Post by Allen Guiliano on Jan 29, 2010 19:52:31 GMT -5
The scene opens inside a lavish banquet room that has been set-up for some kind of ceremony, convention, or another gathering of high priority. Circular tables covered by white tablecloths have been decorated with modern table settings for six, complete with white ceramic plates trimmed in black and gold, well polished spoons, knives, and forks, and glasses for water, wine, and coffee. A staff of approximately two dozen, dressed in black vests and tuxedo shirts make their way around to each table, filling the glasses and making sure each piece of silverware is in its correct position. One member of the wait staff is equipped with a book of matches, carefully lighting the ebony and ivory candles that sit in the middle of each table, the flames making the room glow with a welcoming aura. At the back of the room is a slightly elevated stage that contains a simple podium and a screen that reads “Welcome to Atlantic City” in gold script on a black background.
The pace of the wait staff picks up slightly as a side door is opened and the crowd that seemingly has been waiting outside start to make their way into the room. The young gentlemen on the wait staff weave in and out of the tables, this time with large circular brown trays over their heads. Each tray contains between 15 and 20 plates that consist of a garnished salad and small cups of dressings. Another member of the staff does the same, but with a try full of warm loafs of bread, contained in small baskets, covered with white linens. Small plates with individual pats of butter follow behind the baskets of bread as the guest begin to slide into their chairs, conversing with those they recognize and introducing themselves to the ones they don't.
Amongst the crowd is WCF superstar Allen Guiliano, one of few men without female on his arm as he makes his way through the entrance to the room. Once inside, he is quickly identified by those around him and is shaking as many hands that are extended his way before being led to a table near the stage by one of the doormen. On his way to the table, he receives and returns hugs from several unidentified men and women before having a seat in the plush chair that has been pulled out for him. His table, along with a few others in the vicinity, are marked with more elaborate centerpieces and nameplates for each of the guests that supposed to be seated there. The camera shows a close-up of the nameplate that bears Guiliano's signature before panning away once more and taking in the environment as the room is now filled with guests and the commotion starts to fade as people start to take their seats and continue their conversations in their chair instead of across the room.
Guiliano stands before his chair and eyes those at his table, waiting for them all to be seated before sliding in front of his chair and having a seat, grabbing the water glass in front of him and taking a long drink. Seated to the right-hand side of Guiliano is George Maloof, owner of The Palms casino in Las Vegas, and to his left sits another Vegas tycoon, Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island. Maloof snags the basket of bread that rests on the table and starts it in a counterclockwise rotation around its perimeter as the three gentlemen begin to converse about what they know best, hotels and casinos. The women on the arms of Maloof and Ruffin roll their eyes and begin a conversation between themselves, interrupted by one of the members of the wait staff taking their order for the evening's entree. The women order first, followed by the three entrepreneurs as the conversation continues.
Maloof: So, Allen, how are things down on your end of the strip? I haven't been in town much lately with the NBA season in full swing and the Kings are once again well under .500. Figured you may be having a little more luck than I as of late, but then again this recession seems to be making all of our lives miserable.
I can't complain. Business is business as usual. Obviously we haven't been getting quite the crows that we have had in the past, but the high rollers are still making their regular visits so our revenue streams are still mostly intact. With the Super Bowl coming up we are hoping a better than normal turnout at the sports book because of the Saints and their story, that and the opening line being set at 5 ½ to 6. Seems like the professionals bettors have been licking their chops at that one ever since it came out.
Sorry to hear about your Kings buddy, seems like it is almost unfair for you guys with all the other teams in your division. I mean, c'mon, how are you supposed to be able to compete with the Lakers and all the money he is throwing at the franchise. That team is an absolute juggernaut and smaller teams like you don't have a chance. I suppose it isn't nearly as bad as the bullshit that is going on in baseball, but the NBA seems to have bigger problems than the lack of parity in the league.
Well, I'm not asking or expecting us to compete with the Lakers, but when you are finding yourself behind the damn Clippers things need to change.
Ruffin: It could be a lot worse for you George. You could have guys on your teams pulling guns on each other in the locker room, or you could find yourself with single digit wins like they have there in Minnesota. Besides, you two have nothing to complain about. You are both young and on top of the world. Wait until you get to be my age and thank your lucky stars that you wake up in the morning.
Yeah, it must be rough being you Phil. A 73-year old man with a 27-year old Ukrainian supermodel for a wife and a net worth of over $2 billion. Sounds real rough!
All three share a laugh as Ruffin places his arm around around his young wife and plants a quick kiss on her cheek. She blushes and gives Guiliano a glare before cracking a smile and returning to her salad and conversation with the date that is accompanying Maloof.
I suppose you are right. I have it pretty good and have lived life to its fullest, now I am just reaping the benefits of hard work and a little bit of luck. So, Allen, tell me, when are you going to get a defining feature to that building you call The Guiliano down there on Flamingo? Treasure Island has the pirate ships and all that other swashbuckling, George has well, he hes the Playboy Club, and you have...
I'm working on it! Come to think of it, do I really need a defining feature when I have the best food, gaming, and nightclubs in all of Las Vegas? You can have all the pirate ships and “swashbuckling” that you want, I will take the satisfaction of my customers over that any day. I will figure out a defining feature when patrons start complaining about the food and gaming. Until then, I'm quite content with what I have. Besides, The Guiliano is my first crack at this hotel and casino gig, you guys have been doing it for years. Cut a young guy some slack. I don't mind being behind you guys in terms of prestige, as long as I am in the conversation. Hell, if things get too bad, I'll go down the strip and steal the damn fountains from the Bellagio if I have to. Those things are kinda nice!
Sounds like a plan to me. I noticed you took a jab at the pirate ships there at TI, but deterred from poking fun at the Playboy Club. What happened there? Jealous?
