Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Mar 20, 2015 18:46:00 GMT -5
[The scene opens and we see Travis Roberts' packing up his bag and preparing to leave his locker room through the lens of a camera, the timestamp reads 03/16/15 23:05. He's speaking to whoever holds the camera, and we have clearly joined the middle of a conversation.]
Travis: Why? That's the right question... that's your bread and butter, huh, having the right questions?
From Behind Camera: Like having the right answers is yours?
[Travis chuckles as he stuffs his ring boots into his bag and yanks the zipper into place, he then looks up at the camera.]
Travis: Did we start?
From Behind Camera: Don't mind this.
Travis: Right...why am I letting you tail me, is that what your asking me?
From Behind Camera: Yeah I pitch, but I'm always surprised when people accept.
Travis: Well I'd seen your work.
From Behind Camera: Well, exactly.
[Travis chuckles again.]
Travis: And, um, I'm not expecting a free ride, I guess I just thought your concept, a week in the life...a week in my life...is, err..
[Travis goes to pick up his bag and pauses mid-sentence and turns to the camera.]
Travis: You know what? Before we get into it, I want to reiterate the ground rules. I want to be clear between you and me.
From Behind Camera: Of course.
Travis: Your access is to me...
From Behind Camera: And to your co-workers and other UGWC employees.
Travis: Yes, but if you want wild parties, debauchery and scandal, you got the wrong guy that's not what I do any more. I can't let this project in any way compromise my obligations to the industry.
From Behind Camera: Let's get back to why?
Travis: Well I think...
[At this point the image corrupts and the sound of tape rewinding and images flash past our face in reverse order...before we rejoin a much more professional shot of Travis sat face on to the camera.]
Travis: Alongside a few others my face is one of those most associated with this industry and UGWC in particular, yet for all its visibility it's not well understood. The public is used to seeing me in front of the camera, confronting adversarial opponents, mocking unfortunate reporters and there is a misconception that I am here to make others look insignificant or to belittle my peers, when in fact any good Entertainment Professional aims to do just the opposite. Who's going to tune in if they think it's a walk over?
[There is a brief but noticeable cut and Travis is still seated but laughing and shaking his head whilst he speaks with relaxed and open gestures]
Travis: This is a terrible idea, I don't know what I was thinking...this is...let's call this off.
[Another quick cut]
Travis: The breakneck pace we live at, the 24 hour news cycle, is this good for the business? Is it inescapable? Why not experiment? That's why I accepted your proposal.
[Images fade in of classic clips from wrestling across the ages]
[We now follow Travis from behind as he exits the arena through two double doors to walk to the parking lot, as soon has he opens them he becomes a silhouette against a storm of flashbulbs erupts on seeing him. We follow as he puts his head down and pushes through the crowd of reporters and fans]
“How many women have you violated today Travis?”
“Do you care about anyone other than yourself?”
“Sign My Boobs!”
“Is it true you consumed more cocaine in a week than Ozzy Osbourne managed in the eighties?”
“ How is CJ taking recent events?”
“Have you spoken to her Travis?”
“Will she take your calls?”
[His pace quickens and he dives into the back of a waiting limousine, and the camera follows him in.]
Whittleshaw: What was all that?
[Travis looks out of the window]
Travis: Nothing, you get used to it.
[Travis starts to bite is nails]
Whittleshaw: It seems to have got you quite agitated.
[Travis doesn't reply, just shrugs his shoulders and continues to chew on his nails.]
Whittleshaw: CJ? That's Claudia-Jean Jensen, right?
[Travis stops biting his nails and looks directly at the camera.]
Travis: You saw all that? That kind of behaviour right there, that I can handle, it's part of the business, always has been once you make it to this level. But things are changing, and I'm not just talking about the breaking down of walls between fans and performers, or the 'Death of Kayfabe'. I can accept change, that's the only reason this business continues to flourish, without drawing back the curtain on this crazy world we'd all be plying our trades in bingo halls and the odd Armoury.
[He looks back out of the window as he thinks]
Travis: Since I started the world has changed so much, and now we're in a world where the idea of privacy, and who is afforded it has been twisted beyond imagination. Civilisation has become enthralled by Facebook, Twitter and the like, Social Media has laid roots in the very fabric of society, like an invasive plant species, from within our homes all the way to the highest branches of our government. It encompasses and infiltrates almost every walk of life.
[Travis shuffles in his seat and leans forward]
Travis: And you know what, that's fine. I've got no problem with how other people choose to spend their time. If someone whose greatest achievement in life to date has been navigating their way out of their mother’s womb thinks that what they have to say about recent events in the world, or just what they had for breakfast, is relevant and worthy of sharing, that's their choice. If a hundred people want to 'follow' an Australian kid writing uninspired nonsense, they can, and probably should, knock themselves out. What other people do to pass their time isn't any of my business.
[He looks out of the windows and starts chewing on his nails before realising and abruptly stopping]
Travis: But when this kind of behaviour becomes the expectation? When people give you strange looks because, to you, the idea of social networking is like some kind of waking nightmare? When your the misfit for not following a candy bar on Twitter? That's what I take exception with, and how it's feeding into everything, including this business. I can accept it as a promotional tool, but when Entertainment Professionals think they have some kind of right to your personal life, just because they air everything online, doesn't mean that those of us who choose not to should be punished.
Whittleshaw: Are you blaming social media for the current circus that surrounds you?
Travis: It's not surrounding me that I have a problem with. Do you think Eden Morgan and The Syndicate would be in the position they are without social media? The company their group usurped made its name using it, and how else do you think their recent 'revelation' spread around the world so quickly? That's not even the point, social media created the environment in which the world will watch gleefully as a young woman is dragged against her will into the spotlight and humiliated all for the benefit of entertainment.
Whittleshaw: Have you spoken to CJ since it happened?
[Travis shakes his head and holds his hand up to the camera.]
Travis: I don't think I want to talk any more tonight.
Travis: The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia is going to...will do his utmost...guarantees to...will endeavor to try his hardest...'
[The smile disappears from his face and he places both hands on his sink and leans forward looking down from the mirror, biting his lip, closing his eyes and throwing his head ever so slightly forward in a display of frustration.]
Travis – What the fuck was that, Travis? I sound like Dave Rydell trying to convince himself that he hasn't gone from being his own man, Cross-Hemisphere champion no less, to the dead weight around The Mainstreamer's waist in the time it would take Chaos to finish a six pack.
[He looks back up at the mirror, and whilst his reflection is obscured from us we can tell he is looking into his own eyes.]
Travis: C'mon buddy, this is what you're good at! You heard what Benedict says, having the right answers is your bread and butter, it's what got you where you are today! Sure, it's not the same now, being a dismissive jerk won't fly all the time, but you got this, you can do this...after all your 'The Blessed One'.
