Post by Edward Grado on Dec 23, 2023 21:18:19 GMT -5
“Come on Eddie, show me what you got!”
The voice of Sam Chatman brings in our scene as we open up inside CCPE Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The arena is empty; almost. Edward Grado stands in the ring wearing his singlet while Austin Ramsey is on the floor clapping and rooting on Edward.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Come on Eddie, you got this cuzzo.”
Edward looks across the ring at Sam who is in his ring gear. Edward holds up one finger and then bends over to stretch as he attempts to touch his toes, failing miserably. Edward falls into the ropes.
SAM CHATMAN- “Come on Eddie! We both have BIG matches and I need you to take this seriously.
Edward turns his attention back toward Sam and holds up his index finger a second time. Edward places his left boot on the middle rope and stretches trying to touch his toes. He draws back up and repeats the process with his right leg. Sam glances over at Austin shrugging his shoulders while mouthing “What the fuck”. This prompts Austin to uncross his arms while speaking out.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Cuzzo, you got this.”
Edward finished his pre-workout stretch but then began doing jumping jacks. Edward burns through a set of ten before dropping down and doing the sloppiest push-ups you’ve ever been forced to witness before popping back up to his feet where he breaks out into a set of arm circles while jogging in place. We can see Sam starting to get irritated.
SAM CHATMAN- “Come on bro!”
Sam finally walks across the ring where he reaches out toward Grado who quickly snatches the arm of Chatman and hurls him over his shoulder with a Judo Throw. Sam quickly gets to a seated position on the mat. Sam slaps the mat out of frustration before quickly getting back to his feet where he’s fuming.
EDWARD GRADO: “What?”
Austin slides into the ring getting in between Sam and Edward while speaking to his cuzzo.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward, look we both need you to focus right now because we are here to help you. You’ve got the biggest opportunity you’ve ever had right in front of you on Christmas. You have the chance at winning what I came eyelashes away from winning myself, the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship. It’s going to be the biggest match of your life!
EDWARD GRADO- “What? Me just stretching.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Well buddy, if you knew you were training you might have thought about that before you got into the ring.”
Sam has gotten back to his feet and dusts himself off.
SAM CHATMAN- “I can’t believe he got a shot at the World Title.”
Austin spins around addressing Chatman’s statement.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “The WGWF is all about providing opportunities, it’s what Page sells this place on, and I don’t care what anyone says about Edward there isn’t a single person on the WGWF Roster; Brawl or Smash, that can’t say Edward doesn’t give us everything he had when he is between these ropes.
Sam sarcastically responds.
SAM CHATMAN- “Unless you’re trying to train.”
Austin is ever quick-witted.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Not funny, but also true.”
Austin spins back around to see Edward reaching into his fanny pack. Austin smacks Edward's hand causing Edward to lash back.
EDWARD GRADO- “Snack.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Not yet.”
Edward crosses his arms and begins to pout as Austin takes some steps back.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Clock in and go to work, cuzzo. You have Cholo who is on top of his game waiting in the winds.”
Austin steps through the ropes and out to the ring apron. Edward lets out a deep sigh before unstrapping his fanny pack and laying it in a corner.
SAM CHATMAN- “Are you finally ready?”
Edward rises and turns around facing Sam. Edward nods his head.
SAM CHATMAN- “Okay.”
Edward walks out from the corner with the index finger of his left hand resting on his bottom lip. Sam circles around Edward who doesn’t move. Sam comes all the way around Edward and prepares to lock up. Edward and Sam lock up with Sam taking a back waist lock. Chatman looks to pick Edward up but Edward centers his weight essentially blocking the pick-up attempt and breaks Sam’s grasp as Grado grinds his rear end into the crotch of Chatman. Sam shoves Edward away from him.
SAM CHATMAN- “What the hell?!?!?!
Edward spins around facing Sam as he questions.
EDWARD GRADO- “What?”
Edward makes a swiping motion like a cat scratching and hisses at Sam.
SAM CHATMAN- “If you’re not going to take this seriously I’m out.”
EDWARD GRADO- “YAY! Daddy came out! Can I get those digits?”
