Post by Lady Munin on Apr 7, 2016 22:59:18 GMT
[Handler Information]
Age: 41
Years of Fed Experience: 1999-2001; 2014 - Present
Contact Info: AIM: CarterHayesUniverse; Twitter: CarterHysUnivrs
[Character Personal Information]
Real Name: Jamie Christopher WheelerD.O.B.: 06/18/1993
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Hometown: Midland Park, New Jersey
Pic Base: Matth Riddle
Twitter: Not at the moment (although I use my CarterHayesUniverse Twitter Account to broadcast all roleplays and news related to this character.
[Character In-Ring Information]
Ring Name: Jamie WheelerNicknames: J.C.
Hails From:
Height: 6'1
Weight: 182
Alignment: Neutral
Trained By: Mort Goodman, Esq. (manager / law guardian)
Character Biography: Jamie Wheeler is a talented, decorated amateur wrestler from New Jersey whose refusal to take anything seriously has caused him to fail to live up to his potential.
Career History: In 2007, Jeanne Ziggler, sports columnist for Northern New Jersey newspaper The Bergen Record, dubbed a fourteen year old kid from the quiet suburb of Midland Park-- not even out of grade school at the time-- the "Second Coming of Hayes." This was, of course, a reference to Carter Hayes, who, up to that point, was the most dominant amateur wrestler in New Jersey history. The expectations placed on Jamie Wheeler at such a young age were massive, and not without merit. He was a gifted amateur wrestler with natural physical talent: speed, instincts, balance, cardio-- everything a coach, a team, a town could want in a a champion to rally behind.
Boy, what a fucking disappointment he turned out to be.
That's not to suggest that Jamie Wheeler did not enjoy success in his high school career. He could have been the best. By any measure, he could have surpassed the accomplishments of Carter, and for four years of regular season matches, his record was unblemished. He even won a state title in his freshman year, capping off an undefeated rookie season-- just as he was expected to.
But that will never be what Jamie Wheeler is most remembered for. No, Wheeler will always be remembered more for his failures of epic proportions in the state finals for the three years that followed his standout freshman season:
- Sophomore Year State Finals. Jamie Wheeler loses by forfeit after failing to make weight because, according to him, "I got baked and got the munchies" the night before the finals.
- Junior Year State Finals. Jamie Wheeler loses by forfeit after he no shows the finals because he had tickets to a NOFX / QUEERS show at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. And then there was the most infamous of all, the dreaded...
- Senior Year State Finals. Jamie Wheeler loses by-- yep, you guessed it-- forfeit yet again, when he once again misses the call to the mat; only this time, it was because he was busy having under-the-bleachers sex with Bunny Calhoun-- the mother of his would-be state final opponent and longtime high school rival, Kip Calhoun-- this guy:
Kip Calhoun
("The Douchebag ")
("The Douchebag ")
Indeed, Jamie Wheeler's story is one of wasted potential; but if you were to ask Jamie, he would tell you point blank that he doesn't give a shit (actually, he'd probably whip his balls out first, and then tell you he doesn't give a shit-- he seems find of doing that quite often for some reason) He is the tragic illustration of the adage that just because you're good at something, it doesn't mean you have to like it.
Wheeler's true passions are skateboarding, weed, women, and generally fucking around. His lack of focus, respect for authority, direction, discipline, and motivation-- omissions that have made him his own worst enemy-- have landed him in trouble with the law on numerous occasions, albeit for petty charges.
When his latest indiscretion get him into hot water with the law, the Honorable James Parker of the New Jersey Superior Court-- a longtime supporter of Wheeler-- calls in a favor from his longtime colleague and former law school classmate, Mort Goodman, Esq., to serve as Wheeler's law guardian, giving Wheeler two choices: go to jail, or seek out the full potential he never recognized in high school by competing in Pure Amusement Wrestling, under the tutelage of the Goodman-- the man who once turned Carter Hayes from a goof to a champ.
Gimmick: Jamie Wheeler's story is the story of a young man who, although gifted with tremendous natural wrestling ability, is a slacker who loathes the sport, and is unwillingly compelled to compete-- and to seek out his full potential-- in order to avoid going to jail.
Entrance Music: '"Do Not" by John Reuben
Entrance Description: "Do not, tell me what I can or cannot do when I rock." The familiar opening chant fills the arena, and is repeated over a hypnotic drum beat, as Jamie Wheeler appears at the top of the runway, Mort Goodman, Esq. at his side. Before advancing down the runway, Wheeler pauses to soak in the crowd. A smile consumes him, and within moments he begins his strut toward the ring. He stops along the way to shoot the shit with fans, and fuck with his naysayers. At ringside, he hops to the outside apron, enters the ring. Mort follows Jamie in, and struggles to maintain his protege's focus as Wheeler engages fans at ringside in idle banter.
[Moveset/Arsenal]
Fighting Style: Amateur Wrestling Base, mixed with speed and high flying game In-Ring Strengths:
(1) Phenomenal take downs and take down defense allows him to dictate where the fight will take place standing or on the ground.
(2) While he does not implement a submission game offensively, his tremendous posture on the ground lends to a solid submission defense.
(3) Jamie has learned to implement his speed and aerial prowess from his skateboarding passion to come at opponents from all different angles.
In-Ring Weakness:
(1) Not particularly strong. He has solid throws, but they are more a matter of technique and leverage than muscle and power.
(2) Risk-Taker. Jamie's daredevil high-risk style can put him at risk at key moments.
(3) Focus / Attitude. Jamie is an incredibly talented wrestler with all of the natural physical gifts one can ask for. The problem is that he doesn't respect the sport, doesn't particularly want to be there, and therefore can get distracted by outside influences such as fans or managers. (This is where Mort Goodman's cooler head is essential).
Favorite Match Type: Traditional matches; high flying matches.
Favorite Weapon: His body. His mouth.
Common Moves:
[1] Belly to Belly Suplex
[2] Belly to Back Suplex
[3] Ankle Pick
[4] Lateral Drop
[5] Missile Dropkick
[6] Rollup
[7] Crucifix
[8] DDT
[9] Snap Suplex
[10] Hip Toss
[11] Arm Drag
[12] Flying Headlock
[13] Cradle Suplex
[14] Moonsault
[15] Springboard Superman Punch
[16] Double Underhook Suplex
[17] Backslide
[18] Flying forearm
[19] Back Body drop
[20] Russian Leg Sweep
[21] Slingshot Suplex
[22] Swinging Neckbreaker
[23] Double Leg Takedown
[24] Fireman's Carry Takedown
[25] Suicide Dive
Signature Moves:
1. Punk In Drublic - Double Leg into Ground and Pound
2. Teabag - Springboard Hurricanrana
3. Can I Go Home Now? - Flying Knee
Finisher(s):
1. Move Name Wheelhouse (Inside Cradle out of nowhere)
2. Move Name Anti-Everything Manifesto (High Cross Body Block from top turnbuckle)
In-Ring Attire:*
- Board Shorts and backwards baseball cap (which will inevitable come off during the match)
Sample Roleplay:
NOTE: This is a collection of many of my "Crybaby" Carter Hayes roleplays (starting with the beginning), pieced together into a single narrative (a project I haven't finished piecing together).
INT. NASHVILLE CONVENTION CENTER -AFTERNOON
A sea of wrestling fans has flooded the New Jersey Convention Center for the annual Pro Wresting Expo. They have all come with their autograph books and camera phones hoping to get a signature or quick snapshot of some of the greatest professional wrestlers the industry has to offer.
Lines of various sizes lead to different tables hosted by who’s who within the business. The camera PANS one of fans in particular, it starts at the front door, spans the entire perimeter of the convention center, and leads to the table of the most captivating wrestler in the business today.
And that man is NOT CARTER HAYES.
No, instead Carter Hayes sits alone at his table, next to the superstar, not a fan in sight. He is growing more and more restless and irritable by the moment. He rises to his feet, yelling at nobody in particular.
CARTER
This is nonsense! Utter nonsense, I
tell you! I have never in my entire
life been witness to such a poorly
run, mismanaged convention! I need
to see a manager, someone in charge.
This is nonsense! Utter nonsense, I
tell you! I have never in my entire
life been witness to such a poorly
run, mismanaged convention! I need
to see a manager, someone in charge.
Rushing quickly to do damage control is RUSSELL FIELDS, 55, balding, director of public relations. Russell looks like he has had a stressful morning overseeing everything, and is not in the mood to deal with Carter.
RUSSELL
Is there a problem?
Is there a problem?
CARTER
Who are you?
Who are you?
RUSSELL
I am Russell Fields,
the director of public
relations. What seems
to be the problem?
I am Russell Fields,
the director of public
relations. What seems
to be the problem?
