Post by Mike Laszlo on Jul 10, 2017 4:52:44 GMT
The scene opens up and I’m sitting in a seat in the Barclaycard Center in Madrid, Spain, home of the next Monday Night Sacrifice. I’m looking down at the ring being set up and there’s a smile on my face.
There’s a reason I do this. I’m not going to give you the corny reason of putting a show on for the fans because let’s face it, I’ve been there, done that, and said that before. No, it’s more than that. It’s a special meaning to me, something that I’ve kept inside since I was practically in the womb as my mother watched this sport before me, and make no doubt about it, this is every bit a sport as anything else in the world, more so than others.
It’s also entertainment, and that’s where the fans come in. Again, that’s no longer my main objective...just icing on the cake.
I do this, the travel, the putting my body through pain, the time away from my child, I do it all as a means to an end. Since the time I was three years old, or at least that’s my earliest memory, I’ve been hooked on professional wrestling. My mother would watch it with me, and when I got in trouble, it wasn’t taking away my games or my toys, I’d be grounded from watching wrestling.
From the age of six, I was sure, this is what I wanted to do, and I would do absolutely anything in my power to get to the point you see me in today, the fame, the fortune, the opportunities that have presented themselves as a result...again...icing on the cake.
I watched legends on the television go at it both verbally and physically and I said to myself, that’s going to be me. I said to anyone who would listen, that’s going to be me. They laughed, the picked on me, and some gave me the obligatory remark of “Guys in tights...gay.”
I told my mother...that would be me. She would hug me, show me affection, and give me the good old pat on the back and encouragement, but deep down inside, I don’t think she ever thought I’d be able to achieve it, not because I wasn’t determined, but because I was one of many and the odds just weren’t in my favor.
I look around, the smell of the arena, the same as others just a reminder that this was indeed, home.
I regret to this day that she couldn’t see me as the man I am today. I know, I know, she’s up in heaven, looking down on me with a fondness in her heart, I’m sure. The fact that she wasn’t physically ringside for my first match, or for my first title win, or for the big moments in my life such as becoming Imperial Champion, I won’t lie...it hurts.
The fact remains, I did it to make her proud. I did it to show the world that I could do whatever the hell it is I wanted to do, as long as I worked my ass off to get there.
And now look at me.
Former Man of Steel Champion.
Heir to the Throne Winner.
Imperial Champion.
Joker In The Pack Winner.
I’ve headlined shows around the world, and I’ve beaten the best that this company and industry have had to offer.
I turn to the camera.
And that’s why you targeted me. That’s why The Council, the new “big bad” came to the ring and attacked Spike, Cable, Roberto and myself, not just because of what we stood for, but because of who we are. We’re the main event, the guys you all wish you could be.
Spike Kane nailed Xavier Cross to an actual Cross. Cable Arcane demolished the competition on his way to winning the Heir to the Throne last year, and becoming a two time champion earlier this year. Roberto Verona is the head of this company and a former Imperial Champion himself, and I’ve already told you about me, and I think the fact that we got there, and Xavier Cross didn’t...well, that just feels like someone taking a piss in your fucking Cheerios doesn’t it Cross?
You were a footnote to Spike’s dominance; you were a footnote in my success as it was you I beat to win the Heir to the Throne; and you were a nobody in the successes of Roberto and Cable, they just passed you by like plenty of others that have come and gone, or are still here.
It burns you up inside that others had success while you wallowed in your self-pity, holes in your hands for the tears to escape. It pisses you off that guys like Verona, Ace, Spike, Rob Diamond, and myself are talked about as sort of founding father’s of this place. You probably screamed at the top of your lungs hoping that someone would hear you…”I WAS HERE TOO!”
And yet it all fell on deaf ears.
So what did you do?
A smirk crosses my face as I realize just how stupid this whole situation is.
You went to the Training Grounds, you scoured the globe, and you took any poor sap willing to hear your bullshit, and you promised them the world. You promised them fame and fortune, and the chance to roll with someone like Xavier Cross, and while your promises all sounded well and good, I have a news flash for each and every one of the idiots who decided to share a locker room with you, that’s not how things work, especially in this fucking business.
You don’t just latch onto someone and hope for the best. You don’t fall for the lies of a man who is using the three of you like a crutch to hold up the pathetic reminisce of his career, to get yourselves ahead, because in the end, it’s only going to drag you down, and keep you from what you’re truly capable of.
