Post by SalTal on Jul 2, 2010 11:34:47 GMT -4
Eight people. Seven of them I have to beat. It just doesn't get any easier as the weeks go on, does it? As if having to work with three of these loons to beat four of them wasn't hard enough, now I get to go it alone and go through three steps to win a title shot. Sure, I don't have to physically beat each and every one of the people in this tournament, but it's not made any easier if I have to beat someone who has already beat, say, the likely favorite before they face off with me. Far out, the more I think of it, the more I want to think about something else.
Like, maybe, that match last week. I really thought we had that won, guys! What happened? No one wanted to take my lead and, you know, take the fight to them? I guess a few of you were saving yourselves for this week? And the tournament? Because that's all that matters, right? Matches that have big rewards. Well not to me, and I'm very disappointed at having lost that match. I'm disappointed in myself, in the ref for letting all those shenanigans go on. But I'm mostly disappointed in the people I had to fight with. John Green, Blade, Criss Cassidy. I'm very disappointed in you. You might not care about the week-to-week OverDrives. But they mean a lot to me. It's a chance to forge a career and stand out ahead of the crowd. It's a chance to show all of my fans that if they turn up to see me wrestle, they can expect to see one heck of a match. And sure, Sally Talfourd fans saw another great match from your's truly, but they didn't get to go home with that warm, fuzzy feeling that seeing me win gives them.
It's almost like they've watched their favorite TV show and their favorite character has been killed off. And it feels like that for me, when I lose - feelings of grief.
I guess to get over that, I'll have to go through the five stages, right?
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Recorded the 2nd of July, 2010. Sally, reeling after her loss the previous weeks, comes to grips with her situation. She goes through her stages, her opponents, and her match over the week leading up to the all important Test For the Best tournament.
Starring: Sally Talfourd, Shane the Cameraman
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"Sally Talfourd presents ..."
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"In association with Action Packed Wrestling"
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"Happy Endings T.V."
is written across the background before it fades out to a black screen then
DENIAL
appears across the screen in big white letters, before fading out to find Sally sitting on a park bench in Assinboine Park, Winnipeg. How do you know? Because I just told you. She's there in her summer best, dressed conservatively though: A nice white dress down to her knees, a pair of flats for shoes, a pretty white shirt with pink trim, and a large pair of sunglasses to hide from all those adoring fans she has. She looks out over the fun times that everyone is having, before smiling at the camera.
[Sally] What a great day it is here in Winnipeg. I'm so glad that we've got the chance to come to one of my favorite cities in Canada. I really enjoy it whenever I come here. *Sally turns on the seat to face the camera beside her* Hi guys and girls, and welcome back to another fantastic episode of Happy Endings. I am, as always, your glorious host Sally Talfourd. And what an episode we have for you. It's going to be bigger and better than any episode yet. All because of last week.
[Shane] Last week?
[Sally] That's right Shane. Last week, my team and I were the clear winners of that match we were in and ...
[Shane] You know you lost, right Sally?
[Sally] Lost is such a hollow term, Shane. Who can really say who "won" and "lost *Sally quotes with her fingers* last week?
[Shane] Well, who got the pin?
[Sally] That would be Young Mannie, Shane.
[Shane] And was he on your team Sally?
[Sally] Well, no, but ...
[Shane] Then you lost.
[Sally] It's not that simple Shane ...
[Shane] It almost sounds like you're in denial Sally.
[Sally] Denial, Shane? I should have won last week. My team and I should have won. Did you see what happened? There's was at least one person on that team who knew what they were doing, and she put on one hell of a match. She knew what to do. She was smart enough to not get pinned. And yet, we still lost. As far as I'm concerned Shane, it did not happen. I didn't lose that match. I did everything I could other that do a whole Weekend at Bernie's thing with all of my teammates. You know, put strings around their wrists and that and make them wrestle. As far as I'm concerned, I won my match last week. And I'm going into this match stronger and tougher and with all the momentum that I had before this match.
[Shane] But Sally ...
[Sally] No Shane, not buts. That's what happened. The team got let down by someone else, not me. That person can wear the loss. But you see, I walked out a winner based not on who got a pin or not, but who walked out the better for having been in that match. My severe handicap going into Test For the Best was my time spent here. I hadn't bee here that long, I hadn't wrestled each of my opponents, and I hadn't had that much of a chance to scout them out, you know? That's something John Green or Biggs held over me. They'd been here for so long that they had seen everyone come and strut their stuff. Me? I was busy getting my affairs in order every week to give all my now opponents any more than some cursor attention.
But last week provided me the opportunity to see each and every one of my possible opponents in action. When I wasn't in the ring putting the fear of God into everyone's mind about having to face me, I was on the apron watching. Studying. Making sure I made a mental note of everyone's little quirks. What they favor, and what they don't. And I got a really good view of my own team as well. So I went in to that match at a loss, and while my team didn't pick up the win there, I won something a lot more valuable than a 'w' next to my name. I got information, I got knowledge, and I got the measure of everyone in my match. The winners and the losers. And, by my measure, there really is only one loser unfortunately.
Blade, how are you after last week? I am so sorry that you got pinned. I guess after carrying our team, and doing most of the work, I tried to save you but my favorite friend managed to stop me. But, it's not the worst thing. I guess it's the learning through tough love and all that. I mean, I learned not to be the one to get pinned in a tag team match after getting beat down for near on a year by my partner for having got pinned. And the bad part of you is that I saw what it took to take you out. And it took three of our opponents to take you down. I mean, why we didn't get the win there and then, I have no idea. But the person who got the pin on you ... Young Mannie? He's no world beater you know. I mean, I've already got a win over him. But he managed to get a win over you. Yeah you had been beat down, but what happened? Where's that last rally of strength? Where's that last burst of energy? If you can't get the job done, you get out of the ring. You can't wait on someone to save you. Because no one is going to save you in the tournament come Test For the Best. There's no one to break up you pin then and there. Of course, there's not going to be anyone to triple-team you. But you're going to walk out thinking it had.
I've got something to prove here. That a woman can win this tournament. And I'm going to have to come at you three times as hard and three times as fast as anyone else here. I'm smaller. And I'm weaker. But I am faster, and I am smarter. You look at any of my matches against the men here so far, and you'll see the perfect adapter. I don't go for the suplex, the lifts, the slams. I know it's not even worth it. I change things. I'll suck the energy out of you by making you move, by wearing you down through holds. Then I'll send you to the mat with the strikes and the kicks and the impact that I can bring. And then I won't work you over for the pin. No no, that will make the match longer than it needs to be. You'll realise, when you're down on the mat, that all those strikes and all those holds, they were my efforts to set you up to make you tap. I have delicate ears, and hearing the ref slam the mat three times hurts them. I'm more about hearing you submit - you tapping whatever you can get your hands on, or just yelling out in between your cries of pain.
All of a sudden a frisbee flies in between Sally and the camera. She jumps, all startled, and looks around. Behind her darts a young kid to fetch it. Off-shot, he picks it up and hurls it over Sally's head. It brushes her hair, and she starts to get a bit annoyed. She takes off her glasses, and her left eye ... it's twitching a little. Sally tries to smile, but it's obviously fake.
[Sally] Wow I love kids. With all their laughs and doing stuff. Like frisbees and that. That's just great. But you know ...
The frisbee is back! Bang! Right into the side of Sally's head. She hardly moves, smiles and looks over to the kid who has thrown it. She picks it up off her lap.
[Sally] Is this yours, my dear? *The kid nods* Maybe you want to be a little more careful, huh? *The kid shakes his head, snatches the frisbee and bolts. Sally looks back to the camera* Deep breaths, Sally. Deep breaths. Relax. Reeeelax. Where was I?
Bang! Frisbee into the camera.
[Sally] Right! That's it! Where is the little sh ...
ANGER
appears on the screen in big white letters. The screens fades away to Sally. New day, new setting, and new clothes. She's dressed quite professionally - a suit. She's just come from an interview with one of the popular magazines out there covering wrestling. As she comes in, she slams the door, and hard. She's got a bunch of papers with her which all get thrown clear across the room.
[Shane] I take it the interview went well then?
[Sally] Ha-ha Shane. Always the comedian.
[Shane] What happened then?
[Sally] What happened? What happened!? They thought it would be a great idea to talk about Test For the Best, didn't they?
