Post by Icon Lord Leon Corbin on Jun 3, 2015 3:43:31 GMT -6
Bald head, hoodie, jeans and boots could only mean one person considering he was holding a microphone in one hand and hanging around the backstage area of the O2. Jack Anderson, interviewer and musician.
Anderson: It’s just moments since Battlefield:London has gotten off the air and already the place is clearing out. I’ve seen Sean Locke, former World champion who returned tonight leave just a minute ago. I’ve even seen Piper Sanchez, reigning TV champ leave all rather swiftly with Mongrel and Killjoy and…someone else, didn’t quite catch their face. The Intercontinental champion Icon Lady Hikari left with Referee Lloyd. Actually, I have seen most other people leave, including the arena staff but I have yet to see the current World champion. I know I saw him make it back to his room and no one has emerged since.
He points over to the door that proudly displays the name of the Iconic champion, clearly the long-time interviewer had been waiting ever since Leon entered the room. Just as he turns to face the camera again, the door opens, out stepping the World champion back in his normal clothing with his bag in one hand and a belt over his shoulder. Eyes to the floor for the moment, he walks but doesn’t seem to be putting much weight on the aggravated knee. Anderson raises a brow, his gaze flitting between the champ and the camera.
Anderson: Okay, I know what I saw. I know I saw Alex Cross not only leave the ring, not once but twice with the World title but I also saw him leave the building with it. Icon Lord Corbin must be taking this so hard he’s borrowed Icon Lady Hikari’s Intercontinental title to make up for his loss! Goodness, what a mess he must be if he has. I…kinda feel sorry for him. Knowing what kind of man he is, I’m not lying when I say I’m a bit hesitant to go talk to him at the moment but this is all about you fans and I know the entire Globalverse is looking to find out what the Ring of Honor Icon is thinking right now. I’m…
He huffs sternly and resolute.
Anderson: I’m gonna take this one for the team…
Jack starts to walk over slowly, Leon finally looking up to catch sight of one of the only backstage interviewers to have ever been granted an audience by the man. He cocks his head and drops his bag on the floor as Jack approaches, cameraman in tow.
Anderson: Leon?
Icon Corbin: Jack…been a long time, hasn’t it?
Anderson: Er…yeah, it has. So…do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
Icon Corbin: For you, anything…
The champion musters a smile and a seductive wink but the UJW famous interviewer simply nods. Leon was always hard to gauge after a loss but to see him somewhat humorous was weird territory and didn’t necessarily mean he was in a joyous mood. Considering the night he’d had, joyous was probably the last thing he was going to be. Jack gets bolder, stepping forward so they are both in the shot, Jack on Leon’s left while the belt he was carrying was over his right, his hand holding the plate.
Anderson: Alright, I need to ask this first.
Icon Corbin: How I’m feeling? It’s usually the first thing people want to know and if that’s the case, I’m feeling fine, really. Frustrated, a little fucked off, but otherwise fine.
Anderson: No doubt that’s because of Alex Cross and the opposing team of Clan Mayhem and Kolic. We all saw you trying to keep the match together as best you could but can you shed some light on what was really going on between the ropes?
Icon Corbin: What was going was that it was a perfect display of what a fucking joke this current roster really is, that’s what. I don’t even know why Kolic even bothers turning up to work anymore. His mission objective is as redundant as he should have been. Clan Mayhem? I am still having to ask, why…are…they…here? Why are they still allowed in the fucking building when they have a history of putting wrestlers on the shelf and yet somewhere that goes over the head of the executive board when it comes to the match Alex and I will have at Heatwave.
Anderson: The rumour that the Highway to Hell stipulation is going to be scrapped because it’s considered too dangerous?
Icon Corbin: Exactly that. Maybe Clan Mayhem dropped them on their heads too because that is singly one of the most stupid decisions I’ve heard all year and there have been quite a few to fucking boot. While Clan Mayhem are still going to be around, I INSIST that Highway to Hell match remain on the card. Because while they linger it’s abundantly obvious the board doesn’t give that much of a fuck about its talent…of which I use that word EXTREMELY fucking loosely when referring to my fellow wrestlers these days.
Anderson: How far does that statement stretch? Would you be also referring to your team tonight, excluding Alex Cross?
