Post by Ricky Johnson on May 10, 2012 16:39:34 GMT -6
I would think that what I'm about to say is common knowledge Todd, but I know you, and I know this is all new information. So, for your benefit, I will go slow. Not that I think it will make any difference, but still, I want you to get the point.
March 8th, 1971.
The "Fight of the Century" happened. Muhammad Ali, who has been stripped of his world title in 1967, returned to the ring for only the 3rd time, facing the current world champion, Joe Frazier. Both men had claims to being the champion.
Joe Frazier won.
I consider this to be like our second match against each other Todd. You, world champion. Me, National champion, and yes. You got the better of me on that night. But it was a match that people wanted to see, people needed to know that you were legit. And, that night, you proved it.
January 28th, 1974
Ali-Frazier two. It wasn't the best fight, it wasn't the worst fight. Both men were aging, both were not in the best shape, both men were a little sloppy. It happens to the best of us.
Ali beat Frazier by unanimous decision.
By the way Todd, unanimous means everybody voted for Ali.
That sounds like our first encounter doesn't it Todd? It wasn't glorious, it wasn't pretty, it was just...there. You remember that don't you? I had to Google your name to know who you were. Yeah, you didn't like that much, but really, it was a forgettable match.
October 1st, 1975
Ali-Frazier III. It was, and remains one of the greatest SPORTING EVENTS, not just boxing matches, but sporting events in history. The Thrilla in Manilla. There is nothing to compare this fight to. Ali and Frazier pounded each other for 14 rounds, and then Frazier's corner stopped the fight. Both men beat the hell out of each other, and they cemented their legacies.
I know full well that you have absolutely NO idea what I've been talking about for all this time, but THAT is what I'm expecting from you Todd. I EXPECT you to bring it. You ARE the champion right? You have been talking up a huge game about how great you are as a champion I see. So now, you need to back it up.
The point of this trilogy reference is so you understand. You are my Joe Frazier right now. You are the guy who beat me once, but I also beat him. We have to settle this Todd. And I can't think of a better place that Las Vegas. Sight of so many great boxing, MMA, and wrestling matches. What a fitting place then Vegas to go for broke? That night, just like in Manilla all those years ago, we put everything on the line. Lay all our cards on the table. You got one, I got one. It's the rubber match, We will decide once and for all who is better.
You? Or me?
Let's face it, you are no Muhammad Ali. You don't know his story, you don't know what he overcame, The bottom line is you have that title because of Brad Kane. If not for him, you'd be on the outside looking in. What have you done besides deminish the world title by hanging on to it by the skin of your teeth, or another man's mercy? Like Ali said of Frazier:
"He's no champion, I'm the real champion! I'll show you what a real champion is!"
Again, it's probably over your head, but still, I would like to think you're smart enough to get it. I am Ali in this instance, And Ali won the trilogy 2-1.
The names and faces may have changed Todd, but the story is still the same. Our Manilla is Las Vegas. Our series is 1-1. Our battle is in the ring. And it's two men who claim to be the best.
Only you haven't been a Joe Frazier. I want you to be, but you've sunk to becoming a Leon Spinks. A guy who had one good night, became the world champion, and completely sucked the life out of the World title.
Oh yeah, you don't know who Leon Spinks is either do you?
Spinks got a fluke win over Ali in 1977. Ali won the title right back in 1978. That's going to be you. I will cement my legacy at your expense at A Night to Remember. History will remember Todd Williams as one of those "what ever happened to ..." kind of guys. People will say "Remember when Todd Williams was NCW World champion?"
And the only reason people will say that...is because you're going to lose the title to me. You're going to be the man I beat. It's the only way you get your name in the record books Todd. You know it, I know it. I will be the Muhammad Ali of this generation. I've said over and and over I was the best, and I've got the titles to prove it. I've beaten the top guys, I've scratched and clawed my way to this. Very. Moment. And I'm going all in. I will have my Manilla moment.
You're just going to be Joe Frazier.. if you bring it.
Wait. Wait.
Was the "Ali-Frazier" reference a little too old for you? Yeah, it probably was. I know it's hard for you to see the big picture when you have such a small screen. Don't worry Todd, I'll find one that maybe you'll recognize.
Although I doubt it.
Roxi - What are you doing up?
Ricky - I should be asking you the same question.
