jesseewiak
02-01-2010, 05:57 AM
The Beautiful San Fernando Valley – 8:29 AM
Chapter One : Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself...
It's not every day that your boss calls you in on a Saturday and you're actually happy about it. But, in the wonderful world of professional wrestling, even a weekend can be a full workday. Especially when a new crisis or blow-up can happen every other moment during a wrestling war with the best wrestling promoter of the last quarter century.
Of course, don't let Tommy know I said that. In his heart, he knows Eisen is the best businessman in pro wrestling, but he's still a wee bitter over the whole being fired thing. Anyway, at this point in time, I'm sure you're wondering who the hell I am? My name's Jesse Ewiak and my official title is Network Liaison. Ya' see, after graduating with a BS in Political Science from UCLA, I somehow ended up working as quasi-middle management at a TV network. Let's just say it involved a girl, bad future planning, and a campaign that went up in flames. Quick word of advice. Don't sleep with your boss. Especially if she ends up losing a primary and blames you.
So, with my name temporarily blackballed in politics, I called up a friend or two and got an in with GNN. After a rudderless few years dealing with the geniuses known as network executives, I was about to walk out and grab an application at Taco Bell. But, then luck smiled on me in the form of Total Championship Wrestling. See, I'd always been a wrestling fan since I was a kid. Nobody at the office knew about it. Sure, we could show pro wrestling on our network. It got viewers after all. However, if you actually watched the stuff...well, obviously you were an idiotic redneck with no future.
So, what happened? Tommy Cornell's private backers saying goodbye is what happened. After that incident, the network decided that it was in their interests for their to be someone at the TCW offices to make sure they weren't in a contract with a company about to disapeear into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
It shouldn't shock you that nobody really wanted the job. It was a traveling job and let's just say, going on the road with a wrestling company wasn't exactly a bunch of career minded young professionals more interested in ****tails and crepes than chairs and cages wasn't exactly an opportunity they were biting at. So, despite not having that much experience, I got the job. I was the Official Liaison between TCW Enterprises Limited and GNN Holdings.
At first, Tommy wanted nothing to do with me. I quickly proved that I was an actual wrestling fan and interested in the inner workings of the business. I'm guessing the program from the first HGC show and the tape of Cornell vs. Hill in Philly in '97 I got him to sign also proved my bonafides. As a result, I was slowly let in the inner circle of power among TCW. I was there when the decision not to resign Tyson Baine was made. I was there when the decision to put the belt on Rocky Golden was made. I was there when we came up with the idea to turn Rick Law heel was made. But now, I wasn't exactly sure why Cornell had called a meeting of the entire booking committee.
Chapter Two: Ch-Ch-Ch-anges.
After Tommy's investment group pulled out, TCW went through some downsizing. The main office was moved from an entire floor of a LA high rise to a more efficient office in the San Fernando Valley. That way, most of the office staff could be kept. With a receptionist like Sophie, that was definitely a positive.
“Hey Soph,” I said flashing my best smile at the British import. “The boss in?”
“Hello Mr. Ewiak,” she said pressing a few buttons on the phone and lifting up her mini mic from in front of her face. “Mr. Cornell and the rest of the staff are in the main conference room.”
I scanned my key card and walked in the door, but not throwing her a wave. “You still owe me lunch from our bet.”
“I'll pay up with no problems when you're actually here for more than two days in a row, Jesse,” Sophie replied with a small smile.
“Touche.” With that, I walked down the hallway. Posters for past PPV's along with a picture of every TCW wrestler and staff member lined the walls. I opened up the big doors of the conference room to see Tommy, Sam Keith, Joel Bryant, and Jason Azaria all sat around the circular table with the owner sitting at the head.
“So, what's the big news? Wolfy and Joey both say they're jumping to Eisen or something?”
That actually got a chuckle from the room as I sat down.
“Seriously, where's the fire? The PPV isn't for another couple of weeks, we've got Total Wrestling for the next two weeks all but booked and most of the storylines solid as well. The network hasn't done more than their usual low-level bitching so I know that's not an issue.”
