One. Last. Time.

[Ricky Johnson]

"Bruce Wayne is a mask I wear, that I've been wearing since I was a child... but it's become a liability, so it's over. Bruce Wayne and his troubles aren't my concern anymore. The only thing that matters now is my mission. Nothing will stand in the way anymore"
- Batman (Bruce Wayne: Fugitive)

---

{Ricky is packing.}

Ricky - Red? black & white? Camo?

{He talks out loud, as he puts his tights inside his suitcase.}

Ricky - I just can't decide. I never thought I'd be having trouble deciding what tights to wear.

{He stares down at tights in his hand.}

Ricky - What do you think Rox-

{He instinctively looks around for her.}

Ricky - Oh yeah.

Edward - Everything all right, Sir?

Ricky - Oh. Yes. Edward. It's fine.

Edward - Shall I help you pack, Sir?

Ricky - No, that's alright Edward.

Edward - Forgive me, Sir, it's just that if you aren't finished packing soon, you may miss your flight.

Ricky - My flight isn't for another 4 hours.

Edward - Correct, Sir. Are you not going to hospital to visit Mrs. Johnson?

Ricky - Yes. I will. I'm just...It's weird Edward. She's not around, and it's my last match.

Edward - I see.

Ricky - It just feels wrong, you know?

Edward - I can tell sir.

Ricky - You can?

Edward - Sir, you've been packing for the last two hours.

Ricky - Right.

Edward - So, shall I assist you?

Ricky - Well...what tights do you think?

Edward - Well Sir, I'm no fashion expert.

Ricky - Very funny. Roxi would always know.

Edward - Might I make a suggestion then?

Ricky - What's that?

Edward - Shall we visit her and ask her opinion?

Ricky - ...Thank you Edward.

Edward - My pleasure, sir.

---

Did I make you upset Roberto?

Strike a nerve or something?

Because that's what it seems like.

There were a lot of emotions I went through after I attentively listened to you.

Anger. Puzzlement. Confusion. Mortification.

But I think the biggest emotion I had was one I wasn't really expecting to have, You know. One that I was just shocked to have once it had passed. Because...it's you. Roberto Verona. The man with all the answers. The man with the mission, the man fighting for truth, justice, and the uh...U.K. way I guess. So yeah, that emotion overcame me. You wanna know what it was?

Disappointment.

I was expecting...so much...and I got...so little. It was weird because as I said, it's you. You never disappoint. Well, promo-wise anyway. I was waiting to hear Roberto Verona rip me a new one, tear me to shreds verbally, make everyone believe that I was next on your hit list.

And...I didn't get that. At all.

Instead, you called me a liar. You called me crazy. Not that I haven't been called that before, but coming from you, it was puzzling.

I speak the Truth Roberto. Nothing but. I said nothing about you that wasn't true. I like to deal in facts.

You went 1/4 against the Heirarchy. Fact.

You were given a third match against Xander and you won. Fact.

I could go on, but, I'm not re-hashing the first promo that I did. It speaks for itself. Nothing in that piece was made up, or false. Go back and watch. And this time, listen. Listen very carefully. Because you made me draw three conclusions about you now.

Either A) You've conviently "forgotten" the truth, which is unlike you. Because you're intelligent enough to know better.

Or B) You are being intentionally deceitful. Which, in that case, makes you look better than you are. You are hiding things.

Or C) You just might be insane.

Because honestly, what you said makes little to no sense. What it was, was Roberto Verona doing a great deal of damage control. Covering his ass, because it was out in the wind. To sum it up for you Roberto, your promo made me think of two words.

Overcompensation. And Excuses.

All that was missing was "the dog ate my homework". You seriously argued technicalities, jumped to absurd conclusions, and then you just made things up. I was half expecting you to say "What had happened was.." prior to each "counter point" you tried to make.

I know you think you made a really impressive argument. You sure showed me how wrong I was right? I'm sorry to inform you of this, but it has to be said...

You made an ass out of yourself.

