PRIDE - A film by Patrick Burton

Int. Fancy Restaurant -night
ERIC SEMEL is a 23 year old lean but muscled kid. He’s dressed in simple jeans and T-shirt. He’s sitting at a table by himself, drinking a beer.
An older man, KARL BURNSTEIN, age 40, wearing casual clothes,  walks in. He sees Eric and waves to him, taking a seat at the table. They shake hands. Eric doesn’t seem too thrilled.
karl
Hello Eric, it’s good to finally meet you face to face.
Eric nods.
karL (CONT’D)
I understand this is a difficult time for you. I’ve heard the gist from Martina and it’s one hell of a story.
Eric shrugs and nods.
KARL (CONT’D)
Good. Well then, would you like to start now or...
erIC
Whenever you’re ready.
Karl nods and pulls out a small TAPE RECORDER. He turns it on and speaks into it.
kaRL
04/28/04. Karl Burnstein interviewing  Eric Semel, promoter of the Extreme Wrestling Revolution, for Marquee Wrestling Magazine. 
Karl puts the tape recorder at the center of the table. Eric sits up straight and clears his throat.
kaRL (CONT’D)
Why don’t you start at the beginning?
eric
I’ve got a better idea.
Eric goes into his JACKET POCKET and pulls out his own small TAPE RECORDER.
eric (CONT’D)
I’ll start where it matters, so you can understand where I’m coming from.
Eric hits PLAY and the sounds of A CROWD CHEERING can be heard from the speakers. Eric puts his tape recorder next to Karl’s.
Int. St. Andrew’s Hall - detroit, michigan -NIGHT
FLASHBACK
ERIC SEMEL is wearing a T-shirt that reads “EWR - Extreme Wrestling Revolution” on the front and “Join the Revolution” on the back. He peeks through the backstage curtains. The fans are psyched for the event. Eric picks up a MICROPHONE. His voice is BOOMING as it echoes through the packed building.
Eric
(into microphone)
Stand by everyone, ten minutes remaining!
Eric sets the microphone down. The lights slowly DIM. The crowd CHEERS madly. 
Eric (V.O.)
This is what it’s all about. I always wonder if the big-time corporate suits actually sit back and listen to this anymore. This reaction, this is what I live for, this is what it’s all about.
Eric continues to take in the fans’ reaction. Each person seems to try and out-scream the other. Signs like “E.W.R. RULZ!” and the like, surround the ring. 
ERIC (CONT’D)
The cheers of the fans, the ooohs, the ahhhs...call it a drug, call it an obsession, call it whatever you want but when they’re chanting your name, whether it’s five or fifty thousand people, the feeling is always the same. It’s the only time in my life when I truly feel alive.
Eric pauses and continues to take in the crowd, both upstairs and down. The crowd starts chanting “NATHAN, NATHAN!”
ERIC (V.O.)
From being nobody to being here, all in one year. A crazy roller coaster full of ups and downs that never seemed to end. 
(beat)
Of course, like all rides, it started at the bottom...
Int. Bowling alley -night
FLASHBACK. INSERT TEXT: “ONE YEAR AGO”
Eric is a maintenance worker at a bowling alley. He’s scrubbing TOILETS in the public men’s washroom. He’s pulling out a huge ugly HAIRBALL clog. Eric pushes his WORK-CART towards the bathroom door. 
THREE DRUNK GUYS push it open and hit the cart HARD, knocking the cleaners off and onto the floor. One of the drunks kicks a BOTTLE OF WINDEX across the bathroom floor. All three laugh and go into the PRIVATE STALLS. Eric fumes on the inside.
drunk1
Hey Martha Stewart, don’t forget the grout!
Eric sighs and shakes his head, bending over to get his cleaners.
Int. bowling alley -night
Eric is dressed in normal clothes and ready to leave. He goes to the bar. There are a few customers at the bar, where DANIELLE is serving as a bartender. She’s 22.
eric
Come on Danie. We’re going to be late.
Danielle looks at the clock. She’s shocked at how late it is and calls the front desk.
daniELLE
Melissa, I’m leaving. I don’t care if Kelly isn’t here yet, I’m going to be late, send the maintenance guy. 

Danielle hangs up. She and Eric kiss and go arm-in-arm out of the bar as the maintenance guy comes in.
int. HAMBRICK ARENA -night
The arena has filled half of the 170 chairs set up for the wrestling show. A sign above reads, “NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING”.
Eric is alone in the bathroom, the lights are dim. He’s getting dressed in his wrestling attire and gets his wrists and ankles taped up. He loosens up as he looks into a MIRROR. 
From the mirror, he watches Danielle dressed in tight sparkling shorts and halter top, walk by. She goes into an office. The name “A. D’Amatto” is on the door.
Eric scowls, then goes to strike the mirror, but lowers his hand. He sighs and walks out to where the other wrestlers are backstage.
Int. Hambrick Arena -NIGHT
In the ring, THOMAS and GREG are wrestling before a fold-out TABLE covered in BARBED-WIRE. Thomas and Greg are in their mid 20’s, long hair, dressed in army fatigues, both beating each other senseless.
There are 3 other tables wrapped in barbed-wire that surround the ring. The crowd is chanting “BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD!” as both bloody wrestlers fight.
Backstage, Eric loosens up some more and walks to the curtain. Thomas grabs Greg and sets him up for a DDT onto a CHAIR. He looks to the crowd with a smirk, they CHEER.
eric (V.O.)
I’d been wrestling for a year and a half, graduating from The House of Truth in my hometown of Detroit, Michigan, where I did almost all of my work. 
Eric looks out. Both guys go back and forth a moment, then Thomas REVERSES THE MOVE and nails Greg with a DDT onto the chair. The crowd CHEERS. Eric FLINCHES but SMIRKS..
eric (CONT’D)
I wrestled mostly in the mid-west but have gone as far south as Texas for a few shows. 
Eric looks around at the sparse crowd. They CHEER madly, but it still sounds empty. He tries to smile but it quickly turns into a frown.
eric (CONT’D)
Wrestling has been in my blood ever since my mom took me to see Wrestlemania. Even though I can barely remember being there, I knew from that moment that this was something I just had to do.
Thomas runs off the ropes and drops a HUGE LEGDROP on Greg, then covers him for a 2 COUNT. Eric nods his approval, a smile now on his face and goes back with the other wrestlers.
Nathan “BIG TIME” BURKE is 25 years old, huge, muscular guy sporting a bald head and goatee. He walks over to Eric.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Hey, Eric. Where you been? You’re late.
EriC
I got here a little late, then “The Asshole” wanted to tell me personally that he wanted Shawn and I to break up and start a feud.
Nathan
What? But you and Shawn have been tagging for three months...that makes no sense. Who’s going heel?
ERIC
I am. After Shawn saves Danielle from Darren running around the ring to get her, I’m going to lose the match, then my temper and I’m going to attack Shawn...
Nathan
Then Shawn and Danielle are together against you?
Eric
(shrugs)
Yeah. He just wanted to put Danielle with Shawn, a few more cheers later and he goes after the belt...and to get her away from me.
NATHAN
You know that for sure?
Eric shrugs. Nathan says nothing.
NATHAN
Where’s Shawn?
Eric
Probably in the back nailing Melissa.
Nathan
Ahh, he brought the wife with him? Usually she doesn’t come around. 
(pause)
Well, at least you can do those weirdo gimmicks you like...ever think of acting instead?
Eric
(snickers)
Hell no. I don’t have nearly enough money to buy the snow necessary to coke myself up for every shoot.
Nathan LAUGHS. They both head for the curtain.
eriC (v.O.)
Nathan Burke was my first and best friend inside the biz, wrestling for a little over four years. He was a main draw around the independents, one of the best young bad guys, known as “heels”, in the game today.
Nathan looks out to the match, he nods, as if evaluating it. Eric looks around the locker room and his eyes briefly glance at DARREN, a 19 year old skinny kid who looks like he has no business in the ring. 
eric (CONT’D)
Besides, Darren probably has every dealer on speed dial. Even if I wanted some, they’d probably be all out.
Nathan turns from the curtain and CHUCKLES, shaking his head at Eric. Eric shrugs and CHUCKLES too. Nathan goes back to watching the match.
eric (v.o.)
He lived the proverbial “wrestling life”, touring the countryside to wrestle all over, living in his black Thunderbird to cut costs.
Nathan watches Greg get the upper hand on Thomas, then sets him up and SUPLEXES Thomas through a barbed-wire wrapped table that is braced in the corner. Thomas’ hair gets tangled in the barbed-wire.
Nathan
Ooooo...that’s going to hurt come winter.
Eric looks through the curtain. He GRIMACES.
Eric
Jesus Christ, Greg. Let him get up.
(shakes head)
Didn’t D’Amatto realize Thomas’ hair is way too long for a barbed-wire tables match?
Nathan
Probably counting on it. But those two are nuts anyway. Thomas is probably enjoying it.
Eric shakes his head and steps away from the curtain, still loosening up.
Nathan
OH DAMN! HE IS NOT!!
All of the wrestlers gather around the curtain to see. Shawn walks in, sees the commotion at the curtain and goes to it. SHAWN SHIRELAND is a tall, lean, good looking, muscled 27 year old.
Thomas puts Greg through another table with a top-rope reversal SUPLEX. The crowd roars in approval. Everyone watching in the back goes “ooohhhhh!”. Thomas then pins Greg and wins. The crowd CHEERS like crazy.
Nathan
Listen to that crowd. 
(looks to the roster)
My friends! That is what it’s all about right there.
They all agree. Eric then frowns and looks to Shawn.
eriC
Shawn, our match is going to be so dead.
Shawn nods. 
ANTONIO D’AMATTO walks out from around the corner. He’s in his 40’s, dressed in sporty Italian wear, like he’s compensating for his age. Behind him is Danielle. 
eRIC (V.O.)
Antonio Vincent D’Amatto II is this territory’s version of Vince McMahon. He’s got his fingers all over the different promotions around Michigan, runs his own, and those he doesn’t, don’t last more than a few months. 
Behind her are GEORGE and OZ, big, husky Italians in their mid 30’s, dressed in the same style as D’Amatto. D’Amatto speaks to a few of the wrestlers personally before addressing everyone.
ERIC (v.o)
Toni bought his father’s North American Championship Wrestling fed when he was in his thirties and has been trying to build his family’s stake in the Michigan area again. They were considered kings in the ‘70s...
Behind them are PAUL AND FRANCINE D’AMATTO, Antonio’s son and daughter, age 10 and 5. The roster stands around Toni. He prepares to address them. Eric notices Paul and Francine. They exchange a quiet nod in greeting.
eriC (v.O.)
....and it’s been like that for over thirty years.
D’AMatto
Alright everyone. Skull-Crusher is a last minute no show. 
(looks to Nathan)
Porthos, you’re going in a three way instead, with the belt on the line.
Nathan nods. Thomas walks in through the curtain, bloody and beaten and missing some hair. He has a big smile on his face. Everyone greets him, including Eric’s next opponents, Darren and MICHAEL. MICHAEL is a mammoth sized man in his mid 20s. He is dressed in Russian-Communist wrestling clothes.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Thomas, great job. You think you can go out there again for the main event?
Thomas nods and smiles, blood running down his face.
Thomas
Sure thing, boss. Let me just clean up. 
D’Amatto slaps Thomas on the back as he walks by and goes to the bathroom. 
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
(to Eric)
Aramis, change of plans. You’re going to take a chair shot and go down, then you can break up. Alright?
ERIC
What?! I thought Michael was taking the DQ from me.
D’AMATTO
Mike’s got to go to Philly tomorrow, can’t be banged up too much. You’re going down to it instead.
Eric looks over at Michael. He grits his teeth.
ERIC
Do you want me to blade?
D’AMATTO
(nods)
No aspirin, I don’t want you bleeding like a pig out there. They need a rest.
Danielle walks over to Eric, gives him a quick kiss. She looks to D’Amatto. Eric stares at Danielle suspiciously. He scowls and nods reluctantly to D’Amatto.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Oh, Darren, try and go through a table square this time if you decide to use one. I couldn’t afford an EMT.
darrEN
(snickers and nods)
Sure thing, boss.
Greg is escorted to the back by the ref. He stops selling most the pain from the match. Everyone pats him on the back as he walks to the bathroom. D’Amatto goes to pat him on the back, but stops, a bit disgusted. 
Francine stares at him wide-eyed. D’Amatto doesn’t seem to notice or care about his children’s looks. Greg walks to the bathroom.
Thomas comes out, his forehead BANDAGED. He sees Greg and they both greet each other with a laugh as they go into the bathroom. 
The bell RINGS. The announcer can be heard giving the details for the match. D’Amatto addresses Eric, Danielle, Shawn, Michael and Darren. 
d’aMATTO
Have a good match you guys, I’ve got to make some calls.
Paul and Francine wish them luck. D’Amatto and the group walk away. D’Amatto’s CELL PHONE rings, he answers it. Eric hears him talking about a “Reinforced Metal Tables Match” to someone on the other end. The D’Amatto group exits.
Nathan
(to Shawn)
Hey Sucky Shireland, I hear you want my belt.
Eric snaps back to the scene.
shaWN
You wait, bitch. That gold is mine in two months.
Nathan, Shawn and Eric all LAUGH.
Eric (V.O.)
Shawn Shireland was a six year veteran in the ring, training Nathan which led to them becoming close friends. 
Nathan roughhouses briefly with Shawn.
eric (v.O.)
He was as good as they came, one of the best technical wrestlers I knew. I would put any money on him to hang with any of the big time stars in the ring.
Nathan goes about to fire everyone up even more. Darren and Michael slap hands with Eric and Shawn.
eric (CONT’D)
Unofficially, we were called The Three Musketeers when we all worked the same show. As usual, the wit of our friends backstage was always sharp. Nevertheless, it stuck.
Russian-sounding music can be heard through the SPEAKERS. Darren and Michael step towards the curtain and stop, getting ready to make their entrance. Darren and Michael go through the curtain, the Announcer ANNOUNCES their team name as “H.O.R.E.” The crowd BOOS.
The theme music changes to very upbeat rock.. The Announcer ANNOUNCES them as “Striking Shawn Shireland, Showtime Eric Semel and Kira”.
Eric goes to walk through the curtains but Nathan playfully kicks at his feet, tripping him up. Eric turns around, seeing Nathan give him a big playful grin.
erIC
I hate you so much.
Nathan
Knock’em dead.
Eric, Shawn and Danielle all go to the ring to the sound of the crowd’s CHEERS. 
The match starts, high power moves for Michael then some high-flying moves from Shawn and Eric. Then it’s down to good old MAT WRESTLING, with which Darren has obvious difficulty.
With Eric and Michael the legal men...Darren suddenly runs at Shawn, sets him up for a TABLE DIVE and HITS IT from the tope rope to the outside. The crowd starts to get into the match.
Shawn hurts his KNEE. Darren throws a CHAIR into the ring behind the referee’s back. Darren chases Danielle around the ring.
Eric goes between the ropes at the turnbuckle to “save” Danielle, grabs a tiny RAZOR and cuts his forehead. WHAM! MASSIVE chair shot by Michael on Eric in the ring. 1-2-3 they lose. 
Darren and Michael leave the ring. Shawn limps into the ring with Danielle and check on Eric. He’s very BLOODY.
Shawn and Danielle help Eric to his feet. He gives them both “the Middle finger” and a few nasty words. Eric staggers off to the back by himself, holding his head. The crowd boos Eric.
NathAN
Yo, dude. You okay? You took that really...
Eric collapses before them. Nathan screams for help.
int. HAMBRICK ARENA -night
Eric is startled-awakened from SMELLING SALTS. He’s lying on a BENCH. His head is BANDAGED. Nathan, Shawn and Paul are standing over him, Oz giving him the salt. Nathan looks like he just finished his match.
ShawN
Damn, finally. Don’t pass out on us again.
EriC
Huh?
Oz
You woke up but went right out twice. You don’t remember?
Eric slowly sits up, holding his head. 
ERIC
Um, no.
paUL
That was one HELL of a chair shot, Eric. Frankie almost started crying. 
erIC
Shi...shoot, I’m sorry. Go tell Frankie I’m okay...and your dad too.
Paul nods and shakes Eric’s hand, then leaves with Oz.
shAWN
Mike! He’s awake! Finally!
Darren and Michael walk over to them, in normal clothes.
MichaeL
Damn guy! I didn’t think I hit you THAT hard! I’m so sorry.
EriC
Well, you did.
Darren
You going to be okay?
eriC
Probably not, but don’t worry about it, I shouldn’t have taken it so square. Nothing that a few beers won’t fix.
They all laugh. Darren and Michael shake his hand.
MichaeL
Alright, if you got a problem though, call me okay?
ERIC
Sure. I’ll be okay, man. Thanks though.
michael
I’ve got some Vicodin if you want it. Whole bottles in my bag, ten 750’s for 20 bucks.
ERIC
Nah, it’s really not that bad.
Nathan
I’ll take a bottle.
mikE
Sure champ.
Michael and Nathan exchange MONEY and PRESCRIPTION PILLS - VICODIN. Nathan thanks Michael. Darren and Mike exit. Eric, Shawn and Nathan are the only three left in the locker room.
eric
You don’t need those, Nate.
nathAN
Hey, the guys are stiff in San Jose...
eric
Bad excuse. 
BLOOD begins to DRIP from the bandage. Eric brings a hand up to his forehead and feels the blood. He SIGHS.
shAWN
(to Shawn)
Get me some crazy glue please?
Shawn goes into his GYMBAG and pulls out a small container of CRAZY GLUE. 
shaWN
You sure you don’t want to go to the hospital or something?
Shawn pulls off the bandage and APPLIES a few drops to the cut.
ERIC
I don’t have a concussion, I’ve had enough to know what they feel like.
SHAWN
Are you...
ERIC
Yes, I’m fine.
Shawn shrugs and puts the crazy glue away.
SHAWN
Whatever you say.
ERIC
Where’s Danielle?
shawN
She said she was going to go back to the apartment and fix it up so you’ll be comfortable when you get home.
NAthaN
My job, of course.
ERIC
Yeah, right. 
Nathan
Damn man, if she’s so bad, why do you still let her live at your apartment?
Eric shrugs.
Nathan
Look, either marry her or kick her out and stop this soap opera fast before I hurt you.
ERIC
Yeah, I’ll get to that. How was the match?
