After Maniac and Lunatik leave the conference room, Wisdom this time takes the opportunity to introduce the next roster member.

(Wisdom): Please now allow me the pleasure to introduce a young man who truly stepped up and showed his worth tonight. A competitor who has shown he bleeds HWA through and through and definitely showed what he’s capable of tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Jeremy Branson.

As Jeremy comes out to an applause from the media, he offers a nod and wave in response before receiving congratulatory hugs and pats on the back from both Butch and Wisdom as he takes a seat.

Renowned pro wrestling journalist, Bryan Alvarez, stands up for the first time.

(Bryan Alvarez): Jeremy, firstly, congratulations on a massive win for you tonight against Lunatik.

Jeremey nods again.

(Jeremy): Thanks, Bryan.

(Bryan Alvarez): Secondly, there was a clear shift in the crowd’s response to you tonight from what you’ve experienced lately. What are your thoughts on the cheers you’ve received in comparison to the boos and jeers you've had thrown your direction in recent months.

(Jeremy): I’d be lying if I didn’t say the past few months have been hard for me in that regard. I know that being liked or disliked by fans is just part of the business and I wouldn’t say that I took the dislike badly; but I was frustrated. It was hard for me to see that some fans suddenly favored a guy like Maniac, especially after everything he’s done, compared to me who has been fighting the “good fight” this whole time. But that’s their prerogative and I guess I have to accept that and not let it get me in the future.

Dave Meltzer then asks another question.

(Dave Meltzer): Jeremy, rumor has it that you’ve separated from your partner, Matt Miller. Can you confirm this or give us an update on what’s going on there?

Jeremy takes a moment before answering; he had a feeling this would likely come up at some point given Matt’s conspicuous absence as of late.

(Jeremy): Well, Dave, I can confirm that that simply isn’t true. Matt is taking a personal sabbatical abroad, nothing more, nothing less. He’s been in this business for a while now, he knows it and he knows what he sees in people. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and when you love someone, you’ll do anything to protect or defend them. This thing with Maniac… I know what this business is but I can’t throw my hands up and say…

Jeremy holds his hands up, making air quotes with his fingers.

(Jeremy): …”This is what happens in wrestling”. I know what the risks are, any of us could be crippled tomorrow - look what happened to Sean all those years ago. But it doesn’t change the fact that some people make unnecessary choices. Matt wants me to move on and that's what I’ll do but it doesn’t mean that I have to forget the choices people like Maniac made or forgive them for that matter.

Ariel Helwani puts his hand up again.

(Ariel Helwani): Jeremy, your opponent tonight is another veteran of HWA in Lunatik, a very close friend of Maniac. It's no secret that he desired to raise the stakes in your match tonight, challenging you to a death match. Whilst that didn’t come to fruition, you still managed to beat him in a No Disqualification match. Now that you’ve defeated him, what are your thoughts on him?

(Jeremy): There’s no bones about it, Ariel; Lunatik took me to task tonight. But, I feel I did the same in equal measure. I would hope that he walks away from tonight with a bit more respect for me, for Sean, for us so-called “New Breed” or whatever it is folks are calling us, than what he had when he first came back here. I know he’ll likely say respect goes both ways. But that leads us back to Maniac; a man I categorically don’t respect. You don’t do the things he’s done and simply say “I’m sorry” and expect everyone to fall in line. He’s disingenuous and continues to make disrespectful comments that, for me, only validate what I feel about him….

Jeremy takes a moment for himself, taking a drink from the bottle of water in front of him before he continues.

(Jeremy): ... If Lunatik chooses to stand by him and feed into that, then that’s his business and I’ll deal with him accordingly. But, if he wants to do the opposite and extend his hand, to be the source of wisdom and guidance and actually show some respect and appreciation for the new generation of superstars - like a true veteran - then I’ll welcome his hand. Otherwise, to hell with him.

Brandon Thurston stands up again, hand extended.

