05-20-2025, 01:44 AM
Scene opens backstage where Sal Darius is seen walking slowly, icing his neck. His breathing is heavy. As he turns a corner, a voice calls out.
“Sal… Sal!”
It’s Jaina, mic in hand, chasing him down for an interview.
Jaina: Hey Sal! Sorry, this might be a bad time. But that was a tough loss today. What went wrong?
Sal: You know what, Jaina? That wasn’t a loss. I don’t give a damn about titles, trophies, or those cheap little certificates. I believe in stepping into that ring and breaking down every so-called fighter in my way. And believe it or not, even tonight, I beat the hell out of The Monster Machine. Yeah, I lost the match. So what? The people out there? They spent their hard-earned cash to see Sal Darius, and every week I give ‘em something worth watching. That’s what I do. Win or lose, I leave a storm behind.
Jaina: Definitely. No one’s questioning your ability. You’re one of the toughest out there. But that’s two losses in a row. Is that on you? Is it ring rust? What’s going on?
Sal: Ring rust? That was gone ages ago. It left when they laughed at me. It left when I realized what this business meant. Coming back after a year? That kind of rust is different. But let me tell you something—it was my fault for thinking I’m normal. I’m not. I’m not normal. I can take the hardest shots and still keep moving forward. I’ve changed this game, Jaina. I brought in elite cardio. I don’t hit with 100% power—I hit with 50%, but I hit twice as much. I keep hitting until you can’t breathe. While you’re gasping, I’m still on top of you, talking to you the whole damn time. I break you mentally, then I break your body. And then? That’s when the jiu-jitsu comes in. Black belt. Best takedowns in that whole locker room. And this chin? (Sal taps his jaw) Made of iron. I’ve got an unstoppable will. Two losses, ten wins—it doesn’t change what I am.
Jaina: Alright… those are some strong words, Sal. What’s the plan moving forward?
Sal: The plan? The plan is to keep the organic honey in its hive. (Jaina stifles a laugh, turning away for a second.) Sorry, Jaina, you’re not getting any of that. But I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep putting on a show. This tank is full, and I don’t see a single soul getting past me. I was this close tonight. Gavin Taylor? Monster Machine? Anybody else who wants to step up? Just don’t run out of breath.
Jaina: So you’re just going to keep coming? That’s the game plan?
Sal: Damn right. See you.
Sal walks out of frame, leaving Jaina standing with the mic, eyebrows raised, the camera still rolling.
“Sal… Sal!”
It’s Jaina, mic in hand, chasing him down for an interview.
Jaina: Hey Sal! Sorry, this might be a bad time. But that was a tough loss today. What went wrong?
Sal: You know what, Jaina? That wasn’t a loss. I don’t give a damn about titles, trophies, or those cheap little certificates. I believe in stepping into that ring and breaking down every so-called fighter in my way. And believe it or not, even tonight, I beat the hell out of The Monster Machine. Yeah, I lost the match. So what? The people out there? They spent their hard-earned cash to see Sal Darius, and every week I give ‘em something worth watching. That’s what I do. Win or lose, I leave a storm behind.
Jaina: Definitely. No one’s questioning your ability. You’re one of the toughest out there. But that’s two losses in a row. Is that on you? Is it ring rust? What’s going on?
Sal: Ring rust? That was gone ages ago. It left when they laughed at me. It left when I realized what this business meant. Coming back after a year? That kind of rust is different. But let me tell you something—it was my fault for thinking I’m normal. I’m not. I’m not normal. I can take the hardest shots and still keep moving forward. I’ve changed this game, Jaina. I brought in elite cardio. I don’t hit with 100% power—I hit with 50%, but I hit twice as much. I keep hitting until you can’t breathe. While you’re gasping, I’m still on top of you, talking to you the whole damn time. I break you mentally, then I break your body. And then? That’s when the jiu-jitsu comes in. Black belt. Best takedowns in that whole locker room. And this chin? (Sal taps his jaw) Made of iron. I’ve got an unstoppable will. Two losses, ten wins—it doesn’t change what I am.
Jaina: Alright… those are some strong words, Sal. What’s the plan moving forward?
Sal: The plan? The plan is to keep the organic honey in its hive. (Jaina stifles a laugh, turning away for a second.) Sorry, Jaina, you’re not getting any of that. But I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep putting on a show. This tank is full, and I don’t see a single soul getting past me. I was this close tonight. Gavin Taylor? Monster Machine? Anybody else who wants to step up? Just don’t run out of breath.
Jaina: So you’re just going to keep coming? That’s the game plan?
Sal: Damn right. See you.
Sal walks out of frame, leaving Jaina standing with the mic, eyebrows raised, the camera still rolling.