Description: After his victory in SNF Raiden has been enjoying his little stay in Greece. Dropping the mask for a bit Big Bear decides to hit one of the gyms near where he is staying. It looks like his presence attracts the attention of a rather bored Bethany who makes an offer the big man will have to think over.
Greece, Bethany has decided, is boring.
After an interesting last night, the boredom of the day is highlighted even further. She's pissed off Jezebel, which was amusing, and she's succeeded in making herself possibly the least liked person in the Athens Hilton, but with those goals accomplished, she's really got nothing to do until Jace has beaten Jezebel (or the other way around). She'd half-heartedly tried to sketch out some preliminary scene ideas for Geese Howard: The Truth Behind The Broken Glass (working title). But that, is also boring.
So she's come down to the gym. Not to train herself, of course. That sort of thing is rarely done in public. But the bitchy heiress has propped herself against a wall, where she can offer 'constructive criticism' to the people wrestling in the ring, or working out around the room.
She's also continuing to smoke. Because smoking, is always helpful and conducive to an atmosphere of intense physical fitness.
For the third time, a gym official comes over, "Please, Miss, put out your cigarette, or leave."
A long stream of smoke is blown directly in his face.
"Nope."
At least one person hasn't found Greece to be boring. It may not the same excitement as other countries, but some people just know how to keep things interesting at all times. Case in point is Raiden has had plenty of fun so far. He knows some of his targets are here so he can go harass them and on top of that he got himself a barrel of wine to take home after having a knock down, drag out fight with Vice. Right now might be more the relaxation part of his little trip. Or at least a break from his Syndicate duties.
Lurching out of one of the locker rooms wearing shorts and a tank top is the large wrestler. He is without his mask in this case right now which also usually means he has a more jovial demeanor. It is weird how he seems to really try to live two different lives. Sure he is still loyal to Geese because the man pays well and gives him fun work, but times like this he is out just to be Big Bear and not Raiden.
He grins as he goes to climb into the ring and he cracks his knuckles before looking around at all the other gathered people in the gym. "All right. Which one of you kids wants a work out?" he asks as he lightly rolls his massive shoulders and waits to see a response.
Beth is relatively low down on the Syndicate hierarchy. She's working her way up, but it isn't like she has actually *done* anything worthwhile for anyone else, yet. What she has done, is make sure she knows about... everyone else. Which includes Raiden, and, when he isn't wearing his mask, Big Bear. Fighting... isn't really something she likes doing for kicks, but she is curious to see whether the wrestler lives up to his reputation. Something you can hear all about, but, in the criminal underworld? ... Well, you never *really* know until you see it for yourself.
Surprisingly, someone does step up to Raiden. The greek wrestler is a tall young man, bare-chested and wearing bright red shorts. He vaults up into the ring, and Bethany smiles to herself as she moves to stand in Raiden's corner.
"I, Carlos Adronikos, will be your opponent!" The young man declares brazenly, given the cheers from the rest of the gym, this guy is apparently a regular.
"Hmm. Big Bear, right?" Bethany coos from the ropes. "I've always wanted to see what you got. Should be a good show."
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos has started a fight here.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Raiden has joined the fight here.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Raiden
He was unsure if anyone would really want to have a good ole wrestling match with him. If no one volunteered it probably meant some poor punching bag is going to be destroyed. He gives a nod to Carlos when he declares himself to be the opponent and then he hears the voice from behind him that doesn't sound too familiar. Where Bethany knows about Raiden he really doesn't know about her. He often is too busy to really keep up with new recruits and such. Even more so any fame she has is probably lost on him just because not paying attention really to news. He sort of glances and then nods. "I guess you get to see it up close and personal."
With that said he turns about and his attention shifts back to Carlos as he points to the man before motioning him to come at at him. "You can get first strike, kid. I like your guts." Time to see if the young buck can move the big man around. He hopes he finds something of a challenge or else his workout may end up short. He doubts after this no one else is going to be brave enough to slip in and challenge him unless this Carlos fellow turns out to be real good and isn't just trying to show off to his friends and such.
Young Carlos has dreams. Dreams that he will take the great sport of Greek Wrestling worldwide one day. Dreams that he can turn what has been a hobby, into something worthwhile. Dreams...
