Post by tapp on Mar 10, 2021 2:38:53 GMT -5
“Alright. Aaaaannd there we go.”
A video feed starts up and as the camera focuses, the blurry image of Tapp Wrestling becomes crystal clear. He’s sporting an Atari Pong Hoodie and a black bandanna tied around his forehead. He takes a moment to adjust the camera centering himself is little more before interlacing his fingers across his chest.
“Welcome to Wristlock Academy. A premium online wrestling training program. My name is Tapp Wrestling. And this is Module 4.3.7: Figure Four Leg Locks.“
The Online Wrestling School’s Owner flashed a goofy smile and began using his hands to animate as he spoke.
“This one is one of my personal favorites. It’s a classic wrestling move by every definition of the term. And if history is anything to go by, which it always is, then I don’t see this move going anywhere any time soon. Let’s dive right in shall we?”
Wrestling cracked his fingers and flashed that goofy little grin again before the video feed switched over to a cheesy animated movie. You know. Like those old Schoolhouse Rock videos. A crudely drawn wrestling ring is shown and short KT afterwards two wrestlers pop up inside of the ring. Tapps audio can still be heard even though he’s no longer able to be seen.
“So what is a Figure Four Leg Lock?”
The animated wrestlers begin to show movement providing a visual for Tapp’s teaching lesson.
“One wrestler is standing over their opponent. Their opponent is face up on the mat allowing wrestler one to grab ahold of a leg of the downed opponent. Wrestler one promptly executes a spinning toe hold While grabbing the other leg, shaping them into a four. This is where the name comes from.”
The animated figures are now shown to be performing the move. Wrestler two is screaming out in agony.
“The wrestler executing the hold drops backward, thus applying pressure to their opponents legs. It’s an incredibly effective maneuver. But also very dangerous.”
The animated Characters are now seen rolling over and reversing the submission. It is now Wrestler one screaming out in pain.
“If you ever find yourself trapped in a Figure Four, don’t panic. The wrestler on defense can roll themselves and their opponent over onto their stomach.This technique can reverse the pressure from the one originally stuck in the submission to the initial executor.”
The animations fade out and Tapp Wrestling reappears on the screen.
“It’s poetic really. Reversing the figure four. It’s the same move but still something completely different when flipped.”
Tapp looks down at his watch. His eyes widen and he swiftly returns his gaze to camera.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut this Module short. I’m a bit pressed for time. That’s what happens when you’re a busy man. Maybe the busiest in the business. That’s a great nickname. I’ll take a mental not of that. ANYWAYS. This has been another Module with Tapp Wrestling. Take a break. Review what you learned. And then head on over to the next module. We’re talking the Anaconda Vice next! Until next time.”
Mr.Wrestling nods at the camera, and the screen soon fades out.
———————————————————
“Is this what I really want?”
With a clear look of anxiety painted on his face, Tapp was pacing around frantically. He shook his head. There it is again. That question you’ve got to ask yourself over and over and over. That thought constantly lingering. Repeating itself. There it is again.
“Everyone else seems so content. Why shouldn’t I be?”
You didn’t work this hard to just be happy. You didn’t put in all that effort to be complacent. Something must be wrong.
“I don’t know. ”
Tapp shrugged his shoulders.
“Is this what I really want? A Young up and coming name. A veteran still looking to belong. I think so. We’ve got ourselves one hell of a match don’t we?”
Tapp sighed deeply. And you could see his eyes lighting up. Mr.Wrestling points to himself.
“People still call me the underdog. I refuse to believe that. People are saying you’re more talented. Does it matter? Everyone has their mind made up. Who cares? Honestly. Who really cares?”
Tapp looks out the window at the starless, air polluted sky.
“I’ve been incredibly successful at an incredibly young age. I’ve dedicated my life to wrestling. I’ve taken championships from people who completely dismissed me. I’ve swept year end awards with entire companies attempting to hold me back. I have my own training school too! But that’s what bothers me the most.”
He hangs his head in disappointment . He can’t stop tapping his foot. Tapp’s teeth begin to grind against one another.
“You have a training school. Why not embrace that. You already retired once. Twenty Fifteen. Six years ago. Listen. I understand feeling renewed after wrestling in Japan. I get it. Especially in your position. You felt terrible didn’t you? That must have been rough on you. Wasn’t it? I know it was rough.”
Mr.Wrestling wagged a finger. Tut. Tut. Tut.
“We share a lot of similarities you know. I wanted to call it quits. They turned on me too. For once I had friends that I trusted. I thought certain people would always have my back. It’s crazy how the world works isn’t it?”
He leaned against a nearby wall. His breathing became heavier. Tapp seemed to grow impatient.
“I understand that question more than anyone. Is this what I really want? That’s what you’re trying to figure out. Why are you here? Do you have something left to prove. Why are you here? Are you trying to turn back time? A redo? A reversal? Why are you here? Answer me a question.”
The Wrestler Formerly Known As Tapp Addams flashes a little half smile.
“I shouldn’t have to ask you this. Do you REALLY know who I am. All the awards. The countless hours put in performing in tournaments. All the Five Star Classics. Every time I wrestle I make the business better. That’s got to be intimidating right? You’re facing off with the man you wanted to be a long time ago. I’m not.”
The submissionist stared off completely focused on the sounds of the neighborhood able to be heard from the inside of his home.
“Why would I be worried? I mean. I’m not fighting to beat you. I know this will more than likely make you mad but it’s the truth. You’re taking up someone else’s spot. There could be another Tapp Wrestling. Did you ever think about the possibilities. That’s what happens. You lose your will. You don’t have anymore drive. Why is that though? You’re stuck in this purgatory where you’re running as hard as you can. But you can’t go anywhere. Everyone is passing you by. Trainees. Former enemies. Friends.”
He applauded sarcastically, while rolling his eyes for emphasis.
“You’re playing Catch up. You’re chasing a dead dream. You’ve peaked in my opinion. That’s where you and I are different. I’m doing all this for the first time. Traveling around the world. Wrestling seven matches in only two days. A hot commodity. Everyone is asking for Tapp Wrestling. I’ve pretty much become ubiquitous. I’m Synonymous with my namesake. It’s astonishing really. That’s why I can’t believe they booked this match. It seemed like a joke to me. I really thought there was some sort of mistake.”
With a clear look of anxiety painted on his face, Tapp was pacing around frantically. He shook his head.
“Is this what I really want?”