Uh oh. (Collab with Sam Chatman)
Nov 10, 2023 6:51:39 GMT -5
Austin & Todrick Ramsey and Samuel Chatman like this
Post by Edward Grado on Nov 10, 2023 6:51:39 GMT -5
Fade in.
Clanging and banging can be heard as we open inside a private gym at the Ramsey compound in Manhattan. New York with “No Easy Way Out” playing through the speakers in the ceiling. The bare back of Samuel Chatman doing butterfly curls with thirty-pound dumbbells as he looks intently in the floor-to-ceiling mirrors the line on one side of the gym wall. Sam finishes up his set, gets up from the bench, and rests the dumbbells back on the rack.
“Where the hell is he?”
Sam asks himself as he checks his cell phone. Sam scrolls through the phone, reaching a specific contact, hits the call button, and places the phone to his ear. It rings, and he gets voicemail.
SAM CHATMAN: Bro, where are you? How can you be late when the gym is INSIDE your house?! Come on!
Sam hangs the phone up as he rolls his eyes while letting out a deep exhale.
“What’s the matter?”
Sam spins around, slightly taken off guard, but relief is instant upon seeing Austin Ramsey.
SAM CHATMAN: I was supposed to be working out with Eddie this morning… but no surprise, he isn’t here.
Austin walks into the gym as he addresses Sam.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Weird, I just saw him getting a bowl of cereal.
Sam runs his hands over his face as another sigh is heard.
SAM CHATMAN: Austin…
Sam removes his hands from his face.
SAM CHATMAN: I’m trying here, I’m REALLY trying…, but I can’t keep doing this if Grado isn’t going to take it seriously. I made the final four of the Cannabis Cup and was eyelashes away several times from making the finals, and as we now know, I could be standing here as the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion looking across the ring at you on the next Brawl instead of Cholo, but instead, I’m tagging with Eddie on Smash against Team Friendship. I didn’t get here because I was joking around, and now that I’m here, I can’t backslide.
Austin responds with sincerity in his voice.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: I know how hard this is for you because you are one hundred percent correct. I don’t know what else I can say for Cuzzo; he’s strange, he’s weird, but he’s family. We don’t turn our backs on family.
SAM CHATMAN: I hate you for saying that.
Austin laughs under his breath.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: He’s fun. You can’t deny that.
SAM CHATMAN: For who? He popped a chub on national television while standing beside me!
AUSTIN RAMSEY: SEE! That’s funny!
SAM CHATMAN: For fucks sake.
“No Easy Way Out” suddenly stops with no reasoning catching both Austin and Sam.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Dear God.
Austin and Sam turn around to face the entrance of the gym, where we find Edward Grado standing with a backward black baseball cap, a sleeveless tuxedo coat on top of a sleeveless white dress shirt equipped with a clip-on tie, his dress slacks have been cut into daisy dukes, he’s wearing black tube socks that come up to the knee, and rounding out with some black crocs. In his hands, he has a small box of chocolates and a dozen roses.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: What the hell are you wearing?! Is that MY wedding Tuxedo?!?!?!?!
EDWARD GRADO: Is this not a date?
SAM CHATMAN: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Sam turns his back to Edward.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Now Edward, we’ve spoken about this a time or two. Sam has a wife…
Edward interrupts.
EDWARD GRADO: Ewwwwie.
Austin smacks Edward on the side of the arm.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Stop it!
Austin takes the candy and the flowers from Edward as Sam continues to try to compose himself. Austin pivots toward Sam, who now sits on the weight bench.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: I know exactly what you both need to get you on the same page.
SAM CHATMAN: Another book?
Austin smacks Sam in a Kat Jones “Gibbs” style across the back of the head.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: What if Eddie’s right? What if you two do need to spend some time together?
Edward’s eyes get very big, and his jaw drops.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Except it’s not a date… it’s a team-building exercise!
Edward’s face draws back up as if his heart was just ripped from his chest and stomped on in front of him.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: I’m serious!
Austin spouts out with excitement. Sam gets up and is less than pleased.
SAM CHATMAN: Why?
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Do you trust me?
SAM CHATMAN: After this? I’m not sure.
Sam walks past Austin, but before he does, he snatches the box of candy.
SAM CHATMAN: That belongs to me.
Sam walks over toward the door, looks at Grado, shakes his head, and then states.
SAM CHATMAN: Come on.
The scene reopens as the ridiculous Edward Grado is skipping through Times Square.
SAM CHATMAN: STOP SKIPPING!
Sam fights through the busy intersection of people across the street where Edward has stopped outside of a karaoke bar as the sounds of a terrible rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man are heard. Edward slowly turns his head toward Sam and lightly nods it forward.
SAM CHATMAN: No! Absolutely, not! Under no circumsta…
Edward darts through the doors of the establishment.
SAM CHATMAN: Shit.
Sam enters the Karokee Bar but it’s too little too late as Edward has filled out a slip and is already turning it into the DJ!
SAM CHATMAN: This can’t be good.
