ACT THREE

INT.–VINCENT KENNEDY MCMAHON’S OFFICE–STAMFORD,CONNECTICUT

Members of the press are assemble at The Titan Tower, the headquarters of the younger Vince’s new company Titan Sports Inc. The various members of the press await an announcement from Vince, he then enters the room as he prepares to make his statement.

VINCE
I’ve asked you all here today so that I may come clean about an issue that has plagued wrestling for many years.

The reporters talk amongst each other.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
It’s true that wrestling isn’t a legitimate sport, it’s more or less a form of entertainment.

The reporters start to buzz and ask questions, he points to one reporter.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Yes?

REPORTER
Since you’ve just revealed the sport’s true nature to the public, what do you think the response will be from other promoters?

VINCE
I’m more interested in what I think as a promoter than what they think.

Another reporter raises his hand.

REPORTER
Now that you’ve revealed wrestling to be more of an entertainment spectacle, do you plan to take the business into a more mainstream direction?

VINCE
Yes I do.

A female reporter raises her hand.

REPORTER
Do you believe there’ll be any risks involved in takin’ wrestling in a such a path?

VINCE
I prefer that wrestling be thought of as a legit form of entertainment rather than a fake sport.

REPORTER
You don’t believe that such a move could cause a backlash in the wrestling business?

VINCE
I’m not at all concerned, I’m in the entertainment business. The wrestling business can decide for themselves.

Everyone at the press conference bursts into laughter.

VINCE
Thank you for your time.

Vince leaves as the press still buzzes about what just happened.

INT.–VINCE SR.’S HOSPITAL ROOM–DAY

Vince Sr. sits in his hospital bed as he gives Vince a dirty look over what happened at the press conference.

VINCE SR.
I thought what you did was a stroke of genius, but do you realize the effect it could have with other promoters?

VINCE
Like I told the reporters, I don’t care.

VINCE SR.
You damn sure better! These are the kinda people that’ll leave you at the bottom o a river.

The younger Vince doesn’t seem the least bit phased his father’s comments.

VINCE SR.
I’m serious Vinnie, you need to protect yourself.

VINCE
I love you Dad.

Vince walks to the doorway.

VINCE SR.
I love you too Vinnie!

Vince walks back in, and hugs his father.

VINCE SR.
Just be careful.

INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY

Vince is on the phone with a cable company that could help him expand his wrestling promotion.

VINCE
Hi, this is Vince McMahon, my father and I sold you and Universal Television a regional cable channel that you and took national on the condition that you gave our wrestling promotion a time slot on the network.

COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE
Yes, how can I help you?

Vince takes a sip of coffee.

VINCE
Well, I thought we could broaden our agreement.

COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE
How so?

Vince writes down a note on a piece of paper.

VINCE
I thought you could syndicate our wrestling show on local TV stations all over the United States. In return, you’d get any and all assets related to Madison Square Garden.

There’s a long pause over the phone.

COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE
It’s a deal.


INT.–HOTEL LOBBY–KANSAS CITY

The various promoters of the National Wrestling Alliance are in attendance for that year’s NWA Convention. They huddle up, and watch WWF Superstars of Wrestling on television. NWA President BOB GEIGEL shakes his head in disbelief.

BOB GEIGEL
Somethin’s gotta be done about McMahon and fast!

AWA promoter VERNE GAGNE looks on as well.

VERNE GAGNE
He sure knows how to market himself by bein’ an announcer.

HARLEY RACE is pissed off at the TV set.

HARLEY RACE
That bastard’s got a lotta nerve.

EDDIE GRAHAM looks depressed as Harley gives him a dirty look.

HARLEY RACE (CONTINUED)
Didn’t you and his dear old daddy try to somethin’ similar on the East Coast 10 years ago?

EDDIE GRAHAM
Yeah, but we never followed up on it.

BOB GEIGEL
What the hell are we gonna do?

HARLEY RACE
Maybe there’s nothin’ we can do.

INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY

Vince watches a videotape of Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association promotion in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area when he notices a blonde muscular wrestler in an interview segment when Robert Marella walks in.

VINCE
Hey, that’s the guy who dad fired for playin’ Thunderlips in Rocky III.

Marella is curious.

MARELLA
Yeah, what about him?

VINCE
I figure why not hire him back? He’s got star appeal, and could make us a lot of money.

Marella nods his head.

MARELLA
You gotta point there.

Vince can’t take his eyes off the TV set.

VINCE
Do you have any info on his recent track record?

MARELLA
Well, Verne put his belt on him because he was the top star, but they had a fallin’ out because Verne wanted a 90& cut of his Japan deal.

Vince turns around, and looks at Marella.

VINCE
How has he done in Japan?

MARELLA
He was booked to defeat Antonio Inoki in the finals of a tourney to become their champ.

Vince gets up out of his chair.

VINCE
Can we get him?

MARELLA
Sure!

VINCE
If we put the belt on him, he’d be a big draw for us.

MARELLA
No doubt about it.

Vince looks at the TV set, and points to the guy.

VINCE
He’s the future of this business.
(beat)
And we’re gettin’ him alright.

Vince looks determined to get what he wants.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
After we get him, no promoter’ll stand in my way.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–NEW YORK

The world heavyweight champion THE IRON SHEIK as HULK HOGAN bursts through the entranceway, and rips his shirt off as he gets in the ring. The bell sounds, and the two guys lock up as Vince and Marella watch from the backstage entrance.

VINCE
Hell, the match just started, and the crowd already likes him.

Marella appears quite shocked at the crowd’s response as well.

MARELLA
That’s what you get when have a potential star on your hands.

Hogan pounds on The Iron Sheik who’s forehead is a bloody mess.

VINCE
Yeah, I know what you mean.

Hogan takes The Iron Sheik, and beats him with it.

MARELLA
Man, he sure knows how to put on a show for the fans.

Hogan body slams The Iron Sheik and plants a leg drop on him.

VINCE
Yeah, this is it.

Hogan pins The Ron Sheik, and the referee counts 1-2-3 and calls for the bell. He raises Hogan’s hand, and gives him the world heavyweight title.

INT.–VERNE GAGNE’S OFFICE–MINNEAPOLIS

Verne reads the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated as NICK BOCKWINKEL enterS his office.

VERNE
Well, I sure as hell screwed this one up.

Verne show Nick the issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated with Hulk Hogan on the cover.

VERNE (CONTINUED)
If I hadn’t been so stubborn on the Japan deal, we would’ve kept.

NICK
You can’t compete with Vince’s boy, they all go to the highest bidder, and that’s what he is now.

Verne puts the magazine on his desk.

VERNE
I guess your right.
Verne shakes head.

VERNE (CONTINUED)
What the hell am I supposed to do now?

NICK
Just do what you’ve been doin’, don’t try to compete with him.
Verne starts to panic.

VERNE
But the fans want showbiz!

NICK
Not all fans.

Verne goes through some paperwork.

VERNE
Are you sure of that?

NICK
The people who’ve been comin’ to your shows for the past 35 years are the marks you should cater to. Just build on what you already have.

Verne and Nick both sit down.

VERNE
But how do I build on that?

NICK
Your guess is as good as mine.

Nick ponders for a moment.

NICK
Do you think we can poach some of their talent the way they poached ours?

VERNE
Nah, we don’t have the kind of money they got.

Verne looks as if he run out of ideas.

NICK
A lot of promoters are havin’ the same problem.

VERNE
I just wish there was somethin’ we could do about it.

INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT

Vince brainstorms ideas on a piece of paper while his wife LINDA tallies up the finances on a computer.

VINCE
What do you think of holdin’ shows in arenas nationwide?

Linda gets up from the computer with a shocked look on her face.

LINDA
Are you crazy? Do you realize how much money would have to be invested if we do that?

VINCE
But Linda......

She hands some figures she printed out.

LINDA
Look at these.

VINCE
We’re profitable, what’s wrong with that?

LINDA
We’re profitable because we’re a regional operation with national exposure. If we try to go national on the road, we may go into debt.

VINCE
But that’s the next step.

LINDA
You managed to get the state athletic commissions off your back when you revealed wrestling was entertainment, your on television stations nationwide, and your top star Hulk Hogan has Hollywood appeal, Vince isn’t that enough?

VINCE
Nope.

MONTAGE:
The WWF’s first nationwide tour, and it’s success contrasted with failure of the regional promoters.

INT.– LARGE ARENA–LOS ANGELES

Hulk Hogan pounds on some loser while the fans cheer for him.

Vince is near the curtain as he counts the money from the ticket sales.

