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While the audience of the Du Arena were enjoying a terrific showcase between Triple B and Lucky Larry, several members of the world renowned Advincola Family were backstage, giving Carlos Cruz some motivating words before his epic moment began. The Jesus Freak was decked out in a tailored black suit, which his little brother Agustin Gates had it made specifically for him. Seated before a wide acting mirror, Carlos couldn’t shake the nerves out of him as he would occasionally glance over at his golden wrist watch. For so long Cruz had been waiting for this very day to arrive, planning out his words every day and night wherever he went. Social media was buzzing for the historic meeting between former Undisputed Champion Joey NOX and The Jesus Freak Carlos Cruz. Each time he signed on into Twitter, Facebook, and even Tumblr, more butterflies would flutter in his stomach, making him wonder if it was all worth it.
After watching a clip of Joey NOX’s 2010 title defense against Serial on his iPhone, Carlos glared into the mirror sighing as he watched two members of his family, Alfredo and Gloria Advincola, arguing over something. Pinching his temples in frustration, Carlos watched as both SPARTA combatants argued over Gloria’s training regimen. They’d been at it ever since they landed Abu Dhabi.
Alfredo:G, listen to me. The tournament is going to start any time soon, and you need to start resting.
Gloria:Ok, first you have an issue with me eating tacos, and now you’re telling me that I need to sleep? Anything you else you want to tell me “coach”?
Tilting his head back, Alfredo groaned out loud as if ready to wave the white flag. After lowering her hands from performing the air quotes, Gloria placed tightly clenched fists on her hips, ready to snap at another of her husband’s unwanted remarks. Alfredo was in no way trying to be rude to his wife, just wanted her to take better care of herself before this upcoming tournament of SPARTA commenced.
Alfredo:G, it’s just that you’ve been pushing yourself real hard lately. I’m glad you’ve been hitting the gym hard, but-
Gloria:How about this Al. Shut the-
Carlos:Woah there!
Quickly shooting out of his seat, The Jesus Freak stood in between his bickering members of The Jesus Freak Camp, their arguing not helping his hectic nerves. Sucking her teeth, Gloria looked her in-law up and down in displeasure, really not a fan of people cutting her off.
Carlos:Ya you two! Can you please take this elsewhere? Yes I know the pressure is on for both of you this upcoming SPARTA competition, but do you know what I’m about to do tonight?
Rolling her eyes, Gloria mumbled something under her breath about the males in the Advincola Family being drama queens. Carlos narrowed his eyes at her, deciding to focus on her husband.
Carlos:I can't have any distractions at this point. Tonight is basically make it or break it. This moment might not come back any time soon. So please guys, do me a favor and go outside with this. Por favor.
Alfredo:Right. Sorry Carlito. Good luck.
After bidding The Jesus Freak farewell, giving him half a bro. hug, Alfredo pleaded with his eyes for Gloria to leave quietly. The Spitfire grunted under her breath, ready to knock the lights out of either her husband or Carlos. Finally able to get his wife to oblige, Alfredo nodded towards Cruz as he closed the door behind him, leaving The Jesus Freak to pace back and forth in a nervous breakdown. He couldn’t stop himself from thinking about the possibility of NOX denying his request in challenging him to a match. Since his return to PRW, Cruz had been in search of something to turn his career around. And the same thing continued to pop in the back of his head. Challenging a man he’d been dying to square off against since his first step into PRW. A former Undisputed, X-Division, World, and Tag Team Champion, Joey NOX.
Having his hands tied behind his back, Carlos glanced over to the turned on television screen on his right, watching Lucky Larry covering Triple B for the three count.
Saget:Here is your winner…….LUCKY LARRY!
With the bell sounding all throughout the arena, a large lump of anxiety rocketed up into his throat. His heart started racing uncontrollably, cold sweat trickling down his neck as if he were in a sauna. The time had finally arrived. Fixing himself up in front of the mirror, Carlos looked himself straight in the eye, telling himself that it was going to be alright. With a knock at the door, Cruz closed his eyes and said a silent prayer, buttoning up his blazer as he stepped away from the mirror.
Carlos:I’m coming.
