Caleb Houston vs Brock Whitworth

[PWXonline]

Opportunity Knocks PWX Championship Tourney Match
Caleb Houston vs Brock Whitworth

Deadline: 5-20-14 at Midnight CST

[Caleb Houston]

Bum-Bum..

Bum-Bum..

Bum-Bum..

I laid there in the bed my heart was pounding. The sheets were soaked with sweat, and my stomach felt like it was rotting from the inside out. The window just above my head to the left was wide open. Rain pounding against the glass, and the window sill. There was a cool breeze brushing across my body, but in this current mind state I couldn't feel it.

‘Ugg..’

I called out as I sat up in the bed. My body was weak, and it took just about every ounce of energy I had to sit up in this bed. I turned my legs to the side, and sat there at the side of the bed doubled over in pain. I was beginning to dry heave, but having not ate in a few days there was nothing left to come up. This withdrawal was killing me. My eyes burned as the sweat was now running down my face and pooling just beneath my eyes.

‘Fuck this ..’

I said to myself as I pushed myself up from the bed, and made my way over to the bathroom. I pulled open the cabinet door, and took out a bottle of pills. I twisted off the lid and poured two of the white pills into my hand. Before closing the lid I tossed the pills into my mouth, and swallowed. I tossed the bottle back into the medicine cabinet, and turned on the water. Bending my head down I gulped some of the water to help get the pills down. I then rinsed the sweat off of my face, and looked back into the mirror. What I saw scared me. The bags underneath my eyes were much larger than they had ever been before. My eyes were blood red. My skin was pale white. It was as if I was looking at a ghost. As much as I hate to admit it I was a ghost. I was a ghost of my former self.

The man who I thought I once was is now long gone. Would he ever return, or have these drugs taken over… for good? I laughed uneasily at the reflection in the mirror and made my way back over to the bed. As I laid back in the bed I could finally start to feel the effects of the pills setting in. Ambien was wonderful. In a matter of a few seconds I would be asleep. Free of pain. Free of her..

===================================================================================

Dream Sequence. Sometime in 2008 

I stood there in the center of the ring. Black basketball shorts, and a white t-shirt on. I was soaked in sweat. But I looked better. I was much longer. Years before the drugs had taken hold. I had a pair of black focus mitts on my hands.  

‘You ready..?’ 

I said to a shadowy figure who was leaning against the far turnbuckle. It was very tough to make out who this person was. We could just see the silhouette of a woman. She too was dressed in a pair of black shorts, and a tank top. She had a pair of black shin guards on her legs. I brought the mitts up in front of my face.  

‘1.. 2.. combo’ 

I called out. And she listened throwing a left jab and a right hook at the mitts. There was a loud crack as her gloves connected with the mitts. I smiled as we began to circle the ring. She continued to throw the combo at the mitts.  

‘Okay. 1.. 2.. duck under my hook follow with an uppercut..’ 

I instructed her. She threw the left jab and right hook at the mitts. I circled my right hand to her neck, and she quickly ducked under. Driving an uppercut right into the mitt. We continued this combo a few times, and were then greeted by the ring bell. Cool down time. She walked over to her corner of the ring again, and placed both hands on to the top rope bending down catching some air. I shook my hands a few times to get the mitts off before approaching her. I placed my hands on her shoulders, and began to gently rub them. Moving my hands down her right arm trying to keep them loose and warm. I then proceeded to do the same thing to her left arm. 

‘How are you feeling?..’ 

I asked her. She nodded her head in a ‘yes’ response. I glanced back over to the clock. It ticked down slowly 17… 16… 15. I backed away from the corner making my way back to the center of the ring. 12… 11 .. 10. She too glanced over at the clock. Turning with her eyes focused on the mat she approached me. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at her beautiful face. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to be feeling this way. Not about her. Not right now. I needed to focus on my career. And she needed to do the same with hers. But there was something there. I couldn't lie. The harder I fought it the more and more I felt myself slipping. Every time she looked at me I got lost in those eyes. As much as I wanted to.. I couldn't complain. 

Ding Ding Ding. 

The alarm had now rung out again.  

‘Take the gloves off..’ 

I instructed her. Using her teeth she undid the Velcro around the boxing gloves and pulled them off of her hands. She tossed them out of the ring, and focused her attention back to me. She got herself in the ready position. I threw a quick inside leg kick which connected with her inner thigh. She winced in pain as I connected, and took a few steps backwards. 

