Post by Mr.Ego on Feb 17, 2024 14:09:43 GMT -5
Donovan Hastings
Perched upon his twisted throne
Fuck The Lord of Pain
Perched upon his twisted throne
Fuck The Lord of Pain
Monday, February 12, 2024 - Chicago, Illinois: UGWC Arena
The scene opens showing 'Vain' Alan Wallace seated in a chair. He is leaning forward, his forearms resting on his thighs and his hands clasped together, as he is slightly rocking back and forth. As the camera zooms in closer, it displays a closed door off his left shoulder, the nameplate reading "UGWC Medical".
Alan: We could have done this the right way, Donovan. We could have based this entire lead-up around mutual respect, and finally determining who the best truly is.
His right leg begins to bounce, slowly at first, but escalating as he grows angrier.
Alan: Aside from Celeste, Simon is the person to which I am closest. Not just in this business, but in life. And you put… your hands… on him… and put him… through… a table.
The vein in his forehead begins to almost pulsate, and his face turns a shade just under a beet red. The last few words were said through gritted teeth, accentuated by his attempt at trying to find the words, all while not completely losing his cool.
Alan: I know that it was your doing, Donovan. That whole stipulation that if we put our hands on one another, we would be removed from our match at Infinity. And in my case, that would mean that I would be stripped of my World Heavyweight Championship. It's funny. While most people around here find you to be mind-numbingly droll and boringly predictable, I know the real Donovan Hastings. I know that you are intelligent enough to see every possible avenue towards a destination, and more importantly, that you are vindictive enough to do whatever it takes to attain the outcome that you so sorely desire.
Alan's head snaps up, his eyes figuratively boring a hole into the camera.
Alan: The only problem is, I didn't play your game, did I Donovan?
He quickly rises to his feet, beginning to pace back and forth.
Alan: It wasn't because I didn't want to Donovan, I can assure you of that. Quite honestly, if I had my way, I'd have shoved my foot up your ass far enough to force you to floss with my shoelaces. You can thank Simon for the fact that I didn't.
He stops pacing, looking directly into the camera once more.
Alan: He knew that you would try something, Donovan, he just didn't know what that something would be. You thought you were going to get one over on us, but Simon is so, so much smarter than you, Donovan… not that that is any secret around here. Simply put, Simon knew that you would try to find a way to hopefully weasel your way into a match where you could challenge for the World Championship without having to actually face me in the process. And because he was so steadfast in that belief, he made me promise that I wouldn't retaliate in any way, shape, or form. And as much as I may have objected to that request, I made that promise to him Donovan.
He flashes a quick smile, but there is no happiness behind it. Only coldness and anger.
Alan: You didn't fail to disappoint, Donovan. Somehow, I knew that you wouldn't. And though it took everything in my power to not wipe that shit-eating grin off your face, I managed to power through due to one, hard, cold fact.
His smile grows bigger, but there is a sinisterness in his eyes.
Alan: I get to take out all my frustrations on you at Infinity, Donovan. And you?
The smile fades from his lips.
Alan: You've made it extremely personal.
The door to the medical office slowly opens, Jordan King stepping into view. He motions for Alan to come in, which our World Championship does without hesitation, the door clanging shut behind the two men.
The Puppet Masters
The greatness that could have been
Yet jealousy reigned
The greatness that could have been
Yet jealousy reigned
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Miami, Florida
Unknown: I'm coming, I'm coming. Calm down.
The sound of footsteps on a hardwood floor are heard before the door opens. Standing there is 'Vain' Alan Wallace, a look of concern on his face.
Alan: I was beginning to worry, Simon.
Simon stands there for a moment in silence, his mouth opening multiple times, but no sound coming out. Finally, he speaks.
Simon: Alan, wha… what are you doing here?
Alan begins to chuckle as he walks inside, lightly pushing Simon to the side.
Alan: As I said, I was beginning to worry about you, Simon. I haven't heard from you since we returned from Synergy.
Alan walks around a moment, looking into each room as he attempts to figure out where he is going.
Simon: Down the hall, second entryway on the right, Alan. Coffee is brewing.
Alan: You read my mind, Simon.
Alan makes a beeline down the hall, Simon slowly following behind. By the time that Simon enters the kitchen and dining room area, Alan has already poured himself a cup of coffee and has taken a seat at the dining room table.
Alan: Coffee is done, Simon. You should get yourself a cup. It's exceedingly good.
