Post by Allen Guiliano on Jun 28, 2010 14:18:45 GMT -5
A large projector screen hangs from the ceiling of a sizable room and seven men are seated in a row of seats that would be found in a movie theater as the scene opens. Their backs are two the camera and they wear the soccer jerseys of their native countries as the game between the United States and Ghana plays on the screen. From right to left, the first three jerseys read “Donovan”, “Dempsey”, “Altidore” in white print on the familiar blues worn by the US. The three jerseys to the right of center bear the names “Rooney”, “Torres”, and “Klose”. The man in the middle, who seemed to be of a slightly larger stature than the other six, wore the infamous blue jersey of the Azzuri. A bold move seeing as how the 2006 World Cup champions failed to even advance out of the group state with their less then stellar performances in their only three games of the 2010 event. However, the individual wore the jersey proudly and the “21” below the “Pirlo” seemed to stand out amongst the rest of the shirts.
A buzz fills the room as the screen now shows the moment where the ball is chipped over the outstretched Tim Howard and into the back of the US goal to give Ghana the 2-1 victory in extra time. Disgust and agony come over the three in US shirts, while the other four are either indifferent or getting a laugh out of the disappointment of the US fans. As the coverage of the match ends and the analysis begins, the projector is turned off and the men begin to disperse, but not before some friendly ribbing amongst them. The man in the Italian shirt, who can now be identified as Allen Guiliano, puts his arms around two of the dejected US backers and lets the comments begin.
Guiliano: I told you that you shouldn't be getting your hopes up about advancing to the next round. This entire country was writing Ghana off because they didn't score a goal except on penalty kicks in the group stage and looked what happened.
US Fan #1: Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was the same story as before. Give up a goal in the first 15 minutes, make it dramatic by tying it and then lose a close one in the end. I know we weren't supposed to raise the cup at the end of the tournament, but it would have been nice for 2010 to be something special in American soccer as the draw worked out quite nicely for us, but as always, we came up short once again.
US Fan #2: I don't want to hear any criticism from an Italian fan. Your defensive strategy didn't work so well this time around did it? How was that plane ride back home for the old guys after they choked against Slovakia? Tell Lippi to actually bring the players who have talent to the World Cup next time and not just Juventus players. They were terrible in Serie A this year and as predicted, were terrible in the World Cup.
Guiliano: It was disappointing, but did anyone really think we could defend the title? No. We went ahead and let our fans down easy by losing in the group stage instead of giving them hope, winning the group, and then playing our worst game of the tournament in the round of 16. I agree that the Americans deserved the win over Algeria and was glad to see the late goal, but let's be honest, that was about the only game where they outplayed the opponent. And don't give me all that crap about the disallowed goal, because as bad as that call was, if they play ANY kind of defense in the first 25 minutes of that game they don't have to worry about being down 2-nil. Just letting guys dribble up to the box and takes shots as they please obviously wasn't working for them.
US Fan #1: I understand that, but c'mon, we all know that should have been a goal and then in the game against Algeria they took another one away from us on a phantom offside call. I was hoping that karma would come around and be on our side but obviously not.
Spain Fan: Karma can't defend for you!
The seven erupt into laughter at the unexpected and witty response from the Spaniard. With the comment, he shrugs and opens the door behind him, disappearing back inside the building. The Englishman and German begin to mull over the upcoming match between their two countries. As they do, Guiliano opens a separate side door for the three US fans and gives them each a pat on the back as they exit the room, as they crowd is now down to three.
England fan: So we meeting back here tomorrow to watch the Three Lions take down those Germans? We are going to be the opposite of the US and recover in the knock-out round and just like in World War II, the Germans will be the victim!
Germany fan: Awful confident over there aren't you? I think it is going to be a repeat of four years ago and we are going to bounce you from the tournament once again. You have to score goals in this round to win, my friend. You can't just tie nil-nil. I tell you what, why don't we make a little wager on this match. I will be right back here tomorrow for this game whether Guiliano is here or not.
