Apocalypse 2021
{{Monday, July 19
Gretna, LA
BlackOut Academy}}
It was a hot summer afternoon, typical of south Louisiana. It wasn't anything Spencer Pryce wasn't used to though, having grown up in Beaumont, Texas. A decent sized city not far from the Louisiana-Texas border, it had all the same heat, humidity, and potential to be devastated by hurricanes as the rest of the Gulf coast. While running drills at the upstairs wrestling academy, Spencer is thankful for the umpteenth time since signing up here that owner and head trainer Amy Chastaine didn't believe in one of the old school training methods that believed working with no air conditioning made students tough. In this climate, it could literally make students dead.
Spencer bounces off the ropes and is thrown by an arm drag. He gets up and nods at the fellow student he's currently working with, a petite woman named Jodi Jennings. Jodi had been training here for a while, and had even had a match on an episode of SCW Breakdown, when they ran in New Orleans. Spencer remembered it not going very well for her due to some interference, but it hadn't disheartened Jodi... much. Spencer and Jodi often worked together during training, and occasionally spent time together outside of the BOA walls, too. The other students knew this, and Spencer was pretty sure all the trainers knew, as well.
“I think you're getting stronger, girl.” Spencer grins at her. She beams.
“You think so? I've been doing strength training downstairs on off training days.”
“Absolutely, you flipped me all the way over this time. Whatever you're doing downstairs, it's working.” Spencer approaches her and grabs her upper arm, squeezing the muscle. Jodi flexes, and laughs.
“Feels like I'm not even moving your fingers.”
“I can feel it though. Definite improvement. Wanna run it again?”
“Sure!”
Spencer and Jodi ran the same drill, and she managed to throw him just as well as the first time. He'd given her the compliment just to be nice, since he knew she'd picked up the strength training, but after being flipped over a second time, he realized everything he said was true. Jodi had gotten a little stronger. They were just about to run the drill a third time, when three loud claps filled the room. Everyone working out stops what they're doing and turns to the source – Simon Lyman. Second trainer in charge who led things when Amy wasn't in the gym, like today. She had a situation to deal with at the women's shelter she runs. Spencer often called his mentor the busiest woman in professional wrestling. It was one reason he looked up to her and chose this school for his training. There were other reasons... but Amy's dedication was a big one.
“Alright everyone, great work. Let's gather around the main ring. I have some news.”
The dozen students gather at ringside of the main ring, which is an SCW regulation sized 20x20. The other two are 16x16, mainly used for sparring or learning new skills. Simon sits on the apron while the students grab chairs and sit. Standing ringside next to Simon are the other trainers present for the day – Jeff Alexander and Kara Abheri. Spencer didn't know where Jason Helms or Shane Lawson were, he wasn't nosy enough to ask those questions. Kara and Shane were new to the academy, but Spencer knew of them from their work in VWA and even their short SCW run, and was thrilled to have them to learn from as well. His thoughts about the new trainers are interrupted by Simon speaking.
“Alright then kids, I wish Amy was here to share this with you, as she did most of the legwork in setting all of this up, but she had urgent business at the shelter today, and she asked me to go ahead and give you the news anyway. As you are all aware, SCW's Rise to Greatness is this weekend, in Los Angeles.” The group of students give mild applause. Not Spencer, he's paying close attention to Simon. “Starting Friday, FanFest kicks off and this year, included as a part of that will be a series of exhibition matches, put on by the most promising students and up and coming in the business. Amy has been working with SCW to secure spots for BlackOut Academy.” This time, Spencer joined in with the applause. “There are only so many spaces to fill and plenty of great schools like this one around the country, so SCW was only able to offer us three spots. And...” Simon turns to Jeff, who hands him a folded piece of paper. “I have the names of those we've decided will fill those spots. By we, I mean myself, Amy, Jeff, and Jason. No offense to Kara and Shane of course...” Simon glances towards Kara, and she nods understanding. “But they've only been here a short while and don't know this group well enough to make a call like that. That said... the four of us made the picks. And they are.... Lynn Bradley!”
Lynn, a tall, solid woman, squeals like a kid. The group applauds for her, one guy next to her clapping her shoulder.
“Second... Jodi Jennings!”
More applause. Spencer turns to Jodi, who was at his side, and gives her a hug. She smiles up at him, looking stunned. “Me? Really?”
