We cut backstage. Nick Noble struts down the hallway in a direction toward the exit. He rolls the silver RIMOWA carry-on at his side. The lights shimmer in the tinted lenses of his sunglasses. He speaks with merriment to everyone that passes him, until he stops in his tracks. He drags the glasses to the tip of his nose. His bright blue eyes shine like diamonds.
That’s when the Classic Wrestling Real World’s Champion steps into the picture. Noble looks down at the gold wrapped tightly around Vito Valentino’s waist. The crowd can easily be heard through the backstage area because they’re going wild for Vito’s appearance, and they know his match is coming up. Noble scans Vito up and down.
Nick Noble: ON GOD! That’s a beautiful belt you’ve got there, champ. It’s a pleasure to be in your presence. I’m a huge fan. I can’t wait for the day you and I do the dance. In that ring. For that belt. I know I’ve got dues to pay, or…in your case…a fare. But, we’ll make it happen. You. Me. HIGH STAKES. Tell me I’m not wrong. Tell the world I’m not wrong. You’re much bigger in person, by the way. We’ll need to talk about your work-out routine; I dig it.
Vito, who would normally seem a bit more chipper in the presence of someone new to the Classic Wrestling scene, looks a bit dour after the epic encounter with Shujin Yama to open the show. Rotating his shoulder a bit, perhaps a telltale sign he tweaked it after launching himself over the top rope, he nods in appreciation at Noble.
Vito Valentino: Thanks. I’ll apologize in advance if I don’t seem that welcoming, Nick. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with that big son of a biscuit eatin’ bulldog Shujin Yama. I want to punch that guy in places people never would’ve dreamed of, so if I come across a bit standoffish here? I apologize, my friend.
Vito pauses and looks up and down at Nick Noble. Almost as if he’s sizing him up.
Vito Valentino: But to be honest? I’m intrigued by your presence here in Classic. I caught what you said when you were introducin’ yourself and I must admit I was impressed. You exude this… air about you that I can’t help but like. This air of confidence, I suppose. It was a great intro, man.
Metro smiles, happy the newest addition to Classic Wrestling had the respect AND courage to come up to him like he did.
Vito Valentino: But here’s the thing; and I mean no offense by this, Nick. I look forward to seein’ you compete in that ring more than I do hearin’ another word from you. ‘Cause, again no offense intended, but I’m not listenin’ to anyone tell me how great they are until they prove it in the ring. Anybody can talk a great game when they sign on the dotted-line, but it takes real greatness to be able to actually back it up. You know what I mean?
He stops for a second and chuckles.
Vito Valentino: Wait a sec. What am I sayin’? You’ve been around the block, according to what you said, so of COURSE you do know what I mean.
Noble wiggles his eyebrows and smirks to signal he agrees.
Vito Valentino: That said? Good luck here in Classic. And if you can make it to the top here and we one day are standin’ across the ring from one another, whether there’s gold on the line or not? Then I look forward to it, my man. Welcome.
Vito puts out a hand for the newcomer to shake. Noble doesn’t hesitate to slap his palm into Vito’s big Italian mit. They lock hands like Arnold and Carl in the Predator as the scene fades.