Post by mac on Dec 30, 2022 12:49:49 GMT -5
The Same As Always
“A true champion is a true champion. They go fight and win or lose, give it their all.” - Glover Teixeira
{Soft Intro}
Enough time has passed now for me to say, I ended the war with Joe. JMont is a supreme athlete with a list of accolades three miles long. He’s always had my respect but something changed between us in that first matchup that caused that to all go away. Should our paths cross again, the result will be the same. The man I once called a friend is gone, and so is any sense of respect or professionalism I feel I owe him. You could say the same about how I feel for the rest of that crew. The fact that I can say that, is not something I’m okay with. I hated saying it be more accurate. These were all men that I respected the hell out of, people I thought I could one-day call friends, but apparently, that is not meant to be. That’s just going to have to be okay, a true friend is never lost, but I guess that shit is self-explanatory, now isn’t it? So many of us live in the past and dwell on things that we’ve achieved. I’ve tried my best to eliminate that unless someone asks what I’ve ever done for this world we live in.
There have been some cringe-worthy moments recently within the CCPE, that’s for damn sure. Members trying to leverage the name for their own personal gain. Others chose to verbally abuse founding members in an effort to make themselves look more worthy. All of this leading up to the biggest match that WGWF has had since the relaunch. Sixteen people enter and only one leaves with the World Title. There are a few mystery entrants, which will always raise tensions among the competitors but that shit makes for good TV and drives the buy rates up. It also doesn’t necessarily dictate the way the match will end.
{The Oblivion Garage - Las Vegas NV - “Unexpected”}
[off-camera]
If you hadn’t known Kalei Hale, or if you hadn’t been one of her students, you’d think this small Japanese woman was a saint. In part, you’d be correct, she had been like a second mother to me and my sisters. She had helped us get the ranch up and going down in Texas some twenty years ago. She had been there for the birth of every one of our children. Maybe, more importantly, she adored Amber. She thought of her as the daughter she never had. The similarity in their personalities was amazing. Their attitudes about winning were also striking. Aunt Kalei was actually my first wife Melissa’s aunt but she adopted me and my kids regardless. She was someone without a biased bone in her body and was all about inclusion. Maybe she is a saint, I thought to myself as I stared in shock at the box she presented me with. “Well? Are you gonna stand there like a dope or open the box?” She always said it so sweetly but in a voice dripping with sarcasm. No wonder I loved this woman so much. I laughed as I tore the paper away from the box. Carefully, I pulled the flaps up on the ends. I was cautious because it could be anything from a glitter bomb to a sword. That was just her way, I guess. I opened the box and it revealed a black belt. I looked up at her, and the shock must have been written all over my face. “You earned it, the test that you went thru at my school in Chicago was more complicated than you might think. Two-fold, when you spoke to my students, that made me so proud. You gave them real and sound wisdom about a number of things. You spoke to them about passion, honor, integrity, and most importantly staying humble regardless of their success or failures. “
“Then I saw on social media, the way that you congratulated Xavier Lux, even though he didn’t win. He showed true grace and I believe that is what you congratulated him for.” As she spoke, I nodded along but my eyes were still on the black belt that I had spent years working towards. “You know me so well, Aunt Kalei. That was exactly why I was congratulating him and others. None of them through a fit because they lost.” She nodded and then stepped forward, taking the belt from the box, she carefully refolded it and placed it back inside. “As you told them, you damn sure earned this. When you think you’re ready for the next test, you simply let me know. I still expect you at the dojo once a month to continue your training.” She patted me on the shoulder, “Now I must go, I have to size up this young woman that Jimmy has proposed to.” She takes a few steps and then stops, “He didn’t knock her up, did he?” I barked a laugh, “Not as far as I know, that one has a spine, it should serve her well with him.” She chuckled softly, “Maybe she will become a student, and we’ll give her teeth as well.” I smiled as I watched her go towards her rental. “Simply amazing,” I said as she walked away. “That boy has more trouble headed his way than he could ever imagine.” I loved Aunt Kalei, but she was a devious old woman. But, considering how she made her money, she had to be. Her constant dealings with government contracts and the men who wrote them gave her legendary status in my book. She never allowed them an inch in negotiations, just as important to me was her disdain for them and the way they operated. The box was closed once again, the black belt and the paperwork declaring me as such. I had worked so hard for this, and it meant so much to me.
