Post by Tyler Storm on Jul 18, 2015 22:00:02 GMT -6
The Time Has Arrived
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
-Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Tyler Storm winces in pain, slightly squirming, as the VoW trainer applies rubbing alcohol to a cut on The Hybrid's forearm.
"Oh quit your wining, this stuff doesn't hurt that bad."
"Brother, I have fallen off a cage, broken ribs, busted my knee cap, had 4 teeth knocked out, a broken nose, and the list goes on. All of these injuries and to this day nothing, and I mean nothing, hurts me more than fucking rubbing alcohol."
The trainer rolls his eyes as he continues to treat the wound. Tyler flinches his eye, but is taken away from the pain of the treatment to notice the door to the training room opening. From the hallway steps in Owen Gonsalves, a long time friend of Tyler's and a fellow member of the VoW roster. The Violent One smirks as he walks over to the table Tyler is laying on. He holds out his hand, which Storm reacts to quickly and extends his as well to shake hands with his old pal.
"Well look at this, the mighty Tyler Storm is human after all! I was beginning to think you were like a superman or something."
Tyler shakes his head to the sarcastic message from Owen.
"Oh shut up dumb ass. Hey, I appreciate the help out there tonight. God knows the damage the Xcellent Chumps Herring and Ryder would had done to me to keep me out of that match at Heatstroke."
"I know dude but you knew at some point that was gonna happen, and at the end of the day you are family to me bro. If any guy messes with my family, they pay, and that's just a fact that everyone in VoW should know by now."
"Just know I appreciate you doing that Owen. I owe you one big time, and you know I hold my owed promises on a high pedastool."
"Don't you worry about that, I already have some big things planned now that you are in this company with me. Keep in mind, there is one prize you and I have never won that just needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later."
Tyler's smile brightens as he leans up from the table, the trainer finishing up with the injury as he wraps up The Hybrid's left arm
"I certainly have not forgotten that. Maybe it is about time that is put front and center on my checklist. But you know I got some business to take care of before we take on that dream."
"And I would never expect you to curve away from that business because of me. But I'll be in touch, you just focus on getting that arm and the rest of your body healed up for Heatstroke. The world is watching you closely Hybrid, show them what you got."
The two men share a fist bump as Owen begins making his way out of the room. Tyler looks over at his arm which is no longer being treated by the trainer, and begins moving it around slightly to gain back some feeling after having it stable for so long. The trainer walks over to the sink to wash his hands but takes a second to glance over at Storm.
"Alright, you should be taken care of now. Those will heal up pretty easily but keep an eye on the cuts, wash with some anti-bacterial soaps for a couple of days to make sure they don't get infected. Other than that, Mr. Storm, you are free to go."
"Thanks doc, I appreciate it. I definitely could have came in here looking a lot worse had it not been for that guy that walked out a second ago."
The trainer ignores Tyler's statement as he continues to wash his hands. Tyler shrugs slightly as he stands up from the table and makes his way out of the training room.
"Tyler The Crusher goes to the top rope, the fans are going wild! Tyler, Tyler, Tyler! He leaps and connects with the frogsplash!"
Tracy Storm hops onto the bed as his son goes for the cover on his fluffy teddybear opponent.
"1...2...3! Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and new World Heavyweight Champion, Tyler Storm!"
Tyler jumps up and down with a huge smile on his face as he gives his dad a big hug. Tracy hands his child a plastic title belt and lifts up the victor's hand, following it by grabbing onto Tyler and rolling around with him on his son's bed.
"Alright you two I've heard just about enough! It's a school night Tracy, your son needs to be asleep!"
The two boys look towards the door at Phyllis Storm, who is standing there with a stern look in her night gown. She walks off, and Tracy lifts up from the bed as Tyler gets under his covers.
"I'll tell you what son, you are something else. I wish I had this much fire every night in that ring like you have!"
"It's ok daddy, I know you try your best for me. I just know you can be the champion with me one day."
"Yeah, one day son. But hey, can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course dad, I'm your best friend, you know I can keep quiet about it."
Tracy leans close to his son and gives him a big hug, smiling as he lifts back up and looks down at Tyler.
"I know it's hard to believe, but daddy is actually pretty old to keep wrestling. He is pushing himself a lot but he knows he is going to get to the top, because I am doing it for you and your mom. But son, when I'm gone I need someone to carry my legacy. Someone to be able to do what I couldn't in that ring. I need a man who will be the biggest Storm in the history of this family's professional wrestling career."
"Who do you think is going to be that guy dad?"
"I think, no actually I know, that guy is gonna be you."
"Really?!? You mean it daddy?"
"Of course I do. Tyler I believe in you so much, and you are gonna do so many great things in your life, but the passion you already have for the business I am a part of is so amazing at such a young age. You are going to be better than anyone I have ever had the honor to face, and you are even going to be better than me."
Tyler smiles brightly as he listens to his father.
"Tyler, promise me you will never give up on your dreams. Promise me you will be the best Storm to ever grace the squared circle, promise me..."
The voice of Tracy begins to fade as a voice much higher and less familiar begins to enter into the mind of Tyler.
"Tyler! Tyler wake up sweetie! Baby you are shaking please just wake up!"
"Wha-"
Tyler lifts up quickly from his slumber, shaking and sweating violently, panting to catch his breath from the awakening he just went through. He looks over at his wife, Zelda Lawson, who is also very shaken up as she looks in fear at her husband.
