Philosophies

[Mr. Lifeguard's music hits, and he comes out to the ring, energizing the crowd along the way]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: Look at the crowd's reaction to Mr. Lifeguard!

Warhead: I never knew there were this many fans of mathematical addition!

[Lifeguard enters the ring and takes a mic]

Mr. Lifeguard: Wow....that's all I can...wow. Being back here at NRWL....this is just great! I have to admit, I was a bit nervous coming back. It's like when you were back in school, and that kid moves away for a year, but then he comes back a year later, and he's completely different and everyone hates him...well I'm not that kid, because the reception I've received has been tremendous! I want to thank all the fans out there who have been supporting me, coming up to me for pictures, for autographs...although I must say, I signed so many autographs tonight, my swimming hand is a bit sore. So if there IS someone drowning, they may die. But you know what? That will not stop me from signing more autographs for all of you Lifeguard fans!

[The crowd cheers, and Mr. Lifeguards gives his own round of applause for the crowd. This does not last long, as the music of Katsutoshi hits, and he walks out onto the ramp with Leiko]

Katsutoshi: ...You've been talking for about a minute, and you're already the most annoying man I've ever encountered. So just stop with this pandering and tell me straight up...why are you here? Because as I see it, you're here to waste space. You're here to waste time! Just go back to wherever you came from. I'm here to get to the top, and I do that by defeating opponents.

Mr. Lifeguard: Whoa, me too man! We just have different ways of going about it! I love a good match! But when I'm not in the ring fighting, why should I be walking around backstage, pretending to everyone that I'm a big mean, angry, tough guy?! I like to relax, have fun, enjoy life! Try it sometime!

Katsutoshi: Lifeguard, I hope you keep that attitude. You'll make for an easy match. [Katsutoshi and Leiko leave, while Mr. Lifeguard remains in the ring to pump the crowd up a bit more]

Jim: Two very different men, and two different styles!

Warhead: But both can go in the ring! It's going to be interesting to see where this goes between them!

Isolation

[Jay Phillips is standing in the ring]

Jay Phillips:  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, Tornado.

[“Bullets” by Creed cranks over the speakers.  Tornado walks out with an irked face on.  He no-so-boisterously walks down to the ring and climbs in and stands next to Jay as the music dies down.]

JP:  Tornado, as a second generation wrestler and son of SCSF legend, Cyclone, there must have been tremendous pressure to deliver at the last show.  And thanks to Katsutoshi--or, probably more accurately, Leiko--those expectations fell, shall we say, a little short?

Tornado:  Look Jay, you and everybody watching, saw exactly what a disgrace of a match that was last night.  I understand that referees are human and they make mistakes.  I’m not blaming the officiating for my loss, but I really think it played a big hand in the outcome of the match.

JP:  The questionable officiating being the DQ call?

T:  Well---see that’s why it’s questionable.  Normally, a disqualification for putting your hands on out outside manager--which is what I did--is the correct call.  But...c’mon!!  I don’t know how the ref missed her parading back and forth on the ring apron the ENTIRE match, suplexing me out of the ring, punching me while I was outside the ring, and then...proceeding to pin my arms up while Katsutoshi got in a shot I couldn’t defend against!!  And somehow  **I** get disqualified?  Just for taking care of business??  Call me crazy, but I think the people who pay their hard-earned money deserve better than that. 

Voice over PA:  Weeeeeeee ooooooooo weeeeeeee ooooooooooo weeeeeeeee ooooooooooo!

[Tornado and Jay look up the ramp as Katsutoshi and and Leiko emerge from backstage.  It’s Katsutoshi making the siren sound into the microphone.]

Katsutoshi:  Hear that Tornado?  It’s the WAAAAAAmbulance on their way here to administer an emergency diaper change.  Why don’t you man up and admit that you’re a hot-head rookie who lost his cool and put his hands on a lady?  Wait, I just answered my own question.  You CAN’T man up because real men don’t put their hands on ladies!  Typically, I would walk right down there and kick the snot of anyone who strikes a woman, but you’ve already dishonored yourself AND your father with your cowardly act.  Plus, I already beat you!  Ha!  So I have nothing more to prove.  I’m the better man, and truly, the better man won!

[Katsutoshi folds his arms and smiles impishly.  Tornado grinds his teeth and scowls.  After a few seconds, he snatches the microphone from Jay Phillips hand, startling Jay.  Tornado walks over the ropes and leans over them, addressing and pointing up at Katustoshi.]

