Post by Mason St. Croix on Aug 13, 2017 19:38:10 GMT
Spring Lake, NC
August 5th 2017
Mason St. Croix stepped through the curtain at the Back to School Bash for Carolina Pro where he’d just “lost” a Battle Royal to 12 year old Eric Haggard, the terminally ill son of his long time friend and fellow former Army Ranger Frank Haggard. The entire Carolina Pro roster and crew were still in the ring celebrating Eric’s big victory with him except for Frank who sat on a crate, his head in his hands sobbing so hard his body shook.
Mason: Why aren’t you out there?
Frank looks up to see Mason standing over him and he wipes the tears from his face with the back of his hand before standing up and hugging Mason. He lets him go and just stands there staring at his former commanding officer trying to find the words to express his gratitude.
Frank: I don’t know how to thank you for what you did out there. I don’t know how much longer my boy has left but that was something he won’t forget, and I damn sure won’t. You’re an incredible human being Mason.
Mason: The smile on his face was all the thanks I need, Frank. If the situation was reversed I’m sure you would have done the same thing for me.
Frank: Absolutely. You’ve got a boy about the same age as mine don’t you?
Mason: I do, I’m not exactly his favorite person right now but that’s a story for another time. Tonight’s about Eric. What’s his favorite thing to eat around here? I’m gonna treat the whole crew for Carolina Pro to dinner, Eric’s choice.
Frank starts shaking his head in protest.
Frank: You don’t have to do that Mason… we’ve got over 30 people in our crew counting wrestlers, ring crew, and security. That’d cost a fortune.
Mason: I insist.
Frank: I tell you what would make Eric even happier is if you came to our house for dinner. My wife Beth is a hell of a cook and Eric hasn’t really liked going out in public since he started Chemo. He’s a huge fan of IWF and would probably appreciate talking your ear off in a more intimate environment than a crowded restaurant.
Mason smiles and nods in agreement.
Mason: That sounds good I haven’t had a home cooked meal in… well it’s been so long I can’t remember.
Frank looks down at his watch then back to Mason.
Frank: Well it’s six o’clock now, I’ve got to wrap things up here and clean up some. Does eight work for you?
Mason: That should work, it’ll give me time to get back to my room and get showered and stuff. I’ve got a twelve hour flight to Russia first thing in the morning so I won’t be able to stay real late but I’ll hang out a few hours. Maybe we can catch up and tell some old war stories after Eric goes to bed.
Frank: I could definitely use that, might take my mind off things. I’ll see you at eight.
They shake hands before Mason walks out of the picture and the scene fades. We reopen at the kitchen table inside the Haggard home. Seated around the table are Frank, his wife Beth, their son Eric, daughter Lily, and Mason. All the plates are empty and Mason is leaned back in his chair looking absolutely stuffed.
Mason: Beth that was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you.
Beth: It was the least I could do. After tonight I could never thank you enough.
Beth stands up and starts getting the dishes off the table but Frank stops her.
Frank: Honey why don’t you and the kids go out in the living room and find a movie to watch or something. Mason and were hoping to just sit around and share some old stories of our time overseas. I’ll get the dishes after he leaves.
Beth: Ok babe, come on kids.
Seven year old Lilly skips out of the room happily while Eric stands up and walks over to Mason wrapping his arms around his neck. Mason pats the boy on the back trying to hold back his own emotion as he hears the boy start to sniffle. Eric lets him go and steps back.
Eric: Nighthawk and Jayson Matthews were always my favorite wrestlers before tonight but you’re my all time favorite now. You’re my hero.
Mason: Thanks Eric, it means a lot to be your favorite wrestler.
Eric and Beth walk out of the room as Frank stands up and walks to the fridge.
Frank: Want another beer?
Frank looks back to the table where Mason sits just starting out on the patio, his gaze locked on something that isn’t there.
Frank: Mason.. You ok?
Mason snaps out of it and looks towards Frank.
Mason: Yeah… yeah. I just thought I saw something. Must be my mind messing with me.
Frank: Did you want another beer?
Mason: Na I probably shouldn’t. I gotta use the bathroom, I’ll be back in a minute.
Mason stands up and walks out of the kitchen and sees Beth, Eric, and Lily snuggled up on the couch watching Zootopia. He makes his way to the bathroom and just stands in front of the mirror. He bends down and splashes some water on his face and when he stands back up there’s a reflection in the mirror of a dark figure in a hood standing behind him. He quickly turns around but there’s nothing there. He turns back around, shakes his head, and tries to breath calmly as he grips the edge of the sink.
