What it means to be IWF original

July 31st
San Diego, California
Jason Hawk's perspective
Off Camera


Jason Hawk
Where the fuck did that come from?

Its like a stranger is looking back at me from the other side of the bathroom mirror. My picture perfect face with just the right amount of stubble and stunning blue eyes that can only be described as god's gift to all women everywhere, has been ruined! What I see in the mirror terrifies me. It even hurts when I try to touch it. What I am looking at is a massive black eye that surrounds my entire left eye. All my products are on the shelf infront of me. I know that none of it helps but in a panic attack you don't think clearly so now my eye is covered in facial cream. With no alcohol I must add! Because alcohol dries your skin out and makes you look older and we do absolutely not want that. I also sprayed on some deoderant in a desperate attempt to heal a black eye. So now my eye is hurting and is turning red. It is in times like these that I remember why I take my medication, which I by the way flushed down the toilet in a drunken haze last night. So remind me to that I have to head down to the pharmacy to pick up some more, yeah?

Jason Hawk
That could work.

I grab a towel that and wrap it around my face so it covers the entire left side of my face. While I enjoy seeing myself as an Arabian prince I can't walk around with a towel on my face for however long it takes to heal a black eye. I remove the towel and fold it nicely before putting it back on the shelf as I look in the mirror again and accept that I have been defeated by a black eye that I have no real clue where I got from. With heavy steps I walk back out to the living room and slump down the couch. Its a beautiful day outside but I refuse to leave the house looking like a monster. I sigh and rest my head back on the couch.

Mouse
Wooow! That thing is huuuge!

Why whould he say that? He knows I am very self conscious about my looks ...wait where did he come from?

Jason Hawk
Did you...?

Mouse
Yeah, I fell asleep on the balcony. It was so nice and cool under the stars so I saw an opportunity and I took it! ...that looks really nasty.

He says and pokes at my black eye. Ooooow the pain!

Jason Hawk
For fuck sake, Mouse!

Mouse
I'll get you some ice.

He laughs. Ice! How come that totally slipped my mind? Before I even know it I am smacked across the face by a pack of ice as Mouse decides its a better idea to throw the ice at me rather than hand it over.

Jason Hawk
Oooow!

I jump over the couch and charge straight at Mouse. I got him in my sights and just as I am about to tackle him to the ground I am pulled back as a hand reaches out and grabs me by the shoulder. I crash to the ground and as I come back to my senses I am staring right up at the grinning face of Monster.

Jason Hawk
Did you sleep on the balcony too?

Mouse
Nah, I think he took the guest room.

Monster barely ever spoke, so Mouse had to do it for him. Monster nods and hands me the ice pack. Mouse, who's real name is Matt Biggars, and Monster were best friends. Known each other since they were kids. I first met them when I played drums in Crude Ambiguity. Mouse was on rhythm guitar and did some vocal work while Monster played bass. They never made much of themselves. For the most part they were just hanging out, getting high and writing music. They didn't really fancy the glamorous life that came with being a rockstar. They prefered just being for themselves. It was this honest and down to earth approach to rock music that made them such fan favorites and what made me so drawn to them. There was a contrast there in our lifestyles as I am all about the fame and glory. They keep me grounded to a point where I don't go overboard on the fame. While its nothing that I will admit for everyone to hear its something that I am glad to have and I am pretty sure that the two of them know. I am still looking up at the smirking face of Monster, who I now notice is holding the pack of ice, dangling it over my head. He lets go of the pack and it comes crashing down on my face, much to the delight of both Matt and Monster.

Jason Hawk
You dicks...

I grab the pack and apply it to my black eye.

Katrina Costick
Be nice you two.

Mouse eyes light up as he sees Kat standing in the door to my bedroom, while Monster calmly greeds her with a nod. Did I forget to tell you? I totally got laid last night. Mouse looks over at me.

Mouse
Are you two...

I raise my hand to stop him from saying anything more but then give him a thumbs up.

Katrina Costick
Easy now, Hawk. Don't get your expections up.

Wait... how rude of me! I didn't even introduce Kat! Kat was the lead guitarist in Crude Ambiguity and she has the fastest fingers in the world. The solos she pulls off are nothing short of amazing. Kat and I have been dating for years but as time went by we grew apart from each other. We were both touring the country, me with wrestling and she with her music. She had also just opened up her own nightclub, the KatBox, so we saw less and less of each other and when we did the spark between us just wasn't there anymore. We were both ready to move on, at least for a while. Because I must admit that I never really moved on. Every girl after Kat just seemed like a cheap knock-off and it wasn't a coincidence that every girl I was with after Kat, somewhat looked like her.

