Post by Konrad Raab on Sept 12, 2019 10:47:32 GMT
Sometime after Synergy. Chicago, Illinois. Monday 18th March.
Vain is seated at one of the tables in the catering area, a forlorn expression on his face. Before him are thirteen empty bottles of VEEN water, so apparently he has been here for a while. To the side of the table stands NBK.
Mister Wallace...We... We feel that we should discuss strategy for next week.
Vain lifts his head and turns it to the side, casting a glazed look at the Natural Born Killer, but says nothing.
We also feel... we might want to think... about involving our other partner in the festivities.
Vain quickly glances away, beginning to mumble under his breath, before growing louder as he almost jumps to his feet.
"Partner... partner... oh yes, our partner! Mr. Raab, silly of me to forget! My sincerest of gratitudes to you for keeping me on task, Friend of Travis! Yes, once Mr. Raab's match is over, we shall pay him a visit!"
The match has been over, Mister Wallace. For near fifteen minutes. Konrad... was not successful... on this night.
Vain had begun walking towards the exit as soon as hearing that the match was over. He hollers back at NBK.
"Most excellent! We shall make it a celebration, then. Wonderful idea, Shadow of Forwell. Come!"
Vain disappears through the door and makes his way down the hallway, as NBK slowly follows suit.
Yes, yes... he is indeed a... special breed of person.
The locker room door flings open, the knob slamming against the wall with such force that the door comes flying back just as quickly as it was sent into the wall. With cat-like reflexes, Alan Wallace ensures that the door does not break his face, and he shoots a wink to Konrad who has looked up to see what is going on.
"Mr. Raab, I am so glad that I caught you before your night of celebration is to begin!"
Konrad looks at him in a confused manner.
Konrad Raab: "Why would this night be one for celebration, what with what happened here tonight out in that ring when I fought for the opportunity to call myself the new Cross-Hemisphere Champion?"
Vain makes his way over to the mini fridge that he ordered Simon to install in Raab's locker room, pulling out a bottle of VEEN and untwisting the cap. He takes a small drink, before turning back towards Konrad.
"The Cross-Hemisphere Championship is one of - if not the - premier championship in this industry. To hold it is to cement your legacy within this little business of ours... I should know, I have held it more times than anyone. So congratulations, Mr. Raab! You have most definitely earned it!"
Konrad quickly rises to his feet, walking right up to 'The Vain One.
Konrad Raab: "Did you not watch the match, Vain? I lost."
Vain blurts out a loud laugh, grabbing at his side, as he takes a step back and leans slightly forward. The sound of his laughter echoes throughout the entire room, as Konrad furrows his brow as he continues looking at him. Vain finally begins to regain his composure, looking up and seeing the look that Konrad is giving him.
"Wait, you're being serious? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph... how is that even possible?"
The two men look at one another for a moment, before Vain continues.
"It matters not, Mr. Raab. The C-H Title is but a mere stepping stone to the championship that truly matters. To everyone not named Le Bord, anyhow. You're too good for the C-H Championship anyway. Keep your head up!"
Konrad Raab: "The title would've meant I've accomplished what I've been working for ten months since I've been in UGWC, busting my ass to earn a shot and to win it which meant the entire world to me. Me being champion tonight along with holding the belt would've helped me to be that much closer to capturing the UGWC title. I work from bottom to the top. It would've helped me and it certainly helps others cement their legacy and hard work in the business. I have a passion for this sport you can't imagine."
Vain stares at him in silence for a moment.
"My apologies, Mr. Raab. I wanted to listen to all of that, but then 'The Vain Brain' started telling me to zone out, and before I knew it, here we were. Phew... awkward."
Vain shoots him a nervous smile, but then excitedly raises his hands.
"The most important thing here tonight is that I am here, Mr. Raab, and that I have single-handedly found us the third member of our Lord of Trios team. He is a great friend of mine, and I know you two will get along famously! Mr. MBK!"
Vain quickly turns and motions towards the door, and the Natural Born Killer steps through the doorway.
N, Mister Wallace. N-B-K.
Vain looks at him in confusion.
"No, that couldn't possibly be right-"
Alan stops mid-sentence as he watches NBK back up to the point of barely being just in the doorway. Half bent over, he looks as if has been kicked in the stomach. Or worse. He turns and grabs the handle of the door, leaning against it while he looks at Konrad Raab. Vain continues.
"I was telling Mr. MBK earlier that it would be prudent of us to begin discussing strategy for our match next week, and though it took a little prodding, I finally got him to come around. Don't mind him, he's a bit shy at times."
NBK casts a glance at Alan, who smiles, but quickly refocuses back on Raab.
...
Vain looks at his watch-less wrist and gasps.
"Heavens me, the time has completely gotten away from me. I have an early-morning meeting, and must take my leave. Great strategy discussion though, guys. Really, top notch. I see us doing some great things next week!"
Vain walks over and stands in front of NBK, who still stands half in the doorway. Alan waits for him to move, but NBK never takes his gaze off of Konrad. Vain leans forward and softly speaks so that Konrad doesn't hear.
"He's married, my friend. I don't think he's interested."
Vain smiles like the cat that ate the canary, obviously proud of his infantile remark. NBK says nothing, still just looking at Raab. Vain turns and addresses Raab once more.
"Hey, congrats again, Mr. Raab. You earned it!"
Vain throws Konrad another wink, before leaning down and ducking under NBK, and disappearing through the doorway. Raab turns his attention to NBK, and now both men stand there in silence looking at the other.
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A cousin meet up. Cologne, Germany. Wednesday 20th March.
Ever since the loss of the Cross-Hemisphere title match, he's walking with lowing his head with his eyes looking at the pavement and his own feet as he reaches to the central train station of Cologne, swallowing hard as to the overlook of what happened in the match. He collapses to the bench. Something buzzed and made Konrad shake in his coat pocket as he pulls out his phone, receiving a text from his cousin saying he's arrived in Cologne. His cousin also asked where Konrad was. He texts his cousin back while sitting outside the station and sends it.
