[FADE IN to Animezing Dragon standing in front of an EPW backdrop, dressed casually]
Karl: Rezin and Anarky… amazing how similar views can be presented so differently. For years, I’ve been saying much the same thing about opponent after opponent. That they let their egos go unchecked, that they live their lives in their own little heavens just waiting for someone to tear down the thin veneer of rose-tinted glass.
Otaku: I never got that metaphor.
Karl: I think a lot of people found it overly flowery. I’ve looked around this company over the years, and I’ve seen the same kinds of people that Anarky describes. People who believe in the Hollywood ideal, where life is a film with them in the lead role. You’re right, Anarky. Sometimes people need to be shown a little glimpse of what they really are, to see themselves in a true mirror rather than a fanciful one, so they can see what they’re like as people. Someone like Rich Mahogany could do with that, someone like The First could certainly do with that. He could do with realising he’s no saviour. He’s no saint. He’s cut from the same greed-filled cloth as Sean Stevens, Cameron Cruise, and dozens of others.
But so are you, Anarky. Your motivations are different, sure. You aren’t motivated by titles. You aren’t motivated by being seen to be in the spotlight. But the greed you despise is there.
Otaku: Wait, what?
Karl: You’re the one who said what it was.
Otaku: OH! That! Yeah. I dunno, he’ll probably laugh and say we don’t know what we’re talking about.
Karl: Probably. Like a lot of people, Anarky won’t admit to something other than his own view being valid.
Otaku: True. I mean, Anarky-san, when we got backstage after the big eight man match, I looked back over what happened and realise you and Rezin, you just want to make Empire Pro what you want it to be. You want to create Empire Pro in your image, but both times I’ve been here it’s never been like that. Has it ever been like that, Dragon-domo?
Karl: The great thing about this company is it’s always grown organically. It’s never been about one person. Being World Champion never meant you were the absolute pinnacle, because the roster, up and down, was full of great wrestlers. Egos, yes, but that’s something you see in life. And life doesn’t bend to anyone’s will.
Otaku: Yeah. And look at Anarky-san. He’s glad he’s not a champion, I guess I can understand, you spent ages when you were hoping someone’d take the IC title from you, but then he goes on to complain about how it happened.
Karl: Anarky’s not going to like that part.
Otaku: Maybe not but maybe he should stop going on about The First if it really doesn’t bother him that he’s not the champion. Maybe he should keep quiet about it, but I think he’s too vain. I think he’s trying to manipulate the spotlight back onto himself. Because for all his talk of not liking being champion he did seem to enjoy being in the spotlight.
Karl: The spotlight’s a drug. I must admit from time to time even I’ve enjoyed being in it.
Otaku: Yeah but you’ve been upfront about it. Anarky-san’s going on about frauds and how he was told he wasn’t what people expected as a champion and retribution, he’s as big a fraud as First-baka!
Karl: I’m wondering something.
Otaku: Yeah?
Karl: Should I add a disclaimer saying your views aren’t necessarily my views.
Otaku: I’m not afraid of a bully.
Karl: I guess I can see why you’d think Anarky’s a bully. But that’s giving him too much credit. He may like that moment of fear, and he’s probably going to say something along the lines of you and I are going to have that beautiful, sweet look in our eyes when we realise what we’re up against, but… I’ve wrestled Anarky before, and I’m still here, the same non-plussed feelings about facing him as I had back then. There’s nothing in the world worth worrying so much about that you fear it.
Otaku: Yes! I was hoping for something profound, man. Nice one!
Karl: I’m glad you approve.
Otaku: Anarky-san and Rezin-san, if they think they’re gonna waltz over us and move on to build Empire Pro in their image or destroy it, they’re wrong!
Karl: You think they’re going to care that we’re not going to roll over and let them win?
Otaku: They won’t care but reality is going to prove them wrong if they think it’s going to be easy! We’re two time tag champs for a reason! Yeah!
Karl: Besides us losing the titles once and winning them back, you mean?
Otaku: Cynic!
Karl: Yup.
Otaku: This may be non-title, but we’ve gotta take this seriously, Dragon-domo!
Karl: I always take matches seriously. Anarky and Rezin, you’re in for a shock if you think that retribution starts here. Even if you do manage to win, it won’t be the utter victory you seem to crave. I’ve faced you before, Anarky, and I’m still here. I’ll be here the following Aggression, too.
In short, your quest for retribution? Doesn’t start this week.
[FADE…]
Voice: Next time on Animezing Dragon…
Otaku: The world is in chaos… empires are crumbling… but a new light shines through the anarchy!
Next time on Animezing Dragon, New Hope – the World Reborn!
Karl: Why so dark and sombre?
Otaku: Wanted to give something else a try. You like?
Karl: Nope.
Otaku: Spoilsport.
[END]