Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Jul 22, 2009 19:53:54 GMT -5
[As the scene opens we see ‘The Blessed One’ Travis Roberts striding down a hallway, carrying his Unified Global Championship over one shoulder, and occasionally checking his cell phone with the other. Halfway down this corridor ‘The Headliner’ comes face to face with the man who saved his Unified Global Championship last week on Sentinel. The Lord, Donovan Hastings, is coming out of a door at the end of the hall and upon seeing Travis his face contorts with a mixture of shock, surprise, and embarrassment. Travis slows his pace and cocks his head to the side, looking curiously at Hastings, before himself realising the magnitude of this chance meeting, for the door behind Donovan Hastings reads,
Neither man shows any willingness whatsoever to address the fact they are both implicated in visiting a psychiatric professional. The realisation of the predicament stops both men in their tracks, and they barely attempt to disguise their discomfort at the situation. Donovan shuffles from one foot to the over, averting eye contact with ‘The Blessed One’ by twisting his neck upwards and examining the ceiling. Whilst ‘The Headliner’ does almost the exact opposite, and looks down at the carpet, between checking his phone every now and again. After a few uncomfortable moments it is Donovan that try’s to break the silence...]
Hastings: En guarde?
[Hastings speaks with uncertainty, and thrusts his arm forward clutching an invisible sword. Travis Roberts looks down at Donovan’s hand, clasping thin air, and raises his eyebrows above his trademark Aviator Glasses]
Travis – ‘There is no question why, you’re here. In fact ‘The Headliner’ doubts anyone would be surprised by your presence here, but ‘The Blessed One’ on the other hand...’
Hastings: We’ll never mention this meeting, it would not benefit ‘Blessed Immortality’, especially days before our final match before we defend our title together at Toxic Intent.
[‘The Headliner’ cocks his head once again, and looks at ‘The Lord Chief’ for a few moments]
Travis – ‘Whatever works for you. Which apparently isn’t psychiatry...’
[Before Donovan can reply, or bid ‘The Blessed One’ farewell, Travis just barges past the self proclaimed Co-Undisputed Global Champion, and strides through the door to the office of Dr. Stanley Ziegler . As he enters the receptionist rolls her eyes, and looks up at The Unified Global Champion, before half speaking, half sighing]
Receptionist – ‘Mr Roberts, you don’t have an appointment...and before you say that you don’t need one, may I assure you that you most certainly do. Dr. Ziegler is in with a client and he has no cancellations today...we may be able to pencil you in for a week on Friday.’
[Travis chuckles at the display of authority from the receptionist, looks down at his Unified Global Championship as if it were some kind of police badge and strides towards the door. He reaches his hand out before he stops suddenly due to the sound coming from inside the psychiatrists office, the unmistakeable hollering of GIW’s soon to be former Enforcer, Boss Penguin]
Boss P – ‘WILL YO SHUT DA FUCK UP FOR ONE MINUTE, DAMN DOCTOR NIGGA! YO AIN’T HEARIN’ WHAT DIS PENGUIN IS SPITTIN’, YA HEAR? DAT SLUTTY NIGARETTE HAS ALL BUT STOLEN MA’ COMPANY FROM UNDERNEATH MAH WEBBED FEET! NONE OF ‘DOSE DAMN NIGGA’S HAS DA BALL’S TO TAKE HER ON, AND I’MMA LOSE EVERYTHING...I WOULDA DEEPTHROATED A SHOTGUN BY NOW IF I COULD GET DA DAMN THING IN MA MOUTH, AND PULL DAY TRIGGER WID MA WEBBED FOOT! NOW IT’S YO JOB TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER, YA HEAR, AIN’T DAT WHAT YO SHRINKY NIGGA’S GET PAID FOR...’
[There is a brief lull, and we cannot make out the words of the Psychiatrists reply through the solid oak door, but the decibels of Boss penguin’s voice know no barriers, and few moments later we hear him once more.]