INT.–SMALLER ARENA–LOS ANGELES

The top star in Los Angeles, some fat guy with a beer gut wrestles a very slow paced main event with just a few hundred fans in attendance.

Promoter MIKE LABELL throws a fit at how terrible the match is!

INT.–LARGE ARENA–SAN FRANCISCO

Vince pays a wrestler huge sums of money.

INT.–SMALLER ARENA–SAN FRANCISCO

Promoter RED BASTIEN pays a wrestler a $20 bill.

INT.–LARGE ARENA–CHICAGO

Vince checks his wristwatch, and doesn’t see much of a problem as all the boys are already at the arena.

INT.–SMALLER ARENA–CHICAGO

Promoter DICK THE BRUISER is pissed because there are a lot of no shows at the arena.

INT.–LARGE ARENA–ST. LOUIS/KANSAS CITY

Vince observes a TV Taping of one of his shows, the arena is sold out.

INT.–TV STUDIO–ST. LOUIS/KANSAS CITY

A sweaty Bob Geigel loosens his neck tie after a bad TV Taping, the fans walk out of the studio very pissed off.

INT.–LARGE ARENA–ST. PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS

Vince again watches from behind the curtain as Hulk Hogan pounds another helpless victim in front of another sold out crowd.

INT.–SMALLER ARENA–ST. PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS

An old and tired Nick Bockwinkel wrestles in front of a very small crowd that seems sleepy and tired.

INT.–LARGE ARENA–DETROIT, MICHIGAN

A wrestler named ROWDY RODDY PIPER brawls with an opponent as the fans go wild.

INT.–SMALLER ARENA– DETROIT, MICHIGAN

A wrestler named THE SHEIK competes in a barbed wire match, and the few hundred fans in attendance seem bored.

END OF MONTAGE


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT

Vince counts the money from all the shows they’ve done, but Linda looks upset.


VINCE
It was a success, why are you still so upset?

Linda puts her hands on her hips.

LINDA
We made enough money to pay the talent, the arenas, and the TV Stations back, but not enough for the hotel and airlines accomodations.

Vince looks confused.

LINDA (CONTINUED)
We’re broke Vince.

VINCE
I was afraid this was gonna happen.

Linda holds her head down.

LINDA
What the hell are we gonna do?

Vince looks worried.

VINCE
If they all know we’re outta money, we’re gonna get killed.

They both hug.

LINDA
We’ve got two kids, and your father’s ill. We can’t afford to go broke.

Tears run down her face.

The phone rings, and Vince picks it up

VINCE
Hello?

Vince’s skin turns as pale as a ghost.

LINDA
What’s wrong?

He sits down at his desk almost unable to speak.

VINCE
My father died.

Linda kneels down beside him.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
I wonder how he’d feel if he knew that I’ve bankrupted his wrestling promotion.

LINDA
Those other promoter aren’t havin’ an easy time either.

Vince looks out the window.

VINCE
My grandfather, my father, and I had a dream for this business. But every dream comes with a price.

Linda smiles.

LINDA
That’s life.

INT.–FANCY RESTAURNT–NIGHT

Vince eats dinner with the shareholders Marella, Skaaland, and Zacko as well as the various bookers within the promotion.

VINCE
We need somethin’ to cover our debts, like a Super Bowl of wrestling type deal.

Vince stuffs his face full of spaghetti.

MARELLA
Crockett did that with Starrcade a couple years back.

VINCE
Why not get the guy who was the head booker for Starrcade? George Scott, right?

SKAALAND
Yeah.

Vince sips wine.

VINCE
Also, I’d like some celebrity involvement like how Jerry Lawler had with Andy Kaufman a few years back in Memphis?

A booker named TONY GAREA gives him a puzzled look.

GAREA
Do we have enough money to afford those celebrities?

VINCE
I’ll figure out a way.

A booker named PAT PATTERSON bites into a bread stick.

PATTERSON
Vince, you’ve taken it pretty far already, slow down a bit.

Vince has his hands cupped together.

VINCE
I’ll slow down when I feel I’m good and damn well ready.

He picks up his fork.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
What are we gonna call this event?

Everyone at the table starts to think.

PATTERSON
How about The Super Bowl of Wrestling?

Vince shakes his head.

VINCE
Some regional promoters already had events called that back in the 70's for some closed circuit broadcasts, and besides it’s too obvious.

GAREA
How about Match of The Century.

Vince shakes his head.

VINCE
Too dorky.

A booker and ring announcer named HOWARD FINKLE smiles as if a lightbulb went on above his head.

FINKLE
Remember back when they had The British Invasion, and how they called the phenomenon that surrounded The Beatles, Beatlemania?

Vince nods his head.

VINCE
Yeah.

FINKLE
So, how about we call this event Wrestle! Mania!

Everyone cheers at the idea.

VINCE
Alright, Wrestlemania it is.

Pat Patterson raises his glass.

PATTERSON
To Wrestlemania!

Everyone else raises their glasses.

EVERYONE ELSE (IN UNISON)
To Wrestlemania!

Vince still has his glass raised.

VINCE
And to my father.

Everyone grins from ear to ear.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Without him, none of this could even be possible.

They all raise their glasses again.

PATTERSON
Here! Here!

A few of them slam their glasses together.

FINKLE
So where are we gonna this event?

Vince appears confident as he sits in his chair.

VINCE
It should be at The Garden.

ZACKO
Why The Garden?

Vince wipes his mouth with a napkin.

VINCE
It would save us a whole lotta money, and my both my father and my grandfather considered that the home base of our operation for decades. And we must honor the past before we look at the future.

MARELLA
Your right.

Everyone nods.

SKAALAND
But how are we gonna market it?

Vince almost chokes on a bread stick.

VINCE
Let’S take it one step at a time, alright?

They all laugh.

SKAALAND
Yeah, I guess your right.

VINCE
Of course I am, I’m the promoter.

Everyone grows silent.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Man, when all those old farts in the territories get a load of this, they’re gonna be in for a shock.

They all seem a little concerned about his attitude.

PATTERSON
You don’t even know if it’s gonna be a success yet.

VINCE
It’ll be a success, trust me.

Vince laughs while everyone still seems a little shocked over his confidence.


INT.–MTV STUDIOS–NEW YORK

Vince is in the middle of an interview with MTV VJ MARK GOODMAN about the event WrestleMania.

MARK GOODMAN
So tell us about the main event

VINCE
It’ll be Hulk Hogan and The A-Team’s Mr. T against Rowdy Roddy Piper and ‘’Mr. Wonderful’‘ Paul Orndorff.

MARK GOODMAN
Well, we know Mr. T and our favorite gal Cyndi Lauper will be there, but are there gonna be any other big celebrities?

VINCE
Yes as a matter of fact, our special guest referee for the main will be none other than boxing great Muhammad Ali, and the ring announcer is baseball legend Billy Martin. Also, our guest timekeeper will be the ever flamboyant Liberace who’ll be escorted to the arena by The Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall.

MARK GOODMAN
You’ve come under a lot of pressure from other wrestling promoters who oppose you takin’ the act national, and makin’ it seem like more of a Vegas revue rather than a legitimate sport.

Vince has a big grin on his face.

VINCE
I’m more interested in competition with Disney on Ice and what those guys think rather than other wrestling promoters.

Mark Goodman nods his head and grins as well.

MARK GOODMAN
Well, that maybe why your becomin’ the premiere wrestling promoter in the country.

Vince laughs.

VINCE
I tend to agree with that.

MARK GOODMAN
What if other wrestling promoters attempted to compete with you?

Vince shrugs at the notion of the idea.

VINCE
They’re welcome to try if they’d like.

MARK GOODMAN
Where will this event be available?

Vince turns toward the camera.

VINCE
For those of you in the New York area, you can pay tickets to see it live at Madison Square Garden. While the rest of you can see it on closed circuit television in arenas across the country.

MONTAGE:
The various arenas where WrestleMania appears on closed circuit television.

INT.–ARENA–LOS ANGELES

Thousands of fans scream as the lights go dark, and the word ‘’WRESTLEMANIA’‘ zooms in on the giant screen.

INT.–ARENA–SAN FRANCISCO

The word ‘’WRESTLEMANIA’‘ already appears onscreen, and the fans go nuts!
THE FANS (IN UNISON)
HOGAN! HOGAN! HOGAN!

INT.–ARENA–PITTSBURGH

A technical glitch cuts off the big screen TV, and angry pelt the huge screen with garbage.

ANGRY FANS (IN UNISON)
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

INT.–ARENA–GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The negative reaction is even worse than in Pittsburgh as the fans boo even louder.

THE FANS (IN UNISON)
WE WANT FLAIR! WE WANT FLAIR! WE WANT FLAIR!