“The black belt itself won’t win me any matches, but when you combine that with winning against JMont, it added a lot of confidence.” I almost whispered it, not that I needed to whisper, there was no one here but me. That’s when I looked up and saw Amber, her eyes welled some as she came forward and hugged me. “Congratulations,” she whispered to me. She was probably the only person other than Aunt Kalei who knew how much that moment meant to me. I was glad that it was just us, together to quietly celebrate it. I felt a nudge at my leg and looked down. Kuyon was there with that dog kind of smile on his mug. Cane Corso’s were amazing dogs with an innate sense of the mood their pet parents were feeling. I smiled and scratched him behind the ears as Cher, the new addition to our little family came trotting in. A full-blooded female Great Dane. We finally had to break our embrace to provide pets for the dogs. “Well, Red, it’s been a good week.” She winked at me, “I was hoping you’d kick his ass, he’s an arrogant prick.” I thought about that momentarily, “I probably didn’t do nearly the damage that I should have, but it’s done and I’m done with him. There’s a rumble to prepare for after all.”
Fade
{Unnamed Restaurant - Somewhere near Vegas - “The Future Part 1”}
[off-camera]
Garlic being sauteed had long been one of my favorite smells, who am I kidding, the smell of garlic in general is fantastic when it’s being prepared by someone who is a master of their craft. I was taken aback when he told me where we were going for lunch. Frankie to his credit had picked a five-star restaurant near downtown Vegas. It was an opulent gesture, but he really didn’t have to. This was a conversation that could have been handled over coffee. So, needless to say, I was amused and bemused by the gesture. It was just me and him, so there was no one to save him, should he misspeak or offend, unintentional or not. When it came to my daughter, there is nowhere you could hide from me. For her, I’d go into the bowels of Hell itself. I intended to make sure he understood that by the time we were done talking. Frankie is a good kid but I’m not so certain about his ability to support my daughter in a way that would be comfortable for her or any kids that may come later for them.
“Mr. Bane,” he started and I held up a single finger to forestall him. “Just call me Mac, Frankie. That whole “mister” thing makes me feel old.” He smiled and nodded, “Thank you, Mac.” The waiter chose that moment to interrupt, “What would you two gentlemen like to drink?” He said it in an overly polite way, which probably drove him crazy at the sound of it. I always found it amusing how people who hate their jobs tried so hard to sound polite or friendly and just can’t quite pull it off. Frankie and I both ordered water, with me getting a coffee as well. He waited until the man left with our drink orders to continue. “Mac, you know by now I hope how much I respect, Julez.” I nodded my head in response. He was a gentle soul around her at all times. He didn’t swear in her presence, he opened doors for her, the kid was dedicated, I’ll give him credit for that. “I have, I notice everything about the way you treat my daughter.” I smiled a genuine smile at him, which again to his credit he took at face value and continued on. “I love her, Mac. She is my world,” he paused for a moment to catch his breath. “Mine too, Kid,” I murmured as he lept back into his monologue, “I would like to ask you if I can have your permission to ask for her hand in marriage.” I nodded sagely and began asking him questions. “Frankie, you graduated from college last summer, correct?” He nodded, “yes sir.” I hadn’t heard whether he was working yet or not, so I chose this moment to do that. “You’ve found employment?” He nodded again, this time grinning. “Yes sir, I had an offer before graduation. I know that Julez didn’t tell you that, but it’s because I asked her not to.” I chuckled at that, “Well played young man.”
Now he chuckled and bowed his head slightly, “Thank you, sir.” I smiled at the kid, he really did have a lot going for him. He took an envelope from his pocket and slid it across the table to me. “That is my earnings and portfolio currently.” I hate when young people are so on top of their game. I cleared my throat and removed the documents, scanning them quickly I was astounded at his current net worth. “Now that,” I smacked the paperwork with the back of my hand, “is impressive, Frankie.” He smiled a crooked little smile very similar to my own and I laughed. He and I had spent a lot of time together over the past few years and I think I was starting to rub off on him. I folded the documents back up and tucked them into the envelope. “Based on that, she wouldn’t have to work if she chose not to,” I said gently. “What are your thoughts on that, Frankie?” He looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. “I would never ask her to give up her own career and just stay home and clean house and raise babies.” In that statement, he won me over, he gave me exactly the answer I had hoped he would. The waiter arrived again to take our food order. We gave him that and he went on his way. “Frankie, I’m going to give you my permission and my approval to ask her to be your wife.” I watch as our eyes simultaneously well with tears threatening to spill over and run down our faces. “I want you to also understand something. If you hurt my daughter, my face will be the last thing you ever see, kid.” I watched that boy turn white as a sheet as I smiled at him. “Yes sir, that goes without question. I would never…” I held my hand out to shake his, and we shook hands. “Frankie, there are a lot of men who have said exactly that to the fathers of women they wanted to marry. Making sure it doesn’t happen is all I can ask.”
