She stood in her corner office next to the wrap around floor to ceiling windows, looking out over the city towards the beach. “May Gray” is what the weatherman was calling it as an overcast of clouds cooled what would normally be a much warmer Los Angeles. Coincidentally, it fit her mood. The last few days her mind was focused on the fallout from the events of Havoc, deflecting, apologizing, reiterating their vision and core values, and reassuring people. Now having finished just about all of the media cleanup she could do, she didn’t know how to start unloading all of the heavy baggage on the home front. There was also a particular conversation she just had, that she wasn’t sure what it meant and how to broach the subject with Butch. In truth, she hadn’t even seen Havoc yet. She had been too busy the night of the event trying to help Butch do damage control, as she certainly had continued outside the arena in the follow up. Perhaps, it was best to start from the top and work her way down, she thought. It wasn’t that she was talking out of her ass the last few days, but her job was to protect the company. Regardless of what happened, and having not witnessed everything firsthand, she was obliged to put a positive spin on it for the fans and the media. She had spent a few extra days in Chicago cleaning up so to speak, Butch had returned to Los Angeles to see after the kids and headquarters. Their late night debriefs were nothing like in person. She couldn’t cuddle up close to him and saw the worry lines in forehead that she would normally massage. He looked tired in their face chats, but more determined than ever. Havoc had certainly forced him to make some decisions as had her as company owners. While they had talked through a lot of things, she had her feet back on the ground now and it was time to get to business. She goes over to her desk and turns the TV on, the HWA app is already loaded by default and she clicks on the replay of Havoc. Knowing everything that happened, was not quite the same as seeing it, and she owed herself and others the due diligence of watching it in detail. As the show starts she grabs her phone and dials her assistant.
(Wisdom): Please hold my calls and block off my schedule for the next two and half hours……yes, that’d be great….No, we can send that to her later…….Thank you!
Wisdom hangs up the phone, opens MS Word to take notes and Havoc is underway. First up she sees Sean and Jeremy question Matt’s actions as the show goes live in the outcome from before Havoc had kicked off, for the fans at home the show replayed the actual confrontation between Maniac and Matt. Jason on commentary was right, it was very far from how she and Butch imagined Havoc kicking off. In fact, they had planned to open Havoc in the ring together…thanking the fans for selling out the arena in a matter of hours, and being the first stop on their touring schedule for 2023. It was just going to be a good PR spot, but the Maniac and Matt situation seemed to have set the tone for the evening. She watches as backstage she blames Matthew to some degree for what happened. She was still upset at him and meant what she said. He knew she and Butch had rejected that damn Asylum match proposal, not once, but multiple times. Yet, there he was egging Matt on. Matt who a week ago was put on the shelf, injured and emotionally vulnerable, and he soaked up his mentor’s words like a sponge. She understood his intentions, but Matthew should have known better, and she wasn’t happy that he went behind their back like that. She was, however, glad that Hans had decided to come back to the company. His levelheadedness was a great bridge between, himself, Butch and Matthew and they all complimented one another very well.
The show continued with Michelle and Alexis’ match, and she smiled the whole time. She was proud of them both. Michelle was showing some real grit, and Alexis was perhaps learning to be a team player, or at least seeing things from other perspectives. The two of them, Sarah and Erica (when she was legally cleared to compete) were really going to launch this new era of the women’s division. She saw in the next scene Draconis coming down the hall with Angelus Payne who she knew from his previous stint in HWA, and Kratos who was largely unknown to her, as was his son Jessie. She and Butch had permitted some guests with the understanding that they were not employees and not to be involved in any way. She knew however, that his son Jesse had been training to be a professional wrestler himself. Not to interfere with what he was doing, but she couldn’t help but imagine him doing better in their academy than wherever else he might be doing at home or elsewhere. She then saw herself in the arena office on the phone and if she knew then what she knows now, the end of the night would most certainly have been different. It was Bryan Deas she was on the phone with, talking about returning his signed contract, Bryan Deas that Butch had asked about as “good news” having looked forward to finishing up that agreement and having another veteran back in the company. Bryan Deas who had just two months ago came to the reunion and appeared to enjoy himself and the camaraderie of his peers, and Bryan Deas who wasn’t expected until next Havoc and was secretly preparing to flip the script in them before the damn ink had tried on his contract.
