XDF CHAMPIONSHIP - MICKEY SHOWERY VS FLEX JOHNSON(C)

From the Gutter to the Pen
Characters used: Flex Johnson, various wrestlers, prisoners, guards, Michael Dukes
Characters mentioned: Mickey Showery, Ms. Winters

A FEW DAY EARLIER



“GET EM’!”

Fade in as we see a dirty wrestling ring. The camera pans around, reveling a fairly large number of fans. The ring is not in an arena. This ring is set up inside a medium sized barn. The mat it’s self is a dingy brown color, sprinkled with a few dry red marks. The camera zooms in on the right side of the ring, where we see a smaller sized, masked wrestler laying on the floor.

In the ring is a larger, African American wrestler, also sporting a mask. The black wrestler grabs, the ropes, and sling shots himself onto the his opponent. He springs right back up, and plays to the crowd. Then, he tosses his opponent back into the ring. Once in the ring, he wrenches the smaller wrestler’s arm, runs to the top rope, jumps off, and connects with an arm drag. His opponent, pops up, but grabs his arm. Even with a bum arm, the smaller opponent is able to connect with an hurricanrana. He then covers.

“1...2...kickout!”

The larger sized wrestler tosses his opponent across the ring. They both get up, but the smaller wrestler charges in, only to get caught with a twilt-a-wirl back breaker. The larger wrestler heads to the top rope. He points to the crowd, points to the crowd, and then comes down with a frog splash. He covers.

“1...2...3!”

The ref raises the hand of the African American wrestler. There seems to be a mixture of boos and cheers from the crowd. He takes a look around. The boos seem to be only coming from the hill billy fans. The Mexican fans however are going crazy of the match.

The wrestler slides out of the ropes and heads to the back. Once in the back, he is handed his gym bag. He is taken to a large van, and he gets in. He looks around at the people that are in the van. A signal is given, and the driver starts up the van. The van heads out of the parking lot and heads North. The vans passes a huge sign; “Now leaving Tijuana”.

“Great match holmes.”

The wrestler takes off his mask and puts it in his bag. Flex Johnson wipes his brow.

“Thanks esse. Tough crowd though. I thought we rocked it.”

The wrestlers around him laugh.

“Come on Flex. You know that was an awesome match. Don’t worry bout’ it man. The true Lucha Libre fans enjoyed it. The boos came from them Texas lovers.”

“Haha, thanks holmes.”

One of the wrestlers takes out a folder.

“We would like to book you for a match next month. We have a 20 man tag match booked on our next show.”

Flex laughs.

“A 20 man tag? That’s crazy. I’m in though.”

“Good good man.”

The man hands a paper to Flex along with an envelop. Flex takes out the contents of the envelop. It’s a money. He counts it quickly, puts it back into the envelop. He then puts the papers and the envelop into his gym back.

“Thanks for booking me on tonight’s card esse. This match against Showery is gona be different than what I’m used to. I’m sure if it will help much. But hey, I figured, the Mexican style would at help me to think about things in a new light.”

“Yea holmes. Who knows, maybe you can incorporate our style into your boxing match.”

“Haha, yea vato.”

Fade out

TODAY



Fade in as we see Flex sitting in a chair. At the moment we can only see his back. He is putting on some athletic tape, preparing for another match. However, this is not a normal match.

A minute later a couple of guards come into the room. They walk over to Flex.

“Mr. Johnson, thank you for deciding to go through with this match.”

“No problem.”

“Sorry we couldn’t get you into a boxing match. It would probably help more with your training. Our boxing event isn’t until next month.”

Flex laughs.

“It’s cool. This match will help with my mentality during the match with Mick.”

The guards laugh.

“Aite, well, you have five minutes.”

“Cool, be out in a minute or so.”

The guards leave the room. On there jackets are the words NEW YORK STATE PENNITENTARY.

Flex tosses the tape back into his gym bag. He slaps his face.

“Time to go to work esse. It’s not exactly a boxing match. But, what better way to get into fight mode than a stiff match at a women’s prison?”

Flex sighs.

“I hate to say this, but XDF is starting to bring back old memories. Ms. Winters is starting to remind me so much of my old boss. Messing around with clients, having affairs. Heck, she has even rigged a match against me.”

Flex laughs.

“Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be wise to give her a knee to the stomach, haha. So, what is a vato to do? Nothing, but to over come the odds, once again. I guess it’s another chance to live up to my ‘Notorious’ nickname.

“It’s disappointing though. I thought two warriors were walking into this match. Ya know, like the Mongols vs. the Spartans. But, now, its seems more like the Mongols vs. the weak, petty Greek.”

Flex zips up his gym bag. He would have to leave right away, just as he did in Tijuana.

“Well, fortunately, my Muay Thai training has given me a little boxing experience.”

Flex stands up and picks up his gym bag. He heads out into the hall. He gives his bag to one of the guards.

“45 seconds Flex.”

“Will do.”