Nathan
They’re still calling me champ, aren’t they?
ERIC
Nice. Did you use the double leg drop from the top like I said?
Nathan
(nods)
They ate it up like pudding. I think I’ll use it when I’m in three-ways from now on.
ERIC
Go ahead, at least someone will use it.
(to Shawn)
How did we go over?
Shawn is tight lipped, reluctant to say anything.
ERIC
Well?
SHAWN
They...well...
ERIC
They fell asleep didn’t they?
sHAWN
Umm...yeah. But they popped for the shot.
ERIC
Aww, who cares? I hate having to shock the crowd to get a reaction. 
(sighs)
How’s the knee?
SHAWN
Shot again, but some ice, a hot bath and some loving from the wife will put it to ease.
Eric shakes his head from the ringing in his ears.
ERIC
Will someone pick up the phone, please?
Both Shawn and Nathan laugh, then suddenly they HEAR a PHONE RING. They both look at each other in shock. Eric breaks out laughing hysterically.
Nathan
How did you do that??
ERIC
I have no idea! My ears are ringing.
Nathan punches Eric in the arm. All three of them laugh.
Nathan
Go pick up your money before I hurt you.
Eric nods. He sticks the bandage back over the cut, picks up his bag and leaves.
int. HAMBRICK ARENA -MOMENTS LATER
Eric walks into D’AMATTO’S OFFICE, which looks like it could belong to an accountant.
Francine is sitting on D’Amatto’s lap, enjoying her by listening to her talk about wrestling. Paul stands against the wall and watches. There is a large pile of money on the table, flanked by George and Oz. 
fraNCINE
Eric!
Francine jumps off D’Amatto’s knee and goes to Eric and hugs him.
ERIC
Hey there, cutie. I’m okay, don’t worry. It’s all fake, remember?
FRANCINE
Yeah, but still...
eric
No worries. I’m up and walking and I’m fine. Okay?
FRANCINE
Okay.
Francine hugs him again. Eric puts her down. She goes back to D’Amatto and stands next to him.
d’AMATTO
Good to see you’re walking around, Eric. 
(CHUCKLES)
You bled a little much though.
eric
(CHUCKLES)
Blame that on good circulation, Toni. Where’s my money?
D’AMATTO
Yeah, listen Eric...
ERIC
Damn Toni, I really need the money this month for the rent, don’t be messing with me again.
D’AMATTO
Hey, listen, I have expensive indie talent to pay. Without them, there is no NACW. 
ERIC
You mean like reliable workers like Skull-Crusher? Christ, that’s another 400 bucks you just flushed down the toilet for that half-up-front crap that no-show always pulls.
d’AMATTO
Hey, watch the language, not around the kids. Oz, take Frankie and Paul outside a minute please?
paul
Dad, don’t do this. 
Eric looks a little nervous. D’Amatto tries to look innocent.
D’AMATTO
What? I’m not going to hurt him. Who puts these crazy ideas in your head, your mom? Just go outside with your uncle Ozzie, this will take a second.
Paul doesn’t seem to buy the look. Oz leaves with both kids.
D’AMATTO
I’m sorry. Look, I gave Danie her money. Next month, Red Bull owes me a few, I promise you’ll get paid and an extra half of what I owe you.
ERIC
I haven’t been paid for a match since January! You owe me over a hundred bucks!
D’Amatto slams his fist down and jumps out of his chair.
D’AMATTO
I don’t tell you how to scrub toilets at the pool hall, don’t tell me how to do my job! People like Skullcrusher have FAMILIES, like I do, mouths to feed, you don’t. I pay him willingly because I know in the end, it means food on the table for his three sons.
Eric looks over at George, CRACKING his knuckles.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
You’ll just take the money and blow it on drugs and alcohol and live it up in your “wrestling lifestyle”. You don’t need money, all you need is to look good in front of the scouts. THAT is where your paydirt SHOULD come from, not from me.
Eric looks down at the money and scowls. He turns and goes to leave. 
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Hey Eric.
Eric turns around. D’Amatto gets up in his face.
D’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Don’t you ever raise your voice at me again or I’ll make sure you’ll have to know a foreign language to work, foreign as in Japanese. The Mid-West is my turf and everyone listens to me.
(calms down)
Now, I’m going to forget this ever happened. I’ll see you in three weeks.
Eric nods.
D’AMATTO
Good. Tell Danie she did a good job tonight.
Eric turns and leaves. He sees Paul and Francine just outside the door. He winks at Francine and SLAPS Paul’s hand as he passes. 
Ext. HAMBRICK ARENA -NIGHT
Nathan’s CAR is idling outside, an old black Thunderbird that’s been rebuilt and looks great. Nathan’s inside. Shawn outside with his wife MELISSA. Melissa is 24. They are hugging each other and giggling. 
Nathan looks out the window and sees them together, he sighs and pops a VICODIN and looks away.
Eric walks out from the arena with his BAG. Some fans try to get an autograph from him but he ignores them. Feeling bad, he turns and apologizes, signs the autographs, then continues on his way to the car.
ShaWN
Don’t wait up, he looks pissed.
Melissa
Okay babe, don’t drink too much. I don’t want you staggering and hurting your leg any more than it is.
SHAWN
(smirks)
Oooo...but then how will I ever numb the pain?
MELISSA
(smirks)
I can think of a few ways, if you’re not too wasted.
SHAWN
Hmmm....touche. Okay, four beer minimum...I mean maximum.
Melissa SNICKERS. They kiss. Melissa leaves, waving to Eric. Eric waves back then gets in the car with Shawn.
Nathan
You didn’t get paid again, did you?
eriC
Just drive and get me away from this place, please...drugs and alcohol lifestyle, that son of a...
Nathan
What was the excuse this time?
Eric shuts the door. Nathan drives off.
ERIC
Once again, no shows took my money...and he thinks I’m going to drink and snort his profits away.
Nathan
When did you change your name to Darren? 
ERIC
Did you guys get paid?
Nathan and Shawn say nothing. Eric nods, as if expecting it.
ErIC (CONT’D)
Home, Nate. Then it’s beer time.
Nathan nods and speeds off down the street.
int. Eric’s apartment -NIGHT
Eric walks in. He lives in a 1 1/2 room apartment. The SOFA-BED is out, everything looks clean. Danielle comes from the kitchen, sees him. She kisses him and hugs him.
dANIELLE
You okay? I was worried.
Eric
Yeah, I’m fine.
DANIELLE
Everything is ready for you to get into. The bath is waiting for you and everything...
Eric
Actually, Nathan and Shawn are waiting for me downstairs, just came to change my shirt. I’m going to Kilger’s, I’ll be back in a few.
DANIELLE
I see.
(tersely)
Alright.
Danielle walks back into the kitchen. Eric walks over to a NIGHT-TABLE and pulls out a new shirt.
daNIELLE (CONT’D)
You didn’t get paid again, did you?
eric
What’s to bitch about? You did.
DANIELLE
Damn it Eric, how could you let him do that to you again?
ErIC
I don’t know, I seem to be one of those guys who’s so walk-overable. Why don’t you talk to him about it? He never forgets your money.
DANIELLE
What the are you trying to say? Are you calling me a slut?
Eric shrugs and puts on the new shirt.
DANIELLE
Jesus Eric! I can’t pay for everything on my bartending cheque! I do what I have to, to pay the bills but I have NEVER slept with D’Amatto. You know, if you could actually show up to work for a full week, we wouldn’t have these problems in the first place.
ERIC
Excuse me while I do jumping jacks for all of the great opportunities I get at hairball removal.
Eric heads for the door.
DANIELLE
Well, your stints as a wrestler are going nowhere, and you can’t live off of 60 dollars a month.
eRIC
I’ll get another job then.
DANIELLE
No you won’t! Not a real job, not if it interferes wrestling! It’s obvious all of those chair shots are starting to affect your head!
ErIC
Well, excuse me if life doesn’t work out like the movies do. If you don’t like it...
(opens the door)
...do what you have to do. 
Eric slams the door shut. Danielle SCREAMS and throws a vase. She goes to the PHONE and dials a number.
DANIELLE
Hello, Toni? Come pick me up, please? I’m SO sick and tired of him. I’ll wear that skirt you like. Thanks.
Danielle slams the phone done. She goes into the closet and pulls out her suitcase and starts packing.
int. kilger’s bar -NIGHT
The bar, a somewhat shady place, is nearly empty. Nathan, Eric and Shawn are sitting at their own table. They’ve been partying with beer and tequila.
There are SIX waitresses around their table. MARTINA is a 20 year old Italian waitress. Sitting next to her is NATALIE, 20 year old waitress. Martina is secretly paying special attention to Eric, using BRIEF looks.
NathAN
...and then I landed on both of them with a double leg drop off the top rope. Needless to say, it was all over.
NATALIE
Nate! Wow, that sounds crazy! 
nathAN
It was.
WaITRESS1
Don’t you go to San Jose tomorrow? Shouldn’t you go easier so you’ll be able to make the show?
Nathan
Nah, it’s all good.
(pours more beer)
I’ll get there by Tuesday, sleep in my car until Friday, then back home Saturday. Maybe I’ll get to stay at one of the other guy’s houses for a night too. Get to shower and stuff.
Martina
How much do you guys get paid for a show?
Eric
In my case, never.
MARTINA
What?
Nathan
He got screwed again. Independent promoters can be some of the nicest guys in the world, and can be some of the biggest assholes you can find. 
MARTINA
That’s horrible. You cut your head and you didn’t even get paid? Why do you put up with it?
EriC
Exposure. The scouts come around D’Amatto’s shows.
MARTINA
So you go to these shows in hopes that a scout will see you, while in the meantime you get screwed over with taking chair shots upside your head for free? Isn’t that, well, stupid?
erIC
Yeah. And to tell you the truth, I’d do it for free anyway. There’s just something about going out there and leaving people breathless with a great match. It’s just in my blood.
Martina furrows her brow in confusion.
ErIC (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, I can’t explain it any better than that. If you don’t understand, no words can do it justice. I hate D’Amatto more than actually doing the shows for free.
For a moment, everyone is silent. Nathan raises his glass to him.
Nathan
Amen, brother.
Eric and Shawn raise theirs. Martina and Natalie smile.
Nathan (CONT’D)
I’ll tell you what, if it wasn’t for D’Amatto owning this territory, I’d start up my own fed. One that wouldn’t screw you.
Natalie
Does he own Detroit or something?
ShaWN
The independent scene, yeah. He has ties in almost every fed in Michigan, mostly the ones centered around Metro-Detroit. All others get run out of town, unless he likes you.
WaiTRESS4
You guys make it sound like the mafia.
Nathan
I wouldn’t be surprised if that ass had mob ties.
EriC
Well, I know in my fed, I’d be sure that I’d pay everyone on time without playing favorites.
Nathan and Shawn raise their glasses to the statement.
Shawn (CONT’D)
I wouldn’t constantly book bloody matches and insane stunts. Going through tables is cool for the fans but getting repetitive...and painful.
ERIC
Yes! It would be good, old fashioned back-to-basics wrestling. Maybe a high-spot here and there and a foreign object to spice things up, but none of this “hardcore-outdo-the-next” match mentality that most sickos run around here.
Nathan
I’ll second that notion. Telling a story in the ring, it’s what we should be doing, mixing old school with new age. 
erIC
I’d like to see some kids in the audience once in a while too...people who want to look up to you rather than just see you as some kind of toy to watch do cartwheels through fire.
natALIE
You guys use fire?!
Nathan
Only once in a while, babe. Don’t worry about it.
Shawn looks at his watch.
ShawN
Well, I better be getting back to the wife.
Nathan
Don’t rub it in, lucky. See, this guy here, he’s got it good, he met his dream girl just as he started, and now they’re married. He doesn’t have to worry about that anymore.
SHAWN
(laughing)
Yeah, I guess I am lucky with that.
(to Eric)
You get invited to Tennessee in two weeks?
ErIC
To get my ass handed to me by Chris Sabin in front of 90 expected people.
SHAWN
Alright, I’ll see you two in two weeks then. I should have the layouts for our websites ready then.
(gets up)
Later everyone.
Everyone says “Bye Shawn” as he limps over to the public telephone to call for a taxi. Everyone but Natalie and Martina go to do their jobs. Martina slides in closer to Eric.
Martina
So, are you seeing anyone?
eriC
(surprised)
No.
Martina
Why not? There must be tons of women trying to get in your pants.
eRIC
Travel mostly. It’s tough.
Nathan
Definitely. That’s what I was talking about. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to keep a girl.
NATALIE
Awww, that’s so sad. Do you think you’ll ever find someone?
Nathan
I don’t know. I want to be a professional wrestler so bad, you know? I’ve given up so much and I really want my career set before I actually settle down one hundred percent.
NATALIE
Yes, I can totally relate. I want to be an actress so bad, but I don’t want people to date me because I’m famous, you know?
Nathan
(CHUCKLES SARCASTICALLY)
Oh yeah, totally.
Martina
So how do you guys travel?
eriC
Mostly in Nathan’s car.
NATALIE
Really? What do you drive?
Nathan looks over at Eric, he SMIRKS. Eric returns his look. “Boy that was easy” is written all over both their faces.
Nathan
Black Thunderbird. You two want to go see it?
ext. KILGER’S BAR -NIGHT
Nathan and Eric make out with Natalie and Martina, Nathan and Natalie in the front, Eric and Martina in the back. 
karl (v.O.)
Ummm...you think we should leave that part out?
SCENE FREEZES.
int. fANCY RESTAURANT -NIGHT
Eric thinks a moment, then nods in agreement.
eric
Yeah, I don’t think Marty would like that. Better strike the sex from the record.
karL
Done. Continue.
eric
Alright. Well, Nate and I woke up that morning, hung over and hurting like hell, as it usually was after a night working for NACW...
ext. KILGER’S BAR -MORNING
Nathan wakes up, goes into his BAG and pops a VICODIN. Eric begins to stir. They are both holding their heads, HANG-OVER CITY. Nathan turns to Eric.
Nathan
Oh, dude...put the animal away. She’s gone.
Nathan gets out of the car to take a piss. Eric looks down and notices his PANTS are down. He pulls them back up, noticing a NOTE sitting on his BOXERS.                        
“Call me when you get a chance - 313-764-9213 - Martina.” Eric smiles and pockets the note. He fastens his pants. Nathan gets back in and starts the car.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Damn, it’s 10 am. I should be on the road now.
EriC
Then take me home already.
Eric crawls into the front seat. Nathan drives off.
Nathan
Hey, how about instead of going home, you come to San Jose with me?
ERIC
Hmmm...I don’t know...
Nathan
I’ll talk with the promoter, maybe I can get you some work there. Put up the ring or something, worth ten...twenty bucks.
Eric
Well...
Nathan
Okay, let me just say this. You’ve got your bag and Danie is back home.
BEAT.
ERIC
You know, I’ve always wanted to see Cali at this time of the year.
Nathan
(smiles)
That’s the spirit. Mind making some breakfast?
Eric SIGHS and nods. He goes under his SEAT and pulls out a LOAF OF BREAD. He opens the GLOVER COMPARTMENT and pulls out a JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER.
ERIC
Knife isn’t here.
NATHAN
Sun visor.
Eric finds a KNIFE, FORK AND SPOON in his sun visor. He pulls out the knife and starts to makes sandwiches.
naThAN (CONT’D)
The loaf is a little old...
eriC
I see it, I see it.
Eric cuts off the MOLD from the corners of the bread and tosses it out of the window. He gives Nathan a sandwich and makes one for himself.
ERIC
How the hell did I get hooked up with her? What was I thinking?
Nathan
(re:sandwich)
You were thinking, “I’d like to nail her to the wall”...it’s what we all were thinking. We just didn’t know what kind of girl she really was.
ERIC
I’m just so tired of the lies, of the fighting. When she comes out with D’Amatto, she’s always says it’s a coincidence. I even SAW her go into his office last night.
Eric SIGHS and shakes his head, obviously fighting back tears. 
Nathan
Dude, she’s a ho, plain and simple, not worth the time. She was using you, let her gold dig someone with money for a change. She had us all blind for a little while. 
Eric stops making sandwiches. He covers his eyes and shakes his head, trying to hide his crying from Nathan.
NATHAn
You’ll be lucky when you get back home that she’s moved out. And you can quote me on that.
Eric nods, still hurt. He takes a breath and steadies himself. He goes into his pocket and pulls out Martina’s note and looks at it.
Nathan
What’s that?
erIC
That chick Martina...she left her number in my pants.
Nathan
You lucky ass. She was pretty hot.
ERIC
(nods)
What about that Natalie chick?
Nathan
Bah, she was just after my nuts. Which worked out nicely.
erIC
Oh. You immediately know, huh?
Nathan nods. They look to each other and CHUCKLE.
Eric
Damn, this spring weather is making us think. Punch the pedal before we write a book and get invited on Oprah.
Nathan LAUGHS and they speed down the street.
int. Marker’s Gym and Fitness Center -NIGHT
Nathan and Eric walk into the locker room with their BAGS. The roster is loosening up, stretching, taking a few pills, talking about their upcoming matches and possible moves.
nathAN
What’s up boys?
They all greet him “WHAT’S UP BIG TIME”, going back to loosening up. They look at Eric from the corner of their eye, warily. Eric looks a little nervous.
nathAN
Don’t worry about them, you’ll do fine. I’ll be back.
Eric nods to him. Nathan walks into RICK’S OFFICE. Eric sits on a BENCH. He feels uncomfortable with the roster looking at him. Nathan returns with RICK, a hugely muscled man in his mid 30’s.
Nathan
Eric, this is Rick. Rick, this is the genius I’ve been telling you about.
rick
Nice to finally meet you, Eric. Nathan is always talking about you and Shawn when he’s here.
(looks to Nathan)
Sometimes he won’t shut up.
Nathan
Shut up.
Rick
Well Eric, I’ll be frank. All of my boys are here tonight and I really don’t need you. But, I’ll tell you what, since Nathan has threatened to show me his balls if I don’t use you in some way, I’ll think of something. If you don’t mind getting paid only 15 bucks, it’s all I can afford.
eric
(nods)
I really wasn’t expecting anything, Rick. But if you need me, I’ll be ready.
Rick
Cool. I’ve got to go finish booking the matches. I’ll see you guys later.
Rick goes back towards his office. Nathan gives the rest of the roster a “thumbs up”. They all return it. Eric looks a little more comfortable at the sign.
