CHAPTER 3

Chapter Three, Part One

The roar of the crowd still echoed in Theo’s mind as he and Tito made their way out of the arena. They were both buzzing with adrenaline, smiles plastered across their faces. Tito’s excitement was infectious, and Theo couldn’t help but laugh at Tito's animated reenactments of his springboard flying knee and the improvised brainbuster. It had been a hard-fought victory, but Theo knew it was only the beginning of what Wrestlorama Academy had in store for him.

They eventually reached the point where their paths would diverge for the day. Tito, who was in his first year, had to head to his freshman classes while Theo would be heading to his sophomore wrestling P.E. class with Coach Hercules Powers.

Tito looked at Theo, a mixture of pride and determination in his eyes. “Man, Theo, you really showed them! You’re going to make a name for yourself here, I know it. But don’t worry, I’ll catch up to you soon! Just wait until my own matches start—I'm gonna blow them away too!”

Theo smiled, giving Tito a nod of encouragement. “I have no doubt about that, Tito. You’re gonna be great. Just keep that fire burning and do your best, alright?”

There was a moment of silence between them—a moment of brotherhood. Theo looked at Tito and saw more than just an enthusiastic friend; he saw a younger brother chasing a dream. For a brief moment, a memory flashed in his mind—the image of Ricky Ramos, his old self, and his own little brother. He remembered the way his brother had looked up to him, the way they’d talked about their dreams of being heroes in the ring together.

Theo shook his head slightly, snapping back to the present. He placed a hand on Tito’s shoulder, squeezing it firmly. “You’ve got this, Tito. Make it count.”

Tito nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up with a determined grin. “You too, Theo. Show them what we’re made of!” With that, Tito turned and jogged off toward his classroom, leaving Theo to watch him go for a moment before he turned in the opposite direction, making his way to the gym.

The gym was abuzz with activity as Theo entered, his eyes widening slightly at the sheer number of students already there. The space was massive, filled with various pieces of wrestling equipment, practice rings, and, looming at the far end, an intricate setup of the obstacle course—the Wrestling Obstacle Course. Coach Hercules Powers stood in front of the students, his booming voice already filling the space with commands and instructions.

Coach Powers was impossible to miss. He was a giant of a man, his muscular frame accentuated by his red-and-gold tracksuit. His salt-and-pepper hair and mustache gave him a classic wrestling veteran look, and his powerful voice carried across the entire gym with ease.

“Alright, listen up, you bunch of future legends!” Coach Powers called, clapping his hands together with enough force that it echoed like a thunderclap. “Welcome to Wrestling P.E. Here, we don’t just work out—we train to be the best! Wrestling is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. You either give it your all, or you’re out. You hear me?”

The students all nodded, a collective murmur of “Yes, Coach!” filling the room. Theo could feel the intensity of the atmosphere, the weight of the expectations settling over everyone present.

Coach Powers grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Good! Now, I know you all think you’ve got what it takes to be here, but let me tell you—talk is cheap. Action is what counts!” He gestured toward the massive obstacle course set up at the far end of the gym. “That right there is your first real challenge of the year—The Wrestling Obstacle Course!”

Theo’s eyes were drawn to the obstacle course, taking in the various sections. The Ring Rush Gauntlet, the Turnbuckle Trials, the Ropes Challenge, the Powerhouse Push, the Ladder Leap—each part of the course looked more intense than the last. His heart began to pound in his chest, a mix of excitement and anticipation washing over him.

Coach Powers began walking toward the course, gesturing for the students to follow. “Now, this obstacle course isn’t just about running and climbing. No, no, no—this is about wrestling! You’re gonna need strength, agility, creativity, and the guts to go beyond your limits. You’re not just athletes; you’re entertainers! You’re warriors in that ring, and I want to see you prove it!”

As they approached the course, Coach Powers stopped in front of the first section—The Ring Rush Gauntlet. “We’ll start here. Each of you is gonna rush down that ramp and slide into the ring. Show me your best entrance! Creativity gets you extra points. You wanna be a legend? Then start acting like one!”

He moved on to the Turnbuckle Trials. “Next up—the Turnbuckle Trials. Hit each turnbuckle, and I wanna see a move from the top! Don’t just climb—leap, drop, dive! Show me you’ve got the guts to fly!”

