Delusions
He had delusions of adequacy. - Walter Kerr
{Unnamed Rooftop - Las Vegas Nevada - “Storm Chasing”}
If you ever get the chance to try and chase someone down, who doesn’t want to be found. Take a hard pass on that. I knew Amber was up here, and I was really hoping to talk to her tonight. As I came through the door, I didn't know what I was expecting, really. I continued out onto the rooftop, feeling the cool night air on my face. The breeze increased a bit, causing my hair to get blown back, and then it settled. I inhaled deeply through my nose and my senses were rewarded as the cinnamon-scented perfume that she wore, completely filled my nose and my senses. At least I knew I was right about that, she had been here not long ago. I sighed audibly and shook my head. “Too little too late once again,” I said out loud. I had a suspicion she wasn’t very far away, hiding sure, but within the sound of my voice. “We’re better than this, Red, and you deserve more than this. Whatever this is.”
I felt the concrete against the jeans I was wearing as I sat down on the edge. I knew it was pretty safe, the concrete barriers themselves had a forty-five-degree up-slope then a flat top, and another forty-five-degree downslope. I lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly. I had been hoping that she would come out of her hiding place and just talk to me. It was becoming more obvious that wasn’t going to happen. When I heard my name being said, I immediately reached for the forty-five caliber pistol in the holster that I carried on my back. “Ah, Mister Bane. There is no smoking allowed on this rooftop.” With my hand firmly on the handle of my pistol, “No need for violence Mister Bane, I am but a messenger of the Del Gado family. I never took my eyes off of him, nor did I relinquish the grip on my pistol. “Well then, messenger, deliver your message,” I said in a way that clearly indicated my being followed.
“Of course sir, Senor Del Gado would like to request a cease-fire until everyone can speak in a more civilized setting.” It was all I could do not to laugh out loud. “The elder Del Gado asked me to let you know that he recognizes you as an equal and that he would be honored to arrange a meeting.” I relinquished the grip on the handle of my pistol and crossed my arms in front of me. “So, just like that eh? He’s willing to just say, let’s part as friends?” I paused there and gave him a moment to think through his response because his well-being depended on it. He didn’t have to be a genius to figure out the same thing. He acknowledged that fact by holding up his hands in surrender. “He would like to negotiate your surrender, otherwise he said that he will hunt down every member of your family and kill them in front of you.” I smiled, “He’s in your ear right now on that earbud that you tried so hard to hide, isn’t he?”
The man acknowledged that by nodding his head. I shook mine in disgust, “Since I know he can hear me, he should know that his threats don’t bother me. What does bother me is that he only came out of our last scrape because I chose to let him live.” He started to respond but I cut him off. “If we come face to face again, he won’t be afforded that same mercy a second time.” He absently pulled the front of his jacket down and then smoothed out his tie by stroking it in a downward motion. “He has heard you and understands the ramifications of what you’ve said.” I nodded in response, “Then he should also understand that it was his family that started this war. So, if a war is what you want, you got it!” I give the man credit, this was the point that he pulled the earbud out of his ear. “Mister Bane, I am truly sorry about what happened to your family and your place of business. He will do whatever it takes to make sure your family line is wiped from the face of this planet.” I smiled at the man, “I’m sure he will try young man, you’re talking about a very large family of survivors. We always come out on the other end in a much better position than we started from. We are Texans and we are proud.”
He nodded again and made his way back to the door.
Fade.
{Diving Cliffs - Hawaii - “Nothing to Lose”}
The winds were high today, forceful to say the least as it assaulted my button-down short-sleeve shirt open. The blue shorts and matching flip flops accompanied the white shirt. My hair was back and in a ponytail. Aviator-style sunglasses completed the look.
I’ve been in this industry for over twenty years now. Literally, every person I’ve ever faced claimed that they had nothing to lose.
I steadied myself near the cliff’s edge as the wind blew a bit harder.
No matter whether you are a champion or not. No matter where the company sees you fitting on the card in a match. Everyone has something to lose, Max.
I give the camera my best classic smile.
