HWA Message Board: A Tour of the Academy

The HWA Training Academy, Santa Monica, California

Butch Parker steps onto the mats of the bustling training facility. The mid-afternoon sunlight streams through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the scene. Today, Butch has taken a more hands-on approach with the training sessions. Having been running the himself into the ground over the last five months since the relaunch, trying to maintain network trust, roster morale and experiencing all sorts of anxiety-related symptoms, he was happy to be back in the trenches as it were. Whilst Sensei Matthew, aka Red Dragon was the Head Coach and Butch trusted him entirely, he wanted to get back to what he had loved with the new recruits. Seeing the anticipation in the newcomers’ faces, the drive and will to succeed.

As Butch commands the attention of the eager students, the atmosphere grows charged with anticipation. With Red Dragon standing by his side, Butch begins demonstrating the fundamental techniques that form the bedrock of their training. The newer students watch attentively, absorbing every move, their eyes reflecting a mix of awe and determination.

Butch's hands-on approach is a departure from his usual role as overseer, a testament to the importance of the session. As he and Red Dragon guided each other through precise strikes, fluid footwork, and intricate grappling maneuvers, the students marvel at the seamless coordination and the effortless power emanating from the duo.

The sound of feet shuffling and occasional gasps of realization fill the air as Butch dissects each technique, providing insightful explanations and corrections along the way. His passion for professional wrestler ignites the room, inspiring the fledgling wrestlers to push themselves further and embrace the discipline required for mastery.

After one of the sessions has not long finished, Butch and Red Dragon are talking over the session, going through a list of names and discussing who impressed. One of the building staff, wearing a black polo shirt with the HWA logo emblazoned in the corner, approaches Butch.

(Staff Member): Sorry to bother you, Mr Parker, but there is a group of people at the front desk, wishing to speak to you, a Mr William Draconis?

Red Dragon has a quizzical look on his face.

(Red Dragon): What is he doing here?

Butch looks to the staff member and nods.

(Butch): Tell him I’ll be right there.

He turns back to Red Dragon.

(Butch): He contacted me and asked if his kids could train here so I said he could bring them down and we’d given them a trial.

(Red Dragon): You what? Butch-San, I know you are the boss, but when we first talked about our plans for the Academy, you said you’d involve me in any and all conversations about potential recruits.

Butch holds his hands up and nods, recognising his friend’s frustration.

(Butch): I know, Matthew, I know. He literally phoned me yesterday and asked if he could bring his kids down. I’ve had other things on my mind with Wisdom’s interview coming up and it slipped my mind, I’m sorry.

Red Dragon stares at Butch for a moment before he rolls his eyes and his shoulders relax.

(Red Dragon): You are an asshole, Butch-San.

Butch smiles and pats Red Dragon on the shoulder before heading to reception.

(Butch): You love me, really.

(Red Dragon): Debatable!

Butch arrives at reception, he sees William Draconis standing there with the newest iteration of the Sons of Anarchy.

(Butch): William, good to see you, big man.

He and William shake hands and Butch gives him a welcoming pat on the shoulder.

(Butch): Helluva match at Havoc by the way, you’re certainly impressing us all since you came back.

He looks at the young faces standing before him next to William.

(Butch): And who do we have here?

(Dragon): Good to see you man as well. This is my son, Jesse and my nephew, Kratos.

Jesse looks around at all that is happening. He looks at Butch and nods toward him.

(Jesse): This place it's way bigger than our home gym.

Kratos steps forward and shakes Butch's hand and continues to look in every direction.

(Kratos): Uncle, this place is crazy but I'm also so ready to show what we can do in the ring.

(Butch): Nice to meet you lads, good attitude. Well, let’s give you the tour, shall we?

Butch holds his hand out, motioning William, Jesse and Kratos into the main atrium of the facility.

(Butch): Everything we have here is top of the range. We’ve got on-site nutrionists, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, full steam and sauna, we have a massive range of machines and training apparatus to use as well five training rings and a media suite for interviews and recording your promos that feed directly to our social media platforms.

William walks behind the boys and lets them take it all in. He looks at everything but is also seeing who is here.

(Kratos): I thought our old gym was state-of-the-art but damn. I'm so ready to work out on these machines and practice in those rings.

Jesse hits Kratos in the shoulder and points at the pool.

(Jesse): Bro! Look at the pool! That’s going to be fun to swim in. Look at the media suite too! No more being dad’s cameraman.

William slaps Jesse in the back of the head and points to them to keep up.

(Butch): So, you’ll be familiar with Red Dragon over there. Is he our Head Coach here at the Academy.

Butch points over to where Red Dragon is taking some students through some mat-based drills in one of the training rings.

(Butch): I pop in from time-to-time and we also have Hans von Richtoven splitting his time between now being part of our roster and still fulfilling his coaching duties. I know you two have had training already but it’s probably not what you’re used to here. In our facilities, everyone earns their spot. Not everyone makes it to the roster and some people adapt quicker than others. But your dad slash uncle here has been bigging you up something awful so if you’re as good as he says you are, you’ll have no problems. But we’re also here to help one another. The pro wrestling business is ruthless as I’m sure you’ll have heard and seen from this gentleman right here.