(Brandon Thurston): Jeemy, how are you feeling? You’ve had some tough matches in the past two years, but this was your first real venture into the “extreme” for lack of a better word.

(Jeremy): I think how I look tells you exactly how I feel, Brandon. I’ve never had a wound glued before so that’s a new one for the bingo card. I know tomorrow morning’s shower is going to sting like hell for sure. I also know I’ve got hundreds of cuts and tiny holes all over my body that will take time to heal and I feel like fresh ground beef right out of the grinder. Lunatik took me to a different level but I beat him at his own game so it doesn’t matter how much I hurt right now, or how much I’ll hurt tomorrow and the weeks to come. I feel great because it was worth it to show he’s better off re-evaluating his opinion of me.

Bill Apter, colleague of Dave Meltzer at the Pro Wrestling Observer, stands up for the first time.

(Bill Apter): Other than your own match, Jeemy, did any other match tonight stand out for you?

(Jeremy): God, I’ve had to say Butch and Sensei’s match really drew all of us in.

Jeremy turns to Butch sitting next to him with a smile.

(Jeremy): I mean, who doesn’t enjoy watching two big legends like them going at it and the history they have…wow! I mean, for a nerd like me, that was just a dream match to see, especially knowing Sensei is coming down to his last in-ring match.

(Bill Apter): And lastly, what’s next for Jeremy Branson after tonight?

(Jeremy): Well, there’s definitely a recurring theme. The HWA World Championship! You saw what happened tonight and no disrespect to Rob Sharpe or Travis Levitt or even Ace Sky who was backstage… but any of the new guys who think they’re going to queue-jump and get in front of me are going to find themselves sadly mistaken.

Jeremy subtly glances to the side at Butch who gives him a subtle wink, as if to see “good answer” and he can’t help but allow himself the smallest of smiles in return.

(Butch): If there aren’t any more questions for Jeremy, I’ll let him go and get himself patched up. He went through the ringer tonight and got himself a hard-earned victory. I think the least he deserves is some R-and-R. Thanks for joining us tonight, Jeremy, I’m sure you’re exhausted.

Jeremy shakes Butch’s hand and Wisdom throws him a warm smile as he gets up from his seat.

(Jeremy): Thank you both for the opportunity tonight.

As Jeremy leaves the room, Butch doesn’t stand on ceremony and keeps the press conference going.

(Butch): Next, I’d like to welcome to the table a young man who has only been with HWA for a short while but he has certainly made his presence known. I think I speak for both Wisdom and myself when I say we thought we had seen it all before tonight’s show but a Zoo Match is definitely a first for us!

A light trickle of laughter reverberates throughout the room.

(Butch): With that in mind, please welcome, Wolfy.

On that note, Wolfy materialises from behind a throng of staff members off-camera and appears into view, nervously waving at the gathered media before approaching his seat. He gives Butch and Wisdom a wave also before sitting down.

(Butch): Wolfy, that was quite the match and another first for HWA. I understand this is your first press conference so just answer whatever question you feel comfortable answering. Everyone, any questions for Wolfy after his performance tonight?

Wade Keller stands up this time.

(Wade Keller): So Wolfy, as Butch just said there, a history-making match tonight against Tobias Clarke, certainly one of the most unique I think any of us have ever seen in pro wrestling. How do you feel after your victory with Tobias Clarke?

(Wolfy): I feel a mix of emotions, I feel crazier than when I took Maniac’s pot, hahaha!

Butch and Wisdom both exchange surprised glances at Wolfy’s statement as a chorus of belly-laughs are heard throughout the room. Wolfy offers a half-hearted, giggle-induced apologetic look to Butch and Wisdom who both just shake their heads, smiles on their faces too.

(Wolfy): But in all seriousness, of course there’s excitement but that goes to sadness; sadness for the animals that got stressed, from the rabbit to,sadly, the racoon with rabies. However, like you said, this match was one for the history books, a match that marked a new chapter, a new generation, of men, women... animals.. a match that decided the fate of that generation, I'm happy how it turned out in the end. However, what we saw was a lesson that bullying, poaching, and evil will not prevail and I will continue to fight for that cause no matter what.

