Out of the Shadows..
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 12:44 pm
*The Scene opens up inside a High School Gym. Inside the gym is a wrestling ring, which is in the early stages of being torn down. The Gym as home to a Full Impact Pro wrestling show, in which around 500 attendees were still leaving the building. The Main Event was scheduled to take place between Cody Hall and Steve Corino. Due to a thunderstorm in the midwest, Corino was unable to board a flight to make it to Florida. Instead, former WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Alex Wright, was able to fill his spot. Alex Wright put over Cody Hall, letting him score the victory and giving him the biggest win of his career so far. After the match they shook hands in the ring, and Alex raised his arms. But something didn't sit right with Cody. We go to the locker room where Cody is finishing up changing into his normal street clothes. Alex Wright walks in as Cody finishes putting his things in his gym bag*
Alex Wright: Hey, great match! You sold like a champ in their!
Cody: No man, thank you! You gave me the biggest win of my career out their!
Alex Wright: It was my pleasure. You remind me alot of your father out their.
Cody: Yeah...that's great...
Alex Wright: What's the problem? You did good!
Cody: I'm not denying the fact that it was a good match. I think it was one of the better matches i've ever had the liberty of being in. But this whole thing with my dad..
Alex Wright: What thing?
Cody:I mean look at this..
*Cody holds up his ring jacket. Its the familar red and black sleeve-less jacket his dad wore to the ring with the wolfpac colors and images on it*
Cody: It was fun at first. Having him accompany me to the ring, wearing his ring gear, and even using his finishing move. Those were, what I thought at the time, some of the best moments of my life...
Alex Wright: But...?
Cody Hall: But it's not me. It's not my identity. I'm not Scott Hall, or Razor Ramone, or whoever. I'm Cody Hall damnit! It's time for me to step out of his shadow. I want my own moves, my own ring gear, and my own persona..
Alex Wright:You got alot of talent out there..i'll give you that. But take it slow. I know you feel like you're riding his coat tails, but we all gotta start somewhere. You had you're foot in the door of this business before you were even born. You are getting the opportunity alot of people could only dream about. Cody Hall...son of the legendary Scott Hall, whom might I add, is in the middle of his in ring return for the EBWF no less..
Cody Hall:And that's the problem. No matter where I go, or no matter what I do, it's always about him. All the time, I hear people say, "hey, great match Cody, but did you see you're dads match?" It's always about him. I know what he's done for the business and I know his reputation, but god damnit I can't walk into an arena or event without people drooling over the fact that my dad is Scott Hall. I get hounded every time I go out in public about it. I just don't know what to do.
Alex Wright: If you want people to stop associating you with Scott Hall, with your father, then you need to give them something to talk about.
Cody Hall: What do you mean?
Alex Wright: You need to come up with your own identity. Something fresh, something new! Give people something to remember you by and give them something to talk about. Do you wanna be known as the mini-me of Scott Hall or do you wanna be the champion of a new generation...
Cody: To be honest, I wanna be on top. I want to be the Hulk Hogan of my generation. I want to be the John Cena of my generation. I want my own identity...
Alex Wright: Then stop with this...
*Alex Wright picks up the familar wolfpac ring gear and throws it to Cody. Cody catches it with both arms, clutching it to his chest. He has his head down, thinking about what to do, or where to go. Holding his fathers old wolfpac attire made him feel almost like a lost puppy dog. He felt lost. This wasn't for him. He walked over to the doorway of the gym, and tossed his ring attire into the trash can*
Cody Hall: I can do this all myself. I don't need nostalgia to carry me through my career. I don't want the only reason for me being talked about is because of who my father is. I'm going to do this my way.
Alex Wright: That's exactly what you should be doing. I didn't wanna say anything, but me and the rest of the guys in the back, we never could take you seriously when you came out dressed in that crap. But we all like you. We wanan see you do great. We know you are destined for great things..
*Cody poses in the gym, with a towel wrapped around his neck doing his best Alberto Del Rio impression*
Cody: It is...my destiny!! hahaha
Alex Wright: Speaking of which, did you see Alberto Del Rio's latest interview?
Cody: No, but I heard something about him going into the IC gauntlet match that my dad and Hogan are participating in..
Alex Wright: Well that's not all...he had a few words about you too!
Cody: Alberto Del Rio....mentioned....me?!?!
*Cody couldn't believe it. Del Rio was a big time star in the industry. He was a former WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank winner. He was a huge name in the business. Why on earth would he mention Cody Hall?
