Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

Thaddeus Duke · (09-30-2019)

The scene opens to a room with a stage. Facing the stage are dozens of representatives from various media outlets from all over the world. Upon the stage, rests a podium. Behind that podium, lined up and alternating are a half dozen XWF flags, U.S. flags and Illuminatus Nation flags. A few excruciating moments go by in near absolute silence before James Edwards, Thaddeus' best friend and closest adviser appears at the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," Jim begins in his thick British accent as cameras flash. "Thaddeus has seen the little video released by Mastermind's camp. He will be with you shortly." Jim exits stage right and leaves the room in silence.

Several long minutes go by before the door to the right of the stage opens again and in walks Thaddeus Duke with the XWF Television championship slung over his shoulder. As he approaches the podium, he folds the straps and lays the title in front of him. Camera flashes pop off several times per second.

"Mastermind is offended," the champ begins. "He's offended because I was pissed off at him for him interfering in MY match. For him diminishing MY victory. For him shitting on MY moment. For him, making MY title match with Big D about HIM.

"I will go on record now and apologize.

"Mastermind, I am truly sorry.

"I'm sorry that you're offended because I kicked your ass at Relentless.

"I'm sorry you didn't see it coming despite my warning that I would.

"I'm sorry you're offended that I'm better than you at every thing." Thad pauses.

"Mastermind says it's personal now. I got news for you buddy, it was personal the moment you made my match with Big D about you. Sir, if you don't play your cards right, I will retire you permanently. Don't make me do that to you, old man.

"You can come after my title. You can come after me. It doesn't matter to me either way. Come at me 100 times, and I will turn you away 100 times. You just don't have what it takes to defeat me.

"I'll take a few questions."

"Mr. Duke, Gloria Gunther, New York Times, you are a role model to millions of kids all over the world. Are you at all concerned that this recent mean streak you're showing sends a bad message to those that love and respect you? That violence is the answer to their problems.?"

"Of course it's a concern. But the XWF is a violence based business. The language we speak is violence. If it makes me out to be some dastardly villain so be it, but that's not the case. I stood up for myself using the language of our people here in the XWF. I showed Mastermind why it was a mistake to insert himself into my business.

"I've never not had a mean streak. You know who my father is. While I'm not him, the apple didn't fall THAT far from the tree.

"Never cross a Duke.

"One more question, I need to get on my plane."

"Steve Sayors, XWF99.com..."

"Steve, I know who the hell you are."

"It was your uncle, Theo Pryce that got you to stop your assault of Mastermind in that hallway. He whispered something in your ear, can you tell us what it was?"

Thaddeus smiles. "No.

"Thanks everybody, I got Stranger Things 3 to watch on the plane."

Thaddeus grabs the TV title and exits stage right as the cameras continue to flash. Notice how he doesn't take his anger and aggression out on a defenseless camera like some other petulant children wannabe XWF stars.

Threaded Mode \| Linear Mode A Message for Thaddeus Duke
Author	Message