Sam and Joel looked at each other, before looking at Tommy.
“Here's the deal, kid” said Tommy as he looked across at the rest of us. “For the last year, we've been stuck in bloody neutral. Part of it's been injuries, thanks to the Machines and Wolf being out of action. Part of it's been my own natural tendencies after the investors pulled out their cash. But, it's been obvious to me for the past couple of months we need some real change in here. That's why I gave Rocky the belt. That's why I pulled the trigger on Law goin' heel. However, I think something else have to change...”
There was a small pause.
“...and that's why I'd like to ask for your resignation from the position of head booker, Joel.”
“What?” said Jason almost immediately the pen he was absent-mindely chewing on falling out of his mouth.
“Jason, don't worry 'bout it.” said Joel as he turned in his chair to Tommy. “However, I would like an explanation to why you're doing this now instead of six months ago or six months from now. I deserve that at the very least.”
“Indeed ya' do. I'll make it simple. This isn't your fault, Joel. The Syndicate was the best booking idea this companies had. We ran into a bit of a patch of bad luck though. Injuries short circuited it before it could finish any significant part of the run we had planned. Throwing Law in there was a good start to save it, but I think it's time for some new leadership at the top of the food chain.”
Joel simply nodded, but then the phone on the table rang. I hit the speakerphone option and heard Sophie's voice.
“Mister Cornell. Your wife is on the phone. Something about the color of the floor in the new kitchen?”
“Yes, Sophie. I'll take it in my office. Let Jennifer know that and that I'll be there in a moment.”
“Yes, sir.”
He looked at us with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, my boys. Didn't meant to make this look like the end of a bad reality show. But, you all know if I don't take that call, there'll be hell to pay. She already didn't like I left this morning for the office on a Saturday. I'll be back in here ASAP.”
With that, Tommy walked out of the room. After a moment of tenseness as we three looked at each other with a stares, we all broke up.
“Seriously,” said Sam as we collected ourselves. “There's no reason to worry about this. Whoever Tommy's bringing in will be well qualified and I'm sure the network won't have any issues with it.”
“I'm not worried about that,” I replied. “I can BS the network this is a move to stabilize and move forward whoever it is. Short of it being Nemesis.”
“Oh, Jesus.” said Azaria. “Anybody but that bastard. I know Tommy still owes him a favor, but I think this is would be a bit much for a favor. Then again, how do we know it's somebody new? I mean, it's not like you don't have booking experience Sam.”
Sam furrowed his brow for a moment, then shook his head. “Nah. I'm done with booking. I told Tommy that when I signed the contract. It's bad enough when the pups come up to me for advice and treat me like I am this great sage - “
“You are a great sage,” I said. “At least, as far as this silly business goes.”
“Regardless,” replied Sam. “Joel can tell you. Booking is tough anywhere, but on the national stage it's not just who wins and loses, but you're basically Tommy's top lieutenant. You talk to the wrestlers, you meet with the PPV and networks, you get the calls from wives or girlfriends about the road schedule.”
“True, true,” said Joel leaning back in his chair. “Ah, sleep. How I have missed you my sweet.”
We all looked up as Tommy walked back in.
“Again, my apologies boys. When a woman is on the warpath, she doesn't care what you're doing. It's what she needs that's important. Ya' learn to pick your battles. Too many nights in the guest room. Anyway, as I was saying, we need new leadership. So, that's why I'm proud to ask in a very public way...Jesse, will you take the job?”
Chapter Three: A New Opportunity.
It took a second for me to register that he meant me. For a moment, I looked around, expecting to see that guy who used to work for SCCW or Angry Gilmore's wife to walk through the door and accept.
“Me?”
“Yeh, you. Who else is named bloody Jesse in this room?” said Cornell with a grin.
“Umm...I accept. But, I have a few questions.”
“Shoot.”
“First, how can I be head booker and still working for the network?”
“It's easy. You'll be promoted. It'll be all official. You'll get a shiny new title as Director of Wrestling Operations, a bump in salary, and even a company credit card. I already called 'em up last week and sold them on the idea.”
“Really? I haven't heard anything.”
