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| Ringside; #1 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 29 2006, 10:32 PM (207 Views) | |
| Fletchanator | Sep 29 2006, 10:32 PM Post #1 |
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Keith
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["Original Fire" by Audioslave plays briefly, as the screen fills with a CGI graphic of a wrestling ring, with the Ring of Fire logo in the middle of it. Then we fade to an outside shot, as a young man stands in Arena Mexico in Mexico City He is wearing a black suit jacket and red t-shirt, a microphone in his hand. The young man's name flashes up on screen: Zach Ortiz.] ZO: Hello wrestling fans. My name is Zach Ortiz, and I'd like to welcome you to the first edition of Ringside. I'm in Mexico City, standing outside Arena Mexico, one of the most historic and revered venues in professional wrestling. This arena has seen countless lucha libre contests and tomorrow night it plays host to Ring of Fire Wrestling, as this new and exciting promotion presents "El Bautismo del Fuego"... Baptism of Fire. Come, let's head inside! [Fade out to black. Then we fade back in to see Ortiz standing inside, the cavernous arena sitting empty behind him.] ZO: Ring of Fire made a sensational debut a few weeks ago in the United States, and the level of excitement and energy displayed on that night is guaranteed to be back tomorrow night when this arena is packed out with eager Mexican fans, ready for the next installment. Tonight we'll hear from World champion Tate Monroe, as well as the two men who will be battling to earn the right to challenge for the title, Juan Vasquez and Griffin James. But first up we're going to hear from one of the newest arrivals in Ring of Fire, the aptly named Lethal Tokyo... ------------------------------------- [Though his countenance and appearance do not suggest it, standing before us is a dangerous individual. His small, compact build does not suggest a threat. His docile, narrowed eyes do not show any hint of fury. In fact, he is the poster child of restraint and calm at the moment. None would suspect that the young Japanese gentleman before us would be dubbed "Lethal TOKYO".] [Those who think that would be dead wrong.] [In truth, what stands before us is 5'8", 201 pounds of Japanese fury waiting to be unleashed. In the small vessel that is his body is contained a great rage, a zeal for inflicting pain upon others, a longing for conflict. However, none of this is evident in the narrowed yet bright eyes that gaze at the camera. None of that is evident in the even tone--with a distinct yet not heavy Japanese accent...] LT: Perhaps you expect me to speak of honor in battle. Perhaps you would like for me to tell you that I follow traditional samurai customs and believe in time-honored tradition. [A slight, mischevious grin spreads across his face.] LT: If that is what you are looking for, you will be sadly disappointed, my friends. [There is a slight shift in his demeanor. His eyes brow furrows slightly; his speech becomes a bit more intense.] LT: Perhaps you enjoy that sort of subservience from others, but you will get none from me. None whatsoever. From me, you can expect one thing: [His fury begins to build as he regards his hands--his fingers tense and crooked with rage.] LT: Pain ... [His jaw tightens as the words strain from his narrowed lips.] LT: I make few promises, but I will make these: [He holds out his forefinger as he begins to count.] LT: I promise allegiance to those who stand on my side ... [He stretches out his forefinger.] LT: I promise a full effort always ... [He stretches out his index finger.] LT: But most of all ... I promise my opponents ... [He raises his eyes at the camera.] LT: I will hurt you. [And no sooner than those words escape from his lips, does his demeanor shift again. The rage subsides. The peaceful glare returns. As does the slick grin ... which is the last image blazed into the screen as cameras fade to black ...] ------------------------------------- ZO: That was Lethal TOKYO, a very serious young man. Tomorrow night he'll team with the American Gordon McDaniels, as they take on Team 666 members Super Darkness Panda and Shadows. Another Japanese wrestler looking for victory tomorrow night is Ryoga Miike. He has wrestled in Mexico before, albeit under a mask as Crazy Bastard Cop, but now Miike is unmasked and determined to make it to the top. Take