*The scene opens as Antonio Romano is leaving the HWA academy in Santa Monica, California. As he heads outside and towards his limo Antonio wonders who that was he saw in the academy as he was leaving Butch's Office. While Antonio couldn't place him the man seemed to know him...or at least he recognized him somewhat. He sighs as he chalks it up to someone on the roster that Maniac pissed off which nowadays is just about everyone. As Antonio gets closer to his limo he is jolted from his thoughts as he notices that the driver door to the limo is open and the limo driver is not inside but his hat is sitting on the seat. Antonio looks around as he cautiously gets closer to the limo.*
Antonio: Jimmy?!? Where are you?!?
*Antonio continues to look around and cautiously get closer to the limo but from behind a voice calls out, causing Antonio to jump.*
Maniac: Jimmy's sick, went home for the day.
*Antonio doesn't turn around, he simply takes a deep breath Anthon answers.*
Antonio: He didn't seem to sick when he was driving me here, what happened?
*Antonio can hear Maniac laugh behind him, this time right behind him practically in his ear.*
Maniac: The flu I think, he was coughing, sneezing, had terrible diarrhea, body parts falling off...it was bad.
*This caused Antonio to quickly turn around and face Maniac.*
Antonio: Wait, what?!?!? Maniac what have you done? Jimmy's innocent in all this, just a limo driver.
*Maniac laughs and shrugs.*
Maniac: You should have thought of that before coming here and betraying me...now get in the limo, put on the fuking hat and drive.
Antonio: Where are we going?
Maniac: It's a surprise
*Maniac smiles which quickly breaks into hysterical laughter as Maniac ushers Antonio to the limo as the scene fades.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*A few hours later we see Antonio back at his home office, he's on the phone as he smokes a cigarette and takes a drink from his Jack and coke.*
Antonio: You heard me right, we're going ahead as planned. We're going to get a team together and we're going to eliminate the threat once and for all. I'll get ahold of you later with further details...ok sounds good, talk to you later Sammy.
*He hangs up the phone and sits back in the chair, cigarette in one hand and Jack and coke in the other as a smile creeps across his face.*
Maniac: It's good to be the boss.
*Maniac laughs as he finishes his drink and takes another deep drag off his cigarette, enjoying this charade.*
--------------------------------------
On camera
*The scene opens outside of Romano estate where there are a large group of reporters and Bloggers have gathered to hear the statement about to be made by Maniacs lawyer. After a few moments of waiting Maniacs lawyer Darryl H. Hammond steps out, followed by Maniac and Mandy Banks close him. Darryl stands at the podium and clears his throat before beginning.*
Darryl Hammond: Thank you all for coming out today, I would like to start by reminding everyone that neither myself, my client, or Miss Banks will be answering questions. I'm making a statement prepared by my client and that's it.
*Darryl Hammond reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a piece of paper, unfolding folding it and begins to read.*
Darryl Hammond: "It saddens me that it comes to this but I Maniac and Miss. Banks are filing are own formal complaints against the HWA. We feel that what's happening to us is a feeble and sad attempt to not only protect their close friends Hans and Vanessa Von Richtoven but themselves during the current situation between Miss. Martinez and Mr. Von Richtoven. Both the Parkers have claimed to be doing everything they can to handle this professionally but in reality they are turning to underhanded tactics while Mr. and Mrs. Parker are at some personal war with the Rhodes family. As a matter of fact just the other day Antonio Romano went to Santa Monica to visit Mr. Parker at the HWA Academy in hopes that he could assist in stopping all this madness but in Mr. Parkers blind ego he refused. It's clear that the Parkers are not thinking clearly nor professionally. As for Matt Miller's claims towards Miss Banks, this is clearly a personal attack on me. It's well documented that myself and Mr. Miller have been at each other's throats for months now in an beyond personal fued that has seen both of us risk our lives..it's also been well documented that Mr. Miller and Mr. Branson were seen together at the Academy in a romantic way. Miss Banks did not state Mr. Miller's sexuality as a fact she was merely stating what she and the rest of the world saw and was shocked just like everyone else and mistakenly misspoke. Miss Banks has expressed much regret against her words and has nothing but kind words to say about both Mr. Miller and Mr. Branson. As for the situation with Mr. Thatcher which has also been brought to everyone's attention, I would like to let it be known that I have expressed my feelings about how disrespectful Mr. Thatcher has been towards Miss Banks and it went ignored. Even in his address to The Parkers he was very rude and disrespectful and this I would not and cannot stand for, he is constantly rude and disrespectful to Miss Banks who does not deserve any of this. Mr. Thatcher is clearly taking out his dislike for me out on Miss Banks which is clearly unprofessional and unhealthy, and also is a friend of both the Parkers and AND the Von Richtovens. I cannot and will not let this injustice continue nor will I allow myself nor Miss Banks become patsies for the Parkers mishandling of this situation".
