(The scene opens up at Red Rock Country Club right here in Las Vegas. It is a picture perfect day at this pristine club. The sun is out and shining on the course. You can see all the immaculate greens and fairways, the mountain ridges in the backdrop, and the bunkers and lakes littering the course. The camera pulls back a bit as we now come into view of the clubhouse and surrounding buildings. We see the fitness center, the tennis courts, and the spa. After looking over this beautiful club the camera begins to focus on a more exact location. We are taken into an area known as, The Cabana Grill. An outside dining patio, where there many tables and cabanas are set up around a pool area. As we look in on this area there about half of the tables that are occupied by members, while the staff of the club is running around serving them. We pan around for another few moments until we find a familiar face.)
(We happen to notice Matt Barnes sitting alone at one of the tables reading a newspaper. He is wearing a light blue polo shirt, white golf shorts, and black sunglasses shading him from the sun. Also on the table is a bottle of Heineken. The camera comes in a bit closer on him, as a waitress approaches the table.)
Waitress: Are you ready to order sir?
Matt Barnes: (Still looking at the paper) Yeah bring me a Flamed Grilled Turkey Wrap with an order of Fries.
Waitress: Yes Mr. Barnes. Anything else?
(He stops looking at the paper and folds it down a bit on one side. He looks at his beer that’s nearly gone.)
Matt Barnes: Yeah might as well bring me another Heineken with the food.
Waitress: No problem sir.
(She reaches down and grabs the menu on the table and walks away. Matt just sits there content continuing to read the paper. He appears to be at peace as he reads a certain article, but that peace quickly comes to a halt as he hears an obnoxious voice yell out.)
Voice: Hey Matt…Matt…Over here!
(Matt once again slightly lowers his paper to see who is calling his name. He gets a very disturbed look on his face when he sees it’s “Stoner” Scott Oliver. He is just standing in the entranceway waving towards Matt’s direction. Also standing next to him is a cameraman. Other members of the club quickly begin to look in the area of Scott, as he also caught their attention with his golf attire. Its unclear what’s Scott’s motive is for his clothing selection. He either is just trying to fit in, but just happened to get dressed in the dark. Or he is making fun of everyone at the club for dressing the way they do. As he stands there wearing a pair of bright green shorts, a pink golf shirt, and matching golf cap. He continues standing there waving with a big smile on his face for a few moments. Then he approaches Matt’s table.)
Scott Oliver: Hey Matt there you…
(Just then a manager of the club comes rushing over and interrupts Scott.)
Manager: Excuse me, but we don’t allow cameras on this property. I’m going to have to ask you two to leave.
(Scott looks at the manager with a sad look on his face and acts like he doesn’t know what to say. There are a few moments of awkward blanks stares between the two until Matt finally stands up and addresses the situation.)
Matt Barnes: As much as I hate to say it, but these two are with me.
Manager: Ok that’s fine Mr. Barnes, if they stay as your guests. However I must insist that the camera is taken out of here.
Matt Barnes: Listen, truthfully I’d rather these two idiots not be here. However my manager set up this interview today with SCW. And it needs to take place today as my time has been very limited lately. And since I don’t want to miss my round of golf, I’m forced to multitask.
Manager: I understand Mr. Barnes. But unfortunately it’s against club policy to allow unauthorized cameras inside the club.
Matt Barnes: Don’t start spouting off to me about policies. I know the rules, but what I’m telling you is that this interview needs to get done today and I’m not missing my golf. So you’re just going to have to look the other way, and bend the policies a bit for one of your significant members.
Manager: (Pauses) Ok, I suppose we can make a one-time exception, but I must insist that the camera doesn’t leave this patio and go anywhere on the course.
Matt Barnes: Believe me I want them gone quicker than you.
(And with that the manager walks off. Scott goes over and takes a seat next to Matt, while the cameraman sits on the opposite side of the table. Scott tries to start some small talk before the interview.)
Scott Oliver: Damn they run this place like a prison. It’s just golf peeps!
(Matt shoots a glance at Scott’s comments like he is in no mood for small talk. Scott recognizes the look and gets a little more serious. For him anyway.)
Scott Oliver: Well let’s begin then. I’m Scott Oliver, and I’m here at the Red Rock Country Club on this splendid Vegas day. Joining me is “Wrestling’s Bad Boy” Matt Barnes. Matt how are you today?
Matt Barnes: Fine.
Scott Oliver: (Pauses at the short answer) Well with this great weather today, I’m sure you’re just aching to get out there and enjoy it and work on your putt-putt game. So I just want to thank you for taking this time to do this interview.
