The Wrong Punisher Got Canceled

{He finally did it! After a few tries, Tristan Killebrew knocked off his bitter foe in Havoc and has gotten one step closer to being crowned as The King of The World in the process. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t pretty, but in the end, Tristan secured the victory. He’s a winner. But does he feel like one? He’s banged up. His wound on the back of his head was reopened. You can’t see it because he is facing the camera but that area is heavily bandaged. It’s even worse now than what it was at Badlands. It hurts a bit to just turn his neck in the slightest movement. But he’ll be fine in time for his next match. A boo-boo won’t stop him and neither will his next opponent, Jacob Senn. Tristan has his own camera and is sitting in his own home by the looks of it as behind him is a treadmill and a bench press.}

“It’s not exactly Gold’s Gym, but it’s enough. You gotta work with what you got, right? And what I got — WAS A LITTLE BIT OF REVENGE! Last week I beat Havoc in the center of that ring. I pinned the European Champion. And it felt — AMAZING? EXCEPTIONAL? SWELL? SATISFYING? ...No. I thought it was going to be all those things rolled up into one as I had his leg hooked — as I heard the crowd chanting along with the ref’s count, but once the bell rang, it was, well it was a little lackluster, I’m not going to lie. Almost a little pissed off because this was long overdue. This should have happened at Violent Ends. But better late than never right? Yeah! No harm no foul. Pat myself on the back. Take a victory lap. Throw a parade for myself. Don’t worry, there won’t be more than ten people there and we will all be six feet apart. But the reason why I’m not over the moon right now is because what I did last week, it didn’t end anything. Havoc is still breathing. Havoc is still In Wrestleworld and so am I. And no matter what we do, we always seem to find each other and gear up as we go to war once more. It’s 1-1 when it comes to you and I. Don’t count that Violent Ends bullshit because Babayka ruined that. So like I said, nothing was solved. The score is now even. But make no mistake about it, the next time I face you, which is a guarantee since we are in the same ring at the same time just about every other week, I’m taking the lead, while you’re too busy blowing the early one you had. But until then, I have bigger fish to fry, while you have — well, you have Dr. Vance and Babayka! So nothing. Cool cool.”

{In front of Tristan, is the King Of The World Bracket. He has personally crossed the names, Kanaida Sharpe and Havoc, out. Now he looks at Jacob Senn’s name with that pen in his hand. He puts it down for a second and continues talking.}

“Consider my interest piqued. Jacob Senn, The Punisher! I have admired your work from afar. I’ve watched as you’ve dominated just about every company you’ve worked for. Multiple world titles, a laundry list of accolades, plenty of instant classic matches under your belt. And to top it all off, the cherry that is a hall of fame career! So yes, you’re a bit of a legend when it comes to this whole professional wrestling thing. And that is why I’m quite eager to face you. Which does not compute to some because there are a lot of people here in Wrestleworld that prefer the easy way out. To put in minimal effort, to cut corners to get what or where they want. But not me. I came here to test myself. And the only way you can truly test yourself is when you face the best of the best. That’s what you are, Jacob. You’re a measuring stick. You’re the bar that’s been set. And little ol’ me? I’m here to raise it. You and I? We aren’t much alike. You could maybe draw a few, yes, just a few comparisons, but not nearly enough to claim we are cut from the same cloth or anything like that because we aren’t. You’ve done it all, Jacob, you’ve done it all over the world, while I’m just scratching the surface. Just getting my name out there now. You have nothing left to prove, while I, on the other hand, have everything to prove and everything to gain. I know you will probably disagree with that last statement. Because to you, you’re trying to prove you still have plenty left in the tank. That you are still that same Jacob Senn who is the face of any company the second the ink dries on your contract. I have no doubt in my mind that still rings true today. You didn’t age ten years overnight. You’re still in your prime — while I’m just now entering mine. You see, I have a major chip on my shoulder. It’s latched on and there isn’t a grip tight enough to pry it away from me. Just like you in the early stages of your career, I’m trying to make a name for myself. For the name Tristan Killebrew to be household known. And the way I see it, beating a legend such as yourself is a nice first step in getting to where I want. And where I want is to be in the finals of The King Of The World tournament. I WON’T BE DENIED FROM THAT, JACOB! I’ve been so patient here. I’ve waited patiently for my time to come. For my time to shine! One after one, I’ve seen my peers win championships and be awarded opportunities that I felt should have been sent my way instead. Yeah, should’ve, would’ve, could’ve. It’s loser talk. But this whole waiting thing is getting old. I get it though!! I get that I have nobody to blame but myself when it comes to my lack of real results. Sure, I have countless wins when it comes to Wrestleworld’s Chapters, but I have yet to do it when it counts. When it matters the most. That changes. That changes right here and now. It starts with you, Jacob — but it doesn’t end with you. When it’s all said and done, you’ll just be another casualty on my road to claiming my kingdom. Dare I say, a stepping stone? Oh no! I would never hurl such an insult your way because that would be the harshest of slaps to the face when I’m describing a legend such as yourself. Plus, I’m more of a puncher anyway.”