Jason Hawk
That's not what you said last night!

Katrina Costick
It was the alcohol speaking.

Jason Hawk
...women

Mouse's eyes keep shifting from me to Kat at a rapid pace.

Mouse
But how?

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July 30th
San Diego, California
The KatBox, VIP Lounge
Jason Hawk's perspective
Off Camera

Its not that often I get to go out for drinks but when I do I always end up in the KatBox. My ex-girlfriend Kat, it still hurts to call her my ex, owns the place. While we were dating I had free access to the VIP lounge and this is the first time I've been here since we broke up. So I am not entirely sure if I am allowed in here but when did rules ever stop me from anything. Mouse and Monster are in here with me and they don't believe that I taught myself how to juggle bottles.

Jason Hawk
It really doesn't matter what you do? You can't put me off. I can do this all night long.

Mouse
Hold on.

He says as he gets some limes from behind the bar.

Mouse
How about now?

Jason Hawk
Bring it!!

Mouse starts throwing limes at me. First he goes for the legs. He hits me with one or two but nothing that can put me off my stride.

Jason Hawk
Its that the best you got?

Mouse grunts and aims for my shoulders. The first two limes fly right past me but the third one hits just as I am about to throw a bottle in the air. I almost lose my grip but just by my fingertips I manage to make it fly.

Jason Hawk
Just give up Mouse!

Mouse changes his tactic again and now goes for the head. The first few are way off but then he throws two at the same time. They whistle just past my ears and I thought for sure he was going to get me there. Mouse goes for one last lime but Monster stops me. Monster takes the last lime and instead of aiming for me, he aims for the bottles and he hits one. I watch as the bottle spins out of control. I desperatly try to keep the bottles up but before I know it, the out of control bottle hits me dead right in the eye. I fall flat on my back and all the bottles crash down next to me. So I am laying in the pool of vodka and tequila and now Monster's suggestion beforehand about using empty bottles doesn't seem so stupid after all.

Mouse
Ha! Got you! This calls for a celebratory joint!

Mouse jumps on Monster's back as they ride off to find some weed. I sit up and rub my eye. That really fucking hurt.

Jason Hawk
I need a drink.

I get behind the bar. I know you should never do your own drink but I make some great drinks and I got all the ingredients for the best drink in the world. Some peach schnapps, some vodka, cranberry juice and ice. Remember to shake it. Not because it makes a difference but because it looks cooler. And there you have it! The world famous Woo Woo!

Katrina Costick
What is this mess? Why are these bottles broken? Why has no one cleaned it up?[/color]

Kat comes storming in the room clearly upset about the whole broken bottles thing. I turn to face

Katrina Costick
How come.... hi.

She stops surprised to see me. We haven't seen each other in years and I glad to see her and it makes me even happier that she is more beautiful than ever before.

Jason Hawk
Hi.

I take a sip of my drink.

Jason Hawk
Brian Bounce let me in. We just assumed everything was as it used to be since nothing else has been arranged.

Brian Bounce is the doorman. Really nice guy, I should introduce him someday.

Katrina Costick
Yes, ok, that's alright, but why..

She is stumbling over her words.

Jason Hawk
You looked stressed. Have a seat. I'll make you a mojito.

She loves her a good mojito and I make a damn good mojito. She looks around at the mess, then out through the window that overlooks the entire club, then at me.

Katrina Costick
Fuck it... yeah.

She takes a seat across from me.

Jason Hawk
Hi, Jason Hawk. We used to bang, nice to meet you.

I offer her my hand. She smiles and shakes my hand.

Katrina Costick
Katrina Costick, we once experimented with whip. I made you cry. Nice to meet you too.

Jason Hawk
....I thought we agreed never to speak of that again.

She laughs.

Katrina Costick
Relax. There is no one around to hear it.

That's when I hear Brian Bounce's deep chuckle outside from outside door.

Jason Hawk
Shut up Brian! It never happened!! ...Brian heard it.

Katrina Costick
Brian hears so much shit on a daily basis that he has most likely forgotten about it within a week. Now how about that mojito?

Jason Hawk
I'll get on it as soon as you tell me how you are doing.

Katrina Costick
I am doing... alright I guess.

Jason Hawk
That doesn't sound too good.

Katrina Costick
Oh no no. Things are going well. I am just a little bored. I am not touring these days so all my time goes to the KatBox. While I love running this, it does get a bit repetative.

Jason Hawk
So you're not doing any music these days.

Katrina Costick
Not really. We took an hiatus. There were some internal disagreements. I am working on some smaller solo projects, but nothing too serious.

