Post by Esperanza Serranto on Oct 25, 2015 20:43:57 GMT
The sounds of fists slapping against the vinyl covering of a heavy punching bag echoes through the mostly empty warehouse. Brand new workout equipment is scattered across the concrete floor, waiting to be used by future recruits. Esperanza stands near the center of the building, clad in a black sports bra and baggy black workout pants. Her fists slam into the bag, as sweat drips down her chiseled torso, staining the concrete beneath her a much darker gray. Her parched tongue rubs against the roof of her mouth like sandpaper, and her muscles beg her, screaming to stop. She has no intentions of listening. Edward Jimenez stands next to her, his arms crossed in front of his barrel chest. He remains silent for the most part, barking out an instruction every now and then. This continues until they are interrupted by the sound of a loud banging on the far door. They both send their gaze toward it, as Esperanza stop punching, and leans against the bag. With an angry creek, the giant metal door opens, and in walks a short, thin young man in a pinstripe suit. His slicked back hair doesn’t move even the slightest, as he makes his hurried way across the floor, Esperanza and Edward watching in confusion. When the man finally speaks, there is something inherently slimy about his tone that puts Esperanza off.
Blake:Hello there. My name is Blake Updegraff IV. I represent talent in the sports entertainment industry.
Esperanza:You one of Savage’s guys? I already told him to fuck o-
Blake:Scott was already here? Good. You were right to turn him away. He can’t do what I can do for you.
Blake eyes the young woman up and down with a smile on his face.
Esperanza:Look I-
Blake:Shhhhhh… one second.
She glares at him, as his eyes travel slowly over every inch of her body.
Blake:I’m not one to mince words. You got it. You’re gonna be a star, but there’s a thing or two you gotta change. First of all, you gotta start dressing like a lady. No more of this thuggin and buggin bullshit. Second of all, I’d get you a little top surgery, if you know what I mean.
Esperanza:Excuse me?!
Blake:Nothing crazy. Those are nice, they just need a little something.
Esperanza:Look you piece-
Edward steps in front of his client to prevent an assault, while looking Blake in the eye and maintaining as calm of a tone as possible.
Edward:Look… I think it would be best if you were to make your way to the door.
Blake:With all due respect, which is none, I’m trying to save your client from your ineptitude. There’s no way I’m taking orders from you.
Blake shoves Edward out of the way, and looks into Esperanza’s eyes.
Blake:Look, I know I’m not the most likeable guy, but I am damn good at what I do. Now, if you wanna like your manager, if you wanna be friends with your manager, I’m clearly not your guy. If you wanna be a star though… I’m the guy you come to. Your trainer here knows absolutely nothing about the business side of what you do. You could be the best in the world, and nobody will ever know it unless you give me a call. You don’t have to like me. This isn’t about friendship. This is about money. You know that, I know that, even the old man knows it. You might not want my help right now, but you’re gonna need me.
Esperanza:Well your slimy ass is half right. I don’t want shit to do with you, now or ever. Get your Armani wearin’, Brute smellin’, gelled hair havin’ ass the fuck up outta my gym, before I punch you so hard you can kiss the back of your skull.
The smile slowly returns to Blake’s face, as he puts his hands up in a sign of surrender, and starts walking backward.
Blake:I understand. You’re going to want to call me though, and when you do…
He reaches into the side pocket of his jacket, removing a business card, and setting it down on the apron of the practice ring as he walks past.
Blake:You two have a nice workout session. I’ll be waiting for your call.
They remain silent as the man walks to the door, and out of the building. Esperanza rolls her eyes, and turns back to the bag.
Esperanza:Whatever, fuck that tool. Let’s get back to work.
Edward:Scott Savage spoke to you?
She looks at Edward, confused.
Esperanza:Yeah, but I told him to fuck off. I got you, I don’t need nobody else.
Edward turns, and begins walking across the floor. He has a seat on one of the weight benches, and smiles at Esperanza.
