Post by Mike Laszlo on Aug 28, 2017 1:33:27 GMT
Ladies and gentlemen of the planet Earth and anyone else who may or may not be listening...I want you to hear it now...Mike Laszlo is a selfish prick!
The scene unfolds before your very eyes. There’s a calmness to it all that was just seemingly interrupted by the fact that I yelled that sentiment at the top of my lungs. I turn my head down to the camera with a smirk on my face.
At least if you listen to Spike Kane. I mean, he is the almighty, and his word is gospel right? It’s been his crusade, his schtick, his motive against me all along, pretty much since he set his own eyes upon the glow and radiance of the Imperial Championship.
The funny part?
This is coming from a man who pretty much sacrificed his own child to get ahead in this company. This is the one who took it upon himself to hit me with the Thunderstruck after a hard fought battle with the Council, and he’s mad that I got revenge last week?
Who’s selfish?
I point out to my side.
This a man who runs through his own accomplishments, but at the same time, runs down everyone else who does the same. A man who calls out my opportunities, yet doesn’t mention the fact that he himself could have had those same opportunities, and yet he squandered them to settle his own personal vendettas from the past, the many there have been in order to stroke his own ego, to make himself feel even the slightest at peace with himself, to finally wrap a bow on some of the things that were just kind of out there waiting to be finished…
Who’s selfish?
I point to the camera and then to myself.
Spike, I’m, unlike you, not going to condemn you for your ways. I understand that this is the world of professional wrestling. I understand that this is a place where the strongest survive and those who rest on their laurels are the ones who get chewed up and spit out to the side, never to be heard of again. This is a business where if you’re not seen you’re usually forgotten, and hence, every time I am around, every time I have a match on the card, I have one that’s worth watching. I don’t grab a title that’s there for the taking and defend it against a bunch of people who are clearly lower in stature to pad my win-loss record and proclaim myself a fake God.
There’s another smirk and even a slight chuckle…
Because we all know what happened to the last person who proclaimed themselves to be all of that nonsense when I was around.
I walk toward a bench on the street, cars passing by, people behind me and I have a seat.
I would think that you of all people would understand the selfish nature of this business. You can’t spend time looking out for others, because you need to have your head on a swivel, looking out for the one who matters most...yourself.
Otherwise, there’s Spike Kanes in the world who want to undercut and undersell everything you’ve ever done. There’s Rob Diamonds in the back who want to shove you back down the totem pole. There’s newcomers who want to make a name for themselves at your expense, and if you let that happen, if you let any of that happen, you become just another guy on the roster who nobody gives a shit about.
I point out to the side of me.
The list of names is endless. There’s Joe Everyman, there’s Lex Sense, there’s Davey Ortega, there’s Alex Jones, the list goes on and on. All of those men got to the top of the mountain, they all came tumbling down, and now, you mention their name, and nobody gives a shit, and do you know why Spike? Do you really get it? I mean, probably not because you’re too busy puffing out your chest, it’s because they did nothing to follow it up.
That’s where you and I differ. That’s why you and I have been here as long as we’ve been here. Spike, we had different paths, yours a Hall of Fame one, and mine sure as hell better be, and it all lead to this moment, a moment where the two of us step in that ring with a shot at the richest prize in this business on the line. There’s a hatred, but deep down, I guarantee you there’s a respect as we know what the other has done to get to this point.
You’ve had title reigns, and you’ve had matches that are worth the ratings they get from the pundits. I’ve done the same. Every match I’ve had this year at a Pay Per View is one worth watching, from Rob Diamond to Steve Awesome, and now...Spike Kane.
There’s a bit of self-reflection and I can’t help but shake my head in amazement.
It truly is amazing Spike, and despite the hatred, the respect, the animosity, the jealousy, whatever you want to attach to this match, whatever pretenses there are...I can’t wait...to take another God and knock him off of his pedestal. I can’t wait to turn another God into a mere mortal. I can’t wait to get one of the final monkeys off of my back and beat the MAN known as Spike Kane in the center of that ring.
