September 22nd, 2002
The scene fades in on local news cast in London, England...
Anchorwoman: Ladies and gentlemen, I have breaking news for you at this time. It seems that there has been an explosion at an arena that was supposed to hold an event for the world reknowned Hardcore Wrestling Association, a child company of the growing Hardcore Wrestling Association Enterprise, or HWAe. We're told this is NOT a terror attack, I repeat, not a terror attack.
Anchorwoman: With more on the situation, here is a press conference being conducted by Neil Williams, CEO and founder of HWAe, and Damien Michaels, President of HWA 3000.
The scene cuts to the US Embassy in London, where set against a backdrop of US and British flags, you see a podium and a microphone. Currently, CEO Williams is on the podium.
Reporter 1: What is HWAE's current stance on the attack?
Neil: To sum this all up rather quickly, HWAE will take a firm and solid stance behind HWA 3000 and its current staff. So, you should direct any further questions to my collegue and HWA3000 President, Damien Michaels.
The Chosen One cringes as he goes before the cameras and lights. The reporters start jawing and waving at him trying to get answers. The police form a line in front the podium's stage as the reporters grow restless. TCO wipes his brow, and adjusts his suit.
TCO: I'll...
Reporter 1: Mr. Michaels, do you have any information on the assailants?
Reporter 2: What were the intents? Motives?
Reporter 3: Was this an inside job?
Reporter 4: There have been rumors this could be linked to a former employee, can you verify this?
TCO: Enough. As of this time, all I can tell you is that there was an attack on the arena where we preparing for our show tonight. We do have a lock on who it was, but I will not release names as it is part of an impending investigation.
Reporter 3: Casualties? Were there any confirmed dead?
TCO: There were some, however I will not release names. Look for the newspapers after the next of kin has been notified.
Reporter 5: Are any of the dead the suspected assailants?
TCO: I will neither confirm or deny it.
Reporter 6: What was the cause? How was this act committed?
TCO: Near as I can tell and have been told by Scotland Yard and the US Federal Burea of Investigations, there was a bomb that was being setup to blow at a certain time. However, the bomb had a malfunction and blew out a chunk of the back part of the arena. It did cause some interior damage to the structure, and will be closed for while.
Reporter 4: What is the plan for the HWA now?
TCO: As in...?
Reporter 4: Do you plan on keeping your current schedule?
TCO: No.
Reporter 4: Can you tell us how this will affect it and your current status?
TCO: Presently, we have decided to cancel all national and house shows, as well as our Pay Per View; Fear, until further notice.
Reporter 7: Aren't you concerned about the political and economic backlash to your company?
TCO: Are you concerned about your kid going to an arena now?
Reporter 7: . . .
TCO: Thought so. Ladies and gentlemen, let me make sweet, short, and to the point. This situation has alerted alot to my attention that I need to deal with about this company and a few other things on how we run business. Many, many people could have been killed today as well as the end of HWA3000. We will take our time, and we will return to business when I fell damn comfortable about it. Thank you for your time, and good night.
TCO and Neil walk to a chorus of questions, and pick up Hollywood D on their way out. They slip out the side door, and into a waiting limo that will take them back to Neil's London penthouse.
But once inside the car, Neil shakes his head.
Neil: An attack by one of our own... how unfortunate.
HD: TCO, what was the information you recieved?
TCO: It was an attempt to end HWA3000.
HD: By whom?
TCO: Not quite sure. But it wasn't random.
Neil: IPW?
TCO: By god no. Kato Kanemoto called and wished his condolences.
Neil: He did?
TCO: Well, it was his secretary, but you get the idea.
Neil: Well, competition isn't a motive...
HD: So someone just wanted HWA wiped out?
TCO: Yeah. Bout near as I think it.
Neil: I'm due before the board tomorrow, Damien. What do I tell them?
TCO: I'm not sure. I'm issuing an executive order for the freezing and closure of the HWA tomorrow morning.
Neil: For how long?!
TCO: Indefinite.
Neil: Jesus... the board is going to have my head.
TCO: Tell them to shove it. I'm not endangering my wrestlers for profit right now.
Neil: I understand. I'll stand by you in that decision.
The limo goes silent, as TCO looks out the window.
TCO: I never should have left... it left the staff spread too thin, allowed Enterprise to warp people's minds and such.
Neil: You needed a break, wha more could you do?
TCO: When the founding fathers tried to get the constitution ratified, Madison spoke of the dangers of 'faction' being able to take over a government and invoke their will over the people. It's what happened here. There was no checks and balances, they simply stormed in and took over, causing situations like today to inflame. We didn't believe that we could ever be toppled, and then something like today hits us...
TCO: Well, no more. Today... tonight... and forevermore... the face of the HWA changes with my hand stirring the pot.
"And no one shall ever challenge my position again."
Sunday, September 29th, 2002
The long shawdows of late afternoon draw across a cool board room at the top of the HWA Tower in London. 13 men plus CEO Neil sit in chairs, conversing quietly.
Chairperson of HWAE: Neil... what is the meaning of this meeting?
Neil: Damien would like to issue the HWA's current status.
Chairperson 2: It'd better be good, Neil. After your last announcement to us... well, it most certainly does not look good.
Neil: Excuse me? Care to elaborate?
Chairperson 2: I don't have a need to. Remember Neil, you simply OWN HWA3000. You are an acting officer of HWAE, and therefore must answer to the board.
Neil: Is that a threat?
Chairperson 3: I say lets see what your 'President' has to say.
Neil clenches his fists and lits a cigarette. He blows out angrily, and then TCO walks in.
TCO: Gentlemen, thank you. Now, I'll start this very quickly and very soon, you all can go back to your secretaries.
Chairman: Excuse me, Mr. Michaels?
TCO: I don't believe I stuttered, Mr. Chairperson, and for the record, I'd appreciate it if you got off my nuts. Thank you. Now... as I was saying...
TCO steps to a podium, adjusts his tie, and folds up his sunglasses.
TCO: As you all well know, HWA was attacked on Sunday. Now I'm not quite sure why, but someone either intended to topple HWA as a whole... or someone is trying to topple my regime as President. I'm not sure where it started, but I will say this... when I find out which, heads will roll, mouthes will drop, and bodies will hit the floor. I'm a business man, but I take attempts on my life, the lives of my wrestlers, and attempts on my livelihood deathly serious. Let that be known to the world over.
Chairperson 1: Are you implying...
TCO: No, I'm not. Simply stating a fact.
Chairman: Cut to the chase, Damien.
TCO: Excuse me, it's 'Mr. Michaels' to you.
Chairman: I beg your pardon...?
TCO: Don't beg, I ain't bring no KFC with me.
Chairman: Why... I...
Neil: Damien, please.
TCO smiles, and looks at the papers in front of him.
TCO: Effective, Monday the 23rd, the cancellation of all HWA events up to and including the 5th of October. This includes Fear, autograph sessions and other HWA events. Also, effective as of this moment... the Edict of Reformation.
Chairperson 6: Edict of Reformation?
TCO: After doing extensive research on the state of the HWA, I have decided that it is in our best interests to make serious changes to the current HWA stature. For example...