Edward:Perhaps you should reconsider you decision.
Esperanza looks at him in confusion.
Esperanza:The fuck you mean? You don’t wanna train me no more?
Edward:No, of course that is not what I meant. I only meant that perhaps Mr. Updegraff had a point. I am a trainer, not a manager. I find myself lost dealing with these men in suits and their lawyers. Perhaps it is time a professional handled that part of your wrestling life, while I focus on training you to be the destruction machine you were meant to be, yes?
His thick, spanish accent rings meaningless in her ears. She can scarcely believe what she’s hearing.
Esperanza:I mean… if that’s what you think is best.
Edward:No no no Esperanza. You are an adult now. This is not like when you were seventeen. It is time you made your own decision. If you wish for me to handle everything, I will do it happily. However, I do think you would be well advised to consider hiring a business manager.
Esperanza can only stare for a minute or two, flabbergasted.
Esperanza:Sure… yeah. I’ll think about it. Hey we should probably shoot my promo.
Edward noticed she was quick to change the subject, but only nods, and walks toward the table at the end of the room where the camera is sitting.
Edward:Make this one count.
__ _ _ _ _____ ___ _ ____
The camera flickers to life. Esperanza sits outside, leaning against the brick wall of the old warehouse. Sun beats down on her, almost bleaching her skin, and causing even more sweat ro run down her body. She stares off in the distance, taking the last swing of a bottle of water, before turning to the camera.
Esperanza:Hey y’all. I got a little confession to make. I know it’s gonna come as a big ass shock to some of you, but when I first came here, I was a little too cocky for my own good. I walked in here like I was gonna run table on the whole division without breakin’ a sweat. I’ll admit, I shoulda checked myself sooner, but that don’t mean you shouldn’t be scared of me. I got my head right now, ladies. I seen how hard it is to exist in this division. It’s brutal as a mother fucker. It ain’t anything I ever seen before, and I wasn’t ready. Now I am. I’m back down to earth, and I’m ready to scrape and claw like I shoulda been from the beginnin’. Yeah, I got cocky, and I got stupid, but that’s over now. You’re gettin’ a much smarter version of Esperanza Serranto than you been seein’ these past few weeks. That bein’ said, I wanna talk about my match, ‘cause I’m excited about this one.
Esperanza pushes herself to her feet, and starts wandering around the building, allowing the camera to get a good shot of the crumbling brick, and busted windows.
Esperanza:First reason I’m excited is because winnin’ this match means another shot at the Shieldmaiden’s title. It means another shot at the giant mistake I made my second week here. I got all in my head about gettin’ a title shot my second match, and I let Kayla Richards take a win from me. If I get a second shot, you can bet your whole ass that ain’t happenin’ again. Kayla… Kayla listen to me as hard as you fuckin’ can. I want you to beat the ever lovin’ shit outta Crystal Hilton this week. Naw… not want… need. I need you to win this week. I need you to keep that title. I don’t wanna take that title offa just anybody. I wanna take that title from you. I need to correct my mistake, I need to fix history, and I gotta do it by beatin’ your ass in the middle of that ring.
Esperanza makes her way to a large steel door, and shoves with all her might to open it. She walks into the repurposed warehouse, wandering through the weight equipment as she speaks.
Esperanza:Don’t get it twisted though girl. Droppin’ that title ain’t gonna take you outta my crosshairs. You lose that belt, and all it means is I gotta win the thing, THEN beat your skull in. That’s all. I’m gonna get you one way or another Kayla. I’m gonna fix my mistake. You don’t gotta believe me though. All you gotta do is watch. Watch what I do at Revolution, and you’ll know immediately. You’re gonna see a different Esperanza. I’d give just about anything to be backstage and see your face the moment you realize you can’t escape. Good luck this week Kayla. I hope to God you win. I really, really do.
Esperanza hops up, seating herself on the ring apron, letting her legs dangle. She grabs an unopened bottle of water from under the turnbuckle, and cracks it open, taking a deep drink.