=================================
Title: Family Man: Part 6 - A Sight to See
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Time: 6:20 PM Local Time
We had finally made it. The whole family in a foreign land, taking in the sights and sounds, simply enjoying one another’s company. I had wanted it to happen much sooner in this trek across the Euro-Asian Continents, but I guess beggars can’t be choosers, and I’ll be happy with the time I DO get. We were driving across one of the bridges in Yokohama, and I looked over at my daughter’s eyes as they grew big, the lights of the city glimmering in her eyes, it really was a sight to see, the city lit up with the sun setting behind it. We had the windows down in our car as the driver took us about and I watched as she stuck her head out the window to see the rides of the amusement park. The giant Ferris Wheel was lit up a bright lime green color, and the lights along the roller coasters glimmered their variety of colors attracting the eye. Suddenly, Britney whipped her head around.
Britney Laszlo: Daddy, we need to go on the Ferris Wheel!
I couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing her so excited, I simply nodded.
Mike Laszlo: Okay, we’ll go on the Ferris Wheel.
The car pulled up to the entrance of the amusement park and we got out and walked inside. We looked around at all the festive looking designs of the park, and headed toward the giant Ferris Wheel. The line was pretty good in size, but we waited nonetheless as it’s a one time thing and sometimes you just have to do it. Britney pulled at my arm to get my attention.
Britney Laszlo: Daddy, how long is the line?
I moved my head around to see past the people in front of me.
Mike Laszlo: It seems like we’re probably going to get on the next go around. There’s a lot of cars on there and they seem to fit a good amount of people on each one.
Britney Laszlo: Can we all go together?
Mike Laszlo: As long as they let us.
I watched as the giant wheel came around and came to a halt. I watched as a group of people slowly started getting off the ride on car at a time before the line in front of me began moving forward. Efficiently and quickly we soon became the next in line. I looked ahead and we were one of the lucky ones, getting a clear glass pod allowing us to see every which way...including below us.
Mike Laszlo: Great…
Alexis Caffrey: What is it?
Mike Laszlo: We got the clear one...you know how I am with heights.
She just laughed at me as I looked up. I could hear the usher asking how many, and I pretty much ignored him as Alexis made a gesture for four. The skinny guy collected the money from me and allowed us in the pod, securing the door behind us. We all sat down, fastening our belts, and were then raised as they continued to load the rest of the ride. Higher and higher we went until we saw a message flash on the message board in our pod. “Now Beginning”. At first it wasn’t really thrilling. There was literally just us rotating to the top. About at the top, there was a jolt. Our pod started dangling from the top and I won’t lie, part of me freaked.
Mike Laszlo: Whoa! What the hell!?
Alexis Caffrey: It probably stops to allow each person a view.
Mike Laszlo: Really? It leaves us dangling here. And I can see down! Damn it.
Suddenly there was a person who came over the intercom.
Voice: We’re sorry for the scare. We will now proceed.
We then got to top, slowly rotating the other way, and to say the view was breathtaking would be an understatement. As you look around you can see The Landmark Tower, three Queen’s towers, Yokohama Bay and the Bay Bridge, the Red brick warehouses, the Marine Tower, Yamashita Park, and even Mount Fuji. Around each of them was littered with hotels and other industries around the area, all lit up in the glow of lights illuminating what seemed to be the entire city as far as the eye can see. I watched my daughter in all of her excitement. I then looked over at Lindsey who was taking pictures with her cell phone. Alexis and me? We shared a kiss as she leaned into my chest, me wrapping my arm around her in a loving embrace. This was a moment to be remembered.
===================================
I don’t want people to get things twisted...we know they always do...it comes natural to many of them.
The scene comes to and I’m sitting on the same bench in the same location, the same cars driving by and the same people walking behind me.
