Post by sam on Sept 7, 2013 10:21:40 GMT -6
Name: Sam
Email Address: theman75@hotmail.com
Best Way to Contact You: (Forum, Email)
eWrestling Experience: (What have you done? Where?)
--Handled in the WfWA for a few years as Sam Horrey in the EWC, OCW (2x), SWF, and AWA. Also in other efeds like the GWA, FTW and OCWF where I got my first start. Adrien Cochrane can vouch for me.
Wrestler(s) Information
Ring Name: "The Ronin" Sam Johnson
Height: 6'2
Weight: 235 lbs.
Entrance Song: "Hustler's Ambition" by 50 Cent --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3AiAem9JLQ
Hailing From: The East Elmhurst section of Queens, New York.
Alignment: -1 Heel: He's indifferent with regards to the fans because he knows that their opinions change from minute to minute. He's his own brand having established himself in both Pro Wrestling and Vale Tudo (*not MMA and there'll be rp's that explain it all.) That said, heels generally don't like him because he's invading their turf and he's totally amoral when it comes to his choices. Sam doesn't care who he has to use or eliminate to get to his goals. If it's a "good guy"...good for tv. If it's a "bad guy"...oh well they should've thought of it first.
Gimmick: Loves the competition aspect of wrestling, and the chaos that surrounds it. Jeanie--his off screen agent who is NEVER on camera is a bit more knowledgeable about the business aspect, having always handled his contracts. While they can clash at times, Sam and Jeanie are driven by their own demons to make it work for the both of them. She's the professional; he's the wrestler. And Sam is totally comfortable with that.
pic base: Lashley
Wrestling Style: Psychology is something he's fine tuned as he goes on. Generally he likes to wear down his opponents with Punches, knees, elbows, and hard roundhouse kicks to the legs and body. Suplexes are used frequently also. Joint submissions like the straight armbar, or kneebar are used as wear downs also. Choke submissions are a sign he's ready to end the match. While he is polished, he's a natural brawler; preferring to use his brutal mix of Muay Boran, ameteur wrestling and Judo over his once praised scientific
skills.
Wrestling attire: blue thigh level tights with different company logos adorning it, blue kneepads and black kickpads over black wrestling sneakers.
Entrance attire: A black sleeveless, hooded towel.
Entrance:
[The arena goes completely dark.]
"Like the fire needs the air, I won't burn unless your there..."
[Blue spotlights flash throughout the arena eventually settling on the entrance ramp.]
"Like the fire needs the air, I won't burn unless your there..."
[As the baseline of 50 Cent's "Hustler's Ambition" plays, Sam walks out to the entrance ramp with his traditional sleveless, black hooded towel hanging low over his eyes. A wall of blue flames go off behind Sam as he continues to walk down the aisle. Sam doesn't tag any outstretched hands as he walks down and receives a modest ovation from some of the smark crowd.]
Ring Announcer: From the East Elmhurst section, of Queens, New York City. Weighing 235 pounds, "The Ronin" Sam Jooooohnnsooooon.
[He continues up the steps, and through the middle ropes. He stands mid-ring, as the blue spotlights center on Sam, as he raises his thumbs toward himself (think RVD pose, just without doing the motion three times.) blue flames then erupt from the ring post bringing the arena lights back on, cutting the song off.
Weaknesses:
1. Penchant for brawling. Technical wizards capitalize on the openings he creates.
2. Aerial artists have a distinct advantage over him. He doesn't get high flyers; never understood why somebody would put themselves in such a vulnerable position. If Sam is prone on the mat, he'd move out the way if somebody were going to crash down on to him. If Sam is standing however, he gets a deer-in-the-headlights look whenever an aerial artist flies at him, so they're like 90% effective against him.
3. Power Wrestlers--Big Power Wrestlers. At 235 pounds, he's pretty light for power wrestlers who can ragdoll him; especially before his strikes and submission have had a chance to do their damage. Extremely vulnerable to defeat in the first 15-20 minutes of a match.
Three Strengths:
1. Striking game is stiff, crisp. They do a ton of damage. Going toe to toe with him is a no-no.
2. Grappling game is even more so. His torque on his submissions is dangerous. His leverage and grip strength make it possible for him to suplex just about anybody.
3. Conditioning. Sam has made a living based on going the distance. He's extremely difficult to beat once a match goes over the 20-25 minute mark because his strikes become harder as the match wears on, his submission attempts become more and more difficult to escape. He's explosive--Sam's strikes and suplexes usually come out of nowhere, when his opponent least expects it. He's not fast...he's sudden.