Theo listened carefully as Coach Powers continued to walk them through each section of the course—the ropes they’d have to swing across, the weighted cart they’d have to push, the ladder they’d have to climb to grab the flag. It all looked challenging, but Theo couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement as he imagined himself tackling each obstacle.

Coach Powers stopped in front of the final section—The Battle Royale Bash. He looked at the students, his eyes narrowing as if daring them to back down. “And finally—The Battle Royale Bash. Foam dummies, each one representing an opponent. You’re gonna eliminate them from the ring, one by one, until you’re the last one standing. This is where you show me that you’re not just strong—you’re resilient, you’re smart, and you’re ready to fight for your place here!”

Coach Powers turned to face the students fully, his expression stern. “You’ve got until Friday to prepare. Come Friday, each and every one of you is gonna run this course. You pass, you stay. You fail—well, let’s just say you’ll be spending a lot more time in training until you get it right. This is Wrestlorama Academy—only the best make it through!”

Theo felt a rush of determination flood through him. This was it—his first real test as a sophomore. The obstacle course looked grueling, but he knew that he could handle it. He had to. He hadn’t come this far just to be held back.

Coach Powers clapped his hands again, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Now, I wanna see you all training hard this week. Push yourselves—unleash the power within you! Show me what you’re made of!”

The students began to disperse, some moving toward different parts of the gym to begin their training, others lingering to get a closer look at the obstacle course. Theo found himself staring at the massive setup, his eyes scanning each section. The Ring Rush Gauntlet, the Turnbuckle Trials, the Powerhouse Push—each challenge called out to him, daring him to conquer it.

He clenched his fists, a determined smile forming on his lips. This was what he had come here for. The thrill of the challenge, the chance to prove himself. He was ready to give it everything he had.

As Theo continued to study the obstacle course, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling inside of him. This was just the beginning of his journey at Wrestlorama Academy, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. One thing was certain—he wasn’t just here to participate. He was here to stand out, to rise above, to become something greater.

With the obstacles looming in front of him, Theo took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in focus. He could almost hear the roar of the crowd, feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was his moment. And he wasn’t going to let it slip away.

“Let’s do this,” Theo muttered under his breath, a fire igniting in his eyes.

The challenge was set, and Theo was ready to take it on. One obstacle at a time, one challenge at a time—he would prove that he had what it took to be a true Wrestlorama legend.

---

The first part of Chapter 3 has set the stage for an exciting and grueling challenge for Theo, focusing on his determination and the intense atmosphere of Wrestlorama Academy. Let me know if you’d like to dive further into Theo’s preparation or any other part of his journey!

Chapter Three, Part Two

The days following the first day of school at Wrestlorama Academy passed in a whirlwind of sweat, bruises, and determination. Theo knew that his first match with Brick and Milton had only scratched the surface of what this school had in store for him. To make it here, he had to not only endure but improve, adapt, and grow stronger. He spent every waking moment preparing for what was next—the Wrestling Obstacle Course, a challenge that would test not only his physical prowess but also his mental toughness.

Every day after classes, Theo trained alongside Tito, who had fully embraced his role as both Theo's friend and his unofficial coach. Tito might not have been the one inside the ring, but his sharp mind and strategic insight made him the perfect person to help Theo prepare. Together, they devised creative drills that not only helped Theo strengthen the skills he already possessed but also forced him to confront his weaknesses—the mistakes he had made during his first match, the moments when Brick and Milton had overwhelmed him, and the times he had doubted himself.

"Alright, Theo," Tito called out as they stood in one of the academy's smaller training arenas, "let's focus on counters today. You need to be faster, more reactive. Remember what happened when Brick and Milton ganged up on you? You can't let that happen again."

Theo nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I know. I need to be ready for anything. Let's do it."

Tito grinned and raised a foam pad, smacking it against Theo's shoulder. "Good. Now, show me those reflexes!"

Theo launched into the drills Tito had devised. The exercises were relentless, focusing on dodging and countering attacks. Tito would swing at him with padded sticks, forcing Theo to duck, weave, and sidestep. He would call out combinations for Theo to execute, chaining together counters and reversals with increasing speed. The goal was to make Theo unpredictable—to ensure that no opponent could easily anticipate his next move.

