Title: Finishing Well (ReV 249 vs Wade Elliot & Big Bear)
Featuring: Johnny Noble
Date: 2012
Location: US, Italy

A rainy March Friday in the Pacific Northwest. A suburban house in Tacoma. That's where our story begins...

Johnny:
I woke up in a tropical forrest. Disoriented and confused. I could hear crackling like the snapping of dried twigs in the distance. And screaming. So much screaming. Something pushed me to run as fast as I could over the forrest floor toward the sound. Beams of sunlight cut through the tree canopy overhead and in the distance I could see a break in the foliage. So bright it looked like I was running into the sun itself. And as I broke through the outer edge of the tree line my eyes were bombarded and the ground under my feet was soft, and dry. Sand. And in front of me; surf. I found myself on a beach. A gorgeous beach. As my eyes adjusted to the light I almost forgot where I was headed in the beauty of the landscape. Then the crackling and screaming caught my attention again. I turned my head to the left and saw it. A plane crash. The cockpit and tail sections were nowhere to be seen, but a big chunk of the plane remained. And there were dozens of survivors. I ran as quickly as I could toward the fuselage to help in any way I was able. One guy was…

Hayley:
Dad, you are so full of it. That's the opening scene from LOST.

Former pro wrestler Johnny Noble and his 25-year-old daughter, Hayley, are sitting in the Noble family living room. She is curled up on a checker-patterned sofa, gorgeous with a piercing blue stare and long, blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun. She's wearing a hoodie and sweats. He is sitting in a hardwood rocking chair, slowly and subtly teetering back and forth. A couple well-read Bibles on the simple oak coffee table and a tattered American flag framed and under glass with a plaque that reads "OLD GLORY - 1970" in bronze. The house was obviously new in the early 80s and is sparse of furniture and instead filled with photos, mementos, and souvenirs.

Johnny (laughing):
You used to be a lot easier to pull a fast one on.

Hayley:
Maybe 20 years ago.

Johnny (soberly):
Huh. I guess it was. Time is relentless, Hayley. It has a schedule to keep and it waits for no one.

Johnny reaches over to the coffee table and picks up a cup of peppermint tea with a touch of honey. He sips it thoughtfully before placing it back down and letting out a sigh as he leans his head backward into the chair and rocks, eyes closed.

Hayley:
What's up, dad?

Johnny:
They're closing you know. Shutting the doors for good.

Hayley:
Who?

Johnny:
PRIME

Hayley:
PRIME wrestling? I thought you were done with them forever after. Well… after.

Johnny:
So did I, honey. So did I.

Hayley:
But?

Johnny:
But I miss it. I've missed it ever since I got home. There's a rush, an exhilaration you can only get inside that squared circle. In front of thousands of screaming, rabid fans.

Hayley:
Daddy, you haven't been in a ring in four years. And 10 months of that you were in a hospital.

Johnny (almost offended):
Hey! I'm Mr. Incredible! I've still got it. It's like riding a bike.

Hayley:
No, daddy, it's not. It's like fighting other grown men. Other grown men half your age.

Johnny flexes his right bicep. A sad realization comes over his face as he drops it back onto the armrest.

Johnny:
Sure I'm a little older, the skin's not as tight as it used to be, and the hair has a little less colour than it used to. But I can still do this thing. I have experience and the support of all my little Incredi-Buddies!

Hayley (smirking at her father):
Your Incredi-Buddies are in their 40s daddy. Most modern wrestling fans won't remember who you areâ€"â€"

Hayley tries to take that last sentence back. She knows where this is going and even as the words are still escaping her lips she is mentally preparing for her father's speech. She realizes that rather than talk him out of getting back into pro wrestling she has probably just pushed him over the edge and back into the squared circle.

Johnny (wistfully):
Don't remember? I headlined the biggest outdoor wrestling show ever held in Washington State! Over 40,000 people came out to see me wrestle Larry Zbyszko at an NWA show in '82. Zbyszko and Sammartino only drew 36,295 after feuding for over a year in '80! Even that hack Bollea stole my gimmick after he and Ed Leslie worked a show I headlined in Alabama in '78. Of course they all ended up in the WWF except Larry. He stayed indie like me. Good man, Larry. Hated to see him sell-out to TNA a few years back. In factâ€"â€"

Hayley:
You're rambling, daddy… and I've heard these stories a million times. Look, I think it's a bad idea, but if you really want to do it. I know I won't be able to talk you out of it.

Johnny weaves his fingers together and places his hands behind his head as he leans back hard in his chair. A satisfied smile stretches out across his face. He starts humming the theme from "Rocky".

