The Apprentice (invite)

[Rob Kozmos]

Backstage at the Tribute To The Troops show, Rob Kozmos wasn't the least bit upset that he didn't get the win in his match. If was to his understanding that every available superstar on roster was in attendance, and after the third of the men's matches took place, he saw it it was he was looking for and was now asking around for him.

Magnus? Has anyone seen him?

There were lots of XWA personnel on hand. It might not have been your regular venue, but it still had a feel like an arena from all the activity going on. He continued to ask around until he finally had gotten an answer.

Excuse me, do you know where Magnus Von Schwartz is?

"I think I saw him leaving a few minutes ago actually. I went that way."

The crew member was pointing towards a parking area. There were some who had stayed at the base for the last few days. Others had came in just for the show, and now everyone was preparing to leave. Some faster than others it would seem. This had been someone Rob was trying to get in contact with though since he signed with the XWA. If he didn't now, who knows when he'd get the chance.

He rushed towards this lot, and sure enough he sees a man carrying a suitcase that unmistakably was the one he'd been looking for. He had to get his attention somehow.

Mr. Schwartz!!! Hello, Mr. Schwartz! Sorry to bother you, but...can we talk?

[Magnus Von Schwartz]

Some had made this preseason show into an excursion of it own. Magnus wasn't one of them. He had been back home in Berlin the last two months, training. Preparing for a new season fast approaching. This wasn't his country, nor was this his army, but Magnus is above all else a professional. He received word of this show, and made haste to arrive back in the US to compete. But now, it was over, and a whole month now was still yet to pass before the new season began officially, so Berlin would be where he'd return.

A limousine awaited him. It would take him back to the airport, but before he could step inside, a voice calls for him from afar.

Rob Kozmos. A new acquisition to the XWA this offseason. One of the fresh new talents that made it's way here to help usher in this "new era" of the company. He had read up on the profile of the young man. Any and every man after all, was a potential opponent. However, Magnus didn't detect the usual opposing state of mind from Kozmos as he practically ran across the lot to speak to him.

Hmm? What is it then, Mr. Kozmos?

[Rob Kozmos]

Rob was between breaths now. He did practically run to try and catch Magnus before he got away. He was a little surprised though that the veteran had actually addressed him. He'd been in promotions before where as the new guy, nobody even paid attention to you, let alone knew your name.

That kind of eliminated the whole "you might not know who I am" style of introduction, or any introduction for that matter. He was a bit relieved at that.

I...*phew*...that was not a good idea running that far...

He's practically slumped over now. ;D

...I just wanted to tell you...how much of a fan of yours I've been. I mean, I've been watching you since I was in high school. I saw some of your matches in the Grapplers World Grand Prix on YouTube years ago and...that's really what made me decide to become a wrestler.

There was probably a surprising announcement made there. It's not often that you get to meet your idol, but that in a sense was what Rob was doing right now. He got a surge of energy from letting this be known now. He stood tall.

I've been in the business for a little while now, but...I want to really step my game up. I want to learn...from one of the best. It might sound kind of awkward here but, I want to be your student.

I know you've probably got a world of knowledge about this business that you want to share. I'm willing to take it all in. I'll do whatever you want, Mr. Schwartz.

[Magnus Von Schwartz]

A student?

That was probably the most surprising thing that anyone's ever said to Magnus before. Strangely enough, in his mind he had always fancied starting a school. There were notable wrestling academies in the sport. He did indeed have a wealth enough of knowledge to share with anyone who'd be willing to learn the sport his way.

....................

But there was a long pause after Rob Kozmos made his proposal.

Hmm.

That was the only word, if it could be called a word, that Magnus muttered for a whole minute. It had to feel like an eternity for the young man.

If you have followed my work then Mr. Kozmos, then you know I don't suffer fools lightly. Your intentions may be genuine and noble, but I'm not a man of intentions.

I'm a man of action.

Magnus rubs his chin with a thumb and forefinger. He knew exactly now how to gauge this man's intentions.

Before I commit to making you better than you are, you will have to show me how good you are on your own. The season premiere of TakeDown. I will be watching you. If what I see is enough to convince me you're worth my time, then we'll talk further.

[Rob Kozmos]

It wasn't a yes. But at the same time, it wasn't a no either. It was...a test, of sorts. ROb now was the one who had paused for a moment. He was excited. Anxious. Maybe even a bit nervous.

Okay.

It was a simple response, but sometimes there's not much that needs to be said. Especially in the case of a "man of action" such as Magnus was, but Rob's mind was spinning as to what he would have to do in order to gain the man's favor. Would he have to win? Would he have to win convincingly? Would he have to "destroy" or "dissect" his opponent, much in the way Magnus had gained a reputation of doing?

You've got a deal then. *nodding* I'll make you a believer, that's a promise.

He had no idea how he would do that, but he knew he'd have to try. Even if it killed him, he'd have to try. The very fact that there was even "potential" to be mentored by his idol meant he'd have to pull out all the stops when the season began.

[Magnus Von Schwartz]

Magnus looks deep into Kozmos' eyes. There was conviction in them. Drive. Focus. Traits he had long thought were gone from this younger generation of egotistical parasites who called themselves professional wrestlers. Maybe this young man was on the level.

That remained to be seen though. There was still much to be seen. Much to be proven. One night would give him enough criteria to see where this man stood.

Let me be clear on this one thing though, Rob Kozmos. You will not be facing me on that night. As I said, I wish to see what it is that you can do alone first. I will see where you stand on your own, before I allow you to stand with me.

Are we understood?

[Rob Kozmos]

We're clear. Crystal.

Nodding again, Kozmos psyched himself up. This was a big an opportunity as any he's had in his short but successful time in pro wrestling. This could very well help him reach a whole new plateau. Magnus was one of those bonafide successes in this business. A truly proven competitor who never had to say anything about what he's done, because what he's done speaks for itself.

That was the kind of reputation Rob wanted. The only way it would happen though, but be by learning how to make it happen. He had to first make this happen though.

It was all clear now. Clear as the evening sky overhead.

I guess I'll see you at the season premiere then, Mr. Schwartz. It's been an honor to finally meet you. No matter what, I'll always be a fan.

He reaches out his hand to shake Magnus'. The conversation was brief, but there was still gobs of respect to paid, as Rob was demonstrating.

[Magnus Von Schwartz]

A gesture that did not go unnoticed in Magnus' eye. He responds, grasping Kozmos' hand and shaking it firmly. Kozmos matches pace. You can tell a lot of a man's conviction from his handshake. Every little bit of body language that Magnus was reading from Rob suggested that maybe, just maybe, Magnus' opinions about the "youth" of this business might have been misconstrued.

Call me Magnus.

Respect shown, respect returned. In his mind, Magnus thinks "maybe". The change of addressing should have signaled to Kozmos that he's at least opened the door. Now, it would be up to him to walk through it.

Magnus turns back to his limo now, not speaking another word. The driver closes the door behind him, and as he settles in for his voyage back home, he gets a phone call on his cellular as the vehicle pulls away.