Johnny Cannon: The Man Who Defined Moments

The first episode of Exodus Pro was a successful one, even for Johnny Cannon. Despite the fact that the Briton did not taste the sweetness of victory, he wasn't plunged into the jaws of defeat either. But the world renown superstar is not one to revel in moral victories, yet somehow he was all smiles as he sat in his hotel suite. Perhaps it was because he was with a gorgeous woman in her early twenties, and they had recently popped champagne bottles and gotten physical. It's a life that Cannon was used to; going from city to city, from hotel to hotel, showing any woman he desired a good time and then discarding them like a used tissue. That's the type of man he was, the guy that spent thousands of dollars in casinos just because he had too much wealth to give a damn. The type of a guy that could come into a room, and immediately become the life of the party, and could drop a name and get admittance into places regular people dreamed of entering.

But in Exodus, he found some resistance. It was the first time in a while, or at least that he could remember, where people weren't gushing over him, or tripping over themselves for his approval. He felt disrespected. He felt insulted. But that would soon change, as Quinn Goodrich entered the room, smiling from cheek to cheek with information that would put everything into perspective. It was December 23rd, the day that Goodrich broke the news to his longtime employee and friend.

"I don't know if you believe in Santa Ol' Johnny Boy, but it seems he's come bearing early gifts this year!" He says gleefully before removing his suit jacket and placing it across the kitchen counter. "Christmas has indeed come early my friend!"

"Indeed it has." He says with a satisfied yet tired tone, slowly throwing on his white Oxford, and closing the barnyard door that had been left open from his earlier activities. "Mr. Kringle came down my chimney with a Pilates instructor this year."

"Ah. Working out your body I see." He said with a chuckle.

"More like hers." He remarked, buttoning up his shirt. "So you were saying... you had some breaking news?" He questioned, as he surveyed the area, looking for his black tie.

"Ah yes. The news! I don't know if you keep up with the blogs and websites and what have you, but I recently found myself on ExodusPro.com and came across something very newsworthy." He says with a sly grin. "It seems Fiona Rourke took exception to our comments.

"Who"? He inquired, trying to be sarcastic, playing as if he didn't know that Fiona Rourke was the International Champion. "Oh wait... the girl that's sleeping with the boss right? Ah. I guess putting a hand down Mr. Collins' pants comes with perks." He chuckles.

"Apparently. But it's not so much that she took offense, as much as it is how she took offense." He enlightened him, as he removed a box of leftover pizza from earlier.

"Well what did she do?" He asked, half interested in the conversation, with his attention diverted by his search for his discarded attire.

"Nothing really... I mean, unless if you consider her putting the International Title on the line when she faces you this week a big deal..." He said with a brimmed, overly teeth bearing, skeleton smirk that made him look like the Cheshire Cat. "I don't know. I just thought that was a big deal. But maybe you're not into beating on women and winning championships. I'm not sure. He continued to grin.

"She didn't it?" He said in disbelief, dropping everything he was doing and turning his attention over to Quinn.

"She did."

"Quinn, I could kiss you right now. You know what, I am... I'm going to kiss you. This is great news!" He exclaims.

"I thought you'd might like that."

Alert the presses, make some calls. I want to go live within the hour. Get everyone you can on short notice to get down here." He began spewing off at the mouth excitedly. "Ryan Seacrest, Mario Lopez, get them all down here to California. Fiona Rourke just made the biggest mistake of her career, and I want the world to know why." He continued.

"I'm on it. You just finish getting dressed." He said, woofing down a cold slice of pepperoni and cheese.

As Goodrich began making preparations for the conference, Cannon made his way back into the bedroom where his company was waiting for him.

"Why you getting all dressed up? Are we going somewhere?" She said with weary eyes and a yawn.

"No sweetheart, we aren't going anywhere. I'm going to make history, while you're going to catch a cab." He said as he looked under the bed for his loafers, never making eye contact with her.

"A cab? I thought you said we were going to spend the weekend together?" She replied with a crack in her voice filled with both fatigue and dejection.

"Listen..." He said calmly, lifting upright after having been doubled over. "I had a great time with you, believe me. But I've got important things to do. Try not to get attached..." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "At least you get to go home and tell all your friends that you got to pleasure someone famous."

"Excuse me!?" She said, wiping her eyes with her hands, completely appalled.

