Time: 2pm PST
Location: The Chase Center, San Francisco California
Five hours before HWA Havoc is due to go live…
Butch Parker arrives at the Chase Center in San Francisco ahead of schedule, eager to get a sense of how things are progressing. For now, Butch is dressed casually in well-fitted jeans and a black HWA t-shirt. Wisdom agreed to bring his suit with her later when she arrives on her flight from Santa Barbra.
Butch makes his way towards the loading dock area and can hear the sounds of trucks backing up and people bustling about. He spots several members of the ring crew unloading crates filled with equipment and sets of steps leading up to the stage. The smell of sawdust and sweat wafts towards him, reminding him of the countless shows he worked during his younger days.
As he enters the hallways, he sees various members of the production team setting up cables and testing microphones while the stage crew works on constructing the enormous entrance ramp. Everything seems to be running smoothly, but he can tell some members of staff are slightly anxious and worried about the show going well. He takes the time to speak to numerous members of the crew as In just a few hours, thousands of excited fans will pack into this venue, ready to witness an explosive night of action. With so much pressure riding on Havoc, it was crucial that everything went without any hitches behind the scenes.
(Butch): Good afternoon, everyone! I hope you guys are doing well.
Many of them look up at him warily, wondering if he's here to berate them for something. To alleviate their fears, Butch flashes a friendly grin, making sure to make eye contact with each person individually.
(Butch): Listen, I know we've got a big show tonight, and I just want to thank you all for your hard work so far. We couldn't do this without our unsung heroes like yourselves.
Some nod in appreciation while others crack small grins.
(Butch): So just keep up the amazing work and let me know if you need anything.
Butch continues his sweep through the arena, walking through the backstage corridors, checking in with various employees, giving brief instructions here and there when needed. As he reaches Gorilla where the broadcast booth is set up to watch the action as it unfolds, his interest is peaked. The main monitor shows various different camera angles at different parts of the stage and ringside area. He wants to ensure that every angle of every match is covered properly, resulting in maximum entertainment value for the viewers at home. He points to the monitors.
(Butch): Let me see those monitors.
One of the techs hands Butch a remote control and he starts adjusting the camera positions, zooming in and out to get different views of the ring and the seating area. Butch clicks his tongue, thinking aloud.
(Butch): The audio levels seem off a little. Turn the microphone volume up.
A few clicks and adjustments later, Butch nods satisfiedly.
(Butch): Perfect! Let's run through that again before we hit record.
With the sound issues resolved and cameras properly positioned, Having satisfied himself with the camera setup, Butch turns towards the commentary booth next door, eager to review any final details before showtime arrives. When he enters the booth, he’s greeted by the HWA commentary team of Vanessa von Richtoven and Jason Thatcher who are sat chatting away, looking over pieces of paper with scribbled notes, some of them underlined, some scribbled, some circled. They turn around see Butch standing and greet him warmly.
(Vanessa): Butch, god you’re here early! How are you doing?
She reaches out and gives him a warm hug, and they exchange light kisses on each other’s cheeks.
(Butch): I’m good, Nessa, nervous but good. Can I expect to see Hans tonight?
(Vanessa): He’s going to try his best for sure.
Butch nods understandingly and turns to Jason with a smile and gives him a warm hug.
(Butch): Jason! How are you?
(Jason): I’m good, thank you, Butch. I still can’t believe how good you look after all these years, it’s not fair!
(Butch): Oh come on, you’re still pretty dapper yourself.
Jason lightly nudges Vanessa with his elbow.
(Jason): You hear that? The boss thinks I look pretty dapper!
Vanessa smiles and rolls her eyes before looking at Butch.
(Vanessa): See what I have to put up with every week?
Butch chuckles lightly.
(Butch): This is what I miss, the banter with you two. Anyway, I’m just here to see how everyone’s getting on, provide any encouragement and help where I can without coming across as a micromanager. I think Wisdom sometimes thinks I can be a little overbearing.
(Vanessa): She just cares that’s all, she knows you mean well and how much this all means to you. Where is she anyway?
(Butch): She’s still in Santa Barbara, tidying up some last minute bits and pieces at home and waiting for the sitter to arrive for David and Evina. Her flight is in…
Butch checks his watch.
(Butch): Two hours and ten minutes. Anyway…
Butch settles into the leather chair opposite theirs, opening up a map of the ring area.
(Butch): … I would like to go over the plans for tonight. How are you both feeling about it? Confident?
Both Vanessa and Jason nod simultaneously. Jason speaks next.
(Jason): Absolutely.
(Vanessa): The lineup has something for everyone, plus everyone is buzzing about who Jeremy’s opponent will be. Are you sure you can’t tell us?
Butch smiles knowingly.
(Butch): Sorry, Ness, there are some cards I have to keep close to my chest. Trust me though, it’s going to be epic. Now if we may...
He proceeds to begin discussing their roles and responsibilities during the telecast while Vanessa and Jason listen attentively, getting hyped for the event to unfold before them. As they finish up their little confab, Butch stands up from his chair.
(Butch): You two are gonna rock it like you always do, I can’t wait to watch the broadcast back. I’ll be in Gorilla most of the night so if there’s anything you need I’ll be right there.
(Vanessa): Thanks, Butch, we appreciate it.
(Jason): Yeah, seriously, Butch, thanks for even thinking of me for bringing me back for this gig, there are so many talented broadcasters out there you could’ve paired with Vanessa.
Butch has an incredulous look on his face as if he can’t believe what Jason just said.
(Butch): Are you kidding me? There’s no HWA without you, Jase. WWE had JR and King, Gorilla and Heenan, Impact had Mike Tenay and Don West, AEW have Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. And we have you and Vanessa!
