Post by Adrien Pierce on Dec 24, 2016 13:32:47 GMT -6
(OOC: first part is from RP written for KCW Battle Royal that will explain information in the other part of this CD)
He takes another sip of his white wine, savors it, and then sets the glass back down on the table.
Pierce smiles at Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
Pierce watches the business leaders who decided to begin eating and watches them for a moment until they stop.
Each of them shake their heads.
He looks over at Mary Barra, the only female business leader in the group.
She doesn’t answer, but gives Pierce an annoyed look as she raises her eyebrows.
He looks at the business leaders.
He waits and no one answers him.
[December 17, 2016]
Inside The Mansion Restaurant, the most expensive restaurant in Dallas, Texas, Adrien Pierce sits at a dinner table with the top ten most successful business leaders of 2016: Mary Barra, Marc Benioff, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, Ursula Burns, Stewart Butterfield, Grant Cardone, Brian Chesky, Tim Cook, and Mark Cuban. The ten sit and listen to him holds a glass of La Croix du Roi white wine in his hand and begins to speak.
::Pierce::
An inferior person will make excuses and blame others for their mistakes. A superior person will take the blame for coming up short. Take Vince Lombardi for example.
Pierce takes a sip of his La Croix du Roi white wine. He sets the glass back on the table.
::Pierce::
In 1962, Vince Lombardi led the Packers to a NFL Championship. He led the Packers to four others, but in 1962 the Packers went thirteen and one. It was almost a perfect season. You may all see him as one of the greatest NFL coaches in history. He once said that ‘perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.’
The business leaders of 2016 nod and smile, but a serious look comes over Adrien Pierce’s face.
::Pierce::
Well, contrary to popular opinion, Vince Lombardi was an imbecile.
The business leaders get a look of amazement on their face as Pierce continues.
::Pierce::
Oh, don’t be so naïve people. Vince Lombardi was proven wrong that perfection was attainable. Ten years later, Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins to a perfect season. Don Shula proved that Vince Lombardi didn’t know what he was talking about.
The business leaders continue to listen to Pierce, wondering if he has a point.
::Pierce::
Despite the multiple NFL Championships, despite his Hall of Famer status, despite his accomplishments in the NFL, Vince Lombardi was simply a man that came up short where Don Shula did not. Because of multiple NFL Championships, people overlook that Vince Lombardi never achieved the perfection that Don Shula achieved. But what is the real difference between Vince Lombardi and Don Shula?
No one is able to give Pierce an answer. He waits another moment knowing that no one is able to answer the question.
::Pierce::
Fear.
Pierce looks at each of the business leaders one by one before he continues on.
::Pierce::
It was fear that caused Vince Lombardi to fail in perfection. It was fear that made him believe that perfection was unattainable.
A couple of the business leaders begin to eat their dinner as they listen to Pierce.
::Pierce::
On December 20th, it will be that same fear that makes the difference between becoming the KCW Valiant Champion at the KCW Compound.
Pierce reaches for his glass of La Croix du Roi. He takes another sip, holds it for a moment as he continues to speak.
::Pierce::
Men like Jedi McMannis, Jett Coltrane, and Benson Kincaid are among the many that believe that it doesn’t matter how if they get knocked down, but if they get back up. And they can continue to get back up if they want. That decision is theirs. But, every single time they try to get back up…
He takes another sip of his white wine, savors it, and then sets the glass back down on the table.
::Pierce::
They will still come up short in their failing attempt to become the KCW Valiant Champion. Then, of course, you have those like Emilio Payne Jr., Jacob Kass, and Eyesnsane who might just go around telling us another Vince Lombardi quote. Would any of you care to guess what that might be?
::Mark Cuban::
Why don’t you tell us, Mr. Pierce?
Pierce smiles at Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
::Pierce::
Emilio, Jacob, and Eyesnsane might go around telling us that ‘the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.’ But like Vince Lombardi, they will lack the amount of will necessary to achieve the status of being perfect and that is why they will come up short in becoming the KCW Valiant Champion.
Pierce watches the business leaders who decided to begin eating and watches them for a moment until they stop.
::Pierce::
Do you know what else will be a deciding factor between men like Chris Andrew, Dustin Holt, and Robbie Rayder?