"Tyler are you ok?!? Oh god baby you were speaking in tongues and you began shaking so hard and I got so scared and oh Tyler!"
Zelda grabs on tightly to her husband as tears run down her face. Tyler begins to snap back into reality as he lays his arm softly against his wife, comforting her as she continues to sob.
"I...I'm ok. I just had a dream, a flashback, something. It was just...dad believes in me."
"Oh Tyler I know you miss your father but you are scaring the piss out of me when you have these emotional break downs!"
Tyler lifts his wife up and looks at her in the eyes. She is whimpering slightly as she looks back at her husband.
"Tyler I don't like living in fear like this, I want him back too but he is gone! And I need you to accept that baby, I know it's tough and honestly I probably am not helping, but Tyler you need to let this go!"
"Sweetie I am ok, look that was the first dream I have had of him in a long time. It was just one of those moment dreams, the kind that fit so well with the place in life you are at currently that it is more scary than encouraging to your body. I promise, I have let go of his death, that was just...a moment of slipping and realization for me I guess."
"Ok...but Tyler I just hate seeing you so distressed. I love you so much and not being able to help when you feel this way makes me feel so worthless and defeated as a wife."
Tyler wastes no time to place his lips onto Zelda's, sharing a passionate kiss with his emotionally distressed wife. As the kiss ends he continues to stare into Zelda's eyes and smiles.
"Zelda you haven't failed me and you aren't worthless. I love you too, and you are helping me more than you will ever know. This stuff just happens ok baby? Let's just move on and focus on the now."
"O...Ok baby I will. I'm sorry I let myself go there."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, you are being a faithful wife and that's all I could ask for. If anything I should be thanking you! Now hey, let's look at the positives now that we are both awake. You are looking very beautiful, we found out very recently that you are fully fertile, and I have a lot of catching up to do with you since you didn't get to come to Ottawa with me for Breakthrough."
Zelda smiles as she leans in to kiss her husband, Tyler meeting her at the lips as the two lie back down embrassing each other, pulling the covers over them as they begin to make magic together.
"Oh my god Tyler this place looks so beautiful!"
Zelda and Tyler look around at the park area around them, smiling as they walk over to a bench near the pond surrounded by a wooden fence and flowers.
"It really is a nice place huh? I love little places like this to take a second and relax."
"God knows you have needed it after the week you have been through."
Zelda grabs onto her husband's hand as the two sit on the bench they have reached. They share a soft kiss as they continue to look around at their environment.
"Yeah I think my head has been just so stuffed up with all the thoughts about my dad and this match coming up. I just need a second to be tranquil, control the beast living inside me."
"Well as much as I love that beast, I appreciate having my Tyler most of the time. I don't mind sharing you but I got bigger dibs."
Zelda giggles at her statement as she leans her head against Tyler's shoulder. Tyler lays his arm softly around the shoulder of his wife.
"Sometimes I begin to wonder how much control I have of my emotions. That dream the other night really shook me up, but it's hard to understand why. It was just one of those memories, hearing dad tell me he wanted me to be the one that made our wrestling family matter just gives me chills because sometimes I don't even know how to be the man."
Zelda leans up and looks Tyler in the eyes.
"Tyler you know good and well you can be the man. I mean you aren't perfect, that's just a fact of the matter, but you are a very successful competitor. VoW is a completely different step for you because this is something you needed to I guess bring back the glory you missed because of your injuries and emotional stress."
"And you are right about that. VoW is a huge step in the right direction for me and it's one of the best steps I've ever taken, but I just question how great I can really be. Sure I was a world champion once in my life, but the feeling of that it was meant to be never was really there, and that's sad to think about. I really feel like this I have now in VoW is meant to be, but I'm scared of not taking my opportunity and just floundering it."
Zelda raises her eyebrow at Tyler, then follows by jabbing him in the stomach with her elbow. Tyler coughs slightly from the impact before looking sternly at his wife.
"What the fuck was that for?"
"Tyler, stop being a fucking cry baby for god sakes! You are a great competitor and you know it. Look at what you did against Steve Herring at Breakthrough, or to Dathyn and Yeshua the Breakthrough before that. You have proven yourself and have shown the fire is still burning!"
Zelda stands up and Tyler continues to look at her sternly.
"Look baby, I love you, and you know I do. And I want you to be successful. But at the end of the day success is not about the records or what you are awarded, it's about the passion you have for what you do. And that's what makes you never fail Tyler, you have never failed in having passion. So you know what, go out there and fucking win at Heatstroke, or fucking lose, I don't care. But I do care if you come back home smiling because at the end of the day, your happiness is the biggest award."
Tyler's look turns to a blank one as he too stands up. He begins to slowly smile as he places his hand on his wife's shoulder.
"No, you are right. I mean heck VoW is where the circle comes back around. It's my second chance to prove my worth in the business. But to be worth what I want to be worth, I have to be happy doing what I love. And I am, because I have the support of so many and they are wanting me to be the guy. So for them, I will!"
"Now see, pussy ass. Start being a bit more positive and stop living in the past so much. Now let's get back to the hotel, I'm tired as hell. You got a match to prepare for, and the circle begins again my love."
Tyler smirks as he hugs Zelda tightly. He picks her up which makes her shriek slightly, before carrying her off with both of them laughing as they go off into the distance.
The arena is quiet, empty, a scene that will definitely change by the time Heatstroke starts. A spotlight is centered onto the ring as Tyler Storm sits in a folded chair, ladders sitting all around him as he taps his foot slightly against the first step of one of them.
