Post by Allen Guiliano on Jun 14, 2010 1:16:55 GMT -5
The repetitive sound of struggle can be heard as the scene opens in a lavish personal gym with the ever familiar golden-script “G” of The Guiliano Hotel and Casino. Off in one corner of the room is the former WCF World Champion Allen Guiliano who tries his best to hoist the weight just once more time before finally racking the iron bar and stacked metal plates. He takes only a few short breaths before springing up off the bench and hopping on a treadmill that has already been running at a predetermined speed. Without breaking stride, the Italian hops upon the moving belt. The hum of the machine and the constant pounding of shoes against a surface are all that can be heard. In front of Guiliano is a small, flat-screen television tuned to the most recent World Cup match. The banner of his native Italy adorns both sides of the screen as it is clear Guiliano is in full World Cup mode.
Also on the mind of the Sicilian are his recent struggles when it comes to his in-ring performance. Upon arriving in the federation he seemed to be the man who could simply not be defeated, now he is face to face with the other end of the spectrum, losing three straight matches, two of which have been for opportunities to gain what he has sought ever since suffering defeat to Chad Evans at Timebomb, the WCF World Title. The loss to Creeping Death seemed unavoidable considering the mayhem and absolute devastation that followed, but suffering defeat to the one main that nearly ended his career in his own place of business is simply inexcusable. Sure, the tangible banners that bore his face have been removed due to the budget cuts and current state of the Wrestling Championship Federation, but he cannot even claim to be the proverbial “face of the WCF” after his recent troubles. As the thoughts of his fall of grace run through his head and rival Germany nets another goal against the Socceroos, the pace of his steps increases and the sweat begins to pour from his forehead, off his brow, and onto the moving tread below. The sheer white tank top that is worn on his upper body is completely saturated and the black shorts below are in nearly the same state. His black and white Nikes continue to pound out a quick pace before the hum of the machine suddenly slows and eventually stops as Guiliano tugs the key from the treadmill to bring it to a halt.
The white towel white towel that hangs from the bar of the treadmill is quickly snatched up by Guiliano's sweaty hand as he tosses it over the back of his neck and begins to make its way toward the glass door that will lead him back into the hallway. However, his stride is interrupted as the familiar face of Hank Brown comes into view on the other side of the door as the interview makes his way into the training room, uninvited, with a WCF cameraman in tow. Guiliano looks on in disbelief and gives a shake of the head, motioning toward the treadmill and then the television, but Brown is undeterred and continues to go on setting up for the interview, simply handing the subject of his upcoming interview a mic, while he checks the wireless one that he has been assigned. After a healthy sigh, Guiliano clips the button-sized mic onto his lapel and clips the other end on the back of his pants, coating them both with a moist layer of sweat.
Hank: They told me that I might find you here! Sorry to interrupt you in the middle of a workout, but the budget cuts are hurting the video crew as well. Well, to tell you the truth, all that is left of the crew is the two of us. We now have to travel together, pay for our own hotel rooms, and set up our own interviews. I figured that you wouldn't mind one since you have been extremely easy to work with in the past and I NEED some content if I want to keep my job. So, sit tight for a few minutes and we will get started.
Guiliano: Hank, buddy, I don't mind helping you out once in awhile, but a little notice would have been nice. This new version of the WCF is different for all of us, but simply walking in on me unannounced, handing me a mic, and saying you are going to start an interview is no way to keep me on your good side. We are all struggling here, not just you. I went from selling out Madison Square Garden to a half-full high school gymnasium. Also, what could you possibly want to interview me for? I have been the whipping post of the WCF for the last few weeks.
Hank: All the “superstars” still have the egos that they used to have when we were in the old WCF and they are impossible to get a sit down with. Like I said, you were easy to work with in the past and I figured I could come to you anytime and you would be up for it. Besides, it looks like you could use a little break before you exhaust yourself for Monday Night. I'm sure there are a few people out there that want to know what the self-proclaimed “Ace of Hardcore” is up to before his first Hardcore Title match here in the WCF.
Guiliano: Hank, there aren't enough people out there that care about me to waste tape on at this point. I've been reduced to the hardcore division because I'm not getting it done when I have done battle with the big boys. I find it a little annoying that you come in here and get an interview with me because you say the “superstars” won't give you the time of day. Glad to see that I have fallen off the map of the interviewer. Also, I'm not the “self-proclaimed Ace of Hardcore”, I was given that name after my debut matches in the first federation that I called home, the GEWF. For some reason, the owner only booked me in Hardcore Matches and I went 4-0 to start my career and win the first ever GEWF Hardcore Title. A title that I never lost and was forced to vacate after winning another belt. What high horse do you think you rode in on anyway?
Hank: Allen, please, just relax, give that usual smirk to the camera and let's get started. I have some questions that I prepared on the ride over here that I think the people really want to hear some answers to. Well, not only the people, but also me as well. No offense, but the state of your career has been like that of the WCF. You seemed to have a firm grasp at the top, then Creeping Death came along and now look where the both of us are at.
Guiliano: Hank, if I didn't consider you a friend, I would be planting your face into the mirror right now. I think I have been more than nice to let you do this interview and you have done nothing but disrespect me ever since barging in here on my workout and frankly the only time that I will have to myself today. Or the only time I THOUGHT I had to myself today. With that being said, I have a few words for you before we get this interview started and after I speak my piece you can decide if you want to continue with it or not. Hank, I'm going to be brutally honest with you right now, you are....
