Final moments

[Santino]

(Just hours away from the biggest night of Santino's career so far. He could end the night on the biggest high of his life. He could leave the ring at the rumble, knowing that he bested a total of 29 other men to have a chance at the world title. It is no secret that Santino hasn't had an easy ride in EBWF to date. He's tried many different things achieve his goals, and show the world he isn't a flash in the pan joke of a wrestler. The one idea that seemed to pay off for him, was aligning himself with Seth Price. He seems to have the golden touch with Santino, and has begun to mould him into a creditable wrestler that can truly compete with the top tier of fighters. Whether Santino can take a firm grasp of this opportunity has will befall him tonight, is still in question. One thing that is not, is his passion)

(The scene opens inside a taxi on the move. It is dark out and the pitter patter of rain can be heard on the taxi roof. Two men sit silent in the back, not stirring even an inch. They are bolt upright and seem to be in complete focus. The man on the left casts a broad, muscular shadow. His hair is short with a clean shaven face. He's dressed in a smart suit with a black shirt. He sits peering out of the taxi window seemingly thinking about other things as he watches the endless street lights pass by. The other man is much smaller, less broad but still with the same determined demeanour as the other. He too is in a similar looking suit, but seems less fitted than the other mans. Both his hands are placed on his knees. He sits staring at the back of the drivers seat in front of him. He barely blinks. Suddenly both men rise slightly out of their seats, presumably the taxi has hit one of many pot holes that this road seems ladened with)

Santino: Watch where your going you fool! Drive slower!!!

Seth Price: Easy Santino...sorry buddy. We are just a little stressed about tonight, he means no harm.

(Seth turns to Santino, gives him a stern look and Santino seems to concede he was out of line)

Santino: Yeah I'm sorry taxi driver man! Just a little stressed is all, got a big night ahead of me!

(The taxi driver nods his head, as if to say its ok. He then looks in the mirror to catch sigh of Santino after being intrigued by his 'busy night' comment. As soon as he recognises EBWF's latest talent, the taxi takes a slight swerve before the driver can regain control again)

Seth Price: DUDE! Watch where your going!?

(Santino now sees it as his chance to give a stern look back at Seth now after his abrupt outburst to the driver)

Taxi Driver: Sorry lads! Wow, I didn't realise who you were! Santino right?

(Santino grins widely)

Santino: Correct sir, you a fan?

Taxi Driver: Hell yeah man! Your like the every man's hero!

Santino: Wow, I like that! Hey Seth, it's got a ring to it hasn't it?

Seth Price: Yeah I suppose. At least people are talking about you, that's a good start!

Santino: They'll be talking about me more once I won the rumble!

(As soon as those few words left Santino's mouth, the taxi driver let out a small chuckle. Both Seth and Santino looked at each other for a moment, confused)

Santino: That wasn't a joke? Was it?

Seth Price: No, it wasn't. Why was that funny dude?

Taxi Driver: I'm sorry. I didn't mean that, it just slipped out.

Seth Price: But why would it slip out if you weren't thinking it to be funny? Come on, spill!

(The atmosphere inside the taxi now becomes increasingly more awkward)

Taxi Driver: Well, it's just you said you'll win the rumble. You weren't...serious were you?

Santino: Of course I was.

Seth Price: Of course he was serious? Why did you think he wasn't? Who do you think will win then?

Taxi Driver: Well, I mean, there's The Miz!

Seth Price: Yeah, ok of course he stands a chance. Hell, everyone in the rumble has a 'chance'. But why do you rate The Miz...or how we like to call him, the MizTake's chance above Santino here?

Santino: Yeah! I think you underestimate me! Have you not seen my last two matches? I bet both Wade Barrett and Zack Ryder thought they had more chance of winning than I did, but I proved them wrong didn't I!

Taxi Driver: True, but I mean its The Miz. He's done a lot in EBWF, he's ex world champion...

Seth Price: ...have you not seen his last few matches? He's lost the tag team championship, he lost against the guy who he now faces tonight for his last remaining championship. Ain't a great run of form is it?

Santino: YEAH! Plus he's a dirty little cheater! His poor girlfriend!

Taxi Driver: Yeah ok, I get your point. But then what about Tensai? I know he seems a little bit of a joke in wrestling, but he is a huge weight to lift over the top rope ain't it?

Santino: Shit...I never thought of that Seth?

Seth Price: Dude forget that shit! All you need to do is use his own momentum to take him over the top rope. In some ways the bigger blokes are easier to eliminate. And like you so rightfully said, he is a joker. There's no way of getting round that. I know Japan usually have a good pedigree of wrestlers, but lets not forget...HE AIN'T JAPANESE! However much he likes to think he is, he ain't!