‘Never let your guard down inside the ring..’ 

I said to her with a cocky smile. She shook her leg out before she approached me again in the center of the ring. She threw a wild leg kick at me. I lifted my front leg and checked the kick. She stepped back and regained her composure. She brought her right leg up in the air, and drove it straight into my stomach. I was pushed back a few steps, and gasped for air. 

‘What was that about letting your guard down?..’ 

She asked me. Smirking. The two of us moved back and forth in the center of the ring. Neither of us really gaining a positive position. We weren't throwing hard shots at one another, but we were definitely testing each other’s skills. I then rushed forward, and dove toward her midsection. I wrapped both my hands around her lower legs. I lifted her legs off the mat, and brought her down. I quickly transitioned into a side mount, and went for an arm bar. Her ground skills had definitely improved as she quickly locked her hands in place and would not give me the arm bar.  

‘Getting … better.. at this..’ 

I said in between breaths. She was not giving up so I let go of the hold, and placed my right knee behind her back. She wrapped her right arm around my thigh, and used it to pull herself around. She swept my leg, and pushed through. She got on me in a full mount, and began to drop light punches down to my face. I quickly snatched up her wrist as she threw one of the punches. With my right hand I reached up and wrapped it around her upper back. I pulled her down until we were chest to chest. Both of us breathing heavy. I freed my right leg from underneath her, and used my strength to flip her over onto her back.  

‘Need.. to watch..’ 

I said. Now grabbing hold of her other wrist trying to gain a more dominant position. I glanced over to the digital ring clock once more. 3..2..1.. 

Ding Ding Ding! 

The bell sounded and I released my grip on her wrists. I placed my hands on either side of her, and pushed myself up into a standing position. She rolled over onto her chest, and pushed herself onto her hands and knees. She took a few deep breaths before pushing herself to her feet. Both hands going behind her head. I made my way over to my corner of the ring and picked up a bottle of water. Taking a few large sips out of it finishing out the bottle. I tossed the bottle out of the ring, and into the trash can before reaching down and picking up a white towel. 

‘Whew..’ 

I said to myself under my breath as I brought the towel up to my face and wiped it. I focused my attention over to her. She too was taking a sip of water. Her cheers were red, and she was still breathing heavy. I approached her, and placed the towel behind the back of my neck. I cleared my throat before I spoke. 

‘Kaiyela … I need to tell you something..’ 

She dropped her water bottle onto the ground and flashed that beautiful smile of hers at me. I shifted back and forth between my feet. I knew exactly what I wanted to tell her, but I didn't know exactly how to get the words to come out right. I’ve never been at a loss for words. But there was something going on here that had my brain to mouth connection all mixed up. 

‘I.. uhm.. jus-‘ 

===================================================================================

Back to reality

Buzz Buzz….  

Buzz Buzz! 

I sat up in bed quickly. Sun was now shining in the bedroom window. It was a dream? How was that possible? It felt so real. Well, that’s because at one point in time it was real. That was a time when Caleb Houston had.. feelings. Had emotions.  

Buzz Buzz. 

‘What the fuck..’ 

I said to myself. I couldn't figure where the buzzing was coming from. I had never heard the sound before. Stepping out of bed I pulled a pair of blue shorts up over my boxers and headed out to the living room.  

Buzz Buzz 

The buzzing continued, but now that I was out in the living room I could see where it was coming from finally. There was a small black box with a white button next to my front door. I approached the door as the buzzing continued and pressed the white button. 

‘Uhm… Hello?’ 

I said into the black box. I felt kind of weird doing this. It must be some sort of in house communication system Adam installed into the house. There was a time period in his life where he was very introverted. He must have put this in during that time period so he didn't actually have to go outside.. ever.  

‘Caleb.. it’s Sydney down at the gym. There is a lady here to see you..’ 

The box spoke back to me. Sydney was the receptionist at the gym. She usually spent her day filling out new membership forms, or promoting the gym on social media. But for now she was acting as my secretary.  

‘Uhm.. who is it?’ 

I asked confused. Who the hell would be here to see me? I've only been back in town for about a week. I couldn't have pissed anyone off yet. Or could I? 