[He now stands up straight and puffs up his chest. Before flashing a smile again]
Travis: The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia knows precisely how difficult the challenge that stands before him is, winning the Massive Melee is no easy feat, but you are talking to a two-time Battleground Winner, a one-time Global Challenge win...'
[He immediately stops as he catches Benedict and the camera in his peripheral vision. A turns quickly...]
Travis: Jesus man! How long have you been there...you barely make a sound, you know that's kinda creepy, right? Like Ezekiel Pax's constant quest for validation from anyone willing to act as his male dominatrix, be it Mickey Dragon, Klaus vonKnorre or Robert Ooley.
Whittleshaw: Creepy kind of comes with the job.
[Travis composes himself and walks out of the bathroom]
Whittleshaw: What's on your schedule today.
Travis: Just filming some promotional spots for the Melee.
Whittleshaw: Is that something you enjoy?
[Travis chuckles and starts to grab his belongings from around his suite, the camera following as he does so.]
Travis: I love being in front of the camera...
[He looks around with a smile and a chuckle at the one filming him]
Travis: Most of the time at least. But these promo spots are pretty mundane. I prefer to actually get the chance to speak my mind, let them throw questions at me and I'll send them right back. I'm not like Phrixus Deimos, he prefers to make statements, tell others what they should be thinking, he's not the biggest fan of improvisation. It works for him, I'm not going to deny that, but I'd find it incredibly dull.
Whittleshaw: Have you always practiced in front of the mirror?
[Travis looks back over his shoulder at the camera again, bites his lip and curses at himself under his breath]
Travis: So you did see? No point in denying it, I guess. It's something I used to do when I first started; it's a good way to see if what’s in your head works in three dimensions. Didn't need to do it for a long time, but recent changes and decisions man it's a useful process.
Whittleshaw: Is that because you've become what's known in the industry as a 'Face', or to the uninitiated a 'good guy'?
Travis: I don't prescribe to those kind of labels, no one person is 100% good, or 100% bad, you of all people should know that humanity is a mixing pot of tragedy, pain, laughter, hope, joy, despair and a million other things. It's a confusing mess. But for instance, I'm pretty sure when Seito Risa stubs her toe she doesn't consider the vast learning experience it has provided her with but rather curses out the piece of furniture that caused it like she was angrier than Mark Stone.
Whittleshaw: And Donovan Hastings doesn't always wear a cape, treat Owen as a manservant and sit in a throne.
Travis: No, he absolutely does. So you are a fan?
Whittleshaw: I do my research. Which is why I want to ask you this, you say you don't prescribe to the traditional positions of good and evil in the sport, but haven't you made a considerable effort in past months to be seen in a more positive light by the fans?[/color]
[Travis laughs as he grabs his key card and heads out of the door, the camera ever present behind him.]
Travis: There is only so long one can maintain the image of a man who considers reality a mere annoyance in the grand scheme of things. The same shtick wears thin after a while, even when you take three years away, eventually people get tired of it.
[Travis presses the button for the elevator and turns to the camera as he waits.]
Travis: Look at me, I'm rapidly approaching forty years old, how long can someone speak exclusively in the third person and act like some rock star sex symbol when they have to keep an eye on their sugar intake because diabetes is a real problem for them? Trust me, one day Ichabod will only take meetings in well-lit open spaces and ask people to speak up rather than whisper due to failing eyesight and hearing. As my good friend would say, we can't escape what is inevitable.
[The Elevator arrives and Travis steps in and presses the button for the lobby.]
Whittleshaw: You don't look in awful shape; there must be more to it?
Travis: You're right, I'm not in bad shape, yet. But it still didn't make my behaviour any less ridiculous, didn't hurt that a certain Yahtzee Cheat has a monopoly on arrogance and delusion in UGWC.
Whittleshaw: So this was a reaction to another professional, you felt threatened?
[The elevator stops and a young woman with a baby stroller walks in, she looks awkwardly at the camera and it is lowered to the ground but not switched off]
Female Voice: Don't you try anything with me slime ball, I don't want to be part of your sex club, don't even look at me!
[Travis is now walking off set having completed his promo work for the afternoon and he quickly grabs his bag and starts walking out of the shot. The camera then cuts and we see Travis sitting in a chair in a nondescript office.]
Whittleshaw: That woman rattled you, didn't she?
Travis: What woman?
Whittleshaw: The one in the elevator who interrupted us when you were discussing how you felt threatened by Alan Wallace.
Travis: That's not what I said.
Whittleshaw: It was implied.
Travis: I merely stated no-one is more out of touch with reality and narcissistic as him, I didn't say it threatened me.
Whittleshaw: But you did suggest his position in the company made you re-evaluate your own path.
Travis: You know how a lot of people hate seeing themselves on camera, because they tend to not look or sound like they wanted?
Whittleshaw: I'm aware of it, yes.
Travis: I've never had that problem. Then I started seeing more of Wallace, and got an outsiders perspective on such an act. Let’s be clear, 'The Blessed One' didn't coin this kind of character, they've existed for almost as long as this industry has, but I'd never seen anyone with such an all-encompassing display as 'The Blessed One'. Until I started to pay attention to Alan. He was a grand architect of this; I hate the word, 'gimmick', just as I was. Watching it as others would, I wasn't sure I liked what I saw..
[Travis looks away for a moment]
Travis: Someone once said to me 'You never look good trying to make someone else look bad'. Of course at the time I laughed dismissively at them and carried on talking about myself, but that started to make a lot of sense when I truly considered what Alan and I were doing. I'd built my career on dismissing everyone around me as unworthy to lace El Mucho Gordo's mask let alone stand opposite me in a ring. I made it my aim to convince everyone that anyone who stood against me was near subhuman. I watched Alan do the same and then it struck me, if they're so incompetent and I lose to them, how do I look? Looking around this place I knew I was going to lose a lot more than I did in the GIW glory days, so a different approach was merely self-preservation.
Whittleshaw: And now you want people to like you?
Travis: Where do you get that from?
[Travis shuffles uncomfortably in the chair]
Whittleshaw: Your reaction to the press when you left the arena on Monday and how you shut down for hours after the women in the elevator accused you of being a slime ball.
Travis: No, no…you’re misreading the signs, both those situations just reminded me that an innocent was dragged into this by the Syndicate’s scheming, CJ didn't deserve any of this in her life.
Whittleshaw: I think it’s more than that. You yourself said you’ve made the effort to present a different persona to the world; it must hurt you that the very people whose impression of you you have tried so hard to adjust are so quick to believe what Miss Morgan and her associates feed them, willingly, almost gleefully, believing every torrid tale of your debauchery and misogyny.
[Travis remains silent for a few moments whilst he considers this.]
Travis: I’m not going to lie, I was taken by surprise by some of the recent events in my life, but I wouldn’t go as far to say I’m hurt by people’s reactions. People will believe what they want to; I can do little to change that right now. There are, indeed, some people whose response to the allegations against me I would have preferred to have been different, but that has nothing to do with my efforts within this business. I can’t let what other people think of me distract me from everything I have worked hard to put in place over the past few months.
