Post by SalTal on May 16, 2012 9:39:43 GMT -4
You know, APW has been more of a home to me than my actual home. I spent a few months on the sidelines coming into this year and, well, something was wrong. Something was wrong with me. I couldn’t settle down. i couldn’t get comfortable. I couldn’t be at ease. So I came back. I had to come back. APW had become a part of me. The blood and sweat and tears I’d put into APW had been replaced by the desire to be the best, the drive to get to the top, and the hunger to be renowned as APW’s own. So, Survive and Conquer, I came back. Then one thing turned into another, and I found myself standing victorious at Rasslemania against the man who had always been a thorn in my side, Lester Only.
But none of that really brings me to where I am today. You see, it’s not some big, grandiose event that sees me squaring off against Michael Callahan at Mayhem. No, it’s a much smaller thing. Some would consider it innocuous. Others uneventful. But me? Someone who prides herself on on appearance and principle. On what people think of her. Not whether they think I look good or not, but whether I am word my word or not. That’s what brings me here. It’s about trust. Trust is at the heart of this business, and it’s at the heart of me. The fans trust me. APW trusts me. I trust me. And I should be able to trust Michael Callahan.
But, let’s face it A politician? A liar? A man who has, for week after week, failed to show the trust that APW needs from someone? How am I meant to trust him. This match, it might be about $100 on paper. On paper it might be for something that’s worth a laugh. But between us, it’s for so much more. It could be for a thousand. It could be for a million. It could be for his precious title. But it’s not. It’s for something more valuable. More important. Something much more than a title or cash in hand or something you can hold in the air at the end of a match.
This match is for honour, and that’s more valuable than anything else in the world.[/i]
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Internet Explorer-*click*-Favorites-*click*-APW.com-*click*-Survive and Conquer-*click*-Sally Talfourd-*click*-Loading...
"Sally Talfourd presents ..."
is written across the screen, fades out, then
"In association with Action Packed Wrestling..."
is next to appear, holds, then fades out for
"Happy Endings T.V."
Which fades away as well to a tight shot of a billboard: Mayhem! APW is spending big to get the fans in on this one. There’s a cut between the posters on walls, the bus shell signs, stills from the TV ads. And then a quick montage of a whole bunch of APW fans leaving last week’s Asylum.
“I know Sally’s good, but she’s passed it.”
“No one can beat Callahan - that’s why he’s undefeated.”
“I hate the guy, but really - he’s going to win at Mayhem.”
The fans seem to have had their say? They’ve made up their minds. As great as Sally was once upon a time (and wasn’t her career an unlikely fairytale), she’s just not in that same form that got her to the highest of highs in APW anymore. We fade away, then, to a shot Shane - usually the cameraman, now the star! He stands behind a podium, the APW logo fashioned into what could be passed off for the presidential seal hanging down from it. Behind him, alternating Canadian and US flags.
[Shane] Ladies and gentlemen, thank-you for your attention this evening. I’m Shane, and I’m here talking on behalf of APW megastar Sally Talfourd. You see, there’s been a lot of media attention focused on Ms. Talfourd of late - a lot of people wanting to talk to this former champion. But, you see, there simply comes a time when no one needs to hear anything from here. Simply put, Sally has said everything she’s needed to say for the past two years and it’s come to the point that it doesn’t bear repeating.
So as her duly elected representative, I am here to absolutely and unequivocally state that Ms. Talfourd really doesn’t care about her coming match at Mayhem. She doesn’t care if she wins or loses. All she cares about is collecting her huge paycheck and then going out to blow it all on...well, stuff not repeatable in public. Mr. Callahan is clearly the bright future of APW and Sally does not want to stand in the way...
The image is quickly cut to static. There’s that annoying ‘beep’ that accompanies an unscheduled break in a show. Then, just as quickly, the image rips back into focus and with something much more interesting to see. APW’s most beautiful, most loved, most adorable megastar: Sally Talfourd.
[Sally] Now doesn’t tell me you all started buying into that? If there’s anything we’ve realised since Callahan stepped into APW it’s that you can never, ever trust a politician. Isn’t that right?
The shot comes out to find Sally standing in amongst hundreds and hundreds of fans. They all scream in unison: No! It would be thousands of fans, but there’s just not enough space. We’re out the front of the stadium where Mayhem is going to be taking place. It’s not open or anything, but is a nice little reminder of the gravitas of it all. The screaming and hollering calms down. Sally, with a microphone in hand, turns to face her adorers.