You talk about layups, that’s cute. There are layups and then there are slam dunks. Your leg injury was not news to me and trusting a sports psychologist? You should have looked at your horoscope online instead. It’s cheaper and way more accurate than those overpaid headshrinkers.
I allow the smile to remain as I pull the shades down just enough to reveal my eyes and my seriousness.
We all do what we have to do to try to win and to stay relevant though right? Are you willing to go through rehab again for that leg? That’s what is going to happen whether you are fully back or not. I’m a surgeon in the ring. Your weak point was already known to me.
Sliding the shades back into place, I continue.
Like any other professional, that’s my target and something I do so well. You should consult with Vinnie about that. I feel certain he’ll explain to you what it means when you pinpoint your weakness.
I shake my head again.
It’s all very tiresome, and cliche when someone tells you I have nothing to lose. Yes you do, Max, your livelihood is what you have to lose. Your ability to feed your family is what you have to lose. The respect of your peers is what you have to lose. People don’t like failures, Max. I guess that’s one more thing you and them will have to get used to.
The smile is replaced by a sad smirk and a soft chuckle.
You can always ask your partner for a reference point if you like. She knows all too well what it feels like to lose when there’s nothing to lose.
I turn back to watch the ocean, the seagulls diving along with the pelicans in search of a tasty snack. Occasionally one of them will actually get a fish and fly off to enjoy it.
One of fifteen, not a good batting average for the birds. They’re not much different than people really when you think about it.
Instead of trying to fend for themselves, the fourteen birds chase after the pelican and begin diving on him trying to force him to drop his earned snack.
Everyone is trying to take shortcuts in order to get the prize without earning it. Much like the two of you. Sure you’ve beaten other teams to get to the finals, but who did you actually beat to get here?
I shake my head as the pelican being chased eludes the others and finishes off his lunch, much to the chagrin of the others, then they bank away and go back to looking for their own meal.
Let’s see, you beat a pair of very talented rookies to get to the finals, so there’s that. You beat Miles and his partner, but that’s a whole lot of who cares. Oh, and Todd Williams.
I gave that statement a slow clap and rolled my eyes.
Max, I’ve been called a lot of things, everything really but a child of God. Your partner calling me predictable is really rather amusing. Considering I use her promo as a cure for insomnia.
Fade.
{Mixon Inc HQ - New York, NY - “Feel The Burn”}
As soon as I stepped out of the cab, I could feel eyes on me. Nothing unusual when you are in the big apple. A light wind stirred the clouds above me and a gentle rain had begun to fall. I made my way inside to the lobby where I found myself surrounded by armed security. I was wearing my finest suit for this meeting and had the information I needed for it in a manila envelope tucked under my arm. The guy in charge stepped up to address me, “What business do you have here at the tower?” I smiled at his attempt at intimidation, “It makes me sad that you don’t remember me, Butch.” He looked me over and began rubbing his jaw. “Mister Bane, do you have an appointment with Mister Mixon?” I nodded towards the receptionist and she spoke up, “He does, Butch is about twenty minutes.” I winked at Butch, “Nothing personal Butch, just a business meeting.” He glared at me and finally quit rubbing his jaw. It was the same jaw that I had broken the last time we had run into each other. In return, I just smirked at him and brushed past him to approach the desk. The receptionist, Wendy, handed me a pass that would allow me to access the elevator and other doors inside the tower.
I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the floor that housed the offices. The elevator finally came to a rest after a brief up and down motion that was so common with these devices. The chime rang inside the elevator and the doors opened. I stepped into the hall and went to the next waiting area. The executive assistant, Jenny by name, greeted me pleasantly. “Good Morning Mister Bane, would you like your usual while you wait?” I smiled in return, “Thanks Jenny, yes, just black coffee.” She nodded and hurried away to get my coffee.