The man behind the camera focuses the lens on both Guiliano and Brown, who is standing with a forced smile, holding the microphone with a makeshift mic tent on it with “WCF” scribbled on the side in black Sharpie marker. He extends a hand high in the air for both to see and counts down from five...four...three...two...and then points toward the two men standing just a few feet away.
Hank: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Hank Brown and wherever you may be this evening, thanks for making us part of your day. Joining me tonight is former WCF World Title holder and contender for the WCF Hardcore Championship, the “Ace of Hardcore”, Allen Guiliano, better known to the wrestling world as Slickie T. Allen, thanks for taking time out of your evening to join me, and not to start things off on a negative note, but what can we expect from you going forward after your recent losses to Grave Digger and Greenfever? You were once a World Champion and have now slipped into the Hardcore ranks here in the Wrestling Championship Federation.
Guiliano: Hank, I think that it is a little more than just less than expected performances by me inside the squared circle. Ever since that fateful day when I pinned Logan to become the WCF World Champion I have had a target on my back that has not gone away, even after I was beaten by Chad Evans. When my name is written next to another wrestler, that opponent prepares harder than he would for another superstar and makes sure that he brings everything he has against a name such as mine, and unfortunately, I have been on the losing end of several matches that I feel, and I'm sure the fans feel, I should be winning. I don't mean to take anything away from Grave Digger or Greenfever as wrestlers, they are extremely talented and have proved that in the past, but when I am at my best, I win both of those matches without problem. This week, as you said, I have been demoted a little bit if you will, but it is my chance to get my hands on the one title I have yet to hold in the WCF. I broke into the federation and won the United States Title from Mikami, was a World Tag Team Champion with Torture, however short lived and false that may I have been, and then, my latest strap was that of the World Championship. Maybe this is the kind of match, against the kind of opponent to get myself back on track and start putting more tallies in the “W” column. That 23 in the win column seems to be an unlucky number for me.
Hank: Allen, you are obviously a wealthy man and have succeed in nearly all aspects of your life, but what do you think of this “new version” of the WCF, or at least the WCF that has been left after the actions of Grave Digger? As you mentioned before the interview, you were selling out stadiums such as MSG and the Los Angeles Coliseum, and now you are wrestling in front of nearly empty high school gyms where spectators, not necessarily fans of any wrestlers, sit in folding chairs. I'm sure that may have something to do with your performance in the ring and I'm sure it reduces your will to win those matches knowing that the personal rewards and financial gains are...well...nothing.
Guiliano: Hank, that has nothing to do with it at all. As you said, I have been fortunate enough to be well off financially, and if Seth wanted my help, I would certainly give it to propel the WCF back to what it once was, but I think both he and I have bigger and better aspirations for this federation. When it comes to my wrestling career, the venue, the opponent, the personal gain, it all means nothing. I am out there to be an entertainer and to put on the best show possible. As of late, I have failed to do that and to those fans that have followed me all the way down to the local shows, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I still get goosebumps and feel the energy from the fans when I see Slickie T signs, shirts, and hats, no matter if they are sprinkled in a crowd of 50 or make up the majority of a crown of 50,000. Each and ever fan, even if they are rooting against me, deserves my 100% effort and that's what I plan on giving them. This week, it is the fans of Reading, Pennsylvania that will be the ones who are in for a treat. Seth has decided to put me in my first scheduled hardcore match and I plan on proving and showing the roster why I have the nickname that I do and why I should still be mentioned in the World Title conversation.
Hank: I'm glad that you brought that nickname up, because not only have fans been asking about it, but I am also curious to know why, where, and how you were issued the “Ace of Hardcore” mantra. As you said, this is your first, true hardcore match and luckily for you, it is for the Hardcore Title. Oblivion is the current title holder, but with a name like the “Ace of Hardcore” I would have to think that the money here in Vegas is on you. Why don't you enlighten us about the story of your name.
Guiliano: I won't go into the full story, but I was given the name by my fellow wrestlers in the GEWF, the first federation I wrestled in, after winning all of my hardcore matches and become the organizations first Hardcore Champion. The federation closed after about a year of production and I remained undefeated in matches where hardcore rules applied. The name really started to stick after defeating an opponent who called himself the “King of Hardcore” and in my line of work, the Ace beats the King every time, thus, the “Ace of Hardcore” was born. To give you a little history lesson, I have held the Hardcore Title in every federation that I have been a part of except for this one and I plan on changing that this Monday night. Guys like Oblivion and Greenfever may have the look and the demeanor of what you would think a hardcore wrestler is about, but I made myself famous through suicidal moves and my unorthodox high-flying style of wrestling. My frame is larger than that of the typical lucha libre, but I possess all the high-flying moves that they use and have added some of my own that I tried out and perfected in the gyms of Chicago. I have tried to make myself a more versatile wrestler over the years in order to be successful against a variety of opponents and now I feel that I am at the level that those who I face are now planning ways to stop me instead of the other way around. It used to just be the T-Bone and Omerta as my finishing move, but ask a variety of guys around here in the WCF and they will tell you that the Ace of Spades is just as effective.