Esperanza:Don’t think that means I’m takin’ this week’s match as an afterthought. Hell no. A shot at Kayla ain’t the only reason I’m excited. This week, I get to fight Emma fuckin’ Danielson. Now, some of y’all might not know what that means to me, so lemme explain. Emma is almost like a hero to me. Before IWF signed me I’d watch her in the ring, and it’d drive me to push harder, be better.I don’t know how to explain it. Emma’s this awesome, bruising force that just makes you proud to be a woman wrestler. She IS hardcore, you know? She’s everything that word is supposed to mean, and I can’t wait to trade punches with her. It’s gonna be a hell of a fight.
Esperanza leans back against the ropes, taking another swing from the water bottle.
Esperanza:Now Emma, I know your confidence ain’t what it should be. I know you feel like you ain’t the wrestler you used to be, but I know the Hardcore Hellion is in there somewhere! I know the beast of a woman I look up to is inside you somewhere, and I’m comin’ to that ring to bring her out. All you need is the right fight, and I’m fixin’ to bring it to you. I promise Emma, once I’m done in that ring, you’re gonna feel just like you used to. Of course, that don’t mean you’re gonna win. I’m bringin’ the old Emma out, but I’m only doin’ it because I wanna beat you at your best. I wanna beat Emma Danielson at one hundred percent, and that’s exactly what I plan on doin’.
She sets the water bottle down, and drops back down to her feet, walking around the training area some more.
Esperanza:Of course, I ain’t just fightin’ Emma. Fiona McFly’s gonna be in that ring too, though god knows I can’t figure out why. Fiona thinks real highly of herself, but I can’t bring myself to give a shit. There’s not a damn thing interestin’ about her. It’s like someone literally brought a mannequin to life. I seen a million women just like her, and they all bore me to tears. Now I don’t mean to be too disrespectful. I know she’s a good wrestler, or she wouldn’t be in IWF. This is where I have trouble not gettin’ cocky though. I know I’m better than this bitch. I don’t think it, I know it. Emma, sure. On a good night, she could beat the hell outta me. Fiona though? The only thing I see her doin’ is being forgotten quick once she retires.
Esperanza has a seat on a weight bench, and stares directly into the camera.
Esperanza:I want you to take a look around me. See this warehouse? It’s dirty, it’s hot, it’s inhospitable as fuck yo! I’ll tell you somethin’ else… it’s where I’m turnin’ my body into a machine. I’m workin’ myself to the bone. No more cocky, lazy Esperanza. No more thinkin’ I got it all in my hands. From now on, I’m focused as hell, and ain’t nobody gonna knock me off my path. If I’m gonna take over the Diamond’s division, this is exactly what I gotta do. I gotta deprive myself. I gotta stay hungry. I gotta remember that I ain’t the greatest in the world just yet. I’m gonna be, though. Ain’t no doubt about that. All this is gonna just make me stronger and stronger, until y’all can’t find nobody to handle me. Until I’m the biggest thing this company’s ever seen. I ain’t there yet, though.
Esperanza smiles at the camera, before standing back up, and leaning against a nearby post.
Esperanza:My redemption story, my path to the top… it starts this week. It starts at Revolution. Before I can prove a damn thing to y’all, I gotta prove it to myself, and that’s what this week is about. Look out ladies, because that ring is gonna be the most dangerous place you could ever think to be come Sunday. I want that title, and I want it bad, and if you plan on stoppin’ me, you better be ready to leave every damn thing in that ring, because that’s what this match means to me. Everything. Good luck ladies. I got a feelin’ you’re gonna need it.
Esperanza stands up, and walks toward the ring, stretching out her arm muscles, as the camera fades out. Edward lowers the camera from his shoulder, and follows his trainee across the room.
Edward:I am going to run this to Jeremy and have him put it up on the internets. Think about what I said.
