Post by Hammersteiner on May 7, 2019 21:58:52 GMT -5
Hammerstein's head pounded, not only from the staples and stitches, but also the thoughts that rattled around in his head. As he lay in bed, he tried, unsuccessfully to remember how many concussions this made, but he knew that the more documented concussions, the fewer opportunities he’d have. Even with his reputation, he knew no promoter would risk someone with numerous concussions on their roster. He couldn't stand the thought of having to walk away because of one too many blows to the head.
Couldn't stand was right. Whoever attacked him took out his knee at the onset of the assault. He remembered the sound of the aluminum baseball bat and the shadowy figure who swing it with malicious intent. If he believed in God, Hammerstein would've said a prayer of thanks for whoever invented the ugly, clunky kneebrace he had been to wear. It was that brace that took most of the brunt of the attack.
Hammerstein's thoughts were interrupted by a soft hand on his arm and a sweet, sleepy voice.
Hammie? What's wrong, baby? Can't sleep?
He sighed and sat up.
You know how it is. Head's killin me.
Holly slid over behind him wrapping her legs around his waist. She gently eased him back until the back of his head lay against her chest, then started massaging his temples.
You've been through a lot, Hammie. Between the travel, the fighting, and now this attack. Eli's gonna get this straightened out.
Hammerstein sighed.
Holly, I've been thinkin that maybe I need to sit down and talk to Eli about this. Somewhere that nobody knows about. I'm tired of fightin with him. I just want my friend back.
Holly wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and kissed the top of his head, as tears of happiness flowed from her sleepy eyes. In mere moments, he was asleep in her arms.
***Forty-eight Hours Later***
Hammerstein and Brian Shelzi walk out of Tatsuki Banno's office in Tokyo, nearly bumping into MAX-J reporter Sue "Sue2" Tsiboi. Microphone in hand, Tsiboi goes right onto Q&A mode.
Hammerstein, Brian Shelzi, why were you in General Manager Banno's office?
Shelzi starts to speak, but Hammerstein put his hand on his manager's shoulder.
It's okay, Brian. I got this.
Hammerstein smiles at Sue2.
Sue2, I'm here at GM Banno's request. This is actually the first chance we've gotten to sit down and talk. We spoke about MAX-J prior to the merger, and our vision for the company, post merger. He told me his expectations of me as Unified World Heavyweight Champion, and I told him that, not only will I meet those expectations, but I'm gonna surpass them.
Sue2 nods her head before moving on.
So, what are you feelings on being the first Unified World Champion?
Shelzi holds up the MAX-J Heavyweight Championship in his left hand and The Lions Road World Championship in his right.
It took me almost three years to win The Lions Road World Championship, and it took me almost two years to win The MAX-J Heavyweight Championship. My feelings can be summed up in five words: I will not be stopped.
I know GM Banno's expectations for me as Unified World Champion. I also know the expectations of my peers in this new, larger, MAX-J...they expect me to fail. The Demon Brigade expects it. Nakama and Cunningham expect it. Hell, most of the old Lions Road roster expect it, including my partner for Nights One and Two, James Edwards.
Hammerstein runs his fingers through his raven hair. His eyes are full of intensity.
But these belts are proof that I'm very, VERY good at proving the doubters wrong. So, during this tour, I'm gonna drive that point home. GRIM, ya bring all your Demon Brigade pals, and I'll knock them the hell out, just like I did ta ya. Nakama, we still haven't gotten to know each other. But all that changes, on Night Two, big man. I’m gonna get ta know ya up close and personal, and you're gonna get all of me ya can handle...and more.
And ta James Edwards and my other partners, I promise ya one thing... I'm all in for the team from bell to bell. But, ya try ta test me, ya try ta make a statement at my expense, I'ma take your ass out.
Hammerstein looks at Sue2, smiling..
We done here?
Tsiboi nods.
Yes.
Hammerstein pats her arm.
Good. Have a good one. C'mon, Brian.
The pair walk away as the camera fades to black.
Couldn't stand was right. Whoever attacked him took out his knee at the onset of the assault. He remembered the sound of the aluminum baseball bat and the shadowy figure who swing it with malicious intent. If he believed in God, Hammerstein would've said a prayer of thanks for whoever invented the ugly, clunky kneebrace he had been to wear. It was that brace that took most of the brunt of the attack.
Hammerstein's thoughts were interrupted by a soft hand on his arm and a sweet, sleepy voice.
Hammie? What's wrong, baby? Can't sleep?
He sighed and sat up.
You know how it is. Head's killin me.
Holly slid over behind him wrapping her legs around his waist. She gently eased him back until the back of his head lay against her chest, then started massaging his temples.
You've been through a lot, Hammie. Between the travel, the fighting, and now this attack. Eli's gonna get this straightened out.
Hammerstein sighed.
Holly, I've been thinkin that maybe I need to sit down and talk to Eli about this. Somewhere that nobody knows about. I'm tired of fightin with him. I just want my friend back.
Holly wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and kissed the top of his head, as tears of happiness flowed from her sleepy eyes. In mere moments, he was asleep in her arms.
***Forty-eight Hours Later***
Hammerstein and Brian Shelzi walk out of Tatsuki Banno's office in Tokyo, nearly bumping into MAX-J reporter Sue "Sue2" Tsiboi. Microphone in hand, Tsiboi goes right onto Q&A mode.
Hammerstein, Brian Shelzi, why were you in General Manager Banno's office?
Shelzi starts to speak, but Hammerstein put his hand on his manager's shoulder.
It's okay, Brian. I got this.
Hammerstein smiles at Sue2.
Sue2, I'm here at GM Banno's request. This is actually the first chance we've gotten to sit down and talk. We spoke about MAX-J prior to the merger, and our vision for the company, post merger. He told me his expectations of me as Unified World Heavyweight Champion, and I told him that, not only will I meet those expectations, but I'm gonna surpass them.
Sue2 nods her head before moving on.
So, what are you feelings on being the first Unified World Champion?
Shelzi holds up the MAX-J Heavyweight Championship in his left hand and The Lions Road World Championship in his right.
It took me almost three years to win The Lions Road World Championship, and it took me almost two years to win The MAX-J Heavyweight Championship. My feelings can be summed up in five words: I will not be stopped.
I know GM Banno's expectations for me as Unified World Champion. I also know the expectations of my peers in this new, larger, MAX-J...they expect me to fail. The Demon Brigade expects it. Nakama and Cunningham expect it. Hell, most of the old Lions Road roster expect it, including my partner for Nights One and Two, James Edwards.
Hammerstein runs his fingers through his raven hair. His eyes are full of intensity.
But these belts are proof that I'm very, VERY good at proving the doubters wrong. So, during this tour, I'm gonna drive that point home. GRIM, ya bring all your Demon Brigade pals, and I'll knock them the hell out, just like I did ta ya. Nakama, we still haven't gotten to know each other. But all that changes, on Night Two, big man. I’m gonna get ta know ya up close and personal, and you're gonna get all of me ya can handle...and more.
And ta James Edwards and my other partners, I promise ya one thing... I'm all in for the team from bell to bell. But, ya try ta test me, ya try ta make a statement at my expense, I'ma take your ass out.
Hammerstein looks at Sue2, smiling..
We done here?
Tsiboi nods.
Yes.
Hammerstein pats her arm.
Good. Have a good one. C'mon, Brian.
The pair walk away as the camera fades to black.