“You deserve it.”
“And finally.... Spencer Pryce!”
“Aw shit! Really?”
“Yes, really! Congratulations to you three, you've earned the opportunity to get some big time recognition. Please come see me before you leave today, we have travel arrangements and whatnot to sort out.”
“Oh, so I guess Pryce gets to go just cause Jodi is.”
Spencer spins around to see Trey Davidson with his arms folded and a glare on his face. Jodi had told Spencer that Trey asked her out and got mad when she declined. Spencer steps up him.
“What the fuck, man?”
“Guys, come on... let's dial it down a touch.” Simon hops off the apron, a little apprehensive. He can coach, teach form, explain psychology, but he can't get as physical in the ring as the other trainers, due to complications from the stroke he suffered several years ago. The last thing he needed was for a fight among the students to break out. The two young men though paid Simon's words no mind.
“You heard me, man. Ain't no way you in this spot based on work. They just didn't want to upset Cutie by leaving you behind.”
Spencer steps closer, and shoves Trey backwards. They're the same height and similar build, so Trey didn't move too far, but took a step as Spencer caught him off guard. “You need to shut the fuck up! It's not my fault you ain't good enough to-”
Trey steps forward again and goes to throw a punch. All at the same time Jodi screams, Spencer ducks, then jabs a fist into Trey's ribs. Jodi steps back, her hands over her face.
“Stop it, please stop! He can have my spot, just stop!”
“No! You deserve-” Spencer is cut off by Jeff inserting himself between the fighting men.
“Alright, we ain't having none of that. Y'all take some steps back and cool off. Trey. Completely uncalled for, homie. Spencer. We don't need you instigating. Y'all heard me?”
“Yeah.” Trey glares at Spencer.
“I heard you. He started it.”
“He did. We heard him. But you ain't gotta bite.”
“Tell him he's wrong.”
Simon steps up into the conversation. “Of course he's wrong. I would hope everyone here understands that it was a very hard choice and we chose the three students we feel are at the right stage in their progression to get the most out of this opportunity. If anyone here truly feels the decisions were made for any other reasons... I invite you to find another academy.” Simon points to the door that leads to the stairs going down. He looks around the students. No one says anything, or moves. Trey crosses his arms. “That's what I thought. Trey. I think you should take the rest of the day off. We'll see you tomorrow.” Simon left no room for disagreement.
“Sure thing, Coach.” Trey gives Spencer a glare and pointedly ignore Jodi as he storms off to the locker room, presumably to change and get his bag to leave. Simon turns to Spencer.
“May I speak with you in the office, please?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
Jeff takes over getting the rest of the students back on track as Spencer follows Simon into the office, which is technically Amy's but all the trainers use it when needing to speak to someone in private. Simon closes the door, then leans on Amy's desk.
“You know, this incident isn't a very good look for someone who's just been given a very huge opportunity.”
“I know that, and I'm sorry, alright? That dude has just been trying to push my buttons for weeks. I don't know if you know what's going on with Jodi-”
“We're aware.”
“Right. So Trey tried making a move on her and didn't like the answer he got. He knows it's cause of me. Been giving me shit ever since.”
“Well, at least this experience is teaching you something about how locker rooms work. Listen son, I'm gonna give you a bit of advice that isn't ring related, okay?” Spencer nods. “You can't go off like that at everyone who makes nasty comments about you, your girlfriend, or anyone else you care about. It gives them power, and it teaches others that they can get in your head by doing the same thing. You'll only create more problems for yourself in the long run.”
“So I'm just supposed to ignore that dude trying to say I didn't earn shit, that y'all are just appeasing us?”
“You know the truth, don't you?”
“Course I do, but-”
“Then why does it matter what Trey thinks? Do you think anyone believes him?”
“No. But that's not the point.”
“Why don't you tell me what the point is.”
“He thinks he's big shit, that's what! Pissed me off, made Jodi uncomfortable. And I'm supposed to let him get away with it?”
“What makes you think he's going to get away with it? I sent him home, didn't I?”
Spencer looks away a second, calming down a notch. “Yeah... yeah you did.”
“There have been other things like this from him that you may not be aware of. That's why you got this spot and he did not. There are going to be scouts at this event, Spencer. We aren't sending anyone for SCW to look at who we don't feel can handle themselves properly. I admit that a few minutes ago, when you engaged in Trey's foolishness and shoved him... I wondered if we made a mistake.”