Hearing the footsteps parting ways with his door, Carlos froze mid motion as he turned to exit his dressing room. Was NOX going to actually accept his challenge, or was this just an attempt to embarrass Carlos in front of the whole world? Knowing there was only way to find out, Carlos inhaled a deep breath through his nostrils, vanquishing his fears and doubts as he turned the knob of the door. Making his way to the stage, Carlos noticed people around him staring and mumbling about him. He knew the reason for it. They all were wondering the same thing as he was. No one actually knew what was going through NOX’s mind, which made the night even more exciting. Stopping before the steps leading to an anxious and electric crowd, The Jesus Freak blew a kiss to the ceiling, later hearing Josh Brunswick introducing him to the whole world.
It's a short spell after the arrival of Carlos Cruz in the ring. The fans are going crazy and the Jesus Freak, the man who has chased this moment in his heart and mind for SO long is now on the verge of getting it. Carlos stands there, riling up the crowd and building to the moment, assuming of course there will be a moment of truth. As Carlos is awaiitng the arrival of Joey NOX, he bounces nervously from one foot to the next. Seconds feel like minutes to the Jesus Freak who is wrapped up in the moment, a moment which seems to be never ending. Right when it feels like he's losing hope, the lights begin to dim to that familiar shade of blue. There's a loud initial roar from this crowd before the music kicks in to signify the arrival of Joey NOX! And...I mean what music it is.
Before the crowd has any time to digest the song or what it means or why the hell it was chosen as entrance music, Joey NOX steps out in front of the live crowd. As the crowd gives off another big roar, nobody seems to be as happy as Carlos Cruz. NOX takes a second to soak in the crowd's response, giving them a little grimace and then a nod. With a big deep breath, Joey NOX begins to make his way down to the ring while the crowd goes wild. He moves like a man on a mission, like somebody who has a purpose in each step. Dressed in a decent suit, Joey NOX walks purposefully to the ring with his eyes locked on Carlos Cruz. To his credit, Carlos seems entirely into this moment. He's applauding along with the crowd, mic in his hand, smile on his face. Unfortunately for Carlos, Joey NOX isn't sporting the same smile as he hits the ringside area. Joey calmly walks over to our humble ring announcer Bob Saget and takes the mic from his hands---but not before the two shake hands. "Welcome back" says Bob to NOX who merely gives him a half hearted smirk in response.
With his mic in his hand, Joey NOX rolls under the bottom rope to enter the ring. NOX springs up to his feet and takes a big bow for the crowd, basking in one more roar. As a "Joey" chant breaks out (Abu Dhabi IS like 80% tourists after all), Joey NOX exhales. For a second, the look on his face says it all. It's as if time away from the ring on a consistent basis has helped him forget who he is and how he got here. More importantly, it's reminded him that the spotlight he's craved has always been attainable, even if he denied it to himself out of spite. Carlos Cruz stands there across the ring from Joey and applauds as the fans begin to chant "one more match". As Carlos waves for them to make it louder, Joey NOX cringes at the chant. He raises the mic up to his lips but Carlos goes to say something first.
Carlos:Joey NOX is here!
The crowd in Abu Dhabi pops with joy as Joey cringes again. Carlos tries to start another "Joey" chant but NOX taps the mic a few times to signify that he's ready to speak first. Carlos lowers the mic to his side as NOX looks at him. Joey gives the crowd a quick nod at the "Joey" chant and then takes a deep breath. With a little bit of a cold voice, Joey begins to speak into the microphone.
NOX: So obviously, I've got a lot to say. Carlos, I know you LOVE to talk but just listen. Keep your ears open and your mouth shut on this one because I need you to hear these words. Some of it is going to be good and will get this crowd roaring for you and some of it? Well it's going to get this crowd roaring in an entirely different way.
Sensing that class is about to be in session, the crowd in Abu Dhabi quiets down. Carlos stands there looking stoic as Joey NOX gets ready to start to delve into this pie of shit he's made for himself. NOX, perhaps loosening up, rolls his shoulders a bit and then starts talking as clearly as he can.
NOX: In the interest of being nice, let's begin with your positives. After all, I wouldn't be here answering this if I didn't see SOMETHING positive in you. If I didn't believe you had something of note or worth to even put me here in the ring with you when I could be doing anything else. What is it about you that has me here?
