Post by Mike Laszlo on Mar 27, 2016 23:51:24 GMT
The thoughts, the morals, the driving force of a man can be misconstrued in so many different ways.
The scene comes into focus and I’m slamming my taped fists into a heavy bag suspended from the rafters. The footage seems grainy, and it’s in black and white. There’s a sudden flash as it shows the different striking sequences I got through, my voice coming in over what you see.
This was personal...made so by you...Rob Diamond.
What you didn’t realize is that what you started could be multiplied by magnitudes you couldn’t fathom. This whole thing was taken to lengths you couldn’t believe were possible.
The camera stutters a bit and cuts to me lifting some weights, then another flash before showing me cascading a set of heavy ropes up and down in rapid succession.
And you’re mad at me because you can’t handle it. You’re upset at the world and see me as some sort of obstacle, I see you as a mere man standing in front of me despite the fact that I’ve not slapped you down on more than one occasion.
The camera cuts to static but quickly re-emerges with the word “Metamorphosis” slowly advancing forward before it blurs out and shows my return, my assault on Rob, costing him his beloved Man of Steel Title, just as he did me against Renee Pleasant months ago. There’s a sudden snap of fingers, the feed cutting out as I stand over Rob with a smile on my face.
As the scene comes back to, you see me sitting in a steel folding chair in the middle of a ring. I look up, a smile on my face, sweat dripping from my forehead before I decide to address the onlookers.
First it was Metamorphosis where I announced my return to the world by beating the crap out of you.
I snap my fingers again, this time on screen, and while I cut out, the words “Danger Zone” crawl forward similar to “Metamorphosis” moments ago. It shows Rob through a windshield after our match being helped by medical personnel, barely responsive after passing out to end the match in my favor.
Another snap of the fingers…
I’m shown again, this time my hands folded in front of me as I sit upon the chair.
Then at Danger Zone, I proved to the world who the Greatest of All Time truly was. I beat you not once, but twice in the same night...the same hour. I sit here and have to wonder to myself Rob...what the hell do you think is going to be the difference this time?
What’s going to stop your body from being unable to respond to a ten count like at Metamorphosis?
What’s going to be different when I put you through just as much, if not more hell than I put you through last month, to the point where your body quit on you?
Do you think the third time in 2016 will be the charm Rob? Is it because this is going to be your night of triumph?
I sit up straight in the chair and point forward into the camera, a vigor in my voice, points to be made.
This is supposed to be your night Rob. The night where you proclaim yourself not only a survivor, but a contender.
This is supposed to be the night where your arm is raised high, not only over me, but a bunch of other guys in the Roulette later in the night.
This is supposed to be your chance at glory, and you’ve put so much thought and so much blood, and so much sweat, and so many tears both in that ring and in private into this night…
There’s a dramatic pause before I shrug my shoulders, a bewildered look on my face.
But what happens when you fail? What happens when you don’t even make it past me? What happens when you don’t wake up, can’t make the Roulette, and the whole thing you’ve worked so hard for and spouted off at the mouth for all comes to a crashing end?
I lean forward and stick my index finger into the ground.
How many times can you hit rock bottom Rob before your body quits on you again? How many times can your mind will you to your feet before you body says “Hell no!”.
I stand from my seated position and point my finger into my chest.
I know the resolve I have Rob. I know the lengths I’m willing to go to to come out on top. I’ve proven that my resolve is greater than yours. I’ve shown the world I can be more brutal than you, more sadistic, more calculated...simply put better.
At High Stakes, you’re going all in. At High Stakes you have to fight your ass off just to get ahead. You have to concern yourself with me, with the bounty on your head, and with all those other guys in the match.
I have a sole purpose. I have one reason and one reason only for being at High Stakes, and that’s smashing in your face. It’s making your fans cry, it’s making your daughter cry when she realizes that her father is nothing more than a failure.
A smirk crosses my face. I know that’s a low blow and I can’t be bothered to care as the scene fades.
======================================================
Title: Because...Reasons…
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: 10:29 AM Local Time
My wife and I were sitting on the couch in the Owner’s Suite at the Montecito Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas on one of the rare days off we as performers in the IWF are given. Don’t give me that crap about shows only being one day a week because there’s plenty more to it than that one show a week...don’t be naive. Anyway, it was a rare day off and after a filling breakfast together, my daughter and sister-in-law from my first marriage down by the pool, we were afforded the time to relax, but I wanted to train. I wanted to be ready for the pain, the suffering, and the agony that was going to be inflicted by Rob Diamond on my body, the same as it was a month earlier at “Danger Zone”.
