Ripley vs Guvnor

In the master bedroom of Ripley’s cabin Ripley has a suitcase on his bed and is busy packing it. Standing in the doorway, leaning on the door frame, is his wife Alice.

Alice: You sure about this?

Ripley places a pair of jeans in the suitcase then turns to Alice

Ripley: Absolutely.

Alice: Ok.. I just want you to be sure it’s the right thing to do.

Ripley: I’m sure. I haven’t been out of the ring long but…it does feel like a lifetime ago. I think it’s been long enough and now’s the time to get back to it.

Alice gives him a small smile.

Alice: Well if you think you’re ready then you’re ready.

Ripley closes the suitcase then walks up to her.

Ripley: This is going to be the start of a new chapter. I’ve accomplished so much but there’s so much more I know I can do and I think the time spent out here away from it all has done a lot of good. I’m feeling reenergized and ready to kick ass again.

Alice: Oh I know you’ll give them Hell and I can’t wait to see it. Do you know who your first opponent is?

Ripley rubs the back of his neck and shrugs.

Ripley: I mean I haven’t even made my actual return yet. I’m sure they have someone in mind though.

Alice: I’m sure they do.

Ripley: Anyway, I don’t have to leave for a few more hours so what do you say we do something else to pass the time?

Fade to black.

In the desert outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, 9/3/21

High up on a rocky ledge, with Las Vegas in view far below, Ripley is standing with his right foot on top of a large rock and looking down at the city. A slight breeze hits him and he lets out a sigh.

Ripley: Honestly I’m not even sure what I want to say right now. I guess I should answer the question most people probably have though. Why did I decide to come back?

He takes a deep breath in and slowly lets it out.

Ripley: Around this time of year ten years ago I introduced myself to the major wrestling world. For a few years before that I bounced around a couple of small time organizations that shut down before the ink on my contract was dry. I was going nowhere fast. I started to think well, I guess fate is trying to tell me this isn’t for me and that I should find something else to do.

He chuckles.

Ripley: I said screw fate and I gave it one more shot when a company showed interest in me. Now, I’ll be honest I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a world famous wrestler but when I stood in a ring for the first time I felt like I found where I belonged. I’m glad I gave it that shot because ten years later I’m standing here as a multi time champion and a freakin hall of famer.

He looks down at the ground.

Ripley: So why comeback? I have lots of accomplishments in this business, made friends, did more than anyone expected of me so when MHW shut down I could’ve called it a day and enjoyed retirement.

He shakes his head while still focusing on the ground.

Ripley: I could’ve but I didn’t. I wanted to keep going so I signed with another company and tried to continue with one I had been in for awhile but things didn’t go the way I wanted them to and that’s my fault. I honestly let some things take over me and I gave into a…a darkness. Even before MHW shutdown I felt myself slipping into a bad place but I didn’t do anything about it. As a result the last year or so of what could’ve been the end of my career is something I’m not proud of. I feel I let my fans down as well as myself with my performances. So, maybe this return is me seeking to redeem myself.

He sighs and looks out at the city.

Ripley: I’m a different person than the one I was just last year though and down there, in that city I’m going to show it.

He chuckles.

Ripley: Honestly I find this location and my opponent fitting for my return. Vegas, Sin City, known for vices and overindulgence. Among other things. Last time I was here I barely remember it but this time will be different because there are certain things I’ve moved on from and am leaving in the past. As for my opponent, “The Govnor” Bobby Sutton, I see our stories might share some similarities. We’re both coming back to prove something.

He turns and walks over to a large boulder half buried in the ground and sits on it. He sits for a few seconds in silence.

Ripley: Govnor…I just want to say I’m impressed. Your match was actually one of the reasons I decided to make a return. I saw how you wanted to come back to see what could’ve been. Solve that “what if…” question so to speak. I respect and admire your desire to get back in the ring. I also see why management would offer you a contact after your one off match. You’re clearly going to be a tough opponent and a big challenge for my return but…only one of us can walk away a winner. Only one of us can ease that bitter taste that’s in our mouth. The one that’s going to do that is me.

He leans forward.

Ripley: I honestly have nothing against you personally and I hope it stays that way but I want you to know I will beat you. I want you to know that when we are standing face to face in that ring everything I’ve done doesn’t matter. Yes I’m proud of my championship wins and my hall of fame status but the only thing that matters once the bell rings is that you will be looking at the guy that does everything he can to keep you down. You will be looking at the guy that beats you. I know you’ve probably heard this all before but you’ve never been in the ring with someone like me. I don’t care if I’m in the opening match or the main event. I fight the same way. I fight like my life depends on it each and every time.

He brushes off his pant legs.

Ripley: So, Govnor, I wish you well on your journey and I hope you find what you’re looking for but when we step into the ring you’re only going to find defeat.

He stands up and starts to walk away but pauses.

Ripley: Here’s to a new chapter.

He resumes walking. Fade to black.