THE SENSATIONAL SHOW Episode 2: The Pilot

*A Few Days Ago, APW HQ*

Nick: What do you mean I can't use the episode titled "First Blood" as the pilot episode for my new show?

Nick asked in concern as the meeting with some APW brass was just beginning to heat up. In the past few hours, the talks had been going back, and forth on what exactly Nick's show would encompass. It had recently been decided that Nick, much like Sally Talfourd, would be doing a reality based television show based off of his life, and the way he lived it. Nick had just gotten to the part where he would begin to negotiate his terms when Dayle, one of the five guys representing APW, had blurted out that he couldn't use "First Blood", Nick's title for the first episode, as the pilot. Nick didn't understand why he couldn't do it, but it had something to do with APW officials other than president Jeff and a few others not being able to show up on "reality" television shows.

Madok: So what do you propose we do? Scrap the first episode...come on, guys! This kid has got a lot of talent and you guys know that the first episode was amazing, just like the demographics did...especially the female and ages eighteen through twenty nine groups.

Dayle: That is beside the point, Mr. Mortalis...Nick can't have that episode be the pilot because, one it did not air on USA, which is where his show will be aired, and secondly it featured me in it. I'm sorry, but I would like to keep my job if I do say so myself.

Madok had accompanied the young athletes to APW HQ, much to his delight, as Madok was amazing with business type negotiations. He was an expert in that field and was even planning on being his manager, eventually. Nick would have to prove himself first to be something more than just a run of the mill striker. He would have to prove he was really sensational before Nick would be allowed to have Madok as his manager. At least that is the way he looked at things. Nick didn't think he was worthy of Madok yet, nor was he worthy of an APW title yet. Last week proved a lot of things to the young fella, one it had proven that he could tango with ex-champions, but it had also proven he was green. He still didn't have an edge that put him above the rest of the workers on the show, but he assured himself that he would. Pence had told him that he would have to work harder to make an impact and Nick had no doubt in that.

Madok slammed his hand on the table, causing Nick to jump right out of his train of thought, and look at him in a startled manner. Madok was standing up from the table and he looked rather pissed about how things were going, clearly from the look on his face.

Madok: You guys are dicking us around real hard, right now? You realize that right?

Nick looked startled at Madok. Nick didn't know if this was the right way to get things done and from the look on Madok's face he didn't know what the hell would happen next. Madok was passionate about his business meetings, too passionate, and sometimes would explode on the potential clients if they tried to hard ball him. He had been warned by Pence, but Nick had brushed it off, and had asked Madok to help anyway. Now, he was beginning to regret it. None of the five men representing APW seemed intimidated by the millionaire businessman and that worried him a great deal.

Madok: That first episode was golden! It was prime time! You guys know it, Nick knows it, and I know it...so stop trying hardball the master of hardball and lets get down to negotiations already!

Dayle: We can't negotiate if...

A ring on his cellphone caused Dayle to stop mid-sentence and reach into his pocket for his cell phone. Madok glared at him every second of the way as Dayle looked to see who was calling, and then before answering said:

Dayle: This is important...excuse me for one second.

Dayle got out of his leather office chair at the end of the huge table and made his way out of the room. Nick and Madok looked at each other and then right back at the other four. Nick didn't even know their names, but he knew they were big time. Well, he lied, he actually knew one of them as a high up member of the USA network, but he didn't know his name. Madok sat back down in his chair and began to spin around in circles, Nick could tell he was being quite impatient. Madok would stop spinning after a few seconds and then begin to speak quietly to Nick.

Madok: Completely unprofessional...who do they think they are signing? Mr. Dangerous?

Nick: Hey now! Mr. Dangerous is an awesome talent...

Madok chuckled and then shook his head as Dayle re-entered the room with a slightly frazzled look on his face. Dayle would take his seat and then fold his hands on the table in front of him.

Dayle: I was just on the phone with the Jeff...he said he rather enjoyed First Blood...though he said that he doesn't think it was worth being a pilot. He wants a new one done this week. And if you make that happen, then I'm allowed to make you a rather large deal, Mr. Watson. But until then, we have no business to do.

