Preparation

[Gary Bloomfield]

**Derrik Arzon is seen in the PWA Training Center, throwing kicks at a heavy bag over and over again. He mumbles a steady count with each kick. On reaching 200, Arzon stops and takes a quick drink of water, his eyes never leaving the heavy bag. Arzon continues to glare at the bag; specifically the silver and black mask that is taped to the bag. Sweat drips from Derrik’s brow as he begins to strike the heavy bag over and over again. He’s concentrating so much that he doesn’t notice as someone enters the room and stands watching him over his shoulder. After a moment, Derrik senses someone in the room with him and stops and turns around. The NWC Champion Akira Wyld stands with his arms folded, eyeing Arzon clinically.**

DERRIK: “Akira, I didn’t see you there. I was just... practicing.”

AKIRA: “I can see that. You look... focused.”

DERRIK: “Wish I FELT focused. Honestly, all I feel is angry. Spoiler has really gotten under my skin. I know I should be calm and cool going into this match. But I’m so... MAD. I just want to hurt that son of a...”

**Derrik slams a fist into the bag and sighs.**

DERRIK: “I know I can’t let my emotions get the better of me.”

AKIRA: “I don’t know about that. Derrik, you know I’ve got a bit of a short fuse.”

DERRIK: “I’ve... seen that.”

AKIRA: “I’ve walked around my entire life with a huge chip on my shoulder. I’ve been angry, frustrated, jealous, bitter... you name it. I’ve walked with that my entire career. And you know where that lead me?”

DERRIK: “It made you hated by millions. It cost you the trust of the locker room and got you beaten up by Damion Black. Twice.”

**Akira stares at him flatly.**

AKIRA: “Yes... also three world titles, an international title, two tag team championship, and a career of headlining PPVs all over the world. I’d be a hypocrite to say that my road didn’t lead me to fortune and glory. But... it cost me a little piece of myself too. Maybe more than a little piece. What I’m saying is that in order to get what you want out of this business... you have to be willing to do what it takes. It’s up to you to figure out what that means to you. And it’s up to you to live with yourself afterwards. Right now, you’re mad. Spoiler has beaten and humiliated you. He’s stalked you at every turn and he’s threatened your family and your manhood. You’re mad... you’re fed up. You want retribution.”

**Derrik looks down and makes a fist.**

AKIRA: “So... I say use that. Fear, anger, jealousy, rage... these are all great motivators. A person is never more dangerous than when his back is against the wall. Your rage CAN lead you to victory. But all of that power comes with a cost. Everyone has that line. Every man has a line that they can’t cross without losing a piece of himself. It’s different for each person. And it’s on you to figure out where that line is for you... and if crossing it is worth it to you. You’re entering a Deathmatch Arzon. The environment you are about to step into is one that doesn’t reward restraint.”

DERRIK: “During this season I’ve had to go to some pretty dark places. I’m not sure how much I like that part of myself.”

AKIRA: “That’s good. You’d be surprised how many people look into that abyss and feel no doubt at all. You’re a good guy Derrik. Wherever you have to go to give Spoiler what he has coming to him... I know you’ll find your way back.”

DERRIK: “Thanks... from you that means a lot. Now, what about your match? How are you feeling about facing Johnny Ecks?”

AKIRA: “Oh, I’m going to kill that son of a bitch.”

DERRIK: “No... doubts? Uncertainties?”

AKIRA: “No... I said ‘you’re’ a good guy Derrik. I most definitely am not. I know exactly how dark I can go and what I need do you tap into the parts of myself that get the job done. When I think about Johnny Ecks... what fills my head is cold, calculating, and without mercy. Johnny Ecks has been making a mockery of the Wyld Family name for years. What happens to him at King of Deathmatch will be a long time coming. I’ve been waiting for this chance for nearly 20 years. Finally, I’m going to shut that jerk up for good.”

DERRIK: “You’re main eventing tonight... how do you deal with all that pressure?”

AKIRA: “I focus on the things I can control. Johnny Ecks is a talented, passionate, dangerous competitor. But he’s not Akira Wyld. There’s nobody in the world that can do what I can do... and nothing Johnny says or does will change that. Tonight, you and I are going to walk out into that arena and we are going to do what we always do. We are going to rise to the occasion. We are going to stand our ground. We are going to win. Once that curtain falls... the NWC World Championship will be on my shoulder, and the King of Deathmatch Trophy will be hoisted high over your head. Now... finish your workout and get ready.”

**Akira claps Derrik on the shoulder and walks past him out the door. Derrick nods, takes a deep breath... and turns back to the heavy bag.**