I turned to get off the couch and felt the pain of the bruise still on my back from the damage done and the coursing pain was almost instant and near indescribable. I winced and reached back…
Mike Laszlo: Son of a bitch.
Alexis Caffrey: What?
Mike Laszlo: I still got some bruises from that last encounter that don’t exactly feel good depending on certain ways I move.
Alexis Caffrey: And yet, you’re going to go through it all over again.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, I’m a genius like that.
I stood from the couch and gingerly turned around it, grabbing my bag I had packed the night before and hoisting it onto my shoulder via the good side of my body. She too got up, her shoulder still feeling pain from the table she went through off the side of a cage at last month’s event. She grabbed her bag, and the two of us headed down to the gym of the resort.
Upon arrival, we saw that there were people everywhere either keeping the figure they had in tact, or trying to gain a better one for the summer months ahead. We walked over and set down our things, already dressed to workout. For her it was a cardio-based, for me it was a little bit of everything in a bit more moderation than my comeback trail due to the scintillating pain caused by one wrong movement. A movement I happened to execute midway through my first set, causing me to wince again, my wife catching the agony on my face.
Alexis Caffrey: So why do it again? Why put yourself through that same torture. You could have done a Submission Match, or a Lumberjack Match, or...ANYTHING BUT ANOTHER MATCH WITH WEAPONS!
I fought through the pain, and her yelling.
Mike Laszlo: I have to.
She finished her exercise and came over to me on the bench press as I was finishing up.
Alexis Caffrey: What do you mean you have to?
I lifted the bar, the pain in my lower back intensifying as the weight of the bar pressed me into the bench before raising it and lifting it into place on the rack.
Mike Laszlo: I had to, and have to prove it to myself.
Alexis Caffrey: Prove what to yourself?
I sat up on the bench and with my eyes closed took a deep breath, letting the pain subside a bit. Alexis sat next to me on the bench as I explained myself.
Mike Laszlo: I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do this. I wanted to show myself that the pain and suffering were worth taking again.
Alexis Caffrey: You didn’t have to jump right into the two more barbaric matches possible.
Mike Laszlo: That’s just it…
I turned to her, a concerned look in her beautiful brown eyes.
Mike Laszlo: I did. I could have eased my way into things. I could have faced a couple of guys and given myself that false sense of security, but that’s not what I wanted. I wanted more. I wanted to know that I could pick up right where I left off, and Danger Zone showed the world that I indeed could. It showed them and more importantly, showed myself, that I could perform at the best of my abilities as I always could. It showed I was worthy of still carrying that briefcase, being able to cash it in whenever I saw fit.
Alexis Caffrey: And so you learned what I already knew.
Mike Laszlo: Yes. I appreciate that faith in me, that dedication, but I still had to show myself.
Alexis Caffrey: So what’s the reason this time?
I looked down at the floor, my hands clasped together and let out a deep breath before looking back at her.
Mike Laszlo: To prove it wasn’t a fluke.
Alexis Caffrey: What do you mean?
Mike Laszlo: To show that I didn’t just hype myself up for that one match. To show myself that I can call upon that type of performance, that resolve, that resiliency every single time I step foot in the ring. This is that final test before I can finally look in a mirror and see the man you see every day and say to myself...I’m back.
She took a minute to digest what I had just said to her. She looked at me, my gaze upon her unwavering and she nodded.
Alexis Caffrey: Okay…
Mike Laszlo: That’s it?
Alexis Caffrey: There’s not much else I can say. I mean, this is something you feel you have to do...go out and do it. I know you can, and hopefully by the time you’re done with this whole thing...you’ll know too.
I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her in, kissing her on the forehead.
Mike Laszlo: I love you. You’re always there for me through thick and thin, and you’re always there to keep me grounded.
Alexis Caffrey: Just like you are for me.
She broke from my grasp and stood up, tying her hair behind her head.
Alexis Caffrey: Want to go on my run with me?
Mike Laszlo: Sounds good.
