Post by Esix Cordero on Jan 22, 2011 15:16:47 GMT -5
“I was asked to say some words about my father…”
Sometime in 2008, Mexico City, Mexico… A funeral procession occurs upon a sacred burial ground reserved for the heroes of the country. Notable men in Mexico’s history rest beneath these grounds. Grayed tombstones, some with elaborate statues of patron saints, watch over a somber crowd. They gather around a humble burial site, marked by an engraved tombstone which reads…
Aquí yace Manuel Cordero –
Amado esposo, padre y luchador
El Fénix resucitará
Among the family and friends of the deceased is a young man with raven hair, which wisps in the wind. He is dressed in an appropriate black suit and tie. He scans the crowd with an expression devoid of emotion. His normally bright eyes appear blank and hollow, as if he were missing a piece of his soul. He pauses after the introduction to his eulogy, hands folded just above his waist. Esix Cordero parts his lips to speak.
“…What is there to say about a man, so dedicated to professional wrestling? He lived to perform for his fans, for his company, and namely, for his pride. Pride is what killed my father, ladies and gentleman…”
A lonely gust of wind whistles from the clouded skies. A weathered widow dabs a tissue beneath her mascara-streaked eyes. She clutches the hand of her broad-shouldered son, Rio, who watches his brother with a concerned yet distant gaze. The young man speaking turns his back to the crowd, staring down at the patch of dirt his father’s corpse lies beneath. A tear wells up in the corner of his eye, trickling down as a river of sadness… anger… and hatred.
“Good fucking riddance.”
A symphony of gasps blow up from the crowd, disgusted at the sudden shocking display of disrespect. The woman’s jaw drops and her eyes fill with utter despair. Esix whips around with a fire in his eyes.
“DON’T LIE TO YOURSELVES! We come to celebrate a man who deserved this fate! Wrestling killed him and you all know it! His pride and ego kept him shoveling those painkillers in his mouth… Well guess what, DAD?! I’m glad you’re dead! I’m glad you died doing what you loved… Whoring yourself out for people’s entertainment. I made the mistake of blindly following this man into what he convinced me to center my life around! I was a fool, for I did not see that no matter how hard I tried… There was just no impressing you. I couldn’t be my own man! I had to be your shadow, and I’ll never forgive you for that.”
“HE LOVED YOU!”
The widow cries out. She gasps for breath between her sobs, trying to build up the strength to respond.
“HE WANTED THE BEST FOR YOU, ESIX!”
Esix grits his teeth and shoots right back at his grieving mother.
“HE WANTED ME TO BE HIM! I’ll be damned if any of you think I’m here to continue a fucking legacy! The Phoenix is dead, ladies and gentleman. I’m not gonna miss him…”
Rio steps up to his younger sibling, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him right in his face.
“GET OUT OF HERE, ESIX!”
Esix shoves his brother’s arms off of him and steps back. A wry smirk curls upon his face, building into a demented cackle. He opens his mouth to respond, but holds his thoughts back. He shakes his head, grinning in a sadistic sort of way as he turns to walk away…
…And that was the last time Esix saw any of his family.
Esix’s apartment, days after his match against Christian Kane. His face is busted, his body is bruised, his bones are sore and his mind is fatigued… The official scorecard reads that Esix Cordero defeated Christian Kane via count out, but to Esix it didn’t feel like a victory worth celebrating. It wasn’t until afterwards that Esix discovered that Josh Eagles did indeed interfere in his match, much to his displeasure. Moana Moreno understood that Esix didn’t want the match to finish this way. This one of the many things Esix Cordero despises about wrestling – It’s not about defining the true victor, it’s about a man’s pride. Christian Kane could’ve ignored Josh Eagles and maybe even finished off Esix in that match. Maybe not… Unfortunately, there’s just no way of truly knowing until the men meet again. This tortured him, keeping him awake throughout the past few nights. This lead to this moment.
Esix sits across from Moana, staring with a sense of sadness into her eyes. He had just finished recounting the events that occurred at the funeral of his father. Moana was there. She saw it all, but she never got the story from Esix’s point of view. That was the last day she had seen him until just last month. She grasps Esix’s hand to comfort him, but he pulls away.