Guiliano quickly nods his head and flashes a smile at Maloof as he finishes off his salad and sets his plate to the side, washing down the last bite with another drink of water.
Now, we are all friends here Allen, Mr. Ruffin and I were having a little conversation before we came in here about how we might be able to work out way into that annual Monopoly game you hold ever year. Think you could make that game of five a game of seven?
Wait a minute, how do you two know about that little shindig? That is supposed to be a private game so guys like the two of you don't find out about it and bring it up at events like this. That game is five years in the making with the same five guys and I'm not sure any of us would be welcome to any outsiders. Besides, I can't start letting in new faces and players until I actually win a game. If I can't win with only five pieces on the board, what makes you think I can win with seven? Also, if I let you two in, then I would have have to get two new custom pieces made and try to decide what symbol to use for the both of you. I suppose the pirate ship for Mr. Ruffin over there, but what about you, the Playboy bunny symbol?
What do you mean how do we know about the game? All those other four do is brag about they have an “important meeting” on the day of that game and how they have their signature on the back of the box. I suppose I could settle for letting you have your victory before jumping in, but then again I'm not sure how many more years I have left.
Now is not that time to be talking like that. Besides, if you weren't confident in the state of your health you wouldn't have took over Treasure Island. Not sure what symbol I would use as my piece, but I'm pretty sure I may have to go through some red tape in order to use the bunny. Maybe a crown to represent the Kings or the palm leaves in The Palms logo. We will discuss it after you learn how to roll dice and are able to shut up those other four old timers.
Who you callin' old timer?!
Once again the three men break out into laughter and the women once again can only shake their head at the simple amusement of the gentlemen. Their conversation in interrupted by the arrival of their food as well-cut filet mignon is set in front of Guiliano and he glances down at with a wide smile, sinking his fork into the middle before lighting cutting himself a bite. A small sip of wine completes the bite for him as he tucks the white linen napkin into his collar and continues his meal. All talking at the table has nearly ceased since the serving of the entrees and as each person at Guiliano's table begins to finish their meal, a man walks steps up onto the stage and situates himself behind the podium, tapping the top of the microphone to make sure it is on before speaking into it.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Trump Taj Mahal here in the great city of Atlantic City. I am here to opening this evening's festivities and make sure that your visit here to the Taj is the very best than it can be. This evening we will be honor three very successful individuals who have proven to be the very best in the field of hotel and casino management. These three men have changed the way that we do business not only in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, but around the world as well. Not only are they succeeding financially but also as philanthropists and in other business ventures both domestically and internationally. It is an honor to have these three men in the same building at one time. One last thing before we get to our awards his evening, I just want to thank you all for making the trip this evening. I know the weather hasn't exactly been the greatest and reeked havoc with some of your travel plans, but I promise you that it will all be worth and also, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of you that donated to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund that we had set up out in the main hallway. We were able to raise over $1 million dollars just from the donations of individuals at this event alone, and that is something that you all should be very proud of. And now, without further ado, let's get on with the reason that we are all gathered here tonight.
This evening's first award is the “Rising Star Award” given to a young entrepreneur that has established themselves as one of the best in the business at either a young age or as a new face in the business. The man that is receiving this award tonight is a well-known name not only out west in Las Vegas, but amongst the entire hotel and casino administration world, and has even made his name known outside of the gaming circle the mainstream with his career as a sports entertainer. He is one of the brightest and most modern businessmen that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and will do great things for this industry as he continues his successful career. He was brought into this business at a young age, taking over his father's establishment in the Midwest before going out on his own and opening The Camille Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It has since be renamed and bears the last name of the recipient of this award. Ladies a gentlemen, a big round of applause for the 2009 Rising Star Award winner, the owner of The Guiliano Hotel and Casino, Mr. Allen Guiliano.
The room erupts into a thunderous applause and the four others that are seated with him rise and give him a standing ovation as he politely waves to the crowd, making his way to his feet and walking towards the stage. He quickly makes his way up the short set of stairs that elevate him up onto the level of the podium as he gives a firm handshake to the man who introduced him and accepts the crystalline structure that bears his name. Guiliano carefully sets it on the podium in front of him before taking a deep breath and raising a hand to quiet the applause.
I know this has already been said, but I want to thank each and every one of you that made the trip out here to Atlantic City and to all those in our field that nominated me and bestowed me with this tremendous honor here this evening. I was more than surprised when I received the initial call and I am humbled to be in the same company as the two men that will receive their awards after me. Now, I know that you don't want to hear me ramble so I plan on making his pretty short and sweet, there are just a few things that I want to say here tonight and then I will let the awards be presented to the true greats of this industry.
When I first arrived in this country from my homeland of Palermo, Italy, I could have never imagined the charity and warmheartedness that I would receive from those that were already established veterans in the hotel and casino world. I was a young man looking for guidance on the streets of New York and was taught the ins and outs of the business by an associate of my father's in Chicago, Illinois. I came to Las Vegas as a bright eyed 18 year old and since then have taken some risks and been rewarded for them by hard work, advice from others, and a little bit of luck. The be considered a “rising star” by my peers is the greatest honor that I could ever dream of receiving and to be standing here before you in one of the true great gaming establishments is simply more than a man like me could ever imagine.
The Camille Hotel and Casino was simply a pipe dream that became reality with the help of men like Mr. Maloof and Mr. Ruffin, who believed in the idea that a young Allen Guiliano presented to them and took a chance by giving me the resources to make my dreams tangible. I decided to rename the building after it became a main fixture on the strip after my true inspiration, my father, Antoni Guiliano. People like you out there in the audience tonight who regularly visit The Guiliano have been the driving force behind my success and I want to thank each and every one of you out there tonight.