MOVESET
Regular moveset moves:
1) Punches
2) Roundhouse kicks to the body, and to the legs
3) German Suplex
4) Clothesline
5) Armbar--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3QEVJCunXM
6) Kneebar--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyNbnBEh0nk
7) Belly to Belly suplex Overhead
8) T-Bone Suplex
9) Heel Hook--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahktYM6Q4sU
10) Omoplata--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaHAWCDcc64
11) Dragon Suplex --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKTz3dRti3A
Trademark moves:
1) Head and Arm Sam-plex: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKObLwjacxU
2) Triangle Choke--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiR9R7VlOME
3) Muay Thai clinch w/ knees--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=LazyoSzuGWU
4) Deadlift Gutwrench Suplex--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDe7qHVSRms (only big matches)
5) Anaconda Choke--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JHu4x2y4EU (sparingly, big matches)
6) John Woo--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9s00Sjr4PQ
7) Dragon Screw Neck Whip --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jv0nejZdeg (only used to set up E.L.E. finisher)
Finishers.
1)Ground and Pound--Sam takes an opponent down, and after getting the full mount, begins reigning down unanswered punches and elbows to the face of his opponent. Either his opponent taps out, or the referee stops the match seeing as the opponent can no defend his or herself. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN3eXyymoe4
2)Black Magic--Sam explodes at an opponent, springing off them for extra leverage, to bash his opponent senseless with a flying Muay Thai style knee. Could be done while opponent is standing or kneeling. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0XpcrGQ3_c for reference)
Desperation Finishing Move--- E.L.E. (Extinction-Level Event): The most lethal version of the Roundhouse kick in Sam's arsenal. With an opponent on one or both knees, Sam delivers a brutal roundhouse kick to his opponent's head. Complete shin on head force, that with Sam's kicking power and expertise knocks his opponent's out. Sam can miss the kick, or it can be parried, or countered; but if it connects: game over.--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XnUhnWDfHc Affects opponents like Orton's Punt kick where they don't know their head from their ass afterward) Has that 'crack' sound to it a la Tajiri, that the announcers sell hard.
Sample Roleplay:
Tokyo.
Dusk was beginning to settle over the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' which meant that it was time for Sam to get up. He had a long trip ahead of him, and it did him no good to be late. With his alarm buzzing on his side of the bed, he reached his brawny hand over and fumbled around for the snooze button.
Izumi, the beautiful Japanese tour guide laying across his chest, stirred awake.
"Mornin'." He brushed back her hair.
She looked at the clock. "It's almost 6pm. What do you mean, 'mornin'?"
Izumi and Sam quickly realized the hoarseness of her voice.
"Wow, I sound bad." She chuckled. "All your fault."
"How's it my fault?" He asked. "What I do to you?"
"Mmm...everything." She straddled him, with a satisfied smile on her face. Her small hands grazed his muscular chest. "Everything and thensome."
"So you'll look me up next time you're in New York, right?" Sam placed his hands around her waist. "I'm convinced you can hit higher notes than you did this afternoon."
She leaned in and kissed him, "Maybe I will....Sammy."
His eyes narrowed in on her. "I never told you my name."
"You didn't have to. Your build, and the tattoo of the dragon fighting the tiger on your back gave you away." Izumi brushed her hair back. "You're Japan's Vale Tudo Grand Champion."
He just stared at her.
"Of course, that's not all you are is it?" She continued. "The underground call you--"
"Alright...you know me." He interrupted. "So what was this? Me...You...?"
"Just sex." Izumi said. "I've seen you fight before. You fight passionately, and I admit, it's gets a girl wondering what else can you do passionately. From the sound of my voice, I got my answer, didn't I."
"Three times, you got your answer." Sam chimed.
"Four, but who's counting?" Izumi winked. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, but I'm under no obligation to answer." Sam responded.
"Why are you leaving?"
"Cause I have to." Sam sat up looking her in her eyes. "That simple."
"What will you do in the States? I mean, sure you can fight MMA, but it's not what you're used to." Izumi probed.
She stood up and walked into the bathroom. Sam reached into his bag pulling out a flyer from Exodus Pro Wrestling mailed to him from New York. On it, it advertised free tryouts. There was a sticky note attached to it, which read "New York still loves you...Start Over." Sam put it back into his bag, it was the furthest thing from his mind at this time.
He looked over at the custom made white suit hanging up in his closet.
