Post by Rogues' Gallery on Dec 5, 2023 14:40:52 GMT -5
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts” - Marcus Aurelius
The silence was deafening as Superunknown’s astral body floated through space within a cocoon like bubble. A crystal starship of sorts, high above his Fortress of Solitude. He floats through space and time as he remains motionless within this structure, millions of stars and galaxies rushing by him. He remained unphased. Unaffected by this. He is aware of it all, but dwells on none of this. When he finally returned to Earth, it felt like millenia had passed… but in fact, it had all happened in a single instant.
Superunknown was now back in the body of Duncan McKnown.
“One of God’s own prototypes. A high-powered mutant never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, too rare to die.” - Hunter S. Thompson.
There are many questions that surround the man Duncan and the wrestler, Superunknown. Some of these questions will remain unanswered, perhaps for all of time.
For now, what we know is that Duncan McKnown sits alone in his comic book shop back in Electric City. The door chime sounds and Duncan looks up from his computer monitor. Through the door enters Johnny Stock. His former tag-team partner in Masters of Reality. They had been champions together, but Johnny chose a different path in life. Born of money, Johnny Stock innately understood how it worked and so he found himself making plenty of it on his own. Johnny Stock owned Stock Productions which produced promos for the likes of Duke & Ava, Rogues’ Gallery and CPW’s Xtreme Chaos Champion, Mud Mouth. As well as former CPW wrestler, Mr. Natural. Johnny also was a financial backer in Duncan’s comic book shop. Duncan is not pleased to see Johnny as he knows a lack of profits is usually the first thing that brings him in.
J. Stock: Duncan…
D. McKnown: Johnny…
J. Stock: Good to see you.
D. McKnown: Is it?
They were once best friends, now they barely spoke unless there is business to discuss.
J. Stock: You know why I’m here then.
D. McKnown: I can guess.
Both men can feel the tension growing, Johnny decides to change the subject to diffuse the situation a bit.
J. Stock: So you’ve got a shot at the Duo’s Championship at Winter Wrestleland.
D. McKnown: You’ve been following us?
J. Stock: I always look after my investments. Look, I’m happy for you, I really am… but this place being closed for weeks on end is killing our bottom line. I just can’t have it. 2023 has been a rough year in a lot of sectors. I can’t have your exploits getting in the way of our profits.
Duncan laughs and Superunknown’s eyes open through his. He is transformed into the charismatic enigma known as Superunknown. A shiver runs down Johnny Stock's spine. Seeing his old friend and partner in all of his magnificence and monolithic statue made him lose his nerve.
Superunknown: Well… I gotta say, I think at this point you got your seed money back and then some.
J. Stock: Well, hello to you, old friend.
Superunknown: You were talking about MY exploits?
J. Stock: I’m proud of what you and Jeremy The Wicked have been able to accomplish in such a short time.
Superunknown: Thank you, I’ll pass that message along to Jeremy as well.
J. Stock: Certainly, well…
Johnny looks around the shop nervously, finding it difficult to maintain eye contact Superunknown.
J. Stock: I guess that concludes our business for today. Be seeing you, Supes... Duncan.
Superunknown: Be seeing you, John.
Johnny Stock turns to leave and soon the door chimes once again as he exits. A few moments go by and it chimes again, Superunknown looks up and sees Jeremy walk in.
JTW: Hey, what’s up? Why are you all suited up?
Superunknown: I had to send a message to Mr. Stock.
Suddenly, the computer chimes and Superunknown looks at the screen. There is an email from Johnny Stock, it read: Just sold my portion, I suggest you do the same.
JTW: What does it say?
Superunknown looks away and ponders for a few moments.
Superunknown: Stock wants out. He’s selling his share of the business. This isn't really any of my concern.
JTW: Looks like he sent one of his own.
There is another brilliant flash of light, Superunknown is now once again Duncan McKnown.
D. McKnown: Seems so… anyway, yeah… I’m hungry. Are you hungry?
Jeremy shrugs.
JTW: Yeah, I could eat…
D. McKnown: Alright, time to close up shop. Let’s go to the bar.
Jeremy shrugs again.