“So that’s what happened…” Moana says faintly.
Esix nods, without words to complement the story of his unfortunate eulogy.
“Did you… Did you really mean that, Esix?”
“Every word of it. That man wasn’t a father, Moana. He was a wrestler first and foremost. Rio couldn’t understand, but he didn’t get pushed the same way I did. He was always the dedicated one. He just couldn’t see beyond the family, and I hold no grudge against him. But I said what needed to be said, Moana, and I don’t regret it. He killed himself for what? The fans? Was it worth all the birthdays missed, and the moments lost? I never really loved wrestling, Moana. I just thought I did. Now I’m here for revenge. That’s why I want Eagles.”
Moana furrows her brow.
“Eagles? What does he have to do with anything?”
“Josh Eagles goes out in front of these fans, representing all that my father once stood for. He’s a proud, sinful man. Those fans that cheer him on, those he claims to fight for… They feed his ego. Those fools can’t see him for what he’s worth, though. Deep down inside, Josh Eagles is just a shameful, pitiful guy. He’s a false hero, Moana. He deserves none of the attention he gets. I’m going to show him what happens to people with too much pride. I’ll reveal Josh Eagles for the fraud that he is.”
It’s always about wrestling, whether Esix would like to admit it or not.
“Hold those thoughts then…” Moana says. “It’s no use to me what you think about Josh Eagles, so I’ll set up an interview for you.”
Esix nods in agreement.
Back to the Community Center, where it seems like Alex Avice should just rent out space. He never shows up without looking his best though, with a white dress shirt and a blue sweater vest and a fresh new haircut. Esix, however, looks rather raggedy. He hasn’t shaved in several days, as a rough-looking beard forms on his face. His hair is getting longer, wavily covering his ears and sprouting out from the back of his head. His hands are stuffed in a plain navy blue Russell sweatshirt as he looks towards the camera. His eyes look fatigued, as if he hasn’t slept well in the past few days. Regardless, he’s here with Alex and he’s ready to be interviewed.
“Alex Avice here with Esix Cordero. Esix, you’re coming off a controversial victory against Christian Kane, where Josh Eagles once again interfered to cost the champion his match. Esix, how do you feel about being able to finally face Josh Eagles one on one.”
“This is going to be definitive, Alex. A lot of hype has been going around about me, but I pay no mind. I’m focused on what is set before me. Kid Flanagan lost to Eagles last week, so now I need to prove that I’m capable of beating Kid, and I’m capable of backing up all I’ve been saying about Eagles. It’s about time somebody finally put him in his place. Josh Eagles needs to be exposed for who he really is – a loser. Don’t let Josh fool you, ladies and gentlemen, he’s truly a miserable human being. Every week I go out there and read your signs praising this man. I see your offspring wearing his t-shirts, and cheering for him with all their might. Josh Eagles is no hero. He’s a pathetic, mortal man, and he is beatable. It scares me that people just don’t seem to listen to what he has to say. Pay attention next time you listen to a Josh Eagles interview, people. He spews useless, mind-numbing crap and somehow you all still manage to cheer him on. Stop enabling this moron! He doesn’t care about you! He only cares about himself. Granted, I’m the same way, but at least I’m up front about it. Eagles is no hero. He’s a hypocrite.”
“Are you angry that Josh failed to heed your warnings to stay away from your match?”
“Am I angry? Absolutely. He had no business poking his stupid beak into mine and Christian Kane’s match. He did it last week and he did it the week before. It’s getting old, Alex. What kind of place is this, where guys are able to just waltz out in the middle of a match whenever he pleases? Does Josh Eagles get some kind of special right to butt into shit that he has no business with? I get it, man… You’re trying to play mind games. Christian Kane has your precious little belt, and you want it back. You made a mistake walking out there, Josh. Unfortunately I was incapacitated at the time that you showed your weasely punk face, so I couldn’t make you pay for it at the time. Luckily I still had the composure to make my way back into the ring, unlike my simpleton opponent. He’s in the past though, Josh. At least for me. Now you better come into this match focused on me, not Christian Kane. Underestimating Esix Cordero WILL be the biggest mistake of your life, so for your sake I hope you’re prepared for me. Granted, it’s clear that you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said to you in the past couple weeks… That’s your mistake, Eagles. And if I’ve proven anything since joining with Kingdom of Pride, it’s that I capitalize on my opponents mistakes.”
