Post by Marcus Brody Sr. on Aug 4, 2011 1:44:30 GMT
Last time we left you, we asked whether our legendary hero would make it to the Battlefield Brawl, and how he'd do. The answer?
The match began and there was no sign of our hero. Bodies had been battered. Necks broken. Careers ended in an instant. Yes, this was exaggeration, but the hazards were real. The brutality of the match saw former champions fall unceremoniously. The Devil's back was sliced open. Camisado's chest was shredded in razor wire. The Raven was grounded by a guillotine-like Leg Drop, and once the smoke had all cleared, the dastardly "Ultra" Jack Cool was standing tall. The thousands in attendance voiced their disapproval. His hand was raised and all hope was lost. Until...
A familiar opening riff echoed through the arena. One that had stood the test of time. Jon Bon Jovi's unique voice could be heard screaming: "YOU! You've got a nasty reputation!" The opening line sounded like it was aimed at the pink-laden villain whose confusion turned into him bitterly clenching his fists in the battlefield. Our suplex-wielding hero walked out to a thunderous ovation. The people were on their feet, hoping that the Human Suplex Machine could topple the brash phony. The roaring ovation intensified as Marcus Brody charged down the ramp. No one got back in their seats. There was a rumbling of applause and stomping of feet so loud you'd thought lightning has just struck. He stormed onto the battlefield and...
The former "General" silenced the crowd by catching our hero with stomps. Our hero was lifted to his feet and whipped into the ropes. The crowd was stunned when they thought all hope was lost. They silently hoped the returning legend could pull something out and give them a reason to cheer. Jack Cool attempted a clothesline. Everyone thought Brody had failed. They thought too soon, for Marcus ducked and caught Jack Cool with a waistlock. They all knew what was coming, so the crowd looked on intensely before...
BAM! "The Human Suplex Machine" nailed the former rock star with the Brody-Plex! The momentum propelled a dazed Jack Cool to his feet and, shades of his student and longtime friend, our hero wound up his arm and bolted to his groggy adversary, projecting him over the top rope and to the trenches below. The ring was barren, for all but Brody had been vanquished. Debris surrounded him. Broken tables, barbed wire, and spilled blood were littered everywhere, but our hero stood victorious. His arms were raised triumphantly while thousands cheered on. Marcus Brody was back!
"Bloody hell, Marcus! That was some performance!"
This was the first thing said to our hero about his spectacular return. Though he didn't hear it for a few days. People were too busy being tended to by medics, or getting ready for their matches to notice Marcus returning to the back. Just like he was weeks ago, he hung his head with loneliness. Even his close friend who'd come to the arena with him was nowhere to be found. But of course, Lost Heroes Commissioner Predator was probably in Pain's office discussing some things with the FWF Chairman. It was as if The Predator had saved his reaction for this very moment.
He met up with The Predator once they were back in England. They'd chosen to rendezvous in the place where it all began for their friendship. The UCW Arena. That wasn't the reason, however. Our hero wasn't just back competing in FWF, he used his expertise and expansive knowledge to teach Warriors and Gladiators of the future, and to help current Warriors maintain or improve their form. They all tended to train in the gyms at the classic venue. The classes were in session in the other rooms and Predator liked to keep a low profile, despite being in charge of the school, so they went into the main arena. They lounged by the purple-roped ring on a pair of folding chairs they'd found lying around. Unbeknownst to him, these had been missed from being cleared up after UCW's founder, Sandy Strachon had sneaked in one morning with Marcus' son, MTB and the notorious tag team, The Breakfast Table for some endurance training.
"Really? I wasn't in there too long and he got the first-"
"Exactly."
"Huh?"
Marcus looked over to The Predator inquisitively. Our hero was quite the modest man. Humble, as well. It was no surprise that he was respected throughout this industry.
"Yeah. You didn't get the first shot in, and you took him out with two moves!"
"When you put it like that..."
