Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Jul 22, 2009 19:29:52 GMT -5
Sunday 29th March, Directly after Sentinel
[The scene opens on the view from backstage towards the stage entrance, the curtains ripple as Lord Donovan Hastings, followed by Owen Peterson, come striding through deep in conversation]
Hastings – ‘Niglet, we must form a stratagem to ensure this Monster is vanquished by the Lord Chief Nigga ...’
Peterson – ‘Yes Sir,...I mean...Damn Straight Homie?’
[They pass the camera, with Peterson’s eyes, looking more vacant and desolate with every passing day, staring at the floor in shame. Next the curtains part as the Crimson Ghost comes walking through, he in turn is followed by ‘Diamond’ Jack Severino and Gabrielle]
DJS – ‘You were amazing out there tonight, I don’t ever think I have been as proud in my life. Not many people hold their ground verbally with Travis Roberts, and no-one has ever looked so hot...’
Gabby – ‘Jack, take your hands of my ass, everyone is looking...’
DJS – ‘You’re telling me your not into a bit of exhibitionism...who are you, and what have you done with my Gabby?’
[The couple walk off laughing with one another as the camera stay’s focused on the curtains, finally they part once more, and a glimpse of the emptying arena is caught, before ‘The Headliner’ Travis Roberts strides through them, with his Unified Global Championship draped over his shoulder. The camera follows ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ and pans around to see the voluptuous form of Mary-Joanna Roberts standing, smirking from ear to ear, with her hands on her hips.]
Mary-Jo – ‘No need to thank MJ...’
[Travis stops a few steps in front of his estranged wife, and cocks his head, shakes it from side to side, and pinches the bridge of his nose before responding]
Travis – ‘Many people would assume, and with some sound reasoning, that in the many years that Travis Roberts spent under your tyrannical henpeckery, that ‘The Blessed One’ would have gained an insight into exactly how your perverse mind actually functions.
Alas, despite the logic these assumptions are founded on, a week doesn’t go by in which ‘The Headliner’ isn’t stupefied by a comment or decision you make. Luckily, it’s no longer Travis Roberts’ problem, ‘The Headliner’ has no need nor wish to explore the depths of your putrid psyche searching for the meaning in your uncontrollable ramblings...
So ‘The Blessed One’ will bid you farewell...’
[Mary-Jo steps forward before Travis can make his exit, and places her right hand directly on his chest...]
Mary-Jo – ‘You practiced that didn’t you? You laid awake one night thinking about the perfect response to MJ didn’t you? Although it flatters the ‘TWiSTeD Matriarch’ that you spend your evenings rehearsing your diatribes in front of the mirror, MJ really really wants you to know you have no need to thank her. Mary-Jo couldn’t help but notice you haven’t had any company of the female variety for some time, so the ‘TWiSTeD Heiress’ did her best for you...’
Travis – ‘Seem’s working for a Penguin has finally sent you bat shit crazy, if Travis Roberts’ were you he’d lie down for a few months...’
Mary-Jo – ‘Don’t pretend you didn’t know about Mary-Joanna’s role in securing Gabby the right to cash in DJS’ title shot. MJ knows you’re not dumb enough to believe that Boss P would allow such a match to happen without some convincing. And MJ is worried about you, and this might be the nearest to another women you’ll get to in the coming weeks...’
Travis – ‘That’s a nice story, it really is. If you had any real swing in this company, ‘The Blessed One’ would be preparing for the apocalypse, it’s quite apparent that some women will do anything to get their hands on ‘The Headliners’ body, but Travis Roberts will give Gabrielle credit for originality...as for you, as ever ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ won’t give you another thought until you force yourself into ‘The Headliners’ personal space once more...please let that be a few days at least...’
Mary-Jo – ‘It won’t be long, until your begging for an audience with ‘The TWiSTeD Matriarch’ Travis, MJ guarantees it...’
[MJ runs her hands down Travis’ chest, before swiftly turning and walking away, as Travis stands with a smirk across his face...as the scene fades out]
Wednesday 1st of April
[The familiar surroundings of Travis Roberts’ locker room come into view. ‘The Headliner’ sit’s back on the sofa, flicking through the countless cable channels on offer on his TV. Tate sits next to him, thumbing through a copy of the book Twilight...]
Tate – ‘Vampires are gnarly...’
[Travis looks down at Tate, and raises eyebrows visibly above the cover of his Aviator sunglasses. Travis then lifts the book cover up for Travis to read the title, Travis sighs, shakes his head, and speaks]
Travis – ‘Is that the one where the Vampire falls in love with a girl, and fights off the ‘bad’ vampires...’
