Post by bohannon on Apr 17, 2016 23:50:12 GMT -5
The scene opens at the door to the NAW arena. Bohannon has just entered the building, and is talking on his phone.]
Bohannon: "I know. This is the way it has to be. One of us must emerge victorious. If that ends up being you, then the Mid South Syndicate has achieved its goal. But understand this, we are who we are because we do what we do. And we do it better than anybody in the world. This match, this opportunity is everything we talked about from day one. We must take advantage of it. When it's over one of us needs to have our hand raised in victory. One of us must leave as the NAW Legacy Champion."
[Bohannon stops for a moment. A slight smile crossed his face.]
Bohannon: "No worries."
[Bohannon returns the phone to his pocket, and the smile on his face is replaced by a look of concern. He walks into the arena and down the steps. He takes a seat, Just one of many in the arena. One seat among the many that will be filled to capacity with screaming fans Monday night in anticipation of the legacy title match. The fans...some who question Bohannon, while others who still see him as one of them. Because deep down, he most assuredly is. Bohannon talks as the camera records his words, never taking his eyes from the ring.]
Bohannon: “You know it's funny to see where everybody comes from. Board rooms, movie sets, flights between one wrestling match and another. Me, I have no interest in movies. I have no interest in corporate affairs. I have no interest in other wrestling companies. What I do have an interest in is this match...this company….this title.”
[Without thinking, Bohannon moves his hand to his shoulder.]
Bohannon: “Rocky for as much as you talk you really don't have much to say. You want to throw the word hypocrite around? You sit there and beat your record against me to death then make excuses for your inability to beat Alice. She has your number. You know it. You think this match is going to be any different? Of all the people in this match nobody gives me a chance, and that's fine. There seem to be differing opinions as to what other people's chances are, which is to be expected. That said, I think there is one thing we can all agree on and let's face it, there's not much the other 5 of us agree on. But the one thing we all agree on is that Rocky, you absolutely suck. Not only that you're an asshole to boot. Maybe I'm not gonna win this match but I'll tell you one thing if I can make sure that you don't walk out of that ring with the title, Monday night will be a success. You talk and you talk and you talk, and all anyone hears is 'blah blah blah'. You aren't even creative. You haven't had an original thought since you got here. I thought your first promo when you arrived here was pretty good. Now that I've heard it again every Sunday night before every match you've had here, it's become pretty damn boring. How did Noah describe it? Broken record? Yes, I would say that is accurate. You're not going to end my career. I can guarantee you that. You're not man enough to do it.”
[There is a nasty edge to Bohannon's voice as he talks about Rocky. He takes a deep breath and continues.]
Bohannon: “But enough of the unpleasantness. Cory you know I have a lot of respect for you. I respect you for what you've been to this business and to this company. I must admit when I read what you said about me not moving forward at all since you left I was a bit taken aback. I thought you of all people would understand. In terms of titles in terms of individual success you're right, I haven't moved forward one bit. If anything, I've taken a step back. But in terms of what my impact has been on the future of this company I have not stood pat, I have not taken the safe way, and I have not taken a step back. I have done what needed to be done for this company. I have done what I needed to do for me. My Legacy will not simply be defined by titles. I can put on any belt in the morning and be a champion. When you walked away you left avoid that Alice White stepped into and exploited. When you left Alice White became the dominant force here, and all of us all of us who looked up to you all of us who followed your lead were left to find our own way. When you walk through the locker room Monday night Corey, look around you look at the faces...look at the men who have been left to wander in the desert for the last four months. Maybe you can look them in the eye but I couldn't. I couldn't walk to the ring for a title match knowing that I had just left them all at Alice White's whim. It's not in me to say, 'well I'm gonna get mine everybody else can fend for themselves.' That's not me, and it didn't used to be you either. Fans see the Corey Bull who destroys people in the ring, but there's also the Corey Bull that we know. The Corey Bull that is the leader in the locker room...that is the guy that is the one that helps the younger guys go to for help. The guy who tried to teach me the right way to do business. I have tried with every ounce of my being to do that, so when you evaluate my last four months, I ask simply that you consider that.
