August Joyce has been on a losing streak the likes of which his career has never witnessed before. Ever since returning to Peach State, and to the MWA, he’s failed to win a single match. His confidence was battered, his will broken. But with the help of his friends August has taken steps to turn things around and his confidence is newly boosted.
The Frog & Firkin Pub
Vancouver, Canada
Monday 23rd April 2012
“So it’s done?”
The booming voice almost makes August jump as Benjamin Doi walks into the pub behind him. Doi slaps Joyce on the shoulder as he smiles at his long time friend.
August nods. “It is.” He flashes a smile that conveys a hint of relief. “I am no longer employed by the MWA.”
“They wish you well in all your future endeavours?”Doi says with a smile.
“Yes, that they did.” August laughs. “One less thing on my mind, more time to concentrate on the ULTRATITLE tournament and Peach State Wrestling.”
“Good man.” Doi signals for the barman to get his usual soft drink. “So, you’re all prepped for your next trip to Georgia then?”
August nods. “Yea, I think so. Kevin Fox was the man they listed me to face, but apparently that’s not who’ll be stepping into the ring.”
Ben raises an eyebrow. “It’s not?”
“No, he’s some kind of millionaire genius playboy asshole.” Joyce shakes his head. “Who, incidentally, can’t spell restaurant; but that’s beside the point. The main thing is he’s a guy who has it all and likes to brag about it. Apparently wearing a three piece suit makes you some kind of special.”
“So he’s some kind of manager?” Doi asks.
August shrugs. “I dunno what you’d call him. He says he has clients paying him to find them matches.”
“What!?” Doi almost chokes on his drink. “People pay him to get gigs?”
“Yup.” Joyce nods. “Imagine that, being so desperate to get a match that you pay someone like Fox to find you somewhere. I mean, if you’re good enough you don’t need some kind of pimp to find you a job.”
“As for Fox, the guy’s a millionaire entrepreneur and he’s taking small time paydays from wannabe wrestlers?” August sounds confused. “Why? Where’s the business sense in that? I may not have a degree from MIT but I can’t see how this is a good business move for him.”
“Well…” Doi starts. “What about the ULTRATITLE? How’s your prep going for that?”
“Not bad. I’ve got Joe the Plumber in round one, can’t say I’ve heard of him. But everyone I speak to seems to think he’s some kind of a big deal, they say he could be a serious contender to win the whole thing.” Joyce shrugs. “I don’t know about that. I’m feeling a lot better about myself since I’ve been training with you and Spike again. I have this feeling that Joe’s going to regret entering this tournament!”
Olde Town Conyers, Georgia
Thursday 3rd May 2012
August Joyce is walking down the street in Olde Town Conyers on a bright afternoon.
“Kevin Fox, you talk about bringing about a change to professional independent wrestling. And I want to question; why? You’re a self-made millionaire with a degree from MIT. You have a swish car, you wear nice suits. So why the hell would you want to revolutionise independent wrestling? You even admit it yourself, you’re not a wrestler. You’re not even coming to the show.”
“A man of means like yourself can probably accomplish anything, if you put your mind to it and give it your all. Yet here you are finding jobs for desperate wannabe wrestlers, and staying out of the way while doing it.”
“You claim there are fifteen wrestlers you have ‘at your disposal’. That’s fifteen losers who couldn’t get a gig without paying you money to find one. A lot of people who are apparently incapable of getting work off their own backs. You know how I came to be in Peach State Wrestling? I approached them myself and I got offered a deal. It’s not exactly rocket science, Kevin.”
“I’m getting away from the point of all this, which is my match this weekend against one of your clients. It could be any one of fifteen people and, I’m guessing, I’m not going to find out until the night. I suppose that’s meant to keep me on my toes and leave me at some kind of disadvantage?”
“But I’ve been training a lot recently, getting back to peek physical condition and honing my skills. In short I’m focussing on myself, controlling the controllables, making sure I’m at my best. And then it doesn’t really matter who steps into that ring with me.”
“Not that I’m discounting your clients, Kevin. It would be foolish of me to do that. Sun Tzu, the Art of War, never underestimate your opponent. You probably would be wise to make note of this yourself. Yes I’ve been on a run of poor form as of late but discount me at your peril. The truth of the matter is that I’ve turned a corner and I’m feeling a darn sight more confident about things. The fans of Peach State have always been behind me and it’s time to pay them back for their support. It’s time to put on the best performance I can and get that all important win.”
“Kevin, throw whoever you want at me. I’m confident that whoever gets into that ring with me will be the one counted down for the all important one-two-three. August Joyce, the People’s Choice, will be moving up the PSW rankings and heading towards my ultimate goal… becoming PSW Champion!”