Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on Feb 19, 2015 3:33:03 GMT -5
SCENE I – Hotel ZaZa, Dallas, Texas – Uncle Draven – 1:00pm Central Time
The Presidential Suite at Hotel ZaZa, amazing what rich people do with their money. Two men in business suits guard the entrance of the Presidential Suite. Visible pistols are barely hidden behind their jacket, as are their Dallas Police badge.
Thomas Uriel Bates continues to walk the long hallway until approached by the two officers. The officers look him over, noticing the out of place attire the big man is wearing; black jeans and a tight black BATES GYM shirt.
Officer I: State your business.
Thomas Bates: I’m here to see my uncle.
Officer II: Who’s your uncle?
Bates turns his attention to the second officer and cracks a smile.
Thomas Bates: The Crow.
The two officers begin to get aggressive.
Officer II: You think you’re funny? I asked you a question.
The other officer begins to walk behind Bates, who takes a step back to keep both of them in view.
Thomas Bates: As I said officers, I’m here to see my uncle.
Officer I: Keep being a smart-ass, we’ll take you in.
Still preventing the officers from circling him, he cracks another smile.
Thomas Bates: You can try.
The officers begin to reach for their pistol just as the doors of the Presidential Suite open up. The man standing at the doorway is perhaps the smallest of the group assembled, however he strikes a powerful image himself. Dressed in a brown striped three piece suit with bright gold cufflinks, the man is obviously the guest staying at this suite. Some people may recognize him as Alexander James, the multi-billionaire owner of Golanv Enterprises, but wrestling fans know him more as the legendary “The Crow” Eric Draven.
Alexander James: Stand down gentlemen, we wouldn’t want things to get out of control now would we?
The two officers snap to attention, holstering their pistols.
Officer I: Sorry Mr. James. This wise-ass was trying to give us a hard time.
Alexander James looks sternly at the officer.
Alexander James: That “wise-ass” is my nephew, and you two are dismissed.
The two officers look stunned. The second officer attempts to make a plea.
Officer II: Mr. James, the Dallas Police Department placed you in our care due to the recent attack.
Alexander James: I am certain that my nephew here will ensure my safety. Now, tell your Captain that if I ever see you two again, then the three of you will be standing in the unemployment line.
Officer I: Yes sir.
The two officers start to walk off as Alexander takes Thomas into the room. The room is large, bigger than most houses. Fancy furniture, pictures, even plants. Everything you would expect from the fanciest room in one of the fanciest hotels in all of Dallas, Texas. Alexander motions for Thomas to sit on the couch.
Alexander James: It is so nice to see you again nephew.
Thomas Bates: It’s good to see you too. I’m very glad you decided to come and see my debut match in the WCF.
Alexander sat down in a fancy Victorian chair with red velvet cushions. He smiled as he replied.
Alexander James: I remember my debut match, way back in the UCWF. It was the first time going out in my new gimmick, the simple dark and mysterious type, “Krow”. I’ll never forget it.
Thomas Bates: How excited you were?
Alexander chuckles.
Alexander James: No, how nervous I was. I was so scared that everything would happen. Botch a move, slip and fall before I even got to the ring, a negative crowd reaction, everything.
Thomas leans back on the couch.
Thomas Bates: So it’s normal then. I was worried that I might not be ready.
Alexander shakes his head and leans forward.
Alexander James: No, you’re ready. I see it in your eyes, you’re ready. It’s normal to be nervous. Now tell me about your opponent.
Thomas Bates: There are two of them actually. A triple threat match against Mr. Amazing, and Gemini Battle.
Alexander sits back and puts his hand to his chin.
Alexander James: I can’t say I’ve ever heard of Mr. Amazing. Battle though, I know him. I’ve seen him wrestle a couple of times, and I’ve heard of his rise up the economical ladder.
Thomas Bates: I’ve been watching a few of his matches, he’s pretty good.
Alexander James: He is. He’s pretty good at psychological warfare.
Thomas nods.
Thomas Bates: Yup, I just saw his latest promotional video. He kidnapped a guy named Grayson Pierce at their weekly show, and apparently tortured him.
