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<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">A E W</span></strong><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-size:10px;">Advance Wrestling Experience</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Champion-</p><p> </p><p> <em>TBD</em></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Men's Division</span></p><p> </p><p> Art Reed</p><p> </p><p> the Commando</p><p> </p><p> Flying Patriot</p><p> </p><p> Kid Fantastic</p><p> </p><p> Jerry Pepper</p><p> </p><p> Dreadnought</p><p> </p><p> 'Prime Time' Jack Pryde</p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Women's Division</span></p><p> </p><p> <em>TBA</em></p>

<p>The Commando sat in the office looking at a preliminary card with Virginia. Outside there were several men working out with the weights or in the ring. Art Reed came in with a woman Virginia didn't recognize.</p><p> </p><p> "Hello Art," the Commando called out, "is that Cordelia?"</p><p> </p><p> "Yes it is, she agreed to teach your student to wrestle like a woman rather than a brute."</p><p> </p><p> "A brute??" The Commando clutched his chest in mock pain, "You cut me to the core with such accusation."</p><p> </p><p> Art ignored the melodrama, "Virginia, this is Cordelia Krauss. Much better known as Devil's Daughter."</p><p> </p><p> "Hi," Cordelia said simply.</p><p> </p><p> "Hello, nice to meet you." Virginia stepped forward extending her hand, "Mr. C showed me some of your matches in triple A. I didn't recognize you out of character. You are really good."</p><p> </p><p> "Thanks." Cordelia coked her head, studying the younger woman.</p><p> </p><p> Art smiled, "You will find Cordi doesn't waste many words but put a mic in her hand and she will find plenty."</p><p> </p><p> Cordelia gave an eye roll and took Virginia by the arm "I have been told about you. Let's go to the ring." The women headed out.</p><p> </p><p> "So does this mean that double D is with us," the Commando asked.</p><p> </p><p> "Yep," Art grinned more. "I told her about your wild idea and it intrigued her. She said she is going to help get your find ring ready. I think she will do some work ringside which won't hurt either. How are things shaping up?"</p><p> </p><p> "It's coming together. Virginia worked up a potential card that is pretty good," he admitted, "needs just a little tuning."</p><p> </p><p> "Who all do we have to work with here?"</p><p> </p><p> The Commando pointed to the various workers. "We have our babyfaces Lenny Badman in the ring he's the Flying Patriot. Fearless but I don't think he will rise very high. He could be a solid midcard maybe. Over there is Brent Piper, 'Kid Fantastic'."</p><p> </p><p> "How is he?"</p><p> </p><p> "Another daredevil but has a lot more potential if he can learn to focus. One day he looks like he is a future star, the next like the greenest rookie."</p><p> </p><p> "That is something we can work on, maybe some time in the ring will even him out. Who else?"</p><p> </p><p> "For faces? You."</p><p> </p><p> Art blinked, "That is pretty thin."</p><p> </p><p> "Yeah, we will run a small roster at the beginning but I am not sure three guys will be enough, I'm still thinking it over."</p><p> </p><p> Art sighed, "Well what do you have on the other side?"</p><p> </p><p> The Commando smiled, "We are a lot stronger at getting heat. Jerry Pepper already has a year under his belt. Decent brawler, he will be solid. That one is Jack Pryde, 'Prime Time Jack Pryde.' He's cocky but he can back it up; he has the potential to go far."</p><p> </p><p> "What about the big guy?"</p><p> </p><p> "That is Sam Copeland, goes by Dreadnought."</p><p> </p><p> "Dreadnought? Is he related to Dread?"</p><p> </p><p> "His father and I think the apple has not fallen far from the tree. I think he has all of his dad's skill if not even more."</p><p> </p><p> "That's promising, he could carry the show once he gets his feet under him." Art looked thoughtful for a moment, "I think he needs better competition though."</p><p> </p><p> "What are you thinking?"</p><p> </p><p> "The roster doesn't have balance. You only have the three faces and two are as green as spring grass. They won't get any momentum if they go from squash to squash facing you and Copeland, even if they get booked 50/50 against the other guys."</p><p> </p><p> "I was thinking we do one night only appearances to feed to our heels. That way we can protect those two and see if they develop," the Commando explained.