He gulped audibly and with a trembling hand raised his water glass up to get a drink. “I’m glad we got to have this talk, Frankie. I need you to relax now, it wouldn’t do for my daughter to know what I just told you. We’ll keep this between us.” He nodded as the waiter came back with our food. It took a few moments before the color came back to his face. Then he was fine and talked about football, baseball, and just life in general. I really liked this young man and didn’t feel all that good about making him scared, but he needed to understand exactly how serious I was. When it comes to my kids, no one should ever think that they can get over without consequences. I sincerely hoped that Frankie would never face my wrath.
Fade
{In-Studio - Las Vegas NV - “The West Coast Rumble”}
There was an air of excitement in the Bane household recently, with the engagement of my oldest son and a pending one for my daughter. It was just as high for the professional opportunities headed our way as well. Amber was getting her rematch against Masque, while I was slated for two world title shots within a month. So it should come as no surprise that the door to the studio came flying open and I appeared with a huge smile. Today is a relaxed day as is evident from my attire. Dallas Cowboys ballcap swung around backward, plain grey sweats, and of course an old “One-Man Wrecking Crew” t-shirt. I see the camera is already recording as I approach the control room. I looked at it with scrutiny, Amber was the last to be logged into the console. she must be getting some early runs in for her match, I thought to myself. I left it as is and left the control room with a huge smile on my face.
In my, twenty years in this business a lot has changed but so much remains the same. It’s the same old tired tropes, bodybuilders who think they are wrestlers, boogyman types. The rich elite of society, and not to mention the “villains” insert generic villain quote here. It takes all kinds of kinds, doesn’t it? Indeed it does, there are some who will change their approach and philosophy for this opportunity. That’s like trying to change for someone you think you’re in love with. It’s fake as fuck and more importantly, they can never maintain it. It’s funny to watch though, provides me with hours of comic relief.
The smile remains but my face begins to take on a harder edge.
The man who stands before you today is the same as he ever was. I’ve never tried to pretend to be anything other than who I am. Sure, like most people I’ve evolved as a competitor, but the heart of the man never changed. See, like it or not, JMont is one of the most decorated wrestlers on this roster. He wasn’t the last man standing. He was my momentum builder towards this event.
The West Coast Rumble.
The pomp and circumstance around it, then men and women involved in it. They are simply some of the best in the history of this business. You can feel the tension already, it’s so thick right now. I could use the cliche phrase that you could literally cut it with a knife but instead, I’ll say watch how much more it becomes once the match starts. There will be people in this match that have never won a world title. Others will rely on past accomplishments to paint a picture for you on why they deserve to be the champion. Thing is, some of those pictures couldn’t be fixed by Bob Ross.
I allow the smile to slide away and a more serious and neutral expression takes its place.
No one in this match “deserves” that title. Title shots are typically rewarded to those who have proved they belong in one. It’s rarely reserved for those who have accomplished something in the past. It’s a reward for what you’ve done for the company currently. Who did you beat to make you think you belong in this rumble? If you can answer that, then you can say you deserve an opportunity to be in this match.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth but I push it away to try and hide my excitement.
That is the reason why I focus on the present, I could talk all day long about the things I’ve done in this business and for various companies. None of that matters in the present state of WGWF. No, the folks here don’t care about the complete body of work, only about what you did in your last match here. For a lot of these competitors, it’s the only company they work for and so I consider it fair and just. My respect is given to those who have earned it. Men like John Cable, Holden Ross, Tristan Slater, and the mighty Raion Kido.
I bow to the camera at the mention of the last name mentioned.
