Post by MW on Oct 5, 2023 12:09:17 GMT -5
I didn’t get to spend much time in Key West with Gregory. Just a short layover that involved lots of disco dancing and more money lost than I care to admit at an underground poker table with the shittiest dealer I’ve ever encountered.
Oh well. The life of a TRIAD pursuer.
Anyway, this trip was already off to a better start than the last as my host had provided top-of-the-line accommodations.
With a gin and tonic in one hand and my Welsh and Sahara action figures in the other, I decided to have some fun before getting back to the grind.
—
“Sahara! My champ! It’s so good to see you!”
“Blah blah blah blah”
“Haha, classic champ! You know just what to say…you look as amazing as ever!”
“Blah blah blah blah!!”
“Love that attitude…so, let me ask you…”
The door burst open and Welsh scrambled to hide his toys.
“Mr. Welsh!”
“WHAT!”
“We’re landing in fifteen minutes!”
“Okay! Great!”
There was an awkward pause.
“Did you see anything?!”
“No sir!”
“You sure?!”
“Yes! I’m sure I didn’t see you playing with those action figures!”
“...good…now leave!”
The door shut and Welsh crammed the toys into his traveling backpack. He slammed the rest of his gin and tonic and leaned back in his seat as if to say ‘whew, that was a close one.’
—
O’Hare International Airport. Not my favorite, then again, what does Chicago have to offer that would be considered a person’s favorite…it’s Chicago. The best nickname they could come up with for this place is ‘Windy.’
Yea, let’s go move to the WINDY CITY…said nobody, ever.
I shouldn’t be so cynical. I’ve had some good times in Chicago. It’s where I met Matt Meyhu, the man who changed my life. The first prodigy I signed to OCW and the man who carried the red and black from a struggling, antiquated business to the most respected promotion in the industry.
But, I digress.
All that space in front of this fuckin lady and she refuses to move. You know it’s legal to walk down an escalator, right? Fuck’s sake.
Doing my best not to say something I might regret later, I take in the sights and…well, what do you know? That’s my name! A chauffeur standing, waiting for my arrival.
I’m really starting to like this guy. I’m really starting to warm up to Harvey Marx.
—
I’m sorry but watching that girl spit on the fuel nozzle so it’d slide into her car more easily threw me.
Where was I?
Oh yeah, so we eventually made it to Big Ticket Studios. I’m not a man who often gets nervous but here I was, about to meet the man himself.
He’d been our ambassador for months. His name rang a bell at every promotion. One of the few legit titans in the industry that could potentially match my own status. An equal. A rival. An ally? I’d soon find out.
Holy shit these suit coats are massive. I could use one of these as a parachute…or maybe a tablecloth. I knew Marx was a big dude but the sheer enormity of this guy has to be seen to be believed.
In fact, the entire studio made me feel like a downscaled human. Diminutive, even.
I’d hate to see this guy’s shadow.
–
Welsh continued to survey the intimidating reminders of the presence Harvey Marx cast over the professional wrestling industry. A particular suit, all white, caught his interest. He reached up, trying to find a tag with the dimensions.
In the background, a chair rounded a corner. Out of focus, all we could make out was that it was heading in Welsh’s direction.
Quietly, it crept up on Welsh. Whoever sat in that chair could have done considerable damage to Marcus, if they were so inclined. Question is, were they?
They sat right behind him for a moment, waiting to see if Marcus would sense their presence.
He did not. He was too enamored with the size of Harvey’s suit.
“Mr. Welsh.”
Marcus yelped and spun around, clutching at his chest.
“You scared the…” he wrangled his manners, “bejeezus out of me. Wow. Where did you come from?"
“I’m Leonora Albright,” she extended a hand.
“Where’s Harvey?” Welsh looked around.
Her hand didn’t move, and her tone grew a little more forceful, “CEO of Big Ticket Entertainment.”
This time Marcus looked at her. He really looked at her and what he saw changed the entire scope of the encounter.
