Post by Mike Laszlo on Nov 2, 2013 17:13:28 GMT
As an order from Spike Kane, Cable Arcane decided to not only put his hands on me, but also gave me a concussion. To anyone else that might be viewed at as cowardly. That’s where I differ in opinion with many of our onlookers. I’ve seen Tweets and Facebook posts on Social Media calling Cable Arcane a coward. Others have resorted to worse levels and simply replaced Cable’s name with the words “Spike Kane’s Bitch”. I’m not resorting to that because that’s not how I see it. I see it like this. You’re a gifted young athlete trying to fit in. You’re trying to make a name for yourself, and to do it, you’re following Spike Kane because he is the Imperial Champion.
You figure that if you could leach off of Spike Kane’s success that you could eventually break off and make your own name for yourself. It’s happened all throughout wrestling’s rich history, and you look to repeat that history in this, the current era of the IWF. The Era of The Empire.
I don’t blame you and I don’t resent you for your attempt of taking me out. What you didn’t account for is that a certain young lady has a little spunk of her own. She doesn’t forget and she sure as hell doesn’t forgive easily. She’s caused you a little havoc in the week plus since you attacked me and now it’s my turn to wreak my own havoc on you.
You see Arcane, I can excuse your attack on me because I get it. What I don’t get is what makes you think you can put your hand around the throat of my girlfriend and think that I’m just going to let that slide.
What makes you think that I can forgive you for that?
What makes you think that there will be no retaliation the likes of which your Empire group has never seen before?
I don’t care where, and I sure as hell don’t care when, I’m getting my hands on you Cable and there won’t be a damn thing you can do to stop me from beating you within an inch of your life. As far as I’m concerned right now…if all you get is a concussion in return for what you’ve done…you’ll be lucky.
That however, is for another time and I need to get to this coming week; my return from a week’s hiatus. For an entire week I’ve had to endure tests from the doctors to make sure everything going on in my head is okay. For that same period of time I was forced to sit at home and stew in a broth of anger and rage the likes of which I’ve never had to sit in before. A man tried to end my career and now I have to make that ascension back to the top. I can’t just comeback and flop because that would mean that Cable Arcane succeeded and that is entirely not the case.
So this week I line up in a Triple Threat match against the younger brother of Angel, Nero Blake; and some guy who seeks redemption behind a mask, hiding his identity from the world until “the time is right”.
The two of you make me laugh. I appreciate the sentiment you both have shown toward me. The two of you are…rooting for me to get back to what I once…wait, really? You two step in the ring with me, and you’re rooting for me? You want me to succeed? I might as well poke you both in the face, and expect you to simply lie down and accept defeat. That’s the way you paint the picture, is it not?
I’m not that conceded. I know that’s not what you guys meant. I know you’re not just going to accept the finger poke of doom and that’s the end of things.
I find it strange that people want me to get back where I was in this world, a challenger, a legitimate threat to any and all champions, because though my record may not indicate it, I’m every bit of that to this day. I walk down that isle with the sole purpose of winning on the brain, and there’s not a hint of doubt that ever creeps in saying “You can’t do it.” I know what I’m capable of and I proved it a couple weeks ago against the man who has been challenging for the Imperial Title since the inception of the Empire.
That is my smooth transition to the younger brother of Angel Blake. Nero, you seem to worship the ground that your “king” Spike Kane walks on. You hover around like that sad little puppy dog that just begs for acceptance and yet is ignored at every turn and that in and of itself is sad.
You want me to succeed Nero, and I in turn want you to do something as well. I want you to open your eyes and realize that Spike Kane isn’t a “king” he is merely a champion who holds that belt, occupies that mythical “throne” until someone decides to step up and take it from him. I want you to step from the shadow of him and be your own man. Nero, once you do that, you’ll succeed. Not only will you succeed, but you will be recognized for more than a few random wins here and there. They won’t be meaningless victories; they’ll be oh so much more. They will be what fuels, what builds the legacy that every wrestler in this business is truly after. They will remember Nero Blake and not the little brother of Angel.
Step into the light Nero…be your own man…for once.
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Title: Ringside Fest 2013
Location: New York City, New York
Time: 1:00 PM Eastern Time
A whole week sitting at home doing nothing strenuous…hell I couldn’t even play a freaking video game. Do you know what that does to a man? Do you know how much that damages his psyche? That’s what I was forced to do thanks to this concussion. Thankfully, on this nice sixty degree day, I was cleared to at least travel, but not by air yet. So I made my way to the big apple to attend Ringside Fest 2013…the tenth anniversary. I had been contacted about it before my injury and was hoping like hell that the concussion wouldn’t ruin it and my hope came to fruition. The fans deserved the opportunity to meet me. They paid to meet me. Not to mention I wanted to see the cool new IWF Action Figure series that I was included in.