Simon slowly walks over and takes a seat at the table opposite Vain.
Simon: Again I ask, what are you doing here, Alan?
Alan slightly chuckles before taking a long sip of coffee, placing the mug down on the table once he's satisfied.
Alan: As you are aware Simon, Wednesdays are the days where I usually find you standing in my kitchen, drinking my coffee, and using all my creamer. When I awoke this morning and wasn't confronted with that routine, I grew concerned.
Simon: I've been a little busy, Alan. Recuperating from being put through a table by that bastard Hastings on Monday. You do remember that, yes?
Alan performs his best Holden Orson impersonation and scoffs.
Alan: Of course I remember, Simon. The elevation that you got when he lifted you up for that powerbomb was insane if I'm being honest. The way that the table splintered, and your head bounced off the mat, I thought for sure that it might have been your last ride.
Simon sits there for a moment in stunned silence.
Simon: I… I don't even know what to do with that, Alan.
Alan suddenly leans forward, concern etched on his face.
Alan: Dear God, you're still concussed! Don't you worry Simon… Donovan Hastings will pay for what he's done. If he thinks that he can wrap his grimy little fingers around your throat and chokeslam you through a table all the way to Hell, he's got another thing coming, my friend!
Simon: I… wait… a chokeslam? A moment ago, it was a powerbo-
Alan leans back in his seat and looks up at the ceiling.
Alan: That spinebuster was quite impressive, I must admit. I mean, it put you right through that table. All I could really think was… DAMN!
Simon: Did you even pay attention to what happened, Alan?
Alan bursts out in laughter.
Alan: What kind of question is that, Simon? Obviously I paid attention. I mean, it happened right in front of me. To think I didn't pay attention is preposterous!
Simon: Funny that you should say that, since it was a simple body slam that Donovan executed, which led to me going through that table.
The smile fades from Alan's face.
Alan: A body slam, you say?
Simon: Yes Alan, a simple body slam. Though, I guess there is nothing 'simple' about being put through a table with one.
Alan: Well then…
The two men sit in silence for more than a few uncomfortable moments, before Vain finally speaks.
Alan: I guess it could have been worse. He could have connected with a finger poke of the most evil proportions, causing you to suddenly turn into Dark Destroyer, and you could have just fallen through the table.
Simon sighs.
Simon: I'm really not in the mood for these games, Alan. I did suffer a concussion due to his actions, and there could possibly be damage to my surgically repaired neck. You know, the same neck that was injured that forced my retirement two decades ago.
'The Vain One' sheepishly looks down at the table.
Alan: Chaos.
Simon: Yes. Chaos.
Alan takes another sip of coffee, slowly placing the mug back down once finished.
Alan: I'm sorry, Simon.
Simon's mouth gapes open slightly.
Simon: Wait… what is happening right now?
Alan: What?
Simon: Did… did you just apologize to me? Am I dreaming?
Alan dismisses the statement with a wave of his hand.
Alan: I can assure you that you are very much awake, Simon.
Simon: It's just so… unexpected. I mean, 'Vain' Alan Wallace? Apologizing? Are you sure that you didn't suffer your own concussion on Monday?
Alan: Look, I'm a creature of habit, Simon. And I do not do well when things deviate from my expectations. That's why I grew concerned this morning when you didn't show up. Especially since I went and bought that stupid coffee creamer.
Simon: You drink your coffee black, Alan.
Alan: I am well aware of how I take my coffee, Simon. I bought it for you, you buffoon.
Both men look down at the table, before Alan takes another sip of coffee. Finishing it, he rises to his feet and walks over to the sink. He quickly washes the mug, before then drying it off and placing it back into the cabinet. He then walks over to where Simon is seated and places his hand on his shoulder.
Alan: I always need to be in control, Simon. In the ring, in life, I need to be the one that is in control of everything that goes on around me. When I don't have that control, I feel at a loss for how to behave. Believe me when I say, I saw exactly what Donovan Hastings did to you on Monday. And due to the promise that I made you, I could do nothing about it. If I don't attempt to joke about it now, or make light of it in some way, I'm going to do nothing but stew on it. And that won't be good for anyone.
Simon: I know, Alan. I know.
Alan pats him on the shoulder, before then starting to walk towards the doorway.
Alan: Get yourself better, Simon. And let me know if you need anything.
Simon: I will.
Simon slowly turns in his chair, watching Alan near the entryway.