I'm not going to go off on some tangent and try to be a motivational speaker or anything, because I know that I still have a lot to learn and most of you in attendance tonight have had MUCH more experience in this business than I have, but I think that I am living proof that if a person has a dream and isn't afraid of failure and risks that anything can become possible. At 27 I have achieved more than I could ever imagine and it isn't because of any revolutionary ideas or questionable tactics. It is due to the fact that I am in the business of making people happy, providing them with the best experience possible, and giving them reasons to keep coming back. If there is one rule that I live by when running The Guiliano, it is that if you take care of the people that visit your hotel and casino, they will take care of you. I have literally lost millions to high rollers who come in and throw down $2 million on black like it is pocket change and walk out with nearly enough to buy the place out from under me, but they keep coming back and not only do they come back themselves, but they introduce their friends to the hospitality that is provided at The Guiliano and that is what it is really about.
I'm sure the majority of you also know about my endeavors outside of Las Vegas as a sports entertainer so I won't go into that, but I just want to plug the organization I work for before I let these other two gentlemen have the stage. This Sunday night in Reading, Pennsylvania at The Sovereign Center, yours truly will be competing for yet another award, the World Championship of the Wrestling Championship Federation. Now, on each of your tables is a small envelope that contains a ticket for each and every person at your table. Feel free to use them yourself or if you have other things that you have to do on a Sunday night other than watch a wrestling match, then feel free to give them to someone that will appreciate what I do. Returning to the ring may not be the best decision I have ever made, especially since the economy is putting a little pressure on all of us in this industry, but it is my true passion and I enjoy it to its fullest. For all of you that are already fans of Slickie T, thank you for your unwavering support and I will do my best to make you all proud this Sunday and bring the WCF Championship belt back to Las Vegas.
Once again, thank you all for coming out tonight and it is truly an honor to be named the 2009 Rising Star. Good night and God bless.
The people in attendance once again come to their feet and applaud the young Italian as he holds up his award for a few moments before exiting the stage and returning to his table where he receives hugs, hand shakes, and pats on the back for the efforts that earned him such an award. A warm smile comes over his face as he glances around the room and discovers people opening the aforementioned envelopes and distributing the tickets to WCF's Ten. Once the room quiets, the speaker approaches the podium for a second time to present the next award.
Our next award, the 2009 “Person of the Year Award” is given to a man or woman who has contributed to the industry more than any other individual over the past year. This year's recipient is no stranger to honors and awards and has been around the industry since his birth, following in his father's footsteps and is the proud owner of one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, The Palms. He has revolutionized the industry with the ideas that he hes introduced into the hotel and casino field and he has been rewarded with an astounding amount of success and praise. In addition to the world class hotel and casino that he runs in Vegas, he is also the owner of the National Basketball Association's Sacrament Kings. Ladies and gentlemen, our 2009 Person of the Year, Mr. George Maloof!
Guiliano is the first to congratulate the recipient as he exits the table and follows that same path as Guiliano, making his way to the stage and accepting the Person of the Year Award. Just as before, the crowd eventually quiets and Maloof speaks his piece, the entire room at attention, hanging on every word that he has to say. Allen relaxes back in his chair and listens intently, taking in every word, giving Maloof his undivided attention. After a speech of 15-20 minutes, Maloof concludes to a chorus of cheers and praise as he returns to his seat. As he sits back down, he playfully puts his award next to Guiliano's, showing off its elegance and size in comparison to the one that the Italian received just earlier in the evening. The women in attendance with Maloof gives him a quick smack on the shoulder and the table once again shares a laugh as the speaker returns to the podium yet again.
Our final award of the night is the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award that is given to an individual who has devoted countless years to this business and has succeeded not only in hotel and casino administration, but also in giving back to the industry and the world itself. I could list all the accomplishments of this year's award recipient, but I would be standing up here for the better part of two days and I don't think any of you want me to do that. Also, I don't not believe this man even needs a formal introduction as he is one of the most recognizable men in the industry when he makes his appearances public. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, the owner of Treasure Island, Mr. Phil Ruffin.
Ruffin receives the loudest and longest applause of the evening as he shares a handshake with the presenter and accepts his award as the lights dim and short biography on Phil Ruffin begins to play on the screen behind him. After the presentation is over, Ruffin gives a lengthy, but heartfelt acceptance speech and is once again showered with applause and praise as he makes his way back down the stairs and to the table where Maloof and Guiliano are waiting. The speaker returns to the microphone for a final time and once again thanks those in the audience for attending the event and the wait staff once again swarms the room, clearing tables and cleaning up the room as the side doors are opened for a second time and the crowd makes their way back out into the main hallway of the Trump Taj Mahal.
Maloof, Ruffin, Guiliano and the two females form a small circle in the hallway, enjoying once last beverage before going their separate ways. All five share a quick embrace and go their separate ways. Guiliano, with his award in tow, makes his way down a hallway and catches an awaiting elevator that carries him up to the seventh floor. He quickly steps off and finds his suite, slipping in the card, pulling it out quickly and opening the door, letting it shut behind him. He carefully sets his award on an end table and falls gracefully on the black leather couch that awaits him. Guiliano reaches up and quickly removes his tie from around his neck, followed by his suit jacket, which he throws over the back of the couch. He extends his hand and grabs the remote, flipping on the television, stopping on ESPN to catch the second half of a late West Coast Conference game, this time between Gonzaga and Santa Clara.
Seems like the world of sports never sleeps and neither has this guy for the last few days. Anything to keep my mind off of that highly anticipated clash on Sunday night in which five of the WCF's best ever will be in the ring at the same time, fighting with every ounce of energy that they have in their body in order to simply call themselves World Champion and wear a strap of leather and gold around their waist. Four veterans and the new face of the WCF will enter, but only one can walk away the winner. Here it just just days before a match of such magnitude and I am watching a WCC game that tipped at 11:00 PM after spending my evening in a casino, one that isn't my own for a change, drinking wine and making small talk with George Maloof and Phil Ruffin.