Santino: That fat ogre stands no chance! After the rumble, if he's still around that is, I'll happily give him another little show of what a true wrestler can do!

(The car begins to slow down as the taxi driver begins to indicate into the venue for tonight's royal rumble)

Seth Price: Hey, keep going straight!

Taxi Driver: But sir, we are here?

Seth Price: It's ok, we're early anyway, and I'd like to finish our little conversation. You game, Santino?

Santino: Sure, I hate all those pre-show interviews anyway. Lets go round the block a few times.

Taxi Driver: Ummm...

Seth Price: Don't worry, you can keep the meter running!

(Seth speaks the magic words, the driver shuts off his signal and continues on straight)

Seth Price: So, it seems pretty clear you've got Santino pretty low down on the list of potential rumble winners. But who else would you pick to win? I think we've determined The MizTake won't win, nor will Tensai. So, anyone else?

Taxi Driver: Well, you got the obvious choice, like The Rock, or Orton?

(Santino opens his mouth to reply, however Seth beats him to it once again)

Seth Price: Obvious? How can you say that? Sure, a few months or even years back, yeah. I would even agree with you. But maybe I'm missing something, but having you got to attend the rumble to have a chance of winning it?

(Santino looks over to Seth confused, as does the taxi driver)

Santino: Have they pulled out?

Taxi Driver: They not in it?

Seth Price: Well, who knows? I mean there on the card to compete, but who has actually seen them recently? I know I haven't. Sure, they show up at the odd show and chat a load of bollox, but when have they last competed? Their nothing, they are hollow shells of their former self. They are still living off their past deeds, past accomplishments. And that's soon gonna get old, the fans are soon gonna realise they are nothing, has beens. And when that happens...

Santino: ...when that happens ill be number one! It's an new era in the EBWF! Out with the old, in with the SANTINO!

Seth Price: I like it! But listen to him dude, what ever happens tonight, he is correct! The wind is changing, the wheels are in motion, it's the beginning of a new era...

Taxi Driver: Is this an exclusive?

Seth Price: No. We're just making it clear, EBWF has been pretty stale these last few months. Santino I sheer to shake things up, and I think he's done that already! There's a lot of new talent here, and it's time they take their chances on the thrones!

Taxi Driver: Well ok, but what about the likes of AJ Styles and Cena? They have been around a long time, done some pretty impressive shit. And they don't seem to be going anywhere?

Seth Price: Listen to him now Santino, he's getting brave...

Santino: I know! We cannot leave this taxi until he agrees I am the greatest!

(Both Santino and Seth chuckle)

Taxi Driver: I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn. I didn...

Seth Price: It's cool! I see your point. And it's a good point, after all Santino must deal with those two tonight also. But we are not going to sit here and say all the veterans of EBWF are past it now, and should be left out to die! That's not at all what we are saying! It just seems EBWF is stuck in the past, and continuing to rely on the old school. When the simply fact is, they don't need to. And not only do they not need to, it would be more beneficial if they didn't. Santino has displayed far superior ring skills to many in the past few weeks. He has shocked fans and commentators alike. Sure he's a funny, nice, easy going guy. But that doesn't take away the fact this guy can wrestle...

Santino: ...this guy is also here you know!

Seth Price: I know man, but don't stop me I'm on a run!

(Santino sighs. Appearing to get a little bored of Seths rants)

Seth Price: Like I was saying, Santino is the future of EBWF. Regardless of what happens tonight, the management need to take heed of this. He has the fans behind him, he has the talent, and he sure as hell has the passion. It's only a matter of time before he gets his shot at the big time!

Santino: It better be!

Taxi Driver: Wow! I never thought of it that way, but your right. For years now EBWF has been ramming the likes of Cena, Miz, The Rock, down our throats! It might be nice for a change. You know what, I'm gonna be rooting for you tonight Santino! After hearing you guys tonight, you defiantly want it! And hey, your number 20' so that's a bonus!

Santino: I hope so!

Taxi Driver: Guys, we are here now. I would love to chat more but I wanna get home to watch the rumble!

Santino: Then I best get out so you can watch me win...I hope!

Seth Price: You will!

Taxi Driver: I hope so too! Thanks for the chat guys, you two are true gentlemen!

(Both men chuckle)

Seth Price: I don't know about that, but cheers for the lift brother. Here's a hundred for your troubles...

(The taxi driver thanks both men profusely. Santino and Seth step out of the taxi carrying their bags containing Santino's ring attire. They bid their farewells and make their way up the ramp into the arena. The scene fades out with just 2 hours until the start of the rumble. It's all said and done now. Santino has prepared as best he could, all that remains is stepping into that ring and putting everything he's learnt, to the test)[/i][/b]