“Hayes Hanlon” Sounds Like a Spider-Man Character
At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, there’s no shortage of glamorous dressing rooms, expensive suites, or lavish cafeterias for members of the PRIME roster to meet, greet, or brawl.
On this particular night, Cecilia Ryan has chosen the parking lot.
The Murder Daughter stands with her arms crossed outside the rear entrance to the building, a short cut jacket over her tank top. She’s quiet, stoic, but a little agitated.
The next addition to the scene won’t be an improvement.
“Event Horizon,” Hayes Hanlon emerges from a white Audi, closing the door behind him. He spins his key-ring around his finger and adjusts the cuffs of a black button-down as he walks toward the rear entrance, only to notice the brooding Cecilia Ryan.
He stops.
And looks around for another entrance.
Ryan rolls her eyes and releases an annoyed sigh while Hayes collects himself, taking a step forward.
Hayes Hanlon: You know, it’s been two weeks and my elbow still hurts like hell.
Cecilia Ryan: And if you’re gonna start bragging, I’ll gladly make the other one match.
Hayes Hanlon (hands up in defense): No bragging. It was a great match. Almost had me tapping out in my debut.
He extends a hand. Cecilia raises an eyebrow.
Cecilia Ryan: I almost broke your fucking arm. Don’t come at me with that “great match” bullshit. You were saved by the ropes, pretty boy.
The Event Horizon smirks behind his dark mustache.
Hayes Hanlon: Is that why you’re hanging out here? Wanted the chance to tell me how you really feel?
Cecilia Ryan: Don’t flatter yourself. (She motions her chin over his shoulder.) Waiting for someone.
Confused, Hayes tilts his head, then looks over his shoulder to see none other than “The Ego Buster,” Dan Ryan, all 300 pounds of him walking toward the two.
Hayes Hanlon: Oh shiii…Mr. Ryan! I’m Hayes Hanlon. Big fan of your work…
Hayes turns and extends a hand to The Ego Buster, who pauses his stride and looks him up and down in confusion. After a moment he regains his composure.
Dan Ryan: You’re the new guy, right? The one that beat my daughter last week?
Hayes Hanlon: Ah, yes sir. I’m that gu…
Ryan cuts him off, leaning in to whisper.
Dan Ryan: Mind if I give you a little advice?
Hayes Hanlon: I’m all ears.
Dan Ryan: Okay, here’s my advice. Fuck off, kid.
After a moment of stunned pause, Hayes concedes with a small grin.
Hayes Hanlon: And here I was hoping for your autograph.
He turns, making way for the entrance, addressing Cecilia before he disappears into the building.
Hayes Hanlon: Seems like a nice guy.
She glares at him as he walks away, then finally turns and looks up at her father, who raises an eyebrow.
Dan Ryan: So nice of you to meet me out in the parking lot, although inside at catering would have done fine.
Cecilia Ryan: I can’t spend another minute in there. Everyone partying, drinking…. I’m not even 21 yet, dad. They won’t let me on the casino floor. Some uppity bitch asked me if I was looking for my parents.
Dan chuckles a bit.
Cecilia Ryan: I’m so happy I could amuse you. I had him! He was beat! I should have won!
He looks down at his daughter, her arms crossed and obviously flustered. He half expected her to stomp her feet.
Dan Ryan: First of all…
He holds a finger out in her face.
Dan Ryan: You need to calm down.
Her eyes go wide in shock.
Cecilia Ryan: I need to ‘calm down’? You’re telling me I need to calm down? You? The man who lost his temper and turned on his own sister-in-law for a championship? The man who broke into Andy Murray’s dressing room, broke his leg and actually threw him off a balcony to the ground? That guy is telling me to calm down.
He scoffs.
Dan Ryan: Look, first of all, Andy Murray deserved it. He’s an asshole, and your aunt is um… kinda running things here so maybe let’s not talk about that part. The point I’m making is, you just got started. I gotta be honest with you, Ceese. Most people fall flat on their face in their first match.
She seems a little comforted by this.
Cecilia Ryan: Really? Did you?
He blinks once or twice, staring at her.
Dan Ryan: Actually, no. I didn’t lose for like, my first six months in the business.
Cecilia Ryan: And when you lost your first match?
He stares at her some more, hesitant.
Dan Ryan: I destroyed a hotel room.
She rolls her eyes.
Cecilia Ryan: Gee, thanks for the pep talk, dad. Really helpful.
She turns to start walking toward the arena entrance, and he follows, wrapping a massive arm around her shoulders.
Dan Ryan: You’re gonna be fine. I just want you to keep some perspective, that’s all. You’re just getting started, but you’re well-trained. You know your stuff. That kid who was just out here was impressed, but you were too busy sucking on your binky feeling sorry for yourself to notice.
She sighs again.
Cecilia Ryan: I know. I know, you’re right.
She takes a deep breath.
Dan Ryan: Good. Listening to me is the first step to greatness.
She cringes.
Cecilia Ryan: Corny, dad. That’s real corny.
He opens the door as they reach their destination and holds it there for her to enter, the light of the arena shining out into the darkness.
Dan Ryan: You have so much of your mom and your aunt in you.
She smiles at this, proud.
Cecilia Ryan: Thanks. And I’ll make sure not to bring up that whole betrayal thing with Aunt Lindz.
Dan looks around quickly and shuffles her in through the door opening.
Dan Ryan: I said we don’t talk about that….
Then lets the door shut behind him.