Post by The Soul Of Philly on Aug 11, 2012 20:09:53 GMT -4
August 5th, 2012
August 10th, 2012
We open the scene inside of Philly’s Gym at night. The light from the moon and street lights illuminate the gym a bit, though darkness is still filling most of the gym. We see “The Soul of Philly” TJ in the middle the ring, just sitting down, legs straight in front of him. He stands up as an APW camera crew of three walks into the building.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Been waiting a bit, good, ah, you can set up inside the ring if you want.
The crew leader nods and the three APW workers set up the camera and mic TJ who waits for a signal from the leader. After a few moments, the leader gives TJ a thumbs up and TJ nods acknowledging it. TJ clears his throat as a spot light shines on him.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ So J-Hop, you’re right, the spotlight is on me. It’s not the first time, it won’t be the last. I’m not trying to be super arrogant, but my entire career, it’s been in the spotlight. It comes with being a giant that decides to speak. You got these silent giants more times than not, rather do the talking in the ring than on a microphone, see me, I like to do both. I do both very well. I don’t let my mouth fight my battles, but I will let it answer your questions Jair.
TJ walks over to the far right corner and the crew follows him.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You seem to wonder a lot about what I’m going to do in the ring, focusing more on my composure during our match if you get the advantage at any point, which is likely, as you are a great competitor, I’ve said it before. You are a fighter, but that’s just it, you’re a fighter, not a psychiatrist. Neither of us are, so why bother asking what I think you’re gonna think when I have the advantage? Why bother asking why you think what you’re gonna think? Why try to play mind games that won’t work. You asked if I had what it takes to put take you down, but you see, the answer to your question is in your little talk slightly before the question. I’m bigger than you and I’m stronger than you. I can, and will, take you down, the question you should have asked is if I’m able to take you down long enough to win. That’s a good question.
TJ hops up on the top turnbuckle, sitting on it with his feet on the middle ropes.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ It’s a question I asked myself when I saw who I was facing this week. I asked myself because you’re a fast, innovative kid with big dreams from a fucked up community. You know, it’s not the first time I’ve face someone of your ilk, fast agile kid with this idea that he’s meant for big things because he made it outta of a fucked up place. I beat that kid. Difference is, you’re aware of what you’re up against. But here is what you’re over looking. I’m a big strong man with big dreams from a fucked up community. I didn’t have the greatest life as a kid either. My dad was a dead beat and my mom wasn’t the easiest to deal with. I was always picked for a fight by kids years older than me because I was bigger than all the kids my age.
He clears his throat once more.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Being big and shit, it’s not all that great when you’re young because the older kids want to make sure that when you get older, you don’t have idea of beating them up. It’s like training a puppy. They wanted to either scare me into respecting them or make me respect them to do their dirty work. It wasn’t fun. I came home most days from school with a busted eye. I think I lost more baby teeth due to getting get my ass kicked than me pulling them out. At one point, my mouth made Jason Kash’s mouth look like Brad Pitt’s mouth. It sucked. If it wasn’t for my brother, Raj, and Trey, I probably would have been in prison sooner than I was.
TJ hangs his head before bringing it up and nodding
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Yeah, I did time, ya didn’t know that did ya J-Hop. That fact slide under your radar. From 2002 until 2007, I was in prison for throwing someone through a wall for trying to force my sister into a date. There’s overprotective brothers, the there’s overprotective dads, and then there’s me. It didn’t help he continually insulted me and my brother in the process. I’m not to be tested Jair. What you see if a big ol’ fucker that could swat you outta the air like a fly, what you don’t see is the monster under that. I don’t like being tested, I don’t like being challenged, and I don’t like being questioned.
TJ hops off the turnbuckle and leans in the corner.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ That’s the mistake you’ve made. You’ve question my heart by asking if I’m going to be the survivor in the match and if I can be wise and not panic when you , “the black kid” begin to “stomp Nike footprints all over my body”. I’ve taken chair shots to the head in the middle of an APW ring and won. I’ve had my knee twisted like a Philly Soft Pretzel and won. Just last Asylum, I had my ankle smashed with the steel steps AND STILL WON. What more is there to question?
He leans into the camera.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ The only question that needs to be asked is if you’re ready; ready for greatness in its truest form, ready for your nightmares in their physical forms, and most im-fucking-portantly, are you ready to be face to chest with “The SOOOOUUUUUULLLLLL OF PHILLY”? Because I’m ready for Jair Hopkins. I’m ready to win.