As the car pulled around onto Broadway, I saw the line that had formed, literally around the building. It was crazy how many people were there to see the various wrestlers from multiple companies who had come to this spot for such a huge event. I was her to represent the IWF and I was going to do so in glowing fashion, because that’s how I do things. Rather than weasel in the back entrance like the others, I wanted a more direct approach. I told the driver to pull up a little more, away from the crowd, and let me out on the street. He did as asked and as I stepped out into the New York Metropolis, I was hit with a blast of wind that sent chills up and down my spine. Reaching in the car, I took hold of my leather jacket and threw it on, along with a pair of black sunglasses and a new Mike Laszlo hat, soon to be released on IWF.com.
I crossed the street and turned down where the line had wrapped around to and made my way to the end. As I stood there I looked through my tinted glasses at the people in front of me who kept looking back, unsure as to who they were looking at. I smiled and took a step forward, taking off the glasses and placing them on the rim of my hat before tapping one of them on the shoulder.
The girl turned with a Mike Laszlo shirt on, that I had seen from a distance, and the look of shock on her face was undeniable.
Mike Laszlo: Who are we waiting for?
With the recognition of my voice, members of the crowd started coming forward with pictures and items for me to sign, prompting me to whip a sharpie out of my pocket, because I’m always prepared, and sign a good amount of them. As the amount of people started to get a little overwhelming, I put the sharpie back in my pocket.
Mike Laszlo: Don’t worry guys and girls, I’m staying at Ringside Fest until everyone has a chance to get an autograph and a photo, and who knows what else. I’ll see you guys inside.
A mix of cheers and jeers goes throughout the crowd as I walk along the line, shaking hands, high fiving people, and even pausing for a few photos as the event security has now caught up with me and has ushered me inside to the chagrin of the crowd. As I walked in and down the steps, I was greeted by those in attendance and sat at a table next to a girl who strangely enough, looked like Alexis. I smiled and nodded as a show of respect as I was under direct orders not to mingle with outside talent. You know, don’t flirt with the enemy…I guess. By my side was an IWF official who greeted me and told me what was about to happen.
IWF Official: There’s gonna be a lot of people so we can’t settle too long on any one person. We gotta get everyone through the line.
Mike Laszlo: I’m here all day, I don’t care how long it takes.
IWF Official: Yeah, but Ringside Fest doesn’t go all day…
Mike Laszlo: Whatever, everyone who is here for me is getting an autograph and a photo if they so choose. I don’t care if we have to go outside.
The spectators stand at the tables in Caroline’s Comedy Club and take their photos from afar, knowing full well that they could get one when they came up to the table. The excitement in the room was through the roof and honestly, it made me remember exactly what I was in this business for. I wasn’t here for the money; I was here to give back to those who support me.
After what seemed like a thousand autographs and pictures, but in reality was only a hundred or so, a tall guy in a long black coat and black hat who worked for Ringside Fest approached and asked for some interview time. He kneeled next to me and the filming began.
Tom Sanford: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with IWF Star, Mike Laszlo. Mike, thanks for the time.
Mike Laszlo: No problem.
Tom Sanford: This is your first time here at Ringside Fest, care to share the experience?
Mike Laszlo: Dude, this place has been a blast. I toured Jersey yesterday, and today, to pull up and see the huge line that wraps around the block was outstanding. I even stood at the end of the line to see what it was like.
Tom Sanford: Awesome, nobody does it like the Big Apple. Let’s talk business, Cable Arcane, last week after your match with Killian Creed, attacks you in the back, lays you out with a Piledriver to the floor. How you feeling?
Mike Laszlo: That hurt. Gave me a concussion that’s gonna cause me to miss Sacrifice this Monday, but I guarantee you, I’ll be back. Just glad I could get cleared to travel here and not disappoint all of these great fans.
Tom Sanford: We appreciate that. Next month, you have a big Pay Per View event entitled Survival of the Fittest. Who do you want to face?
Mike Laszlo: Easy, Cable Arcane. He did what he did to me to get ahead. Let’s step into the ring and see if you have what it takes to finish the job.
Tom Sanford: You heard it from Mike Laszlo himself. Cable Arcane better watch out. Mike thanks again for the time.
