Post by cyborg878 on Jan 22, 2021 16:43:18 GMT -5
In the California home of Damon Warrens the Nitemare sits intently as a desk with a laptop. His eyes are glued to the screen as constant tapping of keys on the keyboard fills the otherwise silent room. As he watches the screen as if in a trance Jaime Cortez opens the door to their home office and walks in with a hot cup of tea.
Jaime: And what are you up to mi amor? Watching Bound in Public videos again?
Damon looks up at Jaime, giving him an eye roll, before returning his attention to the computer.
Damon: Nooo Jaime I'm doing something terribly important.
Jaime sits on the desk peering down at Damon with a look of curiosity on his face. He turns to peek at the screen and sees the site for PFLAG, an American organization focusing on supporting queer people and their families. Upon realizing the site Jaime looks at Damon quizzically.
Jaime: Do you think you might be gay?
Jaime laughs at his own joke, but such a response is not mirror by Damon. The Nitemare stops his clicking and typing and sighs. He turns in his office chair to face the chuckling Jaime who now has the joy running from his face.
Damon: Jaime... this isn't a joke. I'm doing something important and if you are just going to sit here pestering me with humour I'm going to ask you to leave me be. If you'd like to take this seriously with me for a moment though... I wouldn't mind your help.
Jaime nods with realization that whatever Damon is working on it truly means something to the man. He gets off the desk and pulls up a chair of his own.
Jaime: So what are you working on and how can I help?
Damon: I need you to go and start ordering this list of books for me... in store pick up preferably if at all possible.
Damon hands Jaime a note pad with a list of novels with their authors scribbled down.
Jaime: It Gets Better by Dan Savage... Stonewall by Martin Duberman... Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Sanders... Mama's Boy by Dustin Lance Black... Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeannette Winterson.... okay I'll see what I can do, but... why?
Damon: Do you remember when you realized you were gay.... or at least that you weren't straight?
Jaime: Yeah I do I was around ... thirteen.
Damon: And how did that feel for you?
Jaime: It was confusing... kinda stressful... especially trying to figure it out while also worrying about how my family would react. There's this whole worry about "machismo" in my family.
Damon: Right... it must have been tough. When I came out it was ... what... 2000....2001.. I was sixteen years old. It was before marriage equality in Canada... but I realized it a few years earlier.. not long after the murder of Matthew Shepard. I was in Canada sure... everyone thought Canada was more progressive than down here... but even in the "safety" of Canada I remember being terrified that if I came out I could be the next Matthew Shepard.. it was overwhelming... anxiety inducing.. the amount of times I thought that maybe I should save myself the trouble and just end....
As Damon speaks his voice quivers a bit and a tear falls from his eye, running down his cheek, as he flashes back to his time in the closet. Jamie gently places a hand on Damon's shoulder in support and love which shakes Damon back to the here and now.
Damon: Anyways... I remember how alone I felt... and confused.. and stressed. I felt like I had no one to talk to.. no resources to safely and subtly access...
Jaime: Right.... I'm sorry mi amor... but can I ask...why PFLAG...why these books? I still don't get it.
Damon: Remember when I came back from that workout with America?
Jaime: RIght yes my bad I completely forgot that he confided in you.
Damon: He did which honestly means a lot. I'm probably the second person he's told. The fact he trusted me enough to be vulnerable... it really touched my heart. I KNOW what that feels like... reaching out for understanding. And I'm glad I can be a person he can confide in, but it feels like my duty to be more than that.
Jaime: What do you mean?
Damon: Like I said when I came out I felt alone... I felt like I had no resources. I want America to know that neither of those things are true for him. Sure our partnership started from a place of .... just wanting some gold... but in these last few weeks I'd say he's not a partner of convenience, but dare I say it I've started to care a lot about the kid. I want him to know that I've got his back inside and outside of the ring... regardless of whether we are standing beside each other or standing across from each other. So I've been researching some support groups, some help lines, some resources that he might find interesting or helpful.
Jaime: That's really sweet. I honestly can't say I thought I'd see you act like this with anyone in APW. But it's very endearing. You don't think he can access these himself though?