Tate – ‘Yeah! Have you read it, man it’s so cool, but so romantic at the same time...and not in a gay way y’know, the dudes a vampire, that’s badass...’
Travis – ‘Basically Harry Potter with Vampires?’
Tate – ‘And Werewolves..but it’s so much more than that...’
Travis – ‘Dude, are you 13 years old?’
Tate – ‘No...’
Travis – ‘A Dungeons and Dragons obsessive virgin?’
Tate – ‘No’
Travis – ‘An unpopular, emo girl, who’s grown up blaming everyone else for their pathetic existence?’
Tate – ‘No...’
Travis – ‘Well they are the only three groups of people who would read such literary afterbirth.’
Tate – ‘Man that’s harsh...’
Travis – ‘No employee of ‘The Headliner’ is gonna pollute their minds with that pathetic excuse for a novel...’
[Before Travis can break hundreds of morale taboo’s and force Tate Levene to perform a book burning in the GIW arena (though this would be entirely justified and entertaining it would heap even more criticism upon the GIW brand), the door to the locker room swings open, and Old Lady Levene, the prim and proper guardian of Tate comes walking in...]
Travis – ‘Are you the one ‘The Blessed One’ should hold responsible for his agents shameful choice of reading materials?
[The old woman has barely made it through the door before Travis fires the question at her. She slowly closes the door, and then looks down at the book it Tate’s hand and her brow furrows in confusion and then surprise...]
Old Lady Levene – ‘The child can read?...Wonders shall never cease....’
[Tate looks momentarily hurt, but then as if convincing himself his Grandmother would never speak ill of him, his face springs back into a huge grin, when he realises he has some exciting news to impart to his Fathers Mother]
Tate – ‘Gran did you hear, we’re going to Japan!?!’
Old Lady Lavene – ‘That’s part of the reason I am here, I need to speak to Mr Roberts in private. I’ve been doing some research on this company, and Mr Roberts, and I have to say, I’m more unsure than ever that this is a suitable environment for my grandson...’
Tate – ‘Aww come on Gran, I’m eighteen, I’m big enough to make my own decisions now...hell I can vote and fight for my country...’
Travis – ‘Technically you wouldn’t fit in the booth...and you’d be too easy a target on the front line...’
Tate – ‘Still, I’m seen as an adult now, I can make my own decisisons...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Tate I’m not having an argument with you on the subject, you will immediately vacate the room and allow Travis and I to have our conversation in confidence...’
[Tate’s mouth begins to form the start of a response, but before continuing his protests he catches the look on his Grandmothers face, and thinks twice about continuing down the path he has begun on. He hangs his head in defeat, reaches down the side of the sofa and grabs his Skateboard, and reluctantly exits through the door. Old Lady Levene then turns her focus onto Travis who flashes her a cheesy smile.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘You can wipe that smile off your face young man, we are going to have a serious conversation...’
Travis – ‘If you believe that, you haven’t really done enough research on ‘The Blessed One’...besides, and trust Travis when he says ‘The Blessed One’ is shocked he is about to say this...’The Headliner’ agree’s with Tate, it is his decision...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘If you hadn’t noticed, the child in slow. It pains me to speak of my own descendents, but burying my head in the sand will just not do...not at all. Just because his useless mother was unable to dedicate herself to her son, does not mean I will abandon him too, I still believe he has the potential to be vaguely normal...’
Travis – ‘Well, he has grown in his weeks with the company...and ‘The Headliner’ means personal growth, not mass...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘How on earth can you refer to this place as a company and keep a straight face? Really what kind of a Grandmother would I be if I sat back and didn’t get involved and try to save my Grandson from a life of morale corruption?’
Travis – ‘Travis still thinks it’s Tate’s decision, and this place isn’t that bad, GIW is having a bad time with the press at the moment, you shouldn’t believe everything they tell you...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Not that bad!?!? Half the employee’s are hell bent on inflicting as much damage upon one another as possible, the other half arguably shouldn’t be allowed out in public without an army of carers...’
Travis – ‘What can ‘The Blessed One’ say, that stuff’s just par for the course in this industry...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Oh Really? So if I were to investigate the history of other companies I’d uncover paedophile clowns, gangster murdering penguins, reformed heroin addicts, numerous counts of teenage pregnancy, a culture of loose and casual sexual interaction...and don’t get me started on the number of Japanese here. Seriously this is how I imagine the world would look if the Nazi’s had triumphed...’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts will admit that GIW is one of the more colourful promotions out there. But you can at least rest easy that young Tate has the most suitable guardian in this company, yours truly...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘That just highlights the problems faced, if a doped up, delusional, self-obsessed egomaniac is the best person to keep an eye on my grandson, it just goes to show how dysfunctional and dangerous this company is. No, it’s quite obvious that I have every right to be concerned...’