Mike Laszlo: No problem.
He steps away and I signed autographs and took photos for what seemed to be forever. The talent at the show hung out and yes, we may have broken the no mingling rule. That’s for us to know only though. The scene fades as I leave the venue, waving at the crowd who stuck around.
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Now to a man who I can somewhat relate to. The man who behind the mask calls himself “Redemption”.
I understand your task at hand, really I do. For weeks now I’ve been talking about the fact that I need to vindicate my career. I need to redeem myself in the eyes of the public for the narcissistic babble that took place for a couple months there; the bravado that oozed from my pores like sweat in a sauna. I needed to make that up to the world, but furthermore, I needed to make that time up to myself.
That feeling of invincibility I felt, despite the contrary had clouded my judgment so much that I didn’t care that I was losing because I felt that I could always forget about it and move on. After a while though, the losses began to weigh on me no matter how much I pretended they didn’t. For so long I lied to both myself and the public about who I truly was, and there was no denying what could be seen plainly in front of them. I wasn’t what I claimed to be. I needed to get better to become what I claimed. I needed to take the business aspect of this world we live in and I needed to throw it out the window and just simply get back to basics and have fun again.
Then the personal life coincided with the business and I couldn’t have fun. I couldn’t do what I loved with the utmost of my ability because there were distractions in life that took away from the effort I portrayed in that ring. The ability was there but the psyche wasn’t. I was too worried about what happened outside of the ring to focus what was going on inside it.
As things took a turn for the better, I was able to refocus and get a win over one of the best wrestlers in this organization, Rob Diamond. Then things got bad and my performance suffered. Now all is well again. The man who assaulted me and tortured my friend all this time is behind bars and he won’t be out for a long, long time. Now it’s back to basics. It’s back to being the man within those ropes that will kick your teeth down your throat, then ask you how it felt to add insult to injury. It’s time for me to reclaim the spot that has been left vacant for months on end. I am where you want to be Redemption.
I am at that cusp of becoming better than I’ve ever been before and unfortunately for you and Nero Blake, that step comes this Monday night on Sacrifice. I’ve been cleared to compete and compete I shall to the likes of which the IWF has yet to see from me. To go above and beyond what I’ve always done in this company…and oh what a scary thought that should be.
I’ve put on some of the best matches this company has witnessed in its short history, and as you have both alluded to on separate occasions, I haven’t been able to slam the door shut, push my foot to the floor, snap the neck of the being that is victory, whatever analogy you want to use. The fact of the matter is, I haven’t been able to get the job done, but not it all changes.
Now I am focused!
Now I am dialed in!
Now…I can truly once and for all have fun with this business again as I used to.
Redemption, I hope you get to this point. I hope you get to experience the rush that I am currently experiencing. I hope you get that feeling of redemption you so seek so that you can remove your mask and show your face to the world again. I pity that you can’t do that now. Your road is long and well-traveled by many in this world and I truly hope that you find it deep down within you to make it to the finish line.
Good luck.
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Title: What’s to Come
Location: Albany, NY
Time: 11:35 PM Local Time (After Sacrifice)
I wanted so bad to be there when Alexis smacked Cable in the face. I watched that on the television in the hotel room and a smile came across my face. To know that she was able to show the conviction needed to stand up to that masked man and hit him one good time, to not show fear, garnered a sense of pride from me.
She had no idea that I was in Albany. I told her that I was going to be in New York City dealing with the Ringside Fest stuff while she left to attend the show. It was going to be a surprise. Before I could call her and let her know where to go though, I heard a knock at my hotel door.
Mike Laszlo: Who is it?
There was no answer which caused me to get up off the bed and walk over. As I looked through the peep hole in the door I saw a petite young lady with pitch black hair, it was Raven. I took a step back from the door and thought to myself for a moment. I mouthed my words that were going through my head.
Mike Laszlo: What is she doing here? I thought she was back in Cleveland, trying to get her life together. Not to mention, how the hell did she find me?
I shook my head in dismay as I opened the door to her smiling face.
Mike Laszlo: What are you doing here?
Raven Simpson: I had to talk to you.
Mike Laszlo: It couldn’t wait til I came home?
Raven Simpson: I wanted us to be alone. Can I come in?
Mike Laszlo: Yeah sure.
Opening the door wider and stepping to the side, she walked past me and headed over to one of the chairs on the side of the round table next to the bed. I sat on the other side and inquired on her motivation.
Mike Laszlo: What’s up.
Raven Simpson: Well, after all we went through I just wanted to thank you for everything.