a look... ------------------------------------- [Fade in on a shot of Ryoga Miike, sitting on a locker room bench. He's dressed in his ring gear, looking at the floor. After a few moments, he looks up and speaks...] RM: I'm still trying to find my place. [Miike shrugs.] RM: What can I say? Here I am, with a... little grasp of the English language... [Miike blinks, his cheerful demeanor leaving the entire... well, continent.] RM: _I need to win_. [He chuckles.] RM: That's it! That's it! I just need to win... that's all... [He shrugs in a "Hey, what do you want from me?!" manner.] RM: I got my leg... wrecked... because of what I _believed_ in. I believed in... having fun, you know- "going to a big party! It's all a show, man... it's all a show!" [He shakes his head.] RM: No... no, it's real... as real as you and me. Pain, blood, sweat, tears... it's all real. It all makes sense. [Miike coughs before speaking again.] RM: My best friend... he's gone on another... fight. He's done. He seems lost. I want to care but I can't... say it... Griffin James is my best friend and we... [Pause.] RM: ...we're on different paths. Two heroes separate from the main goal, but now... I don't care! I don't... I have Tumaffi ahead of me... the hardest head in all of wrestling, as they say. My heart... will _destroy_ your head. My spirit... will _crush_ any purpose you could ever dig up. I am here for greater things than this... I am here to do one thing and one thing only... [Miike pauses, trying to find the right word. In the end, he chokes up.] RM: ..._live_. [And with that, we fade to black.] ------------------------------------- ZO: Tomorrow night Miike will team with Jaiden Andrews and an unnamed partner against the team of Steve Greedy, Yoshino Nanami and World Champion Tate Monroe. Greedy has already upset a lot of fans with his arrogant behaviour, and has certainly not made many friends in the lockerroom either. Hey, he's just an easy guy to dislike. Take a look and you'll see what I mean... ------------------------------------- V/O : I don't blame you. [Fade In.] [Fade in tight on a surprisingly chipper "Rich One" Steve Greedy. His baby blue eye's are dancing around, and the smile on his face looks as if he just added to his bank account. The blonde hair is neatly done, and Greedy's tone is even delightful.] Steve Greedy : I would cheat to beat me to. I wouldn't want to face me in a one on one encounter. Lord knows I am one of the best at what you claim to be Jaiden. Meaning one of the better . .. _Professional Wrestlers_ out there on the market today. [The camera pans back, and we can now see Greedy in his fine Armani, with a mixed drink in hand. Below him is some dirt that his Italian made shoes are walking on. He begins to walk, so we follow.] Steve Greedy : What you did showed that you believe that as well. The respectful, calm, always giving it his best Jaiden Andrews trying to sneak to a level you would expect somebody that has a lack of confidence to be at. A man who isn't sure if he's good enough. A man who thinks he might lose in front of a crowd that loves him, so he pulls out all the tricks. You didn't want to showcase your talent for your fans Jaiden like usual, you just wanted to get by me. Your lacking of confidence was obvious. So obvious Jaiden that I don't even think YOUR crowd cheered for you when it was over. You left them asking questions, and wandering answers. But's its okay Andrews. I have put it behind me. I am now focused on our little six man tag match, and nothing else. I'm not mad about your cheap methods. [Suddenly Greedy stops, reaching down with the hand not holding his drink.] Steve Greedy : Damnit. [We focus downward as we can see Greedy's shoes are very scuffed up, apparently slightly tripping over an object.] Steve Greedy : Do you know how expensive these are ? [Greedy try's to wipe his shoes, no luck. Greedy then stands back up tall, taking a big drink of his mixed drink before, tossing the cup to the ground.] Steve Greedy : Of course you don't. . .This is Mexico City, and nobody here has the money for shoes like this. . . . .And to be honest .. .I'm still pissed Jaiden. I'm still mad at you ROFW for letting that happen on your debut show. On the show in which you are trying to entertain the masses, and gain more fans you allow something so cheap to happen. And I'm not to thrilled with this upcoming six man match. [Pause.] Steve Greedy : There I said it. I was trying to be nice, but