Introductions || RP #1 vs ZERO

[Bear Reynolds]

We are greeted by Bear Reynolds, dressed in what he would consider 'casual attire': a pristine cream waistcoat and matching slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a beige tie with gold detailing. He welcomes the audience with a gentle nod of his head, a charming smile on his lips. Behind him, we see his living room, as tidy as could be.

“I thought I'd dress up a bit more than usual, considering this is an introduction not just for the RSW fans, but also for my opponent, ZERO. I know he was absent for a while, so I decided to introduce myself once more, just for him. Though, as someone who has been in this sport for many years, I assume he has heard of me in some capacity. I never competed much in Mexico, so we may not have met in person, but that will all change soon.”

Bear begins to walk forward, the camera following him as he strolls through his New York home. Exiting the living room, Bear stops in the hallway, in front of a wall of photo frames. Some contain family photos, and others are empty.

“I didn't expect anything to be easy when I arrived here, but I've really been given a challenge for my debut match. Not only is it a #1 contender match, but I'm also facing ZERO, a man who has a lot of experience. Thankfully for me, I'm not outmatched in that aspect. I know that for some people in this company, the idea of facing ZERO in their first match would be daunting, but I have no qualms about taking on someone like him.”

Bear glances over at one of the empty frames, and for a brief moment, a look of sorrow flashes across his features, before he returns his attention to the camera with a smile. He moves through the house once more, leading the camera down the hallway.

“I've achieved a lot throughout my career, and I would be lying if I said I didn't want to achieve more here in RSW. A shot at the Absolute Championship would be an honour, though I understand it won't be easy for me to obtain. I haven't been in this company for long, but I have observed the goings-on, and I'm aware of the tension brewing between ZERO and Bryce Albright. Which means that at Vendetta VI, I'm an obstacle in ZERO's path. Perhaps I should be intimidated by that fact. However, a gentleman like myself doesn't show fear, and to be honest, I don't feel any kind of terror at the prospect of standing between ZERO and one of his enemies.”

We are led upstairs, Bear instructing the cameraman to be wary of the steps. As we reach the top of the stairs, a faint sound can be heard from one of the rooms. Bear continues to walk, paying the muffled sound no attention. “ZERO, you and I are rather evenly-matched. You're a submission expert, I'm a technician, and we both have years of experience under our belts. I'll admit that there are some aspects that you excel in more than I do, but there is one key skill that you need to improve on. It's something I would be glad to educate you in.”

Bear stops outside of a mahogany door, the sounds now at their loudest. “I've done my research.” Bear opens the door and leads the camera inside. The room is filled with dusty tapes and filing cabinets, many marked with specific dates. It's easy to assume these are Bear's matches, and this room is where he does what many great athletes do and analyses them. An armchair is seated in front of a widescreen TV, which is playing a match Bear wasn't involved in. ZERO vs Angel Asesino. “Now it's time for you to learn, ZERO. I've realised that you lack a lot of composure, something that I have in spades. I'm aware that there's a lot of pressure on me going into this match. But unlike the broken arm that knocked you from grace, I will not crumble. No matter how many times you try to slip me up, I will remain focussed. Someone has to be a role model around here, and if anyone has the composure to do it, I'd like to think it's me.”

“It was great to learn more about you, ZERO. Good luck to you.”

Bear nods his head at the camera and smiles. Fade to black.