She came back within moments with my cup of coffee, “There you go, Mister Bane.” I took the cup from her and became amused with the size of my cup in relation to the size of my hand. “Thank you, Jenny, you’re the best.” She smiled at the kindness and I nodded to her before turning and taking a seat on one of the plush couches that were nearby. I didn’t have to wait very long when Jenny announced, “Mister Mixon is ready for you, Mister Bane.” I nodded my appreciation, taking my cup of coffee with me, and she escorted me to the conference room where we usually met. I was mildly surprised as I entered the room to see all three of his sons in the room, along with Senor Del Gado. The older Del Gado, upon seeing me, immediately flushed red with anger. At the head of the table was the Mixon Director of the Board, who sat there with barely contained mirth. I nodded to him and gave him a wink. I handed the envelope over to Mister Pendergrass, the Director of the Board and he scanned it briefly. “I believe this is all correct.” He rose while I took a seat across from Senor Del Gado and smiled as he fumed.
The eldest boy shot a smile my way as our plan began to unfold. You see, this plan had begun to take wing some six months ago. It required patience and stealth on my part in order to pull this off. I would slowly and systematically begin buying small shares of stock from his children. I would allow them to buy it back afterward. They sold it to me at a discounted rate while I would sell it back to them at the full price. The second part of that was something I had not shared with them, at least not yet. I may be a bastard, but I’m not a dumb bastard. Mister Mixon was confused and stood there with his mouth hanging open. “Well Tommy, I know you’re likely very confused at this point in time.” As I said it, both he and Del Gado looked like they were reaching for something in their jackets. I dropped Del Gado’s pistol and knife on the table. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. At least not until we are done presenting data to you.” They stop of course because I am known to travel with firearms. “Oh, Francisco.” If looks could kill, I’d be dead thirty times over.
Through clenched teeth, “What is the meaning of this!?” He exclaimed the best he could. From my inner pocket, I produced the legal documents. “This is from your wife’s attorney. She is filing for divorce.” He looked down at the papers. “You sir have been served.” He didn’t respond at first, so I decided to develop more agro with this chump. “She also asked me to deliver a message.” He looked up and I flipped him off, his only response was to sit down heavily in his chair again. Tom Mixon still stood behind his chair, so enraged that his arms were shaking. Jonathan Pendergrass, the current Chairman of the board at Mixon Inc, still amused finally speaks up. “Senor Del Gado, I believe you had put your shares of Mixon stock in your wife’s name?” He absently nodded and waved at the man with a “go on” motion. “Very well, you held thirty percent stock in this company up until an hour ago, when she sold that stock to Mister Bane.” Del Gado sat there struck to his core, all he could do was shake his head in disgust.
Pendergrass continued, “Mister Mixon,” he began and Tom turned his back to the table, still trembling with rage. “Your children have sold all shares of their stock to Mister Bane as well. This gives Mister Bane..” Mixon interjected, “Sixty-Five percent ownership of my company.” Nonplussed, Pendergrass corrected him. “Mixon Inc has been publicly traded for a long time, when your father went public, it no longer “belonged” to the family.” Mixon went to the window and stared out. “What happens now? We’re all just kicked out?” The conference room phone buzzed just then. Pendergrass answered the call, “Mister Pendergrass, additional guests that you were expecting are here.” “Thank you, Jenny, please send them in.” With that, the Federal Bureau of Investigation stormed the room. Displaying their badges, wearing the FBI jackets, they placed everyone in the room under arrest with the exception of myself, the Mixon children, and Mister Pendergrass. Tom Mixon was charged with insider trading, money laundering, and suspicion of conspiracy to become involved with human trafficking. Del Gado was arrested for human trafficking, promoting prostitution, promoting child slave labor, insider trading, felony fraud. The list went on and on as the officers escorted the two men out of the building.
Fade.
{Unnamed Studio in L.A.}
It was like any other studio really, textured sound dampening tiles on the wall, boom-style microphone hanging from the ceiling. They waited on me to get settled in, as I lowered the microphone and sat on a stool. I gave them the thumbs up and they began recording the video and audio for this promo.
Predictability, is one of the many things I’ve been accused of. The more egregious accusation is that we’ve relied on interference in order to win matches. So, let’s begin there, shall we?
I pause for a quick breath and a sip of the coffee I had brought in.
Ahh, that’s good stuff right there. Not as good as Kat’s coffee but when you’re on the road you make do with what you can find.
Another sip of coffee and a wink at the camera.
So, the interference. You see, I won this world title two times without it. I didn’t ask anyone to interfere in our matches. I guess some people just have a beef they want to settle.
