Rowan's Request

Entering the General Manager's office, a wide room with a big flat TV screen showing a Grindhouse Wrestling match, a wide black-coated table, and several black couches and office chairs at the sides could be seen. A computer could be spotted being placed in the middle of the table, both long and short books arranged on the side, and a white cup of coffee covered with a flat plastic on the other side.

The office was painted in gold and black to rhyme with the Grindhouse official brand color, but the carpet below had a dull white hue. Several picture charts of top Grindhouse superstars could be seen pasted on the walls, some retired ones could be noticed too.

"Huhu! What do we have here?" A man with a hairless head quickly stood up from the office chair facing the table and approached the students with a silly chuckle. He has dark-spotted ivory skin and a sturdy physique, his pointed nose thrust its extreme edge like the tip of a knife.

"The newly selected Grindhouse stars from Rising Impact University, sir," the bald man said as he took the lead.

"Oh, I see," the principal walked over, stealing glances at all the students.

When his gaze clashed with Arnold, a smirk seemed to appear on his face. However, he didn't utter a word and only switched his gaze to another direction.

Arnold who clearly noticed the General Manager's complicated gaze let out a sigh of relief after not hearing a word from him. At first, he thought the manager might just decide not to get him signed to the roster. Although it wasn't as if he was as frail-looking as before, Arnold knew that the cause of the smirk wouldn't be due to physical appearance issues.

'Who knows.' He thought.

"Welcome, everyone, to the grassroot show of the Ultimate Revolution Wrestling Promotion. I'm Jack Harris, the General Manager of Grindhouse Wrestling, and of course, I hope you guys have got a hint of how things go around here."

"Being a Grindhouse wrestler isn't entirely being a pro wrestler. Although we have fans and give satisfying wages, this show is just the lowest stage of a wrestler's rise to the top of the industry. If you can prove yourself as a powerful force with great potential, the top shows will develop interest in you in just a short period. I'm sure you guys want main event a Rampage or Slamdown show someday?"

Almost everyone nodded with a determined look on their faces.

Rampage and Slamdown are the two top shows owned by the Ultimate Revolution Wrestling Promotion. When a wrestler is privileged to compete in the top shows, they are either sent to Rampage or Slamdown. Although these two shows are owned by the same company, there was a little flow of rivalry between them. However, both of these shows are seen as the best professional wrestling shows in the world today. It was every pro wrestler's dream to be there, especially becoming a champion.

"That's aside. The URW management has urged us to give a test to the newly appointed stars before having to sign a deal. You guys would need to take on a Grindhouse wrestler before the procession of the contract begins. If you manage to win, kudos to you. If you lose, well, it wouldn't have much effect as you would have more matches to prove yourself in the future."

"Remember, professional wrestling is no longer scripted. A match happens naturally with the way the competitors take it. All safety measures would be carried out by the Health Team before every match, so good luck."

The students nodded with slight glints of nervousness on their faces. Of course, this was the first time they would have to perform in a real show where thousands of fans were seated and watching. Their path to success begins at the moment they make their debut.

No one wanted to start with failure...

Not in their debut.

"And most importantly, a personal custom, stage music, and entrance video planner would be directed to your rooms tomorrow, so you have to go for the best appearance and what fits your persona. Good luck, again. The next show would be in four days," Jack Harris smiled at everyone and went back to his chair to sit.

The official wouldn't have to follow the students again as some staffs led them to their rooms. Arnold had been feeling his heart beating hard in his chest lately, however, he was delighted after noticing that he would be alone in his room, reducing the nervousness in his mind.

His debut was undoubtedly a crucial opportunity to earn good value... Now, Arnold knew that it was time to work hard to make a way to the top. Firstly, he just hoped that he wouldn't have to face a deadly opponent. That would give another slight relief, at least.

Arnold didn't even spare a second to look around his room after entering and quickly brought out his smartphone from his pocket. Quickly, he logged in to Facebook and swiped right to the "page section".

Just as other pro wrestlers did, Arnold was about to create a professional page for his wrestling career. Not only on Facebook but on Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok.

He couldn't just wait to start gaining followers and supporters since this was what fueled most wrestlers' motivation. Actually, this was likely to be his source of motivation as well.

Arnold quickly created a page named "Max Fury" on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. To his greatest shock, he gained thirty followers on Facebook in about ten minutes.

Arnold's brows furrowed. "What the...?"

"Is this some sort of joke? How f**king come???" Arnold was stunned for quite a while.

However, this shock suddenly vanished after going to the Grindhouse Wrestling page to see the post of the show announcing the appointment of fifteen new stars with their ring names listed.

"Oh, this must be why. Thank God I created a page already," Arnold sighed.

He gained five followers on Instagram but didn't get any on both TikTok and Twitter, but he was fine.

This was just the beginning.

Talking about the main focus, Arnold kept the social media thing to the side, rested a little, and visited the gym before nighttime.

Not knowing who his first opponent might be, he had to prepare a lot to prevent a defeat.

"No mistakes must be made in crucial moments like this," Arnold said to himself.

******

Meanwhile, at the general manager's office, a man with translucent skin and long dark hair was conversing with General Manager Jack Harris. His face was possessing a pleading picture, and his fists were slightly clenched, showing his desperation.

"We already had the matches arranged, Rowan. By the way, you already have a different match on that day," Jack Harris told Rowan Pierce.

After his loss to Max Fury, Rowan Pierce had sleepless nights, not believing that he was defeated in just two minutes. Now that he heard that Max Fury was also appointed to the roster, he had to take the opportunity to take him on again and avenge his shameful defeat. This time, to the world.

With a serious countenance, Rowan walked close to Jack Harris's table.

"I don't care about the match I have. But please, I want his debut match to be against me."

"I'm ready to take on two opponents on that they," Rowan begged.

Seeing Rowan's sincere face and understanding his pain, Jack had no choice but to grant his wish. After all, he loved stuff like this.

"Alright then. How about not making two different matches for you..."

Jack let out a delighted smile.

"At the main event of the show, it going to be you taking on Max Fury and Axel Stone..."

"... In a triple threat match!"