So this RP is one of my top 3-4 favorites. It was right before I had joined SCW.
It has Drake as full on Mr Showtime and in love with wrestling and being a star, but this is the first time we get a real peak into his second loves....women and extreme excess.
It also has the second or third appearance of Barry Goldstein, who at the time was a brand new character for me. For those of you that aren't familiar with Drake or my writings, Barry may be my all time favorite to write for next to Drake. It also marks the first time I ever eclipsed the 6k mark (Yikes, never again!)
So without further ado, here is my RP for Drake in ACW for his only (sadly) battle against ACW legend Ben Jordan.
Private Connections
May 2nd, 2013
[The camera fades in to a New York City street in the middle of the day. The roads are crowded with numerous cars and trucks rumbling by at a speed which seems much faster than what ought to be on a crowded city street. The sidewalks, just as packed as the road, are littered with people of all different race, age, and size. All keeping to themselves as they make their hurried way to whatever their destination may be. The camera sweeps throughout the crowd of walking pedestrians. It passes and elderly gentleman walking with a wooden cane and young Middle-Eastern girl with white and red ‘Beats’ headphones strapped onto her head. The camera finally comes up behind two men walking. On the right is a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair, wearing dark blue jeans, black shoes, and a black button down shirt tucked into his jeans. The man on the left is much younger, also wearing blue jeans although his are a much lighter shade. He is wearing white ‘Puma’ sneakers, a white button down shirt also tucked in which has platinum cufflinks fastened on the cuffs, and a navy blue with sport coat with a white pocket square tucked into the breast pocket on the front left side of the jacket. Just as blinding as his big platinum watch on his left wrist are his bright green eyes that sparkle in the Manhattan sunlight, which show a great contrast to his dark hair. The two men are ‘Mr. Showtime’ Drake Green and his best friend and trainer Max.]
Max: I just don’t see why we have to take him with us.
Drake: Why? He set this whole thing up. He’s my agent.
Max: I know, D. The idea of touring Nova Scotia with him for 10 days though really makes me want to vomit.
Drake: Ha! I think you’ll survive. He’s doing a very good job. He set this whole press tour up. He arranged all the transportation, the hotels, food, everything. All we have to do is show up.
Max: But you’re forgetting one thing.
Drake: What’s that?
Max: When are we gonna set aside some time for training?
Drake: Here we go again…
Max: You know, you always say the same thing but do you really think it’s a coincidence that you keep winning? No. It’s all the hard we have been putting in. The countless hours watching tape and the reps in the gym. We haven’t watched any tape of Ben Jordan.
Drake: I don’t think it’s a coincidence, Max. I know how hard we work and how much it pays off but I am trying my best to balance all of it. To be successful in this business, and I mean long term and not just on a local level, we have to market ourselves. We have to put the time in to meet people, make contacts, and make sure they tune in whenever I’m on TV. That’s how you get recognized on the national and global markets and that’s where the real money comes from.
Max: What’s with the sudden obsession with all of the money, D? When I came to get you and bring you back into this thing it was so we both could regain balance in our lives. Not so worthless snakes like Super-Agent Barry Goldstein could turn you into a money making machine.
Drake: I get what you’re saying, Max, but this is my opportunity to really make it. To do something no one my family ever did. To be a World Heavyweight Champion. That’s why it’s so important to me. It’s not just the money. I mean, all the scratch is nice but in order to get a shot at Staggs or whoever else has that title I have to be known and Barry Goldstein can help.
Max: Ok, I’m with you. But that guy is still a douchebag.
Drake: Ha! I kind of agree.
[The two men chuckle as they come up to large building with glass walls all along the street level. Inside the glass walls there are several cars lined up on the main floor of the building.]
Drake: I think this is it.
[As they get up to the front of the building there is a large sign on the front that reads ‘Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan’. They open the front door and walk in to the large and beautiful showroom. Directly in front of them are two young and attractive women dressed in black, one blonde and the other brunette, sitting behind an expensive and posh looking wooden desk. The blonde on the right side greets the two men almost immediately with a large, bright smile.]
Receptionist: Good afternoon gentlemen and welcome to Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. How can I help you today?
Drake: Yes. We are looking for a someone named Marko.
Receptionist: Sure may I ask your last name sir?
Drake: Yes, it’s Green.
[The receptionist picks up the phone and dials a few numbers.]
Receptionist: Yes, I have a Mr. Green here for you….Of course….Yes.