Damon: Sure! He probably could. He also might not have a clue about any of these though. Keep in mind... small town Texas boy. Look at his dad... probably not super progressive... the culture isn't always the most gay friendly in the south.. he's also a Christian... which depending on where he was brought to worship.. and which version of the "rules" he was taught to follow... I worry that he might look at himself negatively.
Jaime nods understanding the battle of identity and culture and religion all too well.
Damon: I want to reach out, give him these options so on the off chance that he were to privately or publically have any issues related to his identity...that he knows he has support and help. I want to make sure he knows he can keep trusting me... that he can have faith in our partnership...friendship...whatever it is. I want him to know he won't be alone if the world comes crashing down.
The scene fades out as Jaime smiles softly at his beloved, the two going off to their tasks to ensure a solid "support package" of novels, pamphlets, support group information, help lines, and helpful coping strategies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
As Damon's promo feed flickers on the viewer is met by an unfamiliar sight. No all black room, no red room with a throne of thorns, but a room that has not been seen by them since the promo before the battle against the Unlucky Thirteen. The room appears to be a lounge with warm chocolate walls. Against one of those walls stands an impressive black shelving unit with meticulously organized compartments filled with books, comics, video games, DVDs and CDs. The camera pans around passing a nearly wall spanning flat screen television. It continues its journey to the wall the once hosted the pictures of every member of the Unlucky Thirteen...from John Blade to Andre Aquarius. Finally the camera stops upon reaching one Damon Warrens. The Nitemare is sitting comfortably in a black leather lounge chair. Beside him on two matching rich brown end tables rest respectively his APW World Championship and his half of the APW World Tag Team Championship. What is of most interest however is what is in his hands, seemingly some sort of photo album or scrapbook. A rare gentle smile from the Nitemare reaches the audience as he looks up from the book.
Damon: APW.... what a ride it has been. 2021 Ways to Die is just around the corner and I can't help but be a bit nostalgic. See it was just about one year ago that I made my debut in this company... at 2020 Ways to Die. Look at what can happen in just a year's time... no I'm not referring to Covid... I'm not referring to the fact that finally the living embodiment of hate speech has been ousted from the White House.... I mean look at APW. A year ago this place was ruled by Smith Jones... by Man Made Gods... men who have long since lost faith in their position in APW and disappeared from our ranks. A year ago names like John Blade and Jason Ryan were nobodies...which shows that not everything changes. A year ago the future of this company.. folks like Hale Cassidy, Leah Lincoln, my tag team partner and maybe even friend America Jackson...they didn't even exist on APW's radar. A year ago Damon Warrens was just... Smith Jones' back up.
Damon sits up and flicks through the pages of the book until he finds just the right one. He flashes it, a picture of Smith Jones with APW's highest prize in his grasp and Damon Warrens and Lex Collins standing dutifully behind him.
Damon: See one year ago I was a man determined to be more than I had ever been told I could be. A man who had faith in myself when very few others showed me the same regard. When you look at the year I've had well I think we can all safely agree that my faith was well placed. A month in and I was a number one contender... two months in I shocked the world and won my first APW World Championship.... we all know the story by now. The fact is all of these victories...this glory... it all happened not just because of my talent and resiliency. See such attributes are ultimately meaningless if you don't believe in them...if you don't have faith.
Damon flips to another page, this one filled with shots of every championship he has won: PCW Brawl Champion, CCP North American Champion, CCP Tag Team Champion, CCP World Champion, APW Tag Team Champion, and both APW World Championship reigns.
Damon: These all happened because I had faith in myself, in my abilities. My victories have been so numerous because I have always known that I was destined for greatness and knew I could never accept any less of myself. Do you know what makes the deal even sweeter though APW? These all happened with my own belief yes, but they were made that much greater knowing that I had others placing their faith in me too. Having a husband by my side to keep me grounded and focused. Having a son inspiring me to reach for more than I could imagine. Having friends so close they were practically my brothers like my former Tag Team partner Liam Reilly pushing my in ring game to higher levels of excellence and standing with me against those who wanted to oppress us. New loves like my dearest Jaime unwaveringly following me into battle after battle and tending to my wounds afterwards. Even great rivals turned allies like America Jackson... reigniting a flame within me... giving me a reason to continue being better both inside and outside of this ring.
Damon pauses before setting the book aside for a moment.