You are a great, great athlete. Despite your lack of prototypical size, there's very few people who have the blend of grace, balance and athletic ability the way you do. You're a top flight athlete and as somebody who ran a 40 in like 7 seconds, I can appreciate the guys like you who can make the stuff in this ring look easy and effortless. You're a tremendous wrestler in the ropes because you can combine that athleticism with a thinking man's mind for fighting. You're one of the best wrestlers in PRW inside the ropes and for that I commend you. You're passionate and you're prideful which is why despite your faults, these fans rally to you.
Joey pauses to allow the crowd to pop for what he's said thus far. In a way, it's all true. Carlos IS a guy people flock to and have an affinity for. Even if you hate Carlos for his faults, his strengths are such that he manages to win you back over. Carlos nods his head to NOX's words and goes to say something but NOX holds up his finger and shakes his head. Carlos acknowledges it and lowers his microphone again. As the crowd settles back down, Joey NOX goes on.
NOX: You're a guy who can reach out to people and get them believing in you which in this business is a very impressive skill. You're a pride Puerto Rican much like myself and as much as people want to bury you, you've always managed to make an impact in one way or another.
Carlos smirks and nods at NOX's comments. Unfortunately for Carlos, Joey isn't smiling. NOX starts speaking again and with each word, there's a hint of frustrating seeping into his vocals.
NOX: See Carlos that's the frustrating thing about you---you CAN make an impact. You CAN be somebody who PRW fans want to pay money for. You CAN be the role model you strive to be. You CAN hold title belts on top of title belts. You CAN be a tremendous wrestler. You CAN be rich, you CAN be famous, you CAN be everything you truly believe you are....but you aren't. Despite ALL of that lush glowing praise I poured on your head, you're NOT able to say you're any of that. It's strange that somebody so talented and passionate about the three letters we hold near and dear to our hearts is so incapable of success. You should be a legend in this business but you're not and why? Why aren't you? Why aren't you one?
Carlos gulps and leans against the ropes, knowing that some harsh bitter pills are about to get swallowed. He nods at Joey NOX and this crowd in Abu Dhabi is sensing that the mood is in flux. There's a brief "Carlos" chant that gets shouted down and disippated by the audience. Joey NOX, with a little more base in his voice, continues on and now Carlos is open game ready to get skewered. Perhaps it's the skewering he expected but now it's time for NOX to lay in the heat.
NOX: Let's start from the beginning, Carlos. I know sometimes you get so caught up in your own gospel you forget the beginning. You came into PRW as a newcomer and everybody reached out to help you. Everybody tried to guide you along the primrose path but you, YOU on your own, screwed that up. YOU screwed up your OWN path to success from the very first day.
Here we go. Carlos nods and lets out a frustrated sigh. He mouths "that's on me" but Joey doesn't care what Carlos has to say right now. On a roll, NOX just continues to hurl boulders at Carlos.
NOX: You were handed Sean Aries, a major PPV match in front of a massive audience. Now I'm not going to knock you for losing to Sean Aries because you're a new guy. You're a young gun and not everybody can handle that kind of challenge out the gate. What I WILL knock you for is what you turned it into. You came out to the ring with some rock group nobody likes wearing wings, not like an angel but like some kind of fairy, and embarrassed yourself. Then the match turned into a big fracas with Emily, your family and at the end of the day, nobody was saying "oh gosh that Carlos guy is a star!" No see they were saying "what an idiot!" and they continued to say that because you kept giving them reasons to. All you had to do was put your head down and work. Work to prove the man you are and the man you could be. Instead you pouted, whined, blamed the system and came up with MORE stupid ideas. Like the Renegades? How many bright, young careers did you destroy with that group?
Haruna Urashima? Who cares about HER anymore?
The crowd is torn between groaning and giving Haruna her due with a pop. Carlos cringes and nods at Joey who just continues onward.
Razz Manouche? Had a lot of talent and the Renegades ruined him.
Two those big biker dudes who had a lot of talent as a team? DE-STROYED their futures.
DK Williams? Well okay he didn't have much of a chance but you GET my point.