Hank: Obviously you will be facing a bigger man in Oblivion this week and you are not stranger to those as you are usually the smaller figure in most of your matches, but how do you handle someone like Oblivion, a man who outweighs you by almost 100 pounds, in a hardcore rules match? There are no rules, there are no DQs, as weapons are not only legal but encouraged! Do you go for weapons and try to chop the big man down or have you developed another way to earn victories against the big men, and I'm sure that you do not want to suffer another loss no matter who it is to.
Guiliano: Like I said earlier, Hank, I'm not the kind of wrestler that plans for opponents anymore. Even though I haven't stepped into the ring in a hardcore rules situation before doesn't mean I don't know my way around the ring when the moment should arise. These are the kind of matches where I feel most comfortable and Oblivion will realize that soon enough when the bell sounds in Reading. I have been facing men who are larger than me ever since I decided to lace up the boots and look at the record that I have accumulated. The bigger they are, the harder they fall and as mammoth as Oblivion is, expect one hard fall, especially when his title becomes in and I complete the “Grand Slam”, so to speak, here in the WCF.
Hank: Another thing that you will have to prepare for is the well-known group called The Society that accompanies Oblivion and their “tactics”, for lack of a better word, have caused problems with many wrestlers here in the WCF. With that odds stacked against you in simply facing the Hardcore Champion, Oblivion, by himself, how will you deal with both him AND The Society?
Guiliano: Hank, I'm sensing quite a bit of negativity and even doubt coming from your mouth when you speak about my upcoming match and I'm not sure why that is? Don't forget who you are interviewing and the odds I have already overcome to simply be standing here with you today. One man single-handedly took down the Team of Torture, one of the greatest stables the WCF has ever seen, and then just months later, that very same individual defeated Grave Digger, when he was known as Hector Rodriguez, in front of a hostile environment and with his brood of men known as MS-13. Are you trying to tell me that after going through all of that, that I can't handle Oblivion and a bunch of misfits?! Hank, the downfall of the WCF must have not only affected your salary and your career, but your mental state as well. Oblivion can bring the entire crew to the ring if he wants, its a hardcore match and it is for the Hardcore Title, there is noting that says he can't, but I will bring them all down one by one if I have to. He can trot Fort Knox, Dark Angel, Mini Oblivion, and even his pal Melissa down that ramp for all I care. The man that will be standing in the opposite corner of Oblivion and The Society is the man know as the ACE of Hardcore! I realize that the limelight is outrunning me and is about to disappear if I don't hurry up and start winning some matches, but Hank, to write me off before the bell even sounds is something that should simply not be done. Seth can have a handicap match where I face the entire roster at the same damn time and I would still be disappointed in you for hinting that I have no chance at victory. I know my way around a wrestling ring, I know my way around hardcore matches, and I know my way around men who run stables. I am the proverbial Lone Wolf here in the Wrestling Championship Federation and I plan on keeping it that way for as long as my career continues. I have no definition of the word “quit” in me and I don't plan on looking it up anytime soon. Go ahead and write me off Hank, go ahead and tell me that my career is over, that I am washed up and that my time in the spotlight has come and gone. I have made a living out of proving people wrong and I will be glad to add you to the list...
Hank: Hold up just a minute here, Allen. I was not trying to offend you in any way, I was simply asking how you planned to deal with both the current Hardcore Champion and his followers. Oblivion has recruited some talent to his Society and even though you are a great wrestler, that talent will be hard for you or anyone else to overcome. I know that I shouldn't even bring this up, but I have to think that it is in the back of people's minds after your recent results, but Allen, if you should happen to lose this match on Monday night, what would be next for Slickie T? Will you continue to stick it out and settle for the middle of the card and then ride off into the sunset after a long career or will you simply call it quits if another defeat should come your way?
Guiliano: Hank, I pray for both your soul and mine that you aren't bringing up the question of retirement. I really hope that isn't what you are asking me. Sure, I have other things I can focus on and I have been obviously distracted and not at my past over the last few weeks but for you to suggest that I should simply walk away from not only the WCF, but wrestling in general is an absolute insult. Losing on Monday is not an option and even if I should happen to be defeated, it will not be the last of Slickie T. It won't even be the end of a career in the highest tier of the WCF. I have a lot left in the tank, Hank, and quitting is not an option. If there is any reason that I should happen to even consider hanging up the boots, I will make it known to the public and I will be the one to break the news. It seems that I have fallen from grace from not only my colleagues, but also all employees of the WCF. I get it, Hank, I really do, I'm not what I used to be and I can admit that. The WCF is changing all the time. New talent is coming in and the veterans are starting to fade out, but even though I may be considered a veteran now, I have no intentions of becoming just another name in the history books. These new faces may only see the recent defeats that I have suffered and they may not have any respect for what I have done in the past, and honestly, I don't blame them one bit. Ever since I have come into this federation I have preached over and over again about how the past is irrelevant and the present and future are all that matter. Well, now I am the one that seems to be looking into the past for reassurance and that isn't how it should be. So...to answer your question, NO, I will not be calling it quits if for some reason I should happen to lose on Monday night Yes, it is true that I am not headlining the event, but there is no reason my name won't be back at the top of that card in the very near future.
Hank: Allen, a final question and I will be out of your way...Do you have any response to the enlightening poem that Oblivion and his crew recited to you in their recent appearance?
