Post by markforce on Jul 15, 2019 11:11:25 GMT -5
Not all stories get a happy ending. The last time we saw Mark Force...he lost a retirement match in the middle of an RSW ring. He was suffering symptoms of chronic CTE. Things just weren't looking good for the man known as the 'KING OF OLD SCHOOL'. Then...something miraculous happened. Mark obeyed the terms of his retirement clause. He didn't look for any loopholes, and he didn't try to get another job in wrestling. He simply...faded away. Mark reconnected with his estranged son, and actually retired. Against all odds...Mark Force became a boring middle-aged man. Following his doctor's advice, Mark was able to drop 75 pounds. He met a nice widow. Not all stories get a happy ending...but Mark Force was well onto his way of reaching his very own happy ending.
For the first time in years, we fade in on Mark Force. A more svelte, but still hairy Mark Force. He's sitting in his therapists office, and is seated next to his girlfriend, Sally.
Sally : "Im just worried. Really worried. Mark has been having...dreams lately. Dreams of his former life."
Therapist : "Mark...what are the dreams like?"
"I don't know, doc. I mean. Wrestling was, literally, my life. I just sort of miss it sometimes. So, I guess it's just...like...showing up in my dreams. Last night, I dreamt of getting ONE LAST CHANCE in RSW. One last chance to leave on a high note."
Sally looks nervously at their therapist.
Sally: "And..it's not just dreams. He's been watching old wrestling videos. He even took up painting, at your suggestion! But...he only paints wrestling stuff."
The therapist looks at Mark...concerned.
Therapist : "Wrestling was a cancer in your life, Mark. I understand how important it is...was to you. You've made such great strides , and I'd hate to see you lose that progress."
Sally : "Mark. Have you spoken to Jim, lately?"
SKKKKKKRRRRRRRT.
Who the fuck is Jim? FLASHBACK.
After Mark retired, he needed someone to manage his finances.
Mark met Jim. Mark liked Jim. Mark hired Jim.
Jim soon began to serve as Mark's handler at conventions/appearances.
Jim soon began booking these events for Mark.
Jim became Mark's Agent/Accountant/All that shit.
That's Jim.
END FLASHBACK.
"I mean. He mentioned there's a convention-thingy in Dallas in a few weeks. Said I could make some easy cash. Sign some autographs and whatnot."
Therapist: "If I may. Here's what I suggest. Go to this convention. Relive some glory days. Sign autographs. Meet other people from the 'business'. Get it out of your system. We can't ignore any of this. It'd be unfair, and unhealthy to do so.
Embrace this part of your history, and then come back and continue to get healthy."
Mark and Sally smile. This is a good plan. This gets us closer to a happy ending.
Dallas Fan Expo
2019
B-roll footage of the expo. Lots of big stars are in attendance. We cut to Rainn Wilson as he smiles at a fan, and nods as the fan repeats a 'Dwight Shrute' quote that the actor has heard a million times. We cut to Pam Anderson as she pretends to be interested in what some numb-skull, who has paid 50$ for the opportunity, has to say. We cut to different Pro Wrestlers from the 90s & 2000s...many of them still struggling to make enough money to live comfortably. Finally...we see Mark Force. He sits at a tiny desk, stacks of autographed photos all around him. Mark wears a huge smile, no doubt enjoying attention. After taking a photo with a young kid (and pocketing 20$), Mark takes a quick second to stand up and stretch. The line, 50 deep at this point, has remained steady all morning. His agent, Jim, puts a small placard on the table...indicating Mark will be taking a 5 minute break.
"Be right back guys, I gotta take a piss."
Jim follows. Mark walks up to a urinal, and drops his pants all the way to his ankles. Horrified, Jim reluctantly takes the open stall adjacent.
Jim : "Mark. You'll be happy to know that you're looking to pull in like 20 grand for today alone. This has been a massive success."
"Im fuckin pumped, homie. It's been a blast. I miss seeing my fans."
Jim : "If you play your cards right, this could set you up. You may never need to do one of these again. A real retirement."
"Yeah. Retire. Still don't like that word. And I still miss my pizza job. Allen Anderson gave that shit to me, man."