[Bohannon's voice as become quiet...focused.]
Bohannon: “Noah, I wish I had something bad to say about you...but I don't. The fact is if you and I had met under different circumstances I think you would've seen just how similar we are. You tell me I made the wrong decision walking away from the agents of chaos, but look at the agents of chaos now. That group plain and simple held you back. The Jason's are yesterday's news here. And Rocky? What did he do for you other than take your title shots? I know I feel whole lot better about being in this match with James Edwards then you probably feel about being in it with Rocky. I realize how jaded you've become over the years. You talk about me and Alice, and how the fans will be the death of us. But you don't realize the fans are what this is about. Without them there is no Bohannon. There is no Alice Harris. And there is no Noah Hanson. The fans are our lifeblood. Way back they made you and whether you like it or not they still show up to see you. Maybe they show up now to see you lose or at least hoping that you will but they still show up to see you. You shouldn't be embarrassed by that. You should be proud of that! You can't tell me you weren't a fan once. I was. Hell I still am. I mark out along with everyone else when something moves me. It's what makes wrestling so special. Without them this business dies...and you and I along with it. They still believe in me...and Noah, I do too. If you believe that I'm a broken man...then you believe exactly what I want you to believe going into this match.”
[Bohannon is in fan mode. His love for the business drips from every word.]
Bohannon: “Alice, this is not the environment for us to settle the one remaining issue between us. Hitting somebody with a chair or a lead pipe or whatever else I can get my hands on is no more my comfort zone that it is yours. The fact remains that we both have to do what we have to do to survive...and in an ideal world walk out the Legacy Champion. We talked many times about the nature of this business and what it means to each one of us. I don't feel like sharing that here but you know what this business means to me. The one thing I can say is in a matter what I sacrifice in this match I will not sacrifice my honor. God Speed.”
[Bohannon shakes his head...the prompting thought unknown.]
Bohannon: “James I think this match validates everything I ever said about you. All the things we talked about, the formation of the Mid South Syndicate. Everything we both believed in. When only you, me and Stone were willing to stand up, things look bleak. After we as we got run through the gauntlet over the past month, things looked desperate. Yet here we stand with the opportunity to bring the Legacy Championship to the Mid South Syndicate. No more imaginary brass rings. It's there for the taking. Good luck my friend.”
[An icy hatred enters Bohannon's voice as he speaks once more. The seventh figure in this match...the last.]
Bohannon: “Alice White, you have failed. You set out to break me. Yet here I stand, poised to challenge for the top prize in our company. The very thing that you swore I would never have the opportunity to do again. Alice your world is crumbling around you. We have all looked behind the curtain and we see who the powerful wizard truly is. Alice Harris believed in you, but now she seen the light truth shined upon you, and it was ugly. Noah Hanson believed in you, but you played him time and time again, and now he knows it too. More than anyone, Alice, you jerked me around. Look what I did because I thought doing what you told me to do was what was right for the company. I hit Corey Bull with a chair. I choked out Alice Harris. Finally I tried to get your little girlfriend Erin over. All of these things I did with the promise that this is what's best for the NAW. You know what's best for the NA W Alice? For you to leave it forever. This is my oath….my solemn vow. If it takes my last breath, I will see the NAW through to the day that you are no longer in charge. Whatever it takes, I will do. If it means going through hell tomorrow night, then that's what I'm going to do. If that is my only Legacy, then so be it. To me, it would be worth more than its weight in gold.”
[Bohannon gets up from his seat, and stands, eyes closed...starting to get a feel for the moment. Sensing what could be his chance to overcome incredible odds to shock the wrestling world. Knowing the pain that he will have to go through. But believing….KNOWING that it will all be worth it in the end. Bohannon turns and walks back up the steps without a word.]