JTW: It’s 1 PM, Dunc.
Duncan shrugs.
D. McKnown: Its’ 5 O’Clock somewhere.
Duncan shuts the lights and flips off the open sign before he shuts the door and the two of them head to the bar a few doors down.
D. McKnown: Awww! This is the life.
Duncan says as he raises a pint glass to his lips.
JTW: Let's not get too complacent. Complacence is a form of death in this business. In just a few weeks we're going head-to-head with Lights Out for the Duos Championships.
D. McKnown: Oh, I'm aware.
JTW: You've been in this position before though. I haven't.
D. McKnown: Don't sweat it, kid. Thunder Pro Wrestling hasn't seen anything yet and Lights Out, well if they want a fight. Then it's a fight they are going to get. If they think getting jumped or attacked with a chair, is the worst thing we thing we can conjure up out of the whole wide world of violence, they got another thing coming altogether.
JTW: You know what? I feel exactly the same way. I want this more than anything and I know we can pull it off. I guess, I'm just nervous if I'm being honest.
Duncan chuckles.
D. McKnown: Well being honest was your first mistake. Ain't nothing honest about this business. You win, you win. At the end of the day no one gives a Poop if you have to cheat or bend the rules some to do just that. I said the Tequila Deathmatch with the Malvados was a win because whether we won or lost, it put us on the map. And I was right… but trust me when I say this. We gotta win this one. The Malvados were the stepping stone but this is truly a test for us and we will pass that test.
The rest of the afternoon bled into the evening and the two Rogues had an early dinner and split.
We once again hover high above Superunknown’s Fortress of Solitude in his crystal starship. Superunknown is back on the astral. Superunknown shifts out of his meditative state and steps forward on the small circular platform he stands on. His eyes glow white with a mysterious energy. Detecting a presence nearby.
Superunknown peers out in space and sees a dark figure staring back at him behind the murky membrane of his starship.
Superunknown: Hello out there.
Shadow: Hello…
Superunknown: I was wondering when I was going to get to meet you.
Shadow: Well, here I am.
Superunknown: I thought you'd be more impressive. More menacing...
Shadow: And I thought you'd be different, I live here… Jeremy only visits, he often isn't even aware he is here. Usually just thinks he's dreaming. He created me during one of these visits… pouring everything he hated about himself into a separate entity… me… but you, you're something different aren't you?
Superunknown: I am indeed.
Shadow: You aren't a shard of Duncan's psyche the way I am Jeremy's. Yet, you aren't him. You are a visitor here, but, not just any visitor. No… you know this place, you have mastered it. In someway, you… yes… that's right, you occupy both planes simultaneously. You aren't tethered to your body by a silver cord like the rest. I see it now… you are the tether.
The Shadow seems to tremble, or at the very least, his posture dips in Superunknown's presence.
Superunknown: Look, I know sometimes when we are in that ring, Jeremy taps into something. I know sometimes you take over. I can see it in his eyes. He snaps, he's gone, he's somewhere else and yet, he's also dialed the Fudge in. He's unstoppable when he gives in to his own violent nature, in other words, to you.
I've just seen this movie before. Man meets demon, demon offers wager, man accepts, demon gives and then demon takes. Man usually loses a lot more than he gets. Sound about right?
Shadow: I would nev-
Superunknown: I'm going to stop you right there. Of course you would. You're all of Jeremy's worst parts rolled up into one. All of his fear, his rage, his trauma, all of his deceit, everything mashed together into one terrible, evil being. You're pretty much an anti-Guardian Angel. I'm your Duos partner and you'd stab me in the back if you thought it would benefit you and if Jeremy would let you.
Don't take more than he can afford to pay. After all, we've both got a mutual interest in his well being. I need my partner and well, you need a vehicle since you lack a true physical form of your own.
I'm just saying… don't take too much from the kid. Don't write any checks you know his body can't cash. He's had it hard, you I know?
The Shadow deliberates what Superunknown said for a moment before he reluctantly agrees.
Shadow: Fine…
The Shadow sulks away.