Edward turns around to see Sam standing at the bar. He smiles and eagerly waves at his partner. The bartender approaches.
“Can I get you a drink?”
SAM CHATMAN: Double shot of Goose… keep ‘em coming.
Sam turns back to get eyes on Edward to find Edward literally standing beside him inches away from standing on him causing Sam to flinch and jump backward a few feet.
SAM CHATMAN: YOOO! Personal space, bro!
EDWARD GRADO: Sorry.
The bartender brings over the double shot to Sam.
“Can I get you anything?”
EDWARD GRADO: Lager.
“What kind?”
EDWARD GRADO: Lager.
“Sam Adam’s…”
EDWARD GRADO: Lager.
Sam steps up to the bar.
SAM CHATMAN: ANY Lager.
The Bartender steps away and heads toward the beer cooler.
SAM CHATMAN: You know you can speak more than one word at a time, right?
Edward looks over at Sam.
EDWARD GRADO: Yes.
The bartender returns with a Sam Adam’s Octoberfest Lager.
“That’ll be $19.50”
Sam drops two twenty dollar bills on the bar top.
SAM CHATMAN: Keep it.
Edward takes his Lager and Sam sips his Goose as they walk over toward the stage. The DJ is heard over the house microphone.
DJ: Please welcome to the stage… EDDIE G and PAPI!
Sam is taken completely by surprise again.
SAM CHATMAN: What did you do?
Edward doesn’t say anything, he pulls Sam up onto the stage. Sam and Edward put their drinks on a four-foot table. Edward grabs one microphone and hands Sam a second microphone.
Edward, dress slacks, daisy dukes, sleeveless tuxedo coat, black fanny pack around his waist, and all graced center stage like the great and talented Cher.
EDWARD GRADO: They say we’re young and we don’t know… We won’t find out until we grrrroooowwwww.
Sonny’s lines appear on the screen but Sam Chatman freezes up. Edward nudges him.
SAM CHATMAN: .. that’s all true… cause you got me and baby I got you.
Collectively, and horribly off-key.
“Babe… I got you, babe… I got you babe… I got you babe…
EDWARD GRADO: They say our love won’t pay the rent. Before it’s earned the monies always spent.
Sam steps forward getting into the performance.
SAM CHATMAN: I guess that’s so we don’t have a pot… but at least I’m sure of all the things we got…. Babe.
Sam rips his tank top off to a pop from the ladies in the house Edward starts strutting ass while they collectively sing.
“I got you babe… I got you Babe…. I got you Babe…
SAM CHATMAN: I got flowers…
Sam Chatman wraps his arm around Edward and pulls him in when suddenly there is a loud screeching sound coming from the DJ booth drawing the attention of Sam Chatman and Edward Grado. A camera flash nearly blinds them for several seconds. The house lights shift back toward the DJ Booth to reveal…
Daniel Ramsey.
DANIEL RAMSEY: GOTCHA!
Sam pushes Edward away from him.
SAM CHATMAN: NOOOOPPPPEEEE!!!
Sam then continues.
SAM CHATMAN: It’s nothing like that.
DANIEL RAMSEY: I got you babe? Really?
Sam starts to exit off the front of the stage where he’s pulled back by Edward.
EDWARD GRADO: I got you babe.
SAM CHATMAN: NOW you say more than one word. Cute.
Daniel starts laughing hysterically as he texts the picture to someone else while approaching the stage.
DANIEL RAMSEY: Dad’s going to LOVE this.
Sam pulls away from Edward and jumps off the stage where he walks up to Daniel and snatches his phone.
SAM CHATMAN: Why is the world against me on this?
Returning to the Ramsey Compound Austin Ramsey can be seen picking up after the kids and getting things in order. The door opens and in runs Daniel followed by Sam Chatman. They rush past Austin, knocking over the pack-and-play causing all the toys Austin picked up to disperse back to the floor.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: What the hell!?!?!
Sam catches Daniel and slams him on the couch.
SAM CHATMAN: Delete it! DELETE IT!
Austin interjects pulling Sam off Daniel.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Delete what? What is going on here?
DANIEL RAMSEY: Dad it was great! You should have seen it!
AUSTIN RAMSEY: Saw what?
SAM CHATMAN: Don’t you dare.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: DARE WHAT?!?!
Another phone is put in front of Austin’s face revealing not a picture, but VIDEO footage of the iconic Sonny and Cher duo. Austin watches the piece of footage and looks directly at Sam.
AUSTIN RAMSEY: It worked!
SAM CHATMAN: What worked?
Edward answers.
EDWARD GRADO: We team.
Edward extends his right fist out toward Sam. Sam looks over at Daniel, then at Austin… and finally at Edward. Sam gives Edward a fist bump.
SAM CHATMAN: We team.
The scene fades to black.