Kenny McIntosh from Inside The Ropes speaks up again, asking his third question of the night.

(Kenny McIntosh): So, do you think it's over with you and Tobias Clarke? And, if so, what are your plans after this?

(Wolfy): That all depends on Lazy Butt Goblin. Depends if he learned his lessons from that match, if he learned that this bullying and poaching will not continue. If he does it again, I'll duly stand up to him again. But until then however my plans are to fight evil in any way I can. Who knows maybe the Zoo Keeper could become a champion next!

Wolfy winks.

(Kenny McIntosh): Another question, if that’s alright. You and Maniac have developed quite a close friendship in the last few months. How do you feel about the events that transpired with Erica and DreamMaster tonight?

(Wolfy): I won’t lie, I was kinda disappointed there was no ectoplasm, or crab-walking down some stairs or even a Chevy Impala 1967! But all jokes aside, I hope it's over. I pray there will be no Revelation 20:7 when it comes to Dreammaster. However, in this business you never know. However, if that day were to ever come I'll be here prepared to fight with my Proton pack!

As for Skinky Skank or Erica, I don't know yet, it all depends on her attitude after this mess, that’s if she even pulls through; I still don't want her to die, of course I want her to recover. Even though she's gotten me more mad than a cat trying to bury a turd on a frozen lake multiple times! So Erica, I hope you get better soon… However, I'll be watching you! I don't even want you telling ghost stories anymore after this one, Skink! As for Maniac, yes, he is a very close friend of mine and I hope he's holding up well; he seemed in good spirits earlier, pardon the pun, despite what happened. I know it's been an emotional ride for us both; we both lost a lot and got hurt a lot fighting for this and it's definitely been an emotional night. I’m sorry to cut the interview short but I still kind of stink after my match. I kind of smell like Al Weezy's belly button…

Wolfy stands up and more laughter can be heard.

(Wolfy): So yeah, I need to shower in bleach and a flame thrower.

Wolfy gags at himself after lifting his arm above his head and smelling his armpit before leaving the room to more laughter and Butch and Wisdom both shaking their heads. As Wolfy departs and the laughter subsides, Butch makes an announcement.

(Butch): So, ordinarily we’d bring out Professor Hoff and Shark after their match but apparently both men elected to leave the Spectrum Centre shortly after their match. Therefore we’ll-

(???): Of course I’m forgotten about! sums this shithole of a company!

Butch is cut-off by an all-too-familiar voice all my with all sorts of commotion from off-stage causes the assembled reporters, cameramen and staff to crane round, muttering to themselves as a large flat screen is wheeled in, one HWA staffer pushing it, while another carries a remote, letting the screen be wheeled up against the table at which Butch and Wisdom are currently sat at. Both crane their necks to look round and, almost in sync, roll their eyes.

The screen shows a live feed, directly from the private hospital ward in which Tobias Clarke currently resides.

A gasp from one or two reporters can be heard as Tobias stares out from the screen, the horrific bites from the bullet ants visible across his cheeks, neck and shoulders.

The piercing stare and taut, white lips and corded muscles in his neck show the strain and agony he’s enduring. You can hear the bustling of the medical orderlies around him, cleaning and dressing the various bites and wounds he’s been subjected to.

Through all that, underneath it all, is a raging fury at the position he’s in.

(Tobias): That’s right, Butch and Wisdom! I may be here right now, I may be needing yet more vaccinations against god-knows ####ing what… I may need skin grafts…

A shudder runs through him at that thought.

(Tobias): I may have had cheap shots, cheap laughs and cheating all occur against me… but here’s the thing buddies… I won.

The stare hardens even as he swallows slowly and painfully, forcing himself not to snap at the orderlies as they continue to work on him.