After 45 seconds, Flex is given a signal. “Another Day” is played over a PC, and Flex walks through the curtains. The match is being held in jail’s rec. area. Flex takes medium strides to the ring, but, while he walking, he seems to be seeing things in slow motion.

To his left are a large group of Hispanic female prisoners. Many of them cheer him. He spots the guard rails, which seems to be a bit thicker than normal. There are also a lot more guards than he remembered counting before.

Flex can feel that the crowd is somewhat elevated, more than a match would usually be. As he walks, all the sounds seems to just blend into Flex’s mind.

Flex finally gets into the ring. His opponent, a burly looking man of Russian decent, is standing in front of him. Around here he is known as Michael Dukes, a guy who is regularly booked at prison wrestling events.

Dukes stares at Flex with disdain as Flex is checked for any weapons of illegality. After the is cleared, the bells sounds.

“Hmm” thought Flex, in regard to Dukes’ massive size.

Flex goes straight to work with about five or six Muay Thai kicks to Dukes’ midsection and left leg. No need to try a lockup in Flex’s opinion.

Dukes takes the shots, and you could see a look of surprise over his face. He hadn’t expected Flex to be that strong.

Flex bounces for the ropes, he ducks a wild clothesline from Dukes, and delivers a back elbow. Dukes staggers towards the ropes. Flex goes the attempt a suplex, but is simply lifted and thrown out of the ring. Dukes gets out of the ring, and whips Flex into the guard rail. Flex hit’s the rails hard. And to his surprise, some of the prisoners start pounding on him after he hit the rail. Dukes grabs Flex by the neck and roughly throws him into the ring.

“What the heck is going on” thought Flex. Dukes charges in, and, at the last second Flex delivers a wicked chop. The chop stop Dukes, so Flex gives him a few more. After a while Dukes and Flex begin to trade chops.

END OF MATCH

To summarize things, the two beat the heck out of each other. Flex gave Dukes a stiff super kick, putting the name on his back. Then Flex locked on the “Shattered Ambitions”. Dukes passed out, giving Flex the victory. Flex looks around once again. There are many that cheer, but, a fair amount that boo. Dukes was a favorite here. A few prisoners begin throwing chairs at the ring. So, Flex hops out and goes to the back. He his handed his bag, along with and envelop and is escorted out of the jail house. Once in the van, he counts with money, and stuffs it into his gym bag. He takes a deep breath and leans back.

“Aite, so Dukes was a scrap. However, I’m not sure if this is the best way to prepare for this match with Mick. I had to admit, but I might need a trainer for this match.”

Flex thinks for a minute, then laughs.

“Haha, and I know who just might work.”

END

"Flanagan's Wake" -Part 1-



- Transmission opens on a white Cadillac Escalade driving down an innercity street. The camera pulls down out of the night sky to street level panning with the SUV as it drives past. -

- The transmission switches to inside the SUV to reveal Mickey Showery seated in the passenger seat and Tony "Bag-a-Donuts" Manzo driving. The two appear mid-conversation. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Man, I hate these damned things."

tonyMANZO: "Where is this thing again?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Shannon O'Tools. Down on 63rd."

tonyMANZO: "The bar? They are having a Wake in a bar?"

mickeySHOWERY: (looking out the window as the city passes by) "Yeah, its an Irish thing."

tonyMANZO: "You know Mick, I signed on to be your body guard .. not your chauffeur"

mickeySHOWERY: (looks back with a smile) "No Donuts, I'll need you as a body guard too."

tonyMANZO: "Let me guess, an Irish thing. I'll never get you fucks I swear. Us Italians, someone drops dead .. we show up shake a couple hands .. have a some sambuca and go home."

mickeySHOWERY: "You don't say, speaking of which I could go for some sambuca right now."

tonyMANZO: "There's some in the back seat, spill it in here and I'll ring ya neck."

- Mickey's eyes widen as he unbuckles his seat belt standing in his seat and leaning into the back seat of the SUV. -

tonyMANZO: " .. anyways, SURE once and a while one of the old ladies will get all hysterical balling her eyes out and try to hop in the casket with them. But that is very rare my friend."

- Mickey slides back down into the from seat holding the glass bottle of the clear liquor. Mickey unscrews the the cap taking a swig of it as he adds to the conversation. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Well this Wake is a little different, Tommy Flanagan was one of the old guard."

- Manzo gives Mickey a puzzled look as Mickey takes another pull off the bottle before putting the cap back on it. -

mickeySHOWERY: "An old school Republican. He was one of the captains of the Old IRA back in Ireland."

tonyMANZO: "So this is some kinda honor thing?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Well yes and no. At the Battle of Ballinalee, Flanagan ran away. But you see, therw were 3 Black and Tans for every 1 Irishman. The boys on the streets felt Flanagan was too important to risk capture or death, so they told him to run."

