Post by ____ on Aug 7, 2010 1:33:28 GMT -5
The ultimate goal in the wrestling industry is to be called ‘champion.’ The title around your waist is not only a symbol of what you are, but what you’ve done; the battles fought to reach the apex, the blood, sweat and tears devoted to reaching the ultimate goal. When that goal is fulfilled, the real work begins, your mettle becomes tested. No longer are you one of many, you’re the one of many. You’re faults are magnified, your inequities scrutinized and every person wants a piece of you. Not only in the ring, where twenty other men know that to achieve their goals, you must falter; but also those outside of the ring who see you as an instant boost in credibility.
The mantle slowly wears on the body and mind, yet the fresh faced Valiant Champion appears to be taking it all in stride, a week into his reign. As the clock on the wall shows that the hour has yet to hit seven, he sits across the table from Mike Farmer, local radio personality for the morning show. “You’re sure you don’t want a coffee before we go on?” Mike looks across at Chris as he shakes his head in the negative before responding. “I think I’ll be okay, I’ve been up for a while already this morning.”
“Early training session?” Mike asks Chris with a friendly smile. In the few short minutes they had been together, Chris could already sense a measure of integrity in the man. Unlike a number of broadcast journalists who scoffed at the idea of a professional wrestler on their program, he seemed to welcome it, knowing that a niche audience existed in Tennessee and they had a right to be informed. “No. I just couldn’t sleep and figured trying to would be futile.”
Mike turns to the table with assorted refreshments; donuts, coffee, muffins, and snags a bit of breakfast. “Heavy hangs the head that wears the crown?” Chris scoffs at the notion before spying a blueberry muffin amongst the platter. “Hey, Mike, think you could grab that blueberry for me?” Mike adds it, along with three other muffins to his plate before walking over to the table and passing the blueberry muffin across to Chris. Taking a seat, the inactive radio equipment hanging overhead, Mike takes a small morsel of the muffin and plops it into his mouth. Inevitably it’s all for show as once the wrapper is off, he begins to ravage it, leaving but a similar sized crumb after he’s done.
Chris looks at him shocked, half his wrapper hanging off before Mike looks up. “What was that?” Chris’ query and dumbfounded demeanour draws a smile from Mike who shakes his head. “All for show mate. Too many people walk in here under orders to act proper, figuring I can do no wrong. It ends up being a boring interview with bland questions that puts our listeners back to sleep.” Chris smiles before Mike continues on. “With that being said, usually if people call my bluff on it, I can tell that it’s going to be a good morning and that I can with work whomever I’ve got on.”
‘Almost like a wrestler ring. You have the people who put on a show to see how the new guy reacts in the back, in the ring you take some liberties with him that you might not otherwise to take to size them up. It’s all about getting information on …’ “You ever done radio?” Chris’ thoughts are interrupted by Mike, half of the second muffin gone as Chris looks back at him. “Nothing to call home about, a few spots such as this but not a seasoned professional by any means.”
“I can work that for sure.” Mike responds as Chris smiles before taking a bite out of his muffin as well. ‘It’s amazing, you walk into a coffee shop and pay three bucks and you still can’t get a muffin like this.’ Smiling as he greedily takes another bite, Mike looks down at the production notes in front of him, going over the time they have before looking up at Chris. “It says I’ve got you here for twenty minutes which amounts to about fifteen minutes of air time. I figure we can spent the first ten minutes talking about Kingdom of Pride, cut to commercial and then spend the last five or so putting you on the spot.”
Chris looks at Mike, studying his face but getting no obvious tells. “What do you mean, putting me on the spot?” Mike smiles at Chris chuckling to himself. “It wouldn’t be putting you on the spot if I told you what was going to happen before hand, would it?” Chris looks at Mike and the smarmy shit eating grin on his face before taking a small, casual bite out of his muffin.
‘What the hell is this guy playing at? The Radio Station is a sponsor of KoP so he’s not going to absolutely annihilate the business or the company …’ Chris interrupts his own thoughts and looks across at Chris and smiles, knowing where exactly he was going. “Alright, but I’m here to talk about Kingdom of Pride. I know there’s stuff in my past that people would love to hear about but I’m not going into that. We stray down that line, I’m out of here.” Mike looks across at Chris somewhat dejected but after a long drink of the brewed java nods at him. “Alright, I’ll make sure to keep that in …” Mike is interrupted as there’s a knock at the door and a call of one minute from outside.