{Tristan gets up and stands by a window in his home, admiring the scenery, looking out at the ghost town since the shelter in. As he has his back turned towards the camera, you can now see the bandage on the back of his head and neck area. He’s still staring out the window.}

“You are an important puzzle piece, Senn. You have helped put Wrestleworld on the map, even with you just being ‘in the background.’ It’s because of your reputation, your name, your face. The fans are familiar with you. Just your name being attached to Wrestleworld is enough. The same goes for established stars such as Claudia and Drake & Jones. Hell, one of our very own commentators is one of the most famous wrestlers of all time, in Robbie V. Because of you guys, Wrestleworld had a fighting chance seeing as how your loyal fans’ eyes were glued to the product since day one. Because of you guys, people are finally seeing my work and I am truly thankful for that. So yes, it’s important to have stars such as yourself when you are starting out. It gives you a leg up on the other newer competition. But — yep, here comes the but — the way I see it, your work here is done. We are no longer in the beginning stages. This is about the future. And I firmly believe that in order for a company to succeed and have longevity, they need to create their own stars. It’ll keep the audience engaged long term. Because if they want to watch the same ol’ shit, I can think of a certain company that would be more up their alley, but I digress. So while we are talking about puzzle pieces, that’s where I fit in all of this. Whether you like it or not, you’re passing that torch to me. I don’t care if you willingly hand it over or if I have to force it from your grasp, I’m getting it. And once I get it, I’m not turning back. I fully plan on leaving you all in the dust. That’s the kind of competitor that I am, remember? I not only want to face the best, but I also want to slay the best. I already beat one champion in this tournament, why not add a legend to the names I cross off? I would like nothing more than to send you packing from this tournament as the frustration within you continues to build and spread...”

{Tristan looks a little uneasy as he unbuttons his collar. He then turns back to the camera as rage is written all over his face. Controlling his anger has been difficult these past few weeks. He’s usually cool, calm and collected, but it’s clear he’s bottling some things up.}

“BECAUSE I’VE BEEN SOOOOOO FUCKING FRUSTRATED FOR THE LONGEST TIME! And you are partially to blame. I can sense your confusion. Why you of all people? How in the world am I gonna make this personal between us when you didn’t even know I existed probably even a week ago? The hatred is there. And it’s real, Senn. This isn’t some manufactured beef. It’s organic. Because like I’ve said countless times before, before Wrestleworld came knocking, I was just sitting at home, doing nothing. Bored out of my mind because no wrestling company wanted to take a chance on me. Hey, I get it, I don’t have the best reputation in this business with the baggage I have, but I think I deserved at least a second chance, right? I mean, I’ve seen so many wrestlers far worse than I get five or ten chances before. So I wanted my crack at redemption. The only problem was, nobody wanted me. So I sat on my hands and did nothing for the longest time. That is until I swallowed my pride and basically begged countless federations to sign me. I was even willing to work for free to start out. To earn my keep, you know? I’m sure you still don’t see where I am going with this, so let me spell it out for you. One of these companies I speak of includes — Strong Style Wrestling, SSW. The company you basically ran. And you turned me down. You turned me down via email too, although you probably don’t recall any of this because I highly suspect it was your secretary responding back. Point is, you didn’t think I had what it took to be successful in this business. Yep, that stung. Because you obviously could have used the talent back then as your roster was lacking in more areas than one, and yet, I still didn’t make the cut. Woulda looked real nice in that Phantom Troupe purple back then, but now I would be more of a Shoot Nation kind of guy, but none of this matters anymore. Point is, LOOK AT ME NOW! This some Michael Jordan not making his high school varsity team type bullshit. I will have a similar turnaround. Because I don’t let people like you keep me down. I don’t give you that satisfaction because I’m a big believer in karma. You get what you deserve and a loss for you this week is what you truly deserve. I’ll make sure of it — for I am the karma, Jacob.”

“You say you create stars. Guys like Chad Kennedy! Yeah, that dude is big time now! Great work with helping him reach superstardom. All sarcasm aside, I get what you’re saying. You’re saying that just being in the same ring as you, is doing guys like me a favor. Such an act of kindness on your end. But no. I don’t know about them, but I’m not interested in your clout. I don’t do this for the fame like others. While we have former football and futbol players, and movie stars trying to use Wrestleworld for their own gain for future career opportunities that don’t involve this company at all, I’m right where I want to be. This is my dream. This is my everything. My love! And when you love something, you protect it at all costs. You do everything you can for it. And what I’m going to do for Wrestleworld is provide it with a king they can be proud of — me. Which obviously means I have to get past you to do so. That I will. Because I have no other choice. See, you can rattle off all these names you’re better than to stroke your own ego and help you sleep at night, but one name that will never leave your lips is Tristan Killebrew, soon to be, King Killebrew. It has a nice ring to it, does it not? King Senn! Yeah, it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like mine. But hey, don’t sweat it, right? You’re the best! You’re Jacob fucking Senn! And usually, that would mean something, but it’s the year 2020 and it no longer does. You said it yourself, that when a wrestler, or as you put it, a ‘conqueror’ reaches their peak, they then have nowhere to go but ‘tumbling down the mountain.’ What a tough pill that is to swallow. Knowing you’ve peaked. But hey, your peak is great. It’s really high up there. I mean, most men and women in this business can only dream about doing the things you’ve done. But it also means that your best days are behind you. And soon, your aspirations to be king will be behind you as well. It is a shame though. This should be the finals, no doubt about it. Because this has all the makings of being a good one, something special, something memorable! But on the bright side, the fans get it earlier than expected. It’s a win for them. And soon, a win for me as well. King Killebrew is coming. You have been warned. There is no stopping him. There is no containing him. Only accepting him  — as your rightful king! Consider yourself fortunate enough to be the second man to kneel at the royal one’s feet, Jacob. All hail.”

{Tristan goes back to sit down at the table he was at in the beginning, as he’s looking at the King of the World bracket. He takes his pen and crosses out the name Jacob Senn. Camera fades to black.}