To the Finals

Chad Mason: “Last week, we lost one of the greatest to ever step into a ring. We lost one of the most entertaining stars to come into this business. And the worst part? We didn’t lose him in a retirement match like we did Brandon. We didn’t lose him to injury like we did Jason. People can come out of retirement. Injuries can heal up. No…we lost him to death. We lost Chuck Matthews forever.

I would have been his last match.

It kinda puts a weird weight on your shoulders. The very last scheduled match of the man’s career…and I took it. The last notch on the Chuck Matthews belt was a loss to Chad Mason. Granted, he lost by forfeit…but the records show it. Chad Mason picked up a victory over Chuck Matthews. Chuck was announced dead soon after.

He taught me everything. All I need to know about this business, about wrestling, I learned from Chuck Matthews. He brought me in when I was a nobody, some loser who couldn’t even win in the independent scene. He made me a world champion. He made me a recognized star. Though I’m sure he didn’t intend to, he made me the first man to beat him in his own match.

Whether I deserve those accolades, whether I deserve to be the man who won Chuck’s final match…life goes on for the rest of us. Fact of the matter is, I won last week, and it was a tournament match. Now, I’m up against Johan Alfredsson.

I want you to realize, Johan: The last time we fought, I slipped up. I made a silly mistake, and it allowed you to pick up the victory.

I promise it won’t happen again.

See….I’m going to be making some changes around here. If you haven’t noticed…and this goes for the rest of IWF as well…things are changing, and they’re changing fast. Brandon has been retired. Chuck just passed away. Stygian requested a release from his contract. The IWF Championship is there for the taking, and just like that, three of the top guys in IWF aren’t around to take it. We’re in a time where literally anything can happen. Midcard-level guys are going to be tearing each other apart, looking for those main event spots left open. Three top-tier guys have left some massive shoes to fill, and there are a shitload of guys down in the lower-card who are dying to take their shot.

I’m taking my shot.

I’m looking to, once again, make it to the finals of this tournament. Did you know that, Johan? I’ve been in this position before. I’ve been in the Battle for the Briefcase Tournament. The first one, actually. And guess what? I made it to the finals. I lost to Ruben, who eventually became IWF Champion.

I’m looking to do it again. Will you be the man to stop me? Fuck you, no you won’t. Who are you? A New Age Viking? There’s a reason the Vikings died out, dude. Because they were fucking useless.

You might call yourself War Incarnate.

But I’m the Lethal Imperative. I am violence. I am aggression. I am punishment.

And soon…I will be IWF Champion.”

I shut off the camera. Had I really just done that? I'd recorded my message without any goading, or lesbians making out, or anything?

Jennifer Young: "Well put."

I smirk.

Chad Mason: "Thanks."

Jennifer Young: "And here Ashley told me I'd have to convince you to talk."

I shrug.

Chad Mason: "Guess not."

Jenny kisses my cheek.

Jennifer Young: "Now what?"

I stare at the camera for a moment.

Chad Mason: "We get ready for the match."