[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jan-31-03 AT 00:41 AM (EST)]oorp: I saw some other open RP here, in the archived section, so I figured I would slot this in here.
A local gym in an undisclosed town or city. Through the transparent, plate-glass windows at the front of the gym, we can see somewhat populated streets during this afternoon. The sun is setting, but not enough to cause any darkness. Clouds are minimal, although a sparse few are here and there in the sky. There is what looks like a park across the street from the gym, with a horde of birds picking up crumbs among the people walking through the attraction. Now, turning our attention to within the gym, we find a decent amount of bodybuilders and "newbie" weight trainees, alike, using the equipment set up. The cameraman walks past the initial wave of equipment, to a second room in the back, separated from the front by a wall of glass. There are less people in this second room, perhaps it is a room for more exclusive members, as some are being assisted by trainers as they workout, which wasn't the case in the other room. Among this bunch is Larry Tact, sporting a pair of blue pulloffs, a sleeveless black tanktop, blue/white sneakers, wrist bands and workout gloves. He is currently using one of the machines, focusing on the upper body as he presses the weight up. Tact doesn't cease the current set as the cameraman approaches from behind, although he has most likely spotted the portly man from the glass's reflection in front of him. Some seconds later, Tact finishes the set, and brings the weights down into standby position again. He then stretches a little as he stands up, then turns and grabs a towel, wiping his face and neck off. He also grabs a water bottle in hand as he leans against the machine. He speaks in his usual deep voice.
Tact: I had figured your little book was something of a 'record' of thoughts, Nemesis. But being that I didn't want people delving into my personal issues, I will in turn show the same respect to those who abide by that, and try to keep away from their personal lives. I decided to keep my speculation to a minimum, and that book would be why. Because being that you are keeping such thoughts and feelings on paper, rather than bringing them to the ring, perhaps you are a changed man. Don't take it as me softening up, though....because even if you have changed, Nemesis, it doesn't change the fact that I don't trust you. Don't be offended. Just accept it and keep it somewhere in mind. As should the rest of the GLCW, because that sentiment spreads through the whole roster, bar none. I have no need to trust anyone, nor do I want to, and nobody will be able to change that. But this has already been gone over, so I won't go on further about it.
Tact uncaps the water bottle and takes a drink of it, then holds it in hand as he continues.
Tact: I was very interested to hear your thoughts about my focus, Nemesis. You have some doubts about whether I am at the top of my game, mentally, and whether or not I'll be thinking about the match at hand? Well let me assure you, I am concentrating plenty on this upcoming match. As I said, I want to start this new chapter with success, and victory. However, you don't seem to understand the point of my little picture display at my humble abode. Let me elaborate, to bring some clarity to the subject. In order to do such, though, I must first reference to your comments about wanting gold, and saying that anyone can attain a trophy here and a belt there. It looks more and more apparent that you are underestimating the difficulty and value of what you seek. It is not so simple as a snapping of the fingers to win a title worth mentioning. It takes a lot of preparation....a lot of focus for one to find their way to a title, correctly. Many opponents must be gone through. Sometimes, certain sacrifices must be made. I believe one should be established before going after a title. To do that, one needs a plan. So whereas you say that that my mention of all different sorts of people and things has you wondering about whether I am as ready as I could be, I say it only supports the very fact that I am ready. I have a plan, Nemesis, and those pictures -- or rather, those people -- are just a part of it. Those you saw who are currently in the GLCW, are a few of the people that I believe I will have to cross, and conquer, to reach the top of this promotion.
Tact pauses and props an elbow up on the workout machine, resting the water on the top of it as he continues.