We formed an alliance out of need, not desperation. These men, also know that this match is every man for themselves. They all are going hard for this title and I am no different. I never hesitate, you can believe that. I wish them all the luck in the world for this match but I’m accomplishing goals left and right this year, and ‘23 will be no different. I know it’s a hell of a mountain to climb with nineteen other men and women going just as hard as I am. I could have done the wise thing and opted out of this rumble and simply challenged the winner.
I bow my head and shake my head in disgust, causing my shoulder-length hair to cascade across my face, partially hiding my expression. I raise my head back up and my hair falls away from my face.
I don’t fucking think so. I’ve always fought for everything I’ve ever had. Whether it’s in the ring or outside of it. It’s been because of scratching and clawing my way to success. The ranches and various properties, the garage here in Vegas, all of it. It was paid with blood, sweat, and tears as the old saying goes. When what you build is based on hard work, determination, and resilience, that’s a lot to hang your hat on right there. Not everyone in this match can say that. They don’t care about the integrity of this business or the company. All they care about is the money they can make, by hook or by crook.
We are not the same.
A grin forms on my face, making me look more like a wolf than a man, due to its feral nature. I rise back up to my full height.
This?
Pulling the t-shirt out some, I look down at it.
This was the beginning, the one-man wrecking crew was a name I had earned over a period of time. I was known for wrecking factions or stables if you will.
I pull the wadded-up t-shirt from my back pocket and lay it over the podium for all to see. The t-shirt has “The Gentlemen Wolf - be careful which side you feed”.
When I talk about evolution or the art of reinventing ourselves. This is what I like to reference. It’s based on a native American story. A part of my family belongs to the Cherokee Nation. The story goes that a young brave asked his grandfather about the nature of man. His grandfather in turn relayed to him the most remarkable advice I’d ever heard in my lifetime.
Smiling, I continue to tell the tale.
He told the boy, in each person, there are two wolves that live. One wolf is of light, representing the good things in life that people do to help their brothers and sisters. The other wolf represents the evil things that men do. Anger, rage, jealousy, these are the things it represents. The young man considered that for a time and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf is dominant? His grandfather smiled at him and patted him on the head. “It depends on which one you feed.”
Continuing to smile, I step away from the podium and begin to turn away.
The young man, was me. I’ve tried my best to honor that advice throughout my career. Don’t feed the wrong one, be smarter than that.
Fade
“A true champion is a true champion. They go fight and win or lose, give it their all.” - Glover Teixeira
{Soft Intro}
Enough time has passed now for me to say, I ended the war with Joe. JMont is a supreme athlete with a list of accolades three miles long. He’s always had my respect but something changed between us in that first matchup that caused that to all go away. Should our paths cross again, the result will be the same. The man I once called a friend is gone, and so is any sense of respect or professionalism I feel I owe him. You could say the same about how I feel for the rest of that crew. The fact that I can say that, is not something I’m okay with. I hated saying it be more accurate. These were all men that I respected the hell out of, people I thought I could one-day call friends, but apparently, that is not meant to be. That’s just going to have to be okay, a true friend is never lost, but I guess that shit is self-explanatory, now isn’t it? So many of us live in the past and dwell on things that we’ve achieved. I’ve tried my best to eliminate that unless someone asks what I’ve ever done for this world we live in.
There have been some cringe-worthy moments recently within the CCPE, that’s for damn sure. Members trying to leverage the name for their own personal gain. Others chose to verbally abuse founding members in an effort to make themselves look more worthy. All of this leading up to the biggest match that WGWF has had since the relaunch. Sixteen people enter and only one leaves with the World Title. There are a few mystery entrants, which will always raise tensions among the competitors but that shit makes for good TV and drives the buy rates up. It also doesn’t necessarily dictate the way the match will end.
