time: tuesday evening

day: july twenty-ninth

place: Tampa Bay General Hospital

(I've never liked the smell of hospitals.)

(Granted, I've seen and smelled my fair share, but it always brings me nauseous feeling. The scene is straight out of an episode of ER - I find my older brother and PWA Commissioner on his knees, near the head of the hospital bed that my younger brother lies in. He's asleep, and Joe is holding his right hand. Warren suffered a severe concussion and some broken ribs, but the doctors feel he'll pull through just fine judging by the neurological tests. We can only hope.)

(I'm standing in the doorway, black shirt and cargo shorts. I have a careless look on my face, but it hurts. It hurts to see your family lying in a hospital bed. People will pay.)

Matthew Engel: "Doctor says he should be fine... which is amazing considering he just got released only three weeks ago."

(Joe looks in my general direction, but turns away. His head is hung low, as if he's accepted defeat already.)

Joe BoXeR: "I'm going through with it."

Matthew Engel: "You told me you would think about it."

Joe BoXeR: "I have."

Matthew Engel: "I asked you ten minutes ago! I asked you to reconsider fighting Duff this week. I mean, a chairs only match? When was the last time you stepped in the ring?"

Joe BoXeR: "March Second of last year."

Matthew Engel: "Nearly a year and a half ago!"

Joe BoXeR: "It doesn't matter."

(I've gone from careless to angered. I don't need two brothers lying in the hospital.)

Matthew Engel: "Joe, I've told you.. we'll take care of it."

Joe BoXeR: "No.. no! I've seen what your organization does. You won't be doing anything, Matt. In fact, you'll be banned from ringside."

Matthew Engel: "Excuse me?"

(He stares me down.)

Joe BoXeR: "You're banned from ringside. That includes your MoA lackeys. That includes Darren Ridel himself. I will be handling this myself."

Matthew Engel: "Calm down. You can't possibly ban us from ringside. Who says we'll follow that?"

Joe BoXeR: "I do. Because if you don't, you won't be wrestling in the PWA anymore."

(I look down for a moment.)

Matthew Engel: "You're going to regret this, Joe. When you find yourself in a world of hurt, you're going to wish you had my help."



(Scenery change. The back of the MoA limo. Crown Royal on the rocks in my right hand. The camera is ready to go. I hit record.)

Matthew Engel: "Perhaps you would see the futility in your actions, Scott. I've put down two Straders, what makes you think I can't make it three? Think about that for awhile. I've got greatness and obedience at my disposal. You have Duff.

...

See what I mean?

But I get it, you two are fighting for something. You two are fighting for the lost of loved ones or the supposed lost.. does it kill you that your only friend faked his death and the death of his family while you have to suffer the actuality of your brother's death? That has to eat you up inside and drive you with envy and hatred. I know I would be filled with angst toward Duff if I were in your shoes. But it's not about what I would feel or do, it's about how you feel. What would you do, Scott? Next time you find yourself in Duff's company, twirl that around in that.. mind of yours. Try it on and see how it fits. You might find it a little uncomfortable."

(A casual sip.)

Matthew Engel:"But I could care less about your idle threats right now. You're absolutely right; I could be lying through my teeth. Maybe I had nothing to do with what happened to your brothers.

Maybe.

At any rate, it got you thinking again. That's a plus."

(A quiet chuckle. Might be the Crown.)

Matthew Engel: "Speaking of thinking again, how the hell are you Dustin? It's been a long time. I haven't talked to you in months... what have you been doing? You and I have to get the kids together again for a barbeque or somethin'. You know, I can remember the last time we faced each other in the ring like it happened yesterday. Do you recall? Or have the booz and the drugs taken its toll?

AJWF. April sixth. Steel Cage. I still haven't forgotten and I never will.

We have, or had, a great personal relationship. We've been best friends for a long time and I will always be there when you need me. But, on a professional level, I hate your guts. I truly do. At about that time, I made you my tag partner and gave you one half of the AOWF Tag Titles. I made you another AOWF champion, and you never had the decency to give. You would always take, take... but you could never give. Never. That was you in a nutshell to the public eye. You might have been a fan favorite, you might have been a legend, but you are a selfish son of a bitch.

Now, the real you.. a class act. A man I can sit down with, have a beer with, and talk forever with. But, it still amazes me to this day how much you change when there's a camera in your face."

(Oh, the irony. Another sip.)

Matthew Engel:"Yup... I remember our last meeting like it was yesterday. Instead of helping me as I was being mauled by someone who wasn't even in the goddamn match, you took the opportunity to exit. You left me in that cage to be beaten to a bloody pulp by Jamie Williams and Lex Demise. I was your friend, I was your partner. You turned your back on me, and I won't forget it.

We've had this conversation so many times. I have forgiven you, and I know why you did it. I would never bring this up if it was just me and you hanging out, but since we're trying to be professional here, I'm here telling you just how un-fucking-professional you really are.

But I guess it runs in the family. Your fuckwit of a brother did the same thing to me at AOWF Four. Oh, I remember that as well.

The point is.. while we remain friends and our family remains close, I despise you as a co-worker and professional. You've betrayed me. And now, once again, I finally get another chance to prove to you that I don't play second-fiddle to anyone, motherfucker."

(I stir my drink.)

Matthew Engel:"Yeah, didn't think I'd catch that little tidbit the last time you decided to show your face on the air, did you? I watched and couldn't help but feel sick to my stomach. It was hard to sit through that, quite honestly. You're gone for.. how many years? Two, three? The moment you come back, the moment you think you've freed yourself, you spit on the people that tried to support you. Who was there for you when you were at your worst a year and a half ago? I believe I was.

And you know what, that doesn't even matter.

This time, you're stepping into my domain. This time, you're stepping into a place that I've got by the balls. This time.. you're the underdog, not me. And it's going to continue to be that way. Yeah, sure, you were a PWA legend seven years ago, but that time has come and gone my friend. In this incarnation, you're second-rate until proven otherwise.

And your debut wasn't all that impressive. How did Flynn manage to get you and Raizzor at the same time, anyway? Sure, he pinned me, but it's not like he pinned me and a PWA veteran at the same time. Jesus fucking Christ.

What the hell happened to you? I just hope you can make this week for me worthwhile. I had off last week and now I'm well-rested and ready to go. Can you even last in the ring with me anymore?

You know what, don't answer that. Just don't. I don't want you to bore me to death with how much you think you're above this place and everyone in it, yet you've decided to make the PWA your last run.

I hear the AWF is hiring."

(A smirk.)

Matthew Engel: "And what's there to say about Gabe Shelley? He made a promising return to the PWA, and has not said a word since. He was immediately booked in the World Title match at Summer Sizzler, and has not said a word since. He is booked against two legendary wrestlers this week, and has not said a word since. Is anyone following the pattern here?

I'm surprised he hasn't gotten the pink slip already.

Seriously, though, this guy fought my younger brother Warren back in March I believe and he was just dominated by Warren. Pure domination. Shelley has yet to impress anyone in his monotonous tenure in the PWA. I don't even want to know what he did to garner a World Title shot.

But Warren made him tap like a bitch. Who do you think taught Warren what he knows about wrestling?

Jesus, you don't stand a chance and you don't even realize it.

I do not forgive.

I do not forget.

Mark, I'll see you at Summer Sizzler."

(fade.)