“You didn't. I promise you didn't. I just had enough of his shit, Coach. It's not the first time he's made some nasty remark about Jodi to me. I just lost my cool. I won't let it happen again.”
Simon takes a few moments to digest Spencer's words, weighing if the young man was being sincere. Finally he nods, deciding to believe him.
“Alright. We'll move on. You do understand though that I will have to tell Amy about this?”
“I know. And I'll apologize to her, too. I don't want any of you guys to think you made a mistake with me.”
“That's good to hear. Let's get back to work, okay?”
“Yeah.”
Simon leaves the office, heading back towards the main ring. Spencer follows a few steps behind. He mutters under his breath.
“Self-righteous SOB... the fuck does he know anyway....”
{{Saturday, July 24
Los Angeles
Rise to Greatness FanFest}}
Following the exhibition matches at FanFest, Amy Chastaine was led to an office in the inner depths of the venue by an SCW intern, saying Mr. D himself wanted to meet with her. The intern didn't know what about, but Amy wasn't concerned. Just curious. She is led to a door marked O.D. The intern knocks, then takes her leave with a smile. Seconds later, the door opens and Mr. D greets her.
“Good afternoon Amy, pleasure to see you again.”
“Thanks, same to you.” She walks in and Mr. D closes the door. Inside is a desk, three chairs, and little else. They take their seats.
“I hear you've had your knee rebuilt.
“I did, a few weeks ago.”
“How's recovery going?”
“Great. I think I'll be cleared by my PT next week. The students are excited for me to be able to work with them fully again.”
“Great news. You know I have to ask you... any thoughts of-”
Amy puts her hand up. “Don't even finish that. No. I'm perfectly happy teaching and managing. Well, when I had a client.” Kelsai Adamson-Mason was no longer part of SCW, so Amy had no one to manage.
“Don't speak so soon, you may be managing just yet. The reason I asked to speak with you, is about one of your students. As you know, I had talent scouts watching the exhibitions today. They got some film, ran some by me. They and I agree, there's one of your students we're interested in bringing in. Spencer Pryce.”
Amy smiles. “He's a great talent. He'd have been my pick too, based on his ring work.”
“Good to know. Before we bring him the offer, I wanted to pick your brain a little. You already answered my first question, which was going to be if you think he's ready.”
“Honestly Olek, he's been ready for a while. I even asked Bree to come in when she has spare time to work with him. He's progressed past the other students, and before Kara and Shane signed on, I had no one who could keep up with him. Myself and Simon are physically limited, Jeff travels for GCW, Jason isn't always there.”
“Understood. She helped?” Amy nods. “Did she have thoughts on him as well?”
“She asked me last week why he wasn't signed anywhere yet. I had actually planned to speak to you after Rise to Greatness about getting him a tryout. I wasn't aware you were looking to hand out contracts based on the exhibitions.”
“Well, I wasn't. But this guy has it. You know that.”
“He really does. I couldn't agree with you more.”
“Great. That said, would you be interested in acting as his manager? Much like you did for Kelsai, just helping him get acclimated, make sure no one tries to take advantage of the rookie, that kind of thing?”
“I'd love to. We get along well, he seems to value my input.”
“Alright. I'll have HR draw up a manager's contract along with his talent contract. Same deal as before okay with you? Pay, number of appearances, the like?
“Sure. You know I'll do whatever you need me for, as long as it doesn't conflict with the academy or shelter.”
“Of course. I'm looking forward to to having you on the road again, and seeing what Spencer can do with us. HR will contact you in a few days with the paperwork, I'm having someone speak with Spencer later this afternoon. I'll introduce myself after everything is signed.”
“Sounds great. I appreciate you speaking with me first.”
“Of course. I do have one more question for you. Is there anything about Spencer that we should know about? Anything that might bite me in the ass later. Criminal history, crazy ex girlfriend who happens to be a wrestler too, anything like that?” Amy hesitates a second. Mr. D picks up on it. “There's something. What is it?”
“I was actually just thinking I needed to mention something first. Spencer is a smart, talented young man. He's stronger than he looks, he understands psychology really well, and my promo coach says he can talk. But... he can have a temper.”