{The Oblivion Garage - Las Vegas NV - “Unexpected”}
[off-camera]
If you hadn’t known Kalei Hale, or if you hadn’t been one of her students, you’d think this small Japanese woman was a saint. In part, you’d be correct, she had been like a second mother to me and my sisters. She had helped us get the ranch up and going down in Texas some twenty years ago. She had been there for the birth of every one of our children. Maybe, more importantly, she adored Amber. She thought of her as the daughter she never had. The similarity in their personalities was amazing. Their attitudes about winning were also striking. Aunt Kalei was actually my first wife Melissa’s aunt but she adopted me and my kids regardless. She was someone without a biased bone in her body and was all about inclusion. Maybe she is a saint, I thought to myself as I stared in shock at the box she presented me with. “Well? Are you gonna stand there like a dope or open the box?” She always said it so sweetly but in a voice dripping with sarcasm. No wonder I loved this woman so much. I laughed as I tore the paper away from the box. Carefully, I pulled the flaps up on the ends. I was cautious because it could be anything from a glitter bomb to a sword. That was just her way, I guess. I opened the box and it revealed a black belt. I looked up at her, and the shock must have been written all over my face. “You earned it, the test that you went thru at my school in Chicago was more complicated than you might think. Two-fold, when you spoke to my students, that made me so proud. You gave them real and sound wisdom about a number of things. You spoke to them about passion, honor, integrity, and most importantly staying humble regardless of their success or failures. “
“Then I saw on social media, the way that you congratulated Xavier Lux, even though he didn’t win. He showed true grace and I believe that is what you congratulated him for.” As she spoke, I nodded along but my eyes were still on the black belt that I had spent years working towards. “You know me so well, Aunt Kalei. That was exactly why I was congratulating him and others. None of them through a fit because they lost.” She nodded and then stepped forward, taking the belt from the box, she carefully refolded it and placed it back inside. “As you told them, you damn sure earned this. When you think you’re ready for the next test, you simply let me know. I still expect you at the dojo once a month to continue your training.” She patted me on the shoulder, “Now I must go, I have to size up this young woman that Jimmy has proposed to.” She takes a few steps and then stops, “He didn’t knock her up, did he?” I barked a laugh, “Not as far as I know, that one has a spine, it should serve her well with him.” She chuckled softly, “Maybe she will become a student, and we’ll give her teeth as well.” I smiled as I watched her go towards her rental. “Simply amazing,” I said as she walked away. “That boy has more trouble headed his way than he could ever imagine.” I loved Aunt Kalei, but she was a devious old woman. But, considering how she made her money, she had to be. Her constant dealings with government contracts and the men who wrote them gave her legendary status in my book. She never allowed them an inch in negotiations, just as important to me was her disdain for them and the way they operated. The box was closed once again, the black belt and the paperwork declaring me as such. I had worked so hard for this, and it meant so much to me.
“The black belt itself won’t win me any matches, but when you combine that with winning against JMont, it added a lot of confidence.” I almost whispered it, not that I needed to whisper, there was no one here but me. That’s when I looked up and saw Amber, her eyes welled some as she came forward and hugged me. “Congratulations,” she whispered to me. She was probably the only person other than Aunt Kalei who knew how much that moment meant to me. I was glad that it was just us, together to quietly celebrate it. I felt a nudge at my leg and looked down. Kuyon was there with that dog kind of smile on his mug. Cane Corso’s were amazing dogs with an innate sense of the mood their pet parents were feeling. I smiled and scratched him behind the ears as Cher, the new addition to our little family came trotting in. A full-blooded female Great Dane. We finally had to break our embrace to provide pets for the dogs. “Well, Red, it’s been a good week.” She winked at me, “I was hoping you’d kick his ass, he’s an arrogant prick.” I thought about that momentarily, “I probably didn’t do nearly the damage that I should have, but it’s done and I’m done with him. There’s a rumble to prepare for after all.”
Fade
{Unnamed Restaurant - Somewhere near Vegas - “The Future Part 1”}
[off-camera]
Garlic being sauteed had long been one of my favorite smells, who am I kidding, the smell of garlic in general is fantastic when it’s being prepared by someone who is a master of their craft. I was taken aback when he told me where we were going for lunch. Frankie to his credit had picked a five-star restaurant near downtown Vegas. It was an opulent gesture, but he really didn’t have to. This was a conversation that could have been handled over coffee. So, needless to say, I was amused and bemused by the gesture. It was just me and him, so there was no one to save him, should he misspeak or offend, unintentional or not. When it came to my daughter, there is nowhere you could hide from me. For her, I’d go into the bowels of Hell itself. I intended to make sure he understood that by the time we were done talking. Frankie is a good kid but I’m not so certain about his ability to support my daughter in a way that would be comfortable for her or any kids that may come later for them.
