Post by Allen Guiliano on Jun 30, 2011 20:30:35 GMT -5
A faint light appears on a pitch black background and slowly illuminates to reveal the scene it has been hiding. WCF Hall of Famer Allen Guiliano sits at a long table with several suited individuals on each side of him, each with microphones in front of them and the black tablecloth underneath their elbows bearing the gold scripted “G” of The Guiliano Hotel and Casino. Several hundred crimson red chairs, trimmed in gold are perfectly arranged in front of the table and form an aisle as about four feet separate the seats on the left half of the room from the right. The audience appears to be full of Guiliano’s employees, as some are wearing dealer vests, security uniforms, valet outfits and cocktail dresses. Others are similarly dressed to Guiliano, with suits, ties and carefully shined shoes. The Italian is wearing his signature pinstriped suit and a blood red tie hangs around his neck. A stern look forms on his face as he speaks to the masses, occasionally glancing down at a set of financial statements and notes that have been prepared for him and revealing a business side that many fans and even superstars in the WCF have not seen before.
”As many of you know and most of you are experiencing. The economy of not only the United States and Nevada is suffering, but the economy of Las Vegas is showing the same signs of decline. Of course the Guiliano Hotel and Casino is seeing a decrease in numbers as we move from quarter to quarter, but I assure you that none of my employees are at risk of losing their jobs or benefits. Like the rest of the city, we are going to have to work through and make have to make some concessions, but we will get through it. The entire industry is obviously suffering as we rely on “recreational income” in our line of work. If I, or any of my senior associates, have to take pay cuts to assure that all of you have jobs over the course of this down period then so be it. We are willing to do whatever it takes to not only keep you employed, but happily employed. There is a reason that we are one of the most, if not the most successful establishments in Las Vegas and it isn’t because of people like me, it is because of employees like you. Sure, I funded the estate and the improvements to it over the years, but it is the employees of the Guiliano Hotel and Casino that have kept it afloat. You are all like family to me and you can trust in me and my management team to make sure that all of you are taken care of. We are in no danger of closing our doors or selling out to the highest bidder. Hell, we are the ones that should be looking to acquire properties in this downturn. I will certainly be open to answering any questions that you may have after we go over the specific departments within our company. With that being said, let’s start with food and beverage…”
His voice fades as the camera pauses for a moment on the stern-faced Italian, before turning to a clock that hangs on the wall in the back of the room. The silver minute hand starts to turn a bit faster than normal time and quickly advances several hours, before showing 8:45, as the camera pans back away and shows a handful of reporters waiting outside the large cherry wood doors that lead to the room where Guiliano is conducting his meeting. The throng of media that wait outside are all carefully looking over the press release that was issued late last night and then checking their watches to make sure they have the correct time and location. As they begin to stir and turn to each other for confirmation, the double doors in front of them swing open and inside waits a man they have not seen in front of a microphone since the WCF Hall of Fame induction at this very building back in December.
There are a few cocktail tables set up in front of the podium instead of the plethora of chairs like before and one seat in particular is draped with a black table cloth and bears the bright green logo of the Wrestling Championship Federation. A table tent reading “RESERVED FOR HANK BROWN” resides in the center of the table and the camera pans up to Guiliano, who is now wearing a coy smile as he makes eye contact with the man he did so many of his famous interviews with in the past. Brown slowly makes his way through the other tables and swallows hard as he takes his seat and instructs his camera man to do the same. The young man behind the camera seems awestruck as his eyes quickly, yet awkwardly scan the room. The men with suits that once accompanied Guiliano have been replaced with wrestling memorabilia from the Italian’s days in the ring, with the WCF paraphernalia taking center stage. In fact, an oversized poster from WAR IX has been affixed directly behind the seat where Guiliano currently sits.
The WCF Hall of Famer carefully scans the room and eyes the media members that have shown up, smiling once again as if he can sense their anticipation, anxiety and curiosity. The reporters, writers, bloggers and news anchors alike are beginning to fidget as they await the words of Guiliano. Just as the tension reaches its climax, the Sicilian gives the slightest nod of his head and the doors at the back of the room are pushed shut and he pulls the lone microphone in front of him.
“Before I get what I called you all here for, I just wanted to point out that I cleared the room of all the riffraff so that my statements could be heard by those who truly intend to hear them. If you will also notice, none of my staff are in this room either as I intend to only speak to those who need to hear this, want to hear this and deserve to hear this…the wrestling media. Sure other outlets wanted to stay, get some sound clips and plaster my name all over their evening news shows, but that is not the intention of this press conference. Ladies and gentlemen, you were invited here because you are the people that never cared what Allen Guiliano had to say and only cared for what Slickie T had to say. You are the people that interview when we I was World Champion and when I was newcomer. And you are the people that could simply write the book on my career. So, with that being said, let’s get down to business.”
