It the late evening over at HWA Headquarters and the Academy in Santa Monica, CA. A to-go container with half-eaten Pad Thai from her lunch sits on one corner of Wisdom’s desk. On the other, tucked snugly in pair of Ferragamo jeans and a white collar shirt is Butch leaning in to a call he has on speaker phone. His forehead is creased in part due to the stress of things going on and in part because of the distress of his wife who had now taken over the call as she was often known to do when she herself was frustrated.

(Wisdom): ……..that’s besides the point and you know it.

(George): Actually it isn’t, what do you think happened to Colbert?

(Wisdom): Oh come on George, don’t try and play us like that. Everybody knows exactly what that’s all about we can read between the lines.

(George): Then you understand what you need to do. I can go to bat for you, but you have to be willing to play a little hardball…

Wisdom shoots Butch an disapproving look. He puts his hand up as if to say “don’t blow your top yet, stay calm…let’s hear him out.”

(George): …the truth is the numbers are going down, they are…and that’s all the ammo some of them need.

(Wisdom): Bullshit George….Bullshit! This isn’t about numbers. You just spent billions on the Warner deal, don’t sit here and try and spin us you’re so hard pressed on what?....a single digit percent viewership drop and try to equate that to chump change in comparison.

(George): No what’s BS…is I’ve thrown all my support around you, and you shoot down everything I throw your way out foolish stubbornness and pride. I got you Megan Thee Stallion for your Texas event and hardly showcased her…

(Wisdom): Well the bitch didn’t have any business here anyway. And neither does anybody else you bring up. We don’t do fluff, this isn’t “sports entertainment” this is professional wrestling.

(George): I’m just asking you to be take a step back. Be reasonable here…you’ve gone from a spectacular reunion show and a revitalized Havoc in 2023 to televised suicides in the span of 3 years. What do you expect the discussion around the executive table to be? You’ve got to consider…

Wisdom raises her voice again cutting him off.

(Wisdom): I said No! We don’t want and we damn sure don’t need musicians and nobody social media scum thrown into our events, or every inch of our goddamn ring and arena plastered with logos from 20 sponsors. If that’s your idea of “playing hardball” then you can go take a flying F….

Butch quickly grabs his cell from the desk removing it from speaker phone. He holds a finger up to his fuming wife.

(Butch): Look, we get what you’re saying George, we do. You know what we’re up against here…

Butch gives Wisdom a look as he walks to the door indicating that he’ll take the conversation from here while she cools off. She doesn’t protest as he exits and she’s instantly out of her seat and headed across the room to the bar. She pours and then downs a bit of Scotch and then pours a second walking back to her desk. She had been in the middle of reviewing some pre-recorded announcements the media team had edited and sent back for approval, but now she didn’t feel like being bothered with it. She’d seen them already and the edits they had to make were minimal. She was too wound up to revisit it and was fine with the way they were.

She sent a quick message to the media team approving them for publishing and given the call they just had with George Cheeks she insisted the publish them right away. Within minutes he phone pinged from the HWA App indicating that a new message had been posted. Now the media team would be fielding all of the social media comments that come as a result. Downstairs on the Academy floors the TV’s on the wall all switch from a replay of one of HWA’s old Outlawed shows that focused on tag team matches. Everyone’s attention is drawn to the new announcements that come on the screen. Wisdom is seen in her office, in a far better disposition than she currently is. There’s a brightness and warm undertones to her business demeanor as she faces the camera in her office.

(Wisdom): Greetings, HWA Fanverse….after much deliberation and apprehension on my part…

She gives a wry smile

(Wisdom): ….Butch and I are pleased to announce the card for the coming Havoc. We are reviving an old HWA classic and will be showcasing a Sade Hawkins Havoc. As it was in its previous iteration and of course based on the well-known school dance…female HWA superstars have chosen male counterparts whom they wish to compete against.

Wisdom clears her throat and looks a little uneasy.

(Wisdom): Its sure to be a night of intriguing competition and we look forward to everyone joining us in New York. We’ll see you there.