Esperanza hops back up on the apron, letting her legs dangle once more.
Esperanza:Yeah. Yeah, I’ll think about it. Go on. The sooner you get it to him, the sooner that stoner can put off takin’ care of it.
Edward chuckles as he steps out of the old warehouse. Esperanza leans against the ringpost, and lets out a prolonged sigh. She sits back up, and suddenly notices the business card sitting next to her. She picks it up, reading the black lettering that spells out the name Blake Updegraff IV. She stares at it for a few minutes, before sliding the card into her pocket, and making her way over to a weight bench.
Esperanza:One thing at a time.
Blake:Hello there. My name is Blake Updegraff IV. I represent talent in the sports entertainment industry.
Esperanza:You one of Savage’s guys? I already told him to fuck o-
Blake:Scott was already here? Good. You were right to turn him away. He can’t do what I can do for you.
Blake eyes the young woman up and down with a smile on his face.
Esperanza:Look I-
Blake:Shhhhhh… one second.
She glares at him, as his eyes travel slowly over every inch of her body.
Blake:I’m not one to mince words. You got it. You’re gonna be a star, but there’s a thing or two you gotta change. First of all, you gotta start dressing like a lady. No more of this thuggin and buggin bullshit. Second of all, I’d get you a little top surgery, if you know what I mean.
Esperanza:Excuse me?!
Blake:Nothing crazy. Those are nice, they just need a little something.
Esperanza:Look you piece-
Edward steps in front of his client to prevent an assault, while looking Blake in the eye and maintaining as calm of a tone as possible.
Edward:Look… I think it would be best if you were to make your way to the door.
Blake:With all due respect, which is none, I’m trying to save your client from your ineptitude. There’s no way I’m taking orders from you.
Blake shoves Edward out of the way, and looks into Esperanza’s eyes.
Blake:Look, I know I’m not the most likeable guy, but I am damn good at what I do. Now, if you wanna like your manager, if you wanna be friends with your manager, I’m clearly not your guy. If you wanna be a star though… I’m the guy you come to. Your trainer here knows absolutely nothing about the business side of what you do. You could be the best in the world, and nobody will ever know it unless you give me a call. You don’t have to like me. This isn’t about friendship. This is about money. You know that, I know that, even the old man knows it. You might not want my help right now, but you’re gonna need me.
Esperanza:Well your slimy ass is half right. I don’t want shit to do with you, now or ever. Get your Armani wearin’, Brute smellin’, gelled hair havin’ ass the fuck up outta my gym, before I punch you so hard you can kiss the back of your skull.
The smile slowly returns to Blake’s face, as he puts his hands up in a sign of surrender, and starts walking backward.
Blake:I understand. You’re going to want to call me though, and when you do…
He reaches into the side pocket of his jacket, removing a business card, and setting it down on the apron of the practice ring as he walks past.
Blake:You two have a nice workout session. I’ll be waiting for your call.
They remain silent as the man walks to the door, and out of the building. Esperanza rolls her eyes, and turns back to the bag.
Esperanza:Whatever, fuck that tool. Let’s get back to work.
Edward:Scott Savage spoke to you?
She looks at Edward, confused.
Esperanza:Yeah, but I told him to fuck off. I got you, I don’t need nobody else.
Edward turns, and begins walking across the floor. He has a seat on one of the weight benches, and smiles at Esperanza.
Edward:Perhaps you should reconsider you decision.
Esperanza looks at him in confusion.
Esperanza:The fuck you mean? You don’t wanna train me no more?
Edward:No, of course that is not what I meant. I only meant that perhaps Mr. Updegraff had a point. I am a trainer, not a manager. I find myself lost dealing with these men in suits and their lawyers. Perhaps it is time a professional handled that part of your wrestling life, while I focus on training you to be the destruction machine you were meant to be, yes?
His thick, spanish accent rings meaningless in her ears. She can scarcely believe what she’s hearing.
Esperanza:I mean… if that’s what you think is best.