[Shane] And that's bad, why?
[Sally] You didn't hear what they asked. Let me find it. *Sally searches the room for a particular piece of paper, finds it and whips it up to show the camera* They thought they'd go to an oh-so reputable website that supposedly "reports" on what's going on at APW and ask me about some rum ours going around.
[Shane] Oh. What were the rumors?
[Sally] I'll read it. *Sally looks to the sheet* 'Word is backstage at APW there's two clear favorites to win, according to the unnamed talent. Rumors backstage have it that everyone expects John Green to win the tournament, finding his form and going on to Shockwave this August for the title shot. The other name being floated around - though with a hushed tone so as to not get her attention - is Leila Farrahi. Her dominance and aggression in the ring, some say, are going to get her past the early stages with ease.'
[Shane] Is that it?
[Sally] Yes that's it. That's all the 'rumors' out there of who everyone thinks is going to win.
[Shane] What's wrong with that?
[Sally] It's bull! I've just been totally ignored, like I don't even matter. I didn't deserve that loss last week, and I sure as hell don't deserve to be treated like this. *Sally picks up the page again* 'Rumors backstage have it that everyone expects John Green to win the tournament, finding his form and going on to Shockwave this August for the title shot.' *Sally whips the paper around* The hell? John Green? Are you kidding me? And it gets even better Shane. *Sally whips up the paper again* 'The other name being floated around - though with a hushed tone so as to not get her attention - is Leila Farrahi. Her dominance and aggression in the ring, some say, are going to get her past the early stages of this competition with ease.' *Sally scrunches up the paper and throws it at the camera* Why are people talking about these two? I mean, sure. Talk about them all you want. About how one of them has been here since the inception of the company and, well, has amounted to less than he should have been. And then talk about how the other has only built a name for herself over the past year by breaking every rule in the book and giving an ounce of worry about it. I mean, if I were any of those, I'd be up for a career in the WWE.
[Shane] Angry much, Sally?
[Sally] Damn right I'm angry. What happened to respect in this industry? Here I am, one of the hardest workers this company has. One of the best talents this company has. One of the most attractive talents this company has, and no one is even giving me a second thought to being a serious contender. John Green has a name for himself here, and probably rightly so. He's won his title, he's been in Test For the Best before, and he's helped build this company up. And congratulations on him for doing this. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his and others efforts. I appreciate and respect his efforts. But, far out, isn't it time to let the new blood through? Isn't it time to make sure that the APW has people in the future to do what John Green did? He's in this tournament for what? To prove that he's still got it? Respect for this company and for this business would dictate that he opt out and let some fresh new face come up through the ranks, prove them self, and go on to Shockwave. Someone like, say, me. How long has the World title picture here been dominated by the same wrestlers? Let's go all the way back to March last year. Level-One is champion. Then Pence Weatherlight. Then Level-One ... again. Then, wait for it, Pence Weatherlight. And he's not the champion anymore because injury forced him out. So let's slot in Bryan Payne! A relatively fresh face. But who is breathing down his neck? That would be Level-One.
If I face John, what I'm going to show is, well, that there is a whole bunch of new talent here who can run with the ball. Beating Green means beating the most recognized competitor in this match other than the General Manager. If I manage to beat Green in any round, surely it goes to prove my point that there are people here who deserve a look in. Surely beating John means something serious? You beat John Green, you have to be recognized as a talent. I mean, it's not like you could do anything else here other than beat the champion them self. Because I've done most of everything you can in a company and I still haven't got anything like a nod of approval. I've beat the GM, and got nothing for it. I've beat the entire female roster, and got nothing for it. I've even run with the two people in the main event at Test For the Best and what did I get for it? Absolutely nothing! So maybe I have to beat John Green. It's not out of the question. And, if anything, it's not unlikely. So John, it's unfortunate, but I have to make an example with you. I have to go out there and prove that your time has passed, and mine is now. And the best way to make this whole tournament mean something it to take you out. If I don't get that opportunity, then I'll twice as easily beat the person who beat you. But if it's you and me facing off in a match, you'd best be ready to take everything I can throw at you. That might not mean much to you, me being a woman and all. But by the end of the match, when I've beat you, it will mean something. It won't just mean something, it will prove something. It will prove that you and your 'good old boy' club's time is up and that there's a new group, and new collection of talent here to show the world what they can do. And there's a new face to take the APW to heights that not you, not Level-One, and not Bryan Payne, can take it to. A victory over you will show that that person deserves the recognition and the respect that is due to a serious threat here at the APW. And that person should have been spoken about as a 'possible winner' of the tournament ...
[Shane] So let me get this right. You feel disrespected, and are all worked up, because one of the smark rags out there didn't say you could win the tournament?
[Sally] It's not that they didn't mention me, Shane. It's that they mentioned two of the competitors in this tournament that really don't deserve to be there. John's time is passed. Leila, well, let's look at her personal history. Total disrespect for this industry. *Sally counts one on her fingers* Total disrespect for this company. *Counts two* And total disrespect for her opponents. *Counts three* That's three reasons she doesn't deserved to be in this tournament. Three reasons she should be bounced out this company, I would say. She wants to change this company, clean it and shine it up to be this great and grand image of her own faith. She is the complete opposite to everything I stand for. I respect what's come before me, people like John's attempts to build a great and strong company. She doesn't. She calls those efforts a waste and a sin. I want to build on those efforts, contribute to the great future that this company has. Leila wants to erase it all, and do it alone. She wants this company to follow her. She wants it to follow her order. She wants a dictatorship, and she wants to be the dictator.
If Leila wins that title shot at Shockwave, she would hold the title and this company to ransom. No one would get a say. No one would get a showing. And no one would have a job after a year of her rule. Everyone needs to look at Leila, study what she says, and then ask them self "Is this really something that I can allow to happen?" I might not be lucky enough to face her until the final, should we both be on our A games. But no matter where I face her, I know that I'm not just fighting for a title shot against her. I'm fighting for the APW. And anyone else in this tournament who is stupid enough to not realise that those are the stakes against Leila is a fool. Listen to the insanity that she churns out! Listen to her last week, talking about 'be saved or be destroyed', messing with people's heads, calling me a whore! She's lost it, and she will drag everything down around her.
Sally takes some deep breaths, trying to calm herself down.
[Sally] Leila, you and me have a past. Last week, when I studied everyone in our match I hardly had to look at you. You do the same things in and out of the ring. You're still about pain, you're still about submission, and you're still controlled by your emotions. me, I might get angry out here, but you know as well as I do that when I get in the ring I'm as cool as a cucumber. I have 100% focus and 100% effort no matter who I'm facing. The thing is though, you and I have faced each other many times. I know what to focus on and I know where to put my efforts. I know what I have to do to get a pin against you. I know what to do to make you tap. And you know that I can do it. Think back to Mayhem. Think back to the PWA. Think about all the times you stood over me in victory. And then think about how I came back each and every time with an answer for you. Look at how, after all your attempts to put me out, I managed to get the final victory over you at Mayhem. I've got your measure, Leila. You can try and disguise your weaknesses, you can try to adapt, but it won't work. I know you know me, but the difference between us is that I have the years behind me to cover my ass when I need to. I can make sure that whatever you bring to the ring I can counter. And once we're past that, we're in a territory that's mine and mine only. You stop thinking, you stop emotions, and you run on instinct. You run on intuition. And I run on the bond I've formed between me, the ring, and you. I know what you're going to think before you think it. I know what you're going to do before you do it. And it's all predicated on your emotion. You only do something because you think it and feel it. If you're losing, you get more aggressive. And you get sloppy. If you're winning, you start getting cocky. And you expose your weaknesses. My emotions don't dictate what I do in the ring. And the certainly don't dictate how I feel about this company that I respect. You're run by your emotions, and they are oh-so predictable.
[Shane] Maybe you want to take a break Sally. You're getting a bit worked up.
Sally stares at the camera a moment longer. Intense and actually quite scary. She hasn't looked like this in a long, long time. But she breaks it off, casts a look to Shane.
[Sally] Oh yeah? And what do you want to do then?
[Shane] Go and get an early dinner?
[Sally] Where?
[Shane] Somewhere we can get a good steak.
[Sally] I'm thinking more about dessert at the moment.
[Shane] But dinner ...
[Sally] Ok, I'll make you a deal Shane ...