"Goin' back home means that I gotta say good bye, to you." Sam's eyes lowered somberly. He pulled out his cell and scrolled to a picture. "Don't know if I'm ready to do that yet. But in 15 hours I won't have a choice, right?"
Izumi popped her head out the bathroom, steam behind her. "Why don't we conserve water, and shower together?"
"Good Idea, my flight leaves at 7pm." Sam answered as walked towards the bathroom.
"Good." She opened the door. "You get in there, I'll meet you in a moment. Just wanna get my clothes laid out. I have a tour at 7pm from the airport myself."
Sam slipped by her and walked into the bathroom, entering the shower. Izumi slid out and closed the door. She laid her clothes on the bed--the ones she was planning to wear during her tour.
Her phone rang.
"This is Izumi." She answered. When she heard the voice on the phone, she walked inside the kitchen, lowering her voice. "Yeah, I did what you told me to. He's going back to New York. Looks like one of your top enforcers is thinking about staying there for good..."
Her face turned serious.
"Understood...bye." She hung up her phone.
"You aight out there?" Sam popped his head out from the bathroom.
"Yeah, caught a call that's all." She smiled, placing her phone back in her purse. "I'll be in there in a second."
As Sam stepped back into the shower, Izumi said aloud to herself.
"And so it begins, Sammy."
[_+_]
Sam stepped out of the cab, and onto the sidewalk. Dressed handsomely in a custom fit White suit, and orange tie, he looked on at the Allen AME Cathedral. Even after all these years, the size of the cathedral still blows him away.
"Here I am." He said as he put his blue tinted Shield Aviator shades on. "Let's do it."
He walked up the series of steps and into the cathedral, entering the sanctuary.
"Is there another one?" The minister said. "Anybody else?"
Sam raised his hand, walking down the aisle. Upon seeing Sam, the minister gasped. When Sam made his way down the aisle, everyone gasped as well.
It's been 4 years since he's been home.
Whether it was everybody clapping that made Sam cry or the sight of the white casket in front of him is open for debate.
This and only this could have brought him home.
"Um...my name is Sam. And I--I'm here to pay my respects to Master Inoue. He told me once that if this day should ever come that me and his other students were to wear white as a sign that he is at rest." Sam wiped his eyes. "What I'll miss most about him, was the way he embraced life; always learning in life, even though we called him 'Master'. There was always new wisdom to gain, always more lessons to learn..."
Sam's eyes looked upwards.
"...He never gave up on me, even when I gave him plenty of reason to." Sam paused to hold back more tears. "I just wish I could tell him 'thank you', one last time. Orasumi, arigato gozai masu Inoue-san."
He stepped down from the microphone, and took another look at Master Inoue in the coffin. Kissing his own fingers, he placed them on forehead of the lifeless shell that once housed the spirit of the man that taught him everything.
Later...
The church had laid out a very nice spread for Master Inoue's family and friends. Sam however, just couldn't partake in the fellowship. Needing to be alone, he unbuttoned his jacket and stood outside.
Of course that wouldn't last.
"You know, he never did give up on you."
Sam turned around to see his best friend, and sometime rival, Ron Steward.
Ron smiled. "None of us did, bruh. I mean, he always knew you would come home. Even with.....everything else."
Sam raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Maybe it's all the emotion in the air, but are you coming at me as my best friend or Detective Ronald Steward?"
"Probably a little of both, Sam." Ron answered, he stepped in front of him and placed his hands on Sam's shoulders. "I know you probably heard about how he died, and trust me I want his murder resolved as much as you do. But you gotta let me do this my way; by the book."
"I can't promise you that." Sam shrugged his shoulders.
"You're gonna have to, Sam." Ron folded his arms. "Especially in light of how interested my superiors are in the fact that a top foreign enforcer for the Japanese Underground shows up in the States on the day of this man's funeral."
"My time in Japan has nothing to do with this." Sam defended himself.
"It has everything to do with this!" Detective Steward barked.
"Well, well, well...A pleasure to see not much has changed since we were kids." A voice chided them from their blindside.
They turned to see her walking up towards them. She was dressed in a form fitting white one-piece skirt and orange Prada pumps.
"Jeanie..." Sam and Ron said in unison.
Enter Elizabeth Jeannine Rosado.
The woman who will turn Sam's life around...
"It's called Exodus Pro, Sam. I think the wrestling world is ready for you again." She said sweetly, holding another Exodus Pro Tryout flyer in front of her. "How about we grab dinner tomorrow, and we'll talk."
