Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty

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mitchthepunk90
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Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty Sept 26, 2021 21:38:33 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by mitchthepunk90 on Sept 26, 2021 21:38:33 GMT 1

Lucha Definitiva

Prologue I

Wednesday 18th August 2021 – approx 09:20am.

I’m jolted awake by a bit of turbulence. I’m tired. My legs and feet are numb and aching. It’s been over 9 and a half hours since the plane I’m on had taken off from Heathrow. That’s 9 and a half hours of bland food. 9 and a half hours of interrupted sleep, screaming children, and really bad in flight entertainment – and what for? Just an interview for a job that could finally kickstart my career in the world of television and wrestling? Another 10 more minutes passes before the plane finally lands. I’ve never been to Miami before. I actually prefer warm weather to weather that is cold, miserable, and wet. I like the beach, the sea, the amenities, and the tackiness that comes with it. Sure, places like Aberystwyth in Wales, or North Berwick in Scotland are a lot different to Miami, but I liked it.

Finally the doors off the plane open and it is the usual fight to get off the plane. I grab my small cabin case from the overhead compartment, and I sling my laptop bag over my shoulders. I’m sticky and sweaty. My short, cropped hair, that was neat and tidy is now scruffy. The stubble on my face, my beer breath, and my red eyes give off an impression that life has gone down the tubes somewhat. My once crisp white shirt is now creased. My navy blue trousers look distressed. I dare not look at my accompanying navy blue jacket. “Thanks” I mumble to the flight crew as a shuffle off the plane. The Miami heat hits me right between the eyes. It’s intense. My eyes adjust to the morning sunlight as I make my way down the flight steps and onto the runway. I walk behind other passengers as I turn my phone on. It’s now 9:32am. I make it through customs after a short delay, which was a more pleasant encounter than the one that happened in my mind. I’m only here for a couple of days, so I packed lightly. No need to collect any suitcases or bags from the carousel. I find the nearest bathroom and I wash my face, tidy my hair, and even spray a concoction of deodorant and cheap aftershave. I brush my teeth. I should have packed another suit or shirt, or something.
I get to the arrivals lounge of the airport. I see three burly Latino men standing together. One is holding a sign which I can’t make out, whilst the other two are standing besides him. They all seem uniformed. It’s not until I get closer that I see the text on the printed sign. It was my name, William Cohen. The three gentlemen then approach me like they already know it is me. They all then proceed to shake my sweaty hand.

“Senor Cohen?” asks the first gentlemen. “I’m Ricardo Fuentes Diaz, I’m the lawyer and accountant for Mr. Alejandro Rivera. Mr. Rivera has arranged for you to be staying at The Villa Casa Casuarina down on South Beach for the duration of your visit. I’m sure that you don’t have any issues with that?”

“No! No issues at all Mr Diaz. Isn’t that the former Versace Mansion?” I quizzed him. Ricardo seemed taken aback by my knowledge and started smiling.

“Indeed it is Mr. Cohen. Please don’t take offence. but I can see you’re a man of champagne taste, and beer money?”

I started chuckling at the comment. “None taken. I’d say more beer taste, and lemonade money.”

“Ah, I see. Well, I’m sure what was arranged with yourself over the phone, but Mr Rivera has mentioned that he will cover your expenses during your time here in Miami. Now, if you will follow me to the car. I’m sure we can stop off at a tailors along the way to get you a new suit. Mr. Rivera will be arriving at your suit around 4pm this afternoon. So when you get back, relax. Eat. Sleep.” replied Ricardo as he led me out of the airport and in to an immaculate deep red Bentley Flying Spur as we drive to the nearest tailors.

Last Edit: Sept 26, 2021 21:40:48 GMT 1 by mitchthepunk90

mitchthepunk90
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Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty Sept 30, 2021 20:14:13 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by mitchthepunk90 on Sept 30, 2021 20:14:13 GMT 1

Lucha Definitiva

Prologue II
Wednesday 18th August 2021 – 15:35pm.