CARTER
Problems. As in plural,
Russell. First of all,
I made it clear in the
addendum that I attached
to my expo application--
Problems. As in plural,
Russell. First of all,
I made it clear in the
addendum that I attached
to my expo application--
RUSSELL
The application did not
call for an addendum, sir—
The application did not
call for an addendum, sir—
CARTER
Don’t interrupt me. In
the addendum I attached
to my application, I made
it very clear that if I
was to appear, I needed
to be provided with my
own private room with a
fully stocked refrigerator
and unlimited Skittles
with all of the yellow
and purple ones removed.
Don’t interrupt me. In
the addendum I attached
to my application, I made
it very clear that if I
was to appear, I needed
to be provided with my
own private room with a
fully stocked refrigerator
and unlimited Skittles
with all of the yellow
and purple ones removed.
RUSSELL
Sir, we do not take special req--
Sir, we do not take special req--
CARTER
AND not only do you botch
that most simple request,
but look at this! I haven’t
signed a single autograph or
taken a picture all morning!
AND not only do you botch
that most simple request,
but look at this! I haven’t
signed a single autograph or
taken a picture all morning!
Carter is in full blown tantrum mode.
CARTER
Listen Russell, you need to
fire the gentleman in charge
of marketing this event, and
then rehire him just so you
can fire him again! We clear?
Listen Russell, you need to
fire the gentleman in charge
of marketing this event, and
then rehire him just so you
can fire him again! We clear?
RUSSELL
I am that gentleman
in charge of marketing.
I am that gentleman
in charge of marketing.
CARTER
Well there’s the problem,
Russell, you're head of
public relations, head of
marketing, your multitasking,
spreading yourself too thin.
Too many chefs spoil a soup,
you know what I mean, Russell?
Well there’s the problem,
Russell, you're head of
public relations, head of
marketing, your multitasking,
spreading yourself too thin.
Too many chefs spoil a soup,
you know what I mean, Russell?
RUSSELL
Actually, sir, that expression
makes no sense in this context.
Actually, sir, that expression
makes no sense in this context.
CARTER
Russell, what’s wrong with this
advertisement? Can you tell me?
advertisement? Can you tell me?
CARTER
There is no Carter Hayes
listed anywhere on here?
How is the “Hayes Craze”
supposed to come out in
droves for their favorite
wrestler if you refuse to
promote me properly? It’s
like a tree falling in the
woods, Russ. Think about it.
listed anywhere on here?
How is the “Hayes Craze”
supposed to come out in
droves for their favorite
wrestler if you refuse to
promote me properly? It’s
like a tree falling in the
woods, Russ. Think about it.
RUSSELL
Again, I don’t think that expression
means what you think it does.
means what you think it does.
CARTER
Here’s what we’re gonna do,
Russell. We’ve gotta get that
guy’s table off to the side.
It’s a major distraction. You
grab that side. I’ll get this--
Carter advances toward his colleagues table, but Russell runs interference.Russell. We’ve gotta get that
guy’s table off to the side.
It’s a major distraction. You
grab that side. I’ll get this--
RUSSELL
Listen, Mr. Haynes
CARTER
It's Hayes! Carter Hayes!
RUSSELL
Mr. Hayes, nobody has ever heard
of you. Nobody knows who you are!
of you. Nobody knows who you are!
CARTER
Well that is the most ignorant
statement I have ever heard. I
have been lighting up the indies
for years now. They know me. They
all know me, and your attempt at
blame shifting, well, it's quite--
statement I have ever heard. I
have been lighting up the indies
for years now. They know me. They
all know me, and your attempt at
blame shifting, well, it's quite--
CARTER
What's this? What's this
Force One Wrestling?
RUSSELL
They're a new promotion in
Nashville. A startup that--
me up a meeting with the head
of this Force 1 Wrestling. And
once you do that, get me some
more Skittles. It’s time the
world has come to know Carter
Hayes. In the meantime, it's I
need to get the team together.
Force One Wrestling?
RUSSELL
They're a new promotion in
Nashville. A startup that--
Carter holds up a hand to silence the event promoter.
You know what Russell, go set CARTER
me up a meeting with the head
of this Force 1 Wrestling. And
once you do that, get me some
more Skittles. It’s time the
world has come to know Carter
Hayes. In the meantime, it's I
need to get the team together.
CUT TO:
We pick up outside of the popular fast food restaurant.
CUT TO:
INT. BURGER KING - CONTINUOUS
Carter Hayes sits in a booth, a burger, fries and strawberry milk shake in front of him. He is glossing over a resume.
The resume belongs to film school graduate VINNY METRO, early 20's, rail thin, dressed in all black, with hipster black framed glasses and a soul patch.
Carter puts down the resume, looks up at Vinny, and cracks a smile.
CARTER
Vinny, let me tell you my vision,
and then well talk about whether
you are the right man for the job.
and then well talk about whether
you are the right man for the job.
In a single motion, Carter scoots out of the booth and slides next to Vinny, putting his arm around him. Vinny is visibly uncomfortable.
CARTER
Flash forward to the not-so-distant
future. Carter Hayes is the world
champ. Carter Hayes is the Force One
Wrestling world champion. Carter Hayes
is nothing short of a household name.
future. Carter Hayes is the world
champ. Carter Hayes is the Force One
Wrestling world champion. Carter Hayes
is nothing short of a household name.
VINNY
Why are you referring to
yourself in the third person?
yourself in the third person?
CARTER
Stay with me, Vinny, I need you in
the moment. Are you with me, Vinny?
the moment. Are you with me, Vinny?
VINNY
I'm with you.
CARTER
I'm talking guest appearances on The
View. I'm talking my own t-shirt line.
I'm talking six picture movie deals
and gracing the cover of video games.
View. I'm talking my own t-shirt line.
I'm talking six picture movie deals
and gracing the cover of video games.
Carter raises his hands, as if his surroundings are "Exhibit A" to his vision.
CARTER
I'm talking Carter
Hayes action figures
inside of Happy Meals.
Hayes action figures
inside of Happy Meals.
VINNY
I'm pretty sure that
it's McDonalds that
has the Happy Meals.
it's McDonalds that
has the Happy Meals.
Carter snaps his fingers regain Vinny's focus.
CARTER
Vinny, you're drifting, I need
you to stay with me if we're
gonna make this thing work.
you to stay with me if we're
gonna make this thing work.
Carter scoots out of the booth and returns to his spot opposite Vinny. He takes a sip of his shake.
CARTER
The point is, Vinny, when that
occurs, I want to have a video
catalog of "Carter Hayes: the
Early Years," before he was a
household name. It will serve
as inspiration for all those
youngsters out there, the ones
with dreams-- even those whose
dreams will never come true.
occurs, I want to have a video
catalog of "Carter Hayes: the
Early Years," before he was a
household name. It will serve
as inspiration for all those
youngsters out there, the ones
with dreams-- even those whose
dreams will never come true.
Carter leans in close, as if to confide a secret.
CARTER
And here's the best part. When
that day comes, and the whole
world knows Carter Hayes the
champion, and the whole world
wants an in-depth look at Carter
Hayes before he was a legend,
I'll have exclusive footage
to "the early days." And due
to a simple matter of supply
and demand, I-- with the only
supply-- will be able to demand
top dollar for the video archives.
that day comes, and the whole
world knows Carter Hayes the
champion, and the whole world
wants an in-depth look at Carter
Hayes before he was a legend,
I'll have exclusive footage
to "the early days." And due
to a simple matter of supply
and demand, I-- with the only
supply-- will be able to demand
top dollar for the video archives.
Carter leans back, grabs a fry, and waits for it all to sink in with Vinny.
Vinny nervously raises his hand.
CARTER
Yes, you have a question?
VINNY
I do, and don't take
offense, but who are you?
offense, but who are you?
Carter does his best to keep his grin, but it is clearly a struggle. He picks up the resume.
CARTER
Who am I? Well lets see, I
am a struggling film school
grad of a local community
college who finished second-
to-last in his class and his
still living in his parents'
basement-- oh wait, that's
not me, that's you!
am a struggling film school
grad of a local community
college who finished second-
to-last in his class and his
still living in his parents'
basement-- oh wait, that's
not me, that's you!
VINNY
Uhm--
CARTER
Vinny, I am offering you the
opportunity of a lifetime. A
chance to be the next Martin
Scorsese, the next Tarantino.
We're talking Academy Award
for best documentary. But you
have to see it. Do you see it?
opportunity of a lifetime. A
chance to be the next Martin
Scorsese, the next Tarantino.
We're talking Academy Award
for best documentary. But you
have to see it. Do you see it?
VINNY
Uhm--
CARTER
See it Vinny, head cinematographer of
the Purple Hayes Productions. You and me.
the Purple Hayes Productions. You and me.
