Behind The Curtain Episode 4: "Menacing" Marcus Monroe

by Super Aid Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:05 pm

Unknown music starts to play

Then the words "Behind The Curtain" appears in red

"The" below "Behind" and "Curtain" below "The"

The words disappear five seconds later

Sandra Evans is then seen sitting down on a chair with Marcus Monroe sitting down on a chair next to Sandra's left

Marcus is at least two metres away from Sandra

They are sitting outside on a nice, sunny evening

The music fades out

Sandra Evans: Evening everyone.
We're back with Behind The Curtain.
And tonight, we are not inside.
We not behind a curtain in a buidling.
Instead, we're outside
On a lovely evening.
Here in Montreal, Canada.
And my guest for tonight?
Someone who has just involved in a big war.
With SM HeartBreaker.
None other than the current Arisen Glory champion himself.
"Menacing" Marcus Monroe

Sandra turns to look at Marcus who looks back towards Sandra

Sandra Evans: And Marcus, thats something I want to discuss with you later on.
But first, even though you're living here in Montral, Canada.
You were actually born in the European country, Norway.
Am I right?
And before I forget, good evening to you sir

by **Jason M. Reeves** Tue Jun 16, 2020 6:45 pm

-- Unlike his usual appearance for interviews --
-- This time Marcus has adopted a more hipster
outlook, shown by a pair of short-jean pants and
a white sport hoodie --
-- Seemingly more bruised and less energetic --

-- A sincere smile granted to both
the viewers and Sandra herself --

Marcus Monroe: Good evening to you too, Miss Evans.
That is correct.
My life started in Norway but as we are all well aware
that didn't stop me from relocating to this wonderful country.
Life is as it was once said "like a box of chocolate".
You never know what you are going to get.

Sandra Evans: Indeed.
You're exactly right about that.
But I do have to ask you, why Canada?
Why did you decide to move to this as you call it, wonderful country?
Was it even your decision to move here?
And when did you move here?

-- Marcus takes a more serious approach to the question,
briefly taking a scratch over his beard --

Marcus Monroe: With the risk of it coming out
as a "cliche".. as a kid I always hoped to become
a professional wrestler.
And as an aspiring young man I need to do
my research and decide how I am going to pursue that dream.
I choose Canada because I wished to train in the "Dungeon".
I was hoping that I can somehow find a way to get there
and train under the wing of the greatest minds in this sport.

Sandra Evans: If I'm right in saying but what also helped in you coming to Canada is that you won a scholarship

-- For a moment there Marcus's expression becomes darker,
like his soul has just been clouded with too many toughs --

Marcus Monroe: I am not going to be the first one
to admit having been through such a circumstance but..
my family wasn't the most supportive one for the career path
I choose to follow.
They always saw me as something more than a "tight wearing clown"
slamming his head against concrete and steel.
Clearly they didn't understand the business as much as I would've liked them to.
They wanted something more out of their son and I definitely wasn't
one of those sons who would like to see them disappointed.

-- Pause --

Marcus Monroe: You can call me pathetic, a coward.. I wouldn't dare to care.
I choose their happiness instead of mine.
Get a good education. Get a steady job with good salary.
I choose to follow their dreams instead of mine..
at least until I got that scholarship.
Once they found out that I'm thinking of choosing Canada
so I can pursue two careers..

-- We can see him struggling to continue --

Marcus Monroe: Well, let's just say that having a son who
would rather "die" inside a wrestling ring than be a corporate "Yes man"..
wearing a tie, sitting in an office, making money for other people
is a rather hard thought to bare.

Sandra Evans: Wow Marcus.
Listening to what you're saying, it reminds me of a saying.
Which for me personally is very important.
And that is this.
You only get one chance to live a life.
Live it the best possible way you can.
Live it, your way

Marcus Monroe: There is no place for regret on my part.
So far I think I've done well for myself.
Take a risk. Fail.. Learn. Succeed.
But keep in mind that at the end of the day
you still have to pay the piper what you owe.
So don't forget to be smart about it.

Sandra Evans: Now you can tell me to mind my own business if you want.
But based on what you've been saying, do you keep in touch with your parents these days?

-- Same stoic expression --

Marcus Monroe: I haven't heard from them in ten years.
There is no much to tell.

Sandra Evans: So moving on from what your parents wanted and not wanted for you, you're now in Canada.
You already said that you wished to train in the "Dungeon".
And its a wish that actually came true for you one day didn't it?