"Faster, Theo! Come on, you have to be quicker! Think like you're in that ring with Brick again," Tito urged, his voice rising above the rhythmic thud of Theo's feet on the mat. "He comes at you with a heavy right—what do you do?"

Theo twisted his body, dodging an imaginary punch and stepping into an uppercut that he threw with full force. The padded dummy in front of him rocked backward, and Tito gave a satisfied nod. "Nice! That's the kind of counter I'm talking about. Use his own weight against him."

The memory of his match with Brick was still fresh in Theo's mind. The way Brick had powered through his defenses, and the way Milton had caught him off guard—those were mistakes Theo couldn’t afford to repeat. Every move, every counter he practiced with Tito, he did so with the image of his opponents in mind. He visualized their attacks, their tells, and the ways he could turn their aggression into his advantage.

As the sun dipped below the horizon each day, they would move on to strength and conditioning. Tito had Theo running sprints up the arena stairs, carrying weighted sandbags across his shoulders, and practicing power moves on training dummies. Theo's muscles ached with every movement, his body begging for rest, but he pushed through it, knowing that every drop of sweat, every ounce of effort was bringing him closer to his goal.

"Come on, Theo! One more rep!" Tito shouted as Theo struggled to lift a heavy sandbag over his head. "You got this, bro! Think about that obstacle course. You need that explosive power!"

Theo let out a guttural yell, forcing the sandbag up and over his head before dropping it to the ground with a heavy thud. He collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving, but a grin spread across his face. "I… I did it."

"Damn right, you did," Tito said, offering Theo a hand to help him up. "You're getting stronger every day, man. Coach Powers' obstacle course won't know what hit it."

The training wasn't just about physical strength—Tito also made sure to focus on Theo's mental game. They would sit down after every training session and talk through what Theo had learned, what he needed to work on, and how he could apply it to the upcoming challenge.

"You remember what Coach Powers said about the obstacle course, right?" Tito asked one evening as they sat on the edge of the training ring, both of them nursing bottles of water.

Theo nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah. He said it's not just about strength or speed—it's about thinking like a wrestler. Using your head as much as your body."

"Exactly," Tito said, his eyes narrowing with focus. "The Ring Rush Gauntlet? It's not just about getting to the ring fast—it's about making an impact. You need to think about your entrance, how you're going to stand out. And the Turnbuckle Trials? That's all about confidence in the air. You need to make those dives count, show no hesitation."

Theo listened intently, absorbing every word. Tito had a way of breaking things down that made everything clearer, more manageable. He was grateful to have someone like Tito by his side—someone who believed in him, who pushed him to be better.

As the days went by, Theo felt himself growing more confident. He practiced his entrances, perfecting the timing of his slides into the ring and adding his own flair—a quick somersault, a pose that he hoped would get the crowd cheering. He worked on his aerial moves, climbing the turnbuckles and launching himself into diving elbows and dropkicks, learning to control his body in midair. He knew that the obstacle course would be a test of everything he'd learned, and he wanted to be ready.

"You're getting there, Theo," Tito said one afternoon as they watched a replay of Theo's practice dives on Tito's tablet. "Look at that form—you're starting to look like a real high-flyer. Just remember to commit to the move. No hesitation."

Theo nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Tito. I don't know what I'd do without you, man."

Tito shrugged, a grin on his face. "Hey, we're in this together. Just like you told me—I'll do my best in my classes, and you do your best in the ring. That's how we both win."

The two friends shared a moment of brotherhood, a silent understanding passing between them. Theo couldn't help but think back to his days as Ricky Ramos, to his own little brother. The way they used to train together, dream together. Tito reminded him of that bond—a connection that went beyond just friendship. It was family.

"You're gonna do great, Tito," Theo said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Just keep being you, and you'll make it."

Tito smiled, a hint of emotion in his eyes. "Thanks, Theo. Now let's get back to work. You've got an obstacle course to crush."

Finally, the day arrived. The day when Theo would face Coach Powers' Wrestling Obstacle Course. Theo woke up early, his body humming with a mix of nerves and excitement. He had trained for this moment, poured everything he had into preparing, and now it was time to see if it had all paid off.