Whittleshaw: And that wasn’t trying to get everyone to like you?
[Travis chuckles]
Travis: No, not at all. Since the harrowing day upon which I was humiliated by the very men who were meant to stand beside me, there has been only one goal, and that was to get myself back to the top of the industry, to make myself relevant again. As I have said already, I’m not getting any younger, the window for me to be a standard bearer for this industry is rapidly shrinking, and I want at least one more day in the sun, as it were.
Whittleshaw: And how do you think it’s going, are you confident you can get there again?
[Travis smiles]
Travis: Well you are following me around with a camera for close to a week, aren’t you? Not to mention the fact a two time World Champion and two time winner of the Melee, who controls a pretty influential cabal in this business, has devoted a lot of their resources to trying to besmirch my good name, when I’d made it clear I wasn't going to cause her team any problems and had nothing but respect for them. Sounds like some people are worried I’m getting relevant again.
Whittleshaw: So you’re pleased with recent events?
Travis: No, I just see them for what they are. Klaus vonKnorre has been desperately trying to get Eden’s attention with such fervour it’s starting to remind some of that time he was chased down by Red Fusion for months. Yet she’s chosen to practically ignore The World Heavyweight Champion, who is as good as begging her to focus on him, to instead plan elaborate press conferences and exposé’s at my expense. I must have been doing something right.
[Travis smiles at the camera once more and then the scene transitions again.]
[Now Travis is pacing backwards and forwards in a parking lot, his cell phone pressed to his ear.]
Travis: Thank you for answeri…
[He raises his free hand to his head and rubs his temples.]
Travis: No, of course I don’t know what you’ve bee…
[He looks upwards towards the sky as he listens]
Travis: You have to understan…
[He screws his face up in that manner people do when they realise they’ve just put their foot in it]
Travis: No, no! I’m not trying to tell you how to think, I just didn’t want any of thi…
[Cut off again he stops pacing and just stands his head hanging down]
Travis: I know it’s not all about me, I just wanted to…
[His head pops up and his eyes widen in genuine surprise.]
Travis: Your parents’ house? What did…
[He starts to rub his temples again]
Travis: No, honestly I didn’t know, if I had any idea I would of…
[He removes his hand from his forehead and uses it to emphasize his words]
Travis: No, I never wanted this, how could you think that I somehow enginee…
[He pauses and listens, his face creasing up again.]
Travis: I know it’s not all about me…CJ?...CJ!?!
[He looks at his phone, discovers it has indeed disconnected and then hurls it across the parking lot, he looks towards the camera and shakes his head, and predictably the image once again cuts away]
[It’s now the night-time and Travis is leaving the abode of the Lord of Pain, Donovan Hastings. He says goodbye and turns to get into the waiting limo, with Benedict still filming him]
Travis: I guess a lot of that will be unusable, because, well, Donovan.
Whittleshaw: I’ll find a way to use it, it’s not often documentaries have ‘gag reels’ so this could be a first.
Travis: Well, Travis Roberts does like to innovate.
[He says this as he takes a seat in the vehicle]
Whittleshaw: So what’s your ultimate goal, Travis?
Travis: Isn’t everyone’s the same? To live an interesting life and leave behind some kind of positive legacy.
Whittleshaw: I mean for the more immediate future. The changing of your image, the struggle to be accepted by your peers as relevant again, what is it all for?
Travis: The immediate future? Well I want to win the Massive Melee, what else?
Whittleshaw: So you want to be World heavyweight Champion again?
Travis Of course! If I didn’t what would the point be of putting myself, and people close to me, through all this?
Whittleshaw: Before their clash at Infinity both Klaus vonKnorre and Zane Scott stated they wanted to bring a level of prestige and respect back to the Championship, would that be a similar aim for you?
[Travis looks out of the window]
Travis: Bring respect back? I’m not sure you can respect an inanimate object, sure the one holding it can help its reputation at any one time, but I don’t know if I’d try to go on such a fool’s errand. However, I can tell you this, if that was my goal I don’t think I’d be serving it well by only giving a shit about my own small circle of influence and ignoring anything that I deemed disinteresting.
Whittleshaw: So if you were to win the Melee, you would challenge for the title? You wouldn’t find an excuse to wiggle out of it like when you’ve had the chance in the past?
Travis: Not this time, no. I’m eager to prove that I am worthy of competing for the very top prize in the industry, and there is no better way of doing that than winning the Melee. That opens the door for me to attempt to represent this company as I feel only I can, with a mixture of experience, innovation and respect for others.
Whitleshaw: So if you think you’d make a good champion, can you explain how you define that?
Travis: The same way as I always have. The Champion is the ultimate representative for the company, they are the first thing new eyes on the product are drawn to, the first person people want to measure themselves against, the standard bearer, the shining light, the ultimate yardstick for everybody else. They should make their presence known as often as possible, even when not called upon to do so they should know that their presence is always essential. It’s not an easy role, even the most self-confident and assured characters will crumble and buckle whilst reacting to the pressure, like Harley Addams reacts to being asked to make a relevant point. There should be no question in anyone’s mind that whoever holds that belt is the best at not just what they do, but what everyone else does too.
Whittleshaw: And you think you’re ready for that kind of challenge?
[Travis chuckles]
Travis: No-one ever knows until they are in that position, until they’ve got the target on their back and their every move is scrutinised to the molecular level. I can say I handled the pressure well the last time I was on top, but as everyone can tell this industry is a different beast now, past achievements mean the square root of fuck all. For all we know Patrick Kay Anthony’s never ending list of achievements in places I’ve never heard of could make him an ideal candidate to be a great figurehead, or could make him complacent when faced by the kind of competition that is uniquely bred here in UGWC. It really is a crap shoot.
Whittleshaw: But you want it?
Travis: I’m just taking it one step at a time. My last genuine top level title clash was last decade, in 2009, who knows if I can take that pressure? It’s been a long time. So long ago that I’m pretty sure the only panties Gian was getting down around that time were his incontinent grandmothers. What I do know is I want the shot, and to get it by being successful in the Melee would be a boon. I’m not sure anyone has ever won the Global Challenge, Battleground and the Melee, that in itself would be an achievement, and one I won’t look beyond at this point.
Whittleshaw: Do you think you can win?
Travis: Sure! Why not? Anyone can win, even the rookie Bane/Predator rip off could walk out with a title shot after his début, given the right draw. It probably won’t be easy, but I spent the longest in the match out of everyone last year, if lady luck smiles on me this year I’m pretty confident I can last the distance. But there is just as good a chance that some injustice fuels Zane Scott to toss anyone and everyone aside and go on to claim the title Shot Pierce negotiated away from him in a not so subtle attempt to destabilise the Syndicate. Who’s to say?
