Graphic Endings is a Minutes to Bell Time project. This is Chapter 10 of Graphic Endings – What Now? Chapters come out each Tuesday. Follow the Minutes to Bell Time Instagram to get an announcement.  

Previous Chapters: 

• 1 – Eight Weeks to Bell Time
• 2 – Four Weeks to Bell Time
• 3 – Two Weeks to Bell Time
• 4 – One Week After – Part 1
• 5 – One Week After – Part 2
• 6 – Minute’s Peril
• 7 – The Comeback
• 8 – The Referee’s Vantage Point
• 9 – And New
• 10 – What Now

Graphic Endings Chapter 10: What Now

Bobby Ballard:

Ok. So the thing everyone really wants to talk about is what happened when Graphic Endings went off the air. I had just finished the in-ring interview and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The camera stopped . . . and Bell Time . . .

Bell Time:

By now everyone knows what happened.

Bobby Ballard:

Yes, Bell Time. Everyone does know. But we want to know why. Why after Minute stood in the center of the ring and forgave you? He asked the commission to reinstate you. To give you a second chance, and you still attacked. I don’t get it. Can you look Minute in the eye here today, one week later, and explain your reasons. To him and to everyone watching at home?

Bell Time:

Well first, Bobby, did you really believe that speech from Minute? I saw Rocky IV too. “If you can change, and I can change, we all can change.” What kind of garbage was that?

Minute:

Well, I thought. . .

Bell Time:

Shut up. I’m not done speaking. This guy indicated that I needed a second chance. There’s plenty for me to do outside of wrestling. When the commission announced that I was indefinitely suspended, do you have any idea how many little mom and pop independent wrestling companies contacted me?

The commission seems to have forgotten that while they can prevent me from wrestling at the national level, they don’t own the sport. I have a completely booked calendar, and I’m going to make more money than ever before. If the national scene ever wants me back, it will cost them.

Minute:

What independents booked you? They have to know your reputation. The danger you pose.

Bell Time:

They’re desperate. And by the way, you were the indy darling that abandoned them.

Bobby Ballard:

Gentleman, let’s save that for later. We’re getting a bit off topic. Bell Time, you’ve answered every question but the one I asked. Despite all of that, why did you attack Minute after the bell? Are you looking for a rematch?

Bell Time:

I thought it was simple. I was sending a message that you can’t control me. Minute has been lucky twice, but that luck only lasted for three seconds. The official couldn’t stop me. Minute couldn’t stop me. And the commission couldn’t stop me from German Suplexing Minute through the mat.

Minute:

So that’s all. You wanted to show me and everyone else that you’re still standing? Whatever. I’ll ask you again, what independent booked you?

Bell Time:

Why do you even care?

Minute:

I want another match.

Bell Time:

No

Minute:

You say that I abandoned the independents. You’re wrong. Nobody thinks that. They’re rejoicing that one of their own holds the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship. I promised to wrestle as many independents as I could even after winning. My schedule is booked solid too.

Bobby Ballard:

So Minute, you want another match. Bell Time, you’re saying No. What happens next? Do we just leave the interview amicably.

Minute:

That’s not the point either of us were making, Bobby.

Bell Time

Come on Minute. Think about it. Bobby’s right. We should just leave. Say our goodbyes and go. There’s nothing you can do.

Minute:

I’ll call the commission.

Bell Time:

And I’ll still be busy.

Minute:

We can compare schedules. We’re bound to have been booked on the same independent show sometime down the road.

Bell Time:

Why would I agree to a match? What do I have to gain? What do you have to gain?

Minute:

I want you out of wrestling for good.

Bell Time:

So does everyone else. What’s in it for me?

Minute:

What do you want? The belt?

Bell Time:

I don’t need that trinket. It’s a burden. Having to carry it through the airport. You keep it. I’ve been champion long enough. You’ll have to do better than that.

Minute:

What about my career?

Bobby Ballard:

Minute, you’re not serious. You just won the championship. The greatest run of your career is ahead of you. Not behind. Let this go.

Bell Time:

Not your career. Your mask.

Minute:

Done.

Bell Time:

I think we have a deal.

Bobby Ballard:

My God! We just need to find a date, time, and place. That’s not going to happen here tonight We’ll end our interview here. Thanks everyone for watching. This has been a Graphic Endings Post Mortem interview! Have a great night!

COMING SOON

Graphic Endings . . . the second season.