From the short text alone, Konrad covers his head away from everyone as it made some people move away from him. Suddenly, his cousin who's a wrestler in Sin City Wrestling, Jake Raab comes out and sees Konrad sitting on the bench as he hides from the world, shaking with his body.
Jake Raab: “I sense something's wrong.”
Konrad Raab: “Is it bad to be guilty for more than a day over a title loss?”
Jake Raab: “I know it took me two days to get over the loss I had against Fenris. Fact is me, and you have that in common. We've come so close on winning the SCW title or Cross-Hemisphere title we deserve to be disappointed.”
Konrad Raab: “I saw that match, and you did come close to winning that match. I had to bust my ass for ten months in UGWC to get a title shot. I had to push myself beyond the limits to get one.”
Jake's biting his lip, tapping his feet due to the emotion he sees in Konrad's eyes to the point of water coming out of his eyes as Jake sighs. Jake notices Konrad's body weight is lower than the last time Jake saw him, being quiet due to Konrad's lack of wanting to talk, but Jake had to, and he says this.
Jake Raab: “It's not your fault. I can see in your eyes you're afraid of having to wait for ten months for a title shot all over again. I even heard about you saying you've made yourself sick, using your lack of eating as a way to send a message.”
Konrad Raab: “I have and my wife, well she's angry with me right now with what I've done to myself.”
Jake Raab: “She has every right to be angry at you. I would be if a girl I know tried to kill herself by starvation from achieving something. I believe you won't be overlooked for title matches anymore. Heck, you weren't the one pinned, were you?”
Konrad Raab: “No, but it doesn't matter. I still lost.”
Jake places his arm around Konrad, clearly glad he saw Konrad, seeing how much he needed someone to talk to, although it's a little clingy how Jake wanted to help Konrad, even if Konrad's wincing, kicking the stone that was there and kicked it farther than expected. Konrad grinds his teeth, and Jake speaks.
Jake Raab: “I know, but the loss means, to be honest, you're nearly there on achieving your goal. Look how long it took for you to win a SupremeCW title to your name.”
Konrad Raab: “Difference between SupremeCW and UGWC is I've had title shots in SupremeCW, three months after I've joined the company, so it's not the same at all. However, I have to find a way creatively to get one again, like being in the Trios tournament coming up.”
Jake Raab: “That's a good idea. Maybe you being in that tournament will teach UGWC management a lesson of not ever being overlooked ever again for title matches.”
Jake lightly touches Konrad's shoulder as Konrad removes his hands from his face before he lifts his head to his chest, having a small grin which is a first Jake sees since he's sat on the bench with Konrad. Konrad turns around to have his eyes locked in contact with Jake's, even if Konrad's speaking with a tearful voice, wiping the water away from his eyes.
Konrad Raab: “Yeah, you're right. I will use the tournament as a way of them, seeing me as a title contender, especially if...........”
Jake Raab: “Will.”
Konrad Raab: “Right, will win the tournament with Alan Wallace and Natural Born Killer. Alan knows how much I've pushed his limits psychically and mentally in the two matches I've had and it's clear Natural Born Killer wants to come back to wrestling.”
Jake Raab: “Now, we're getting somewhere. See Konrad; you just needed someone to talk to, and sometimes, it's always good to seek help when you need it. You're stubborn.”
Konrad Raab: “I am, I can't deny I'm a stubborn son of a bitch. Fizz said it a few times with me this week, even yelling and shouting at me.”
Jake notices Konrad's got a smile on his face as he shakes Jake's hand, before spreading his arms out and wraps them around Jake, feeling the comfort of being talkative and showing interest in listening to everything Jake's said as Konrad stands up, flicking his hand to Jake as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I want to go to the cathedral over there with you as I want to pray. It's been too long since I've done it.”
Speaking with a light voice, Jake also smiles as he sees his cousin walking with his head high, swinging his arms and looking at other people with a grin on his face. The small talk helped Konrad, although as they walked into the cathedral, Konrad has a question he's not wasting time with any more.
Konrad Raab: “Why are you here?”
Jake Raab: “Not only I needed to see you after everything's gone on in UGWC, but also it's because the Blast From The Past tournament takes place in the UK most of the week and what a better place to spend my time than here?”
Konrad Raab: “Yeah, you're right. I mainly came here to see Sebastian as I still don't have him yet, especially the court saw what I did at Retribution that I won't get into for now as my focus isn't on SupremeCW, well not as of yet anyway.”
Jake Raab: “Damn straight I am, considering you also come to Germany for matches in the UK as well. I forgot how big this place was. Been so long the last time I came to this cathedral.”
Konrad nods, taking in a cleansing breathe as he's got his eyes, looking all over the place of the cathedral as he found some water. He placed his second and third finger in the water and put it on his forehead. While Jake takes a look round, Konrad found a special prayer's room where Konrad sees others praying.
Konrad grabs a small cushion as he takes it to where Konrad feels comfortable praying as he finds a perfect spot, nodding before placing it to the ground, dropping his body to his knees on the cushion, placing his hands together, looking up the ceiling and says this.
Konrad Raab: “Dear god, it's been a while since I spoke to you. I need your strength of feeling confident and pride of wrestling for the Trios tournament with Alan and Natural Born Killer. It took a lot of work to get a title shot and I'm willing to work for it again.
Konrad takes a deep breath, dropping his head, being a little teary as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I'm seeking for you to help get rid of my fears of the thought of not getting another title shot for ten months once again. I want to be the top wrestler in UGWC and need your guidance of not slipping up. Add Alan and Natural Born Killer to my prayer too as they need as much help as me to go out and win the trios tournament against all teams we have to face amongst us. Thank you for listening. Amen.”
