Heading in a new direction

[Santino]

(It's been a tough week for Santino. He's endured his first loss and had to confront the realisation that if he is to progress in his career, he needs to up his game. Before coming to EBWF he thought he was more than capable to reach the top tier of this federation. He assumed his skills were already honed well enough to make it to the top. He has since realised, he may come up lacking. He needs to work harder to achieve his dreams. He wants to battle it out with the likes of Del rio, CM Punk, the true main eventers here. In order to achieve this goal, he must seek help...)

(The scene opens outside a small, quaint little cafe on some small, busy street. The sun is shining, and many people are walking up and down. Each with their own long life story and personal accomplishments. But today, we are only interested in one man, and that man is Mr Santino Marella. He is seen sat alone at one of the tables outside the cafe. He is looking impatient, fidgeting lots and adjusting his seat constantly. He takes a small sip of his drink as he continues to wait. Moments later he rises from his seat and extends a hand)

Santino: Thank you for coming.

(A tall man of about 6'3 is standing opposite Santino. He has a large, lean build. Very broad. He looks of American decent with short back and side haircut. He is wearing blue jeans with a simple white tshirt. Both of his arms are heavily tattooed)

Seth Price: No worries. I'm a little surprised you called. You know I'm retired right?

(Both men sit down and begin to chat)

Santino: Yes I know. But I've looked at your past history and your past matches. You were...are, very skilful.

Seth Price: Yeah, your right! For all the good it did me. 36 and already retired. That's what spending the majority of your career in the hardcore divisions does for you. But again I don't understand what you want from me, I'm not involved in the industry anymore?

Santino: I know this, but, I'm in a bad place. Do you watch EBWF?

Seth Price: To be honest, I try to stay away from it all. It hurts too much, you know?

Santino: Well it hurts me to. Wrestling is my life, and so far it can't get any worse! I feel the whole of EBWF is against me! I had my first match last week against two blokes, Batista and Tensai. I lost to Batista, but I have no idea how. It feels like a total set up. I felt I had that match won from the start, but, I don't know. Something just doesn't feel right, you know? And after seeing all the talent first hand, I know I need more work. I want to be one of the top guys around here, and right now that just isn't possible. I trying to lay my cards on the table as you say, I need help Mr Price, please!

(Seth moves about in his chair a little uneasy. He can't help but like Santino, and admire his honesty. Yet when he made the decision, or rather his body made the decision to retire, it hit him hard. He was and is still young and was at the peak of his career. He spent many years in the hardcore divisions and had earned his chance at the big league. The night of his injury was the night of his first world title shot. He had it all to play for. He was coming off a record breaking hardcore title reign, and was in his first world title shot and still only in his early twenties. The pain of watching any sort of wrestling is just too much for Seth, it brings back too many good memories which in turn hurts him even more. He feels guilty for saying no to Santino, but he has no choice...)

Seth Price: Look I'm sorry Santino. You're a decent guy, but I just can't do it. I hope you understand, but wrestling is in the past for me now, an I'd want to keep it that way.

(Seth stands up, shakes Santinos hand and walks off down the street. Leaving a deflated Santino. All his hopes were pinned on Mr Price. And him passing on all his knowledge and skills. Santino is in a desperate place at the moment. His heart and body is willing, but he fears the standard of competition in EBWF is such that unless he ups his game considerably, he's destined to remain at the bottom rung. This does not sit well with Santino. The scene fades out with Santino sitting alone at the cafe table, finishing what's left of his now cold cup of coffee)

(The scene opens up once more, this time in the back of a taxi. Santino is sat with his head in his hands. One would assume he is on his way back home after his disastrous meeting with independent hardcore wrestling legend, Seth Price. Santino is sat mumbling to himself while the taxi driver is oblivious, listening to his tunes on the radio

Santino: Urgh! I shouldn't be surprised. What has actually gone right for me since I arrived? Not a damn thing! And now I'm left days away from fighting a man who is fresh and eager for glory! Wade Barrett will come into our match with no previous bumps or scrapes, he will already be regarded as the favourite! I'm still not 100% after my last match! And now this! Something has to give soon!

(Santino continues to mumble, but this time at such a low volume nothing else can be made out. This continues for a further 20 minutes before the taxi arrives at its destination. Santino pays the driver, steps out of the taxi. He stands in front of the building which reads, 'wrestling school' over the door. Santino takes a gulp and walks inside, the scene fades to black)