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Post by vastrix on Apr 22, 2024 8:46:31 GMT -5
The wrestlers and staff of the CWF are gathered around the ring at the Gill Coliseum. It’s a little early to have the ring set up, but it was set up for this meeting. A podium is standing in the middle of the ring, but the podium is empty.
Armand von Krauss steps out from the back to no entrance music and yet, all eyes are drawn to him as he stands on the entrance stage in his tailored business suit. He lights up an imported Egyptian cigarette and begins to walk toward the ring.
He steps into the ring and behind the podium, flicking ashes into an ashtray thoughtfully provided by the ring crew so he might not be tempted to burn the mat. Armand regards the gathered crowd with disdain, perhaps a little curl of the lip before switching to an impassive expression.
Armand von Krauss - I have gathered you all here to clear the air. I have heard rumors of complaints behind the scenes and I think this is a good time to address those complaints and air any questions that anyone might have.
He takes another long drag from his cigarette and blows the smoke into the air where it lingers like a dark cloud.
Armand von Krauss - Let me start with the main issue. I am getting word that people think that AWS or KORE treat them better than the CWF does. The CWF makes you earn everything you get while these other companies are bleeding money and title shots into your waiting hands. This is to be expected! CWF breeds a different kind of wrestler than what the world expects to see and when they have us, they are in awe. It is like a god walking amongst his people. He expects adoration, praise, and gifts! It is what AWS and KORE does for CWF talent. They can’t compete with us. There’s no question who wins. Just as I have defeated Charlie Feigel in the ring, I expect CWF talent to defeat AWS and KORE talent. We are as the gods walking amongst the mortals. AWS and KORE will break against the CWF wall. A few of their number might be talented enough to work in the CWF if they train hard and don’t let defeat at our feet get to them. We are the company that others aspire to be. What workers aspire to join when they tire of the small ponds. I would encourage you. Go slum in the small ponds that are AWS and KORE. Win their titles, but remember who made you strong enough to dominate.
Another issue I have heard is a health and wellness issue. We have Doctors and trainers on hand for a reason, people. If you feel like you are not well enough to compete, get checked out! We can always find a sub for you in the ring. Don’t come to the ring and pass out before the match even starts. It looks bad on you and it looks bad on me. Get healthy before you get in that ring!
Finally, I have heard of people crying about getting screwed in the ring by management. All I really have to say is that it sucks when the shoe is on the other foot. Doesn’t it? When you take the time to screw others out of their hard earned victories or put other talents into the hospital because their gimmick isn’t real, you should expect karma to bite you in the ass. I now open things up for questions or complaints from anyone here. Nothing is off limits and I will answer to the best of my ability.
(OOC Anyone can respond to this and I will respond back)
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Post by robriot on Apr 22, 2024 11:22:54 GMT -5
Before anyone else can get a word in, and entirely true to form, Rob Riot snatches a microphone from a ringside lackey and waves at Armand as if he's greeting an old friend.
"Hey, Army. Rob Riot of The Bastards here. I'll spare the long introductions because you know damn well who I am. Let me clarify something. You say you've 'heard of' people complaining about management? You've only heard of it? You haven't directly seen it? Thanks for confirming what we've all suspected for a long time, Army - you don't actually watch the product. You don't have your finger on the pulse. But then again, you don't actually have a pulse, do you, Bela Lugosi?"
He turns and winks at the camera.
"That was a pop culture reference for all the kids at home."
He returns his attention to the suited gentleman on the podium.
"AWS, KORE, iK0n, I couldn't give a crap. I kind of hate the fact that I have to go over there and win a championship, because it feels like I'm doing CWF a favour that I don't owe it, but hey, a title's a title, and I enjoy beating people up. That's fine. What's not fine is the wall-to-wall shitshow you're presiding over here. You've tied so many knots that she..."
He points to Abbigal Dresden.
"Thinks that management is artificially propping The Bastards up, while he..."
He points to Blaise McClancy.