(Tobias): They didn’t want you to see me like this, Butch, Wisdom… I bet they’re sitting there right now, acting all professional and looking all concerned. Staff welfare or some bullshit like that they’ll say.

One or two heads do quickly turn to look at the two, who stoically don’t rise to Tobias’s words.

(Tobias): But I want you to see me like this. I want all of you ####wits to see me. Me, the man who put himself through hell because I had my eye on the prize. I did what no-one else would do, f*ck… would even dare to do. Because none of you are like me. None of you have my drive. None of you have my talent. Monkey turned into a quivering wreck when I grabbed that little runt. Killer instinct? F*ck no, he doesn’t have it. But I do. He may have won the battle, but I won the war.

He exhales forcefully, trying to calm himself down, the machines around him beeping ever more insistent as his heart rate rises.

(Tobias): I’m going to get out of here soon and I’m done wasting time with that little shit. He’s been a distraction from the true prize. And from what I see, there’s a lot of you hosers that talk a good game, even if it does make me 40% more likely to develop ear cancer, but none of you, none at all, have the f*cking cojones I do and the drive to achieve what is my right! I know I’m better than all of you, but I at least hoped that when your backs were up against the wall, you’d grow a f*cking spine!

He thrusts out his forearm into the view of the camera, revealing the vicious bites caused by the piranhas.

(Tobias): Who among you would put themselves through this?

With the other hand, he brings the camera right up to his face.

(Tobias): No-one! And that makes me sick of all of you!

He throws the camera back, causing the flatscreen to go to static. Butch motions to the staff, gesturing towards the TV.

(Butch): Get that out of here, please.

As the staffers do as they’re instructed, Butch once more looks to move things along.

(Butch): Whilst we get rid of R2-Bellend, I’d like to take this time to bring out a couple of HWA superstars who whilst they didn’t compete tonight, they certainly played their part tonight. Please welcome to the table, Michelle Learner and Sarah Callahan.

As Sarah and Michelle make their way to the table, all smiles and waving, there are murmurs among the journalists. Before either woman can even get a seat, a question comes from the media.

(Wade Keller): Excuse me, Butch but will we be able to speak to Starlight Kid? Obviously what happened during the main event will be talked about for some time, are we able to speak to her?

(Butch): The short answer is “no”, Wade. There’s no point in beating a dead horse regarding Starlight. She’s in a foreign country for the first time in her laugh, is trying her best to learn English, she wanted to help and be part of something special tonight. So, with all due respect to you all here, the last thing Starlight needs is to be thrown to the wolves. As it is, I allowed her to be exempt from answering any questions this evening as she’s still very and understandably distraught about what happened tonight. Nevertheless, we have both Sarah and Michelle with us tonight, two exemplary members of the HWA family who did a stellar job stepping out of the squared circle and into unfamiliar territory tonight.

(Reporter): Michelle, as Butch alluded to there, you and Sarah took on different roles tonight than lacing up your boots, tell us about that experience.

(Michelle): Well, it’s like I said earlier. It was such a pleasure seeing the other side of the production and being part of the show from that perspective. Sarah and Starlight and even Laney we all did our part and I certainly gained a new found respect and appreciation for everything that takes place outside of the ring and the amazing people that make it happen.

(John Morgan): Hi Michelle, John Morgan here, from MMA Junkie. Speaking of Starlight Kid and the controversial finish she inadvertently caused in the main event, she seemed to express hesitation earlier about being placed in that role given her lack of English….seeing the results, in hindsight do you think it was wise to place her in that position where she might not fully comprehend her duty?

Michelle apprehensively casts an eye over to Butch and Wisdom where she’s met with an encouraging nod.

(Michelle): That wasn’t my decision to make, so I can’t pass judgement on that. I imagine it isn’t easy coming into an organization where you do not speak the language. That would be like if I went to Japan myself. Starlight has done very well with the help of translator apps and when Sensei is free to translate for us too and she’s trying very hard to absorb as much of the language as she can. I heard the chants out there and I’m sure there's dozens of memes circulating on the internet by now, but you guys…she made a mistake, we all do, and it isn’t fair to criticize her so harshly for it and I hope that’s something everyone can understand.