[She hangs up the phone.]
Receptionist: Marko will be right up. May I interest either of you gentleman in a coffee, tea, or water?
Drake: No, I’m ok. Thank you.
Max: I would love a diet cream soda.
[She has a puzzled look on her face.]
Receptionist: Umm, I’ll see if I can find one.
[She walks off toward a door on the side of the showroom and Drake shoots Max a look.]
Max: What?
Drake: Diet cream soda?
Max: I had a craving.
Drake: Ha! You’re ridiculous.
[The two men start to look around a the showroom. They stop at bright red 2-door coupe. Max starts to read a sign next to the vehicle and Drake looks into the car.]
Drake: This one is nice.
[As they continue to look over the car a tall, brooding, man with a buzz cut walks over to them. He is wearing a sleek, black designer suit, a white shirt, and a bright blue tie. Pinned onto his left lapel is a Mercedes logo. Sitting just beneath the logo is a bright silver nametag that reads Marko Wolfensheiner. He walks right over to Drake and stretches out his arm and hand and then introduces himself in thick German accent.]
Marko: Mr. Green I presume?
Drake: Yes. You must be Marko.
Marko: I am.
Drake: This is my friend, Max.
[Marko turns to Max and stretches out his hand again.]
Marko: Of course. The great Maximus the Magnificent. I am a great fan.
Max: It’s a pleasure.
Marko: Please. The pleasure is all mine. Mr. Goldstein had telephoned me the other day and informed me you may be stopping by. How can I help?
Drake: You know, Marko. I’m not really sure. I was told I should be driving a Mercedes-Benz so I came here.
Marko: As you should be.
Max: What’s this one here.
Marko: This is the C350 Coupe.
Drake: Is this a nice one? I don’t know anything about these cars.
Marko: Well please allow me to educate you Mr. Green.
Drake: Ok…
Marko: The C-Class is our entry-level vehicle. This coupe here is a nice addition to anyone’s fleet. It is agile, quick, and handles very nicely. And at this price point, it is a very nice second or third car.
Max: The sticker says $53,000!
Marko: Precisely.
Max: Drake you can’t-
Drake: Marko, with all due respect, I’m not looking for a second or third car. I’m looking for the car.
Marko: I understand. Please follow me.
[Marko starts to walk toward the back of the showroom and Max tries to whisper to Drake.]
Max: You’re not actually entertaining spending $50,000 on a car are you, D?
Drake: You heard Barry. Fast and flash.
Max: You can’t be serious.
Drake: And for the record, it’s going to be a hell of a lot more than $50,000 so if you’re going to complain about it than you can just go on ahead and I’ll meet you at the airport.
Max: It’s your money, D. It’s your money.
[Marko walks them over to a large four-door sedan.]
Marko: Gentleman. The S-550 sedan. This is the flagship of all automobiles. A 4.7-liter V-8 engine, 20’’ rims, the finest leather interior in the automotive world and an $8,000 Bang & Olufsen sound system. This Mr. Green, is the car. Your friend Mr. Goldstein has owned three of them.
[Drake and Max walk around the car.]
Max: And how much is this one?
Marko: The sticker price on this one is $110,000.
Max: Jesus Christmas.
Drake: It’s nice Marko. But I kind of get the Grandpa feeling from this thing, you know.
Max: What are you kidding me? It’s beautiful.
Drake: See what I mean?
[Drake and Marko chuckle.]
Max: Dick.
Drake: I’m looking for something with a little more pop to it. You know?
Marko: I think I do Mr. Green. Please, follow me.
[Marko takes them even further back into the showroom and they stop at white four-door car that has a unique slope to it.]
Marko: This, gentleman, is the CLS-63 Four-Door Coupe. It seats four. Has full LED headlamps, a 6.3 liter Bi-Turbo engine that outputs over 500 horsepower and over 450 pounds of torque per foot.
Max: This is awesome, D.
Drake: And the price?
Marko: $119,000.
[The two men walk around the vehicle and check it out. Max opens the front door and sits in the driver’s seat. He puts his hands on the steering wheel and a large smile comes over his face.]
Max: I think I love this car, D.
Drake: I don’t know, Max. It is nice.
[As Drake looks over the car he notices something in the very back of the showroom. A long 2-door coupe with an almost race-car look to it that has velvet ropes surrounding it.]
Drake: What’s that?
[He points to the car in the back.]
