Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Jul 22, 2009 19:18:39 GMT -5
[The scene opens in the interior of a plush apartment overlooking the beautiful skyscape of Los Angeles through floor to ceiling full length windows. The distant skyscrapers reflect the sunlight, which glints back at our viewpoint almost temporarily blinding us. The camera then pans 180 degrees, taking in various pieces of art, that at least look expensive, from all corners of the globe. There are African Ceremonial Masks hung on the walls, what looks like Ming Dynasty Pottery behind glass cases and various other flamboyant statements of worldliness.
The camera comes to a rest on a plush sofa, and seated upon it is none other than GIW’s Unified Global Champion, ‘The Headliner’, Travis Roberts, as usual smoking up. The Unified Global Title rests firmly on his right shoulder, and every now and again ‘The Blessed Ones’ hand reaches up, almost instinctively, and checks that the gold is still in place. Pacing behind the sofa, speaking into a cell phone in fast and mad cap Japanese is ‘The Headliners’ close friend and ally, Craig Futile.
In a matter of seconds the scene is interrupted by the door to the apartment slamming open, and the overweight frame of Tate Levene makes his way into the room. For once Tate is without his skateboard, but perhaps more disturbingly he is decked out in a traditional Japanese Kimono and his hair held up in a bun, with a large canvas bag being dragged behind. As he comes plodding through the door Craig and Travis both turn to see the ghastly sight that approaches them. Tate’s huge grin is stylishly juxtaposed by the look of pure horror that crosses both these men’s faces.]
Craig – ‘What in the name of all that is TWiSTeD?’
Tate – ‘I had an idea!’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is 90% certain he doesn’t want to hear it...’
Tate – ‘Awww! Come on dude! You said I could be more involved, not just get you coffee and book tables...you said I could actually contribute...’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ is undoubtedly going to regret this decision, but do enlighten ‘The Headliner’ as to why you have decided to cross dress in apparel more common on a separate continent?’
[Tate starts moving quickly, or as quickly as a short, fat teenager can, from one foot to the next, barely able to conceal his excitement]
Tate – ‘Well, I thought I’d do a bit of research on the business, y’know get some background on how things work. Well I came across some old promos from another company, they were made by a group of guys, think they were called DX...anyway I thought we could do something like they used to do, y’know before the PPV...’
[Travis raises his eyebrows and looks over at Craig, who shrugs his shoulders and rolls his eyes, before using his hands to beckon Tate to continue. ]
Tate – ‘Well my idea was we do a sketch, called the Kiseragi Family...see I’m Mrs Kiseragi, the stern, disapproving mother...all she wanted was for her son to be a Doctor, or a Dentist, but he let her down, and she wants to tell him some home truths...’
[Tate then reaches into the bag and pulls out a leather jacket and tosses it at Craig, who catches it and then holds it at arm’s length with a look of disgust that suggests he would never even consider looking at a garment of such a type, let alone wear it]
Tate – ‘And Craig, you’re going to be Mr Yarupoki Kiseragi, Alex’s father. He tries his hardest to push his son not to shame the family, and shows an outward disgust for the business. But deep down he’s actually enjoying the lifestyle this has bought upon him, he gets recognised in the street on a daily basis, and is enjoying the female adulation that he garners due to his famous son. Obviously this is a sore point with the missus, so expect me to simulate poking you in the eye with some chopsticks. And if you’re wondering the Leather Jacket is to symbolise the deep grip of mid-life crisis that you are experiencing...’
[Once again ‘The Blessed One’ and ‘The Worlds Only Wrestling CEO’ exchange curious glances at one another as Tate rummages in the bag some more, and then pulls out a tie, a white shirt, a pair of knee high shorts and a small cap. He tosses these to Travis, who doesn’t even attempt to catch them and lets them fall, untidily to the floor.]
Tate – ‘So...Ok...you’re Alex, obviously. School Uniform was the best I could do at such short notice. Anyway your basically the stroppy adolescent that doesn’t care what either of his parents have to say. You know better than them about everything, from the way the world works, to how ridiculous any of their views are. If they don’t give you what you want, you stamp your feet, flail your arms whenever your father tries to give you constructive criticism...but if you ever feel threatened you ensure that he’s right by your side, to protect you...and that’s about it. I think we can improve this, and it’ll be mad gnarly...’
Travis – ‘What about that Katie girl?’
Tate – ‘Oh...I kinda forgot about her...is the stalker really that important?’
