Post by .PAAK on May 8, 2016 21:34:38 GMT -6
I
Who Am I?
People have been asking themselves that question for centuries; surely, I couldn’t have been the first. And, I’m fairly certain they've probably come up with the same answer that I have―I don’t know. Although, I’m not exactly satisfied with that answer, as I’m sure most aren’t.
I suppose who I am changes daily and regularly. The true answer shifts depending on who I’m around at the time and who you happen to ask.
1. When I’m out in the streets of Japan, I’m a beautiful, “exotic” woman.
2. When I’m around the Wakachū, Shatei, and the Kumichō, I’m a money maker.
3. When I’m in the gym, learning from the best wrestlers that Japan has produced, I am a “young woman with a lot of talent and heart.”
4. And, when I’m standing across from you thing the ring―I’m your worst fucking nightmare.
All of those sentiments have a bit of truth to them. However, even with them, it’s still difficult for me to decipher who I am. My tutors and instructors tell me that it’s normal to not know the answer. They tell me that I’m young―they tell me that I should be out living life and making money. I’ve been told countless times to push those thoughts to the innermost crevices of my brain.
Those tutors and instructors hold the wisdom of a thousand moons. They’re not wrong or mistaken―
However, I still find myself dwelling on the subject, even more so now that I’ve been whisked away to a foreign land.
In a recent promotional video, Raiden talked a bit about how Japanese wrestling is structured and how it functions in Japan. And, he did a wonderful job. But, for the sake of providing more context, let me delve in a bit deeper. When a prospect determines that he or she wants to (or is finally ready to) wrestle, then said individual joins a wrestling dojo. Working in a dojo is essentially professional wrestling boot camp. Your body is put through tortious physical hell. Your mind is left floating in a perpetual purgatory; you’re trainers tell you that you are nothing and that you’re never make it―you begin to wonder if they are correct.
Most dojos are often connected to wrestling promotion, independent or otherwise. If a person’s mind and body are strong and disciplined enough, then he or she will be allowed to work for said promotion. However before the prospect becomes a full fledged member of the company, a Japanese promotion will analyze a rookie. They will look at how he or she fights in the ring, how much Fighting Spirit and resolve they have, etc. If the wrestler has all those things (plus more), then the company will make preparations to send them on what’s called an excursion. What this means is, the Japanese promotion will send that wrestler to another part of the world to wrestle. Sometimes it’s Europe, sometimes in the United States, other times its Mexico and the rest of South America.
An excursion is meant to be a time of wrestling enlightenment. During this “away period,” wrestlers are supposed to come into their own in the ring―they are tasked with finding what works for them and honing their skills. Beforehand, most are told that they will be gone for a year or two; although, it’s not uncommon for them to be called back to their home promotion early.
However, I believe there is another purpose for the excursion: not only is it supposed to bring forth wrestling enlightenment, but is also meant to foster personal enlightenment as well.
I don’t have many friends in this Business. And truthfully, I don’t have many friends outside of this Business either. Nonetheless, when I’ve talked to my elders about their time in other countries, they’ve always expressed that it was during that they learned about themselves.
They learned about their will, determination, and desire; however, they also learned about their faults, vices, and ill intentions.
Why is all of this running through my mind?
I’ve been wrestling for a number of years now. I began training when I was thirteen or fourteen. I’m no longer a rookie or newcomer; those days are long gone. I’ve worked for various Japanese promotions already; I’m well known in Japan. And yet, I’ve just embarked on an indefinite exclusion to the United States.
Did I know who I was in Japan? Not really. But I was comfortable in my limited knowledge. I was Myung in public; and I was the fearsome .PAAK in the ring. Nothing else really mattered.
Now though, things have changed.
What if I discover just exactly who I am on this trip? And, what if I don’t like what I find? How will I be able to cope with everything?
―I guess I’ll have to do what I’ve always done: put on a fearsome face and fight through it.
II
“Where are we going, Raiden?” Myung asked.
It was about 9:00 AM. For most people, that would have been an acceptable time to get up and function, but not for Myung. Although she had been living in the States for a short while, her body hadn’t yet adjusted to the time change. This resulted in many restless nights and comatose afternoons.
And, to be quite honest, she didn’t want to be out in public. In Japan, she had been a homeboy (minus the wrestling); she rarely went out, except to grab food and basic supplies. However, after his talk with Yano, Raiden had expressed the importance of “blending in” to her. She understood where they were coming from; but, it didn’t make the idea any less idiotic to her.
