Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Apr 23, 2016 22:14:02 GMT -5
The UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, Travis Roberts, opens the door to his oceanside home, and no sooner has his first foot made contact with the lushley carpeted floor inside, than Victoria Jensen is upon him. She briskly walks at him with purpose and a face of thunder, stopping just inches in front of his face.
Victoria: Did you know about this?
She turns and beckons to the UGWC film crew that has set itself up in front of his favorite couch.
Travis: Oh, yeah, someone said something about a pre-No Holds Barred interview.
She narrows her eyes.
Victoria: But what about...him?
Vix motions once more and from behind one of the cameras, dressed in his very best thrift store suit and tie, steps Jason Reeves who waves sheepishly.
Travis: Bitch Tits! Good to see you!
Vix clears her throat, crosses her arms and taps her foot whilst staring daggers at Travis. 'The Headliner' recognizes the look and is quick to respond to her question.
Travis: No, they didn't specify who would be doing the interview.
Victoria: I knew it! Did you hear that, Reeves? This is one big mistake, you can leave now...
Travis: I didn't say that. Just that they didn't tell me who would conduct the interview...
Victoria: Of course they didn't! Why would they? I have handled every interview you've had since before you won the World Heavyweight Championship, the only reason they'd specify your interviewer would be if they had changed things up.
Travis looks from Vix to a very uncomfortable Reeves.
Travis: Ummm...
Victoria: It makes perfect sense, just give me five minutes to put my face on and then we'll get rolling...
Travis: Maybe you should call the office...
Victoria: Why? It's pretty obvious what's happened here, that fourth stringer overheard the crew saying they were coming here and saw an opportunity to steal the spotlight, my spotlight!
Travis: I think you'll find it's actually my spotlight...
Victoria: God, Travis! Not everything is about you!
Travis: I'm well aware of that, but I think my pre-PPV interview is one of the few things that is.
Victoria: You're missing the point, it's unfathomable to think that anyone in their right mind would choose Jason Reeves to interview the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion!
Travis looks at her for a moment with raised eyebrows, she just responds by shrugging her shoulder as if to say 'What?'.
Travis: You are aware of just who our Creative Director is, right? I think it would be more surprising to find he was in his right mind when making any decisions.
Victoria takes a moment to process this before turning and pulling her phone out.
Victoria: I'm sure it's all a mistake, but I guess it won't harm to just call the office and check...
Travis: I'm sure you're right, but as Jason is here I'll use him for some warm up questions...
Vix shoots him a glare as she raises her phone to her head and walks into the kitchen, and Jason Reeves gives him a thumbs up.
Travis is now sat on his couch with Jason Reeves in an armchair to his side. His couch has been moved in front of his fireplace as to frame the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship belt that takes pride of place on the mantelpiece above.
Reeves: I'm here in the home of current UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, Travis Roberts, just days before he meets 'The Seventh Circle' Gabriel Baal in a Gates of Hell Match at No Holds Barred. Thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful home.
Travis just nods.
Reeves: I'm just going to cut to the chase, Travis. Ever since your opponent booked his opportunity to compete for the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship when he emerged victorious from the Global Challenge, Gabriel Baal has taken every chance he has had to make you look foolish. With that in mind, are you worried that you're going to walk out of Memphis without the Championship?
Travis smiles.
Travis: That's just not going to happen, Jason.
Reeves: Would you care to elaborate?
Travis: Honestly, I'm not sure why I should have to. Let me ask you a question, what makes you doubt 'The Headliner'?
Reeves: I didn't say I doubted you.
Travis: You asked if I was 'worried' about losing the greatest achievement of my professional career. I doubt a few surprising, and fortunate, superkicks are the only reason you asked.
Reeves: You can't deny that Baal has had a remarkable few months since he debuted at the beginning of the year. Not only is he competing for the World Heavyweight Championship in only his third Pay-Per-View he has also defeated a nuber of former World Heavyweight Champion's on his road to Infinity.
Travis smiles again.
Travis: Let's be honest, you couldn't swing a cat in the locker room without hitting at least a handful of people who've held the belt that resides above us. It's the quality of the title reign that is important. It's not like he's defeated Alan Wallace, Tyvola and Eden Morgan clean in the middle of the ring. He used a roll up and his feet on the ropes to get a win over Killian King, the man that snuck in and stole the World Heavyweight Championship from his two 'friends' after one of the most brutal matches in UGWC history, only to make one appearance as World Heavyweight Champion before losing it. After a no contest with Jet Somers, UGWC's three time transitionary champion, he then beat Phrixus Deimos. Who hasn't beaten Deimos? Do I need to go on?
