New Noble in Town

[Delikado/J-Noble]

New Noble in Town

Monterey, Tennessee
10:45 AM

It’s a quiet morning in Monterey as a Coach USA bus pulls up and stops just a few inches from the bus-stop. The doors open and a few passengers exit the vehicle. One of them is Johnny Noble. Carrying a single suitcase in his hand, he steps onto the sidewalk and looks at the bus as he walks away from it. The doors close after a few seconds and the bus proceeds to drive off to its next destination. The other passengers Johnny departed with make their way in differing directions, but Johnny stands where he is for a few seconds. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his iPhone, only to find that it must’ve died at some point on the trip. Johnny resets the iPhone where it was and looks around at the street in front of him. As a few more cars pass by on the street in front of Johnny, he glances back and forth, left and right for any additional traffic. Across the street, Johnny spots a payphone next to a few unmarked buildings. When the commotion eases up, he crosses the street to the other side and heads for the payphone.

Johnny sets his suitcase down and takes a hold of the phone, deposits the right amount of change, and then holds the phone to his ear. He waits for several seconds, but it’s evident that nobody is going to pick up, at least right now. But after contemplating the time and the schedule he’d been told, Johnny realizes he’s better off NOT waiting for this phone-call, and hangs up the phone. He picks up his suitcase again and takes a look at all the cars that have since passed him by. Across the street, a few buildings down from the bus stop, Johnny spots a rental car dealership. He makes his way to the dealership and rents an older looking 2004 Chevy Aveo. A few minutes later, Johnny Noble makes his way to Cookeville, about 13 miles away.

Cookeville Community Center
12:02 PM

In the office of the Community Center, Johnny Noble comes face-to-face with his brother, Kurt Noble. In a rather tense moment, as Johnny had been led to the office by a secretary, things certainly didn’t play out like a typical family reunion, especially between two brothers who hadn’t seen each other in quite some time. But Kurt Noble, Kingdom of Pride Co-Owner, rises from his desk, walks around it, and approaches his brother with the best smile he can realistically offer. He holds out his hand to Johnny, who gives it a firm shake that carries no extra emotion behind it. The smile from Kurt is returned as well by Johnny, but it’s nothing to take a photo of.

Kurt: John, I can’t believe it. It’s been a long time.

Kurt gives his younger brother a pat on the arm and they break their handshake now.

Johnny: Hey, Kurt.

Kurt continues smiling as he takes a step back and really evaluates his brother, who wears a red polo shirt and black trousers, far more casual than the elder brother’s suit and tie combination.

Kurt: My God, you look well, man. I mean that. I know we haven’t seen each other in a few years, and I know things must feel different here now than back home, but I want you to know that I’m glad to have you here and it’s good to see another Noble in this business.

Johnny listens and nods his head as he glances around the office at some of the classic Kurt Noble photos and posters. A few old title belts are even hanging on the wall, all from companies Johnny’s never heard of. Kurt turns and walks back toward his desk as Johnny takes a few steps around himself.

Kurt: So, Johnny, I want you to take it easy here, huh? The Kingdom of Pride was built on patience and hard work, things I know you have, so there’s no rush in you setting things up to your liking, ok?

Kurt sits down with a light groan and exhales calmly as Johnny turns his head back toward the desk. Suddenly, a knock is heard on the office door and Kurt looks over Johnny’s shoulder.

Kurt: Come in.

The door opens and in walks a man maybe two or three years younger than Johnny. He, like Kurt, wears a dark suit and tie and his hair is slicked back with a rather unnecessary amount of gel. This man and Johnny lock eyes for a few seconds before the former turns all his attention to Kurt, who waves him in.

Kurt: Ah, Ray, hi. John, this is Raymond Caravelle, an intern here in Pride.

Ray and Johnny glance at each other again and exchange silent greetings.

Johnny: Hey.

Ray: How ya doin’?

Kurt: John, Ray here will be helping you get situated here in the Kingdom of Pride. I’ve asked him to show you where everything is that you could possibly need and to give you an overall run-down of how the business works. Think of him as your “advisor”, I suppose. You have any questions and I’m not available, he’ll assist you any way he can.

Johnny’s mouth opens a little bit in confusion as Ray stands next to Kurt’s desk, facing Johnny and nodding his head with a grin.

Kurt: Believe me, this way both of you gain some valuable learning experience working off each other. A lot of people here can’t be fortunate enough to have it this good on their first day.

Raymond nods his head in agreement, never breaking the little grin he has going for him. Johnny cocks his eyebrow now and takes a few steps toward the desk, no longer waiting and keeping his mouth shut.

Johnny: Kurt, really? I just walked through the door and you’re already bartering me off? I know we’re not close anymore, I mean, but this isn’t what I expected when I called you a week ago telling you I was coming down here.

Kurt sits back in his seat and folds his hands together as he listens to Johnny’s remarks.

