Breakdown 12-9-21 #1
{{Monday, November 22
Gretna, LA
BlackOut Academy}}
Classes for the day at BlackOut were over, and Spencer thought it had been a great day. It was Marie Caedes' first full day of training since moving and working out here full time. Spencer always knew BlackOut wasn't a traditional wrestling academy; Amy Chastaine wasn't looking to take money from kids starting from scratch who never had a chance to make it. She was more interested in helping men and women who already had a taste for the business, who were passionate about it, improve their skills, take their talents to the next level. There were a few students here who had little to no experience but for the most part, everyone had at least basic wrestling training before stepping foot into a BOA ring. Marie was no exception, in fact she had more experience than most when she came in, and it was immediately obvious. Spencer wondered why she even came here, signed up for an academy, when she was clearly already well trained. Well, he told himself as he got dressed after his shower... there was only one way to find out.
Out in the main training room, Spencer sees Marie zipping up her gym bag, her damp hair pulled back into a ponytail. He walks up to her, smiling.
“Hey there. Good work today.”
“Yeah? Thanks. It's a definite learning curve.”
“Are you kidding? You're wrestling circles around most of these guys.”
“Not you.”
“I did say most.” Spencer smirks, and Marie laughs.
“That's right, you did.”
“Do you remember what else I said?” Spencer cringes inwardly at that pitiful segue.
“You've said a lot of things.”
“About showing you around the area.”
Marie smiles. “Oh that. Yes, I do.”
“Still interested?”
“Of course.”
“Are you free tonight?”
“Hmm.... I don't know... all the boxes in my apartment aren't going to unpack themselves.”
“True... but are they gonna introduce you to the best Mexican restaurant around?”
“Considering they aren't sentient? Probably not.”
“I guess I'll have to step in, then. Dinner?”
Marie grins. “Are you asking me on a date?”
“Not exactly. Think of it as a... business meeting. Two coworkers, catching a bite while one fills the other in on some important information. Especially since we're also gonna be sharing a manager.”
Marie's amused grin turns into a warm smile. “That works. Should we meet back here, or...?”
Spencer had planned on offering to pick her up, but that would probably bee too date-like.
“We can. Six o'clock?” It was just past four, when classes typically ended.
“I can do that. My place isn't far.”
“Neither is mine. See you then.”
Marie smiles again as she grabs her bag and leaves.
* * * * *
A few hours later, Spencer and Marie have a table at La Providencia, which is located just a few blocks down the street from BOA. Spencer had carne asada and Marie had chile rellenos. They spent most of the meal discussing the meal itself, and their favorite dishes they've had around the country. Spencer really wanted to order a margarita too, but remembered Marie isn't old enough to order alcohol, so he refrained.
“I bet you had much better than this in Texas.”
“Actually... this place is pretty authentic. That's why I love it. It's one of the first restaurants I came to when I moved here, and so far every other Mexican place has failed to measure up.”
“And here I thought I was impressed just because the Mexican food in Savannah sucks.”
Spencer laughs. “Never been there, I wouldn't know.”
“It's really beautiful. I love it.”
“Then why are you here?”
Marie seems taken aback by the question. “Ah, well... same as you, I suppose. To train.”
“You're already trained though.”
“I am... but I was taught a specific way by my family. I wanted to branch out, so to speak. See what I could pick up from other methods. What about you? Why here?”
Spencer grins, Marie turned the question around on him. He liked her wit. “I decided if was gonna do this properly, it was really the only option. Might as well go with the biggest and best, or why bother. Right?”
“I don't know if BlackOut is the biggest... I've heard of a few academies out west that are quadruple the size of this place. But best? I'd be willing to cosign on that.”
“I hope so, or you came to the wrong place.” They both laugh.
“I actually think I came to exactly the right place.” Marie smiles, and Spencer gets the idea she isn't talking about just training. But he isn't sure so he decides to tread carefully, for now.