Madok: *disgruntled sigh* You know...I came all the way up here to talk business and now I'm getting told their is no business. If you were in my line of business, Dayle...I would eat you alive. Your business would be f***ing over. You hear me? Over.

Dayle: Mr. Mortalis...I'm gonna ask you to watch your language! I may look like some old man who is past his prime, but let me tell you something...I can still easily make your life a living hell. Now, do I make myself clear?

Nick put his hand over Madok's mouth as he was about to spout another angry retort.

Nick: Yes, we get it Dayle...thanks for seeing us.

The five men got up from the table and exited as Nick removed his hand from Madok's mouth. Madok glared at Nick as the scene cuts to the opening of the Sensational Show.

*End of Prologue*



*Nick's Hotel Room, A Few Hours Later*

The scene re-opens on Nick Watson walking in the front door, he looks exhausted, and doesn't look like he could walk another step. Nick drops his brief case, which was full of ideas for the show, on the floor, and nearly collapses. It has been a long day for the Sensational One and now all he can think about doing is drifting off to sleep. He begins to crawl toward the bed, when a pair of feet get in his way, causing him to look up, and notice that he is not alone. Pence Weatherlight stands above him, looking down on him, and chuckling.

Pence: I assume the meeting didn't go too well did it?

Nick: Not at all, the meeting went so bad that I think I may just have to shoot myself to save me the embarrassment.

Pence: What happened?

Pence sat down on a chair, conveniently placed close by, as Nick crawled on top of his bed, and sat down. He let out a long sigh as he began to explain things to Pence.

Nick: You know the new contract I have been wanting? Well...I can't have it until I actually shoot a real pilot episode.

Pence: I thought we already did, didn't we?

Nick: Apparently there is some kind of bi-law that I didn't know about that prevents me from using that particular footage which was shot with Dayle in it for "Reality" television purposes.

Pence: That sucks...but if you think you are just going to crawl into bed and sleep the rest of the day, you have another thing coming!

Nick: But...I...its been a long day! I would like to rest!

Pence: Rest is for those that have earned it! For the last few days you have been skimping out on training and today you are trying to do the same. And let me tell you, that is enough is enough! You are going to train, whether you like it or not! Now get up!

Grumbling in defiance, Nick stands up, and lets out an exasperated sigh before making his way to the front door with Pence in tow. They make their way to the stairs and begin to walk down toward the lobby, which is only a few floors below where Nick was staying, and after reaching the lobby, would hail a cab to drive off to some unknown facility. Pence continuously referred to the facility as being: "A Fantastic facility!". While Pence jabbers on about what type of training they were going to do that day, Nick's eyes look out the window at the city around the cab, and his mind drifts off to his match this week. A match against the man known as Michael Harris.

Last week, Michael had put to rest several thoughts in a lot of people's minds, he had set himself ahead of the pack, and has looked rather ready to rise up and become champion. However, Michael was very cocky, almost to the point of pure narcissism, and though he had some talent, his flaws were very apparent every time he wrestled in a match. Nick knew he would have to fight hard and keep his wits about him, because he knew that no matter what, Michael would come out, and give his all in the ring every single night. That was a good thing though. Nick wanted to beat competitors who went all out every night and not all out every once in a while and the mere thought of him having a chance at competing against a number one contender was enough to make his mouth salivate. What if he won this match? Well it would definitely give him a good nudge and maybe even a push in the right direction, that is for sure.

Pence: We're here!

Nick turned his attention back to the present as he put his dreams aside of what would happen if he won this week and turned his sight toward a weird looking building standing in the middle of two larger buildings.

Nick: This doesn't look like a gym.

Pence: That's because it isn't! Now come on, lets get you signed in.

Nick was confused by the last words Pence had used, but shook it off. For all he knew this could be some kind of hidden gym out in the middle of the city that barely anyone knew about and it required a sign in. So, shrugging his shoulders, and leaving the cab, Nick followed Pence toward the front door of the run down building. Pence opened the door and Nick entered as darkness and black lights greeted him. Pence walked in front of him, leading the way through the darkness, and toward a big man who looked like he could easily break him in half.

Pence: I have a new guy who is looking to try his luck tonight...