damnit I'm tired of this place, and more importantly I'm tired of how your running it ROFW. I want to go back to America. I want better hotels. I want to perform in front of bigger audiences. I want to have matches with people who want to compete. I want to allowed to showcase my talent, not stuck in the ring as one of six guys. Things are going to change . ..There going to change soon. [Greedy forces his trademark smirk.] Steve Greedy : Whether my teammates, or my opposition like it, or not . . You can take that to the bank. [Pause for dramatic effect.] Steve Greedy : _MY BANK_ [Greedy looks around, seeing a few people walk by glaring at him cause of how he stands out from the average man.] Steve Greedy : I'm not really a team player . . Let this be a notice to all of the ROFW. I'll do your lil trios matches for these damn Lucha Libre fans we are competing in front of cause lord knows I want my paycheck, but I'm not promising who will be the one to go _bankrupt_ by the end of the night. It could be Jaiden. It could be the mystery guy. It could even be my partner the champion Mr Monroe. It just WON'T be yours truly. [Greedy sighs, and turns his back to the lens observing some more of the casual glares from the people before we pan away.] [Fade.] ------------------------------------- ZO: See? [Zach nods.] ZO: It will be interesting to see whether Greedy will be able to form a successful team with Nanami and Monroe, who have teamed together on many occasions. Will Greedy's ego be able to coexist with his partners? We'll have to wait and see. Nanami is a second generation star. His father Tatsumi was a legend in Japan, and his son is just starting out on his journey to the top. However, he's already impressed a lot of people, and he too has wrestled in Mexico before. Our cameras caught up with the young "Blinding Storm" recently.... ------------------------------------- [Cut to backstage at a recent house show, where Yoshino Nanami sits on a stool, hands on his thighs, looking straight into the camera. The intensity that has become one of Nanami's trademarks is evident, as is the fact that there is something on Nanami's mind. As always, subtitles accompany Yoshino's promo, cut in Japanese.] YN: I should be happy, shouldn't I? I proved that I'm ready for the "big time" by putting one of Ring of Fire's "big signings" on the shelf indefinitely. My father doubted me, the promotors of Ring of Fire doubted me, and the idiot "dirt sheet" writers doubted me. Yet here I sit, one of the few people with a victory in Ring of Fire. All the doubters put to bed, all the emphasis and acclaim rushing to my side. But I'm not happy. Not at all. [As he stands up, Yoshino nudges the stool backwards with his heel.] YN: Tate Monroe, the man I call "mentor", is awarded the World title, a title he deserved. Then the wind is taken out of his sails as four men interrupt him, each of them claiming the very title Ring of Fire officials awarded Monroe-san. Then, to make matters more annoying, Monroe-san and myself are placed in a Trios match _below_ the Main Event. The World champion and the young lion everyone is talking about, placed below a washed-up gaijin "star" and a gaijin that couldn't hang with us back in Japan main eventing against each other, for a shot at Monroe-san's World title nonetheless. So any happiness I may have had after beating Eric Dane was drained away quickly thereafter. [Reaching down next to the stool, Yoshino digs inside of a gym bag, and pulls out a magazine. The name is obscured by a black box because of copyright issues, but the cover isn't important. Nanami reveals the importance when he thumbs through the magazine and finds what he's looking for; an article on Steve Greedy, alongside a picture of him in action. The article is written in Japanese.] YN: One of the key points of a Trios match is that there must be three competitors on each side. Greedy-san, luckily, will be fighting alongside us. There is one thing I worry about. According to this magazine, Greedy-san only "fights for himself". He has "no want or need for friends". [With a flick of his wrist, Yoshino tosses the magazine to the floor.] YN: There is no room for individuals, Greedy-san, not in our team. Monroe-san is the World champion, and you should remember that. If you keep your ego in check, there are good things that may come your way. If you cost us this match? You can expect a steep decline in your fame, fortune, and win-loss record. Then