Road to Red Sun Rising: The Final Stop

[Drago Cesar]

The Tokyo Dome, September 28th, 2022

 

The Tokyo Dome. One of the world's most renowned sporting venues, home to baseball games, mixed martial arts battles, and legendary professional wrestling bouts. It is early in the day. The production crew are in the process of constructing the ramp and the stage; the ring, however, appears to be complete. OCW Hall of Famer Drago Cesar stands in the middle of the squared circle, his family watching on from ringside.

 

His eyes shift to the empty crowd, the seats stretching out as far as the eye can see. He exhales before he leans against the ropes and turns his head, looking out to the ramp.

 

Five years ago. Wrestlution 11. The Tokyo Dome. The match had the tagline, "The Future vs. The G.T.G.O.A.T.". Drago Cesar vs. Nate Ortiz. The main event. For Drago, this was a chance to prove he could hang with the best at the biggest stage. Months of tension between the members of the new Rev Inc. had culminated here.

 

It was a grueling contest that had the crowd on their feet from bell to bell. After over twenty minutes of nonstop action, Drago had emerged the victor - and the new OCW World Champion.

 

Johnny Law: You ok?

 

Drago: Yeah….

 

He looks over to Dragana, playfully chasing Bubba around ringside. Lution 11 was her first, a Ladder match for the Future Investment briefcase. She fell just short of retrieving the briefcase, but she cherished the experience.

 

Drago leans his head against the nearest turnbuckle, his eyes closed. He takes it all in; the cold air, Bubba’s grunts, the sounds of the production crew adjusting the stage echoing throughout.

 

Inhale. Count to four.

 

Exhale. Count to four.

 

Helps keep the nerves steady. The only good thing he took from the war.

 

Drago opens his eyes to find Bubba, now inside the ring, staring at him inquisitively. Drago gives the big cat a hug, scratching his neck.

 

Drago: When we done here, you gonna get all the treats! Yes you will! Cause you are good boy!

 

Bubba anxiously wags his tail and roars.

 

Drago: I dunno if I’m gonna win, but if I do…..and if I get those championships from Rust….You gonna get your own title too!

 

The lion jumps up in excitement and starts doing laps in the ring. He eventually rolls out, jumping and embracing Johnny and Dragana. Drago looks at them and mutters to himself.

 

Drago: One more time into the trenches. I’ll make you proud.