Post by Mike Laszlo on Sept 8, 2013 22:54:02 GMT
Once upon a time there was a wrestler who thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. He touted it over and over in an arrogant fashion until it got so boring to hear that people not only stopped believing, they stopped listening as well. He tried over and over again to prove it and yet came up short at every major opportunity. Then something happened. The voice of reason inside his head told him to stop being so brash. That voice said, “You moron, stop talking and start walking.” So the man grew not so much quiet as he did humble. Now, though he still believes he is the best this or any other company has to offer, he tells you in a way that doesn’t show the bravado he once did. He tells you in a way that means something, not only to himself, but to the people he stands across the ring from. He doesn’t just tell you he’s the best, he goes out there, walks down the ramp, steps into the ring, and shows you he is the best, night in and night out.
Sound familiar?
Last week, I walked down that ramp and I defeated a man who had quite the streak going for him here in the IWF. I walked out there in front of thousands of people live and millions more watching and defeated the Man of Steel Champion, Ryan Blade.
So this week, there’s a tag team match pitting him and me against each other once again. I’ll tell you what Ryan, you were right. Having fun isn’t just going out there and putting on the best show possible, though that was extremely thrilling. Winning boosted it. Winning took that excitement and sent it to levels that I didn’t think were totally possible before. Yes I’ve won matches before, and that’s not the point. The point is that like Trent Helms at Legacy, I took on a man with absolute skill in that ring last week, and I proved that on that night I was indeed the better man. Will that hold true this week? I can lie to you and say that I “think” it will, but I said I was done with that. I was done with the bullshit and I am. I don’t think it will, I “know” it will. I don’t have a doubt, not a single one, in my ability in that ring, and if I didn’t believe I was going to beat you and Xavier in that ring this coming weekend, well then, I just shouldn’t be here in this company.
Something bothers me though. To fully understand what the hell is going on here, I want to ask your partner a question Ryan. I want to look at Xavier Cross and ask him: “Who the hell pissed in your Cheerios?” You come off and spout what you believe in. How you believed in me but no longer, and honestly I felt like you’re trying to play the fatherly figure and scold me. Congratulations Xavier, you made me realize something just a bit more. I thought before, that I didn’t care what other people thought about me. Then I listened to you in all your anger and angst and I realized that I sure as hell don’t give a damn what you think.
He who touts victories over me that are full of false senses of security. So you’ve won a couple of matches that I was in. Do you remember perhaps the one, single, solitary time that we faced off one on one Xavier? Do you? It was almost a year ago in the old company. I remember it well. Well, I didn’t…until you started touting your hollow victories. I was on my way to facing Verona for the World Title. In fact, it was that night that some say I was put on the map. Before that fortunate turn of events, I faced you. Me the young up and comer against the reigning and defending National Champion and without mercy I hoisted you into the air and I brought you down, driving my knee straight into your face and I pinned you in the center of that ring. I proved that on an even platform I can beat you. I’ve done it once and I’ll do it again and I won’t even think twice about it.
Xavier, I have nothing to prove to you. A win over you nowadays doesn’t mean a damn thing because in this company, you mean nothing. The only thing keeping you relevant in this company is you teaming with Joe to take on the Juggernauts, and even that has waned a bit.
Spike Kane is the new deserving Number One Contender. He’s a man who has a shot at doing something great in this industry…holding two titles simultaneously, I know, I’ve done it. As soon as he won that match you and Joe against the so-called “corporate takeover” became nothing but a footnote, and I for one am glad. I’m sick of everybody saying I’m the one full of excuses, because when I look around, there’s nothing but coming out of the mouths of every single person in the “main event” scene. It’s time for me to rise to the top where I belong, and if that means beating a so-called main eventer like yourself who is full of piss and vinegar…oh…and excuses, then so be it.
====================
Title: Who and Why?
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Time: 11:05 AM Local Time
Fall was in the air. The heat of the summer was subsiding and a brisk breeze was blowing from side to side that sent a bit of a chill up one’s spine. Raven and I were driving to her new apartment where the renovations had just been finished a day prior. It was a ratty old place, and really needed fixing up and I made sure that was done; new everything from tile and carpet to paint and appliances. I didn’t want to reveal what had been done to her as I was going to leave it a surprise. What I did want to know, I was ready to ask about in a one on one private setting. No time better than the present.
Reaching down, I turn down the radio and clear my throat. I could see her tense up a bit as she knew what was coming. I thought of the best way to put my inquiry and just let it out.
