Post by Philip Burns on Jul 11, 2010 7:50:30 GMT -6
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
{A nervous Philip Burns stands outside his fathers house. He doesn’t even know what he will says. His knuckles are white as he grips the box his gift is in. He had no idea his dad had even followed his career until the kindly old neighbor mentioned it in passing. All these years of thinking he was a disappointment to his old man has left Phil a bit shocked at the news. The door creaks open and there stands an older man who looks strikingly like our own number one contender.}
“Dad.” Phil lets out the only word he can come up with.
“Son.” His dad follows up.
{Both of their tones were very somber. These two seem very standoffish. They study each other for a moment through the screen door.}
“Well, come in son.”
{They both walk into the small quaint home. The walls are scattered with various photos of Phil and his family. A very prominent photo in the living room shows Philip, his brother, and their parents. Phil cant be any older than 12. They look happy.}
Jonathan Burns: Have a seat Phil. Can I get you anything?
Philip Burns: No, I’m fine dad. Listen. I needed to drop by and talk to you about something. I have a-
Jonathan Burns: Son, stop. Stop.
{Jonathan sits down across from his son in his favorite leather chair.}
Jonathan Burns: Philip, you don’t have to feel bad about leaving. I was hurt too. don’t you think I wanted to run away right after your mother passed? don’t you think I wanted to give up everything I knew to find peace? You boys were the only good thing left in my life. But I had to stay and face it. I know it was hard for you. You were only 14. You were hurt bad. I don’t blame you for leaving as soon as you finished school.
Philip Burns: Dad, I left you and John here by yourselves right after college. I was hardly around during college. I told you I hated you and that I didn’t need you. I’m a terrible person.
Jonathan Burns: No, son. If you think I believed you for one second you are crazy. You were a kid. You were hurt. I know I worked out of town most of the time when your mother was alive. It was a huge change to see me here after school every day trying to play both roles. I wasn't good at it. I knew that when you went through college and found a career that you would look back and realize that I at least had a part in it. And you wouldn’t hate me any more.
Philip Burns: I never did, dad. But you are right. I realized fast that all my determination I got from you. Mom was a strong lady but those qualities are something only a dad can show a son. I got out of many tough situations by just asking myself what you would do.
Jonathan Burns: I really appreciate you saying that Phil. I cant believe I haven’t seen you in so long.
Philip Burns: I didn’t think you wanted to see me after our fight. I was ashamed to look you in the eye and face you.
Jonathan Burns: You know what? I’m proud of you. Fight or not. I think this wrestling thing you are doing is great. You come off as a jerk sometimes. But that sells tickets I guess.
Philip Burns: I didn’t even know you followed me until the neighbor Mr. Hampton mentioned it.
Jonathan Burns: Oh, yeah. I was flipping through the channels a few weeks back and I saw a commercial with a guy that looked just like me on a wrestling show. I damn near flipped my chair over. It amazed me how grown up you looked. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like seeing me from 20 years ago in tights.
{they share a light laugh.}
Philip Burns: You know I am fighting for the World Title this Sunday. First time ever. Headlining a Pay Per View event even.
Jonathan Burns: I did know. I have been keeping up with you ever since I found out. I wish you had told me sooner. Wrestling has always been my dirty little secret. Mom wasn’t too keen to the stuff. I did a lot of sneaking around to watch it.
Philip Burns: Well I have been gong through a lot of weird times lately. That is part of the reason I came to see you. I haven’t been myself, whatever that is. I feel this void like maybe I don’t deserve this shot. I’ve been at this for years now. I have only even main evented our regular shows a few times. So many people younger than me are so much further ahead in their careers.
{Jonathan stands up and walks over to a wall. He grabs a small plaque and walks back. He hands it to his son.}
Jonathan Burns: It took me twenty years to become the top guy in the marketing department. Some guys did it in less by cutting corners and knowing the right people. But I did it the old fashioned way. I put in the work and I put in the time needed to get myself where I wanted. No matter how long it takes. The lesser man ta-
Philip Burns: ...Takes the low road.
{He hands the plaque back to his dad who returns it to the wall. Phil stands up.}
Philip Burns: So, you think I deserve this dad?
Jonathan Burns: I don’t think anyone else has ever deserved it more. Give Brad Kane hell.
{They exchange a handshake/hug and hold it for a brief moment before backing away from each other.}
Philip Burns: Listen I uh have a flight to catch in about an hour but I wanted to leave these two tickets with you in hopes that you and John would come out to Omaha to see the match. Front row, ringside.
Jonathan Burns: Ill be there.
{They shake hands again and exchange the tickets. Scene fades.}
Saturday, July 10 2010.
{It is the day before Picture Perfect and Philip Burns is backstage at the Qwest center. Chad lights holds a microphone as they stand in front of a PPV banner backdrop.}
Chad Lights: I am here with number one contender Philip Burns for a web exclusive interview. Twenty Four hours from now he will face Brad Kane for the World Championship. Philip, what is on your mind so close to this match?