Icon Corbin: Are you trying to put words into my mouth somewhere? Want me to talk shit about the others in my team?
Anderson: Would it be so alien? A few years ago you had nothing good to say about Lady Munin. You’ve never had a good word to say about Tamer. And even Icon Lady Hikari has felt your wrath in the promo room.
Leon just smirks, shaking his head with a lick of his bottom lip.
Icon Corbin: I know what I said. And at the time it will have been justified in my eyes but I am not beyond changing my mind if the mood changes. As far as Lady Munin goes, you’re right, I did. But that was also not the same woman you see before you today. She, at that time, lacked the fire that was expected of a World class champion and having got a little too much too soon she didn’t know what to do with it. Since her return, she’s shown a lot more passion.
Anderson: A passion for vengeance, it seems.
Icon Corbin: As long as there is some kind of actual drive and it’s genuine, people will keep watching and remain engaged. As far as my wife goes, that is entirely different. We know how to make the fans drop their jaws and wonder if what we say is true, if we really can say that to one another. Fuck, the things we say to one another has more impact than anything the other wrestlers can muster because blinded by their own paths to glory, they fail to notice who is really in front of them. They try to dig for dirt and come up with nothing, walk blindly into matches and hope for the best much like a student who hopes for the best in an exam he didn’t actually revise for. You can’t beat what you don’t know. Not really. That’s why the best they can get is winning a match but they can never break my spirit.
Anderson: I assume then that’s why Icon Lady Hikari has always beaten you then. She just knows you too well.
Icon Corbin: Nice one, Jack. And I don’t care anymore than she would if the shoe was on the other foot because when you can go out there and enjoy what you do for a living, figures and statistics will always be just a formality in the end. I love wrestling her. I love what she brings out in me and what I in her. It shows, and it’s something the rest of the roster is missing. That shows too…
Anderson: I have to agree that the match you and Icon Lady Hikari had recently is definitely candidate for match of the year. But back on topic, what about Tamer? Surely, you could be more sympathetic. He has lost the only real friend he has left in this company, possibly even this business.
Icon Corbin: Cry me a fucking river. Does it look as if Kolic was ever a true friend to anyone? The worst part about this bust up is that the world is waiting to see the paper hyped match between old friends at Heatwave and what they’re really getting is nothing of any real note. Kolic’s tank has already run out of petrol and Tamer is as limp as Kolic has ever been. All the emotion in the world and still it’s not enough to drive Tamer to the level he should be at yet periodically he will act like he is going to redeem himself and that everyone will be tamed. Fucker is the tamest of the bunch, isn’t he!
Anderson: That’s really not for me to say but I’m sure Tamer has his reasons for taking the stance he has.
Icon Corbin: What stance? His head is not in the game, Jack. In GZW he’s never had his head in the game. That is why he goes away for a period of time and then returns thinking this time will be different. It never is and even now, he’s going the same way as before. It was enough that the rest of the team considered him as much of a liability as Two Stripe. Only that one was supposed to be expected.
Anderson: Why Two Stripe?
Icon Corbin: Good god, man! You are taking the piss, right?
Anderson: Uhm…of course.
He probably wasn’t and would be researching that one for himself later in his own time while smiling at the World champion who just rolls his eyes. Jack takes a deep breath.
Anderson: Alright…I’ve got to ask this but…that title on your shoulder. Why are you holding the Intercontinental title?
Icon Corbin: The what now?
Anderson: The IC title, title you once held on several occasions a number of years ago now. Do I understand that with Alex Cross stealing the World title you’re trying to fill the void?
Leon’s brows furrow for a moment, making Jack a little uncomfortable before he makes him jump from the sudden bellowing of laughter. Tears in his eyes, Leon’s laughter eventually dies down leaving Jack confused and with his gaze switching between him and the camera lens. The champ’s hand rests firmly on the interviewer’s shoulder for a moment before Leon lets the title fall off his shoulder and into his hand so he could give Jack a closer look that has his eyes widen.
Anderson: The World title?!
With that confirmation he places the leather strap back onto his shoulder, now the camera deliberately focusing on it instead of leaving it as obscured as before.
Icon Corbin: I’m the fucking World champion, Jack. What other title should I be holding?
Anderson: But Alex took it, left with it. I saw him leave with it.