“Alright, we’ll be ready to go.” Mike yells through the door at the spectre looming on the outside before turning to Chris. “We’re on kid.” Chris can only help but smile at the mention of kid before finishing the last bite of muffin as he grabs a headset, the blaring of “Dream On” by Depeche Mode playing. The cast microphone slowly lowers into position as theirs a rap on the glass plating and ten fingers are held up. Slowly they drop before the glowing red ‘On Air’ sign springs to life as Mike jumps into action.
“Ladies and Gentleman, it’s seven o’ clock on a lovely Friday morning and what better way to start your day than Mike Richards in the Morning. We’ve got a chalk full program, reviewing last nights action in sports, the latest problems to befall Volunteer Football after the ill-fated hiring of that sleaze ball Kiffin and a look at the upcoming High School Football year. First off though, we’re honoured to be joined by Kingdom of Pride Valiant Champion Chris Hart. A former …”
As Mike continues speaking, Chris can’t help but smile to himself. ‘It never gets old hearing your name and champion put into the same sentence. Four years of constant work, navigating the usual circle jerk surrounding the top tier without sacrificing your honour and finally pulling it out.’ Chris looks at Mike who’s just finishing off with his accolades. “ … so Chris, welcome to the show.” “It’s my pleasure Mike,” Chris responds, a little too softly apparently as the director off to the side gives Chris an upward thrust of his thumb.
“Last week I was live on location at Return of the Kingdom and needless to say wrestling fans, Kingdom of Pride is breathing fresh air into a tired scene. I was thoroughly entrapped throughout the evening, culminated by an excellent gauntlet match that was one by Chris, to earn the championship he know bears. Chris, how does it feel to sit atop Kingdom of Pride?”
‘Well, at least if he tries to tear me down later he’s mentioned I’m champion.’ “I’ve spent long nights imagining what it would be like if I got to this position and needless to say even my wildest paled in comparison to the real life. It’s been a thrill just walking around town running various errands and having people shake my hand and congratulate me. When we went on air and you introduced me as Valiant Champion, Chris Hart it sent shivers down my spine Mike. It’s the sort of thing a man could get used to.”
“I was their personally and got to experience first hand the energy that was present at Return of the Kingdom and the explosion of the fans when you were announced the victor …” Chris can only help but smile at the remembrance and his demeanour slightly changes, his shoulders relaxing and his back muscles loosening. ‘Maybe I was right the first time about this guy, that he’s actually not going to jerk me around because of how I choose to make a living.’ “ … like to look out and see those people standing and applauding as you were presented with the title belt?”
“It meant the world to me Mike. I’ve devoted my entire life it seems like to wrestling, whether I was in a ring, on a mat or just watching it on the television. It’s allowed me to look back at all the sacrifices I’ve made, the what if’s this business has created and in a single moment, made them the sacrifices worth it and the what if’s disappear. I’ve always said if I can make people smile through my wrestling that I’m doing something right and seeing that, I know I’m on the right path.”
“Well …” Chris stares across at Mark, paying very little attention to what he’s saying. ‘If you’re going to test me kid, I’ll do the same. Let’s see where you go with this, down the easy road that everyone wants to, but won’t, here about, or onto something relevant to the Kingdom.’ Turning his focus from thought to listening, Chris picks Mike up mid speech. “ … you’ve been doing a lot of charity work in the community. Is that also about the right path?”
‘Good job.’ A simple thought and a smile to go along with the passed test. “To be honest I’m of the philosophy that we’re only given so much time on this earth. We’re all given the talent to do something and if we can use it to better or be of service to someone else, then we’re obliged to do it. An hour or two of charity can mean the difference to a family who finally is able to get a roof over their head, a child who’s trapped to a hospital bed with a debilitating illness or a group of senior’s who just want someone to talk to. I’m blessed to have the ability to do all that while still providing to myself so why wouldn’t I? No one benefits through my selfishness Mark.”
