Moving the Needle

[Cory]

After flashing the EBWF logo in the corner, the camera faded in on a busy press conference. Conversations were taking place amongst the reporters, and up at the front of a room was a large podium with the EBWF logo on the front of it. The activity became frenetic as a figure walked up to the podium. The man was over six feet tall, clearly well built, and wearing a custom fit charcoal three piece suit. He finished buttoning the second button on his jacket and reached out to adjust the microphones to point towards him. The broad shouldered man flashed a smirk as flash bulbs lit up his features. He put his hands up and cleared his throat.

EC3: Settle down, settle down everyone. I know you all no doubt have a ton of questions about me, EBWF's latest blockbuster acquisition. Leeeettts start... with...

He pointed out at the congregated mass of reporters and settled on a woman in the front row.

EC3: Peggy, you can go first.

Peggy: EC3, congratulations on your signing with EBWF. When can we expect you to do one of these press conferences with the EBWF World Championship over your shoulder?

EC3: THAT is a fantastic question, Peggy. As you all know, EBWF is sooooo lucky to have a guy like me in the ranks. And what better timing, am I right? King of the Ring 2018 is here, and while I'm a little disappointed that they didn't give their hottest signing in a decade a bye in the first round, I'm anticipating that I'll be carrying EBWF's greatest prize by Summerslam, if not sooner. Let's go with Benson over there.

Benson: Uh yeah. Since you're obviously the most important signing that EBWF has seen in a very long time, do you plan on taking advantage of that notoriety by becoming a brand ambassador for this fledgling company?

EC3: Absolutely, Benson. It really boils down to what EBWF wants to do. Do they want to remain a discount fed where scrubs keep playing hot potato with their biggest belt, or do they want a man that can represent their best interests worldwide? It's not even a hard question, if you ask me. Pick this bangin' superstar that can take you the next level, or stay number two until you want up doing 4 tapings a month in Canada?

Phyllis: Hi EC3, Phyllis here. What are plans for...

Voice: Um, excuse me. What is going on here?

The reporters fell silent as Renee Young crisply walked up to the podium era and looked out at the people surrounding it.

Renee Young: Who are all of you people?

EC3: Excuse me, Miss. But these people... are my adoring public, who want to know more about my debut in EBWF.

Renee Young: None of these people are actually reporters, are they?

EC3: They... are definitely....

EC3 turned to look at all the people he had assembled.

EC3: OK, fine. Everyone get out.

He shooed the crowd out with a gesture of his hands, and the "press" shuffled their way to an exit.

Phyllis: Are we still getting paid?

Renee cocked an eyebrow at EBWF's most exciting acquisition.

EC3: Just get out.

Renee folded her arms with a unimpressed expression on her face as the well-dressed EC3 closed the door behind the exiting fake reporters and clasped his hands together with a smile, addressing Renee.

EC3: Well, it is lovely to meet you, Renee. Honestly, I should have expected that they would roll out the big guns for me, but you never know.

Renee Young: So you hired actors to be a press release?

EC3: I wanted to emulate for you guys, what I expect. I am, as you probably know, a future World Champion for this company.

Renee Young: You seem pretty confident about your chances. So I take it you're not terribly worried about your match with Michael Dante tonight?

EC3: Of course, Renee! I am a little upset at the fact that EBWF made this incredible coup d'etat to acquire me, and then stick me on the opening match! But, that is okay. I understand that the brilliant Wes Ikeda can't be in the office room for every decision. Had he been present in the board room when they were pitching that little turd of an idea, I'd clearly be headlining Warfare. But that, is water under the bridge.

Renee Young: Michael Dante is a fierce competitor, and he is half of the EBWF Tag Team Champions. You've got to know he won't be a pushover.

EC3: Michael Dante? Let's get something straight. First off, you can't just be a part of a tag team and think you're going to be a successful singles superstar. Especially when you're holding the tag team titles because you've let Tommy freaking End carry your tubby ass to every W you have here. You see, Renee, I know a thing or two about Tommy End. And I know what kind of fighter he is. He's got a heel kick that'll have you eating applesauce for a month. Michael Dante is like the Jannetty's Jannetty. Like, he literally would be the Marty Jannetty in a tag team with Marty Jannetty. That's how flavorless this guy is. So no Renee, I'm not going to consider this guy a "fierce competitor".

His air quotes were entirely obnoxious.

EC3: But let's not talk about Michael Dante, Renee! Let's talk about the real story. The King of the Ring is here! EBWF's kickoff to the summer. Is there really a better time to take a look at the roster, trim the excess fat, and maybe invest some money in your future? That's what the EBWF did, Renee! They said "You know what, we're going to put the big money down now, that way we can get this absolute stud to strut his stuff during the most important part of the year." It's a smart move, an awesome strategy! I'm going to singlehandedly drag this company, kicking and screaming, into the number one spot for ratings!

Renee Young: I believe EBWF is already number one in the ratings, EC3.

EC3: Don't crack wise, Miss. Every company has room to improve. And that's what I'm here to do. I'm here to take over EBWF, and move the needle forward further than anyone thought possible. Look at me Renee! I'm clearly the greatest thing to happen to this company since... well, I can't really think about anything interesting that this company has done. But here's the good news: that's going to change! The history books will be written based on the events that you are about to see unfold. EBWF became the single most dominant company in the wrestling business on the back on three simple characters.

With a smirk, he threw up a hand gesture with his index, middle, and ring fingers cocked to the side.

EC3: E......C.......3.

He gave Renee a wink and turned to leave.

EC3: Oh, and hey by the way, great to meet you.

He nodded with a smile and left, exiting the view of the camera. Renee looked on bewildered as the scene went to black.