BARGAINING
appears across the screen in big white letters, before it and the screen fades out to find Sally and Shane sitting down to dinner. Their plates are empty, so it looks like we're spared the monotonous process of them eating. Sally wipes the corner of her mouth as Shane gets into position in what is really an intimate place for two people to be eating dinner. Sally looks to the camera with a smile, clearly moving on from her rage-o-rama before.
[Shane] So, Sally. You know, there's a bit of an elephant in the tournament.
[Sally] Look, Shane, I've been watching my weight as best I can. I've cut down on ...
[Shane] I'm talking about Biggs, Sally. And the little thing you have going with him?
[Sally] Oh! That makes more sense. Biggs! *Sally's face lights up for the first time this video* how are you? I bet you're happy this week after your win. Boy your spirits, and all? I'm glad I could be a part of that, you know, do my bit to make you happy. I hope Ellie took that ok and all. I mean, that's the second match we've been in. And Test For the Best could easily be the third. That's a lot of, you know, touchy-feely going on. More than I bet Ellie has been having with you. It's funny, you know. For weeks now you've talked about not wanting to hit me, not wanting to face me, and not wanting to hook up with me. I don't want any of those things either! Biggs, I don't want you to hit me, I just want to wrestle with you in our matches. There's plenty of ways to have a match without whacking a girl. I am pretty sure that's what wrestling is all about, anyway. And I don't want to face you either. I don't want to have to put you through everything that I do to get a victory. I don't want to have to pray on your weaknesses. And I really don't want to make you uncomfortable. If anything, I want to make you more comfortable. I want you to be able to relax around me and be yourself, you know? Not the on-edge, all business, Mr. Serious guy that we see whenever I come into the conversation. I just want to see you cool and relaxed. And, Biggs, I don't want to hook up with you. That is the last thing I want to do. Hooking up isn't my style. I'm a commitment kind of girl. I'm in things for the long term. maybe it's because I like long things *Sally winks at the camera* or maybe it's because I've got obsessive tendencies. But that's the deal. Hook ups aren't for me. And, if they're not for you, than that's just another sign that maybe there's something there between us ...
But there's something you said that hurt my feelings. I felt like I'd been thrown to the floor after throwing myself at you. Do you really think I'm more interested in flirting than winning? Biggs! Everything I do in this company, all the wins, all the effort, all of the extra ticket sales that I make, I do it to get your attention. I do it so that you notice! And what better way to get your attention, and keep it, than winning this tournament? Already you're thinking about me. Imagine if I get a guaranteed title shot at the next pay per view? You'll be thinking about me for weeks and weeks. You're thinking about this one match now while you're wrestling? Imagine how much you'll think of me when you have to book each week. You'll find my name on the page and each time you will think about this tournament, how I won it with the glamor and the prestige befitting of the Test For the Best winner. And what would be even better is if we did have to face each other.
I know you don't want to face me, and the last thing I would want if to make you do something you don't want to do - like marry a woman you clearly don't want to be with. I mean, if you have say it out loud week in and week out, it doesn't make it any truer. But, yeah, I don't want you to have to do something you don't want to. But this is something I really want. Realllly want. Each week we've faced each other, we've put on a great match. That first week, even you're still talking about it. And that match last week, that's still on everyone's mind. Imagine how good it will be if we have to face each other in the tournament? When you're fighting to prove you're not just a good GM these days. And I'm out trying to prove that a woman can actually win this thing? We're both going to be on our A game, doing our best, not giving an inch. We will put on the best match of the tournament! It won't matter if it's the first round, or the next, or the finals. Whatever. Our match is going to be something that everyone remembers. I know I won't forget another chance to get all physical with you Biggs. And I bet Ellie won't either.
The thing is, how physical is it going to get? Have you got over your whole 'I don't fight women' thing completely? Or when it comes to that moment, when you've beat me down and I'm lying there with nothing left to defend myself with. Are you the sort of man who will go t hat bit further, keep on beating on me. Keep on hitting a defenseless woman? I've seen you, I've heard you, and I don't believe you. I know you think you will do whatever it takes. But will you? Will you forsake your reputation, your morals, your ethics, even your own beliefs, to simply win this tournament? Me and my reputation, morals, ethics, and beliefs let me. I'm happy with myself, and I'm happy with what I have to do to win this tournament. I don't need to convince myself that I'll beat on with someone I don't want to. I don't have to put what I normally do on hold just to win this tournament. I just do what got me on a winning track for five weeks to start my winning streak again. So while you're trying to figure out how to do everything you don't know how to do, I'm just going to do my normal thing. You'll be in a place you are totally unfamiliar in, and I'll be all the more comfortable. So it will just be like in real life: You all awkward, and me taking the lead. And, just like in real life, you'll capitulate and come around eventually, and I'll get to take the Bigg prize home.
So I'll make a deal with you, Biggs. I'll make a bit of a bargain. If we have a match, if we have to face each other, I won't make it any harder on you than it has to be. I won't play on your emotions which are so obviously there. I won't mess with your head. I won't even make you do things that you don't absolutely have to.And if I lose, that's how things will stay. They will be normal, they will be comfortable, and they won't be strange at all. But if I win, then I get a favor. Nothing too over-the-top or outlandish. In fact, I won't even make you do it. I want Ellie. I want her laudable managerial services for a week. Just one week of my choosing. Who could possibly get hurt in that? I mean, it's not like I'm forcing myself on you, and I'm not making you do something you don't want. And it might all be for not point. I mean, we might not even get a match. But if we do, that's the deal I want to make with you Biggs. Have a think about it and get back to me.
[Shane] So you don't have much to say about Biggs then?
[Sally] Still funny, Shane. I really need to check your contract and see if 'comedic relief' is part of your duties.
[Shane] Comedic relief? Sort of like your match last week?
Sally stops and looks up at Shane. That loss last week really hurt her. I mean, if you went into that match as confident as she did, it would hurt you too. Maybe that was her weakness last week - expecting to win. Putting too much value in the result, and not enough in the process. That's what a match really should be about: the process. It's about learning something. And she did learn a lot, like she said earlier. But she's still put a lot of importance in that 'w' at the end of the night. Her whole face, after that comment from Shane, shows that it really hurt her. She folds up her napkin.
[Sally] That was a bit far, Shane.
She stands up from the seat as Shane is left there to figure out what just happened. He follows her out with the camera and, as she walks out the door and turn to walk down the streets of Winnipeg, we see a hand go up to her eye to wipe away at her eye.
DEPRESSION
appears on the screen, of course in big white letters. It fades out to find Sally now sitting alone backstage at the MTS Centre. She's in the canteen area, and has a salad (healthy, non-fattening) in front of her. But it's hardly been touched. Sally's mind is elsewhere.
[Shane] Here you are Sally.
[Sally] Here I am.
Sally picks up her fork from her salad and waves it around in her fingers as if to celebrate. Of course, this is all with very little effort.
[Shane] Look, about the other night ...
[Sally] Oh, don't worry about it.
[Shane] You look like you're worried about it though.
[Sally] No, it's not that ...
[Shane] What's wrong Sally?
Sally looks to the camera, no smile or anything this time. She's looking a little down, shoulders slumped and all that.
[Sally] This match is what's wrong. Eight people, each with every chance of being able to go on and beat the World champion - whoever it might be - and only one of us is getting that opportunity. It's sad, you know, that even though all of us deserve this opportunity only one of us gets it. It puts the whole cut-throat nature of this business into perspective. That you can work hard for weeks, work your ass off to get into a tournament, and put your everything into getting all the way to the end of this tournament, and only the winner of that one match gets a shot at glory? It's disappointing that only one person gets this shot. I mean, I know I deserve it. I've worked so hard to get here, to get this opportunity. My whole career has lead me to here. And for ten weeks, I've been coming into the APW and giving it my all. To win this tournament would be like a dream for me. And then to go on to headline Shockwave would be beyond anything I would have thought possible. But I'm not the only one who thinks that. I bet everyone in this match has worked hard, and has put in their most, and has dreamed of main eventing one of the pay per views at APW with a title on the line ...
[Shane] That's the nature of the business. There can only be one champion. There's only one belt.