T:  If you think this is over, you’re WRONG!  If you think we’re done, you’re WRONG!  And if you think that I’m not going to get back at you…..YOU’RE WRONG!  After this tag-team tournament,  you and I are going at it again!  But this time, we’ll be inside a cage so your harlot can’t interfere on your behalf like she always does!  Then we’ll see who the real man is and if you can take care of business YOURSELF!

[“Bullets” begins playing again.  A visibly outraged Katsutoshi begins yelling and pacing and waving his hands in anger.  He points up at Tornado and Tornado points right back at him, then Tornado punches his fist into his open palm.  Katsutoshi continues yelling up at Tornado as Leiko tries calming Katsutoshi down as the scene fades out.]

There's a Tornado Watch in Effect!!!

[WarHead is standing in the middle of a ring with a microphone.]

WarHead:   AAAAAAALLLLLLL RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHHHHHTTTTT!!!!!!!!!

[crowd cheers loudly to the classic WarHead catch-phrase]

WH:  I’m WarHead - The Hottest Item in the NRWL - stepping away from my new position at ringside commentary to conduct a small interview with a new wrestler just signed to the NRWL over the past few days, and DONCHA WANNA KNOW WHO IT IS?!?!

[Crowd responds to WarHead’s charisma with a cheer of affirmation]

WH:  Cool.  Ok, this guy is young but he’s got the skills.  He’s got the skills because wrestling is in his blood.  Dudes and Dudettes, let me  introduce you to…...TORNADO!!!!

[“Bullets” by Creed blasts over the speakers.  Tornado emerges from behind the curtain.  He is young looking, well-build with short, bleached hair, wearing black cargo shorts and sneakers.  He makes his way down to the ring, slapping fans’ hands on the way down.  He climbs into the ring and stands next WarHead]

WH:  Tornado, welcome to the NRWL.  The big leagues!

T:  Thank you, WarHead.  It feels great to be here!

WH:  I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but, I know you have turned lots of heads in the independent circuits and minor leagues, but some people--not me--would say that the actual; reason you got signed to the NRWL is due to your father, Cyclone.  Not only his reputation and accomplishments, but also his standing with NRWL co-founder, Mr. Charles.

T:  *smiling*  I knew this would be mentioned near the beginning of my NRWL career.  Just not this soon!  Yes, my father is Cyclone.  Yes, he was a legend in the SCSF, and that makes me the first 2nd-generation wrestler to come from an SCSF star.  But if anyone thinks that the only reason I’m in the NRWL is because of what my father accomplished in the SCSF, they’re in for a rude awakening.

WH:  I don’t doubt it.  I know you got what it takes to succeed.  I’ve watched you dominate coming up through the ranks.  But...I just want you to know that the NRWL is a different animal.  Wrestling is important, but it’s not the only thing you’ll have to contend with.  Guys here will use any psychological means to get an advantage to win.

T:  I’m ready for it.  I’m ready to win it all.  I’m ready to bring some more gold and prestige to the family name

[Suddenly, “Dazzle Vision” blasts over the speakers, and Katsutoshi walks out from behind the curtain with a microphone in hand and  Leiko following. The music dies down and the crowd starts boo’ing]

Katsutoshi:  Oh no!  Here we go again.  More “blah blah blah” about past accolades that nobody cares about!

[Katsutoshi and Leiko climb into the ring.]

K:  You’re living in a dream world, Tornado -- real original name, by the way.  You’re no different than half the guys here and you’ll amount to just as much.  Look at Mark Blood.  Touted as the 2nd-generation star, son of “legendar” Mike Blood.  Mike Blood had his glory days in MoW, but when he was in the NRWL, he sucked.  Mark Blood, he didn’t have any glory days anywhere.  He just sucked wherever he went.  But maybe he should chalk that up to his mentor, John Fraust.  Another has-been loser trying one….desperate….last grab at glory, and falling right on his face.  Well, the falling on his face could be courtesy of my foot when I kicked him in the head.  At least WarHead here is smart enough to stay out of the ring and just do commentary, or else I would have to beat him down too

[WarHead looks to the side sarcastically.]

K:  Look kid, I’ve been dominating since I got here.  I’m on the fast track to the championship.  And I don’t need any help from my daddy past.  You’ve got some big shoes to fill.  Maybe you can spend half your career sidelined with broken ribs like your dad suffered at the hands of Prime.  Or how about that month-long coma like he was put in by Rahnkor?  What about getting kicked to the curb by your tag team partner, kind of like how the legendary Crunchy because Cyclone just couldn’t cut it?  You want to prove yourself, then step into the ring with the REAL hottest item in the NRWL...me!