Travis – ‘Fair point...’
Tate – ‘So what do you think?’
[Tate looks at Travis and Craig with hope and expectation, like a small dog that has just dragged a dead rodent into the living room as a gift for it’s master. The two men once again exchange looks, Craig with a look of pity that clearly suggests he feels the young man should be let down gently, despite his best efforts.]
Travis – ‘Well you’re certainly no Moss Edwards...though currently ‘The Headliner’ is unsure whether that is a good or bad thing. What Travis Roberts will say is this, you’ve done an admirable job of trying to make The Kiseragi’s look like anything more than The USA’s most coma inducing family. In fact ‘The Blessed One’ is surprised you remained conscious after doing so much research on your subject matter, but alas it was all in vain...’
Tate – ‘Oh?’
Travis – ‘Parody really isn’t ‘The Blessed Ones’ style, and regardless if we were to do a truly accurate parody ‘The Blessed One’ would have to hurl himself out of the window in an attempt to seem more interesting. And quite simply ‘The TWISTeD Icon’ isn’t willing to go to such lengths to ridicule an individual who can do the job far better just by appearing on a radio chat show...’
[At this point Craig turns and faces ‘The Blessed One’ and drops the jacket on the floor...]
Craig – ‘So you heard that then?’
Travis – ‘Sure, ‘The Headliner’ was looking for something to help him drift off for an afternoon nap, and a few minutes of Kiseragi’s dulcet tones generally do the job...unfortunately they had that Tony Strauss guy call in, and that guys entertaining, so he countered the extreme dullness of A-Kis...’
Craig – ‘You have any thoughts on what ‘The Dragon’ had to say...’
Travis – ‘Well it started well, he initially repeated what ‘The Headliner’ had to say about Violence in the sport, but it a much less entertaining fashion, when he started talking about his record against Travis Roberts, ‘The Blessed One’ thought the sheer pointlessness of it all would send ‘The Headliner’ into a deep sleep. But then he started trying to make some half assed defence for stealing the Unified Global Championship from ‘The TWISTeD Icon’, and well it’s mighty hard to doze off when you’re in a fit of hysterics...’
Craig – ‘To be fair you did say ‘anytime, anyplace’...’
Travis – ‘Well ‘The Headliner’ is just lucky he didn’t end up getting rushed to the hospital afterwards, as ‘The Dragon’ would have probably waited until ‘The Blessed One’ was sedated and then made his move. The fact Alex is still trying to pass that moment off as anything other than a mugging just goes to show what levels the young man has sunk to...’
Craig – ‘Maybe you think you know Alex a little too well, you certainly didn’t expect that from him...’
Travis – ‘You have a point; ‘The Headliner’ should have known GIW’s Most Charismatic Man would have tried such a trick. Despite the claims that ‘The Headliner’ always has some plan up his sleeve, it is ‘The Dragon’ who holds two tainted title reigns to his name, no matter how short the second was. Seems it has slipped the memory of many that his first title reign was the direct result of his daddy dearest coming rushing to his aid...’
Craig – ‘If memory serves me correctly, wasn’t Declan firing out...’
Travis – ‘No, No...if Alex Kiseragi can pick and choose what items are relevant to his argument so can ‘The Headliner’. But let’s just leave it at this, ‘The Blessed One’ knows that A-Kis’ father and his creepy stalker girl will be ringside, and ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ knows exactly what to expect...’
Craig – ‘Well, I’m not 100% sure, and as you’ve had me fly out here you might as well make benefit of my presence...we’re going downstairs to the boardroom...’
Travis – ‘Living above your workplace, dude you seriously never heard the words ‘me time’ have you?’
Craig – ‘It makes things easier, Jean-Francois has set things up down there, now follow me...tate help yourself to anything in the Kitchen...’
[The Chubby Little Funster’s eyes light up like Christmas tree lights, and he starts making his way, hastily towards the kitchen, as Travis lumbers out of the Sofa and towards Craig, as the scene fades out.
When the camera fades back in we are greeted by the view of a long, glass conference table, with a machine to enable conference calling sitting in the middle, andover 20 odd chairs lined up to the side. At the end sits Travis Roberts, feet stretched up and toking as always on a pre-rolled delicacy. The camera then spins to reveal Craig Futile stood at the other end, with a laptop open and a small remote in his hands, whilst a projection screen behind him shows the logo for Futility Inc.]