‘She said her name was Stephanie..’ 

Stephanie? The name was familiar, but I couldn't think why? Maybe it was someone here trying to sell me something. As I was about to press the button to have Sydney send her away her voice came through the speaker again .

‘She’s insistent that you come down here to see her.. She looks pretty serious..’ 

She said. I shrugged my shoulders in an oh well type of manner before I pulled the front door open, and walked down the hallway to the steps. I pushed open the door and headed down the stairs entering the back of the gym. I nodded at one of the people on the treadmill working out before heading to the front of the gym to where Sydney was. She noticed me coming out of the corner of her eye, and nodded her head to the front of the building. 

‘She’s out front..’ 

She said to me as I passed by. Sydney then sat back down at her chair, and began going through some more paper work. I inhaled deeply as I walked to the front door and pushed myself outside. I looked over to my right. There was a woman standing there. She couldn’t have been much older than 41 or 42 years old. She was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, and a black v-neck shirt. Her long blonde hair hung down to the middle of her back. And she had the most piercing blue eyes. I stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes met hers. They were… my eyes. I put my hands up in the air, and stopped. Looking directly at her. 

‘Hello… CJ..’ 

She said to me. CJ… no one has called me CJ in years, but of course she didn't know that. Her voice was very soft, and I could hear the hurt in it as she spoke. I hadn't seen this woman in 24 years. What was she doing here? And why now? Why did everyone need to come back into my life at the same time?  

‘Stephanie…’ 

I said to her as I crossed my arms in front of my chest. My heart again was pounding. I wanted to scream. I wanted to let this woman know what she did to me. The pain she had caused me in my life. Part of the reason I was the way I was today was because of her. Was because she left.  

‘CJ.. you know you can call me mom’ 

‘Mom!?.... Mom!? You want me to call you mom? ..’ 

I yelled out to her. This was the same woman who walked out of my life right before my 4th birthday. I laughed a bit and shook my head.  

‘You think that because you sent me a few cards with $20 bucks in them every year that I’m going to call you mom? Did you forget that you walked out on me? That you weren't there for me when I needed you? That you left me with a father who was never around? .. And you know what. Call me Caleb I’m not your ‘CJ’ anymore..’ 

I said to her. She closed her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She took a deep breath as she brought her hand up to her face to wipe her cheek. Her voice shook as she spoke.  

‘Caleb, honey, I’m sorry. I made a mistake. A huge mistake. But I was so young. I was 14 years old when I had you. I didn't have the slightest idea how to raise a baby. I did my best when I was around. But then I realized your life would be so much better if I just left.’ 

‘You did your best? You didn't have the slightest idea how to raise a baby? So you’re telling me that it was fair to me for you to just walk away? Leave me wonder where you were? Or if you were ever coming back? Don’t even sit there and try to play the scared card. No matter how scared I would be I would never leave my kid.’ 

I said to her. I wasn't buying this fake crying act. There must be some ulterior motive for her to be here. Did she see me on TV and want some money? Was she back on the drugs looking to find a place to score some? There were a million questions running through my head. 

‘What are you even doing here? It’s been 24 years. Don’t you think it would've been better for you to just stay away?’ 

I asked her.  

‘Caleb, I never once stopped thinking about you. But when I made my decision to leave I thought you would never want me back in your life..’ 

‘You got that right..’ 

I quickly blurted out to her. I could feel the blood coursing through my veins as the conversation continued on. It was taking everything inside of me not to grab this woman by her throat and choke her. Sure I could see the hurt in her eyes, but I didn't really give a shit. No matter how much she hurt it would never compare to how I felt the day she walked out of my life. 

‘I saw you were wrestling again Caleb. I’m very proud of you.. You've done amazing things with your life..’ 

Hah, amazing things with my life. No thanks to her. If she only knew what my life was behind closed doors I highly doubt she would be saying these things. I rolled my eyes, and leaned against the side of the building. Honestly, I shoulder probably walked away, but something inside of me kept me standing there.  

‘You have the chance to become a world champion. Something bigger than your father and I ever dreamed for you.. Look, Caleb, I’m going to be in town for a while. I just moved back. I want you to have my address. If you ever need anything you always know where you can find me..’ 

‘I don’t think I’ll ever need anything from you..’ 