...even if it kills him.
Email Address: theman75@hotmail.com
Best Way to Contact You: (Forum, Email)
eWrestling Experience: (What have you done? Where?)
--Handled in the WfWA for a few years as Sam Horrey in the EWC, OCW (2x), SWF, and AWA. Also in other efeds like the GWA, FTW and OCWF where I got my first start. Adrien Cochrane can vouch for me.
Wrestler(s) Information
Ring Name: "The Ronin" Sam Johnson
Height: 6'2
Weight: 235 lbs.
Entrance Song: "Hustler's Ambition" by 50 Cent --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3AiAem9JLQ
Hailing From: The East Elmhurst section of Queens, New York.
Alignment: -1 Heel: He's indifferent with regards to the fans because he knows that their opinions change from minute to minute. He's his own brand having established himself in both Pro Wrestling and Vale Tudo (*not MMA and there'll be rp's that explain it all.) That said, heels generally don't like him because he's invading their turf and he's totally amoral when it comes to his choices. Sam doesn't care who he has to use or eliminate to get to his goals. If it's a "good guy"...good for tv. If it's a "bad guy"...oh well they should've thought of it first.
Gimmick: Loves the competition aspect of wrestling, and the chaos that surrounds it. Jeanie--his off screen agent who is NEVER on camera is a bit more knowledgeable about the business aspect, having always handled his contracts. While they can clash at times, Sam and Jeanie are driven by their own demons to make it work for the both of them. She's the professional; he's the wrestler. And Sam is totally comfortable with that.
pic base: Lashley
Wrestling Style: Psychology is something he's fine tuned as he goes on. Generally he likes to wear down his opponents with Punches, knees, elbows, and hard roundhouse kicks to the legs and body. Suplexes are used frequently also. Joint submissions like the straight armbar, or kneebar are used as wear downs also. Choke submissions are a sign he's ready to end the match. While he is polished, he's a natural brawler; preferring to use his brutal mix of Muay Boran, ameteur wrestling and Judo over his once praised scientific
skills.
Wrestling attire: blue thigh level tights with different company logos adorning it, blue kneepads and black kickpads over black wrestling sneakers.
Entrance attire: A black sleeveless, hooded towel.
Entrance:
[The arena goes completely dark.]
"Like the fire needs the air, I won't burn unless your there..."
[Blue spotlights flash throughout the arena eventually settling on the entrance ramp.]
"Like the fire needs the air, I won't burn unless your there..."
[As the baseline of 50 Cent's "Hustler's Ambition" plays, Sam walks out to the entrance ramp with his traditional sleveless, black hooded towel hanging low over his eyes. A wall of blue flames go off behind Sam as he continues to walk down the aisle. Sam doesn't tag any outstretched hands as he walks down and receives a modest ovation from some of the smark crowd.]
Ring Announcer: From the East Elmhurst section, of Queens, New York City. Weighing 235 pounds, "The Ronin" Sam Jooooohnnsooooon.
[He continues up the steps, and through the middle ropes. He stands mid-ring, as the blue spotlights center on Sam, as he raises his thumbs toward himself (think RVD pose, just without doing the motion three times.) blue flames then erupt from the ring post bringing the arena lights back on, cutting the song off.
Weaknesses:
1. Penchant for brawling. Technical wizards capitalize on the openings he creates.
2. Aerial artists have a distinct advantage over him. He doesn't get high flyers; never understood why somebody would put themselves in such a vulnerable position. If Sam is prone on the mat, he'd move out the way if somebody were going to crash down on to him. If Sam is standing however, he gets a deer-in-the-headlights look whenever an aerial artist flies at him, so they're like 90% effective against him.
3. Power Wrestlers--Big Power Wrestlers. At 235 pounds, he's pretty light for power wrestlers who can ragdoll him; especially before his strikes and submission have had a chance to do their damage. Extremely vulnerable to defeat in the first 15-20 minutes of a match.
Three Strengths:
1. Striking game is stiff, crisp. They do a ton of damage. Going toe to toe with him is a no-no.
2. Grappling game is even more so. His torque on his submissions is dangerous. His leverage and grip strength make it possible for him to suplex just about anybody.
3. Conditioning. Sam has made a living based on going the distance. He's extremely difficult to beat once a match goes over the 20-25 minute mark because his strikes become harder as the match wears on, his submission attempts become more and more difficult to escape. He's explosive--Sam's strikes and suplexes usually come out of nowhere, when his opponent least expects it. He's not fast...he's sudden.
