WZCW Goodbye: Elite X Championship Battle Royal

[Gazprom]

A tap drips, the veneer slips,
Paid in tips and a bag of chips
But this is where it started, my endless night
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

The mask came off and the cameras came on,
The repeating return of the prodigal son
Struggling for space and gasping for air,
Realised it would be much better to become a pair,
The Second Coming was my First Arrival
A pair of Daves were my first big rival
A ladder match, my first survival
These memories are now archival,
Tag Team Champion and growing stature,
Phoenix was a limelight snatcher,
But more on that was just another fight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

Phoenix Black, names in bold
The longest story I've ever told
Black wins, Black wins again
We fight and fight and then
A lucky shot at the third try
A win is a win, but a sigh is a sigh
And then we venture to the absurd,
Attacked at ringside by a giant bird,
Ignored, forgotten, but never outclassed
The seeds for the future, sewed in the past
A bumble and a fumble from pillar to post
Just floating aimlessly like a pallid ghost
A poet without a muse, breaking but never news
With nothing to lose, an eye on the booze
But not yet sinking to despair from delight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

Years in the tundra, drinking and drinking
Not yet drowning but always sinking
Life's answer isn't found in a bottle,
Coasting through life at half throttle,
I sought to return and redeem
To wake up from the awful dream,
Should you sing a redemption song
When you're not sure what was wrong?
Failure to launch: abort mission
Probable cause: lack of ambition
Superman not feeling so super
A damp squib back against Justin Cooper,
And the rest of it all is kind of a murky,
Thanksgiving through the eyes of the Turkey,
I only dipped my toe in the ocean,
I was going through the motions,
But the interest piqued and I was back in action,
I may not have stayed put my interest gathered traction,
Keeping abreast of the WZCW direction,
Whilst losing interest in every other section,
A promise to myself that I'd eventually make it right
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

Watching from afar as Daddy Mack toiled,
Where blood once simmered, now it boiled
Other people pushed for opportunity costs
Other people punished with opportunities lost
The motivation finally lighting my fire
To focus the crosshairs and let loose my ire
Turning my guns on those at the top,
Opening up a direct conversation
Letting loose about my feelings of consternation,
The response to hearing about the way I feel?
The out of character thread to check if its real
A force for change, but a force for good?
I've often wondered if I was truly understood
I wrote my best chapter in this eternal fable
And spoke my mind as many wish they were able
Faced down the machine, forced it to be stable
Letting it loose put my cards on the table
Still I wanted Holmes, but they gave me Abel
Then Kingdom Come came and went
After victory came, I didn't relent
The reigns were still being held too tight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

A breath of fresh air or a thorn in the side
Out in the open or secrets to hide
Some said stupid, some said bold,
The scene was set in the Rush for the cold,
Champion after champion, I was forced to face
Whilst every other horse was in a donkey race
The final with Matt Tastic
Trip the light fantastic
In more ways than one as darkness descended
I think we all thought that's where this one ended
But I kept ploughing forward and beat Tastic and Mikey
But the effect of it all altered my psyche
The motivations and purpose seemed much less clear
So after the first successful defence in over a year,
The whole movement lost steam
The fairytale run was just a day dream
The underdog needs to punch up
Less a cup of coffee, more barely a cup
Still I kept on fighting to prove the truth
At Kingdom Come, Blades and I raised the roof
But my challenge came way too soon
I claimed conspiracy, they called me a loon
I saw through Cooper before Imperium,
I was dismissed as having delerium
I was right and everyone was wrong,
I had everything to prove all along
But the lack of reaction was depressing
And the only course of action, though distressing
Was to take a break by taking flight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

Again watching from afar, waiting for the good
The opportunity came by undermining Studd
A Mayhem Champion at 24/7
Utter simplicity, in a way a new heaven
Kept for a while and feeling more polished
Being admired beats being admonished
A short tournament and a Eurasian title
The signs of decline around now becoming vital
The ship was sinking and taking me down
So I made a promise to finish then skip town
But I wanted to go out on my terms only
Not cast asunder cold and lonely,
So I made it my quest to fill the trophy chest
And to prove that my best can match any test
There's one thing left to make it complete
And that is to become the final Elite
I have been Eurasian and world Champ
Won Mayhem and Tag before they left camp
I will forever remain undefeated in one on one
At the biggest of them all, Kingdom Come
I have main evented PPVs, and gone first on Aftershock
The current closure has let me take stock
That my career has been incredibly great
And that there's one final step to achieve my fate
A grand slam champion in my last ever match
Destiny has thrown the pass, I just have to catch
And end the poverty, end the plight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

So these are my motions, and these are my aims,
But before I leave and start to win the games,
I'd like to leave WZCW not bitter but better
So I've crafted this final fed love letter
I've never met a community so accepting
When I first joined, I don't know what I was expecting
But every idea is given fair listening
Whether its a polished turd, or genuinely glistening
I've seen aliens and pirates and some intense gamers
I've seen the bottom of the barrel and hall of famers
The vast majority of characters have given something great
And I've seen so many develop a strong personality trait:
From the dark and broody to the broody and dark
From the epic tales to the unfinished story ark
Seen world champions from the obese to the slight
Would the last one out, please turn out the light?