The screen fades to black before returning to the opening of another video announcement. This time, Butch and Wisdom are sitting on the sofa in his office together, their hands in one another looking seriously at the cameras.

(Wisdom): In light of recent events, we’d like to take a moment to address the swelling call and rumors as best we can. The HWA is deeply saddened by the tragic incidents that occurred surrounding Art of War. We want everyone to know that we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and relevant authorities in both Blacksburg, VA as well as Glendale, AZ as they conduct their investigations.

(Butch): The safety and well-being of all our fans, participants, and staff remain our highest priority, and we will continue to assist investigators in any way possible. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and those impacted, we will refrain from further comment at this time.

They share a solemn look at one another before the screen fades to black. The floor is suddenly full of whispers and chatter first from them finally issuing a statement about what happened at the Press Conference and then at Art of War on Maniac’s bus. After a few moments most turn their attention to Havoc and there’s a good bit of speculation starting about the matches that have been announced on the website. Back in her office her cell ring and she see’s Vanessa’s name pop up. She smiles and exhales very eager to hear a friends comforting voice and answers the call.

(Wisdom): Hey V…you’re timing couldn’t be more perfect!

(Vanessa): One of those days?

(Wisdom): Ugh, that’s putting it lightly. CBS and their bullshit. You know we came into this deal making our autonomy perfectly clear and every chance they get their damn executives try and push in with their ideas and suggestions and little threats. Anyway…that’s not why you called, what you up to honey? How’s the baby?

(Vanessa): He’s fine, you should see him…he’s into everything. I can’t believe he’ll be 2 at the end of the year.

(Wisdom): Tell me about it, it seems like yesterday when Evina was crawling around and David wasn’t even a thought yet.

(Vanessa): Speaking of babies…have you heard from Sean and Michelle.

There’s a light and cheerful tone in Vanessa’s voice, a hopeful glee of sorts.

(Wisdom): Oh don’t you start, let them be husband and wife for a while first. At least I hope they do.

(Vanessa): They’re going to be great parents, we were gushing over the wedding photos you sent us. Well…I was gushing…Hans was stoically nodding at the phone with the occasional grin tucked in the corner of his mouth.

Wisdom laughs knowing Hans all too well.

(Wisdom): Those two lovebirds are deep into their honeymoon right now, I can’t wait to see those pictures. Soon as they get back though they’ll be knee deep in that property Sean got for their house.

(Vanessa): Speaking of homes…that’s part of the reason I called. I just you guys new announcements come up on the app. Since you’re going to be in new York, you know you guys are always welcome at our place there. Hans won’t be staying over anyway.

(Wisdom): I know, he’s quite keen these days on getting back to you and Kai. We actually haven’t even discussed our plans yet, it might depend on what’s going on with the kids. We might do a quick turnaround and bring them with us, not sure yet.

(Vanessa): Well the offer is there so just let us know. Soooooooo, this Sadie Hawkins Havoc…which arm and leg did Butch have to bend to talk you into it?

(Wisdom): Oh God…I knew you were gonna go there. The whole thing came up a few weeks ago downstairs. Alexis was running some recruits through training and you know how we have screens all over the gym floor…well, they play random old shows and one came on when we did the Sadie Hawkins Havoc. I tell you they were glued to the TV’s. She just gave in, let them watch and resumed training after. But let me tell you, she caught the bug because right after she was up here in our offices lobbying for us to do another one.

(Vanessa): Look at her….I like her spice, that Alexis.

(Wisdom): Well, we told her we’d think about it but I already saw the sparkle in Butch’s eyes when we were talking to her. You know how he gets when folks get really motivated by things, he’s very encouraging in that way…..anyway…he gave me that green-eyed-puppy-dog routine of his….as well as some amazing mommy and daddy time later that night and I caved.

(Vanessa): Just be honest, it was the mommy and daddy time.

Wisdom laughs out loud alongside Vanessa.

(Wisdom): No! You know how weak I am against those eyes of his, they’re like goddamn kryptonite! Trust me I warned Michelle because Sean has them too, and he’ll probably be even worse with his boyish looks.