Guiliano: Hank, I have never been a man that has enjoyed poetry and the stanzas that were crudely constructed by Oblivion and The Society are no different. This is a case of a man who has no idea what he is about to face or who Allen Guiliano really is. To hide behind gimmicks, to simply mock my name in pursuit of a laugh or perhaps to get into my head, is something that I find to be a big waste of time and completely ineffective. There have been much worse shots taken at my personal life and at my family name than what Oblivion and his cronies dished out in their little sideshow. Talking about how I will drag my family name through the mud and how I speak with an accent simply doesn't make any sense. I was born and raised an Italian but had my coming of age right here in America. To mock my culture and to mock my past accomplishments will do nothing but awaken a sleeping giant. Many men in the WCF will tell you to simply let me be so they can continue to climb the ladder to the top. Superstars like Greenfever, who is competing for a World Title this week, want me to stay in my current state because they know damn well what I am capable of. Oblivion, you have no idea what you have conjured up and what you will be up against on Monday night. I do not fear shedding my own blood and I do not mind shedding the blood of others. Violence and bloodshed is nothing new to me. In fact, I was brought up to cause each. My family made their living through violence, through spilling blood, and through intimidation. Go ahead and call yourself a monster just like Greefever, but you are simply second best when it comes to the monsters of the WCF. Not only are you second best, but you are second of two, so I guess that would make you last. I do not fear you and I do not fear what you say you are going to do to me. I have been beaten within an inch of my life and came back to become World Champion. There is nothing that you can possibly do or promise to do that I have no seen and have no overcome before. You talk a big game, but your bark is much bigger than your bite. We will see who sheds blood in Reading and we will see who is face down in a puddle of their own, and as you like to say, choking on it.
Guiliano removes the lapel mic from the collar of his tank top and tosses it toward Hank, quickly walking away from the camera and out the door of the gym. Hank continues his face smile into the camera, knowing that he may have just bitten the hand that fed him for so long.
Hank: Well, there you have it from the Italian himself, the “Ace of Hardcore”, Slickie T. Join us again on Monday evening when we wrap up the latest edition of WCF Monday Night from Reading, Pennsylvania, where all five WCF belts will be up for grabs starting with the Television Title match between Ace Garrison and Doc Henry. After that, Bishop and Priest will take on The Cash Money Nightmares for the Tag Team Titles, followed by a United States Championship bout between current champion Steve Thunder, and rising star Karl Voronov. Setting up the main event will be the highly anticipated Hardcore Title match between the monster known as Oblivion and Slickie T, who will be making his hardcore debut. And then, the main even, the match that will decide who will lead the WCF into the new era, the triple threat World Title match between Greenfever, Creeping Death, and Johnny Reb. It should be a good one and I hope you will be there LIVE at the Reading Fairgrounds Mall. For Slickie T and the rest of the WCF crew, I'm Hank Brown and thanks for joining us tonight!
Hank quickly tosses his microphone to the cameraman and attempts to help him quickly disassemble and pack up the tripod that it has been sitting on. They mumble a few words amongst themselves as Hank simply shakes his head and carries out one of the two large cases that are now full of recording equipment. As the scene begins to fade to black, the voice of Allen Guiliano can once again be heard as the WCF logo appears.
“Oblivion, there will be no examples made this Monday night. There will be two men enter the ring and one will walk away with a Hardcore title belt around his waist. There will be bloodshed, I am sure of it, but it will not be because of the brutal beating that you have planned. Unlike some of the opponents that you have faced and successfully defended your title against in the past, I am not one who will simply go toe to toe with you and exchange blows. I am more of a tactician, someone who thinks things through before they act. I am not your typical hardcore opponent and you are not a typical human being. In the past, I have made promises that I simply failed to keep and this week will be different. I am not promising a victory and I am not promising a resurgence in my career, but I will promise one hell of a much in Reading.
Assemble your minions, write your poems, and sing your songs, because the celebration, the freak show, and the title reign ends. I have longed to get a shot at the Hardcore Championship here in the WCF, but obviously I have had bigger and better things to take care. Now, the only thing I have to worry about is you. There is no World Title shot for me, there is no hope of a World Title shot, just the chance to wear the only belt that has eluded me thus far in the Wrestling Championship Federation. Oblivion, this is your chance to put your name on the map, your chance to show Seth Lerch that you belong in the World Championship picture. I have provided that opportunity for Greenfever and I'm sure you want nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. I seem to be the stepping stone to stardom nowadays and I plan on bucking that trend as soon as possible. Even though you are not playing with a full deck, I'm sure you understand that there is more at stake than just your Hardcore Championship and like I said before, feel free to bring all your friends down to the ring with you and stack the odds in your favor as much as possible, because no matter how many you bring, there will only be ONE man standing there waiting for you, but that one man will take you to hell and back and that one man will be the next Hardcore Champion. Our match is the lead in to the main event, but I'm sure that after all is said and done and after the dust has settled, it will be the topic of conversation the next day. The masses will not be discussing Greenfever, Creeping Death, or Johnny Reb, they will still be in shock and awe over what they witnessed when the 6'2 225-pound Sicilian took on the 6'5 beast known as Oblivion.
You speak of death, you speak of broken bones, and you speak of blood. None of that is foreign to me, but remember, bigger men, stronger men, more talented men have promised those things as well before stepping into the ring with me and many have failed to even come through one one. Will you the one that finally makes a dent? The one that finally goes 1 for 3? The World Cup is upon us and the last place I want to be when The Azzuri is playing is in that wrestling ring, so I will do my best to make quick work of you on Monday night.