Damon: When I go to war I don't just have myself... alone.. like I used to. I have every person who has given me their support...their faith... standing behind me. I am no Smith Jones or Zaigon Carter subjugating those around me to boost myself up. The people around me rise with me. So with all this in mind I have one very fair question. We know who has faith in me, but Brother Zeke...who has faith in you? Management clearly has no faith in you... hence why you've been tossed around absent mindedly in hopes you might find something that sticks for you. Just looking at the time since I won my championship you have been sent EVERYwhere you could be sent.... and....nothing's really worked out for you has it?
Damon tries to mentally map out Zeke's trajectory in the company. He points his finger up and moves it all over the place while he presumably is sorting it out in his head.
Damon: So first they tried seeing how you'd fare against my chum America Jackson and well...it went the way of pretty much any match involving America Jackson. But hey you...... kicked out of a move so Jubei gave you an opportunity to become my number one contender at Vendetta? Well... I guess that's at least more logical than giving John Blade and Jason Ryan shots a week after just beat John Blade and Jason Ryan to gain the title in the first place. Well we've gotta get you warmed up for that possible main event spotlight and so you find yourself against Junior Heavyweight Champion Alex Scott. That one didn't quite go your way either did it Zeke? You couldn't conquer the JUNIOR Heavyweight Champion. But surely the fact that you couldn't beat a lower ranked champion doesn't mean you're outmatched against the WORLD Heavyweight Champion. We still gotta have some faith in you right?
Damon puts his hands up in confusion with a look matching on his face.
Damon: So Vendetta comes...the night you're supposed to have your big opportunity to win a number one contendership for my World Championship...... and wait that match never happened did it? You ended up fighting for the Strong Style Championship didn't you? WHy do you think that is? Maybe management lost faith? I mean when your only win in a month comes at the hands of Daniel Christopher... when you've lost to almost every other champion on the roster... no wonder the bosses decided to switch out your opportunity for the Action Wrestling reject Corey Bull. I mean... can you blame Jubei for rescinding on that match? I can't....and I like to blame management for shit all the time.
Damon smiles with contentment, knowing he has always been a thorn in the side of authority.
Damon: With all honesty Zeke I'm not sure how we ended up here.... you facing me for the most prestigious championship.... period. You've squandered every other opportunity you've been handed. You've lost to almost the entire champions circle....so I guess maybe you're just looking to complete the set? Zeke...with all of this failure... with management's lost support... how do you have any faith in yourself? How does anyone have faith in you? Let me tell you something Zeke... I don'[t have faith in you either.
Damon's last few words take a deeper, more serious tone.
Damon: In the time I've been here I've been given some great competition. Smith Jones obviously ranks highest among those, but even Andre Aquarius was a great challenge. Corey Bull at the very least seemed like a possible threat. Jason Ryan had been at least a bit cunning. Hale Cassidy showed more potential in a loss than anyone I've seen here. And then there's you. The forgotten challenger. A man both myself and management forgot was even in contention. Do you know why you're finally getting your shot against me Zeke? It isn't because you've earned anything. It certainly isn't because you DESERVE the shot.
The Nitemare leans towards the camera. As he speaks his words drip with disdain for Zeke out of utter disappointment.
Damon: You're finally getting a shot because APW can't continue rationalizing sending Jason "The Bane" Ryan out to get decimated by me every night. You're getting a shot because the "BIG GUN" they brought in to take me out went back to Action Wrestling with his tail between his legs. You're getting a shot because Zaigon Carter is too busy being underutilized in another company to come step up to me. You're getting a shot because Smith Jones is too embarrassed that last March he lost to a man he always thought was beneath him that he won't ever cash in on a rematch. You have this match with me because Jubei doesn't want to let the greatest APW match in history happen. You're just a temporary delay before I ultimately throw hands with my tag team partner... the one person in this company who I want to fight more than anyone.
The APW Champion's face contorts into a snarl.
Damon: YOU'RE JUST A PLACEHOLDER.
After a few moments he returns to his seemingly calmer demeanor before leaning back in his chair.
Damon: You'll serve your purpose. You'll help me extend my second record breaking world title reign. You'll be my warm up for America. Then you'll fall back down the card where you can ... I don't know go lose to the Hardcore Champion too? And I will go on to surpass 100 days as World Champion... a feat no one has ever accomplished here. And I will do all of this with complete and utter faith in myself.