Vinny stares off, wrestling with the offer in his head, most likely too scared to say no than he is enthused by the offer.
VINNY
What the hell, I'm in.
CARTER
Really?
VINNY
Why not? What the
hell else am I doing?
CARTER
That a boy, Vinny, welcome to the
Really?
VINNY
Why not? What the
hell else am I doing?
CARTER
That a boy, Vinny, welcome to the
Hayes Craze. Now get your camera,
the road to notoriety starts now.
the road to notoriety starts now.
Carter rises to his feet. Vinny follows suit.
VINNY
Where to?
CARTER
Well Vinny, I'm the guy.
Now we've gotta go meet up
with the guy behind the guy.
CUT TO:
We pick up outside of a small law office in the heart of the Hackensack Business district. A red Camaro pulls into the lot and comes to a stop. The doors open, and out enter Carter Hayes and Vinny Metro.
CUT TO:
INT. LAW OFFICES OF MORT GOODMAN, ESQ., CPA - HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY - CONTINUOUS
MORT GOODMAN, ESQ. wore many hats and solved many problems. He was known as The Problem Solver to his clients. Husband caught you in an act of adultery? Not a problem. Got popped with more than an ounce? Not a problem. Mort's love was litigation-- litigation and wrestling.
What he hated were taxes-- well, everyone hates taxes--more specifically, Mort hated tax season. Years ago, during a slow period, Mort decided to put his accounting degree to work by doing taxes for some of his more wealthy and lucrative clients as a favor for their loyalty and commitment. Now, he found himself a week removed from tax day and a few dozen returns past due.
As such, Mort sits at his desk, pounding away on his computer, the phone to his ear. Behind him is a large bookshelf packed with a library of case law and statutes, some framed pictures, knickknacks, and yes-- even the tax code.
MORT
Mort Goodman, please hold.
Mort Goodman, please hold.
Mort Goodman. Hi Mrs. Lee,
yes indeed your return will
be ready in an hour, okay?
Mort Goodman, please hold.
Mort Goodman. Hi Mrs. Lee,
yes indeed your return will
be ready in an hour, okay?
The other lines continue to ring in the background. Mort cups the receiver of the phone.
MORT
Audrey, will you please answer
the god damn phones! Audrey!
(Into the phone)
Yes Ms. Lee, I'll email it shortly.
Don't you worry. Have a good day.
the god damn phones! Audrey!
(Into the phone)
Yes Ms. Lee, I'll email it shortly.
Don't you worry. Have a good day.
Mort hangs up.
MORT
Audrey, where the hell are—
The door to Mort’s office swings open. AUDREY REYNOLDS, 22, dark hair, attractive, is in the doorway.
MORT
Why are you not answering the phones!?
AUDREY
I’m sorry but he’s here,
and he won’t leave.
and he won’t leave.
MORT
He who?
CARTER
Mort, I’ve gotta talk to you.
MORT
Carter? Now?
CARTER
Yes, now. I’ve gotta talk to you Mort.
MORT
I don’t have time for this
today, Carter. Today of all
days. We are a week past tax
day and I am up to my ass in
filing for tax extensions.
today, Carter. Today of all
days. We are a week past tax
day and I am up to my ass in
filing for tax extensions.
Carter looks baffled.
MORT
Last week? April 15th?
MORT
It was tax day!
CARTER
Look Mort, I really don’t
understand your industry jargon.
understand your industry jargon.
MORT
I’ve gotta take care of 40
returns by the end of the day.
returns by the end of the day.
Carter turns to Audrey.
CARTER
Audrey, I’ve gotta talk to Mort.
Take care of his returns. You can
use my car to return whatever he’s
returning, but you’re gonna have to
fill it with gas on your way back.
Take care of his returns. You can
use my car to return whatever he’s
returning, but you’re gonna have to
fill it with gas on your way back.
Audrey pauses for a moment, shrugs, and leaves the office.
Mort sinks his face into his hands. Carter continues pacing back and forth.
Mort looks up, and stares into the camera, which is RIGHT IN HIS FACE.
MORT
Wait a minute, who the hell is
this? You—who the hell are you?
this? You—who the hell are you?
CARTER
Mort, this is my new camera
guy, Vinny Metro. Vinny, say
hi to Mort Goodman, my lawyer.
And agent. And manager. And--
guy, Vinny Metro. Vinny, say
hi to Mort Goodman, my lawyer.
And agent. And manager. And--
Carter draws a blank.
MORT
Your accountant Carter. And
what are you crazy bringing
a camera in here when I am
talking about missed deadlines.
what are you crazy bringing
a camera in here when I am
talking about missed deadlines.
Mort shoots another look into the camera, addressing Vinny.
MORT
My advice to you kid, run. Run
as far as fast as you can.
as far as fast as you can.
CARTER
Mort, I’m back in the game.’
MORT
No!’
CARTER
I’m back, Mort, and this time--
MORT
There is no “this time,” not
for me. No more chair shots.
No more whiplash. I still get
dizzy spells from the last
time you got back in the game.
for me. No more chair shots.
No more whiplash. I still get
dizzy spells from the last
time you got back in the game.
Carter slides into the seat in front of Mort’s desk.
CARTER
This time, it’s gonna be different.
MORT
No way. No sir. No how. I
am done, finished, kaput, finito.
am done, finished, kaput, finito.
Carter slides into the chair again.
CARTER
Mort, I've found a solid
organization--it's called
Force One Wrestling.
organization--it's called
Force One Wrestling.
MORT
Never heard of them.
CARTER
They’re out of Nashville. Up
and coming organization, but
you’ve gotta see it. The talent.
The production. The fan base.
The only thing they are missing
is me! Well, and you of course.
and coming organization, but
you’ve gotta see it. The talent.
The production. The fan base.
The only thing they are missing
is me! Well, and you of course.
Mort rolls his eyes, lets out a big sigh. Carter jumps to his feet.
CARTER
Mort, I need you. You
remember the last time
I signed a contract to
wrestle a match without
having you look at it.
remember the last time
I signed a contract to
wrestle a match without
having you look at it.
MORT
Yes, you signed for that
crazy match in the piranha
tank-- I still don’t even
know how they got insurance
to put that one on.
crazy match in the piranha
tank-- I still don’t even
know how they got insurance
to put that one on.
CARTER
And I can’t even swim! You see
my point Mort-- I need you!
my point Mort-- I need you!
MORT
I’m sorry Carter, but I am too busy.
CARTER
No! Nononono. I am not leaving until
I hear yes Mort. Don’t make me do it.
I hear yes Mort. Don’t make me do it.
Mort and Carter’s eyes lock.
MORT
Don’t do it, Carter.
CARTER
I’ll do it.
MORT
Carter, don’t you dare—
CARTER
I’ll do it, Mort. You know I will.
MORT
Carter, don’t—
Carter takes in a big gasp of air and holds it.
And holds it. And holds it. And he keeps holding it. His face turns red.
MORT
This isn’t gonna work, Carter.
And then blue.
MORT
I’m way too busy.
And then some God-awful shade of purple. Finally, Carter faints, dropping to the floor.
Mort jumps to his feet, dashes over to the semi-unconscious Carter.
MORT
Alright! But I'm not doing ring
appearances. I’ll review contracts,
I’ll try to get some endorsements,
and I’ll look into this Force One
Wrestling, but I am not-- and I
repeat—- I am not accompanying you
to the ringside for any matches.
appearances. I’ll review contracts,
I’ll try to get some endorsements,
and I’ll look into this Force One
Wrestling, but I am not-- and I
repeat—- I am not accompanying you
to the ringside for any matches.
Carter smiles. He pops to his feet, grabs hold of the side of Mort’s face with two hangs, and gives him a kiss on the forehead.
CARTER
Mort, you’re the best.
You won’t be sorry.
You won’t be sorry.
MORT
I’m already sorry.
CARTER
Come on, Vinny, the
Hayes Craze pushes on!
Carter exits Mort’s office.
Mort picks up his dictaphone, presses record.
MORT
Audrey, get me some information
on Force 1 Wrestling in Nashville,
and looking into some of the local
advertisers in the area. And oh yeah,
send a bill out to Carter Hayes.
CARTER (off screen)
This is my gym. I own this place. And
by own it, I mean I literally own it;
but I also mean I own it, and everyone
in here. I put more time in than anyone.
CARTER
There are a few loyalists, like Brad
here, who get it, who are down for the
cause, because they know that once I
take what's mine, which is the affection
and attention of everyone who watches
Force One Wrestling, he’ll be able to
say he trained with Carter Hayes. How’s
that for a resume builder?
CARTER
No! Nononono! Cut!