there are our opponents. Miike-san I know, and know I can pin at my leisure. Andrews-san I do not, but he does not have the experience in Trios matches Monroe-san and myself do. The only mystery, the only problem, is this "mystery opponent" Ring of Fire has yet to reveal, which further proves that Ring of Fire have a personal vendetta against Monroe-san and myself. Not only do we not have the main event in which to work, but also we are not told who our opponents are, a problem no other person in Ring of Fire has to deal with? There is an English word that explains what this is much better than Japanese can. [With that, Nanami tosses out the first word of English anyone has ever heard from him.] YN: "Bulls[bleep]t". [Afterward, Yoshino smiles, and sits back down on the stool.] YN: No matter. We will continue to prove that we are the most dominant force in pro-wrestling, whether it be in the U.S., Mexico, or Japan. And when all is said and done, Ring of Fire Wrestling will have no choice but to award us what we deserve; the main event of every card, from here to eternity. You are the "bitches". We are the bitch-makers. Get ready to lay down, like bitches are meant to do. [Well, the feminists are _sure_ to love Yoshino after that comment, and thank God this promo is over. Fade to black.] ------------------------------------- ZO: Some strong words from young Yoshino Nanami, who has warnings for his opponents _and_ one of his own teammates. Which just goes to prove that competition is fierce here in Ring of Fire. Rivalries and allegiances are being formed, but above all else it is the desire to reach the top that drives every man in the company. One young star who made a very real step up the "ladder" last week was Jaiden Andrews. An up-and-comer who was once touted as the Next Big Things, Andrews then fell into obscurity, but he's back and determined to have success... ------------------------------------- [Mexico City, Mexico. The Cathedral of Mexico City. A crowd of people surrounds the massive structure, mostly the tourist type, with a few worshippers thrown in. Amongst those tourists, taking pictures with a new digital camera, is Jaiden Andrews. He's created quite a stir of his own, with a small line of children and teens waiting to shake his hand and get his autograph, obviously fans of wrestling. As he signs items for the grateful group, he speaks.] JA: You'd imagine that I'd be known for something _other_ than my match at Rebirth In Fire. There's the "blood feud" with Caleb Temple, the J*STAR Tournament, or even my work in some other promotions. However, the buzz surrounding me currently is all about how Jaiden Andrews "pulled one over" on Steve Greedy. Either way, it goes to show one thing. [A smile crosses Andrews' face, almost devious in nature.] JA: I _really_ missed being away from the ring. [Finishing up the last autograph, Andrews begins to walk down the street.] JA: Steve Greedy, it's just business. It's something I'd _hope_ you understand. You thought I could be bought. You thought I could walk away in my return to the ring, just for a handful of cash. That makes it _blatantly_ obvious that you know _nothing_ about Jaiden Andrews. I _can't_ be bought. I _won't_ walk away. I live, breathe, and _bleed_ this sport. I didn't come back just to walk away again. I didn't come back for the cash. I came back to be the best. And to be the best, Steve, you need to _fight_ the best... which leads me to Saturday. El Bautismo del Fuego. A match that captures the rich heritage of Mexico -- six men, three falls, and one team emerging victorious. And on top of all that, the RoFW World Champion steps into the ring. You want to talk about opportunity? You want to talk about a chance to impress? I thought fighting Steve Greedy was big. I thought teaming with Juan Vasquez was big. But this? This is _it_. [Andrews stops turning towards and looking into the camera.] JA: Tate Monroe, I'm sure the target on your back will be _huge_ in this match. You'll be staring across the ring at _and_ teaming with men who could be potential challengers to your title. A pinfall on you in this match could be a _major_ bump to the top of the rankings. Is all of that on my mind, Tate? You're damn right it is. But is that going to be my focus in this match? No. I want my _team_ to win. I'll save my quest for your title for another day, Tate. Baptism By Fire is for Mexico City. Baptism By Fire is for Ring of Fire Wrestling. Baptism