You always get what you deserve.
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(We find ourselves looking at Larry Tact, sitting in the front row of several rows of black steel chairs. Tact is dressed in sand-blasted blue SilverTab jeans; a sleeveless black shirt with 'Simply Tactilizing' written in gold cursive; black shoes, and wearing silver-rimmed, blue-lensed sunglasses. His golden blonde hair is tied back, and he leans forward slightly; fully engaged with us, and nothing else, as he speaks with his hands on his knees.)
LARRY TACT: "I heard you had a lot to say to me, Chris, so I did some listening. It turns out you had a whole lot of questions for me. Yet, you couldn't find it in your own fortitude to tactfully answer all of mine. Had I raised my expectations of you too high, Champ? Maybe I did... but better to over-prepare, then."
"Oh and, as an aside, not everyone in Ultratitle has the backing of a promotion. The participant list is all you really need to see to know that.
(mocking tone) Just check the corporate website, Chris."
"Now, instead of returning the favor, and dodging your questions, I'm going to show you something. I'm going to show you how to MAN UP and address empty claims... clear the air... and, whether you like my answers or not, make a real statement."
(He pauses, leans back some, and relaxes his hands together on his thighs.)
"I'm not sure when bragging rights needed to be the most important thing about Ultratitle, Chris. Maybe for you; not for me. If you didn't stop at just hearing what I had to say, but actually LISTENED, you'd know that I have my own priorities within Ultratitle."
"In any sport I competed in, bragging rights was always such an instant gratification. It wasn't substantial, when you competed in as ultra-competitive a scene as my peers and I. And yes, it's true, there are other sports I enjoyed. I think I made it clear, in fact, that those sports helped shape my drive to someday compete somewhere with as much fervor and intensity as the athletes I watched. Through viewing, I developed a mind that was keen to pick up on details of how top-tier athletes competed. In my competing, I got an inkling of how fierce and outrageously difficult it would be, if I wanted to someday pursue my dream."
"In the end, what it was that drove me over the edge to go for it; what brought me that almost-insane desire to be at the top level of its sport -- first from watching, then competing -- was wrestling."
"I find it a little comedic that you would question my using other sports when you, yourself, spoke of your athletic achievements outside of wrestling, not long ago. I guess it's different if you're just talking about your personal greatness, rather than crediting others'? I already covered how much you went on about your past in this industry, so no need to revisit that again. But if I didn't know better, Chris... I'd call you out for being a tad hypocritical."
"As for my wrestling influences? Well, if you have a burning need to see some of what inspired me, then by all means, Chris... allow me to educate you..."
(The shot pans around, and we see Tact was facing the large video screen of his previous spot. The lights in the studio dim, the screen comes to life, and we see a countdown: 3 ... 2.... 1...
*BLIP*)
BILL BUCKLEY: Fans....this one is underway...the first match of the CSWA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament...right here in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mark Windham and Joey Melton are vying to become the first World Champ here in the CSWA as they lock up in the middle of the ring with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Pushoff by Melton sends Windham into the ropes. Windham ducks the clothesline and catches the smaller man with an elbow! Melton hits the mat and quickly takes a powder outside the ring!
(The action FADESTOBLACK... only to be replaced with a compilation of different shots: the CSWA CORPORATION in 1988-89; Hornet capturing his first US Title; a clip from "Buckley's Better Beef;" Hornet competing in the JWA; wrestlers competing in the first-ever IRONMAN of CHAMPIONS event of 1992.... AND THEN...)
December 1994... PRIMETIME in SAN DIEGO
BILL BUCKLEY: Wait a second, one of the fans just jumped over the guard rail! He just nailed Hornet with a right hand! HE dressed in all black and has a mask on! Hornet's up, but the masked man catches him with a clothesline!
(FADETO...) The man has some kind of bag with him and he takes a brick out of it! He just slammed it over Hornet's head and broke it!!! Oh my Lord, we've got to have some help down here.
(FADETO...) Wait, he's taking off his mask! I DON'T BELIEVE IT! IT'S MIKE ROITER!!! Mike Roiter has gone insane!!! He's got one more trick for Hornet from his bag, though. He hooks a noose of rope around his neck and throws Hornet over the top rope!! Hornet is being HANGED!!!!!
(CUT TO...) ROITER: I'M THE CHAMP! I'M THE UNIFIED CHAMP!
(FADETO...)
July 1995... FISH FUND X: Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory
RJ: The following match is one fall with a 30-minute time limit. It is for the CSWA's United States/National Heavyweight Championship. First, the challenger. He is from parts unknown and stands at six feet, seven inches and 325 pounds of pure muscle. He is a former Greensboro Champion and former two-time USN Heavyweight Champion. He will attempt to make it three times in this rematch. He is
BONECRUSHER!!!!
(FADETO...)