Mason (talking to himself): What the fuck is going on? I took my meds.
He inhales deeply before walking out of the bathroom and making his way back to the kitchen where Frank sits at the table leaned back drinking a beer.
Frank: Hey buddy… you ok, you’re not looking too good.
Mason: I’m not feeling real good Frank. I’m not sure what’s going on but would you mind if we catch up another time? I think I just need some sleep. I hate to cut out on you but…
Frank: You’ve done plenty man, get some rest. Don’t be a stranger though.
Mason: I won’t, I’ll keep in touch and check in on Eric often. Thanks for understanding. I’ll probably just go out the back, your family seems pretty into their movie.
Frank stands up and they shake hands before Mason goes out the patio door and Frank shuts it behind him as the scene fades.
----------
Some stories need repeating, especially when it’s been a long time since you’ve told them.
I’m not sure I’ve said it since I returned to IWF or not but I never wanted to be a wrestler. Being an Army Ranger was all I ever wanted to do, it was what I was born to do and I mean that in a somewhat literal sense because my parents never got along for longer than it would have take to conceive me. My father was a Ranger and so was his father before him. It was the only answer I ever gave when I was a child and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I never had aspirations to be a wrestler even once before I walked into an old warehouse that had “Learn to be a Pro Wrestler” on a sign outside after I was discharged from the Army the first time. I had always been a fan though, going back to watching the Georgia regional promotions on Saturday morning all the way to tape and DVD trading in the military. I loved those larger than life personalities and the constant conflict that left you on the edge of your seat. During my time overseas I became a huge fan of one guy more so than any others.
Spike Kane.
It’s not something I’m ashamed of or afraid in the least to admit. Spike Kane was my favorite wrestler, hell he still is. When I signed with nCw very early in my career I never got to meet Spike but just being on the same roster as him was something I bragged about. Then in 2013, with both of us being in IWF I had the opportunity to be in the same ring with him and a lot of people thought I had a chance at taking the Imperial Title from him in the Extinction Event match. Something happened though and I couldn’t allow myself to knock my idol from his throne as Imperial Champion and leader of The Empire. I still became a champion for the first time that night but I was hesitant.
I was starstruck.
This week at Open Fight Night that won’t be the case. Any hesitation I showed that night because I was in the ring with the man I consider the gold standard in this industry won’t be on display. My confidence is the highest it’s ever been when it comes to what I can do in the ring and how I perform. I’m ready to stand toe to toe with The Blood God and fight him like he’s my equal not like I’m a starstruck rookie. In a few weeks at Legacy I will become the 2017 Heir to the Throne but on Monday night in Moscow I do something that may end up meaning more in the long run.
I don’t know why Mr. Verona saw putting me in the ring with you as a punishment. It’s the opportunity that I’ve been wanting since I stepped back into an IWF ring with my sights set on winning the Heir to the Throne. If I win this thing with victories over James Gilmore and John Tolly being the highlight of my run people will say I didn’t earn it and rightfully so but I don’t make the matches I just win them. A win over you Spike will not only give me double the points but it’ll validate my place in the standings. A victory over you, at least in my mind, is bigger than the HTTT though.
It will be the moment Mason St, Croix goes from a prospect with a lot of a potential to a superstar.
From crucifying people, to cutting your best friends finger off, to faking cancer, you’ve done some pretty deplorable things in IWF’s four plus years but you’ll always have some people that’ll cheer you no matter what you do Spike. I’m one of those people. I don’t hate you for the horrible things you’ve done because you’ve done them with purpose, you’ve done them with conviction, and you’ve executed them with the kind of precision and tact that a soldier can appreciate. It’s all fair in war, the battlefield is just different.
I think the one thing that separates us in this instance when we step in the ring at Open Fight Night is that fact that for you it’s just another match. For me it’s my breakthrough moment. A loss really doesn’t hurt either of us because I can’t lose points and you have nothing at stake. A win doesn’t mean anything in your case either. All it’ll do is prove what everyone already knows and that’s that you’re one of the best to ever do this. A win for me is a career defining moment and just because I respect you more than anyone on the IWF roster I’ll be damned if you’re gonna take this from me. The one thing that separates us the most though?