The crowd groans with each name mentioned and Carlos sinks further and further into the ropes with each name. As much as he tried to do the right thing, Carlos has to acknowledge that none of those Renegades remain anymore. Whether explicitly or implicitly, he DID hurt their careers in some respects. The Renegades, as much as he believed in them, had damaged careers---including his own. With a cocky shit eating smirk, Joey NOX raises the mic back up to his lips and attempts to dance on the line a bit more.
Your own brother....
Carlos straightens up off the ropes. The fans groan and Reigns cringe in their seats. Joey NOX doesn't back down a bit as he stands there with Carlos glaring at him, slowly walking toward him.
NOX: You made this group, you ruined the futures of all these guys. Most importantly, you tried to destroy PRW in the process. You tried to take food out of everybody's mouths. You went out there and you hurt folks and put them on the shelf and in the end it all crashed down on your head. You lost the Renegades to Tsukishima Shadow and found yourself exiled. No friends to the right---no friends to the left of you. Did you learn anything? Did you change at all?
Hell. No.
NOX and Carlos are nose to nose/chest (Carlos is tiny, folks) and ready for things to pop off. Rather than back off or back down, Joey NOX stands there and stares a hole in Carlos. The crowd can sense things are at a boiling point and there's a loud "fight" chant. I guess Abu Dhabi never got out of junior high school. Joey NOX and Carlos are ready to throw down and instead Joey goes back to speaking. Carlos, to his credit, stares at him the entire time and takes every single word NOX has to say on his chin.
NOX: See that's the thing Carlos, you're stubborn just like me. You're even more stubborn which is astounding because I set the standard for being hardheaded and incapable to adapt. PRW just wanted you to be Carlos and accept what you were but NOOOOOO. Of course not! You had to be Carlos Cruz tha big supahstar! The Renegades flopping should've been a sign for you but no, you treated it as an aberration instead of a sign from your God to just stop. Instead of taking responsibility, it was on to the next idea and the next and the next. YOu never took a second to just say "you know what? I'm sorry". These people who would've NEVER given anybody else another chance continued to BELIEVE in you and YOU continued to let them down. You continued to be Carlos Cruz, not the great wrestler but the idiot. You continued to be the idiot all the way up until PRW finally sent you packing. Think of all the people PRW has let in the doors but YOU, YOU were the one who they had enough of. What's that say about you?
Joey NOX turns away from Carlos Cruz and lets his word filter in the air like a chemical attack. Carlos is still standing there stoically, having taken the best NOX had to offer verbally. Carlos takes a deep breath and nervously, perhaps desperately, steps from side to side to keep from doing something out of instinct. He waits for Joey to say something else while the crowd is still trying to pick a side during this massive verbal undressing. This, verbal dissection, is the sort of stuff you read about in the dirt sheets. How in a "court" a wrestler of a higher level will pull a young gun aside and ream them out for a cause. Now it's happening in the ring and everybody's favorite Jesus Freak is the bullet sponge. Just when all seems lost, NOX raises the mic up to his lips oncemore and speaks in a nearly shaken voice.
NOX: Better yet, what's it say about me that I'm here in the ring with you right now?
What?
NOX: Contrary to popular belief, I DO think you've changed.
NOX turns to Carlos and adjusts his tie. Carlos has a look on his face that seems to sum up how the audience watching in the crowd feels. Carlos tries to adjust himself to get a better look at NOX's face as Joey continues speaking, the two of them back to nose to nose.
NOX: Maybe I'm an idiot and maybe I'm a fool but Carlos, I think you are different now. I think you are ready to finally get in touch with the great wrestler you CAN be. You could've stayed out of PRW and built your name as a big fish in a small pond but here you are. And here I am. You've said all the right things and made all the right moves to tell people things will be different and you've got at least ONE believer. I wouldn't of flown here if I didn't sense a change and if I didn't want to see it for myself. I would've and could've just stayed home and treated like Jesse Drive, Manik Mercer and all the other people who have called me out in my retirement. Even better I could've come out here, bitchslapped you and then got back on a plane to live my life and yet I'm here. For you. For some reason, I'm giving you the chance to say everything you've had to say to me.
So now that you're face to face with me, not behind a computer screen or not in some church, I'm going to ask you face to face to answer just ONE question. Why in the hell should I ever consider wrestling you after everything you've done?