“The first question that I’m sure you are all interested in asking is “Why are we here?” and that will be the first question I will answer. You are all here because of the state that I have seen the Wrestling Championship Federation in over the last few months. I have been asked by my former colleagues as to what I think of the situation and what I plan to do about the situation. To be honest, I think the WCF has handled the circumstances very well considering the loss of some key individuals and absolute disrespect shown to the federation by former roster members. The WCF is now going through a new era in its history and I do not necessarily see that as a bad thing. New faces have emerged from the outcome just like they always do and the federation continues to march into the future. I commend each and every staff member and superstar for all the hard work they have put into the federation over the last few weeks to keep the federation alive with the same competition and intensity that it has always possessed. Each of those individuals deserves all the credit in the world and they have made me proud as a former wrestler and Hall of Fame inductee.”
“The second question that all of you are just dying to ask, “Does this mean that Slickie T is making his return to the ring?” I am going to be completely honest with all of you and not sugar coat anything or make things seem different than they actually are. Slickie T will NOT be making a comeback to the WCF. I am retired from the federation and will remain retired from active competition. Sure, I make some guest appearances and open my casino to host events, but as far as seeing me inside the ring, that will not happen. I am sorry to disappoint, but that is just the way things are and the way things have to be. I enjoyed each and every moment of active competition and I owe the WCF greatly for everything it did for me. If they are ever in a desire situation and need my help at a moment’s notice, I will certainly give it, but I am not returning as an active wrestler. With that being said, I do want each and every person in that federation to know that I am available if they need assistance of any kind, even if that means simply speaking to a former roster member like myself about the demands of succeeding in the WCF and the business of sports entertainment. I feel that everyone that joins the ranks of the WCF deserves advice or help every now and then and I am certainly there to give it to them.”
“Finally, and I am sorry this is a little shorter than you all expected, but I will be speaking to Hank Brown next week on a more personal level, I just want to say that it was an HONOR to be in the ring as a special guest referee when D-Day pinned Torture and raised the World Heavyweight Championship over his head. Donald Deruty should be a model for all of the up and coming superstars about what is required to rise through the ranks and become the face of the federation. My “legacy”, if you will, has finally come full circle now that D-Day is the owner of that World Championship. He entered this federation and had title aspirations as I was making my way up the WCF ladder and he was my partner on several occasions when it came to keeping my reputation and legacy alive. It is an absolute honor for me to call him a friend and I anxiously await the day when he joins me inside the WCF Hall of Fame. With his leadership, drive and determination, the WCF has nothing to fear as far as the future is concerned. With that being said, I do not want to give the impression that he is the only one making a part on the federation, I just want to make it known that he is an example of what patience, determination and work ethic can get you in this business. He is one of the few that are still in the federation that I have watched rise through the ranks and it was an awesome feeling to get to raise his hand on that wonderful evening. Made it even better that Torture was laying at my feet while I handed him that title belt. For as many accomplishments that I can claim, he has one that I certainly cannot claim and that is pinning Torture. D-Day, the only thing left to do now is to win WAR, buddy. Because, let’s be honest, until that happens, your name cannot be mentioned with mine…and I’m kidding of course. He deserves all the credit for what he has done and now the sky is the limit. Winning that title the first time is amazing, but to hold onto and to win it again after you are defeated and people start to question your ability is the true test and I have no doubt he will pass it, if indeed anyone can dethrone him. Not to say there aren’t several out there that haven’t caught my attention.”
“In closing, I want to thank all of you for coming out and taking time out of your day for this short little message. I have been asked several times to speak about the current state of the WCF and personally, I think it is doing just fine. The WCF does not NEED Slickie T, as some has suggested. Sure, the federation may WANT, but it does not NEED. The federation is in good hands and I am enjoying being a spectator of the WCF almost as much as I enjoyed being an active superstar. Congratulations to all the current champions and to all of those who are busting your ass and cutting great promos to earn yourself one of those titles. One of the great things that I enjoy about the WCF is that the titles truly mean something and they are coveted for what they should be coveted for and that is a sign of respect. It takes talent to call yourself a champion in the WCF and I am blessed to have been able to own every title in the federation, even if that did mean having the Tag Team belt handed to me by my biggest rival and complete opposite. I cannot wait until WAR comes around again and you better believe I will have my ticket. Not only to the WAR event, but also to Connector City to see if Logan can defend. He put me through hell and back last year and I want to see the man that is able to stop him at WAR, because I don’t think it can be done if he puts his mind to it. To the others that I have had the privilege of going up against in my career that are still around, Bobby Cairo, CD, Doc Henry, D-Day, Johnny Reb, Jay Price, Logan and to those who have definitely got my attention, KJE, Phillip Baines, Mr. FPV, Roy Speede, thanks for making a former superstar feel at home and I look forward to seeing that second group I mentioned, become the new foundation and new face of the federation in the future. And before I go, Hank Brown, I need to see you after this. Just you and me, one-on-one interview and promise not to go public with it until next week."