Tact: But those you saw, such as KRoW, are also a part. They are a part of the past. A past filled with both success and failure, happiness and misery..(briefly grins)..and all that jazz. One should never forget the past, because it will lead to repeating mistakes and causing someone distractions. And because I believe that, it makes me question your own words of confidence, about being sure you'll bring your all. Let me turn the tables for a minute. I do not question your focus, Nemesis, but instead your having buried your own past transgressions. Just as one should not forget the past, I think it's important to not set a double standard, as well. Meaning, one should also try not to hold onto the past, and use it as a guide. In your case, Nemesis, let me cite that ring of yours. The FWF Extreme Ring, isn't it..? You've had that for a while now, haven't you? So long, in fact, that I'd wager you've become too attached to it. More times than not, you've had that ring around you somewhere when you've spoken, and now when you speak. It's almost as if that thing is the physcial representation of your hope, Nemesis. Not to get too 'deep' for you there, but I think you'll understand what I'm saying, and that's all that matters. You haven't set your past to rest, as I have. You may have put things under the water, but I have put them six feet under the proverbial dirt. Things that are kept underwater can still pop up every now and then, and some of those things can still have a grasp on you. In turn, it can provide a distraction, and affect your concentration and preparation as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discrediting your ability, but rather the level with which your confidence is really at, right now. And when I think about it in those terms, it explains some things to me about your words from Grand Rapids, at 'Massive Assault.' They are the words of Nemesis, indeed...but not Ellis Scott. I'm too versed in your methods to not see just another trick. It's unfortunate, because I don't want to remember that fact. But I don't forget the past. I come to terms with it. I don't think I can say the same for you, Ellis. Under Nemesis, I see a man who is still searching for the answers to his problems, and trying to keep them from rising out of the water of his mind, heart, and soul, and showing on his outward appearance. That book serves a dual purpose for you, and the ring is what you look to as a way of keeping hope that you will bury your issues here, in Great Lakes Championship Wrestling. The GLCW...which is, coincidentally, run by the same man who co-owned the very place where you won that Extreme Ring. Is it coincidence, though..? Well, I wouldn't bet on it.
Tact has a stoic look on his face, now, and he takes another drink as he stares, standing a bit more rigidly, at the camera.
Tact: I also have to question if you truly realize the changes I have undergone. My trophy case was not shown for any reason involving you, because yes, you were around to see most of them. It was simply to show a piece of my past. But unlike you, those belts do not have a tight grasp on me, because they, too, have been buried. At the worst of times, I did instill my hope for better times in the sight of them. I did so to keep myself from giving in. But I realized it wasn't good to put hope in such things, and so I forced their attraction away, and their grip off of me. However, even though they are from a now-completed part of my life, I won't forget them. I still take pride in them, because in a way, they now remind me of how I stuck through things, and fought those who wanted me to give in because of their actions towards me. I did give up wrestling, but it was on my terms, and not because anyone or anything made me. Also, I may have lost the desire to wrestle, but I never gave up the desire to repossess my wrestling license, because I never gave in to my enemies. Don't get defensive again, though, Nemesis; I don't say this to prove anything to you. I don't say it to instill any kind of confidence in myself, either, as you believed my assurance of winning was for myself. No, this recounting of events, right now, is simply my contribution...for the fans. Because our match in Hammond certainly won't be for the fans. They can't begin to comprehend the kind of importance wrestling has to the wrestlers, so why should we bother sharing it with them? Why should I wrestle in the name of people who don't even understand how much it means to me? Because they shell out money to get a seat in the house? That's their choice, I'm not forcing them to do that. They do it becaue they want to understand...they wish they could be apart of something so special. But since you were talking truths, Nemesis, let me throw one more in: the fans are just parasites, wanting to partake in an environment that they have no place in. They desire to be backstage with the boys, some even desire to be in the ring as one of the boys. So they get tickets to shows to accomplish that, at least in their minds. But here's the catch...do you realize just how they try to be part of it all? It's by shelling out money for those tickets, dunking their rear ends in the arena seats, and watching. They watch us do all the work, and think that they're a part of something that they can never be a part of, while they're still sitting there in the stands. They think cheering or booing gives them a right for us to share the experience with them. And some people, they play along. Some of the boys, or some of the promoters, or announcers...they play along. Tell the fans that the cheering or booing matters...that it gives them "strength" and "the will" to get back up and continue going. I did that for a while, too. Perhaps I even bought into it. But after all I've been through, I've smartened up. I've seen past the ruse. And it's alright, because I don't need to share the fruits of my labor with strangers. I don't want to fool anyone. I just want to do what I love, for no other reason than because of my desire to do so. Selfish? To some of the boys, I suppose they'd call it selfish. I could care less what any of them think, though. I could care less what any of the fans think. Because if they really want to be a part of the show, and the experience, and the thrill of the industry...then they should get off their backsides..get in shape..get properly trained to wrestle..and step into the ring with the boys. It's too bad you don't see it that way anymore, Nemesis. It's too bad you got caught in the ruse, too.