Each of them shake their heads.
::Pierce::
Thought not. But let me give you that answer. It is because no matter how hard they try, they will never exceed the level of mediocrity.
He looks over at Mary Barra, the only female business leader in the group.
::Pierce::
And Mary, why do you think Juno Marx will fail in becoming the KCW Valiant Champion?
She doesn’t answer, but gives Pierce an annoyed look as she raises her eyebrows.
::Pierce::
Because she just doesn’t seem to know when to just give it up. She doesn’t see how impossible it truly is for her to leave the KCW Compound with the Valiant Championship in her possession. She is less than mediocre, Mary. And she, like the rest, is so naïve to have signed a contract to enter a match where I’m the only one that has the characteristic that matters.
He looks at the business leaders.
::Pierce::
I could take all your businesses year by year and make them better than you ever could. It is for the same reason I will become the KCW Valiant Champion. Can any of you tell me why I could?
He waits and no one answers him.
::Pierce::
Because unlike my opponents and unlike you, I am perfect.
[December 24th]
How is your day?
::Adrien Pierce::
Pretty ordinary.
::Man::
Every day is ordinary…
Until it isn’t…
::Man::
…but then something changes.
::Adrien Pierce::
Nicole. How’s my dad treating you these days?
::Nicole::
Fine. He’s been very--
::Adrien Pierce::
Professional?
::Nicole::
Your father is out to lunch.
::Adrien Pierce::
How long will he be, Nicole?
::Nicole::
He should be back any minute actually. He’s been gone for an hour.
::Nicole::
Well if it ain’t Mr. E.
::Mr. E::
My dear, life is treating you well I see.
::Nicole::
It is.
Nicole finally releases the old man who looks at Adrien with a smile on his face. Nicole turns around and smiles at Adrien.
::Nicole::
Mr. E this is Adrien Pierce.
::Mr. E::
Yes, yes. We have met.
::Adrien Pierce::
Since the elevator?
::Mr. E::
Franklin Pierce, my dear boy! I came as soon as you called.
::Franklin Pierce::
Hello, Mr. E. Thank you for coming.
::Franklin Pierce::
Nicole, would you mind cancelling my appointments this afternoon.
::Franklin Pierce::
Mr. E. Adrien. Why don’t we go into my office.
::Franklin Pierce::
My office, Adrien.
::Franklin Pierce::
Two weeks ago I had thought that I would be in business with General Motors, Adrien. I received a call this morning from Mrs. Barra’s office to inform me that she was no longer interested in my proposal.
::Adrien Pierce::
Sorry to hear that, dad.
::Adrien Pierce::
Oh, come on! Who cares about GM? You could do better.
::Adrien Pierce::
Pierce Industries doesn’t need Mary Barra.
::Mr. E::
The boy is right, Franklin. Your father built this company and you have made it what it is today. You’ve been molding your boy since he was child to take over when you retire and I must say, he would do quite well. But even I can see it isn’t what he wants.
::Franklin Pierce::
No, he wants to pursue this…wrestling career.
::Adrien Pierce::
Nothing wrong with what I want.
::Mr. E::
Not at all.
::Franklin Pierce::
No, but in the meantime you were supposed to meet with those business owners to show them that if you were to take over Pierce Industries that they’d be able to rely on you. Instead all you talked about was how great and perfect you are.
::Adrien Pierce::
You’re the one that taught me to believe I was great, perfect, extravagant, magnificent…the list goes on and on dad.
::Franklin Pierce::
You are a Pierce, Adrien.
::Franklin Pierce::
So if you’re going to continue with this wrestling career, you need to be sure that the Pierce name isn’t going to be soiled.
::Adrien Pierce::
What’s that supposed to mean?
::Franklin Pierce::
Are you still feeling under the weather?
::Adrien Pierce::
A little bit, but I’ll be fine by the time I step in the ring with Kendra Ash.
::Franklin Pierce::
You better hope so because it’s one thing to lose by just being thrown over the top rope. It’s another thing to lose when the only one you have to think about is Kendra Ash.
::Adrien Pierce::
Look, dad. I have it covered. Okay? I don’t need any more damn lecturing from you.