ONE FAN
THE NATURE BOY! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

VINCE (VOICE OVER)
WELCOME EVERYONE, TO WRESTLEMANIA!

END OF MONTAGE


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–RINGSIDE

Vince and Linda watch from behind the curtain as Hulk Hogan and MR. T battle Rowdy Roddy Piper and ‘’MR. WONDERFUL’‘ PAUL ORNDORFF with ‘’SUPERFLY’‘ JIMMY SNUKA and ‘’COWBOY’‘ BOB ORTON JR. outside the ring.

VINCE
Oh man this is great!

They count the money made from the ticket sales.

LINDA
I think this is enough to pull us outta debt.

They both hug and kiss.

LINDA (CONTINUED)
I love you Vince.

VINCE
Same here.

Hogan delivers a leg drop to Piper.

VINCE
Oh here it comes!

Hogan covers Piper, and MUHAMMAD ALI counts 1-2-3!

LINDA
They did a very good job tonight!

VINCE
Oh boy, they sure did!

Superfly Jimmy Snuka gets in the ring to celebrate with Hogan and Mr. T as Muhammad Ali raises their hands in victory.

Liberace rings the bell.

BILLY MARTIN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN YOUR WINNERS.........MR. T AND THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD...........HULK HOGAN!!!!!!!

Cyndi Lauper comes in the ring to celebrate with hugs all around.

INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–BACKSTAGE AREA

Everyone cheers over a job well done by everyone on the card that night, and Vince corks open a bottle of champagne that bubbles out.

VINCE
I wanna thank everyone for the effort they put into tonight’s show, you saved our asses.

Vince pours the champagne into small glasses, and hands them out.

LINDA
Yeah thanks to you all, we can pay off our debts from goin’ national.

Laughs and cheers echo from all around, a manager by the name of ‘’CLASSY’‘ FREDDIE BLASSIE emerges to say a few words.

BLASSIE
Both your grandfather and your father would’ve
been proud tonight – YOU PENCIL NECK GEEK!

Blassie hugs Vince and kisses him on the cheek.

INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT

Vince and Linda seem worn out.

VINCE
We’ve proved that we’re the supreme force in the wrestling business, and no one will stand in our way and get away unscathed.

Vince grins as he leans back in his chair.

LINDA
For once, can you think of all the promoter you’ve wiped out. Have some consideration for other people for a change.

MONTAGE:
The regional wrestling promoters Vince ran out of business.

EXT.–BOB GEIGEL’S OFFICE–ST. LOUIS/KANSAS CITY

Bob Geigel hangs a sign outside his window that reads ‘’OUT OF BUSINESS’‘, and walks off.

INT.–ARENA–SAN FRANCISCO

Red Bastien turns the light off in the local arena, and walks out the door.

INT.–TV STUDIO–CHICAGO

Once the cameras roll the final tape, Dick The Bruiser and everyone else in the promotion give each other hugs goodbye.

EXT.–CEMETERY–TAMPA, FLORIDA

The cemetery is packed with people who are teary eyed and mourn the loss of a great promoter. The tombstone reads:

HERE LIES
EDDIE GRAHAM
1930-1985

INT.–SMALLER ARENA–LOS ANGELES

The two main eventers hug as the crowd cheers.

INT.–ARENA–DETROIT, MICHIGAN

At the end of his match, streamers and confetti are thrown for The Sheik.

EXT.–OLE ANDERSON’S GARAGE–ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Ole Anderson, a grouchy, bearded, overweight promoter has two arms full of videotapes that throws in the garbage can so that they won’t clutter up his garage.

One of the tapes reads ‘’GEORGIA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING’‘

INT.–LIVING ROOM–TULSA, OKLAHOMA

There’s a television screen that reads ‘’UNIVERSAL WRESTLING FEDERATION’‘, and all of a sudden, the screen becomes static.

INT.–FRITZ VON ERICH’S LIVING ROOM–DALLAS, TEXAS

Tears stream down Fritz’ cheeks as the banner that reads ‘’WORLD CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING’‘ is ripped down from the Dallas Sportatorium where the segment was taped.

INT.–THE JARRETT-LAWLER OFFICE–MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler watch the television set in the office, and smile as a banner that reads ‘’UNITED STATES WRESTLING ASSOCIATION’‘ is put up in the place of the old World Class banner that was just taken down at the Dallas Sportatorium.

INT.–DON OWEN’S OFFICE–PORTLAND, OREGON

Promoter Don Owen sits at his desk, and flips through a photo album of memories through the past 40 years of his wrestling promotion.

INT.–DAVID WOODS’ OFFICE–MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Promoters signs an agreement with David Woods.

INT.–TV STUDIO–ST. PAUL/MINNEASOTA

The new AWA promoter Eric Bischoff oversee ‘’The Great Turkey Hunt’‘ where several wrestler search every inch of the studio as they look for a turkey.

Several members of the TV Production crew shake their heads in embarassment.

INT.–TED TURNER’S OFFICE–ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Jim Crockett and Ted Turner sign an agreement

EXT.–JIM CROCKETT’S OFFICE–DAY

Jim Crockett close the door to his office one last time.

INT.–CNN CENTER–DAY

Someone puts a logo that reads ‘’WCW’‘ on the door of an office.


END OF MONTAGE


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON OFFICE–PRESENT DAY

Vince closes the photo album as Shane observes.

VINCE
That’s how we get where we are today.

Shane looks amazed.

SHANE
Damn, that must’ve been some ride.

VINCE
It was.

Vince gets up from the desk, and sits next to Shane.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
You see, we may not have been the most honest of the bunch, but we knew how to get things done.

Shane nods.

SHANE
I know, you’ve always done what you felt was best for the business.

VINCE
And look at all we’ve been through since, the steroid and sex scandals. Competition from Ted Turner.

SHANE
Yeah.

VINCE
Not to mention some little group in Philadelphia that helped us regain our focus.


SHANE
Now we got that big tape library, what are we gonna do with it?

Vince ponders the idea.

VINCE
I don’t know, start a 24 hour cable channel devoted to wrestling.

They both laugh.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
My point is Shane, that the day you take over this company, you’ll face challenges you never expected to face in your entire life.

SHANE
I’m aware of that Dad.

VINCE
I just want you to be strong.

Shane looks up at Vince.

SHANE
I will.

VINCE
Oh yeah, and if Bret Hart writes a column about you in The Calgary Sun, run for your life!

They both burst into laughter.

SHANE
Good one Dad!

They exit the office with their arms around each other.

ACT TWO

INT.–CAPITOL ARENA–1961

‘’NATURE BOY’‘ BUDDY ROGERS wrestles in front of thousands of fans who scream for his head, the TV cameras capture every single frame of the match. His bleached blonde hair slick back with a tanned muscular physique had the fans glued to their seat as he beat the shit out of his opponent as play by play commentator RAY MORGAN calls the match.


RAY MORGAN
Rogers gouges his opponents eyes as the referee doesn’t see what’s goin’ on!


The fans boo, and the referee catches him as he pulls his opponent’s hair. Upon which he lets go, and struts before the crowd which causes the girls to cheer for him.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
Whether the fans love him or hate him, it can’t be denied that the Nature Boy is the consummate performer!

He attacks his opponent’s leg, and he slaps on the figure four leg lock in the middle of the ring. The crowd goes nuts as his opponent gives up, and the referee calls for the bell, and raises Rogers’ hand.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
He’s got it! He’s got it!

The bell rings.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
Your winner.......’‘Nature Boy’‘ Buddy Rogers!


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY


Buddy Rogers enters the office as Vince and Toots stand there to discuss a certain matter with him.

BUDDY
What’s this all about?

VINCE
Buddy, your our biggest star, the guys hate ya, the girls love ya. How would you like to be the world heavyweight champion?


Buddy’s eyes widen with a big smile.

BUDDY
I’D LOVE IT!

Toots walks up to Buddy.

TOOTS
At the NWA convention later this week, I’ll put up a $25,000 bond for you so that the board can vote on it, and we’ll just see what happens.

Buddy looks as if he’s about to get his hopes up.

VINCE
Don’t get ahead of yourself just yet, we’ll still need the board’s approval

BUDDY
Right.

Buddy still has the big smile on his face as shakes Vince and Toots’ hands.

INT.–HOTEL LOBBY–CHICAGO

Vince and Toots attend The 14th Annual NWA Convention, every wrestling promoter who is a member of the National Wrestling Alliance is in attendance. NWA President FRED KOHLER, a nerd who wears glasses, heads in Vince and Toots’ direction.

FRED
Hi boys!

VINCE
Fred, we were just lookin’ for you!

They all smile and shake hands in a cordial and polite manner.