Theo made his way to the academy gym, the massive building bustling with students, all of them ready to take on the obstacle course. He could hear the chatter, the excitement in the air, and it only fueled his determination. As he approached the gym entrance, he took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"You got this, Theo," he whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "Time to show them what you're made of."

He stepped into the gym, his eyes immediately drawn to the massive obstacle course that had been set up in the center. It was even more intimidating in person—the towering ladder, the ropes suspended above the foam pit, the weighted cart waiting to be pushed. But instead of feeling fear, Theo felt a surge of adrenaline, a fire igniting in his chest.

Coach Hercules Powers stood at the front of the gym, his booming voice echoing off the walls as he welcomed the students. "Alright, wrestlers! Today is the day! The Wrestling Obstacle Course is your chance to prove that you have what it takes to continue your journey here at Wrestlorama Academy! I want to see heart, I want to see determination, and most importantly—I want to see you unleash the power within you!"

The students cheered, the energy in the gym electric. Theo felt his heart pounding, his focus narrowing in on the course ahead. This was it. Everything he had worked for, everything he had trained for, was about to be put to the test.

Coach Powers continued, his eyes scanning the crowd of students. "Remember, this course isn't just about strength or speed—it's about thinking like a wrestler! Show me your creativity, your agility, and your ability to adapt! And most importantly—have fun out there!"

Theo took his place at the starting line, his eyes locked on the first section of the course—the Ring Rush Gauntlet. He could feel Tito's eyes on him from the sidelines, his friend's voice echoing in his mind. "No hesitation. Commit to the move."

He took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists. This was his moment. The obstacle course was his chance to prove that he belonged here, that he was capable of becoming the wrestler he had always dreamed of being. He was ready to give it everything he had, to push beyond his limits and show everyone—including himself—what he was truly capable of.

The whistle blew, and Theo's body sprang into action, his feet pounding against the floor as he sprinted toward the entrance ramp. The crowd's cheers filled his ears, and a determined grin spread across his face.

It was time to unleash the power within. And Theo was ready.

Chapter Three, Part Three

The crowd roared with anticipation as Theo took his first steps toward the Wrestling Obstacle Course. He could feel the vibrations of the cheering students reverberating through the entire arena, as if the sheer enthusiasm of his peers had transformed the massive space into an electric storm. The wrestling ring, now surrounded by various contraptions and challenges, looked like the heart of a battle-ready fortress, each obstacle daring him to conquer it.

The moment had come, and Theo felt his heartbeat sync with the roar of the crowd. This was his first true test at Wrestlorama Academy. He knew this would be far from easy. Everything he had trained for, every drill with Tito, every grueling workout, was about to be put to the test. Theo took a deep breath, his gaze focused on the first obstacle in front of him—the **Ring Rush Gauntlet**.

#### **The Ring Rush Gauntlet**

Theo darted forward, the air whistling past his ears as he sprinted down the entrance ramp, determined to make an unforgettable first impression. With an effortless leap, Theo launched himself into a forward roll, followed by an explosive kip-up that brought him smoothly to his feet at the apron. His body moved like a fluid force, the culmination of the endless drills that Tito had put him through all week.

With his heart pounding, Theo didn't hesitate. He grabbed onto the ropes and vaulted into the ring in one fluid motion, adding a twisting somersault mid-air for extra flair. As his feet landed on the mat, the crowd erupted with applause. Theo flashed a quick grin; he had always been good at entrances, and this was no exception.

Coach Powers' voice echoed over the speakers, his excitement palpable, "That's how you make an entrance, folks! Remember, Wrestlorama is all about the spirit!"

Theo barely had a second to catch his breath before he was off to the next section—**The Turnbuckle Trials**.

#### **The Turnbuckle Trials**

The ring's four corners seemed to rise like mountains before Theo, each turnbuckle calling for his courage. He sprinted toward the first, adrenaline pushing him faster, and climbed swiftly. He balanced atop the turnbuckle, his feet steady on the small, padded surface. The lights above gleamed down as if urging him on.

Without hesitation, Theo threw himself into a leaping crossbody, his form perfect as he soared through the air before landing smoothly on his feet. The next turnbuckle awaited, and Theo dashed towards it, his breathing controlled. This time, he launched himself into a missile dropkick, feeling the impact as his feet drove into an imaginary target.