The crowd is stunned and in an utter state of silence as Joey NOX lowers the microphone. Joey snorts his nose as he stands there in the unbearable heat. The Abu Dhabi heat, the lights and the nerves that rise up when making a decision like this. There's a loud "Joey" chant building up as this Abu Dhabi gets back into the action. The "Joey" chant is met by a smaller but equally as passionate "Carlos" chant in support of the Jesus Freak. These fans are as torn as seemingly Joey NOX is in the ring. Carlos and NOX are there in a staredown with Joey giving Carlos a nod. Carlos has one shot to sell Joey on a return. He's got one chance to answer all of those questions. He's got ONE moment to hit a home run.
OOC:So sorry for the late response, I've been busy with school work.
This was it. The moment of truth. Cruz’s final attempt in selling NOX on the idea of going one on one against him at Desperate Measures. Carlos had done things similar to what he was doing tonight. Challenging someone, or getting challenged, to a monumental match. It was like breathing for the Bronx native. So how come Carlos was sweating bullets as if he were in the Sahara Desert? He was great with public speaking, always having a talent in catching his audience's’ attention. He simply had a way with words. But NOX, the stern and emotionless look in his eyes, was another case. He was like a statue, not a single crack in sight. Taking his place in a nearby corner, leaning against the buckles with his arms crossed, Joey twirled his mic in the air which many knew meant: “Well? I’m waiting.” Seeing the impatience in NOX’s body language, the audience sitting at the edge of their seats, and sensing the camera at his side zooming in on his face, Carlos knew it was time to win the whole world over.
With a sigh, Carlos tapped the microphone against his chin in deep concentration, the look in his eyes showing the wheels in his head were on hydraulics. Getting impatient, NOX glanced over towards the hushed crowd, giving a genuine nod towards a few of his hardcore fans. A minor celebration was heard from where NOX was looking, making the Hall of Famer return his focus on the man who took him away from the comfort of his retirement.
Carlos:You know what NOX? You’re right. You’re one hundred and fifty percent right on EVERYTHING you said.
Mixed reactions flooded into the Du Arena, Carlos kindly asking the rowdy audience to settle down so he could finish what he was trying to say.
Carlos:No, he’s really right. When I first started in PRW I was pretty selfish. I was looking out for my own interest. I wanted to headline pay-per-views, claim championships, get booked into the hottest matches, and so much more. And for that, many suffered because of my ignorance. The Renegades, PRW, the locker room, and you all.
“No!” echoed throughout every corner of the building, as Carlos pointed to the upper and lower deck filled with Jesus Freak and True Warriors. Remaining still in the corner, Joey casually scratched his chin in impatience, waiting for Cruz to get to the bottom line. Turning back to his hero, Carlos tucked one of his hands in his front pockets, wording everything out in his head.
Carlos:Even after finding out that my father was a former World Champion, my ego increased beyond the size of the New Year’s ball. I really believed I deserved things just because of my bloodline. And after getting struck with the pink slip from PRW, I knew I was knocked out cold with the hard truth. I needed to change.
Carlos:So yeah Joseph, I have all the talent in the world, I just let my ego take over. And another thing I’m agreement with you. I have changed. I-
NOX: Carlos, I remember asking you a question. I’ll repeat it just this once. Why in the hell should I ever consider wrestling you after everything you've done?
Immaturely oohing at the tone in NOX’s voice, most of the seated spectators were enjoying the look of complete humiliation on Carlos’ face. Being shut down on live television, Cruz refrained from showing any type of emotion, even though NOX’s words had struck a nerve in The Jesus Freak. No sign of sympathy on his face, the member of the 2011 class of the Hall of Fame shrugged his shoulders at a baffled Advincola, adjusting his cuffs like a boss. NOX hadn’t come all the way to a foreign part of the word just to hear that he was right. He had better things to do, and he wanted to know if Carlos should be a priority in the coming future. Narrowing his eyes at Carlos, wondering if he should just simply skip out on Cruz’s answer, NOX parted ways with the corner and stood face to face with The Jesus Freak.
NOX: Now. You were saying?
Shaking off the apathetic vibe surfacing from his hero, Carlos finally decided it was time to go for a hail mary. He just hoped it wouldn’t get himself put in the back of an ambulance.