“It's turned out well for me. I'm sure it'll do wonders for you, too.”
“I have high hopes.”
Spencer decides to leave it there, as the only replies he could think of were not 'treading carefully.' He just smiles. Lucky for him, the server arrives with the check. Spencer grabs it before Marie can have a look.
“What do I owe-”
“Nothing. I invited you, I got it.”
“But-”
“I got it.”
Marie sighs, but with a smile. “Alright. Thank you.”
They leave, and Spencer drives them back to BlackOut's parking lot. He didn't know what Marie drove to park next to it, so he just chose a spot. They exit the car.
“Well, thank you for the dinner, I think I'll be going back there quite a bit, everything was delicious.”
“My pleasure.”
Marie smirks. “You know... we didn't even discuss anything about work, or training.”
“Oh damn...” Spencer snaps his fingers, in a mocking way. “We didn't.” He smirks, and Marie giggles. “Was there something you wanted to talk about?”
“Not anything specific. It only just occurred to me.”
“I see. Well, if you think of anything, you have my number.”
“Thanks.” Marie gestures over her shoulder in the general direction of the street. “I should probably get going. See you back here tomorrow?”
“You know it. Have a good night.”
“You too.”
Marie turns and walks away, and Spencer gets back into his car. After turning around in the parking lot, he sees Marie not walking through the parking lot towards a car, but down the sidewalk. He stops in the driveway just as she is about to cross, and rolls his window down.
“Sorry, but what are you doing?”
“Walking. Home. My place isn't far.”
Spencer shakes his head. “Nope. Can't let you do that. Get in.”
“I walked here, I can walk back.”
“It wasn't dark earlier. Now it is... and there's a pretty rough neighborhood about two blocks back that way. Let me drive you.”
Marie looks in the direction Spencer had nodded his head in. “Oh... I didn't know that... um, well. Okay. If you insist.”
“I do.” Spencer unlocks the doors and Marie gets in.
“Like I said, my place isn't far. Just go down this way and-”
“I know where your place is.” Spencer grins. He hadn't wanted to play this card yet, but fuck it. He turns onto the street.
“You do? Did you follow me?” Marie smirks. Good, she didn't think it was creepy.
“Of course not. I just happened to see you a few days ago. My apartment is on the same property.”
Marie smiles. “Oh really? Isn't that convenient?”
“I thought so.” He smiles back. They ride in silence about a minute before Spencer turns into the entrance gate. He then drives around the lot and parks in front of Marie's building.
“Oh, so you saw me, saw me.”
“Yep, right up to what door you went into. I'm over in building 400, apartment 9, by the way. Ground floor. Its right across the street there.” Spencer points behind them, and Marie looks. “Just to make things even. If you need anything, feel free to knock.” He gives her a smile, and she returns it.
“Thank you. For everything. Good night.”
“Yes it was.” Spencer smirks.
They both laugh, and Marie exits the car. Spencer watches as she goes up the stairs to her door and goes inside before turning around and driving back to his own building. It was across the street, but he liked to park in the lot on the other side of the building. As he made his way to his apartment, Spencer decides letting her know he knew where she lived was a good thing... he just couldn't let her walk home past the Spanish ghetto and risk not making it in one piece.
{{Thursday, November 25
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena}}
It's Thanksgiving night, and Spencer is spending his time seated at catering, backstage during Breakdown. Amy had just told him what she found out from production – neither of them were needed for TV tonight. Amy seemed to take it in stride, but Spencer? He's pissed. He could have gone to Caleb's in Beaumont for the holiday if they had been told this shit before now. He could have talked to his brother about a few things. Like the dinner with Marie a few nights ago. Or, more importantly, his plans for exposing his shitstain father. Sure, Spencer had put those plans on hold until at least after the new year, but he was always fine tuning those plans. It would technically work at any time, provided SCW gave him a little bit of airtime when he asked for it, on whatever week he decided to pull the trigger. Caleb had recently made a point though that made Spencer think his plan to wait it out a little longer was a good idea – it would be more impactful to the sonofabitch if Spencer was more well established. Becoming United States Champion would go a long way in accomplishing that.
