Post by Johnny Rebel on May 16, 2011 14:10:55 GMT -4
[The scene opens to “Simply Put” Johnny Rebel walking down the busy streets of Chicago, Ill. He’s weaving in and out of the crowd disappearing and reappearing at random. He takes a turn in to the middle of a courtyard where there are benches surrounding a large fountain. Rebel walks over and sits down.]
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Rebel: There is something about the silence of the moment. It’s a quiet time to reflect on what’s happened and what is to come. I came back to professional wrestling after a long hiatus for some competition. When you walk away from something that you loved for so long, there has to be something to replace that itch. For me, it was competition. I wanted nothing more than the challenge of going from city to city and competing. To me that means laying everything on the line night in and night out. When you’re done with your match in the middle of that ring that you have to spend hours bouncing back and forth from the sauna to loosen the joints and the ice bath to tighten them back up. Back in my day, you left everything out there. Everything was a challenge. It seems that things have changed over time? Apparently, this business has evolved in to something else. Maybe, I was just…wrong?
[Rebel watches the fountain as the specific springs jump up and down. A few kids are splashing in the puddles and chasing one another.]
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Rebel: Do you see the simplicity in those children splashing in the puddles? What’s the point? You walk away wet – cold – miserable. That’s how I would compare my time in the APW. Where I come from there was a respect for the business. I’ve found that there are many here that can’t hold my jock, let alone giving me even somewhat of the competition that I was itching for. Is this it? Is the best you have, APW? A.J. King? “Supersonic” Branden Harvey? Young Mannie? Please.
[Rebel cracks a smile.]
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Rebel: This is it? Seriously? The best you have to throw at me? I’m not sure what I’m even doing here. I keep telling myself that this is going to get better. That maybe….just maybe there is someone around this hole that can give me a legitimate challenge in that ring. It just hasn’t happened yet and I’m starting to lose hope. I’m starting to lose hope that the APW could fill that void that I was so desperate to fill. So much for “Action Packed” – so far it’s been little effort needed.
[Rebel stands up and begins walking.]
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Rebel: So, that leads us to Mayhem. Apparently, where the challenge begins. The bright lights are turned on and the big stars fill out the red carpet. It’s the moment where the best comes out in a person. It’s where you separate the wheat from the chaff. Have I made my point yet? I’ve been longing for this opportunity and I think I’m finally going to get it when I step back in to that ring against Blade.
[Rebel continues walking as the camera follows. It pans forward as we see Johnny Rebel standing in front of Swords of Might a samurai sword store.]
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Rebel: There is something about a blade that is mesmerizing. I’m not sure what it is – it might be the way a graceful soldier wields it in battle. It could be the way it’s so beautifully crafted. When you hold one in your hands, it’s an unexplainable feeling. The way its handle fits so nicely in the palm of your hand. Maybe it’s the unquestioned power that one has when they get their hands on one? The potential is unlimited. Nobody is coming after you when you’re holding one. In that moment, you’re untouchable. There isn’t a soul on Earth that will walk up to you and challenge you as you stand there with such a weapon in your hand. Is the way the sword shimmers in the light as you hold it in a threatening position? Is it the lore of mythology? Every major mythological character that we iconize has had a battle at some point with some kind of sword. What exactly is it that draws us to the sword…the blade?
[Rebel looks in the window at each sword longingly.]
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Rebel: The sword represents the power of coercion. That word coercion has such a rich meaning. Coercion is the practice of forcing another party to behave in an involuntary manner by use of threats, rewards, or intimidation or some other form of pressure or force. Can you imagine what that might be like? Imagine for a second that you weren’t a professional wrestler and you’ve got the opportunity to interrogate someone who has committed a crime. Picture the scene. You’ve got your suspect sitting in a dark, empty room. He’s bound at the hands and at the feet; both connected to the chair. There is just one light, strategically placed over the head of your subject; the heat from the light bulb causing them to sweat bullet after bullet. You’re pacing back and forth in front of a one-way mirror just waiting for the opportunity to enter and question the accused. You break in to the room and you fling a chair across as it breaks across the wall. The moment is tense as your suspect begins to get nervous and all of the sudden you pull from underneath your belt this long, sharp, but beautiful sword. Imagine all of the things you might force someone to tell you in that situation? There is just something about that sword that you can’t shake from your head. Who needs a gun? If you’re pulling a gun on someone, you better be ready to pull the trigger. It’s over and done – no pain. But if you’re in that situation and you whip out your blade, your sword, the questions begin.
[Rebel acts like he’s in this situation he’s describing, in his best ninja pose outside the sword shop. People walking by are looking at him like he’s crazy.]
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Rebel: What’s he going to do with that thing? Am I safe? How long is this process going to last? You start to force people to think through these difficult questions. It’s all in the power of the blade. There are physical questions to ask – there are physiological questions to ask. It’s right up my alley.