Craig – ‘So I’ve been doing some thinking Travis, and it occurs to me that your comparative failures against the young Kiseragi may well be because you fail to understand the man’s heritage, his ancestory...where he comes from...
[Travis furrows his brow and cocks his head to one side...]
Travis – ‘San Francisco? ‘The Headliner’ has heard the rumours, but Travis Roberts is unsure what Alex Kiseragi’s sexual orientation has to do with proceedings...’
Craig – ‘I’m not talking about that and you know it. What do you know about Japan Travis? What do you know about it’s culture?’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ has visited a few times in his career, and the main thing he observed is they are all very short...’
Craig – ‘Most people are short to you Travis, didn’t you pick up anything else?’
Travis – ‘They get a lot of earthquakes, they’re good with electronics, they have strange writing...’
Craig – ‘As I thought, this is why I have prepared a crash course on Japanese Values, I take an avid interest in anthropology so it really wasn’t much of a problem...’
Travis – ‘You take an avid interest in the study of the origin, behaviour, physical, social and cultural development of human societies?’
Craig – ‘Honestly I’m surprised you even know what it is...’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts went to school in Europe...’
Craig – ‘Ah, that explains that at least....and a few other things too. Anyway, lets begin.’
[Craig takes his finger and presses down on the remote, and a new image takes the place of the Futility Inc logo...]
Craig – ‘Do you know what that is?’
Travis – ‘Everyone knows what that is, it’s the Japanese Flag, the red circle on the whit ebackground, what the hell do you take ‘The Headliner’ for, Sean Jensen?’
Craig – ‘But are you aware that it has only officially been such since 1999? Despite its use over the years since 1870, it was never officially the national flag until just before the turn of the millennia...’
Travis – ‘How does this help ‘The Headliner’ understand Alex Kiseragi any better?’
Craig – ‘It doesn’t really, just kinda shows that National Identity to the Japanese is more than just a flag, and it’s a nice introduction to the topic. You know, an interesting factoid to pique your interest...’
Travis – ‘Maybe you should be giving advice to Alex...’
[Craig ignores the remark and clicks on the remote once more and a group of Japanese schoolchildren springs up.]
Craig – ‘Japanese learn from an early age that human fulfilment comes from a close association with others. They recognise they are part of an interdependent society initially through family, and later it extends to bigger groupings such as school, community and company.’
[Craig flicks the switch and a Japanese symbol appears on the screen.]
Craig – ‘This leads to a sense of duty and obligation, which the Japanese know as Giri, and the symbol displays this. Do not underestimate its power upon the Japenese, the sense of duty is far more persuasive than for your average westerner, and leads to the long working hours, and almost insane dedication to the workplace that is seen through much of Japanese society. Also, unlike the US, Japanese children generally feel an obligation to their parents, rather than the culture in the US of protecting ‘Childrens Rights’. The pressure to make your family proud is far more demanding for Japanese offspring...’
[Travis raises his hand and Craig nods in his direction]
Travis – ‘Just to clarify, this is meant to help Travis Roberts with Alex Kiseragi in Washington DC on Sunday, right?’
Craig – ‘Yes’
Travis – ‘Right? So from an early age the Japanese are taught the importance of ‘close association with others’.’
Craig – ‘Indeed, glad you’re paying attention...’
Travis – ‘Well its clear Alex Kiseragi missed that day in class, isn’t it? ‘The Dragon’ is probably the definition of a loner in GIW, hell Bones has more friends and acquaintances than the ‘Monotone Martyr’....As for an obligation to their parents, ‘The Headliner’ is unsure quite how exposing his nether regions on billboards across the country fulfils that duty...but do enlighten ‘The Blessed One’ some more...’
Craig – ‘In Japan there is also a belief, a feeling that implies that hierarchy is natural. Relative status almost defines all social interaction.’
[Craig clicks once more and a few images share the screen, one of an elderly man and young boy, another of what we assume is a boss and his subordinate sat on either side of a desk, one with a University Graduate and another with a McDonalds worker]
Craig – ‘This value permeates through the fabric of Japanese society, that many Japanese would prefer not to interact with a stranger, to avoid potential errors in etiquette. Indeed foreign observers note frequently the tendency of the Japanese not to make eye contact. This is often misunderstood as a sign of rudeness, when it is much the opposite. Where as Americans often act to minimize status differences, the Japanese find it awkward if a person does not behave in line with status expectations...’
