Post by jordan on Jun 26, 2013 17:34:23 GMT -5
-Our scene opens on the now familiar scene of Jordan Keyser's Houston office. Jordan sits comfortably at his desk, one leg propped up on his other knee, hands folded in his lap. Sitting across the desk from him is a beautiful young lady, probably in her early to mid twenties. Her brown hair is cut short, just above her shoulders. She looks short, about 5'3", slender but athletic. She is dressed professionally, wearing a black skirt, white dress shirt and a black dress jacket. Jordan stares across the desk at her as she pulls a few sheets of paper from a black leather portfolio, her striking green eyes never meeting his as she carefully organizes the papers and then hands them across the desk.
Jordan glances down at the papers, perusing them thoughtfully as the young woman watches. Finally, as Jordan puts the papers on his desk, she gets to her feet and reaches her hand across the desk.-
Girl: Mr. Keyser, forgive me, I haven't introduced myself, I'm--
-Jordan abruptly cuts her off.-
Keyser: I know who you are. Your name is Elizabeth Garrett, although you prefer to go by Liz. You attended college at Northwestern, where you played volleyball and pursued degrees in both Law and Journalism. You recieved a Bachelor's degree in Law, and a Masters in Journalism. You graduated a year ahead of schedule, achieving Suma Cum Laude honors in the process. You applied for this job because your childhood dream has been to work in sports journalism, mainly dealing in the legalities of sports contracts.
-Miss Garrett sits, eyes wide, listening to Jordan's overview of her background. Jordan smirks.-
Keyser: Yes, Miss Garrett, Ben told me all about you. In fact, his comments on the subject were, as always, incredibly thorough. You come highly reccomended by my CEO.
-Miss Garrett looks relieved as she sits down, then looks up at Jordan again.-
Miss Garrett: So...is there anything more you would like to ask me?
-Jordan chuckles a little, then shakes his head.-
Keyser: Oh no. I'm not going to interview you, Miss Garrett. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. No, in fact, you're going to interview me.
-Miss Garrett looks a bit startled, but recovers immediately.-
Miss Garrett: I'm sorry? I'm afraid I don't understand.
-Jordan leans forward, planting both feet solidly on the floor.-
Keyser: Miss Garrett, one of your jobs will be to conduct interviews with me for the NAW. It will, in fact, be your main function, although you'll also be writing a monthly blog about my career and other news and events within the NAW, which will be posted on the ESN website. Therefore, in order for me to be able to evaluate your skills as a journalist, I need to see you interview. Since I have a big match coming up, and this is a big opportunity for you, I see no reason why we shouldn't go ahead and conduct an interview here and now. I assume you've done your research...
-For the first time, the young woman displays confidence as she looks Jordan in the eye.-
Miss Garrett: Of course I've done my research. I would be more than happy to interview you. Are there any questions off limits?
-Jordan snorts his displeasure.-
Keyser: Of course not. Shall we begin?
-With a curt nod, Miss Garrett launches into her first question.-
Miss Garrett: Ok then. You've had only two matches here in the NAW. Now you're the Number One Contender to the NAW title, with a chance to win at Heatwave. Tell me, do you really think you deserve this Title shot?
-Jordan glares at her, but she returns his glare with a sickly sweet smile.-
Miss Garrett: You said no question was off limits.
-Jordan, having obviously painted himself into a corner, simply nods.-
Keyser: Yes...yes I did.
-He stares at her for a few more seconds, then nods again.-
Keyser: Miss Garrett, wrestling is, like all sports, both a contest of skill and an exhibition of entertainment. We are successful as a business because, ultimately, we entice fans to buy tickets. We convince them to spend money on pay-per-view events. We rely on things like sponsorships, tv deals, and web memberships in order to continue to put out a quality product. In short, we need consumers to consume our product in order to build and grow our business.
-Miss Garrett looks impatient.-
Miss Garrett: Yes, yes, of course. But that still doesn't answer my question...
-Jordan rolls his eyes, ignoring her.-
Keyser: The point is, while Alex Morgan knows damn little about running a business, or anything else for that matter, he does understand that he needs his most talented and most entertaining athlete to compete for his highest title. And since Virgil Keenan is in this match, he obviously needs someone with twice the skill, charm, and charisma as usual. Enter the hero...me.
