Post-Havoc Part III: From Elation to Panic
The scene unfolds several hours after Havoc had went off the air. Despite the fans having long since departure the arena, the energy inside the building is still electric after the events that unfolded, bookended by Jeremy Branson’s historic victory over Will Ospreay and the unexpected conclusion when Sean Parker returned to reconcile with his friend. Backstage, after the euphoria has died down slightly, Sean is still feeling disappointed he couldn’t perform tonight but is glad that he could still help contribute to the show in some respect. He sits slumped over in a folding chair, elbows propped on knees, staring at nothing in particular. An audible sigh escaped his lips. Jeremy approaches his dejected-looking friend, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he takes a seat next to him. (font color=orange>(Jeremy): Hey, I know you wanted to be in there tonight with me. But it’s all in the past now. We gave the fans something epic they’ll remember. A slight nod from Sean signals acknowledgement but a sense sadness remains etched on his features. Jeremy continues hoping to lift the mood slightly. (Jeremy): Look, you f***ed up but you had the guts to own up to it and go out in front of nearly twenty thousand people and own it. We’re good. Jeremy friendlily bumps his fist on Sean’s shoulder. (Jeremy): We have each other’s backs and we will always will. A brief smile formed on Sean’s lips but vanished just as quickly, a look of resignation painted across his face. (Sean): I know but I still wish that could’ve been me and you out there, tearing the house down like we did before, y’know? (Jeremy): And we will again, trust me. There’s plenty of opportunities for me to beat you at Havoc! Laughter erupts from Sean at this remark. (Sean): Yeah! Keep telling yourself that mate… (Jeremy): Hey! I just beat Will frickin’ Ospreay! You’ve got no chance! The two friends share another laugh and they fist bump, solidifying their renewed friendship. Footsteps coming into the locker room can then be heard and Sean looks up, his eyes widening. (Sean): Oh shit, speak of the devil. Jeremy looks round, following Sean’s line of sight and in walks Will Ospreay. Despite his defeat to Jeremy earlier, he walks with confident strides as he closes the gap between them. Both Sean and Jeremy, almost involuntarily, stand up as Will approaches them. (Will): Jeremy… Will extends his hand, his tone and demeanour sincere (Will): Outstanding match earlier, honestly mate, that was an absolute banger! Jeremy takes Will's hand warmly, reciprocating the compliment. (Jeremy): Thanks dude, it’s an honor just to even speak to you let alone share a ring with you. (Will): The honour is mine mate, to be part of HWA’s relaunch like this, I’m just happy to be here. How long you been wrestling? Five years? (Jeremy): Three actually. Will’s eyes widen slightly and he exhales loudly. (Will): Wow, that’s impresssive. You’re gonna go far in this business, I guarantee you. Especially when you’ve got a guy like Butch Parker guiding you. Don’t take that for granted! As if sensing an energy shift, Sean stands alongside Jeremy, feeling included despite having been verbally-ribbed only moments ago. Turning his attention towards Sean, Will raises a brow. (Will): And you, Sean right? You’re Butch’s nephew? Sean nods hello nervously. Will takes Sean's handshake firmly. (Will): You’re uncle is a damn legend by the way! I’d have loved to have wrestled him. I’ve seen some of your old matches on YouTube as well, you’ve got the skills to be just as good as he is! (Sean): Thanks man, that means a lot! (Will): If I can give you both any advice, don’t forget how vital comradeship like ours is in this industry. Trust me when I say the ones closest to you can easily become the ones you least expect. Take pride in your brotherhood here and hold fast, lads! The atmosphere intensifies, the seasoned veteran almost seeming clairvoyant; perhaps divining an unforeseen test destined for HWA's new generation. (Will): Anyway, great talking to you guys, I’ve got a plane to catch though. Jeremy, you’ll need to come over to Japan, I’d love a rematch down the line! The three men shake hands again. (Jeremy): Holy shit, that’d be awesome, definitely! (Will): Speak to Butch, I’ll speak to my people and we’ll make it happen! As Will walks out of the shot and out of the locker room, Jeremy and Sean are practically fanboying. (Sean): Holy shit mate! Can you imagine a rematch in New Japan?! At the Tokyo Dome?! (Jeremy): Dude, that’s like pinnacle stuff, career-defining! As Jeremy tries not to freak out anymore about the possibility of facing Will Ospreay again in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Sean checks his phone for the first time since before the show. His eyes widen at the dozens of messages and missed calls from hours ago. (Sean): Holy shit! Holy f***ing shit! Jeremy picks up on Sean’s panicked tone. (Jeremy): What? What is it? (Sean): Uh…um… looks like Uncle Butch collapsed right before the post-show press conference! (Jeremy): What the hell?! (Sean): Sensei’s been leaving me messages and my stupid phone was still in airplane mode from my flight! Apparently they thought he was having a heart attack but it was a really bad panic attack. Aunt Wisdom’s freaking out… oh shit, Sensei and Hans tried to stop him from still going ahead with the press conference…. Uncle Butch is pissed… he stormed out the press conference… I need to phone Aunt Wisdom, these messages were an hour ago, f**k! (Jeremy): Dude, look, it’s all over Twitter! Looks like some asshole tried to film him. Dave Meltzer has even mentioned it! Jeremy shows his phone screen to Sean. (Sean): Jesus Christ…right, em, I need to phone Aunt Wisdom, I’ll message you later! (Jeremy): Sure thing man, let me know if there’s anything I can do! The two reconciled friends give each other a quick handshake-and-fist bump combo before Sean grabs his jacket from the back of his chair and makes his way out of the locker room, frantically trying to find Wisdom in his contacts as the scene fades to black.
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