Damon smirks smugly before the feed ends and the scene cuts to black.
Jaime: And what are you up to mi amor? Watching Bound in Public videos again?
Damon looks up at Jaime, giving him an eye roll, before returning his attention to the computer.
Damon: Nooo Jaime I'm doing something terribly important.
Jaime sits on the desk peering down at Damon with a look of curiosity on his face. He turns to peek at the screen and sees the site for PFLAG, an American organization focusing on supporting queer people and their families. Upon realizing the site Jaime looks at Damon quizzically.
Jaime: Do you think you might be gay?
Jaime laughs at his own joke, but such a response is not mirror by Damon. The Nitemare stops his clicking and typing and sighs. He turns in his office chair to face the chuckling Jaime who now has the joy running from his face.
Damon: Jaime... this isn't a joke. I'm doing something important and if you are just going to sit here pestering me with humour I'm going to ask you to leave me be. If you'd like to take this seriously with me for a moment though... I wouldn't mind your help.
Jaime nods with realization that whatever Damon is working on it truly means something to the man. He gets off the desk and pulls up a chair of his own.
Jaime: So what are you working on and how can I help?
Damon: I need you to go and start ordering this list of books for me... in store pick up preferably if at all possible.
Damon hands Jaime a note pad with a list of novels with their authors scribbled down.
Jaime: It Gets Better by Dan Savage... Stonewall by Martin Duberman... Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Sanders... Mama's Boy by Dustin Lance Black... Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeannette Winterson.... okay I'll see what I can do, but... why?
Damon: Do you remember when you realized you were gay.... or at least that you weren't straight?
Jaime: Yeah I do I was around ... thirteen.
Damon: And how did that feel for you?
Jaime: It was confusing... kinda stressful... especially trying to figure it out while also worrying about how my family would react. There's this whole worry about "machismo" in my family.
Damon: Right... it must have been tough. When I came out it was ... what... 2000....2001.. I was sixteen years old. It was before marriage equality in Canada... but I realized it a few years earlier.. not long after the murder of Matthew Shepard. I was in Canada sure... everyone thought Canada was more progressive than down here... but even in the "safety" of Canada I remember being terrified that if I came out I could be the next Matthew Shepard.. it was overwhelming... anxiety inducing.. the amount of times I thought that maybe I should save myself the trouble and just end....
As Damon speaks his voice quivers a bit and a tear falls from his eye, running down his cheek, as he flashes back to his time in the closet. Jamie gently places a hand on Damon's shoulder in support and love which shakes Damon back to the here and now.
Damon: Anyways... I remember how alone I felt... and confused.. and stressed. I felt like I had no one to talk to.. no resources to safely and subtly access...
Jaime: Right.... I'm sorry mi amor... but can I ask...why PFLAG...why these books? I still don't get it.
Damon: Remember when I came back from that workout with America?
Jaime: RIght yes my bad I completely forgot that he confided in you.
Damon: He did which honestly means a lot. I'm probably the second person he's told. The fact he trusted me enough to be vulnerable... it really touched my heart. I KNOW what that feels like... reaching out for understanding. And I'm glad I can be a person he can confide in, but it feels like my duty to be more than that.
Jaime: What do you mean?
Damon: Like I said when I came out I felt alone... I felt like I had no resources. I want America to know that neither of those things are true for him. Sure our partnership started from a place of .... just wanting some gold... but in these last few weeks I'd say he's not a partner of convenience, but dare I say it I've started to care a lot about the kid. I want him to know that I've got his back inside and outside of the ring... regardless of whether we are standing beside each other or standing across from each other. So I've been researching some support groups, some help lines, some resources that he might find interesting or helpful.
Jaime: That's really sweet. I honestly can't say I thought I'd see you act like this with anyone in APW. But it's very endearing. You don't think he can access these himself though?
Damon: Sure! He probably could. He also might not have a clue about any of these though. Keep in mind... small town Texas boy. Look at his dad... probably not super progressive... the culture isn't always the most gay friendly in the south.. he's also a Christian... which depending on where he was brought to worship.. and which version of the "rules" he was taught to follow... I worry that he might look at himself negatively.