Tact stops leaning on the machine, and caps the water bottle. He places it, and the towel, back on the machine, then walks back to the seat. He sits down in it, and his figure can be seen, faintly reflected off the glass wall.
Tact: I agree that we're both different in the ring, Nemesis. And in Indiana, in front of those in the stands who hope to be "part of the show" -- sitting, getting drunk off their ***es, and stuffing their faces all the while -- I'll show just how different you are in that ring. I'll be forced to show that, under the sturdy Nemesis, there is a still-recovering Ellis Scott. I won't do it out of spite, or to embarrass, or anger, because there's no reason for that. But rather, I'll do it to remind you, Nemesis, what true confidence can equal in the ring. You will see just how much I have changed, after a year of humbling and rebuilding. Upon achieving victory, I will begin the next part of my life, and my career. I will start my climb to the top of this promotion. This time, however, I do not wrestle for gold, for pride, or to take care of unfinished business...I have already traveled those routes during the first two years of my career. I don't return needing to prove anything to anyone. This time, it's because I just want to wrestle. So if you want to defeat me, Nemesis..you're going to have to prove my thoughts wrong. Because Larry Tact....is more potent than ever before.
Tact does some stretching as he continues.
Tact: The rest of the GLCW should not take my words as just the boasts of an overconfident man. I never had a problem expressing my thoughts on anyone or anything, and I've always had confidence in my abilities. Nemesis did bring up the issue of Michael Manson, but I'll just say this. My problems with Michael Manson, from the past, are finished. They ended at that tag match...you remember the one, right? Tact and Thompson versus Manson and Nemesis? There were the usual IWF antics and crap, but in the end, I came out of it and pinned Michael Manson. That was my closure. Of course, I'm not saying Manson and I will not cross paths here again. It's bound to happen at some point, I'd think. When and if that time comes, I'll face him with no loose ends needing to be tied, and my mind concentrated only on that match. There are many, here, with whom I've never had a match, and so I look forward to facing such people as well. However, those matches will come as I make my way through the ranks here. Maelstrom, for example, believes everyone is now after the title, like it's the end-all-be-all of wrestling. Granted, the Great Lakes Heavyweight Title is something to be proud of holding...but it's not the only reason to wrestle here. There are plenty of other things people can wrestle for, and I just happen to be one of those people with another purpose. I'll openly admit, I think there are other people here who deserve a title shot before me. I've only just arrived. But just give me some time, and I'll get around to Mael. Whether he is Great Lakes Champion or not, and whether it is non-title or for the title, I will be just as determined to win. The pleasure will be mine...to humble him, and make him see just how wrong he is, with his egotistical thoughts.
Tact now sets himself in position to start a fresh set of repititions.
Tact: It is good fortunate that Malec and the GLCW have netted Nemesis at this time. But they should feel inspired to have Larry Tact around....because forget about ratings...forget about all the talk...and to h*** with any promotion having the idea that entertainment should take top priority over wrestling. Fortunately, the GLCW does not support such things. But however good it currently is, the quality of wrestling around here is going to benefit, and that's the best thing that could ever happen to a wrestling promotion. Free of charge, for the rest of the roster, at least, you'll see some real wrestling lessons...courtesy of Larry Tact. I don't have to prove I'm the best....you can all form your own opinions from what I do in that ring. See...and be....tactilized!
Tact begins doing another set of reps on the machine. The cameraman continues to film for a little longer, sticking around to see if Tact has anymore to say. However, Tact no longer seems to acknowledge the presence of either cameraman or camera, as he just continues doing repetitions, concentrating solely on that. Fade out.
