Expectations. // Chapter II

Hearing the roar of the crowd was indescribable.

It's no secret that Issak had heard large crowds many times in his career, but he simply wasn't expecting the sound he got. He'd spent his time over seas, and wasn't sure how well the American audience knew his name. Plus, getting the date backwards on the flyer for his Festival of Friendship and leading to absolutely nobody showing up was a bit of a misstep. However, at least he could look back on it and laugh now, especially now that the PWE crowd was chanting his name.

Defeating Kanna took much more out of his than he would have liked, but that's how gauntlets work. If you manage to get passed your first opponent, you also need to think about how you plan on dispersing your energy. The good part was that the only person left was Allen, but the bad part was that Verger easily winded him. Possibly in a triple threat match, things might've gone differently, but that's not the game they're playing today. Otto's head hit the canvas as Cheney hit The Punchline, followed by the three count.

Allen had his heartfelt moment in the ring and the truth is that he deserved it. The fans connected with him this season and it only made sense that he get his rightful title shot in the position that he did. Though, Issak couldn't help but feel a smidge of jealousy walking back behind the black curtain. He chose not to wait and watch, but instead walked through the hallways towards the locker room. His smile always in tact.

At a time needed most, Carson Campbell nudged Issak's shoulder from behind. "Tough break there. I was pullin' for ya, of course."

Issak didn't expect his friend to come see his first match in PWE, though turning to see him made Otto's heart full. It was quite possible that his smile was real now, looking at Carson. Issak knew he didn't have to say anything, instead responding to Carson's original statement.

"It's quite alright, I wasn't really expecting to win."

Issak chuckled a little, shaking his head from side-to-side and rubbing his forehead sheepishly.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Issak. You got passed Kanna, and you did a hell of a job against Allen. He was starting fresh is all, I don't want to hear that junk about you not expecting to win. You could've easily won."

He punched Issak in the arm, with a little more power than a simple friendly punch. He really meant it, and he really needed Issak to know that. He wouldn't tolerate any negative self-speak.

"No, Caron. I wasn't expecting to win, because simple probability told me that I shouldn't. As you said, Allen was starting fresh. Not only that but I was coming off a two year hiatus that's only seen me in the ring a few times since then. I had a lot of ring rust to work off. Sure it would've been super nice and a HUGE moment for me to win the PWE Excellence Championship in my first match here. Maybe a few years ago I would've been able to pull it off, but I knew deep in my heart, that I didn't fully have what it would take to pull off the whole thing.

I know some believe that you should go into every match believing that you're going to win, that you have what it takes. I do believe in confidence, but I believe in logical confidence. Sure, there was a percentage that I would walk away with the Excellence Championship and I held onto that percentage. But the fact remains that I needed to fail the first time if ever I wanted to see myself on the top. I've always learned more in defeat..."

Carson raised an eyebrow towards Otto, somehow confused.

"You're taking things rather well then?"

Issak continued on as if he hadn't heard Carson. The entire time they were speaking, they walked along the corridor.

"That's why I can't be sour, I can't be bitter. Allen Cheney won fair and square, and now he's in the history books as the Excellence Champion. Just like he wanted. For me, I have a jumping off point. Now I know what it's like to be in the ring with Kanna, and I know what it's like to be in the ring with Allen. Now I have a better idea of the skills I need to hone, and the growth that needs to occur before I challenge for the Excellence Championship again. They say that the money is in the chase, and while it's never been about the money for me, I do think that you gain extra momentum and extra drive during the chase. Allen had that. Now we see if he can keep it, and we see what happens the next time we're in the ring together."

They stopped in front of the locker room. It was clear Carson didn't fully believe his friend, but he'd accept it for now.

"Either way, you get yourself changed and then I'm taking you out for drinks, buddy! Time to celebrate!"

"You're a good friend, Carson."

He patted Carson twice on the shoulder, and in return Campbell did the same. A moment later, Issak was disappearing behind the locker room door and as he did, the smile disappeared as well. The truth is, despite the logic behind his loss tonight, he couldn't help but feel the sting. The sting that told him it didn't matter how much time he put back into this, he'd never be able to reach the pinnacle he had before. Let alone the much higher, and seemingly unobtainable, goal he'd set for himself.

Otto walked to his locker, and starred into the mirror he'd set up. Drawn on the top half was a semi-circle facing down. Meaning now that Issak was standing in front of the mirror himself, his smile was drawn on for him by the mirror.

He couldn't help the feelings of sadness, feelings of doubt. He wished he could return to the same ideals he had twice years ago. He was young, didn't know any better, and it showed. There would be another show, another match, and the world continues to turn, but nothing can overcome your own disappointment in yourself. His time away from the ring and morphed his mind.