Roxi - You know I can't sleep too well anymore. And, you weren't in bed.
Ricky - I know. But I'm just sitting here. You can go back to bed. It's okay.
Roxi - It's 3:30, come back to bed.
Ricky - I will soon. I'm just thinking.
Roxi - Thinking?
Ricky - Yeah. About the future.
Roxi - About us?
Ricky - hmm?
Roxi - Or about them?
Ricky - Well yes, about all of the family, but, I'm also thinking about other things.
Roxi - About Todd?
Ricky - Him too.
Roxi - Well, don't over think about him, okay?
Ricky - I think I've over thunk about him since April 9th.
Roxi - Just...come back to bed soon, huh?
Ricky - You know I will.
Roxi - I love you.
Ricky - I love you too.
Roxi - Don't forget we're going to the reunion tomorrow.
Ricky - Yeah.
May 18th, 2002.
Gatti vs. Ward I
See, I told you this was a little more current.
This was an amazing trillogy of fights. Ward won the first fight by majority decision. It was Ring Magazine's fight of the year for 2002. The two started a war with each other.
Much like what we're having.
November 23rd, 2003.
Gatti vs. Ward II
Gatti won a unanimous decision. There's that word again Todd. You remember what it means again right? Wait, who am I kidding? Of course you don't. Again, it means everyone voted for him. It was a wild, crazy fight, that both men ended up in the hospital due to the injuries they inflicted upon each other.
June 7th, 2003.
Gatti vs. Ward III
Another brutal, amazing fight. Gatti broke his hand, and got dropped in the 6th round, but still came back and won over Ward. Another....wait for it...unanimous decision. And once again, both men went to the hospital after the fight, because they destroyed one another.
The point of this reference...even though you've missed it at this point, is that those two guys were willing to give it their all to win. Gatti and Ward were willing to take a trip to the ER in order to attain victory. Which is exactly what I'm willing to do.
Are you, Todd?
Are you willing to bleed? Are you willing break bones? Are you willing to get hurt and play through the pain? Are you willing to hurt yourself, as well as me? Are you willing to end my career to retain your championship? You can come out in your next promo and tell the people that you are, but you and I know differently don't we? The answer, of course, is No, you're not willing to do any of that. You don't have the heart, you don't have the desire, and above all else, you don't have the capability.
You have been nothing but a little boy, living a fantasy, Todd. Nothing more. I know you've been trying to make those 15 minuets last as long as humanly possible. I think it's to the point now, where no one wants you to be in that spotlight anymore.
They're tired of you.
The World Champion is someone who should carry the title with pride, be able to carry the load, and take on the responsibility. And none of those characteristics match you Todd. They aren't in the same ballpark, same league, hell the same sport. Those characteristics are you shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as your name.
The champion carries the title. The title doesn't carry the champion. Bottom line. Point blank. Period.
But you've made it possible haven't you Todd? You've sucked it up royally ever since you won that title. Resting on that title like a crutch. floating along on your laurels, depending on someone, something, ANYTHING to save you.
Like that one time you got Dustin Keller.
But in Vegas, it's all or nothing. There is no saving you this time Todd Williams. One time was enough. One time is all it took for this to go to your head. You're days of hiding behind your wife and the world title are over come Sunday.
Well, at least you'll still have her....I suppose that's something.
Roxi - Still thinking?
Ricky - Yeah.
Roxi - Hey, just give it a rest for a little while. Let's just enjoy today with the family.
Ricky - I...you're right. I need to let this go for a while.
Roxi - Devon and Josh and Anna need their brother to show up here. When it's over, then you can be this guy again.
Ricky - Thanks, Rox.
Roxi - It's what I do.
Ricky - And, here we are.
Roxi - Remember, no wrestling. Not today.
Ricky - Yes, boss.
Josh - There you are old man.
Ricky - You must have me mistaken, Josh, do I look like you Husband?
Josh - Haha, screw you. How are you guys doing?
Ricky - We're doing fine.
Josh - Well, we're just waiting for Devon and his entourage to get here
Ricky - Huh. That's funny, Anna's usually the last one here.
Josh - No, she came early.
Ricky - Oh well. What's for dinner?
Josh - Nothing like the old family barbecue right?
Ricky - Sounds good to me. Rox?
Roxi - Works for me, as long as there is a banana split in it for me.