"You know it's funny how things come full circle. One day you are in a ladder match, fall through a table after a bad slip, and injure your back so bad you almost end your career. Here we are almost 3 years later and to think I thought my time in this business was over, not because of my injury which I proved doctors wrong by overcoming, but because of my lack of motivation and drive to be able to step into the squared circle with the same passion I had when I debuted in Atlanta 5 years ago."
Tyler stands up and runs his hands softly against one of the ladders, smiling as his fingers run across the cold metal.
"And now here I am in VoW, a company known to hold the Visionaries of this business, the best of the best, some of the hardest workers in professional wrestling. And me, a humble veteran trying to start over, is considered one among such a fine group of men and women. Do I deserve to be in such a place to reinvent my career, maybe not. But hey, I'm not complaining at all, if this is the opportunity I have been given then I gotta take it."
"Speaking of opportunities, man do I have one of the greatest coming up in a couple of days in this very ring in this exact arena. Heatstroke, live from the Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau in Boisbriand, Québec, Canada. A card filled with exciting matches from the emotional battle with Tayla Williams and Katie Moicelle, to a battle of excellent competitors in Ms. Pearl and Mr. Behringer for the Zero Gravity title, all the way down to that main event Six Visions of Pain match for the World Visionary Championship. That title is held by a man who took the opportunity I may be given and has rode the train of excellence with it all the way to being the top dog in this company, Mr. Ziu Zhong. That opportunity is Quest for the Case!"
Tyler begins climbing up the ladder he had his hand placed on and sits down about halfway up it, looking down at the ground and smiling.
"In that match myself along with 5 others well deserving members of this roster have a chance to grab that very briefcase that led Ziu to the Zero Gravity title, and although a similar opportunity may not lie in that briefcase we are all climbing for, it is still a fantastic opportunity nonetheless. But the question on everyone's mind is, who the hell is going to step up in such a filled up field of people and grab onto their destiny, their future in this company?!? Who is going to get that briefcase?"
Tyler chuckles as he looks up at where the case will be.
"Honestly, even I don't know the answer to that question. Would I love to be the one who gets that glory and spotlight, I guess a little bit yeah, but who wouldn't in some way, shape, or form? At the same time though, every other competitor in this match wants that same prize and they will pull out their best to make sure I don't get to be the one reigning victorious by night's end."
"Nothing is set in stone, but what is set in stone is the people who are competing and the abilities they bring to that ring that, combined with these many ladders, are going to equal to the biggest storm of a match that may ever be seen in VoW!"
Tyler jumps down from the ladder and smirks as he sits backwards in his chair, rocking it back and forth.
"Sophia Halter brings interesting tactics to this match because honestly, like I saw her do against Zakk Morris, no one really knows what mental and emotional state she will be in at any point during this match due to her Bipolar disorder. What is known though is that she is a very brawler-oriented competitor that goes about her fighting in an almost reckless fashion. That can be very effective, or very flawed, it all depends on the amount of control you have with it."
"Then you have Mr. Andrew Evans, who I will say has impressed me with his amount of in-ring ability these past few weeks. Keep this in mind though, Andrew, last week you learned what happened when you let your mouth get the best of you against someone incredibly dangerous and on an incredibly good roll in the form of Scarlet Flint. Learn how to back those words up a bit better son, and you will go places in this company without a doubt."
Tyler smiles bigger as he looks up at the empty stage.
"Speaking of Ms. Flint, my oh my do I have my hands full with you. I'm not even going to delay in mentioning the fact of the matter, you are possibly the most skilled and as I said most dangerous person in this match. Seeing that in a female wrestler is very rare sometimes but I'm glad that is the case, we need more women like you with this kind of power! Scarlet you are a freight train ready to lay waste to anyone, and I know I will be no exception."
"You are a maniacal woman looking to destroy, not to win, and that is actually where you and I have more similarities than you may think. You see, sweet Scarlet, I am not right in the head myself. When I step in that ring, Tyler Storm dies, and The Hybrid arises. The Hybrid is a feeling of power and insanity, that when put in anyone's path leads to a devastating ending! And that's what I expect to happen with me and you Scarlet, I expect devastation!"
Tyler hops up and throws his chair out of the ring, a loud thud echoes through the arena as it hits the floor.
"I am not just a man, I am beast! I am not just angelic, I am sinful! I am the definition of fucked up, and when I step inside those ropes that becomes very clear. So Scarlet, here is where I aim at you. We are both pretty successful in our overall careers, and that's all well and good but this is VoW, this is where you step in and remake your name! And that is what me and you have done so far in our short time. So tell me then, what happens when 2 of the hottest talents are surrounded by the metal climbing contraptions and 4 other men and women?"
"You guessed right, chaos will ensue! Heed this warning Ms. Flint, as should all that I face from here on out, Tyler Storm isn't here to win or lose, he is here to prove what being The Hybrid truly means!"
Tyler paces himself slowly around the ring before pausing again.
"That leave me with 2 more men, the Phenomenal Herring, and Ace Watson. Herring, I'm just going to point out the obvious. We get it, we get that you and the Xcel Champ feel cheated in VoW for some fucking reason, the deal is though brother why do you think people are going to care more about your situation when you keep whining like a bitch? Steve you are an amazing wrestler, you proved that to me at Breakthrough 29 and you took me to a place I haven't been in a long time, and that match could have been a perfect show of respect and pure wrestling. Yet you and your little boyfriend thought differently than what I envisioned for that match."
