Post by Allen Guiliano on Jan 8, 2010 2:44:27 GMT -5
Perhaps the most important businessman in Las Vegas in seen outside of his most impressive establishment on the very night of one of the most lucrative sporting events for Sin City outside of the Super Bowl, the BCS National Championship Game. Allen Guiliano, shakes numerous hands as patrons continue to file in the front doors of his casino and to a VIP lounge where the game is being broadcast on numerous television in high definition. Fans of both the Longhorns and Crimson Tide pepper the main floor of the building in anything from sweatshirts to three piece suits complete with a lapel pin of the institution they are supporting. The Guiliano has even issued special $5 casino chips for the occasion which some are using as souvenirs, while others are letting them freely fly across green felt tables as betting pieces.
Guiliano flashes a warm smile at each and every guest that he comes into contact with, strolling across the lavish carpet in his infamous wingtip shoes until he reaches the VIP lounge himself. The door is held open for him as he enters and the numerous decorations bearing the burnt orange of Texas and crimson of Alabama can be seen, creating a fraternity house atmosphere in the upscale casino. Most of the visitors to the party are wealthy alums of the two institutions, but others are professional gamblers that are simply rooting for the team that they have placed their bet on and have no real interest in “school pride” or “loyalty”. As Guiliano makes his way through the maze of tables that have been set up for the event, a man tugs at his suit jacket and pulls out a seat for him, offering a spot at his table. As the Italian turns, he stares down at a portly man dressed in a burnt orange suit.
UT Fan: So, Mr. Guiliano, who you rooting for tonight? Surely you are a “Hook'em Horns” kinda guy. Am I right?
Guiliano: Can't really say that I am rooting for anything. I am just looking forward to watching a great game that could be one of the best National Championship games in a long time. The best two teams in the country are playing in the title game with no controversy surrounding the participants and I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome.
UT Fan: Well, I tell you what. I won't tell anyone that you are actually rooting for Texas if you don't want me to, but I know deep down inside where you allegiance lies. Not sure how anyone could be a fan of Bama or that damn Nick Saban. Let's just hope we put a good ol' fashioned Texas sized ass whooping on them tonight and prove to the rest of the nation that our “real McCoy” is better than their Heisman Trophy winner.
Guiliano: Alright, well you be sure and keep it our secret who I am really rooting for or I may upset some of these Alabama fans that paid good money to watch their team get it handed to them by the Longhorns. Hope you enjoy that game and if there is anything I can get you, be sure and let me or one of my employees know and we will get right on it for you.
UT Fan: Yes sir! I will let you get back to whatever it is you were doing. I'm sure you are quite the busy man on a night like tonight.
Guiliano: Indeed I am. You have a good evening and best of luck to Texas.
Allen gives the man a wide smile and a chuckle before taking a few steps away from the gentleman and letting out a sigh and rolling his eyes as he hears the man belt out a “Hook'em Horns!” behind him. Guiliano makes his way through the people once again, eventually reaching the circular bar in the center of the room, allowing customers to be served from every side of the lounge with no problem. The WCF superstar rests his elbows up on the black marble counter and nods to one of the bartenders who immediately recognizes him and quickly backs a lowball glass full of ice, filling it just over halfway with gin before topping it off with a stream of tonic water from a soda gun and hanging a lime wedge over the edge of the glass before setting it on a cocktail napkin in front of Guiliano. Guiliano immediately reaches into his pocket and slips a $100 bill into the hand of the bartender before he can even finish setting down the glass and gives him a sly wink before continuing to greet over people inside the room.
The Italian makes his way over onto the Crimson Tide part of the lounge, where tables are covered with white tablecloths adorned with the famous script “A” logo of Alabama, just as the opposing tables contained the infamous Longhorn logo. Several customers enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and fine dining not recognizing the very man in charge of the entire operation as he passes by. However, a select few do notice who is in their presence and offer t-shirts and over Alabama merchandise that they have brought with them from, some of it from the very city in which the University of Alabama resides, Tuscaloosa. One of the observant fans, donning a Crimson Tide sweatshirt and UA baseball cap hollers in the direction of Guiliano.
Bama Fan: Ah, Allen Guiliano, the very man that runs this joint. Who you got in tonight's game big guy?
Guiliano: That is tough to say. Alabama is the favorite by four points, but who knows what can happen in a game like this. You've got the Heisman winner on your side and steamrolled Florida in the SEC Championship Game so I would say that your chances are pretty good.
Bama Fan: Well, I know all of that but who are YOU rooting for? Surely your heart is with one of these two teams.
Guiliano: Actually, I have no interest in either one of them. I just simply enjoy the sport of college football and the awesome atmosphere that follows it. I mean, look at all of these people that came out here tonight for some drinks, a little gambling, and great food all for a football game.
Bama Fan: Oh, but it is much more than just a football game Allen, it is THE National Championship Game. This one is for bragging rights until Spring football starts up again. As we saw down in Alabama, there are two sports seasons, football season, and not football season. Nothing else matters to us Crimson Tide fans.
Guiliano: That seems to be the way with the Texas fans on the other side of the room as well. They eat, sleep, breathe, and live college football. I think they would trade their first born child to a total stranger if that person could guarantee them a Big 12 title, more less a National Championship.
Bama Fan: Well, that may be right, but they also play some basketball down there in Austin. We don't need those kinds of distractions. It's all about the pigskin baby! ROLL TIDE!