Alex Wright: Yes my friend, he had a few words to say about your father as well.
*Alex Wright pulled a disc out of his bag. The got up and walked back into the gym. Inside were television monitors*
Alex Wright: I try and make a habbit of recording as many live interviews with todays superstars as I possibly can. It's a good reference for those that are still trying to break into the big time and working on their mic skills. it just so happened, I have a recording of last nights interview with Alberto Del Rio.
*Alex Wright pops the disc into the dvd player and they both take a seat on 2 metal folding chairs. Cody was estatic that he was mentioned on national television. He was also nervous as all hell. Was he supposed to respond? What if it ws a challenge? He didn't even have an EBWF contract but he could easily get his foot in the door. But he didn't want to rely on his father anymore. Even if it meant turning down a big time EBWF contract*
*The disk containing Del Rio's interview played. Alex Wright skips right over to the part where he talks about Hogan, Hall, and Cody*
Alberto del Rio: Then we have people like Curt Hawkins and Kane... With whom I have some unfinished business... Mira monstruo mugroso! No me he olvidado de lo que me hiciste! I haven't forgotten what you did! Now its not the time... But I am counting you Chokeslam Miz to hell before is my turn to show him who the boss is... My turn to shine! That brings me to all the old idiot grandpas who want to enter this match... Scott Hall? Hulk Hogan? They think they're so hot... They all showed they had no cojones when my father invited them to wrestle in the south... Luckily for them I am here to show them what they were missing! And Cody Hall? He needs to grow a pair and stop hiding behind his dad before even thinking about getting this shot...
*Codys face lit up like an 8 year old on Christmas morning. The fact that he had been mentioned was astounding to him. But he was taken back by the notion*
Cody: Getting this shot? I never once said anything about being involved, I don't even have a contract! What am I..
Alex Wright: You mean what are you supposed to do? I'll tell you what you're supposed to do, you need to take this opportunity to make a name for yourself. Here you are being mentioned on EBWF programming...something many of us here can only dream of. This is your moment. You need to seize the moment my friend..
Cody: This is a battle between my father and him. It's not my place to get involved..
Alex Wright: And that's fine. Personally, it's not my problem. But as someone that wants to step out of the shadow of one of the biggest names in the sport, if you truly want to be your own person in this sport, then you need to step up to the plate. I have a few connections. If you don't wanna rely on your father, I might be able to arrange a meeting with a few of the EBWF executives and possibly...
Cody: You can get me in? That would be awesome!
Alex Wright: Let me make a few calls. But if we're going to do this, then we need to start training. Let me take you under my wing. I'll show you a few things to better prepare you for the big leagues. I can give you the knowledge to help you succede. But it's gonna be up to you, in the long run.
Cody: Thanks Alex
Alex Wright: No problem, go home and rest up. Tomorrow we start training. I want you in my gym, 5 days a week at least. If we're going to do this, then we're going to do this right!
*Alex Wright got up and patted Cody on the shoulder before walking off. The camera zooms in on Codys face. He was filled with mixed emotions. He was scared, nervous, and excitied all at once. He had to call his dad. He grabbed his cell phone from his bag and dialed the number of the one and only, Scott hall*
Scott Hall: Hey son, whats up?
Cody: Hey dad, I know you're getting ready for your match, but was wondering if you had a minute?
Scott Hall: Yea, what's going on?
Cody: Well I was sitting here after the show with Alex Wright and...
Scott Hall: You mean that Berlyn freak? What exactly is Das Wunderkind up to these days? I thought he danced his way into retirement with the rest of the washed up, never was talent from WCW?
Cody: He filled in for my match tonight, Corino couldn't make it..
Scott Hall: Yea? How'd that go?
Cody: Well I won dad!
Scott Hall:Hey that's great kid! Thats gotta be your biggest win to date! Congrats son, you're making your dad proud. Soon you're gonna be running with me and Hollywood in the big leagues.
Cody: Did you see Alberto Del Rio's interview last night?
Scott Hall: Yea...I saw it. He's got alot of balls throwing the Hall family name around the way he did. Don't you worry about Del Rio. I'll take care of that little jerk-off myself. Me and Hollywood got a few plans in store for him. And don't worry about what he said about you. Nobody thinks you're in my shadow. You are your own man! You got the talent son. You're just like your pops. Just stay away from the booze and you'll be a superstar in no time!
Cody: What do you think my chances are of getting a contract with EBWF...
