Chapter 91: Road to Super Grindhouse
The Interview Team invited Arnold for a chat on a Grindhouse Wrestling talk show called The Unmask. This wasn't something like the typical exclusive interview invitation from other unofficial shows, it was anchored in Capside Centre and sponsored by the Grindhouse Wrestling Management.
Tristan Black was invited as well, as he was Max Fury's opponent. However, Arnold was the first to take his interview, hosted by a young dark-skinned American man named Travis Brown, and the well-known Renee Sky.
"Max Fury, firstly, what do you have to say about Tristan's sudden challenge?" Renee began the questions after an exchange of greetings.
"Actually... I don't really know what to say about it... It's just strange, as the fans had said," Arnold replied politely while he sat on a well-comforting chair in a different direction from the interviewers.
Renee nodded to his reply and smiled. Then the dark-skinned man threw his question.
"It's crazy how the Alpha Champion suddenly challenged you, but it's actually crazier that you accepted without hesitation. Max Fury, what made you accept Tristan Black's challenge?"
Arnold knew as well that his acceptance of the challenge was questionable, but he did it on purpose. Someone like him wouldn't run away from challenges and would have to defend himself, his title, and his reputation.
"I accepted his challenge because I am a fighting champion. He isn't just putting his title on the line, he challenged me for my title as well... Which I would always defend against anyone, anytime," Arnold told Travis with a serious look on his face.
"Wow. Wow, that's awesome, champ," Travis commented with an amazed smile.
"There have been rumors that he challenged you because of what your brother did to him. Many said that you are the biological brother of Corey Gallagher, the leader of the famous XP robbery and assassination gang."
"Is this true? I mean, are you truly Corey Gallagher's brother?" Renee Sky asked curiously.
This time, Arnold was already possessing a dark face, indicating the level of rage and embarrassment he felt.
He truly didn't know what reply he should give at that moment...
Hesitating for a while, Arnold raised his head and said.
"Yes, Corey Gallagher is my brother. But, Tristan Black was lying. No one could detect the identity of the XP Gang while on raid... It might just have been another robbery team..."
"Hey! I don't think you should add this to the video... Don't, please," Arnold thought about the possibility of the video going viral and causing unreasonable problems after this particular speech.
Due to being a champion and a huge personality in Grindhouse Wrestling, Arnold had gained massive respect. The editing team was asked to cut that part off, and they did just that.
He was asked other questions, which he answered boldly and seriously.
"Tristan Black must have been an undefeated champion, but that wouldn't change the fact that I will come out victorious at Super Grindhouse."
The Grindhouse Wrestling show on that day was named Super Grindhouse because of the breathtaking match at the main event. This match had boosted ticket sales massively, causing the management to rent a bigger arena somewhere in the same city.
It indeed deserved to be called a Super Grindhouse Show. There would be no pay-per-view in December, and this was just why it would be a normal Grindhouse show, although it would be different and more exciting.
"He is coming for my career, I am going for his title... That's our aim, and may the best fighter win," Arnold spoke with boldness, the look on his face as fierce as the countenance of the hungry tiger.
When he left the interview room, Tristan was invited in.
As expected, he was asked why he really challenged Max Fury, and he boldly said the same thing as in the general manager's office days ago.
"Only his defense can save him... I would make sure he never steps in feet in a wrestling arena again!"
"And if he wins?" Renee threw this question at him after the load of terrifying promises he made.
At that point, Tristan glared strangely and lolled at Renee...
"He would never defeat me. Never!"
Then he paused and hesitated for a while.
"And if he manages to, then I would be the one not to step my feet in a wrestling ring again!"
This statement made social media buzz after the video was uploaded. Tristan Black kept showing his desperate urge to ruin Max Fury's life.
Putting his career on the line was something that no one could imagine.
It was insane!
Yet, this was just an indication of his desperation... It was as if he was assigned to do this or die!
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"Tristan Black really wants to deal with that guy! Huhu, cool!"
"His career on the line??? That's crazy!"
"I just hope Max Fury wins, this is so insane!"
"I support Tristan, I have hated Max Fury since the very day he stepped his feet into the Grindhouse Wrestling arena. He should go to hell."
"Be strong, The Legacy. We will always love and support you!"
"Go go, Max Fury... You are defeating Tristan!"
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The comments about the match on different social media platforms were both cool and crazy at the same time.
Tristan Black's fans pledged to give their support, some of them attacking Max Fury with crazy curses in the comments.
However, Max Fury's fans weren't staying back as well... With the sweet words of support and motivation, Arnold felt his heart melt.
Although the threat of Tristan putting his career on the line made Arnold a little nervous, he was still bold, fearless, and ready.
"No matter what happens, let the strongest man win," Arnold made this statement for the second time.
******
It was already two weeks before they could know it, and another Wednesday night.
The night everyone has been waiting for.
The Super Grindhouse Show!
Arnold and his friends left for the rented stadium together with the other wrestlers by the Grindhouse Wrestling staff van.
When they arrived, Arnold went straight to the training ring offered by the arena's management.
Before it was time, he decided to, at least warm up...
This match would be the greatest of his career yet...
Max Fury couldn't afford to lose.
The Pro Wrestling System couldn't afford to be cringed.
******
[A/N: If the book reaches 45/50 Golden Tickets today, a mass release of the whole Winner Takes All Match scene will be mass-released at once!]