I shot back at her. She shook her head in agreement. She knew she deserved everything I was saying to her. She tried hard to keep her composure as she rummaged through her large black purse. She pulled out a folded up piece of paper which had her address, and telephone number on it. Her hands were shaking as she handed it over to me. I snatched it out of her hands, and looked over the address. 

‘Abington?.. You must be doing pretty good for yourself now..’ 

I said to her. She, unlike a lot of people, was able to get out of Philadelphia. Me? Nah, I’d always be here. This is the city that raised me. The same city that never gave up on me. The one that even now is still standing behind me waiting for them to bring them a championship. I shoved the paper into my pocket. 

‘Is that it?’ 

I asked. We stood there in silence for a second. Eyes locked on one another. Neither of us saying a word. Inside of her eyes I could see hurt. And I’m sure she could see the hate coming from my eyes. She shook her head ‘no.’ I turned and made my way back to the building. I stopped at the door to the gym to see her getting in a black SUV. I shook my head, and returned to the building. After this meeting.. I needed some type of release. Hopefully JT’s new connect would be able to come through for me. 

===================================================================================

To Whom It May Concern, 

What the fuck was that? I mean that dream. It felt so… so real. It was like I was living that moment again. I could feel her… I could see her. But worst of all.. it brought back all those feelings again. I’m smarter than that though. I know that with the way my life has changed, and the way her life has change those moments are nothing but a distant memory. I wanted to believe I could let her go. I wanted to believe the pain would stop. I was doing great with that, and then I ran into her again. In that moment I knew that I had spent the past six years lying to myself. There was no escape from hold she hand put on my heart. For the first time in my life I cared about someone… other than myself. What I wouldn’t do to get that back… It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I should’ve been smarter. Those nights of going out for drinks, or dancing, or countless hours training. We were just too much alike for something like this not to happen. She’s found her way to deal with these things, and forget about me. I wish I had that same strength. I don’t know how much longer I can continue to pass her in the halls, or see her at the gym without doing something … very dumb.
 

Then Stephanie decided to show up. And she had the fucking balls to tell me to call her mom? Really? Wow. Just wow.. That’s all I can say. Sure, maybe I was an asshole to her. But she’s the one who decided to walk out on her three year old son. Yeah, she kept in touch; if you count sending a birthday card and Christmas card with 20 dollars in it and no return address as keeping in touch. There were no hugs in those hallmark cards. There was no one checking in on me during the middle of the night. It was just a card, and the only reason she did that was because she felt obligated not that she wanted to do it. I just wish I knew the real reason why she came back. I know it’s not because she missed me. She’s had plenty of chances to do that over the past 23 years. I’ve lived in the same city since forever. It’s not that hard to find someone you’re looking for. You just need to start asking the right questions. I guess time will tell why she came back. The truth always eventually comes out.  

When I agreed to be in that six man tag match last week I should’ve known exactly what was coming. I should’ve realized I would be the one carrying my partners. Luckily for me, and them, I was able to handle 3 other men. I was able to get the victory. Aeres, Nighthawk you can thank me for advancing to the second round of the PWX World Title Tournament. Unfortunately neither of you have me in your corner this week to carry you onto the next round. You’re all alone. After you both are sent packing from the tournament this week I would take a second to reassess the career choice you’ve made. It doesn’t seem like either of you are cut out for wrestling. But, if you decide you must stick around maybe in a few weeks you two would like to take me and my partner on. So what do you say? Caleb Houston and JT Midas vs Bad Wrestlers. Woops… Sorry I mean bad company.  

So.. Being victorious last week means I get to move on to the next round of this PWX World Title tournament as well. This week there is no 3 on 3 match for me. No, instead I’m back to where I really get a chance to shine. One on one. The next victim is a man named Brock Whitworth. When you talk about having an easy qualifying match look no further than the match Brock had last week. Let’s face it Anton Chase isn’t anything to write home about. He’s just another guy who got into the industry because he had the right look. With that said Brock I wouldn’t be living to high off the fact you beat him to move on. Because now you get a real test. Now you get Caleb Houston. I’ve made a career out of making people look foolish inside of that squared circle. All different shapes and size of competitor have felt the wrath of Caleb Houston. Just ask John Pariah and the Hanson clan what happens when you try and test me. You may see me as a weaker competitor because I’ve always been smaller than everyone else inside of the ring. Hell, you may even think my demons are going to get to me. But since I’ve stepped back into the ring five different people have felt the pain that only Caleb Houston can bring. You may have aspirations of becoming a champion in the PWX, but those dreams will need to be put on hold Brock. As you are about to become another victim of the Gold Rush.  