I ended up picking out a wonderful fitted Charcoal suit from a luxury place in Down town. I’ve never been a man of luxury. I’m grateful in a way of my upbringing where supplies were scarce and if you wanted something, you’d have to graft for it. However, in preparation for this meeting with Alejandro Rivera, as much as I’m eternally grateful for his generosity, I wondered about who he is? What is his story? After all, I’ve only had a brief 15 minute conversation with him over the phone. So I thought, I’ll get ready now then in the time between now and the interview, I’ll do some research. I proceed to put on my suit, comb my hair and then I pour myself what would have been my 8th cup of coffee since getting here. I walk over to the living room in the suite, where the interview will be taking place. I open up my laptop, load up Google and then there was a knock on the door. I close the browser and I open the door to find a Bell Boy.

“Good afternoon Mr Cohen” he said with a wide, fake smile. “Sorry to intrude, but we tried ringing you on your cell phone. Just to inform that your guests have already arrived.”

I clock his name badge and I smile back. “Ahh Benjamin. That’s not a problem.”

“I’ll bring them up to you now. I’ll also bring menus and a drinks cart through. Is there anything else that you need me to bring?” Ben replied.

“No, you’re good Ben. Thanks mate.” and with that, Ben smiles and nods once again before turning on his heels. I’ve never been nervous about a job interview before, but here I am. I’m 31, and my stomach is churning and I feel flustered and panicked. I don’t know anything about this Alejandro Rivera, I don’t know anything about his ideas of a wrestling company. Why didn’t I ask him on the phone? My internal monologue is interrupted again by Ben the Bell Boy.

“Mr. Cohen? You’re guests are here.” Ben proclaims, again with that big fake smile.

“Thanks Ben.” I straighten up, smiling as I await for them to come through. First to come in is our friend from earlier, Ricardo Fuentes Diaz who walks in with a smile.

“William! Good to see you again.” he greets as he shakes my hand.

“Hello Mr. Diaz.” I reply.

“Mr. Cohen, I would love to introduce to you, my boss, Mr. Alejandro Rivera.” beams Ricardo. The next couple of seconds feel like forever. I wonder how sharp he dresses? What he looks like? That illusion was shattered as a small, overweight man in a fluorescent pink Hawaiian shirt, beige slacks and brown loafers walks in flanked by the other two men from the airport. He takes off his Fedora, and comes in for a massive hug.

“Ahh, Mr. Cohen. What a pleasure to finally meet you!” he says in a Latino American accent. “How was the journey?”

“Mr. Rivera! The pleasure is all mine. The journey was fine thank you.” It wasn’t said my internal monologue. “I must admit, I’m very grateful for the suit, the room, and the generosity you’ve shown to me already!” I reply as we’re in the midst of a firm hand shake.

Rivera ushers Ben out of the door before slipping him a generous $100 bill. “Is it OK to call you William?”

“That’s absolutely fine Mr. Rivera.”

“Please, please. My name is Alejandro. Come on, lets sit and we can talk and order some food.” we proceed to the living room area once again, and the whisky is being cracked open by one of the goons and poured into glasses.

“Salud!” we all cheer before clinking our glasses together.

“So, let’s cut to the chase, William. I’m a man who has a lot of pull in this beautiful city. I’m well respected. I love the bright neon lights. I love the beautiful Miami sunset. It takes me back to being a kid where I would see similar sights on the TV with Miami Vice, and even wrestling. Mi madre also loved telenovellas back then and I was hooked in. The glitz. The glamour. The violence. The storytelling. That’s me, man. Yeah I watch wrestling now, but it’s not the same. I want all three entities and mix them up. I saw the stuff you sent in with your resume and I loved it.” Rivera starts clapping his hands with excitement and leans forward.

“I appreciate that, but Alejandro, our of all of the applicants, why me?” I asked. Rivera tilts his head for a second.