</p><p> </p><p> "Not enough," Art countered, "you need at least one more solid face to help carry the load and at least give the big guy a challenge. Have you considered getting some pop instead of heat?"</p><p> </p><p> "Me?" The Commando was genuinely astonished. "I don't know if I remember how to be a face."</p><p> </p><p> "You have done it before; it's like riding a bike. You have the size to look like a real threat to the kid or vice versa." Art used his hands to mime words on a marquee, "Wiley veteran faces upstart kid looking to make a mark. It would be a good feud."</p><p> </p><p> The Commando rubbed the top of his mask considering it. "It could make a good story. Put Devil's Daughter in his corner to be his manager and handle the promos. I'll have to think about it."</p><p> </p><p> "You don't have much time," Art pointed out, "you want a first show soon."</p><p> </p><p> "I'm trying to find a place for a show in about two weeks." The Commando shook his head to focus in the moment, "Let's see if we can find another worker or two, if not I make take your advice. For now let's introduce the company to the gang."</p><p> </p><p> Art and the Commando walked to ringside and called everyone to gather around. The men formed a semicircle while the women leaned on the ropes up in the ring.</p><p> </p><p> "First off I want to thank everyone here for coming to both teach and learn," the Commando addressed them, "Everyone has something to contribute and none of us know everything. There is something I know that I will now tell you all. You have come here assuming I am acting as an agent for an established promotion and that you will eventually go to it. Well you are half right.</p><p> </p><p> "I don't know where any of you may go someday but right now you are in a promotion. A brand new company that will have it's very first show soon."</p><p> </p><p> A murmur went through the men, Jerry was the first to speak up, "Sounds good Mr. C, what will it be called?"</p><p> </p><p> "Advance Wrestling Experience," the Commando answered, "it will usually be referred to as the A.W.E."</p><p> </p><p> "Awesome," Jack quipped.</p><p> </p><p> "You mean AWEsome," Art replied. The group chuckled at the exchange.</p><p> </p><p> "So who is the promoter?" Jerry asked, "I assume you are the booker."</p><p> </p><p> Jack added, "What will be the style?"</p><p> </p><p> "You assume wrong. Virginia is your booker." She gave a small wave from the ring, somewhat intimidated by all of the eyes that turned to her. They did not stay on her for long, "I am the promoter. I will be the boss, President, CEO and HMFIC."</p><p> </p><p> He paused a moment then continued, "My preference would be pure old school with 90 percent or more of the story happening in the ring. I am also a realist so there will be a dose of entertainment. The fans expect more interaction so we will give it to them.</p><p> </p><p> "One thing will absolutely be old school. That is what the smarts call 'kayfabe'. I call it life and you will live it while you work for me."</p><p> </p><p> Everyone exchanged glances that were not as subtle as they hoped. Lenny asked, "How far do we carry our character?"</p><p> </p><p> "Good question," he answered, "this room is your safe room. Once you leave it you are in character. The Flying Patriot wears a mask; I expect no one will ever see you putting that mask on or taking it off. If any of you are on in a feud in the ring I will never see you hanging out, nor will anyone else. Questions?"</p><p> </p><p> There were none. "Good. We are working on story lines right now but it will be simple to start. If you don't have anything exciting right away, be patient, you will get a chance. Our ladies," he indicated the ring, "both have good skills on the mic. They will be managers to help you learn your own voice."</p><p> </p><p> "Wait a second," Virginia said, "You mean I am learning to fight but won't get a chance?"</p><p> </p><p> "Just to start. It will take time to learn how to work in front of a crowd. You have a natural charisma though. Work ringside for a year or so with some of the guys. You will get a few chances to add to the action but after time the crowd will be begging for you to get in the ring."</p><p> </p><p> Virginia's dropped and rolled out of the ring. She walked right up to the Commando, "This is the 21st century in case you haven't looked at a calendar. Women are able to be more than arm candy."</p><p> </p><p> "But..."</p><p> </p><p> "But nothing. You have been showing me videos of women's wrestling. It is popular. There are whole companies dedicated to women. We can wrestle too."</p><p> </p><p> "She's feisty," Art commented to the Commando.