Whittleshaw: So ultimately you’re happy with where you are at this point in time?
Travis: I’m never happy, there’s always more we can achieve, more progress to make, more places to go. Do you think Killian King was just happy to get out of the squalid hellhole that is Harrogate in the UK and just stopped as soon as he reached somewhere that had progressed past the barter system? Of course not, else he’d be plying his trade as a Coal Miner in Leeds. There’s a lot more road to travel, I may have less time to navigate it than I did when I first started in this game, but that just makes every taste of success that little bit sweeter.
Whittleshaw: The Melee could represent a new chapter starting in your career?
Travis: As cheesy as that is, it sounds about right.
[The door to Travis' hotel room is opened, it seems Travis has furnished Benjamin with his own keycard, and as the camera enters we hear the sound of TWiSTeD's new entrance music 'Mastermind' by Monster Magnet playing loud. The camera slowly enters the room and we then catch a glimpse of Travis Roberts, in a dressing gown, playing air guitar to the opening riff, thrusting his pelvis in time with the music, luckily for us the gown is tightly done up and we get no wardrobe malfunctions. However it gets better when the first verse kicks in as Travis begins to sing along...badly.]
Travis: In a world full of muuuudd as far as you can seeeeee.
[He does a little twirl and points at himself in a horizontal mirror that runs the length of the wall.]
Travis: No-one will love your sorry ASS like meee.
[His hips start gyrating in time with the music as he continues to look in the mirror]
Travis: Hey baby! Get in Focus! I'm talking to yoooouuu,
[Now his hips, shoulders and legs are all swaying and he resembles a man trying to imitate a snake and he leans closer towards the mirror.]
Travis: Crrraawll into this cave so you can spit out some truth. Uhhh Hhhhuuuurrr!
[Now he clenches both his fists and closes his eyes as he looks upwards to the ceiling]
Travis: I know your futures looking fiiine.
[He plays some air drums with violent passion, biting down on his bottom lip as he does so]
Travis: DOWN AT THE LORDS HOTEL!
[He does a little spin on the spot, his dressing gown whipping around him, but as he does so he sees the camera, and loses his balance as he tries to stop suddenly and falls. He grabs out and manages to clutch onto the drapes, however they give him no support and he pulls the curtain rod straight off the wall, it flies into his wall mounted 4K TV, and he lands on his face in the middle of the room, the drapes falling over him.
He lays their for a while, the camera starts to move forward, but Travis raises his hand from within the fabric and waves him away. He lays on the ground for a moment, before turning, looking at the camera and smiling.]
Travis: There's no way that won't make the final cut, is there?
[The camera shakes from side to side to signify his assumption is correct]
[Now Travis sits in an airport terminal, his hand luggage to the side of him.]
Whittleshaw: I have one last thing I'd like to explore. What would the Travis Roberts of a few years ago think of you today?
[Travis considers this for a few moments.]
Travis: Why don't I let him tell you?
[Travis reaches into his pocket for his trademark aviators, which have coincidentally been absent in each scene we have seen so far, and places them over his face.]
Travis – 'The Blessed One' is not only embarrassed but disgusted to see how easily this 'Faux Roberts' has tarnished the legacy and reputation 'The TWiSTeD Icon' has spent so long carefully cultivating. In just over half a year he not only let Dirge, who hasn't looked intimidating since he had a bunch of over-zealous goths at his side, get the better of him, but also some cheap Travis Roberts impersonator called Alan for deity's sake! That's not even a good name for a sheep. It didn't even end their, he then ran into the arms of UGWC's perennial overachiever Phrixus Deimos looking for advice! 'The Most Influential icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia' had never seen a greater display of poor alliance making in his time. Of course Dave Rydell's recent choices have eclipsed that moves in terms of blind stupidity, but when the only person making worst decisions than you is Red Fusion, you've got some serious problems.
[Travis shakes his head in disgust.]
Travis – 'And now this 'Anti-Blessed One' is a simpering fool, just bending over and taking whatever Eden Morgan throws at him. Eden Morgan, you know the girl that's been in this business all of five minutes, is running circles around him, gleefully making him look like an incompetent relic of the past. Not only that, he's also giving her credit for doing so! Even going as far as to claim she has succeeded where he couldn't. That's not the behaviour of 'The Headliner', that’s exactly the sort of person who should be cursed with a never ending Kurt Brady feud.'
[He pinches the roof of his nose]
Travis – 'This 'Delta-Travis' is even down playing his chances in the Melee, preparing people for an inevitable loss. This is the same person who lasted longer than anyone else last year, despite being a fair way older than most of the field. The man who was out of the ring for close to three years only to return and win the Battleground match in his first two months back. 'The Headliner' would be stood proud, asking who on earth can stand in his way? Eden Morgan may have won it twice in a row, but from Number One, when she's made the smart move of pissing off everyone in the company, I don't think so. The only people you could potentially imagine should be challenging him are all in other matches that night. The field couldn't be set up better for him, it's not like Forewell Boding is going to benefit from being one of few solely focusing on the Melee and suddenly grow a pair. 'The Longest Reigning GIW Global Heavyweight Champion' would be declaring victory before the bell is even rung, not looking to prepare excuses for a failure that is quite frankly inexcusable.'
[Travis takes the glasses off and places them back in his pocket and exhales deeply.]
Travis: I can't say I've missed him.
[At this point we here the boarding call for the flight to Barcelona. Travis stands and the camera does too, he reaches out his hand and we see it shake Benedict’s. He hands his ticket to a flight attendant, nods one final time to the camera and then turns and walks down towards the plane, and then the image freezes.]
Travis: Why? That's the right question... that's your bread and butter, huh, having the right questions?
From Behind Camera: Like having the right answers is yours?
[Travis chuckles as he stuffs his ring boots into his bag and yanks the zipper into place, he then looks up at the camera.]
Travis: Did we start?
From Behind Camera: Don't mind this.
Travis: Right...why am I letting you tail me, is that what your asking me?
From Behind Camera: Yeah I pitch, but I'm always surprised when people accept.
Travis: Well I'd seen your work.
From Behind Camera: Well, exactly.
[Travis chuckles again.]
Travis: And, um, I'm not expecting a free ride, I guess I just thought your concept, a week in the life...a week in my life...is, err..
[Travis goes to pick up his bag and pauses mid-sentence and turns to the camera.]
Travis: You know what? Before we get into it, I want to reiterate the ground rules. I want to be clear between you and me.
From Behind Camera: Of course.
Travis: Your access is to me...
From Behind Camera: And to your co-workers and other UGWC employees.
Travis: Yes, but if you want wild parties, debauchery and scandal, you got the wrong guy that's not what I do any more. I can't let this project in any way compromise my obligations to the industry.
From Behind Camera: Let's get back to why?
Travis: Well I think...
