“It is, however, with much diffidence that I appear before the public in the characters of an artist and an author, conscious as I am, that my humble talents can offer but few pretensions to its favour, or indulgence.

Having at an early period in life imbibed a predilection for the study of natural history, and subsequently been educated in a profession intimately connected with that science, upon fixing my residence at Lewes, I resolved to devote my leisure moments to the investigation of the “Organic remains of a former world;” a study replete with interest and instruction.

The fossils of Sussex had not then excited attention, and this consideration induced me to select them for the more immediate objects of examination; since in a district previously unexplored by the geologist, there was some reason to hope, that some interesting and useful information might be obtained: - how far that expectation has been realized, it is for the reader to determine.”

Gideon Algernon Mantell “The Fossils of South Downs”

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Gideon Mantell stood in his local University – the University of Bristol, and presented the findings he was presenting in his first book. A room full of scholars sat in the room with him. There had been rumors going around about what was to be presented here, the room was full quickly. Mantell was standing off to the corner of the room, no matter how much he told himself this would be received well, he was still nervous. He held his hand out to check on it, it had moved from a slight tremble to an all-out shake. This could be the end of everything he held dear.

Gentlemen, I stand before you today to present to you something that will change the way we see history. I submit to you that I have discovered and will put forward to you a newly discovered creature. But unlike many creatures, this is one that will only be studied through the “Organic Remains of a Former World.”

A bit of chatter started in the back of the room. He glanced at one scholar who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. This would be a tough room.

Weeks ago, my wife and I were walking down a dirt path in Sussex when she bent down to pick up something she believed to be a rock. Naturally because of it’s odd texture and shape, she gave it to me to look over. I realized quite quickly that these were the remains of a tooth, I originally thought the remains of a common mammal. But as I’ve researched this, and found other remains in the area, I’ve determined we were on the grounds of ancient animals. These had to have been lizards that were much larger than anything we see in the natural world today.

The chatter really started getting louder. There were a few people who sat with their mouths open on consideration of what was being presented.

I started to find a few other fossilized bones in the area. Enough that I was able to sketch what I assume these things looked like. I know that much of this part was my own creativity, but I think I have something close. I naturally had to name it after.

Mantell brings out a board with a picture on it, the crowd audibly gasps.

Gentleman, may I present to you the Sussex Iguanadon.

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Neville stood in one of the lecture rooms at the University of Bristol. While he loved education, this was only his second time in this University. Most times he wouldn’t be caught dead in a school on the lower end of prestige like this. Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College in London, these were the types of schools he liked to spend time at. But not this place. As he looked through the empty chairs, he remembered the times he’d been called upon to teach. Teaching wasn’t just a vocation, it was something that became an identity. You found yourself to be one of the lucky ones in control of knowledge, and desired for others to know the same. Education was a responsibility because you needed to pass it on to the next generation. As he thought of the “next generation”, Neville couldn’t help but think of Finn.

Finn, one of the most disappointing things for myself this week has been watching you prepare for our match on Saturday. You were granted a title shot, and the effort I see put into things resembles anything but. Why does it appear that you trained so much harder for your match against Jack Cain than the match that could actually get you something that is needed to further your career? Do you not understand that when you don’t take your opportunities seriously, they stop coming? Prove to me this matters to you, because it sure as hell matters to me. Here’s the thing, when I won the title it was because I rose up, made the most of my opportunity, and beat the living hell out of Jack Cain. Nothing about anything you’ve done has shown that same resolve, so why would anyone want you to be a title holder in this federation?

Neville shakes his head in disgust

Honestly Finn, since I doubt you’ve finished high school, let alone gone to college, do you want to know the difference between the good students and the bad students? Good students are the ones who don’t begrudge their own education. Good students are the ones sitting in the front row, furiously taking notes, because they know what kind of opportunity they’ve been given. Morons like you are the ones in the back row who we often find surfing porn while the lectures are going on. We hate passing ones like that, and we know they won’t go far in life.

Neville walks over to the student seating, he takes his seat in the front row. [/color/

[color=#FF0000]I can only imagine what it must have been like to hear Mantell’s discovery in here. This paved the way for paleontology everywhere and created a worldwide fascination in what is now known as dinosaurs. Why should Mantell matter to you? Because he took what he knew, argued his case well, and handled opposition in a respectable, yet firm way. Honestly, Finn, if you could learn one of these, things might start getting better for you. You don’t know much, can’t argue it to anyone, and you seem to overreact when people call you on it. Your reactions to any criticism is “that’s not true, I’m the best”, and honestly, I have to call you out on how shitty that truly is to see. Since listening to you today shows me that you haven’t listened to anything I’ve previously said, I have new things for you to learn today. Shut up, listen up, and learn from a champion.

Neville has rigged a powerpoint presentation to a projector at the front of the room. He walks over to near where the projection screen is and stands next to it.


