Chapter VIII: Painful End

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 - Winter Park, FL

The reigning and defending NXT North American Champion walked into Full Sail University the Championship strap resting on his shoulder. The Champion was dressed in a pair of blue distressed skinny jeans with his "Gold Top 3" Jordan 1s with one of his crewneck hoodies with the embroidered lion stitched in the corner of the hoodie on the chest. Cedric was in the midst of trying to start to solidify himself outside of wrestling as well as in wrestling. He wanted to become a legend, an icon. And this brand was just a piece of that pie.

Cedric turned his head and looked and saw one of his friends, Kenneth Crawford AKA Montez Ford taking a picture of him making him smile and point towards him with a wink. That was something that the two knuckleheads always did, take pictures of each other seeing who had more style between the two.

"A'ight, I see you young king. Coming in here swagging all up on us," Montez said as Cedric walked towards him and dapped him up.

"Look man, It ain't even like that. I just found these collecting dust at the house so I had to bust 'em out.

"Yeah A'ight."

"Hey man, that's my line," Cedric chuckled.

"Well, look I gotta run, Me and Dawks gotta get ready, we got a match coming up," Montez said as he walked off allowing Cedric to continue on his way to the locker room. But before he could make it into the locker room, his path was cut off by a fellow member of the NXT Roster, Adam Jenkins AKA Adam Cole, a man who had forged his own path in the industry through the independent scene and was now looking to do the same in NXT.

"Excuse me," Cedric said attempting to step to the side and go around Austin but Austin stepped to the same side that Cedric stepped to. Cedric took a deep breath and took another step, this time to his left only for Austin to cut him off again. The current North American Champion took a look down at the ground trying to get ahold of himself before he did something reckless before looking up to lock eyes with Austin.

"Is there a problem?" Cedric asked.

"As of matter of fact there is, you got a Championship around your waist that you didn't earn. You simply got it by being Triple H's personal little pet project. Meanwhile, it's guys like me and several others who have been busting there ass to make it in this company," Austin said as Cedric scoffed.

"Are you done? Because I am, get out of my way," Cedric said moving past Austin making sure to bump his shoulder on the way to the locker room. Austin turned his head and watched Cedric walk away keeping what he said in mind.

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"Rise of the Young Ones" Hits

The music of NXT's reigning and defending NXT North American Champion hit the sound system of the WWE Performance Center. The boos rained out in the arena as the lights emerged into darkness while the others set off in a frenzy of colors. The Champion emerged through the curtain onto the stage with the title on his shoulder. He slowly raised the title into the air earning more boos from the crowd. He lowered the title and started to saunter down the ramp.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Please welcome for the NXT North American Champion: Ced!"

Hearing his name announced made his smirk get even wider as he made it around the ringside area. He walked around to the steps and ran up the steps onto the ring apron. He entered the ring and made a straight beeline to the corner. He stepped up onto the turnbuckle and raised the title into the air as he looked around the arena. He then jumped down from the top rope and walked around the ring looking at the fans before he reached out for a mic from the ring crew as the music faded away.

Ced walked to the middle of the ring this time as the lights lowered while a single spotlight shone on him. He put the mic up to his mouth slowly as he soaked in all of the boos while he looked at the title resting on his shoulder.

"I told everyone. I told everyone that would listen that I was going to end Ricochet. I told everyone that would listen that I was going to win at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. I told everyone who would listen that I would become the NXT North American Champion. And just like I told everyone, I walked into Phoenix, a man on a mission, looking to take from Ricochet what he deemed his most prized possession. I walked into Phoenix and walked out of Phoenix as the NXT North American Champion," Ced said as he lowered the mic and looked at his Championship on his shoulder.

The crowd's boos intensified as Ced reveld in their disdain. He started pacing back and forth in the center of the ring eyes fixated on the NXT North American Championship resting on his shoulder.

"You see, I don't just hold this title because I defeated Ricochet. No, this Championship belongs to me because I am the human embodiment of dominance, power and superioirtiy. I'm head and shoulder above all. I have proven time and time again that I am unmatched in this ring," Ced boasted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

The NXT Universe responded with a chorus of jeers, their disapproval echoing throughout the arena. Ced smirked, basking in their negative energy.