Travis – ‘Yet another departure from the Kiseragi attitude, how often has he mocked ‘The Headliner’ or spoke ill of him in public, never once has Alex Kiseragi displayed any respect for ‘The Blessed One’ who is not only older, but significantly higher up in the GIW Hierarchy than ‘The Dragon’. We won’t even mention the fact that more often than not ‘The Headliner’ has been the Unified Global Champion when Alex has attempted to slur Travis Roberts’ good name...’
Craig – ‘Can I continue?’
Travis – ‘If you must...’
[Craig flicks his thumb once more and a new image shows up on screen, this time of Japanese teenagers with brightly coloured hair, and bizarre dress sense.]
Craig – ‘Individuality, or the uniqueness of a person, in Japanese society, is not only tolerated but is often admired if the person is seen as sincere, as if they are acting from the heart...’
[Travis, at this point, abruptly slides his chair backwards and stands to his feet. He throws his hands in the air, and then slams them on the table.]
Travis – ‘Enough! This has to be a joke!’
Craig – ‘I assure you it’s not, I’m only trying...’
Travis – ‘Individuality?!?!?....Kiseragi?!?!? Come on, even with your random viewings of GIW you should be able to see how ridiculous such an association is? It’s almost as if ‘The Dragon’ came out of a ‘WrestleCo Japanese Wrestler’ cookie cutter. He flips, he knows martial arts, he’s humble, and he’s softly spoken...c’mon! Can you seriously tell ‘The Blessed One’ this lecture bears any relevance to Alex Kiseragi? From the information you’ve forced Travis Roberts to sit through, A-Kis appears to be about as Japanese as the Klan. For all that is TWiSTeD his surname is probably the only Japanese thing about the guy...even his nickname puts you more in mind of China, than the land of the rising sun...’
Craig – ‘Just because you can’t recognise these values easily, doesn’t mean they don’t influence ‘The Dragon’ in any way.’
Travis – ‘Craig, seriously, Travis Roberts appreciates you are only trying to help, but honestly this is just a waste of both of our time. From what you’ve told ‘The Blessed One’, even Travis Roberts is more Japanese than Alex...’
[Craig raises his eyebrows and starts to chuckle]
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is deadly serious. The Japanese feel a sense of duty and obligation to their society and the company they work within? Who has done more to promote the name of Global Impact Wrestling over the past year than ‘The Blessed One’? No-one can deny that ‘The Headliner’ treats each of his subordinates with the disdain they deserve, Travis Roberts has never forgotten their position in the social stratosphere of GIW, directly below ‘The Revolution’. And as for Individuality, and uniqueness of self, ‘The Blessed One’ has more of that in his toenail clippings than ‘The Dragon’ has in his entire nervous system. So, as Travis said, this is a waste of our time...let’s go...’
[Travis strides towards the door and walks out into the hall, as Craig sighs, and clicks the remote one last time, as an artist’s impression of a Second World War Kamikaze Pilot plummeting towards a battleship appears on the screen as the scene fades out.
It fades in once again, and we see Travis’ Aviator covered face reflected in a mirror, and he seems to be in the bathroom of an airplane, presumably on its way to Washington DC.]
Travis – ‘Alex pointed it out, both times ‘The Headliner’ has defended his belt against ‘The Dragon’, ‘The Blessed One’ has walked out defeated, regardless of the way victory was attained, the result stayed the same. But those were different times, in many ways Global Impact Wrestling could survive without ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment Today’ leading the way, but those times have gone. The company is under increased scrutiny after Alex and Randy took their respective Swan Dives from the third story of the GIW Arena.
GIW needs Travis Roberts as its flag bearer that much is clear. ‘The Dragon’ has proven on two occasions he is still not experienced enough to take the pressure of being everyone’s number one target. ‘The Dragon’ may well excel as the hunter, but he is feeble as the hunted. And at this time, when it is important that GIW is represented by the very best it has to offer, it is vital that ‘The Blessed One’ doesn’t let slip what is rightfully his.
Four months...four months of seeing Alex Kiseragi fail to meet expectations, four months of hearing his excuses and his attempts to become more engaging, surely these four months have only proved beyond reasonable doubt everything that ‘The Blessed One’ has ever said about Alex Kiseragi to be true. It’s clear, that only disaster awaits GIW if ‘The Blessed One’ does not walk out of Affirmative Action, and this country’s capital, still Unified Global Champion.