*Darryl Hammond refolds the paper and puts it back in his jacket pocket.*
Darryl Hammond: That is all, thank you.
*He turns around and he, Maniac, and Mandy all head inside as the scene fades to black.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*A few hours later Maniac is in the back of a limo as he is being driven to a local Target, with the help of Antonio's connections Maniac found out that Stu-E Price was in New York city on the hunt for a certain type of American beer and also getting some early Christmas shopping done. Maniac sits back as he enjoys a Jack and Coke in eagerness to get to his destination and finally meet Stu-E face to face. A few minutes later Maniac is at his destination and is making his way through the aisles until he finally finds him, standing over in the electronic section sifting through the CDs. Stu-E Price is concentrating hard as he looks through the wide selection, seeing if anything clicks for a perfect gift as Maniac makes his way over to him with a smile in his face.*
Maniac: Do you know what American music and the British language have in common? Sometimes you have no idea what they're saying.
*Maniac laughs and Stu-E stops looking through the CDs, turning to Maniac slightly as he shrugs his shoulders.*
Stu-E: I feel the same way about Slipknot.
*Maniac throws his head back laughing hysterically.*
Maniac: Touche' Stu, nice to officially meet you.
*Maniac smiles and sticks out his hand which Stu-E cautiously shakes.*
Maniac: So, any luck finding your beer you were looking for?
*Stu-E isn't shocked but curious as to how Maniac knows that but doesn't ask.*
Stu-E: As a matter of fact I did, so what can I do for you Maniac?
Maniac: Let's go have a few beers and talk, my treat of course.
Stu-E: Lead the way
*Maniac smiles, walking off with Stu-E following as the scene fades.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*When we open back up we're at a local bar where Stu-E and Maniac are sitting at a table, Stu-E with a double malt whiskey and Maniac a Jack and Coke. They're in the middle of a conversation as they both drink.*
Stu-E: So I gotta know, whats going with you and Erica? You're not screwing her on the side are you?
*Maniac laughs and shakes his head.*
Maniac: No, she's my student and partner in crime. A fast learner that one, I'm glad she wised up and joined me. She hasn't once disappointed me, I couldn't be more proud.
*Stu-E rolls his eyes and downs his drink. He orders another one which the bartender quickly brings him.*
Stu-E: Are you sure I can keep ordering these? They're about two-hundred dollars a shot and I'm ordering doubles.
Maniac: Yeah, no problem I opened a tab here. The bartender recognized us when we came in. So Stu, I'm curious now that Sean got his win over you do you think that'll be it between you two? I've got Sean at Havoc and you got Hans at Helloween Harvest.
Stu-E: Nah, we're just one equal now, that's all. We'll have to have a decider at some point down the line, whenever that might be. What's your game plan?
*Stu-E drinks his shot and orders another while Maniac finishes his drink and orders another. *
Maniac: My game plan is simple Stu my man, I'm going to get in the ring with Sean and do what I do best..chaos.
*Maniac smiles and takes another drink.*
Stu-E: Well that can go one of two ways, either you'll piss him off enough that he makes a mistake, or you piss him off enough he'll bring out whatever crazy move they're inventinign over in Japan at the minute.
*Maniac chuckles leaning back.*
Maniac: I look forward it Stu, best way to learn all about someone is is not? How about you, what's your plan against Hans?
*Price smirks*
Stu-E: I don't think my plans matter; what's Erica planning on doing? She going to run to his rescue if I get him in a bit of trouble?
Maniac: No no, don't worry about Erica she won't be a problem for your match. It's an unfortunate situation with those two isn't it? Who knew Hans was that type of guy? Anyway, I need some advice what should I do about this whole Mandy and Jason thing? It seems like every time I try and help Mandy I just make things worse but I can't stand that little shyt disrespecting her just because he doesn't like me.
*Maniac slams his fist in the table causing people to stare.*
Stu-E: Let's be honest, there's a lot not to like. First thing I'd do is hire a new publicist, and a PR company!"
*Stu-E laughs at his comment.*
*Maniac chuckles, taking another drink. *
Maniac: Yeah maybe, or we could take care of this at the source. And by that I mean the Parkers. You want to talk about being honest then be honest with me, what do you really think of the Parkers and how they're running the HWA right now? I for one think they're unprofessional and extremely biased on their decisions.
*Price sighs, for a brief moment he just stares in to his glass of whisky.*
Stu-E: I think both of them could have handled a lot of things better. They're both decent people but since HWA came back some of the gut decisions they've made just leave me scratching my head and it's just frustrating at times. We literally just had a pay-per-view named 'Art of War' if they bothered to go read the book they'd learned to pick their fights and keep their reactions in check. I've not had a problem with them, they've been good to myself and Laney, but I'll never be a 'yes' man, I won't bite the hand that feeds, but I'll say something if I don't like what I'm being fed.
*Price looks around.*
Stu-E: Talking of which, time for some bar snacks!
