vs. GRENDEL
Desperate Times
Koruaken Hall, Tokyo
June 2nd 2013
RIMAC Arena
San Diego, CA
Sunday 19th May 2013
Tim Worthington is stood outside the RIMAC, sporting his smart light grey suit that we saw him wear during his E-Pro TV appearance last week, although here he has an EXODUS Sekigun T-Shirt under his jacket. It becomes apparent that this was filmed directly after that TV appearance as EXODUS fans are seen leaving the arena behind him and disappearing into the night. His dark brown eyes are looking directly into the camera as his hair is ruffled by a light evening breeze.
“I laid down a challenge to LEGION, and became a member of the E-Pro Sekigun in the process, for one reason; to be a part of something that got me fired up in a way I’ve not been in a decade. This is war, my friends. This is a handful of EXODUS stars standing up against the enemy and fighting back, trying to protect what we believe in, trying to fight for what is right.”
There’s a fire in Tim’s eyes, the end of the show still fresh in his memory.
“There are people out there who have said that I’m doing this to somehow prove that I’m not past it and worthless, or maybe because I see it as a shortcut to the top of the pile here in EXODUS. Anyone who knows me will tell you these people are just batshit crazy. I believe in doing things the right way, even if that is often the longer and harder path, even if that means putting myself in harms way.”
He looks off to the side for a brief moment, rubbing a hand on his chin as he thinks things over before returning his attention to the camera.
“I guess that’s what I’m doing here, I’m putting myself in harms way. By openly challenging LEGION I know that I am likely to suffer their wrath at some point. They will attack me. Just like they tried to attack Adrien Cochrane here tonight.”
He motions over his shoulder with his thumb as he continues.
“But there are other people that I know will have my back, just like I had Cochrane’s. Not because we’re the greatest of friends, hell some of the Sekigun I don’t even know, but because they believe in the same things I do. They believe that LEGION should be stopped. So we’re out to stop them.”
Worthington now has his right hand in a fist, cupped by his left hand.
“And my part of that begins at Desperate Times.”
The scene fades to black as “#AllWillBeWell” flashes up on screen briefly.
—–
San Diego, CA
Tuesday 21st May 2013
‘The People’s Choice’ August Joyce leans back in his chair outside a restaurant somewhere in San Diego. It’s a bright and sunny morning and Joyce shields his eyes from the sun with one hand while reading a newspaper he’s holding with the other. He’s sporting his usual jeans and shirt, although the shirt is obviously a little too thick for California and he’s visibly sweaty.
“Your coffee, sir.”
A young waiter steps between August and the sun as he places a cup of coffee on the table. August looks up at the young man and nods.
“Thanks.”
“Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you.” August says as he sits up and puts down his paper.
The waiter smiles, nods and makes his way back inside, letting the sun suddenly stream back into August’s face. August throws his arms up and reels back like a vampire about to be turned to ash.
“Someone forget their sunglasses?”
August looks up, squinting into the light to see Tim Worthington. Worthington does have his shades on, as well as his trademark suit. Somehow the sun and heat isn’t affecting Tim the same way it is August.
“Ah, yea.” August replies, sheepishly.
Tim chuckles to himself as he pulls up a seat opposite his manager, unbuttoning his jacket as he makes himself comfortable.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to California.” He says with a smile as he adjusts his own sunglasses. “I’ve only been here a few weeks but I get this feeling I’m going to really like it here.”
“Makes a difference from rainy Southampton, huh?”
“Woah there…” Tim begins. “let’s not start hometown bashing.”
Suddenly there’s a buzzing noise and Tim reaches into his jacket and pulls out his mobile phone. He swipes the screen before tapping it a few times, reading whatever message he just got.
“Hmm, that’ll do.”
August looks confused… or maybe he’s just still squinting. “What’ll do?”
“Oh, that was EXODUS.” Tim slips the phone back into his jacket pocket. “News of my next match.”
“Something good, I hope?” August says. Tim goes to respond but Joyce cuts him off. “Look, actually, before we get to that I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Tim takes off his shades and places them on the table in front of him, sensing something serious is about to be asked. He nods at August, silently giving him the signal to continue.
“It’s about this Sekigun stuff, the battle with LEGION.”
Worthington nods slowly, looking down at his lap for a moment before letting out a sigh and leaning back in his chair.
“You think I’m doing the wrong thing, don’t you?” Tim looks up at August who scrunches his face up a little and then nods slightly. “Why? What’s wrong with standing up for what I believe in?”
“Oh I’m all for that.” August says as he holds up a hand. “But wanting to get involved in a war? You actually came out and said you wanted to be a part of a fight, because you miss that feeling?”
“Well, yea. Being a part of something like this is one hell of a motivator, August.”
“And what’s good about being motivated when you’re in intensive care?”
There’s silence for a moment as both men think about what happened to Jonathan Collins.
