HWA Message Board: The Elephants in the Room

6pm - The HWA Academy

Sean Parker is working out inside the HWA Academy. Lately, in light of the influx of much larger opponents on the HWA roster, he had been working on bulking up a little.The idea was that he could put up a bit more a stronger fight against heavier opponents but he still wanted to maintain some semblance of his slender frame so he could still maintain his quick and athletic style of wrestling that he was gaining significant notoriety for. Sean is attired in a simple pair of long training shorts, going just his knees. He has a pair of knee pads and short wrestling boots on that come up to just above his ankles. When the camera focuses on him, Sean is doing some shadow boxing. He’s punching and kicking an imaginary opponent, dodging, ducking, rolling, doing everything he can to mimic a genuine confrontation. He finishes off the flurry with “Bloody Tears” (720 spin into a roundhouse kick to the back of the head), landing perfectly on his feet. His chest heaves from the relentless round of shadow boxing as he inhales deeply through his nose. Out of his peripheral vision, Sean sees the camera crew focusing on him.

(Sean): Abel, I have to say, I’m disappointed, big man. Before, you couldn’t hesitate to try and get a head start, thinking you were one step ahead of me. Since then, where you been? I hope you’re doing what you claim you always do and that’s doing your homework, scouting me, watching my matches. I admit, I don’t have an awful lot to go on for you I’m afraid. YouTube and DailyMotion aren’t exactly teeming with five star classics featuring the World Powers. So I have to base my knowledge of your abilities on a single tag match that descended into unbridled chaos after ten minutes. But I guess that’s what’ll make this match interesting and I can’t wait! So, stay silent or talk my ear off, it doesn’t matter, my mindset won’t change, big man! I faced Legion last week, another brick-shithouse that I gave up six inches and 60lbs too and I put him to sleep.

Sean takes another breath, his hands on his hips.

(Sean): and William Draconis… I haven’t forgotten the verbal sparring we had last month… and it seems you’ve had a change of heart personality-wise. You seemingly regretted not helping out Jeremy when that piece of garbage, Bryan Deas, decided to jump whilst we were all preoccupied. Looks like your boys have aspirations to be just like their Uncle Billy Dragon too, it seems and they want to join the Academy, here in Santa Monica.

Sean nods his head, drawing his bottom lip up and pursing them in an impressed expression.

(Sean): You know what? If you clear it with Butch, with Wisdom and Sensei Matthew and they think your boys have what it takes to be the second coming of the Sons of Anarchy, then bring it on. If it means more competition in the long run, it can only benefit the company and everyone in it. As of your challenge? As much as I am concentrating on facing Abel next week, I also have Stu-Price on the horizon. But you know what? Sod it. I’m getting used to facing guys towering above me and throwing me around the ring like I weigh no more than buck o’five. So what’s another big guy? You’re what? Six-nine? Just south of 300lbs?

Sean points at the camera to emphasise his point.

(Sean): To hell with it. You’re on! I’m already going to be slaying one dragon this year, why not make it two? Now, I’m not sure what sort of cameras are in place at the Ice Box, but I heard the Sons of Anarchy talking about how Ash Phoenix doesn’t want to train at the HWA Academy?

Sean looks a little confused.

(Sean): Ash, lad, if you’re seeing this and you’re listening, don’t believe everything you hear. The more you hang out in that gym, with those bozos filling your head, all you’re gonna hear is nonsensical, twisted BS. Trust me, you want to join HWA? You wanna make your old man proud and do his memory justice?

Sean points to the mat at his feet and motions all around him.

(Sean): This is the place you want to train. Believe me, my uncle is no Scrooge or swindler. He’s one of the greatest of all time, he’s a thirty-year veteran whose spent the last near-ten years giving anyone and everyone who had even the smallest dream of becoming a professional wrestler a shot to show what they had. This isn’t some conveyer belt that just churns out World Champion after World Champion. Not everyone has what it takes to succeed in this business and you can’t polish a turd either, some just don’t have what it takes. But it’s hard for guys like us, the second generation kids who have to live up to the legacy and bear the weight of our family names on our shoulders. It makes it even harder when you don’t live up to that name and trust me, I’ve been there. But I’ve had the blessing of having the best teachers I could ask for.

Sean points to a framed photo on the wall behind him of Butch Parker on his knees clutching the HWA World Championship for the first time after beating Thane Givens at Fatality 2004. He then points to another one of Sensei Matthew under his Black Dragon persona holding the HWA United States Championship following his victory over HWA Hall of Famer David Hollis at Helloween Harvest 2004.

(Sean): These two men nursed me back from a broken back, helped to rebuild me both physically and mentally and transformed me from a frail 18-year old cripple into the wrestler I am today. So if you wanna become a wrestler and learn from the best, where you leave your ego at the door, and you’re willing to put the work in, and earn your spot, this is the place for you. Hell, I’ll even help you. I know I’m not at the level of my uncle or my Sensei but I’ve been in your spot and I can bring you in from the cold, Ash.

