Post by James Edwards on Apr 26, 2019 22:17:36 GMT -5
The Toukon Road's abrupt end hasn't phased James Edwards, or that is the way it appears as a sitting Burning Heart greets the audience in the sitting room of his hotel suite facing a large window with the Tokyo Dome in full view; the perks of being the World's Junior Heavyweight Champion. He's again forsaken his Man in Black attire for a pair of comfortable grey gym shorts with a cutoff red t-shirt. As he gazes at the Egg across the way, a sense of longing comes over the Kentuckian.
"So, it's back to Japan, yeah? I didn't miss the 20-hour flights, but it's good to be back, and return as a champion."
He smiles.
"I said I'd let myself enjoy this title reign and I am so far. It comes with its privileges, like a hell of a view, and the chance to take on legends like Thunder Mask. I couldn't have asked for a better first title defense, and it was an honor to share the ring with him."
The smile quickly fades, replaced by the pencil-thin position indicating James is ready to talk business.
"The other perk: a chance to rewrite history."
"I ain't got the best record against the Demon Brigade. Zenki eliminated me from the 2017 Sword of Light. GRIM and the Zombie ended Pulver and me's tag run before it got started. Those are the big ones, and there are plenty of undercard tag losses on random other tours."
As James' reminisces, there are no sighs; he peers back at his reflection with a steely gaze.
"I don't know what it's been that is so hard to crack about those guys. The style maybe? I ain't never been the best against submission guys, but I can hold my own when I have to. Frustration about not being able to get the job done? That sounds like my hard-headed ass."
"Whatever the reason, I can't get stuck thinkin' about the past. Hamada is crafty. He's better than me on the ground, and if I take my eyes off of him, I'll be on the canvas and tappin' before I know what the hell is happening."
"I need to fight smart and patient. I have to pick my spots and make every kick, chop and suplex count. To do that I've got to have a clear mind."
He nods, trying to reassure himself he can do this.
"Which is hard to do when you the losses that are hanging' over your head are heavier than heaven. They're like a chain trying to drag me back down to that dark place I was in for most of this company's history. See the line I'm walkin' is between rewriting my history and trying to make up for it. If I want that fresh start against the Demon Brigade, I've got to be the guy who beat Thunder Mask, not the sorry bastard lookin' for a funeral. I do that, and this championship ride continues. I get my first victory in a 1-on-1 fight against the DB, and I keep showing MAX-J I've got what it takes to be one of the very best on the roster."
He counts on three fingers.
"Clear eyes, a clear mind, and efficient strikes. That's my menu for victory. Nothing more and nothing less. Stay in the lines and things will keep lookin' up for me."
The Dome captures his attention. It's a place where legends are born. He isn't quite ready to assume that mantle and MAX-J aren't quite prepared to run a show in the hallowed venue either, but if the two keep growing, there is always a chance the dream will become a reality.
"So, it's back to Japan, yeah? I didn't miss the 20-hour flights, but it's good to be back, and return as a champion."
He smiles.
"I said I'd let myself enjoy this title reign and I am so far. It comes with its privileges, like a hell of a view, and the chance to take on legends like Thunder Mask. I couldn't have asked for a better first title defense, and it was an honor to share the ring with him."
The smile quickly fades, replaced by the pencil-thin position indicating James is ready to talk business.
"The other perk: a chance to rewrite history."
"I ain't got the best record against the Demon Brigade. Zenki eliminated me from the 2017 Sword of Light. GRIM and the Zombie ended Pulver and me's tag run before it got started. Those are the big ones, and there are plenty of undercard tag losses on random other tours."
As James' reminisces, there are no sighs; he peers back at his reflection with a steely gaze.
"I don't know what it's been that is so hard to crack about those guys. The style maybe? I ain't never been the best against submission guys, but I can hold my own when I have to. Frustration about not being able to get the job done? That sounds like my hard-headed ass."
"Whatever the reason, I can't get stuck thinkin' about the past. Hamada is crafty. He's better than me on the ground, and if I take my eyes off of him, I'll be on the canvas and tappin' before I know what the hell is happening."
"I need to fight smart and patient. I have to pick my spots and make every kick, chop and suplex count. To do that I've got to have a clear mind."
He nods, trying to reassure himself he can do this.
"Which is hard to do when you the losses that are hanging' over your head are heavier than heaven. They're like a chain trying to drag me back down to that dark place I was in for most of this company's history. See the line I'm walkin' is between rewriting my history and trying to make up for it. If I want that fresh start against the Demon Brigade, I've got to be the guy who beat Thunder Mask, not the sorry bastard lookin' for a funeral. I do that, and this championship ride continues. I get my first victory in a 1-on-1 fight against the DB, and I keep showing MAX-J I've got what it takes to be one of the very best on the roster."
He counts on three fingers.
"Clear eyes, a clear mind, and efficient strikes. That's my menu for victory. Nothing more and nothing less. Stay in the lines and things will keep lookin' up for me."
The Dome captures his attention. It's a place where legends are born. He isn't quite ready to assume that mantle and MAX-J aren't quite prepared to run a show in the hallowed venue either, but if the two keep growing, there is always a chance the dream will become a reality.