Reeves: There were a few others, including Donovan Hastings.
Travis: Have you seen Donovan's win loss record on Synergy? And people think I'm the one with a motivation problem outside of PPV's.
Reeves: What about the fact he pinned you clean to win the Cooperative Match only a couple of weeks ago? Surely that proves that he is a dangerous opponent.
Travis: How is that evidence of anything? You can't compare a match that involved two other people to a World Heavyweight Championship match, and one that NO-ONE knows what the rules are for at that. How many times has our esteemed Doctor been in such a position? How many times has he been one of just two men that are meant to be the very best in the company, that are given the responsibility of showing the world just how entertaining this establishment is? He may have read many a volume on coping with stress and pressure, but theory goes out of the window when thousands of people are looking at you to prove you have what it takes to carry this company forward. 'The Headliner', however, has plenty of experience of this position, it's what he thrives on. So what exactly should I be worried about...
Reeves: Well...
Just as Jason Reeves is aboutt he continue both men jump in their seats as Vix's voice bellows from the kitchen.
Victoria: ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW? WHO'S FUCKING IDEA WAS THIS!
Jason and Travis both exchange a look that says they really hope she doesn't head in their direction.
Victoria: WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA? HE'S A CREEPY FUCKER!
There is a brief moment of silence as whoever Vix is talking to responds.
Vix: BIAS!!! ARE YOU FUCKING SHITTING ME!?!?!?
More silence.
Vix: YOU CAN TAKE YOUR FUCKING SYMPATHY AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR SNATCH!
At this point Vix comes storming out of the kitchen.
Vix: FUCK-ITY BYE!!!
She glares at Jason.
Vix: UGH!
She throws her phone at Travis on the couch and then turns and stomps towards the further wing of the house, slamming her fist into a wall on her way out. Travis and Jason just watch her as she storms off before turning back to one another.
Travis: Where were we?
Reeves: I was just going to tell you why you should be worried about Gabriel Baal.
Travis rolls his eyes.
Travis: Really? This is getting tiresome, Bitch Tits. Let's just say there really were valid grounds for 'The Blessed One' to be concerned about 'The Seventh Circle Jerk', what makes you think he'd need your input? Of all the people The UGWC World Heavyweight Champion could go to for advice, why in the name of all that is TWiSTeD would he come to you? He can't be that much of a threat if you have the key to victory.
Reeves: This dismissal of your opponent is very reminiscent of your attitude from before your recent 'revelations'. Are people right in suggesting that holding the World Heavyweight Championship is making you regress to the previous disrespectful and obnoxious version of yourself?
Travis shakes his head.
Travis: I'm getting pretty bored of all the amateur psychologists wandering around nowadays. Just because I'm not showing a lot of respect to Gabriel Ball doesn't mean I've become an asshole all of a sudden, and the only reason the World Heavyweight Championship comes into it is because Baal wants it, it doesn't have any bearing on my thoughts on him. The man has on more than one occasion sucker kicked me, and I'm the one regressing? It's like he's trying to mark his territory with his piss. He's done nothing to this point to earn my respect, he's had a hot start to his career, but he hasn't faced anything close to what awaits him this coming Monday in Memphis. At the end of that night, he may well have earned my respect, but at this point he's just another person with an over inflated opinion of their self worth and dark public persona. Travis Roberts has overcome many of them.
Reeves: So you don't think Baal is World Championship material?
Travis tenses up.
Travis: Are you really this stupid? I've just told you he has done nothing thus far to earn my respect, why the hell would I think he is worthy of carrying the most important and prestigious prize in this business? Not to mention it's a stupid question in itself. He's been here since January! No-one knows what he is capable of, because as I pointed out he hasn't been truly tested yet. We'll have a better idea after whatever the Gates of Hell have in store for us both.
Reeves: Let me ask you this then, what makes you more worthy of the title than him?
Travis clenches his fists and his eyes narrow.
Travis: You're just trying to make me angry now aren't you, Bitch Tits?
Jason shuffles back in his seat and raises both hands up as a sign of submission.
Reeves: No, it's a genuine question.
Travis: What makes Travis Roberts more worthy of the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship than Gabriel Baal?
Reeves: Yes?