Sean taps his temple with his index finger before pointing at the camera.

(Sean): Think about it mate, please.

In the corner of the gym, just out of camera shot, is Michelle Learner, Sean’s girlfriend. She had been watching him for a few minutes. It wasn’t jealousy but admiration. Sean had came on leaps and bounds following the recovery from his surgery but by the time Michelle had joined the HWA, he was already lightyears above anyone else in the Academy aside from Matt Miller. She had remembered Sean being so caring and accepting on her first day doing the basics and how comfortable he was addressing the media and speaking in public. It was like he was born for this.

Almost instinctively, Sean glances round to see Michelle lurking in the background. She was already in her training gear and she smiled at him, waving discreetly. Sean reciprocates the smile before turning back to the camera, making a cutting motion with his hand.

(Sean): Guys, fancy making yourselves scarce? This is going to be a private conversation.

The camera crew acknowledges Sean’s request and takes their leave of the building as Sean goes over to see Michelle. He leans in and gives her a soft kiss on the lips before they hug.

(Sean): Hey, sorry I’m all sweaty, I’ve been here for an hour already, what are you doing here so early?

(Michelle): Sensei said you’d likely be here and you weren’t answering your phone so I figured you’d either be sleeping or here.

Sean smirks, rolling his eyes and shaking his head lightly.

(Sean): Sensei always knows! So did you want to do some training?

(Michelle): I did actually! I had a private session with Mr von Richtoven the other day….

She holds Sean’s hands out in front of her.

(Michelle): Sean, I don’t want to be a burden anymore. I don’t want to be looked at as the goody-two shoes, naive little girl who doesn’t want to get her hands dirty.

(Sean): Honey, you’re not a burden! Just because Alexis and Sarah went storming off after Erica last week doesn’t mean you automatically have to as well. I love how caring you are and that you try and see the good in everyone! Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it catches me off guard that you keep people in your prayers who have done horrendous things but that’s just you, it’s the person you are, Michelle and it’s one of the reasons I like you so much. I don’t want you to be more ruthless, I don’t want you to change who you are. Would God want you doing that?

Michelle couldn’t believe Sean was saying this. For a guy with no religious beliefs to care so much about her moral compass made her heart melt. She smiles at Sean and rubs her thumb across Sean’s hand in her grip.

(Michelle): I’m not going to compromise my beliefs, Sean and I promise I’m not going to suddenly start going around and slapping people who insult me, but I know people think I’m naive and I need to be a bit more street smart. So Mr Avon Richtoven has been giving me some one-on-one lessons. I felt so bad about not going to Sensei but you know how he is, I was worried he wouldn’t understand and Hans is so different with his approach.

(Sean): Sensei can be pretty scary but he’s a big teddy bear at heart, you know that. I know he would’ve understood and helped you but I get why you went to Hans.

(Michelle): I hope you don’t mind but I also sort of asked him for….relationship advice.

(Sean): Oh right, are you worried? Should I be worried?!

Michelle’s eyes widen.

(Michelle): No, no, no, dear Lord no! I was just asking him he balances his career being a committed long-term relationship with Vanessa. It’s the same with Butch and Wisdom, I mean they run a company together, they have their kids God bless them and everything else and through all that they still find time for each other. I just have this feeling in my soul you’re going to be great, Sean, I mean you already are but I could see you achieving great things in HWA and I would hate to tie you down or hold you back.

Sean can’t help but smile.

(Sean): Do you really think about us having a long, committed relationship?

(Michelle): Of course. I mean I know we haven’t been dating long but I wouldn’t get into a relationship with someone on a whim, Sean. I really like you and I think we could be something special but I would hate to be the one that stopped you achieving your full potential.

Sean holds Michelle by the face, cupping her face with his hands.

(Sean): Do you know what I have to say to that?

(Michelle): What?

(Sean): This…

In a moment of pure spontaneity and a surge of intensity, Sean leans in, his lips pressing gently against Michelle’s but there’s a fire to it as well. When Sean breaks the kiss, Michelle looks pleasantly surprised.

(Michelle): Wow…what was that for?

(Sean): That’s to let you know that you will never hold me back, because you’ll never be behind me, you’ll always be beside me.

(Michelle): Thank you, Sean, that means so much to me. I was a little worried you might be upset. We're just getting involved, but I don't have many people...well...older people to talk to. I trust Mr. von Richtoven, he's been here a short time, but he's really dedicated and I see how interacts with folks, he's a great mentor. I figured seeing him and Vanessa, he'd have a few pointers in that areas as well.

(Sean): True. But you honestly, you don’t have anything to worry about. You’ve already done wonders for me and had such an impact on me and we’ve only been together a month. I didn’t even swear once in my earlier promo! How cool is that?

