Everything is alive, and in this moment as they hold hands…Butch and Wisdom Parker could feel it. The vibration of production trucks pulling into to dock was the first nudge for everything HWA to fully awaken. As the roaring, growling engines sputtered out, and ripples of exhaust from the pipes dissipated a moment of near silence followed. They watched as drivers handed over their manifest, and foremen with arms flailing this way and that barked orders at their crews who were filling the space. Then it came, the second nudge…the indistinguishable clink and clatter of metal as truck doors unlocked and were swing wide open. Crews rushed in like synchronized swimmers rolling out sound and lighting crates, palates of merchandise and food, boxes of marketing materials and lastly the one that in their hearts, they both knew they were waiting for. The HWA company logo etched across a series of brand new boxes and crates, labeled “Ring.” Butch could feel Wisdom’s grip tighten, he turned to look at her and glimpsed a tear in the corner of her eye. He reached over with his thumb catching it, just as it escapes her. She turns and smiles to him, clumsily wiping her other eye as if embarrassed. They walk back inside and the hustle and bustle is almost overwhelming. They’ve been backstage countless times over their careers but in passing. Walking by busy crews as first enter the arena and head to their locker rooms, going to grab something from catering, conversing in the hall with colleagues or heading to the fitness center to get a little warm up in before their match. This was the first time they’ve looked at operations from owners’ eyes. They make they way down the hall to what will be their designated office space over the next few days, heads full of anticipation of what will come next.
Los Angeles, the HWA training facility is in full swing as usual. A new batch of trainees, mostly teens are here on their first day. Matt Miller and Sean Parker are coming down the hall when a young man…couldn’t be more than 17 or 18, comes running around the corner and bumps into them dropping his water bottle and backpack in the collision. He starts frantically grabbing his items off the floor not having even looked up yet.
(Young Teen): Shit..I’m sorry…I’m sorry…
(Sean): Dude, relax…its okay…what the hell are you in such a rush for?
(Young Teen): I’m late, and they said…
He’s grabbing all his things and finally looks up to see Sean and Matt are those he ran into, his jaw drops.
(Young Teen): Fuk Me!...I mean…I’m so sorry… you’re Sean Parker and Matt Miller…I don’t believe this. Hey can I get a selfie with you guys.
He kneels back down rummaging through his backpack and pulls out his cell phone, hopping back to his feet and squeezes in between them before either have a chance to actually respond to his question. He’s grinning from ear to ear as he snaps a few photos and they kindly oblige.
(Young Teen): Thank you so much, I’ve been watching you guys since I was a kid…well since I was a little boy I mean. It’s my first day for the training school and I was supposed to be here 15 minutes ago but the bus didn’t come and I had to Uber and that was my last $20 so now I have to…
(Matt): Hey settle down…it’s ok…you’re here now…its all good. You better get in there. Coach probably already has a check mark next to your name on his list.
(Young Teen): What? A check mark…what does that mean?
(Sean): You’re going to scare the shit out of him…look…its nothing just get in there and do your best.
(Young Teen): Thank you, thank you sir.
He starts running off again, turning the corner heading to the locker room.
(Matt): 3…..2…..1….
The young man is seen in a flash running back the opposite way, heading now in the right direction towards the gymnasium. Sean and Matt laugh shaking their heads. As the laughter fades something comes over Matt. He looks at Sean then silently starts to head to the locker room. Sean looks a bit puzzled and follows. As they enter, they see Michelle, Sarah, and Jeremy all packing up for the day. They look up as they enter the room, each going back to their own tasks. A few minutes pass in complete silence and Sarah has her bag packed first, grabs it and heads for the door. She opens the door a crack but spins around and almost in a shout says…
(Sarah): Aren’t any of you going to say anything about all this?
Breaking the silence and drawing the attention of her peers she stands in the doorway teary-eyed.
(Sean): Okay…so just what the hell is going with you guys?
(Jeremy): Come on Sean, don’t act like you don’t know.
(Sean): If I knew I wouldn’t be asking.
(Matt): We’re days away from the reunion, this is big…this is really big, and it’s just…
(Sean): Just what?
Matt stands up and goes over to Sean.