[Katsutoshi lowers his mic and smiles smugly.  Leiko pops blows a bubble in her gum and pops in Tornado’s direction]

T:  Are you done?  Listen, you can come out here and spew as much garbage about my father as you want.  I don’t care.  This isn’t about him.  He’s retired.  This is about the now and about me!  You want a match, you got it.  And you watch how quickly these winds snuff out your so-called hot-streak.

[Tornado walks by Katsutoshi, shouldering him as he walks by, and leaves the ring.  Tornado and Katsutoshi jaw at each other as Tornado walks backwards up the ramp.  After Tornado walks back behind the curtain, Katsutoshi turns around to face WarHead.  WarHead smiles, then suddenly kicks him in stomach and puts him The Fallout to the crowd’s delight.  WarHead rolls out of the ring while Katsutoshi rolls around in the ring holding his head.  From the mat outside, WarHead yells “The Hottest Item in the NRWL!” and raises his arms to a loud crowd pop.  WarHead sits back down in at the commentary table with Jim “The Amp” Johnson]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  WarHead!  You put Katsutoshi in The Fallout!!  Are you allowed to do that??!

WH:  I don’t know.  I didn’t read my contract!  But we got a great match between Tornado and Katsutoshi at upcoming show!  And I can’t wait to see it!!!

The Journey of Slam Jackson - Part II

*A video begins to play on the video screen in the NRWL Arena. Fans anxious watch to see what is.*

Narrator: This is the Journey of Slam Jackson. The NRWL has been following Slam since ---

*The video goes black. Suddenly, Living Color's "What's Your Favorite Color?" begins to play through the arena. The fans explode into cheers as Slam Jackson steps out to the stage and down the entrance ramp toward the ring. He slaps hands with fans on the way down. Slam slides in the ring, grabs a microphone from someone at ringside and walks to the middle of the ring.*

Slam Jackson: It has been too long. I've been gone too long and I've really missed the energy I feel every time I step into the NRWL ring. It is good to be back!

*The crowd begin cheering loudly.*

SJ: It seems that the NRWL has been a little slow at getting these "Journey of Slam Jackson" videos out to you so I thought I'd just come out and tell you that the journey is over. Slam Jackson is back!

*The crowd once again cheers. Slam looks around and smiles and then runs to the ropes, bounces off them and runs around the ring with the microphone in the air to collect the sounds from the crowd.*

SJ: This is the scariest part. I left because I let down the Slamnation. I left to refocus, to find myself, and come back better than ever so that I never, ever let them down again. So, that being said, are you still with me? SLAMNATION!!! Let me hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*The crowd erupts into cheers. The noise is deafening. The arena seems to be shaking from the noise. Slam stands in the middle of the ring and listens to the applause. He waits until the noise finally dies down.*

SJ: That feels good. Slamnation, I traveled far and wide to get prepared to return to the NRWL. I trained with Mike Blood, then I went down to Oklahoma to train with the legendary Bomb Squad. While I was with them, we managed to trash a bar during a massive brawl. They had to shut that place down because the damage was so bad. I have a scar on my chest to prove it! Then I traveled to Japan and spend time training with Akira Kusanagi, a former NRWL star who runs a fantastic promotion over there. I learned so much for all of these men and I promise not to let them or the Slamnation down. I am back. I am better than ever before. I will --

*"Dazzle Vision" by PV begins to play and Katsutoshi and Leiko walk out to the entrance ramp. Katsutoshi has a microphone in hand.*

Katsutoshi: Oh please. How sad is this? The man who partied and drank away the NRWL Championship leaves with his tail between his legs, comes back after trying to... how did you put it? Find yourself? ... and has some grand vision of being relevant again. First of all, Mike Blood's school has trained his son, Mark, a dullard who doesn't fit into the NRWL at all, Tom Shire, a guy who never was able to get a spot on the NRWL roster, and Storm Harrison, a cripple who doesn't even wrestle anymore, just to name a few. There's not much success coming out of that school. Then you went drinking with the Bomb Squad. Hmm.. sure doesn't sound like you learned anything new there. Then you go to Japan? Japan? If you wanted an education by a great Japanese wrestler, you didn't need to go very far. I can school you right here!