Sam mutters under his breath.
SAM CHATMAN- “For fucks sake.”
==================
The sweet sounds of Madonna play in the background as we see Eddie G strutting ass onto the screen complete with a full twirl. Edward’s eyes lock with the lens of the camera which seemingly draws us in.
EDWARD GRADO- “Christmas miracles. Do they exist? I guess we will find out when I step into the ring with Cholo for the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship. The first thing I’ll say is that much like Seth Stevens, I’m not entirely sure why I’m here but I fully plan on utilizing this spot to show the world exactly what I am capable of. Nobody expects me to succeed, especially you, Papi.
Edward continues.
EDWARD GRADO- “Do I expect you to sleep on me? No. Do I expect you to take me as a series threat? Same answer… but you’ll also try and prop me up on a pedestal, which I won’t believe you. Everyone seems to think you’re such a good guy but I see deceit running inside you, I’m not fooled. I say that because I’ve spent an awful lot of time over the last few weeks since this match was announced looking back over your WGWF career and there is one thing that sticks out like my fanny pack in public… You love to stay in the background and blend in because it keeps you safe from the predators that occupy the WGWF. “
Grado scratches his head while he asks.
EDWARD GRADO- “Why would you want to do that? Especially when you’re running around with the number two belt in the company. Why number two? Because Engima elected to give it up because had he not you damn sure wouldn’t have it. I’ll tell you why you hide in the background… because you are in bed with the Fortunate Ones.”
Grado clutches his imaginary pearls.
EDWARD GRADO- “It’s not like it doesn’t track. J Mont runs around telling everyone to fuck off BUT you and The Ramsey’s, Enigma passed on the WGWF World Title which opened the door for you to win it, and you’ve refused to take a stand against your friend J Mont who is essentially giving the company you represent the middle finger. Yeah, this isn’t a coincidence and tracks. You’ve used the WGWF like you’ve used your Children’s homes for tax credits. I see through your smoke and mirrors, I see you for who you are… a coward.”
Edward removes his hand from his imaginary pearls.
EDWARD GRADO- “I know you’ll deny these allegations, and nope I can’t prove any of it… but that doesn’t make it any less true. I imagine that you’ve got a chip on your shoulder, or you’ll pretend to over your current issues with Mac Bane. What’s going to happen here is that you’re going to be so focused on Mac that you’re going to make a mistake. All it takes is one and everything you’ve “worked” for comes to a scratching halt, more like everything handed to you is taken away.”
================
Training didn’t go well for Edward and Sam Chatman. The scene opens on a plane mid-flight as Sam Chatman and Austin Ramsey are seated with an empty seat between them.
SAM CHATMAN- “I don’t know what else we can do for him to take this more seriously. This is a shot at becoming the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion and all he seems to want to talk about is how beautiful Cholo’s afro is.”
Austin chimes in.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “It is pretty majestic.”
SAM CHATMAN- “Soooooo not the point. This could be his one shot to be taken more seriously as a singles competitor and it just feels like his head isn’t in the ballgame.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “If I know my cuzzo he’s just bidding his time and he tends to take things more seriously than most might see. He isn’t a normal guy and he thinks about things from different perspectives… but aren’t you the same guy that tried to tell me a few weeks ago that he was fine? Whatever happened with that?”
Before Sam can answer we see Edward Grado in full wrestling singlet, fanny pack around his waist, and a run of toilet paper attached to his left boot as he high steps over Austin who has the aisle seat just as a bit of turbulence kicks in and sends Edward spilling into the lap of Sam. Edward looks up into the eyes of Chatman.
EDWARD GRADO- “My hero.”
Edward blows Sam a kiss before getting situated in his seat while Sam dusts himself off.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward, are you ready for Monday?”
EDWARD GRADO- “SANTA CLAUS!”
Sam rolls his eyes.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “That’s right! And what’s Santa bringing you for Christmas this year?”
Without skipping a beat Edward responds with sheer enthusiasm and a boisterous tone.
EDWARD GRADO- “THE WGWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!”