[Rebel walks in to the store as a bell rings to let an associate know he’s in the store. There are swords everywhere. Young teenagers with their parents are staring in awe, plotting their moves to get their hands on something sharp. Rebel is walking around as an associate approaches him.]
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Associate: Hello sir, can I help you?
Rebel: You certainly can. Where can I take one of these bad-boys for a test run?
[The associate is taken a back by Rebel’s longing to go kamikaze with a samurai sword somewhere in the building.]
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Associate: Well sir, that’s not what we do here. These swords are for display only.
Rebel: What kind of sense does that make?
Associate: We’re about safety first, sir.
Rebel: It’s like putting candy in front of a baby. Would you dangle candy in front of a baby?
Associate: Ah…I…
Rebel: Of course you wouldn’t!
Associate: [trying to get a word in.]
Rebel: Tell me about this one.
[Rebel points towards a sword that is featured in its very own display case. The associate begins to unlock the case and pull it out.]
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Associate: This is a butterfly sword.
Rebel: Well, that sounds gay. How can you take something so manly and name it after a measly butterfly?
Associate: Oh, no. The butterfly sword is a very powerful weapon!
Rebel: Sounds like something Sally Talfourd would carry. Weak!
Associate: It has a rich history. Originally, the butterfly sword was very different from the Wing Chun sword we see today. The butterfly sword was designed to meet the training and defense needs of Shaolin monks. In harmony with Buddhist philosophy and teachings, the monks designed the weapon for parrying, disarming, and cutting -- not for killing. Consequently, the blade was structured with dull edges on top and bottom to be used for interception of an opponent’s weapons. As indicated in the attached drawing, only the first 3 inches (the curved part) of the blade were sharpened. The remainder of the blade, top and bottom, was solid and dull for parrying and non-lethal striking purposes. The monks created the dull blade on the butterfly sword not only because it was a weapon of self-defense, but also because the dull blade added thickness for extra support to the structure of the sword. Having a sharpened blade on the butterfly sword was useful for chopping but because of the thin edge of the sword, the blade could easily be damaged or broken when defending against a longer, heavier weapon in combat. For this reason, the Shaolin monks preferred the sturdier blade. Today's Wing Chun sword techniques still emphasize parrying, obstructing, or intercepting an opponent's weapon. These remain highly consistent with the original design and intent of the blade itself.
[Rebel looks completely dazed over; possibly even drooling a bit. The associate finishes his history lesson on the sword and Rebel begins to slowly snap out of it.]
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Rebel: Can I hold it?
Associate: I don’t think that’s a good idea…
Rebel: Come on, what’s the worst that can happen?
Associate: Uh, someone could die?
Rebel: Not a big deal.
Associate: Not a big deal? Of course it’s a big deal!
Rebel: Suit yourself.
[The phone rings in the background.]
Associate: I’ve got to grab that, DO NOT touch anything!
[He puts the sword back in to its case delicately and closes the cover. He walks away forgetting to lock it. Rebel puts both hands in his pocket to show the associate he plans on being on his best behavior. As soon as the associate is out of sight, Rebel picks it up while three teenagers look on with googily eyes.]
Rebel: Now that’s what I’m talking about!
[Rebel does a few ninja like poses and takes a few swipes with the sword barely missing everything in his path. The kids dive for cover, half scared for their life and half excited beyond belief.]
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Rebel: Hey, any of you got anything we can cut up?
[All three empty their pockets and look up at him with terrified looks. There isn’t anything they can come up with that might fit the bill. Rebel looks around confusingly and jumps over the counter. He happens to see an apple in the trash can that is half-eaten. He tosses it to one of the kids and points over towards the wall.]
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Rebel: Let’s give this a run. Put that apple over your head. I’m going to slice it right in half.
[The teenager looks absolutely terrified. He does what he’s told as Rebel is holding an ancient weapon of war. His friends are looking on in amazement; silently cheering him on with anticipation. Rebel steps backwards and prepares himself in his best pose with the sword held high over his head. He takes a practice swing as the kid closes his eyes and grimaces as he waits for the act to be over. Rebel takes a second practice swing as the kid grimaces harder the second time around. His friends have both hands over their head in excitement.]
Rebel: Ready?
[The kid nods in agreement as Rebel winds up a third time. Rebel begins his motion as the associate appears from the background, completely dumbfounded as to what’s about to happen. Rebel takes a swipe and detaches the apple from the kid’s head in several different pieces. The kid falls to the ground in absolute fear and begins feeling around his head to make sure it’s still connected to his body. His friends run over in delight at what’s just happened.
Rebel: YES!!!
[The associate comes running towards Rebel but pauses to slap a red button underneath a cabinet. Cages begin to come down to block the entrances as sirens blare in the background. Each kid runs back to find their parents and avoid any punishment that might be coming Rebel’s way. Two giant men come running out of the back wearing black t-shirts and jeans. They surround Rebel with the associate securing the butterfly sword. Each of the security guard grabs an arm and lifts him up off the ground.]
