Almost. // Chapter V

He turned the old key inside the metal lock, the mechanism inside creaking loudly as it always did. He’d told himself numerous times that he needed to get it replaced. Before, it was because he was too lazy to do so and didn’t want to chance being seen. Now he wondered if he’d ever have that sort of time again. Maybe it would just stay loud.

For weeks now, he’d made a small habit of coming home, stumbling through the doorway to his Scotland abode, and push play on his answering machine. In the beginning, he’d find himself in this same hallway, feelings of doubt consuming him. He knew he wanted to break back into the wrestling business but didn’t know if the modern era had passed him by. Then, he wondered if he was good enough to compete with the stars of today. The industry right now is absolutely overflowing with talent, displaying all sorts of new and exciting skills. Issak wondered if he could keep up.

Today, he walked through the doorway with his head held high.

There had been several moments along the way in which Issak found his doubts put to rest. Not only did he find that he still had it in him to wrestle, but he found that he was still good at it. His drive still surpassed that of others, and if pointed in the right direction, Otto knew in his heart that he would make it to the top. Well, he always believed it, but now it was coming true.

Issak rushed into the house, the wooden floors making all sorts of noise as he threw his luggage down on the floor. Just as he always did, Issak walked to the other end of the hallway and pressed play on his answering machine. As it began, he walked back to where his luggage had fallen. He found himself leaning against the wall for support, before sliding to the floor. Out of exhaustion? Out of disbelief? Out of joy? More than likely, it was some sort of combination of all three and more.

“You have one new message. Sent on September 21 at 3:20pm.”

“Yo Issak, buddy! WHY do you still insist on having this answering machine? I could mail you a letter faster than you’ll get this! Wanted to congratulate you, man!”

He reached over to the bag that sat next to him on the floor, grabbing hold of the zipper to tug it open. Sitting there on top, something mysterious glistened in the new light breaking into the bag. Issak placed a hand inside, pulling out the Evolution Wrestling Pride Championship. The way the light bounced off the gold plate was almost blinding; Issak’s reflection was pristine. He had waited years to hold gold in EW, and here he was, Issak the Older, accomplishing things that Issak the Younger couldn’t.

The Pride Championship is the workhorse championship. The championship can only be won through a series of three-minute rounds, two out of three falls. Within four rounds, himself and Ethan Giles had managed to score one pin a piece upon one another. In truth, they had only gotten this far because of a one careless mistake between them that results in Issak getting a flash pin, followed by Ethan! So neither had really made a large enough impact upon the other to receive a decisive win. They just continued attempting to one up the other and lessening any blow possible.

The problem was that they knew each other too well.

There could be no other choice for this Pride Championship bout besides Issak and Ethan, and the pair showed why. Going into round five, outcome for Issak was beginning to look a little bleak, as Ethan gave him a hard front slam, deadlifted him to a vertical slam, before driving him down into a powerslam! The combo floored Otto, but as Ethan hooked Issak’s leg, it still wasn’t enough. Issak powered out!

Ethan tried to lift Issak again, only to get a face full of Issak’s elbow. Issak lands a second hard elbow to Ethan’s jaw, a third one, and another one! Otto lets out a yell, striking Ethan to the jaw with a jab this time. It stuns him long enough for Issak to spin him around for an omega driver! Issak picks him up from behind and smashes him with the Class Axe!

“It’s been a long time comin’, bro! But I’m glad to see you’ve finally made it. You’re making your dreams come true, and it’s great to see.”

He wasn’t surprised that his old tag partner, Carson Campbell, was the first and apparently only person that had gotten ahold of him. Naturally, there were numerous people who congratulated him there at the arena, and he’d run into others in PWE and Valiant.

Although, for a moment, a thought crossed his mind. He wondered if Honey had been watching his match, wondered if she knew. For those few seconds, all thoughts of the Pride Championship, of the Excellence Championship, and everything wrestling faded away, and he wondered what she was doing right now.

“What’s next for you, big guy? Only time will tell.”

He starred into his reflection through the gold plate, allowing those words to haunt him. Not in a negative way though. He knew what was next, and he knew how to get there. All he had to do was pull the trigger. Issak had started his climb and made good on his promises by proving his doubters wrong. Now came the final lap, that final hurdle at the of a long and well contested race. A World Championship – the Excellence Championship.

Mere inches away, but not quite there. Almost.