Rick (CONT’D)
Wait a second...you up for a run in?
Int. MARKER’S GYM AND FITNESS CENTER -LATER
Above the ring, a sign reads “SAN JOSE PRO WRESTLING”. The crowd is much larger than NACW’s, having a great time.
Nathan and Eric are standing with JOSE “CENTELLA”, a latino guy in his late 20’s with a LUCHADOR MASK EMBLAZONED WITH LIGHTNING BOLTS on it. 
They are near the curtain, ready to go out. Eric has a BLACK MASK and a KENDO STICK. Jose has the CHAMPIONSHIP BELT around his waist. 
Eric
Man, if you told me a week ago I’d be in the main event with The Big Time and The S.J.P.W. champ “Centella”...
nathAN
Don’t worry, you’ll do fine. Just let Jose and I do our thing.
jose
Just have a good time, Eric. No pressure, we’ll bail you out if you get in trouble.
Eric nods. Spanish music hits the speakers. The Announcer ANNOUNCES to the fans the details of the main event, then introduces Jose as “CENTELLA”. He goes to the ring. The crowd cheers like crazy.
Nathan’s MUSIC blares on the speakers. Nathan goes out, BOO! The Announcer ANNOUNCES Nathan. Nathan stops at ringside and grabs a MICROPHONE.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Hey! Everyone shut up for a second!
The crowd boos!
Nathan (CONT’D)
You better cheer your blue masked superhero now because after tonight, not only will I take his belt, but I’m taking his mask too! Then you’ll all see why he wears one! I bet he’s so ugly, his face looks like a monkey’s ass!
Nathan LAUGHS. BOO! Jose motions for him to get into the ring. Nathan drops the microphone and slides into the ring. The match starts. It goes back and forth.
Eric stands in the back, waits for his moment. He sees it, pulls the mask down and rushes towards the ring. The crowd watches Eric run to the ring, they wonder who he is.
Eric runs in and NAILS both Nathan and Jose with SICKENING KENDO SHOTS TO THE HEAD.. He whips Jose off the ropes and JUMPS, wrapping his legs around his head for a HURRICANRANNA. He SLIPS and all three get hurt. Eric hurts his elbow. He slams the mat in frustration. The crowd BOOS Eric.
To cover it up, Nathan and Jose team up. Nathan grabs Eric BY THE NECK and gives him a HUGE CHOKESLAM! Nathan tells Jose to pin Eric, Jose goes to the TOP ROPE and hits a 5-STAR FROG SPLASH! Nathan gets the ref to count 1-2-3. 
The crowd CHEERS LOUDLY again. Eric rolls out of the ring and falls to the outside. Nathan and Jose raise each other’s hands in victory.
int. MARKER’S GYM AND FITNESS CENTER -LATER
Eric is sitting on the BENCH in the back, his head down, his arm TAPED and in a SLING. The roster mutter and CHUCKLE to themselves, Eric obviously the focus. Nathan walks up to him and sits down.
naThAN
You ok?
eric
No. Good save though.
NATHAN
Sprain?
eriC
Yeah.
BEAT.
NATHAN
What happened out there?
ERIC
I slipped. I guess I’m just not cut out for the main event.
NATHAN
Bull. So you messed up, big deal. We all do.
ERIC
No, just tee up and smack me with a chair the next time. Seems like it’s all I’m good for.
NATHAN
Jesus Christ, Eric. You don’t really believe that, do you?
Eric looks up at him, he SIGHS and shrugs.
nathAN (CONT’D)
Hey, you think I walked into my first main event and didn’t mess up? I tripped off an irish whip. Can you imagine a three hundred pound stumbling moron trying to shoulder block the champ then suddenly sailing through the second and third rope? Not very “main event”-ish.
Eric snickers and shakes his head.
NATHAN
Then don’t worry about it. You’ll get them next time.
Jose walks up to Eric and Nathan. Jose shakes Eric’s hand.
josE
Hey man, that took some major cahones. Glad you didn’t hurt yourself bad out there.
Eric nods to him in thanks. Rick’s head pops out of his office.
Rick
Hey Big Time, your mom was on the phone. She wants you to call back ASAP.
Nathan
My mom??!
RICK
Yeah. Go check it. I’ll pay for it.
Nathan quickly goes to Rick’s office, FROWNING in worry. Rick sits down next to Eric. Jose nods to Rick and goes to the other end, CHASTISING the other wrestlers in SPANISH, for laughing at Eric.
riCK (CONT’D)
So?
eric
You know, I don’t know. Maybe I’m just used to jobbing so much that I just felt out of my element. Maybe I was nervous, there was a lot of people out there and I’m not used to performing for such a big crowd. 
(shrugs)
I messed up. I could give a thousand different excuses but it doesn’t make things better.
RICK
That’s true. But don’t let it get you down though. I believe Nathan when he tells me you’ve got a great mind for the business. Sometimes, things just don’t work out how you’d like. The question is, not if you’re cut out for it, but how are you going to respond next time?
Eric nods with a smirk in thanks. Nathan rushes back into the locker room.
Nathan
Eric, we got to jet! Shawn’s in the hospital.
Eric
What?! What happened?
Nathan goes for their bags.
Nathan
I don’t know, Melissa called my mom trying to find me. She’s crying like crazy. Shawn did some kind of match for Fitz’s B.C.W.F. and they had to call an ambulance, an Indestructible Tables...
ERIC
Indestructible Tables Match...that SON OF A BITCH!
rick
What? You know what that is?
eRIC
I heard D’Amatto talking about “reinforced metal tables” on his cell phone at the show! He must have been talking to Fitz!
Nathan comes back with their bags.
NATHAN
Well, he’s stable but he’s drifting in and out. Come on, I’ll explain details on the way.
Rick quickly goes into his POCKETS and pulls out a few DOLLARS and shoves it into Eric’s hand.
rick
Go you guys, wish him well from all of us.
The roster gives them their well wishes as they rush to the car.
int. DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER -NIGHT
Nathan and Eric power-walk up to the check-in desk. Eric’s arm is still in the sling. A doctor walks into the hall, Nathan KNOCKS HIM DOWN in mid-stride.
nathAN
Do you mind?! Don’t you have a patient to check on or something?!
The doctor is too shocked to say anything. Everyone stays out of their way, moving aside like the RED SEA to Moses. They walk up to the check-in desk.
Nathan
Hi, could you tell us where Shawn Shireland is?
Receptionist
(nervous)
Of course.
Receptionist looks at her computer, she looks like she’s ready to flinch at a moment’s notice.
reCEPTIONIST (CONT’D)
Room 213. He’s conscious now but visitors are only reserved for family.
EriC
Well, we’re his best friends. If his wife, Melissa, is there, she can vouch for us. We’re like family.
Receptionist sighs and nods.
RECEPTIONIST
Okay, go ahead. Just don’t tell anyone you’re not related in any way.
(chuckles nervously)
Nathan and Eric smile and nod. They go to the room. Nathan secretly slips himself a vicodin as he goes in.
int. DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER “Shawn’s room” -MOMENTS LATER
Shawn is slightly propped up in his bed, his head bandaged, his torso in a CAST and lower body being held in a SMALL FRAME. Melissa and FITZ are sitting around his bed, Fitz is a balding, greasy, fat mess of a man in his late 40’s. There is a used tray with a plate, knife, fork, spoon and glass sitting on the side table. 
Melissa gets up and greets Nathan. Nathan hugs her. He goes to Shawn’s bedside, ignoring Fitz. Eric sees Fitz and doesn’t look pleased that he’s there.
nathAN
Hey bud. How you feeling?
shAWN
Like I’ve been hit with a truck, but I’ll survive.
Eric continues to eye Fitz.
eric (V.O.)
Larry Fitzgerald is a wannabe booker, a bad taxi driver and an equally bad coke dealer. Trying to do a cheap version of D’Amatto’s show is all he lives for, paying his talent with drugs and drug money is how he does it, supplied by his Puerto Rican cab boss. 
Fitz looks at him. He squirms in his chair from the attention.
eric (v.o.)
As low as any man I’ve known and proud to say I’ve never stepped into the ring once for him and his half-ass promotion.
Melissa hugs Eric. He returns it and smiles at her.
MelISSA
Thanks guys, for coming.
Eric
We got here as fast as we could.
MELISSA
What about the show?
Nathan
Screw the show, they’ve missed us before.
Fitz looks to Shawn and nods.
fitz
Hey, take it easy. I’ll see you later, okay? I better check on Darren. He’s supposed to be released tomorrow.
Shawn nods. Fitz goes to get up. Nathan puts a hand on Fitz’s chest to stop him. Fitz looks very nervous.
melISSA
No, Nate, Fitz paid for the immediate medical bills. Don’t, please.
SHAWN
Yeah, dude. Don’t blame him for this, please.
Nathan takes his hand off his chest and motions for Fitz to SPLIT NOW! Fitz heads for the door. Eric stands in the doorway and SPITS on Fitz’s face. Fitz slowly wipes it off and scowls at Eric. Fitz walks around Eric and exits.
Nathan smirks and gives Eric a THUMBS-UP. Eric nods.
shAWN
You shouldn’t have done that. He paid for the ambulance and has been here every day to check up on me.
Nathan
I never liked him anyway. How are you doing, really?
SHAWN
Well, concussion, all of the ribs on my right side are broken where Darren landed, and ah...
ERIC
Ah?
Shawn and Melissa stare at one another for a moment. Shawn looks away.
MelISSA
Hairline fracture, a very tiny bone splinter found it’s way through. He’s been through surgery already and we have to wait for the swelling to die down but...
Nathan looks to Shawn, shaking his head. Eric’s eyes WIDEN. Both friends can’t believe what they’re hearing.
Shawn reaches over to the plate and grabs the fork. He proceeds to JAM IT INTO HIS LEG, no reaction. Melissa runs out CRYING. Shawn’s lip quivers but he controls himself, tossing the fork aside.
shaWN
It was just a big mess-up...oh God...
Shawn starts to CRY. Nathan HUGS Shawn. Eric sits in the chair Fitz was in. They all BREATHE DEEPLY to control their emotions. 
NATHAN
Don’t worry dude, we’ll work through this.
A NURSE walks in, holding a CUP OF PILLS. Shawn quickly wipes his eyes and composes himself.
shAWN
Painkiller time I take it?
NurSE
Yes.
(hands him cup)
Here you go, Daredevil.
SHAWN
Thanks.
Eric
How bad is the damage to his back?
Shawn FLINCHES at the question as he looks into the cup.
nursE
Well, the doctor said he wouldn’t know until all of the swelling is gone. I’m afraid I can’t give you a better answer than that.
shAWN
Hmm...two 1,000 mg...I’m going to be flying high tonight. Hey Nathan, could you check on Melissa, please?
Nathan hesitates. He reluctantly nods and leaves. Shawn swallows his medicine and nods to the nurse as she checks and writes into his BEDSIDE CHART.
NURSE
How and why you guys put all this torture to your bodies, I’ll never know.
SHAWN
Hey, sometimes we don’t end up hurt. And it’s better than being addicted to heroin.
NURSE
At this rate, you could end up being anyway. Another fifteen minutes then lights out, alright?
shaWN
Alright, thanks.
Nurse exits.
eriC
Which is something you should think about.
SHAWN
What? Sleeping?
ERIC
Being addicted to Heroin. I heard D’Amatto talking about a match with reinforced metal tables. Was he talking to Fitz?
SHAWN
Yes. Fitz even told me it was D’Amatto’s idea. Fitz said he wanted to do it first, kind of like a friendly competition thing, because D’Amatto was too chicken to do it.
ERIC
More like D’Amatto wanted to see how it would go so he’d know if he could pull it off without getting in major heat for a serious injury.
(beat)
Why did you do it, Shawn? You’re married, you’ve got a web design degree, you really didn’t have to kill yourself with an Indestructible Tables Match against Darren of all people.
shAWN
Hey, you’re not my mom, I don’t have to answer to you. I’ve wrestled Darren in plenty of matches before and he’s never seriously injured me. Fitz even made it a little more do-able after he told me that he rigged one of the tables to break easier than the rest.
ERIC
Did we so quickly forget about the knee? Wrestling him one-on-one, one fall is bad enough, but in a gimmick match? I’m sure you had to come up with some real good bull for your mom. I’m sure she would have loved, “Well mom, I’m in the hospital because I wrestled a crackhead who was higher than a kite and didn’t know what he was doing. He snapped my spine like a twig on a table that was built with REINFORCED STEEL.”
SHAWN
I...Fitz had been promoting it in his area for some time...and Darren was the only one who wanted to do it...
ERIC
Because Fitz supplies Darren with his coke. He probably owed him.
SHAWN
Look, you don’t understand, Eric. There were 300 people there, at one of Fitz’s shows! It was the only thing they were talking about. People went to sleep while the other matches were on and it was like a funeral in the back! Fitz told me straight up that he wanted ME to be in the main event. I was supposed to go through the one that was cut...it was going to be just like any old table stunt...
int. ST. ANDREW’S HALL -nIGHT
FLASHBACK
Shawn and Darren are both fighting on the outside, a REINFORCED WOOD TABLE with metal bars sits near the corner of the ring, just in front of them. Both of them are bloody messes.
shAWN (V.O.)
Darren put the table near the corner, there were three there, for effect...
Darren jumps up on the apron, runs at Shawn and latches BOTH LEGS AROUND HIS HEAD, laying him out with a Hurricanranna! He lays Shawn out on the table, then goes to the top rope.
shAWN (V.O.)
He was supposed to put me through the one that was cut. 
Shawn suddenly jumps up and runs to the top to meet Darren there.
SHAWN (V.O)
I was already rung by four chair shots in the match, I wasn’t thinking about checking if it was the right one. We were both on the top rope and were all ready...and we both went off...
Darren grabs Shawn and gives him a SPINEBUSTER off the top rope. Shawn lands on the table, IT DOES NOT BREAK! SHAWN SCREAMS OUT IN PAIN! He looks down at his legs and they barely twitch. His eyes go wide, he SCREAMS again, lying down on the mat as still as possible. The REF does an “X” over his chest, towards the back. A few wrestlers run out and immobilize Shawn. 
int. dETROIT MEDICAL CENTER -MOMENTS LATER
Shawn (CONT’D)
(tears welling up in his eyes)
If I knew it wouldn’t have worked, I wouldn’t have done it. I didn’t want to scare anyone, now Melissa hates me, my parents hate me, you hate me and I can’t feel my God damn legs!
Shawn CRIES. Eric CLASPS Shawn’s hand, then HUGS HIM.
ERIC
Dude, don’t cry. I don’t hate you. But you’ve got so much to live for. If it was me or Nathan in there, it would’ve made more sense, we’ve got nothing...
Shawn pulls back from the hug. Tears are still falling from his eyes.
SHAWN
I couldn’t pass it up, Eric. I’m getting old, man. I’m going to be 28 in December! It’s only a nose dive out of my prime now. In about two years, the scouts stop looking at me. Hell, they hardly give me a look now because my body is always broken! I want to be in the big time just as bad as you do, as Nathan does...to HELL with all of my education! I want to be a wrestler!
ERIC
I know.
Shawn
I wanted to do something that would stand out from the rest! THAT MADE ME stand out from the rest! And I’d do it all again if given the chance! I don’t care, I want to be on T.V., I want to be on Pay Per Views, I want my big-league contract!
Eric’s eyes well up with tears too. Shawn starts to CRY again. THEY HUG AGAIN.
ERIC
I know. I’m sorry.
shaWN (CONT’D)
Stupid meds.
Eric’s eyes LIGHT UP, the tears STOP. He’s got an IDEA. He pulls away from the hug and looks Shawn in the eye.
eric
Don’t worry, dude. You focus all of your attention on getting better. I’m going to make sure you get your exposure. I’m going to make sure we all get our exposure, without dying before our time.
SHAWN
What? How are you going to do that?
ERIC
I don’t know...but I’m going to do it. I promise you, I will. We all said we’d make noise one day, might as well start now.
Shawn nods, wiping his face.
int. DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER -NIGHT
Eric is walking to the exit. Through the EXIT door window, he sees Nathan and Melissa talking then hug...Wait a second, that looks like a little more than a friendly hug! Nathan and Melissa see Eric walk out. They quickly back away from each other.
NathAN
Well, I guess I’ll see you later.
melISSA
Yeah. Thanks for coming.
Eric SIGHS and shakes his head. 
erIC
Your husband is asking for you. Be careful, he’s kind of crying, probably the meds.  You’ve got about ten minutes left.
Melissa gives Eric a nervous chuckle. She hugs him.
MelISSA
Thank you Eric. You guys are the best.
She walks into the hospital. Eric and Nathan walk side by side to his car.
Nathan
So...
eriC
You like Melissa, don’t you?
Nathan
What? No...
ERIC
Nathan, you can’t fool me. Damn man, don’t steal a crippled man’s wife. That’s low even for you.
Nathan
What? No. Never.
Nathan sighs. He reaches his car and puts the keys in the LOCK.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Promise you won’t tell anyone?
erIC
What?
Nathan
I liked Melissa before Shawn did. But Shawn got together with her before I did, and well, the rest is history.
ERIC
I see.
Nathan and Eric get in the car.
NATHAN
Yeah. But it’s no big deal. She’s better off with him anyway.
ERIC
Right. When’s D’Amatto’s next show again?
Nathan
Three weeks, Saturday, at eight-thirty. Why?
ERIC
It’s time we put an end to this, the injuries, the craziness...
Nathan
Oh? Eric the Man got a plan?
ERIC
Always.
Nathan drives off.
int. ERIC’S APARTMENT -NIGHT
Eric walks into his apartment. There’s a NOTE left on the night-table. Eric puts his bag down and looks around.
Eric
Danie? Hello?
Eric sees the BROKEN VASE on the floor and the note. He ignores the vase pieces, stepping over them. He picks up the note and reads it.
danIELLE (V.O.)
Dear Eric. I’m sorry, I can’t do this anymore. I’m leaving you, this time for good. I don’t want to talk about it, I’m tired of waiting for all of your promises. I’ll see you at the next show. I’m sorry. Danielle.
Eric LAUGHS and crumples up the paper, tossing it over his shoulder. He picks up the PHONE and pulls out the note that Martina left him. He dials her number.
erIC
Hi Martina? This is Eric, the guy from Kilger’s a few nights ago? Yeah, hi. I just got back from San Jose. Are you busy? I thought we could talk. I really need someone to talk to right now.