"Steve, you laid a beat down on me last show, and that's all fine because I want you to get that frustration out of your system. But keep in mind despite your attempts I still beat you in that ring 1, 2, 3! I still won because I worked my ass off and despite the numbers being against me the result favored Tyler Storm! Who is to say that will be any different at Heatstroke? Anyone can really, but I will make a promise to you right now son you ain't winning cuz of the Xcellent Chump buddy of yours helps you out. Straight up warning to you, I see Ryder at ring side any during that match, I'm making sure he is gonna be beaten before he even steps into that ring against Reya Serra later in the night. The focus is on your ability Mr. Herring, show me that power you brought at Breakthrough without bitch boy backing you."
Tyler hops up onto the top turnbuckle and sits down with a huge smile on his face. He rolls around his wrists as he laughs softly under his breath.
"Finally there is Ace Watson, ARW, my old pal! You and me man, we go back longer than anyone will know. You were the first guy I ever met in this business back in Atlanta 5 years ago and we built a power together back at Shootcamp! Of course that road for our friendship bumped up pretty bad and we ended up probably being 2 of the biggest enemies in this business but end of the day the respect was always there. Ace, you are my brother till the day I die and I can't tell you how happy I was seeing you get into this match with your second chance opportunity."
Tyler hops off the turnbuckle and walks to the center of the ring slowly.
"So now we face off one more time Mr. Watson, you and me going against each other in a battle of one-ups and respect. I don't have to call you out on anything Ace, I know what to expect when I face you and I know what you bring every single night no matter the result. You are a prize fighter with a few more bumps than you may like but that's ok, the respect you gain is what matters at the end of the day and that's what I have tried to push through your head more and more each and every time we end up being opponents."
"I'm not going to lie Ace, you have changed a lot. You have built yourself into a new beast thanks to that mask of yours that you thought was just going to be a punishment. You embarrassed whatever that hard cloth placed into your soul, and to be honest I kind of like that. I don't know what it is but seeing this new man inside you actually reminds me of ARW back in the day, when you were more than just the arrogance you were a force of power and one of the men to beat night in and night out. Ace I know that guy is still in you and I think that mask has helped bring out the old you! And you know what, I'm glad I get to be in on the action so early into this revival so I can fight my friend one more time in a true test of legitimacy in this business!"
"Ace, Steve, Scarlet, Andrew, Sophia, and anyone in my path from here on out, I say this to you right now. I am not someone looking to be in the spotlight, nor am I looking to gain some kind of huge admiration from management. If I gain either of those things, well that's all well and good, but at the end of the day Tyler Storm isn't about being Best in the World. Tyler Storm is about being the Best for the People! Look around at all of this!"
Tyler spins around with his hand spread out, laughing heavily as he goes on doing this for about a minute.
"This arena may be empty but at Heatstroke the seats will be filled up with every single kind of person imaginable. And those people all expect to be treated with the greatest talent this business has to offer. That's where I come in, because at the end of the day no matter how egotistical I can come off to be, no matter how screwed up and sinister my move set may look like, when I hear the cheers of those fans, the chants of praise, that drives me more than you will ever know! These people are my life! They are my family and damn it I will be their hero for as long as they will have me and even longer than that because all I ever wanted was to give these people what they deserved, true talent and skill!"
Tyler hops onto one of the ladders again and climbs his way quickly all the way to the top. He stands firmly on the top of the ladder and looks around him at the darkness.
"Oh how great it will be, 6 men and women in one ring battling tooth and nail for a prize that could make a career! What could possibly go wrong, other than the flying about of bodies that get beaten and battered by the steel of the ladders, falling from heights unimaginable as they are fingertips away from that precious briefcase. But all the while, as this happens, the fans are going to be cheering, booing, screaming, chanting, and they are going to feel like they are experiencing the greatest and most thrilling match in the history of this business! That is what it's all about! Not the prize, not the glory, but the moment! The moment of excitement and thrill those fans feel as we destroy each other."
"So to my competitors I say this, I know every single word I say will not matter unless I step it up in this ring in a few nights. All will go to waste if I can't back up my message and I am very aware of that. The thing is though, none of us in this match should be bringing our worst, this is the match where it's all or nothing! So Tyler Storm isn't just stepping into this ring to dilly dally and enjoy the ride, he is gonna drive the bus straight into the fucking wall! I know my odds are low to win this and that is ok, but I damn sure know that when I step in this ring all my opponents chances are low as well because The Hybrid will take with him his enemies in defeat, no matter how bruised and beaten he may be. But if for some small chance I do win, oh my friends you better believe I am going to win because I earned it through sweat, blood, and tears, not through bullshit tactics or lucky breaks or anything in between. Tyler Storm is walking into this ring a proud man and he is walking out a proud man, and whether that includes the briefcase of glory is left to be seen. But if I don't take the case...then who will?"
Tyler smiles as he slowly climbs his way down the ladder. As he touches the ground he pauses for a moment, his face against the cold steel ladder.
"Whatever my destiny holds here in VoW, I will make sure you all...be witness...to The Hybrid."
Tyler turns quickly and walks out of the ring and up the ramp, darkness engulfing him as the spotlight in the ring begins to dim to pure blackness.
-Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Steve Yzerman Arena - Ottawa, Ontario
July 6, 2015
9:48 PM Central Time
"God damn it that stings."9:48 PM Central Time
Tyler Storm winces in pain, slightly squirming, as the VoW trainer applies rubbing alcohol to a cut on The Hybrid's forearm.