Carlos:Well besides the fans around the world wanting to see you back-
Right on cue, the Du Arena exploded with elation, all throughout the place “One More Match!” emerging from everyone’s mouth. Still with his focus fixated on his fellow Bronx native, Joey didn’t a budge a muscle as Carlos stepped slightly closer to him.
Carlos:I sense a fire lit in the pit of your stomach, getting intrigued to see that your long time friend and brother was booked into an Undisputed title match against Razer. You want back in a PRW ring. Not like Ace, Marcus, or a few others. You’re not here on this very night because of a paycheck, but because you DESIRE competition. You crave to hear the fans chanting your name, or even booing you out of the building. Your love for PRW hasn’t dwindled away ever since your match at Summerfest of last year. And when I called you out earlier this month, that fire in your pit became a wild fire. NOX, you want a full-time return to PRW.
Catching sight of NOX’s body tensing with each word slipping out of his mouth, Carlos felt he was getting closer to the gold mine. He just needed to dig deeper.
Carlos:You could say all you want that you’re conflicted with returning or not. But in the end it’s always going to be you imagining yourself with your boots laced up, running these ropes, dropping people on their heads, and getting your hand raised. There are SO MANY people who wish they could compete in a wrestling ring. And you’re still healthy, so I know you’ve been contemplating of the right time to come back. And it seems twenty-fifteen is that time. If I’m wrong, please slap the mic out of my hand now.
Testing his luck, The Jesus Freak held out his microphone before him, patiently awaiting the treacherous back handed slap. The sold out arena was left speechless, caught off guard by Cruz's unexpected bravery, all eyes on the Hall of Famer awaiting for his response. Remaining still as a frozen sculpture, NOX licked his choppers after baring them in frustration. That was all Carlos needed.
Carlos:Yes you're right. I have all the talent in the world, but my immaturity stood in my way to success. But I'm also right that you're itching for a second run at glory. And why wouldn't you? You see the state PRW is in, and you want lend it a helping hand. NOX, if you don't accept the very first person brave enough to call you out in public, because you're enjoying being stuck in between two thirsty looking harlots fighting over you-
The images of Endura and Nebraska popped into his head, two very important women in his life, immediately being lit after hearing them being disrespected. NOX literally placed his chest against The Jesus Freak's head, looking down at him with the eyes of a craze murder replacing his sincere and intelligent ones. Standing his ground, even though he was on the receiving end of a jeering fest, Carlos wondered if he'd gone too far seeing NOX was ready to Hulk up.
Deep down Carlos was itching to get him back for throwing a shot at his brother.
Carlos:What's keeping you from saying the simplest word the whole world is craving to hear from you? I know for a fact you're not intimidated by me. Even ring rust isn't found in your vocabulary. But maybe, JUST MAYBE, Joseph NOX isn't sure on the fact that he can actually beat me.
Sensing his hero wasn't going to easily fall for the bait, Carlos decided to keep on the offensive.
Carlos:Why should you face against me? Simple. You're tired of sitting on the sidelines. You want the taste of the action to return to your bloodstream. And you know for a fact I'm the man for the job. So NOX, the wait is over!
Taking a single step back, Carlos never took his eyes off NOX, who was feeling goosebumps run up every fiber of his being, his head looking in all directions as the live crowd rocketed to their feet. Energy was an all time high in the building, both fancy dressed combatants ready to trade in their suits for their tights and boots.
The reason NOX's attention was quickly drawn back to The Descended Saint was because of what Carlos was holding out in front of him. An open hand.
Carlos:I don’t want to keep rambling on about this topic. The fans, the world, the guys and gals in the back, and myself want to finally know what your answer is going to be. JOSEPH NOX! What’s it going to be? Will you accept my challenge or not?
Keeping his hand held out, Carlos looked NOX straight in the eyes, butterflies fluttering in the pit of the stomach, not sure if it was because of the fear of getting rejecting, or his excitement ready to burst like a volcano when NOX gave him a firm handshake. Gradually lowering his gaze to possibly his biggest fan’s extended hand, NOX began digesting everything that was told to him, his ears banging with the voice of supporters dating back to when he first decided to lace up his boots. "Say Yes! was making the entire building tremble with enthusiasm, not a single soul shown in their seats.
