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Michael James · (03-21-2013)

* The cameras cut to a random hallway in the backstage area a few hours after the closing of Shove It Saturday Night. Viewers follow the frame locked on a man in his mid twenties wearing an XWF t-shirt. The cameras switch to an angle in front of the man to reveal him wearing a backstage pass around his neck. He moves around the corner and begins asking random people for directions to the dressing rooms. After being supplied with directions by a random staff member, the man moves past the frame. We follow him down another hallway that leads towards the individual dressing rooms of the arena. The man shows an expression of fan inspired amazement upon sight of various personalities employed by the XWF. He passes by a few of the men and looks straight ahead to spot Michael James making his way down the hall *

Justin: Holy shit.

* He stops in his tracks and allows Michael James to slowly approach. Michael turns his attention towards the man and acknowledges his presence with a nod *

Justin: Excuse me. Mr. James?

* James stops and turns his attention towards the man. He removes the cigar from his mouth and fills the hallway with smoke by exhaling the smoke through his nostrils *

Justin: My name is Justin and I run an internet radio podcast about the independent wrestling scene. It’s called “Brass Knux Broadcasting”.

* James replies in Japanese. A subtitle translation is provided below that reads “That sounds really stupid.” *

Justin: Right. Anyway, over the past few weeks I’ve been interacting with a variety of different names to help promote the show and I was wondering if you could help me out.

* James replies with “Hai” *

Justin: Okay. Hai mean yes, right?

Michael James: You got it.

Justin: Awesome.

* He says with an excited tone *

Justin: It’s nothing big, really. I just need to know where I can find Francois De Sade’s personal dressing room. I’m scheduled to meet him tonight to cut an interview but for some reason his phone has been going straight to voice mail for the last hour.

Michael James: Sure. Not a problem. You see that one at the end of the hall with the lights shut off?

Justin: Yep.

Michael James: That’s it.

Justin: Do you know if he’s in there?

Michael James: Beats me. There’s only one way to find out.

Justin: Alright, that’s cool. Thanks for the help.

* Justin pats Michael James on the back as he moves past him in direction of the room at the end of the hall. The cameras follow him as he walks down the hall and enters the room. Justin flips the light switch to discover the wiring to be completely shot *

Justin: Mr. De Sade? Champ?

* We cut back to the hallway. Michael James rushes into the room and slams the door behind him. The camera’s microphone captures audio of Justin being beaten and tortured from inside of the room. Something slams into the door causing a loud “THUD” sound to peak the camera’s audio. A few seconds later the door slowly opens. Michael James casually steps out of the room. He places the cigar between his teeth. He has random spots of blood covering his hands, shirt and jacket. James exhales a cloud of smoke and moves out of frame. The promo cuts to static *

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03/18/2013
Sydney, Australia
Sydney International Airport
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* We open with a full frame view of the Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia. The cameras gradually move past the front doors and move towards the lobby of the airport. A large variety of civilians are found inside of the building in what appears to be a makeshift rat race. After making it past security and customs we move down a few gates until stopping at a monitor that has a schedule set for multiple destinations in Canada. The cameras pan slightly to the right where we find the “Personification of Perfection” Michael James looking up towards the monitor. He removes his sunglasses and begins to carefully read the schedule *

Michael James: Which one of these motherfuckers goes to Ontario?

* He quickly discovers the intended location and slides his sunglasses back onto his face. He turns away from the monitor and begins to walk away towards the gate hosting his flight. A few seconds later, James hears the sound of one of the passenger shuttles honking behind him. He turns around with an irritated expression on his face and allows the shuttle to drive through. He notices one of the passengers, a small boy, latching onto a Donathan Alphonse Francois De Sade action figure for dear life. He sneers in disgust at the child before continuing towards his destination. A few minutes later he directs his attention towards a gate marked “C5/INT”. He turns into the waiting area of the terminal and gains sight of the family from the shuttle. James gradually approaches the group and takes a seat a few feet away from the small boy. He is still holding onto the action figure modeled after the XWF North Korean Champion. James leans back in the chair and gets comfortable before removing his sunglasses once again. He unfolds a newspaper and begins reading while waiting for the plane to arrive. The boy looks at James with a mixed expression of excitement and anxiety. He nudges his Dad who is sitting next to him *

Boy: Hey.

* The father turns to the boy *

Father: Yea?

Boy: You know who that is?

