Rejoice! The Season Of The Lord Is Upon Us! (Pt 2)

[Deleted]

{{The scene re-opens in Bobby and Emily's living room at their Connecticut estate. Bobby and Emily are both seated in the same red, crushed-velvet sofa as before, and Hank is still sitting in the adjacent end chair. When the discussion turned to the topic of Bobby's match against Logan in Part 1 of this interview, Bobby's wife Emily became noticeably nervous, specifically when talk turned to that of a "match to the death" between her hubby and his rival Logan. Hank Brown, ever the astute interviewer took note of this. Hank raises his ballpoint pen to his eye level, darting it forward just so to punctuate his next question.}}

Hank: "How does your wife feel about your decision to return to the ring, Bobby?"

{{Bobby casts a sneering glare toward Hank. You can see the disdain in Bobby's eyes. It takes a certain audacity for an interviewing-kinda man like Hank to drag another man's wife into the discussion, but Bobby opened the door by having his wife present during the interview. Both men are aware of this fact and it is irrevocable. For her part, Emily glances at Bobby, then at Hank, then back toward Bobby, appearing both surprised by the question and uncertain as to whether she should respond.}}

Bobby: "You're asking me, Hank? Why don't you ask Emily? She's right here. Go ahead, or are you afraid to talk to a beautiful woman?"

{{Hank turns toward Emily and clears his throat before repeating his question directly to her.}}

Hank: "How do you feel about your husband's decision to return to the ring, Emily?"

Emily: "I have the utmost confidence in Bobby's abilities, Hank. He and I had an extensive discussion before he made the decision to accept Logan's challenge... even if--"

{{Hank's eyebrows raise a bit after that last part. Emily pauses, swallowing hard and clearing her throat before continuing, appearing nervous again.}}

Emily: "Even if he didn't tell me about the steel cage death match part. That wasn't... it wasn't part of our discussion, to be honest, but I trust Bobby's judgment."

{{Bobby gestures thusly with his hand, committing the issue to the past tense and appearing eager to move onto the next topic.}}

Bobby: "There you have it, Hank. My wife supports me, unconditionally. Now do you have anything else that you want to talk about, or will you be leaving now?"

{{Bobby glares at Hank with those piercing blue eyes of his. They might as well be demonic red for all of the hatred that he's sending in Hank's direction. Hank feels the need to shift gears a bit, and he does so like the professional that he is.}}

Hank: "During one of Logan's more lucid moments during an, ahem, interview with yours truly this week, he criticized your speech from Slam this past Sunday night, claiming that you 'spent half of the ENTIRE show rambling on' about him."

Bobby: "What exactly do you expect that asshole to say, Hank? Read the preview for our match on the WCF website. It states that I verbally ripped Logan a new Hole of Treachery during my promo on Slam. I didn't write that. The kid working minimum wage to update the website wrote that. Besides, if you spent thirty minutes getting ripped to shit by Bobby Cairo, you probably wouldn't enjoy it very much either. I have to say, though, Logan's comments are rich coming from a self-promoting shill, a catchphrase-spewing hack like him."

{{Bobby takes a long overdue swig of cognac before continuing his latest anti-Logan tirade.}}

Bobby: "My speech on Slam was designed to serve two purposes. Purpose number-one: Get under Logan's skin. And you know what? Mission accomplished, because Logan is a dunder-headed moron who fell right into my trap. He's so whacked out of his skull right now, he doesn't know which way is up and which is down. The man doesn't even know who he is. That's Bobby Cairo's doing."

{{Cairo nods his head assuredly, though Hank appears a tad skeptical of that claim.}}

Bobby: "Purpose number-two: I was trying to hype the match between Logan and I at One, because that fucker was too lazy to show up at Slam and have any part of it. Once again, mission accomplished by Bobby Cairo. I am a professional and I delivered like only Bobby Cairo can do. What do I always say, Hank?"

{{Hank plays along, dutifully performing his best Bobby Cairo impression.}}

Hank: "I'm a fighter and an entertainer... *dramatic pause while peering around to the legions of fans* and I NEVER let you down!"

{{Bobby cackles with glee and excitedly claps his hands. Emily smiles politely before pouring herself a glass of cognac.}}

Hank: "Well, my real reason for bringing that up, Bobby, is that it's obvious that you're fired up for this match against Logan, but are you at all worried that you may have lost some of your competitive edge after nearly four years away from the WCF ring? Since your last match you've undertaken a litany of personal and professional endeavors, some of which we've touched upon during this interview."