No.
In this fucking business, in this damn company, the things you get are the things you earn. Spike Kane earned his reputation as a violent sick fuck in this business. Verona earned his reputation as a conniving asshole. Cable Arcane earned his reputation as one of the hardest workers in our industry. I worked my ass off, up from the bottom of the card, same as your “leader” and unlike him, when the going got tough, I didn’t get going. I stuck it out, I fought whoever the fuck I had to fight, and I made myself into the bonafide damn star you see before you today.
I wasn’t handed my championships, nor was I simply awarded my accolades. I busted my ass and I EARNED them.
That’s a lesson you “followers” need to learn, and one I’ll be damn happy to teach.
======================================
Title: Family Man - Part 3: Issues
Location: London, England
Time: 12:16 AM Local Time
The show had just ended, and unfortunately, my daughter and Lindsay were stuck. There was something wrong with Lindsay’s passport, and despite the fact that I’ve tried my hardest to get things settled, it’s a little hard to do being so far away. This however was not acceptable to a little girl back home.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, I understand you’re an idiot.
With that, I slammed the phone’s “End Call” button and tossed it over on the bed.
Mike Laszlo: God damn it.
The anger in my voice could apparently be heard in the halls of the hotel as Alexis walked in.
Alexis Caffrey: What is it babe?
Mike Laszlo: The damn passport. I thought I set everything up correctly, but there’s saying that there’s an issue that needs to be resolved, but of course, I’m not there to resolve it. The girls are stuck until we get back it seems.
Alexis Caffrey: Oh wow. Britney’s not going to be happy.
Mike Laszlo: I know...I have to calm down before I make that phone call.
I fall back on the bed letting out a long drawn out breath closing my eyes. I could feel Alexis sitting beside me and I open my eyes back up and turn toward her.
Mike Laszlo: I know how international travel can be. Why didn’t I make sure everything was going to go over perfectly?
Alexis Caffrey: You couldn’t help it Mike. Things go wrong all the time. Try as you might to fix everything, there’s just some things that must go wrong for the rest of the world to turn apparently.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, it just sucks. I made her a promise, and now because of something I can’t even control, I can’t keep it. I think after the Pay Per View, we’ll fly back and spend a week home, then fly back.
She nodded.
Alexis Caffrey: I think it’s best. Spending three months away from your daughter would setback all the bonding you’ve done over the last several months.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, I don’t want to hear her cry, but she’s gotta know what’s going on.
With a deep breath, I grabbed my phone and sat up in the bed. I dialed Lindsay’s phone, and when she answered, I had her put Britney on the phone.
Mike Laszlo: Hey baby girl. Yes, I know you’re sad. I miss you too. I know I promised you could come here, but for some reason, the mean people at the airport won’t let you guys come over.
I couldn’t help but snicker at her remark.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, Daddy could beat them all up, but then he’d get in a lot of trouble. So I’ll tell you what I’ll do to make it up to you. We have a couple more shows here, and then when we’re done, before me and Alexis go to the next country, we’ll come home and spend the whole week with you.
I could hear the sounds of a disappointed little girl on the other end of the phone, and honestly it tugged at the few heartstrings I had.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, I guarantee you that NOTHING will stop us from coming home. Yes, I promise. Cross my heart, hope to die, and if I was there with you right now, I’d even pinky swear. Okay, be a good girl for Aunt Lindsay. I love you...okay, bye.
The phone clicked and I plopped back in the bed again.
Alexis Caffrey: How’d she seem?
Mike Laszlo: Well, she was practically crying to start, but little by little, I think I got through. Promising to show up after the Pay Per View seemed to really help my cause. I just feel bad about the whole thing.
Alexis Caffrey: Well, you did everything you could...so don’t let it weigh you down.
I take a deep breath.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, it just sucks.
The scene fades with me staring up at the ceiling in the room before things go to black.
======================================
Onto the followers of stupidity, and to that I start with the man known as Jason Sandman.
The scene returns to that spot in the stands at the Barclaycard Center and I’m pointing into the camera.
You I get. I understand why you’re following Xavier Cross. You enjoy chaos. You love the thrill of anarchy and hurting people, and in your own twisted little world, by participating in all of that, it apparently means something to you.
I lean forward in my seat.
NEWS FLASH FOR THE INTELLIGENCE IMPAIRED!