There’s not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that I hate Spike Kane and the feeling is mutual. There’s no doubting that the two of us will go to the ends of the Earth to make good on our claim that we are the best in this business both now and forever. There’s no doubt that the two of us have our eyes set on facing whoever the Imperial Champion is come what I assume would be Extreme Endurance, because the two of us firmly believe in our heart of hearts that we belong there. We both expect to be there Spike, and you know as well as I do, that anything less simply won’t cut it for either one of us.
I point downward to the ground in front of me.
And THAT’S the part of Spike Kane that although I hate that man, I can respect. I can look you in the eye, and know I’m in for one of the biggest fights of my life. I know there’s not a stone you won’t leave unturned, and there’s not a corner you won’t cut...just like me.
I stand up and start heading down the street before turning down an alley, the camera following as I lean against a railing.
And I hope you know that Spike. I hope you know how good I am, just as I know how good you are. There’s a reason I had every one of those opportunities you mentioned. I won the Heir to the Throne, I won the Joker In The Pack and I won numerous contenders matches to get into those opportunities presented to me, they weren’t just handed to me...I earned each and every single one of them. I am indeed that good.
It’s also why I will EARN my shot this Sunday live on Pay Per View. It’s why I will stand across that ring from you and emulate your every desire. I will cut a corner, pull strings, and go beyond what any other is physically capable of, yourself included to get to that title shot at Extreme Endurance.
Don’t doubt me Spike. Don’t doubt what I’m capable of. If you do, it’ll be your biggest mistake. Just ask your buddy Rob Diamond what happens when you underestimate me. This Sunday Spike may be bigger than that match at Extreme Endurance, despite the fact that the Imperial Title will be on the line...at least that’s how I feel going up to it.
All my career, all I’ve heard about is Spike Kane. I’m done hearing about Spike Kane, it’s time to hear about how I BEAT Spike Kane...and after Sunday, after Legacy...mine will be cemented once and for all.
My legacy is on the line Spike, not just a shot at the Imperial Championship. That just happens to be icing on the cake.
First you to cement my legacy, then the Imperial Title to make it that much better.
I walk off down the street as the scene fades.
The scene unfolds before your very eyes. There’s a calmness to it all that was just seemingly interrupted by the fact that I yelled that sentiment at the top of my lungs. I turn my head down to the camera with a smirk on my face.
At least if you listen to Spike Kane. I mean, he is the almighty, and his word is gospel right? It’s been his crusade, his schtick, his motive against me all along, pretty much since he set his own eyes upon the glow and radiance of the Imperial Championship.
The funny part?
This is coming from a man who pretty much sacrificed his own child to get ahead in this company. This is the one who took it upon himself to hit me with the Thunderstruck after a hard fought battle with the Council, and he’s mad that I got revenge last week?
Who’s selfish?
I point out to my side.
This a man who runs through his own accomplishments, but at the same time, runs down everyone else who does the same. A man who calls out my opportunities, yet doesn’t mention the fact that he himself could have had those same opportunities, and yet he squandered them to settle his own personal vendettas from the past, the many there have been in order to stroke his own ego, to make himself feel even the slightest at peace with himself, to finally wrap a bow on some of the things that were just kind of out there waiting to be finished…
Who’s selfish?
I point to the camera and then to myself.
Spike, I’m, unlike you, not going to condemn you for your ways. I understand that this is the world of professional wrestling. I understand that this is a place where the strongest survive and those who rest on their laurels are the ones who get chewed up and spit out to the side, never to be heard of again. This is a business where if you’re not seen you’re usually forgotten, and hence, every time I am around, every time I have a match on the card, I have one that’s worth watching. I don’t grab a title that’s there for the taking and defend it against a bunch of people who are clearly lower in stature to pad my win-loss record and proclaim myself a fake God.
There’s another smirk and even a slight chuckle…
Because we all know what happened to the last person who proclaimed themselves to be all of that nonsense when I was around.
I walk toward a bench on the street, cars passing by, people behind me and I have a seat.
