FIRST BLOOD: Manabu Fuji Vs Flex Johnson

Manabu Fuji VS Flex Johnson, with Joe Hollywood in his corner

Writer: Jason Thomas
MAX RPs: 3

GOOD LUCK

A or B?
Mentioned: Flex Johnson, Joe Hollywood



TWO DAYS AGO

It’s a warm, cloudy night in Miami Florida. The sun had been unbearable during the day time. Therefore everyone had made their way out off their house to visit the streets. A very popular spot was a club called the Spring Palm.

Walking out of the Spring Palm, we see Manabu, along with a tall blond. The two are holding hands as the turn and walk down the street. The woman leans over and gives Manabu a quick kiss.

“I really enjoyed myself tonight Manabu. You are such a sweetie.”

Manabu laughs.

“Aww, thanks Karen.”

Karen smiles.

“Tonight has been so perfect. I wish it didn’t have to come to an end.”

“Well, babe, it doesn’t have to you know.”

Karen giggles a bit.

“What are you saying, Mr. Fuji?”

Manabu laughs.

“Well, you could always come back to my place. I’ve got cheese.”

“You’ve got cheese?”

The two burst out laughing. Karen runs her hand through her hair.

“Well, sure, I’ll come.”


LATER THAT NIGHT

Manabu rolls out of bed. He walks over to a nearby chair and grabs his robe and his cell phone. Then, he quietly makes his way to the bath room, making sure that he does not wake Karen.

He makes it to the bath room and closes the door. Then he looks at his phone. While he and Karen were, “occupied”, someone had called him. Manabu holds down #1 and listens to his voice mail.


“You have one message from, Restricted.

“Manabu…what’s happening man. It’s Jung, from NYJAW. Man, I don’t know if anyone told you, but, our classmate White passed away last night. They aren’t really sure how it happened, but it’s all on the news. Anyway, I’ll be sending you some info about the funeral. Alright, take it easy buddy.”


Manabu takes the phone slowly away from his ear. He accidentally drops the phone on the floor. He makes his way towards the sink and splashes a little water in his face.

“****.”


TODAY

Fade in as we see Manabu inside a wrestling ring. He is leaning on the ropes. After a moment, he turns and faces the camera.

“Two days ago, one of my class mates passed. Today is his wake. But, where am I? Am I sitting at the wake? No, of course not. I’m here at the old NYJAW arena.

“What am I doing here? Well training of course. Jung’s passing was unfortunate, very unfortunate. However, I’ve got an important match this week.

“This Sunday, I face my former mentor and trainer. Heck, he trained Jung and I. But, last month, I turned on my former mentor. Why? Because he had gone soft. And in this business, when you go soft, it makes you an easy target.

“So, I left the man soaking in his own blood. It was glorious moment for me. I knew from that moment on, that I had made a name for myself.

“But ever since then, I’ve been losing. I don’t know why, but I have. But, this week will be different. I will final put the legacy of Flex Johnson to rest. And nothing, NOTHING will stop me. Not Joe Hollywood, not Jung, and certainly not Flex. It’s just that simple.”

The camera begins to fade out.

END

No Rest
Characters used: Flex Johnson
Characters mentioned: Jung, Manabu Fuji, Joe Hollywood, Mickey Showery, Brooke Milton





TWO DAYS AGO


The New York Times
Another One Passes-By James Thomson

Japanese professional wrestler ‘Jung’ Lee was found dead this morning. At 4:32 am this morning, a neighbor called the police after hearing screams and shouts. When the police entered the house, they found his girlfriend sitting by the bedroom door crying.

Inside the room, the police found Jung slumped on his bed faced down. On the nightstand was empty case of Bud Light and a half drunken bottle of Rum. On the floor lay an empty bottle of Advil. Police saying that there may have been foul play involved.
Jung’s funeral and memorial will be held two days from now at his estate in L.A. Many wrestlers are scheduled to attend. Then, Jung’s body will be sent back to Japan, so that he will be buried by his family.