-Miss Garrett gives Jordan an incredulous look.-
Miss Garrett: So you think, basically, that you were the only choice he had. That Alex Morgan had to put you in the match because the fans would lose interest if he chose anyone else?
-Jordan flashes her a charming smile.-
Keyser: Now you're catching on.
Miss Garrett: So you actually believe that a match for the NAW title wouldn't be enough to hold interest, that the match had to have you in it or it would be a bust?
-Jordan looks offended.-
Keyser: Of course. Look, we're not talking about some global organization with brand recognition here. We're talking about the NAW. A regionally influential wrestling company in it's first year of operation. Alex Morgan knows a good thing when he has it, and right now he has me. I can assure you, I am the best thing that has ever happened to this dinky little fed. So, he really didn't have a choice. In order to save the fed from the snooze fest that is any match that contains Virgil Keenan, our fearless leader had to give the shot to me.
-Miss Garrett is obviously surprised by the extent of Jordan's ego, but rather than pursue the subject, she changes it.-
Miss Garrett: Ok, changing topics, then. You obviously have a very low opinion of your opponent, current NAW Champion Virgil Keenan. Tell me, why so much contempt for a man that obviously has been very successful during his tenure in the NAW?
Keyser: Miss Garrett, one thing you'll learn soon enough is that there is a difference between a wrestler and a champion. Virgil Keenan is a very capable wrestler, but it takes more than skill in a wrestling ring to be a great champion. To tell the truth, Virgil has been a terrible champion. He defeated a completely detached and disinterested Gunner Hughes to obtain the title, and since then, he's been one of the quietest voices here in the NAW. Would you like to know why?
-Miss Garrett starts to open her mouth to reply, but Jordan doesn't let her get a word out.-
Keyser: Well good, I'm thrilled to enlighten. Simply put, Virgil Keenan is scared. I've been in this business for long enough to know that, when a Champion gets quiet, it's because he doesn't want to be noticed. He's trying to avoid attention, in the hopes that the most brutal of us will overlook him. He doesn't want to open his mouth, because he knows that as soon as he does, the target on his back will get bigger and brighter. And so, convinced that it will help him keep his title, he has been laying low and avoiding the spotlight. He is, in essence, a paper champion.
Miss Garrett: I see. And what makes you think you'll be a better champion than him?
Keyser: Because I understand one key quality that every true champion must have. A real, genuine champion must be able to hold onto his title against the very best. He must constantly be tested, constantly face the pressure of the possibility of losing his title. Tell me, Miss Garrett, do you know why I'm here in the NAW?
-Miss Garrett shakes her head.-
Keyser: I'm here because I intend to be the best wrestler ever to walk the halls of the NAW. I want my name to be written in history, to be the beginning, middle, and end of the NAW story. That begins now. I am not the number one contender, I'm not the man who could be champion, IF...no, I am the heir apparant to the NAW throne. I WILL be the next NAW champion, and I will hold that title until I decide to give it up.
-Jordan turns to the camera, no longer looking at Miss Garrett.-
Keyser: Virgil, you've had your chance, and you've proven to be a pathetic champion. In two weeks, there will be a regime change in the NAW. I am the future of the NAW, the next and greatest champion this fed will ever know. It doesn't matter what you do, or how you prepare. It won't make a difference. All you can do at Heatwave is walk down to the ring, get beaten from pillar to post, lay down, and surrender. There is no other option. The outcome of this match is a foregone conclusion. The sun is setting on your run here in the NAW, and like the passing of each day, you too will, inevitably, fade away. I am the Executioner, the unstoppable force, the unopposable adversary, and I will not be deterred. Prepare to be relegated to the halls of obscurity. The REAL story of the NAW begins today.
-Jordan smiles, turning back to Miss Garrett.-
Keyser: Well, Miss Garrett...may I call you Liz?
-Miss Garrett smiles and nods.-
Miss Garrett: Of course.