The other Alabama fans join in in the “Roll Tide!” chant as the man boisterously shouts it across the room. As the Tide fans grow louder, the Texas fans begin a chant of their own, shouting their slogan of “Hook'em Horns!” and suddenly the room erupts into a competition of who can cheer the loudest. Guiliano simply laughs and pats the Alabama fan on the back as he continues through the room, exiting through a side door into a quiet hallway as the chants begin to fade as he makes his way down the hall.
The Italian lets out a sigh as he peeks into the kitchen to make sure that all food and drinks are going to be ready and served on time for the big game. His food and beverage manager hands him the expected report for the evening with a confident smile before she disappears once again into the shuffle of cocktail waitresses, servers, chefs, and dish washers. Guiliano glances down at the numbers, skimming over most of them except for the figure that follows the “Revenue – Expenses” line that will reveal his expected profit for the evening on the VIP lounge alone. As the camera zooms in on the figure, the lens can only catch a glimpse of the dollar sign before the crisp white paper is carefully folded and placed into the inside breast pocket of Guiliano before he slips into yet another side room, only this time the room contains only a black leather loveseat, a small glass coffee table, and a large high definition television perched on the wall over a generously sized fridge.
Guiliano makes his way over to the fridge and pulls over the door, snatching one of many bottles of water that the fridge has been stocked with from the top shelf before letting the door close on its own. He then falls back into the leather chair and props his feet up onto the coffee table, keeping the lights in the room to a dim setting and flips on the television to ABC's coverage of the National Championship Game.
You know, this game kind of reminds me of a meeting that I once had not too long ago with the current World Champion of the WCF. Two juggernauts facing off in a winner-take-all battle for the right to be called the best in the sport. However, there is one thing that I have vowed not to do, especially after the ovation I received by the fans in Maine, and that is dwell on the past. This is a new year, a new decade, and a new chance for Slickie T to win yet another opportunity at the World Championship Federation's top honor. It took me months of preparation, numerous mind games, and several brutal matches to get my first chance at the title, but this time I have been lucky enough to be inserted into a Battle Royal that will give me automatically put me on the card for the World Title bout at Ten. There must be some kind of correlation between events named after numerals and my chances at getting a World Title shot. My first chance was at One, and now I will get another opportunity at Ten. If only Seth would name the only 10 events in the year Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Eleven, and Twelve. Perhaps that would be a little overboard, but you catch my drift.
Many people are saying that this Battle Royal is one that is stacked with superstars, and that very well may be true, but I think everyone knows there is one that stands out above that rest. Sure, Mikami, Johnny Reb, Dake Ken, Rick Mad, and Brad Kane are all worthy opponents and are not to be taken lightly, but in 2010 there will be no stopping the #1 Contender for the World Title. I have learned from my mistakes in the past and now that I know I can compete and even defeat the best the WCF has to offer, I have tunnel vision and at the end of that bright light at the end is Torture and that gleaming World Championship belt that he wears so arrogantly over his shoulder. Sure, he had to defend his title this week at Slam, but it wasn't a true defense. The man was trying to get himself disqualified so he wouldn't have to step into the ring. Everyone in that arena knew that if he actually went toe to toe with Ace Slaughter that he was going to come out on top, but that isn't that game that Torture plays. He is all about mind games and throwing his opponent for a loop. He is out to do the unexpected and get the emotions of his opponent running high so that he can take advantage of the mistakes they make when they let those emotions get the best of them. I didn't learn what I know about my opponents by watching tape, but by actually stepping into the ring, facing other competitors and then taking mental notes of what I did that was successful and what I did that resulted in me being put into negative circumstances. The next time that I climb into the ring with Torture that will be evident and that next time will be on January 31 at The Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania.
I suppose I should issue an apology to all of those that will be stepping into the squared circle with me on Monday night because they are simply getting all hyped up and prepared for nothing. They have their eyes set on getting their own shot at that World Title, but they forget that there will be five over men in the ring with them and one of them will be Slickie T. I have never been so focused in my entire career as I am right now. Sure, I could be like Johnny Reb after he lost the World Title and go into a downward spiral, but that simply isn't going to happen. We have all been wronged by Torture and Seth Lerch in one way or another, but it isn't how painful it feels to know you've hard your opportunity taken away from you that should matter; it is how you pick yourself back up off the mat and set out for that goal once again. I proved to each and every one of you last week how I plan to conduct myself after suffering a heartbreaking defeat by going out and getting a victory over perhaps the most feared individual in the WCF, Greenfever. I defeated a man that nearly ended my life in a previous battle and it wasn't because I was out to avenge a loss that I had in the past, it was simply because he was standing in the way of my goal of gaining another World Title shot. I hope all of you keep that in mind when you walk down the ramp on Monday and see Slickie T staring you in the face. It's nothing personal to any of you, but it has everything to do with how different my focus will be this time around.
Mikami, you are a great competitor and I know you have the same hatred for the current World Title holder as the rest of us, but like I have several times before, I will defeat you. You thought I was motivated to win the United States Championship and then defended it against you on several occasions, well, you haven't seen anything yet. This time will be different and this time you will see how different of a man I can been when motivated for something other than being second best. I respect your talent and I understand that you want your own shot at gold, but unfortunately you will have to go through me and this time I have nothing to prove to anyone other than I am the best in the WCF. This match will not be about putting on a show for the fans or showing the rest of the roster what talent I possess, it will simply be about winning and winning in dominant fashion.