I see you out there talking about your will, and the passion that courses through your veins. Cut the act Brock. The only thing that’s going to be running through your veins this week at Adrenaline will be pain. You will have no match for the speed at which my fists, kicks, and knees will be flying at your body, and face. It won’t stop with that. No. I plan to push you to the limit this week. Let’s see if this big game you’ve been talking the past few months is real, or if it’s all just been an act. Talking will only get you so far in this industry. There are quite a few people you’ll be able to psych out before the match even begins by saying this, or saying that, but Caleb Houston isn’t that person. No, I’m actually quite the opposite. I’m the one who you’ll find yourself thinking about in the days leading up to this match. Every step you make. You’ll be looking for me out of the corner of your eye. I’ve mastered the art of being able to get inside of my opponents head. Let’s see how you function when you can’t sleep, or eat in the days leading up to your match. Not only am I going to break your body down Brock, but I’m going to break this massive will you speak of. I’m going to enjoy each and every second of that.  

How will you react when you’re standing across the ring from someone you just can’t figure out? You learn a lot about a person when they finally reach that moment that they’ve realized they’re going to let everyone down. Unlike you, I don’t need to go out in the ring and perform for anyone but myself. I don’t need to impress family, friends, or trainers. There is no pressure in this match for me. I know I’m better than you. You know that I’m better than you. Everyone sitting at in the back, and at home knows that Caleb Houston is better than Brock Whitworth. The hardest thing in this match will be me having to try and keep it competitive so we can keep people entertained. It’s kind of like the Super Bowl between the Broncos and the Seahawks. The Broncos were the self-appointed kings of the world, Brock Whitworth. The Seahawks were the better team with the swagger to back it up, Caleb Houston. You’re human Brock with glaring weaknesses in your game I will show them to the world, and I will exploit them.  

Keep flashing that smile Brock. Show the world those pearly whites. After Wednesday night there will be no more smiles. No more happiness in your life. That will all be drowned out by the echo of the referees’ hand slapping the mat while you are lying flat on your back staring at the rafters. Unable to move because your body has been broken. All of your muscles have shut down. Your mind will be wondering ‘where do I go from here?’ Just when you thought your career was finally starting to take off, you get the pleasure of stepping in the ring with Caleb Houston. The minutes will seem like hours inside that ring on Wednesday night. You don’t need to win Brock all you need to do is survive.  

It all comes down to this. Phase two of my push to become a professional wrestling champion. When I started wrestling it was the only thing I could think of. I lived, and breathed for a chance to become a champion. The stars didn’t align for me in the EWA. Sure, I may have defeated the EWA World Champion but it was a non-title match. I’m smart enough to realize that if the strap would’ve been on the line it would have been a completely different match. Stakes would’ve been raised, and Keith would have brought his A+ game. Not that C- performance everyone witnessed. But here we are again. Just under six years later I get to star that quest all over again. The more and more I think back on that fateful day in Boston. The less and less I am regretting making that phone call to Blade Lopez. I’m not sure if he foresaw this tournament coming up, but he put me in the right situation at the right time. I have a real shot here at putting the fuck up of Caleb Houston behind me. I can reach all my dreams. Someone once said ‘Success is my only option.’ At this stage in my life I feel like that is it. Will the title completely change my life? No. I know that. You know that. But it will definitely be a step in the right direction.  

I look through the names left in this competition. Nighthawk. Jason Aeres. Tiami Tyler. Joey Harris. Roxxie Roberts. Brock Whitworth. And … Kaelyn Divera. Some of those names I know. Some better than others. A few of those names are just that. Names. There is no substance behind them. Two of those people, who I’ve already mentioned, benefitted from having me on their side last week. While a few of the others have been doing this for a long, long time. Joey Harris. Roxxie Roberts. Kaelyn Divera. I know what each of those three are capable of. I’ve seen it first-hand. I would love to be able to say I wrestled against Joey Harris, or Roxxie Roberts. It would be even better to be able to say I defeated them for the title. Kaelyn, well as most of you know that’s a completely different story. Thankfully. We’re still in the process of writing that story. Hopefully I will be able to give it the ending it deserves. The ending I want. More so than this title.
 