She continued on through the tag match, which was really just an official extension of what was taking place in her office the week before. Here were more guys disregarding every principle they had established. Most of the match didn’t even take place in the ring so you could hardly call it a match, especially with the double-count out to finish things off. If she and Butch had realized this deep seeded animosity between them, they would have thought better about brining in Kain and Abel. Someone would need to get to the bottom of this is and perhaps it was the perfect assignment for Mandy whose spends a disproportionate time with Maniac as she does with other superstars. Wisdom makes a note to speak with Mandy about digging into the past issues between Fallen, Legion and the Blaze family as well as a few associated others. Butch was pretty upset following that match, and hadn’t expected to have to get out there with Hans and Red Dragon to restore order. He shouldn’t have had to, and given the health scare the last Havoc, the slow recovery signs were apparent after this match as he came backstage and couldn’t finish an interview. Thank God Hans and Matthew were with him, they were here eyes and ears and she trusted them. They also knew they’d answer to her if they let him go to far out of bounds.
The cameras had then found Sean, Jeremy, Sarah and Michelle backstage. They were trying to make sense of the Matt and Maniac situation while staying focused on their own duties that evening. They had come a long way together. There was much to be said about their friendship. She thought about Butch, Hans and Red Dragon back in the day. She was actually a little jealous, she never had that kind of support when she started. She stood alone, judged and criticized by all, her accomplishments her own and other than a few brief alliances with people like Callisto and Dante’s Inferno she shared nothing. She understood why they hadn’t shared Matt’s text with them, but wished they had. Like the situation with Deas, news of a storm brewing could have safeguarded them from a lot of things that had happened. They’d of course be advised to make more thoughtful decisions in the future, but she’d find it hard to begrudge them trying to protect their friend, she’d have done the same. As Sean headed to the ring she was filled with pride. A part of her still lamented having removed him from the first Havoc for his actions at and after the Reunion show, but to see him work through this emotional hurdle and come into this Havoc with the same zest and zeal made her happy. Unfortunately, his path crossed Fallen and Legion as he was headed to the ring. Their comments had struck a nerve when it came to Michelle, and another in reference to his prior injury. They were going to have to talk with him and keep an eye on him so this situation didn’t turn into another Matt and Maniac episode. She wasn’t sure what to say about Fallen and Legion. Goading is what people do in the wrestling world and Sean just might need to learn not to take the bait or to keep that business to the ring and within the rules. However, their interference in his match was a separate issue to be dealt with. She remembered over the last days when the media had tried to stir the pot on this match, remarking on HWA “returning to violence” and that one reporter with his stupid question “Does this mean the H for Hardcore back to its original meaning?” She turned deflected a little, maybe a lot, and tried to steer towards the positive of the match.
(Wisdom): You know in this business sometimes people do things they think will make a statement or progress their career, sometimes those decisions aren’t very good and sometimes things happen that turn into a wonderful thing. Take Laney Price for example. This little girl out there with her father has unknowingly started a celebration of parent and child. Her “Go, Daddy Go” chant is now a t-shirt and she’s such a delight for the fans. That connection between a child and their parent enjoying our business is what we are all about, especially with so many of our own superstars with children of their own now and seeing this from a different lens.