"Perspective, Marcus. Perspective. You have to look at everything positively. Your return can't be a one-shot thing, either. You're the number one contender to the Universal title. You know what that means, right?"
"I'm in this for the long haul."
The Predator nodded. Though he didn't appear most pleased with his friend's lack of motivation.
"Your mind isn't in this. I can tell."
"What do you mean? I gave my all at War Zone."
"I know you did, but you're dreading what's next instead of looking forward to it. You have a shot at the Universal title! It doesn't just mean being in this for the long haul. You're wrestling for the Universal Championship! That's Universal Championship Wrestling! Think about it! You're challenging for FWF's tribute to UCW! You're fighting for UCW!"
Despite the legendary Warrior's impassioned words, our legendary Gladiator's mind hadn't changed. The words seemed to have no effect. He just sat there, unmoved.
"But UCW's dead."
"As a company, yes. You're right. But our legacy lives forever. Man, you're not the same Marcus that trained me! The Marcus Brody that wrestled his heart out every time he was out there!"
In his attempt to inspire our hero, The Predator eased himself to his feet with help from his cane and faltered over to the ring. Up the dusty, worn out and battered black steps and through the purple ropes he was all too familiar with.
"Come on, Marcus! Get in here!"
Now The Predator was leaning back in one of the corners with his head turned to our hero. He took a few moments of deliberation before slowly standing up. Had there been a crowd, they'd have been on their feet. With purpose in his step, Marcus Brody walked to the steps and marched up them before powering through the ropes. The Predator was smiling and clapping his hands together like a proud teacher.
"Remember this feeling? Doesn't it feel good?"
Words weren't necessary. The smile on our hero's face told us everything. Being in that ring was something he relished. He leaned back on the ropes, bounced back and ran the ropes. He was quick for a 53-year old. Predator stepped forward and held his right arm out, supported by the cane in his left hand. Our hero ducked and rolled under the legend's arm and positioned himself behind Predator, gripping him in a waist lock, then immediately letting go. Predator tapped his cane with joy.
"See? See, Marcus? Felt good, didn't it? "
"Yeah."
"I want you to remember all those times you were UCW Champion. Think of how it felt, Marcus. Think about all those fans who chanted your name. Think about why you're back in the ring. Just think."
Marcus went over to a corner and sat on the top turnbuckle. A place that was unfamiliar territory for our ground-based hero. His friend didn't react at all. It must have been commonplace for him to do it. Not many knew how our hero's mind worked.
"Pred..."
"Yeah?"
"You're right. I thought about it. It felt good. No. It felt great."
"There you go! Then what's your problem?"
There was a long pause. Was there anything to keep our hero down? Had The Predator been able to lift his spirits? Our hero dropped down from the top and ran the ropes some more. He ran and ran and ran, even leaping over imaginary hurdles. For a man his age, he sure had some impressive jumping ability. Even more impressive was his sudden ability to stop. He stopped right in front of Predator and glared at him.
"Thor. I don't think I can beat Thor."
"What makes you think that?"
"He retired you."
Predator shook his head, and returned our hero's glare with one of his own. Many had fallen victim to The Predator's glare, but not Marcus Brody. He didn't quiver nor did he flinch.
"He didn't retire me. I knew my days were numbered since my first knee injury in 2002. Sure. He takes credit for my retirement, but it wasn't him. It was the Devil's Advocate. The match you never thought you'd see, and the match you wish you never saw. That's what retired me."
"But what if I lose? What if Junior beats him next week and I can't?"
"Then props to MTB, and better luck next time to you. Come on, you're Marcus Brody! The Human Suplex Machine! The reason I got into wrestling! And if you think your age will set you back, Joe Stall's sixty-one! And Thor... he's in his early five-hundreds! Seriously!? Have you forgotten 2006? When you said you were gonna Grandslam to get me back! What happened to that Marcus Brody? Be THAT Marcus, damn it! Be the arse-kicking machine you once were!"