“My brother, it is very simple. Nobody wants to touch me, or work for me. I sent the advertisement out everywhere, I want the best of the best, and I believe that you’ve got what it takes holmes.” Rivera, a bit uneasy, takes a drink out of his glass. “I know together, that me and you, can make something fresh and exciting. Something different.”

“I agree, something different is what wrestling needs right now. Yeah sure, USPW is throwback to the times that you’ve mentioned, but it’s not thrilling enough. NOTBPW is great for in ring work, but there is no storylines or glitz. The same is in the UK right now too.” I reply as I get more excited by the idea of helping to build a wrestling company.

“See. I knew it. I knew you have got a mind for it. I know USPW has money, I’ve got money. I just don’t want to compete with them just yet.”

“Boss, William. If I may?” interrupts Ricardo. “We have money, but we need to be careful with how we invest it into the company. You know how bad things are at the moment Alejandro. We don’t want to give them something to get excited about.”

Alejandro turns to look at Ricardo. “No. You’re right. We don’t.”

“Who are they?” I ask, somewhat curious to find out about my future boss.

“Have you Googled me or read anything about me? Or do you even know who I am?” asks Alejandro as there is a slight shift in tone.

“Uhm, no I haven’t Mr. Rivera.” I reply panicked, yet courteous.

“Aha, good. Welcome to La Familia. Welcome to Lucha Definitiva.” With that, Alejandro pulls me in for another hug, and crystal glasses are clinked together.

mitchthepunk90
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Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty Oct 1, 2021 14:50:30 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by mitchthepunk90 on Oct 1, 2021 14:50:30 GMT 1

Lucha Definitiva
Prologue III
Wednesday 18th August 2021 – 19:00pm.

That was possibly the most bizarre yet interesting meeting or interview I’ve ever had. Sure, I’m pleased to have gotten the job, yet I’m even more intrigued about Alejandro. He is quite the character. There’s something about him that I just cannot put my finger on. When he asked me to see if I know about him is a very odd, strange flex – even though he was pleased with my answer. I had to find out. I thought I did quite well despite me not watching any wrestling in a few years, let alone keep up with anything. Surprisingly, Rivera didn’t pick up on it, or he was just desperate to get anybody in the door to make his dream a reality.

I was told that I need to sample the nightlife tonight. Of course, funded again by Alejandro. I was just too tired from the flight. Still, there was two envelopes on the table which my new boss had graciously left. One, which was already opened was stuffed full of money – which I got bored of counting after I reached $1500 – and the second, which was still sealed. I should really open it, but again, Rivera is just constantly on my mind despite only have just left his company. I’m infatuated. I need to know who he is. Again, I reach for my laptop. I open the browser and I start to type out Alejandro. I then pressed the space bar and already the search engine suggested his surname followed by “who is” and “Miami”. Then, my phone rang.

“Hello?” I ask impatiently wanting the call to end already.

“William, it’s Ricardo. Please, don’t search the internet about the boss.” he panicked.

“I...I wasn’t.” I stutter as I frantically close the browser and the lid, suspicious of who is watching me.

“It’s nothing personal William, it is just that the boss has a lot on his plate right now, and we’ve had issues before about staff and trust. When the time is right, we’ll let you know.” again, Ricardo said panicked – almost under baited breath.

“He’s not a Drug Barron isn’t he?” I jokingly ask followed by a chuckle.

Silence. It was only for a couple of seconds, but it felt like an eternity. It certainly was deafening. “Sorry Ricardo, nothing was meant by it. The drink mixed with lack of sleep, you know how it is.”

“Have you opened the envelopes yet?” he asked. I knew something was wrong already since he brushed off my apology.

“I’ve just opened the first one, which again I really must thank you all for. You’ve been very kind so far.” pushing my tail further between my legs.

“It’s not a problem. You’re our special guest. You’re our employee. Do right by us and we look after you.” Ricardo exclaimed. “Now, what about the second envelope?”