Superunknown returns to his meditative state and in the next moment, he is standing tall in a stark field. The sun hangs low in the orange sky as day slowly moves into night. The yellow and browned grass is dotted black with shambling crows.
Superunknown: Speaking of writing checks your body can't cash. Bella Killswitch, looks like your account is about to be overdrawn. Not that it's your fault, hell… I wouldn't choose to face me, so I doubt you did. You just fell victim to some unfortunate booking.
Just then a crow interrupts Superunknown.
Crow: Caw, caw, caw!
Superunknown turns to the crow.
Superunknown: You don't say…
He smiles before turning back to face the camera.
Superunknown: Becca Killswitch, it happens, it's a shame that it had to happen to you this Friday Night Fury. But your recent comments ensured that I won't feel the least bit bad for you, dear. You seem a little confused and yeah… I don't give up a whole lot of information. They don't call me Superunknown for nothing, after all.
So let me clear some stuff up for you, I'm not a hero or a villain. I'm not cosplaying as someone from the X-Men or the Avengers. I was married once upon a time, so yeah, the whole virgin thing didn't really land, but I get it, love… I really do, sweetheart. You see a big man in a black suit and you think: Gee, he looks like a SUPERHERO, he must think he is one.
But the reality is, Becca. I ain't a hero. I'm your worst Fuding nightmare. I'm a slip and fall in the morning and death in the afternoon, girl. A Death-knell that sounds for you.
I wouldn't be surprised if you call it quits after this embarrassment you're about to endure through my hand. I mean, you talk a mean game, but you are thoroughly unprepared. I don't know if you're full of it or you're just stupid, but you seem to be underestimating the danger that stands before you… a misstep which will cost you gravely.
You stumble, I'm there to make sure you fall. I was going take it easy on you, I mean you were always going to lose, I was always going to pummel you to the mat and take this victory for myself, that was never not in the cards for you. I just wasn't going to rub your nose in it…
Not anymore, Becca. You're about to find out first hand, when we step into that ring. There ain't no Duncan, there ain't no mercy either just me… Superunknown. I'm going to make you taste the fruit of your arrogance. Utter and brutal defeat awaits you.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Superunknown turns and walks away.
The silence was deafening as Superunknown’s astral body floated through space within a cocoon like bubble. A crystal starship of sorts, high above his Fortress of Solitude. He floats through space and time as he remains motionless within this structure, millions of stars and galaxies rushing by him. He remained unphased. Unaffected by this. He is aware of it all, but dwells on none of this. When he finally returned to Earth, it felt like millenia had passed… but in fact, it had all happened in a single instant.
Superunknown was now back in the body of Duncan McKnown.
“One of God’s own prototypes. A high-powered mutant never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, too rare to die.” - Hunter S. Thompson.
There are many questions that surround the man Duncan and the wrestler, Superunknown. Some of these questions will remain unanswered, perhaps for all of time.
For now, what we know is that Duncan McKnown sits alone in his comic book shop back in Electric City. The door chime sounds and Duncan looks up from his computer monitor. Through the door enters Johnny Stock. His former tag-team partner in Masters of Reality. They had been champions together, but Johnny chose a different path in life. Born of money, Johnny Stock innately understood how it worked and so he found himself making plenty of it on his own. Johnny Stock owned Stock Productions which produced promos for the likes of Duke & Ava, Rogues’ Gallery and CPW’s Xtreme Chaos Champion, Mud Mouth. As well as former CPW wrestler, Mr. Natural. Johnny also was a financial backer in Duncan’s comic book shop. Duncan is not pleased to see Johnny as he knows a lack of profits is usually the first thing that brings him in.
J. Stock: Duncan…
D. McKnown: Johnny…
J. Stock: Good to see you.
D. McKnown: Is it?
They were once best friends, now they barely spoke unless there is business to discuss.
J. Stock: You know why I’m here then.
D. McKnown: I can guess.
Both men can feel the tension growing, Johnny decides to change the subject to diffuse the situation a bit.
