Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2013 18:52:17 GMT -4
♧From Paris With Love; The Explicit Saga♧
Yesterday, a boy and already afraid
Locked deep inside, my place to hide
To hide from how you made me feel
And i wonder how's your brother
Did he end up fucked up like me?
Lost in himself, crying for help it's safe to say
Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny.
-Bob Marley
(((The scene slowly opens on a busy street near the heart of the city in Paris, France. Businessmen walk on this gorgeous day to meetings, children play in the streets, and various merchants sell their goods from their carts. A typical and good day in Paris. The camera finds a man, however, who seems out of place as he walks along the street with his hands in his pockets. He is wearing blue jeans, Air Force One sneakers, and an "Century" t-shirt. Century is a French rock band formed in France in the 1980’s. Initially influential in the French Rock scene, Century in their career produced at least two albums before calling it quits.
His hair is dark brown and hangs down to his shoulders, and he wears dark sunglasses to protect his eyes from the blistering sun. He seems deep into his thoughts, weary of the passersby who recognize him. He shuns away, but respects enough to smile at the ones who obviously know who he is, and occasionally even signing autographs for the younger crowd members who, unbeknownst to him, happen to have pens and various memorabilia... as if they knew there was a chance they might see him. And they do know, because Overdrive is in touring Europe preparing to be in Athens, Greece in a few days.
It's not even that they were looking for The Innovator specifically; they've just rushed to the streets hoping beyond hope one of their known favorite American wrestlers might... just might be walking around their beautiful city. He hasn't shaved in a few days, with almost scraggly stubble splattered all over his handsome face. He continues walking after every interruption, not angrily, not gingerly... almost happily. As he makes his way to a bridge that crosses over the Seine River, the sunlight shines more on him to grant the viewer the obviousness of who he is.
He is Joseph Johnson, the 11 year veteran of professional wrestling, and the man who will challenge one half of New Gen rising on this coming Overdrive. He gets about half way across the bridge and stops, leaning his elbows on the railing and looking out onto the river which has various kayaks and small boats going about their business in it. As he continues to look out onto the river, his thoughts are heard as he reflects on his past, his present, and his future. )))
"Paris. Such a different world than I am used to. The people here respect life, respect each other... so much more than my homeland, it seems. Sometimes I think my life would be a lot better, more enriched, if I lived here instead of America. Even after such travesties as the tsunami... and the atom bombings of World War II... they survive. They thrive, even. They pick up the pieces and move on, better than we do, I'd say. But I love America too much to leave. That is a fact.
Although the fans here are a different breed, I would miss my people back at home way too much. The U.S.A. isn't perfect, but we're trying. The majority of us are trying. It's not all reality shows and McDonald's, as the rest of the world would like to believe. Life is not how much money you make, or how many things you own. Life is like a well-defined art, life is like a once forbidden love, and life is most certainly a broad passion. And my passion is and has always been in professional wrestling.
So many things have changed in my life, but that one fact remains the same. For eleven years, I have given my blood, sweat, and tears for this business. I have sacrificed normalcy. I have sacrificed love. I have sacrificed friendship. I have sacrificed my body. I have given my everything I have in the proverbial tank, and I regret not one second of it. THIS is what I was born to do. THIS is what I was designed for. I have no doubts about that. I have held numerous championships...
I have been in countless legendary feuds... I have created moments that people will certainly remember FOREVER. I've had the spotlight on me for so long, and when it begins to move past, I make sure it swings right back into place. In APW alone, I have done these things with pushing the envelope though my record is nothing but cannon fodder... I manage to top performance after performance as I’m the Innovator of Excellence. No one can deny this, not Level One... not Terry Marvin... not Mad Mumf... and not even President Jeff.
For the majority of my life, I have been the driving force of the wrestling world. I take great pride in that. That's one thing Paris takes very seriously... pride. Over the years, I have learned many things about this business and the people that love it so much. The fans, although some times over critical, are just as passionate about it as I am till this very day. They love this sport. They love to cheer, they love to boo, they love the great matches and the great stories we all tell."
(((There is a slight pause, as Joseph continues to stare out onto the river. There is gratitude in his eyes, a sight not many have seen on his face ever before. )))
"I appreciate life a lot more now, as I come closer and closer to the age of 32. I appreciate a lot of things I've dismissed in the past, actually. The fans that have my back, most of all. Without the fans, there would be no APW. There would be no professional wrestling. There'd be no reason. And it's not just about money, no. Money does not control the world as much as the corporations and presidents would like us to believe.
