Awareness || RP #1 ScreamFest Ladder Match

[Bear Reynolds]

“We need to talk about this 'Revolution'.” That wasn't the first thing Bear had hoped to hear upon returning home, but he had expected it from Trent. As he dragged his suitcase through the hallway, Bear glanced over his shoulder at his apprentice, who was following along at his heels.

“What is there to talk about? Hanalei and I have been very successful with The Revolution. We won at Vendetta and I told you about the rally. If only you could have been there, I would have flown you out if there had been time.”

“It all just seems...sudden. I mean, look at you: attending rallies, teaming with some Tumblr girl, and helping a 'revolution'. I don't think I've ever seen you do all this.”

Bear stopped at the foot of the stairs, turning fully to look at Trent.

“What can I say? Everyone has asked me why I accepted Hanalei's offer and I've given the same answer every time – we both want change, Trent. RSW needs to become something better. And I think Screamfest could be the turning point. Hanalei is fighting Arianny DeLise, and I have the chance to win a huge opportunity in this ladder match. The Revolution may not be like anything I've participated in before, but look at what we're doing: RSW is changing, and that's the important matter here, not my apparent change in behaviour.”

He was about to go upstairs when he paused, stopping to look back to Trent. “Also, I don't know what a 'Tumblr girl' is, but I hope that's not an insult. Hanalei is a respectable young woman and the key behind The Revolution. So no jabs at her, okay?”

Trent could only roll his eyes, though thankfully Bear hadn't noticed. Picking his suitcase up, Bear climbed the first step before addressing Trent once more. “Anyway, I came home for two reasons: to make sure you're doing well, and to watch some of my tapes. And since I can see you're more than great, I'll be going upstairs to do some preparation for my match.” With that, he was gone, ascending the stairs to his 'research room'.

---

Unfortunately for Bear, he hadn't participated in many ladder matches. He had been in some unusual match-ups – one of which he remembered including a ridiculous scaffolding set-up above the ring – but ladder matches weren't a stipulation he had much experience with. Not that that put him off. Whilst he hadn't competed in many ladder matches, he still had one or two on record, ready to be rewatched.

Sitting in front of the TV, Bear watches in the dim light as one of his past matches plays: a tag team ladder match for some titles from a now-defunct promotion. He tries not to look at his former partner, instead focussing on his own movements. His mistakes. And though he is aware of the camera beside him, Bear doesn't so much as glance at it, his eyes focussed on the screen.

“A multi-person match isn't just about the people you're fighting against. In fact, it's not about them at all. It's about awareness – a multi-person ladder match even more so. You need to be aware at all times of who is and isn't inside the ring, who is aiming for you and who couldn't care less about you. My years of experience in tag team matches has taught me all about spatial awareness. You can never know if an opponent's partner will decide to jump in, or if a tag is about to be made, and so you need to be aware of everyone in the match. And that's where I succeed. Last Vendetta, I was in a tag match for the first time in RSW, and Hanalei and I succeeded. Now at Screamfest, I will be taking on thirteen other people, giving me a chance to prove exactly how aware I am at all times.”

On the screen, one wrestler dressed as an amalgamation of every bad indie performer climbs the ladder. But before he can reach the top, Bear comes up behind him, capturing him and hitting a German suplex to shake him free of the ladder.

“Now, I know people may think this match is one of the worst situations I could be put into. For starters, hardcore matches are far from my speciality and a ladder match is not what I would describe as a 'traditional' match. In addition to that, some may go as far as to say my submission skills are useless in this setting, where the only way to win is to grab one of the four prizes above the ring. But that's where I hope to prove people wrong. You see, my submission skills may not win me the match, but they can definitely take someone out of it. I don't mean to brag, but if I were to apply a hold on one of my opponents' legs, I doubt they would be able to climb a ladder as easily as I would.”

As if to illustrate Bear's point, we see on the screen one of his opponents limping up the ladder, before dropping down only a few steps up.

“And in this ladder match, I can't help but feel that it's all about the waiting game. You have to wait for the best possible opportunity to appear. I can't help but feel that some of my opponents are showing too much eagerness, and that will translate poorly into the match. If you're too eager, you'll lose energy halfway through the match, which is exactly when you need it most.”

Again, we see this shown on the TV – the opposing team lie around, breathing heavily and sweating profusely as they look far from able to stand.

“I know the importance of taking every little opportunity. I know when to strike, and how to conserve my energy for when it matters. That's why a ladder match isn't just a match about luck or endurance – it's about tactics, about being aware of your opponents and yourself, so you know when to take your chance.”

On-screen, Bear climbs the ladder as his opponents continue to struggle to stand. He reaches the top, and as his partner Derrick watches from the base of the ladder, Bear grabs the title belts from above the ring.

“So that's why I'm not concerned with the details of all thirteen of my opponents – it would be ridiculous to try to address them all individually. I'm more concerned about the match itself. Because like I've said, a ladder match isn't about individual opponents. It's about intelligence and awareness.”

Bear has descended the ladder, the two belts in either hand. He is greeted by Derrick, who takes one belt from his partner. The two go to hug, overwhelmed by their victory. But before they can meet, Bear pauses the tape. The two former partners stand there, arms outstretched as much as they could in their tired states, both of them frozen in time. Looking at the camera for the first time, Bear gives a slight smile.

“Good luck to all of my opponents. If it was ever needed, then now is the time for it.”