... which probably aren't going to amount to much, all things being equal.
"I guess I do." Says Bethany, resting herself against the bottom of the ring. Raiden is a very big man. Watching Carlos square up to him, its like watching a mouse try to square up to an elephant.
To Carlos' credit, though, he doesn't back down. Instead he comes in hard. He knows that he is going to have a tough time hauling such a huge guy around, so instead he just tries to plant his leg behind Raiden's, steel himself, and shove forwards, to let gravity do most of the work for him.
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos successfully hit Raiden with Quick Throw.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Raiden
It is a good thing at least Carlos does not hope to become a professional wrestler. Even if alot of it has to do more with entertainment there are some dangerous men with legit strength that can easily crush a man's dreams. Raiden has done that to several people over the years. Most have since forgotten that is the reason he hasn't been in a big name promotion for years now. The brutal grappling of his left a man permanently paralyzed and it was Geese who stepped in and gave him a paycheck. Helped Raiden out and that is why he still serves the man.
Not to mention he isn't kept on a short leash. He doesn't cause problems for the Syndicate and he solves plenty of smaller annoyances that don't require a person like Billy or Duke to handle. Sometimes he just has to be his old self and just enjoy a good fight that doesn't involve mugging someone or sending a message. This is a great chance to do so.
Carlos even gets a bit lucky in the fact that first strike of his seems like a sound tactic. He manages to get that leg behind the big wrestler and he pushes him back. Raiden stumbles and ends up against the ropes instead of fully going down. Bouncing off them he brings a large boot up to try and slam it right into the man as he uses the momentum to his advantage.
COMBATSYS: Raiden successfully hits Unlucky Carlos with Light Kick.
- Power hit! -
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/---====|=------\-------\0 Raiden
Being a relatively inexperienced sort, young Carlos is not expecting Raiden to come back with the boot immediately. The power of it crashes right into his chest, and he goes down hard with a heavy, choking cough. This gets a snort of amusement from Beth, who knows how to appreciate a good kick when she sees one. And a pitiful defense.
Carlos doesn't stay down for long, though. The art of grecian wrestling is rather different from that of wrestling as it is practiced in the US, but there are some concepts which cross over pretty well. For instance, as he gets up, he aims to grapple the larger man, and force him up against the turnbuckle.
"I'm not sure you want to stay in his range." Beth says, helpfully. "I'm pretty sure Big Bear here could twist your head clean off if THAT'S how you plan on defending yourself."
COMBATSYS: Raiden interrupts Turnbuckle Crush from Unlucky Carlos with Giant Bomb.
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Unlucky Carlos 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Raiden
It is a bit of a different clash of style too. Raiden is a pretty good grappler, but it looks like he is more than fine just using his brute strength against his smaller opponent right now. All he does is grin some as he sees Carlos try to recover quickly and actually try to come right at him once again. The commentary off to the side may be true and all, but he snorts a bit. "I could, but it isn't one of those kind of fights." he assures without sparing a glance over his shoulder. He is trying to at least show Carlos that he is taking the young man seriously even if he knows he easily has this handled.
He lets himself lock up with the smaller wrestler for only a moment. There is no real way he can push Raiden back too much. There is a grunt and eventually the Aussie gets himself the upperhand as he manages to break the collar and elbow tieup and then just come forward with a powerfuly fist right into the chest of the youngster. A sickening punch that easily knocks the younger wrestler away as Raiden gives a grin. "Come on kid. You still got some left in ya, right?"
Carlos staggers back up to his feet, "Ah, shut up!" He wheezes in Beth's general direction. He might be totally outclassed, but he's got no intention of letting himself be badmouthed! And Raiden really does seem to be in control of the fight, but taking him seriously! That's good! "It isn't over, until it is over!"
The young man goes back into the fight, and despite Beth's commentary, he is taking her advice. He gives it his all, coming in very fast to lash out with his knees, his palms, and finish up with a somewhat... desperate attempt to push Raiden up, and then *over* the ring ropes.
Beth leans backwards at this point, and folds her arms over her chest with a look of mild interest. He really is going for it.