“I haven’t had chance…”

“Not saying that you need to do it now, but it does relate to the job in hand. Information about the company. Information about the roster. Information about the pilot episode…”

“The pilot what?”

“Haha, yes. Listen, get some sleep. I appreciate that you’ve had a long flight, and that today has been a whirlwind. Tomorrow, read through it and we’ll touch base. Welcome to Miami. Hasta mañana William.” and with that, Ricardo hangs up the phone.

Now, images of who Rivera might be are now swirling through my mind. I go to the bathroom, and pull out some paracetamol from my washbag. I go to the minibar, pull out a bottle of water and take the tablets. I then take the second, unopened envelope and take it to my bedroom. I lay on the bed, turn the television on and it’s a local Miami news programme. I open the envelope and there’s what appears to be a brochure – a welcome pack. It’s glossy. It’s got that new, fresh smell which I strangely enjoy. It’s upside down, and I turn it around and I see this.

I’m amazed about the story of Rivera. How can a guy who wants to make a change for the better in terms of kids education have enemies? He comes across as a generous and selfless man. I decided that I’d ring up Ricardo in the morning and apologise again at how I got all of this wrong. Anyway, I started reading through the brochure. The mission statement of Lucha Definitiva was similar to what he had said in the meeting. Lucha Definitiva is if Miami is a wrestling show. Colourful characters, beautifully lit scenery. Drama that you could only see in the telenovellas. Wrestling that you wished you saw in mainstream companies. I was enchanted by it already, and I’m not any further than the first page.

The second page had more about the pilot that Ricardo briefly mentioned. Rivera has paid a Local Access Television to film and air the first show. Rivera has also facilitated one of his smaller nightclubs to host the taping. The show itself will be called Lucha Definitiva. There are full page bios on the talent that he has signed. If I know one thing about him, Alejandro Rivera means business about this venture.

I end up falling asleep with the glare of the television lighting up the room.

mitchthepunk90
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Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty Oct 2, 2021 22:15:01 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by mitchthepunk90 on Oct 2, 2021 22:15:01 GMT 1

Lucha Definitiva
Prologue IV - Introduction
Thursday 19th August 2021 - 8:50am

I must’ve needed that length of sleep last night. I don’t think I’ve been that tired in my life, which of course is an over-exaggeration. I must have pulled 10 all nighters at university whilst writing my dissertation. Still, I’m showered, I’m dressed, and I’m raring to start a new day. It’s another beautiful day, but I’m fed up of being stuck in this suite, so I’m going to take this brochure and head down town. Maybe get some breakfast, drink more coffee and even people watch. I’m not really a touristy type. I like to experience the culture. Besides, these people will soon be my audience – so I need to know what they like, what they don’t like – and I may end up temporarily living here. I make my way down to the lobby of the hotel and I walk up to the reception desk. Greeting me with a smile was a young Hispanic woman. Cropped brown hair, hotel uniform, and exotic eyes.

“Good morning Mr. Cohen. How was your first night?” she asks with a wonderful smile that has taken me aback.

“Erm yeah, it was great thank you! I was wondering, I’m going to take a taxi Downtown just to people watch, eat good food, and experience the Miami culture. Is there any recommendations?”

“I’m glad it was great for you! In fact I do, I used to eat there a lot as a kid. El Gallito Coffee Shop in Little Havana. Not quite Downtown but it’s fantastic. Great food, great coffee. It’s located on SW 8th Avenue. I can get your taxi arranged if you like?” she beamed.

“If you could, that would be fantastic!” I reply, scanning her body for a name tag. “Sorry, what is your name?”

She removes the hair that covers her name badge. “Oh sorry! It’s Sofia.”

“Sofia, thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.”

She nods before using the phone, presumably to book my taxi.

