Post by Cormack MacNeill on Nov 17, 2013 15:50:19 GMT -5
Scene fades in from black
He can feel the dry blood cracking on his forehead as he wipes the sleep out of his eyes. Reaching up a little further to check his cut, Ryan Rhodes stretches his other arm to grab his phone off of the nearby nightstand. Using the reflection from the blank screen he looks over his battle wounds from Sunday’s match with Donald Deruty.
“Could be worse” He says to himself as he hits the power button to bring the screen to life, erasing the mirror image as the time appears.
The clock reads 8:52 which causes Rhodes to get out of bed instead of laying around a little while longer. He stretches as he stands, relishing the view of his home city beneath him. Knowing that he woke up in his own bed after a tough week of matches makes it a little easier to bear the aches and pain from being back in the ring full time. Something he didn’t really miss, he comes to realize as he makes his way towards the kitchen. After starting the morning coffee he takes a seat in his leather recliner chair and turns on the tv. Sportscenter kills the monotonous vibe of the empty penthouse as he waits for the first cup to wake him up. When the morning fog lifts from his mind, he grabs his iPad and checks his mail. One seems to grab his attention as he wades through the various spam messages clogging his inbox.
“Oh the Slam card is out!” He taps on it to see the weekly lineup.
“Hell yeah!! Tagging with Cormack again!”Rhodes exclaims excitedly as he reaches into his pocket.
He fires off a quick text to Cormack MacNeill and decides to get a few miles in on the treadmill to start the morning off. Running inside will have to do for today as the season's first snow is falling on the streets below him. Rhodes settles into a groove, flying through the first few miles before his phone rings and he snaps back to his surroundings.
“Mack! What’s going on Buddy?” Rhodes answers the phone after pulling the emergency kill cord.
“Ryan! Hey I just thought I’d call, I hate texting. I saw our match. Who are we facing again? Jon Michaels and Matt Damon or something?”
“No Chase Michaels and Damon King!”
“The King is Damon? Wait did I get it mixed up is it Johnny Damon and King Michaels?”
“No. No. No. its CHASE Michaels and Damon King!!”
“Wait, There’s 2 Michaels??? I thought it was King Jon Michaels?” A befuddled MacNeill asks againg to clarify.
“Hold on a sec bro. Yeah theres two different Michaels and two different Kings. I think. I mean there is right?” Rhodes tries to keep it straight as well
“Ah who the fuck cares! We’re going to trounce them anyways! Whoever they are, those bums don’t stand a chance!” Cormack replies.
“I’m with ya. I looked it up again, its Chase Michaels and Damon King. Yeah those losers don’t stand a chance against this power house. I think one is a biker and I know the other is a midwestern John Cena wanna be. I’ve been watching his film since he’s getting a title shot. Not that impressive.” Rhodes glances over at the TV and shuts it off.
“You got a busy week?” Cormack asks Rhodes.
“No I was just gonna train hard this week. You wanna come out for some work?”
“I was thinking the same thing! You should come on out there’s someone I want you to meet, I think he could help you.”
“Sounds like a plan brother. We can finish the week off here in det before we get on to Kansas. I’ll be on the first flight out!” Rhodes hangs up the phone and heads to his room to pack.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens in Jimmy's Gym, Halifax Nova Scotia
'Come on Mack, move your feet. You'll never climb the ladder if you don't add something to your game. You need to be quicker on your feet.'
Cormack MacNeill leaned against the ring post and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
'I'm just not getting it Jimmy. I need to take a break. Head to the airport and pick up a friend.'
Jimmy shook his head in frustration.
"You're not heading to the bar again, are you Mack? We talked about this before. A clean body is a clean mind.'
'No Jimmy, this time I'm heading to the airport to pick up Ryan Rhodes. We're teaming up this week, and we thought a little training here and at his gym would be the ticket to better teamwork.'
Jimmy stopped and stared at Cormack, a slow grin spreading on his face.
"Great Mack, finally someone I can actually teach. Not a water buffalo in a kilt. Get you ass back here quick.'
MacNeill shook his head and laughed as he headed for the front door.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in at the arrivals gate at Halifax Stanfield Airport.
A black muscle car sits idling at the awaiting area, plumes of white smoke drifting from the tailpipe as the engine rumbles out it's low, throaty growl. The sounds of bagpipe music drift out from the closed windows, filling the air with distinctly Celtic tones.
A tall, muscled man steps out of the airport doors and looks around, immediately locking in on the source of the music. With a grin, and a shake of his head he moves toward the black car.
As he walks, passersby stop and stare. In his black leather jacket and faded blue jeans Ryan Rhodes makes quite the image. A group of teenage girls are gesturing towards the tall man as whispering to each other, sneaking glances at the stranger. He stops as he reaches the passenger side door, and turns to lay a smile on the group. One of the girls faints outright, while the others blush and turn their faces away.
