Reaction to NYB

[Anthony Jordan]

The work in its purest form


INT. GLASGOW ARENA INTERVIEW AREA – NIGHT



With the press collected in the interview area, a door to the right of the screen opens. “THE ROLE MODEL” ANTHONY JORDAN walks through the door and over to the podium. He waves off the reporters as he has opening marks.

JORDAN

I will be here in place of Kalmin Watts. The W:U.K. medical staff wanted to take Kalmin to the hospital to get a M.R.I., so that is where we are. The results will be made public once the staff here interprets the results of the test.

REPORTER #1

You’ve been a professional and dealt with injuries like this before. Do you have any feelings on Kalmin’s knee?”

JORDAN

(shakes head) I am not paid to be part of the medical staff. I want to wait on the results. (reflects for a couple of seconds) He appeared to have good lateral movement. There was swelling, which was not surprising. I am hopeful, but I am not a M.R.I. machine.

REPORTER #1

Kalmin was out there running out during the main event. What happened?

JORDAN

Personnel rushed into the medical area yelling and screaming for everyone to get out to the ring. I thought there was a fire. Kalmin rushed out and was probably aided by some painkillers as well as adrenaline.

REPORTER #1

Did that make things worse for Kalmin’s knee?

JORDAN

Unknown, but I am upset about it.

REPORTER #2

Besides the injury, how is Kalmin feeling?

JORDAN

Disappointed. He trained as hard as he could. He gave all he had while Eddie Havok let the world know that he was not going to give it his all. Personally, I think he did, but that is not the narrative. All of the Internet and writers like you are going to say that “half-speed” Eddie Havok beat “all out” Kalmin Watts regardless of what the tape says. Once noise like that consumes you, it can define you. I feel like it already has.

REPORTER #3

Can you elaborate on your last point?

JORDAN

Look, most people here do not even know Kalmin exists. They glance at the record book and listen to what people are saying or writing. As far as I am concerned, the earth has been salted in W:U.K. Whether it is right or wrong, the kid started on the ground is now in Mariana’s Trench as far as everyone else is concerned. (exhales and rubs the back of his head) There may not be a way forward.

REPORTER #4

Speaking of forward, have you looked at the Legacy #11 card?

JORDAN

No.

REPORTER #4

Kalmin Watts is scheduled to face the new British TV Champion, Oxford Osland.

JORDAN

(surprised) It is news to me considering that Kalmin’s contract expired with this show.

REPORTER #4

So, will Kalmin be at the show?

JORDAN

All things hinge on the injury. Even if he is well, he has to get on a plane and get to Las Vegas to face Little Dragon. Complications from the flight aside, a match in about a week is far from ideal. (beat) Look, if it was my call to make, I would block all W:U.K. numbers and have Kalmin focus on Hardkore World. It is closer to his home and training facility. The Valentines never forced Kalmin out of the medical area while he was dealing with an injury to defend the honor of the company. The Valentines do not talk about him behind his back. The Valentines do not treat him as an afterthought. Where the Valentines are innocent, Sebastian Blood is guilty.

REPORTER #4

So you think Kalmin will want the match with Oxford Osland?

JORDAN

Kalmin would not turn down a fight. That is how he is. (beat) But sometimes he needs an adult in the room. I know Osland is hoping for the match. He sees a guy with an injured leg and is licking his lips. He needs an easy win especially after his fight with Spike Kane. Two weeks is a short time when recovering from a head injury. As someone who had multiple head injuries, I know what is going through his head. I know he asked Blood for the show off, then Blood said, “I got the next best thing, champ!”. That is how he sees Kalmin Watts. That is how everyone here sees Kalmin.

REPORTER #5

Is it safe to say that you will be encouraging Kalmin Watts to be on Team HKW at the event in February?

JORDAN

(giving his goofy grin) Hardkore World or bust.

REPORTER #6

Any thoughts on Eddie Havok?

JORDAN

Congratualtions. But, listen, if he did not care about Watts going into the match, then I have no reason to care about him after the match. I saw a social media poll where he was crowned the Most Valuable Player of 2022. I wish he had acted like an M.V.P. since their first match in November. The same goes for Billy Fowler. He might be more honorable than Wesley Crane, but he disappeared during December, too. It seems like those two save their best for each other and toss the scraps to everyone else. It (beat) it really annoys me that you have a guy like Kalmin Watts who gives his all every time, then you have “elites” who think they owe everyone the bare minimum. I guess that sums up W:U.K.

Jordan shakes his head and walks away.