Jason Hawk
Oooh! Internal disagreements! You know I love some good gossip.

I serve her the mojito.

Katrina Costick
Our singer got all power hungry. He wanted the biggest share in everything and wouldn't let anyone give their opinion or input on the music we produced. So we took an hiatus. We're most likely gonna split up and the rest of us will start a new band without him.

Jason Hawk
I always told you that guy was a douchebag.

I never knew the guy. I just never liked him because he was getting too close to Kat. She liked the attention so I got suspicious that they had an affair, even though I couldn't picture Kat with him.

Katrina Costick
I guess you were right all along.

Jason Hawk
When am I not?

Katrina Costick
You want me to list out all the times you weren't right.

Jason Hawk
...nevermind. How's the mojito?

Kat takes a sip. Plays around with it in her mouth for a bit before swallowing.

Katrina Costick
You still got it.

We sit in silence for a bit. Studying each other for any changes and to see if we are just as we left each other.

Katrina Costick
You know, I did miss you when you left. It took me a good while to move on.

A sense of relief washes over me. She had always been good at hiding her emotions so I always thought that she was able to move on way faster than I did. So it felt great to now know that the feeling was mutual.

Jason Hawk
I sometimes wonder if I ever did move on.

That caught her by surprise. Her eyes widen and she takes another sip to steady herself again. I feel like I said to much but then she smiles back at me.

Katrina Costick
I do too, sometimes.

I am lost for words. Just the thought of perhaps being able to call her mine once again is overwhelming. While I am feeling total euphoria, the thought of her still scares me and makes me both anxious and nervous. Minutes go by without any of us breaking the silence, neither one knowing where to go from here. It doesn't take long for us to finish our drinks, Kat then breaks the silence.

Katrina Costick
I saw that you returned to the ring.

I smirk.

Jason Hawk
And did you see how great I was? It was like I was never even gone!

Katrina Costick
So I take it you are back in the States for good?

Jason Hawk
I am. I even got my old penthouse appartment back.

Katrina Costick
That's great! It's just a beautiful place. Its been so long since I've been there.

Jason Hawk
Really is, yeah!

Hold on.... Was that a hint? It seemed like a hint to me. It actually really really seemed like a hint now that I think about it. I am going for it.

Jason Hawk
You look like you could use a night off. Wanna head back to my place?

She smiles and grabs my hand.

Katrina Costick
Follow me then, JHawk.

She says as she leads me out of the VIP lounge.

Jason Hawk
With pleasure, Kitty Kat.

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The Shoot
On Camera

Jason Hawk
I am going to admit it. I was a little nervous going into Resurgence. I've been away for so long that it all felt so new and fresh that I almost didn't recognise it. I was a little nervous about the crowds reaction to drums blasting through the speakers to signify my arrival. I was a little nervous about my body not being able to keep up with my mind, I was nervous about rustiness and perhaps making silly mistakes that I normally wouldn't do. Not being able to read the situations the right way and not taking the obvious chances when they presented themselves to me. I was not a little nervous actually, I was very nervous about if I actually still had it. But we all learned something at Resurgence.

I never even lost it!

And just like that Mark Storm was easily brushed aside and never to be heard from again. Poor guy, had his dream crushed in the matter of seconds. I almost feel bad for him, but not really. Its not my fault he sucks. I am being unfair. He isn't all that bad. I am just that good. Just imagine if I was always as motivated and focused as I am right now. The domination I would put on display is scary just to think of. While Gavin Grimes and Blyss Lockhart blew the roof off the building and put on a match of the year candidate, yeah I can give credit where its due, there is one thing that neither of them did. That neither of them were even close to do. One little thing that I actually did.

I dominated.

Without breaking a sweat I humiliated and dominated a former world champion. He promised a storm but where I come from we barely call that a breeze. This is a man who has been a world champion for 260 days and he never even stood a chance. Can Gavin Grimes claim that? Sure, he was impressive against Blyss. I am not taking that away from him. But he was pushed to the limit against the greatest IWF champion that never was, well.. second best if I have to say so myself. So rave and rant all you want about how impressive Dexter Jacobs and Gavin Grimes were, but they were not nearly or even close in any way, shape or form as dominant as I was. And Jacobs fought Apollos! How can you not dominate that?

