The Professional Wrestler

By Bruce Buchanan

He tested the rubber-wrapped ropes for tautness, wiped his boots on the stained canvas mat, and stepped into the ring for his first match. The 30 or so spectators in the dingy VFW hall briefly applauded the spandex-clad newcomer and then returned to their popcorn and cell phones. But none of that mattered. His heart still drummed like a tripped security alarm. The ring announcer shouted his name, but he heard nothing. His carefully prepared match layout grappled in his brain with his turbulent anxiety. Time to learn who would prevail. The bell rang, and he was now a professional wrestler.