BEEP!... BEEP!... BEEP!
The steady beep of a heart monitor is heard as the scene comes into view inside of a hospital room. In the middle of the room, wrestling legend Tom Dudely’s head is the only thing visible from underneath the blankets of the hospital bed. The rhythmic beeping from the heart monitor appears to have lulled Tom to sleep. His trip to La La Land is soon interrupted by an announcement over the speaker system outside of his room.
DOCTOR BOTTUM, WE HAVE A CODE YELLOW IN ROOM 132. I REPEAT, DOCTOR BOTTUM, THERE IS A CODE YELLOW IN ROOM 132.
Tom groans as he shifts in his bed. As his eyes open, they immediately focus on something. Tom doesn’t look too happy with whatever he sees.
Tom: What are you doing here?
The venom is dripping from Tom’s voice as he addresses whoever is in his room. The camera pans out to show a beautiful blonde sitting at Tom’s bedside.
Woman: We’ve all been worried about you, Tom. You haven’t been yourself lately.
Tom rolls his eyes and he pulls himself to a sitting position in the bed. The blonde winces as the blanket falls from Tom’s torso, revealing the bandages that are covering his right side. Tom smirks at her reaction.
Tom: What’s wrong, Leah? You’ve seen me in worse condition than this without batting an eyelash.
Tom’s cousin, Leah Dudely, leans forward in her chair and reaches out towards the bandages without touching them. Tom chuckles at the look of pity on her face. Leah’s face turns a shade of red with anger.
Leah: That! That’s what I mean when I say that you haven’t been yourself! You used to be a loving person. You used to care about other people. You used to appreciate what you had.
Tom: I still appreciate what I have. I appreciate all of the money I have been able to make off of my name. I appreciate being one of the top draws in the world today. What I don’t appreciate is all of the other assholes who have tried to make a buck off of my name. I wasted so much time and energy helping other people. Wyatt tried to make a name for himself by using my name. I’m just glad that I was able to see it before he was able to soil my good name.
Leah mumbles under something under her breath. Tom’s head snaps to look at her.
Tom: What did you say?
Leah: I said that I’m pretty sure that you did that to yourself.
Tom smirks.
Tom: You think that my name is soiled? Do you know how big of a draw the Tom Dudely name is still? When people find out that I’m not going to be at one of the show, they try to get refunds.
Leah: But what good is all of that if you’ve turned your back on the people who care about you?
Tom snorts.
Tom: Like who? You? Richy? You are just like the rest of them. You and him rode my coattails into the wrestling business. You still use the Dudely name to make a profit. If it wasn’t for me, the Dudely name would mean nothing.
Leah opens her mouth to argue, but stops herself and takes a deep breath.
Tom: Good idea keeping your mouth shut. If you’d do that more often, maybe you’d be able to hold onto a man.
Leah is obviously hurt by Tom’s words. She looks to be fighting tears which appears to bring Tom even more joy.
Tom: What’s wrong? Can’t handle the truth?
Tears start rolling down Leah’s face. She wipes them away but her eyes remain red and puffy.
Leah: You were never like this before.
Tom: I’m so sick of everyone talking about how I was before. I’m not that person anymore. I wasted too many years being that whiney, pathetic loser who would do anything to please the crowd. It’s not my job to do what they want. It’s my job to be the best in the world at what I do. I showed what I’m capable of when I beat that stupid cowboy, Wyatt Peterson. Now, he’s gone for good. He won’t show his face in SCW again. Once I heal up, I’m going to get back into the ring and rid SCW of all of the rookies that are trying to make a name off of the guys that built this business. Guys like me, Mark Ward, Jordan Williams, Nick Jones; nobody holds a candle to us. We’re in a league of our own and none of these so-called future stars will ever be able to do what we’ve done for the wrestling industry. We ARE the wrestling injury.
Leah is sobbing with her face in her hands. Tom just rolls his eyes as he pushes a button on his bed. After a couple of moments, a nurse comes in to check on him.
Nurse: You called?
Tom: Yes, I’m trying to get some rest and this woman is refusing to leave. Can you please escort her from my room?
Leah looks up in disbelief at Tom who just shoots her a cocky grin.
Nurse: I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.
Leah: But…
Leah starts to object but stops herself. The expression on her face hardens. Her eyes narrow on Tom as she speaks in a controlled voice through her clenched teeth.
Leah: Fine! I’ll go. But remember, Tom, you’ve alienated everyone who ever cared about you. Don’t expect us to be waiting with open arms when shit hits the fan and you come crawling back to us.
Leah turns away from Tom and hastily walks out of the door. The nurse follows, closing the door behind her. As the door clicks closed, Tom talks to no one in particular.
Tom: Good. I don’t want you guys bugging me anyway.
Tom picks up a book off of his bedside table and opens it up. The title “50 Shades of Gray” is shown on the cover. The scene fades.