-- Chuckle --

Marcus Monroe: It did. There are still people who constantly
make jokes about the situation and choose to resent it,
but I've had the privilege to be locked
into a "Sharpshooter" by the "Hitman" himself.
I am not going to convince you to believe this story
but you are free to take my word for it.

Sandra Evans: There may be people who don't believe that happened.
But I'm not one of them.
I believe you.
That must have been one hell of an experience for you

Marcus Monroe: The one thing that stuck with me
is actually what happened afterwards.
The man pulls me aside and tells me this..
"Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can not do, Marcus.
Do that and I think that you're gonna be just fine."
He tapped me on the chest and that was it.
The only prep talk I ever really needed.

Sandra Evans: Spending time in the "Dungeon" was part of the training that you undertook.
You also came across a Wrestling School.
In Vancouver.
And learnt a lot of stuff, there.
Did a lot of training, there.
And all of this, you were combining with your studies.
You were studying for degrees.
In Mathematics.
And, Astrophysics.
Degrees that you successfully gained.
You were quite a busy man

Marcus Monroe: The hard part was keeping my economy flow.
So I started tutoring fellow students who were struggling.
I switched between several flicks, starting as a catering worker
in some of the halls where wrestling shows used to be held.
I worked in production.
I worked as a crew assistant.
At one point I was giving flyers.
Five long years of sacrifice only to earn a shot
at making a name for myself.

Sandra Evans: And speaking of success, one day, Ring Of Glory spotted you.
And invited you to their tryouts.
Which, you took up.
And they were so impressed, they gave you a developmental contract.
What was your feelings when you got offered this developmental contract by one of the biggest wrestling companies on the planet?

Marcus Monroe: Honestly?

-- His expression reads modesty and
humility, something we have never seen out of Marcus --
-- He looks down at his lap while he answers --

Marcus Monroe: It was about finally having a day or two
to sleep and not worry about making the "cut" for next week.

Sandra Evans: And so after you gained the developmental contract, your skills then really began to progress.
In a short space of time.
To the point where you got called up to the main roster.
And became, Saurav

-- He definitely did not like
the sound of that name --

Marcus Monroe: The creative process for the new guy used to be something
unbelievable[ stupid a few years ago.
They give you this "generic" name
and then they drop a ton of "generic" stuff in a box
telling you to pick up whatever you like and make it work.

-- Smile --

Marcus Monroe: Even though I do believe that I could've
done something more with it.. if it wasn't for the "promos".

Sandra Evans: And then at some point, whenever the name "Saurav" got mentioned, people would go "Who?"
Was that something that really annoyed you?

Marcus Monroe: Of course it annoyed me.
I.. I don't think that anyone would've liked
being in a similar position. It was "disrespectful"
to say the very least. Even more so when you add to the fact
that even the people who you used to consider close friends
are the same ones walking around and
playing with the "joke".
If you have at least some amount of "decency" and "self respect"
you would've taken it as a direct "slap" to the face.
That's how I took it.
A "slap" to the face for all the years of devotion, thrive, pain and loss
that I put up with just to be here.
And then you see it all being "flushed" in front of your eyes.

Sandra Evans: Being "Saurav" was something that stuck to you for a long time.
But then all of a sudden.
All of a sudden.
Things began to change.
And how.
You had a name change.
You became "Menacing" Marcus Monroe.
Nobody.
And I mean nobody.
Has had a name change which made such a dramatic effect on their career.
Like it did, on yours

Marcus Monroe: A lot of people like to say that they've made it
all by themselves. Nobody had their back. Nobody pushed them to do
more to be more. That's not the case with me.
I've been fortunate, as a trainee and as an employee.
Yes the first half of my career didn't go exactly as I planned.
I had some moderate success but what really got me to this point
was my "fate". I always believed that things will change for the better
if I just stick around a bit more.. just do a bit more.
Luckily someone saw my devotion.
He acknowledged it and taught me how show it to the world.
I am not ashamed to admit that my friendship with Jason Reeves
helped me initially. But what I did ever since we parted ways was on me.
And I am willing to work even harder and do prove even more.