Spencer pulls out his phone and opens the password protected document that contains notes for when he wants to say when he goes in front of the world with the truth. He's reworded this several times since signing his SCW contract, when a new idea for how to tell his story came to mind, some new thought comes up or an old one no longer seems relevant. Reading it now though, he doesn't feel the need to edit anything tonight. What he really wants to do is get the hell out of here, if he wasn't being used. Amy had gone to find out if they were clear to leave. As he waits, Spencer sits back and remembers the day he first met Amy, when he arrived at BlackOut Academy...
* * * * * {{ July 2020 – BlackOut Academy }} * * * * *
One might think a man would be nervous, walking into the building where he hoped to learn to become a professional wrestler, but not Spencer. He'd already been accepted before made the trip to New Orleans from Beaumont. He'd sent in videos of some college matches, including the ones where he won the Texas State Championship, two years in a row. Spencer was in a fortunate position – he'd inherited a substantial amount of money after his mom passed. Anna Pryce wasn't a millionaire by any means therefore neither was Spencer. But the woman who made her living as a Paralegal never had to pay a house note, as she had inherited the house herself, from her grandmother. Without a mortgage, she was able to save quite a bit into a savings account, meant for her children to split after her death. Anna hadn't planned on dying so young though, she was barely over fifty. So while the account wasn't as hefty as Anna had planned, it was plenty for Spencer and Caleb to split evenly, and for Spencer to use his chunk to follow this dream.
Spencer had booked the flight to New Orleans, and a week at a hotel. He thought that would be a decent amount of time to find a place to rent. On arriving in the city, the first thing he did after checking into said hotel was find a used car lot, where he bought the 2004 Malibu. He had to get something kinda shitty, to be sure he was able to live a few months on his inheritance in case it was rough finding a job. Spencer's second day in town? He drove the Malibu to BlackOut Academy... to finally meet Amy Chastaine in person and sign his paperwork for enrolling.
On walking in, Spencer was led upstairs, as the academy is located on the second floor of the gym Amy's husband, Wyatt, owned and ran. Once upstairs, Amy herself greeted him.
“Spencer, right?” He nodded. Amy stuck her hand out. Spencer shook her hand. “Good to finally meet you. Let's go to my office.”
Amy led the way as Spencer looked around the main training room, a large area occupied by two different sized wrestling rings, a weight rack in one corner, a pile of kick pads along the wall, mats stacked up, a few heavy bags, and folding chairs at ringside on one side of both rings. There were students running drills, being led by a man Spencer recognized – Simon Lyman.
In Amy's office, they sat. Amy had a file folder on the desk in front of her. Spencer saw his name labeled on the tab of the folder.
“Its good to have you here. How was your trip?”
“It was fine, I got in two days ago. Came a day early to take care of a few things. Like getting a car.”
“Oh, wow. You've definitely thought this through.”
“You have no idea.” Spencer smiled.
“Just more proof that you're very serious about this, you came to town with a plan.”
'I did. My next task after coming here today, is looking for a place to rent.”
“I may be able to help you with that. But first, let's get to business, okay?” Spencer nodded. Amy pulled a thin stack of papers from the folder. She explained the forms; an NDA for things discussed in class by herself or other trainers, a medical release form allowing the Academy to treat minor injuries and call for medical assistance for anything major, and the payment plan for classes.
“Do you have any questions before signing these?”
“None at all, you explained it all well.”
Amy smiled and slid the papers over. Spencer started signing as Amy talked.
“I don't know if I told you this in our emails, but I don't usually accept students with zero professional training. I'm not here to make money. I want to help those who have that passion get better at their craft.”