Mike Laszlo: So? You ready to talk?
Raven Simpson: I, uh, guess so.
Mike Laszlo: Well, I tried to be respectful after last week. I thought about it and realized that I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that in front of everyone like that, and for that I’m sorry.
Raven Simpson: It’s okay. I understand the wanting to know, I just wasn’t ready to share.
Mike Laszlo: Well, now, I’m not giving you a choice. We’re alone, just you and me. Nobody else needs to know what happened, and I promise you that unless need be, I won’t discuss this with anyone else.
Raven Simpson: What do you mean “need be”?
Mike Laszlo: I’ll determine that.
Her demeanor changed, almost to that of a scolded child. I felt a little bad but knew that I couldn’t let that affect the sternness of my position.
Mike Laszlo: I can’t just keep letting you stay at my house without a reason Raven. I can’t refurbish this apartment, furnish it, and let you live in a piece of my property after what you did to me without a good reason to back it up. If this were before, maybe, but you screwed that all up with your stupid little ploy to exploit me for money. I’m a forgiving man and I think you know that, but there’s only so far that I can go here.
She looked over with a saddened look.
Raven Simpson: I understand. I screwed up before and trust me when I tell you that nothing and nobody can be sorrier about that than I am.
Mike Laszlo: Prove it. Tell me what happened. Tell me who abused you like that.
She looked forward and I feel as if she realized that there was nothing left to be said other than the truth of what happened. All avenues of escape were gone. All distractions were gone. It was now or never and with a deep sigh she let it out.
Raven Simpson: I get it. So here it is. Shortly after our last run in, my partner designed another scam. I went with it and I had guilt over what we did to you. I told him that, and he threatened to hurt me so I continued with the scam we were on. In the end, with the one we pulled on you, we failed and that didn’t go over well. He smacked me across the face. Slowly but surely, the abuse escalated but I stayed because I had no way out. I wanted to come to you right away, but after what I did, I didn’t think you would accept me. Then, after this last time where he straight up punched me in the face, I said that enough was enough and I would find a way to either make us work or survive because that’s what I had to do. I couldn’t continue to get beat up like that. It escalated more and more each time, and if my eyes was that bad, what was next? Broken bones? Death? I had to get out.
I sat there for a minute and let the information get processed. As I separated it all and organized the thoughts in my head, I inquired more.
Mike Laszlo: Who is he?
Raven Simpson: Mike, don’t. I don’t want to put this on you. It doesn’t involve you and if I can just lie low, I feel like the whole thing will blow over.
Mike Laszlo: Raven, the moment you left that note on my door you got me involved. The moment I saw the bruise on your face, you got me involved. So here’s what’s going to happen. Either you’re going to stay in this apartment, tell me who did this, and I’ll take care of it; or, you’re going to stay in this apartment and make my life harder, because then I’ll have to figure out who it is. You know I can find these things out, and you know that I will. If you take option B, it’s just going to waste my time.
She takes a deep breath again and looks out toward the window.
Raven Simpson: Brian Sane.
Her voice was inaudible since she was nearly pressed against the window.
Mike Laszlo: Come again?
She pulled away from the window and turned toward me. The bruise on her face was revealed though it has noticeably dissipated since the first time I had seen it.
Raven Simpson: His name is Brian Sane. I met him on the streets coming out of high school. I graduated and fell in with the wrong crowd. We ran local schemes and scams until a majority of us got caught. I was lucky enough to not be one of them. Soon though, I was all alone. So as I wondered around, Sane got notice of my talents and setup an interview. We met, ran schemes, and never got caught until we came up against you. We thought it was bad luck and we’d try again, but things were different. I didn’t want to do it anymore, but I couldn’t find my way out.
As we pulled into a parking lot, and into a spot near the door, I pulled it into park and looked over at her.
Mike Laszlo: Thank you.
Raven Simpson: For what?
Mike Laszlo: Making it easy. I got this handled; let’s go see your new living arrangements.
Her demeanor gets a little perkier as a smile appears on her face. Getting out of the car she follows me in and we head through the lobby as I give a nod to the man at the front desk. He nods back indicating that the apartment was ready to go. We head into the elevator and step inside. Reaching across I press the button and up to the top floor we head. After we hit the seventh of ten floors, I turn to Raven who looks nervous yet anxious as to what is about to unfold.
Mike Laszlo: Close your eyes.
Raven Simpson: Why?
Mike Laszlo: Just do it.
Raven Simpson: Fine.