Travis: How about the fact 'The Headliner' is already The UGWC World Heavyweight Champion? The fact he dethroned Alan Wallace and has defended it on three occasions since? I don't need to prove that I can be the best in the company, I've already done that, I am the best in the company. It's up to Baal to make a case stronger than 'It's for my own good', and I'm not going to do that for him. Is that a good enough response, Bitch Tits?
Reeves: Some might say it was easier for you to get a shot at that title because of your charisma and the connections you have made over the years, that now is the time to show you earned it on merit.
Travis: I'm beginning to see why people enjoy beating you down at this point. If anyone thinks that Travis Roberts hasn't earned his place at the pinnacle of this industry they clearly have the attention span of a pistachio nut. All the 'Blessed One' has done since ending his self-imposed hiatus a few years ago at Outlast is earn this spot. And even if you don't want to look over the trials and tribulations of 'The Headliner' since his return you only need to look at him winning at Battleground last year, not to mention two years prior to that as well, given that is the very 'definition' of earning the chance.
Reeves: However you lost to Wallace at Horizons, what did you do to earn another shot?
Travis: You mean besides beating Jet, Beta-Travis and Donovan in a number one contender match? Do you even think before you open your hole?
Reeves: Some might ask why you were even in that match given your prior failure?
Travis: So even though I won the match, there are questions as to whether I deserved to be in it? That's some great logic. But your right, taking Vain to his limit in the greatest Horizons Main Event this company has ever seen had nothing to do with it, it was all because I have charisma and fabulous facial hair.
Reeves: You can't deny that those attributes have been of considerable aid to you over your career.
Travis: Horizons was Travis Roberts' first direct shot at the title in six years! But forgetting that, when was having charisma a negative in this industry? That's exactly why people line up around the block to spend their evenings watching us do what we do! Charisma means you are interesting. Do you know what people in this industry that lack a real personality do, Jason?
Jason: I...
Travis: Dammit, Bitch Tits! Can't you recognize a rhetorical question? People who lack charisma, tend to look into their lives and find something, usually dark and convoluted, to make themselves unique and interesting. They then try to ride whatever drama, generally unrelated to anything we actually do in this business, to fame glory and riches. But do you know the problem with that, Bitch Tits?
On this occasion Jason recognizes the nature of this question.
Travis: The story, that they have relied upon as a crutch for their lack of personality, inevitably comes to an end, and then they are left with nothing but their charms, of which they are lacking significantly. Often-times when the story comes to it's dramatic ending, they haven't reached their lofty ambitions, and they fade into the obscurity they came from. The most recent example of this would be an individual knows as Barnes, he had a harrowing, gut-wrenching and emotional journey while he was in UGWC, It was a tale that was grand and epic, and is that what people remember about his time here? No, his most memorable moment was claiming the runners-up spot behind 'The Blessed One' at Battleground. And that’s because that was the most dramatic thing that happened where the fans care, inside the ring.
At this point Vix walks back sheepishly into the room.
Victoria: It sounds like it's getting quite heated in here, is everything going ok?
Travis: Bitch Tits is an idiot, but we already knew that.
Vix starts absent-mindedly playing with her hair and she looks towards Reeves, but her head hangs low, ashamed to make eye contact.
Victoria: I'm sorry I reacted the way I did...but what about I come in now and help co-interview?
Reeves: I'm not sure about that....
Victoria: Please? I think it could be something new? Like those daytime chat shows, there's never been a pair of interviewers here ebfore, it might take us both to a new level.
Reeves: It's not really my decision to make, Cypress would have my ass if I broke some unspoken rule.
Victoria: What if I call them? Can I say you are OK with the idea?
Reeves: I guess!
Vix looks over at Travis who tosses her previously abandoned phone back to her, and she turns and jogs into the kitchen. Travis then looks back to Reeves.
Travis: I suppose I owe you an apology as well. It's just those questions were pretty insulting if you stopped and thought about them for a minute. How about I write a few more appropriate questions out for you, it'll only take me a few minutes.
Reeves: No journalist would be comfortable with that.
Travis: Journalist?
Travis starts to chuckle but stops the moment he sees Jason looking slightly hurt.
Travis: Of course, of course. Maybe you could run the questions by me first and then I could help you phrase them?
Reeves: We really don't have time for that, and besides I like to think on my feet.
Travis: I've noticed, but it's just not working for me right now. Don't you think we just need to mix it up a little? It would benefit us both? Hell, I'll even give you another interview after No Holds Barred.
Reeves: But you might not be UGWC World Heavyweight Champion then.