*********************

A rainy April Tuesday in the Pacific Northwest. A suburban house in Tacoma. That's where our story continues...

"Mr. Incredible" Johnny Noble is shaving a full, thick, Randy Savage-like beard off his chin, taking care not to eliminate his trademark sideburns. He's got a large hiking backpack full of stuff and a one-way ticket to Italy. He needs to be at Sea-Tac in three hours.

Barbara:
Why do you have to leave?

Barbara is a thin woman in her mid 50s. She has shoulder-length silver hair and you can tell she was quite a looker in her day. She is kind, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. Barbara and Johnny have been together since high school. They started seeing each other in her sophomore year - his senior. She waited for him when he went to Vietnam and they were married two weeks after he came home in 1971. Johnny began wrestling professionally that same year and retired when Barbara got pregnant with Hayley in 1986.

Johnny:
I need to get away from distraction. My attention can't be stolen by conversation, television, or radio if I don't speak the language. Foreign keyboards essentially render computers useless. And, most importantly, I need a place with great old-world scenery for training montages.

Barbara:
When will you be back?

Johnny:
I don't know for sure. I talked with the office at PRIME and they've given me a spot on ReVolution 249. That's going to be in August. I'll be back in time for the show.

Barbara:
When will I see you?

Johnny (smiling, coyly):
Late August on HBO. I love you.

Johnny wipes the shaving foam off into a towel and slaps on some after shave. He kisses Barbara on the lips, for a second or two, then grabs his backpack.

Barbara:
I know, John. And I love you too. But promise me; three shows and you're done, right?

Johnny smiles and nods his head.

Johnny:
I promise.

His word is as good as gold. In 42 years he has never broken a promise to his wife. When he says 3 shows. That's what he means. Three shows. A black Towncar pulls up outside and honks. Johnny leans in and softly kisses Barbara on the cheek, gently pinches her chin, looks her square in the eye.

Johnny:
Barbara Carol Noble, you are the best thing that ever happened to me and I will love you until the day I die. I'll call you when I land in Florence.

Mr. Incredible bounds down the steps and out the door. He disappears into the back of the Lincoln and it takes off. Barbara watches the car until it is completely out of view, as she has done every time Johnny left for the last 42 years.

*********************

A blistering April Wednesday at the Florence airport. That's where our story continues...

Johnny Noble steps out of the oppressively small Florence airport and gulps down the hot, dry, Italian air. He breathes slowly out of his nose as he closes his eyes and allows the warmth of the Tuscan sun to surround him. Just the thought of getting ring-ready. Preparing to step back between the ropes. He could almost hear the throngs of screaming fans chanting his name as he walks to the ring. The magic of the moment is ripped away as a pack of scooters tear past him, leaving the airport. He glares at the back of the motorists as he pulls back one corner of his mouth in disappointment at their lack of good manners and shakes his head slightly.

Allan:
John, you ol' Yank!

Johnny spins around 130 degrees to his left and searches excitedly for the bearer of the familiar voice.

Johnny:
Al Sims! By God it's been too long. Get over here!

Allan Sims is a Geelong-born Aussie. Standing about 5'11" and having experienced a lot in his 70 years orbiting the sun. Allan managed John for several years in the late 70s and early 80s - at the peak of Noble's career after Allan migrated to the United States in '73. In 1984 Allan moved to Tuscany and has been running a winery ever since. He stays involved in the local wrestling culture and follows most of the major global promotions. They had become lifelong friends during their 8 years together. The two men embrace as old friends would. After a moment they each step back and take a look at the other.

Allan:
Holy shit, John! You got old!

Johnny:
Old is always 20 years older than you are, Al.

Allan:
So old is 90?

Johnny:
No, old is 79. I think you're already turning into dust.

Allan:
But seriously. Where did the time go? I reckon the last time I saw you was…'96?

Johnny:
'97. That world tour with PCW. 15 years. Way too long. Let's go sit down somewhere and have a drink.

They walk over to catch a taxi with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Allan:
Bourbon?

Johnny:
Mineral Water.

Allan:
You're no fun.

Johnny:
I'm in training.

Allan:
Fair dinkum. Old man.

Allan cracks an ear-to-ear grin as Johnny gently pushes against Allan's shoulder.

*********************

A blistering hot April Wednesday in Florence. A cafe. That's where our story continues...