Boss P – ‘DA FUCK YO MEANS DIS SHIT AIN’T QUICK? NIGGA I’M PAYIN YA A FORTUNE PER HOUR, FOR DAT PRICE I COULD JUST PAY A NIGGARETTE TO DO A BETTER JOB DAN YOU! AND DEY DON’T ASK AS MANY MOTHERFUNKIN’ QUESTIONS’
[Travis has heard all he needs to hear and clasps down on the door handle, and swings open the door, striding in]
Boss P – ‘WHAT DA FUCK NIGGA? I PAID FO’ DA WHOLE HOUR!’
[Boss P looks over in protest at Dr. Ziegler, his face suggests he is not a fan of dealing with people from the sports entertainment occasionally, let alone three in one hour. Seeing that Dr. Ziegler isn’t even going to attempt to take control of the situation he turns his attention to ‘The Headliner’ and glares at him]
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is pretty sure this is not the kind of ‘quack’ you were looking for.’
Boss P – ‘DAMN NIGGA, YO’ INTERUPTTED MA’ TIME FOR A LAME ASS PUN? DAMN NIGGA, YO MO’ STONED DAN I IMAGINED...’
Travis – ‘Your time? Like it’s your company right? You ever going to learn, anything your waddling ass ever gets it’s oily flippers on, Travis Roberts can take it away from you without breaking sweat? Hell, ‘The Headliner’ even managed to fool the world into believing his leech of a wife was the lesser of two evils, surely that’s the greatest deception to ever befall humanity. What can you do, curse and operate firearms? Your time is up bird, on so many levels...’
Boss P – ‘DAMN BIATCH? YO FORGOTTEN WHO YO TALKING TOO, YO REALLY WANT ME TO PUT A GODDAMN HIT OUT ON YO HIPPY...WHAT DA FUCK...GET DA FUCK OFF ME....’
[Whilst Boss P protested Travis’ comments, ‘The Headliner’ strode across to the Penguin, who in this office was without his usual armoury, and merely picks him up underneath his flippers. Boss P struggles to slip free, but ‘The Blessed One’ holds tight as GIW’s outgoing Enforcer flails his flippers and his little webbed feet, walks towards the door, and tosses him through it before slamming, and locking the door behind him. Dr Ziegler takes this interruption to quickly recover the newspaper Donovan discarded earlier in the day, before sitting down and addressing Travis]
Stanley – ‘So...that was your Boss?’
[Travis turns from the door and makes his way to the couch, and sits down before responding]
Travis – ‘Is that a new technique Stanley? Start the session with a joke, lighten the mood? Because it was a pretty good joke, unfortunately some people actually take that kind of comment seriously, which in itself is a depressing thought...’
[Travis holds the palms of his hands up in front of his face, and turns his hands over in front of himself, examining them closely...]
Travis – ‘Although ‘The Blessed One’ will admit, that damn bird is a lot less oily than Travis Roberts has ever given him credit for...’The Headliner’ is genuinely surprised...’
Stanley – ‘So, how can I help you today Travis, why did you need to see me so urgently?’
Travis – ‘Urgently? No, ‘The Blessed One’ was just at a loose end, and Travis Roberts knew after over two months without a visit you’d be missing ‘The Highest Standard in GIW’.’
[Travis smiles at Stanley before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his cell phone and checks he has reception.]
Stanley – ‘Expecting a call?’
Travis – ‘No, what makes you say that?’
Stanley – ‘You just checked your phone, it’s a pretty big clue, in fact I was able to rest my considerable talents to deduce the situation...’
Travis – ‘Did I? Well it’s become habit, it probably won’t ever rin...never mind that. Haven’t you got anything more pertinent to ask?’
[Stanley can sense that Travis is trying to avoid the subject, and decides it would be better to take the conversation in a different direction.]
Stanley – ‘So how’s work?’
[Travis looks down at the Unified Global Championship that adorns his shoulder and he smiles.]
Travis – ‘How do you think it’s going, Stanley? Is there any possible clue to how successful ‘The Headliner’ has been since our last meeting? Travis Roberts is starting to wonder why so many of us bother emptying our wallets into your pockets on today’s showing, Stanley.’
Stanley – ‘Probably for the same reason you many have taken orders from my previous client. The reason I ask though, is you said you found yourself at a loose end before deciding to visit me.’
Travis – ‘So? What’s noteworthy about that?’