(Stephen Jensen): Hi Michelle, I’m Stephen Jensen from Fightful Select. You’re obviously still very early on in your own career. If there were any superstar past or present you could get in the ring with, who would it be and why?

(Michelle): Oh wow, that’s a good one. Lemme think….Ummm…well I have two really. One of course is Mrs Parker herself.

Michelle looks over admiringly over to Wisdom who has a big, warm smile on her face.

(Michelle): I’ve always admired her fierceness in the ring, she’s such a powerful performer, and commanding presence, and her skills are so on another level. And my second pick would be Gail Kim; I just really love her. We’re about the same size so her wrestling style really resonates with me. I met her years ago when I was a teenager at a signing and she was so sweet. It would be really fun to have a match with her.

(Bruce Mitchell): Bruce Mitchell here from the Pro Wrestling Torch. HWA has a diverse roster and we’ve seen several intergender matches in its history with Wisdom herself having held the Spotlight and tag team titles years ago. Have you given any thought to facing any of the men on the roster?

(Michelle): Oh, well…I guess I have…I really gave a lot of thought to entering Ring Master. I’m glad I didn’t though, I think I would have been in way over my head.

(Bruce Mitchell): And how do you maintain such a positive attitude in such a negative environment?

(Michelle): I don’t think it’s fair to say we have a negative environment. I think sometimes, some people are a little less than their best selves, but we are all God’s children. We are all brothers and sisters, and I keep faith in the Lord. His divine plan for us gives me hope, even for those who stray from the path he’s set before us.

(Denise Salcedo): Michelle, Erica Martinez viciously assaulted you and hospitalized you months back. What are your thoughts now knowing she herself is severely injured and in the hospital?

(Michelle): I continue to pray for her, that she lets God into her heart. A hospital can heal the human body, but only God can heal her soul.

(Dave Melzter): Michelle, you’ve been involved with fellow HWA superstar, Sean Parker who hasn’t exactly enjoyed a lot of success in his quest to capture the HWA World Championship. Do you think he has what it takes to break that duck and win it eventually?

(Michelle): Of course I do. Everyone knows how good Sean is, he’s one of the best in the world. Although I’m sure he’s sick of me telling him, God has a plan for everyone, and I know in my heart, being a World Champion is in his future and I can’t wait to be there to see it. Right now though, Mr Price is doing a great job as World Champion and I know little Laney is very proud of her dad!

(Brandon Thurston): Sarah, you recently finished the Olympics, is there any experience there that you’re bringing back to HWA?

(Sarah): Absolutely. I want to go back to where we started. We were brought in on the concept of “pure wrestling.” You see the Olympics and some of the athletes are still even in their teens and all they want is to compete, to test themselves against others and be the best. That’s how we began, that’s the torch I’d like to carry.

(SRS): What were your stand out matches from tonight, Sarah?

(Sarah): Well like I just said, as far as pure wrestling goes, Sensei Red Dragon and Butch Parker. Straight-up classic wrestling match and it was awesome. Then the main event. We say some tables and chairs in there but overall, Stu-E, Hans and Sean tore the place down in a tremendous match; really taking it to one another.

(SRS): So, would you say then that you were less of a fan of the other matches on the card?

(Sarah): No, I enjoyed Shark sticking it to that creep-ass Professor. Wolfy and Tobias and that Zoo Match, to be honest I’m not into that mess, but you do you, Boo. I have to admit I did like Jeremy and Luantik’s match. Jeremey’s gotten a lot of shit lately and he stepped it up proving he ain’t about to take nobody’s bullshit and I respect that. And I damn sure could have cared less about Maniac and Erica asses!

(Denise Salcedo): Any specific plans on the horizon for Sarah Callahan?