When you didn't even need to. Nothing that I said required you to defend against it. Nothing.

Need I remind you Roberto, you are the favorite. You're the steamroller coming down the line. I saw you verbally abuse guys like Joe Everyman week in and week out. You ended the year long win streak of Xander Famularo. You've been on a tear and you've earned this match.

But for some reason, here you are, on the defensive. Trying so desperately to shine up your record and your reputation. You revise history to make me sound like I'm crazy. No, Roberto I pay attention to the happenings of NCW.

I like to think of myself as a history buff, Roberto. So let me tell you a story. Pay attention now, there will be quiz at the end.

The Hierarchy formed, and there was a guy who stood up to them. Who instantly challenged them. Kelly Knite was torn, her husband attacked her father. Then that same guy repeatedly told Kelly Knite to make the right decision. He told Kelly that the Hierarchy was bad news. And Kelly Knite listened to him. And Kelly Knite thanked that man in the end. That guy headed an anti-Hierarchy movement. He fought alongside Kelly Knite in her struggle. Kelly Knite trusted that man, considered him a friend.

Ready for you quiz?

Do you know who that guy was? Ringing any bells?

You. Roberto Verona.

And now, you sit there with a straight face and...lie about ever being affiliated with her.

But yes, I'm the crazy one.

Actually, it seems that I know your history better than you do.

So once again I arrive at the same three conclusions.

So which of the three is it? It just sounds like option A so much I can't really believe it. There's no way you would cover up the truth for personal gain, is there?

The man who fights for "us" more concerned with his image than the truth?

Like the tale of Frank Dux and James Frey, it just sounds too good to be true.

But hey, maybe they'll make a movie out of it one day. Bloodsport is awesome.

---

Ricky - How is she Doc?

Doctor DeLeon - She's fine.

Ricky - That's good.

Doctor DeLeon - She was expieriencing some pain and discomfort before you arrived, but other than that, I'd say ship shape.

Ricky - What kind of pain?

Doctor DeLeon - Typical pregnancy pain.

Ricky - Oh.

Doctor DeLeon - I just had the nurse give her some morphine.

Ricky - Can I talk to her?

Doctor DeLeon - You might wanna hurry, the morphine will kick in pretty soon.

Ricky - Thanks, Doc.

Doctor DeLeon - No problem.

Ricky - Hey.

Roxi - Hey.

Ricky - How ya feeling?

Roxi - Terrible.

Ricky - Sorry to hear that.

Roxi - These *ow* two need to hurry up. *ow*

Ricky - You gonna be okay?

Roxi - Yeah, they gave me some *ow ow ow* morphine, and It's gonna kick in here any minute now

Ricky - Well, then...

Roxi - And there it is...

Ricky - That was fast.

Roxi - YYYYYUP.

Ricky - Well, they have my number, so they'll let me now.

Roxi - OOOOOH?

Ricky - Heh, I'll miss you.

Roxi - I miss you tooooo.

Ricky - So, quick question, which tights do I got with?

Roxi - uhh.....uh...red...blue...Uh...purple!

Ricky - You...okay then..

Roxi - Hearts...Stars....Rainbows...*giggle* Clovers and blue moons!...*giggle*

Ricky - I love you so much

Roxi - Kiss me...kiss meeee..

{He kisses her on the forehead. }

Ricky - I'll be back.

{He quietly exits the room.}

Roxi - NNNNNURRRSSSEE! BRING ME MORE! FOR I AM ZZZZUUUUUEESSS!

---

You know what I'm hoping for Roberto?

That the next time you come on the screen, you just unleash on me. You just tear into me. I beginning to think that you've just been luring me into a false sense of security with what you already did, making me think it was going to be easy.

I just want you to just...give it to me. Let me have it. Blast me from here to kingdom come. That's what I want. Not this.

Not the guy from two days ago.

Not that guy who came on television and babbled and bumbled his way into completely embarrassing himself. Then attempted to call me out for not knowing his facts. That guy who tried to call me out for not giving his all. That guy should never return.