Kurt: Then what did you expect, Johnny? Favoritism?

Johnny: Get out of here with that, I didn’t come here to be insulted like this. I’ve never wanted special treatment from anybody. That’s not me. It’s just…we’re family, and I thought we’d start off this new life here like one.

Kurt: I understand, John. Really, I do. But things are unfortunately very hectic right now. Pride has its first Super Show coming up, and I have to make sure everything goes as smooth as butter with it, otherwise there won’t be any time for us to conduct business like a family. So, if you don’t want Raymond to help you out, that’s fine. I just thought that since I can’t necessarily assist you with starting out here like I wish I could, I’d get someone I know, someone I trust, to lead you in the right direction.

Johnny looks toward Ray, who places his hands together in front of him and gives Johnny a somewhat sly look.

Johnny: It’s just…nobody else around here is placed in a position where they have to listen to…to…

Johnny motions his hand toward Ray, at a loss for words on how to label the young intern without being offensive or ungrateful. Johnny sighs and looks back toward Kurt.

Johnny: I just don’t know how you want me to react to being tossed off on someone else, especially when I’ve been working on my own the past three years.

While not “angry” angry, Kurt is clearly a little shocked at his brother’s attitude, but his overall positive nature motivates him to speak to his brother calmly and professionally.

Kurt: John, again, I know things are not exactly golden between us, and I hope that in the months to come in Pride, we can patch up some our rougher areas. I would like nothing better than that. But this is a place of business, a place that I help run as one of the two General Managers. So when you come in here and you voice your displeasure like you have and start to question any calls I make, brother or not, I find it to be an attack on the company. Do you understand what I mean?

Johnny inhales and slowly exhales before nodding his head, fully understanding Kurt’s dilemma.

Johnny: You’re right, I understand, Kurt.

Kurt smiles, glad this situation was settled as nicely as it was, and motions to Raymond.

Kurt: But like I said, you have anything- anything at all that you need to know and if you find I’m not available, just give Raymond a call. He’s almost always out and about in the arenas doing his internship, and I know he’s very excited to get to work with a member of the roster. You’ll help my brother in any way you can, right Ray?

Ray’s grin gets even wider as he takes a few small steps toward Johnny.

Ray: Mr. Noble, it would be an honor to help out a member of your family. In fact…

Ray pats Johnny on the back and smiles at him, although Johnny retains his plain, unimpressed position.

Ray: I already set up a nice little travel extravaganza for us to take right now. Show you some of the sights and then set him up in a nice little place I rented out for him a short drive away from the arena.

Kurt: Terrific. See, John, you’re in good hands.

Johnny and Raymond lock eyes for a few seconds before the young Caravelle pats his arm and guides him toward the door. He opens it and politely waves Johnny to go first, which he does. Both men walk out the door and Raymond shuts it behind him. Kurt sits in his chair and sighs in relief as he turns his attention toward some documents he has to work on before the show later on.

Kingdom of Pride parking lot
12:35 PM

Johnny and Ray exit the arena and step out onto the hot surface of the parking lot. Raymond walks ahead of Johnny, who moves at his own pace a few feet back.

Ray: Alright, Jonathan, the place I got for you is about a mile down the road here. It’s perfect for someone like you.

Johnny: You shouldn’t have.

Raymond looks around the parking lot before uttering his next question.

Ray: Where’s your car?

Johnny walks toward his Aveo and Raymond follows him, snickering at the sight of the rented vehicle.

Ray: Boy, Jonathan, your car’s a piece of shit! You sure it runs?

Johnny: It got me here, so yeah, it runs.

Ray: Watch as it dies.

Johnny unlocks the car and both men climb into their respective seats. Despite Raymond’s remark, the car works on the first try.

Ray: There is a God! Now just get me to the hotel without crashing like a chump.

Johnny puts the car in drive and makes his way out of the parking lot at Raymond’s direction. When they pull out onto the main road, Ray directs Johnny down the road he needs to take.

Ray: Alright, head down this road and turn when I tell you to. When we get there, I figure we’ll set you up, get you nice and comfy, and then prepare for the fight you got tonight.

Johnny shakes his head in bewilderment and flashes Ray a look as he drives.

Johnny: Fight? Whoa, I ain’t exactly prepped for this sort of thing already.

Ray: It’s a Super Show, Johnny boy. Pride’s first. You gotta wrestle. What, you too much of a chickenshit to hit the ground running?

Johnny: I can handle it, just don’t expect a five star show.

Ray: Oh, trust me. I’m not gonna expect a two star show from you any time soon.

Johnny: You don’t say…

To say things were off to a questionable start would be a major understatement. Johnny continues driving as Ray reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. He unfolds it and looks it over, reading the papers contents aloud.

Ray: “Second Match, Singles Debut, Johnny Noble vs. Michael Robinson”. It oughta be right up your alley, Johnny, beating up no-name schmucks early in the night and making yourself scarce afterwards.