I got up from the bench and the two of us headed for the door as the scene faded.
======================================================
So I only have one more question for you Rob...and it’s very important.
As the scene comes to, I’m sitting behind my desk in my offices at the Montecito, my hands folded together atop the oak.
I want you to listen and listen very carefully as I ask you this question.
I lean forward, as close to the camera as I can get from behind the desk.
What happens when you fail?
What happens when I beat your ass so badly that you can’t answer a ten count; that you can’t answer the calls of the EMTs as they shine the light in your eye?
What happens when they cart you off in an ambulance to a nearby medical facility and can’t get in the Roulette match itself?
What happens when you go back home and have to explain to your family that you’re nothing more than a broken heap of a man, a failure to yourself and most importantly...to them?
What do you have to fallback on?
I sit back in my chair, a chuckle leaving my mouth.
Now don’t get me wrong Rob, I fully intend on kicking your ass at High Stakes. I come prepared with the fact that I might have to end you once and for all.
I’m not stupid.
For all the brash talk you spew out of your mouth for days on end, and all the bravado you lather over this federation, you’re still a damn talented and violent individual, and there’s every chance on this planet you COULD win. You COULD beat me and go on and win the Roulette, and complete what you claim is your destiny. And if that does happen…
I reach down by the side of my chair, out of view of the camera and pull the Joker in the Pack Briefcase up onto the desk, standing it up for all to see.
I have a fallback plan. I have something to look forward to.
I place the case back on the floor before re-folding my hands on the desk and looking forward.
While I do have that option, and you COULD win, I sure as hell wouldn’t bet on it, because your body Rob...just like your mind...is weak. It couldn’t withstand my first assault. It sure as hell couldn’t handle my assault at Danger Zone, and now...now’s the final chapter in our little saga. I’ll be bringing just a bit more to end this once and for all. If you couldn’t handle it before...you damn sure won’t be able to handle it now.
So prepare yourself, prepare your fans, PREPARE YOUR FAMILY…
Because when I’m done...you’ll be done too.
You are a miserable failure of a man in profession and in life Rob Diamond...it’s time you face those facts once and for all.
I reach down and grab a remote and press the button, the feed cutting out to black.
The scene comes into focus and I’m slamming my taped fists into a heavy bag suspended from the rafters. The footage seems grainy, and it’s in black and white. There’s a sudden flash as it shows the different striking sequences I got through, my voice coming in over what you see.
This was personal...made so by you...Rob Diamond.
What you didn’t realize is that what you started could be multiplied by magnitudes you couldn’t fathom. This whole thing was taken to lengths you couldn’t believe were possible.
The camera stutters a bit and cuts to me lifting some weights, then another flash before showing me cascading a set of heavy ropes up and down in rapid succession.
And you’re mad at me because you can’t handle it. You’re upset at the world and see me as some sort of obstacle, I see you as a mere man standing in front of me despite the fact that I’ve not slapped you down on more than one occasion.
The camera cuts to static but quickly re-emerges with the word “Metamorphosis” slowly advancing forward before it blurs out and shows my return, my assault on Rob, costing him his beloved Man of Steel Title, just as he did me against Renee Pleasant months ago. There’s a sudden snap of fingers, the feed cutting out as I stand over Rob with a smile on my face.
As the scene comes back to, you see me sitting in a steel folding chair in the middle of a ring. I look up, a smile on my face, sweat dripping from my forehead before I decide to address the onlookers.
First it was Metamorphosis where I announced my return to the world by beating the crap out of you.
I snap my fingers again, this time on screen, and while I cut out, the words “Danger Zone” crawl forward similar to “Metamorphosis” moments ago. It shows Rob through a windshield after our match being helped by medical personnel, barely responsive after passing out to end the match in my favor.
Another snap of the fingers…
I’m shown again, this time my hands folded in front of me as I sit upon the chair.
Then at Danger Zone, I proved to the world who the Greatest of All Time truly was. I beat you not once, but twice in the same night...the same hour. I sit here and have to wonder to myself Rob...what the hell do you think is going to be the difference this time?
What’s going to stop your body from being unable to respond to a ten count like at Metamorphosis?
What’s going to be different when I put you through just as much, if not more hell than I put you through last month, to the point where your body quit on you?