[Sally] I guess so. I guess that's what makes the whole thing prestigious. But it's not particularly fair. I mean, take Shaun Kilgore for example. He might have an ounce of respect for me, so maybe that colors my view. He's quite the talent. I mean, he knows how to talk and he knows how to walk. When it was him and me in the ring last week, we were both getting the best out of each other. He was by far one of the stand outs of that team. He showed that he deserves some sort of position in the company. And yet, I have to beat him. I'm supposed to make him look worse than me, crush his confidence, and show that only one of us deserves that title shot. In realty, everyone in this match probably deserves it. And yet, only one of us can do it. So I have to go out there and make me look better than each and every one of my opponents. It's not the easiest thing, either, especially someone like Shaun. The guy has skill and he's got talent. I guess I just have to show the world over that I've got more. I've got the brains to use the whole ring to my advantage. From the mat to the air, I can do it. I'm not some generic "I can do everything" wrestler. I'm actually a proven talent. Technically, I'm masterful. I'm fast. Yeah, I'm not strong, but there's enough ways to get a win without beating a guy down. I mean, let's look at how effective Shaun's advantages were against Leila, shall we?
I mean, you can pretty much get a good compare with that match. Leila isn't much different - size-wise - compared to me. Shaun had all his advantages then and there. And he couldn't get the win. I'm a far better wrestler than Leila. I'm more focused, I'm more adept. I'm just better than her. And luck or not, Shaun couldn't get the win over her. She picked him apart like a cooked turkey. And I'll do the same. Arms, legs, shoulders, knees. They all look good to me. And That's what I'm going to go for, Shaun. It's not a secret. I don't have an alternative. But the thing is, I'd be doing this if we were weight-for-weight. I'll be your Chip on the Shoulder by the end of the match, and you'll be tapping in no time. It's unfair, because only one of us gets to go on. But that's the situation. That is, as Shane said, the nature of this business. And I know exactly what I have to do to get a win over you to make it to the final. Or to win this tournament. Whatever our situation might well be. I know what I have to do, and I'll do it. If only one of us is getting to the end, Shaun, I know who it's going to be. I know it's going to be me. Not you, me. This match is what I've been working towards since I qualified, and an opportunity like this is what I've been working towards since the first day I got here. I'm not letting our possible match get in the way. I'm not going to let you take away everything I've sweated and worked and scrambled for. You might have a simple tag team match win over me, but if we have to face one-on-one, it's not going to end how you say it's going to. That's a contest of skill and talent. And, at the end of the night, I know that I have more skill and more talent than you could hope for that's just something you're going to have to go ahead and accept.
ACCEPTANCE
appears on the screen, for the last time in big white letters. The screen fades away and comes back on Sally Talfourd. She's all decked out for her match, which is always eye-catching. She's in the locker room which is cleared out. There's a mess of clothes and accessories and product all around her, but still enough room for her to be stretching out. At the moment she's sitting on the floor to stretch out her legs.
[Shane] Last hour before the match Sally. What are your thoughts going into this massive night?
Sally doesn't look depressed or angry. She's not worked up, she's not in some state of denial. Actually, she's calm. Peaceful. As if she's come to accept everything - her loss last week, people over-looking her, her handicaps, her advantages. All of it. She's accepted it. She's in the zone, as she would say. She finishes up her stretch, hops up to her feet, and shakes out her hands before she looks to the camera.
[Sally] My thought are simple Shane. I've been thinking about the match all week. Now I've stopped. There's nothing that more thinking or worrying or raging can do. It's time to accept this match for what it's worth. It's a once a year - maybe once a career - shot. The title of Test For the Best winner, the title shot at Shockwave, and the chance to become the World Heavyweight champion. It should be nerve-racking. It should have everyone worried and scared. But not me. I'm past that. I've gone through my emotions just so that they're in check for my matches. I'm not being led around by my feelings. I'm Sally Talfourd. I deserve to be here, and I'm going to do my best. I know what I have to do to win this tournament. I have to beat each and every person in this match. That means taking out Young Mannie all over again. This might be the third week in a row that we've faced each other. And the records will show that that we're one for one. But that first win that I got over him tells the real story. He couldn't pin me then, and he couldn't pin me last week. He had to use the rest of his team to edge out a victory. Well there's no team this week. There's no Red Shield Mafia to help you out. It might just be you and me, Mannie. And in a wrestling match, I have it hands down.
You're all about your drugs? Getting stoned and what have you. What sort of image is that? And what on Earth do you think that brings to a match? I'll tell you. Diluted talent, a lack of speed, and wasted opportunity. You go and get high while I go and train. While I go and make sure I'm doing everything I need to to win the match. I really hope we don't have to face each other. Not because you stand a chance of beating me, but because I don't want to embarrass you and make you look like a fool. Chet Watkins was your saving grace two weeks ago. And you somehow convinced your team to let you get the pin last week. If you have to face me, you'll have no excuse for your performance. That's something you're going to have to accept. I am two steps ahead of you. I've thought about what I'm going to do to you, when I'm going to do it, and how I'm going to get it done. I've thought over and over again about each of our opponents, and you've not been forgotten. Mannie, if you have to face me, you need to accept that I'm better and rather than trying to come in and do something you can't, you just need to put in a solid ten, fifteen minutes to make sure that you at least make me work up a sweat.
Speaking of a sweat, it looks like Sally's starting to get one now. She grabs one of her towels, pats down her face so as to not ruin her meticulously applied make-up. She tosses it back on the pile she's got going before looking to the camera.
[Sally] And Criss Cassidy. God's own second coming. I'm all for people having a faith. I have my own. And it's different to yours. The thing is, I don't go forcing it on everyone. I don't like Leila doing it and, surprise surprise, I don't like you doing it. And besides, if this was the second coming I would expect a bit more fanfare. Not a washed-out basketball player who all of a sudden thinks that because he served hard time and because he was in good shape, he can be a wrestler. It takes more than that to be good at what we do. And being good isn't even enough to win a tournament like this. You need dedication to this sport. Your faith needs to be wrestling. Your beliefs have to be in your sport. You need to breath this business. And you? I hear you talking about God's own, and how you're the next holy thing to step in the ring. Unless He *Sally points up* has a wager on your match with Satan, I highly doubt He's worried if you get a win or a loss. Let's be frank: With all the crap that's going on in the world, God doesn't really care if you win or lose. He probably cares if you survive your match or not, or get really hurt or not. But your win/loss column probably doesn't figure on God's ledger book.
So it comes down not to faith, but to skill and talent. What have you got that I can't handle? What do you bring to a match that is anything special? You, too, need to be ready to accept the fact that if you have to step into the ring against me, then you stand less of a chance than most others. Your time will come, Criss. Maybe it will be announced like the coming of Jesus himself. But as far as you and I are concerned, if we have to match up then the Son of God you will not be. Or maybe you are, and God just has a preference to see women get their due in this world. Either way, there's little chance you can match me move for move. Hit for hit, maybe. But in actual wrestling, in its truest form, I am ahead of you. You can't beat experience, and I have years behind me. Too many for you to believe. I can tell you this though: I was wrestling before you robbed that house that sent you to jail. So that's what you, and everyone, has to contend with this tournament. Skills forged through experience. Not gifted to me by some higher power, but skills I developed fighting, working, struggling my way to the top. I don't have any notions that I'm better than people here simply because I hold a belief. I'm better than people because I'm experienced, because of my skill, and because I have simply worked my ass off to get to where I am. I've paid my dues, and I'm paying them here at the APW. You're taking your first breath. And that is something you need to accept as being your weakness this tournament.
[Shane] You know what Sally? We should probably end that there.
[Sally] Good think Shane. I need to get centred, find my zone and all.
[Shane] Actually, because I'm running out of memory. But it's been a really good week.
[Sally] Thanks Shane.
[Shane] Sally, you've got this in the bag. It doesn't matter about favorites or who thinks what. If you go out there and do your best, no one on their best night can match you.
[Sally] Awww. Thank-you Shane. I'm really feeling 'it' for this match. Anything that happened before doesn't matter. It's just about tonight. Taking each match as it comes. I only have to beat a handful of people, and some of them I've already beat. I'm going to leave it all out there for my fans, for APW, and for myself. At least I can't be accused of not trying enough. *Sally has a moment to herself, then looks to the camera with a genuine smile* Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you're as excited for Test For the Best as much as I am. I hope I do you proud. And, truth be told, I hope I win. Get out there and cheer for me! This has been Sally Talfourd and this is you Happy Ending.
