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.
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.
posted by Justin Murphy at 10:27 AM
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