Associate: What in the world were you thinking?
[Rebel shrugs.]
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Rebel: I was taking it for a test run! You don’t buy the car without taking it for a drive first, right?
Associate: You could have killed him!
Rebel: It was just an apple – get a grip.
Associate: Get him out of here! And don’t let me catch you here again!
[The two security guards raise the cages securing the door and it comes flying open. They grab Rebel, turn him sideways and launch him out the front. Rebel lands on the sidewalk face first. He slowly stands to his feet and brushes off the dirt.]
Rebel: Well, that was certainly worth it! Did you see that?
[The camera man nods. Rebel looks beside himself in delight. He continues walking down the street as the camera follows.]
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Rebel: All of my assumptions were confirmed. Having that power – to make those kids do whatever I wanted them to do. Coercion. Having that authority; it’s powerful! The sword is such a powerful weapon!
[The smile overcoming Rebel’s face is unnerving.]
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Rebel: It’s kind of like what that feeling is going to be like at Mayhem, when I get my hands on you, Blade.
[Rebel holds up his hands like he would be strangling the neck of someone standing in front of him.]
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Rebel: I get the idea that you’ve got some history around here in the APW. That you had a solid run and gave it up for a bit to focus on other things. I hate the fact that you’re due to make your “return” against me. We won’t count that match at Overdrive. You could have slept walk through that – I’ll give you a tad bit of credit there. However, it’s time to wake up now. It’s time to put that passion to a test. Do you have what it takes still? I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to spent time wrestling with the question, “can I still do this?” The lifestyle you’ve lived catches up with you and you’ve got some major questions to ask of yourself and sometimes you don’t like the answers you find. Nobody really knows what happened in that time you were gone but you. That will eat at you. It will control you. Will you answer correctly?
[Rebel smirks.]
Rebel: The thing about the sword is its power as we’ve already discussed and it’s what you’ve chosen to identify yourself with. You obviously understand the depth of that picture. But I think what you’ve failed to understand something about yourself. Your previous break was well documented but the thing about a blade is that if it sits long enough it gets dull. It no longer is able to pierce the same things it used to pierce. Have you ever tried to cut with a dull blade? It just doesn’t work. You go to chop up wherever it is you’re planning on chopping and you slam down only for the blade to bounce back up due to its dullness. Or you completely butcher whatever it is you were carving. Have you ever tried to chop wood with a dull axe? It’s like taking an eighth of a laxative. You’ve still got to poop but you’re not doing anything to help you get there.
So, the question is how do you get that blade sharp again? Pay careful attention because I’m going to teach you a lesson here. The first step in sharpening your blade is picking the right angle. If you already know what angle your knife is sharpened at, you’re probably going to want to sharpen it at the same angle again. Do you know what that means for you? You’ve tried this once and failed. Maybe this wrestling thing isn’t for you? Maybe you just can’t do it? Because if the first step is to sharpen yourself again at the same angle you did previously, you’re going to end right back up where you left off; and by your own admission, where you left off isn’t where you want to be. It’s a haze…a distant memory. So, what happens when you step back in that ring again and the heat is on? Are you going to disappear again? Fade off in to the distance? You were nothing then and you’re nothing now. What happens to someone who is worth nothing and disappears? Does anybody care? The answer is no. You can’t do this again, Blade. You’re going to end up right back where you were. Nobody cared then and nobody is going to care now.
Lucky for you, they make a tool to use when re-sharpening a blade. It’s called an angle guide. Ever seen one of those, Blade? It’s a simple device that serves only one purpose and that’s keeping someone who wants to sharpen a blade on task if that can’t find the right angle. That sounds a lot like something you would benefit from, doesn’t it? Well in this case, let me be your guide, Blade. Let me tell you what to do: walk away. It’s not worth what’s going to happen to you come Mayhem. I realize that you’re all puffed up at this point and ready to conquer whatever task is in front of you. But take it from me – your self appointed guide. Walk away. Simply put, I’m headed for bigger and better avenues. You’re simply a stepping-stone for something bigger. And as I climb that ladder, rung by rung, and I step on your throat to get to that next level you can’t say that I didn’t warn you. I’ve now become that little angel that’s sitting on your shoulder. I tried to help you but you remember this moment if you don’t listen. You remember that I gave you plenty of warning and advance notice. If you don’t listen, it’s completely up to you.
I can’t put it any clearer than that. When I get my hands on you, you’re going to be like that little kid I sliced the apple off of. He was nervous, terrified, deeply scared of the end results. And at the end, when the match is over, and you’ve dropped to the floor in fear and I’m standing over top of you – victorious – you’ll be just another statistic and another rung on my ladder as I climb straight to the top. That, my friend, is…
#SIMPLY
#F’N
#PUT!
[The camera fades to black as the words “Simply F’N Put” are displayed in white lettering over a black background.]
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NOTE: Modified to fix a coding issue.