“Wow. I did it. I beat Kanna Verger.

Ever since my first match with PWE, I knew that Kanna was the one to beat. I may have been able to get the job done that night, before going on to face Allen, but I truly wondered if I was able to do it again. I toyed with the idea that maybe I had experienced a fluke win. But no, it happened as it had before, with the Class Act having his hand raised. I said it before the match, I’ll say it now, and I know I’ll say it again, but the conversation of Excellence contendership should be between Verger and I, point blank. PWE should be putting its stock into us, because we are the future. The new breed who came in and have taken this place by storm. If our match two weeks ago wasn’t good enough, then it should be Kanna starring me down yet again, this time with the winner being crowned number one contender. I believe everyone deserves a chance, but there’s a difference between giving someone a chance, and that person earning their keep.

With PWE Management making this a triple threat with myself, Jason and Paul, they’re showcasing that they see both sides to the coin. I fully understand that anything can happen on any given night, but I’m also a man of probabilities. There’s always a possibility of something happening, but it isn’t always probable. For instance, I’d make the bold claim that it’s possible Jason Long or Paul Montouri will become the Excellence number one contender, but is it probable? Well, I wish to find out.

This season in Professional Wrestling Excellence, we’ve come upon our first supershow! That gives us multiple shows to look back on and come to a conclusion on the probabilities at play here.

Since signing their contracts, neither Jason nor Paul have really been able to find their stride. We’re not pointing fingers or throwing insults at anyone, we’re just stating the facts here. Both men were in that exhibition over-the-top rope match during our first week back, and neither was able to get the win. It was our first show back, the time to make a large impact if here ever was a time. Meanwhile, I was fighting through the gauntlet to the final match with Allen Chaney for the Excellence Championship. Allen won fair and square, played within the rules and everything, I’ll give him that. But even Allen said it may have been different if I hadn’t already gone to the ends with Verger. I NEED my shot. That night I planted the idea that I could be champion, and now I just needed to prove it to everyone else.

In the weeks that followed, the pair of you seemed to flounder more and more. You both took a show off during that time, and allowed your name to slip from PWE’s mouth, while I stayed working and stayed fresh in everyone’s mind. Not to mention, the only win you could muster between the two of you was a tag win that Paul got with his brother Joe. I know how tough it is in this business and hell, I know how tough it is here in PWE. I would never fault anyone for a loss, but when you’re judging who should get that shot against Damian or Allen? It matters.

Meanwhile, I did anything and everything I could to prove that I deserve to be in the title conversation. I beat every single person that PWE has put in front of me including Michelle Riggs, who Paul is very familiar with, and even Jason himself. I’ve strived to be the best that I can be, to show PWE management that I should be the number one contender. I even defeated Kana two weeks ago, who arguably was one of PWE’s biggest contenders. I’ve proven that it should be me going against the champion, but if I need to go through one more match in order for PWE to believe that, then I’ll do so. All that I want, is for the most deserving contender to have his hand raised, but with what I know, I don’t see how it’s going to be anyone else but me.

People claimed I was resting on my past accomplishments when I first got here.

I tried to put that out of my head, because I know that everything I’ve done in the past doesn’t matter here. It holds no weight regardless. I had to work that much harder in order to break that notion. I’ve faced every challenge head on, with a smile on my face. I’ve passed every test that PWE has with my name on it. It’s almost shocking that the pair of you can try telling me you belong in this match with the performance you’ve put on since signing your contract.

I suppose if you were to rest on the past, then you two may have a case for winning this match. You may have a case on being the next number one contender. However, you’ve been shown that succeeding in one company doesn’t mean you’re going to automatically succeed in another. You both made your name elsewhere, and it’s carried you far enough, but it stops here. This is where you get off that train, and you go back to relying on your skill and talent. I know who you both are, and you do have names outside of here. I know for a fact you didn’t get a reputation just by twiddling your thumbs and sitting around. I’m pretty sure you originally had to work for that recognition. Now you’re going to have to earn it all over again, because I’m not giving it to you otherwise and neither is anyone else. The way I see it currently, neither of you deserve to be in this match.

I don’t say that to be an asshole, because if you ask anyone, they’ll tell you I’m the furthest from that.