J. Stock: So you’ve got a shot at the Duo’s Championship at Winter Wrestleland.
D. McKnown: You’ve been following us?
J. Stock: I always look after my investments. Look, I’m happy for you, I really am… but this place being closed for weeks on end is killing our bottom line. I just can’t have it. 2023 has been a rough year in a lot of sectors. I can’t have your exploits getting in the way of our profits.
Duncan laughs and Superunknown’s eyes open through his. He is transformed into the charismatic enigma known as Superunknown. A shiver runs down Johnny Stock's spine. Seeing his old friend and partner in all of his magnificence and monolithic statue made him lose his nerve.
Superunknown: Well… I gotta say, I think at this point you got your seed money back and then some.
J. Stock: Well, hello to you, old friend.
Superunknown: You were talking about MY exploits?
J. Stock: I’m proud of what you and Jeremy The Wicked have been able to accomplish in such a short time.
Superunknown: Thank you, I’ll pass that message along to Jeremy as well.
J. Stock: Certainly, well…
Johnny looks around the shop nervously, finding it difficult to maintain eye contact Superunknown.
J. Stock: I guess that concludes our business for today. Be seeing you, Supes... Duncan.
Superunknown: Be seeing you, John.
Johnny Stock turns to leave and soon the door chimes once again as he exits. A few moments go by and it chimes again, Superunknown looks up and sees Jeremy walk in.
JTW: Hey, what’s up? Why are you all suited up?
Superunknown: I had to send a message to Mr. Stock.
Suddenly, the computer chimes and Superunknown looks at the screen. There is an email from Johnny Stock, it read: Just sold my portion, I suggest you do the same.
JTW: What does it say?
Superunknown looks away and ponders for a few moments.
Superunknown: Stock wants out. He’s selling his share of the business. This isn't really any of my concern.
JTW: Looks like he sent one of his own.
There is another brilliant flash of light, Superunknown is now once again Duncan McKnown.
D. McKnown: Seems so… anyway, yeah… I’m hungry. Are you hungry?
Jeremy shrugs.
JTW: Yeah, I could eat…
D. McKnown: Alright, time to close up shop. Let’s go to the bar.
Jeremy shrugs again.
JTW: It’s 1 PM, Dunc.
Duncan shrugs.
D. McKnown: Its’ 5 O’Clock somewhere.
Duncan shuts the lights and flips off the open sign before he shuts the door and the two of them head to the bar a few doors down.
D. McKnown: Awww! This is the life.
Duncan says as he raises a pint glass to his lips.
JTW: Let's not get too complacent. Complacence is a form of death in this business. In just a few weeks we're going head-to-head with Lights Out for the Duos Championships.
D. McKnown: Oh, I'm aware.
JTW: You've been in this position before though. I haven't.
D. McKnown: Don't sweat it, kid. Thunder Pro Wrestling hasn't seen anything yet and Lights Out, well if they want a fight. Then it's a fight they are going to get. If they think getting jumped or attacked with a chair, is the worst thing we thing we can conjure up out of the whole wide world of violence, they got another thing coming altogether.
JTW: You know what? I feel exactly the same way. I want this more than anything and I know we can pull it off. I guess, I'm just nervous if I'm being honest.
Duncan chuckles.
D. McKnown: Well being honest was your first mistake. Ain't nothing honest about this business. You win, you win. At the end of the day no one gives a Poop if you have to cheat or bend the rules some to do just that. I said the Tequila Deathmatch with the Malvados was a win because whether we won or lost, it put us on the map. And I was right… but trust me when I say this. We gotta win this one. The Malvados were the stepping stone but this is truly a test for us and we will pass that test.
The rest of the afternoon bled into the evening and the two Rogues had an early dinner and split.
We once again hover high above Superunknown’s Fortress of Solitude in his crystal starship. Superunknown is back on the astral. Superunknown shifts out of his meditative state and steps forward on the small circular platform he stands on. His eyes glow white with a mysterious energy. Detecting a presence nearby.
Superunknown peers out in space and sees a dark figure staring back at him behind the murky membrane of his starship.
Superunknown: Hello out there.
Shadow: Hello…
Superunknown: I was wondering when I was going to get to meet you.
Shadow: Well, here I am.
Superunknown: I thought you'd be more impressive. More menacing...