Icon Corbin: You’re looking at me like I’m fucking Dynamo, Jack. This is my title.
Anderson: So…
Icon Corbin: Why is this so hard? This belt belongs to me and that’s all there is to it. No street magic, no attacks. I mean, is this even a shock considering Alex made such a point before the show about how he’d be leaving with my title once the night is done? In fact, he did everything on the night I expected him to because he has zero imagination. I knew he’d deliberately try to fuck things up, I knew he’d focus on a belt that doesn’t belong to him to try and rile me and I knew he’d fall victim to his own intentions. I mean, it’s not as if I was defending my title tonight so why should I bring the real thing down to the ring?
Anderson: You…came to the ring with a replica?!
Icon Corbin: Jesus H Fucking Christ, Jack! If even Alex Cross can’t tell the difference, it’s not as if anyone else watching would have either. Yes, Jack. Silly Bollocks is parading with a fake that has no value unless you’re a fan which sums the little bitch up perfectly. Besides, I had more important things to think about than Alex trying to massage his ego out there. I don’t give a shit about his playschool level of game play when I am trying to hold a match together against Clan Mayhem seeking to destroy all in their path with Kolic pissing about like it’s even earning him his overpriced paycheque. Even Alex should have known better considering those twats took him out of commission as well but that would be giving him too much credit.
Anderson: You think he has taken the same path as Kolic?
Icon Corbin: Do I think he suffers from Stockholm syndrome, probably. I wouldn’t be surprised if he joined that dilute version of the dark side. At the same time, he’s too much of a loner these days to want to give anyone else at all any credit for his actions. And does he really want to piss Lady Munin off any further? That relationship is too fragile to withstand too much more if you ask me.
Anderson: Not a place I’d like to venture, I’m afraid. But one place I would like to go is your thoughts on the return of Sean Locke and his statement that he is looking to reclaim the World title.
Upon hearing those words, Leon’s gaze hits the floor with a smile forming at one side of his mouth. He cocks his head and gives Jack his attention again.
Icon Corbin: What about it? Really? What about it? Half the reason this company is in such disarray was because he made it plummet with his poor work ethic in the first place. And now he wants to return because HE thinks things are boring?! Where the fuck does this guy get off? And what fans exactly would have been begging him to come back?
Anderson: Well, you must have seen the reception he got tonight.
Icon Corbin: I tell you what that is, Jack. Because he was right about one thing and that’s watching Alex Cross failing over and again but it ends there. Those people, MY people would love to see me defend this title against someone else and that's what they saw as a possibility. And I have to agree wholeheartedly because the amount of times I’ve been able to put this title up in a match his been so fucking minimal it’s a joke. It’s been twice in six months. Twice! Ridiculous…
Anderson: Well, that said, rumour has it that you’ll be defending it at the next show against Sean Locke as he makes his return.
Icon Corbin: Is that so? Well, I welcome it but I know it wouldn’t stay a one on one match. I know how it’d go, Jack. Me and Sean, doing battle and then Alex gets pissy because who the fuck is Sean to go demanding a shot at a title he did fuck all for? Alex makes an appearance and screws up that match so we still don’t know who would win between me and Sean. And maybe, if the board really wants their way, Heatwave becomes a three-way dance between champion, contender and the cunt that has bragging rights about how he never lost the title in the first place so will feel himself all entitled.
Anderson: Would that be a bad thing?
Icon Corbin: I want that Highway to Hell match to put Alex away while Sean, who even admitted he could have come back sooner and quite frankly, everyone had forgotten about until he finally showed, will wait his fucking turn. I’ll gladly put that belt up against him again then because, trust me when I tell you, it ain’t going anywhere! I’ll still be champion by the time GZW returns to the UK.
Anderson: I guess we will we just have to wait and see. On that note, any last words?
Icon Corbin: Yes. I’ve always known Samson was a fucking idiot even if he is loosely related to the family but, Joshua, my knees are fine and when trying to offer advice, just don’t. Too much calcium is COUNTER productive. Good bones take a good balance of calcium and magnesium, something most people DON’T know. Try it out because the way your mouthing shit on the sticks is going, I’ll be testing how good your bones are soon enough. There is only one Vicious. I cannot emulated or duplicated so shove that shit right back up your arse!
Anderson: Well…thank you for time, Leon. Icon Lord Corbin, ladies and gents!