Bohannon: "I know. This is the way it has to be. One of us must emerge victorious. If that ends up being you, then the Mid South Syndicate has achieved its goal. But understand this, we are who we are because we do what we do. And we do it better than anybody in the world. This match, this opportunity is everything we talked about from day one. We must take advantage of it. When it's over one of us needs to have our hand raised in victory. One of us must leave as the NAW Legacy Champion."
[Bohannon stops for a moment. A slight smile crossed his face.]
Bohannon: "No worries."
[Bohannon returns the phone to his pocket, and the smile on his face is replaced by a look of concern. He walks into the arena and down the steps. He takes a seat, Just one of many in the arena. One seat among the many that will be filled to capacity with screaming fans Monday night in anticipation of the legacy title match. The fans...some who question Bohannon, while others who still see him as one of them. Because deep down, he most assuredly is. Bohannon talks as the camera records his words, never taking his eyes from the ring.]
Bohannon: “You know it's funny to see where everybody comes from. Board rooms, movie sets, flights between one wrestling match and another. Me, I have no interest in movies. I have no interest in corporate affairs. I have no interest in other wrestling companies. What I do have an interest in is this match...this company….this title.”
[Without thinking, Bohannon moves his hand to his shoulder.]
Bohannon: “Rocky for as much as you talk you really don't have much to say. You want to throw the word hypocrite around? You sit there and beat your record against me to death then make excuses for your inability to beat Alice. She has your number. You know it. You think this match is going to be any different? Of all the people in this match nobody gives me a chance, and that's fine. There seem to be differing opinions as to what other people's chances are, which is to be expected. That said, I think there is one thing we can all agree on and let's face it, there's not much the other 5 of us agree on. But the one thing we all agree on is that Rocky, you absolutely suck. Not only that you're an asshole to boot. Maybe I'm not gonna win this match but I'll tell you one thing if I can make sure that you don't walk out of that ring with the title, Monday night will be a success. You talk and you talk and you talk, and all anyone hears is 'blah blah blah'. You aren't even creative. You haven't had an original thought since you got here. I thought your first promo when you arrived here was pretty good. Now that I've heard it again every Sunday night before every match you've had here, it's become pretty damn boring. How did Noah describe it? Broken record? Yes, I would say that is accurate. You're not going to end my career. I can guarantee you that. You're not man enough to do it.”
[There is a nasty edge to Bohannon's voice as he talks about Rocky. He takes a deep breath and continues.]
Bohannon: “But enough of the unpleasantness. Cory you know I have a lot of respect for you. I respect you for what you've been to this business and to this company. I must admit when I read what you said about me not moving forward at all since you left I was a bit taken aback. I thought you of all people would understand. In terms of titles in terms of individual success you're right, I haven't moved forward one bit. If anything, I've taken a step back. But in terms of what my impact has been on the future of this company I have not stood pat, I have not taken the safe way, and I have not taken a step back. I have done what needed to be done for this company. I have done what I needed to do for me. My Legacy will not simply be defined by titles. I can put on any belt in the morning and be a champion. When you walked away you left avoid that Alice White stepped into and exploited. When you left Alice White became the dominant force here, and all of us all of us who looked up to you all of us who followed your lead were left to find our own way. When you walk through the locker room Monday night Corey, look around you look at the faces...look at the men who have been left to wander in the desert for the last four months. Maybe you can look them in the eye but I couldn't. I couldn't walk to the ring for a title match knowing that I had just left them all at Alice White's whim. It's not in me to say, 'well I'm gonna get mine everybody else can fend for themselves.' That's not me, and it didn't used to be you either. Fans see the Corey Bull who destroys people in the ring, but there's also the Corey Bull that we know. The Corey Bull that is the leader in the locker room...that is the guy that is the one that helps the younger guys go to for help. The guy who tried to teach me the right way to do business. I have tried with every ounce of my being to do that, so when you evaluate my last four months, I ask simply that you consider that.
