Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 11:42:13 GMT -5
May 27th, 10:30 am
CRW Headquarters, New York
SB: "So this is New York ...."
(And like that the whole trip began, a dream of youth reached its pinnacle in what appeared to be an unproductive age within the sport. Few have managed to break through and be impact players at the age Sean Barnaby has, a high school teacher who left his post at the insistence of his students, who urged him to fulfill his dreams. Now was in front of the offices of CRW to complete the signing of his contract. A very aged looking suit was what he was wearing and his physique seemed almost equally worn. He didn’t have the joviality he had as a young man with a desire to be great in the sport he came to love.)
SB: "We'll see how it all goes..."
(Barnaby opened the door to the headquarters and met with the secretary, who with a friendly smile and a sweet look said to him in a feminine and soft tone of voice.)
Sec: "Good afternoon sir, if you want an autograph will have to wait or go to one of our show ..."
(Sean just smiled, on his mind ran a thousand thoughts, but he knew it was very likely that someone would comment something like that in CRW headquarters. After all, he was not exactly the prototypical newbie in the industry. Honestly, he wasn’t even close to looking like one of those kids he had seen enter before him to the office, possibly looking for the same thing he was looking for. Boys and girls of 16, 20, 23 years of age and him at his forty-something, he doubted if it would get signed to a contract. He gave it a thought, and after a couple of seconds he finally spoke to the secretary.)
SB: "No, no, I'm not looking for an autograph ..."
(The secretary seemed confused and se searched among her papers and then with a gentle look on her face she spoke to our "weekend warrior")
Sec: "Then, with what can I help you sir?"
(Sean Barnaby looked on his briefcase a crumpled and a bit dirty piece of paper and with a shy smile handed it to the secretary saying.)
SB: "I’m looking for Mr. Talon Wilkinson..."
(Secretary eyed the piece of paper and looked at Barnaby over her glasses with a face that said more than what their lips uttered. She took a look at Barnaby several times while he just looked around with a small smile showing on his face. Then the secretary took the phone and made a call, it only took a couple of seconds for someone to answer on the other side. She took her time and spoke to the person who answered her call.)
Sec: "Sir, here is a man who is looking for you..."
(The caller spoke to her, but the phone was so far away that Sean Barnaby could not hear anything he said. The secretary still holding the phone, looked at Barnaby and asked him.)
Sec: "Sir forgive me, what is your name?"
(Sean took a deep breath, while group of youngsters passed around, gorgeous girls and young prospects leered at and laughed at him while they got in and out of the office. Barnaby then took a breath looking for a moment of courage and gave his name to the secretary.)
SB: “Barnaby, my name is Sean Barnaby…"
(The secretary gave the name to the guy talking on the other side of the line and said something that Barnaby couldn’t hear. He only smiled while the secretary nodded to everything her interlocutor uttered on the other side of the line. After a while the secretary placed the phone back in its place and staring at Barnaby she said.)
Sec: "Very well, Mr. Talon Wilkinson is waiting for you in his office, you can go."
(Sean Barnaby did not move from his place and the secretary realizing her little mistake spoke again to him.)
Sec: "You will need to take the elevator go to the top floor, take the hall that will be in front of you, then you look at your left and you will find the office of Mr. Talon Wilkinson. Have a good day sir and good luck. "
(These last words uttered by the secretary, made Sean Barnaby shudder inside, he knew he would need all the luck in the world to achieve what he came here for. He looked at the secretary who handed him the piece of paper he had given her at first. He placed the paper in his briefcase and then said a few words to the secretary.)
SB: "Thank you miss, I wish a very good day to you too."
(Sean Barnaby continued his way to where the secretary had told him. He took the elevator and as it went up the nerves started showing up on him. Several times he wanted to stop the elevator and give up, but then his phone rang. He thought several times if he should or should not pick it up and watch what was the thing that made it ring in the first place, in the end he did pick it up and saw it was a text message from his wife and daughter. Barnaby opened the message and began to read.)
(Reading this text almost made Barnaby cry. The tears would have come out if it wasn’t for the elevator reaching its destination and he needed to appear the way he appeared through his career, hard as a rock. He closed his cellphone, somewhat outdated for today's technology, but for him it worked perfectly. Then he put it in silent mode and returned it to his pocket. The elevator door started closing as he carried out this action, then at the last second, he managed to keep it open and get out. Barnaby took the hall as the secretary had told him and looking at the doors on the left he managed to find the one he was looking for. In golden letters engraved on a silver plate was written the name of the man who he had come to see.)
(Again Barnaby sighed and drew a deep breath, fixed his hair a little, also he fixed his suit, looking in the reflection of a nearby glass. Then he put his hand on a concave form and blew on it to see if his breath was presentable, after the gesture he reached into his bag for a pack of Dentyne mints. Barnaby pulled a mint and put it on his mouth. Again sighed and knocked on the door, from inside a voice said.)
TW: "Come in!"
(Sean Barnaby opened the door and there was Talon Wilkinson sitting behind his desk. Looking a lot younger than Barnaby and this made him think he actually did not belong to the "big leagues”. Talon in his office had several photographs of multiple fighters of his company among many there were photos of: Diego de la Vega, Rex Evans, Eddie Phoenix, Gravedigger, Chris Mosh, Leon Corbin, Leander Apollo. Barnaby remained standing until Talon looked up to him and invited him to sit. His face contrasted with that of Barnaby, he looked a lot younger than him and he was. Talon smiled and after finishing up the signing of some papers spoke to Barnaby.)
TW: "Good afternoon, sir. I have the understanding that you are Sean Barnaby, right?"
(Barnaby just smiled and spoke in a tone a nervous tone.)