Konrad bows before he stands on his feet, smiling because it helped him more to pray for help. He picks up the cushion and places it on the hooks to attach the cushion and comes back to Jake who's still looking around. There was an unlit candle in the cathedral as he gets the candle, putting it over the flame to catch to the candle and stands it up amongst the rest of the candles and places a two euro coin in the donation box and walks away.
Jake Raab: “That's a nice thought, placing money in the box.”
Konrad Raab: “I want to help; that's who I am. I'm ready to leave. Thanks for being here for me.”
Jake Raab: “It's no problem. I also want to say I'm going by the fiery target as my nickname in wrestling. Although it's unfortunate I've yet to portray the character because of my busted shoulder I'm still struggling to recover from.”
Konrad Raab: “You're just as brave as Markus is, continuing to wrestle with a busted shoulder. I mean I should continue to wrestle for UGWC and win the damn tournament with former UGWC champions on my side. It's strange how Alan's friend came seeking for me after the tough match me and Alan had the second time to request to team with Alan. I agreed because I don't want people to ignore me being in UGWC anymore.”
Jake Raab: “Good to hear. Did you pray already?”
Konrad Raab: “Yes I did. I got to face against Roxy Cotton who always trashes opponents and using vile words, Hastings who keeps leaving and coming back to the business, someone who I know very little about and Kenzi who's changed her attitude for some reason.”
Konrad pauses a bit as he gets up from the bench, knowing what he has to do as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “Anyway, I better take off man, got some gym work to do, while you better get back to your parents. Tell them I said hi and I'm feeling better for me.”
Jake Raab: “Sure thing, no problem whatsoever."
While Jake gets back to the station to catch his train back to Dusseldorf, Konrad goes to where the pushbikes are parked as he walks three pushbikes down until he reaches his bike. Konrad gets keys out of his pocket and removes the paddock and chain as he pushes the bike before jumping on and cycles his way to the gym.
Konrad spends two hours in the gym before heading back to his apartment to get some sleep, being so exhausted from the day Konrad had, although he got up four hours later to eat and drink, watching TV for a couple of hours. Two hours later, he heads upstairs, needing to use the toilet and then goes back to his room and says this.
Konrad Raab: “I'm going out in the ring on Monday night, capturing all the wins with Alan Wallace and Natural Born Killer in the tournament and win ourselves potentially title shots for ourselves in the future.”
Konrad closes his eyes and goes straight off to sleep, giving him a boost of confidence he needed for the tournament, something he's looking forward to, giving himself a chance to redeem himself as a title contender for the Trios Tournament.
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Mental training in a dojo again. Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Sunday 24th March.
Another day, but in another location and in the hotel room where Konrad and Jerry are in separate rooms from each other, but unlike the last time they were together, Jerry woke up as he stretches his arms and legs before he gets out of bed. He sees his phone flashing as he immediately gets dressed and reads the text from Konrad, stating he's at a karate dojo, doing kata again with an address to get there.
Jerry places his money, hotel key and his mobile in his jeans pocket before leaving the room and hotel to find the karate dojo. It turns out he didn't need the address as the dojo was only around the corner from the hotel and he opens the door before it closes by itself and sees Konrad, doing kata again.
Jerry could tell from the sweat pouring down from Konrad's body and face; he's been doing it a while as he stops once he sees a shadow and bows before getting off the mat. Before Jerry can even speak, Konrad jumps in and talks to Jerry, with full on eye contact.
Konrad Raab: “I've met and spoken to Alan and Natural Born Killer last week and on Friday before you ask.”
Jerry Flack: “That and making sure you're prepared to face against Roxy, Donovan and Kenzi as well.”
Konrad Raab: “Of course I am. I had a karate lesson on top of doing kata by myself, even with the instructor in the office, waiting for me to give back the keys.”
Generally grinning of what Konrad's done today with Karate, Jerry rolls his shoulders and shakes Konrad's hand, doing something to benefit Konrad's mentality which it does. Konrad's always focused on what he's going to do in the match, and he speaks again with a massive smile on his face.
Konrad Raab: “After getting to know Alan, even if he slammed the door in my face, being rude and disrespectful to me on Friday, he's not a bad guy. He's trying to accept the fact I'm very different to him and Natural Born Killer who seems to think I got mental problems.”
Jerry Flack: “You do.”
Konrad Raab: “But he seems to know a lot about me, and that's scary to me, how much he knows about my struggles in wrestling back in my rookie days before I became this guy now. I wish you were backstage to see it all.”
Jerry Flack: “At the same time, I needed to leave you alone because you were hiding your face, you told me to give you some space.”
Nodding his head, Konrad remembers the discussion they had backstage before the match which was lucky as he didn't want Alan or Natural Born Killer to know he's got a mental trainer guiding him. Konrad smiles as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I did, but they came in fifteen minutes after I lost the Cross-Hemisphere match, luckily as I would've been pissed if they came in straight after I've lost. Alan was sarcastic, thinking I won the match until I told him the truth. I think we can be professionals and let our scrabbles go aside for tomorrow night as advancing and capturing a reward is important to team confidence.”
Jerry Flack: “Isn't it meant to be team Ego?”
Konrad Raab: “I refuse to go by that name. In my head, I think team confidence because Alan and Natural Born Killer have confidence and I do as well. While they might go and do cheap shots, doing anything to win, I will win matches fairly. They'll learn or rather Natural Born Killer will learn rapidly I wrestle for honour, pride and respect.”
Jerry Flack: “All the other two opponents might be the same, but what you think of Kenzi's slight attitude change?”
Konrad Raab: “I can understand why in a way. She hasn't been receiving solo's title shots either for quite some time. I don't ever want to go down that path of being desperate like she had to. However, attacking people and bitching about title shots was something that's out of line. Admittedly, Donovan is a guy I know the least about out of the three.”
Jerry saw the full purpose of what he said; he hasn't ever been in the ring against Donovan, although Konrad frowned when he remembered Hastings running the show, compared to Ichabod. Konrad picks up a flask, and he lifts the cap off and takes a sip of the water as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I need to study more about him when we get back to the hotel. I need to change into my normal clothes, bare with me.”