His eyes fixated on Marcus' and his body trembled in an irritated manner. Had he finally gotten through to our hero? Another long pause filled the empty arena until our hero dropped down from the turnbuckle and rolled out of the ring. He looked up to Predator from the ramp and nodded.
"You're right, Pred. You're always right."
Predator winked at his dear friend.
"You taught me to be right."
Our Machine turned to leave but before he could, Predator yelled to him from the ring, pointing his cane at the Human Suplex Machine.
"Psychology! Psychology, Marcus! Get into Thor's mind and you can beat him!"
Our hero chewed his former apprentice's words over for days and days. He still taught his classes and scouted talent, but the rest of the time, he was at home, psyching himself up, and working out. He didn't need snakes, eagles or panthers to get Thor. All he needed was to just be there. As his son was facing Sah'ta Thor in a Lost Heroes League match, our hero made his way out. Thor was distracted and fell victim to the Su-Prey. That was sure to play with Thor's mind.
Soon after, the match was set. August 4th 2011, the main event of Live-Wire. In a first round Jealousy match... "The Demon King" Sah'ta Thor versus "The Human Suplex Machine" Marcus Brody. For theUCW Universal Championship. In a- wait for it- Lumberjack match... The rest of the last eight would surround the ring and watch our hero in competition.
Two people who wouldn't be there were James Stall, and Marcus' son MTB. A team called The New Direction who everyone added an s to the end of. As you all know, our hero and the young Warrior haven't spoken in months. Whenever they were near, the atmosphere was tense...
It wasn't so tense, however, when Brody was with his old rival and partner, "Captain" Joe Stall, it was all banter. Even when they were training together. They'd already been training for two hours, working on some chain wrestling and escape techniques. The conversation soon got interesting once the champion had our hero locked in the Captain Clutch.
"Heard you're in the Jealousy tournament, Marcus. Think you're gonna win?"
Struggling against his friend's clutch, Marcus Brody let out short, sudden gasps, trying to respond to the World Champion.
"Got... to... get... past... Thor... first!"
"Worried about Thor?"
Our struggling hero let his body do the talking. He backed his elbow into Joe's ribs until his grip loosened. Then the veteran Gladiator broke out of the hold, ducked around and caught Joe in a Full Nelson.
"I take every opponent seriously. I'm treating this like a title match."
"But it is a title match."
Marcus took Joe to the mat with a Full Nelson Suplex. He tried converting it into a pin attempt but there's no keeping the Champion down. He kicked out straight away. The partners separated locked eyes. Brody smiled a smile that not many had seen for years. It appeared as if he was back in his groove.
"Precisely. I win this and we'll both be champions again. Joe! It'll be like old times. It'll be like UCW."
"Yeah. Me as UCW Champion. You were Intercontinental Champion. But you've gotta win first. What makes you think you can beat Thor?"
The aging legends grappled. Marcus ducked around Joe and went for a waistlock. Before the towering "Captain" could counter, the shorter Marcus jumped up and caught Joe's head bringing him into a set-up for a Fisherman Suplex.
"That."
"That's good."
Joe prevented our hero from hooking his leg, wrapped his arms around his friend and nailed a quick and powerful Sergeant Spinebuster. His hulking form stood over the supine Gladiator, offering a hand.
"'Cause if you win Jealousy, you can use your Golden Ticket for a match with me. And I ain't takin' you lightly."
Joe guffawed as Marcus gripped his hand and was helped to his feet.
"Great. I don't expect you to. Don't go taking the Wordl title for granted, either. You find out your opponent for Jealousy on Live-Wire. Who do you reckon? Benny or Jack?"
"A challenge is a challenge. I'll see it off, Marcus. Doesn't mean they ain't gonna be trouble. Even if it's one on one, the other's gonna get involved. It'll be like a Handicap match."