A local gym in an undisclosed town or city. Through the transparent, plate-glass windows at the front of the gym, we can see somewhat populated streets during this afternoon. The sun is setting, but not enough to cause any darkness. Clouds are minimal, although a sparse few are here and there in the sky. There is what looks like a park across the street from the gym, with a horde of birds picking up crumbs among the people walking through the attraction. Now, turning our attention to within the gym, we find a decent amount of bodybuilders and "newbie" weight trainees, alike, using the equipment set up. The cameraman walks past the initial wave of equipment, to a second room in the back, separated from the front by a wall of glass. There are less people in this second room, perhaps it is a room for more exclusive members, as some are being assisted by trainers as they workout, which wasn't the case in the other room. Among this bunch is Larry Tact, sporting a pair of blue pulloffs, a sleeveless black tanktop, blue/white sneakers, wrist bands and workout gloves. He is currently using one of the machines, focusing on the upper body as he presses the weight up. Tact doesn't cease the current set as the cameraman approaches from behind, although he has most likely spotted the portly man from the glass's reflection in front of him. Some seconds later, Tact finishes the set, and brings the weights down into standby position again. He then stretches a little as he stands up, then turns and grabs a towel, wiping his face and neck off. He also grabs a water bottle in hand as he leans against the machine. He speaks in his usual deep voice.
Tact: I had figured your little book was something of a 'record' of thoughts, Nemesis. But being that I didn't want people delving into my personal issues, I will in turn show the same respect to those who abide by that, and try to keep away from their personal lives. I decided to keep my speculation to a minimum, and that book would be why. Because being that you are keeping such thoughts and feelings on paper, rather than bringing them to the ring, perhaps you are a changed man. Don't take it as me softening up, though....because even if you have changed, Nemesis, it doesn't change the fact that I don't trust you. Don't be offended. Just accept it and keep it somewhere in mind. As should the rest of the GLCW, because that sentiment spreads through the whole roster, bar none. I have no need to trust anyone, nor do I want to, and nobody will be able to change that. But this has already been gone over, so I won't go on further about it.
Tact uncaps the water bottle and takes a drink of it, then holds it in hand as he continues.
Tact: I was very interested to hear your thoughts about my focus, Nemesis. You have some doubts about whether I am at the top of my game, mentally, and whether or not I'll be thinking about the match at hand? Well let me assure you, I am concentrating plenty on this upcoming match. As I said, I want to start this new chapter with success, and victory. However, you don't seem to understand the point of my little picture display at my humble abode. Let me elaborate, to bring some clarity to the subject. In order to do such, though, I must first reference to your comments about wanting gold, and saying that anyone can attain a trophy here and a belt there. It looks more and more apparent that you are underestimating the difficulty and value of what you seek. It is not so simple as a snapping of the fingers to win a title worth mentioning. It takes a lot of preparation....a lot of focus for one to find their way to a title, correctly. Many opponents must be gone through. Sometimes, certain sacrifices must be made. I believe one should be established before going after a title. To do that, one needs a plan. So whereas you say that that my mention of all different sorts of people and things has you wondering about whether I am as ready as I could be, I say it only supports the very fact that I am ready. I have a plan, Nemesis, and those pictures -- or rather, those people -- are just a part of it. Those you saw who are currently in the GLCW, are a few of the people that I believe I will have to cross, and conquer, to reach the top of this promotion.
Tact pauses and props an elbow up on the workout machine, resting the water on the top of it as he continues.