“You didn't, but I saw the statement on your site talking about your mission. I was surprised to be accepted before coming here in person.”
“Well, after seeing your film, I decided I could make an exception for you. It's clear you have skills, and I believe you will be able to pick up what we teach easily enough.”
“I don't like to brag too much, but I have always been a fast learner.”
“That was obvious by the film you sent. I could see the progression as the dates changed. I have to admit a big part of it too, was that I was really moved by your letter explaining why you chose BlackOut.”
Spencer had written the 'essay' portion of the application about his mom. How she was always so excited to watch him wrestle in school, and when he mentioned once about being a “TV wrestler” she gave him her full support. He further wrote that after her passing he felt he had to follow through on that for her, and he chose Amy's academy because she inspired him back in 2009, when she didn't give up on HVW after the previous owner, her friend Heath Lancaster, passed away. He wouldn't give up on his dreams just because his mom was gone, either.
“I meant every word of it. You really are an inspiration.” Spencer meant everything about Amy being an inspiration anyway, but he wasn't going to tell Amy the real reason he came here specifically. Spencer was sure that if his mom knew he came here, with her money, because it was the closest to where his father was, she would be rolling in her grave. Spinning, even.
“I appreciate that more than I can say.”
“I bet you hear that a lot.”
“More than I think I deserve, but I appreciate each and every one.” Amy smiled, and Spencer decided against debating with her about how much she deserved the accolades. He finished signing the papers and slid them back to Amy. “Great, thank you. You can officially start on Monday, that's when the new summer class begins. But before you go, I'd like you to meet the other trainer who's here today, Simon.”
“Sure, I'd love to.”
Amy smiled again, and grabbed her phone. “I'll just text him to come in here for a few minutes.”
They chitchatted for a minute or two, before there was a knock at the office door, then it opened and Simon walked in.
“Thanks for coming in, Simon. I wanted you to meet our newest student, Spencer Pryce. Remember the film from Texas I showed you?”
“Oh yes, yes. Quite impressive, young man. Pleased to see you here.”
Simon offered Spencer his hand. Spencer hesitated a second, but took it. “Oh, so you saw my videos too?”
“Just two, the championship ones.”
“I often ask either Simon or Jeff for their input on accepting students. Jeff happened to be out of town with GCW the day I got your application, like he is right now, so I asked Simon.”
“And I asked Amy what she was questioning me for, it was clear as day you belong here.”
Spencer smiled. “Thanks for the endorsement, that means something from a legend like yourself.”
Simon waved his hand in the air, dismissing that comment. “Psht, the only legend here is Amy. I was just a tag specialist.”
“Maybe in SCW. I saw your other work though. Oh-eight and oh-nine? Come on. Legendary.”
“Given that others have made the same comment, I won't debate you any further, even though I do disagree.”
Amy laughed, and Spencer nodded. “Either way, it's good to meet you, I'm sure I'll learn a lot from you.”
“I certainly hope so, son.”
Spencer hoped he hid the flinch, he always hated when any man called him 'son.' In his mind the only person with the right to call him that was his mother, and she was dead. Simon then glanced at his watch. “Oh, I'm sorry, I have to run. Meeting Nadine for lunch.”
“Oh. You better literally run. She gets testy when she's hungry.”
“That she does. See you soon, Spencer.” Simon walked out and closed the door.
“Um... at the risk of being nosy, who's Nadine?”
“Nadine Hunter.”
“Wait, really?” Spencer knew the name, she had been lead commentary for HVW.
“Yes, really. She comes in here twice a week to help students with speaking in front of cameras. Interviews, promos, that kind of thing.”
“I obviously missed seeing that on your site.”
“She isn't listed. Consider learning from her a perk.” Amy smiled. “I'll just make you a copy of the paperwork you signed, and we're done.”
Amy started to do this, as there was a copier/printer behind her desk. After a few seconds, she handed him the copies. Spencer stood up, they shook hands, and he promised to be there bright and early Monday morning to get started.