Stanley – ‘Well, and whilst I don’t know a great deal about your industry, it just sturck me odd that the Unified Global Champion of an internationally renowned wrestling organisation was ‘at a loose end’. Especially less than two weeks away from the company’s first Pay-Per-View in the country since Affirmative Action.’
[Travis shifts uncomfortably in his seat under the evaluating stare of Dr Ziegler, he crosses his legs and uncrosses them before speaking.]
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ has spent the last few months on the road, promoting this company with his every fibre, Travis Roberts is entitled to some time off you know.’
Stanley – ‘Really? I haven’t seen you in many magazines, or taking questions at press conferences...in what way, exactly, have you been promoting the company?’
Travis – ‘Isn’t being the best damn thing on the show, week in week out, enough? Every week ‘The Headliner’ gives the world the pleasure of seeing him action, he continues to hold this company to a standard that far exceeds everyone else in it.’
Stanley – ‘So no photo shoot’s, interviews or press conferences? Just wrestling?’
Travis – ‘That’s right...’
Stanley – ‘So what is it that takes up so much more of your time, than say Randy Boolzian, who I heard was doing a press conference just last week?’
Travis – ‘Why spoil ‘The Blessed Ones’ first appearance in the United States in months for a pointless press conference? It’s a far smarter idea to send an over exposed trailer park boy done good out there in front of the press, nothing gets spoiled, everyone knows pretty much exactly what he’s going to say each week, and the fans continue to rabidly await the return of ‘The Higest Standard in GIW’.’
Stanley – ‘So you were involved in making that decision then?’
Travis – ‘No.’
Stanley – ‘Then how do you know why Randy was chosen over yourself? I hear it’s considered the best way forward for GIW to improve is to blood some of the younger athletes, the Randy Boolzians...and have I heard the name Moss Edwards a lot recently?’
Travis – ‘Forward?...Randy...BoolZ? Travis Roberts thinks what you meant to say was the opposite, the only way backwards is the likes of Moss Edwards and Randy Boolzian. You’ve shown how little you know about the industry right there, Stanley. You see, anyone can see that these two men, despite their own self promotion, have little to shout about apart from winning streaks that coincided with them both holding a second rate title and facing practical nobodies like Andy Savana, Chassie Fear and ‘The Cyclone’ JK..’
Stanley – ‘Who?’
Travis – ‘Exactly! Putting the likes of Moss Edwards and Randy Boolzian forefront of this company is an echo of the dark times Travis Roberts encountered when he set foot in Global Impact Wrestling. The Likes of Chris Austin and Lord Deathman bragging about meaningless ‘streaks’ against worthless opponents, only for ‘The Blessed One’ to arrive and alter everyone’s perception, and suddenly the world realised that Austin and Deathman were only fractionally better than the single celled amoeba’s they struggled to defeat. The fact Randy Boolzian has taken a smattering of Press Conferences and a few radio interviews and that Moss fellow has been approached by a major Hollywood studio as a consultant and has a highly viewed weekly segment in many of the shows we stage, doesn’t worry Travis Roberts one bit...’
[It’s clear despite Travis’ protestations against, ‘the Blessed One’ truly in unsettled by the direction the conversation has taken, and Stanley senses this]
Stanley – ‘So, who are you waiting for to call...’
[Travis, eager not to speak about the potential of two of his opponents at Toxic Intent, forgets his initial reservations to such a line of enquiry and responds]
Travis – ‘Just a friend.’
Stanley – ‘The friend we spoke about last time? The one whose marriage was in trouble and you blamed yourself?’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts never blamed himself for anything...’
Stanley – ‘Yeah you did, just a little. But I thought he had disappeared...’
Travis – ‘Well...he’s back.’
Stanley – ‘I don’t sense your too happy about that, I thought the two of you were close’
Travis – ‘We were, as tight as any two men could be...or at least I thought we were...’
Stanley – ‘Did he do something to make you feel that way, did he hurt you!’
[Travis erupts out of nowhere; he takes his glasses off and glares directly into Stanley’s eyes as he almost screams at him, the Psychiatrist remains unmoved]
Travis – ‘What have they told you!? It wasn’t the same person, he would not strike me in the janglies with a cricket bat!’