Jim : "Listen. The guys who own Coca Cola...they don't go to work and make Coke all day , right? They just pay people to do all the work for them. They sit at home and just MAKE money. Just like your pizza business. Allen would agree...handing it over to guys in the actual pizza business was absolutely the right move."
"So...sorta like Dave WalMart doesn't actually work at WalMart....I shouldn't work at my pizza company?"
Jim : "...well.. The Waltons own WalMart, buddy. But yeah. You're the CEO...stay your ass at home. Honestly, I thin you should stop making wrestling-related appearances, make the people MISS you, man. You need a hobby. You need to do shit that has NOTHING to do with wrestling. You and Sally have a great life. Enjoy it. Stop worrying about wrestling."
Mark ponders this for a second. He finishes using the restroom, and the pair head back out to their table.
"My hobby is wrestling, Jim."
Jim : "Get a new hobby. Your brand , right now, is hot. Going back to wrestling can only tarnish your legacy. It's been years, Mark. You're nearly 50. We've had this conversation so. Many. Times. Plus, your health is paramount!"
Mark nods in agreement. He sits back down at his booth, and calls over the next person in line.
"You're right , Jim. My time is up...
"
John Cena : "MY TIME IS NOW!"
"I'll get a new hobby. Im done with wrestling. Forever."
Kid : "MARK. BRO. YOU'RE MY FUCKIN' FAVORITE, BRO. RSW Hasn't been the same without you."
"I ain't been the same without RSW, let me tell ya. It's for the better, though, kid."
Kid : "Did you hear they're having a REUNION show for Anarchy 50?!? They even got Vince Russo!"
"Well. Shit. No. I didn't hear that. No one called me..."
Jim : "Because you're retired , man!"
"HEY! YOU'RE {Mongo Edit: Nah we don't say that anymore}!"
Mark signs a photo for the kid. The big grin he's been wearing all morning soon fades to a frown.
Another Kid : "I can't believe you wont be at the fucking reunion show, man. They're bringing back everybody!"
"Shit. I know, man."
Another Kid : Kevin Rouser will be there!"
"The rabble rouser? Man, I miss him."
At this point...things are a blur. Mark is just going through the motions. Sign a photo. Smile. Small talk. Rinse. Repeat. Awhile later, Mark has greeted the last fan. He gets up to stretch.
Jim : "Mark. I'm sorry, man."
"I can't believe it. I just can't believe they wouldn't even call. I don't have to wrestle, maybe I could be like a guest referee?"
Jim bites his lower lip.
Jim : "Im sorry, Mark."
After a few more minutes of small talk, they head to the parking structure. A quiet ride back to the hotel ensues. At the hotel, Jim and Mark head to their respective rooms. Mark attempts to watch TV...but nothing can help assuage the pain.
"They forgot about me , man. I just sat signing autographs for five fuckin hours. How could RSW not call me?"
John Cena : "Maybe they can't see you, dawg."
Mark turns. His long lost John Cena brawlin' buddy sits on the bed next to him.
"Oh my gosh. John. I can't believe you're here."
John Cena : "CHAIN GANG, DAWG."
They both do the "You can't see me" hand wave, and then laugh together.
A RSW Commercial advertising the upcoming reunion show plays on the tv.
"You're....a prophet, John. Maybe they can't see me? MAYBE. THEY. CAN'T. SEE. ME. They remember me as a broken down, shell of a man! They need to see me. I know what I must do."
Mark picks up the phone while he watches a 'Papa Johns Pizza' commercial.
"Yes. Is this John? I require pizza, Mr Papa."
25 minutes later, a pizza man shows up. Mark answers the door with a mischievous smile.
"Hello , pizza man. PUT THIS ON YOUR TWEETER!"
Mark kicks the pizza man in the junk, and then powerbombs him in the hotel hallway. Mark high-fives John Cena.
"John. This is going to be on tweeter, and RSW will see it ,and they'll be forced to book me at the show!"
John Cena : "Flawless logic, dawg."
They look at each other...and no one says a word.
"No one saw that. Shit. Help me get him in."
Mark pulls the pizza man into his room. He throws the body in the bathroom.
5 hours later
...another pizza man knocks on the door.
"RSW. IM COMIN' FOR YOU NI..."