England fan: Fair enough. I will be here as well, but how much do you feel like losing? I could use a little extra cash and this is about the safest bet I could think of. So, name your price and I will gladly agree.
Germany fan: Let's make the stakes a little interesting. When Germany wins, you will have to wear this Klose shirt to work on Monday AND buy me dinner at the Palms!
England fan: I will agree to that and the opposite will be true when England wins. You wear a Rooney jersey for a day and buy ME dinner at the Palms!
Guiliano simply shakes his head, chuckling at the wager between the two employees.
Guiliano: Dinner at the Palms, huh? This place isn't good enough for you so you have to go down the street to the Palms. I see how it is. I guess the next time I give bonus checks I will just save myself some paper and buy you gift certificates to the Palms....
The two employees give a blank stare back at Guiliano and then shrug before giving a smile and all three share a laugh.
Guiliano: Both of you, get the hell out of here and try to get some work done today. I will have this place open tomorrow if you want to come back and watch your game. As a matter of fact, I may attend myself and keep you two separated and honest on your bets. See you gentlemen tomorrow.
The Italian pulls open the side doors to the theater once again and the German and Englishman make their way through the archway and back into the belly of the casino. They disappear from view after using a key card to open a door that reads “Employees Only”, presumably to change out of their shirts and back into their uniforms.
Guiliano turns and lets the door close behind him, knowing that he is the only one that remains inside the lavish viewing room. He once again sits down in one of the folding seats and relaxes, letting his head relax back the best it can against the top of the seat and flips through the stations of the projector using a touch screen remote that rests at this side. After quickly rolling through 20 or 30 channels and finding nothing to his liking, he turns the lights up and turns off the projector, making his way over to a large poster and “advancing” Ghana in the large World Cup bracket with the stroke of a black Sharpie pen. Guliano simply drops the pen as a string attached to the end catches it and allows it to dangle next to the poster. The Sicilian then turns and smirks into the camera, knowing the small, yet important audience and opponents that are hanging on his words.
“It seems that Allen Guiliano has officially made his return to the Hardcore ranks ladies and gentlemen. The Ace of Hardcore has returned and three more men stand in my way this Monday night in Philadelphia. Although newcomers, my opponents seem determined not only to take my title, but also make a name for themselves by knocking off one of the elite in the WCF, well at least one of them does. Not sure what Shaun Jackson and Jonathan Swift are up to, but Jaguar has made it publicly known that he isn't happy that it has taken me so long to respond to his comments at what seems to be “rigorous” training sessions.
Jaguar, I won't make the comparisons like the Karate Kid that you claim everyone else seems to do, but if I have once piece of advice to give you for our match, it is that it is going to take a little more than just sweeping the leg to come away with a win at Rebirth. Are you a formidable opponent and do I admire your determination and confidence? Sure. But let's bring reality back into the picture here. The man who I defeated last week, Obivlion, was more of a threat to me than all three men I will be in the ring with on Monday combined. However, there is no need to take any of you lightly, especially after the recent shortcomings that I have suffered and there would be nothing more disappointing than following up a Hardcore title victory with a loss the very next week. Jaguar, I respect your determination and I know what it feels like to be the one that no one seems to pay attention to early in your career, but believe me, I am paying attention. The very day that card was announced, I starting paying very close attention to not only your words, but your actions as well. I know more about you than you think I do and even though we have never met before or really had any reason to interact, your arsenal of moves, your mastery of the martial arts, will come as no surprise. This is a hardcore match my friend and those tactics simply come up short when foreign objects are brought into the equation.
I suppose I should have started off by welcoming you all to this federation, but then again I think you will get quite the welcome and proper introduction after you make your way into the squared circle on Sunday. As for Mr. Jackson and Mr. Swift, this is a free for all fellas, no tag team, no rest on the apron after a tag, this is do or die, each man for himself in a hardcore situation. This is not for the faint of heart and for everyone that was doubting that I could make a return to the hardcore ranks, well, ask Oblivion what he thinks about that statement. I was written off, left for dead, and doubted as soon as the card was released, but I have been that many times before and overcome greater odds. This first pay-per-view event of the new era of the WCF is aptly named. It is not only a rebirth of a once great organization, but also the rebirth of Allen Guiliano as a respectable and hardened veteran wrestler. I will admit that I was probably getting a little soft and relaxing a bit once that World Championship was finally mine and perhaps that carried over after the fact that Chad Evans had taken it away from me and even up to the matches where I had chances to earn my way back into matches for that World Title again. But now, after everything that has gone on, after all the disarray with the WCF, with the World Title division, it has made me realize that things can change in an instant and your day in the sun can end in a moment's notice.
