The Journey of Slam Jackson - Part I

The NRWL has been following Slam Jackson while he is on leave from the company. Jackson left the NRWL before the start of the fifth season because he felt he had let down the Slam Nation, his loyal fans. This series, "The Journey of Slam Jackson", documents one man on his path to return to the NRWL and make an impact like never before.

*Slam Jackson is in a wrestling ring inside of a small gym. The ceiling isn't very high, there is no padding outside the ring, and the other wrestlers are standing outside. Slam looks tired. He is sweating profusely and breathing heavy. Leaning against a corner turnbuckle, he looks ready to take a break.*

Slam Jackson: That was eight guys. Are we done?

*A man on the outside, clearly the trainer of this wrestling school, climbs into the ring. He is wearing a T-Shirt, sweatpants, and a baseball cap. He shakes his head, takes his cap off his head and runs his hand through his hair. He puts the cap back on and walks up to Slam Jackson. The man is wrestling legend and NRWL Hall of Famer, Mike Blood.*

Mike Blood: If you have to ask that question, then it's obvious we still have a lot of work to do. No. We're not done.

SJ: I've been running the drills everyday. I've gone through all the wrestling holds. I've fought off everyone you threw at me. What is it you want from me?

MB: Slam, when I agreed to take you on as a student, I knew I didn't need to teach you the basics. I knew I didn't need to teach you the advanced holds, submissions, or anything else like that. I knew from the first time I saw you in the NRWL that you had all those tools. What you didn't have, and you still don't have, is the attitude. You can have your fun but not at the expense of the hard work. That's why Johnny walked away with your championship. Quite easily, I might add. We aren't done. Tom, get in the ring and show Slam what a hungry wrestler is like in the ring.

*Tom Shire, long time student of Mike Blood and a former NRWL Minor League wrestler, steps into the ring. Both men grapple. Slam tries to fight him off but Shire gets the upper hand and pins Slam after a few minutes.*

Tom Shire: I never take this lightly, Jackson. I was so close to making it to the NRWL main roster. SO CLOSE! I'm not there yet and you know what? I haven't given up. I'm going to be there. I am going to earn my spot. At the rate you are going, you'll never see those bright lights again.

*Slam, sitting on the mat with his head in his hands pants heavily. He slams a fist down on the mat. Mike Blood and Tom Shire walk out of the ring.*

It was a tough day for Slam Jackson but he kept coming back. One month later, Slam Jackson found himself face to face with Tom Shire once again. It was a hard fought battle and everyone in the gym was on their feet, anxious to see who would win.

*Slam Jackson irish whips Tom Shire into the ropes and delivers a hard clothesline. Slam immediately capitalizes with an STF. Shire, in desperate need to escape, manages to reach the ropes. Slam breaks the hold. As Shire begins to stand up, Slam drops him with the Street Sweeper. Slam goes for the pin and Mike Blood, acting as referee, counts to three.*

Later that day after everyone has cleaned up the gym, packed their bags, and began to leave, Mike Blood pulled Slam Jackson aside and took him to his office.

MB: Slam, I have to say, I am very impressed with you over the last few weeks. I've been pretty hard on you and there was a time when I thought you wouldn't come back. I am sorry for doubting you but I'm happy that you stuck with it. I think you've come a long, long way.

SJ: Thank you, Mike. I was serious about this from the start. I want to get back to the NRWL and I want the NRWL Championship again. Working with you was the right thing to do. I'm glad I am here.

MB: I'm happy to hear that and I hope you got what you were expecting from my school. For now, I think we've come to the end. My door is always open to you and you are welcome to train with my group anytime you'd like. You have business elsewhere now. I know you haven't been watching but the NRWL has moved quickly in your absence. It has become a rougher, meaner environment. You need to be prepared.

SJ: What should I do?

MB: There are friends of mine down south that you should spend some time with. I think if you hang out with them for a little while, you'll thicken your skin enough to take those extreme matches that await you.

SJ: Ok. Where do I find these guys?

*Mike hands Slam a piece of paper.*

MB: Call this number and ask for Terry or Bobby. Tell them I sent you.

I'm Here To See The President

May 5th 2011

*Johnny Young is seen walking up to a large receptionist desk. Despite being inside, he is wearing his sunglasses.*

Receptionist: Yes sir, can I help you?

Johnny Young: I’m Johnny Young.

Receptionist: Yes, of course, Mr. Young, can I help you?

JY: I’m here to see Mr. Sunderland.

Receptionist: Did you have an appointment? I don’t see anything...

JY: Just tell him I’m here. I’m ‘The Star Player’. I don’t need an appointment.

Receptionist: I’m sorry, but Mr. Sunderland is out of town at the moment. He’ll be back on Monday. Would you like me to take a message?

*Johnny takes off his sunglasses and smiles.*

JY: Sure. Tell him that I saw Ash talking about wanting to lead a team in some kind of a tournament. You tell Mr. Sunderland that I want to captain one of those teams. I mean, I’m sure that putting me in charge of a team was the idea from the start but I just want to make it clear that I am all for it. Team Young is ready and willing!

*The receptionist is writing down the message.*

Receptionist: Ready... willing. Ok, I got it and I’ll make sure he gets it. Anything else I can help you with.

*Johnny puts his hand to his chin and rubs it in deep thought.*

JY: No, I guess that will, oh! Actually, yes! There is something else. I need you to book myself and Mark Blood to a rematch for the next event. You see, that idiot ref thought I was giving up when Blood had me in the STF but I was actually laughing. My hand tapped the mat accidentally! What a moron. Like I’d ever give up to a loser like Mark Blood. When we get into the ring next time, he’s going to be a world of hurt. You can count on that. I’m going to fix this mess!

Receptionist: I can’t do that!

JY: What do you mean? Don’t you book trips and things for Mr. Sunderland and Mr. Charles? So do it. Book a match!

Receptionist: Mr. Young, I do not book matches! If you want a match against Mark Blood, I suggest you go talk to the booking committee. They are just down the hall.

JY: Fine. Fine. I’ll do it myself. Useless. I don’t know how you have a job.

*Johnny Young walks out the door in disgust. A moment later, NRWL Hall of Famer Mike Blood comes out from a conference room.*

Mike Blood: Hi Linda, we’re just wrapping up our meeting. We have a list of potential inductees, can you send them to Mr. Sunderland and Mr. Charles to get their opinions? We’re hoping to come to a final decision soon.

Linda: Sure thing, Mr. Blood. I’ll take care of it immediately.

MB: Thanks. Hey, was someone just out here?

Linda: Yeah, Johnny Young was here. He came in asking to be team captain of an upcoming team tournament and then asked me to book him a rematch against your son! Like I could do that!

MB: What? Uhh, ok. Whatever. You know, he’s a really gifted wrestler but sometimes I think he’s taken too many piledrivers to the head.

*Linda and Mike Blood both look at the door that Johnny Young walked out of and shake their heads.*