“Right, I’m so sorry, it’s great to meet you Leonora,” he replied, taking her hand and shaking it as he would any respected business acquaintance.
“Harvey’s in Cambodia promoting TRIAD, being the ambassador you hired him to be, for the time being.”
“Oh,” Welsh nodded, looking around. His disappointment might have gone undetected by anybody other than Leonora.
“You don’t have to hide anything from me, Welsh. It’s a fool’s errand and from what I understand, you’re no fool. We’ll discuss BTE and TRIAD’s joint Strength Draft Party after we shoot the interview. My people tell me you have signed all our documents. Take a seat. Let’s talk.”
Welsh smirked. Something about Leonora hit him differently than most of the encounters he was forced to have in this business. She was sharp. She was composed. She was special.
After taking a seat, he leaned forward, “Have you heard of Demi Stratford? You remind me of her.”
“Most women wouldn’t consider that a compliment, Mr. Welsh. But I think you and I will get along just fine. Feel free to take notes. I like people who appreciate the value of information.”
She reached down and touched an emerald-studded spider web pendant around her neck.
Welsh leaned back, “Not a fan of the Stratfords.” He proceeded to take a note. “That makes two of us.”
—
THE INTERVIEW
Marcus Welsh: Okay…thanks for inviting me out here, Leonora. Leo for short?
Leo: Miss Albright will do. Speaking of Leo, where is your….assistant? Valet? Mascot? Very loyal, but not very disciplined. I could help with that…
Marcus Welsh: He needs a lot of work, that’s for sure. I came out here straight from Scotland, there isn’t much time between now and Draft Day and, well, I didn’t feel like paying for his flight out there so he stayed behind to make sure all my creature comforts were taken care of before we make our final flight out to Cambodia. And, I like to refer to him as my intern.
Leo: If he’s ever ready to graduate, send him down to me in Pandora’s Box at The Velvet Rabbit. As you said, there’s not much time before the draft, and both of us don’t have any to waste. I can tell you are disappointed not to be talking to Harvey Marx. But if you want to know anything important about the man, you’ll never get it out of him. That’s why I took this meeting.
Marcus Welsh: That’s fair. I typically take these meetings so I can size up an individual, get a good look at who they are…but since that’s not going to happen…alright, cool. I guess my first question would be the amount of interest Harvey has shown toward Angkor Wat. Is there some kind of connection I should know about? Something that might give him an advantage over the other competitors?
Leo: Great question. First, I think he appreciates the temple itself, the physical thing. It is an awesome presence just as The Big Ticket is. It has survived centuries. Weather, war, regime change. It is still there commanding respect. For a survivor like Mr. Marx, that is Strength. It’s a bit narcissistic to see oneself in an ancient temple, but humility doesn’t fill the stands on fight night.
Marcus Welsh: It does not, you’re right about that. People don’t pay to watch the ordinary. Harvey has worked, most recently, as a ring announcer for WGWF. Some might look at that as a negative…citing a lack of competitive experience. Do you agree with that narrative or do you think being a ring announcer might give Harvey a unique perspective the rest of the field lacks?
Leo: This is about ego, like anything else in the fight game. It’s about business too. Harvey Marx will never apologize for being a commodity and cashing in on that. If The Big Ticket wasn’t doing the intros on Monday night, his critics would have a smaller audience to complain about him to. If audiences get smaller, so do contracts. If that happens, there’s not as much money for those people to put where their mouth is. Harvey can bring the hype and take the heat. You can’t have one without the other in this business. He knows that, and so do you. If he has to be the villain in your story to be the hero in your bank account, he will. Because he’s a pro. He’ll take care of business in and out of the ring when he’s drafted.
Marcus Welsh: Now that’s interesting. Villains. Villainry. You guys do your homework, that much is obvious…so I’m sure you’re well aware of Triumvirate. The layperson would say it takes a hero to combat an evil entity like Triumvirate. But I’m more of the opinion it takes a virus to kill a virus. How does Harvey view Triumvirate and is he willing to do what it takes to keep them from uniting the TRIAD?