Marko: Ah yes. Mr. Goldstein did say you had a good eye. Please, follow me.
[Max jumps out of the car and he and Drake walk behind Marko to the coupe in the back. As they get there both of their eyes widen as they look at the car. The coupe, a two-seater, has a long front nose. It is silver in color that has almost a liquid metal look to it and the interior is a bright red.]
Marko: Gentlemen. I present to you the SLS AMG Coupe.
Drake: How do you get in it?
Marko: Let me demonstrate for you.
[Marko un-clasps one of the velvet ropes and walks over to the car. As he gets close a small handle pops out of one of the doors. He grabs it pulls up and the door opens vertically in a Gull-Wing style.]
Max: Oh my god.
Drake: I have to have this Max.
Max: Oh my god.
Marko: It is the most impressive piece of machinery in all of our fleet, Mr. Green.
Drake: And the price?
Marko: $225,000.
Max: Oh my god.
Drake: I’ll take it.
[Max turns to Drake.]
Max: Are you fucking nuts?
Drake: I don’t care. I have to have this.
Marko: I will draw up the paper work then yes?
Max: Drake-
Drake: Yes. Thank you Marko.
Marko: Very well.
[Marko turns and walks away.]
Max: D, this is insane. $225,000?!
Drake: Between my match against Ben Jordan and all this promotional work Barry has me doing. I have the cash.
Max: It’s your money, D.
Drake: Yes. Thank you for reminding me.
[Marko walks back over.]
Marko: Mr. Green, when will you be taking delivery of the vehicle?
Drake: I have to fly to Nova Scotia today and I won’t be back until the end of the month. Let’s say the first weekend in June?
Marko: Very well. Please sign here.
[Marko holds up a clipboard and hands a pen to Drake who signs on the piece of paper.]
Marko: Thank you Mr. Green. I shall be in touch.
[The two shake hands.]
Marko: And Maximus…
Max: Max is just fine, thanks.
[Max and Marko shake hands.]
Drake: Thanks again, Marko. I’ll see you soon.
Marko: Auf wiedersehen.
[Drake and Max turn to walk back to the other end of the showroom to leave.]
Max: You might as well just bent over for him?
Drake: Please, you don’t try to haggle on cars like this, Max. This isn’t a Chevy dealership.
Max: I hope you know what you’re doing.
[A noise comes from Drake’s pocket and he pulls out his phone.]
Drake: It’s Barry.
Max: Of course it is.
Drake: Change of plans. We’re flying out of Westchester County.
Max: What? Why?
Drake: I don’t know but he’s sending a car for us. Going to pick us up at the apartment in an hour.
Max: Rosie still not coming with us?
Drake: No. She’s going to her mother’s in Pennsylvania again.
[Just as they reach the end of the showroom and are about to walk out of the building, the blonde receptionist comes running over. She is breathing heavy, has some dirt on her face, her hair is now a mess, and she has a small rip on the shoulder of black blouse.]
Drake: Holy shit. What happened to you?
Receptionist: Sorry…it…took…so…long.
[She holds out her hand and she is holding a can of ‘Dr. Brown’s Diet Cream Soda’. Drake starts to chuckle.]
Max: Thanks… I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.
[Max takes the can from her.]
Receptionist: It’s no problem. Anything for a friend of Mr. Showtime.
[She smiles at Drake.]
Drake: That’s very nice of you.
[She then holds out a piece of paper to Drake.]
Receptionist: And this is for you.
[Drake takes the piece of paper.]
Drake: What’s this?
Receptionist: It’s my number.
[She smiles again.]
Receptionist: Good luck against Ben Jordan.
Drake: Thanks.
[Max starts to pull Drake away.]
Max: Come on, we got a plane to catch.
Receptionist: Call me!
Drake: Bye!
Max: Have a nice day miss.
[As they get outside Max takes the piece of paper from Drake.]
Drake: What are you doing?
Max: What if Rosie sees this?
Drake: Oh it’s harmless.
[He goes to snatch it back from Max but he moves it away too quickly.]
Max: Why do you want this back so bad?
[Drake goes to grab it again.]
Drake: I don’t.
Max: You’re gonna call her.
Drake: No I’m not.
Max: Yes you are.
Drake: Just forget it. We got a plane to catch.
Max: Everything ok with you, D? Is there something you want to tell me.
Drake: Everything’s fine. Come on. We gotta get our bags.