Tim raises a finger as he begins to speak. “I get your concerns…”
“I don’t think you do.” August stops him. “Take a proper look back at your career at other moments like this. You battled the NSA, Rollins damn near broke you. You took on the MWA, and you lost…”
Tim holds up a hand and August stops. “They were both a long time ago.”
“Time’s not important here, Tim. In fact I’d say you were in a worse position now than you were back then.” August sighs and rubs his forehead. There’s something he wants to say but he’s trying to talk round it. “There’s this part of you that wants to be the big hero, you love coming to peoples aid. And I think that’s…”
August stops in his tracks.
“You think that’s because I couldn’t save my family.”
There’s another period of silence. That exactly what August was concerned about but doesn’t really want to admit it. He doesn’t have to, his silence does it for him. Tim picks up his shades, stands and buttons his jacket up again.
“Enjoy your coffee.”
Tim walks away and the scene fades out.
—–
RIMAC Arena
San Diego, CA
Saturday 25th May 2013
Tim Worthington is stood outside the RIMAC once more, the sun beginning to set on another lovely day leaving a beautiful orange and purple skyline over his shoulder. Again he’s in his Sekigun t-shirt and grey suit jacket. There’s a pair of sunglasses hooked over the top of his t-shirt and the metal frames reflect the last of the days sun.
“GRENDEL, you’re the first member of LEGION to bite. Congratulations, you’re not a spineless bastard. Although I should also offer commiserations, because you’re about to be owned by yours truly on pay per view.”
Worthington looks in serious mood, his brow is furrowed and his eyes narrow.
“GRENDEL… What the hell kinda name is that anyways? Wait, sorry.”
He presses the side of his head with his index finger and smiles, cheekily, breaking his previously mean looking demeanour.
“Engage originality mode. Ah, that’s better. Don’t you hate it when someone appears on your screens and starts spouting off bullshit like ‘ugh, your name sounds stupid, mister stupid name.’ Please… shoot me if I ever become that guy.”
He puts a hand on his forehead and shakes his head.
“Anyway, where was I?”
He composes himself and seems to slip back into his more serious mood.
“GRENDEL, you seem like an… interesting kind of guy. What makes you tick? Why do you and your LEGION buddies think you’re doing the right thing here in EXODUS? Why do you feel the need to hide away behind a mask? Oh, you’re not going to answer are you… because you’re the unknown quantity.”
He scoffs.
“You’re an asshat is what you are. I’ve dealt with a plethora of ‘unknown quantities’ over the years and you know what? There’s a reason they’re unknown; because no-one gives enough of a fuck about them to look them up. I looked you up, for shits and giggles, and you know what I found? I found that you’re just another freak in a mask.”
“Another in a long line of idiots who don a mask, hide their true selves and adopt some kind of extremist attitude. Oh, you can try and convince us that GRENDEL is the true you, but let’s face it; unless you were born wearing a shit black and neon orange mask then you’re telling porkies, my friend. Wrestlers only ever wear masks to hide their true identity; it’s a matter of historical fact. You may convince your LEGION pals that you are GRENDEL, but it’s only a matter of time before everyone discovers that you’re just another Joe Nobody from Hoboken, New Jersey.”
“That’s not to say that I’m not taking you seriously. The very fact EXODUS saw fit to give you a contract shows me you have a high level of talent. The fact you’re part of LEGION tells me you’re dangerous. But there’s nothing about you to be scared of, Joe. I’ve faced guys like you, guys better than you, throughout my career. I know I have it in me to put you down. Oh I know it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be a hell of a contest and the fans in Tokyo are going to lap it up.”
He pauses, thinking about his upcoming trip to the orient.
“Ah, Japan, it’s been awhile since I was there. I’ve had my fair share of great matches in Japan, specifically in Tokyo. I won the Tokyo Pure Wrestling Heavyweight Championship there. I got thrown off the top of a steel cage by Johnny Grrrrr there. And my son Matthew was born there; I walked away from the MWA World Title to be at my wife’s side for the birth. That was one of the greatest moments in my life; and also the one moment of my career that I regret. I regret not giving Lifeless Joe the opposition he deserved.”
Tim stops, shaking those thoughts out of his mind before getting back to the point in hand.
“Anyway, the point is that Tokyo and I have a long and storied history. And I can’t wait to add to that when I walk into Korakuen Hall and put GRENDEL down for the three count. The EXODUS Sekigun has shown you and everyone else that we’re not to be screwed with, that we’re not going to sit back and let you run roughshod over this company any longer. We’re standing up and taking action. So bring your A game to Desperate Times; bring your mask, bring your friends. Be prepared to leave it all in that ring because, mate, you’re in for the fight of your life.”
He smiles as he suddenly thinks of something.
“Here’s one from the Worthington vault for you… GRENDEL, you bring the hope; I’ll bring the glory!”
Tim points at the screen as he says his opponents name before jabbing his thumb into his chest as he finishes his old catchphrase. He then winks at the camera before turning and walking out of shot, chuckling to himself. The scene fades as “#AllWillBeWell” flashes up on screen once more.
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