“Okay, so it’s clear that Esix wants Josh Eagles to come prepared to their match next week. Esix, you haven’t said much about the man you are due to face at the Kighting, the Syndicate Champion Kid Flanagan. Are there any words you have for Kid?”
“I take things one step at a time, Alex. Each one of my moves is calculated. I’ll have words for Kid Flanagan, believe me. The time is not yet right, however. Kid can come out and claim that it took two men to bring him down in the number one contender match a couple weeks ago, but I think it’s clear who the better man is. As far as I’m concerned, for right now, Kid Flanagan is of no threat to me. What’s worse is his apparent friendship with Josh Eagles. I’m not gonna worry about him, though. I’m sure I can handle both Josh and a drunken moron in a panda suit if he makes the unwise decision to try and interfere in our match. Maybe I’ll have to ensure that he won’t be a problem before the match, but I doubt that will happen. Quite frankly, I don’t think Kid Flanagan has the balls.”
“Esix, on a slightly unrelated note, we’ve been receiving questions about the status of your apparently former manager Skeeter Butts. Last week, however, we saw him accompany you to the ring. What exactly is Skeeter’s relationship to you now?”
“Skeeter Butts no longer handles my managerial duties. He is now focusing on training me as well as serving as a body guard while I fight. Alex, these crazy rednecks can’t be trusted. Granted, I could beat the rest of their teeth out no problem, but they’re like zombies. The more they herd together, the more problems I have. These people heckle me every night, spewing hateful racist statements as well as threats on my well being. I’m a hot commodity now, Alex… I have to take care of myself, and Skeeter will ensure that I’m safe. Nobody can be trusted here… The Kingdom of Pride is slowly spinning into anarchy. You can see it every week, with guys like Eagles and these UWL thugs hopping into matches. Clearly Noble and Sterling are losing their grasp on this establishment. Maybe it’s a coincidence that these things occur as I rise through the ranks… Or perhaps it’s a sign of things to come. We’ll see, won’t we, pal?”
“We certainly will, Mr. Cordero. Tune in this weekend to see Esix take on Josh Eagles in the main event of Sunday Night Oblivion. We’re going to cap this off with one final question, Esix. I think this is the one that has been buzzing the most in the rumor circles… Just why is it that you hate Josh Eagles?”
Esix pauses, thinking back to his conversation with Moana earlier. It’s not easy for Esix to disclose feelings like this, but perhaps it’s time the world knows a little more about him. He heaves a sigh, wisping like the wind on the day of the funeral.
“Alex, I’ve made my disposition towards one Josh Eagles quite clear. I’ve wrestled in the same country, same cities, same promotions, and same matches as the guy. Never have I had the opportunity to face him one on one, however. I look at Josh Eagles and I see a man who is mentally consumed within wrestling. He has a family that he has neglected because of his pride. I know you’re losing your grip with reality, Josh. I can see it in your eyes. You’re possessed with something else… It’s your ego…”
The tone of Esix’s voice changes to a very hollow, somber tone. He isn’t smiling, nor is he frowning. He is reliving that moment… The funeral.
“Days before my father died, he said he was being haunted by ghosts. Ghosts of those from his troubled past. I don’t know if it was the damage the oxycontin did to his brain, but he insisted they were real. My father died days later, in a wrestling ring, Josh. You remind me of him. You’re just like my father, and this is the closest opportunity I can get to fighting his demon. Josh, you’re one persistent bastard, you know that? I think it’s time that somebody made you lay down and die. Give up on everything. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you wind up like my father did, Josh. Maybe I won’t kill you, but god damnit I’m going to do the best I can to kill your hopes, your dreams, and your pride!”