Sean points to himself in a jokingly self-congratulatory manner.

(Sean): Growth!

(Michelle): I don't want you to change who you are because of me. I know people use curse words, its part of this business, and life in general...it’s just not how I was raised and it takes a little getting used to. I can't impose my beliefs on everyone around me. It’s not fair. So please, please just be you Sean. I like you just the way you are.

Sean strokes Michelle’s face with the outside of his hand.

(Sean): I’m not going to change who I am, Michelle, but relationships can have positive and negative influences on each other and you’ve already had a major positive influence on me. You’ve not forced your beliefs on me either. I love how passionate you are about your faith, it shows your character and how devoted you are! Now come on, why don’t we just being together and seeing how things grow between the two of us instead of worrying about the future?

(Michelle): I'd like that very much.

Sean leans in and kisses her on the forehead.

(Sean): Now, didn’t you say you had some stuff you wanted to show me that Hans had shown you?

Michelle's eyes light up, excited to show Sean some of the things she's been working on. She's a bit nervous, hoping she isn't missing any steps but fairly confident Hans put her through her paces well enough for it to stick.

(Michelle): Right, so you stand here and face me.

She grabs him by the arm moving him into position. His lean muscles feel like rocks in the palms of her soft hands, he's a bit clammy from his training, but she's more than gotten used to that as a wrestler the past few years. For him it was rather endearing to her...a sign of just how hard he works.

(Michelle): Ok, so it goes something like this.

Michelle starts to demo some of her footwork, that Hans drilled her through as Sean watches. She feels like a performer on one of those talent shows, where people are judged. A little nervous with Sean watching her. She finishes up and looks at him, breathing just a bit heavier.

(Michelle): Well...what do you think?

(Sean): Wow, and you got all that from just a couple of one-on-one sessions with him? Shell, you look great, like really great, your footwork, your movement, everything, really smooth! Well done!

She blushes, really proud of herself, and delighted that Sean truly appreciated her work. She knew he wasn't just fibbing because they were together. He was always very honest about their ring work, and that hadn't changed in the last month since their relationship developed from friends and coworkers.

(Michelle): Thank you, so much. I want to work on a few more submissions as well. I know some of course, but I don't really have a signature move of my own to perfect and I'd like one, so I think we're going to work on that next. He really is a great mentor. I really hope Sensei isn't put off by me approaching him, he's great too, but in a different way.

(Sean): Like I said earlier, Sensei will not mind, he knows Hans has a different teaching method to him, that’s what make them great together. You know, I know may around a few submissions, if you want me to show you some?

(Michelle): I don't mind if you don't.

(Sean): Of course not. We don’t have to get into anything too in-depth, I only know some of these because Sensei started teaching me and Butch some BJJ after he got his brown belt. I won’t properly put them on hard, just enough to show you the principles and the techniques and then you can demo them on me. How does that sound?

(Michelle): Ok, sounds good to me, let’s give it a go.

(Sean): So, a really good one that can you get a tap really quickly is the gogaplata shin choke, it’s what I used last week on Legion. Uncle Butch called his version the Suffocating Sight. It’s a move that requires precision and control. Let me demonstrate it for you.

Sean takes a moment to explain the basic principles of the gogoplata choke hold. He positions himself on the mat, lying on his back, and guides Michelle through each step, offering clear instructions. He points to his legs and motions Michelle to come towards him.

(Sean): So if you come here, in between my legs.

Michelle tentatively positions herself as Sean instructs.

(Sean): Good. So, you start by controlling your opponent’s upper body, pulling them down towards you.

Sean gently pulls Michelle towards him by the back of her head.

(Sean): Your legs will play a crucial role in this move. Lift your leg and place your shin across their neck, using your foot to secure their arm. Control is key. It’s about finding that delicate balance between applying the hold effectively and not being too overzealous.

Sean demonstrates by placing his shin delicately under Michelle’s neck and using his other foot to secure her arm.

(Sean): If I pull down on your head, you’re going to feel a lot of pressure and the blood supply is going to start to shut off to your brain and that’s what puts you to sleep. But I’m not going to do put any pressure here at all, the purpose of this is to show you the principles.

Sean relinquishes the hold and rolls backwards into a seated position.

(Sean): How does that sound? Want to give it a go?

(Michelle): I guess I could give it a try.

The thought of deliberately forcing your leg into someone's throat and causing them to pass out wasn't quite what she had in mind, but she needed to do this. She needed to get over that hurdle in her head. Hans talked about the difference between deliberately causing someone undue harm, and the pain inflicted that comes with being in this competitive sport.

(Michelle): Ok, I'm ready.