“Jesse, you've been on the road for the last six months. When was the last time you even talked to anybody in the office?”
Tommy had a point. At first, I kept up appearances. Continued to go out clubbing and even kept my crappy apartment in LA. But, as I went on more road trips and got more involved with the booking team, I'd simply disappeared from the rat race downtown. Hell, I didn't remember when was the last time I went out with people from the network.
“OK, you've got me there. So, to be blunt, why me? I've been here barely a year. A decent chunk of the boys still call me kid. Hell, I'm not sure Rahn or Peak even knows my name.”
“Nobodies sure if Eddie knows their name. That's the charm of Eddie.”
“Charm?” asked Azaria quietly.
“Somethin' like that. Again, that doesn't matter. You've integrated well with the crew. You're young. You've got good ideas. You're a fan, but you haven't been working in the business since high school. Right now, at this moment in time, you're what TCW needs if we're going to move to the next level.”
“Well, when you butter me up like that...” I said trailing off as the four other men at the table laughed.
Again, the phone rang.
“Sophie?”
“Mister Cornell. My apologies, but it's your wife again. Something about the foreman being an imbecile.”
“Again, I'll take it in my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
Again, Tommy stood up. “Look, we're pretty much done here. I've got to go over a few things with you after this cal Jesse, so hang around. As you said, the PPV is booked and so is Total Wrestling so you won't officially take over until the New Year. We'll make the announcement at the TV show about the changeover. After all, Ryland and PWH will have the news by Tuesday rolls around anyway. The rest of ya' can hit the road. We'll have a final rundown in the morning on TV day. Thanks for coming in, guys.”
He left the room. Sam immediately got up and grabbed his light coat.
“Don't take this as a sign of me being upset or anything son,” said Sam as he pulled his large arms through the sleeves. “But, both of my kids are in town and I promised them an early workout. We'll talk later about the tips you'll need to survive this carpet ride.”
“No problem, Sam. By the way though, only in your family could a morning 20-mile run be a promise that has to be kept.”
“Hey, we're Gagues. It's what we do.”
At that, Sam left the office. Leaving me, the former booker, and now looking at him again as he stared at the table, the man who though he would be booker. Bryant was finishing his cup of coffee and grabbing his things.
“Joel, I'll see you at the show on Tuesday. I know where things were going big picture, but I still want your ideas about the small bore stuff. Don't worry, I won't keep you too busy.”
“Better not.” said the former booker plainly. “I've got a date with a pillow that's missed me for the past three years.”
“You have fun with that.”
Bryant walked out the door and then I turned looking straight at Jason.
“OK, let's straighten this out now. Obviously, you're pissed at this.”
Azaria looked straight at me for a moment then slammed his clenched fist on the table. “You're damn right I am. This is the third goddamned time I've been passed over for the head job. I accepted it when Tommy took over the book because hell, this is his company. I accepted it when Bryant got the job because he has the mind and the respect from the boys. But, to be passed over for some network prick -”
“Hey! I've been here for over a year and you know I'm not some network suit with no knowledge of pro wrestling. I remember the first Total Wrestling for crying out loud. I'm surprised as you are, Jason. I didn't ask for this. Hell, I never expected this.”
“Kid, I don't blame you for this. I'm just upset that I've been a loyal employee for fifteen years and Tommy still thinks I'm a second-rate Peter Michaels.”
“Oh, come on. You're a valuable employee. I mean, you were in this meeting finding out now instead of on TV after all.”
Jason just looked at me wordlessly, then walked out the office. Then, it was just me in the room along waiting for Tommy.
Chapter IV: A Talk With the Boss
After a few more awkward minutes of me looking at my Blackberry and then the wall, Tommy finally walked back inside the conference room. He looked around the room and then started talking as he sat down, “I figured that the rest of the boys would get the hell out once they could. So, let me guess? Sam didn't really care, Joel was relieved, and Jason was pissed?”
Was this room bugged?
“How did you know that? Seriously, Tommy. That's just weird.”