</p><p> </p><p> "And she's right in front of you." Her ire turned towards Art. "She also can hear pretty good as well."</p><p> </p><p> Art held up his hands in a calming gesture, "I hear you and I get it. You want it all, but I think C-man is right. Start at ringside and watch the matches. You will learn and soon be ready to get in on your own."</p><p> </p><p> Cordelia spoke softly but loud enough to be heard, "Maybe."</p><p> </p><p> "Maybe? Maybe what?" the Commando asked.</p><p> </p><p> "She's good," indicating the young woman, "She will learn fast working with a veteran."</p><p> </p><p> "You are the only other woman we have," the Commando pointed out</p><p> </p><p> "You've been stepping back from the ring on the indy circuit," Art said, "Would you be willing to get back in and work with Virginia?"</p><p> </p><p> "I might come back for the right opponent. Even sooner with the right partner."</p><p> </p><p> The Commando rubbed his chin in thought. "Partner? You don't do face very often; Virginia is made for that role."</p><p> </p><p> "Maybe," Cordelia said again. "Obviously we will have to find some other ladies."</p><p> </p><p> She dropped out of the ring and walked a slow circle around the younger woman shaking her head slightly. "Men look at a woman," she spoke to Virginia ignoring the men around them, "but often they do not see the woman."</p><p> </p><p> She stopped directly in front of Virginia. "There is one important question we must first answer. Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"</p>

<p>Virginia and the Commando were together in the ring. He would give her arm a big twisting rotation and she would flip forward, landing on her back. After a compliment or critique, he would help her up and they would do it again. After several minutes they realized they were not alone.</p><p> </p><p> "Art! Glad you came."</p><p> </p><p> A fit black man sporting dreadlocks approached from where he had been watching. The Commando rolled out and they exchanged a firm handshake, "C-man how are ya? Word was you were going to hang it up. But then you call me with a <em>proposition</em>? Like I'm not going to come over and see what you have going?" He looked up at the ring where Virginia leaned on the ropes. "Are you reopening the school?"</p><p> </p><p> "Sort of."</p><p> </p><p> "Sort of," he deadpanned. "Well then who is this? She's not bad, relative of yours?"</p><p> </p><p> "Nope, a school reporter I met a couple weeks ago. Virginia, come down for a moment, please."</p><p> </p><p> She rolled out of the ring and walked over. The Commando introduced them, "Virginia, this is Art Reed, an old friend of mine. Art, meet Virginia Decker. She wants to learn what goes on in our business."</p><p> </p><p> She wiped the sweat from her hand on to her leggings and extended her hand, "Pleased to meet you Mr. Reed."</p><p> </p><p> "Call me Art. I've known this guy for my whole career."</p><p> </p><p> "Are you going to join us here, Art? I asked to learn about the business..."</p><p> </p><p> "And the learning starts in the ring," Art finished. "C-man has always been the same, 'Start with the fundamentals' he told me almost twenty years ago."</p><p> </p><p> "And I have been proven right many times." He turned to Virginia, "Go work on tumbling. I'll be up there in a few."</p><p> </p><p> The two men watched her do several tuck and rolls. "You don't usually train women," Art commented. "She has smooth movements, likeable, a natural charisma, maybe enough to can catch a crowd. Doesn't hurt to be easy on the eyes either. Where did you find this one?"</p><p> </p><p> "I was going to retire. She was the only person to show up." He admitted. "Didn't know a dropkick from a headlock but didn't back down when I called her on it. Turned sassy instead, said she wanted to learn."</p><p> </p><p> "And has been showing up for two weeks?"</p><p> </p><p> "Everyday but Sunday. I've put her through some hard workouts; she's not afraid to break a sweat. I've had her practicing falling. I think she's ready to start some sparring."</p><p> </p><p> "Okay, but how do I fit in? You are a much better teacher."</p><p> </p><p> "I can teach moves and falls. I will need someone closer to her size though." He looked at Art with a serious expression, "I got to thinking that there is one thing I haven't done yet."</p><p> </p><p> "Unmask?"</p><p> </p><p> "You wish," he gave Art a smile, "I haven't run a promotion."</p><p> </p><p> Art looked at him incredulously, "Is your mask too tight? Did she drop you on your head? Why would you want the headache of booking?"