John Cena : "Whoah. Son. No."
The pizza man stares...confused.
"Fuck it."
Mark kicks the pizza man in the junk and powerbombs his stupid ass.
Exasperated, he looks around to realize no one saw it.
"How do I go viral, man? This is bullshit."
Mark drags the pizza man inside, and throws the body on top of what is now a pile of pizza man bodies.
John Cena : "Sheez. I dont know, dawg. Make a video, and lets upload it to youtube."
"Now you're fuckin talkin."
Marks face turns red as he really strains his brain.
"Uh. How...how do I make a video?"
Mark runs downstairs to the reception desk.
"Hello, young lady. I need your assistance. Make a video for me, and put this shit on youtube. I need RSW to know that I'm still strong amd can fight. I want to fight at anarchy 50."
The young lady is obviously confused.
Young lady : "Whats RSW? And who are you going to fight?"
"Stop. We do not have time for this, young lady. Can you upload the video or not?"
Young Lady : "....sure?"
"Okay. We rollin?"
The young lady nods her head. Mark begins yelling incoherently at the camera. He starts elbow dropping the ground. He pulls a pillow off a couch and does a flying leg drop onto the pillow. He then rips the pillow apart while the young lady stares with great concern. Mark yells more. He stops suddenly...out of breath.
"That. That oughta do. Thanks. Is ... is that shit on youtube, now?"
Terrified, the young lady nods.
"Okay. Good. That was easy. So....anybody comment yet? Did Rob Riot see it?"
Young Lady : "It's only been posted for a few seconds. And I don't know who Rob Riot is."
"Hm. Okay. I thought these things went viral faster....."
Young Lady : "...."
"Anything now?"
Angered. Mark heads back to his room. The young lady opens up Twitter and sends a link to the video with the comment : "This crazy guy just came in and fucked up our lobby! He was screaming about #RSW and #RobRiot. #CrazyFucker"
A few hours later, Mark awakens to a knock at this door. In a fog, he answers. A young man with a huge smile greets him.
Man : "Oh my fucking god. It is you. You lost weight, man!"
"I gave up pizza. And pizza pockets. And hot pockets. And pizza bites. And pizza blasted goldfish. And calzones. Oh, and pizza bagels."
Man : "I can tell."
"When pizza is on a bagel, you can eat pizza anytime! But...not me. I gave up pizza. And pizza pockets. And hot pockets. An..."
Man : "Mark. I'm so happy to see you. You don't know me. I work for RSW. I was in touch with your agent, Jim. He said you weren't interested in the reunion show. I even called him yesterday while you were at the Fan Expo. He said you wouldn't be there. Final answer. Imagine my surprise when I see you in a viral video this morning complaining that RSW never called you!"
Flashback. Mark remembers a phone call that Jim had answered the day before. Mark didn't pay much attention, but he remembers thinking how strange it was that Jim was whispering to someone on the phone. He wrote it off...but with this new information it was beginning to make sense.
"Jim lied to me."
All of a sudden, Jim opens Mark's door.
Jim : "Mark. I just got a call from Sally. You're trending on twitter? Going crazy about RSW and....oh."
Jim sees the young man, and puts two and two together.
Jim : "He must be from RSW."
"Yes."
Jim : "And he told you everything."
"Yes."
Jim : "And you're mad. I get it."
"Do...do you Jim? Do you get it? Seems like if you 'got it'....you would have told me that RSW called. For the past day, I've been sitting here thinking that they forgot about me. Do you know how depressing that is? To think you've been forgotten?"
Man : "Im...just going to use the restroom real quick, and let you guys talk."
The man opens the bathroom door.
Man : "Theres...like...a lot of pizza dudes in here. Ill just use the one in the lobby."
Jim : "Mark. If you'll just let me explain. Lets get Sally on the line."
Jim dials Sally and puts her on speakerphone.
Sally : "Mark. Im sorry."
"You knew, too? You guys lied to me? Fuck."
Sally : "Mark. We didn't lie."
"Excuse me. RSW wanted me for this reunion show. No one told me."
Sally : "We...we did tell you , Mark."
Jim pulls out a cell phone, and shows Mark a video. The video thumbnail shows Mark Force sitting at a table.