All heads turn toward the row of seats housing Austin, Edward, and Sam. We see Chatman trying to conceal his face out of sheer embarrassment.
EDWARD GRADO- “And a toothbrush.”
Edward snickers under his breath.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You’ve got a big battle with Cholo, and you know he’s going to be livid over losing his Children’s home to Mac Bane.
EDWARD GRADO- “I want to smell his hair.”
SAM CHATMAN- “That’s just weird.”
Edward glances over at Sam who is looking out the window.
EDWARD GRADO- “Someone sounds jealous.”
Sam cocks his head around toward Edward.
SAM CHATMAN- “Not hardly!”
EDWARD GRADO- “Uh huh.”
Sam shakes his head “no”.
EDWARD GRADO- “Yes.”
Austin chimes in.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “That’s enough, both of you.”
Austin continues.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You both have pretty big opportunities standing in front of you on Smash and I fully believe that you’re both capable of pulling off the victories. I fell short against Cholo, I took my eye off the ball for one second and that’s all it took for him to retain. You will have to be on top of your game, you’re going to have to stay one hundred percent clocked in, and you’re going to have to take the fight to him every second you’re in the ring.
Austin glances over at Edward who has his eyes closed and is nodding off.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward?”
Sam chimes in.
SAM CHATMAN- “You can’t tell him anything.”
===============
EDWARD GRADO- “I know Mac Bane will be watching intently, as he should. He’s going to want to see me hand you that first loss on your singles column because Cholo happens to be an unbeaten man. I could point out the failure to capture the Television Championship, but that wasn’t one-on-one nor was a pinfall or submission attached to it. Everyone has their eggs in the Mac Bane vs Cholo basket but how unfortunate that I will play spoiler and this will be Mac Bane vs Grado.”
Edward unzips his fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “I bet nobody has that on their bingo cards. I do. Unlike most I believe in myself, I believe in what I’m capable of, and I believe I’m the guy that will do the unthinkable. I believe in miracles, and I’m going to make you all believers too. I fight not to be built or have the body of an adonis and I don’t operate under the maturity level of most adults because I believe that if you’re a good person with a kind heart fantastic things will happen; which kinda shocks me that Cholo is held in such high regard.
Edward reaches into his fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “I’ve got something for you.”
Edward digs deep into the fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “Call it a Christmas present from me to you since you’ll be gifting me the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship.”
Edward pulls out a pack of Kleenex.
EDWARD GRADO- “You can use them to wipe the tears away just like your bestie had to do when I beat him.”
Edward grins and gives the camera a thumbs-up before he carries on.
EDWARD GRADO- “Isn’t it interesting how your bestie no-sold getting beaten by someone he said was beneath him? I bet you sell it though, it’s probably going to be the crutch you lean on only it’s going to crumble under the weight of your false narratives. You can ultimately say whatever you wish about me but when you speak about me I fully expect you to acknowledge that give everything I have, I give every fiber of my being to entertain the people who paid their hard-earned money to watch us do what we do. I don’t work one match a month, I don’t need a Championship on my shoulders to feel important or give me purpose, I don’t rely on others to carry me to the top, and I certainly don’t need to associate myself with The Fortunate Ones figurehead to keep off their shit list. I mean, it’s not like I see them beating down my door to avenge the first of many failures coming their way by my hands if they want to eff around and find out.”
Edward tosses the pack of Kleenex at the lens of the camera.
EDWARD GRADO- “How funny will it be when the king of parody is crowned the new World Champion? At least I will have earned it.”
================
Our plane touched down in Charlotte as Austin, Sam, and Grado made their way to baggage claim. Grado is seen doing a sloppy Ric Flair strut as he lets out a huge…
EDWARD GRADO- “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Austin mutters under his breath.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “We can’t take him anywhere.”
SAM CHATMAN- “Told you.”
Edward struts up to the baggage claim rack. He jumps up on the rack and throws up his hands.
EDWARD GRADO- “Can I have your attention please.”
Edward takes the attention of the entire baggage claim.
EDWARD GRADO- “In the home of the NATURE BOY, I am leaving Monday Night Smash as the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion!”