Jackson and Swift, there is nothing more I can say to the two of you. You have remained silent in your views on your chance to become the Hardcore champion and I frown upon that. Sure, I have also kept to myself, but what does a man like me have to say anymore? I think I have proven what I am capable of and there is not a soul out there that I can or will impress. Those who follow me are still there and those who root against me in each and every match are still there as well. For you two, I must say, I think your missing out on a golden opportunity. And I don't mean the opportunity to come out and promise domination or guarantee that you will win your match at Rebirth, but the opportunity to earn some respect by your fellow competitors. Sure, respect doesn't lead to wins and losses and may not mean much to you now, but I assure you, it will get you more friends than enemies and more pros than cons. It is something that seemed to go by the way side in the former generation of the Wrestling Championship Federation, and with the World Title holder we currently have, perhaps many thing it will remain that way, but that simply won't be the case. So, Swift, Jack, good luck to the both of you Monday night. Something tells me you are going to need it.
Jaguar, like I said before, I like your courage, I like your determination, and I like your work ethic, but it is also that naive approach that will get you in trouble on Monday night and during the rest of your career. Sure, you're confident, think you can bring down the world through martial arts and keeping yourself in shape, but son, let me tell you something, in this world, in matches like these, it takes more than hard work to succeed. There is an evil streak that is required to win matches like this and I don't see it in you, Jags. Can I call you, Jags? It is something that cannot be taught and is seldom acquired. You are either born with it in you or you aren't. Its that simple. It was something that was instilled in me at a young age and something that I have had to learn to suppress in everyday life, but when that bell rings for a hardcore match, not to mention a hardcore match where my title is on the life, that pure evil inside me rears its head and the anger from my youth is expelled. I'm not going to come out and say that I will defeat you because anything can happen when rules are thrown out the window and weapons are encouraged, but your innocence already has you at a disadvantage. Don't let the result of Monday night destroy your confidence if indeed you are on the short end of things. Use it to learn, to make yourself better, and to make your training more efficient. Jags, I hate that we must come face to face for the first time under these circumstances. Best of luck to you young man.
As for the rest of the roster, the media, and the WCF fans as a whole, Philly will be about more than cheesesteaks and brotherly love for me. Many have asked what I think about the fact that the man I defeated for the Hardcore Title is getting a shot at World gold this week. To be perfectly honest, I could care less. I'm done worrying about the rest of the federation, done thinking about what might have been, and done trying to plead my case to men like Seth Lerch. He knows what I can do, he is fully aware of what I am capable of, and knew what would happen as soon as he booked me in the Hardcore Title match. He knew of my past and the streak that I have accumulated in hardcore matches. Sure, some doubters may say that the level of talent in hardcore matches isn't the best, but I still have yet to suffer a defeat. It actually brings a smile to my face knowing a man I just beat was considered as a contender for the World Championship. If he was the #1 Contender and I just earned a victory over him, then what does that make me? I would assume next in line, but you never know in situations like these. It is a different time now here in the WCF and I am making the most of it. With all these shows being out here on the east coast it has been draining traveling back and forth from Las Vegas week after week, but isn't sacrifice what sports entertainment is about. I have sacrifice much more than just my time over the past year I have been here and I'm sure there will be more to come. Rebirth will be just that for the WCF and for the Hardcore Title as well. I have already proven to the masses that it doesn't take a psycho to be Hardcore Champion, just that little bit of darkness and pure evil that I mentioned before. This new WCF isn't for the faint of heart. The new talent is remarkable and Rebirth will show the wrestling world that the WCF will be back and better than ever. However, that new talent also has to take its lumps before being the new guard. How unfortunate for my opponents this week that I have a little extra motivation as after the World Cup results from my native land, they need something to cheer about...and I will give it to them. Forza Italia..Mi Amore!