CARTER
Turn that camera off! Turn that camera
off right now! It’s not fair! It’s not
fair, I was distracted with the camera,
and this lighting guy and I’m trying to
do an interview and make a point (turning
to Brad) and you’re doing leapfrogs!?!
BRAD
I’m sorry.
CARTER
Leapfrogs!?! Really!?!
BRAD
I am sorry Carter?
CARTER
You’re sorry, are you? Are you
trying to steal my limelight?
BRAD
No.
CARTER
Are you?
BRAD
No, not at all.
CARTER
Okay.
BRAD
I swear I’m not.
CARTER
It’s okay.
BRAD
Okay.
CARTER
Is that thing still off?
CARTER
Good.
CARTER
(to Vinny Metro)
You, turn
that thing back on.
(to the referee)
You, count.
REF
One, two three.
VINNY (O.S.)
Um Carter, I think we are
gonna have a tough time
editing this to look right.
CAESAR
(In Spanish, with subtitles)
Has it not occurred to this idiot
that the other camera guy has
been filming this whole thing?
EXT. T.G.I.FRIDAYS - EVENING
The parking lot is packed outside the family restaurant.
on Force 1 Wrestling in Nashville,
and looking into some of the local
advertisers in the area. And oh yeah,
send a bill out to Carter Hayes.
CUT TO:
INT. PURPLE HAYES WRESTLING GYM – AFTERNOON
We up inside the headquarters of CARTER HAYES’S wrestling gym, PURPLE HAYES, in Northern New Jersey. It was a steep investment (thanks to parents who will give him anything to shut their son up) and it shows. Two rings, about ten yards between them, all set on blue padded flooring. Heavy bags and workout equipment line the perimeter.
The problem with the gym, of course, is that it represents yet another failed product of one of Carter Hayes’s hair-brained ideas—that he (of the “no social skills whatsoever” club) could actually lure people into paying money to train in the same gym as him (let alone be in the same room with him). So the gym is pretty empty. A few people are working the bags to the side. Two amateurs are sparring in the ring in the back.
In the background we hear the words of CARTER HAYES.
CARTER (off screen)
This is my gym. I own this place. And
by own it, I mean I literally own it;
but I also mean I own it, and everyone
in here. I put more time in than anyone.
We hear a thud and a grunt.
We PAN to the front ring, where Carter is engaged in light sparring with BRAD THE SPARRING PARTNER, early 20’s, somewhat lanky, but athletic.
There is a kid who looks like he’s in HIGH SCHOOL in the ring serving as a ref.
Carter’s trainer, CAESAR DOMINGUEZ, late 50’s, who does not speak a lick of English (which is the only reason he can tolerate Carter) is in the ring with them. He carries a towel around his neck and a perpetual scowl upon his face. There is a large wooden stool in Carter’s corner, a water bottle and bucket at the side.
Of course, also on hand is Carter’s go-to documentarian VINNY METRO, wielding his camera; as well as a lighting guy (also Spanish). The two-man film crew keeps to the perimeter.
Carter whips his sparring partner against the ropes and lands a beautiful hip toss. He turns to the camera in the ring.
CARTER
A lot of people don’t even bother coming
come here anymore. I’m too tough for them.
I imagine I’m quite intimidating for them.
No commitment, if you ask me—not to mention
self-centered. I mean, it's not about them--
it’s about them helping me to get better.
come here anymore. I’m too tough for them.
I imagine I’m quite intimidating for them.
No commitment, if you ask me—not to mention
self-centered. I mean, it's not about them--
it’s about them helping me to get better.
Carter returns to his sparring partner. They lock up. Carter executes a nice duck under and follows it with a belly to back suplex. Carter jumps to his feet and turns back to FORCE 1 WRESTLING CAMERA.
CARTER
There are a few loyalists, like Brad
here, who get it, who are down for the
cause, because they know that once I
take what's mine, which is the affection
and attention of everyone who watches
Force One Wrestling, he’ll be able to
say he trained with Carter Hayes. How’s
that for a resume builder?
Carter turns back to Brad. He takes a headlock, Brad takes them to the ropes, and then sends Carter across with an Irish Whip. Leapfrog by Brad, Carter hits the other rope, bounces back, and a big back body drop by Brad and Carter hits the mat with a thud.
Brad backs off and Carter gets up in pain, holding his back. He walks it off slowly. And then it hits—his temper tantrum. He stomps around the ring like a petulant child.
No! Nononono! Cut!
He turns to the Vinny Metro the camera guy.
CARTER
Turn that camera off! Turn that camera
off right now! It’s not fair! It’s not
fair, I was distracted with the camera,
and this lighting guy and I’m trying to
do an interview and make a point (turning
to Brad) and you’re doing leapfrogs!?!
BRAD
I’m sorry.
CARTER
Leapfrogs!?! Really!?!
BRAD
I am sorry Carter?
CARTER
You’re sorry, are you? Are you
trying to steal my limelight?
Carter is getting himself worked up.
BRAD
No.
CARTER
Are you?
BRAD
No, not at all.
Carter starts to calm down. He takes a breath.
CARTER
Okay.
BRAD
I swear I’m not.
CARTER
It’s okay.
BRAD
Okay.
Carter lets out a deep exhale. He turns to the Vinny Metro.
CARTER
Is that thing still off?
Vinny Metro nods, lowers the camera.
CARTER
Good.
Carter nonchalantly picks up the stool on the corner and smashes it over Brad’s head. He jumps on an unconscious BRAD, and looks up at the foursome standing in the ring.
CARTER
(to Vinny Metro)
You, turn
that thing back on.
(to the referee)
You, count.
Vinny Metro and ref look at each other and give each other a shrug. Vinny turns the camera back on and gets in close.
We CUT to the scene through the lens of the VINNY METRO’S CAMERA. In the background we can see pieces of the busted stool.
The ref counts.
REF
One, two three.
He slams the mat for the third time and CARTER jumps up stomping in glory and gloating.
VINNY (O.S.)
Um Carter, I think we are
gonna have a tough time
editing this to look right.
The lighting guy and Carter’s trainer Caesar are standing next to each other, observing CARTER’s celebration. Caesar leans in to the lighting guy and points to the FORCE 1 CAMERA who was filming the entire scene (which included Vinny Metro’s filming of the scene).
Our Spanish duo looks back at Carter.
CAESAR
(In Spanish, with subtitles)
Has it not occurred to this idiot
that the other camera guy has
been filming this whole thing?
The lighting guy shrugs.
CUT TO:
EXT. T.G.I.FRIDAYS - EVENING
The parking lot is packed outside the family restaurant.
CUT TO:
INT. T.G.I. FRIDAYS – EVENING
Inside the bright and noisy chain red- restaurant in North New Jersey. The table clothes and window dressing is red and white. Tacky memorabilia adorn the walls.
Inside a booth sits CARTER HAYES; sitting at his side is VINCENT METRO. Sitting opposite them is Carter’s trainer SILENT CAESAR DOMINGUEZ, whose perpetual scowl masks a man who is enjoying the ride; and of course, Carter’s brains and (somewhat) moral compass, his manager / agent MORT GOODMAN, ESQ.
The table is covered with spirits and APPETIZERS of all sorts: buffalo wings, nachos, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers—you name it. The mood is light, festive almost. Carter is preoccupied with a game of CANDY CRUSH on his phone.
In an effort to reign in Carter’s always-drifting focus, Mort raises his glass. Vinny and Silent Caesar join in.
MORT
To Carter, a toast.
MORT
Carter, put the game
down for a minute.
down for a minute.
CARTER
Wait, I almost got it.
MORT
Carter, you can play
the game in a minute.
the game in a minute.
CARTER
But it’s a timed board and I
only need a thousand more—
only need a thousand more—
Mort reaches across the table and takes the phone from Carter.
Carter pounds the table, drawing momentary attention.
CARTER
Mort, I almost had
it! I almost had it!
it! I almost had it!
MORT
Carter, relax. I want to
make a toast. The journey
begins right now. The team
is assembled. The game is
about to begin, and the
future is looking bright.
make a toast. The journey
begins right now. The team
is assembled. The game is
about to begin, and the
future is looking bright.
MORT
Carter, I have big news, We’ve got
word of your first match; and
unfortunately, I have some bad news.
word of your first match; and
unfortunately, I have some bad news.
Mort pauses.
MORT
You will be debuting this week
at Sunday Night Conflict on
the Pre Show Special in a—
at Sunday Night Conflict on
the Pre Show Special in a—
CARTER
Noooooo!!!!
Carter is genuinely in sobs. Mort is baffled.
CARTER
This is horrible! I
cannot believe this!
cannot believe this!
MORT
Carter, what the
hell is wrong with you?
hell is wrong with you?
CARTER
This is not fair, I
tell you! Not fair!
tell you! Not fair!