Travis – ‘M’aam, it could have been far worse if Travis Roberts hadn’t taken an interest in the walking food disposal unit that is your grandson. When ‘The Blessed One’ first met Tate, the Chubby Little Funster was determined to become an actual in-ring personality? In reality you should be thanking ‘The Headliner’ for saving your families legacy...do you know what happens to those that aren’t ready for the ring in GIW? Did your research bring you across the name of Killswitch...if not look him up, because that was round Tate’s eventual destiny had ‘The Blessed One’ not stepped in...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘That may be true, but what kind of destiny awaits him if you are the most influential adult in his life?’
Travis – ‘The kid’ll hate you if you force him to leave...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘I would only have to buy him a cake, he’d soon forget. But I am not one to stand in the way of the dreams of those close to me...I just like to edit them a bit, ensure they are as pure as they can be. Which is why I insist on joining him here, as his Chaperone if you will...I will of course need my own room in this building though...there are far too many sinks in here for my liking.’
Travis – ‘Look lady, Travis Roberts has been nothing but polite to you since you came poking your nose into his life, hell ‘The Blessed One’ has gone out of his way to be hospitable. But you are not going to encroach on ‘The TWiSTeD Icons’ entire existence...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Then may I suggest you start to look for a new agent...’
[Old Lady Levene turns and places her hand on the door handle, ready to leave, however before she manages to open the door, Travis stands up with his arms in the air...]
Travis – ‘OK...OK...but we’re going to have to go over some ground rules...’
[Before Travis can continue, the door opens, knocking Old Lady leven into the wall, as her grandson pokes his head around the door...]
Tate – ‘I’m booooored! Are you finished...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Yes, you can come in now dear, me and Mr Roberts have finished our discussion...’
Tate – ‘Can I still go to Japan?’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Yes you can dear, and I’m coming with you...’
[With that the scene fades out once more, with Travis pinching the bridge of his nose as Old Lady Levene displays a victorious smile]
Sunday 5th April, Just Before The Show
[Once again we open up in Tarvis’ locker room, and we see Old Lady Levene leaning over her grandson Tate vigorously wiping his face with a handkerchief, as he squirms and protests. Travis sits on the sofa watching an unknown indy fed’s latest show]
TV - ’ IT’S THE RED BLADE!!!! DAMASCUS HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF COMMISSION AT LAST!!!!’
Travis – ‘Man that dude needs a shave...and a haircut...looks like a wrestling Hobo...although there is something...’
[‘The Blessed Ones’ train of thought is interrupted by Tate’s protests becoming more vocal...]
Tate – ‘Awwww....It Hurts! Nan! Stop it...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Hold still, there are an army of cameramen out there tonight, I’m not taking the chance that you might be caught on camera with a mucky face...’
Travis – ‘Could you both keep it down...’
[Travis almost absentmindedly made the statement, but within a few seconds he realises his mistake, as Old Lady Levene has stood up straight, staring daggers at ‘The Headliner’. He looks up at her, frantically trying to find a way out of the situation...but it is Old Lady Levene that breaks the uncomfortable silence that now rebounds off the sinks that fill the Unified Global Champions locker room.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘And as for you, do you really go on a television show that is aired in 40 plus countries around the world...looking like...that?’
Travis – ‘There is nothing wrong with the way ‘The Blessed One’ looks...’
[Old Lady Levene tuts, looks Travis up and down once more and rolls her eyes.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘Would wearing a suit once in a while kill you? I mean your old friend, Declan wasn’t it, he always dressed respectably. Maybe if you spent less time dressing like a gay porn star from the 1970’s, we’d see you with a nice girl like him...’
[Travis holds his heads in his hands as if fighting off the emergence of a nasty headache, and starts to head for the door]
Travis - ‘ You’re right...you need your own room in the Arena...’
[Travis opens the door and steps out into the corridor, that is much more active than during the week, stage hands, ring crew, sound techs and wrestlers all mill about. ‘The Blessed One’ steps out of his locker room, and almost as one every person in the corridor stops, many glance at their watches with confused looks on their face. Travis looks around at their faces...]
Travis – ‘Oh come on...’The Headliner’ doesn’t spend all his time in his dressing room...Travis...mingles...’