“Talking about selfishness, what about Christian Kane? He was on our show two weeks ago and seemed like a class gentleman but his tactics after the match left a lot to be desired did they not?” Chris can only help but shake his head at the mention of Christian Kane. “You know it’s too bad Christian Kane decided to put himself ahead of not only myself but you Mike, and everyone else who wanted a chance to celebrate but for those of us who know him, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
We’re talking about a man who advocates promiscuity and quite frankly, is representative of a lot of things wrong with our society. That being said, he decided to interrupt my moment and I’m not going to let him rain on my parade and then get away with it Scot free.” Mike quickly jumps in with a continuing question. “So you’re looking for a chance to get in the ring with Christian Kane in the near future.”
“You can bet your last dollar on it Mike. A lot of people would start screaming like a banshee, challenging Christian to a fight whenever, wherever but that’s counterproductive. He, in a sense, humiliated me in front of every person watching Return of the Kingdom and I intend to do the same to him. I’m not going to resort to his tactics though, I’m just going to do what I do best, get in the ring and outclass Christian Kane and show why exactly I’m the best wrestler in the world.”
Chris looks at Mike who nods his head at the ‘last great Hart’, the two developing quickly a rhythm and direction on where to take things and allow the other to play their role. “In saying that it sounds like you’re fairly confident that you could outwrestle Christian Kane?” Mike asks as Chris quickly responds. “I think it’s fairly obvious even if you don’t look at our body of work. As opposed to coming down and challenging me to exchange holds he had to resort to a sneak attack. Christian Kane knows that in the ring he’s outclassed so he’s trying to make this personal.
He wants me to lose my focus in the ring, to go into fight mode, into his element and out of mine. That being said I didn’t get to become champion by allowing others to dictate what I do. I said in my initial address to the fans of Kingdom of Pride that it was going to be about the wrestling and I stand by that. For two long we’ve been exposed to the same old thing that it’s grown tired. I know Kingdom of Pride can be different and show the talent that’s left in this business.”
“You mentioned the title and after you were laid out, Christian Kane decided to take your title and stand atop the ring with it. How does that make you feel, and do you think Christian Kane will be your first challenger for the Valiant Title?” ‘I love this guy, setting me up and everything. Remember to thank Amy for this gig.’ The mention of Amy, former lover of Chris and now fiancé of Kurt Noble brings a half smile to Chris’ face before he brings it home.
“Considering I don’t know where those grubby little paws of his have been it made me sick to my stomach. That title was pure, it not only represented the best wrestler in Pride, but also the most valiant and he defiled it. He stole my moment and then the dignity of my title. That simple act of raising the title in the air Mike showed why I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that Christian Kane doesn’t get a chance to call himself Valiant Champion.”
“So you don’t want to face him?” Chris shakes his head, oblivious to the listeners. “On the contrary Mike, I’m hoping that he is the one. I want to beat him for what he did to me and the title, then send him packing to the back of the line for the title. It doesn’t matter if he recruits Adam Abel, Obscene or my own flesh and blood. I will go to war with anyone to protect the integrity of Kingdom of Pride.” ‘Shit, that didn’t make a whole lot of sense’ Chris thinks as he finishes off. Mike however, like the consummate professional ties it back in.
“Then at Autumn Annihilation, you want Christian Kane, no matter how many hoops you have to jump through?” Chris’ response is quick as there’s another rap at the glass signalling that commercial break is due up. “That’s exactly it Mike.” Chris says as Mike leads right into the break. “Ladies and gentleman, I’ll be back with Chris Hart after this commercial break.”
The ‘On Air’ light goes off as Chris turns his head to Mike. “So, how’d I do.” Mike smiles and nods his head, giving Chris a once over. “One of the better interviews I’ve had so far in regards to wrestlers. You’re definitely not the stereotypical un-educated big guy.” ‘That’s good to know all things considered.’ Chris says silently as he grabs another muffin, his lack of education fairly well known throughout the wrestling world. “Say, where do you get these?” Chris says holding up the muffin.
Mike can only help but shrug, “I don’t know, they’re here when I show up and they’re delicious so I don’t ask questions. Deborah will probably tell you on the way out if you ask.” I will, I’ve been looking for somewhere to …” Chris is interrupted by the rap on the window the signals one minute before they’re back on air as both head to their seats. Mike looks at Chris as he takes a bite out of the muffin. “I was thinking we could do a little bit of word association in regards to Kingdom of Pride and at the end we can give you control of the airwaves for a minute.” Chris swallows the mouthful of muffin before responding. “That works for me.”