Sally blows a kiss to the camera, winks and grins. She gives a slight wave as the camera fades out to a black screen, then
"Sally Talfourd"
is handwritten across the screen, in purple. Before it fades out and the episode comes to a close.
Like, maybe, that match last week. I really thought we had that won, guys! What happened? No one wanted to take my lead and, you know, take the fight to them? I guess a few of you were saving yourselves for this week? And the tournament? Because that's all that matters, right? Matches that have big rewards. Well not to me, and I'm very disappointed at having lost that match. I'm disappointed in myself, in the ref for letting all those shenanigans go on. But I'm mostly disappointed in the people I had to fight with. John Green, Blade, Criss Cassidy. I'm very disappointed in you. You might not care about the week-to-week OverDrives. But they mean a lot to me. It's a chance to forge a career and stand out ahead of the crowd. It's a chance to show all of my fans that if they turn up to see me wrestle, they can expect to see one heck of a match. And sure, Sally Talfourd fans saw another great match from your's truly, but they didn't get to go home with that warm, fuzzy feeling that seeing me win gives them.
It's almost like they've watched their favorite TV show and their favorite character has been killed off. And it feels like that for me, when I lose - feelings of grief.
I guess to get over that, I'll have to go through the five stages, right?
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Recorded the 2nd of July, 2010. Sally, reeling after her loss the previous weeks, comes to grips with her situation. She goes through her stages, her opponents, and her match over the week leading up to the all important Test For the Best tournament.
Starring: Sally Talfourd, Shane the Cameraman
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"In association with Action Packed Wrestling"
is next to appear, holds, then fades out for
"Happy Endings T.V."
is written across the background before it fades out to a black screen then
DENIAL
appears across the screen in big white letters, before fading out to find Sally sitting on a park bench in Assinboine Park, Winnipeg. How do you know? Because I just told you. She's there in her summer best, dressed conservatively though: A nice white dress down to her knees, a pair of flats for shoes, a pretty white shirt with pink trim, and a large pair of sunglasses to hide from all those adoring fans she has. She looks out over the fun times that everyone is having, before smiling at the camera.
[Sally] What a great day it is here in Winnipeg. I'm so glad that we've got the chance to come to one of my favorite cities in Canada. I really enjoy it whenever I come here. *Sally turns on the seat to face the camera beside her* Hi guys and girls, and welcome back to another fantastic episode of Happy Endings. I am, as always, your glorious host Sally Talfourd. And what an episode we have for you. It's going to be bigger and better than any episode yet. All because of last week.
[Shane] Last week?
[Sally] That's right Shane. Last week, my team and I were the clear winners of that match we were in and ...
[Shane] You know you lost, right Sally?
[Sally] Lost is such a hollow term, Shane. Who can really say who "won" and "lost *Sally quotes with her fingers* last week?
[Shane] Well, who got the pin?
[Sally] That would be Young Mannie, Shane.
[Shane] And was he on your team Sally?
[Sally] Well, no, but ...
[Shane] Then you lost.
[Sally] It's not that simple Shane ...
[Shane] It almost sounds like you're in denial Sally.
[Sally] Denial, Shane? I should have won last week. My team and I should have won. Did you see what happened? There's was at least one person on that team who knew what they were doing, and she put on one hell of a match. She knew what to do. She was smart enough to not get pinned. And yet, we still lost. As far as I'm concerned Shane, it did not happen. I didn't lose that match. I did everything I could other that do a whole Weekend at Bernie's thing with all of my teammates. You know, put strings around their wrists and that and make them wrestle. As far as I'm concerned, I won my match last week. And I'm going into this match stronger and tougher and with all the momentum that I had before this match.
[Shane] But Sally ...
[Sally] No Shane, not buts. That's what happened. The team got let down by someone else, not me. That person can wear the loss. But you see, I walked out a winner based not on who got a pin or not, but who walked out the better for having been in that match. My severe handicap going into Test For the Best was my time spent here. I hadn't bee here that long, I hadn't wrestled each of my opponents, and I hadn't had that much of a chance to scout them out, you know? That's something John Green or Biggs held over me. They'd been here for so long that they had seen everyone come and strut their stuff. Me? I was busy getting my affairs in order every week to give all my now opponents any more than some cursor attention.
But last week provided me the opportunity to see each and every one of my possible opponents in action. When I wasn't in the ring putting the fear of God into everyone's mind about having to face me, I was on the apron watching. Studying. Making sure I made a mental note of everyone's little quirks. What they favor, and what they don't. And I got a really good view of my own team as well. So I went in to that match at a loss, and while my team didn't pick up the win there, I won something a lot more valuable than a 'w' next to my name. I got information, I got knowledge, and I got the measure of everyone in my match. The winners and the losers. And, by my measure, there really is only one loser unfortunately.
Blade, how are you after last week? I am so sorry that you got pinned. I guess after carrying our team, and doing most of the work, I tried to save you but my favorite friend managed to stop me. But, it's not the worst thing. I guess it's the learning through tough love and all that. I mean, I learned not to be the one to get pinned in a tag team match after getting beat down for near on a year by my partner for having got pinned. And the bad part of you is that I saw what it took to take you out. And it took three of our opponents to take you down. I mean, why we didn't get the win there and then, I have no idea. But the person who got the pin on you ... Young Mannie? He's no world beater you know. I mean, I've already got a win over him. But he managed to get a win over you. Yeah you had been beat down, but what happened? Where's that last rally of strength? Where's that last burst of energy? If you can't get the job done, you get out of the ring. You can't wait on someone to save you. Because no one is going to save you in the tournament come Test For the Best. There's no one to break up you pin then and there. Of course, there's not going to be anyone to triple-team you. But you're going to walk out thinking it had.
I've got something to prove here. That a woman can win this tournament. And I'm going to have to come at you three times as hard and three times as fast as anyone else here. I'm smaller. And I'm weaker. But I am faster, and I am smarter. You look at any of my matches against the men here so far, and you'll see the perfect adapter. I don't go for the suplex, the lifts, the slams. I know it's not even worth it. I change things. I'll suck the energy out of you by making you move, by wearing you down through holds. Then I'll send you to the mat with the strikes and the kicks and the impact that I can bring. And then I won't work you over for the pin. No no, that will make the match longer than it needs to be. You'll realise, when you're down on the mat, that all those strikes and all those holds, they were my efforts to set you up to make you tap. I have delicate ears, and hearing the ref slam the mat three times hurts them. I'm more about hearing you submit - you tapping whatever you can get your hands on, or just yelling out in between your cries of pain.
All of a sudden a frisbee flies in between Sally and the camera. She jumps, all startled, and looks around. Behind her darts a young kid to fetch it. Off-shot, he picks it up and hurls it over Sally's head. It brushes her hair, and she starts to get a bit annoyed. She takes off her glasses, and her left eye ... it's twitching a little. Sally tries to smile, but it's obviously fake.
[Sally] Wow I love kids. With all their laughs and doing stuff. Like frisbees and that. That's just great. But you know ...
The frisbee is back! Bang! Right into the side of Sally's head. She hardly moves, smiles and looks over to the kid who has thrown it. She picks it up off her lap.
[Sally] Is this yours, my dear? *The kid nods* Maybe you want to be a little more careful, huh? *The kid shakes his head, snatches the frisbee and bolts. Sally looks back to the camera* Deep breaths, Sally. Deep breaths. Relax. Reeeelax. Where was I?
Bang! Frisbee into the camera.
[Sally] Right! That's it! Where is the little sh ...
ANGER
appears on the screen in big white letters. The screens fades away to Sally. New day, new setting, and new clothes. She's dressed quite professionally - a suit. She's just come from an interview with one of the popular magazines out there covering wrestling. As she comes in, she slams the door, and hard. She's got a bunch of papers with her which all get thrown clear across the room.
[Shane] I take it the interview went well then?
[Sally] Ha-ha Shane. Always the comedian.
[Shane] What happened then?
[Sally] What happened? What happened!? They thought it would be a great idea to talk about Test For the Best, didn't they?
[Shane] And that's bad, why?
[Sally] You didn't hear what they asked. Let me find it. *Sally searches the room for a particular piece of paper, finds it and whips it up to show the camera* They thought they'd go to an oh-so reputable website that supposedly "reports" on what's going on at APW and ask me about some rum ours going around.