MORT
Carter, I haven’t even
gotten to the bad news yet.
gotten to the bad news yet.
CARTER
Of course you have!
This is awful news--
This is awful news--
As Carter continues his tantrum, DONNIE, the table’s young, ever-so-chipper server approaches.
CARTER
Pre Show?! Pre Show!?
Nobody watches the Pre Show!
Nobody watches the Pre Show!
CARTER
The preshow's an appetizer! Nobody
cares about the appetizers! They
care about the main course!
cares about the appetizers! They
care about the main course!
DONNIE
How are you doing on those apps,
can I get those out of your way?
can I get those out of your way?
CARTER
See what I mean? Lets just get the
appetizers off the table so we can
make room for the main at course...
appetizers off the table so we can
make room for the main at course...
CARTER
I am the main course! And no,
I am not done with those!
I am not done with those!
MORT
Carter, I understand what
you’re saying but I need
you to focus on my words
right now and hear what I
have to say. Right now,
you're not close to the
main course. Hell, you’re
not even the appetizer. You
know what you're like? You
are like the piece of chewing
gum that you enjoy on the ride
to the restaurant. From what
I can tell, the main event is
Drew Stevenson and Declan Black.
you’re saying but I need
you to focus on my words
right now and hear what I
have to say. Right now,
you're not close to the
main course. Hell, you’re
not even the appetizer. You
know what you're like? You
are like the piece of chewing
gum that you enjoy on the ride
to the restaurant. From what
I can tell, the main event is
Drew Stevenson and Declan Black.
VINNY
I like appetizers.
CARTER
Shut up Vinny.
MORT
Now, onto the bad news. Your debut is a
no disqualification match, which is bad.
no disqualification match, which is bad.
VINNY
Why is that bad?
MORT
It is bad for precisely this
reason—Carter’s number one
strength, lets face it, is his
ability to cheat, and get away
with it. When there are rules,
and he’s good at bending the rules,
he has advantage over some that
are, perhaps, stronger than Carter,
or faster than Carter—
reason—Carter’s number one
strength, lets face it, is his
ability to cheat, and get away
with it. When there are rules,
and he’s good at bending the rules,
he has advantage over some that
are, perhaps, stronger than Carter,
or faster than Carter—
VINNY
Or a better wrestler than Carter—
CARTER
Shut up Vinny.
MORT
Or a better wrestler than Carter,
but whose moral fiber or lack of
ring intelligence does not allow
them to break rules, or do so
without getting caught. You take
away the rules, you’ve evened the
playing field against Carter’s
strength. But Carter, that's not
even the worst of it. There's more.
but whose moral fiber or lack of
ring intelligence does not allow
them to break rules, or do so
without getting caught. You take
away the rules, you’ve evened the
playing field against Carter’s
strength. But Carter, that's not
even the worst of it. There's more.
VINNY
There’s more?
Mort sips of his beer.
MORT
There certainly is, because
this triple threat match. And
any match involving anything
but a one on one, Carter is
at a very big disadvantage.
this triple threat match. And
any match involving anything
but a one on one, Carter is
at a very big disadvantage.
VINNY
And why is that?
MORT
Because he's unlikable. Let’s just
say Carter has a tendency to alienate
people; and I’ve seen it all—- triple
threats, battle royals, hell even when
he’s in tag team matches—- he tends to
drive the masses to align against him.
say Carter has a tendency to alienate
people; and I’ve seen it all—- triple
threats, battle royals, hell even when
he’s in tag team matches—- he tends to
drive the masses to align against him.
CARTER
Who am I fighting?
MORT
Michael Harrison, and that guy—
Mort nods in the direction of one of the televisions hanging on the far wall, where this past week’s Conflict is playing. The scene is of the home video footage from the Barbecue, where IWA President Henry P. Fisher is standing in his lavishly decorated home office, watching on as Bradyn Saint and Deacon Wolfe sign pieces of paper; presumably contracts.
The old cowboy smiles and shakes both their hands, having seemingly agreed a deal to bring them both to Force 1 Wrestling! The cameras cut back to the commentary team, as the fans cheer the footage they've just seen.
MORT
Carter, meet your second opponent
for Sunday night, Bradyn Saint.
for Sunday night, Bradyn Saint.
CARTER
Why wasn’t I invited to the barbecue?
MORT
Carter, you need to focus.
These guys are no joke.
These guys are no joke.
CARTER
But seriously, why wasn’t I
invited to the barbecue?
invited to the barbecue?
MORT
(abruptly)
(abruptly)
Because nobody likes you,
that’s why. Now can we focus?
that’s why. Now can we focus?
DONNIE
Gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed
your appetizers, and now for
two of the main courses, the
Emerald Snapper and Blackened Duck.
your appetizers, and now for
two of the main courses, the
Emerald Snapper and Blackened Duck.
CARTER
Did you just say the Emerald
Sniper and the Declan Black!?
Sniper and the Declan Black!?
DONNIE
No sir, I said the Emerald
Snapper and the Blackened Duck.
Snapper and the Blackened Duck.
CARTER
Don’t patronize me! You said Emerald
Sniper and the Declan Black!
Sniper and the Declan Black!
MORT
Carter, calm down.
DONNIE
I am sorry sir, but I don’t know what
an Emerald Sniper or Declan Black is.
an Emerald Sniper or Declan Black is.
CARTER
Really? And you don’t know that
“Emerald” and “Sniper” are the
nicknames of Drew Stevenson,
whose fighting Declan Black the
main course on Sunday night!?
“Emerald” and “Sniper” are the
nicknames of Drew Stevenson,
whose fighting Declan Black the
main course on Sunday night!?
DONNIE
Uhm, I’m gonna check on your other entrees.
Donnie scoots away from the Crybaby as fast as he can.
Carter leans out the booth in the direction of Donnie.
CARTER
I am not an appetizer!
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE OF MORT GOODMAN, CPA, ESQ. – EVENING
MORT GOODMAN is at his desk. “The Problem Solver” looks deep in thought like he is working through a dilemma, doing a cost-benefit analysis in his head, weighing the pros and cons of a decision to come.
In walks CARTER HAYES.
CARTER
You wanted to see me?
MORT
Yeah, Carter, have a seat.
Carter grabs the seat opposite Mort.
Mort is still in deep thought as he gazes upon Carter.
CARTER
What? Do I have something on me?
MORT
Carter, I thought about what you
were saying the other night, about
not wanting to be an appetizer,
and wanting to be the main course.
CARTER
I'm not going down to Friday’s and
apologizing to that server. He—
Mort calmly raises a hand to reign in Carter’s attention.
MORT
Just hear me out. I agree with you.
I think you should be headlining. I
think you should be the biggest star
that Force One has ever seen.
Mort pauses. In a rare moment, Carter is speechless.
After a moment of silence, Carter shines a bright grin.
CARTER
Well thank you Mort, that’s
nice to hear—and I couldn’t
agree with you more. In fact-
MORT
But here’s the thing.
CARTER
There’s a thing?
MORT
There’s a thing, Carter.
Nobody knows you. And those
that know you, don’t like you.
CARTER
Who doesn’t know me? And
people don’t like me?
MORT
Carter, it’s time for a makeover.
CARTER
Who doesn’t like me?
MORT
Are you familiar with
the term social media?
CARTER
You mean like MySpace?
MORT
No, Carter, I’m not
talking about MySpace.
It’s 2014, who the hell
uses MySpace any more?
CARTER
Well I sure don’t.
Carter gazes off
.
.
CARTER
Not ever since that
guy Tom defriended me.
MORT
I’m talking about Twitter.
Carter, give me your phone.
CARTER
I’m not playing Candy Crush, I swear.
MORT
Let me see your phone.
Carter hands Mort his smartphone. Mort begins fumbling with it.
MORT
Carter, I am going to do something
that I truly hope is not a mistake.
I am going to give you the opportunity
to introduce you to the world.
Carter smiles like a kid on Christmas morning.
CARTER
The world?
Mort hands Carter back his phone. A CLOSEUP of the screen reveals it is linked to TWITTER.
MORT
Carter meet Twitter;
Twitter meet Carter.
CARTER
Twitter?
MORT
I’ve put the app on your
phone, set up your profile,
even got you started following
some of your colleagues.
Carter is hooked. He is fascinated and curious, like an explorer discovering new territory.
CARTER
I can tweet?
MORT
You can tweet, Carter,
and tweet you shall. But
there are some ground rules.
Carter is not listening. He is too engrossed with his newfound distraction.
Mort leans over the desk toward Carter and snaps his fingers to get his attention.
MORT
Carter, listen to me. The
reason I am endorsing this
is because you need to get
your name out there and you
need to change your image
because image is everything.
And so I have one rule.
Carter, are you listening?