[Bohannon's voice as become quiet...focused.]
Bohannon: “Noah, I wish I had something bad to say about you...but I don't. The fact is if you and I had met under different circumstances I think you would've seen just how similar we are. You tell me I made the wrong decision walking away from the agents of chaos, but look at the agents of chaos now. That group plain and simple held you back. The Jason's are yesterday's news here. And Rocky? What did he do for you other than take your title shots? I know I feel whole lot better about being in this match with James Edwards then you probably feel about being in it with Rocky. I realize how jaded you've become over the years. You talk about me and Alice, and how the fans will be the death of us. But you don't realize the fans are what this is about. Without them there is no Bohannon. There is no Alice Harris. And there is no Noah Hanson. The fans are our lifeblood. Way back they made you and whether you like it or not they still show up to see you. Maybe they show up now to see you lose or at least hoping that you will but they still show up to see you. You shouldn't be embarrassed by that. You should be proud of that! You can't tell me you weren't a fan once. I was. Hell I still am. I mark out along with everyone else when something moves me. It's what makes wrestling so special. Without them this business dies...and you and I along with it. They still believe in me...and Noah, I do too. If you believe that I'm a broken man...then you believe exactly what I want you to believe going into this match.”
[Bohannon is in fan mode. His love for the business drips from every word.]
Bohannon: “Alice, this is not the environment for us to settle the one remaining issue between us. Hitting somebody with a chair or a lead pipe or whatever else I can get my hands on is no more my comfort zone that it is yours. The fact remains that we both have to do what we have to do to survive...and in an ideal world walk out the Legacy Champion. We talked many times about the nature of this business and what it means to each one of us. I don't feel like sharing that here but you know what this business means to me. The one thing I can say is in a matter what I sacrifice in this match I will not sacrifice my honor. God Speed.”
[Bohannon shakes his head...the prompting thought unknown.]
Bohannon: “James I think this match validates everything I ever said about you. All the things we talked about, the formation of the Mid South Syndicate. Everything we both believed in. When only you, me and Stone were willing to stand up, things look bleak. After we as we got run through the gauntlet over the past month, things looked desperate. Yet here we stand with the opportunity to bring the Legacy Championship to the Mid South Syndicate. No more imaginary brass rings. It's there for the taking. Good luck my friend.”
[An icy hatred enters Bohannon's voice as he speaks once more. The seventh figure in this match...the last.]
Bohannon: “Alice White, you have failed. You set out to break me. Yet here I stand, poised to challenge for the top prize in our company. The very thing that you swore I would never have the opportunity to do again. Alice your world is crumbling around you. We have all looked behind the curtain and we see who the powerful wizard truly is. Alice Harris believed in you, but now she seen the light truth shined upon you, and it was ugly. Noah Hanson believed in you, but you played him time and time again, and now he knows it too. More than anyone, Alice, you jerked me around. Look what I did because I thought doing what you told me to do was what was right for the company. I hit Corey Bull with a chair. I choked out Alice Harris. Finally I tried to get your little girlfriend Erin over. All of these things I did with the promise that this is what's best for the NAW. You know what's best for the NA W Alice? For you to leave it forever. This is my oath….my solemn vow. If it takes my last breath, I will see the NAW through to the day that you are no longer in charge. Whatever it takes, I will do. If it means going through hell tomorrow night, then that's what I'm going to do. If that is my only Legacy, then so be it. To me, it would be worth more than its weight in gold.”
[Bohannon gets up from his seat, and stands, eyes closed...starting to get a feel for the moment. Sensing what could be his chance to overcome incredible odds to shock the wrestling world. Knowing the pain that he will have to go through. But believing….KNOWING that it will all be worth it in the end. Bohannon turns and walks back up the steps without a word.]