Leo: We have had dealings with these three before. I’m afraid I’m bound by an NDA here. What I can say is that Harvey is well aware of what lengths these three are willing to go to accomplish their goals. Neither you nor I can throw stones here, Mr. Welsh. What’s now known as the Triumvirate has made a lot of money for both BTE and TRIAD. That will continue and so will the games. The host of Sucker Punch Live will be ready to play under the lights in Cambodia.
Marcus Welsh: Good cause I’d love nothing more than to see the man capable of filling all these suits sucker punching all three of those jerkwads. Anyway, gotta keep my composure…let’s say Harvey wins the Strength Trials and happens to go on and unite the TRIAD…what plans would he have with such a powerful object? Wealth? Power? Or, I don’t know, would he be willing to hand it over to someone?
Leo: He’d give it to the one person around here who would know what to do with it. Marx has enough wealth and power, at least in a material sense. I think we’re talking about something supernatural here. Harvey’s tailor, Frank Bellwood, would be a worthy custodian for the TRIAD.
Marcus Welsh: Interesting…okay, then. Does Harvey have any preference in regards to team captains? Is he a lame TLS fan? A dumb PIC fan? Or a fan of the mighty Welsh?
Leo: Harvey Marx didn’t get to where he is without knowing his audience, Mr. Welsh. If PIC or TLS were giving this interview, I’d sell The Big Ticket to them. Since it’s you, I’ll just say that Harvey hopes you appreciate the bronze statue of David Hasselhoff that’s now waiting on your front lawn. Go ahead, check your doorbell cam. It’s his favorite kind of gift to you. The kind you can’t refuse.
Marcus Welsh: Oh? Well, that’s nice…
Welsh pulls out his phone and takes a quick look at the doorbell cam to find the Mighty Bronze Hoff staring back at him in all his glory. He does a silent, strong fist pump.
Marcus Welsh: Hell yea. Sorry, I got kinda lost there…amazing gift! The kind of gift that might get someone drafted, if you catch my drift. So, Miss Albright…Harvey’s in Cambodia…what about you? There’s something about you that I can’t quite put my finger on but you seem like someone who’s able to move mountains, for lack of a better term…a true heavy hitter…I’d be interested to know if you’re part of the Marx package, should he get drafted. Down at ringside…helping ensure success…
Leo: If I had to be at ringside to do that, I’d be a “manager.” The Big Ticket will be just fine in matches without some THOT in his corner to slip him a sock full of quarters in a pinch. Now that I’ve gotten the “M” word out of the way I can discuss my role in all this. I’m a producer. A storyteller who helped a phenomenal talent craft an image. I might frame a few of Harvey’s battles for the camera, but I have nothing to do with fighting them. I’m not physically able to travel to Cambodia for the Strength Trials. All the will in the world won’t change that, as formidable as mine is. I’ll have to trust TRIAD’s production team to take care of BTEs star without me. It seems you are the media mind in the promotion, Mr. Welsh…That means I’ll be holding you personally responsible for making sure the big man has everything he needs to keep putting TRIAD over. It would be a shame if you were to disappoint me. Think about that while you imagine what I’m capable of.
Marcus Welsh: Well I certainly wouldn’t want to disappoint you. I’ve already got a Leo for that. And I didn’t take you for just another ‘pretty’ face…just wanted to get the measure of the draft package, should I select Harvey. But I appreciate the fact you’re a straight shooter and you aren’t one to really mince words. Neither am I…I’m in this for the TRIAD. Plain and simple. And if Harvey can help me get what I want then I’ll do everything I can to support him.
Leo: I can appreciate that. Here’s a little something to help you finish up your scouting process.
She passes Welsh a small case. A camera zooms in as he opens it. A gold pen sits in a velvet-lined case. The pen gleams in the studio lights
Marcus Welsh: Weighty. Elegant. And, my favorite color.