"If you need any help with them, I'm here. It'll be like old times. The original Brody and Stall back together! Universal Champ. World Champ. Showing those tarts who's boss. They're nothing on Smith & Wesson or Rock & Hardplace."
"Forgot about those guys. Quite good. Gave us a run for our money back in '94."
"Aye. We should together again, you know, for old time's sake."
The "Captain" wrapped a muscular arm around his old friend and embraced him tightly.
"If I need anything I'll let you know."
"That's all I need to hear, Joe. We'll do better than the young'uns did. If it wasn't for you, Benny and Jack'll be the tag champs..."
"Yeah. Didn't want that happening. Whatcha think of my new music?"
"I miss 'Real American' but I guess I like it. It said to everyone: 'I'm Joe Stall, and I've still got it.'"
They shared a laugh with their arms around each other. You'd have thought they'd have been to the pub instead of training.
"It's good. Anyway, Marcus. Gotta dash. I'm still Headmaster of the FWF Academy."
"It's a tough life, eh, Joe? See you later."
Joe let go of Marcus and patted him on the shoulder with one of his shovel-like hands and headed to the door of the battered gym, away from the training mats. At the door, he raised his frying pan of a hand to his partner.
"Good luck with Thor! He's tough! Watch out for the lumberjacks too!"
"I know!"
Of course our hero knew. He knew The Demon King would be difficult to vanquish. Even The Predator and "Captain" Joe Stall had had a tough time against Thor. He knew he'd have the lumberjacks to worry about too. His Ladderjack match with Oz Van Damn was still fresh in his mind after all this time. He'd have to be on guard. No room for distractions. No room for error. This Live-Wire would be something special. There was going to be one hell of a match. Our hero would be wrestling for the Universal Championship. That's Universal Championship Wrestling. Could our hero overcome the odds? Had his student's words been enough to inspire him to victory? Would the Machine help his friend? Who would Joe Stall's Jealousy opponent be? Could our hero defeat "The Demon King" Sah'ta Thor? Would our hero capture the legacy of UCW? Could the Original Gladiator relive old glory? We'll find out... on Live-Wire...
The match began and there was no sign of our hero. Bodies had been battered. Necks broken. Careers ended in an instant. Yes, this was exaggeration, but the hazards were real. The brutality of the match saw former champions fall unceremoniously. The Devil's back was sliced open. Camisado's chest was shredded in razor wire. The Raven was grounded by a guillotine-like Leg Drop, and once the smoke had all cleared, the dastardly "Ultra" Jack Cool was standing tall. The thousands in attendance voiced their disapproval. His hand was raised and all hope was lost. Until...
A familiar opening riff echoed through the arena. One that had stood the test of time. Jon Bon Jovi's unique voice could be heard screaming: "YOU! You've got a nasty reputation!" The opening line sounded like it was aimed at the pink-laden villain whose confusion turned into him bitterly clenching his fists in the battlefield. Our suplex-wielding hero walked out to a thunderous ovation. The people were on their feet, hoping that the Human Suplex Machine could topple the brash phony. The roaring ovation intensified as Marcus Brody charged down the ramp. No one got back in their seats. There was a rumbling of applause and stomping of feet so loud you'd thought lightning has just struck. He stormed onto the battlefield and...
The former "General" silenced the crowd by catching our hero with stomps. Our hero was lifted to his feet and whipped into the ropes. The crowd was stunned when they thought all hope was lost. They silently hoped the returning legend could pull something out and give them a reason to cheer. Jack Cool attempted a clothesline. Everyone thought Brody had failed. They thought too soon, for Marcus ducked and caught Jack Cool with a waistlock. They all knew what was coming, so the crowd looked on intensely before...
