by Tony Correia
“You’re always telling us we need to expand our horizons to make a career at this. Now that I am, it’s like you’re making me feel like a Heel.”
“What do you think is going to happen when Ricky finds out you’re gay?”
“Who told you I’m gay?”
“I have eyes, Jorge. It’s obvious Thom is your boyfriend.”
“So what? Thom and I are careful around the marks.”
“I think it’s great you bring him around. But sooner or later the marks are going to figure it out. That’s when you’ll need someone in your corner to guide you.”
“And you’re the only person who can do that?”
“No. But I’m a better friend than Ricky will ever be.”
“Plenty of wrestlers have come out of the closet.”
“And where are they now? Marks need to believe what goes on in that ring. You destroy that illusion and you’re dead in this business.”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
“You have so much talent. Ricky will cut you loose the moment you’re of no use to him.”
“Stop trying to scare me, Romeo. This is hard enough as it is.”
“Get out!” Romeo says. His pain turns to anger and he slams his fist on the canvas. “I can’t look at you right now.”
“Romeo, come on.”
“I’m serious. I’m done with you.”
I do as he says before he starts talking with his fists.
* * *
My phone rings as I’m driving home. Arshdeep’s pic appears on my screen. I turn on the hands-free device so I can talk and drive.
“Dude! What the hell did you say to Romeo? He cancelled practice as soon as we got there. I’ve never seen him so angry.”
I was hoping I would have a couple of hours to myself before I told Arshdeep. Screw it. I might as well piss off all my friends at once.
“Ricky Flamingo asked me to wrestle for Lion’s Gate. I said yes.”
“When?”
“A week ago. Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. But everything happened so fast.”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. But let’s face it, you have a better shot of getting discovered working for Ricky.”
“This should have been your shot, man.”
“Don’t blame yourself. Blame Thunder. He’s the one who broke my arm.”
“You know what sucks? This is the best thing that ever happened. But Romeo is making me out to be a jerk.”
“I think you’re doing the right thing.”
“Honestly?”
“Sikh’s honour. Just remember to put in a good word for me with Ricky when the time comes. But don’t tell Romeo I said that.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t think I’ll be talking to Romeo again.”
“Give him time. What does Thom think about you switching feds?”
“I haven’t told him yet. I took him to one of Ricky’s shows and he wasn’t too keen on it.”
“You don’t want to keep it from him for too long. That’s the sort of thing that ends relationships.”
“I’ll do it tonight. I promise.”
“Take it easy, buddy. I’m around if you need me.”
I turn off the phone. I feel slightly better than when I left the School of Hard Knocks. I should be soaring off the top rope. But instead it feels like a low blow.
* * *
Dad is smoking behind the store when I get home. It’s starting to feel like summer. Dad has his face to the sun, enjoying the warmth.
“I thought you had wrestling practice today,” Dad says as I get out of the car.
“So did I,” I tell him. “Romeo kicked me out of the school.”
“You told him about Lion’s Gate then.”
“Yeah. It didn’t go so well. I thought I might be able to reason with him. But he hates Ricky too much.”
“Can’t say I blame him. There’s nothing worse than a snotnose kid moving in on your business. They think they know everything.”
“Dad, I’m a snotnose kid.”
“But you don’t act like life started when the iPhone was invented.”
“Do you think I’m making the right decision?”
“What I think has nothing to do with it.”
“You’re the only person who has supported me in my wrestling career. I need to know what you think.”
Dad grinds his cigarette out with his foot. “Well, you asked,” he says. “I wish you had stuck it out with Romeo a little longer. He wants the best for you. This Ricky character is all show, no soul. Something tells me he’ll sweep you under the rug as soon as he’s done with you.”
“That’s what Romeo said. Did he tell you to say that?”
“Great minds just think alike.”
“I didn’t mean to disappoint you.”
“Jorge, I have watched you struggle your whole life. You have no idea how happy it makes your mom and me to see you come into your own.”
“That makes this all worthwhile.”
“Have you told Thom yet?”
“Why are you and Arshdeep worried about what Thom thinks?”
“Maybe because we think he’s good for you. We don’t want you guys to break up.”
“I’ve been avoiding telling Thom. He doesn’t think much of Ricky and his fed either.”
“Don’t wait too long.”
“That’s what Arshdeep said.”
“I’m two for two today. I should buy a lottery ticket.”
Dad walks back into the shop, leaving me alone in the parking lot. I pull out my phone and dial Thom’s number.
14
Looking the Part
The Lion’s Gate Wrestling gym is in what used to be a karate studio. Unlike the School of Hard Knocks, it looks like a real gym. It has treadmills and universal weights, as well as free weights. There’s even a sponge pit where you can practise aerial moves. One whole wall is nothing but mirrors so you can watch yourself in the ring.
I try not to look too awestruck when I see the space. The place must cost a fortune to run. Granted, Ricky charges double what Romeo does, though Romeo has the reputation for being a better trainer.
“Welcome to the big leagues, buddy!” Ricky says to me.
