, many times, you don’t back up your words. You walk around the back, barking orders like people actually give a f*** about who you are. You talk down to interviewers, you try to humiliate people. Hell, you even tried to intimate the owner of the company.
“Here is the real problem though, you are not intimidating Neptune. Ryan Blake didn’t back down to you did he? Of course he didn’t. Only weak cowards fear you, and fortunately for me, I don’t fit into either category.”
Manabu shakes his head.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“I’ve been studying you Neptune, and I’ve noticed some other trends in your character.
“Your most glaring flaw is that you are unfocused. It’s a miracle you even had the mental wherewithal to win the UWA title. So, I did I asses your focus? Well, let’s go back to a couple of weeks ago when you faced Samuel Silas. Instead of talking about your opponent and the match, you spent out 80 percent of your time talking about me. Let’s be clear Neptune, you pulled that match out of you’re a**. You were on the verge of losing that match, you know it and I know it.
“Your focus was sketchy when I faced you the first time!”
Manabu gets up off of the bed and walks over to the table. There is a bottle of water sitting there. Manabu opens up the bottle and takes a seat in the chair next to the table. He takes a long sip.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“What amazes me is that you still fancy yourself as a god.
“Neptune, you have studied mythology before right? I have to ask, because sometimes I question if you had any schooling at all.
“Let me break it down to you Neptune. In mythology, whether it be Roman, Greek, Norse, etc, the ‘gods’ were the builders. They created the earths, the people, all of that. They had wonderful power, but, there was a problem— they were flawed. You see, just about every ‘god’ worth knowing in mythology had some type of major character flaw. Kind of tragic huh?”
Manabu laughs at his own joke.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“Play that part back later Neptune, you’ll get it eventually.
“The point I’m trying to make is, yes, those ‘gods’ started everything. But who were the ‘heroes’ of those stories? Who are the people that we actually care about? We brush past those ‘gods’ to get to the ‘humans’! And who are the mere mortals in UWA? Those would be people Ryan Blake, people like Fear, people like myself.
“You want to ‘build’ this company? Ok, go ahead. But, guess who’s going to be here to take the company to new levels?”
Manabu gets out of his chair and walks over to the TV. He turns it down, but the sound his down on low.
Manabu Fujiwara:
“And lastly, I’ve got one more thing Neptune. I’ve got one word for you—respect. I know your type Neptune; you hide your insecurities by putting on a mask of arrogance. If that works for you, then that’s cool.
“But you will NOT disrespect my family and my heritage by screwing up my name! The Fujiwaras have been controlling most of Japan for centuries. And soon enough, we will control the ‘business’ as well, by MY hand. Your blatant disrespect will be repaid in that ring this week.”
Section 2
“Well, I guess it’s time for the last part of this little career memoir.
“I left off with my graduating from wrestling school. So, my first job in the business at a place called XDF. It was an upstart company; I actually found out about it from my trainer, Flex Johnson. Sensei Johnson put in a good word for me, and shortly afterwards, I had a job.
“It was a great time. They had me on this interesting contract; I worked every other week. But, the pay check was amazing.
“Then, s*** started going wrong.
“You could say I screwed everything up. Yeah, that sounds about right.
“I began to watch how certain people in the company where treated. The new, talented wrestlers, like myself, where never allowed to rise to the top. But the older wrestlers were automatically thrust towards the top, including my Sensei. They practically gave him their world title after three matches.
“I was heated, so, I decided to do something about it. It was foolish though. One day backstage, I attacked Sensei Johnson, giving him a one way trip to the hospital. With Flex out of the way for a bit, things in the fed started to change.
“But, then he came back.
“And he came back to take me out, not to reclaim his title. We had a series of battles, which all culminated with a First Blood match. I remember that night clearly. My music hit, and EVERY booed me. There wasn’t a Manabu fan in the arena that night. Then Flex’s music hit, the cheers were deafening. Our fight, and I call it a ‘fight’ because there wasn’t a lot of wrestling going on, was brutal. I lost that match, and eventually, management gave me the boot.
“After leaving XDF, I took a month or two off. I then tried to find another company—I couldn’t find one. Or should I say the ones I contacted wouldn’t hire me. So, what was I to do? Well, I went back to my paralegal job. The law firm was happy to have me back.
“But down inside, I really wasn’t happy. Paralegal money is nice, but it doesn’t override the feeling of being inside of that ring.
“But, hey, we’ve spent a lot of time dealing with my past. But, the past is over now. Let’s deal with my future. The fact of the matter is, I’m not in the same position that I was two years ago. Back then, some people knew my name. Now, most people have no clue who I am. But, that’s going to change very soon.
“Ha, what am I saying? It’s already starting to change.
“People in UWA are starting to realize just who good I really am. Look at Neptune. He won’t admit it, but the fool is frightened of this upcoming match. And to be honest, he should be. I’m gunning for you Neptune. Remember, I’ve already got a win over you, so-called ‘god’ of UWA.
“Guess it’s time for your fall.”