So my point is that, while I might not have stolen the headlines this time, I proved that I am back, stronger than I have ever been before. I am on a roll know. This snowball has started rolling and will only gain more and more momentum from here on out. The beautiful thing is that I don't think that there is a single man or woman in this company that can do anything to stop. Sure, there are a few that will put up a good fight. Not everyone will be as easy as Mark Storm, I realize that. But none will actually be tough enough to clip my wings and keep me grounded. My soaring straight to the top now and anyone in my way will be knocked down. No one will be able to stop me from accomplishing my dream. That IWF title is mine for the taking and I will not let anyone do anything about it!

So while Blyss Lockhart, Gavin Grimes, Dexter Jacobs and the rest of you sure are great wrestlers in your own rights. You're not Jason Hawk. For there is only one and there has only ever been one and there will forever only be one. And that one is one goal in mind. He wants that IWF title. So tell me.

What are you going to do about it?

So what's next for me? Its quite obvious isn't it? I fight one of the top guys and when they too have been brushed aside I go straight for the title. So who could IWF feed to me next? Dexter Jacobs, the final IWF champion? It would be nice to dethrone him and shut him up. Perhaps I could fight Gavin Grimes after his heroics at Resurgence. Or maybe I fight the man himself, Chuck Matthews, and once again pin him like I have done so many times before. Maybe I'll get the IWF original, a man who fights for the pride and honour of this company, Sean Libby.

Hold on.

What?

I didn't mean that last one! I was just kidding!

I am fighting Sean Libby? Seriously? I have to get myself a better agent. I really wasn't prepared for that. Wait, do I really have to fight Libby? Fuck... I don't have anything prepared for him. Oh well, I guess I just have to improvise on this one. Which is fine because I'll still shut him up.

Alright, let see. What's so special about Sean Libby? What does Sean Libby pride himself on? I am really not to sure, because I don't know very much about Sean Libby. I never paid attention to him. I only ever scout my own competition, so it makes sense that I really don't know too much about Libby. There is one thing that I do know though.

He is an IWF original and he is the best IWF original.

I am going to say something very controversial now, because its need to be said, its true and its always funny to stir up some controversy. Ok, you ready? Here it comes. IWF is great because of what came before IWF. Think about the greatest names to have ever competed in IWF. Chuck Matthews, Stygian, Corey Casey, myself, you know the rest. While we all differ a lot in personalities, fighting styles and all that. There is one thing that we all have in common.

None of us is an IWF original.

IWF did almost everything right. Note that I said almost. The one thing that IWF never really could figure out was youth development. In my opinion the company shouldn't even bother with it to begin with, because do you think we were? Poor? But someone high up thought it was best if we still gave it a go. And thats when you got your foot in the door. I am going to give it to you. You are the best talent IWF could produce on its own. An accolade that sounds fancy and impressive until we take a look at the list of IWF originals.

Jack Savage.
Ashe Corvin.
Tyson Rowle
Storming Raven.
Damien Drake.

Its ok if you are thinking it, because I am thinking it too. Who are they? I would call you a diamond in the rough, but you are more of a pretty nicely shaped rock in a pile of shit.

Most of us realized that these new guys from the youth development were shit, we quickly beat them down, destroyed their dreams and showed them the door. The fans never liked any of you and you were all so far below our league that it wasn't even funny. I actually felt bad for you lot. It wasn't your fault. It was management of the company that just wanted another to brag about. Though the company realized its mistake kicked everyone out except for one.

You, you somehow stock around. For some reason you never got the message. You don't belong here and you never did. You are the result of a failed project that never should have been started in the first place. But it is better late than never to correct a mistake. So while I would rather be fighting for bigger and better things, I'll do the company this one favour and get ride of some of the deadwood this company carries around. I did so to Mark Storm and I'll do so to you too, Libby. As soon as you are out the you'll be forgotten.

Just like the other IWF originals.

Come to think of it. I can't remember a single thing that you ever did. Apart for being obnoxiously proud of being an IWF original what did you ever do in IWF? Did you ever win anything?  I am really trying here, thinking as hard as I can. But I can't recall a single great Libby moment.

Apart from when you shaved that mohawk off. That thing was terrible.

I might not remember anything about you but there is one thing that I know for sure. The fans never liked you. You even know that yourself. There was a reason for your constant image changes. How does that feel? Desperately trying to re-invent yourself for the sake of the fans and never having them accept you? Did you never realize that the desperation never pays off? No one cares about someone who is so obviously desperate. You can't force anyone into liking you. That's the difference between you and I. I just step through the curtain and on to the stage and I get an immediate reaction, while people have to think twice about who you are.

That's how it will remain. Come Fallout, the story of Resurgence will repeat itself as I once again stand victorious another step closer to the IWF championship while you should feel very welcome, much like Mark Storm, to fuck off back into obscurity.