Some 20 minutes or so later, and I wonderful drive through Miami with a very informative Cuban driver, I arrive at my destination. My taxi driver also told me that El Gallito is a hidden secret. I gave him a generous tip and I walk through the door. It’s small, but just what I expected. Hell, it’s just what I wanted. The waitress shows me to a table near the window and I order a coffee and baleada mixta con carne, which I found out is an Honduran dish, with tortilla, refried beans, thick cream, a salty hard cheese, grounded meat, and scrambled eggs. The meal was wonderful, different to anything that I have ever tried. The staff were fantastic, constantly asking if I want more coffee – which I thought would have been rude to have turned down. I reach into my backpack, and pull out the Lucha Definitiva welcome pack.

The waitress who was doing the coffee rounds, in her mid 40’s saw my brochure with Alejandro’s face all over it. She politely smiled and nodded before making her way over to the counter to speak with a man. I couldn’t make out the Spanish but from the corner of my eye, I saw them point at my brochure. The male shrugged before turning the television on in the corner. It was a Spanish speaking news bulletin, and the screen showed the following.

The television quickly changed channel. I call the waitress over.

“Hi, sorry to interrupt. I saw the news just and I couldn’t understand what it said. Can you translate it to me por favor?” I politely ask.

“Si senor. It was that Mr. Rivera is continuing to do charitable things around the city. What do you say in English, good story for news?” she replied.

I could sense the panic in her voice. “Thank you!” and she quickly scurried away from my table. I get past the Alejandro feature and I’m greeted with the Lucha Definitiva logo and a blurb.

Lucha Definitiva is a wrestling company formed by great Miami businessman, Alejandro Rivera. Fed up of the current monotony of professional wrestling, Rivera wanted to create a product that was based on his three loves. Wrestling, telenovelas, and Miami. Alejandro Rivera believes that by creating such a product, he can offer an alternative to the decades old formula of wrestling by mixing high energy wrestling, dramatic soap opera like storylines and a bright, neon Miami backdrop. To create such vision, Rivera drafted in British television supremo – and wrestling fan, William Cohen to write and book the shows. Matches will take place at the Vice City nightclub in Downtown Miami. Lucha Definitiva will air it’s pilot episode on Local Access television in October 2021.

I chuckle to myself. “Supremo? Nobody in the UK wanted to touch me, let alone have me working on their shows.” Anyway, I flick the page over and I’m greeted with the roster. No backstory or biography, just photos and names.

I finish reading the roster page, which also had the LD Title Belts designs and my phone rings. It’s Ricardo.

“Hola William.”

“Morning Ricardo. Listen, sorry about my joke yesterday.”

“Hey man, it’s all good. I thought jokes were supposed to be funny like ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’ ha. Anyway, have you read the roster page yet?” Ricardo enquires.

“Good one! Yes, I’m just sat in a coffee shop in Little Havana. Why aren’t there any biographies or character notes?”

“Because Billy, you’re creating them from scratch. You can have access to the roster, you can find out more about them. You can sculpt them into whatever you want. However, the boss wants a bit of a hand in creating the show.”

“Is that why both yourself and Alejandro is included on the roster pages?”

“Yes for Alejandro. Myself? I’ve got the good looks, and I’ve always wanted to act. Besides, I can wrestle a bit too.” he replied.

“Good looks? Is that a joke or…”

“No William, I’m serious.” another brief pause that felt like an eternity takes place. I go to apologise again and Ricardo gets in before me. “Yes William. That was a joke. See? Funny!”

“Yeah, if you say so.”

“Where are you anyway? I want to show you around the city, I’ve got to show you the venue, shooting locations, and then look at places for you to live for when we get your visa sorted.”

“I’m at El Gallito…”

“Little Havana? Great choice. I’ll be there soon. See you soon.”

The phone call ends. I put the brochure away in my bag, settle the bill and tip before exiting the cafe and wait for Ricardo to pick me up.

mitchthepunk90
Mullet Wearing Jobber

I have made 9 posts
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Lucha Definitiva! A Cverse Dynasty Oct 2, 2021 22:29:33 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this