Whenever Myung stepped out of her swanky New York City loft, she always felt so―out of place. To her, it was as if she had some type of strange kanji carved into her forehead that everyone could see. She wasn’t simple tourist, she wasn’t a mere foreigner, she didn’t have a regular job.
She was―well, even she couldn’t answer that question.
“Yano asked us to meet him at Starbucks,” Raiden responded. “Or, he wanted to meet up with you specially. I’m just along for the ride honestly.”
“What does he need to speak to me about?” Myung adjusted her black beanie on her head so that it wouldn’t fall off. She lowered her head and stuffed her hands inside her short pockets as she strolled alongside Raiden. “Have I done something wrong?”
“Of course not.” Raiden picked up her the young girl’s apprehension. There was a certain shakiness in her voice. It was uncharacteristic, even for her. He laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He didn’t tell me what he wanted. But I can assure you that everything is fine. He seems quite fond of you, actually.” Raiden turned his head a bit, so he could look at Myung’s face. He placed his hand on her chin and gently raised her head. “Besides, I’d never let him do anything to you. I’ve never failed you before, have I?”
She had to think for a moment; it was a question that she’d never really thought about. However, she knew the answer. Raiden had always been kind and respectful of her, despite the savage nature of professional wrestling...and their other ventures.
“You’ve never let me down before,” she said in a soft voice. A soft smile appeared.
Raiden responded with a slight smile of his own. “And I never intend to let you down.” Raiden stopped as the two of them approached the giant coffee complex. “This is the spot.” His right hand took ahold of the door-handle; he held the door open and ushered Myung to enter first. As most Starbucks are at 9 AM, this one was packed to the ceiling with people trying to get their caffeine fix. Raiden eye’s shiftly scanned the room; he found Yano sitting in a small booth on the left side of the cafe, reading a newspaper.
“Over there,” Raiden motioned to Myung with his head. They then proceeded to slink their way through the crowded area until they reached the spot. Yano saw the duo approach him out of the corner of his eye. Having finished up a paragraph or two, he folded the paper and sat it on the table. “Raiden, it’s always a pleasure,” he said as he stood to his feet and shook Raiden’s hand. Mr. Himura responded with a polite “likewise.” Yano then turned his attention to Myung. “And good morning, Myung. How are you this morning?”
Myung averted her eyes as she answered. “I’m well, Shatei. I hope you’re having a good morning as well.”
Yano let out a chuckled. “Please dear, just call me Yano. No need for all the formalities.”
Myung nodded sheepishly. “Very well.”
“Please, take a seat Myung. We’ve got important matters to discuss.” He motioned his hands for her to take a seat. “I also got you both vanilla lattes.”
“Sounds perfect,” Raiden said as he went to sit down. However, Yano held up his hand. “Haha, I asked Myung to take a seat, not you sir.” Raiden gave the man a quizzical look. “I actually need you to do something for me.”
Myung turned and looked at Raiden. She didn’t want to be left alone, if possible. Raiden caught her look...but so did Yano.
“I don’t think―”
“Raiden, the girl will be fine; I promise you. Besides, the Boss asked me to speak to her directly about a couple of things.”
Raiden sighed reluctantly. “Alright,” he said. “And, what is it you need me to do?”
“A couple of our colleagues will be receiving a package in about fifteen minutes. They are two or three blocks away―402 Broadway.” Yano let out a small sigh. “They’re rookies. I just want you to go and keep an eye on them; observe and lend a hand if needed.” Yano folded his arms. “I don’t anticipate there being any problems; this is just a precaution.”
“Alright.”
“I know how this looks: I’m sending you on some babysitting mission while I get cozy with your girl. But that’s not the case, I promise you.”
“Very well.” Raiden reached into his inner breast pocket and pulled out a pair of aviators. He then adjusted his blazer jacket and then turned to Myung. “I’ll be back in a bit, alright?”
“Okay,” Myung replied.
Raiden nodded to Yano, grabbed his latte, and exited the coffee establishment. Myung’s eyes were glued to him as he walked out of the door. She then shifted a bit and peered at Yano.
“You...you said there was business to be discussed?”
“My my,” said Yano. He let out a hearty laugh. “I can tell than you and Raiden are close. You both share that no nonsense, right down to business attitude.” He nodded his head. “I can respect that.” He sat his arms on the table and clasped his hands together. “The Kumichō wanted me to speak to you personally. He’d like to know how you are doing, physically and mentally.”