[Sally] Fans, my opponent for this pay per view claims to be a representative of the people. Not just some people, not just any people, but you people. *A chorus of boo’s*[/b] He is the duly elected representative of you fans. If that’s the case, let’s send him a message. Let’s keep him honest, like all politicians should be! [/color]
Sally ventures into the crowd, pulling up at the first fan who looks like they’ve got something to say. A ‘portly’ man with a stretched-out Sally Talfourd t-shirt (the 2010 edition - so he must be a fan!). Sally sides up to him, arm around the shoulder (and she’s happy to be the first female contact he’s had since five years ago at his cousin’s wedding).
[Sally] You sir, how would you sum up Representative Callahan’s behaviour thus far in his APW career?
[Portly] Well, I’d say he’s been a complete disgrace. He’s only had awful things to be sayin’ about your fine self, about other good people. He’s been all about tearing down what AP-dubba is all about - not working to make it better.
[Sally] Excellent sir. And one more thing: How would you sum up my career here in APW?
[Portly] Well, except that little part back there in last year, I’d say you’ve only had AP-dubba in the heart. You been working hard for the company, and it’s only goten a bigger for it!
Sally looks to the camera, giving a knowing, ‘I told you so’ smile to the camera. She pats her new friend then goes off to find some more new friends. She comes across what looks like a wholesome family - the very kind that Callahan would love to throw in a campaign ad. Too bad Sally go them first! The perfect mother and father with the even more perfect son and daughter. She kneels next to the kids.
[Sally] Hello guys! So glad you could be here. I bet you can’t wait for Mayhem, right?
[Kids] No! Yes...uh, no!
[Sally] Can I ask you guys something: What do you think about that big, bad Mr. Callahan?
[Son] He stinks!
[Sally] Well, he does have a peculiar smell. But I’d say that’s because he whenever he talks, it’s always bull...horns. Yes, he sounds like a bullhorn. *Phew, good save Sally*[/b] What about you, little girl? [/color]
[Girl] He makes me sad.
[Sally] Why?
[Girl] Because he is always saying bad things about you. And you’re my favourite. And you’re the best. And the time that you were the, like, uh, champion I was so happy. And even now you’re not, but that’s ok. But I like you, and I like my friends. And I hate it when people tease my friends. And I hate it when Mr. Cawahan teases you.
[Sally] Aww, dear! *Sally takes in the little girl for a hug*[/b] I don’t like it when I get teased either. But you know what? I’ll make sure it stops after the big show this Sunday! He won’t have anything bad to say about me again, ok? *Sally nods to the girl, who nods back with a big smile too* That’s a girl! You remember to cheer for me! [/color]
Sally ventures away and into the crowd some more. There she finds some more fans: This time, some die-hard APW-ers They’ve been fans since the start of APW from the looks of their shirts. Four guys and the token girlfriend (though who she puts up with it’s hard to tell).
[Sally] Hey guys. Mind if we have a chat? *No objections*[/b] Ok, so you look like you’re APW fans You know, looking for the best wrestling, the best shows, following the best megastar. Give it to me straight: Talfourd or Callahan? Who is the real representative of APW? [/color]
Talfourd. You’ve got the APW mind.
[Sally] Ooo, interesting. Tell me more?
You do what’s best for APW. This time, you’re standing up for principles.
[Sally] Wait, have you read the script for later in the episode? *Blank looks; breaking the fourth wall ftw!*[/b] No, don’t worry. Continue. [/color]
[Smaller guy] Well, you’re sticking up for yourself here. Callahan tried to walk over you and you’re standing up for the smaller people. APW wasn’t always the biggest, and it wasn’t always the best. But now, after fighting hard by all the megastar, it’s at the top. That’s what you’re doing: You’re getting to the top, and making sure that spot isn’t being held by something that’s, essentially, lesser.
[Sally] So fighting hard, fighting for what’s right - that’s what APW is about?
[Token Girlfriend] Absolutely. And setting a good example. What does Callahan stand for? One week he’s extolling the virtues of himself, then the next he’s stripping down and making a mockery of women. He talks about standing up for what’s right, then ends up going after you.
