Havoc was days behind him, and Jeremy was still enjoying the high he got from that night. Will Ospreay had brought something out in him that he didn’t know was there. By all accounts…together, they cemented the return of HWA to broadcast television in a stellar performance. Then, Sean joined him in the ring. The moment he saw him, somehow the frustration of the weeks before instantly washed away. He was happy! Happier than he had truly been in a long time. He had won the biggest match of his career thus far, and as it was meant to be from the very beginning….he and Sean shared the ring, albeit not in a match. A lot had happened in the past few days and he had largely remained off the radar. Except for a call from Sean about Michelle he really hadn’t spoken much to anyone. After Havoc went of the air and he made his way backstage, Butch had approached him. The boss knew about the doubt that had been clouding his mind, he showered him praise for his match, was happy to see him and Sean on the same page again, and advised him to take some time to think about his next move. Wrestling wasn’t his only passion, but did he have to sacrifice one for the other? It was something that still weighed heavy on his mind.
As he ran he thought about his friends, and the past few years that had brought them to this point. Matt and Sean’s experience and support paved the way for many trainees that have come and gone, and for some reason he stayed, even at times when he didn’t think he really wanted to. He felt a tinge of guilt thinking about them. Maniac had injured Matt pretty bad, and had he not been so tucked away and focused on his own match…maybe he could have helped. Maybe he could have been there for Michelle and Sarah as well as they met newcomer Alexis that rubbed them the wrong way at Havoc, and from what he heard recently did so again at the new HQ and training center which he was headed back to now. Alexis was out to make herself known from what he had heard thus far and was already booked for Havoc against Michelle. Speaking of Havoc, he had gotten his own assignment as was looking at his next challenge in William Draconis. He came to a clearing about 5 miles in and stopped at a spot with a great view of the Pacific now that some of the morning clouds had cleared along the beach. There were a ton of people out today and in typical Los Angeles fashion there was hustle and bustle all around him. As he picked up a steady walking pace, preparing for the next few miles, he noticed a couple running towards him in the opposite direction. The guy was staring at him, and as they passed Jeremy heard them talking.
(Man): Babe, hold up…I know that guy…
(Woman): What? Who?
(Man): Hey….hey dude?
Jeremy wanted to pretend he didn’t hear him, but before he knew it the guy had doubled back and was tapping him on the shoulder forcing him to turn around.
(Man): Holy shit man, you’re Jeremy Branson? Babe…its Jeremy Branson from HWA?
Jeremy was taken aback. No one had ever recognized him in public before.
(Man): Man, you and Ospreay tore it the hell down at Havoc, that was fantastic. What’s it like working with Butch Parker? Hey, you think you can get me some tickets next time you guys are in town? Can I give you my number? Can I get a selfie with you?
(Woman): Stop it, you’re being creepy!
The young woman looks at Jeremy.
(Woman): I’m sorry, he’s like a big kid.
(Jeremy): No, it’s alright. I’d be happy to take a photo.
The guy pulls out his phone and stands next to Jeremy, a big smile on his face and snaps a few photos. He thanks Jeremy and his girlfriend Jeremy was guessing, grabs him by the arm so he can leave Jeremy alone. They continue on their way and Jeremy returns back to his own path and picks up his jog. There was a smile on his face, this encounter like a little adrenaline shot as he went along. Is this what it was like? Was this what fame was? Was he a celebrity or something now? He was excited to hear about the Funko collection, but he really didn’t consider that people would start recognizing him and his friends so soon into HWA’s big return. How long would it be before he couldn’t go on runs like this, or go shopping for not being mobbed by people? Would he be so lucky, or unlucky for that matter? He finished his run ending up at HQ. He heads inside and is eager to start putting his thoughts together on Havoc and William Draconis. A little while after he settles in he sees some recent comments by Draconis and decides to reply.
(Jeremy): You know William, I was taught to take each match as its own thing, that no two are alike, and not to over or underestimate anyone. I’m not going to pretend that I don’t have some sort of feeling about getting in there with a veteran like yourself. You are also one of the biggest guys I’ve had to face thus far too so it’s a new challenge for me, but the problem with guys like you and Maniac is that you seem to have come back to HWA with some chip on your shoulder. You seem bothered by guys like Matt, Sean and myself…and for what? Being younger, being early on in our careers? What’s your problem? Maniac talked about feeling disrespected because we didn’t want his help, and here you are talking about teaching me humility. What’s with you guys? Why can’t you just come in here, be cool and have a match like Ospreay and I did last week? It’s really that simple. That’s what HWA has been about since you guys left, just pure, straight up competition, none of that old school drama. The moment you guys come back it’s “respect me this” and “I’m gonna teach you that” and “lets have a everybody almost dies match.”
Jeremy shakes his head disappointed.
(Jeremy): The funny thing is, I do respect you guys. We all do really, you guys are veterans, you’re legends in HWA that paved the way in this business. I was apprehensive about you guys coming back and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I still wasn’t to a degree, but we deserve respect too and we damn sure have earned it. Guys like Sean and Matt more than anyone who were here 7 years ago when all of you “veterans” packed your bags and left when the paycheck got too light, the arenas too small, and the ring lights too dim. You wouldn’t have an HWA to even come back to if it wasn’t for us so why don’t you, Maniac and any other veteran out there with that chip on their shoulder have a little humility of your own. Unfortunately, I’m afraid you’ve got it all wrong going into Havoc…I will make sure this match teaches you the humility of losing…….against a rookie.
Jeremy heads to the locker room for a shower as the scene fades to black.
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