Do you think the third time in 2016 will be the charm Rob? Is it because this is going to be your night of triumph?
I sit up straight in the chair and point forward into the camera, a vigor in my voice, points to be made.
This is supposed to be your night Rob. The night where you proclaim yourself not only a survivor, but a contender.
This is supposed to be the night where your arm is raised high, not only over me, but a bunch of other guys in the Roulette later in the night.
This is supposed to be your chance at glory, and you’ve put so much thought and so much blood, and so much sweat, and so many tears both in that ring and in private into this night…
There’s a dramatic pause before I shrug my shoulders, a bewildered look on my face.
But what happens when you fail? What happens when you don’t even make it past me? What happens when you don’t wake up, can’t make the Roulette, and the whole thing you’ve worked so hard for and spouted off at the mouth for all comes to a crashing end?
I lean forward and stick my index finger into the ground.
How many times can you hit rock bottom Rob before your body quits on you again? How many times can your mind will you to your feet before you body says “Hell no!”.
I stand from my seated position and point my finger into my chest.
I know the resolve I have Rob. I know the lengths I’m willing to go to to come out on top. I’ve proven that my resolve is greater than yours. I’ve shown the world I can be more brutal than you, more sadistic, more calculated...simply put better.
At High Stakes, you’re going all in. At High Stakes you have to fight your ass off just to get ahead. You have to concern yourself with me, with the bounty on your head, and with all those other guys in the match.
I have a sole purpose. I have one reason and one reason only for being at High Stakes, and that’s smashing in your face. It’s making your fans cry, it’s making your daughter cry when she realizes that her father is nothing more than a failure.
A smirk crosses my face. I know that’s a low blow and I can’t be bothered to care as the scene fades.
======================================================
Title: Because...Reasons…
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: 10:29 AM Local Time
My wife and I were sitting on the couch in the Owner’s Suite at the Montecito Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas on one of the rare days off we as performers in the IWF are given. Don’t give me that crap about shows only being one day a week because there’s plenty more to it than that one show a week...don’t be naive. Anyway, it was a rare day off and after a filling breakfast together, my daughter and sister-in-law from my first marriage down by the pool, we were afforded the time to relax, but I wanted to train. I wanted to be ready for the pain, the suffering, and the agony that was going to be inflicted by Rob Diamond on my body, the same as it was a month earlier at “Danger Zone”.
I turned to get off the couch and felt the pain of the bruise still on my back from the damage done and the coursing pain was almost instant and near indescribable. I winced and reached back…
Mike Laszlo: Son of a bitch.
Alexis Caffrey: What?
Mike Laszlo: I still got some bruises from that last encounter that don’t exactly feel good depending on certain ways I move.
Alexis Caffrey: And yet, you’re going to go through it all over again.
Mike Laszlo: Yeah, I’m a genius like that.
I stood from the couch and gingerly turned around it, grabbing my bag I had packed the night before and hoisting it onto my shoulder via the good side of my body. She too got up, her shoulder still feeling pain from the table she went through off the side of a cage at last month’s event. She grabbed her bag, and the two of us headed down to the gym of the resort.
Upon arrival, we saw that there were people everywhere either keeping the figure they had in tact, or trying to gain a better one for the summer months ahead. We walked over and set down our things, already dressed to workout. For her it was a cardio-based, for me it was a little bit of everything in a bit more moderation than my comeback trail due to the scintillating pain caused by one wrong movement. A movement I happened to execute midway through my first set, causing me to wince again, my wife catching the agony on my face.
Alexis Caffrey: So why do it again? Why put yourself through that same torture. You could have done a Submission Match, or a Lumberjack Match, or...ANYTHING BUT ANOTHER MATCH WITH WEAPONS!
I fought through the pain, and her yelling.
Mike Laszlo: I have to.
She finished her exercise and came over to me on the bench press as I was finishing up.
Alexis Caffrey: What do you mean you have to?
I lifted the bar, the pain in my lower back intensifying as the weight of the bar pressed me into the bench before raising it and lifting it into place on the rack.
Mike Laszlo: I had to, and have to prove it to myself.
Alexis Caffrey: Prove what to yourself?
I sat up on the bench and with my eyes closed took a deep breath, letting the pain subside a bit. Alexis sat next to me on the bench as I explained myself.