[The various workers who have stopped look around at one another, some shrug their shoulders, others chuckle slightly, and then resume their tasks. Travis shakes his head, and walks out towards the back of the arena, reaching into his top pocket and producing a pre-rolled delicacy before stepping out into the night air.
He leans against the wall and lights the pre-rolled before inhaling deeply and then closing his eyes as he exhales into the night sky. When he opens his eyes he sees a well built man a few steps to his left, bouncing from one foot to the other, boxing his own shadow. Travis looks around, and seeing as there is no-one else there, realises polite social etiquette would require him to greet his fellow worker. He looks at the young man, trying desperately to remember who he is, and after a few pained moments a look of realisation hits him and he addresses the man.]
Travis – ‘You’re...forgive ‘The Headliner’ he’s not great with names...you’re MJ’s Experiment aren’t you?’
Tobias – ‘Sure am, the names Tobias.’
[The burly man grins at Travis, who then realises he is expected to respond, once again a look of panic crosses Travis’ face as he tries to figure out how to proceed with this uncomfortable and unnatural situation, before settling on a generic and obvious reply for the situation...]
Travis – ‘So...are you looking forward to your match...’
Tobias – ‘I’m going to feed someone their own kidneys through their nose. I relish the excitement before a great encounter!’
Travis – ‘Riiiight...’
[Travis once again is lost for words, but before the familiar look of panic that social interaction causes to cross ‘The Headliners’ face can emerge, Tobias spares ’The Blessed One’ his blushes]
Tobias – ‘I’d love to stay and chat, but Mary-Joanna probably has some ‘instructions’ she wants to lay out before the show...see you soon’
[Tobias grins and gives Travis a salute as he goes running through the doors, almost knocking over Moss Edwards and Owen Peterson who come walking through the door. As they step outside, Moss has his shoulder ound Owen, and is speaking to him]
Moss – ‘Now, Pederson, I want a victory that cannot be disputed tonight, no fast counts, no referee bumps...I want you to call this one down the line...’
Peterson – ‘Look, I always officiate to the best of my abilities...I really can’t stay and chat Donovan will go ape shit if I don’t get back to him...’
[Moss allows Owen to make his way backstage and looks over his shoulder to see ‘The Headliner’ looking at him smirking...]
Moss – ‘Ah Troy-Bob, a rare sighting in public, maybe I should get this on camera, could be worth a lot in the future...’
[‘The Blessed One’ simply chooses not to respond to Moss’ comments and launches into revealing what he thinks]
Travis – ‘Travis has a few words of advice for you, a win is a win, it doesn’t matter how it comes about. You’ll never hear ‘The Headliner’ question his victories, because just like everyone else ‘The Headliner’ knows those victories are deserved.
Of course if you wish to continue down that rabbit hole, ‘The Blessed One’ will admit it is good Television. When ‘The Revolution’ ensured the mighty and proud Komosube’s title reign was tainted, his lack of self-belief crippled ‘The Japanese Powerhouse’...’
Moss – ‘Mmm-hmmm...Just a small note on content, Champ, you might want to worry more about your opponent tonight...’
Travis – ‘Dredd? Sure the dude knows how to talk shit, but he knew very well he couldn’t beat ‘the Headliner’ at his own game, so he displayed his respect. And let’s be honest, that was probably the smartest thing this guy could have done; lowered expectations. Travis Roberts will give him credit though ‘The Monster’ managed to make his match with Komosube look like anything but a squash match...something ‘The Blessed One’ would struggle to achieve himself...
And as much as ‘The Blessed One’ despises the sight of Boss Penguin, Dredd’s motivations in becoming his hired muscle are logical, ‘The Blessed One’ would struggle to devise a better plan to ensure that a competitor that has been defeated by JK be named a contender for teh Unified Global Title...this may well be his last shot at glory...
From Dredd’s words it’s clear he knows how unimportant this match is in the long term, why incite ‘The Headliner’ before he needs to? ‘The Monster’ has got to get past GIW’s Lord Chief before he can even dream of having a worthwhile match with ‘The Blessed One’, why risk humiliation and injury before he has overcome the first obstacle?
So ‘The Headliner’ worry? Not likely, but maybe you should worry about Tobias and Randy, Travis Roberts is pretty sure they won’t care how they remove that quaint little title from your grasp, and you shouldn’t care how you keep it...as long as you keep it...’
[Moss just smiles at Travis, as ‘The Headliner’ finishes his pre-rolled with one final drag, and then squashes the roach underfoot. He then turns and walks back into the arena, and suddenly remembers what awaits him in his locker room, and we hear one final line from his mouth as the doors shut behind him]
Travis – ‘And Travis Roberts thought the Half-Way House was hell...’
