Post by Jonny Fly on Sept 28, 2013 23:53:34 GMT -5
September 4th, 2013
Jonny Fly and Tom Salemone are enjoying lunch at David’s Brisket House in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The two casually dressed men are already eating, and we zoom in to catch their conversation.
Salemone: Are you sure?
Fly: Yes. When you’ve spent a decade trying to avoid the FBI, you tend to pick up on things. Take the man by the window for example. Every time he takes a bite of his sandwich he quickly glances in our direction. The man in the shorts right outside the door on his cellphone is looking around acting like he’s lost, but he’s actually looking more inside the restaurant than outside. Lastly, as we were walking inside I saw a Ford Transit Connect van with a label on it for ‘Monty’s Meats’….
Fly passes his phone over to Salemone. The first thing we notice is that Fly has suspiciously placed a wad of gum over the phone’s speaker. More importantly, he’s opened up a Google search that shows zero results for the business ‘Monty’s Meats’ in New York City.
Fly: Satisfied?
Salemone: How did they know we’d be here? This isn’t a place we frequent.
Fly: That’s a good point. I’m not really sure. I mean, nobody fuckin’ eats in Brooklyn. Gross.
Salemone: Do we have a leak?
Fly: More like a tail, I’d suspect. If it was a leak they’d know enough about what we’re doing to not need the smoke and mirrors. I’d already be in custody. The van was probably following us.
Salemone: So, what now?
Fly: It appears the FBI is closing in. I think it’s time to make final preparations.
Salemone: The election isn’t until November 5th. It’s still over two months away.
Fly: It’s far too late for the parties to find another candidate to oppose our guy. Besides, we’re not the only people who have a say in this matter. He’s anxious that Carrion is rising in the polls. It’s time to complete our end of the arrangement.
Salemone: What do you need from me?
Fly: I need you to contact Gravedigger. Tell him he’s up.
The scene begins to transform. The pixels in the screen fade out, and a new image emerges. We’re now inside the FBI’s stakeout van outside of David’s Brisket House. Agent Williams and two male agents are sitting inside. Each agent is wearing a set of headphones. Williams is sitting in a chair holding the headphones against her ears to hear better while the other two agents are controlling the sound board. The scene continues in silence until one of the other male agents speaks.
Agent: We’re not getting good audio. It’s weird, his cellphone is on, and we’ve turned the microphone on in it, but we’re still not getting much.
Williams: He knows we’re here. He’s smart. He’s avoiding speaking close to anything that could transmit his conversation. This guy is the real deal.
Agent: What’s our move?
Williams: We have no move. If we move the team in any closer, this could get ugly. What this proves is that he’s hiding something, though. We’re going to need another approach to figure out just what that is.
Agent: Any ideas?
Agents Williams pauses to contemplate the question. She thinks back to her previous meetings with Fly. How can she get close to him?
Williams: Actually, I might. Jonny Fly does have one very large weakness, and I’m going to use it to my advantage.
A wicked smile appears on the lips of Agents Williams. She nods her head confidently at the plan she’s hatched.
Williams: Tell the team to pull out. Let’s meet back at the office tomorrow to discuss the new plan.
September 6th, 2013
This scene begins at Jonny Fly’s mansion in New York City. Years ago Fly built a nearly full-size wrestling arena underneath the mansion and hosted shows there with his previous organization. The last time we saw the arena on WCF television, the man known then as Kid Phantasm was convincing Fly that his lifestyle choices needed to change. Now seen again, the arena plays host to Jonny Fly sitting alone in the stands ten rows up from ringside.
A ding is heard, and the elevator that descends from the house opens unseen to the camera. Moments later, Adolfo Carrion Jr. emerges from the concourse and walks down the stairs to where Fly is sitting. He grabs a seat next to him and takes a moment to look around the facility.
Carrion: Impressive place. Is this where you train?
Fly stays silent. He’s staring intently at the ring and presumably ignoring Carrion.
Carrion: Tom said you wanted to see me. He said I could find you here. Have you been down here all day?
Again, silence from Fly.
Carrion: Jonny? What’s this about? What did you want?
Still staring at the ring, Fly finally responds.
Fly: I’m going out of town soon. I just wanted to say goodbye.
Carrion: Why does that sound so ominous?
Fly doesn’t answer the question, and instead changes the subject completely.
Fly: I’m heading to Minnesota next week. There’s a wrestling show there that I’ve decided to compete in. In the meantime, you’ll be reporting to Tom.
Carrion: Getting back into wresting, huh? Are you ready?
For the first time, Fly turns his gaze to Carrion.
Fly: I hardly need to be ‘ready,’ Adalfo. I’m going to go over there and do what I always do, I’m going to win. I’m going to beat the fuckin’ World Champion after not stepping into the ring for months. In fact, I’m not just going to win, I’m going to dominate. I’m going to make Nathan von Liebert my bitch.
Carrion: Well, uh, sounds like fun.
Fly: It won’t be for him.
Carrion: Alright well, good luck I guess. I’ll see you when you get back.
Carrion gets up from his seat and begins ascending the stairs. As he walks away, softly, Fly says.
Fly: No, you won’t.
September 11th, 2013
We catch up with Jonny Fly as he’s driving in his Jaguar XK on Interstate 80 driving from New York City to Minnesota. Fly is jamming out to his hit song ‘Pin Me Maybe’ on the radio (somehow). He’s cruising at about 90 miles an hour when his phone rings. He answers it through his car speakers.
Fly: This is Fly.
??: Fly, its Gravedigger.
Fly: Digger, my man. How’s it going?
Gravedigger: Final preparations have been made. MS-13 is waiting for your word.
Fly: I’ll let my people know. Thank you.
Gravedigger: Your people? You’re not handling this yourself?
Fly: I’m…well, I’m going to be at XIII. In truth, it’s for the best. The FBI has been tailing me so I’m taking them for a ride to Minnesota while my people carry out the operation back in New York. It’s nothing to be concerned about, they’re more than capable.
Gravedigger: XIII, huh? So now you’re getting back into wrestling?
Fly: I’ve been…reinvigorated…after that beating I gave to Isara.
Gravedigger: Well then, I guess you have me to thank for that. I also guess I’ll be seeing you at XIII.
Fly: Not too early, I hope.
Gravedigger: Leave it in my hands, Fly. By the time I arrive in St. Paul, I’ll have fulfilled my end of the agreement. You be sure to do the same when the time comes.
Fly: Oh, I will. I’ll see you soon.
Gravedigger: Take care.
Fly hangs up the phone and immediately dials another number. As he does, the scene transforms. Now we’re seeing Tom Salemone outside of The Flyciety’s headquarters in Brooklyn. He’s talking on the phone.
Tom: He’s ready?
…
Tom: Good. I’ll be at the rendezvous soon.
Tom hangs up his phone and stuffs it back into his pocket. He turns, enters the warehouse, and heads straight to the back where Adalfo Carrion Jr. is working at his desk.
Tom: Carrion, with me.
The mayoral candidate looks up from his desk with a confused expression on his face.
Carrion: What? Why?
Tom: We’re going for a drive.
Carrion: Can it wait? I’m in the middle of something.
Carrion tries to turn back to his desk, but Tom grabs the chair.
Tom: I’m insisting. This is important.
Carrion: Fine.
Carrion gets up from his chair, grabs his jacket, and follows Tom out of the warehouse. They both get into a black Dodge Durango and drive away.
September 11th, 2013
Corey Black smiles and quickly finishes his beer. He sets it on the bar and slaps Fly on the back.
Black: I’m just looking forward to the buy-rates.
Fly: Are you out of here?
Black: Yeah, this band isn’t even that good. I’ll catch up with you on Friday.
Fly nods his head and Black takes off toward the exit. He watches as Black proceeds through the glass doors to the outside before turning back to the bar. Fly finishes his beer and promptly orders another. As the bartender serves him, he receives a tap on the shoulder. Fly spins around to see an extremely attractive brunette staring and smiling at him.
Fly: Well, hello.
Woman: You want to buy me a drink?
This scene has been shown before on WCF television, prior to Corey Black’s XIII. It ended shortly afterward. The woman in the scene above is FBI Agent Williams, from scenes previous. We continue this scene, showing additional footage not seen prior.
Woman: Who said we were going to talk?
Fly: Well, you’ve been tailing me for quite a while now. I’m not surprised to see you in Minnesota, though your attire is fairly…suggestive…for a woman on the clock. I figured you were here for a chat.
Agent Williams is not in her normal business attire. She’s in a short form fitting black dress with a low neckline, black heels, and her hair is done in a simple ponytail.
Williams: Actually, I’m off the clock.
Fly: Really, and you’re not here to chat about this ridiculous witch hunt you’re conducting against me?