[Stanley merely raises his eyebrows and looks over at travis]
Stanley – ‘No-one has mentioned anything about a cricket bat, or your...what did you say....janglies. But it’s become quite clear something is bothering you...’
Travis – ‘Of course something’s bothering me! ‘The Headliner’ has dedicated his career over the past year in the name of one man, fought alongside him during his battles, battled for that which he created in his absence...and when he returns...what does ‘The Blessed One’ get? Travis Roberts will tell you what... a right royal ass screwing!’
Stanley – ‘That can’t be a nice position to be in, especially for someone of your stature...’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ shouldn’t be surprised, but apparently Randy Boolzian isn’t the only man who can’t help himself from making bad decisions. ‘The Headliner’ seems to continually trust those that have only their own interests at heart. First his Wife, then his agent and now him, each one uses the limitless talents of Travis Roberts for their own means, each one gained ‘The TWiSTeD Guerrillas’ loyalty and they all threw it back in the perfect face of ‘The Highest Standard in GIW’. The three of them are like a clot blocking the blood flow to ‘The Headliners’ brain, making him incapable of making the right decisions where they are concerned.’
[At the exact moment, Stanley almost leaps out of his chair, and punches the air]
Stanley – ‘CLOT!
Travis – ‘What the hell are you...’
[Stanley quickly scribbles upon the newspaper in his lap, and looks up at Travis]
Stanley – ‘What’s a four letter word for gelatine coagulation?’
[Travis just reacts by staring blankly at the doctor’s reply.]
Stanley – ‘The answer is clot!’
Travis – ‘Why ask a question, if you don’t want the answer?’
[Stanley doesn’t even register Travis’ remarks, and sits with a broad beam on his face, looking down at the paper in his lap with pride.]
Stanley – ‘That was going to bug me all day, and I can’t believe didn’t think of it...I went to medical school! That’s the first time I’ve finished The Times crossword in months, time for a healthy lunch... ’
[Stanley takes one last proud look at his completed puzzle, folds his paper in two and places it ont eh arm of his chair, he then rises from his chair and starts to head for the door.]
Travis – ‘Ahem!’
[Travis’ fake cough drags Stanley back from his euphoric state into reality, and he stops mid turn, as if remembering he left the gas on, and returns to his seat, before casually crossing his legs and once again addressing Travis, as if nothing untoward has gone before it]
Stanley – ‘Right, yes, what were we talking about....oh yes...you feel like people you entrust with your feelings keep abandoning you?’
[There isn’t the slightest hint of irony in Dr Ziegler’s voice as he makes a quick analysis of Travis’ last monologue.]
Travis – ‘Damn, maybe BoolZ has had some things right all this time, why make connections with anyone? What good does it do you? No-one is interested in reciprocating anything, all they want to do is take, take, take. Sure, he’s recently taken a different path, and is apparently listening to what that spiteful harpy is advising him of. It’s a perfect example, before she entered his life, the loner Randy was never wheeled out in front of a horde of journalist’s to do his best Clyde impression, not once did he make himself look like a comical orang-utan.
It’s a popular theory that BoolZ took it upon himself to distance himself from others to prevent himself from hurting , but maybe BoolZ actually made the right decision for a change, even if for the wrong reasons, because it keeps him out of the way of those that want nothing more than to use you to advance their own needs. And moreover the Red Bull icon hasn’t been assaulted by a stinking hobo with a cricket bat, which is surely thanks to his isolation tactics.’
Stanley – ‘So you’re just going to cut people off? Because a handful of people have let you down? Surely it’s even clear to yourself, Travis, that you are a very egocentric individual, you wouldn’t be as successful if your industry if this were not the case. Your reaction to the crossword caper, just proved to me that your expectations of other, may be fairly high. Whilst you set yourself a high standard when you trust someone, you expect the same standards of those around you. If you shut people off from your life because of this, you might as well just think about your dying words now, as that’s the only emotionally significant moment your life will have left to offer...’
Travis – ‘No need to think Doc, Travis Roberts has his dying words down already...*adopts a croaky voice*...”Who’s the world going to revolve around no-o-o-ow?”...but more importantly, why shouldn’t ‘The Blessed One’ expect the same standards of others that he sets himself? What possible reason is there for ‘The Headliner’ to settle for such mediocrity from others? ’
Stanley – ‘Because, Travis, as you’ve said, many times...you...are...blessed.’