By Fire is for the fans. I'm ready to continue my upward climb, ready to take up where I left off. In order to even _get_ a shot at you, I need to prove myself. Prove myself to the fans. Prove myself to Ring of Fire Wrestling. Prove myself to each and every man on the roster that I am a contender. I've managed to get the beginnings of that. I've managed to regain the faith and trust of the fans. And, come Baptism By Fire, I'm going to prove it to this promotion... and to you. [The desire burning in his eyes, Andrews stares into the camera.] JA: But for now, it's time to enjoy. And, thanks to Steve Greedy, I can capture the memories of this trip. [With that, and a final smirk intended to needle more into Greedy's already inflated anger, we fade to black.] ------------------------------------- [Zach chuckles, grinning.] ZO: Heh, gotta love the way Andrews pulled one over on Steve Greedy on the last show. However, I doubt he's going to be able to pull any such tricks with one of his opponents tomorrow night. I'm talking about the man in possession of the most prized belt in this company, and indeed in all of wrestling. The Ring of Fire World champion, Tate Monroe... ------------------------------------- [The shot opens up to a partly cloudy but otherwise sunny Saturday morning in the heart of Mexico City, and to the building that dominates our scene. A tall, age-worn structure of grey and brown walls mixed with black mesh fence, to many in the barrios of this famous city it represents much more than a simple building. To them it represents the soul of Mexico, and the spiritual home of Lucha Libre. The camera pans down its somewhat dingy surface, over the signs that protrude from its structure –- “Cerveza Corona Extra” reads one, but most of the others read the same. Arena Mexico. Beneath the shadow of these signs, as our camera continues its downward path, we find a man who rather stands out from the typical resident of these streets. Caucasian with short gelled black hair, immaculately groomed, young features unmarred by facial hair or blemish, blue polo shirt and tan slacks accessoried in splendid fashion by the gleaming championship belt that lays draped over one shoulder. The RoFW Independent World Championship, and the man who proudly carries it. Tate Monroe. He greets the camera with a controlled smile.] TM: Hello, my name is Tate Monroe. Your Ring of Fire World Champion. The man, who right here on my shoulder, carries the pride and honor of a wrestling company... and the eyes and focus of countless envious souls. [That smile turns it up just a notch, hand rising to the inscribed surface of the belt.] TM: But you’ll be glad to know that I’m not here to talk about _those_ people, as I’m sure they’ll have no problem handling that particular chore themselves. No doubt at everyone else’s expense. [A faintly-derisive turn of expression.] TM: That’s not my style. While everyone else, everyone in this entire business I don’t think is much of an exaggeration... while they are all content to spin some minute variation on the same self-promoting spiel, I will try to speak of greater things. I will try to speak... of history. [He turns and gestures towards the building beside him.] TM: This place of course is rich with it. Arena Mexico. The beating heart of Lucha Libre, focal point of many a frenzied mind each and every Friday night. Where their heroes do battle, and wrongs are made right, all wrapped within perhaps the greatest spectacle to ever exist in the field of professional wrestling. [Monroe glances over his shoulder, noticing a small crowd of local children who have gathered to watch this American champion tape his promo in the streets of Mexico City. Slightly amused as they point and stare, he returns his attention to the camera.] TM: But the truth is, not every great deed performed in this building needs a mask and foolhardy stunts. Not too long ago, another band of wrestlers passed through this building. The final stop on a rewarding tour for Dream Fujin, and at the end of that night, a key moment in the history of two companies. A “passing of the torch” if you will. When the “golden child” of Dream Fujin was put to pasture and replaced by the man who would carry that company for the remainder of its existance, through its truimphant rebirth, and on... far on... into its bright future. [Tate’s green eyes practically gleam now as he recounts this tale.] TM: That was the night, in this very building, that