On the drive back to his hotel room, Spencer felt good. Step one of Operation Shitbag was complete. It was the first step in a long journey, but Spencer had no doubt everything would be worth it. Moving, training, driving this shitty car... it was all necessary for him to make something of himself in the wrestling business. At least enough so that people would listen, and more importantly, care, when he told the world the truth.
* * * * * {{ November 25 – Breakdown }} * * * * *
Approaching footsteps pull Spencer out of his memory. He looks up and sees Amy standing next to his table.
“Sorry, didn't mean to wake you.” She smirks.
“Yeah... sorry. I was just.... reminiscing. Got nothing else to do.”
“About that. We're clear to leave if you'd like. I just spoke to Dillusion.”
“I would love to get the fuck out of here.”
“Please, don't hold back. Tell me what you really want.” Amy laughs. Spencer shakes his head. What he really wants, he can't tell Amy. She wouldn't approve of any of it.
“I promise you don't want to hear that.”
“Hmm. Probably not. Let's go.”
“Right behind you.”
After grabbing his bag from the locker room, Spencer and Amy left the arena. Amy said she was headed back to the hotel. Spencer.... headed toward a bar. Might as well try to have some fun and salvage the night, right?
{{Tuesday, November 29
Gretna, LA
BlackOut Academy}}
The only good thing that came out of Breakdown, was the next card. It featured Spencer in a tag match.... with Marie Caedes. It seems Amy had spoken to whoever needed speaking to about the fact she was now managing Marie as well, and Cian O'Dwyer decided that meant they should team up. Not that Spencer was complaining, he now had an excuse to work with her all week. They had spent the morning practicing tag team moves with Jodi and another student who had come in a few months ago, Brady. Spencer and Marie seemed to click well in the ring. They only experienced a handful of miscues, it seemed they read each other's intentions very well. It helped that Marie had tag experience.
Sooner than they expected it was lunchtime, which was an hour and a half break from class. Amy gives the extra half hour to allow time to shower before leaving to get food. After Spencer is done with his shower, he looks around, and notices that almost everyone else has left for lunch, including Marie. So much for having lunch with her, he thinks. There was a group of newer students that Spencer didn't recall any of their names, seated on the back row of folding chairs near the larger ring. They were chatting quietly and drinking what Spencer assumed were protein shakes. Across the room, Amy, Simon, and Kara Abheri were talking to each other. As Spencer watched, they walked into Amy's office. Spencer knew that the trainers present on a particular day had a meeting to discuss the day so far while everyone else was at lunch. In the weight corner, Spencer saw Jodi speaking with Trey, the asshole he'd gotten into a few skirmishes with because Jodi told him that Trey wouldn't leave her alone. Shaking his head, Spencer turns away. Apparently Jodi had decided to give the guy a chance, since he and her had cooled off. Spencer goes to the coatrack on the wall near the door and grabs his jacket, intending to go home for lunch. As he's starting to put his jacket on, Jodi's raised voiced makes him turn. He spins around and hears her more clearly.
"No! Stop it, back up!"
Trey has Jodi against the wall, almost in the corner. He's leaning close to her, one hand braced on the wall next to her, so that she can't get away. It looks like he's trying to kiss her, and she's shrinking away as much as she can against the wall. She's petite, barely five feet tall, and Trey is taller than Spencer. Without even thinking about it, Spencer drops his jacket and runs over. He grabs Trey by the back of his shirt and pulls. Trey starts to yell but Spencer then shoves him back into the wall, the other side of the corner, away from Jodi.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing, asshole?!"
"Mind your own goddamn business, motherfucker!" Trey pushes Spencer back, but he steps right back up and shoves Trey against the wall again. Spencer is vaguely aware of the fact Jodi is screaming.