Jerry's sitting with his palms facing up, not being concerned anymore, especially with Konrad's eating habits, although he's still unhealthy, he was eating a lot better now. Jerry sees the karate instructor come out and says this.
Karate instructor: “Karate ended two hours ago.”
Jerry Flack: “If you don't mind me, I'm Konrad's mental trainer, and I came here for him, not for karate lessons. I couldn't throw a punch. Konrad's getting changed so I suggest you'd be ready to be given the keys back to Konrad, especially he's a wrestler as well.”
Karate instructor has nothing to say and walks back to his office as just then, Konrad comes out, overhearing what's been said, and Konrad says this.
Konrad Raab: “You're alright?”
Jerry Flack: “Yeah, I am.”
Konrad Raab: “He was like that with me when I came into the class this morning until I showed him my karate licence and told me to join in. I'll give the instructor the keys back, and we head to the hotel to relax since I haven't done much of that this week. Then we'll go out to lunch, and I'll pay for your food.”
Jerry Flack: “Deal.”
Konrad goes into the karate instructors office and gives them the keys before he walks out of the dojo, feeling confident as ever as he and Jerry go into their hotel rooms to rest. Konrad got colouring books out, another hobby he does for mental training as well before they go out for lunch with his laptop in a big bag.
He goes straight to the library and gets his laptop out as once the computer and internet have loaded, Konrad goes on youtube and presses the upload button.
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My favourite wrestling tournament/talking about the other teams and the current team youtube.com shoot.
“Trios Tournament, it's an event I take part in every single year with another company I won't name for legal reasons and why? Because the wrestlers and the staff in an unnamed company know I'd bust my ass to win matches. Of course, this is slightly different from winning contracts. From what Lord Raab told me, two of us get a tag title shot and one of us get a UGWC title shot.
Anyway, I'm apart of team confidence, sorry I refuse to use the proper team name because that's not the person I am as Simon gave me the opportunity to compete in the tournament. I've even had to earn to be in the trios tournament, according to Simon to push Alan Wallace to his limits. I respect him for hopefully letting childish scrabbles behind us.
Natural Born Killer seems like he wants to come back to UGWC. While the guy is quiet, he gets the job done in the ring, even being a champion here at one point. He's a guy to look out for, to be honest as he'll do great things if and when he resigns to UGWC.
Enough about that, I'm not stupid to not realise Vain and Natural Born Killer could face The Piercing Media Network or Two Masks, One Phrixus in the finals, but I'll discuss about them after we've defeated The Lord Of Cool which sounds like a silly name, considering Kenzi became cooperative champions with Hastings, clearly not getting along very well. Then again, me and Alan don't either, but we have the same goals to earn title matches in a fair contest.
Lord Hastings, you may have won the tag titles now and congratulations on that, but in my opinion, you shouldn't have had one when you've done nothing recently to get one. I enjoyed watching you get your ass kicked by Zane at Horizons, but if you think I'm going to let you get away with not giving me title opportunities, you're very well mistaken as you ignored me completely as a creative director, not giving my chance to shine. I'll teach you a thing or two about that, including Alan and Natural Born Killer as well.
Roxy, cut it out with your childish trash talk, insulting people for what they do and focus on their abilities as a wrestler. Sure you have all the talent in the world to get another solo's title shot soon, but your attitude is the one you need to work on. Sick of you calling me ill all the time when I'm much better now. When will you ever take me and the rest of your opponents seriously as wrestlers? I don't think you ever will because of you bad mouthing people without even getting to know them.
I'm still pissed off at you for not taking the UGWC title opportunity because of you pissing it down the drain cos of fighting your friend. I had to fight a ton of friends for titles before, but I came out fine and still was friends with them after the match because I gave them everything I had against them and that's how you should've approached the match with Angelica.
I used to respect for Kenzi when she became a nice and innocent girl. I know how tough things for you, believe me, I've been in the situation myself, but there was no need to attack officials and Donovan because I'm bigger than that or so I thought with you. Point is me, Alan and Natural Born Killer are going to do anything possible to get rid of a team who are already tag team champions. I don't think you needed to do what you did, attacking people backstage to get a title shot. I'm at least stronger than you to prepare and take a loss, not moaning about getting a title shot.
I've beaten Jet Somers and Captain Eighties before in their matches against me, and I'm sure there's history between Travis and Jet with Vain and Natural Born Killer. I know what you guys can do in the ring, especially Jet and Captain Eighties. Of course Vain and Natural Born Killer feel the threat of these three guys, but your best lads aren't good enough as Vain, and Natural Born Killer has won titles before which Jet should know. If I can beat Jet and Captain eighties once before, I can do it again. They are threats for the tournament without a doubt, but it will be Team confidence winning the entire tournament. We agree to disagree with some bits, but I believe we can get along which is something I can't say for Donovan and Kenzi.
I almost forgot about the dark horse of the tournament of Phrixus Deimos who I fought twice recently, and it seemed like you weren't able to hang on to the Cross-Hemisphere title. I can't say if you were a good champion or not, weren't defending the belt enough. Westley is the only guy in the entire match I have respect for, mainly I'm evolving my style to cruiserweight every single day as Alan, and Natural Born Killer stay away from that.
I haven't forgotten about Holden, letting me get pinned, due to some random ruling that he didn't like teaming with me. My bad, it's life in UGWC, get used to losses as you aren't going to be a dominant guy all the time. Anyway, the point is Team Confidence is going to go all the way, defeating every wrestler around.
Tomorrow night in Pennsylvania, me, Natural Born Killer and Alan Wallace are defeating every single team in the tournament and capture the win because I thrive in this tournament and love being apart of it already. Alan and NBK are ready for the tournament as so am I. Within the rules, we'll do anything to get the win, leaving Team Confident walking away as the winner of the match. Prepare to be Iceinated by The Ego, Natural Born Killer and The Iceman because we are dedicated to wrestling our potential and I'll see you guys out there, before and after the match.”