* He directs his father’s sight towards James without trying to be completely obvious *

Father: No. But I’m sure you’re going to tell me.

Boy: That’s Michael James.

Father: Who?

Boy: The Personification of Perfection.

Father: The what of what?

* The boy rolls his eyes *

Boy: He’s a wrestler in the XWF.

Father: Oooooh. Okay. That explains it.

Boy: Duh.

* The boy says with pure sarcasm towards his father *

Father: Are you going to ask him for his autograph?

Boy: I don’t know. Judging from what he’s like on XWF it might not be a good idea. He’s kind of a jerk.

Father: That’s a role he plays on television to keep the ratings up. Just give it a shot and he might surprise you.

Boy: Are you sure?

Father: Trust me.

* The boy gets up from his seat and leaves the action figure with his Father. He slowly approaches Michael James as his Father places the action figure on the ground *

Boy: Mr. James?

* He says with an obviously nervous tone. James slowly looks up and directs his attention towards the boy *

Michael James: Yes?

Boy: I’m sure you get this kind of thing everywhere you go but I’m a huge fan of your stuff in XWF. Is there any way I could bother you for an autograph?

Michael James: How much money do you have?

Boy: About five dollars. Why?

Michael James: Give it to me.

* The boy reaches inside of his pocket and pulls out a five dollar bill. He hands it for James and he stuffs it inside of his pocket. He goes back to reading his newspaper *

Boy: Do you need a pen?

Michael James: No. You need more money. Five bucks isn’t enough.

Boy: Isn’t enough for what?

Michael James: My time. If you really want this autograph like you say you do, you will have no problem paying the same price I charge everyone else.

Boy: How much is it?

Michael James: Fifty bucks. Cash.

Boy: What?! Fifty bucks?! Are you serious?

Michael James: Take it or leave it.

Boy: But I don’t have fifty dollars.

Michael James: Then it looks like you’re shit out of luck.

Boy: What about the five I gave you?

Michael James: What about it?

Boy: I need it back.

* James puts down the newspaper and looks at the boy with a disgusted glare *

Michael James: No, you want it back. And you know what? It’s good to want things. Unfortunately that money belongs to me now. You willingly handed it over and now you want it back?

Boy: Yes, please.

Michael James: Okay.

* James pulls out the five dollar bill *

Michael James: Here you go. Dont spend it all in one place.

* He rips it into three sections. He drops it on the floor and goes back to reading the newspaper as the boy looks down at the floor with an expression of pure disappointment. He says something under his breath *

Boy: You really are an asshole.

* James has no response to his remark. The boy turns away from James and walks back to his seat. His Father turns to him *

Father: So, how did it go? You get your autograph?

* A few seconds after the boy explains what happened the angered Father gets up from his seat and quickly approaches Michael James *

Father: Excuse me.

* James ignores the man *

Father: I’m talking to you.

* James casually turns one of the pages of his newspaper. The boy’s father grabs the newspaper away from James and tosses it aside. James looks up at the man taking notice of the apparent anger in his eyes *

Father: Where the hell do you get off ripping off my son?

Michael James: I didn’t rip him off.

Father: The hell you didn’t! I can see his birthday money lying all over the damn floor! Do you really think a twelve year old would do something like that?

Michael James: I wouldn’t know. I don’t have kids.

Father: Well, you know what? I do. And if you really think I’m just going to sit here and let you disrespect my son you’ve got another thing coming!

Michael James: Is that right?

* James calmly stands up and directs his full attention at the enraged man *

Father: That’s right!

* The Father’s voice echoes throughout the terminal. Various people in the airport stop what they are doing to see what the commotion is about *

Michael James: What are you gonna do?

Father: What does it look like I’m going to do?!

* A few of the airport’s security guards enter the terminal and approach the crowd gathering around Michael James and the angered Father. One of the guards pulls the Father aside *

Security Guard: Sir, is there a problem we can help you with?

Father: You’re damn right there’s a problem! This prick over here has been harassing my son for no reason and I plan to do something about it.

Security Guard: Before you do anything I’m going to need you to calm down. Your anger isn’t helping the situation.

Father: Well what the hell do you expect?! All the kid wanted was a damn autograph—

Security Guard: Sir, I’m only going to ask you one more time. Please lower your voice or I will be forced to escort you from the terminal.

* The man takes a moment to regain his composure *

Father: It’s like I said before, officer. This man has been bothering my family since the moment we arrived. I would like my child’s money compensated and an apology from Mr. James.

