Big Ticket Entertainment Presents: MAXimum Magic (1982)
Dec 3, 2021 19:09:56 GMT -5
CJ Phoenix, Carter Shaw, and 4 more like this
Post by Harvey Marx on Dec 3, 2021 19:09:56 GMT -5
Marx - purple
Leonora - green
Seattle
Four days to showtime
Okay now I know I've been working too hard. There is no way you just said what I thought you said.
I trusted you to cut Oz's slimy purse strings and go overseas to find funding for Elements, Marx. It's your turn to trust. I didn't make this decision. It's Frank's show and Frank's call.
An international flavor will be good for the show. The girl I understand… but why does it have to be HIM.
Take it up with the star. What's important right now is Turmoil. What's the act? An escape? A little slight of mind work?
There's no act. You and the crew can enjoy the night like everyone else. You're earned it. AW can handle the stage work.
It is Leo’s turn to doubt her senses
Give me a minute here, Harvey. I told the press you were making your return at Turmoil. The Big Ticket made a huge splash with Vanessa at Execution, and this a great opportunity to keep riding that wave and give Elements the push it needs, and you're not going to put on a show?
I said there would be no act, Leo. There's always a show.
Chicago
December 5, 2021
A nervous gasp from the crowd is heard in time with the cutting of house lights at United Center. Any good crowd would have done as much, and this one waits a few heartbeats for the pyro display that should announce the start of Action Wrestling's Turmoil 2021.
There's no explosion. There is nothing but a darkness in no hurry to reveal its promises. The people begin to stir, filling the stillness with the nervous hum of nearly 20,000 souls on edge. They know they're being strung along and do their part by getting a little louder.
When a minute has passed, the wave of sound starts to turn. Nothing is happening. But there is no light to get beer and popcorn. All they can do is get louder in the silence.
It is broken at last by the echoing click of a single spotlight. A man sits straddling a steel chair in the center of the ring. He is massive. The chair looks as if it has been rented from a dollhouse. He is passing a coin between the fingers of his left hand. The image on the jumbotron is black and white, as is the feed into millions of homes, bars and campuses on pay per view.
The fans recognize the man who they can see in living color, but most of them choose to look at the screen, drawn into his world. They erupt in cheers as the cameras go to a close up. An understated smile on his face as he allows the crowd to greet him after months away from this stage. He gets up calmly, surveying the crowd without acknowledgement. He takes a slow, deliberate step toward a corner of the ring and the sound of classic two toned tap shoes hitting canvas resounds everywhere and silences the clamoring fans.
Two more steps like hammers falling in the forge of a god before he turns on his heel and sits again. He's had his fun. Showtime.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Harlan Alexeiovich Markov. I am a “fake” magician.
The voice shocks the man almost as much as his audience. He's been playing Harvey Marx for so long that he doesn't hear his natural, Russian accent even in his thoughts. He still sounds like a grizzly bear, only a slightly smaller one without his trademark stage growl.
For the past 14 years I have had the honor of sharing magic with the world as Harvey Marx. Rest assured The Big Ticket will return to the ring later tonight. I have let all of you behind the curtain a few times during my run with action wrestling. My colleagues and I are the performers, but our show belongs to all of you. I believe in engaging our audience. I've pulled a few tricks, yes. But I have always been clear about one thing: My shows are carefully crafted, that I pour a great deal of time and effort into my art.
So I have no more to waste keeping Max Daemon relevant
I decided to leave Mr. Monday Night Magic backstage for now. Max is very uncomfortable with my alter ego. He is frightened and distrustful of what I do, so I thought I would come out tonight as plain, simple Harlan. Surely this is less intimidating and better suited to my opponent's level of maturity?
I apologize to those of you who expected something bigger from me tonight. I have made it my life's work to fuel your imaginations and I’m very sorry I have to avoid fueling Max's delusions for now.
Who can blame me for trying a different approach? People have been trying to beat sense into my friend for years. Clearly this not working.
I do respect Max Daemon. As the gentleman in tonight's match, I'd like to thank him for stepping up and getting a victory for Team Clash after I disappeared in Tokyo.
I will take a moment now to thank those who kept the wonder alive without me
I owe a lot to John Thomas. I sawed him in half at Havoc, right here in the windy city, to raise nearly $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Darcy offered Markov twice as much NOT to put John back together. Leo wouldn't let him take it.
I'm thankful for his ongoing support. That doesn't change the fact that he is a loud, crass windbag bent on stirring conflict. A diva obsessed with picking apart the lives of those he knows nothing about, all to stroke his own ego.
At least some people manage to do it with a little wit, Max.