[On those words, the scene fades to a close, leaving the rest of the conversation to the privacy that was initially intended]
The Office Of Dr. Stanley Ziegler PhD
Neither man shows any willingness whatsoever to address the fact they are both implicated in visiting a psychiatric professional. The realisation of the predicament stops both men in their tracks, and they barely attempt to disguise their discomfort at the situation. Donovan shuffles from one foot to the over, averting eye contact with ‘The Blessed One’ by twisting his neck upwards and examining the ceiling. Whilst ‘The Headliner’ does almost the exact opposite, and looks down at the carpet, between checking his phone every now and again. After a few uncomfortable moments it is Donovan that try’s to break the silence...]
Hastings: En guarde?
[Hastings speaks with uncertainty, and thrusts his arm forward clutching an invisible sword. Travis Roberts looks down at Donovan’s hand, clasping thin air, and raises his eyebrows above his trademark Aviator Glasses]
Travis – ‘There is no question why, you’re here. In fact ‘The Headliner’ doubts anyone would be surprised by your presence here, but ‘The Blessed One’ on the other hand...’
Hastings: We’ll never mention this meeting, it would not benefit ‘Blessed Immortality’, especially days before our final match before we defend our title together at Toxic Intent.
[‘The Headliner’ cocks his head once again, and looks at ‘The Lord Chief’ for a few moments]
Travis – ‘Whatever works for you. Which apparently isn’t psychiatry...’
[Before Donovan can reply, or bid ‘The Blessed One’ farewell, Travis just barges past the self proclaimed Co-Undisputed Global Champion, and strides through the door to the office of Dr. Stanley Ziegler . As he enters the receptionist rolls her eyes, and looks up at The Unified Global Champion, before half speaking, half sighing]
Receptionist – ‘Mr Roberts, you don’t have an appointment...and before you say that you don’t need one, may I assure you that you most certainly do. Dr. Ziegler is in with a client and he has no cancellations today...we may be able to pencil you in for a week on Friday.’
[Travis chuckles at the display of authority from the receptionist, looks down at his Unified Global Championship as if it were some kind of police badge and strides towards the door. He reaches his hand out before he stops suddenly due to the sound coming from inside the psychiatrists office, the unmistakeable hollering of GIW’s soon to be former Enforcer, Boss Penguin]
Boss P – ‘WILL YO SHUT DA FUCK UP FOR ONE MINUTE, DAMN DOCTOR NIGGA! YO AIN’T HEARIN’ WHAT DIS PENGUIN IS SPITTIN’, YA HEAR? DAT SLUTTY NIGARETTE HAS ALL BUT STOLEN MA’ COMPANY FROM UNDERNEATH MAH WEBBED FEET! NONE OF ‘DOSE DAMN NIGGA’S HAS DA BALL’S TO TAKE HER ON, AND I’MMA LOSE EVERYTHING...I WOULDA DEEPTHROATED A SHOTGUN BY NOW IF I COULD GET DA DAMN THING IN MA MOUTH, AND PULL DAY TRIGGER WID MA WEBBED FOOT! NOW IT’S YO JOB TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER, YA HEAR, AIN’T DAT WHAT YO SHRINKY NIGGA’S GET PAID FOR...’
[There is a brief lull, and we cannot make out the words of the Psychiatrists reply through the solid oak door, but the decibels of Boss penguin’s voice know no barriers, and few moments later we hear him once more.]
Boss P – ‘DA FUCK YO MEANS DIS SHIT AIN’T QUICK? NIGGA I’M PAYIN YA A FORTUNE PER HOUR, FOR DAT PRICE I COULD JUST PAY A NIGGARETTE TO DO A BETTER JOB DAN YOU! AND DEY DON’T ASK AS MANY MOTHERFUNKIN’ QUESTIONS’
[Travis has heard all he needs to hear and clasps down on the door handle, and swings open the door, striding in]
Boss P – ‘WHAT DA FUCK NIGGA? I PAID FO’ DA WHOLE HOUR!’