Brock. Your time is coming. In a few short hours it will all be over for you. You may live to see another day. But the hopes of becoming a champion .. they’re going to have to wait. It’s just not your time. Not yet. Not against me.  

The King of Substance Abuse, 

Caleb Houston 

[brockwhitworth]

Go Forward! It’s the only thing to do! On we go! ~JRR Tolkien

The scene comes up on Brock Whitworth immediately following his win at Adrenaline 78. He is sitting by his locker, a towel wrapped around his neck, and he is checking his phone. Suddenly it rings, startling Brock. Looking at the number, he notices it is El Guapo, his long time trainer and friend. Brock picks up, but before he can get any words out, El Guapo begins chatting away excitedly.

El Guapo: You see? You want something bad enough, you get it! That, hijo, is how you pick up the win! I’m going to be honest, I counted you out there for a while, but you always manage to surprise me! And what a move! That Outback Driver serves you well I see! I am so excited for you amigo, another step forward to the PWX Heavyweight Championship! What did I tell you!? Keep working, never give up, and your reward will come! Now, who’s next? Who are we going to knock down next huh? Put anyone in our way and we’ll destroy them!

Brock’s head is spinning from the excited chatter from his friend. He chuckles, and tries to calm El Guapo down.

Brock: Hey, easy there mate. One win only means I make it into the second round. No matter what happens, I’m a long way from the finish line. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here too quick. Just take them as they come, get over the next bump, and fulfill my destiny.

El Guapo is decidedly unhappy about Brock’s laid back attitude. He begins to chastise the young superstar.

El Guapo: Hey, it’s never to early to strategize! Got to keep moving forward hijo! This business does not give you any days off, you knew that signing up. Next week is closer than you think, and it’s another chance to prove yourself. Always move forward, it’s the only way to get ahead in this life.

Brock: I know you’re right señor, I just want a night to enjoy. I have plans with Kara tomorrow night, and I want to be well rested because I know she’s going to try to run me into the ground. Just give me 36 hours of rest and I promise, I PROMISE, I’ll be back, ready to work as hard as any other week.

Knowing how stubborn Brock can be, El Guapo relents, deciding to allow the young wrestler a chance to blow off some steam with his sister.

El Guapo: OK, hijo, you have your fun. You know how excited I get over your results. You’ve just surprised everyone, even me. I’d hate to see you lose your way because of laziness, because I know you’re capable of so much more.

Brock: Without you, my friend, I would not be anywhere close to where I am today. You know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, seriously. You’ve become more than a friend, you’re family. And you know I’ll work my ass off if it means a shot at the world title. It means everything to me, and I swear to you, I’ll be ready.

El Guapo: I know, hijo. You’ve never been one to take a week off. I suppose both of us could use some family time. Hell, I know my wife misses me, and I know how much you miss your sister. Go on, amigo. Have some fun. We’ll talk soon. Adios.

Brock: I am very sure of that my friend. Cheers, and take it easy.

With that, Brock ends the call and places the phone down. He leans back, resting his ahead against the cool metal of his locker. He rubs the side of his neck, trying to work out the knots that Anton put there. As he stares up at the fluorescent lighting, he begins talking to himself.

Brock: For all of my work, I finally have something to show for it. So many feds, and I watched so many go under. And yet, here I am, in a prime position to make my mark, not only on this fed but on the whole business. Guapo is right. I have no choice now. Now, I cannot make any mistakes, I cannot let my arrogance get the best of me. I must continue on my path to the championship, and that’s exactly what I will do. No if’s, no excuses. I will become the PWX Champion, for myself, my mum, Kara, El Guapo, and my Father. No matter what happens, I will stand on top of the mountain at the end of the day. Just work, one day at a time, and know it’ll all fall into place.

Suddenly, Brock’s phone rings again, shaking him out of his soliloquy. He checks the number, and answers quickly.

Brock: Kara! You know, I was just talking about you with El Guapo….. Yes, of course we’re still on!… You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world!…

The scene comes to a close as we see Brock talking with his sister, talking excitedly about their plans for the following evening.