"Every time I step foot in this ring, I bring a level of intensity that no one can match. I am the measuring stick. I am the standard-bearer. And as your North American Champion, I will make sure that everyone knows it," Ced declared, his voice filled with conviction.

The fans continued to voice their displeasure, but Ced remained unfazed. He raised the microphone to his lips once again, his gaze piercing through the crowd.

"To all those who doubt me, who question my abilities, I say this: keep doubting. Keep underestimating. Because every time you do, I will rise above and prove you wrong. I will defend this championship with every ounce of my being, and no one will stand in my way," Ced proclaimed, his voice resonating with confidence.

Ced hoisted the NXT North American Championship high above his head as the crowd. Ced stood there with a smirk on his face right before he was cut off by the music of a man who personified NXT.

"Rebel Heart" by CFO$ Hits

The Champion lowered his title and turned his head while Johnny Gargano walked out onto the stage with a microphone in hand. Johnny looked around at the NXT Universe as the crowd cheered for him while his music faded off.

Johnny stood at the top the ramp on the stage, gaze fixated on Ced in the ring. The energy in the arena shifted as the crowd erupted into cheers, a stark contrast to the boos that had filled the air just mere moments ago.

Ced's smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He leaned against the ropes, the Championships till prominently displayed on his shoulder, as he locked eyes with Johnny.

"Johnny Gargano, the Heart and Soul of NXT," Ced sneered, "What brings you out here? Are you here to witness my greatness firsthand? Or perhaps you think you can take this Championship from me?"

Johnny took a step forward, the determination evident in his eyes and the passion evident in his voice as he started to make his descent down the ramp, "Ced, I've watched you throughout your career. I've watched before you came to NXT. I've watched you rise through the ranks and I would be a fool to deny your talent in that ring. But you've become slightly consumed by your own arrogance," Johnny interrupted, his words cutting through the air with precision. "And that arrogance blinds you to the fact that there are others who are just as hungry, just as driven, and just as capable as you are."

Ced's smirk transformed into a scowl, his grip tightening around the championship title. Instead of backing down, Ced leaned forward, his voice dripping with defiance.

"You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine? You think you can dethrone the youngest North American Champion in history? Well, Johnny, let me tell you something. I didn't claw my way to the top just to be knocked down by someone living in the past. This is my time, my era, and I won't let anyone stand in my way."

The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and boos, torn between their admiration for Cedric's undeniable skill and their loyalty to Johnny Gargano, a beloved figure in NXT. The tension in the arena was palpable as the two competitors locked eyes, their determination radiating off them in waves.

Johnny took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "Ced, I've been where you are. I know what it's like to hold a championship and feel invincible. But I also know what it's like to lose it, to have that fire inside you burn brighter than ever. I'm here to make sure that you know that you got challengers hungry and I am one of them," The NXT Universe cheered loudly as Ced looked on with a frown.

"Johnny, you may be the Heart and Soul of NXT, but I am the future. And if you want a shot at this championship, then you better be ready for the fight of your life. Because I won't go down without a war. You want your shot? You got it!"The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, the atmosphere charged with excitement.

"But not tonight," Ced said as the applause turned into a thunderous chorus of boos as Ced started to smirk, "You'll get your shot soon, very soon."

The mic was dropped as Ced raised the NXT North American Championship high into the air as his music played over the PA system while Johnny Gargano and Ced were staring daggers into each other's souls.

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Days Later - Friday, February 8th, 2019 - Winter Park, FL

2 days had passed since the NXT episode on February 6th. NXT was running a program with Ced and Johnny Gargano tonight at the NXT Live Event for the title. And tonight at this live event, Keana would be in attendance, it was going to be the couple's last chance to see each other for the weekend since Keana had to play Notre Dame on Sunday. Having her here motivated Cedric to take it to a whole nother level.

But he would be lying if he said he felt 100% confident for this match-up. While he was confident in his ability, this morning he felt a little pain in his tricep when he was doing his morning lift. And while the trainers suggested him to sit out and not compete tonight, he didn't want to disappoint the fans in attendance who had come to possibly see him and he didn't want to disappoint Keana who came to see him perform. He had to bite through the pain and fight.

