Post by Lord Hastings on May 25, 2012 20:40:04 GMT -5
Hastings: This is our time.
Donovan is addressing the entire assembled Dungeon of Pain, including all of the trainers and students.
Hastings: We're coming up on WrestleStock. We've trimmed the fat, quite literally, and sent it over to the Dragon's Cave, over which we have proven our superiority. In a week's time, we will control all of UGWC. Day One, my enforcers...
Donovan points at Chris Peterson and Marek Daisuke.
Hastings: Bring back the Cooperative Championship. You guys got this, and if you get into trouble you've got CajoolZ and Chicken Licken out there backing you up. Then on Day Two...
Donovan points at Calypso.
Hastings: The Mistress finally knocks that belligerant doofus off his perch, and 'The Auteur' completes his fall from grace, as the Dungeon of Pain's campaign to do whatever we called it a few months ago is completed. Of course, we can't forget that the Chaos Championship is up for grabs those two days, and we're all going down there, anybody in here could win it. People like the Athlican.
Donovan points to Paul Cockatoo, and then Ezra Wade.
Hastings: Or the Tidal Wade, or...
Donovan points to Hiroki Sebaseragi.
Hastings: Um, you. All this leads us to the final day, and the World Heavyweight Championship, and once again, we've got two hands in that basket. The World Heavyweight Championship is coming to the Dungeon. These are the biggest three days in the history of this institution. What we need to be is a single unit, all acting for...as one. So please welcome our invited speaker of the week...
The door to the gymnasium swings open and the Burly Men wheel out a flat screen TV on a trolley and hand Donovan a remote control which he looks at quizzically before pressing the on switch, at which point the screen springs to life and is filled with the Aviator wearing face of former GIW World heavyweight Champion, Travis Roberts.
Travis – ''The Blessed One' can tell from your collective look of awe and insignificance that you can now see Travis Roberts.'
Donovan waves towards the webcam that sits on top of the TV screen.
Travis – 'For those of you who don't know, Donovan Hastings is one of a select few people that 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia' considers to be in the same league, one of few who has had the honour of being classed as a team mate. Together we were the TWiSTeD Guardians, the most dynamic teaming this industry has ever witnessed.'
Magenta: Were you as good as The Piercing Weapons?
Chris Peterson glares at Todd who works out what he's just said and shrinks a little.
The student might as well have been speaking another language as far as Roberts was concerned, Travis' facial expression looks as if he'd been asked to explain the quantum mechanics of wormholes.
Zeke: He's talking about Somers and Pierce, they teamed up last year.
Travis – 'OK, 'The Headliner' suspects that whoever that was is the dunce of the class...'
The expressions of the other trainers suggests otherwise and Travis, being the observant individual he is, picks up on this.
Travis – 'Wow, 'The Blessed One' always knew his absence from the industry would be damaging, but if this is the calibre of trainee's nowadays, clearly no-one is inspiring the talented and worthwhile into the business.'
Donovan clears his throat.
Hastings: You were going to deliver our Keynote Lecture on Cooperation and Teamwork.'
Travis – 'Indeed, and Travis Roberts has an insightful, entertaining and motivational presentation all ready to go, but 'The Headliner' was under the impression that he'd be delivering this to a group of individuals who had the faintest understanding of the business and an appreciation of the artistry and sacrifice that it takes to be a true success in this realm.'
Hastings: Don't let the Pink Dingbat color your views on the rest, I assure you this is a very capable group.'
Travis pulls his Aviators down giving us the firast look at his eyes, and he squints as he stares into his view.
Travis – 'Is that Paul Cockatoo in the back?'
Calypso: He's showing tremendous signs of improvement since he joined us.
Travis - 'He doesn't appear to be drooling on anyone right now, so 'The Blessed One' will take your word for it Cal. But it doesn't change the fact that all the prepared material is useless right now...'
Donovan rolls his eyes.
Hastings: I have complete faith that GIW's longest reigning Global Champion, the founder of a stable spanning two decades and the most articulate and effusive individual I know can pull something out of the bag, or has all the partying you've been doing lately dumbed your instincts?
Travis – 'Well that clearly goes without saying, it's just a shame that those you've gathered in front of 'The Blessed One' are unlikely to be able to absorb anything from even the simplest of instructions. Was this really all you could muster?'
Hastings: They are suitable for my purposes.
Travis – 'That's not exactly what 'The Headliner' asked, but it will have to do, should we move this on, as you may have heard Travis Roberts did indeed turn down a place on the judging panel at The Cannes Film Festival, but that doesn't mean he won't be attending the party's.'