Sandra Evans: From being someone where the fans were asking "Who?".
To someone who went on to have memorable feuds.
With the likes of Aid.
With the likes of Sonic Xavier.
To someone who would become a current two time Arisen Glory champion.
And to top it all of, to someone who defeated Sonic Xavier.
At Night Of Glory Thirty Two.
To become Glory World Heavyweight champion.
Something that you must of thought, you would never, ever, become.
Whilst you were Saurav

Marcus Monroe: At some point I almost gave up.
Around the time when TURG got release.
DMF got released. Two of my closest friends.
My path has never been easy.
Even as Marcus Monroe I've faced adversary.
I've failed more than once.
I have seen people come and go but I stayed..
I prevailed through injuries and disappoint all the
way up to this point. Now it's up to me to leave something
behind. I don't want to be just another "spoke" on the wheel.
I want more. I want as much as I can get.

Sandra Evans: And now, here we are.
In 2020.
You've been around in Ring Of Glory for a while now.
And you've certainly got a few years left in you.
What should we expect to see in the future from "Menacing" Marcus Monroe?
Surely looking to become a two time Glory World Heavyweight champion cannot be ruled out

Marcus Monroe: If the time is right and I feel it in me.
Can I shoot for it, certainly.
Will I do it, who knows..
A tag team tournament is coming up.
The Royal Rumble match has been announced.
Both of them appealing. It would be an honor to add them to my resume.
As you mentioned I am the current, reigning and defending
ROG Arisen Glory Champion.
A title which I hold very dear to my heart.
A title to which I feel obligated to provide because most of
the things you see on TV are actually my own views on it.
This title has been disrespected, either by the people caring it
or by those behind the real "curtain".
I am planning on changing all of that.
What you are about to see in the following months
I have a feeling would defy my whole career.

by **Jason M. Reeves** Thu Jun 25, 2020 10:10 pm

Sandra Evans: Well I'm sure that we're in for some interesting and exciting times ahead.
In the upcoming months.
And years.
Now nearing the end.
Of what for me, has been a fascinating interview.
With you Marcus

Marcus Monroe: The pleasure is all mine,
Miss Evans.

Sandra Evans: But right now, we are at that stage.
Of the interview.
Where I give you some names.
Of Ring Of Glory personnel.
Past.
And present.
And you give me your thoughts.
And opinions on them

Marcus Monroe: Bring them on

Sandra Evans: As you insist.
The first name is.....Mitch Shredder

Marcus Monroe: A lot of people may be surprised
to her this but Mitch and I have never been as close
as we apeared to be on screen.
Apart from the storyline we had and our subsequential
teaming-up we didn't see much eye to eye.
His way of taking the business.
The rate at which he was going.. I am not really surprised
about the way his career ended in ROG.
Very unprofessional behavior. Rude with the people backstage.
He was smart to leave on his "own terms".
That's all I have to say for him.

Sandra Evans: Second one up.
Is someone who like you, also lives in Canada.
Lacey

Marcus Monroe: Great person. Always modest.
Always looking to help, to guide, to support.
I've always seen Lacey as ROG's "big sister".
No matter what kind of a situation you find yourself in
she's always there to listen and offer you some advice
if you're willing to take it.

Sandra Evans: Third name.
Someone who you had one of your best feuds with.
Aid

-- Chuckle --

Marcus Monroe: You can't have your "big sister",
without her "big brother". Aid is..
I am not sure how I can describe Adrian without
making it sound "lesser" than the truth.
This reminds me of an old saying which I want
to share with you.
"Nice guys finish last". The world belongs to the genuinely
good, caring individuals. Who are byess to their own
self being when it comes to making other feel at "home".
So to paraphrase that.. Nice guys SHOULD finish last.
The first place, belongs to people like Aid

Sandra Evans: Name number four.
A guy who you successfully defended the Arisen Glory championships against recently.
SM HeartBreaker

Marcus Monroe: I didn't like him at first.
Honestly I though that was trying to rub everyone
the "right way". I was sceptical against the guy.
Too much politics I have seen.
Too much treachery and backstabbing just
to get higher up on the card.
Playing the "good guy" and kissing a lot of buttholes.
Yet he proved different. He proved himself as being a reliable teacher
if you are a reliable student.
I've learned a lot from him. I enjoyed working with him.
I enjoyed defending my title against him and I am hoping
that our paths will eventually cross again.

Sandra Evans: The legendary Drake Reinhardt is the fifth name

Marcus Monroe: Tremendous wrestler. A revolutionary.
The things he introduced to ROG were at times considered
eccentric, even vile. At the end he paved the way for many
to come, not to mention the names he introduced to the business.
Like Ivan Volkov and Garrett Mason.
Recently I heard a rumor about him considering to make a comeback.
Let's see if it's true.