Alexander chuckles as he stands up and walks over to a bar. He pours himself a glass of what appears to be whisky from a decanter.
Alexander James: Want one?
Thomas shakes his head.
Thomas Bates: No thank you.
Alexander walks back to the chair, but leans against it instead of sitting down. He sips from his glass.
Alexander James: I remember the torture scene I did with former EFW Commentator Josh McIntosh. It took hours for the special effects team to make that specialized hand.
Thomas Bates: I know it’s not real uncle. What has me thinking though is he says he has an army.
Alexander James: So do I.
Thomas Bates: I know, but that’s you. You’ve always had the high tech gadgets, the team of superhero-like wrestlers, and even the private army. That’s not me though.
Alexander sits on the couch next to Thomas.
Alexander James: Tommy, if you need me to let you borrow some guys, it’s not a big deal.
Thomas stands up quick, shaking his head.
Thomas Bates: No. I need to do this by myself. I need to prove that I can do this without anyone’s help.
Alexander stands up and puts his hand on his nephew’s shoulder.
Alexander James: I understand. At least let me bring in someone to manage you.
Thomas turns and looks at his uncle.
Thomas Bates: I said I don’t need anyone else to fight my battles.
Alexander shakes his head.
Alexander James: Not a fighter, at least not anymore. Just someone to help you with PR, that’s all.
Thomas Bates: PR?
Alexander James: Public Relations. Look, you are going to prove yourself in the ring I have no doubt. This Mr. Amazing doesn’t stand a chance, and even though Gemini Battle is a good wrestler, I have full confidence that you will overcome. What you might need though, is someone to help you get your name out there a bit more. Schedule a few interviews, make sure you've got matches every week, all kinds of behind the scenes stuff.
Thomas Bates: I can get my name out there plenty in the ring.
Alexander shakes his head.
Alexander James: No. In ring ability is one thing, but wrestling these days isn’t just about what skills you have in the ring. It’s all about getting your name out there. Making you a household name across the world. A PR Manager would help you do that.
Thomas Bates: I don’t know.
Alexander smiles and pats Thomas in the back.
Alexander James: It’s settled then. I’ll send him to you soon enough. Now go get something to eat and go back to your hotel. You’ve got a lot to do this week.
Thomas simply shakes his head as he slowly walks out of the Presidential Suite.
SCENE II – Deer Lounge, Dallas, Texas – Self Training – 3:00pm Central Time
The man known as Thomas Uriel Bates sits at the bar of Dallas, Texas’ Deer Lounge, said to be the toughest bar in the entire city. Bates simply drinks from his whiskey glass, straight, no ice. The bartender, a nice looking dark haired woman in a cut up bar t-shirt approaches him.
Bartender: Another one?
Bates simply nods, and the pretty bartender pours him a glass of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.
Bartender: You’re that new wrestler aren’t you? Bates wasn’t it?
Bates smiles and replies in a gentle voice.
Thomas Bates: Yes, I am.
Bartender: Cool! I already have my tickets for the show this Sunday. Who are you facing?
Bates leans on the bar and drinks from his glass.
Thomas Bates: Gemini Battle and some guy named Mr. Amazing.
Bartender: Oh cool, a triple threat match!
Thomas Bates: That’s right.
The bartender pours Bates another glass and winks.
Bartender: This one’s on me.
Thomas Bates: Thank you doll.
Bartender: So, can’t say I’ve ever heard of Mr. Amazing, but you’re facing Gemini Battle?
Thomas Bates: Yup.
Bartender: He’s crazy!
Thomas Bates: That’s what they say. Of course, anyone who dresses up like Heath Ledger’s Joker has to be a little off his rocker.
The bartender giggles.
Bartender: Did you see his promo?
Thomas sits back in his chair and nods.
Bartender: He’s got a whole army with him!
Thomas chuckles.
Thomas Bates: That’s what he says.
Thomas looks at the girl again and smiles.
Thomas Bates: So, what’s your name?
Before she can even respond, a slightly larger than average sized biker kicks his chair out from underneath him and rushes up to the big man. He has a look of pure anger on his bald face.