Pence said to the larger man as they both walked over to him. The larger man looked him over and then let out a laugh that sent a chill down Nick's spine. He began to become concerned as he realized Pence had said something about "trying his luck.", he didn't know what it meant, but something told him he wasn't going to like it. The big man nodded his head and then pointed over to a door which was obscured from view thanks to the darkness and Pence nodded his head.

Pence: Thank you...come on, Nick.

Nick who had been going over what the hell he was getting himself into was snapped back to reality, but Pence who tugged on his sleeve, and pulled him over to the door. Nick and Pence entered the door and that is when Nick began to hear cheering and jeering. He had no clue what it meant, but he had a bad feeling in his gut.

Pence: Alright, try not to be intimidated. I will be rooting for you.

Nick: Wait one damn minute! What the hell have you gotten me into!?

That was when a double door opened on the other side of the room they were now in. A room Nick had ignored because he was quite a bit confused as to what was going on, and from this door emerged a man on a stretcher and several medical workers bringing him along. The man growled in pain and Nick got a good look at him as horror passed across Nick's face.

Pence: Hey now...don't be worried about that guy. He is not half as talented as you.

Nick: What the hell...happened to that guy?

Woman's voice: Next?

Turning to look at the door, Nick could see one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and then looked back at Pence who nudged him forward.

Pence: Good luck!

He shouted after Nick who was pulled by the young lady out into the middle of a cheering crowd circled around a caged in ring. Nick knew instantly what Pence had gotten him into and to be honest, he was not looking forward to it in the least.

Nick: I swear to God if I live through this I'm going to beat his ass.

Woman: You say something?

Nick: Oh no! Nothing!

The crowd jeered at him, saying stuff, and calling him names and Nick just looked around thinking he was going to get mugged at any second. Finally they reached the cage and the young lady opened the door to it. Letting Nick step inside with a fearful look on his face. On the other side of the ring stood a seven foot Goliath and he didn't look like the type of guy you would want to meet in a dark alley. Nick was tempted to bolt, but then turned around to see that the door to the cage had been sealed again. A referee, a shady looking guy who didn't have anything on, but a shirt walked over to him and then announced.

Referee: It looks like we have fresh meat for Mongo!

Mongo, the big man in the corner, who had his back turned to Nick, perked up at the mention of fresh meat, and turned to see Nick standing on the other side of the ring, dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Mongo let out a roar and Nick could smell the bad breath this guy had and almost fell down from the bad odor.

Referee: What's your name, kid?

Nick: Nick...Nick Watson...

Referee: Don't worry Nick...we will tell your next of kin you lived a good life.

Nick took a deep gulp as the ref walked over to Mongo and began to talk to him. Nick took a deep breath and then as the bell rung all of suddenly he found himself being bum rushed by the big man. The scene cuts on Nick looking on as the man rushes him. A logo stating: "TO BE CONTINUED" popping up across the screen on a still shot of Nick's frightened face.

*TO BE CONTINUED*



*Pre-Recorded Message*

The scene comes back to life on Nick sitting in a chair in his hotel room, looking straight at the camera, and looking quite a bit better than he did the week before. He begins to speak to the camera, making sure to take his time.

Nick: Last week, I battled Blade again, and walked out triumphantly. Sure, the match didn't go as I wanted and sure, I didn't win the way I had wanted to, but none the less...a win is a win. It was difficult, it was a challenge, but yet I pulled ahead and claimed the victory through adversity. I proved something last week, to which there is no question, and that is I'm capable of surprising even the most seasoned of veterans in this business. I surprised Blade with that quick roll up and I surprised myself by how much I have learned over these past few weeks under Pence's tutelage. I won't lie and take all the credit for myself, because that win last week was only obtainable through the training and abstract methods that Pence uses. So, I would like to start this little speech off with a big thank you to my mentor, and with a promise that I will try to learn anything I possibly can from him.