[Sally] Hmm, insightful. What’s you’re saying is that...Callahan is wrong? But he’s supposed to be the one representing you. I guess...*Sally pats the nearest fan on the shoulder, fronts the camera, then starts walking towards it*[/b]...that Michael Callahan is a liar. Not just a liar, but a hypocrite. And that would mean that all this garbage that you’re saying about me...that would mean it’s not true. In typical politician style, he likes to trash his opponent while not really doing anything himself. And, you know, as much as he might like to ignore them...*Sally opens up her arms, and the camera comes back to take in as much of the crowd as it can*[/b]...these are the people in charge of APW, not you Callahan! [/color]
Screaming and cheering ensues, and we are left on this oh-so cheery image of it all. There’s a fading out to a blank screen, and then we’re back with Sally. This time, sh’es more alone. Taking up a place among the sidewalk seating of one of Montreal’s quaint little cafes, she’s happy to watch the world go by. Of course, there’s more pressing things to talk about...
[Sally] Mayhem is upon us! The world is in disorder. The sky is falling. The oceans are rising. It’s Mayhem, ladies and gentlemen, and you won’t recognise the world.
In a fake panic, Sally goes to get up. She looks around, then sits back down witha grin, removing her sunglasses so the world can see her.
[Sally] Ok, maybe I lied. The world isn’t falling into chaos, and mayhem hasn’t taken hold. Everything is in order. And, let’s face it, it will still be in order come the close of Sunday. The best will win, the fans will cheer, and APW will still be known as the best wrestling company in the industry today. You see, Mayhem is just a word. The pay-per-view is really about something very different. Mayhem is about order. You see, there is a particular way of things in APW. The sun rises, Kash makes no sense, Reginald is bossed around, and Sally Talfourd wins. Now I know...*Sally holds up her hands in defense*[/b]...that sounds very cocky. I wish I could change it, I really could. But that’s just the way APW is. This is normal. This is how the world and how APW should be. Sally Talfourd: Victorious. I mean, APW has made a name off that very event. Me winning is what APW has traded off for years. My first ever title win did more for the fans than anything that year. It gave them someone to believe in. Someone to cheer for. Someone to adore. And just last Rasslemania I managed to do the same thing again. I inspire. I give people something to believe in. Not because it makes me feel good. No. Because it makes the fans feel good. They pay to see us. They cheer for us. They adore us. So they deserve the best. The best matches. The best pay-per-views. And the best megastars. They get that with me. [/color]
Sally sits back in her chair, trying to put some distances between herself and who she’s about to talk about.
[Sally] No one can say the same thing about my opponent. Michael, you disgust me at the best of times, so I can only wonder what the fans think of you. I mean, look at you. You stand for everything the fans are about! You live that upper-class life. You act as if you’re better than everyone. And you fail each and every time to live up to the standards that the fans expect. You insult me, my skills, my talent at every turn. And for what? To tear me down? To make yourself bigger? The fans see through you, Callahan. They see through you and they know you can’t back up your words.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got some skill. You’ve got enough to get you a handful of wins to string together a bit of a winning streak. Let me tell you something Michael: A winning streak is only as good as the people you’ve beat. And until my name is in there, it’s worth about as much as the weight of your principles and morals and values all rolled into one ball. That is, it’s worth nothing. If you want to compare winning streaks, go back to when I first started here. Do you know how long it took anyone to pin me when I first came here? 17 matches. 17. From April to August when I first came to APW, I wasn’t pinned. What you’re trying to do, Callahan, has already been done. Set up some great record? Lay down a status here? I did it. You’re not doing anything new, and it just all adds to your hollowness.
A waiter arrives with what looks to be a coffee (it’s a latte actually). Placing it in front of our beautiful host for this episode, Sally beams a smile to the guy, then turns her attention back to Shane and his trusty camera.
[Sally] Your winning streak, your attempt to be original, all your political preaching, it’s all useless Michael. And whether you want to know or not, I’ll tell you why: Because the fans know it’s all a lie. You see, the fans are smart. They’re really smart. They’re smarter than you and me. They know when someone is the real deal, and when someone is too good to be true. And to every man and woman and child that will be in our arena, they know that you’re too good to be real. That your record is. That your claims are. And that your brow-beating is. You see, you like to run down someone like me - a woman you fight for them - and not hold yourself accountable. You want to talk about honesty and respect in this business? About fairness and accountability? Start with yourself. You need to sort out what this match as a way to finding out just how unbelievable you really have been.
[Shane] And what is this match about?
