Masked Heart

Chapter Four

"So this next one calls himself La Muerte," JR said, looking through his notes as XPAC, who had been drafted in to help them with the try outs, took the masked wrestler through his paces in the ring. Rain watched with interest. The man in the ring was roughly the same height as XPAC but a little more defined. He was perhaps a little bulkier than a luchadore would normally be, but he had a good look. He wore a mask which covered the whole of his face and his head, with the design of a skull with deep purple flowers woven through. He wore nothing on his top half and deep purple tights. There was a certain flare to him; a sense of showmanship which she thought would sell. He'd be easy to write for as he already had a gimmick; kind of a lucha libre version of Taker she mused, with a grin. JR watched and leaned towards Rain.

"He definitely has something," he mused. "I like the gimmick but would it be too much like Taker? Would the audience buy it?"

"I think so. Maybe change the colour of his mask and tights to make comparisons a little less obvious? Red might be a better colour. I do think he's worth a hire, JR. He could be a big star; like you say he has something. I reckon if we don't hire him the opposition will. I believe I could write something for him, maybe drawing some comparisons with Taker, enough to cause interest but then taking him on his own path. La Muerte is the bringer of souls rather than the taker could be a spin. I need a bit more time to come up with a concrete storyline but this could work." JR grinned at her enthusiasm and nodded.

"Well you've persuaded me. I'd quite like to see him with Rey Misterio in that ring before we make the hire though. See if we could have something special here."

"Agreed," said Rain, though she was typing into her iPad as she spoke. JR gave her an indulgent smile. He knew she liked to get her ideas down as soon as they came to her. He got to his feet and went across to the ring to have a chat with La Muerte and XPAC, who left the ring after wishing his opponent good luck. Moments later Rey Misterio, who had been hired while Rain was away stepped up to the ring. He was smaller than she'd imagined, but she could feel his charisma as he locked up with La Muerte. She watched as the two flew around the ring and a broad smile came on her face. Yes this could definitely work. JR called both men down to where he and Rain were sat watching and shook hands with them.

"That was quite a performance boys. This is Rain Hart, who will be your writer." Rain got to her feet and shook hands with them both. Rey, whose mask only covered half his face gave her a warm smile but it was somewhat disconcerting not being able to see any of La Muerte's face. She knew full well though that she was highly unlikely to ever see either man without their mask on. They would be ensuring that they kept their identities hidden as was traditional for lucha libre. "Now we were both impressed with what we saw in there and if you are agreeable La Muerte we'd like to offer you a twelve month contract. During that time you'll be working closely with Rey and with Rain. If all goes well we'd be looking to offer something longer term. I'll understand if you want a bit of time to consider the offer."

"No need," he replied. "I'll happily accept. Rey is a hero of mine and it'll be an honour to work with him. And I can't believe that we'll have Rain writing our matches. I know the work she used to do on the blog and that was just awesome writing." Rain was surprised at how young he sounded and also that he was clearly a fan. She blushed a little at his praise and smiled.

"I just hope I can do you both justice," she said modestly. JR grinned and patted her shoulder in a fatherly way.

"Ignore her modesty boys. You'll be in the best hands here. Now although Rain is writing the material, you will still be expected to come up with your own promos and match spots, fitting them in with what she's written. Our plan is a tournament which will lead to a lucha libre world title which will carry the weight of the world championship that Bret Hart currently holds. The final match of that tournament would be the joint main event at Wrestlemania. We've seen a number of boys who have been offered contracts but I think you two have chemistry. I see you both in that match at Wrestlemania. Rain?"