</p><p> </p><p> "I have a booker," he gestured towards the ring. "I'm going to run a promotion."</p><p> </p><p> "Sit down, you have a concussion."</p><p> </p><p> The Commando ignored the suggestion, "I need a star and a champion. Someone who has recognition. I think a babyface should lead the way."</p><p> </p><p> "Wait. Whoa. Are you making me an offer?"</p><p> </p><p> "We put on good matches. Do you have a run left in you?"</p><p> </p><p> Art pulled over a chair and sat down, "I remember when we locked up. We did put on a show." Art shook his head, "That was only opening and midcard stuff. Also it was a long time ago."</p><p> </p><p> "This won't be SWF, you are well known enough to main event in a backyard fed. Hell you are overqualified. I am the one who will have to make the fans believe I can give you a challenge. It has been many years since I have stepped in a ring around here. But I realized I am not ready to leave the ring just yet."</p><p> </p><p> "Do you have a backer?"</p><p> </p><p> "I have some money saved to get us going. With your name on the card I can pick up some sponsorship."</p><p> </p><p> Art pondered the idea. "And your rookie booker? You let a novice set up a card?"</p><p> </p><p> The Commando had a quick answer, "Mostly a free hand. We keep her from making a bad mistake. Split road agent duty between us. She's young, knows what kids want to see. Give her loose reins and what ideas flow from the mouths of babes."</p><p> </p><p> Art looked up, "Really? Sexist much?"</p><p> </p><p> "Pun not intended. Seriously. I don't know if we even include women to start, I figure she can be a manager. We'll do it old school with a bit of flash."</p><p> </p><p> "Don't count out women too fast. I think I have numbers for Joanie and Christina. They could teach your prodigy there. I have a feeling about her."</p><p> </p><p> Commando smiled, "Sounds like you are in."</p><p> </p><p> "I haven't said yes yet. Will I get paid for this?"</p><p> </p><p> "You won't get rich."</p><p> </p><p> "Never expected to. I assume you have your address book?" The Commando nodded. "I'll reach out to locals and Japan. You have better connections to south of the border and more remote areas. A couple more vets, otherwise scoop up young guys."</p><p> </p><p> "Pretty much what I'm thinking. We may find a couple diamonds the bigger outfits missed. There will be lots of journeymen but if we hit one or two stars we will have our pick of bars from Milwaukee to Detroit."</p><p> </p><p> Art threw his head back laughing, "How can I turn down an offer like that. I'm in," the deal completed with a handshake. "What are you going to name this creation."</p><p> </p><p> The Commando pondered, "I haven't decided yet. I just know it will be awesome."</p>

<p>A short walk led to a section of old buildings. They stopped at a run down warehouse that appear to have began its decline after World War 2. A service door off the alley was closed with a padlock. The Commando produced a key and unlocked the door.</p><p> </p><p> "So," Virginia asked, "is this where you chop up the bodies?"</p><p> </p><p> The masked man gave her a bemused smile, "There has been some body chopping done here."</p><p> </p><p> He turned on the lights revealing a large open space. The walls were covered in peeling paint and parts of the room remained in shadow where lights were burned out. In one corner a walled off area formed a small office. It had a window that looked out to a section set up as a gym. Though not elaborate, the few machines and free-weights seemed sufficient to allow a good workout. The center of the lit area was dominated by a full sized ring. </p><p> </p><p> He led her to into the center speaking, "In order to learn the business you have to understand what goes on in the ring. You have to know the feel of the ropes, the turnbuckles, the mat. You have to know how it feels to take a bump and work a crowd."</p><p> </p><p> "A bump?"</p><p> </p><p> "How to hit someone and be hit." He examined a small video camera mounted on a tripod facing the ring.</p><p> </p><p> She placed a hand on her hip and challenged him, "Isn't pro wrestling fake? All just choreographed making it look like you are fighting?"</p><p> </p><p> He merely glanced at her before looking at the camera and cords. "Battery is dead, can your phone record video?" She nodded. "Set it here so it will record the ring and start it, please."</p><p> </p><p> After setting up the phone as asked, she turned to see him by the ring. He had taken his jacket off and was removing his shirt. "What are you doing?"