Post by Jackson Burnside on Jun 20, 2024 7:33:41 GMT -5
Jackson Burnside is backstage with production and staff as the 6/15 episode of Eruption is going off the air. There's a general feel of levity in the air and the sense of a job well done. Another successful show is done and everyone seems proud of Daron Smythe. Burnside watches as the show goes off the air and the new UWL World Champion celebrates in the middle of the ring. He empties a plastic water bottle and throws it into a bin nearby. After that he turns away from the TV and wipes some more sweat off with a towel. A few people give Burnside some props and attention. Pats on the shoulder, small words of encouragement. "Great match," "good effort," "you'll get yours," that sort of thing. He takes all of it on with grace, and even though he's happy to see Cory Chevelle knocked off the top, deep down there's the disappointment. The resentment.
After all it should have been him, right? Everything got upended, Daron Smythe won the Coronation Cup and now Daron Smythe - not the Weatherman - has conquered the Silverback. Not only the Silverback, but him too. A precise superkick, three seconds and it was over for Jackson Burnside. Underneath his easy-going smile, there's resentment and frustration. Subtle, but present nonetheless. Festering.
Everyone turns their attention to the curtains and applause starts. Smythe enters with the World Championship to a standing ovation. Burnside claps for the new Champ as well, and watches as Daron exchanges high-fives, handshakes, and even a few hugs with those around. Burnside's eye twitches just a little bit as he watches Daron make the rounds. Finally, the new Champ stops in front of Burnside. They face off, two worn down and tired fighters staring each other down. Smythe shifts his weight while measuring up the Weatherman. The tension between the two is palpable. Burnside extends his hand, and Smythe accepts. The whole room let's out a sigh of relief.
Jackson Burnside:
"Congratulations, brother. If it wasn't me, happy it was you."
Smythe nods his head in appreciation.
Jackson Burnside:
"But you know the work starts tonight. Ain't your first time at the top. I'm not quttin' yet. I'm comin' for ya dude."
Smythe grins.
Daron Smythe:
"Bring it on."
The two men disengage. Smythe walks around Burnside, but they two don't break eye contact. Burnside watches Daron for a moment after he's gone. He sniffles, then grimaces and rubs his jaw. Phantom pain from the Superkick no doubt cropping up as Smythe exits with the World Championship. Tonight wasn't his night, but it isn't the end of the road for UWL's proverbial Weatherman.
After all it should have been him, right? Everything got upended, Daron Smythe won the Coronation Cup and now Daron Smythe - not the Weatherman - has conquered the Silverback. Not only the Silverback, but him too. A precise superkick, three seconds and it was over for Jackson Burnside. Underneath his easy-going smile, there's resentment and frustration. Subtle, but present nonetheless. Festering.
Everyone turns their attention to the curtains and applause starts. Smythe enters with the World Championship to a standing ovation. Burnside claps for the new Champ as well, and watches as Daron exchanges high-fives, handshakes, and even a few hugs with those around. Burnside's eye twitches just a little bit as he watches Daron make the rounds. Finally, the new Champ stops in front of Burnside. They face off, two worn down and tired fighters staring each other down. Smythe shifts his weight while measuring up the Weatherman. The tension between the two is palpable. Burnside extends his hand, and Smythe accepts. The whole room let's out a sigh of relief.
Jackson Burnside:
"Congratulations, brother. If it wasn't me, happy it was you."
Smythe nods his head in appreciation.
Jackson Burnside:
"But you know the work starts tonight. Ain't your first time at the top. I'm not quttin' yet. I'm comin' for ya dude."
Smythe grins.
Daron Smythe:
"Bring it on."
The two men disengage. Smythe walks around Burnside, but they two don't break eye contact. Burnside watches Daron for a moment after he's gone. He sniffles, then grimaces and rubs his jaw. Phantom pain from the Superkick no doubt cropping up as Smythe exits with the World Championship. Tonight wasn't his night, but it isn't the end of the road for UWL's proverbial Weatherman.