Williams: Look, nothing came out of that. No hard feelings I hope, I was just doing my job. My superiors seem to have a grudge against you from dealings in the past. I was just carrying out orders. Even you have to admit it was a bit suspicious that there was a kidnapping the day after you were seen arguing with Carrion. Plus, you did lie to me about not knowing him.
Fly nods his head, agreeing with what Agent Williams is saying.
Fly: It’s an old habit, what can I say.
Williams: Don’t worry, I don’t hold a grudge. I think you’ll find that I’m not as ‘by the book’ as what you might think. I mean, the investigation is over, but I did still use our resources to find out that you were coming here.
Fly: Because…?
Williams smiles and brushes past Fly to take a seat at the bar. She half-turns back to him.
Williams: Because you’re going to buy me a drink, that’s why.
Agent Williams turns back around. Fly looks at her for a second, trying to decipher what is happening, but…well, he’s Jonny Fly, and that woman wants a drink. He joins her at the bar at waves the bartender over.
Fly: Tom Collins on the rocks and whatever the lady is drinking.
Williams: Cosmopolitan, please.
The bartender nods his head and hurries off to fix the drinks.
Fly: So, you followed me to Minnesota just for a drink?
Agent Williams smiles seductively. She leans over and whispers into Fly’s ear.
Williams: No, not JUST for a drink.
She slowly pulls herself away from Fly and gives him a wink.
Fly: Well then, lucky me.
Williams: Lucky? Oh no, you haven’t gotten lucky yet, Jonny.
Agent Williams bats her eyes at Fly as the drinks arrive. Fly takes hold of Tom Collins while Agent Williams grabs her cosmopolitan.
Williams: A toast, to a fun night ahead.
Fly nods his head.
Fly: A fun night, indeed.
The scene fades.
Six Hours Later
Fly runs his hand through his hair. His company adjusts in the bed and Fly quickly looks over to make sure she hasn’t awoken. Satisfied, he continues in a more hushed and direct tone.
Jonny Fly is in his penthouse suite at The Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. He’s in the middle of his promo for XIII as Agent Williams lies sleeping in the bed next to him. Fly continues speaking until the promo is over and turns off the camera. As he does, he stands next to the bed and looks at Agent Williams for an extended period of time. You can tell he’s deep in thought at the sight of the woman who not more than 48 hours ago was conducting a federal investigation against him. Fly walks over to Williams’ side of the bed. He quietly kneels down and grabs her clutch purse. He opens it and takes out her phone. Fly checks again to make sure Agent Williams is still sleeping and begins to read through her phone. At one point, Fly lifts his head and glares at the Agent. It’s a cold look, a look of hate.
Fly: You fuckin’ bitch.
The comment doesn’t wake Agent Williams. Fly tucks her phone back into her clutch and sets it down on the ground. He looks down at her one more time.
Fly: That’s going to cost you…but…not quite yet.
With that, Fly jumps back into the bed. The scene fades out.
September 12th, 2013
It’s the next morning and Fly and Williams are having breakfast in bed. A silver tray has been set up next to the bed with two plates of pancakes, sausage, and eggs on it. Fly is standing next to the tray with a pitcher of orange juice in his hand. He pours a glass for his guest and hands it to her.
Fly: Would you care for some champagne in that?
Williams: (laughs) No mimosas for me. Thank you though. Breakfast in bed, this is sweet.
Fly hands Williams her plate and joins her back in the bed to eat his own. He turns on the television and flips to CNN News. The television plays in the background as the two eat and talk.
Williams: So, Jonny, tell me a little more about yourself.
Fly: My bio includes only one sentence. Jonny Fly is the world’s greatest wrestler. That’s it.
Williams: Oh come on now, there’s a lot more to you than that. You were an orphan twice, lived a few years in middle teens on the New York City streets, received a professional wrestling contract at 17 years old, you’ve owned two different wrestling organizations, and from what I’ve heard, a successful chain of stripper joints.
Fly: I think they like to be referred to as hookers.
Williams: No, they don’t.
Fly: Well either way, that was a fun business model. Hire hot chicks and make money. It was the American Dream.
Williams: Then why did you sell it off?
Fly: Because…lifetime supply of hot fries, that’s why. I know what you’re thinking, what a steal, right? I’m a visionary, I know.
Williams: …right. I guess my real question in all of this, why the life of crime? Before you answer there’s no need to be defensive about it. The bureau has sworn statements noting the things you’ve done in the past, and I’ve read them. I just want to know what happened.
Fly: All of a sudden this feels like an interrogation, Agent Williams.
Williams: My first name isn’t Agent.
Fly: Really?
Williams: Caroline. Please call me Caroline.
Fly: Okay, Caroline, what happened were mistakes. Nothing more. I was dumb. I couldn’t escape my past. Today, it is just that, the past. I spent the last year trying to make amends for the things I’ve done. I’ve donated a lot of money and spent a lot of time in the New York City community trying to help young people who are in the same situations I once was.
Williams: I see. That’s really good of you, Jonny. I’m glad that you’ve turned the corner.
Turned the corner indeed. The breaking news graphic has just appeared on the television set. Curious, Fly and Caroline direct their attention to the television. A woman at the CNN news desk appears with a saddened look on her face.
Reporter: Just moments ago a spokesperson for the New York City police department has confirmed to CNN that the brutally beaten body found in Battery Park this morning was that of New York City mayoral candidate Adalfo Carrion Jr. Carrion’s body was discovered by a jogger early this morning in a remote section of the park underneath the Battery Park overpass. While the exact cause of death will not be known until an autopsy has been confirmed, foul play is suspected and an FBI investigation is already underway.
[/i]
Agent Williams stares at the screen in utter disbelief. She holds her hand over her mouth and searches for the right words. Fly, doing his best acting impression, follows suit.
Fly: Are you fucking kidding me!? What the fuck? I just talked to him a few days ago!
Agent Williams immediately reaches down and grabs her clutch and digs out her phone. She gets up from the bed and frantically dials a number. As soon as the phone on the other end is picked up, Williams gets up from the bed and walks out of the room. We follow her as she tries to get as far away from Fly as permitted in the suite.
Williams: What the hell happened? I just saw Carrion is dead.
…
Williams: What was the time of death?
…
Williams: No, it couldn’t have been him.
…
Williams: I’m telling you, it’s not Fly. It couldn’t have been. Trust me.
…
Williams: I have no idea. I can’t believe we let this happen. Was nobody watching him?
…
Williams: My team was on Fl….I mean, they were chasing another lead.
…
Williams: Yes, sir. I’m on my way back immediately.
A few seconds after hanging up the phone, Agent Williams comes back into the bedroom. Fly still has a shocked look on his face and is staring intently at the television set. Williams sighs heavily, and reaches down and grabs her dress from the floor. She begins to get dressed.
Fly: Do you have to go?
Williams: Yes. I have a job to do.
Fly nods his head and gets out of the bed. He watches as Agent Williams dresses. She turns back to him.
Williams: Look, I’m sorry again. I…I don’t know what’s going on in New York. It’s clear we’re missing something. My superiors are going to approach you about your whereabouts yesterday. I’d appreciate if you could leave last night out of it. If they know what happened, they’ll pull me off the case.
Fly: Sure. Anything to help.
Agent Williams doesn’t say another word. She gathers her last few belongings in the room and heads to the door. As she exits, a wicked smile creeps onto the face of Jonny Fly. He gathers his phone from the end table next to the bed and places a call.
Fly: Room 1001.
With just that, Fly hangs up the phone. He plops back down on the bed and continues watching the coverage of the Carrion murder until a knock is heard on his door.
Fly: Come in!
The door swings open and Gravedigger walks into the room. He’s smiling as wide as he’s ever smiled before. Fly gets off of the bed to greet him. As he approaches he sticks out his hand, in which Gravedigger grasps.
Fly: The man of the fuckin’ hour. It was just reported on CNN.
Gravedigger: It was a piece of cake.
Fly: I want details. How did it go down?
Gravedigger: Your guy, Tom, made the drop to three of my men in Chinatown. They drove Carrion to the MS-13 hideout…a location I’d rather not divulge…and I took him out to Battery Park and bashed his teeth into his brain with a baseball bat. That was all she wrote. I cleaned the scene of prints and took the last flight out to Minneapolis.
Fly’s expression is that of pleasure. He walks over to the room’s mini-fridge and opens the door. He pulls out a bottle and tosses it to Gravedigger.
Fly: Johnny Walker Blue Label, 150th Anniversary. Enjoy.
Gravedigger inspects the bottle.
Gravedigger: This is nice and all, but I’m expecting something a little more…rewarding. I’ve held up my end of the bargain, as has the rest of MS-13. When can we expect our payment?
Fly: As soon as the new mayor is in office, of course.
Gravedigger looks at Fly curiously, but quickly pieces together the final piece of the puzzle. He shakes his head and laughs.
Gravedigger: You sly motherfucker. You’ve always been a piece of work.
Fly smiles proudly.