[The scene opens on the view from backstage towards the stage entrance, the curtains ripple as Lord Donovan Hastings, followed by Owen Peterson, come striding through deep in conversation]
Hastings – ‘Niglet, we must form a stratagem to ensure this Monster is vanquished by the Lord Chief Nigga ...’
Peterson – ‘Yes Sir,...I mean...Damn Straight Homie?’
[They pass the camera, with Peterson’s eyes, looking more vacant and desolate with every passing day, staring at the floor in shame. Next the curtains part as the Crimson Ghost comes walking through, he in turn is followed by ‘Diamond’ Jack Severino and Gabrielle]
DJS – ‘You were amazing out there tonight, I don’t ever think I have been as proud in my life. Not many people hold their ground verbally with Travis Roberts, and no-one has ever looked so hot...’
Gabby – ‘Jack, take your hands of my ass, everyone is looking...’
DJS – ‘You’re telling me your not into a bit of exhibitionism...who are you, and what have you done with my Gabby?’
[The couple walk off laughing with one another as the camera stay’s focused on the curtains, finally they part once more, and a glimpse of the emptying arena is caught, before ‘The Headliner’ Travis Roberts strides through them, with his Unified Global Championship draped over his shoulder. The camera follows ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ and pans around to see the voluptuous form of Mary-Joanna Roberts standing, smirking from ear to ear, with her hands on her hips.]
Mary-Jo – ‘No need to thank MJ...’
[Travis stops a few steps in front of his estranged wife, and cocks his head, shakes it from side to side, and pinches the bridge of his nose before responding]
Travis – ‘Many people would assume, and with some sound reasoning, that in the many years that Travis Roberts spent under your tyrannical henpeckery, that ‘The Blessed One’ would have gained an insight into exactly how your perverse mind actually functions.
Alas, despite the logic these assumptions are founded on, a week doesn’t go by in which ‘The Headliner’ isn’t stupefied by a comment or decision you make. Luckily, it’s no longer Travis Roberts’ problem, ‘The Headliner’ has no need nor wish to explore the depths of your putrid psyche searching for the meaning in your uncontrollable ramblings...
So ‘The Blessed One’ will bid you farewell...’
[Mary-Jo steps forward before Travis can make his exit, and places her right hand directly on his chest...]
Mary-Jo – ‘You practiced that didn’t you? You laid awake one night thinking about the perfect response to MJ didn’t you? Although it flatters the ‘TWiSTeD Matriarch’ that you spend your evenings rehearsing your diatribes in front of the mirror, MJ really really wants you to know you have no need to thank her. Mary-Jo couldn’t help but notice you haven’t had any company of the female variety for some time, so the ‘TWiSTeD Heiress’ did her best for you...’
Travis – ‘Seem’s working for a Penguin has finally sent you bat shit crazy, if Travis Roberts’ were you he’d lie down for a few months...’
Mary-Jo – ‘Don’t pretend you didn’t know about Mary-Joanna’s role in securing Gabby the right to cash in DJS’ title shot. MJ knows you’re not dumb enough to believe that Boss P would allow such a match to happen without some convincing. And MJ is worried about you, and this might be the nearest to another women you’ll get to in the coming weeks...’
Travis – ‘That’s a nice story, it really is. If you had any real swing in this company, ‘The Blessed One’ would be preparing for the apocalypse, it’s quite apparent that some women will do anything to get their hands on ‘The Headliners’ body, but Travis Roberts will give Gabrielle credit for originality...as for you, as ever ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ won’t give you another thought until you force yourself into ‘The Headliners’ personal space once more...please let that be a few days at least...’
Mary-Jo – ‘It won’t be long, until your begging for an audience with ‘The TWiSTeD Matriarch’ Travis, MJ guarantees it...’
[MJ runs her hands down Travis’ chest, before swiftly turning and walking away, as Travis stands with a smirk across his face...as the scene fades out]
Wednesday 1st of April
[The familiar surroundings of Travis Roberts’ locker room come into view. ‘The Headliner’ sit’s back on the sofa, flicking through the countless cable channels on offer on his TV. Tate sits next to him, thumbing through a copy of the book Twilight...]
Tate – ‘Vampires are gnarly...’
[Travis looks down at Tate, and raises eyebrows visibly above the cover of his Aviator sunglasses. Travis then lifts the book cover up for Travis to read the title, Travis sighs, shakes his head, and speaks]
Travis – ‘Is that the one where the Vampire falls in love with a girl, and fights off the ‘bad’ vampires...’
