Seth Black

Back to the Hood

Inside, Seth Black is seen blasting a punching back, sweat dripping profusely from his body. His face is cherry red and he seems about to collapse. Finally he stops hitting the bag and grabs onto it in a last ditch effort to save himself from falling to the ground. He slides down off of the bag and onto the gym floor and rests his head in his hands as he continues to pant uncontrollably. The image of him being eliminated in the North American title match runs over and over through his head, obviously haunting him. Seth pulls himself back to his feet, and continues throwing punches at the bag. At that very moment, Jimmy and one of his lackeys come walking into the gym. Seth stops punching the bag and looks over. He grabs his towel out of his back pocket and rubs the sweat from his face. Jimmy and his lackey walk over and greet Seth.

Jimmy: Hey, don’t be so down on yourself kid, you put up one hell of a fight.

Seth: Not good enough, Jim. Not good enough. But I have another shot Monday night, I ain’t blowing this one.

Jimmy: That’s the spirit. You got my money?

Seth rolls his eyes at Jimmy. Jimmy just continues to stare at Seth. After a few awkward moments, Seth motions for Jimmy to follow him. The two walk into the back room of the gym, while Jimmy’s lackey stays behind. Seth opens his locker and pulls out a brown paper bag, obviously containing quite a bit of money. He tosses the bag to Jimmy, which puts a ripe smile on his face.

Jimmy: So, what really happened out there kid? You had that match in the bag. To be honest, I didn’t see anyone perform better than you all night, then you just folded. Tell me what happened.

Seth: Nothing happened, I just lost. You win some, you lose some in this game Jimmy. That’s how it goes.

Jimmy: Don’t bullshit me Seth. I watched you! Everything was going perfectly! You wanna know what happened? Because I can tell you.

Seth: How they hell are you gonna tell me, Jimmy? You forget I was there? I was the one wrestling?

Jimmy: You lack skill kid, plain and simple! Your skills are limited, and you’re only gonna get so far with them. And they DAMN SURE ain’t gonna win you no titles! I’m no wrestling guru, but from what I hear you’re in the business with the cream of the crop, and you’re damn lucky to be there, now you wanna blow it all, or do you wanna do something with your life?

Seth: How are you gonna possibly help me? What do you possibly know about this business Jimmy?

Jimmy: Not me, Seth. Like I said, I don’t know shit, but that man out there, he’s a different story. That man will teach you how to make it to the top.

Seth: Ha! No offence Jimmy, but I’m not in the mood for bad jokes. I don’t got time for this shit, I got a title match to train for.

Jimmy: Yeah, and you’re gonna train with this guy, understand?

Seth: What’s so special about this guy, Jimmy? What the fuck could he hav possibly accomplished in his life that’s got you so hell bound on me training with him. As a matter of fact, why the fuck do you even care?!?!

Seth turns and slams his fist into the locker as he scream at Jimmy. Jimmy’s facial expression changes quickly. He grabs Seth by his shirt and slams him into the locker. Jimmy and Seth stare each other right in the eye.

Jimmy: Who the fuck do you think you are kid? Huh?! I could’ve fucking killed your funky little drug addicted ass and maybe I should’ve!

Seth: Yeah but all you’re worried about is your fuckin’ money so don’t threaten me Jimmy!

Jimmy punches Seth in the stomach and then grabs him by the throat, pinning him against the locker again.

Jimmy: Watch your mouth Seth, that’s the last time I’m gonna say it. Now listen to me, and listen real good…

Jimmy lets Seth go and the two distance from each other. Seth turns and faces the lockers, obviously steamed about the whole situation.

Jimmy: This guy used to wrestle Seth, and he said he can teach you a few things. All you gotta do is give him a chance, and stop being so god damn stubborn. Incase you ain’t realized, you’re not exactly the greatest thing to hit the wrestling world. All I’m tryin’ to do is help ya kid, but maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should let you slip back into your old lifestyle.

Seth: I got a question for you Jimmy, and don’t take this the wrong way. But what the fuck do you really care? Before I got wrapped up with you, we didn’t know each other from shit. What’s so different now?

Jimmy: You got a real thick fuckin skull kid, just forget about the offer, you’re a fuckin loser and you always will be. I’ll be back next week for my money.

Seth: Fuck you Jimmy, you fuckin cock sucker!

Seth charges Jimmy and spears him from behind as he is walking away. Seth climbs onto Jimmy’s back and begins punching him repeatedly in the back of the head. Seth grabs the bag of money back from Jimmy, and glances up through the frosted window separating the gym from the back room. Seth can see Jimmy’s lackey making his way closer, obviously hearing the confrontation. Quickly Seth leans down and whispers into Jimmy’s ear with anger and intensity in his voice.