Travis' mouth drops open.
Travis: It's stuff like that....
At this point Vix comes in from the kitchen, dragging her feet behind her.
Victoria: They said no.
Her bottom lip starts to quiver and she quickly turns and runs away, putting her head in her hands, but not quickly enough to see the first of many tears emerge from her eyes. As she leaves Travis turns back to Reeves.
Travis: Why would you make a comment like that? That I might not be World Heavyweight Champion after Monday?
Reeves: Because you haven't told me what that would mean to you.
Travis: Why would I want to think about that? It won't motivate me any more than carrying this company forward as it's standard bearer. It's also such a grim prospect why would anyone want to contemplate it. If I don't walk out of the FedEX Forum defeated, I can't imagine what I would do, I don't want to imagine. My reign would be tarnished by opening the doors to a man who could potentially turn Synergy into a cross between Doctor Phil and Supernatural.
Both men contemplate this for a moment.
Reeves: I don't know why, but I kind of want to see that.
Travis: If that's the case, and it is proven that that's what the people actually want, I don't know if I even want to remain in this industry. What possible motivation would there be for me to want to get out of bed in the morning? It would be a sign that the world has incomprehensibly changed overnight, the very thought of it makes my stomach uneasy.
Reeves: It's a possibility, and you surely have enough purse to buy a rematch.
Travis: Look, I'd really rather not talk about it, can we change the subject...
Reeevs: Um, this is kind of the reason why I am here.
The interview is interrupted once more as Victoria comes walking back out, she has remarkably got a fresh face of make up applied, and has dressed in a business dress and high heels, dragging a small suitcase behind her and strides towards the door.
Travis: Where are you going?
Vix: Memphis.
Travis: Why?
Vix: Obviously nobody wants me to interview you, and that's like, fine, whatever. I still have a job to do, and I have to be proactive, I'm not going to steal other people's well earned connections, I'm going to make my own. There's bound to be a story or two of interest in Tennessee, and I'll have covered every possible spot for a good interview at the arena before anyone else.
Travis nods in agreement and smiles at her.
Vix: Make the most of your opportunity, Jason. They don't come along often, but if you do mess it up, at least you did it on the biggest stage of your career to date. I can't imagine another World Heavyweight Champion will let you into their home if you choke.
And with that Vix turns and walks out of the door, determined and focused.
Reeves: I think that ship has already sailed.
Travis: Don't be too hard on yourself, Bitch Tits. They threw you in at the deep end and your still not ready. I know your just doing your job, and you have to ask my thoughts on the possibility of losing to Baal.
Reeves: And? Can I ask you what they actually are?
Travis: Honestly, I don''t like to spend too much time thinking about what might happen if I lose. You saw how I reacted, that isn't show, I just don't find it productive. It's a far better use of my time to ensure I am prepared for anything come Monday. Just because I'm confident that my experience will overcome 'The Seventh Circle', it doesn't mean I'm not aware of the talent my opponent possesses. He has indeed proven he has potential in this industry, whether he has the ability to forge the kind of longevity as the likes of Hastings, Somers, Deimos, Wallace, Dirge, Pierce and myself, it's still to early to tell. Of course if he can overcome 'The Blessed One', and take the greatest achievement of his life from him, he will have made a great start.
Travis rises from the couch and turns and looks at the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship.
Travis: I know what it feels like to lose a Championship that means as much as this, and I know I am prone to act in a myriad of ways. I also know exactly what it feels like to carry the responsibility of being the best in our business, of representing our company to the world, and it's the knowledge of the rush it gives me. I'm sure some people will accuse 'The Headliner' of valuing the World Heavyweight Championship to highly, that it defines him as a person. But I don't take that as an insult. This is my life, this is all I have ever wanted. I don't have some interesting and sordid backstory, I haven't run a multinational company and I'm not on a number of government watch lists. I didn't grow up wanting to be TV Chat Show Host, or delve into the minds of others, all I ever wanted to do was entertain thousands of people in the middle of the ring, and be the very best at doing just that. So when people suggest that I would be a broken man if I lost the title, I don't take that as an insult, I wear it as a badge of pride.
Travis grabs carefully takes the belt off the shelf and holds it in both hands looking down at it.
Travis: This is all that should matter to anyone in this business. So yes, I'll be devastated if I lose it, and I do completely define myself by it, and right now, at this moment, I define myself as UGWC's World Heavyweight Champion. That's the only definition that matters.
