The Dropkick King
6'0"
190 lbs
"Last One Standing" by Simple Plan
New Orleans, LA
Babyface
The Adrien Cutter
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The Dropkick King
is Offline
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4 posts
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GUEST ROSTER
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Post by Adrien Cochrane on Nov 6, 2021 15:44:10 GMT
Chairs thrown and tables toppled, Hands armed with broken bottles, Standing no chance to win but, We're not running, we're not running
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021
Cameras: ON“One of the biggest indicators of success in our industry is that drive to constantly test yourself. Iron sharpens iron. And sometimes, it’s a good idea to seek competition outside of your locker room. How else will you know where you stand? How else will you find new things for you to improve upon? How else if you don’t face people you don’t normally face?
“So I come before my opponents as a complete stranger. I look at this list of opponents, and I’ve never been in the ring with any of you before. In fact, I’ve never even shared a locker room with any of you. The variables between you and me are all unknown, and let me tell you… that excites me!”While the man seated in the middle of the dark and empty room isn’t completely visible, his smile could be heard in his animated tone. His silhouette is enough to see him rise from his seat, as he takes a step closer to the camera. “But in a way, those circumstances can be perceived as a problem. I don’t know any of you. Any scouting I am going to be able to do on all of you will be done in the lead up to this Ollie’s Open Ovalatation. I foresee myself having to learn a lot about all of you on the fly because, frankly, there are only so many hours in a day and only so much information that can be absorbed in so much time. It’s a challenge, obviously. But if I didn’t want challenges, I wouldn’t be here. If I didn’t want obstacles, I’d start trying to find cupcake opponents. But I don’t want cupcake opponents. Like I said, iron sharpens iron. Wood only dulls the blade.
“But the information is two-ways. I’m not exactly sure how many of you are all that familiar with me. Maybe, somewhere in the deepest corners of the wrestling world… you heard a name. My name. You heard the nickname. You heard the hashtag. Maybe you’ve even heard stories about this match or that title or that moment of my career.
“Or maybe you guys know as little about me as I know about you. Maybe I’m just as much a mystery to all of you. So allow me to break the ice. I’ll end the mystery and introduce myself.”With a clap of the hands, all the lights in the room flicker on. The dark room suddenly became bright with white walls and tile. Only two other things are in this empty room: a small wooden stool that the speaker was sitting on moments ago and a blonde-haired man wearing a black leather jacket that barely covers a matching black t-shirt that reads “#Believe” in light blue letters. The fairly slender gentleman gives a warm smile to the camera. “My name is Adrien Cochrane. Some call me the Dropkick King or the Cajun Sensation. I am the only original member of the Guardians. What have I done? I suspect you don’t care, right? You don’t want to hear about my world titles. You don’t want to hear about halls of fame or tournament victories. Some of you might even dismiss me or even fail to acknowledge me.
“But it’s fine. It doesn’t matter, honestly. It really doesn’t. Because what matters in that very ring comes down to who is the best on this specific night. It matters who shows up, ready to fight like they’ve never fought before. THAT is what will determine who wins this invitation and who walks to the back while the fight is still going on. So which one of you will it be? Which one of you will stand tall in that ring, ready to dish out punishment to me and everyone else in this match like this match is the most important match in your entire career?