Vain is seated at one of the tables in the catering area, a forlorn expression on his face. Before him are thirteen empty bottles of VEEN water, so apparently he has been here for a while. To the side of the table stands NBK.
Mister Wallace...We... We feel that we should discuss strategy for next week.
Vain lifts his head and turns it to the side, casting a glazed look at the Natural Born Killer, but says nothing.
We also feel... we might want to think... about involving our other partner in the festivities.
Vain quickly glances away, beginning to mumble under his breath, before growing louder as he almost jumps to his feet.
"Partner... partner... oh yes, our partner! Mr. Raab, silly of me to forget! My sincerest of gratitudes to you for keeping me on task, Friend of Travis! Yes, once Mr. Raab's match is over, we shall pay him a visit!"
The match has been over, Mister Wallace. For near fifteen minutes. Konrad... was not successful... on this night.
Vain had begun walking towards the exit as soon as hearing that the match was over. He hollers back at NBK.
"Most excellent! We shall make it a celebration, then. Wonderful idea, Shadow of Forwell. Come!"
Vain disappears through the door and makes his way down the hallway, as NBK slowly follows suit.
Yes, yes... he is indeed a... special breed of person.
The locker room door flings open, the knob slamming against the wall with such force that the door comes flying back just as quickly as it was sent into the wall. With cat-like reflexes, Alan Wallace ensures that the door does not break his face, and he shoots a wink to Konrad who has looked up to see what is going on.
"Mr. Raab, I am so glad that I caught you before your night of celebration is to begin!"
Konrad looks at him in a confused manner.
Konrad Raab: "Why would this night be one for celebration, what with what happened here tonight out in that ring when I fought for the opportunity to call myself the new Cross-Hemisphere Champion?"
Vain makes his way over to the mini fridge that he ordered Simon to install in Raab's locker room, pulling out a bottle of VEEN and untwisting the cap. He takes a small drink, before turning back towards Konrad.
"The Cross-Hemisphere Championship is one of - if not the - premier championship in this industry. To hold it is to cement your legacy within this little business of ours... I should know, I have held it more times than anyone. So congratulations, Mr. Raab! You have most definitely earned it!"
Konrad quickly rises to his feet, walking right up to 'The Vain One.
Konrad Raab: "Did you not watch the match, Vain? I lost."
Vain blurts out a loud laugh, grabbing at his side, as he takes a step back and leans slightly forward. The sound of his laughter echoes throughout the entire room, as Konrad furrows his brow as he continues looking at him. Vain finally begins to regain his composure, looking up and seeing the look that Konrad is giving him.
"Wait, you're being serious? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph... how is that even possible?"
The two men look at one another for a moment, before Vain continues.
"It matters not, Mr. Raab. The C-H Title is but a mere stepping stone to the championship that truly matters. To everyone not named Le Bord, anyhow. You're too good for the C-H Championship anyway. Keep your head up!"
Konrad Raab: "The title would've meant I've accomplished what I've been working for ten months since I've been in UGWC, busting my ass to earn a shot and to win it which meant the entire world to me. Me being champion tonight along with holding the belt would've helped me to be that much closer to capturing the UGWC title. I work from bottom to the top. It would've helped me and it certainly helps others cement their legacy and hard work in the business. I have a passion for this sport you can't imagine."
Vain stares at him in silence for a moment.
"My apologies, Mr. Raab. I wanted to listen to all of that, but then 'The Vain Brain' started telling me to zone out, and before I knew it, here we were. Phew... awkward."
Vain shoots him a nervous smile, but then excitedly raises his hands.
"The most important thing here tonight is that I am here, Mr. Raab, and that I have single-handedly found us the third member of our Lord of Trios team. He is a great friend of mine, and I know you two will get along famously! Mr. MBK!"
Vain quickly turns and motions towards the door, and the Natural Born Killer steps through the doorway.
N, Mister Wallace. N-B-K.
Vain looks at him in confusion.
"No, that couldn't possibly be right-"
Alan stops mid-sentence as he watches NBK back up to the point of barely being just in the doorway. Half bent over, he looks as if has been kicked in the stomach. Or worse. He turns and grabs the handle of the door, leaning against it while he looks at Konrad Raab. Vain continues.
"I was telling Mr. MBK earlier that it would be prudent of us to begin discussing strategy for our match next week, and though it took a little prodding, I finally got him to come around. Don't mind him, he's a bit shy at times."
NBK casts a glance at Alan, who smiles, but quickly refocuses back on Raab.
...
Vain looks at his watch-less wrist and gasps.
"Heavens me, the time has completely gotten away from me. I have an early-morning meeting, and must take my leave. Great strategy discussion though, guys. Really, top notch. I see us doing some great things next week!"
Vain walks over and stands in front of NBK, who still stands half in the doorway. Alan waits for him to move, but NBK never takes his gaze off of Konrad. Vain leans forward and softly speaks so that Konrad doesn't hear.
"He's married, my friend. I don't think he's interested."
Vain smiles like the cat that ate the canary, obviously proud of his infantile remark. NBK says nothing, still just looking at Raab. Vain turns and addresses Raab once more.
"Hey, congrats again, Mr. Raab. You earned it!"
Vain throws Konrad another wink, before leaning down and ducking under NBK, and disappearing through the doorway. Raab turns his attention to NBK, and now both men stand there in silence looking at the other.
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A cousin meet up. Cologne, Germany. Wednesday 20th March.
Ever since the loss of the Cross-Hemisphere title match, he's walking with lowing his head with his eyes looking at the pavement and his own feet as he reaches to the central train station of Cologne, swallowing hard as to the overlook of what happened in the match. He collapses to the bench. Something buzzed and made Konrad shake in his coat pocket as he pulls out his phone, receiving a text from his cousin saying he's arrived in Cologne. His cousin also asked where Konrad was. He texts his cousin back while sitting outside the station and sends it.