"Oh quit your wining, this stuff doesn't hurt that bad."
"Brother, I have fallen off a cage, broken ribs, busted my knee cap, had 4 teeth knocked out, a broken nose, and the list goes on. All of these injuries and to this day nothing, and I mean nothing, hurts me more than fucking rubbing alcohol."
The trainer rolls his eyes as he continues to treat the wound. Tyler flinches his eye, but is taken away from the pain of the treatment to notice the door to the training room opening. From the hallway steps in Owen Gonsalves, a long time friend of Tyler's and a fellow member of the VoW roster. The Violent One smirks as he walks over to the table Tyler is laying on. He holds out his hand, which Storm reacts to quickly and extends his as well to shake hands with his old pal.
"Well look at this, the mighty Tyler Storm is human after all! I was beginning to think you were like a superman or something."
Tyler shakes his head to the sarcastic message from Owen.
"Oh shut up dumb ass. Hey, I appreciate the help out there tonight. God knows the damage the Xcellent Chumps Herring and Ryder would had done to me to keep me out of that match at Heatstroke."
"I know dude but you knew at some point that was gonna happen, and at the end of the day you are family to me bro. If any guy messes with my family, they pay, and that's just a fact that everyone in VoW should know by now."
"Just know I appreciate you doing that Owen. I owe you one big time, and you know I hold my owed promises on a high pedastool."
"Don't you worry about that, I already have some big things planned now that you are in this company with me. Keep in mind, there is one prize you and I have never won that just needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later."
Tyler's smile brightens as he leans up from the table, the trainer finishing up with the injury as he wraps up The Hybrid's left arm
"I certainly have not forgotten that. Maybe it is about time that is put front and center on my checklist. But you know I got some business to take care of before we take on that dream."
"And I would never expect you to curve away from that business because of me. But I'll be in touch, you just focus on getting that arm and the rest of your body healed up for Heatstroke. The world is watching you closely Hybrid, show them what you got."
The two men share a fist bump as Owen begins making his way out of the room. Tyler looks over at his arm which is no longer being treated by the trainer, and begins moving it around slightly to gain back some feeling after having it stable for so long. The trainer walks over to the sink to wash his hands but takes a second to glance over at Storm.
"Alright, you should be taken care of now. Those will heal up pretty easily but keep an eye on the cuts, wash with some anti-bacterial soaps for a couple of days to make sure they don't get infected. Other than that, Mr. Storm, you are free to go."
"Thanks doc, I appreciate it. I definitely could have came in here looking a lot worse had it not been for that guy that walked out a second ago."
The trainer ignores Tyler's statement as he continues to wash his hands. Tyler shrugs slightly as he stands up from the table and makes his way out of the training room.
Tyler's Bedroom - Birmingham, AL
November 16, 2000
1:34 AM Central Time
November 16, 2000
1:34 AM Central Time
"Tyler The Crusher goes to the top rope, the fans are going wild! Tyler, Tyler, Tyler! He leaps and connects with the frogsplash!"
Tracy Storm hops onto the bed as his son goes for the cover on his fluffy teddybear opponent.
"1...2...3! Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and new World Heavyweight Champion, Tyler Storm!"
Tyler jumps up and down with a huge smile on his face as he gives his dad a big hug. Tracy hands his child a plastic title belt and lifts up the victor's hand, following it by grabbing onto Tyler and rolling around with him on his son's bed.
"Alright you two I've heard just about enough! It's a school night Tracy, your son needs to be asleep!"
The two boys look towards the door at Phyllis Storm, who is standing there with a stern look in her night gown. She walks off, and Tracy lifts up from the bed as Tyler gets under his covers.
"I'll tell you what son, you are something else. I wish I had this much fire every night in that ring like you have!"
"It's ok daddy, I know you try your best for me. I just know you can be the champion with me one day."
"Yeah, one day son. But hey, can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course dad, I'm your best friend, you know I can keep quiet about it."
Tracy leans close to his son and gives him a big hug, smiling as he lifts back up and looks down at Tyler.
"I know it's hard to believe, but daddy is actually pretty old to keep wrestling. He is pushing himself a lot but he knows he is going to get to the top, because I am doing it for you and your mom. But son, when I'm gone I need someone to carry my legacy. Someone to be able to do what I couldn't in that ring. I need a man who will be the biggest Storm in the history of this family's professional wrestling career."
"Who do you think is going to be that guy dad?"
"I think, no actually I know, that guy is gonna be you."
"Really?!? You mean it daddy?"
"Of course I do. Tyler I believe in you so much, and you are gonna do so many great things in your life, but the passion you already have for the business I am a part of is so amazing at such a young age. You are going to be better than anyone I have ever had the honor to face, and you are even going to be better than me."
Tyler smiles brightly as he listens to his father.
"Tyler, promise me you will never give up on your dreams. Promise me you will be the best Storm to ever grace the squared circle, promise me..."
The voice of Tracy begins to fade as a voice much higher and less familiar begins to enter into the mind of Tyler.
"Tyler! Tyler wake up sweetie! Baby you are shaking please just wake up!"
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Storm Bedroom - Tuscaloosa, AL
July 10, 2015
3:26 AM Central Time
July 10, 2015
3:26 AM Central Time
"Wha-"
Tyler lifts up quickly from his slumber, shaking and sweating violently, panting to catch his breath from the awakening he just went through. He looks over at his wife, Zelda Lawson, who is also very shaken up as she looks in fear at her husband.