Sandra Evans: Name number six is Sonic Xavier

Marcus Monroe: Earlier you mentioned the drastic impact
that my name change had on my career.
Even calling it the most "impactful" change in history.
Well I could only disagree if we bring up this man.
Sonic started his career, lurking in the same "box" as I did.
He got heard way before I did and for once I am grateful to
the kid for never forgetting his roots.
Always willing to talk about the things he liked and disliked.
Always willing to do the work.
It payed of, it payed of big time and no matter what endeavours
he is currently taking I'm sure he's doing the same thing.

Sandra Evans: Name number seven is.....Alana Reeves

Marcus Monroe: Like father, like daughter.
Alana is a pure striker. Raw talent.
Always true to her roots and always the modest one in the back.
To this day I find it most interesting.
No matter what she does in the ring afterward she's like
"Did I do the flip right? Did I rushed? Should've I waited more..
What can I improve next. What do you think?"
But she had it hard as well. It's hard to fill up a shoe
as big as that of your father.
Alana is definitely the future of this sport and I hope
to see her reaching her prime one day.
I consider her a close friend.

Sandra Evans: And now Alana's brother.
Bryan Reeves

Marcus Monroe: Bryan Reeves. Bryan Reeves.
I am not going to talk about his talents or his capabilities.
We all know what Bryan Reeves is capable off.
His accolades speak for themselves.
Even now if you ask me who do I consider "The Best Wrestler In The World"
I would say that Bryan's name comes first in mind.. however
the kid has had a lot of personal problems.
We can't blame all of it on his ethic and discipline,
nor to the constant pressure he has put on himself alone.
For me he needs to clear of his head and do something about it
if he wants to follow up this career path.
I've heard he tried his luck in Hollywood but I think he's place is in ROG.
My only advice to Bryan is to smarten up faster because nobody is owned anything
and you need to prove that you deserve a second shot.
You always have a choice.

Sandra Evans: Big Bad John

Marcus Monroe: Didn't really get the time to know him well.
He seems solid, but not that invested in our work.
That's the only thing I noticed in such a short period.
Currently on hiatus, we'll see how things go when he comes back

Sandra Evans: The reigning Glory World Heavyweight champion.
"American Samurai" Max Thomas

Marcus Monroe: ROG legend. Currently at the
peak of his career. I for one am hoping to get
an opportunity and do something with him
before he retires for good.
Definitely a role model for many young man
who had it hard and wished to learn how to succeed.
Learn from this man.

Sandra Evans: Another Canadian.
Eve Star

Marcus Monroe: I haven't really had much time
to get to know Eve Star. As a general manager she
was a complete professional. As a wrestler she is very
capable and very secure. I admit, she can be a bit annoying
but we all need someone like that at certain times.

Sandra Evans: Morpheus

Marcus Monroe: Great guy. Very open-minded.
I enjoyed working for him even if it was a short term thing.
I was surprised that he approached me and asked me if I was okay
with what he had in mind.
At the time I though it might've been a good thing for my career.
I think I made the right call.

Sandra Evans: The thirteenth name is the current Intercontinental Glory champion, Super Girl

Marcus Monroe: We had our ups and downs.
She sees the business very differently from me.
Backstage she's like this "you do this.. when you should've been doing this".
She's trying to make you look good. That's the good thing.
The bad is, she's trying to overdue it.
Try to have some fun from time to time.
This business is about having fun at the end.
If you enjoy it, the people would too.

Sandra Evans: Another legend for name fourteen.
Hes a legendary Goit.
Kadomitsu

Marcus Monroe: I miss Kado. I think everyone misses Kado.
Now that's old school. A walking encyclopedia of the business.
Knows every trick in the book. Anything you need to know he can tell
it to you in a very understanding manner. I am sorry for not being able to work
with him but I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Sandra Evans: Speaking of legends.
Someone who you've mentioned in this interval Marcus.
Jason Reeves

Marcus Monroe: Ah, everybody's favorite guy to discuss.
I think a lot of people were actually more invested to hear what
I have to say about my relationship with Jason Reeves.
Recently I made an appearance at his podcast the "Roller Gun Radio"
we talk about my plans and goals for the most part.. but
what I like the most about Jason is that this guy.. is without
a doubt as big of an arse as he is greatness walking in a suit.
We connected instantly as he firstly came to ROG.
He saw me, talked a bit and he was like.. "dude, why are you down the card so much".
I explained my situation to him and he thought "not happening on my watch, I do things my way".
And he did.. he actually flipped the "box" and did his own thing and it worked.
It completely change the concept behind it. Got the people in "high" places loosing their hair
for months to come. At the end Jason got what he wanted and he wanted all of us to have it..
so he was there, to help everyone willing to ask him for it.
The first one that did was me and he did all he could to get me that one "shot".
What happened afterwards is history.