SB: "Yes, yes sir, I'm Sean Barnaby."
(Talon smiled noticing the gestures of nervousness showing up on Barnaby’s body language. He then pulled some papers from his desk and placed them on top of his desk and then spoke to Sean in the same gentle tone that he spoke at first.)
TW: "It was you who sent the video for us to review and make a decision on whether to admit you or not on my company?"
(Sean Barnaby then took a deep breath and replied to Talon.)
SB: "Yes, it was me who sent the video…"
(Talon was pleased with the answer as his gestures showed surprise and a some sort of happiness. Barnaby felt a rush of nervousness on his body, he became static and he wasn’t believing anything that was happening. After a couple of seconds Talon spoke.)
TW: "Perfect, I loved what I saw in the video. You have very good skills. In fact you have superior ability to many who have tried out to enter this company. You see, normally I do not personally interview all the prospects who try to enter CRW. I only interview the best of them personally. You were above a large brood of boys who sent me videos to evaluate and that's why you're here today. "
(The nervousness in the body of Sean Barnaby dissipated a bit with Talon Wilkinson's words, but still he was a bit worried about his age in contrast to the apparent age of those in the photographs in the office Talon. He, noting that Barnaby wasn’t feeling comfortable with something asked.)
TW: "Is there anything that concerns you, sir?"
(Barnaby looked around and then stared at Talon to answer the question.)
SB: "In fact, yes, there is something that is worrying me. Since coming to this headquarters I have only seen boys and girls that are almost half my age. I walked into his office and I saw the photographs of the wrestlers, who I assume are a big part of your company. But I haven’t seen anyone that is close to my age. I doubt I can keep up with these guys and that worries me. "
(Talon looked at Barnaby with a smile on his face, after reviewing everything on his desk he speaks to him.)
TW: "That's the only thing you are concerned about? Are you worried that the vast majority of the wrestlers in Code Red Wrestling aren’t anywhere near your age? If that’s the only thing that has you worried then everything is alright. "
(Barnaby looked incredulous at the words of Talon and doubted that everything would be alright as Wilkinson said. After a couple of seconds Talon continued.)
TW: "You see, this photograph that I have here in my hands is one I took out of this room because I wanted to show it to you. I knew your age could be a concern for you and decided that this photograph could be deter you from your idea and it would let you see that CRW gives the opportunity to everyone equally and that because some are younger than others doesn’t necessarily mean that the young are better. "
(Talon lifted the photograph he had on his hand and showed it to Sean Barnaby, it was the photo of Buck Dempsey. Barnaby looked at the picture showing a little gesture of surprise, but he still didn’t get where Talon wanted to go with this photo. Talon then spoke to him again.)
TW: "This is Buck Dempsey, possibly one of the oldest active wrestlers, anywhere. In fact he’s older than you and he remains in an optimal condition. He has fought with probably the toughest wrestlers of this era including the monster called Marko Flins and was able to compete toe to toe with them. If you still think your age is a limitation to fight on this company you can leave your dream on one side and get back the way you came, but, if you think you can do as Buck Dempsey and throw aside the convection that to succeed in this sport you have to be young… then you are welcomed in CRW and here's your contract. "
(Barnaby thought it several times and pulled out his phone from his pocket just to check the time. But when he took it out he recalled the message of his wife and daughter. Sean stared at Talon Wilkinson who held the contract with a pen looking directly at him. Barnaby looked each of the pictures of the office and took the contract from Talon hands, read it and ended up signing. Talon smiled and extended his hands towards Barnaby, while he said.)
TW: "Welcome to Code Red Wrestling, I assure you will not regret your decision."
(Barnaby also extended his hand and shaking them with Talon Wilkinson’s, that way sealing the deal that could definitely make Sean Barnaby’s dream of wrestling in a “big league” company a reality. After signing, Talon thanked him for coming and Barnaby left the office with a smile on his face. Taking the elevator he took before. He got his cellphone out of his pocked and sent a text message to his wife.)
(The elevator doors opened on the first floor where a large number of young prospects were waiting or walking towards the different offices on the first floor. Barnaby had a big smile on his face and walking among all the young people he did nothing but to thank heaven for his fate. He walked by the secretary desk who looked at him and said.)
Sec: "Welcome Mr. Barnaby"
(These words were impregnated Barnaby's mind as she left the office. Then as the door closed behind the scene ends.)
May 30th, 1:00 pm
New York[/i]
(Days after signing his contract with CRW, Sean Barnaby is back in New York, but this time he’s here to train in a gym on New York. His family accompanies him this time, his wife brown hair and caramel like skin and his little daughter that has just about five years. All three of them are in a hotel room, his wife looks at him with the look that worried mother would give to a child who goes to war, contrasting with the look that their daughter gives, a look full of energy and desire to see her dad on TV. Barnaby instead look at them both with excitement, he looks at his daughter and says goodbye to her with a kiss on the forehead. Then he goes towards his wife, she puts a hand on his cheek, obviously worried, Barnaby takes air and gives her a kiss on the forehead and another one on the lips. And in a low tone of voice says to her.)
SB: "Everything will be okay ..."
(His wife nods and kisses him again before Barnaby takes his gym back and walks out of the room.)
(An hour after he left the hotel room, Barnaby is in front of a gym in the New York area. Barnaby has heard that in this gym several wrestlers, of the company that he now belongs, gather to train in the days before to show. Barnaby placed his bag in a better position over his shoulder and opens the door of the gym. He quickly gets the attention of several young people who are present lifting weights. His bulging stomach and appearance of a person who exercises very little draws the attention in a place where the muscles are lords and masters. Barnaby walks into the locker area, he talks to the girl in charge of the keys and calls her, his face reflected a little embarrassment because this girl has more defined muscles than him, by much. The girl handed him the keys and he goes to the locker for which he paid, he leaves his belongings in it and heads to the cardio machines. Sighing, he tells himself.)