Jim : "Sally...by the look on his face, he obviously doesn't remember the video."
"That...is...me?"
Mark presses play on the video.
"Hey man. It's me...errr...you. Ha. If you're watching this, you're probably in a bad place. I'm...we're recording this in 2017. We just tried to end our retirement in some shitty federation in Mexico. Mark, we're sick, dude. Our brain is fucked. Doc asked me to record this video so we can see it every time we get close to relapse. CTE is fuckin deadly, bro. You're in a good place. You just met a nice lady, her name is Sally. I hope when you watch this, she's still around. Sally is awesome, dude. If, by some reason, she's not around...go find her. Fuck wrestling. She's your future. Get this wrestling shit off your brain. Find Sally. Paint. Do woodworking. Go bird-watching. Do anything except wrestle. Another concussion could, quite literally, kill you, man. Kill us. I don't want to die. YOU DONT WANT TO DIE. Life is good. Life is so. Fucking. Good. Enjoy it. Not everyone gets a happy ending, man. Go out and get your fuckin' happy ending. Oh, and tell Sally I said WHAT UP. Between you and me, dude, she's got nice boobies, yo!"
Mark stays silent for a few minutes.
"You do have nice boobies."
They all laugh.
"And how many times have I watched this ?"
Sally : "This is probably the 6th time in 3 years."
"Im not getting better. I thought ... I thought I was getting better."
Tears fall down Mark's face.
Sally : "No. You are getting better. You're as healthy as you've been in probably 30 years. You're a wonderful lover and partner. Kids look up to you. You're a hero for so. Many. People."
The man from RSW comes back from the restroom.
Man : "Hey guys. Sorry. I didn't mean to open a can of worms, here. RSW loves and misses Mark Force. We just wanted him back for one show."
"You're fine, man. I think I just needed to hear that. I love and miss you guys. I don't know if I'm strong enough to do just 'one more show'. Im sick."
Man : "Hey. I totally get it. No hard feelings. Maybe we can work something out where you don't have to take a bump. Like a guest referee? We'll be in touch."
The man reaches out and shakes Mark's hand.
"Jim. You're a good friend and a good man. Sally. I love you."
As Mark goes to hand the cell phone back to Jim. He looks at the video one last time. Mark smiles.
"Go out and get your fuckin' happy ending."
Mark clicks the trashcan icon and deletes the video.
"Yo. Tell the Rabble Rouser, and everyone else in RSW.....it's on."
For the first time in years, we fade in on Mark Force. A more svelte, but still hairy Mark Force. He's sitting in his therapists office, and is seated next to his girlfriend, Sally.
Sally : "Im just worried. Really worried. Mark has been having...dreams lately. Dreams of his former life."
Therapist : "Mark...what are the dreams like?"
"I don't know, doc. I mean. Wrestling was, literally, my life. I just sort of miss it sometimes. So, I guess it's just...like...showing up in my dreams. Last night, I dreamt of getting ONE LAST CHANCE in RSW. One last chance to leave on a high note."
Sally looks nervously at their therapist.
Sally: "And..it's not just dreams. He's been watching old wrestling videos. He even took up painting, at your suggestion! But...he only paints wrestling stuff."
The therapist looks at Mark...concerned.
Therapist : "Wrestling was a cancer in your life, Mark. I understand how important it is...was to you. You've made such great strides , and I'd hate to see you lose that progress."
Sally : "Mark. Have you spoken to Jim, lately?"
SKKKKKKRRRRRRRT.
Who the fuck is Jim? FLASHBACK.
After Mark retired, he needed someone to manage his finances.
Mark met Jim. Mark liked Jim. Mark hired Jim.
Jim soon began to serve as Mark's handler at conventions/appearances.
Jim soon began booking these events for Mark.
Jim became Mark's Agent/Accountant/All that shit.
That's Jim.
END FLASHBACK.
"I mean. He mentioned there's a convention-thingy in Dallas in a few weeks. Said I could make some easy cash. Sign some autographs and whatnot."
Therapist: "If I may. Here's what I suggest. Go to this convention. Relive some glory days. Sign autographs. Meet other people from the 'business'. Get it out of your system. We can't ignore any of this. It'd be unfair, and unhealthy to do so.