· We have gotten quite a lift from Azurine Vebbins in recent months. The inaugural CBS All Access champion has brought her unique blend of guts and grace to a number of Big Ticket Entertainment Productions and has played her part to keep you entertained. Who can forget her joining Leonora taking a submissive scandalous, stylish stroll straight into our hearts at Execution. More than any other Superstar on the roster she shares my Flair for fashion. She's built a bigtime brand with her adorkable alliterations.
I'm not surprised she was such a natural addition to our crew. Azurine celebrates and uplifts others, yet isn't afraid ruffle a few feathers to command attention.
She would be the first to tell you Max: a little charm goes a long way.
At The Mention Of fashion, Markov suddenly feels underdressed in a white button down shirt and black slacks. He is glad that Frank insisted on this look as a middle ground between the Markus Michael t shirt and blue jeans Markov wanted to wear and the tweed suit with antique cane and bowler hat the big-ticket will wear later on to face Max Daemon.
Big Ticket Entertainment's Action Wrestling roadshow did more than endure my absence. It soared to new heights thanks to the undeniable, and equally undefinable talents….
Of Hot….Dog Robinson…!
The illusionist's startled reaction to the thunderous chant was genuine:
Meat is Magic!
*clap clap*
*clap clap clap*
Meat is magic!
The sound drowned out Markov's laughter as the fans went on making themselves heard. He stood tossing and catching the coin in his hand for two minutes with all the class of an old showman who knows he's been upstaged. Then he gives the crowd a courtly bow, steps back from the spotlight and waits for the ovation to end.
How does that happen Max? Getting over that with none of your athletic gifts and an old hot dog cart? He's the better man. That's honor, Max.
It was my honor to take a supporting role to the newest member of the BTE family at Execution.
Vanessa Rivers is fun. Spirited, mischievous, harmless fun. I’ve been trying to explain fun to you for months, my friend. I make my silly suits, make balloon animals, escape mechanical monsters, all in the name of fun! I’m starting to think Carter Shaw will grasp the concept of a turn signal before you understand that. Vanessa is a rare talent. Mr. Bellwood will soon be otherwise engaged. Vanessa is everything I would want in a new Apprentice.
Speaking of Frank, I confess I see a lot of him in you Max. Looks, talent, effortless charisma. I have been on the big stage with each of you many times. I see your limitless potential, watch you reach for it…
Only Mr. Bellwood has the heart and humility to achieve it.
Max Daemon is arrogant enough to believe all of you wonderful people need someone to tell you I can't actually walk on water and stubborn enough to keep it up since before the road to Evolution. He has anointed himself an authority on “real” magic with no respect to future AW hall of Famer Claire Hawkins.
For all his success and blessings, Frank can still learn. When is Max Daemon going to start?
Boris, my oldest friend. You had my back during my recent travels. You we're a crotchety old buzzard by the time you were 25. You wake up at the crack of noon to blow things up when I tell you to and sometimes when I don't…
You would get along with Max Daemon famously. I am forever grateful to you.
Tonight's program about the many roles we play is dedicated to the incomparable Leonora Jane Albright. She is at once the greatest actor I have ever seen and the most genuine person I have ever met. She is sometimes my own stage assistant, the queen of the Emerald City, sometimes the co of big-ticket entertainment.
She is always my conscience.
It may be Beyond even her power to conjure up a moral compass for you Max. This woman of many talents is unqualified to be the wrestling coach you want. But after five years of helping a grown man function in the world playing with fireworks, rabbits, and rings, Leo is the babysitter you need.
What makes each of these people so adept at stage magic is their courage to follow their own path.
Harlan pauses to think lovingly of Brick. His chiseled Angel has left the company in search of a new crop of fools to pummel on her way to the top. Some things are too personal to share even tonight.
Last week on Clash, Harvey Marx told you your belief was not required. He will say anything to promote a match. But I am Harlan. I’m here to give you the truth.
I have returned to the ring one last time because Max Daemon is the one who needs magic most of all.
Magic is not about darkness, fear and deception. Magic is a bridge between impossible dreams and a brighter world. It was a bit of magic that took the flying machines from da Vinci's notebooks and made the jet that brought me to Chicago. Magic is how a boy from Moscow comes to this country with nothing and ends up standing here tonight…
I can understand why a man who does not know his past would attack me, my friends, my crew and a force for a better future. I forgive you, Max.
I have done no magic tonight because I’m saving it for the ring.
I’m not here just to beat you, Max.
Tonight…
I will make you a believer.
Harlan Markov throws down the coin and the spotlight cuts. The feed is restored to color.