Tate – ‘Yeah! Have you read it, man it’s so cool, but so romantic at the same time...and not in a gay way y’know, the dudes a vampire, that’s badass...’
Travis – ‘Basically Harry Potter with Vampires?’
Tate – ‘And Werewolves..but it’s so much more than that...’
Travis – ‘Dude, are you 13 years old?’
Tate – ‘No...’
Travis – ‘A Dungeons and Dragons obsessive virgin?’
Tate – ‘No’
Travis – ‘An unpopular, emo girl, who’s grown up blaming everyone else for their pathetic existence?’
Tate – ‘No...’
Travis – ‘Well they are the only three groups of people who would read such literary afterbirth.’
Tate – ‘Man that’s harsh...’
Travis – ‘No employee of ‘The Headliner’ is gonna pollute their minds with that pathetic excuse for a novel...’
[Before Travis can break hundreds of morale taboo’s and force Tate Levene to perform a book burning in the GIW arena (though this would be entirely justified and entertaining it would heap even more criticism upon the GIW brand), the door to the locker room swings open, and Old Lady Levene, the prim and proper guardian of Tate comes walking in...]
Travis – ‘Are you the one ‘The Blessed One’ should hold responsible for his agents shameful choice of reading materials?
[The old woman has barely made it through the door before Travis fires the question at her. She slowly closes the door, and then looks down at the book it Tate’s hand and her brow furrows in confusion and then surprise...]
Old Lady Levene – ‘The child can read?...Wonders shall never cease....’
[Tate looks momentarily hurt, but then as if convincing himself his Grandmother would never speak ill of him, his face springs back into a huge grin, when he realises he has some exciting news to impart to his Fathers Mother]
Tate – ‘Gran did you hear, we’re going to Japan!?!’
Old Lady Lavene – ‘That’s part of the reason I am here, I need to speak to Mr Roberts in private. I’ve been doing some research on this company, and Mr Roberts, and I have to say, I’m more unsure than ever that this is a suitable environment for my grandson...’
Tate – ‘Aww come on Gran, I’m eighteen, I’m big enough to make my own decisions now...hell I can vote and fight for my country...’
Travis – ‘Technically you wouldn’t fit in the booth...and you’d be too easy a target on the front line...’
Tate – ‘Still, I’m seen as an adult now, I can make my own decisisons...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Tate I’m not having an argument with you on the subject, you will immediately vacate the room and allow Travis and I to have our conversation in confidence...’
[Tate’s mouth begins to form the start of a response, but before continuing his protests he catches the look on his Grandmothers face, and thinks twice about continuing down the path he has begun on. He hangs his head in defeat, reaches down the side of the sofa and grabs his Skateboard, and reluctantly exits through the door. Old Lady Levene then turns her focus onto Travis who flashes her a cheesy smile.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘You can wipe that smile off your face young man, we are going to have a serious conversation...’
Travis – ‘If you believe that, you haven’t really done enough research on ‘The Blessed One’...besides, and trust Travis when he says ‘The Blessed One’ is shocked he is about to say this...’The Headliner’ agree’s with Tate, it is his decision...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘If you hadn’t noticed, the child in slow. It pains me to speak of my own descendents, but burying my head in the sand will just not do...not at all. Just because his useless mother was unable to dedicate herself to her son, does not mean I will abandon him too, I still believe he has the potential to be vaguely normal...’
Travis – ‘Well, he has grown in his weeks with the company...and ‘The Headliner’ means personal growth, not mass...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘How on earth can you refer to this place as a company and keep a straight face? Really what kind of a Grandmother would I be if I sat back and didn’t get involved and try to save my Grandson from a life of morale corruption?’
Travis – ‘Travis still thinks it’s Tate’s decision, and this place isn’t that bad, GIW is having a bad time with the press at the moment, you shouldn’t believe everything they tell you...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Not that bad!?!? Half the employee’s are hell bent on inflicting as much damage upon one another as possible, the other half arguably shouldn’t be allowed out in public without an army of carers...’
Travis – ‘What can ‘The Blessed One’ say, that stuff’s just par for the course in this industry...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Oh Really? So if I were to investigate the history of other companies I’d uncover paedophile clowns, gangster murdering penguins, reformed heroin addicts, numerous counts of teenage pregnancy, a culture of loose and casual sexual interaction...and don’t get me started on the number of Japanese here. Seriously this is how I imagine the world would look if the Nazi’s had triumphed...’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts will admit that GIW is one of the more colourful promotions out there. But you can at least rest easy that young Tate has the most suitable guardian in this company, yours truly...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘That just highlights the problems faced, if a doped up, delusional, self-obsessed egomaniac is the best person to keep an eye on my grandson, it just goes to show how dysfunctional and dangerous this company is. No, it’s quite obvious that I have every right to be concerned...’