Seth: You’re a fucking dead man, Jimmy. You fake, mafia wannabe mother fucker, do you hear me? You’re fucking dead!!

Seth compliments his words with a few more fists to the back of Jimmy’s head. He hops up and runs over to the door of the back room just as Jimmy’s lackey walks through. The lackey takes a look around and sees Jimmy laying on the floor before finally charging at Seth. Seth ends his charge before it even starts by punching the overgrown grease ball in his throat, dropping him instantly. He delivers a kick to his stomach for good measure, and continues on his route out the door. Once safely out of the gym, Seth disappears into a side alley off of the main road he is on, and is slowly seen disappearing into the distance.

Journal Square
Jersey City, New Jersey

Seth steps off of the train and immediately pulls a cigarette from his pocket. He lights the tip and pauses for a moments while the crowds of people maneuver around him. He pulls the smoke deep into his lungs before slowly letting it escape through his mouth and nose. He takes another quick pull before continuing on his journey. Seth walks out into the brisk street and seems to know exactly where he is heading. After walking for what seems like forever, the busy, populated environment begins to change. Less and less people are seen, and the scent of urine begins to violate Seth’s nose. He was getting closer to his destination. A few moments later, Seth’s cell phone begins to ring. He removes the phone from his pocket and flips it open, just the person he was waiting to hear from.

Voice: Stop at the corner ahead, someone will be waiting for you.

Seth: Always on that sneaky shit Jose, always on that sneaky shit. Where the hell are you watching me from anyway?
Jose: Haha, we’re following you up the road, for like a mile now. Just wanted to fuck with you a little, here hop in.

A black Mercedes pulls up behind Seth and he gets in the back seat. Two Puerto Rican males are sitting in the front seat. Joe was in the passenger seat, his brother, Christian, was the driver. Seth greeted both men with smiles, it was clear they had known each other for quite some time.

Seth: Looks like you’re doing pretty good for yourself boys, I’m proud of you.

Jose: Si? And how about you cabron? You doing good?

Seth: You know I take care of myself. Speaking of, I need to get a piece, like ASAP!

Jose: Oh, so you not doing too good then.

Christian: What you get yourself into this time? And how do we have to get you out?

Seth: Hey come on! I never asked you guys to bail me out of any problems, I’m ready to handle it myself. But, if you gotta know, it’s the grease-fuck Jimmy. That bitch crossed the line, so my fists had some words for him.

Jose: We beating up wise-guys now? Because, I remember we were never too big on that kind of thing, Seth. What the fuck were you thinking?

Seth: I ain’t nobodies bitch, you know that. He needed to be taught a tough lesson, so I taught him. It’s about time I start teaching a whole lot more people that lesson as a matter of fact, people seem to forget who I am and where I came from.

Christian: Oh, your wrestling friends? Tell me something, how they supposed to know you man? You’re the new guy, you think beating up grease balls is gonna gain you their respect?

Jose: And you think killing them is gonna get you anywhere? You been there before Seth, don’t go back.

Seth: I appreciate it guys, but what the fuck do you want me to do, just wait for the bitch to come for me with his goons?

Jose: Don’t be stupid, you know better. We’ll handle this one together, like always, but get you’re fucking head on your shoulders, understand me?

Seth: Yeah, I know what you’re saying. Lets go get this piece, and then we’ll talk all about it.

Christian: Ha! What you so worried about? Ain’t no greaser coming acting all gangtsa in this part of town, we run this hood, you know better.

Seth: You’re right, fuck it! Let’s go party.

Jose: That’s what I like to hear, cabron! Christian, lets go to the spot.

Christian accelerates the Mercedes faster through the streets of Jersey City, driving with more anticipation now. They were on their way to a place they had spent most of their childhoods, and still spend most of their time. Of course, it’s gotten a bit more grown and sexy over time, but the good times never stop. Seth felt relieved for the first time in awhile being around his long time friends.

While driving to the ‘spot’ Seth starts to take time to actually reflect on his match from Highlight Night for the first time. Honestly, it was heart breaking. He had come so close, only to have his dream ripped away from him in the most heart-breaking of fashions. And by none other than the man who was there to serve no other purpose than to be stepped on. Without a doubt, no one else put on a show like Seth did in that match, no one. Hell, Georgie Nickels just sat her skanky ass around until she finally had her moment, but Seth didn’t blame the bitch, she did what she had to do. No worries. Once again the higher ups in TFWF have recognized true talent, well, besides Kent. They must just like seeing him get beat on. But they decided to give Seth a shot at what is truly his, the DWIWF North American title.