“Kid, you don't get to become a main eventer in pro wrestling without becoming at least somewhat knowledgeable about the human condition. After a few years, you know people. I knew Sam would be more worried about his kids. I knew Joel was sick and tired of dealing with the job. I also know Jason wants to be booker so bad he can smell it.”
“So, why not him? I mean, he's on the team.”
“He's on the team for two main reasons. One, he's the main announcer. In order to correctly be able to sell the storylines, he needs to know where everything is going. In addition, I don't need him jumping to Eisen if they offer him the carrot. The truth is, Jason has an all right mind for the business, but it's nothing special.”
“Hey, you're the boss. If that's what ya' think, that's what you think. So, let's get down to brass tacks. What are my responsibilities and my limits as the 'Director of Wrestling Operations.'” I said with a finger quotes as I said my title.
“First of all, you're not allowed to finger quote your title outside of my office or your home. The network and to a certain extent the boys have to think you're still working for the network. In order to push through some of the changes we need, the boys have to believe it's coming down from GNN. Otherwise, they'll revolt. The good news is that they mostly like you, so they won't completely turn on you.”
“As long as Peak doesn't try to eat me for dinner or anything like that, I can deal with it.”
“Second, I want an outline for the next year on my desk by time the PPV hits in two weeks. Then, we can refine it and figure out where the hell we're going.”
“Perfectly reasonable. I already have something resembling a plan in my head.”
“Couple of other things. We need to stay recognized as a national federation. We drop to being seen as a Cult fed, you're better learn to like pitching reality shows again. Also, I want to rise on our own merits as a fed, not by signing every free agent out there. So, if they work for somebody seen as Cult sized or higher, forget about it.”
“Even if it's a huge name?”
“Even if it's a huge name. Next, Andrew (Wolf) has to be kept at a high momentum. He's the future of this company, he doesn't need his legs cut off, especially after losing time to that injury.”
“That definitely won't be a problem. At all, Tommy.”
“Good. Finally, limits on hiring. We need well-rounded workers coming into the company, not projects. Any new workers must be tough, not injury-prone, and have a decent grasp of psychology. In other words, nobody the SWF will hire in two seconds,” Tommy said with a glimmer in his eye.
“I knew that was coming.”
“Final rule and it relates back to another one. For the first six months or until we're back at a stable bank balance, you're limited to only 4 full-time hirings. Also, for the calendar year of 2010, you're limited to eight new hires. We don't need the roster bloated and people getting lost in the mix. Do you think you can agree to all that,” Tommy asked as he opened up the manilla folder that had been sitting next to him the whole time.
“With pleasure, boss.”
“Welcome aboard then.” He looked down at the contract for a moment. “Wow, nice signing bonus.”
With that, I signed my new GNN employment contract. With a quite generous signing bonus. And a 6 month non-compete clause. This better go well. As I signed my name for the last time, I stood up to shake Tommy's hand. He just smiled at my outstretched hand.
”Kid, we don't shake on a deal like this.” Before I could react, he pulled me in a big hug that made me think I was going to need a spine realignment.
“Um...Tommy....I appreciate this, but, ur, not a wrestler!”
After a moment, he stepped back and chuckled. ”Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes I forget not everybody is a wrestler. Well, it's signed, sealed, and I'll deliver it. I'm heading back to the homestead. Jenny's in a snit over the foreman so I haveta' deal with the fallout. Plus, Tommy Junior's being a three year old. Remember to remind me to invite you over for dinner with the family before the New Year? All right?”
I simply nodded as Tommy threw my signed contract in his briefcase and walked out the door. I heard him give Sophie a hurried goodbye as I sat back, deep in thought. I was now effectively the head of a multi-million dollar business. Sure, Tommy still had veto power but I don't remember him refusing to put over anybody. Hell, the man had lost to Rocky Golden in three out of the last four PPV's. More importantly...how was I going to explain to a group of about 40 employees I was the new sheriff in town? Deep in thought, I barely said goodbye to Sophie as I headed out the door. But, even with ideas and worries swimming in my head, I realized something as I looked at my ten year old Jetta.
It was time for a new car.