Hastings: Any time you wanna start is fine, Cooperation and Teamwork, remember.
Travis – 'The first thing, probably the most important rule of Cooperation and Teamwork shouldn't even need to be stated, but given the audience 'The TWiSTeD Icon' feels it would be best to play this safe. Always be there for your partner. This is crucial.'
Donovan can't help but look at the remote in his hand and then back to the TV and then he sighs. Travis sees this and smirks.
Travis – 'If your partner doesn't think he can count on you, do you think you can count on him? For instance if in New Orleans the Lord of Pain is outnumbered, or deviously manoeuvred into a position of vulnerability, and you don't do all you can to aid him, how do you think it will play out when you need your esteemed mentor in the future? When you need some advice for the biggest match of your career, when you need him in your corner, do you think he'll have forgotten you denied him the World Heavyweight title?'
Calypso looks over at Donovan and smiles a knowing smile.
Travis – 'This doesn't go to just the students, everybody in here is a member of a team, The Dungeon of Pain must stand strong, from what Donovan tells me Jet Somers is trying to rally the troops, again, and this time you are his targets. Inexplicably people apparently consider following Somers' lead is a good idea, and due to this unfathomable shift in dynamics since 'The Headliner' was last in the company, it means this potential problem is shared amongst you all. And if Donovan Hastings does not emerge from WrestleStock as The World Heavyweight Champion, you will have been defeated, and Jet Somers will have another undeserved victory.
Zeke: Don't forget me.
Travis – 'The Blessed One' doesn't follow.'
Zeke: I'm competing on the last day too.
Travis – 'Good for you dude, enjoy the experience and good luck!'
Zeke: I don't need luck, things have changed, I'm one of the elite now, it's not the same as when you left.
Travis – 'You're right, a lot has changed since Travis Roberts blessed the UGWC with his presence. Indeed in that time Jet Somers, Travis Pierce, 'The Headliner's' pet psycho; Tyvola and Phrixus Deimos have all held the World Heavyweight Championship. So 'The TWiSTeD Guerilla' suggests you reconsider being so proud of being part of the 'elite' of UGWC.'
Chris Peterson leans close to Zeke.
Chris: Dude, cut your losses.
Travis – 'And that's the reason 'The Blessed One' is here today. Whilst you have all been busying yourself planning elaborate tournaments to team up with your friends, or allying yourself with dead weight Australian's then going on strike because no-one takes you seriously, or even getting yourself involved in a long winded and inevitably fruitless feud against the industry's least dynamic competitor, the window lickers...stopped licking.'
For the first time it seems he has the attention of everyone in the Dungeon, trainers, trainees and owner alike.
Travis – 'Things have changed so much that the very individuals that most considered mid card make weights have been propelled into the upper-echelons of the industry. It was only the other day that 'The Blessed One' heard someone remark that 'Phrixus Deimos has the potential to be as dominant as UGWC's greatest World Champion to date, Tyvola'. Does Travis Roberts even need to go into just how many things are wrong with that sentence?
And it's all your fault's.'
A period of silence.
Travis – 'Some are to blame more than others, a few of you were swimming upstream for a long time, against an ever flowing torrent of mongoloids, but what's worse is many of you were no better than them. Why did it take you all so long to see the bigger picture and unite behind the only thing that can save UGWC in the absence of 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millenia'? Why did 'The Lord' now have all your allegiances earlier? The truth is, you all got distracted by the windows, and started licking them.'
This ruffles a few feathers, but Travis keeps going.
Travis – 'What you have to understand, is that telling hard truths is an important part of Teamwork and Cooperation. You cannot afford to take liberties with the truth in a true team, sometimes you need to drop off the canvas to let your partner learn that you can't always be there for them, that some battles they are meant to face alone. And other times you need to give them a wake up call and tell them they are descending into their own ass holes a la Declan Prescott.'
Donovan chuckles and a number of the class and tutors follow suit.
Travis – 'And this day falls into the latter category. You can't walk into New Orleans City Park thinking just being in the Dungeon of Pain means something, the Dungeon of Pain needs to mean something. They're rallying the troops, they're uniting against you all, none of them are Donovan Hastings, but neither are any of you. Not even you Donny.
The Lord Chief Travis Roberts fought alongside would never have allowed the travesties of the past 18 months to have occurred, he would have instead ensured, by whatever means necessary he kept the integrity of this company intact. Now is not the time for the long game, you have everything you need at your disposal, it's time to deploy your asset's like only you know how.