[The camera fades to black…
…The camera fades back in to a private airfield later that day. There is small white jet with red markings parked with a few members of the crew standing around outside. A black Lincoln pulls in through gate at the far end of the airfield. It drives up near the plane and the shuts the engine off. The back doors open and out step Drake and Max. Still dressed in the same clothing they were wearing at the Mercedes dealership. A chauffeur steps out from the driver’s door and walks around to the trunk. He opens the lift-gate and pulls out two suitcases and a large black duffel bag. He starts to walk toward the plane as Max turns to Drake.]
Max: You’ve got to be kidding me.
Drake: Now I know why he wanted us to come all the way up here to fly.
[As they look over at the plane the side door on the jet opens. The steps come down and out steps Barry Goldstein. He is wearing a shiny grey suit, a blue shirt, and a yellow tie. His dirty blonde, ear length hair flaps around in the wind as he walks down the steps toward Drake and Max.]
Barry: Showtime! You made it! And you brought your butler.
Max: Hello, Barry.
Barry: Max, always a pleasure.
Drake: Nice plane.
Barry: What? This old thing? Come on, only best for Mr. Showtime. You know that.
Drake: Is it yours?
Barry: My company’s. I saw it was available so I signed it out for us. Come on let’s get on board. We’re a little behind schedule and the pilot was getting a little annoyed. I told him to relax and have drink but the he got even more annoyed.
[The three men walk toward the plane. As they get to the steps Barry moves out of the way to let Drake board first. He then quickly cuts in front of Max and walks up behind Drake. Max rolls his eyes as he walks up the steps behind both men and on to the plane.]
Barry: Gentleman, welcome to paradise in the sky.
[The cabin of the plane is beautiful. Lined with Egyptian wood and trimmed with chrome. The seats are a tan, very soft leather with built in ottomans. Across the back wall are a large flat-panel television and a built-in bar. There are two flight attendants in the cabin, both young and attractive females, wearing navy blue uniforms.]
Barry: Drake, Max, this is Tanya and this is Lori. Lori, Tanya, meet Drake and Max.
Drake: Ladies.
Max: How do you do?
Barry: Take a seat, boys. We’ll be in Halifax in no time.
[All three men sit down in empty seats and buckle themselves in. Lori, the flight attendant comes over.]
Lori: Good afternoon, Drake. Would you like a drink while we take off?
Drake: Sure. Scotch on the rocks.
Lori: Any particular scotch?
Drake: Johnny is fine, thanks.
Lori: The black or the blue sir?
[Drake smiles.]
Drake: The blue would be great.
[Lori turns to Max.]
Lori: Anything for you sir?
Max: Just some water would be great.
Lori: Sparkling or flat?
Max: Flat, thanks.
Lori: Poland Spring, Fiji, Vox, or Aqua Panna, sir?
[Max chuckles.]
Max: Poland Spring is fine.
Lori: Coming right up.
Barry: So what do you think?
Drake: I could get used to this.
Barry: You keep winning Champ and we’ll get you one of your own. Speaking of which, I got a phone call from my friend Marko this afternoon. Very nice purchase.
[Lori comes back over and hands out the drinks. She give the water to Max, the scotch to Drake, and a cosmopolitan to Barry.]
Barry: Cheers!
[Barry holds out his drink to cheers Drake but pulls it back quickly when Max comes in for the cheers.]
Barry: Sorry buddy. Bad luck to cheers water.
Max: You’re such an asshole.
Barry: Hey, 40,000 feet I don’t need any bad luck.
Drake: Relax you two.
[The other flight attendant, Tanya, walks over.]
Tanya: Gentlemen, we will be taking off momentarily. Please make sure your seat belts are on.
Max: Even on a private plane I hate flying.
Barry: Oh relax. We’re fine.
[Drake looks out the window as the plane takes off. He peers at the ground as it gets smaller and smaller. He notices little cars driving on little highways and little houses that are getting tinier and tinier until soon enough all Drake can see are clouds. He gets interrupted out of his trance as Lori walks over.]
Lori: The captain has given permission to unfasten your seatbelts gentlemen.
Barry: Thanks.
[The three men unbuckle and Max stands up, stretches, and then walks over to the bathroom. Drake takes a long gulp of his scotch and then turns to Barry.]
Drake: So tell me about this press tour.