*The crowd boos. Slam looks around at the fans and laughs.*

SJ: It doesn't sound like these fans seem to like you. I've been watching and it's been really hard for me to not turn of the television whenever you start talking. Obviously we haven't been formally introduced. I'm Slam Jackson. I am the leader of the Slamnation and I am more than happy to shut you up if it will make them happy. Slamnation, do you want me to shut this guy up?

*The crowd begins cheering.*

SJ: I guess we have our answer.

K: It's a shame, really. Once I win our match, all that hard work of yours will be for nothing. It will be a pleasure sending you packing. Maybe this time, you'll go in shame forever.

SJ: I'm not going anywhere, ever again. Sorry to disappoint. Get ready to feel the power of the SLAM!!!! NATION!!!!!

*Slam's music begins playing again. The crowd bursts into cheers again. Katsutoshi smirks and shakes his head. He motions to Leiko to follow him and they walk backstage. Slam climbs out of the ring and greets fans at ringside.*

Didn't Go As Planned

*“What You Got” by Reveille blasts over the loud speakers.  The fans explode into the cheers as Ash runs out from behind the curtain.  He stands at the top of the ramp, polishes the NRWL Championship belt with the sleeve of his hoodie, and makes his way down to the ring, slapping fans’ hands along the way.  He climbs in and grabs a mic*

Ash:  That’s what I like to hear!  Yeah!!!  Well, today is the day!  Today I go one-on-one with Tiger Johnson!

*The fans cheer at Tiger’s name*

Ash:  Absolutely!  You’re right!  Nothing but respect for the guy!  If I’m going against anyone, I’m glad it’s him.  I’ve been a fan of his for a long time!  I remember watching him in the MoW.  He is a tough dude.  But don’t worry everyone.  I WILL win this match!  Tiger, if you’re listening, I fully expect you to bring your A-game, cause I’m bringing mine!

*Suddenly, “Dazzle Vision” by PV screams out over the speakers, and Katsutoshi and Leiko walk down to the ring and climb in.  Katsutoshi takes a mic*

Katsutoshi:  Ash……… *dryly*  the “fans favorite” wrestler.

*crowd cheers, reinforcing the name*

Katsutoshi:  How does it feel to be such a phony?  Please tell me.  I want to know.  Do you realize that in 2 matches I have accomplished more that you have in your run here so far?  My last match with Fraust alone was better that all your matches combined!  Fruast was at least SOMEBODY at one point.  But I showed, quite resoundingly, that he’s not that same guy.  I beat him down and KO’ed him and left him lying there drooling on himself.  It was a thing of beauty!  But even a washed-up Fraust is way more of a challenege than you.  I—

Ash:  Here.  Let me save you some time because you’re boring everyone.  “Blah blah you’re great.  Blah blah I suck.  Blah blah you should be champion.  Blah blah you want a title shot.”  Am I close?

Katsutoshi:  Very funny, Ash.  But even in your jokes, the truth seeps though.  You know that I deserve a title shot!

*”Crying Like a Bitch” chugs out, and the crowd erupts as Bruno Kowalski comes out.  He goes down to the ring and climbs in*

Bruno:  How about that?  Another newcoming spouting out about how he “deserves” a title shot.  It’s really getting tiresome.  You.  Jacob Washington.  Tommy V.  Tiger Johnson.  Who are you to say you deserve ANYTHING around here?  I’ll tell you what you deserve.  You deserve to have your ass handed to you by me!

Katustoshi:  Bring it on, Polish Powerhouse.  I’ll dispose of you like that other piece of trash, John Fruast.  Then, Ash.  I’m coming for you, if you make it past Tiger Johnson.  You lucked out in him winning the Fatal 4 way, because he’s almost as inept as you are.

Ash:  Don’t worry about me.  You should be worried about Bruno.

Katsutoshi:  The only thing I’m worried about from Bruno is getting the grease from his hair on me.

Bruno:  You know, Katsutoshi.  Since you made such a big deal about knocking John Fraust out, why don’t you try me on?  Let’s make it KO match.

Katsutoshi:  Fine.  Whatever what you think is best for you to save face when you lose.