Butch motions to William.

(Butch): We have a core training group here and everyone supports each other’s journeys. There’s no brawling, no bullshit in my facilities, ok?

William stands between the boys. He looks at both who staring up at him.

(Dragon): This academy is nicer than training in some of the places that I trained at. Jesse, Kratos, I want you both to show what you have learned training with Damian but I also want you both to follow the rules and learn from Red Dragon and everyone else. Because I believe you guys can excel learning from everyone. Remember Rain will be coming to this academy real soon.

Jesse and Kratos fist bump as they both look at William and Butch.

(Kratos): Right, take what we have already learned and add what everyone here can teach and show us. I'm super excited for this next chapter.

(Jesse): So true cousin, but I'm also ready to show everyone that my dad wasn't lying because I know the SOA tag team meant a lot to him and means so much more handing it to us. We will follow all the rules cause neither of us wants to disappoint my dad or our family name.

Butch smiles and pats Jesse on the shoulder.

(Butch): Son, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders but remember, you want to do yourself proud as well. I’ve trained my nephew, Sean and I unknowingly put a lot of unnecessary pressure on his shoulders when he wasn’t ready for it. And look at him now, one of the brightest stars HWA has. Ah! Speaking of which, here he is now. Hey, Sean!

The group turn as Sean Parker is seen making his way through the facility, soaked in sweat and his hair matted. He’s decked out in his training gear and the veins in his upper body are popping from his workout. Sean walks up to the group and sees Draconis, Jesse and Kratos standing with Butch.

(Butch): Sean, this is Jesse and Kratos, they’re the new Sons of Anarchy. They’re going to be joining us here at the Academy and we’ll hopefully be seeing them on the main roster soon if all goes well.

Sean subtly nods his head towards Jesse and Kratos, shaking their hands.

(Sean): Happenin’ lads.

Sean then looks up towards Draconis, taking a step towards him. He is almost a full-foot shorter than the big Texan but doesn’t back down. Sean looks him up and down. The two stare at each other for what seems like eternity.

(Sean): Nice win at Havoc, big yin.

William looks down at Sean and grins at him. Jesse looks at his dad and Sean.

(Dragon): Nice win to you as well. Good luck with your match this week.

(Jesse): So you're the guy that has sparked this fire in my dad. Butch, that is something my dad keeps telling me, that there will never be pressure he just wants me to have fun.

(Kratos): Damn right, cousin, have fun and forget who our parents are. Like Sean, make a name for ourselves but always remember the history of the SOA.

William reaches out to shake hands with Sean. He looks at William’s hand for a moment before looking back at him. He raises a single eyebrow. After what seems like forever, Sean shakes Draconis’ hand.

(Sean): Once I’m done with Abel at Havoc, I’ll take a crack at chopping you down, big man. If this new “turned over a new leaf because of family” thing isn’t some bull crap to try and sweet talk us, then fair enough. But you leaving Jeremy out to dry to get his arse handed to him still doesn’t sit right with me, Tex. I don’t care if you’re seven feet tall, I don’t care if you’re eight feet tall. But if you are genuine about turning over a new leaf, I’m sure you don’t mind if I take your boys on to the mat and see what they’re made of? See if they’re as tough as you make them out to be.

He turns to Jesse and Kratos.

(Sean): How about it lads?

Jesse and Kratos grin and look eager to go but both Butch and William step in.

(Butch): Alright, Sean, easy lad. William is an active member of our roster just like you and has every right to be here. Jesse and Kratos are here for a tour and orientation. Any unfinished business you two have…

Butch points to both Sean and William.

(Sean): We can see about resolving in the ring over the next few weeks, ok?

There’s another long moment of silence.

(Sean): Fine. I have to go anyway, Michelle and I are going out for dinner.

He looks to Jesse and Kratos.

(Sean): See ya soon, lads.

He looks to William.

(Sean): You too, big yin.

Sean turns around and leaves. Once Sean is out of earshot, Butch turns to William, Jesse and Kratos.

(Butch): Sorry about that guys. Sean reminds me of me back in the day. He’s lightyears ahead of me at his age in terms of skill but he’s got that fiery temper.

(Dragon): trust me Butch I understand fiery tempers. Because my twins both have a temper in them. You see Jesse is a very calculated fiery temp but my daughter Rain has the Sean-type of temper. Sean and I will deal with each other sooner or later. I also know I have to prove that this new leaf is real and I understand that.

Jesse and Kratos were ready to prove themselves until William put his hands on each of their shoulders. They both look back at William.

(Jesse): Dad, I was so ready to show him what you and Damian had taught us. He just makes me want to show our talents so much more.

William rubs Jesse's head.

(Dragon): Remember this is a tour so let's not disrespect Butch ok. I know that you're ready to prove yourself but you have time for that.

Jesse nods his head and calms down. As Kratos is just looking at everything but being quiet.