Sam leans in whispering to Austin.
SAM CHATMAN- “The fire is real with this one.”
EDWARD GRADO- “I’m doing this for every one of you… and Madonna.”
The baggage claim kicks in causing Edward to lose his balance and fall where he cracks his head on the conveyor platform.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “EDWARD!”
Sam and Austin dart through the people and pull Edward off the baggage claim.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward! Are you okay?”
Sam starts lightly slapping Grado’s cheek.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Cuzzo?”
Edward’s eyes start to flutter.
EDWARD GRADO- “Wha… what happened? Where am I?”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You fell and hit your head and we’re at the Charlotte airport. You have a World Title match in forty-eight hours against Cholo.”
EDWARD GRADO- “I do?”
SAM CHATMAN- “You do.”
Edward tilts his head toward Sam.
EDWARD GRADO- “MMMMMM, daddy.”
===============
EDWARD GRADO- “I still can’t believe that I’ve found myself in this position, but I am not going to John Cable it and squander it time after time after time while yet still professing it’s his belt. I’m going to cash in on my first chance and in the process etch my name into the history of this federation for eternity. The only downside is it comes at the expense of exposing Cholo as the coward he’s always been. Maybe that isn’t a downside, maybe that’s the overall purpose. I’ve worked hard to get here, I’ve earned my keep by delivering every time I’ve been asked… and this isn’t going to be any different.”
Edward continues.
EDWARD GRADO- “I’m not going to make the mistakes that Austin made, I won’t allow myself to get caught sleeping like Devlin did, and I won’t give you the opening to sneak in the back door like Enigma did. I’m coming to Monday Night Smash to make the loudest statement that I ever thought about making… Slaying the Dragon that is “Cholo” Giovanni Santana. Come Tuesday morning the wrestling world will be buzzing with the sweet sounds of Madonna, the chatter will be revolving around the upset heard around the world when Edward Grado officially becomes the new WGWF World Heavyweight Champion!”
Edward finishes off.
EDWARD GRADO- “Merry Christmas you filthy animals.”
The scene fades.
The voice of Sam Chatman brings in our scene as we open up inside CCPE Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The arena is empty; almost. Edward Grado stands in the ring wearing his singlet while Austin Ramsey is on the floor clapping and rooting on Edward.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Come on Eddie, you got this cuzzo.”
Edward looks across the ring at Sam who is in his ring gear. Edward holds up one finger and then bends over to stretch as he attempts to touch his toes, failing miserably. Edward falls into the ropes.
SAM CHATMAN- “Come on Eddie! We both have BIG matches and I need you to take this seriously.
Edward turns his attention back toward Sam and holds up his index finger a second time. Edward places his left boot on the middle rope and stretches trying to touch his toes. He draws back up and repeats the process with his right leg. Sam glances over at Austin shrugging his shoulders while mouthing “What the fuck”. This prompts Austin to uncross his arms while speaking out.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Cuzzo, you got this.”
Edward finished his pre-workout stretch but then began doing jumping jacks. Edward burns through a set of ten before dropping down and doing the sloppiest push-ups you’ve ever been forced to witness before popping back up to his feet where he breaks out into a set of arm circles while jogging in place. We can see Sam starting to get irritated.
SAM CHATMAN- “Come on bro!”
Sam finally walks across the ring where he reaches out toward Grado who quickly snatches the arm of Chatman and hurls him over his shoulder with a Judo Throw. Sam quickly gets to a seated position on the mat. Sam slaps the mat out of frustration before quickly getting back to his feet where he’s fuming.
EDWARD GRADO: “What?”
Austin slides into the ring getting in between Sam and Edward while speaking to his cuzzo.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward, look we both need you to focus right now because we are here to help you. You’ve got the biggest opportunity you’ve ever had right in front of you on Christmas. You have the chance at winning what I came eyelashes away from winning myself, the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship. It’s going to be the biggest match of your life!
EDWARD GRADO- “What? Me just stretching.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Well buddy, if you knew you were training you might have thought about that before you got into the ring.”
Sam has gotten back to his feet and dusts himself off.
