Luiza meets Konrad's mother for the first time. Cologne, Germany. Monday 31st January (Off-Camera)
Ever since they got together, Luiza saw Konrad's twin brother Markus "Lord" Raab back in New York about the wrestling school he and Konrad will be running in the future. She had met Markus a few times since then with him the other company Konrad and Markus work together in. Markus got more comfortable since the first time he met Luiza to be around her, accepting she'll be a part of the Raab family. This was a different story as Luiza doesn't understand German very well but is currently learning the language when Konrad goes to wrestle or race.
Luiza knows a bit about Konrad's mother, who was lovely and didn't have a single issue with her. More his auntie he did have problems with. But that didn't matter as he needed to tell his mother, the news about him and Luiza. They stand outside of Konrad's mother's house before Konrad can ring the doorbell. Although because of the language barrier, Luiza's nervous about meeting Konrad's mother, knowing she doesn't know a word of English. She shakes, tightening Konrad's hand, and he notices the nerves Luiza had, almost fearful because of the worry of not being understood.
Konrad Raab: "It's going to be fine."
Luiza Doe: “What if she tal.............”
Konrad Raab: "I'll translate for you, don't worry. I had to with Dylan and Fizz when they saw her."
Luiza Doe: "What if she doesn't approve of us being together or, worse, doesn't approve of us getting married because of our age gap?"
Konrad Raab: "My mother Ingrid doesn't give a damn about that. She knows because of what I went through with my dad; she wants to see me happy. You learning German without me telling you to is massive, and I can't wait to tell her that."
Luiza felt a lot of security as Konrad nodded at Luiza as a signal to say, you ready and she nodded right back at him. Konrad rings the doorbell, waiting for a while before she opens the door and gives Konrad a massive hug, even tears with Konrad and Ingrid running down their face after their last meeting six months ago.
Ingrid Raab: "It's so nice to meet you. Thought after the bust-up you and Elyse had, you'd never come back."
Konrad Raab: "It had nothing to do with you, and besides, if I wanted nothing to do with you, I wouldn't take phone calls from you."
Ingrid Raab: "That's true. Please come in, both of you."
Luiza sees how welcomed she was already, and they didn't speak yet as Luiza went in before Konrad before he closed the door behind him. They took their shoes off and hung their coats up on the pegs before they walked to the living room and took a seat. Konrad places his arm around Luiza, and they kiss before Ingrid gets them cans of coke. She sat down and noticed a girl she hadn't seen before.
Ingrid Raab: "Want to tell me who this lovely lady is?"
Konrad Raab: “This is Luiza Doe and Luiza, this is Ingrid, my mother.”
Ingrid Raab: "Hello."
Luiza Doe: "Hi."
Ingrid doesn't know who or what Luiza was related to as Ingrid gives Luiza a big hug. However, she loosens her grip for various reasons that she knows about via a phone call a few weeks ago, forgetting about the situation. However, that wasn't what Konrad wanted to announce to his mother and of course, it's essential they meet as well.
Ingrid Raab: "While it's lovely you're here, Konrad, but what's the deal with Luiza being here?"
Konrad Raab: "That's one of the reasons I came here, mum. I wanted to tell you this to your face because you have every right to know. Ever since we met seven months ago, Luiza and I have gotten to know each other. But I discovered Minerva wasn't ready for a long time commitment. So she brought Luiza Doe, her sister, in that was ready for it."
Ingrid Raab: "So you both were friends, to begin with, right?"
Konrad nodded to the question. Luiza looks lost because of the conversation in German, but Konrad translates what the discussion was in English. For a bit, Luiza now started to get the conversation. Konrad goes back to his native language to his mother.
Konrad Raab: "Back in July, while we were getting to know each other. However, when November came around, Luiza became my girlfriend. She's the love of my life. Heck, she's the first girlfriend I've ever had that not only offered to live with me but wanted to learn German without me asking her to. So on her birthday, which is the fifteenth of January."
There was a pause as Konrad translated everything he said to Luiza. He took a drink of his coke, as so does Luiza before Konrad lifted Luiza's left hand with the diamond ring to Ingrid and Luiza nodded, getting Konrad's approval before telling her the situation.