‘The Headliner’ has devoted close to the last year of his career to ensuring GIW became the success it deserved, to relinquish the title to Alex Kiseragi would only send that all crashing down. Travis Roberts must walk out victorious...GIW is Travis’ home, his Kingdom...’
[Travis reaches up, takes off the trademark Aviators and stares directly into his own eyes]
Travis – ‘It is my Giri’
The camera comes to a rest on a plush sofa, and seated upon it is none other than GIW’s Unified Global Champion, ‘The Headliner’, Travis Roberts, as usual smoking up. The Unified Global Title rests firmly on his right shoulder, and every now and again ‘The Blessed Ones’ hand reaches up, almost instinctively, and checks that the gold is still in place. Pacing behind the sofa, speaking into a cell phone in fast and mad cap Japanese is ‘The Headliners’ close friend and ally, Craig Futile.
In a matter of seconds the scene is interrupted by the door to the apartment slamming open, and the overweight frame of Tate Levene makes his way into the room. For once Tate is without his skateboard, but perhaps more disturbingly he is decked out in a traditional Japanese Kimono and his hair held up in a bun, with a large canvas bag being dragged behind. As he comes plodding through the door Craig and Travis both turn to see the ghastly sight that approaches them. Tate’s huge grin is stylishly juxtaposed by the look of pure horror that crosses both these men’s faces.]
Craig – ‘What in the name of all that is TWiSTeD?’
Tate – ‘I had an idea!’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is 90% certain he doesn’t want to hear it...’
Tate – ‘Awww! Come on dude! You said I could be more involved, not just get you coffee and book tables...you said I could actually contribute...’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ is undoubtedly going to regret this decision, but do enlighten ‘The Headliner’ as to why you have decided to cross dress in apparel more common on a separate continent?’
[Tate starts moving quickly, or as quickly as a short, fat teenager can, from one foot to the next, barely able to conceal his excitement]
Tate – ‘Well, I thought I’d do a bit of research on the business, y’know get some background on how things work. Well I came across some old promos from another company, they were made by a group of guys, think they were called DX...anyway I thought we could do something like they used to do, y’know before the PPV...’
[Travis raises his eyebrows and looks over at Craig, who shrugs his shoulders and rolls his eyes, before using his hands to beckon Tate to continue. ]
Tate – ‘Well my idea was we do a sketch, called the Kiseragi Family...see I’m Mrs Kiseragi, the stern, disapproving mother...all she wanted was for her son to be a Doctor, or a Dentist, but he let her down, and she wants to tell him some home truths...’
[Tate then reaches into the bag and pulls out a leather jacket and tosses it at Craig, who catches it and then holds it at arm’s length with a look of disgust that suggests he would never even consider looking at a garment of such a type, let alone wear it]
Tate – ‘And Craig, you’re going to be Mr Yarupoki Kiseragi, Alex’s father. He tries his hardest to push his son not to shame the family, and shows an outward disgust for the business. But deep down he’s actually enjoying the lifestyle this has bought upon him, he gets recognised in the street on a daily basis, and is enjoying the female adulation that he garners due to his famous son. Obviously this is a sore point with the missus, so expect me to simulate poking you in the eye with some chopsticks. And if you’re wondering the Leather Jacket is to symbolise the deep grip of mid-life crisis that you are experiencing...’
[Once again ‘The Blessed One’ and ‘The Worlds Only Wrestling CEO’ exchange curious glances at one another as Tate rummages in the bag some more, and then pulls out a tie, a white shirt, a pair of knee high shorts and a small cap. He tosses these to Travis, who doesn’t even attempt to catch them and lets them fall, untidily to the floor.]
Tate – ‘So...Ok...you’re Alex, obviously. School Uniform was the best I could do at such short notice. Anyway your basically the stroppy adolescent that doesn’t care what either of his parents have to say. You know better than them about everything, from the way the world works, to how ridiculous any of their views are. If they don’t give you what you want, you stamp your feet, flail your arms whenever your father tries to give you constructive criticism...but if you ever feel threatened you ensure that he’s right by your side, to protect you...and that’s about it. I think we can improve this, and it’ll be mad gnarly...’
Travis – ‘What about that Katie girl?’
Tate – ‘Oh...I kinda forgot about her...is the stalker really that important?’
Travis – ‘Fair point...’
Tate – ‘So what do you think?’
[Tate looks at Travis and Craig with hope and expectation, like a small dog that has just dragged a dead rodent into the living room as a gift for it’s master. The two men once again exchange looks, Craig with a look of pity that clearly suggests he feels the young man should be let down gently, despite his best efforts.]