Her response seemed sufficient at the time, and steered the conversation away from the negative which is what she wanted and was glad for. Laney was a delight though, and while there remained some reservations about the appropriateness of her presence they couldn’t deny the pure joy in Stu-E Price’s face following his win and celebrating with his daughter. Stu-E Price, Fallen and Bryan Deas were at one time fierce competitors for the All Star Championship. So far, his return has been everything they had hoped for in wanting high caliber athletes back into the mix with the new generation, but Fallen and Deas now had them questioning themselves. She continues watching Havoc and are at Matt’s return to the arena and the second altercation with he and Maniac. Of course, she knew he was alive and well, but she jumped nonetheless when Maniac drove his bus into him. His instincts to push Michelle and Sarah to safety was impressive and she imagined that he didn’t know if he’d survive this or not but saw to it that they would. To watch him spring to his feet was uncanny. She was in the office at the time with Butch trying to keep Sean from going off the rails after his loss when Michelle burst in and explained what was transpiring. She wanted to say something to them earlier, but now that things seemed out of control again, and it was just her standing, she had no choice but to seek her and Butch out. Michelle was truly a gem. Her gentle nature, even her slightly naïve way of looking at the world was really what this new era was about. Butch had built competition over the years focused on the purity of the ring, stripped down to the basics. No spotlights, no music, no bells and whistles, just in ring competition. Michelle very much imbodied this and like Hans is to Butch and Matthew…she seems to be the anchor of sorts in this group. It was going to be interesting to watch them all grow, and she couldn’t but have a motherly-like pleasure knowing that Michelle and Sean were seemingly on the road to being more than friends. She was also really impressed with Sarah. This girl didn’t take any shit. She went face to face with Maniac standing over Matt and didn’t blink. She knew Sarah had an extensive martial arts background and could handle herself, but this was the first time in her wrestling career where someone would take it to her outside of the ring and she took quite a nasty hit on the ground. She couldn’t be prouder of her though for the fight in her. Reminder her of herself in that regard.
Wisdom sighed. The announcer was calling William Draconis to the ring and she knew what was coming. He and Jeremy had a nice match, it was really a showcase of “old and new” as Vanessa said on commentary. Be it by his experience or perhaps some lingering fatigue or soreness from Jeremy following his Ospreay match…Draconis would take the win. She was sure they would meet again, she had a feeling that both still had something to show the other be it Draconis cementing his dominance or Jeremy maybe at seeking some form of respect he felt due from him. Then in came Bryan Deas. She watched with her eyes narrowed, and waves of heat building in her. How could he? How could he make a fool of her and Butch like this? Why attack Jeremy. What was he trying to prove with this pathetic display? As Havoc ends she switches over to HWA’s media channel and finally catches up on interviews and promos following the show itself. This too was going to help her formulate a response to some things, and she was hoping there wasn’t more damage control she’d have to undertake. She pressed the button on her desk to bring the recording equipment to life, took a deep breath and was ready to dive in.
(Wisdom): William Draconis, in the ring at Havoc you were nothing more than a great competitor, and a good opponent. However, after your match, you were far from what we’d expect a veteran and dare I say legend to be. You watched your opponent get beat down and did nothing. You could have single-handedly stopped this incident, but chose to ignore it because “it had nothing to do with you?” Whatever competitive sparring there is between you and Jeremy, and Sean or anyone else surely you realize that you’re are part of something bigger than yourselves. Imagine if it were your son being attacked? What parent wouldn’t want someone who could, to step in and help? You’re not under any obligation to help anybody…I know that. But your actions were disappointing to say the least. You want to stand out from your past? Just because you want to be seen as someone who doesn’t need help, doesn’t mean others don’t need a hand from time to time. Knowing you had a young son of your own, learning the craft. With your experience, your in-ring ability, we thought you’d be a really good role model for the new generation but you seem more concerned with yourself and everyone else be damned. It’s unfortunate, but if that is the road you chose to take then so be it. I would urge you to reconsider.
She catches footage and comments from Fallen, Legion, Kain and Abel following Havoc and rolls her eyes. It was time she address something and a few others as well.
Looking rather annoyed she sends another message.
(Wisdom): Maniac, you are one of the most “polarizing” superstars in HWA, so I am being told. I needn’t rehash the shitshow you and Matt caused at Havoc, but I will say this. It’s no picnic getting a call from Brandon Johnson at 11:00 o’clock at night being asked what in the hell your doing to his city. You see, Butch said “at least count” when he talked about the damage you caused. Well that was yesterday based a rough estimate the morning after Havoc. The physical damage you caused United Center was of course covered by our insurance. You are liable for the deductible which is $200,000.00. You will also make a donation of $50,000.00 to the Chicago’s Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program. Specifically, these funds will go to the Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction and their efforts to reduce violence and promote safety and well-being. You can do this or be charged with the list of offenses sitting on the Mayor’s desk, whereupon which you could not only face jail time, but lose your license to compete in the state of Illinois.