Edward:No no no Esperanza. You are an adult now. This is not like when you were seventeen. It is time you made your own decision. If you wish for me to handle everything, I will do it happily. However, I do think you would be well advised to consider hiring a business manager.
Esperanza can only stare for a minute or two, flabbergasted.
Esperanza:Sure… yeah. I’ll think about it. Hey we should probably shoot my promo.
Edward noticed she was quick to change the subject, but only nods, and walks toward the table at the end of the room where the camera is sitting.
Edward:Make this one count.
__ _ _ _ _____ ___ _ ____
The camera flickers to life. Esperanza sits outside, leaning against the brick wall of the old warehouse. Sun beats down on her, almost bleaching her skin, and causing even more sweat ro run down her body. She stares off in the distance, taking the last swing of a bottle of water, before turning to the camera.
Esperanza:Hey y’all. I got a little confession to make. I know it’s gonna come as a big ass shock to some of you, but when I first came here, I was a little too cocky for my own good. I walked in here like I was gonna run table on the whole division without breakin’ a sweat. I’ll admit, I shoulda checked myself sooner, but that don’t mean you shouldn’t be scared of me. I got my head right now, ladies. I seen how hard it is to exist in this division. It’s brutal as a mother fucker. It ain’t anything I ever seen before, and I wasn’t ready. Now I am. I’m back down to earth, and I’m ready to scrape and claw like I shoulda been from the beginnin’. Yeah, I got cocky, and I got stupid, but that’s over now. You’re gettin’ a much smarter version of Esperanza Serranto than you been seein’ these past few weeks. That bein’ said, I wanna talk about my match, ‘cause I’m excited about this one.
Esperanza pushes herself to her feet, and starts wandering around the building, allowing the camera to get a good shot of the crumbling brick, and busted windows.
Esperanza:First reason I’m excited is because winnin’ this match means another shot at the Shieldmaiden’s title. It means another shot at the giant mistake I made my second week here. I got all in my head about gettin’ a title shot my second match, and I let Kayla Richards take a win from me. If I get a second shot, you can bet your whole ass that ain’t happenin’ again. Kayla… Kayla listen to me as hard as you fuckin’ can. I want you to beat the ever lovin’ shit outta Crystal Hilton this week. Naw… not want… need. I need you to win this week. I need you to keep that title. I don’t wanna take that title offa just anybody. I wanna take that title from you. I need to correct my mistake, I need to fix history, and I gotta do it by beatin’ your ass in the middle of that ring.
Esperanza makes her way to a large steel door, and shoves with all her might to open it. She walks into the repurposed warehouse, wandering through the weight equipment as she speaks.
Esperanza:Don’t get it twisted though girl. Droppin’ that title ain’t gonna take you outta my crosshairs. You lose that belt, and all it means is I gotta win the thing, THEN beat your skull in. That’s all. I’m gonna get you one way or another Kayla. I’m gonna fix my mistake. You don’t gotta believe me though. All you gotta do is watch. Watch what I do at Revolution, and you’ll know immediately. You’re gonna see a different Esperanza. I’d give just about anything to be backstage and see your face the moment you realize you can’t escape. Good luck this week Kayla. I hope to God you win. I really, really do.
Esperanza hops up, seating herself on the ring apron, letting her legs dangle. She grabs an unopened bottle of water from under the turnbuckle, and cracks it open, taking a deep drink.
Esperanza:Don’t think that means I’m takin’ this week’s match as an afterthought. Hell no. A shot at Kayla ain’t the only reason I’m excited. This week, I get to fight Emma fuckin’ Danielson. Now, some of y’all might not know what that means to me, so lemme explain. Emma is almost like a hero to me. Before IWF signed me I’d watch her in the ring, and it’d drive me to push harder, be better.I don’t know how to explain it. Emma’s this awesome, bruising force that just makes you proud to be a woman wrestler. She IS hardcore, you know? She’s everything that word is supposed to mean, and I can’t wait to trade punches with her. It’s gonna be a hell of a fight.