There’s another rap at the window as the ten second countdown begins and the scene slowly fades out, the last shot the ‘On Air’ light kicking back to life.
The mantle slowly wears on the body and mind, yet the fresh faced Valiant Champion appears to be taking it all in stride, a week into his reign. As the clock on the wall shows that the hour has yet to hit seven, he sits across the table from Mike Farmer, local radio personality for the morning show. “You’re sure you don’t want a coffee before we go on?” Mike looks across at Chris as he shakes his head in the negative before responding. “I think I’ll be okay, I’ve been up for a while already this morning.”
“Early training session?” Mike asks Chris with a friendly smile. In the few short minutes they had been together, Chris could already sense a measure of integrity in the man. Unlike a number of broadcast journalists who scoffed at the idea of a professional wrestler on their program, he seemed to welcome it, knowing that a niche audience existed in Tennessee and they had a right to be informed. “No. I just couldn’t sleep and figured trying to would be futile.”
Mike turns to the table with assorted refreshments; donuts, coffee, muffins, and snags a bit of breakfast. “Heavy hangs the head that wears the crown?” Chris scoffs at the notion before spying a blueberry muffin amongst the platter. “Hey, Mike, think you could grab that blueberry for me?” Mike adds it, along with three other muffins to his plate before walking over to the table and passing the blueberry muffin across to Chris. Taking a seat, the inactive radio equipment hanging overhead, Mike takes a small morsel of the muffin and plops it into his mouth. Inevitably it’s all for show as once the wrapper is off, he begins to ravage it, leaving but a similar sized crumb after he’s done.
Chris looks at him shocked, half his wrapper hanging off before Mike looks up. “What was that?” Chris’ query and dumbfounded demeanour draws a smile from Mike who shakes his head. “All for show mate. Too many people walk in here under orders to act proper, figuring I can do no wrong. It ends up being a boring interview with bland questions that puts our listeners back to sleep.” Chris smiles before Mike continues on. “With that being said, usually if people call my bluff on it, I can tell that it’s going to be a good morning and that I can with work whomever I’ve got on.”
‘Almost like a wrestler ring. You have the people who put on a show to see how the new guy reacts in the back, in the ring you take some liberties with him that you might not otherwise to take to size them up. It’s all about getting information on …’ “You ever done radio?” Chris’ thoughts are interrupted by Mike, half of the second muffin gone as Chris looks back at him. “Nothing to call home about, a few spots such as this but not a seasoned professional by any means.”
“I can work that for sure.” Mike responds as Chris smiles before taking a bite out of his muffin as well. ‘It’s amazing, you walk into a coffee shop and pay three bucks and you still can’t get a muffin like this.’ Smiling as he greedily takes another bite, Mike looks down at the production notes in front of him, going over the time they have before looking up at Chris. “It says I’ve got you here for twenty minutes which amounts to about fifteen minutes of air time. I figure we can spent the first ten minutes talking about Kingdom of Pride, cut to commercial and then spend the last five or so putting you on the spot.”
Chris looks at Mike, studying his face but getting no obvious tells. “What do you mean, putting me on the spot?” Mike smiles at Chris chuckling to himself. “It wouldn’t be putting you on the spot if I told you what was going to happen before hand, would it?” Chris looks at Mike and the smarmy shit eating grin on his face before taking a small, casual bite out of his muffin.
‘What the hell is this guy playing at? The Radio Station is a sponsor of KoP so he’s not going to absolutely annihilate the business or the company …’ Chris interrupts his own thoughts and looks across at Chris and smiles, knowing where exactly he was going. “Alright, but I’m here to talk about Kingdom of Pride. I know there’s stuff in my past that people would love to hear about but I’m not going into that. We stray down that line, I’m out of here.” Mike looks across at Chris somewhat dejected but after a long drink of the brewed java nods at him. “Alright, I’ll make sure to keep that in …” Mike is interrupted as there’s a knock at the door and a call of one minute from outside.
