Post by anthonycaffrey on Feb 21, 2019 23:51:02 GMT -5
DOCTOR
Your hand is perfectly fine. I can’t even see a cut.
The camera opens on the AXW Undisputed Champion, Anthony Caffrey, finishing getting examined in the arena’s medical area. His hand is no longer bandaged.
ANTHONY CAFFREY
Thanks doc. Better safe than sorry.
DOCTOR
Good luck out there.
Caffrey’s face turns into a scowl.
CAFFREY
Luck? You think I need luck?
The old doctor sighs.
DOCTOR
It’s just an expression.
CAFFREY
You think I needed luck to win this?
Caffrey reaches back and grabs his AXW Undisputed Championship.
DOCTOR
Listen, I’m an impartial judge. I’m just here to do my job.
CAFFREY
You think I need luck?
The doctor ignores the question.
DOCTOR
Have a nice day Caffrey.
CAFFREY
Answer my question.
DOCTOR
You’ll do just fine.
CAFFREY
Don’t patronize me.
The doctor stops holding back.
DOCTOR
You retained because your friend Raymond tapped out.
CAFFREY
Yeah, I won.
DOCTOR
You also have Dunne in your corner. What’s his record now?
CAFFREY
You better hope the Nihilists and Team Viper don’t hurt him on Sunday. He’d hurt you if he heard that.
DOCTOR
I’m not saying you’re not talented. We’ve seen it. But objectively, it just looks like you have an added advantage because they can carry you to victory.
We can see Caffrey’s anger, but instead of doing anything harmful, he takes an extended deep breath.
CAFFREY
I see. Doc, can you do me a solid?
DOCTOR
What do you need?
CAFFREY
Can you check out my back?
DOCTOR
Is there something wrong with it?
CAFFREY
Check my back. Now.
Caffrey turns around and pulls up the back of his AVA t-shirt. The doctor, initially baffled, examines Caffrey's back.
DOCTOR
Your back is absolutely fine. Are we done here?
CAFFREY
Are you sure?
DOCTOR
Yes. It looks perfectly healthy. I don’t even know what you wanted me to look at, to be honest.
CAFFREY
I’ve been experiencing back pain lately.
DOCTOR
For a man in your profession, that is---
CAFFREY
My back has been hurting from carrying AXW on it for four straight months.
Caffrey smiles his sinister smile.
CAFFREY
I took AXW and turned it upside down. I revolutionized it. I took it out of the underground and brought it into the mainstream where now not only are we direct competitors to the AWF, we're better than them. I’ve been carrying the AXW on my back since I arrived, and now AXW officials are trying to hand some scrub a shot at taking what’s mine. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am today, and now some putz is gonna wait around for my back to give out so he can swoop in and take my title like a vulture.
DOCTOR
What does this have to do---
CAFFREY
I wanted them, you, and Card to see my back. It’s stronger than ever and will be carrying my company into 2020. Chris Card thinks I should be worried that he’s going to break this back with his clutch. I don’t fucking think so. I’ve carried doubters, haters, and ingrates on this thing since the moment I first won a World Championship years ago. Every single company I go, all over the world, I take over. I rise to the top every single time because I’m too damn good at what I do. I call myself an emperor because I don’t just conquer opponents. I conquer companies. After Sunday, I’ll be well on my way to the top of the XHF. I hope I answered my question for you.
Caffrey spits on the ground at the doctor’s feet. He begins making his way towards the door and down the hall. The cameraman begins to follow him.
DOCTOR
I think you’ll beat Card.
Caffrey seems genuinely surprised. He has not gotten too far down the hall. He stops in his tracks.
CAFFREY
What?
DOCTOR
I think you’ll beat Card. Is that so hard to believe?
CAFFREY
I mean---
DOCTOR
I’m not alone. I’m surprised your people haven’t shown you the fan forums. I’m excited to see if you'll roast your “doubters” like you’ve done in the past.
Caffrey is taken aback at the… kindness.
DOCTOR
May I offer you a word of advice?