[Boss P looks over in protest at Dr. Ziegler, his face suggests he is not a fan of dealing with people from the sports entertainment occasionally, let alone three in one hour. Seeing that Dr. Ziegler isn’t even going to attempt to take control of the situation he turns his attention to ‘The Headliner’ and glares at him]
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is pretty sure this is not the kind of ‘quack’ you were looking for.’
Boss P – ‘DAMN NIGGA, YO’ INTERUPTTED MA’ TIME FOR A LAME ASS PUN? DAMN NIGGA, YO MO’ STONED DAN I IMAGINED...’
Travis – ‘Your time? Like it’s your company right? You ever going to learn, anything your waddling ass ever gets it’s oily flippers on, Travis Roberts can take it away from you without breaking sweat? Hell, ‘The Headliner’ even managed to fool the world into believing his leech of a wife was the lesser of two evils, surely that’s the greatest deception to ever befall humanity. What can you do, curse and operate firearms? Your time is up bird, on so many levels...’
Boss P – ‘DAMN BIATCH? YO FORGOTTEN WHO YO TALKING TOO, YO REALLY WANT ME TO PUT A GODDAMN HIT OUT ON YO HIPPY...WHAT DA FUCK...GET DA FUCK OFF ME....’
[Whilst Boss P protested Travis’ comments, ‘The Headliner’ strode across to the Penguin, who in this office was without his usual armoury, and merely picks him up underneath his flippers. Boss P struggles to slip free, but ‘The Blessed One’ holds tight as GIW’s outgoing Enforcer flails his flippers and his little webbed feet, walks towards the door, and tosses him through it before slamming, and locking the door behind him. Dr Ziegler takes this interruption to quickly recover the newspaper Donovan discarded earlier in the day, before sitting down and addressing Travis]
Stanley – ‘So...that was your Boss?’
[Travis turns from the door and makes his way to the couch, and sits down before responding]
Travis – ‘Is that a new technique Stanley? Start the session with a joke, lighten the mood? Because it was a pretty good joke, unfortunately some people actually take that kind of comment seriously, which in itself is a depressing thought...’
[Travis holds the palms of his hands up in front of his face, and turns his hands over in front of himself, examining them closely...]
Travis – ‘Although ‘The Blessed One’ will admit, that damn bird is a lot less oily than Travis Roberts has ever given him credit for...’The Headliner’ is genuinely surprised...’
Stanley – ‘So, how can I help you today Travis, why did you need to see me so urgently?’
Travis – ‘Urgently? No, ‘The Blessed One’ was just at a loose end, and Travis Roberts knew after over two months without a visit you’d be missing ‘The Highest Standard in GIW’.’
[Travis smiles at Stanley before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his cell phone and checks he has reception.]
Stanley – ‘Expecting a call?’
Travis – ‘No, what makes you say that?’
Stanley – ‘You just checked your phone, it’s a pretty big clue, in fact I was able to rest my considerable talents to deduce the situation...’
Travis – ‘Did I? Well it’s become habit, it probably won’t ever rin...never mind that. Haven’t you got anything more pertinent to ask?’
[Stanley can sense that Travis is trying to avoid the subject, and decides it would be better to take the conversation in a different direction.]
Stanley – ‘So how’s work?’
[Travis looks down at the Unified Global Championship that adorns his shoulder and he smiles.]
Travis – ‘How do you think it’s going, Stanley? Is there any possible clue to how successful ‘The Headliner’ has been since our last meeting? Travis Roberts is starting to wonder why so many of us bother emptying our wallets into your pockets on today’s showing, Stanley.’
Stanley – ‘Probably for the same reason you many have taken orders from my previous client. The reason I ask though, is you said you found yourself at a loose end before deciding to visit me.’
Travis – ‘So? What’s noteworthy about that?’
Stanley – ‘Well, and whilst I don’t know a great deal about your industry, it just sturck me odd that the Unified Global Champion of an internationally renowned wrestling organisation was ‘at a loose end’. Especially less than two weeks away from the company’s first Pay-Per-View in the country since Affirmative Action.’
[Travis shifts uncomfortably in his seat under the evaluating stare of Dr Ziegler, he crosses his legs and uncrosses them before speaking.]