Johnny, you are a former World Title holder and we have had our battles in the past, but you are the same as Mikami. A man with a dream that may be granted if not for Slickie T being in one of the corners of the ring on Monday night. You proved yourself a worthy champion last year, but that was then and this is now and unlike you, I will not fall into my own sorrow and sink down back into the ranks of the roster. Sure, you beat me in the past, and have the priviledge of being the first person to pin me, but I showed both you and the rest of the wrestling world that I have evolved since that loss when I avenged my loss to you in South Dakota. Not only did I avenge the loss, but it was quite convincing and that will be nothing compared to what you will see this week. I am more motivated, I am more focused, and I am after much more than vengeance this time around. This match isn't about just a personal vendetta that I have to settle with you, no no, that has already been done, this one is about my ultimate goal of World Champion, and as with Mikami, unfortunately for you and your hopes of the same dream, you are in the same ring with a never before seen Allen Guiliano. It is obvious that we have a mutual respect for each other and I do not doubt your in-ring talent or your past accomplishments and I want no beef with you in the future, but if there is an object, entity, person, building, et cetera, between me and Torture, I have no choice but to run right through it.
Rick Mad and Brad Kane, I have never had the opportunity to face either of you inside the ring, but even though this will be our first meeting, I will not be the one having to game plan for you, you two will be the ones having to game plan for me. That's right, no more strategy or scheming from me this time around. In 2010 and beyond it's about Slickie T doing what he does best and the rest of you will have to figure out how to stop me. Best of luck to anyone that will attempt to do that. To make things even more difficult, each and every superstar out there knows exactly what they will be getting when they step into the ring with yours truly and I'm sure you two are aware of what I bring to the table as well. When that bell rings, expect the high flying tactics that are you used to witnessing and despite efforts by other wrestling to attempt to defeat me by taking away my speed, I have been able to overcome them and get the victory via Omerta, Ace of Spades, or one of the most feared maneuvers in the WCF, the T-Bone. Hopefully one of the two of you will get to experience one of those moves as well. Brad, I don't care what your title is in the WCF organization or how you weaseled your way into this Battle Royal, like the others, you are simply another man in my way to that World Title. I have taken down the entire Team of Torture, surely I can take down the likes of you and Mr. Rick Mad. See you two on Monday night.
And that brings me to my final opponent at Slam, no other than my fellow XGWO Hall of Famer, Dake Ken. Dake, you and I go way back and although we have only met one time in the ring, it was quite an epic battle that propelled me to superstar status here in the World Championship Federation...
Guiliano is interrupted by roars from the crowd as Texas takes an early 3-0 lead on a field goal and recovers the ensuing kickoff which leads to another field goal and a 6-0 Longhorn advantage. Allen waits for the crowd to quiet down, glancing up the at the television, hoping that no other big events will happen while he is trying to cut his promo. Once a few quiet moments goes by and the buzzing of the patrons in the other room quiets down, Guiliano continues.
Not only was that win a staple of my career here in the WCF, it opened the door for my victory at War, which led to the greatest World Title match in the history of this fine organization. Dake, our match was epic in its own right, maybe not to the WCF as a whole, but most certainly to the two of us that saw each other take on the best competitors the XGWO had to offer and watched each other rise through the ranks of that federation and into it's Hall of Fame before finally meeting here in the WCF, a place that you were well established and well respected and was one of few people that did not take me for granted when I finally made my arrival. You stood by my decision to compete here in the World Championship Federation and you welcomed our battle instead of backing a way for it or trying to come up with some excuse as to why Slickie T vs. Dake Ken shouldn't take place and that is something that seems to be rare around here when it comes to top tier superstars. This time the meeting between the two of us will have much bigger consequences but unfortunately it will be unlike our first bout due to the other men that have also been booked in this match or “earned” their right to compete in it. Some may suggest that we work as a team to try and take out the other four and then decide it between the two of us, and that may not be a bad idea seeing as I probably have the target on my back being the most recent one to get my shot at World gold, but that will be unnecessary. No disrespect to you Dake, but this is my own battle and I fully intend on fighting it myself, no matter who offers their help. I have become a one man main event here in this federation and I plan on keeping that distinction this Monday night in the nation's smallest state, Rhode Island. It may be tiny, but if the fan support is anything like I received in Maine, it will be a loud and proud venue on at Slam.
To the rest of the WCF, that includes you Torture, you have seen only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what I am capable of as a professional wrestler. I have a new found focus since the end of December and I fully plan on becoming a one man wrecking crew in this new decade of ours. Sure, I have respect for many on this roster, but it will be no more Mr. Nice Guy. Friends are great to have but like Michael Corleone famously stated in The Godfather, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” and that is my full intent. I may be coming off as cocky or arrogant, but this is what happens when you dangle a prize in front of me only to snatch it away at the very end. I was so close, yet so far away from becoming the WCF's World Champion and maybe I have developed a new kind of greed inside me other than becoming the most successful casino owner that Las Vegas has ever seen. Maybe it is time to put my business on the back burner for good and focus solely on achieving my ultimate goal as a sports entertainer.