Guiliano makes his way toward once of the side doors of the theater, flipping off the light switch as the bulbs begin to dim and eventually fade to black as the final sound to be heard is that of the latch on the closing door.
A buzz fills the room as the screen now shows the moment where the ball is chipped over the outstretched Tim Howard and into the back of the US goal to give Ghana the 2-1 victory in extra time. Disgust and agony come over the three in US shirts, while the other four are either indifferent or getting a laugh out of the disappointment of the US fans. As the coverage of the match ends and the analysis begins, the projector is turned off and the men begin to disperse, but not before some friendly ribbing amongst them. The man in the Italian shirt, who can now be identified as Allen Guiliano, puts his arms around two of the dejected US backers and lets the comments begin.
Guiliano: I told you that you shouldn't be getting your hopes up about advancing to the next round. This entire country was writing Ghana off because they didn't score a goal except on penalty kicks in the group stage and looked what happened.
US Fan #1: Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was the same story as before. Give up a goal in the first 15 minutes, make it dramatic by tying it and then lose a close one in the end. I know we weren't supposed to raise the cup at the end of the tournament, but it would have been nice for 2010 to be something special in American soccer as the draw worked out quite nicely for us, but as always, we came up short once again.
US Fan #2: I don't want to hear any criticism from an Italian fan. Your defensive strategy didn't work so well this time around did it? How was that plane ride back home for the old guys after they choked against Slovakia? Tell Lippi to actually bring the players who have talent to the World Cup next time and not just Juventus players. They were terrible in Serie A this year and as predicted, were terrible in the World Cup.
Guiliano: It was disappointing, but did anyone really think we could defend the title? No. We went ahead and let our fans down easy by losing in the group stage instead of giving them hope, winning the group, and then playing our worst game of the tournament in the round of 16. I agree that the Americans deserved the win over Algeria and was glad to see the late goal, but let's be honest, that was about the only game where they outplayed the opponent. And don't give me all that crap about the disallowed goal, because as bad as that call was, if they play ANY kind of defense in the first 25 minutes of that game they don't have to worry about being down 2-nil. Just letting guys dribble up to the box and takes shots as they please obviously wasn't working for them.
US Fan #1: I understand that, but c'mon, we all know that should have been a goal and then in the game against Algeria they took another one away from us on a phantom offside call. I was hoping that karma would come around and be on our side but obviously not.
Spain Fan: Karma can't defend for you!
The seven erupt into laughter at the unexpected and witty response from the Spaniard. With the comment, he shrugs and opens the door behind him, disappearing back inside the building. The Englishman and German begin to mull over the upcoming match between their two countries. As they do, Guiliano opens a separate side door for the three US fans and gives them each a pat on the back as they exit the room, as they crowd is now down to three.
England fan: So we meeting back here tomorrow to watch the Three Lions take down those Germans? We are going to be the opposite of the US and recover in the knock-out round and just like in World War II, the Germans will be the victim!
Germany fan: Awful confident over there aren't you? I think it is going to be a repeat of four years ago and we are going to bounce you from the tournament once again. You have to score goals in this round to win, my friend. You can't just tie nil-nil. I tell you what, why don't we make a little wager on this match. I will be right back here tomorrow for this game whether Guiliano is here or not.
England fan: Fair enough. I will be here as well, but how much do you feel like losing? I could use a little extra cash and this is about the safest bet I could think of. So, name your price and I will gladly agree.
Germany fan: Let's make the stakes a little interesting. When Germany wins, you will have to wear this Klose shirt to work on Monday AND buy me dinner at the Palms!
England fan: I will agree to that and the opposite will be true when England wins. You wear a Rooney jersey for a day and buy ME dinner at the Palms!
Guiliano simply shakes his head, chuckling at the wager between the two employees.