So many forever unanswered questions
So many whimsical story suggestions
What were the pale riders going to achieve?
Was S.H.I.T. a real robot, or just deceived?
Why did Mr Baller get decapitated?
How did Mr Baller get recapitated?
How did Disasterpiece stay concealed?
How many mystery attackers were never revealed?
What would have happened if Jeff got his tanks?
Was there ever a motivation behind Mr. Banks?
Who had more charachters: Remix or Jam?
How does a 60 pounder do a bodyslam?
These requests will hang up in the air
Never to be answered, but I don't care
Because this federation is a labour of love
For those at the bottom, and those up above
But how often have we heard them say
"Sometimes, real life gets in the way"
Dozens of people with hundreds of faces,
Yet the most welcoming of places
Where else would you see such a diverse cast
With many returning here at the last?
I wasn't here at the start, but close to it
I'm here at the end, and I've lived through it
To all of the back stage people who've built this from nought
And to all of the people I've beat, lost and fought
To every person behind the characters I feel I really know
And to everyone who has featured on any show
I've one thing to say as the sun sets and the twilight is nestling
On WrestleZone Championship Wrestling
I thank you all for the years of delight
Would the last one out please turn out the light?

[Kermit]

Final Chapter: Future Ball
Part 2 or 4

Chris K.O., Haven, Yellow, and Oso Azul are sitting in Chris K.O.â??s living room. Several stage workers are breaking down the room as it appears to be a â??setâ? you might see on television. Kermit the Frog, in a business suit, walks into the scene as he directs the stage workers.

KERMIT: Tear it all down. Weâ??re liquidating everything. Also, make sure the Havenmobile gets to FedEx by 5. That thing is going to appear on an episode of Pawn Stars.

Kermit exits the scene. The group looks sad. Haven perks up and pulls out a sphere.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Exposition. This is ball that allows us to look into the future! One last look before the final WZCW event. Even you Oso Azul!

Oso Azul is a rapid bear that is chained to the ground. He swipes furiously at the other three as he dawns a blue luchador mask.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Oso Azul was an All-Stars character that never came to be. Blah, blah, blah. Rapid bear in a luchador mask. Blah, blah, blah.

Letâ??s touch the ball!

Haven touches the ball second to see his future after WZCW.

----------------------------------------------------------

A man runs down a dark alley at night. He looks behind him in a panic. Suddenly, a dark cloaked figure drops in front of him. The man begins to stumble backwards.

MAN: NO! PLEASE!

Suddenly, another figure appears on the opposite side of the scared man. It appears to be a hero that is wearing a costume that is similar to Haven, but it is blue-themed instead of green.

BLUE HERO: So, this is how you roll now? With fear?

The dark figure jumps over the scarred man and pushes the blue hero away. The blue hero falls backward as he sees the dark figure pull out a high-tech laser gun. The dark figure shoots the man.

BLUE HERO: NO!

Itâ??s too late. The man is dead as the dark figure looms over him. The blue hero gets up.

BLUE HERO: WHY?!?

The blue hero gets cut short as the laser gun gets pointed at him. The dark figure removes his cloak hood. He reveals himself to be a much older-looking Haven. However, the happiness is no longer evident in his eyes. He seems to be a man of great pain.

HAVEN: Tell the Hero Academy to quit tracking me. Nothing is going to stop me from getting my revenge. The next hero they send is getting shot in the head.

Haven points down and shoots the blue hero in the leg. We transition to him escaping via rooftops as the city skyline rests under the smoke and faded stars in the sky.

[Skairipa]

#TheEnd #GoingOutOnTop

Two Days After Kingdom Come: A Beach In Malibu, California

Kingdom Come had come and gone, and of course I won just like I said I would, becoming 2-0 at Kingdom Come. I didn't know what my next challenge would be, and right now I didn't care. I was enjoying my vacation in LA, far away from the cold and snow in New York and enjoying the sun and sand in Malibu. The best part? It wasn't even crowded because these weak people would freeze in anything under 70 degrees. I was laying on my beach chair getting some sun when my phone buzzed with a text. To my surprise, it was from my sister Gabi. How did I not forget to block her number when I cut her out of my life months ago?

Callie are you still mad at me? It's been months, it's time to let it go. I saw your match at Kingdom Come, you've become so good. I can't wait to see you win a title again.

I rolled my eyes, such an obvious attempt to suck up to get back into my life now that I'm a million times more successful than she'll ever be, gross. I thought about it for a minute, then deleted her text and blocked her number. My life has been so much better ever since cutting her out and I didn't need her back, buh bye.

I chuckled and put my phone down on the towel next to me, and put my sunglasses back on, she was the past and I don't live in the past, not when I have such a bright future.

Two Weeks Later: A Restaurant In Los Angeles, California

I had decided to extend my vacation since there was another snowstorm in New York and I had enough stuff with me where I didn't need to go home. I was starting to like it out here, maybe I should get a second house out here, but then again the traffic is terrible and hipsters are annoying, bleh. I was enjoying dinner at the nicest restaurant in the city, when I got a message with some shocking news.

ATTN ALL WZCW TALENT: It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that WZCW will be closing it's doors. Management have discussed this and unfortunatley decided it's something we must do. We will be doing a farewell show and every championship will be defended in a series of battle royals and plenty of faces from the past will compete. Thank you for your service and good luck at the final show. Who will become the final champions of WZCW?

I was in shock, I was mad, I was sad, truth be told, I was slightly heartbroken. I had gotten really good at wrestling and as much as everyone around WZCW annoyed me, some of them were....good competition. Plus how dare this company close before I got a chance to become World Champion! I wasn't even sure how to react to the news, a million thoughts were running through my head, suddenly my waiter came over to check on me.

You! More wine! Chop Chop!

I shooed the waiter away, and he shot me a glare as he walked away, whatever. He was soooo not my problem. I had much bigger problems to worry about, like for starters the fact that I just won a freaking ladder match that's going to mean nothing! I mean I put my body on the line, risked my freaking life to win that match, and now it means nothing? They might be going out of business but they were sooo hearing from my lawyer for that one. But more importantly, what would be next? I needed to talk to someone who could think clear headed right now, I needed to talk to Kira.