“Mr. Bane,” he started and I held up a single finger to forestall him. “Just call me Mac, Frankie. That whole “mister” thing makes me feel old.” He smiled and nodded, “Thank you, Mac.” The waiter chose that moment to interrupt, “What would you two gentlemen like to drink?” He said it in an overly polite way, which probably drove him crazy at the sound of it. I always found it amusing how people who hate their jobs tried so hard to sound polite or friendly and just can’t quite pull it off. Frankie and I both ordered water, with me getting a coffee as well. He waited until the man left with our drink orders to continue. “Mac, you know by now I hope how much I respect, Julez.” I nodded my head in response. He was a gentle soul around her at all times. He didn’t swear in her presence, he opened doors for her, the kid was dedicated, I’ll give him credit for that. “I have, I notice everything about the way you treat my daughter.” I smiled a genuine smile at him, which again to his credit he took at face value and continued on. “I love her, Mac. She is my world,” he paused for a moment to catch his breath. “Mine too, Kid,” I murmured as he lept back into his monologue, “I would like to ask you if I can have your permission to ask for her hand in marriage.” I nodded sagely and began asking him questions. “Frankie, you graduated from college last summer, correct?” He nodded, “yes sir.” I hadn’t heard whether he was working yet or not, so I chose this moment to do that. “You’ve found employment?” He nodded again, this time grinning. “Yes sir, I had an offer before graduation. I know that Julez didn’t tell you that, but it’s because I asked her not to.” I chuckled at that, “Well played young man.”
Now he chuckled and bowed his head slightly, “Thank you, sir.” I smiled at the kid, he really did have a lot going for him. He took an envelope from his pocket and slid it across the table to me. “That is my earnings and portfolio currently.” I hate when young people are so on top of their game. I cleared my throat and removed the documents, scanning them quickly I was astounded at his current net worth. “Now that,” I smacked the paperwork with the back of my hand, “is impressive, Frankie.” He smiled a crooked little smile very similar to my own and I laughed. He and I had spent a lot of time together over the past few years and I think I was starting to rub off on him. I folded the documents back up and tucked them into the envelope. “Based on that, she wouldn’t have to work if she chose not to,” I said gently. “What are your thoughts on that, Frankie?” He looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. “I would never ask her to give up her own career and just stay home and clean house and raise babies.” In that statement, he won me over, he gave me exactly the answer I had hoped he would. The waiter arrived again to take our food order. We gave him that and he went on his way. “Frankie, I’m going to give you my permission and my approval to ask her to be your wife.” I watch as our eyes simultaneously well with tears threatening to spill over and run down our faces. “I want you to also understand something. If you hurt my daughter, my face will be the last thing you ever see, kid.” I watched that boy turn white as a sheet as I smiled at him. “Yes sir, that goes without question. I would never…” I held my hand out to shake his, and we shook hands. “Frankie, there are a lot of men who have said exactly that to the fathers of women they wanted to marry. Making sure it doesn’t happen is all I can ask.”
He gulped audibly and with a trembling hand raised his water glass up to get a drink. “I’m glad we got to have this talk, Frankie. I need you to relax now, it wouldn’t do for my daughter to know what I just told you. We’ll keep this between us.” He nodded as the waiter came back with our food. It took a few moments before the color came back to his face. Then he was fine and talked about football, baseball, and just life in general. I really liked this young man and didn’t feel all that good about making him scared, but he needed to understand exactly how serious I was. When it comes to my kids, no one should ever think that they can get over without consequences. I sincerely hoped that Frankie would never face my wrath.
Fade
{In-Studio - Las Vegas NV - “The West Coast Rumble”}
There was an air of excitement in the Bane household recently, with the engagement of my oldest son and a pending one for my daughter. It was just as high for the professional opportunities headed our way as well. Amber was getting her rematch against Masque, while I was slated for two world title shots within a month. So it should come as no surprise that the door to the studio came flying open and I appeared with a huge smile. Today is a relaxed day as is evident from my attire. Dallas Cowboys ballcap swung around backward, plain grey sweats, and of course an old “One-Man Wrecking Crew” t-shirt. I see the camera is already recording as I approach the control room. I looked at it with scrutiny, Amber was the last to be logged into the console. she must be getting some early runs in for her match, I thought to myself. I left it as is and left the control room with a huge smile on my face.
In my, twenty years in this business a lot has changed but so much remains the same. It’s the same old tired tropes, bodybuilders who think they are wrestlers, boogyman types. The rich elite of society, and not to mention the “villains” insert generic villain quote here. It takes all kinds of kinds, doesn’t it? Indeed it does, there are some who will change their approach and philosophy for this opportunity. That’s like trying to change for someone you think you’re in love with. It’s fake as fuck and more importantly, they can never maintain it. It’s funny to watch though, provides me with hours of comic relief.