BAM! "The Human Suplex Machine" nailed the former rock star with the Brody-Plex! The momentum propelled a dazed Jack Cool to his feet and, shades of his student and longtime friend, our hero wound up his arm and bolted to his groggy adversary, projecting him over the top rope and to the trenches below. The ring was barren, for all but Brody had been vanquished. Debris surrounded him. Broken tables, barbed wire, and spilled blood were littered everywhere, but our hero stood victorious. His arms were raised triumphantly while thousands cheered on. Marcus Brody was back!
"Bloody hell, Marcus! That was some performance!"
This was the first thing said to our hero about his spectacular return. Though he didn't hear it for a few days. People were too busy being tended to by medics, or getting ready for their matches to notice Marcus returning to the back. Just like he was weeks ago, he hung his head with loneliness. Even his close friend who'd come to the arena with him was nowhere to be found. But of course, Lost Heroes Commissioner Predator was probably in Pain's office discussing some things with the FWF Chairman. It was as if The Predator had saved his reaction for this very moment.
He met up with The Predator once they were back in England. They'd chosen to rendezvous in the place where it all began for their friendship. The UCW Arena. That wasn't the reason, however. Our hero wasn't just back competing in FWF, he used his expertise and expansive knowledge to teach Warriors and Gladiators of the future, and to help current Warriors maintain or improve their form. They all tended to train in the gyms at the classic venue. The classes were in session in the other rooms and Predator liked to keep a low profile, despite being in charge of the school, so they went into the main arena. They lounged by the purple-roped ring on a pair of folding chairs they'd found lying around. Unbeknownst to him, these had been missed from being cleared up after UCW's founder, Sandy Strachon had sneaked in one morning with Marcus' son, MTB and the notorious tag team, The Breakfast Table for some endurance training.
"Really? I wasn't in there too long and he got the first-"
"Exactly."
"Huh?"
Marcus looked over to The Predator inquisitively. Our hero was quite the modest man. Humble, as well. It was no surprise that he was respected throughout this industry.
"Yeah. You didn't get the first shot in, and you took him out with two moves!"
"When you put it like that..."
"Perspective, Marcus. Perspective. You have to look at everything positively. Your return can't be a one-shot thing, either. You're the number one contender to the Universal title. You know what that means, right?"
"I'm in this for the long haul."
The Predator nodded. Though he didn't appear most pleased with his friend's lack of motivation.
"Your mind isn't in this. I can tell."
"What do you mean? I gave my all at War Zone."
"I know you did, but you're dreading what's next instead of looking forward to it. You have a shot at the Universal title! It doesn't just mean being in this for the long haul. You're wrestling for the Universal Championship! That's Universal Championship Wrestling! Think about it! You're challenging for FWF's tribute to UCW! You're fighting for UCW!"
Despite the legendary Warrior's impassioned words, our legendary Gladiator's mind hadn't changed. The words seemed to have no effect. He just sat there, unmoved.
"But UCW's dead."
"As a company, yes. You're right. But our legacy lives forever. Man, you're not the same Marcus that trained me! The Marcus Brody that wrestled his heart out every time he was out there!"
In his attempt to inspire our hero, The Predator eased himself to his feet with help from his cane and faltered over to the ring. Up the dusty, worn out and battered black steps and through the purple ropes he was all too familiar with.
"Come on, Marcus! Get in here!"
Now The Predator was leaning back in one of the corners with his head turned to our hero. He took a few moments of deliberation before slowly standing up. Had there been a crowd, they'd have been on their feet. With purpose in his step, Marcus Brody walked to the steps and marched up them before powering through the ropes. The Predator was smiling and clapping his hands together like a proud teacher.
"Remember this feeling? Doesn't it feel good?"
Words weren't necessary. The smile on our hero's face told us everything. Being in that ring was something he relished. He leaned back on the ropes, bounced back and ran the ropes. He was quick for a 53-year old. Predator stepped forward and held his right arm out, supported by the cane in his left hand. Our hero ducked and rolled under the legend's arm and positioned himself behind Predator, gripping him in a waist lock, then immediately letting go. Predator tapped his cane with joy.