I feel sorry for people who get so wrapped up in currency they allow the true meanings of life to slip right by. They are lost. I'm not in this business for money, even though I've made quite a great living at it. That's just a bonus. It's in my blood. My father before me was a wrestling trainer. My friends, cousins and so forth have all dabbled in trying to make it in professional wrestling.
It's what we do. I have friends all over the world, doing many various things, but the closest friends I have share the same passion and are in this business. I live and breathe it. It's fortunate for me to live my dream, as I know so many others do not. They waste away in disdain, in apathy, and never live up to their potential.
The faceless millions, screaming out for help and in pain... and no one is there to help them remain in a world of sanity. It's overwhelming to think about, sometimes. So many mouths to feed, so many hearts... desperately craving the love that we all think we deserve. Even for those of us who are more fortunate, with a flip of a switch... it can be taken away just like that. I've learned a lot over the years. To never take anything I have for granted.
Just to stop and breathe, enjoy the moment. There are so many young and hungry wrestlers in the world and APW that could heed those words and use them to their advantage. The trouble with our youth, is, they don't realize their own little ego works against them. If you don't listen to the experience, if you don't listen to that very wisdom, you learn things the hard way. They think they're invincible. They think they can do no wrong. It happens all the time, over and over. Humans are a complicated species."
(((As this last thought is heard, Joseph suddenly turns his attention to the camera, looking right into it. There is confidence in his eyes, and determination. His facial expression doesn't change as he begins to speak. )))
"Brian Hollywood. You are one half of that hot youthful tag team New Gen Rising, and one of the most talented young stars on the APW roster today. I respect these things, Brian Hollywood. I respect your ability, and your well passion. But I have to tell you... it's QUALITY, not QUANTITY. You have a lot to learn still. I shouldn't have to watch a promo of yours, and for thirty minutes you banter with your associates. For fifteen minutes you try to rally up the strengths of a man ready to put it all on the line. For god knows how long you rant about people, because by then, I was fast asleep.
I had to watch again in the morning, and almost passed out once again. You're so dry and stale sometimes, it makes me wonder just how boring the real Hollywood is. I think you will be at the top in a few years Brian Hollywood. But, now this isn’t your time. It isn’t your party; the time is for wrestling to be Excellent once more. Because that's what I will do, Brian. We both know it. For the first time in a long time, I have something to prove.
My return to Professional Wrestling via Action Packed Wrestling, albeit being eventful, it hasn't yielded me one win yet. The talent is hotter than ever before. I've never seen a roster, Not since my career’s beginning in 2002, look this good on paper and in the ring. But I'm not going to let that deter me from accomplishing one of the few things left in this business and company I have not before. This is my time to finally shut out the critics. Drown out all the doubt. As I won’t back down or ever quit. This will be my time. And you shouldn’t be ashamed as this is long overdue mi amigo."
((( Johnson takes a deep breath, looks out onto the river once more, then fixes his eyes back on the camera.)))
"You can use as many obscure wrestling moves as you like, and name them the most ridiculous names ever. You can talk about what the fans are raving about on Facebook and Twitter. You can say everyone knows you as one half of the ‘New Gen Rising.' You definitely have some confidence on you, and a chip on your shoulder. It will make no bit of difference whatsoever. I don’t want you to give a me history lesson, kiddo, because quite frankly...
I don't remember your history. As for all purpose of the matter you are a ripe peach in my world. As if that makes sense. But you're not really one to make sense, are you? You don't know what the fans want; you only feed your own lame brain hungers. It's funny you're trying to rise up a New Generation, because you'll definitely won’t be rising after I shatter your empty sense of self-worth. Good lord, are you very crafty. Almost as crafty as Adam Mumford, even. I'm not sure how you get around to being attached to the surname Hollywood in the first place.
But shallow is the word that comes immediately to mind when I think of you, Brian. You think it's a mind game to string together a person’s past? Hollywood is one of the worst places in the world, Brian. It has been for quite some time. That defines you, though. Mediocre. Bland. BORING. It's true. I really hope I don't cause you to don’t bring you’re A-game, Brian Honestly, and sincerely. Nothing lasts forever, and maybe this unbelievable losing streak will end as well.
You're right, Brian before you even have to say it, I am not a God. Nor do I claim to be one. And I very well might be the true face of failure in the APW, no matter what Brian Hollywood would have you believe. But we are mortals, we are animals, and the better beast will have his day at Overdrive in Athens, Greece. I WILL be the better beast and that’s the truth."