The scene come back up on Brock and Kara Whitworth walking down a Chicago street. Brock is dressed in a Australian rugby t-shirt and jeans, while Kara has on a v-neck shirt and capris. The two talk happily about Brock’s win, and what Adrenaline holds in store for him next week.

Kara: You know, I have to say, you aren’t half bad in the ring, brother.

Kara gives Brock a good natured thump on his arm and Brock smiles wide.

Brock: A lot of people have been saying that to me, you know. I seem to be turning a lot of heads and, honestly, it feels great.

Kara: You should be! After those last two wins, you think a lot of people would take notice!

Brock: Well, we can hope, right?

The two turn the corner into O’Riordan’s Pub, a mainstay in Chicago’s night scene. The two are greeted by many of the regulars as they enter, and some PWX fans come up for autographs and pictures of the young Aussie. As Brock sits there, talking to each fan, Kara is beaming with pride. After the madness has died down, Brock turns back to Kara, who still has a wide smile on her face. Brock looks at her like she has three heads.

Brock: Geeze, Kara. You can stop staring at me now; it’s getting a little creepy.

Kara does not say a word, instead choosing to continue to stare at Brock. Finally, Brock decides to play along, and stares right back at Kara with the same creepy smile. The two get closer and closer to each other, until Brock reaches out, poking Kara’s nose. Kara cannot contain herself any longer and bursts out laughing. Several of the regulars stare at the siblings strangely, but Brock and Kara take no notice.

Kara: I’m just really proud of you Brock. You’ve accomplished so much since you left Brisbane. I just miss you a lot. Since Dad and you had your…whatever…it’s been lonely at home.

Brock takes his sister’s hand.

Brock: I miss you too Kara. Hell, it’s funny, I keep a picture of you and mum in every locker I get. You two help me move forward with my career, and have given me so much strength since I left two years ago. Your support has meant the world to me. And I promise, as soon as I get some time off, I’ll be back.

Kara smiles at Brock, and rubs her thumb along his knuckles.

Brock: So, Kara, speaking of back home, how’re things going there? Everyone well?

Kara: You know how it goes, same old stuff I guess. It gets quiet around Brisbane without you. Especially because Dad doesn’t want anything to do with you and goes off in a rage when your name is mentioned. It just odd. I don’t know what to think. I’ve been thinking about making the move to the States like you did. You know, finding a job, getting out of Brisbane for a while.

Brock furrows his brow, thinking about what Kara has just told him.

Brock: Kara, I can’t tell you it’s been easy. I’ve missed you all so much, and at times I’ve thought about coming back. But if it’s what you really want to do, who am I to stop you? And, I can’t promise anything, but I can talk to the bosses at PWX. I know it’s not your dream, but money is money, especially at the start.

Kara laughs at Brock’s idea and shakes her head

Kara: I think I’ll leave the in-ring accomplishments to you bro. Certainly not something that I care to get into. You’ve always been the one with the athletic prowess in this family, and I’m set on keeping it that way!

Brock shrugs as if to say:Hey, you never know. and Kara giggles again. Brock finally puts the idea aside.

Brock: And mum? She seems well, but, I just want to know.

Kara looks serious, as if she is trying to figure out what to say to Brock.

Kara: She swears she’s fine, and for the most part I believe her. But sometimes, I catch her struggling with the simplest thing. Whether it’s opening a jar or some kind of housework, she just seems to be getting weaker. She and Dad are always going somewhere, but they’ll never give me a straight answer. I don’t know Brock. She seems fine, but there are just these times…

Brock: Do you reckon she’s ill?

Kara shrugs.

Kara: I don’t know. If it were, it’s a hell of an illness, that’s for sure. Maybe she’s just getting old. Raising the both of us will put grey streaks in anyone’s hair. Now one of us gets beaten up for a living, and it halfway around the world, and the other one wants to join? She’s gotta be tired I reckon. It’s never easy, and she’s not as young as she used to be. She’s getting up there.

Brock: I’m hoping you’re right Kara. With my travel schedule, I don’t know what I would do if anyone got in serious trouble. I guess I’d come home, but, I don’t know.

Kara shakes her head, refusing what Brock has just said.

Kara: You know none of us would ever allow that. You just move forward with your career and come back when you can. Until then, we can hold down the household. We’re always cheering for you, you know that.