"I'm sorry. I don't have time to make anymore small talk. I'll leave a couple hundred dollars on the counter and the room key. You can let yourself out..." He said as he slipped on his Kenneth Cole dress shoes.

"Who do you think you are?"

Cannon slowly slipped on his grey blazer and Fossil watch before making his way to the door. Before exiting, he slips his hand into his handkerchief pocket, pulling out his designer shades, quickly slipping them onto his face. "Who am I you ask?" He asked with a smooth tone of voice. "I'm Johnny Cannon baby!" He said very calmly, before slipping the shades on and exiting the room.

[/color]

The scene opens to one of the private conference rooms in the hotel. Johnny Cannon stands at the top of the stage in front of a podium, wearing a three piece suit and tie, his brilliant ensemble accentuating his aura of sophisticated and style. Beside him is none other than Quinn Goodrich, who is equally dressed to impress. Before the two Britons are a sea of celebrity news reporters, local television reporters and bloggers from the "Jewel City" area. The man of the hour tilts his shades slightly, revealing the swaggering look in his eyes. The pompous expression is further captured in his smug grin, as he turns his attention away from himself long enough to welcome his guests.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming on such short notice, but I decided it'd be better to announce what I have to say to the world instead of waking up tomorrow morning and finding my drunken ramblings being reported on TMZ." The crowd laughs as Cannon wipes a fake tear from his eye. "As you all are aware of, I've recently signed a contract with the Exodus Pro wrestling promotion here in the city. I wanted to let you all know that I will once again be making an appearance for Exodus this week. I will be wrestling the Exodus Pro International Champion, Fiona Rourke in her first title defense." The announcement causes slight commotion in the room in the form of rapidly flashing cameras and chirping amongst the spectators.

"Please, save your questions, if any, for when Mr. Cannon is finished. Goodrich immediately interjects, quieting the room.

"Thank you Quinton." He says, patting him on the shoulder before continuing. "I also want to take the time to clear up some things. He picks up his bottled water off the podium and takes a thirst quenching sip. "Firstly, my current contract does not limit or prevent me from getting involved in other activities or interests I might have. Secondly, my current wrestling stint is in no way, shape, or form, a permanent career change for me, as I do intend to continue making movies in the future. He glances at Goodrich who nods in approval of the announcements. "Furthermore, despite the rumors, I have not been in negotiations with with Spike TV Network on a possible television program. Lastly, I have however been in talks with Jim Rome to make an appearance on his HBO series."

"At this time, we'd like to open the questions up to you guys. Please be as specific as possible, and be advised that Mr. Cannon will only be answering questions about Exodus Pro, and his match this week."

Almost on cue, a barrage of hands fire up from the sea of enthusiasts, with Goodrich blindly picking one out of the crowd.

"Hi. I'm Floyd Wilkins, from 'The Wrestling Fanatic.' Mr. Cannon, I'd like to know what your thoughts are going into your match with Fiona, and how you've prepared?"

"I'm already prepared." He says with a look of haughty derision. "I always train rigorously throughout the week. When you prepare beforehand, you never have to get prepared when your number is called. That's why I've been successful my entire life. I've put the time in long before the bright lights began to shine. And that's why I'm going to be victorious this week." He takes another sip from his Spring water. "And as far as my thoughts go, they've been the same since day one. I'm the best in the world at what I do Mr. Wilkins. When I was fighting in cages and octagons, I was the best. When I was acting, I was the best. Now that I've turned my attention to the wrestling ring, don't expect anything to be different. I've maintained my entire life that I'm the greatest fighter and entertainer of my time, whether it'd be on screen, or off-screen. People like Fiona Rourke have their misguided senses of self-importance and worth. Our match this week was not a championship bout, however she feels like she needs to prove to me that she is a legitimate champion and competitor, so she's willing to put her International Title on the line. Her crusade to prove her worth has blinded her from the simple fact that I don't have to prove anything. My list of accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves. I left the Octagon Mr. Wilkins about five years ago, and in that short span, people seem to have forgotten the caliber of fighter that I am. I'm going to remind Fiona and the entire world that this week." He says confidently.

"Next question. You right there." He points to a blond woman on the right.

"Hello Mr. Cannon, Alexis Monroe, of the 'La Jolla Light'... how do you feel about competing against a female, and will that impact your strategy?"

Cannon takes a look at Goodrich and scoffs to himself before answering the questions.