{{Bobby just sits there, staring at Hank... looking at him as if wondering "Is this guy a moron?" "Who does he think he's talking to?" Bobby doesn't say anything though. Not yet. He lets Hank finish his statement.}}

Hank: "It's obvious that you can still cut a fiery promo, but during your previous stints with WCF you were known for being one of WCF's most intense competitors. You waged brutal battles with legends of the sport such as Skyler Striker, Lawnmower Jones, Reckless Jack, Outcast and Mike Ragnal. You even went so far as to kidnap Jones' wife, a lawnmower named Lonnie, and Striker's young daughter, a prepubescent human female named Jade, in order to advance your career goals. Can you still reach that part of Bobby Cairo's psyche, or is it gone forever? And frankly, if you no longer have that killer instinct, that win-at-all-costs mentality, can you win what is assured to be a bloody war inside of that unforgiving steel cage with weapons galore surrounding Logan and yourself?"

{{The nervous, almost fearful look has returned to Emily's eyes as she tries to ease her concerns with a drink from her glass of cognac. Bobby, for his part, looks supremely confident.}}

Bobby: "Hank--"

{{Bobby chuckles a bit before flashing a smile at the interviewer. It's not a friendly smile, mind you, it's a rather menacing smile, serial killer-esque. It visibly unnerves Hank.}}

Bobby: "If only you knew, my friend."

{{The scene abruptly fades and then opens anew. We're no longer watching Bobby Cairo being interviewed by Hank Brown in the comfort of Bobby's sprawling, opulent home. We're now watching a man being carried by two much larger men into the confines of what appears to be a meat locker. The larger men are both Asian and appear to be hired muscle, with their nondescript black shades and matching suits, and their no-nonsense demeanor, and the fact that they're carrying a man into a meat locker. The man that they're carrying is also Asian, though much smaller and less muscular than the men who are carrying him. His wrists and ankles have been bound by thick rope. His mouth has been taped, preventing him from speaking, though it's obvious based on his fearful facial expression and bulging eyes that he's scared to death. The man's body is abruptly dumped to the cold, unforgiving, concrete floor inside of the meat locker, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

A third Asian man in a black suit walks up behind the hired muscle. He begins yelling in his native language in a harsh, angry tone to the bound and gagged man on the floor. This third man is dressed more lavishly than his cohorts, with gold chains around his neck and gold rings on his fingers. He isn't as muscular as the other two fellows, though he's no slouch in his own right. If one had to hazard a guess based on his appearance and demeanor, it would seem that this man is the leader of the group, or perhaps more accurately, gang.

Suddenly, Bobby Cairo, dressed in a dapper pinstripe suit of his own, walks up next to the head honcho-looking fellow and interrupts him, apparently understanding the language that the man is speaking, and nodding his head as such, but choosing to respond in English.}}

Bobby: "He stole your money? Your money!? This motherfucker owes me five-hundred G's! If anybody gets the first crack at him, it's gonna be me!"

{{The Asian gang leader, nods and quietly steps back, motioning for his business partners to do the same. They quickly comply and Cairo turns his attention to the bound and gagged fellow. He walks over to the man and stands over him, towering with a cold, merciless look on his face.}}

Bobby: "Pay me my money, you asshole! You pay me my money or I will kill you right here, right now!"

{{Bobby bends down and rips the tape off the man's mouth. The man, now free to respond to Cairo's demands, chooses to scream as loudly as he can in a desperate plea for help. Bobby shakes his head in disgust.}}

Bobby: "You stupid, stupid, little man. You just signed your death certificate."

{{Bobby grits his teeth before raising an Italian loafer-clad foot and driving it hatefully and forcefully into the man's skull. Our perspective suddenly shifts across the room, allowing us to see that even the Asian gang members are wincing at the brutality as Bobby continues to stomp the man. We can't see it but we can hear it: The gruesome, almost rhythmic sound of leather loafer meeting skull, buoyed by Cairo's crazed and frenzied yells and the bound man's blood-curdling death screams. After a few moments the sounds finally cease, giving way to an eerie silence.

Our vision pans to the floor of the meat locker. We do not see the man that Bobby has stomped. Instead we see the ominous sight of Bobby's blood-soaked Italian loafers on that cold concrete floor. It is the last thing that we see before we are transported back to Bobby's living room in the present-day, where that menacing smile from earlier is still glued to Bobby's face.}}

Hank: "Uh, I'm a little scared right now, Bobby. You've been staring at me like that for almost five minutes now. I'm just going to move right along with the interview."

Bobby: "That's fine. Go right ahead."