Because we both know you're better than that.

Like the famous proverb..."Good things comes to those who wait." I want to think that you've been laying in wait, and now you're going to spring this trap. At least I hope so. That you will reach deep down and pull out the hammer of god and bring it down on me.

But, there's another proverb about this kind of thing..."He who hesitates is lost." I stumbled you right out of the blocks, Roberto. I'm zigging and your zagging, you try to get one step ahead, I change direction. You're a day late and a dollar short right now. And I know my words right now are making you angry, they enrage you, because to you, these are insults of a cocky, smug, asshole, right?

Wrong.

Let me tell you what they really are. They're words of a man who's done this long enough to know that you need to get it together. You need to wake up. Yes, believe it or not Roberto, I'm trying to help you. The Roberto Verona of a day ago wasted his breath trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. You need to pull your head out of your ass.

Because right now, I've already mentally defeated you.

You said yourself that you HAD something lined up, but you felt the need to correct me. So I took you off your game enough for you abandon something which probably was amazing for something mediocre and beneath you. I got into your head, picking up one speck of dirt on your record. I changed your game plan for you. Without much effort either. All I had to do was mention a small, minor FACTUAL detail about how you got into this match and you flipped.

You dropped everything and responded.

Do you see it? Do you get it now? This is your match to win. YOU have this opportunity to make history. This is a moment that could become Roberto Verona's finest hour.

But right now? it's the time he choked. That he fell flat on his face. And you know it, don't you? It's in the back of your mind because I put it there. Otherwise, you wouldn't have given a damn what I had to say. You would focus on you. Your goals. Your career. Your moment. But you didn't, did you?

You are off your game, and it shows.

But, You'll rebound, right? Get it back on track. Surely I didn't derail this massive freight train with a mere nail did I? No, Roberto Verona will come out here, and he will show everyone he deserves to be a champion.

Roberto Verona will come with his best work ever the next time he comes on the screen. He will light it up. He will work magic like he's known to do. He will set the wrestling world on fire what what he says.

At least, he better if he wants to beat me.

---

Ricky - Let's go Edward.

Edward - Everything all right, Sir?

Ricky - Yes.

Edward - Forgive me, but that was quite short.

Ricky - She doped up on Morphine, Edward. She doesn't know me from Bugs Bunny.

Edward - I see. To the airport then, sir?

Ricky - Yes.

Edward - Very good.

Ricky - Thank you.

Edward - Did she give you an answer on the tights, sir?

Ricky - Yes.

Edward - Very good.

Ricky - You'll check in on her right?

Edward - Yes, sir.

Ricky - If anything happens?

Edward - You shall be notified right away.

Ricky - Thank you.

Edward - Pardon me, sir, but are you still worried about her?

Ricky - Yeah. I am.

Edward - If I may...

Ricky - Shoot.

Edward - Mrs. Roxi is an exceptional woman. You need not worry Sir. She has survived quite the ordeals with you. This should be a happy occasion, sir.

Ricky - Oh, it is....Tell me, Edward, do you have children?

Edward - Why yes. Two lovely daughters than have given me six grandchildren.

Ricky - I'm sorry.

Edward - For what sir?

Ricky - Keeping you from them.

Edward - Rubbish, sir. They don't need me over their shoulder, they are grown adults. I see them plenty.

Ricky - No, Edward, you don't. When I'm done in Iowa....I'm letting you go back home, with your years pay.

Edward - Sir...?

Ricky - You heard me. Now please, to the airport.

---

So, it boils down to this Roberto. What are you coming with? What will you bring to the table at Reborn? You've talked me up. I've talked you up, I spoke the truth, you resorted to name calling, I've called you a worthy opponent, you went with calling me unfit to be champion. Is that what you wanted?

Do you not like the Truth? Sometimes it hurts. It's painful to admit. How and why are excuses in this business. I doesn't change the truth. In the end, it doesn't matter how or why you win or lose, just the end result. There's not going to be an asterisk in the record books everytime you get screwed over or things don't go your way all the time.