He closes the case and places it in his pocket. Nodding, he sizes Leo up once more. He takes a contemplative breath and glances at the massive suits nearby. His lips shrink and curl as his eyes look off to the side before he turns back to face Leo and leans forward, suddenly.
Marcus Welsh: Okay, I’ve just gotta ask it. Is this guy even real? I mean, he takes forever to put down his application. I fly all the way out here to meet him and, no offense, because you are clearly a clever and capable person…but I come out here to meet this goliath and I’m greeted with…well, you know. These suits. This image. Is this guy even real or are you guys just trolling me?
Leo: Alright, Mr. Welsh. It’s just you, me, our audience, and a few cameras, so I’ll level with you. I’ve known Marx for over fourteen years and even I’m not sure if I’m talking to The Big Ticket or the man behind the act. He’s an old-school showman, he’s just wired differently. You’re asking if his enlisting in the Strength draft is a publicity stunt. Here’s my answer before you and all the world:
Of course it is.
Harvey Marx is a promoter, everything he does is some kind of stunt. But this one will help TRIAD’s bottom line. He’s already helping to elevate your brand, we’re just talking about putting him in the best position to do that. If I just wanted to send some third rate reality show stand in to get his ass handed to him for a few extra hits on BTEs YouTube channel, I would have given your intern a thousand dollars and moved on. I’m sending the right man for the job. Fighters know fighters when they see them, and Marx couldn’t succeed as BTEs Head of Promotions without the respect of his peers. Bravery, Wit, and Strength are what this story is about. Strength is power, but it means nothing without the freedom to use it. Marx knows what it’s like to have that taken away and then go through hell to get it back. He’ll fight harder than anyone, not as someone who needs to prove his strength and power, but as someone who truly understands what those words mean.
…But no one would tune in if I gave you the whole story. The next chapter will begin in Cambodia with The Big Ticket. Your team captains will decide if it gets told.
Welsh nods. He removes his trusty notepad and unearths the recently gifted pen, removing it from its casing. The heavy, gold pen glides across the paper as Welsh cocks an eyebrow and looks over at Leo while jotting some notes.
Oh well. The life of a TRIAD pursuer.
Anyway, this trip was already off to a better start than the last as my host had provided top-of-the-line accommodations.
With a gin and tonic in one hand and my Welsh and Sahara action figures in the other, I decided to have some fun before getting back to the grind.
—
“Sahara! My champ! It’s so good to see you!”
“Blah blah blah blah”
“Haha, classic champ! You know just what to say…you look as amazing as ever!”
“Blah blah blah blah!!”
“Love that attitude…so, let me ask you…”
The door burst open and Welsh scrambled to hide his toys.
“Mr. Welsh!”
“WHAT!”
“We’re landing in fifteen minutes!”
“Okay! Great!”
There was an awkward pause.
“Did you see anything?!”
“No sir!”
“You sure?!”
“Yes! I’m sure I didn’t see you playing with those action figures!”
“...good…now leave!”
The door shut and Welsh crammed the toys into his traveling backpack. He slammed the rest of his gin and tonic and leaned back in his seat as if to say ‘whew, that was a close one.’
—
O’Hare International Airport. Not my favorite, then again, what does Chicago have to offer that would be considered a person’s favorite…it’s Chicago. The best nickname they could come up with for this place is ‘Windy.’
Yea, let’s go move to the WINDY CITY…said nobody, ever.
I shouldn’t be so cynical. I’ve had some good times in Chicago. It’s where I met Matt Meyhu, the man who changed my life. The first prodigy I signed to OCW and the man who carried the red and black from a struggling, antiquated business to the most respected promotion in the industry.
But, I digress.
All that space in front of this fuckin lady and she refuses to move. You know it’s legal to walk down an escalator, right? Fuck’s sake.
Doing my best not to say something I might regret later, I take in the sights and…well, what do you know? That’s my name! A chauffeur standing, waiting for my arrival.