Johnny and Allan sit at a cobblestone patio in a narrow lane way in Florence. It's hot. Especially if you live in Tacoma, but Allan and Johnny are sheltered from the sun by the apartments atop the cafe they are visiting. Johnny has a profusely sweating bottle of mineral water and a few empties on the table. Allan is still cradling his first bourbon. The two are laughing so hard that breathing has become difficult. They both release a sigh as they come down.

Allan:
What are you doing out here, John? Why chase this dream down now?

Johnny:
I need to finish well, Al. When I quit in '86 I went out on top. Top of the world. 20 years later I make a comeback. Most folks remembered me, but lots didn't. And then that thing with Tsonda and Hayley happened. That was hard.

Allan (with sad eyes):
I remember, John. I watched the whole thing. Then you just sort of vanished after that.

Johnny:
Do you know the real story?

Allan shakes his head 'no' and leans in as if to signal that Johnny now had his undivided attention.

Johnny:
I had a nervous breakdown, Al. I spent months in a hospital. I was angry, and confused, and… I don't even know. I needed help.

Allan (shocked, confused):
And you want to get back into that? That's bonkers, John! Just let it be, mate.

Johnny (determined):
I can't do it. I don't mind retiring, but I have to finish well. Besides, Hayley realized that Tsonda and his crew were no good for her. And after I went to the hospital she gave that rebellious stuff up and came back home. She's seeing a nice guy now. I really like him. He's a preacher's son.

Allan:
Well, okay John. I'll help. I'll give you everything I have left for training and I'll even come and stand ringside if you want. But I'm done at Colossus VIII. Agreed?

Johnny:
That's what I promised Barb. Colossus VIII. All I want is to finish well. That's it. I don't need to win a belt. I don't need to go out on top. I don't even need to win a match! I just want to end strong. To give my fans the best. To give other people's fans the best. To say goodbye from the squared circle. That's what I want.

Allan lifts his bourbon into the air tilts the glass toward Johnny and smiles.

Allan:
To closure.

Johnny:
To closure.

The two clink their glasses together and and gulp back their respective contents. They sit back in their chairs and pick up their lighthearted discussion about old times. Allan calls the waiter over, knowing that they'll be a while…

*********************

An oppressively hot June Monday in Tuscany. An empty beachfront. That's where our story continues…

Allan:
God dammit, John! Pick up your bloody feet! Do you want this or what?

Noble is running through thigh-deep water, dog-slow. The sweat is pouring down all over Johnny's face. He's winded and can barely see because of the salt in his eyes.

Johnny:
Allan, man, it's 110 degrees out here! I can't run as fast as I could when I was 25! Gimmie a break.

Allan (sternly):
Oh, well, alright then. I'll take it easy on you. Just like all your 25 year old opponents will! Look, John, if you just want to go out there and have someone hand your ass to you that's fine. You don't need my help. But if you want to go out there and actually compete, actually have a chance to do something great then you better be willing to work for it! I refuse to train you to skate to three straight losses. You better want to play to win. You better earn your bloody losses. And if that's not what you want… well… then I'll quit.

Johnny drops his shoulders and turns his face to the sky. A deep sigh forces it's way out. Then he bends over, grabs a couple handfuls of water, splashes them on his face and then rubs vigorously. He stands up, throws back his shoulders, grits his teeth, and runs for all he's worth as he releases a primal growl.

Allan (excitedly):
Hell yes! Run! Run! Dammit, run!

After 100 yards Johnny collapses to his knees in the water, breathing heavily. Struggling to even get the sweltering air into his lungs. Several seconds later Allan runs up along the beach.

Allan:
Not bad, for an old guy.

Johnny goes to reply, but opts instead just to smile and continue breathing. He knew it would be a long, tedious, patience-testing time of training and discipline. He thrusts his whole head under the water in an attempt to cool down. As soon has he pulls back up Allan is standing over him.

Allan (demanding):
Again.

Johnny gets to his feet, turns around, and takes off back down the beach. The only thought in his mind is, "It's worth it. It's worth it. It's worth it."

*********************

A cloudy, humid August Friday in Tuscany. An airport in Florence. That's where our story concludes…

Allan:
Well, John, it's been amazing. I have cherished this time with you and in case I don't make it to the States, I wish you all the best. I'll be in your corner, even if I'm a few thousand miles away. Finish well, my friend, finish well.

Johnny:
Thanks, Al.

Johnny and Allan hug one last time before Noble turns with singular focus and heads into the airport. Time to head back to the states. Time to get back in the ring with Wade Elliot and Big Bear. Never mind winning, Johnny wants to know if he can still roll with the big boys. He wants to compete. He wants to put on a show…

He wants to recapture his former glory.
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