Kira! Did you hear the news? WZCW is closing.

I took a a bite of steak and ate a few french fries as I waited for the waiter to come with my new glass of wine. It took him long enough. I took a sip of wine as my phone buzzed with Kira getting back to me.

Oh no that's terrible, sorry to hear that. Are you okay?

Of course I'm okay, I'm me. But that said I have a bunch of thoughts on this running through my head and I don't even know what to think. I mean my cosplaying has become bigger and more successful than ever partly due to WZCW, but I don't wanna just cosplay, that's a boring thought after I managed to become much more than a simple cosplayer. I know how good I am at wrestling and obvi other companies would be offering me millions to go there, but I don't know if that's what I really wanna do. What do you think?

I realized I rambled in the text, oh well. I had a lot on my mind at the moment, this was truly not a good time to give me this news, I wasn't in the right state of a mind or a calming location. But I finished up my meal as I got a text back.

I think you need to take time and think about this, in fact why don't you focus on killing it at the last show first? I mean you always say you wanna go down as the greatest superstar ever right? Imagine being the last ever WZCW World Champion, or winning the Eurasian Championship for the first time. Or even breaking your own record to get back the Elite Championship one last time. You have a chance to really make history at this last show, I say you focus on that and worry about the future after that. It's not like you need to rush into doing anything.

I left money on the table for the bill and walked out of the restaurant, and was now on the way back to my suite at the hotel. I took that time to think about what Kira said, she raised a good point. Maybe I was too focused on the future. After all, I didn't need to rush into anything. I walked into the hotel and took the elevator back up to my suite, after getting back into the room and sitting down, I took back out my phone to text Kira back.

You know what, you're right. The time has come to go from legend of tomorrow, to legend. Tomorrow is today and it's my destiny to finally become the World Champion, in fact maybe I'll take every title on the way out, after all is there a better way to make history than by holding every title all at once? Nobody has ever done that.

I smirked at the thought as I changed into my pajamas to get comfy for the night, and plopped down on the bed. Truthfully I'd be happy to end up being the final holder of any championship, but all the belts? That, that would be the best moment of my life. And I would do anything to make that happen.

I flipped through the channels on the tv, but didn't find anything I wanted to watch so I turned the tv off. Shortly after I got a text back from Kira, sometimes I'm surprised by how much time she makes for me and my craziness, she must really care about me. I should probably stop taking her for granted. I mean I did get her a brand new sports car for Christmas, but is that enough? Before I could continue thinking I got a text back.

There ya go that's the way to think. But I just read the news online, Apparently there's going to be a bunch of old faces from the past showing up, probably some of the best to ever wrestle for the company. What do you think of that? This could be tough for you to overcome.

She was right, the Lethal Lottery was hard enough and that wasn't even a ring full of superstars, but now who knows how many people I would have to fight. But beating a bunch of people who can't let go of the past and want one last moment of glory? That would be sweet. After all they need to learn the future is now.

Bring it on. I'm not afraid of a bunch of old timers, in fact beating them too would just make my moment that much greater when I stand tall as one of the final champions. Don't you think?

Do you need to run through everyone?

No, I've done that a million times. Besides I have no interest right now in playing into the unknown of the past. But they're the past for a reason, because they can't hack it anymore and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let them get in my way. As for the current roster? Some of them are completely useless, and the rest are probably people I know I can beat. This might be the end of WZCW, but I am the present and the future of wrestling, and it's my destiny to be the last champion. It's just a matter of which title I choose to take, if not all of them.

Kira and I talked about a variety of things after that, life, our holidays, how she was liking the new car I got her, and other things. The conversation stopped around 4 AM in Texas when she fell asleep on me, poor thing works herself too hard, even though she knows she doesn't need to. I went to bed about an hour later, after figuring out what my final cosplay for WZCW would be, after all I had to make the last one the best one, or at least one of the best.

The Day Before The Farewell Show: Location Unknown

Finally I decided to end my long vacation in California and head to Las Vegas on my private jet. I had narrowed it down to 2 costumes for what I would wear for the last show. Ever since the news came about about WZCW closing it's doors I had gotten a wide variety of offers, some from wrestling companies, some for reality TV shows, some for shows about me and my life, hell I even got an offer from a record label for some reason! I fully expected something like this to happen, but I couldn't wrap my head around any of it, not right now, I needed to be totes focused on WZCW for a little while longer.

I had been trying to strategize for how to make my moment happen, but it was simply too much to attempt, and my mind didn't wanna focus on that anyway. My mind over the last few days in fact didn't wanna focus on anything except for one thing, Kira. I had been thinking recently how even when I was a bitch to her when I first met her how she killed me with kindness and put up with my bullshit for some reason, probably to help her business. And how even once we became friends how she was always there for me when I needed her, whether it was for something as simple as dog sitting or talking me off the ledge when I go a little crazy, which let's face it, happens a lot. I had been thinking about how much I need her in my life, how she had become my main support system over the last few months and how I would be lost without her, it made me realize something....I care about her a lot, like more than I thought.

But I didn't know how to express that to her, I mean truthfully I was never good at that type of thing, sure I could express things like that to Sid, but he's a dog. I debated calling her multiple times over the last couple days to talk about it with her, but I would always change my mind, tell myself it was crazy talk. But now I was sitting on this plane trying to focus on other things and I simply couldn't. I was never a "feelings" person, I cared about myself, my dog, winning, the amount of followers I have, and looking good more than anything. Sure I had my friends, and Bates, and I guess some family I don't talk to, but I always saw people as tools to use to my advantage and nobody was any use to me if I had nothing to gain from them. But something happened that changed that, Kira had become my lifeline and someone I talked to almost daily, she had become my best friend and someone I couldn't do without. I had to express that to her, I had to tell her that I think I might love her.