I’m really starting to like this guy. I’m really starting to warm up to Harvey Marx.
—
I’m sorry but watching that girl spit on the fuel nozzle so it’d slide into her car more easily threw me.
Where was I?
Oh yeah, so we eventually made it to Big Ticket Studios. I’m not a man who often gets nervous but here I was, about to meet the man himself.
He’d been our ambassador for months. His name rang a bell at every promotion. One of the few legit titans in the industry that could potentially match my own status. An equal. A rival. An ally? I’d soon find out.
Holy shit these suit coats are massive. I could use one of these as a parachute…or maybe a tablecloth. I knew Marx was a big dude but the sheer enormity of this guy has to be seen to be believed.
In fact, the entire studio made me feel like a downscaled human. Diminutive, even.
I’d hate to see this guy’s shadow.
–
Welsh continued to survey the intimidating reminders of the presence Harvey Marx cast over the professional wrestling industry. A particular suit, all white, caught his interest. He reached up, trying to find a tag with the dimensions.
In the background, a chair rounded a corner. Out of focus, all we could make out was that it was heading in Welsh’s direction.
Quietly, it crept up on Welsh. Whoever sat in that chair could have done considerable damage to Marcus, if they were so inclined. Question is, were they?
They sat right behind him for a moment, waiting to see if Marcus would sense their presence.
He did not. He was too enamored with the size of Harvey’s suit.
“Mr. Welsh.”
Marcus yelped and spun around, clutching at his chest.
“You scared the…” he wrangled his manners, “bejeezus out of me. Wow. Where did you come from?"
“I’m Leonora Albright,” she extended a hand.
“Where’s Harvey?” Welsh looked around.
Her hand didn’t move, and her tone grew a little more forceful, “CEO of Big Ticket Entertainment.”
This time Marcus looked at her. He really looked at her and what he saw changed the entire scope of the encounter.
“Right, I’m so sorry, it’s great to meet you Leonora,” he replied, taking her hand and shaking it as he would any respected business acquaintance.
“Harvey’s in Cambodia promoting TRIAD, being the ambassador you hired him to be, for the time being.”
“Oh,” Welsh nodded, looking around. His disappointment might have gone undetected by anybody other than Leonora.
“You don’t have to hide anything from me, Welsh. It’s a fool’s errand and from what I understand, you’re no fool. We’ll discuss BTE and TRIAD’s joint Strength Draft Party after we shoot the interview. My people tell me you have signed all our documents. Take a seat. Let’s talk.”
Welsh smirked. Something about Leonora hit him differently than most of the encounters he was forced to have in this business. She was sharp. She was composed. She was special.
After taking a seat, he leaned forward, “Have you heard of Demi Stratford? You remind me of her.”
“Most women wouldn’t consider that a compliment, Mr. Welsh. But I think you and I will get along just fine. Feel free to take notes. I like people who appreciate the value of information.”
She reached down and touched an emerald-studded spider web pendant around her neck.
Welsh leaned back, “Not a fan of the Stratfords.” He proceeded to take a note. “That makes two of us.”
—
THE INTERVIEW
Marcus Welsh: Okay…thanks for inviting me out here, Leonora. Leo for short?
Leo: Miss Albright will do. Speaking of Leo, where is your….assistant? Valet? Mascot? Very loyal, but not very disciplined. I could help with that…
Marcus Welsh: He needs a lot of work, that’s for sure. I came out here straight from Scotland, there isn’t much time between now and Draft Day and, well, I didn’t feel like paying for his flight out there so he stayed behind to make sure all my creature comforts were taken care of before we make our final flight out to Cambodia. And, I like to refer to him as my intern.
Leo: If he’s ever ready to graduate, send him down to me in Pandora’s Box at The Velvet Rabbit. As you said, there’s not much time before the draft, and both of us don’t have any to waste. I can tell you are disappointed not to be talking to Harvey Marx. But if you want to know anything important about the man, you’ll never get it out of him. That’s why I took this meeting.