“And which one of you will try to stop me from being the one with my arm raised when it’s all said and done? Someone has to step up. Considering only one of the known competitors in this has more than eight years of experience, we have a lot of youthful competitors who are trying to make a name for themselves. Will it be Sybil Halter, the Court Jester with more blackouts on her biography than a CIA intelligence file? Will it be Dr. Quaker’s Experiment, prepared to use a formula to shift from beauty to beast? What about the Down Under Thunder herself, Krystal Wolfe, ready to take this victory to help her momentum in Sin City Wrestling? Could it be Ernie Spencer, who reminds me so much of a smaller version of my nerdy student, Adam Sanders? What about the Brat Princess or Mama’s Baby Boy? And lastly, how about the Son of Snakes, Kerberos, young and monstrous and ready to make an impact? Or maybe… it’s someone we don’t even know is in the match.”After briefly mentioning his opponents, Cochrane returns to the stool once more. The smile has slowly faded into a stoic expression. “We are, in the grand scheme of things, a melting pot of all sorts of competitive styles and personalities. But I know I have the experience to stand toe-to-toe with anyone in this match. I have the heart to keep fighting no matter how many times you knock me down. You want to win this match? You want to forever change your career by leaving this match victorious?! You are going to have to stop me, beat me to the point where I will fight no more, and let me tell you all, that’s easier said than done. Don’t believe me? Watch the tapes.
“Want to count me out? Want to tell me I’m nothing more than a delusional cruiserweight, dependent on what I’ve done in my sixteen years in the ring and all the accolades? Show me I’m over my head. SHOW ME what you can do and compete alongside someone who has been to the top of the mountain! Show me that you are the next big thing in this sport and if you do it, if you pull this off… you might even see me rooting for you the rest of the way. Nothing would warm my heart more than to see some young up-and-comer show me why they are a future superstar in this industry.
“But you have to earn it. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to get to where I am. And you have to be prepared to leave it all in the ring. I want to see this from you future superstars. When I dropkick you, get back up and HIT ME BACK! That’s what it’s going to take. Every ounce of fight you have in you. There’s at least eight of us in this match, ready to leave out of this as the winner. Think you can survive all of us? Let’s see what you got? As for me?”Cochrane rises to his feet one more time before pointing at the shirt under his jacket. “Let’s just say I #Believe.”
There's a point I think we're missing, It's in the air we raise our fists in, In the smiles we cast each other, My sister, my brother About the time we gave up hoping We'd ever find these locks still open, Stumbling on stones unturned, The hurt we feel, we all have earned The lines we cross in search of change, But all they see is treason
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 Cameras: OFF “Eighteen, nineteen… twenty…”Adrien Cochrane extends his arms perfectly straight before placing the weights back on the rack above his head. He sits up from the bench press and wipes his face with a nearby towel before he realizes he isn’t the only person in the room. He removes his earbuds before addressing the visitor to his personal gym. Adrien: “Didn’t know you were coming by today, Eddie.”
The manager wipes his glasses before taking a seat opposite his client at the end of Cochrane’s treadmill. Eddie Walker reaches into his jacket’s inner pocket to reveal a small USB drive and places it at the end of Adrien’s bench press. Eddie: “This is everything I could come up with for the revealed opponents of your match at Pro Wrestling Excellence. It’s funny how for every roster member there that you know, every single person that we know you’re sharing the ring with is a complete unknown.”
Adrien chuckles as he places the USB drive on the small table next to the very towel he just wiped his face with. Adrien: “You’re not wrong. It’d have been nice to face people I’m familiar with like Kayla, Zoey, Betsy, Xaria, or Allen. But the mystery of the unknown is all part of the fun. I know what I’m getting out of a match against Kayla Richards. I have no idea what to expect from Callie Renton.”
Eddie: “Well, Callie, specifically, is a rookie free agent. This is her first time appearing on a major show.”
Adrien: “Still can’t underestimate her. Or anyone else in this match, I was there, once upon a time… doing local matches along the southeast. Televised or not, I had to go out there and try to make a name for myself.”
Eddie: “Same goes for the Experiment. No data on her because… well, this is her first time in a televised match that I could find. The same goes for Kerberos.”
The Dropkick King glances at the USB drive for a moment before his blue eyes dart back to his spiky-haired manager. Adrien: “Well, at least I’m sure you have a hefty dose of Brandon Moore, Ernie Spencer, and Krystal Wolfe. I’m guessing nothing on Sybil Halter, though? I see she follows me on Twitter so she is the only one who might know me before this match.”