I want it more.
August 5th 2017
Mason St. Croix stepped through the curtain at the Back to School Bash for Carolina Pro where he’d just “lost” a Battle Royal to 12 year old Eric Haggard, the terminally ill son of his long time friend and fellow former Army Ranger Frank Haggard. The entire Carolina Pro roster and crew were still in the ring celebrating Eric’s big victory with him except for Frank who sat on a crate, his head in his hands sobbing so hard his body shook.
Mason: Why aren’t you out there?
Frank looks up to see Mason standing over him and he wipes the tears from his face with the back of his hand before standing up and hugging Mason. He lets him go and just stands there staring at his former commanding officer trying to find the words to express his gratitude.
Frank: I don’t know how to thank you for what you did out there. I don’t know how much longer my boy has left but that was something he won’t forget, and I damn sure won’t. You’re an incredible human being Mason.
Mason: The smile on his face was all the thanks I need, Frank. If the situation was reversed I’m sure you would have done the same thing for me.
Frank: Absolutely. You’ve got a boy about the same age as mine don’t you?
Mason: I do, I’m not exactly his favorite person right now but that’s a story for another time. Tonight’s about Eric. What’s his favorite thing to eat around here? I’m gonna treat the whole crew for Carolina Pro to dinner, Eric’s choice.
Frank starts shaking his head in protest.
Frank: You don’t have to do that Mason… we’ve got over 30 people in our crew counting wrestlers, ring crew, and security. That’d cost a fortune.
Mason: I insist.
Frank: I tell you what would make Eric even happier is if you came to our house for dinner. My wife Beth is a hell of a cook and Eric hasn’t really liked going out in public since he started Chemo. He’s a huge fan of IWF and would probably appreciate talking your ear off in a more intimate environment than a crowded restaurant.
Mason smiles and nods in agreement.
Mason: That sounds good I haven’t had a home cooked meal in… well it’s been so long I can’t remember.
Frank looks down at his watch then back to Mason.
Frank: Well it’s six o’clock now, I’ve got to wrap things up here and clean up some. Does eight work for you?
Mason: That should work, it’ll give me time to get back to my room and get showered and stuff. I’ve got a twelve hour flight to Russia first thing in the morning so I won’t be able to stay real late but I’ll hang out a few hours. Maybe we can catch up and tell some old war stories after Eric goes to bed.
Frank: I could definitely use that, might take my mind off things. I’ll see you at eight.
They shake hands before Mason walks out of the picture and the scene fades. We reopen at the kitchen table inside the Haggard home. Seated around the table are Frank, his wife Beth, their son Eric, daughter Lily, and Mason. All the plates are empty and Mason is leaned back in his chair looking absolutely stuffed.
Mason: Beth that was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you.
Beth: It was the least I could do. After tonight I could never thank you enough.
Beth stands up and starts getting the dishes off the table but Frank stops her.
Frank: Honey why don’t you and the kids go out in the living room and find a movie to watch or something. Mason and were hoping to just sit around and share some old stories of our time overseas. I’ll get the dishes after he leaves.
Beth: Ok babe, come on kids.
Seven year old Lilly skips out of the room happily while Eric stands up and walks over to Mason wrapping his arms around his neck. Mason pats the boy on the back trying to hold back his own emotion as he hears the boy start to sniffle. Eric lets him go and steps back.
Eric: Nighthawk and Jayson Matthews were always my favorite wrestlers before tonight but you’re my all time favorite now. You’re my hero.
Mason: Thanks Eric, it means a lot to be your favorite wrestler.
Eric and Beth walk out of the room as Frank stands up and walks to the fridge.
Frank: Want another beer?
Frank looks back to the table where Mason sits just starting out on the patio, his gaze locked on something that isn’t there.
Frank: Mason.. You ok?
Mason snaps out of it and looks towards Frank.
Mason: Yeah… yeah. I just thought I saw something. Must be my mind messing with me.
Frank: Did you want another beer?
Mason: Na I probably shouldn’t. I gotta use the bathroom, I’ll be back in a minute.
Mason stands up and walks out of the kitchen and sees Beth, Eric, and Lily snuggled up on the couch watching Zootopia. He makes his way to the bathroom and just stands in front of the mirror. He bends down and splashes some water on his face and when he stands back up there’s a reflection in the mirror of a dark figure in a hood standing behind him. He quickly turns around but there’s nothing there. He turns back around, shakes his head, and tries to breath calmly as he grips the edge of the sink.