Esperanza leans back against the ropes, taking another swing from the water bottle.
Esperanza:Now Emma, I know your confidence ain’t what it should be. I know you feel like you ain’t the wrestler you used to be, but I know the Hardcore Hellion is in there somewhere! I know the beast of a woman I look up to is inside you somewhere, and I’m comin’ to that ring to bring her out. All you need is the right fight, and I’m fixin’ to bring it to you. I promise Emma, once I’m done in that ring, you’re gonna feel just like you used to. Of course, that don’t mean you’re gonna win. I’m bringin’ the old Emma out, but I’m only doin’ it because I wanna beat you at your best. I wanna beat Emma Danielson at one hundred percent, and that’s exactly what I plan on doin’.
She sets the water bottle down, and drops back down to her feet, walking around the training area some more.
Esperanza:Of course, I ain’t just fightin’ Emma. Fiona McFly’s gonna be in that ring too, though god knows I can’t figure out why. Fiona thinks real highly of herself, but I can’t bring myself to give a shit. There’s not a damn thing interestin’ about her. It’s like someone literally brought a mannequin to life. I seen a million women just like her, and they all bore me to tears. Now I don’t mean to be too disrespectful. I know she’s a good wrestler, or she wouldn’t be in IWF. This is where I have trouble not gettin’ cocky though. I know I’m better than this bitch. I don’t think it, I know it. Emma, sure. On a good night, she could beat the hell outta me. Fiona though? The only thing I see her doin’ is being forgotten quick once she retires.
Esperanza has a seat on a weight bench, and stares directly into the camera.
Esperanza:I want you to take a look around me. See this warehouse? It’s dirty, it’s hot, it’s inhospitable as fuck yo! I’ll tell you somethin’ else… it’s where I’m turnin’ my body into a machine. I’m workin’ myself to the bone. No more cocky, lazy Esperanza. No more thinkin’ I got it all in my hands. From now on, I’m focused as hell, and ain’t nobody gonna knock me off my path. If I’m gonna take over the Diamond’s division, this is exactly what I gotta do. I gotta deprive myself. I gotta stay hungry. I gotta remember that I ain’t the greatest in the world just yet. I’m gonna be, though. Ain’t no doubt about that. All this is gonna just make me stronger and stronger, until y’all can’t find nobody to handle me. Until I’m the biggest thing this company’s ever seen. I ain’t there yet, though.
Esperanza smiles at the camera, before standing back up, and leaning against a nearby post.
Esperanza:My redemption story, my path to the top… it starts this week. It starts at Revolution. Before I can prove a damn thing to y’all, I gotta prove it to myself, and that’s what this week is about. Look out ladies, because that ring is gonna be the most dangerous place you could ever think to be come Sunday. I want that title, and I want it bad, and if you plan on stoppin’ me, you better be ready to leave every damn thing in that ring, because that’s what this match means to me. Everything. Good luck ladies. I got a feelin’ you’re gonna need it.
Esperanza stands up, and walks toward the ring, stretching out her arm muscles, as the camera fades out. Edward lowers the camera from his shoulder, and follows his trainee across the room.
Edward:I am going to run this to Jeremy and have him put it up on the internets. Think about what I said.
Esperanza hops back up on the apron, letting her legs dangle once more.
Esperanza:Yeah. Yeah, I’ll think about it. Go on. The sooner you get it to him, the sooner that stoner can put off takin’ care of it.
Edward chuckles as he steps out of the old warehouse. Esperanza leans against the ringpost, and lets out a prolonged sigh. She sits back up, and suddenly notices the business card sitting next to her. She picks it up, reading the black lettering that spells out the name Blake Updegraff IV. She stares at it for a few minutes, before sliding the card into her pocket, and making her way over to a weight bench.
Esperanza:One thing at a time.
Well howdy there pardner.