[At this point the image corrupts and the sound of tape rewinding and images flash past our face in reverse order...before we rejoin a much more professional shot of Travis sat face on to the camera.]
Travis: Alongside a few others my face is one of those most associated with this industry and UGWC in particular, yet for all its visibility it's not well understood. The public is used to seeing me in front of the camera, confronting adversarial opponents, mocking unfortunate reporters and there is a misconception that I am here to make others look insignificant or to belittle my peers, when in fact any good Entertainment Professional aims to do just the opposite. Who's going to tune in if they think it's a walk over?
[There is a brief but noticeable cut and Travis is still seated but laughing and shaking his head whilst he speaks with relaxed and open gestures]
Travis: This is a terrible idea, I don't know what I was thinking...this is...let's call this off.
[Another quick cut]
Travis: The breakneck pace we live at, the 24 hour news cycle, is this good for the business? Is it inescapable? Why not experiment? That's why I accepted your proposal.
[Images fade in of classic clips from wrestling across the ages]
”Since the advent of television, in the middle of the 20th century, the world of Professional Wrestling has been no stranger to Americans, and in the early part of the 21st Century few involved have been more prominent than 'The Blessed One' Travis Roberts.
But what of the private aspects of his role? In the current media explosion and saturation of information how is this high profile job changing and to what extent do the individuals involved define themselves by their involvement within? What impact does that have on their lives? To answer these questions I, Benedict Whittleshaw, spent nearly a week with Travis Roberts, a man whose media appearances are usually strictly regulated.”
But what of the private aspects of his role? In the current media explosion and saturation of information how is this high profile job changing and to what extent do the individuals involved define themselves by their involvement within? What impact does that have on their lives? To answer these questions I, Benedict Whittleshaw, spent nearly a week with Travis Roberts, a man whose media appearances are usually strictly regulated.”
[We now follow Travis from behind as he exits the arena through two double doors to walk to the parking lot, as soon has he opens them he becomes a silhouette against a storm of flashbulbs erupts on seeing him. We follow as he puts his head down and pushes through the crowd of reporters and fans]
“How many women have you violated today Travis?”
“Do you care about anyone other than yourself?”
“Sign My Boobs!”
“Is it true you consumed more cocaine in a week than Ozzy Osbourne managed in the eighties?”
“ How is CJ taking recent events?”
“Have you spoken to her Travis?”
“Will she take your calls?”
[His pace quickens and he dives into the back of a waiting limousine, and the camera follows him in.]
Whittleshaw: What was all that?
[Travis looks out of the window]
Travis: Nothing, you get used to it.
[Travis starts to bite is nails]
Whittleshaw: It seems to have got you quite agitated.
[Travis doesn't reply, just shrugs his shoulders and continues to chew on his nails.]
Whittleshaw: CJ? That's Claudia-Jean Jensen, right?
[Travis stops biting his nails and looks directly at the camera.]
Travis: You saw all that? That kind of behaviour right there, that I can handle, it's part of the business, always has been once you make it to this level. But things are changing, and I'm not just talking about the breaking down of walls between fans and performers, or the 'Death of Kayfabe'. I can accept change, that's the only reason this business continues to flourish, without drawing back the curtain on this crazy world we'd all be plying our trades in bingo halls and the odd Armoury.
[He looks back out of the window as he thinks]
Travis: Since I started the world has changed so much, and now we're in a world where the idea of privacy, and who is afforded it has been twisted beyond imagination. Civilisation has become enthralled by Facebook, Twitter and the like, Social Media has laid roots in the very fabric of society, like an invasive plant species, from within our homes all the way to the highest branches of our government. It encompasses and infiltrates almost every walk of life.
[Travis shuffles in his seat and leans forward]
Travis: And you know what, that's fine. I've got no problem with how other people choose to spend their time. If someone whose greatest achievement in life to date has been navigating their way out of their mother’s womb thinks that what they have to say about recent events in the world, or just what they had for breakfast, is relevant and worthy of sharing, that's their choice. If a hundred people want to 'follow' an Australian kid writing uninspired nonsense, they can, and probably should, knock themselves out. What other people do to pass their time isn't any of my business.
[He looks out of the windows and starts chewing on his nails before realising and abruptly stopping]
Travis: But when this kind of behaviour becomes the expectation? When people give you strange looks because, to you, the idea of social networking is like some kind of waking nightmare? When your the misfit for not following a candy bar on Twitter? That's what I take exception with, and how it's feeding into everything, including this business. I can accept it as a promotional tool, but when Entertainment Professionals think they have some kind of right to your personal life, just because they air everything online, doesn't mean that those of us who choose not to should be punished.
Whittleshaw: Are you blaming social media for the current circus that surrounds you?
Travis: It's not surrounding me that I have a problem with. Do you think Eden Morgan and The Syndicate would be in the position they are without social media? The company their group usurped made its name using it, and how else do you think their recent 'revelation' spread around the world so quickly? That's not even the point, social media created the environment in which the world will watch gleefully as a young woman is dragged against her will into the spotlight and humiliated all for the benefit of entertainment.
Whittleshaw: Have you spoken to CJ since it happened?
[Travis shakes his head and holds his hand up to the camera.]
Travis: I don't think I want to talk any more tonight.
[Static]
[We open for a new day, the camera is pointed towards the bathroom of 'The Blessed One, who is stood in front of a mirror, unaware that he is being filmed at this moment. He flashes a smile to himself]Travis: The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia is going to...will do his utmost...guarantees to...will endeavor to try his hardest...'
[The smile disappears from his face and he places both hands on his sink and leans forward looking down from the mirror, biting his lip, closing his eyes and throwing his head ever so slightly forward in a display of frustration.]
Travis – What the fuck was that, Travis? I sound like Dave Rydell trying to convince himself that he hasn't gone from being his own man, Cross-Hemisphere champion no less, to the dead weight around The Mainstreamer's waist in the time it would take Chaos to finish a six pack.
[He looks back up at the mirror, and whilst his reflection is obscured from us we can tell he is looking into his own eyes.]
Travis: C'mon buddy, this is what you're good at! You heard what Benedict says, having the right answers is your bread and butter, it's what got you where you are today! Sure, it's not the same now, being a dismissive jerk won't fly all the time, but you got this, you can do this...after all your 'The Blessed One'.
[He now stands up straight and puffs up his chest. Before flashing a smile again]
Travis: The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia knows precisely how difficult the challenge that stands before him is, winning the Massive Melee is no easy feat, but you are talking to a two-time Battleground Winner, a one-time Global Challenge win...'
[He immediately stops as he catches Benedict and the camera in his peripheral vision. A turns quickly...]
Travis: Jesus man! How long have you been there...you barely make a sound, you know that's kinda creepy, right? Like Ezekiel Pax's constant quest for validation from anyone willing to act as his male dominatrix, be it Mickey Dragon, Klaus vonKnorre or Robert Ooley.