The smile remains but my face begins to take on a harder edge.
The man who stands before you today is the same as he ever was. I’ve never tried to pretend to be anything other than who I am. Sure, like most people I’ve evolved as a competitor, but the heart of the man never changed. See, like it or not, JMont is one of the most decorated wrestlers on this roster. He wasn’t the last man standing. He was my momentum builder towards this event.
The West Coast Rumble.
The pomp and circumstance around it, then men and women involved in it. They are simply some of the best in the history of this business. You can feel the tension already, it’s so thick right now. I could use the cliche phrase that you could literally cut it with a knife but instead, I’ll say watch how much more it becomes once the match starts. There will be people in this match that have never won a world title. Others will rely on past accomplishments to paint a picture for you on why they deserve to be the champion. Thing is, some of those pictures couldn’t be fixed by Bob Ross.
I allow the smile to slide away and a more serious and neutral expression takes its place.
No one in this match “deserves” that title. Title shots are typically rewarded to those who have proved they belong in one. It’s rarely reserved for those who have accomplished something in the past. It’s a reward for what you’ve done for the company currently. Who did you beat to make you think you belong in this rumble? If you can answer that, then you can say you deserve an opportunity to be in this match.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth but I push it away to try and hide my excitement.
That is the reason why I focus on the present, I could talk all day long about the things I’ve done in this business and for various companies. None of that matters in the present state of WGWF. No, the folks here don’t care about the complete body of work, only about what you did in your last match here. For a lot of these competitors, it’s the only company they work for and so I consider it fair and just. My respect is given to those who have earned it. Men like John Cable, Holden Ross, Tristan Slater, and the mighty Raion Kido.
I bow to the camera at the mention of the last name mentioned.
We formed an alliance out of need, not desperation. These men, also know that this match is every man for themselves. They all are going hard for this title and I am no different. I never hesitate, you can believe that. I wish them all the luck in the world for this match but I’m accomplishing goals left and right this year, and ‘23 will be no different. I know it’s a hell of a mountain to climb with nineteen other men and women going just as hard as I am. I could have done the wise thing and opted out of this rumble and simply challenged the winner.
I bow my head and shake my head in disgust, causing my shoulder-length hair to cascade across my face, partially hiding my expression. I raise my head back up and my hair falls away from my face.
I don’t fucking think so. I’ve always fought for everything I’ve ever had. Whether it’s in the ring or outside of it. It’s been because of scratching and clawing my way to success. The ranches and various properties, the garage here in Vegas, all of it. It was paid with blood, sweat, and tears as the old saying goes. When what you build is based on hard work, determination, and resilience, that’s a lot to hang your hat on right there. Not everyone in this match can say that. They don’t care about the integrity of this business or the company. All they care about is the money they can make, by hook or by crook.
We are not the same.
A grin forms on my face, making me look more like a wolf than a man, due to its feral nature. I rise back up to my full height.
This?
Pulling the t-shirt out some, I look down at it.
This was the beginning, the one-man wrecking crew was a name I had earned over a period of time. I was known for wrecking factions or stables if you will.
I pull the wadded-up t-shirt from my back pocket and lay it over the podium for all to see. The t-shirt has “The Gentlemen Wolf - be careful which side you feed”.
When I talk about evolution or the art of reinventing ourselves. This is what I like to reference. It’s based on a native American story. A part of my family belongs to the Cherokee Nation. The story goes that a young brave asked his grandfather about the nature of man. His grandfather in turn relayed to him the most remarkable advice I’d ever heard in my lifetime.
Smiling, I continue to tell the tale.
He told the boy, in each person, there are two wolves that live. One wolf is of light, representing the good things in life that people do to help their brothers and sisters. The other wolf represents the evil things that men do. Anger, rage, jealousy, these are the things it represents. The young man considered that for a time and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf is dominant? His grandfather smiled at him and patted him on the head. “It depends on which one you feed.”
Continuing to smile, I step away from the podium and begin to turn away.
The young man, was me. I’ve tried my best to honor that advice throughout my career. Don’t feed the wrong one, be smarter than that.
Fade