SB: "Well, here we go..."
(Barnaby starts exercising and it shows clearly that he’s out of shape. He feels that wrestling in small venues like the ones he has done is much easier than trying to get in better physical condition for a television show. At a distance one of the men who were exercising observes him, this man somewhat messy aspect, with several scars visible and long black hair, sporting sideburns, is in the weights area. His eyes are fixated on Barnaby and they reflect sorrow and compassion for the poor man who he seems to recognize. This man leaves the weights back on their place and goes to the bike where Barnaby’s doing his best impression of knowing what he’s doing. He reaches out and presents himself to Barnaby.)
TM: "Good afternoon, my name is Terry Marvin, and what’s your name?"
(The name of this man resonates in the mind of Sean Barnaby and he quickly recognized that this is one of the wrestlers with who he will have to share dressing room once he starts his journey in CRW. His scars now take a meaning, Terry Marvin has been in some of the bloodiest matches ever seen and now he had him face to face. Barnaby could not hide the excitement that came over him, and Marvin could not help but laugh. Finally Barnaby reaches out and shakes Marvin’s hand answering his question.)
SB: "Nice to meet you sir, I'm Sean Barnaby..."
(Terry Marvin does not allow Barnaby to continue talking when he interrupts him with a smile on his face.)
TM: "So you're one of the "new kids ""
(Barnaby understood the irony in the words of Terry and smiles before answering.)
SB: "Apparently..."
(Marvin looks up and down Barnaby and says.)
TM: "Do not try to drop weight... not going to make it for Face Off. Training for stamina will serve you more than anything else on the show than anything you to do here. "
(Barnaby Stares at Terry Marvin who runs to the ring. Sean is a little confused as he hoped Terry would give him a cardio workout, but instead he’s leading him to the ring first instance. Terry looks at Sean and tells him to enter the ring and this he does, he starts making a routine dictated by Terry. After several minutes doing it, Marvin decides to enter the ring for an "impromptu match”. Sean looks a little hesitant to this idea and decides to talk to Marvin.)
SB: "Terry, can I call you Terry, right?"
(Terry Marvin nods when Barnaby asked, who then continues to speak.)
SB: "I do not understand why you want a match, here and now..."
(Marvin smiles and gives Barnaby couple of pats on the shoulder before answering his question.)
TM: "Well, you're the "new guy”, I have to know what you bring to the ring…"
(Barnaby was not very convinced on the idea of having a match with Marvin and says to him.)
SB: "I really don’t think I should have a match with you now, I don’t think I can run an entire match with someone your age."
(Terry smiles at Barnaby's remark. Then he looks into Barnaby’s eyes and asks him.)
TM: "How old do you think I am?"
(Barnaby breaths deeply while thinking what to answer to Terry. After thinking for a few minutes he replied to Marvin, who apparently got tired of waiting for Barnaby's response.)
SB: "Approximately 34, maximum..."
(Terry Marvin explodes into a lout laugh, before placing his hand on the shoulder of a Sean Barnaby that doesn’t understand Marvin’s laugh, who then composes himself after that he tells Barnaby.)
TM: "Actually, I have 38, almost 39… but thanks for saying I look younger."
(Given the response Terry Marvin, Barnaby was surprised, this age is not far from his own age. At that very moment he began to believe in what Talon Wilkinson said in his office when he signed the contract. Terry Marvin again placed his hand on Sean's shoulder and said.)
TM: "Well, are you going to show me what you have in the tank or you chickened out?"
(Barnaby when asked smiled and accepted to compete in the proposed impromptu match with Terry Marvin. The match lasted several minutes in which Marvin was telling Barnaby that he had some flaws in some of the moves executed and he was giving him tips to make them better. The match eventually ended Marvin without being a clear winner or loser. Terry congratulated Barnaby and told him.)
TM: "You know, you just have to improve in those areas that I mentioned. If you can hone those little skills you can keep being effective in this sport for a while. "
(Barnaby began to gain confidence in himself, then he saw Buck Dempsey at the distance. The man Talon had shown in a photograph and that challenged many of the convections over age in the sport of wrestling. Buck had been watching the fight from a corner and Barnaby wanted some gesture of approval from him with his eyes, he looked straight and looked for that gesture. Buck just simply touched the tip of his beret towards Barnaby and turned away. Terry Marvin touched Barnaby’s shoulder and said. )
TM: "At least touched the tip of his beret..."
(Barnaby understood that this simple gesture had meant that at very least he was almost approved due to what he had seen in the ring, this gave him more confidence in himself and was meditating on the ropes looking around. Finally age doesn’t look to bother him anymore, his ability had convinced one of the sport's most decorated veterans in Terry Marvin and had won some kind of approval from the guy he wanted to have it, Buck Dempsey. Then Terry Marvin broke the moment of silence, he was at his cellphone and saw the name of Barnaby in an e-mail he had received.)
TM: "Apparently you will make your debut alongside Chris Mosh against Matt Stone and Siobhain Mackenna... Congratulations, you're now definitely a part of CRW. I can’t wait for your "promo" for this match, just to see if your "mic work" is as good as your ability in the ring."
(Having said that Terry turned his cellphone off and prepared to leave the gym. The scene ended with Sean Barnaby and Terry Marvin walking on different sides of the street.)