"My mother told me never to put my hands on a woman... but mama also said knock you out." Cannon laughs to himself. "My approach will be no different than if I were competing strictly against men. Fiona chose to enter a man's world. They have companies and competitions strictly for females Ms. Monroe... and that is Ms. Monroe isn't?" He says, deepening the tone in his voice, clearly flirting with her.

"Yes it is." She smiles, obviously flattered.

"Well Ms. Monroe, I hope what I'm about to say won't give you a negative impression of me, but I'm not going to pull any punches this week. Fiona Rourke wants to prove that she's as great a competitor, athlete, and wrestler as today's' men. There's some truth to that statement I guess. She is the Exodus International Champion. How Omar Wise and Magnus Gunner managed to get defeated by her is another subject entirely. But I digress. I'm going to approach her as if she were a man, and that is with a truculent disposition. This sport is a violent one. You don't get into the ring if you're afraid to get your teeth kicked in. Fiona, she's traded in her manicures and make-up for ring boots and tights. I can respect that about her." He takes a moment to clear his throat. "But that's as far as my respect goes. Fiona has a big mouth, a mouth that's writing checks she probably can't cash. And whatever her relationship is with Jonathan Collins, who has quite the pull in the promotion, she'll be getting a rude awakening this week. I'm not going to say she's sleeping with the boss or anything to get where she is, I'm a celebrity, so I know how deep the slander blade can cut. But what I will say is that when I'm done mopping the Rimac Center with her, Collins will probably want to take off her panties and get in the ring with me..." Cannon places his hand over his face, trying to suppress the laughter. Goodrich chuckles himself as Johnny slowly composes himself. "You see, if you tell a big enough lie, and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed. That's the case when it comes to Ms. Rourke. Whether it's Collins, her entourage, or her own self, she's believing this lie that she can hang with a guy like Johnny Cannon. But she can't. She can't hang with a man who hails from London England baby!" He shouts pridefully. "A man that's kissed the hand of Queen Elizabeth II, and has had inside jokes with the Pope. Women take their rings off when I come into town. I'm the physical embodiment of superstar, so when I tell you that Fiona Rourke can't light a candle to me, I mean it. My phone rings off the hook every day with organizations and different people dying to get me to come to their events or to get an interview with me. I seldom read my twitter mentions because I have too many loyal followers to go through the list. And I'm not mentioning any of this to gloat or to brown nose, I'm making a point." He says assuredly. "And that point is that Exodus Pro can only go so far with a woman like Fiona as their champion. And it's no slight against her. She might be a hell of a wrestler. In fact, that company is full of great wrestlers and athletes. The problem is, almost none of them are transcendent stars, or at least not in the ways that I am. I'm capable of taking that promotion places that Rufus Frost never dreamed it would go. The second I win the International Championship, TV networks from all across the nation will be banging on Rufus' doorstep begging to get him to sign to a contract. When Johnny Cannon is the face of something, that means it's important, that means it's a must watch event. I'm going to bring a legitimacy to that championship, and to Exodus, that Fiona Rourke just can't bring. And that's why my strategy will be no different. She may have the gold, but I have the glory."

"And Mr. Cannon is not taking away from anything Fiona has done as a wrestler. She's a fierce competitor. He may have joked about her title victory, but he's not taking away from that accomplishment in no way. I just wanted to make sure that was clear. " Goodrich adds.

"Indeed. I can't take away from that accomplishment. It happened. I saw it with my own eyes. She beat Magnus Gunner and Omar Wise, and became the first International Champion. There is nothing I can possibly say to dispute that reality. But that doesn't mean I'm impressed, nor does it mean that she's the best wrestler in Exodus Pro. As far as I'm concerned, Gunner and Wise didn't belong in the Main Event to begin with. The matchmakers have realized the error of their ways, and they've put the right man in the most important match of the card, they've given me the title fight. I'm going to carry Fiona Rourke to a Five Star Match, and then I'm going to carry the International Championship back to my hotel suite." He says with a self-assured tone.

"I'm sorry but we only have time for one final question. You sir right here with the glasses." He points to a heavyset Caucasian man in the middle of the crowd.

"Thank you. I'm Vincent Christopher of KFMB Channel 8. We'll be taping footage of your event this week, and I'd like to say that I'm a big fan of the wrestling business, and have been since I was a child." He says giddily. "Mr. Cannon I have a two part question. The first, how do you intend to neutralize Ms. Rourke's strengths and exploit her weaknesses? And secondly, what would winning the International Championship mean to you?"