{Phil hesitates for a moment before he beings speaking.}
Philip Burns: Chad, I am excited. This is a big night for me coming up. The biggest night of my career. I could be bitter about how long it has taken me to get here or point out less deserving people who have already been there. But, I’m not going to be like that. I’ve done a ton of soul searching this week. I’ve buried a few hatchets. I am in a healthier place this week than I have been recently. I am ready for Brad Kane.
Chad Lights: Change of heart or not, Brad wont easily forget about the things you have said and done, especially in regard to his wife Megan.
Philip Burns: And I don’t expect him to. I know I am in hot water with Brad and I am prepared to deal with that but what it boils down to is owning up to my actions and wrestling a match. Essentially we are fighting for a coveted prize and it doesn’t matter if we are mad at each other. The nCw World Championship is the most sought after championship in this business. This is a company built on a strong foundation of hard work and sacrifice. I could have gotten to the big stage a lot sooner if I had cut corners or known the right people. But I did this my way. I did it the right way no matter how long it took. My actions weren’t always agreeable but I think I deserve this.
Chad Lights: Going into tomorrow night is there a game plan in particular you are going to employ?
Philip Burns: Brad is a stronger kicker and is good at just beating people down into oblivion. I am not so blind that I cant see my only hope is to out wrestle him and keep him and keep him from connecting as many of those shots as I can. If I can manage not to get my head knocked off I just might be OK.
I think this is going to be a strong match and it deserved to be at the top of the card. We are going to give the fans something special tonight and I will be proud whether I walk away with the belt or not. Of course, I would love to have the belt though.
Chad Lights: Any closing thoughts before your match?
Philip Burns: Chad, I owe an apology to you and Megan Kane. I’m not going to gain any respect by being disrespectful. I deflected a lot of my criticism onto people who had nothing to do with it and Brad especially has been very gracious and given me respect despite all this. I just want him to know that I respect what he has accomplished in this business. Nobody is nCw champion on a fluke. Although there are some detractors out there, he earned it and I give him my utmost respect. I want to thank him thoroughly for not killing me before our match in response to some of the things I have done. I think we are going to have one for the history books tomorrow night. It's show time.
{Burns walks out of the frame. And the scene fades with chad standing there holding a mic. He looks somewhat relieved and surprised that Phil didn’t harass him again.}
{A nervous Philip Burns stands outside his fathers house. He doesn’t even know what he will says. His knuckles are white as he grips the box his gift is in. He had no idea his dad had even followed his career until the kindly old neighbor mentioned it in passing. All these years of thinking he was a disappointment to his old man has left Phil a bit shocked at the news. The door creaks open and there stands an older man who looks strikingly like our own number one contender.}
“Dad.” Phil lets out the only word he can come up with.
“Son.” His dad follows up.
{Both of their tones were very somber. These two seem very standoffish. They study each other for a moment through the screen door.}
“Well, come in son.”
{They both walk into the small quaint home. The walls are scattered with various photos of Phil and his family. A very prominent photo in the living room shows Philip, his brother, and their parents. Phil cant be any older than 12. They look happy.}
Jonathan Burns: Have a seat Phil. Can I get you anything?
Philip Burns: No, I’m fine dad. Listen. I needed to drop by and talk to you about something. I have a-
Jonathan Burns: Son, stop. Stop.
{Jonathan sits down across from his son in his favorite leather chair.}
Jonathan Burns: Philip, you don’t have to feel bad about leaving. I was hurt too. don’t you think I wanted to run away right after your mother passed? don’t you think I wanted to give up everything I knew to find peace? You boys were the only good thing left in my life. But I had to stay and face it. I know it was hard for you. You were only 14. You were hurt bad. I don’t blame you for leaving as soon as you finished school.
Philip Burns: Dad, I left you and John here by yourselves right after college. I was hardly around during college. I told you I hated you and that I didn’t need you. I’m a terrible person.
Jonathan Burns: No, son. If you think I believed you for one second you are crazy. You were a kid. You were hurt. I know I worked out of town most of the time when your mother was alive. It was a huge change to see me here after school every day trying to play both roles. I wasn't good at it. I knew that when you went through college and found a career that you would look back and realize that I at least had a part in it. And you wouldn’t hate me any more.
Philip Burns: I never did, dad. But you are right. I realized fast that all my determination I got from you. Mom was a strong lady but those qualities are something only a dad can show a son. I got out of many tough situations by just asking myself what you would do.
Jonathan Burns: I really appreciate you saying that Phil. I cant believe I haven’t seen you in so long.
Philip Burns: I didn’t think you wanted to see me after our fight. I was ashamed to look you in the eye and face you.