[Sally] Principle, Shane. It’s about principle. You see, APW prides itself on being the best in the business. Not just the talent. Not just the shows. But the people. The calibre of the people on APW should be unrivaled. The people that appear on any of our shows are representing APW. And I reckon if you went and asked each and every APW megastar if they wanted some lying, deceiving, thieving guy to be representing them...they’d ask how they could get rid of them. They’d turn to someone like me to get rid of that problem. And that’s whee we find ourselves this time around.
You see, Michael, you are a problem for APW. You’re a problem for this company because you’re just using it. You’re using it for your own personal gain. That Suicidal Title was thrown aside so you could spread your own little message by turning it into the Pro-Life Title. Your spots, your segments on Asylum are just a chance for you to get on your soapbox and spread the Callahan Message. And by the end of your run here - when you’ve been delivered one too many losses or you see an opening somewhere else that will give you more exposure to the public, you’ll drop APW like a lead weight. APW, to you, is just a means to an end. Something to be exploited. And that is not something I can abide.
Sally digs around under the table. Digging and digging, there’s all sorts of rumaging going on. Soon enough though, Sally pulls out an envelope, crisp and clean. With gentle fingers, she unfolds it and pulls out a $100 bill. Ordinary and unassuming, she lays it on the table, flattening it out with her hands.
[Shane] Is that...
[Sally] It is. *Sally pats the note once more*[/b] It’s the money Callahan finally tried to hand over at the death-knell. At the last moment to get out of this match with me- because he’s so afraid that I might ruin his precious winning streak- he finally offered me that money there. But, you see, there was a problem with it...*Sally she smiles, leaning in to the camera to tighten up the shot*[/b]...it was about two months late! It stopped being about the money when he insulted me on Asylum right after Rasslemania. When he disgraced me in front of the fans that he takes for granted. It stopped being about this... *Again, Sally pats the money*[/b]...and became about what’s in here...*Sally taps her temple*[/b]...and here *Sally rests a hand over her chest*[/b]. It turned into the struggle that’s been happening in APW for so long: Where one side things it’s all about the material, and the other knows it’s really about the immaterial.
I’d do it all for free if I could. The wrestling, the working, then fans. I’d do everything fro free. The fans deserve it. So when Callahan tries to buy me off, he’s trying to buy the fans off. The fans believe in me, and they expect me to put that kind of thinking where it deserves to be. And that’s my number one goal for this match. To show Callahan just how wrong he is. How wrong he is about me, about APW, about the fans. He knows how dangerous I can be in the ring, but he doesn’t know the full story. I didn’t hold back last Asylum when we squared off, but I sure didn’t have to tap into the emergency reserves like you have to at a pay-per-view. And when that happens...when I’m pushed to the very best I can be...sparks fly. I dazzle. I amaze. I fly higher, wrestler harder, and fight tougher than he realises I can. And that’s why he’s wrong about me. Because when I run to me best, he can’t beat me. He can’t out-match me. He can’t say that he’s better than me. But, in typical politician style, he’ll try to say it. He just won’t be able to back it up. [/color]
Sipping her coffee, Sally can’t help but dwell on it all. Callahan’s still only new, but getting into these big matches already. The Suicidal Champion (or is it Pro-Life Champion?) already? Squaring up against APW main eventers? We’ve seen it time and again. Someone blows into APW, they have the meteoric rise, then the crashing fall. And before they hit the bottom and become a parody of themselves, they ditch APW as quickly as they can. Hoping no one remembers all the wrongs they’ve done, just that quick rise. Think of some of those names that have come and gone from here that ‘should have’ but ‘never did’. And then you think of the stayers. The people who ‘did it all’. The people like Sally Talfourd who has tried to fight for the right thing her whole time here.
[Sally] This match of ours...Mayhem’s unassuming match of the night...it’s our chance to really settle this issue between us. This issue of principal. Of deceit. Of lies. You’ve lied, Callahan. And now its time the fans judge you. I’ve said it time and time again: I wrestle for the fans. And the fans want me to take it to you. To take it to you and see me win. It’s something they’re looking forward to. And it’s something I’m dying to do. I’ve bee aching to get in the ring with you, Callahan. Aching to finally get int there one-on-one with you if for no other reason than to see how far you’ll go before you run out of it. You’ve had enough to get past a handful of Asylum megastars who are still really trying to hit their stride. But now? Well, you know what you’re in for now...
