Post by Ben-Stev on Nov 10, 2016 19:44:38 GMT -5
We are taken to Benjamin Franklin Parkway – the well-known boulevard located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the camera moves around, one can witness several cars passing by, families enjoying the sunny day and tourists taking pictures nearby attractions such as the Cathedral. Amongst the regular people taking a seat on the stone benches, a specific individual catches the attention of the camera. It’s no one other than the AWE’s own, Benny Stevens.
Benny’s clothing looks different than the usual. The Playboy rocks a sharp suit – the flawless plaid jacket reminds of his good friend & coach, Bobby Franchise. He also flaunts a ponytail hairstyle while black aviators cover his eyes. Once he notices the camera, a confident smirk is shown as he gets up to his feet – he takes his time to get closer.
“Ah, Zachary… Wanna know what’s funny, friendo?”
Once he finishes the sentence, he starts to walk which forces the camera man to follow him. Benny motions with his hands as he speaks.
“I almost got you.
Now, I know you could just go ahead and say that ‘almost’ is not enough… And guess what? You’re damn right. I’m not a delusional fool that settles for less. In this business, you’re either a winner or a loser. There’s no halfway.
Me? At this very moment, I’m a loser. Oh, believe me; I can feel my stomach eating itself every time I say something that. I wasn’t born to be a loser, Zachary. But I wasn’t born a liar either. Foremost, I must admit that you were kinda right – the antics, the dumb acts and all the bullshit… It’s like I was running away from my true self. I’ve been living this rather pathetic attempt of a persona ever since I kick started my career in BFW – don’t get me wrong, though.
I’m proud of myself.
I’ve come a long way… I was too damn green, hell, I’m still too green.
I mean, look at you and look at me. Like you said, our styles are quite similar; however, you’re far more experienced than me. It’s funny ‘cause I was doing my best to move like you do in the ring… Yeah, I was! Ask the ol’ man, he’ll tell you stories about the fact that I watched several of your DVDs back in the BFW days.
You’re cool, man… As soon as I saw those videos, I realized that I wanted to be an entertainer such as yourself. Nowadays, I know I was wrong. I’ve never needed to be like someone else; whether the one was my inspiration or not.
I’m Benjamin Stevens.”
Benny stops his walk. He slides his right hand on his clean face as he observes the outstanding environment. The people passing by turn their heads to notice the camera filming a man; however, they don’t interrupt them – probably because they barely recognize the wrestler before their eyes.
“And Benjamin Stevens almost got you!
Bravo, though! You did put me down last time – you earned the victory. I lost to the motherfuckin’ Champ after all, eh? For a moment, I had the world and everything in it in my hands… Ain’t no such thing as beating one of your inspirations. I looked at you and I noticed that you barely had fuel left in the tank, which is fine given the fact that you, Carmen and I had the best match of the night.
Best. Match. Of. The. Night.
Period.
Anyway, I looked at you and saw the prize… All I had to do is put you down and be done with it. But I fucked up. It took me a couple of seconds to fuck up and see all my goals getting crushed before my eyes.
Man, I just had one fuckin’ job… And I failed.”
Benny takes a pause and chuckles briefly.
“It’s funny ‘cause you and I were probably the least favorite to succeed in AWE. I even dare to say we were the underdogs last Sunday. C’mon, lets just be honest now… You’re still shaking the cobwebs outta your system and, in the meanwhile, Benny-boy’s just a rookie playing the dumb role. Turns out you and me are being critically acclaimed as one of the main individuals to beat in AWE.
The difference between me and you is a damn title belt… And experience, of course. These assholes have been wrestling for years and they think they’re the ‘legends’ in the backstage. Turns out the 10-month experienced cute boy who talks shit’s doing better than them. Awkward, isn’t it?
Come November 20th, we shall have a Rumble which has the Resilience Championship on the line. The odds are fuckin’ stacked against you, Zack… Goddamn. And I ain’t even talking about the other opponents.”
Benny stops and takes off his glasses. He looks into the camera quite intensely.
“I’m talking about me!”
He laughs once he visualizes the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Benny takes a deep breath and runs toward it, leaving the camera man behind. He swiftly climbs up the famous Rocky Steps – he stands at the top with his arms raised, leaping around like Rocky Balboa did in the movies. The camera man finally reaches to the top, 72 steps later and we can listen to the poor staff member puffing.
“C’mon… You get the reference? Tis’ some Rocky & Creed shit, man. You’re Apollo and I’m Rocky. You’re the main star of the night – people want your prize! Me? Just another contender. You’re gonna dance around me in that ring… It shall be a great show. But I’ll give everybody one hell of a fight, and I ain’t going down this time.
Of course, that’s a warning for every single participant, but I gotta talk to the ‘Champ’ first, right?
To beat me, you’re gonna have to kill me, Zachary.”
Benny turns his back to the camera and lifts up his arms – recreating another classic scene of Rocky the movie. And that’s how the scene fades – a classic, indeed!