Her eyes glanced over at the spare latte on the table. “Please, drink up,” Yano said. Myung reached for the cup and took a long sip before answering. “Well, physically I feel just fine. I’m sure Raiden has told you I train at the local YMCA; it’s within walking distance of my loft. Unfortunately, the gym doesn’t have a ring, not for wrestling anyway.” She paused for a second. “Therefore, I’ve had to supplement my training in other ways.
“I go to the YMCA five days a week. Early in the morning, I do cardio and weightlifting. During my evening sessions, I practice combinations on a heavy bag. And, if need be, I’m able to roll around in the facility’s boxing ring. It’s not the best, but it gets the job done.” Myung nodded as she took another sip. “Therefore, please inform the Kumichō that I am in top form physically.”
“Hmm, that much I already know,” Yano responded as he gave her a glance over. “I’m not the largest professional wrestling fan in the world. However, I’ve been made privy of your matches. You’re quite a specimen in the ring, aren’t you?”
“I suppose.” Myung continued to sip her drink.
“There’s no suppose―it’s a fact. In all of my time in the Yamaguchi-gumi, I’ve never seen someone as, gifted, as you.” Yano eyeballed her. The young woman was silent as she sipped her drink. He had a particular look in his eyes, but Myung couldn't discern it. “You’re an animal when that bell rings; but out here in the real world, you’re so serene.”
Myung sat her latte aside as she placed her arms on top of the table. “As you told Raiden, we have to blend in, right? It would look abnormal and out of place for me to portray me in-ring persona at all times.”
Her response caused Yano to chuckle. He pointed a finger at her. “Oh, I like you. You’re a smart cookie.” Yano snatched up his own cup and took a deep sip. He then leaned back. “And how are you doing mentally?”
She didn’t answer right away. “I...I suppose I’m doing alright,” she said.
“Something troubling you?” Yano asked.
“Well―” Myung’s eyes fell to the table. “I often wonder why I was chosen to carry out this task. There are at least twenty wrestlers under the Yamaguchi-gumi umbrella would have been better suited than me. I just don’t want to fail or let anyone down.”
“Myung, let me put your mind at ease a bit.” Yano folds his arms. “The fact of the matter is, you’re the only person qualified to handle this task. Well, you and Raiden. The Boss wanted someone who was marketable and who get some positive eyes on the Yamaguchi-gumi―you’re the perfect fit. Our other talents are good in the ring; however, most of them are grizzled and gnarly.
“You embody technical prowess and beauty,” he made sure to emphasize the latter of the two.
“And surely, no one can deny how successful you’ve been as of late. You’re primarily objective was simply to look good and bring honor to our company; you’ve done that in a matter of two matches. You struck fear in the heart of Datura, so much so that she felt the need to resort to dishonorable tactics. And then you went on to slay a man who many thought was unstoppable.” He held up his right index finger. “Did I say slay? Excuse me. I meant cripple.” He put his hand back down. “You humbled that stooge, and you did so in stunning fashion. You brought honor to the Yamaguchi-gumi and to your clan.”
Yano nodded his head. “The Boss was very wise to place his faith in you and Raiden, very wise indeed.”
He had hoped his words would uplift Myung, but he wasn’t sure if they had hit their mark or not. Her eyes still stared at the table; she still had the same meek look on her face. It was at that moment, Yano remembered two crucial things that Raiden had spoken to him. One, Myung didn’t have friends or family; perhaps she wasn’t used to receiving this type of praise (unless it came from Raiden). And two, she was a bit of a perfectionist.
Yano couldn’t help but laugh, just a bit. “However, you are a philosopher and warrior, aren’t you my dear?” He nodded as he composed himself. “I could sit here and sing your praises all day, and my words would never be suffice. You’ll continue to internalize things; that’s just the way you are wired, huh?” This caused Myung to lift her eyes back up.
He leaned back in his chair. “If you take anything away from this conversation today, the it should be this―you’re doing fine. The Boss is proud, I’m proud, and I know Raiden is proud. Just keep training and working hard, and you won’t dishonor the anyone, alright?”
Buzz
Buzz
Buzz
Yano reached into his pocket and pulled out his Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and glanced at the screen. “Speaking of the Boss,” Yano said with a smile. “He told me that he might give us a ring during this little meeting of the minds.” He slided the phone across the table to Myung. “Why don’t you say hello.”
―To Be Continued
III
Warning: the following Visionaries of Wrestling audio log is likely to contain high levels of knowledge, profanity, and other expletives. View discretion is advised for sensitive or weak-minded people. Thank you.