Keyser: The job is yours, if you want it. My assistant will email you a salary and benefits package tomorrow. I've rented an office for you in downtown Houston, as well as an apartment . The driver that picked you up at the airport will take you to the apartment, where a company vehicle will be waiting. Stay at the apartment for a few days, look over the salary and benefits, and call me next monday with your answer. Fair enough?
-Miss Garrett nods and stammers her thanks, and then exits as our scene fades to black.-
Jordan glances down at the papers, perusing them thoughtfully as the young woman watches. Finally, as Jordan puts the papers on his desk, she gets to her feet and reaches her hand across the desk.-
Girl: Mr. Keyser, forgive me, I haven't introduced myself, I'm--
-Jordan abruptly cuts her off.-
Keyser: I know who you are. Your name is Elizabeth Garrett, although you prefer to go by Liz. You attended college at Northwestern, where you played volleyball and pursued degrees in both Law and Journalism. You recieved a Bachelor's degree in Law, and a Masters in Journalism. You graduated a year ahead of schedule, achieving Suma Cum Laude honors in the process. You applied for this job because your childhood dream has been to work in sports journalism, mainly dealing in the legalities of sports contracts.
-Miss Garrett sits, eyes wide, listening to Jordan's overview of her background. Jordan smirks.-
Keyser: Yes, Miss Garrett, Ben told me all about you. In fact, his comments on the subject were, as always, incredibly thorough. You come highly reccomended by my CEO.
-Miss Garrett looks relieved as she sits down, then looks up at Jordan again.-
Miss Garrett: So...is there anything more you would like to ask me?
-Jordan chuckles a little, then shakes his head.-
Keyser: Oh no. I'm not going to interview you, Miss Garrett. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. No, in fact, you're going to interview me.
-Miss Garrett looks a bit startled, but recovers immediately.-
Miss Garrett: I'm sorry? I'm afraid I don't understand.
-Jordan leans forward, planting both feet solidly on the floor.-
Keyser: Miss Garrett, one of your jobs will be to conduct interviews with me for the NAW. It will, in fact, be your main function, although you'll also be writing a monthly blog about my career and other news and events within the NAW, which will be posted on the ESN website. Therefore, in order for me to be able to evaluate your skills as a journalist, I need to see you interview. Since I have a big match coming up, and this is a big opportunity for you, I see no reason why we shouldn't go ahead and conduct an interview here and now. I assume you've done your research...
-For the first time, the young woman displays confidence as she looks Jordan in the eye.-
Miss Garrett: Of course I've done my research. I would be more than happy to interview you. Are there any questions off limits?
-Jordan snorts his displeasure.-
Keyser: Of course not. Shall we begin?
-With a curt nod, Miss Garrett launches into her first question.-
Miss Garrett: Ok then. You've had only two matches here in the NAW. Now you're the Number One Contender to the NAW title, with a chance to win at Heatwave. Tell me, do you really think you deserve this Title shot?
-Jordan glares at her, but she returns his glare with a sickly sweet smile.-
Miss Garrett: You said no question was off limits.
-Jordan, having obviously painted himself into a corner, simply nods.-
Keyser: Yes...yes I did.
-He stares at her for a few more seconds, then nods again.-
Keyser: Miss Garrett, wrestling is, like all sports, both a contest of skill and an exhibition of entertainment. We are successful as a business because, ultimately, we entice fans to buy tickets. We convince them to spend money on pay-per-view events. We rely on things like sponsorships, tv deals, and web memberships in order to continue to put out a quality product. In short, we need consumers to consume our product in order to build and grow our business.
-Miss Garrett looks impatient.-
Miss Garrett: Yes, yes, of course. But that still doesn't answer my question...
-Jordan rolls his eyes, ignoring her.-
Keyser: The point is, while Alex Morgan knows damn little about running a business, or anything else for that matter, he does understand that he needs his most talented and most entertaining athlete to compete for his highest title. And since Virgil Keenan is in this match, he obviously needs someone with twice the skill, charm, and charisma as usual. Enter the hero...me.
-Miss Garrett gives Jordan an incredulous look.-
Miss Garrett: So you think, basically, that you were the only choice he had. That Alex Morgan had to put you in the match because the fans would lose interest if he chose anyone else?