Cannon adjusts his tie as the question reverberates in the back of his head. He takes a few moments to give it some thought before nodding and beginning to answer.

"With these." He brandishes his full-clenched fists before the crowd, prompting the cameramen to take snapshots as he holds the pose. "These are my God given neutralizers, and they're all I'll need. You see Mr. Christopher, I'm well aware of Fiona Rourke's game. In the short time I've had to study her, I have done so."

"And very rigorously I might add, almost obsessively." Quinton says, offering his two cents, talking his client up further.

"And that goes without saying. You don't go into a match with a championship opponent blindly. No. A real fighter studies his adversary, and tries as quickly as possible to learn their tendencies. So when I tell you I've got Fiona pegged down to a tee, you can take that to the bank. She's as quick as a hiccup. She's a spitfire type of gal. She'll be looking to use her speed and quickness to negate my strength and size advantage, but she won't be able to. From my time in the Octagon it goes without saying that I've become an expert when it comes to cutting off, and shrinking the ring. I'm going to ground and pound her, and not in the fashion that most women like. She won't have room to do her high flying, tight rope routine. That's an aspect of her game, and a part of her repertoire that I'm going to take away. She'll have to match me technically and physically, and that's something she just won't be able to do." He takes another long sip of his water.

"What Mr. Cannon is hinting at is that it will be physically impossible for Ms. Rourke to match my client's physique. She's outweighed by a few hundred pounds, and she's obviously at a disadvantage in height."

"As I've already stated Mr. Christopher, I'm adept at taking away my opponents strengths, and forcing them to find other ways to win. The thing is, they often never find those other means for victory. And Ms. Rourke will be no different. She has people believing that she's the best in the world, but that's a lie. And the thing about great liars, is that they're also great magicians. Too bad for her she won't be able to pull a victory out of the rabbit's hat this week. Some pixie dust, and smokescreens allowed her to steal the International Championship last week, but the magic tricks stop with me. There won't be any Expocto Patronums this week. I'm going to snap her wand in half, and send her back to Hogwarts on a hearse. " He says with conviction. simultaneously removing his shades.

"Look me in the eyes, I have no worries. And that's not to say that I'm looking past Fiona or anything. All that means is that I know my own capabilities. And what I'm capable of, is becoming International Champion, and my friends, that means everything to me. I've come to Exodus Pro because this company is full of ambitious, hard-working wrestlers from top to bottom. I chose to come here because I know I'll find stiff competition. Wrestlers have come here from all across the world to prove themselves, and try to become household names, so that they can get noticed by the big leagues, and become superstars. They want what I have. They want that fame and glory. They want to be able to be recognized when they step foot in an airport. They want to go on late night talk-shows, and promote book signings and stuff like that. I live that life on a daily basis. That's why winning the International Championship means more to me than to everyone else. Most of these Exodus guys want to be champions so that they can become stars, and prove that they're great fighters. I want to be champion to remind the world that I never stopped being one." He pauses for a moment, as the intensity in his eyes and the conviction in his voice electrifies the room. "I'm a bare-knuckled pugilist, and I've fought my way from London to the top. I've taken my talents as a well-rounded fighter to the big screen, but that hasn't made me any less formidable. Chuck Norris, and Sylvester Stallone are running around making movies, but that doesn't mean they couldn't kick your ass in the blink of an eye. That's the type of respect that I deserve, and that's what winning the International Championship will give me. If I can come into this promotion, with the most talented wrestlers, and fighters in the world, and prove myself to be better than all of them, and become the champion among them, it unequivocally proves that I, Johnny Cannon, am the greatest fighter on the face of the planet." He takes his glasses and points them at the crowd.

"Ladies and Gentleman I'd like to thank you all for coming, and we'd like to thank all of those viewing on the internet. You had great questions and you were a great audience. We would like to remind you that tickets are still some tickets still available at the event which will be taking place at the Rimac Center. Make you sure contact the respective ticket masters to ensure you get your seat. You won't want to miss what will be an incredible night, and great match between Johnny Cannon and Fiona Rourke for the Exodus Pro International Championship. We'll have more coverage of the event on Mr. Cannon's official website, and more remarks from him during the week. Thank you and good night."

Fade to Black.