FRED
Oh, and why is that?

VINCE
As you know, ‘’Nature Boy’‘ Buddy Rogers is now our territory’s top star.

FRED
Uh Huh.

TOOTS
Well, we’d like to sponsor him as a candidate to be the new world champ.

Toots pulls out a check for $25,000, and hands it Fred.

FRED
Alright, I’ll make it an issue before the board.

They all shake hands once again before they go their separate ways.


INT.–HOTEL BALLROOM–LATER THAT NIGHT

All the various promoters in the National Wrestling Alliance dance with very loose and drunk women who all want sex to the sound of an old standard jazz tune when Fred Kohler comes up on stage and takes his place in front of the microphone to make an announce.

FRED
May I have your attention please?

The music stops and the promoters shift their focus from the women to Fred.

FRED (CONTINUED)
NWA members Vince McMahon and Toots Mondt, who promote and book the Capitol Wrestling Corporation on the Eastern Seaboard have put up a sponsorship fee for ‘’Nature Boy’‘ Buddy Rogers to become our new world heavyweight champion.

Everyone in the room claps in response to the announcement.

FRED (CONTINUED)
All in favor of the motion to have our current champion Pat O’Connor drop the belt to Rogers?

The majority of promoters raise their hands.

FRED (CONTINUED)
All opposed?

Very few promoters raise their hands.


FRED (CONTINUED)
Motion granted.

Sounds of cheers surround the ballroom.

FRED (CONTINUED)
Well it’s official, we’re gonna have a new world heavyweight champion.

The cheers continue.

FRED (CONTINUED)
Now since that’s out of the way, let’s resume this dance.

The music starts back, and the promoters once again dance with the women. Vince dances with a very attractive woman.

VINCE
Did you hear that? We get to promote the new world champ!

WOMAN
And now, I find you even sexier because of it.

Vince and the woman kiss each other.

VINCE
Your not the first woman to tell me that.

They both laugh.

WOMAN
Oh your so funny, Vinnie.


INT.–FRED KOHLER’S OFFICE–CHICAGO

Vince, Toots, and Ray Fabiani are Fred’s office over an urgent discussion over a television deal.

FRED
Look, I need you guys to help me out. Eddie Quinn’s tryin’ to compete with me, and his TV gets better numbers than mine and bigger crowds at his shows. If we don’t do somethin’ fast, he’s gonna kill the world title match.

Fred sweats so much, he looks as if he’s at the end of a rope.

FRED (CONTINUED)
I just don’t want that French Canadian piece of shit stealin’ my territory!

VINCE
We might be able to help you out.

Fred gives them a weird look.

FRED
How?

VINCE
Well, TV is how promote the big wrestling shows these days, right? All you need is another promoter get air time on another station to help you beat Quinn.

RAY FABIANI
We may be able to get some TV time here in Chicago, and simulcast the big match between O’Connor and our boy Rogers.


INT.–WMAQ TV STATION–STATION MANAGER’S OFFICE


Vince, Toots, and Fabiani sit there as they try to con the STATION MANAGER into a time slot on his station

STATION MANAGER
So you’re a group of wrestling promoters from the Eastern Seaboard?

FABIANI
That’s right.

The station manager looks confused.

STATION MANAGER
Then what the hell are you doin’ here in Chicago?

VINCE
An outlaw promoter from Montreal, Quebec, Canada is tryin’ to steal business from the resident promoter here in The Windy City, we’re just tryin’ to teach him a lesson.

The station manager crosses his arms.

STATION MANAGER
So what can wrestling offer my station in terms of numbers?

TOOTS
We’re helpin’ the guy here promote a big match for the world heavyweight title at Comiskey Park.

STATION MANAGER
Your got yourself a deal.


They all shake hands with the station manager.


EXT.–COMISKEY PARK–NIGHT


All the promoters in the National Wrestling Alliance sit and watch as Buddy Rogers and the world heavyweight champion PAT O’CONNOR tear each other apart.

FRED
We got a sold out crowd at one of the biggest stadiums in Chicago with a world title match, and I still think Quinn’s puttin’ on better show.


Fred wipes the sweat away from his face and neck with a handkerchief as he watches Eddie Quinn’s rival wrestling show on a video monitor.

VINCE
Don’t worry about that asshole, concentrate on what’s goin’ on here.

TOOTS
Yeah, Quinn ain’t worth it...

Toots pats Fred on the back.

FRED
I guess your right.

TOOTS
I know I am, I’m the greatest booker who ever lived, ya know.

FRED
Yeah, we’ve all heard that about a hundred times.

They all laughed.

FRED
I keep thinkin’ Rogers’ll screw up somewhere.

Vince shakes his head.

VINCE
He’s not gonna screw up, you got the best performer in that very ring right now!

O’Connor looks a little weak as Rogers pounds on him.

VINCE
Well, he sure is gettin’ the job done, I’ll tell ya that.

FRED
I hope he keeps at it.

Rogers slaps the figure four leg lock on O’Connor.

FRED
Take it home Buddy!

O’Connor gives up, and the referee calls for the bell. The referee then raises Buddy Rogers’ hand, and gives him the world heavyweight title. Rogers then grabs the microphone.

BUDDY
To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen.

The crowd is an uproar with a mixture of cheers and boos.


INT.–FRED KOHLER’S OFFICE–DAY

Vince, Toots, and Faibiani celebrate with Fred over the title match as Toots uncorks a bottle of champagne, and they each pour it in small glasses.

FRED
I just got the numbers from the TV Stations, and our simulcast puttin’ the strap on Rogers blew Eddie Quinn’s ass right out of the water.

The other three men cheer.

VINCE
What about the attendance records?

FRED
Well, it set the biggest attendance record for a wrestling show ever held in the United States!

All four men raise their glasses in a toast.

VINCE
To the wrestling business!

Each of the glasses touch one another.

FRED
Rogers’ll make a damn good champion!

VINCE
You can bet your ass on that.

Vince smiles at Fred.


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–A YEAR LATER

Vince and Toots are in the office when they hear a knock at the door. They open the door, and it turns out to be SAM MUSCHNICK and LOU THESZ. Vince and Toots are now scared to death, and put big smiles on their faces to conceal their fear.

VINCE
Sam, I heard the good news about you bein’ named a possible candidate for re-election as President of the National Wrestling Alliance! Congratulations!

Vince’s sweaty palm shakes Sam’s hand.

SAM
Can the bullshit McMahon, we’re here because there’s a little bit of a problem.

Sam and Lou walk into the office, and both take a seat.

TOOTS
What’s wrong?

SAM
Well, a lot of promoters in the Alliance have made complaints that you haven’t sent Buddy their way to give their boys a shot at the world title.

Vince and Toots become a little more nervous.

VINCE
Buddy’s our top draw here, we’re keepin’ him because he’s good for business!


SAM
I’ll tell you what, you have Buddy drop the belt to Lou here, and you can create your own version of the world title with Buddy as champ to business goin’ here.

VINCE
Sounds good to me.

SAM
Frank Tunney’s got the Maple Leaf Garden booked for Buddy to drop the title to Lou.

Vince and Toots’ eyes bug out.

TOOTS
Already?

SAM
Yep.

Vince whispers in Toots’ ear.

VINCE
Well, that was fast.

SAM
We’ll even make it a one fall title match to make it seem as if Buddy got screwed, the marks’ll love it!

Vince and Toots huddle to discuss it.

VINCE
Alright, we’ll do it.


INT.–SAM MUSCHNICK’S OFFICE–ST. LOUIS

Sam and Lou are in the office as they discuss Lou’s match with Buddy Rogers.

LOU
Sam, I get the feelin’ they’re screw us.

SAM
Why is that?

LOU
Toots Mondt screwed me out of a payday back when I started out, and I never trusted Vince McMahon to begin with, although I did have a good relationship with Jess.

Lou takes a deep breath.

LOU (CONTINUED)
And that Buddy Rogers is nothin’ but a smart ass!

SAM
What’s your beef with him?

LOU
I gave him a ride to a show when he was a rookie, and he some offhand remark about my mentor Ed ‘’Strangler’‘ Lewis.

Sam gets up from behind his desk.

SAM
I can’t tell you that there’s nothin’ to worry about, but in spite of it all, just put on the best show you can.


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–WASHINGTON D.C.

Vince and Toots are in the office as they discuss the details of the match with Buddy Rogers.

BUDDY
I understand why I have to drop the belt, but why in the hell do I have to drop to Lou Thesz of all people?

Vince takes a sip of coffee.

VINCE
Well, that’s what Sam wanted.

A sense of curiosity sparks in Vince.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
What happened between you and Thesz anyway?