(Jason): Thanks, Butch, that means so much.
(Butch): You’re more than welcome. Right, I’ve got lots to do. If you need anything just call me on my cell.
(Vanessa): Sure thing, boss.
Butch leaves the commentary booth and makes his way to the stage area where the stage crew works on constructing the enormous entrance ramp. Everything seems to be running smoothly, but he can tell some members of staff are slightly anxious and worried about the show going well. After speaking to several members of the crew, he leaves feeling reassured and confident in the leadup to the event. He then makes his way to ringside where, rising from the depths of the arena floor, the ring dominates the space around it. The massive canvas structure stands tall and proud, awaiting its athletes to grace its surface. Butch watches intently, taking stock of all its components. The blue ropes seem tight and secure, held taut by heavy turnbuckles. Each corner post appears solid and durable, designed to sustain even the most intense bumps and slams. A protective barrier encircles the perimeter, providing safety to not only those within the ring itself but also those watching and stop the mat rests a giant HWA logo.
Observing the ring allows Butch to envision the countless possibilities, anticipating the displays from the talent coming to perform. His emerald green eyes gleam with expectation. As the crew continues to work efficiently and methodically, putting the finishing touches on the ring structure, Butch spots Tom, the crew chief responsible for setting up the ring. He walks over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
(Butch): Hey Tom, my main man! How's it going?
Tom turns around, recognising Butch immediately and smiles as the two fist bump.
(Tom): Good to see you, Butch. Things are looking great so far. We're almost ready to go.
Butch takes a closer look at the ring and examines each piece of equipment meticulously.
(Butch): Looks like you guys did a phenomenal job here. Any particular tweaks made to the setup since the Reunion Show? There wasn’t as much in-ring action but we’ve got a hefty card tonight.
Tom points out a few changes they made based on feedback received after the Reunion Show.
(Tom): Well, we’ve increased the height of the turnbuckle pads slightly for improved safety and added extra padding underneath the mats to ensure optimal cushioning.
Butch nods appreciatively.
(Butch): Excellent attention to detail, as expected. Anything else I should keep in mind ahead of the matches tonight?
Tom gives him a thumbs-up sign.
(Tom): All systems go, my friend. Just sit back and enjoy the show.
As the final pieces are locked into place, Butch steps back to take in the completed structure, nodding approvingly. The sight of the finished product fills him with satisfaction, knowing that everything was done to provide the best platform for the roster to perform and entertain the live audience.
With the banners featuring the HWA acronym now fluttering down over the ring apron, a look of pride crosses Butch's face. Watching the banners go up fills him with joy as they represent a symbol of all the blood, sweat, tears, and years of dedication that went into building HWA from back from scratch into a global brand it was all those years ago. The fact that the first Havoc event since 2015 had sold-out in a matter of minutes and was already garnering massive international media attention was a testament to the hard work he, Wisdom and everyone else had put into make HWA marketable again.
The fifteen years that preceded this, HWA was renowned for its cutting edge, visceral and practically R-rated content and Butch would be the first to admit he played a massive part in that. Some of his most infamous matches were popular because of the bloodshed and eye-watering spots. But Butch and Wisdom were keen on revamping that brand. Wisdom’s business acumen was really paying off here and the decision to use a combination of old and young talent was a bold but well-calculated risk.
Seeing those bold letters, representing so much more than just three simple initials, brings warmth to Butch's heart, reminding him why he and Wisdom fought ceaselessly to sustain this dream and how fulfilling it felt to share it with the world of professional wrestling again. Butch’s thought process is disrupted by the sound of his cell phone ringing and his expression changes as soon as he sees Wisdom’s name pop up on his phone screen. He swiftly picks up the call, greeting her warmly on FaceTime.
(Butch): Hey babe, how are you?
(Wisdom): Yeah, I’m good, I’ll be there shortly. I’m just waiting on the sitter arriving and I’ll be there.I just wanted to check in and make sure you were feeling okay. I know how nervous you’ve been. Just remember, don't forget to breathe tonight!
Butch laughs dryly.
(Butch): Yeah, I definitely feel a little queasy, it’s just this event is so important for us and I want it to be perfect.
(Wisdom): And it will be!
Before she hangs up, Wisdom reminds him of something.
(Wisdom): Remember why we decided to take this venture on - because you love what we do. You’ve given so much to this business for nearly thirty years of your life. That passion has driven you since day one. Trust your instincts and enjoy yourself, my love. I’ll be there soon! I love you!
(Butch): Thanks, babe, I love you too.
They hang up with each other and Butch places his phone back in his pocket. A deep sigh gushes from his nostrils as he approaches the ring. He reaches out, taking the cloth material of the ring apron banner in his hands as he contours his finger over the HWA lettering. He thinks about Sean. His nephew hadn’t been seen his everything came to ahead last week. The decision to remove him from the card was hard but necessary and he knew Wisdom was still wrestling internally with it. Memories of Sean with Matt, Jeremy, Sarah and Michelle at the Training Academy learning the basics, honing their skills in the ring, taking part in some incredible matches, leading and growing together. All those moments flashed through his head like an old movie reel. It was difficult not having him around today, especially during such pivotal moments like this return event - but sometimes decisions have to be made and sacrifices need to be made for the greater good. But then his train of thought is interrupted as reality sets in. “It isn’t worth dwelling over the past, you did what you thought was right”, he tells himself as he straightens his posture and glances upon the ring. There was still work to do and livelihoods depending on their success or failure tonight. So he turns and walks away, eager to meet with the locker room as they slowly but surely trickle through and arrive at the arena. After all, the show must always go on...
The scene fades to black.
Message Thread
« Back to index