- Mickey opens the bottle once again taking a drink from it looking forward to the road ahead. -

mickeySHOWERY: "The IRA pushed them back and won the day. But growing up and hearing the old timers tell it, it was a bloody fuckin battle man. A lot of people dead."

tonyMANZO: "Well everyone knows the story right? I mean, what did you say, this guy was 102? Anyone that had a beef with him has to be long gone."

mickeySHOWERY: (bringing the bottle back up to his lips) "Billy Morgan"

tonyMANZO: "Who?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Billy Morgan, the old bastard just celebrated his 109th birthday. Bitter old fuck. His kid brother Jimmy was captured at Ballinalee, the British hung him. For the past 90 years he has blamed Tommy."

tonyMANZO: "So these two have been feuding for almost a century."

mickeySHOWERY: "Aye. He's fuckin' Dracula I tell you. I wouldn't be surprised if Billy doesn't drop dead tonight just to try to beat Tommy to Saint Peter."

tonyMANZO: "Sounds like it'll be a interesting night."

mickeySHOWERY: "Should be about half and half, of families that look at him Champion or Coward."

- Mickey looks off thinking for a moment before something catches his eye out the windshield. He points out into the distance talking to Manzo. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Hey pull into this Burger joint over here, I need something to eat."

- Manzo nods turning the wheel as the scene switches to an exterior view of the SUV as it enters a McDonalds parking-lot. Scene slowly fades to black.-

"Flanagan's Wake" -Part 2-



( OCC: I was laughing at this picture for like 10 minutes. )


- Scene opens on Mickey Showery standing at the counter of a McDonald's waiting for a moment or two. Soon the a woman comes with a tray of food for him, a hand full of hamburgers, two large fries, a 20 peice chicken nuggets, and 3 small cokes. -

- Mickey takes the tray smiling to the cashier as he turns from the counter walking over to a table where Tony "Bag-a-Donuts" Manzo sits with nothing but a Salad and bottle of water in front of him. -

- Manzo eyes Mickey as he sits down at the table and begins to unwrap one of the burgers. -

tonyMANZO: "See now this is what I don't get. You eat all this shit and me .. " ( looking down to the salad) "... if this shit gets to close to me I put on 20 pounds."

- Mickey shrugs taking a bit of the burger as Manzo lethargically forks his salad. -

tonyMANZO: "So, big match up coming huh?"

mickeySHOWERY: (swallows) "Yes sir, I can feel the belt around my waist right now."

tonyMANZO: "Yeah, funny thing it's gonna be a Boxing Match huh? I think maybe the belt isn't the only thing wrapped around your waist."

mickeySHOWERY: "What do you mean?"

- Manzo smiles "You and the boss, there" he comments clenching a fist and pumping it forward toward Mickey. -

tonyMANZO: "You take care of here, you know, she takes care of you."

mickeySHOWERY: "What-- no, get the fuck outta here"

tonyMANZO: "Come on Mickey, a Boxing match? In Wrestling? What else could it be. I mean, you're giving her the cazzo right?"

- Mickey shakes with a smirk laughing some at Manzo's .. politeness. Mickey finishes the first burger then starts on the second one. -

tonyMANZO: "So you think you'll still be able to do it?"

mickeySHOWERY: "As long as my 'CAZZO' is working"

tonyMANZO: "No you asshole, Boxing. You think you'll still got the touch? You haven't boxed in a long time."

mickeySHOWERY: "Well that's true, but I am pretty sure Flex has boxed NEVER. If it goes the distance, it will be an embarrassment."

tonyMANZO: "Hey man, it happens look at 'whats his name'."

mickeySHOWERY: "Chuck Wepner"

tonyMANZO: "No no Rocky Balboa"

mickeySHOWERY: "You stupid dago, Rocky Balboa was a fictional character."

- Manzo shurgs and goes back to his salad as Mickey speaks a bit more taking a bite of his burger. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Chuck Wepner was the guy Rocky was based on. He went the 15 rounds with Mohammad Ali but lost the decision. Ali was supposed to drop him early, but Wepner kept fighting. Ali was embarrassed of that fight his whole career."

tonyMANZO: "Sounds like something YOU should worry about?"

- Mickey looks as if he is about to continue on not hearing Manzo but then it crashes down onto him. He give the impression that it was something he hadn't really thought about before. The two sit in silence for another couple minutes. -

tonyMANZO: "So.. this Wake thing. It's kinda like a meeting of the Families?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Yeah, and being's I'm the only Showery in Boston its on me."

tonyMANZO: "How many of yous are there?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Well I got four other brothers, then my mother who moved back out to Ireland."

tonyMANZO: "Were are they?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Well.."

- The scene slowly begins to fade to a shot of writhing ocean waves. Over the crest of a white cap, in the poring rain come a fishing trawler crashing down over the crest. -

mickeySHOWERY: (voice over) "Well there is Frank and Jimmy. The live out in Alaska somewhere, a couple of Fishermen. They lost it a couple years ago, I mean like total bat-shit crazy."