Somewhere, maybe no where, thee’s a loud cheer from a crowd of hundreds and hundreds of fans. A cheer for Sally. A cheer for what she’s fighting for. A cheer that she will hear twice on Mayhem: At the start and at the end. The scene fades as Sally sips on her coffee, going back to her people-watching from the cafe. The shot goes to a blank, black screen, on which
Sally Talfourd
is written across the screen, which in turn fades away as the episode comes to a close.
But none of that really brings me to where I am today. You see, it’s not some big, grandiose event that sees me squaring off against Michael Callahan at Mayhem. No, it’s a much smaller thing. Some would consider it innocuous. Others uneventful. But me? Someone who prides herself on on appearance and principle. On what people think of her. Not whether they think I look good or not, but whether I am word my word or not. That’s what brings me here. It’s about trust. Trust is at the heart of this business, and it’s at the heart of me. The fans trust me. APW trusts me. I trust me. And I should be able to trust Michael Callahan.
But, let’s face it A politician? A liar? A man who has, for week after week, failed to show the trust that APW needs from someone? How am I meant to trust him. This match, it might be about $100 on paper. On paper it might be for something that’s worth a laugh. But between us, it’s for so much more. It could be for a thousand. It could be for a million. It could be for his precious title. But it’s not. It’s for something more valuable. More important. Something much more than a title or cash in hand or something you can hold in the air at the end of a match.
This match is for honour, and that’s more valuable than anything else in the world.[/i]
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Internet Explorer-*click*-Favorites-*click*-APW.com-*click*-Survive and Conquer-*click*-Sally Talfourd-*click*-Loading...
"Sally Talfourd presents ..."
is written across the screen, fades out, then
"In association with Action Packed Wrestling..."
is next to appear, holds, then fades out for
"Happy Endings T.V."
Which fades away as well to a tight shot of a billboard: Mayhem! APW is spending big to get the fans in on this one. There’s a cut between the posters on walls, the bus shell signs, stills from the TV ads. And then a quick montage of a whole bunch of APW fans leaving last week’s Asylum.
“I know Sally’s good, but she’s passed it.”
“No one can beat Callahan - that’s why he’s undefeated.”
“I hate the guy, but really - he’s going to win at Mayhem.”
The fans seem to have had their say? They’ve made up their minds. As great as Sally was once upon a time (and wasn’t her career an unlikely fairytale), she’s just not in that same form that got her to the highest of highs in APW anymore. We fade away, then, to a shot Shane - usually the cameraman, now the star! He stands behind a podium, the APW logo fashioned into what could be passed off for the presidential seal hanging down from it. Behind him, alternating Canadian and US flags.
[Shane] Ladies and gentlemen, thank-you for your attention this evening. I’m Shane, and I’m here talking on behalf of APW megastar Sally Talfourd. You see, there’s been a lot of media attention focused on Ms. Talfourd of late - a lot of people wanting to talk to this former champion. But, you see, there simply comes a time when no one needs to hear anything from here. Simply put, Sally has said everything she’s needed to say for the past two years and it’s come to the point that it doesn’t bear repeating.
So as her duly elected representative, I am here to absolutely and unequivocally state that Ms. Talfourd really doesn’t care about her coming match at Mayhem. She doesn’t care if she wins or loses. All she cares about is collecting her huge paycheck and then going out to blow it all on...well, stuff not repeatable in public. Mr. Callahan is clearly the bright future of APW and Sally does not want to stand in the way...
The image is quickly cut to static. There’s that annoying ‘beep’ that accompanies an unscheduled break in a show. Then, just as quickly, the image rips back into focus and with something much more interesting to see. APW’s most beautiful, most loved, most adorable megastar: Sally Talfourd.
[Sally] Now doesn’t tell me you all started buying into that? If there’s anything we’ve realised since Callahan stepped into APW it’s that you can never, ever trust a politician. Isn’t that right?
The shot comes out to find Sally standing in amongst hundreds and hundreds of fans. They all scream in unison: No! It would be thousands of fans, but there’s just not enough space. We’re out the front of the stadium where Mayhem is going to be taking place. It’s not open or anything, but is a nice little reminder of the gravitas of it all. The screaming and hollering calms down. Sally, with a microphone in hand, turns to face her adorers.