And you Ezekiel, you have come a long way, but you're still so easily distracted. 'The Headliner' may have seemed dismissive of your chances, but in truth you have the potential, you may well impress his Lordship come that final day of festivities, and you may prove to him you are worthy of stepping aside for, and allowing you a probationary run at the head of the company. You must keep that hope, stranger things have happened you only need look at the list of UGWC World Heavyweight Champions to see that's true.
And as for the rest of you, your glory will be defined by how you serve you team mates, your legacy's will be determined by how you choose to honor the Dungeon of Pain at WrestleStcok, whether you fight for the shallow goal of self-satisfaction, or for the greater goal, the eternal glory of The World Heavyweight Championship. The days of petty turf wars are over, it's time to take back the crown.'
There are a number of blank faces amongst the students.
Donovan: Travis is talking about The World Heavyweight Championship.
Travis – 'To summarise in a fashion that will make this simple for the Paul Cockatoo's amongst you. That man...
He motions towards Donovan.
Travis – '...Donovan Hastings, do exactly what he says, and do everything in your power to ensure he becomes World Heavyweight Champion. Oh and Paul...
Paul Cockatoo looks around for a minute, realises after a few moments processing that he is the only Paul in the DoP, and points to himself.
Travis – 'Yeah...might be best if you stayed home.'
Everyone laughs, even Paul he just starts a little later than the rest of the class.
Travis – 'Now 'The Blessed One' has a lot of people waiting to get a glimpse of him, so that will have to suffice.
Hastings: Thanks, Trav.
Donovan switches the monitor off, and turns back to address the group.
Hastings: Motivated? Good. You're all going to break up into groups now, do some prep, Coach Cal has a few things she wants to go over with you too, so let's stay focused, peasants. We've got a busy week ahead.
Calypso begins addressing the students as Donovan walks to his office, opens the door, and quickly closes it behind himself as he enters.
Seated at Donovan's desk is none other than Travis Roberts, holding a small tape recorder.
Travis - 'People still use these?'
Hastings: Nevermind that. I'm just glad to see you.
Travis - 'Of course. It has been far too long, after all.'
Hastings: You around for a few days?
Travis - 'Flight to Louisiana leaves Tuesday.'
Blessed Immortality smiles...
Donovan is addressing the entire assembled Dungeon of Pain, including all of the trainers and students.
Hastings: We're coming up on WrestleStock. We've trimmed the fat, quite literally, and sent it over to the Dragon's Cave, over which we have proven our superiority. In a week's time, we will control all of UGWC. Day One, my enforcers...
Donovan points at Chris Peterson and Marek Daisuke.
Hastings: Bring back the Cooperative Championship. You guys got this, and if you get into trouble you've got CajoolZ and Chicken Licken out there backing you up. Then on Day Two...
Donovan points at Calypso.
Hastings: The Mistress finally knocks that belligerant doofus off his perch, and 'The Auteur' completes his fall from grace, as the Dungeon of Pain's campaign to do whatever we called it a few months ago is completed. Of course, we can't forget that the Chaos Championship is up for grabs those two days, and we're all going down there, anybody in here could win it. People like the Athlican.
Donovan points to Paul Cockatoo, and then Ezra Wade.
Hastings: Or the Tidal Wade, or...
Donovan points to Hiroki Sebaseragi.
Hastings: Um, you. All this leads us to the final day, and the World Heavyweight Championship, and once again, we've got two hands in that basket. The World Heavyweight Championship is coming to the Dungeon. These are the biggest three days in the history of this institution. What we need to be is a single unit, all acting for...as one. So please welcome our invited speaker of the week...
The door to the gymnasium swings open and the Burly Men wheel out a flat screen TV on a trolley and hand Donovan a remote control which he looks at quizzically before pressing the on switch, at which point the screen springs to life and is filled with the Aviator wearing face of former GIW World heavyweight Champion, Travis Roberts.
Travis – ''The Blessed One' can tell from your collective look of awe and insignificance that you can now see Travis Roberts.'
Donovan waves towards the webcam that sits on top of the TV screen.
Travis – 'For those of you who don't know, Donovan Hastings is one of a select few people that 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia' considers to be in the same league, one of few who has had the honour of being classed as a team mate. Together we were the TWiSTeD Guardians, the most dynamic teaming this industry has ever witnessed.'
Magenta: Were you as good as The Piercing Weapons?
Chris Peterson glares at Todd who works out what he's just said and shrinks a little.
