Arena

Steve Armstrong works as a short-order cook on a space station, overwhelmed by the constant stream of orders. A violent confrontation with alien patron Vang escalates, leaving the diner smashed and Vang injured. As a result, Steve and his friend Shorty are fired from their jobs.

Vang's presence is tied to the Arena, and her manager Quinn confronts Steve after the incident. She offers him a fighting contract, betting that a human could still compete on her terms. Steve declines, convinced that humans no longer have a place in the Arena.

Shorty tries to raise money by gambling in an underground casino, hoping to help with their situation. When authorities raid the game, Shorty pockets the cash in the confusion. Crime boss Rogor and his enforcer Weezil catch him, and Shorty is held for ransom.

Steve promises to pay off Shorty's debt to secure his release. He returns to Quinn and signs a contract, using the money to free Shorty. This marks Steve's return to competing, despite his initial reluctance.

Steve makes his Arena debut and wins his first match against an alien named Sloth in an upset. The victory signals his potential and draws attention from arena power brokers. Steve's rising performance begins to unsettle Rogor and his plans.

Rogor grows worried that Steve's ascent could threaten his own position. He tries to recruit Steve to his side, but discovers that Steve is already contracted with Quinn, blocking his leverage. The rivalry tightens as the finale approaches.

Rogor enlists Jade to seduce Steve and poison him the night before the championship. She believes the plan will derail his chances, but Steve remains unaware of the danger.

Medics counteract the poison minutes before the fight, and Steve appears in the Arena to face Horn, the reigning champion. Rogor and Jade are surprised by his sudden return and determination.

Weezil's plan is to hack into the handicap computer controlling the fights. Skull, Weezil's accomplice, interfaces with the computer located high above the Arena and gains control of the handicap.

Shorty suspects foul play and leaves to investigate, confronting Weezil. During the confrontation, he damages part of the computer, triggering Skull's head to explode.

With the handicap system offline, Steve regains his full abilities and defeats Horn in the final round. He becomes the first human champion in 50 years, marking a historic victory for humanity in the Arena.