SAM CHATMAN- “I can’t believe he got a shot at the World Title.”
Austin spins around addressing Chatman’s statement.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “The WGWF is all about providing opportunities, it’s what Page sells this place on, and I don’t care what anyone says about Edward there isn’t a single person on the WGWF Roster; Brawl or Smash, that can’t say Edward doesn’t give us everything he had when he is between these ropes.
Sam sarcastically responds.
SAM CHATMAN- “Unless you’re trying to train.”
Austin is ever quick-witted.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Not funny, but also true.”
Austin spins back around to see Edward reaching into his fanny pack. Austin smacks Edward's hand causing Edward to lash back.
EDWARD GRADO- “Snack.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Not yet.”
Edward crosses his arms and begins to pout as Austin takes some steps back.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Clock in and go to work, cuzzo. You have Cholo who is on top of his game waiting in the winds.”
Austin steps through the ropes and out to the ring apron. Edward lets out a deep sigh before unstrapping his fanny pack and laying it in a corner.
SAM CHATMAN- “Are you finally ready?”
Edward rises and turns around facing Sam. Edward nods his head.
SAM CHATMAN- “Okay.”
Edward walks out from the corner with the index finger of his left hand resting on his bottom lip. Sam circles around Edward who doesn’t move. Sam comes all the way around Edward and prepares to lock up. Edward and Sam lock up with Sam taking a back waist lock. Chatman looks to pick Edward up but Edward centers his weight essentially blocking the pick-up attempt and breaks Sam’s grasp as Grado grinds his rear end into the crotch of Chatman. Sam shoves Edward away from him.
SAM CHATMAN- “What the hell?!?!?!
Edward spins around facing Sam as he questions.
EDWARD GRADO- “What?”
Edward makes a swiping motion like a cat scratching and hisses at Sam.
SAM CHATMAN- “If you’re not going to take this seriously I’m out.”
EDWARD GRADO- “YAY! Daddy came out! Can I get those digits?”
Sam mutters under his breath.
SAM CHATMAN- “For fucks sake.”
==================
The sweet sounds of Madonna play in the background as we see Eddie G strutting ass onto the screen complete with a full twirl. Edward’s eyes lock with the lens of the camera which seemingly draws us in.
EDWARD GRADO- “Christmas miracles. Do they exist? I guess we will find out when I step into the ring with Cholo for the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship. The first thing I’ll say is that much like Seth Stevens, I’m not entirely sure why I’m here but I fully plan on utilizing this spot to show the world exactly what I am capable of. Nobody expects me to succeed, especially you, Papi.
Edward continues.
EDWARD GRADO- “Do I expect you to sleep on me? No. Do I expect you to take me as a series threat? Same answer… but you’ll also try and prop me up on a pedestal, which I won’t believe you. Everyone seems to think you’re such a good guy but I see deceit running inside you, I’m not fooled. I say that because I’ve spent an awful lot of time over the last few weeks since this match was announced looking back over your WGWF career and there is one thing that sticks out like my fanny pack in public… You love to stay in the background and blend in because it keeps you safe from the predators that occupy the WGWF. “
Grado scratches his head while he asks.
EDWARD GRADO- “Why would you want to do that? Especially when you’re running around with the number two belt in the company. Why number two? Because Engima elected to give it up because had he not you damn sure wouldn’t have it. I’ll tell you why you hide in the background… because you are in bed with the Fortunate Ones.”
Grado clutches his imaginary pearls.
EDWARD GRADO- “It’s not like it doesn’t track. J Mont runs around telling everyone to fuck off BUT you and The Ramsey’s, Enigma passed on the WGWF World Title which opened the door for you to win it, and you’ve refused to take a stand against your friend J Mont who is essentially giving the company you represent the middle finger. Yeah, this isn’t a coincidence and tracks. You’ve used the WGWF like you’ve used your Children’s homes for tax credits. I see through your smoke and mirrors, I see you for who you are… a coward.”
Edward removes his hand from his imaginary pearls.