* The guard turns towards Michael James *

Security Guard: Is any of this true, Mr. James?

* James responds to the guard in Japanese. The guard turns back to the Father with an unconvinced expression on his face *

Security Guard: This man doesn’t even speak English.

Father: Don’t you get it? He’s faking!

* James responds in Japanese once again appearing somewhat confused by the situation *

Security Guard: Sir, I’m going to have to ask you and your family to come with us.

* The security guards begin picking up the family’s luggage while guiding the Father away from the terminal. He continues to argue with the guards as his family follows close behind. The crowd gradually separates and James sits back down in the chair. He leans over and picks up the newspaper from the floor. He flattens out the wrinkles in the paper and begins reading once again. He comes across a local sports article covering a review of the most recent edition of ‘Shove It Saturday Night’ where James made his official return to the XWF. He smiles upon sight of a photograph featuring James laughing at a bloodied Tyler Decker *

Michael James: Sydney, Australia. Shove it Saturday Night. History was made at the expense of one of the biggest douche bags in the company. And no, I’m not talking about Cyren’s humiliating defeat to yet another mid card outcast. Defeat just comes natural for people like him. I’m talking about the physical intervention that was handed down to that piece of shit Tyler Decker by the Personification of Perfection. And I really don’t care what people want to say about my choice to attack Tyler instead of De Sade. I didn’t come back to the XWF to be predictable or become a product of people’s expectations. I came back to do what I’m good at and that’s ending careers. The first time Tyler left the company was because of his fear of having to face me like a fucking man. Now that I'm back it will only be a matter of time until he makes the same move in an attempt to avoid any confrontation with the man he fears more than anything else in the world. Sure. I could have attacked De Sade and claimed rights on his championship like everyone expected. I could have taken out all three of those assholes with minimal effort like I’ve done so many times in the past. But that wasn’t the point I was trying to make. Decker came back for one reason and one reason only. He thought it was safe. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the XWF will never be a safe place for someone like him. When Tyler Decker is outmatched he only has one mode of defense. Panic. And what do weak minded people do when they are at a complete loss of control? They tuck tail and run. Tyler has proven how much of a coward he truly is when it comes to serious competition. Soon enough people will understand what I’m talking about. We will be rid of Tyler Decker and I will be given sole responsibility for his anticipated retirement.

* James looks down at the floor and spots the Francois De Sade action figure lying on the floor. He reaches and picks it up. He grows a disgusted sneer on his face as he looks at the design of the figure. He removes the plastic title belt from around the toy and tosses it into a nearby trash can *

Michael James: This is all wrong.

* James pulls out a sharpie marker from his jacket and begins to draw on the figure. He holds it up and smiles as he takes a moment to admire his work. The eyes are now crossed and the crotch has formed into a camel toe. He has a cross hair on his chest and a set of large buck teeth sticking out of his mouth *

Michael James: That’s better.

* He holds up the action figure and admires the final result of his artwork *

Michael James: Don’t get me wrong. I have no problem claiming my rights on the North Korean Championship. There’s nothing unique or different about De Sade. I’ve seen it all before so taking his title won’t be a difficult task. If anyone knows anything about Michael James it’s that I’m a man of my word. If I say I’m going to do something it fucking happens and I’ve proven it time and time again. I’m going to prove why De Sade has no business holding that championship. It may not be today, tomorrow or next week. But eventually, Donathan is going to learn his true place in the pecking order. It isn’t at the top because that’s my domain. Everyone knows that. Everyone that is, except for Donathan De Sade; the most embarrassing excuse for a champion in the history of the XWF. The sad part about the whole thing is I used to read the guy’s promos and consider him to be a worthy opponent one day.

* He tosses the figure into a trash can *

Michael James: Unfortunately, De Sade isn’t the man he once was and the same goes for his lackluster material. He’s fallen into the same obnoxious groove that continues to guide Cyren’s career further and further down the fucking toilet. It may not be his fault but that’s none of my concern. I never dumb myself down for any reason no matter what the situation may be. I have always performed at one hundred and ten percent and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. I’m going to be the North Korean Champion. It’s not a prediction or an expectation. It’s just the way things are meant to be. People may not like it or want to accept it but I don’t really give a shit. If I was the type of man to sit around worrying about a bunch of worthless opinions I wouldn’t be the man I am today. I would be a mid card piece of shit like Ronnie Wilkins, Luca Arzegotti or Unknown Soldier.