June 4th, 12:01
Undisclosed location
(The wind blows and it can be heard loud, even when there’s nothing to see. Then the scene opens up to reveal a lot of lights in the sky, they are glooming and showing glares. The Empire State Building can be seen on the horizon, and there’s no doubt, we are in the city that never sleeps. The camera pans around and it becomes clear that the scene takes place in the rooftop of one of the city’s many buildings. Then, the camera stops on the sight of one man standing in the middle of that roof. The man wearing a black t-shirt, black military pants, black boots, black elbow pads, black wristbands and black tape going from the wristbands all the way to his knuckles. This man is none other than Sean Barnaby. The recently signed CRW wrestlers. He looks like he’s ready for a fight but there’s no one around, yet he smiles and looks straight to the camera as he begins speaking.)
SB: Many people have been talking about me recently. I have been in the mouth of many around the wrestling world, I’ve heard my name mentioned on the radio and on the streets. Most people don’t really know much about me and those who really dared to speak more about me give me like a guy that has no way of achieving his goals.
Yes, I haven’t been around the “Big Leagues” long enough for people to know much about me. I haven’t been the guy that most people would want in their wrestling promotions for a reason. I can be the father of many of the playmakers in CRW… but that doesn’t get anything away from me.
(Barnaby walks towards the camera, staring at it. The wind keeps blowing and Barnaby’s shirt goes with it. Then as he gets closer to the camera he resumes speaking.)
SB: This week, I finally make my debut in a “Big League” company. Finally the dream I had as a young kid growing up in Washington will be fulfilled. I know there will be many trying to get me off my way, I know that there will be many people trying to play out the fact that in reality I don’t have anything to show for and that I’m the “oldest” rookie to arrive in CRW. Many will say that they are here to break my dream in half and in fact they have already started.
Matt Stone, I know you hold a title in CRW, the Prime-Time title to be precise. But let me ask you something? Have you ever been Prime-Time? Have you ever defended that title against someone that wanted to take that title away from you more than what they wanted to get in that paycheck? I know you defended your title twice on Mayhem, and I applaud you for that. In fact that makes you a more than worthy opponent for my debut. You have a pretty decent history in this company, but you’re looking past me without even being in the ring with me.
(Barnaby crosses his arms over his chest and looks straight to the camera. His eyes looking like the eyes of the most determined man in the world. Then after a quick breath he resumes speaking.)
SB: I saw the promo you cut with your partner against me and my partner. You already started looking forward to a tag-title match instead of having your full focus on this match. True, I will give you the point that in reality who am I? Who am I for you to speak more about me? Who am I to distract your little “love” time for wrestling? I’m a nobody…
Yes, I’m a nobody, but a nobody that will kick your ass in that ring if you commit any error. Matt Stone, scoring a victory against a guy that holds a title in my first match in CRW will be sweet. But it will be sweeter to score that victory against a tag-team that has the ambition of becoming the new Tag-Team Champions of CRW.
You see, I know that your first title came at the expenses of your tag partner this week. I know that you two have some sort of “love story” going on and in fact I don’t care about that. All I care is that you two are going to be in the same ring with me and if I’ve learned something this past couple of days is that I have what it takes to break your spirit and show you that this old man can and WILL defeat you.
(Barnaby then walks around looking to the sky above and then turning his head back to the camera. His serious tone of voice and serious gestures are leering into the camera lens. Then he resumes speaking.)
SB: Then my tag-partner… Chris Mosh. Yes, that pretty boy with the huge fan club. I sure hope you bring the whole gang to ringside this week, because I want them to see what we are capable of doing in that match. You state that you’re not a good tag-team wrestler, but that’s because you’ve become selfish like everyone else in this business. Wrestling is not about that, Mosh.
For everyone’s information, wrestling is more than showing up in trunks and locking up with everyone and fighting for championships. Wrestling is a way of expressing yourself, is a way of art that very few people can become masters at. We are some of the few with the privilege to be in the ring and perform our art to the world. For this match, Mosh, I will show you that being in a tag match with this “old” dude can be beneficial for your career. I will show you and the world that I have what it takes to run with the kids and I will show to the world that Talon was right when he signed me up for a contract.
(Barnaby sits down over the metal box of a nearby air conditioner. He looks to the sky, with both of his hands holding each other. His face reflecting some sort of pain, then he looks towards the camera and speaks.)
SB: I have changed my mind over what I want to achieve in wrestling over the course of this past few days. First I thought I couldn’t possibly handle the pressure of having to face guys that could very well be my own sons and daughters. But then I realized that maybe all I needed was inspiration, inspiration that came in the form of Buck Demspey. A man that I’ve grown to respect in the past couple of days, a man that I’ve never heard off before, but now that I know he’s wrestling… has become my model.
You’ve all heard and read the news, I don’t have to repeat them… but I want everyone to know that even when I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dempsey, my debut match alongside Chris Mosh, will be on his honor.
So, Matt Stone, Sib… I want you both to be ready for this match, I want you both to bring all you got. I want you both to show me that I’M AN OLD MAN. I want you to try and crush my “dreams” in that ring. Because the harder you try, the harder I will make you suffer. The more you want to take me away, the stronger I will come back.
Chris Mosh, you’re lucky to have me as your partner… if you haven’t already noticed it… we are going to clean the house. Because the new school, meets the old school… and the Weekend Warrior… becomes the “Sunday Night Warrior”.
(Barnaby hits one of his hands with the other in a punching motion. And winks to the camera before a smirk shows on his face and he talks once more.)
SB: This old dog… has some tricks to show the new ones…
(The scene fades to black)
CRW Headquarters, New York
SB: "So this is New York ...."