It’s not that you should simply be disappointed with what you’ve told all of us, you should be downright embarrassed. Who in the hell do you think you are that you turn down a title shot because you want a more prestigious title? Honestly, I’m asking that. Most people in this federation hear “the young lion” and still ask “who?” Yet you have the owner of the federation come and give you a fantastic opportunity, and you make him persuade you to take the title shot like you’re doing him a favour? You’re the guy who gets hired on an entry level contract in a company and immediately thinks he’s the boss. I’d bet if we were to take a vote with fans, most would not even put you in the hunt for a tv title shot. You’re 2-1-0 not 21-0, do you even understand how underwhelming that is to everyone? Not to mention, the guy you just proved you’re not up to par with is the same guy who I’ve beaten three times in the past month. Your wins have come from bottom feeders in this federation, I’ve had a title fight for 4 weeks straight. I try to choose my words carefully, you’re rarely hear me say this next word, but FUCK OFF with the Universal Title talk. That’s the only word that can really get across what I’m truly trying to say here.

The camera focuses on Neville’s hands for a second, they’re tightly clenched into fists. Every time Neville thought about Finn, he wanted to hit him. Hard. It wasn’t anger, frustration, or rage either, he just thought the kid deserved to be hurt.

Think of Mantell again, he had some of the most amazing news in the world, but he didn’t present it overconfidently. He allowed people to jump to their own conclusions, and let the facts stand for themselves. What are the facts Finn? You’re a second-rate wrestler who thinks he’s a champion. You lost last week and you’re headed to another loss this week. Those are facts, you can’t really argue them. Let those stand for themselves

A number two comes on the screen and Neville moves on with his argument

Lesson #2 - Call in Whoever You Want

I loved the cryptic little message at the end of your promo about you “bringing in” someone for our match on Saturday. Part of me almost wants to figure out who it is, but I know it’s going to be such a let-down for everyone involved, I don’t really care. While a lesser man would be concerned, I know there’s absolutely no way you’re coming home with the title. I’m sure you’ve pricked the ears of a few people as well, everyone wants to know who it is. But I’m sure everything will end up being a complete disappointment, just like the rest of your short, sad, little career. It’s probably going to be some underwhelming, obscure person that the rest of us sees and then ignores seconds later.

Neville thinks back to how he was able to beat Jack Cain, even in spite of him having friends in this federation.

So do yourself a favor, stand on your own two feet before you try and add more people into this. You go 2-1 and you start adding people into your career, that’s called dependency Finn. You’ve tested the waters here and found yourself to be lacking in almost every way, so hey, let’s grab someone else to make myself relevant again! You’re the equivalent of a junior high girl who grabs every guy she sees and dates them because she’s terrified to be alone. Hell, the junior high girl probably has a higher maturity level than you do. But it’s ok, because you’re Finn Kuhn right? Nothing I can say will have any impact on anything because you’re going to respond by telling me how awesome you are. Even though you can’t and won’t stand on your own two feet. It’s quite sad Finn, really.

Neville remembered his days of University, even though he overachieved, he still found time to go out drinking with people who’s opinions mattered. He thought back to his favourite professor and remembered the first time he had a Scotch with him. Neville could be calculated and heartless, but he also found himself being strangely sentimental. Dr. Wexler had a dramatic impact on his life, and he was grateful to him. Neville pulled out a bottle of Scotch and knocked 3 shots back in appreciation.


There is a very real psychological condition where some people genuinely feel like the world is against them. I don’t think you have that. There are other people who just seem to whine about everything and expect the world to cater to their needs. That sounds more like you, Finn. Watching you react whenever anyone says anything negative to you is almost comical. I want to insult you because I know that you’ll react accordingly. You know how some people get prank called because they overreact in hilarious ways? Finn, this is the fun I’ve been having with you this week. Calling you out after Warfare, poking holes in things you’re saying, watching your reactions and laughing. This is the fun part of a match with you. You respond to criticism like an Italian football player getting lightly touched, you have a flare for the dramatic.

A smile crosses Neville’s face

Do yourself a favour Finn, most people don’t enjoy watching you react like a 6-year-old with a bee sting. When you get insulted, you think the rest of the federation notices and that anything you say is the greatest thing ever. Here’s the truth, most times when you talk, because you’ve only had 3 matches, people don’t notice you at all. People don’t wait with baited breath to hear what Finn is going to say. People don’t particularly care what’s going on in Hollywood. We don’t plan our day around seeing you wake up in a hospital bed somewhere putting aside the injury because you have more important things to do. That’s happened two weeks in a row now hasn’t it? The XWF doesn’t revolve around you because you don’t offer anything other than “slightly above average wrestler” to this federation. Stop pretending you’re the next best thing. Earn that. Stop playing the victim that thinks everyone’s out to get him, because it’s an absolute miracle you’ve gotten where you are now. This match is a gift Finn, act like it.

Neville turns off the projector and reminisces some more about his time in school. Sometimes he missed being the one learning things.

Educating the XWF since 06/08/17