Embrace this part of your history, and then come back and continue to get healthy."
Mark and Sally smile. This is a good plan. This gets us closer to a happy ending.
Dallas Fan Expo
2019
B-roll footage of the expo. Lots of big stars are in attendance. We cut to Rainn Wilson as he smiles at a fan, and nods as the fan repeats a 'Dwight Shrute' quote that the actor has heard a million times. We cut to Pam Anderson as she pretends to be interested in what some numb-skull, who has paid 50$ for the opportunity, has to say. We cut to different Pro Wrestlers from the 90s & 2000s...many of them still struggling to make enough money to live comfortably. Finally...we see Mark Force. He sits at a tiny desk, stacks of autographed photos all around him. Mark wears a huge smile, no doubt enjoying attention. After taking a photo with a young kid (and pocketing 20$), Mark takes a quick second to stand up and stretch. The line, 50 deep at this point, has remained steady all morning. His agent, Jim, puts a small placard on the table...indicating Mark will be taking a 5 minute break.
"Be right back guys, I gotta take a piss."
Jim follows. Mark walks up to a urinal, and drops his pants all the way to his ankles. Horrified, Jim reluctantly takes the open stall adjacent.
Jim : "Mark. You'll be happy to know that you're looking to pull in like 20 grand for today alone. This has been a massive success."
"Im fuckin pumped, homie. It's been a blast. I miss seeing my fans."
Jim : "If you play your cards right, this could set you up. You may never need to do one of these again. A real retirement."
"Yeah. Retire. Still don't like that word. And I still miss my pizza job. Allen Anderson gave that shit to me, man."
Jim : "Listen. The guys who own Coca Cola...they don't go to work and make Coke all day , right? They just pay people to do all the work for them. They sit at home and just MAKE money. Just like your pizza business. Allen would agree...handing it over to guys in the actual pizza business was absolutely the right move."
"So...sorta like Dave WalMart doesn't actually work at WalMart....I shouldn't work at my pizza company?"
Jim : "...well.. The Waltons own WalMart, buddy. But yeah. You're the CEO...stay your ass at home. Honestly, I thin you should stop making wrestling-related appearances, make the people MISS you, man. You need a hobby. You need to do shit that has NOTHING to do with wrestling. You and Sally have a great life. Enjoy it. Stop worrying about wrestling."
Mark ponders this for a second. He finishes using the restroom, and the pair head back out to their table.
"My hobby is wrestling, Jim."
Jim : "Get a new hobby. Your brand , right now, is hot. Going back to wrestling can only tarnish your legacy. It's been years, Mark. You're nearly 50. We've had this conversation so. Many. Times. Plus, your health is paramount!"
Mark nods in agreement. He sits back down at his booth, and calls over the next person in line.
"You're right , Jim. My time is up...
"
John Cena : "MY TIME IS NOW!"
"I'll get a new hobby. Im done with wrestling. Forever."
Kid : "MARK. BRO. YOU'RE MY FUCKIN' FAVORITE, BRO. RSW Hasn't been the same without you."
"I ain't been the same without RSW, let me tell ya. It's for the better, though, kid."
Kid : "Did you hear they're having a REUNION show for Anarchy 50?!? They even got Vince Russo!"
"Well. Shit. No. I didn't hear that. No one called me..."
Jim : "Because you're retired , man!"
"HEY! YOU'RE {Mongo Edit: Nah we don't say that anymore}!"
Mark signs a photo for the kid. The big grin he's been wearing all morning soon fades to a frown.
Another Kid : "I can't believe you wont be at the fucking reunion show, man. They're bringing back everybody!"
"Shit. I know, man."
Another Kid : Kevin Rouser will be there!"
"The rabble rouser? Man, I miss him."
At this point...things are a blur. Mark is just going through the motions. Sign a photo. Smile. Small talk. Rinse. Repeat. Awhile later, Mark has greeted the last fan. He gets up to stretch.
Jim : "Mark. I'm sorry, man."
"I can't believe it. I just can't believe they wouldn't even call. I don't have to wrestle, maybe I could be like a guest referee?"
Jim bites his lower lip.