Oh, hello there! I suppose it is that time of the week, isn’t it? I sincerely hope you are doing swell, because me and my girl certainly are.
As always, I shall start this audio log off with a proper introduction, just in case someone new happens to be tuning in for the first time. No no, we mustn't leave anyone out in the cold; that would be dreadfully rude. My name is Raiden Himura, and I happen to represent one of the most gifted athletes who has ever graced a Visionaries of Wrestling ring—I’m referring to .PAAK, but of course.
Ah yes, that was quite a bold statement. However, if you’ve been tuning into these videos and audio files, then you know I’m never opposed to making a bold statement, especially if it’s the honest to goodness truth. That’s a personally philosophy of mine—always speak the truth, no matter how off-putting it might be.
However, you all didn’t click on this website to hear me ramble. No, you signed in, eagering awaiting what magnificent words that I’d throw out against .PAAK’s next victim...I mean opponent, Valerie Beasley.
As many of you are aware, .PAAK and I specially requested this match. Now, some of you might label us as full-hearty fools; however, there is a particular reason why we asked for this match-up at Breakthrough Forty-Five.
On live television, I told you all that I had been searching high and low for a proper pairing for Fate of the Gods. After scouring videos and files, I ran across Ms. Beasley; and once I did, a pleasant smile creeped across my face.
You see, you are very special, Ms. Beasley; and no, I do not mean “special ed,” or any derogatory sense of the word. Perhaps a better synonym would be exceptional. VoW is a large, thriving company; henceforth, there are many folks who are scratching and clawing to be employed by the company. These athletes come from all walks of life, and they bring various levels of talent with them. Some are seasoned, grizzled veterans who are still plugging away; others are less experienced and still slogging their way through the Business. Due to the sheer amount of wrestlers, it would be easy for one to fall through the cracks, for one to get lost in the shuffle…
But, that’s not the case for you, is it Ms. Beasley? Of course not, you’re distinguished, aren’t you?
Valerie, you aren’t a mere wrestler (not that there’s anything wrong with being a mere wrestler); you are a warrior. For years you’ve fought and honed your craft in the realm of mixed martial arts. I took the liberty of watching a few of your bouts on YouTube; oh, the joys of the internet!
Your Jiu Jitsu is truly exquisite; the way you position your body, transition, and apply submissions―superbe! And your Tae-Kwon-Do? It is second to none. I saw a highlight video where you decapitated a woman with vicious roundhouse; it nearly brought a tear of joy to my eye.
And it was at that moment that I knew you were the chosen one!
Valerie, VoW has a number of talented wrestlers. Some of them are very dangerous, very dangerous indeed. However, your MMA is what makes you stand out. In many regards, it puts you on another level―sort of (more on that later). Not only are you dangerous―you’re deadly. That is why .PAAK and I have laid out this challenge to you.
I’m not attempting to kiss your ass when I say this, however, I feel that you will be .PAAK’s greatest challenge to date, at least in VoW. And I say this because your style is very similar to hers.
Everyone around the world has witnessed .PAAK’s strikes. They’re debilitating, they’re devastating, and they are employed with pin-point accuracy. And, where do you assume she acquired those skills from, Ms. Beasley?
Did you say Muay Thai? You’re a smart cookie, you’re absolutely correct.
And, you’ve probably noticed that my girl has an affinity for getting out of some rather sticky situations. Because of her size, she prone to mat domination. Yet, you’ve seen her fight out of locks and holds; she’s able to slink her way out and pop right back up to her feet. On the flip side, you’ve also seen her expertly apply arm-bars and the like. Care to guess why that is?
Submission wrestling you say? My my Ms. Beasley, you’re on a roll this evening. Please, keep it up.
Valerie, you and .PAAK are cut from the same cloth. Or, should I say similar cloth, I don’t want to be too overzealous. Nonetheless, you and .PAAK together in one ring is a sadist’s wet dream. Therefore, it was a no-brainer to choose you as .PAAK’s opponent this week.
And, it will be a no-brainer for .PAAK to give you a rematch at Fate of the Gods―if you are up to it, that is. I sincerely hope that you will be. Don’t let one loss to .PAAK kill your spirit; I expect you to stand up and be the fighter, the warrior that you portray yourself as.
Also, I hope you picked up on something crucial in that last sentence—you’re going to lose. And, I’m going to tell you why, right now.
