Trifecta Writing Challenge: The Wrestling Match (abridged version)

This post is in response to the weekly Trifecta Writing Challenge. 
Write a 33-333 word piece that uses the third definition from the given word.


This week's word is:
clean (adjective)
1: free from dirt or pollution
2: unadulterated, pure
3 a : free from moral corruption or sinister connections of any kind <a candidate with a clean record>

   b : free from offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity <a clean joke>

   c : observing the rules : fair <a clean fight>

Authors note:
This story is an abridged version from the one my husband and I wrote for our original children's story podcast, Night Light Stories. I have been working on my editing process and thought this was a perfect story to practice this skill. So, I edited the story today with an alternate ending for this challenge. To experience the complete version with the original, "slightly more comical" ending, click here.

The Wrestling Match

“Let’s get ready to rumble!”

The spectators take their seats. They’re all abuzz trading memories of last night’s match. The nightly wrestling competition is always entertaining; a highlight of the evening.

From the end of the hallway, the wily veteran emerges.  A large, hulk of a man, quietly lumbers toward the ring.  His face is full of experience. The second wrestler, the rookie is full of spunk. Giggles of glorious glee erupt from her.  The wrestlers steady themselves and look into each other’s eyes.

“Let’s keep this match clean!” yells one of the spectators.

“DING”

The veteran dives forward, but the rookie is as quick as lightning. Unfazed, the veteran swipes for his opponent.  For a moment fingers fumble with material, but a squirm and a wiggle allow the more agile rookie to find freedom.  Determined, the ox of man rolls forward and wraps his big arms around the rookie’s torso. She twitches and twirls, straining to break free. He grabs her arm and succeeds at sending one hand, fingers spread like a spiderweb, through the sleeve. Encouraged by his small victory the veteran goes for the other arm, but before he can grab it, the rookie decides to try a little trick she’s been working on between matches.  She flops down, letting her body fall limp. The new ‘dead weight’ move has its desired effect of confusing the veteran. She tries to make a run for it but he pounces, pushing her second arm into the sleeve.

The veteran wastes no time and grabs one leg just above the knee and forces it into the footie.  The rookie shakes her leg violently, but it’s hopeless. The second leg is shoved into place.  Reaching down, the veteran desperately grabs the zipper and pulls.  It shoots up like a rocket and victory is his.

The spectators cheer wildly.  Exhausted and panting, the rookie is finally dressed for bed. Admitting defeat, she hugs the veteran tightly and he squeezes her back. 

“Night-night, Daddy.”