With that, Leon glares at the lens and scoffs before picking his bag back up and walking out of shot.
Jack Anderson
Anderson: It’s just moments since Battlefield:London has gotten off the air and already the place is clearing out. I’ve seen Sean Locke, former World champion who returned tonight leave just a minute ago. I’ve even seen Piper Sanchez, reigning TV champ leave all rather swiftly with Mongrel and Killjoy and…someone else, didn’t quite catch their face. The Intercontinental champion Icon Lady Hikari left with Referee Lloyd. Actually, I have seen most other people leave, including the arena staff but I have yet to see the current World champion. I know I saw him make it back to his room and no one has emerged since.
He points over to the door that proudly displays the name of the Iconic champion, clearly the long-time interviewer had been waiting ever since Leon entered the room. Just as he turns to face the camera again, the door opens, out stepping the World champion back in his normal clothing with his bag in one hand and a belt over his shoulder. Eyes to the floor for the moment, he walks but doesn’t seem to be putting much weight on the aggravated knee. Anderson raises a brow, his gaze flitting between the champ and the camera.
Anderson: Okay, I know what I saw. I know I saw Alex Cross not only leave the ring, not once but twice with the World title but I also saw him leave the building with it. Icon Lord Corbin must be taking this so hard he’s borrowed Icon Lady Hikari’s Intercontinental title to make up for his loss! Goodness, what a mess he must be if he has. I…kinda feel sorry for him. Knowing what kind of man he is, I’m not lying when I say I’m a bit hesitant to go talk to him at the moment but this is all about you fans and I know the entire Globalverse is looking to find out what the Ring of Honor Icon is thinking right now. I’m…
He huffs sternly and resolute.
Anderson: I’m gonna take this one for the team…
Jack starts to walk over slowly, Leon finally looking up to catch sight of one of the only backstage interviewers to have ever been granted an audience by the man. He cocks his head and drops his bag on the floor as Jack approaches, cameraman in tow.
Anderson: Leon?
Icon Corbin: Jack…been a long time, hasn’t it?
Anderson: Er…yeah, it has. So…do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
Icon Corbin: For you, anything…
The champion musters a smile and a seductive wink but the UJW famous interviewer simply nods. Leon was always hard to gauge after a loss but to see him somewhat humorous was weird territory and didn’t necessarily mean he was in a joyous mood. Considering the night he’d had, joyous was probably the last thing he was going to be. Jack gets bolder, stepping forward so they are both in the shot, Jack on Leon’s left while the belt he was carrying was over his right, his hand holding the plate.
Anderson: Alright, I need to ask this first.
Icon Corbin: How I’m feeling? It’s usually the first thing people want to know and if that’s the case, I’m feeling fine, really. Frustrated, a little fucked off, but otherwise fine.
Anderson: No doubt that’s because of Alex Cross and the opposing team of Clan Mayhem and Kolic. We all saw you trying to keep the match together as best you could but can you shed some light on what was really going on between the ropes?
Icon Corbin: What was going was that it was a perfect display of what a fucking joke this current roster really is, that’s what. I don’t even know why Kolic even bothers turning up to work anymore. His mission objective is as redundant as he should have been. Clan Mayhem? I am still having to ask, why…are…they…here? Why are they still allowed in the fucking building when they have a history of putting wrestlers on the shelf and yet somewhere that goes over the head of the executive board when it comes to the match Alex and I will have at Heatwave.
Anderson: The rumour that the Highway to Hell stipulation is going to be scrapped because it’s considered too dangerous?
Icon Corbin: Exactly that. Maybe Clan Mayhem dropped them on their heads too because that is singly one of the most stupid decisions I’ve heard all year and there have been quite a few to fucking boot. While Clan Mayhem are still going to be around, I INSIST that Highway to Hell match remain on the card. Because while they linger it’s abundantly obvious the board doesn’t give that much of a fuck about its talent…of which I use that word EXTREMELY fucking loosely when referring to my fellow wrestlers these days.
Anderson: How far does that statement stretch? Would you be also referring to your team tonight, excluding Alex Cross?
Icon Corbin: Are you trying to put words into my mouth somewhere? Want me to talk shit about the others in my team?