Walker rises to his feet and straightens his black pants before nodding his head. Eddie: “According to my talks with Charlie Jones, she redacted her entire history on all the paperwork. She’s held championships but won’t say where. Not disputing the authenticity, but I don’t understand the secrecy of hiding as much information as she is.”
Adrien: “Maybe the company she works for isn’t supporting this appearance? I’m not sure.”
Eddie: “I mean, we didn’t exactly ask the Fullmetal Wrestling Alliance brass if this appearance was okay with them.”
Adrien: “You should know better than most that my contract isn’t an exclusive deal. They didn’t have to.”
Eddie: “By the way, Ollie the Cat…”
Adrien: “What about him?”
The Manager Extraordinaire gives a weak smile before revealing the news that might throw off the Dropkick King. Eddie: “He’s technically an opponent.”
Adrien: “What?! But he’s…”
Eddie: “You have to pin him or make him submit. Oh, and there’s a second cat too.”
Adrien: “I’m not committing animal cruelty.”
Eddie: “You might be able to pin them gently. I highly recommend worrying about the human opponents before trying to tackle either of the cats. I can always run to the ring with some catnip to help.”
Adrien: “So my opponents are two felines and a bunch of competitors who I know nothing about…”
Now the Cajun Sensation hops to his feet and throws the towel over his shoulder. He places an arm around his manager and best friend’s shoulder. Adrien: “If we don’t know everything about the opponents, we simply need to build a strategy around playing to my strengths. I know that when I go into that ring, I have just as much a shot at winning the whole thing as anyone else, no matter who is in the ring with me. If they gang up on me, one of them ends up being a monstrous beast, or if they take advantage of the no disqualification nature of the match… I know that I can overcome all of that. I have so many times. And I’m not done proving to anyone who thinks otherwise that I am one of the top competitors in wrestling.”Eddie: “I have zero doubt in you. So what we got on the earbuds today?”
The Dropkick King gives a soft chuckle before pocketing his phone and the USB drive. Adrien: “Record of the Year at the 2000 Grammy Awards.”
Walker simply nods his head. Eddie: “Ah yes. Carlos Santana. Rob Thomas. Smooth. Got it.”
Although we have no obligation to stay alive On broken backs we beg for mercy, we will survive Break out, I won't be left here Behind closed doors
Bonfires burn like beacons, Guiding the lost and weakened. Flames dance on crashing waves, Guiding ships who've gone astray Time out, let's stop and think this through, We've all got better things to do, Than talk in circles, run in place, Answers, inches from our face
Friday, November 5th, 2021
Cameras: ONMeow. Meow.“This is your big idea, Eddie?”Adrien Cochrane glances off-camera to his manager, who simply calls back to the Original Guardian. “Yes, and the cameras are already rolling. We’re not editing this out either.”
Annoyed with Eddie Walker, Cochrane simply shakes his head. The annoyance isn’t long though as a small kitten climbs onto Adrien’s lap and begins to purr. Another one attempts to hold himself up on Adrien’s jeans. It’s almost like he forgot he was supposed to be speaking to the camera as he just stares at the kittens that surround him. “Well, aren't you adorable? I guess I’m not getting up from this spot for a moment.”
“Cameras! Say the line!”
“I feel like I’m on a cat food or litter commercial and not shooting a wrestling promotional video.”
Cochrane has begun to pet the kitten on his lap, who has now started to lie down. Finally, Adrien looks into the camera. “Cats actually domesticated themselves. They decided to live with humans since humans tend to attract rodents, making it convenient for them to stick around. You can thank the UberFacts Twitter account for that little factoid. And now I’m going to talk about wrestling, knowing the kittens are probably killing any and all credibility that I have at the moment.
“A match like this is a true testament to the heart of a competitor. You have so many obstacles to get to the finish line. To win this match, you can’t just go out there and depend on being this dominant monster who can completely erase his competition. No, there’s a survival aspect of this. You can eliminate five opponents and still lose. It’s about not being eliminated. It’s about being able to continue when your opponents can’t. It’s all about the heart, willpower, and endurance.