Josh - You know Claire is making 'em. She loves 'em too.
Roxi - Good.
Josh - So, Ricky? whaddya say a little one-on-one? some HORSE perhaps?
Ricky - Josh, you have as much chance of beating me one on one as Todd-
Roxi - ...
Ricky - Yeah. Let's go.
You've been talking a great deal about how great you are, and calling me a choke artist.
Yeah, let's go there Todd.
What? it's not like you weren't going to say it. You know you were. In fact, you still may, because it's not like you've been paying attention, or listening. Do what you gotta do I guess.
Anyway, I can freely talk about the label of "choke artist" because I know the reality of the situation. I lost two chances at the world title prior to this one. One on my own, one because someone else failed. I'm okay with that. Some of my favorite teams choke. The Knicks, the Bills, every time, at one time or another have choked. The Yankees were up 3-0 to the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS and they lost 4 straight to lose the series. It happens.
I mean, it's not like the J-E-T-S haven't done it. And they did it against a guy who can't even throw. How bad is that?
See Todd, labels have never hurt me. I got stuck with the "choke artist" one because you were misinformed. Nothing new, but still, you got it to stick. And..I'm okay with that. Good for you Todd.
The biggest reason I'm okay with it, is because I'm not thinking about losing. It hasn't entered my mind since the match was announced. I'm going to win. What kind of wrestler would I be if I didn't think I was going to win Todd? Come on, there is not one athlete in the history of sports, who has walked into their respective sporting event, be it a game, a match, a tournament, a series, what have you, and thought "I' don't think I can win this one." Because if you do, you don't deserve to play. Especially not a championship match. That is where you step up, it's where you give it your all. It's where you give everything... and then you give more.
I don't think about losing Todd. I don't play the hypothetical game.
But I know you do.
For all your bravado, have you thought about losing? Have you thought about facing Steve Awesome's sloppy sixteenths, without that title? Have you thought about what to say to her? What excuse you can come up with? Have you thought about life as the ex-world champion? All the laughing, all the jokes? Have you thought about you, Todd Williams, being labeled a "choke artist"? I mean, wouldn't it just be sad if the great and mighty World Champion Todd Williams, lost to Ricky "Choke Artist" Johnson?
Wouldn't that make you a choke artist?
Actually, no, it wouldn't. There's another word for that. I know, you're tired of me playing word games or using words you've never heard of, but actually...I think you've heard it before.
"Failure."
An epic one to be sure.
Actually, I'm giving you a little too much credit Todd. Because it was your wife who said it. Not you. She still has your balls in her purse. She started it, and because she's the brains of that marriage, you followed suit. Like a good little boy.
You know, there's a word for people like her too.
..."Liability."
What? Oh, you thought I was going to say something else didn't you? Shows what you think about her doesn't it Todd? I mean there were other words I could have used.
"Bitch."
"Whore."
"Slut."
but I think, in your case...the first suggestion fits.
"Liability."
That's what she is Todd. She cost you a match against Alex Jones a few weeks ago didn't she? And she's been losing herself a lot lately, too. I don't know Todd, We ARE going to be in Vegas, and if I were a betting man....I don't like your odds with her there.
Just saying.
Josh - Well, looks like you won.
Ricky - I know. I was there.
Anna - Dinner's ready.
Josh - Let's eat.
Ricky - Sounds good.
{We cut to the dinner table, everyone has finished eating.}
Josh - Well, that was awesome.
Ricky - Yeah, I'll sleep well tonight.
Anna - Oh Ricky, did Blake tell you?
Ricky - Tell me what?
Anna - We're buying a new house.
Ricky - Oh. Well, congrats on that.
Anna - We're moving down to Cocoa Beach.
Ricky - Nice place.
Anna - We're just deciding on whether to get the bathroom remodeled.
Ricky - Why are you remodeling a bathroom?
Anna - It's ugly.
Roxi - You should do it. You don't want to have an ugly place to do your business.
Ricky - That's a great visual.
{They all share a laugh.}
Ricky - Well, who's up for dessert?
Anna - Claire made those banana splits. I'll get them.
{We fade on them talking and laughing.}
I've talked about a lot today Todd. And there were other trilogies I could have brought up to you. Like Jones vs. Tarver, Couture vs. Liddell, Duran vs. Leonard. All of which, I'm sure you have almost no clue about. Maybe you heard the names, but you don't understand the history. You never have, you never will. All you care about is getting through to the next day without looking like a complete idiot.