Scott hall: Woah woah woah now...lets not get to far ahead of ourselves. Like I said, you're extremely talented. One thing you gotta remember, is to take baby steps. You can't just go from wrestling Alex Wright in a high school gym to main event an episode of Warfare. You gotta pay your dues. The experience you gain in the indys is unlike nothing you can learn from being on tough enough or being handed a contract out of the blue. You gotta fight and claw your way to the top, just like your pops did. Don't sweat it! Someday, you'll be off filming corny vinginettes just like your old man did when he debuted for the WWF and you'll have plenty of time to worry about comming up in this business. But for now, take it a day at a time. Don't let Del Rio get in your head. He's just trying to stir the pot a little bit. But me, i'm gonna take care of that goof and send his ass back over the border.
Cody: I need to do something dad. Working all these local shows is fine, but I need something bigger. I know nothings gonna happen if I don't make it happen. I wanan have my own identity..
Scott Hall: Stop rushing things son. Trust me, if you're patient good things will happen. Look, I know a guy in the EBWF that specializes in the training and development of new up-and-comming talent. I'll give you his number. Give him a call, and maybe he can set you up in one of the EBWF's training facilities or promotions.
*Scott hall reads the number off to Cody as he quickly jots it down. But he had an idea of his own*
Soctt Hall: You take care, and be sure to tune in tonight, it's gonna be a wild night son. I love ya.
Cody: Alright dad, call me after your match
Scott Hall: You got it
*Both men hang up. cody holds the number in his hand, starring at it. He didn't wanna completley disregard his fathers advice. He knew that he did know what he was talking about. He started off small, and even before he joined the WWF in , he gained fame in the AWA as the World Heavyweight Champion. He went from the indys, to the AWA, to the WWF and beyond. And he turned out to be a mega star. But Alex Wright wanted to jumpstart his career. He wasn't sure on what to do. But he knew he had to call the number given to him by his father. Cody dialed the number, after a few rings, a secretary answered*
EBWF Secretary: Thank you for calling the EBWF office's. My name is Laura, how may I direct your call?
*Cody was nervous. He didn't know what to say. He had frozen up and couldn't get the right words out*
Laura:Hello? sir
*The camera zooms back in on the face of Cody Hall. Perspiring as if he had just ran a marathon, he was nervous, but he finally found the courage to speak*
Cody Hall:Hi. This is Cody Hall..
Laura: Cody Hall? You mean Scott's kid?
Cody Hall: Yea, I was wondering if I could speak to someone about possibly finding work....
Laura:OF COURSE!! Let me put you through to our talent relations office...
*The camera zoomed out. Cody was shaking his legs up and down and biting his nails as he was put on hold. While he waited, the words of Alex Wright and his father tumbled around inside his head. He didn't want to use his dad as a crutch to get into the EBWF, but Alex was right. Nothing would happen if he didn't make it happen. And on this day, October 15th, 2012, would be the day he would start making things happen. The camera continued to zoom out as we fade to black*
Alex Wright: Hey, great match! You sold like a champ in their!
Cody: No man, thank you! You gave me the biggest win of my career out their!
Alex Wright: It was my pleasure. You remind me alot of your father out their.
Cody: Yeah...that's great...
Alex Wright: What's the problem? You did good!
Cody: I'm not denying the fact that it was a good match. I think it was one of the better matches i've ever had the liberty of being in. But this whole thing with my dad..
Alex Wright: What thing?
Cody:I mean look at this..
*Cody holds up his ring jacket. Its the familar red and black sleeve-less jacket his dad wore to the ring with the wolfpac colors and images on it*
Cody: It was fun at first. Having him accompany me to the ring, wearing his ring gear, and even using his finishing move. Those were, what I thought at the time, some of the best moments of my life...
Alex Wright: But...?
Cody Hall: But it's not me. It's not my identity. I'm not Scott Hall, or Razor Ramone, or whoever. I'm Cody Hall damnit! It's time for me to step out of his shadow. I want my own moves, my own ring gear, and my own persona..
Alex Wright:You got alot of talent out there..i'll give you that. But take it slow. I know you feel like you're riding his coat tails, but we all gotta start somewhere. You had you're foot in the door of this business before you were even born. You are getting the opportunity alot of people could only dream about. Cody Hall...son of the legendary Scott Hall, whom might I add, is in the middle of his in ring return for the EBWF no less..