To answer the question that you posed to me earlier, yes, you have my attention, but now the question that goes out to you and the rest of the public is....Do I have yours? Forza Italia.”
The screen remains black as the voice of Guiliano fades to nothing.
Also on the mind of the Sicilian are his recent struggles when it comes to his in-ring performance. Upon arriving in the federation he seemed to be the man who could simply not be defeated, now he is face to face with the other end of the spectrum, losing three straight matches, two of which have been for opportunities to gain what he has sought ever since suffering defeat to Chad Evans at Timebomb, the WCF World Title. The loss to Creeping Death seemed unavoidable considering the mayhem and absolute devastation that followed, but suffering defeat to the one main that nearly ended his career in his own place of business is simply inexcusable. Sure, the tangible banners that bore his face have been removed due to the budget cuts and current state of the Wrestling Championship Federation, but he cannot even claim to be the proverbial “face of the WCF” after his recent troubles. As the thoughts of his fall of grace run through his head and rival Germany nets another goal against the Socceroos, the pace of his steps increases and the sweat begins to pour from his forehead, off his brow, and onto the moving tread below. The sheer white tank top that is worn on his upper body is completely saturated and the black shorts below are in nearly the same state. His black and white Nikes continue to pound out a quick pace before the hum of the machine suddenly slows and eventually stops as Guiliano tugs the key from the treadmill to bring it to a halt.
The white towel white towel that hangs from the bar of the treadmill is quickly snatched up by Guiliano's sweaty hand as he tosses it over the back of his neck and begins to make its way toward the glass door that will lead him back into the hallway. However, his stride is interrupted as the familiar face of Hank Brown comes into view on the other side of the door as the interview makes his way into the training room, uninvited, with a WCF cameraman in tow. Guiliano looks on in disbelief and gives a shake of the head, motioning toward the treadmill and then the television, but Brown is undeterred and continues to go on setting up for the interview, simply handing the subject of his upcoming interview a mic, while he checks the wireless one that he has been assigned. After a healthy sigh, Guiliano clips the button-sized mic onto his lapel and clips the other end on the back of his pants, coating them both with a moist layer of sweat.
Hank: They told me that I might find you here! Sorry to interrupt you in the middle of a workout, but the budget cuts are hurting the video crew as well. Well, to tell you the truth, all that is left of the crew is the two of us. We now have to travel together, pay for our own hotel rooms, and set up our own interviews. I figured that you wouldn't mind one since you have been extremely easy to work with in the past and I NEED some content if I want to keep my job. So, sit tight for a few minutes and we will get started.
Guiliano: Hank, buddy, I don't mind helping you out once in awhile, but a little notice would have been nice. This new version of the WCF is different for all of us, but simply walking in on me unannounced, handing me a mic, and saying you are going to start an interview is no way to keep me on your good side. We are all struggling here, not just you. I went from selling out Madison Square Garden to a half-full high school gymnasium. Also, what could you possibly want to interview me for? I have been the whipping post of the WCF for the last few weeks.
Hank: All the “superstars” still have the egos that they used to have when we were in the old WCF and they are impossible to get a sit down with. Like I said, you were easy to work with in the past and I figured I could come to you anytime and you would be up for it. Besides, it looks like you could use a little break before you exhaust yourself for Monday Night. I'm sure there are a few people out there that want to know what the self-proclaimed “Ace of Hardcore” is up to before his first Hardcore Title match here in the WCF.
Guiliano: Hank, there aren't enough people out there that care about me to waste tape on at this point. I've been reduced to the hardcore division because I'm not getting it done when I have done battle with the big boys. I find it a little annoying that you come in here and get an interview with me because you say the “superstars” won't give you the time of day. Glad to see that I have fallen off the map of the interviewer. Also, I'm not the “self-proclaimed Ace of Hardcore”, I was given that name after my debut matches in the first federation that I called home, the GEWF. For some reason, the owner only booked me in Hardcore Matches and I went 4-0 to start my career and win the first ever GEWF Hardcore Title. A title that I never lost and was forced to vacate after winning another belt. What high horse do you think you rode in on anyway?
Hank: Allen, please, just relax, give that usual smirk to the camera and let's get started. I have some questions that I prepared on the ride over here that I think the people really want to hear some answers to. Well, not only the people, but also me as well. No offense, but the state of your career has been like that of the WCF. You seemed to have a firm grasp at the top, then Creeping Death came along and now look where the both of us are at.
Guiliano: Hank, if I didn't consider you a friend, I would be planting your face into the mirror right now. I think I have been more than nice to let you do this interview and you have done nothing but disrespect me ever since barging in here on my workout and frankly the only time that I will have to myself today. Or the only time I THOUGHT I had to myself today. With that being said, I have a few words for you before we get this interview started and after I speak my piece you can decide if you want to continue with it or not. Hank, I'm going to be brutally honest with you right now, you are....
The man behind the camera focuses the lens on both Guiliano and Brown, who is standing with a forced smile, holding the microphone with a makeshift mic tent on it with “WCF” scribbled on the side in black Sharpie marker. He extends a hand high in the air for both to see and counts down from five...four...three...two...and then points toward the two men standing just a few feet away.