* A buzz sound is heard coming from inside of his jacket. James removes his cell phone and checks the text message he just received from XWF management. He opens an email titled ‘Survivor Series Style Wildcard’. He rolls his eyes when he has a chance to read the lineup booked for the match. He closes the email and places his phone back inside of his jacket. He goes back to reading the newspaper *

Michael James: Wonderful.

* He says with obvious sarcasm *

Michael James: Instead of being placed in an exhibition worthy of my natural born talent I get stuck in a contest against five of the worst guys the company has to offer. On top of everything else I’m being forced to team with four douche bags who don’t know their own asses from a hole in the ground. With any kind of equation meant to result with success you must have a common bond. In this situation there is no bond between anyone involved. Personally, I don’t need any of them to walk out of Toronto with another victory. My history in the XWF speaks for itself so people know exactly what I’m capable of doing. It doesn’t matter who they are or how many of them are standing in my way. I have always proven to be a man of action, power and constant success so this wildcard isn’t going to be a difference maker. It’s just going to be another example of weak minded assholes overestimating their own expectations out of pure unadulterated ego. Think about it. You have two of the company’s flagship champions trying to work side by side against a mob of pissed off main event players with nothing to lose. You might as well put them both in wheelchairs and call it a handicap match. There is no force on earth that can control that much ego between two people so how the fuck do they expect to use their temporary alliance to result any type of success? It isn’t going to happen. You know why? Because they lack the basic talent and intellect required to achieve victory. They may have cheated their way into becoming champions but unlike Mark Flynn and De Sade I don’t rely on luck to con my way towards artificial accomplishments.

* His phone vibrates once again and he removes it from his jacket. He receives a new text message containing a snippet from Mister Mystery’s promo *

“Seriously though, Michael -- who the fuck do you think you are? John Black? Ann Thraxx?”

Michael James: You really want to know who I am, Mystery? Okay, I’ll tell you. I’m the man that was racking up victories and collecting historical accomplishments before your sorry ass was even a blip on the damn radar. You want to know who I am? Go ask Cyren, Natural, Christian Lost, Tyler Decker, Nathaniel Idenhaus and all the others who tried to test my patience. Talk to them and every single one of those assholes will tell you the same thing. You see, there’s something you need to understand. I’m nothing like you. Defeat and failure is not an option for me. Unlike you, I didn’t arrive in the XWF just to suck up to some douche bag for the chance at sharing a championship. Unlike you Mystery, I don’t want to settle for second best. I’m going to be the North Korean Champion while you’re doing what? Snuggling with Peter Gilmour hoping you might one day be on the same playing field as someone like the Martin O’Connor? Good luck with that one. Just do everyone on this team a favor and stay the fuck out of the way. No one likes you, no one respects you and no one wants your input. I don’t care who you think I should have attacked because in my opinion your entire presence in the XWF is a fucking joke. Who are you, anyway? Nobody, that’s who. You’re Peter Gilmour’s bitch and that isn’t something worth bragging about. Winning matches and earning the reputation of a champion. That on the other hand is worth bragging about. You might as well just get used to being at the back of the line. I mean, you can’t even cut a promo without doing the proper research about your opponents. Do you seriously consider that the behavior of a champion? You do? Than I guess it really is true. I really didn’t think you could be as stupid as your material makes you out to be but it looks like I was wrong.

* James deletes the preview and begins browsing through his inbox. He comes across a promo cut by Danny Devia for his match against De Sade *

“I will walk into that Stadium, And I will leave it as the North Korean champion. And you will leave it in a stretcher.”

* His jaw drops for a second. James glares at the screen with an expression of disbelief *

Michael James: You gotta be fucking kidding me. They gave this incompetent asshole a shot at the North Korean Championship? What the fuck is

smoking these days?

* A young girl sitting a few chairs down from James speaks in his direction *

Girl: I thought you didn’t speak any English.

* James turns to the girl and smiles *

Michael James: I’m a quick learner.

Girl: Yea, right.

* James and the young girl share a laugh together as an announcement is heard on the terminal sound system *

Intercom: Attention passengers. Flights departing terminal C-5 to Toronto, Ontario, Canada will need to present their passports and checked luggage before boarding the plane.

