CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
📅 May 20th, 2005
The ink was still drying on Malik's $2,000 contract when opportunity knocked—loudly.
Brick Bronson, the reigning BWF Champion, had strutted into the center of the weekly BWF show and grabbed a mic like it owed him rent.
💬 "Ain't nobody in this building ready for Brick Bronson. I'm the BWF Alpha. The title's mine. The spotlight's mine. Hell—this whole show is mine."
He grinned like a wolf surrounded by sheep.
💬 "So here's a challenge—for fun, really. Open match. Anyone. Come take your L like a man. If you've got the guts."
Backstage, Malik's system pinged.
📲 SYSTEM SCAN — POTENTIAL RIVAL DETECTED
🎯 BRICK "THE BRICK WALL" BRONSON
• Rank: BWF World Champion
• Personality: Cocky, Domineering
• Style: Brawler / Powerhouse
🔓 RIVALRY SLOT UNLOCKED – PRIMARY ANTAGONIST ASSIGNED
Malik tightened his wrist tape, cracked his neck, and smiled.
💬 "Let's make history."
Lights Hit. Music Drops.
A slow, tribal drum beat echoed through the arena.
Then:
"ACKNOWLEDGE ME."
Smoke filled the ramp. Malik stepped out in a black sleeveless hoodie, and those cold, burning eyes.
TRIBAL CHIEF – M.K. SMITH JR.
He grabbed the mic.
💬 "Brick… You think this company belongs to you? This ring? This title? These people?"
The crowd leaned in.
💬 "You're not the Alpha. You're not the foundation. You're not even a stepping stone…"
He paused.
💬 "You're the announcement. I'm the arrival."
The crowd exploded.
Backstage, jaws dropped. Even the GM stood up.
Promo Win Condition: Stun the Champion
🎤 SYSTEM EVALUATION…
✅ Charisma Check Passed (68)
✅ Tribal Chief Aura Activated
🧠 Intelligence Buff Applied
🎯 RESULT: BWF CHAMPION SHOCKED
🏆 Bonus: GM Interest Increased – Storyline Slot Secured
Brick's face twisted from amusement to fury.
💬 "You want a fight, rookie?"
Malik took a step forward, nose-to-nose.
💬 "I want a war."
The crowd began chanting:
"TRI-BAL CHIEF! TRI-BAL CHIEF!"
Match Didn't Happen That Night.
But the rivalry?
Locked in. Lit up. And official.
Later that evening, the GM called Malik into his office.
💬 "You just turned a cocky champ into a cornered animal. That's good TV."
He tossed Malik a branded folder.
💼 "You're booked. Next week, we begin this fire properly."
📲 SYSTEM UPDATE – RIVALRY INCOMING
🎮 Rival Path Activated: Brick Bronson – BWF Rival
🔥 Rival Tension Level: 3/10
🧩 Objective Added: Defeat Brick in a Sanctioned Match
💰 Contract Secured: $2,000 base + match bonus potential
Malik looked at his reflection in the locker room mirror. Not just a wrestler anymore.
A leader.
A threat.
A king… walking into another kingdom.
Next week?
He wasn't coming for respect.
He was coming for the throne.
[End of Chapter 17 – "The Tribal Chief Rises"]