Int. HAMBRICK ARENA - NIGHT
It’s the night of the NACW event. The fans only fill about 1/2ths of the chairs set out. Backstage, Eric and Nathan walk in with their bags. The roster is talking amongst themselves as usual.
Danielle, who is talking with a few of the wrestlers, sees them. She walks up to Eric. Nathan gives them some room, going to see some of the other wrestlers. Eric puts his bag down near a bench, going through it, completely ignoring her.
daNIELLE
Eric? Can we talk a minute, please?
eric
Hm.
DANIELLE
Listen, I know we had some problems, and I’m sorry for what I wrote in the letter I was angry, but it was the whole truth. But I still care about you and I hope we can still be friends, like we were before. Remember?
Eric still goes through his bag and smiles, nodding.
eric
Hm.
DANIELLE
(smiles)
Yeah. Remember, we used to just sit outside on your apartment lawn for hours and just talk about everything...looking up at the stars. Meeting at restaurants for supper and talking about how we’d approach the next show.
Eric looks up from his bag, looking at her, his smile fading instantly.
ERIC
Oh! I’m sorry, I was thinking of someone else. Are you still here?
Eric looks back to his bag, finding a copy of Shawn’s medical chart. He walks to Nathan, leaving Danielle standing there, mouth open, speechless. She shakes her head, totally insulted, and walks out.
Nathan
Hey guys, quiet a second please. Eric’s got something to say and I think we should all hear it.
Nathan gives the floor to Eric. Eric clears his throat and steps forward, snapping a mean look at Darren before he begins.
eric
(waves the medical-chart copy in the air)
Whether you know it or not, Shawn is in the hospital still, in traction, and will be for the next few months. We aren’t sure how much of a recovery he’s going to have, even if he’ll walk again altogether. And it’s all because that asshole back there had an insane idea that Fitz the Blizzard Machine and his favorite boy, Darren the Snowblower decided to do and couldn’t have done more wrong.
All eyes turn on Darren. Darren looks very uncomfortable, speechless.
ERIC
Let me voice what you want to say. Fitz was going to put you over, so you didn’t have to go through the table. It was perfect, now, all you needed was a sucker to agree to it.
Eric steps towards Darren, almost STALKING him. Darren backs up, looking around him, almost paranoid they all will jump him.
erIC (CONT’D)
You knew Shawn was starting to get desperate, you and Fitz knew he would cave as soon as he saw the opportunity to stand out for the scouts. Don’t lie to me, your nose bleeds.
Darren checks to see if his nose his bleeding. Eric scowls and shakes his head again. He addresses the roster.
erIC (CONT’D)
Guys, if we don’t start thinking with our heads soon, we’re all going to end up like Shawn or worse. D’Amatto and Fitz have got no love for us. Nathan and I are stepping out from D’Amatto’s shadow before we get seriously hurt. If you’re smart, you all will too.
(looks to Darren)
And you, pray that I never see you on the street, you coked up accident from God.
Darren looks around him, his scowl hiding the fear in his eyes. The roster all eye him THREATENINGLY. He gets his BAG and runs out. The roster momentarily look to each other, looking for an answer. Eric watches them nervously. Suddenly, they all look at Eric and nod.
thOMAS
You want us all to leave now?
Eric smiles.
eRIC
No, I have a better idea.
int. HAMBRICK ARENA -LATER
The bell rings. The Lights dim, a single floodlight focuses on the ring.. D’Amatto walks from the back with Danielle, arm in arm. George and Oz and the roster follow closely behind. The four of them get in the ring, the roster surrounds them. D’Amatto gets a MICROPHONE.
d’AMATTO
(into microphone)
Welcome one and all to North American Championship Wrestling’s annual May show, Springtime Slaughter!
The fans cheer. Eric looks around. Danielle gives him a very snooty sneer, Eric rolls his eyes. He spots Martina and some of her friends in the front row. He winks at her, she blushes. Eric spots Paul and Francine in the crowd, flanked by TWO SECURITY GUARDS. Eric frowns but keeps his resolve, looking back to the ring.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
(into microphone)
Tonight, the brave men before you will risk life and limb in matches for the...
Eric snatches an open microphone from the ANNOUNCE TABLE.
EriC
(into microphone)
No, I don’t think so.
EVERYONE goes quiet, looking at Eric. Eric gets into the ring. The “special guest” independent talents, standing around the ring with the local talent, look to each other in confusion. The locals give them no answer.
D’AMATTO
(covering microphone)
What the hell are you doing?!
ERIC
(into microphone)
Shut up. I’ll make it simple for you. We, the NACW roster, are tired of you jerking us around, screwing us over and making us put our lives on the line for empty promises. I bet you everyone here knows about the Indestructible Tables match and what happened.
The crowd cheers in response.
ERIC (CONT’D)
It was something that D’Amatto here wanted to try but was too chicken to formally bring up to us, so he had someone else in another fed do it FOR him. Now, one of Detroit’s best workers, Shawn Shireland, is in the hospital and might never walk again, never mind wrestle!
D’AMATTO
(into microphone)
I don’t know what you’re talking about, he agreed to do it, I didn’t even put him in that match.
ERIC
Shut the hell up, everyone in the Mid-West listens to you, remember? Whether it’s by your hand or someone else’s, everybody knows you always get your way. You told it to me last month backstage, remember? And I’m sure as hell you shout it from the rooftops to everyone within earshot. 
D’Amatto tries to reply, but Eric FLIPS HIM OFF to shut him up. The crowd CHEERS!
eric (CONT’D)
Listen very carefully to what I’m about to say and take it to your clique - “We’ve had it with jumping through flaming barbed wire hoops! Until we get some respect in Detroit - We QUIT!”
Eric throws the microphone on D’Amatto’s face and marches out of the ring. The crowd is in shock, some cheer and some keep quiet.
He looks over to Paul and Francine. He sees Francine with tears in her eyes and Paul’s mouth-open SHOCKED look. He quickly sets his eyes towards the curtain. The local stars follow him out. 
D’Amatto is left with his 4 superstars that he paid for, George, Oz and Danielle, all of them utterly and completely confused.
int. KILGER’S BAR -NIGHT
The whole roster with their friends and “RING RATS” marches into the bar. EVERYONE is in good spirits. Martina and Eric are holding hands, walking with Nathan at the head of the line. 
NathAN
(to bar)
BEER! BRING LOTS OF IT!
They all sit down. Eric, Martina, Nathan, Natalie, Thomas, Michael and VICTOR, a large muscular Italian man in his late 20’s, sit in a booth. Eric introduces Victor to Martina. 
Everyone is now with their ladies and friends and are having a good time. Drugs, alcohol, dancing, the “typical wrestling lifestyle”.. The main characters refuse to use any drugs.
Victor
So what’s next? That was fun but that still gets me out of 20 bucks...and at least a hundred more from any others who dump me from D’Amatto’s word.
Nathan
Good question, Vic. But I feel a hell of a lot more confident that I’m not going to a hospital anytime soon. I trust you guys but when we’re forced to use chainsaws on each other, I draw the line, you know?
greG
Amen brother. Besides, we can find work outside the state if they totally blacklist us. But I doubt D’Amatto has that much pull in Michigan. He’s not buddy-buddy with everyone.
BEAT.
erIC
I say, we start our own fed.
Everyone within earshot stops what they’re doing and looks to Eric. 
Nathan
Are you serious? You really want to piss D’Amatto off, don’t you?
ERIC
To hell with him. You’ve been thinking about it too. We all have. We talk about it almost every day. I say, we start our own and run his ass out of business. The way we want it, old-school wrestling. Telling a story in the ring, when gimmick matches were a huge deal. We have a legit chance to actually do this now.
Everyone looks around to each other and thinks about it. YEAH! They all raise their glasses...Let’s make our own wrestling organization!
ThoMAS
Okay, what are we going to call it?
greG
Yeah. Every name with Championship and Wrestling has been taken.
ViCTOR
It’s got to be new and catchy, for the “hip cats” as they call themselves. 
NathAN
It’s got to have the word “extreme” in it, cause you know you can sell fake vomit if it’s extreme puke.
MICHAEL
Make the fans think that they’re part of something huge, but something exclusive.
Nathan
Shawn’s usually good at this crap. Anyone got change for the phone?
Eric hears the word “change” echo in his head.
eric
The Extreme...Wrestling...Revolution.
Everyone stops, looks at him.
Nathan
As usual, you’re the man. That’s pretty good.
Everyone CHEERS “Yeah!” and drinks to it.
marTINA
I’d pay bucks to see it.
erIC
(smirks)
Play your cards right and you won’t have to.
He smirks. They kiss. She smiles at him seductively.
MARTINA
(whispers)
Mmmm...play your cards right and you won’t have to pay for it either.
(winks)
Eric CHUCKLES and blushes. Nathan raises his glass and clears his throat to bring Eric back to the table.
Nathan
To the Extreme Wrestling Revolution! Wherever...it...may...play...next!
Everyone LAUGHS, raises their glasses and chants, “EWR”! Eric frowns, wondering where they could put on the show.
int. ERIC’S AparTMENT - NIGHT
Nathan drops Eric and Martina off at his apartment. They both stagger drunkenly to the entrance, LAUGHING all the way. Eric carries his bag in one hand, has Martina in the other.
marTINA
You know, what you’re doing for your friends, it’s really admirable.
ErIC
I’m just doing what needed to be done a while ago.
MARTINA
No, but you’re also protecting your friends, helping them. Don’t tell me it’s not what you were thinking too, because I won’t believe it.
ERIC
(smiles)
Really? How can you tell?
MARTINA
I don’t know...I just know.
They get to the elevator. While they wait for it to come down, they make-out. The elevator opens and they continue getting hot, tearing off each other’s clothes, as they go up.
The door opens to his floor and D’Amatto, George and Oz GRAB ERIC and beat HIM up. Martina screams for them to stop. Danielle slaps her, cutting her with her RING. Martina punches Danielle. D’Amatto punches Martina HARD, sending her to her knees.
danIELLE
Thinking of someone else, Eric?! Were you cheating on me behind my back with this?! Give me a break!
Martina holds her jaw, SHOCKED AT THIS NEWS, looking to Eric for the truth.
d’AMATTO
Shut up! Oz, George, into the elevator now!
He drags Martina with them, Danielle follows. The doors CLOSE. Oz and George hold Eric’s arms. Oz frowns, he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself like George is.
d’AMATTO
I’m going to make this short and sweet. You want to make me look like an ass? Well, here’s your respect!
(punches Eric)
Congratulations! You win a lifetime of never wrestling AGAIN! You just stole away the money that helps pay my child support. Money that I can’t afford to pay!
eric
Maybe you should stop spending money on no-show wrestlers and expensive whores like her and actually care about your kids.
D’Amatto snarls and goes wild with punches on Eric. Eric SPITS up blood, spraying it all around the elevator with each punch.
D’AMATTO
I’m going to make sure that as long as my life is ruined, your name will be accompanied by so much crap that you won’t even be ABLE to scrub toilets for a living! Your career is through! 
(re:punch)
And don’t even think of putting on your own show, every arena in the Mid-West listens to me! You’re through, you hear me? THROUGH!
D’Amatto punches him again then opens the elevator door. Oz and George let him drop into the hallway and push Martina out. Martina screamS for people to call an ambulance.
int. DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER - NIGHT
Eric is getting cleaned up by the NURSE. Martina is staring at him, no emotion on her face. Her cheek is BANDAGED from Danielle’s slap.
nURSE
There you go. All clean.
Eric
Thanks.
Eric jumps off the counter, picks up his bag and walks over to Martina.
marTINA
Ready?
ERIC
Yeah, let’s go pay.
Eric and Martina head for the FRONT DESK. Eric passes by SHAWN’S ROOM. He looks around to see if he’s being watched. He KNOCKS and ducks into the room.
erIC (CONT’D)
Shawn! You awake?
Shawn groggily looks up from his bed.
shAWN
Huh, what? Eric?
ERIC
We all quit NACW and BCWF, going to start our own. Just got my ass kicked by D’Amatto. I’ll tell you more on the phone tomorrow. See you later.
Eric quickly closes the door.
SHAWN
Oh yeah, like I can go back to sleep NOW!
Eric and Martina continue to the front desk. ERIC’s MOTHER is waiting for him. JENNIFER SEMEL, is in her late 40’s, has the body of a 30 year old. She is TALKING with the receptionist.
erIC (CONT’D)
Jesus Christ...
marTINA
Who’s that?
ERIC
My mom.
MARTINA
That’s your MOM?
ERIC
Yes.
Jennifer sees Eric and walks over to him, she looks MAD.
Jennifer
My God, Eric! What the hell is it this time? Another fight?
ERIC
Sorry Mom, it sort of just happened.
Jennifer notices Martina.
JENNIFER
Who’s this?
ERIC
This is Martina. Martina, this is my mom, Jennifer.
Jennifer shakes Martina’s hand. Martina nods politely.
JENNIFER
Are you going to be okay? I just paid for your bill. Do you know what it does to me when I hear my only son has been taken to the hospital by ambulance?
Eric
Thank mom. I’m sorry, it’s not like I do it on purpose.
All three begin to walk for the exit.
JENNIFER
Sometimes I wonder with all of that wrestling of yours.
ERIC
Mom, drop it please, this has nothing to do with wrestling.
JENNIFER
Yeah, yeah.
(sighs)
Okay, I’m going to take you home and then tomorrow, you’re having lunch with me. You never call and I hate that the only time I see you is when I’m called by the doctor to say you’re back in the hospital.
ERIC
Yes, mom. Noon fine?
JENNIFER
Yes, noon is good.
marTINA
Wait a sec.
Martina takes Eric aside.
maRTINA (CONT’D)
Why don’t you stay at my place tonight? 
eriC
Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to put you in any more trouble than you already are.
MARTINA
I’m already in this, they saw my face. They don’t know where I live, it’s your best bet. At least for tonight.
ERIC
Alright. Thanks.
Martina nods, still not smiling at him.
int. Martina’s APARTMENT -NIGHT
Martina opens the door and walks in, Eric trailing behind her. Martina lives in a 3 1/2 apartment, much better looking than Eric’s apartment.
Eric
Wow, this is a nice place.
marTINA
Yeah, my father helps pay part of the rent while I work and go to school.
ERIC
Lucky you. What are you studying?
MARTINA
Education.
He drops his WRESTLING bag to the floor and slowly walks over to her. Martina drops her PURSE on the table and turns around to confront him.
MartinA
What the hell have you gotten me into?
ERIC
I don’t know. I didn’t think it would go this far.
MARTINA
(LAUGHS)
Oh yes you did. You knew exactly where it was headed. 
ERIC
Okay well, I didn’t want you to get this deep into it.
MARTINA
Oh yes, you did. It’s no fun ducking danger without a sidekick to keep you company.
ERIC
Well, I’m sorry? Can I at least say that?
MARTINA
(motions to the cut on her face)
You know what really hurts, what really hits harder than this cut?
Eric looks away, saying nothing.
MARTINA
The fact that you lied to me. It’s obvious that you were seeing other people when we met, but you lied.
Martina walks to the kitchen. Martina grabs a CUP and fixes herself some COFFEE.
ERIC
At the time, she and I were over. I walked out on her. If you didn’t notice while I was getting my ass handed to me, I called her a whore.
MARTINA
She didn’t sound like it was over.
ERIC
Well, she and I were through. As for you, to tell you the truth, I really wasn’t expecting to meet someone like you right then and there. I couldn’t help myself.
MARTINA
You see, I’d like to believe you, but even now I wonder if you’re telling the truth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my life, guys lie, all of the time, to cover their asses. My dad lied to my mom, I can’t count how many boyfriends have lied to me about things like other women...
ERIC
You think I’d lie about something like this?!
MARTINA
I don’t know! You tell me! Are you?!
ERIC
No! Not when it comes to that two-bit whore back there! I care about you, not her! That’s the truth! 
Martina throws her hands in the air, says nothing, looking skeptical, fighting back tears. She sips her coffee.
martINA 
Was all of what you did really worth it? Can he really do what he said he would?
Eric says nothing.
MARTINA
So what can you do then?
Eric SIGHS and shrugs, leaning against the wall.
MARTINA
It’s obvious you didn’t think this through, Eric.
ERIC
I wasn’t thinking about work, I was thinking about saving my and everyone else’s ass. Just a few hours ago you were praising me for thinking about others, now you’re blasting my ass over it?
Martina goes quiet, sipping her coffee. Eric puts his hand over his eyes, trying to stop the tears from forming.
ERIC
So what now? You can’t handle this? You want me to leave? Is that it? Because I’ll leave if you want me to.
MARTINA
Eric...God damn it, do you honestly think that? But I watch wrestling on television and I see a bunch of pumped-up guys in tight shorts that make me laugh with all of their fake stuff...and then you and Nate and Shawn walk in and talk about how much is real...and now suddenly, I find out that there’s so much more to it than I thought...
Martina stops and takes a breath to control herself from CRYING.
ERIC
Marty...
marTINA (CONT’D)
Eric, I can’t live like this. I don’t want to be scared of walking outside my apartment, scared of going to school and scared of hanging with you and my friends. Is it really worth it? Worth putting yourself in danger?
Eric stares at her silently, thinking for a moment. He slowly turns, grabbing his bag, and walks out. He SLAMS the door behind him. Martina slowly slumps to the floor, CRYING SILENTLY.
int. restaurant -AFTERNOON
Jennifer is waiting in a booth for Eric. She’s sipping on some COFFEE. She looks out the WINDOW and sees Nathan’s car drive up. Eric gets out and walks in. 
JeNNIFER
You’re late.
Eric slides into the booth.
erIC
Sorry, five minutes.
JENNIFER
How are you feeling?
ERIC
Like I’ve been in a fight. But I’ll survive.
JENNIFER
What do you want? My treat.
ERIC
Smoked meat sandwich and a Pepsi would be nice.
Jennifer orders a SANDWICH and a PEPSI from the waitress. Jennifer and Eric stare at each other for a moment.
JENNIFER
How’s wrestling going?
ERIC
(takes a deep breath)
We left D’Amatto’s fed last night.
JENNIFER
Left him? Is this another one of those stories...
ERIC
No, this is real. We all quit and are starting our own fed.
JENNIFER
D’Amatto won’t get upset over that?