::Franklin Pierce::
Adrien, sit down. I’m not lecturing you. In fact, that’s why I called Mr. E. Any further advice about your new career choice is going to come from him.
::Adrien Pierce::
You’ve got to be kidding me.
::Franklin Pierce::
I am as serious as how good you think you are.
::Adrien Pierce::
I can’t believe this.
::Franklin Pierce::
So I assume that you will not be joining your mother and I for Christmas again this year?
::Adrien Pierce::
Have I ever spent Christmas with you two since I graduated high school?
::Franklin Pierce::
No.
[December 24th]
Adrien Pierce stands in an elevator of One World Trade Center as he rides it to the 24th floor where his father’s office is. An elderly man is riding with him looking at the elevator doors. The old man turns to him Adrien with a look of benevolence. He looks back to the doors and as a few moments pass by the man finally speaks.
::Man::
Pierce doesn’t look at him as he answers.
::Adrien Pierce::
Pretty ordinary.
::Man::
Every day is ordinary…
The man chuckles wholeheartedly. He looks to Adrien with a smile on his face.
::Man::Until it isn’t…
Adrien’s brow furrows. The old man looks up to see what floor they’re on and he doesn’t have to look at Adrien to see the confusion on the younger man’s face.
…but then something changes.
Adrien doesn’t say a word. He just continues riding the elevator in silence. He looks to see what floor the old man is getting off on, but the only button pushed is the 24th floor. He looks at the doors and sees the old man’s smile in the reflection. He rolls his eyes and as the elevator comes to a stop on the 24th floor, Adrien steps forward. When the doors open, Adrien rushes out and heads towards his father’s office. His father’s secretary, Nicole, greets him.
::Nicole::
Hello, Adrien.::Adrien Pierce::
Nicole. How’s my dad treating you these days?
::Nicole::
Fine. He’s been very--
Adrien looks at her with a smirk on his face.
::Adrien Pierce::
Professional?
Nicole says nothing and turns her eyes a bit embarrassed that Adrien assumes as much as she would mess around with his father.
::Nicole::
Your father is out to lunch.
Adrien looks at his watch. He looks over at his father’s gorgeous blonde bombshell of a secretary. He takes a moment to really look her over, causing her to blush.
::Adrien Pierce::
How long will he be, Nicole?
She looks down at her desk, trying not to make eye contact with her boss’ son. Adrien walks over to her, not noticing the old man from the elevator is watching Adrien and Nicole’s exchange of words. Nicole acts as though she’s trying to find her boss’ schedule.
::Nicole::
He should be back any minute actually. He’s been gone for an hour.
The old man clears his throat and Adrien turns around. Nicole is startled, but sees the old man with a smile on his face from ear to ear.
::Nicole::
Well if it ain’t Mr. E.
Nicole’s sudden southern accent makes Adrien look at her in shock. She doesn’t notice.
::Mr. E::
My dear, life is treating you well I see.
Nicole rushes up and gives the old man a hug. Adrien watches the exchange of words and can’t believe that a woman like Nicole would like the strange man he met on the elevator. Nicole doesn’t let go of Mr. E as she responds.
::Nicole::
It is.
Nicole finally releases the old man who looks at Adrien with a smile on his face. Nicole turns around and smiles at Adrien.
::Nicole::
Mr. E this is Adrien Pierce.
::Mr. E::
Yes, yes. We have met.
Nicole looks at him, still smiling big and very happy. Adrien makes eye contact for a moment to give the man a respectful nod. The old man walks toward Adrien as quickly as possible and extends his hand for Adrien’s. Respectfully, Adrien takes the man’s hand and shakes it.
::Mr. E::
You sure have grown up, boy.
Adrien is taken aback with the comment.::Adrien Pierce::
Since the elevator?
The old man chuckles and just then Adrien’s father comes off the elevator with a determined look on his face as soon as he sees his son. The old man turns around and sees Adrien’s father.
Franklin Pierce, my dear boy! I came as soon as you called.
Franklin Pierce gives his best smile. He extends his hand to shake Mr. E’s, but the stern look in his eyes never leaves.
::Franklin Pierce::
Hello, Mr. E. Thank you for coming.