EDWARD GRADO- “I know you’ll deny these allegations, and nope I can’t prove any of it… but that doesn’t make it any less true. I imagine that you’ve got a chip on your shoulder, or you’ll pretend to over your current issues with Mac Bane. What’s going to happen here is that you’re going to be so focused on Mac that you’re going to make a mistake. All it takes is one and everything you’ve “worked” for comes to a scratching halt, more like everything handed to you is taken away.”
================
Training didn’t go well for Edward and Sam Chatman. The scene opens on a plane mid-flight as Sam Chatman and Austin Ramsey are seated with an empty seat between them.
SAM CHATMAN- “I don’t know what else we can do for him to take this more seriously. This is a shot at becoming the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion and all he seems to want to talk about is how beautiful Cholo’s afro is.”
Austin chimes in.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “It is pretty majestic.”
SAM CHATMAN- “Soooooo not the point. This could be his one shot to be taken more seriously as a singles competitor and it just feels like his head isn’t in the ballgame.”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “If I know my cuzzo he’s just bidding his time and he tends to take things more seriously than most might see. He isn’t a normal guy and he thinks about things from different perspectives… but aren’t you the same guy that tried to tell me a few weeks ago that he was fine? Whatever happened with that?”
Before Sam can answer we see Edward Grado in full wrestling singlet, fanny pack around his waist, and a run of toilet paper attached to his left boot as he high steps over Austin who has the aisle seat just as a bit of turbulence kicks in and sends Edward spilling into the lap of Sam. Edward looks up into the eyes of Chatman.
EDWARD GRADO- “My hero.”
Edward blows Sam a kiss before getting situated in his seat while Sam dusts himself off.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward, are you ready for Monday?”
EDWARD GRADO- “SANTA CLAUS!”
Sam rolls his eyes.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “That’s right! And what’s Santa bringing you for Christmas this year?”
Without skipping a beat Edward responds with sheer enthusiasm and a boisterous tone.
EDWARD GRADO- “THE WGWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!”
All heads turn toward the row of seats housing Austin, Edward, and Sam. We see Chatman trying to conceal his face out of sheer embarrassment.
EDWARD GRADO- “And a toothbrush.”
Edward snickers under his breath.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You’ve got a big battle with Cholo, and you know he’s going to be livid over losing his Children’s home to Mac Bane.
EDWARD GRADO- “I want to smell his hair.”
SAM CHATMAN- “That’s just weird.”
Edward glances over at Sam who is looking out the window.
EDWARD GRADO- “Someone sounds jealous.”
Sam cocks his head around toward Edward.
SAM CHATMAN- “Not hardly!”
EDWARD GRADO- “Uh huh.”
Sam shakes his head “no”.
EDWARD GRADO- “Yes.”
Austin chimes in.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “That’s enough, both of you.”
Austin continues.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You both have pretty big opportunities standing in front of you on Smash and I fully believe that you’re both capable of pulling off the victories. I fell short against Cholo, I took my eye off the ball for one second and that’s all it took for him to retain. You will have to be on top of your game, you’re going to have to stay one hundred percent clocked in, and you’re going to have to take the fight to him every second you’re in the ring.
Austin glances over at Edward who has his eyes closed and is nodding off.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward?”
Sam chimes in.
SAM CHATMAN- “You can’t tell him anything.”
===============
EDWARD GRADO- “I know Mac Bane will be watching intently, as he should. He’s going to want to see me hand you that first loss on your singles column because Cholo happens to be an unbeaten man. I could point out the failure to capture the Television Championship, but that wasn’t one-on-one nor was a pinfall or submission attached to it. Everyone has their eggs in the Mac Bane vs Cholo basket but how unfortunate that I will play spoiler and this will be Mac Bane vs Grado.”
Edward unzips his fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “I bet nobody has that on their bingo cards. I do. Unlike most I believe in myself, I believe in what I’m capable of, and I believe I’m the guy that will do the unthinkable. I believe in miracles, and I’m going to make you all believers too. I fight not to be built or have the body of an adonis and I don’t operate under the maturity level of most adults because I believe that if you’re a good person with a kind heart fantastic things will happen; which kinda shocks me that Cholo is held in such high regard.