{{Hank takes a deep breath and clears his throat, glancing down at his notes before speaking again.}}

Hank: "One year ago during your induction speech for the WCF Hall of Fame, you announced that you were going to return to the WCF ring. This might be a tad ironic in light of the extremely creepy and violent vibe that I just got from you, but at that time you stated that unlawful and egregious conduct had become part of the culture in WCF. That for far too long violent sociopaths such as Torture and Gravedigger had been allowed to run roughshod over the company, without any regard for the rule of law or even the basic welfare of other human beings. You also stated at that time that loyalty, loyalty to your WCF family was motivating you to make an in-ring return. That in-ring return never came to fruition, until now. Why is that, Bobby? What happened?"

Bobby: "Two words, Hank: Phillip Baines. From the first moment that I saw Baines training at Crimson House, I knew that I was watching the future of WCF. Unlike the so-called experts within the wrestling media, I wasn't at all surprised when Baines clobbered Greenfever to win the WCF Hardcore Championship in his very first match. I certainly wasn't surprised when he steamrolled Creeping Death, Jason Kash and Mr. FPV en route to capturing the WCF Classic. I wasn't even surprised when he developed a friendship with the reigning WCF World Champion Odin Balfore and joined The Alliance. Game respects game, after all. I'm not going to take any of the credit for Phil's development. The kid was special, and Bolts brought out the best in him. Frankly, I was just there for the ride, but I'm proud to consider Baines a friend and I was glad that I could be there to advise him and watch his back during matches, make sure that nobody fucked with him."

{{Bobby's face beams proudly as he thinks back on Baines' brief though illustrious WCF career.}}

Bobby: "Hell, the kid's future was so bright that in less than six months he elevated himself beyond this business entirely and began his path to Hollywood stardom. When every other WCF employee was worrying about whether they were going to have a job, if and when WCF returned from hiatus, Phil signed a seven-figure contract with a major Hollywood studio. Incredible!"

{{Hank nods his head and smiles in acknowledgment.}}

Hank: "I have to say, the 'Killer Klowns From Outer Space' remake that he starred in was excellent. It had the most realistic 3D effects that I've ever seen. The acting was pretty damn good, too!"

Bobby: "That's my boy Phil. The kid is a natural at everything that he does."

{{Hank's face grows serious as he gets back to the business at hand.}}

Hank: "Why now though, Bobby? Why Logan? If you didn't come back before when the opportunity presented itself, why do it now?"

Bobby: "Well, first of all, Hank... HE CHALLENGED ME! Most people aren't stupid enough to do that. And did you hear what that motherfucker said when he challenged me? He called me a trashcan. A trash can! That's a can that you put trash in! My wife and Melissa Joan Hart are the only people who can get away with talking about me like that, Hank."

{{Hank chuckles, appearing amused at Cairo's reasoning, and also dismissive of it.}}

Hank: "Logan had plenty more to say about you in his third promo, Bobby."

{{Cairo shrugs his broad shoulders and stares blankly at Hank.}}

Bobby: "Didn't watch it, don't care. I imagine it was just a watered-down version of my promo from Slam, am I right? A pale imitation of the genuine article, chock-filled with Logan's typically lame sexual innuendos and tired catch-phrases."

{{Hank hesitates to confirm or deny Bobby's statement.}}

Bobby: "That's OK, Hank. It doesn't matter. Logan can say whatever he wants now. He's already talked himself into an early grave. He's a dead man walking."

Hank: "Come now, Bobby. It can't be all that simple. This is your first match in four years. There has to be a deeper meaning to it than you gaining revenge for Logan challenging you or calling you a trashcan. What does this match mean to you, Bobby, beyond the hype and hoopla?"

{{Bobby lets out a sigh and nods his head, a concession that Hank might just be correct.}}

Bobby: "Alright, Hank. I'll level with you. I've been tempted by the prospect of a full-fledged return to the WCF ring for years, but nothing has truly piqued my interest until now. This is my chance to headline One, something that I've never done before. And, as a bonus, I get to do it against a man that many people idolize as the greatest superstar in WCF history."

{{Cairo nods his head again, more emphatically now, with a sort of wonderment gleaming in his eyes. After momentarily losing himself in thought, Bobby turns his focus back to Hank.}}

Bobby: "Is that reason enough for you? Is that the meaning that you're looking for, Hank?"

Hank: "Yes, Bobby. Thank you. I appreciate your candidness. I just... I hate to mention this but your match against Logan isn't actually the headliner."

Bobby: "Hank?"

