Adam Stryker vs. Brock Whitworth

[Darin Zion]

Respect Match
Adam Stryker vs Brock Whitworth

Deadline: Tuesday Night @ Midnight CST
RP Limit: Determine with your opponent.

[brockwhitworth]

We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!

Winston Churchill 

4:25 AM 

The scene comes up on the Las Vegas Wrestling School in the early morning. Young PWX star Brock Whitworth emerges out of the fog of the Las Vegas morning and bangs on the door three times. He waits outside, playing with the crumbling brick work on the old building until El Guapo, in pajamas and his lucha mask, sleepily opens the door. He stares at Brock, seemingly unsurprised by the Aussie’s appearance at 4:30 in the morning. He steps to the side as Brock walks past him. Brock is jubilant, excited, energetic, while El Guapo is the antithesis of Brock. Guapo squints at his watch.

El Guapo: San Antonio to Las Vegas in 14 hours. You must’ve broken a lot of laws hijo. But I can’t be surprised. I don’t think you’ve missed a 4:30 wake up call in 3 years, why stop now right? Jesus, I should just give you your own key by now…

Guapo trails off his sentence with a long yawn. Brock laughs and pats El Guapo on both shoulders, looking at him with mock sympathy.

Brock: You know, I’m surprised that you haven’t myself. And come on Guap, you know that I start early, end late, and never quit. This was my creed three years ago, and will continue to be until I retire. If I expect the best competition I have to earn it, and the only way that I can do that is by constant training. Plus, I want to keep my win streak up and next week won’t be nearly as much of a cakewalk as Siren.

El Guapo: Si, yo veo hijo, I saw. Stryker huh? The former friends toe to toe. I saw that coming way back in the day. You two always wanted to square off. Can’t say I blamed either of you. The two top guys, it was only a matter of time.

Brock frowns slightly,and looks at Guapo inquisitively.

Brock: You think I did the right thing? I’m not in over my head, right? I mean, Adam is GOOD.

El Guapo shake his head and waves Brock off. He yawns again and rubs the sleep from his eyes. He’s starting to wake up more. but refuses to accept it.

El Guapo: No no, you’ve made a great choice. Don’t misunderstand me, Adam is great, but he’s been around the block a time or two. You? You’re THE PRIDE OF BRISBANE. You know this, and Adam is a great leader of people, I mean I don’t think we’ve ever seen him in a fed when he’s NOT part of a tag team, but you know that one on one you’re more technical, more powerful, and have way more knowledge. Stryker’s tough, but hell, so are you. You just train as hard as you can, and you will have no problem picking up the ‘W’ at the end of the night. Now speaking of training, it’s nearly 5. Let’s get going. Start with a 2 mile jog, then get into your lift for the day. I’m gonna go shower and grab some breakfast. You do well, and I might have a little treat up your sleeve coming you way later!

Brock chuckles and rolls his eyes at El Guapo, nudging him in the side and winking at him.

Brock: A treat? Like suicide sprints? Or leg day? Your treats always seem to be sour…

El Guapo: You’ll find out! Now go, practice! I’ll be back soon!

Brock reluctantly turns to jog into the mist as El Guapo heads back upstairs. The scene fades out.

10:30 AM

The scene comes back up on Brock Whitworth smashing a tire with a sledgehammer. The audible “thump” shakes the dusty gym, and chips of paint fall from the walls. Several rain down on Brock, but he doesn’t seem to mind, methodically hitting the tire, the sound growing louder the longer he continues. Suddenly, El Guapo emerges out of the back, softly talking on a cell phone. Brock stops for a moment, looking sideways at El Guapo. Guapo notices this, and quickly finishes up the conversation.

El Guapo: 2 hours? Sí, bueno. OK, sí. see you then chica. Adios.

El Guapo quickly hangs up as Brock heads towards him.

Brock: Hey, what was that El Guapo? Bringing some new talent in?

