Post by sss on Apr 16, 2007 22:22:35 GMT -6
The scene opens in a small cozy diner the night before the big match. Is appears Stevens has reached Kansas City and he stopped for a quick bite to eat. As he sits alone in the diner he glances up from his food to see the faces of the people around him. A group of young kids in a booth causing a scene and making a mess in the name of good fun, a young couple in another booth far from the teens apparently on a date sitting across from each other in and staring into each other's eyes, the middle-aged brash looking businessman going through paperwork at the bar and chatting on his cell phone perhaps to a client or boss, an old man sitting alone in the corner of the diner reading the Kansas City Times but also people watching all the others, and finally the staff of the diner all standing around conversing near the register while the customers enjoy their meals. Stevens looks at each set thoughtfully and starts to talk to himself.
Shawn: George Duke.....a man of a past glory. POW Valor Champion yes, but his prime has gone long before. It's now time for the new generation to take this business and push it to the next level. Cheap tricks and flashy promos are the way of the past. Now it's about what one can do in the ring and only in the ring. All these people here.....representing the different generations in the world today. How fitting I chose this place the scene is just perfect, the young kids being thought of as a nusiance yet just enjoying life knowing that they have plenty of time to leave their marks. The young couple knowing their easy days are behind them, yet so in love that they know they have the rest of their lives to worry, but now is the time to live in the moment. Then the business man.....worrying that he has to keep busting his ass to keep his job and probably provide for his family so they have a good life. And finally the old man, giving he looks of disdain to the teenagers, thinking they are disrespectful.....but looking at the couple and businessman wishing he could have his life back that is almost up on him. The two most relevent of this group being the teens and the old man.....
Stevens takes a drink of his coffee and watches the kids launch spitballs at each other, while the old man shakes his head in disapproval.
Shawn: How ironic, Duke thinks I am the disrespectful one in this business. He believes I was given this spot due to my age and appeal to the fans. How wrong can he be? My talent speaks for me, not the people, not my youth....though they do help when you have some old fossil like Duke running around. He is like the old man, looking at me like I am nothing and owe HIM something. Hell when he was my age I hardly doubt he paid his dues to the veterans of that time. Back then it was more about kissing ass to get to the top, pick an old star and help him stay on the top and just follow him hoping people start remembering your name. Now it is easier to work your way up if you have the ability. Something I have shown time and time again. I'm glad he at least acknowleges that, but if he thinks losing to me once helped him I would sure love to know what school of wrestling he learned from.
A waitress comes up to Stevens.
Waitress: Anything else sugar?
Shawn: Just the check 'mam.
The waitress walks off to get his bill.
Shawn: Duke thinks I am going to burn out at the rate I'm going, hell I've heard that before. Always from veterans who were already burned out themselves. I'm not afraid of giving every match my all. Hell that's how I got to this spot to begin with. Busting my ass winning matches at any cost. And I have yet to have an injury past a concussion, thanks to Eagles. Even before I hit the "pros" I was giving it my all in the indies. No cameras, no promoting, no T-shits, no veterans worried about losing their spots. The indies are the home of the youthful new generations of wrestling. I went to UWL and immediatly hit it big, I came to POW and continued that shining spot I got a hold of quickly. I know my ego is big, but I have not been forced from the limelight for long by anyone. Even if I was not the brother of JTN I would have eventually gotten to this spot. Maybe years later, maybe at the same time, who knows for sure....but I know I would be here. Right now. Still as the POW Heavyweight Champion. Anyone can say I rode JTN's coattails here, and maybe they are right. But I don't see JTN helping me get to the top anymore. Hell he's never done that. He actually tried to pull me back from the top in UWL, but I wouldn't allow it. If my career ends soon it will still be worth it. Putting on the best match for the fans is all I care about. That's all that matters. One can't worry about the past or future once they step into the ring. It's all about the present. Something a veteran like Duke should realize....his past actions, my past, both of our futures......none of it means a damn thing tomorrow night......the only thing that will matter is who is standing tall when the ending bell rings. And all the dues Duke talks about having paid don't mean anything in POW......the slates get washed clean when the opening bell rings.......one on one......the present.....living in the moment......its how I became Sensational.......
The waitress walks back up and puts the check on the table. Stevens picks it up as she turns to the young couple. He looks at it and pulls his wallet out. He drops a fifty dollar bill on the table and gets up. He passes his waitress on his way to the door.
Shawn: Thanks miss.....I'll be back sometime soon......
Stevens walks out the door as the waitress goes to pick up her money. She sees the fifty dollar bill and her mouth opens wide.
Waitress: All he had was a sandwhich and cup of coffee.........
The other two waitresses all stare at Stevens through the window as he gets into his car and drives off towards the arena. The scene fades to black.