[Shane] Oh. What were the rumors?
[Sally] I'll read it. *Sally looks to the sheet* 'Word is backstage at APW there's two clear favorites to win, according to the unnamed talent. Rumors backstage have it that everyone expects John Green to win the tournament, finding his form and going on to Shockwave this August for the title shot. The other name being floated around - though with a hushed tone so as to not get her attention - is Leila Farrahi. Her dominance and aggression in the ring, some say, are going to get her past the early stages with ease.'
[Shane] Is that it?
[Sally] Yes that's it. That's all the 'rumors' out there of who everyone thinks is going to win.
[Shane] What's wrong with that?
[Sally] It's bull! I've just been totally ignored, like I don't even matter. I didn't deserve that loss last week, and I sure as hell don't deserve to be treated like this. *Sally picks up the page again* 'Rumors backstage have it that everyone expects John Green to win the tournament, finding his form and going on to Shockwave this August for the title shot.' *Sally whips the paper around* The hell? John Green? Are you kidding me? And it gets even better Shane. *Sally whips up the paper again* 'The other name being floated around - though with a hushed tone so as to not get her attention - is Leila Farrahi. Her dominance and aggression in the ring, some say, are going to get her past the early stages of this competition with ease.' *Sally scrunches up the paper and throws it at the camera* Why are people talking about these two? I mean, sure. Talk about them all you want. About how one of them has been here since the inception of the company and, well, has amounted to less than he should have been. And then talk about how the other has only built a name for herself over the past year by breaking every rule in the book and giving an ounce of worry about it. I mean, if I were any of those, I'd be up for a career in the WWE.
[Shane] Angry much, Sally?
[Sally] Damn right I'm angry. What happened to respect in this industry? Here I am, one of the hardest workers this company has. One of the best talents this company has. One of the most attractive talents this company has, and no one is even giving me a second thought to being a serious contender. John Green has a name for himself here, and probably rightly so. He's won his title, he's been in Test For the Best before, and he's helped build this company up. And congratulations on him for doing this. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his and others efforts. I appreciate and respect his efforts. But, far out, isn't it time to let the new blood through? Isn't it time to make sure that the APW has people in the future to do what John Green did? He's in this tournament for what? To prove that he's still got it? Respect for this company and for this business would dictate that he opt out and let some fresh new face come up through the ranks, prove them self, and go on to Shockwave. Someone like, say, me. How long has the World title picture here been dominated by the same wrestlers? Let's go all the way back to March last year. Level-One is champion. Then Pence Weatherlight. Then Level-One ... again. Then, wait for it, Pence Weatherlight. And he's not the champion anymore because injury forced him out. So let's slot in Bryan Payne! A relatively fresh face. But who is breathing down his neck? That would be Level-One.
If I face John, what I'm going to show is, well, that there is a whole bunch of new talent here who can run with the ball. Beating Green means beating the most recognized competitor in this match other than the General Manager. If I manage to beat Green in any round, surely it goes to prove my point that there are people here who deserve a look in. Surely beating John means something serious? You beat John Green, you have to be recognized as a talent. I mean, it's not like you could do anything else here other than beat the champion them self. Because I've done most of everything you can in a company and I still haven't got anything like a nod of approval. I've beat the GM, and got nothing for it. I've beat the entire female roster, and got nothing for it. I've even run with the two people in the main event at Test For the Best and what did I get for it? Absolutely nothing! So maybe I have to beat John Green. It's not out of the question. And, if anything, it's not unlikely. So John, it's unfortunate, but I have to make an example with you. I have to go out there and prove that your time has passed, and mine is now. And the best way to make this whole tournament mean something it to take you out. If I don't get that opportunity, then I'll twice as easily beat the person who beat you. But if it's you and me facing off in a match, you'd best be ready to take everything I can throw at you. That might not mean much to you, me being a woman and all. But by the end of the match, when I've beat you, it will mean something. It won't just mean something, it will prove something. It will prove that you and your 'good old boy' club's time is up and that there's a new group, and new collection of talent here to show the world what they can do. And there's a new face to take the APW to heights that not you, not Level-One, and not Bryan Payne, can take it to. A victory over you will show that that person deserves the recognition and the respect that is due to a serious threat here at the APW. And that person should have been spoken about as a 'possible winner' of the tournament ...
[Shane] So let me get this right. You feel disrespected, and are all worked up, because one of the smark rags out there didn't say you could win the tournament?
[Sally] It's not that they didn't mention me, Shane. It's that they mentioned two of the competitors in this tournament that really don't deserve to be there. John's time is passed. Leila, well, let's look at her personal history. Total disrespect for this industry. *Sally counts one on her fingers* Total disrespect for this company. *Counts two* And total disrespect for her opponents. *Counts three* That's three reasons she doesn't deserved to be in this tournament. Three reasons she should be bounced out this company, I would say. She wants to change this company, clean it and shine it up to be this great and grand image of her own faith. She is the complete opposite to everything I stand for. I respect what's come before me, people like John's attempts to build a great and strong company. She doesn't. She calls those efforts a waste and a sin. I want to build on those efforts, contribute to the great future that this company has. Leila wants to erase it all, and do it alone. She wants this company to follow her. She wants it to follow her order. She wants a dictatorship, and she wants to be the dictator.
If Leila wins that title shot at Shockwave, she would hold the title and this company to ransom. No one would get a say. No one would get a showing. And no one would have a job after a year of her rule. Everyone needs to look at Leila, study what she says, and then ask them self "Is this really something that I can allow to happen?" I might not be lucky enough to face her until the final, should we both be on our A games. But no matter where I face her, I know that I'm not just fighting for a title shot against her. I'm fighting for the APW. And anyone else in this tournament who is stupid enough to not realise that those are the stakes against Leila is a fool. Listen to the insanity that she churns out! Listen to her last week, talking about 'be saved or be destroyed', messing with people's heads, calling me a whore! She's lost it, and she will drag everything down around her.
Sally takes some deep breaths, trying to calm herself down.
[Sally] Leila, you and me have a past. Last week, when I studied everyone in our match I hardly had to look at you. You do the same things in and out of the ring. You're still about pain, you're still about submission, and you're still controlled by your emotions. me, I might get angry out here, but you know as well as I do that when I get in the ring I'm as cool as a cucumber. I have 100% focus and 100% effort no matter who I'm facing. The thing is though, you and I have faced each other many times. I know what to focus on and I know where to put my efforts. I know what I have to do to get a pin against you. I know what to do to make you tap. And you know that I can do it. Think back to Mayhem. Think back to the PWA. Think about all the times you stood over me in victory. And then think about how I came back each and every time with an answer for you. Look at how, after all your attempts to put me out, I managed to get the final victory over you at Mayhem. I've got your measure, Leila. You can try and disguise your weaknesses, you can try to adapt, but it won't work. I know you know me, but the difference between us is that I have the years behind me to cover my ass when I need to. I can make sure that whatever you bring to the ring I can counter. And once we're past that, we're in a territory that's mine and mine only. You stop thinking, you stop emotions, and you run on instinct. You run on intuition. And I run on the bond I've formed between me, the ring, and you. I know what you're going to think before you think it. I know what you're going to do before you do it. And it's all predicated on your emotion. You only do something because you think it and feel it. If you're losing, you get more aggressive. And you get sloppy. If you're winning, you start getting cocky. And you expose your weaknesses. My emotions don't dictate what I do in the ring. And the certainly don't dictate how I feel about this company that I respect. You're run by your emotions, and they are oh-so predictable.
[Shane] Maybe you want to take a break Sally. You're getting a bit worked up.
Sally stares at the camera a moment longer. Intense and actually quite scary. She hasn't looked like this in a long, long time. But she breaks it off, casts a look to Shane.
[Sally] Oh yeah? And what do you want to do then?
[Shane] Go and get an early dinner?
[Sally] Where?
[Shane] Somewhere we can get a good steak.
[Sally] I'm thinking more about dessert at the moment.
[Shane] But dinner ...
[Sally] Ok, I'll make you a deal Shane ...
BARGAINING
appears across the screen in big white letters, before it and the screen fades out to find Sally and Shane sitting down to dinner. Their plates are empty, so it looks like we're spared the monotonous process of them eating. Sally wipes the corner of her mouth as Shane gets into position in what is really an intimate place for two people to be eating dinner. Sally looks to the camera with a smile, clearly moving on from her rage-o-rama before.