CAFFREY
Umm… yeah, sure. Whatcha got?
DOCTOR
Stop thinking the whole world’s out to get you. It’s a double main event for a reason: you earned it.
Caffrey looks down for a few moments to really absorb the doctor’s words. He nods a few times to himself, before looking back up.
CAFFREY
Uh… thanks.
DOCTOR
Now stop ripping apart posters and get out of here.
Caffrey looks down the hall. There are at least three posters in eyeshot that are missing the Barratt vs. Diamond match. He turns a light shade of red and awkwardly scratches behind his ear.
CAFFREY
You want me to sign something for you? Maybe even sign something for your kids, if you have any?
DOCTOR
Oh please. I’m a fan of yours, but I would never let my children root for a man who prides himself on being an asshole.
The doctor laughs. Caffrey shakes his head and smiles.
CAFFREY
You got me there.
The doctor waves Caffrey goodbye.
DOCTOR
Take care.
CAFFREY
You too.
Caffrey sticks his uninjured hands in his pockets and heads toward the parking lot. He does not put on his headphones this time.
On his way to his car, Caffrey spots two backstage technicians. One is holding a very large frame.
TECHNICIAN
Where I am supposed to put this thing?
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Up your ass and to the left.
TECHNICIAN
Not helpful.
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Ask the commissioner.
Caffrey’s ears perk up. His curiosity gets the better of him.
CAFFREY
What’s in the frame, guys?
TECHNICIAN
Oh, this? Barratt had this ordered. I think it’s for the tribute.
The technician shows Caffrey what it is: a framed picture of Bobby Barrett’s former lover. It’s an excellent photo of her, and she looks absolutely beautiful.
CAFFREY
Is that Ms. Card? I would’ve thought she was too busy preparing for the pity fuck she’s gonna give Christopher in Diamond’s hotel after he loses. I didn’t think she had time to pose for a photo!
One of the technicians stops what he’s doing and looks at Caffrey disapprovingly.
TECHNICIAN
No, this is Jenny. I think Barratt used to see her. Isn’t she pretty?
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Yep. Damn shame what happened to her.
Caffrey doesn’t care. He can’t help but make a comment.
CAFFREY
Eh, he could've done better.
The two technicians are quick to hate the champion as he comments on the appearance of a dead woman.
TECHNICIAN
Get the hell out of here!
SECOND TECHNICIAN
What’s wrong with you?
Caffrey is already leaving, having gotten what he wanted.
CAFFREY
Lots of things. Take care.
Caffrey snickers to himself as he keeps walking. He passes by the same guard who wouldn’t let him in earlier. Caffrey points to his face and shouts to the guard as he walks to his car.
CAFFREY
You gonna recognize this face on Sunday?
The guard yells right back.
GUARD
If you show ID!
Caffrey rolls his eyes and snickers to himself.
CAFFREY
Jackass.
The champion makes it to his rental car. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his keys, but notices his pockets are a little light. He pats himself looking for something and empties his pockets onto the trunk of his car. He’s missing his phone.
CAFFREY
Shit!
Caffrey reloads his pockets and makes his way back inside. The guard attempts to stop him.
GUARD
Do you have ID?
Caffrey flicks his wallet out with one fluid moment and uses his other hand to flip off the guard as he keeps walking.
Soon enough, he makes it back to the doctor’s office. Embarrassed, he knocks on the door. The doctor opens up with a smile.
DOCTOR
Forget something?
The doctor waves Caffrey’s cellphone at him. Caffrey shakes his head and takes his phone back, shoving it into his pocket.
CAFFREY
Thanks again.
The doctor nods and begins to shut his door to return to his work. Caffrey stops him.
CAFFREY
Hold up a second.
The doctor leaves the door open. Caffrey looks down and bites his lip for a few seconds, thinking hard.
DOCTOR
Yes?
CAFFREY
I wanted to talk about that “the world is out to get you” comment.
DOCTOR
Go on.
Caffrey speaks a little softer than normal.