Fly: With Carrion’s unfortunate plight, there’s only one man running for Mayor. That man is running unopposed, and the parties aren’t going to have enough time to find someone to pit against him. That man and I have a mutual agreement on the legalization of certain things that will make my organization, and your own for that matter, the wealthiest entities in the entire fuckin’ city.
Gravedigger: Well then, I suppose we’ll have more to talk about in November.
Fly: Indeed.
Gravedigger: Until then I suppose I’ll be seeing you around the ring more, huh?
Fly: You’ve been wrestling for a long time, Digger. You know how tough it is to walk away forever when the fire still burns inside you. Those people in the WCF…I’m not done with them yet. They think they saw it all in 2012…they think they saw my best…
Fly’s words trail off. He pauses.
Gravedigger: Well then, maybe we’ll be crossing paths sooner rather than later. Until then.
With that Gravedigger turns and exits the room. Fly watches him leave before finishing his sentence to himself.
Fly: …but I have never stopped getting better.
The scene fades.
September 14th, 2013
Black screen. Only audio is heard.
Today, fellow New Yorkers, I don’t speak to you as a candidate for Mayor. I speak to you as family. I speak to you as a friend. I speak to you as a neighbor. In the past week we’ve seen the best and worst of our great city. We’ve been reminded of our flaws, and shown our strength. This city has been through a lot, but nothing quite like what it is facing now. As you all know by now, one of our leaders, one of our heroes, was attacked and murdered.
Adalfo Carrion is a hero. Don’t ever think differently. He selflessly dedicated his life’s work to the improvement and prosperity of our city. I know that values that he stood for, and the good deeds he carried out in service to all of us. That’s my definition of a hero. Today we mourn his loss, but we celebrate his life. We celebrate his life by living our own with the character and integrity that he possessed. We’re not going to forgot Adalfo Carrion. Quite simply, as his name tells us to do, we’re simply going to carry on.
To the family of Adalfo Carrion, I offer you my unconditional support. I know his family well, very well, in fact.
It may be a black screen, but feel free to picture a wink right here.
I can’t imagine how tough it is for them to bear what they are going through right now. I want to let them know that they’re not alone in their grief. I grieve with you. The City of New York grieves with you. We feel your loss, and extend our hands as a foundation in which you can rebuild your lives in the wake of this terrible tragedy.
I’ve always had great faith and respect for the people of New York City, and Adalfo Carrion’s death does not diminish that. One of our friends in this city has lost their way, ladies and gentleman. We will find him, and we will get him the help he needs. While the New York City Police Department in conjunction with federal law enforcement personnel carries out that investigation, we’re left not to seek answers on our own…but to look to the future and to a new chapter in this city’s history.
The black screen begins to pixelate. Ever so slowly, a picture emerges. That picture is that of the “Godfather of Professional Wrestling” himself, Bobby Cairo, standing tall and proud on the steps of the New York City Hall. He continues to speak.
Cairo: We will never forget Adalfo Carrion Jr. We will never forget his message, his ideals, his values, and the positive impact he made on our city. Today, he is with the man upstairs and I’m here with you. I am here to honor him, to carry out his vision…as the next Mayor of the great city of New York.
The scene zooms out and we see hundreds, if not thousands, of people standing before Cairo. They begin to applaud as his speech concludes.
Cairo: Thank you! Thank you everyone! I love you all!
Bobby Cairo waves to the minions and steps away from the podium. He descends the stairs to greet his crowd. Cairo begins shaking hands with the people in the first row as the scene comes to a close.
September 17th, 2013
In an all too familiar scene, it’s just a few minutes past midnight on the Williamsburg Bridge. A dark colored van slowly pulls over to the side of the bridge and clicks off its lights. Just like before, the side of the door is opened…but this time it’s a woman in restraints pushed out onto the sidewalk. Two larger men follow her out and push her toward the edge. The woman is FBI agent Caroline Williams. Her clothes are tattered, dried blood has taken up residence on her forehead…
Williams: Please…you don’t have to do this.
One of the men answers.
I’m afraid I do. Bosses orders.
Williams drops to her knees. She’s beaten badly, and her will is almost at its end. The same man speaks once more.
By the way…
Williams looks up.
My boss is Jonny Fly. He said he’ll miss you.
Agent Williams heart sinks. She had the right man all along. She drops her head and tears begin to run down her cheek. The other man quickly lifts his leg and pushes it into the FBI agent’s chest. She falls backward, but there isn’t a road to catch her. She falls…and falls…and falls…
Splash.
The scene comes to close.
Present Day
Brown: Well, there’s one more big name that came out in the last couple of weeks who will be joining you in the ring at War. It’s a man you know very well. How do you feel about, for the first time ever, the possibility of facing off against Bobby Cairo?
Fly is smirking at the question, and counters it with one of his own.
Fly: Hank, if your life depended on it and you had to choose one wrestler for one match, who would you choose?
Brown: I don’t know. I’d have to think about that.
Fly: I don’t have to think about it, Hank. I know who I would choose. I would choose Bobby Cairo. I would choose Cairo over any wrestler I’ve ever seen. That’s high praise coming for me. Yet, because I feel Cairo is that good, that’s the thing that motivates me. That’s the thing that makes me want to eliminate his ass from this match even more. I don’t want some fuckin’ jobber pinning Cairo on Sunday, I want to do it. I’ve heard other wrestlers this week basically sweep him under the rug. They spout off their grossly overplayed and predictable ‘You’re from 2007, it’s different now because I’m here’ routine and just expect Cairo to just take that. Look, I’ve been there; I’ve said the same things to Logan and Gravedigger. But…
Fly pauses.
Fly: This is Bobby Cairo. His skills have buoyed Phillip Baines and Chad Evans in recent history, two men that nobody could beat. There’s a reason he came back, and it’s not to lose to a bunch of fuckin’ midcarders in the biggest match of the year. I heard Sarah Twilight say Cairo has never seen a competitor like her, and then six seconds later say she’s unfamiliar with his in-ring prowess. Jesus Christ. Get it together, people. It’s very simple, I’m not going to sit here and say I’m going to beat Bobby Cairo because of whatever cliché reason everyone else is throwing out. I believe I’m going to beat him because…well, that’s usually what I do. I’ll point to my track record, I’ll point to my matches against Logan and Gravedigger, people who he has lost to in the past, and somewhere in there try to make a point that resonates. However, unlike some, I’m not going to sit here and say a bunch of unsubstantial shit to make myself feel better about the fact Cairo is in this match, and he’s in it to win. I’m prepared for the reality that Cairo and I could be the last two men in this match. I want that to happen. I’ve wanted to face him for two years now. Put the rest of the people in this match aside, Jonny Fly versus Bobby Cairo would have the makings of the match of the fuckin’ decade. Here’s to hoping we get a glimpse of that at War. That’s it. That’s where I stand in terms of Bobby Cairo.
Brown: Speaking of other wrestlers and what they’ve been saying, your entry into War has been a hot-topic throughout the roster. Steve Orbit has recently announced his entry into the match, and in a taped appearance talked about how much you pushed him earlier in the year…
Fly: I believe his words were that he loved me.
Brown: That’s right.
Fly: Which is gross, by the way. I’m not into the whole…interracial thing.
Brown: What?
Fly: Or dudes. I probably should have said that first.
Brown: Uhh…
Fly: Look, I’m glad Steve Orbit is in this match. I appreciate the respect he shows when he speaks about me. He’s doing this the right way, he thinks he can win, which he’s more than entitled to believe. He knows I’m not going to go quietly, though, and he’s right about that. Orbit is a different wrestler today than he was just a few months ago. He was at the same crossroads every wrestler goes through eventually. Each and every one of us begins our careers thinking we’re hot shit. We think that what we’re doing is enough, and eventually we’ll get to where we want to go. That’s the beauty of people like me. After those wrestlers get slapped around enough and pushed into a corner, that’s when you find out just how good they’re going to become. Some fold, most fold for that matter. Some rise to the level of the competition. Orbit has risen to the level of competition. Today, he’s a former World Champion and absolutely going to be one of the last men standing in this match. Still, I have one more awe-inspiring lesson to show him. I’m going to show him how to win War.
Brown: John Barber is another wrestler who has labeled you as quite possibly the toughest out of the bunch.
Fly: I don’t know Barber that well, but that comment alone makes me think he’s a smart guy. Or, at least educated about the competition is he’s going to be facing. I do know that Barber is the Television Champion.
Brown: Well, sort of.
Fly: Right. Sort of. In my mind he’s the Television Champion, and I have a lot of respect for that. I’m not going to rehash my early days in WCF and the fact that I was able to use that belt to springboard into my first World Title match, but I know that there’s normally a quality associated with the individuals who hold that belt. I imagine Barber follows that mold. In listening to his comments I saw that while he said he knows I’m going to be tough to beat, he doesn’t fear me. Why should he? After all, we’ve never faced. In fact, I haven’t even wrestled in WCF since his hiring. However, if we do manage to find each other amongst the masses, I’ll show him that fear, in this instance, is perfectly acceptable. I’ll show him that not all wrestlers are created equally. I’ll give him a first-hand look at what it’s going to take for him to shed that Television Title and play with the big boys.