“I’ve always prided myself in being resilient. No matter the odds, I know to keep my elbows up and keep swinging. Just when you think you knocked me down, you’ll see me get right back up. How else do you think a male wrestler under two hundred pounds was able to do what I’ve done?”At this point, Cochrane is now petting the kitten that is holding itself upon his jeans by his knee. It lets out a soft meow before he continues. “I love you too, buddy.”“You realize there will be felines in the ring with you, right?”
“I’M AWARE, EDWARD!!”
Adrien lowers his eyelids as he shoots an annoyed glance at his manager off-camera. He returns to petting both of the kittens before. “I’ve overcome so much in my sixteen years in the ring. I’ve been outnumbered. I’ve been overmatched. And I’ve discounted and underestimated so many times. But roads like these aren’t supposed to be easy. You don’t grow from easy victories. You get better with tough challenges. You learn from mistakes and correct them. THAT is how I won the World Championships on my resume.
“I don’t expect any of you to care. I’m pretty sure one of you has made a little joke about my accolades. It may even paint a big target on my head. But fact is: I have those because of that fighting spirit. And I will GLADLY demonstrate it for all of you in this ring here to open up Pro Wrestling Excellence’s Annihilation with this Invitational match. Whether I leave the winner or not, everyone in this ring will know what a fight with Adrien Cochrane is like. You will know why I’m still dropkicking people sixteen years later. And you will know just how I earned those accolades!
“Want to prove me wrong? Stop me. It’s quite simple. Show me that you’re better than me. Show me I’m in over my head. But don’t expect me to give up. Don’t expect me to stop. DON’T EXPECT ME TO LET YOU WIN WITHOUT LEAVING EVERYTHING IN THAT RING… because I don’t know any other way.
“This match will be treated like a World Title match for me. I’m here to make an impression on people who don’t normally see me compete. I’m here to prove that no matter what the logo on the ring apron says or who is in the ring, I’m one of the fiercest warriors in wrestling.”Cochrane stops petting the kittens for just one moment to point at his #Believe t-shirt.
“That’s what this word means. #Believe isn’t about winning every match. It’s about knowing that no match is unwinnable. If I am breathing and the bell has rung, I stand just as much a chance as anyone else. I won’t win every match, but I can win any match. And I can win this one, make no mistake.”
Meow. Meow.The kitten meows happily on Adrien’s knee. “See, even this one agrees!”
Although we have no obligation to stay alive On broken backs we beg for mercy, we will survive Break out, I won't be left here Behind closed doors
Black eyes, broken fingers, Blood drips and I let it run Down my lips into my swollen gums. When hope is non-existent, Our instincts all scream "Run", We never turn our backs or even bite our tongues.
Friday, November 5th, 2021 Cameras: OFF “Nearly done.”
Adrien Cochrane lifts a few pieces of shrimp with his spoon inside the stock pot on his cooktop. They seemed like they were almost pink enough after sitting in the gumbo for half an hour. Cochrane stirs the pot a bit more before he hears small footsteps getting closer and closer to him. Based on the size, he already knows who they belong to. Adrien: “Did you escape your mother, kiddo?”
Cochrane smiles as he looks down at his young son, only a month away from his second birthday. Alex Cochrane starts lightly pulling on the bottom of his father’s Rise Against t-shirt. Adrien: “What, little buddy?”
Alex says nothing, simply hugging his father’s leg. Adrien smiles before ruffling his hair. Much larger footsteps start to echo towards him, another obvious owner.
“He’s a speedy one. Just like you, mein Herz.”The soft-spoken Everalda Cochrane enters the kitchen with a sweet smile. Her golden locks of hair are styled into a single braid that rests over her left shoulder. Upon her body is a lovely fall dress, perfect for the Chalmette weather. No shoes or sandals upon her feet, not even socks. She walks barefoot across the floor and leans over to gently pick their son up into her arms. Everalda: “But he shouldn’t be in the kitchen when Daddy is cooking. If he’s not careful, he could get burned.”
