Dreaming Of You

Chapter 28

Wrestling training turned out to be a lot harder than I had expected it to be. But just like I had promised I hadn't complained about it even once. If anything, it made me more determined.

Every morning during the 3-month trial Matt had given me had consisted of the same schedule. Waking up at 5 AM, starting off training at 6 AM by running a lap around the ring and following it up with some more warming-up. After that it was going over all the basics for an hour and a half followed by Matt teaching me a wrestling move.

for now, they were just usual moves like clotheslines, headlocks, scoop slams, dropkicks, suplexes and DDTs. He had also showed me ways to counter each move he had taught me. Knowing how to execute the moves was one thing, getting out of them when your opponent executed them on you was another.

No matter how tough this training was though, the three months Matt had given me as a trial period had flown by. Soon enough the final day of that trial period had arrived.

Again, I got up at 5. Starting the day off with a quick shower before getting dressed in my workout clothes. After that I quickly towel dried my hair and tied it up in a ponytail.

When I got downstairs, I saw to my surprise that Reby had already woken up and made breakfast.

"Morning, you're up awfully early." I greeted her.

"Good morning Ray." She smiled back at me. "I figured since the three months end today Id make you and the boys a good breakfast."

"That's sweet of you Reb." I gave her a quick hug before sitting down at the kitchen table.

"After all the hard work you've put in you deserve it."

"Can I ask you something?" I looked up at her

"Course, what's up?" Reby asked as she handed me my plate.

"Did the work pay off?" I questioned hesitantly "I keep worrying about whether or not I'm good enough."

"Raych, let me stop you right there." Reby looked at me "You're doing fine, great even and I'm not just saying that. I've stepped into that ring. I know what it takes. You have the talent for it. But you've only been training for 3 months so stop pressuring yourself so much."

"I'm sorry, I just don't want to disappoint Matt and Jeff after everything."

"So, I guess that means that you're 100% committed to this?" Reby questioned.

"Oh definitely. Sure, it's been hard, even brutal at times but I do genuinely like it. Its freeing in a way. Sports have always had a calming effect on me but with wrestling its different. Like it's a part of me." I said before letting out a sigh

"Believe me, I get the feeling. The boys probably get it even better." Reby pointed out to me. "Now eat, we can't have you be late."

-

After a few hours of training, I knew that my trial was almost over. I expected us to end training at the usual time but to my surprise we did not.

"Alright. As you are aware of, I'm sure, today ends the first three months of your training." Matt said as he looked at me. "Time for you to show me what you learned so far. Do exactly as I tell you. Ready?"

I nodded and faced Jeff. He had been a great training partner but we were first and foremost still friends so we often couldn't help but tease each other. "Ready to get your butt kicked Hardy?"

"Bring it, rookie." he shot back at me with a grin

"Oh, I'll show you what this rookie can do alright." I grinned back

Before Jeff could reply Matt began to shout orders. "Lock up."

Without a word, Jeff and I locked up in the center of the ring. Jeff was stronger obviously but I was smaller and faster.

"Headlock." Matt called and I used my speed to my advantage as I got Jeff in a headlock first.

"Running bulldog."

I quickly did as I was told and slammed jeff to the ground with a running bulldog. Once I did that, I heard yet another order from Matt

"Leg drop."

I quickly got up and went for a leg drop. Jeff had however rolled out of the way by the time my legs had come down.

Jeff was the one standing now and went for a kick but I managed to catch his leg. I quickly rolled to the side while I held on which caused Jeff to fall down.

The both of us got back on our feet and I heard Matt call out his next order.

"Dropkick."

I jumped up and planted my feet into Jeff's chest, making him fall down.

"Top rope." Matt ordered suddenly.

I was a bit confused as he hadn't taught me any moves yet that involved me jumping from the top rope but went up there anyway.

"Swanton." Matt told me

"What? I don't know that one..." I told him.

"You've seen Jeff do it. Now go."

I took a deep breath and before I could let myself hesitate, I jumped. My Swanton wasn't perfect but I did hit it.

"Good, that's enough." Matt nodded in approval.

I groaned as I got up. My landing had been off and thus had been pretty hard "Why did you make me do that Matt?"

"I wanted to see how much you'd hesitate. In an actual match, that would have cost you. You also will have to improvise at times and when that happens there is no room for doubt. You can't doubt yourself once you step inside that ring." Matt explained. "But you did it, and I for one am proud of you."

"So does that mean I made it through trial well enough for you to train me for real now?"

"I've been training you for real all along Raych." Matt chuckled. "Look, what I'm about to say next might be hard to understand but hear me out. If you really want to learn wrestling, you've got to leave the compound."

"Leave? Why?" I asked him confused.

"Jeff and I taught you the basics, the rest is best learned through experience. If you really want to wrestle, you've got to put in the work. This is 100% what you want right?"

"Yes, I want this. Whatever it takes."

"Then get out there, travel the world. Work shows for small promotions and get the experience. Learn from every opponent and partner because in this field, you never truly know everything. There are different styles of wrestling from all over the world and the quickest and best way to learn is to experience them for yourself."

"Where do I start though?"

"That's the beauty of it." Jeff sat down next to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Where your journey will start is completely up to you. And if you ever need anything, we are only a phone call away."

"Alright then, can I bring a friend though?"

"Like Jeff said it's your journey." Matt smiled. "You make the rules for it."

"Guess I have to make a call then." I told them and got up. My phone was inside the house since I never took it to the training with me. Luckily, she was still on speed dial.

"Raych? Hey how have you been?"

"Hey Evelyn, what would you say about going on an adventure together."