[Shane] So, Sally. You know, there's a bit of an elephant in the tournament.
[Sally] Look, Shane, I've been watching my weight as best I can. I've cut down on ...
[Shane] I'm talking about Biggs, Sally. And the little thing you have going with him?
[Sally] Oh! That makes more sense. Biggs! *Sally's face lights up for the first time this video* how are you? I bet you're happy this week after your win. Boy your spirits, and all? I'm glad I could be a part of that, you know, do my bit to make you happy. I hope Ellie took that ok and all. I mean, that's the second match we've been in. And Test For the Best could easily be the third. That's a lot of, you know, touchy-feely going on. More than I bet Ellie has been having with you. It's funny, you know. For weeks now you've talked about not wanting to hit me, not wanting to face me, and not wanting to hook up with me. I don't want any of those things either! Biggs, I don't want you to hit me, I just want to wrestle with you in our matches. There's plenty of ways to have a match without whacking a girl. I am pretty sure that's what wrestling is all about, anyway. And I don't want to face you either. I don't want to have to put you through everything that I do to get a victory. I don't want to have to pray on your weaknesses. And I really don't want to make you uncomfortable. If anything, I want to make you more comfortable. I want you to be able to relax around me and be yourself, you know? Not the on-edge, all business, Mr. Serious guy that we see whenever I come into the conversation. I just want to see you cool and relaxed. And, Biggs, I don't want to hook up with you. That is the last thing I want to do. Hooking up isn't my style. I'm a commitment kind of girl. I'm in things for the long term. maybe it's because I like long things *Sally winks at the camera* or maybe it's because I've got obsessive tendencies. But that's the deal. Hook ups aren't for me. And, if they're not for you, than that's just another sign that maybe there's something there between us ...
But there's something you said that hurt my feelings. I felt like I'd been thrown to the floor after throwing myself at you. Do you really think I'm more interested in flirting than winning? Biggs! Everything I do in this company, all the wins, all the effort, all of the extra ticket sales that I make, I do it to get your attention. I do it so that you notice! And what better way to get your attention, and keep it, than winning this tournament? Already you're thinking about me. Imagine if I get a guaranteed title shot at the next pay per view? You'll be thinking about me for weeks and weeks. You're thinking about this one match now while you're wrestling? Imagine how much you'll think of me when you have to book each week. You'll find my name on the page and each time you will think about this tournament, how I won it with the glamor and the prestige befitting of the Test For the Best winner. And what would be even better is if we did have to face each other.
I know you don't want to face me, and the last thing I would want if to make you do something you don't want to do - like marry a woman you clearly don't want to be with. I mean, if you have say it out loud week in and week out, it doesn't make it any truer. But, yeah, I don't want you to have to do something you don't want to. But this is something I really want. Realllly want. Each week we've faced each other, we've put on a great match. That first week, even you're still talking about it. And that match last week, that's still on everyone's mind. Imagine how good it will be if we have to face each other in the tournament? When you're fighting to prove you're not just a good GM these days. And I'm out trying to prove that a woman can actually win this thing? We're both going to be on our A game, doing our best, not giving an inch. We will put on the best match of the tournament! It won't matter if it's the first round, or the next, or the finals. Whatever. Our match is going to be something that everyone remembers. I know I won't forget another chance to get all physical with you Biggs. And I bet Ellie won't either.
The thing is, how physical is it going to get? Have you got over your whole 'I don't fight women' thing completely? Or when it comes to that moment, when you've beat me down and I'm lying there with nothing left to defend myself with. Are you the sort of man who will go t hat bit further, keep on beating on me. Keep on hitting a defenseless woman? I've seen you, I've heard you, and I don't believe you. I know you think you will do whatever it takes. But will you? Will you forsake your reputation, your morals, your ethics, even your own beliefs, to simply win this tournament? Me and my reputation, morals, ethics, and beliefs let me. I'm happy with myself, and I'm happy with what I have to do to win this tournament. I don't need to convince myself that I'll beat on with someone I don't want to. I don't have to put what I normally do on hold just to win this tournament. I just do what got me on a winning track for five weeks to start my winning streak again. So while you're trying to figure out how to do everything you don't know how to do, I'm just going to do my normal thing. You'll be in a place you are totally unfamiliar in, and I'll be all the more comfortable. So it will just be like in real life: You all awkward, and me taking the lead. And, just like in real life, you'll capitulate and come around eventually, and I'll get to take the Bigg prize home.
So I'll make a deal with you, Biggs. I'll make a bit of a bargain. If we have a match, if we have to face each other, I won't make it any harder on you than it has to be. I won't play on your emotions which are so obviously there. I won't mess with your head. I won't even make you do things that you don't absolutely have to.And if I lose, that's how things will stay. They will be normal, they will be comfortable, and they won't be strange at all. But if I win, then I get a favor. Nothing too over-the-top or outlandish. In fact, I won't even make you do it. I want Ellie. I want her laudable managerial services for a week. Just one week of my choosing. Who could possibly get hurt in that? I mean, it's not like I'm forcing myself on you, and I'm not making you do something you don't want. And it might all be for not point. I mean, we might not even get a match. But if we do, that's the deal I want to make with you Biggs. Have a think about it and get back to me.
[Shane] So you don't have much to say about Biggs then?
[Sally] Still funny, Shane. I really need to check your contract and see if 'comedic relief' is part of your duties.
[Shane] Comedic relief? Sort of like your match last week?
Sally stops and looks up at Shane. That loss last week really hurt her. I mean, if you went into that match as confident as she did, it would hurt you too. Maybe that was her weakness last week - expecting to win. Putting too much value in the result, and not enough in the process. That's what a match really should be about: the process. It's about learning something. And she did learn a lot, like she said earlier. But she's still put a lot of importance in that 'w' at the end of the night. Her whole face, after that comment from Shane, shows that it really hurt her. She folds up her napkin.
[Sally] That was a bit far, Shane.
She stands up from the seat as Shane is left there to figure out what just happened. He follows her out with the camera and, as she walks out the door and turn to walk down the streets of Winnipeg, we see a hand go up to her eye to wipe away at her eye.
DEPRESSION
appears on the screen, of course in big white letters. It fades out to find Sally now sitting alone backstage at the MTS Centre. She's in the canteen area, and has a salad (healthy, non-fattening) in front of her. But it's hardly been touched. Sally's mind is elsewhere.
[Shane] Here you are Sally.
[Sally] Here I am.
Sally picks up her fork from her salad and waves it around in her fingers as if to celebrate. Of course, this is all with very little effort.
[Shane] Look, about the other night ...
[Sally] Oh, don't worry about it.
[Shane] You look like you're worried about it though.
[Sally] No, it's not that ...
[Shane] What's wrong Sally?
Sally looks to the camera, no smile or anything this time. She's looking a little down, shoulders slumped and all that.
[Sally] This match is what's wrong. Eight people, each with every chance of being able to go on and beat the World champion - whoever it might be - and only one of us is getting that opportunity. It's sad, you know, that even though all of us deserve this opportunity only one of us gets it. It puts the whole cut-throat nature of this business into perspective. That you can work hard for weeks, work your ass off to get into a tournament, and put your everything into getting all the way to the end of this tournament, and only the winner of that one match gets a shot at glory? It's disappointing that only one person gets this shot. I mean, I know I deserve it. I've worked so hard to get here, to get this opportunity. My whole career has lead me to here. And for ten weeks, I've been coming into the APW and giving it my all. To win this tournament would be like a dream for me. And then to go on to headline Shockwave would be beyond anything I would have thought possible. But I'm not the only one who thinks that. I bet everyone in this match has worked hard, and has put in their most, and has dreamed of main eventing one of the pay per views at APW with a title on the line ...
[Shane] That's the nature of the business. There can only be one champion. There's only one belt.