Travis doesn't look up from the belt, and Reeves in a rare moment of journalistic intuition realizes he won't get anything better and signals for the camera crew to stop recording and start packing up.
Victoria: Did you know about this?
She turns and beckons to the UGWC film crew that has set itself up in front of his favorite couch.
Travis: Oh, yeah, someone said something about a pre-No Holds Barred interview.
She narrows her eyes.
Victoria: But what about...him?
Vix motions once more and from behind one of the cameras, dressed in his very best thrift store suit and tie, steps Jason Reeves who waves sheepishly.
Travis: Bitch Tits! Good to see you!
Vix clears her throat, crosses her arms and taps her foot whilst staring daggers at Travis. 'The Headliner' recognizes the look and is quick to respond to her question.
Travis: No, they didn't specify who would be doing the interview.
Victoria: I knew it! Did you hear that, Reeves? This is one big mistake, you can leave now...
Travis: I didn't say that. Just that they didn't tell me who would conduct the interview...
Victoria: Of course they didn't! Why would they? I have handled every interview you've had since before you won the World Heavyweight Championship, the only reason they'd specify your interviewer would be if they had changed things up.
Travis looks from Vix to a very uncomfortable Reeves.
Travis: Ummm...
Victoria: It makes perfect sense, just give me five minutes to put my face on and then we'll get rolling...
Travis: Maybe you should call the office...
Victoria: Why? It's pretty obvious what's happened here, that fourth stringer overheard the crew saying they were coming here and saw an opportunity to steal the spotlight, my spotlight!
Travis: I think you'll find it's actually my spotlight...
Victoria: God, Travis! Not everything is about you!
Travis: I'm well aware of that, but I think my pre-PPV interview is one of the few things that is.
Victoria: You're missing the point, it's unfathomable to think that anyone in their right mind would choose Jason Reeves to interview the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion!
Travis looks at her for a moment with raised eyebrows, she just responds by shrugging her shoulder as if to say 'What?'.
Travis: You are aware of just who our Creative Director is, right? I think it would be more surprising to find he was in his right mind when making any decisions.
Victoria takes a moment to process this before turning and pulling her phone out.
Victoria: I'm sure it's all a mistake, but I guess it won't harm to just call the office and check...
Travis: I'm sure you're right, but as Jason is here I'll use him for some warm up questions...
Vix shoots him a glare as she raises her phone to her head and walks into the kitchen, and Jason Reeves gives him a thumbs up.
~~~
Travis is now sat on his couch with Jason Reeves in an armchair to his side. His couch has been moved in front of his fireplace as to frame the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship belt that takes pride of place on the mantelpiece above.
Reeves: I'm here in the home of current UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, Travis Roberts, just days before he meets 'The Seventh Circle' Gabriel Baal in a Gates of Hell Match at No Holds Barred. Thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful home.
Travis just nods.
Reeves: I'm just going to cut to the chase, Travis. Ever since your opponent booked his opportunity to compete for the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship when he emerged victorious from the Global Challenge, Gabriel Baal has taken every chance he has had to make you look foolish. With that in mind, are you worried that you're going to walk out of Memphis without the Championship?
Travis smiles.
Travis: That's just not going to happen, Jason.
Reeves: Would you care to elaborate?
Travis: Honestly, I'm not sure why I should have to. Let me ask you a question, what makes you doubt 'The Headliner'?
Reeves: I didn't say I doubted you.
Travis: You asked if I was 'worried' about losing the greatest achievement of my professional career. I doubt a few surprising, and fortunate, superkicks are the only reason you asked.
Reeves: You can't deny that Baal has had a remarkable few months since he debuted at the beginning of the year. Not only is he competing for the World Heavyweight Championship in only his third Pay-Per-View he has also defeated a nuber of former World Heavyweight Champion's on his road to Infinity.
Travis smiles again.
Travis: Let's be honest, you couldn't swing a cat in the locker room without hitting at least a handful of people who've held the belt that resides above us. It's the quality of the title reign that is important. It's not like he's defeated Alan Wallace, Tyvola and Eden Morgan clean in the middle of the ring. He used a roll up and his feet on the ropes to get a win over Killian King, the man that snuck in and stole the World Heavyweight Championship from his two 'friends' after one of the most brutal matches in UGWC history, only to make one appearance as World Heavyweight Champion before losing it. After a no contest with Jet Somers, UGWC's three time transitionary champion, he then beat Phrixus Deimos. Who hasn't beaten Deimos? Do I need to go on?