- The camera pulls in on the boat as it is tossed over the waves, freezing cold seawater splashing over the deck. We see two men, one roped by the hand to the mast the other keeping his balance hollering out at the sea. -

jimmySHOWERY: (screaming over the roar of the ocean) "IS THIS THE BEST YOU CAN DO?! YOU WANT TO SINK MY BOAT DO YOU?! YOU WON'T TAKE THIS SHIP FROM ME AS LONG AS I LIVE AND BREATH!"

- The camera pans over to the other man held to the mast as he looks on at Jimmy. -

frankSHOWERY: "I don't know why everyone's bunkered down, this is nothing but a mid-morning spritzer!"

jimmySHOWERY: (screaming over the roar of the ocean) "A bunch of Slack-jawed faggots, I'll tell you what! Come'on Frankie, lets drop these cages, these fucking lobsters aren't gonna catch themselves!"

- We see Frank Showery release the rope he was holding onto to an walking along the near vertical boat. The camera slowly pulls as the boat rides over another mountainous wave. The scene slowly fades from the wave to desert sand, and boat to Hum-V. -

mickeySHOWERY: (voice over) "Then there is my brother Colin, he's working with one of those private security companies out in the desert. He's no better in the head than Frank or Jimmy"

- The camera pulls in on the Black Hum-V fading into the cabin of the truck. Inside we see the scared face of Colin Showery grinning beneath his sunglasses and smoking cigar. To Colin's right in the passenger seat, a man covered in Body Armor reading "Press". He appears to be balled up in the seat clutching a briefcase looking terrified. -

colinSHOWERY: "So who you work with? CNN? ABC? MSN? You on TV? Man, I always wanted to be on TV. They told me I didn't have the face for it though."

- Colin Showery, not even giving the Reporter a chance to answer looks to him with a smile exposing the large scar running across his cheek that causes the left corner of his lip to curl some. -

- The reporter still clenching down on the briefcase still appears terrified, and doesn't seem to become an calmer once the ting-tang of weapons fire hits the armor truck. -

colinSHOWERY: "Wa-hoo, you know what that means?"

tvREPORTER: "They don't want us here?!?!"

colinSHOWERY: "No, that means they wanna here some music! Hit it Teddy!"

- The camera pans to the back seat of another Security Memeber nodding with a large smile on his face. He reaches down flicking a switch near the back console.

- Colin looks to the Reporter holding up a cosset tape waving it to him before his slides it into the truck's tap deck. Suddenly loud music blares inside and outside the cab of the truck from loud speakers on the roof. The Music deafens the tinging of the small arms fire from the locals. -

colinSHOWERY: "SEX PISTOLS! ANARCHY IN THE U.K.!! The fuckin Haji's love it!"

tvREPORTER: "Oh god, I am gonna die here!"

- Colin laughs as he pats the reporter on the shoulder. The reporter slouches down into the chair pulling his helmet down over his head as the scene switches to the outside. The Hum-V speeds through along the sand floor of a middle-eastern town, music blaring sending people running. -

- The Scene fades back to the McDonalds, Mickey Showery piling a number of empty burger wrappers in front of him casually telling the story. -

tonyMANZO: "Jesus Christ, you don't look so weird anymore."

mickeySHOWERY: "Well, they are family what can you do. Alright, wanna roll?"

tonyMANZO: "Hey, what about the other one?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Huh?"

tonyMANZO: "The other one, you said you had 4."

mickeySHOWERY: "Oh, Al."

tonyMANZO: "Yeah him.. what's he do?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Well, he lives out in LA. He's an Actor .. sorta."

- The scene fades from the McDonalds to a back lot studio. We seem, from behind, a man setting in a director's chair. He puffs on a cigarette relaxing some for a couple moments. -

mickeySHOWERY: (voice over) "Al's been doing movies for a couple years now..."

- We can see now the man seated in the chair is Albert Showery, him and Mickey bare a close resemblance. Albert takes a flask from the side of the Directors chair uncapping it and taking a swig. We then see another man walk into the frame looking at him. -

filmDIRECTOR: "Hey, what the fuck you doing in my chair?"

albertSHOWERY: "I am just sitting down waiting for the next shoot. There is a shortage of chairs."

filmDIRECTOR: "Look kid, I can find a dozen other guys who'd jump at this job. Outta the Chair."

- The Director begins to walk away then pauses looking back to Albert taking the flask from him and tossing it on the floor. -

filmDIRECTOR: "And cut out the drinking. I don't need you coming down with a case of Whiskey Dick."

- The Director walks off shouting orders at the stage hands, "Alright everyone we go hot in 5." he says walking out of the frame. Albert stands from the chair as the camera raises with him. He lets out a sigh as he takes his shirt off tossing it to the side. -

- Albert Showery walks across the sound-stage and the camera follows his bare backside. laying before him in a bed, a woman with a blanket over her. "Albert Showery" he says to her "How's it going?". The women looks up to him with a smile, "Ginger Snap, pleasure to meet you. Now I figure once we start rolling you can start of in my ..." -

- The Scene quickly cuts back to the McDonald's and a shocked Tony Manzo. -

tonyMANZO: (a smile drawn on his face) "You're shitting me right?"

mickeySHOWERY: "I shit you not my roman friend. Now lets get outta here."