"Is going out of his way to tear us down, in between serving as Vice President of Midcard Matches or whatever this week's title is. But opinions don't matter. Facts do. I got screwed in the Chamber. Fact. The Bastards got screwed a week ago. Fact. McClancy's mum still sews his name into his clothes, so I know he isn't making those calls. That means you are. Which means ten years after RSW, you still want my attention. What's it going to take to shake you off, Army? Do you want to fight, or do you want to fuck? And if you don't want to do either, why not do what makes sense and sell those golden shares to me and the Aztec Goddess over there?"
That's a reference to Valora Salinas, although it's not clear whether or not she appreciates it. Riot tosses the microphone back to the lackey, folds his arms, and leans against a railing while he waits for an answer.
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Post by vastrix on Apr 22, 2024 13:51:19 GMT -5
Armand smiles and crushes out his cigarette into the ashtray.
Armand von Krauss - I said that "I heard" so as to not be naming names, but you insist. Fine. The Bastards have been crying about being screwed. Well then, I say this directly to you, Robert. How does it feel to be screwed? You've been doing that to others and it's just ok? Frank defends a "pure wrestling" title however he wants and it's ok? You screw Cross Recoba out of a win and it's ok? The three of you tried to meddle in the other second-round match? It backfired, but was it ok? Eddie tried cheating in the Valor scramble. Maybe that's ok? No? I still have at least two wrestlers either on the shelf or should be pending a checkup in the form of Abel and Apathy. All because of the Bastards.
He sets down his microphone so he can light up another Egyptian cigarette. He takes a drag from it and continues.
Armand von Krauss - Tell me that you haven't built up quite the karmic debt in the CWF. Tell me that what has happened to you wasn't deserved. I would rather that the Bastards burn in Hell, but I understand that I'm not without sin either. I understand that you want "justice" and the fans would like to see it happen. I tell you what? Come home with that thrice-damned Triple Crown championship and at Shadow Wars...you can have Kronin Reinhardt in the ring, though the stipulations will be of HIS choosing.
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Post by Eddie Williams on Apr 22, 2024 14:11:40 GMT -5
Eddie rips the microphone out of the hand of a ringside lacky
Eddie: "So what you are saying is. I have got what I deserve. Due to my actions. Well If that theory is correct, then it is about time that you was screwed over, since you have a checked history off doing it to everyone else. The trouble is you have sucking on those cheap Egyptian cigarettes for way to long now."
Eddie: "Oh one other thing, Armand. How does it feel to know, know matter what you do. The Bastards are still one step ahead of you!"
Eddie drops the mic and walks off
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Post by vastrix on Apr 22, 2024 14:47:34 GMT -5
Armand von Krauss flicks ashes into his provided ashtray and chuckles.
Armand von Krauss - Walk away, Eddie. It's what you do best. Though it is admirable that you've been showing those feeder companies how CWF works. But do tell me. How are the Bastards ahead of me? I hold the cards here. I am in charge here. This isn't that other company where I was asked to lose because of my friendship/rivalry with Donzig. You come to me, expecting to screw me out of something, I'll slam you down like I did Eron Hunter. Like I did Charlie Feigel. Like I will do to Charlie again in the circle of pain or whatever hillbilly match he has challenged me to. I will not be bested by the likes of you.
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Post by roaddog316 on Apr 22, 2024 15:36:15 GMT -5
Finally scoffing at the premadona acts, Monster Mammoth stands up and begins to look around. At the other wrestlers as well as Armand. He lifts the microphone to his masked head and speaks in a deep, bellowing voice.
"It sounds like there's more COMPLAINING going on than WRESTLING. You call yourselves competitors? Try crybabies on for size. Let me make this as clear as possible for everyone here and for the management. I'm not here for titles, I'm not here for fame. I'm here to prove a point: my point. Viper Squad will continue to provide lethal doses of our own brand of poison each and every week. It doesn't matter who you are, where you are, or what you are. You will become a freak, or fall to them."
He raises his hands into the air, calling attention to himself.
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Post by vastrix on Apr 22, 2024 15:58:49 GMT -5
Armand von Krauss focuses on the new speaker and narrows his eyes.
Armand von Krauss - Ah, one of the new hires. One of the three on my list of people who have been putting other wrestlers in the hospital. Do you think that you're brave and strong by attacking the lesser talents who work the crowd before the cameras come on?