Edward reaches into his fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “I’ve got something for you.”
Edward digs deep into the fanny pack.
EDWARD GRADO- “Call it a Christmas present from me to you since you’ll be gifting me the WGWF World Heavyweight Championship.”
Edward pulls out a pack of Kleenex.
EDWARD GRADO- “You can use them to wipe the tears away just like your bestie had to do when I beat him.”
Edward grins and gives the camera a thumbs-up before he carries on.
EDWARD GRADO- “Isn’t it interesting how your bestie no-sold getting beaten by someone he said was beneath him? I bet you sell it though, it’s probably going to be the crutch you lean on only it’s going to crumble under the weight of your false narratives. You can ultimately say whatever you wish about me but when you speak about me I fully expect you to acknowledge that give everything I have, I give every fiber of my being to entertain the people who paid their hard-earned money to watch us do what we do. I don’t work one match a month, I don’t need a Championship on my shoulders to feel important or give me purpose, I don’t rely on others to carry me to the top, and I certainly don’t need to associate myself with The Fortunate Ones figurehead to keep off their shit list. I mean, it’s not like I see them beating down my door to avenge the first of many failures coming their way by my hands if they want to eff around and find out.”
Edward tosses the pack of Kleenex at the lens of the camera.
EDWARD GRADO- “How funny will it be when the king of parody is crowned the new World Champion? At least I will have earned it.”
================
Our plane touched down in Charlotte as Austin, Sam, and Grado made their way to baggage claim. Grado is seen doing a sloppy Ric Flair strut as he lets out a huge…
EDWARD GRADO- “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Austin mutters under his breath.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “We can’t take him anywhere.”
SAM CHATMAN- “Told you.”
Edward struts up to the baggage claim rack. He jumps up on the rack and throws up his hands.
EDWARD GRADO- “Can I have your attention please.”
Edward takes the attention of the entire baggage claim.
EDWARD GRADO- “In the home of the NATURE BOY, I am leaving Monday Night Smash as the WGWF World Heavyweight Champion!”
Sam leans in whispering to Austin.
SAM CHATMAN- “The fire is real with this one.”
EDWARD GRADO- “I’m doing this for every one of you… and Madonna.”
The baggage claim kicks in causing Edward to lose his balance and fall where he cracks his head on the conveyor platform.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “EDWARD!”
Sam and Austin dart through the people and pull Edward off the baggage claim.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Edward! Are you okay?”
Sam starts lightly slapping Grado’s cheek.
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “Cuzzo?”
Edward’s eyes start to flutter.
EDWARD GRADO- “Wha… what happened? Where am I?”
AUSTIN RAMSEY- “You fell and hit your head and we’re at the Charlotte airport. You have a World Title match in forty-eight hours against Cholo.”
EDWARD GRADO- “I do?”
SAM CHATMAN- “You do.”
Edward tilts his head toward Sam.
EDWARD GRADO- “MMMMMM, daddy.”
===============
EDWARD GRADO- “I still can’t believe that I’ve found myself in this position, but I am not going to John Cable it and squander it time after time after time while yet still professing it’s his belt. I’m going to cash in on my first chance and in the process etch my name into the history of this federation for eternity. The only downside is it comes at the expense of exposing Cholo as the coward he’s always been. Maybe that isn’t a downside, maybe that’s the overall purpose. I’ve worked hard to get here, I’ve earned my keep by delivering every time I’ve been asked… and this isn’t going to be any different.”
Edward continues.
EDWARD GRADO- “I’m not going to make the mistakes that Austin made, I won’t allow myself to get caught sleeping like Devlin did, and I won’t give you the opening to sneak in the back door like Enigma did. I’m coming to Monday Night Smash to make the loudest statement that I ever thought about making… Slaying the Dragon that is “Cholo” Giovanni Santana. Come Tuesday morning the wrestling world will be buzzing with the sweet sounds of Madonna, the chatter will be revolving around the upset heard around the world when Edward Grado officially becomes the new WGWF World Heavyweight Champion!”
Edward finishes off.
EDWARD GRADO- “Merry Christmas you filthy animals.”
The scene fades.