Post by Daron Smythe on Jul 5, 2024 20:03:50 GMT -5
The Mt. Wood Castle sits overlooking the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia, home of the UWL World Champion, #1 Daron Smythe. Otherwise known as the Mt. Wood Overlook, it offers a scenic vantage point providing expansive views of the city, the Ohio River, and the surrounding landscapes. This overlook is situated on Mt. Wood Road and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking to appreciate the natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the area.
This site, originally a project of Dr. Andrew J. Harness, a physician who had been born in Tennesse to modest means and eventually migrated to Wheeling in 1916 with dreams of constructing either a large live-in clinic or a majestic residence. The project progressed until 1925, when Dr. Harness was arrested for the sale of narcotics to his patients. Regardless of his motives for these activities, this left this "castle" unfinished and a destination in the city of Wheeling.
For years, it was a place to be avoided - ghost stories scattered throughout the town. But, over time, local graffiti artists began their work at this unfinished home. Some were offended by this progressive artform, some thought homeless people took up the space. In modern times, it's been the best place to catch a view of the Fourth of July fireworks.
Tonight, that's where Daron Smythe is, with his friend Jim "Jimbo" Miller Jr. and several residents of Wheeling, looking to see the best view of tonight's fireworks. One younger girl, somewhere in the range of 10-12 years old is filming the fireworks with her iPhone. Her mother, sitting next to her on a fold out chair, beckons...
MOTHER: Hey, put that phone down! Just enjoy this...live in the moment!
The young girl meekly puts her phone down and watches, ooohing and ahhing along with several other members of the crowd, mostly young children who shout "America!" as each firework beams into the night sky.
JIMBO: This view really is something else...thank you for recommending it...
DARON: *almost in a trance* Live in the moment...
JIMBO: You over there rambling to yourself again?
DARON: You know, Jimmy, sometimes it's the thing an only child does, the constant conversation just eventually speaks out loud. As corny as it sounds man, I'm constantly learning, and that mom has a point - live in the moment.
JIMBO: Yeah dude, that's why I'm here - I drove ninety minutes for these fireworks!
DARON: That's a part of it - but this whole thing, life and the way this has worked out, being the World Champion, I appreciate it so much more than I did the last time.
JIMBO: It's about time you chilled out and just enjoyed the ride...
DARON: It's not just that, I love the ride - when I got into pro wrestling, I wanted to be the one to put Wheeling on my back, to bring it into the limelight to carry myself, my family name, a company - all of it. This promotion means so much to mean, this title means so much to me. As we go into Battlestar, I'm ready for this shit, man.
JIMBO: Alright man, you keep saying live in the moment right?
DARON: Of course...
JIMBO: Well, just shut up for a minute and enjoy this shit, okay?
DARON: *laughs* You got it man...happy 4th of July!
Hope y'all had a happy 4th of July!