Carson Riley suffered his first one-on-one defeat last week at the hands of FUSE superstar Ethan Frost. Looking forward, Riley is focused on once again avenging his pride against Affliction member El Diablo. As the matches seem to get tougher each week, Riley has decided to take a step back and once again enjoy his life. In order to do so, Carson has revisited a place that he holds near and dear. He hopes a return to normalcy will draw something positive out of himself as strives to do right by the great fans of FUSE Wrestling.
Chapter 1 -
Revisiting The Inspiration:
Time: 12:23 p.m.
Carson Riley is accompanied by his girlfriend Kate, his brother Tim, and his sister-in-law Cheryl. They are entering the gates of the world famous Cedar Point Amusement Park in beautiful Sandusky, Ohio. The four are enjoying Carson’s day off before heading to Cleveland for Uproar. All four are casually dressed in light clothing, trying to remain as cool as possible in the scolding hot sun. Carson seems at ease as they hand their money to the cashier and enter.
“This was a good idea, little brother. I remember the first time we came here with mom and dad,” says Tim to Carson.
“Yeah. I could certainly use a day of amusement. This place is twice the size it was when we were kids,” says Carson as he places his sun glasses over his eyes.
“Holy shit! Look at that thing,” exclaims Kate in shock of the crazy coasters that await.
“Just wait until we get to the Top Thrill Dragster. Totally crazy,” says Carson with excitement.
“Yeah? What’s that do,” asks Cheryl, almost mocking the potential danger that awaits.
Carson grabs a brochure detailing all of the rides and begins to read off the specifications of Top Thrill Dragster.
“It goes from 0 to 120 in four seconds, then reaches a maximum height of over 400 feet. It then spirals back down towards the ground at a 90-degree angle. It was voted one of the 10 most impressive steel coasters in the world,” explains Carson while looking at the brochure.
“Still down to ride honey,” says Tim smiling down at his wife.
“Fuck that. There’s no way in hell im riding anything that reaches 120-mph in four seconds,” says Cheryl in a very assured manner.
“Oh wait, it says you have to be 52-inches to ride anyway, sorry Kate,” jokes Carson.
“You know what? Fuck you, too, Carson. I’ll stick my foot 52-inches up your ass,” says Kate half-seriously.
“Yeah. This place definitely had an impact on Carson. This is right up your alley,” says Tim.
“This is where I got my first real adrenaline rush. I remember the first time I went on the Magnum XL. It felt like I was on top of the world,” recalls Carson.
“I remember mom had to buy you new shoes so that you’d be tall though to ride. Then when we got here, you cried like a little bitch. He only got on because I told him if I didn’t I’d tell Molly,” says Tim, drawing a slight rise out of Carson.
“Who’s Molllllly,” asks Kate, mocking Carson.
“Molly was this girl that lived across the street. Carson was in love with her,” says Tim.
Carson stops and gives Tim an evil stare. Tim smiles back. They walk a few more steps and arrive at the Magnum XL. The ride resembles an evil death trap like something out of one of the SAW movies.
“This is the ride that got me started. I think it was this place that made me want to become a stunt man. I live for a good thrill. Well, at least I did,” says Carson while reminiscing.
“Getting your ass kicked isn’t a big enough thrill for you,” asks Kate in total seriousness.
“Kate, let’s not start. Just get in the line,” replies Carson.
“Wait, what does your book say about his ride,” asks Cheryl with reluctance.
“It goes 205 feet in the air and crashes down at 72-mph. If this thing tips over it’s going to land in Lake Erie,” explains Carson.
“No way. No how,” says Cheryl as she stops and stares at the ride.
“It’s only a 2 out of 5 on the thrill rating chart,” says Carson.
“Well, okay. I guess it can’t be that bad,” says Cheryl as she continues walking towards the line.
Carson and Tim follow the girls into the line. As they do so, Tim points at a sign for the ride that says the ride is a 5 on the thrill rating chart. They smile at each other but fail to warn the ladies of the surprise that awaits.
Chapter 2 -
Curb Your Enthusiasm:
Time: 1:54 p.m.
Carson and Tim exit the newest attraction to Cedar Point, the Maverick. Kate and Cheryl wait on a nearby bench. The men approach their significant others with their hair pushed in several directions.
“You both missed a good one! That ride was amazing,” exclaims Carson.
“I’m not sure I will go on another ride all day after that Magnum,” says Cheryl.
“Hey, Carson, is that Tommy Goodrich? Didn’t you go to school with him,” asks Tim.
“Wow, yeah, that is him. Don’t look over there,” replies Carson.
“Why not? I thought you were friends?”
“That guy used to mess with me all the time, and he always got the lead in all the plays. If he sees me, he’s going to want to do a ‘stop and chat’ with me,” replies Carson as he turns the opposite direction.
“What’s a ‘stop and chat’? Not sure I’ve heard that term before,” asks Kate.
“It’s when someone stops you for a meaningless chat. No one really has anything to say, just the usual. They always want to know how the kids are or what you’re up to these days. It’s all meaningless conversation. Knowing him, he’s going to tell me his life story about how he’s the greatest human being on the planet. Then, I have to make something up just to sound more important. Next thing you know, we’re telling nothing but lies,” explains a rambling Carson.