Tact: But those you saw, such as KRoW, are also a part. They are a part of the past. A past filled with both success and failure, happiness and misery..(briefly grins)..and all that jazz. One should never forget the past, because it will lead to repeating mistakes and causing someone distractions. And because I believe that, it makes me question your own words of confidence, about being sure you'll bring your all. Let me turn the tables for a minute. I do not question your focus, Nemesis, but instead your having buried your own past transgressions. Just as one should not forget the past, I think it's important to not set a double standard, as well. Meaning, one should also try not to hold onto the past, and use it as a guide. In your case, Nemesis, let me cite that ring of yours. The FWF Extreme Ring, isn't it..? You've had that for a while now, haven't you? So long, in fact, that I'd wager you've become too attached to it. More times than not, you've had that ring around you somewhere when you've spoken, and now when you speak. It's almost as if that thing is the physcial representation of your hope, Nemesis. Not to get too 'deep' for you there, but I think you'll understand what I'm saying, and that's all that matters. You haven't set your past to rest, as I have. You may have put things under the water, but I have put them six feet under the proverbial dirt. Things that are kept underwater can still pop up every now and then, and some of those things can still have a grasp on you. In turn, it can provide a distraction, and affect your concentration and preparation as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discrediting your ability, but rather the level with which your confidence is really at, right now. And when I think about it in those terms, it explains some things to me about your words from Grand Rapids, at 'Massive Assault.' They are the words of Nemesis, indeed...but not Ellis Scott. I'm too versed in your methods to not see just another trick. It's unfortunate, because I don't want to remember that fact. But I don't forget the past. I come to terms with it. I don't think I can say the same for you, Ellis. Under Nemesis, I see a man who is still searching for the answers to his problems, and trying to keep them from rising out of the water of his mind, heart, and soul, and showing on his outward appearance. That book serves a dual purpose for you, and the ring is what you look to as a way of keeping hope that you will bury your issues here, in Great Lakes Championship Wrestling. The GLCW...which is, coincidentally, run by the same man who co-owned the very place where you won that Extreme Ring. Is it coincidence, though..? Well, I wouldn't bet on it.
Tact has a stoic look on his face, now, and he takes another drink as he stares, standing a bit more rigidly, at the camera.
Tact: I also have to question if you truly realize the changes I have undergone. My trophy case was not shown for any reason involving you, because yes, you were around to see most of them. It was simply to show a piece of my past. But unlike you, those belts do not have a tight grasp on me, because they, too, have been buried. At the worst of times, I did instill my hope for better times in the sight of them. I did so to keep myself from giving in. But I realized it wasn't good to put hope in such things, and so I forced their attraction away, and their grip off of me. However, even though they are from a now-completed part of my life, I won't forget them. I still take pride in them, because in a way, they now remind me of how I stuck through things, and fought those who wanted me to give in because of their actions towards me. I did give up wrestling, but it was on my terms, and not because anyone or anything made me. Also, I may have lost the desire to wrestle, but I never gave up the desire to repossess my wrestling license, because I never gave in to my enemies. Don't get defensive again, though, Nemesis; I don't say this to prove anything to you. I don't say it to instill any kind of confidence in myself, either, as you believed my assurance of winning was for myself. No, this recounting of events, right now, is simply my contribution...for the fans. Because our match in Hammond certainly won't be for the fans. They can't begin to comprehend the kind of importance wrestling has to the wrestlers, so why should we bother sharing it with them? Why should I wrestle in the name of people who don't even understand how much it means to me? Because they shell out money to get a seat in the house? That's their choice, I'm not forcing them to do that. They do it becaue they want to understand...they wish they could be apart of something so special. But since you were talking truths, Nemesis, let me throw one more in: the fans are just parasites, wanting to partake in an environment that they have no place in. They desire to be backstage with the boys, some even desire to be in the ring as one of the boys. So they get tickets to shows to accomplish that, at least in their minds. But here's the catch...do you realize just how they try to be part of it all? It's by shelling out money for those tickets, dunking their rear ends in the arena seats, and watching. They watch us do all the work, and think that they're a part of something that they can never be a part of, while they're still sitting there in the stands. They think cheering or booing gives them a right for us to share the experience with them. And some people, they play along. Some of the boys, or some of the promoters, or announcers...they play along. Tell the fans that the cheering or booing matters...that it gives them "strength" and "the will" to get back up and continue going. I did that for a while, too. Perhaps I even bought into it. But after all I've been through, I've smartened up. I've seen past the ruse. And it's alright, because I don't need to share the fruits of my labor with strangers. I don't want to fool anyone. I just want to do what I love, for no other reason than because of my desire to do so. Selfish? To some of the boys, I suppose they'd call it selfish. I could care less what any of them think, though. I could care less what any of the fans think. Because if they really want to be a part of the show, and the experience, and the thrill of the industry...then they should get off their backsides..get in shape..get properly trained to wrestle..and step into the ring with the boys. It's too bad you don't see it that way anymore, Nemesis. It's too bad you got caught in the ruse, too.