I would think that you of all people would understand the selfish nature of this business. You can’t spend time looking out for others, because you need to have your head on a swivel, looking out for the one who matters most...yourself.
Otherwise, there’s Spike Kanes in the world who want to undercut and undersell everything you’ve ever done. There’s Rob Diamonds in the back who want to shove you back down the totem pole. There’s newcomers who want to make a name for themselves at your expense, and if you let that happen, if you let any of that happen, you become just another guy on the roster who nobody gives a shit about.
I point out to the side of me.
The list of names is endless. There’s Joe Everyman, there’s Lex Sense, there’s Davey Ortega, there’s Alex Jones, the list goes on and on. All of those men got to the top of the mountain, they all came tumbling down, and now, you mention their name, and nobody gives a shit, and do you know why Spike? Do you really get it? I mean, probably not because you’re too busy puffing out your chest, it’s because they did nothing to follow it up.
That’s where you and I differ. That’s why you and I have been here as long as we’ve been here. Spike, we had different paths, yours a Hall of Fame one, and mine sure as hell better be, and it all lead to this moment, a moment where the two of us step in that ring with a shot at the richest prize in this business on the line. There’s a hatred, but deep down, I guarantee you there’s a respect as we know what the other has done to get to this point.
You’ve had title reigns, and you’ve had matches that are worth the ratings they get from the pundits. I’ve done the same. Every match I’ve had this year at a Pay Per View is one worth watching, from Rob Diamond to Steve Awesome, and now...Spike Kane.
There’s a bit of self-reflection and I can’t help but shake my head in amazement.
It truly is amazing Spike, and despite the hatred, the respect, the animosity, the jealousy, whatever you want to attach to this match, whatever pretenses there are...I can’t wait...to take another God and knock him off of his pedestal. I can’t wait to turn another God into a mere mortal. I can’t wait to get one of the final monkeys off of my back and beat the MAN known as Spike Kane in the center of that ring.
=================================
Title: Family Man: Part 6 - A Sight to See
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Time: 6:20 PM Local Time
We had finally made it. The whole family in a foreign land, taking in the sights and sounds, simply enjoying one another’s company. I had wanted it to happen much sooner in this trek across the Euro-Asian Continents, but I guess beggars can’t be choosers, and I’ll be happy with the time I DO get. We were driving across one of the bridges in Yokohama, and I looked over at my daughter’s eyes as they grew big, the lights of the city glimmering in her eyes, it really was a sight to see, the city lit up with the sun setting behind it. We had the windows down in our car as the driver took us about and I watched as she stuck her head out the window to see the rides of the amusement park. The giant Ferris Wheel was lit up a bright lime green color, and the lights along the roller coasters glimmered their variety of colors attracting the eye. Suddenly, Britney whipped her head around.
Britney Laszlo: Daddy, we need to go on the Ferris Wheel!
I couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing her so excited, I simply nodded.
Mike Laszlo: Okay, we’ll go on the Ferris Wheel.
The car pulled up to the entrance of the amusement park and we got out and walked inside. We looked around at all the festive looking designs of the park, and headed toward the giant Ferris Wheel. The line was pretty good in size, but we waited nonetheless as it’s a one time thing and sometimes you just have to do it. Britney pulled at my arm to get my attention.
Britney Laszlo: Daddy, how long is the line?
I moved my head around to see past the people in front of me.
Mike Laszlo: It seems like we’re probably going to get on the next go around. There’s a lot of cars on there and they seem to fit a good amount of people on each one.
Britney Laszlo: Can we all go together?
Mike Laszlo: As long as they let us.
I watched as the giant wheel came around and came to a halt. I watched as a group of people slowly started getting off the ride on car at a time before the line in front of me began moving forward. Efficiently and quickly we soon became the next in line. I looked ahead and we were one of the lucky ones, getting a clear glass pod allowing us to see every which way...including below us.
Mike Laszlo: Great…
Alexis Caffrey: What is it?