Hank: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Hank Brown and wherever you may be this evening, thanks for making us part of your day. Joining me tonight is former WCF World Title holder and contender for the WCF Hardcore Championship, the “Ace of Hardcore”, Allen Guiliano, better known to the wrestling world as Slickie T. Allen, thanks for taking time out of your evening to join me, and not to start things off on a negative note, but what can we expect from you going forward after your recent losses to Grave Digger and Greenfever? You were once a World Champion and have now slipped into the Hardcore ranks here in the Wrestling Championship Federation.
Guiliano: Hank, I think that it is a little more than just less than expected performances by me inside the squared circle. Ever since that fateful day when I pinned Logan to become the WCF World Champion I have had a target on my back that has not gone away, even after I was beaten by Chad Evans. When my name is written next to another wrestler, that opponent prepares harder than he would for another superstar and makes sure that he brings everything he has against a name such as mine, and unfortunately, I have been on the losing end of several matches that I feel, and I'm sure the fans feel, I should be winning. I don't mean to take anything away from Grave Digger or Greenfever as wrestlers, they are extremely talented and have proved that in the past, but when I am at my best, I win both of those matches without problem. This week, as you said, I have been demoted a little bit if you will, but it is my chance to get my hands on the one title I have yet to hold in the WCF. I broke into the federation and won the United States Title from Mikami, was a World Tag Team Champion with Torture, however short lived and false that may I have been, and then, my latest strap was that of the World Championship. Maybe this is the kind of match, against the kind of opponent to get myself back on track and start putting more tallies in the “W” column. That 23 in the win column seems to be an unlucky number for me.
Hank: Allen, you are obviously a wealthy man and have succeed in nearly all aspects of your life, but what do you think of this “new version” of the WCF, or at least the WCF that has been left after the actions of Grave Digger? As you mentioned before the interview, you were selling out stadiums such as MSG and the Los Angeles Coliseum, and now you are wrestling in front of nearly empty high school gyms where spectators, not necessarily fans of any wrestlers, sit in folding chairs. I'm sure that may have something to do with your performance in the ring and I'm sure it reduces your will to win those matches knowing that the personal rewards and financial gains are...well...nothing.
Guiliano: Hank, that has nothing to do with it at all. As you said, I have been fortunate enough to be well off financially, and if Seth wanted my help, I would certainly give it to propel the WCF back to what it once was, but I think both he and I have bigger and better aspirations for this federation. When it comes to my wrestling career, the venue, the opponent, the personal gain, it all means nothing. I am out there to be an entertainer and to put on the best show possible. As of late, I have failed to do that and to those fans that have followed me all the way down to the local shows, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I still get goosebumps and feel the energy from the fans when I see Slickie T signs, shirts, and hats, no matter if they are sprinkled in a crowd of 50 or make up the majority of a crown of 50,000. Each and ever fan, even if they are rooting against me, deserves my 100% effort and that's what I plan on giving them. This week, it is the fans of Reading, Pennsylvania that will be the ones who are in for a treat. Seth has decided to put me in my first scheduled hardcore match and I plan on proving and showing the roster why I have the nickname that I do and why I should still be mentioned in the World Title conversation.
Hank: I'm glad that you brought that nickname up, because not only have fans been asking about it, but I am also curious to know why, where, and how you were issued the “Ace of Hardcore” mantra. As you said, this is your first, true hardcore match and luckily for you, it is for the Hardcore Title. Oblivion is the current title holder, but with a name like the “Ace of Hardcore” I would have to think that the money here in Vegas is on you. Why don't you enlighten us about the story of your name.
Guiliano: I won't go into the full story, but I was given the name by my fellow wrestlers in the GEWF, the first federation I wrestled in, after winning all of my hardcore matches and become the organizations first Hardcore Champion. The federation closed after about a year of production and I remained undefeated in matches where hardcore rules applied. The name really started to stick after defeating an opponent who called himself the “King of Hardcore” and in my line of work, the Ace beats the King every time, thus, the “Ace of Hardcore” was born. To give you a little history lesson, I have held the Hardcore Title in every federation that I have been a part of except for this one and I plan on changing that this Monday night. Guys like Oblivion and Greenfever may have the look and the demeanor of what you would think a hardcore wrestler is about, but I made myself famous through suicidal moves and my unorthodox high-flying style of wrestling. My frame is larger than that of the typical lucha libre, but I possess all the high-flying moves that they use and have added some of my own that I tried out and perfected in the gyms of Chicago. I have tried to make myself a more versatile wrestler over the years in order to be successful against a variety of opponents and now I feel that I am at the level that those who I face are now planning ways to stop me instead of the other way around. It used to just be the T-Bone and Omerta as my finishing move, but ask a variety of guys around here in the WCF and they will tell you that the Ace of Spades is just as effective.
Hank: Obviously you will be facing a bigger man in Oblivion this week and you are not stranger to those as you are usually the smaller figure in most of your matches, but how do you handle someone like Oblivion, a man who outweighs you by almost 100 pounds, in a hardcore rules match? There are no rules, there are no DQs, as weapons are not only legal but encouraged! Do you go for weapons and try to chop the big man down or have you developed another way to earn victories against the big men, and I'm sure that you do not want to suffer another loss no matter who it is to.