“Alright, we’ll be ready to go.” Mike yells through the door at the spectre looming on the outside before turning to Chris. “We’re on kid.” Chris can only help but smile at the mention of kid before finishing the last bite of muffin as he grabs a headset, the blaring of “Dream On” by Depeche Mode playing. The cast microphone slowly lowers into position as theirs a rap on the glass plating and ten fingers are held up. Slowly they drop before the glowing red ‘On Air’ sign springs to life as Mike jumps into action.
“Ladies and Gentleman, it’s seven o’ clock on a lovely Friday morning and what better way to start your day than Mike Richards in the Morning. We’ve got a chalk full program, reviewing last nights action in sports, the latest problems to befall Volunteer Football after the ill-fated hiring of that sleaze ball Kiffin and a look at the upcoming High School Football year. First off though, we’re honoured to be joined by Kingdom of Pride Valiant Champion Chris Hart. A former …”
As Mike continues speaking, Chris can’t help but smile to himself. ‘It never gets old hearing your name and champion put into the same sentence. Four years of constant work, navigating the usual circle jerk surrounding the top tier without sacrificing your honour and finally pulling it out.’ Chris looks at Mike who’s just finishing off with his accolades. “ … so Chris, welcome to the show.” “It’s my pleasure Mike,” Chris responds, a little too softly apparently as the director off to the side gives Chris an upward thrust of his thumb.
“Last week I was live on location at Return of the Kingdom and needless to say wrestling fans, Kingdom of Pride is breathing fresh air into a tired scene. I was thoroughly entrapped throughout the evening, culminated by an excellent gauntlet match that was one by Chris, to earn the championship he know bears. Chris, how does it feel to sit atop Kingdom of Pride?”
‘Well, at least if he tries to tear me down later he’s mentioned I’m champion.’ “I’ve spent long nights imagining what it would be like if I got to this position and needless to say even my wildest paled in comparison to the real life. It’s been a thrill just walking around town running various errands and having people shake my hand and congratulate me. When we went on air and you introduced me as Valiant Champion, Chris Hart it sent shivers down my spine Mike. It’s the sort of thing a man could get used to.”
“I was their personally and got to experience first hand the energy that was present at Return of the Kingdom and the explosion of the fans when you were announced the victor …” Chris can only help but smile at the remembrance and his demeanour slightly changes, his shoulders relaxing and his back muscles loosening. ‘Maybe I was right the first time about this guy, that he’s actually not going to jerk me around because of how I choose to make a living.’ “ … like to look out and see those people standing and applauding as you were presented with the title belt?”
“It meant the world to me Mike. I’ve devoted my entire life it seems like to wrestling, whether I was in a ring, on a mat or just watching it on the television. It’s allowed me to look back at all the sacrifices I’ve made, the what if’s this business has created and in a single moment, made them the sacrifices worth it and the what if’s disappear. I’ve always said if I can make people smile through my wrestling that I’m doing something right and seeing that, I know I’m on the right path.”
“Well …” Chris stares across at Mark, paying very little attention to what he’s saying. ‘If you’re going to test me kid, I’ll do the same. Let’s see where you go with this, down the easy road that everyone wants to, but won’t, here about, or onto something relevant to the Kingdom.’ Turning his focus from thought to listening, Chris picks Mike up mid speech. “ … you’ve been doing a lot of charity work in the community. Is that also about the right path?”
‘Good job.’ A simple thought and a smile to go along with the passed test. “To be honest I’m of the philosophy that we’re only given so much time on this earth. We’re all given the talent to do something and if we can use it to better or be of service to someone else, then we’re obliged to do it. An hour or two of charity can mean the difference to a family who finally is able to get a roof over their head, a child who’s trapped to a hospital bed with a debilitating illness or a group of senior’s who just want someone to talk to. I’m blessed to have the ability to do all that while still providing to myself so why wouldn’t I? No one benefits through my selfishness Mark.”
“Talking about selfishness, what about Christian Kane? He was on our show two weeks ago and seemed like a class gentleman but his tactics after the match left a lot to be desired did they not?” Chris can only help but shake his head at the mention of Christian Kane. “You know it’s too bad Christian Kane decided to put himself ahead of not only myself but you Mike, and everyone else who wanted a chance to celebrate but for those of us who know him, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
We’re talking about a man who advocates promiscuity and quite frankly, is representative of a lot of things wrong with our society. That being said, he decided to interrupt my moment and I’m not going to let him rain on my parade and then get away with it Scot free.” Mike quickly jumps in with a continuing question. “So you’re looking for a chance to get in the ring with Christian Kane in the near future.”