- Both Mickey and Manzo stand from the table but Manzo still in a bit shock continues talking. "Hey, you think you can call him? You know maybe hook me up with a gig like that?" Mickey pauses looking Manzo over for a moment than smiles shaking his head no. "Come on, lets go" Mickey says walking from the frame. -

- Manzo takes a couple steps standing in front of the camera looking past it at Mickey with his arms out. -

tonyMANZO: "What do you mean? Mickey --- its my dream!"

- The Scene slowly fades to black. -

Money Weather
Characters used: Flex Johnson, Floyd Mayweather
Characters mentioned: Mickey Showery

Fade in as we see Flex Johnson, lifting a few weights in his complex, appropriately name the Dream Factory. If you can remember, we had bought it just after the title. But, right now, his mind is focused on training. He is putting up a set of 250lbs at the moment.

“1

“2

“3

“4

“5

“6

“7

“8

“9

“10.”

Flex gently sets the bar back down on the rack, then he sits up.

“Hmm, felt a lil’ light today. I better add a bit more weight.”

Flex goes over and adds some weight, increasing the total to 325lbs. He is about to start lifting when he hears the door bell ring. He sits up.

“Hmm, he is early.”

Flex walks across the room and pushes a button that is on the wall. A few seconds later, an elevator door opens. Flex steps inside.

Once inside, Flex pushes the “2” button. The elevator begin to go upward. As the elevator is going up, music is playing.

“It's the eye of the tiger, it's the cream of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all in the eye of the tiger

Face to face, out in the heat
Hanging tough, staying hungry
They stack the odds 'til we take to the street
For we kill with the skill to survive.”

Flex hangs his head, but he can’t help but laugh a bit.

“Irony is a shifty mistress isn’t she?”

The elevator stops at the second floor. Flex gets out and heads to the door. Flex opens the door, and in walks Floyd Maywether, Jr.



“Sup Flex.”

“Sup’ vato. Did you have trouble finding the place?”

“Naw man, it was easy to find. But the drive from the street to your front door is a killer man.”

“My bad. I’ll apologize to your driver.”

The two laughed.

“Aite, so, you ready to start this training?”

“Of course vato. The ring is on the 1st floor.”

The two walk over to the elevator and head downstairs. Inside the elevator the music plays again.

“Rising up, straight to the top
Have the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not going stop
Just a man and his will to survive.”

Flex looks over at Floyd, who is passing out from laughter.

“Hey man, I can’t control what plays, at least while inside the elevator.”

“Hahaha, sure man.”

The evelator stops at the first floor, and the two walk out. Floyd looks around.
“Nice place brother. Is this what wrestling gets you?

Flex looks around as well.

“Haha, yea, I suppose it does.”

Flex turns to his left.

“Come on holmes. The ring is this way.”

_______

After a while, both Flex and Floyd enter the ring, box in boxing gear. Instead of actual boxing glover however, they are wearing MMA gloves. This was just for convenience though.

“Aite Flex, first lets see your stance.”

Flex tries to take a basic stance.

Floyd chuckles a bit

“Flex, what the **** was that man?”

“Vato, it’s my stance.”

Floyd walks around a bit.

“Did you take any martial arts by chance?”

“Mauy Thai.”

Floyd laughs.

“That’s what I thought. Aite son. First, lower your arms a bit, they need to be around your chin level. Spread your feet out a bit as well. It will probably help you fight the urge to throw a kick or something.”

“Aite.”

Flex adjusted his stance a bit.

“Good, looks a lot better now. Since you took Muay Thai, I assume you already now the basics of punching.”

“Indeed.”

“Cool. Ready for a spar then?”

“Sure.”

_______

The two sparred for a couple of hours. Afterwards, the two sat down and watched some tape. As usual, Flex studied and took notes, just as he would for any normal wrestling match.

Floyd looks over.

“Are you actually writing down notes my brother?”

“Of course man. It’s part of my pre-match routine.”

Flex continues to write.

“But hey vato, I do have one question for you.”

“Shoot.”

“What do you think my chances are, honestly?”

Floyd laughs.

“Don’t worry bro, you’ll be fine. You have good instincts man. Just continue to train the way you have been. But, add in some shadow boxing. You done that before right.”

“Yea, I did it with Muay Thai.”

“Cool, so just hit some of that. Oh, and maybe cut back on the weights a bit. They are going to tire out your arms before the fight. Now, the only problem I foresee for you is fighting back your Muay Thai urges. It’s hard to switch from one style to another. But, I think you shall be fine.”

“Thanks man.”

“Now, all you need is a ring crew and you’ll be good to go.”

