Yep... Batman: The Dark Knight. And yep... Apparently Trenton's upcoming opponent was a walking example of that quote from the movie: John Cena. Truth be told, Trent didn't know the guy... Trent had worked with him once in the past. As a matter of fact it was Cena the man Trent and Crofty defeated back in the way for the tag team straps. Trent has definitely came a long way from being pictured on TV as Zack Ryder's goofy game addicted henchman... To being the goofy game addicted Breakout Champion and one half of the Tag Team champions. Alright, alright... It might not sound like much, but for the first time in a long time, Trent felt the EBWF crowd was getting behind him. The way they counted along with the ref, the "Let's go Trenty" chants, the twitter followers on the rise... Hell he even got a call from Stephanie McMahon and Mr. Schneider to set a meeting to renew his EBWF contract... Everything looked good for Trenty... The best part of it? Trent had moved on into the EBWF King of the Ring Quarterfinals and was not going to allow a big name of John Cena to scare him off... It was definitely time to up his game and live up to his expectations if he wanted to headline Summerslam, that is. For a new kid on the block like Trent, every match from here on would be the biggest match of his career... His match with John Cena, a potential match up against CM Punk, Bully Ray, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes... They were all far more successful and famous than he was right now... Each and everyone of them proved to be a massive obstacle to surpass but the thought didn't scare Trent, the thought motivated him!
SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH - TOPEKA, KANSAS - HYATT PLACE
Greg hadn't been able to spend father's day with his old man Al, but that was nothing new when you were on the road. Almost two weeks later, Greg was able to send him tickets and afford bringing his father over for the weekend, to celebrate. Greg and his dad were to meet at the Hyatt Place in Topeka, a few minutes away from the ExpoCentre, where Warfare was going to take place. Greg walked into the Hotel lobby and immediately headed for the counter... Leaning against it. Greg was wearing a white cotton polo shirt with a blue bomber jacket underneath, kahki pants and blue suede loafers... Wayfarers covering his eyes, his hair held back in a ponytail.
Lady in the counter: Welcome to Hyatt Place, may I help you?
Trent Barreta: Morning... I have a reservation under Marasciulo, Greg.
The girl shifted her attention towards the computer as she checked.
Lady in the counter: Marasciulo... Marasciulo... Got it. King accomodation for two?
He nodded.
Lady in the counter: Just a minute.
After punching in a few keys on her computer, the lady handed him a keycard and a warm smile.
Lady in the counter: Here's the key to your room... Sir, excuse me but do you work with EBWF?
He nodded his head again, just barely.
Lady in the counter: Good, there have been quite a few people who have come asking for someone named "Trent Barreta", apparently to deliver packages.
The lady tilted her head to the side, Trent's eyes turned to the left and he saw it... Behind the counter a big pile of paper bags and cardboard boxes.
Trent Barreta: Oh, that... Do you happen to have any storage service?
The lady in the counter shook her head.
Trent Barreta: How about this then? Take this to an empty room... Do the same with any more packages or boxes that arrive and put it on my bill...
The girl nodded, went to her computer and typed in again, before handing him a second key card.
Lady in the counter: Do you know this Barreta guy?
Trent Barreta: Yes. Barely.
He retreated for the counter and headed to his own room. He had tweeted the message just a couple of hours ago, where he invited John Cena fans to bring their stuff over to the Kansas ExpoCentre on Monday night in exchange for EBWF Shop bonuses... He never thought there'd be that much Cena fans willing to give their stuff away! This had gotten out of hands... Once in his King suite, and while he waited for his father, Trent grabbed his phone and looked for Edward Kauffman's number, the vice president of consumer products.
Edward Kauffman: Kauffman.
Trent Barreta: Hey, It's Greg.
Edward Kauffman: Greg? What a surprise... How are you doing?
Trent Barreta: I'm fine man, thanks... How are those Trenty T-shirts selling?
Edward Kauffman: Like hot bread, Greg! We might need to pull out some new ones in the future.
Trent Barreta: Sure, I'll love to sit down with you and share some T-shirt ideas... Listen, I'm sorry to call you on the weekend, but have you got a minute?
Edward Kauffman: Sure, I always have time to talk business.
Trent Barreta: I asked on Twitter if EBWF fans had any Cena Merchandise they didn't want anymore to hand it over to me in exchange for EBWF shop bonuses...