NEXT : A Meeting with the Boy's and a Review of the Final PPV of the Bryant Era!
Chapter One : Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself...
It's not every day that your boss calls you in on a Saturday and you're actually happy about it. But, in the wonderful world of professional wrestling, even a weekend can be a full workday. Especially when a new crisis or blow-up can happen every other moment during a wrestling war with the best wrestling promoter of the last quarter century.
Of course, don't let Tommy know I said that. In his heart, he knows Eisen is the best businessman in pro wrestling, but he's still a wee bitter over the whole being fired thing. Anyway, at this point in time, I'm sure you're wondering who the hell I am? My name's Jesse Ewiak and my official title is Network Liaison. Ya' see, after graduating with a BS in Political Science from UCLA, I somehow ended up working as quasi-middle management at a TV network. Let's just say it involved a girl, bad future planning, and a campaign that went up in flames. Quick word of advice. Don't sleep with your boss. Especially if she ends up losing a primary and blames you.
So, with my name temporarily blackballed in politics, I called up a friend or two and got an in with GNN. After a rudderless few years dealing with the geniuses known as network executives, I was about to walk out and grab an application at Taco Bell. But, then luck smiled on me in the form of Total Championship Wrestling. See, I'd always been a wrestling fan since I was a kid. Nobody at the office knew about it. Sure, we could show pro wrestling on our network. It got viewers after all. However, if you actually watched the stuff...well, obviously you were an idiotic redneck with no future.
So, what happened? Tommy Cornell's private backers saying goodbye is what happened. After that incident, the network decided that it was in their interests for their to be someone at the TCW offices to make sure they weren't in a contract with a company about to disapeear into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
It shouldn't shock you that nobody really wanted the job. It was a traveling job and let's just say, going on the road with a wrestling company wasn't exactly a bunch of career minded young professionals more interested in ****tails and crepes than chairs and cages wasn't exactly an opportunity they were biting at. So, despite not having that much experience, I got the job. I was the Official Liaison between TCW Enterprises Limited and GNN Holdings.
At first, Tommy wanted nothing to do with me. I quickly proved that I was an actual wrestling fan and interested in the inner workings of the business. I'm guessing the program from the first HGC show and the tape of Cornell vs. Hill in Philly in '97 I got him to sign also proved my bonafides. As a result, I was slowly let in the inner circle of power among TCW. I was there when the decision not to resign Tyson Baine was made. I was there when the decision to put the belt on Rocky Golden was made. I was there when we came up with the idea to turn Rick Law heel was made. But now, I wasn't exactly sure why Cornell had called a meeting of the entire booking committee.
Chapter Two: Ch-Ch-Ch-anges.
After Tommy's investment group pulled out, TCW went through some downsizing. The main office was moved from an entire floor of a LA high rise to a more efficient office in the San Fernando Valley. That way, most of the office staff could be kept. With a receptionist like Sophie, that was definitely a positive.
“Hey Soph,” I said flashing my best smile at the British import. “The boss in?”
“Hello Mr. Ewiak,” she said pressing a few buttons on the phone and lifting up her mini mic from in front of her face. “Mr. Cornell and the rest of the staff are in the main conference room.”
I scanned my key card and walked in the door, but not throwing her a wave. “You still owe me lunch from our bet.”
“I'll pay up with no problems when you're actually here for more than two days in a row, Jesse,” Sophie replied with a small smile.
“Touche.” With that, I walked down the hallway. Posters for past PPV's along with a picture of every TCW wrestler and staff member lined the walls. I opened up the big doors of the conference room to see Tommy, Sam Keith, Joel Bryant, and Jason Azaria all sat around the circular table with the owner sitting at the head.
“So, what's the big news? Wolfy and Joey both say they're jumping to Eisen or something?”
That actually got a chuckle from the room as I sat down.
“Seriously, where's the fire? The PPV isn't for another couple of weeks, we've got Total Wrestling for the next two weeks all but booked and most of the storylines solid as well. The network hasn't done more than their usual low-level bitching so I know that's not an issue.”
Sam and Joel looked at each other, before looking at Tommy.