Flex slaps his forehead.

“****, I forgot all about a ring crew.”
“Hey man, don’t worry about it, I’ll make a few calls.”

“Thanks esse.”

Floyd stands up.

“Well man, I better get going. I need to train a bit more.”

“Same here man.”

The two shake hands.

“My, thanks again for coming and sparring with me.”

“Haha, no problem. I always try to help my elders.”

“We should, that’s the way we raised yaw.”

The two laughed.

_______

That night Flex lay awake in bed. He wasn’t nervous per say, but, he was ready for this match to be over with. He may have been King of the Wrestling world, but he would be out of his element this time. There was still one thing he couldn’t really understand. Why would Ms. Winters try to sabotage him. Yes, it had been rumored that her and Mickey had been spending time together. However, Flex and Ms. Winters had always had good working relationship. Flex thought she was an excellent owner. But, now it seems she tired of him representing the company.

“Hmm, has my time really come to an end? I hate to say it, but it could be. Even Lions die of old age.”

Flex sighs.

“But, old age isn’t them problem this time. It’s more like the Lion has been taking out of the jungle and confined in this instance.”

Flex sits up for a bit.

“But, what does a confined Lion do? Why, he struggles, he fights back!”

Flex lays back down.

“All I can do is be ready holmes. Speaking of which though, I still gota find a ring crew. Maybe even have a celebrity come down the ramp with me. But, who?”

Flex thinks for a sec, then turns on his TV. House of Flying Daggers is on. Suddenly, he laughs.

“I know just the person!”

END

"Flanagan's Wake" -Part 3-


- Transmission opens on the Tony "Bag-a-Donuts" Manzo's white Cadillac Escalade pulling down a dark and think alley. "Hey, its over here." we hear Mickey Showery say over the scene as the SUV slowly pulls over. -

- The scene switches to a closer shot of Mickey and Manzo stepping from the SUV looking around. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Yeah, this is the place .. man I haven't been here since I was a kid."

tonyMANZO: "This place is a dump .." (shrugs) "Well I guess if would have to be if they were letting you in as a kid."

- Mickey laughs sliding his hands down into his pockets as he walks toward the pub's heavy wood door. He and Manzo are within a step of the door as it is opened with a man coming out stepping in front of them blocking the path. -

doorMAN: (thick Irish accent) "Sorry lads, Pub's closed tonight."

- Mickey Showery reaches down into his pocket, "I'm Mickey Showery" he says to the man handing him over a piece of identification. "Michael Colin Showery .. of the Derry Showerys" Mickey a bit nervously looking to the door man who looks down to the ID. "... formally of course" Mickey adds with a bit of an uncomfortable laugh. -

doorMAN: (still looking down the ID) "Who's the Wop?" (refering to Manzo)

- Manzo takes a step back "OHHH!" he says with an angered look on his face pulling a butterfly knife from his pocket. Mickey quickly gets in front of Manzo holding him back trying to calm him down. The Doorman looks up from the ID with a smirk on his face. -

mickeySHOWERY: (still with a hand on Manxo chest, looking to the doorman) "Its alright, he's my body guard."

doorMAN: "You got spunk ginny, but don't bring a knife to a gun fight"

- The doorman tilts his gaze to above them. The Camera pans up to reveal a 3 men standing on the fire escape of the building. In Green and Black Camouflage jackets and ski masks we can slightly see in the darkness they are holding automatic rifles. -

- Mickey pushes Manzo back away from the door man talking to him privately. -

tonyMANZO: "What is this, fuckin' Beirut or what?"

mickeySHOWERY: "Look Donuts, you aren't in Little Italy anymore, these guys are the real deal. You Italians have your Mafia, and us Irish have ours. Shit has gotten real sour in Ireland in the last year or so .. a lot of the guys at this thing have blood on thier hands and will do anything to keep from getting extradited as well as keeping outsiders out."

"You can't just snap off cause these guys will kill us both and we'll be a handful of gargebag bags spread out along the Mass Turnpike.."

- Manzo clears his head putting his arms up, "Alright Mick, I'm sorry. But I gotta save some face here..." Manzo comments to Mickey who nods in agreement knowing how Manzo is. The two walk back to the Doorman. -

mickeySHOWERY: "So everything check out?"

doorMAN: "Yeah, everything seems alright."

tonyMANZO: "Let me tell ya something you Irish bog bastard.."

- Mickey sighs rolling his eyes as he steps back some. -

tonyMANZO: "... these guys up here may shoot me, but not before I got teach you to some manners with this knife. Show me some respect and I'll return the favor, do we have an understanding?"

doorMAN: (smiles nodding) "That we do ginny, that we do.."