*Suddenly, four members of the audience jump the barrier and run into the ring carrying the chairs they were sitting on.  They proceed to attack Katsutoshi, Ash, and Bruno, beating them down with chairs.  Soon, the three men on the ground lie motionless, and the four men standing with the now bent up chairs turn to reveal that it is Tommy V, Marcus, Mikey Armstrong, and Paul Priest.  The four men exit the ring and walk up the ramp, smiling and raising their fists triumphantly.*

Bloody Japan

*Katsutoshi and Leiko are walking through the halls backstage. Katsutoshi walks proud having just challenged John Fraust to a match. Leiko looks at him with adoration. As they turn a corner, Katsutoshi bumps right into Fraust who is just standing there with a dead stare.*

Katsutoshi: Uhh... Geez. What are you standing here for?

John Fraust: I heard what you said out there.

K: Ah, right. Well look...

JF: No, hey, I get it. It's a great opportunity to make a name for yourself. I get it. I've been around long enough to know the game. Listen, I just wanted to introduce myself.

*Katsutoshi looks at Leiko, who merely shrugs at him. Both look a little confused.*

JF: John --- *Fraust belts Katsutoshi in the jaw with a right hand. Katsutoshi falls down and nearly knocks over Leiko. She looks at Fraust, fearfully. Fraust looks at her and then fakes a lunge toward her. She stumbles back but catches herself against a wall before falling over. She looks at Fraust and then pulls on Katsutoshi's arm. Katsutoshi is shaking his head trying to get his bearings but ultimately follows Leiko back from where they came.* --- Fraust.

*After a moment, a door opens in the hallway next to John Fraust. Mark Blood steps out and sees Fraust standing there.*

Mark Blood: Hey! Good to see you, man. I've been meaning to catch up with you since you came back. How are things?

JF: Not so good, Mark. Not good at all.

MB: What? Why? What's wrong?

JF: Well, for starters, I've been watching you over the last year. Your father and I trained you to get to this point and, well, frankly I expected more.

MB: Fraust, look, it's been a little rough lately but I have a plan. I know where I need to be and I'm working on it.

JF: Your plan sucks, Mark. You obviously haven't learned anything at all! Who the hell needs a "pure" wrestler these days? You need to adapt! You need to constantly evolve to make it in this business. Your father knew that. Just because this company made him look like some washed up technical wrestler doesn't mean that is who he was. He was in more brutal matches than I could ever imagine being in! I don't know where this righteous fight for purity came from but you're in the wrong business. You'll never make it.

MB: You know what? I should have known you'd think this way. You were exactly the problem with wrestling for years. You straightened out, cleaned up, started doing things the right way. What happened? You come back from... where did you go anyway?! You come back here and suddenly you're back to your old, grungy self. If anything, I am the one who expected more.

JF: I kind of thought you'd say that....... you're pathetic.

*Fraust walks away and down the hallway. Mark Blood, boiling with rage, follows him down the hallway.

MB: No! Don't walk away from me! Stop! What's your problem?!

*As Mark walks past a closet door that is partially open, Killer Malone pushes it up the rest of the way, knocking Mark off balance. Malone, armed with a bat, pokes Mark in the ribs and then whacks the bat across his shoulder blades. Mark Blood growls in pain and tries to stand up but is then clotheslined by Killer Malone. Malone kneels down and starts punching him. Malone stands up and John Fraust stands beside him. Both men look down at Mark Blood, who is motionless.*

Killer Malone: He's going to want to fight me now, you know.

JF: Yeah, but he'll come around... even if we have to beat it into him.

*Both men walk away as Mark Blood starts to stir on the floor. He has no idea where he is or even what happened. Once he is able to sit up and shake his head, his eyebrows lower and he clinches his teeth in anger.*

Generation Gap

*”PV” by Dazzle Vision blasts over the arena sound system and Katsutoshi walks down to the ring with Leiko behind him.  He walks down smiling confidently, nodding his head and with his arms out at his side in the “what’s up?” pose.  He climbs into the ring and take the mic.  The music dies down, and there several audible boo’s*

Katsutoshi:  Well, well, well!  To all you doubters out there, what do you have to say for yourself now?  I whooped your precious Balance, and whether you care to admit it or not, you actually enjoyed seeing it!

*now the entire crowd boo’s loudly*

Katsutoshi:  Oh boo yourselves!  You people lack the foresight!  If you could see past your ugly noses, you’d all be running to jump on the Katsutoshi bandwagon faster than you run to the unemployment lines for your undeserved handouts

*Boo’s*

Katsutoshi:  No.  Unlike you people, I have ambition and goals.  And the NRWL Champion will be mine sooner than you know it.  Now, I’ll admit it…beating Balance isn’t really anything to brag about.  Even the greatest of the greats sometimes have to start by scraping the bottom of the barrel.  But now it’s time to take on someone who actually somehow still has some marquee value

……………………………….John Fraust.