I'm sure that each and every other wrestler that has been booked at Ten is taking care of themselves with well-planned training schedules, watching their diet, and getting plenty of sleep, but that simply isn't the case for a men like myself. I tried doing that in preparation for the One and the results were less than satisfying. This time I'm sticking to what I know best, and believe me, watching college basketball games that start on one day and end on another is one of the things that I excel at. It doesn't matter of you have a ranking to the left of your name or not, I will watch your game if ESPN decides to put you on of its many channels.
I sit back and watch the promos of other WCF superstars and simple shake my head and smile. I have enough to worry about with the four men that I will have to deal with this Sunday, but I can't help following the other feuds that are currently taking place in this federation. The tension and words that are exchanged between some of the other men on the roster have caught my attention and to tell you the truth, I can't wait until some of them get confidence and start thinking they can compete with the Torture's, Slickie T's, and Logan's of the world. Perhaps I enjoy knocking people down a notch or maybe just simply proving to people who think they are better than what they are that their name simply doesn't belong in the same sentence with mine. However, I take nothing away from them for trying to make a name in this organization. At one point, I was just like them. The new kid in town, the rookie looking to make a splash, feeling like I got no respect for what I was doing, but if you start getting victories over the right people and showing what you can do on the federation's biggest stages, you will be rewarded. For all of those guys that are on the undercard and feel like they deserve title shots or more recognition, I know how you feel fellas. Not long ago, I was in the same situation, but remember to stay humble. No one wants to hear how you plan on “ruling over the WCF” or your guarantees on how you will “be the greatest wrestler in the HISTORY of the World Championship Federation”. Guys, that simply isn't going to be the case anytime soon. For each and every one of you that are new faces and proving that you have what it takes to make it big, you all better be pulling for the man that will lead you into the new era of the WCF. The one man in the main event that isn't concerned with the past glory of the WCF and the one man that is ready to carry the torch into the decade. Toture has had his way with this federation for long enough and it is time for things to change. It is time to put a new face on the WCF banner and it is time for a new World Champion.
Another reason that the superstars on the rise should be rooting for a new World Champion...Torture would be out of the conversation for six months. Six months! Imagine how much progress some of those guys could make in a WCF world where Torture is irrelevant for half a year. There isn't a better opportunity that exists in the world of sports entertainment today than a chance to see a man who has ruled over a federation for so long to be idle for that long. Superstars like Hector Rodriguez, Johnny Reb, Mikami, Ace Slaughter, and the currently injured Jay Price would find a second wind and a newly created motivation to make a run for the World Title without a significant road block in their way. To see just what a big deal this would be, imagine where I would be right now if it weren't for the current World Champion. Imagine how much easier my life would be this week and in the ring at Ten if not for Torture. There would be no discussion about who the best wrestler in the Wrestling Championship Federation is today and there would be no dark cloud lingering over me to remind me of my failure at One. There would be a six month period where the WCF would thrive and prove once and for all that ratings are driven by competition and the new talent that has made its way into this organization, not by some World Champion who will lie, cheat, steal, and align with the owner for no other reason than to retain or keep people from having a chance to win his World Title. It is an opportunity to create a chapter in the WCF where new superstars become household names and where there is parity among the roster. On Sunday, I plan on making that dream a reality and granting you all the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether you are a heel or a face, you should be jumping up and down at the chance that I have described. Yes, it is true that if anyone but Torture emerges victorious in the main event at Ten, the six month rule applies, but don't you think a completely new name on the World Championship would be the icing on the cake for the new era that would be created?
The more I think about it, the more I realize how much I can relate to Atlantic City. We are both considered to be “second best”, but if not for another city or an individual, we would undoubted be labeled the best in our category. The irony is that the metropolis that I call home, Las Vegas, is far and away above the level of Atlantic City, however, the gap between Torture and myself is considerably closer and some would argue that it has already been closed. It would be similar to if I chose to move The Guiliano here to New Jersey and take a jewel out of the crown of Las Vegas that is the strip. Sure, there are other men in our match to be considered. Creeping Death, Logan, Brad Kane can all say that have once been the best wrestler in the world and can definitely be mentioned in the conversation as potential winners on Sunday night, but I suppose that would be like throwing in Biloxi, St. Louis, and Gary into the Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City conversation. With all the similarities between this city and myself, there are also a numerous amount of differences. For instance, there is no way that Atlantic City is going to overcome Las Vegas overnight, but on Sunday, Slickie T can and will take over the top spot in the WCF. Torture, I hope you have a little extra satisfaction in firing me from CoolWear Inc., but this time I'm not taking the bait. You can have it, its yours and I hope you can live up the to high expectations that I set for the company in the few months in which I was the controlling stock holder. The board of directors has set some lofty expectations, and expectations are something that you haven't quite been able to live up to recently.
Guiliano hesitantly lifts himself up off the couch and walks over to a large window in his room that overlooks the city. He lightly places his right hand upon the glass, leaving a faint hand print as he brings it back to his waist, shrugging as if unimpressed by the view, knowing that the one from his office in downtown Sin City is much more brilliant the one one from this room in the Taj.
On Sunday, I will travel to Reading, Pennsylvania and emerge as the new WCF World Champion and happily take my title back to Las Vegas. I will leave second best gaming city as second best in the WCF and return to Las Vegas with the Wrestling Championship Federation's highest honor around my waist. CD, Logan, Brad Kane, and Torture, you had better all figure out very early on Sunday evening that it is going to take all four of you to stop one man. How much does that World Title really mean to you Tort? How bad do you want to keep it in your possession? For your entire Title reign you have been selfish and on your own. Sure, you have tried to get people on your side, but only to keep others from having a chance at your title. This time, the chance has already been granted. Will you continue on your lone warrior ways or will you choose to do what is necessary, try and convince your veteran wrestlers to eliminate the new blood, in order to retain your World Championship? The choice seems simply to me, but the pride that you take in being on your own will be your downfall. Enjoy that World Championship as long as you can, because you won't even get to sniff it for six months come February 1st. See you in Reading....