Mike Laszlo: We got the clear one...you know how I am with heights.
She just laughed at me as I looked up. I could hear the usher asking how many, and I pretty much ignored him as Alexis made a gesture for four. The skinny guy collected the money from me and allowed us in the pod, securing the door behind us. We all sat down, fastening our belts, and were then raised as they continued to load the rest of the ride. Higher and higher we went until we saw a message flash on the message board in our pod. “Now Beginning”. At first it wasn’t really thrilling. There was literally just us rotating to the top. About at the top, there was a jolt. Our pod started dangling from the top and I won’t lie, part of me freaked.
Mike Laszlo: Whoa! What the hell!?
Alexis Caffrey: It probably stops to allow each person a view.
Mike Laszlo: Really? It leaves us dangling here. And I can see down! Damn it.
Suddenly there was a person who came over the intercom.
Voice: We’re sorry for the scare. We will now proceed.
We then got to top, slowly rotating the other way, and to say the view was breathtaking would be an understatement. As you look around you can see The Landmark Tower, three Queen’s towers, Yokohama Bay and the Bay Bridge, the Red brick warehouses, the Marine Tower, Yamashita Park, and even Mount Fuji. Around each of them was littered with hotels and other industries around the area, all lit up in the glow of lights illuminating what seemed to be the entire city as far as the eye can see. I watched my daughter in all of her excitement. I then looked over at Lindsey who was taking pictures with her cell phone. Alexis and me? We shared a kiss as she leaned into my chest, me wrapping my arm around her in a loving embrace. This was a moment to be remembered.
===================================
I don’t want people to get things twisted...we know they always do...it comes natural to many of them.
The scene comes to and I’m sitting on the same bench in the same location, the same cars driving by and the same people walking behind me.
There’s not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that I hate Spike Kane and the feeling is mutual. There’s no doubting that the two of us will go to the ends of the Earth to make good on our claim that we are the best in this business both now and forever. There’s no doubt that the two of us have our eyes set on facing whoever the Imperial Champion is come what I assume would be Extreme Endurance, because the two of us firmly believe in our heart of hearts that we belong there. We both expect to be there Spike, and you know as well as I do, that anything less simply won’t cut it for either one of us.
I point downward to the ground in front of me.
And THAT’S the part of Spike Kane that although I hate that man, I can respect. I can look you in the eye, and know I’m in for one of the biggest fights of my life. I know there’s not a stone you won’t leave unturned, and there’s not a corner you won’t cut...just like me.
I stand up and start heading down the street before turning down an alley, the camera following as I lean against a railing.
And I hope you know that Spike. I hope you know how good I am, just as I know how good you are. There’s a reason I had every one of those opportunities you mentioned. I won the Heir to the Throne, I won the Joker In The Pack and I won numerous contenders matches to get into those opportunities presented to me, they weren’t just handed to me...I earned each and every single one of them. I am indeed that good.
It’s also why I will EARN my shot this Sunday live on Pay Per View. It’s why I will stand across that ring from you and emulate your every desire. I will cut a corner, pull strings, and go beyond what any other is physically capable of, yourself included to get to that title shot at Extreme Endurance.
Don’t doubt me Spike. Don’t doubt what I’m capable of. If you do, it’ll be your biggest mistake. Just ask your buddy Rob Diamond what happens when you underestimate me. This Sunday Spike may be bigger than that match at Extreme Endurance, despite the fact that the Imperial Title will be on the line...at least that’s how I feel going up to it.
All my career, all I’ve heard about is Spike Kane. I’m done hearing about Spike Kane, it’s time to hear about how I BEAT Spike Kane...and after Sunday, after Legacy...mine will be cemented once and for all.
My legacy is on the line Spike, not just a shot at the Imperial Championship. That just happens to be icing on the cake.
First you to cement my legacy, then the Imperial Title to make it that much better.
I walk off down the street as the scene fades.
Well howdy there pardner.