"Tyler are you ok?!? Oh god baby you were speaking in tongues and you began shaking so hard and I got so scared and oh Tyler!"
Zelda grabs on tightly to her husband as tears run down her face. Tyler begins to snap back into reality as he lays his arm softly against his wife, comforting her as she continues to sob.
"I...I'm ok. I just had a dream, a flashback, something. It was just...dad believes in me."
"Oh Tyler I know you miss your father but you are scaring the piss out of me when you have these emotional break downs!"
Tyler lifts his wife up and looks at her in the eyes. She is whimpering slightly as she looks back at her husband.
"Tyler I don't like living in fear like this, I want him back too but he is gone! And I need you to accept that baby, I know it's tough and honestly I probably am not helping, but Tyler you need to let this go!"
"Sweetie I am ok, look that was the first dream I have had of him in a long time. It was just one of those moment dreams, the kind that fit so well with the place in life you are at currently that it is more scary than encouraging to your body. I promise, I have let go of his death, that was just...a moment of slipping and realization for me I guess."
"Ok...but Tyler I just hate seeing you so distressed. I love you so much and not being able to help when you feel this way makes me feel so worthless and defeated as a wife."
Tyler wastes no time to place his lips onto Zelda's, sharing a passionate kiss with his emotionally distressed wife. As the kiss ends he continues to stare into Zelda's eyes and smiles.
"Zelda you haven't failed me and you aren't worthless. I love you too, and you are helping me more than you will ever know. This stuff just happens ok baby? Let's just move on and focus on the now."
"O...Ok baby I will. I'm sorry I let myself go there."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, you are being a faithful wife and that's all I could ask for. If anything I should be thanking you! Now hey, let's look at the positives now that we are both awake. You are looking very beautiful, we found out very recently that you are fully fertile, and I have a lot of catching up to do with you since you didn't get to come to Ottawa with me for Breakthrough."
Zelda smiles as she leans in to kiss her husband, Tyler meeting her at the lips as the two lie back down embrassing each other, pulling the covers over them as they begin to make magic together.
Parc Charbonneau - Rosemère, Québec
July 16, 2015
5:22 PM Central Time
July 16, 2015
5:22 PM Central Time
"Oh my god Tyler this place looks so beautiful!"
Zelda and Tyler look around at the park area around them, smiling as they walk over to a bench near the pond surrounded by a wooden fence and flowers.
"It really is a nice place huh? I love little places like this to take a second and relax."
"God knows you have needed it after the week you have been through."
Zelda grabs onto her husband's hand as the two sit on the bench they have reached. They share a soft kiss as they continue to look around at their environment.
"Yeah I think my head has been just so stuffed up with all the thoughts about my dad and this match coming up. I just need a second to be tranquil, control the beast living inside me."
"Well as much as I love that beast, I appreciate having my Tyler most of the time. I don't mind sharing you but I got bigger dibs."
Zelda giggles at her statement as she leans her head against Tyler's shoulder. Tyler lays his arm softly around the shoulder of his wife.
"Sometimes I begin to wonder how much control I have of my emotions. That dream the other night really shook me up, but it's hard to understand why. It was just one of those memories, hearing dad tell me he wanted me to be the one that made our wrestling family matter just gives me chills because sometimes I don't even know how to be the man."
Zelda leans up and looks Tyler in the eyes.
"Tyler you know good and well you can be the man. I mean you aren't perfect, that's just a fact of the matter, but you are a very successful competitor. VoW is a completely different step for you because this is something you needed to I guess bring back the glory you missed because of your injuries and emotional stress."
"And you are right about that. VoW is a huge step in the right direction for me and it's one of the best steps I've ever taken, but I just question how great I can really be. Sure I was a world champion once in my life, but the feeling of that it was meant to be never was really there, and that's sad to think about. I really feel like this I have now in VoW is meant to be, but I'm scared of not taking my opportunity and just floundering it."
Zelda raises her eyebrow at Tyler, then follows by jabbing him in the stomach with her elbow. Tyler coughs slightly from the impact before looking sternly at his wife.
"What the fuck was that for?"
"Tyler, stop being a fucking cry baby for god sakes! You are a great competitor and you know it. Look at what you did against Steve Herring at Breakthrough, or to Dathyn and Yeshua the Breakthrough before that. You have proven yourself and have shown the fire is still burning!"
Zelda stands up and Tyler continues to look at her sternly.
"Look baby, I love you, and you know I do. And I want you to be successful. But at the end of the day success is not about the records or what you are awarded, it's about the passion you have for what you do. And that's what makes you never fail Tyler, you have never failed in having passion. So you know what, go out there and fucking win at Heatstroke, or fucking lose, I don't care. But I do care if you come back home smiling because at the end of the day, your happiness is the biggest award."
Tyler's look turns to a blank one as he too stands up. He begins to slowly smile as he places his hand on his wife's shoulder.
"No, you are right. I mean heck VoW is where the circle comes back around. It's my second chance to prove my worth in the business. But to be worth what I want to be worth, I have to be happy doing what I love. And I am, because I have the support of so many and they are wanting me to be the guy. So for them, I will!"
"Now see, pussy ass. Start being a bit more positive and stop living in the past so much. Now let's get back to the hotel, I'm tired as hell. You got a match to prepare for, and the circle begins again my love."
Tyler smirks as he hugs Zelda tightly. He picks her up which makes her shriek slightly, before carrying her off with both of them laughing as they go off into the distance.
Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau - Boisbriand, Québec
July 17, 2015
Time N/A
July 17, 2015
Time N/A
The arena is quiet, empty, a scene that will definitely change by the time Heatstroke starts. A spotlight is centered onto the ring as Tyler Storm sits in a folded chair, ladders sitting all around him as he taps his foot slightly against the first step of one of them.
"You know it's funny how things come full circle. One day you are in a ladder match, fall through a table after a bad slip, and injure your back so bad you almost end your career. Here we are almost 3 years later and to think I thought my time in this business was over, not because of my injury which I proved doctors wrong by overcoming, but because of my lack of motivation and drive to be able to step into the squared circle with the same passion I had when I debuted in Atlanta 5 years ago."
Tyler stands up and runs his hands softly against one of the ladders, smiling as his fingers run across the cold metal.
"And now here I am in VoW, a company known to hold the Visionaries of this business, the best of the best, some of the hardest workers in professional wrestling. And me, a humble veteran trying to start over, is considered one among such a fine group of men and women. Do I deserve to be in such a place to reinvent my career, maybe not. But hey, I'm not complaining at all, if this is the opportunity I have been given then I gotta take it."
"Speaking of opportunities, man do I have one of the greatest coming up in a couple of days in this very ring in this exact arena. Heatstroke, live from the Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau in Boisbriand, Québec, Canada. A card filled with exciting matches from the emotional battle with Tayla Williams and Katie Moicelle, to a battle of excellent competitors in Ms. Pearl and Mr. Behringer for the Zero Gravity title, all the way down to that main event Six Visions of Pain match for the World Visionary Championship. That title is held by a man who took the opportunity I may be given and has rode the train of excellence with it all the way to being the top dog in this company, Mr. Ziu Zhong. That opportunity is Quest for the Case!"
Tyler begins climbing up the ladder he had his hand placed on and sits down about halfway up it, looking down at the ground and smiling.
"In that match myself along with 5 others well deserving members of this roster have a chance to grab that very briefcase that led Ziu to the Zero Gravity title, and although a similar opportunity may not lie in that briefcase we are all climbing for, it is still a fantastic opportunity nonetheless. But the question on everyone's mind is, who the hell is going to step up in such a filled up field of people and grab onto their destiny, their future in this company?!? Who is going to get that briefcase?"
Tyler chuckles as he looks up at where the case will be.
"Honestly, even I don't know the answer to that question. Would I love to be the one who gets that glory and spotlight, I guess a little bit yeah, but who wouldn't in some way, shape, or form? At the same time though, every other competitor in this match wants that same prize and they will pull out their best to make sure I don't get to be the one reigning victorious by night's end."
"Nothing is set in stone, but what is set in stone is the people who are competing and the abilities they bring to that ring that, combined with these many ladders, are going to equal to the biggest storm of a match that may ever be seen in VoW!"
Tyler jumps down from the ladder and smirks as he sits backwards in his chair, rocking it back and forth.
"Sophia Halter brings interesting tactics to this match because honestly, like I saw her do against Zakk Morris, no one really knows what mental and emotional state she will be in at any point during this match due to her Bipolar disorder. What is known though is that she is a very brawler-oriented competitor that goes about her fighting in an almost reckless fashion. That can be very effective, or very flawed, it all depends on the amount of control you have with it."
"Then you have Mr. Andrew Evans, who I will say has impressed me with his amount of in-ring ability these past few weeks. Keep this in mind though, Andrew, last week you learned what happened when you let your mouth get the best of you against someone incredibly dangerous and on an incredibly good roll in the form of Scarlet Flint. Learn how to back those words up a bit better son, and you will go places in this company without a doubt."
Tyler smiles bigger as he looks up at the empty stage.
"Speaking of Ms. Flint, my oh my do I have my hands full with you. I'm not even going to delay in mentioning the fact of the matter, you are possibly the most skilled and as I said most dangerous person in this match. Seeing that in a female wrestler is very rare sometimes but I'm glad that is the case, we need more women like you with this kind of power! Scarlet you are a freight train ready to lay waste to anyone, and I know I will be no exception."
"You are a maniacal woman looking to destroy, not to win, and that is actually where you and I have more similarities than you may think. You see, sweet Scarlet, I am not right in the head myself. When I step in that ring, Tyler Storm dies, and The Hybrid arises. The Hybrid is a feeling of power and insanity, that when put in anyone's path leads to a devastating ending! And that's what I expect to happen with me and you Scarlet, I expect devastation!"
Tyler hops up and throws his chair out of the ring, a loud thud echoes through the arena as it hits the floor.
"I am not just a man, I am beast! I am not just angelic, I am sinful! I am the definition of fucked up, and when I step inside those ropes that becomes very clear. So Scarlet, here is where I aim at you. We are both pretty successful in our overall careers, and that's all well and good but this is VoW, this is where you step in and remake your name! And that is what me and you have done so far in our short time. So tell me then, what happens when 2 of the hottest talents are surrounded by the metal climbing contraptions and 4 other men and women?"
"You guessed right, chaos will ensue! Heed this warning Ms. Flint, as should all that I face from here on out, Tyler Storm isn't here to win or lose, he is here to prove what being The Hybrid truly means!"
Tyler paces himself slowly around the ring before pausing again.