From the short text alone, Konrad covers his head away from everyone as it made some people move away from him. Suddenly, his cousin who's a wrestler in Sin City Wrestling, Jake Raab comes out and sees Konrad sitting on the bench as he hides from the world, shaking with his body.
Jake Raab: “I sense something's wrong.”
Konrad Raab: “Is it bad to be guilty for more than a day over a title loss?”
Jake Raab: “I know it took me two days to get over the loss I had against Fenris. Fact is me, and you have that in common. We've come so close on winning the SCW title or Cross-Hemisphere title we deserve to be disappointed.”
Konrad Raab: “I saw that match, and you did come close to winning that match. I had to bust my ass for ten months in UGWC to get a title shot. I had to push myself beyond the limits to get one.”
Jake's biting his lip, tapping his feet due to the emotion he sees in Konrad's eyes to the point of water coming out of his eyes as Jake sighs. Jake notices Konrad's body weight is lower than the last time Jake saw him, being quiet due to Konrad's lack of wanting to talk, but Jake had to, and he says this.
Jake Raab: “It's not your fault. I can see in your eyes you're afraid of having to wait for ten months for a title shot all over again. I even heard about you saying you've made yourself sick, using your lack of eating as a way to send a message.”
Konrad Raab: “I have and my wife, well she's angry with me right now with what I've done to myself.”
Jake Raab: “She has every right to be angry at you. I would be if a girl I know tried to kill herself by starvation from achieving something. I believe you won't be overlooked for title matches anymore. Heck, you weren't the one pinned, were you?”
Konrad Raab: “No, but it doesn't matter. I still lost.”
Jake places his arm around Konrad, clearly glad he saw Konrad, seeing how much he needed someone to talk to, although it's a little clingy how Jake wanted to help Konrad, even if Konrad's wincing, kicking the stone that was there and kicked it farther than expected. Konrad grinds his teeth, and Jake speaks.
Jake Raab: “I know, but the loss means, to be honest, you're nearly there on achieving your goal. Look how long it took for you to win a SupremeCW title to your name.”
Konrad Raab: “Difference between SupremeCW and UGWC is I've had title shots in SupremeCW, three months after I've joined the company, so it's not the same at all. However, I have to find a way creatively to get one again, like being in the Trios tournament coming up.”
Jake Raab: “That's a good idea. Maybe you being in that tournament will teach UGWC management a lesson of not ever being overlooked ever again for title matches.”
Jake lightly touches Konrad's shoulder as Konrad removes his hands from his face before he lifts his head to his chest, having a small grin which is a first Jake sees since he's sat on the bench with Konrad. Konrad turns around to have his eyes locked in contact with Jake's, even if Konrad's speaking with a tearful voice, wiping the water away from his eyes.
Konrad Raab: “Yeah, you're right. I will use the tournament as a way of them, seeing me as a title contender, especially if...........”
Jake Raab: “Will.”
Konrad Raab: “Right, will win the tournament with Alan Wallace and Natural Born Killer. Alan knows how much I've pushed his limits psychically and mentally in the two matches I've had and it's clear Natural Born Killer wants to come back to wrestling.”
Jake Raab: “Now, we're getting somewhere. See Konrad; you just needed someone to talk to, and sometimes, it's always good to seek help when you need it. You're stubborn.”
Konrad Raab: “I am, I can't deny I'm a stubborn son of a bitch. Fizz said it a few times with me this week, even yelling and shouting at me.”
Jake notices Konrad's got a smile on his face as he shakes Jake's hand, before spreading his arms out and wraps them around Jake, feeling the comfort of being talkative and showing interest in listening to everything Jake's said as Konrad stands up, flicking his hand to Jake as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I want to go to the cathedral over there with you as I want to pray. It's been too long since I've done it.”
Speaking with a light voice, Jake also smiles as he sees his cousin walking with his head high, swinging his arms and looking at other people with a grin on his face. The small talk helped Konrad, although as they walked into the cathedral, Konrad has a question he's not wasting time with any more.
Konrad Raab: “Why are you here?”
Jake Raab: “Not only I needed to see you after everything's gone on in UGWC, but also it's because the Blast From The Past tournament takes place in the UK most of the week and what a better place to spend my time than here?”
Konrad Raab: “Yeah, you're right. I mainly came here to see Sebastian as I still don't have him yet, especially the court saw what I did at Retribution that I won't get into for now as my focus isn't on SupremeCW, well not as of yet anyway.”
Jake Raab: “Damn straight I am, considering you also come to Germany for matches in the UK as well. I forgot how big this place was. Been so long the last time I came to this cathedral.”
Konrad nods, taking in a cleansing breathe as he's got his eyes, looking all over the place of the cathedral as he found some water. He placed his second and third finger in the water and put it on his forehead. While Jake takes a look round, Konrad found a special prayer's room where Konrad sees others praying.
Konrad grabs a small cushion as he takes it to where Konrad feels comfortable praying as he finds a perfect spot, nodding before placing it to the ground, dropping his body to his knees on the cushion, placing his hands together, looking up the ceiling and says this.
Konrad Raab: “Dear god, it's been a while since I spoke to you. I need your strength of feeling confident and pride of wrestling for the Trios tournament with Alan and Natural Born Killer. It took a lot of work to get a title shot and I'm willing to work for it again.
Konrad takes a deep breath, dropping his head, being a little teary as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I'm seeking for you to help get rid of my fears of the thought of not getting another title shot for ten months once again. I want to be the top wrestler in UGWC and need your guidance of not slipping up. Add Alan and Natural Born Killer to my prayer too as they need as much help as me to go out and win the trios tournament against all teams we have to face amongst us. Thank you for listening. Amen.”
Konrad bows before he stands on his feet, smiling because it helped him more to pray for help. He picks up the cushion and places it on the hooks to attach the cushion and comes back to Jake who's still looking around. There was an unlit candle in the cathedral as he gets the candle, putting it over the flame to catch to the candle and stands it up amongst the rest of the candles and places a two euro coin in the donation box and walks away.