He crushes out his latest cigarette into the ashtray and clears his throat.
Armand von Krauss - Let me make myself clear to everyone here. If you're in a grudge match and put your opponent in the hospital. Fine. Grudges happen and things happen in the ring. If you come after people when not on television and in a match, there will be consequences to your actions.
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Post by thehardk0reik0n on Apr 22, 2024 18:00:24 GMT -5
Feigel: I think some jackass needs to be the center of attention so he seeks outsiders to pretend like he's handling business. I don't have to pretend to be a boss, I command respect from my people and they get it in return.
Armand let me point out that the Circle of Steel Deathmatch has shortened and ended careers in the past 20 years. It's not a joke.
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Post by roaddog316 on Apr 22, 2024 18:15:44 GMT -5
"Bravery-"
Monster Mammoth stalks over to Armand, standing to his full height. Muscles flexed and his gaze as intimidating as any beast could hope to be.
"-has never been a part of it. You want those guys to walk back into the ring? Toughen em up. They just weren't FREAK enough. Keep them coming and we won't have to show you what it means when we slip your mind."
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Post by vastrix on Apr 22, 2024 20:46:20 GMT -5
Armand looks over at Charlie Feigel and his passive expression changes to a cruel grin. A predatory expression as if he was looking at raw, dripping meat for the taking.
Armand von Krauss - Only now that I have abolished attacking wrestlers outside of the match have you gathered the courage to come out and speak. I am the boss here. You are the boss there so long as your checkbook is good. What will happen when you run out of money and it’s months before you can pay your talent even half of what they are owed? CWF will stand alone in Ik0n Wrestling Entertainment. Why would other federations want to join an interfed when they will be crushed by the only remaining federation? You are the Captain of a sinking ship and you sit in the Captain’s Quarters sipping on fine wine and are ignorant of the impending demise. Wait just a moment right there, I have someone else to address.
Armand looks up at Monster Mammoth and laughs.
Armand von Krauss - You are keen on proving your mettle against whomever you can get within your reach. While I wish that you could do it inside of the ring, I understand when there are temptations that are so great that I will amend my earlier declaration. Do not molest those with a CWF contract outside of a match. On that note, let me get back to my dear friend, Charlie.
Armand lights up a fresh, third, Egyptian cigarette and takes a drag from it, blowing smoke into the air. He looks at Charlie with an expression that’s nastier than ever.
Armand von Krauss - This moment you will remember all your life. What’s left of it anyway? Well? Charlie Feigel is not CWF. He is Ik0n and AWS. The first person to bring his ass down and knock him out will become the number one contender to the Valor championship and have a title shot on episode four of War Zone!
Abbigail will immediately take up a defensive posture protecting Feigel. Valora, for her part, will look around and sigh. “There will be no fighting at all here. We all know that once the first fist flies this will spiral out of control. That means a good chance we can’t entertain the marks err.. Fans at Vanguard and Warzone. As Boss man said, we get paid to beat the ever living shit out of each other on the TV not here in an empty stadium.”
Valora looks at Armand. “You really have no clue how to handle this, do you? You’re like a child with a gun. Now, I believe your match against Feigel took place on CWF shows. Which means Feigel has received at least one paycheck from CWF. Furthermore, at least 5 wrestlers here are also contracted by AWS which means Charlie, as their boss, has every right to be here and see what kind of work environment his affiliated partner, the CWF, is providing.”
She then smacks Abby in back of the head. “And you! You’re going to fight an entire fuckin’ fed to protect this pendejo who only cares about how much money you’re putting in his pocket?”
Armand chuckles, shaking his head as he flicks ashes into the ashtray.
Armand von Krauss - You found a loophole I see. Yes, he is in the CWF payroll as a guest which makes him technically off limits right now. Anyone want to risk suspension for the third episode for a title shot on the fourth? You may attack, but just know…Valora will likely knock your teeth in. Kind of a lose-lose at this moment. I mean I could end the contract now and let loose the wolves, erm vipers, but I’m interested in where I can take this. Charlie, you are still on contract with me. If these Schwächlinge will not be brave enough to take on Valora and her daughter to take down Charlie, perhaps she will be willing to defend her Elite championship against you in the ring. She’s not booked and neither are you, Charlie? Think you got it in you?