"That leave me with 2 more men, the Phenomenal Herring, and Ace Watson. Herring, I'm just going to point out the obvious. We get it, we get that you and the Xcel Champ feel cheated in VoW for some fucking reason, the deal is though brother why do you think people are going to care more about your situation when you keep whining like a bitch? Steve you are an amazing wrestler, you proved that to me at Breakthrough 29 and you took me to a place I haven't been in a long time, and that match could have been a perfect show of respect and pure wrestling. Yet you and your little boyfriend thought differently than what I envisioned for that match."
"Steve, you laid a beat down on me last show, and that's all fine because I want you to get that frustration out of your system. But keep in mind despite your attempts I still beat you in that ring 1, 2, 3! I still won because I worked my ass off and despite the numbers being against me the result favored Tyler Storm! Who is to say that will be any different at Heatstroke? Anyone can really, but I will make a promise to you right now son you ain't winning cuz of the Xcellent Chump buddy of yours helps you out. Straight up warning to you, I see Ryder at ring side any during that match, I'm making sure he is gonna be beaten before he even steps into that ring against Reya Serra later in the night. The focus is on your ability Mr. Herring, show me that power you brought at Breakthrough without bitch boy backing you."
Tyler hops up onto the top turnbuckle and sits down with a huge smile on his face. He rolls around his wrists as he laughs softly under his breath.
"Finally there is Ace Watson, ARW, my old pal! You and me man, we go back longer than anyone will know. You were the first guy I ever met in this business back in Atlanta 5 years ago and we built a power together back at Shootcamp! Of course that road for our friendship bumped up pretty bad and we ended up probably being 2 of the biggest enemies in this business but end of the day the respect was always there. Ace, you are my brother till the day I die and I can't tell you how happy I was seeing you get into this match with your second chance opportunity."
Tyler hops off the turnbuckle and walks to the center of the ring slowly.
"So now we face off one more time Mr. Watson, you and me going against each other in a battle of one-ups and respect. I don't have to call you out on anything Ace, I know what to expect when I face you and I know what you bring every single night no matter the result. You are a prize fighter with a few more bumps than you may like but that's ok, the respect you gain is what matters at the end of the day and that's what I have tried to push through your head more and more each and every time we end up being opponents."
"I'm not going to lie Ace, you have changed a lot. You have built yourself into a new beast thanks to that mask of yours that you thought was just going to be a punishment. You embarrassed whatever that hard cloth placed into your soul, and to be honest I kind of like that. I don't know what it is but seeing this new man inside you actually reminds me of ARW back in the day, when you were more than just the arrogance you were a force of power and one of the men to beat night in and night out. Ace I know that guy is still in you and I think that mask has helped bring out the old you! And you know what, I'm glad I get to be in on the action so early into this revival so I can fight my friend one more time in a true test of legitimacy in this business!"
"Ace, Steve, Scarlet, Andrew, Sophia, and anyone in my path from here on out, I say this to you right now. I am not someone looking to be in the spotlight, nor am I looking to gain some kind of huge admiration from management. If I gain either of those things, well that's all well and good, but at the end of the day Tyler Storm isn't about being Best in the World. Tyler Storm is about being the Best for the People! Look around at all of this!"
Tyler spins around with his hand spread out, laughing heavily as he goes on doing this for about a minute.
"This arena may be empty but at Heatstroke the seats will be filled up with every single kind of person imaginable. And those people all expect to be treated with the greatest talent this business has to offer. That's where I come in, because at the end of the day no matter how egotistical I can come off to be, no matter how screwed up and sinister my move set may look like, when I hear the cheers of those fans, the chants of praise, that drives me more than you will ever know! These people are my life! They are my family and damn it I will be their hero for as long as they will have me and even longer than that because all I ever wanted was to give these people what they deserved, true talent and skill!"
Tyler hops onto one of the ladders again and climbs his way quickly all the way to the top. He stands firmly on the top of the ladder and looks around him at the darkness.
"Oh how great it will be, 6 men and women in one ring battling tooth and nail for a prize that could make a career! What could possibly go wrong, other than the flying about of bodies that get beaten and battered by the steel of the ladders, falling from heights unimaginable as they are fingertips away from that precious briefcase. But all the while, as this happens, the fans are going to be cheering, booing, screaming, chanting, and they are going to feel like they are experiencing the greatest and most thrilling match in the history of this business! That is what it's all about! Not the prize, not the glory, but the moment! The moment of excitement and thrill those fans feel as we destroy each other."
"So to my competitors I say this, I know every single word I say will not matter unless I step it up in this ring in a few nights. All will go to waste if I can't back up my message and I am very aware of that. The thing is though, none of us in this match should be bringing our worst, this is the match where it's all or nothing! So Tyler Storm isn't just stepping into this ring to dilly dally and enjoy the ride, he is gonna drive the bus straight into the fucking wall! I know my odds are low to win this and that is ok, but I damn sure know that when I step in this ring all my opponents chances are low as well because The Hybrid will take with him his enemies in defeat, no matter how bruised and beaten he may be. But if for some small chance I do win, oh my friends you better believe I am going to win because I earned it through sweat, blood, and tears, not through bullshit tactics or lucky breaks or anything in between. Tyler Storm is walking into this ring a proud man and he is walking out a proud man, and whether that includes the briefcase of glory is left to be seen. But if I don't take the case...then who will?"
Tyler smiles as he slowly climbs his way down the ladder. As he touches the ground he pauses for a moment, his face against the cold steel ladder.
"Whatever my destiny holds here in VoW, I will make sure you all...be witness...to The Hybrid."
Tyler turns quickly and walks out of the ring and up the ramp, darkness engulfing him as the spotlight in the ring begins to dim to pure blackness.
