Big Hands and Broken Hearts
Nick Stuart: The story broke earlier in the week via Jabber, as sad news has come out here in the Almasy Invitational. John Royko Jr. must pull out of the tournament due to a knee injury that appears to be career ending.
Richard Parker: Sounds like a quitter to me, Nick.
Nick Stuart: Hardly. Our very own Angelica Brooks is standing by with a sit-down interview with John Kennedy Royko. Angie?
The affable Angie Brooks sits gracefully in a blue plush chair. Across from her at an angle to shoot both faces is John Kennedy Royko Jr.
Angelica Brooks: Thank you Nick. Indeed, earlier this week we learned that JK Royko was announcing his retirement from PRIME. John thank you for sitting down with me, I’m sure this isn’t easy.
The big man smiles at the camera and holds his head high.
JK Royko: Honestly when I first found out I had to retire thanks to my knee, I was destroyed. Lots of tears shed for what could have been. It’s hard to let go of dreams. It’s hard to lose your identity. Angie, I entered this tournament as a tribute to my recently deceased father. Having to end it like this, just doesn’t feel right. But thanks to all the support I’ve received from the fans on Jabber, and most of all my fiancée Aurora holding my hand through it all, I can honestly say I’m at peace with it.
Angelica Brooks: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
The former wrestler pounds his big hands over his heart.
JK Royko: Truly. Thank you. I wanted to be somebody who you could depend on. To represent everyone from those who sit in the front row, to the underprivileged who can only watch on TV. I wanted to be an example of an athlete who gave his all in the ring, yet still had time to do charity work out of it. Which, by the way, will not end with my retirement. Aurora and I, in whatever we pursue, will still do all we can for charity.
Angelica Brooks: Excellent! Always a man of character. What’s next?
JK Royko: I’m going to be a father. I’ve also spoken with my former coach, and I might return to football in a coaching capacity. I really don’t know yet to be honest. I need to breathe a little first.
Angelica Brooks: Understandable. What did you take away from your time here in PRIME?
The big man lets out a hardy laugh.
JK Royko: Get to catering early before Bobby Dean does. Ha, no what I want to say is this. What I take away is I understood how damn lucky I was to stand in a PRIME ring and be able to represent these fans and the company’s history. Such a privilege, and I will never forget it. Yes, my ending here in PRIME isn’t a very good one. My story’s still yet to be told, but just not in this world. For that, I am saddened. But I will find my way. These fans have a great wrestling show to support and some amazing talents.
Angelica Brooks: Well, I’ve gotten close to your fiancée Aurora over the last few weeks, and I know I will stay in touch. You will be remembered here in PRIME, and I know I speak for a lot of people in the back when I say it’s been a pleasure working with you.
Richard Parker: She doesn’t speak for me.
Nick Stuart: Don’t interrupt the segment, Richard.
The interviewer sticks her small hand out, but Royko gets up and calls for a hug.
JK Royko: Thank you Angie.
The camera cuts from the hug to the announce team.
Nick Stuart: Well, there you have it, the end of a career that was just getting started.
Richard Parker: So, does Cancer Jiles get a bye?
Nick Stuart: My understanding is Jiles will come down to the ring and Elvis Nixon will count out Royko for a no contest victory.
Richard Parker: Well that’s some bullsh–
Cut away.