Guiliano: Like I said earlier, Hank, I'm not the kind of wrestler that plans for opponents anymore. Even though I haven't stepped into the ring in a hardcore rules situation before doesn't mean I don't know my way around the ring when the moment should arise. These are the kind of matches where I feel most comfortable and Oblivion will realize that soon enough when the bell sounds in Reading. I have been facing men who are larger than me ever since I decided to lace up the boots and look at the record that I have accumulated. The bigger they are, the harder they fall and as mammoth as Oblivion is, expect one hard fall, especially when his title becomes in and I complete the “Grand Slam”, so to speak, here in the WCF.
Hank: Another thing that you will have to prepare for is the well-known group called The Society that accompanies Oblivion and their “tactics”, for lack of a better word, have caused problems with many wrestlers here in the WCF. With that odds stacked against you in simply facing the Hardcore Champion, Oblivion, by himself, how will you deal with both him AND The Society?
Guiliano: Hank, I'm sensing quite a bit of negativity and even doubt coming from your mouth when you speak about my upcoming match and I'm not sure why that is? Don't forget who you are interviewing and the odds I have already overcome to simply be standing here with you today. One man single-handedly took down the Team of Torture, one of the greatest stables the WCF has ever seen, and then just months later, that very same individual defeated Grave Digger, when he was known as Hector Rodriguez, in front of a hostile environment and with his brood of men known as MS-13. Are you trying to tell me that after going through all of that, that I can't handle Oblivion and a bunch of misfits?! Hank, the downfall of the WCF must have not only affected your salary and your career, but your mental state as well. Oblivion can bring the entire crew to the ring if he wants, its a hardcore match and it is for the Hardcore Title, there is noting that says he can't, but I will bring them all down one by one if I have to. He can trot Fort Knox, Dark Angel, Mini Oblivion, and even his pal Melissa down that ramp for all I care. The man that will be standing in the opposite corner of Oblivion and The Society is the man know as the ACE of Hardcore! I realize that the limelight is outrunning me and is about to disappear if I don't hurry up and start winning some matches, but Hank, to write me off before the bell even sounds is something that should simply not be done. Seth can have a handicap match where I face the entire roster at the same damn time and I would still be disappointed in you for hinting that I have no chance at victory. I know my way around a wrestling ring, I know my way around hardcore matches, and I know my way around men who run stables. I am the proverbial Lone Wolf here in the Wrestling Championship Federation and I plan on keeping it that way for as long as my career continues. I have no definition of the word “quit” in me and I don't plan on looking it up anytime soon. Go ahead and write me off Hank, go ahead and tell me that my career is over, that I am washed up and that my time in the spotlight has come and gone. I have made a living out of proving people wrong and I will be glad to add you to the list...
Hank: Hold up just a minute here, Allen. I was not trying to offend you in any way, I was simply asking how you planned to deal with both the current Hardcore Champion and his followers. Oblivion has recruited some talent to his Society and even though you are a great wrestler, that talent will be hard for you or anyone else to overcome. I know that I shouldn't even bring this up, but I have to think that it is in the back of people's minds after your recent results, but Allen, if you should happen to lose this match on Monday night, what would be next for Slickie T? Will you continue to stick it out and settle for the middle of the card and then ride off into the sunset after a long career or will you simply call it quits if another defeat should come your way?
Guiliano: Hank, I pray for both your soul and mine that you aren't bringing up the question of retirement. I really hope that isn't what you are asking me. Sure, I have other things I can focus on and I have been obviously distracted and not at my past over the last few weeks but for you to suggest that I should simply walk away from not only the WCF, but wrestling in general is an absolute insult. Losing on Monday is not an option and even if I should happen to be defeated, it will not be the last of Slickie T. It won't even be the end of a career in the highest tier of the WCF. I have a lot left in the tank, Hank, and quitting is not an option. If there is any reason that I should happen to even consider hanging up the boots, I will make it known to the public and I will be the one to break the news. It seems that I have fallen from grace from not only my colleagues, but also all employees of the WCF. I get it, Hank, I really do, I'm not what I used to be and I can admit that. The WCF is changing all the time. New talent is coming in and the veterans are starting to fade out, but even though I may be considered a veteran now, I have no intentions of becoming just another name in the history books. These new faces may only see the recent defeats that I have suffered and they may not have any respect for what I have done in the past, and honestly, I don't blame them one bit. Ever since I have come into this federation I have preached over and over again about how the past is irrelevant and the present and future are all that matter. Well, now I am the one that seems to be looking into the past for reassurance and that isn't how it should be. So...to answer your question, NO, I will not be calling it quits if for some reason I should happen to lose on Monday night Yes, it is true that I am not headlining the event, but there is no reason my name won't be back at the top of that card in the very near future.
Hank: Allen, a final question and I will be out of your way...Do you have any response to the enlightening poem that Oblivion and his crew recited to you in their recent appearance?