I set the cup of coffee on the bar height table in front of me.
Someone likes to talk about tradition these days because it’s convenient. You being a former champion down in grime, I’d expect more of you than going for low-hanging fruit.
I take a pause to breathe and dig a pack of cigarettes out of my pocket. I light one and inhale deeply.
So, I’m predictable am I? Were you able to predict that I would win the world title twice, while you languished in matches that were beneath you, Myra?
Another drag from my cigarette and I exhaled slowly.
Were you able to predict the rise of the group known as the saviors?
I allow a smile to tug at the corners of my mouth.
The simple, straightforward answer to these questions is no.
My smile is now more obvious.
But, yeah, I’m predictable. That’s one thing that neither myself or Mikah are. I’m not going to go on this, no you, shtick because that would be far too easy. And far beneath me to be quite honest.
Another drag from my cigarette.
At this point really, talking to you or about you is rather pointless, isn’t it? Myra and I won’t be in the ring together at any point and time. Max, I’m the guy you have to beat. I’m the man that you have to pin to become the Sin City World Champion.
I smile fondly as I remember how confident he appeared to be on Twitter.
I do love your confidence, Max. That and five, or is it six dollars now…will get you a cup of coffee.
I pick up the cigarette out of the ashtray and take another drag.
Excruciating pain seems to be the only thing that teaches anyone anything these days, Max. You better come looking for a fight, otherwise, this will be the shortest match in the history of this event.
I take one last drag from the cigarette and crush it out.
That’s the difference between us, Max, I will come for the fight. The fight is the only reason I’ve stayed here this long.
My smile broadens once again when I think of what the bosses may be thinking when they see that.
Oh, and my contract comes up at the end of April. It would be a real shame if I decided to take the Sin City World Championship to another company, huh?
Fade
{Joey DTLA near the Galen Center, Los Angeles, California - “A break from the norm”}
A break from the norm was what I was looking for. There is a place called Pollo Loco in Dallas that has a similar feel to Joey’s. I was here for the chicken, of course, I loved chicken that had any kind of south American vibe to it. When I entered the restaurant it was packed. As I looked around the room, A large number of Latinos were having lunch, all bunched up around the tables. I patiently waited until I could find a space big enough for me to slide in. It took a few minutes but a spot opened up. I quickly took my seat while the young lady cleared and wiped down the table. She smiled pleasantly, “We don’t normally see your kind in here.” I smiled back at her as genuinely as I could. “You don’t see a lot of hungry wrestlers?” She laughed, “Sure we’ll go with that.” I gave her my order and she slipped away. Two pieces of chicken, yuca fries, and plantains. A few moments later she came back, “The Chef wanted me to make sure you were certain about the chicken order.” I smiled up at her, “Yes ma’am, I’m certain.” She nodded her head, “it’s pretty hot,” she said quietly. I laughed, “I’m a Texan, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.” She laughed, “We’ve heard that before.” I laughed in return, “I’m sure,” I responded. She went back to the kitchen and I settled into my seat.
I checked my phone while I waited, no new messages, which while unfortunate was not unexpected. Amber had been trying to stay away from me, mostly because talking about things was uncomfortable for her. Through the years, I’ve found this to be common in our industry, when someone is wrong about something, they get defensive and will root themself in place just so they don’t have to admit it. I didn’t have to wait too long before my lunch arrived. The aroma of the chicken filled my senses in the most pleasant way possible. I had noticed the chef, he was standing there at the swinging doors that led to the kitchen, and my waitress was standing not too far away. I didn’t want to disappoint them, so I bit into the drumstick. The flavor was amazing. I leaned back in my chair and savored the experience. The burn hit as the peppers kicked in, I smiled and winked at the waitress. I swallowed that mouthful and went for another. I watched the chef up over the edge of my drumstick, he smiled, nodded his head, and went back to the kitchen. The waitress came to check on me regularly, I’m sure she was hoping that she was right and I was just another white boy who couldn’t stand up to spicy foods. My waitress, Felicia, or at least that’s what was on her nametag. Came by one last time, “The heat of that really didn’t bother you, did it?”