The third turnbuckle required something different. Theo clambered up, took a deep breath, and executed a moonsault—an upside-down twisting leap that sent him flipping backward. The cheers from the crowd were his reward, energizing him for the last leap. At the final turnbuckle, Theo went for a high-risk hurricanrana, twisting his body as if there were an opponent beneath him to take down. He landed gracefully, rolling forward to absorb the impact.

Coach Powers’ laughter crackled over the mic. “That’s the spirit, Theo! Dare to fly high!”

Theo’s pulse raced. The cheers were invigorating, but the course was just getting started. He moved to the next challenge—the **Ropes Challenge**.

#### **The Ropes Challenge**

This was a test of agility and endurance, the ropes hanging above a foam pit like vines across a dangerous chasm. Theo grabbed the first rope, his muscles straining as he swung forward, his legs kicking out to build momentum. He caught the next rope and swung again, higher and farther each time.

Halfway through, the ropes became more erratic, some hanging higher, others spaced farther apart. Theo paused for a second, eyeing his next move. He leaped, grabbing onto a higher rope, his hands burning as he held on tightly. He swung his legs up, wrapping them around the rope for extra stability before moving forward again. The final rope was especially high, and Theo gritted his teeth, swinging his body back and forth to gather the momentum he needed.

With a final, explosive effort, Theo launched himself off the last rope, landing safely on the other side of the foam pit. The crowd roared in approval, and Theo pumped his fist in acknowledgment. He could feel the sweat trickling down his back, but his determination pushed him onward.

The next challenge loomed—the **Powerhouse Push**.

#### **The Powerhouse Push**

The cart stood before Theo like a wall of metal and weight, designed to resemble a wrestling ring on wheels. He could almost hear Tito's voice in his head, urging him to dig deep, to use everything he had. Theo positioned himself behind the weighted cart, his hands pressing firmly against the metal bar.

“Come on, Theo, unleash the power within you!” Coach Powers’ voice bellowed over the speaker.

Theo planted his feet, took a deep breath, and pushed. His muscles strained as he drove his legs into the ground, his entire body working in unison. The cart resisted at first, the heavy wheels grinding against the arena floor, but Theo let out a roar, channeling all his strength, and the cart began to move.

Inch by inch, Theo pushed forward, his legs burning as he fought against the weight. The crowd cheered him on, their voices blending into a wall of sound that drove him to keep moving. Sweat poured down his face, and his arms trembled, but he didn’t stop. The cart rolled forward, and Theo pushed with everything he had until, finally, he crossed the marked finish line.

He collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath, his body shaking from the effort. But there was no time to rest. He had to keep going. The next challenge—the **Ladder Leap**—awaited.

#### **The Ladder Leap**

Theo approached the ladder set up in the middle of the ring. Above him, a flag hung, swaying slightly, taunting him with its height. The ladder loomed tall, and Theo could feel the weight of the challenge settling in his mind. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes narrowing in focus.

He began to climb, his hands gripping each rung tightly as he ascended. The metal was cold beneath his fingers, the height making his heart pound even harder. The higher he went, the more the cheers of the crowd seemed to fade, replaced by the sound of his own breathing and the rhythmic clinking of the ladder.

When he reached the top, Theo steadied himself, the flag just within reach. He took a deep breath and looked down for a moment—seeing the distance below reminded him of the risks. But he wasn’t backing down. Not now. With a final burst of energy, Theo leaped off the ladder, his fingers brushing against the flag before gripping it firmly. He twisted mid-air, tucking into a roll as he fell, landing safely on the mat below.

The flag was in his hand, and Theo raised it triumphantly, the crowd erupting in cheers. Coach Powers’ voice came over the speakers, filled with pride. “Now that’s what I call conquering your fears!”

Theo took a moment to catch his breath, his gaze already shifting to the next challenge—**The Submission Slalom**. There was no stopping now. He was halfway through, and nothing was going to slow him down.

#### **The Submission Slalom**

A series of wrestling dummies stood in a line, each one waiting for Theo to apply a different submission hold. Theo approached the first dummy, his mind racing as he remembered the lessons Coach Powers had drilled into them. He dropped down, wrapping his arms around the dummy’s legs, and twisted into a **sharpshooter**. The dummy bent awkwardly under the pressure, and Theo held the position for a moment before releasing and moving on.