A half dozen wrestlers are getting ready for practice. I recognize a couple of the guys and girls from the show I saw with Thom. There’s also novice wrestlers who are clearly still learning the ropes.
Some of the wrestlers look at me with suspicion. I feel like I’ve just walked in on them talking about me.
“I was just showing the gang the Sweat and Blood Blog,” Ricky says. He hands me his tablet for me to see Bobby’s latest post. “You’re front page news, kid.”
The headline reads: Brooklyn Tremblay latest superstar acquired by Lion’s Gate! The blog describes my impressive debut with Canadian Pacific Wrestling Federation. It mentions that I have been trained by none other than Romeo Stallone. The blogger goes on to wonder how long CPW can survive if Ricky keeps poaching Romeo’s talent.
Great, I think. Let’s add insult to injury.
“How did Bobby Bentley find out so soon I left CPW?” I ask.
“A little bird told him.”
I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. I know Ricky’s actions are purely selfish. But I didn’t think he would stoop to rubbing this in Romeo’s face. Who am I kidding? Pro wrestling is all about rubbing someone’s failure in their face.
This was not how I wanted to start my career at Lion’s Gate. My head start in the fed is going to piss off some of the other wrestlers. This will likely make them hate me more.
“You can start practice! I’m here now!” a voice shouts.
I turn to see Thunder enter the gym. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees me with Ricky.
“What
are you doing here?” he asks me.
“Don’t you read the Internet?” Ricky asks him. “Brooklyn is the latest addition to my stable.”
Thunder’s face goes cold. I wish Arshdeep was here to see it.
Practice goes smoothly. I’m a little nervous. But I quickly adapt to everyone’s style. I make a connection with Jamie, one of the girl wrestlers. We have great chemistry in the ring.
Halfway through practice Kyle O’Malley shows up to work out. Everyone stops when he enters. It’s like John Cena has graced us with his presence. All eyes are on Kyle. Everyone wants to impress him.
After we finish our drills, I work with a couple of the mid-level wrestlers on new moves. I decide to be their punching bag, hoping to win them over. It works. After about thirty minutes, they let me try out some moves of my own.
Ricky and Kyle O’Malley greet me when I climb out of the ring.
“Good work tonight,” Ricky says. “Have you met Kyle O’Malley?”
“Not yet. I’m a big fan,” I say, shaking Kyle’s hand.
“Ricky has been raving about you since he saw your debut,” says Kyle. “You’re really smooth up there.”
“That means a lot coming from you,” I say humbly.
“Can I give you a piece of advice, though? You might want to consider taking supplements.”
“Supplements?”
“Steroids. You look like a little kid against some of those guys.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Ricky cuts in. “You have the moves of a star. But you have the body of a teenager.”
I flash back to my talk with Thom after the show at the Russian Community Centre. He said he wouldn’t tolerate steroids. But would he still feel that way after I get all cut and muscly?
“It’s just an idea,” Kyle says. “But you’ll start getting bookings in the States if you pump up. I know from experience.”
“Think about it, Jorge,” Ricky says, slapping my shoulder.
Somehow, when Ricky tells you to think about something, you know he’s telling you to do it.
* * *
A couple of nights later, Thom and I are on a double-date with Arshdeep and Pria. The four of us are celebrating the removal of Arshdeep’s cast. His doctor told him he can’t wrestle for another couple of weeks. But at least now he can start working out with light weights.
We go out to dinner and then a movie. Thom and Pria act like Arshdeep and I aren’t even there. Watching them together, you would think they were dating each other.
We find our seats in the movie theatre. I say, “I’m going to get some snacks.”
“I thought you aren’t eating junk food,” Thom says.
“Popcorn doesn’t have any calories,” I say.
“Movie theatre popcorn does. You can taste the yellow dye and edible oil product in your mouth,” Pria says.
“I’ll do an extra an hour of cardio this week.”
“I’ll come with you then,” Thom says.
“It’s okay,” I say. “You stay here and catch up with Pria.”
“Can you get me Red Vines and a 7-Up?” he asks.
“Want to come, Arshdeep?” I ask. I hope this doesn’t turn into a scene.
“Can you get me popcorn, sweetie?” Pria asks him, petting his arm like it’s a cat.
“See you what you started?” Arshdeep says to me.
As soon as we’re out in the lobby, I grab Arshdeep by the arm and pull him off to the side.
“Easy, bro!” he says. “That arm just came out of a cast.”
“Sorry. But I’ve needed to talk to you alone all night.”
“What’s up?”
I tell Arshdeep about meeting Kyle O’Malley. I tell him about his suggestion that I do steroids.
“What do you think, Arshdeep?” I ask.
“I knew that guy had to be on something. He bulked up way too fast.”
“So what do you think?”
“You’re not seriously asking my permission to do steroids, are you?”
“We both know the guys who get booked out of province look like gladiators.”
“There are plenty of guys our size doing well.”
“I just want to fit in at Lion’s Gate. I feel weird getting a push in the fed after only one match.”