Simon: Hey Alan?
Alan turns and offers him a half smile.
Simon: You know Donovan as well as almost anyone. You know he will stop at nothing to take your World Championship from you. No matter the cost.
Alan: You're right, Simon. I do know Donovan better than most. Between the time we spent together at Travis' villa, and the time spent together when we were calling ourselves 'The Puppet Masters', I know Donovan better than anyone save for Owen and Travis. I know exactly what he is capable of. But… can he really say the same?
Alan flashes him a wide grin, before turning and walking through the doorway.
World Championship
The Battle of the Titans
One will reign supreme
The Battle of the Titans
One will reign supreme
Monday, February 19, 2024 - Madison, Wisconsin: Camp Randall Stadium
The Global-Tron flickers to life with the following message appearing on the screen.
The following announcement has been paid for by Vanity's World Order.
The message disappears, replaced with the Infinity graphic.
Infinity. An event that both of us would sooner skip altogether rather than participate in, right Donovan? Because our collective successes at this event have been few and far between.
Sure, we both have had moderate success in the Global Challenge over the years, though neither of us can claim to have reigned supreme at the end, as neither of us have emerged victorious in the finals. Though I suppose your defeating Duncan Ryder three years ago to advance to the first ever UGWC Conquest Championship Match far outweighs me losing to Angelica Vaughn in the finals the year before that.
The same Angelica Vaughn that won the aforementioned first ever Conquest Championship Match if memory serves.
We haven't fared much better in our championship matches either. You failed to take the UGWC World Championship from that miscreant Cypress Morgan ten years ago, and not only did you fail at winning back the World Title from Centurion two years ago, but you actually tapped out in the process of failing in that match. Then again, Infinity has seen me lose multiple World Championship Matches, as I lost to Roberts in a Last Man Standing Match in 2016… to Angelica Vaughn three years later… and of course sandwiched in between that was when you and I doubled down on failure, as we teamed with Deimos and Roberts to lose everything to 'The Engine of Chaos' in 2017.
To be frank, the only real successes that you and I have had at this event Donovan have been exceedingly rare. Killian and I won the 'A Vanity Special' match in 2015, which saw 'Yours Truly' walk out with his HSW World Heavyweight Championship, his UGWC Cross-Hemisphere Championship, and as one-half of the UGWC Cooperative Champions with Killian. And you defeated Sloane Taylor in 2020 in a match that meant next to nothing.
The Infinity graphic is replaced with side-by-side split shots of Vain and Killian celebrating on the left, and Sloane Taylor and Donovan Hastings doing battle on the right.
Of course those respective nights led the two of us down completely different paths, didn't they Donovan? Less than three years later, I solidified myself as one of the greatest of all time, as I ended Killian's career at Horizons in a Valhalla Burial Match… whereas Sloane Taylor ascended to being one of the greatest young entertainment professionals in this entire business, leaving you behind almost as quickly as she did Sebastian.
Such a shame.
The pictures on the screen are replaced with a shot from last week's Synergy, a furious Vain staring directly into the eyes of the smug Donovan Hastings.
The past is completely inconsequential though, Donovan. Because simply put, this match later tonight pits the two single greatest champions to ever grace the wrestling industry with their presence, as loathe as everyone else may be to admit it.
The graphic of Vain and Hastings standing toe-to-toe is replaced with a graphic of the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship.
I have always held a profound respect for the UGWC World Championship… for my UGWC World Championship. Having the respect for it that I do, it means that I also respect the lineage that led to this moment. The lineage that includes you, Donovan.
The graphic of the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship is replaced with a graphic of Donovan wearing it during his last World Title reign.
You have held the UGWC World Championship more times than any other person that has had the privilege, Donovan. Six times you have had the pleasure of calling yourself the UGWC World Champion; that's more times than people named Jet Somers, Lucy Wylde, Zane Scott, and even 'Vain' Alan Wallace. And you hold the record for most combined days as the UGWC World Champion, having been able to call yourself the World Champion for an astounding 526 days.
The graphic changes again, this time showing a smiling Alan Wallace.
Well, you held that record. Until this past Wednesday, when I passed you to set a new one. So Happy Valentine's Day, Donovan. I suppose I should have gotten you a card…
The graphic flips back to the picture of Vain and Hastings face-to-face.