In Los Angeles, I let down a lot of people and I have some making up to do. Not only did I let down myself, I let down each and every Allen Guiliano fan across the globe, including those in my home country of Italy, and I let down all those guys in the locker room that were anxious to see another name atop the WCF. The reign of Torture has lasted far too long and it is time that it come to an end. I may have been unsuccessful in my first attempt, but this time will be different, this time I truly know what I am up against and what needs to be done in order to reverse last year's outcome. I have stated several times that the heart of a Sicilian beats inside me, but this time I plan to fully unleash that inner strength. Greenfever had some harsh words for me last week, questioning my past as the child of a French prostitute, claiming that he was my God, saying that I was in a downward spiral and he was going to continue my pain, well his premonitions proved to be false and he was the one that got to suffer defeat and realize that the 2010 version of Slickie T was not the one of old. Go ahead Greenfever, say what you said before about how I am just another victim and how I failed at my ultimate goal. It is not I who was experiencing the pain last Monday, but you. I had my arm raised in victory once again and this time you were the one staring up at me from the canvas. Go ahead, tell me that I should retire and that I'm just another Joe Nobody. Well the fact is, this washed up Italian just showed you where you really stand in this federation and I think it is quite clear that you don't belong speaking my name ever again until you have proven, other than your fluke victory at XIII when I had to constantly look over my shoulder for ambushes and sneak attacks, that you really belong in the ring with someone of my caliber. Go back to your hell hole with Dr. Heill and continue your violence against those that are defenseless because look what happens when someone has the ability to fight back. Run back to your place of captivity where you claim to have ultimate power and simply exert it over those who fear you, because you will find no fear on my face. I once again have avenged a loss and that leaves only more more to go....
Guiliano's eyes focus deep into the camera as he fully closes them and then turns his attention to the National Championship game as it draws toward halftime. Alabama has turned the tables on Texas as their star quarterback has been taken to the bowels of the Rose Bowl for further examination. He listens closely to the large crowd that resides just down the hallway, knowing that all is going well, but that security is prepared to take care of any skirmishes that may break out between the proud fans of two traditional football powers.
Guiliano flips off the television as the Alabama band takes the field for their halftime performance and stands up, adjusting his tie before pushing the door to the small room open once again, making his exit. He glances left and then right debating whether or not to go back into the room or simply stay out of the crowd and make his way onto the casino floor and to the sports book where the rational sports fans can be found. Allen decides on the later and ventures further from the party in the VIP lounge and makes his way through a small door at the end of the hall that leads back out onto the main level of The Guiliano. The tables are well visited but a little more bare than usual as most of the gambling crowd is fixed in front of a television screen watching the game. Guiliano reaches into his pocket and grabs the report given to him earlier by the food and beverage manager and hands it to one of the men in black suits on the floor, whispering something into the employee's ear before continuing on over to the sports book.
The owner of The Guiliano approaches a man sitting away from the crowd at one of the small coffee tables located around the edges of the comfortable leather couches that adorn the sports book. The man sits with a pile of papers containing the lines to numerous sporting events on each side in front of him and a well sharpened #2 pencil as he looks them over, making a variety of marks on the betting sheets. The unknown gentleman is wearing a white button-up shirt that is untucked and lays over a pair of khaki shorts. He wears simple brown sandals on his feet and slips his pencil behind his ear as Guiliano nonchalantly pulls out an opposing chair and sits across from the man.
Guiliano: Lefty, nice to see that you are avoiding all the hype. What does a professional gambler think about what is going on in this game so far?
Lefty: Seems that the people that put their money on Bama are going to make out alright this evening. Who would have predicted that Colt McCoy would have gone down on the second drive of the game and not be able to return. That freshman quarterback doesn't have a chance against that Bama defense. Hope you put your money down on the Crimson Tide my friend.
Guiliano: I was avoiding this game at all costs. I'm sure the four point spread had a lot of people torn between who they were going to put it on, especially since these two teams haven't played a game in almost a month. How are the basketball games coming out for you tonight?
Lefty: Not too bad. I missed on the Michigan/Penn State game, but then again I should have known better than to take the Lions straight up. They always seem to disappoint me, especially when they play a team they should beat at home. So, what do you think about the line that was put on you for this Monday night?
Guiliano: What are you talking about? You guys are putting out lines on professional wrestling now? You can't be serious.
Lefty: I'm serious as a heart attack Allen. You won't find the odds on a Vegas board anywhere, but there are a few guys like myself who have been making some phone calls and trying to set up some odds to bet on. Looks like you are coming in as the early favorite, but you never know how the money is going to fall.
Guiliano: Well I hope you made the smart choice on this one and put your money on the guy that is sitting across the table from you or we may have some issues. I guarantee you that I won't disappoint you like Penn State on their home floor.
Lefty: I don't know. I am getting some pretty good odds by going with some other guys, but I suppose since you are sitting in front of me I should put most of it on you for the win. You haven't disappointed me yet, but this again this is the first time I am actually putting money on you in something other than the stock of The Guiliano. Hell, investing in this place isn't even gambling, its damn near a sure thing. You see, you are just a 2:1 on our card and I think I can make some serious cash if Johnny Reb pulls the pulls the upset at 7:1. A $10,000 bet on him makes me some serious cash Allen.
Guiliano: Wasting your money unless you put it on that Italian guy on Monday night. You can try and make 70 grand on Reb all you want, but you would be well advised to take your twenty instead of losing your ten. Not that I am giving you insider information or anything, but I think you know as well as I do that no one is winning that match on Monday other than myself.
Lefty: Alright, alright, maybe I should just avoid that one all together. What you do you think about that United State Title Battle Royal? Think I should put my money on Hector Rodriguez or someone else. He looks pretty strong to me, but you know all those guys better than I do.
Guiliano: I think you have been playing the game long enough to know what you need to do. Or maybe you just just stick to what you know Lefty and that would be football and basketball. Leave the wrestling to the other guys, unless you are betting on me. Then let me know and I want a 20% cut of your winnings.
Lefty: You'll get 20% of nothing. I think it's you that should be giving me a percentage. I come in here ever day and sit in front of these televisions watching games and making bets and YOU want a percentage of MY earnings. I think you get a big enough percentage on my losing tickets if you ask me. You could pay for this entire sports book on the money I have dropped at this place.