The light slowly fades out as Hank Brown makes his way up to the podium and Guiliano and Brown share a firm embrace. The rest of the media members file out of the room and “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell begins to play and the tablecloth bearing the WCF logo is slowly pulled from the table.
”As many of you know and most of you are experiencing. The economy of not only the United States and Nevada is suffering, but the economy of Las Vegas is showing the same signs of decline. Of course the Guiliano Hotel and Casino is seeing a decrease in numbers as we move from quarter to quarter, but I assure you that none of my employees are at risk of losing their jobs or benefits. Like the rest of the city, we are going to have to work through and make have to make some concessions, but we will get through it. The entire industry is obviously suffering as we rely on “recreational income” in our line of work. If I, or any of my senior associates, have to take pay cuts to assure that all of you have jobs over the course of this down period then so be it. We are willing to do whatever it takes to not only keep you employed, but happily employed. There is a reason that we are one of the most, if not the most successful establishments in Las Vegas and it isn’t because of people like me, it is because of employees like you. Sure, I funded the estate and the improvements to it over the years, but it is the employees of the Guiliano Hotel and Casino that have kept it afloat. You are all like family to me and you can trust in me and my management team to make sure that all of you are taken care of. We are in no danger of closing our doors or selling out to the highest bidder. Hell, we are the ones that should be looking to acquire properties in this downturn. I will certainly be open to answering any questions that you may have after we go over the specific departments within our company. With that being said, let’s start with food and beverage…”
His voice fades as the camera pauses for a moment on the stern-faced Italian, before turning to a clock that hangs on the wall in the back of the room. The silver minute hand starts to turn a bit faster than normal time and quickly advances several hours, before showing 8:45, as the camera pans back away and shows a handful of reporters waiting outside the large cherry wood doors that lead to the room where Guiliano is conducting his meeting. The throng of media that wait outside are all carefully looking over the press release that was issued late last night and then checking their watches to make sure they have the correct time and location. As they begin to stir and turn to each other for confirmation, the double doors in front of them swing open and inside waits a man they have not seen in front of a microphone since the WCF Hall of Fame induction at this very building back in December.
There are a few cocktail tables set up in front of the podium instead of the plethora of chairs like before and one seat in particular is draped with a black table cloth and bears the bright green logo of the Wrestling Championship Federation. A table tent reading “RESERVED FOR HANK BROWN” resides in the center of the table and the camera pans up to Guiliano, who is now wearing a coy smile as he makes eye contact with the man he did so many of his famous interviews with in the past. Brown slowly makes his way through the other tables and swallows hard as he takes his seat and instructs his camera man to do the same. The young man behind the camera seems awestruck as his eyes quickly, yet awkwardly scan the room. The men with suits that once accompanied Guiliano have been replaced with wrestling memorabilia from the Italian’s days in the ring, with the WCF paraphernalia taking center stage. In fact, an oversized poster from WAR IX has been affixed directly behind the seat where Guiliano currently sits.
The WCF Hall of Famer carefully scans the room and eyes the media members that have shown up, smiling once again as if he can sense their anticipation, anxiety and curiosity. The reporters, writers, bloggers and news anchors alike are beginning to fidget as they await the words of Guiliano. Just as the tension reaches its climax, the Sicilian gives the slightest nod of his head and the doors at the back of the room are pushed shut and he pulls the lone microphone in front of him.
“Before I get what I called you all here for, I just wanted to point out that I cleared the room of all the riffraff so that my statements could be heard by those who truly intend to hear them. If you will also notice, none of my staff are in this room either as I intend to only speak to those who need to hear this, want to hear this and deserve to hear this…the wrestling media. Sure other outlets wanted to stay, get some sound clips and plaster my name all over their evening news shows, but that is not the intention of this press conference. Ladies and gentlemen, you were invited here because you are the people that never cared what Allen Guiliano had to say and only cared for what Slickie T had to say. You are the people that interview when we I was World Champion and when I was newcomer. And you are the people that could simply write the book on my career. So, with that being said, let’s get down to business.”
“The first question that I’m sure you are all interested in asking is “Why are we here?” and that will be the first question I will answer. You are all here because of the state that I have seen the Wrestling Championship Federation in over the last few months. I have been asked by my former colleagues as to what I think of the situation and what I plan to do about the situation. To be honest, I think the WCF has handled the circumstances very well considering the loss of some key individuals and absolute disrespect shown to the federation by former roster members. The WCF is now going through a new era in its history and I do not necessarily see that as a bad thing. New faces have emerged from the outcome just like they always do and the federation continues to march into the future. I commend each and every staff member and superstar for all the hard work they have put into the federation over the last few weeks to keep the federation alive with the same competition and intensity that it has always possessed. Each of those individuals deserves all the credit in the world and they have made me proud as a former wrestler and Hall of Fame inductee.”