Barry: Not much to say. Pretty standard stuff. We land in Halifax. Do a quick press junket there. We head over to Amherst do a couple days there. That’s the big one. Then we head over to Antigonish and then Prince Edward Island and we head home. Easy peasy Japanese-y.
Drake: Seems easy enough.
Barry: It is. Let me ask you something. You ever think about doing commercials?
Drake: No.
Barry: Well how would you like to be to spokesperson for Wally’s Wings?
Drake: You’re joking right?
Barry: Not at all. $20,000 for three hours of work.
Drake: I’ll think about.
Barry: Good, good, yeah, think about it. Thank about all that money you’re gonna make.
[Barry smiles and raises his glass before taking a sip. Max walks back over and sits back down.]
Barry: Hey Max. What do you think about our boy here doing some commercial work?
Max: He’s gonna have to figure out some way to pay for that car he just bought.
Barry: Well lucky for you knuckleheads that you’ve got a guy like me on your side. You see, after my pal Marko gave me a call I put in a call to my friend Peter. Peter happens to own that dealership over there. And, in exchange for two appearances at his charity events and a plug on the television spot we do in two days in Amherst, your little hot rod is free of charge.
Drake: You’re kidding me!
Barry: You can thank me later. Just make sure you beat Ben Jordan. Let’s keep this gravy train on the right track.
Max: Wow, Barry. That’s really something. Thank you.
Barry: Yeah, yeah. Don’t suck up to me now old man. I know you don’t like me.
Max: I don’t. But it’s a start.
Barry: Ha! Now tell me. How are we on this DCP situation.
Drake: Haven’t heard from him in a while.
Barry: Good. Let it sleep.
Drake: I am.
Max: I don’t like it though. He’s been a little too quiet. Makes me a little nervous.
Drake: Not me. Nothing to worry about.
Barry: Ok good. Now on to more important business. ACW. This Ben Jordan guy. Old man what are our chances?
Max: Well, he’s good. Personally I think he’s the best out there right now. And I’m not just talking about ACW. The whole NWA.
Barry: Best other than Drake here right?
Max: Of course.
[Drake chuckles.]
Barry: What do you think Drake?
Drake: I think he’s good. He’s had that title for over a year. But every man can be beaten.
[Drake pours back some more scotch.]
Drake: He’s got weaknesses. I’ll find them and I’ll exploit them.
Barry: He seems to love you.
Drake: What’s not to love?
Barry: Now if you’ll excuse me I’m gonna go find that Tanya girl and see if I can get her to join the mile high club with me. Hasta la Canada.
[Barry gets up and walks behind the curtain to where Tanya had disappeared behind of.]
Drake: Free car, Max.
Max: Nothing’s free, D. But it’s still pretty cool. So what’s the plan? Where do we fit the training in during all of this traveling?
Drake: Oh yes. The training.
Max: I’m serious man. We gotta hit the gym. You got a little bit of a size advantage on this guy and we need to exploit that. He’s a little quicker than you so we’re gonna need to be able to grab him and take a hold of him and not let go.
Drake: Don’t worry, Maxy. I had Barry rent out a local gym in every town we stop in. Every day.
[Max smiles.]
Max: Really? I feel so proud.
[Drake chuckles.]
Drake: Don’t get all misty eyed on me. I want this one, Max. More than any other one before it. I have to beat this guy. It’s not personal. I like him. But he’s gotta go down and he’s gotta go down hard. And I need your help.
Max: You know I’m here for you.
Drake: If I win this match the road only goes up. No matter what happens after it. Even if I drop the title back to him a month later. To be the first one to clip his wings would cement me in ACW forever. And that would mean the forefront of any title picture going forward. Whether it’s the Maritime title or the Atlantic. I’m in that discussion forever. As long I stick around. Do you have any idea how important that is to me?
Max: I do. And I’m right there with you.
[Max holds his glass of water out to cheers. Drake thinks for a second before hitting his glass against Max’s. He remembers what Barry had said about it being bad luck. He then realizes that he doesn’t need luck to beat Ben Jordan. He already has the skill. He raises his glass and smacks it against Max’s and smiles.]
Drake: Cheers.
[The Camera fades to black.]
