“KIMBA!”
August Joyce stands in the middle of Dixieland Fun Park, shouting at the top of his voice. His voice echoes through the crisp evening air over the background noise of shrieking children and laughing teens.
“KIMBA, WHERE ARE YOU?”
He looks around as people look at him, confused looks etched on all their faces. All wondering who this handsome looking man in the long brown coat is and why he’s yelling at someone who isn’t there.
“KIMBAAAAAA!!”
The Peoples Choice shakes his head and looks down at his feet. He lets out a sigh and puts his hands on his hips as he looks back up towards the camera.
“It would appear that Kimba Seanoa is nowhere. Not one promo uploaded onto YouTube, not one Facebook update, not one tweet. The big man has gone deathly quiet as of late. Maybe he’s a little down in the dumps after losing his title shot last time he was here. Maybe he’s just running scared, knowing that he has to face me, his toughest opponent to date, at No Excuses.”
Joyce laughs to himself a moment and shakes his head. In the background more people have stopped to watch him address the camera, taking time out from queuing for their favourite Dixieland attractions.
“Running scared of me? I hardly think Seanoa is the kind of man to run from the likes of me. In fact I don’t think there’s anyone in Peach State that would even sweat a match with me. And that makes me a little sad. Over the past two years my name’s become mud. My reputation ruined. I’ve become a laughing stock and, in all honesty, I’ve had about enough. The time has come for me to start all over again, to get back to basics, to rebuild my status as the Peoples Choice. I’m determined to climb the ladder here in PSW. I’m determined to prove myself as the best wrestler in the company. And, most of all, I’m determined to capture the Peach State Championship.”
Joyce lets that sink in for a second as he looks up at the stars, beginning to shine brightly above him. He strokes his chin in a moment of contemplation until a flash of realisation brings him back to the camera.
“I’d be a fool to think that such accomplishments could be achieved overnight. I know that this is going to be a long road. But it’s one that I’ve travelled before. I toured Canada for what seemed like the longest time before getting my break into the big leagues. And when I finally got that opportunity I took it, grabbed for it with all of my being. But, despite my best efforts, my run at the top wasn’t long. It wasn’t laden with gold. But, to be honest, that only makes me more determined to do it all again. Peach State is a thriving, up and coming promotion. Dixie Leigh, Jared James, Kidd Kaboom, Trenton Williams… there’s a wealth of talent here and more are joining all the time. They all see the possibilities that come with working here. Some of them are arrogant, self loving asshats that believe PSW is beneath them. Some of them are respectful, kind, cookie baking legends. But it doesn’t matter if I like you or not, I’m here to win, whoever is thrown at me.”
August smiles at the thought of taking on all comers. He looks out at the crowd, now almost surrounding him as if he has become the latest attraction in the park. He points out to them as he smiles into the camera.
“And when I’ve shown these locals just what I’m capable of, when I’ve made a name for myself as the man to beat in PSW, then maybe I can make a step up. We’re on the doorstep of the National Wrestling Alliance. Proving myself in PSW could lead to big things within the NWA. It would be a dream to represent Peach State on a bigger stage. To represent these people. So; next week, right here in Fayetteville, my journey begins with Kimba Seanoa.”
Some Peach State fans seem to be in the crowd, a few guys are shouting ‘PS-dub’ in the background and August nods as he hears them, a slight smile briefly crossing his face before turning his attentions back to the camera.
“You may not be running scared of me, Seanoa. But you should be. Because in just a matter of days you’re going head to head with a man on a mission. Kimba… wherever in the hell you’ve gotten to, I hope you’re preparing for the fight of your life.”