Robert Layton sat at his massive oak desk, the walls of his office lined with posters of legendary A.W.W. events and golden championship belts. Behind him, a full wall of windows overlooked the main arena below. This wasn’t just an office — it was the best seat in the house.
He ended a call with a huff. “It’s always a struggle dealing with some people.”
A light knock came at the door. His assistant poked her head in. “Mr. Layton, Mr. Zeus is here to see you.”
Robert’s expression darkened. “Fine. Let him in.”
Theodor Zeus strode into the room wearing a cowboy suit, spurs, and an oversized hat, an unlit cigar clenched between his teeth and a cocky grin on his face.
“Bob! Good to see you!” he bellowed.
“It’s Robert,” Layton replied coolly, remaining seated. “And you know it.”
Zeus dropped into the chair across from him. “Saw yer show the other night. Woooo! What a match! And that third feller — the lion guy. What an ending!”
“You didn’t fly up here from Austin just to compliment my show,” Robert said, cutting to the point.
Zeus laughed. “Always straight to business. I had my people look into this new boy of yours. You know what I found?”
Robert leaned forward. “That we know as little about him as you do. No name, no history, and he isn’t under contract with us.”
Zeus pointed his cigar at him. “Right on the money! I just want to know if you were holdin’ anything back. You know who he is, don’t you?”
“What do you actually want, Zeus?”
The promoter’s grin widened. “Confederate Brawlers needs new blood. The A.W.W. is eating our lunch every month. I’ve got a new agent who’s real keen on your lion guy. We can make him a star — the biggest on our roster. You’ve got plenty of celebrity wrestlers who won’t like the competition. Let me take him and make him my star.”
Robert considered this. He knew the wrestling world was more Hollywood than sport. Bringing in someone new could easily steal the spotlight from the stars they’d spent years building.
He finally spoke. “I’m not a fan of yours personally. You oversell your matches and pull some shady gimmicks. But you’ve treated your wrestlers well enough. I trust you’d do right by him.”
“HA!” Zeus stood and stuck out his hand. “Sounds like we got a deal!”
Robert didn’t move. “However, I don’t know this guy. He showed up, interrupted my match, and barely said a word when I offered him a contract. I can’t speak for what he wants. My guess is he’ll be back tomorrow for the amateur try-out event. You come with your agent. I’ll have mine ready. We’ll both make our offers and let him choose.”
Zeus slowly nodded, his grin returning. “You’re a good businessman, Bob. Real good. I like the deal. I’ll see you Friday.” He tipped his hat and walked out.
Robert muttered under his breath, “What a blowhard.”
A beep sounded on his desk. He pressed the button. “Yes?”
“Sir, we have an incoming vessel from BADGE requesting clearance to land on the roof.”
“Let them land. I’ll greet them myself.”
Gar sat in the back of the shuttle while EB stood on the co-pilot seat, practically vibrating with excitement as he stared out the window.
“Why are you so excited?” Gar asked.
“This is THE headquarters for A.W.W.! Some of the best wrestlers in history started here. I hope I get to meet Stone or Mad Marauder… oh, I hope Shrieka is there.”
“What’s Shrieka?” Gar asked.
EB zipped back to him, eyes sparkling. “Shrieka is only the hottest, sexiest woman wrestler alive! She can body slam with the best of them. I would love to be body slammed by her.” He was practically drooling.
Gar looked down at the tablet Chase had given him. “I still don’t understand what pro-wrestling is.”
“What’s not to understand? They fight and tell the best stories!”
“How can a sport have storylines? Are they actors on a stage?”
“Sorta,” EB said. “Listen, all you need to know is that it isn’t real fighting. It’s mostly faked. It’s a performance, but they do it with so much finesse. It’s gripping and exciting and just the best! Oh— we’re here, we’re here!” He clapped his paws and vanished in a flash.
The shuttle landed moments later. Gar stepped out to find EB already bouncing in front of Robert Layton and his two security guards.
Gar walked over and smiled. “Greetings from BADGE. I apologize — EB wasn’t supposed to teleport ahead.”
EB shook with excitement. “Sorry! I got excited. I’ve been a huge fan for years. I even sponsored some of your events back in the late 90s — Summer Smash 5 and 6!”
Robert raised an eyebrow, though he was clearly amused. “I don’t recall the Easter Bunny on our books.”
“Oh, it was my chocolate companies that sponsored them, but I own them all, so it was me. Here, have some!” EB zipped around Robert and the two guards. In seconds, all three were holding glowing chocolate eggs and wearing stunned expressions.
“EB, stop,” Gar said firmly.
EB rushed back to his side. “Sorry. Just so excited!”
Robert laughed and casually passed his egg to one of his men. “I can see that. Good to know I have a real fan. As you know, I’m Robert Layton, CEO of A.W.W.”
Gar shook his hand. “I’m Gargoyle of BADGE. We don’t want to inconvenience you. We just need to speak with anyone who met the stranger from the match and be here in case he returns.”
Robert nodded. “He hasn’t been seen since that night. But I suspect he’ll show up tomorrow for the amateur show. Hey… you look like you could hold your own in a fight. Want to join the amateur event? Great publicity for BADGE.”
“I don’t—”
EB jumped up and grabbed Gar by the ears, pulling himself up to eye level. “DO IT! We can be a team! Think of it — it would be SOOOOOO COOL!”
Robert chuckled. “Sorry, little buddy. Superpowers aren’t allowed in the matches. But your friend here? He’s got the build for it.”
EB dropped down and flexed his tiny arms. “I’m more than my magic.”
Gar gave a small smile. “Thank you. I’ll… think about it. For now, I’d like to inspect the area and speak with your staff.”
Robert motioned for them to follow. “I figured you would. I’ve already gathered security and the workers. I’m curious how that guy got all the way to the ring without anyone noticing. Trust me — heads will roll over this.”