Opening the car door, Rhodes leans in "Cormack, I presume. Nice wheels.'
Cormack nods his head as he turns down the music.'Thanks. Bought it at an auction, and a few buddies helped me paint and tune it up.'
Ryan slides into the passenger seat, still grinning. 'How much you got invested in this?'
'Bought it for 4 Grand, spent 10 rebuilding the engine and replacing the hood and doors.'
'Nice. Maybe I can take it for a spin later?'
'Sure, I've got it insured.'
Rhodes shakes his head.
'Now you sound like Tyson.'
They can both be heard laughing as the car pulls away smoothly from the waiting area.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in at Jimmy's Gym
Cormack and Ryan stride through the door still laughing about the car insurance.
'Took you long enough Mack. You two stop to make out on the way?'
Rhodes fixes Jimmy with an icy stare and moves toward him. MacNeill puts his arm out to stop him.
'Relax Ryan, that's just Jimmy showing the old charm. He's a good guy, but also a bit of a prick.'
'If you had to put up with this dumb ox, you'd be a prick too.'
Cormack rolls his eyes, laughing, 'Damn it Jimmy'
'When you ladies are ready, meet me in the ring. Maybe I can teach your friend a thing or two about moving. I sure as hell can't teach your slow ass.'
Ryan turns to Cormack.'Who the hell is this guy that you let him talk to you this way Mack?'
'WFC Bantamweight Champion 1969-78. He's loud, abrasive, and surly. But's he's one tough old bastard.'
Rhodes looks at Jimmy with a new appreciation and respect.
'So what can you teach me, old-timer?'
'I can teach you to dance like the old-time boxers used to. How to stick and move, how to slip and slide, how to be everywhere your opponent is and nowhere they want you to be.'
'Mack's too big to dance, but he has his strengths. He hits a ton, and can take a hell of a beating. But you, you're just the right size. And you're quick on your feet.'
MacNeill nods,'And this week we've got Chase Michaels and Damon King. Two quick guys. Both like to throw punches and throw their opponents around. For obvious reasons, I'm not too worried. '
'Finally, a benefit to being a fat ass Mack. I never would have believed it.'
'Shut up Jimmy' says MacNeill with a chuckle.'
Both men climb into the ring with Jimmy, stretching and warming up.
'Now, this is how you slip and slide Ryan.'
As Jimmy moves in to show Rhodes some moves, the camera pulls back to show the whole gym.
'Now that's cool!'
Scene fades to black
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in from black
The familiar Audi R8, all black with lime green rims pulls into the large cavernous warehouse that is Castle Grey Skull, Ryan Rhodes personal playground. The car comes to a stop in its parking spot at the front of the warehouse. The doors pop open and Rhodes and his friend Cormack Macneil emerge from the sleep sports car. Cormack takes a minute to check out his surroundings.
As always in the direct center of the building is an old worn out wrestling ring that has seen its fair share of use. In the back of the room, a lounge of some sort with large leather recliners and a wall of TVs is set up. In the near right corner, rows of weights and exercise equipment are organized neatly. A set of doors leads to a locker room that's sparsely furnished with just the essentials, the old lockers that are dented and layers of paint have peeled off over time, exposing the various colors that lay beneath.
“This all yours?” Cormack asks as the walk towards the ring.
“Yeah. I bought it after my first championship as a secret retreat. Nobody expects you to hide out in the city. It serves its purpose well.”
The men head over to the gym section and start a work out.
“Alright 3 sets 28 reps we’re doing; Military Barbell Press, Lateral Raises, Upright Row, Shrugs, Face Pulls, and rear lat flys.” Rhodes rambles off the days work out.
“You work out like this all the time?” MacNeill asks as he starts to pound out his reps.
“Every day that ends with a Y.” Rhodes deadpans.
The men work fast and hard encouraging each other to finish out each set strong. Being professionals, they get through the workout in no time.
“Whats next? Ring session or tape session?” Rhodes asks as they drink some water.
“I've seen the tape, there’s not much to see. Lets hit the ring” Cormack dries his face with a towel and jumps up on the ring apron.
Working through various grapples, the men take turns working on holds and reverses, perfecting each move and checking each others games for weaknesses.
“Watch for the kings revenge and the blockbuster!” MacNeill barks as he grapples Rhodes and goes for a scoop slam but Rhodes quickly grabs his legs and rolls him up.
“The Rude Awaking is the same as the blockbuster so be on the lookout for kicks. Lets try to keep these guys locked up and on the ground. We should be able to out muscle them!”
“We got this brother, they don’t stand a chance. Come sunday Michaels and King will be-”
“Just another Victim!” Cormack cuts him off as Rhodes locks up the big Scotsman who quickly reverses to a rear hold and slams his teammate.