Mike Laszlo: I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do this. I wanted to show myself that the pain and suffering were worth taking again.
Alexis Caffrey: You didn’t have to jump right into the two more barbaric matches possible.
Mike Laszlo: That’s just it…
I turned to her, a concerned look in her beautiful brown eyes.
Mike Laszlo: I did. I could have eased my way into things. I could have faced a couple of guys and given myself that false sense of security, but that’s not what I wanted. I wanted more. I wanted to know that I could pick up right where I left off, and Danger Zone showed the world that I indeed could. It showed them and more importantly, showed myself, that I could perform at the best of my abilities as I always could. It showed I was worthy of still carrying that briefcase, being able to cash it in whenever I saw fit.
Alexis Caffrey: And so you learned what I already knew.
Mike Laszlo: Yes. I appreciate that faith in me, that dedication, but I still had to show myself.
Alexis Caffrey: So what’s the reason this time?
I looked down at the floor, my hands clasped together and let out a deep breath before looking back at her.
Mike Laszlo: To prove it wasn’t a fluke.
Alexis Caffrey: What do you mean?
Mike Laszlo: To show that I didn’t just hype myself up for that one match. To show myself that I can call upon that type of performance, that resolve, that resiliency every single time I step foot in the ring. This is that final test before I can finally look in a mirror and see the man you see every day and say to myself...I’m back.
She took a minute to digest what I had just said to her. She looked at me, my gaze upon her unwavering and she nodded.
Alexis Caffrey: Okay…
Mike Laszlo: That’s it?
Alexis Caffrey: There’s not much else I can say. I mean, this is something you feel you have to do...go out and do it. I know you can, and hopefully by the time you’re done with this whole thing...you’ll know too.
I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her in, kissing her on the forehead.
Mike Laszlo: I love you. You’re always there for me through thick and thin, and you’re always there to keep me grounded.
Alexis Caffrey: Just like you are for me.
She broke from my grasp and stood up, tying her hair behind her head.
Alexis Caffrey: Want to go on my run with me?
Mike Laszlo: Sounds good.
I got up from the bench and the two of us headed for the door as the scene faded.
======================================================
So I only have one more question for you Rob...and it’s very important.
As the scene comes to, I’m sitting behind my desk in my offices at the Montecito, my hands folded together atop the oak.
I want you to listen and listen very carefully as I ask you this question.
I lean forward, as close to the camera as I can get from behind the desk.
What happens when you fail?
What happens when I beat your ass so badly that you can’t answer a ten count; that you can’t answer the calls of the EMTs as they shine the light in your eye?
What happens when they cart you off in an ambulance to a nearby medical facility and can’t get in the Roulette match itself?
What happens when you go back home and have to explain to your family that you’re nothing more than a broken heap of a man, a failure to yourself and most importantly...to them?
What do you have to fallback on?
I sit back in my chair, a chuckle leaving my mouth.
Now don’t get me wrong Rob, I fully intend on kicking your ass at High Stakes. I come prepared with the fact that I might have to end you once and for all.
I’m not stupid.
For all the brash talk you spew out of your mouth for days on end, and all the bravado you lather over this federation, you’re still a damn talented and violent individual, and there’s every chance on this planet you COULD win. You COULD beat me and go on and win the Roulette, and complete what you claim is your destiny. And if that does happen…
I reach down by the side of my chair, out of view of the camera and pull the Joker in the Pack Briefcase up onto the desk, standing it up for all to see.
I have a fallback plan. I have something to look forward to.
I place the case back on the floor before re-folding my hands on the desk and looking forward.
While I do have that option, and you COULD win, I sure as hell wouldn’t bet on it, because your body Rob...just like your mind...is weak. It couldn’t withstand my first assault. It sure as hell couldn’t handle my assault at Danger Zone, and now...now’s the final chapter in our little saga. I’ll be bringing just a bit more to end this once and for all. If you couldn’t handle it before...you damn sure won’t be able to handle it now.
So prepare yourself, prepare your fans, PREPARE YOUR FAMILY…
Because when I’m done...you’ll be done too.
You are a miserable failure of a man in profession and in life Rob Diamond...it’s time you face those facts once and for all.
I reach down and grab a remote and press the button, the feed cutting out to black.
Well howdy there pardner.