(Sarah): Growing this division really. Those Blackthorne bitches up and disappeared, not that I liked their asses anyway and Luna Rain is God knows where with her whole family. Alexis is at the Academy right now too so we need more fresh faces up in here, and after that it’s time to get a Women’s Championship crackin’!

(Denise Salcedo): What do you say to that, Wisdom? Any chance we see the return of the HWA Women’s World Championship?

Wisdom just smiles stoically, not giving an inch.

(Wisdom): All I’ll say is never say never.

A chorus of “oooh’s” can be heard along with a shared smile from Sarah and Michelle.

(Butch): Ladies, if you wouldn’t mind staying seated, I have one more person I’d like to bring out to speak to you all. He’s the reason Michelle and Sarah are sitting here tonight. He’s the reason Jeremy and Sean wrestled tonight in two of the biggest matches of their careers. He’s the reason the HWA Academy is as successful as it is… he’s also the reason my knee is the size of a small watermelon right now.

More light laughter is heard before Butch continues.

(Butch): In all seriousness, this man is my oldest friend and I’m proud tonight to have finally stood across the ring from him after twenty-plus years of standing beside him. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the table, Matthew Kiriyama, aka Red Dragon.

The room comes together with applause and both Sarah and Michelle stand in respect as Red Dragon almost sheepishly walks out. Michelle and Sarah both bow their heads to him, leaning in to give him little pecks on the cheek. Red Dragon inclines his head towards the two of them before Butch gingerly climbs to his feet, embracing his old friend warmly. As Butch sits down, Red Dragon leans over and gives Wisdom a hug too before taking a seat next to Butch.

Red Dragon adjusts the microphone placed in front of him.

(Red Dragon): Konnichiwa.

(Dave Meltzer): Dragon, tonight you and Butch put on arguably the best match of the night. How are you feeling?

(Red Dragon): Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu. I am feeling good in myself. Tonight wasn’t about how good a match Butch-san and I had, it was cathartic. We’ve trained together for years, tagged together but never had a reason to face one another. So tonight, on a rare occasion for me, I wanted to be selfish.

(SRS): Tonight was something of a dream match for the pure wrestling fans out there, the old school fans. Knowing you can still go out and produce the level of performances you’ve shown against world class opponents like Shinsuke Nakamura, Hans von Richtoven and tonight in Butch Parker. Do you see yourself having reservations about retirement, knowing some of the matches you could potentially have?

Red Dragon allows himself a small smile before he answers.

(Red Dragon): Iie, zenzen. No, not at all. Retiring isn’t about not being able to compete at the highest level anymore. Like I said, I wanted to be selfish and have the matches I wish I had the chance to have before. I did not have a long or great career as a competitor in HWA, unlike Butch-san and Hans-san. So, I wanted to have the matches that showed the people at home what I can do.

(Stephen Jensen): And your final match is against your star student, Sean Parker, a man you’ve known and trained since he was a young boy. Any thoughts on that match?

(Red Dragon): I’m very proud of Sean-kun, that has never been in doubt. Our history is obviously well-documented too. Yes, I’ve trained him but he has grown far beyond anything I could’ve expected when I think of the young, shy boy I first clapped eyes on over twenty years ago. Our match will be very special and I feel very honored he will be the last person I share a professional wrestling ring with.

As the questions start to dwindle down, Butch, with the assistance of Red Dragon, pulls himself up to his feet, crutch under his arm.

(Butch): If there are no more questions, I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming tonight. I’d like to thank our amazing roster of talent, all the staff here in HWA behind the scenes who make the magic happen for us, and of course our incredible fans, without whom we wouldn’t be there. Keep an eye on the HWA social media channels for announcements for the next Havoc and our calendar of events as we see out 2024. Thank you again.

The media all stand and give a round of applause as Wisdom leans in and gives Butch a kiss. Along with Michelle, Sarah and Red Dragon, they leave the stage area and the scene fades to black.