Mike Laszlo: So far this is sounding like something that could have waited.
Raven Simpson: Maybe to you. For me, this is huge.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, go on.
Raven Simpson: You put your neck out on the line for me. You broke a rib for me, and that’s something that nobody has ever done for me. I appreciate it so much.
Mike Laszlo: It’s what I do. Nobody messes with anyone close to me. You know, if you need anything, at any time, all you have to do is call me?
Raven Simpson: I know.
There was an awkward silence as she tilted her head down toward the floor in an effort no doubt, to get my attention.
Mike Laszlo: What is it.
Raven Simpson: Just thinking.
Mike Laszlo: About what?
Raven Simpson: You remember back when we were kids? I was on safety patrol and you would stick around after school with me until my parents would come get me?
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, what about it?
She reached over and took my hand which seemed a little odd, but I went with it for the moment.
Raven Simpson: Those were the days when things were simple. I liked you and you liked me, but being little kids, we had no clue what was going on. Now we know. I just want you to remember those days.
I thought about what she had to say for a moment until the weird moment was disrupted by the ringing of my phone. Looking down, I saw that it was Alexis. I looked up at her hand grasping mine and pulled away.
Mike Laszlo: I…uh…gotta…um…get this.
The look in her eyes seemed uneasy as I stood from the table and answered the phone.
Mike Laszlo: Hey babe.
Alexis Caffrey: Oh my God, that was such a rush. Did you see?
Mike Laszlo: I did. I’m proud of you.
Alexis Caffrey: I’m on my way to the hotel that IWF took out for talent.
Mike Laszlo: Wait. Re-route to this address…23102 Main Street.
Alexis Caffrey: Why?
Mike Laszlo: A surprise is waiting for you in room 324.
She sounded giddy on the other end of the floor when from behind me I heard Raven call me name.
Raven Simpson: Mike?
Alexis heard it too, and to anyone on the other end of the phone with their boyfriend, hearing another woman’s voice is never a good thing.
Alexis Caffrey: Is that who I think it is?
Mike Laszlo: If you’re thinking Raven…yes.
Alexis Caffrey: What the hell is she doing in a hotel room with you?
Mike Laszlo: It’s complicated. I’ll get rid of her, and I’ll explain when you get here.
Alexis Caffrey: Damn right you will.
Before I could respond, there was an abrupt clicking sound that ended the phone call. Taking in a deep breath I put the phone back in my pocket and turned to Raven.
Mike Laszlo: I see what’s going on here and I have to tell you, it makes me uneasy.
Raven Simpson: Why? We have feelings for each other. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to protect me.
Mike Laszlo: It’s not like that and you know it. We’ll talk about this later. Go.
She walks up to me and puts her hand on my chest as she gets closer.
Raven Simpson: It’s okay to have these feelings.
Mike Laszlo: Go.
She pulls away and walks toward the door, looking over her shoulder.
Raven Simpson: You’re such a tease.
She winks at me and walks out the door. Closing it behind her I take another deep breath.
Mike Laszlo: What the hell is going on?
The scene fades as I sit on the bed and wait for Alexis to arrive. I have some explaining to do.
====================
Such a weird and wacky world we live in, huh guys?
This Monday on live TV we have three guys about to do battle, each with a point to prove. All of us want to make a name for ourselves within the confines of this company, and this match is one giant step toward that.
Nero wants to make a name for himself, even if that means doing anything it takes to get at the tit of Spike Kane, and Redemption wants exactly that…redemption.
Me? My goals are simple. Yes I want to make a name for myself, and yes I want to redeem myself in the eyes of all of those who watch this organization and the talent within it. The overall goal is much more simple than all of that, and it’s one that I have unknowingly strived for all along. I want this to be what I love again. I want to do this just to do it.
This past Saturday, I went to New York City and I think I have awoken a beast within simply by giving back to everyone who has supported me over the years and years it took to get where I currently am. I discovered that feeling that I have been looking for all this time. I realized while signing thousands of autographs and taking just as many pictures with fans, why I love to do what I do. Why I strive to be the best possible wrestler this world has ever seen.
The revelations have come to me in the form of a simple signing and unfortunately for both Nero and Redemption, Cable may have done them wrong by awakening another beast. The beast that Cable awakened and the one I have sought out and found, together make a dangerous two headed monster.
Cable drove me into that concrete and it was the spark. That thirst for calculated revenge not wets my lips. That desire to get back to where I was burns within the deepest darkest corridors of my inner being, and there’s not a single person who can put out the flame. I want to be the best, and to do so I need to go through the likes of Nero Blake, Redemption, Cable Arcane, and eventually Spike Kane, or whomever at the time holds that IWF Imperial Championship.