Konrad Raab: "I proposed to her, and she agreed. She will be a part of our family, mother; we're getting married."
Luiza Doe: "I can't wait to marry this wonderful man who takes care of me. I have done a lot to spend the rest of my life with him. I was in tears, lost for words, when Konrad asked me to marry him. I hope you accept us being together because this man protects and cares for me."
Konrad translated what Luiza said to Ingrid, and as soon as she heard what Luiza said, Ingrid got up and hugged both Konrad and Luiza as she poured tears herself, knowing her son was going once again be happy. She couldn't be more proud of her son and now her daughter in law soon.
Ingrid Raab: "Of course, I approve you both because as long as you both are happy, that's all I care about. Congratulations, Konrad and Luiza. You seem a very nice lady and caring to Konrad."
Konrad Raab: "Oh, she is and so much more, mother. I never felt the decision had been right. I've usually been the one to ask girls to move in with me and learn German. Luiza is so different, and that's not the only announcement I have. I'm also a NASCAR part-time driver."
Ingrid Raab: "Seems you got a lot going on in your life, and I'm proud of you. You became champion recently, haven't you?"
Konrad translates everything to Luiza as she jumps straight in after drinking a glass of coke, knowing Konrad refuses to touch plastic which had been on her mind a lot on Konrad's strict vegan diet. Konrad had a smile on his face, knowing that Luiza was very well accepted in his mother's life, and they hugged each other, especially they needed it. Konrad pulls out the Underground title from his bag.
Ingrid Raab: "It seems like every time you come over to Europe, you always win titles. You're getting better in the ring, it seems, despite being fifty-five years old. I'm always proud of you and Markus."
Konrad Raab: "While we got a future of running a wrestling school together too. We felt there were not enough European wrestlers outside of the UK and Ireland making a mark. So we're going to fix that together. Luiza is part of running it with me too."
Luiza Doe: "See, Konrad is a hard worker, and he wants to make sure we have enough money to support each other. He has investments and everything."
Konrad again translates everything to Ingrid, who seemed more than happy for them to be together.
Ingrid Raab: "That's what you expect from Konrad; he's always been working hard to get money. He still gets paid from his previous job in Germany mostly because his friend Elton didn't want all the money. So Elton gets paid half, and Konrad gets a lot of it."
But suddenly, as Konrad finished translating to Luiza, what Ingrid said to Luiza. Konrad saw something unusual in the pictures. While there were pictures he recognised, there was one he didn't. He picks it up and turns to his mother, directing it towards her as his mood changes from happiness to concern.
Konrad Raab: "Want to explain this to me?"
Ingrid Raab: "Oh, that's my boyfriend. You have to understand; I get lonely when you, Markus and Renate aren't here. I go to bingo every Tuesday week, and I met this wonderful guy, Fynn. He asked me out and had a few dates. It's only recently that picture was taken in a restaurant nearby a couple of weeks ago. I was going to tell you, honest."
Konrad Raab: "I understand about you being alone and not having anyone in your life since dad died. But you know damn well I can't get over what my dad did, and I have consistent nightmares about it. Now you expect me to see you with another man, not knowing what he can do to me?"
Ingrid Raab: "Calm down. I told you, we've only been out for a couple of weeks."
Konrad wasn't convinced, but at the same time, he looked at Luiza, who went over and hugged him, calming him down before he had an outburst. Of course, he wanted his mother to be happy, but it felt a betrayal for him to not know about Ingrid having a boyfriend. But at the same time, Ingrid only found out today Konrad had a fiancee who would marry him. So he relaxes for the time being.
Konrad Raab: "I believe you, but next time I come here, you better get us to meet face to face because if he treats you like shit, you know what will happen."
Ingrid Raab: "I know. He's not done anything bad so far. Anyway, I better leave you both to it; it's so nice to meet you and Luiza. Go and be happy together; I'll see you both very soon."
Ingrid, Konrad and Luiza all hugged one another with a looser grip as Konrad and Luiza placed their coats and shoes on. Konrad opens the door and lets Luiza out before he goes out the door and closes it. Konrad shook his head, only leaving Luiza in the loop, and as they walked away from his mother's house to go back to his home, Konrad explained to Luiza why he got angry.