Johnny: Someone assumes they know me…

Ray: Oh, I know you well enough. And I know that if you mess up and can’t even beat a lousy chump like Robinson here, then you may as well go back to Canada and mooch like the rest of your damn country of baconhead idiots.

It’s obvious Johnny is seriously contemplating a lot of things he could say to this smug bastard right now, but for the sake of preventing a headache, he just lets Ray’s petty comments go through one ear and out the other.

Johnny: So what about equipment, training, that sort of stuff? If this thing’s tonight, how am I supposed to prepare myself without stumbling around like a jackass?

Ray snickers as he looks out the window at a building, keeping an eye peeled for the turn-off to their destination.

Ray: It’s already too late to prevent that, Jonathan. Besides, I screened this guy for your brother the other day. You could probably beat him in what you’re wearing right now, that’s how much of a freaking asshole he is. And training? If you’re really unskilled enough to wrestle, I can probably find you a lady’s gym to work out at.

In one ear, out the other. It’s all that’s keeping Johnny from training his fist right here on Ray’s mouth.

Ray: Yeah, even for a guy like you, Robinson oughta be easy pickings. Then again, maybe he’s stronger than he let on and you’re about to walk into an ass-kicking. Who can know? Maybe he’s that kinda guy who lures chumps like you into a false sense of security, beats the holy hell out of you, and then makes you cry like a little girl. You better hope he ain’t that kinda guy, Johnny, because I look at you now and I can see you weeping your eyes out like a woman on her period.

Johnny: Ok, maybe I’ll just stand at ringside and you can climb in there and test him out for me? How about that, Ray? Can you see that?

Ray: Calm yourself, tough guy. I ain’t doing this internship to be a big steroid monkey like you and everyone else in this company. I’m more into the leadership position, ordering dumb bastards like you around and booking you how I see fit. Capiche?

Johnny: I’m sure your employees will understand.

Ray: Take a right here.

The car turns and pulls into a small group of hotels that look more than a little old, what with gang signs and a worn out appearance everywhere you look. Johnny stops the car and puts it in park where Ray directs him and they sit there looking at the hotel, the Monopoly. Ray is grinning like a smug little prick while Johnny doesn’t look too surprised.

Ray: You like her, Jonathan? I figure it’s just like a little piece of Canadian home living for ya.

A man walks out of one of the rooms wearing a headband and is shirtless with countless tattoos on his body. He gives them both a dirty look and keeps on walking.

Johnny: I think I’d be better off sleeping at the arena on the floor.

Ray: Oh, well check this shit out. It IS like home! The no-good ungrateful Canadian mooches off the successful people of American living, is given a roof over his head and all the support he could ever need even when he hasn’t earned it, and yet he STILL complains! I don’t even know why I bother getting a place like this for you, you clearly have no respect for nothing.

Johnny turns his head toward Ray, his eyes narrow and more than a little annoyed with the Italian yelling in his ear and questioning his respect.

Johnny: Take it easy…

Ray: You don’t tell me what to do. I tell you what to do, tough guy! Now, go in your room and set your shit down. And make it fast, I have important things to do.

He hands Johnny a keycard to a hotel room and exits the car. About ten minutes later, after having found the room and “set his shit down,” Johnny returns to the car, unfortunately finding Ray right where he left him. He climbs in and sits as Ray yawns loudly and obnoxiously.

Ray: Boy, what took you so long? You better not have been up there scoring any drugs. That’s against company policy, not that any of the Nobles know about drug policy.

Johnny stares at Raymond with his peripheral vision, feeling that by looking at the piece of garbage directly, he’ll lose his cool and break the man’s face.

Ray: Let’s go. Now.

Johnny puts the car in park and exits the hotel parking lot. About five minutes later, they’re back at the arena and Ray climbs out of the car.

Ray: Ok, Jonathan, you got the grand tour, now let’s get some facts straight here. The hotels I set you up with when Pride goes someplace, you get them only because I pay for them. Now, in order to keep me in the mood to pay these bills and expenses you’ll no doubt rack up, you will regard me as your personal advisor. Any success you get, you tell people it’s because Uncle Raymond here gave you expert advice and motivated you to not sit on your ass like a stupid ape. You understand? I am God to you, in every particular area you can think up, so you better remember your place, got it?

Johnny’s hands tighten on the wheel until his knuckles become ghost white. Ray slaps the roof of the car and begins to walk away from the vehicle.

Ray: So I better see you in that ring tonight making yourself deserving of my kindness. Arrivederci, Jonathan.

Raymond enters a side door of the arena and disappears. When he’s gone, Johnny takes his hands off the wheel and exhales angrily. He proceeds to exit the car and looks around, taking in the sights.

Johnny: So…this is my first day. Welcome back to the business, John…

He places his hands on his hips, sighs, and looks around just a little bit longer as the scene fades out.

New Noble in Town