CAFFREY
I’m like that because that’s how it’s always been. I’m not used to getting respect because I’ve never gotten it before. I talk about going all over the world and conquering companies, but as it turns out, the disrespect is what drives me. Everytime I show up to a new company, I get treated like it’s my first day in the industry. Hell, just look at my first match. Anomoly didn’t take me seriously right up to the point I almost broke his collarbone.
Caffrey shakes his head in disbelief. It seems like he can’t believe the words that are coming out of his mouth.
CAFFREY
It’s the industry, man. I’ve been fighting the disrespect for a long time. Hell, I used to literally be called The Philadelphia Phighter. I stopped because of too many cheesesteak jokes, but the heart of it remains: everywhere I go, people overlook me. They treat me like a flash in the pan. I could spit out accomplishments and achievements until I’m blue in the face, but no one cares. People tell me I’m bad, I suck, I’m lucky, it’s all a fluke, it’s fixed. It wears on you. That’s just what you hear in the back. That’s not even before you get on camera, or before you go out in front of overly-opinionated assholes all over the world.
Caffrey points over his shoulder and behind him, indicating the fans. He puts a hand on his championship.
CAFFREY
This thing right here’s the key to silencing the doubters and the haters. I am so used to the chase for this thing, the barking, the scratching and clawing, the fighting your way to the top. I’ve always believed that becoming champion is the easiest way to prove people wrong. I've become champion, but I still get disrespect. That's alright. Kanyon’s my next challenger, and I’ll be fine against him, he’s already spewing plenty of stupid bullshit. But Card?
Caffrey runs his hands through his hair.
CAFFREY
Card isn’t disrespecting me. He’s actually giving me respect.
Caffrey laughs.
CAFFREY
Granted, it’s super backhanded. The guy pretends he does things for the fans, but he’s still an asshole just like me. He’s also doing it because he wants me to return the favor. He wants me to talk him up, to feed his ego. He wants me to acknowledge that he’s a world champion in his own right. He wants me to say that he’s one of the best wrestlers in the AWF, and in fact, all of the XHF. To top it, he wants me to acknowledge that his holds are just as good as mine, if not better.
Caffrey scratches his head and looks down. He speaks a little faster.
CAFFREY
The frightening thing is… all of that’s true. While I hate his suits, his stupid monogrammed toys, his yacht, and that pretty little wife of his, there’s no denying it. Inside that ring, he’s a freak. He’ll wittle me down. He’s got a gameplan. Hell, he’s probably got three gameplans. I’m making things up on the fly. He’s like me: he’s so fuckin’ good he doesn’t need to cheat, yet he does it anyway because if you can get away with it, why pass up having another thing to win with in the arsenal? Do you know how much I’ve tried to practice locking in submissions blindfolded in the event he takes that damn aerosol can and sprays me in the face?
Your hand is perfectly fine. I can’t even see a cut.
The camera opens on the AXW Undisputed Champion, Anthony Caffrey, finishing getting examined in the arena’s medical area. His hand is no longer bandaged.
ANTHONY CAFFREY
Thanks doc. Better safe than sorry.
DOCTOR
Good luck out there.
Caffrey’s face turns into a scowl.
CAFFREY
Luck? You think I need luck?
The old doctor sighs.
DOCTOR
It’s just an expression.
CAFFREY
You think I needed luck to win this?
Caffrey reaches back and grabs his AXW Undisputed Championship.
DOCTOR
Listen, I’m an impartial judge. I’m just here to do my job.
CAFFREY
You think I need luck?
The doctor ignores the question.
DOCTOR
Have a nice day Caffrey.
CAFFREY
Answer my question.
DOCTOR
You’ll do just fine.
CAFFREY
Don’t patronize me.
The doctor stops holding back.
DOCTOR
You retained because your friend Raymond tapped out.
CAFFREY
Yeah, I won.
DOCTOR
You also have Dunne in your corner. What’s his record now?
CAFFREY
You better hope the Nihilists and Team Viper don’t hurt him on Sunday. He’d hurt you if he heard that.