* James directs his attention towards a nearby window gaining sight of a large airplane arriving on the runway. He turns off his cell phone and places it inside of his jacket. He stands up and gradually walks towards the boarding line with the other passengers. He has a suitcase in one hand and a gym bag strapped over his opposite shoulder. The line of people begins to gradually move as people are being allowed to board the plane. The scene cuts out with a sudden static frame *

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03/19/2013
Private Location
Canada
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* When the white noise clears the XWF viewers gain sight of James standing in what appears to be a private underground location. A large concrete wall with graffiti decorates the background with a cloud of smoke pollutes the image quality. He removes a Cuban cigar from his mouth and smiles with devious intentions *

Michael James: When idiots and assholes try to get under my skin it always has the same result. I make people disappear. That’s what I do and I’m very good at it. And the same thing can happen to anyone involved in this match. Personally, I have nothing against any of you. Professionally, I can’t the sight of you. If you don’t like it I don’t really care. I’m in the XWF to break necks and cash checks so your opinion doesn’t mean a fucking thing to me. You can spit as much bullshit as you want but at the end of the day none of it is going to mean a fucking thing. No one is listening and no one cares. I don’t have that problem. I’m a made fucking man in the XWF so when I speak people have no choice but to give me their full attention. If I was in the same worthless talent pool as people like Ronnie Wilkins or Luca Arzegotti then I might have something to worry about.

* He takes a moment to laugh at the impossible notion of Wilkins and Arzegotti standing out as individuals in the upcoming confrontation *

Michael James: But I’m not either one of those assholes. I’m the Personification of Perfection. I’m the one man in the XWF that you don’t want to fuck with. I told Cyren, Regan Chambers, Tyler Decker and Jaymz Dante the exact same thing and they didn’t want to believe me. Where are they now? That’s right. They’re at the back of the damn line making continuous efforts to fulfill a lifetime of empty promises. Much like their chances of victory in this match, that isn’t going to happen either. I just hope you clowns can find a way to avoid making the same mistakes they did. You are much better off accepting this defeat with pride knowing you both lost to the best the company has to offer. I mean, why go out in a blaze of glory when it’s only going to cause you more grief? Don’t be a Cyren. Prove that you both have a shred of common sense and quit while I’m still ahead of your entire faction.

* James takes a drag from his cigar and exhales the smoke through his nostrils *

Michael James: Through all of this time I remain the ultimate best. I remain the future of this organization. Every day I have to remind myself to be patient. Every day I have to tell myself not to worry about who is saying what. It's not worth getting stressed out over people who can’t even understand the concepts of basic English. The same people who would work forty hour shifts at the local supermarkets until a desperate XWF talent scout sought them out and begged them to fill its roster. The same roster that is full of loud mouth incompetent morons and whining children. Men who claim to be icons who are really nothing but a bunch of fucking scam artists. For months I've had to deal with the likes of these same men who swore to take me out of the game, yet always fell short of getting the job done. You just have to understand the kind of individual I am. I'm the same man who retired Jaymz Dante and Kristofer Kain from the XWF. I’m the same man that turned Cyren’s career into a mid card catastrophe. You know all that money deducted from your checks for “taxes”? Some of it goes to pay my salary. The XWF takes money out of everyone else’s pay just to keep me here. You want to know why? It’s because my name holds more value to the company than the rest of you. It isn’t the product of some hidden agenda. It’s simply because I bring all the talent while you rest of you fail to deliver a fucking thing.

* He removes his sunglasses and looks directly into the camera lens. He takes another drag from his cigar *

Michael James: Other than Sebastian Duke and the Personification of Perfection this match is basically going to be full of undeserving assholes. Just take a look around and you’ll see what I mean. Obviously for some, it’s not a pretty picture. For others like De Sade and Mark Flynn that have found comfort in the idea of loss and public humiliation, it’s a way to try and avoid another loss to Michael James. But unlike them I’m not going to lie or bullshit anyone. Judging from what I’ve seen and experienced from every single participant in this match, it’s safe to say that this match is going to nothing more than another walk in the park. Let’s face facts here. De Sade isn’t the man he once was and neither is Mark Flynn. Everyone knows they are just going to no show the match and end up at the back of the line with the likes of Cyren, Decker and the Crimson Dong. But it’s like I said before. Personal opinions and choices make no difference to me. I’m getting paid top dollar to make an example out of them and that’s exactly what I plan to do. It’s not personal. It’s business. They can get used to it or get the fuck out of my way.

* James exhales a cloud of smoke into the frame. The promo cuts to static *

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