Brown: Another wrestler, Havok, said…
Fly: Don’t care.
Brown: Well, he said he was going take you out and humiliate you.
Fly: There’s not a man or woman alive who has ever humiliated me in a wrestling ring, so best of luck to him with that.
Brown: Okay, we’ll move on then. Seifer Black Armstrong, who said that he was going to bring hellfire over you and several others.
Fly: Well, if that were to happen it would certainly be a first. Could you imagine that, Hank? Hellfire during a wrestling match? HELLFIRE. That would be awesome!
Brown: He also said if you underestimate him your evening will end by being forced to look up at the ceiling in pain from the beating you received at his hands.
Fly: Oh, I fully expect to be looking at the ceiling when it’s all over.
Brown: Wait, what?
Fly: I’ll be exhausted from all the people I eliminated, of course. I’ll probably collapse once victory is secured. I’m not going to entertain Seifer with much of a rebuttal here. I’ll simply comment that when I do collapse at the end of the match, and I am looking up at the ceiling catching my breath…he’ll be backstage watching me on a monitor. Then, he’ll go back to being the dime a dozen wrestler that he is. Unless of course he does bring actual hellfire, then he’d be more of a wizard than a wrestler, and I love wizards. Maybe him and Odin Balfore will have one of the epic magical battles like in Harry Potter? That’d take the fuckin’ cake.
Brown: You watched Harry Potter?
Fly: Uhh…no?
Brown: Yeah, okay. Let’s just move on. There is one more person who’s had some comments about you. We talked about her earlier.
Fly: Sarah. Right.
Brown: Comments?
Fly: You know, I think I’ve had more dealings with Sarah than anyone else, save Eric Price. It’s always been hilarious to me the lengths she’ll go to position herself as better than me. She literally goes into Nathan von Liebert mode when the topic is Jonny Fly. She’s irrational, delusional, and her words lack any resemblance of substance. I’ve basically come to expect it at this point. Listen to this shit…
Fly pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket and begins to read from it.
“…the crust that has kept him hidden for so long has begun to crumble around him for quite some time now.”
“Fly is not the same man who made you drool all over yourself in awe last year.”
“He has been on a downward spiral…while I have continued to move forward.”
Fly shakes his head in disgust.
Fly: If you listen to these quoted without context, it sounds like I’ve been getting beat around or something. Have I started losing matches and someone forgot to tell me? Listen to me, everyone watching at home and especially Sarah. THIS…
Fly holds up the piece of paper for emphasis.
Fly: …is not how it’s done. You can’t make up some alternative reality, spout it off on television, and then it just becomes the truth. Sarah may be the owner of this company, and she can do whatever she pleases, but she can’t re-write history. Now, Sarah, I’m sitting right here and I’m not ready to let this go. You’ve been pulling this shit for way too long. It’s time someone called you out on it. I want you to justify your comments. Put aside your inferiority complex and hormones of a thirteen year old and clarify what the fuck you are talking about. Tell me, oh great wrestler, how a man who has lost ONE match in the last YEAR is on a downward spiral. Please, I’m but a sheep. I don’t understand. I need details. What events could you be referring to that have led to this mythical fall from grace? Can you do that for me?
Fly responds sarcastically to himself.
Fly: “Uh, yeah, well I could say you lost to Jay Price. I could say that….and uh…yeah, you lost to Steve Orbit, and uh…”
Fly discontinues the sarcasm.
Fly: …and that’s it. That’s all you have. That’s all ANYONE has. Those are the only two matches in which I’ve been pinned in two years, and for the record, only one of those happened in the past year. Two, which happens to be the same number of times I’ve beaten you in World Titles matches. In fact, you’ve lost more World Title matches than I’ve lost matches. For the love of god woman, call it like it is for once. Stop with the bullshit. Nobody is buying it. There is no possible way you can brainwash people into thinking that you are better than me. It’s plain for the world to see. The only thing you can do is shut the fuck up and prove it in the ring…and at this point, you’re going to need to prove it more than once…just like I did. Then again, that’s always been your problem, Sarah. You’ve struggled to do that, hence the need to undersell everyone else to make you feel better about your own failures. You’re a fuckin’ coward. That’s your legacy. You’re too high on your own horse to realize what it takes to ACTUALLY be great…and it’s not living in some fantasy world where Jonny motherfucking Fly is anything less than the greatest wrestler you will ever come across, today, tomorrow, and FOREVER.
Pause to catch our breaths. Fly is rolling.
Fly: You haven’t moved forward, Twilight. It’s plain to see from where I’m sitting. You’ve never got past your losses to me. It’s the one thing that still burns you. It’s the one thing you want erased from your resume. You can’t erase it with words. A War victory doesn’t even erase it. It’s who you are. You’ve lost World Title matches not only to me, you’ve lost them to Eric Price and Steve Orbit as well. If I recall, they’re going to be in this match. Your resume this year, isn’t much better than last year. You were 0-2 challenging for the World Title last year, and 1-1 this year. That doesn’t impress me. Nothing you have ever done has impressed me. I barely consider us rivals. Rivalries usually aren’t as one-sided as our previous dealings have been. After basically telling the world that I’m a shell of the wrestler that faced you before, you went on to talk about how much of an advantage you have from having suffered those previous losses to me.
Fly chuckles lightly.
Fly: Why should that even matter if I’m not the same man ‘who made everyone drool in awe’ last year? Dumb bitch, you don’t even believe your own propaganda. The only point you made that was correct was that I don’t need to win War as much as you do. I don’t need the win because I don’t have the track record of failure that you do. I know that bothers you, and I know how I act towards you bothers you. You want me to respect you. It boils your witch skin that I can be so free and easy outside of the ring but so fuckin’ dominant inside it. You want that recipe so you can brew it in your little cauldron and keep it for yourself, but Sarah…you will never be me, and I will never respect you. I worked hard for my legacy. I won’t have some bitch that can’t beat me bad mouth that legacy and paint it as any less than it is. I, Sarah Twilight, am the greatest wrestler in the world. You are NOTHING more than a multi-time flyjobber. It’s time to take ownership of that, Sarah.
Brown: Well, okay then. Uh, let’s move on.
Fly: Gladly.
Brown: A lot of new wrestlers are going to be involved in War this year, a lot of some of your old rivals, and of course…the masked man.
Fly: At heart Hank, I’m still a fan. This guy has been running around for six months and nobody has figured out who he is. I can’t wait to see who’s been fooling us for so long.
Brown: Any ideas who it is?
Fly: Trying to guess would ruin the fun. Just know that I’m prepared for whoever it might be. I get the sense that this person can hold their own, but I’m not one for caring about that. I’ve faced a lot of masked man, and I’ve played the part of mystery myself. Being under a guise has never helped me win matches. At the end of the day it’s just another wrestler. I won’t be star struck, that’s for sure. It’s going to seem a bit anti-climactic when the masked man reveals himself only to fall to Jonny Fly, but that’s the way it’s going to be.
Brown: Well then, I think we’re about ready to wrap up. Any final comments?
Fly: Yes. A year ago today this company was in the middle of the ‘Era of Jonny Fly.’ My performance in the nine months prior to War last year may have been the greatest run a wrestler has put together in any company, at any time. Even my biggest rivals knew that a date in the ring with Jonny Fly ended in defeat. Seth Lerch put an end to that run, he took my World Title. Upon return, I went after him, and we know how that turned out. But through all of that…I never got the World Title back. This is that chance, Hank. One year later I have a chance to get back the belt that I never lost. I don’t take that lightly. I’m coming hard, and I think at this point everyone knows that. Here’s what they don’t know; they don’t know that...I wish them the best of luck.
Brown: Hold on, what? Can you repeat that?
Fly: This is going to be the biggest win of someone’s career. That person could be Bobby Cairo, or it could be John Barber. It could be Twilight or Eric Price. Jay Price. FPV. Waylon Cash. Steve Orbit. Roy Speede. Night Rider. Steeltoe Joe. Jonathan Jakobs. Lilith. Mr. Jack Happy. Oblivion. Odin Balfore. Benjamin Atreyu. John Gable. I could go on, and on, and on. Even if Logan or Gravedigger won, previous War winners, I’d imagine it’d go to the top of the list. At the end of the day, that means a lot of people go home disappointed. I’m hoping to make sure it’s every single name I just read out. Still, there’s not just one winner. Yeah, there’s only one World Title belt, but careers are jump-started in this match every year. Ask Eric Price. Like I just said, I’m a fan…so best of luck to all of them.
Fly smiles.
Fly: They WILL need it, after all.