Brock grabs Kara’s hand across the table and squeezes it.

Brock: You know it means the world to me, and I can never thank you enough. Speaking of cheering, you two are coming to my match next week, yeah?

Kara: Of course! Dayton, Ohio! We already have our tickets and hotel reservations. I think Mum wants to stay until the endif this tournament you’re in. We figure you could use all of the moral support we can muster!

Brock laughs and vigorously nods.

Brock: Well, you know me well! It’ll be good to have you there. And, God willing, I’ll have you guys around for another few weeks! So, tell me about Bruce, it’s been forever since I’ve shared the pitch with him…..

The scene ends with the two swapping stories about old friends in Brisbane, and how much the town has changed since the two had grown up there 20 years ago.






The scene comes back up again, with Brock Whitworth sitting in the Dayton, Ohio locker room, where this weeks Adrenaline will be hosted. He has his head down, whispering a small prayer to himself. He is in utter focus as we grab a snippet of his plea.

Brock: And, Father, I ask for the strength to move forward. In this tournament, in this life, give me strength to fulfill the destiny which I know is so rightly mine. Through it all, Make me humble, and realize it’s not just me, but my friends, family, and you. In the end, I pray for health, strength, and courage. In your name. Amen.

Brock looks up, his eyes intense, a sort of look that we have not seen from Brock before. He is ready, physically, mentally, and emotionally, to face the terrors that await him. He speaks:.

Brock: Caleb Houston, you’ve made a deadly mistake, calling me out like that. Saying that I need to survive, not win, on Wednesday. Caleb, you don’t know the first thing about me. You think I’m just a run of the mill competitor, think that I have nothing new to offer you. But let me ask you this Caleb: what do you have to offer me? Threats of beating me up? It’s been done before. I’ve gotten past two of the greatest superstars to get to this point, and what did you do? Play third string in a feud? And you think that gives you the chance to even THINK for a second that you have an iota of a chance against me? I’ve already proven against Anton Chase that I belong in this tournament, that my hunger is unsurpassed by those that may try. Go ahead, step into the ring underestimating me. I love it, I feed on it. And time and time again, I’ve proven it wrong. You claim to get inside of my head. But if you knew the mental anguish that I go through every day, the nightmares that happen up there; you’d run away in a second. I’m so sick and goddamn tired of little pricks like you that win against some nobodies, so they think they’re some tough shit. I’ve been baptized in the blood of this sport, sold my should for it. And I’m still here? What have you done Caleb? What gives you the balls to call me out? To call yourself so much better? Who have you beaten that I haven’t? What have you accomplished that I haven’t? Have you given your life for this sport and stuck with it? Or did you pay a couple thousand quid to learn some holds and throws? Consider this your test Caleb, a test of fire and blood, a test of true prowess in that ring, And my test has yet to be passed, and it’s been taken by MUCH better men than you.

Caleb, you say I’m human, that I have happiness in my life and that you’re going to crush that. I’m sorry Caleb, but that’s just not true. My only true happiness comes from that ring, and inflicting the pain that I feel every day. You’re not some kind of God, Caleb. You’re a scared little boy who talks a big game and can’t back it up when it counts. I’ve seen it before, I’ll see it again, and at the end of the day, the result will be the same. The true king of professional wrestling, The Pride of Brisbane, will be victorious. I have no choice Caleb, don’t you see? In my life, it’s win, or die. My Father doesn’t give a shit about me anymore, friends have dismissed me, and I’m still here, proving them wrong every day. And that’s what’s going to happen this week. You’re just another flea on my road to success, and I’m going to prove to everyone again that I back up my threats. So PLEASE, PLEASE, make me hurt. Make me bleed, make me scream and grab and work. If you don’t like that, you’re in the wrong business. It doesn’t matter what you do to my body, I’ll keep moving forward until I die. I cannot move sideways, I cannot move bcd, I only move forward, or I die. Simple as that. So consider this my challenge to you Caleb: What are you going to do when you face an opponent who isn’t scared, who you can’t enter their head? When you leave it all in the ring, what will you do when the opponent has more in their tank? More hunger, more drive, and keeps moving forward. I’ll keep moving forward, Caleb, leaving you in the dust. See you Wednesday.


With that, The camera fades out, as Brock returns to his prayers.