Jonathan Burns: You know what? I’m proud of you. Fight or not. I think this wrestling thing you are doing is great. You come off as a jerk sometimes. But that sells tickets I guess.
Philip Burns: I didn’t even know you followed me until the neighbor Mr. Hampton mentioned it.
Jonathan Burns: Oh, yeah. I was flipping through the channels a few weeks back and I saw a commercial with a guy that looked just like me on a wrestling show. I damn near flipped my chair over. It amazed me how grown up you looked. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like seeing me from 20 years ago in tights.
{they share a light laugh.}
Philip Burns: You know I am fighting for the World Title this Sunday. First time ever. Headlining a Pay Per View event even.
Jonathan Burns: I did know. I have been keeping up with you ever since I found out. I wish you had told me sooner. Wrestling has always been my dirty little secret. Mom wasn’t too keen to the stuff. I did a lot of sneaking around to watch it.
Philip Burns: Well I have been gong through a lot of weird times lately. That is part of the reason I came to see you. I haven’t been myself, whatever that is. I feel this void like maybe I don’t deserve this shot. I’ve been at this for years now. I have only even main evented our regular shows a few times. So many people younger than me are so much further ahead in their careers.
{Jonathan stands up and walks over to a wall. He grabs a small plaque and walks back. He hands it to his son.}
Jonathan Burns: It took me twenty years to become the top guy in the marketing department. Some guys did it in less by cutting corners and knowing the right people. But I did it the old fashioned way. I put in the work and I put in the time needed to get myself where I wanted. No matter how long it takes. The lesser man ta-
Philip Burns: ...Takes the low road.
{He hands the plaque back to his dad who returns it to the wall. Phil stands up.}
Philip Burns: So, you think I deserve this dad?
Jonathan Burns: I don’t think anyone else has ever deserved it more. Give Brad Kane hell.
{They exchange a handshake/hug and hold it for a brief moment before backing away from each other.}
Philip Burns: Listen I uh have a flight to catch in about an hour but I wanted to leave these two tickets with you in hopes that you and John would come out to Omaha to see the match. Front row, ringside.
Jonathan Burns: Ill be there.
{They shake hands again and exchange the tickets. Scene fades.}
Saturday, July 10 2010.
{It is the day before Picture Perfect and Philip Burns is backstage at the Qwest center. Chad lights holds a microphone as they stand in front of a PPV banner backdrop.}
Chad Lights: I am here with number one contender Philip Burns for a web exclusive interview. Twenty Four hours from now he will face Brad Kane for the World Championship. Philip, what is on your mind so close to this match?
{Phil hesitates for a moment before he beings speaking.}
Philip Burns: Chad, I am excited. This is a big night for me coming up. The biggest night of my career. I could be bitter about how long it has taken me to get here or point out less deserving people who have already been there. But, I’m not going to be like that. I’ve done a ton of soul searching this week. I’ve buried a few hatchets. I am in a healthier place this week than I have been recently. I am ready for Brad Kane.
Chad Lights: Change of heart or not, Brad wont easily forget about the things you have said and done, especially in regard to his wife Megan.
Philip Burns: And I don’t expect him to. I know I am in hot water with Brad and I am prepared to deal with that but what it boils down to is owning up to my actions and wrestling a match. Essentially we are fighting for a coveted prize and it doesn’t matter if we are mad at each other. The nCw World Championship is the most sought after championship in this business. This is a company built on a strong foundation of hard work and sacrifice. I could have gotten to the big stage a lot sooner if I had cut corners or known the right people. But I did this my way. I did it the right way no matter how long it took. My actions weren’t always agreeable but I think I deserve this.
Chad Lights: Going into tomorrow night is there a game plan in particular you are going to employ?
Philip Burns: Brad is a stronger kicker and is good at just beating people down into oblivion. I am not so blind that I cant see my only hope is to out wrestle him and keep him and keep him from connecting as many of those shots as I can. If I can manage not to get my head knocked off I just might be OK.
I think this is going to be a strong match and it deserved to be at the top of the card. We are going to give the fans something special tonight and I will be proud whether I walk away with the belt or not. Of course, I would love to have the belt though.
Chad Lights: Any closing thoughts before your match?
Philip Burns: Chad, I owe an apology to you and Megan Kane. I’m not going to gain any respect by being disrespectful. I deflected a lot of my criticism onto people who had nothing to do with it and Brad especially has been very gracious and given me respect despite all this. I just want him to know that I respect what he has accomplished in this business. Nobody is nCw champion on a fluke. Although there are some detractors out there, he earned it and I give him my utmost respect. I want to thank him thoroughly for not killing me before our match in response to some of the things I have done. I think we are going to have one for the history books tomorrow night. It's show time.
{Burns walks out of the frame. And the scene fades with chad standing there holding a mic. He looks somewhat relieved and surprised that Phil didn’t harass him again.}