He sighs as he leans against the ropes, his eyes fixed on the young wrestlers as they grapple and tumble, their bodies lithe and agile. It had been years since Red Dragon had stepped into the ring himself. Once a fierce competitor and despite winning the United States Championship, Red Dragon didn’t quite get to experience the illustrious HWA career that Butch and Hans had. That aside, Red Dragon felt he wanted to step away from professional wrestling and quietly retired before taking up the Head Coach position at the personal request of Butch Parker for the HWA Training Academy where he could pass on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of wrestlers such as the likes of Sean Parker, Matt Miller and Jeremy Branson.
But as he watches the students in front of him, Red Dragon feels a pang of nostalgia for his own wrestling days. He misses the rush of adrenaline as he steps into the ring, the roar of the crowd as he executes a perfect move, the thrill of victory as he pins his opponent to the mat.
He knows, deep down, that he was probably past his prime. His body no longer moved with the same speed and agility as it had in his younger days. But still, the thought of performing once again was tantalising.
His through process is disrupted by the voice of one the students.
(Student): Excuse me, Sensei Kiriyama, would you mind demonstrating that sequence of moves you showed us there, just so we can be sure we’re doing it right. I know you explained it but it soils be great if we could see it in action.
Red Dragon hesitates for a moment, his mind racing as he tries to decide whether he should demonstrate his skills. But the eager looks on the students' faces is too much to resist. He nods and climbs into the ring, taking a few moments to limber up.
As the students watch, Red Dragon begins to demonstrate a series of moves, each one more complex than the last. But as he executes them, he feels his body protesting, his joints creaking and groaning with the effort, ring rust taking effect.
The students watch in awe as Red Dragon moves across the ring, his body still impressive despite the years. But as he attempts a complicated flip, his landing is less than graceful, and he stumbled slightly as he tries to regain his balance. He instantly feels a flush of embarrassment as the students looks on, their expressions shifting from awe to concern. He knows that he can’t execute the moves as well as he would have back in his prime, but he can’t help but feel disappointed in himself nonetheless. He tries to shake it off as he feels the students eyes on him.
(Red Dragon): That’s enough staring, I’d like to see you do that in 30 years time. Back to your drills, now.
As he climbs out of the ring, Red Dragon can’t help but overhear a group of students chatting nearby.
(Student): Man, can you imagine what it would've been like to see Red Dragon in his prime?
(Student): He must have been amazing!
(Student): You should check out his New Japan stuff, he was incredible!
Red Dragon feels a flicker of pride at their words, but also a twinge of sadness. He knows that he could never recapture his glory days, but he couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret at what he had lost.
(Red Dragon): I wonder…
Red Dragon dismisses his thoughts as he focuses on the students in the training ring as the scene fades to black.
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