(pause)
Is that what happened? He had you beat up?
ERIC
No mom. It just happened in a bar, alright? As for D’Amatto, he was obviously sore that we left, but he’s been screwing us over a lot lately. It was only a matter of time before we got back at him.
Eric gets his sandwich and Pepsi. Jennifer shakes her head.
JENNIFER
Just perfect. Way to go Eric, nice way to ruin your dreams. That’s one less place to be seen by the scouts now, and no doubt he’ll try to blacklist you from others.
erIC (CONT’D)
Drop it please? 
(re: sandwich)
How’s the club?
jenNIFER
Not bad. Pulling in about 300 a night.
ERIC
That’s good. You enjoy being back there? It’s been a while.
JENNIFER
Yup. It’s better money than working as a weekend maid at large offices...and easier. 
ERIC
Mmmhmm, I bet.
(re:sandwich)
JENNIFER
It’s a hell of a lot better than killing yourself for twenty bucks you know, and not being able to afford to travel for that money.
ERIC
Yup, probably.
(re:sandwich)
You’re not going to start that “Turn your life around” speech, are you?
JENNIFEr
Are you still working at the pool hall?
ERIC
No, I think even I am above scrubbing toilets.
JENNIFER
Do you have another job yet?
ERIC
No. I’m hoping to pull in some money from the sponsors I’m going to try and get. I’m also leaving my apartment, selling my stuff and bunking in Nathan’s car until I get another job. I’ll need the money for a ring and arena rental and stuff like that.
(re:sandwich)
Jennifer rolls her eyes. 
JENNIFER
Jesus Christ, you’re going to live in Nathan’s car, WITH Nathan? Are you listening to yourself?! 
Eric
Mom...
jENNIFER
Then what should I talk about, if not giving you the speech? What about that new girl? Where’s Danielle?
ERIC
Danielle is a bitch and cheated on me with D’Amatto. So she moved out, hence my not being able to afford the place and subsequent selling of my stuff.
JENNIFER
I knew it, you were fighting D’Amatto last night, weren’t you? Let it go, Eric. It’s not worth it.
ERIC
(nods sarcastically)
Yeah, you’re right.
(re:Sandwich)
Jennifer sips her coffee.
JENNIFER
So tell me about this new girl.
ERIC
Her name is Martina. Not much else to tell.
JENNIFER
Why don’t you move in with her?
ERIC
It’s early with her still. I’m fine for the time being with Nathan.
Jennifer rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
JENNIFER
I don’t know why don’t you try directing commercials on the side, or be an extra on television. All that talent gone down the drain...
ERIC
I’d be a starving artist anyway. No contacts there.
JENNIFER
But at least you wouldn’t be killing yourself doing your crazy stunts.
ERIC
But still cleaning toilets as my paying job. My God, what a step up!
(re:sandwich)
JENNIFER
Then go back to school and get yourself a profession that will pay you a decent amount of money, then you could be killing yourself all you want but getting paid as...well anything.
Eric finishes his sandwich, SCOWLING in annoyance.
ERIc
Yes, well, this is all fine and good. Are you done or should I order another sandwich?
JENNIFER
Damn it Eric, I tell you this for your own good you know! I hope that maybe, just maybe one day you’ll wake up and fix your life!
ERIC
(to waitress)
Another sandwich please!
Everyone turns and watches them argue, some curious, some annoyed.
JENNIFER
Are you listening to anything I’m saying?!
ERIC
Mom, quiet down, people are staring.
Jennifer pauses, taking a breath to calm herself. The people in the restaurant turn around and go back to what they were doing.
JENNIFER
Look, I just want to help you, Eric. But you’re not helping yourself by not listening.
ERIC
Mom, look. This is what I’ve chosen to do with my life. If you can’t accept that, then it’s very simple, stop talking to me. Nathan, Shawn and I are starting our own wrestling fed around here and we think it can be something great. Remember Wrestlemania?
The word “Wrestlemania” seems to hit a chord with Jennifer.
Eric (CONT’D)
We want to stop killing ourselves for people who don’t care. Shawn is in traction now thanks to D’Amatto and Fitz. I want to stop all of the pointless hardcore matches and save our bodies so when we all make the big time, we can stick around for a few years.
jenNIFER
Eric...
ERIC
Now, you have three choices, help me find a place to put the show on, pat me on the back and cheer me on or what we usually end up doing, storm out on each other and stop speaking for three months. I’ve got a lot to do in the next month and I really don’t have time to fight with you.
Jennifer thinks and sips her coffee.
jennIFER
Shawn is really paralyzed?
ERIC
Could be permanent. He’s healing slower than usual, the doctors still can’t make an accurate guess.
JENNIFER
(re:coffee)
Actually, I could probably help you.
ERIC
With what?
JENNIFER
St. Augustine’s Hallowed Grounds Church was going to have a bake sale in 2 weeks. I was going to sell those peanut butter cookies you like so much...anyway the pipes blew yesterday and they rescheduled it for next month. It’s free for another four weeks, if you don’t mind a little moldy smell. And Father Patrick was a big wrestling fan back in the day, he loves Hulk Hogan...I’m sure you two could come to some kind of arrangement.
ERIC
Wow, that’s cutting it a bit close...but I think we could do it in four weeks.
JENNIFER
Alright, I’ll call and I’ll see what I can do.
ERIC
(smiles)
Okay, remember to tell him it’s a family show. No insane stuff...well...like it was back in the early days. Pure wrestling. When it was fun for the wrestlers, the adults AND the kids.
JENNIFER
(smiles)
Okay, I will.
ERIC
Thanks mom.
JENNIFER
Anything for you sweetie. You’re right, if this is what you want to do, I should be supportive.
Eric smiles and slides across the booth and hugs her. Eric pulls back and looks at her, now looking at her with a son’s love for his mother.
Int. COPIER ROOM -DAY
Melissa is at her workplace, a huge office. 
Eric (V.O.)
We got the green light from Father Patrick and it was time to show everyone what we were made of. Marketing was first, as you can’t put on a show without fans. We pulled out every trick from our little evil book that we had learned from  every promoter we had ever worked for.
She walks into the COPY ROOM, copies of charts in her hands. She waits for the room to empty, then pulls out a copy of a EWR flyer and secretly makes a whole mess of copies of it.
int. erIC’S APARTMENT -DAY
Eric and Nathan watch a bunch of people taking Eric’s furniture from his apartment. Eric looks totally cool with losing everything.
Eric and Nathan have GARBAGE BAGS with Eric’s clothes. A guy hands Eric an ENVELOPE full of MONEY. He counts it and nods to him. Nathan gives Eric a copy of his CAR KEY.
nathAN
Your house key, sir.
Eric thanks him. He tosses his apartment keys to one of the guys as he and Nathan leave with the garbage bags.
int. gym -EVENING
Eric and Nathan are training with WEIGHTS. Eric and Nathan watch some wrestlers in a WRESTLING RING, situated at the center of the gym. Between reps, Eric walks up to the HEAD TRAINER of the gym, sitting behind the cash counter.
eric
So Dave, how much to rent that sucker?
head trainer
Too much for you. I just bought it last month.
Eric goes into his pocket and pulls out 100 DOLLARS.
ERIC
I sold my couch, will this do?
HEAD TRAINER
(nods)
When do you want it?
eric
Three weeks?
heAD TRAINER
I’ll see what I can do.
Eric nods. The Trainer goes to make a phone call. Via the mirrored walls, Eric spots Nathan SHOOTING STEROIDS with some other Muscle Men in the far corner. Eric frowns and shakes his head.
int. convenience store -NIGHT
Nathan and Eric calmly walk into the store and over to the MAGAZINE STAND. Nathan and Eric pull EWR FLYERS from their jackets without the cashier seeing.
Nathan
Yup, so Minnesota is all set up. Two other scouts were checking me out too, singled me out backstage and talked to me. One was from OVW. The other guys were pretty jealous.
Eric looks a little annoyed, Nathan is getting a bit of an ego. Eric and Nathan begin to stuff magazines with the flyers.
eric
Hey, that’s great man. With all that, are you going to be available to do our show?
Nathan
I should be. I don’t see any problems in the unforeseeable future. But there always will be the possibility, you know?
ERIC
Yeah. Just remember, it’s in three weeks, don’t be taking any bookings.
NATHAN
I can read the flyer. 
(beat)
You sure you don’t want to press charges on D’Amatto? He’d be out of the picture and it would just be us against...
(snickers)
...Fitz.
They STOP as the cashier looks to them. She looks back at her television. They start to stuff the magazines again.
ERIC
No, I want him around when he sees us as the cream of the crop. I plan on doing the most elaborate sack-dance on his head...
Nathan
Speaking of cream of the crop, you hear from Martina?
Eric shakes his head.
ERIC
Move on, please.
NATHAN
Sure man, no problem. I’m done here, let’s jet.
They finish putting the flyers in the magazines and walk out of the store. 
Ext. on the streets -DAY
Nathan, Eric, Melissa and all of the boys who left D’Amatto pass out the flyers on the street. Some people are receptive, some don’t care.
Eric goes to various companies, Red Bull, Gatorade, Powerade, Weider...even some local businesses, restaurants, etc...He’s looking for sponsors. Some turn him down bad, leaving him in the waiting room for hours. After many places turn him down, some actually DO sponsor EWR. Eric’s spirit raises as they nod “Yes, I’ll sponsor you”, breathing new life into him.
Michael is passing out some flyers to people and meets up with D’Amatto on the street. D’Amatto has a confident smirk on his face as he begins to talk to Michael.
int. church basement -NIGHT
It’s the night of the show. Chairs are set up for 200 people, but only a little over half fill the place. Melissa is in the crowd with a VIDEO CAMERA. 
FATHER PATRICK is in the front row. He’s a late 50’s, gray haired Irishman, a bit portly with red cheeks, dressed in casual priest attire.
In the back, everyone is ready. Eric is sitting alone, in normal clothes. He’s looking over the BOOKING SHEET. He’s got a TOWEL covering the new EWR CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. Everyone is anxious to see it.
Michael looks shady in the corner as he gets ready. Nathan walks up to him.
NathAN
What’s up Mike? You got something special planned?
MiCHAEL
Yeah, you could say that.
NATHAN
New move?
MICHAEL
Nope.
NATHAN
Who are you wrestling?
MICHAEL
It’s a surprise.
NATHAN
Are you going to keep an idiot in suspense or are you going to tell me?
Michael WHISPERS something to Nathan as he hands him a FOLDED PIECE OF PAPER. Nathan’s eyes go wide as he opens the paper and looks at it. We don’t know what’s on the paper yet.
nathAN (CONT’D)
You...you’re not serious.
michEAL
Oh, I’m very serious. You can come with me, Champ. He’s one of your biggest fans, you know that. The place is supposed to be PACKED.
Greg, Thomas and the rest of the roster all gather around Eric like a bunch of kids around an X-Mas tree.
greg
Come on, Eric.
eriC
(not looking up from the paper)
Nope.
thoMAS
Come on, man! Not even a peek?
ERIC
(pats the towel)
When I’m in the ring, with everyone else.
ThomAS
Where did you get it again?
ERIC
Sorry guys, magicians don’t give up their secrets. It was damn expensive though.
(changes subject)
Okay, Richard and Simon haven’t shown up for some reason. Anyone know why?
Everyone shakes their heads. Michael gives Nathan a knowing nod.
eriC (CONT’D)
Alright then. High Society, in a three way with Roger. Victor, you’re going over Nathan and Nathan’s walking out with the belt in the battle royale. The rest will go as we talked about, any questions?
Nope. Eric slaps the booking sheet onto the WALL with some TAPE, then slaps his hands together to rile them up.
ERIC (CONT’D)
Alright, I know right now I should be giving some kind of inspirational speech. But we’re all professionals here and we know what’s at stake. Our right to put on our own show, our way. D’Amatto told me personally that he would make this, us here tonight, impossible. So go out there and STICK IT TO HIS ASS! 
Everyone snickers again and says “yeah!” in a playful manner. Eric picks up the belt and heads for the ring, the roster save for Nathan and Victor following him.
Hard rock MUSIC hits the SPEAKERS and Eric walks to the ring to CHEERS. The roster surrounds him for the RING ADDRESS.
erIC (CONT’D)
(into MICROPHONE)
Greetings ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to tonight’s great wrestling extravaganza. I’m your host, Eric “Showtime” Semel, and we all would like to thank you up front for coming out here tonight. If it wasn’t for you, the fans, we wouldn’t be able to do what we all love. Our friend “Striking” Shawn Shireland’s wife, at ringside, can attest to the fact that you all can drive us to do incredible feats. 
(looks to Melissa)
Sometimes, we get hurt, badly. We can be hospitalized and our careers can possibly end in a moment’s notice...
(looks to the crowd)
...but despite all that can happen to us, and do, we never regret performing for you all.
The crowd CHEERS and claps for Melissa.
eric (CONT’D)
Tonight is no different. Tonight, we’re here to tell a story, a good one, and you’re all invited to read the first page in a book that is all about the fans. A story that is for all ages who love sports entertainment just as much as we do. Welcome to...”THE EXTREME WRESTLING REVOLUTION!”
Eric lets the towel drop and holds the belt up for all to see. The crowd CHEERS IN AWE!
ERIC (CONT’D)
Tonight, you will see the crowning of the first ever Extreme Wrestling Revolution champion in a 16 man over the top rope battle roy...
Nathan’s music hits the SPEAKERS and he storms to the ring to BOOS from the crowd. Eric plays it up, frustrated that Nathan is stealing his thunder. Nathan SNATCHES the microphone from Eric.
Nathan
Hey, Showtime...why don’t you just give me the belt and get it over with? Nobody standing on the outside has any business being in the ring with me. I know it, the crowd knows it and everyone outside of this ring knows it. If Shireland wasn’t in the hospital, I’d kick his butt first just to prove my point. I’m the blue chipper, I’m the main event and I... 
Victor’s music hits the SPEAKERS next. Victor comes out to the CHEERS of the crowd and gets in the ring with his own MICROPHONE. Nathan plays it up, staring him down like a true “monster heel”.
victor
(into microphone)
You need to shut the hell up, because all you’re doing is wasting our air. You’re going into that battle royale if I have to beat you down, drag your stupid ass to the ring, beat it again and toss it out myself!
Nathan
Oh yeah!? Why don’t you try right...
Victor CHARGES Nathan and they tie up. The wrestlers from the outside get into the ring and break up the fighting.
eriC
(into microphone)
Looks like we have fireworks already, people! Who here thinks that “The Big Time” and Justin Vincible here should have a match? Tonight! 
The crowd roars in approval..
eric (CONT’D)
(into microphone)
Alright! Then guess what? You and Justin, tonight, the winner is the number one contender for the belt next month! And if either of you wins the belt, it’ll be for the REVOLUTION WORLD TITLE with the winner of your match getting to stipulate the rules!
Nathan and Victor nod.
ERIC (CONT’D)
Alright! You all wanted it, you got it! Welcome revolutionaries to the one show that will change it all, The EXTREME WRESTLING REVOLUTION!
The crowd roars it’s approval, starts chanting “EWR” over and over. People in the crowd start to call up their friends on their cell phones, telling them to come see this show.
Int. CHURCH BASEMENT -NIGHT
The show is going on, each match goes over perfectly. More people enter and take up chairs. The crowd is loving it.
There’s a Three-Way match going on. Backstage, Michael is watching the match unattended, his GYM BAG next to his feet. Michael WINKS at Nathan, then heads out to the ring with his bag. Thomas looks over and spots Michael leaving.
thomAS
Where the hell is Mike going?
Everyone runs over to look. Michael runs to the ring, gets in and proceeds to REALLY HURT the other three wrestlers. The crowd CHEERS, totally into it, unaware it’s unscripted..
Eric runs out to the ring to help, followed by other wrestlers. Nathan stays behind to watch. Michael grabs his bag and jumps into the crowd. Eric and the boys slide into the ring to check on the wrestlers.
eric
GET BACK HERE YOU SON OF A BITCH! WHAT THE HELL?!
Michael gets to the door and sticks his MIDDLE FINGER at Eric.
michaEL
TONI D’AMATTO RULES MICHIGAN, ASSHOLE! MAYBE YOU’LL HAVE BETTER LUCK IN JAPAN!
Eric is completely shocked at Michael’s turncoat tactics. Some people in the crowd begin to CHANT, “TONI! TONI! TONI!” running out the door to follow Michael.
int. CHURCH BASEMENT -night
Backstage, Eric is looking over the booking sheet, making last minute adjustments. Greg and Thomas are tending to the wounded wrestlers. Nathan walks up to Eric and clears his throat. Eric looks up from the sheet.
nathAN
You got a second?
Eric
Yeah sure, what’s up?
Nathan
Listen, Eric...I don’t think I should lose to Victor.
ERIC
But you’re winning...
Nathan
No, it’s not just that. I think maybe I should lose via disqualification instead.
Victor and Thomas walk over.
Victor
What’s up?
Eric waves them all away like annoying flies. He takes Nathan farther aside. The bell rings for the next match to start. 
eriC
Nathan, don’t be pulling this head-case stuff on me now. Not after what just happened.
Nathan
What are you talking about head-case? Listen, the scout from St. Paul is here. He brought a contract and wants me to sign it TONIGHT! This is it, man. That’s at least a hundred dollars a show right there! I just want to impress him, you know?
ERIC
Look, the fans will really hate it more when you win the battle royal. Trust me on this. And you’ll be seen as a company man by putting someone over as well. That’s even better, no?
Nathan thinks a moment, nodding reluctantly.
Nathan
Alright.
ERIC
You okay?
Nathan
Yeah...I’ve just been hitting the gas a little more, Minnesota is a big deal, you know?
ERIC
Yeah, sure. Maybe you shouldn’t mess with the ‘roids for a while, you ARE over 300 pounds now. Not to mention the vics with that...
Nathan
(interrupting)
Look, what I do with my body is my business, okay?!
ERIC
Nathan, don’t be messing with me like this, it’s not funny.
Nathan
Who’s laughing? Look, never mind, I’ll job, okay?
ERIC
Okay.
Eric watches Nathan walk off and into the church hallway. Eric has a worried look on his face, not enjoying arguing with his best friend. 
While wandering, Nathan sees a PAY PHONE. He pulls out the Paper-From-Mike from his pocket and calls the NUMBER on it.