Reeves: There were a few others, including Donovan Hastings.
Travis: Have you seen Donovan's win loss record on Synergy? And people think I'm the one with a motivation problem outside of PPV's.
Reeves: What about the fact he pinned you clean to win the Cooperative Match only a couple of weeks ago? Surely that proves that he is a dangerous opponent.
Travis: How is that evidence of anything? You can't compare a match that involved two other people to a World Heavyweight Championship match, and one that NO-ONE knows what the rules are for at that. How many times has our esteemed Doctor been in such a position? How many times has he been one of just two men that are meant to be the very best in the company, that are given the responsibility of showing the world just how entertaining this establishment is? He may have read many a volume on coping with stress and pressure, but theory goes out of the window when thousands of people are looking at you to prove you have what it takes to carry this company forward. 'The Headliner', however, has plenty of experience of this position, it's what he thrives on. So what exactly should I be worried about...
Reeves: Well...
Just as Jason Reeves is aboutt he continue both men jump in their seats as Vix's voice bellows from the kitchen.
Victoria: ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW? WHO'S FUCKING IDEA WAS THIS!
Jason and Travis both exchange a look that says they really hope she doesn't head in their direction.
Victoria: WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA? HE'S A CREEPY FUCKER!
There is a brief moment of silence as whoever Vix is talking to responds.
Vix: BIAS!!! ARE YOU FUCKING SHITTING ME!?!?!?
More silence.
Vix: YOU CAN TAKE YOUR FUCKING SYMPATHY AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR SNATCH!
At this point Vix comes storming out of the kitchen.
Vix: FUCK-ITY BYE!!!
She glares at Jason.
Vix: UGH!
She throws her phone at Travis on the couch and then turns and stomps towards the further wing of the house, slamming her fist into a wall on her way out. Travis and Jason just watch her as she storms off before turning back to one another.
Travis: Where were we?
Reeves: I was just going to tell you why you should be worried about Gabriel Baal.
Travis rolls his eyes.
Travis: Really? This is getting tiresome, Bitch Tits. Let's just say there really were valid grounds for 'The Blessed One' to be concerned about 'The Seventh Circle Jerk', what makes you think he'd need your input? Of all the people The UGWC World Heavyweight Champion could go to for advice, why in the name of all that is TWiSTeD would he come to you? He can't be that much of a threat if you have the key to victory.
Reeves: This dismissal of your opponent is very reminiscent of your attitude from before your recent 'revelations'. Are people right in suggesting that holding the World Heavyweight Championship is making you regress to the previous disrespectful and obnoxious version of yourself?
Travis shakes his head.
Travis: I'm getting pretty bored of all the amateur psychologists wandering around nowadays. Just because I'm not showing a lot of respect to Gabriel Ball doesn't mean I've become an asshole all of a sudden, and the only reason the World Heavyweight Championship comes into it is because Baal wants it, it doesn't have any bearing on my thoughts on him. The man has on more than one occasion sucker kicked me, and I'm the one regressing? It's like he's trying to mark his territory with his piss. He's done nothing to this point to earn my respect, he's had a hot start to his career, but he hasn't faced anything close to what awaits him this coming Monday in Memphis. At the end of that night, he may well have earned my respect, but at this point he's just another person with an over inflated opinion of their self worth and dark public persona. Travis Roberts has overcome many of them.
Reeves: So you don't think Baal is World Championship material?
Travis tenses up.
Travis: Are you really this stupid? I've just told you he has done nothing thus far to earn my respect, why the hell would I think he is worthy of carrying the most important and prestigious prize in this business? Not to mention it's a stupid question in itself. He's been here since January! No-one knows what he is capable of, because as I pointed out he hasn't been truly tested yet. We'll have a better idea after whatever the Gates of Hell have in store for us both.
Reeves: Let me ask you this then, what makes you more worthy of the title than him?
Travis clenches his fists and his eyes narrow.
Travis: You're just trying to make me angry now aren't you, Bitch Tits?
Jason shuffles back in his seat and raises both hands up as a sign of submission.
Reeves: No, it's a genuine question.
Travis: What makes Travis Roberts more worthy of the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship than Gabriel Baal?
Reeves: Yes?
Travis: How about the fact 'The Headliner' is already The UGWC World Heavyweight Champion? The fact he dethroned Alan Wallace and has defended it on three occasions since? I don't need to prove that I can be the best in the company, I've already done that, I am the best in the company. It's up to Baal to make a case stronger than 'It's for my own good', and I'm not going to do that for him. Is that a good enough response, Bitch Tits?