Jim : "Im sorry, Mark."
After a few more minutes of small talk, they head to the parking structure. A quiet ride back to the hotel ensues. At the hotel, Jim and Mark head to their respective rooms. Mark attempts to watch TV...but nothing can help assuage the pain.
"They forgot about me , man. I just sat signing autographs for five fuckin hours. How could RSW not call me?"
John Cena : "Maybe they can't see you, dawg."
Mark turns. His long lost John Cena brawlin' buddy sits on the bed next to him.
"Oh my gosh. John. I can't believe you're here."
John Cena : "CHAIN GANG, DAWG."
They both do the "You can't see me" hand wave, and then laugh together.
A RSW Commercial advertising the upcoming reunion show plays on the tv.
"You're....a prophet, John. Maybe they can't see me? MAYBE. THEY. CAN'T. SEE. ME. They remember me as a broken down, shell of a man! They need to see me. I know what I must do."
Mark picks up the phone while he watches a 'Papa Johns Pizza' commercial.
"Yes. Is this John? I require pizza, Mr Papa."
25 minutes later, a pizza man shows up. Mark answers the door with a mischievous smile.
"Hello , pizza man. PUT THIS ON YOUR TWEETER!"
Mark kicks the pizza man in the junk, and then powerbombs him in the hotel hallway. Mark high-fives John Cena.
"John. This is going to be on tweeter, and RSW will see it ,and they'll be forced to book me at the show!"
John Cena : "Flawless logic, dawg."
They look at each other...and no one says a word.
"No one saw that. Shit. Help me get him in."
Mark pulls the pizza man into his room. He throws the body in the bathroom.
5 hours later
...another pizza man knocks on the door.
"RSW. IM COMIN' FOR YOU NI..."
John Cena : "Whoah. Son. No."
The pizza man stares...confused.
"Fuck it."
Mark kicks the pizza man in the junk and powerbombs his stupid ass.
Exasperated, he looks around to realize no one saw it.
"How do I go viral, man? This is bullshit."
Mark drags the pizza man inside, and throws the body on top of what is now a pile of pizza man bodies.
John Cena : "Sheez. I dont know, dawg. Make a video, and lets upload it to youtube."
"Now you're fuckin talkin."
Marks face turns red as he really strains his brain.
"Uh. How...how do I make a video?"
Mark runs downstairs to the reception desk.
"Hello, young lady. I need your assistance. Make a video for me, and put this shit on youtube. I need RSW to know that I'm still strong amd can fight. I want to fight at anarchy 50."
The young lady is obviously confused.
Young lady : "Whats RSW? And who are you going to fight?"
"Stop. We do not have time for this, young lady. Can you upload the video or not?"
Young Lady : "....sure?"
"Okay. We rollin?"
The young lady nods her head. Mark begins yelling incoherently at the camera. He starts elbow dropping the ground. He pulls a pillow off a couch and does a flying leg drop onto the pillow. He then rips the pillow apart while the young lady stares with great concern. Mark yells more. He stops suddenly...out of breath.
"That. That oughta do. Thanks. Is ... is that shit on youtube, now?"
Terrified, the young lady nods.
"Okay. Good. That was easy. So....anybody comment yet? Did Rob Riot see it?"
Young Lady : "It's only been posted for a few seconds. And I don't know who Rob Riot is."
"Hm. Okay. I thought these things went viral faster....."
Young Lady : "...."
"Anything now?"
Angered. Mark heads back to his room. The young lady opens up Twitter and sends a link to the video with the comment : "This crazy guy just came in and fucked up our lobby! He was screaming about #RSW and #RobRiot. #CrazyFucker"
A few hours later, Mark awakens to a knock at this door. In a fog, he answers. A young man with a huge smile greets him.
Man : "Oh my fucking god. It is you. You lost weight, man!"
"I gave up pizza. And pizza pockets. And hot pockets. And pizza bites. And pizza blasted goldfish. And calzones. Oh, and pizza bagels."
Man : "I can tell."
"When pizza is on a bagel, you can eat pizza anytime! But...not me. I gave up pizza. And pizza pockets. And hot pockets. An..."
