“One man told me, ‘My tooth is hurting’. Why would ‘your’ tooth hurt you? This is considered a contradicting statement. What is yours, it will never give you pain and what is not yours will always give you pain. If you expound on this, you will have the solution!”
― Dada Bhagwan
Setting the Bar
In-Studio - Bane Home
/Scene Opens\
I should be on top of the world right now, I stand here holding the number two belt in this company. The problem is, there’s a nagging sensation in the back of my mind though that I didn’t get the best that O’Malley had to offer. I just didn’t feel like his heart was in it. That’s why this title has a less than satisfactory feel to it. I stand there staring at the light, knowing that the camera is rolling. I hold the title belt up waist high and look at it.
I should feel something more after winning this from O’Malley. He was a proud champion and a worthy one. See, I don’t give a rat's ass about what anyone thinks of that man. He was a fighter and that’s something to be proud of. He’s taking some time off right now and I hope it helps him, he needs to come back stronger and more focussed than before. This guy wants that for you, come back when you’re ready and we will have a little rematch. Whether I have the title or not, I want every fucking thing you’ve got. That’s my challenge for you.
I shift the title belt and draping it over my shoulder I continue. One of the problems with this title recently has been the difficulty in defending it. It added more weight to the expectation that people had of me. That being said, the weight of the belt seems heavier than it should but I continue with the promotional.
I’ve set challenges for myself as well. What I told the Sin City faithful holds true. I’m defending this against anyone who has the balls to step up and put themselves in harm's way. It doesn’t matter to me whether someone thinks they deserve a shot or not, the only thing that I ask in return is that you bring everything you’ve got to the ring with you. That you leave it all in the ring. No excuses, no retreat, no surrender.
I slap the belt a couple of times with my free hand, the sound of flesh on metal dissipates in the studio as the sound absorbing materials diffuse it.
This starts with you Miles. Though you didn’t sign up for this match, it was gifted to you. Regardless, you are the next man up for a shot at owning this title. I watched your Roulette match. You are a game competitor and have so much heart. It really is to be admired.
I smile and look at the title belt, then back at the camera.
You’re a good man Milo, and I meant what I said. I think you’re undervalued. Why would a man of talent and potential be satisfied with a Roulette Title match? Especially not against your mentor. I’ve been at this for a long time, Miles. I do my research, I know from watching you from afar that you seem to go back and forth between confident and humble. You never seem to go full out arrogant though.
I allow the smile to slide away, replaced by a more serious expression.
The real question is why? Alicia believes in you, Alex also believes in you, otherwise you wouldn’t be a part of his group. It surprised me when I realized that you aren’t an arrogant prick though, considering who you run with. I know you are glad for inclusion in Wolfslair, because for whatever reason that is important to you. Maybe it’s because they seem to you to be an elite faction. Maybe they are and maybe they’re not. I’m sure to you and many people in Sin City, they are. We’ve all had a veteran we idolized. So I get it, you look up to AJ. You appreciate what he’s taught you and the opportunities associated with the group you belong to. Just remember this, they’ll teach you all you know. Not all they know. However, your inclusion in the Wolfslair, It’s a kind of validation in a sense.
I take the belt off my shoulder and hold it chest high.
This however is all I need for my own personal validation.
I look up from the Internet Title and back at the camera and I smile.
It’s the thing that puts me that much closer to my ultimate goal. A goal that was within my grasp but I failed to achieve. I could dwell on losing in the finals of Blast from the Past but that’s pointless and gains me nothing. These failures though, aren't setbacks, they are opportunities to learn. Even with as much in-ring experience as I have, I learn something new every day. Today I want to learn exactly who Milo is, I want you to show me. Leave it all in the ring, kid, bring the fight to me that I know you have inside you. How you fare against me will be the measuring stick, the bar if you will. I set the bar very high in Sin City, all you have to do is look at my win and loss record. I’ve won eleven matches and lost three. Only one of those losses was in one on one matches. I’ve no shame in losing to a man like Fenris.