*crowd has a mixed reaction to the name – half cheers, half boos*

Katsutoshi:  Yup, here’s a guy who makes a long-awaited return to the ring….and falls flat on his face.  This might surprise a lot of you, but I was actually a huge fan of Fraust.  I used to watch him in the underground circuits of the WFW.  I used to yell and cheer at the TV when watching him in the incredible hardcore matches of the IRW.  I aspired to be like him as when he was the unstoppable Division 2 Champion during the NRWL’s inaugural season.  It’s true!  But the key word in all this…..”was.”  Now, I’m embarrassed for him.  Losing quite soundly to another wash-up, “Hardcore” Adam, and then raising Adam’s hand, post-match, in some sort of an attempt to save face from the humiliating defeat he was just dealt.  His career is in its death throes, and it’s painfully obvious to anyone with working eyes and a thinking brain.  But….his name still puts butts in the seats and still pulls weight…for some reason--which is why I’m calling him out.

*Katsutoshi turns and looks out the corner of this eyes up the ramp with cockiness*

Katsutoshi:  Fraust, your time as a main-eventer is done, we all know that.  But I can still use you and your past accolades that you’ve been riding, to propel myself up in the ranks…hopefully, that is.  I mean, after your excuse of a match last week, I can only hope that beating you isn’t less of an accomplishment than beating Balance.  You were a great champion back in your day.  But you know what?  So was Triple-Crown winner, Secretariat.  And do you know where he is now?  On a 3^rd grader’s art class project, holding glitter onto a construction-paper Christmas tree!  I’m going to do to you what “Hardcore” Adam should’ve done but couldn’t—put you and your wrestling career out to pasture in an Extreme Rules K.O. match!  If you think about it, it’s a win for both of us.  I get to move ahead with my success and continue building my legacy that will surpass yours, and you can go down fighting.  So, what do you say, Fraust?  Remember, I’m only offering you this opportunity to go out swinging and have people say “He fought ‘til the end!  What a gladiator!” because I was a big fan of yours.  And I really don’t want to see you become Mike Blood.  And believe me, you are on that path.  Let’s do this, so we can both move on to better things.  Championships and honors for me, and rest and retirement for you!  And who knows?  After I put you away, maybe I can put another old piece of unwanted furniture out to the curb……..”Hardcore” Adam.  But, one step at a time.  See you soon, Fraustie!

*”PV” blasts and Katsutoshi and Leiko leave the ring, both sporting shit-eating grins as then make their way up the ramp*

Eastern Beginning

*Jay approaches Katsutoshi and Leiko backstage*

Jay:  Excuse me, Katsutoshi!  Uh…..Konnichiwa?  Um…… *to Leiko* Are you his translator?

Katsutoshi:  I can speak English, Jay!  Geeze!

Jay:  Oh, sorry!  I didn’t—

Katsutoshi:  Just because I’m from Japan doesn’t mean I can’t speak a different language.  In fact, unlike the United States, we actually teach our children foreign languages!

Jay:  I’m sorry, Katsutoshi.  I just wanted to know your thoughts on your match with Balance tonight?

Katsutoshi:  My thoughts?  Your job is really useless, you know that Jay?  Here’s my thoughts.  Everybody is underestimating me.  That’s fine.  They’re the ones who are going to have to eat their words when I rise to the top.  I get that this is a business and corporate already has their prima-donna favorites picked out and ready to be marketed and sold – some before they have even stepped a foot on the canvas.  But that’s OK.  I don’t mind starting at the bottom and working my way up.  I’m in this garbage match with a garbage wrestler, Balance.  I’ll make short work of him and kick his head off Mortal Kombat style.  Within a few months, you’ll see the kids in the seats wearing shirts with my face on them, and waving rising-sun flags and chanting “JA-PAN!  JA-PAN!  JA-PAN!”  And then you can feel special and go around saying that you “knew” me back before I was the man on top.  But for now, you can sit back and watch it all unfold right before your eyes.

*Katsutoshi walks away.  Leiko walks up to Jay and gets really close to him.  Jay is visibly uncomfortable and Leiko leans in really close to his face.  She then snaps her gum incredibly louds, startling Jay, before she abruptly turns and walks away.  Scene ends with Jay looking confused.*