Man : "Mark. I'm so happy to see you. You don't know me. I work for RSW. I was in touch with your agent, Jim. He said you weren't interested in the reunion show. I even called him yesterday while you were at the Fan Expo. He said you wouldn't be there. Final answer. Imagine my surprise when I see you in a viral video this morning complaining that RSW never called you!"
Flashback. Mark remembers a phone call that Jim had answered the day before. Mark didn't pay much attention, but he remembers thinking how strange it was that Jim was whispering to someone on the phone. He wrote it off...but with this new information it was beginning to make sense.
"Jim lied to me."
All of a sudden, Jim opens Mark's door.
Jim : "Mark. I just got a call from Sally. You're trending on twitter? Going crazy about RSW and....oh."
Jim sees the young man, and puts two and two together.
Jim : "He must be from RSW."
"Yes."
Jim : "And he told you everything."
"Yes."
Jim : "And you're mad. I get it."
"Do...do you Jim? Do you get it? Seems like if you 'got it'....you would have told me that RSW called. For the past day, I've been sitting here thinking that they forgot about me. Do you know how depressing that is? To think you've been forgotten?"
Man : "Im...just going to use the restroom real quick, and let you guys talk."
The man opens the bathroom door.
Man : "Theres...like...a lot of pizza dudes in here. Ill just use the one in the lobby."
Jim : "Mark. If you'll just let me explain. Lets get Sally on the line."
Jim dials Sally and puts her on speakerphone.
Sally : "Mark. Im sorry."
"You knew, too? You guys lied to me? Fuck."
Sally : "Mark. We didn't lie."
"Excuse me. RSW wanted me for this reunion show. No one told me."
Sally : "We...we did tell you , Mark."
Jim pulls out a cell phone, and shows Mark a video. The video thumbnail shows Mark Force sitting at a table.
Jim : "Sally...by the look on his face, he obviously doesn't remember the video."
"That...is...me?"
Mark presses play on the video.
"Hey man. It's me...errr...you. Ha. If you're watching this, you're probably in a bad place. I'm...we're recording this in 2017. We just tried to end our retirement in some shitty federation in Mexico. Mark, we're sick, dude. Our brain is fucked. Doc asked me to record this video so we can see it every time we get close to relapse. CTE is fuckin deadly, bro. You're in a good place. You just met a nice lady, her name is Sally. I hope when you watch this, she's still around. Sally is awesome, dude. If, by some reason, she's not around...go find her. Fuck wrestling. She's your future. Get this wrestling shit off your brain. Find Sally. Paint. Do woodworking. Go bird-watching. Do anything except wrestle. Another concussion could, quite literally, kill you, man. Kill us. I don't want to die. YOU DONT WANT TO DIE. Life is good. Life is so. Fucking. Good. Enjoy it. Not everyone gets a happy ending, man. Go out and get your fuckin' happy ending. Oh, and tell Sally I said WHAT UP. Between you and me, dude, she's got nice boobies, yo!"
Mark stays silent for a few minutes.
"You do have nice boobies."
They all laugh.
"And how many times have I watched this ?"
Sally : "This is probably the 6th time in 3 years."
"Im not getting better. I thought ... I thought I was getting better."
Tears fall down Mark's face.
Sally : "No. You are getting better. You're as healthy as you've been in probably 30 years. You're a wonderful lover and partner. Kids look up to you. You're a hero for so. Many. People."
The man from RSW comes back from the restroom.
Man : "Hey guys. Sorry. I didn't mean to open a can of worms, here. RSW loves and misses Mark Force. We just wanted him back for one show."
"You're fine, man. I think I just needed to hear that. I love and miss you guys. I don't know if I'm strong enough to do just 'one more show'. Im sick."
Man : "Hey. I totally get it. No hard feelings. Maybe we can work something out where you don't have to take a bump. Like a guest referee? We'll be in touch."
The man reaches out and shakes Mark's hand.
"Jim. You're a good friend and a good man. Sally. I love you."
As Mark goes to hand the cell phone back to Jim. He looks at the video one last time. Mark smiles.
"Go out and get your fuckin' happy ending."
Mark clicks the trashcan icon and deletes the video.
"Yo. Tell the Rabble Rouser, and everyone else in RSW.....it's on."