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We rejoin Mr. Dudely a couple of short weeks later in Reno, Nevada. The sounds of slot machines are so loud in the casino that no other sounds can be heard. Tom Dudely is sitting at the bar. An empty glass sits on the bar in front of him as he keeps himself distracted playing on the video poker game at the bar. After a couple of moments, one of the bartenders, a slender brunette wearing a black “Atlantis Sports Bar” T-shirt walks over to Tom.
Bartender: Another Crown and Coke?
Tom just nods, continuing to push buttons on the video poker machine. The bartender grabs a glass from under the counter, fills it with ice, and adds about a fifty-fifty mixture of Crown Royal and Coca-cola. She slides the glass towards Tom. He nods in acknowledgement as she walks to the next patron. Tom lifts the glass to his lips and takes a sip as he ponders what to do on his game. He sets his glass back on the bar and pushes a couple of buttons. He slams his fist down on the counter in frustration as he loses again.
Tom: God dammit! I swear these things are rigged. If they didn’t give me free drinks while playing, I wouldn’t go near these things.
Tom hits the button to start another hand. After a few more buttons, Tom does a mini fist pump to celebrate a victory.
Tom: Alright, I’d probably still play, but only because it’s so damn addictive.
Look in my eyes,
What do you see?
The cult of personality.
At first, Tom doesn’t realize that his phone is ringing, but once he does, he fumbles around in his pocket for it. Tom looks at the caller ID before answering it. As soon as he puts the phone to his ear, he hears the familiar voice of his boss, “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward.
HS: Tom, I’m just gonna cut to the chase. I want you to come to Japan for Violent Conduct.
Tom: Well hello to you, too.
This elicits a laugh from the other end of the line.
HS: You know I’ve got no time for hellos. There are too many potential bombshells for me to interview. I have a proposition for you and I’d rather do it face to face. What do you say?
Tom takes a swig from his glass as he considers Mark Ward’s proposition. He spins his chair around so his back is to the bar.
Tom: I don’t know. Japan’s pretty far and I’m having fun here in Reno.
HS: Oh, bloody hell, mate! Reno will always be there. What I’ve got for you is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tom continues to turn the proposition over in his head.
Tom: Ya know? I’m okay right now. I’m having drinks, playing video poker, and I’m heading up to the Bunny Ranch later on to pick up a couple of women for the night.
There is a pause on the other end of the phone as Mark tries to figure out how to get Tom to come to Japan. Tom starts spinning in his chair.
HS: What if I told you that it has to do with the SCW champion?
This immediately catches Tom’s attention as he stops spinning.
Tom: Are you talking about a shot at the title?
Mark, knowing that he had Tom where he wanted him, sounds a bit smug with his response.
HS: I’m not going into anything over the phone. If you want to know more, then you’ll have to get over to Japan on September twenty-third.
Tom is silent as he puts serious thought to showing up at SCW’s upcoming Supercard.
Tom: You’re not fucking with me, are you?
HS: Have I ever steered you wrong?
A knowing smirk appears on Tom’s face.
Tom: You haven’t steered me wrong yet, but I know that you’d do anything to anyone if it benefits you.
Mark chuckles.
HS: You know me too well. I promise that this will benefit the both of us. Fly your arse out to Japan.
Tom hesitates.
HS: Okay, I’ll pay for your flight, too.
Tom: First class?
HS: Business class. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
Tom: Fuck it. It’s a free trip. I guess I’ll see you in a few days.
The two men say their goodbyes and Tom hangs up. He goes to take a drink from his glass to find nothing but ice. He spins his chair back to face the bar and rattles his glass to get the attention of the bartender.
Tom: Another drink.
The bartender looks annoyed, but walks over to Tom and fills his glass with more Crown Royal and coke. Tom grabs the glass and takes a drink before talking to himself.
Tom: Tom Dudely, SCW Champion… I like the sound of that.
Tom finishes his drink in one swig before putting down his glass and getting up from the bar. He walks into the slot machine area as the scene fades.
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The scene returns, this time the night of October 27th, 2012. Climax Control has just wrapped up. In case you were wondering, it ended with Argento winning the Roulette Championship from Goth. It’s not really noteworthy, but I figured most of you tuned out once that match started so I’d let you know what happened. Anyway, back to the scene on hand. We are in the office of SCW Co-Owner, and newly crowned SCW Staff member of the year, “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward. Tom is sitting in the middle of the leather couch in the corner. He looks relaxed with his legs are up on the coffee table and his arms are stretched across the back of the couch. Hot Stuff, on the other hand, is sitting, leaning over his desk, hands folded, as he addresses Tom.
HS: What the hell was that out there tonight?
Tom feigns innocence.
Tom: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
HS: You know damn well what I’m talking about. You went out there and antagonized Spike, causing him to blow up on you.
Tom looks at Hot Stuff with a slightly confused look.
