SummerSlam Diary: Day 1

SummerSlam Diary: ECW Champion Christian - Day One
By Craig Tello with photos by Eric Johnson & Scott Brinegar
Aug. 21, 2009

Intro | Day 2 | Day 3

This is a test, 3:29 p.m.

In traditional black and white canvas Converses, the ECW Champion casually glides into his WWE Studios screen test, a general audition for a role in one of eight films slated for production over the next three years. He quickly studies his lines before the camera starts rolling.

The Captain keeps his comedic charisma to a minimum, instead delivering a serious, poignant dialogue pulled directly from a scripted scene. In the shadow of Hollywood, minutes from the headquarters of WWE Studios, there is no more appropriate place for such a task.


The natural, 4:40 p.m.

WWE Studios Executive Vice President Mike Pavone conducts the audition and offers guidance to the ECW Champion, who demonstrates an innate ability perhaps even he didn't know he possessed.

Christian completes his dramatic discourse with a reading actor, then an impressed Pavone gives his frank assessment to the Extreme Superstar.

"You have very good instincts … You got it as well, if not better than anyone else … You're the most natural at it."

To add relevance to Pavone's encouraging appraisal, Christian learns his competition for a role includes John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz.


Staying in touch, 7:29 p.m.

As part of WWE's weekend takeover of Los Angeles, several top Superstars and Divas are heading to an appropriate location in Hollywood for a VIP party co-hosted by Nancy O'Dell's charity, Betty's Battle. Relaxing in a hotel green room, Christian exchanges several text messages with a good friend from home, drawing a mild grin to his face. On the road, this is one of the best ways for him to keep in touch with the people who mean the most to him.

 

VIP treatment, 9:22 p.m.

Outside h.wood, an exclusive L.A. night club, Christian -- as well as Superstars like WWE Champion Randy Orton and Triple H -- is met by the hot flashes of countless cameras on the red carpet.

Amongst celebrity attendees like Gilles Marini (Dancing with the Stars) and Allison Sweeney (The Biggest Loser), Captain Charisma is interviewed by reporters from major networks and local media, including "Access Hollywood" and more. But beyond the spectacle of the VIP event, Christian is attuned to the night's critical message of support for Betty's Battle, raising awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
 
NEXT DAY >

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Diaries: Intro | Day 2 | Day 3
Photos: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

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