- Manzo closes the butterfly knife slipping it into the breast pocket of his sport coat. The doorman steps back opening the door to the Bar. "Have a good time boys." he says stepping aside allowing them in. Mickey and Manzo enter the bar. -


-------------


- The scene switches inside a backroom of the bar. Mickey and Manzo sit on a pair of folding chairs in a row before the casket. A number of people walk about talking and paying their last respects to the recently passed Flanagan. Showery leans over whispering to Manzo. -

mickeySHOWERY: "See, everything is kinda split up. Like I was telling you, some think Flanagan was champion of the cause, others .. not so much. Up there by the casket are his two grandchildren Tim and Conner. Over in the corner there, his son Tommy Jr..."

tonyMANZO: "What about the guy that didn't like him uh .. whats his name.."

- Mickey looks around the group some scooting up on his chair, "I don't think he is here yet.." No soon does Mickey say that when we see the front door to the bar room open. -

- We see a number of the people turn to face the door as an old man in a wheel chair is rolled into the room, behind him a large strong looking man pushing him slowly down the the center isle -

mickeySHOWERY: "Oh.. alright here we go. The Morgans. The old geezer in the chair is Billy Morgan. That walking building behind him is his grandson Frankie Morgan. He claims he is some big UFC fighter, he got into the finals of that show on TV .. personally I think its a lot of bullshit."

tonyMANZO: "Sheesh, could see why you might need a bodyguard."

- Mickey looks over to Manzo in agreement as they two look on as everything unfolds. We can see now the people in attendance of the wake begin tos shift to different sides of the party .. apparently choosing alliances. -

- Old Billy Morgan is slowly wheeled toward the casket by his grandson. Billy Morgan brings a small frail hand up waving his grandson down closer to him. The old man whispers into his ear for a moment then returns his hands to his lap. Frankie Morgan, the grandson, stands back up right addressing the group. -

frankieMORGAN: "My Grandfather, Billy Morgan, would like to speak his condolances to the family and friends of Tommy Flanagan.."

tonyMANZO: (leans in to mickey) "Thats not so bad."

mickeySHOWERY: "Wait, you'll see."

frankieMORGAN: "He would also like to say that he is happy that the last of the Villainous traitors and cowards of our cause has been sent to the almighty for judgment."

- A bit of a commotion breaks out in the place a people on both sides begin hollering at each other speaking their point. Mickey quickly stands from the chair walking over to the casket, both Grandson's of Tommy Flanagan now looks squared off with the larger Grandson of Billy Morgan. -

- Showery jumps between all of them trying to calm them down and speak to reason. He looks to Frankie Morgan. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Look Frankie, you're family has built this anger for no reason. Flanagan didn't run away he was asked to leave for the greater good."

- Mickey looks to the group of people. -

mickeySHOWERY: "And everyone knows that. A lot of people lost their lives for a free Ireland, but the fight is still needed and there is no reason to turn on each other. Not 100 years ago, not today. I speak for the Showery's and I stand with Tommy Flanagan, god rest him and keep him."

- Old Man Morgan raises his frail hand and signals his grandson yet again. Frankie Morgan tilts down as his grandfather whispers to him yet again. -

frankieMORGAN: "Speaking for the Morgans..." (point to another man) "And the Dudleys" (pointing to another) ".. and the Murphys." (looking back to Mickey) "We not only call Tommy Flanagan a Coward, but YOU Showery's who ran away to America abandoning the Cause"

- Mickey presses his lets together tightly trembling some as he stairs long and hard into Frankie Morgan's eyes. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Frankie, you're some kinda fighter huh?"

frankieMORGAN: (laughs) "We Irish are all fighters"

- There is a laugh from his section of back up families. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Mixed Martial Arts, is that right? Ground and pound and all that good stuff?"

frankieMORGAN: "Well I'd be happy to show you Mick, if you've forgotten."

mickeySHOWERY: "Oh no no I remember. What if I was to tell you this, MMA and UFC was all bullshit. What if I was to tell you that any man could break another's arm or stick a finger in his eye. What if I was to tell you that Cheap Shots like that make YOU a coward." (looking down to Billy Morgan in his wheel chair) "Makes it an embarrassment to your family."

- The two look at each other for a moment before Mickey smiles at him turning around to the families on his side, "I guess that would make me right then, aye boys" he says with a good laugh out of the group. -

- Frankie Morgan with rage in his eyes throws his heavy brick hand at Showery attempting to punch him. Mickey dukes and returns with a strong strike to Frankie jaw knocking him back. Showery shoots forward tackling into Frankie the two go rolling back. -

- Suddenly woman on woman, young on young, man on man, a battle breaks out in the small back room. People are smashing each other with fists and chairs, whatever is close enough to grab. Manzo stands up rushing to Mickey's side. Manzo grabs Billy Morgan by his wheelchair shoving him off into the distance. He then grabs ahold of Frankie Morgan locking up his arms holding him prone to Mickeys onslaught of punches into Frankie's gut. -

- People rolling all over the place punching, kicking, and biting one another. We see Mickey Showery and Manzo bump back to back fending off a couple attackers. -

mickeySHOWERY: "Still think I lost my touch?"

tonyMANZO: "I don't think Flex knows what he is in store for with you."