A simple man has vanished as quietly as he appeared
We fade out.
***
Credits: Markus Michael shirt - Markus Michael
Tweed suit – Jill Park
Leonora - green
Seattle
Four days to showtime
Okay now I know I've been working too hard. There is no way you just said what I thought you said.
I trusted you to cut Oz's slimy purse strings and go overseas to find funding for Elements, Marx. It's your turn to trust. I didn't make this decision. It's Frank's show and Frank's call.
An international flavor will be good for the show. The girl I understand… but why does it have to be HIM.
Take it up with the star. What's important right now is Turmoil. What's the act? An escape? A little slight of mind work?
There's no act. You and the crew can enjoy the night like everyone else. You're earned it. AW can handle the stage work.
It is Leo’s turn to doubt her senses
Give me a minute here, Harvey. I told the press you were making your return at Turmoil. The Big Ticket made a huge splash with Vanessa at Execution, and this a great opportunity to keep riding that wave and give Elements the push it needs, and you're not going to put on a show?
I said there would be no act, Leo. There's always a show.
Chicago
December 5, 2021
A nervous gasp from the crowd is heard in time with the cutting of house lights at United Center. Any good crowd would have done as much, and this one waits a few heartbeats for the pyro display that should announce the start of Action Wrestling's Turmoil 2021.
There's no explosion. There is nothing but a darkness in no hurry to reveal its promises. The people begin to stir, filling the stillness with the nervous hum of nearly 20,000 souls on edge. They know they're being strung along and do their part by getting a little louder.
When a minute has passed, the wave of sound starts to turn. Nothing is happening. But there is no light to get beer and popcorn. All they can do is get louder in the silence.
It is broken at last by the echoing click of a single spotlight. A man sits straddling a steel chair in the center of the ring. He is massive. The chair looks as if it has been rented from a dollhouse. He is passing a coin between the fingers of his left hand. The image on the jumbotron is black and white, as is the feed into millions of homes, bars and campuses on pay per view.
The fans recognize the man who they can see in living color, but most of them choose to look at the screen, drawn into his world. They erupt in cheers as the cameras go to a close up. An understated smile on his face as he allows the crowd to greet him after months away from this stage. He gets up calmly, surveying the crowd without acknowledgement. He takes a slow, deliberate step toward a corner of the ring and the sound of classic two toned tap shoes hitting canvas resounds everywhere and silences the clamoring fans.
Two more steps like hammers falling in the forge of a god before he turns on his heel and sits again. He's had his fun. Showtime.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Harlan Alexeiovich Markov. I am a “fake” magician.
The voice shocks the man almost as much as his audience. He's been playing Harvey Marx for so long that he doesn't hear his natural, Russian accent even in his thoughts. He still sounds like a grizzly bear, only a slightly smaller one without his trademark stage growl.
For the past 14 years I have had the honor of sharing magic with the world as Harvey Marx. Rest assured The Big Ticket will return to the ring later tonight. I have let all of you behind the curtain a few times during my run with action wrestling. My colleagues and I are the performers, but our show belongs to all of you. I believe in engaging our audience. I've pulled a few tricks, yes. But I have always been clear about one thing: My shows are carefully crafted, that I pour a great deal of time and effort into my art.
So I have no more to waste keeping Max Daemon relevant
I decided to leave Mr. Monday Night Magic backstage for now. Max is very uncomfortable with my alter ego. He is frightened and distrustful of what I do, so I thought I would come out tonight as plain, simple Harlan. Surely this is less intimidating and better suited to my opponent's level of maturity?
I apologize to those of you who expected something bigger from me tonight. I have made it my life's work to fuel your imaginations and I’m very sorry I have to avoid fueling Max's delusions for now.
Who can blame me for trying a different approach? People have been trying to beat sense into my friend for years. Clearly this not working.
I do respect Max Daemon. As the gentleman in tonight's match, I'd like to thank him for stepping up and getting a victory for Team Clash after I disappeared in Tokyo.
I will take a moment now to thank those who kept the wonder alive without me
I owe a lot to John Thomas. I sawed him in half at Havoc, right here in the windy city, to raise nearly $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Darcy offered Markov twice as much NOT to put John back together. Leo wouldn't let him take it.
I'm thankful for his ongoing support. That doesn't change the fact that he is a loud, crass windbag bent on stirring conflict. A diva obsessed with picking apart the lives of those he knows nothing about, all to stroke his own ego.
At least some people manage to do it with a little wit, Max.