The next dummy required an **armbar**. Theo dropped to the mat, grabbing the dummy’s arm and pulling it into position, his legs locking around the arm as he applied pressure. He grunted, feeling the strain in his muscles as he held the hold, then released and moved on.

The third dummy called for a **sleeper hold**. Theo slipped behind it, wrapping his arm around the dummy’s neck and locking it in tightly. He squeezed, his bicep pressing against the dummy’s head, mimicking the pressure he would apply to a real opponent. He could hear the crowd cheering him on, their voices driving him forward.

One by one, Theo moved through the dummies, applying submission after submission—**figure-four leg lock**, **guillotine choke**, **crossface**—each hold testing his technique and precision. His body moved on autopilot, his training taking over as he executed each hold with precision.

By the time he reached the final dummy, Theo’s arms were burning, his legs trembling from the exertion. He wrapped the dummy in a final **dragon sleeper**, twisting it back as he applied the pressure, before finally letting go and collapsing to his knees, breathing heavily.

The crowd roared, and Theo looked up, his eyes fierce. He wasn’t done yet. There were still more obstacles ahead, and he was ready to take them on.

Theo stood, his eyes locking onto the next challenge—the **Cage Crawl**. The adrenaline coursed through his veins, pushing away the fatigue. He took a deep breath, his determination unwavering.

“Onward, Theo!” Coach Powers bellowed. “The next challenge awaits!”

Theo nodded, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. The cage loomed before him, and he could feel the anticipation building in his chest. He was halfway through the course, and the hardest part was still ahead. But Theo was ready. He had trained for this, and he would see it through to the end.

With a final glance at the cheering crowd, Theo charged forward, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. This was his moment, his chance to prove to himself—and to everyone else—that he had what it took to be a true wrestler. The obstacles ahead were daunting, but Theo knew that with every challenge, he was growing stronger, pushing himself closer to his ultimate goal.

He approached the Cage Crawl, his muscles tense, his eyes filled with determination. There was no turning back now. The only way forward was through the obstacles, and Theo was ready to face whatever came next.

The crowd’s cheers echoed in his ears, and Theo felt a surge of energy. He charged ahead, ready to conquer the next challenge and prove that he had the heart of a true Wrestlorama champion. The battle had only just begun.

Chapter Three, Part Four

Theo felt his heart pounding as he stared at the looming steel structure ahead. The Cage Crawl was the penultimate challenge, and the massive steel frame towered over him like a beast waiting to be conquered. The obstacles were tough, but Theo wasn’t about to back down. He had come this far, and now, nothing was going to stop him.

Coach Powers, his booming voice filling the arena, clapped his hands. "Alright, wrestlers! This is the Cage Crawl. Show me that you have the agility, the endurance, and most importantly—the guts! No fear, just focus!"

Theo took a deep breath, shaking out his arms. "Alright, let's do this," he muttered to himself. He had to stay on his toes—fast, agile, and unrelenting. This was no time to slow down.

He charged at the cage, ducking down low and sliding under the first set of bars. The cold steel brushed against his back as he wriggled through, moving like a snake beneath the bars. "Just gotta keep it steady," he muttered, sweat dripping down his forehead.

As he crawled under and over each section, Theo felt the burn in his muscles. It was like every ounce of energy had been drained, yet he kept pushing through. The final part of the Cage Crawl loomed ahead—a vertical climb up the cage wall, leading to a leap off onto a crash mat below. Theo looked up, narrowing his eyes. He reached out, grabbing the steel bars with his sore hands, his fingers aching with each pull.

The crowd cheered, and Coach Powers called out, "You’ve got this, Theo! Show us that Fighting Spirit!"

Theo could hear Tito’s voice over the noise, shouting encouragement. "C’mon, Theo! You got this, bro! Show them why you're here!"

Theo smiled. He pushed himself, the adrenaline coursing through his veins like fire. One hand over the other, he climbed the cage until he reached the top. He took a moment, looking down at the crash mat below. He had to leap—no hesitation, just pure faith.

Theo took a deep breath, then jumped. The air whooshed past him as he descended, his heart hammering in his chest before he finally landed with a thud on the mat. He took a second to steady himself, then got up, adrenaline still pumping.