The fire is raging within and with each competitor I take down, that fire is fed but never contempt. I am never contempt. Monday is the beginning…and there’s no end in sight.
You figure that if you could leach off of Spike Kane’s success that you could eventually break off and make your own name for yourself. It’s happened all throughout wrestling’s rich history, and you look to repeat that history in this, the current era of the IWF. The Era of The Empire.
I don’t blame you and I don’t resent you for your attempt of taking me out. What you didn’t account for is that a certain young lady has a little spunk of her own. She doesn’t forget and she sure as hell doesn’t forgive easily. She’s caused you a little havoc in the week plus since you attacked me and now it’s my turn to wreak my own havoc on you.
You see Arcane, I can excuse your attack on me because I get it. What I don’t get is what makes you think you can put your hand around the throat of my girlfriend and think that I’m just going to let that slide.
What makes you think that I can forgive you for that?
What makes you think that there will be no retaliation the likes of which your Empire group has never seen before?
I don’t care where, and I sure as hell don’t care when, I’m getting my hands on you Cable and there won’t be a damn thing you can do to stop me from beating you within an inch of your life. As far as I’m concerned right now…if all you get is a concussion in return for what you’ve done…you’ll be lucky.
That however, is for another time and I need to get to this coming week; my return from a week’s hiatus. For an entire week I’ve had to endure tests from the doctors to make sure everything going on in my head is okay. For that same period of time I was forced to sit at home and stew in a broth of anger and rage the likes of which I’ve never had to sit in before. A man tried to end my career and now I have to make that ascension back to the top. I can’t just comeback and flop because that would mean that Cable Arcane succeeded and that is entirely not the case.
So this week I line up in a Triple Threat match against the younger brother of Angel, Nero Blake; and some guy who seeks redemption behind a mask, hiding his identity from the world until “the time is right”.
The two of you make me laugh. I appreciate the sentiment you both have shown toward me. The two of you are…rooting for me to get back to what I once…wait, really? You two step in the ring with me, and you’re rooting for me? You want me to succeed? I might as well poke you both in the face, and expect you to simply lie down and accept defeat. That’s the way you paint the picture, is it not?
I’m not that conceded. I know that’s not what you guys meant. I know you’re not just going to accept the finger poke of doom and that’s the end of things.
I find it strange that people want me to get back where I was in this world, a challenger, a legitimate threat to any and all champions, because though my record may not indicate it, I’m every bit of that to this day. I walk down that isle with the sole purpose of winning on the brain, and there’s not a hint of doubt that ever creeps in saying “You can’t do it.” I know what I’m capable of and I proved it a couple weeks ago against the man who has been challenging for the Imperial Title since the inception of the Empire.
That is my smooth transition to the younger brother of Angel Blake. Nero, you seem to worship the ground that your “king” Spike Kane walks on. You hover around like that sad little puppy dog that just begs for acceptance and yet is ignored at every turn and that in and of itself is sad.
You want me to succeed Nero, and I in turn want you to do something as well. I want you to open your eyes and realize that Spike Kane isn’t a “king” he is merely a champion who holds that belt, occupies that mythical “throne” until someone decides to step up and take it from him. I want you to step from the shadow of him and be your own man. Nero, once you do that, you’ll succeed. Not only will you succeed, but you will be recognized for more than a few random wins here and there. They won’t be meaningless victories; they’ll be oh so much more. They will be what fuels, what builds the legacy that every wrestler in this business is truly after. They will remember Nero Blake and not the little brother of Angel.
Step into the light Nero…be your own man…for once.
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Title: Ringside Fest 2013
Location: New York City, New York
Time: 1:00 PM Eastern Time
A whole week sitting at home doing nothing strenuous…hell I couldn’t even play a freaking video game. Do you know what that does to a man? Do you know how much that damages his psyche? That’s what I was forced to do thanks to this concussion. Thankfully, on this nice sixty degree day, I was cleared to at least travel, but not by air yet. So I made my way to the big apple to attend Ringside Fest 2013…the tenth anniversary. I had been contacted about it before my injury and was hoping like hell that the concussion wouldn’t ruin it and my hope came to fruition. The fans deserved the opportunity to meet me. They paid to meet me. Not to mention I wanted to see the cool new IWF Action Figure series that I was included in.