-Jordan flashes her a charming smile.-
Keyser: Now you're catching on.
Miss Garrett: So you actually believe that a match for the NAW title wouldn't be enough to hold interest, that the match had to have you in it or it would be a bust?
-Jordan looks offended.-
Keyser: Of course. Look, we're not talking about some global organization with brand recognition here. We're talking about the NAW. A regionally influential wrestling company in it's first year of operation. Alex Morgan knows a good thing when he has it, and right now he has me. I can assure you, I am the best thing that has ever happened to this dinky little fed. So, he really didn't have a choice. In order to save the fed from the snooze fest that is any match that contains Virgil Keenan, our fearless leader had to give the shot to me.
-Miss Garrett is obviously surprised by the extent of Jordan's ego, but rather than pursue the subject, she changes it.-
Miss Garrett: Ok, changing topics, then. You obviously have a very low opinion of your opponent, current NAW Champion Virgil Keenan. Tell me, why so much contempt for a man that obviously has been very successful during his tenure in the NAW?
Keyser: Miss Garrett, one thing you'll learn soon enough is that there is a difference between a wrestler and a champion. Virgil Keenan is a very capable wrestler, but it takes more than skill in a wrestling ring to be a great champion. To tell the truth, Virgil has been a terrible champion. He defeated a completely detached and disinterested Gunner Hughes to obtain the title, and since then, he's been one of the quietest voices here in the NAW. Would you like to know why?
-Miss Garrett starts to open her mouth to reply, but Jordan doesn't let her get a word out.-
Keyser: Well good, I'm thrilled to enlighten. Simply put, Virgil Keenan is scared. I've been in this business for long enough to know that, when a Champion gets quiet, it's because he doesn't want to be noticed. He's trying to avoid attention, in the hopes that the most brutal of us will overlook him. He doesn't want to open his mouth, because he knows that as soon as he does, the target on his back will get bigger and brighter. And so, convinced that it will help him keep his title, he has been laying low and avoiding the spotlight. He is, in essence, a paper champion.
Miss Garrett: I see. And what makes you think you'll be a better champion than him?
Keyser: Because I understand one key quality that every true champion must have. A real, genuine champion must be able to hold onto his title against the very best. He must constantly be tested, constantly face the pressure of the possibility of losing his title. Tell me, Miss Garrett, do you know why I'm here in the NAW?
-Miss Garrett shakes her head.-
Keyser: I'm here because I intend to be the best wrestler ever to walk the halls of the NAW. I want my name to be written in history, to be the beginning, middle, and end of the NAW story. That begins now. I am not the number one contender, I'm not the man who could be champion, IF...no, I am the heir apparant to the NAW throne. I WILL be the next NAW champion, and I will hold that title until I decide to give it up.
-Jordan turns to the camera, no longer looking at Miss Garrett.-
Keyser: Virgil, you've had your chance, and you've proven to be a pathetic champion. In two weeks, there will be a regime change in the NAW. I am the future of the NAW, the next and greatest champion this fed will ever know. It doesn't matter what you do, or how you prepare. It won't make a difference. All you can do at Heatwave is walk down to the ring, get beaten from pillar to post, lay down, and surrender. There is no other option. The outcome of this match is a foregone conclusion. The sun is setting on your run here in the NAW, and like the passing of each day, you too will, inevitably, fade away. I am the Executioner, the unstoppable force, the unopposable adversary, and I will not be deterred. Prepare to be relegated to the halls of obscurity. The REAL story of the NAW begins today.
-Jordan smiles, turning back to Miss Garrett.-
Keyser: Well, Miss Garrett...may I call you Liz?
-Miss Garrett smiles and nods.-
Miss Garrett: Of course.
Keyser: The job is yours, if you want it. My assistant will email you a salary and benefits package tomorrow. I've rented an office for you in downtown Houston, as well as an apartment . The driver that picked you up at the airport will take you to the apartment, where a company vehicle will be waiting. Stay at the apartment for a few days, look over the salary and benefits, and call me next monday with your answer. Fair enough?
-Miss Garrett nods and stammers her thanks, and then exits as our scene fades to black.-