Nathan
Hey, Toni? It’s Nathan. Yeah, how’s your show doing?
int. CHURCH BASEMENT -NIGHT
The crowd CHANTS “EWR!” during Greg and Thomas’ tag team match. Eric watches from behind the curtain.
erIC (V.O.)
This was it. It was like heaven, this was what was missing. They were chanting the name, my name, EWR...I now knew why I wasn’t enjoying wrestling. It was because I wasn’t a wrestler, I was a director.
Greg and Thomas toss out one wrestler, then take their opponent to the TOP ROPE.
erIC (v.o)
This is what it was all about. It just felt so right, everything, for the first time, made complete sense. 
Greg gets on Thomas’ shoulders’ and SUPER-PLEXES the guy through a TABLE. The move makes the crowd explode with CHEERS.
Suddenly, Martina walks in. Martina finds Melissa and greets her. Melissa points to the curtain and Martina makes her way to it. 
She slips behind the curtain. She STOPS FAST and looks a little surprised at seeing Eric so suddenly. The roster, which includes Nathan, all turn around and try and give them some time to themselves.
MartiNA
Hi.
eric
What are you doing here? I would have thought you’d be hiding under your bed. 
Eric sternly WHIPS around and goes for his booking sheet. Martina winces at his reaction but follows him. The bell RINGS for the finish of the tag team match.
MarTINA
Eric...I...
eriC
(interrupts)
Is between H and J. Can we get the point, please?
MARTINA
Well, if you’d let me finish...
eric
Well, spit it out then. Stop tripping on your tongue. It better be important to break kayfabe and come backstage like this.
Martina STOMPS her foot in frustration. TEARS well up in her eyes.
marTINA
Damn it, Eric!
ERIC
What? The show is on, or was the fact of the ring, wrestlers and fans out there, totally lost on you? By the way, I hope you have kevlar under your jacket because I forgot to bring the ‘vests.
MARTINA
You know what? I was coming here to apologize, but I can see you’re just going to be an ass about this, so go to hell! I hope he DOES shoot you dead!
Eric WINCES slightly. Martina storms off, WIPING at her eyes.
ERIC
Take the back roads! You’re safe on holy ground but once you’re off of them, it’s free game you know!
Eric watches her go, shaking his head sordidly. Nathan secretly pops another VICODIN. He walks up to Eric.
nathAN
Kind of harsh weren’t you? She was going to apologize.
erIC
Whatever. All I’m going to get is bitching and complaining about how dangerous this is. She wants me back, she’s going to get scared again, I don’t need that kind of ride right now. She’s got a future of teaching and stuff and doesn’t need the stress. It’s better this way.
NATHAN
Alright then. You’re the boss.
Eric and the roster greet the tag teams as they walk through the curtain for a job well done. Nathan walks up to the curtain, ready for his match. He’s not his usual cheerful, fierce and vocal self.
The Announcer ANNOUNCES the details of the match, then introduces Nathan. His MUSIC hits the SPEAKERS and Nathan runs out. The crowd BOOS VICIOUSLY!
Victor’s GLADIATOR MUSIC hits the SPEAKERS and Victor gets to the ring, the crowd CHEERS. Announcer ANNOUNCES Victor as “Justin Vincible”. The crowd CHEERS LOUDLY!
The bell sounds. The battle goes back and forth. Victor goes on the counter attack, but Nathan gets sneaky and hits him with a low blow without the ref seeing. Nathan sets Victor up for a CHOKESLAM, but Victor reverses it into an RKO FACEBUSTER IN MID-SLAM, and wins. 
The crowd CHEERS LOUDLY, Victor raises his arms in victory. Nathan is very upset, rolls out of the ring and grabs a microphone..
Nathan
Okay, Justin, you win this round...but I get the last laugh. I’m #1 in the battle royal, so screw you! I’m going to be here to throw you out of the ring as soon as you get here and win that belt!
Victor looks confused. Nathan slips back in the ring and raises his hands in victory to the crowd. Victor runs to the back.
int. cHURCH BASEMENT -MOMENTS LATER
In the back, pandemonium has set in. The wrestlers are PISSED about Nathan’s actions.
eric
Look, what do you want me to do, go out there and shoot on him in front of everyone on our first show?!
greg
Eric, Michael takes off and now Nathan is suddenly running the show?! Get some God damn control man! 
Father Patrick walks into the back from through the curtain. Everyone turns and looks, sees him and quiets down. Eric sees him, puts his finger up to signal him to “wait a second”.
ERIC
Like I could tell that Mike was going stab us in the back! I’m in total control here! But I’m not going to kick Nate out now, especially not when he’s one of the biggest draws on the indie circuit! Besides, the crowd is eating it up. Now go, start it up! He wins it anyway, who cares where he starts!
The roster reluctantly complies. Father Patrick walks up to Eric.
father patrick
Is there something wrong?
ERIC
It’s nothing Father, just getting the kinks out. What’s up?
Father Patrick looks skeptical, but smiles and nods.
FATHER PATRICK
Okay. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I’ve had a ball tonight and ANYTIME you want to put on a show here, please don’t hesitate to call me. I haven’t had this much fun since going to Wrestlemania Three at the Silverdome.
ERIC
Wow, thanks Father Patrick! That’s really, really nice of you to say and I’d love to hold our shows here.
Eric and Father Patrick shake hands. The roster sees and hears this and gets their second wind, hyped up to perform for this battle royal. Victor, Greg and Thomas start to yell to get them riled up.
The battle royal goes on. Throughout it, Nathan is repeatedly almost thrown out, but he somehow always stays in the ring. Then suddenly, it’s down to Victor and Nathan. 
Victor gets the upper hand, looks like he’s going to throw Nathan out, but Nathan gets sneaky and with a quick reversal, tosses Victor over the top rope, winning the title. 
The crowd boos like crazy but they’ve obviously enjoyed themselves all night.
Eric reluctantly walks out from the back and hands Nathan the title, all part of the show. Nathan jumps up and down like he’s won the lottery with the belt in his hands, screaming, “I told you! I told you all!” The crowd BOOS with all their heart. Nathan goes to the back.
The roster begin to file into the back. The crowd gives the EWR roster a STANDING OVATION, chanting “EWR”.
int. CHURCH BASEMENT -moments LATER
Everyone backstage changes their clothes. Nathan walks in from the bathroom, dressed normally. He tosses the EWR belt like a piece of garbage into the corner and goes for his bag. Everyone stops and stares at him in shock. 
eriC
Nathan? What the hell...?
Nathan
(tossing his wrestling clothes into his bag)
I’m leaving.
ERIC
Why? Because you didn’t win twice in a row?
Nathan
Did you look out there, Eric. There were, what, 120 people? 100 if we’re lucky after Michael took off. I watched them go.
ERIC
You’re kidding right? We had more fans out there than at the beginning.
NATHAN
D’Amatto has almost 300 tonight.
ERIC
What? When did D’Amatto get a ros...
Nathan goes into his pocket and pulls out the paper. He gives it to Eric. It says “Bleu-star presents: Mid-West Extreme Wrestling Federation - Saturday Slaughterhouse! +18 and up”. Pictures of hardcore talent from all over, along with some other local stars, including Michael and the other two missing wrestlers.
Nathan
Because Mike told me, then I called Toni. Where do you think Michael and the rest of them are at? D’Amatto’s paying locals 60 each.
ERIC
Where the hell did he get...
Nathan
Fitz, Eric. Fitz and D’Amatto joined together. They came up with some major money and know how to use their stars properly.
Nathan looks betrayed for taking a loss, picking up his bag roughly. He stares defensively at the EWR roster a moment.
ERIC
Nathan, you can’t leave, clear the gas from your head, man, this is our show! You can’t leave before you give it a chance! You won the belt for Christ’s sake!
Nathan heads for the door.
Nathan
Sorry Eric. The scout from St. Paul is taking me in his limo to be on the REAL main event. Nothing personal, it’s all business.
He secretly pops another VICODIN as he walks off down the hall.
ERIC
NATE! DON’T GO! HE PUT ME AND SHAWN IN THE HOSPITAL! NATE! DON’T! PLEASE GOD DON’T GO!
Eric is left standing, completely shocked, tears falling from his eyes, crumpling the flyer in his hand. Greg goes over to put his hand on his shoulder. Eric catches his hand before it touches him and throws it aside. Eric runs outside, tears streaming down his face. 
He falls down between some cars and CRIES. He suddenly gets really angry, gets up and runs away.
Ext. HAMBRICK ARENA -NIGHT
Eric gets out of a taxi, telling the driver to stay put. Eric walks up to the building. He sees the poster for tonight’s show on the side, a larger replica of the flyer. 
George and Oz are standing on security at the FRONT DOOR. He sees two roadies and DARREN open the BACK DOOR to go smoke some marijuana outside. Eric sneaks up to the door and slips in without them noticing. 
int. hAMBRICK ARENA -night
Eric sneaks around the back, dodging a few close calls from being found out, and makes it to the MAIN HALL. The place is packed. The setup looks like a cross between a strip-club and a post-apocalyptic crowd, CHANTING “Blood! Blood! Blood!” 
There are two MERCHANDISE tables, one with wrestling paraphernalia, the other with SEX PARAPHERNALIA. Danielle and a couple of other PORN ACTRESSES are giving out autographs. Eric spots Danielle and CUTS to the head of the line.
danIELLE
What the...how the hell did you get in here? Come see how to run a real show and actually make money for a change?
Eric picks up a PORN VIDEO and looks at it distastefully.
eriC
Is this how D’Amatto and Fitz are making all of this money? Porn?!
DANIELLE
It’s perfectly legal and everyone here is checked at the door. 
Eric puts the video down. He turns and looks at the crowd and sees some PEOPLE who can’t be any older than 16.
ERIC
Yeah right.
Porn Actress
Who is this guy, Danielle?
DANIELLE
A wannabe. That’s all. Nobody important.
The crowd “OOOHS” at a brutal move in the ring. Eric doesn’t acknowledge it. Eric looks at Danielle, then looks down at the SEX VIDEOS and sees Danielle on the cover with some of the girls.
erIC
So how long did it take for you to change from secret town trike to movie star whore?
Danielle SLAPS him. Eric overturns the tables. Everyone looks over at the commotion. Danielle and the girls scream for SECURITY. 
FOUR Security guards move over to stop Eric. Eric screams in rage and lets loose on the security guards. The crowd cheers for Eric, chanting “SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME!” before they finally get him down. 
D’Amatto, Michael, Nathan - in full wrestling gear, and Fitz appear from behind the BACKSTAGE CURTAIN with Nathan. Eric taunts them, looking like Old-School Stone Cold Steve Austin getting escorted out by police officers. Michael and Fitz LAUGH at Eric. Nathan frowns at the scene, looking distraught at seeing Eric. 
Francine sneaks through the curtain and stops to look at the blood and sex soaked arena, both shocked and confused. Paul is right on her heels, looking just as shocked.
franCINE
Eric!
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Paul! Get her behind the curtain or your mom will kill us! 
(to Nathan)
Nate! Get in there, now! We’re losing them!
Paul runs back through the curtain with Francine, chased by D’Amatto. Fitz and Michael watch Nate jump into the ring, attacking both wrestlers. The first wrestler grabs a 2X4 WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE. 
The crowd turns from Eric and sees Nathan and CHEER him. Eric turns and watches Nathan get the 2X4 broken over his LEFT SHOULDER, the BARBED WIRE ripping his flesh. Nathan no-sells the hit, but it looks bad.
Eric FLINCHES at the injury just before the guards toss him to George and Oz. They drag him to the doors. 
georGE
You know, I never figured you were THIS stupid! 
eric
I know. Just try not to drop me on my head, it’s been hurting enough lately.
GEORGE
I’m going to enjoy this...
Another fight breaks out near the entrance to the main area, the crowd looks like they’re about ready to riot. Oz motions for George to go stop it. George reluctantly goes, wanting to beat on Eric instead. Oz drags Eric outside. He lets him go at the door and brushes him off a little.
oz
Eric, please don’t come around here anymore. I really don’t enjoy kicking your ass but you always seem to be in Toni’s sights.
eRIC
Alright. I’ll try and stay out of his way.
OZ
Thanks. Now get out of here before George gets back. He likes to kick your ass.
Eric nods with a chuckle and starts to jog towards his taxi.
oz (CONT’D)
GOOD LUCK SHOW!
Eric turns and waves in appreciation. As he jogs, Darren pops up from between a few cars with his 2 friends. They are obviously HIGH. They laugh at Eric, very stoned and their words sarcastic and slurring.
darREN (CONT’D)
Hey Shoetime, how did your show go?
Eric charges Darren and beats all three of them up bad, taking all of his frustration out on them.
Eric
Just fine, thanks.
int. Generic BAR -NIGHT
Eric is sitting alone at a table in a bar. He’s been drinking heavily, about ten Tequila glasses sit empty before him, with eight more still full, and a glass of beer. He looks down at the table, at the crumpled flyer. He downs a tequila shot. Suddenly, D’Amatto walks in and sits down at his table.
D’AMATTO
Anyone sitting here? Didn’t think so.
Eric looks at him drunkenly, not really caring.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Hey, I hear your show did well. 127 fans, not too shabby. Doesn’t compete with my 338, but I only started with 40 with my first ever show. That’s got to be some kind of record.
Eric moves a shot of Tequila over to D’Amatto. D’Amatto takes it, they raise their glasses to each other and do the shot.
D’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Damn, no lemons?
erIC
After ten, you don’t need the lemons.
D’AMATTO
Good point.
(beat)
Listen, I’d appreciate it if you played by the rules and kept to your own show...promoter to promoter, you know?
eric
Then keep your secret agents out of mine.
d’AMATTO
Mike did that because he wanted to, not because I told him to, but I’ll make sure that never happens again. I also saw you roughed up Darren tonight. That’s not like you, Eric. He’s harmless and a good kid.
ERIC
Yeah right. Tell that to Shawn.
D’AMATTO
Shawn agreed to that match, don’t blame it on Darren. I never, ever force any of my boys to try the insane stunts they do. I’m a promoter, I try to promote and sell ideas to everyone, wrestler and fan alike. If they want to try them out, that’s their choice.
ERIC
Go to hell, Toni. Do you enjoy playing your Italian stereotype, should I call you “Fat Toni”? Maybe we should go to the lake and make me some cement shoes before I “know too much”?
D’AMATTO
Hey, you go to hell. I did everything for you and you smacked me in the face. You think I’m just going to go belly up and let you take over what I’ve worked so hard to establish? Hell no, I’m going to fight back. You made it a matter of pride, Eric. Nobody walks into my territory like they own the place because I own it.
ERIC
No, YOU go to hell. I gave you my LIFE, Toni. I put my neck on the line night in and night out and you never gave me one ounce of respect!
d’AMATTO
You want to know why? Because you suck, Eric. You don’t even deserve what little you have. All you ever did was bitch, whine and complain like a champ, but you never actually PERFORMED like a champion. Every night, you’d complain about getting paid when you never realized once that your chance to make the big money was RIGHT THERE. You had all of the important eyes on you, that I brought out of my OWN POCKET, but never once did you stand out from the others because you can’t. 
D’Amatto pauses, letting the words sink in. Eric looks down at the table in thought, wondering if he’s right.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
As for your little attempt at booking, it’s quite obvious you’re wrong again and nobody wants to see a family friendly show today. Not when there are people who are willing to kill themselves and sell their bodies night in and night out. The WWE, THE BIG TIME, gets away with senseless smut, violence and racy storylines all of the time and the kids are GLUED to the set. Nobody cares about a clean show anymore, nobody cares about a clean ANYTHING anymore.
D’Amatto runs his finger into the shot-glass and licks it.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
You’re fighting a lost cause Kid, with only a handful of internet pricks who think they know it all as your only backers...and they mean squat to your bankbook. You can’t sell clean. Nathan, Danie and Michael are just the beginning. When my boys see what a mistake they made, they’ll all come back. I’ll put any money on it...because in the end, that’s what it’s all about, Dinero.
Eric averts his eyes, all of the words sinking in, at a loss for a comeback. D’Amatto gets up from his chair, straightening his shirt. He turns to walk away, but stops and SIGHS. He turns back and leans on the table towards Eric.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Look Eric, I do want you to succeed in life, but just not at my expense. My advice: get a new woman, go back to school. If you quit now, I’m even willing to let bygones be bygones and help you if you need it.
Eric flips him is MIDDLE FINGER. D’Amatto nods.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
Alright, it’s your funeral. Thanks for the Tequila.
D’Amatto walks out. Eric takes another shot of Tequila, totally lost.
Ext. Generic MOTEL Complex -nIGHT
Eric staggers along a sidewalk, drunk, carrying a bottle of JACK DANIELS. He looks into a motel window. He sees that TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY is showing on T.V. and a 7 year old boy has fallen asleep to it.
Eric goes to the next window where a 12 year old boy and two of his friends are playing GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY on a PLAYSTATION 2. 
Eric looks away and closes his eyes tight, trying to keep the tears away.
int. MARTINA’S APARTMENT -night
Martina is watching TELEVISION, a BOX of TISSUE at her side. KNOCK, KNOCK! Martina answers the door. Eric passes out as the door opens, his face wet from crying. They fall in a heap, Martina checking his vitals.
int. MARTINA’S APARTMENT -EVENING
There’s a knock at the door. Martina, looking very busy cleaning, answers it. Melissa, Greg and Thomas are there.
marTINA
Hi, come in. I’ve just been cleaning.
They go in. 
MelISSA
Where is he, Marty?
MARTINA
In bed. He’s been there for three days. Doesn’t do much but watch television, barely eats...
Greg
Is he awake?
MARTINA
Yeah, he’s pretty messed up though, I’m just warning you guys.
MelISSA
It’s pretty big of you, keeping him like this.
MARTINA
(shrugs)
I couldn’t just let him go, especially after how he came here. Come on.
Martina leads them into her bedroom. The lights aren’t on. Eric is sitting up in BED, he looks dirty, unshaven, a mess. He’s watching T.V.
marTINA (CONT’D)
Eric? Your friends are here. Watch your eyes, I’m turning on the light.
eriC
No thank you. No lights.
MARTINA
Alright. I’ll get some chairs for you.
meliSSA
Thanks.
Thomas
Hey bud, how’s it going?
eric
Fine.
Greg goes into his POCKET and pulls out a FOLDED PIECE OF PAPER.