(Matt gives an unpleasant stare at Scott. You can tell he does not like these early pleasantries. After the lengthy stare he scowls back.)
Matt Barnes: Listen did you really come here wanting to ask how my day is going? Talk about my “putt-putt” game? And talk about the weather? I don’t think so. So do us both a favor and get to the questions that SCW sent you here to ask.
(The happy go lucky smile that is typically on the laid back reporters face quickly goes away. He changes his mode and gets on with the interview.)
Scott Oliver: Now you made your wrestling debut this past Sunday at Climax Control against Cameron Matthews. How do you think that night went?
Matt Barnes: It went fine I suppose.
Scott Oliver: Wow, I would have thought stepping into the ring for the very first time and picking up a win, would bring more excitement than “fine.”
(Just then the waitress walks up to the table with Matt’s order. She sets the plate in front of him as Matt readies himself to eat. She picks up the empty Heineken bottle from the table and replaces it with a full one. She then looks over to Scott and the cameraman.)
Waitress: Can I get anything for you two?
(Scott is about to speak up, but Matt cuts him off.)
Matt Barnes: NO. They’re good right now. We’re actually in the middle of an interview if you don’t mind.
Waitress: Oh I’m sorry. Well enjoy your food and I will come back when you are done to check on you.
(And with that the waitress hurries away. Matt starts to indulge in his food. He takes a few bites then looks up at a silent Scott who is just watching him eat. Matt finishes chewing, wipes his mouth, and finally breaks the silence.)
Matt Barnes: Now where were we?
Scott Oliver: Well I was just a little taken back by your lack of enthusiasm for addressing your win in your wrestling debut.
Matt Barnes: How should I feel?
Scott Oliver: Personally I would show a little more excitement, but maybe that’s just me.
Matt Barnes: I’m sure you would, but that’s why you’re not Matt Barnes. Typically I wouldn’t mind bragging and sharing a few positive words about my debut match, but not in this situation. You see I came to the wrestling world and SCW to make a statement. I came here to prove that I was the next big thing. I came to take over and be the face of this sport. Do you think I accomplished that with a one sided beat down in the opening match of the night? Do you think I got my point across?
Scott Oliver: Well I…
Matt Barnes: It was a rhetorical question genius…Because no I didn’t get my point across. I wanted my debut to be huge. I wanted it to be something everyone talked about. We all know you only get one shot a first impression, so I wanted to make mine count. Instead all that came out of it was me pummeling an inferior opponent. It was like a boxing match you get all excited to see. You watch all the hype, you shell out money for the PPV, and then there’s a first round knockout. It’s a letdown.
Scott Oliver: So do you blame yourself for this letdown?
Matt Barnes: Wow you’re really not a bright person are you. I think that “green” you love so much has killed all the brain cells you have. Because any rational person knows that it was out of Matt Barnes control. There is nothing I could have done to turn a one sided fight into something worth talking about. I guess the blame could fall on whoever booked that match with me and that nobody. No way should he have been in a match with a guy of my caliber. There wasn’t a damn thing I could have done to make Cameron Matthews look worthwhile either. Once I realized the match was going to be a short one, I tried my best to keep it going and give the viewers a beat down like they have never seen before, but I think even that got boring.
Scott Oliver: Glad you brought that up. Because some say that “beat down” as you describe was a little excessive bro. You honestly think you didn’t go too far?
(Matt doesn’t respond to that question at first. Instead he takes a bite of his food and waits a few moments.)
Matt Barnes: Please…it’s not my job to take it easy on him because he is out of my league. If you’re man enough to step in between those ropes, well then you need to be man enough to handle the consequences of whatever might come from it.
Scott Oliver: Alright dude, well it appears the debut didn’t live up to your (actually does the air quotes) “godly” expectations. So let’s move on. Now you say you want to take over this sport and be the face of the company. Which… like… a million others have claimed before you got here. What makes you different than them? And how are you going to accomplish this feat?
Matt Barnes: First off, don’t call me dude? Second, don’t mock me with your childish air quotes again or sarcasm. Otherwise this interview is over. Listen to answer you pitiful question, I’m going to accomplish what those other fools couldn’t, because simply… I’m Matt fucking Barnes. I’m truly one of the world’s elite. Everything I have done I’ve done to perfection. I’ve dominated every aspect of life I got involved with, and it will be no different here. I’m good at business because I created a name and brand for myself. A symbol for everyone to associate with success and power. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do here in the wrestling world. I’m going to create an image and brand for myself that everyone comes to associate with the best. And everything I do going forward will factor into this image. From my superior wrestling skills, my winning charm in the promos, my sharp attire, and even my entrances.