(Matt): That kid, that kid that just bumped into us in the hallway. Eight years ago, that was me! Bright eyed, eager and star struck. That kid was looking at us the same way I looked at Butch and Buff, Dredge and all those guys. There’s like what..16 or so new recruits not 4 doors over that are a dime a dozen like we were.
(Sarah): Like we are, you mean.
(Michelle): Sarah, he didn’t mean it like that.
(Sarah): I know that but its true. I haven’t even been here a year, I’m greener than the booger out of a preschooler’s nose.
(Matt): The point is, what would have happened if HWA hadn’t shut down? I walked in the door at the same time it was closing. Hell, I hardly had matches before it happened. You don’t think I think about this all the time? And now, Maniac of all people is trying unnerve me, and I don’t know, maybe it’s working.
(Sean): Wait just a minute, what are you getting on about?
(Jeremy): Its simple really, HWA is making its major comeback, it was very exciting news at first, the past months we’ve been gearing up for the reunion, got a few interviews under our belts, but I think reality has sunk in.
(Sean): What reality?
(Michelle): The reality that this reunion is brining together talent from decades of HWA history. Like Maniac already keen on coming back. Maniac...a former World Champion now pestering Matt. Who else is going to want to come back Buff, McNeil, Deas…what if Wisdom decides she wants to get back in the ring? What the hell does that mean for all of us?
Sean drops his head, putting his hands on his waist as it all sinks in.
(Sean): You’re afraid you’re gonna get the bump, that’s it isn’t it? Matt man, you of all people know how much my uncle loves and respects you, you’ve been here since day one.
(Matt): I know that, but he’s a business man, and I have to respect that. Over half the people tuning in to the reunion show aren’t even going to know my name. How can he put a card together against someone like Maniac vs. Matt…”you know that guy that stayed…forgot his last name…what’s his face.”
(Sarah): More importantly, how are we supposed to compete against that? Michelle just said it…what if Wisdom gets back in the ring. Is there anyone here who thinks either one of us has any chance whatsoever against her or Butch if he decides to? No……I didn’t think so.
(Sean): Look, we don’t even know who’s coming to the show…we don’t know who’s coming back at all when its said and done. Chances are it will be us continuing to carry the banner. Guys like Maniac know how to work the crowd, all the shit he said he’s probably just blowing smoke. Everyone’s going to be just fine.
(Jeremy): Easy for your to say… “Nephew!” You’re family, they’re not about to kick you out. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not about to let some old farts think they can come back to the company they abandoned, that “We” kept alive, pick up where they left off and walk all over me. We’re younger, and we’re more determined than a couple geezers who have an itch to scratch wishing they were us at the start of their careers all over again.
(Sean): (Sean): Damn right about that, that’s the spirit. You guys are over thinking this, you’ve got some pre-show jitters…I get it, but seriously...
(Michelle): This is serious Sean, and I’m sorry but I don’t think you guys understand. Sarah and I are the only women here, not exactly what anyone would call a women’s division. I’ve been here a while, but I’m still gonna be on the chopping block. Matt, Jeremy…I love you guys to death but you both have years on me an even if I did get to stay what about Sarah? She’s the only girl who made it through training that didn’t go to some other promotion or ran home broken and crying.
(Sean): Look, what I meant was I know how it is to doubt yourself, I was new too once.
(Sarah): Yeah, you were Sean, and what happened when you stepped in the ring with the big boys? AC James swatted you like a fly at a picnic, you’re lucky you made a recovery over the years to get back in that ring. Well, I’m not looking to have that happen to me, some of us won’t be so lucky.
(Matt): I know you’ve thought it about, maybe even obsessed over it, over the years. You can hide it from Butch, but you can’t hide it from me. What if the fella shows up at the reunion? What are you going to do if you come face-to-face with him?
Sean’s emotions begin to stir, tears form in his eyes and he punches the wall next to him. Sarah lets out a yelp, covering her mouth caught off guard.
(Matt): Look man, I didn’t….