DOCTOR
I’m not saying you’re not talented. We’ve seen it. But objectively, it just looks like you have an added advantage because they can carry you to victory.
We can see Caffrey’s anger, but instead of doing anything harmful, he takes an extended deep breath.
CAFFREY
I see. Doc, can you do me a solid?
DOCTOR
What do you need?
CAFFREY
Can you check out my back?
DOCTOR
Is there something wrong with it?
CAFFREY
Check my back. Now.
Caffrey turns around and pulls up the back of his AVA t-shirt. The doctor, initially baffled, examines Caffrey's back.
DOCTOR
Your back is absolutely fine. Are we done here?
CAFFREY
Are you sure?
DOCTOR
Yes. It looks perfectly healthy. I don’t even know what you wanted me to look at, to be honest.
CAFFREY
I’ve been experiencing back pain lately.
DOCTOR
For a man in your profession, that is---
CAFFREY
My back has been hurting from carrying AXW on it for four straight months.
Caffrey smiles his sinister smile.
CAFFREY
I took AXW and turned it upside down. I revolutionized it. I took it out of the underground and brought it into the mainstream where now not only are we direct competitors to the AWF, we're better than them. I’ve been carrying the AXW on my back since I arrived, and now AXW officials are trying to hand some scrub a shot at taking what’s mine. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am today, and now some putz is gonna wait around for my back to give out so he can swoop in and take my title like a vulture.
DOCTOR
What does this have to do---
CAFFREY
I wanted them, you, and Card to see my back. It’s stronger than ever and will be carrying my company into 2020. Chris Card thinks I should be worried that he’s going to break this back with his clutch. I don’t fucking think so. I’ve carried doubters, haters, and ingrates on this thing since the moment I first won a World Championship years ago. Every single company I go, all over the world, I take over. I rise to the top every single time because I’m too damn good at what I do. I call myself an emperor because I don’t just conquer opponents. I conquer companies. After Sunday, I’ll be well on my way to the top of the XHF. I hope I answered my question for you.
Caffrey spits on the ground at the doctor’s feet. He begins making his way towards the door and down the hall. The cameraman begins to follow him.
DOCTOR
I think you’ll beat Card.
Caffrey seems genuinely surprised. He has not gotten too far down the hall. He stops in his tracks.
CAFFREY
What?
DOCTOR
I think you’ll beat Card. Is that so hard to believe?
CAFFREY
I mean---
DOCTOR
I’m not alone. I’m surprised your people haven’t shown you the fan forums. I’m excited to see if you'll roast your “doubters” like you’ve done in the past.
Caffrey is taken aback at the… kindness.
DOCTOR
May I offer you a word of advice?
CAFFREY
Umm… yeah, sure. Whatcha got?
DOCTOR
Stop thinking the whole world’s out to get you. It’s a double main event for a reason: you earned it.
Caffrey looks down for a few moments to really absorb the doctor’s words. He nods a few times to himself, before looking back up.
CAFFREY
Uh… thanks.
DOCTOR
Now stop ripping apart posters and get out of here.
Caffrey looks down the hall. There are at least three posters in eyeshot that are missing the Barratt vs. Diamond match. He turns a light shade of red and awkwardly scratches behind his ear.
CAFFREY
You want me to sign something for you? Maybe even sign something for your kids, if you have any?
DOCTOR
Oh please. I’m a fan of yours, but I would never let my children root for a man who prides himself on being an asshole.
The doctor laughs. Caffrey shakes his head and smiles.
CAFFREY
You got me there.
The doctor waves Caffrey goodbye.
DOCTOR
Take care.
CAFFREY
You too.
Caffrey sticks his uninjured hands in his pockets and heads toward the parking lot. He does not put on his headphones this time.
On his way to his car, Caffrey spots two backstage technicians. One is holding a very large frame.
TECHNICIAN
Where I am supposed to put this thing?
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Up your ass and to the left.
TECHNICIAN
Not helpful.