TJ leaves the ring as the scene fades to black.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Been waiting a bit, good, ah, you can set up inside the ring if you want.
The crew leader nods and the three APW workers set up the camera and mic TJ who waits for a signal from the leader. After a few moments, the leader gives TJ a thumbs up and TJ nods acknowledging it. TJ clears his throat as a spot light shines on him.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ So J-Hop, you’re right, the spotlight is on me. It’s not the first time, it won’t be the last. I’m not trying to be super arrogant, but my entire career, it’s been in the spotlight. It comes with being a giant that decides to speak. You got these silent giants more times than not, rather do the talking in the ring than on a microphone, see me, I like to do both. I do both very well. I don’t let my mouth fight my battles, but I will let it answer your questions Jair.
TJ walks over to the far right corner and the crew follows him.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You seem to wonder a lot about what I’m going to do in the ring, focusing more on my composure during our match if you get the advantage at any point, which is likely, as you are a great competitor, I’ve said it before. You are a fighter, but that’s just it, you’re a fighter, not a psychiatrist. Neither of us are, so why bother asking what I think you’re gonna think when I have the advantage? Why bother asking why you think what you’re gonna think? Why try to play mind games that won’t work. You asked if I had what it takes to put take you down, but you see, the answer to your question is in your little talk slightly before the question. I’m bigger than you and I’m stronger than you. I can, and will, take you down, the question you should have asked is if I’m able to take you down long enough to win. That’s a good question.
TJ hops up on the top turnbuckle, sitting on it with his feet on the middle ropes.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ It’s a question I asked myself when I saw who I was facing this week. I asked myself because you’re a fast, innovative kid with big dreams from a fucked up community. You know, it’s not the first time I’ve face someone of your ilk, fast agile kid with this idea that he’s meant for big things because he made it outta of a fucked up place. I beat that kid. Difference is, you’re aware of what you’re up against. But here is what you’re over looking. I’m a big strong man with big dreams from a fucked up community. I didn’t have the greatest life as a kid either. My dad was a dead beat and my mom wasn’t the easiest to deal with. I was always picked for a fight by kids years older than me because I was bigger than all the kids my age.
He clears his throat once more.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Being big and shit, it’s not all that great when you’re young because the older kids want to make sure that when you get older, you don’t have idea of beating them up. It’s like training a puppy. They wanted to either scare me into respecting them or make me respect them to do their dirty work. It wasn’t fun. I came home most days from school with a busted eye. I think I lost more baby teeth due to getting get my ass kicked than me pulling them out. At one point, my mouth made Jason Kash’s mouth look like Brad Pitt’s mouth. It sucked. If it wasn’t for my brother, Raj, and Trey, I probably would have been in prison sooner than I was.
TJ hangs his head before bringing it up and nodding
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Yeah, I did time, ya didn’t know that did ya J-Hop. That fact slide under your radar. From 2002 until 2007, I was in prison for throwing someone through a wall for trying to force my sister into a date. There’s overprotective brothers, the there’s overprotective dads, and then there’s me. It didn’t help he continually insulted me and my brother in the process. I’m not to be tested Jair. What you see if a big ol’ fucker that could swat you outta the air like a fly, what you don’t see is the monster under that. I don’t like being tested, I don’t like being challenged, and I don’t like being questioned.
TJ hops off the turnbuckle and leans in the corner.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ That’s the mistake you’ve made. You’ve question my heart by asking if I’m going to be the survivor in the match and if I can be wise and not panic when you , “the black kid” begin to “stomp Nike footprints all over my body”. I’ve taken chair shots to the head in the middle of an APW ring and won. I’ve had my knee twisted like a Philly Soft Pretzel and won. Just last Asylum, I had my ankle smashed with the steel steps AND STILL WON. What more is there to question?
He leans into the camera.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ The only question that needs to be asked is if you’re ready; ready for greatness in its truest form, ready for your nightmares in their physical forms, and most im-fucking-portantly, are you ready to be face to chest with “The SOOOOUUUUUULLLLLL OF PHILLY”? Because I’m ready for Jair Hopkins. I’m ready to win.
TJ leaves the ring as the scene fades to black.
August 10th, 2012
We open the scene in South Philadelphia where we see “The Soul of Philly” TJ, Trey Gings and Roger Gings walking in the street towards TJ’s gym, “Philly’s Gym”. TJ’s ankle is visibly swollen as he wears Adidas slides and black shorts and a red Phillies shirt, no walking boot. Trey is wearing cargo shorts, shin-high black socks, Air Jordans and a black shirt while Raj is wearing jeans, New Balance running shoes and a blue polo on. TJ limbs quickly as Raj and Trey look at each other as they follow.