Shadow: And I thought you'd be different, I live here… Jeremy only visits, he often isn't even aware he is here. Usually just thinks he's dreaming. He created me during one of these visits… pouring everything he hated about himself into a separate entity… me… but you, you're something different aren't you?
Superunknown: I am indeed.
Shadow: You aren't a shard of Duncan's psyche the way I am Jeremy's. Yet, you aren't him. You are a visitor here, but, not just any visitor. No… you know this place, you have mastered it. In someway, you… yes… that's right, you occupy both planes simultaneously. You aren't tethered to your body by a silver cord like the rest. I see it now… you are the tether.
The Shadow seems to tremble, or at the very least, his posture dips in Superunknown's presence.
Superunknown: Look, I know sometimes when we are in that ring, Jeremy taps into something. I know sometimes you take over. I can see it in his eyes. He snaps, he's gone, he's somewhere else and yet, he's also dialed the Fudge in. He's unstoppable when he gives in to his own violent nature, in other words, to you.
I've just seen this movie before. Man meets demon, demon offers wager, man accepts, demon gives and then demon takes. Man usually loses a lot more than he gets. Sound about right?
Shadow: I would nev-
Superunknown: I'm going to stop you right there. Of course you would. You're all of Jeremy's worst parts rolled up into one. All of his fear, his rage, his trauma, all of his deceit, everything mashed together into one terrible, evil being. You're pretty much an anti-Guardian Angel. I'm your Duos partner and you'd stab me in the back if you thought it would benefit you and if Jeremy would let you.
Don't take more than he can afford to pay. After all, we've both got a mutual interest in his well being. I need my partner and well, you need a vehicle since you lack a true physical form of your own.
I'm just saying… don't take too much from the kid. Don't write any checks you know his body can't cash. He's had it hard, you I know?
The Shadow deliberates what Superunknown said for a moment before he reluctantly agrees.
Shadow: Fine…
The Shadow sulks away.
Superunknown returns to his meditative state and in the next moment, he is standing tall in a stark field. The sun hangs low in the orange sky as day slowly moves into night. The yellow and browned grass is dotted black with shambling crows.
Superunknown: Speaking of writing checks your body can't cash. Bella Killswitch, looks like your account is about to be overdrawn. Not that it's your fault, hell… I wouldn't choose to face me, so I doubt you did. You just fell victim to some unfortunate booking.
Just then a crow interrupts Superunknown.
Crow: Caw, caw, caw!
Superunknown turns to the crow.
Superunknown: You don't say…
He smiles before turning back to face the camera.
Superunknown: Becca Killswitch, it happens, it's a shame that it had to happen to you this Friday Night Fury. But your recent comments ensured that I won't feel the least bit bad for you, dear. You seem a little confused and yeah… I don't give up a whole lot of information. They don't call me Superunknown for nothing, after all.
So let me clear some stuff up for you, I'm not a hero or a villain. I'm not cosplaying as someone from the X-Men or the Avengers. I was married once upon a time, so yeah, the whole virgin thing didn't really land, but I get it, love… I really do, sweetheart. You see a big man in a black suit and you think: Gee, he looks like a SUPERHERO, he must think he is one.
But the reality is, Becca. I ain't a hero. I'm your worst Fuding nightmare. I'm a slip and fall in the morning and death in the afternoon, girl. A Death-knell that sounds for you.
I wouldn't be surprised if you call it quits after this embarrassment you're about to endure through my hand. I mean, you talk a mean game, but you are thoroughly unprepared. I don't know if you're full of it or you're just stupid, but you seem to be underestimating the danger that stands before you… a misstep which will cost you gravely.
You stumble, I'm there to make sure you fall. I was going take it easy on you, I mean you were always going to lose, I was always going to pummel you to the mat and take this victory for myself, that was never not in the cards for you. I just wasn't going to rub your nose in it…
Not anymore, Becca. You're about to find out first hand, when we step into that ring. There ain't no Duncan, there ain't no mercy either just me… Superunknown. I'm going to make you taste the fruit of your arrogance. Utter and brutal defeat awaits you.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Superunknown turns and walks away.