Our histories are synonymous with greatness, Donovan, no matter what anyone else thinks. You are a sixteen-time champion here in UGWC, which is the most total reigns of anyone who has ever signed a contract with UGWC; I am a fifteen-time champion here in UGWC, which is tied with Travis Pierce for the second-most total reigns. You have had gold wrapped around your waist here in UGWC for an overwhelming 1,272 combined days, which is third all-time; I have had gold wrapped around my sexy waist for an even more monumental 1,570 combined days, which is obviously the most.
The graphic changes back to the Infinity symbol, but this time it slowly rotates ninety degrees to resemble the number eight.
Between the two of us, we have been able to call ourselves a champion for damn near eight combined years of time. What other two people can make such a claim, Donovan? What other two people can state these facts? And these facts? These facts are what this match should have been based upon…
The rotated Infinity symbol is replaced with a picture of Simon Wellington.
But you had to be a bitch and make things personal…
The picture of Simon is replaced with a picture of 'The Puppet Masters'.
You and I have known each other for an exceedingly long time, Donovan. And over the years, we have found ourselves on the same side of many a battle. But I knew during all those times that I could never, ever trust you, Donovan. I've known that since the day I signed my first UGWC contract back in 2013.
I knew it when I passed you in the backstage area for the first time…
I knew it when I saw how you interacted with those who you felt were beneath you. Which, let's face it, is just about everyone…
I knew it when we formed 'The Puppet Masters'…
I knew it when you attempted to hold me down when 'The Puppet Masters' were reigning supreme over everyone, all because you knew that I was everything you were, but so, so much more…
And most importantly, I knew it when you saw to it that Travis Roberts - your best friend - was kicked out of 'The Puppet Masters'.
It never mattered what Travis, Robert, or I ever did when we were redefining what a wrestling stable was meant to be. Because to you, we were nothing more than mere pawns on a chess board… and you were the King - or rather, Lord - who reigned over us all. And ultimately, how has it all worked out, Donovan?
The graphic changes to a solo shot of Travis Roberts.
Travis is responsible for the single-greatest World Championship reign that we have ever seen. And if he ever pulls himself up from the wasteland that his life has become, I know that he could do it again.
The graphic changes to a solo shot of Dirge.
Robert is one of the most sadistic bastards I have ever had the misfortune of facing. And though he went through his 'hobo' stage - which I may or may not have played a part in - his career has earned him a spot in the UGWC Hall of Fame.
The graphic changes to a solo shot of Vain.
I became one of the greatest entertainment professionals in the history of this industry; retired to spend time with the love of my life and ultimately start a family once I realized that there was nothing left to accomplish in UGWC; and then returned on my own terms and did what nobody else managed to do for almost two years, and defeat the single greatest champion of this era, Sebastian Everett-Bryce.
The graphic changes to a solo shot of Donovan Hastings.
And then there's you, Donovan. A sure-fire future Hall of Famer… one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots… and you use your stroke to jump to the front of the line for a title shot, all so that you can attempt to ride the coattails of a man who you always viewed as beneath you.
What a jealous, egotistical, sad little man you are, Donovan Hastings.
The graphic changes back to the Infinity symbol.
Part of me wondered what else I might be in for leading up to this match, Donovan. You've already attacked Simon, so I found myself wondering what might be next. Maybe you would sit down with Grey Coppi for a one-on-one interview, and the two of you could swap stories about how much of an asshole I am? Or maybe the UGWC Universe would find themselves subjected to another horrible rendition of 'This Is Your Life', where you would attempt to bastardize not only the man that I am, but the champion than I am, all to give yourself a feeling on invincibility leading up to our match? Or maybe you'd do nothing else at all, thinking that the attack on Simon had given you all the advantage that you would need?
The graphic changes a final time, this time to a live shot of 'Vain' Alan Wallace staring directly into the camera.
Alan: I came to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter, Donovan. Because at the end of the day, it won't change anything. In just a few short hours, you and I will find ourselves standing across from one another, with my World Championship on the line. And once that bell rings Donovan, I'm going to show you the person… the wrestler… the man… the champion that I am. And tonight, in that very ring, you are going to realize I've been… am… and will continue to be 'Your Better'. Because as you love to say…
Alan flashes his customary smile at the camera.
Alan: It is inevitable.
The feed flickers off, the buzz of the sold-out crowd growing.
'Vain' Alan Wallace
True historical greatness
You're welcome, Hastings
True historical greatness
You're welcome, Hastings