Travis – ‘Well you’re certainly no Moss Edwards...though currently ‘The Headliner’ is unsure whether that is a good or bad thing. What Travis Roberts will say is this, you’ve done an admirable job of trying to make The Kiseragi’s look like anything more than The USA’s most coma inducing family. In fact ‘The Blessed One’ is surprised you remained conscious after doing so much research on your subject matter, but alas it was all in vain...’
Tate – ‘Oh?’
Travis – ‘Parody really isn’t ‘The Blessed Ones’ style, and regardless if we were to do a truly accurate parody ‘The Blessed One’ would have to hurl himself out of the window in an attempt to seem more interesting. And quite simply ‘The TWISTeD Icon’ isn’t willing to go to such lengths to ridicule an individual who can do the job far better just by appearing on a radio chat show...’
[At this point Craig turns and faces ‘The Blessed One’ and drops the jacket on the floor...]
Craig – ‘So you heard that then?’
Travis – ‘Sure, ‘The Headliner’ was looking for something to help him drift off for an afternoon nap, and a few minutes of Kiseragi’s dulcet tones generally do the job...unfortunately they had that Tony Strauss guy call in, and that guys entertaining, so he countered the extreme dullness of A-Kis...’
Craig – ‘You have any thoughts on what ‘The Dragon’ had to say...’
Travis – ‘Well it started well, he initially repeated what ‘The Headliner’ had to say about Violence in the sport, but it a much less entertaining fashion, when he started talking about his record against Travis Roberts, ‘The Blessed One’ thought the sheer pointlessness of it all would send ‘The Headliner’ into a deep sleep. But then he started trying to make some half assed defence for stealing the Unified Global Championship from ‘The TWISTeD Icon’, and well it’s mighty hard to doze off when you’re in a fit of hysterics...’
Craig – ‘To be fair you did say ‘anytime, anyplace’...’
Travis – ‘Well ‘The Headliner’ is just lucky he didn’t end up getting rushed to the hospital afterwards, as ‘The Dragon’ would have probably waited until ‘The Blessed One’ was sedated and then made his move. The fact Alex is still trying to pass that moment off as anything other than a mugging just goes to show what levels the young man has sunk to...’
Craig – ‘Maybe you think you know Alex a little too well, you certainly didn’t expect that from him...’
Travis – ‘You have a point; ‘The Headliner’ should have known GIW’s Most Charismatic Man would have tried such a trick. Despite the claims that ‘The Headliner’ always has some plan up his sleeve, it is ‘The Dragon’ who holds two tainted title reigns to his name, no matter how short the second was. Seems it has slipped the memory of many that his first title reign was the direct result of his daddy dearest coming rushing to his aid...’
Craig – ‘If memory serves me correctly, wasn’t Declan firing out...’
Travis – ‘No, No...if Alex Kiseragi can pick and choose what items are relevant to his argument so can ‘The Headliner’. But let’s just leave it at this, ‘The Blessed One’ knows that A-Kis’ father and his creepy stalker girl will be ringside, and ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’ knows exactly what to expect...’
Craig – ‘Well, I’m not 100% sure, and as you’ve had me fly out here you might as well make benefit of my presence...we’re going downstairs to the boardroom...’
Travis – ‘Living above your workplace, dude you seriously never heard the words ‘me time’ have you?’
Craig – ‘It makes things easier, Jean-Francois has set things up down there, now follow me...tate help yourself to anything in the Kitchen...’
[The Chubby Little Funster’s eyes light up like Christmas tree lights, and he starts making his way, hastily towards the kitchen, as Travis lumbers out of the Sofa and towards Craig, as the scene fades out.
When the camera fades back in we are greeted by the view of a long, glass conference table, with a machine to enable conference calling sitting in the middle, andover 20 odd chairs lined up to the side. At the end sits Travis Roberts, feet stretched up and toking as always on a pre-rolled delicacy. The camera then spins to reveal Craig Futile stood at the other end, with a laptop open and a small remote in his hands, whilst a projection screen behind him shows the logo for Futility Inc.]
Craig – ‘So I’ve been doing some thinking Travis, and it occurs to me that your comparative failures against the young Kiseragi may well be because you fail to understand the man’s heritage, his ancestory...where he comes from...
[Travis furrows his brow and cocks his head to one side...]