The scene fades to black as Guiliano draws the curtains over the window and flips off the light, returning to his spot on the couch, his silhouette accented by the glow of television. As he lifts the remote and presses the large red button in the top left-hand corner, the room goes completely black and the WCF logo appears.
The pace of the wait staff picks up slightly as a side door is opened and the crowd that seemingly has been waiting outside start to make their way into the room. The young gentlemen on the wait staff weave in and out of the tables, this time with large circular brown trays over their heads. Each tray contains between 15 and 20 plates that consist of a garnished salad and small cups of dressings. Another member of the staff does the same, but with a try full of warm loafs of bread, contained in small baskets, covered with white linens. Small plates with individual pats of butter follow behind the baskets of bread as the guest begin to slide into their chairs, conversing with those they recognize and introducing themselves to the ones they don't.
Amongst the crowd is WCF superstar Allen Guiliano, one of few men without female on his arm as he makes his way through the entrance to the room. Once inside, he is quickly identified by those around him and is shaking as many hands that are extended his way before being led to a table near the stage by one of the doormen. On his way to the table, he receives and returns hugs from several unidentified men and women before having a seat in the plush chair that has been pulled out for him. His table, along with a few others in the vicinity, are marked with more elaborate centerpieces and nameplates for each of the guests that supposed to be seated there. The camera shows a close-up of the nameplate that bears Guiliano's signature before panning away once more and taking in the environment as the room is now filled with guests and the commotion starts to fade as people start to take their seats and continue their conversations in their chair instead of across the room.
Guiliano stands before his chair and eyes those at his table, waiting for them all to be seated before sliding in front of his chair and having a seat, grabbing the water glass in front of him and taking a long drink. Seated to the right-hand side of Guiliano is George Maloof, owner of The Palms casino in Las Vegas, and to his left sits another Vegas tycoon, Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island. Maloof snags the basket of bread that rests on the table and starts it in a counterclockwise rotation around its perimeter as the three gentlemen begin to converse about what they know best, hotels and casinos. The women on the arms of Maloof and Ruffin roll their eyes and begin a conversation between themselves, interrupted by one of the members of the wait staff taking their order for the evening's entree. The women order first, followed by the three entrepreneurs as the conversation continues.
Maloof: So, Allen, how are things down on your end of the strip? I haven't been in town much lately with the NBA season in full swing and the Kings are once again well under .500. Figured you may be having a little more luck than I as of late, but then again this recession seems to be making all of our lives miserable.
I can't complain. Business is business as usual. Obviously we haven't been getting quite the crows that we have had in the past, but the high rollers are still making their regular visits so our revenue streams are still mostly intact. With the Super Bowl coming up we are hoping a better than normal turnout at the sports book because of the Saints and their story, that and the opening line being set at 5 ½ to 6. Seems like the professionals bettors have been licking their chops at that one ever since it came out.
Sorry to hear about your Kings buddy, seems like it is almost unfair for you guys with all the other teams in your division. I mean, c'mon, how are you supposed to be able to compete with the Lakers and all the money he is throwing at the franchise. That team is an absolute juggernaut and smaller teams like you don't have a chance. I suppose it isn't nearly as bad as the bullshit that is going on in baseball, but the NBA seems to have bigger problems than the lack of parity in the league.
Well, I'm not asking or expecting us to compete with the Lakers, but when you are finding yourself behind the damn Clippers things need to change.
Ruffin: It could be a lot worse for you George. You could have guys on your teams pulling guns on each other in the locker room, or you could find yourself with single digit wins like they have there in Minnesota. Besides, you two have nothing to complain about. You are both young and on top of the world. Wait until you get to be my age and thank your lucky stars that you wake up in the morning.
Yeah, it must be rough being you Phil. A 73-year old man with a 27-year old Ukrainian supermodel for a wife and a net worth of over $2 billion. Sounds real rough!
All three share a laugh as Ruffin places his arm around around his young wife and plants a quick kiss on her cheek. She blushes and gives Guiliano a glare before cracking a smile and returning to her salad and conversation with the date that is accompanying Maloof.
I suppose you are right. I have it pretty good and have lived life to its fullest, now I am just reaping the benefits of hard work and a little bit of luck. So, Allen, tell me, when are you going to get a defining feature to that building you call The Guiliano down there on Flamingo? Treasure Island has the pirate ships and all that other swashbuckling, George has well, he hes the Playboy Club, and you have...
I'm working on it! Come to think of it, do I really need a defining feature when I have the best food, gaming, and nightclubs in all of Las Vegas? You can have all the pirate ships and “swashbuckling” that you want, I will take the satisfaction of my customers over that any day. I will figure out a defining feature when patrons start complaining about the food and gaming. Until then, I'm quite content with what I have. Besides, The Guiliano is my first crack at this hotel and casino gig, you guys have been doing it for years. Cut a young guy some slack. I don't mind being behind you guys in terms of prestige, as long as I am in the conversation. Hell, if things get too bad, I'll go down the strip and steal the damn fountains from the Bellagio if I have to. Those things are kinda nice!
Sounds like a plan to me. I noticed you took a jab at the pirate ships there at TI, but deterred from poking fun at the Playboy Club. What happened there? Jealous?
Guiliano quickly nods his head and flashes a smile at Maloof as he finishes off his salad and sets his plate to the side, washing down the last bite with another drink of water.
Now, we are all friends here Allen, Mr. Ruffin and I were having a little conversation before we came in here about how we might be able to work out way into that annual Monopoly game you hold ever year. Think you could make that game of five a game of seven?