But was that a bad thing to do over text? Or even a phone call? I don't know. I thought about it the rest of the plane ride, and when I finally got off the plane and into the waiting car, I texted her.

Kira, we need to talk. After the show tomorrow I'm going to get a good nights sleep then I'm flying to Texas, it's important. Don't worry, it's nothing bad...I think. Don't bother trying to figure out what it's about ahead of time cause I'm not telling you. Wish me luck with the show, I'll see ya in a couple days. XOXO

I was going to be a bundle of nerves in a couple days, I had never really let myself be vulnerable with anyone, but that was a couple days away. Tomorrow was the last ever WZCW show and now hopefully I'd be able to focus on the task at hand. Thankfully that task was what I do best, win some matches, make some history and win titles. The story of Callie Clark isn't over, it's only the end of the first book. But will it have a happy ending? Bet your ass it will.

[Showtime]

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Ladies and Gentleman!"

"Would you bring your attention to me."

3 time WZCW Champion!

Showtime wins! Showtime wins! Showtime wins!
"For a feast for your eyes to see"

WZCW Elite X Chamion!

Showtime survives the iron man match and wins!
"An explosion of catastrophe"

2 Time EurAsian Champion!

A legend continues to grow.
"Like nothing you've ever seen before"

Mayham champion! Tag Team champion!

Showtime does it again!
"Watch closely as I open this door"

Lethal Lottery Winner!

Showtime hangs on, he's won it!
"Your jaw will be on the floor"

Grand Slam Champion!

He's done it all in WZCW!
"After this you'll be begging for more"

Hall of Famer

What'll he do for an encore?
"Welcome to the Show. Please come inside. Boom! Do you want it? Boo!m Do you need it? Boom!"
"Ladies and Gentleman"

----------

The video of Showtime's career highlights ends and the scene opens with Leon Kensworth.

Kensworth: Joining me now at this time, a man who has re written the history books countless times in this company, a man who has won more titles than most wrestlers in WZCW have won matches. He is a legend inside the ring, a tireless promoter outside of it for WZCW and through his various projects and organizations. He beat cancer, beat bad reviews, beat bad debuts and partners, beat Ty Burna before beating Ty Burna was cool, and beat Justin Cooper which actually makes him the real legit Lineal champion. Ladies and Gentleman, a man who needs no further introductions, Showtime David Cougar.

The camera moves to the side and we see Showtime David Cougar, shades reflecting the many spot lights shining on him. Diamond studded Leather sleeveless vest adorning over his carefully sculpted body, the blond hair still slicked back, the hair lining slowly receding. Not everything can remain perfect. The camera pans out to include Leon Kensworth in the shot.

Cougar: Thank you very much for that intro Leon Kentsworth. Truly, you are a remarkable example of consistency see in WZCW and your work backstage here and in all aspects of the show helped it grown and thrive into a truly great product. You should be commended.

Kensworth: Oh, well, wow thank you very much for that Showtime. That was completely unexpected.

Cougar: Yes I bet it was for you, and with that out there though with this being the last WZCW show ever made ever in existence, consistency and dependability are something we just can't have for this last match.

Showtime points to Leons side where Johnny Klamour is waiting, hand outstretched. Leon hands over the mic to him and walks away dejected. Klamour adjusts his overly worn shirt collar.

Klamour: This feels remarkably familiar.

Cougar: Yes, yes it does.

Klamour: So lets cut right to the cheese then. I am late for a lunch. Showtime, you haven't wrested in years, you haven't written a promo of any original quality in a lot longer. And frankly, all four of these matches scream barn house crap shoot. How in the majenta hell do you plan on winning one of these matches let alone all four?

Cougar: Well Johnny, as you probably know it's all about being the best, and more times than not I've been the best.

Klamour: That's true, your win loss record confirms that.

Cougar: I have accomplished and won just about every major title, match, PPV, stage, rodeo, rap battle, pancake flipping contest, milestone, hidden achievement, victory there is to speak of. I am an undisputable goat around these parts. Has it been a few years since I've dropped some elbows, cut to those commercial breaks, and delivered some Final Acts, yes, but you don't lose the ability to pull them out when needed. That's what I've done time and time and time again in WZCW. So what's one more time? No different than four more times, and that's what I am going to do because as the video showed, I make history here and history will be made once again.

Klamour: Of all the titles you have won, what stands out the most to you? What is your biggest accomplishment?

Cougar: Klamour I can't possibly put into words what is more greatest accomplishment, there is just so many. But you know what I am and was really proud of. My time as Elite X Champion. Oh let's get over the controversy surrounding the time where I failed to win the belt and and the ensuing iron man match that followed. That title had fallen behind the newly created EurAsian Championship, it was in a stale state being defended by a guy who was more maple syrup than I was. All substance and no filler at all. I rightfully won that belt, won Lethal Lottery while holding it, and then was forced to relinquish it because management couldn't have the possibility of a double champion. The Elite X title is a championship that I never lost, which kind of makes me the longest tenured champion in history. And it's sad then, from that fact, that I don't have the belt on me and haven't for a long time. Well we are going to change that and if there is only one belt I'm leaving here with, it's that Elite X belt. You know, I've already won three WZCW titles. Let someone like Chris KO or Milenko win it.

Klamour: Lastly, with WZCW and my pension plan saying goodbye, what are you going to remember most fondly about?

Showtime thinks for a long while. He smiles poundly.

Cougar: Showtime David Cougar.

Showtime and Klamour embrace each other tightly and Showtime leaves while Klamour heads over to the food table as the scene fades.