Scene fades to black…
Sometime in 2008, Mexico City, Mexico… A funeral procession occurs upon a sacred burial ground reserved for the heroes of the country. Notable men in Mexico’s history rest beneath these grounds. Grayed tombstones, some with elaborate statues of patron saints, watch over a somber crowd. They gather around a humble burial site, marked by an engraved tombstone which reads…
Aquí yace Manuel Cordero –
Amado esposo, padre y luchador
El Fénix resucitará
Among the family and friends of the deceased is a young man with raven hair, which wisps in the wind. He is dressed in an appropriate black suit and tie. He scans the crowd with an expression devoid of emotion. His normally bright eyes appear blank and hollow, as if he were missing a piece of his soul. He pauses after the introduction to his eulogy, hands folded just above his waist. Esix Cordero parts his lips to speak.
“…What is there to say about a man, so dedicated to professional wrestling? He lived to perform for his fans, for his company, and namely, for his pride. Pride is what killed my father, ladies and gentleman…”
A lonely gust of wind whistles from the clouded skies. A weathered widow dabs a tissue beneath her mascara-streaked eyes. She clutches the hand of her broad-shouldered son, Rio, who watches his brother with a concerned yet distant gaze. The young man speaking turns his back to the crowd, staring down at the patch of dirt his father’s corpse lies beneath. A tear wells up in the corner of his eye, trickling down as a river of sadness… anger… and hatred.
“Good fucking riddance.”
A symphony of gasps blow up from the crowd, disgusted at the sudden shocking display of disrespect. The woman’s jaw drops and her eyes fill with utter despair. Esix whips around with a fire in his eyes.
“DON’T LIE TO YOURSELVES! We come to celebrate a man who deserved this fate! Wrestling killed him and you all know it! His pride and ego kept him shoveling those painkillers in his mouth… Well guess what, DAD?! I’m glad you’re dead! I’m glad you died doing what you loved… Whoring yourself out for people’s entertainment. I made the mistake of blindly following this man into what he convinced me to center my life around! I was a fool, for I did not see that no matter how hard I tried… There was just no impressing you. I couldn’t be my own man! I had to be your shadow, and I’ll never forgive you for that.”
“HE LOVED YOU!”
The widow cries out. She gasps for breath between her sobs, trying to build up the strength to respond.
“HE WANTED THE BEST FOR YOU, ESIX!”
Esix grits his teeth and shoots right back at his grieving mother.
“HE WANTED ME TO BE HIM! I’ll be damned if any of you think I’m here to continue a fucking legacy! The Phoenix is dead, ladies and gentleman. I’m not gonna miss him…”
Rio steps up to his younger sibling, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him right in his face.
“GET OUT OF HERE, ESIX!”
Esix shoves his brother’s arms off of him and steps back. A wry smirk curls upon his face, building into a demented cackle. He opens his mouth to respond, but holds his thoughts back. He shakes his head, grinning in a sadistic sort of way as he turns to walk away…
…And that was the last time Esix saw any of his family.
Esix’s apartment, days after his match against Christian Kane. His face is busted, his body is bruised, his bones are sore and his mind is fatigued… The official scorecard reads that Esix Cordero defeated Christian Kane via count out, but to Esix it didn’t feel like a victory worth celebrating. It wasn’t until afterwards that Esix discovered that Josh Eagles did indeed interfere in his match, much to his displeasure. Moana Moreno understood that Esix didn’t want the match to finish this way. This one of the many things Esix Cordero despises about wrestling – It’s not about defining the true victor, it’s about a man’s pride. Christian Kane could’ve ignored Josh Eagles and maybe even finished off Esix in that match. Maybe not… Unfortunately, there’s just no way of truly knowing until the men meet again. This tortured him, keeping him awake throughout the past few nights. This lead to this moment.
Esix sits across from Moana, staring with a sense of sadness into her eyes. He had just finished recounting the events that occurred at the funeral of his father. Moana was there. She saw it all, but she never got the story from Esix’s point of view. That was the last day she had seen him until just last month. She grasps Esix’s hand to comfort him, but he pulls away.