the months of hard work and sacrifice all paid off, and in classic style. The fading champion versus the hungry challenger in a battle for the ages, one that only one man could win. And at the end of that night, when the champion succumbed and his body could not keep up the fight, fading inevitably into submission, a new champion was crowned. The champion of Dream Fujin, now the champion of Ring of Fire. [Tate flashes his best self-depricating smile.] TM: Now understand, I don’t tell you this today in order to brag, or pat myself on the back. As I’ve said before when I accepted this title, I’m not here to live off the past. History is just that, but I will NOT let it be forgotten or trampled beneath the stampede of egos and glory hounds who’d like to dismiss me as an undeserving champion. Who whisper how they “made my career” or how I was given something I didn’t earn. [His even voice gains a bitter edge, just for a moment.] TM: These people, they all don’t know the first thing about me. Or worse, they forget the lessons of history... and there’s a saying about that, I’m sure. [The slightest smirk.] TM: But what they think... it doesn’t concern me. My history is there and plain to see. One year... ONE year in this business, in which I have achieved more than most ever will in their lifetimes. I don’t need to list it off, the titles I’ve won on two continents, the trophies, the accolades, and NONE of it handed to me on a silver platter. Instead I will simply say this... tonight, in Arena Mexico, one year to the day since I first made my debut, I will consign that truimphant year to the past and start my legacy anew. History will be made in Ring of Fire Wrestling, and as always it will be written by the victor. [He smiles, perfect white teeth and confidence. And then a nod.] TM: My name is Tate Monroe. [And a peripheral glance to his shoulder.] TM: Your Ring of Fire World Champion. [Fade out.] ------------------------------------- ZO: Indeed, he is the World champion, but boy oh boy is the competition heating up for that title belt of his. Every man in the company is striving to wear the strap, and tomorrow night two men in particular will have a lot on the line, as they meet one-on-one for the right to challenge Monroe. Last week Juan Vasquez and Griffin James were teammates, and they managed to win their match despite James being attacked and hospitalised by an unknown assailant. Vasquez has accused James of failing the team in that match, while there is some deep-seated animosity between these two men, who have crossed paths in various wrestling organisations during their careers. However, tomorrow night all that means nothing - it's all about earning a shot at the World champion. Our cameras ventured to the hospital where Griffin James was laid up after he was attacked in Los Angeles... ------------------------------------- [We cut to a shot in the waiting room in a hospital- it's a few hours after the inagural Ring of Fire show left the airwaves. Miss Cherry is busy biting her fingernails and fiddles with her phone, slightly disheveled, as there's a bit of a clamor at a set of doors. Griffin James, dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans, strides out not unlike a certain Shogun as Cherry rushes up and gives him a quick kiss and a hug.] GJ: Are you okay? MC: Juan just texted me saying that my taste in clothes sucks! [Pause.] GJ: ...awkward. MC: I've been doing yoga _and_ pilates! I like to show off my newfound sexy core, thank you very much! GJ: Yeah, I like it when you do that too. [James coughs.] GJ: Bad night, Ace. Damn bad night. [Griffin shakes his head.] GJ: You figure that s[bleep]t's changed, and- MC: Who did it? GJ: ...one of them was a midget, and the other had an ocarina of time in order to go back to an age when he was actually worth a pop- MC: No jokes. [She tugs on her right ear.] MC: I want to hear it in this ear. [Griffin dips in and tells her. Cherry instantly fumes.] MC: You've gotta be f[bleep]king kiddin' me. GJ: That's what I said. But still, he wants a fight... so he's gonna get one. MC: ..._no_. GJ: What? MC: No. Monroe's the focus! He has your belt! GJ: I'm gonna kill this guy. MC: I know you're gonna kill Tate Monroe! Clacker! Mexico! Yes, I know, and yes, I know it pisses you off, but quit saying that you're gonna kill him when the Ring of Fire officials won't let that happen- GJ: No, Ace. The _other_ guy. [Cherry sighs.] MC: Damn it... you're going to