(Sean): So the best thing to do I think is to treat it like it’s a match, so I’ll go sixty percent speed, come towards you, you do whatever you feel is natural to put me on my back. Arm drag, drop toehold, whatever comes to mind. A good say you can transition into this is, ironically if I’m on my back. If you’re in a dominant position, you can technically already have your leg under my chin and just roll over to the side and onto your back and the opponent is already in that compromised position. So if I come towards you, like this….

Sean moves towards Michelle at a reduced speed so as to give her a chance. As instructed, Michelle instinctively flips Sean over with a nice arm drag and before she knows it, she suddenly finds herself in a mounted position on top of Sean’s waist, her knees on the floor on either side of his body. She’s aware her hands are now placed on Sean’s pronounced abs and his pecs. They feel smooth and rock hard to the touch. As innocent as it was, Michelle realizes the position she's in, straddled on top of him. Her hands now slowly sliding down the rippled washboard of his moist abdomen. She jumps off of him, scooting to the side with her hands cover her mouth apologetically.

(Michelle): I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to...I mean...I shouldn't have...I'm so embarrassed. Are you ok?

She looks at him concerned over his wellbeing, and that she might have inadvertently done something to stir things within him she had not intended to. Sean holds his hands up in front of him in a calming manner.

(Sean): Hey, hey, hey, it’s fine, Shell! I’m fine, that was a good arm drag. You were in a really good position there, in mixed martial arts, it’s called full mount, it’s the best place you want to be. You can do anything from there, ground and pound, submissions, the works.

He sees Michelle is taken aback and he scoots over in front of her, stroking her cheek and placing some strands of her hair behind her ear.

(Sean): Look, when we roll like this doing stuff like submissions, we’re gonna end up in a positions like that but it doesn’t mean anything untoward. But if you don’t feel comfortable doing stuff like that, we can do something else, ok?

(Michelle): No, it’s just...well...you're a boy and the raging hormones thing, and we're not, you know....I didn't mean to tease.

(Sean): Shell, the last thing I’d call you is a tease. Look, you know there’s no pressure to do anything… intimate… I know what your faith means to you and believe me, I’m not going to force anything on you that you’re not ready for. If you want to know something, I’ve not done anything with a girl apart from kiss.

(Michelle): Really? Nothing? But you're so cute, and you're a guy, I thought maybe...not even some really touchy feely stuff?

Michelle comes back over next to him sitting Criss Cross, Applesauce in front of him. She feels a ping of regret in his voice, but perhaps its just in her head. She knew he was paralyzed for quite some time and it was a sensitive subject those years he lost. She takes him by the hand and looks into his eyes.

(Michelle): God has a plan for all of us, and I really do believe he placed you and I together for a reason. God willing, when the time is right...I can't think of anyone I'd rather share that sacred coexistence with than you.

She smiles at him, stroking his face in the same manner he had hers not so long ago. However, she instantly regretted it, hoping he didn't see it a sign of pity. She quickly changes the subject as a distraction.

(Michelle): So, I'm told I should watch Star Trek or Star Wars or both. What do you think?

Sean smiles and doesn’t even miss a beat.

(Sean): Star Wars. No question. Star Trek you’ve got so many different timelines and shows. Original series, Next Generation, Strange Worlds, Discovery, Babylon Five, Saturn Three, Deep Space Nine. With Star Wars, you’ve got the prequel trilogy, the original trilogy, the sequel trilogy, the Clone Wars, the Book of Boba, the Mandalorian, Rogue One, Obi-Wan and Andor…

He looks at Michelle and she has a look on her face like he just spoke in another language.

(Sean): Sorry, I went full geek again, didn’t I?

(Michelle): A little but, but its adorable. If you don't mind, I'd like to see it sometime.

Sean looks like a kid on Christmas morning, his Parker-green eyes lighting up.

(Sean): It’s still pretty early, want to go back to my place for a movie marathon? I promise not to talk through every scene like I did with Stranger Things!

Michelle giggles at him

(Michelle): Chinese it is, I love a good egg drop soup...do they have that? Ohhh, and those little Crab Wonton things?

(Sean): Even if they don’t, the owner will make it if he knows it’s me placing the order.

Sean points to his abs.

(Sean): You think I got these with protein shakes and baby corn? This is complex carbohydrates and Irn-Bru.

(Michelle): What's Iron Brew?

(Sean): Oh my god, babe, it’s like the best drink ever. It’s a soda that’s really popular back home in Scotland. My Auntie Diana sends me crates of it from back home.

(Michelle): It sounds like beer, is there alcohol in it?

(Sean): No, no! No alcohol, it’s just a fizzy soda.

(Michelle): Oh so maybe I can try one then?

Michelle smiles up at him like a kid asking for another piece of Halloween Candy.

(Sean): Honestly, Chinese food and Irn-Bru is the best combo! Come on, let’s get going.

They smile at each other and exchange a soft kiss on the lips before getting to their feet and walking towards the changing rooms as the scene fades to black.