Johnny Maverick- Naked Pride

We open on a close-up of Johnny Maverick’s face. He has a black eye and we can still see the staples in his scalp from his cage match with Xaria Karloff. Despite his beat-up appearance he is smiling.

“You know, a lot of folks are worried that winning the big belt will change them…well I can assure you all that won’t be the case. I’ll still be as down to earth and approachable as I’ve always been, with none of the eccentricities or ego that have plagues past champions.” Johnny says. The camera pans out to reveal two things. One: that Johnny is in the halls of NGW’s Corporate Headquarters and Two: Johnny does not seem to be wearing a shirt. His only covering is the bandage around his torso and on his arm.

“I told the world that if I were ever given a shot at Kayla without any outside Destroyer and Guardian bullshit happening that I would beat her and guess what? Even half-dead from a title match that saw me have my face grated against the cage like a cheese grater and lose a buncha blood, have severe damage done to my arm have to dive off the cage to the outside of the ring to escape. I had several shades of shit beaten out of me and was ready to head to the hospital during the main event when I was approached by Devlin Scott and a woman I had not previously met while staples were being put into my head and informed five minutes before it happened that I was getting my title shot tonight and that as promised there would be no interference in my match and as it was put to me ‘None of Kayla Richards usual bullshit’ would be allowed. I don’t claim to understand your sister’s issues with you, Kayla. I also don’t claim to give a fuck about your sister’s issues with you but as it stands the only decision she made that I disagree with is her decision that you should not get a rematch because I would gladly defend my title against her or anyone else on this roster any day of the week. But if I truly never get to face Kayla again for a while then as a goodbye I will says that… Kayla none of this would have ever been an issue if I had known…that you had a sister that was WAY WAY hotter than you.” Johnny says as he walks up to the coffee machine at the NGW headquarters and pours himself a cup of coffee as the camera zooms out even further to reveal that Johnny seems to be entirely nude save for the NGW Championship around his waist, his naughty bits not on display thanks to some very strategic tucking. A female office worker passes by, blushing and enjoying an eyeful of the sight of him from behind as Johnny takes a drink of his coffee.

We then cut to Johnny in a cubicle setting leaning on a water cooler and raising his coffee mug to employees as they pass by.

“This week I am facing off against a man who I trained to become a professional wrestler and who I was just a groomsman for at his wonderful wedding. I am facing off against my dear friend Joshua Goldstein. Josh….and this is me talking directly to Josh now… One day I’m going to piss enough people off that I am going to be beaten for this belt and one day? Down the line? I see you being the man holding this. Right now you’re focused on the rebirth of the Radicalliance and that’s fine but in my opinion you shoulda remained focused on your singles goals. I know it was important to you to team up with your best friend and your now wife but…I dunno. I have this feeling that you’re gonna show me something at this show. You’ve been running around telling everybody that 2018 is the year that people start to consider you as a possible contender for the NGW Championship… That’s a swell goal and all but don’t you maybe think you’re selling yourself a little short? I mean, so long as I am champion you don’t have a shot at winning this and honestly it’s not gonna feel good beating you after your honeymoon but… Hey Bryan! How the hell are ya! How are the kids?” Johnny says, his train of thought being interrupted as an employee passes by he somehow recognizes.

“My wife got my kids in the divorce…” Bryan says.

“That’s depressing! Up top!” Johnny says, putting his hand up for a high five which the man gives him before walking away.

“He’ll be back on his feet in no time… fuckin Bryan….god I love that man…wait, what was I talking about?” Johnny says.

We cut to Johnny walking down the halls of the office.

“It really is about time I got the respect I deserve around here. Hey! Devlin!” Johnny says as he turns a corner and runs into Devlin Scott before pulling him into his embrace and hugging him tight, Devlin standing still with his arms extended holding a folder in one hand and his coffee in the other. Devlin is in a nice suit and Johnny is, as we have mentioned, basically naked.

“Hmmm….this feels right doesn’t it? What were we ever mad at each other about? Anyway. Good to see you buddy, take care! Don’t work too hard!” Johnny says, releasing the hug and walking away and leaving Devlin there still completely frozen like a statue with his arms awkwardly extended as he rethinks every decision he has made in his life that lead him to this point.

“I’m…starting to get what people have been saying about my security being terrible.” Devlin says before we cut to Johnny standing in front of a display that details the rich history of the company.

“You had better bring me your A-game Josh. I want people to see how well you do against the World Champion….but you are NOT beating me. Enjoy your honeymoon buddy. Get nice and relaxed, you deserve it…. But just know that once that honeymoon is over… you-“

“Excuse me, sir?” The head of security asks.

“Hm? Yeah, what’s up?” Johnny says.

“Any chance we can get a picture and a few autographs before we have to kick you out?” He asks, with several members of security behind him.

“Absolutely! Bring me a pair of pants and a t-shirt and I’ll even leave quietly!” he says before he starts laughing, and everyone joins in on the laughter for some reason as we fade out to black.