(((Johnson pauses again, another deep breath, and a scratching of the chin. He shakes his head a little bit before continuing. )))
|Joseph Johnson|
"Some would be compelled to rant on and on like you have in order to get my point across. I'm not going to do that. I don't have to take up an hour of your time to tell you what I am going to do to you. I don't need to show how much of a moron I am by belittling even stupider morons on camera.
I don't need to demean women and call them sluts behind their back to prove how much of a bad ass I am. You know you are in for the fight on your life, I can hear it in your voice. You try to convince yourself things will be different this time, you will be victorious, you will retain... you're just trying to convince yourself. Because no one else in convinced. You may be the likely favorite coming into this match, but you're definitely the underdog as well. You know this. I know this. The world knows this. If you can defeat me and do it effortlessly, I will shake your hand. Because, like I said, even though I feel these ways about you... I still respect you and your talents in the ring.
I have been studying you like I haven't studied anyone in quite a while, I must confess. I'm not going to be put on the shelf with a broken ankle or broken arm as you seem like a consummate professional Mister Hollywood. But I also don't think that will happen because you HAVE improved. You HAVE stepped up your game. I've said that all along. Even though I have a few losses under my belt lately, I haven't slipped. Not one bit. I'm training hard for this, because I want your power, Brian.
I want to bring prestige to the Business that has been held by the likes of the forgettable Tommy Knox... Chris Madison ... Niobe Martin ... Michael Jennings... and that rabies infested Stefan Raab. Your riding high on the fumes of a New Generation is coming very close to its end, my friend. I know you feel that in your heart, your trembling heart. And I'll tell you right now, I'll give you a rematch, sure. It doesn't have to be in some kind of contract, I'm telling you right here and now. It'll be my honor to defeat you yet again.
I will not be defeated by ANYTHING called the New Gen (insert name here). I will not go down because of some kind of fancy roll up or flashy submission what-have-you. I could naturally churn out better moves than that, man. It's all about to come to a head. The mediocrity is about to end. The boredom is about to cease. I will bring life and excitement to the world of Professional Wrestling, perhaps for the first time since Jason Kash was on top of the world. Brian... I don't need to say anymore. The rest of my talking will be done in the ring. Get ready to kiss your precious moment of ascension goodbye. As my rise has only just begun."
(((Johnson smirks, and turns his head towards the river once again. A seagull flies by, squawking all the way. The camera begins to fade, with Joseph having complete confidence in his abilities and his statements... perhaps for the first time in a good while. )))
His hair is dark brown and hangs down to his shoulders, and he wears dark sunglasses to protect his eyes from the blistering sun. He seems deep into his thoughts, weary of the passersby who recognize him. He shuns away, but respects enough to smile at the ones who obviously know who he is, and occasionally even signing autographs for the younger crowd members who, unbeknownst to him, happen to have pens and various memorabilia... as if they knew there was a chance they might see him. And they do know, because Overdrive is in touring Europe preparing to be in Athens, Greece in a few days.
It's not even that they were looking for The Innovator specifically; they've just rushed to the streets hoping beyond hope one of their known favorite American wrestlers might... just might be walking around their beautiful city. He hasn't shaved in a few days, with almost scraggly stubble splattered all over his handsome face. He continues walking after every interruption, not angrily, not gingerly... almost happily. As he makes his way to a bridge that crosses over the Seine River, the sunlight shines more on him to grant the viewer the obviousness of who he is.
He is Joseph Johnson, the 11 year veteran of professional wrestling, and the man who will challenge one half of New Gen rising on this coming Overdrive. He gets about half way across the bridge and stops, leaning his elbows on the railing and looking out onto the river which has various kayaks and small boats going about their business in it. As he continues to look out onto the river, his thoughts are heard as he reflects on his past, his present, and his future. )))
"Paris. Such a different world than I am used to. The people here respect life, respect each other... so much more than my homeland, it seems. Sometimes I think my life would be a lot better, more enriched, if I lived here instead of America. Even after such travesties as the tsunami... and the atom bombings of World War II... they survive. They thrive, even. They pick up the pieces and move on, better than we do, I'd say. But I love America too much to leave. That is a fact.