Fade
Back to the Grind
Unnamed Gym - Las Vegas, NV
/Scene Opens\
[off-camera]
A while back I had started a regiment to build my speed back up and continue on my journey to drop a few pounds. That had really paid dividends when I had faced O’Malley for the Internet title match at Into The Void X. In the last year I had gone from three hundred pounds down to two hundred and eighty pounds. My old trainer was still in Dallas, and I didn’t have the time to fly back just for that. I’d take what she had me doing and add to it. I had spoken to Lindsey earlier that day and she loved my ideas. We had started with sprints, running as fast as I could for as long as I could, then resting, recovering and doing it again.
A couple of hours earlier
I was on a zoom call with my trainer, Lindsey, discussing how I could add to what I was already doing in order to build on the speed training I was doing.
“So, Lindsey, when we first started this...has it really been a year?”, I asked with an amused tone. She smiled, “it has been. You’ve done really well, and from the looks of it, it’s really paid off.”. I return her smile, “It has indeed, thank you for taking the time to work with me. When we first started it was all about tempo training. Over time we added intervals, mostly because of my age and we were trying to cut down on the risk of injury. I wanted to get your opinion on getting back in the gym and working on my core strength again.”
Without any hesitation she responds to me, “Of course! Legs and core will help you to increase your speed more than what you have. What were you thinking in terms of specific exercises?” She asked, obviously intrigued. “Deadlift, Hang Clean and use a sled.”, I responded. She nodded enthusiastically with my proposed add ons. She tapped her lip as she thought and then looked at me with that lightbulb moment on her face. “Box Squats will also help. It really builds leg strength pretty quickly.”.
back to present
Now a box squat is an interesting exercise. What you do is, get a box that’s about knee high so you can sit down on it without your thighs moving beyond being parallel with the ground. Squat down on the box so your glutes rest on it for one to two seconds, then stand back up by driving through your heels and hips. For this session, I started without the weights or a barbell. Within minutes I could feel the burn in my legs. That boys and girls is how you know it’s working.
“Damn Pops, you are seriously tearing it up!”, I heard from behind me. I look over my shoulder to see my oldest son, Jimmy. I smile as he approaches and I take him with a big sweaty hug. “Gross, Pops!”. I chuckle, “You never get too old to get a hug from your Dad.” He smirks at me, “No, I mean you’re sweaty gross.” and we both laugh a little. “What brings you to Vegas, kiddo.”, I ask him. He scratches the stubble on his chin, “Well, I’ve decided I’m relocating to Seattle for that new gig.”. I nodded my head in agreement, it would be good for him and teaming with his adoptive sister Zeph would help as well. “Good”, I said in a matter of fact tone. “I think you’ll enjoy the Pacific NorthWest, Washington is a beautiful state.” He smiles at the statement, “Oh, and I brought you a surprise”, he says as Lindsey walks into the room. “I’ll be damned”, honestly shocked that she is here.
I give Lindsey a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “What in the world are you doin in Vegas?”, I asked her. “Well, I’m going to Seattle too, actually.” I smile as my son reaches out instinctively to hold her hand. “Good, I’ll worry about this knucklehead a little less if I know you’re there to make sure he walks the straight and narrow.”. She laughs a silvery laugh, much like Amber does when I’m a little too charming as she calls it. “I see you are really making strides with speed training.”, she says to me in the form of a question really. I nod, “I hope so, most of the people I’m in the ring are a lot younger than me. The kid this week will be a challenge.”. She nods her head sagely, “Miles Kasey, right?” “Yeah, good kid from what I’ve seen and a tough competitor.”, I responded to her with all honesty.
“There are a lot of younger competitors these days, all out to make a name for themselves and for some, like Milo, trying to win that first title.” I pause, having said that and realized it must have made me sound like a bitter old guy. Jimmy studies me for a moment, “And what do we tell fate?”, he says with a smirk and wink. I return the sarcasm, “Not today, asshole, not today.”