The student might as well have been speaking another language as far as Roberts was concerned, Travis' facial expression looks as if he'd been asked to explain the quantum mechanics of wormholes.
Zeke: He's talking about Somers and Pierce, they teamed up last year.
Travis – 'OK, 'The Headliner' suspects that whoever that was is the dunce of the class...'
The expressions of the other trainers suggests otherwise and Travis, being the observant individual he is, picks up on this.
Travis – 'Wow, 'The Blessed One' always knew his absence from the industry would be damaging, but if this is the calibre of trainee's nowadays, clearly no-one is inspiring the talented and worthwhile into the business.'
Donovan clears his throat.
Hastings: You were going to deliver our Keynote Lecture on Cooperation and Teamwork.'
Travis – 'Indeed, and Travis Roberts has an insightful, entertaining and motivational presentation all ready to go, but 'The Headliner' was under the impression that he'd be delivering this to a group of individuals who had the faintest understanding of the business and an appreciation of the artistry and sacrifice that it takes to be a true success in this realm.'
Hastings: Don't let the Pink Dingbat color your views on the rest, I assure you this is a very capable group.'
Travis pulls his Aviators down giving us the firast look at his eyes, and he squints as he stares into his view.
Travis – 'Is that Paul Cockatoo in the back?'
Calypso: He's showing tremendous signs of improvement since he joined us.
Travis - 'He doesn't appear to be drooling on anyone right now, so 'The Blessed One' will take your word for it Cal. But it doesn't change the fact that all the prepared material is useless right now...'
Donovan rolls his eyes.
Hastings: I have complete faith that GIW's longest reigning Global Champion, the founder of a stable spanning two decades and the most articulate and effusive individual I know can pull something out of the bag, or has all the partying you've been doing lately dumbed your instincts?
Travis – 'Well that clearly goes without saying, it's just a shame that those you've gathered in front of 'The Blessed One' are unlikely to be able to absorb anything from even the simplest of instructions. Was this really all you could muster?'
Hastings: They are suitable for my purposes.
Travis – 'That's not exactly what 'The Headliner' asked, but it will have to do, should we move this on, as you may have heard Travis Roberts did indeed turn down a place on the judging panel at The Cannes Film Festival, but that doesn't mean he won't be attending the party's.'
Hastings: Any time you wanna start is fine, Cooperation and Teamwork, remember.
Travis – 'The first thing, probably the most important rule of Cooperation and Teamwork shouldn't even need to be stated, but given the audience 'The TWiSTeD Icon' feels it would be best to play this safe. Always be there for your partner. This is crucial.'
Donovan can't help but look at the remote in his hand and then back to the TV and then he sighs. Travis sees this and smirks.
Travis – 'If your partner doesn't think he can count on you, do you think you can count on him? For instance if in New Orleans the Lord of Pain is outnumbered, or deviously manoeuvred into a position of vulnerability, and you don't do all you can to aid him, how do you think it will play out when you need your esteemed mentor in the future? When you need some advice for the biggest match of your career, when you need him in your corner, do you think he'll have forgotten you denied him the World Heavyweight title?'
Calypso looks over at Donovan and smiles a knowing smile.
Travis – 'This doesn't go to just the students, everybody in here is a member of a team, The Dungeon of Pain must stand strong, from what Donovan tells me Jet Somers is trying to rally the troops, again, and this time you are his targets. Inexplicably people apparently consider following Somers' lead is a good idea, and due to this unfathomable shift in dynamics since 'The Headliner' was last in the company, it means this potential problem is shared amongst you all. And if Donovan Hastings does not emerge from WrestleStock as The World Heavyweight Champion, you will have been defeated, and Jet Somers will have another undeserved victory.
Zeke: Don't forget me.
Travis – 'The Blessed One' doesn't follow.'
Zeke: I'm competing on the last day too.
Travis – 'Good for you dude, enjoy the experience and good luck!'
Zeke: I don't need luck, things have changed, I'm one of the elite now, it's not the same as when you left.
Travis – 'You're right, a lot has changed since Travis Roberts blessed the UGWC with his presence. Indeed in that time Jet Somers, Travis Pierce, 'The Headliner's' pet psycho; Tyvola and Phrixus Deimos have all held the World Heavyweight Championship. So 'The TWiSTeD Guerilla' suggests you reconsider being so proud of being part of the 'elite' of UGWC.'
Chris Peterson leans close to Zeke.
Chris: Dude, cut your losses.