</p><p> </p><p> "To answer your question of this being 'fake' I have to show you; in the ring."</p><p> </p><p> "In case you didn't notice, I am wearing heels and a skirt. How is that going to work?"</p><p> </p><p> "You have underwear on I assume."</p><p> </p><p> "What," she replied shocked, "of course I do but..."</p><p> </p><p> He cut her off, "Good, at least one of us should. Kick your shoes off and get up into the ring. Use the steps in that corner if you wish."</p><p> </p><p> She walked to the steps and removed her shoes. Climbing up was easy but getting through the ropes was far more awkward than he had made it appear. A thought occurred to her, "Wait, what did you mean one of us should?"</p><p> </p><p> "How do you think I got my name?" He chuckled at he shocked expression.</p><p> </p><p> "Are you messing with me?"</p><p> </p><p> "Never mind, come here to the middle. Good, now hit me."</p><p> </p><p> She stood in front of the masked wrestler acutely aware once more of the size difference between them. Standing in stockinged feet he was a foot taller than her with at least a hundred and fifty pound weight advantage. Although grey hairs on his chest gave proof to his age, his physique would be the envy of a man half his age.Eevery ounce appeared to be muscle.</p><p> </p><p> "You want me to hit you?" she asked unsure.</p><p> </p><p> "Yes, just slap me in the chest."</p><p> </p><p> "Okay, if you say so." She struck him weakly.</p><p> </p><p> The Commando rolled his eyes. "I am not fine art, hit me. Wind up and make it big, keep your hand open so there is a meaty slap when you connect." He slapped hit two hands together, demonstrating a loud crack. She startled a bit in spite of herself. Pulling her hand back she swung her arm forward slapping his chest, the sound echoed from the walls.</p><p> </p><p> "Much better," he smiled as she shook her hand and massaged the stinging in her palm. "Now did that feel fake?"</p><p> </p><p> "I don't know about you, but I felt it."</p><p> </p><p> "It gets better with practice and technique. Now we will do it a little different, step to the side like so." He gently moved her by her hips so she was by his right shoulder facing him at forty-five degrees. "Pay attention to this position because we will do something in a moment and you won't want to be in my way. Now using both fists hit me up here on the right side of my chest. Be firm, step into it but don't put your full force into it now."</p><p> </p><p> She took a step and hit him with both fists. "Good, next time though do like you did with the slap. Make it a big move so your crowd can all see it." She nodded understanding. "Now grab my arm and swing me into the corner."</p><p> </p><p> Virginia couldn't help but laugh, "I couldn't throw you if I had a catapult."</p><p> </p><p> "Don't worry, I may help you a bit." He extended his arm and pointed to a corner. She grabbed his wrist and pulled. He fluidly moved with her direction, spinning as he steeped away so he hit the turnbuckles with his back. Slowly walking towards her he gave instructions.</p><p> </p><p> "We will do this again. I will come slumped over from the corner, you push my head up by the chin when I get about this close." She did as he directed, "Good, now the chest slap, but don't hurt yourself, make it sound big." She delivered the move with a fairly loud, but less painful slap.</p><p> </p><p> The Commando had her throw him again, this time to the middle of the ropes. "I will come off fast so this is where your positioning is important." He walked after bouncing off the ropes. "Step to the side and do the double fist." She walked through his directions. "Good, now to review, throw to the turnbuckle, lift by the chin, chest slap, throw to the ropes, double fist. Got it?"</p><p> </p><p> "I think so."</p><p> </p><p> "Alright, then let's do it." She was unsure but made the moves in the correct order as they walked through.</p><p> </p><p> After she finished he nodded, looking a bit impressed. "Pretty good for a first timer. You may be a natural."</p><p> </p><p> "But isn't this just the choreography? We aren't really fighting."</p><p> </p><p> "You aren't ready to take a bump yet; you would probably get hurt. But if we did this..." Without warning his arms wrapped around her head pulling her into his body. She tried to pull away but it was like trying to move a tree.</p><p> </p><p> "What the hell?" She shouted. It wasn't painful but she was held firmly.</p><p> </p><p> "This is a headlock," he said calmly, "escape."