Travis – ‘San Francisco? ‘The Headliner’ has heard the rumours, but Travis Roberts is unsure what Alex Kiseragi’s sexual orientation has to do with proceedings...’
Craig – ‘I’m not talking about that and you know it. What do you know about Japan Travis? What do you know about it’s culture?’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ has visited a few times in his career, and the main thing he observed is they are all very short...’
Craig – ‘Most people are short to you Travis, didn’t you pick up anything else?’
Travis – ‘They get a lot of earthquakes, they’re good with electronics, they have strange writing...’
Craig – ‘As I thought, this is why I have prepared a crash course on Japanese Values, I take an avid interest in anthropology so it really wasn’t much of a problem...’
Travis – ‘You take an avid interest in the study of the origin, behaviour, physical, social and cultural development of human societies?’
Craig – ‘Honestly I’m surprised you even know what it is...’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts went to school in Europe...’
Craig – ‘Ah, that explains that at least....and a few other things too. Anyway, lets begin.’
[Craig takes his finger and presses down on the remote, and a new image takes the place of the Futility Inc logo...]
Craig – ‘Do you know what that is?’
Travis – ‘Everyone knows what that is, it’s the Japanese Flag, the red circle on the whit ebackground, what the hell do you take ‘The Headliner’ for, Sean Jensen?’
Craig – ‘But are you aware that it has only officially been such since 1999? Despite its use over the years since 1870, it was never officially the national flag until just before the turn of the millennia...’
Travis – ‘How does this help ‘The Headliner’ understand Alex Kiseragi any better?’
Craig – ‘It doesn’t really, just kinda shows that National Identity to the Japanese is more than just a flag, and it’s a nice introduction to the topic. You know, an interesting factoid to pique your interest...’
Travis – ‘Maybe you should be giving advice to Alex...’
[Craig ignores the remark and clicks on the remote once more and a group of Japanese schoolchildren springs up.]
Craig – ‘Japanese learn from an early age that human fulfilment comes from a close association with others. They recognise they are part of an interdependent society initially through family, and later it extends to bigger groupings such as school, community and company.’
[Craig flicks the switch and a Japanese symbol appears on the screen.]
Craig – ‘This leads to a sense of duty and obligation, which the Japanese know as Giri, and the symbol displays this. Do not underestimate its power upon the Japenese, the sense of duty is far more persuasive than for your average westerner, and leads to the long working hours, and almost insane dedication to the workplace that is seen through much of Japanese society. Also, unlike the US, Japanese children generally feel an obligation to their parents, rather than the culture in the US of protecting ‘Childrens Rights’. The pressure to make your family proud is far more demanding for Japanese offspring...’
[Travis raises his hand and Craig nods in his direction]
Travis – ‘Just to clarify, this is meant to help Travis Roberts with Alex Kiseragi in Washington DC on Sunday, right?’
Craig – ‘Yes’
Travis – ‘Right? So from an early age the Japanese are taught the importance of ‘close association with others’.’
Craig – ‘Indeed, glad you’re paying attention...’
Travis – ‘Well its clear Alex Kiseragi missed that day in class, isn’t it? ‘The Dragon’ is probably the definition of a loner in GIW, hell Bones has more friends and acquaintances than the ‘Monotone Martyr’....As for an obligation to their parents, ‘The Headliner’ is unsure quite how exposing his nether regions on billboards across the country fulfils that duty...but do enlighten ‘The Blessed One’ some more...’
Craig – ‘In Japan there is also a belief, a feeling that implies that hierarchy is natural. Relative status almost defines all social interaction.’
[Craig clicks once more and a few images share the screen, one of an elderly man and young boy, another of what we assume is a boss and his subordinate sat on either side of a desk, one with a University Graduate and another with a McDonalds worker]
Craig – ‘This value permeates through the fabric of Japanese society, that many Japanese would prefer not to interact with a stranger, to avoid potential errors in etiquette. Indeed foreign observers note frequently the tendency of the Japanese not to make eye contact. This is often misunderstood as a sign of rudeness, when it is much the opposite. Where as Americans often act to minimize status differences, the Japanese find it awkward if a person does not behave in line with status expectations...’
Travis – ‘Yet another departure from the Kiseragi attitude, how often has he mocked ‘The Headliner’ or spoke ill of him in public, never once has Alex Kiseragi displayed any respect for ‘The Blessed One’ who is not only older, but significantly higher up in the GIW Hierarchy than ‘The Dragon’. We won’t even mention the fact that more often than not ‘The Headliner’ has been the Unified Global Champion when Alex has attempted to slur Travis Roberts’ good name...’