Currently Cedric sat in the locker room taping his wrists. His gear for the night consisted of his black boots, knee pads and his black trunks with white logos with a burgundy outline on the trunks. He had his eyes glued to the title as he had his boots over his ears getting him in the right mindset for the match he would be competing in tonight. Johnny Gargano was no joke. He was one of the best wrestlers in NXT and having a good match with him would silence the haters who question Ced's ability to truly wrestle.

He needed to go out there and put on a show tonight.

Cedric felt a finger tap him on the shoulder making him turn around to see Montez.

"Yo, you good?" Montez asked.

Cedric turned to face Montez, offering him a small smile despite the lingering doubts and the pain in his tricep. He took a deep breath before responding, his voice filled with determination.

"Yeah, Montez. Just a little nagging pain, but nothing I can't handle," Cedric replied, his tone masking the discomfort he felt. "I'm not about to let that stop me from giving the fans and Keana a performance they'll remember."

Montez's concern was evident in his eyes as he glanced at Cedric's taped triceps. "You sure about this, man? The trainers said you should sit out and rest. Your health comes first, you know?"

Cedric nodded, appreciating Montez's genuine concern. "I know, and I appreciate you looking out for me, but I can't pass up this opportunity. This is my chance to prove myself against Johnny Gargano, to show everyone what I'm capable of. I can't let a little pain hold me back."

Montez sighed, reluctantly accepting Cedric's decision. "Alright, man. Just promise me you'll be careful out there. We've got your back, but you need to take care of yourself too."

Cedric nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Montez. I won't do anything reckless. I'll give it my all, but I'll also be smart about it." Cedric and Montez fist bumped one another as Cedric went back to getting himself ready to compete.

(!)-(!)-(!)-(!)

Ced currently stood in the corner leaning up against the turnbuckle pad feeling the effects of the 20-minute technical clash with himself and Johnny Gargano. Johnny stood in the center of the ring feeling the effects as well. Johnny ran towards Ced in the corner and jumped up to clock Ced with a forearm to the jaw making the current Champion grunt. Johnny grabbed Ced by the wrist and whipped him hard into the opposite corner.

Ced flipped over the top rope going to the arena floor but he grabbed a hold of the top rope with his left arm and felt a searing pain shoot through his arm, causing him to grit his teeth in agony. He immediately started to grip his arm, the fans in the first row could tell something was wrong and their eyes were glued to him to see what was going on. Among these individuals, was Keana who looked on at Ced with a look of worry on her face.

The referee rushed to Ced's side, concerned for his well-being. The pain radiated through Ced's arm, making it difficult to move or even think. But the fire within him refused to be extinguished, he knew he needed to finish the match. The official threw up an X, signaling that Ced was injured and in most cases they would try to throw the match but Ced couldn't let that ruin his match.

The Champion grabbed the official with his other arm and lightly pushed him away throwing him off balance. Ced crawled towards the ring apron with his free arm and pulled himself up to his feet before rolling into the ring.

Johnny looked at him, brow furrowed but both of these men were competitors they knew what they had to do to keep going. They knew they had to finish. Ced ran towards Johnny Gargano only for Johnny to duck and clock Ced with a forearm making him lean against the ropes. Johnny kicked Ced in the gut making him hunch over. "The Heart and Soul of NXT" jumped over the top rope before jumping back over spiking Ced into the canvas with One Final Beat (Slingshot DDT). Johnny with the hook of the leg.

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Ding-Ding-Ding!

"Rebel Heart" Plays

"Here is your winner and the NEW NXT North American Champion: Johnny Gargano!" Ced instinctively rolled out of the ring leaving Johnny Gargano to celebrate and have his moment while he dropped to the floor feeling the pain go through his body. His title reign was short lived but he knew he would get another opportunity in the future at more Championship gold. This was just a small hurdle in the road.

He would be back and when he returned he would be better than ever before. He hated that he had gotten injured in front of Keana of all people but this was the way the fates had dealt their hand.

A/N: So I decided to end Ced's NXT Pathway a little differently than it did before and this time it was through injury. I figured this would give him a faster route tot he main roster which is where the real fun starts.