Edward Kauffman: You did what?
Trent Barreta: I needed some Cena merch for Monday night, and I didn't want to buy some myself... I wanted it to be real returned Cena merchandise, coming from Real John Cena disappointed fans.
Edward Kauffman: So, EBWF shop gift cards?
Trent Barreta: Yeah, gift cards... I've seen those on the EBWF shop.
Edward Kauffman: Yeah, we definitely got those... But my question is, who is going to pay for that?
Trent sighed, he knew he would have to pay for it all... But he didn't know it was going to be that much Cena Merchandise.
Edward Kauffman: Bare in mind we can't give full prices for used merchandise... So it will only be a fraction of the price.
Trent Barreta: Well, I'll pay the gift cards myself... Could you send someone over to see how much do I owe you and ship the gift certificates to those who donated?
Edward Kauffman: Yeah... Definitely. Boy this is going to be more expensive than Zack Ryder putting himself over with stickers and his Internet Championship...
Trent Barreta: Who do you think taught me to do crazy stuff to get myself over with the fans?
Edward Kauffman: Alright, I'll send someone over to make an inventory of the merch you gathered, then send gift certificates worth half of what the item they donate was prized at to the owners... Then, I guess I should put it on your credit card?
Trent Barreta: That would do.
Edward Kauffman: Anything else I can help you with?
Trent Barreta: That'd be all...
Edward Kauffman: Always a pleasure!
Trent threw his phone on the mattress and laid back... Given the amount of merchandise he saw on the counter and given there was still more than 24 hours for Warfare to take place. The segment he had in mind would definitely be a success, given the amount of fans that donated their Cena merchandise... Given the recent turn of events in EBWF, the fans weren't exactly high on John Cena... The man was still a solid worker, a power house and a big name in the business but his personal life problems reflecting upon the ring sure caused more than a few frowns in the EBWF universe...
However, as hated and booed as Cena has been lately... He was still an icon, a legend in the making, the man who they always will compare to Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and other great ones. The man who has proved the wrestling world over and over again he has what it takes to be alongside the best in the business. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, which he jumped off the mattress to attend. He turned the knob around and pulled the door open, standing by the doorway a tall, slender man with gray hair and beard, blue eyes in a blue short sleeved shirts and gray chinos smiled at Greg. He reached out and wrapped his arms around his shoulders and embraced him in a hug.
Trent Barreta: Dad!
Greg's dad smiled and patted his back, hugging him as well. Closing the door behind them, dad took a glance at the room.
Al Marasciulo: This must have cost a fortune!
Trent Barreta: Hey, only the best for my dad...
He patted his dad on the back, reached for the mini bar and grabbed a couple of beer bottles, handing one of them to Al. They both uncorked the bottles and had the bottles clink against each other.
Trent Barreta: Happy father's day.
Al Marasciulo: Wait a minute, you don't have any kids?
Trent Barreta: Ass.
Both of them laughed and sat on the small living room the king suite had.
Al Marasciulo: Last time I saw you, you were still hanging out with Kris... Crofty was his name?
Trent Barreta: Yup. That didn't work well. I'm on my own now.
Al Marasciulo: So I've seen... I tune in every time I get the chance. You've been doing fairly well as of late?
Trent Barreta: Yeah, you could say that... Been on a roll since WrestleMania... And I'm really glad you were able to come and watch me live.
Al smiled.
Al Marasciulo: I am glad to be here... And no matter what happens I'll be by your side.
"No matter what happens..." Cena was the biggest name on this side of the tournament table by far, Trent had some big fish to fry if he was to be taken seriously by the EBWF universe.
Trent Barreta: It'll be my time when it is my time you know? I have no rush on making in to the top... Something tells me, eventually I will get there... And if don't I am still having a blast.
Al Marasciulo: What does it take to make it to the top?
Trent Barreta: Well, in EBWF... If you manage to turn fans' attention towards you, they throw you a bone, if you do wonders with the bone they might throw another one at you... And so on.
Unless you have heat on you, like John Cena.
Al Marasciulo: You are a hard worker son... I'm pretty sure you'll make it. Although there's something I always wondered.
Trent Barreta: Yes?
Al Marasciulo: Are you seeing AJ Lee?