But I know it's what you do best.
You stumble through life completely oblivious to what's around you. It's why you're still a little boy Todd. You have failed as a champion, and really, you've failed as man. There's that word again Todd. Fail. You do it all the time, but you've escaped with the title. For me Todd, failure is not an option. It's not something that has entered my mind. I only think about winning. I only think about the goal I have set in front of me. It's at the it's most attainable right now. All that stands in my way is you. I will defeat you Todd, and become the World Champion.
It's the only title I haven't won here. I've tried, and I've failed, but here I am again. And again, I'm unafraid to fail, because I know I'm not going to. I've set my expectations high Todd. I'm walking in to Vegas feeling lucky. I'm feeling like a winner. Because I am. For all the talk, you've had a flash of greatness, and you struck the jackpot and now you're riding this wave as far as it has taken you.
Sunday, the wave ends.
I'm going to restore that title to the championship itself. Because let's face it Todd:
You may have the belt itself, but you are not a champion.
And Sunday, a true champion, THE true champion will rise.
And THAT, is the TRUTH.
Ricky - Well, that was fun.
Roxi - Yeah. Except your sister.
Ricky - What's wrong with Anna?
Roxi - Does she have to be so pretentious?
Ricky - What?
Roxi - {mimicking her voice} We're buying a new house, down on cocoa beach
Ricky - So?
Roxi - Then remodeling their bathroom? Really? Who cares what it looks like? You're only in their for three things. I'm sure when she gets it, she's not going to have us come down and look at her bathroom.
Ricky - She might. She's like that.
Roxi - Yeah, I noticed.
Ricky - Well, I guess all that's left to do is go home and pack.
Roxi - Why so early?
Ricky - I figure go there early, get a chance to promote the event, and make myself comfortable with the city.
Roxi - I see.
Ricky - Don't worry, Todd's not on my mind right now. You are.
Roxi - I am?
Ricky - Of course. I'll be sure to bring you back something nice.
Roxi - If it's a lingerie set again, I'm going to kill you.
Ricky - No. I was figuring something else.
Roxi - Like what?
Ricky - A world title.
Roxi - ...Funny.
March 8th, 1971.
The "Fight of the Century" happened. Muhammad Ali, who has been stripped of his world title in 1967, returned to the ring for only the 3rd time, facing the current world champion, Joe Frazier. Both men had claims to being the champion.
Joe Frazier won.
I consider this to be like our second match against each other Todd. You, world champion. Me, National champion, and yes. You got the better of me on that night. But it was a match that people wanted to see, people needed to know that you were legit. And, that night, you proved it.
January 28th, 1974
Ali-Frazier two. It wasn't the best fight, it wasn't the worst fight. Both men were aging, both were not in the best shape, both men were a little sloppy. It happens to the best of us.
Ali beat Frazier by unanimous decision.
By the way Todd, unanimous means everybody voted for Ali.
That sounds like our first encounter doesn't it Todd? It wasn't glorious, it wasn't pretty, it was just...there. You remember that don't you? I had to Google your name to know who you were. Yeah, you didn't like that much, but really, it was a forgettable match.
October 1st, 1975
Ali-Frazier III. It was, and remains one of the greatest SPORTING EVENTS, not just boxing matches, but sporting events in history. The Thrilla in Manilla. There is nothing to compare this fight to. Ali and Frazier pounded each other for 14 rounds, and then Frazier's corner stopped the fight. Both men beat the hell out of each other, and they cemented their legacies.
I know full well that you have absolutely NO idea what I've been talking about for all this time, but THAT is what I'm expecting from you Todd. I EXPECT you to bring it. You ARE the champion right? You have been talking up a huge game about how great you are as a champion I see. So now, you need to back it up.
The point of this trilogy reference is so you understand. You are my Joe Frazier right now. You are the guy who beat me once, but I also beat him. We have to settle this Todd. And I can't think of a better place that Las Vegas. Sight of so many great boxing, MMA, and wrestling matches. What a fitting place then Vegas to go for broke? That night, just like in Manilla all those years ago, we put everything on the line. Lay all our cards on the table. You got one, I got one. It's the rubber match, We will decide once and for all who is better.