</p><p> </p><p> She struggled and pushed, "I can't"</p><p> </p><p> "You aren't trying hard yet." She pushed at his arms, slapped his legs and finally tried to punch him between them. "That's better," he told her. "Use your elbow," he suggested, "up into my stomach."</p><p> </p><p> She hit him once but he hardly budged. Pulling her arm to the other side of her body she hit him again with her elbow. Amazingly it lifted him off his feet a little and his arms loosened so she did it again, while pushing against his grip with her other hand. Suddenly her head was free and his feet thumped hard to the mat.</p><p> </p><p> He left one arm extended towards her, "Turnbuckle." He shook his arm a little indicating she should grab it. She clutched his wrist and did the swinging whip. This time he hit with a crash and came lurching back to her quickly. "Chin," she lifted his head. "Slap," but her arm was already in motion. Before he could coach the next move she grabbed an arm and tossed him to the ropes. As he rebounded she nearly forgot to side step. Just before she collided with the big man she remembered and stepped to the side swinging both fists. </p><p> </p><p> To Virginia's surprise the move took the much larger man completely off his feet. He landed on his back with a loud thud. She stood shocked for a second, not knowing what to do. "Fall on me," he ordered, "across my chest." She dropped down to pin him and he counted, slapping the mat, "One, two, three."</p><p> </p><p> She sat back on her feet as sat did a sit up. "Let's check the tape."</p><p> </p><p> They exited the ring and retrieved her phone. She played back the recording of their time in the ring as he coached her through the moves. Finishing with her 'escape' from the headlock through the pin she marveled, "It looked almost like I was doing that."</p><p> </p><p> "You were doing that young lady,' the Commando pointed at the screen, "that is you in the ring."</p><p> </p><p> "But I wasn't," she protested, "you were doing the work."</p><p> </p><p> "We were doing the work," he corrected. "You did the moves and it is my job to make you look good, to sell your moves. That is today's lesson."</p><p> </p><p> "I... get it," she said hesitantly, "Sort of. Is there a lot more?"</p><p> </p><p> He leaned back against the ring and looked her over, "Much more. This is only a taste of the business, not even an introduction. There are moves and holds, learning to take the hits and falls. Learning to do it without hurting yourself or the other guy, well at least not any more than you have to. The moves build to a whole match, matches to a show. You have to learn to tell a story without being able to speak to your audience. How to cut a promo, using your words to make them hate or love you, sometimes both."</p><p> </p><p> "Why do I think that is not all?"</p><p> </p><p> "Because that is just the basics the action is only part of the story. Would you pay to see Virginia Decker, college newspaper reporter, slap some guy around the ring?"</p><p> </p><p> She considered, "Well if it was certain ex-boyfriends..."</p><p> </p><p> He gave a genuine laugh, "So might I. But if it was Virginia Decker, queen of the ring, fighting a no holds barred match you might get more butts in the seats. It takes the right workers who can develop the right characters. The right booker to put it all together. And even after that if you don't know your audience, it can all fall apart. I have spent my adult life learning the business and I still don't know it all. There are things I have not even tried." His voice faded into silence.</p><p> </p><p> "What haven't you tried? What do you still have to accomplish?"</p><p> </p><p> He turned his gaze back to her, "This isn't about me today but you. You say you want to learn. If so, I can teach. If it's not for you...," he spread his hands.</p><p> </p><p> Virginia considered for a moment, "I think..."</p><p> </p><p> The Commando held up a hand, "Not now, tomorrow, three o'clock. Your answer will simply be if you show up or not."</p>

Thank you, my goal is to do at least two updates a week.

Thanks. I have difficulty doing the fictional universes even though I love them. I need to develop personalities of the characters to hook myself.

Thank you- I appreciate the feedback

This is a first attempt at a diary, it will be a bit of a 'slow build'. At the start is is straight C-verse except for two created characters. The Commando- a perennial enhancement talent on the verge of retirement but whose skills have not totally collapsed. Virginia Decker- raw clay who has the potential to go far, if she gets the luck that passed by her mentor.