“So that’s what happened…” Moana says faintly.
Esix nods, without words to complement the story of his unfortunate eulogy.
“Did you… Did you really mean that, Esix?”
“Every word of it. That man wasn’t a father, Moana. He was a wrestler first and foremost. Rio couldn’t understand, but he didn’t get pushed the same way I did. He was always the dedicated one. He just couldn’t see beyond the family, and I hold no grudge against him. But I said what needed to be said, Moana, and I don’t regret it. He killed himself for what? The fans? Was it worth all the birthdays missed, and the moments lost? I never really loved wrestling, Moana. I just thought I did. Now I’m here for revenge. That’s why I want Eagles.”
Moana furrows her brow.
“Eagles? What does he have to do with anything?”
“Josh Eagles goes out in front of these fans, representing all that my father once stood for. He’s a proud, sinful man. Those fans that cheer him on, those he claims to fight for… They feed his ego. Those fools can’t see him for what he’s worth, though. Deep down inside, Josh Eagles is just a shameful, pitiful guy. He’s a false hero, Moana. He deserves none of the attention he gets. I’m going to show him what happens to people with too much pride. I’ll reveal Josh Eagles for the fraud that he is.”
It’s always about wrestling, whether Esix would like to admit it or not.
“Hold those thoughts then…” Moana says. “It’s no use to me what you think about Josh Eagles, so I’ll set up an interview for you.”
Esix nods in agreement.
Interview
Back to the Community Center, where it seems like Alex Avice should just rent out space. He never shows up without looking his best though, with a white dress shirt and a blue sweater vest and a fresh new haircut. Esix, however, looks rather raggedy. He hasn’t shaved in several days, as a rough-looking beard forms on his face. His hair is getting longer, wavily covering his ears and sprouting out from the back of his head. His hands are stuffed in a plain navy blue Russell sweatshirt as he looks towards the camera. His eyes look fatigued, as if he hasn’t slept well in the past few days. Regardless, he’s here with Alex and he’s ready to be interviewed.
“Alex Avice here with Esix Cordero. Esix, you’re coming off a controversial victory against Christian Kane, where Josh Eagles once again interfered to cost the champion his match. Esix, how do you feel about being able to finally face Josh Eagles one on one.”
“This is going to be definitive, Alex. A lot of hype has been going around about me, but I pay no mind. I’m focused on what is set before me. Kid Flanagan lost to Eagles last week, so now I need to prove that I’m capable of beating Kid, and I’m capable of backing up all I’ve been saying about Eagles. It’s about time somebody finally put him in his place. Josh Eagles needs to be exposed for who he really is – a loser. Don’t let Josh fool you, ladies and gentlemen, he’s truly a miserable human being. Every week I go out there and read your signs praising this man. I see your offspring wearing his t-shirts, and cheering for him with all their might. Josh Eagles is no hero. He’s a pathetic, mortal man, and he is beatable. It scares me that people just don’t seem to listen to what he has to say. Pay attention next time you listen to a Josh Eagles interview, people. He spews useless, mind-numbing crap and somehow you all still manage to cheer him on. Stop enabling this moron! He doesn’t care about you! He only cares about himself. Granted, I’m the same way, but at least I’m up front about it. Eagles is no hero. He’s a hypocrite.”
“Are you angry that Josh failed to heed your warnings to stay away from your match?”
“Am I angry? Absolutely. He had no business poking his stupid beak into mine and Christian Kane’s match. He did it last week and he did it the week before. It’s getting old, Alex. What kind of place is this, where guys are able to just waltz out in the middle of a match whenever he pleases? Does Josh Eagles get some kind of special right to butt into shit that he has no business with? I get it, man… You’re trying to play mind games. Christian Kane has your precious little belt, and you want it back. You made a mistake walking out there, Josh. Unfortunately I was incapacitated at the time that you showed your weasely punk face, so I couldn’t make you pay for it at the time. Luckily I still had the composure to make my way back into the ring, unlike my simpleton opponent. He’s in the past though, Josh. At least for me. Now you better come into this match focused on me, not Christian Kane. Underestimating Esix Cordero WILL be the biggest mistake of your life, so for your sake I hope you’re prepared for me. Granted, it’s clear that you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said to you in the past couple weeks… That’s your mistake, Eagles. And if I’ve proven anything since joining with Kingdom of Pride, it’s that I capitalize on my opponents mistakes.”