Seth begins thinking about the current holder of the title, the mere piece of trash he could pick up at any second on one of these corners they were passing on the corners. Seth peeked his head out the window, and laughed to himself for a moment at all the Georgie Nickels’’ he could see right out the window, all of which ranged in price and skill. However, every one of them worth more than that piece of gutter trash. Seth shakes the images of the match out of his head, reminding himself that tonight is all about fun. More like the pre-game party to Monday Mayhem, where he will bring the title back to his neighborhood, like a modern day, vile ass Rocky Balboa. Yeah, sinister, but fuck it, people were going to see that Seth was no push over, and that he would do whatever it takes to win.

The Mercedes finally comes to a stop, and the engine cuts off. Bass can be heard as soon as Seth opens his door. All three men step out of the car and Jose and Christian smile at Seth. They grab him and push him around a little before heading into the spot. Once inside, the bass is blaring even louder, and Seth begins to recognize a lot of old faces, mostly attractive, female faces. After awhile, he begins to realize that he’s nailed most of the females in this room. Suddenly a bottle of Corona is thrust into Seth’s chest, lime already inserted into the top. Seth pushes the lime the rest of the way into the bottle and takes a sip. Damn did it feel good to be back in the hood. Christian and Joe continue to pull Seth toward the back of the room. Once there, the men take a seat among the presence of five gorgeous broads. Seth grabs one’s girl’s hand and pulls her up off the couch, and conveniently relocates her onto his lap.

Seth: I must say boys, it’s good to be back!

Jose: I told you cabron, this will, how you say? Realign your chi!

Seth: I plan on realigning a few things tonight, honestly. Hahaha! This place sure hasn’t changed much.

Christian: Bullshit son, we got more room then ever, more hoes than ever…more fun than ever.

Jose: Best of all, more money than ever, Seth. We’re on top, we run the hood. You know we always dreamed of this shit, and now it came true.

Seth: Like I said, I’m proud of you, the shit just ain’t for me. Not anymore. But you, and you…yeah, this is definitely you!

Jose: Well, you know we never forget where we came from, and you been here with us since day one, but fuck all this emotional shit, you got this bitch on your lap, beer in your hands, music in your ears…

Seth: And about 10 grand in my pocket that I wasn’t expecting to have earlier today, haha. I need to make it rain in this bitch.

Seth motions for the girl on his lap to stand up and start dancing. He removes the bag of cash from his jacket and begins pulling bills out and tossing them up in the air, sitting back and watching them fall slowly onto the Latina bombshell. Her moves has Seth in a trance, he was loving every moment of it. More girls surrounded Seth, and before he knew t he was the center of the party, just like old times. No one was reaching for the money he was tossing, instead, they were bringing him shots of liquor, beers, and the females were clawing at him to dance with them. Before long, Seth was shit-faced drunk. It wasn’t very much longer before Seth started rambling incoherently at his group of friends.

Seth: Haha, you all gotta come to Louisianna on Monday, you gotta see the shit for yourself. This little 12 year old, calls himself Kent Clark. HAHAHA!!

Seth stumbles over but Jose catches him in the nick of time, joining in the laughter with him.

Jose: Son, we watch that shit on TV, well, ever since you made your debut. That kid is a trip though, you gotta admit!

Seth: Yeah, he probably does trip…

The group of people all burst out into laughter once again. A voice rings out from the back of the crowd.

Voice: Yo, how about that bitch you punked to get into the title match, then he didn’t even show no heart!

Seth: Who, DDP? HAHA! PB&J? AB..? Some shit like that, he’s just another talent less clown man, we all know that. Listen, the only bitch I got my eyes on for Monday Night, is that hoe who’s holding my title, feel me?

Jose turns down the music a little bit, and the crowd starts to come a little bit closer, and the noise starts to come down a notch.

Seth: Listen, she’s like that bitch-ass baby mom you can’t stand. Fuckin took your kid, now she want’s to flaunt it. But not in my house, feel me? I’ll whoop a bitches ass, no remorse, no regrets. And that little hoe’s gonna give me my kid. Most definitely. And let anyone try to stop me, anyone, and watch what happens. All jokes aside fellas, before I go and tend to these three beautiful women in front of me. On Monday Night, the real Seth Black is gonna be born. I’m bringin’ the Seth that everybody here knows, and I’m, bringin him right into the ring, and walking out a champion, ya dig me? Aint no Georgie Nickels, Kent Clark, or nobody else gonna fuckin stop me, now if you’ll excuse me…I’m ‘bout to get my freak on.

Seth’s friends all pop for him like he just finished a promo in front of a live audience or something, and he savors every moment of it. He slaps hands with Jose, Christian, and a few others before escorting the three girls he has with him up a small set of stairs in the back. The sound of the music can be heard starting to blare again as it’s obvious the party is nowhere near over. Seth and his lady friends walk inside of a dark room upstairs, and the door closes behind them. Giggling can be heard for a few moments, followed by some furniture moving, as it’s obvious Seth is having himself a good old time back in the hood.