As the car pulled around onto Broadway, I saw the line that had formed, literally around the building. It was crazy how many people were there to see the various wrestlers from multiple companies who had come to this spot for such a huge event. I was her to represent the IWF and I was going to do so in glowing fashion, because that’s how I do things. Rather than weasel in the back entrance like the others, I wanted a more direct approach. I told the driver to pull up a little more, away from the crowd, and let me out on the street. He did as asked and as I stepped out into the New York Metropolis, I was hit with a blast of wind that sent chills up and down my spine. Reaching in the car, I took hold of my leather jacket and threw it on, along with a pair of black sunglasses and a new Mike Laszlo hat, soon to be released on IWF.com.
I crossed the street and turned down where the line had wrapped around to and made my way to the end. As I stood there I looked through my tinted glasses at the people in front of me who kept looking back, unsure as to who they were looking at. I smiled and took a step forward, taking off the glasses and placing them on the rim of my hat before tapping one of them on the shoulder.
The girl turned with a Mike Laszlo shirt on, that I had seen from a distance, and the look of shock on her face was undeniable.
Mike Laszlo: Who are we waiting for?
With the recognition of my voice, members of the crowd started coming forward with pictures and items for me to sign, prompting me to whip a sharpie out of my pocket, because I’m always prepared, and sign a good amount of them. As the amount of people started to get a little overwhelming, I put the sharpie back in my pocket.
Mike Laszlo: Don’t worry guys and girls, I’m staying at Ringside Fest until everyone has a chance to get an autograph and a photo, and who knows what else. I’ll see you guys inside.
A mix of cheers and jeers goes throughout the crowd as I walk along the line, shaking hands, high fiving people, and even pausing for a few photos as the event security has now caught up with me and has ushered me inside to the chagrin of the crowd. As I walked in and down the steps, I was greeted by those in attendance and sat at a table next to a girl who strangely enough, looked like Alexis. I smiled and nodded as a show of respect as I was under direct orders not to mingle with outside talent. You know, don’t flirt with the enemy…I guess. By my side was an IWF official who greeted me and told me what was about to happen.
IWF Official: There’s gonna be a lot of people so we can’t settle too long on any one person. We gotta get everyone through the line.
Mike Laszlo: I’m here all day, I don’t care how long it takes.
IWF Official: Yeah, but Ringside Fest doesn’t go all day…
Mike Laszlo: Whatever, everyone who is here for me is getting an autograph and a photo if they so choose. I don’t care if we have to go outside.
The spectators stand at the tables in Caroline’s Comedy Club and take their photos from afar, knowing full well that they could get one when they came up to the table. The excitement in the room was through the roof and honestly, it made me remember exactly what I was in this business for. I wasn’t here for the money; I was here to give back to those who support me.
After what seemed like a thousand autographs and pictures, but in reality was only a hundred or so, a tall guy in a long black coat and black hat who worked for Ringside Fest approached and asked for some interview time. He kneeled next to me and the filming began.
Tom Sanford: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with IWF Star, Mike Laszlo. Mike, thanks for the time.
Mike Laszlo: No problem.
Tom Sanford: This is your first time here at Ringside Fest, care to share the experience?
Mike Laszlo: Dude, this place has been a blast. I toured Jersey yesterday, and today, to pull up and see the huge line that wraps around the block was outstanding. I even stood at the end of the line to see what it was like.
Tom Sanford: Awesome, nobody does it like the Big Apple. Let’s talk business, Cable Arcane, last week after your match with Killian Creed, attacks you in the back, lays you out with a Piledriver to the floor. How you feeling?
Mike Laszlo: That hurt. Gave me a concussion that’s gonna cause me to miss Sacrifice this Monday, but I guarantee you, I’ll be back. Just glad I could get cleared to travel here and not disappoint all of these great fans.
Tom Sanford: We appreciate that. Next month, you have a big Pay Per View event entitled Survival of the Fittest. Who do you want to face?
Mike Laszlo: Easy, Cable Arcane. He did what he did to me to get ahead. Let’s step into the ring and see if you have what it takes to finish the job.
Tom Sanford: You heard it from Mike Laszlo himself. Cable Arcane better watch out. Mike thanks again for the time.
Mike Laszlo: No problem.
He steps away and I signed autographs and took photos for what seemed to be forever. The talent at the show hung out and yes, we may have broken the no mingling rule. That’s for us to know only though. The scene fades as I leave the venue, waving at the crowd who stuck around.
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Now to a man who I can somewhat relate to. The man who behind the mask calls himself “Redemption”.