Guiliano: Dinner at the Palms, huh? This place isn't good enough for you so you have to go down the street to the Palms. I see how it is. I guess the next time I give bonus checks I will just save myself some paper and buy you gift certificates to the Palms....
The two employees give a blank stare back at Guiliano and then shrug before giving a smile and all three share a laugh.
Guiliano: Both of you, get the hell out of here and try to get some work done today. I will have this place open tomorrow if you want to come back and watch your game. As a matter of fact, I may attend myself and keep you two separated and honest on your bets. See you gentlemen tomorrow.
The Italian pulls open the side doors to the theater once again and the German and Englishman make their way through the archway and back into the belly of the casino. They disappear from view after using a key card to open a door that reads “Employees Only”, presumably to change out of their shirts and back into their uniforms.
Guiliano turns and lets the door close behind him, knowing that he is the only one that remains inside the lavish viewing room. He once again sits down in one of the folding seats and relaxes, letting his head relax back the best it can against the top of the seat and flips through the stations of the projector using a touch screen remote that rests at this side. After quickly rolling through 20 or 30 channels and finding nothing to his liking, he turns the lights up and turns off the projector, making his way over to a large poster and “advancing” Ghana in the large World Cup bracket with the stroke of a black Sharpie pen. Guliano simply drops the pen as a string attached to the end catches it and allows it to dangle next to the poster. The Sicilian then turns and smirks into the camera, knowing the small, yet important audience and opponents that are hanging on his words.
“It seems that Allen Guiliano has officially made his return to the Hardcore ranks ladies and gentlemen. The Ace of Hardcore has returned and three more men stand in my way this Monday night in Philadelphia. Although newcomers, my opponents seem determined not only to take my title, but also make a name for themselves by knocking off one of the elite in the WCF, well at least one of them does. Not sure what Shaun Jackson and Jonathan Swift are up to, but Jaguar has made it publicly known that he isn't happy that it has taken me so long to respond to his comments at what seems to be “rigorous” training sessions.
Jaguar, I won't make the comparisons like the Karate Kid that you claim everyone else seems to do, but if I have once piece of advice to give you for our match, it is that it is going to take a little more than just sweeping the leg to come away with a win at Rebirth. Are you a formidable opponent and do I admire your determination and confidence? Sure. But let's bring reality back into the picture here. The man who I defeated last week, Obivlion, was more of a threat to me than all three men I will be in the ring with on Monday combined. However, there is no need to take any of you lightly, especially after the recent shortcomings that I have suffered and there would be nothing more disappointing than following up a Hardcore title victory with a loss the very next week. Jaguar, I respect your determination and I know what it feels like to be the one that no one seems to pay attention to early in your career, but believe me, I am paying attention. The very day that card was announced, I starting paying very close attention to not only your words, but your actions as well. I know more about you than you think I do and even though we have never met before or really had any reason to interact, your arsenal of moves, your mastery of the martial arts, will come as no surprise. This is a hardcore match my friend and those tactics simply come up short when foreign objects are brought into the equation.
I suppose I should have started off by welcoming you all to this federation, but then again I think you will get quite the welcome and proper introduction after you make your way into the squared circle on Sunday. As for Mr. Jackson and Mr. Swift, this is a free for all fellas, no tag team, no rest on the apron after a tag, this is do or die, each man for himself in a hardcore situation. This is not for the faint of heart and for everyone that was doubting that I could make a return to the hardcore ranks, well, ask Oblivion what he thinks about that statement. I was written off, left for dead, and doubted as soon as the card was released, but I have been that many times before and overcome greater odds. This first pay-per-view event of the new era of the WCF is aptly named. It is not only a rebirth of a once great organization, but also the rebirth of Allen Guiliano as a respectable and hardened veteran wrestler. I will admit that I was probably getting a little soft and relaxing a bit once that World Championship was finally mine and perhaps that carried over after the fact that Chad Evans had taken it away from me and even up to the matches where I had chances to earn my way back into matches for that World Title again. But now, after everything that has gone on, after all the disarray with the WCF, with the World Title division, it has made me realize that things can change in an instant and your day in the sun can end in a moment's notice.