Guiliano: C'mon now, don't be a bullshitter. You are making money on me or you wouldn't be in here every night. You make your living doing what you do, you aren't fooling me for a second. Anyway, you can claim those losing tickets on your taxes and get a bigger return.
Lefty: How do you think I bought this shirt?
Guiliano simply shakes his head and shares a chuckle with the regular visitor of his sports book. The two continue their conversation as the screen fades to black and their voices become inaudible while the second half of the game kicks off on the television in the background.
Guiliano flashes a warm smile at each and every guest that he comes into contact with, strolling across the lavish carpet in his infamous wingtip shoes until he reaches the VIP lounge himself. The door is held open for him as he enters and the numerous decorations bearing the burnt orange of Texas and crimson of Alabama can be seen, creating a fraternity house atmosphere in the upscale casino. Most of the visitors to the party are wealthy alums of the two institutions, but others are professional gamblers that are simply rooting for the team that they have placed their bet on and have no real interest in “school pride” or “loyalty”. As Guiliano makes his way through the maze of tables that have been set up for the event, a man tugs at his suit jacket and pulls out a seat for him, offering a spot at his table. As the Italian turns, he stares down at a portly man dressed in a burnt orange suit.
UT Fan: So, Mr. Guiliano, who you rooting for tonight? Surely you are a “Hook'em Horns” kinda guy. Am I right?
Guiliano: Can't really say that I am rooting for anything. I am just looking forward to watching a great game that could be one of the best National Championship games in a long time. The best two teams in the country are playing in the title game with no controversy surrounding the participants and I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome.
UT Fan: Well, I tell you what. I won't tell anyone that you are actually rooting for Texas if you don't want me to, but I know deep down inside where you allegiance lies. Not sure how anyone could be a fan of Bama or that damn Nick Saban. Let's just hope we put a good ol' fashioned Texas sized ass whooping on them tonight and prove to the rest of the nation that our “real McCoy” is better than their Heisman Trophy winner.
Guiliano: Alright, well you be sure and keep it our secret who I am really rooting for or I may upset some of these Alabama fans that paid good money to watch their team get it handed to them by the Longhorns. Hope you enjoy that game and if there is anything I can get you, be sure and let me or one of my employees know and we will get right on it for you.
UT Fan: Yes sir! I will let you get back to whatever it is you were doing. I'm sure you are quite the busy man on a night like tonight.
Guiliano: Indeed I am. You have a good evening and best of luck to Texas.
Allen gives the man a wide smile and a chuckle before taking a few steps away from the gentleman and letting out a sigh and rolling his eyes as he hears the man belt out a “Hook'em Horns!” behind him. Guiliano makes his way through the people once again, eventually reaching the circular bar in the center of the room, allowing customers to be served from every side of the lounge with no problem. The WCF superstar rests his elbows up on the black marble counter and nods to one of the bartenders who immediately recognizes him and quickly backs a lowball glass full of ice, filling it just over halfway with gin before topping it off with a stream of tonic water from a soda gun and hanging a lime wedge over the edge of the glass before setting it on a cocktail napkin in front of Guiliano. Guiliano immediately reaches into his pocket and slips a $100 bill into the hand of the bartender before he can even finish setting down the glass and gives him a sly wink before continuing to greet over people inside the room.
The Italian makes his way over onto the Crimson Tide part of the lounge, where tables are covered with white tablecloths adorned with the famous script “A” logo of Alabama, just as the opposing tables contained the infamous Longhorn logo. Several customers enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and fine dining not recognizing the very man in charge of the entire operation as he passes by. However, a select few do notice who is in their presence and offer t-shirts and over Alabama merchandise that they have brought with them from, some of it from the very city in which the University of Alabama resides, Tuscaloosa. One of the observant fans, donning a Crimson Tide sweatshirt and UA baseball cap hollers in the direction of Guiliano.
Bama Fan: Ah, Allen Guiliano, the very man that runs this joint. Who you got in tonight's game big guy?
Guiliano: That is tough to say. Alabama is the favorite by four points, but who knows what can happen in a game like this. You've got the Heisman winner on your side and steamrolled Florida in the SEC Championship Game so I would say that your chances are pretty good.
Bama Fan: Well, I know all of that but who are YOU rooting for? Surely your heart is with one of these two teams.
Guiliano: Actually, I have no interest in either one of them. I just simply enjoy the sport of college football and the awesome atmosphere that follows it. I mean, look at all of these people that came out here tonight for some drinks, a little gambling, and great food all for a football game.
Bama Fan: Oh, but it is much more than just a football game Allen, it is THE National Championship Game. This one is for bragging rights until Spring football starts up again. As we saw down in Alabama, there are two sports seasons, football season, and not football season. Nothing else matters to us Crimson Tide fans.
Guiliano: That seems to be the way with the Texas fans on the other side of the room as well. They eat, sleep, breathe, and live college football. I think they would trade their first born child to a total stranger if that person could guarantee them a Big 12 title, more less a National Championship.
Bama Fan: Well, that may be right, but they also play some basketball down there in Austin. We don't need those kinds of distractions. It's all about the pigskin baby! ROLL TIDE!
The other Alabama fans join in in the “Roll Tide!” chant as the man boisterously shouts it across the room. As the Tide fans grow louder, the Texas fans begin a chant of their own, shouting their slogan of “Hook'em Horns!” and suddenly the room erupts into a competition of who can cheer the loudest. Guiliano simply laughs and pats the Alabama fan on the back as he continues through the room, exiting through a side door into a quiet hallway as the chants begin to fade as he makes his way down the hall.