May 4th, 2013
[The camera fades in to a small dressing room. The walls are painted a pale white with a two-cushion black leather couch on one wall. Opposite the couch is tall, stand up mirror. The wall opposite the door has a small vanity and a mirror with a chair in front of it. The room has almost a prison-like feel to it. It’s as if someone took a solitary confinement cell and converted it into a dressing room. The door swings open and its short, skinny woman wearing blue jeans, a black polo t-shirt with the logo ‘Slam Magazine’ on it and a matching black visor. She’s wearing a headset to communicate with others and is holding a clipboard in in her hand. As she walks in, Drake and Max follow her in. Drake is wearing a white button shirt with his sleeves folded up, very light khaki suit pants, and brown dress shoes. Max is wearing a blue suit with a black button down shirt with an open color. Drake has suit bag over his shoulder, which he sets down on the black leather couch. The young girl, a production assistant, asks him to sign her clipboard. He does so and then she leaves, closing the door behind her. Drake walks over and plops down on the chair in front of the vanity.]
Drake: Nice place huh?
[Max smiles.]
Max: I guess space is limited.
Drake: What are we supposed to be doing here anyway? Where’s Barry? Didn’t he say he was going to meet us here?
Max: I have no idea. Might as well get ready though.
[Max opens up the suit bag and pulls out Drake’s light khaki jacket. Drake gets up off the chair and rolls his sleeves down. He fastens the buttons and then Max helps him with his jacket. He walks over to the tall mirror and checks him self out and realizes he’s missing something. He walks over to the suit bag pulls out a bright green handkerchief and puts it into his left front breast pocket. He turns around to face Max and smiles.]
Drake: So how do I look?
Max: Like a champion.
[Drake smiles again but is interrupted by a loud knock at the door. Assuming it is Barry, Drake walks over and opens the door.]
Drake: Where the fuck-
[He abruptly stops talking when he sees Elise Leblanc standing at the door.]
Drake: Oh. I’m sorry I thought you were some one else.
[Elise smiles back at Drake. Her bright red lips contrast her pale skin quite beautifully, especially when you take in to account her flowing, dark, raven-colored hair. She is wearing a dark blue blazer over a white dress and matching white heels. Drake can’t help but smile back at her.]
Elise: Hi Drake. It’s good to see you again.
[Drake can’t help but smile as he hears Elise speak in her faint French accent.]
Drake: Hi. I didn’t know you were going to be here today.
Elise: Yeah, its part of the job. I’ll be the one interviewing you today.
Drake: That’s great. I’m looking forward to it.
Elise: Me too. I-
[Elise is cut off as Barry pushes his way passed her and into the room. He is wearing a dark grey suit with chalk-line pinstripes, a white shirt, and a solid grey tie. His hair is combed over to the side and he is smoking a cigar.]
Barry: Showtime! Sorry I’m late, Champ. Can’t get a fucking cab in this place.
Drake: Hey Barry.
[Drake turns back to Elise.]
Drake: I guess I’ll see you out there.
[A big smile comes over her face.]
Elise: I can’t wait.
[She turns away and walks back down the hall.]
Barry: Holy bananas did you see the melons on that one?
Max: Always a pleasure, Barry.
Barry: Maxy…
Drake: So what’s the deal for today?
Barry: You’re gonna show up on stage, answer some questions, charm the audience like you do. Then we get a catered lunch and a chance to bang some local ass. Sound good.
Drake: Sure.
Max: We ready?
Barry: Yup. Let’s do this.
[Max opens the door and all three men walk out. They head down the hallway and pass by several production assistants with the same black polo shirts on. They come to a more open room that has several tables with food placed out on them. Standing by the largest table is JJ Dixon.]
JJ: Hey Drake. Thanks for coming out today.
Drake: No problem, JJ. Slamfest set up a nice spread here.
JJ: Yeah they did. I just did my spot out there so give ‘em hell.
Drake: Will do.
[Barry walks over.]
Barry: Well hello there, Mr. Dixon.
JJ: Goldstein. Always a pleasure.
Barry: I’m glad someone thinks so.
JJ: I was being nice. Hey Drake…
Drake: What’s up?
JJ: When you get a chance I wanted to talk to you about this Lord of the Ring event.
Drake: You can talk to Barry about that one, JJ. I gotta run up there now.
[JJ turns to Barry as Drake and Max walk toward the other end of the room.]
JJ: Well?
Barry: Pass.
JJ: Pass?
Barry: You heard me. Showtime is got enough going on right now with this Maritime championship match. After that we’ll talk.
JJ: Suit yourself, Goldstein. Could be a good payday for your boy.
Barry: Oh don’t worry. He’s gonna make plenty of money on the 26th. See you around JJ.