(Vanessa): So how are you feeling about it. I know it was a hard event for you. I remember sitting there next to Jakob ringside watching what Dredge did it was abhorrent.

(Wisdom): It’s not my favorite memory but I’m ok. I couldn’t let my discomfort ruin the enthusiasm we were seeing in Alexis and the others. Down in the Academy it’s common for the boys and gals to pair up in the ring, but less so with the main roster so I think they were all very excited for it.

(Vanessa): I’m sure it’s going to go fine, just have security keep a handle on things. Hans said you guys have extra around now anyway.

(Wisdom): Yeah, not because we want to. After what’s been going on we’ve obligated by our contract with these damn arena to bring in extra, and extra manpower is extra money. They request a few NYPD units for New York so you can imagine that bill.

Vanessa can hear the change in Wisdom’s tone and tries to steer the conversation back to more lighthearted topics.

(Vanessa): Well before you guys head out you should come by for dinner. I’ve gotten really got at this grilling thing…or smoking…whatever you want to call it. Hans got one of those giant Traeger things and I’ve honestly been loving it. I made some Salmon the other week and he thought I bout from a restaurant. Can you believe that? We sit down to eat, takes his first bites and is like “Mmmm, where’d you get the Salmon from?”

Wisdom chuckles.

(Vanessa): After I slaved away….well not slaved away but you know what I mean….I cooked it. He’s the one who bought that big ass grill. Wisdom it’s about the size of Kai’s crib…No….actually I measured it…it’s bigger.

(Wisdom): Well don’t beat him up too much, you know these men have their lapses in memory about what we do around the house. We might have a maid, but we don’t have a cook…momma is in the kitchen throwing down.

(Vanessa): I know right! No, I didn’t give him a hard time. Anyway…as I was saying…you guys should come over, I’ll throw something on the grill and we can have a nice evening. Let your hair down a bit before you hop off to New York and all that.

(Wisdom): That would be nice, I’m sure Butch would love to as well. I know those two miss each other. I mean they see one another all the time, but it’s not the same quality time the two used to share regularly. Butch is either busy around the office or running the show when were on site and Hans is training in the Academy, in the ring himself or mentoring somebody trying to help…

Suddenly a chill hits her and at her own mention of the word “mentor” she realizes a question she has.

(Wisdom): …has…has Hans spoken to Jeremy by chance?

Vanessa exhales audibly.

(Vanessa): No! He won’t talk about it. He went to the hospital with him after but I don’t think they’ve spoken since. I take it you haven’t heard anything either?

(Wisdom): No, we just don’t get it. It makes absolutely no sense at all V, I mean what the ####? For once I can’t tell if Butch is pissed or hurt by it, or both. I know he’s tried reaching out several times since, but he hasn’t said anything either. Matt was our guy, he was “the” guy! He’s the one that helped relaunch this whole thing from day one. 2015, he was there knocking on the door, gym bag in hand. This meant everything to him, Jeremy meant everything to him…I just don’t understand.

Sensing a downshift in their conversation coupled by the shuffling noises of Kai waking from his nap Vanessa knew it was time to wrap up their conversation.

(Vanessa): Keep me posted will you, I know you guys will do everything you can for Jeremy but if he doesn’t want to come back in some out of the ring capacity we know a lot of people between us all, we can help give him a new start if he wants.

(Wisdom): I will. Look, I better let you go, I hear the baby in the background. You’re probably about to have diaper duty.

(Vanessa): Oh you know it, and he’s such a boy…but that diaper pail you guys got us back for the baby shower is a life saver.

(Wisdom): I learned the hard way with Evina, but when David came along, girl…it was a must have so I already knew to get you one.

(Vanessa): Well, alright boss lady I’ll catch you later and let us know what you guys want to do, about dinner and New York both.

(Wisdom): We will, love you!

(Vanessa): Love you too!

The call ends and Wisdom leans back in her chair and takes a sip from her second Scotch. It was great talking with Vanessa as usual and it helped lift some of her frustration after the call with George Cheeks. He and Butch were probably wrapping up now, and he’d probably need a drink of his own. She got up, grabbed another glass and poured him one then headed out the door for his office as the scene fades to black.