Carter doesn't look up from the phone.
CARTER
Yeah, yeah, I am listening.
MORT
The rule is this: play nice
with others. Do you hear me?
Carter is still glued to the phone.
CARTER
Yes, I hear you.
MORT
Say it.
Carter looks up for a moment to give Mort an obligatory moment of attention.
CARTER
Play nice with others.
MORT
Good. Now that we’re clear on that, you
have to understand, the world is watching—
the fans, the promoters, your employers,
potential advertisers—not to mention your
competition. You do not need to be making
enemies out of any of them. We’re only
looking for allies. They can only see what
you put out there. I figure Facebook is a
little too much for you. I mean, with only
a hundred forty characters to work with,
how much trouble could you possibly—
Suddenly, a “ding” is heard coming from Mort’s computer screen. He gives the mouse a shake, and the screensaver is replaced by CARTER’S TWITTER PAGE, where a new tweet, addressed at Force 1 Wrestling Owner HENRY P. FISHER:
“Hey @henryfisherf1w , thanks a lot for not
inviting me to the barbecue last weekend!”
MORT
Carter! What did I say!?
CARTER
What?
MORT
I just told you to play nice—
CARTER
I didn’t get an invitation.
MORT
I don’t care if you missed the ball,
Cinderella, the man is your boss.
CARTER
I’m sorry.
MORT
Good.
CARTER
It won’t happen again.
MORT
No it won’t. You cross that
man and you’ll find yourself
jerking curtains in Pre Show
Specials for the rest of your
career. And that brings me to
the next topic. This Sunday
night. You’ve got Michael
Harrison and Brady Saint.
It's a triple Threat. No DQ.
Mort reclines back in his chair, he brings his hands together, touching fingertips as he strategizes.
MORT
Now it may not be as bad as
I originally thought. Right
now, they don’t know you. I
mean, at this point, you’re
neutral to them. Maybe they
have seen footage, but you
haven’t been around here long
enough to have really gotten
under their skin. So what you
need to do is let them go at
each other. That means flying
under the radar and not mak--
Another “ding” goes off.
Mort closes his eyes for a moment. He cannot bear to look.
He opens them, checks out the screen; and yes, smack dab in the center of Carter’s Twitter page is another tweet from Carter, this one addressed to MICHAEL HARRISON and BRADYN SAINT, which read:
"@enigmasoulx and @saintxelsewhere are a
couple of appetizers. I am the main course!"
MORT
Carter! That’s it.
Give me the phone!
CARTER
What did I do?
MORT
What did I just get finished
saying about flying under the
radar and not making waves?
CARTER
But I—
MORT
Give me the phone.
CARTER
Mort, don't you think
you're overreacting?
MORT
Give. Me. The. Phone.
Carter sees the fire in Mort’s eyes. He sheepishly hands him the phone. Mort begins to finagle with the phone. He hands it back.
CARTER
What’d you do?
MORT
I’ve locked you out and I've
changed the password. You want
your Twitter privileges back, you
have to earn them. Now out Carter.
Carter rises. He turns to leave. He turns back.
CARTER
But I—
MORT
Goodbye Carter.
Carter walks out. Mort is left shaking his head.
CUT TO:
EXT. PURPLE HAYES GYM - AFTERNOON
The parking lot is packed on a sunny afternoon outside of the Purple Hayes Gym.
CUT TO:
INT. PURPLE HAYES GYM – EVENING
Inside, we pick up on CARTER HAYES from a distance, inside the far ring, wrestling with a new sparring partner. Perhaps it is because he is not IN OUR FACE, or perhaps it is because he is out of earshot, but from a distance, Hayes is demonstrating how good he can be when he focused. He is hitting arm drags, hip tosses and dropkicks with precision.
In walks VINNY METRO, Carter’s hipster film school grad documentarian. He is holding an iPad.
VINNY
Mort, I’ve got something to—
MORT
Shhh. Look at that.
MORT
I’ll tell ya, kid, when our
boy is on his game, it’s
like poetry. What’ya got?
VINNY
I’ve got great news.
Carter is gonna love this.
Vinny turns on the screen on the iPad and reveals a HENRY P. FISHER’S TWITTER PAGE:
Henry P. Fisher @henryfisherf1w 14h
@crybycarterhyes Son, I sent a company-wide e-mail inviting people,
which you were definitely on. Are you reading your mails?
Vinny is all pride and smiles over his discovery.
VINNY
Carter was invited
to the barbecue.
Mort looks at the screen.
MORT
You found this, did you?
VINNY
Yeah, I was just surfing
Twitter and there it was.
MORT
Hmm, isn’t that something?
VINNY
Carter's gonna be thrilled.
MORT
Can I see that?
Vinny’s eyes pop out of his head as Mort turns to him with serious intentions.
MORT
Listen here, dummy. Of
course he got an email
invitation. Who do you
think gets his emails?
VINNY
I-I-I-
MORT
You what? You think this
is what Carter needs right
now? Barbecues, fraternizing
with his co-workers. Carter
can’t attend a social setting
without leaving with a bullseye
on his forehead. It’s in his
blood, he annoys people, and we
don’t need that kind of attention
this early in the game.
Mort leaves it at that. He turns his attention away from Vinny and back to Carter, who hits a small package for a pin.
Mort starts clapping his hands as he walks toward the ring.
MORT
Way to go, Carter, way to go.
CUT TO:
EXT. NICK GULAS SPORTS ARENA - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - EVENINGThe large electronic sign hanging high over the entrance reads, "TONIGHT: FORCE ONE WRETLING; TOMORROW: HALL AND OATES."
CUT TO:
INT. NICK GULAS SPORTS ARENA - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - CONTINUOUS
The arena is alive with die hard wrestling fans, cheering, jeering, screaming for blood.
At ringside, sitting at the commentator's table, is MITCH HUNTER and LANCE WALKER.
The attention is on the action at ringside. CARTER HAYES is outside the ring, and spears BRADYN SAINT into a barricade. The force of the blow is so fierce that the barricade breaks, leaving Bradyn Saint grounded on the outside.
Carter, focused on the task at hand, rolls back in the ring, mounting MICHAEL HARRISON, and unleashing some firm punches to his skull. The blonde brawler grunts with every punch, which get faster as he goes, suggesting that he's completely fired up.
MITCH HUNTER
Folks, we know from the tapes that
Carter Hayes isn't usually one for
overwhelming his opponents, but he
is just dominating Bradyn Saint and
Mike Harrison tonight in Nashville.
LANCE WALKER
You're not kidding, Mitch. This match
is so one sided, that I actually question
whether or not Mort Goodman paid Bradyn
and Harrison off to take the hit.
MITCH HUNTER
Which is a ridiculous theory.
CRACK!
He's completely wiped out, having the steel chair bent over his head. The crowd moan at the impact of the shot, as Carter drops the weapon and looks to go for a pin. However, before he can do so, Bradyn Saint is back in the mix and tussles with Carter, trying to hit some sort of move. Hayes scouts it to the best of his ability and counters, delivering his inverted Russian leg sweep – a move he calls the Temper Tantrum. Saint's head bounces off the steel chair, knocking him out cold.
MITCH HUNTER
That's pretty much sealed
the fate of Bradyn Saint.
REF
One! Two! Three!
INT. NICK GULAS SPORTS ARENA - BACKSTAGE AREA - LATER
Carter Hayes is perusing the contents of the catering spread in the make-shift canteen area, looking entirely unimpressed by everything on offer.
CARTER
Do you people have anything
that hasn't been soaked
in batter and deep fried?
that hasn't been soaked
in batter and deep fried?
CATERING ASSISTANT
Wha'choo talkin' 'bout? They
ain' nothin' wrong widdis.
CARTER
I'm saying your food, it's
all deep fried. Do you
have anything healthy?
all deep fried. Do you
have anything healthy?
CATERING ASSISTANT
Wha' wrong whi'choo?
Dis heya good eatin' boy.
Dis heya good eatin' boy.
CARTER
Healthy! Do you have it?
CATERING ASSISTANT
Ah say you dis heya good eatin'!
The inner rage of Carter Hayes begins to build. He's not getting through to this cretin and can't understand a word she says to him.
CARTER
Where's your translator? I need to
speak to him about this disaster!
Where's your translator? I need to
speak to him about this disaster!
Before the slack jawed assistant can formulate a response, an intense scream emanates from beyond the shot, grabbing Carter's attention. The cameras turn and reveal MALLORY COSTAS, who appears to be having some issues of her own. She storms through the shot, ranting about her concern whilst on the phone to some poor recipient.
MALLORY COSTAS
There is NO WAY I'm sharing
a locker room with the rest
of those classless, talentless
carpet munchers. Alyssa Pryde!
