CHAPTER TWELVE
The gym was packed. Every bleacher, every standing spot, every balcony rail — crammed with screaming fans, buzzing energy, and camera phones aimed at the ring like it was WrestleMania.
But this wasn't just another match.
This was the match.
Malik "M.K. Jr." Smith versus Ryder Cole — Eastwood's golden boy, the smug, sculpted, submission-savvy senior who tormented Malik in his first life. The same guy who once told him, "You'll never make it past gym class, loser."
Now? He was the final boss.
The gatekeeper.
The only thing standing between Malik and legacy.
PRE-MATCH STATUS PING
🎯 Mission Activated: "Claim the Crown" – Win the Final Match
• XP Reward: +300
• Bonus Stat: +10 Charisma
• Passive Unlock: Hype Engine – Crowd Energy Restores Stamina
• Gimmick Evolution Path: Tribal Chief Tier 2
• BONUS OBJECTIVE: Win in Spectacular Fashion (Crowd Chants: "This is Awesome")
The bell rang.
Malik and Ryder circled like wolves — the air electric, the tension thick.
Ryder struck first — a quick takedown, clean and cocky.
Then a knee to Malik's ribs.
A smirk.
"You're still not in my league."
Malik didn't respond.
He just grinned… and slapped Ryder hard across the face.
The crowd exploded.
And the war began.
Ryder went for blood.
Finisher #1: Crimson Crown Cutter.
Malik kicked out at 2.9.
Signature: Royal Suplex Combo.
Malik bounced like a ragdoll… but still rose.
Finisher #2: Crimson Crown Cutter again — this time from the middle rope.
Malik barely rolled his shoulder off the mat.
The crowd couldn't believe it.
Ryder screamed at the ref.
Malik used the breath to rally, slamming fists into the mat, breathing through pain.
Malik caught Ryder mid-charge with a brutal Powerbomb — his signature — rattling the ring.
He lifted him for a second...
Skyfall Judgment!
But Ryder slipped out and countered.
Finisher #3: A lightning-fast variation.
Malik's body convulsed.
The ref's hand hit three — but Malik's foot was on the ropes.
The ref waved it off.
Match still on.
[End of Chapter 12]