(Butch): I appreciate that, William. The last thing we need is another Chicago incident with Matt and Maniac. Sean is a good kid, he’s got a temper but he knows what’s what. He’s a locker room leader in this place, the other students, they respect and look up to him. He’s just wary of everything that’s been going on with a lot of the experienced guys taking shots at him, Matt and Jeremy, even the girls. I’m sure you two will have a great match when it comes. As for you two…

Butch directs his gaze to Jesse and Kratos.

(Butch): …My advice is be sponges here. I won’t tell you to ignore what you’ve been taught before, we’re not going to reinvent the wheel with what you already know. But take what Sensei Matthew has to offer, what Coach Hans can give you, even me. Take our insights, our lessons and instil them to what you already know and I’m sure you’ll do yourselves and your family proud. And I’m sure Rain will make a fantastic addition to the women’s roster. We’ve got a strong Dickson growing with homegrown talents like Michelle, Sarah and Erica and newer additions like Alexis Rose coming from Apex Wrestling. I’m sure Rain will offer another new dimension.

William looks at the boys and then at Butch. He looks at it all.

(Dragon): Trust me, I understand that Sean is a great locker room leader. He is also a great wrestler not only because of his talent but because he is always helping and protecting these kids at the academy. I also see his fire to help and protect his friends like Matt, Jeremy, Sarah, Erica, Alexis Rose, and his girlfriend Michelle. I also see that some of us veterans have been jerks since we returned. But after what I did with the whole Jeremy and Deas situation. I was scolded by my kids and it made me see that I could do and be so much more so I hope I can prove I'm better but I believe that all my kids will be a great addition to this Academy. All three of them will have help from all your trainers but they will also have help from Angelus.

(Butch): Ah, yes, Angelus, you mentioned him in your message the other day. Just to be clear, if the boys do great here and are ready for the main roster, if Angelus wants to help them, he will have to go through his own vetting process as a managerial talent and not an in-ring talent. Is that alright?

(Dragon): That is fine he is ready to go thru the vetting process. He is ready to just help the kids rather than being a wrestler.

(Butch): Well, if you ask me, we could use with some cooler heads around here. And even as an in-ring talent yourself, you can help guide Jesse, Kratos and Rain. You can accompany to ringside but as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, no interference or anything like that.

Butch then slaps his hands together, rubbing them.

(Butch): Right, I think I’ve talked long enough. Why don’t you two guys go take a tour of the place yourselves, see what you like, check out the gym, the pool, the media suite. I’ll be in my office, which is just up there.

Butch points to one of the office rooms on the second floor.

(Butch): You can take the elevator straight up when you’re done looking around and I’ll have your Academy talent contracts ready to go.

Jesse and Kratos look at the rings. They also check out all the amenities and they both high-five each other, buzzing with excitement at everything on offer that will help them on their journeys to becoming fully-fledged professional wrestlers.

(Jesse): Dude, I'm so ready to train here! I'm excited to learn from everyone and to work towards being put onto the roster like my dad.

(Kratos): So true man! Let’s go get those Academy talent contracts signed so we can start training and get closer to being part of the roster.

Jesse and Kratos get onto the elevator. As they walk out of the elevator William is standing at Butch’s' door.

(Dragon): Are you ready boys? This is it, no turning back after this? Are you ready to do yourselves and the SOA proud?

Jesse and Kratos look at each other assuredly and bump fists.

(Jesse): We’re ready, dad.

(Kratos): Yeah, Unc! We won’t let you down!

(Dragon): Well, let’s not keep your boss waiting.

William, Jesse and Kratos walk in and Butch is standing behind his desk, two sets of papers out in front of him.

(Butch): Well lads, did you like what you seen?

(Jesse): Oh man, it’s awesome, Mr Parker! We can’t wait to get started!

Butch and William exchanging knowing glances as Butch slides the two respective sets of paperwork out.

(Butch): Feel free to look these over but it’s nothing too complicated as they are only Academy contracts. But you will receive some salary payments should you appear on screen and for helping set up and take down the ring at shows etcetera. Don’t worry, there’s none of this old school “carrying the bags” or “this is our locker room, you can’t be here” crap. You sign these contracts, you’re part of the HWA family and as legacy talents, your fee is wavered as well. You will be insured for injuries caused by actions on our premises and you will have travel and expenses for anything company-related to the amount of $10,000 annually. This will increase significantly should you make it to the roster and you will receive starting salaries of $85,000 a year with bonuses for media participation, marketing, merchandise sales. Any questions? William, you ok with this?

William nods.

(Dragon): Absolutely fine, Butch. Helluva lot better than when I started out here, that’s for sure. Good to see the boys will be well taken care of.

(Butch): I’m a firm believer in giving back what you get. If the boys put in the work, they’ll reap the rewards and I’ll make sure they’ll be well looked after.

Jesse and Kratos excitedly both sign their contracts to train at HWA Academy. Butch takes the paperwork and pops them into separate A4-sized brown envelopes.

(Butch): I’ll have these sent to our legal team and I’ll be in touch regarding when you can start your official training, boys but until then.

Butch shakes hands with Jesse and Kratos.

(Butch): Welcome to HWA.

Jesse and Kratos grin at each other as William looks on proudly as the scene fades to black.