I understand your task at hand, really I do. For weeks now I’ve been talking about the fact that I need to vindicate my career. I need to redeem myself in the eyes of the public for the narcissistic babble that took place for a couple months there; the bravado that oozed from my pores like sweat in a sauna. I needed to make that up to the world, but furthermore, I needed to make that time up to myself.
That feeling of invincibility I felt, despite the contrary had clouded my judgment so much that I didn’t care that I was losing because I felt that I could always forget about it and move on. After a while though, the losses began to weigh on me no matter how much I pretended they didn’t. For so long I lied to both myself and the public about who I truly was, and there was no denying what could be seen plainly in front of them. I wasn’t what I claimed to be. I needed to get better to become what I claimed. I needed to take the business aspect of this world we live in and I needed to throw it out the window and just simply get back to basics and have fun again.
Then the personal life coincided with the business and I couldn’t have fun. I couldn’t do what I loved with the utmost of my ability because there were distractions in life that took away from the effort I portrayed in that ring. The ability was there but the psyche wasn’t. I was too worried about what happened outside of the ring to focus what was going on inside it.
As things took a turn for the better, I was able to refocus and get a win over one of the best wrestlers in this organization, Rob Diamond. Then things got bad and my performance suffered. Now all is well again. The man who assaulted me and tortured my friend all this time is behind bars and he won’t be out for a long, long time. Now it’s back to basics. It’s back to being the man within those ropes that will kick your teeth down your throat, then ask you how it felt to add insult to injury. It’s time for me to reclaim the spot that has been left vacant for months on end. I am where you want to be Redemption.
I am at that cusp of becoming better than I’ve ever been before and unfortunately for you and Nero Blake, that step comes this Monday night on Sacrifice. I’ve been cleared to compete and compete I shall to the likes of which the IWF has yet to see from me. To go above and beyond what I’ve always done in this company…and oh what a scary thought that should be.
I’ve put on some of the best matches this company has witnessed in its short history, and as you have both alluded to on separate occasions, I haven’t been able to slam the door shut, push my foot to the floor, snap the neck of the being that is victory, whatever analogy you want to use. The fact of the matter is, I haven’t been able to get the job done, but not it all changes.
Now I am focused!
Now I am dialed in!
Now…I can truly once and for all have fun with this business again as I used to.
Redemption, I hope you get to this point. I hope you get to experience the rush that I am currently experiencing. I hope you get that feeling of redemption you so seek so that you can remove your mask and show your face to the world again. I pity that you can’t do that now. Your road is long and well-traveled by many in this world and I truly hope that you find it deep down within you to make it to the finish line.
Good luck.
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Title: What’s to Come
Location: Albany, NY
Time: 11:35 PM Local Time (After Sacrifice)
I wanted so bad to be there when Alexis smacked Cable in the face. I watched that on the television in the hotel room and a smile came across my face. To know that she was able to show the conviction needed to stand up to that masked man and hit him one good time, to not show fear, garnered a sense of pride from me.
She had no idea that I was in Albany. I told her that I was going to be in New York City dealing with the Ringside Fest stuff while she left to attend the show. It was going to be a surprise. Before I could call her and let her know where to go though, I heard a knock at my hotel door.
Mike Laszlo: Who is it?
There was no answer which caused me to get up off the bed and walk over. As I looked through the peep hole in the door I saw a petite young lady with pitch black hair, it was Raven. I took a step back from the door and thought to myself for a moment. I mouthed my words that were going through my head.
Mike Laszlo: What is she doing here? I thought she was back in Cleveland, trying to get her life together. Not to mention, how the hell did she find me?
I shook my head in dismay as I opened the door to her smiling face.
Mike Laszlo: What are you doing here?
Raven Simpson: I had to talk to you.
Mike Laszlo: It couldn’t wait til I came home?
Raven Simpson: I wanted us to be alone. Can I come in?
Mike Laszlo: Yeah sure.
Opening the door wider and stepping to the side, she walked past me and headed over to one of the chairs on the side of the round table next to the bed. I sat on the other side and inquired on her motivation.
Mike Laszlo: What’s up.
Raven Simpson: Well, after all we went through I just wanted to thank you for everything.
Mike Laszlo: So far this is sounding like something that could have waited.
Raven Simpson: Maybe to you. For me, this is huge.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, go on.
Raven Simpson: You put your neck out on the line for me. You broke a rib for me, and that’s something that nobody has ever done for me. I appreciate it so much.
Mike Laszlo: It’s what I do. Nobody messes with anyone close to me. You know, if you need anything, at any time, all you have to do is call me?
