Dominick Strife Vs. Harry Hampton

Tokyo, Japan
The Lion Dojo Academy
May 16th, 2006

A Nineteen year old Harry Hampton stood in line with nine other young men as their wrestling trainer walked back and forth pacing, looking them over. He was an older gentleman of Japanese decent. This man was Horiyama Takeda, and was one of the most respected professional wrestlers in the country.

So much so that there's a chance your favorite wrestler today attended a training session or has studied his art. And now was a special day held only once a year. One lucky S.O.B was going to become a Lion Cub, a huge honor and could propel someone to have a huge career in Japan.

Everyone who received the honor of becoming a Lion Cub eventually went on to become World Champions. Harry Hampton saved up all of his money since he was fifteen and the little he was making from his indy shows.

Harry was risking a lot by being out here, all of his money went to this and there was a high chance he wouldn't be selected and then would have to trek back to Scotland. The young man was nervous as Horiyama paced back and forth for what felt like ages before Horiyama spoke up.

"Chests up and open... no blocking." Was all the man said in a low yet stern voice. It was clear to anyone who had met this man that he was one that commanded respect at all times. Harry, along with the other boys, poked his chest out as Horiyama walked up to each and delivered a sickening overhand chop to their bare chests. His handprint practically branded on each of them, and he did this three times each.

Harry winced in pain as each chop felt more vicious than the last, and it didn't help that Horiyama struck the same spot each time.

"Now run..." was all that was said as the would be cubs began to run laps around inside of the dojo. Harry knew he would have to do everything in his power to show that he was deserving of the spot. Harry began running at a faster pace starting to lap all the other students. He would glance over at Horiyama to see if perhaps there was a chance he was making a good impression but the Japanese legend stood stone faced showing no emotion as he watched all of the students.

Harry was working a sweat at this point as they had been running laps for five minutes straight and while many of the others showered their pace to a jog and some even to a power walk, Harry was maintaining his speed the entire time. Eventually a whistle was blown signaling for them all to stop.

"No time for rest, two in the ring. Run the ropes." Horiyama bellowed as Harry and another student slid into the ring and attacked the ropes running. The key was trying to match speed with your opponents and flow otherwise you were bound to crash into each other.

Harry was winded forsure but wouldn't show it as he pushed past it. Harry paid attention to his fellow runner, watching his pace to ensure he could match it or make up for it should it slowdown at all. A whistle blowed again as other trainers handed out water for everyone. Harry gulped down two bottles and put his hands on top of his head breathing hurriedly as adrenaline was pumping hard.

"On the mats." Were the next instructions and a few of the cub prospects let out quiet groans and grumbles as they laid down on the mats. Horiyama went up to each man and made the task at hand very clear. "Put me in your best submission hold."

The room went silent. Here was a legend telling a room full of rookies to showcase their submission skills. A few admitted to not knowing any and Horiyama pointed them to a few other trainers in the room who would work with them. Horiyama then came up to Harry. "Show me your best submission maneuver."

Harry gulped as his brain went into overdrive thinking of all of the submission moves he knew how to do properly. Harry then began to demonstrate a modified chicken wing submission onto Horiyama.

Horiyama grunted as he reversed the move with ease into one of his own. "More pressure here." The legend instructed showing Harry exactly where to apply pressure. Harry was speechless, and practically starstruck. Here was a man whose career he idolized for so long actually teaching him the best way apply a move.

This was equivalent to if your favorite musician taught you how to play their instrument. Or playing a pick up game with your favorite athlete. Whoever became a Lion Cub would get a match with Horiyama which was even bigger incentive for Harry to show out and outshine all the other applicants.

Harry was let go as all of the potential cubs lined up once more. As Horiyama looked each student up and down. "That is enough for today... come back tomorrow well rested... we will have practice matches and you will be graded on your performance..."

And with that they were dismissed. Harry let out a sigh of relief as the first day was complete. He walked over to his gym back pulling out a towel to wipe his sweat. As he took a swig of water her felt someone shoulder check him from behind. It was another applicant, Josh Warlow from America. What is it with Americans being rude to people not from America... then again Americans were rude to other Americans as well often for petty insignificant reasons.

"You think you're tough shit huh? Making us look bad?" Josh asked with a scowl.

"Whit th' hell urr ye even talking aboot? a'm juist trying tae learn lik' ye 'n' become a cub."

"You're showing off and trying to be a teacher's pet."