BB: ONE.......TWO.......no, Bonecrusher rolls out!!! HEAT almost had the win! Bonecrusher pulls HEAT up and puts him down with the Implant DDT!!!! This could be it! ONE................ TWO.........THREE!!!! We have a new United States/National Champion!!!! Bonecrusher has become a three-time USN Champion!!!!!
(FADETO... clips of CSWA ANNIVERSARY 1997, featuring the 'World Tournament' Final Four: GUNS Vs 'King of the Slackers' Troy Windham... Masked Man #3 vs 'MAD' Joe Massacre.)
(FADETO... face-off shots of Hornet/Steve Radder; Deacon/Eli Flair; Joey Melton/Troy Windham; Pat Black/Mike Randalls; Eddy Love/Kevin Powers; The Ego Buster Vs Mike Sparks... all from the CSWA World Heavyweight Tournament of 1998.)
(And with one more FADETO... we are back looking at Larry Tact, whose eyes show a man remembering some very fond memories. And then, with a nod and a breath, he returns.)
TACT: "Truth be told, there just isn't enough time to do it all justice... over a decade of my wrestling boyhood, that is. Yes, I tended to gravitate towards CSWA viewership, along with hordes of others. Hence, my eventual focus on F-Wrestling was a natural progression. There you had a tiny sampling, Chris, of those who have given so much for this industry, and helped pave the way for today's stars."
"And man, from everything you had to say, you made it CRYSTAL CLEAR for everyone... you do NOT understand how F-Wrestling's history -- and Ultratitle's past -- play into the present. It isn't just "a part of the equation".... it IS the equation that led us all here, regardless where we underwent our rite of passage, to this point. To Ultratitle 2012."
"Whether you want to accept it or not, the PAST is the reason why Ultratitle IS what it is today. It has nothing to do with what you, or I, or any of us taking our first shots, have done. We don't factor into Ultratitle's importance yet -- haven't earned it. But I knew that I was inspired to pursue Ultratitle, in part, BECAUSE of what others have done in its history. I want to experience it, and Chris, I'm not ready to go yet. I'm not going to let somebody who can't even wrap around their head, the idea of what makes Ultratitle relevant -- maybe because his ego is getting too much in the way -- take me out of this."
"I'm doing what I can to honor those whose blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, and prevailing victories have laid the groundwork for the field we fight on now. And how? By doing what I do best: wrestling with everything I have. Bringing my best, both beforehand -- to make my match as big as it can be, every single round -- and absolutely, once that bell rings."
(He leans forward again, removing the sunglasses and hooking them on his shirt collar.)
"You don't need to see it as admirable, noble, worthy of the time and effort I'm putting in, or respect it. Here's the thing, Chris: I never asked you to... never asked for your respect or approval. Those aren't at the top of my importance list going in, and that hasn't changed. As far as I see it, you haven't earned that, either."
"The fact is, this tournament hasn't come around often. And media hype, predictions, fan hopes aside... whoever survives all this... they WILL have become something more than anyone could have reasonably expected of them. Because that's what it will take to prevail in this war of attrition."
"As for being the 'Champion of all things Fwrestling?'"
(He looks around, points to himself momentarily, then shakes his head.)
"Nope, didn't claim anything of the sort. But, wait, I think I may be onto you, Chris. What you REALLY meant was... I'm the only guy making a big deal about how F-Wrestling be framed and depicted. I'm the F-Wrestling vet who is standing up and making the strongest statement about this circuit... that it should be recognized as the critical and top rung of the chain that is the wrestling industry. In short... I'm stepping up with something DIFFERENT... even, dare I say... ORIGINAL, to discuss?"
"If that's the case, I hope it's not blowing your mind to break from the more generic topics, man. I have no defense for that, except to say... I've always been more the type of person to go upstream, so to speak. I aim to create, not just contribute to what's already out there. Try not to be overwhelmed; do what you can to keep up with me, Champ. Don't worry... I won't be asking so much from you, for much longer."
"And let's not forget your crowning moment of your grand presentation for me and the world. The moment when I could almost feel... like you really thought you had me, but good! You declared, for all the world... that YOU, Chris Hopper, are apart of ACW and that ACW... in fact... is apart of F-Wrestling!"
"If I didn't see the ego just SEETHING out of you, Chris... although, really, how could anyone miss it? But if I didn't see that, maybe I would have felt a little pity, for someone who seems to want to make points so badly... but keeps falling, repeatedly, flat on his face..."
(He chuckles, and flashes a small smirk of his own.)
"Fortunately for me, I have no reason take pity on you."
"Chris, you came into Ultratitle as ACW Gateway Champion, and that was made clear. How do you suppose I missed that? Which means...
(scratches chin)... the only other explanation is...
(snaps fingers suddenly)... I left ACW out, for some reason!"
"Yes, Chris, the fact is I didn't make one mention of ACW. But why? Well, you answered that for me... ACW is, technically, affiliated with F-Wrestling. Which means... I DID know that! Oh, bravo. Gold star."
