Post by sprucegoose on Mar 20, 2024 19:16:00 GMT -5
The therapy session has already been in progress for several minutes now. But it's very difficult to determine if any progress has been getting made.
Dr. Anslo - Can you stop working out, Connor? This isn't what we're supposed to be doing right now.
Connor Mallory is in the process of doing push-ups in front of the soft couch he's supposed to be sitting on. He's doing the untraditional push-ups, clapping his hands between each and every one, to increase the difficulty. He looks over at his therapist, nodding quickly, but he doesn't stop.
Connor Mallory - Just let me finish this set, doctor, and I will be able to stop.
Connor continues a series of push-ups as Dr. Anslo makes a note on her tablet about what is happening. She has been working with Connor Mallory for many months now, after his mental collapse to the failures of his relationships and career, and she does feel like they've come a long ways since she first met the disheveled wrestler. He's changed a lot both physically and mentally. But she knows a lot of it is a smokescreen. The same problems are still there, under the surface, waiting for something to bring them up.
Dr. Anslo - Why do you always feel a pressing need to complete everything you begin, Connor? Do you think it goes back to something in your childhood?
After one last push-up, Connor jumps to his feet. He does some stretches back and forth to loosen himself up before turning to the therapist.
Connor Mallory - I don't know of anything specific. I just remember that I was taught to never give up, no matter what is put in front of me. That includes giving up on my workouts when I've begun them.
Dr. Anslo - But why work out now? We were going to talk about how your current relationships are progressing. You were going on a first date last week, weren't you? With that new girl from the gym... Emily, was it?
Connor frowns, not wanting to talk about this, but he has known Dr. Anslo long enough to know she won't just give up on it.
Connor Mallory - The date didn't go as well as I would have liked. I took her to a fabulous American restaurant, where they serve this amazing Stars and Stripes burger, but it turned out... she was vegan. Which I accept, everyone has the right to freedom of choice in our country, but it's not something I could ever get behind myself.
Dr. Anslo - So you were unable to have a second date because of her dietary choices?
Connor Mallory - Oh, no, I was still thinking we could get together. But, well, the waiter messed up my order. He brought me French fries when I specifically ordered mixed vegetables on the side. I think he did it on purpose, to make me look bad, but I showed him by stuffing those fries into his face. He'll probably never want fries again! Hah hah!
Connor may be laughing, but the doctor is shaking her head in disappointment.
Dr. Anslo - You assaulted someone, Connor?
Connor Mallory - I wouldn't call it assault. And he wronged me first.
Dr. Anslo - And that ended the date?
Connor Mallory - Well, uh... actually, the date ended when the bill came.
Dr. Anslo - ... You didn't offer to pay it, did you?
Connor Mallory - No, no, I offered... to pay my half. I mean, it was only fair. We just met each other. And she ordered the expensive vegan plate, I shouldn't have to cover that. Vegetables really shouldn't cost that much more than grade-A beef.
Dr. Anslo - And she didn't take your offer too well?
Connor Mallory - She... kind of stormed out. So I still had to pay for everything, including a clean-up fee for the mess the waiter made. But you never know, she may decide to call me again!
Dr. Anslo makes another note on her tablet, knowing that this date will never, EVER try to contact Connor Mallory again. She will probably change gyms just to avoid him.
Dr. Anslo - Is that why you feel the need to work out here today? Because you are hoping to be in shape to meet another woman soon? You shouldn't allow the pressure of the dating world to affect you, Connor. There will always be more fish in the sea.
Connor Mallory - ... I always hated that saying. Because sometimes, you catch a golden beauty that should be your life from now until the end of your life, and then... they get away, and you're left trying to catch something that will never be as good.
Connor takes a deep breath, letting it out like a sigh. He's thinking of his former love, Memphis Belle, who had been both his girlfriend and his tag-team partner. But he and Memphis had ended in a terrible break-up, and Memphis had moved on, marrying another wrestler that was nowhere near as good as Connor was. He still felt regret about that, but therapy had at least helped him to realize the truth: that it was all Memphis' fault, so he shouldn't feel bad about it.
Connor Mallory - But as to working out, doctor, it has nothing to do with my love life. See, I was going to tell you, but I hadn't had the chance yet. I've signed a contract with the WGWF to wrestle again.
The tablet slips out of Dr. Anslo's hands, clattering on the floor. Thankfully, there is a thin layer of carpet which protects it from any damage. Dr. Anslo doesn't notice it, though, as all she can do is stare at Connor. He clears his throat, not liking the silence.