What I am, is a realist. I’m used to looking at the facts and interpreting them at face value, whereas people like Paul have made an entire career out of blinding himself to reality. I can see Paul spouting a monologue of words while ultimately saying close to nothing the way he usually does, all the while somehow believing he’s the best this place has to offer. But you’re not much different, Jason. Both of you are being given a huge opportunity here. You can go from the bottom rungs of the ladder, to the very top in one go. On the other hand, I essentially had to earn my way into this match. I had to fight for the respect of the wrestling industry all over again, and I had to earn the nods of recognition. You two have gotten lazy in PWE, because you thought you’d perform at the same caliber you’re used to. You’re partially right, seeing as how at the end of the day all three of us are in this match now. All three of us have this opportunity, if you look at it that way.

But I have the momentum, I have the drive, and I have the skill to beat the both of you. Usually I’m a little more easygoing, a little more willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. This time is different because I know better. I know, without a doubt, that I want this more than both of you. That’s clear in our actions. I DESERVE this more than either of you. What matters, is that I know I can beat you both, I can become the number one contender.

And the more time passes, the more sure I am that I am your next Excellence Champion."

When Issak envisioned himself coming back to the wrestling world, he could only imagine this trajectory in his dreams. He always knew coming back would be a battle. He had to fight against his own stigma, fight against the modern era, fight against any and every challenger. As far as his expectations, he kept them at a real level. He’d never sell himself short, but the winning streak he had been on was amazing. All of a sudden, he hit his stride, and now he couldn’t see an end in sight.

There was a time he wondered if he’d make it back to the ring. Now he couldn’t picture his life without being involved with the sport in some way.

He didn’t want to curse himself, but with every win, he felt more and more like it was finally his time. His time to wear the top hat of a company, his time to win a World Championship. Issak was under a lot of pressure, but it was pressure he put onto himself and willingly took. Each match had to feel like it could be the one to derail him. Each match had to feel dire. So far, nobody in PWE had managed to match Issak’s intensity. Possibly Allen but that story still remained untold. A story Issak would do just about anything to peek at.

These thoughts and more ran through his head, until his thoughts took his mind. He placed his hands in his pockets, and continued walking down the street, albeit absentmindedly. He could have been starring right at a familiar face, but his mind wouldn’t have registered it. Originally, he’d come down to this area in order to get a better look at the place. Although he wasn’t let inside of Disneyworld, he walked the perimeter and gawked at the larger attractions from the outside. He assumed there would be some sort of Downtown Disney portion, but he realized he got that mixed up with DisneyLAND. Issak concluded he didn’t know much about Disneyworld at all.

THWACK!

Issak’s shoulder collided with the shoulder of a woman passing by. He was so lost in thought; he didn’t realize he was headed straight for her. Not only does he hit her with a bit of force, it also causes the woman to drop her personal items. While her phone and sunglasses hit the ground, her purse spills over and various items spill out.

“Oh my gosh, forgive me. I didn’t see you there! I’m so sorry!”

He drops to the ground, quickly picking up various items from the floor. Issak couldn’t see his face, though he knew it would be red with embarrassment right about now. All he could do in an attempt to make up for it is pick up as many items as he could. He started with her purse items, lightly rolling them into her bag, before going for her sunglasses. However, as he did, his hand laid upon hers. They both pulled away, and finally, Issak looked the woman in the eyes.

“Honey?”

He was beyond shocked. Honey Smith was there on the ground with him, hands and knees, picking up her various items. When she realized, she let out a small giggle. His embarrassment began to subside as he also broke into a small laugh, scratching the top of his head. He handed Honey her sunglasses, and together they stood back up.

“Hi Issak! How have you been?”

She smiled at him, and of course, he smiled back. Issak moved out of the way of the sidewalk, not wanting to cause anymore accidents, and Honey followed. She seemed just as surprised as Issak was, and Issak almost couldn’t believe it. In truth, he had been a little sad when he didn’t get a message from her following his Pride Championship win. Then again, he also didn’t find himself calling her. A road works two ways, as they say. If we go a tad deeper, we know Issak was really feeling sheepish about how things had ended between them, still secretly unsure of his overall feelings. But alas, it’s not like he was going to say that. Instead, he settled for something else.

“I’m happy to see you! Are you in town for something?”

They leaned in at the same time, connecting with a hug. A rush of memories flooded his mind, and the thought of them was pushed into the forefront. They pulled away and walked over to a nearby bench. Honey took a seat while Issak leaned against the tree at first.