“Here's the deal, kid” said Tommy as he looked across at the rest of us. “For the last year, we've been stuck in bloody neutral. Part of it's been injuries, thanks to the Machines and Wolf being out of action. Part of it's been my own natural tendencies after the investors pulled out their cash. But, it's been obvious to me for the past couple of months we need some real change in here. That's why I gave Rocky the belt. That's why I pulled the trigger on Law goin' heel. However, I think something else have to change...”
There was a small pause.
“...and that's why I'd like to ask for your resignation from the position of head booker, Joel.”
“What?” said Jason almost immediately the pen he was absent-mindely chewing on falling out of his mouth.
“Jason, don't worry 'bout it.” said Joel as he turned in his chair to Tommy. “However, I would like an explanation to why you're doing this now instead of six months ago or six months from now. I deserve that at the very least.”
“Indeed ya' do. I'll make it simple. This isn't your fault, Joel. The Syndicate was the best booking idea this companies had. We ran into a bit of a patch of bad luck though. Injuries short circuited it before it could finish any significant part of the run we had planned. Throwing Law in there was a good start to save it, but I think it's time for some new leadership at the top of the food chain.”
Joel simply nodded, but then the phone on the table rang. I hit the speakerphone option and heard Sophie's voice.
“Mister Cornell. Your wife is on the phone. Something about the color of the floor in the new kitchen?”
“Yes, Sophie. I'll take it in my office. Let Jennifer know that and that I'll be there in a moment.”
“Yes, sir.”
He looked at us with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, my boys. Didn't meant to make this look like the end of a bad reality show. But, you all know if I don't take that call, there'll be hell to pay. She already didn't like I left this morning for the office on a Saturday. I'll be back in here ASAP.”
With that, Tommy walked out of the room. After a moment of tenseness as we three looked at each other with a stares, we all broke up.
“Seriously,” said Sam as we collected ourselves. “There's no reason to worry about this. Whoever Tommy's bringing in will be well qualified and I'm sure the network won't have any issues with it.”
“I'm not worried about that,” I replied. “I can BS the network this is a move to stabilize and move forward whoever it is. Short of it being Nemesis.”
“Oh, Jesus.” said Azaria. “Anybody but that bastard. I know Tommy still owes him a favor, but I think this is would be a bit much for a favor. Then again, how do we know it's somebody new? I mean, it's not like you don't have booking experience Sam.”
Sam furrowed his brow for a moment, then shook his head. “Nah. I'm done with booking. I told Tommy that when I signed the contract. It's bad enough when the pups come up to me for advice and treat me like I am this great sage - “
“You are a great sage,” I said. “At least, as far as this silly business goes.”
“Regardless,” replied Sam. “Joel can tell you. Booking is tough anywhere, but on the national stage it's not just who wins and loses, but you're basically Tommy's top lieutenant. You talk to the wrestlers, you meet with the PPV and networks, you get the calls from wives or girlfriends about the road schedule.”
“True, true,” said Joel leaning back in his chair. “Ah, sleep. How I have missed you my sweet.”
We all looked up as Tommy walked back in.
“Again, my apologies boys. When a woman is on the warpath, she doesn't care what you're doing. It's what she needs that's important. Ya' learn to pick your battles. Too many nights in the guest room. Anyway, as I was saying, we need new leadership. So, that's why I'm proud to ask in a very public way...Jesse, will you take the job?”
Chapter Three: A New Opportunity.
It took a second for me to register that he meant me. For a moment, I looked around, expecting to see that guy who used to work for SCCW or Angry Gilmore's wife to walk through the door and accept.
“Me?”
“Yeh, you. Who else is named bloody Jesse in this room?” said Cornell with a grin.
“Umm...I accept. But, I have a few questions.”
“Shoot.”
“First, how can I be head booker and still working for the network?”
“It's easy. You'll be promoted. It'll be all official. You'll get a shiny new title as Director of Wrestling Operations, a bump in salary, and even a company credit card. I already called 'em up last week and sold them on the idea.”
“Really? I haven't heard anything.”