Scott Oliver: Your entrances? What does that have to do with you taking over the wrestling world?
Matt Barnes: Yes moron entrances. I wouldn’t expect a pot head like you to grasp the idea of what it takes to build an elite image. You have to show the people things that they’re not accustomed to. Things they haven’t seen before. So you have to encompass all this both in and out of the ring. You have to have that shock and awe factor. And that’s what I plan to do. In fact, I have a little treat for you this coming Climax Control. I’m going to give everyone an entrance like they’ve never seen before.
Scott Oliver: Really care to fill us in on this entrance?
(Matt looks at Scott once again in disgust. He takes one more bite of his wrap; he takes a swig of his beer, and then pushes the plate forward like he’s had enough.)
Matt Barnes: Now where is the shock and awe factor if I tell you what I have planned? You have to be the biggest air head in this business. All I’ll say I have come up with an entrance that has never been seen here at SCW. It will sure to be the talk of the town.
Scott Oliver: Sounds cool, but personally I wouldn’t worry as much about a super entrance, as much I would concentrate a little more on your upcoming match. Because you’re scheduled to face a very tough opponent in Lucas Darby this coming Sunday.
Matt Barnes: Listen chief, you honestly think I didn’t know who my opponent was for this Sunday. You think I’m a total slacker and pot head like you and has no clue what is going on around me. Because that’s not the case. I’ve accomplished everything in my life because I’m always prepared. I’m smarter and a step ahead of the competition. I make sure I’m aware of the situations I’m involved in. So believe me I know all about Lucas Darby.
Scott Oliver: So I’m sure you know all about his rough upbringing, his biker gang he’s involved with, and of course his boxing background. Sounds like a tough dude to face. Probably want to avoid a boxing style match with him. Sure he has a vicious right hook!
(Matt once again stares at Scott for this comment. This look though is a little more serious than the others. Scott just sits there with a little smile on his face like he is happy with what he said. Matt takes a big drink of the Heineken, while Scott now starts looking at the extra food that Matt didn’t eat on his place.)
Matt Barnes: Listen it’s clear you have no journalism skills whatsoever; because these are the worst questions I’ve ever heard. You also don’t know how to talk to talent. So let’s make this better for the both of us chief. I’m tired of seeing your beady little blood shot stoner eyes staring at my food like you’re about to sit down for the last super. So why don’t you finish my leftovers, while I finish up this interview solo.
(Matt pushes his plate towards the “The Stoner,” Scott accepts the request and begins eating on the fries. Matt signals the camera point directly on him, and he finishes up this awkward interview.)
Matt Barnes: Listen Lucas Darby, I have heard all about you. I heard about you’re little switch-aroo in the hospital. I heard about your deadbeat father, who your whacked out mother shot, and is now sitting in prison. I heard all about you having to be raised by a different family and also about not even finishing high school. I heard you were some big shot boxer, but you lost the desire because you’re “family” had you throw a match. Yes I heard your entire sob story. And you know what I did when I finished hearing all this? I made a wish. Yeah that’s right Darby. I wished that I could go back in time and…..get those precious moments back in MY life that I had to hear about such a pathetic story.
You see you are clearly what society calls “socially insignificant.” The world had cast you aside at an early age, and honestly that’s where you should have stayed. The fact that you worked your way to even be at the same venue as me pisses me off. An elitist like myself should never have to hear about your pitiful life. I should never have to know a thing about you lower class folk. There is usually a gap that keeps me from associating with you people, but somehow this fucked up thing known as fate, decided to bring you here and put you in a match with yours truly. So as much as I rather not publicly address you, I suppose it’s now my job for this week. And honestly you actually make it a little too easy to rip a person of your low class stature, but somehow I will try to find enjoyment out of this.
First let’s start with one of the topics you said was off limits. You said that there are three things in this world people aren’t allowed to talk about. Your bike, your beer, and your women. Well I’ll spare you on the first two, but I find a need to address this situation with your old lady. You see when I was hearing about your relationship with Presley a big question mark came to me. You said after your parents fit the stereotype of white trash, with one ending up in prison and the other dead, that police put you in custody of your father’s friend Titus. You said you went and lived with him and he became your “real dad” and taught you about life. Which sounds good and all. I mean it’s nice that this Titus fella’ took in a messed up kid, but after that the story gets a little weird for me. Because Presley just happened to be this man’s daughter. And if Titus was like a father to you …wouldn’t his daughter kind of be like a sister? Maybe I’m confused because I don’t often associate with trash, but isn’t it a little weird to be calling Presley your women, when you lived together like brother and sister. Now I know she wasn’t technically and legally a sister, but it’s still the same premise correct? Sounds a little trashy to me, but anyway I digress….