Whittleshaw: Creepy kind of comes with the job.
[Travis composes himself and walks out of the bathroom]
Whittleshaw: What's on your schedule today.
Travis: Just filming some promotional spots for the Melee.
Whittleshaw: Is that something you enjoy?
[Travis chuckles and starts to grab his belongings from around his suite, the camera following as he does so.]
Travis: I love being in front of the camera...
[He looks around with a smile and a chuckle at the one filming him]
Travis: Most of the time at least. But these promo spots are pretty mundane. I prefer to actually get the chance to speak my mind, let them throw questions at me and I'll send them right back. I'm not like Phrixus Deimos, he prefers to make statements, tell others what they should be thinking, he's not the biggest fan of improvisation. It works for him, I'm not going to deny that, but I'd find it incredibly dull.
Whittleshaw: Have you always practiced in front of the mirror?
[Travis looks back over his shoulder at the camera again, bites his lip and curses at himself under his breath]
Travis: So you did see? No point in denying it, I guess. It's something I used to do when I first started; it's a good way to see if what’s in your head works in three dimensions. Didn't need to do it for a long time, but recent changes and decisions man it's a useful process.
Whittleshaw: Is that because you've become what's known in the industry as a 'Face', or to the uninitiated a 'good guy'?
Travis: I don't prescribe to those kind of labels, no one person is 100% good, or 100% bad, you of all people should know that humanity is a mixing pot of tragedy, pain, laughter, hope, joy, despair and a million other things. It's a confusing mess. But for instance, I'm pretty sure when Seito Risa stubs her toe she doesn't consider the vast learning experience it has provided her with but rather curses out the piece of furniture that caused it like she was angrier than Mark Stone.
Whittleshaw: And Donovan Hastings doesn't always wear a cape, treat Owen as a manservant and sit in a throne.
Travis: No, he absolutely does. So you are a fan?
Whittleshaw: I do my research. Which is why I want to ask you this, you say you don't prescribe to the traditional positions of good and evil in the sport, but haven't you made a considerable effort in past months to be seen in a more positive light by the fans?[/color]
[Travis laughs as he grabs his key card and heads out of the door, the camera ever present behind him.]
Travis: There is only so long one can maintain the image of a man who considers reality a mere annoyance in the grand scheme of things. The same shtick wears thin after a while, even when you take three years away, eventually people get tired of it.
[Travis presses the button for the elevator and turns to the camera as he waits.]
Travis: Look at me, I'm rapidly approaching forty years old, how long can someone speak exclusively in the third person and act like some rock star sex symbol when they have to keep an eye on their sugar intake because diabetes is a real problem for them? Trust me, one day Ichabod will only take meetings in well-lit open spaces and ask people to speak up rather than whisper due to failing eyesight and hearing. As my good friend would say, we can't escape what is inevitable.
[The Elevator arrives and Travis steps in and presses the button for the lobby.]
Whittleshaw: You don't look in awful shape; there must be more to it?
Travis: You're right, I'm not in bad shape, yet. But it still didn't make my behaviour any less ridiculous, didn't hurt that a certain Yahtzee Cheat has a monopoly on arrogance and delusion in UGWC.
Whittleshaw: So this was a reaction to another professional, you felt threatened?
[The elevator stops and a young woman with a baby stroller walks in, she looks awkwardly at the camera and it is lowered to the ground but not switched off]
Female Voice: Don't you try anything with me slime ball, I don't want to be part of your sex club, don't even look at me!
[Static]
[Travis is now walking off set having completed his promo work for the afternoon and he quickly grabs his bag and starts walking out of the shot. The camera then cuts and we see Travis sitting in a chair in a nondescript office.]
Whittleshaw: That woman rattled you, didn't she?
Travis: What woman?
Whittleshaw: The one in the elevator who interrupted us when you were discussing how you felt threatened by Alan Wallace.
Travis: That's not what I said.
Whittleshaw: It was implied.
Travis: I merely stated no-one is more out of touch with reality and narcissistic as him, I didn't say it threatened me.
Whittleshaw: But you did suggest his position in the company made you re-evaluate your own path.
Travis: You know how a lot of people hate seeing themselves on camera, because they tend to not look or sound like they wanted?
Whittleshaw: I'm aware of it, yes.
Travis: I've never had that problem. Then I started seeing more of Wallace, and got an outsiders perspective on such an act. Let’s be clear, 'The Blessed One' didn't coin this kind of character, they've existed for almost as long as this industry has, but I'd never seen anyone with such an all-encompassing display as 'The Blessed One'. Until I started to pay attention to Alan. He was a grand architect of this; I hate the word, 'gimmick', just as I was. Watching it as others would, I wasn't sure I liked what I saw..
[Travis looks away for a moment]
Travis: Someone once said to me 'You never look good trying to make someone else look bad'. Of course at the time I laughed dismissively at them and carried on talking about myself, but that started to make a lot of sense when I truly considered what Alan and I were doing. I'd built my career on dismissing everyone around me as unworthy to lace El Mucho Gordo's mask let alone stand opposite me in a ring. I made it my aim to convince everyone that anyone who stood against me was near subhuman. I watched Alan do the same and then it struck me, if they're so incompetent and I lose to them, how do I look? Looking around this place I knew I was going to lose a lot more than I did in the GIW glory days, so a different approach was merely self-preservation.
Whittleshaw: And now you want people to like you?
Travis: Where do you get that from?
[Travis shuffles uncomfortably in the chair]
Whittleshaw: Your reaction to the press when you left the arena on Monday and how you shut down for hours after the women in the elevator accused you of being a slime ball.
Travis: No, no…you’re misreading the signs, both those situations just reminded me that an innocent was dragged into this by the Syndicate’s scheming, CJ didn't deserve any of this in her life.
Whittleshaw: I think it’s more than that. You yourself said you’ve made the effort to present a different persona to the world; it must hurt you that the very people whose impression of you you have tried so hard to adjust are so quick to believe what Miss Morgan and her associates feed them, willingly, almost gleefully, believing every torrid tale of your debauchery and misogyny.
[Travis remains silent for a few moments whilst he considers this.]
Travis: I’m not going to lie, I was taken by surprise by some of the recent events in my life, but I wouldn’t go as far to say I’m hurt by people’s reactions. People will believe what they want to; I can do little to change that right now. There are, indeed, some people whose response to the allegations against me I would have preferred to have been different, but that has nothing to do with my efforts within this business. I can’t let what other people think of me distract me from everything I have worked hard to put in place over the past few months.
Whittleshaw: And that wasn’t trying to get everyone to like you?
[Travis chuckles]
Travis: No, not at all. Since the harrowing day upon which I was humiliated by the very men who were meant to stand beside me, there has been only one goal, and that was to get myself back to the top of the industry, to make myself relevant again. As I have said already, I’m not getting any younger, the window for me to be a standard bearer for this industry is rapidly shrinking, and I want at least one more day in the sun, as it were.