The Italian lets out a sigh as he peeks into the kitchen to make sure that all food and drinks are going to be ready and served on time for the big game. His food and beverage manager hands him the expected report for the evening with a confident smile before she disappears once again into the shuffle of cocktail waitresses, servers, chefs, and dish washers. Guiliano glances down at the numbers, skimming over most of them except for the figure that follows the “Revenue – Expenses” line that will reveal his expected profit for the evening on the VIP lounge alone. As the camera zooms in on the figure, the lens can only catch a glimpse of the dollar sign before the crisp white paper is carefully folded and placed into the inside breast pocket of Guiliano before he slips into yet another side room, only this time the room contains only a black leather loveseat, a small glass coffee table, and a large high definition television perched on the wall over a generously sized fridge.
Guiliano makes his way over to the fridge and pulls over the door, snatching one of many bottles of water that the fridge has been stocked with from the top shelf before letting the door close on its own. He then falls back into the leather chair and props his feet up onto the coffee table, keeping the lights in the room to a dim setting and flips on the television to ABC's coverage of the National Championship Game.
You know, this game kind of reminds me of a meeting that I once had not too long ago with the current World Champion of the WCF. Two juggernauts facing off in a winner-take-all battle for the right to be called the best in the sport. However, there is one thing that I have vowed not to do, especially after the ovation I received by the fans in Maine, and that is dwell on the past. This is a new year, a new decade, and a new chance for Slickie T to win yet another opportunity at the World Championship Federation's top honor. It took me months of preparation, numerous mind games, and several brutal matches to get my first chance at the title, but this time I have been lucky enough to be inserted into a Battle Royal that will give me automatically put me on the card for the World Title bout at Ten. There must be some kind of correlation between events named after numerals and my chances at getting a World Title shot. My first chance was at One, and now I will get another opportunity at Ten. If only Seth would name the only 10 events in the year Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Eleven, and Twelve. Perhaps that would be a little overboard, but you catch my drift.
Many people are saying that this Battle Royal is one that is stacked with superstars, and that very well may be true, but I think everyone knows there is one that stands out above that rest. Sure, Mikami, Johnny Reb, Dake Ken, Rick Mad, and Brad Kane are all worthy opponents and are not to be taken lightly, but in 2010 there will be no stopping the #1 Contender for the World Title. I have learned from my mistakes in the past and now that I know I can compete and even defeat the best the WCF has to offer, I have tunnel vision and at the end of that bright light at the end is Torture and that gleaming World Championship belt that he wears so arrogantly over his shoulder. Sure, he had to defend his title this week at Slam, but it wasn't a true defense. The man was trying to get himself disqualified so he wouldn't have to step into the ring. Everyone in that arena knew that if he actually went toe to toe with Ace Slaughter that he was going to come out on top, but that isn't that game that Torture plays. He is all about mind games and throwing his opponent for a loop. He is out to do the unexpected and get the emotions of his opponent running high so that he can take advantage of the mistakes they make when they let those emotions get the best of them. I didn't learn what I know about my opponents by watching tape, but by actually stepping into the ring, facing other competitors and then taking mental notes of what I did that was successful and what I did that resulted in me being put into negative circumstances. The next time that I climb into the ring with Torture that will be evident and that next time will be on January 31 at The Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania.
I suppose I should issue an apology to all of those that will be stepping into the squared circle with me on Monday night because they are simply getting all hyped up and prepared for nothing. They have their eyes set on getting their own shot at that World Title, but they forget that there will be five over men in the ring with them and one of them will be Slickie T. I have never been so focused in my entire career as I am right now. Sure, I could be like Johnny Reb after he lost the World Title and go into a downward spiral, but that simply isn't going to happen. We have all been wronged by Torture and Seth Lerch in one way or another, but it isn't how painful it feels to know you've hard your opportunity taken away from you that should matter; it is how you pick yourself back up off the mat and set out for that goal once again. I proved to each and every one of you last week how I plan to conduct myself after suffering a heartbreaking defeat by going out and getting a victory over perhaps the most feared individual in the WCF, Greenfever. I defeated a man that nearly ended my life in a previous battle and it wasn't because I was out to avenge a loss that I had in the past, it was simply because he was standing in the way of my goal of gaining another World Title shot. I hope all of you keep that in mind when you walk down the ramp on Monday and see Slickie T staring you in the face. It's nothing personal to any of you, but it has everything to do with how different my focus will be this time around.
Mikami, you are a great competitor and I know you have the same hatred for the current World Title holder as the rest of us, but like I have several times before, I will defeat you. You thought I was motivated to win the United States Championship and then defended it against you on several occasions, well, you haven't seen anything yet. This time will be different and this time you will see how different of a man I can been when motivated for something other than being second best. I respect your talent and I understand that you want your own shot at gold, but unfortunately you will have to go through me and this time I have nothing to prove to anyone other than I am the best in the WCF. This match will not be about putting on a show for the fans or showing the rest of the roster what talent I possess, it will simply be about winning and winning in dominant fashion.
Johnny, you are a former World Title holder and we have had our battles in the past, but you are the same as Mikami. A man with a dream that may be granted if not for Slickie T being in one of the corners of the ring on Monday night. You proved yourself a worthy champion last year, but that was then and this is now and unlike you, I will not fall into my own sorrow and sink down back into the ranks of the roster. Sure, you beat me in the past, and have the priviledge of being the first person to pin me, but I showed both you and the rest of the wrestling world that I have evolved since that loss when I avenged my loss to you in South Dakota. Not only did I avenge the loss, but it was quite convincing and that will be nothing compared to what you will see this week. I am more motivated, I am more focused, and I am after much more than vengeance this time around. This match isn't about just a personal vendetta that I have to settle with you, no no, that has already been done, this one is about my ultimate goal of World Champion, and as with Mikami, unfortunately for you and your hopes of the same dream, you are in the same ring with a never before seen Allen Guiliano. It is obvious that we have a mutual respect for each other and I do not doubt your in-ring talent or your past accomplishments and I want no beef with you in the future, but if there is an object, entity, person, building, et cetera, between me and Torture, I have no choice but to run right through it.