As the former Undisputed Champion rose his microphone up to his mouth, everyone went hush. Carlos's heart briefly stopped beating, ready to be given the final verdict.
Joey NOX raises the mic up but then pauses. He stares at Carlos with fire in his eyes before turning slowly to look at this loud, raucous and passionate crowd. He lets them get the chant out of their system and then gives them a subtle head nod. Joey smirks and turns back to Carlos, the chant slowly going away as NOX prepares his next salvo. Before Joey can start speaking though, Carlos holds up his microphone and cuts him off.
Carlos:Joey, you can say what you want but don't you dare look into my eyes and tell me you don't miss this energy!
The crowd pops for Carlos' comment with a mighty roar! Carlos nods his head to the roar of the fans and then backs up into the ropes, raising his arms up and down as a motion for these fans to get loud again. As Carlos is egging on the fans, Joey NOX looks around at the crowd and smiles. For a moment, NOX is caught back into why he LOVES this business so much. As his verbal foe's smile fades, Carlos seems to be growing more and more confident with each passing second. He waits for NOX's response with heightened anticipation and gives Joey every opportunity to make his response. As the fans sit on pins and needles, Joey NOX finally raises the microphone up to his lips to speak.
NOX: A valiant effort....for a worthy cause, Carlos.
The fans settle down a bit after that comment by NOX while Carlos continues to smile and nod his head. NOX slowly paces around, eyes up into the crowd as he moves, microphone still clenched tightly in his hands.
NOX: You're right. You're absolutely right, Carlos. I DO deep down inside want this. I truly deeply miss this business when I'm not in it and while I'd LOVE to be like Sean Aries and enjoy what I've earned and not feel this desire to rush back and try to be in the spotlight, I guess I'm not wired that way. I guess there's a part of me that deep down inside at the pit of my stomach MISSES walking around feeling like I'm the baddest man alive. There's a large part of me that is worried about concussions and injuries and simply just enjoying what I've earned but there's a BIGGER part of me saying "what if?"
What if I had maybe taken my career a little more seriously?
What if I never had my legs hurt by Ninja MAGIC?
What if I hit that NOX Out on Wrath INSIDE the ring instead of outside of it?
See Carlos, I'm a big enough man to admit my flaws. I'm haunted by what I couldn't do rather than exulted by what I HAVE done. Many people would kill for the career I had but I'm still chasing those demons. I'm still living those moments where I COULD have been bigger. I could've done more. At some time at the end of my life, I don't want to be one of those guys wishing I just had a little more time to do the things I feel like I could've done. There's still a part of me that just wants to give it ONE MORE TRY to see if there's still some magic left in this body.
The crowd cheers once more as Carlos Cruz jumps up and down with joy! Carlos goes to say something to Joey NOX but NOX cuts him off by holding his finger up and shaking his head.
NOX: But here is where you failed, Carlos. You still can't tell me why YOU deserve to be in the ring with ME.
The groan of this crowd says it all. Groans turned to mild boos as Carlos Cruz exhales with the slightest hint of disappointment. Carlos runs his hand over his head and walks around the ring while Joey NOX twirls the mic in his hands. As the fans are still trying to shake off that disappointment, NOX puts the mic up to his lips and starts to speak again.
NOX: See Carlos the reason you didn't explain why YOU deserve it is because just as I know that I still got the fire to try and compete, you know that you haven't earned a title shot. You can say what you want about being changed and learning from mistakes and I believe you. I BELIEVE that you've changed but I don't know it yet. I don't know if you're the Carlos we want you to be or the same prick who has been run out of here more times than Johnny Awesome.
But you know what, Carlos? I'm going to give you the opportunity and the TIME to prove that you deserve that chance. You're a religious man, am I right? I know that Christmas is a big deal to you but guess what? Christmas is a big deal to me too and it's going to be even bigger for you....IF you've changed. On December 24th, Christmas Eve, I'll come out here and announce my in ring return to PRW AND I'll even do one better and announce my opponent!
The crowd cheers but it's not quite the cheer you'd hope for. Clearly there's a level of disappointment in the decision by Joey NOX to not immediately fight Carlos Cruz. Carlos himself seems a little disappointed by the announcement as Joey NOX steps up to Carlos.