Whittleshaw: And how do you think it’s going, are you confident you can get there again?
[Travis smiles]
Travis: Well you are following me around with a camera for close to a week, aren’t you? Not to mention the fact a two time World Champion and two time winner of the Melee, who controls a pretty influential cabal in this business, has devoted a lot of their resources to trying to besmirch my good name, when I’d made it clear I wasn't going to cause her team any problems and had nothing but respect for them. Sounds like some people are worried I’m getting relevant again.
Whittleshaw: So you’re pleased with recent events?
Travis: No, I just see them for what they are. Klaus vonKnorre has been desperately trying to get Eden’s attention with such fervour it’s starting to remind some of that time he was chased down by Red Fusion for months. Yet she’s chosen to practically ignore The World Heavyweight Champion, who is as good as begging her to focus on him, to instead plan elaborate press conferences and exposé’s at my expense. I must have been doing something right.
[Travis smiles at the camera once more and then the scene transitions again.]
[Static]
[Now Travis is pacing backwards and forwards in a parking lot, his cell phone pressed to his ear.]
Travis: Thank you for answeri…
[He raises his free hand to his head and rubs his temples.]
Travis: No, of course I don’t know what you’ve bee…
[He looks upwards towards the sky as he listens]
Travis: You have to understan…
[He screws his face up in that manner people do when they realise they’ve just put their foot in it]
Travis: No, no! I’m not trying to tell you how to think, I just didn’t want any of thi…
[Cut off again he stops pacing and just stands his head hanging down]
Travis: I know it’s not all about me, I just wanted to…
[His head pops up and his eyes widen in genuine surprise.]
Travis: Your parents’ house? What did…
[He starts to rub his temples again]
Travis: No, honestly I didn’t know, if I had any idea I would of…
[He removes his hand from his forehead and uses it to emphasize his words]
Travis: No, I never wanted this, how could you think that I somehow enginee…
[He pauses and listens, his face creasing up again.]
Travis: I know it’s not all about me…CJ?...CJ!?!
[He looks at his phone, discovers it has indeed disconnected and then hurls it across the parking lot, he looks towards the camera and shakes his head, and predictably the image once again cuts away]
[Static]
[It’s now the night-time and Travis is leaving the abode of the Lord of Pain, Donovan Hastings. He says goodbye and turns to get into the waiting limo, with Benedict still filming him]
Travis: I guess a lot of that will be unusable, because, well, Donovan.
Whittleshaw: I’ll find a way to use it, it’s not often documentaries have ‘gag reels’ so this could be a first.
Travis: Well, Travis Roberts does like to innovate.
[He says this as he takes a seat in the vehicle]
Whittleshaw: So what’s your ultimate goal, Travis?
Travis: Isn’t everyone’s the same? To live an interesting life and leave behind some kind of positive legacy.
Whittleshaw: I mean for the more immediate future. The changing of your image, the struggle to be accepted by your peers as relevant again, what is it all for?
Travis: The immediate future? Well I want to win the Massive Melee, what else?
Whittleshaw: So you want to be World heavyweight Champion again?
Travis Of course! If I didn’t what would the point be of putting myself, and people close to me, through all this?
Whittleshaw: Before their clash at Infinity both Klaus vonKnorre and Zane Scott stated they wanted to bring a level of prestige and respect back to the Championship, would that be a similar aim for you?
[Travis looks out of the window]
Travis: Bring respect back? I’m not sure you can respect an inanimate object, sure the one holding it can help its reputation at any one time, but I don’t know if I’d try to go on such a fool’s errand. However, I can tell you this, if that was my goal I don’t think I’d be serving it well by only giving a shit about my own small circle of influence and ignoring anything that I deemed disinteresting.
Whittleshaw: So if you were to win the Melee, you would challenge for the title? You wouldn’t find an excuse to wiggle out of it like when you’ve had the chance in the past?
Travis: Not this time, no. I’m eager to prove that I am worthy of competing for the very top prize in the industry, and there is no better way of doing that than winning the Melee. That opens the door for me to attempt to represent this company as I feel only I can, with a mixture of experience, innovation and respect for others.
Whitleshaw: So if you think you’d make a good champion, can you explain how you define that?
Travis: The same way as I always have. The Champion is the ultimate representative for the company, they are the first thing new eyes on the product are drawn to, the first person people want to measure themselves against, the standard bearer, the shining light, the ultimate yardstick for everybody else. They should make their presence known as often as possible, even when not called upon to do so they should know that their presence is always essential. It’s not an easy role, even the most self-confident and assured characters will crumble and buckle whilst reacting to the pressure, like Harley Addams reacts to being asked to make a relevant point. There should be no question in anyone’s mind that whoever holds that belt is the best at not just what they do, but what everyone else does too.
Whittleshaw: And you think you’re ready for that kind of challenge?
[Travis chuckles]
Travis: No-one ever knows until they are in that position, until they’ve got the target on their back and their every move is scrutinised to the molecular level. I can say I handled the pressure well the last time I was on top, but as everyone can tell this industry is a different beast now, past achievements mean the square root of fuck all. For all we know Patrick Kay Anthony’s never ending list of achievements in places I’ve never heard of could make him an ideal candidate to be a great figurehead, or could make him complacent when faced by the kind of competition that is uniquely bred here in UGWC. It really is a crap shoot.
Whittleshaw: But you want it?
Travis: I’m just taking it one step at a time. My last genuine top level title clash was last decade, in 2009, who knows if I can take that pressure? It’s been a long time. So long ago that I’m pretty sure the only panties Gian was getting down around that time were his incontinent grandmothers. What I do know is I want the shot, and to get it by being successful in the Melee would be a boon. I’m not sure anyone has ever won the Global Challenge, Battleground and the Melee, that in itself would be an achievement, and one I won’t look beyond at this point.
Whittleshaw: Do you think you can win?
Travis: Sure! Why not? Anyone can win, even the rookie Bane/Predator rip off could walk out with a title shot after his début, given the right draw. It probably won’t be easy, but I spent the longest in the match out of everyone last year, if lady luck smiles on me this year I’m pretty confident I can last the distance. But there is just as good a chance that some injustice fuels Zane Scott to toss anyone and everyone aside and go on to claim the title Shot Pierce negotiated away from him in a not so subtle attempt to destabilise the Syndicate. Who’s to say?
Whittleshaw: So ultimately you’re happy with where you are at this point in time?
Travis: I’m never happy, there’s always more we can achieve, more progress to make, more places to go. Do you think Killian King was just happy to get out of the squalid hellhole that is Harrogate in the UK and just stopped as soon as he reached somewhere that had progressed past the barter system? Of course not, else he’d be plying his trade as a Coal Miner in Leeds. There’s a lot more road to travel, I may have less time to navigate it than I did when I first started in this game, but that just makes every taste of success that little bit sweeter.