As far as a match with Hans or Butch goes…just because you’ve been restricted from engaging Matt until further notice, doesn’t mean you get go to the zoo and poke the lions cage for jollies. Butch has more important things to do than put you in your place in the ring, like putting you in it outside of it. And Hans…as Butch has told you…is not an active competitor. Should he at some point choose to undertake a full talent contract that is his business, but I rather doubt you’re going to get rattle his cage any more than Butch’s. They know you and your games too well.
Now Mandy………….I do hope you’re working and not fraternizing on the clock. You and Greg are treading on thin ice, and I’ll warn you again to be professionals. What you do in your own time is your business, but on our time and with our equipment, using our platforms and media outlets…you will adhere to company protocol or you will be terminated. To that end, I have an assignment for you. This situation with Fallen, Legion, and the World Powers…even Draconis to some extent. This whole things needs to be put under a microscope and dissected and its just the kind of exclusive for the Youtube Channel. I want you to get to the bottom of this. Interview them, all of them if you have to. Sort out this past, the family tree, whose who’s son, uncle, aunt, whatever. Who’s responsible for whose death, how and why? We need to know what we’re getting into here….and Butch and I must get a handle on this before it gets out of control.
Wisdom goes back to reviewing footage and comments.
(Wisdom): Matt, I realize your pockets may not be as deep as Maniac’s whose had more time to accumulate than you, but the fines you face are proportionate to the damage you caused, just as his were. Luckily for you, there are only some minor repairs to arena doors, and the restroom totaling $5,745.36. Like Maniac, our insurance has covered all damages and this is our deduction that you are liable for. You will join Maniac in supporting Chicago’s CARE program, however…unlike him…in lieu of a fine, you have been asked to make a series of appearances to speak with the city’s youth and other at-risk individuals. The mayor feels your popularity would shed a spotlight on this program and be a benefit to their efforts. Again, like Maniac you have the choice between this, or facing the charges currently in the Mayor’s desk that is he currently willing to waive for the two of you for these small compromises.
Wisdom is scrolling down her notes and takes an even more serious look about herself.
(Wisdom): Bryan Deas…you are a clever case. Because your signed agreement had not yet been returned to you technically were not under obligations yet. You knew this and chose to act, violating what you know would be company policy before next Havoc when you were scheduled to officially appear. If not for this singular fact, I’d have fired you instantly. Today, is a different day Bryan, and you have received your signed contract the day after Havoc when it was sent out. Be warned, step out line again from this point forward and you will be fired. People will have to pull out one of our old video games or watch an old match if they want to see you in an HWA ring.
Wisdom stops the recordings as the equipment retreats back into the desk. There was one more bit of business to take care of and she was dreading having to discuss it with Butch. She needed to talk about an email she received from George Cheeks, President at CBS. She didn’t want to forward it to him, or do it over the phone. She really wanted them to go over it in person and try to devise what it could mean. She goes to the email and looks at it again.
Wisdom it’s George. It’s been a little while, but the Executives are starting to buzz and I feel compelled to inject myself into the conversation. I suppose you know Havoc is being widely talked about and for many reasons. It’s not the ratings, those are quite high. In fact, if James Corden where seeing these numbers he’d still be here, no this is about other concerns, after Havoc I’m sure you can imagine what some of those might be. It may be best if we discuss this in person, lets set something up for next week with myself, you and Butch. I’ll have my people call yours. Talk Soon!
Wisdom had read it a few times already. Barely two months back on television and they were being called to the principles office. Her stomach churned with worry, and she was anxious…she was worried about adding even more shit onto Butch’s plate, but he had to know as he had to be there of course. She would discuss it tonight with him when they got home. Or better yet, on the way home. They were committed to leaving their HWA baggage at the door and be present parents when at home for the most part. It had been a long week and she was dying to get home and see Evina and David. She’d be back tomorrow to finish arrangements and announcements for next Havoc after a few more calls, but after this chat with Butch it was family time, and everything and everyone else would have to wait. She gets up from her desk to head out and find Butch in his office or downstairs on one of the training floors as the scene fades to black.
Message Thread
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