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos successfully hit Raiden with Balls to the Wall.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Raiden
The guy isn't backing down. That is good. He thought the kid might be giving up after taking that huge blow to the chest. Instead he seems more intent in trying to prove himself to the Aussie. That woman is a bit of a distraction to him it seems. Raiden is used to outside distractions himself and really the commentary isn't directed his way so he isn't really paying much attention to her at all. Probably a good thing or else he might be falling out of the ring and onto her soon from the impact of the young Greek fighter slamming into him.
Thinking fast the big man staggers back and grabs the top rope and leans back against it to where he doesn't go up and over fully as the rope strains from the weight of the the two wrestlers putting their weight into it. Once he knows he is in no danger of going over he releases with one arm and tries to get it around the waist of Carlos before trying to get his full balance back so he can put his other arm around to trap the arm before circling the waist. He will just begin to squeeze now until he can't feel Carlos struggle anymore.
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos dodges Raiden's Bearhug.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Raiden
Carlos has learned that it is a bad idea to let Raiden get his hands on him, and when the flinging grab comes, he manages to throw himself around and to the side, sliding to a desperate halt against the ring ropes. Bethany whistles appreciatively, but for once, she doesn't follow up with any more commentary - snide or otherwise. She seems more amused than anything. Maybe this local really can give the Syndicate enforcer a good workout!
Emboldened, the young wrestler does his best to grab Raiden around the neck, and haul himself up. He'll basically be hanging off his back, putting his full weight into the motion and... well, all but dangling from the larger man, even if he manages to get his grip. But he has to take advantage of the opportunity whilst he has it! A good submission hold after the punishment he's just dished out, could turn the match around!
COMBATSYS: Raiden interrupts Choke Hold from Unlucky Carlos with Bearhug.
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Unlucky Carlos 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Raiden
When Raiden wants a hug he gets a hug. When Carlos tries to climb all about him it doesn't turn out well. He gets the hold for only a moment before Raiden reaches up and tugs the younger wrestler about and gets him in that hug. He steps forward a bit to more them more towards the center of the ring again and he squeezes for awhile longer before tossing the kid back into a corner. "Heh, resilient. You got a good future ahead of you, kid." he says while rubbing a bit at his neck.
He hunkers back down and raises his hands up, ready to see if Carlos has anything left in him to try something or if he is done. "Of course you got awhile before you can take down Big Bear!" the Aussie says with a bit of a laugh. It looks like he is certainly having a good time and the other occupants in the gym are getting more of a show than they maybe bargained for. If anything Carlos has now probably gained a bit of respect from the regulars around here.
"Ghcknmmmngh." Is Carlos' cogent reply to Raiden's bearhug. The young man can't remember the last time he got hurt so much so quick, but the overwhelming force that is 'Big Bear' is a heck of a lot to ask a new guy to deal with.
"I wasn't expecting him to put up such a struggle." Bethany says, from the sidelines. Scrutinizing the guy as he tries to get back up, she smirks. "Looks like it isn't quite time to ring the bell yet though, Big Bear."
And indeed, Carlos gets up one more time. "I will show you..." He chokes, "The spirit, of my country!"
And with that, Carlos comes in as fast as he can. The aim being to grapple Raiden, and again, force him up against the turnbuckle. It is his heart! His soul! All of him bared, as he throws himself into the attack, to try and brace himself against the ropes, and use the added momentum to try and sweep Raiden into a piledriver. Hit or miss, win or lose, the sweat on his brow and his determination to continue in the face of all the odds will have won him some friends in this gym today.
Not from Beth, though, who just rolls her eyes, and stubs out her cigarette. "Kid should still know when he's beat. Just embarrassing himself when he does go down."
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos successfully hit Raiden with Turnbuckle Piledriver.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\0 Raiden
Even if he loses at least to Raiden he can't think of a way he would be embarassed at all. He was more of a challenge than Raiden had expected and the fact he is now getting back up still to continue fighting. "If you are looking for a client to manage I think you got the wrong guy." he finally says aside to Bethany as he still keeps from looking her direction. Even not letting himself get distracted by the woman fully doesn't seem to be enough to help him at the moment. It looks like Carlos really will get himself a nice moral victory if anything this fight as he manages to use his momentum to drag Raiden down and slam him head first into the mat.