Gently, she closes her eyes s instructed. The ding signaling our arrival chimes and the doors slide open. Guiding her out of the elevator I take her a few steps in.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, open them.
She opens her eyes and is amazed at the sight seen before her. She looks from side to side with her mouth wide open as she takes in the spectacle of the penthouse apartment. Taking a few more steps into the room she spins and looks before looking down at me.
Raven Simpson: This is all yours?
Mike Laszlo: The entire building is mine. This was one of my get away spots. At least, that’s what it was supposed to be. That whole idea never really came to fruition. You like it?
Raven Simpson: I do. The remodeling is great, the furniture great, and the overall package…GREAT!
Mike Laszlo: Good, it’s all yours until you get on your feet…legitimately. There’s an intercom buzzer in each room. If someone is here to see you they have to buzz up. It will show you a camera feed at the front door of who is standing at the elevator. If you know them, hit the red button. This will allow the elevator to come up to this floor. Without that button being pressed, that elevator will not go beyond the ninth floor.
Raven Simpson: Well that’s one way to keep someone out. Thank you so much.
Mike Laszlo: Really, it’s not a problem. I had this space and now we’re using it. Treat this like you would your own place. I’ll leave you to it to explore, and I’ll check on you when I get back from Columbus.
Raven Simpson: Thank you so, so, so, so much.
Between the second and third “so” she hugs me. My immediate reaction is to throw my hands up and to the side as I didn’t want to send a mixed signal. Gently, I acknowledge the hug with a few pats on the back.
Mike Laszlo: You’re welcome. Go check it out. I’ll see you later.
Raven Simpson: Okay, see ya.
Turning, I head back into the elevator. As the doors close, I wave and see her going about, exploring her new apartment. As the elevator heads down, there’s some thought’s that flow through my head.
Mike Laszlo: This just seems weird. I hope she doesn’t think I’m stupid and that she can play me again. There’s cameras up there at the door, inside the apartment, so at least I’ll know who enters the place. If something fishy is going on, I’m going to know about it.
I let out a deep sigh as other thoughts course through my brain before hearing the chime of the door again. Walking out I walk to the front desk.
Mike Laszlo: Reynolds:.
Reynolds:: Yes sir?
Mike Laszlo: Keep an eye on who visits Ms. Simpson. If anyone suspicious walks in, shoot me a text.
Reynolds:: Certainly will.
Mike Laszlo: Thanks, here is for your troubles.
From my pocket I pull out a hundred dollar bill and hand it to the young man. He graciously accepts it as I turn and walk out the door as the scene fades.
====================
For weeks now I tried to talk myself up and in the end it fell on deaf ears. All I said was not a lie, it was just untapped. I said it, but I don’t think that even I in the end believed it. Now, it’s completely the opposite. Now, I believe every damn word that comes out of my mouth and the rest of you should as well.
In a three week span I won two of three matches. I defeated the likes of Trent Helms and last week Ryan Blade. Just because he thinks it’s a fluke doesn’t mean it is. I tell you now that it was far from it. It was a competitive match and it probably could have gone either way, but in the end I showed that I had the intestinal fortitude to dig just a little bit deeper. I had the resolve to go that one inch farther, and I had the determination to simply put, win.
Ryan is a lot like myself in the early days, minus the win-loss record. He admitted his defeat which is something that took me a while to do. The difference that he fails to see is that after I admitted my defeat, after truly admitting that I wasn’t the better man on that day, I owned it. Him? I kicked him while he was down? If you’re down, you’re vulnerable and in this business that vulnerability will be taken advantage of. The guys back here may say they’re you’re friends. These people that sit in the seats and watch you on a weekly basis may pretend they care, but to tell you the truth Ryan, Xavier, there’s not a damn person who gives a damn. You two don’t care about each other. The only reason you even mention each other is the fact that you’re Tag Team Partners in this match. It’s the same on my side. Why have I barely said a word about Keeton? It’s because I don’t care about Jake Keeton. I don’t care that he’s old. I don’t care that he used a loaded elbow pad. None of that matters.
Jake, like Xavier, like Ryan, like myself, is a man who can get it done any single night of the week and if you don’t see that, if you can’t recognize that, you’re a damned fool and deserve to get punched in the throat.
So while Ryan sits there with his arrogance, and more so, his stupidity and his false respect, and Xavier sits there with his excuses and his even vastly superior stupidity to that of Blade’s, I know the truth. I know that the four of us in Tag Team fashion will step in that ring, and like Blade and myself last week, will put on a show. We will straight up fight. The victors garner the spoils while the losers sulk away and if you’re Blade, you call it a fluke.