go back. Back to everything you hate about this business. Back to the grime. Back to the filth. Back to the bulls[bleep]t... all for that son of a bitch. GJ: ...if I have to. I have to _end_ this. [Miss Cherry pretty much gives Griffin James the stare of death.] MC: Question for you, then. GJ: What's that? MC: Glasses on or off? [She winks.] GJ: ..._on_. [Fade to black.] ------------------------------------- ZO: Well, it's clear that Griffin James... and Miss Cherry now... knows who attacked him, but he's not letting on. Maybe we'll find out tomorrow night. Well fans, that's just about all we've got time for tonight. I'm going to leave you with some words from Juan Vasquez, an American of Mexican descent who will making his first appearance in the land of his forefathers in quite some time. Until next time, I'm Zach Ortiz saying goodnight! ------------------------------------- [Scene: We open up to the interior of a messy and disorganized looking apartment. Bottles and cans are scattered around the tables and on the floor, magazines are stacked into foot high piles, a plasma screen television plays somewhere in the background and in the middle of this all, stands the man that shamelessly(And oddly enough, credibly) self-promotes himself as the greatest wrestler in all the world...Juan Vasquez. Juan is dressed in a dark blue hoodie, left unzipped to reveal a tshirt depicting two stick figures holding hands with the words "Toilet Love!" written beneath. He seems to be in the middle of packing his things, stuffing a pair of boxers into his luggage. He breathes a deep sigh, almost confused as what to pack next. Picking his teeth with his pinky, he begins to speak.] JV: Ya' know, when the guys in the front office gave me their sales pitch for Ring of Fire, I was expecting to travel the world, journey to strange and far off lands, take in new and exciting cultures and find a way to expand my horizons beyond this little corner of the universe. [A frown forms on Juan's face.] JV: Instead, they hold the first card 'bout 15 minutes away from where I live. [He looks up and stares at the camera, shrugging his shoulders with a "Well, what can you do?" sort of look on his face.] JV: Not what I'd exactly call a nice change o' scenery. [Juan looks out the window and towards the skyline of downtown L.A. Well, what isn't covered in the haze of smog, anyhow.] JV: But considerin' the kind of night I had, I guess I'll hide my disappointment at the lack of me sippin' on a pina colada on some sandy beach with island girls fanning me with giant palm leaves for now. After all, it ain't an every day occurance that I walk into a room and immediately overshadow every singl-... [He immediately stops himself when he realizes the absurdity of what he was about to say.] JV: ...well, okay. It _is_ an every day occurance. [Grin.] JV: Still. Man, whatta' night! We had everything. Drama! Intrigue! Mystery! Violence! Tate Monroe standing around speechless and looking like a moron! Afro'd Samoan supermen capable of withstanding deathblows to the head! The freakin' Tommy Stephens-style senton! [...] __HARDCORE SEX!__ [The excited look on his face quickly disappears as he reassesses that statement.] JV: No, no...that was the one thing actually missing. [A disappointed look appears on his face.] JV: 'Course, we shouldn't dwell on the past. After all, I got a battle to the death with Griffin James waitin' for me down in Mexico City! [Juan pumps a fist into the air.] JV: Okay...not really. [He drops his arm and dismisses the entire thing with a dainty wave of his hand.] JV: Now, maybe some of you got the silly idea in your head that I'm still carryin' a torch for Alice and through a combination of anger, confusion, misguided thoughts of vengeance directed towards Juan and hormonal rage, Griffin's gonna' beat the ever-living crap outta' me. [A look of revulsion, confusion, and outrage appears on Juan's face. He places a hand on his heart, sounding just a bit hurt.] JV: I'm insulted. I really am. [Juan bites down on his lower lip, internally debating something before a grin appears on his face.] JV: No offense to Alice, but I'd prefer if my memories of her remained in the time when she was younger, prettier, and still had fashion sense. [He pulls up the sleeve of his hoodie and wipes his nose.] JV: Seriously...black pants? A...halter top? [...] JV: WHERE THE F[bleep] ARE YOUR GLASSES!? [If anything...it's pretty obvious Juan loves him some emo