Sandra Evans: And now Jason's legendary tag team partner.
Patrick Covell

Marcus Monroe: One thing you should know about Jason and Patrick.
Let alone both of them are really two guys doing their work and not asking much questions.
But together, these two are something else.
Most of the legal problems that this company has had over the years consisted of either Jason, Patrick or both.
They did it all. Partying, Drinking, Doing charity, Doing a stunt, Doing a low-budget action movie,
Then go out and do some promos.. then fight a 40+ min match with bard-wires and brawls and cages.
Then do this all over again. They are really that "crazy" off TV.
Nobody and I mean nobody can top the "Top Guns".
If anyone ever deserved their time off it's them. They've done it all and in a record time

Sandra Evans: Tammy

Marcus Monroe: Another person I won't mind working with.
Tammy and I have been close over the years.
The term I would use is "road buddies".
The best sense of humor in that locker-room.
Her jokes can crap up even the toughest of audience...
A positive outlook on life in general. Tammy is definitely a person
who you should see when you are going through a "bad" day at the office.

Sandra Evans: Tdot Finest

Marcus Monroe: Another guy I haven't gotten around to know much about.
Seems okay. Speaks from the heart and sticks to the subject of interest.
A tough "nut" to crack in a way.. those people I find really interesting

Sandra Evans: Nineteenth name.
The dancing skeleton himself.
Cartwright

Marcus Monroe: A very enigmatic superstar.
Decades of history and accolades. Wile Kadomitsu
knows the business inside and out, Cart knows
what would work and what wouldn't for a specific character
in a specific situation. I remember him having that "backstage heat"
after some quarrels with a wrestler we used to have here AJ Hale.
Man, if you know your history.. we all know how that ended.
Cartwright wants to be taken seriously and with a lot of respect.
The guy's earned it and he knows it.

Sandra Evans: And finally, Mcmohr

Marcus Monroe: Big Mike, close friend.
Lots of traveling. Lots of memories together.
The best "drinker" in the locker-room.
One of the best human beings in general.
It was an honor working with him and hopefully
he's doing fine since opting to take a time off
to heal and reflect on his life.

Sandra Evans: And thats that.
Twenty names altogether there

Marcus Monroe: Already?

-- Laughing --

Marcus Monroe: I just got warmed up

Sandra Evans: Any final words you want to say before we finish this interview?

Marcus Monroe: My final words. I think I've covered
pretty much everything but.. just one thing.
This business has been to me more than I could've ever imagined.
It has been a family. It has been a life's work. It has been all that and much more
to a boy growing up in Norway, dreaming to one thing be on the biggest stage
performing in front of millions of people worldwide and do what he was born to do.
My parting words are this.
Take care of this family, take care of your friends and
they both will take care of you.

by **Jason M. Reeves** Fri Jun 26, 2020 3:01 pm

Sandra Evans: Excellent words to finish off this interview Marcus.
Thankyou.
Andn thankyou for this interview

Marcus Monroe: You're welcome, Miss Evans

Sandra looks towards the camera in front

Sandra Evans: And with that, the interview is now, over
So from Marcus Monroe.
And me Sandra Evans.
Goodbye everyone

Unknown music starts to play

The scene with Sandra and Marcud disappears as it turns to black

Then the words "Behind The Curtain" appears in red

"The" below "Behind" and "Curtain" below "The"

The words disappear five seconds later as the show comes to an end

by Super Aid Fri Jun 26, 2020 6:01 pm

The interview is done and the poll is up for it. Feel free to give your thoughts on how this interview went Smile

by **Jason M. Reeves** Fri Jun 26, 2020 8:38 pm

I don't know how voted with 4 but I doubled it cause I personally imagined it coming out another way. This came out as more difficult than I imagined. Not to mention the grammar that needs editing and I am not in the mood Razz

by Super Aid Fri Jun 26, 2020 9:39 pm

Good thing I managed to sort the colouring issues of it Razz

Personally, I thought this was an excellent interview. Marcus talking about his parents = Powerful stuff

by **Jason M. Reeves** Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:03 pm

When you like it, I like it Aid! Smile

by **Jason M. Reeves** Fri Oct 14, 2022 8:29 am

This is terrible. We should do a new one Razz

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