“Okay, so it’s clear that Esix wants Josh Eagles to come prepared to their match next week. Esix, you haven’t said much about the man you are due to face at the Kighting, the Syndicate Champion Kid Flanagan. Are there any words you have for Kid?”
“I take things one step at a time, Alex. Each one of my moves is calculated. I’ll have words for Kid Flanagan, believe me. The time is not yet right, however. Kid can come out and claim that it took two men to bring him down in the number one contender match a couple weeks ago, but I think it’s clear who the better man is. As far as I’m concerned, for right now, Kid Flanagan is of no threat to me. What’s worse is his apparent friendship with Josh Eagles. I’m not gonna worry about him, though. I’m sure I can handle both Josh and a drunken moron in a panda suit if he makes the unwise decision to try and interfere in our match. Maybe I’ll have to ensure that he won’t be a problem before the match, but I doubt that will happen. Quite frankly, I don’t think Kid Flanagan has the balls.”
“Esix, on a slightly unrelated note, we’ve been receiving questions about the status of your apparently former manager Skeeter Butts. Last week, however, we saw him accompany you to the ring. What exactly is Skeeter’s relationship to you now?”
“Skeeter Butts no longer handles my managerial duties. He is now focusing on training me as well as serving as a body guard while I fight. Alex, these crazy rednecks can’t be trusted. Granted, I could beat the rest of their teeth out no problem, but they’re like zombies. The more they herd together, the more problems I have. These people heckle me every night, spewing hateful racist statements as well as threats on my well being. I’m a hot commodity now, Alex… I have to take care of myself, and Skeeter will ensure that I’m safe. Nobody can be trusted here… The Kingdom of Pride is slowly spinning into anarchy. You can see it every week, with guys like Eagles and these UWL thugs hopping into matches. Clearly Noble and Sterling are losing their grasp on this establishment. Maybe it’s a coincidence that these things occur as I rise through the ranks… Or perhaps it’s a sign of things to come. We’ll see, won’t we, pal?”
“We certainly will, Mr. Cordero. Tune in this weekend to see Esix take on Josh Eagles in the main event of Sunday Night Oblivion. We’re going to cap this off with one final question, Esix. I think this is the one that has been buzzing the most in the rumor circles… Just why is it that you hate Josh Eagles?”
Esix pauses, thinking back to his conversation with Moana earlier. It’s not easy for Esix to disclose feelings like this, but perhaps it’s time the world knows a little more about him. He heaves a sigh, wisping like the wind on the day of the funeral.
“Alex, I’ve made my disposition towards one Josh Eagles quite clear. I’ve wrestled in the same country, same cities, same promotions, and same matches as the guy. Never have I had the opportunity to face him one on one, however. I look at Josh Eagles and I see a man who is mentally consumed within wrestling. He has a family that he has neglected because of his pride. I know you’re losing your grip with reality, Josh. I can see it in your eyes. You’re possessed with something else… It’s your ego…”
The tone of Esix’s voice changes to a very hollow, somber tone. He isn’t smiling, nor is he frowning. He is reliving that moment… The funeral.
“Days before my father died, he said he was being haunted by ghosts. Ghosts of those from his troubled past. I don’t know if it was the damage the oxycontin did to his brain, but he insisted they were real. My father died days later, in a wrestling ring, Josh. You remind me of him. You’re just like my father, and this is the closest opportunity I can get to fighting his demon. Josh, you’re one persistent bastard, you know that? I think it’s time that somebody made you lay down and die. Give up on everything. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you wind up like my father did, Josh. Maybe I won’t kill you, but god damnit I’m going to do the best I can to kill your hopes, your dreams, and your pride!”
Scene fades to black…
