You're here to discuss a No Holds Barred match

You've been asked to speak with Commissioner Zhang, 1-on-1.

My star must be rising. Or am I in trouble? Hmm...

There's chatter behind her door when you knock.

"Hold on... come in!"

You enter to see her on the phone, she motions you to take a seat while still chatting. Something about revenue or retail, who knows?

"Alright, keep me posted, bye." Hang up, sigh. It strains the chest of her red dress shirt. You don't stare, much.

"You wanted to see me boss?"

"Yes, yes." She takes her seat, eyes off somewhere else. There's a contemplative silence for a long while. "How are you finding your tenure John?"

Fucking amazing!

"Very good, all things considered."

"Glad to hear it." Another silence, Anna's clearly pondering something. "I may have an opportunity for you, if you're interested."

"Always interested, what is it?"

"What do you know about the No Holds Barred match?"

That I'm about to be in one.

"Only what is says on the policies page. Most rules are thrown out, no pins or submissions, just keep going until you can't go anymore."

"Well, yes, that's the bones of it. But there's more to it than that. We use them to settle grudges, personal judges. This is no 'friendly competition.' Even our strictest policies get stretched to breaking point."

“Well well, looks like I’ve found my next victim” Rose says, in your memory.

Boss hasn't blinked once.

"If you've got a problem with them boss, why have them?"

Zhang almost chokes in laughter. "I don't have a problem with them John. These fights are fucking fantastic!"

"Well then why does it sound like your warning me?"

"Because I am. Because not everyone can handle them. Because half our injuries & most of our aftercare time comes from these matches." She settles herself & refocuses. "& because I think you can do it." The pride in her voice in unmistakable, & it buoys you considerably. "Just wanted you to know what you're in for."

This time, the awkward silence is your doing.

"Thank you boss." You stand, shake her hand & make yourself scarce. You've got a lot to think about.