"Ye'r an eejit. Mibbie ah hae mair wirk ethic than ye."

"What the fuck are you even saying? Why would an illiterate idiot like you become a cub?"

"Is yer manhood threatened by mah presence? Pumpin' dumb bahookie"

"What is that?"

Harry smirked getting in his face.

"Fuckin dumb ass as you Americans would say."

Both men weren't backing down as they heard a booming voice.

"Enough, there will be no fighting here. Respect the dojo!" Horiyama stood in the doorway arms crossed as he glared at the two. Josh backed off bowing to Horiyama.

"My apologies sir... won't happen again" he stated as he pushed past Harry leaving the dojo.

Harry grumbled as he grabbed his back bowing in apology to Horiyama who grunted and exited as well.

The following day Harry walked into the dojo, greeting a few fellow rookies, and set down his gym bag as he opened it and began putting on his knee pads and elbow pads.

"Morning freak." Josh was heard giving a sarcastic greeting to Harry.

"Guid mornin' spawn o' de'il " Harry responded with a fake smile.

In came Horiyama with his staff members who hurried to the ring tightening the ropes and making sure it was ready for the upcoming practice matches.

"Everyone warm up, and stretch. You have ten minutes until the first practice match... which will be Harry against Josh.

Harry glanced over at Josh who was grinning from ear to ear as he started flapping his wrists loosening them up. Harry shook his head as he began his stretches.

The two entered the ring and the dojo was filled with energy as the others watched, many knowing the bad blood brewing between them after the day before. Harry narrowed his eyes at Josh as Horiyama blew a whistle signaling it was time to begin.

Harry and Josh did a standard collar and elbow tie up. Josh quickly dropped to a knee then got behind Harry getting a waist lock in. Josh lifted Harry up and slammed him stomach first then proceeded to slap the back of Harry's head. Harry quickly got back to his feet as Josh gave a smirk.

The two locked up again and Josh once again got a waist lock in. Harry managed to reverse it however now getting behind Josh. Josh struggled a bit trying to find a way out of the hold before throwing a back elbow at Harry. Which was a normal thing to do in most cases but Josh put a little too much into it busting Harry's lip staggering him back.

Harry rubbed his bottom lip look at the blood, and Harry wanted nothing more but to deck Josh in the face, but he glanced at Horiyama. The man stood with his typical non expression. Harry took a deep breath before dropping Josh with a double leg take down. The two struggled on the mat but Harry quickly got the upperhand.

Harry managed to get behind Josh and placed him in the Chicken Wing! Josh failed around a bit trying to grab the rope to break the submission but Harry wrenched the hold and began applying more pressure just as Horiyama had showed him and Josh began to tap out immediately. The dojo went nuts as they cheered for Harry who let Josh go. The Scotsman stood up and gave Josh a bow before rolling out of the ring.

Josh laid in the ring, his demeanor that of a child reprimanded by their parents. That was the last time Harry would ever have an issue with Josh.

6 months later.

Harry and the others had gone on to train and learn over the course of six months improving and even better yet helping each other improve. Josh and Harry were not friends by any means despite all this time but enough respect was generated between them.

Tension was high today however as it was selection day. One lucky person was going to be chosen as a Lion Cub. Why was this such a big thing you may be asking? Other than an opportunity to Wrestle Horiyama Takeda in front of thousands of fans and get your name out there you got a contract for three months to join Lion Road. A highly respected promotion where Horiyama was a star.

Horiyama had eased a few minds earlier when he informed that everyone was impressive enough that he had pulled some strings and got everyone who wasn't selected contracts with other promotions, of course it would be up to their own hard work and talent to do anything with said contracts but it made it very much still worth their efforts for coming to Japan.

Horiyama stood in the center of the ring as the applicants surround the outside of it. The man cleared his throat before speaking.

"Six months... six months you have bled... sweated... and have given your all. Your bodies are not the same ones you came in with. You skills either. I am impressed and proud of all of you. But as is tradition... only one of you will become a Lion Cub. And while the selection is never an easy one... I found this one to be a logical one... someone who showed heart and passion from the very first day... and also restraint when it came to being given an opportunity to seek vengeance."

Horiyama looked directly at Harry who was hiding the fact he was a nervous wreck.

"Harry Hampton."

Time stood still for Harry. The air thin, the only thing he could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his chest. Then followed by applause from the entire room as Harry without even thinking walked up the steel steps and into the ring shaking Horiyama's hand.