Connor Mallory - You see, they recognized my talent, and decided they would give me the opportunity because they know I can be a big star in the company. I'll be wrestling under my real name, though, instead of the Spruce Goose persona I used to use. I figure that'll be healthier for me, disconnecting some from the past.
After a few more seconds, Dr. Anslo leans over and grabs her fallen tablet, but doesn't check the screen, as she's still staring at her patient.
Dr. Anslo - The WGWF... isn't that where... your ex is currently working as an announcer?
Connor Mallory - I... believe she's employed there, yes. Why does that matter?
Dr. Anslo - Why does that... Connor, you have made some strong progress since last year, but a move like this could completely destabilize you again. You're putting everything you've worked for at risk. Why would you want to go back to wrestling, and for God's sake, why the WGWF?
Connor Mallory - Because they're the ones that offered the contract.
Connor looks on defiantly, believing fully that he's making the right choice. Dr. Anslo quickly realizes that if she presses too hard, she may never see Connor again, which could be an even bigger disaster.
Dr. Anslo - Connor... this is deeply concerning to me. Would you be willing to step up our sessions as you begin competing for the company? I think we need to meet more than twice a month now.
Connor Mallory - I can't guarantee anything. I'll be travelling with the WGWF a lot. I'm on their Smash brand. But I'll make time to come back for our sessions, you have my word. I always cherish this time between us, Doctor.
Connor flashes his best 'sexy' smile at the doctor, who has seen it all before. She's no more moved now than she ever has been. She makes a note in her calendar, sending an alert to Connor's phone.
Dr. Anslo - I do Zoom calls as well when needed. Follow the schedule I sent you, please, Connor. It's in your best interests. You're going to have plenty you're going to want to talk about.
Connor looks at his phone, seemingly surprised by how many calendar dates have been added. But after a moment, he shrugs and turns back to the therapist.
Connor Mallory - This would be covered under my WGWF insurance now, wouldn't it?
Dr. Anslo - I would assume so. I've worked with wrestlers from there before.
Connor Mallory - Then this is no problem.
Connor starts doing jumping jacks, as Dr. Anslo makes another note in her tablet. This could be the case of a lifetime for her, if she works it right.
We switch to outside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. There are multiple flags flying above on a set of flagpoles, but the highest one, as expected, is the American flag. Below, we can see Connor Mallory giving the flag a quick salute, putting his hand over his heart, before walking around the pole and facing the camera.
Connor Mallory - It is a pleasure to once again be wrestling in front of my countrymen and countrywomen again. I know that this is a golden opportunity that is being given to me, and I do not plan on wasting it. Once upon a time, I had grand dreams of being one of the greatest wrestlers in the world, and that dream has only intensified after the last several years of failures I've experienced. But no more. I will not let my past dictate my future. I'm going to become the success that I've always dreamed of. And it all begins at Smash this Monday.
Connor flexes his mid-section showing his abs poking through, showing off the physique that he's worked so hard to get.
Connor Mallory - I know I am facing a newcomer to this great land in my debut match, a man named Hanari Carnes. Hanari, welcome to the United States of America. I can't say you'll enjoy your stay here. You are going to be standing in my way, acting like you deserve this opportunity more than I do, and I will not allow that to stand. Neither you nor anyone else on the WGWF roster will be able to stop my restoration like a phoenix to the top of the leader board.
He takes a few steps forward, pointing towards the camera.
Connor Mallory - You are looking at one of the most physically fit wrestlers in the world today. I have been training hard in spite of my... setbacks, so my body is in perfect condition for the battles that are to come. When I get my hands on you, I guarantee that you won't be able to get away from me. I will toss you around like the most American salad you've ever had. A chef's salad, probably, with the only dressing on it that truly matters: ranch dressing. A patriotic dressing if I've ever seen one.
Connor smiles, remembering some salad he's eaten in the past, although he doesn't remember where he had it. It doesn't matter. He turns back to the camera.
Connor Mallory - But a salad may not be enough for you, Hangry. I may have to stuff a Snickers down your throat to help fix your issues, before I show you the red, white, and blue deliveries of America The Beautiful. And when I'm holding you down, taking the 1-2-3, you'll hear the triumphant sounds of my theme music, and you'll realize that there's no beating a patriot like myself. I'll see you on the battlefield, son. Semper Fi.
With that, Connor turns back to the flag, saluting it once more, before walking off to end the segment.