Marcus Welsh: That’s fair. I typically take these meetings so I can size up an individual, get a good look at who they are…but since that’s not going to happen…alright, cool. I guess my first question would be the amount of interest Harvey has shown toward Angkor Wat. Is there some kind of connection I should know about? Something that might give him an advantage over the other competitors?
Leo: Great question. First, I think he appreciates the temple itself, the physical thing. It is an awesome presence just as The Big Ticket is. It has survived centuries. Weather, war, regime change. It is still there commanding respect. For a survivor like Mr. Marx, that is Strength. It’s a bit narcissistic to see oneself in an ancient temple, but humility doesn’t fill the stands on fight night.
Marcus Welsh: It does not, you’re right about that. People don’t pay to watch the ordinary. Harvey has worked, most recently, as a ring announcer for WGWF. Some might look at that as a negative…citing a lack of competitive experience. Do you agree with that narrative or do you think being a ring announcer might give Harvey a unique perspective the rest of the field lacks?
Leo: This is about ego, like anything else in the fight game. It’s about business too. Harvey Marx will never apologize for being a commodity and cashing in on that. If The Big Ticket wasn’t doing the intros on Monday night, his critics would have a smaller audience to complain about him to. If audiences get smaller, so do contracts. If that happens, there’s not as much money for those people to put where their mouth is. Harvey can bring the hype and take the heat. You can’t have one without the other in this business. He knows that, and so do you. If he has to be the villain in your story to be the hero in your bank account, he will. Because he’s a pro. He’ll take care of business in and out of the ring when he’s drafted.
Marcus Welsh: Now that’s interesting. Villains. Villainry. You guys do your homework, that much is obvious…so I’m sure you’re well aware of Triumvirate. The layperson would say it takes a hero to combat an evil entity like Triumvirate. But I’m more of the opinion it takes a virus to kill a virus. How does Harvey view Triumvirate and is he willing to do what it takes to keep them from uniting the TRIAD?
Leo: We have had dealings with these three before. I’m afraid I’m bound by an NDA here. What I can say is that Harvey is well aware of what lengths these three are willing to go to accomplish their goals. Neither you nor I can throw stones here, Mr. Welsh. What’s now known as the Triumvirate has made a lot of money for both BTE and TRIAD. That will continue and so will the games. The host of Sucker Punch Live will be ready to play under the lights in Cambodia.
Marcus Welsh: Good cause I’d love nothing more than to see the man capable of filling all these suits sucker punching all three of those jerkwads. Anyway, gotta keep my composure…let’s say Harvey wins the Strength Trials and happens to go on and unite the TRIAD…what plans would he have with such a powerful object? Wealth? Power? Or, I don’t know, would he be willing to hand it over to someone?
Leo: He’d give it to the one person around here who would know what to do with it. Marx has enough wealth and power, at least in a material sense. I think we’re talking about something supernatural here. Harvey’s tailor, Frank Bellwood, would be a worthy custodian for the TRIAD.
Marcus Welsh: Interesting…okay, then. Does Harvey have any preference in regards to team captains? Is he a lame TLS fan? A dumb PIC fan? Or a fan of the mighty Welsh?
Leo: Harvey Marx didn’t get to where he is without knowing his audience, Mr. Welsh. If PIC or TLS were giving this interview, I’d sell The Big Ticket to them. Since it’s you, I’ll just say that Harvey hopes you appreciate the bronze statue of David Hasselhoff that’s now waiting on your front lawn. Go ahead, check your doorbell cam. It’s his favorite kind of gift to you. The kind you can’t refuse.
Marcus Welsh: Oh? Well, that’s nice…
Welsh pulls out his phone and takes a quick look at the doorbell cam to find the Mighty Bronze Hoff staring back at him in all his glory. He does a silent, strong fist pump.