Tact stops leaning on the machine, and caps the water bottle. He places it, and the towel, back on the machine, then walks back to the seat. He sits down in it, and his figure can be seen, faintly reflected off the glass wall.
Tact: I agree that we're both different in the ring, Nemesis. And in Indiana, in front of those in the stands who hope to be "part of the show" -- sitting, getting drunk off their ***es, and stuffing their faces all the while -- I'll show just how different you are in that ring. I'll be forced to show that, under the sturdy Nemesis, there is a still-recovering Ellis Scott. I won't do it out of spite, or to embarrass, or anger, because there's no reason for that. But rather, I'll do it to remind you, Nemesis, what true confidence can equal in the ring. You will see just how much I have changed, after a year of humbling and rebuilding. Upon achieving victory, I will begin the next part of my life, and my career. I will start my climb to the top of this promotion. This time, however, I do not wrestle for gold, for pride, or to take care of unfinished business...I have already traveled those routes during the first two years of my career. I don't return needing to prove anything to anyone. This time, it's because I just want to wrestle. So if you want to defeat me, Nemesis..you're going to have to prove my thoughts wrong. Because Larry Tact....is more potent than ever before.
Tact does some stretching as he continues.
Tact: The rest of the GLCW should not take my words as just the boasts of an overconfident man. I never had a problem expressing my thoughts on anyone or anything, and I've always had confidence in my abilities. Nemesis did bring up the issue of Michael Manson, but I'll just say this. My problems with Michael Manson, from the past, are finished. They ended at that tag match...you remember the one, right? Tact and Thompson versus Manson and Nemesis? There were the usual IWF antics and crap, but in the end, I came out of it and pinned Michael Manson. That was my closure. Of course, I'm not saying Manson and I will not cross paths here again. It's bound to happen at some point, I'd think. When and if that time comes, I'll face him with no loose ends needing to be tied, and my mind concentrated only on that match. There are many, here, with whom I've never had a match, and so I look forward to facing such people as well. However, those matches will come as I make my way through the ranks here. Maelstrom, for example, believes everyone is now after the title, like it's the end-all-be-all of wrestling. Granted, the Great Lakes Heavyweight Title is something to be proud of holding...but it's not the only reason to wrestle here. There are plenty of other things people can wrestle for, and I just happen to be one of those people with another purpose. I'll openly admit, I think there are other people here who deserve a title shot before me. I've only just arrived. But just give me some time, and I'll get around to Mael. Whether he is Great Lakes Champion or not, and whether it is non-title or for the title, I will be just as determined to win. The pleasure will be mine...to humble him, and make him see just how wrong he is, with his egotistical thoughts.
Tact now sets himself in position to start a fresh set of repititions.
Tact: It is good fortunate that Malec and the GLCW have netted Nemesis at this time. But they should feel inspired to have Larry Tact around....because forget about ratings...forget about all the talk...and to h*** with any promotion having the idea that entertainment should take top priority over wrestling. Fortunately, the GLCW does not support such things. But however good it currently is, the quality of wrestling around here is going to benefit, and that's the best thing that could ever happen to a wrestling promotion. Free of charge, for the rest of the roster, at least, you'll see some real wrestling lessons...courtesy of Larry Tact. I don't have to prove I'm the best....you can all form your own opinions from what I do in that ring. See...and be....tactilized!
Tact begins doing another set of reps on the machine. The cameraman continues to film for a little longer, sticking around to see if Tact has anymore to say. However, Tact no longer seems to acknowledge the presence of either cameraman or camera, as he just continues doing repetitions, concentrating solely on that. Fade out.