Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 2:20 PM
Down some dusty road in the English Country…
“So this is what happens to wrestlers when they die.” Austin Sly’s voice fill the air, rustled only by the sounds of a gentle breeze pushing against the trees and causing their leaves to shake. It’s a quiet day today. In the distance stands a solemn old church. It’s probably stood there for nearly a century now, overlooking the rolling hills of the English countryside. Weddings, Baptisms, weekly church services… its seen a fair share of them all. We’re not concerned about any of those today, though. We’re here for something more of a memorial…
“So, Adam… how’s life?” Austin says, forcing a lopsided grin onto his face passably. He scopes down and brushes some of the dirt and grass off the headstone to reveal the name of Adam Van Dam. “I see that things have slowed down for you quite a bit since the ICW went under.”
“… sorry, I hope the phrase ‘went under’ doesn’t offend you.”
Austin kicks at the ground hesitantly. It’s been a few years now since Adam’s death, and even more time has passed since he had seen the man alive. During his life, Adam was a very charismatic man. The kind that drew your attention at a party just by walking in. People naturally gravitated to him. He was smart, funny, and just a naturally good guy. He had one big problem, though… one that robbed him of his unique personality and eventually led to his own untimely demise.
“Isn’t it funny how life goes sometimes?” Austin says, plunging his hands deep into his pockets. “Almost six years ago, I was accidentally dropped on my neck. I wasn’t given much of a chance to walk again, let alone be back inside of a wrestling ring. Then again, given the way things are going in my career right now, I’m not so sure that wouldn’t be a Godsend. Six years ago, I thought that I would’ve been a world champion by now. I mean, that’s what everyone in the back was telling me. That’s what you guys were telling me that…”
Austin’s speech drifts off to nowhere as he notices an older man walking past him with a collection of flowers. He bobs his head as he walks along to a grave about a hundred yards away, undoubtedly of one of his own loved ones.
“… I never thought it’d be this way, Adam. I’m nearing my thirties, and what do I have to show for it? I was for sure that I’d be settled down and probably have a family already started by now. I can’t remember the last time I’ve even had a real date. When I was touring the independent circuit, there were women waiting for you at the end of the night. Everyone knew what they were there for. I lost all respect for myself and the other sex. Touring with the band isn’t much better… and it’s a lot harder to be treated like just another normal person when you go out. That’s the life of a celebrity, I guess.”
“But on top of all of that, I’ve done absolutely nothing for this company, but somehow I’ve gotten locked into a binding contract for at least this summer just because my music career was finally starting to take off. Someone in the SWF higher up thought it’d be good publicity to have my face back on tour. Get more for their money or something, now that I’m recognizable. Who’s going to take me seriously now?” Austin shakes his head, trying to clear up his thoughts, “I never should have trusted that Joseph Peters. I wanted to make a few appearances again… keep myself in some sort of shape in the need ever arises again. Somehow, though, I get talked into going full time. He didn’t even have to try, though. Part of me wanted it…”
“Damn it, this is the ICW all over again!” Austin’s voice takes a noticeable turn, “you fucks in management almost cost me my life, and now I have a whole new set of idiots overseeing my every move! Telling me where to go and what to do and who to see! Well… I’m not going to have this! I’m my own man now!”
“Look, Adam. I’ve forgiven you…” Calmer, gentler Austin returns. “I still haven’t forgotten, though. This is my time to shine, and I’m sure not going to let anyone screw that up for me. I’ll see you around, bud…”
Fin.