TODAY- JUNG’S FUNERAL

Fade in as we see Flex Johnson, dressed in an all black suit and black shades. He, along with three other men, are standing next to a silver coffin, which is outside. Being Jung’s old sensei, Flex was asked to be one of the paul bearers, which he agreed to.

The minster was speaking to the people; however, Flex was not really listening. He began scanning the faces of the crowd gathered around the coffin. Close to the Front was Mr. Onta, owner of New York-Japan Alliance Wrestling. He was the man who had appointed Flex to the position of trainer.

It was there that Flex first met Jung. Jung has actually Chinese, but his parents had moved to Japan two years before he was born. Compared to his peers, Jung was considered a little ‘small’. But what he lacked in size, he made up in heart. He had been one of Flex’s favorites, because he had such a strong ‘warrior spirit.’ Because he never gave up, he was liked by a lot of people. Many people hated him for that very same reason.

He and Manabu once had a small scrap after a long sparring match. The self proclaimed ‘submission specialist’ was not able to make Jung submit in a 45 minute draw. Afterwards, Manabu grabbed a kendo stick and began to wail on Jung. Flex had to step into and set things straight.

Standing next to Mr. Onta was Jen Lou, Jung’s girlfriend. Flex had met the woman quite a few times. She was always very supportive and understanding of Jung’s career, which many women are not.

Flex continued to look over the crowd. He saw lot of NYJAW officials and upper management. He also spotted most of his former students, except for Manabu. But, he expected as much from Mr. Fuji, so he wasn’t shocked.

Some time went on, and the serviced ended. Afterwards, Mr. Onta came over and shook hands with Flex. He then pulled him aside.

“Flex, we are doing tribute video for Jung. We’d like you to say a few words, if you don’t mind.”

“No problem Mr. Onta. It would be my honor sir.”


TRIBUTE SHOOT

Fade in as we Flex Johnson, sitting in an arena. Behind him rests a wrestling ring. The camera zooms in a bit on Flex and he is given a signal off camera.

“I met Jung Lee almost two years ago when I became the trainer of New York-Japan Alliance Wrestling. I was immediately impressed with his work in the ring. He wasn’t green like most of the students who enrolled; he was basically ready to hop right into the majors.

“But, Jung also impressed me outside of the ring as well. He was extremely humble in everything he did. He was always willing to learn and gain knowledge.”

Flex paused for a while.

“I…I found out about his death around 9:30 am, two days ago. I was at the Starbuck, drinking coffee. And, umm, I usually don’t read the NY Times, but I decided to that day. While I was reading the article I started getting all the calls as well.”
Flex pauses again.

“Jung, vato, you will be greatly missed man. But holmes, I know I’m going to see you again man, in Heaven. Haha, forget MSG, we will wrestle on the grandest stage vato.”

Flex points up to the sky.

“Peace man, take care of yourself.”

The camera then begins to fade out.


LATER THAT NIGHT- THE HILTON HOTEL

It had been a long, hard day. Normally, Flex would be enjoying the L.A. night life, but not tonight. It just hasn’t the right night. Flex had had some Chinese food delivered, and was now just lying in bed. The TV was on but he wasn’t watching it.

“A love of learning and knowledge” thought Flex to himself. “We should all have that same passion. I only knew Jung for two years, but I learned a great deal from him.

“It’s too bad other couldn’t have learned from him as well. Yes, I mean Manabu.

“He is the opposite of Jung; arrogant, cocky, and irrational. Heck, he couldn’t even put away his pride to come morn his fellow peer. Manabu, how can you sleep at night? How can you even respect yourself?

“An eye for an eye Manabu. Last month, you left me in a pool of my own blood. That’s something NO ONE has ever done before. You wanted recognition? Well, who-rah. But, what have you done since then? Nothing, but get your *** kicked. Beating down Flex Johnson moved you up the card. You were allowed to face the likes of Mickey Showery and Joe Hollywood. And you failed. Brooke was right, you’re a pitiful little *****. So now, we are going to settle our differences in this First Blood match. You soiled the ground with my blood, so, it’s only fair that I do the same esse.”

Flex closed his eyes and allowed himself to rest as Sports Center played in the background.