Greg
Hey, I don’t know if you saw the internet hotsheets, but EWR got great reviews. I printed some of them out so you could read them.
Greg hands him the paper. Eric takes it just absently drops it to his side. Martina comes in with TWO DINING ROOM CHAIRS.
MartinA
Here you go. Sorry, I only have two.
Melissa takes one, Greg sits on the other, Thomas remains standing. They thank her. Martina heads for the kitchen.
Greg
So, when are we going to do our next show?
eriC
What do you think?
Greg
Don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you. You are the boss, you know.
ERIC
I am?
Greg
Yeah.
ERIC
Nah. You don’t want a failure like me as boss. I’ll just mess up again and more people will run off to D’Amatto. I don’t know what I’m doing really, never have. EWR was a stupid purist dream, I know that now.
Phone RINGS beside Eric. Martina answers it in the kitchen.
eRIC (CONT’D)
Shawn’s got a good mind for it, he could do it from his bed. It’s not like he’ll be wrestling anytime soon, maybe he’d do well as the boss. Tell him to make it as bloody and nasty as he wants, maybe you’ll all break even if you surround the ring with a pool of acid or something.
Melissa, Greg and Thomas all FROWN. Eric sighs and looks out the window.
melISSA
You don’t really...
eric
I’m tired guys, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. You can find the door yourselves, right?
Melissa, Greg and Thomas all pause, staring at Eric in denial. Is this really Eric?
Greg
Yeah, sure.
ERIC
Cool. Thanks for coming.
All three leave. Eric sighs and glances at the paper Greg gave him. Eric THROWS the paper aside and CRIES as he tries to watch T.V.
Int. MARTINA’S APARTMENT -NIGHT
Eric is asleep on the bed, Martina is sleeping on her couch. The television is still on. Suddenly, the show that’s on is interrupted by a special news report. 
“MAJOR FLOODING ON THE SOUTH-MOST TOP OF THE UPPER PENINSULA. DELTA, MENOMIES, DICKENSON, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS IF NOT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGES”.
Eric watches this, starts to CACKLE MADLY. He’s got an idea!
int. dETROIT MEDICAL CENTER -DAY
Eric - showered and clean, and Melissa are in Shawn’s Room. Shawn is still in his torso brace/cast. Eric is on Melissa’s CELL PHONE while Shawn is DESIGNING a POSTER.
eric
....yeah, that’s right, in five days. That’s why I need coverage ASAP. Tomorrow at eight in the morning? How about eight-thirty? Great, thank you.
Eric hangs up and tosses Melissa’s cell phone back at her.
eric (CONT’D)
That’s news coverage. Tomorrow at eight-thirty in the morning.
Shawn
Damn man, we’re cutting it too close. You’re putting everything on the line with a bunch of promises that we can’t even verify.
Melissa
Why do this so fast?
ERIC
Because I don’t want D’Amatto to beat us to the punch if he has the same idea. This is our golden opportunity.
Melissa
But to take advantage of a situation like this...
ERIC
It’s what any good promoter would do. Take the bull by the horns and run with it. We’ll get major exposure and look like heroes, all before D’Amatto can fart. More people will come check us out and viola, we’re a Michigan juggernaut. Am I making sense here?   
Everyone nods, smiling with confidence. Shawn holds up the pad to show off his design. Melissa and Eric nod.
Shawn
Well?
ERIC
Looks good. Mel?
MelISSA
I’ll get my sister on it. She loves arts and crafts stuff.
erIC
Cool.
shaWN
Where’s Marty?
erIC
Out. Beats me, she got a call just as we were leaving and had to leave. Probably work.
SHAWN
Oh okay.
ERIC
Why? You interested?
melISSA
(sarcastically)
Yeah, are you interested?
shawN
(sarcastically)
Maybe a little, but don’t tell my wife, she’ll get jealous and bitchy.
They all laugh, Melissa sticks her tongue out and Shawn playfully and leans in and they kiss. 
There’s a KNOCK at the door. It opens. Nathan is at the door with Martina. Nathan is looking very sorry, his head down. Everyone looks over and sees them...SILENCE.
martinA
Nathan has something to say to you all. He went through some awful trouble getting my cell number to call me and I think you all should give him a chance.
erIC
Well please hurry, I’m very busy at the moment, especially for ‘roided out headcases who jump ship when things don’t go their way...By the way, I’d like my clothes back when you get a chance.
She and Nathan stand before them. Nathan takes a moment, takes a breath. Martina steps away and leans against the wall.
Nathan
I’m sorry Eric, Shawn, Mel. I...I haven’t really been thinking clearly lately. I think you’re right, I’ve been pumping up on the gas a little bit too much. With all of these scouts promising me the world...and D’Amatto said that he would personally introduce me to the WWE scouts he just met...
He takes a breath, steadying himself.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Minnesota, this was something I really wanted, you know? And when they signed me up, I thought I could do anything, say anything. And there were so many fans, well, you were there Eric, and there were four scouts there. 400 hardcore, frenzied fans. I walked on the show when I left, D’Amatto immediately said he’d let me run in on the main event...
Nathan wipes his eyes and steadies his voice from cracking.
nathAN (CONT’D)
But, I stabbed you in the back. I stabbed all of you in the back. I really made a mess of things, I’ve turned into everything I never wanted to be.
Nathan pauses, trying to control himself from crying like a little kid.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Yes, it’s a business, but you can’t forget who your friends are, you know? And that’s what I did. I’m an ass, I know, I’m a bastard, I know. But I want to make things right. I want us to be friends again, I want to wrestle exclusively for EWR in Michigan. Please guys, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.
Eric walks to the WINDOW, looking out in thought. Everyone wonders what he’ll decide. ERIC turns from the window and slowly walks toward Nathan. He looks him in the eye with a scowl on his face...then hugs NATHAN. Everyone breathes a SIGH of RELIEF. Nathan looks very happy and relieved. 
Melissa joins in on the hug. Eric looks over to Martina, nods to her and mouths the words “THANKS” with a smile. She smiles and nods to him.
Nathan moves to Shawn and embraces him as lightly as possible. Shawn accidentally TOUCHES Nathan’s left shoulder wound. He winces.
Nathan (CONT’D)
Ow....umm...forgot to tell you, a little sore there.
Shawn
What the hell did D’Amatto do to you now?
Nathan
When I did that run in, I got blasted with a barbed-wire 2X4. Got ripped up pretty good.
ERIC
I saw. Let’s see it.
They all laugh and tell Nathan to take it off. Everyone WINCEs.
erIC (CONT’D)
Damn guy, that looks bad.
nathAN
Didn’t hurt that much, well, until I saw it.
They all laugh. Shawn suddenly STARTS CrYING. Everyone moves over to him. He SIGHS and tries to control himself.
shaWN (CONT’D)
I’m sorry guys. I want to be out there with you all so bad right now. 
eric
We know, bro. We know.
shAWN
Just...do me proud guys. If all I’m going to be able to do in the future is be pushed around in our company T-shirt, I want to at least feel like I helped make something big.
Nathan and Eric nod to him confidently, then all three CLASP HANDS IN A HANDSHAKE..
Int. CHURCH -DAY
At the Church, Melissa is helping her younger sister, who is 14 years old, and her friends paint the professional looking poster. At the same time, she and Martina help with decorating the CHURCH’s MAIN CHAPEL AREA for the show.
int. fox news studio -day
Eric appears before a Fox NEWS REPORTER in a one on one interview at the news studio.
interviewer
Mr. Semel, while it’s adamant that you’ve decided to take it upon yourself to help the upper peninsula, it’s obvious that you’re taking a large risk to help your fellow man.
eric
What do you mean?
INTERVIEWER
Well, not everyone is a wrestling fan of the Detroit independent scene, how do you propose that you can come up with enough money to even put a dent into the debt?
ERIC
Well, we don’t expect to pay the whole thing off, we are just trying to help. And to help our cause, we have gone deep into our pockets and produced one of the true legends of wrestling. It will also be the first time he’s ever stepped in a Detroit, Michigan ring too. I’m talking about Jerry “The King” Lawler from the WWE. The EWR believes that he will be more than enough to entice the casual fan to see the show.
INTERVIEWER
And you claim that your shows are family friendly?
ERIC
That’s correct, all EWR shows are family-friendly. We will always advertize to parents whether or not they wish to take their children to a show because we care what today’s youth is watching, unlike our competitors.
Int. PApa Toni’s Pizza -EVENING
D’Amatto is watching the T.V. in the restaurant with a handful of CUSTOMERS. He is wearing a pissed-off smirk. Paul and Francine are also watching it, Paul looking very interested. Using the T.V. REMOTE, D’Amatto suddenly changes the channel.
customer
Hey Toni, why did you change it? We were watching that.
d’AMATTO
You want me to change it back?
The customers all nod.
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
I’m not going to change it back. You want to change back?
D’Amatto suddenly whips the remote across the restaurant and it SMASHES into a whole mess of pieces.
paul
Dad!
d’AMATTO (CONT’D)
THERE! GET UP AND CHANGE IT YOURSELF!
(turns around to continue making pizza)
That little prick....THAT LITTLE PRICK!
Everyone in the restaurant is quiet, staring at D’Amatto. He MARCHES to the back. Francine starts to CRY. Paul puts his arms around her to help her stop crying, scowling at where his dad stood.
ext. Church courtyard -NIGHT
Just above the CHURCH ENTRANCE is the POSTER “EWR’s “Battle for Flood”! with special guest JERRY THE KING LAWLER!”” with all of the EWR stars’ names written around it.
int. cHURCH -momenTS LATER
A huge crowd of PSYCHED fans are moving into the church. The church is half full now and looks as though it will be totally full in a few minutes.
int. backstage church -MOMENTS LATER
Backstage, Everyone is all dressed in their wrestling attire and ready to go. Eric, Nathan and JERRY LAWLER aren’t seen. Victor is pacing back and forth, looking a little nervous.
Suddenly, Nathan appears from the priest’s OFFICE, adjacent from the backstage. Victor walks up to him so fast, it’s almost like a charge.
VICTOR
Is he here? Where is he?
nathAN
(laughs)
Easy dude, Eric’s just taking him through the office. He’s getting dressed now, which is what I should be doing.
Victor nods and they shake hands. Nathan goes to his BAG. The wrestlers confront Nathan. He looks at them, one at a time, a nervous look on his face.
Greg
Look at him shake, like we’re going to kick his ass.
They all laugh and go back to loosening up. Nathan breathes a sigh of relief and laughs.  
Nathan
Okay, you guys got me...real good.
greg
Serves you right, Butt-Wipe. 
nathAN
Yeah, I know, I’m an asshole. I’m sorry you guys. Really.
Everyone waves it off, as if they were expecting him to ditch them at some point.
thomAS
Don’t worry about it, Nathan. We all say we wouldn’t get a big head if we hit the big time but how many of us actually mean it? You’re not the first to do it and won’t be the last. 
vicTO
We’re all just glad you got your head out of your ass.
Everyone agrees. Nathan gives them all a big smile and nods.
Nathan
Thanks you guys. Now it’s different, now we’re going to go out there and kick all their asses!
Everyone shouts out a “yeah!”, in response. The wrestlers begin to loosen up. Eric and Martina walk in with child-like smiles on their faces.
EriC
Gentlemen, I’ve always wanted to do this. I present to you, Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Eric steps aside and JERRY LAWLER walks in, wearing full WRESTLING GEAR.
jerry
Hi everyone. We all set?
The wrestlers are in awe of Jerry. They walk over and greet him. Behind everyone, Eric slowly takes Martina’s hand into his. She looks a little surprised and looks up to him.
eric
Listen...
martINA
Don’t say anything. You’ve got a show to do first. 
EriC
No, I’ve got to say this first.
(pause)
Actually, words can’t do it justice.
Eric leans in and takes Martina in his arms and kisses her deeply. Everyone “OOHHHSSS” like a bunch of school-kids. Eric flips them all the MIDDLE FINGER in mid-kiss. Everyone chuckles and leaves them alone.
eric (CONT’D)
I’m sorry.
martiNA
I know. 
eric
I never think when it comes to my heart, I always just play it by ear. But promise me the next time I go for the door, make sure it’s locked.
MARTINA
(strokes his cheek)
I promise I’ll use all three.
Eric and Martina SMILE. The roster CALLS Eric over to join them. Martina pats Eric on the butt and motions for him to go. Eric kisses her again then joins the roster, pulling out the BOOKING SHEET from his pocket. Martina exits. 
Greg
Blood circulating to your fingers and toes, Romeo?
Everyone LAUGHS.
eric
Shut up, I’m fine. Okay, I’ve gone over all your matches personally and Jerry and Nathan just went over theirs in the car. We don’t have a lot of time, so get loose and follow the map to greatness. 
(to Greg and Thomas)
Guys you’re sure you want to use...those?
thoMAS
Just give us the word.
erIC
Alright, it’s under the ring. 
Thomas and Greg nod.
eric (CONT’D)
Everyone cool?
Everyone SHOUTS, “Yeah ARAMIS!”.
eric (CONT’D)
Alright. It’s SHOWTIME!
Eric sticks the booking paper on the wall using TAPE. 
int. CHURCH -mOMENTS LATER
The event begins. Eric STUMBLES out from the back, shaking his head LAUGHING, getting TRIPPED by Nathan again. The crowd CHEERS for Eric. A few small PYROTECHNICS go off. 
Jerry’s royal theme music hits the speakers, the crowd chants “JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!” as Jerry walks out. Both go to the ring. Eric picks up a MICROPHONE.
ERIC
(into microphone)
Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Welcome to the Battle for Flood benefit show! We thank you all for coming tonight! Tonight, you will see some of Michigan’s hottest and brightest talents from EWR and, of course, the man of the hour, JERRY “THE KING” LAWLER!
The crowd chants his name again and bow to him. Eric hands Jerry the MICROPHONE.
JERRY
(into microphone)
Thank you, everyone! The King would like to thank you all for showing up here tonight. Our friends in the upper peninsula are counting on us to put on a great show and help them out with their problem. 
(pause)
Now tonight, I’m supposed to fight some guy who calls himself, “The Big Time”. Well, let me tell you something Nathan Burke, I’ve fought so many people who thought they were the big time but turned out to be small fries, I could open my own McDonald’s restaurant...
Nathan’s ROCK music interrupts him, blaring from the SPEAKERS. Nathan comes running out to the ring wearing the CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. The crowd BOOS! Eric plays it up, looking VERY UPSET at Nathan’s interruption. Nathan snatches the microphone out of Jerry’s hands.
Nathan
(into microphone)
Hey Show, since when in my contract does it say I have to fight old men in diapers?
(LAUGHS)
But to be honest, Lawler...I don’t like people coming to my backyard and insulting me. So not only am I going to waive my “No Grandpa Beatings” clause, but I’m going to have loads of fun doing it.
The crowd BOOS. Jerry rips the microphone from Nathan’s hand.
JERRY
If you’re so sure of yourself, “Small Time” why don’t you put your belt on the line?
The crowd pops big time for this. Nathan covers the belt with his hands and looks like he won’t accept. The crowd BOOS Nathan. Jerry makes the “chicken” motion with his arms. The crowd YELLS “BOCK BOCK BOCK!” Nathan looks really mad.
Nathan
Alright, you’re on! That’s how confident I am, I’ll put my belt on the line! All or nothing!
The crowd CHEERS even louder. Nathan tosses the microphone to Eric.
eric
Well, there you have it folks. Tonight’s main event is also for the EWR Championship! 
Nathan SNEERS at Jerry and leaves the ring slowly. Raising his arms to the crowd. The crowd BOOS him. Jerry and Eric wave to the crowd before leaving the ring.
Eric spots Paul and Francine in the crowd with Oz. They all seem to be having a good time. Eric gives them a THUMBS UP. They return it, even Oz.

Int. church -MOMENTS LATER
With modest pyrotechnics to introduce each wrestler, each match goes over without a hitch once again. Highlights of all sorts of great spots from all of the wrestlers are shown.
Nathan is backstage, Continuously firing up the boys and making sure they are all ready. Eric does the same but constantly looks over his shoulder. It’s so good to have Nathan back.
int. CHURCH -moments LATEr
The crowd is chanting “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!”, over and over again. The Announcer ANNOUNCES the details of the main event. Jerry’s ROYALTY music hits the SPEAKERS and he comes out to monstrous CHEERS.
Nathan’s ROCK MUSIC hits the SPEAKERS. The cheers turn to BOOS! Some small PYROTECHNICS go off. The Announcer INTRODUCES Nathan. Nathan comes out. The bell sounds.
The two lock up. Nathan tosses Jerry back like a doll. Nathan LAUGHS at him. The crowd starts chanting “Jerry! Jerry!”. 
Nathan jeers Jerry. Jerry gets back in the ring. They lock up again, Nathan tosses him back again. Jerry and the fans look worried. Slowly, Jerry stalks Nathan, Nathan standing tall, very over-confident. They lock up again. 
Eric watches the match from behind the curtain. Greg gets up, ICE-PACK over his knee and BANDAGED forehead, limps over and opens the curtain wide.
Greg
Might as well, when’s he going to be back?
Eric LAUGHS, motions for everyone to come watch. They do.
Nathan BODYSLAMS Jerry and then slides out of the ring. He grabs a microphone.
Nathan
(into microphone)
Ha! This is too easy! You suck, Lawler! I’m not going to waste my time anymore. I’m going home, the only place where YOU’LL be safe. See you around, you HACK!
Nathan tosses the microphone aside and walks towards the back. The crowd BOOS!!! The wrestlers are all looking shocked, wondering if he’s lost it again. Eric smirks. Nathan sees them through the curtain and gives them a wink.
Jerry does the chicken gesture to him again. The crowd starts to “Bock-Bock” like a chicken. Nathan gets angry.
Nathan (CONT’D)
(into microphone)
Alright, that’s it. I’m coming back! I’m going to beat you back to the Stone Age, Grandpa!
Nathan CHARGES the ring but Jerry quickly gets the upper hand. After some back and forth wrestling, Jerry pulls the STRAP on his wrestling gear DOWN, signally it’s GO TIME! He positions Nathan’s head towards the mat and BOOM...drops Nathan on his head with a PILEDRIVER! 1,2...NATHAN KICKS OUT! Jerry DOES IT AGAIN! 1,2...NATHAN KICKS OUT AGAIN! Jerry sits on the mat, staring at Nathan WIDE EYED. People start to CHEER for Nathan out of respect!