[Barry walks over to where Drake and Max are standing. They can see out the door. There is an outdoor stage and about a hundred or so fans in the crowd. Many of whom are where ‘SHOWTIME’ t-shirts. There are two women on stage, one of which is Elise. The other, is a tall woman with short-cropped blonde hair. She is also wearing a black ‘Slamfest Magazine’ polo shirt. She holds a microphone as she addressed the crowd.]
Woman: Ok, Amherst. Are you ready for our next guest. He is the number one contender for Ben Jordan’s Maritime Junior Heavyweight championship. They call him ‘Mr. Showtime’. Put your hands together for Drake Green!
[Drake walks out the door and up the steps onto the stage to a thunderous applause. On the back of the stage there is a ‘Slamfest Magazine’ banner alongside a smaller ACW banner and a Global Maritimes banner. The woman hands Drake her microphone and the crowd quiets down waiting for the superstar to speak. Drake brings the microphone up to his lips and a wide smile comes across his face.
Drake: Hello, Amherst!
Crowd: Hello, Drake!
Drake: It really does feel good to be back here in my home away from home in the Atlantic!
Crowd: POP!
Drake: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages....welcome to the show!
Crowd: Louder POP!
Drake: Are you ready for the most magical, the most fantastical showstopper of all time?! I am your Soldier, I am your Savior, I am your next Maritime Junior Heavyweight Champion, and I have just one question for you. What time is it?
Crowd: Showtime!
Drake: No, no, no. Come on, Amherst. I said what time is it?
Crowd: Showtime!
Drake: People of Nova Scotia, MY PEOPLE! I know you that isn't your best. I'm only gonna ask you one more time. WHAT TIME IS IT!?
Crowd: SHOWTIME!
[Drake smiles as the crowd cheers.]
Crowd: Drake! Drake! Drake!
Drake: I just wanted to say a special thank you to Slamfest Magazine for hosting this event here today. And thanks to Global Maritimes for all of their continued support for Atlantic Championship Wrestling.
Crowd: POP!
Drake: And now if you could please give your attention to the lovely Miss Elise Leblanc. I believe she’s prepared some questions for me to answer.
Elise: Thank you, Drake. You have a very important match coming up later this month against Ben Jordan. What are your feelings going into it?
Drake: Hmm. Ben’s a great competitor and I consider him a friend. I know that the crowd is going to get their money’s worth on the 26th that’s for sure.
Elise: Ben Jordan is not only ACW’s but also the entire NWA’s longest reigning champion. What’s your strategy for an opponent like that?
Drake: Well for one, you have to be prepared. Ben’s certainly gonna bring it so you have to make sure you bring it as well. You have to find his weaknesses, if there are any, and try to exploit them early and often to have a chance.
Elise: What are his weaknesses?
[Drake smiles.]
Drake: I guess we’ll find out in Halifax.
[Elise smiles back.]
Elise: Will he be your toughest opponent?
Drake: I guess time will tell, Elise. There is certainly a magic around the idea of this match. It’s something Benny boy and I joked about a few months back and then all of a sudden it came to fruition. It’s as if someone up there wanted this to happen. To say he’s the toughest opponent may be too much of a generalization. But I will tell you this. To be a champion for over a year in this day and age is a very difficult feat to accomplish. And on top of that winning the Super J Cup, it’s just a really impressive resume.
Elise: Many people, Slamfest Magazine included, have already dubbed this one match of the year. How do you think it will end up ranking against the other big bouts of 2013?
[Drake laughs.]
Drake: I’m pretty sure Ben started that one. I can see why people are using that adjective to describe this match. On one hand you have the most decorated guy in the history of ACW so to speak. And on the other hand you have the greatest showstopper of all time. You can guarantee that it will be the highest rated program on Global Maritimes in May, possibly even in the Spring.
Elise: I don’t want to keep you too long Drake but I just have to ask this one. How confident are you going into the match?
Drake: I was waiting for that question, Elise. I will say this. Ben Jordan has undoubtedly been the most talented and dominant superstar in ACW over the passed year. But that’s just it. The past is the past. The time is now and the present belongs to Mr. Showtime. I have all the respect in the world for Ben Jordan, I really do. But the fact that I’ve been around ACW for two months and JJ Dixon is practically begging me to take his title means only one thing.
Elise: And what’s that?
Drake: It’s Showtime.
Elise: There you have it Amherst, Drake Green!