The young woman ran up to the hotel desk, "I'm here for the wrestling press conference." "What?" the befuddled desk clerk replied. "Press conference. The one where a long time pro wrestler is announcing his retirement. I know I'm late but I hope I haven't missed it." He looked over an event sheet, "I really haven't had anyone ask. Um, here it is, Conference room 107. Just down the hall to the left." "Thanks," she hurried quickly hoping she could quietly enter without being noticed. Reaching the door to 107, it stood propped open. Looking in, there was a podium with an untouched glass of water and about two dozen empty chairs facing it. No one was in sight. Double checking the paper next to the door confirmed that a press conference was scheduled for 12:00. Checking her phone, it was 12:10. While considering going back to the desk to ask if the event had been moved, a man in a suit stepped from a side room at the far corner. "Hello?" she called. The man stopped, mostly obscured by some kind of potted tree placed near the door. She had the could see that he was quite large. He seemed fit, judging by the way the suit stretched across his body. He had short salt and pepper hair but his face was blocked by the leaves. She could clearly see intense ice-blue eyes regarding her. "Can I help you", he answered in a tired voice. "Yes, I am here for the press conference." "Why", he replied brusquely. "To cover the retirement announcement of the Commando. I was delayed in traffic. Did I miss it?" The man ignored her question, "Are you a reporter? Or are you a fan?" "Oh no, I don't know much about wrestling. I am with the university newspaper." "The university? A school paper?" She nodded."Anyone else come with you?" She shook her head negatively. The tiredness crept back into his voice, "Take a seat, he will be right out." The man stepped back into the side room while she took a seat in the front row. After a moment the man came back, his face now covered with a black and olive drab mask. He walked to the front of the podium and leaning back on it crossed his arms regarding her. "I am the Commando." Feeling self conscious she looked around the otherwise empty room. "I'm sorry. Am I early? Late? I don't want to keep you if I missed the.." "What do you know about me?" he demanded interrupting her. "The Commando, er, you, have wrestled all over the world in a career lasting over three decades. In that time you have been to nearly every country with pro wrestling, usually appearing in small independent organizations. Many top wrestlers have remarked on your ring skills and willingness to teach rookies. Despite a long career the, uh you, you have never held a title. Also unusual is as far as is known you have kept the same persona for you entire career. Your real identity has never been publicly revealed." He gave a soft snort, "You have read my Wrestlopedia entry; nearly repeated it verbatim in fact. Again, why are you here?" "My editor read the announcement of the press conference on line somewhere. He told me he remembered seeing you once as a boy and thought an article about the retirement of a wrestler with such a long history would make good filler for our sports section." She stopped, realizing how that came out. "Filler," another snort. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." He sighed, "You did and it is accurate." He gestured, indicating the empty room,"You, young lady are the only person to show up to even get a filler piece." "No, no, I didn't mean it like that at all. I want to know your story. What is it really like to be a wrestler" He shook his head slowly, "I have been in the business since your parents parents were fooling around in the back seat. How do I compress that into a couple inches of column for you?" A defiant gleam sparked in her eye, "That's my job, to bring your story to the readers. Tell me your story." He bent at the waist to look her in the eye. "Have you ever even seen a wrestling match?" "Of course I've seen..." He cut her off again, "A real match. In a ring, beginning to end?" "Well no not quite." Slowly he walked to the back of the podium and gripped the side like a preacher. When he spoke, however, it was in a soft voice. "So how do you tell 'My Story' when you don't know the first thing about wrestling?" "Your bio says you like to teach, so teach me wrestling." His eyes looked far away, seeing scenes outside of the room from long ago. His voice softened to near a whisper. "So many years, that isn't something I can do in a few minutes. The business is like no other. I couldn't tell you it all." "So show me. Show me what wrestling is so I can tell others. Let's make it a feature story." He looked back at her with focus, as if actually seeing her for the first time, evaluating her in a new light. "How much do you want to know?" "All of it," she replied confidently. "Teach me wrestling. What is it like to be in the ring, what sort of business is it?" He rubbed his chin, clearly considering an idea. "We would start in the ring." "Let's go", she answered standing, suddenly feeling very short. The wrestler was a head taller, and more, than she was. He nodded and walked towards the door. Pausing to let her exit first, he extended his hand, "What is your name?" Her hand was engulfed by , but his his grip neither too weak nor strong. "Virginia Decker." "That will never do, but we can improve it later. I am the Commando, but the locker room calls me Mr. C"