(And like that the whole trip began, a dream of youth reached its pinnacle in what appeared to be an unproductive age within the sport. Few have managed to break through and be impact players at the age Sean Barnaby has, a high school teacher who left his post at the insistence of his students, who urged him to fulfill his dreams. Now was in front of the offices of CRW to complete the signing of his contract. A very aged looking suit was what he was wearing and his physique seemed almost equally worn. He didn’t have the joviality he had as a young man with a desire to be great in the sport he came to love.)
SB: "We'll see how it all goes..."
(Barnaby opened the door to the headquarters and met with the secretary, who with a friendly smile and a sweet look said to him in a feminine and soft tone of voice.)
Sec: "Good afternoon sir, if you want an autograph will have to wait or go to one of our show ..."
(Sean just smiled, on his mind ran a thousand thoughts, but he knew it was very likely that someone would comment something like that in CRW headquarters. After all, he was not exactly the prototypical newbie in the industry. Honestly, he wasn’t even close to looking like one of those kids he had seen enter before him to the office, possibly looking for the same thing he was looking for. Boys and girls of 16, 20, 23 years of age and him at his forty-something, he doubted if it would get signed to a contract. He gave it a thought, and after a couple of seconds he finally spoke to the secretary.)
SB: "No, no, I'm not looking for an autograph ..."
(The secretary seemed confused and se searched among her papers and then with a gentle look on her face she spoke to our "weekend warrior")
Sec: "Then, with what can I help you sir?"
(Sean Barnaby looked on his briefcase a crumpled and a bit dirty piece of paper and with a shy smile handed it to the secretary saying.)
SB: "I’m looking for Mr. Talon Wilkinson..."
(Secretary eyed the piece of paper and looked at Barnaby over her glasses with a face that said more than what their lips uttered. She took a look at Barnaby several times while he just looked around with a small smile showing on his face. Then the secretary took the phone and made a call, it only took a couple of seconds for someone to answer on the other side. She took her time and spoke to the person who answered her call.)
Sec: "Sir, here is a man who is looking for you..."
(The caller spoke to her, but the phone was so far away that Sean Barnaby could not hear anything he said. The secretary still holding the phone, looked at Barnaby and asked him.)
Sec: "Sir forgive me, what is your name?"
(Sean took a deep breath, while group of youngsters passed around, gorgeous girls and young prospects leered at and laughed at him while they got in and out of the office. Barnaby then took a breath looking for a moment of courage and gave his name to the secretary.)
SB: “Barnaby, my name is Sean Barnaby…"
(The secretary gave the name to the guy talking on the other side of the line and said something that Barnaby couldn’t hear. He only smiled while the secretary nodded to everything her interlocutor uttered on the other side of the line. After a while the secretary placed the phone back in its place and staring at Barnaby she said.)
Sec: "Very well, Mr. Talon Wilkinson is waiting for you in his office, you can go."
(Sean Barnaby did not move from his place and the secretary realizing her little mistake spoke again to him.)
Sec: "You will need to take the elevator go to the top floor, take the hall that will be in front of you, then you look at your left and you will find the office of Mr. Talon Wilkinson. Have a good day sir and good luck. "
(These last words uttered by the secretary, made Sean Barnaby shudder inside, he knew he would need all the luck in the world to achieve what he came here for. He looked at the secretary who handed him the piece of paper he had given her at first. He placed the paper in his briefcase and then said a few words to the secretary.)
SB: "Thank you miss, I wish a very good day to you too."
(Sean Barnaby continued his way to where the secretary had told him. He took the elevator and as it went up the nerves started showing up on him. Several times he wanted to stop the elevator and give up, but then his phone rang. He thought several times if he should or should not pick it up and watch what was the thing that made it ring in the first place, in the end he did pick it up and saw it was a text message from his wife and daughter. Barnaby opened the message and began to read.)
"Honey, we know how much this means to you. We know this has been your dream since a very early age and you postpone it several years for various reasons. You are our weekend warrior and we want the world to know how good you are doing what you love. We will be supporting you in every instance of your career wherever it might get you.
PD. Break a leg "
PD. Break a leg "
(Reading this text almost made Barnaby cry. The tears would have come out if it wasn’t for the elevator reaching its destination and he needed to appear the way he appeared through his career, hard as a rock. He closed his cellphone, somewhat outdated for today's technology, but for him it worked perfectly. Then he put it in silent mode and returned it to his pocket. The elevator door started closing as he carried out this action, then at the last second, he managed to keep it open and get out. Barnaby took the hall as the secretary had told him and looking at the doors on the left he managed to find the one he was looking for. In golden letters engraved on a silver plate was written the name of the man who he had come to see.)
"Talon Wilkinson"
(Again Barnaby sighed and drew a deep breath, fixed his hair a little, also he fixed his suit, looking in the reflection of a nearby glass. Then he put his hand on a concave form and blew on it to see if his breath was presentable, after the gesture he reached into his bag for a pack of Dentyne mints. Barnaby pulled a mint and put it on his mouth. Again sighed and knocked on the door, from inside a voice said.)
TW: "Come in!"
(Sean Barnaby opened the door and there was Talon Wilkinson sitting behind his desk. Looking a lot younger than Barnaby and this made him think he actually did not belong to the "big leagues”. Talon in his office had several photographs of multiple fighters of his company among many there were photos of: Diego de la Vega, Rex Evans, Eddie Phoenix, Gravedigger, Chris Mosh, Leon Corbin, Leander Apollo. Barnaby remained standing until Talon looked up to him and invited him to sit. His face contrasted with that of Barnaby, he looked a lot younger than him and he was. Talon smiled and after finishing up the signing of some papers spoke to Barnaby.)
TW: "Good afternoon, sir. I have the understanding that you are Sean Barnaby, right?"