"I won't let you down sir. I promise." Harry reassured his idol who gave a nod in return.

"I know you won't, that's why you were chosen. Don't get too excited... because your real test has not even started yet."



Present Day
Outside of the Arena.

Harry Hampton is seen standing outside of the doors of the arena. Holding a merchandise replica of the tag team Championship title. He stares at it a long while as the camera slowly pans in showing his face which expresses a tinge of sadness.

Harry: "Th' yin thing ah aye wanted in carnage... Wis tae be a champion. Ah git tae bide said dream wi' Isaiah Luck fur a short while. As tag team champion. Ye shuid hae heard th' cheers... Th' raw energy whin he 'n' ah achieved th' thing many thought we wouldn't.

In that moment ah knew everything ah hud done tae git tae that point wis worth it. Th' solid wirk... Th' dedication... Th' honing mah craft... Everything. 'n' ah will ne'er forget th' feeling o' accomplishment... 'n' that wis a' taken awa' fae me fur mah damn leg wis taken oot due tae injury.

Ah hud tae watch fae th' sidelines... As mah friends 'n' colleagues went on tae achieve greatness.... Then whin that got tae be too much ah watched from home... Ye dinnae know how horrible ah felt nae bein' able tae dae th' yin thing ah love 'n' am actually guid at.

Th' thought that mibbie a'd hae tae quit bein' a wrestling talent 'n' become a commentator... Or manager... Or behind th' scenes. Tae nae be able tae boot fowk in th' face. Essentially losing wh ah really was... If that doesn't gie ye an indication o' howfur a'm feelin' aboot wrestling a dinnae know whit tae tell ye."

Harry drops the replica title on the ground as he cranks his neck a bit.

Harry: "Dominick Strife... Ah say a' this tae ye sae ye kmow who ye'r about tae be in th' ring wi'. A man who loves this art... This business... 'n' this company. Carnage gave me an opportunity tae become mair than ah thought ah awready wis. Ah wis a world champion in Japan... Canada... Scootlund. Ah thought ah wis one o' if nae th' maist dominating forces tae grace a ring... Ah suplexed a four hundred plus man thro' a table.... Ah wis th' man.

Bit carnage shawed me ah wanted tae be mair than that... Ah wanted tae be th' man o' th' hoose fur carnage. A locker room leader... A guy wha th' higher ups cuid see if given th' chance cuid hulp elevate th' level o' performance wi' a'body he worked wi'.

Ah see that identical hunger in yer een... Dominick yer oan a roll mah friend. Yer making a name fur yersel' wi' th' legion 'n' ur proving ye hae whit it steals tae be a force. Bit noo ye hae me tae deal wi'

'n' ah refuse tae let ye mak' a name aff me wi'oot earning it... If ye beat me it wull nae be fur ah made a mistake... It wilnae be by chance... It wull be fur ye earned it.

Ah lik' ya kid bit ah lik' th' narrative o' me rising back tae th' top o' th' ladder a lot mair. Sae na a wullnae hold back... A'm aff tae leave yer chest a bloody red mess wi' chops... A'm aff tae stretch ye in ways ye ne'er imagined... A'm aff tae mak' ye come oot o' this a different wrestler.

Kid ye may nae know this fully but this is aff tae be a big test fur ye fur a'm aff tae test every bit o` yer ability. Can ye hang wi' me one on one?

This isnae an easy aye or naw quaistion either... Tis a quaistion that can ainlie be answered in that ring. It can ainlie be answered if yer hand is raised in victory."

Harry gives a smile to the camera at this point, pointing at himself with his thumb.

Harry: "Ye 'n' ah ur cut from th' identical cloth. 'n' that's how come ah personally asked fur this match. Tae prove tae masell that a even a rookie as talented as yersel' doesn't waant this mair than ah do. That ye cannae waant this mair than ah do. That ye wull ne'er waant this mair than ah do.

It wid be a disservice tae ye as a man 'n' competitor if ah didnae deliver mah absolute best against ye."

Harry pounds his own chest hyping himself up.

Harry: "A'm waantin' ye tae know this Dominick whit's dane th' nicht is very much personal bit nae in a wey that ye wull think. It haes nothing tae dae wi' ye, bit everything tae dae wi' me. Ah hae tae prove tae masell that a'm a tap dog 'ere 'n' wull be fur a very long time."

Harry's expression turns to a serious one and one of focus.

Harry: "Tis go time Dominick.... Git ready fur th' match o` yer life. Hae a guid day!"