“We’re doing some shots inside the park for that new horror gig. I’ve been in town for two weeks or so. Walking outside the park lets me clear my head a little, you know. What about you, Issak? What brings you outside the gates of Disneyworld?”

“Remember I work for PWE? We’ve got a show coming up in a few days. A mighty big one, actually. Rebirth. I was able to show management that I do deserve to be in the title conversation, and now I’ve got myself a match for the number one contendership. Paul Montuori, Jason Long, and myself have a date inside those gates.”

“Rebirth at the Magic Kingdom? How exciting!”

She turns, facing towards the front gates of Disneyworld. There was something about this place that made people believe in magic. As Issak looked at Honey, he could see it in her now. She struck him as the kind of person to believe in magic regardless. But here, more than anywhere else in the world.

“My favorite was always Tomorrowland.”

Her smile grew wider as she fondly cycled through her memories. On the other hand, Issak remained thoughtless. He looked to the gates the way Honey did, but he didn’t seem to feel the magic the way she did. He did seem to admire her for it, but something was mentally blocking him. Honey was expecting a different reaction, and turned to meet his gaze.

“That sounds nice…I’ve never been…”

Honey’s mouth dropped open as if she was hearing something utterly shocking. For a brief second she believed Issak was joking, until she saw how serious was facial expression was.

“Never been?!”

Issak shook his head, giving the same impression as last time. He was also slightly confused as to why Honey was so shocked. He had heard of Disneyworld before, just never been. But to Honey, never visiting the happiest place on earth was a travesty! She playfully grabbed him by the arm and the duo began walking along the edge of the park. Eventually they came to a halt, where Honey pointed to a large scale attraction in the distance with a smile on her face. She looked accomplished.

“See that, it’s Space Mountain!”

She looked at it, there in the distance, again exhibiting that look of fondness that Issak saw before. Issak made a mental note, he’d have to visit Space Mountain once inside. Better yet, why didn’t they just go now while the two of them both had the time.

“I’m sure it’s exciting! Did you have time to see it up close right now?”

Without a doubt, there was a part of her that wanted to shout in agreement. Of course she wanted to go to Disneyworld with Issak right now! In fact, she began to say the words before she called them back into her mouth. A second, more adult, thought pushed the others out of the way.

“Oh. I’m sorry Issak, I’m not so sure that’s the best idea for us right now…”

“Oh…right…”

Issak felt that same level of embarrassment creep up through his stomach again, as his hand immediately went to the back of his head. Wow did he feel dumb. More than anything, he felt bad for putting Honey in such a situation. Being the person that she is, Honey is the one that smooths it over.

“How about after your match…as friends.”

The glee returned to his face, always the one to wear his emotions on his sleeve.

“Yes, after my match. I’ll hold you to it.”

They both nervously giggled, knowing their time had come to an end. Honey grabbed Issak by the hand first, and then reached in for another hug. The two embraced before separating.

“I’ll see you later, Issak. Good luck in your match. I always said you were going to do big things, don’t make a liar out of me.”

She nudged his arm and together they laughed, before she slowly turned away. Issak couldn’t help but watch after her as she walked away from him. In the movies, they always wait for the girl to turn around and that’s supposed to mean something. Issak watched her out of the corner of his eye, and just before she was out of sight, Honey turned to face him again momentarily. There was a single wave before she disappeared into the streets of Orlando. Issak wondered if they’d ever get their ride on Space Mountain, or if the universe would continue tearing them in two different directions.

Was it, indeed, greedy to desire the world? To want the World title and the girl at the same time? It seemed human to strive for something greater, to fight for the things you want. Issak had never once come across the notion that he would have to choose between his desires. He was so close, and yet so far, from both, really.

He'd made enough noise to garner the attention of the PWE crowd, but there was still this one match before he was even considered the number one contender. Let alone having the actual match with the champion. Still, he couldn’t help but feel as far as wrestling, he had continually taken steps in the right direction. This match alone was proof of that, and once he made this last jump, there would be no denying his claim to the title. They’d have to listen. If he was only making strides towards his goals, then why did he feel so horribly when it came to Honey? Is it because he still had feelings for her?

He was almost there. Almost at the end. Then he’d have the title, and he’d be able to have the girl, too. Yeah, that’s right. He’d be able to have it all. Issak looked up into the sky, forcing a smile. He almost believed it. Almost.

But deep down he knew he could only have one, and he’d made his choice.