“You can bet your last dollar on it Mike. A lot of people would start screaming like a banshee, challenging Christian to a fight whenever, wherever but that’s counterproductive. He, in a sense, humiliated me in front of every person watching Return of the Kingdom and I intend to do the same to him. I’m not going to resort to his tactics though, I’m just going to do what I do best, get in the ring and outclass Christian Kane and show why exactly I’m the best wrestler in the world.”
Chris looks at Mike who nods his head at the ‘last great Hart’, the two developing quickly a rhythm and direction on where to take things and allow the other to play their role. “In saying that it sounds like you’re fairly confident that you could outwrestle Christian Kane?” Mike asks as Chris quickly responds. “I think it’s fairly obvious even if you don’t look at our body of work. As opposed to coming down and challenging me to exchange holds he had to resort to a sneak attack. Christian Kane knows that in the ring he’s outclassed so he’s trying to make this personal.
He wants me to lose my focus in the ring, to go into fight mode, into his element and out of mine. That being said I didn’t get to become champion by allowing others to dictate what I do. I said in my initial address to the fans of Kingdom of Pride that it was going to be about the wrestling and I stand by that. For two long we’ve been exposed to the same old thing that it’s grown tired. I know Kingdom of Pride can be different and show the talent that’s left in this business.”
“You mentioned the title and after you were laid out, Christian Kane decided to take your title and stand atop the ring with it. How does that make you feel, and do you think Christian Kane will be your first challenger for the Valiant Title?” ‘I love this guy, setting me up and everything. Remember to thank Amy for this gig.’ The mention of Amy, former lover of Chris and now fiancé of Kurt Noble brings a half smile to Chris’ face before he brings it home.
“Considering I don’t know where those grubby little paws of his have been it made me sick to my stomach. That title was pure, it not only represented the best wrestler in Pride, but also the most valiant and he defiled it. He stole my moment and then the dignity of my title. That simple act of raising the title in the air Mike showed why I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that Christian Kane doesn’t get a chance to call himself Valiant Champion.”
“So you don’t want to face him?” Chris shakes his head, oblivious to the listeners. “On the contrary Mike, I’m hoping that he is the one. I want to beat him for what he did to me and the title, then send him packing to the back of the line for the title. It doesn’t matter if he recruits Adam Abel, Obscene or my own flesh and blood. I will go to war with anyone to protect the integrity of Kingdom of Pride.” ‘Shit, that didn’t make a whole lot of sense’ Chris thinks as he finishes off. Mike however, like the consummate professional ties it back in.
“Then at Autumn Annihilation, you want Christian Kane, no matter how many hoops you have to jump through?” Chris’ response is quick as there’s another rap at the glass signalling that commercial break is due up. “That’s exactly it Mike.” Chris says as Mike leads right into the break. “Ladies and gentleman, I’ll be back with Chris Hart after this commercial break.”
The ‘On Air’ light goes off as Chris turns his head to Mike. “So, how’d I do.” Mike smiles and nods his head, giving Chris a once over. “One of the better interviews I’ve had so far in regards to wrestlers. You’re definitely not the stereotypical un-educated big guy.” ‘That’s good to know all things considered.’ Chris says silently as he grabs another muffin, his lack of education fairly well known throughout the wrestling world. “Say, where do you get these?” Chris says holding up the muffin.
Mike can only help but shrug, “I don’t know, they’re here when I show up and they’re delicious so I don’t ask questions. Deborah will probably tell you on the way out if you ask.” I will, I’ve been looking for somewhere to …” Chris is interrupted by the rap on the window the signals one minute before they’re back on air as both head to their seats. Mike looks at Chris as he takes a bite out of the muffin. “I was thinking we could do a little bit of word association in regards to Kingdom of Pride and at the end we can give you control of the airwaves for a minute.” Chris swallows the mouthful of muffin before responding. “That works for me.”
There’s another rap at the window as the ten second countdown begins and the scene slowly fades out, the last shot the ‘On Air’ light kicking back to life.