Craig – ‘Can I continue?’
Travis – ‘If you must...’
[Craig flicks his thumb once more and a new image shows up on screen, this time of Japanese teenagers with brightly coloured hair, and bizarre dress sense.]
Craig – ‘Individuality, or the uniqueness of a person, in Japanese society, is not only tolerated but is often admired if the person is seen as sincere, as if they are acting from the heart...’
[Travis, at this point, abruptly slides his chair backwards and stands to his feet. He throws his hands in the air, and then slams them on the table.]
Travis – ‘Enough! This has to be a joke!’
Craig – ‘I assure you it’s not, I’m only trying...’
Travis – ‘Individuality?!?!?....Kiseragi?!?!? Come on, even with your random viewings of GIW you should be able to see how ridiculous such an association is? It’s almost as if ‘The Dragon’ came out of a ‘WrestleCo Japanese Wrestler’ cookie cutter. He flips, he knows martial arts, he’s humble, and he’s softly spoken...c’mon! Can you seriously tell ‘The Blessed One’ this lecture bears any relevance to Alex Kiseragi? From the information you’ve forced Travis Roberts to sit through, A-Kis appears to be about as Japanese as the Klan. For all that is TWiSTeD his surname is probably the only Japanese thing about the guy...even his nickname puts you more in mind of China, than the land of the rising sun...’
Craig – ‘Just because you can’t recognise these values easily, doesn’t mean they don’t influence ‘The Dragon’ in any way.’
Travis – ‘Craig, seriously, Travis Roberts appreciates you are only trying to help, but honestly this is just a waste of both of our time. From what you’ve told ‘The Blessed One’, even Travis Roberts is more Japanese than Alex...’
[Craig raises his eyebrows and starts to chuckle]
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is deadly serious. The Japanese feel a sense of duty and obligation to their society and the company they work within? Who has done more to promote the name of Global Impact Wrestling over the past year than ‘The Blessed One’? No-one can deny that ‘The Headliner’ treats each of his subordinates with the disdain they deserve, Travis Roberts has never forgotten their position in the social stratosphere of GIW, directly below ‘The Revolution’. And as for Individuality, and uniqueness of self, ‘The Blessed One’ has more of that in his toenail clippings than ‘The Dragon’ has in his entire nervous system. So, as Travis said, this is a waste of our time...let’s go...’
[Travis strides towards the door and walks out into the hall, as Craig sighs, and clicks the remote one last time, as an artist’s impression of a Second World War Kamikaze Pilot plummeting towards a battleship appears on the screen as the scene fades out.
It fades in once again, and we see Travis’ Aviator covered face reflected in a mirror, and he seems to be in the bathroom of an airplane, presumably on its way to Washington DC.]
Travis – ‘Alex pointed it out, both times ‘The Headliner’ has defended his belt against ‘The Dragon’, ‘The Blessed One’ has walked out defeated, regardless of the way victory was attained, the result stayed the same. But those were different times, in many ways Global Impact Wrestling could survive without ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment Today’ leading the way, but those times have gone. The company is under increased scrutiny after Alex and Randy took their respective Swan Dives from the third story of the GIW Arena.
GIW needs Travis Roberts as its flag bearer that much is clear. ‘The Dragon’ has proven on two occasions he is still not experienced enough to take the pressure of being everyone’s number one target. ‘The Dragon’ may well excel as the hunter, but he is feeble as the hunted. And at this time, when it is important that GIW is represented by the very best it has to offer, it is vital that ‘The Blessed One’ doesn’t let slip what is rightfully his.
Four months...four months of seeing Alex Kiseragi fail to meet expectations, four months of hearing his excuses and his attempts to become more engaging, surely these four months have only proved beyond reasonable doubt everything that ‘The Blessed One’ has ever said about Alex Kiseragi to be true. It’s clear, that only disaster awaits GIW if ‘The Blessed One’ does not walk out of Affirmative Action, and this country’s capital, still Unified Global Champion.
‘The Headliner’ has devoted close to the last year of his career to ensuring GIW became the success it deserved, to relinquish the title to Alex Kiseragi would only send that all crashing down. Travis Roberts must walk out victorious...GIW is Travis’ home, his Kingdom...’
[Travis reaches up, takes off the trademark Aviators and stares directly into his own eyes]
Travis – ‘It is my Giri’