Suddenly, both Simon and Amy appear in Spencer's sight. Simon grabs Spencer's shoulder and pulls him backwards, while Amy steps between them, certain that neither man would do anything to harm her.
"What the hell is going on here?"
"This asshole was scaring her, I put a stop to it!"
"We were just talking, you just can't handle the fact she spoke to me!"
"Didn't look like just talking to me!" Spencer tries to pull away from Simon to get closer, but both Simon and Amy prevent this.
"Alright everyone, let's just calm down now. Spencer, you come with me."
Simon starts to lead Spencer away from the area. As he looks back, Spencer sees Kara is now speaking with Jodi, trying to calm her down. He watches Amy and Trey go into her office, while Jodi and Kara move to sit on the weight bench.
Simon leads Spencer into the men's locker room, there is only the one office and Amy took Trey there. Once inside, Spencer shrugs Simon's hand off his arm.
"You didn't have to physically pull me here, you know."
"I couldn't be sure, you were pretty heated."
"I had a good reason! Trey was-"
"Talking to a woman. You can't just go shoving guys around simply because they're talking to a woman you're involved with."
"He wasn't just talking to her, man! He had her up against the wall and he wouldn't back off!"
"Are you sure? Because you and Trey have had issues before concerning your involvement with Jodi, and-"
"I'm not involved with her anymore! Goddammit man, how the hell can you be helping Amy at her shelter when you're so easily questioning the fact that guy was forcing himself on her?!"
"I'm sorry, but Kelly didn't say that, she-"
"Who?"
"The young lady who got our attention. She said all she saw was you run over and throw Trey into the wall."
"Oh, so because a girl who's been here for fifteen seconds didn't see it, I'm wrong?"
"Spencer-"
"I did what I did for a reason! Why don't you go ask Jodi? You know what, nevermind. I don't know why I'm even trying with you, old man!"
Spencer starts to leave. He knew he needed to get out of this confrontation before he said something he would regret. Simon however steps into his path to the door.
"Hold on just a minute, I'm not finished here son."
"If you really think I jumped that dude for no reason, you were done with me a long time ago. And don't call me that!"
Spencer steps around Simon and walks out the locker room, back into the main area. He can hear Simon following him.
"Spencer, wait..."
Spencer ignores him and keeps walking. Just then, Amy comes out of her office, Jodi and Kara following. She stops Spencer, and Simon walks up behind him.
"It seems we owe you a bit of gratitude, Spencer. Jodi confirmed to us that Trey was harassing her, holding her back, trying to make her let him kiss her." Spencer looks at Simon with a glare. Simon just stands there, speechless. "Trey is no longer welcome here. I've had Wyatt escort him out of the building."
Jodi steps forward a bit, her arms crossed holding herself. "Thank you, Amy. He'd been bothering me for a long time, but it was all talk before. I never thought he'd..." Jodi shakes her head. She then turns to Spencer. "And thank you, too. You didn't have to get involved."
"Yes I did. I wouldn't stand by while any guy was trying to mess with any woman like that. My mother raised me right." He gives Simon another glare.
Jodi smiles weakly. "Well... thanks." Spencer just nods.
"Okay, let's get you back to the office to finish your statement, then you can go home." Kara speaks softly, her hand on Jodi's arm. Jodi nods, and they walk off. Simon watches a second, then turns back to Spencer, complete regret all over his face.
"Spencer... I... I'm sorry."
"Don't."
"It just seemed like more of the previous incidents, I should have listened to you."
"Save your breath, man. Your apologies mean nothing to me."
Spencer walks off towards the door. He hears Amy ask Simon, "What was that about?" Not waiting to hear what Simon tells her, Spencer grabs his jacket off the floor where he dropped it. He turns back towards the room for a second.
"Don't expect me back here today!"
Amy calls out but Spencer ignores her, walking out the door, letting it slam, and down the stairs.
Fuck that old man. Everyone thinks he's some saint but he's just a judgmental asshole.