This Monday, we do as I’ve been doing for the last few weeks, we have fun. Like I said Blade, winning makes the fun that much more elevated. I want that feeling again, and this Monday, there’s not a damn person in this company, champion or not, that will stand in my way.
Sound familiar?
Last week, I walked down that ramp and I defeated a man who had quite the streak going for him here in the IWF. I walked out there in front of thousands of people live and millions more watching and defeated the Man of Steel Champion, Ryan Blade.
So this week, there’s a tag team match pitting him and me against each other once again. I’ll tell you what Ryan, you were right. Having fun isn’t just going out there and putting on the best show possible, though that was extremely thrilling. Winning boosted it. Winning took that excitement and sent it to levels that I didn’t think were totally possible before. Yes I’ve won matches before, and that’s not the point. The point is that like Trent Helms at Legacy, I took on a man with absolute skill in that ring last week, and I proved that on that night I was indeed the better man. Will that hold true this week? I can lie to you and say that I “think” it will, but I said I was done with that. I was done with the bullshit and I am. I don’t think it will, I “know” it will. I don’t have a doubt, not a single one, in my ability in that ring, and if I didn’t believe I was going to beat you and Xavier in that ring this coming weekend, well then, I just shouldn’t be here in this company.
Something bothers me though. To fully understand what the hell is going on here, I want to ask your partner a question Ryan. I want to look at Xavier Cross and ask him: “Who the hell pissed in your Cheerios?” You come off and spout what you believe in. How you believed in me but no longer, and honestly I felt like you’re trying to play the fatherly figure and scold me. Congratulations Xavier, you made me realize something just a bit more. I thought before, that I didn’t care what other people thought about me. Then I listened to you in all your anger and angst and I realized that I sure as hell don’t give a damn what you think.
He who touts victories over me that are full of false senses of security. So you’ve won a couple of matches that I was in. Do you remember perhaps the one, single, solitary time that we faced off one on one Xavier? Do you? It was almost a year ago in the old company. I remember it well. Well, I didn’t…until you started touting your hollow victories. I was on my way to facing Verona for the World Title. In fact, it was that night that some say I was put on the map. Before that fortunate turn of events, I faced you. Me the young up and comer against the reigning and defending National Champion and without mercy I hoisted you into the air and I brought you down, driving my knee straight into your face and I pinned you in the center of that ring. I proved that on an even platform I can beat you. I’ve done it once and I’ll do it again and I won’t even think twice about it.
Xavier, I have nothing to prove to you. A win over you nowadays doesn’t mean a damn thing because in this company, you mean nothing. The only thing keeping you relevant in this company is you teaming with Joe to take on the Juggernauts, and even that has waned a bit.
Spike Kane is the new deserving Number One Contender. He’s a man who has a shot at doing something great in this industry…holding two titles simultaneously, I know, I’ve done it. As soon as he won that match you and Joe against the so-called “corporate takeover” became nothing but a footnote, and I for one am glad. I’m sick of everybody saying I’m the one full of excuses, because when I look around, there’s nothing but coming out of the mouths of every single person in the “main event” scene. It’s time for me to rise to the top where I belong, and if that means beating a so-called main eventer like yourself who is full of piss and vinegar…oh…and excuses, then so be it.
====================
Title: Who and Why?
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Time: 11:05 AM Local Time
Fall was in the air. The heat of the summer was subsiding and a brisk breeze was blowing from side to side that sent a bit of a chill up one’s spine. Raven and I were driving to her new apartment where the renovations had just been finished a day prior. It was a ratty old place, and really needed fixing up and I made sure that was done; new everything from tile and carpet to paint and appliances. I didn’t want to reveal what had been done to her as I was going to leave it a surprise. What I did want to know, I was ready to ask about in a one on one private setting. No time better than the present.
Reaching down, I turn down the radio and clear my throat. I could see her tense up a bit as she knew what was coming. I thought of the best way to put my inquiry and just let it out.
Mike Laszlo: So? You ready to talk?
Raven Simpson: I, uh, guess so.
Mike Laszlo: Well, I tried to be respectful after last week. I thought about it and realized that I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that in front of everyone like that, and for that I’m sorry.
Raven Simpson: It’s okay. I understand the wanting to know, I just wasn’t ready to share.