Wait a minute, how do you two know about that little shindig? That is supposed to be a private game so guys like the two of you don't find out about it and bring it up at events like this. That game is five years in the making with the same five guys and I'm not sure any of us would be welcome to any outsiders. Besides, I can't start letting in new faces and players until I actually win a game. If I can't win with only five pieces on the board, what makes you think I can win with seven? Also, if I let you two in, then I would have have to get two new custom pieces made and try to decide what symbol to use for the both of you. I suppose the pirate ship for Mr. Ruffin over there, but what about you, the Playboy bunny symbol?
What do you mean how do we know about the game? All those other four do is brag about they have an “important meeting” on the day of that game and how they have their signature on the back of the box. I suppose I could settle for letting you have your victory before jumping in, but then again I'm not sure how many more years I have left.
Now is not that time to be talking like that. Besides, if you weren't confident in the state of your health you wouldn't have took over Treasure Island. Not sure what symbol I would use as my piece, but I'm pretty sure I may have to go through some red tape in order to use the bunny. Maybe a crown to represent the Kings or the palm leaves in The Palms logo. We will discuss it after you learn how to roll dice and are able to shut up those other four old timers.
Who you callin' old timer?!
Once again the three men break out into laughter and the women once again can only shake their head at the simple amusement of the gentlemen. Their conversation in interrupted by the arrival of their food as well-cut filet mignon is set in front of Guiliano and he glances down at with a wide smile, sinking his fork into the middle before lighting cutting himself a bite. A small sip of wine completes the bite for him as he tucks the white linen napkin into his collar and continues his meal. All talking at the table has nearly ceased since the serving of the entrees and as each person at Guiliano's table begins to finish their meal, a man walks steps up onto the stage and situates himself behind the podium, tapping the top of the microphone to make sure it is on before speaking into it.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Trump Taj Mahal here in the great city of Atlantic City. I am here to opening this evening's festivities and make sure that your visit here to the Taj is the very best than it can be. This evening we will be honor three very successful individuals who have proven to be the very best in the field of hotel and casino management. These three men have changed the way that we do business not only in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, but around the world as well. Not only are they succeeding financially but also as philanthropists and in other business ventures both domestically and internationally. It is an honor to have these three men in the same building at one time. One last thing before we get to our awards his evening, I just want to thank you all for making the trip this evening. I know the weather hasn't exactly been the greatest and reeked havoc with some of your travel plans, but I promise you that it will all be worth and also, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of you that donated to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund that we had set up out in the main hallway. We were able to raise over $1 million dollars just from the donations of individuals at this event alone, and that is something that you all should be very proud of. And now, without further ado, let's get on with the reason that we are all gathered here tonight.
This evening's first award is the “Rising Star Award” given to a young entrepreneur that has established themselves as one of the best in the business at either a young age or as a new face in the business. The man that is receiving this award tonight is a well-known name not only out west in Las Vegas, but amongst the entire hotel and casino administration world, and has even made his name known outside of the gaming circle the mainstream with his career as a sports entertainer. He is one of the brightest and most modern businessmen that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and will do great things for this industry as he continues his successful career. He was brought into this business at a young age, taking over his father's establishment in the Midwest before going out on his own and opening The Camille Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It has since be renamed and bears the last name of the recipient of this award. Ladies a gentlemen, a big round of applause for the 2009 Rising Star Award winner, the owner of The Guiliano Hotel and Casino, Mr. Allen Guiliano.
The room erupts into a thunderous applause and the four others that are seated with him rise and give him a standing ovation as he politely waves to the crowd, making his way to his feet and walking towards the stage. He quickly makes his way up the short set of stairs that elevate him up onto the level of the podium as he gives a firm handshake to the man who introduced him and accepts the crystalline structure that bears his name. Guiliano carefully sets it on the podium in front of him before taking a deep breath and raising a hand to quiet the applause.
I know this has already been said, but I want to thank each and every one of you that made the trip out here to Atlantic City and to all those in our field that nominated me and bestowed me with this tremendous honor here this evening. I was more than surprised when I received the initial call and I am humbled to be in the same company as the two men that will receive their awards after me. Now, I know that you don't want to hear me ramble so I plan on making his pretty short and sweet, there are just a few things that I want to say here tonight and then I will let the awards be presented to the true greats of this industry.
When I first arrived in this country from my homeland of Palermo, Italy, I could have never imagined the charity and warmheartedness that I would receive from those that were already established veterans in the hotel and casino world. I was a young man looking for guidance on the streets of New York and was taught the ins and outs of the business by an associate of my father's in Chicago, Illinois. I came to Las Vegas as a bright eyed 18 year old and since then have taken some risks and been rewarded for them by hard work, advice from others, and a little bit of luck. The be considered a “rising star” by my peers is the greatest honor that I could ever dream of receiving and to be standing here before you in one of the true great gaming establishments is simply more than a man like me could ever imagine.
The Camille Hotel and Casino was simply a pipe dream that became reality with the help of men like Mr. Maloof and Mr. Ruffin, who believed in the idea that a young Allen Guiliano presented to them and took a chance by giving me the resources to make my dreams tangible. I decided to rename the building after it became a main fixture on the strip after my true inspiration, my father, Antoni Guiliano. People like you out there in the audience tonight who regularly visit The Guiliano have been the driving force behind my success and I want to thank each and every one of you out there tonight.
I'm not going to go off on some tangent and try to be a motivational speaker or anything, because I know that I still have a lot to learn and most of you in attendance tonight have had MUCH more experience in this business than I have, but I think that I am living proof that if a person has a dream and isn't afraid of failure and risks that anything can become possible. At 27 I have achieved more than I could ever imagine and it isn't because of any revolutionary ideas or questionable tactics. It is due to the fact that I am in the business of making people happy, providing them with the best experience possible, and giving them reasons to keep coming back. If there is one rule that I live by when running The Guiliano, it is that if you take care of the people that visit your hotel and casino, they will take care of you. I have literally lost millions to high rollers who come in and throw down $2 million on black like it is pocket change and walk out with nearly enough to buy the place out from under me, but they keep coming back and not only do they come back themselves, but they introduce their friends to the hospitality that is provided at The Guiliano and that is what it is really about.