When Michael Jordan hit that shot against the Jazz in 1997, it MAY have been an offensive foul. I'm sure Utah Jazz fans still think so. I'm sure there's a lot of NBA fans in general who may feel that way. It doesn't change the fact that Jordan's team won the game and the finals.

I'm sure there are plenty of Buffalo Bills fans who think the "Music City Miracle" was illegal and a forward lateral. NFL fans too. It doesn't change the Titans won the game.

Those sports analogies lost on you Roberto? Let me give you one you'll fully understand.

You like Soccer right? Or Football, whatever you like to call it, You ever have that moment where you're favorite player on your favorite team gets a red card when he didn't deserve it? He gets tossed and as a result, your team loses the game?

Does it say in the box score that your favorite player was ejected and that's why you lost?

No.

It just says the score. The other team won, your team lost.

Sure, you get angry, you get bitter. But eventually, you get over it. You handle it.

I can handle it. I can be hard on myself.

You know I lost to A guy named Steve Marlay, when he was making his debut? True story. Embarrassing for me.

You know I once lost by submission to Joe Everyman? Yeah, it happened. It's humiliating.

But my biggest failure was that because of my stupidity, my wife almost died. Twice. I could never have lived with myself for that. That hurts to admit.

Painful truths they are. I would much like to not have those be real, but they are, and I can't change them.

So, I had to get over it.

So when I say one little truth about you, and you fly off the handle, it makes me wonder if you're really ready. Right now, I don't think you are.

Sorry to disappoint you, or make you even more angry. It's just my opinion.

And I'll let you in on one final piece of truth.

I'm retiring after this match...Still the NCW World Champion.

---

{Ricky has checked into his hotel room.}

Ricky - ...

{Sitting on the bed, he leans back, falling down on the bed. He looks up at the fan, staring at it. }

Ricky - Alright, This is it.

{He slowly sits up. he pans around the room. The TV is on, conveniently promoting the NCW show Sunday Night. He stares at the TV, not really watching. He breaks his gaze, looking around the room, instinctively searching for his wife.

Ricky - C'mon, she's not here. And you can't let that get to you.

{He slaps himself on the head, trying to snap out of his funk. He walks over to the bathroom, staring into the mirror at himself. }

Ricky - Come on, Johnson, snap out of it. This is it. You're retirement. You've done it all. Who cares if they say you've still got it. You won't have it if you keep going the way you're going.

{He runs the sink water and splashes it on his face. He walks out and stares at his suitcase. He opens it.}

Ricky - This is it?

{He angrily dumps the suitcase out and begins throwing his items around the room. He's obviously still wrestling with the idea of retirement. He feels incomplete.

Ricky - Is this it? huh?

{He talks to no one in particular, once again going back throw things around. Then he notices it...}

Ricky - What the?

{ He turns over a picture of Roxi, which she had written prior to him packing. She snuck it in. She hand wrote a note on the back which reads...}

"Even though I can't be there with you, keep this, and do what you do best, just one last time."

I love you,
Roxi

{He looks down at his clothing scattered everywhere. Somehow, his tights did not fall out of the suitcase, then stay perfectly folded, the red tights on top.

He smiles. }

Ricky - One. Last. Time.

---

This is it. My last promo. My last time talking to all of you.

I have nothing more to say to Roberto Verona. If he wins, I'll hand him the belt and walk away, even though I want very much to keep it, and retire that way.

Either way, I'm satisfied.

So, I was thinking of an appropirate way to end this...and...Honestly, I kind of don't want to. I never imagined it would be so hard to let go.

I'm gonna miss this.

But if I'm going out, I'm going out swinging, and giving you all the show of a lifetime. One last time, I'm giving you the match worthy of the what I am. A match worth of the man that I am. A match worthy of who I am.

And I am the NCW world champion.

And that, if you believe nothing else, If you never believe anything I ever say or I've ever said...

THAT is the truth.

Good luck Roberto.