Rick Mad and Brad Kane, I have never had the opportunity to face either of you inside the ring, but even though this will be our first meeting, I will not be the one having to game plan for you, you two will be the ones having to game plan for me. That's right, no more strategy or scheming from me this time around. In 2010 and beyond it's about Slickie T doing what he does best and the rest of you will have to figure out how to stop me. Best of luck to anyone that will attempt to do that. To make things even more difficult, each and every superstar out there knows exactly what they will be getting when they step into the ring with yours truly and I'm sure you two are aware of what I bring to the table as well. When that bell rings, expect the high flying tactics that are you used to witnessing and despite efforts by other wrestling to attempt to defeat me by taking away my speed, I have been able to overcome them and get the victory via Omerta, Ace of Spades, or one of the most feared maneuvers in the WCF, the T-Bone. Hopefully one of the two of you will get to experience one of those moves as well. Brad, I don't care what your title is in the WCF organization or how you weaseled your way into this Battle Royal, like the others, you are simply another man in my way to that World Title. I have taken down the entire Team of Torture, surely I can take down the likes of you and Mr. Rick Mad. See you two on Monday night.
And that brings me to my final opponent at Slam, no other than my fellow XGWO Hall of Famer, Dake Ken. Dake, you and I go way back and although we have only met one time in the ring, it was quite an epic battle that propelled me to superstar status here in the World Championship Federation...
Guiliano is interrupted by roars from the crowd as Texas takes an early 3-0 lead on a field goal and recovers the ensuing kickoff which leads to another field goal and a 6-0 Longhorn advantage. Allen waits for the crowd to quiet down, glancing up the at the television, hoping that no other big events will happen while he is trying to cut his promo. Once a few quiet moments goes by and the buzzing of the patrons in the other room quiets down, Guiliano continues.
Not only was that win a staple of my career here in the WCF, it opened the door for my victory at War, which led to the greatest World Title match in the history of this fine organization. Dake, our match was epic in its own right, maybe not to the WCF as a whole, but most certainly to the two of us that saw each other take on the best competitors the XGWO had to offer and watched each other rise through the ranks of that federation and into it's Hall of Fame before finally meeting here in the WCF, a place that you were well established and well respected and was one of few people that did not take me for granted when I finally made my arrival. You stood by my decision to compete here in the World Championship Federation and you welcomed our battle instead of backing a way for it or trying to come up with some excuse as to why Slickie T vs. Dake Ken shouldn't take place and that is something that seems to be rare around here when it comes to top tier superstars. This time the meeting between the two of us will have much bigger consequences but unfortunately it will be unlike our first bout due to the other men that have also been booked in this match or “earned” their right to compete in it. Some may suggest that we work as a team to try and take out the other four and then decide it between the two of us, and that may not be a bad idea seeing as I probably have the target on my back being the most recent one to get my shot at World gold, but that will be unnecessary. No disrespect to you Dake, but this is my own battle and I fully intend on fighting it myself, no matter who offers their help. I have become a one man main event here in this federation and I plan on keeping that distinction this Monday night in the nation's smallest state, Rhode Island. It may be tiny, but if the fan support is anything like I received in Maine, it will be a loud and proud venue on at Slam.
To the rest of the WCF, that includes you Torture, you have seen only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what I am capable of as a professional wrestler. I have a new found focus since the end of December and I fully plan on becoming a one man wrecking crew in this new decade of ours. Sure, I have respect for many on this roster, but it will be no more Mr. Nice Guy. Friends are great to have but like Michael Corleone famously stated in The Godfather, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” and that is my full intent. I may be coming off as cocky or arrogant, but this is what happens when you dangle a prize in front of me only to snatch it away at the very end. I was so close, yet so far away from becoming the WCF's World Champion and maybe I have developed a new kind of greed inside me other than becoming the most successful casino owner that Las Vegas has ever seen. Maybe it is time to put my business on the back burner for good and focus solely on achieving my ultimate goal as a sports entertainer.
In Los Angeles, I let down a lot of people and I have some making up to do. Not only did I let down myself, I let down each and every Allen Guiliano fan across the globe, including those in my home country of Italy, and I let down all those guys in the locker room that were anxious to see another name atop the WCF. The reign of Torture has lasted far too long and it is time that it come to an end. I may have been unsuccessful in my first attempt, but this time will be different, this time I truly know what I am up against and what needs to be done in order to reverse last year's outcome. I have stated several times that the heart of a Sicilian beats inside me, but this time I plan to fully unleash that inner strength. Greenfever had some harsh words for me last week, questioning my past as the child of a French prostitute, claiming that he was my God, saying that I was in a downward spiral and he was going to continue my pain, well his premonitions proved to be false and he was the one that got to suffer defeat and realize that the 2010 version of Slickie T was not the one of old. Go ahead Greenfever, say what you said before about how I am just another victim and how I failed at my ultimate goal. It is not I who was experiencing the pain last Monday, but you. I had my arm raised in victory once again and this time you were the one staring up at me from the canvas. Go ahead, tell me that I should retire and that I'm just another Joe Nobody. Well the fact is, this washed up Italian just showed you where you really stand in this federation and I think it is quite clear that you don't belong speaking my name ever again until you have proven, other than your fluke victory at XIII when I had to constantly look over my shoulder for ambushes and sneak attacks, that you really belong in the ring with someone of my caliber. Go back to your hell hole with Dr. Heill and continue your violence against those that are defenseless because look what happens when someone has the ability to fight back. Run back to your place of captivity where you claim to have ultimate power and simply exert it over those who fear you, because you will find no fear on my face. I once again have avenged a loss and that leaves only more more to go....
