Eric Herrera vs Ishmael

[Bondic]

Deadline is Jan 5th last chance Jan 7th

3 rps max

[genocide]

Ishmael is seen running on a treadmill as the camera crew enters, sweat dripping from his forehead before wiping his brow with a towel. He motions them to set up as he finishes his cool down cycle and grabs a bottle of water from his gym bag. He takes a seat on the bench and opens the bottle, taking a few sips. As he finishes, he looks at the camera and begins.

Ishmael: I suppose it was only a matter of time before the powers that be decided I needed to be in a singles match. I honestly expected it to be a member of The Empire, however it seems they chose instead someone who also bares quite a large disdain for The Empire. That someone being The Icon himself, Eric Herrera. Someone whom I can actually respect for his feelings towards The Empire. Respect that I hold for GWL as a whole in this business. So much respect that I'd go as far to say that we, Pariah, would be willing to join forces when need be to fight The Empire. Unfortunately, feelings go out the window when we are forced into the squared circle to do battle.

Ishmael grabs the towel to dry his face and arms off. He takes a few more drinks of water before continuing.

Ishmael: Like so many others here in the UHW, you boast quite the extensive resume of championships. A list that would make some men second guess entering into a match with you. However, the truth still remains that those are all FORMER accomplishments. And yet you still carry around your replica of the Platinum Title like a toddler with his security blanket. Hanging on for dear life to something that once was but still haven't clawed your way back to its prior prominence. I've seen your past matches since arriving back on the scene in UHW and although some have been an impressive string of victories, some might say other than the victory over Philly Air Raid, the quality of competitors has been waning in comparison to their former glory. Just know that I will not in any fashion be another stepping stone in your search for a path to the Platinum Title.

Ishmael finishes his bottle of water and tosses it in the recycling bin. He throws his belongings in his bag and sits back down to finish.

Ishmael: Now, I've done my scouting, and I'm well aware of your experience as a luchador, as a hard-core fighter, and as a competitor in MMA. I, myself, am a hard-core high-flying ring artist, so i expect this match to be quite the competition. I've also seen your list of accomplishments but this is a new Era in UHW. It's going to take more than playing around with your toy title to make a difference against The Empire and claim what you feel is rightfully yours. I figured you would have learned that lesson when you failed to defeat Stalker Knight just a couple shows ago. What you've brought to the table hasn't helped your case against The Empire, so allow this match to be a lesson in futility. They say iron sharpens iron, so bring more than what you've been giving as of recent, if you're going to live up to any of your monikers.

Ishmael grabs his bag and heads off to the showers as the scene fades to black.

[drowningcurrent]

The scene opens up and we see Eric Herrera working on his conditioning. He hasn't wrestled in a while and is running the gauntlet with his students. As he finishes the last series of eliminations, he steps to the side, panting with exhaustion, then goes to take a drink from his water bottle that his half-brother Roger gives him. He then turns to wipe the sweat off himself with a towel that Roger hands him as well.

Eric: I know I haven't gotten off to the best of starts after a long time away. Up until UHW, I wasn't so sure I would compete again. The reason I held on to that replica is because I never properly lost it. And I aim to get back what I never lost eventually. That will come with time, but first I have to earn it.

He pauses to take another drink of water and sighs.

Eric: It doesn't have to be pretty, as long as I'm effective. I really thought I was done with this business until Bishop came calling. He's been my brother for the longest time. He discovered me and got me signed to WOF when I was in the Indies. Without him, I don't have a career to speak of. I thought I owed him a favor. Lately I haven't picked up the slack much, but I'm working on it. That replica stays with me as a reminder of what I need to do to get back where I want to be.

He pauses and lets that duplicate championship rest on the floor, with the nameplate facing up and grins at the camera.

Eric: Not just that, but I want to also win the one title I never touched, the Supreme Title. I know that it belongs to Jessica Tendonin. I know she thinks she's unstoppable, I've lost to her plenty. But it's due to that that I returned. It's due to that that I retired. If I can't beat Jessica, I don't deserve to wrestle again. I said I would do anything to stop her and I stand by that. I came back for one reason and that's to end her and the Empire. And I won't stop until that mission is complete.

He nods at the camera and his expression turns serious, almost into being angry.