You see, my dear .PAAK is a thrill seeker. The greater the challenge is, the more motivated and driven she becomes to conquer said challenge. Datura came into VoW with all the hype in the world. “She’s a former champion,” “she’s a monster.” That is all well and good, but what happened to her? She was defeated. And since that defeat, she’s been unable to gain her footing―what a pitty. Oh, and let us not forget about Mr. Kincaid. He had everything in the world going for him. He was a mountain of a man, jacked and chiseled to the gill. He had a good head on his shoulders. He was one of the few people in VoW to ever vanquish our great and mighty champion—he would have skyrocketed to the top of this company. Hell, perhaps he would have headlined Fate of the Gods. Nevertheless, he was slayed by my client!
.PAAK isn’t one of those undersized broads that you like to brutalize in a caged setting. While your knockouts and submissions in the MMA world are mighty impressive, you can’t even brag about them, can you? You cannot, because I’m willing to bet that most of those knockouts and submissions were against sub-par talent, people who had no business sharing a cage with you.
Am I right? Or, am I right?
And if we to talk strictly wrestling, nor can .PAAK be mentioned in the same vain as Rebecca Saint, Nicole Evans, or Beatrice La Fay. And of course, I mean that with no disrespect. They work hard, and you had wonderful matches with all of them, indeed you did.
However, my client is a game changer. No one can deny that Valerie, not even you.
In the span of two matches, .PAAK has altered the course of two wrestler’s careers. And, dare I say it, in just two matches .PAAK has slightly altered VoW as whole.
Can anyone of your previous VoW opponents claim that?
Hell, can you even claim that, Valerie? No, you cannot.
Valerie, if you recall correctly, I stated that you were going to be .PAAK’s greatest test in VoW to date. However, if you are truly honest with yourself, then you’ll come to the realization that .PAAK shall also be your greatest opponent to date, as well.
Ms. Beasley, I’ve spent a great deal of time singing your praises, have I not? I’ve talked at nauseum about you knockout power and your MMA prowess, which will inevitably come into play in this upcoming bout. Some would say your MMA skills far surpass my client’s—that might be true, but I’ll withhold my judgement.
Ah, but if you notice, I failed (intentionally of course) to touch upon one key fact―you don’t have much actual wrestling experience. Sure, you’re a fighter and an athlete; some of those skills transfer to the ring, naturally. However, when it comes down to the nitty gritty specifics of handling your business in the ring, you falter, don’t you Valerie? And at the end of the day, this still a wrestling match, after all.
Now Valerie, I truly hate to bring this point up. It’s a tried and true tactic of many insecure and washed up veterans. It annoys me, it irks me to no end—and I’m not even a wrestler. Nevertheless, I feel that this statement needs to be said…
.PAAK is a better wrestler than you—point blank period. That’s not a knock, that’s not a slight, that’s a fact. She’s wrestled longer than you, therefore, her level of experience surpasses yours many times over. And that’s why this match is hers for the taking.
My dearest, you aren’t stepping in the ring with punching bag or a “tomato can.” You aren’t tangoing with some wet behind the ears commoner who is new to the sport. Although, I bet you wish you were. On the contrary, you’ll be going up against a woman who has been studying the ends and outs of this sport for nearly a decade. You’re be facing a genius, a woman who has been in nearly every imaginable situation, in regards to that ring out there. You’ll be squaring up with a woman who has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft.
Now, I can only imagine the look on your face as I speak. You’re probably laughing your ass off or rolling on the floor. Or perhaps you are cursing me under your breath and calling me a moron—you wouldn’t be the first.
I have the strange and sinking feeling that everything I’ve told you will simply fall upon deaf ears. You’re going to blatantly ignore what .PAAK has done in the ring over the past couple of weeks. You’re going to bury your head in the sand in regards to .PAAK’s luminous talent. You’ll chose to remain blissfully ignorant to the fact that .PAAK is a threat. And, but of course, you shall simply try to label her a “bitch,” so can toss around that contrived “bitch slayer” line, moniker...whatever it is.
A word to the wise, you might think about switching up those catch phrases—you’ve got to keep things interesting for the fans and onlookers.
But, I digress. Here’s the rub, Valerie. .PAAK is not a bitch—she’s a Levithan. And as great as your are, you aren’t ready or capable of slaying this monster, not yet. It’s going to take a lot of leveling and grinding before you’re ready for that quest. Breakthrough Forty-Five will not be your night. And, if .PAAK has her way, neither will be Fate of the Gods!
Toodles for now.
END