[The crowd gives Drake a standing ovation as he bows for them.]
Crowd: Drake! Drake! Drake!
[Drake walks over and gives Elise a kiss on the cheek and whispers in her ear.]
Drake: You did great. Thanks.
Elise: No thank you. They love you up here.
Drake: I think its just some residual love from you.
Elise: Hey there’s a pub across the street. Can I buy you a beer?
[Drake thinks for a moment.]
Drake: How much time do you need?
Elise: 15 minutes.
Drake: I’ll see you then.
[Drake bows again for the crowd and as he walks off the stage he gives the microphone back to the lady from Slamfest Magazine. He steps back down and inside the door where Max and Barry are waiting for him.]
Barry: Great job, champ! These people fucking love you.
Drake: Yeah?
Max: You did good kid.
Drake: Thanks.
Barry: I’m gonna run on back to the hotel boys. We head out at 6:oo sharp so don’t be late.
Drake: Sounds good.
[Drake starts walking back toward the dressing room but Max stops him.]
Max: Hey I think I’m gonna head back too. Get a couple hours of sleep before we hit the road. You wanna come with?
Drake: No I think I’ll stick around for a bit.
Max: You sure?
Drake: Yeah. Maybe I’ll walk around for a little while and grab something to eat.
Max: Ok. If you need me call me.
Drake: Do you think you could just grab my stuff from the dressing room for me?
Max: Sure no problem kid. I bet Rosie’s sad she missed this. She would’ve loved watching you up there.
Drake: Yeah, I bet.
Max: Ok. See you a little while.
Drake: Bye.
[Drake stops to think for a moment. He wonders if he should just go back to the hotel with Max. Walking across the street to meet Elise could be a very bad idea. It could not only cause trouble for him in Halifax, but also at home with Rose as well. He had already one indiscretion in New York that he was able to keep a secret but another? Especially a colleague? Clearly this was a bad decision. Just as Drake thinks he should blow Elise off he starts think about her red lips again. He starts to think about her dark hair and how good she looked up there on stage with him. And then, with all the confidence in the world, Drake says to himself…]
Drake: Fuck it.
[The camera fades to black…
It fades back in just as Drake opens the door to the pub across the street that Elise had mentioned. The place looks like your everyday pub. With neon beer signshanging in the windows and posters of local bands hanging around on the walls. A large billiard table sits off to the right where two men are playing. Passed the men, Drake can see Elise sitting at the bar. She has taken her blazer off, exposing her shoulder-less dress. She looks beautiful sitting over there. Drake takes his jacket off and throws it over his shoulder as he walks over to meet Elise and then throws on the back of the stool next to her.]
Drake: Hey there.
Elise: Hi. I was starting to think you weren’t going to make it.
Drake: Nope. I’m here.
[The bartender walks over and asks Drake what he would like to drink.]
Drake: Johnny on the rocks, please.
Elise: I said I would buy you a beer. That is a scotch.
Drake: I know. I’ll pay for my scotch. And then you can buy me a beer.
Elise: You assume I’m gonna sit here for more than one drink.
[The bartender comes over and drops off his scotch. Drake picks it up and takes a long first sip.]
Drake: Well, I guess we’ll have to find out.
Elise: Let me ask you something, Drake.
Drake: Sure.
Elise: What do you really think about Ben Jordan?
Drake: What do you mean?
Elise: I mean what’s your real opinion? Not the one you give the fans so you look good on television. What do you feel in here?
[Elise moves in closer to Drake and puts her hand over his heart.]
Drake: You really want to know? You may not like it.
[She moves in even closer.]
Elise: Try me.
Drake: I hate him.
Elise: Hate is a strong word.
Drake: It is. I have to hate him.
Elise: Why do you have to hate him?
Drake: Because the only way to want to hurt someone is to hate them. Ben Jordan is a great talent. There is no denying that but he doesn’t have that ability. He doesn’t have the one talent he really needs. He can’t hate. And because of that he will lose.
[Elise moves in closer again.]
Elise: And you? You have this talent?
Drake: More than you know.
[Drake leans in and kisses Elise in a long, hot embrace. After a moment she pushes him off and stares into his green eyes. She gets up and walks slowly to the back hallway that leads toward a back exit. Drake follows her around the corner. They walk outside and as soon they get there they begin to kiss again. Drake pushes her up against the back of the building and while they are still kissing, the camera fades to black.]