Sean visibly upset begins to yell…
(Sean): No! You’re right. All of you are right. I was trying to keep your chins up, but I’ve been exactly where you all are right now. All I ever wanted to be was a professional wrestler. Watching my uncle on TV was like watching Star Trek and dreaming about space only this was tangible and I knew I could do it. When I was old enough he trained me, and he busted my ass the same as he’s done with each of you and everyone else and when I was ready I was fortunate enough to get the door opened for me. I was just like you guys, eager as fuk to get out there and do my thing. Just like you Jeremy, I didn’t doubt for a moment that I was ready for the ring, but let me tell you something. When these “seasoned” athletes got a hold of me, like AC James.
Michelle gets up seeing how upset Sean is and puts her arm around him. She’s crying now too as the others stand and move in circling around him. Sean starts wiping his eyes, pulling himself together.
(Sean): I know how excited you all are for this. You’ve busted your ass for this company and now we’re looking at this reunion wondering what superstar, what legend is going to stick around after and want to run those ropes again, and where does it leave us?
Sean looks over at Matt who now has his hand on his shoulder.
(Sean): And if AC James dares to show his face at the reunion. I’m going to give him the overdue payback he deserves.
Having been listening for quite a while now through the cracked door Wisdom open it wide and steps in. She startles the group as they turn to see her.
(Wisdom): You guys seem to be having quite the pow-wow.
(Sarah): We were…
Wisdom tosses her hand up for Michelle to stop…and she does.
(Wisdom): I know, I heard enough. Let me explain something to you guys and get this out of the way once and for all. If you’re worried about your jobs…don’t! Each of you knows that we are as committed and devoted to you as you have been to us these past years, or even months Sarah (looking specifically at her). As far as the superstars coming back, we don’t know who’s coming to the reunion. And I can tell you right now, not a single person has put pen to paper on any contract to make a return to our ring, that included Maniac. But if they do, know this… if you’re scared that you might one day lock it up with more experienced folks the likes of a Fallen, or Mastiff, Buff or my god even a ICE or Michael James…then ask yourself why you came. And ladies (looking over at Sarah and Michelle) I’m no closer to getting into a ring to compete right now than an Ice Age hitting tomorrow. Look guys, in this business you cannot let fear rule you. You grew up on these big names, you know who these people are, what they’ve done in their careers, in and out of the ring and you still signed up. I can’t give you the confidence you need to face the many challenges ahead in your career…that is something you need to find within yourselves. This is an ass kicking business and somedays you’re the ass and somedays you’re the kick, your training didn’t end out there in that gym…you never stop learning, you never stop growing as a competitor. Now as far as this reunion goes, this is your time to shine as we’ve said before. This is your big debut, and if being surrounded by thousands of fans for the first time isn’t enough pressure…being surrounded by a bunch of wrestling superstars will be. This is your Final Exam, and I know each of you are going to pass with flying colors. Now get out of here, we’ll see you in a couple days in New York.
The mood in the locker room lifts a bit, the new blood of HWA shares hugs before grabbing their bags and heading out the door looking ahead to New York. Sean is last in the room still packing when Wisdom stops him.
(Wisdom): And you Sean, there isn’t a person here who doesn’t know what happened to you, and I have no doubt that there’s a fire in there you’ve been saving to burn, but this is not the time or the place. These guys all look up to you, you know that. You’ve got to keep it together.
(Sean): I know, but Aunty if he shows…
(Wisdom): “If” he shows…you have to avoid him. This is our chance to put the past behind us, and there is a lot of ugly, and a whole lot more violence in our little HWA history. We have to be at our best, we have to show the world that we are not the same company we once were, we cannot let ourselves descend into the chaos of yesteryear. We have to be better. You’re a Parker, you were born to fight, so fight your urges. And I know coming from me of all people that sounds like lip service but none of us are the same people we used to be. You have to do this Sean, even if it means swallowing our pride. I know you know this, and I know you understand.
(Sean): I do!
Wisdom looks at Sean with a sympathetic smile and gives him a kiss on the cheek before she leaves the room. He turns back to his locker opening the door. Taped on the inside there is a photo of him in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the neck down and tears in his eyes up on the Havoc stage. 2009 is written at the bottom of the photo. He mumbles under his breath.
(Sean): You’re right about one thing aunty…we’re not the same people we used to be, and if I see AC James…I’m going to show him.
Sean slams the locker shut as the scene fades out.
Message Thread
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