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ has spent the last few months on the road, promoting this company with his every fibre, Travis Roberts is entitled to some time off you know.’
Stanley – ‘Really? I haven’t seen you in many magazines, or taking questions at press conferences...in what way, exactly, have you been promoting the company?’
Travis – ‘Isn’t being the best damn thing on the show, week in week out, enough? Every week ‘The Headliner’ gives the world the pleasure of seeing him action, he continues to hold this company to a standard that far exceeds everyone else in it.’
Stanley – ‘So no photo shoot’s, interviews or press conferences? Just wrestling?’
Travis – ‘That’s right...’
Stanley – ‘So what is it that takes up so much more of your time, than say Randy Boolzian, who I heard was doing a press conference just last week?’
Travis – ‘Why spoil ‘The Blessed Ones’ first appearance in the United States in months for a pointless press conference? It’s a far smarter idea to send an over exposed trailer park boy done good out there in front of the press, nothing gets spoiled, everyone knows pretty much exactly what he’s going to say each week, and the fans continue to rabidly await the return of ‘The Higest Standard in GIW’.’
Stanley – ‘So you were involved in making that decision then?’
Travis – ‘No.’
Stanley – ‘Then how do you know why Randy was chosen over yourself? I hear it’s considered the best way forward for GIW to improve is to blood some of the younger athletes, the Randy Boolzians...and have I heard the name Moss Edwards a lot recently?’
Travis – ‘Forward?...Randy...BoolZ? Travis Roberts thinks what you meant to say was the opposite, the only way backwards is the likes of Moss Edwards and Randy Boolzian. You’ve shown how little you know about the industry right there, Stanley. You see, anyone can see that these two men, despite their own self promotion, have little to shout about apart from winning streaks that coincided with them both holding a second rate title and facing practical nobodies like Andy Savana, Chassie Fear and ‘The Cyclone’ JK..’
Stanley – ‘Who?’
Travis – ‘Exactly! Putting the likes of Moss Edwards and Randy Boolzian forefront of this company is an echo of the dark times Travis Roberts encountered when he set foot in Global Impact Wrestling. The Likes of Chris Austin and Lord Deathman bragging about meaningless ‘streaks’ against worthless opponents, only for ‘The Blessed One’ to arrive and alter everyone’s perception, and suddenly the world realised that Austin and Deathman were only fractionally better than the single celled amoeba’s they struggled to defeat. The fact Randy Boolzian has taken a smattering of Press Conferences and a few radio interviews and that Moss fellow has been approached by a major Hollywood studio as a consultant and has a highly viewed weekly segment in many of the shows we stage, doesn’t worry Travis Roberts one bit...’
[It’s clear despite Travis’ protestations against, ‘the Blessed One’ truly in unsettled by the direction the conversation has taken, and Stanley senses this]
Stanley – ‘So, who are you waiting for to call...’
[Travis, eager not to speak about the potential of two of his opponents at Toxic Intent, forgets his initial reservations to such a line of enquiry and responds]
Travis – ‘Just a friend.’
Stanley – ‘The friend we spoke about last time? The one whose marriage was in trouble and you blamed yourself?’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts never blamed himself for anything...’
Stanley – ‘Yeah you did, just a little. But I thought he had disappeared...’
Travis – ‘Well...he’s back.’
Stanley – ‘I don’t sense your too happy about that, I thought the two of you were close’
Travis – ‘We were, as tight as any two men could be...or at least I thought we were...’
Stanley – ‘Did he do something to make you feel that way, did he hurt you!’
[Travis erupts out of nowhere; he takes his glasses off and glares directly into Stanley’s eyes as he almost screams at him, the Psychiatrist remains unmoved]
Travis – ‘What have they told you!? It wasn’t the same person, he would not strike me in the janglies with a cricket bat!’
[Stanley merely raises his eyebrows and looks over at travis]
Stanley – ‘No-one has mentioned anything about a cricket bat, or your...what did you say....janglies. But it’s become quite clear something is bothering you...’