“Jesse, you've been on the road for the last six months. When was the last time you even talked to anybody in the office?”
Tommy had a point. At first, I kept up appearances. Continued to go out clubbing and even kept my crappy apartment in LA. But, as I went on more road trips and got more involved with the booking team, I'd simply disappeared from the rat race downtown. Hell, I didn't remember when was the last time I went out with people from the network.
“OK, you've got me there. So, to be blunt, why me? I've been here barely a year. A decent chunk of the boys still call me kid. Hell, I'm not sure Rahn or Peak even knows my name.”
“Nobodies sure if Eddie knows their name. That's the charm of Eddie.”
“Charm?” asked Azaria quietly.
“Somethin' like that. Again, that doesn't matter. You've integrated well with the crew. You're young. You've got good ideas. You're a fan, but you haven't been working in the business since high school. Right now, at this moment in time, you're what TCW needs if we're going to move to the next level.”
“Well, when you butter me up like that...” I said trailing off as the four other men at the table laughed.
Again, the phone rang.
“Sophie?”
“Mister Cornell. My apologies, but it's your wife again. Something about the foreman being an imbecile.”
“Again, I'll take it in my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
Again, Tommy stood up. “Look, we're pretty much done here. I've got to go over a few things with you after this cal Jesse, so hang around. As you said, the PPV is booked and so is Total Wrestling so you won't officially take over until the New Year. We'll make the announcement at the TV show about the changeover. After all, Ryland and PWH will have the news by Tuesday rolls around anyway. The rest of ya' can hit the road. We'll have a final rundown in the morning on TV day. Thanks for coming in, guys.”
He left the room. Sam immediately got up and grabbed his light coat.
“Don't take this as a sign of me being upset or anything son,” said Sam as he pulled his large arms through the sleeves. “But, both of my kids are in town and I promised them an early workout. We'll talk later about the tips you'll need to survive this carpet ride.”
“No problem, Sam. By the way though, only in your family could a morning 20-mile run be a promise that has to be kept.”
“Hey, we're Gagues. It's what we do.”
At that, Sam left the office. Leaving me, the former booker, and now looking at him again as he stared at the table, the man who though he would be booker. Bryant was finishing his cup of coffee and grabbing his things.
“Joel, I'll see you at the show on Tuesday. I know where things were going big picture, but I still want your ideas about the small bore stuff. Don't worry, I won't keep you too busy.”
“Better not.” said the former booker plainly. “I've got a date with a pillow that's missed me for the past three years.”
“You have fun with that.”
Bryant walked out the door and then I turned looking straight at Jason.
“OK, let's straighten this out now. Obviously, you're pissed at this.”
Azaria looked straight at me for a moment then slammed his clenched fist on the table. “You're damn right I am. This is the third goddamned time I've been passed over for the head job. I accepted it when Tommy took over the book because hell, this is his company. I accepted it when Bryant got the job because he has the mind and the respect from the boys. But, to be passed over for some network prick -”
“Hey! I've been here for over a year and you know I'm not some network suit with no knowledge of pro wrestling. I remember the first Total Wrestling for crying out loud. I'm surprised as you are, Jason. I didn't ask for this. Hell, I never expected this.”
“Kid, I don't blame you for this. I'm just upset that I've been a loyal employee for fifteen years and Tommy still thinks I'm a second-rate Peter Michaels.”
“Oh, come on. You're a valuable employee. I mean, you were in this meeting finding out now instead of on TV after all.”
Jason just looked at me wordlessly, then walked out the office. Then, it was just me in the room along waiting for Tommy.
Chapter IV: A Talk With the Boss
After a few more awkward minutes of me looking at my Blackberry and then the wall, Tommy finally walked back inside the conference room. He looked around the room and then started talking as he sat down, “I figured that the rest of the boys would get the hell out once they could. So, let me guess? Sam didn't really care, Joel was relieved, and Jason was pissed?”
Was this room bugged?
“How did you know that? Seriously, Tommy. That's just weird.”