Fade.
Setting the Bar Part 2
In-Studio, Bane House, Las Vegas, NV
/Scene Opens\
[on-camera]
I think about what I had said previously, I’d been fortunate with so few losses. I loved the fact that I was winning and that I was impressing the right people. Setting the bar was accurate in my mind, I felt like that’s what I was doing and I would continue to do exactly that.
This will be your third title opportunity this year. There’s no shame in losing to someone like Alex Jones, not at all. I’ve known Alex for a long time and have always thought highly of him. I’m not Alex though. Our styles are not even remotely similar. Facing me is a different kind of fight. I’ve been around the business for longer than a cup of coffee. I’ve held titles before and what they tell you is very true. It’s far easier to unseat a champion than it is to defend a title.
Still holding the title in front of me.
You see, the first time I was here, I had lost exactly one match. A mixed tag team match against Ryans and Mikah. Not that you could actually call that a match. It was more of a cluster fuck. Anyway….I was well on my way to my first title opportunity. I was undefeated in singles matches and had absolutely dominated the Roulette division. I went on to win that title, but had to leave due to a family emergency. Fortunately for me, the guys who run Sin City didn’t hold that against me. I know how that looked, me leaving right after winning a title.
I take the Internet Title and put it back on my shoulder.
That leads me to where we are today. You’re still looking for that first title win. I’m defending this title for the first time. That presents a problem, for you, not for me.
My gaze as I look into the camera hardens, all pretense of being friendly is now gone.
Milo, you are one hell of a talent. I have much respect for your ability and the heart you show in the ring. I find myself forced to put that aside though. In order to bring back the prestige that this title should have, that means I will fight with everything I’ve got to make sure that this title doesn’t get passed around like a Walmart toy at a three year olds birthday party anymore.
My expression doesn’t change, I reach up with my free hand and pat the belt, to the average viewer it may even seem like it’s an affectionate pat.
We have many differences, you and I, I won’t even start on the size difference. That’s obvious and hardly worth my time or that of the fans to talk about. The biggest difference between us is that I earned my shot at this title. You were given a shot by Alicia. That being said, I’m going to treat you like I would anyone who tresspasses or threatens what is mine. I’m not going to talk about fair or not fair, that’s not really it at all. It’s about respect for this industry and self respect.
You were just so overjoyed when this match was announced. You weren’t expecting this, I think it’s mostly because you know you don’t deserve it. What have you done? Who have you beaten to make you relevant enough for a shot at the number two belt in this company? If you are able to beat me, you get automatic credibility as a competitor here. You gain relevance as well as this title. A title that ranks higher than the one that Alex Jones currently holds. That’s quite the carrot to be dangling in front of a young up and coming star, right?
What if I told you it was a trap, not a thirst trap, a very large trap that would leave you marked for years to come. I don’t say these things to be funny or to try and sound cool. I’m being very real with you, so you will know who you are stepping in the ring with. Make no mistakes about it Milo, I’m going to hurt you in ways you haven’t even thought of yet. If I were just a brawler, you might have an advantage. You might still, if you can figure it out. I don’t think you’re stupid so don’t get it twisted. I do think you’ve been led to believe that you are more than you really are. Do you even know who you are as a competitor? Have you finally figured out how to get out of your own way?
Fade
Family
The Bane Home, Las Vegas NV
/Scene Opens\
[off-camera]
If you ask most Texans what means the most to them in life, they’ll tell you it’s family first and foremost. It wasn’t very often these days that I could get all of mine under one roof at the same time. Julie was attending pre-law classes on the east coast, Jimmy was about to go to Washington for a new company that was just getting started. This particular company also had a couple of friends of mine, so he would know a few people going into it. Aeric was not really looking at new places to go work, he was happy with whatever life pushed his direction. I think the kids being here helped a little with taking the edge off of Amber. Recently in Reno, we were working for another company and held the tag team titles. We defended them and that did not go according to plan. We lost those titles and it ate at her because she took the pinfall in that match. All thanks to a loaded entrance prop. I almost felt sorry for Alicia and Miles respectively, almost.