BUDDY
He doesn’t like me because I’m more of a performer than a wrestler.

Toots bursts into laughter.

VINCE
Thesz should know that showmanship is what sells tickets these days, not that greco-roman shit!

BUDDY
Sam should talk about Toots not bookin’ me outside the Northeast since he didn’t book Lou outside of St. Louis. And besides, when’s the last time he sold out The Garden anyway?


INT.–MAPLE LEAF GARDENS–TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

Lou Thesz and Buddy Rogers struggle in the ring as the fans are in uproar about who will win. The crowd is divided over who they cheer, half cheer for Thesz while the other half cheers for Rogers. Vince, Toots, Sam Muschnick, and Toronto promoter FRANK TUNNEY observe the match.

FRANK
Your boys are doin’ good.

TOOTS
I wonder if the crowd’s gonna riot into a frenzy.

VINCE
That always happens when Buddy’s the star attraction.

SAM
But he isn’t even a tenth of the wrestler Lou is.

Thesz has Rogers in arm bar.

VINCE
God, let’s get this over and done with.

Thesz gets Rogers in a submission hold, and the referee calls for the bell. The referee then hands Thesz the world heavyweight title.

RING ANNOUNCER
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...YOUR WINNER...AND NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION......LOU THESZ!

The crowd cheers.


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY

Vince and Toots brainstorm ideas for the new world heavyweight title, but look as if they can’t come up with any good ideas.

VINCE
If we’re gonna have our own world title, then we need to give the wrestling promotion a new name that gives the marks the impression that we have worldwide appeal.

Toots is very quiet as he listens to Vince.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Also, the name needs to be make marks believe that we’re a separate body from the National Wrestling Alliance.

Toots writes on a notepad.

TOOTS
How about this?

Toots holds the notepad up to Vince, and it reads WORLD WIDE WRESTLING FEDERATION.

VINCE
Toots! Your brilliant!

Vince gives Toots a big wet kiss on the cheek!

TOOTS
Vinnie, you don’t have to get so mushy!

VINCE
Wait a minute, how in the hell are we
gonna explain how Buddy won the new title?


TOOTS
I have an idea.

INT.–WWOR TV STUDIOS–NEW YORK

The cameras tape a segment with announcer Ray Morgan.

RAY MORGAN
The main event at Madison Square Garden will be for the brand new world heavyweight title sanctioned by the World Wide Wrestling Federation.

Roy Morgan holds up a photo of ‘’Nature Boy’‘ Buddy Rogers.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
The first man to hold this brand new title none other than ‘’Nature Boy’‘ Buddy Rogers. He won the title in the finals of tournament held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He puts the photo of Rogers down, and holds up the photo of a brand new star who has garnered a lot of attention in the last few years.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
He will defend his title against ‘’The Italian Strongman’‘ Bruno Sammartino.

He puts down the photo of Bruno Sammartino as he gets ready to address the home viewers.

RAY MORGAN (CONTINUED)
We hope you’ll join us for another night at The Garden.


INT.–GYM–DAY

BRUNO SAMMARTINO lifts weights as he is surrounded some female admirers and a few little kids who want his autograph.

LITTLE KID
Can you sign my notepad?

Bruno puts down the weights.

BRUNO
Sure.

He signs the kid’s autograph book.

FEMALE ADMIRER
Let me feel those muscles.

The female admirer feels his biceps.

FEMALE ADMIRER (CONTINUED)
Oooooooooooooh!

Vince and Toots enter the gym.

BRUNO
Could you guys excuse me for a minute?

Bruno leaves the woman and the kids to talk with Vince and Toots.

VINCE
Ready for the title?

BRUNO
Yep. Who’s goin’ over, me or Buddy?

TOOTS
Buddy’ll keep the title, but the match’ll start a big feud that’ll lead to you becomin’ our top baby face.

Bruno nods his head.

VINCE
This is gonna go over big Bruno!

BRUNO
I hope so. You think the marks would accept a new world title rather the NWA’s version?

Toots has a twinkle in his eye.

TOOTS
You and Buddy are so over they wouldn’t care which world title we’d use.

Bruno is a little shaken by Toots’ remark.

BRUNO
Are you sure about that?

TOOTS
Of course I am, I’m the one who made wrestling what it is today.

Bruno looks a little skeptical as he ponders that comment.

BRUNO
Is any of that true Vinnie?

VINCE
He’s been in wrestling since the old carnie days, so I wouldn’t put it past him.

They all share a laugh.

BRUNO
You guys have been great, givin’ a little boy from Italy an opportunity to shine here in America.

VINCE
Glad we could help, Bruno.

Vince pats him on the shoulder, and he and Toots make conversation behind Bruno’s back.

VINCE
That so called ‘’Italian Strongman’‘ will just be some mid-carder for 2 or 3 years, and that’ll be it.

Toots is shocked by what Vince has just said.

TOOTS
Vince.....he’s gonna the future of wrestling one day.

Vince crosses his arms.

TOOTS (CONTINUED)
I’m serious Vinnie, he’s gonna be a big star!

VINCE
Marks like flamboyant performers, not ethnic bodybuilders.

TOOTS
Whatever you say, but you know that I’m always right in the end.


INT.–THE LOCKER ROOM–A FEW NIGHTS BEFORE THE MATCH

Buddy Rogers does squats in preparation for a title defense, but clutches his chest. The rest of the boys in the locker room rush over to help him.

WRESTLER
You ok Buddy?

Buddy gasps for air.

BUDDY
Yeah, I guess.

Another wrestler bolts out the door to get someone.

THE OTHER WRESTLER
Get a doctor!

The person looks alarmed.

PERSON
What’s the matter?

THE OTHER WRESTLER
Just get one now!

That person runs to get a doctor.

FIRST WRESTLER
Here, drink this.

The first wrestler hands Buddy a cup of water.

SOME OTHER WRESTLER
You alright?



INT.–DOCTOR’S OFFICE–DAY

DR. PAUL SULLIVAN presses a stethoscope against Buddy’s bare chest, Vince and Toots stand there as they awaits the results.

VINCE
Let’s hear it.

PAUL
I found nothin’ abnormal about his heart.

Paul turns to Buddy.

PAUL (CONTINUED)
Still havin’ chest pains?

BUDDY
Yeah.

Paul turns back to Vince and Toots.

VINCE
He ain’t fakin’ it, everyone in the locker room saw him have an attack.

TOOTS
Who knows? He may have a mild heart attack.

PAUL
That would explain why I found nothin’ wrong with him.

VINCE
Maybe.

PAUL
Alright, I’ll let him wrestle that Sammartino guy, but make sure it’s a short match. After that, it’s up to the state athletic commission.


INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–WASHINGTON D.C.

Vince and Toots discuss with Bruno what happened to Buddy and how it’s gonna affect the match.

BRUNO
So I’m gettin’ the title?

Toots sips some whiskey.

TOOTS
Just a change of plans.

BRUNO
What happened?

VINCE
Buddy had a mild heart attack in the locker room before a match, and now we’re gonna have to cut your match with him a little short.

Bruno looks a little shocked.

BRUNO
What about after the match? Is Buddy still gonna be able to wrestle?

VINCE
We don’t know, that’s up to the guys at the athletic commission.

BRUNO
Man, how’s Buddy doin’?

TOOTS
Still havin’ chest pains as far as we know.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–NEW YORK

The bell rings as Buddy Rogers and Bruno Sammartino get ready for their match as Vince and Toots stand there near the crowd.

VINCE
I hope Buddy doesn’t give out on us.

Vince and Toots are both a little nervous.

TOOTS
Me too.

Vince spots someone from the state athletic commission.

VINCE
Oh shit!

TOOTS
What?

Vince points Toots in the direction of the guy from the state athletic commission.

TOOTS (CONTINUED)
Well, don’t let em know your nervous.

Vince starts to sweat.

TOOTS (CONTINUED)
Here....

Toots hands him a handkerchief, and he wipes the sweat off his forehead.

Meanwhile in the ring, Sammartino gets Rogers in a bear hug. Rogers gives up right then, and the referee calls for the bell. He gives Sammartino the world heavyweight title as the crowd cheers.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–BACKSTAGE AREA

Various news media interview Bruno after the big match, it’s a frenzy with hordes of people who wanna speak with the new world heavyweight champion.

REPORTER
How does it feel to beat Buddy Rogers for the world title?

BRUNO
It felt great.

A female reporter raises her hand.

FEMALE REPORTER
What do you plan to do now that you’ve won the title?

Bruno looks confused and laughs.

BRUNO
Go to Little Italy and celebrate with the people I love.

The various reports clap as Vince and Toots watch from behind the curtain.