Jake Raab: “That's a nice thought, placing money in the box.”
Konrad Raab: “I want to help; that's who I am. I'm ready to leave. Thanks for being here for me.”
Jake Raab: “It's no problem. I also want to say I'm going by the fiery target as my nickname in wrestling. Although it's unfortunate I've yet to portray the character because of my busted shoulder I'm still struggling to recover from.”
Konrad Raab: “You're just as brave as Markus is, continuing to wrestle with a busted shoulder. I mean I should continue to wrestle for UGWC and win the damn tournament with former UGWC champions on my side. It's strange how Alan's friend came seeking for me after the tough match me and Alan had the second time to request to team with Alan. I agreed because I don't want people to ignore me being in UGWC anymore.”
Jake Raab: “Good to hear. Did you pray already?”
Konrad Raab: “Yes I did. I got to face against Roxy Cotton who always trashes opponents and using vile words, Hastings who keeps leaving and coming back to the business, someone who I know very little about and Kenzi who's changed her attitude for some reason.”
Konrad pauses a bit as he gets up from the bench, knowing what he has to do as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “Anyway, I better take off man, got some gym work to do, while you better get back to your parents. Tell them I said hi and I'm feeling better for me.”
Jake Raab: “Sure thing, no problem whatsoever."
While Jake gets back to the station to catch his train back to Dusseldorf, Konrad goes to where the pushbikes are parked as he walks three pushbikes down until he reaches his bike. Konrad gets keys out of his pocket and removes the paddock and chain as he pushes the bike before jumping on and cycles his way to the gym.
Konrad spends two hours in the gym before heading back to his apartment to get some sleep, being so exhausted from the day Konrad had, although he got up four hours later to eat and drink, watching TV for a couple of hours. Two hours later, he heads upstairs, needing to use the toilet and then goes back to his room and says this.
Konrad Raab: “I'm going out in the ring on Monday night, capturing all the wins with Alan Wallace and Natural Born Killer in the tournament and win ourselves potentially title shots for ourselves in the future.”
Konrad closes his eyes and goes straight off to sleep, giving him a boost of confidence he needed for the tournament, something he's looking forward to, giving himself a chance to redeem himself as a title contender for the Trios Tournament.
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Mental training in a dojo again. Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Sunday 24th March.
Another day, but in another location and in the hotel room where Konrad and Jerry are in separate rooms from each other, but unlike the last time they were together, Jerry woke up as he stretches his arms and legs before he gets out of bed. He sees his phone flashing as he immediately gets dressed and reads the text from Konrad, stating he's at a karate dojo, doing kata again with an address to get there.
Jerry places his money, hotel key and his mobile in his jeans pocket before leaving the room and hotel to find the karate dojo. It turns out he didn't need the address as the dojo was only around the corner from the hotel and he opens the door before it closes by itself and sees Konrad, doing kata again.
Jerry could tell from the sweat pouring down from Konrad's body and face; he's been doing it a while as he stops once he sees a shadow and bows before getting off the mat. Before Jerry can even speak, Konrad jumps in and talks to Jerry, with full on eye contact.
Konrad Raab: “I've met and spoken to Alan and Natural Born Killer last week and on Friday before you ask.”
Jerry Flack: “That and making sure you're prepared to face against Roxy, Donovan and Kenzi as well.”
Konrad Raab: “Of course I am. I had a karate lesson on top of doing kata by myself, even with the instructor in the office, waiting for me to give back the keys.”
Generally grinning of what Konrad's done today with Karate, Jerry rolls his shoulders and shakes Konrad's hand, doing something to benefit Konrad's mentality which it does. Konrad's always focused on what he's going to do in the match, and he speaks again with a massive smile on his face.
Konrad Raab: “After getting to know Alan, even if he slammed the door in my face, being rude and disrespectful to me on Friday, he's not a bad guy. He's trying to accept the fact I'm very different to him and Natural Born Killer who seems to think I got mental problems.”
Jerry Flack: “You do.”
Konrad Raab: “But he seems to know a lot about me, and that's scary to me, how much he knows about my struggles in wrestling back in my rookie days before I became this guy now. I wish you were backstage to see it all.”
Jerry Flack: “At the same time, I needed to leave you alone because you were hiding your face, you told me to give you some space.”
Nodding his head, Konrad remembers the discussion they had backstage before the match which was lucky as he didn't want Alan or Natural Born Killer to know he's got a mental trainer guiding him. Konrad smiles as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I did, but they came in fifteen minutes after I lost the Cross-Hemisphere match, luckily as I would've been pissed if they came in straight after I've lost. Alan was sarcastic, thinking I won the match until I told him the truth. I think we can be professionals and let our scrabbles go aside for tomorrow night as advancing and capturing a reward is important to team confidence.”
Jerry Flack: “Isn't it meant to be team Ego?”
Konrad Raab: “I refuse to go by that name. In my head, I think team confidence because Alan and Natural Born Killer have confidence and I do as well. While they might go and do cheap shots, doing anything to win, I will win matches fairly. They'll learn or rather Natural Born Killer will learn rapidly I wrestle for honour, pride and respect.”
Jerry Flack: “All the other two opponents might be the same, but what you think of Kenzi's slight attitude change?”
Konrad Raab: “I can understand why in a way. She hasn't been receiving solo's title shots either for quite some time. I don't ever want to go down that path of being desperate like she had to. However, attacking people and bitching about title shots was something that's out of line. Admittedly, Donovan is a guy I know the least about out of the three.”
Jerry saw the full purpose of what he said; he hasn't ever been in the ring against Donovan, although Konrad frowned when he remembered Hastings running the show, compared to Ichabod. Konrad picks up a flask, and he lifts the cap off and takes a sip of the water as he says this.
Konrad Raab: “I need to study more about him when we get back to the hotel. I need to change into my normal clothes, bare with me.”