“You’ve been watching too much Curb Your Enthusiasm. Life isn’t really like that,” says Tim.
“No, actually life IS like that. Well, at least for me it is,” replies Carson.
The group walks by the line for the Top Thrill Dragster. The line is incredibly long and the sign by the crowded entrance says the wait is over 3-hours long.
“Jesus, no way in hell are we waiting in that line! No way, Carson,” commands Kate.
“Come on, we have to. This is the main reason I wanted to come here,” says Carson with pouted lips.
“Sorry, Bro. I have to side with the women on this one. The ride looks off the hook but that line is sick.”
As they argue over the line, two teenage boys approach them. The boys both have yellow Cedar Point wrist bands on their wrists. They take them off and hold them in their hands.
“Hey, I know you who are. Carson Riley! We’ll sell you these VIP bands for $20 each,” says one of the boys.
“Yeah, it’ll bump you up to the VIP line. It’s a virtual waiting line, only a 45 minute wait,” says the second boy.
Carson and Tim ponder the proposal. They look at the ladies for approval.
“Go ahead. I’ll wait here with Cheryl,” says Kate
“Alright. You have yourself a deal,” says Tim.
Tim and Carson each hand a $20 bill to one of the kids. They take the bands and slide them on. They clock into the virtual waiting line and return to the women.
“Whoo! This is going to be ridiculous,” screams Carson.
“Yeah. This thing looks crazy,” says Tim as the ride zips by, sending a large gust of wind at them.
“In the meantime, let’s grab some food,” says Kate.
“I can’t eat before I go on this thing. I can’t risk up-chucking a cheeseburger at 120 mph,” claims Tim.”
“Suck it up. We’ll be good,” says Carson, reassuring him everything will be okay.
The four exit the ride area to grab a bite to eat.
Chater 3 -
3 - 2 - 1 - GO!:
Time: 2:33 p.m.
Carson and Tim are sitting on the Top Thrill Dragster. The load ahead of them shoots out of the gate at the speed of light. Their load moves up into the starting position.
“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever done! Jesus! I need off this thing,” says Tim frantically.
“Just look at the lights. They’ll count down. Once it hits green, were out of here!”
“Bro, I love you. If I don’t make it, take care of Cheryl for me.”
“Listen to who’s crying now,” says Carson, mocking Tim for his comments earlier in the day.
“Aw crap, here we go!”
THREE! TWO!!! ONE!!!!!
GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
The car shoots out of the gate at 120 mph. It spirals upward and back down at a 90-degree angle just like the brochure described. In a mere 14 seconds the insane thrill ride comes to an end. Tim still looks scarred to death, but Carson reacts in a polar opposite manner.
“Whoooooooo! That was freakin’ amazing,” screams Carson as loud as he can.
“My...god! That was sickening. I felt my lunch go up my throat but the force of the ride pushed it back down,” says Tim as he holds his hand against his stomach.
“I want to do this again. What a piece of work. I can’t believe this thing. Amazing.”
“No way would I do this again.”
“We paid $20 for these bands, might as well use them to the fullest,” rationalizes Carson.
“Fine. Fine. But this time were not riding in the front.”
Carson and Tim exit and meet their women at the gate. An ecstatic Carson hugs Kate as if he has been re-born.
“How was it,” asks Cheryl.
“Amazing! You think the Magnum is nice, this thing puts it to a shame. We’re going on again.” says Carson.
“What?”
“One more time. Sorry. I have to do it,” says Carson as he turns back towards the ride.
As Tim follows him, they are stopped by two park officers accompanied by the two boys who sold them their VIP bands. The rent-a-cop’s have their hands on their hips and look like someone stole their donuts.
“Is this them,” asks the first cop.
The two boys remain silent as they nod “yes.” The women walk over to check on the developing situation.
“You guys make me sick. What’s wrong with you,” questions the same cop.
“What are you talking about,” asks Tim respectfully.
“Give me the bands. NOW,” says the second officer.
They take off the bands and hand them to the officers. The officers compare the serial numbers to those on the receipts given to them by the two boys. He hands each of the smirking boys a receipt and a band.
“They match. How dare you? I know who you are sir, this is not good for your image. Did you not think they would recognize a celebrity stealing their bands?”
“We paid them. They sold us those bands,” says Carson calmly.
“That doesn’t match up with their story. They have receipts for these. I’m going to be nice about this given your situation. You’re going to get your ass handed to you anyway against El Diablo, so rather than sparing you and locking you up, I’m going to let you go. I WILL have to ask you to exit the park, though,” explains the cop.
“This is bullshit,” says Kate with an extreme attitude.
“Kate, just listen to him. Let’s go,” says Carson.
The four are escorted from the park as the kids walk away giggling. Carson once again found it possible to have a good time, something that has been characteristically rare for him over the past few weeks. After enjoying himself in the park and reliving a time that undoubtedly changed his life, Carson once again was treated to a bitter ending. Last week, he suffered a similar fate and eventually suffered a loss to Ethan Frost. Will this week against El Diablo prove to be any different? Take a trip down I-90 to Uproar in Cleveland, Ohio and perhaps you will find out in due time.