Raven Simpson: I know.
There was an awkward silence as she tilted her head down toward the floor in an effort no doubt, to get my attention.
Mike Laszlo: What is it.
Raven Simpson: Just thinking.
Mike Laszlo: About what?
Raven Simpson: You remember back when we were kids? I was on safety patrol and you would stick around after school with me until my parents would come get me?
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, what about it?
She reached over and took my hand which seemed a little odd, but I went with it for the moment.
Raven Simpson: Those were the days when things were simple. I liked you and you liked me, but being little kids, we had no clue what was going on. Now we know. I just want you to remember those days.
I thought about what she had to say for a moment until the weird moment was disrupted by the ringing of my phone. Looking down, I saw that it was Alexis. I looked up at her hand grasping mine and pulled away.
Mike Laszlo: I…uh…gotta…um…get this.
The look in her eyes seemed uneasy as I stood from the table and answered the phone.
Mike Laszlo: Hey babe.
Alexis Caffrey: Oh my God, that was such a rush. Did you see?
Mike Laszlo: I did. I’m proud of you.
Alexis Caffrey: I’m on my way to the hotel that IWF took out for talent.
Mike Laszlo: Wait. Re-route to this address…23102 Main Street.
Alexis Caffrey: Why?
Mike Laszlo: A surprise is waiting for you in room 324.
She sounded giddy on the other end of the floor when from behind me I heard Raven call me name.
Raven Simpson: Mike?
Alexis heard it too, and to anyone on the other end of the phone with their boyfriend, hearing another woman’s voice is never a good thing.
Alexis Caffrey: Is that who I think it is?
Mike Laszlo: If you’re thinking Raven…yes.
Alexis Caffrey: What the hell is she doing in a hotel room with you?
Mike Laszlo: It’s complicated. I’ll get rid of her, and I’ll explain when you get here.
Alexis Caffrey: Damn right you will.
Before I could respond, there was an abrupt clicking sound that ended the phone call. Taking in a deep breath I put the phone back in my pocket and turned to Raven.
Mike Laszlo: I see what’s going on here and I have to tell you, it makes me uneasy.
Raven Simpson: Why? We have feelings for each other. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to protect me.
Mike Laszlo: It’s not like that and you know it. We’ll talk about this later. Go.
She walks up to me and puts her hand on my chest as she gets closer.
Raven Simpson: It’s okay to have these feelings.
Mike Laszlo: Go.
She pulls away and walks toward the door, looking over her shoulder.
Raven Simpson: You’re such a tease.
She winks at me and walks out the door. Closing it behind her I take another deep breath.
Mike Laszlo: What the hell is going on?
The scene fades as I sit on the bed and wait for Alexis to arrive. I have some explaining to do.
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Such a weird and wacky world we live in, huh guys?
This Monday on live TV we have three guys about to do battle, each with a point to prove. All of us want to make a name for ourselves within the confines of this company, and this match is one giant step toward that.
Nero wants to make a name for himself, even if that means doing anything it takes to get at the tit of Spike Kane, and Redemption wants exactly that…redemption.
Me? My goals are simple. Yes I want to make a name for myself, and yes I want to redeem myself in the eyes of all of those who watch this organization and the talent within it. The overall goal is much more simple than all of that, and it’s one that I have unknowingly strived for all along. I want this to be what I love again. I want to do this just to do it.
This past Saturday, I went to New York City and I think I have awoken a beast within simply by giving back to everyone who has supported me over the years and years it took to get where I currently am. I discovered that feeling that I have been looking for all this time. I realized while signing thousands of autographs and taking just as many pictures with fans, why I love to do what I do. Why I strive to be the best possible wrestler this world has ever seen.
The revelations have come to me in the form of a simple signing and unfortunately for both Nero and Redemption, Cable may have done them wrong by awakening another beast. The beast that Cable awakened and the one I have sought out and found, together make a dangerous two headed monster.
Cable drove me into that concrete and it was the spark. That thirst for calculated revenge not wets my lips. That desire to get back to where I was burns within the deepest darkest corridors of my inner being, and there’s not a single person who can put out the flame. I want to be the best, and to do so I need to go through the likes of Nero Blake, Redemption, Cable Arcane, and eventually Spike Kane, or whomever at the time holds that IWF Imperial Championship.
The fire is raging within and with each competitor I take down, that fire is fed but never contempt. I am never contempt. Monday is the beginning…and there’s no end in sight.
Well howdy there pardner.