They want me in the same locker
room as that bowl-cut rocking
butch! Fix this! Fix this now!
a locker room with the rest
of those classless, talentless
carpet munchers. Alyssa Pryde!
They want me in the same locker
room as that bowl-cut rocking
butch! Fix this! Fix this now!
Carter stares at Miss Costas, completely blown away by her temper tantrum. His mouth opens wide and he genuinely looks in awe of her.
CARTER
Whoa... What a woman.
The camera pans out to reveal the Catering Assistant, just over the left shoulder of Hayes, as she munches on some fries. The cameras head back to the ringside area.
CUT TO:
INT. NICK GULAS ARENA (LOCKER ROOM) – LATER
Our scene picks up with CARTER HAYES, back stage, in the locker room, following a successful debut at Conflict. With him as usual is his personal documentarian, hipster VINNY METRO.
Carter is holding his smartphone in his hand, packing back and forth in a frenzy. Vinny’s eyes nervously follow the frantic Carter, trying to decipher if Carter is talking to him directly, or just talking to himself, as he mutters incessantly.
CARTER
I need it! I need it
now! Where’s Mort?
I’ve gotta talk to Mort!
now! Where’s Mort?
I’ve gotta talk to Mort!
VINNY
Carter, relax, this was a
big night, a big win, congra—
big night, a big win, congra—
Carter grabs Vinny by his shirt collar, pulls him in close.
CARTER
I need to know
the password Vinny!
the password Vinny!
Carter lets go of Vinny, who takes two steps back. Carter holds up the phone.
CARTER
Do you know what is going
on right now, Vinny?
Right now in cyberspace?
on right now, Vinny?
Right now in cyberspace?
VINNY
I-I-
CARTER
She’s on here! Right
now! As we speak!
now! As we speak!
VINNY
Who, Carter?
CARTER
Mallory! Mallory Costas!
Carter pulls Vinny in close again, this time bringing his smartphone in front of his face.
CARTER
She’s on Twitter, right
now—just tweeting away!
now—just tweeting away!
The camera draws in close on the screen of Carter’s phone. It is from MALLORY COSTAS’S TWITTER PAGE. It reads:
MALLORYCOSTAS. @queencostasxox 39m
Extremely discontent that I
was expected to SHARE my locker
room. I'm pretty sure those
two-bit tramps stole my rouge!
CARTER
Do you see that!? The fire
in her eyes? The passion?
That was a woman who knows
what she wants and is not
afraid to demand it. Wow!
in her eyes? The passion?
That was a woman who knows
what she wants and is not
afraid to demand it. Wow!
Carter lets go of Vinny again, and its back to the pacing. He is consumed.
CARTER
I should have said something.
I should have told her I agreed.
I should've told her I sympathized.
I should have said something.
I should have told her I agreed.
I should've told her I sympathized.
I should have said something.
VINNY (shrugging)
Why don’t you tweet her?
Carter stops in his tracks. He shoots a stare at Vinny like he is about to lose his shit.
And then he does. Carter jumps up and down in full tantrum mode.
CARTER
I can’t because Mort changed
my password! He put me on
time out, remember!?! No more
Twitter privileges! Where’s Mort?
my password! He put me on
time out, remember!?! No more
Twitter privileges! Where’s Mort?
VINNY
He should be here any minute
Carter, so just relax, enjoy the mom—
Carter, so just relax, enjoy the mom—
Carter stares into his phone. His eyes almost BULGE OUT OF HIS HEAD.
CARTER
There she goes again!
Carter pulls Vinny in close, again sticking the phone in his face.
We get another close shot of the screen of Carter’s phone. Again, we are looking at MALLORY COSTAS’S TWITTER PAGE, where it reads:
MALLORYCOSTAS. @queencostasxox 38m
PLUS more than a few pairs of my panties...
that bitch with the butchered 'do just
gets stranger and stranger.
that bitch with the butchered 'do just
gets stranger and stranger.
Carter desperately grabs hold of Vinny by the shirt collars again, shaking him.
CARTER
Do you see that, Vinny!? I
need to chime in and all I can
do is watch-- I am powerless!
need to chime in and all I can
do is watch-- I am powerless!
VINNY
Maybe—maybe you should
go find Alyssa Pride?
go find Alyssa Pride?
Carter lets go. He pauses to give it thought.
CARTER
Vinny, you’re a
genius. Follow me.
genius. Follow me.
Carter exits the locker room, with Vinny following suit.
CUT TO:
INT. NICK GOULAS ARENA (BACKSTAGE AREA) - CONTINUED
Carter and Vinny exit the locker room, which spills into the backstage area. Carter is immediately spotted by the CATERING ASSISTANT, who with an elderly gentleman. The elderly gentleman points in Carter’s direction, and the two start walking toward the Crybaby.
The elderly gentleman introduces himself as SCOTT JONES, head of security for the Nick Gulas Arena. He is wearing an ear piece.
SCOTT
Ma'am, is this the gentleman who
was harassing you about the food?
was harassing you about the food?
CARTER
Nevermind the horrible food
right now, I need to speak
to someone who works here.
right now, I need to speak
to someone who works here.
SCOTT
I work here, sir.
CARTER
Good. Here’s the thing. We’re
gonna need to make some
changes here for next week.
gonna need to make some
changes here for next week.
SCOTT
Sir, I can assure you
that we serve nothing but
the top quality food—
that we serve nothing but
the top quality food—
CARTER
Food? Who is talking about food? I'm
talking about the locker rooms! We're
gonna need to clear some space, right
over there, and we’re gonna need to put
up a new locker room for Mallory Costas!
talking about the locker rooms! We're
gonna need to clear some space, right
over there, and we’re gonna need to put
up a new locker room for Mallory Costas!
SCOTT
Who is Mallory Costas?
CARTER
She’s a star—a star in the making,
and she deserves her own locker room!
and she deserves her own locker room!
SCOTT
Sir, we cannot just begin
constructing a separate locker
room for ever wrestler who—
constructing a separate locker
room for ever wrestler who—
CARTER
She had her panties stolen, sir! Her
panties! You, sir, and your establishment,
have stolen this poor woman’s dignity! What
kind of a place are you running here where you
let a bunch of panty bandits run rampant and--
panties! You, sir, and your establishment,
have stolen this poor woman’s dignity! What
kind of a place are you running here where you
let a bunch of panty bandits run rampant and--
Suddenly, MORT GOODMAN, Carter’s manager/attorney/agent appears—all smiles, with arms extended for a hug.
MORT
Carter my boy!
CARTER
(to Scott)
(to Scott)
You’re in trouble
now—my lawyer’s here.
now—my lawyer’s here.
There goes Mort’s smile. He lets out a sigh.
MORT
Carter, what’s going on?
CARTER
What’s the password, Mort?
MORT
What are you talking about?
CARTER
The password, Mort. The
password to my Twitter
account! That's it!
password to my Twitter
account! That's it!
MORT
No Carter, not here, not now.
Carter holds in his breath, as his face begins to run a spectrum of colors. He like he is going to pass out.
Suddenly, Scott the Security Guard puts his finger to his earpiece. His attention has been diverted by an incoming message.
SCOTT
I’ve gotta go. I just received world
that some hooligans outside have moved
a bunch of cars to form some kind of
wrestling pit. It sounds like a red
and white Camaro got smashed up badly.
that some hooligans outside have moved
a bunch of cars to form some kind of
wrestling pit. It sounds like a red
and white Camaro got smashed up badly.
Suddenly, Carter releases his breath.
CARTER
Camaro?
MORT
Red and white?
Scott nods his head.
VINNY
Carter, that sounds like your car.
Carter pauses for a beat to let it register. Suddenly he takes off in a bad dash.
CARTER
This isn’t over, Mort! I want
that password! And then get them
started on building her locker room!
that password! And then get them
started on building her locker room!
Carter disappears.
Mort looks to Vinny?
MORT
Whose locker room?
What did I miss?
What did I miss?
CUT TO:
INT. JET BLUE AIRPLANE – AFTERNOON
Our camera picks up inside of the plane of flight 537 boarding for New Jersey out of Nashville. The plane is near capacity, as they wait for the final passengers to board.
Our boys are flying coach this time. SILENT CAESAR DIMINGUEZ, VINNY METRO and MORT GOODMAN share a row, with Mort seated on the aisle. Seated across the aisle, also taking the aisle seat, is CARTER HAYES. The two seats next to him are empty—for the moment.
Carter looks antsy, frazzled. He bites at his nails and takes a deep breath.
CARTER
I cannot believe I am on this plane.
I can’t be here! I should be in my
car right now driving back home. But
no, some dimwits decide to play Fight
Club in the parking lot, and two weeks
and two grand later and I’M ON A PLANE!