Although the fans here are a different breed, I would miss my people back at home way too much. The U.S.A. isn't perfect, but we're trying. The majority of us are trying. It's not all reality shows and McDonald's, as the rest of the world would like to believe. Life is not how much money you make, or how many things you own. Life is like a well-defined art, life is like a once forbidden love, and life is most certainly a broad passion. And my passion is and has always been in professional wrestling.
So many things have changed in my life, but that one fact remains the same. For eleven years, I have given my blood, sweat, and tears for this business. I have sacrificed normalcy. I have sacrificed love. I have sacrificed friendship. I have sacrificed my body. I have given my everything I have in the proverbial tank, and I regret not one second of it. THIS is what I was born to do. THIS is what I was designed for. I have no doubts about that. I have held numerous championships...
I have been in countless legendary feuds... I have created moments that people will certainly remember FOREVER. I've had the spotlight on me for so long, and when it begins to move past, I make sure it swings right back into place. In APW alone, I have done these things with pushing the envelope though my record is nothing but cannon fodder... I manage to top performance after performance as I’m the Innovator of Excellence. No one can deny this, not Level One... not Terry Marvin... not Mad Mumf... and not even President Jeff.
For the majority of my life, I have been the driving force of the wrestling world. I take great pride in that. That's one thing Paris takes very seriously... pride. Over the years, I have learned many things about this business and the people that love it so much. The fans, although some times over critical, are just as passionate about it as I am till this very day. They love this sport. They love to cheer, they love to boo, they love the great matches and the great stories we all tell."
(((There is a slight pause, as Joseph continues to stare out onto the river. There is gratitude in his eyes, a sight not many have seen on his face ever before. )))
"I appreciate life a lot more now, as I come closer and closer to the age of 32. I appreciate a lot of things I've dismissed in the past, actually. The fans that have my back, most of all. Without the fans, there would be no APW. There would be no professional wrestling. There'd be no reason. And it's not just about money, no. Money does not control the world as much as the corporations and presidents would like us to believe.
I feel sorry for people who get so wrapped up in currency they allow the true meanings of life to slip right by. They are lost. I'm not in this business for money, even though I've made quite a great living at it. That's just a bonus. It's in my blood. My father before me was a wrestling trainer. My friends, cousins and so forth have all dabbled in trying to make it in professional wrestling.
It's what we do. I have friends all over the world, doing many various things, but the closest friends I have share the same passion and are in this business. I live and breathe it. It's fortunate for me to live my dream, as I know so many others do not. They waste away in disdain, in apathy, and never live up to their potential.
The faceless millions, screaming out for help and in pain... and no one is there to help them remain in a world of sanity. It's overwhelming to think about, sometimes. So many mouths to feed, so many hearts... desperately craving the love that we all think we deserve. Even for those of us who are more fortunate, with a flip of a switch... it can be taken away just like that. I've learned a lot over the years. To never take anything I have for granted.
Just to stop and breathe, enjoy the moment. There are so many young and hungry wrestlers in the world and APW that could heed those words and use them to their advantage. The trouble with our youth, is, they don't realize their own little ego works against them. If you don't listen to the experience, if you don't listen to that very wisdom, you learn things the hard way. They think they're invincible. They think they can do no wrong. It happens all the time, over and over. Humans are a complicated species."
(((As this last thought is heard, Joseph suddenly turns his attention to the camera, looking right into it. There is confidence in his eyes, and determination. His facial expression doesn't change as he begins to speak. )))
|Joseph Johnson|
"Brian Hollywood. You are one half of that hot youthful tag team New Gen Rising, and one of the most talented young stars on the APW roster today. I respect these things, Brian Hollywood. I respect your ability, and your well passion. But I have to tell you... it's QUALITY, not QUANTITY. You have a lot to learn still. I shouldn't have to watch a promo of yours, and for thirty minutes you banter with your associates. For fifteen minutes you try to rally up the strengths of a man ready to put it all on the line. For god knows how long you rant about people, because by then, I was fast asleep.
I had to watch again in the morning, and almost passed out once again. You're so dry and stale sometimes, it makes me wonder just how boring the real Hollywood is. I think you will be at the top in a few years Brian Hollywood. But, now this isn’t your time. It isn’t your party; the time is for wrestling to be Excellent once more. Because that's what I will do, Brian. We both know it. For the first time in a long time, I have something to prove.
My return to Professional Wrestling via Action Packed Wrestling, albeit being eventful, it hasn't yielded me one win yet. The talent is hotter than ever before. I've never seen a roster, Not since my career’s beginning in 2002, look this good on paper and in the ring. But I'm not going to let that deter me from accomplishing one of the few things left in this business and company I have not before. This is my time to finally shut out the critics. Drown out all the doubt. As I won’t back down or ever quit. This will be my time. And you shouldn’t be ashamed as this is long overdue mi amigo."