Jackson and Swift, there is nothing more I can say to the two of you. You have remained silent in your views on your chance to become the Hardcore champion and I frown upon that. Sure, I have also kept to myself, but what does a man like me have to say anymore? I think I have proven what I am capable of and there is not a soul out there that I can or will impress. Those who follow me are still there and those who root against me in each and every match are still there as well. For you two, I must say, I think your missing out on a golden opportunity. And I don't mean the opportunity to come out and promise domination or guarantee that you will win your match at Rebirth, but the opportunity to earn some respect by your fellow competitors. Sure, respect doesn't lead to wins and losses and may not mean much to you now, but I assure you, it will get you more friends than enemies and more pros than cons. It is something that seemed to go by the way side in the former generation of the Wrestling Championship Federation, and with the World Title holder we currently have, perhaps many thing it will remain that way, but that simply won't be the case. So, Swift, Jack, good luck to the both of you Monday night. Something tells me you are going to need it.
Jaguar, like I said before, I like your courage, I like your determination, and I like your work ethic, but it is also that naive approach that will get you in trouble on Monday night and during the rest of your career. Sure, you're confident, think you can bring down the world through martial arts and keeping yourself in shape, but son, let me tell you something, in this world, in matches like these, it takes more than hard work to succeed. There is an evil streak that is required to win matches like this and I don't see it in you, Jags. Can I call you, Jags? It is something that cannot be taught and is seldom acquired. You are either born with it in you or you aren't. Its that simple. It was something that was instilled in me at a young age and something that I have had to learn to suppress in everyday life, but when that bell rings for a hardcore match, not to mention a hardcore match where my title is on the life, that pure evil inside me rears its head and the anger from my youth is expelled. I'm not going to come out and say that I will defeat you because anything can happen when rules are thrown out the window and weapons are encouraged, but your innocence already has you at a disadvantage. Don't let the result of Monday night destroy your confidence if indeed you are on the short end of things. Use it to learn, to make yourself better, and to make your training more efficient. Jags, I hate that we must come face to face for the first time under these circumstances. Best of luck to you young man.
As for the rest of the roster, the media, and the WCF fans as a whole, Philly will be about more than cheesesteaks and brotherly love for me. Many have asked what I think about the fact that the man I defeated for the Hardcore Title is getting a shot at World gold this week. To be perfectly honest, I could care less. I'm done worrying about the rest of the federation, done thinking about what might have been, and done trying to plead my case to men like Seth Lerch. He knows what I can do, he is fully aware of what I am capable of, and knew what would happen as soon as he booked me in the Hardcore Title match. He knew of my past and the streak that I have accumulated in hardcore matches. Sure, some doubters may say that the level of talent in hardcore matches isn't the best, but I still have yet to suffer a defeat. It actually brings a smile to my face knowing a man I just beat was considered as a contender for the World Championship. If he was the #1 Contender and I just earned a victory over him, then what does that make me? I would assume next in line, but you never know in situations like these. It is a different time now here in the WCF and I am making the most of it. With all these shows being out here on the east coast it has been draining traveling back and forth from Las Vegas week after week, but isn't sacrifice what sports entertainment is about. I have sacrifice much more than just my time over the past year I have been here and I'm sure there will be more to come. Rebirth will be just that for the WCF and for the Hardcore Title as well. I have already proven to the masses that it doesn't take a psycho to be Hardcore Champion, just that little bit of darkness and pure evil that I mentioned before. This new WCF isn't for the faint of heart. The new talent is remarkable and Rebirth will show the wrestling world that the WCF will be back and better than ever. However, that new talent also has to take its lumps before being the new guard. How unfortunate for my opponents this week that I have a little extra motivation as after the World Cup results from my native land, they need something to cheer about...and I will give it to them. Forza Italia..Mi Amore!
Guiliano makes his way toward once of the side doors of the theater, flipping off the light switch as the bulbs begin to dim and eventually fade to black as the final sound to be heard is that of the latch on the closing door.