Jerry's sitting with his palms facing up, not being concerned anymore, especially with Konrad's eating habits, although he's still unhealthy, he was eating a lot better now. Jerry sees the karate instructor come out and says this.
Karate instructor: “Karate ended two hours ago.”
Jerry Flack: “If you don't mind me, I'm Konrad's mental trainer, and I came here for him, not for karate lessons. I couldn't throw a punch. Konrad's getting changed so I suggest you'd be ready to be given the keys back to Konrad, especially he's a wrestler as well.”
Karate instructor has nothing to say and walks back to his office as just then, Konrad comes out, overhearing what's been said, and Konrad says this.
Konrad Raab: “You're alright?”
Jerry Flack: “Yeah, I am.”
Konrad Raab: “He was like that with me when I came into the class this morning until I showed him my karate licence and told me to join in. I'll give the instructor the keys back, and we head to the hotel to relax since I haven't done much of that this week. Then we'll go out to lunch, and I'll pay for your food.”
Jerry Flack: “Deal.”
Konrad goes into the karate instructors office and gives them the keys before he walks out of the dojo, feeling confident as ever as he and Jerry go into their hotel rooms to rest. Konrad got colouring books out, another hobby he does for mental training as well before they go out for lunch with his laptop in a big bag.
He goes straight to the library and gets his laptop out as once the computer and internet have loaded, Konrad goes on youtube and presses the upload button.
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My favourite wrestling tournament/talking about the other teams and the current team youtube.com shoot.
“Trios Tournament, it's an event I take part in every single year with another company I won't name for legal reasons and why? Because the wrestlers and the staff in an unnamed company know I'd bust my ass to win matches. Of course, this is slightly different from winning contracts. From what Lord Raab told me, two of us get a tag title shot and one of us get a UGWC title shot.
Anyway, I'm apart of team confidence, sorry I refuse to use the proper team name because that's not the person I am as Simon gave me the opportunity to compete in the tournament. I've even had to earn to be in the trios tournament, according to Simon to push Alan Wallace to his limits. I respect him for hopefully letting childish scrabbles behind us.
Natural Born Killer seems like he wants to come back to UGWC. While the guy is quiet, he gets the job done in the ring, even being a champion here at one point. He's a guy to look out for, to be honest as he'll do great things if and when he resigns to UGWC.
Enough about that, I'm not stupid to not realise Vain and Natural Born Killer could face The Piercing Media Network or Two Masks, One Phrixus in the finals, but I'll discuss about them after we've defeated The Lord Of Cool which sounds like a silly name, considering Kenzi became cooperative champions with Hastings, clearly not getting along very well. Then again, me and Alan don't either, but we have the same goals to earn title matches in a fair contest.
Lord Hastings, you may have won the tag titles now and congratulations on that, but in my opinion, you shouldn't have had one when you've done nothing recently to get one. I enjoyed watching you get your ass kicked by Zane at Horizons, but if you think I'm going to let you get away with not giving me title opportunities, you're very well mistaken as you ignored me completely as a creative director, not giving my chance to shine. I'll teach you a thing or two about that, including Alan and Natural Born Killer as well.
Roxy, cut it out with your childish trash talk, insulting people for what they do and focus on their abilities as a wrestler. Sure you have all the talent in the world to get another solo's title shot soon, but your attitude is the one you need to work on. Sick of you calling me ill all the time when I'm much better now. When will you ever take me and the rest of your opponents seriously as wrestlers? I don't think you ever will because of you bad mouthing people without even getting to know them.
I'm still pissed off at you for not taking the UGWC title opportunity because of you pissing it down the drain cos of fighting your friend. I had to fight a ton of friends for titles before, but I came out fine and still was friends with them after the match because I gave them everything I had against them and that's how you should've approached the match with Angelica.
I used to respect for Kenzi when she became a nice and innocent girl. I know how tough things for you, believe me, I've been in the situation myself, but there was no need to attack officials and Donovan because I'm bigger than that or so I thought with you. Point is me, Alan and Natural Born Killer are going to do anything possible to get rid of a team who are already tag team champions. I don't think you needed to do what you did, attacking people backstage to get a title shot. I'm at least stronger than you to prepare and take a loss, not moaning about getting a title shot.
I've beaten Jet Somers and Captain Eighties before in their matches against me, and I'm sure there's history between Travis and Jet with Vain and Natural Born Killer. I know what you guys can do in the ring, especially Jet and Captain Eighties. Of course Vain and Natural Born Killer feel the threat of these three guys, but your best lads aren't good enough as Vain, and Natural Born Killer has won titles before which Jet should know. If I can beat Jet and Captain eighties once before, I can do it again. They are threats for the tournament without a doubt, but it will be Team confidence winning the entire tournament. We agree to disagree with some bits, but I believe we can get along which is something I can't say for Donovan and Kenzi.
I almost forgot about the dark horse of the tournament of Phrixus Deimos who I fought twice recently, and it seemed like you weren't able to hang on to the Cross-Hemisphere title. I can't say if you were a good champion or not, weren't defending the belt enough. Westley is the only guy in the entire match I have respect for, mainly I'm evolving my style to cruiserweight every single day as Alan, and Natural Born Killer stay away from that.
I haven't forgotten about Holden, letting me get pinned, due to some random ruling that he didn't like teaming with me. My bad, it's life in UGWC, get used to losses as you aren't going to be a dominant guy all the time. Anyway, the point is Team Confidence is going to go all the way, defeating every wrestler around.
Tomorrow night in Pennsylvania, me, Natural Born Killer and Alan Wallace are defeating every single team in the tournament and capture the win because I thrive in this tournament and love being apart of it already. Alan and NBK are ready for the tournament as so am I. Within the rules, we'll do anything to get the win, leaving Team Confident walking away as the winner of the match. Prepare to be Iceinated by The Ego, Natural Born Killer and The Iceman because we are dedicated to wrestling our potential and I'll see you guys out there, before and after the match.”