Mike Laszlo: Well, now, I’m not giving you a choice. We’re alone, just you and me. Nobody else needs to know what happened, and I promise you that unless need be, I won’t discuss this with anyone else.
Raven Simpson: What do you mean “need be”?
Mike Laszlo: I’ll determine that.
Her demeanor changed, almost to that of a scolded child. I felt a little bad but knew that I couldn’t let that affect the sternness of my position.
Mike Laszlo: I can’t just keep letting you stay at my house without a reason Raven. I can’t refurbish this apartment, furnish it, and let you live in a piece of my property after what you did to me without a good reason to back it up. If this were before, maybe, but you screwed that all up with your stupid little ploy to exploit me for money. I’m a forgiving man and I think you know that, but there’s only so far that I can go here.
She looked over with a saddened look.
Raven Simpson: I understand. I screwed up before and trust me when I tell you that nothing and nobody can be sorrier about that than I am.
Mike Laszlo: Prove it. Tell me what happened. Tell me who abused you like that.
She looked forward and I feel as if she realized that there was nothing left to be said other than the truth of what happened. All avenues of escape were gone. All distractions were gone. It was now or never and with a deep sigh she let it out.
Raven Simpson: I get it. So here it is. Shortly after our last run in, my partner designed another scam. I went with it and I had guilt over what we did to you. I told him that, and he threatened to hurt me so I continued with the scam we were on. In the end, with the one we pulled on you, we failed and that didn’t go over well. He smacked me across the face. Slowly but surely, the abuse escalated but I stayed because I had no way out. I wanted to come to you right away, but after what I did, I didn’t think you would accept me. Then, after this last time where he straight up punched me in the face, I said that enough was enough and I would find a way to either make us work or survive because that’s what I had to do. I couldn’t continue to get beat up like that. It escalated more and more each time, and if my eyes was that bad, what was next? Broken bones? Death? I had to get out.
I sat there for a minute and let the information get processed. As I separated it all and organized the thoughts in my head, I inquired more.
Mike Laszlo: Who is he?
Raven Simpson: Mike, don’t. I don’t want to put this on you. It doesn’t involve you and if I can just lie low, I feel like the whole thing will blow over.
Mike Laszlo: Raven, the moment you left that note on my door you got me involved. The moment I saw the bruise on your face, you got me involved. So here’s what’s going to happen. Either you’re going to stay in this apartment, tell me who did this, and I’ll take care of it; or, you’re going to stay in this apartment and make my life harder, because then I’ll have to figure out who it is. You know I can find these things out, and you know that I will. If you take option B, it’s just going to waste my time.
She takes a deep breath again and looks out toward the window.
Raven Simpson: Brian Sane.
Her voice was inaudible since she was nearly pressed against the window.
Mike Laszlo: Come again?
She pulled away from the window and turned toward me. The bruise on her face was revealed though it has noticeably dissipated since the first time I had seen it.
Raven Simpson: His name is Brian Sane. I met him on the streets coming out of high school. I graduated and fell in with the wrong crowd. We ran local schemes and scams until a majority of us got caught. I was lucky enough to not be one of them. Soon though, I was all alone. So as I wondered around, Sane got notice of my talents and setup an interview. We met, ran schemes, and never got caught until we came up against you. We thought it was bad luck and we’d try again, but things were different. I didn’t want to do it anymore, but I couldn’t find my way out.
As we pulled into a parking lot, and into a spot near the door, I pulled it into park and looked over at her.
Mike Laszlo: Thank you.
Raven Simpson: For what?
Mike Laszlo: Making it easy. I got this handled; let’s go see your new living arrangements.
Her demeanor gets a little perkier as a smile appears on her face. Getting out of the car she follows me in and we head through the lobby as I give a nod to the man at the front desk. He nods back indicating that the apartment was ready to go. We head into the elevator and step inside. Reaching across I press the button and up to the top floor we head. After we hit the seventh of ten floors, I turn to Raven who looks nervous yet anxious as to what is about to unfold.
Mike Laszlo: Close your eyes.
Raven Simpson: Why?
Mike Laszlo: Just do it.
Raven Simpson: Fine.
Gently, she closes her eyes s instructed. The ding signaling our arrival chimes and the doors slide open. Guiding her out of the elevator I take her a few steps in.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, open them.
She opens her eyes and is amazed at the sight seen before her. She looks from side to side with her mouth wide open as she takes in the spectacle of the penthouse apartment. Taking a few more steps into the room she spins and looks before looking down at me.
Raven Simpson: This is all yours?