Jaime nods understanding the battle of identity and culture and religion all too well.
Damon: I want to reach out, give him these options so on the off chance that he were to privately or publically have any issues related to his identity...that he knows he has support and help. I want to make sure he knows he can keep trusting me... that he can have faith in our partnership...friendship...whatever it is. I want him to know he won't be alone if the world comes crashing down.
The scene fades out as Jaime smiles softly at his beloved, the two going off to their tasks to ensure a solid "support package" of novels, pamphlets, support group information, help lines, and helpful coping strategies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
As Damon's promo feed flickers on the viewer is met by an unfamiliar sight. No all black room, no red room with a throne of thorns, but a room that has not been seen by them since the promo before the battle against the Unlucky Thirteen. The room appears to be a lounge with warm chocolate walls. Against one of those walls stands an impressive black shelving unit with meticulously organized compartments filled with books, comics, video games, DVDs and CDs. The camera pans around passing a nearly wall spanning flat screen television. It continues its journey to the wall the once hosted the pictures of every member of the Unlucky Thirteen...from John Blade to Andre Aquarius. Finally the camera stops upon reaching one Damon Warrens. The Nitemare is sitting comfortably in a black leather lounge chair. Beside him on two matching rich brown end tables rest respectively his APW World Championship and his half of the APW World Tag Team Championship. What is of most interest however is what is in his hands, seemingly some sort of photo album or scrapbook. A rare gentle smile from the Nitemare reaches the audience as he looks up from the book.
Damon: APW.... what a ride it has been. 2021 Ways to Die is just around the corner and I can't help but be a bit nostalgic. See it was just about one year ago that I made my debut in this company... at 2020 Ways to Die. Look at what can happen in just a year's time... no I'm not referring to Covid... I'm not referring to the fact that finally the living embodiment of hate speech has been ousted from the White House.... I mean look at APW. A year ago this place was ruled by Smith Jones... by Man Made Gods... men who have long since lost faith in their position in APW and disappeared from our ranks. A year ago names like John Blade and Jason Ryan were nobodies...which shows that not everything changes. A year ago the future of this company.. folks like Hale Cassidy, Leah Lincoln, my tag team partner and maybe even friend America Jackson...they didn't even exist on APW's radar. A year ago Damon Warrens was just... Smith Jones' back up.
Damon sits up and flicks through the pages of the book until he finds just the right one. He flashes it, a picture of Smith Jones with APW's highest prize in his grasp and Damon Warrens and Lex Collins standing dutifully behind him.
Damon: See one year ago I was a man determined to be more than I had ever been told I could be. A man who had faith in myself when very few others showed me the same regard. When you look at the year I've had well I think we can all safely agree that my faith was well placed. A month in and I was a number one contender... two months in I shocked the world and won my first APW World Championship.... we all know the story by now. The fact is all of these victories...this glory... it all happened not just because of my talent and resiliency. See such attributes are ultimately meaningless if you don't believe in them...if you don't have faith.
Damon flips to another page, this one filled with shots of every championship he has won: PCW Brawl Champion, CCP North American Champion, CCP Tag Team Champion, CCP World Champion, APW Tag Team Champion, and both APW World Championship reigns.
Damon: These all happened because I had faith in myself, in my abilities. My victories have been so numerous because I have always known that I was destined for greatness and knew I could never accept any less of myself. Do you know what makes the deal even sweeter though APW? These all happened with my own belief yes, but they were made that much greater knowing that I had others placing their faith in me too. Having a husband by my side to keep me grounded and focused. Having a son inspiring me to reach for more than I could imagine. Having friends so close they were practically my brothers like my former Tag Team partner Liam Reilly pushing my in ring game to higher levels of excellence and standing with me against those who wanted to oppress us. New loves like my dearest Jaime unwaveringly following me into battle after battle and tending to my wounds afterwards. Even great rivals turned allies like America Jackson... reigniting a flame within me... giving me a reason to continue being better both inside and outside of this ring.
Damon pauses before setting the book aside for a moment.
