After Assault

[Ameronth]

*The scene opens in the halls of the PWA Arena shortly after Assault goes off the air. Tiger Gold is making his way slowly down he hall, deep in thought. He is holding one shoulder with his opposite hand. He is breathing heavy and sweat is dripping down his chest. He has a troubled look in his eyes. A nearby trainer room door opens violently and an angry-looking Spencer Watts storms out into the hall, nearly running into Tiger Gold. Watts stops short and nods at Gold.*

WATTS: “...Sorry Mr. Gold.”

*Watts pivots around Gold and heads away down the hall, a bag of ice taped to a bruising shoulder. Watts gets about a half-dozen steps away, then stops. He turns, scratches the back of his head and addressed Tiger Gold.*

WATTS: “How do you do it?”

*Gold stops walking and turns a weary gaze toward Watts. Watts points out in the direction of the arena floor.*

WATTS: “Me and my Dad spent damn near every Saturday morning watching you in that ring... I’ve seen you win, I’ve seen you lose. But no matter who you face down in that ring... no matter what the challenge... you ALWAYS rise to the occasion.”

*Gold looks down at his hand and makes a tired fist. He nods.*

WATTS: “I’ve been here for almost a year now and... every single night I lace up my boots... I sit alone in that locker room... I’m full of doubt. Doubt that I’ll never be on a Tiger or Snow level. Doubt that I’ll never live up to what I promised my Dad I’d be.”

*Gold sighs and takes a step toward Watts.*

GOLD: “You do not wrestle like a man who is full of self-doubt, Spencer Watts.”

*Watts looks up at him and laughs under his breath.*

WATTS: “Out there? Nah... once that bell rings I’m in it to win it. The lights... the roar of the crowd... that’s what makes me fire on all cylinders. That feelin and my promise to Dad is why I got into this business. It’s... it’s the rest of it that makes me wonder. It’s the anticipation. Looking at all these superstars... all these amazing athletes. I think to myself.. who the hell do I think I am, trying to hang with these legends? It’s crazy I know... but...”

*Gold straightens up and puts a hand on Watts’ shoulder.*

GOLD: “It isn’t crazy at all Spencer Watts. The most deadly opponent any man faces is his own self-doubt. It is our doubt and fear and self-reflection that drive us to push beyond our perceived weaknesses. Remember... it is not the fearless man who is brave. A brave man is one who stares impossible odds in the face and fears for his body and soul...and yet perseveres. Every day that I look into the mirror... I face new and dangerous adversaries. The day that I stop questioning myself... is the day I have nothing left to gain. It is this advice that I give to you Spencer Watts. You are your harshest critic. But know that with every match you grow stronger. Fate has decreed that this is YOUR time. Win or lose, this season in PWA will determine your destiny. Fight harder than you ever have before, doubt be damned. You are a warrior Spencer Watts... let those who face you in the ring question themselves in your presence.”

**Spencer Watts looks down and takes a deep breath. Tiger Gold pats him on the shoulder and walks down the hall and out of sight.