Post by Anthony Jordan on Jan 8, 2024 18:12:55 GMT -5
INT. HOSPITAL IN NOVA SCOTIA
“THE ROLE MODEL” ANTHONY JORDAN is shown groaning in his hospital bed. His adrenaline made him look as if he could stand after his match with Spike Kane, but that’s long since worn off. His body is a mess. He hadn’t taken any kind of abuse like this in years. He stopped; Spike didn’t. He’d outwrestle Spike briefly only for Kane to use his superior physical skills to take back over. When Spike would take over, it hurt…bad. Jordan’s torso was a mess. Because of that, it hurt to move his arms or legs. He either had a headache or was light-headed. Even talking was a chore due to some of Spike’s vicious punches.
Mentally, he was even worse. He lost the Iron Man match three to one. The one was basically a gimme from Spike. He was so confident that he took a DQ loss. It wasn’t a competitive match. Spike toyed with him until some evil impulse or dark god had him go for the kill. That was brutal for Jordan. Pain tends to get better. He had experience with that. He’d never been molly whopped like that. In his time away, he told himself he could come back and be one of the modern stars. That wasn’t the truth at New Year’s Brawl. He may not have been the worst wrestler on the card, but he was not within striking distance of the best. He’s never been in this position before. Success isn't a guarantee. At this point, it isn't’ even likely.
Everything else was just confusing. He could have sworn David Slam II was dead. Later in his career, Jordan was simultaneously loved and hated by the various Slams. While he was fortunate to be saved by the Hand of Don, Jordan knew it would come with a price. Donzig, or his empire, seldom gives gifts. When they do, much is expected in return. It’s likely selling your soul except never actually agreeing to a deal with the Devil. That will be a future problem. First things first, healing. Once he’s healed, training.
SCORPION eventually enters the room. He uses the control to raise Jordan’s bed.
SCORPION
I’ve held off the press as much as I can. If you don’t want to be overwhelmed, you need to provide some kind of statement. That’ll fend them off
JORDAN
(groans)
F-fine. No cameras. I will dictate.
SCORPION
Okay.
JORDAN
2024 did not have the best start for me. The spirit was strong, but the flesh was weak. Spike Kane obviously trained well and earned a hard fought win.
SCORPION
“Hard fought”?
JORDAN
(angrily)
Just write it!
(he coughs and groans before continuing)
It is my hope that Spike learned a lesson about the tenacity of Kalmin Watts and myself. Effort does more to win hearts and minds than wins or losses. If Spike is ready to apologize in good faith, we shall respond in kind. The ball is in his court.
SCORPION
There’s no way he won’t see through that. At this point, your best bet is that Spike forgets about you.
JORDAN
(angrily again)
Shut up!
(he coughs and clutches his head, then composes himself)
As for myself, I am fine.
SCORPION
Oh, come on!
JORDAN
(shoots Scorpion a look to silence him)
I voluntarily stayed in the hospital…
SCORPION
Because I can’t move a muscle.
JORDAN
You better hope these drugs make me forget that!
(composes self)
In order to obtain a more comprehensive bill of good health. It should not be much longer.
SCORPION
Right now, even money is on you beating out that guy who was trampled by a moose.
JORDAN
Dictated!
(turns to Scorpion)
You spineless, soulless reprobate!
Scorpion leaves to give the press the note. Jordan’s left to his pain.