*Maniac nods and watches as Stu gets some beer nuts and returns to the table*
Maniac: You're right, they are decent people and at one point in time I called them both friends but it seems to me that once they got into power friendship and all that went out the window. You're also write about their bad decision making, namely with this whole Rhodes situation they are making mockeries of not only themselves but the HWA. I know you said you don't bite the hand that feeds but damn it's do if something isn't done we're going to be out on the ####ing street.
*Price shrugs his shoulders*
Stu-E: I was happy and content back in England before HWA came back and I'll be just as content and as happy when it's time to go back home..I'm sure CBS are keeping a close eye, I'm sure a lot of people are keeping a close eye on us, such as ol' Tony Khan and Levesque. Hell, I bet even the Pumpkin guy in the NWA is watching too. So I'm not concerned, I'm a business man, I've seen enough companies transfer hands when people in charge didn't want them to change hands, so don't worry. I have to ask though, why are you taking such an interest in me? You looking for your own solidiers to fight a war for HWA?
*Maniac leans back with a serious look on his face, he finishes his drink and orders another one which the bartender promptly brings over and Maniac takes a drink of that one before answering.*
Maniac: you're right, they are probably watching and waiting for the moment to jump in but there within lies the problem. I'm a businessman too Stu but the HWA is my home, always has been and always will be I don't want to be anywhere else and I will be damned if anyone including The Parkers will run it to the ground. As for your question I'm interested in you because I see a lot of similarities between us and one of those similarities is the passion we have for not only this business but for the HWA itself. So yes, I am thinking about gathering some people to make sure that the HWA doesn't fall into the wrong hands or is utterly destroyed by incompetent people. So the question is are you willing to take a walk on the wild side? Are you willing to go against the grain and rebel for the sake of this company?
*Price eats a few bar snacks, mulling over his thoughts.*
Stu-E: Well that depends on what's in it for me, and what happens at the Halloween pay-per-view, doesn't it. Who knows, it might be the end of the bullshit and everybody can go back to normal, putting on a bloody good wrestling show and leaving the business in a better position than it was when we entered.
*Maniac nods.*
Maniac: What do you want out of this Stu? You name it and I'll make it happen, as for the Pay-Per-View no worries I guarantee that Erica will stay out of your match. After that match is over or before it I unfortunately cannot guarantee anything but during your match I can and she will not be out there. As for it all being over after the Pay-Per-View, come on I think we both know that's not going to happen especially with this ongoing feud The Parkers have with the Rhodes. Not to mention ongoing feuds here in the HWA, I mean let's face it do you really think the whole Fallen and Sean situation is over? Please, there's so much heat between those two it could cause another fire like in California. What I need Stu is someone watching my back other than Erica, don't get me wrong she's doing great but she can only do so much especially with her being pregnant right now. I need somebody I can trust and that somebody is you, you know as well as I do that things aren't going to get better around here until something is done.
*Stu-E looks Maniac in the eyes.*
Stu-E: I never thought someone like you would need someone watching your back.
*Price raises an eyebrow and laughs gently.*
Stu-E: Funny you mention this whole pregnancy thing and Fallen. Man to man I'll tell you, I don't buy the pregnancy. I'm also not a fan of what Erica has been doing, fact is she should have been treated the same was as Fallen was. Besides of course being rehired a week later like a naughty school kid expelled from school.
*Price holds his arms out and shrugs his shoulders.*
Stuu-E: I don't even know who I'm talking with right now in all honesty, is it Maniac or is Antonio or is my laid back demeanor matched with these drinks you're powering through creating somewhat of a blend of the two? I tell you what, why don't you have a conversation with yourself and we'll see what happens both at the pay-per-view and after it, then we'll chat business. After all, you might just be be surprised how Sicilian I can be when I'm dealing with business.
*Maniac smiles and a laugh escapes his lips.*
Maniac: That's why I like you Stu, you don't pull any punches. No, this is Maniac you're talking to Antonio unfortunately is a little..tied up with business that is. Listen, to each their own I understand and respect your opinion and if you want to wait till after the pay-per-view to talk business that's fine. I heard you had some family back in Sicily where Antonio is from, who knows maybe at some point your family and Antonio's did business so hopefully you and I can do business in the future.
Stu-E: Yeah, my Great Uncle and Aunt lived over there until they passed away, but I was only over briefly for their big wedding. Wouldn't surprise me if your family were there because he was a made guy too. I'd have to ask my Grandmother who he was associated to, next time I see her. But yeah, I'll see how the pay-per-view goes then we'll have a little chat again, next time via invitation instead of your stalking me on a shopping trip.
*Maniac nods and finishes his drink.*
Maniac: definitely, and I do apologize for just showing up on you like that but the matter was urgent and I'm glad we were able to talk. I look forward to talking again after the Pay-Per-View now if you'll excuse me I have some business to attend to, have a good day Stu.
*Maniac stands and the two shake hands, Maniac then turns and leaves as the scene fades to black.*
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