[Sally] Fans, my opponent for this pay per view claims to be a representative of the people. Not just some people, not just any people, but you people. *A chorus of boo’s*[/b] He is the duly elected representative of you fans. If that’s the case, let’s send him a message. Let’s keep him honest, like all politicians should be! [/color]
Sally ventures into the crowd, pulling up at the first fan who looks like they’ve got something to say. A ‘portly’ man with a stretched-out Sally Talfourd t-shirt (the 2010 edition - so he must be a fan!). Sally sides up to him, arm around the shoulder (and she’s happy to be the first female contact he’s had since five years ago at his cousin’s wedding).
[Sally] You sir, how would you sum up Representative Callahan’s behaviour thus far in his APW career?
[Portly] Well, I’d say he’s been a complete disgrace. He’s only had awful things to be sayin’ about your fine self, about other good people. He’s been all about tearing down what AP-dubba is all about - not working to make it better.
[Sally] Excellent sir. And one more thing: How would you sum up my career here in APW?
[Portly] Well, except that little part back there in last year, I’d say you’ve only had AP-dubba in the heart. You been working hard for the company, and it’s only goten a bigger for it!
Sally looks to the camera, giving a knowing, ‘I told you so’ smile to the camera. She pats her new friend then goes off to find some more new friends. She comes across what looks like a wholesome family - the very kind that Callahan would love to throw in a campaign ad. Too bad Sally go them first! The perfect mother and father with the even more perfect son and daughter. She kneels next to the kids.
[Sally] Hello guys! So glad you could be here. I bet you can’t wait for Mayhem, right?
[Kids] No! Yes...uh, no!
[Sally] Can I ask you guys something: What do you think about that big, bad Mr. Callahan?
[Son] He stinks!
[Sally] Well, he does have a peculiar smell. But I’d say that’s because he whenever he talks, it’s always bull...horns. Yes, he sounds like a bullhorn. *Phew, good save Sally*[/b] What about you, little girl? [/color]
[Girl] He makes me sad.
[Sally] Why?
[Girl] Because he is always saying bad things about you. And you’re my favourite. And you’re the best. And the time that you were the, like, uh, champion I was so happy. And even now you’re not, but that’s ok. But I like you, and I like my friends. And I hate it when people tease my friends. And I hate it when Mr. Cawahan teases you.
[Sally] Aww, dear! *Sally takes in the little girl for a hug*[/b] I don’t like it when I get teased either. But you know what? I’ll make sure it stops after the big show this Sunday! He won’t have anything bad to say about me again, ok? *Sally nods to the girl, who nods back with a big smile too* That’s a girl! You remember to cheer for me! [/color]
Sally ventures away and into the crowd some more. There she finds some more fans: This time, some die-hard APW-ers They’ve been fans since the start of APW from the looks of their shirts. Four guys and the token girlfriend (though who she puts up with it’s hard to tell).
[Sally] Hey guys. Mind if we have a chat? *No objections*[/b] Ok, so you look like you’re APW fans You know, looking for the best wrestling, the best shows, following the best megastar. Give it to me straight: Talfourd or Callahan? Who is the real representative of APW? [/color]
Talfourd. You’ve got the APW mind.
[Sally] Ooo, interesting. Tell me more?
You do what’s best for APW. This time, you’re standing up for principles.
[Sally] Wait, have you read the script for later in the episode? *Blank looks; breaking the fourth wall ftw!*[/b] No, don’t worry. Continue. [/color]
[Smaller guy] Well, you’re sticking up for yourself here. Callahan tried to walk over you and you’re standing up for the smaller people. APW wasn’t always the biggest, and it wasn’t always the best. But now, after fighting hard by all the megastar, it’s at the top. That’s what you’re doing: You’re getting to the top, and making sure that spot isn’t being held by something that’s, essentially, lesser.
[Sally] So fighting hard, fighting for what’s right - that’s what APW is about?
[Token Girlfriend] Absolutely. And setting a good example. What does Callahan stand for? One week he’s extolling the virtues of himself, then the next he’s stripping down and making a mockery of women. He talks about standing up for what’s right, then ends up going after you.
[Sally] Hmm, insightful. What’s you’re saying is that...Callahan is wrong? But he’s supposed to be the one representing you. I guess...*Sally pats the nearest fan on the shoulder, fronts the camera, then starts walking towards it*[/b]...that Michael Callahan is a liar. Not just a liar, but a hypocrite. And that would mean that all this garbage that you’re saying about me...that would mean it’s not true. In typical politician style, he likes to trash his opponent while not really doing anything himself. And, you know, as much as he might like to ignore them...*Sally opens up her arms, and the camera comes back to take in as much of the crowd as it can*[/b]...these are the people in charge of APW, not you Callahan! [/color]
Screaming and cheering ensues, and we are left on this oh-so cheery image of it all. There’s a fading out to a blank screen, and then we’re back with Sally. This time, sh’es more alone. Taking up a place among the sidewalk seating of one of Montreal’s quaint little cafes, she’s happy to watch the world go by. Of course, there’s more pressing things to talk about...