Mort leans in across the aisle to talk shop with Carter.
MORT
Carter, relax, have a drink. That was
a big night last night, and I am proud
of you. And as a present, here you go.
Mort hands Carter his phone.
MORT
You’ve got your twitter
back. You’ve earned it.
You did really nice work
last night. Impressive.
CARTER
Mort, I can’t be on
this plane right now.
MORT
Carter, I need your attention for
a moment. Big match next weekend.
You’re moving up the card. Did you
see those signs? Push Carter Hayes,
they said! But here’s the thing.
Your fighting Triple J. And it’s
some kind of Star Wars theme, it
has something to do with the date.
VINNY
Cinco De Mayo?
Mort turns to Vinny.
MORT
I am trying to talk to Carter,
over here. And what the hell
are you talking about Cinco De
Mayo. The fight’s on the fourth.
VINNY
Right. Cinco De Mayo.
MORT
No, you idiot, then
it would be Quatro
De Mayo. Anyway, I’m
talking to Carter.
MORT
So here’s the thing. It’s
a specialty match. Not one
you’ve ever had. It’s a
Pit of Carcoon match.
CARTER
A what?
MORT
A Pit of Car—- never mind what
it’s called. What they do is build
some sort of scaffolding and—
Suddenly, Carter raises from his hunched position, reaches across the aisle, and gabs on to Mort.
CARTER
Mort, I can’t do this!
I’ve never flown before!
MORT
What do you mean you’ve never
flown before, of course you have.
CARTER
No Mort, think about
it—I drive everywhere.
This is a painful silence as Mort thinks about it for a moment. He glances at Carter, who is fidgeting. Mort shakes his head in anticipated disgust.
MORT
Carter, tell me you’re
not afraid of heights.
CARTER
Who? Me? No, I’m not afraid
of heights. (beat) Okay, I’m
afraid of heights. I hate them.
I don’t know if I can do this!
MORT
Carter, you need to calm down!
CARTER
Calm down. Okay. You’re
right. I need a distraction.
I'm gonna Tweet Mallory Costas
Carter smiles. He remembers he has his phone and Twitter privileges back again. He pouts.
CARTER
No signal. Of course there’s no
signal. We’re in a tube—a giant,
steel tube that is going to tempt
nature at twenty thousand feet.
Vinny leans across Mort toward Carter.
VINNY
Probably closer to
thirty thousand feet.
CARTER AND MORT
(at the same time)
Shut up Vinny!
CARTER
Mort, I need a distraction.
Tell me about next weekend’s
match. You started saying
something about stipulations?
MORT
Yeah, well why don’t we talk
about that later. Why don’t
you stretch out, take a nap.
It look’s like you have the
whole row to yourself, so--
Suddenly, GERTY SUMMERS, early 40’s, and her eight year old monster of a son SAMMY step up to take the last two open seats on the plane—next to Carter. Sammy is chubby version of Carter, only with freckles and a crew cut. Oh, one other thing about Sammy: he happens to have GIANT NOSTRILS.
Collectively, Gerty and Sammy are big and clumsly, and carrying way too much carry-on. Sammy tries to squeeze in past Carter while Gerty presses her belly against Carter while trying to put her carry-on in the overheard compartment.
GERTY
Wait, I got it, don’t worry
about me, I'll be fine!
Carter puts his head in his hands again, closing his eyes and shaking his head. When he opens them, he finds Sammy, seated next to him, with his thumb in his nose, and his face RIGHT IN CARTER’S GRILL.
SAMMY
Hey I know you! I saw you fight
last night. Well, not you because
dinner ran late and we couldn’t get
there in time to see the appetizer
fights, but I did get to see Triple J
and he’s gonna kick your butt next week!
Sammy hold up a HANS SOLO ACTION FIGURE and wave it in Carter’s face.
SAMMY
Triple Jaaayyy!
Mort leans across the aisle to address Sammy.
MORT
Hey kid, I’ll make you a deal.
Take your thumb out of your nose,
let Carter rest, and when we get to
Jersey, I’ll give you an autographed
Hayes Craze Production t-shirt!
SAMMY
Save it! You could use it to wipe
Carter’s insides when he goes splat
inside of the Pit of Carcoooonn!!!
Carter turns to Mort.
CARTER
What is this kid talking about?
Mort holds up a finger as if to explain, when Gerty comes between them, holding a large plastic Burger King cup with a straw and no lid and as she tries to squeeze past Carter. This requires Carter to push the button to take his chair out of its upright position to give room for Gerty to get through.
Gerty finally get in her seat against the window, and leans in toward Carter and Sammy.
In one fell swoops she swats Sammy in the back of the head (leading him to take his thumb out of his nose) and extends a handshake to Carter.
GERTY
Hi there, Gerty Summers, and
this is my son Sammy. Don’t
mind him he sticks everything
in his nose, carrots, Tootsie
Pops, it’s a habit that’s been
with him since he was three. So
what did you say your name was?
SAMMY
That’s Carter Hayes. He’s a
wrestler. He was one of them
appetizer fights last night.
wrestler. He was one of them
appetizer fights last night.
GERTY
Oh, I’m sorry we missed you—we
always miss them appetizer fights!
SAMMY
But next week, he’s
fighting Triple J!
Sammy again grabs his HAN SOLO ACTION FIGURE and shoves it in Carter’s face.
SAMMY
Triple Jaayyy!!!
GERTY
Oh, so you’re the one that Triple J
was talking about is the Greedo and
he’s Han Solo! Do you know that little
Sammy here made us stop at a Toys R’
Us on the way to the airport, and pick
up Greedo and Han Solo action figures
just because of what Triple J said.
Sammy loves Triple J. He’s his favorite!
CARTER
Han Solo? Greedo? I have no idea
what you are talking about, lady.
Sammy reaches into his mother’s purse and pulls out his GREEDO ACTION FIGURE. He thumb-plugs his nose again.
SAMMY
You see, I can find Triple J
guys because he’s been around.
But they don’t make dolls of you.
GERTY
Isn’t he just my little improviser!
Gert pinches Sammy’s check and then grabs his wrist to remove his thumb from his nose. She uses baby wipes to clean his hands.
Sammy grabs the GREEDO ACTION FIGURE with one hand and the HAN SOLO ACTION FIGURE with the other hand, and puts on a demonstration for Carter.
SAMMY
You see, next weekend this
is gonna be you, and this
is gonna be Triple Jaaayyy!!!
Sammy gets on knees on his seat so he can reach the top of the seat in the front of them, which he uses for the platform in his action figure reenactment of the upcoming battle between Triple J and Carter Hayes.
Of course, Sammy makes the TRIPLE J SOLO action figure beat the bloody hell out of the GREEDO HAYES ACTION FIGURE.
Gerty lets out a robust laugh as she watches on, sipping loudly for those last rements of liquid among the ice in her cup.
The camera fixes on Carter with a steady CLOSEUP. The plane ride. His car. The need to Tweet. No internet connection. This kid. His mom. Triple J. It’s all catching up to him and he’s getting ready to Hulk Up.
Mort nervously observes this unfolding.
Carter fixes his eyes on Sammy, who is still orchestrating a play Triple J beat down of Carter.
SAMMY
And then, after he’s hit the
Stop It! he is gonna use the
A-Boot Schmidt right to your
face and knock you off the
platform forty feet to sand
where you’re gonna go SPLAT!
Carter’s eyes bulge. He shoots a look toward Mort and the gang.
(Beat)
VINNY
It’s twenty feet. Don’t
exaggerate it, kid!
CARTER
Twenty feet! Mort, what kind of
match did you get me signed up for!?
MORT
Well how was I supposed to know
you were afraid of heights!?
CARTER
I can’t believe this!
SAMMY
You better believe it
because next Sunday at
Conflict you're gonna
feel the wrath of—
Triple Jaaayyy!
Sammy sticks the HAN SOLO ACTION FIGURE in Carter’s face once more, and it proves to be one too many times.
CARTER
That’s it! Give me that thing!
Carter snatches the HAN SOLO ACTION FIGURE from Sammy’s grasp and BITES ITS HEAD OFF!
Sammy and his mom Gerty sit in silent shock, staring at Carter as he chews Han Solo’s head.
CARTER
There, how do you like your
Triple Jaaayyy now? Huh?
Sammy and Gerty look at each other, and then burst into laughter.
Carter continues in chewing on the action figure's head.
CARTER
You think this is funny!?
GERTY
You’d think it was funny
too if you knew where that
Han Solo’s head has been.
Beat.
Carter stares at Sammy as the camera ZOOMS IN on his nostrils.
CUT TO:
EXT. PLANE (IN FLIGHT) - CONTINUOUS
The plane soars through the air.
CARTER (O.S.)
Aaarrggghhh!!!