Cody Hall:And that's the problem. No matter where I go, or no matter what I do, it's always about him. All the time, I hear people say, "hey, great match Cody, but did you see you're dads match?" It's always about him. I know what he's done for the business and I know his reputation, but god damnit I can't walk into an arena or event without people drooling over the fact that my dad is Scott Hall. I get hounded every time I go out in public about it. I just don't know what to do.
Alex Wright: If you want people to stop associating you with Scott Hall, with your father, then you need to give them something to talk about.
Cody Hall: What do you mean?
Alex Wright: You need to come up with your own identity. Something fresh, something new! Give people something to remember you by and give them something to talk about. Do you wanna be known as the mini-me of Scott Hall or do you wanna be the champion of a new generation...
Cody: To be honest, I wanna be on top. I want to be the Hulk Hogan of my generation. I want to be the John Cena of my generation. I want my own identity...
Alex Wright: Then stop with this...
*Alex Wright picks up the familar wolfpac ring gear and throws it to Cody. Cody catches it with both arms, clutching it to his chest. He has his head down, thinking about what to do, or where to go. Holding his fathers old wolfpac attire made him feel almost like a lost puppy dog. He felt lost. This wasn't for him. He walked over to the doorway of the gym, and tossed his ring attire into the trash can*
Cody Hall: I can do this all myself. I don't need nostalgia to carry me through my career. I don't want the only reason for me being talked about is because of who my father is. I'm going to do this my way.
Alex Wright: That's exactly what you should be doing. I didn't wanna say anything, but me and the rest of the guys in the back, we never could take you seriously when you came out dressed in that crap. But we all like you. We wanan see you do great. We know you are destined for great things..
*Cody poses in the gym, with a towel wrapped around his neck doing his best Alberto Del Rio impression*
Cody: It is...my destiny!! hahaha
Alex Wright: Speaking of which, did you see Alberto Del Rio's latest interview?
Cody: No, but I heard something about him going into the IC gauntlet match that my dad and Hogan are participating in..
Alex Wright: Well that's not all...he had a few words about you too!
Cody: Alberto Del Rio....mentioned....me?!?!
*Cody couldn't believe it. Del Rio was a big time star in the industry. He was a former WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank winner. He was a huge name in the business. Why on earth would he mention Cody Hall?
Alex Wright: Yes my friend, he had a few words to say about your father as well.
*Alex Wright pulled a disc out of his bag. The got up and walked back into the gym. Inside were television monitors*
Alex Wright: I try and make a habbit of recording as many live interviews with todays superstars as I possibly can. It's a good reference for those that are still trying to break into the big time and working on their mic skills. it just so happened, I have a recording of last nights interview with Alberto Del Rio.
*Alex Wright pops the disc into the dvd player and they both take a seat on 2 metal folding chairs. Cody was estatic that he was mentioned on national television. He was also nervous as all hell. Was he supposed to respond? What if it ws a challenge? He didn't even have an EBWF contract but he could easily get his foot in the door. But he didn't want to rely on his father anymore. Even if it meant turning down a big time EBWF contract*
*The disk containing Del Rio's interview played. Alex Wright skips right over to the part where he talks about Hogan, Hall, and Cody*
*Codys face lit up like an 8 year old on Christmas morning. The fact that he had been mentioned was astounding to him. But he was taken back by the notion*
Cody: Getting this shot? I never once said anything about being involved, I don't even have a contract! What am I..
Alex Wright: You mean what are you supposed to do? I'll tell you what you're supposed to do, you need to take this opportunity to make a name for yourself. Here you are being mentioned on EBWF programming...something many of us here can only dream of. This is your moment. You need to seize the moment my friend..
Cody: This is a battle between my father and him. It's not my place to get involved..
Alex Wright: And that's fine. Personally, it's not my problem. But as someone that wants to step out of the shadow of one of the biggest names in the sport, if you truly want to be your own person in this sport, then you need to step up to the plate. I have a few connections. If you don't wanna rely on your father, I might be able to arrange a meeting with a few of the EBWF executives and possibly...
Cody: You can get me in? That would be awesome!
Alex Wright: Let me make a few calls. But if we're going to do this, then we need to start training. Let me take you under my wing. I'll show you a few things to better prepare you for the big leagues. I can give you the knowledge to help you succede. But it's gonna be up to you, in the long run.
Cody: Thanks Alex
Alex Wright: No problem, go home and rest up. Tomorrow we start training. I want you in my gym, 5 days a week at least. If we're going to do this, then we're going to do this right!