"Nice work, Theo!" Coach Powers bellowed. "Now, let's see if you can take on the next one—the Manager's Challenge: Strategy Station!"

Theo looked over to the next obstacle, spotting Tito standing by the entrance of the maze, a grin on his face. Theo jogged over to him, giving him a quick fist bump. "Alright, Tito. What’s the plan, man?" Theo asked, catching his breath.

Tito smirked, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Alright, dude. I’ve got your back. This maze is gonna be wild, but we’re gonna do this. Just listen to me and move when I say, cool?"

Theo nodded, feeling his confidence grow. "You got it, Tito."

Tito began guiding Theo through the maze, barking commands while Theo navigated around foam opponents. "Left, left! Watch that dummy! Duck! Alright, now right, bro!" Tito’s voice echoed through the air, urging Theo on.

Theo weaved his way through, dodging and countering the foam "opponents" as they appeared. Tito was calling the shots like a pro, and Theo was putting in the work—every twist and turn was on point. The maze seemed endless, but Theo could feel the momentum building. They were unstoppable, a team moving as one.

"Alright, almost there, man!" Tito shouted. "Now, take a sharp right—then leap over that last one!"

Theo nodded, his feet moving before his mind even registered the command. He darted to the right, spotting the foam dummy in his way. With a grunt of effort, Theo leaped into the air, clearing the dummy in one fluid motion.

The crowd roared as Theo landed on the other side, pumping his fist. Tito raised both arms, grinning like a maniac. "That’s what I’m talking about! We crushed it!"

Theo ran over, pulling Tito into a hug. "Couldn’t have done it without you, Tito. You’re the real MVP."

Tito laughed, playfully pushing Theo away. "Nah, man, we’re both the MVPs. Let’s finish this!"

The final challenge loomed before them—the Battle Royale Bash. Theo looked at the foam dummies filling the ring, each varying in size and weight. This was it. All the training, all the sweat, and all the effort had led to this moment.

Coach Powers stood at the entrance of the ring, his grin wide. "Alright, students! The Battle Royale Bash—let’s see who’s got the strength, stamina, and showmanship to take down these opponents! Remember, it’s not just about brute force—it’s about heart! Now, go get ‘em!"

Theo stepped into the ring, his muscles burning, but his resolve never stronger. He eyed the dummies, feeling the crowd's energy washing over him. He took a deep breath, then launched himself at the nearest dummy. He hooked his arms around it, using his momentum to toss it over the top rope. The foam figure hit the mat below with a dull thud.

"Let’s go!" Theo shouted, feeling the fire within him roar. He moved to the next dummy, his body moving on instinct. Every throw, every lift, was deliberate—using technique rather than raw power to take each dummy down. The bigger ones took more effort, but Theo wasn’t backing down. He pushed, pulled, and slammed until each one went flying out of the ring.

The crowd was on their feet, cheering his name. "Theo! Theo! Theo!"

The final dummy was the heaviest, a massive figure that seemed almost impossible to lift. Theo wiped the sweat from his brow, crouching down and wrapping his arms around it. He gritted his teeth, feeling his muscles scream in protest as he heaved upward.

"Unleash that power, Theo!" Coach Powers roared.

With a primal yell, Theo lifted the dummy off the mat, straining every fiber of his being until he managed to haul it up and over the top rope. The dummy crashed to the floor outside the ring, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Theo fell to his knees, exhausted but triumphant. He looked up, breathing hard, and saw Tito running towards the ring. Tito climbed through the ropes, pulling Theo to his feet, a massive grin on his face.

"We did it, man!" Tito shouted, throwing an arm around Theo's shoulders. "You killed it out here!"

Theo nodded, a tired smile on his face. "Yeah...we really did. Thanks for having my back, Tito."

Tito laughed, giving Theo a playful punch on the arm. "Always, bro. Now let’s get outta here and grab something to eat. I’m starving."

Theo laughed, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. Together, they left the ring, the cheers of the crowd echoing behind them as they walked out of the arena. Theo knew this was just the beginning—there were still battles ahead, still challenges to face. But with Tito by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.

The Fighting Spirit was alive within him, and there was nothing that could hold him back.