NOX: So here's the deal, Carlos. You've got three months. You got three months because I'm coming back and I'm EXPECTING you to be the guy. I truly want to be standing across from you in that ring to finally know if you can be the heir to the torch. You got three months to prrove who you are and prove that you are the man I think you can be. If you are? It'll be me and you kicking off 2016 IN style. If not? Then some guy like Manik Mercer or Jesse Drive or EVEN a big name like Razer or Patrick Slaughter is going to get that honor.
I'm hoping it'll be you....assuming of course you WANT to agree to these conditions. I'm giving you what you've wanted, Carlos. I'm giving you the opportunity to finally prove yourself.
Joey NOX sticks his hand out to Carlos Cruz for a handshake. Realizing that the chance is now in front of him, the fans begin go to rally behind Carlos. Carlos Cruz stands there with Joey NOX looking at him, his eyes locked on the man who could be his opponent. There's a loud "Carlos!" chant rising up and now all of the pressure is on the Jesus Freak. Will he agree to the terms? Or does he have something else in mind?
From the look on Cruz's face, it was easy to tell that he wasn't entirely content with NOX's answer. For those who traveled with The Jesus Freak in his up and down three year career, were accustomed to his impatient behavior. He was always ready to leap into action, rarely allowing his opponents the chance to strike first. But tonight was a whole different story. He kept his trembling clenched fists at his sides, his jaw locked as he sent daggers shooting from his eyes at his longtime hero. To prove that he'd actually changed, Carlos bit his tongue as the chants began to waver.
NOX: Well? Do we have a deal?
Nostrils flaring, heart racing, Carlos was ready to just force NOX to fight him now after he sent his nose to one side of his face. Keeping his emotions in check, The Descended Saint closed his eyes as he lowered his head. The Du Arena was consumed by an eerie hush, all in attendance returning to their seats.
Carlos:A test? Really?
Sensing the man before him was struggling to keep his composure, NOX's body began to tense as he spread his legs out, preparing to defend himself in case of an unprovoked attack. Just when he was on his way to lower his hand, he and the rest of the world were taken off guard as Carlos instantaneously took a hold of it.
Carlos:Fine, we'll do it your way.
That was all the fans needed to set them off. Even Joey couldn't help but smirk down at his fired up neighbor. Deep down he was glad to have set a fire in Cruz's pit, even more intrigued for a possible second meeting between them. Not wanting to wait until the charged crowd settled down, Carlos decided to finish what he had to say.
Carlos:I'll be honest with you NOX, I wanted to go against you at Desperate Measures. But I see that I have to really earn that once in a lifetime dream match. And don't fret Joseph, in three months you WILL square off against me at Christmas Carnage. But possibly with a twist.
Returning the strong grip he was receiving from Cruz, NOX looked down at him wondering what he was talking about.
Carlos:Since you won't accept my challenge, I know someone who HAS TO! You're return match can't just be a simple one on one my friend. There must be a prize given to the victor. And that prize shall be the PRW INTERNET CHAMPIONSHIP!
Countless of estactic fans shot up to their feet, many of them chanting Carlos' name as loud as they could. Joey was still lost at where Carlos was going with this.
Carlos:Get a good seat Joseph, because at Desperate Measures in front of a thunderous Chicago crowd, I plan on becoming a TWO TIME Internet Champion! And when I do, I'll defend it with every fiber in my being until you and I are alone in this very ring. You've never become Internet Champion, and I have never went up against you. But don't think I plan on losing to you. That torch belongs to me.
NOX: Then I'll see you in three months Carlos.
Carlos:Count on it NOX!
Both legend and aspiring hero stood face to face with each other, neither one loosening their grip on one another. Living rooms all over the world were filled with ballistic viewers, they're breaths taken away after witnessing a monumental agreement between the two New Yorkians. Electricity was in the air as the camera zoomed in on Joey NOX and Carlos Cruz, reporters and bloggers of every site and paper already rapidly smashing their fingers against their keyboards. Social media was also buzzing, fans of all ages readying themselves for a colossal match that would take place in three months.
Christmas had surely come early.
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