As Stu-E parked his sleek, hired sports car beside a haphazardly assembled collection of rusty trailers, his face contorted in disbelief. He had imagined a bustling office building, not a makeshift town comprised of dilapidated mobile homes. Nevertheless, he prided himself on being a gentleman, so he stepped out of his car, smoothed his impeccably tailored grey suit, and approached Paul's trailer, determined to remain composed.
As he knocked on the door and waited, he flipped out his phone and text Butch “If you don’t hear from me by breakfast, send help...” before putting the phone back in his pocket as he could hear movement in the trailer.
The door to Paul's humble abode swung open, revealing a sight that would make even the most seasoned wrestler raise an eyebrow. Inside, the cramped space resembled a shrine to the sport of professional wrestling. There were cardboard cutouts of larger-than-life wrestlers, their muscular forms frozen in action poses, seemingly ready to leap off the walls and into the fray. Stu-E couldn't help but marvel at the dedication to the craft on display. There was Red Dragon and a Butch Parker, a Hulk Hogan and even a Bryan Deas too, although the Deas one seemed like somebody had been throwing darts at it.
But it didn't end there. No, sir. As Stu-E's eyes roamed around the room, they landed upon a veritable army of action figures that seemed to stretch to infinity. These miniaturized versions of wrestling legends were meticulously arranged on shelves, their plastic faces frozen in perpetual grins and fierce battle stances. Stu-E could almost hear the tiny wrestlers shouting catchphrases and executing gravity-defying moves as he took in the scene.
With a twinkle of amusement in his eyes, Stu-E turned to Paul, who stood proudly amidst his collection like a conductor of the wrestling symphony. Suppressing a chuckle, Stu-E extended his hand and said, "Paul, my man, I must say, you've taken wrestling fandom to a whole new level. I feel like I've stepped into a museum dedicated to the pinnacle of human athleticism. If I didn't know any better, I'd think we were standing in the Louvre of wrestling!"
Paul beamed with pride, puffing out his chest as if he were a champion in his own right. "Thanks, Stu-E! I've poured my heart and soul into this collection. It's a tribute to the legends who have inspired me to write about wrestling every day."
Stu-E couldn't help but smile. In that moment, the trailer park and its eccentricities didn't matter anymore. What mattered was the passion that connected these two wrestling enthusiasts, albeit in different ways. And as Stu-E settled into a lumpy couch adorned with a Hulk Hogan throw pillow, he knew that his interview would be far from ordinary—just like the wrestling world itself.
Paul Frazer, the self-proclaimed king of wrestling knowledge, couldn't contain his excitement as he sat across from Stu-E Price, the superstar wrestler who had graced countless arenas with his brawn and charm. Paul's eyes sparkled with admiration, his fingers fidgeting with anticipation, as he prepared to embark on a conversation that would be etched in wrestling history.
"So, Stu-E, my man!" Paul exclaimed, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "Tell me, what's it like to suplex your opponents into oblivion? Do you ever worry about breaking the ring with your sheer power?"
Stu-E chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that filled the trailer and made the cardboard cutouts of wrestlers momentarily quiver. "Paul, my friend, let me tell you. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't put a few dents in a ring in my time. But hey, that's just part of the spectacle, right?"
Paul nodded with the fervor of a loyal acolyte. "Absolutely, Stu-E! It's all about the spectacle—the drama, the larger-than-life characters, the jaw-dropping moves. It's what keeps us fans hooked! Now, I have to ask, what's been your secret, you've come back better than ever!"
Stu-E leaned back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I took a trip to Peru several years ago, sacrificed a few virgins to the Wrestling gods, the usual, really." Stu-E expected Paul to realize he was joking, but he just kept writing. “But joking aside, the only reason I’m doing well is because I got out of the business completely. Then when I got back in to training, I realised I’d healed both physically and mentally to the point where I feel like I’m almost at the start of my career again. People always say they wish they could go back and do it all again knowing what they know now, and it honestly feels like I’m doing just that.”
Paul's eyes widened, his admiration for Stu-E reaching new heights. "That's incredible, Stu-E! You truly are a master of the wrestling arts. But tell me, what's the most memorable moment of your career? The one that still gives you goosebumps to this day?"
Stu-E's expression turned introspective as he recalled his greatest triumph. "You know, Paul, I've had my fair share of epic battles and heart-stopping victories. But if I had to pick one, it would be the time I defended my WXWA Intercontinental Title in front of 25,000 people in my hometown."
Paul leaned forward, his eyes shining with awe. "Stu-E, you're a legend! Your stories inspire us, your dedication to the craft is unmatched. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. It's an honor to be in your presence."
Stu-E flashed a humble smile, appreciating Paul's genuine admiration. "No, my friend, the honor is mine. It's fans like you who make this journey worthwhile. Wrestling is a tapestry of passion, and I'm just a thread in that grand design. However, I did come here expecting a different interview?"
Paul Frazer, the wrestling aficionado, couldn't contain his excitement as he leaned forward, eagerly waiting to reply. “I just called the office and said I hosted wrestling news on my website, they said it was my lucky day as they could arrange for you to visit.” Stu-E's eyes gleamed like a deer in the headlights, he had said he would do any sort of media on behalf of the company and didn’t question it when they were paying for him to get there and back.
"Stu-E, my man, let's talk about the roster in the HWA," Paul began, barely containing his enthusiasm. "Tell me, what's it like working with the legendary Maniac? Is he as crazy as they say he is?"