Konrad Raab: "Turns out my mother has a boyfriend now, Fynn. I had to not get in a confrontation about it because you're more important, but when I come to Germany next, we will be having a lot of words, and I said I want to meet this guy, I'll tell you right now."
Luiza Doe: "She's lonely, Konrad. I understand you get angry because of your past with your real dad, but please respect that she wants to be happy like she was with us. She's a lovely lady who wants to be a part of our lives. Also, I never had a mother role model in my life."
Konrad Raab: "Yes, you're right. You always are when it comes to family life; you'll get one you deserve, trust me. Come on, let's get home and have time to ourselves for the day."
Luiza nodded at that, quickly changing things in her life because she never had a mother or a father growing up, and that's what Konrad had to understand. It wasn't always about him and the world coming to get him. It was about Luiza and what she went through with her family, who died in a car crash. They entered Konrad's Cologne, Germany home and did what all loving couples do for the rest of the day.
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Talking to his teammate in NASCAR about his SCW career and why he acts the way he does. Los Angeles, California. Saturday 5th February. (Off-Camera)
There's a lot of media early in the morning for the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum race at the Los Angeles Olympic stadium. Many fans are expected to show up for both Qualifying later today and the race tomorrow. However, Konrad mentioned something at the party precisely to Kyle Young. Kyle himself had always wondered about a few questions Kyle asked Konrad back at Phoenix. They go into the hospitality to have a private conversation, something Konrad didn't get a chance to do.
Konrad had more friends at NASCAR than he does at Supreme Championship Wrestling. Primarily because he respected drivers, although some didn't like Konrad at first because of his wrestling celebrity status, the Atlanta race stopped being jealous and saw Konrad as a threat. Kyle knew the actual situation with Konrad's fiancee, something he kept well hidden from the media and only announced about getting married. They took a glass of water before sitting down to talk.
Kyle Young: "You know, it's been bothering me why you refuse to suggest to me to wrestle with you at Supreme Championship Wrestling. I want to know why? I think we'd be a good team together."
Konrad Raab: "I'm not refusing because of you. You've said and done nothing wrong, and I do trust you. I don't trust anyone in that company. Many tag partners have backstabbed me as of late, and I've not gotten over it."
Kyle Young: "I can understand that. However, I saw your match against Syren; what's the deal of trying to injure her neck?"
This was one of the questions Konrad avoided answering to anyone, but considering there was nobody but Kyle around, Konrad sighed, having to admit his real troubles that only Luiza and Dakon knew about. His mother sort of knows as well, but not to the full extent. Konrad drank some water, clearing his throat.
Konrad Raab: "I understand the uncertainty because it's not been apparent on screen, but the whole thing about being stabbed in the back, that's part of the problem. I give up being a team with anyone ever again. The Jackals, I was a part of that team because there was a girl who's still a part of my family I loved to death, Minerva. She's Luiza's sister, and I'd do anything for her."
Kyle Young: "It still doesn't explain why you're trying to hurt people."
Konrad Raab: "Because I had to. For five years, Kyle, I've not had a solo's title shot on a major wrestling Pay-Per-View event. The one time I did before that Lucas Knight match was against Shilo Valiant match for the TV title at Rise To Greatness, and that's back in two thousand and sixteen. I had to beat the shit out of people; I had to break the god damn rules and hurt wrestlers to a point I'd get one. The personality you see of me in NASCAR, I tried so hard to make it work in wrestling, but it went nowhere. I got treated like a god damn doormat."
Kyle nodded, knowing that feeling all too well, especially when he first came to NASCAR; people treated him like rubbish, and he pats Konrad's shoulder, knowing that aggression was what got Kyle Young the NASCAR Cup Series title. Konrad knew all about Kyle's story before he had his first race. Konrad took a drink of his water.
Kyle Young: "I also saw that title match. You were a vicious and angry man. I have been meaning to ask you; you're not alright mentally apart from what you've said, are you?"