Amber was still at “Oblivion Garage”, so it gave me some time with the kids. Supper was already in the oven and would be done in the next fifteen minutes or so. Julez had said she wanted to stay with us for a while, since she wasn’t going back to college until the fall. The place in Texas was being cared for by my foreman Jimbo Rodgers, funny how my old friend resembled that other guy with the same last name that plays football. I had also gotten an offer on that land but hadn’t talked to Amber about it yet. Aeric was the first to pipe up about that, “Did old man, Mixon call you?”, he asked. I looked up and the other two were curious now. “Yes, he did.” I replied in a matter of fact tone. “He wants to buy all the land except for where the house sits plus about five acres. What he’s offering is beyond the going rate, so that makes me suspicious.”, I said to Aeric, “Do you know what he’s up to? I know you keep up on rumors and gossip around Port Arthur.”. He shook his head, “No sir, there’s some speculation about him trying to buy up a lot of places around town but it’s just that.”. I nodded at him and then addressed the three of them.
“I haven’t decided, mostly because this is the first chance I’ve had to talk to you all about it. Plus I haven’t talked to Amber about it yet either.”, I watched them very closely for reactions. None of the three of them even flinched. Julie said to me after a moment, “Daddy, it’s your land, if you want to sell it, I don’t think any of us will object.” This was followed by Jimmy, “Pop, do what you think is best.” And finally Aeric, “As long as the house and the family plot remain…”. I smiled as each of them spoke and finally responded to them. “It’s our land, as a family it belongs to all of us. I’m glad you are all being open about it, and I’ll let you know what’s decided.”
The timer of the oven went off at that moment, I started to get up but Julie beats me and heads toward the kitchen. The aroma that was coming from that direction was fantastic, I could hear Julez in the kitchen pulling the fish out of the oven.
“God, I love Mahi”, I say to no one in particular. Jimmy smiled and said, “Well, I’m sure that it’s not Gaido’s but it will be spectacular.”. I responded with, “Well, can’t have Nick being all worried, can we?”.
Fade.
Setting the Bar Part 3
In-Studio, Bane House, Las Vegas, NV
/Scene Opens\
[on-camera]
We are now approaching the end of this promotional video and I turn and stare out the window. I’m conflicted, because I know Milo is a good person, the real problem is that I am not a good person. I take this industry and this promotion very seriously, what Alicia had done, had rubbed me the wrong way.
I sincerely hope you have Miles, I hope you have it all figured out. I hope you have a strategy in mind for this match. I know I do, and I’ll even tell you what that is. With your high risk style, it’s obvious that you’ll try to use your speed to gain an advantage. It’ll work great too, until you make a mistake. Then I’ll knock you on your ass and your real education will begin. Remember what I was saying earlier about being more than a brawler?
I tilt my head first to the left, the vertebrae pop, then to the right with the same outcome.
I remember you talking so highly of being at the wolf’s lair gym and the titles that adorn their walls.
I point out the window to the inner hallway, where my titles are lined up.
The world titles, the hardcore titles, the television titles and tag team titles. For those of us who have been around for a while, we have these, it doesn’t make us better than anyone else, kid. What it does make us is opportunist. We were in the right place at the right time, because we busted our asses. We weren’t given anything, we fucking earned it.
I shake my head and try to quieten the anger but it just won’t relent.
To be completely fair about this, I’m not mad at you Milo, the situation is the real problem. I’ve never been a fan of these types of rewards for winning a match. Yeah, she’s Queen for a day and gave you this title shot. I can understand her giving herself a title shot. She’s been around for a long time and many would say that she’s earned that right. All you’ll end up earning is a beating.
This is not just a title defense for me, this is about setting the bar. This is about making a statement. This is about making this title mean something again!
Fade