Damon: When I go to war I don't just have myself... alone.. like I used to. I have every person who has given me their support...their faith... standing behind me. I am no Smith Jones or Zaigon Carter subjugating those around me to boost myself up. The people around me rise with me. So with all this in mind I have one very fair question. We know who has faith in me, but Brother Zeke...who has faith in you? Management clearly has no faith in you... hence why you've been tossed around absent mindedly in hopes you might find something that sticks for you. Just looking at the time since I won my championship you have been sent EVERYwhere you could be sent.... and....nothing's really worked out for you has it?
Damon tries to mentally map out Zeke's trajectory in the company. He points his finger up and moves it all over the place while he presumably is sorting it out in his head.
Damon: So first they tried seeing how you'd fare against my chum America Jackson and well...it went the way of pretty much any match involving America Jackson. But hey you...... kicked out of a move so Jubei gave you an opportunity to become my number one contender at Vendetta? Well... I guess that's at least more logical than giving John Blade and Jason Ryan shots a week after just beat John Blade and Jason Ryan to gain the title in the first place. Well we've gotta get you warmed up for that possible main event spotlight and so you find yourself against Junior Heavyweight Champion Alex Scott. That one didn't quite go your way either did it Zeke? You couldn't conquer the JUNIOR Heavyweight Champion. But surely the fact that you couldn't beat a lower ranked champion doesn't mean you're outmatched against the WORLD Heavyweight Champion. We still gotta have some faith in you right?
Damon puts his hands up in confusion with a look matching on his face.
Damon: So Vendetta comes...the night you're supposed to have your big opportunity to win a number one contendership for my World Championship...... and wait that match never happened did it? You ended up fighting for the Strong Style Championship didn't you? WHy do you think that is? Maybe management lost faith? I mean when your only win in a month comes at the hands of Daniel Christopher... when you've lost to almost every other champion on the roster... no wonder the bosses decided to switch out your opportunity for the Action Wrestling reject Corey Bull. I mean... can you blame Jubei for rescinding on that match? I can't....and I like to blame management for shit all the time.
Damon smiles with contentment, knowing he has always been a thorn in the side of authority.
Damon: With all honesty Zeke I'm not sure how we ended up here.... you facing me for the most prestigious championship.... period. You've squandered every other opportunity you've been handed. You've lost to almost the entire champions circle....so I guess maybe you're just looking to complete the set? Zeke...with all of this failure... with management's lost support... how do you have any faith in yourself? How does anyone have faith in you? Let me tell you something Zeke... I don'[t have faith in you either.
Damon's last few words take a deeper, more serious tone.
Damon: In the time I've been here I've been given some great competition. Smith Jones obviously ranks highest among those, but even Andre Aquarius was a great challenge. Corey Bull at the very least seemed like a possible threat. Jason Ryan had been at least a bit cunning. Hale Cassidy showed more potential in a loss than anyone I've seen here. And then there's you. The forgotten challenger. A man both myself and management forgot was even in contention. Do you know why you're finally getting your shot against me Zeke? It isn't because you've earned anything. It certainly isn't because you DESERVE the shot.
The Nitemare leans towards the camera. As he speaks his words drip with disdain for Zeke out of utter disappointment.
Damon: You're finally getting a shot because APW can't continue rationalizing sending Jason "The Bane" Ryan out to get decimated by me every night. You're getting a shot because the "BIG GUN" they brought in to take me out went back to Action Wrestling with his tail between his legs. You're getting a shot because Zaigon Carter is too busy being underutilized in another company to come step up to me. You're getting a shot because Smith Jones is too embarrassed that last March he lost to a man he always thought was beneath him that he won't ever cash in on a rematch. You have this match with me because Jubei doesn't want to let the greatest APW match in history happen. You're just a temporary delay before I ultimately throw hands with my tag team partner... the one person in this company who I want to fight more than anyone.
The APW Champion's face contorts into a snarl.
Damon: YOU'RE JUST A PLACEHOLDER.
After a few moments he returns to his seemingly calmer demeanor before leaning back in his chair.
Damon: You'll serve your purpose. You'll help me extend my second record breaking world title reign. You'll be my warm up for America. Then you'll fall back down the card where you can ... I don't know go lose to the Hardcore Champion too? And I will go on to surpass 100 days as World Champion... a feat no one has ever accomplished here. And I will do all of this with complete and utter faith in myself.
Damon smirks smugly before the feed ends and the scene cuts to black.