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Ask the commissioner.
Caffrey’s ears perk up. His curiosity gets the better of him.
CAFFREY
What’s in the frame, guys?
TECHNICIAN
Oh, this? Barratt had this ordered. I think it’s for the tribute.
The technician shows Caffrey what it is: a framed picture of Bobby Barrett’s former lover. It’s an excellent photo of her, and she looks absolutely beautiful.
CAFFREY
Is that Ms. Card? I would’ve thought she was too busy preparing for the pity fuck she’s gonna give Christopher in Diamond’s hotel after he loses. I didn’t think she had time to pose for a photo!
One of the technicians stops what he’s doing and looks at Caffrey disapprovingly.
TECHNICIAN
No, this is Jenny. I think Barratt used to see her. Isn’t she pretty?
SECOND TECHNICIAN
Yep. Damn shame what happened to her.
Caffrey doesn’t care. He can’t help but make a comment.
CAFFREY
Eh, he could've done better.
The two technicians are quick to hate the champion as he comments on the appearance of a dead woman.
TECHNICIAN
Get the hell out of here!
SECOND TECHNICIAN
What’s wrong with you?
Caffrey is already leaving, having gotten what he wanted.
CAFFREY
Lots of things. Take care.
Caffrey snickers to himself as he keeps walking. He passes by the same guard who wouldn’t let him in earlier. Caffrey points to his face and shouts to the guard as he walks to his car.
CAFFREY
You gonna recognize this face on Sunday?
The guard yells right back.
GUARD
If you show ID!
Caffrey rolls his eyes and snickers to himself.
CAFFREY
Jackass.
The champion makes it to his rental car. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his keys, but notices his pockets are a little light. He pats himself looking for something and empties his pockets onto the trunk of his car. He’s missing his phone.
CAFFREY
Shit!
Caffrey reloads his pockets and makes his way back inside. The guard attempts to stop him.
GUARD
Do you have ID?
Caffrey flicks his wallet out with one fluid moment and uses his other hand to flip off the guard as he keeps walking.
Soon enough, he makes it back to the doctor’s office. Embarrassed, he knocks on the door. The doctor opens up with a smile.
DOCTOR
Forget something?
The doctor waves Caffrey’s cellphone at him. Caffrey shakes his head and takes his phone back, shoving it into his pocket.
CAFFREY
Thanks again.
The doctor nods and begins to shut his door to return to his work. Caffrey stops him.
CAFFREY
Hold up a second.
The doctor leaves the door open. Caffrey looks down and bites his lip for a few seconds, thinking hard.
DOCTOR
Yes?
CAFFREY
I wanted to talk about that “the world is out to get you” comment.
DOCTOR
Go on.
Caffrey speaks a little softer than normal.
CAFFREY
I’m like that because that’s how it’s always been. I’m not used to getting respect because I’ve never gotten it before. I talk about going all over the world and conquering companies, but as it turns out, the disrespect is what drives me. Everytime I show up to a new company, I get treated like it’s my first day in the industry. Hell, just look at my first match. Anomoly didn’t take me seriously right up to the point I almost broke his collarbone.
Caffrey shakes his head in disbelief. It seems like he can’t believe the words that are coming out of his mouth.
CAFFREY
It’s the industry, man. I’ve been fighting the disrespect for a long time. Hell, I used to literally be called The Philadelphia Phighter. I stopped because of too many cheesesteak jokes, but the heart of it remains: everywhere I go, people overlook me. They treat me like a flash in the pan. I could spit out accomplishments and achievements until I’m blue in the face, but no one cares. People tell me I’m bad, I suck, I’m lucky, it’s all a fluke, it’s fixed. It wears on you. That’s just what you hear in the back. That’s not even before you get on camera, or before you go out in front of overly-opinionated assholes all over the world.
Caffrey points over his shoulder and behind him, indicating the fans. He puts a hand on his championship.