To the rest of the world your bit of chaos, your anarchy, your no rules approach doesn’t mean a damn thing. To the rest of the world, the real world that the rest of the human beings on this planet live, your anarchy looks stupid, like a small plea for attention.
You show up in IWF and you plead your case by beating up people who either
Aren’t prepared.
Or
B. Are involved in something that is so high above your pay grade, you can’t even sniff the sweat dripping from their body.
You’re a big dude with some muscles, and a big mouth, and you think by hanging around Cross, sucking in every word that comes out of his mouth, that somehow you’re going to get somewhere in this life?
Let me ask you a quick question...where has the words of Xavier Cross landed him? What makes him so “godly”, so worth listening to? He came to IWF off of a nice run in NCW and where did he go from there? Where did his career go from there? Down the damn tubes because he didn’t earn the right to do anything else with it.
He, like you now, thought he deserved whatever he wanted at that particular time, when reality smacked him in the face, nice, cold and hard, he took his ball and went home, and I would almost guarantee that’s what you’d do...that’s what you will do when I punch you directly in your stupid face.
I hold my hand out, pointing down to the ring in front of me.
And then there’s Ulf Hednir, and for the love of whatever God you pray to, could you explain to me exactly how you fit into this whole equation? You looked like a guy on the rise. You had the talent, the looks, and the skills to compete with some of the best in this damn place, and you’ve thrown it all away to be a follower, a lackey, and an overall worthless piece of shit.
Grow a fucking sack and man up.
Be the leader. Be the warrior your people would be proud of. Be the man who fights with valor rather than sulks to the lowest of lows just to fit in.
Ulf, you remind me of the kid in school who follows the cool people around, not really part of the group...just there. Is that your purpose Ulf? Are you just there? Are you just a heavy taking orders because you’re too damn stupid to strive for your own greatness?
Are you content being Xavier’s bitch? Do you like running errands? How does he take his coffee?
I wave my hands in front of me, shaking my head in disgust.
You know what? It doesn’t matter. Come Sacrifice, you’re stepping in that ring with the best wrestlers that this company and this industry as a whole have ever seen, and trust me, what you did at Bloody Assizes...you’re going to regret it ten time over. Until then…
I stand from my seat.
Live each day like it’s your last...because when we’re done with you...it will be.
There’s a reason I do this. I’m not going to give you the corny reason of putting a show on for the fans because let’s face it, I’ve been there, done that, and said that before. No, it’s more than that. It’s a special meaning to me, something that I’ve kept inside since I was practically in the womb as my mother watched this sport before me, and make no doubt about it, this is every bit a sport as anything else in the world, more so than others.
It’s also entertainment, and that’s where the fans come in. Again, that’s no longer my main objective...just icing on the cake.
I do this, the travel, the putting my body through pain, the time away from my child, I do it all as a means to an end. Since the time I was three years old, or at least that’s my earliest memory, I’ve been hooked on professional wrestling. My mother would watch it with me, and when I got in trouble, it wasn’t taking away my games or my toys, I’d be grounded from watching wrestling.
From the age of six, I was sure, this is what I wanted to do, and I would do absolutely anything in my power to get to the point you see me in today, the fame, the fortune, the opportunities that have presented themselves as a result...again...icing on the cake.
I watched legends on the television go at it both verbally and physically and I said to myself, that’s going to be me. I said to anyone who would listen, that’s going to be me. They laughed, the picked on me, and some gave me the obligatory remark of “Guys in tights...gay.”
I told my mother...that would be me. She would hug me, show me affection, and give me the good old pat on the back and encouragement, but deep down inside, I don’t think she ever thought I’d be able to achieve it, not because I wasn’t determined, but because I was one of many and the odds just weren’t in my favor.
I look around, the smell of the arena, the same as others just a reminder that this was indeed, home.
I regret to this day that she couldn’t see me as the man I am today. I know, I know, she’s up in heaven, looking down on me with a fondness in her heart, I’m sure. The fact that she wasn’t physically ringside for my first match, or for my first title win, or for the big moments in my life such as becoming Imperial Champion, I won’t lie...it hurts.
The fact remains, I did it to make her proud. I did it to show the world that I could do whatever the hell it is I wanted to do, as long as I worked my ass off to get there.
And now look at me.
Former Man of Steel Champion.
Heir to the Throne Winner.
Imperial Champion.