Fade to Black
He can feel the dry blood cracking on his forehead as he wipes the sleep out of his eyes. Reaching up a little further to check his cut, Ryan Rhodes stretches his other arm to grab his phone off of the nearby nightstand. Using the reflection from the blank screen he looks over his battle wounds from Sunday’s match with Donald Deruty.
“Could be worse” He says to himself as he hits the power button to bring the screen to life, erasing the mirror image as the time appears.
The clock reads 8:52 which causes Rhodes to get out of bed instead of laying around a little while longer. He stretches as he stands, relishing the view of his home city beneath him. Knowing that he woke up in his own bed after a tough week of matches makes it a little easier to bear the aches and pain from being back in the ring full time. Something he didn’t really miss, he comes to realize as he makes his way towards the kitchen. After starting the morning coffee he takes a seat in his leather recliner chair and turns on the tv. Sportscenter kills the monotonous vibe of the empty penthouse as he waits for the first cup to wake him up. When the morning fog lifts from his mind, he grabs his iPad and checks his mail. One seems to grab his attention as he wades through the various spam messages clogging his inbox.
“Oh the Slam card is out!” He taps on it to see the weekly lineup.
“Hell yeah!! Tagging with Cormack again!”Rhodes exclaims excitedly as he reaches into his pocket.
He fires off a quick text to Cormack MacNeill and decides to get a few miles in on the treadmill to start the morning off. Running inside will have to do for today as the season's first snow is falling on the streets below him. Rhodes settles into a groove, flying through the first few miles before his phone rings and he snaps back to his surroundings.
“Mack! What’s going on Buddy?” Rhodes answers the phone after pulling the emergency kill cord.
“Ryan! Hey I just thought I’d call, I hate texting. I saw our match. Who are we facing again? Jon Michaels and Matt Damon or something?”
“No Chase Michaels and Damon King!”
“The King is Damon? Wait did I get it mixed up is it Johnny Damon and King Michaels?”
“No. No. No. its CHASE Michaels and Damon King!!”
“Wait, There’s 2 Michaels??? I thought it was King Jon Michaels?” A befuddled MacNeill asks againg to clarify.
“Hold on a sec bro. Yeah theres two different Michaels and two different Kings. I think. I mean there is right?” Rhodes tries to keep it straight as well
“Ah who the fuck cares! We’re going to trounce them anyways! Whoever they are, those bums don’t stand a chance!” Cormack replies.
“I’m with ya. I looked it up again, its Chase Michaels and Damon King. Yeah those losers don’t stand a chance against this power house. I think one is a biker and I know the other is a midwestern John Cena wanna be. I’ve been watching his film since he’s getting a title shot. Not that impressive.” Rhodes glances over at the TV and shuts it off.
“You got a busy week?” Cormack asks Rhodes.
“No I was just gonna train hard this week. You wanna come out for some work?”
“I was thinking the same thing! You should come on out there’s someone I want you to meet, I think he could help you.”
“Sounds like a plan brother. We can finish the week off here in det before we get on to Kansas. I’ll be on the first flight out!” Rhodes hangs up the phone and heads to his room to pack.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene opens in Jimmy's Gym, Halifax Nova Scotia
'Come on Mack, move your feet. You'll never climb the ladder if you don't add something to your game. You need to be quicker on your feet.'
Cormack MacNeill leaned against the ring post and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
'I'm just not getting it Jimmy. I need to take a break. Head to the airport and pick up a friend.'
Jimmy shook his head in frustration.
"You're not heading to the bar again, are you Mack? We talked about this before. A clean body is a clean mind.'
'No Jimmy, this time I'm heading to the airport to pick up Ryan Rhodes. We're teaming up this week, and we thought a little training here and at his gym would be the ticket to better teamwork.'
Jimmy stopped and stared at Cormack, a slow grin spreading on his face.
"Great Mack, finally someone I can actually teach. Not a water buffalo in a kilt. Get you ass back here quick.'
MacNeill shook his head and laughed as he headed for the front door.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in at the arrivals gate at Halifax Stanfield Airport.
A black muscle car sits idling at the awaiting area, plumes of white smoke drifting from the tailpipe as the engine rumbles out it's low, throaty growl. The sounds of bagpipe music drift out from the closed windows, filling the air with distinctly Celtic tones.
A tall, muscled man steps out of the airport doors and looks around, immediately locking in on the source of the music. With a grin, and a shake of his head he moves toward the black car.
As he walks, passersby stop and stare. In his black leather jacket and faded blue jeans Ryan Rhodes makes quite the image. A group of teenage girls are gesturing towards the tall man as whispering to each other, sneaking glances at the stranger. He stops as he reaches the passenger side door, and turns to lay a smile on the group. One of the girls faints outright, while the others blush and turn their faces away.