Reeves: Some might say it was easier for you to get a shot at that title because of your charisma and the connections you have made over the years, that now is the time to show you earned it on merit.
Travis: I'm beginning to see why people enjoy beating you down at this point. If anyone thinks that Travis Roberts hasn't earned his place at the pinnacle of this industry they clearly have the attention span of a pistachio nut. All the 'Blessed One' has done since ending his self-imposed hiatus a few years ago at Outlast is earn this spot. And even if you don't want to look over the trials and tribulations of 'The Headliner' since his return you only need to look at him winning at Battleground last year, not to mention two years prior to that as well, given that is the very 'definition' of earning the chance.
Reeves: However you lost to Wallace at Horizons, what did you do to earn another shot?
Travis: You mean besides beating Jet, Beta-Travis and Donovan in a number one contender match? Do you even think before you open your hole?
Reeves: Some might ask why you were even in that match given your prior failure?
Travis: So even though I won the match, there are questions as to whether I deserved to be in it? That's some great logic. But your right, taking Vain to his limit in the greatest Horizons Main Event this company has ever seen had nothing to do with it, it was all because I have charisma and fabulous facial hair.
Reeves: You can't deny that those attributes have been of considerable aid to you over your career.
Travis: Horizons was Travis Roberts' first direct shot at the title in six years! But forgetting that, when was having charisma a negative in this industry? That's exactly why people line up around the block to spend their evenings watching us do what we do! Charisma means you are interesting. Do you know what people in this industry that lack a real personality do, Jason?
Jason: I...
Travis: Dammit, Bitch Tits! Can't you recognize a rhetorical question? People who lack charisma, tend to look into their lives and find something, usually dark and convoluted, to make themselves unique and interesting. They then try to ride whatever drama, generally unrelated to anything we actually do in this business, to fame glory and riches. But do you know the problem with that, Bitch Tits?
On this occasion Jason recognizes the nature of this question.
Travis: The story, that they have relied upon as a crutch for their lack of personality, inevitably comes to an end, and then they are left with nothing but their charms, of which they are lacking significantly. Often-times when the story comes to it's dramatic ending, they haven't reached their lofty ambitions, and they fade into the obscurity they came from. The most recent example of this would be an individual knows as Barnes, he had a harrowing, gut-wrenching and emotional journey while he was in UGWC, It was a tale that was grand and epic, and is that what people remember about his time here? No, his most memorable moment was claiming the runners-up spot behind 'The Blessed One' at Battleground. And that’s because that was the most dramatic thing that happened where the fans care, inside the ring.
At this point Vix walks back sheepishly into the room.
Victoria: It sounds like it's getting quite heated in here, is everything going ok?
Travis: Bitch Tits is an idiot, but we already knew that.
Vix starts absent-mindedly playing with her hair and she looks towards Reeves, but her head hangs low, ashamed to make eye contact.
Victoria: I'm sorry I reacted the way I did...but what about I come in now and help co-interview?
Reeves: I'm not sure about that....
Victoria: Please? I think it could be something new? Like those daytime chat shows, there's never been a pair of interviewers here ebfore, it might take us both to a new level.
Reeves: It's not really my decision to make, Cypress would have my ass if I broke some unspoken rule.
Victoria: What if I call them? Can I say you are OK with the idea?
Reeves: I guess!
Vix looks over at Travis who tosses her previously abandoned phone back to her, and she turns and jogs into the kitchen. Travis then looks back to Reeves.
Travis: I suppose I owe you an apology as well. It's just those questions were pretty insulting if you stopped and thought about them for a minute. How about I write a few more appropriate questions out for you, it'll only take me a few minutes.
Reeves: No journalist would be comfortable with that.
Travis: Journalist?
Travis starts to chuckle but stops the moment he sees Jason looking slightly hurt.
Travis: Of course, of course. Maybe you could run the questions by me first and then I could help you phrase them?
Reeves: We really don't have time for that, and besides I like to think on my feet.
Travis: I've noticed, but it's just not working for me right now. Don't you think we just need to mix it up a little? It would benefit us both? Hell, I'll even give you another interview after No Holds Barred.
Reeves: But you might not be UGWC World Heavyweight Champion then.
Travis' mouth drops open.
Travis: It's stuff like that....
At this point Vix comes in from the kitchen, dragging her feet behind her.
Victoria: They said no.