Biker: Who the hell do you think you are talking to my woman?
The bartender rolls her eyes and shouts.
Bartender: Johnny I told you we ain’t together no more!
The biker, now identified as “Johnny” yelled back.
Johnny: I told you I would get you back! Now who the hell is this fucker?
Bates remains in his chair, unfazed by the angry biker. He sips again from his glass before responding in his deep southern accent.
Thomas Bates: I don’t want any trouble.
From across the bar a loud voice rings out, a loud Scottish voice.
Scotsman: Oh come on!
The Scotsman steps out from his table. He wears a grey business suit with a solid red tie. His grey hair matches his wrinkled face. The Scotsman rushes up to Bates and Johnny, stepping between then but ignoring Johnny. Instead, he looks straight at Bates.
Scotsman: You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! You’re Thomas Uriel Bates, and you’re just going to let this little piss-ant get away with talking to you like this?
Thomas turns and faces the Scotsman with a puzzled look on his face.
Scotsman: Where’s your anger? Where’s your pride? Here comes a little cunt talking to you like shit...
The biker grabs the Scotsman by the shoulder, but the Scotsman turns around and faces him quickly.
Scotsman: You shut up.
The Scotsman turns back to Bates.
Scotsman: Here comes a little cunt talking to you like he owns the whole fucking world, talking like he’s bloody Mr. Bad Ass himself. You’re going to let this cunt talk to you like that?
Johnny turns the Scotsman around, but is met with an index finger over his lips.
Scotsman: If you touch me again you little fucker, I’m going to rip out your arm and rape you with it! Now shut it!
The Scotsman turns back around to face Bates.
Scotsman: What’s your fucking excuse?
Thomas takes a moment to think, still confused by this strange little man.
Thomas Bates: I was giving him a chance to back out.
The Scotsman’s eyes widen and he slaps his forehead for a powerful facepalm.
Scotsman: You’re giving this nutter a chance to back off? Is that what you’re going to do for your opponents? Are you going to let Mr. Amazing Cocksucker calmly walk down to the ring and shoot his load all over your family’s legacy? Are you going to give Gemini Battle a chance to trick you into loosing your first ever televised match?
Thomas Bates: That’s different, that’s a match.
Scotsman: No it’s not fucking different! A fight’s a fight! Gemini Battle is hanging people upside down in the ring and fucking burning them, and you’re willing to give him a chance to back out? You’re going to let him come in and scare you?
Thomas stands up with anger on his face.
Scotsman: There you have it! Finally, some fucking balls growing on you. Listen, this isn’t the time to play the gentle fucking giant. You’ve got to strike, and strike fast. You’ve got to hit, and hit hard. You’ve got to tear this guy a new asshole his buddies can fuck tonight.
Bates’ eyes shift from the Scotsman, to Johnny. Johnny’s eyes widen as he stands up and slowly backs away.
Johnny: Listen man, I was just fooling. I’m sorry man.
Johnny makes a b-line for the door. Bates turns his gaze back on the Scotsman.
Thomas Bates: Leave.
The Scotsman smiles as he puts both hands up.
Scotsman: I knew you had it in you.
The Scotsman turns around and leaves the bar, leaving Thomas Uriel Bates to sit back down for another shot of whiskey.
SCENE III – Days Inn Market Center, Dallas, Texas – Manager Who – 6:30pm Central Time
Thomas Uriel Bates sits on the edge of his bed, his shirt off and lying on the floor. The glare from the television and the dimmed light by the bed serve as the only lighting in the room. He stares at the television, watching it closely. The live event at Long Island plays, with Gemini Battle in the middle of his shoot against Bates and Mr. Amazing. He chuckles when Battle pulls out the picture of the party guy as Mr. Amazing. He listens carefully, and fondly of Battle speaking of his family, and of Thomas’ on experience in Indy promotions across the South. He listens carefully, and without expression, Battle speaking of his own training, and the promises made. He watches the brick wall turn into an opening to an airstrip, with strange looking aircrafts.
Before he can continue watching however, comes a knock on his door. The knock is loud, and demanding. Bates slowly gets up and walks to the door.