“The second question that all of you are just dying to ask, “Does this mean that Slickie T is making his return to the ring?” I am going to be completely honest with all of you and not sugar coat anything or make things seem different than they actually are. Slickie T will NOT be making a comeback to the WCF. I am retired from the federation and will remain retired from active competition. Sure, I make some guest appearances and open my casino to host events, but as far as seeing me inside the ring, that will not happen. I am sorry to disappoint, but that is just the way things are and the way things have to be. I enjoyed each and every moment of active competition and I owe the WCF greatly for everything it did for me. If they are ever in a desire situation and need my help at a moment’s notice, I will certainly give it, but I am not returning as an active wrestler. With that being said, I do want each and every person in that federation to know that I am available if they need assistance of any kind, even if that means simply speaking to a former roster member like myself about the demands of succeeding in the WCF and the business of sports entertainment. I feel that everyone that joins the ranks of the WCF deserves advice or help every now and then and I am certainly there to give it to them.”
“Finally, and I am sorry this is a little shorter than you all expected, but I will be speaking to Hank Brown next week on a more personal level, I just want to say that it was an HONOR to be in the ring as a special guest referee when D-Day pinned Torture and raised the World Heavyweight Championship over his head. Donald Deruty should be a model for all of the up and coming superstars about what is required to rise through the ranks and become the face of the federation. My “legacy”, if you will, has finally come full circle now that D-Day is the owner of that World Championship. He entered this federation and had title aspirations as I was making my way up the WCF ladder and he was my partner on several occasions when it came to keeping my reputation and legacy alive. It is an absolute honor for me to call him a friend and I anxiously await the day when he joins me inside the WCF Hall of Fame. With his leadership, drive and determination, the WCF has nothing to fear as far as the future is concerned. With that being said, I do not want to give the impression that he is the only one making a part on the federation, I just want to make it known that he is an example of what patience, determination and work ethic can get you in this business. He is one of the few that are still in the federation that I have watched rise through the ranks and it was an awesome feeling to get to raise his hand on that wonderful evening. Made it even better that Torture was laying at my feet while I handed him that title belt. For as many accomplishments that I can claim, he has one that I certainly cannot claim and that is pinning Torture. D-Day, the only thing left to do now is to win WAR, buddy. Because, let’s be honest, until that happens, your name cannot be mentioned with mine…and I’m kidding of course. He deserves all the credit for what he has done and now the sky is the limit. Winning that title the first time is amazing, but to hold onto and to win it again after you are defeated and people start to question your ability is the true test and I have no doubt he will pass it, if indeed anyone can dethrone him. Not to say there aren’t several out there that haven’t caught my attention.”
“In closing, I want to thank all of you for coming out and taking time out of your day for this short little message. I have been asked several times to speak about the current state of the WCF and personally, I think it is doing just fine. The WCF does not NEED Slickie T, as some has suggested. Sure, the federation may WANT, but it does not NEED. The federation is in good hands and I am enjoying being a spectator of the WCF almost as much as I enjoyed being an active superstar. Congratulations to all the current champions and to all of those who are busting your ass and cutting great promos to earn yourself one of those titles. One of the great things that I enjoy about the WCF is that the titles truly mean something and they are coveted for what they should be coveted for and that is a sign of respect. It takes talent to call yourself a champion in the WCF and I am blessed to have been able to own every title in the federation, even if that did mean having the Tag Team belt handed to me by my biggest rival and complete opposite. I cannot wait until WAR comes around again and you better believe I will have my ticket. Not only to the WAR event, but also to Connector City to see if Logan can defend. He put me through hell and back last year and I want to see the man that is able to stop him at WAR, because I don’t think it can be done if he puts his mind to it. To the others that I have had the privilege of going up against in my career that are still around, Bobby Cairo, CD, Doc Henry, D-Day, Johnny Reb, Jay Price, Logan and to those who have definitely got my attention, KJE, Phillip Baines, Mr. FPV, Roy Speede, thanks for making a former superstar feel at home and I look forward to seeing that second group I mentioned, become the new foundation and new face of the federation in the future. And before I go, Hank Brown, I need to see you after this. Just you and me, one-on-one interview and promise not to go public with it until next week."
The light slowly fades out as Hank Brown makes his way up to the podium and Guiliano and Brown share a firm embrace. The rest of the media members file out of the room and “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell begins to play and the tablecloth bearing the WCF logo is slowly pulled from the table.