Konrad Raab: “No I'm not. I keep having these fucking nightmares about my dad, who was a massive piece of shit beating the hell out of me, and he did when I was a kid. I got so much anger to let out that while I race with aggression and wrestling, I got forty-five years of anger to let out because I kept it all inside. I want to make others suffer from the emotional pain and suffering I had to endure, and I still do, mocking me as a baby, mocking me for the losses I got. I have never been respected."
Kyle Young: "But you enjoy doing it. I know you won't do a damn thing to hurt us. Heck, many NASCAR drivers had said they never want to get in a fight with you, knowing you can wrestle and fuck them up bad. That's awful, Konrad. I'm sorry you've been what it sounds like, neglected in and out of wrestling."
Konrad Raab: "Not here with NASCAR, though. Everything I do in the wrestling ring is who I am. I'm The Ice Blood, and I make others suffer by beating the living daylights out of them, being a fucking bully because wrestlers bullied me in the past and my nightmares about my dad affect me in the ring as well. I want everyone in Supreme Championship Wrestling to feel my fucking pain. I carry hurt and anger each time I get in that ring, and I love it."
Because Kyle has a son, much like Konrad has kids, he was against bullying in its many forms, but Kyle can relate a lot to Konrad. Kyle had no idea Konrad had so many anger problems; especially, he doesn't show it for NASCAR events. Kyle and Konrad needed this conversation, especially while Konrad trusted Kyle and would be a great wrestler. Kyle's problem was that he had to be fully committed to being a wrestler, and NASCAR was his first love, especially since he has a brother in the sport.
Kyle Young: "You're a fantastic driver and a wrestler. Nobody in our sport can do the things you do. I may disagree with the violence and blood addiction, but after hearing you, I fully understand. I understand you're afraid of sleeping because of your nightmares. However, I do feel you need to get some help, get a psychologist to talk to about your mental problems."
Konrad Raab: "Oh, my friend Dakon Theron you might've seen about is sorting that out. But I've enjoyed being a NASCAR driver. I do this for fun, but I get paid for it, which I never thought would happen. He comes with me everywhere to check in hotels, knowing I can go to the gym because I work out a lot. Hotels don't provide me with vegan food and let's say well, Luiza and I are very noisy in bed. So we hire holiday homes to get our own space."
Kyle Young: "HA, I know that feeling, you animal. I wouldn't worry about it because you're good in my book. We all go through dark days in our lives, even myself, but I overcome them. Heck, my wife and I can't conceive a baby naturally. It hunts us to this day, but we love our son and a future daughter because of IVF treatment. The point is you're loved here, and yes, you got to work on restarts and your starts, also needing more work on road circuits, but in no time, you'll be one of the best NASCAR drivers. Maybe like me, you'll become NASCAR champion."
Konrad Raab: "But I can only be a champion if I do all the races, and I can't because wrestling is my first love. That always comes first. I will hurt and destroy anyone in my way. In the end, I got the Underground title because of it. Now the SCW bosses will never leave me out of title opportunities again for Pay-Per-View events. It's been a nice chat, but we've got to go and have this team meeting Brad wants all of us to have before Qualifying. By the way, this stadium is amazing. Imagine we could have wrestling and NASCAR take place in the same stadium? Would be revolutionary."
Kyle Young: "I would love that too. You're right; we better not keep him waiting."
Kyle and Konrad finished their drinks of water in a glass as they got up from the table and placed them in the water bowl for the catering staff to wash in the bowl. Konrad and Kyle left the Brad Rogers Racing hospitality unit. Then, they go to the special trailer for business meetings, meeting with Denny, Christopher and Martin to sit down, talking about their plans for Qualifying and race.
After the discussion, Brad Rogers Racing do an autograph and picture fan session together. Some fans had pictures taken with Konrad's Underground title around his shoulder for an hour. Then they went their separate ways, preparing themselves for qualifying later today with Konrad stretching like he does before his wrestling matches.
Konrad had to sit in his car for ages, until it was his time, going out to set his fastest time in his skittles NASCAR he brought from Brad when Kyle wasn't using it anymore. He ended up fifth fastest due to steering issues he had with his car. Tomorrow was another day.