Slanders!

[Stu]

*** BARTHOLOMEW "BRAWLER" BECKETT, resplendent in a maroon 3-piece Armani, black silk shirt and black silk tie, PWA Light Heavyweight title belt over his right shoulder, approaches the podium as camera flashes go off and reporters murmur. The murmur rises to an onslaught of questions. Beckett, smoothing back hair that is already in place, looks out over the throng. In a moment, they quiet down. ***

BARTHOLOMEW BECKETT: "I have called this press conference to clear up a certain matter. Last night, I competed, for the first time, as the main event on an episode of PWA: Battery, doing so as a personal favor to my good friend and employer, Mr. Damion Black. I understand that my opponent was chosen by polling the fans electronically, as opposed to being a properly sanctioned match.

"The fans decided that my opponent should be a man of great experience, Tiger Gold. Well and good. However, this was not an official match. It could not be. We are in completely different weight classes, him outweighing by a considerable amount, and no dunce in the ring. Despite the years his shoulders carry, he is still a considerable competitor.

"Not to say that he is my better.

"While La Nieve has been wearing herself thin in match after match, I understand, strategically, the insignificance of an exhibition match. I have, you well know, an important match in tomorrow night's pay-per-view. Why, then, would I run myself ragged trying to out compete against a man who does not even threaten my title, potentially, as I am sure many fans hoped would happen, getting myself seriously hurt in the process?

"As an exhibition match, it holds no sway in the record books, and it therefore, not truly a loss and no black mark on my near-perfect record. There is, however, another, more important matter I feel I must clear up.

"There was a slanderous report made, following the match, one which the journalists of PWA should have made a proper research of before reporting this … this slander as news. It was put 'round that I threw something of a tantrum in the locker room following this mere exhibition match. The situation was misunderstood and blown entirely out of proportion.

"As I have pointed out, there was no reason for me to be upset, as this match, a mere unsanctioned exhibition, has no, NO effect upon my record. What was witnessed was a mere cool down from adrenaline. You see, even though I did not go all in, the better to protect myself for an actual match later, I am competitive by nature. One cannot help it, at times. Some relax afterward with a drink, some too many, like Mr. Watts. Some relax afterward with video games, like Arzon, so that he might win at something for a change. For me, I must expend the remainder of my adrenaline. That is all it is, and all it was."

REPORTER #1: "Mr. Beckett, are you aware that your current overall record in PWA is 8-10?"

BB: "Any moron, aside from you, apparently, can clearly see that those numbers include tag team efforts. The failure of others should hardly leave a blemish upon my own accomplishments."

REPORTER #2: "Fine, Mr. Beckett, but you singles record is 5-8-"

BB: "- and that is hardly accurate. I'm sure you are aware that most of those eight supposed losses were suspect in some manner-"

REPORTER #3: "Mr. Beckett, your record at supercards is 1-4, starting with your loss to Snow in a Career vs. Mask match at Rise of Kings-"

REPORTER #1. "-as well as your loss to Derrik Arzon at King of Deathmatch-"

REPORTER #4: "-and another loss to Arzon at Vendetta-"

REPORTER #5: "Does your big fight record concern you as you defend your title against La Nieve?"

BB: "That's enough! This press conference is over!"

*** BECKETT storms off-stage ***

REPORTER #4: "Mr. Beckett, exactly what is your fucking problem?"