El Guapo waves Brock off, trying to get him off of the subject.

El Guapo: You’ll see chico! Call it a…boost for your match. Anyway, how’s the workout? Not hurting yourself now, eh?

Brock: No no, you know I’d never do that. I’m just about done anyway, gonna go grab some lunch soon I think. Care to join?

El Guapo: Sí hijo, I’d love to. But first, can we get this promo done for Adam and PWX? I just want to get it done before we forget.

Brock looks concernedly at El Guapo.

Brock: I’ve never missed a chance to talk in 3 years and now you’re worried I’m going to forget? What’s with you today Guap?

El Guapo barely hears Brock as he is already grabbing the old camera out of his office. He points to a taped x on the floor in front of a bare wall, and Brock dutifully takes his spot and puts on his best angry face. The two men chuckle at the thought of Brock actually being angry at Adam Stryker, but soon it’s all business as El Guapo counts down from 5, and points at Brock.

Brock: OK Adam, you agreed to this fight, you wanted this fight, hell, you ASKED for this fight. Well now you got it mate. Toe to toe, head to head, with the single greatest superstar in the history of wrestling, THE PRIDE OF BRISBANE, Brock Whitworth. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Brock’s so young, he’s so new, he was that little boy I took under MY wing and made. But no Adam, I am so, so much more than that. I am a star athlete, a 2x former champion, a true legend of this sport in just 3 years. People still talk about my beatings, bodies still ache over the beatings I gave them. The scars that I gave 3 years ago, still bleed with the memory of the man and the power that put them there. Adam, you’ve been absolutely the best friend and mentor I could ever hope for. But now it’s time for the student to surpass the master, time for me to stop living in your shadow. No matter where we’ve been, it’s been Adam at top, Brock below. I’m ready to show the entire world that I not only can compete with the best, but that I can beat the best. It’s time for you to learn that 2013 was 2013, and 2014 is the time where you step down and let the true champion take his place at the top of wrestling’s elite. Now, I have all the respect in the world for what you’ve done for and in the business, but let’s be real Adam, you won’t be around forever, you’re part of like 9 different promotions at the same time, and you’re bound to get hurt eventually. So consider Wednesday a sort of coming of age match. I deserve the respect of the world, and if going through you is the only way I can do that is by beating you in the ring, well them business is business. And, as I stand over you, picking up your bruised and battered body, just remember that this is what you signed up for. I wish you the best of luck Adam, I really do, but you’ll need more than your amount of luck and skill to get past me. I’ll see you in the ring, bro. Bring your ‘A’ game, cause you know I will. I think it was Winston Churchill that said to never surrender and never stop fighting for what you believe in. My success comes at a price, and that price is you Adam. And I won’t stop at anything to earn what I know I deserve. I won’t stop fighting, I won’t ever surrender, and if you think I won’t leave with that win, well “YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET!”

Accenting his trademark ending, Brock stomps loudly on the ground. El Guapo shuts the camera off and shoots Brock a thumbs up.

El Guapo: Well, we know you have the psychological edge at least. Add that in with your training and skills and hey hijo, this should be a win for you no problem. I just want you to remember -

All of a sudden, a small knock sounds around the gym. El Guapo perks up at the sound of this, as Brock looks confused. No one but these two have visited this gym in nearly 18 months. Who could that possibly be?

El Guapo: Hey, hijo, remember that ‘treat’ I had for you? Watch this: HEY, ENTRE! ES OPEN!

The door creaks open as a slight, 5’4” girl that looks about Brock’s age enters timidly. She is dressed comfortably in a sweatshirt and jeans with flip-flops. The sight of her sets Brock into a dead sprint, rushing to her and scooping her up in his massive arms.

Brock: KARA!

It is Kara Whitworth, Brock’s sister and best friend. El Guapo smiles as the woman’s body is squished in between the vice of Brock’s chest and hands. She is smiling widely as she hugs Brock back. As she talks, there is a slight Australian accent in her voice, though not nearly as heavy as Brock’s.