CAFFREY
This thing right here’s the key to silencing the doubters and the haters. I am so used to the chase for this thing, the barking, the scratching and clawing, the fighting your way to the top. I’ve always believed that becoming champion is the easiest way to prove people wrong. I've become champion, but I still get disrespect. That's alright. Kanyon’s my next challenger, and I’ll be fine against him, he’s already spewing plenty of stupid bullshit. But Card?
Caffrey runs his hands through his hair.
CAFFREY
Card isn’t disrespecting me. He’s actually giving me respect.
Caffrey laughs.
CAFFREY
Granted, it’s super backhanded. The guy pretends he does things for the fans, but he’s still an asshole just like me. He’s also doing it because he wants me to return the favor. He wants me to talk him up, to feed his ego. He wants me to acknowledge that he’s a world champion in his own right. He wants me to say that he’s one of the best wrestlers in the AWF, and in fact, all of the XHF. To top it, he wants me to acknowledge that his holds are just as good as mine, if not better.
Caffrey scratches his head and looks down. He speaks a little faster.
CAFFREY
The frightening thing is… all of that’s true. While I hate his suits, his stupid monogrammed toys, his yacht, and that pretty little wife of his, there’s no denying it. Inside that ring, he’s a freak. He’ll wittle me down. He’s got a gameplan. Hell, he’s probably got three gameplans. I’m making things up on the fly. He’s like me: he’s so fuckin’ good he doesn’t need to cheat, yet he does it anyway because if you can get away with it, why pass up having another thing to win with in the arsenal? Do you know how much I’ve tried to practice locking in submissions blindfolded in the event he takes that damn aerosol can and sprays me in the face?
Caffrey buries his head into his hand. He tries to take another deep breath to calm down.
CAFFREY
He is basically me. He claims to be a smidge better than me, I claim to be a smidge better than him. We both paint masterpieces, it’s time to see which one goes for more at auction. We find out Sunday, and you know, doc, I’m nervous. I’m more nervous than I was during the finals of the Scorpion Classic. This is my match. This is my opportunity. The entire XHF will be watching on Sunday. It’s non-title, but something bigger’s at stake: my standing, my reputation. I thought that becoming world champion would boost my starpower, but this match could do me even better. This Sunday has the chance to absolutely make me as one of the biggest stars here, or absolutely break me, and all I’ve been able to do is worry about whether or not I can do this. The only thing that’s helped me so far is standing in that ring, and this Sunday I have to just trust that my instincts can carry me. I have to close my eyes when that music hits and turn on the focus, turn on the attitude, and hope to God I can outwrestle Card long enough to close out the victory.
Caffrey looks back down and runs his hands over his face.
DOCTOR
So do you think you can do it?
Caffrey bites his lip and looks up at the doctor.
CAFFREY
Honestly, I could use the luck.
Strangely enough, the doctor laughs. Caffrey is confused.
CAFFREY
What’s so funny?
DOCTOR
Check your phone. I’m sorry I looked. I have to get back to work, but I think you’ll find something a little better than luck.
Caffrey goes to ask what the doctor means, but the old doctor shuts his door. He pulls out his phone and the cameraman quickly moves behind Caffrey to try to capture what’s on his phone.
Caffrey doesn’t do a good job of hiding his phone, and we can see his text messages. The conversation second from the top is with James Raymond. Caffrey is the last person to have texted.
CAFFREY’S TEXT
You got my back?
There is no response from Raymond. Caffrey mutters.
CAFFREY
Why does he never respond?
However, right above the conversation with Raymond, there is a conversation with Dunne. Caffrey opens the conversation, noticing that Dunne has sent him a new text. The camera catches the bottom of the conversation, highlighting Dunne’s new response.
DUNNE'S TEXT
Of course.
Caffrey clutches his phone and breathes a huge sigh of relief. He takes another deep breath and laughs a happy laugh at the news. He turns and looks back at the camera as he begins to leave again.
CAFFREY
Good luck, Christopher.
Caffrey smiles his sinister smile one last time.
CAFFREY
You’re going to need it.
The camera fades to black.
