Don't call it a comeback...
TCW Headquarters
December 14, 2012
I stepped into Joel Bryant's office. I was nervous. I hadn't been so shaky since I left rehab in 2007. Since my "comeback". I hadn't touched a drop since, but god had I wanted it that night.
That was just DAVE. I'd worked indies since then, but that had been my last shot at anything, and I had blown it.
So what did Joel Bryant want with me?
"I'm going to put it straight to you." Joel said, gesturing that I sit down across from him. "You're in a unique position."
I had no idea what he was talking about, so I just nodded.
"We're hiring a lot of youngsters. We're thinking of starting a development camp out of LA." He continued.
"And you want me to be a trainer?" I asked, not quite sure where this was going.
"No, we've already got a few people in mind for that." Joel said. "No, we want you on the main roster. We need solid veterans. We need some name value to balance out the new kids. And then there's the backstage factor..."
"You want me on hand as an example." I said, as realisation dawned.
"In a manner of speaking. But that's not all." Joel said.
"What else? I'm happy to sign up as a jobber." I said.
Joel smiled. "You may have noticed our roster has some... diversity."
"It's a big roster, it's expected." I said.
"But we've got workers from a lot of other companies. Some people would even say that's how we built all our stars." Joel said.
"Tommy Cornell wasn't a star when he got here, neither was Rocky Golden, you built Wolf Hawkins from nothing." I said.
"I did say 'some people'. Anyway, we're trying something new. Up until now, the booking committee has been myself, Tommy, Brent Hill, Kyle Rhodes and Bryan Vessey. We're currently in the market for some new talent on that bench. People who have worked with the best minds in the business. We're scouting some big name former-DAVE workers, people who were on Vibert's booking committee. We're scouting overseas as well. And Edd Stone is officially a consultant." Joel rolled his eyes at that last one.
"And you want me... Oh." I said. "I was on Sneer's booking committee for six months."
"Shane Sneer is the head booker of one of our biggest rivals. Any insight you could have would be much appreciated." Joel said.
"I was drunk a lot of the time back then. In fact, I'm the poster child for not putting someone on your booking committee just because they're your star. Case in point, Bryan Vessey." I said.
"It was in his contract." Joel shrugged. "But Sneer didn't sign that kind of contract, not ever. You were there because he saw a glimmer of genius."
"If you want me as a jobber, fine. If you want me to help with the book, I'll do that too. If you want me to be a cautionary tale to all the youngsters, fine. It makes sense. Does Tommy know you're coming to me? With my past and all?" I asked.
Joel nodded, and produced a contract. Tommy Cornell's signature was already on the bottom, as was Joel's.
I raised an eyebrow at the salary. More than I'd earned for my comeback, that was for sure. Not quite what I was earning back in Southern Class, but I needed a steady gig.
I signed the dotted line:
Jack Griffith.