[Echelon]

Kagura found herself kneeling, her head bowed down to the floor. She stood in a room filled with her family members, as she groveled in front of them, begging them to forgive her recent actions of hostility. She knew eventually this day would come, but she never realized it would be so soon. Her journey as a professional wrestler was coming to an end. She knew something was up when her contract did not come up for renewal during her negotiations with Vance Bateman before the Lethal Lottery. She expressed her desire to sign a new one after Kingdom Come, but to her surprise â?? well, everyoneâ??s surprise â?? she received word that the company was folding. Kenneth Banks, on his way out of the company, liquidated all of his stocks and sold what was left of the promotion for pennies. Perhaps it was one last middle finger to those that wronged him. One last show of absolute power. Bateman was only a paper manager, the captain tasked to navigate WZCW to her final resting place in the undying lands.

â??ごめんなさい [Iâ??m sorry,]â? the raven haired beauty said.

Her great uncle let out a sigh. Beside him sat her grandfather. They were the leaders of her clan. They had the final say here.

â??もういいよ、子供 [Thatâ??s enough, child.]â?

Kagura lifted her head and shifted herself back into a kneeling position. She told her uncle and grandfather everything. Sheâ??d wrestle one last match and then sheâ??d be leaving the States and returning to Japan. Sheâ??d done a lot of thinking and knew the best thing to do was to make amends now while the wounds were still fresh. The longer it took to apologize the harder it would be to forgive and move on, and she didnâ??t want that added stress for herself or her family.

Her uncle looked her in the eyes, his gaze becoming more sympathetic. â??神楽は厳しいように見えるかもしれませんが、あなたの行動は追放されました。あなたのライフスタイ ルのた めではありません。家族の誰もあなたのキャリアを本当に公に支持しなかったが、私たちは皆、あ なたがアメリ カに行くために去った日をとても誇りに思っていました。この数ヶ月間、孤立した気分にさせられ たら、許して くださることを願っています [Kagura, though it may seem harsh, you were banished for your behavior. Not for your lifestyle. Though no one in the family ever really publicly supported your career, we were all very proud the day you left to go to the States. I hope you can forgive us if we made you feel isolated these last few months.]â?

Kagura nodded. A part of her was so mad at the world and the people around her that she drug her families name through the mud with her foolish actions. The disownment came because of her fame. People knew who she was regardless of her clans distinction. After thinking about it, she came to the realization that she would have made the same decision to disown herself if she were standing in her uncle shoes.

â??この時点で、あなたが望むようにあなたの人生を生きるのは自由です、もう恥ずかしい行為は控えてく ださい 。 [At this point forward, youâ??re free to live your life however you wish, just please refrain from anymore shameful acts.]â?

Kagura raised an eyebrow, â??そういうのと同じように、私を歓迎してくれるの? [Just like that, youâ??re welcoming me back?]â?

Her uncle shrugged, â??君が気が戻ってくるのにどれくらい時間がかかるか待っていた。幸いなことに、私たちは長く待つ必要 はあり ませんでした。お前は俺たちの一人だワタライという名前とそれが何を表しているのか覚えておい てください。 女神アマテラスの精神もあなたの中に存在します。いつか自分の子供たちに伝統を伝えてほしいと 思います [We were waiting to see how long it would take for you to come back to your senses. Fortunately for all of us, we didnâ??t have to wait long. Youâ??re one of us, child. Remember the name Watarai and what it stands for. The spirit of the goddess Amaterasu resides within you too. I will hope that one day youâ??ll pass down the traditions to your own children.]â?

She smiled, â??あれはずっと私の計画でしたよ、おじさん。レスラーであることは楽しかったし、それはいつも私の心 の近く に何か、愛するものになるだろうが、それは私の呼び出しではありませんでした。家に帰ったら神 社に戻ります 」 [That was my plan all along, uncle. Being a wrestler was fun and itâ??ll always be something near and dear to my heart, but it wasnâ??t ever my calling. Iâ??ll return to the shrine when I come home.]â?

---

Meanwhile, in an unknown location back in the States, Kaguraâ??s manager Sasuke Gozaburo was relaxing in a bar. The old man stayed behind while his protégé went back home to make amends with her family. He didnâ??t want to go. Sure, Japan had been his home once too, but the country brought back so many painful memories. In the end, he was glad that Kagura hadnâ??t become completely jaded by the industry. It was a tough business. It had certainly changed that girl into something fierce. When theyâ??d first met, Kagura had been this shy and quiet little wallflower. He had to lead her by the hand on practically everything. Now she was this tough and grizzled veteran who had seen and dealt with her fair share of shit. She had this iron glare that would tear right through a man. The kids in wrestling today had to deal with exposure that just didnâ??t exist in his era. Sure, he wrestled more often, but they were on television in front of a worldwide audience several times a month. Kagura did her best and smashed every expectation that he ever had. She was a two time world champion. No one expected her to rise to that level, but she did, and he was glad he was able to see her hold that belt high both times.

He tilted his beer back, absentmindedly watching the football game of the television, when he felt a pat on his shoulder. He turned to see the smirking face of his old friend, opponent, and occasional tag partner from the territories, long-time color commentator, Jack Cohen. The magnificent one took a seat and joined him at the bar, ordering a beer of his own.

â??Well, Jackie-boy, this looks like the end of the line for us.â?

The older man nodded, â??Indeed. I was just thinking about retirement the other day, Sauce. WZCW took me in and gave me a job. Bateman, Myles, Serra, and Banks were all good to me. I never thought Iâ??d be relevant again, certainly not with the youngsters, but itâ??s funny how it all works out I guess.â?

â??I completely understand,â? the Asian man replied.