His trademark arrogant smirk comes back and the scene dissolves.
Jonny Fly and Tom Salemone are enjoying lunch at David’s Brisket House in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The two casually dressed men are already eating, and we zoom in to catch their conversation.
Salemone: Are you sure?
Fly: Yes. When you’ve spent a decade trying to avoid the FBI, you tend to pick up on things. Take the man by the window for example. Every time he takes a bite of his sandwich he quickly glances in our direction. The man in the shorts right outside the door on his cellphone is looking around acting like he’s lost, but he’s actually looking more inside the restaurant than outside. Lastly, as we were walking inside I saw a Ford Transit Connect van with a label on it for ‘Monty’s Meats’….
Fly passes his phone over to Salemone. The first thing we notice is that Fly has suspiciously placed a wad of gum over the phone’s speaker. More importantly, he’s opened up a Google search that shows zero results for the business ‘Monty’s Meats’ in New York City.
Fly: Satisfied?
Salemone: How did they know we’d be here? This isn’t a place we frequent.
Fly: That’s a good point. I’m not really sure. I mean, nobody fuckin’ eats in Brooklyn. Gross.
Salemone: Do we have a leak?
Fly: More like a tail, I’d suspect. If it was a leak they’d know enough about what we’re doing to not need the smoke and mirrors. I’d already be in custody. The van was probably following us.
Salemone: So, what now?
Fly: It appears the FBI is closing in. I think it’s time to make final preparations.
Salemone: The election isn’t until November 5th. It’s still over two months away.
Fly: It’s far too late for the parties to find another candidate to oppose our guy. Besides, we’re not the only people who have a say in this matter. He’s anxious that Carrion is rising in the polls. It’s time to complete our end of the arrangement.
Salemone: What do you need from me?
Fly: I need you to contact Gravedigger. Tell him he’s up.
The scene begins to transform. The pixels in the screen fade out, and a new image emerges. We’re now inside the FBI’s stakeout van outside of David’s Brisket House. Agent Williams and two male agents are sitting inside. Each agent is wearing a set of headphones. Williams is sitting in a chair holding the headphones against her ears to hear better while the other two agents are controlling the sound board. The scene continues in silence until one of the other male agents speaks.
Agent: We’re not getting good audio. It’s weird, his cellphone is on, and we’ve turned the microphone on in it, but we’re still not getting much.
Williams: He knows we’re here. He’s smart. He’s avoiding speaking close to anything that could transmit his conversation. This guy is the real deal.
Agent: What’s our move?
Williams: We have no move. If we move the team in any closer, this could get ugly. What this proves is that he’s hiding something, though. We’re going to need another approach to figure out just what that is.
Agent: Any ideas?
Agents Williams pauses to contemplate the question. She thinks back to her previous meetings with Fly. How can she get close to him?
Williams: Actually, I might. Jonny Fly does have one very large weakness, and I’m going to use it to my advantage.
A wicked smile appears on the lips of Agents Williams. She nods her head confidently at the plan she’s hatched.
Williams: Tell the team to pull out. Let’s meet back at the office tomorrow to discuss the new plan.
September 6th, 2013
This scene begins at Jonny Fly’s mansion in New York City. Years ago Fly built a nearly full-size wrestling arena underneath the mansion and hosted shows there with his previous organization. The last time we saw the arena on WCF television, the man known then as Kid Phantasm was convincing Fly that his lifestyle choices needed to change. Now seen again, the arena plays host to Jonny Fly sitting alone in the stands ten rows up from ringside.
A ding is heard, and the elevator that descends from the house opens unseen to the camera. Moments later, Adolfo Carrion Jr. emerges from the concourse and walks down the stairs to where Fly is sitting. He grabs a seat next to him and takes a moment to look around the facility.
Carrion: Impressive place. Is this where you train?
Fly stays silent. He’s staring intently at the ring and presumably ignoring Carrion.
Carrion: Tom said you wanted to see me. He said I could find you here. Have you been down here all day?
Again, silence from Fly.
Carrion: Jonny? What’s this about? What did you want?
Still staring at the ring, Fly finally responds.
Fly: I’m going out of town soon. I just wanted to say goodbye.
Carrion: Why does that sound so ominous?
Fly doesn’t answer the question, and instead changes the subject completely.
Fly: I’m heading to Minnesota next week. There’s a wrestling show there that I’ve decided to compete in. In the meantime, you’ll be reporting to Tom.
Carrion: Getting back into wresting, huh? Are you ready?
For the first time, Fly turns his gaze to Carrion.
Fly: I hardly need to be ‘ready,’ Adalfo. I’m going to go over there and do what I always do, I’m going to win. I’m going to beat the fuckin’ World Champion after not stepping into the ring for months. In fact, I’m not just going to win, I’m going to dominate. I’m going to make Nathan von Liebert my bitch.
Carrion: Well, uh, sounds like fun.
Fly: It won’t be for him.
Carrion: Alright well, good luck I guess. I’ll see you when you get back.
Carrion gets up from his seat and begins ascending the stairs. As he walks away, softly, Fly says.
Fly: No, you won’t.
September 11th, 2013
We catch up with Jonny Fly as he’s driving in his Jaguar XK on Interstate 80 driving from New York City to Minnesota. Fly is jamming out to his hit song ‘Pin Me Maybe’ on the radio (somehow). He’s cruising at about 90 miles an hour when his phone rings. He answers it through his car speakers.
Fly: This is Fly.
??: Fly, its Gravedigger.
Fly: Digger, my man. How’s it going?
Gravedigger: Final preparations have been made. MS-13 is waiting for your word.
Fly: I’ll let my people know. Thank you.
Gravedigger: Your people? You’re not handling this yourself?
Fly: I’m…well, I’m going to be at XIII. In truth, it’s for the best. The FBI has been tailing me so I’m taking them for a ride to Minnesota while my people carry out the operation back in New York. It’s nothing to be concerned about, they’re more than capable.
Gravedigger: XIII, huh? So now you’re getting back into wrestling?
Fly: I’ve been…reinvigorated…after that beating I gave to Isara.
Gravedigger: Well then, I guess you have me to thank for that. I also guess I’ll be seeing you at XIII.
Fly: Not too early, I hope.
Gravedigger: Leave it in my hands, Fly. By the time I arrive in St. Paul, I’ll have fulfilled my end of the agreement. You be sure to do the same when the time comes.
Fly: Oh, I will. I’ll see you soon.
Gravedigger: Take care.
Fly hangs up the phone and immediately dials another number. As he does, the scene transforms. Now we’re seeing Tom Salemone outside of The Flyciety’s headquarters in Brooklyn. He’s talking on the phone.
Tom: He’s ready?
…
Tom: Good. I’ll be at the rendezvous soon.
Tom hangs up his phone and stuffs it back into his pocket. He turns, enters the warehouse, and heads straight to the back where Adalfo Carrion Jr. is working at his desk.
Tom: Carrion, with me.
The mayoral candidate looks up from his desk with a confused expression on his face.
Carrion: What? Why?
Tom: We’re going for a drive.
Carrion: Can it wait? I’m in the middle of something.
Carrion tries to turn back to his desk, but Tom grabs the chair.
Tom: I’m insisting. This is important.
Carrion: Fine.
Carrion gets up from his chair, grabs his jacket, and follows Tom out of the warehouse. They both get into a black Dodge Durango and drive away.
September 11th, 2013
Corey Black smiles and quickly finishes his beer. He sets it on the bar and slaps Fly on the back.
Black: I’m just looking forward to the buy-rates.
Fly: Are you out of here?
Black: Yeah, this band isn’t even that good. I’ll catch up with you on Friday.
Fly nods his head and Black takes off toward the exit. He watches as Black proceeds through the glass doors to the outside before turning back to the bar. Fly finishes his beer and promptly orders another. As the bartender serves him, he receives a tap on the shoulder. Fly spins around to see an extremely attractive brunette staring and smiling at him.
Fly: Well, hello.
Woman: You want to buy me a drink?
This scene has been shown before on WCF television, prior to Corey Black’s XIII. It ended shortly afterward. The woman in the scene above is FBI Agent Williams, from scenes previous. We continue this scene, showing additional footage not seen prior.
Woman: Who said we were going to talk?
Fly: Well, you’ve been tailing me for quite a while now. I’m not surprised to see you in Minnesota, though your attire is fairly…suggestive…for a woman on the clock. I figured you were here for a chat.
Agent Williams is not in her normal business attire. She’s in a short form fitting black dress with a low neckline, black heels, and her hair is done in a simple ponytail.
Williams: Actually, I’m off the clock.
Fly: Really, and you’re not here to chat about this ridiculous witch hunt you’re conducting against me?
Williams: Look, nothing came out of that. No hard feelings I hope, I was just doing my job. My superiors seem to have a grudge against you from dealings in the past. I was just carrying out orders. Even you have to admit it was a bit suspicious that there was a kidnapping the day after you were seen arguing with Carrion. Plus, you did lie to me about not knowing him.