Anderson: Would it be so alien? A few years ago you had nothing good to say about Lady Munin. You’ve never had a good word to say about Tamer. And even Icon Lady Hikari has felt your wrath in the promo room.
Leon just smirks, shaking his head with a lick of his bottom lip.
Icon Corbin: I know what I said. And at the time it will have been justified in my eyes but I am not beyond changing my mind if the mood changes. As far as Lady Munin goes, you’re right, I did. But that was also not the same woman you see before you today. She, at that time, lacked the fire that was expected of a World class champion and having got a little too much too soon she didn’t know what to do with it. Since her return, she’s shown a lot more passion.
Anderson: A passion for vengeance, it seems.
Icon Corbin: As long as there is some kind of actual drive and it’s genuine, people will keep watching and remain engaged. As far as my wife goes, that is entirely different. We know how to make the fans drop their jaws and wonder if what we say is true, if we really can say that to one another. Fuck, the things we say to one another has more impact than anything the other wrestlers can muster because blinded by their own paths to glory, they fail to notice who is really in front of them. They try to dig for dirt and come up with nothing, walk blindly into matches and hope for the best much like a student who hopes for the best in an exam he didn’t actually revise for. You can’t beat what you don’t know. Not really. That’s why the best they can get is winning a match but they can never break my spirit.
Anderson: I assume then that’s why Icon Lady Hikari has always beaten you then. She just knows you too well.
Icon Corbin: Nice one, Jack. And I don’t care anymore than she would if the shoe was on the other foot because when you can go out there and enjoy what you do for a living, figures and statistics will always be just a formality in the end. I love wrestling her. I love what she brings out in me and what I in her. It shows, and it’s something the rest of the roster is missing. That shows too…
Anderson: I have to agree that the match you and Icon Lady Hikari had recently is definitely candidate for match of the year. But back on topic, what about Tamer? Surely, you could be more sympathetic. He has lost the only real friend he has left in this company, possibly even this business.
Icon Corbin: Cry me a fucking river. Does it look as if Kolic was ever a true friend to anyone? The worst part about this bust up is that the world is waiting to see the paper hyped match between old friends at Heatwave and what they’re really getting is nothing of any real note. Kolic’s tank has already run out of petrol and Tamer is as limp as Kolic has ever been. All the emotion in the world and still it’s not enough to drive Tamer to the level he should be at yet periodically he will act like he is going to redeem himself and that everyone will be tamed. Fucker is the tamest of the bunch, isn’t he!
Anderson: That’s really not for me to say but I’m sure Tamer has his reasons for taking the stance he has.
Icon Corbin: What stance? His head is not in the game, Jack. In GZW he’s never had his head in the game. That is why he goes away for a period of time and then returns thinking this time will be different. It never is and even now, he’s going the same way as before. It was enough that the rest of the team considered him as much of a liability as Two Stripe. Only that one was supposed to be expected.
Anderson: Why Two Stripe?
Icon Corbin: Good god, man! You are taking the piss, right?
Anderson: Uhm…of course.
He probably wasn’t and would be researching that one for himself later in his own time while smiling at the World champion who just rolls his eyes. Jack takes a deep breath.
Anderson: Alright…I’ve got to ask this but…that title on your shoulder. Why are you holding the Intercontinental title?
Icon Corbin: The what now?
Anderson: The IC title, title you once held on several occasions a number of years ago now. Do I understand that with Alex Cross stealing the World title you’re trying to fill the void?
Leon’s brows furrow for a moment, making Jack a little uncomfortable before he makes him jump from the sudden bellowing of laughter. Tears in his eyes, Leon’s laughter eventually dies down leaving Jack confused and with his gaze switching between him and the camera lens. The champ’s hand rests firmly on the interviewer’s shoulder for a moment before Leon lets the title fall off his shoulder and into his hand so he could give Jack a closer look that has his eyes widen.
Anderson: The World title?!
With that confirmation he places the leather strap back onto his shoulder, now the camera deliberately focusing on it instead of leaving it as obscured as before.
Icon Corbin: I’m the fucking World champion, Jack. What other title should I be holding?
Anderson: But Alex took it, left with it. I saw him leave with it.
Icon Corbin: You’re looking at me like I’m fucking Dynamo, Jack. This is my title.