(Shoot me a DM about what action you are going to take and I will get to it as soon as I can)
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Post by roaddog316 on Apr 22, 2024 22:32:03 GMT -5
Listening with a huffs to Armand's words, he waits and turns to the three. Feigel, Abby, and Valora. Poised to strike at any moment and leaving a tense sensation in the air. If Armand wanted to paint a target on Feigel's back, well-
"I don't need a title, a medal, or a championship to prove that I. WILL. DOMINATE. If it means proving my point, then I'll take down anyone. Including you, Feigel."
The Peak of Freak huffs again, shoulders squared and still ready to Brawl. Keeping everyone ready for what could break out.
"So watch, because what I'm going to do to Murdoch is child's play compared to what I'll be putting you AND your bitches through. Viper Squad ALWAYS. STRIKES. FIRST."
Dropping his microphone to the floor, he backs away and climbs over the top rope. Keeping a staggering glare on both Feigel and Armand.
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Valora
Lower Mid Card
Posts: 50
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Post by Valora on Apr 23, 2024 1:14:02 GMT -5
Valora looks at Armand as he talks and nods, pointing to Armand. "Be with you in a sec."
She turns to Rob Riot. "Rob. I get it. You're pissed. You played yourselves and got a dose of karma. Rather than stand here bitching about it, why don't you and the Bastards do what you do best? Get ready for the inevitable rematch. The Bastards and the Upstarts are the top stables at the moment in CWF and Ikon. The Bastards finally have someone who can keep pace with them, draw in fans to watch to see who is going to do what this week. This is a license to print money and you know it. Eddie Williams and Abbigail back there have been destroying everyone put in front of them recently. Frank is coming off a strong showing in the Conquest title match and another set of strong showings in the Trios title tournament. And you. You're Rob Fucking Riot. Of the people standing in this ring right now, your name is one of those known around the fuckin' world. I've heard you all bitch and moan that there's no one who can keep pace with you all."
Valora points to Abbigail who smirks and waves. Valora continues. "The wrestling Gods gave you a team that can compete with you."
Valora then turns to Mammoth and raises an eyebrow. "Pendejo, I'm sorry, a triple digit IQ is required for this conversation. Why don't you sit down and wait for the fuckin' short bus to come take you home for your apple juice and orange slices, k?"
Finally, she turns her attention back to Armand. "Oh. Well played I don't know how I might ever turn this to my advantage. You want to use contracts to force me to be your hitwoman? Fine. But there will be a price."
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Post by vastrix on Apr 23, 2024 2:26:33 GMT -5
Armand nods, lighting yet another Egyptian cigarette.
Armand von Krauss - Done.
He looks to Charlie Feigel, who is scanning the crowd and looking for someone who might be stupid enough to attack him now.
Armand von Krauss - All you have to do is accept. Who knows, you might even come out as a winner. You're more likely to come out of the hospital days after your match with Valora. You game? Or, are you, as they say, yellow?
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Post by thehardk0reik0n on Apr 23, 2024 8:24:50 GMT -5
Feigel: Stop puffing away on those cigarettes, those things will kill you, Armand get your head out of your ass. Now, as you know I am semi-retired which means I can pick and choose who and where I show up. Nothing against Valora, she is a decent competitor and I'd be honored to face her eventually, but right now Armand I'm focused squarely on you. Whipping your ass all over the place is going to be a bit of pleasure for me. Business or personal? Maybe a bit of both. See you soon Armand.
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Post by vastrix on Apr 23, 2024 15:27:13 GMT -5
Armand takes a long drag from his cigarette and blows the smoke in Charlie's direction, though it doesn't reach him since Armand is in the ring and Charlie is on the floor. He chuckles.
Armand von Krauss - Semi-retired. What an odd concept that you use in place of using the word coward. Still, I won't force you into your own destruction. We have the Circle of Pain for that at Champions Carnival.
He flicks ashes into his ashtray and looks around at the gathered audience with a smile.
Armand von Krauss - Does anyone else have anything to say or are we closing this "discussion"?
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