"See? See, Marcus? Felt good, didn't it? "
"Yeah."
"I want you to remember all those times you were UCW Champion. Think of how it felt, Marcus. Think about all those fans who chanted your name. Think about why you're back in the ring. Just think."
Marcus went over to a corner and sat on the top turnbuckle. A place that was unfamiliar territory for our ground-based hero. His friend didn't react at all. It must have been commonplace for him to do it. Not many knew how our hero's mind worked.
"Pred..."
"Yeah?"
"You're right. I thought about it. It felt good. No. It felt great."
"There you go! Then what's your problem?"
There was a long pause. Was there anything to keep our hero down? Had The Predator been able to lift his spirits? Our hero dropped down from the top and ran the ropes some more. He ran and ran and ran, even leaping over imaginary hurdles. For a man his age, he sure had some impressive jumping ability. Even more impressive was his sudden ability to stop. He stopped right in front of Predator and glared at him.
"Thor. I don't think I can beat Thor."
"What makes you think that?"
"He retired you."
Predator shook his head, and returned our hero's glare with one of his own. Many had fallen victim to The Predator's glare, but not Marcus Brody. He didn't quiver nor did he flinch.
"He didn't retire me. I knew my days were numbered since my first knee injury in 2002. Sure. He takes credit for my retirement, but it wasn't him. It was the Devil's Advocate. The match you never thought you'd see, and the match you wish you never saw. That's what retired me."
"But what if I lose? What if Junior beats him next week and I can't?"
"Then props to MTB, and better luck next time to you. Come on, you're Marcus Brody! The Human Suplex Machine! The reason I got into wrestling! And if you think your age will set you back, Joe Stall's sixty-one! And Thor... he's in his early five-hundreds! Seriously!? Have you forgotten 2006? When you said you were gonna Grandslam to get me back! What happened to that Marcus Brody? Be THAT Marcus, damn it! Be the arse-kicking machine you once were!"
His eyes fixated on Marcus' and his body trembled in an irritated manner. Had he finally gotten through to our hero? Another long pause filled the empty arena until our hero dropped down from the turnbuckle and rolled out of the ring. He looked up to Predator from the ramp and nodded.
"You're right, Pred. You're always right."
Predator winked at his dear friend.
"You taught me to be right."
Our Machine turned to leave but before he could, Predator yelled to him from the ring, pointing his cane at the Human Suplex Machine.
"Psychology! Psychology, Marcus! Get into Thor's mind and you can beat him!"
Our hero chewed his former apprentice's words over for days and days. He still taught his classes and scouted talent, but the rest of the time, he was at home, psyching himself up, and working out. He didn't need snakes, eagles or panthers to get Thor. All he needed was to just be there. As his son was facing Sah'ta Thor in a Lost Heroes League match, our hero made his way out. Thor was distracted and fell victim to the Su-Prey. That was sure to play with Thor's mind.
Soon after, the match was set. August 4th 2011, the main event of Live-Wire. In a first round Jealousy match... "The Demon King" Sah'ta Thor versus "The Human Suplex Machine" Marcus Brody. For the
Two people who wouldn't be there were James Stall, and Marcus' son MTB. A team called The New Direction who everyone added an s to the end of. As you all know, our hero and the young Warrior haven't spoken in months. Whenever they were near, the atmosphere was tense...
It wasn't so tense, however, when Brody was with his old rival and partner, "Captain" Joe Stall, it was all banter. Even when they were training together. They'd already been training for two hours, working on some chain wrestling and escape techniques. The conversation soon got interesting once the champion had our hero locked in the Captain Clutch.
"Heard you're in the Jealousy tournament, Marcus. Think you're gonna win?"
Struggling against his friend's clutch, Marcus Brody let out short, sudden gasps, trying to respond to the World Champion.
"Got... to... get... past... Thor... first!"
