Pausing for a moment to catch his breath, Stu-E contemplated Jeremy's questions. There was a raw honesty to Jeremy's words, a perception that reached deep into Stu-E's motivations for his return to the HWA. Laney, his beloved daughter, had always been his source of inspiration and joy. Her admiration for him and their shared love for the wrestling world were undeniable.
As he wiped the sweat from his brow, Stu-E couldn't deny the connection that Jeremy had astutely observed. Laney was indeed his little girl, a beacon of light in his life, who listened intently to his tales of triumph and adversity. She embodied the spirit of his career, and the thought of creating new memories with her within the ring filled him with an indescribable joy.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Stu-E tightened his grip on the weights, his muscles tensing as he pushed through the physical strain. Jeremy's proposal of co-authoring a new story resonated deeply within him. The idea of two individuals coming together in true competition, pushing each other's limits while maintaining respect, aligned perfectly with Stu-E's values.
A determined smile played on his lips as he set the weights down and took a moment to collect his thoughts. Stu-E, a man known for his integrity and love for his family, was ready to respond to Jeremy's heartfelt plea.
"Jeremy, my friend," Stu-E said, his voice carrying the weight of his sincerity. "You've struck a chord with your words. Laney is indeed my world, and sharing the ring with her in this new chapter of my career has been a dream come true. I admire your insight, and I believe our paths crossing at Havoc does actually present a unique opportunity to create a story that HWA needs."
He paused, his eyes shining with a genuine enthusiasm. "Maybe we can show the world what the HWA truly represents—a community that uplifts and supports one another, where rivals can become allies in the pursuit of greatness."
With his resolve firm and his heart brimming with anticipation, Stu-E returned to his training, fuelled by the prospect of not only writing a new story but also setting an example for Laney and all those who looked up to him. The echoes of Jeremy's words fuelled his determination, the decision to return to the HWA after a significant hiatus was not one made lightly or for superficial reasons. Behind his comeback lay a complex tapestry of motivations, woven with the threads of personal growth, the pursuit of legacy, and a profound sense of responsibility.
During his time away from the ring, Stu-E had undergone a transformative journey of self-discovery. He had explored new avenues, taken on different challenges, and even enjoyed the simple pleasures of everyday life. But wrestling had always had an indelible mark on his soul. It was a passion that refused to be extinguished, no matter the reasons for him stepping away.
“Jeremy, since you’ve been decent enough with me, maybe I owe you this. You want to know the real reasons why I thought sod this and went home?”
Price has stopped his work out, and is looking into a wall to ceiling mirror, catching his breathe. He pauses for moment, almost internally questioning himself.
“I went home because that’s where I was needed. You don’t realise how much of yourself dies when somebody close to you meets the grim reaper. I’d literally just been back home two weeks before it happened, my Grandfather was on a rough old ride health wise but when I was visiting you almost wouldn’t have guessed he was suffering.
My Uncle had come over from Germany, my Aunt had flown over from Seattle and I was the last one to show up. But Grandad wasn’t bothered about that. First Darren said his goodbyes and went back to Germany, and then Maria went back to the States and that left me.”
Price takes a deep breathe, every moment of that trip is etched in his brain.
“We’d had a drink, everybody had gone to bed and he just asked me, how everything was going so I told him. Things were going great, told him about the matches I’d been having, and he just smiled like I’d never seen him smile before. He grabbed me by the arm and said I had done the right thing.
For years, he never agreed with my wrestling career. This was the first time he had ever said I was doing the right thing. It was in the moment I knew he would be dead by the morning. All I could do was hold it together, I smiled and said thank you and I went back to my parents’ house.”
Stu-E’s head tilts forward as he remembered the last words his Grandad said to him.
“After those words I had nothing left to prove in this business to anyone. So that’s why I left.”
While the HWA had not completely vanished during his absence, it had endured its fair share of hardships and setbacks. Stu-E recognized the indomitable spirit of the organization, the resilience that enabled it to rise from the ashes and rebuild itself. He saw an opportunity to contribute to its revival, to be a guiding force in restoring the glory and legacy of the HWA. Financial considerations were far from the forefront of Stu-E's mind. It wasn't about the money or the fame that came with televised matches. Instead, his return was rooted in a desire to honour the heritage of the HWA, to bring back the magic that had captivated audiences worldwide. Stu-E understood the unique power of wrestling, the ability to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of fans in a way no other sport could.
But perhaps above all, it really was daughter Laney who served as the catalyst for Stu-E's decision. He longed to create a shared narrative with Laney, after not being there for Caitlin, to forge memories within the world he had loved so deeply. He wanted her to witness his passion firsthand, to experience the electrifying atmosphere of the wrestling arena, and to know that her father's legacy was not just a tale from the past, but an ongoing journey.
Ultimately, Stu-E's motivations for returning to the fighting game were as multifaceted as the man himself. It was a convergence of passion, a desire to shape the future of the HWA, and a deep-rooted commitment to his daughter. Through his actions, Stu-E sought to inspire others, to demonstrate that even after years away, one could return with purpose, and leave an indelible mark on the world they loved.
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