Guiliano: Hank, I have never been a man that has enjoyed poetry and the stanzas that were crudely constructed by Oblivion and The Society are no different. This is a case of a man who has no idea what he is about to face or who Allen Guiliano really is. To hide behind gimmicks, to simply mock my name in pursuit of a laugh or perhaps to get into my head, is something that I find to be a big waste of time and completely ineffective. There have been much worse shots taken at my personal life and at my family name than what Oblivion and his cronies dished out in their little sideshow. Talking about how I will drag my family name through the mud and how I speak with an accent simply doesn't make any sense. I was born and raised an Italian but had my coming of age right here in America. To mock my culture and to mock my past accomplishments will do nothing but awaken a sleeping giant. Many men in the WCF will tell you to simply let me be so they can continue to climb the ladder to the top. Superstars like Greenfever, who is competing for a World Title this week, want me to stay in my current state because they know damn well what I am capable of. Oblivion, you have no idea what you have conjured up and what you will be up against on Monday night. I do not fear shedding my own blood and I do not mind shedding the blood of others. Violence and bloodshed is nothing new to me. In fact, I was brought up to cause each. My family made their living through violence, through spilling blood, and through intimidation. Go ahead and call yourself a monster just like Greefever, but you are simply second best when it comes to the monsters of the WCF. Not only are you second best, but you are second of two, so I guess that would make you last. I do not fear you and I do not fear what you say you are going to do to me. I have been beaten within an inch of my life and came back to become World Champion. There is nothing that you can possibly do or promise to do that I have no seen and have no overcome before. You talk a big game, but your bark is much bigger than your bite. We will see who sheds blood in Reading and we will see who is face down in a puddle of their own, and as you like to say, choking on it.
Guiliano removes the lapel mic from the collar of his tank top and tosses it toward Hank, quickly walking away from the camera and out the door of the gym. Hank continues his face smile into the camera, knowing that he may have just bitten the hand that fed him for so long.
Hank: Well, there you have it from the Italian himself, the “Ace of Hardcore”, Slickie T. Join us again on Monday evening when we wrap up the latest edition of WCF Monday Night from Reading, Pennsylvania, where all five WCF belts will be up for grabs starting with the Television Title match between Ace Garrison and Doc Henry. After that, Bishop and Priest will take on The Cash Money Nightmares for the Tag Team Titles, followed by a United States Championship bout between current champion Steve Thunder, and rising star Karl Voronov. Setting up the main event will be the highly anticipated Hardcore Title match between the monster known as Oblivion and Slickie T, who will be making his hardcore debut. And then, the main even, the match that will decide who will lead the WCF into the new era, the triple threat World Title match between Greenfever, Creeping Death, and Johnny Reb. It should be a good one and I hope you will be there LIVE at the Reading Fairgrounds Mall. For Slickie T and the rest of the WCF crew, I'm Hank Brown and thanks for joining us tonight!
Hank quickly tosses his microphone to the cameraman and attempts to help him quickly disassemble and pack up the tripod that it has been sitting on. They mumble a few words amongst themselves as Hank simply shakes his head and carries out one of the two large cases that are now full of recording equipment. As the scene begins to fade to black, the voice of Allen Guiliano can once again be heard as the WCF logo appears.
“Oblivion, there will be no examples made this Monday night. There will be two men enter the ring and one will walk away with a Hardcore title belt around his waist. There will be bloodshed, I am sure of it, but it will not be because of the brutal beating that you have planned. Unlike some of the opponents that you have faced and successfully defended your title against in the past, I am not one who will simply go toe to toe with you and exchange blows. I am more of a tactician, someone who thinks things through before they act. I am not your typical hardcore opponent and you are not a typical human being. In the past, I have made promises that I simply failed to keep and this week will be different. I am not promising a victory and I am not promising a resurgence in my career, but I will promise one hell of a much in Reading.
Assemble your minions, write your poems, and sing your songs, because the celebration, the freak show, and the title reign ends. I have longed to get a shot at the Hardcore Championship here in the WCF, but obviously I have had bigger and better things to take care. Now, the only thing I have to worry about is you. There is no World Title shot for me, there is no hope of a World Title shot, just the chance to wear the only belt that has eluded me thus far in the Wrestling Championship Federation. Oblivion, this is your chance to put your name on the map, your chance to show Seth Lerch that you belong in the World Championship picture. I have provided that opportunity for Greenfever and I'm sure you want nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. I seem to be the stepping stone to stardom nowadays and I plan on bucking that trend as soon as possible. Even though you are not playing with a full deck, I'm sure you understand that there is more at stake than just your Hardcore Championship and like I said before, feel free to bring all your friends down to the ring with you and stack the odds in your favor as much as possible, because no matter how many you bring, there will only be ONE man standing there waiting for you, but that one man will take you to hell and back and that one man will be the next Hardcore Champion. Our match is the lead in to the main event, but I'm sure that after all is said and done and after the dust has settled, it will be the topic of conversation the next day. The masses will not be discussing Greenfever, Creeping Death, or Johnny Reb, they will still be in shock and awe over what they witnessed when the 6'2 225-pound Sicilian took on the 6'5 beast known as Oblivion.
You speak of death, you speak of broken bones, and you speak of blood. None of that is foreign to me, but remember, bigger men, stronger men, more talented men have promised those things as well before stepping into the ring with me and many have failed to even come through one one. Will you the one that finally makes a dent? The one that finally goes 1 for 3? The World Cup is upon us and the last place I want to be when The Azzuri is playing is in that wrestling ring, so I will do my best to make quick work of you on Monday night.
To answer the question that you posed to me earlier, yes, you have my attention, but now the question that goes out to you and the rest of the public is....Do I have yours? Forza Italia.”
The screen remains black as the voice of Guiliano fades to nothing.