Kara Whitworth: Yes, I missed you too Brock. But please, don’t kill me before we have a chance to say hi!

Brock puts her down and keeps hold of her shoulders. He beams with pride at the sight of her and she at him. The affection between the two is palpable. Suddenly, another voice breaks the moment.

Older Woman: And don’t forget about me now! I didn’t fly all the way here from Sydney to play second fiddle to your sister!

Hannah Jane Whitworth, Brock’s Mother, appears from outside. A refined woman, Hannah is dressed in a smart pantsuit, with high heels. She looks around at the dusty gym and is decidedly not impressed. However, the sight of her son, no matter how worn and sweaty he is, always brings a smile to her face.

Hannah: Oh, look at how big you’re getting! Why you must have grown another 2 inches since you left Brisbane. Oh what am I saying? Look at you m’boy!

Hannah cannot contain her pride any longer and throws herself at her son. The two share a long hug. The years apart have only made them grow closer.

Brock: Mum, it’s been too long. I’m so glad you can make it!

Brock looks from El Guapo to his relations and back again.

Brock: Oh please, tell me you’re at least staying for my match on Wednesday. You have to come, I’ll get tickets and everything!

Hannah: Already taken care of my love, and you should thank Mr. Guapo for that. He set up the whole thing, paid for the flight, tickets, everything. He really wanted us here.

Brock looks at El Guapo with overflowing gratitude. He is choked up as he talks to him.

Brock: I…..I don’t even know what to say. You’ve brought me into your home, made me part of your family, and given me the chance to do what I love all over the world. And now this. I don’t think your kindness has boundaries Señor.

Brock wraps El Guapo up in a big bear hug.

El Guapo: Oh, hijo, you’ve given me a chance to teach this beautiful art one more time. You’ve made me more than wildly successful again. You’ve fed my family, you’ve kept me alive. This is absolutely the least I could do for you.

The two men share that moment together before breaking off and wiping their eyes. Brock turns to his family.

Brock: Well, now that you’re here, why don’t we get lunch? I’m starved personally. Kara, Mum? You guys wanna eat?

Hannah: In a second dear. Show Kara around this center, she’s dying to see it, I’m sure. I’ve got some logistics things to figure out with your trainer here. After all, we’ll be here for two weeks, we’ll have plenty of time to catch up. Go spend time with your sister.

Brock shrugs and takes Kara away, showing her the various in’s and out’s of LVWS. Hannah approaches El Guapo and leans in, careful not to be heard.

Hannah: You haven’t told him anything have you?

El Guapo shakes his head, suddenly becoming very serious.

El Guapo: No, no. I think it’s best not to tell him yet. With this match coming up, he needs to focus.

Hannah: I really am proud of him you know. I just hope he sees that. I’m thinking this two weeks is exactly what we need as a family.

El Guapo nods slowly, trying to find the words to say.

El Guapo: Hey, if you’re anything like your son, and I’m sure you are, this cancer won’t stand a chance. Remember: Never give up, never surrender.

Hannah: Churchill?

El Guapo: Brock said it earlier. Fitting, no?

Hannah nods, tears welling up in her eyes.

Hannah: I just, I don’t know what I’ll tell him. How do I explain to my only son that I have cancer?

El Guapo pats Hannah on the back, trying to comfort her.

El Guapo: You’ll find the words to say, just take your time, you have two weeks.

Hannah sighs heavily. Brock can be seen in the background excitedly showing Kara the gym

Hannah: I just hope it won’t shake him too bad. He finally seems so….confident. Happy. He needs wrestling, it keeps him sane. I can’t drag him away.

El Guapo: Your son, he is stronger than even I know. He is very strong.

Hannah: That he is, I have no doubt.

The scene fades out

[stryker]

Best of luck, dude!

Desperate Man