Opening the car door, Rhodes leans in "Cormack, I presume. Nice wheels.'
Cormack nods his head as he turns down the music.'Thanks. Bought it at an auction, and a few buddies helped me paint and tune it up.'
Ryan slides into the passenger seat, still grinning. 'How much you got invested in this?'
'Bought it for 4 Grand, spent 10 rebuilding the engine and replacing the hood and doors.'
'Nice. Maybe I can take it for a spin later?'
'Sure, I've got it insured.'
Rhodes shakes his head.
'Now you sound like Tyson.'
They can both be heard laughing as the car pulls away smoothly from the waiting area.
Scene fades out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in at Jimmy's Gym
Cormack and Ryan stride through the door still laughing about the car insurance.
'Took you long enough Mack. You two stop to make out on the way?'
Rhodes fixes Jimmy with an icy stare and moves toward him. MacNeill puts his arm out to stop him.
'Relax Ryan, that's just Jimmy showing the old charm. He's a good guy, but also a bit of a prick.'
'If you had to put up with this dumb ox, you'd be a prick too.'
Cormack rolls his eyes, laughing, 'Damn it Jimmy'
'When you ladies are ready, meet me in the ring. Maybe I can teach your friend a thing or two about moving. I sure as hell can't teach your slow ass.'
Ryan turns to Cormack.'Who the hell is this guy that you let him talk to you this way Mack?'
'WFC Bantamweight Champion 1969-78. He's loud, abrasive, and surly. But's he's one tough old bastard.'
Rhodes looks at Jimmy with a new appreciation and respect.
'So what can you teach me, old-timer?'
'I can teach you to dance like the old-time boxers used to. How to stick and move, how to slip and slide, how to be everywhere your opponent is and nowhere they want you to be.'
'Mack's too big to dance, but he has his strengths. He hits a ton, and can take a hell of a beating. But you, you're just the right size. And you're quick on your feet.'
MacNeill nods,'And this week we've got Chase Michaels and Damon King. Two quick guys. Both like to throw punches and throw their opponents around. For obvious reasons, I'm not too worried. '
'Finally, a benefit to being a fat ass Mack. I never would have believed it.'
'Shut up Jimmy' says MacNeill with a chuckle.'
Both men climb into the ring with Jimmy, stretching and warming up.
'Now, this is how you slip and slide Ryan.'
As Jimmy moves in to show Rhodes some moves, the camera pulls back to show the whole gym.
'Now that's cool!'
Scene fades to black
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene fades in from black
The familiar Audi R8, all black with lime green rims pulls into the large cavernous warehouse that is Castle Grey Skull, Ryan Rhodes personal playground. The car comes to a stop in its parking spot at the front of the warehouse. The doors pop open and Rhodes and his friend Cormack Macneil emerge from the sleep sports car. Cormack takes a minute to check out his surroundings.
As always in the direct center of the building is an old worn out wrestling ring that has seen its fair share of use. In the back of the room, a lounge of some sort with large leather recliners and a wall of TVs is set up. In the near right corner, rows of weights and exercise equipment are organized neatly. A set of doors leads to a locker room that's sparsely furnished with just the essentials, the old lockers that are dented and layers of paint have peeled off over time, exposing the various colors that lay beneath.
“This all yours?” Cormack asks as the walk towards the ring.
“Yeah. I bought it after my first championship as a secret retreat. Nobody expects you to hide out in the city. It serves its purpose well.”
The men head over to the gym section and start a work out.
“Alright 3 sets 28 reps we’re doing; Military Barbell Press, Lateral Raises, Upright Row, Shrugs, Face Pulls, and rear lat flys.” Rhodes rambles off the days work out.
“You work out like this all the time?” MacNeill asks as he starts to pound out his reps.
“Every day that ends with a Y.” Rhodes deadpans.
The men work fast and hard encouraging each other to finish out each set strong. Being professionals, they get through the workout in no time.
“Whats next? Ring session or tape session?” Rhodes asks as they drink some water.
“I've seen the tape, there’s not much to see. Lets hit the ring” Cormack dries his face with a towel and jumps up on the ring apron.
Working through various grapples, the men take turns working on holds and reverses, perfecting each move and checking each others games for weaknesses.
“Watch for the kings revenge and the blockbuster!” MacNeill barks as he grapples Rhodes and goes for a scoop slam but Rhodes quickly grabs his legs and rolls him up.
“The Rude Awaking is the same as the blockbuster so be on the lookout for kicks. Lets try to keep these guys locked up and on the ground. We should be able to out muscle them!”
“We got this brother, they don’t stand a chance. Come sunday Michaels and King will be-”
“Just another Victim!” Cormack cuts him off as Rhodes locks up the big Scotsman who quickly reverses to a rear hold and slams his teammate.
Fade to Black