Now let me comment on this thing about you being involved with this local gang of bikers “The Sons.” I truly hope you don’t use that as a crutch trying to put fear in people. I hope you don’t think people are still afraid of a big bad gang of bikers. Gone are the days of the Hells Angels riding around and causing terror. Back then those truly were groups you wanted to avoid, but these days these biker groups have gotten soft. No more out fighting, killing, and burning things down. Seeing you guys riding together now it’s like a pack of kittens. I would hope nobody fears you, I know I certainly don’t. I didn’t even know you groups were still around until you made a reference of it. But I suppose it’s a good thing for you to have. It’s nice to have friends no matter how far down on the social scale you are. And I’m sure that’s why you “Sons” formed together. A way for all you fellow trash to get together so you have someone to associate with. Handing out patches to one another for some fucked up achievement, just like kids do in boy scouts. So once again I’m proud of you Lucas for finding a “home” with them and having friends. And if you need a little backup this Sunday then go around and bring them along. I would love for them to be in the front row when I kicked their Sergeant-at-Arm ass.
Lukey boy, it’s also no secret after hearing your bio that you’re a mental midget. You give up on one thing after another and can’t seem to keep your emotions in check. You drop out of high school and never even go back and get your GED. You walk away from boxing because the match you threw took away all your pride or some corny shit like that. One minute you say you’re done giving a crap about your past and what happened to you and the next your sobbing luck a fucking girl about your pathetic life. It’s easy to see you’re a fucking mess. So I have no doubt in my mind that on Sunday I’m not only going to break you physically, but destroy you mentally as well. When you realize you’re outmatched against me, I have no doubt you will give up and call it quits like you’re used to doing. That has always seemed to be your MO, so why would that change now. So just stop relax and take a breather Darby, this will all be over soon. This match will be just another failure in your already pitiful life. You must be getting used to it by now. Shit I might even prove just how great I am and beat you in your own style of match. How would that feel my man? Get a big right hook and getting knocked the fuck out right in front of the “Sons” and that trashy biker chick of yours. See you on Sunday.
(And with that Matt slams the rest of his beer and immediately walks away from the table without saying anything to Scott or the cameraman. They both sit there in silence like they don’t know what to do next. Just then the waitress sees that the interview is over and comes over.)
Waitress: I take it he is done? Can I get anything for you two yet?
(Scott and the cameraman look at each other. You can tell “The Stoner” eyes light up at the option of food. Before he responds he checks his pocket. A sad look comes across his face.)
Scott Oliver: It appears that I didn’t bring my wallet with me, so that’s ok.
Waitress: As long as you’re here as Mr. Barnes guest we can just go ahead and put you on his tab, if you would like?
(An evil smile comes across Scott’s face, as he finally sees his opportunity for paying back Matt for all his nasty remarks.)
Scott Oliver: In that case can you bring us some menus please?
(And with that the scene cuts out as Scott and the cameraman await the menus.)
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(The scene opens back up three hours later and the pick up/drop off rack for the golf bags. There is nobody standing there, but a bag is left unattended. Just then a black Escalade comes driving around to this area. Out steps Matt Barnes as he pops open the back and walks over to the bag. He begins to load them in, as just then the waitress comes running up.)
Waitress: Mr. Barnes you forgot to sign off on your tab.
(Matt quickly grabs the pad and pen from the girl. He signs it, but as he hands it over to her he starts looking at the charge. A puzzled look comes on his face.)
Matt Barnes: What’s this: chicken wings, 2 quesadillas, 2 orders of fries, 2 burgers, and 4 pieces of chocolate cake, beer, soda?? I didn’t order any of this.
Waitress: No, of course not, these were the other two at the table. I was told they were your guests so it was put on your tab.
Matt Barnes: My guests?
(Matt pauses as he still thinks this is a mistake. He didn’t consider anyone there his guests. Just then he realizes he never made Scott or the cameraman leave after the interview. He just walked away from them. Finally he lets out a response.)
Matt Barnes: Damn stoner and his munchies.
(With that Matt gets in his vehicle and leaves. Scene ends)