(Barnaby just smiled and spoke in a tone a nervous tone.)
SB: "Yes, yes sir, I'm Sean Barnaby."
(Talon smiled noticing the gestures of nervousness showing up on Barnaby’s body language. He then pulled some papers from his desk and placed them on top of his desk and then spoke to Sean in the same gentle tone that he spoke at first.)
TW: "It was you who sent the video for us to review and make a decision on whether to admit you or not on my company?"
(Sean Barnaby then took a deep breath and replied to Talon.)
SB: "Yes, it was me who sent the video…"
(Talon was pleased with the answer as his gestures showed surprise and a some sort of happiness. Barnaby felt a rush of nervousness on his body, he became static and he wasn’t believing anything that was happening. After a couple of seconds Talon spoke.)
TW: "Perfect, I loved what I saw in the video. You have very good skills. In fact you have superior ability to many who have tried out to enter this company. You see, normally I do not personally interview all the prospects who try to enter CRW. I only interview the best of them personally. You were above a large brood of boys who sent me videos to evaluate and that's why you're here today. "
(The nervousness in the body of Sean Barnaby dissipated a bit with Talon Wilkinson's words, but still he was a bit worried about his age in contrast to the apparent age of those in the photographs in the office Talon. He, noting that Barnaby wasn’t feeling comfortable with something asked.)
TW: "Is there anything that concerns you, sir?"
(Barnaby looked around and then stared at Talon to answer the question.)
SB: "In fact, yes, there is something that is worrying me. Since coming to this headquarters I have only seen boys and girls that are almost half my age. I walked into his office and I saw the photographs of the wrestlers, who I assume are a big part of your company. But I haven’t seen anyone that is close to my age. I doubt I can keep up with these guys and that worries me. "
(Talon looked at Barnaby with a smile on his face, after reviewing everything on his desk he speaks to him.)
TW: "That's the only thing you are concerned about? Are you worried that the vast majority of the wrestlers in Code Red Wrestling aren’t anywhere near your age? If that’s the only thing that has you worried then everything is alright. "
(Barnaby looked incredulous at the words of Talon and doubted that everything would be alright as Wilkinson said. After a couple of seconds Talon continued.)
TW: "You see, this photograph that I have here in my hands is one I took out of this room because I wanted to show it to you. I knew your age could be a concern for you and decided that this photograph could be deter you from your idea and it would let you see that CRW gives the opportunity to everyone equally and that because some are younger than others doesn’t necessarily mean that the young are better. "
(Talon lifted the photograph he had on his hand and showed it to Sean Barnaby, it was the photo of Buck Dempsey. Barnaby looked at the picture showing a little gesture of surprise, but he still didn’t get where Talon wanted to go with this photo. Talon then spoke to him again.)
TW: "This is Buck Dempsey, possibly one of the oldest active wrestlers, anywhere. In fact he’s older than you and he remains in an optimal condition. He has fought with probably the toughest wrestlers of this era including the monster called Marko Flins and was able to compete toe to toe with them. If you still think your age is a limitation to fight on this company you can leave your dream on one side and get back the way you came, but, if you think you can do as Buck Dempsey and throw aside the convection that to succeed in this sport you have to be young… then you are welcomed in CRW and here's your contract. "
(Barnaby thought it several times and pulled out his phone from his pocket just to check the time. But when he took it out he recalled the message of his wife and daughter. Sean stared at Talon Wilkinson who held the contract with a pen looking directly at him. Barnaby looked each of the pictures of the office and took the contract from Talon hands, read it and ended up signing. Talon smiled and extended his hands towards Barnaby, while he said.)
TW: "Welcome to Code Red Wrestling, I assure you will not regret your decision."
(Barnaby also extended his hand and shaking them with Talon Wilkinson’s, that way sealing the deal that could definitely make Sean Barnaby’s dream of wrestling in a “big league” company a reality. After signing, Talon thanked him for coming and Barnaby left the office with a smile on his face. Taking the elevator he took before. He got his cellphone out of his pocked and sent a text message to his wife.)
"Thanks for your support! I'm now a wrestler in Code Red Wrestling…"
(The elevator doors opened on the first floor where a large number of young prospects were waiting or walking towards the different offices on the first floor. Barnaby had a big smile on his face and walking among all the young people he did nothing but to thank heaven for his fate. He walked by the secretary desk who looked at him and said.)
Sec: "Welcome Mr. Barnaby"
(These words were impregnated Barnaby's mind as she left the office. Then as the door closed behind the scene ends.)
May 30th, 1:00 pm
New York[/i]
(Days after signing his contract with CRW, Sean Barnaby is back in New York, but this time he’s here to train in a gym on New York. His family accompanies him this time, his wife brown hair and caramel like skin and his little daughter that has just about five years. All three of them are in a hotel room, his wife looks at him with the look that worried mother would give to a child who goes to war, contrasting with the look that their daughter gives, a look full of energy and desire to see her dad on TV. Barnaby instead look at them both with excitement, he looks at his daughter and says goodbye to her with a kiss on the forehead. Then he goes towards his wife, she puts a hand on his cheek, obviously worried, Barnaby takes air and gives her a kiss on the forehead and another one on the lips. And in a low tone of voice says to her.)
SB: "Everything will be okay ..."
(His wife nods and kisses him again before Barnaby takes his gym back and walks out of the room.)