“Great. He'll fit right in.”
“Ha... yeah, I can see how you'd make that quip. But I mean, he has a temper. Most of the time he's fine. But every now and then, something will set him off and... it's not pretty. Just last week Jeff had to break up an altercation when the students were told about this weekend.”
“What set him off?”
“I wasn't there, I was told it was a comment from another student taking a shot at a girl he's been seeing.”
“So he's protective.”
“I don't think it was really like that, Spencer seemed more insulted personally rather than defending the girl. Simon had a chat with him about it, so did I. He apologized, he knows it's not professional to go off like that. But it's also not the first time. I've heard him getting into it with other students, he had an argument with Jason a few months ago.... you know how hard it is to piss him off.”
“I'm sure that wasn't a pretty sight.”
“Well, you also know how Jason is when he does get mad, so it didn't go far. So far Spencer hasn't caused any really serious trouble, but I just thought you should know. Every now and then... he just loses it. And it could be for the smallest thing.”
Mr. D nods. “Alright. I'll keep that in mind. It could cause minor headaches, but I'm not a stranger to dealing with overinflated egos and homicidal anger issues.”
“Example, tomorrow night?”
“Precisely.”
“Are you sure-”
“Not up for discussion.”
“Of course.” Amy only wanted Mr. D to be careful. She had a bad feeling about this business with Giovanni Aries. Mr. D stands up, signaling that he's done with the meeting. Amy also rises.
“Thanks for speaking with me. As I said, you'll both hear from HR sometime next week.”
“I'm looking forward to it. Thanks.”
They shake hands and Amy lets herself out. As she found her way back to the main area of the venue, she tells herself that Mr. D is probably right, and Spencer will handle himself just fine in the SCW locker room.
{{Friday, July 30
Gretna, LA
Spencer's apartment}}
Spencer and Jodi lay in his bed, catching their breath after another round of celebrating his SCW contract. Jodi was the only person he told, as both the lady from SCW HR and Amy told him he should keep it under wraps for now. SCW was on break and his signing would be announced closer to the start of SCW returning to business. But he couldn't keep it from Jodi. They'd been a thing for a few months now, and Spencer knew she would be able to tell something was going on. So, he told her, making her promise not to say anything, especially at BlackOut. Spencer lays back on his pillow, covered with a sheet up to his waist. Jodi is sitting up against the headboard, nothing covering her tiny toned and tanned body. The brunette looks over at Spencer with a smile.
“I still can't believe it. You showed me the contract and I saw the signatures... but it's so surreal!”
“You trying to say you can't believe SCW would want me?" Spencer grins, clearly joking.
“No! They'd be crazy not to.”
“True. Everyone should want me!” They laugh.
“I don't know about everyone. But SCW does. And... I do.” Jodi grins, looking him up and down.
“Oh I already knew that. But SCW is gonna be paying me, you don't.”
Jodi gasps in mock horror, then waves a hand over herself. “You mean all this isn't enough? I know it's not a lot... but I can work it.” Jodi stood five foot nothing and weight about a hundred pounds soaking wet. Spencer had to agree though, she worked with what she had very well.
“You got skills, that's true.”
Jodi pushes off the headboard, and crosses her legs, turning to face Spencer better. “So, do you think you might need a manager or something?” She asks excitedly.
“Actually... Amy's gonna be my manager. I thought I mentioned that part?”
“No... you didn't.” Jodi's shoulders droop for a second or two, but then she perks back up. “Okay, what about a valet? Especially one that can work.”
Spencer finally picks up her meaning and sits up straight. ”Wait, you're talking about you?”
“Well yeah! SCW already knows me, I did that one show, remember?”
“Yeah I remember. I also remember you getting screwed over and they didn't do anything about it.”
“Yes they did! I got a bonus on top of my match rate. That's not important though. I just thought you might... you know... want me on the road with you.”
Spencer chuckles a little. “Why would I want that?”
“Um... for this?” Jodi gestures between them. “We've been doing this a while now, I thought we-”
“Don't think so much, Jodi. I don't need distractions on the road.”
Jodi blinks, hurt by the insinuation. “You think I'd be a distraction?”
“Obviously.”
“But... I want to support you, Spence! I want to be there for your, help you out there, like you've helped me in training.”