I'm sure the majority of you also know about my endeavors outside of Las Vegas as a sports entertainer so I won't go into that, but I just want to plug the organization I work for before I let these other two gentlemen have the stage. This Sunday night in Reading, Pennsylvania at The Sovereign Center, yours truly will be competing for yet another award, the World Championship of the Wrestling Championship Federation. Now, on each of your tables is a small envelope that contains a ticket for each and every person at your table. Feel free to use them yourself or if you have other things that you have to do on a Sunday night other than watch a wrestling match, then feel free to give them to someone that will appreciate what I do. Returning to the ring may not be the best decision I have ever made, especially since the economy is putting a little pressure on all of us in this industry, but it is my true passion and I enjoy it to its fullest. For all of you that are already fans of Slickie T, thank you for your unwavering support and I will do my best to make you all proud this Sunday and bring the WCF Championship belt back to Las Vegas.
Once again, thank you all for coming out tonight and it is truly an honor to be named the 2009 Rising Star. Good night and God bless.
The people in attendance once again come to their feet and applaud the young Italian as he holds up his award for a few moments before exiting the stage and returning to his table where he receives hugs, hand shakes, and pats on the back for the efforts that earned him such an award. A warm smile comes over his face as he glances around the room and discovers people opening the aforementioned envelopes and distributing the tickets to WCF's Ten. Once the room quiets, the speaker approaches the podium for a second time to present the next award.
Our next award, the 2009 “Person of the Year Award” is given to a man or woman who has contributed to the industry more than any other individual over the past year. This year's recipient is no stranger to honors and awards and has been around the industry since his birth, following in his father's footsteps and is the proud owner of one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, The Palms. He has revolutionized the industry with the ideas that he hes introduced into the hotel and casino field and he has been rewarded with an astounding amount of success and praise. In addition to the world class hotel and casino that he runs in Vegas, he is also the owner of the National Basketball Association's Sacrament Kings. Ladies and gentlemen, our 2009 Person of the Year, Mr. George Maloof!
Guiliano is the first to congratulate the recipient as he exits the table and follows that same path as Guiliano, making his way to the stage and accepting the Person of the Year Award. Just as before, the crowd eventually quiets and Maloof speaks his piece, the entire room at attention, hanging on every word that he has to say. Allen relaxes back in his chair and listens intently, taking in every word, giving Maloof his undivided attention. After a speech of 15-20 minutes, Maloof concludes to a chorus of cheers and praise as he returns to his seat. As he sits back down, he playfully puts his award next to Guiliano's, showing off its elegance and size in comparison to the one that the Italian received just earlier in the evening. The women in attendance with Maloof gives him a quick smack on the shoulder and the table once again shares a laugh as the speaker returns to the podium yet again.
Our final award of the night is the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award that is given to an individual who has devoted countless years to this business and has succeeded not only in hotel and casino administration, but also in giving back to the industry and the world itself. I could list all the accomplishments of this year's award recipient, but I would be standing up here for the better part of two days and I don't think any of you want me to do that. Also, I don't not believe this man even needs a formal introduction as he is one of the most recognizable men in the industry when he makes his appearances public. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, the owner of Treasure Island, Mr. Phil Ruffin.
Ruffin receives the loudest and longest applause of the evening as he shares a handshake with the presenter and accepts his award as the lights dim and short biography on Phil Ruffin begins to play on the screen behind him. After the presentation is over, Ruffin gives a lengthy, but heartfelt acceptance speech and is once again showered with applause and praise as he makes his way back down the stairs and to the table where Maloof and Guiliano are waiting. The speaker returns to the microphone for a final time and once again thanks those in the audience for attending the event and the wait staff once again swarms the room, clearing tables and cleaning up the room as the side doors are opened for a second time and the crowd makes their way back out into the main hallway of the Trump Taj Mahal.
Maloof, Ruffin, Guiliano and the two females form a small circle in the hallway, enjoying once last beverage before going their separate ways. All five share a quick embrace and go their separate ways. Guiliano, with his award in tow, makes his way down a hallway and catches an awaiting elevator that carries him up to the seventh floor. He quickly steps off and finds his suite, slipping in the card, pulling it out quickly and opening the door, letting it shut behind him. He carefully sets his award on an end table and falls gracefully on the black leather couch that awaits him. Guiliano reaches up and quickly removes his tie from around his neck, followed by his suit jacket, which he throws over the back of the couch. He extends his hand and grabs the remote, flipping on the television, stopping on ESPN to catch the second half of a late West Coast Conference game, this time between Gonzaga and Santa Clara.
Seems like the world of sports never sleeps and neither has this guy for the last few days. Anything to keep my mind off of that highly anticipated clash on Sunday night in which five of the WCF's best ever will be in the ring at the same time, fighting with every ounce of energy that they have in their body in order to simply call themselves World Champion and wear a strap of leather and gold around their waist. Four veterans and the new face of the WCF will enter, but only one can walk away the winner. Here it just just days before a match of such magnitude and I am watching a WCC game that tipped at 11:00 PM after spending my evening in a casino, one that isn't my own for a change, drinking wine and making small talk with George Maloof and Phil Ruffin.
I'm sure that each and every other wrestler that has been booked at Ten is taking care of themselves with well-planned training schedules, watching their diet, and getting plenty of sleep, but that simply isn't the case for a men like myself. I tried doing that in preparation for the One and the results were less than satisfying. This time I'm sticking to what I know best, and believe me, watching college basketball games that start on one day and end on another is one of the things that I excel at. It doesn't matter of you have a ranking to the left of your name or not, I will watch your game if ESPN decides to put you on of its many channels.