Thomas Bates: Who is it?
Guest: It’s your new PR Manager.
Thomas opens the door and is greeted once more by the same loud mouthed and vulgar Scotsman from the bar.
Thomas Bates: Oh fu....
The Scotsman barges in as he puts his index finger up to silence the big man.
Scotsman: No, you don’t curse anymore. I don’t care that you’ve done it before, you don’t do it anymore.
The Scotsman rushes to the nightstand and picks up a wrestling magazine. He flips through the pages as he continues.
Scotsman: I’ve been doing a bit of research, and it looks like every one of those cocksuckers curse. You have to be different.
Bates raises his hands in a confused manner.
Thomas Bates: Uh, I’m already different.
The Scotsman puts the magazine down and rushes to the closet, seeing Bates’ clothes, he begins pulling some out, throwing some on the floor, while throwing some on the bed.
Scotsman: Yes, you’re big, we get that. You’re a legacy, got it. There has to be more than that. You’ve got to fucking be different than every other little cunt in the company.
Bates finally throws his hands down.
Thomas Bates: Just who are you?
Without interrupting his task, the Scotsman continued.
Scotsman: I told you, I’m the Manager.
Thomas Bates: Great, no name?
The Manager: What is it with you and names? Ah!
The Manager sees the television and rushes over to it. He smiles, and looks back to Bates and laughs.
The Manager: Good, you’ve been doing your homework! The Fucker cuts a promo earlier today and you’re already watching it! Your father taught you good on that one.
The Manager sits on the bed and watches for a moment as Bates circles the room.
Thomas Bates: Look, you’re supposed to be my manager now, but what does that mean? You’re going to come down to ringside and keep an eye on me or something?
The Manager does not move his glare from the television.
The Manager: I’m not that kind of Manager. No, I’m a Public Relations Manager. Your uncle hired me to boost your image and get your name out there. I don’t go to the ring, I don’t speak for you, and I don’t fight for you either.
Thomas looks over at the clothes on the bed; a pair of black jeans, and a buttoned up black shirt, complete with black socks, black oxford shoes, and a black leather belt.
Thomas Bates: What’s this for?
The Manager: Your interview, now get dressed.
Thomas shakes his head as he gathers the clothes and walks to the bathroom as the Manager continues to watch the television.
The Manager: This guy’s fucking funny.
SCENE IV – Interview with WCF Reporter – The Mountain Speaks – 9:15pm Central Time
The scene opens to a young but slightly obese man sitting in a chair of a room surrounded by black curtains and the WCF scratch logo. The man is holding a microphone and sits with one leg stretched to the floor.
Microphone Guy: Hello, and welcome to WCF Backstage, I am the newly hired backstage interviewer, Peter Morris. I have the very distinct pleasure to interview for the first time in WCF, the new WCF superstar; Thomas Uriel Bates. Mr. Bates, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
The camera pans out to show Thomas Bates sitting in another chair, this one without any arms. The new look, picked out for him by his new Manager, fits the image perfectly.
Thomas Bates: It’s a pleasure to be here Peter.
Peter Morris: Since the announcement of your signing with the WCF, you have become quite the sensation; even gaining a debut match at the upcoming pay-per-view; Timebomb, facing off against fellow newcomers Mr. Amazing, and Gemini Battle. What are your thoughts to the signing of this match?
Thomas Bates: I feel honoured that the WCF management wanted to put me in their pay-per-view fresh out the gate. They could have waited until a weekly show, or even started me off on unaired live events. Instead, here I am facing off against Gemini Battle and Mr. Amazing.
Peter Morris: Mr. Amazing has been quiet about things lately; no one has seen or heard from him since he signed on to WCF. Some say he got in over his head and left without saying a word. Would you like to comment?
Bates chuckles.
Thomas Bates: Listen, I don’t know where Mr. Amazing is. Maybe he realized he was in over his head. Maybe he heard he had to face me and Gemini Battle and decided to take a very long walk. I don’t know what happened here, but I can say this; I’m going in this fully expecting him to be there. As Gemini Battle pointed out, Mr. Amazing had to go through a lot just to make the cut to get this far, so there might be something we ain’t seeing. If I go in it thinking he’s already fled the scene, then I’m not going to be ready for whatever he might have to offer. However, if I show up fully prepared, ready for whatever he can throw at me, then it wouldn’t hurt, even if he doesn’t show.