(An hour after he left the hotel room, Barnaby is in front of a gym in the New York area. Barnaby has heard that in this gym several wrestlers, of the company that he now belongs, gather to train in the days before to show. Barnaby placed his bag in a better position over his shoulder and opens the door of the gym. He quickly gets the attention of several young people who are present lifting weights. His bulging stomach and appearance of a person who exercises very little draws the attention in a place where the muscles are lords and masters. Barnaby walks into the locker area, he talks to the girl in charge of the keys and calls her, his face reflected a little embarrassment because this girl has more defined muscles than him, by much. The girl handed him the keys and he goes to the locker for which he paid, he leaves his belongings in it and heads to the cardio machines. Sighing, he tells himself.)
SB: "Well, here we go..."
(Barnaby starts exercising and it shows clearly that he’s out of shape. He feels that wrestling in small venues like the ones he has done is much easier than trying to get in better physical condition for a television show. At a distance one of the men who were exercising observes him, this man somewhat messy aspect, with several scars visible and long black hair, sporting sideburns, is in the weights area. His eyes are fixated on Barnaby and they reflect sorrow and compassion for the poor man who he seems to recognize. This man leaves the weights back on their place and goes to the bike where Barnaby’s doing his best impression of knowing what he’s doing. He reaches out and presents himself to Barnaby.)
TM: "Good afternoon, my name is Terry Marvin, and what’s your name?"
(The name of this man resonates in the mind of Sean Barnaby and he quickly recognized that this is one of the wrestlers with who he will have to share dressing room once he starts his journey in CRW. His scars now take a meaning, Terry Marvin has been in some of the bloodiest matches ever seen and now he had him face to face. Barnaby could not hide the excitement that came over him, and Marvin could not help but laugh. Finally Barnaby reaches out and shakes Marvin’s hand answering his question.)
SB: "Nice to meet you sir, I'm Sean Barnaby..."
(Terry Marvin does not allow Barnaby to continue talking when he interrupts him with a smile on his face.)
TM: "So you're one of the "new kids ""
(Barnaby understood the irony in the words of Terry and smiles before answering.)
SB: "Apparently..."
(Marvin looks up and down Barnaby and says.)
TM: "Do not try to drop weight... not going to make it for Face Off. Training for stamina will serve you more than anything else on the show than anything you to do here. "
(Barnaby Stares at Terry Marvin who runs to the ring. Sean is a little confused as he hoped Terry would give him a cardio workout, but instead he’s leading him to the ring first instance. Terry looks at Sean and tells him to enter the ring and this he does, he starts making a routine dictated by Terry. After several minutes doing it, Marvin decides to enter the ring for an "impromptu match”. Sean looks a little hesitant to this idea and decides to talk to Marvin.)
SB: "Terry, can I call you Terry, right?"
(Terry Marvin nods when Barnaby asked, who then continues to speak.)
SB: "I do not understand why you want a match, here and now..."
(Marvin smiles and gives Barnaby couple of pats on the shoulder before answering his question.)
TM: "Well, you're the "new guy”, I have to know what you bring to the ring…"
(Barnaby was not very convinced on the idea of having a match with Marvin and says to him.)
SB: "I really don’t think I should have a match with you now, I don’t think I can run an entire match with someone your age."
(Terry smiles at Barnaby's remark. Then he looks into Barnaby’s eyes and asks him.)
TM: "How old do you think I am?"
(Barnaby breaths deeply while thinking what to answer to Terry. After thinking for a few minutes he replied to Marvin, who apparently got tired of waiting for Barnaby's response.)
SB: "Approximately 34, maximum..."
(Terry Marvin explodes into a lout laugh, before placing his hand on the shoulder of a Sean Barnaby that doesn’t understand Marvin’s laugh, who then composes himself after that he tells Barnaby.)
TM: "Actually, I have 38, almost 39… but thanks for saying I look younger."
(Given the response Terry Marvin, Barnaby was surprised, this age is not far from his own age. At that very moment he began to believe in what Talon Wilkinson said in his office when he signed the contract. Terry Marvin again placed his hand on Sean's shoulder and said.)
TM: "Well, are you going to show me what you have in the tank or you chickened out?"
(Barnaby when asked smiled and accepted to compete in the proposed impromptu match with Terry Marvin. The match lasted several minutes in which Marvin was telling Barnaby that he had some flaws in some of the moves executed and he was giving him tips to make them better. The match eventually ended Marvin without being a clear winner or loser. Terry congratulated Barnaby and told him.)
TM: "You know, you just have to improve in those areas that I mentioned. If you can hone those little skills you can keep being effective in this sport for a while. "
(Barnaby began to gain confidence in himself, then he saw Buck Dempsey at the distance. The man Talon had shown in a photograph and that challenged many of the convections over age in the sport of wrestling. Buck had been watching the fight from a corner and Barnaby wanted some gesture of approval from him with his eyes, he looked straight and looked for that gesture. Buck just simply touched the tip of his beret towards Barnaby and turned away. Terry Marvin touched Barnaby’s shoulder and said. )
TM: "At least touched the tip of his beret..."
(Barnaby understood that this simple gesture had meant that at very least he was almost approved due to what he had seen in the ring, this gave him more confidence in himself and was meditating on the ropes looking around. Finally age doesn’t look to bother him anymore, his ability had convinced one of the sport's most decorated veterans in Terry Marvin and had won some kind of approval from the guy he wanted to have it, Buck Dempsey. Then Terry Marvin broke the moment of silence, he was at his cellphone and saw the name of Barnaby in an e-mail he had received.)
TM: "Apparently you will make your debut alongside Chris Mosh against Matt Stone and Siobhain Mackenna... Congratulations, you're now definitely a part of CRW. I can’t wait for your "promo" for this match, just to see if your "mic work" is as good as your ability in the ring."
(Having said that Terry turned his cellphone off and prepared to leave the gym. The scene ended with Sean Barnaby and Terry Marvin walking on different sides of the street.)