He was changed. Still that same happy boy, but now a matured man. With maturity came the death of ignorance and naivety. Still, he had to be that same boy when he stepped into the ring, the world expected it of him.

"Wow! What a great start to the season, wouldn't you say? I had watched PWE during season one and I knew if I was to get back in the ring, it would be here. Of course there were other places I would keep a close watch one, such as FIGHT! At the end of the day though, I couldn't be happier that I've found myself here. The fans are some of the best I've had the chance of meeting, and there's not much that rival the feeling of being out there in that ring.

You're always going to get knocked down, but the true test is how you pick yourself back up. No matter what, we keep moving.

I know who you are Michelle, at least I've heard your name on the circuit before. As I said prior, I had once thought about signing a contract with FIGHT! that never ended up happening. So of course I've heard of you, Michelle. I know that you're accomplished, I know that you're impressive, and I know that if you're here in PWE, then you mean business. Not just anyone off the street would get put into the headliner for their very first match with the company. What's more, is I'm sure you're expecting to make it big here, just like you did in FIGHT!

When I get into the ring with someone new, I always expect the best from them. I'm never going to step between the ropes and expect my opponent to sandbag me, or expect them to intentionally try to lose. I suppose if that's the case, I win regardless. But I'm always expecting them to put on the performance of a lifetime. That way I'll never be surprised or overwhelmed if, say, Allen Cheney defeats me for the Excellence Championship.

A lot of people make the mistake of coming into a new promotion, and expecting them to be at the top of the pile of competitors. Especially if they did well in the last company they had contract with, competitors automatically think they're going to do well in a new place. That always astounds me, because there are so many different variables that come into play if you're thinking about it logically. It's possible some of the roster is similar, or in this case some of the roster is the same, but there's so many differences that it's impossible to compare the two rosters. However, knowing you Michelle, I'd put money on the fact that this is how your mind works. You're expecting to walk into PWE and be treated like a QUEEN, and you're expecting to defeat me with ease.

Try not to be so caught off guard when you find that I have skill. Try not to be so surprised when you find that the PWE crowd is cheering MY name. Try not to be overwhelmed when you hear the referee count the three with your shoulders on the canvas. I'm usually not one to go around tooting my own horn, but I did come rather close to winning the Excellence Championship two weeks ago. More than that, if you looked up at the Honor Roll then you'll find my name as number two, Michelle. Second only to the Champion himself. But I have no doubt you'll come out here and tell us about how dumb I am, how unskilled I am, and how you've got my number before even laying eyes on me. However, the evidence would beg to differ. Maybe you won't ever admit it, but even you know that you've got a big threat on your hands. I may be a little naïve, but I know what kid of competitor I am!

Going the way that you are, you're only going to end up shocked, laying in the middle of the ring while my hand is raised. I'd like nothing more than to have a civil and contested match, but from what I've seen of you, I don't think that's an option. Please though, prove me wrong. I dare you to give me the credit that I've worked so hard for. Not just from here, but from other companies across the world. Actually Michelle, base your opinion of me on my merit in the ring. Don't let competition blind you, and maybe next time you'll know what to expect from The Class Act!

Maybe I wasn't the best here in PWE at the beginning of the season, but by the end, I expect to be."

He hadn't been home in weeks.

Florida had so much to offer, and he figured if he was going to keep his contract with PWE, then he should familiarize himself with his surroundings. He only felt the need to go home in order to fulfill his obligations to Evo and to Carson. Now that he was splitting his time again, and finding himself in more hotels, he even thought about selling the place.

All the same, he threw the door open and immediately regretted coming back. Just one night, he told himself.

Walking through the doors brought a familiar dread, and he knew then and there that the place had absorbed his bad feelings, his bad memories. They all remained here. Being out on the road brought him more happiness than he had felt all year, and he knew now that he needed to do anything he could to maintain that happiness. Maybe selling this place wouldn't be such a bad idea, after all.

These thoughts and more ran through his mind as the beep from his answering machine echoed through his hall. That was something else that would always annoy him, this damn beep. Remember his place was out in the sticks, and it was common for his wifi and phone service not to work, thus the old school phone and answering machine. The only person that had called it in months was Carson, but now the two were on regular speaking terms again. Issak pushed play.

"You have one new message, from Tuesday, August 9th at 5:34pm."

"Oh, umm, Hi Issak. It's Honey..."

His eyes shot open. Honey Smith.

"I saw your match in PWE...you were so close!...I...I've been thinking of coming back to the industry myself, and...and I miss you.

Call me, okay?"