I sit back and watch the promos of other WCF superstars and simple shake my head and smile. I have enough to worry about with the four men that I will have to deal with this Sunday, but I can't help following the other feuds that are currently taking place in this federation. The tension and words that are exchanged between some of the other men on the roster have caught my attention and to tell you the truth, I can't wait until some of them get confidence and start thinking they can compete with the Torture's, Slickie T's, and Logan's of the world. Perhaps I enjoy knocking people down a notch or maybe just simply proving to people who think they are better than what they are that their name simply doesn't belong in the same sentence with mine. However, I take nothing away from them for trying to make a name in this organization. At one point, I was just like them. The new kid in town, the rookie looking to make a splash, feeling like I got no respect for what I was doing, but if you start getting victories over the right people and showing what you can do on the federation's biggest stages, you will be rewarded. For all of those guys that are on the undercard and feel like they deserve title shots or more recognition, I know how you feel fellas. Not long ago, I was in the same situation, but remember to stay humble. No one wants to hear how you plan on “ruling over the WCF” or your guarantees on how you will “be the greatest wrestler in the HISTORY of the World Championship Federation”. Guys, that simply isn't going to be the case anytime soon. For each and every one of you that are new faces and proving that you have what it takes to make it big, you all better be pulling for the man that will lead you into the new era of the WCF. The one man in the main event that isn't concerned with the past glory of the WCF and the one man that is ready to carry the torch into the decade. Toture has had his way with this federation for long enough and it is time for things to change. It is time to put a new face on the WCF banner and it is time for a new World Champion.
Another reason that the superstars on the rise should be rooting for a new World Champion...Torture would be out of the conversation for six months. Six months! Imagine how much progress some of those guys could make in a WCF world where Torture is irrelevant for half a year. There isn't a better opportunity that exists in the world of sports entertainment today than a chance to see a man who has ruled over a federation for so long to be idle for that long. Superstars like Hector Rodriguez, Johnny Reb, Mikami, Ace Slaughter, and the currently injured Jay Price would find a second wind and a newly created motivation to make a run for the World Title without a significant road block in their way. To see just what a big deal this would be, imagine where I would be right now if it weren't for the current World Champion. Imagine how much easier my life would be this week and in the ring at Ten if not for Torture. There would be no discussion about who the best wrestler in the Wrestling Championship Federation is today and there would be no dark cloud lingering over me to remind me of my failure at One. There would be a six month period where the WCF would thrive and prove once and for all that ratings are driven by competition and the new talent that has made its way into this organization, not by some World Champion who will lie, cheat, steal, and align with the owner for no other reason than to retain or keep people from having a chance to win his World Title. It is an opportunity to create a chapter in the WCF where new superstars become household names and where there is parity among the roster. On Sunday, I plan on making that dream a reality and granting you all the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether you are a heel or a face, you should be jumping up and down at the chance that I have described. Yes, it is true that if anyone but Torture emerges victorious in the main event at Ten, the six month rule applies, but don't you think a completely new name on the World Championship would be the icing on the cake for the new era that would be created?
The more I think about it, the more I realize how much I can relate to Atlantic City. We are both considered to be “second best”, but if not for another city or an individual, we would undoubted be labeled the best in our category. The irony is that the metropolis that I call home, Las Vegas, is far and away above the level of Atlantic City, however, the gap between Torture and myself is considerably closer and some would argue that it has already been closed. It would be similar to if I chose to move The Guiliano here to New Jersey and take a jewel out of the crown of Las Vegas that is the strip. Sure, there are other men in our match to be considered. Creeping Death, Logan, Brad Kane can all say that have once been the best wrestler in the world and can definitely be mentioned in the conversation as potential winners on Sunday night, but I suppose that would be like throwing in Biloxi, St. Louis, and Gary into the Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City conversation. With all the similarities between this city and myself, there are also a numerous amount of differences. For instance, there is no way that Atlantic City is going to overcome Las Vegas overnight, but on Sunday, Slickie T can and will take over the top spot in the WCF. Torture, I hope you have a little extra satisfaction in firing me from CoolWear Inc., but this time I'm not taking the bait. You can have it, its yours and I hope you can live up the to high expectations that I set for the company in the few months in which I was the controlling stock holder. The board of directors has set some lofty expectations, and expectations are something that you haven't quite been able to live up to recently.
Guiliano hesitantly lifts himself up off the couch and walks over to a large window in his room that overlooks the city. He lightly places his right hand upon the glass, leaving a faint hand print as he brings it back to his waist, shrugging as if unimpressed by the view, knowing that the one from his office in downtown Sin City is much more brilliant the one one from this room in the Taj.
On Sunday, I will travel to Reading, Pennsylvania and emerge as the new WCF World Champion and happily take my title back to Las Vegas. I will leave second best gaming city as second best in the WCF and return to Las Vegas with the Wrestling Championship Federation's highest honor around my waist. CD, Logan, Brad Kane, and Torture, you had better all figure out very early on Sunday evening that it is going to take all four of you to stop one man. How much does that World Title really mean to you Tort? How bad do you want to keep it in your possession? For your entire Title reign you have been selfish and on your own. Sure, you have tried to get people on your side, but only to keep others from having a chance at your title. This time, the chance has already been granted. Will you continue on your lone warrior ways or will you choose to do what is necessary, try and convince your veteran wrestlers to eliminate the new blood, in order to retain your World Championship? The choice seems simply to me, but the pride that you take in being on your own will be your downfall. Enjoy that World Championship as long as you can, because you won't even get to sniff it for six months come February 1st. See you in Reading....
The scene fades to black as Guiliano draws the curtains over the window and flips off the light, returning to his spot on the couch, his silhouette accented by the glow of television. As he lifts the remote and presses the large red button in the top left-hand corner, the room goes completely black and the WCF logo appears.