Trent blushed and almost choked on his beer as he had a sip.
Trent Barreta: Dad pls.
Al Marasciulo: Just joking... Mom told me everything about it. What I always wondered was something else...
Trent Barreta: Yes?
Al Marasciulo: Could I ever be on one of the shows? You know, I've seen Cena's father, I've seen your friend Matt's father constantly appearing with him! Do you think I could ever?
Trent Barreta: Do you want to?
Al Marasciulo: Well I would love to... Unless you're ashamed of me!
Trent Barreta: No, not at all! You're free to join me whenever you want! We just have to think of something.
Al Marasciulo: Cheers to that.
Greg and his dad toasted again, their beer bottles -almost empty now.- clanked against each other softly before they took one last, long sip of beer. It was rather seldom for Greg to spend time with his father, so he was going to treasure this weekend with him. Having his dad by his side on the weekend he would have his biggest EBWF match so far was definitely the motivation he would need.
MONDAY, JUNE 25TH - TOPEKA, KANSAS - KANSAS EXPOCENTRE
"MegaMan Theme" (Remix) hit over the PA system and the crowd bursted in cheers for the EBWF Breakout Champion and one half of the EBWF Tag Team Champions, Trent Barreta made his way down to the ring... Trent was wearing a Black MegaMan T-shirt and his wrestling tights. He posed for the fans on the turnbuckle with both belts over his shoulders, shouting out "Whaddup!!!" before jumping off and asking for a microphone... A black drum can resting in the middle of the ring.
Trent Barreta: Gosh... Thanks for the warm welcoming. You know it's kinda hard to just sit through this whole tournament while others have their matches, it really makes me anxious, it really makes me wish there was a "Skip" button to skip them all and just fast forward to mine... Like in GM mode, you know? Anyway... Although there is no Bat Signal in sky, although you can't sense my spider sense tingling... Believe me when I tell you, it is my turn to step into the spotlight and show you guys what I am made of! This time against Cena...
The crowd showed a loud disproval by booing after Cena's name was mentioned by the gaming Ace.
Trent Barreta: Yeah... Yeah... We all felt he stabbed us in the back when he left, he also expects us to be all lovey dovey with him after he left... On his defense I have to say I walked out on you at some point in my EBWF career, I retreated and went to train hard, to polish my skills and get my sh*t straight... The difference is, the whole show wasn't resting on my shoulders when that happened... Rest assured I am here for good, wether you love me or hate me... I would always work my ass off so that you drive home feeling happy with what you spent to see us...
The crowd popped.
Trent Barreta: You know, Cena is an icon. Cena made kids smile, Cena was the guy we all wanted to cheer for against every enemy he set food in the ring with... No matter how dirty they played, no matter how beat up, injured and insulted he was.. He always fought against all odds and came on top. He earned our respect... It's a shamed he wiped his ass with it...
Trent lowered his head a bit.
Trent Barreta: So before Cena comes out and busts one of his raps calling me a small, friendless, virgin who spends most of his time in his mom's basement playing videogames with a girl who looks like she's 12 years old... Did I say it right? Anyway, before the docta of thuganomics comes out here to gives us his balance on the upcoming King of the Ring match... I feel like it is my duty to come out here and say... John Cena has died. The chain gang commander, the good guy, the patriot, Make a Wish Foundation star, all around good guy is gone for good...
He sighed.
Trent Barreta: All the time he spend building a name for himself, telling us to rise above hate, to never give up... All that time went down the toilet ever since Cena returned here. He has proven time and time again he doesn't care about you fans... He doesn't care about us fellow EBWF superstars... All he cares about is himself...
The big O appeared behind the curtain, driving a forklift with a couple of EBWF officials by his side... The forklift loaded with crates. Trent nodded as the big O parked the forklift before the ring, quickly taking the crates inside with ring with the help of the two EBWF officials.
Trent Barreta: Tonight we celebrate the death of our love for John Cena... I was able to gather all of this merchandise from heartbroken Cena fans in just two days... We're going to bury the hatchet with Cena and letting go off the hatred... But we're clearly stating that this is the very consequence of him turning his back on us...