Stu-E leaned back, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Ah, Maniac, looks to me like he's been robbed of the music of Luther Vandross, all because of those Juggalo principles he seems to be adhering to. It's not surprising he is the way he is, he would be a different kind of animal if he would just listen to the Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross song 'Best Things In Life Are Free' a few times. But it's 2023, you have to allow people to live their life the way they see fit, regardless of how ridiculous it might be, it doesn't make these people bad people, really. I’m looking forward to a match with him at some point because behind the mask is a bloody good wrestler who can give anyone a challenge."
Paul nodded, scribbling notes furiously. "Noted, Stu-E. Now, what about the impending return of Red Dragon? What a story that is, 15 years away! Earlier in your career, have you ever had the opportunity to face off against him?"
Stu-E's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I doubt it, I think the last time Red Dragon was an active wrestler, photographs were still in black and white! But good for him, I feel fantastic with half the time that he’s had out so I’m not expecting some broken down fool to hobble down the aisle to be shown mercy from good people. It’s going to be history in the making, can only hope that I make it on to the show.”
Paul's pen practically danced across the paper, capturing every word. "Incredible, Stu-E! Now, what about Fallen of the Darqsiders? He's been making waves with his explosive energy and drive; any thoughts on him?"
Stu-E's face lit up with smile as if he was about to laugh. "Well, I think Sean Parker should beat him over the head with a dictionary before the bell rings so after the match he might be able to spell Darksiders properly! I also reckon he should sign up a new tag team partner and call him Pushed. They wrestle in the same gear and are hard to tell apart so the commentary team can shout out ‘Was that Fallen, or was he Pushed!’ when they get up to shenanigans."
Paul couldn't hold his excitement as he was delving in to the roster, frantically scribbling and completely missing that Stu-E was joking about the majority of what was said. Price looked at this interview now as affectively for ‘the dirt sheets’ that spent half their time making stuff up, anyway. Although it did throw him off guard a little when Frazer decided to get serious.
With a serious tone in his voice, Paul delved into the sensitive subject matter which had been getting the most press recently.
"Stu-E, my friend, there have been some reports lately suggesting that things may have gone a bit too far in the HWA. We've heard stories of wrestlers crossing boundaries and engaging in dangerous brawls. As someone deeply invested in this industry, what are your thoughts on these incidents?"
Stu-E's expression turned solemn as he pondered the gravity of the situation. He also knew that what he said now would be the buzz words the loudest critics would jump on. "Paul, you've touched upon an issue that weighs heavily on me. Wrestling is a demanding and physical sport, and your career only has a certain shelf life. Everybody wants to be the best, on top of the pile but without pushing the boundaries, they’ll never make it.
We must remember that the athletes stepping into that ring are competitive human beings, who don’t live in a community that dishes out participation medals. At the end of the day, it’s a fight and sometimes in fights they get out of hand, but no worse than what you see in dodgy bars all around the World. The scrutiny is becoming a little unfair but what nobody seems to remember is HWA can’t put on a show without it’s wrestlers so it’s crucial for the promoters, trainers, and fellow wrestlers to have their safety and health looked after. I can certainly vouch that backstage they have the best in the World looking after us."
Paul nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Absolutely, Stu-E. Safety and health should always be the top priority. But how can we strike a balance between pushing the limits and ensuring the wrestlers' welfare? Is there a way to keep the excitement and spectacle of wrestling while avoiding unnecessary risks?"
Stu-E leaned forward, his voice filled with determination. "Paul, it's all about fostering a culture of communication and trust within the wrestling community. It's about finding that delicate balance between showmanship and the commitment to win.”
Paul scribbled furiously, capturing Stu-E's words of wisdom. "Thank you, Stu-E, for shedding light on this crucial issue. Now, moving forward, what role do you see yourself playing in promoting a more family friendly wrestling environment? How can wrestlers like yourself influence positive change?"
Stu-E's eyes gleamed with determination. "I didn’t come back to make positive changes, I’m thankful and grateful that my actions so far have been deemed positive, but my concern was myself and my Daughter. It’s not my job to stand in the locker room and tell everybody to wind their neck in, but at the same token, I’m always a willing ear to listen and advise."
Paul nodded appreciatively, his respect for Stu-E deepening. "You're absolutely right, Stu-E. It starts with each individual wrestler."
With that, Paul underlined his last sentence, and smiled. As the interview drew to a close, Paul Frazer couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The conversation with Stu-E Price had been insightful, Paul carefully concluded the interview, expressing his gratitude to Stu-E for his thoughtful responses and genuine concern for reputation of HWA.
"Stu-E, my friend, I can't thank you enough for sharing your perspective and insights with me today. Your passion for wrestling and your dedication to the reputation of your fellow athletes is truly commendable. I believe our conversation will shed light on important issues and inspire positive change within the wrestling community."
Stu-E nodded appreciatively, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Paul. It's been an honor to discuss these matters with you. Let's keep the conversation going over Email."
With a firm handshake and a mutual understanding, the interview came to an end. Stu-E stood up, towering over Paul in his suit, exuding confidence and charisma. He expressed his appreciation of the shrine to pro wrestling around him once again before making his way toward the door of the trailer.
As Stu-E stepped outside, he took a moment to breathe in the fresh air, his mind filled with reflections from the interview. The trailer park, once an unfamiliar and eccentric backdrop, now seemed like just another stop on his journey—a testament to the diversity of experiences and people that wrestling brought into his life.
With a sense of purpose and determination, Stu-E walked toward his sleek hire car, ready to embark on his next adventure. As he drove away from the trailer park, he couldn't help but feel inspired by the conversation he had just shared with Paul. The echoes of their discussion lingered in his mind, fueling his desire to just keep doing what he’s doing.
And so, as the sun set on that eventful day, Stu-E Price, rolled in to the distance.
Message Thread
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