"I like yer country alot, mate." he says as he starts to get back to his feet. "Got two good fights in it and a barrel of wine. I got no complaints!" he gives a hearty laugh even if he actually looks slightly winded. Looks like the kid is managing to wear the big man down quite a bit. He then just looks to come forward and bring his shoulder down to slam into the Carlos before following up with a clothesline if he manages to knock the young fighter off balance.
COMBATSYS: Raiden successfully hits Unlucky Carlos with Combination Bodyblow.
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Unlucky Carlos 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0 Raiden
And that's the end of Lucky Carlos. The shoulder smashes into him, and the clothesline lays him out. He'd barely been hanging on after the bearhug, so whilst he has got the moral victory... he's also going to be kissing the mat for a while, drooling and unconscious. It is not exactly a dignified end, but as a couple of his friends move to drag him from the ring, he can work on restoring that later.
Beth, though, seems faintly amused. "I dunno, Big Bear. I was curious whether you still remembered how to fight without cracking skulls." Blunt and to the point, the woman shakes her head a little. "I think we got the answer, though. I would like to catch you for, a chat. You know. I think its time we looked at, getting you back out there. In between your far more important work, of course. Big guy like you needs to blow off steam, am I right?"
This is said as she tosses a towel from the side of the ring, towards Raiden.
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos takes no action.
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Raiden 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Unlucky Carlos can no longer fight.
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Raiden 0/-------/=======|
The breathing is a bit heavy, but Raiden manages to stand up straight and then raises his arms in victory before looking down at the fallen foe and he gives a bit of a nod. He finally starts to turn around and the towel hits him square in the face as he does so. He reaches up to grab it and use it to wipe the sweat from his head. "Of course I do. I do stuff like this all the time to keep sharp. I still tour you know." he comments as he lets the towel drape over a shoulder.
The large fighter moves over to slip between the ropes and out to the floor, landing near Bethany as he looks down at her. "You don't look like any promoters that I know. So what do you want with me?" he asks while leaning back some to where he can rest against the ring apron while taking the towel to dry himself a bit better now that he can sit down and relax a bit after that rather tough match. He hopes this woman doesn't want to talk too much business. He is here on something of a vacation afterall.
COMBATSYS: Raiden has ended the fight here.
"I'm not a promoter." Bethany says, honestly. She even stubs out her cigarette underneath her shoe. With Raiden sitting down, she can look him in the eye easier. She's also a pretty good judge of people, and she can tell that Raiden... doesn't want to chat business. Well. Given his reputation, its possible he may *never* want to talk business.
"I'm bored. I look for excitement. You've done a bit here and there, but the big belts... well, there's still a few people who remember that little accident around, aren't there?" She shrugs her shoulders, indicating that she couldn't give much less of a damn about the damage he'd done, the lives he's ruined. It all comes with the territory.
"So, I figured I'd offer to see about, rebranding Big Bear. I bet you'd like to wear some belts again, and it could be... fun."
She produces a small card from her cleavage. Printed with her name and phone number, and notably no job title at all. This is offered. "Have a think about it. I don't have the skills to train a newbie, but boosting a champ in the making? That I can handle."
Not many remember that accident. Some of the hardcore fans will, but that has been years ago. Big Bear was still an up and comer that never maybe got the main eventer status he ever deserved because of the injury he caused. That is part of life, though. He has made things work since and while he might not be in the most honest line of work he really has no major qualms on what he does. "Oh I could have some nowadays. I can find work, but my other job keeps me from really staying with one full time." Of course he doesn't mention what his other job is. Mostly because he doesn't know he and Bethany keep very similar company. It is something he will find out soon enough.
The card is taken and he looks at it before looking back up at Bethany. Amazing that the big guy has pretty much kept eye contact with her the entire time. "Look, I will think about it, but don't expect anything to come of it." he tells her after a bit of pondering. It is something he would like more time to mull over anyways. Especially at a better time than this. He slowly gets back to his feet and he drops the towel over the bottom rope as he stretches and a few bones pop. "But for now I got my workout. Time for the showers and a pub."
Log created on 11:33:28 05/12/2012 by Raiden, and last modified on 15:17:01 05/12/2012.