[Sally] Mayhem is upon us! The world is in disorder. The sky is falling. The oceans are rising. It’s Mayhem, ladies and gentlemen, and you won’t recognise the world.
In a fake panic, Sally goes to get up. She looks around, then sits back down witha grin, removing her sunglasses so the world can see her.
[Sally] Ok, maybe I lied. The world isn’t falling into chaos, and mayhem hasn’t taken hold. Everything is in order. And, let’s face it, it will still be in order come the close of Sunday. The best will win, the fans will cheer, and APW will still be known as the best wrestling company in the industry today. You see, Mayhem is just a word. The pay-per-view is really about something very different. Mayhem is about order. You see, there is a particular way of things in APW. The sun rises, Kash makes no sense, Reginald is bossed around, and Sally Talfourd wins. Now I know...*Sally holds up her hands in defense*[/b]...that sounds very cocky. I wish I could change it, I really could. But that’s just the way APW is. This is normal. This is how the world and how APW should be. Sally Talfourd: Victorious. I mean, APW has made a name off that very event. Me winning is what APW has traded off for years. My first ever title win did more for the fans than anything that year. It gave them someone to believe in. Someone to cheer for. Someone to adore. And just last Rasslemania I managed to do the same thing again. I inspire. I give people something to believe in. Not because it makes me feel good. No. Because it makes the fans feel good. They pay to see us. They cheer for us. They adore us. So they deserve the best. The best matches. The best pay-per-views. And the best megastars. They get that with me. [/color]
Sally sits back in her chair, trying to put some distances between herself and who she’s about to talk about.
[Sally] No one can say the same thing about my opponent. Michael, you disgust me at the best of times, so I can only wonder what the fans think of you. I mean, look at you. You stand for everything the fans are about! You live that upper-class life. You act as if you’re better than everyone. And you fail each and every time to live up to the standards that the fans expect. You insult me, my skills, my talent at every turn. And for what? To tear me down? To make yourself bigger? The fans see through you, Callahan. They see through you and they know you can’t back up your words.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got some skill. You’ve got enough to get you a handful of wins to string together a bit of a winning streak. Let me tell you something Michael: A winning streak is only as good as the people you’ve beat. And until my name is in there, it’s worth about as much as the weight of your principles and morals and values all rolled into one ball. That is, it’s worth nothing. If you want to compare winning streaks, go back to when I first started here. Do you know how long it took anyone to pin me when I first came here? 17 matches. 17. From April to August when I first came to APW, I wasn’t pinned. What you’re trying to do, Callahan, has already been done. Set up some great record? Lay down a status here? I did it. You’re not doing anything new, and it just all adds to your hollowness.
A waiter arrives with what looks to be a coffee (it’s a latte actually). Placing it in front of our beautiful host for this episode, Sally beams a smile to the guy, then turns her attention back to Shane and his trusty camera.
[Sally] Your winning streak, your attempt to be original, all your political preaching, it’s all useless Michael. And whether you want to know or not, I’ll tell you why: Because the fans know it’s all a lie. You see, the fans are smart. They’re really smart. They’re smarter than you and me. They know when someone is the real deal, and when someone is too good to be true. And to every man and woman and child that will be in our arena, they know that you’re too good to be real. That your record is. That your claims are. And that your brow-beating is. You see, you like to run down someone like me - a woman you fight for them - and not hold yourself accountable. You want to talk about honesty and respect in this business? About fairness and accountability? Start with yourself. You need to sort out what this match as a way to finding out just how unbelievable you really have been.
[Shane] And what is this match about?
[Sally] Principle, Shane. It’s about principle. You see, APW prides itself on being the best in the business. Not just the talent. Not just the shows. But the people. The calibre of the people on APW should be unrivaled. The people that appear on any of our shows are representing APW. And I reckon if you went and asked each and every APW megastar if they wanted some lying, deceiving, thieving guy to be representing them...they’d ask how they could get rid of them. They’d turn to someone like me to get rid of that problem. And that’s whee we find ourselves this time around.