Franklin Pierce’s eyes return to Adrien. Without looking at Nicole…
::Franklin Pierce::
Nicole, would you mind cancelling my appointments this afternoon.
Nicole nods without a word with a worried look on her face. Mr. Edwards doesn’t lose his smile and Franklin Pierce lets go of Mr. E’s hand. He holds his hand out gesturing to his office.
::Franklin Pierce::
Mr. E. Adrien. Why don’t we go into my office.
They both nod and Adrien looks back at Nicole who trying not to look up from her desk.
::Franklin Pierce::
My office, Adrien.
Adrien whips his head to look at his father. He can see that his old man isn’t happy. He sighs and reluctantly makes his way to his father’s office. Mr. E sits down in one of the chairs in front of Franklin Pierce’s desk as Adrien walks in. His father walks in, shutting the door behind him. Adrien sits down next to Mr. E. His father walks to a window and looks out. He doesn’t say anything for a few moments, but then turns to look at Adrien.
::Franklin Pierce::
Two weeks ago I had thought that I would be in business with General Motors, Adrien. I received a call this morning from Mrs. Barra’s office to inform me that she was no longer interested in my proposal.
Adrien gives his father an apathetic look.
::Adrien Pierce::
Sorry to hear that, dad.
Franklin Pierce shakes his head and walks toward his desk to sit down.
::Adrien Pierce::
Oh, come on! Who cares about GM? You could do better.
Franklin Pierce leans back in his chair staring at his son without a response.
::Adrien Pierce::
Pierce Industries doesn’t need Mary Barra.
Mr. E clears his throat.
::Mr. E::
The boy is right, Franklin. Your father built this company and you have made it what it is today. You’ve been molding your boy since he was child to take over when you retire and I must say, he would do quite well. But even I can see it isn’t what he wants.
::Franklin Pierce::
No, he wants to pursue this…wrestling career.
::Adrien Pierce::
Nothing wrong with what I want.
::Mr. E::
Not at all.
::Franklin Pierce::
No, but in the meantime you were supposed to meet with those business owners to show them that if you were to take over Pierce Industries that they’d be able to rely on you. Instead all you talked about was how great and perfect you are.
::Adrien Pierce::
You’re the one that taught me to believe I was great, perfect, extravagant, magnificent…the list goes on and on dad.
Mr. E looks at Franklin Pierce with his eyebrows raised. Adrien’s father catches the look and averts his eyes.
::Franklin Pierce::
You are a Pierce, Adrien.
Adrien nods never taking his eyes off his father.
::Franklin Pierce::
So if you’re going to continue with this wrestling career, you need to be sure that the Pierce name isn’t going to be soiled.
::Adrien Pierce::
What’s that supposed to mean?
Adrien’s father looks at him for a moment.
::Franklin Pierce::
Are you still feeling under the weather?
::Adrien Pierce::
A little bit, but I’ll be fine by the time I step in the ring with Kendra Ash.
His father studies him for a few moments before responding.
::Franklin Pierce::
You better hope so because it’s one thing to lose by just being thrown over the top rope. It’s another thing to lose when the only one you have to think about is Kendra Ash.
Adrien holds his hand out and stands up.
::Adrien Pierce::
Look, dad. I have it covered. Okay? I don’t need any more damn lecturing from you.
::Franklin Pierce::
Adrien, sit down. I’m not lecturing you. In fact, that’s why I called Mr. E. Any further advice about your new career choice is going to come from him.
Adrien looks down at the old man who smiles back up at him.
::Adrien Pierce::
You’ve got to be kidding me.
::Franklin Pierce::
I am as serious as how good you think you are.
Adrien heads for the door to leave his father’s office.
::Adrien Pierce::
I can’t believe this.
Mr. E gets up from his chair and hurries to follow Adrien. Adrien’s father calls out to him.
::Franklin Pierce::
So I assume that you will not be joining your mother and I for Christmas again this year?
Adrien grabs the door knob and turns to look at his father.
::Adrien Pierce::
Have I ever spent Christmas with you two since I graduated high school?
::Franklin Pierce::
No.
His father lets out a heavy sigh as Adrien turns and walks out the door with Mr. E following close behind.