*Alex Wright got up and patted Cody on the shoulder before walking off. The camera zooms in on Codys face. He was filled with mixed emotions. He was scared, nervous, and excitied all at once. He had to call his dad. He grabbed his cell phone from his bag and dialed the number of the one and only, Scott hall*
Scott Hall: Hey son, whats up?
Cody: Hey dad, I know you're getting ready for your match, but was wondering if you had a minute?
Scott Hall: Yea, what's going on?
Cody: Well I was sitting here after the show with Alex Wright and...
Scott Hall: You mean that Berlyn freak? What exactly is Das Wunderkind up to these days? I thought he danced his way into retirement with the rest of the washed up, never was talent from WCW?
Cody: He filled in for my match tonight, Corino couldn't make it..
Scott Hall: Yea? How'd that go?
Cody: Well I won dad!
Scott Hall:Hey that's great kid! Thats gotta be your biggest win to date! Congrats son, you're making your dad proud. Soon you're gonna be running with me and Hollywood in the big leagues.
Cody: Did you see Alberto Del Rio's interview last night?
Scott Hall: Yea...I saw it. He's got alot of balls throwing the Hall family name around the way he did. Don't you worry about Del Rio. I'll take care of that little jerk-off myself. Me and Hollywood got a few plans in store for him. And don't worry about what he said about you. Nobody thinks you're in my shadow. You are your own man! You got the talent son. You're just like your pops. Just stay away from the booze and you'll be a superstar in no time!
Cody: What do you think my chances are of getting a contract with EBWF...
Scott hall: Woah woah woah now...lets not get to far ahead of ourselves. Like I said, you're extremely talented. One thing you gotta remember, is to take baby steps. You can't just go from wrestling Alex Wright in a high school gym to main event an episode of Warfare. You gotta pay your dues. The experience you gain in the indys is unlike nothing you can learn from being on tough enough or being handed a contract out of the blue. You gotta fight and claw your way to the top, just like your pops did. Don't sweat it! Someday, you'll be off filming corny vinginettes just like your old man did when he debuted for the WWF and you'll have plenty of time to worry about comming up in this business. But for now, take it a day at a time. Don't let Del Rio get in your head. He's just trying to stir the pot a little bit. But me, i'm gonna take care of that goof and send his ass back over the border.
Cody: I need to do something dad. Working all these local shows is fine, but I need something bigger. I know nothings gonna happen if I don't make it happen. I wanan have my own identity..
Scott Hall: Stop rushing things son. Trust me, if you're patient good things will happen. Look, I know a guy in the EBWF that specializes in the training and development of new up-and-comming talent. I'll give you his number. Give him a call, and maybe he can set you up in one of the EBWF's training facilities or promotions.
*Scott hall reads the number off to Cody as he quickly jots it down. But he had an idea of his own*
Soctt Hall: You take care, and be sure to tune in tonight, it's gonna be a wild night son. I love ya.
Cody: Alright dad, call me after your match
Scott Hall: You got it
*Both men hang up. cody holds the number in his hand, starring at it. He didn't wanna completley disregard his fathers advice. He knew that he did know what he was talking about. He started off small, and even before he joined the WWF in , he gained fame in the AWA as the World Heavyweight Champion. He went from the indys, to the AWA, to the WWF and beyond. And he turned out to be a mega star. But Alex Wright wanted to jumpstart his career. He wasn't sure on what to do. But he knew he had to call the number given to him by his father. Cody dialed the number, after a few rings, a secretary answered*
EBWF Secretary: Thank you for calling the EBWF office's. My name is Laura, how may I direct your call?
*Cody was nervous. He didn't know what to say. He had frozen up and couldn't get the right words out*
Laura:Hello? sir
*The camera zooms back in on the face of Cody Hall. Perspiring as if he had just ran a marathon, he was nervous, but he finally found the courage to speak*
Cody Hall:Hi. This is Cody Hall..
Laura: Cody Hall? You mean Scott's kid?
Cody Hall: Yea, I was wondering if I could speak to someone about possibly finding work....
Laura:OF COURSE!! Let me put you through to our talent relations office...
*The camera zoomed out. Cody was shaking his legs up and down and biting his nails as he was put on hold. While he waited, the words of Alex Wright and his father tumbled around inside his head. He didn't want to use his dad as a crutch to get into the EBWF, but Alex was right. Nothing would happen if he didn't make it happen. And on this day, October 15th, 2012, would be the day he would start making things happen. The camera continued to zoom out as we fade to black*