[Sally] I guess so. I guess that's what makes the whole thing prestigious. But it's not particularly fair. I mean, take Shaun Kilgore for example. He might have an ounce of respect for me, so maybe that colors my view. He's quite the talent. I mean, he knows how to talk and he knows how to walk. When it was him and me in the ring last week, we were both getting the best out of each other. He was by far one of the stand outs of that team. He showed that he deserves some sort of position in the company. And yet, I have to beat him. I'm supposed to make him look worse than me, crush his confidence, and show that only one of us deserves that title shot. In realty, everyone in this match probably deserves it. And yet, only one of us can do it. So I have to go out there and make me look better than each and every one of my opponents. It's not the easiest thing, either, especially someone like Shaun. The guy has skill and he's got talent. I guess I just have to show the world over that I've got more. I've got the brains to use the whole ring to my advantage. From the mat to the air, I can do it. I'm not some generic "I can do everything" wrestler. I'm actually a proven talent. Technically, I'm masterful. I'm fast. Yeah, I'm not strong, but there's enough ways to get a win without beating a guy down. I mean, let's look at how effective Shaun's advantages were against Leila, shall we?
I mean, you can pretty much get a good compare with that match. Leila isn't much different - size-wise - compared to me. Shaun had all his advantages then and there. And he couldn't get the win. I'm a far better wrestler than Leila. I'm more focused, I'm more adept. I'm just better than her. And luck or not, Shaun couldn't get the win over her. She picked him apart like a cooked turkey. And I'll do the same. Arms, legs, shoulders, knees. They all look good to me. And That's what I'm going to go for, Shaun. It's not a secret. I don't have an alternative. But the thing is, I'd be doing this if we were weight-for-weight. I'll be your Chip on the Shoulder by the end of the match, and you'll be tapping in no time. It's unfair, because only one of us gets to go on. But that's the situation. That is, as Shane said, the nature of this business. And I know exactly what I have to do to get a win over you to make it to the final. Or to win this tournament. Whatever our situation might well be. I know what I have to do, and I'll do it. If only one of us is getting to the end, Shaun, I know who it's going to be. I know it's going to be me. Not you, me. This match is what I've been working towards since I qualified, and an opportunity like this is what I've been working towards since the first day I got here. I'm not letting our possible match get in the way. I'm not going to let you take away everything I've sweated and worked and scrambled for. You might have a simple tag team match win over me, but if we have to face one-on-one, it's not going to end how you say it's going to. That's a contest of skill and talent. And, at the end of the night, I know that I have more skill and more talent than you could hope for that's just something you're going to have to go ahead and accept.
ACCEPTANCE
appears on the screen, for the last time in big white letters. The screen fades away and comes back on Sally Talfourd. She's all decked out for her match, which is always eye-catching. She's in the locker room which is cleared out. There's a mess of clothes and accessories and product all around her, but still enough room for her to be stretching out. At the moment she's sitting on the floor to stretch out her legs.
[Shane] Last hour before the match Sally. What are your thoughts going into this massive night?
Sally doesn't look depressed or angry. She's not worked up, she's not in some state of denial. Actually, she's calm. Peaceful. As if she's come to accept everything - her loss last week, people over-looking her, her handicaps, her advantages. All of it. She's accepted it. She's in the zone, as she would say. She finishes up her stretch, hops up to her feet, and shakes out her hands before she looks to the camera.
[Sally] My thought are simple Shane. I've been thinking about the match all week. Now I've stopped. There's nothing that more thinking or worrying or raging can do. It's time to accept this match for what it's worth. It's a once a year - maybe once a career - shot. The title of Test For the Best winner, the title shot at Shockwave, and the chance to become the World Heavyweight champion. It should be nerve-racking. It should have everyone worried and scared. But not me. I'm past that. I've gone through my emotions just so that they're in check for my matches. I'm not being led around by my feelings. I'm Sally Talfourd. I deserve to be here, and I'm going to do my best. I know what I have to do to win this tournament. I have to beat each and every person in this match. That means taking out Young Mannie all over again. This might be the third week in a row that we've faced each other. And the records will show that that we're one for one. But that first win that I got over him tells the real story. He couldn't pin me then, and he couldn't pin me last week. He had to use the rest of his team to edge out a victory. Well there's no team this week. There's no Red Shield Mafia to help you out. It might just be you and me, Mannie. And in a wrestling match, I have it hands down.
You're all about your drugs? Getting stoned and what have you. What sort of image is that? And what on Earth do you think that brings to a match? I'll tell you. Diluted talent, a lack of speed, and wasted opportunity. You go and get high while I go and train. While I go and make sure I'm doing everything I need to to win the match. I really hope we don't have to face each other. Not because you stand a chance of beating me, but because I don't want to embarrass you and make you look like a fool. Chet Watkins was your saving grace two weeks ago. And you somehow convinced your team to let you get the pin last week. If you have to face me, you'll have no excuse for your performance. That's something you're going to have to accept. I am two steps ahead of you. I've thought about what I'm going to do to you, when I'm going to do it, and how I'm going to get it done. I've thought over and over again about each of our opponents, and you've not been forgotten. Mannie, if you have to face me, you need to accept that I'm better and rather than trying to come in and do something you can't, you just need to put in a solid ten, fifteen minutes to make sure that you at least make me work up a sweat.
Speaking of a sweat, it looks like Sally's starting to get one now. She grabs one of her towels, pats down her face so as to not ruin her meticulously applied make-up. She tosses it back on the pile she's got going before looking to the camera.
[Sally] And Criss Cassidy. God's own second coming. I'm all for people having a faith. I have my own. And it's different to yours. The thing is, I don't go forcing it on everyone. I don't like Leila doing it and, surprise surprise, I don't like you doing it. And besides, if this was the second coming I would expect a bit more fanfare. Not a washed-out basketball player who all of a sudden thinks that because he served hard time and because he was in good shape, he can be a wrestler. It takes more than that to be good at what we do. And being good isn't even enough to win a tournament like this. You need dedication to this sport. Your faith needs to be wrestling. Your beliefs have to be in your sport. You need to breath this business. And you? I hear you talking about God's own, and how you're the next holy thing to step in the ring. Unless He *Sally points up* has a wager on your match with Satan, I highly doubt He's worried if you get a win or a loss. Let's be frank: With all the crap that's going on in the world, God doesn't really care if you win or lose. He probably cares if you survive your match or not, or get really hurt or not. But your win/loss column probably doesn't figure on God's ledger book.
So it comes down not to faith, but to skill and talent. What have you got that I can't handle? What do you bring to a match that is anything special? You, too, need to be ready to accept the fact that if you have to step into the ring against me, then you stand less of a chance than most others. Your time will come, Criss. Maybe it will be announced like the coming of Jesus himself. But as far as you and I are concerned, if we have to match up then the Son of God you will not be. Or maybe you are, and God just has a preference to see women get their due in this world. Either way, there's little chance you can match me move for move. Hit for hit, maybe. But in actual wrestling, in its truest form, I am ahead of you. You can't beat experience, and I have years behind me. Too many for you to believe. I can tell you this though: I was wrestling before you robbed that house that sent you to jail. So that's what you, and everyone, has to contend with this tournament. Skills forged through experience. Not gifted to me by some higher power, but skills I developed fighting, working, struggling my way to the top. I don't have any notions that I'm better than people here simply because I hold a belief. I'm better than people because I'm experienced, because of my skill, and because I have simply worked my ass off to get to where I am. I've paid my dues, and I'm paying them here at the APW. You're taking your first breath. And that is something you need to accept as being your weakness this tournament.
[Shane] You know what Sally? We should probably end that there.
[Sally] Good think Shane. I need to get centred, find my zone and all.
[Shane] Actually, because I'm running out of memory. But it's been a really good week.
[Sally] Thanks Shane.
[Shane] Sally, you've got this in the bag. It doesn't matter about favorites or who thinks what. If you go out there and do your best, no one on their best night can match you.
[Sally] Awww. Thank-you Shane. I'm really feeling 'it' for this match. Anything that happened before doesn't matter. It's just about tonight. Taking each match as it comes. I only have to beat a handful of people, and some of them I've already beat. I'm going to leave it all out there for my fans, for APW, and for myself. At least I can't be accused of not trying enough. *Sally has a moment to herself, then looks to the camera with a genuine smile* Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you're as excited for Test For the Best as much as I am. I hope I do you proud. And, truth be told, I hope I win. Get out there and cheer for me! This has been Sally Talfourd and this is you Happy Ending.
Sally blows a kiss to the camera, winks and grins. She gives a slight wave as the camera fades out to a black screen, then
"Sally Talfourd"
is handwritten across the screen, in purple. Before it fades out and the episode comes to a close.