You? Or me?
Let's face it, you are no Muhammad Ali. You don't know his story, you don't know what he overcame, The bottom line is you have that title because of Brad Kane. If not for him, you'd be on the outside looking in. What have you done besides deminish the world title by hanging on to it by the skin of your teeth, or another man's mercy? Like Ali said of Frazier:
"He's no champion, I'm the real champion! I'll show you what a real champion is!"
Again, it's probably over your head, but still, I would like to think you're smart enough to get it. I am Ali in this instance, And Ali won the trilogy 2-1.
The names and faces may have changed Todd, but the story is still the same. Our Manilla is Las Vegas. Our series is 1-1. Our battle is in the ring. And it's two men who claim to be the best.
Only you haven't been a Joe Frazier. I want you to be, but you've sunk to becoming a Leon Spinks. A guy who had one good night, became the world champion, and completely sucked the life out of the World title.
Oh yeah, you don't know who Leon Spinks is either do you?
Spinks got a fluke win over Ali in 1977. Ali won the title right back in 1978. That's going to be you. I will cement my legacy at your expense at A Night to Remember. History will remember Todd Williams as one of those "what ever happened to ..." kind of guys. People will say "Remember when Todd Williams was NCW World champion?"
And the only reason people will say that...is because you're going to lose the title to me. You're going to be the man I beat. It's the only way you get your name in the record books Todd. You know it, I know it. I will be the Muhammad Ali of this generation. I've said over and and over I was the best, and I've got the titles to prove it. I've beaten the top guys, I've scratched and clawed my way to this. Very. Moment. And I'm going all in. I will have my Manilla moment.
You're just going to be Joe Frazier.. if you bring it.
Wait. Wait.
Was the "Ali-Frazier" reference a little too old for you? Yeah, it probably was. I know it's hard for you to see the big picture when you have such a small screen. Don't worry Todd, I'll find one that maybe you'll recognize.
Although I doubt it.
Roxi - What are you doing up?
Ricky - I should be asking you the same question.
Roxi - You know I can't sleep too well anymore. And, you weren't in bed.
Ricky - I know. But I'm just sitting here. You can go back to bed. It's okay.
Roxi - It's 3:30, come back to bed.
Ricky - I will soon. I'm just thinking.
Roxi - Thinking?
Ricky - Yeah. About the future.
Roxi - About us?
Ricky - hmm?
Roxi - Or about them?
Ricky - Well yes, about all of the family, but, I'm also thinking about other things.
Roxi - About Todd?
Ricky - Him too.
Roxi - Well, don't over think about him, okay?
Ricky - I think I've over thunk about him since April 9th.
Roxi - Just...come back to bed soon, huh?
Ricky - You know I will.
Roxi - I love you.
Ricky - I love you too.
Roxi - Don't forget we're going to the reunion tomorrow.
Ricky - Yeah.
May 18th, 2002.
Gatti vs. Ward I
See, I told you this was a little more current.
This was an amazing trillogy of fights. Ward won the first fight by majority decision. It was Ring Magazine's fight of the year for 2002. The two started a war with each other.
Much like what we're having.
November 23rd, 2003.
Gatti vs. Ward II
Gatti won a unanimous decision. There's that word again Todd. You remember what it means again right? Wait, who am I kidding? Of course you don't. Again, it means everyone voted for him. It was a wild, crazy fight, that both men ended up in the hospital due to the injuries they inflicted upon each other.
June 7th, 2003.
Gatti vs. Ward III
Another brutal, amazing fight. Gatti broke his hand, and got dropped in the 6th round, but still came back and won over Ward. Another....wait for it...unanimous decision. And once again, both men went to the hospital after the fight, because they destroyed one another.
The point of this reference...even though you've missed it at this point, is that those two guys were willing to give it their all to win. Gatti and Ward were willing to take a trip to the ER in order to attain victory. Which is exactly what I'm willing to do.
Are you, Todd?
Are you willing to bleed? Are you willing break bones? Are you willing to get hurt and play through the pain? Are you willing to hurt yourself, as well as me? Are you willing to end my career to retain your championship? You can come out in your next promo and tell the people that you are, but you and I know differently don't we? The answer, of course, is No, you're not willing to do any of that. You don't have the heart, you don't have the desire, and above all else, you don't have the capability.