VINCE
Well, he sure knows how to kayfabe the press.

TOOTS
That’s because he’s a natural.

VINCE
Yeah, sure is.



INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1982

Vince and his son VINCENT KENNEDY MCMAHON, a dark haired man almost 40 years old who look very business smart, discuss the future of the wrestling promotion.

VINCE
I wanna let go out of the business Vinnie.

The younger Vince is a little saddened by the news.

VINNIE
Why?

VINCE
I got a call from the doctor, and I found out I’ve got cancer.

Vinnie fights back tears.

VINNIE
How bad is it?

VINCE
He said I’d live a couple more years, but that’s it.

VINNIE
What’s gonna happen to our business Dad?

VINCE
I think it’s time for you to have a shot at it, you’ve done such a good job as an announcer, bookin’ and promotin’ the smaller town, and with the rock concerts and hockey games, it’s time for you to take over.


Vinnie seems overjoyed.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
But your gonna have to earn it, your gonna be payin’ for it in installments. Miss one psyment, and the promotion is goin’ to somebody else.

Vinnie nods.

VINNIE
I understand.

Vinnie gets ready to exit the office.

VINCE
Oh and Vinnie?

Vinnie turns his head.

VINNIE
Yeah?

VINCE
I’m countin’ on you.

Vinnie leaves the office.

MAN
We overheard the conversation.

The man turns out to be ROBERT MARELLA, who stands in the doorway along with ARNOLD SKAALAND, and PHIL ZACKO.

MARELLA (CONTINUED)
Your handin’ the promoter over to Vinnie?

VINCE
Is that a problem?

Marella straightens his blue tinted glasses.

MARELLA
Just because he’s your son doesn’t mean he’s gonna be a good promoter.

VINCE
He’s proven himself and I believe he’s ready.

SKAALAND
On a small scale? Yes. On a large scale? No.

Zacko licks his lips.

ZACKO
Look, maybe you should hand the operation over to someone who has more experience in the business.

Vince looks a little pissed.

VINCE
I have faith in Vinnie, he may have lot to learn, but I think he can get the job done.

MARELLA
Fair enough.

Vince seems a little agitated.

VINCE
Don’t you three have to book some towns?

MARELLA
Look Vince, we’re just wanna do what’s best for business.

VINCE
I know.

Marella, Skaaland, and Zacko all look at each other.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
But I stand by my decision.

SKAALAND
Understood.

Zacko looks Vince in the eye.

ZACKO
We just hope you know what your doin’.

Vince grows more angry.

VINCE
I know what I’m doin’, and don’t you ever question my judgement again.

ZACKO
OK OK OK........calm down!

VINCE
Get the hell outta my office, alright?

The three of them exit the office.

MORELLA
I don’t know whether or it’s the mood swings from the cancer treatments or what.

Vince holds a picture of his father Jess in his hand.

VINCE
I just don’t what I’m gonna do Pop, I just don’t know.

Tears stream down Vince’s face.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
I’ve decided to hand over the business to Vinnie, but the shareholders in the promotion don’t have much faith in him.

Vince holds his head up in disbelief.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
I don’t care what they say, I’m givin’ the promotion to Vinnie, he’s earned it.

Vince has a humble look on his face.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Thanks for listenin’ Pop.

Vince gets up from his desk.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
I miss you so much.
(beat)
I guess I’ll be with ya soon.

Vince walks over to the door.

VINCE (CONTINUED)
Good night Pop.

Vince turns the lights off, and shuts the office door.

ACT ONE

INT.–VINCE MCMAHON’S OFFICE–DAY



VINCENT KENNEDY MCMAHON looks out the window of his office at The Titan Tower in Stamford, Conneticut with a bottle of scotch in his hand. His son SHANE enters the room.


VINCE
Did I ever show you any old photos or tell you about how we all came this far in the business?

SHANE
No, you didn’t.


He walks over to his desk, and pulls out an old scrapbook, he flips to a picture of RODERICK JAMES ‘’JESS’‘ MCMAHON taken decades earlier when he was very young as Shane looks at the picture with astonishment.

VINCE
Your great grandfather Jess got his start as a manager for a Negro League baseball team, but it wasn’t until he booked for promoter Jack Curley that our legacy was first established.


Shane takes a closer look at the photo of what seems to be Jess on a small boat. As if he had traveled abroad somewhere, almost like a foreign country.


SHANE
Tell me more.


EXT.–HAVANA, CUBA–1915



Jess McMahon is an Irish Catholic from New York which many describe as handsome and debonair with undeterminable age. He looks to his right as his boat pulls up to the shores of Havana, and spots JACK CURLEY, a middle aged fat immigrant to States who awaited his arrival, they shake hands at soon as Jess steps off the boat and into the hot Cuban sun.



JACK
I’m glad you agreed to book the fight, not many wanted to be involved with a prizefight that had some gold toothed nigger as the world champ.


JESS
Since I’ve worked with of bunch em several years ago in baseball, I guess I know to handle any jungle bunny or tar baby that chooses to be an athlete.




Both men burst into laughter. Jack walks Jess over to the ticket office where Jess will take bets on the fighters.


JACK
Here ya go, let me know as soon as all the bets come in.



Jess enters the ticket booth as Jack leaves.


INT.–TICKET BOOTH–SEVERAL HOURS LATER


Cubans line up everywhere as they place bets on their favorite boxer. Jess collects their money while he also looks at the sheet of paper where he records bets and tallies the bets for the fighters.



He looks down at the sheet, which reads:


Jess Willard 9,000 Pesos

Jack Johnson 1,000 Pesos


Jess’ eyes bug out AT what he sees.....


INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–DAY


Jack is at his desk while Jess stands next JACK JOHNSON, the world heavyweight champion. A heavy set black man who’s bald with gold teeth.


JACK JOHNSON
Are you tellin’ me that I have to drop the belt to whitey, not just because I’m a nigger, but also because a bunch of wetbacks who can’t speak English bet against me?


Jack and Jess are both very quiet as they can’t seem to come up with a good excuse of why Jack Johnson should go through with this.


Jack takes a deep breath.


JACK
It’s just a good business move, that’s all. All the newspaper wanna see this great white hope triumph over this little monkey who’s ancestors were snatched from Africa. It’s a good story, you have to give the people what they want.


Jack Johnson still looks unsure of whether or not he should go through with it.

JACK JOHNSON
But I’m the first every black champion, it’s my job be a role model for young black kids everywhere.


JACK
No, it’s your job to throw the fight, take the money, and keep your mouth shut. That’s what any other man of your color and size would do. Just take that money, and buy yourself a big watermelon patch after the fight.



Jack Johnson looks disappointed.


JACK JOHNSON
Alright, I’ll do it.



Jack Johnson leaves the office with his head sunk down in shame.


EXT.–OUTDOOR ARENA–NIGHT


Jack Johnson and the number one contender JESS WILLARD a.k.a The Great White Hope are boxing in the ring as Jack Johnson is about ready to throw the fight, and drop the title. Willard throws a hard punch to Johnson’s face, and Johnson is down for the count.

REFEREE
1!

The crowd looks on as Johnson appears to be out cold.

REFEREE
2!


Jack and Jess look on in hopes that Johnson won’t screw them over.

REFEREE
3!

The press snaps some photos of Johnson befallen on the mat.

REFEREE
4!


The challenger Jess Willard looks on as Johnson still isn’t up.


REFEREE
5!

A reporter takes some notes.


REFEREE
6!

A film maker records footage of the knockout for a newsreel.

REFEREE
7!

Jack counts the profits from the ticket sales.

REFEREE
8!

The timekeeper waits to ring the bell.

REFEREE
9!

The whole arena was just silent.

REFEREE
10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bell rings and the crowd goes nuts!

RING ANNOUNCER
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN........YOUR WINNER..........AAAAAAAAND NEW! HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! THE GREAT WHITE HOPE! JESS WILLARD!

The referee raises Willard’s hand, and puts the championship belt around his waist. Willard arms are still raised while the boxing gloves still cover his fists.

All the marks and fans go to collect their bets from Jack and Jess.


INT.–CIRCUS TENT–NIGHT


Jess Willard and wrestling’s world heavyweight champion FRANK GOTCH leave the tent, and they both collect their payday from Jack.


JESS WILLARD
Are you tryin’ to short change me you cheap son of a bitch?

Jack looks in all directions as he tries to come up with a good excuse.

JACK
Just givin’ ya what I owe ya.


Willard becomes furious.

JESS WILLARD
I’ve had enough of your bullshit Curley!

Frank tries to calm him down and act as the voice of reason.

FRANK
Don’t jump to conclusions, he may have a good reason for comin’ on short.