You see, Michael, you are a problem for APW. You’re a problem for this company because you’re just using it. You’re using it for your own personal gain. That Suicidal Title was thrown aside so you could spread your own little message by turning it into the Pro-Life Title. Your spots, your segments on Asylum are just a chance for you to get on your soapbox and spread the Callahan Message. And by the end of your run here - when you’ve been delivered one too many losses or you see an opening somewhere else that will give you more exposure to the public, you’ll drop APW like a lead weight. APW, to you, is just a means to an end. Something to be exploited. And that is not something I can abide.
Sally digs around under the table. Digging and digging, there’s all sorts of rumaging going on. Soon enough though, Sally pulls out an envelope, crisp and clean. With gentle fingers, she unfolds it and pulls out a $100 bill. Ordinary and unassuming, she lays it on the table, flattening it out with her hands.
[Shane] Is that...
[Sally] It is. *Sally pats the note once more*[/b] It’s the money Callahan finally tried to hand over at the death-knell. At the last moment to get out of this match with me- because he’s so afraid that I might ruin his precious winning streak- he finally offered me that money there. But, you see, there was a problem with it...*Sally she smiles, leaning in to the camera to tighten up the shot*[/b]...it was about two months late! It stopped being about the money when he insulted me on Asylum right after Rasslemania. When he disgraced me in front of the fans that he takes for granted. It stopped being about this... *Again, Sally pats the money*[/b]...and became about what’s in here...*Sally taps her temple*[/b]...and here *Sally rests a hand over her chest*[/b]. It turned into the struggle that’s been happening in APW for so long: Where one side things it’s all about the material, and the other knows it’s really about the immaterial.
I’d do it all for free if I could. The wrestling, the working, then fans. I’d do everything fro free. The fans deserve it. So when Callahan tries to buy me off, he’s trying to buy the fans off. The fans believe in me, and they expect me to put that kind of thinking where it deserves to be. And that’s my number one goal for this match. To show Callahan just how wrong he is. How wrong he is about me, about APW, about the fans. He knows how dangerous I can be in the ring, but he doesn’t know the full story. I didn’t hold back last Asylum when we squared off, but I sure didn’t have to tap into the emergency reserves like you have to at a pay-per-view. And when that happens...when I’m pushed to the very best I can be...sparks fly. I dazzle. I amaze. I fly higher, wrestler harder, and fight tougher than he realises I can. And that’s why he’s wrong about me. Because when I run to me best, he can’t beat me. He can’t out-match me. He can’t say that he’s better than me. But, in typical politician style, he’ll try to say it. He just won’t be able to back it up. [/color]
Sipping her coffee, Sally can’t help but dwell on it all. Callahan’s still only new, but getting into these big matches already. The Suicidal Champion (or is it Pro-Life Champion?) already? Squaring up against APW main eventers? We’ve seen it time and again. Someone blows into APW, they have the meteoric rise, then the crashing fall. And before they hit the bottom and become a parody of themselves, they ditch APW as quickly as they can. Hoping no one remembers all the wrongs they’ve done, just that quick rise. Think of some of those names that have come and gone from here that ‘should have’ but ‘never did’. And then you think of the stayers. The people who ‘did it all’. The people like Sally Talfourd who has tried to fight for the right thing her whole time here.
[Sally] This match of ours...Mayhem’s unassuming match of the night...it’s our chance to really settle this issue between us. This issue of principal. Of deceit. Of lies. You’ve lied, Callahan. And now its time the fans judge you. I’ve said it time and time again: I wrestle for the fans. And the fans want me to take it to you. To take it to you and see me win. It’s something they’re looking forward to. And it’s something I’m dying to do. I’ve bee aching to get in the ring with you, Callahan. Aching to finally get int there one-on-one with you if for no other reason than to see how far you’ll go before you run out of it. You’ve had enough to get past a handful of Asylum megastars who are still really trying to hit their stride. But now? Well, you know what you’re in for now...
Somewhere, maybe no where, thee’s a loud cheer from a crowd of hundreds and hundreds of fans. A cheer for Sally. A cheer for what she’s fighting for. A cheer that she will hear twice on Mayhem: At the start and at the end. The scene fades as Sally sips on her coffee, going back to her people-watching from the cafe. The shot goes to a blank, black screen, on which
Sally Talfourd
is written across the screen, which in turn fades away as the episode comes to a close.