Peter Morris: You spoke of Gemini Battle, are you aware of his recent shoot?
Thomas Bates: I am.
Peter Morris: He talked about seeing your family compete, and some of your early days in the Indy Federations across the South. What can you tell us of those days?
Bates smiles as he leans to the side.
Thomas Bates: My family’s legacy speaks for itself. My father and his tag-team partner was one of the most successful tag team champions in wrestling history, my uncle, a thirty-one time world heavyweight champion. My cousin and brother are out there now starting to make a name for themselves as well. I came from that prestigious family, and I had the benefit of being trained by them. My father taught me everything I needed to know about being a powerhouse. My uncle taught me grappling and martial arts. I didn’t train against bears, or people who trained against bears, I trained with the best. My uncle’s martial arts legacy leads to Duncan Leung, to the man who taught Bruce Lee, Yip Man. My father trained with the best in Memphis and honed his skills in the ring across the world. They passed all of this down to me, and this Sunday at Timebomb, I’m going to show the world just what this mountain can do.
Peter Morris: Speaking of families, Gemini Battle mentioned who his family was; Ku Klux Klan leader William Simmons. Do you have any comments?
Thomas Bates: I am a proud Confederate, nothing will change that. As a true and proud Confederate, I cannot stand the Ku Klux Klan, and I can honestly say that I hate them for everything they’ve done to damage the reputation of that Southern Cross that my ancestors fought for. The real Ku Klux Klan was disbanded by order of the First Grand Wizard, assumed to be none other than Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, a personal hero of mine. William Simmons and his kind are pitiful imitations of the real thing, just a bunch of angry old men in bed sheets. They burn crosses, wear the sheets, and carry on about their hatred of blacks, Jews, and more. They plain forget that Judah P. Benjamin, the first man professing the Jewish Faith to be elected to the United States Senate, and later served as one of the highest ranking Cabinet Members of the Confederate Government. They forget that two full regiments of black soldiers were raised to defend Richmond in the final days, or that the States of Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana actually authorized black troops to enlist in desegregated regiments across the South.
Thomas pauses for a moment, collecting himself.
Thomas Bates: But that’s neither here nor there. From my understanding, Gemini Battle has renounced his family’s wicked history, and for that I applaud him, and will stand with him should he ever need it. I am proud to see that he has moved away from that past, and into a new future. I only regret that his sanity seems to have been lost in the struggle.
Peter Morris: In his promotional shoot, Gemini Battle showed that he has an army at his disposal, as well as a fleet of experimental aircrafts. Are you worried that he might use this to gain an upper hand at Timebomb?
Thomas Bates: Yes, he has an army, this is the part where I’m supposed to say I’ve got a Hulk? Yes, he has his billions, which bought him a nice little army, and bought him a few fancy toys. That’s not going to help him in the ring this Sunday. He wants to send them after me? That’s fine, because I’ve got an army of my own, with far more fancy toys than those untested helicopter-slash-submarines he wants to play with. He wants to say he can buy anyone, let me tell you something.
Bates kicks the chair out from under him and stares at the camera.
Thomas Bates: You can’t buy me.
Thomas pauses again, looking towards Peter Morris, before looking back to the camera.
Thomas Bates: Gemini, I’m not taking you lightly, and you’re not going to take me lightly either. We’re going to step in that ring at Timebomb, along with Mr. Amazing, and you can rest assured there will be an explosion when we meet. Hell will break loose in Dallas on Sunday. We’ll see who survives.
Bates drops his microphone, and walks off the screen. Peter Morris returns, a bit shocked.
Peter Morris: This Sunday at Timebomb, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Gemini Battle versus Mr. Amazing versus Thomas Uriel Bates in what promises to be an explosive match. I look forward to seeing you all there, this is Peter Morris the newest WCF Backstage Interviewer, goodnight.