You have been nothing but a little boy, living a fantasy, Todd. Nothing more. I know you've been trying to make those 15 minuets last as long as humanly possible. I think it's to the point now, where no one wants you to be in that spotlight anymore.
They're tired of you.
The World Champion is someone who should carry the title with pride, be able to carry the load, and take on the responsibility. And none of those characteristics match you Todd. They aren't in the same ballpark, same league, hell the same sport. Those characteristics are you shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as your name.
The champion carries the title. The title doesn't carry the champion. Bottom line. Point blank. Period.
But you've made it possible haven't you Todd? You've sucked it up royally ever since you won that title. Resting on that title like a crutch. floating along on your laurels, depending on someone, something, ANYTHING to save you.
Like that one time you got Dustin Keller.
But in Vegas, it's all or nothing. There is no saving you this time Todd Williams. One time was enough. One time is all it took for this to go to your head. You're days of hiding behind your wife and the world title are over come Sunday.
Well, at least you'll still have her....I suppose that's something.
Roxi - Still thinking?
Ricky - Yeah.
Roxi - Hey, just give it a rest for a little while. Let's just enjoy today with the family.
Ricky - I...you're right. I need to let this go for a while.
Roxi - Devon and Josh and Anna need their brother to show up here. When it's over, then you can be this guy again.
Ricky - Thanks, Rox.
Roxi - It's what I do.
Ricky - And, here we are.
Roxi - Remember, no wrestling. Not today.
Ricky - Yes, boss.
Josh - There you are old man.
Ricky - You must have me mistaken, Josh, do I look like you Husband?
Josh - Haha, screw you. How are you guys doing?
Ricky - We're doing fine.
Josh - Well, we're just waiting for Devon and his entourage to get here
Ricky - Huh. That's funny, Anna's usually the last one here.
Josh - No, she came early.
Ricky - Oh well. What's for dinner?
Josh - Nothing like the old family barbecue right?
Ricky - Sounds good to me. Rox?
Roxi - Works for me, as long as there is a banana split in it for me.
Josh - You know Claire is making 'em. She loves 'em too.
Roxi - Good.
Josh - So, Ricky? whaddya say a little one-on-one? some HORSE perhaps?
Ricky - Josh, you have as much chance of beating me one on one as Todd-
Roxi - ...
Ricky - Yeah. Let's go.
You've been talking a great deal about how great you are, and calling me a choke artist.
Yeah, let's go there Todd.
What? it's not like you weren't going to say it. You know you were. In fact, you still may, because it's not like you've been paying attention, or listening. Do what you gotta do I guess.
Anyway, I can freely talk about the label of "choke artist" because I know the reality of the situation. I lost two chances at the world title prior to this one. One on my own, one because someone else failed. I'm okay with that. Some of my favorite teams choke. The Knicks, the Bills, every time, at one time or another have choked. The Yankees were up 3-0 to the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS and they lost 4 straight to lose the series. It happens.
I mean, it's not like the J-E-T-S haven't done it. And they did it against a guy who can't even throw. How bad is that?
See Todd, labels have never hurt me. I got stuck with the "choke artist" one because you were misinformed. Nothing new, but still, you got it to stick. And..I'm okay with that. Good for you Todd.
The biggest reason I'm okay with it, is because I'm not thinking about losing. It hasn't entered my mind since the match was announced. I'm going to win. What kind of wrestler would I be if I didn't think I was going to win Todd? Come on, there is not one athlete in the history of sports, who has walked into their respective sporting event, be it a game, a match, a tournament, a series, what have you, and thought "I' don't think I can win this one." Because if you do, you don't deserve to play. Especially not a championship match. That is where you step up, it's where you give it your all. It's where you give everything... and then you give more.
I don't think about losing Todd. I don't play the hypothetical game.
But I know you do.
For all your bravado, have you thought about losing? Have you thought about facing Steve Awesome's sloppy sixteenths, without that title? Have you thought about what to say to her? What excuse you can come up with? Have you thought about life as the ex-world champion? All the laughing, all the jokes? Have you thought about you, Todd Williams, being labeled a "choke artist"? I mean, wouldn't it just be sad if the great and mighty World Champion Todd Williams, lost to Ricky "Choke Artist" Johnson?
Wouldn't that make you a choke artist?