Mike Laszlo: The entire building is mine. This was one of my get away spots. At least, that’s what it was supposed to be. That whole idea never really came to fruition. You like it?
Raven Simpson: I do. The remodeling is great, the furniture great, and the overall package…GREAT!
Mike Laszlo: Good, it’s all yours until you get on your feet…legitimately. There’s an intercom buzzer in each room. If someone is here to see you they have to buzz up. It will show you a camera feed at the front door of who is standing at the elevator. If you know them, hit the red button. This will allow the elevator to come up to this floor. Without that button being pressed, that elevator will not go beyond the ninth floor.
Raven Simpson: Well that’s one way to keep someone out. Thank you so much.
Mike Laszlo: Really, it’s not a problem. I had this space and now we’re using it. Treat this like you would your own place. I’ll leave you to it to explore, and I’ll check on you when I get back from Columbus.
Raven Simpson: Thank you so, so, so, so much.
Between the second and third “so” she hugs me. My immediate reaction is to throw my hands up and to the side as I didn’t want to send a mixed signal. Gently, I acknowledge the hug with a few pats on the back.
Mike Laszlo: You’re welcome. Go check it out. I’ll see you later.
Raven Simpson: Okay, see ya.
Turning, I head back into the elevator. As the doors close, I wave and see her going about, exploring her new apartment. As the elevator heads down, there’s some thought’s that flow through my head.
Mike Laszlo: This just seems weird. I hope she doesn’t think I’m stupid and that she can play me again. There’s cameras up there at the door, inside the apartment, so at least I’ll know who enters the place. If something fishy is going on, I’m going to know about it.
I let out a deep sigh as other thoughts course through my brain before hearing the chime of the door again. Walking out I walk to the front desk.
Mike Laszlo: Reynolds:.
Reynolds:: Yes sir?
Mike Laszlo: Keep an eye on who visits Ms. Simpson. If anyone suspicious walks in, shoot me a text.
Reynolds:: Certainly will.
Mike Laszlo: Thanks, here is for your troubles.
From my pocket I pull out a hundred dollar bill and hand it to the young man. He graciously accepts it as I turn and walk out the door as the scene fades.
====================
For weeks now I tried to talk myself up and in the end it fell on deaf ears. All I said was not a lie, it was just untapped. I said it, but I don’t think that even I in the end believed it. Now, it’s completely the opposite. Now, I believe every damn word that comes out of my mouth and the rest of you should as well.
In a three week span I won two of three matches. I defeated the likes of Trent Helms and last week Ryan Blade. Just because he thinks it’s a fluke doesn’t mean it is. I tell you now that it was far from it. It was a competitive match and it probably could have gone either way, but in the end I showed that I had the intestinal fortitude to dig just a little bit deeper. I had the resolve to go that one inch farther, and I had the determination to simply put, win.
Ryan is a lot like myself in the early days, minus the win-loss record. He admitted his defeat which is something that took me a while to do. The difference that he fails to see is that after I admitted my defeat, after truly admitting that I wasn’t the better man on that day, I owned it. Him? I kicked him while he was down? If you’re down, you’re vulnerable and in this business that vulnerability will be taken advantage of. The guys back here may say they’re you’re friends. These people that sit in the seats and watch you on a weekly basis may pretend they care, but to tell you the truth Ryan, Xavier, there’s not a damn person who gives a damn. You two don’t care about each other. The only reason you even mention each other is the fact that you’re Tag Team Partners in this match. It’s the same on my side. Why have I barely said a word about Keeton? It’s because I don’t care about Jake Keeton. I don’t care that he’s old. I don’t care that he used a loaded elbow pad. None of that matters.
Jake, like Xavier, like Ryan, like myself, is a man who can get it done any single night of the week and if you don’t see that, if you can’t recognize that, you’re a damned fool and deserve to get punched in the throat.
So while Ryan sits there with his arrogance, and more so, his stupidity and his false respect, and Xavier sits there with his excuses and his even vastly superior stupidity to that of Blade’s, I know the truth. I know that the four of us in Tag Team fashion will step in that ring, and like Blade and myself last week, will put on a show. We will straight up fight. The victors garner the spoils while the losers sulk away and if you’re Blade, you call it a fluke.
This Monday, we do as I’ve been doing for the last few weeks, we have fun. Like I said Blade, winning makes the fun that much more elevated. I want that feeling again, and this Monday, there’s not a damn person in this company, champion or not, that will stand in my way.
Well howdy there pardner.