“Steroids are a slippery slope, bro. Have you noticed that most of the WWE wrestlers who died young were doing steroids?”
“I won’t be on them forever. Just to get a quick start.”
“What does Thom think?”
“He said before that he wouldn’t tolerate steroids.”
“Then there’s your answer.”
“He probably won’t even notice. I work out tons already.”
“Steroids don’t just give you muscles, Jorge. You’re going to get zits on your back. And your balls are going to shrink.”
“What?”
“Once your balls stop making hormones, they shrink.”
“Forever?”
“That’s not the point. The point is that it isn’t something you can hide from Thom. And I don’t want you screwing things up with him. I like the guy. And not just because he amuses Pria.”
“He got over my leaving Canadian Pacific Wrestling. I’m sure he won’t mind once he can bounce a dime off my stomach.”
“What about ’roid rage?”
“I’ll do yoga.”
“You sound like you’ve already made up your mind about this.”
“It’s not like I haven’t thought about it before.”
“You’re playing with fire, bro. If this blows up in your face, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.”
My phone vibrates inside my pocket. It’s Thom letting me know the trailers are starting.
“Come on,” I say. “Let’s go to the snack bar before Thom and Pria come looking for us.”
“It’s not Pria I’m worried about.”
15
Old Wounds
My body is killing me when I wake up for my shift at the store. I crawl out of bed and take a couple of Advil then turn on the shower as hot as it will go. The heat feels good on my back. What I really need is a massage.
I’ve been doing steroids for a couple of weeks now. Only Arshdeep and Ricky Flamingo know I’m taking them. Ricky is my supplier as well. I’ve yet to see any difference in the size of my muscles. Ricky says it will take a month before I see results.
The worst part about doing steroids (besides the cost) is the injections. I have to keep the needles out of my parent’s sight. I don’t want them thinking I’m taking heroin. Not that steroids would make them feel any better.
I’ve also been having a hard time controlling my temper, especially during practice. Thunder has been doing his best to get under my skin. I’ve learned to count to one hundred before I respond to his taunts. Still, there are times when I see some guy acting like a douchebag in public and I want to get in his face.
The best part about steroids is all the energy I have. I can work out way longer at the gym. I’m lifting heavier weights. My progress has caused a bit of tension between Arshdeep and myself. He’s been trying to add muscle naturally for a while now. Whenever I brag about how much weight I’m lifting he reminds me I’m on steroids. He tries to pass it off as a joke. But I get the sense he’s not kidding.
I find I have more endurance in the ring. I can take harder bumps and fight more aggressively. Taking steroids has also helped me bond with some of the better wrestlers at Lion’s Gate. If I keep up the pace, I should be headlining an event any month now.
I get dressed and head down to the store. I find Thom standing by the counter with a bouquet of flowers. Mom and Dad are grinning from ear to ear.
“Surprise!” Mom, Dad and Thom say.
“What’s going on?” I ask, still half asleep.
“It’s our six-month anniversary!” Thom says. “Don’t tell me you forgot.”
“Of course he did,” Mom says. “He forgets my birthday every year.”
“I’m confused,” I say. “I thought Dad needed me to work today.”
“Your mom and I have been planning this surprise for a week now,” says Thom.
“Someone get this kid a cup of coffee,” Dad says.
Mom makes me a double-espresso. I go outside with Thom and drink it on the patio.
“So what do you want to do?” I ask.
“I have it all planned. We can rent a tandem bike and ride the Seawall. Then I booked us a couple’s massage at a spa.”
“Tandem bike? You mean one of those bikes two people ride at once?”
“Do you mind? I’ve always thought they were romantic.”
“Not at all. I feel bad because I didn’t get you a card or anything.”
“You can repay me later.” Thom winks at me.
“I have the best boyfriend in the world,” I say. Now I feel even more guilty about the secrets I’m keeping.
* * *
I’ve never ridden a bicycle for two before. Neither has Thom. It takes a few stops and starts before we get the hang of it. We nearly fall over once, but manage to catch ourselves at the last second.
I’m in front, controlling our speed and direction. I was in way better shape than Thom before. Now I’m on steroids. I have to remember my own strength or we’re going to get hurt.
It’s a beautiful day. There are tourists and families on the Seawall so we have to take our time. We have to watch out for the little kids who are still wobbling on their tiny bikes.
“We should invite Arshdeep and Pria to do this sometime,” Thom says as we ride past the expensive condos in Coal Harbour.
“You really like Pria, don’t you?”
“She’s sassy. She’s like an Indian Rhianna.”
“It’s nice to have another couple we can hang out with. The four of us balance each other out.”
“Would you smell that fresh air? Can you believe they want to pollute this with more tankers?”
“Can we not talk about politics today?”
“You can’t hide from the universe, Jorge.” We ride in silence until we get to Prospect Point. Behind us I hear some guys on roller blades swearing up a storm. I feel my shoulders tense up. I know that voice. I turn around and see Ian Adamson. He’s the guy I fought with the day I was expelled from school. He and his crew are up to their old tricks, making life miserable for everyone.