((( Johnson takes a deep breath, looks out onto the river once more, then fixes his eyes back on the camera.)))
|Joseph Johnson|
"You can use as many obscure wrestling moves as you like, and name them the most ridiculous names ever. You can talk about what the fans are raving about on Facebook and Twitter. You can say everyone knows you as one half of the ‘New Gen Rising.' You definitely have some confidence on you, and a chip on your shoulder. It will make no bit of difference whatsoever. I don’t want you to give a me history lesson, kiddo, because quite frankly...
I don't remember your history. As for all purpose of the matter you are a ripe peach in my world. As if that makes sense. But you're not really one to make sense, are you? You don't know what the fans want; you only feed your own lame brain hungers. It's funny you're trying to rise up a New Generation, because you'll definitely won’t be rising after I shatter your empty sense of self-worth. Good lord, are you very crafty. Almost as crafty as Adam Mumford, even. I'm not sure how you get around to being attached to the surname Hollywood in the first place.
But shallow is the word that comes immediately to mind when I think of you, Brian. You think it's a mind game to string together a person’s past? Hollywood is one of the worst places in the world, Brian. It has been for quite some time. That defines you, though. Mediocre. Bland. BORING. It's true. I really hope I don't cause you to don’t bring you’re A-game, Brian Honestly, and sincerely. Nothing lasts forever, and maybe this unbelievable losing streak will end as well.
You're right, Brian before you even have to say it, I am not a God. Nor do I claim to be one. And I very well might be the true face of failure in the APW, no matter what Brian Hollywood would have you believe. But we are mortals, we are animals, and the better beast will have his day at Overdrive in Athens, Greece. I WILL be the better beast and that’s the truth."
(((Johnson pauses again, another deep breath, and a scratching of the chin. He shakes his head a little bit before continuing. )))
|Joseph Johnson|
"Some would be compelled to rant on and on like you have in order to get my point across. I'm not going to do that. I don't have to take up an hour of your time to tell you what I am going to do to you. I don't need to show how much of a moron I am by belittling even stupider morons on camera.
I don't need to demean women and call them sluts behind their back to prove how much of a bad ass I am. You know you are in for the fight on your life, I can hear it in your voice. You try to convince yourself things will be different this time, you will be victorious, you will retain... you're just trying to convince yourself. Because no one else in convinced. You may be the likely favorite coming into this match, but you're definitely the underdog as well. You know this. I know this. The world knows this. If you can defeat me and do it effortlessly, I will shake your hand. Because, like I said, even though I feel these ways about you... I still respect you and your talents in the ring.
I have been studying you like I haven't studied anyone in quite a while, I must confess. I'm not going to be put on the shelf with a broken ankle or broken arm as you seem like a consummate professional Mister Hollywood. But I also don't think that will happen because you HAVE improved. You HAVE stepped up your game. I've said that all along. Even though I have a few losses under my belt lately, I haven't slipped. Not one bit. I'm training hard for this, because I want your power, Brian.
I want to bring prestige to the Business that has been held by the likes of the forgettable Tommy Knox... Chris Madison ... Niobe Martin ... Michael Jennings... and that rabies infested Stefan Raab. Your riding high on the fumes of a New Generation is coming very close to its end, my friend. I know you feel that in your heart, your trembling heart. And I'll tell you right now, I'll give you a rematch, sure. It doesn't have to be in some kind of contract, I'm telling you right here and now. It'll be my honor to defeat you yet again.
I will not be defeated by ANYTHING called the New Gen (insert name here). I will not go down because of some kind of fancy roll up or flashy submission what-have-you. I could naturally churn out better moves than that, man. It's all about to come to a head. The mediocrity is about to end. The boredom is about to cease. I will bring life and excitement to the world of Professional Wrestling, perhaps for the first time since Jason Kash was on top of the world. Brian... I don't need to say anymore. The rest of my talking will be done in the ring. Get ready to kiss your precious moment of ascension goodbye. As my rise has only just begun."
(((Johnson smirks, and turns his head towards the river once again. A seagull flies by, squawking all the way. The camera begins to fade, with Joseph having complete confidence in his abilities and his statements... perhaps for the first time in a good while. )))
♧Cue Credits♧