Adrien: “I mean, he isn’t quite tall enough to reach anything that can burn him yet.”
The Dropkick King ruffles his son’s hair again, even if he is in his wife’s arms now. Adrien: “Yet, anyway.”
Adrien puts the lid back on the stock pot before lowering the flame on the cooktop, keeping it warm. Adrien: “Dinner should be ready shortly. I’m guessing Klaus is just about done with his homework?”
Everalda: “Yes. He wanted to get it all done before tomorrow. I wonder why…?”
It’s almost presented as an innocent question, but there’s a knowing little smile on her face. When Alex softly coos, Everalda leans down and blows raspberries against his tummy, causing him to giggle and wiggle around in her arms. The Cajun Sensation simply smiles before letting Alex grasp his index finger. Adrien: “I mean, I have a pretty good idea why. Granted, you could use a little more work on your poker face, dear.”
He kisses the top of his son’s head before he sees the last member of the Cochrane household walk in. Everalda turns to see Klaus enter the kitchen in a custom-fitted Guardians t-shirt and a pair of green cargo shorts. Like his mother, he, too, is barefoot. Unlike both of his parents, however, his hair is brown and curly, a physical feature from his late biological father. Klaus: “The gumbo smells yummy, Papa!”
But even then, he sees Adrien as his father. He has for a little over three years now. The five-year-old kindergartener is all smiles as he rocks back and forth on the balls of his feet. Klaus: “I’m done with my homework. Mom, can Papa and I talk alone for a minute? Please?”
Raising an eyebrow, Everalda tilts her head in confusion and curiosity. Alex is always happy to see his big brother, stretching his little hands towards him. Klaus reaches up and takes Alex’s little hands in one of his with a gentle squeeze. Adrien glances at his son then to his wife. Adrien: “Will probably only take a moment, honey.”
Everalda: “Alright. I’ll give you two minutes.”
She smiles at her husband and their oldest son, then she swiftly carries Alex away like an airplane. The little one is so excited, giggling all the while. Once they’re far enough from the kitchen, Klaus looks up to Adrien. Klaus: “Are Uncle Eddie and the pretty lady gonna babysit me and Alex tomorrow?”
Adrien: “Actually, it’ll just be Ms. Eli. I think Uncle Eddie will be doing something with your Uncle Adam. How did the card come out?”
The little one smiles and claps his hands. Upon closer inspection, there's traces of watercolor paint and golden glitter on his hands. Klaus: "It looks nice! I used my fingers to paint the flowers and glitter glue, but I dunno how to spell your name. Can you do it, Papa?"
Adrien: “Yeah, I can sign it myself. I’m guessing you just wrote Alex’s name under his handprint like we discussed?”
Klaus: "Yeah! His name was easy to spell. A-l-e-x."
He offers an assertive nod and smiles. His eyes shimmer before he asks-- Klaus: "What are you and Mom gonna do tomorrow?"
Cochrane doesn’t say anything at first, simply ruffling his stepson’s hair just as he did Alex’s. Adrien: “I got a whole day planned for your mother’s birthday. Museums, musicals, and a dinner on the river. But you can’t tell her, okay?”
Klaus simply nods his head with a wide grin on his face. Cochrane slyly sticks his tongue out at the young boy. Adrien: “But you don’t worry about that. Your mom’s thirty-first birthday is going to be very special, and I’ll give her the card you worked on while we’re out and about. You just be on your best behavior for Ms. Eli, okay? Gumbo should be done. Can you please go ahead and tell your mother?”
Adrien watches as the wide-eyed five-year-old runs to alert her that dinner was just about done. For the Dropkick King, life was just domestic bliss.
Although we have no obligation to stay alive On broken backs we beg for mercy, we will survive Break out, I won't be left here Behind closed doors |
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