Travis – ‘M’aam, it could have been far worse if Travis Roberts hadn’t taken an interest in the walking food disposal unit that is your grandson. When ‘The Blessed One’ first met Tate, the Chubby Little Funster was determined to become an actual in-ring personality? In reality you should be thanking ‘The Headliner’ for saving your families legacy...do you know what happens to those that aren’t ready for the ring in GIW? Did your research bring you across the name of Killswitch...if not look him up, because that was round Tate’s eventual destiny had ‘The Blessed One’ not stepped in...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘That may be true, but what kind of destiny awaits him if you are the most influential adult in his life?’
Travis – ‘The kid’ll hate you if you force him to leave...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘I would only have to buy him a cake, he’d soon forget. But I am not one to stand in the way of the dreams of those close to me...I just like to edit them a bit, ensure they are as pure as they can be. Which is why I insist on joining him here, as his Chaperone if you will...I will of course need my own room in this building though...there are far too many sinks in here for my liking.’
Travis – ‘Look lady, Travis Roberts has been nothing but polite to you since you came poking your nose into his life, hell ‘The Blessed One’ has gone out of his way to be hospitable. But you are not going to encroach on ‘The TWiSTeD Icons’ entire existence...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Then may I suggest you start to look for a new agent...’
[Old Lady Levene turns and places her hand on the door handle, ready to leave, however before she manages to open the door, Travis stands up with his arms in the air...]
Travis – ‘OK...OK...but we’re going to have to go over some ground rules...’
[Before Travis can continue, the door opens, knocking Old Lady leven into the wall, as her grandson pokes his head around the door...]
Tate – ‘I’m booooored! Are you finished...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Yes, you can come in now dear, me and Mr Roberts have finished our discussion...’
Tate – ‘Can I still go to Japan?’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Yes you can dear, and I’m coming with you...’
[With that the scene fades out once more, with Travis pinching the bridge of his nose as Old Lady Levene displays a victorious smile]
Sunday 5th April, Just Before The Show
[Once again we open up in Tarvis’ locker room, and we see Old Lady Levene leaning over her grandson Tate vigorously wiping his face with a handkerchief, as he squirms and protests. Travis sits on the sofa watching an unknown indy fed’s latest show]
TV - ’ IT’S THE RED BLADE!!!! DAMASCUS HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF COMMISSION AT LAST!!!!’
Travis – ‘Man that dude needs a shave...and a haircut...looks like a wrestling Hobo...although there is something...’
[‘The Blessed Ones’ train of thought is interrupted by Tate’s protests becoming more vocal...]
Tate – ‘Awwww....It Hurts! Nan! Stop it...’
Old Lady Levene – ‘Hold still, there are an army of cameramen out there tonight, I’m not taking the chance that you might be caught on camera with a mucky face...’
Travis – ‘Could you both keep it down...’
[Travis almost absentmindedly made the statement, but within a few seconds he realises his mistake, as Old Lady Levene has stood up straight, staring daggers at ‘The Headliner’. He looks up at her, frantically trying to find a way out of the situation...but it is Old Lady Levene that breaks the uncomfortable silence that now rebounds off the sinks that fill the Unified Global Champions locker room.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘And as for you, do you really go on a television show that is aired in 40 plus countries around the world...looking like...that?’
Travis – ‘There is nothing wrong with the way ‘The Blessed One’ looks...’
[Old Lady Levene tuts, looks Travis up and down once more and rolls her eyes.]
Old Lady Levene – ‘Would wearing a suit once in a while kill you? I mean your old friend, Declan wasn’t it, he always dressed respectably. Maybe if you spent less time dressing like a gay porn star from the 1970’s, we’d see you with a nice girl like him...’
[Travis holds his heads in his hands as if fighting off the emergence of a nasty headache, and starts to head for the door]
Travis - ‘ You’re right...you need your own room in the Arena...’
[Travis opens the door and steps out into the corridor, that is much more active than during the week, stage hands, ring crew, sound techs and wrestlers all mill about. ‘The Blessed One’ steps out of his locker room, and almost as one every person in the corridor stops, many glance at their watches with confused looks on their face. Travis looks around at their faces...]
Travis – ‘Oh come on...’The Headliner’ doesn’t spend all his time in his dressing room...Travis...mingles...’
[The various workers who have stopped look around at one another, some shrug their shoulders, others chuckle slightly, and then resume their tasks. Travis shakes his head, and walks out towards the back of the arena, reaching into his top pocket and producing a pre-rolled delicacy before stepping out into the night air.