MOVESET
Regular moveset moves:
1) Punches
2) Roundhouse kicks to the body, and to the legs
3) German Suplex
4) Clothesline
5) Armbar--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3QEVJCunXM
6) Kneebar--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyNbnBEh0nk
7) Belly to Belly suplex Overhead
8) T-Bone Suplex
9) Heel Hook--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahktYM6Q4sU
10) Omoplata--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaHAWCDcc64
11) Dragon Suplex --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKTz3dRti3A
Trademark moves:
1) Head and Arm Sam-plex: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKObLwjacxU
2) Triangle Choke--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiR9R7VlOME
3) Muay Thai clinch w/ knees--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=LazyoSzuGWU
4) Deadlift Gutwrench Suplex--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDe7qHVSRms (only big matches)
5) Anaconda Choke--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JHu4x2y4EU (sparingly, big matches)
6) John Woo--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9s00Sjr4PQ
7) Dragon Screw Neck Whip --> www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jv0nejZdeg (only used to set up E.L.E. finisher)
Finishers.
1)Ground and Pound--Sam takes an opponent down, and after getting the full mount, begins reigning down unanswered punches and elbows to the face of his opponent. Either his opponent taps out, or the referee stops the match seeing as the opponent can no defend his or herself. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN3eXyymoe4
2)Black Magic--Sam explodes at an opponent, springing off them for extra leverage, to bash his opponent senseless with a flying Muay Thai style knee. Could be done while opponent is standing or kneeling. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0XpcrGQ3_c for reference)
Desperation Finishing Move--- E.L.E. (Extinction-Level Event): The most lethal version of the Roundhouse kick in Sam's arsenal. With an opponent on one or both knees, Sam delivers a brutal roundhouse kick to his opponent's head. Complete shin on head force, that with Sam's kicking power and expertise knocks his opponent's out. Sam can miss the kick, or it can be parried, or countered; but if it connects: game over.--> www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XnUhnWDfHc Affects opponents like Orton's Punt kick where they don't know their head from their ass afterward) Has that 'crack' sound to it a la Tajiri, that the announcers sell hard.
Sample Roleplay:
Tokyo.
Dusk was beginning to settle over the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' which meant that it was time for Sam to get up. He had a long trip ahead of him, and it did him no good to be late. With his alarm buzzing on his side of the bed, he reached his brawny hand over and fumbled around for the snooze button.
Izumi, the beautiful Japanese tour guide laying across his chest, stirred awake.
"Mornin'." He brushed back her hair.
She looked at the clock. "It's almost 6pm. What do you mean, 'mornin'?"
Izumi and Sam quickly realized the hoarseness of her voice.
"Wow, I sound bad." She chuckled. "All your fault."
"How's it my fault?" He asked. "What I do to you?"
"Mmm...everything." She straddled him, with a satisfied smile on her face. Her small hands grazed his muscular chest. "Everything and thensome."
"So you'll look me up next time you're in New York, right?" Sam placed his hands around her waist. "I'm convinced you can hit higher notes than you did this afternoon."
She leaned in and kissed him, "Maybe I will....Sammy."
His eyes narrowed in on her. "I never told you my name."
"You didn't have to. Your build, and the tattoo of the dragon fighting the tiger on your back gave you away." Izumi brushed her hair back. "You're Japan's Vale Tudo Grand Champion."
He just stared at her.
"Of course, that's not all you are is it?" She continued. "The underground call you--"
"Alright...you know me." He interrupted. "So what was this? Me...You...?"
"Just sex." Izumi said. "I've seen you fight before. You fight passionately, and I admit, it's gets a girl wondering what else can you do passionately. From the sound of my voice, I got my answer, didn't I."
"Three times, you got your answer." Sam chimed.
"Four, but who's counting?" Izumi winked. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, but I'm under no obligation to answer." Sam responded.
"Why are you leaving?"
"Cause I have to." Sam sat up looking her in her eyes. "That simple."
"What will you do in the States? I mean, sure you can fight MMA, but it's not what you're used to." Izumi probed.
She stood up and walked into the bathroom. Sam reached into his bag pulling out a flyer from Exodus Pro Wrestling mailed to him from New York. On it, it advertised free tryouts. There was a sticky note attached to it, which read "New York still loves you...Start Over." Sam put it back into his bag, it was the furthest thing from his mind at this time.
He looked over at the custom made white suit hanging up in his closet.
