(Red Dragon): You’re all dismissed… go home…
The students were caught off guard by Red Dragon’s sudden end to the class but didn’t take long in packing their gear up and piling out of the training room and off to the locker room. Red Dragon took a deep breath through his nose, lowering his head and he shook it slowly. He noticed the camera crew who had been recording the training session as part of one Butch and Wisdom’s marketing pieces. He motioned to them to come closer.
(Red Dragon): Oh, Erica-kun…I won’t lie… I am hurt... I am disappointed… now, you may not care about my disappointment, but I cannot ignore the pain it has caused me. I have dedicated my life to teaching and upholding the values of this sport.
Erica, you claim that all I wanted was for you to play by the rules, train hard, and wait for your opportunity. You mock the concept of discipline and belittle the notion that my time will come. But let me ask you this—did you ever stop to think about the countless hours I’ve poured into this craft? The sacrifices I’ve made? The battles I’ve fought? Both in and out of the ring? If you did you would realise our journeys are not so dissimilar.
You call me a poor old fool, questioning my accomplishments. Where are the championship belts, you ask? Well, Erica, I was raised by a very strict father who taught me that my worth isn’t measured solely by material possessions. You build a legacy because legacies last longer than belts. And my legacy is built on the foundations of respect, honor, and integrity. It transcends mere championships. And as for that moment everyone talks about, where Hans nearly ended my life—yes, it was a dark chapter, but it does not define me. It only fuelled my determination to rise again and come back stronger.
I never settled for mediocrity, Erica. My family came to America not to be a token anything, but to share our passion for this sport with the world. I’ve trained wrestlers from all walks of life, and I’ve seen them flourish and achieve greatness. Their success is my success, and their triumphs are a testament to the principles I instilled in them.
So, before you dismiss my rules and discipline, before you belittle my career and claim I’m just friends with the boss, take a moment to truly understand the path I’ve walked. My retirement matches may not be a spectacle fuelled by the masses, but it holds significance to those who appreciate the impact I’ve had on this industry and that means more to me than anything else.
Erica, I implore you to reconsider your words and your actions. Embrace the values wrestling stands for—strength, honor, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Rise above this anger and prove that you have what it takes to be a true champion. Irrespective of who teaches you and guides you, I will always believe in you, and I hope one day you’ll see the wisdom behind my teachings.
The choice is yours, Erica. Will you continue down this path of resentment, or will you find it within yourself to honor the sport we both love? The opportunity for redemption awaits, should you choose to seize it.
Red Dragon looked down for a long moment, his hands on his hips. After what seemed like an eternity, he looked back up at the camera.
(Red Dragon): Maniac… I am not an active member of the HWA roster. I am a teacher, a trainer, an instructor, a coach, a vessel of knowledge. As such, I have chosen not to engage in your petty name-calling and baiting. But just because I have chosen to take the high ground, does not mean I have not heard. Captain Cosplay, I believe, is a popular nickname you’ve assigned to me?
Red Dragon afforded himself a light smile to tug at the corners of this mouth.
(Red Dragon): How original. What I’d like to share with you my is my vision for what I aim to achieve in my role within HWA. My role extends far beyond teaching techniques and physical skills. It is a profound responsibility that embraces the essence of personal growth and transformation.
I always endeavour to walks alongside my students on their each of their own unique journeys. My vision of wrestling and what I aim to instil is not just about combat sports or winning belts or matches. Like martial arts, it is a pathway to understanding oneself, both physically and mentally. It is a philosophy that fosters discipline, respect, and harmony.
In this Academy, I strive to create a sanctuary, a space where students can delve into the depths of their own being. I emphasize the importance of mindfulness, teaching them to be fully present in every movement, every breath.
I encourage my students to embrace challenges, for it is through adversity that true growth takes place. Every obstacle they encounter, be it a difficult technique or a setback in their personal lives, is an opportunity for them to discover their inner strength and resilience. I instill in them the belief that their greatest opponent lies within, and that by conquering their own limitations, they can transcend any external barriers they face.
But wrestling is not solely an individual journey. It is a communal endeavor, a collective pursuit of excellence. I foster a spirit of camaraderie and mutual support within my students, reminding them that their progress is intertwined with the growth of their peers. Together, they form a community that uplifts and inspires each other, celebrating triumphs and offering a helping hand in times of struggle.
Above all, my goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals who embody the principles they learn within this Academy and prepare them for a career in the squared circle. I strive to cultivate not only skilled competitors but also compassionate human beings who carry the values of respect, humility, and integrity into every aspect of their lives.
It is my job to guide my students towards their highest potential. It is a privilege and an honor to witness their transformation, as they step into the ring with eagerness and leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. So, I ask you… what are you going to teach, Erica?
I’d like also to wish you the best of luck in your match with Matt-Kun at Art of War. I will not spoil what is to come but a word of warning for you. Doubt him at your peril, Maniac. I implore you to distance yourself from the characters you surround yourself in. Train. Train hard. Take this match and the barbarism it will invoke as serious as I know he is. This match is your personal playground, Maniac. It’s the match you’ve made famous. You have made a career out of relying on gratuitous violence to make a living. By challenging Matt to this match, you have given a young man who knows no fear, who has first-hand experience of what you’re capable, the platform to even the playing field where he has absolutely nothing to lose and everything to win. Good luck.
With that, Red Dragon turned his back and walked away as the scene faded to black.
Message Thread
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