Ernie's Road Back

Press Conference
January 2, 2022
New York, New York
Off Camera

It's a really cold day in January as Ernie Spencer is standing off to the side of a giant podium set up in the middle of the convention center in downtown New York. The banners for Championship All Star Wrestling are hanging from the rafters as Ernie is looking around at the amount of people filing into the center just for the press conference.

"Is all of this really necessary Carlos?" Ernie asks in between his teeth chattering from the freezing temperatures inside the building. Carlos Fontaine, the financial advisor and head Booker for Championship All Star Wrestling, is standing off to the side talking on his brand new iPhone 13. Carlos wraps up his phone call and rubs his hands together while taking a long sniff of the air. "Do you smell that amigo?" Carlos fires back with a question of his own. Ernie cocks an eyebrow up while shaking his head. "I don't smell anything," Ernie answers as Carlos places his hand around Ernie's shoulder. "Don't joke with me esse, I know you can smell all that money we make before Clash-o-Mania," Carlos says. "I can't smell anything Carlos. I think my nose is frozen," Ernie replies as Carlos looks at his face and sees how red Ernie's nose has become. "Good grief, are you trying out to be the next Rudolph," Carlos jokes as Ernie just shakes his head.

A beautiful brunette is standing on the side of the podium as she motions for Carlos and Ernie to come closer. "Okay gentlemen, we are just about ready to go. We are just waiting for a few more members of the press to arrive," the brunette instructs both men as Ernie shrugs his shoulder. "I still don't understand why I am here," Ernie states as Carlos and the brunette both look at him confused by his statement. "Ernie, you are the only one besides, your wife, who is undefeated at this event. That is why you are here," Carlos says as Ernie nods his head. The brunette places her right index finger onto her ear and nods her head. "It's time gentlemen," the brunette declares as she ushers both men onto the stage. The brunette stands at the podium as Ernie and Carlos both take seats on the stage.

The press conference begins with a round of questions for Ernie's goal in general for his wrestling career. Ernie answers them the best he can without giving out a lot of information. Carlos jumps into to tackle the questions about CASW and whether Ernie could be making a return at the Stumble this year. Carlos doesn't give out too much detail as Ernie just shrugs his shoulder. As the press conference drags on, Ernie feels his has said plenty and decides not to speak anymore. Both Carlos and the brunette notice as Carlos stands up to his feet. "I believe we have said everything that is needed thank you," Carlos says in a vague manner as the room full of reporters fire off another set of questions. Ernie leaves the stage as the brunette and Carlos follow after him. Ernie is shaking his head while leaning against the wall.

"I didn't think we would ever get done," Ernie says feeling relieved. "I hope you are fucking happy," the brunette fires back with a little anger in her voice. Ernie looks at her confused as Carlos quickly gets right in front of her. He puts both hands up in a defensive stance as she is pacing back and forth. "That fucking stunt you pulled of not answering that one question could cost us," the brunette says through gritted teeth. "Whoa, chill chica, Ernie had every right not to answer that question about his personal life. This press conference was about The Clash and not about him. He didn't have to do it since we aren't paying hi," Carlos stops talking as Ernie pushes himself off the wall. He uses his finger to clean out his ear. He looks at Carlos. "So what you are telling me is that I wasted all my time promoting an event that I am not even getting paid for it," Ernie says while looking at Carlos. Ernie shakes his head, smashes his shoulder into Carlos before leaving the area. Carlos let's out a deep sigh as the brunette is rubbing her forehead while watching Ernie get into a cab.

Remembering the old days
January 5, 2022
Tampa, Florida
Off Camera

It's a beautiful day in South Florida as Ernie Spencer is sitting on his bed with his right leg bent slightly and an old shoebox filled with old pictures. He digs through them while reminiscing about how his career had started. As Ernie is rummaging through the photographs, his wife quietly leans against the door frame.

"What are you doing?" she asks him. Ernie takes a second to collect his thoughts. "I am just looking at some old photographs from my early days," he answers. Jessie raises one eyebrow. "Why? Shouldn't you be preparing for that six pack challenge at Victory 8," Jessie responds as Ernie looks at her.

"These pictures are helping me find that spark that once drove me to be the absolute best. I need to find that spark if I ever plan on making it past those six individuals," Ernie tells her as she just shakes her head.

"I believe you have that spark already inside of you. You don't need old pictures to try and find it. Just believe in yourself," Jessie says while moving closer towards the bed. Ernie moves his eyes back to the pile of photos sitting in front of him.

"I don't know babe. I'm not so sure that is the case. My career has been pretty hit or miss the entire time. I was lucky to win both championships that I currently have in the trophy case. I don't see myself getting lucky this time around," Ernie says truthfully. Jessie Jane reaches down, takes a hold of his hands and looks him right in the eye. "I believe in you. I have faith that you are going to shock the entire world. You just have to believe in yourself," Jessie says while planting a soft kiss on his lips.

The Journey is almost complete
A Nerdy way to Shoot

It's almost that time boys and girls where I, Ernie Spencer, take you down that ever winding road that is a wrestling shoot. Now I could drop a thousand f-bombs and call it a night but that has been overdone. Now I know, you are probably expecting me to make some bold prediction about how I am going to win this six person challenge just to punch my ticket to the main event.

What fun will that be huh? The fun is the journey in itself. Think about it for a minute. You have six individuals who literally busted their humps to get this far but only one will be named number one contender. Now, I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Ever since I survived my encounter with Alice, my stomach has been churning inside my body. I am not sure about who I will be facing. Individuals like Vhodka Black and Allen Chaney who are mainstays here in PWE could deserve an opportunity at dethroning Damian. Then there is Wraith and Chris Page who could shock the world and earn a shot themselves. Four out of the six actually stand a chance against Damian. One of the six is too full of himself to even be considered an actual threat and then there is me. I am just one lucky son of a gun. I don't know why I am in this match but I will make the most of it.

As this match steadily approaches, I ask myself which one of the individuals do I respect the least. I mean I hardly know any of them so judging this person by how much respect I have for them isn't exactly fair now is it. I'm pretty sure Nate Dixon feels the exact same way. I mean why would he respect me. I'm just a video game playing geek who enjoys playing dungeons and dragons with my friends. Too him, this life is a job while to me it's just a freaking hobby. Do I enjoy leaping off various things? Yes and no. Yes, because I am a gluten for punishment but I am not stupid. I bet Nate is probably asking the wrestling gods how I got let into this sacred community. I don't really know but trust me Nate I'm here to stay.

You know had Nate turns his nose up at me, I'm sure Allen Chaney is trying to come up with a witty joke to say about me. After all, he is a comedian right. I find it hilarious that his rival LCP got an opportunity at the championship before he could. I'm amazed both you and Wraith are even able to walk after the hell you went through the last time out. I thought my match with Alice was bad. I'm sure that joke will be good but I hope he doesn't mind that I give him the PUNCHline.

Chris Page should be well rested since you didn't put in a lot of work. I mean you didn't even break a freaking sweat. That may have worked last time but I don't see you getting close to winning this match.

Vhodka Black is going to be the one competitor that I see moving forward. She has all the tools. She has skills. However she isn't driven like I am. She isn't passionate like me. I eat, breathe, sleep and go broke for this business. I have slept in cars for this business. I have slept on bus benches and picnic tables for this business. Not once did I complain.

Now it's my time to get my name etched in history. I have been dreaming of my first world Title and no one is going to keep me from living my dream. I don't care if you are a friend, foe or just some average Joe. I will strike with broken analog sticks until I have nothing left. That is my goal and I will see it through.