Marcus Welsh: Hell yea. Sorry, I got kinda lost there…amazing gift! The kind of gift that might get someone drafted, if you catch my drift. So, Miss Albright…Harvey’s in Cambodia…what about you? There’s something about you that I can’t quite put my finger on but you seem like someone who’s able to move mountains, for lack of a better term…a true heavy hitter…I’d be interested to know if you’re part of the Marx package, should he get drafted. Down at ringside…helping ensure success…
Leo: If I had to be at ringside to do that, I’d be a “manager.” The Big Ticket will be just fine in matches without some THOT in his corner to slip him a sock full of quarters in a pinch. Now that I’ve gotten the “M” word out of the way I can discuss my role in all this. I’m a producer. A storyteller who helped a phenomenal talent craft an image. I might frame a few of Harvey’s battles for the camera, but I have nothing to do with fighting them. I’m not physically able to travel to Cambodia for the Strength Trials. All the will in the world won’t change that, as formidable as mine is. I’ll have to trust TRIAD’s production team to take care of BTEs star without me. It seems you are the media mind in the promotion, Mr. Welsh…That means I’ll be holding you personally responsible for making sure the big man has everything he needs to keep putting TRIAD over. It would be a shame if you were to disappoint me. Think about that while you imagine what I’m capable of.
Marcus Welsh: Well I certainly wouldn’t want to disappoint you. I’ve already got a Leo for that. And I didn’t take you for just another ‘pretty’ face…just wanted to get the measure of the draft package, should I select Harvey. But I appreciate the fact you’re a straight shooter and you aren’t one to really mince words. Neither am I…I’m in this for the TRIAD. Plain and simple. And if Harvey can help me get what I want then I’ll do everything I can to support him.
Leo: I can appreciate that. Here’s a little something to help you finish up your scouting process.
She passes Welsh a small case. A camera zooms in as he opens it. A gold pen sits in a velvet-lined case. The pen gleams in the studio lights
Marcus Welsh: Weighty. Elegant. And, my favorite color.
He closes the case and places it in his pocket. Nodding, he sizes Leo up once more. He takes a contemplative breath and glances at the massive suits nearby. His lips shrink and curl as his eyes look off to the side before he turns back to face Leo and leans forward, suddenly.
Marcus Welsh: Okay, I’ve just gotta ask it. Is this guy even real? I mean, he takes forever to put down his application. I fly all the way out here to meet him and, no offense, because you are clearly a clever and capable person…but I come out here to meet this goliath and I’m greeted with…well, you know. These suits. This image. Is this guy even real or are you guys just trolling me?
Leo: Alright, Mr. Welsh. It’s just you, me, our audience, and a few cameras, so I’ll level with you. I’ve known Marx for over fourteen years and even I’m not sure if I’m talking to The Big Ticket or the man behind the act. He’s an old-school showman, he’s just wired differently. You’re asking if his enlisting in the Strength draft is a publicity stunt. Here’s my answer before you and all the world:
Of course it is.
Harvey Marx is a promoter, everything he does is some kind of stunt. But this one will help TRIAD’s bottom line. He’s already helping to elevate your brand, we’re just talking about putting him in the best position to do that. If I just wanted to send some third rate reality show stand in to get his ass handed to him for a few extra hits on BTEs YouTube channel, I would have given your intern a thousand dollars and moved on. I’m sending the right man for the job. Fighters know fighters when they see them, and Marx couldn’t succeed as BTEs Head of Promotions without the respect of his peers. Bravery, Wit, and Strength are what this story is about. Strength is power, but it means nothing without the freedom to use it. Marx knows what it’s like to have that taken away and then go through hell to get it back. He’ll fight harder than anyone, not as someone who needs to prove his strength and power, but as someone who truly understands what those words mean.
…But no one would tune in if I gave you the whole story. The next chapter will begin in Cambodia with The Big Ticket. Your team captains will decide if it gets told.
Welsh nods. He removes his trusty notepad and unearths the recently gifted pen, removing it from its casing. The heavy, gold pen glides across the paper as Welsh cocks an eyebrow and looks over at Leo while jotting some notes.