He leans against the wall and lights the pre-rolled before inhaling deeply and then closing his eyes as he exhales into the night sky. When he opens his eyes he sees a well built man a few steps to his left, bouncing from one foot to the other, boxing his own shadow. Travis looks around, and seeing as there is no-one else there, realises polite social etiquette would require him to greet his fellow worker. He looks at the young man, trying desperately to remember who he is, and after a few pained moments a look of realisation hits him and he addresses the man.]
Travis – ‘You’re...forgive ‘The Headliner’ he’s not great with names...you’re MJ’s Experiment aren’t you?’
Tobias – ‘Sure am, the names Tobias.’
[The burly man grins at Travis, who then realises he is expected to respond, once again a look of panic crosses Travis’ face as he tries to figure out how to proceed with this uncomfortable and unnatural situation, before settling on a generic and obvious reply for the situation...]
Travis – ‘So...are you looking forward to your match...’
Tobias – ‘I’m going to feed someone their own kidneys through their nose. I relish the excitement before a great encounter!’
Travis – ‘Riiiight...’
[Travis once again is lost for words, but before the familiar look of panic that social interaction causes to cross ‘The Headliners’ face can emerge, Tobias spares ’The Blessed One’ his blushes]
Tobias – ‘I’d love to stay and chat, but Mary-Joanna probably has some ‘instructions’ she wants to lay out before the show...see you soon’
[Tobias grins and gives Travis a salute as he goes running through the doors, almost knocking over Moss Edwards and Owen Peterson who come walking through the door. As they step outside, Moss has his shoulder ound Owen, and is speaking to him]
Moss – ‘Now, Pederson, I want a victory that cannot be disputed tonight, no fast counts, no referee bumps...I want you to call this one down the line...’
Peterson – ‘Look, I always officiate to the best of my abilities...I really can’t stay and chat Donovan will go ape shit if I don’t get back to him...’
[Moss allows Owen to make his way backstage and looks over his shoulder to see ‘The Headliner’ looking at him smirking...]
Moss – ‘Ah Troy-Bob, a rare sighting in public, maybe I should get this on camera, could be worth a lot in the future...’
[‘The Blessed One’ simply chooses not to respond to Moss’ comments and launches into revealing what he thinks]
Travis – ‘Travis has a few words of advice for you, a win is a win, it doesn’t matter how it comes about. You’ll never hear ‘The Headliner’ question his victories, because just like everyone else ‘The Headliner’ knows those victories are deserved.
Of course if you wish to continue down that rabbit hole, ‘The Blessed One’ will admit it is good Television. When ‘The Revolution’ ensured the mighty and proud Komosube’s title reign was tainted, his lack of self-belief crippled ‘The Japanese Powerhouse’...’
Moss – ‘Mmm-hmmm...Just a small note on content, Champ, you might want to worry more about your opponent tonight...’
Travis – ‘Dredd? Sure the dude knows how to talk shit, but he knew very well he couldn’t beat ‘the Headliner’ at his own game, so he displayed his respect. And let’s be honest, that was probably the smartest thing this guy could have done; lowered expectations. Travis Roberts will give him credit though ‘The Monster’ managed to make his match with Komosube look like anything but a squash match...something ‘The Blessed One’ would struggle to achieve himself...
And as much as ‘The Blessed One’ despises the sight of Boss Penguin, Dredd’s motivations in becoming his hired muscle are logical, ‘The Blessed One’ would struggle to devise a better plan to ensure that a competitor that has been defeated by JK be named a contender for teh Unified Global Title...this may well be his last shot at glory...
From Dredd’s words it’s clear he knows how unimportant this match is in the long term, why incite ‘The Headliner’ before he needs to? ‘The Monster’ has got to get past GIW’s Lord Chief before he can even dream of having a worthwhile match with ‘The Blessed One’, why risk humiliation and injury before he has overcome the first obstacle?
So ‘The Headliner’ worry? Not likely, but maybe you should worry about Tobias and Randy, Travis Roberts is pretty sure they won’t care how they remove that quaint little title from your grasp, and you shouldn’t care how you keep it...as long as you keep it...’
[Moss just smiles at Travis, as ‘The Headliner’ finishes his pre-rolled with one final drag, and then squashes the roach underfoot. He then turns and walks back into the arena, and suddenly remembers what awaits him in his locker room, and we hear one final line from his mouth as the doors shut behind him]
Travis – ‘And Travis Roberts thought the Half-Way House was hell...’