“I don't need help. I already have a contract. And I need to keep focused while traveling. This is the start of my career. I can't walk into that place already dragging weight.”
Jodi sits back, and pulls the sheet up over herself. “So now I'm dead weight? What the hell is wrong with you, Spence?”
“Nothing's wrong. Look, we've had fun. A lot of fun.” Spencer smirks. “But things change. I'm getting out of here, Jodi. Well, not literally cause I'm keeping my place, but I made it. SCW. Almost everyone else who graduated BlackOut went to smaller companies. EAW, GCW... no one's been signed to SCW yet, until me. I can't fuck this up. Which means I can't go on the road with a tagalong!”
“A tagalong?” Jodi speaks deadpan. “Is that really all I am to you? I thought we were more than that...”
“You're a piece of fun between training. A lot of fun! You're smart, and beautiful, and-”
“But I'm not good enough to go with you? I'm just a distraction. I see how it is.”
Jodi gets out of the bed and starts pulling her clothes on, picking up pieces from the floor.
“I didn't say that.”
“Yes, you did! You said you don't need a distraction and you can't take a tagalong on the road with you. Funny, because I thought I was your girlfriend. Not just... a piece of fun!” Jodi wipes her face off, mad at herself that she can't help from crying.
“Come on, don't be like this. You had to know that eventually one of us was gonna move on and-”
“Fuck you, Spencer!”
Jodi grabs her purse from the dresser and storms out. Seconds later, Spencer hears the front door slam. He sighs hard. Well...she saved him from having to eventually end things himself. He'd miss her in bed.
ON CAMERA
Look who's finally getting into an SCW ring! Yours truly, SCW's newest star and hopefully next big thing, Spencer Pryce!
Okay, I'm not really gonna hype myself like that for the whole promo. I know I'm the bottom of the totem pole here, I'm a literal rookie. People like to use that word negatively, but for me, its a huge positive. It means that all my hard work in the last year at BlackOut Academy paid off. I got noticed, this company decided to take a chance on an untested talent. This is literally my very first professional wrestling match... ever. I did have the exhibition match at Rise to Greatness FanFest, but that wasn't for real. This? This is the real thing. And I get to do it not on a weekly show like where most debuts happen... I'm doing it at Apocalypse, one of SCW's biggest shows of the year!
No pressure, right?
I've already got a target on me though, which is kinda weird for a rookie with zero matches under his belt. This guy, Tsunami, and his.... manager? Dad? I'm not sure if the 'mah suuun' thing is legit, and no one I asked seems to know for sure. Either way, these two cats decided to pick on me, just cause I was supposed to debut against the big man. I don't know about you guys, but I think that makes ole boy seem a bit insecure. I mean, he's huge! This dude is out here destroying local talent left and right. And then here I come... a wet behind the ears young lion sure, but a man with a real contract, and a living legend managing and advising me... and I guess ole Tsunami, or Mr. Howe, whoever, decided I wasn't your average threat. I must be a real threat. That man tried to break my ribs and ruin my start in this company!
That's just not cool, my man.
I'd say pick on someone your own size but I don't think there is anyone around here your size, so I guess I'll just have to handle it myself. Like I said online, I'm not the one to stand back and do nothing. Everyone is gonna find out what I'm all about soon enough.
I'm almost disappointed that the ladies are involved here. Not that I don't want to mix it up with them, Katie Steward is a legend in her own right, and Pixie... well, she seems to just want to do the right thing, just like I do.
I'm not expecting to walk out of this with a win. As excited as I am to get started here in SCW and really show the world what I can do, I also know better than to think I can walk into Apocalypse, the least experienced person on the roster, and beat a massive monster, a Hall of Famer, and a quick as lightning woman with skills. They always say anything is possible in wrestling, and I guess it is possible that I can pull off the shocker of the year and win this, but I'm not gonna expect it, and I'm sure as hell not gonna promise it.
All I'm gonna promise... is that I'm going to that ring to fight. To show the world that SCW made the right call giving me this opportunity. To make my mentor and now manager, Amy, proud. And hopefully.... not be the person being pinned when the bell rings.
I can't wait for this, guys. Yeah, I know, it sounds like I'm saying I can't wait to lose, and maybe I am saying that. But making my in-ring debut, at Apocalypse, in front of thousands of passionate SCW fans? Man... it can't get any more epic than that.