The big O and the officials quickly dumped the contents of the crates inside the drum can... T-shirts from all colors, Wristbands, Caps, Replica Belts, signed pictures, action dolls, flags, signs... The contents soon topped the Drum Can... People in attendance began tossing their Cena merchandise in the ring... As it fell to the feet of Trenty. Soon the ring was full of Cena merch... The Big O poured a bottle of gasoline inside the drum can and lit it up with a match.
Trent Barreta: What Cena's persona meant to this business doesn't exist... It is long gone.
Trent gazed as the lit up can flared, consuming the merchandise... The big O continued to toss Merch inside it... The camera zooming in to see the contents of the can turning into ashes... Or in the case of action dolls, black plastic blobs.
Trent Barreta: Boy Scout Cena might be done for... He might be a past chapter of EBWF... But his legacy, his strength, his ability in the ring hasn't been stronger and fearful... Cena being a wrestling powerhouse can't be denied.
Trent nodded his head... As Cena's Merchandise burnt in the middle of the ring.
Trent Barreta: He is motivated, he is vicious, he has destroyed every single opponent he has had before his eyes... And he is wrecking everyone on his path until he meets up with CM Punk... Cena's motivation tonight isn't the King of the Ring tournament, it isn't the World Title Shot... Cena wants CM Punk... Cena has been chasing CM Punk ever since his return. That is what is going to drive him into this match with me... Anger, hatred, revenge... The same things he used to fight against... How sad.
Trent looked at his coveted belts over his shoulders.
Trent Barreta: My motivation into this match? Let's see... Where do I begin? I am facing the biggest name in Wrestling since The Rock... I am facing a multiple time world champion, former EBWF World champion...If I beat him I would move on to the King of the Ring Semifinals! This is my one chance to stop being Breakout and have people take me a little more seriously... On top of that I am having my father sitting here in front row for the first time since I started here in EBWF! On top of that, I noticed most of you chanting along with the ref as he counted my pinfall victory last week on Warfare!
The crowd cheered.
Trent Barreta: I am NOT John Cena... I am not as big as him, not nearly as buff, I haven't won as many titles... I am rather young and unexperienced. Today Cena is a bigger name than Barreta. HOWEVER, I can reach even greatness than John Cena... Specially if I beat him tonight! So have him come down here, tell you all to Chill... Chill... Chill...
Trent picked a Cena cap and put it over his head.
Cena you're so full of yourself and you're hoping for a squashin'
Yet again Im gonna show you I know more than button mashin'
You grew tired of being a good guy and have this people chant yo' name
And here I am, thirsting for a teeny tiny little drop of fame
How could you turn your back on these people when they loved you?
But after tonight you can kiss all those Cena chants adieu!
Cena, the hearts of these fans couldn't be more broken
Hence why all of your merch is in the middle of the ring smokin'
I don't rap, I can't rhyme! hell I never played parapapa the rappah...
Yet tonight I'm proving I'm better than you, you filthy backstabbah!
You come on out here, say you're untouchable and mighty tough...
But you don't have to act anymore, I can see straight through your bluff...
Who are you kidding? You ain't a baddass, certainly not a doctor...
Brace yourself, cause you're gonna get beaten by a so called jobber...
Cause we all know Cena will crash and burn before he beats Trenton...
Even with a Konami Code he'd be better of featuring in a song with Akon!
You know EBWF can only crown one King and one King only!
Cena it ain't you, but tonight you get to look at him closely!
Cause we all know Cena... This turmoil goes on cause you're only feeling lonely...
The crowd cheered for Trent, who walked around the drum can in the middle of the ring.
Please don't come out here to rap, because the fans they find you boring...
By the time you're done with your rapping and ranting they'll be snoring!
Virgin, loser, gamer I've heard it all about me so don't you worry...
Alright, you win... Come out and run your mouth, but please, please hurry!
Please go ahead and rap on how I'm a hopeless virgin who shouldn't be booked...
But after a dudebuster DDT I'll be the one saying: Achievement Unlocked.
Trent Tossed the cap into the drumcan and watched it burn as the crowd cheered.
Trent Barreta: BIT LIFE!
"Megaman Theme (Remix)" Hit over the PA System and Trent Kicked the Drumcan down... While the big O Scattered alcohol over the rest of the Cena Merch on the canvas... The merch soon caught fire as both men jumped off the ring. EBWF officials headed to the ring with Extinguishers to end Trent's Fire.