Fly nods his head, agreeing with what Agent Williams is saying.
Fly: It’s an old habit, what can I say.
Williams: Don’t worry, I don’t hold a grudge. I think you’ll find that I’m not as ‘by the book’ as what you might think. I mean, the investigation is over, but I did still use our resources to find out that you were coming here.
Fly: Because…?
Williams smiles and brushes past Fly to take a seat at the bar. She half-turns back to him.
Williams: Because you’re going to buy me a drink, that’s why.
Agent Williams turns back around. Fly looks at her for a second, trying to decipher what is happening, but…well, he’s Jonny Fly, and that woman wants a drink. He joins her at the bar at waves the bartender over.
Fly: Tom Collins on the rocks and whatever the lady is drinking.
Williams: Cosmopolitan, please.
The bartender nods his head and hurries off to fix the drinks.
Fly: So, you followed me to Minnesota just for a drink?
Agent Williams smiles seductively. She leans over and whispers into Fly’s ear.
Williams: No, not JUST for a drink.
She slowly pulls herself away from Fly and gives him a wink.
Fly: Well then, lucky me.
Williams: Lucky? Oh no, you haven’t gotten lucky yet, Jonny.
Agent Williams bats her eyes at Fly as the drinks arrive. Fly takes hold of Tom Collins while Agent Williams grabs her cosmopolitan.
Williams: A toast, to a fun night ahead.
Fly nods his head.
Fly: A fun night, indeed.
The scene fades.
Six Hours Later
Fly runs his hand through his hair. His company adjusts in the bed and Fly quickly looks over to make sure she hasn’t awoken. Satisfied, he continues in a more hushed and direct tone.
Jonny Fly is in his penthouse suite at The Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. He’s in the middle of his promo for XIII as Agent Williams lies sleeping in the bed next to him. Fly continues speaking until the promo is over and turns off the camera. As he does, he stands next to the bed and looks at Agent Williams for an extended period of time. You can tell he’s deep in thought at the sight of the woman who not more than 48 hours ago was conducting a federal investigation against him. Fly walks over to Williams’ side of the bed. He quietly kneels down and grabs her clutch purse. He opens it and takes out her phone. Fly checks again to make sure Agent Williams is still sleeping and begins to read through her phone. At one point, Fly lifts his head and glares at the Agent. It’s a cold look, a look of hate.
Fly: You fuckin’ bitch.
The comment doesn’t wake Agent Williams. Fly tucks her phone back into her clutch and sets it down on the ground. He looks down at her one more time.
Fly: That’s going to cost you…but…not quite yet.
With that, Fly jumps back into the bed. The scene fades out.
September 12th, 2013
It’s the next morning and Fly and Williams are having breakfast in bed. A silver tray has been set up next to the bed with two plates of pancakes, sausage, and eggs on it. Fly is standing next to the tray with a pitcher of orange juice in his hand. He pours a glass for his guest and hands it to her.
Fly: Would you care for some champagne in that?
Williams: (laughs) No mimosas for me. Thank you though. Breakfast in bed, this is sweet.
Fly hands Williams her plate and joins her back in the bed to eat his own. He turns on the television and flips to CNN News. The television plays in the background as the two eat and talk.
Williams: So, Jonny, tell me a little more about yourself.
Fly: My bio includes only one sentence. Jonny Fly is the world’s greatest wrestler. That’s it.
Williams: Oh come on now, there’s a lot more to you than that. You were an orphan twice, lived a few years in middle teens on the New York City streets, received a professional wrestling contract at 17 years old, you’ve owned two different wrestling organizations, and from what I’ve heard, a successful chain of stripper joints.
Fly: I think they like to be referred to as hookers.
Williams: No, they don’t.
Fly: Well either way, that was a fun business model. Hire hot chicks and make money. It was the American Dream.
Williams: Then why did you sell it off?
Fly: Because…lifetime supply of hot fries, that’s why. I know what you’re thinking, what a steal, right? I’m a visionary, I know.
Williams: …right. I guess my real question in all of this, why the life of crime? Before you answer there’s no need to be defensive about it. The bureau has sworn statements noting the things you’ve done in the past, and I’ve read them. I just want to know what happened.
Fly: All of a sudden this feels like an interrogation, Agent Williams.
Williams: My first name isn’t Agent.
Fly: Really?
Williams: Caroline. Please call me Caroline.
Fly: Okay, Caroline, what happened were mistakes. Nothing more. I was dumb. I couldn’t escape my past. Today, it is just that, the past. I spent the last year trying to make amends for the things I’ve done. I’ve donated a lot of money and spent a lot of time in the New York City community trying to help young people who are in the same situations I once was.
Williams: I see. That’s really good of you, Jonny. I’m glad that you’ve turned the corner.
Turned the corner indeed. The breaking news graphic has just appeared on the television set. Curious, Fly and Caroline direct their attention to the television. A woman at the CNN news desk appears with a saddened look on her face.
Reporter: Just moments ago a spokesperson for the New York City police department has confirmed to CNN that the brutally beaten body found in Battery Park this morning was that of New York City mayoral candidate Adalfo Carrion Jr. Carrion’s body was discovered by a jogger early this morning in a remote section of the park underneath the Battery Park overpass. While the exact cause of death will not be known until an autopsy has been confirmed, foul play is suspected and an FBI investigation is already underway.
[/i]
Agent Williams stares at the screen in utter disbelief. She holds her hand over her mouth and searches for the right words. Fly, doing his best acting impression, follows suit.
Fly: Are you fucking kidding me!? What the fuck? I just talked to him a few days ago!
Agent Williams immediately reaches down and grabs her clutch and digs out her phone. She gets up from the bed and frantically dials a number. As soon as the phone on the other end is picked up, Williams gets up from the bed and walks out of the room. We follow her as she tries to get as far away from Fly as permitted in the suite.
Williams: What the hell happened? I just saw Carrion is dead.
…
Williams: What was the time of death?
…
Williams: No, it couldn’t have been him.
…
Williams: I’m telling you, it’s not Fly. It couldn’t have been. Trust me.
…
Williams: I have no idea. I can’t believe we let this happen. Was nobody watching him?
…
Williams: My team was on Fl….I mean, they were chasing another lead.
…
Williams: Yes, sir. I’m on my way back immediately.
A few seconds after hanging up the phone, Agent Williams comes back into the bedroom. Fly still has a shocked look on his face and is staring intently at the television set. Williams sighs heavily, and reaches down and grabs her dress from the floor. She begins to get dressed.
Fly: Do you have to go?
Williams: Yes. I have a job to do.
Fly nods his head and gets out of the bed. He watches as Agent Williams dresses. She turns back to him.
Williams: Look, I’m sorry again. I…I don’t know what’s going on in New York. It’s clear we’re missing something. My superiors are going to approach you about your whereabouts yesterday. I’d appreciate if you could leave last night out of it. If they know what happened, they’ll pull me off the case.
Fly: Sure. Anything to help.
Agent Williams doesn’t say another word. She gathers her last few belongings in the room and heads to the door. As she exits, a wicked smile creeps onto the face of Jonny Fly. He gathers his phone from the end table next to the bed and places a call.
Fly: Room 1001.
With just that, Fly hangs up the phone. He plops back down on the bed and continues watching the coverage of the Carrion murder until a knock is heard on his door.
Fly: Come in!
The door swings open and Gravedigger walks into the room. He’s smiling as wide as he’s ever smiled before. Fly gets off of the bed to greet him. As he approaches he sticks out his hand, in which Gravedigger grasps.
Fly: The man of the fuckin’ hour. It was just reported on CNN.
Gravedigger: It was a piece of cake.
Fly: I want details. How did it go down?
Gravedigger: Your guy, Tom, made the drop to three of my men in Chinatown. They drove Carrion to the MS-13 hideout…a location I’d rather not divulge…and I took him out to Battery Park and bashed his teeth into his brain with a baseball bat. That was all she wrote. I cleaned the scene of prints and took the last flight out to Minneapolis.
Fly’s expression is that of pleasure. He walks over to the room’s mini-fridge and opens the door. He pulls out a bottle and tosses it to Gravedigger.
Fly: Johnny Walker Blue Label, 150th Anniversary. Enjoy.
Gravedigger inspects the bottle.
Gravedigger: This is nice and all, but I’m expecting something a little more…rewarding. I’ve held up my end of the bargain, as has the rest of MS-13. When can we expect our payment?
Fly: As soon as the new mayor is in office, of course.
Gravedigger looks at Fly curiously, but quickly pieces together the final piece of the puzzle. He shakes his head and laughs.
Gravedigger: You sly motherfucker. You’ve always been a piece of work.
Fly smiles proudly.