Willard becomes even more fed up.

JESS WILLARD
Blow it out your ass Gotch!



INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NEW YORK CITY


Jess McMahon, Jess Willard, JACK DEMPSEY, and his manager DOC KEARNS are fed up with Jack Curley’s short payoffs so they have gone to Curley’s rival, boxing promoter TEX RICKARD to get even.


TEX
I’ll help you all out, but you gotta help me out first.

They all look confused.

JESS
How?

Tex ponders for a moment.

TEX
Well, boxing’s now legal in New York, right?

JESS
If Doc and his boy can arrange a boxing promoter’s license for me, and a way to keep Curley out of the New York boxing scene, then I’ll be more than happy to put you all on my payroll.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–NIGHT

Dempsey knocks out Willard, while Doc Kearns, Tex, and Jess are at ringside.

DOC
Here’s the promoter’s license you wanted.

Doc hands Tex the promoter’s license.


TEX
You’re a good man, Kearns.

The two men shake hands, and Doc turns to Jess.

DOC
Did you book the fight as we all agreed?

JESS
Yes, the finish is about happen as we speak.

They look on the referee counts out Willard.

REFEREE
10!

The bell rings, and the referee raises Dempsey’s hand.

DOC
Your one booker who knows how to get the job done.

The referee hand Dempsey the belt.

JESS
Well, thank you.

Jess grins as he looks as the new champion Jack Dempsey.

TEX
That’s our new star McMahon, our new star!

Jess nods.

JESS
This champ’s gonna be a real draw!


INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY


Tex is miffed by what he sees in the newspaper that day, it just makes his blood boil. He just can’t stand it, Jess is also in the office to be the recipient of his next tirade.

TEX
Why the hell did Curley have to promote a wrestling show in my god damn arena?


Jess looks scared to death.

JESS
Well, you prevented him from promotin’ boxing in New York, but there’s no laws in the state athletic commissions that prevent him from promotin’ wrestling in New York.

Tex gets more pissed off by the second.

TEX
He’s also promotin’ wrestling just to get under my skin!

Jess waits for what Tex will say next.

TEX (CONTINUED)
He had to use that a lousy tournament as a buildup for that shitty world title match between those two faggots Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock!

Tex grunts, and drops the newspaper in disgust as he and Jess leave the office. There is a photo of Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock on the newspaper.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–DAY

Tex has gathered various investors to embark on a new venture that involves the arena, the most well known investor present is none other than circus promoter JOHN RINGLING of The Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus. They all sip champagne and wine to celebrate.


TEX
We are here to form a tight knit corporation with each of you as shareholders in a brand new endeavor entitled The Madison Square Garden Corporation. It will make the promotion of events here at a Madison Square Garden an exclusive privilege to all of you, and will serve to keep out such low brow and unwanted promoters such as Jack Curley.

Jess observes as his boss discusses his vision of Madison Square Garden with the group.

TEX (CONTINUED)
I’d now like to introduce one of our main investors in the new company, John Ringling!

Everyone claps while John Ringling tries to act modest.

JOHN RINGLING
I’d just like to thank our new chairman Tex Rickard for giving us the opportunity to invest in this new company, and to present the best in sports and entertainment that we can in the 1920's.


They all raise their glasses in a toast.


INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–DAY


The phone rings, and he is surprised to hear to Jack Curley’s voice on the phone. He is also surprised at how polite Curley is in the conversation.

CURLEY
Let’s bury the hatchet, I have proposal you might be interested in.

Tex wonders what it could be.

TEX
I’d like to hear it.

Jess walks in, and wonders what all the hoopla is about.

CURLEY
As you know, I’ve been promotin’ this french guy in Jersey City who’s the world light heavyweight champ, and we’ve drawn some big crowds with him. Maybe we should put him up against Dempsey.


A big smile came over Tex’s face.

TEX
I LOVE IT!

CURLEY
Great! Let’s promote this as the fight of the century!


Tex begins to look starry eyed.


NEWSPAPER MONTAGE
HEADLINE:

WORKING CLASS AMERICA VS. FRENCH ROYALTY

Photos of Jack Dempsey and the world light heavyweight champion GEORGE CARPENTIER are featured on the front page.

END OF NEWSPAPER MONTAGE

INT.–JERSEY CITY ARENA–NIGHT

Dempsey and Carpentier fight in the ring with a very wild crowd as they scream for the two competitors, it’s a crowd of 80,000 fans, the first $1 Million sellout for a prizefight. A radio announcer calls the fight while a cameraman films the bout for a newsreel.


RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey delivers a hard right hook to Carpentier!


INTERCUT WITH: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF THE FIGHT

Carpentier tries to strike back, but is too dazed to focus. His face is covered in blood, and he stumbles from corner to corner in the ring.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Carpentier is tryin’ to stay alive in this battle of champs


BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE

Carpentier struggles to take a breath, he gasps and gasps and gasps for air.



RADIO ANNOUNCER
Is Carpentier gonna survive the wrath of Jack Dempsey? Or will he succumb to the power of the American Dream?

BACK TO: NEWSREEL FOOTAGE

Dempsey delivers a right hook to the bridge of Carpentier’s nose!

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Oh dear god! Carpentier is down! Carpentier is down!

BACK TO: FILMED FOOTAGE

The referee counts Carpentier out, and rings the bell.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Dempsey wins! Dempsey wins!

The referee raises Dempsey’s hand.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Dempsey is a hero tonight in the eyes of many fans all over America!

Dempsey shakes hands with various members of the press as he leaves the ring.

DOC
Come on, get him up, get him up!

A whole group of people hoist Dempsey on their shoulders as the fans go wild one last time.


INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1929


Jess stacks papers with his son VINCENT JAMES MCMAHON, a dark haired heavy set 15 year old boy as they prepare for the next big show. Vince brings in another stack of papers.

VINCE
Any word on when Tex plans to expand the promotion into Miami and London?

Jess shrugs his shoulders.

JESS
No official word yet, he’s in the hospital gettin’ his appendix removed. Won’t know until after that.


The phone rings, and Jess picks it up.

JESS
Hello?

A saddened look comes over his face.

JESS (CONTINUED)
Oh my god! Well, I appreciate the notification, goodbye.

Jess seems grief stricken as he puts the phone down.

VINCE
What’s wrong, Pop?

Jess sheds a tear.


EXT.–CEMETERY–DAY


People are everywhere, at the funeral someone they admired and worked with for many years. Everyone looks down at this brand new tombstone that was just made, and they look at the inscription that reads:


GEORGE LEWIS ‘’TEX’‘ RICKARD
1870-1929


Jess and Vince stand there as they mourn his death.

VINCE
I wonder who’s gonna take over The Garden.

JESS
I’m almost afraid to even think about that. No one can come close to runnin’ as good an operation as Tex did.


Jess struggles to get through the service.

VINCE
What are we gonna do?

JESS
I just don’t know Vinnie, I just don’t know.

Tex Rickard’s casket descends into the grave.



INT.–TEX RICKARD’S OFFICE–NIGHT


TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY and all the shareholders within The Madison Square Garden Corporation assemble to the reading of Tex’s will, and discover who he left The Garden to.

TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
I, George Lewis Rickard of sound, mind, and body as the majority share of The Madison Square Garden Corporation do hereby bequeath all my assets in the company to Roderick James McMahon.

A big smile stretches across Jess’ face, but he tries to act humble.

JESS
He left it all to me?

TEX RICKARD’S ATTORNEY
He felt you were the best for the job, Jess. Congratulations.

Tex’s attorney walks over to Jess, and shakes his hand.

JESS
Thank you!

Jess looks up to the sky, all starry eyed as he still has that big smile on his face. Vince stands next to him with astonishment.

VINCE
Alright Pop! You got The Garden!

Jess puts him arm around Vince and smiles at him.


INT.–MADISON SQUARE GARDEN–BOARD ROOM


Jess and all the other shareholders sit at a round table to discuss a very serious issue at the arena.

JESS
All in favor of promotin’ wrestling here at The Garden.

Just a few shareholders raise their hands.

JESS (CONTINUED)
All opposed?

The majority of shareholders raise their hands.

FEMALE SHAREHOLDER
We just don’t care to have wrestling at our arena, the so called ‘’sport’‘ is fake, and mocks all that America stands for. Mr. Rickard would not allow this if he were alive.

Jess looks annoyed at the woman.

JESS
Well, I hate to break this to you, but dear old Tex is dead, and don’t you ever call wrestling ‘’fake’‘, it’s the sport of kings. If you understood the concept of business at all, then you wouldn’t doubt wrestling for a second.

The female shareholder looks pissed.


SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
And most of your connections in wrestling are crooked. You need to re-evaluate your contacts.

Jess ponders his comment.

JESS
Is that how you feel?

SKINNY MALE SHAREHOLDER
Yes.

Jess nods his head.

JESS
I see.

MIDDLE AGED SHAREHOLDER
And besides, what makes you think anyone would even pay tickets to see a wrestling show?

Jess leaned back in his chair.

JESS
I have faith in that business, and someday it’s gonna make everyone rich!

The middle aged shareholder rolls his eyes.

JESS (CONTINUED)
If none of you can see that, then you all need to sell your shares in this company as soon as possible.



INT.–JACK CURLEY’S OFFICE–1937

Jack and Jess are in the midst of a discussion about the idea bringing wrestling back to Madison Square Garden. Neither Jack nor Jess look too pleased.

JESS
I’m sorry, but the shareholders just don’t want wrestling in The Garden.

Jack appears to be frustrated.

JACK
It’s been how many years since Tex left you The Garden, and they STILL won’t budge?

JESS
They believe in holdin’ true to Tex’s wishes.

Jack shakes his head.

JACK
Oh brother!

Jack looks up at Jess as if he has a bad taste in his mouth.

JACK (CONTINUED)
When are they gonna wake up and realize that Tex has been dead for years?

Jess seems confused.

JESS
Your guess is as good as mine on that one.


Jack looks at out of his window.


JACK
I have to promote wrestling in some dinky National Guard Armory because of them!


He turns towards Jess again.

JACK (CONTINUED)
Do they realize how much shit I have to go through to put on those god damn shows? The boys and I have to drive all the way downtown to get to the arena. I’m sick and tired of havin’ to drive that far!

Jess looks sad and humble.

JESS
I wish there was somethin’ I could do.

Jack returns to the window, and points to the arena outside.

JACK
This here is The Hippodrome, it seats 9,000 fans, and I’ve developed this new ring that can be raised and lowered with the push of a button.

Jess walks over to the window, and stands next to Jack to get a good view of The Hippodrome which is a beautiful domed arena.

JACK (CONTINUED)
It’s owned by RKO, so we might be able to get a motion picture deal out of it. Who knows? Maybe have some of RKO’s biggest stars appear at the shows.


JESS
Sounds good to me.

Jack takes a deep breath.

JACK
I think I’ll run 30 shows there this year.

They both share a laugh.

JESS
Good for you.


EXT.–CEMETERY–A FEW MONTHS LATER

Jess and Vince are once again together at a funeral, just as crowded and just as emotional as Tex Rickard’s was. A woman, her son, and her daughter mourn her husband and their father at his grave.

JESS
That day I spoke to him in his office, I just didn’t realize how sick he was.

Jess and Vince look at the tombstone which reads:

JACQUES ARMAND SCHUEL
A.K.A JACK CURLEY

JULY 4, 1876-JULY 12, 1937

JESS
You console Bessie and Jean while the boys and I make our move.


Meanwhile, JACK CURLEY JR., Boston wrestling promoter PAUL BOWSER, and controversial light heavyweight wrestling promoter. JACK PFEFFER discuss the future of Jack Sr.’s wrestling promotion.

JACK JR.
Dad asked that his promotion be split between three of us.

STRANGE MAN
Not today son.

The three of them turn around and look at the strange man.

JACK JR.
What do you mean?

The strange man turned out to be TOOTS MONDT, a very scandalous promoter and former associate of Jack Sr. Toots stands there with his business associates which includes Jess, Jack Pfeffer’s fellow light heavyweight promoters CHARLIE AND WILLIE JOHNSON, Philadelphia promoter RAY FABIANI, St. Louis-Kansas City promoter TOM PACKS, wrestling manager and agent TONY STECHER, and Midwestern promoter RUDY DUSEK. Paul Bowser and Jack Pfeffer then walk over to stand beside them.

TOOTS
Bowser and Pfeffer here sold me their shares of your father’s promotion. They also got power of attorney over yours as well.

Jack Jr. is shocked by what he hears.

JACK JR.
But how?


TOOTS
You just ain’t cut out for the business boy!

Jack Jr. looks even more disoriented as Toots pulls out a legal document.


TOOTS (CONTINUED)
You see, this little piece of paper shows that we each have a 10% share in your daddy’s rasslin’ outfit.

They all begin to laugh.

JACK JR.
Why have you all done this?

Jack Jr. is still bewildered

TOOTS
Don’t worry about that, just go back to your lemonade stand.


They all burst into laughter as they walk away from a saddened Jack Jr. Jess then walks back over to his son Vince.

VINCE
So, what happened Pop?

JESS
We got ourselves a percentage of the promotion!

VINCE
So, we’re now gettin’ what we want?

JESS
It looks that way.


They both smile.



INT.–JESS MCMAHON’S OFFICE–1945


Jess and Vince are in the office as they go over plans for the next show when an idea sparks in Jess’ head.

JESS
Hey, what do you think about takin’ over the wrestling promotion in Washington D.C.?

Vince seems confused by his father’s question.

VINCE
Are you sure I’m ready?

JESS
Yeah, that way we can control the Eastern Seaboard.

Vince still doesn’t look too sure about the idea.

VINCE
What about New York?

JESS
Oh please, the shareholders at The Garden don’t want wrestling, and the wrestling promotion isn’t doin’ so hot

Vince nods in agreement.

JESS
And besides, I need to pass this business down to my son, and if we add D.C. to our list, we’ll have a shot at somethin’ better than New York.



INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–WASHINGTON D.C.

Jess and Vince are in the office of wrestling promoter JOE TURNER who appears to be in very bad health.

JESS
We’ve got a proposal for you.

JOE
Alright, let’s hear it.

JESS
Your lookin’ for someone to run your territory after your gone. My son Vinnie could do it. He’s booked my shows in New York for years.

Joe looks interested despite his frail condition.

JOE
Alright, you can start at the concession stand, and book my shows. Then if I feel you’ve done a job, I’ll hand my operation over to you.

VINCE
I’ll do the best I can.

JOE
Good, don’t let me down.

Joe shakes Jess and Vince’s hands before they exit his office.

JESS
It’s all fallin’ into place.



INT.–TURNER ARENA–NIGHT


Vince is at the concession stand as he sells hot dogs to fans, and also writes down the plans for the next set of shows at the arena when a young black guy named JAMES DUDLEY walks up to him with a telephone.

JAMES
You got a phone call Vince.

Vince takes the phone.

VINCE
Hello?

A look of shock comes over Vince’s face.


INT.–JOE TURNER’S OFFICE–DAY

Jess and Vince are in the office with Joe Turner’s widow as she prepares to sell Vince her husband’s wrestling promotion.

VINCE
I’m sorry for your loss.

MRS. TURNER
Let’s just get this over and done with.

Turner’s widow signs a legal document.

MRS. TURNER
Here...

She hands him the legal document, and he signs it.

JESS (LEANS OVER TO WHISPER IN VINCE’S EAR)
Now we got the Eastern Seaboard.



INT.–FRANKLIN PARK HOTEL–DAY


Jess and Vince are at the hotel with Toots Mondt, Ray Fabiani, Rudy Dusek, promoter WILLIE GILZENBERG, and a professional wrestler of mixed Italian/Hispanic heritage named ANTONIO ROCCA as they discuss the formation of a brand new wrestling promotion.


JESS
This new company will be called the Capitol Wrestling Corporation. It’ll be made up of our old shares from The Garden and the wrestling promotion in New York combined with the wrestling promotion we just acquired here in D.C.

The others listen to Jess with interest.

JESS (CONTINUED)
Vinnie, you Fabiani, and Rocca will each get 20% of the promotion while Willie and Rudy each get 15%, and Toots gets 10%

Vince turns to the shareholders of the new company to address them.

VINCE
We also have a deal with The DuMont Television Network to broadcast shows from the Capitol Arena every Thursday night.

Toots looks a little weary.

TOOTS
But isn’t television still in the experimental stages?

VINCE
Yes, but I feel it’s gonna give wrestling wide exposure.

Toots still seems lost in the loop.

TOOTS
How can you be sure?

VINCE
We just have faith.

TOOTS
Oh yeah, like faith ever got anyone anywhere. I was a wrestler in the carnie days, and I have booked and promoted. And all those years, wrestling never needed an idiot box to get itself over.

Toots get a dirty look from all the shareholders.

WILLIE GILZENBERG
What about the new Capitol Arena?

VINCE
It’s just the old Turner Arena here in D.C. with a new name to signal the changeover in ownership.

JESS
Come on, I’ll buy everyone a drink.

They go over to the bar for a round of beers.