· We have gotten quite a lift from Azurine Vebbins in recent months. The inaugural CBS All Access champion has brought her unique blend of guts and grace to a number of Big Ticket Entertainment Productions and has played her part to keep you entertained. Who can forget her joining Leonora taking a submissive scandalous, stylish stroll straight into our hearts at Execution. More than any other Superstar on the roster she shares my Flair for fashion. She's built a bigtime brand with her adorkable alliterations.
I'm not surprised she was such a natural addition to our crew. Azurine celebrates and uplifts others, yet isn't afraid ruffle a few feathers to command attention.
She would be the first to tell you Max: a little charm goes a long way.
At The Mention Of fashion, Markov suddenly feels underdressed in a white button down shirt and black slacks. He is glad that Frank insisted on this look as a middle ground between the Markus Michael t shirt and blue jeans Markov wanted to wear and the tweed suit with antique cane and bowler hat the big-ticket will wear later on to face Max Daemon.
Big Ticket Entertainment's Action Wrestling roadshow did more than endure my absence. It soared to new heights thanks to the undeniable, and equally undefinable talents….
Of Hot….Dog Robinson…!
The illusionist's startled reaction to the thunderous chant was genuine:
Meat is Magic!
*clap clap*
*clap clap clap*
Meat is magic!
The sound drowned out Markov's laughter as the fans went on making themselves heard. He stood tossing and catching the coin in his hand for two minutes with all the class of an old showman who knows he's been upstaged. Then he gives the crowd a courtly bow, steps back from the spotlight and waits for the ovation to end.
How does that happen Max? Getting over that with none of your athletic gifts and an old hot dog cart? He's the better man. That's honor, Max.
It was my honor to take a supporting role to the newest member of the BTE family at Execution.
Vanessa Rivers is fun. Spirited, mischievous, harmless fun. I’ve been trying to explain fun to you for months, my friend. I make my silly suits, make balloon animals, escape mechanical monsters, all in the name of fun! I’m starting to think Carter Shaw will grasp the concept of a turn signal before you understand that. Vanessa is a rare talent. Mr. Bellwood will soon be otherwise engaged. Vanessa is everything I would want in a new Apprentice.
Speaking of Frank, I confess I see a lot of him in you Max. Looks, talent, effortless charisma. I have been on the big stage with each of you many times. I see your limitless potential, watch you reach for it…
Only Mr. Bellwood has the heart and humility to achieve it.
Max Daemon is arrogant enough to believe all of you wonderful people need someone to tell you I can't actually walk on water and stubborn enough to keep it up since before the road to Evolution. He has anointed himself an authority on “real” magic with no respect to future AW hall of Famer Claire Hawkins.
For all his success and blessings, Frank can still learn. When is Max Daemon going to start?
Boris, my oldest friend. You had my back during my recent travels. You we're a crotchety old buzzard by the time you were 25. You wake up at the crack of noon to blow things up when I tell you to and sometimes when I don't…
You would get along with Max Daemon famously. I am forever grateful to you.
Tonight's program about the many roles we play is dedicated to the incomparable Leonora Jane Albright. She is at once the greatest actor I have ever seen and the most genuine person I have ever met. She is sometimes my own stage assistant, the queen of the Emerald City, sometimes the co of big-ticket entertainment.
She is always my conscience.
It may be Beyond even her power to conjure up a moral compass for you Max. This woman of many talents is unqualified to be the wrestling coach you want. But after five years of helping a grown man function in the world playing with fireworks, rabbits, and rings, Leo is the babysitter you need.
What makes each of these people so adept at stage magic is their courage to follow their own path.
Harlan pauses to think lovingly of Brick. His chiseled Angel has left the company in search of a new crop of fools to pummel on her way to the top. Some things are too personal to share even tonight.
Last week on Clash, Harvey Marx told you your belief was not required. He will say anything to promote a match. But I am Harlan. I’m here to give you the truth.
I have returned to the ring one last time because Max Daemon is the one who needs magic most of all.
Magic is not about darkness, fear and deception. Magic is a bridge between impossible dreams and a brighter world. It was a bit of magic that took the flying machines from da Vinci's notebooks and made the jet that brought me to Chicago. Magic is how a boy from Moscow comes to this country with nothing and ends up standing here tonight…
I can understand why a man who does not know his past would attack me, my friends, my crew and a force for a better future. I forgive you, Max.
I have done no magic tonight because I’m saving it for the ring.
I’m not here just to beat you, Max.
Tonight…
I will make you a believer.
Harlan Markov throws down the coin and the spotlight cuts. The feed is restored to color.
A simple man has vanished as quietly as he appeared
We fade out.
***
Credits: Markus Michael shirt - Markus Michael
Tweed suit – Jill Park