Now that, that item of business has been taken care of, I would like to focus on the things at hand...namely my opponent for this week, Michael Harris. Now, some would say Harris is a big time star who is making his way through the APW roster, and I would tell you that is absolutely true. He is a hard worker and clearly deserves every bit of the opportunity he is getting at Mayhem to win a championship. Without question, this guy has game, and he is not one to shy away from a bit of self-promoting non-sense. Like last week...when he proclaimed himself to be better than everyone. That there is no one equal to him in talent, ability, or skill ceiling. Now, I'm not going to brag, or anything like that, but I do believe that when someone proclaims himself to be the best, shouldn't he win against every foe? Wasn't it only a few weeks ago, when he lost to C.J. Gates. I was under the assumption that "the best" meant that he had no equal. Am I wrong? Its a perplexing thought, really...I don't know how to look at it, but it doesn't change the fact that you lost, Harris. Now, you can chop that up to luck, or to foul reffing, but in the end all that makes you look like is an egotistical prick.

Nick pauses and nods his head before waving his hands in front of his face.

Nick: Sure, you are talented, and what not, but what does all that talent mean when you can't even be humble in the slightest? You have no respect for the athletes who came before you, your colleagues, or even the future generations of athletes that will sooner or later make their way into the business. Its like, biting the hand that feeds or shitting in the place you eat...I don't know if that last one was the right analogy, since I've only heard that one a few times, but it doesn't matter. The point I'm trying to make is...what do any of your victories mean if you have no one to care about it. You leave yourself in such a precarious position because of your personality, your approach to wrestling has allowed you so far to become a big name, without question, but at the end of the day...you go home...and there is no one there to share your celebration with. And this is because you are the way you are. You see, I was like you once...I was a dick. I treated everyone like garbage, but I learned...I made adjustments to the person that I am today and now, I have friends...colleagues...and the respect of generations. I've never been happier than I am now, sure I don't have a fancy smancy title shot at Mayhem. Sure, I don't have the qualifications that you do to be a champion yet, but at least...I feel better. You, you're just...an asshole.

See some people, just don't have the right approach to wrestling, and can't admit their own short comings. They don't have the ability to cope with defeat in a rational manner and that's you dead on. You don't have the right approach, you scream that you're the best, but all I see is a man just like me, but at the same time so different. Maybe if I hadn't made the changes to myself...I would be like you. Maybe I would be the most arrogant athlete in APW today, but that doesn't matter, because that's all about "What ifs..."

Nick pauses and then continues after clearing his throat.

Nick: All that matters right now, is our match, and sure to you I may just be another stepping stone, or just some guy who you are going to easily beat the hell out of. But, maybe I'm not what you think I am, maybe you aren't the best athlete in APW, maybe, and this may just be a thought...but maybe I may have the talent necessary to win this match this Thursday. You see, to me...this match...is so much more than just a stepping stone. This is THE MATCH, I have to win this match, and its not because it will cement me in a title picture in the future, oh no...its more than that! This match, is about setting the record straight. That I can win consistently. That the fans can believe in me. Sure, I could be like you, and be overconfident. Believe, whatever I want to believe, but that would be the foolish way to look at things.

I know what I'm getting myself into, I know what I have to do to win, and I know that this Thursday, I have to bring it all to the table. All of my talent and ability and I have to win. You see...no matter what, you have your title shot at Mayhem after this match, without a doubt nothing that happens this week will change that. As for me, I don't have an amazing match coming up for a title, and that means that I have to win big on Thursday or I will get nothing at Mayhem, and that is what I intend to do! Thursday is a judge of what I will be doing at Mayhem and I intend to have a match high up in the card and not some dark match filler that will be forgotten with the times. To get that sort of match, I have to prove I'm a winner, and triumph over a talented athlete, and that is what I intend to do. Sure, you probably don't believe I can do it, but that will be your downfall. Much like many athletes before you, you are allowing your arrogance and pride to blind you. Level One did it when Pence fought him years ago and this match may not be as on big of a scale as that match was, but it doesn't change the fact that much like Level One...you are going to lose. So for now, I leave you with a few words...don't underestimate me and don't brush me by like I'm not worth anything, because I promise you if you come down to the ring with the same attitude you've been sporting...I promise you won't be walking back with anything less than your ass in your hands, looking at me in the ring celebrating my victory! That's all for now, this is the Sensational One, saying...good night and good luck.

*END OF EPISODE 2*