The bartender brought over a bottle and placed it in front of the balding man. The sound of glass clanking together rang out, as the two men toasted their careers and WZCW respectfully. Sasuke began to muse.

â??In the end I am grateful. You were the one that brought me in, Jack. They wanted me to manage some kid and it turned out to be Kagura. She wasnâ??t the best prospect from Japan either. There were several guys and gals who were better, but Banks liked her style. I thought it was cliché really, a shrine maiden wrestler. As if that wasnâ??t already a niche gimmick. I thought her appeal wouldnâ??t last, but she made it work because she was the real deal.â?

â??It reminds me of one particular man from the past," Cohen mused. "Mark the Mortician, remember him? Big, scary looking dude who walked around like a zombie. His father was a funeral director and taught him the trade. Funny how those over the top gimmicks become more realistic when played by those who actually live the life of the character theyâ??re supposed to be.â?

Sasuke chuckled, â??Kaguraâ??s not like me or any other wrestler in the world. She managed to bring a piece of the art of our country to this industry and made it entertaining. In the end, she became more than that. Sheâ??s not simply a shrine maiden who wrestles, nor is she a wrestler who happens to be a shrine maiden. Sheâ??s just simply a wrestler with her own unique style and identity that transcends any type of stereotype or niche. Iâ??m proud of her, Jack. I really truly am.â?

A somber wave of silence washed over the men as Sasuke began to reminisce about his life. About his wife and his deceased child. â??In many ways, Kaguraâ??s like a daughter to me.â?

Cohen nodded. Sasukeâ??s daughter was killed in a car accident many years ago, and while Kagura could never replace her or fill the void that still lingered in the former world championâ??s heart, having met the girl and having her in his life helped.

â??Weâ??ll save the memories then, Sauceâ? replied the announcer. â??Besides, we still have one last show to do before we pack it all up and go our separate ways.â?

â??Thatâ??s true,â? he replied. â??When itâ??s over, you and the wife are always welcome at my place whenever youâ??re in town.â?

Jack smiled, â??Iâ??ll have to take you up on that offer eventually my friend.â?

The two men proceeded to drink long into the night, sharing stories of the good old days, and new ones of the current era, and the kids theyâ??d seen grow into stars along the way.

---

Across the globe, Kagura sat on a bench in a park nestled deep within her hometown. Her fiancé Derrick was beside her. The couple hadnâ??t spoken much in the weeks leading up to Kingdom Come. Heâ??d been in attendance, but sheâ??d been so wrapped up in her anger and frustration that she hadnâ??t even seen him. Derrick could sense the shift in his soon-to-be wifeâ??s demeanor backstage when he saw her that evening. They talked long into the night after the show. A few days after he arrived back home, heâ??d gotten the call that the promotion was shutting down. They both became such a whirlwind of emotions, that he wound up giving her space to think things over. Two weeks later and here they were, reunited once again, but with little to talk about. Kagura was abnormally quiet. Derrick wanted to break the ice, but didnâ??t want to seem pushy.

Suddenly she opened her mouth, â??考えると超現実的ですが、次の試合はWZCWで最後の試合になります。私たちは王国の後に私の行動 と私の 怒りについて多くのことを話しました。私は普通そういう人ではない。何もかもイライラして、ス ナップしただ けなんだ [Itâ??s surreal to think about, but my next match will be my last one in WZCW. We talked a lot after Kingdom Come about my behavior and my anger. Iâ??m not normally that kind of person. I just got so frustrated with everything that I just snapped.]â?

â??I know me leaving last year wasnâ??t easy on you,â? he replied in English. â??But Iâ??m proud of you for pushing forward. You picked yourself back up and won Gold Rush, and then the world title for a second time. You have a will and determination that few can match. Iâ??ll admit that I didnâ??t watch a whole lot of you during the last few months, but I was with you through some dark times before, and Iâ??m sure I saw worse.â?

Kagura lowered her eyes a bit, thinking back to her â??possessionâ? right before she won King for a Day. She and Derrick were together every day and sheâ??d put him through the emotional ringer. Despite that he not only stayed, but their time together made him fall in love with her even further.

â??Besides, you had your reasons.â?

She nodded. Even when he left to go back to Japan after Kingdom Come, her anger did not subside. It was only after learning of WZCWâ??s fate that she finally started to let some of it go. Whether she hated or liked her co-workers, Vance Bateman, or Kenneth Banks, this was their livelihoods here. Everyone was in the same boat now, facing the unemployment line together.

â??私は今、すべてで大丈夫です[Iâ??m okay with everything now,]â? she replied. â??私は本当にそうです。私の怒りは、私が受けていた尊敬と認識の欠如に対する私の認識から主に起因し ますが 、私は本当に素晴らしいキャリアを持っていました。たぶん、私のタイトルの支配は短く、記憶に 残るすべてで はありませんでしたが、チェイスは、私はそれらの瞬間を決して忘れません。私は他の誰かがどち らかを疑う[I really am. My anger mostly stemmed from my perception of the lack of respect and recognition I was receiving, but I really did have a wonderful career. Maybe my title reigns were short and not all that memorable, but the chase was, and Iâ??ll never forget those moments. I doubt anyone else will either.]â?

â??I certainly wonâ??t,â? he said. â??I watched you win the world title the first time. Watching the crowd surf you back and forth across the arena was incredible. You really did become a hero and an inspiration that night. But despite that, youâ??re human too.â?

â??あなたとサスケは、本当に悪い時代を見た唯一の二人です。祖父を含む他の誰もが、中古の知識を持っ ていま した。私にくっついてくってくれてありがとう、デリック。そして、私があなたを押しのけようと しても、決し て私をあきらめないために。君がいなかったら、こんなに遠くまではやらなかっただろう [You and Sasuke are the only two people who really saw the bad times. Everyone else, my grandfather included, had second-hand knowledge. Thank you for sticking by me, Derrick. And for never giving up on me, even when I tried to push you away. I wouldnâ??t have made it this far without you.]â?

