02-24-2026, 10:06 PM
“It seems I’ve been reduced to competing in silly stipulation matches. I’m not saying I’m above it, but these ideas just keep getting more odd. XXXVI versus the ghost of Billy Mays in a product placement match. Next Anarchy, perhaps it’s XXXVI versus the entire bloodlines of the Blade and Hixx families in a loser appears on an episode of My Strange Addiction match. I suppose Dick Lichter had a surplus of XWF merch that wasn’t flying off the shelves and he thought of a clever way to get some eyes on it. I know, XXXVI will do it! He always takes whatever garbage we throw at him and turns it into gold!”
“Tough luck in your debut, Bobby. Not only did you have to face the veteran Centurion, on the heels of entering the March Madness tournament, but you got eliminated in record time! You are one of a recent trend on Anarchy, people who have no business being in a wrestling ring. You come without proper training or any ounce of athleticism. You come to huck your wares and hope the snake oil sells itself. Not only are you a terrible wrestler, you aren’t even a good salesman! Let’s take a look at T-Shirt numbers after that disastrous match, shall we? Oh, that’s not good at all. It looks like you owe the staffers at the merch table six thousand dollars. People saw your ugly mug on a V-Neck and started rioting and breaking the merchandise tables and stands. We haven’t seen this kind of fan behavior since Maraeth commanded the Black Rainbow!”
“Let me explain something to you about this business, Bobby. If you actually had any knowledge of the field you came from, you’d see the parallels. If you aren’t careful, it will eat you alive. You’re in over your head. Not just with me, not because I’m one of the longest reigning Revolution champions in its short history, but because you are utterly unprepared. Not only are you tasked with beating me, but you have to make me bleed. Not happening. I think the only part of this encounter you are suited for is using a ShamWow. Not properly or anything, you just seem like the type that’s more inclined to paint himself and loudly wave a rally towel at a sporting event. I’m not begrudging the super fan mentality. We all need fans. They fuel us.”
“So here’s my elevator pitch. Save yourself the embarrassment. Show up already bleeding and I’ll clean you up real nicely. Otherwise, the alternative is me having to make you bleed the hard way and I’d rather not mess up that oh so marketable face you have. Which will it be, Sales? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.”
“It’s been so quiet around here. No Director. No goons. I almost miss it.” Says CIX.
XXXVI doesn’t answer. Instead, he looks out the window in quiet contemplation.
“Dear?” He glances her way. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes. It’s almost too quiet. Too easy. I’ve never known the Director to just give up without a fight. I realize he’s probably just traveling or something, but this is just odd.”
She nods in agreement. She then looks around. “Shh. Did you hear that?”
XXXVI shakes his head. A big grin forms on her face. “Gotcha! Yeah, I don’t think this is over with the Director. He’s planning something. You’re right to be wary. But for now, let’s enjoy the calm before the storm. Do you need any training before your next match?”
He shakes his head again without hesitation. “No. I’ve got Bobby Sales.”
“Who?”
“Exactly. Though we are going to have to find a sparring partner or two now that Square, X, O and Triangle are gone. I need a game plan for War Games. Perhaps there is a way I can get a closer look at Betsy Granger. I have an idea.”
“Care to fill me in?”
“Simple. We team up. I learned so much when I teamed with Clutch Cassidy, despite not winning that match. I need to stay sharp and a match with the likes of Bobby Sales simply won’t do the job. So let’s get working. Until then, we have some more things to discuss. I’m starving. Shall we get some dinner?”
She smiles. “Yes, I’d love that. So you’re saying you’re actually going out in public?”
He turns away and sheds his mask, his face out of view. “Cierra, let’s go be among the people for once. I’m still not ready to reveal myself to the fans, but I think it’s high time we allow ourselves to behave like part of the populace.”
She can barely contain her excitement. “Ok, I’ll go change then!”
XXXVI runs his fingers through his hair. “I’m grateful for you. It’s been a long hard road and I haven’t been the best and most present person. I promise to be better.”
“Thanks.” She says. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, though. We’re in this together. Don’t lose sight of that.”
He nods as they prepare for a night on the town.
Human. Normal. These are words he hasn’t related to in some time. He could almost get used to the feeling. Almost.
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