Fly: With Carrion’s unfortunate plight, there’s only one man running for Mayor. That man is running unopposed, and the parties aren’t going to have enough time to find someone to pit against him. That man and I have a mutual agreement on the legalization of certain things that will make my organization, and your own for that matter, the wealthiest entities in the entire fuckin’ city.
Gravedigger: Well then, I suppose we’ll have more to talk about in November.
Fly: Indeed.
Gravedigger: Until then I suppose I’ll be seeing you around the ring more, huh?
Fly: You’ve been wrestling for a long time, Digger. You know how tough it is to walk away forever when the fire still burns inside you. Those people in the WCF…I’m not done with them yet. They think they saw it all in 2012…they think they saw my best…
Fly’s words trail off. He pauses.
Gravedigger: Well then, maybe we’ll be crossing paths sooner rather than later. Until then.
With that Gravedigger turns and exits the room. Fly watches him leave before finishing his sentence to himself.
Fly: …but I have never stopped getting better.
The scene fades.
September 14th, 2013
Black screen. Only audio is heard.
Today, fellow New Yorkers, I don’t speak to you as a candidate for Mayor. I speak to you as family. I speak to you as a friend. I speak to you as a neighbor. In the past week we’ve seen the best and worst of our great city. We’ve been reminded of our flaws, and shown our strength. This city has been through a lot, but nothing quite like what it is facing now. As you all know by now, one of our leaders, one of our heroes, was attacked and murdered.
Adalfo Carrion is a hero. Don’t ever think differently. He selflessly dedicated his life’s work to the improvement and prosperity of our city. I know that values that he stood for, and the good deeds he carried out in service to all of us. That’s my definition of a hero. Today we mourn his loss, but we celebrate his life. We celebrate his life by living our own with the character and integrity that he possessed. We’re not going to forgot Adalfo Carrion. Quite simply, as his name tells us to do, we’re simply going to carry on.
To the family of Adalfo Carrion, I offer you my unconditional support. I know his family well, very well, in fact.
It may be a black screen, but feel free to picture a wink right here.
I can’t imagine how tough it is for them to bear what they are going through right now. I want to let them know that they’re not alone in their grief. I grieve with you. The City of New York grieves with you. We feel your loss, and extend our hands as a foundation in which you can rebuild your lives in the wake of this terrible tragedy.
I’ve always had great faith and respect for the people of New York City, and Adalfo Carrion’s death does not diminish that. One of our friends in this city has lost their way, ladies and gentleman. We will find him, and we will get him the help he needs. While the New York City Police Department in conjunction with federal law enforcement personnel carries out that investigation, we’re left not to seek answers on our own…but to look to the future and to a new chapter in this city’s history.
The black screen begins to pixelate. Ever so slowly, a picture emerges. That picture is that of the “Godfather of Professional Wrestling” himself, Bobby Cairo, standing tall and proud on the steps of the New York City Hall. He continues to speak.
Cairo: We will never forget Adalfo Carrion Jr. We will never forget his message, his ideals, his values, and the positive impact he made on our city. Today, he is with the man upstairs and I’m here with you. I am here to honor him, to carry out his vision…as the next Mayor of the great city of New York.
The scene zooms out and we see hundreds, if not thousands, of people standing before Cairo. They begin to applaud as his speech concludes.
Cairo: Thank you! Thank you everyone! I love you all!
Bobby Cairo waves to the minions and steps away from the podium. He descends the stairs to greet his crowd. Cairo begins shaking hands with the people in the first row as the scene comes to a close.
September 17th, 2013
In an all too familiar scene, it’s just a few minutes past midnight on the Williamsburg Bridge. A dark colored van slowly pulls over to the side of the bridge and clicks off its lights. Just like before, the side of the door is opened…but this time it’s a woman in restraints pushed out onto the sidewalk. Two larger men follow her out and push her toward the edge. The woman is FBI agent Caroline Williams. Her clothes are tattered, dried blood has taken up residence on her forehead…
Williams: Please…you don’t have to do this.
One of the men answers.
I’m afraid I do. Bosses orders.
Williams drops to her knees. She’s beaten badly, and her will is almost at its end. The same man speaks once more.
By the way…
Williams looks up.
My boss is Jonny Fly. He said he’ll miss you.
Agent Williams heart sinks. She had the right man all along. She drops her head and tears begin to run down her cheek. The other man quickly lifts his leg and pushes it into the FBI agent’s chest. She falls backward, but there isn’t a road to catch her. She falls…and falls…and falls…
Splash.
The scene comes to close.
Present Day
Brown: Well, there’s one more big name that came out in the last couple of weeks who will be joining you in the ring at War. It’s a man you know very well. How do you feel about, for the first time ever, the possibility of facing off against Bobby Cairo?
Fly is smirking at the question, and counters it with one of his own.
Fly: Hank, if your life depended on it and you had to choose one wrestler for one match, who would you choose?
Brown: I don’t know. I’d have to think about that.
Fly: I don’t have to think about it, Hank. I know who I would choose. I would choose Bobby Cairo. I would choose Cairo over any wrestler I’ve ever seen. That’s high praise coming for me. Yet, because I feel Cairo is that good, that’s the thing that motivates me. That’s the thing that makes me want to eliminate his ass from this match even more. I don’t want some fuckin’ jobber pinning Cairo on Sunday, I want to do it. I’ve heard other wrestlers this week basically sweep him under the rug. They spout off their grossly overplayed and predictable ‘You’re from 2007, it’s different now because I’m here’ routine and just expect Cairo to just take that. Look, I’ve been there; I’ve said the same things to Logan and Gravedigger. But…
Fly pauses.
Fly: This is Bobby Cairo. His skills have buoyed Phillip Baines and Chad Evans in recent history, two men that nobody could beat. There’s a reason he came back, and it’s not to lose to a bunch of fuckin’ midcarders in the biggest match of the year. I heard Sarah Twilight say Cairo has never seen a competitor like her, and then six seconds later say she’s unfamiliar with his in-ring prowess. Jesus Christ. Get it together, people. It’s very simple, I’m not going to sit here and say I’m going to beat Bobby Cairo because of whatever cliché reason everyone else is throwing out. I believe I’m going to beat him because…well, that’s usually what I do. I’ll point to my track record, I’ll point to my matches against Logan and Gravedigger, people who he has lost to in the past, and somewhere in there try to make a point that resonates. However, unlike some, I’m not going to sit here and say a bunch of unsubstantial shit to make myself feel better about the fact Cairo is in this match, and he’s in it to win. I’m prepared for the reality that Cairo and I could be the last two men in this match. I want that to happen. I’ve wanted to face him for two years now. Put the rest of the people in this match aside, Jonny Fly versus Bobby Cairo would have the makings of the match of the fuckin’ decade. Here’s to hoping we get a glimpse of that at War. That’s it. That’s where I stand in terms of Bobby Cairo.
Brown: Speaking of other wrestlers and what they’ve been saying, your entry into War has been a hot-topic throughout the roster. Steve Orbit has recently announced his entry into the match, and in a taped appearance talked about how much you pushed him earlier in the year…
Fly: I believe his words were that he loved me.
Brown: That’s right.
Fly: Which is gross, by the way. I’m not into the whole…interracial thing.
Brown: What?
Fly: Or dudes. I probably should have said that first.
Brown: Uhh…
Fly: Look, I’m glad Steve Orbit is in this match. I appreciate the respect he shows when he speaks about me. He’s doing this the right way, he thinks he can win, which he’s more than entitled to believe. He knows I’m not going to go quietly, though, and he’s right about that. Orbit is a different wrestler today than he was just a few months ago. He was at the same crossroads every wrestler goes through eventually. Each and every one of us begins our careers thinking we’re hot shit. We think that what we’re doing is enough, and eventually we’ll get to where we want to go. That’s the beauty of people like me. After those wrestlers get slapped around enough and pushed into a corner, that’s when you find out just how good they’re going to become. Some fold, most fold for that matter. Some rise to the level of the competition. Orbit has risen to the level of competition. Today, he’s a former World Champion and absolutely going to be one of the last men standing in this match. Still, I have one more awe-inspiring lesson to show him. I’m going to show him how to win War.
Brown: John Barber is another wrestler who has labeled you as quite possibly the toughest out of the bunch.
Fly: I don’t know Barber that well, but that comment alone makes me think he’s a smart guy. Or, at least educated about the competition is he’s going to be facing. I do know that Barber is the Television Champion.
Brown: Well, sort of.
Fly: Right. Sort of. In my mind he’s the Television Champion, and I have a lot of respect for that. I’m not going to rehash my early days in WCF and the fact that I was able to use that belt to springboard into my first World Title match, but I know that there’s normally a quality associated with the individuals who hold that belt. I imagine Barber follows that mold. In listening to his comments I saw that while he said he knows I’m going to be tough to beat, he doesn’t fear me. Why should he? After all, we’ve never faced. In fact, I haven’t even wrestled in WCF since his hiring. However, if we do manage to find each other amongst the masses, I’ll show him that fear, in this instance, is perfectly acceptable. I’ll show him that not all wrestlers are created equally. I’ll give him a first-hand look at what it’s going to take for him to shed that Television Title and play with the big boys.