Suddenly Kagura leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, as if mentally syncing his thoughts.

â??Thank you for allowing me to share your journey; at least a part of it.â?

She reached out and grabbed his hand as her engagement ring gleamed in the sunlight. She only wore it when they were out in public like this. Kagura smiled.
â??まもなく一緒に新しい旅に出ます残りの人生を続けるもの [Soon weâ??ll be embarking on a new journey together, darling. One thatâ??ll last the rest of our lives.]â?

Derrick laughed, â??I canâ??t wait babe.â?

---

In an undisclosed location far away from prying eyes lay a room that few had seen. This place was special, for it was the very same room that we first saw Kagura. It was still dark and musty, and the light could barely generate enough power to light the center, leaving large pockets of shadows in the corner. Smoke began to seep in from the crack in the door, slowly filling the room with an acrid smell. Suddenly the door burst open, but the entryway was revealed to be empty. The light began to flicker. It crackled and died, bathing the room in complete darkness. The door shut, as if by magic. Seconds later the light sprung to life once more, as a masked figure dressed in black appeared in the middle. Eerie laughter began to fill the room. It echoed off the walls and slowly built to a cacophony of noise. The figure reached up and removed the Shinto mask to reveal a familiar face for the final time. Her beautiful features were unobstructed by her recent choice of face paint, but her outfit was certainly that of Youkai Kagura.

She grinned like a Cheshire cat, as her eyes glinted with a certain amount of madness. Confidently, she opened her mouth to address her competition one last time in her native language.

â??これは私の友人と敵、私たちのキャリアの最後の試合です。私がこの打撃を言うとき、皆さんも私と同 じよう に感じると思います。しかし、それは私たちすべてを売り払うためのあの野郎ケネス・バンクスの せいではあり ません。しかし、私たちは皆、最後に支払われ、私たちの陽気な方法について行く前に、すべての 最後のコンテ ストを1行で持つことができます。私は競争力のある血が沸騰しているのを感じることができます !私が勝った ことがないメイヘム選手権、エリート選手権、ユーラシア選手権、世界選手権は、すべてグラブの ためにアップ しています。最後のチャンピオンとして出て行くのはどっちですか。タイタス・アビソンか、それ ともタイロン ・ブレイズか、マイキー・ストームレイジ、ザンダー、あるいはキャリー・クラークか?それはバ ルボサ、ビッ グウィル、エベレスト、蒸気船リッキー、イブテイラー、あるいはショータイムのような戻ってく る伝説になり ますか?ラッシュやバッティオタク、S.H.I.Tのような古いお気に入りかも?誰にもわかり ません。私は 確かにしません。私が知っているのは、勝ちたいということです。私はそれらすべてを獲得し、W ZCWの最後 のグランドチャンピオンとして歩いてみたい! [This is it my friends and foes, the final match of our careers. Iâ??m sure you all feel the same way I do when I say this blows. Itâ??s not our faults though, itâ??s that bastard Kenneth Banks for selling us all out. But before we all get paid one last time and go about our merry ways, lets have one last contest with everything one the line. I can feel my competitive blood boiling! The Mayhem championship that I have never won, the Elite championship, the Eurasian championship, and the World championship are all up for grabs. Which one of us will walk out as the last champions standing? Will it be Titus Avison, or Garth Black, or perhaps Xander, or maybe Mikey Stormrage, Callie Clark, or even Mark Keaton? Will it be a returning legend like Eve Taylor, or Tyrone Blades? Maybe an old favorite like Ramparte, or Batti Otaku, or ElegAnt? Who knows? I certainly donâ??t. What I do know is that I want to win. I want to win them all, and walk out as WZCWâ??s final grand champion!]â?

Kagura laughed and place a hand to her chin, â??それはそれに素敵なリングを持っています。「グランドチャンピオン」神楽大空。 [That has a nice ring to it. â??Grand Championâ?? Kagura Ohzora.]â?

Suddenly her expression dropped, as did her posture. Sadness filled her soul for a brief moment. Then she smiled. But it wasnâ??t devious this time. This time, it was genuine. Kagura straightened herself up and spoke in English in a rare display. It was broken and no where near concise, but it was clear enough.

â??I want all you to know that I love you like family. This place is like home to me. I have friends and enemies but I treasure my time here. So many years spent travelling, training, and fighting the best. Kagura would not be me without all of you. Thank you all. One last time we fight for glory and honor. Win or lose, I have no regrets.â?

Kagura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly she lurched forward and spat red mist all over the camera screen. It slowly slid down the lens, covering the feed in a haze as the light dimmed and faded leaving nothing but darkness for the final time in its wake.

[JustCarl]

“One final show”

Carl was sitting on his couch, looking up at the camera.

“The WZCW took me in when I was just another indie darling. Took me in when I couldn’t convert my indie experience into wins with the pros. And now the WZCW is going out with one final show, going out with a bang. Had so many plans for 2020, but life can be a cruel unpredictable mistress. It’s a bittersweet thought, I could win my first WZCW title in a few days… but then the reality sets in that I’d be the last person to hold that title, and then the reality sets in that it would be my last title. Reality is a cruel bitch, but she tells no lies. The WZCW had a good run, a great run. Untouchable by its peers. But all good things must come to an end, such is life. And now we stare down the final show and even though that pit in your stomach won’t leave, it really is the final show.”

Carl signs.