Mason (talking to himself): What the fuck is going on? I took my meds.
He inhales deeply before walking out of the bathroom and making his way back to the kitchen where Frank sits at the table leaned back drinking a beer.
Frank: Hey buddy… you ok, you’re not looking too good.
Mason: I’m not feeling real good Frank. I’m not sure what’s going on but would you mind if we catch up another time? I think I just need some sleep. I hate to cut out on you but…
Frank: You’ve done plenty man, get some rest. Don’t be a stranger though.
Mason: I won’t, I’ll keep in touch and check in on Eric often. Thanks for understanding. I’ll probably just go out the back, your family seems pretty into their movie.
Frank stands up and they shake hands before Mason goes out the patio door and Frank shuts it behind him as the scene fades.
----------
Some stories need repeating, especially when it’s been a long time since you’ve told them.
I’m not sure I’ve said it since I returned to IWF or not but I never wanted to be a wrestler. Being an Army Ranger was all I ever wanted to do, it was what I was born to do and I mean that in a somewhat literal sense because my parents never got along for longer than it would have take to conceive me. My father was a Ranger and so was his father before him. It was the only answer I ever gave when I was a child and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I never had aspirations to be a wrestler even once before I walked into an old warehouse that had “Learn to be a Pro Wrestler” on a sign outside after I was discharged from the Army the first time. I had always been a fan though, going back to watching the Georgia regional promotions on Saturday morning all the way to tape and DVD trading in the military. I loved those larger than life personalities and the constant conflict that left you on the edge of your seat. During my time overseas I became a huge fan of one guy more so than any others.
Spike Kane.
It’s not something I’m ashamed of or afraid in the least to admit. Spike Kane was my favorite wrestler, hell he still is. When I signed with nCw very early in my career I never got to meet Spike but just being on the same roster as him was something I bragged about. Then in 2013, with both of us being in IWF I had the opportunity to be in the same ring with him and a lot of people thought I had a chance at taking the Imperial Title from him in the Extinction Event match. Something happened though and I couldn’t allow myself to knock my idol from his throne as Imperial Champion and leader of The Empire. I still became a champion for the first time that night but I was hesitant.
I was starstruck.
This week at Open Fight Night that won’t be the case. Any hesitation I showed that night because I was in the ring with the man I consider the gold standard in this industry won’t be on display. My confidence is the highest it’s ever been when it comes to what I can do in the ring and how I perform. I’m ready to stand toe to toe with The Blood God and fight him like he’s my equal not like I’m a starstruck rookie. In a few weeks at Legacy I will become the 2017 Heir to the Throne but on Monday night in Moscow I do something that may end up meaning more in the long run.
I don’t know why Mr. Verona saw putting me in the ring with you as a punishment. It’s the opportunity that I’ve been wanting since I stepped back into an IWF ring with my sights set on winning the Heir to the Throne. If I win this thing with victories over James Gilmore and John Tolly being the highlight of my run people will say I didn’t earn it and rightfully so but I don’t make the matches I just win them. A win over you Spike will not only give me double the points but it’ll validate my place in the standings. A victory over you, at least in my mind, is bigger than the HTTT though.
It will be the moment Mason St, Croix goes from a prospect with a lot of a potential to a superstar.
From crucifying people, to cutting your best friends finger off, to faking cancer, you’ve done some pretty deplorable things in IWF’s four plus years but you’ll always have some people that’ll cheer you no matter what you do Spike. I’m one of those people. I don’t hate you for the horrible things you’ve done because you’ve done them with purpose, you’ve done them with conviction, and you’ve executed them with the kind of precision and tact that a soldier can appreciate. It’s all fair in war, the battlefield is just different.
I think the one thing that separates us in this instance when we step in the ring at Open Fight Night is that fact that for you it’s just another match. For me it’s my breakthrough moment. A loss really doesn’t hurt either of us because I can’t lose points and you have nothing at stake. A win doesn’t mean anything in your case either. All it’ll do is prove what everyone already knows and that’s that you’re one of the best to ever do this. A win for me is a career defining moment and just because I respect you more than anyone on the IWF roster I’ll be damned if you’re gonna take this from me. The one thing that separates us the most though?
I want it more.
Well howdy there pardner.