Brown: Another wrestler, Havok, said…
Fly: Don’t care.
Brown: Well, he said he was going take you out and humiliate you.
Fly: There’s not a man or woman alive who has ever humiliated me in a wrestling ring, so best of luck to him with that.
Brown: Okay, we’ll move on then. Seifer Black Armstrong, who said that he was going to bring hellfire over you and several others.
Fly: Well, if that were to happen it would certainly be a first. Could you imagine that, Hank? Hellfire during a wrestling match? HELLFIRE. That would be awesome!
Brown: He also said if you underestimate him your evening will end by being forced to look up at the ceiling in pain from the beating you received at his hands.
Fly: Oh, I fully expect to be looking at the ceiling when it’s all over.
Brown: Wait, what?
Fly: I’ll be exhausted from all the people I eliminated, of course. I’ll probably collapse once victory is secured. I’m not going to entertain Seifer with much of a rebuttal here. I’ll simply comment that when I do collapse at the end of the match, and I am looking up at the ceiling catching my breath…he’ll be backstage watching me on a monitor. Then, he’ll go back to being the dime a dozen wrestler that he is. Unless of course he does bring actual hellfire, then he’d be more of a wizard than a wrestler, and I love wizards. Maybe him and Odin Balfore will have one of the epic magical battles like in Harry Potter? That’d take the fuckin’ cake.
Brown: You watched Harry Potter?
Fly: Uhh…no?
Brown: Yeah, okay. Let’s just move on. There is one more person who’s had some comments about you. We talked about her earlier.
Fly: Sarah. Right.
Brown: Comments?
Fly: You know, I think I’ve had more dealings with Sarah than anyone else, save Eric Price. It’s always been hilarious to me the lengths she’ll go to position herself as better than me. She literally goes into Nathan von Liebert mode when the topic is Jonny Fly. She’s irrational, delusional, and her words lack any resemblance of substance. I’ve basically come to expect it at this point. Listen to this shit…
Fly pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket and begins to read from it.
“…the crust that has kept him hidden for so long has begun to crumble around him for quite some time now.”
“Fly is not the same man who made you drool all over yourself in awe last year.”
“He has been on a downward spiral…while I have continued to move forward.”
Fly shakes his head in disgust.
Fly: If you listen to these quoted without context, it sounds like I’ve been getting beat around or something. Have I started losing matches and someone forgot to tell me? Listen to me, everyone watching at home and especially Sarah. THIS…
Fly holds up the piece of paper for emphasis.
Fly: …is not how it’s done. You can’t make up some alternative reality, spout it off on television, and then it just becomes the truth. Sarah may be the owner of this company, and she can do whatever she pleases, but she can’t re-write history. Now, Sarah, I’m sitting right here and I’m not ready to let this go. You’ve been pulling this shit for way too long. It’s time someone called you out on it. I want you to justify your comments. Put aside your inferiority complex and hormones of a thirteen year old and clarify what the fuck you are talking about. Tell me, oh great wrestler, how a man who has lost ONE match in the last YEAR is on a downward spiral. Please, I’m but a sheep. I don’t understand. I need details. What events could you be referring to that have led to this mythical fall from grace? Can you do that for me?
Fly responds sarcastically to himself.
Fly: “Uh, yeah, well I could say you lost to Jay Price. I could say that….and uh…yeah, you lost to Steve Orbit, and uh…”
Fly discontinues the sarcasm.
Fly: …and that’s it. That’s all you have. That’s all ANYONE has. Those are the only two matches in which I’ve been pinned in two years, and for the record, only one of those happened in the past year. Two, which happens to be the same number of times I’ve beaten you in World Titles matches. In fact, you’ve lost more World Title matches than I’ve lost matches. For the love of god woman, call it like it is for once. Stop with the bullshit. Nobody is buying it. There is no possible way you can brainwash people into thinking that you are better than me. It’s plain for the world to see. The only thing you can do is shut the fuck up and prove it in the ring…and at this point, you’re going to need to prove it more than once…just like I did. Then again, that’s always been your problem, Sarah. You’ve struggled to do that, hence the need to undersell everyone else to make you feel better about your own failures. You’re a fuckin’ coward. That’s your legacy. You’re too high on your own horse to realize what it takes to ACTUALLY be great…and it’s not living in some fantasy world where Jonny motherfucking Fly is anything less than the greatest wrestler you will ever come across, today, tomorrow, and FOREVER.
Pause to catch our breaths. Fly is rolling.
Fly: You haven’t moved forward, Twilight. It’s plain to see from where I’m sitting. You’ve never got past your losses to me. It’s the one thing that still burns you. It’s the one thing you want erased from your resume. You can’t erase it with words. A War victory doesn’t even erase it. It’s who you are. You’ve lost World Title matches not only to me, you’ve lost them to Eric Price and Steve Orbit as well. If I recall, they’re going to be in this match. Your resume this year, isn’t much better than last year. You were 0-2 challenging for the World Title last year, and 1-1 this year. That doesn’t impress me. Nothing you have ever done has impressed me. I barely consider us rivals. Rivalries usually aren’t as one-sided as our previous dealings have been. After basically telling the world that I’m a shell of the wrestler that faced you before, you went on to talk about how much of an advantage you have from having suffered those previous losses to me.
Fly chuckles lightly.
Fly: Why should that even matter if I’m not the same man ‘who made everyone drool in awe’ last year? Dumb bitch, you don’t even believe your own propaganda. The only point you made that was correct was that I don’t need to win War as much as you do. I don’t need the win because I don’t have the track record of failure that you do. I know that bothers you, and I know how I act towards you bothers you. You want me to respect you. It boils your witch skin that I can be so free and easy outside of the ring but so fuckin’ dominant inside it. You want that recipe so you can brew it in your little cauldron and keep it for yourself, but Sarah…you will never be me, and I will never respect you. I worked hard for my legacy. I won’t have some bitch that can’t beat me bad mouth that legacy and paint it as any less than it is. I, Sarah Twilight, am the greatest wrestler in the world. You are NOTHING more than a multi-time flyjobber. It’s time to take ownership of that, Sarah.
Brown: Well, okay then. Uh, let’s move on.
Fly: Gladly.
Brown: A lot of new wrestlers are going to be involved in War this year, a lot of some of your old rivals, and of course…the masked man.
Fly: At heart Hank, I’m still a fan. This guy has been running around for six months and nobody has figured out who he is. I can’t wait to see who’s been fooling us for so long.
Brown: Any ideas who it is?
Fly: Trying to guess would ruin the fun. Just know that I’m prepared for whoever it might be. I get the sense that this person can hold their own, but I’m not one for caring about that. I’ve faced a lot of masked man, and I’ve played the part of mystery myself. Being under a guise has never helped me win matches. At the end of the day it’s just another wrestler. I won’t be star struck, that’s for sure. It’s going to seem a bit anti-climactic when the masked man reveals himself only to fall to Jonny Fly, but that’s the way it’s going to be.
Brown: Well then, I think we’re about ready to wrap up. Any final comments?
Fly: Yes. A year ago today this company was in the middle of the ‘Era of Jonny Fly.’ My performance in the nine months prior to War last year may have been the greatest run a wrestler has put together in any company, at any time. Even my biggest rivals knew that a date in the ring with Jonny Fly ended in defeat. Seth Lerch put an end to that run, he took my World Title. Upon return, I went after him, and we know how that turned out. But through all of that…I never got the World Title back. This is that chance, Hank. One year later I have a chance to get back the belt that I never lost. I don’t take that lightly. I’m coming hard, and I think at this point everyone knows that. Here’s what they don’t know; they don’t know that...I wish them the best of luck.
Brown: Hold on, what? Can you repeat that?
Fly: This is going to be the biggest win of someone’s career. That person could be Bobby Cairo, or it could be John Barber. It could be Twilight or Eric Price. Jay Price. FPV. Waylon Cash. Steve Orbit. Roy Speede. Night Rider. Steeltoe Joe. Jonathan Jakobs. Lilith. Mr. Jack Happy. Oblivion. Odin Balfore. Benjamin Atreyu. John Gable. I could go on, and on, and on. Even if Logan or Gravedigger won, previous War winners, I’d imagine it’d go to the top of the list. At the end of the day, that means a lot of people go home disappointed. I’m hoping to make sure it’s every single name I just read out. Still, there’s not just one winner. Yeah, there’s only one World Title belt, but careers are jump-started in this match every year. Ask Eric Price. Like I just said, I’m a fan…so best of luck to all of them.
Fly smiles.
Fly: They WILL need it, after all.
His trademark arrogant smirk comes back and the scene dissolves.