Guiliano's eyes focus deep into the camera as he fully closes them and then turns his attention to the National Championship game as it draws toward halftime. Alabama has turned the tables on Texas as their star quarterback has been taken to the bowels of the Rose Bowl for further examination. He listens closely to the large crowd that resides just down the hallway, knowing that all is going well, but that security is prepared to take care of any skirmishes that may break out between the proud fans of two traditional football powers.
Guiliano flips off the television as the Alabama band takes the field for their halftime performance and stands up, adjusting his tie before pushing the door to the small room open once again, making his exit. He glances left and then right debating whether or not to go back into the room or simply stay out of the crowd and make his way onto the casino floor and to the sports book where the rational sports fans can be found. Allen decides on the later and ventures further from the party in the VIP lounge and makes his way through a small door at the end of the hall that leads back out onto the main level of The Guiliano. The tables are well visited but a little more bare than usual as most of the gambling crowd is fixed in front of a television screen watching the game. Guiliano reaches into his pocket and grabs the report given to him earlier by the food and beverage manager and hands it to one of the men in black suits on the floor, whispering something into the employee's ear before continuing on over to the sports book.
The owner of The Guiliano approaches a man sitting away from the crowd at one of the small coffee tables located around the edges of the comfortable leather couches that adorn the sports book. The man sits with a pile of papers containing the lines to numerous sporting events on each side in front of him and a well sharpened #2 pencil as he looks them over, making a variety of marks on the betting sheets. The unknown gentleman is wearing a white button-up shirt that is untucked and lays over a pair of khaki shorts. He wears simple brown sandals on his feet and slips his pencil behind his ear as Guiliano nonchalantly pulls out an opposing chair and sits across from the man.
Guiliano: Lefty, nice to see that you are avoiding all the hype. What does a professional gambler think about what is going on in this game so far?
Lefty: Seems that the people that put their money on Bama are going to make out alright this evening. Who would have predicted that Colt McCoy would have gone down on the second drive of the game and not be able to return. That freshman quarterback doesn't have a chance against that Bama defense. Hope you put your money down on the Crimson Tide my friend.
Guiliano: I was avoiding this game at all costs. I'm sure the four point spread had a lot of people torn between who they were going to put it on, especially since these two teams haven't played a game in almost a month. How are the basketball games coming out for you tonight?
Lefty: Not too bad. I missed on the Michigan/Penn State game, but then again I should have known better than to take the Lions straight up. They always seem to disappoint me, especially when they play a team they should beat at home. So, what do you think about the line that was put on you for this Monday night?
Guiliano: What are you talking about? You guys are putting out lines on professional wrestling now? You can't be serious.
Lefty: I'm serious as a heart attack Allen. You won't find the odds on a Vegas board anywhere, but there are a few guys like myself who have been making some phone calls and trying to set up some odds to bet on. Looks like you are coming in as the early favorite, but you never know how the money is going to fall.
Guiliano: Well I hope you made the smart choice on this one and put your money on the guy that is sitting across the table from you or we may have some issues. I guarantee you that I won't disappoint you like Penn State on their home floor.
Lefty: I don't know. I am getting some pretty good odds by going with some other guys, but I suppose since you are sitting in front of me I should put most of it on you for the win. You haven't disappointed me yet, but this again this is the first time I am actually putting money on you in something other than the stock of The Guiliano. Hell, investing in this place isn't even gambling, its damn near a sure thing. You see, you are just a 2:1 on our card and I think I can make some serious cash if Johnny Reb pulls the pulls the upset at 7:1. A $10,000 bet on him makes me some serious cash Allen.
Guiliano: Wasting your money unless you put it on that Italian guy on Monday night. You can try and make 70 grand on Reb all you want, but you would be well advised to take your twenty instead of losing your ten. Not that I am giving you insider information or anything, but I think you know as well as I do that no one is winning that match on Monday other than myself.
Lefty: Alright, alright, maybe I should just avoid that one all together. What you do you think about that United State Title Battle Royal? Think I should put my money on Hector Rodriguez or someone else. He looks pretty strong to me, but you know all those guys better than I do.
Guiliano: I think you have been playing the game long enough to know what you need to do. Or maybe you just just stick to what you know Lefty and that would be football and basketball. Leave the wrestling to the other guys, unless you are betting on me. Then let me know and I want a 20% cut of your winnings.
Lefty: You'll get 20% of nothing. I think it's you that should be giving me a percentage. I come in here ever day and sit in front of these televisions watching games and making bets and YOU want a percentage of MY earnings. I think you get a big enough percentage on my losing tickets if you ask me. You could pay for this entire sports book on the money I have dropped at this place.
Guiliano: C'mon now, don't be a bullshitter. You are making money on me or you wouldn't be in here every night. You make your living doing what you do, you aren't fooling me for a second. Anyway, you can claim those losing tickets on your taxes and get a bigger return.
Lefty: How do you think I bought this shirt?
Guiliano simply shakes his head and shares a chuckle with the regular visitor of his sports book. The two continue their conversation as the screen fades to black and their voices become inaudible while the second half of the game kicks off on the television in the background.