June 4th, 12:01
Undisclosed location
(The wind blows and it can be heard loud, even when there’s nothing to see. Then the scene opens up to reveal a lot of lights in the sky, they are glooming and showing glares. The Empire State Building can be seen on the horizon, and there’s no doubt, we are in the city that never sleeps. The camera pans around and it becomes clear that the scene takes place in the rooftop of one of the city’s many buildings. Then, the camera stops on the sight of one man standing in the middle of that roof. The man wearing a black t-shirt, black military pants, black boots, black elbow pads, black wristbands and black tape going from the wristbands all the way to his knuckles. This man is none other than Sean Barnaby. The recently signed CRW wrestlers. He looks like he’s ready for a fight but there’s no one around, yet he smiles and looks straight to the camera as he begins speaking.)
SB: Many people have been talking about me recently. I have been in the mouth of many around the wrestling world, I’ve heard my name mentioned on the radio and on the streets. Most people don’t really know much about me and those who really dared to speak more about me give me like a guy that has no way of achieving his goals.
Yes, I haven’t been around the “Big Leagues” long enough for people to know much about me. I haven’t been the guy that most people would want in their wrestling promotions for a reason. I can be the father of many of the playmakers in CRW… but that doesn’t get anything away from me.
(Barnaby walks towards the camera, staring at it. The wind keeps blowing and Barnaby’s shirt goes with it. Then as he gets closer to the camera he resumes speaking.)
SB: This week, I finally make my debut in a “Big League” company. Finally the dream I had as a young kid growing up in Washington will be fulfilled. I know there will be many trying to get me off my way, I know that there will be many people trying to play out the fact that in reality I don’t have anything to show for and that I’m the “oldest” rookie to arrive in CRW. Many will say that they are here to break my dream in half and in fact they have already started.
Matt Stone, I know you hold a title in CRW, the Prime-Time title to be precise. But let me ask you something? Have you ever been Prime-Time? Have you ever defended that title against someone that wanted to take that title away from you more than what they wanted to get in that paycheck? I know you defended your title twice on Mayhem, and I applaud you for that. In fact that makes you a more than worthy opponent for my debut. You have a pretty decent history in this company, but you’re looking past me without even being in the ring with me.
(Barnaby crosses his arms over his chest and looks straight to the camera. His eyes looking like the eyes of the most determined man in the world. Then after a quick breath he resumes speaking.)
SB: I saw the promo you cut with your partner against me and my partner. You already started looking forward to a tag-title match instead of having your full focus on this match. True, I will give you the point that in reality who am I? Who am I for you to speak more about me? Who am I to distract your little “love” time for wrestling? I’m a nobody…
Yes, I’m a nobody, but a nobody that will kick your ass in that ring if you commit any error. Matt Stone, scoring a victory against a guy that holds a title in my first match in CRW will be sweet. But it will be sweeter to score that victory against a tag-team that has the ambition of becoming the new Tag-Team Champions of CRW.
You see, I know that your first title came at the expenses of your tag partner this week. I know that you two have some sort of “love story” going on and in fact I don’t care about that. All I care is that you two are going to be in the same ring with me and if I’ve learned something this past couple of days is that I have what it takes to break your spirit and show you that this old man can and WILL defeat you.
(Barnaby then walks around looking to the sky above and then turning his head back to the camera. His serious tone of voice and serious gestures are leering into the camera lens. Then he resumes speaking.)
SB: Then my tag-partner… Chris Mosh. Yes, that pretty boy with the huge fan club. I sure hope you bring the whole gang to ringside this week, because I want them to see what we are capable of doing in that match. You state that you’re not a good tag-team wrestler, but that’s because you’ve become selfish like everyone else in this business. Wrestling is not about that, Mosh.
For everyone’s information, wrestling is more than showing up in trunks and locking up with everyone and fighting for championships. Wrestling is a way of expressing yourself, is a way of art that very few people can become masters at. We are some of the few with the privilege to be in the ring and perform our art to the world. For this match, Mosh, I will show you that being in a tag match with this “old” dude can be beneficial for your career. I will show you and the world that I have what it takes to run with the kids and I will show to the world that Talon was right when he signed me up for a contract.
(Barnaby sits down over the metal box of a nearby air conditioner. He looks to the sky, with both of his hands holding each other. His face reflecting some sort of pain, then he looks towards the camera and speaks.)
SB: I have changed my mind over what I want to achieve in wrestling over the course of this past few days. First I thought I couldn’t possibly handle the pressure of having to face guys that could very well be my own sons and daughters. But then I realized that maybe all I needed was inspiration, inspiration that came in the form of Buck Demspey. A man that I’ve grown to respect in the past couple of days, a man that I’ve never heard off before, but now that I know he’s wrestling… has become my model.
You’ve all heard and read the news, I don’t have to repeat them… but I want everyone to know that even when I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dempsey, my debut match alongside Chris Mosh, will be on his honor.
So, Matt Stone, Sib… I want you both to be ready for this match, I want you both to bring all you got. I want you both to show me that I’M AN OLD MAN. I want you to try and crush my “dreams” in that ring. Because the harder you try, the harder I will make you suffer. The more you want to take me away, the stronger I will come back.
Chris Mosh, you’re lucky to have me as your partner… if you haven’t already noticed it… we are going to clean the house. Because the new school, meets the old school… and the Weekend Warrior… becomes the “Sunday Night Warrior”.
(Barnaby hits one of his hands with the other in a punching motion. And winks to the camera before a smirk shows on his face and he talks once more.)
SB: This old dog… has some tricks to show the new ones…
(The scene fades to black)