myspace camwhores w/glasses.] JV: Sorry 'bout that. [He calms himself down.] JV: For a moment, I forgot I had bigger and more important things to deal with than the lady I'm paying alimony to. Mainly, the business of me stomping in her boyfriend's face with the heel of my boot. [A quick glance reveals that Juan is wearing flip-flops.] JV: Sure, he might be filled with pent-up rage and a focus usually reserved for a frame-by-frame analysis of Maria Sharpova upskirt vidcaps, but we need to be serious here. At the end of the day, he's still only Griffin James. [Juan buffs his nails on his shirt and looks around the room with a smug look on his face.] JV: And...I'm still Juan Vasquez. [He lets a moment pass before adding in a dramatic "Ba-ba-buuum!"] JV: I'm not trying to downplay your ability to beat me into a fine bloody mess, Griff, but we ain't in Japan anymore, kiddo. This is a whole 'nother world altogether. [For no apparent reason, Juan strikes a fighter's pose and throws a few playful punches to an invisible person.] JV: I've watched other men drive themselves insane, push themselves past limits unknown, turn their backs on every single damn principle they've stood for and corrupt their souls just to be able to stand toe-to-toe with me. [Juan nudges his head towards...a Luke Kinsey bobblehead doll. Symbolism~!] JV: But I'm sure you're familiar with people doing whatever it takes just to gain an edge. Your cousin Casey used to put on make-up and beat up family members whenever he had to push himself just a little more, right? [The tone of condescension is unmistakeable as Juan Vasquez of all people, rides on his morale high horse. Of course, he quickly realizes his shouldn't be casting any stones at anybody.] JV: Hey, I ain't here to judge! Whatever gets ya' through the workday. [He clears his throat.] JV: Now, I don't expect you to paint your lips, put on some rouge, and gussy yourself up just to fight little ol' me, but stepping up your game...oh, about four or five levels above whatever you've previously been capable of is certainly preferable. [Juan holds up his right hand.] JV: *I* can count the number of men that've been able to defeat me the last five years on one hand. [He wiggles his fingers.] JV: Yet, someone out there expects you, Griffin James, to do the impossible, the improbable, the damn near unthinkable and defeat _me_ not once, but... ...TWICE in one night? [He shakes his head and laughs.] JV: Heh...and I thought *I* was a sadistic bastard. [Juan grabs a balled up pair of socks off the floor and tosses it towards his bag's general direction.] JV: I'll tell ya', they've got a lot of confidence in ya', James. It's got me curious. Now I'm intrigued. I'm seriously expecting you to hand me my ass and give me the fight of my goddamn life. It'd be a major disappointment to us all if you didn't live up to expectations. [His eyes narrow, his voice hardens and just the slightest bit of sinister intentions manifests itself.] JV: And you don't wanna' be disappointing me. [Just as quickly, it's gone.] JV: I'm telling you now James, you're gonna need to clear your mind. You need to forget about whoever that insignificant glory-seeker was that attacked you, forget about the fact that you're gonna' be standing across the ring with the man that can picture your woman's naughty bits inside his head whenever he damn well feels like it, and just focus on one simple fact. [A big grin appears on Juan's face.] JV: I'm your stepping stone. [He strikes a heroic pose. One foot firmly planted on the ground, the other placed on the seat of a chair, with one hand on his hip, and the other arm pointing straight to the heavens.] JV: I'm your one-way ticket to fame, fortune, happiness, validation, and all that other gratifyin' s[bleep] that everyone in this business is fightin' for! [Juan drops the pose and quickly takes a seat in the chair, resting his arms on the back and his chin on his arms.] JV: And if that still doesn't motivate you to being all that you can be and so much more? [He giggles with glee.] JV: Then I've won. [Juan lets those words settle in, the finality of his tone making sure that everyone believes that he's speaking the truth and nothing but.] JV: And that's all they is...to it. [Fade out to black.] ["Original Fire" starts up again as we cut to an exterior shot of the arena, then fade to black.] © Ring of Fire Productions, 2006. |
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8:02 PM Jul 10