Travis – 'And that's the reason 'The Blessed One' is here today. Whilst you have all been busying yourself planning elaborate tournaments to team up with your friends, or allying yourself with dead weight Australian's then going on strike because no-one takes you seriously, or even getting yourself involved in a long winded and inevitably fruitless feud against the industry's least dynamic competitor, the window lickers...stopped licking.'
For the first time it seems he has the attention of everyone in the Dungeon, trainers, trainees and owner alike.
Travis – 'Things have changed so much that the very individuals that most considered mid card make weights have been propelled into the upper-echelons of the industry. It was only the other day that 'The Blessed One' heard someone remark that 'Phrixus Deimos has the potential to be as dominant as UGWC's greatest World Champion to date, Tyvola'. Does Travis Roberts even need to go into just how many things are wrong with that sentence?
And it's all your fault's.'
A period of silence.
Travis – 'Some are to blame more than others, a few of you were swimming upstream for a long time, against an ever flowing torrent of mongoloids, but what's worse is many of you were no better than them. Why did it take you all so long to see the bigger picture and unite behind the only thing that can save UGWC in the absence of 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millenia'? Why did 'The Lord' now have all your allegiances earlier? The truth is, you all got distracted by the windows, and started licking them.'
This ruffles a few feathers, but Travis keeps going.
Travis – 'What you have to understand, is that telling hard truths is an important part of Teamwork and Cooperation. You cannot afford to take liberties with the truth in a true team, sometimes you need to drop off the canvas to let your partner learn that you can't always be there for them, that some battles they are meant to face alone. And other times you need to give them a wake up call and tell them they are descending into their own ass holes a la Declan Prescott.'
Donovan chuckles and a number of the class and tutors follow suit.
Travis – 'And this day falls into the latter category. You can't walk into New Orleans City Park thinking just being in the Dungeon of Pain means something, the Dungeon of Pain needs to mean something. They're rallying the troops, they're uniting against you all, none of them are Donovan Hastings, but neither are any of you. Not even you Donny.
The Lord Chief Travis Roberts fought alongside would never have allowed the travesties of the past 18 months to have occurred, he would have instead ensured, by whatever means necessary he kept the integrity of this company intact. Now is not the time for the long game, you have everything you need at your disposal, it's time to deploy your asset's like only you know how.
And you Ezekiel, you have come a long way, but you're still so easily distracted. 'The Headliner' may have seemed dismissive of your chances, but in truth you have the potential, you may well impress his Lordship come that final day of festivities, and you may prove to him you are worthy of stepping aside for, and allowing you a probationary run at the head of the company. You must keep that hope, stranger things have happened you only need look at the list of UGWC World Heavyweight Champions to see that's true.
And as for the rest of you, your glory will be defined by how you serve you team mates, your legacy's will be determined by how you choose to honor the Dungeon of Pain at WrestleStcok, whether you fight for the shallow goal of self-satisfaction, or for the greater goal, the eternal glory of The World Heavyweight Championship. The days of petty turf wars are over, it's time to take back the crown.'
There are a number of blank faces amongst the students.
Donovan: Travis is talking about The World Heavyweight Championship.
Travis – 'To summarise in a fashion that will make this simple for the Paul Cockatoo's amongst you. That man...
He motions towards Donovan.
Travis – '...Donovan Hastings, do exactly what he says, and do everything in your power to ensure he becomes World Heavyweight Champion. Oh and Paul...
Paul Cockatoo looks around for a minute, realises after a few moments processing that he is the only Paul in the DoP, and points to himself.
Travis – 'Yeah...might be best if you stayed home.'
Everyone laughs, even Paul he just starts a little later than the rest of the class.
Travis – 'Now 'The Blessed One' has a lot of people waiting to get a glimpse of him, so that will have to suffice.
Hastings: Thanks, Trav.
Donovan switches the monitor off, and turns back to address the group.
Hastings: Motivated? Good. You're all going to break up into groups now, do some prep, Coach Cal has a few things she wants to go over with you too, so let's stay focused, peasants. We've got a busy week ahead.
Calypso begins addressing the students as Donovan walks to his office, opens the door, and quickly closes it behind himself as he enters.
Seated at Donovan's desk is none other than Travis Roberts, holding a small tape recorder.
Travis - 'People still use these?'
Hastings: Nevermind that. I'm just glad to see you.
Travis - 'Of course. It has been far too long, after all.'
Hastings: You around for a few days?
Travis - 'Flight to Louisiana leaves Tuesday.'
Blessed Immortality smiles...