“Kid, you don't get to become a main eventer in pro wrestling without becoming at least somewhat knowledgeable about the human condition. After a few years, you know people. I knew Sam would be more worried about his kids. I knew Joel was sick and tired of dealing with the job. I also know Jason wants to be booker so bad he can smell it.”
“So, why not him? I mean, he's on the team.”
“He's on the team for two main reasons. One, he's the main announcer. In order to correctly be able to sell the storylines, he needs to know where everything is going. In addition, I don't need him jumping to Eisen if they offer him the carrot. The truth is, Jason has an all right mind for the business, but it's nothing special.”
“Hey, you're the boss. If that's what ya' think, that's what you think. So, let's get down to brass tacks. What are my responsibilities and my limits as the 'Director of Wrestling Operations.'” I said with a finger quotes as I said my title.
“First of all, you're not allowed to finger quote your title outside of my office or your home. The network and to a certain extent the boys have to think you're still working for the network. In order to push through some of the changes we need, the boys have to believe it's coming down from GNN. Otherwise, they'll revolt. The good news is that they mostly like you, so they won't completely turn on you.”
“As long as Peak doesn't try to eat me for dinner or anything like that, I can deal with it.”
“Second, I want an outline for the next year on my desk by time the PPV hits in two weeks. Then, we can refine it and figure out where the hell we're going.”
“Perfectly reasonable. I already have something resembling a plan in my head.”
“Couple of other things. We need to stay recognized as a national federation. We drop to being seen as a Cult fed, you're better learn to like pitching reality shows again. Also, I want to rise on our own merits as a fed, not by signing every free agent out there. So, if they work for somebody seen as Cult sized or higher, forget about it.”
“Even if it's a huge name?”
“Even if it's a huge name. Next, Andrew (Wolf) has to be kept at a high momentum. He's the future of this company, he doesn't need his legs cut off, especially after losing time to that injury.”
“That definitely won't be a problem. At all, Tommy.”
“Good. Finally, limits on hiring. We need well-rounded workers coming into the company, not projects. Any new workers must be tough, not injury-prone, and have a decent grasp of psychology. In other words, nobody the SWF will hire in two seconds,” Tommy said with a glimmer in his eye.
“I knew that was coming.”
“Final rule and it relates back to another one. For the first six months or until we're back at a stable bank balance, you're limited to only 4 full-time hirings. Also, for the calendar year of 2010, you're limited to eight new hires. We don't need the roster bloated and people getting lost in the mix. Do you think you can agree to all that,” Tommy asked as he opened up the manilla folder that had been sitting next to him the whole time.
“With pleasure, boss.”
“Welcome aboard then.” He looked down at the contract for a moment. “Wow, nice signing bonus.”
With that, I signed my new GNN employment contract. With a quite generous signing bonus. And a 6 month non-compete clause. This better go well. As I signed my name for the last time, I stood up to shake Tommy's hand. He just smiled at my outstretched hand.
”Kid, we don't shake on a deal like this.” Before I could react, he pulled me in a big hug that made me think I was going to need a spine realignment.
“Um...Tommy....I appreciate this, but, ur, not a wrestler!”
After a moment, he stepped back and chuckled. ”Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes I forget not everybody is a wrestler. Well, it's signed, sealed, and I'll deliver it. I'm heading back to the homestead. Jenny's in a snit over the foreman so I haveta' deal with the fallout. Plus, Tommy Junior's being a three year old. Remember to remind me to invite you over for dinner with the family before the New Year? All right?”
I simply nodded as Tommy threw my signed contract in his briefcase and walked out the door. I heard him give Sophie a hurried goodbye as I sat back, deep in thought. I was now effectively the head of a multi-million dollar business. Sure, Tommy still had veto power but I don't remember him refusing to put over anybody. Hell, the man had lost to Rocky Golden in three out of the last four PPV's. More importantly...how was I going to explain to a group of about 40 employees I was the new sheriff in town? Deep in thought, I barely said goodbye to Sophie as I headed out the door. But, even with ideas and worries swimming in my head, I realized something as I looked at my ten year old Jetta.
It was time for a new car.
NEXT : A Meeting with the Boy's and a Review of the Final PPV of the Bryant Era!