Joker In The Pack Winner.
I’ve headlined shows around the world, and I’ve beaten the best that this company and industry have had to offer.
I turn to the camera.
And that’s why you targeted me. That’s why The Council, the new “big bad” came to the ring and attacked Spike, Cable, Roberto and myself, not just because of what we stood for, but because of who we are. We’re the main event, the guys you all wish you could be.
Spike Kane nailed Xavier Cross to an actual Cross. Cable Arcane demolished the competition on his way to winning the Heir to the Throne last year, and becoming a two time champion earlier this year. Roberto Verona is the head of this company and a former Imperial Champion himself, and I’ve already told you about me, and I think the fact that we got there, and Xavier Cross didn’t...well, that just feels like someone taking a piss in your fucking Cheerios doesn’t it Cross?
You were a footnote to Spike’s dominance; you were a footnote in my success as it was you I beat to win the Heir to the Throne; and you were a nobody in the successes of Roberto and Cable, they just passed you by like plenty of others that have come and gone, or are still here.
It burns you up inside that others had success while you wallowed in your self-pity, holes in your hands for the tears to escape. It pisses you off that guys like Verona, Ace, Spike, Rob Diamond, and myself are talked about as sort of founding father’s of this place. You probably screamed at the top of your lungs hoping that someone would hear you…”I WAS HERE TOO!”
And yet it all fell on deaf ears.
So what did you do?
A smirk crosses my face as I realize just how stupid this whole situation is.
You went to the Training Grounds, you scoured the globe, and you took any poor sap willing to hear your bullshit, and you promised them the world. You promised them fame and fortune, and the chance to roll with someone like Xavier Cross, and while your promises all sounded well and good, I have a news flash for each and every one of the idiots who decided to share a locker room with you, that’s not how things work, especially in this fucking business.
You don’t just latch onto someone and hope for the best. You don’t fall for the lies of a man who is using the three of you like a crutch to hold up the pathetic reminisce of his career, to get yourselves ahead, because in the end, it’s only going to drag you down, and keep you from what you’re truly capable of.
No.
In this fucking business, in this damn company, the things you get are the things you earn. Spike Kane earned his reputation as a violent sick fuck in this business. Verona earned his reputation as a conniving asshole. Cable Arcane earned his reputation as one of the hardest workers in our industry. I worked my ass off, up from the bottom of the card, same as your “leader” and unlike him, when the going got tough, I didn’t get going. I stuck it out, I fought whoever the fuck I had to fight, and I made myself into the bonafide damn star you see before you today.
I wasn’t handed my championships, nor was I simply awarded my accolades. I busted my ass and I EARNED them.
That’s a lesson you “followers” need to learn, and one I’ll be damn happy to teach.
======================================
Title: Family Man - Part 3: Issues
Location: London, England
Time: 12:16 AM Local Time
The show had just ended, and unfortunately, my daughter and Lindsay were stuck. There was something wrong with Lindsay’s passport, and despite the fact that I’ve tried my hardest to get things settled, it’s a little hard to do being so far away. This however was not acceptable to a little girl back home.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, I understand you’re an idiot.
With that, I slammed the phone’s “End Call” button and tossed it over on the bed.
Mike Laszlo: God damn it.
The anger in my voice could apparently be heard in the halls of the hotel as Alexis walked in.
Alexis Caffrey: What is it babe?
Mike Laszlo: The damn passport. I thought I set everything up correctly, but there’s saying that there’s an issue that needs to be resolved, but of course, I’m not there to resolve it. The girls are stuck until we get back it seems.
Alexis Caffrey: Oh wow. Britney’s not going to be happy.
Mike Laszlo: I know...I have to calm down before I make that phone call.
I fall back on the bed letting out a long drawn out breath closing my eyes. I could feel Alexis sitting beside me and I open my eyes back up and turn toward her.
Mike Laszlo: I know how international travel can be. Why didn’t I make sure everything was going to go over perfectly?
Alexis Caffrey: You couldn’t help it Mike. Things go wrong all the time. Try as you might to fix everything, there’s just some things that must go wrong for the rest of the world to turn apparently.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, it just sucks. I made her a promise, and now because of something I can’t even control, I can’t keep it. I think after the Pay Per View, we’ll fly back and spend a week home, then fly back.
She nodded.