Her bottom lip starts to quiver and she quickly turns and runs away, putting her head in her hands, but not quickly enough to see the first of many tears emerge from her eyes. As she leaves Travis turns back to Reeves.
Travis: Why would you make a comment like that? That I might not be World Heavyweight Champion after Monday?
Reeves: Because you haven't told me what that would mean to you.
Travis: Why would I want to think about that? It won't motivate me any more than carrying this company forward as it's standard bearer. It's also such a grim prospect why would anyone want to contemplate it. If I don't walk out of the FedEX Forum defeated, I can't imagine what I would do, I don't want to imagine. My reign would be tarnished by opening the doors to a man who could potentially turn Synergy into a cross between Doctor Phil and Supernatural.
Both men contemplate this for a moment.
Reeves: I don't know why, but I kind of want to see that.
Travis: If that's the case, and it is proven that that's what the people actually want, I don't know if I even want to remain in this industry. What possible motivation would there be for me to want to get out of bed in the morning? It would be a sign that the world has incomprehensibly changed overnight, the very thought of it makes my stomach uneasy.
Reeves: It's a possibility, and you surely have enough purse to buy a rematch.
Travis: Look, I'd really rather not talk about it, can we change the subject...
Reeevs: Um, this is kind of the reason why I am here.
The interview is interrupted once more as Victoria comes walking back out, she has remarkably got a fresh face of make up applied, and has dressed in a business dress and high heels, dragging a small suitcase behind her and strides towards the door.
Travis: Where are you going?
Vix: Memphis.
Travis: Why?
Vix: Obviously nobody wants me to interview you, and that's like, fine, whatever. I still have a job to do, and I have to be proactive, I'm not going to steal other people's well earned connections, I'm going to make my own. There's bound to be a story or two of interest in Tennessee, and I'll have covered every possible spot for a good interview at the arena before anyone else.
Travis nods in agreement and smiles at her.
Vix: Make the most of your opportunity, Jason. They don't come along often, but if you do mess it up, at least you did it on the biggest stage of your career to date. I can't imagine another World Heavyweight Champion will let you into their home if you choke.
And with that Vix turns and walks out of the door, determined and focused.
Reeves: I think that ship has already sailed.
Travis: Don't be too hard on yourself, Bitch Tits. They threw you in at the deep end and your still not ready. I know your just doing your job, and you have to ask my thoughts on the possibility of losing to Baal.
Reeves: And? Can I ask you what they actually are?
Travis: Honestly, I don''t like to spend too much time thinking about what might happen if I lose. You saw how I reacted, that isn't show, I just don't find it productive. It's a far better use of my time to ensure I am prepared for anything come Monday. Just because I'm confident that my experience will overcome 'The Seventh Circle', it doesn't mean I'm not aware of the talent my opponent possesses. He has indeed proven he has potential in this industry, whether he has the ability to forge the kind of longevity as the likes of Hastings, Somers, Deimos, Wallace, Dirge, Pierce and myself, it's still to early to tell. Of course if he can overcome 'The Blessed One', and take the greatest achievement of his life from him, he will have made a great start.
Travis rises from the couch and turns and looks at the UGWC World Heavyweight Championship.
Travis: I know what it feels like to lose a Championship that means as much as this, and I know I am prone to act in a myriad of ways. I also know exactly what it feels like to carry the responsibility of being the best in our business, of representing our company to the world, and it's the knowledge of the rush it gives me. I'm sure some people will accuse 'The Headliner' of valuing the World Heavyweight Championship to highly, that it defines him as a person. But I don't take that as an insult. This is my life, this is all I have ever wanted. I don't have some interesting and sordid backstory, I haven't run a multinational company and I'm not on a number of government watch lists. I didn't grow up wanting to be TV Chat Show Host, or delve into the minds of others, all I ever wanted to do was entertain thousands of people in the middle of the ring, and be the very best at doing just that. So when people suggest that I would be a broken man if I lost the title, I don't take that as an insult, I wear it as a badge of pride.
Travis grabs carefully takes the belt off the shelf and holds it in both hands looking down at it.
Travis: This is all that should matter to anyone in this business. So yes, I'll be devastated if I lose it, and I do completely define myself by it, and right now, at this moment, I define myself as UGWC's World Heavyweight Champion. That's the only definition that matters.
Travis doesn't look up from the belt, and Reeves in a rare moment of journalistic intuition realizes he won't get anything better and signals for the camera crew to stop recording and start packing up.