“Only one thing left to do, time to go out there for the last time and give it my all one more time. Fight until you can’t fight anymore and at the end of the night if you did it right, you’re leaving with your name etched in the history books for wrestling historians to critique for years to come. The “coulda, shoulda, wouldas” will kick in shortly after the show, the could I have done better? Should I have pushed myself harder? Would the WZCW still be alive if I won more matches?

And no, I couldn’t have done better because I did my best. I shouldn’t have pushed harder because I was already pushing past my limit. And I am nowhere near vain enough to think it would last longer if I did better. But these thoughts, they creep up on your like a late evening breeze and then they too will chill you to your bones. I look at myself in the mirror and my face changes to all my doubters screaming at me, COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA!”

Carl shutters in place.

“But all you can do is brush them off. This is the final show, there is no changing that. There is no going back and changing the timeline, Barry Allen can’t come fix this for us. This is it my friends. One more show.”

Carl gives a half smile.

“To everyone who I have faced, from Keaton to Milenko to Vlad to Chris KO to Mr. Jones to etc etc. Thank you for helping me grow in the ring. And to my future opponents on the last show, thanks for helping me as well. And I’d thank you to just lay down and let me win as well, if you don’t mind.”

Half smile turns into a full smile.

“Folks, this is the end. The end of an era. Thanks for sticking with Carl along the ride and thanks for believing in me. Now it’s time to believe in myself and push myself to that first title victory. It won’t be easy but nothing good ever is. The opposition will want it just as badly as me, but I cannot give it to them. I cannot fail again. Because for me, this isn’t just the last WZCW match. This is my last match. Well, matches. And I intend to go out on top, to prove I wasn’t just some sham. To prove to myself that I really belonged. So this is me putting everyone on notice!... is that still a thing people say? Regardless. I am going to win my first and last title and then I am riding off into the sunset with my girlfriend and my sanity. Where we end up, who knows? But just somewhere far away from the noise… but somewhere I can hang my first and last title above a fireplace to admire it.”

Carl gets to his feet.

“Don’t cry that it’s over, be happy that it happened. WZCW will live on in all of us. And THAT’S Just Business.”

[Theo]

*Life may end, but legacies live forever*

Bzzzzzzzzzz

*A humming sound echoes in a dimly lit room. A young yet aged face can be seen briefly*

It's time to say goodbye to this cruel world. It's time to be real. It's time to be normal. I'm a freak but soon I'll be a real boy

*The buzzing sound grows louder as a pair of hair clippers approach the face of the young boy*

I reckon you don't do that son. I did that once and it lead to some bad bad things.

Papa, I...I thought you were out. Your presence was not expected.

I was out little guy but I sensed trouble. And it seems my senses still work. It's as if I'm Spiderman with a beard. I'm Beardedman!

*Beard puts his hands on his hips in traditional superhero pose as his son looks up, redness in his eyes and tears on his cheeks*

What's bugging you little dude? Papa doesn't like seeing Little Beard so sad.

*Beard wipes away the tears from his sonâ??s face and some runny boogies from his nose*

They keep picking on me papa. Because of my face. Because of our legacy.

*Beard looks on concerned as his son tells him the torturous tales of the trolls from school. His son pauses and Beard lets out a sigh*

Alright kiddo. Take a seat on Papaâ??s knee. I think itâ??s time for a story. A very true and very unbelievable story.

*Beard looks around and puts down the seat to the toilet and flicks on the overhead lighting as his son sits on his knee, like a child would Santa Claus.*

These trolls and bullies date back to the beginning of our existence. When my quadruple great grandfather, Jebediah Beard graced this here earth. You see QGG, as we call him, wanted to be a circus performer. No one believed he had any special talents or skills. All QGG had was a luxurious beard. His beard was a folk legend. It glistened in the light, birds would nest their young in his beard, its flow was like a glorious river. He believed his beard was magicial but the town folk thought he was just another crazy old man. That all changed. You see one day, the daughter of a very rich individual become deathly ill. QGG happened to be in town trying to join the traveling circus. The rich man overheard QGG talking about his beardâ??s powers and he asked if he could heal his daughter.

QGG was unsure but he believed in himself but even this was an impossible task. QGG went with the rich gentleman and attempted the impossible. Crowds gathered as word got out that old Jebediah was going to heal this girl. He bestowed upon her a piece of his beard. And then...it all went black.

What happened Papa?

*Beardâ??s son asks with worry in his voice.*

Suddenly a burst of light shattered the windows and blinded those nearby. A tornado of golden dust and the power of life circled the ill girl as it levitated her above her deathbed. Suddenly her eyes opened and her feet touched the ground. SHE WAS CURED! But it didnâ??t come without sacrifice my boy. For poor Jebediah took on her illness and tragically passed within minutes.

But he saved the girl Papa?

He sure did kiddo. The beard, while attached to the body, has amazing powers. But removing it can cause serious damage. I once removed mine and it took me to a dark place. A place we never talk about. I put my trust into a very powerful man and I took over and tried to destroy a community. A community known as WZCW.

And now WZCW is walking into the light, just like old Jebediah. Before you kiddo, I was a wrestler. And I did some crazy stuff. I was world champion, I was a tag team champion, I was king for a day, I wrestled a guy named Grizzly Bob, I wrestled an actual Grizzly. It saved my life. I made friends, I gained a new family. Your godfather was briefly with the company.

Really? Uncle Talent was a wrestler?

Youâ??re rootinâ?? tootinâ?? right he was. And a surprisingly good one. So was I. So I think itâ??s time we say goodbye to our family son. Without them I wouldnâ??t have the greatest family of them all, you. Thank you WZCW, you saved my life and helped me create a new one. Weâ??ll forever be kicking ass. Peace, love, and Beards.