"Worried about Thor?"
Our struggling hero let his body do the talking. He backed his elbow into Joe's ribs until his grip loosened. Then the veteran Gladiator broke out of the hold, ducked around and caught Joe in a Full Nelson.
"I take every opponent seriously. I'm treating this like a title match."
"But it is a title match."
Marcus took Joe to the mat with a Full Nelson Suplex. He tried converting it into a pin attempt but there's no keeping the Champion down. He kicked out straight away. The partners separated locked eyes. Brody smiled a smile that not many had seen for years. It appeared as if he was back in his groove.
"Precisely. I win this and we'll both be champions again. Joe! It'll be like old times. It'll be like UCW."
"Yeah. Me as UCW Champion. You were Intercontinental Champion. But you've gotta win first. What makes you think you can beat Thor?"
The aging legends grappled. Marcus ducked around Joe and went for a waistlock. Before the towering "Captain" could counter, the shorter Marcus jumped up and caught Joe's head bringing him into a set-up for a Fisherman Suplex.
"That."
"That's good."
Joe prevented our hero from hooking his leg, wrapped his arms around his friend and nailed a quick and powerful Sergeant Spinebuster. His hulking form stood over the supine Gladiator, offering a hand.
"'Cause if you win Jealousy, you can use your Golden Ticket for a match with me. And I ain't takin' you lightly."
Joe guffawed as Marcus gripped his hand and was helped to his feet.
"Great. I don't expect you to. Don't go taking the Wordl title for granted, either. You find out your opponent for Jealousy on Live-Wire. Who do you reckon? Benny or Jack?"
"A challenge is a challenge. I'll see it off, Marcus. Doesn't mean they ain't gonna be trouble. Even if it's one on one, the other's gonna get involved. It'll be like a Handicap match."
"If you need any help with them, I'm here. It'll be like old times. The original Brody and Stall back together! Universal Champ. World Champ. Showing those tarts who's boss. They're nothing on Smith & Wesson or Rock & Hardplace."
"Forgot about those guys. Quite good. Gave us a run for our money back in '94."
"Aye. We should together again, you know, for old time's sake."
The "Captain" wrapped a muscular arm around his old friend and embraced him tightly.
"If I need anything I'll let you know."
"That's all I need to hear, Joe. We'll do better than the young'uns did. If it wasn't for you, Benny and Jack'll be the tag champs..."
"Yeah. Didn't want that happening. Whatcha think of my new music?"
"I miss 'Real American' but I guess I like it. It said to everyone: 'I'm Joe Stall, and I've still got it.'"
They shared a laugh with their arms around each other. You'd have thought they'd have been to the pub instead of training.
"It's good. Anyway, Marcus. Gotta dash. I'm still Headmaster of the FWF Academy."
"It's a tough life, eh, Joe? See you later."
Joe let go of Marcus and patted him on the shoulder with one of his shovel-like hands and headed to the door of the battered gym, away from the training mats. At the door, he raised his frying pan of a hand to his partner.
"Good luck with Thor! He's tough! Watch out for the lumberjacks too!"
"I know!"
Of course our hero knew. He knew The Demon King would be difficult to vanquish. Even The Predator and "Captain" Joe Stall had had a tough time against Thor. He knew he'd have the lumberjacks to worry about too. His Ladderjack match with Oz Van Damn was still fresh in his mind after all this time. He'd have to be on guard. No room for distractions. No room for error. This Live-Wire would be something special. There was going to be one hell of a match. Our hero would be wrestling for the Universal Championship. That's Universal Championship Wrestling. Could our hero overcome the odds? Had his student's words been enough to inspire him to victory? Would the Machine help his friend? Who would Joe Stall's Jealousy opponent be? Could our hero defeat "The Demon King" Sah'ta Thor? Would our hero capture the legacy of UCW? Could the Original Gladiator relive old glory? We'll find out... on Live-Wire...