"Listen up!" Samuel's voice booms, commanding attention. "I stand here today, not just as a competitor, but as a man on a mission. A mission to redefine what tag team wrestling is all about in this business! You've seen me battle through the ranks, and here I am. I made it to the semi-finals of the Cannabis Cup, and that is no easy feat. But let's talk about what's really on the line. It's not just about the titles or the glory. It's about legacy, it's about partnership, it's about taking WGWF's tag team division to heights it has never seen before!
Edward Grado steps into the frame with a sub sandwich, and while in full nom-nom he stops chewing.
EDWARD GRADO- “Yeah.”
Edward takes a huge shark bite out of the hole wheat delight and walks back off camera. Sam mouths “Okay” to himself before he gets back on track.
“Let me remind everyone here and watching at home what this journey has been about. It's been a test of will, skill, and heart. I've faced giants, underdogs, veterans, and rookies. I've been through the wringer, but here I am, still standing, still fighting. Every match, every opponent, every moment in that ring has proven one thing, that I belong in the big leagues. There's no doubt left, no question unanswered. I am WGWF through and through, and I've earned my spot here.”
Edward Grado struts across the frame doing a classic “Walk Like an Egyptian” in a toga throwing Sam completely off a second time. Sam gets himself together.
“And let me make one thing crystal clear, nothing and no one will set me back. I've climbed too high and worked too hard to let anything derail me now….”
“CHOO-CHOOOOO!”
Edward Grado, now dressed like a train conductor with a cutout of a train while mimicking he’s pulling on the chain for the horn.
“CHOOO-CHOOOOOOOOO!!”
“EDWARD STOP IT!”
A flustered Chatman takes a deep breath and tries to finish his promo.
“This isn't just about titles or fame; this is about proving that I am one of the best wrestlers in this business. I've faced setbacks, sure. Who hasn't? But every setback has been a setup for a comeback. Every fall has been a lesson, making me stronger, tougher, and more determined.
Team Pride, you're just the first step in this new chapter. And to everyone else in the locker room, keep your eyes open because Samuel Chatman isn't just another name on the roster. I'm the future of this company, the man who's going to lead WGWF into a new era of greatness. So, to anyone who doubts me or thinks they can hold me back, you're in for a rude awakening. I'm not just here to play the game but to change it. I've proven my worth, and now, I'm ready to claim what's mine.”
Edward walks back out inside a large heart-shaped costume and hands Sam an envelope.
EDWARD GRADO- “Be mine?”
“Boy if you don’t….”
Sam smacks Edward with the envelope sending Edward running away out of frame.
“And that's why, even with the allure of the new championship on the Smash brand, I couldn't leave my buddy Edward Grado behind. We've watched, we've learned, and now, we've perfected the formula that will shake the foundations of the WGWF Tag Team division! Our first step? Taking down Team Pride. FPV, I respect you, man. Your singles game is strong; you've got the size and the skill. But this is tag team wrestling, and that's a whole different world. And Joule Ortiz, your heart's in the right place, but heart alone won't cut it in this ring. You're the weak link, and in tag team wrestling, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. And Edward, brother, I know you've got the moves, the finesse. But it's time to lock in, man. No more distractions. We have a chance to etch our names in the annals of WGWF history, and I won't let that slip away because of a lapse in focus. So that means when it comes to the Smash brand, and to what's his name…chasing after anything shiny. Let him have that moment. I’m no longer concerned; he knows precisely what that means. Because when Samuel Chatman and Edward Grado step into that ring, we're not just competing; we're dominating. We're not here to participate but to take over. So, Team Pride, bring your A-game because we're coming for you. And this is just the beginning. Samuel Chatman and Edward Grado aren't just a team; we're a force to be reckoned with. And our journey to the top starts with you. Mark my words; the reign of Samuel Chatman & Edward Grado starts now. And there's nothing and no one that can stop it."
Edward steps onto the screen out of breath. He composes himself and directs his attention toward the camera.
EDWARD GRADO- “All it takes is a little faith that someone will hold up their end of the bargain. Thus far, I’ve done just that when it comes to tagging with Papi-Chulo.
Sam cuts his eyes at Edward.
EDWARD GRADO- “Grado knows he likes to have a good time and Grado knows sometimes that good time can come in between victory and defeat. Take the Cannabis Cup, Clyde Newton was within my grasp but I lost focus when that big giant showed up. It cost me dearly. But now! Now I have a friend! I have an ally. I have a Papi…
Edward cocks his head toward Sam making eye contact and seeing Sam shake his head “No”. Edward turns his head back toward the camera.
EDWARD GRADO- “We want to get into contention for the Tag Titles, but to do that we have to win matches. Thank God Sam is here for that! What I know is that on Monday Night this is the first Smash TV show and the sweet sounds of Madonna will ring throughout the arena, the people are going to clap their hands, dance with me, and watch Mr. Sexy Pants wrestle in his underwear. Now THAT’S a great way to spend a Monday Night!
Sam sighs deeply and puts his right hand over the front of his face.
EDWARD GRADO: Oh yeah, a win would be great too!
“What have I gotten myself into.”
Sam questions as the scene draws to a close.