Roger .“Raj”.Gings TJ, stop, your ankle’s in pretty bad shape dude.
Trey.Gings Yea, it’s fucking swollen as shit! Deal with this after Asylum.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ It's getting dealt with now!
TJ pushes the doors open and, without crutches or anything to support his ankle, makes his way to the practice ring where two men are sparring for a boxing match. He gets up on the apron.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You and you, out of the ring, I’m sorry but something has happened here that I need to talk about.
The two men graciously bow out of the ring and TJ gets in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ TURN THE DAMN MUSIC OFF!
Silence as the booming voice of TJ flows over the gym, garnering the attention of everyone in the gym. Raj and Trey get in the ring and stand behind TJ.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Now everyone here, you’re here every day or close to it. I trust you all when I’m not in town to do the right thing, that’s what I intended for this gym to cause; to do the right thing. And now I’m asking you to do it.
The gym members have now circled the ring as TJ stands in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ I don’t ask for much in return when you join my gym. I ask that you give 15 bucks a month and that when you’re in here, you give your fellow members respect, some of you are adults and some are young bulls, some of you use this gym as a way to get in shape and some use this place to stay outta trouble, but someone here has been using this place more for that. You see, I found out on Friday that a couple of people have been using this gym, the locker rooms to sell drugs.
Shock and disgust by the members who are aware of TJ’s plan for the gym to become a pseudo-haven from the outside world. Raj and Trey hang their heads in shame.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Now the reason I’m pissed is obvious, what I need you all to do is either man up to being those people or give me the name of those people. I don’t want to install cameras in the locker rooms, but if you leave me no choice. So anyone know any information?
Everyone in the crowd looks around at the other members, looking to see if someone has info. A young black male raises his hand.
Young Man I don’t know how many people are involved but I’ve seen one guy push here.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Do you know him?
Young Man No, but I’ve seen him around Manayunk.
TJ points to the boy and motions for him to come in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You all can go back to your workouts. Thank you and don’t be afraid to come to any of the staff and tell us if something like this is happening
The crowd disperses while the boy gets in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ So, where does this guy live?
The scene fades as TJ, Trey, and Raj listen to the boy's information.
Roger .“Raj”.Gings TJ, stop, your ankle’s in pretty bad shape dude.
Trey.Gings Yea, it’s fucking swollen as shit! Deal with this after Asylum.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ It's getting dealt with now!
TJ pushes the doors open and, without crutches or anything to support his ankle, makes his way to the practice ring where two men are sparring for a boxing match. He gets up on the apron.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You and you, out of the ring, I’m sorry but something has happened here that I need to talk about.
The two men graciously bow out of the ring and TJ gets in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ TURN THE DAMN MUSIC OFF!
Silence as the booming voice of TJ flows over the gym, garnering the attention of everyone in the gym. Raj and Trey get in the ring and stand behind TJ.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Now everyone here, you’re here every day or close to it. I trust you all when I’m not in town to do the right thing, that’s what I intended for this gym to cause; to do the right thing. And now I’m asking you to do it.
The gym members have now circled the ring as TJ stands in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ I don’t ask for much in return when you join my gym. I ask that you give 15 bucks a month and that when you’re in here, you give your fellow members respect, some of you are adults and some are young bulls, some of you use this gym as a way to get in shape and some use this place to stay outta trouble, but someone here has been using this place more for that. You see, I found out on Friday that a couple of people have been using this gym, the locker rooms to sell drugs.
Shock and disgust by the members who are aware of TJ’s plan for the gym to become a pseudo-haven from the outside world. Raj and Trey hang their heads in shame.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Now the reason I’m pissed is obvious, what I need you all to do is either man up to being those people or give me the name of those people. I don’t want to install cameras in the locker rooms, but if you leave me no choice. So anyone know any information?
Everyone in the crowd looks around at the other members, looking to see if someone has info. A young black male raises his hand.
Young Man I don’t know how many people are involved but I’ve seen one guy push here.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ Do you know him?
Young Man No, but I’ve seen him around Manayunk.
TJ points to the boy and motions for him to come in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ You all can go back to your workouts. Thank you and don’t be afraid to come to any of the staff and tell us if something like this is happening
The crowd disperses while the boy gets in the ring.
The.Soul.of.Philly TJ So, where does this guy live?
The scene fades as TJ, Trey, and Raj listen to the boy's information.