Travis – ‘Of course something’s bothering me! ‘The Headliner’ has dedicated his career over the past year in the name of one man, fought alongside him during his battles, battled for that which he created in his absence...and when he returns...what does ‘The Blessed One’ get? Travis Roberts will tell you what... a right royal ass screwing!’
Stanley – ‘That can’t be a nice position to be in, especially for someone of your stature...’
Travis – ‘’The Blessed One’ shouldn’t be surprised, but apparently Randy Boolzian isn’t the only man who can’t help himself from making bad decisions. ‘The Headliner’ seems to continually trust those that have only their own interests at heart. First his Wife, then his agent and now him, each one uses the limitless talents of Travis Roberts for their own means, each one gained ‘The TWiSTeD Guerrillas’ loyalty and they all threw it back in the perfect face of ‘The Highest Standard in GIW’. The three of them are like a clot blocking the blood flow to ‘The Headliners’ brain, making him incapable of making the right decisions where they are concerned.’
[At the exact moment, Stanley almost leaps out of his chair, and punches the air]
Stanley – ‘CLOT!
Travis – ‘What the hell are you...’
[Stanley quickly scribbles upon the newspaper in his lap, and looks up at Travis]
Stanley – ‘What’s a four letter word for gelatine coagulation?’
[Travis just reacts by staring blankly at the doctor’s reply.]
Stanley – ‘The answer is clot!’
Travis – ‘Why ask a question, if you don’t want the answer?’
[Stanley doesn’t even register Travis’ remarks, and sits with a broad beam on his face, looking down at the paper in his lap with pride.]
Stanley – ‘That was going to bug me all day, and I can’t believe didn’t think of it...I went to medical school! That’s the first time I’ve finished The Times crossword in months, time for a healthy lunch... ’
[Stanley takes one last proud look at his completed puzzle, folds his paper in two and places it ont eh arm of his chair, he then rises from his chair and starts to head for the door.]
Travis – ‘Ahem!’
[Travis’ fake cough drags Stanley back from his euphoric state into reality, and he stops mid turn, as if remembering he left the gas on, and returns to his seat, before casually crossing his legs and once again addressing Travis, as if nothing untoward has gone before it]
Stanley – ‘Right, yes, what were we talking about....oh yes...you feel like people you entrust with your feelings keep abandoning you?’
[There isn’t the slightest hint of irony in Dr Ziegler’s voice as he makes a quick analysis of Travis’ last monologue.]
Travis – ‘Damn, maybe BoolZ has had some things right all this time, why make connections with anyone? What good does it do you? No-one is interested in reciprocating anything, all they want to do is take, take, take. Sure, he’s recently taken a different path, and is apparently listening to what that spiteful harpy is advising him of. It’s a perfect example, before she entered his life, the loner Randy was never wheeled out in front of a horde of journalist’s to do his best Clyde impression, not once did he make himself look like a comical orang-utan.
It’s a popular theory that BoolZ took it upon himself to distance himself from others to prevent himself from hurting , but maybe BoolZ actually made the right decision for a change, even if for the wrong reasons, because it keeps him out of the way of those that want nothing more than to use you to advance their own needs. And moreover the Red Bull icon hasn’t been assaulted by a stinking hobo with a cricket bat, which is surely thanks to his isolation tactics.’
Stanley – ‘So you’re just going to cut people off? Because a handful of people have let you down? Surely it’s even clear to yourself, Travis, that you are a very egocentric individual, you wouldn’t be as successful if your industry if this were not the case. Your reaction to the crossword caper, just proved to me that your expectations of other, may be fairly high. Whilst you set yourself a high standard when you trust someone, you expect the same standards of those around you. If you shut people off from your life because of this, you might as well just think about your dying words now, as that’s the only emotionally significant moment your life will have left to offer...’
Travis – ‘No need to think Doc, Travis Roberts has his dying words down already...*adopts a croaky voice*...”Who’s the world going to revolve around no-o-o-ow?”...but more importantly, why shouldn’t ‘The Blessed One’ expect the same standards of others that he sets himself? What possible reason is there for ‘The Headliner’ to settle for such mediocrity from others? ’
Stanley – ‘Because, Travis, as you’ve said, many times...you...are...blessed.’
[On those words, the scene fades to a close, leaving the rest of the conversation to the privacy that was initially intended]