Alexis Caffrey: I think it’s best. Spending three months away from your daughter would setback all the bonding you’ve done over the last several months.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, I don’t want to hear her cry, but she’s gotta know what’s going on.
With a deep breath, I grabbed my phone and sat up in the bed. I dialed Lindsay’s phone, and when she answered, I had her put Britney on the phone.
Mike Laszlo: Hey baby girl. Yes, I know you’re sad. I miss you too. I know I promised you could come here, but for some reason, the mean people at the airport won’t let you guys come over.
I couldn’t help but snicker at her remark.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, Daddy could beat them all up, but then he’d get in a lot of trouble. So I’ll tell you what I’ll do to make it up to you. We have a couple more shows here, and then when we’re done, before me and Alexis go to the next country, we’ll come home and spend the whole week with you.
I could hear the sounds of a disappointed little girl on the other end of the phone, and honestly it tugged at the few heartstrings I had.
Mike Laszlo: Yes, I guarantee you that NOTHING will stop us from coming home. Yes, I promise. Cross my heart, hope to die, and if I was there with you right now, I’d even pinky swear. Okay, be a good girl for Aunt Lindsay. I love you...okay, bye.
The phone clicked and I plopped back in the bed again.
Alexis Caffrey: How’d she seem?
Mike Laszlo: Well, she was practically crying to start, but little by little, I think I got through. Promising to show up after the Pay Per View seemed to really help my cause. I just feel bad about the whole thing.
Alexis Caffrey: Well, you did everything you could...so don’t let it weigh you down.
I take a deep breath.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, it just sucks.
The scene fades with me staring up at the ceiling in the room before things go to black.
======================================
Onto the followers of stupidity, and to that I start with the man known as Jason Sandman.
The scene returns to that spot in the stands at the Barclaycard Center and I’m pointing into the camera.
You I get. I understand why you’re following Xavier Cross. You enjoy chaos. You love the thrill of anarchy and hurting people, and in your own twisted little world, by participating in all of that, it apparently means something to you.
I lean forward in my seat.
NEWS FLASH FOR THE INTELLIGENCE IMPAIRED!
To the rest of the world your bit of chaos, your anarchy, your no rules approach doesn’t mean a damn thing. To the rest of the world, the real world that the rest of the human beings on this planet live, your anarchy looks stupid, like a small plea for attention.
You show up in IWF and you plead your case by beating up people who either
Aren’t prepared.
Or
B. Are involved in something that is so high above your pay grade, you can’t even sniff the sweat dripping from their body.
You’re a big dude with some muscles, and a big mouth, and you think by hanging around Cross, sucking in every word that comes out of his mouth, that somehow you’re going to get somewhere in this life?
Let me ask you a quick question...where has the words of Xavier Cross landed him? What makes him so “godly”, so worth listening to? He came to IWF off of a nice run in NCW and where did he go from there? Where did his career go from there? Down the damn tubes because he didn’t earn the right to do anything else with it.
He, like you now, thought he deserved whatever he wanted at that particular time, when reality smacked him in the face, nice, cold and hard, he took his ball and went home, and I would almost guarantee that’s what you’d do...that’s what you will do when I punch you directly in your stupid face.
I hold my hand out, pointing down to the ring in front of me.
And then there’s Ulf Hednir, and for the love of whatever God you pray to, could you explain to me exactly how you fit into this whole equation? You looked like a guy on the rise. You had the talent, the looks, and the skills to compete with some of the best in this damn place, and you’ve thrown it all away to be a follower, a lackey, and an overall worthless piece of shit.
Grow a fucking sack and man up.
Be the leader. Be the warrior your people would be proud of. Be the man who fights with valor rather than sulks to the lowest of lows just to fit in.
Ulf, you remind me of the kid in school who follows the cool people around, not really part of the group...just there. Is that your purpose Ulf? Are you just there? Are you just a heavy taking orders because you’re too damn stupid to strive for your own greatness?
Are you content being Xavier’s bitch? Do you like running errands? How does he take his coffee?
I wave my hands in front of me, shaking my head in disgust.
You know what? It doesn’t matter. Come Sacrifice, you’re stepping in that ring with the best wrestlers that this company and this industry as a whole have ever seen, and trust me, what you did at Bloody Assizes...you’re going to regret it ten time over. Until then…
I stand from my seat.
Live each day like it’s your last...because when we’re done with you...it will be.
Well howdy there pardner.