Hank: "Yes."

Bobby: "Shut the fuck up."

Hank: "Yes, sir."

{{Emily snickers at Hank and douses her palette with another glass of cognac. Hank slumps in his chair and goes silent. After a few moments, he finally speaks again.}}

Hank: "I do have more questions."

{{Bobby looks at Hank with a mixture of pity and disgust on his face.}}

Bobby: "Well geez, Hank... I didn't mean literally shut up. Just don't be a douche and ruin my vibe. I was on a good roll there."

{{Hank doesn't appreciate being talked down to, but Hank does realize that Bobby has welcomed him into his home and that they've been chatting for quite some time now. Things do get testy at a certain point, so Hank chooses the path of least resistance.}}

Hank: "You're right. I'm sorry, Bobby. Thank you for allowing me to continue."

{{Hank clears his throat and looks down at the floor, before looking up at Bobby.}}

Hank: "Based on your comments, you acknowledge that facing Logan on this major pay-per-view platform is a prestigious opportunity, even for a man with your Hall of Fame credentials?"

{{Bobby rolls his eyes and sighs a bit before replying.}}

Bobby: "I grudgingly suppose so, Hank. The funny thing is that in Logan's mind, if he even has a mind at this point, he's probably thinking about this match as if I'm his consolation prize, since he can't get to Torture. If that's the case then that's just too bad. I'll tell you what though, respect or no respect, I'm going to make Logan wish he'd kept his fucking mouth shut and overdosed on pizzas or penises or whatever the fuck he eats instead of running his mouth about Bobby Cairo."

Hank: "Match aside, how do you feel about Logan on a personal level? The two of you have never crossed paths before in WCF, as either rivals or allies, despite both carving out Hall of Fame legacies for yourselves and achieving legend status, as so few have done in the history of WCF."

{{Bobby pauses for a moment, considering the implications of Hank's question. He stares ahead into space for several moments with his mind obviously engaged in deep thought, before answering.}}

Bobby: "I feel the same way about Logan that I feel about anyone who has put in their time in WCF and the wrestling business at large. On some level, some weird, subconscious level, I love the man like a brother."

{{Bobby shrugs his shoulders and chuckles a bit before continuing.}}

Bobby: "Don't ask me why, I guess it's just because I know what it takes to reach the top of WCF, the top of professional wrestling. I know how hard it is to stay there. I know how hard it is to leave the spotlight behind and move forward in life. Hell, even I haven't figured out that part myself, apparently."

{{Bobby flashes a loving smile at Emily and she flashes a loving smile right back at him as they touch noses and hold hands.}}

Bobby: "Then, of course, there's the part of me, the logical part as I like to think of it, that knows that I must destroy Logan because he is my mortal enemy."

Hank: "I thought Torture was your mortal enemy?"

Bobby: "No, we're good now. We play golf together on weekends."

{{Hank raises a quizzical eyebrow.}}

Hank: "Really?"

{{Bobby smirks at him.}}

Bobby: "Of course not, Hank, but I also don't care about him anymore, one way or the other."

Hank: "You really do love Logan though, like a brother, on that subconscious level that you were talking about?"

{{Bobby's face turns serious. He squeezes his wife's hand tight and looks directly into Hank's eyes as he responds.}}

Bobby: "Yes, Hank, and on January 1st, at One... love will tear us apart."

{{We peer deeply into Bobby's focused, unwavering eyes, those deep blue eyes that have seen so much in his eventful twenty-eight years of life. The blue of Bobby's irises gradually fades and gives way to the white fluorescent glow of an artificial light, taking us away from the interview with Hank and beginning a whole new scene. As our perspective expands from the light, we find that we are backstage at a wrestling arena. A boisterous crowd can be heard chanting "Bobby C! Bobby C! Bobby C!" over and over again with all of the fervor and enthusiasm of supporters at a political rally.

Bobby Cairo is standing before us wearing his wrestling gear, his gold and black robe, shimmering gold wrestling pants and black and gold boots. Bobby appears to be waiting for his cue from the stage hand, with a fierce, business-like look on his face as he makes his final preparations for the work that he must do...

The scene fades to black. Cue the Joy Division. Roll the credits.}}












CAST
Bobby Cairo as Himself
Emily Hotchkiss-Cairo as Bobby's Wife
Hank Brown as The Interviewer
Brandon Looper as The Young Bobby
Xiu Lan Lamb as The Triad Leader
Swan Fan Liu as Bobby's Victim In The Meat Locker

SONGS
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" as Written and Performed by Joy Division