- A man leaps in front of Mickey but is soon knocked out cold by a swift right hand punch. -

mickeySHOWERY: "What can I say, I'm a natural"

- The scene fades to black. -

Picking the Right Crew
Characters used: Flex Johnson, Zhang Ziyi, Jake Havel (Flex’s agent), boxing entities
Characters mentioned: Mickey Showery

Fade in as we see Flex Johnson and his agent Jake Havel, sitting at the local Starbucks. Jake was a young African American male around 23 years of age. He may have been young, but he was good at his job.

Unfortunately, today was not going well. Jake had called various boxing crews, and still hadn’t found enough people to work in Flex’s corner. The match was few only a few days away.

So we find the two, scrabbling, trying to find a crew. Flex is looking at some names in a notebook.

“Aite’, did you call Ace Knuckles?”

“I contacted him. He said he would like to, but he has another match to work that night. He did wish you luck though.”

Flex laughed a bit before he read the next name.

“Hmm, Johnny Quest?”

“Johnny also has a match to work.”

“Doreen?”

“Doreen had a family emergency to attend to. Father recently suffered a stroke. She had to fly to South Carolina to take care of him.”

“Tim Hones?”

“Actually, Tim said he can be apart of the crew. I put him down on the official list.”

Flex sighs.

“Good good. Man esse, I didn’t know how much setting up a boxing crew took. It’s a wonder how anyone has a match.”

Jake laughs.

“Well, you got to remember Flex, most people keep their ring crew for most of their boxing career. And boxer usually pick their crew way in advance, months in advance.”

“Hmm, this is true, this is true.”

“Now, we still need a cut man, someone to work on any cuts you may get in the match.”

“Did you call them all. Floyd said Toney Ayone was available to work that match.”

“I tried to call him, but I didn’t get an answer.’

Flex Takes out his cell phone and dials a number.

“Hello, how you doing…yes, this is Flex Johnson…he spoke to you…yes sir…thank you, glad to have you in my corner…thanks, see you in a few days…goodbye.”

Flex hangs up the phone and sets it on the table. Jake laughs.

“Haha, nice job. I don’t know why you keep me around.”

“Haha, everyone needs a job right?”

The two laugh. A minute of so later, the waitress comes and sets down a cup of hazelnut coffee for Flex. Flex turns.

“How is my favorite waitress doing today?”

She laughs.

“I’m fine Mr. Johnson. I hear you have a boxing match coming up.”

Flex sighs.

“Yea, haha, I do.”

She smiles.

“Well, I hope you will. I know you have what it takes.”

Flex smiles back.

“Thank you very much.”

“Well, just call if you need anything ok?”

“Yes ma’am.”

The waitress walks away. Jakes just laughs.
“A friend of yours?”

“Yeah.”

“Haha, cool.”

As they were talking, Flex got a phone call.

“Hello…yes, its Sunday…you can do it…yes…thank you very much.”

Flex hangs up the phone.

“Ace Knuckles said he would work the match.”

“Really, I though he said he had a previous fight?”

“His other fight has been switched to earlier in the day.”

“Nice nice. So, we’ve got everyone right?”

“Yup, I think we are all set. Except for Zhang.”

“Zhang? Zhang Ziyi?”

“Yeah.”

“Like, from Hero and House of Flying Dagger?”

“Indeed esse.”

As Flex was talking, the beautiful Zhang Ziyi walked through the door.



She spotted Flex and walked over to the table. Flex stood up. They hugged when she got to the table.

“Flex, so nice to see you again. How have you been dear?”

“I’ve been good chica. How have you been?”

“Good good. You know I couldn’t film in New York with visiting my best vato.”

“Haha, your too kind.”

Flex looks over at Jake.

“Where are my manners. Zhang, this is Jake, my agent.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you as well.”

Flex turns back to Zhang.

“Zhang, I have a favor to ask you.”

“Sure, go a head.”

“Well, I’ve got this big boxing match coming up. And, well, I’d be honored if you would walk with me to the ring. You would also be part of the crew, and would get a ringside seat.”

“When is it?”

“Sunday.”

“Sure!, I’d love to. It will be exciting!”

Flex and Zhang hug once again.

“Thank you very much. I thought you might say no.”

“Aww, of course I wouldn’t.”

Flex checks with watch.

“Hey, would you like to go to dinner with me? I need to eat before I start my training for the night.”

“Sure.”

All three stand up. Jake shakes hands with both Flex and Zhang.

“Flex, I’ll see you Sunday. Once again, it’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Ziyi.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you as well.”

Jake turns to leave. Flex turns to Zhang.

“Shall we leave as well?”

“Sure.”

Zhang takes hold of Flex’s arm as they leave.

“So Flex, tell me, why a boxing match?”

Flex sighs, but smiles when he looks at her.

“Well, it all start a week or so ago.”

The talked, about the rest of the conversation is not able to be heard.

END