Tom: And…? You’ve been giving him shit for the last year.
HS: That’s me. I’m the boss. Look, Christian has plans for Spike and I can’t have you going out there and ruining them or he’ll have my arse.
Tom: Mark, when you had me fly all of the way to Japan, I was kinda expecting to get a shot at Nick Jones. Granted, I understand why I can’t have that now, but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be at the top. What better way to get back to the top then to go after the number one contender to the strap?
Hot Stuff leans back in his chair.
HS: I can’t fault you for your logic. The fact still remains that I want you to stay away from Spike. Unless he provokes you or you’re put in a match with him, you keep your distance. Do you understand?
Tom gives a sarcastic, half-hearted salute.
Tom: Yes, sir.
HS: You really do know how to push his buttons though. Did you see how red in the face he was?
Tom laughs.
Tom: I know Spike better than most people in this company. We came up through the ranks together, competed against each other, hell, we even worked together for a spell. Those days are over though. I don’t need anyone else to get me to where I want to be.
HS: Well, you’re going to have to do it anyway. No doubt you’ll be teaming up with someone here in the near future. You’re going to have to find a way to make it work.
Tom waves Hot Stuff off with his hand.
Tom: Yeah, yeah. I know. I’ll do it when I have to, but I’m not going to rely on someone else to carry me. I’m the carrier. I’m the one who will get the spotlight. I don’t care who I’m in the ring with. I’m the star.
HS: I agree. You deserve the spotlight. You’ve been held down for too long. Keep working with me and I’ll make sure that you get what you deserve.
Tom gets up off of the couch and walks over to the desk. He sticks out his hand which Hot Stuff reaches out to shake.
Tom: That’s what I wanted to hear. Let’s do this thing.
Hot Stuff nods in agreement. Tom turns and starts walking towards the door.
Tom: I’ll see you in Reno.
Tom walks out of the office. The door closes behind him as the scene fades.
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We’re now in the Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino in lovely Laughlin, Nevada. Workers from both the casino and SCW are working together to rearrange seats and set up the ring for tonight’s edition of SCW Impact. In the very back seat, in the very upper deck, SCW Superstar and wrestling veteran, Tom Dudely, is watching in anticipation for his main-event match. This will be his first main-event in Sin City Wrestling, and he’s not planning on giving it up his main-event status anytime in the near future. As he watches them work, he starts talking to himself about the match.
Tom: Tonight’s the night. It took them a long time to put me back where I belong in the main-event. It sucks that it’s a tag team match though. I really don’t want to share the spotlight with anyone else. I’ll just have to outshine Nick Jones to show that I’m the true star of this match. He can keep his title. I want the spotlight. Those two goons we’re up against don’t stand a chance against a team as good as this one. I don’t even think Sinful Obsession would stand a chance against any team with me on it, let alone one with me and “Mr. Wrestler of the Year” Nick Jones. If we were able to put up with each other, we would become the greatest tag team in history.
Tom smiles at the thought of the potential greatest team in history.
Tom: These two NXT guys; Casey Williams and… Spike Staggs…
Tom sneers as he says the name.
Tom: Casey is nothing but another oversized guy who wears clothes three sizes too small and has zero talent. I proved that when I faced him the first time. I really have no idea how he’s stuck around so long. He only got hired because of his former tag team partner, Drunky McDrunkerson. Once Drunky got fired, Casey the friendly mastodon should have gone right after him. I guess Christian has a… not so soft spot for muscular guys. The only thing more pathetic than watching Casey attempt to wrestle is watching Spike whine about how he keeps getting screwed.
Tom stops talking to himself as he leans forward to watch an attractive blonde waitress walk up to the workers and offer then waters. Tom watches until she’s completely out of view.
Tom: Damn… umm… Where was I?
Tom rubs his chin as he thinks.
Tom: Oh yeah. I was talking about Spike’s whiney ways. It’s such a waste of TV time and ring space to have him come out week after week bitching about stuff.
Tom starts talking in a whiney voice, assumingly in an attempt to mock Spike.
Tom: My fiancé left me because I have no balls. I lost the NWA title because I suck at wrestling. Casey’s not in the mood to…
Tom goes back to using his normal voice.
Tom: Geez! Just shut the hell up already! We all know how much you suck as a wrestler, as a lover, and as a man. The last couple of weeks, you’ve attacked me from behind. Each week, you’re forced to stop when a woman tells you to. You’re pussy-whipped! Hopefully that bitch stays out of the way tonight so I can kick your ass the way you deserve.
Tom got worked up a bit during his last spiel. He stops for a moment and regains his composure. He stares at the half-constructed ring in the center of the room.
Tom: I know that I’m ready for tonight. Nicky always brings his A game. Spike, Casey, get ready for a hurting. The star will shine tonight.
Tom gets up from his seat and walks to a nearby exit. He disappears through the door as the scene fades.