"So then, what does it all MEAN, Chris? Quite simply this. I understand you are apart of ACW. And I understand ACW has a partnership with F-Wrestling. But Chris, you yourself made clear your vast array of World Championships... ones you hold so dear, you specifically made such a grand display of showing them during this very Ultratitle tournament. And like I said, you should be credited for each and every one of them. It all makes up what Chris Hopper means to the wrestling industry."
"And therein lies the point. Those titles are not apart of F-Wrestling, Chris. Your legacy? It's not tied to F-Wrestling. And although I'm aware ACW is a highly-touted promotion, Chris, its own existence as apart of F-Wrestling has been LESS THAN one year long. I've been around this circuit long enough to see promotions have stays longer than that, Chris, and as far as their remembrance as 'F-Wrestling' branded? They were quickly forgotten. So, basically, ACW still has more to prove to those who have been longstanding members of this circuit, before its paid its collective due."
(He sighs, shaking his head.)
"But I had no intention of taking anything away from ACW, Chris. I didn't even want to take away any of what you've accomplished. I haven't competed there, and I don't intend to pass widespread judgment on its roster, or Championships. It's simply a fact that your legacy doesn't come by F-Wrestling. You became who you are through a great many promotions, but they weren't here. You clearly want to throw yourself in with our lot... try to instantly attach yourself, like some All-Star parasite... but it isn't going to work out how you want it to."
"Dan Ryan, Sean Stevens? They'd look at what you said, and might just laugh in your face. I could ring off DOZENS of guys who aren't even here anymore... and are more apart of this circuit than you."
"HELLION. TSUNAMI. SHANE SOUTHERN. MAELSTROM. GOLEM..."
"MINION. BILLY MATTHEWS. DUSTY THOMPSON..."
"THE JOBBER. TRISTAN SLASH/KRoW. CROSS..."
"... And yeah, I'll say it... even JEAN f'king RABESQUE."
"See, Chris, you don't just become branded as F-Wrestling for joining, overnight. None of them did. Stop pretending. Don't try to be something YOU ARE NOT, because it only further exposes your own weakness."
"And weakness like that doesn't survive Ultratitle... not against Larry Tact."
(He pauses.)
"You're taking me seriously? That's great to know; I'm glad you cleared the air on that. Do you want a prize?"
"Here's what you're showing us all, Chris. You WISH I craved the respect of all.... WISH I was dying to be acknowledged, already, among the elite of this circuit... are practically BEGGING for me to have said my passion for this sport, and industry, is greater than yours..."
"Truth is, that's all words coming from YOUR mouth, not mine."
(His olive-green eyes narrow just a bit, a hint of disdain appearing.)
"I have enough self-respect to not need yours. I understand there's good reason for why my face is not yet etched on the 'mountains' depicting this industry's absolute finest. Will it be? That's still to be determined, and not something I have the desire to even contemplate, at this point. Plenty of athletes don't think about that stuff, and end up Hall Of Famers. It's my preference."
(He pauses, relaxing his gaze, but not his attention on us.)
"I don't strive to be thought of as Melton-like, Manson-like, Nova-like. Ask those who have seen me compete -- I'm sure there are a few, somewhere. I've never needed 'yard sticks' to measure myself by. If you knew F-Wrestling, you'd know we call that the age-old d'ck-measuring contest. People who, instead of having actual, compelling things to share, just like to whip it out along with their opponent, and see who's got the longest -- that's figurative, of course. They literally just go on talking about... I don't know... how many titles they've won over the years... how cool they are... how they're just flat-out BETTER than their opponent... sh't like that."
"I'm not someone who 'swings' that way. Instead, if I do what I know I'm capable of... and achieve enough of the goals I set for myself... then maybe one day, you'll hear 'TACT-like' in the vernacular. But regardless, I will make my own legacy, not aspire to be viewed as a copy of someone else's. This match, just like Round One, is another step in that direction."
"And I also understand that Chris Hopper isn't on the level with any of the names on this circuit's marquee. I'll make sure to show as much."
(He slides the sunglasses off his shirt collar, and replaces them over his eyes, shrugging.)
"But since you've made it clear you will put my shoulders to the mat, well, maybe I just shouldn't show up? I mean, how can I POSSIBLY doubt you, Chris, after all the wonderful things you've had to say?"
(A grin begins to cross his face.)
"Maybe it's that part of me... that tendency to go against the grain... but I'm going to have to deny you your Round Two Ultratitle moment. I'm going to, in fact, prevent you from putting me down and out for the three."
"And even though you haven't bothered to attempt to set foot in EPW, and see what it's like to contest for ANY Championship, before passing judgment... this supposedly 'lowly' TV Champion is going to find a way to put you out of your DAMNED Ultratitle misery."
"Because at the end of our match, Chris Hopper... what your efforts, versus my own, will have truly earned you, is quite simply..."
"A Tactful Surrender."
FADE OUT.