CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
๐ June 17th, 2005
The war was over.
Heatwave was done.
And yet the sound of the bell still rang in Malik's ears like an eternal echo of "1โฆ2โฆ3".
Backstage was chaos wrapped in glory. Cameramen sprinted. Reporters shouted. Trainers scrambled with ice packs. Every wrestler peeked from behind corners or leaned on cratesโwaiting, watching.
Then he came through the curtain.
Malik Smith Jr.
Still BWF Champion.
His chest rose slowly, sweat still clinging to every muscle. The belt draped over his shoulder like it had always belonged there.
Silence followed him.
Thenโ
CLAP.
CLAP. CLAP. CLAP.
Coach Barker was first. Then Brick Bronson, limping but proud. Then others. Jetstream Jace nodded with a bruised jaw.
Soon, it became a wave.
Applause.
Backstage acknowledged him.
He had earned it.
๐ฒ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION โ CHAMPION BONUS REWARDED!
๐ Congratulations on successfully defending your title in a Pay-Per-View Main Event Match under No DQ rules!
๐ REWARD: +6 Stat Points
๐ Current EXP: 4200 / 5000 (Level 12)
๐ 300 more EXP needed to reach Level 13
๐ง Allocate Points?
โ Malik did it immediately, mind sharp, heart focused.
โข +2 Strength โ 32
โข +1 Endurance โ 30
โข +1 Technique โ 30
โข +1 Intelligence โ 21
โข +1 Money Maker โ 16
๐งฌ UPDATED STATS โ LEVEL 12
โข Strength: 32
โข Agility: 27
โข Endurance: 30
โข Charisma: 68
โข Technique: 30
โข Intelligence: 21
โข Money Maker: 16
๐ Passive Upgrades:
โข ๐ง Tactical Genius II โ Faster recognition of patterns, now 20% buff to move prediction.
โข ๐ต Business Mindset II โ 10% increase in sponsorship payout and merchandise sales.
โข ๐ค Champion's Aura โ Increases intimidation and respect gain when holding a championship title.
๐บ MEDIA STORM ENGAGED
Malik was on every screen.
"NEW BWF CHAMPION MAKES HISTORY IN DEBUT RUN!"
"HEATWAVE: MALIK SURVIVES 2-ON-1 BEATDOWN!"
"IS THE TRIBAL CHIEF THE FUTURE OF PRO WRESTLING?"
Clips of his spears, his Skyfall Judgments, the double Head Stomp finish, were looped across morning TV, wrestling blogs, and sports radio.
Endorsements knocked.
WEW scouts called again.
Even some indie wrestlers from Japan and Mexico tweeted in support.
๐ข Backstage Moments That Mattered
Coach Barker:
"You're no longer a prospect. You're a name."
Brick Bronson (smirking through a swollen eye):
"You got me, kid. Don't get used to it."
Jetstream Jace:
"You're tough, Tribal Chief. I don't forget guys who get up after that much hell."
Later that night, Malik sat alone in the locker room.
The BWF Championship rested on the bench beside him.
He looked into the mirror, tired but defiant.
And for the first time in two livesโฆ
He felt like a king.
[End of Chapter 25 โ "The Aftershock"]