Whittleshaw: The Melee could represent a new chapter starting in your career?
Travis: As cheesy as that is, it sounds about right.
[Static]
[The door to Travis' hotel room is opened, it seems Travis has furnished Benjamin with his own keycard, and as the camera enters we hear the sound of TWiSTeD's new entrance music 'Mastermind' by Monster Magnet playing loud. The camera slowly enters the room and we then catch a glimpse of Travis Roberts, in a dressing gown, playing air guitar to the opening riff, thrusting his pelvis in time with the music, luckily for us the gown is tightly done up and we get no wardrobe malfunctions. However it gets better when the first verse kicks in as Travis begins to sing along...badly.]
Travis: In a world full of muuuudd as far as you can seeeeee.
[He does a little twirl and points at himself in a horizontal mirror that runs the length of the wall.]
Travis: No-one will love your sorry ASS like meee.
[His hips start gyrating in time with the music as he continues to look in the mirror]
Travis: Hey baby! Get in Focus! I'm talking to yoooouuu,
[Now his hips, shoulders and legs are all swaying and he resembles a man trying to imitate a snake and he leans closer towards the mirror.]
Travis: Crrraawll into this cave so you can spit out some truth. Uhhh Hhhhuuuurrr!
[Now he clenches both his fists and closes his eyes as he looks upwards to the ceiling]
Travis: I know your futures looking fiiine.
[He plays some air drums with violent passion, biting down on his bottom lip as he does so]
Travis: DOWN AT THE LORDS HOTEL!
[He does a little spin on the spot, his dressing gown whipping around him, but as he does so he sees the camera, and loses his balance as he tries to stop suddenly and falls. He grabs out and manages to clutch onto the drapes, however they give him no support and he pulls the curtain rod straight off the wall, it flies into his wall mounted 4K TV, and he lands on his face in the middle of the room, the drapes falling over him.
He lays their for a while, the camera starts to move forward, but Travis raises his hand from within the fabric and waves him away. He lays on the ground for a moment, before turning, looking at the camera and smiling.]
Travis: There's no way that won't make the final cut, is there?
[The camera shakes from side to side to signify his assumption is correct]
[Static]
[Now Travis sits in an airport terminal, his hand luggage to the side of him.]
Whittleshaw: I have one last thing I'd like to explore. What would the Travis Roberts of a few years ago think of you today?
[Travis considers this for a few moments.]
Travis: Why don't I let him tell you?
[Travis reaches into his pocket for his trademark aviators, which have coincidentally been absent in each scene we have seen so far, and places them over his face.]
Travis – 'The Blessed One' is not only embarrassed but disgusted to see how easily this 'Faux Roberts' has tarnished the legacy and reputation 'The TWiSTeD Icon' has spent so long carefully cultivating. In just over half a year he not only let Dirge, who hasn't looked intimidating since he had a bunch of over-zealous goths at his side, get the better of him, but also some cheap Travis Roberts impersonator called Alan for deity's sake! That's not even a good name for a sheep. It didn't even end their, he then ran into the arms of UGWC's perennial overachiever Phrixus Deimos looking for advice! 'The Most Influential icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia' had never seen a greater display of poor alliance making in his time. Of course Dave Rydell's recent choices have eclipsed that moves in terms of blind stupidity, but when the only person making worst decisions than you is Red Fusion, you've got some serious problems.
[Travis shakes his head in disgust.]
Travis – 'And now this 'Anti-Blessed One' is a simpering fool, just bending over and taking whatever Eden Morgan throws at him. Eden Morgan, you know the girl that's been in this business all of five minutes, is running circles around him, gleefully making him look like an incompetent relic of the past. Not only that, he's also giving her credit for doing so! Even going as far as to claim she has succeeded where he couldn't. That's not the behaviour of 'The Headliner', that’s exactly the sort of person who should be cursed with a never ending Kurt Brady feud.'
[He pinches the roof of his nose]
Travis – 'This 'Delta-Travis' is even down playing his chances in the Melee, preparing people for an inevitable loss. This is the same person who lasted longer than anyone else last year, despite being a fair way older than most of the field. The man who was out of the ring for close to three years only to return and win the Battleground match in his first two months back. 'The Headliner' would be stood proud, asking who on earth can stand in his way? Eden Morgan may have won it twice in a row, but from Number One, when she's made the smart move of pissing off everyone in the company, I don't think so. The only people you could potentially imagine should be challenging him are all in other matches that night. The field couldn't be set up better for him, it's not like Forewell Boding is going to benefit from being one of few solely focusing on the Melee and suddenly grow a pair. 'The Longest Reigning GIW Global Heavyweight Champion' would be declaring victory before the bell is even rung, not looking to prepare excuses for a failure that is quite frankly inexcusable.'
[Travis takes the glasses off and places them back in his pocket and exhales deeply.]
Travis: I can't say I've missed him.
[At this point we here the boarding call for the flight to Barcelona. Travis stands and the camera does too, he reaches out his hand and we see it shake Benedict’s. He hands his ticket to a flight attendant, nods one final time to the camera and then turns and walks down towards the plane, and then the image freezes.]
"Since he débuted in 2002 Travis Roberts has achieved a great number of things, but none potentially more profound than his recent change in attitude and character. In the few days I was able to spend with him I saw a very different man to the one millions of fans think of when they hear the words 'The Headliner', 'The TWiSTeD High Commander' or 'The Blessed One'. The cocky, brash and arrogant character that I was fully expecting to deflect most, if not all, of my questions, turned out to be an gracious, honest and welcoming host, more than happy to speak openly about almost any subject.
Is this, as he claims, just the by-product of an older and wiser soul, one who has seen so much that he has a new appreciation for his craft and peers? Is it a result of the changing landscape of not only the world and media consumption in general, but also the very foundations of UGWC itself? Or is it a reflection of an inner-acceptance that his chance to be at the top has passed him by?
I can't pretend to know the answer, even had our time together not been cut short by a lack of visa's and permits to film in Spain, a week would not be enough time to truly understand what really drives him. What I can say is this is a completely new version of 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia', with different goals and even morals.
What remains to be seen is whether this is a positive change that leads to a glorious resurgence, or the first step on the road to the demise of an icon."
Is this, as he claims, just the by-product of an older and wiser soul, one who has seen so much that he has a new appreciation for his craft and peers? Is it a result of the changing landscape of not only the world and media consumption in general, but also the very foundations of UGWC itself? Or is it a reflection of an inner-acceptance that his chance to be at the top has passed him by?
I can't pretend to know the answer, even had our time together not been cut short by a lack of visa's and permits to film in Spain, a week would not be enough time to truly understand what really drives him. What I can say is this is a completely new version of 'The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia', with different goals and even morals.
What remains to be seen is whether this is a positive change that leads to a glorious resurgence, or the first step on the road to the demise of an icon."