Actually, no, it wouldn't. There's another word for that. I know, you're tired of me playing word games or using words you've never heard of, but actually...I think you've heard it before.
"Failure."
An epic one to be sure.
Actually, I'm giving you a little too much credit Todd. Because it was your wife who said it. Not you. She still has your balls in her purse. She started it, and because she's the brains of that marriage, you followed suit. Like a good little boy.
You know, there's a word for people like her too.
..."Liability."
What? Oh, you thought I was going to say something else didn't you? Shows what you think about her doesn't it Todd? I mean there were other words I could have used.
"Bitch."
"Whore."
"Slut."
but I think, in your case...the first suggestion fits.
"Liability."
That's what she is Todd. She cost you a match against Alex Jones a few weeks ago didn't she? And she's been losing herself a lot lately, too. I don't know Todd, We ARE going to be in Vegas, and if I were a betting man....I don't like your odds with her there.
Just saying.
Josh - Well, looks like you won.
Ricky - I know. I was there.
Anna - Dinner's ready.
Josh - Let's eat.
Ricky - Sounds good.
{We cut to the dinner table, everyone has finished eating.}
Josh - Well, that was awesome.
Ricky - Yeah, I'll sleep well tonight.
Anna - Oh Ricky, did Blake tell you?
Ricky - Tell me what?
Anna - We're buying a new house.
Ricky - Oh. Well, congrats on that.
Anna - We're moving down to Cocoa Beach.
Ricky - Nice place.
Anna - We're just deciding on whether to get the bathroom remodeled.
Ricky - Why are you remodeling a bathroom?
Anna - It's ugly.
Roxi - You should do it. You don't want to have an ugly place to do your business.
Ricky - That's a great visual.
{They all share a laugh.}
Ricky - Well, who's up for dessert?
Anna - Claire made those banana splits. I'll get them.
{We fade on them talking and laughing.}
I've talked about a lot today Todd. And there were other trilogies I could have brought up to you. Like Jones vs. Tarver, Couture vs. Liddell, Duran vs. Leonard. All of which, I'm sure you have almost no clue about. Maybe you heard the names, but you don't understand the history. You never have, you never will. All you care about is getting through to the next day without looking like a complete idiot.
But I know it's what you do best.
You stumble through life completely oblivious to what's around you. It's why you're still a little boy Todd. You have failed as a champion, and really, you've failed as man. There's that word again Todd. Fail. You do it all the time, but you've escaped with the title. For me Todd, failure is not an option. It's not something that has entered my mind. I only think about winning. I only think about the goal I have set in front of me. It's at the it's most attainable right now. All that stands in my way is you. I will defeat you Todd, and become the World Champion.
It's the only title I haven't won here. I've tried, and I've failed, but here I am again. And again, I'm unafraid to fail, because I know I'm not going to. I've set my expectations high Todd. I'm walking in to Vegas feeling lucky. I'm feeling like a winner. Because I am. For all the talk, you've had a flash of greatness, and you struck the jackpot and now you're riding this wave as far as it has taken you.
Sunday, the wave ends.
I'm going to restore that title to the championship itself. Because let's face it Todd:
You may have the belt itself, but you are not a champion.
And Sunday, a true champion, THE true champion will rise.
And THAT, is the TRUTH.
Ricky - Well, that was fun.
Roxi - Yeah. Except your sister.
Ricky - What's wrong with Anna?
Roxi - Does she have to be so pretentious?
Ricky - What?
Roxi - {mimicking her voice} We're buying a new house, down on cocoa beach
Ricky - So?
Roxi - Then remodeling their bathroom? Really? Who cares what it looks like? You're only in their for three things. I'm sure when she gets it, she's not going to have us come down and look at her bathroom.
Ricky - She might. She's like that.
Roxi - Yeah, I noticed.
Ricky - Well, I guess all that's left to do is go home and pack.
Roxi - Why so early?
Ricky - I figure go there early, get a chance to promote the event, and make myself comfortable with the city.
Roxi - I see.
Ricky - Don't worry, Todd's not on my mind right now. You are.
Roxi - I am?
Ricky - Of course. I'll be sure to bring you back something nice.
Roxi - If it's a lingerie set again, I'm going to kill you.
Ricky - No. I was figuring something else.
Roxi - Like what?
Ricky - A world title.
Roxi - ...Funny.