Jerry picks up Nathan and irish-whips him towards the turnbuckle, but Nathan REVERSES IT and Jerry GOES RIGHT INTO THE REF! With the Ref out of action, Nathan goes into his pants and pulls out a SMALL CHAIN. He tries to use it but Jerry gets it from him and NAILS Nathan between the eyes. The Ref comes to and counts 1,2,3! Jerry wins! The crowd goes WILD! Nathan’s head is SPLIT OPEN. The ref looks for the chain on Jerry and finds it! The decision is changed! The crowd BOOS at first. They start to CHEER Nathan as Jerry reluctantly gives him applause, a SMIRK on his face. Nathan and Jerry shake hands, then raise their arms in victory to the CHEERS of the crowd.
int. KILGER’S BAR -NIGHT
The whole roster, including Jerry Lawler, followed by a few hundred fans, all walk into Kilger’s. The place is suddenly PACKED.
marTINA
Beer! Lots of it! Now!
The whole roster, including Jerry, cheer at the words. Natalie and the bartender start serving.  Eric, Nathan, Martina, Jerry, Melissa, Victor, Greg and Thomas all sit in a large booth and settle in comfortably.
erIC
(to Martina)
You’re just going to let Nat run crazy?
MARTINA
I’d help her, but she’s been complaining about not getting enough tips. Who am I to take a away a potential thousand dollar night?
Everyone LAUGHS. Natalie brings them all BEER. Fans come around to get autographs. Jerry, Nathan and everyone else are more than happy to sign some.
jerrY
(while signing an autograph)
When will you guys know how much you pulled in?
eric
Our door guys will call us here. They started counting just before the main event and were still after we left.
Greg
Speaking of which, that was one hell of a main event man.
(raises his glass)
To the best main event match ever!
Everyone raises their glasses and starts chanting “Jerry! Jerry!” Jerry LAUGHS, handing the person his autograph.
jerry
Thanks guys, but hey, give some credit to yourselves, that was a fantastic effort you put out...and let’s not forget the big guy here.
(to Nathan)
That was a great match, I loved the improv you did with the mic. I’m really impressed with how you performed. You really are everything everyone is billing you out to be.
nathAN
Thanks Jerry, I that really means a lot coming from you. You really are The King.
Everyone raises their glasses and chants “JERRY JERRY!”
marTINA
(to Eric)
I’m going to make sure the bartender knows that we’re expecting a call. I’ll be back.
eriC
Okay.
(to Jerry)
So what’s life like working for the WWE?
jerRY
Well, of course I enjoy it. I do wish I could wrestle more though, I love the rush of the fans. There’s nothing quite like playing to a sold out arena.
Greg
The heavy paycheck must be nice too.
JERRY
Well, I won’t lie, it’s nice to make a living off of your dreams. But you all know, if it’s in your heart, you’ll do it no matter what.
They all nod. Jerry pauses and nods to Melissa.
jerrY (CONT’D)
I believe your husband knows what I’m talking about.
meLISSA
I understand more than you know.
jerrY
I do miss wrestling on the big shows though. I’m glad that McMahon lets me sign on for indie shows because as much as I like being a commentator, I love being out there and wrestling for the fans. I’m honored that you all let me help you with this show. If it wasn’t for you guys, who still believe in what I can do, I would have gotten out of this gig a long time ago.
Everyone raises their glasses to Jerry’s words, Jerry raises his own to them. Nathan leans back in his chair. He flinches and sits up.
JerrY (CONT’D)
Did I hurt you Nathan?
Nathan
No, no. I had a 2X4 wrapped in barbed wire broken over my shoulder four nights ago. It still hurts, and that second piledriver you gave me, I landed on it a bit hard.
MeLISSA
You sure you’re okay?
Nathan
(LAUGHS)
Yes, Mel. I’ve had my ACL blown out, I think I can live through a cut up shoulder.
MaRTINA (O.S.)
Eric! Phone!
Eric excuses himself, goes to the bar and picks up the PHONE.
eric
(into phone)
Hello? Hi Leo, how much? Two thousand people? That’s awesome! Thanks. No, that’s fantastic, really. Do it exactly like we planned. Thank you.
Eric hangs up the phone.
MARTINA
Well?
ERIC
Eighteen thousand dollars when rounded down. 
Eric is SILENT. Martina looks confused at his temperament. He takes her aside.
marTINA
That’s good, right? Eighteen grand is a lot of money.
ERIC
Yeah, but four thousand of it is going towards the other half of Jerry’s payment.
MARTINA
What? You’re messing with benefit money?!
eric
Shhh, quiet down.
(beat)
Look, Jerry doesn’t know about this, all he knows is he’s getting paid eight grand for his appearance. I got every sponsor and wrestler to pool in four grand, but he’s worth four normally. Eight was the only way to get him on such short notice. BUT, the way I see it, even if we send 10 grand to the upper peninsula, we still look like heroes. Don’t look so guilty, we’re not taking any money for ourselves.
marTINA
Maybe we should have got someone cheaper...
ERIC
Too late for that. What’s done is done. Nobody knows but us two. This was the best possible way to get the exposure we need to actually turn a profit in the future. Jerry’s a legend, his appearance will rub off on us. Remember, this is a business as much as it is a dream. I’m looking out for our well-being here.
Martina frowns and looks skeptical, she doesn’t like this at all.
erIC (CONT’D)
Look, it’s the only time I’m going to do this, okay? I don’t like messing with the money as much as you do, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. Officially, we made 14 grand. Now let’s go and party, we deserve it.
Martina nods reluctantly and kisses him.
martINA
I just hope it doesn’t bite you in the ass.
ERIC
You and me both, Marty.
Eric puts his arm around Martina. They go back to the table. Eric clears his throaT.
eric (CONT’D)
We put together fourteen thousand dollars for the people up north.
Everyone CHEERS and claps, taking a drink for the effort.
ERIC (CONT’D)
I’d like to thank all of my friends in EWR for taking time to do this WITHOUT pay...and of course Jerry Lawler one last time, for taking time out of his busy schedule, on such short notice, to come and help us.
Everyone claps for each other.
ERIC (CONT’D)
And of course, the fans of the EWR, those of you old enough to be in here.
Everyone chuckles at the remark.
ERIC (CONT’D)
Because if it wasn’t for you, I believe everyone here, including Jerry, would admit we’d be nothing. So give yourselves a round of applause for helping your fellow man and making a dream of mine come true.
Another round of applause is given throughout the bar. 
ERIC (CONT’D)
Now, let’s celebrate with some Tequila!
ext. kILGER’S BAR -LATER
Everyone exits the bar. Jerry’s LIMO is waiting for him off to the side.
Nathan
Damn, I’ve got to get some sleep. St. Paul is a long drive and I’ve got to be there in forty-eight hours.
eric
Dude! You should have told me!
NATHAN
And miss wrestling Jerry? Yeah, right!
(shakes Jerry’s hand)
Thanks again for the opportunity, Jerry. I really enjoyed myself and our match is definitely the highlight of my life.
jerry
Well, hang on a second, don’t leave so quick. I need some information.
Nathan
Like?
JERRY
Contact info. For your WWE dark match tryout.
Nathan stands there, completely stunned with everyone else! Jerry LAUGHS and nods to him.
jerry (CONT’D)
Look, Nathan, I’ll be honest with you. Everyone, including the WWE, has been hearing through the grapevine about you. I didn’t just come here to wrestle but for an opportunity to see you first hand and I really liked what I saw. I’m going to advise Jim Ross that you deserve a try-out when we come out here in a few months. 
Nathan can’t believe his ears. He pulls out a NAPKIN from his pocket. Melissa goes into her PURSE and pulls out her PEN. Nathan takes it and starts to scribbling.
Nathan (CONT’D)
I don’t exactly live in a house, but I’ll give you my mom’s number. I usually go back home every few weeks and she’s got the number of the places I wrestle so she can call me and...
jerrY
Okay, sounds good. As long as I can eventually get you a message.
Nathan
Yes, yes. Very, very good. Oh man, I can’t WAIT to finally tell my mom, “I TOLD YOU SO! HA!”
Nathan gives Jerry the napkin. Everyone CHUCKLES. Nathan gets congratulations from everyone. He shakes Eric’s hand, then hugs him with his free hand.
Nathan
Thank you, thank you Eric.
erIC
Hey man, it’s what boys do for each other right?
Nathan
Right. You damn right. You all will be coming to the dance after me. I won’t ever forget this, not for as long as I live.
(to Jerry)
Thanks again, Jerry. You won’t regret it, I swear.
jerrY
No problem, I’m sure I won’t.
Nathan shakes his hand again. They all say their good-byes then Eric, Jerry, Martina and Victor head for the LIMO while the others go for their cars and taxis. Nathan goes to his car.
eric
Easy on the vics, Nate! Knock ‘em dead in St. Paul!
Everyone CHEERS “yeah!”. Nathan waves to them. Eric watches him go, SMILING for his friend’s good fortune. Eric gets into the limo, wrapping his arms around Martina, shaking Jerry’s hand, enjoying the moment. The limo drives off.
Ext. kILGER’S BAR -MOMENTS LATER
Nathan gets to his CAR. He sways slightly, feeling the effects of the Tequila. His left shoulder bothering him. Nathan starts the car. He takes his bottle of Vicodin and rests it on the dashboard. He drives away. 
int. MARTINA’S APARTMENT -MORNING
Eric and Martina are sleeping. The phone RINGS beside them. Eric groggily rolls over and picks up the phone.
eric
Hello?
PolicemAN
Hello, this is Highway Patrol Officer Steven Turner, is “Eric Semel” there?
Eric SNAPS up straight in bed.
ERIC
Speaking.
POLICEMAN
Yes, um...do you know a “Nathan Burke”?
ERIC
Yes, he’s a friend of mine, is he okay?
(smirks)
Did you catch him DUI on the highway or something? 
POLICEMAN
Well...
ERIC
(not listening)
How much is bail? If it’s over a hundred bucks, tell him to get a pillow and a blanket because it could take a while...
POLICEMAN
Eric, listen...we didn’t catch him DUI. We found this number in his gym bag.
Eric frowns, wondering what the problem is. 
martINA
Babe? What is...
Eric puts up a finger to shush her.
eriC
What happened, officer?
poLICEMAN
There’s been an accident. We think Nathan might have fallen asleep at the wheel...
eriC
(interrupting)
Is he okay?
POLICEMAN
(beat)
I’m sorry son...he hit a tree, the front end is a mess...it looks like he never had a chance.
Eric bites his lip. Martina sits up, wondering what’s wrong.
polICEMAN (CONT’D)
Listen, the phone numbers listed here under his license plate aren’t connecting anywhere, does he have parents, next of kin we can notify and do you have their numbers?
eriC
Gi...give me a...minute...
POLICEMAN
Alright son, take your time, I’ll be on the line.
Eric drops the phone, he looks like he’s going to be sick. Eric falls on Martina’s stomach, CRYING and SCREAMING “NATHAN’S DEAD! HE’S DEAD! IT’S NOT FAIR!”. Her mouth drops open, trying her best to console him but cries along with him.
ext. CHURCH COURTYARD -DAY
The LOWERING of Nathan’s coffin is taking place here. NATHAN’S FAMILY stands at the HEAD of his coffin. EWR is on one side, D’Amatto’s fed is on the other, staring at each other as if they’re two civil war armies ready to fight. 
Eric and D’Amatto walk toward each other and meet at Nathan’s grave, by themselves.
d’AMATTO
Listen, Eric...He was your good friend, more than I can say as a good acquaintance...
ERIC
(interrupting)
Shut up and listen. All Nathan ever wanted was to be a wrestler, he gave his body and soul to whoever would give him a shot. He trusted you, trusted that you would take care of him in this business...
D’AMATTO
(interrupting)
I didn’t put a gun to his head and you blaming me for this is completely...
ERIC
(interrupting)
Your crazy stunts got him hooked on the Vics in the first place! But I guess you’re too caught up in your own little jaded world, your “Wrestling Promoter” lifestyle, to see what you’re doing is slowly killing your “boys”.
D’Amatto looks down at Nathan’s grave, then looks away. Eric reaches out and shakes his hand firmly.
eric (CONT’D)
I just want to say “Thank you” for all you’ve done because now I know what I was put on this planet to do. The first is Wrestling. The second is seeing to it that I run people like you and Fitz so far out your territory that you’ll need to learn a foreign language. Feel privileged if it’s Japanese.
D’AMATTO
I’ll say to you what I told Paul Heyman before ECW went down the toilet - Bring it on, Punk.
Eric and D’Amatto break their handshake. Eric and D’Amatto walk back to their respective sides. Both sides EYE each other, the stand-off continues. Paul and Francine move AWAY from their father and stand next to OZ, both NODDING to Eric. Eric nods BACK and gives them a smirk.
int. ST. ANDREW’S HALL -nIGHT
Back to Original Flashback
Eric is back behind the curtain from the same scene as the first, still looking at the fans. The fans are CHEERING. Eric walks from the curtain. 
The wrestlers from California are here as well, as are all kinds of other wrestlers never before seen. Eric sits down next to Greg.
eriC
How’s the knee?
Greg
It’s good. If not, I’ll make it good.
Eric nods. Shawn suddenly comes in on his WHEELCHAIR. He’s got a LARGE CARDBOARD BOX in his lap.
Shawn
Sorry I’m late guys, traffic is killer out there.
The roster all CHIMES IN, “It’s okay”. 
Shawn opens the box. Inside are a bunch of black armbands with the words “NATHAN” written across it in white. He begins to pass them out to everyone around him. They put them on around their RIGHT bicep.
The roster gets themselves fired up and loose. Eric watches them all get ready. He takes an ARMBAND from Shawn and slips it on.
erIC (v.o.)
And like all roller-coasters, after being through its highs, lows and loops, it was suddenly over. The cart ended with an abrupt, unhappy halt and it felt like I was being dragged off to the next ride.
He looks over at the EMPTY SPOT where Nathan used to suit up, he lightly TAPS his armband.
eric (V.O.)
A wise man...at least I think he was wise...once said, “Life, in all it’s forms, is naturally unfair”. How true it was. What happened to Nathan was in every way, shape and form, unfair as unfair could get.
Eric looks around at the wrestlers in deep thought, then back to Nathan’s spot.
eric (v.o.)
What was worse, we all knew he wasn’t going to be remembered as the star he would be and friend we all knew him as, but as another notch in the belt of stupid Sports Entertainment deaths due to drugs and alcohol.
Everyone looks ready to go. Eric counts to three and wheels Shawn towards the curtain. 
Eric (V.O.)
One pill too many, and within a month, nobody but us would even vaguely recall who he was. But I wasn’t going to allow that to happen. 
He trips up. He turns around to see who did it, but nobody is close to him. Eric LAUGHS to himself, not even death can stop Nathan from trying to be funny. Eric looks up to the CEILING and SMIRKS.
ERIC
You bitch.
The roster CHUCKLES in understanding and all give it up for Nathan, pointing to the ceiling, as they follow Eric.
The crowd ROARS MADLY at the sight of Eric and Shawn. The roster quickly follows on their heels. Shawn and the roster rile up the crowd, getting them to cheer louder, CHANTING “NATHAN! NATHAN!”. Eric stands at the curtain, watching the crowd cheer with Shawn.
eric (v.o.)
I would never let anyone forget the name Nathan Burke. He was my best friend and for as long as I knew him, never stopped believing in me. Despite what differences we may have had at one time, what mistakes he may of made, in the end, he stuck by me and helped make all of this possible.
Eric takes in the crowd, the signs, the incredible reaction. He spots all of his non-wrestling friends and his mom together. All are wearing EWR T-shirts.
eric (v.o)
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to beat D’Amatto like I want to, but regardless, thanks to Nathan, I am now living my calling, my dream, my way. EWR will never forget him, nor will I let anyone forget him...Our Eternal Champion, Nathan Burke.
Eric turns to see Oz. Oz is now part of EWR security, keeping the crowd in check. He gives Eric a THUMBS-UP. Eric nods to him.
ERIC
(into microphone)
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the first show to ever celebrate the passing of one of Michigan’s biggest and brightest stars to ever grace the squared circle! Welcome to the first annual EWR “Big Time” Nathan Burke Memorial!
The crowd roars in approval. Eric points to the BANNER above his head. It has Nathan’s picture on it with the words “EWR Presents : 1st Annual Nathan Burke Brawl” underneath. The CHEERS and CHANTS of “NATHAN, NATHAN! and “EWR! EWR!” are deafening!
int. fANCY RESTAURANT -NIGHT
Karl stares intensely at a flyer for the “Nathan Burke Brawl”, staring at NATHAN’S PICTURE. He shakes his head, as if snapping out of a trance and shuts off the tape recorder. He leans back in his chair, a SMIRK on his face as he RUBS his eyes.
karl
Wow...I had no idea...that wrestling is so...like that.
eric
Not many people do. I’m sure most stories are tamer than others but that’s mine.
Karl pockets his tape recorder and orders a SCOTCH ON THE ROCKS from a passing waitress.
KARL
This will make a great article.
(beat)
Fantastic article in fact. I’ve done tons of articles on all kinds of infant businesses and their owners all over the world. I’ve never felt so “green” looking in, in all of my life. My editor is going to flip his lid.
Eric nods with a smirk and shrugs, sipping his beer. Karl gets his drink. He thanks the waitress and takes a sip as she walks away. Karl LAUGHS.
karl (CONT’D)
You know what? This would make a great movie.
Eric SNICKERS and shrugs.
eRIC
Yeah, maybe.
ext. faNCY RESTAURANT -nIGHT
Eric and Karl shake hands and part ways at the door. Eric walks to his CAR, Nathan’s old THUNDERBIRD. He fumbles for his keys in his pocket, trying to hold back his tears. He finds them gets in the car. 
He sits there a second, composing himself. He looks to the dashboard and sees his BLACK ARMBAND from the Memorial show. He smirks and puts it on, tapping it with a brotherly love. He looks up to the night sky through the windshield.
eric
I hope you’re enjoying the show, Big Time.
He starts the car and drives away.
fade to black
fade in
black background with words “In Tribute To: The IWR and “Michigan’s Eternal Champion” Jeff “Yukon Braxton” Dingess 1978 - 2002.” done in white.
fADE TO BLACK.
Credits.

Copyright © 2009 Patrick Burton
All Rights Reserved