"Goin' back home means that I gotta say good bye, to you." Sam's eyes lowered somberly. He pulled out his cell and scrolled to a picture. "Don't know if I'm ready to do that yet. But in 15 hours I won't have a choice, right?"
Izumi popped her head out the bathroom, steam behind her. "Why don't we conserve water, and shower together?"
"Good Idea, my flight leaves at 7pm." Sam answered as walked towards the bathroom.
"Good." She opened the door. "You get in there, I'll meet you in a moment. Just wanna get my clothes laid out. I have a tour at 7pm from the airport myself."
Sam slipped by her and walked into the bathroom, entering the shower. Izumi slid out and closed the door. She laid her clothes on the bed--the ones she was planning to wear during her tour.
Her phone rang.
"This is Izumi." She answered. When she heard the voice on the phone, she walked inside the kitchen, lowering her voice. "Yeah, I did what you told me to. He's going back to New York. Looks like one of your top enforcers is thinking about staying there for good..."
Her face turned serious.
"Understood...bye." She hung up her phone.
"You aight out there?" Sam popped his head out from the bathroom.
"Yeah, caught a call that's all." She smiled, placing her phone back in her purse. "I'll be in there in a second."
As Sam stepped back into the shower, Izumi said aloud to herself.
"And so it begins, Sammy."
[_+_]
Sam stepped out of the cab, and onto the sidewalk. Dressed handsomely in a custom fit White suit, and orange tie, he looked on at the Allen AME Cathedral. Even after all these years, the size of the cathedral still blows him away.
"Here I am." He said as he put his blue tinted Shield Aviator shades on. "Let's do it."
He walked up the series of steps and into the cathedral, entering the sanctuary.
"Is there another one?" The minister said. "Anybody else?"
Sam raised his hand, walking down the aisle. Upon seeing Sam, the minister gasped. When Sam made his way down the aisle, everyone gasped as well.
It's been 4 years since he's been home.
Whether it was everybody clapping that made Sam cry or the sight of the white casket in front of him is open for debate.
This and only this could have brought him home.
"Um...my name is Sam. And I--I'm here to pay my respects to Master Inoue. He told me once that if this day should ever come that me and his other students were to wear white as a sign that he is at rest." Sam wiped his eyes. "What I'll miss most about him, was the way he embraced life; always learning in life, even though we called him 'Master'. There was always new wisdom to gain, always more lessons to learn..."
Sam's eyes looked upwards.
"...He never gave up on me, even when I gave him plenty of reason to." Sam paused to hold back more tears. "I just wish I could tell him 'thank you', one last time. Orasumi, arigato gozai masu Inoue-san."
He stepped down from the microphone, and took another look at Master Inoue in the coffin. Kissing his own fingers, he placed them on forehead of the lifeless shell that once housed the spirit of the man that taught him everything.
Later...
The church had laid out a very nice spread for Master Inoue's family and friends. Sam however, just couldn't partake in the fellowship. Needing to be alone, he unbuttoned his jacket and stood outside.
Of course that wouldn't last.
"You know, he never did give up on you."
Sam turned around to see his best friend, and sometime rival, Ron Steward.
Ron smiled. "None of us did, bruh. I mean, he always knew you would come home. Even with.....everything else."
Sam raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Maybe it's all the emotion in the air, but are you coming at me as my best friend or Detective Ronald Steward?"
"Probably a little of both, Sam." Ron answered, he stepped in front of him and placed his hands on Sam's shoulders. "I know you probably heard about how he died, and trust me I want his murder resolved as much as you do. But you gotta let me do this my way; by the book."
"I can't promise you that." Sam shrugged his shoulders.
"You're gonna have to, Sam." Ron folded his arms. "Especially in light of how interested my superiors are in the fact that a top foreign enforcer for the Japanese Underground shows up in the States on the day of this man's funeral."
"My time in Japan has nothing to do with this." Sam defended himself.
"It has everything to do with this!" Detective Steward barked.
"Well, well, well...A pleasure to see not much has changed since we were kids." A voice chided them from their blindside.
They turned to see her walking up towards them. She was dressed in a form fitting white one-piece skirt and orange Prada pumps.
"Jeanie..." Sam and Ron said in unison.
Enter Elizabeth Jeannine Rosado.
The woman who will turn Sam's life around...
"It's called Exodus Pro, Sam. I think the wrestling world is ready for you again." She said sweetly, holding another Exodus Pro Tryout flyer in front of her. "How about we grab dinner tomorrow, and we'll talk."
...even if it kills him.