Anderson: So…
Icon Corbin: Why is this so hard? This belt belongs to me and that’s all there is to it. No street magic, no attacks. I mean, is this even a shock considering Alex made such a point before the show about how he’d be leaving with my title once the night is done? In fact, he did everything on the night I expected him to because he has zero imagination. I knew he’d deliberately try to fuck things up, I knew he’d focus on a belt that doesn’t belong to him to try and rile me and I knew he’d fall victim to his own intentions. I mean, it’s not as if I was defending my title tonight so why should I bring the real thing down to the ring?
Anderson: You…came to the ring with a replica?!
Icon Corbin: Jesus H Fucking Christ, Jack! If even Alex Cross can’t tell the difference, it’s not as if anyone else watching would have either. Yes, Jack. Silly Bollocks is parading with a fake that has no value unless you’re a fan which sums the little bitch up perfectly. Besides, I had more important things to think about than Alex trying to massage his ego out there. I don’t give a shit about his playschool level of game play when I am trying to hold a match together against Clan Mayhem seeking to destroy all in their path with Kolic pissing about like it’s even earning him his overpriced paycheque. Even Alex should have known better considering those twats took him out of commission as well but that would be giving him too much credit.
Anderson: You think he has taken the same path as Kolic?
Icon Corbin: Do I think he suffers from Stockholm syndrome, probably. I wouldn’t be surprised if he joined that dilute version of the dark side. At the same time, he’s too much of a loner these days to want to give anyone else at all any credit for his actions. And does he really want to piss Lady Munin off any further? That relationship is too fragile to withstand too much more if you ask me.
Anderson: Not a place I’d like to venture, I’m afraid. But one place I would like to go is your thoughts on the return of Sean Locke and his statement that he is looking to reclaim the World title.
Upon hearing those words, Leon’s gaze hits the floor with a smile forming at one side of his mouth. He cocks his head and gives Jack his attention again.
Icon Corbin: What about it? Really? What about it? Half the reason this company is in such disarray was because he made it plummet with his poor work ethic in the first place. And now he wants to return because HE thinks things are boring?! Where the fuck does this guy get off? And what fans exactly would have been begging him to come back?
Anderson: Well, you must have seen the reception he got tonight.
Icon Corbin: I tell you what that is, Jack. Because he was right about one thing and that’s watching Alex Cross failing over and again but it ends there. Those people, MY people would love to see me defend this title against someone else and that's what they saw as a possibility. And I have to agree wholeheartedly because the amount of times I’ve been able to put this title up in a match his been so fucking minimal it’s a joke. It’s been twice in six months. Twice! Ridiculous…
Anderson: Well, that said, rumour has it that you’ll be defending it at the next show against Sean Locke as he makes his return.
Icon Corbin: Is that so? Well, I welcome it but I know it wouldn’t stay a one on one match. I know how it’d go, Jack. Me and Sean, doing battle and then Alex gets pissy because who the fuck is Sean to go demanding a shot at a title he did fuck all for? Alex makes an appearance and screws up that match so we still don’t know who would win between me and Sean. And maybe, if the board really wants their way, Heatwave becomes a three-way dance between champion, contender and the cunt that has bragging rights about how he never lost the title in the first place so will feel himself all entitled.
Anderson: Would that be a bad thing?
Icon Corbin: I want that Highway to Hell match to put Alex away while Sean, who even admitted he could have come back sooner and quite frankly, everyone had forgotten about until he finally showed, will wait his fucking turn. I’ll gladly put that belt up against him again then because, trust me when I tell you, it ain’t going anywhere! I’ll still be champion by the time GZW returns to the UK.
Anderson: I guess we will we just have to wait and see. On that note, any last words?
Icon Corbin: Yes. I’ve always known Samson was a fucking idiot even if he is loosely related to the family but, Joshua, my knees are fine and when trying to offer advice, just don’t. Too much calcium is COUNTER productive. Good bones take a good balance of calcium and magnesium, something most people DON’T know. Try it out because the way your mouthing shit on the sticks is going, I’ll be testing how good your bones are soon enough. There is only one Vicious. I cannot emulated or duplicated so shove that shit right back up your arse!
Anderson: Well…thank you for time, Leon. Icon Lord Corbin, ladies and gents!
With that, Leon glares at the lens and scoffs before picking his bag back up and walking out of shot.
Jack Anderson