Eric: Be sure to protect that championship all you want, Jessica, because eventually you will be next. Ishmael is right… We usually stand for the same thing. But tonight, I want to send a message. To all the people like yourself that think that I'm washed up, that think I should hang it up. I'm going to show them the hard way that the fire still burns, always, as Killswitch Engage would say. I'm ready to prove my case to everyone that's watching this closely. Pay close attention, because this could easily be you.

He snickers and shakes his head from side to side.

Eric: It's funny you mention being a Pariah. I have been an outcast of society all of my life. Straight edge is more than just a catchphrase. It's a way of life. I've been doing that way before CM Punk ever entered a television screen. I threw pipe bombs in UHW long before he did. My decisions in life have gotten me outcasted. From spending nearly a decade in special ed, my battles with epilepsy, my religious and political beliefs, even my lifestyle growing up in the punk rock and metal lifestyle after my early hip-hop phase. Even my own family outcasted me when I first tried to be a wrestler. But look at me now….

He pauses and stretches out his arms.

Eric: I blazed a path that led those same family members to join me. I started the Society of Destruction and together we practically filled an entire Bible with all the championships and trophies we won. I went from being a laughingstock to being a trendsetter. I trained a long list of people into this business, including a champion in this own company in Jenny Kay. Now who is laughing?

He laughs and keeps his arms extended.

Eric: I am here to stay, Ishmael. You're going to learn the hard way why I am the original Prodigal Son of UHW. I will reclaim my phone and I dare anyone to stop me. They will suffer the same fate.

Fade to black.

[genocide]

As the scene opens, Ishmael is seen at the weight bench working out as Lazarus spots him. The camera zooms in as Ishmael finishes his reps and sits up. Lazarus throws him a towel to dry his sweaty brow. Ishmael grabs a bottle of water and takes a few sips before beginning his promo.

Ishmael: You know, Eric, I'm a little disappointed in you're effort right now. I was expecting more than just the reiterating of a history lesson that you so proudly try to hide behind each time anyone hears from you. You've even went so far as to call yourself some sort of gatekeeper in the past when Stalker Knight proved that at the moment you're little more than The Welcome Mat of UHW. Is that a trend you really want to be proud of setting here in UHW? Is that the new name you want to be known as when The Empire acknowledge you? Right now they seem to have your number and I don't know how else to get you fired up for our match or even a match against them instead of you' being stuck solemnly walking down memory lane with your title belt when we hear from you. Keep it as a reminder of what you're aiming for but let's stop using it as merely a crutch for why you're still standing now in UHW.

Ishmael throws the now damp towel in the dirty laundry bin. He incaps the water for a few more drinks before continuing.

Ishmael: Now, I know quite a bit about Bishop and how well respected he is and has been in this industry. Ten years ago when Lazarus and I walked away from the business, we were part of GWL during our stint in UWF. We held an undefeated record for both ourselves and GWL. Apart from winning championship gold, we had proven everything we had set out to prove. The hunger for competition has now crawled back and we find ourselves here in UHW. Although we are no longer a part of GWL, if Bishop ever asked for help, we would always eagerly answer the call without hesitation. Bishop may be a source to confer with if you truly want to understand what you're in for in our match. I don't pull punches and will not simply take it easy on you because of past affiliations or common enemies.

The camera zooms in closer as Ishmael stares into the lens with a stern look on his face.

Ishmael: There's nothing else on the line for either of us in this match at Blood Zone except making one another better and sharpening each other's skills. The Empire is formidable and unfortunately you allowed a little pride to cloud your vision in that match and your judgment of Stalker Knight was off. When we face off in the ring, you can bring The Icon, The Hardcore Messiah, The Prodigal Son, or any and all of your names you want to call yourself. The fact of the matter is this match is going to be a lesson in hubris for you. One thing is for certain, and that fact is that I'm much more of a challenge than your students at the Herrera Training School. This isn't going to be a sparring session and it sure as hell isn't going to be a walk in the park. Just ask Anisa Knight what that lapse in judgment caused her.

Ishmael finishes his water, tossing the bottle away. He gathers his things so that Lazarus can begin his workout. Ishmael sits on a nearby bench to finish.

Ishmael: Come Blood Zone, I'm not looking to cause any injuries, but you're going to get the same hungry fighter that Creed and Anisa faced. The big question is which Eric will I see walk down to the ring. Will I get The King of the Underclass? The Prince of Punk? Or as was shown against Stalker Knight, The Welcome Mat?? Remember though that even in a loss you can still show off some of your former glory. Just please don't disappoint any further.

Ishmael walks over to help spot Lazarus as the scene fades to black.