I smiled a wolfish grin, “No ma’am, you see, I was born and raised in Southeast Texas. She started to say something but I held up a finger to forestall her. “I grew up on cajun and Thai food,” I said finally. She started laughing. “Okay, you got me on that one, you said you were a wrestler?” I nodded, “yeah, we have a show in the next few days.” “I’ve been hearing advertisements on the radio the last few days, Sin City Wrestling, right?” I nodded my head, “Yes ma’am.” She was thoughtful for a moment, so I took the pause in the conversation and left her a tip on the table. “What’s your name? Or should I just call you Texas?” I laughed, “My name is Mac.” Her eyes got wide for a second, “My kids hate you,” she quipped. I smiled again, “Good, that means I’m doing my job.” I slid the tip over to her and stood up. “Felicia it was great to talk to you, but I do have to go. I’ve got stuff to do for the show and they hate it when I’m late.” She nodded, “Thank you.” I was almost at the door when I heard her yelling my name across the room. I stopped and she was right on my heels, “This is too much..”. I studied her for a long moment as her eyes filled with tears. “Felicia, how many children do you have?” I asked her very quietly. In return, she held up three fingers. I reached into the inside pocket of my jacket and gave her 4 front-row seats for Blaze of Glory.
I left her standing there absolutely shell-shocked. See, I’m a terrible human being, but I know the struggle of the single mom. There were hundreds of thousands of women like Felicia in the world, maybe millions. I wasn’t trying to show off or flash the cash for the sake of it. Any time, that I’ve had the opportunity to make someone's life even a little better, I take it. It has zero to do with making the company appear a certain way, or garnering more interest in my own personal brand. I grew up poor and I hated it. It’s one of the reasons I never turn down a payday if I can help it.
Fade.
{Galen Center, Los Angeles, California - “Fuck You”}
I arrived at the Galen Center a few days before Blaze of Glory Ten in order to check the arena, know my way around a bit, and cut the final promo before the show. They had erected the Blaze of Glory X banner and had the cameras and audio set up. I smiled as I walked up to the producers. “Just holler, when you’re ready for me.” I turned to walk away and almost ran into the producer with my coffee. “Oh..sorry Mister Bane!” I smiled at him, “No harm, I didn’t catch your name last time.” He returned the smile, “I’m Pete Hooks,” he said as he handed me the coffee. “You’re a good man, Pete, thank you for my coffee.” “Of course, it’s my pleasure sir.”
I wonder what it must be like to walk through life that fucking happy with no concerns.”
I slid out of my jacket and laid it up on the crate nearby. I took a sip of my coffee and then set it down as they were signaling me that they were ready. You could hear the denim scraping against denim as I walked over. I was wearing the new “Chronic Chris Page Enterprises” T-Shirt that they spotted. “That shirt is sick, Mac.” I smiled and nodded, “Thanks,” I said as I went to the appropriate spot just below the boom microphone. They counted me down from 5 to 1, And we’re rolling
Here we are, just days away from a defining moment in the history of four people. What’s on the line?
I unstrap the world title from around my waist and hold it up for everyone to see.
This.
The most prestigious title in the world.
I rest the belt on my shoulder as I continue.
That’s not the only thing. There is also the goal that Mikah has to hear Mark Ward admit that she is his favorite bombshell.
Slapping the face of the title.
Max wants so badly to hold this for himself. Who knows, maybe I’ll be in a generous mood and let him touch it before the match starts.
I take the belt down off my shoulder and look at it. The date on it is December, nineteenth, twenty-twenty-one.
We are quickly rolling in on that one hundred-day mark. Funny, how that seems special somehow.
I give a glance at the camera now, pretending to feel some remorse.
I really should probably apologize to Myra, I said some really terrible things about her.
I sigh, keeping the facade up for as long as I can then begin laughing.
Not a fucking chance!
I double myself over with laughter, holding my hand out as if asking for a moment.
Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself. Uhm…Max, do you know the Heimlich maneuver? You know, just in case your partner chokes again?
I turn the laughter off just as quickly as I let it go.
On a more serious note, it doesn’t get any more serious than this.
I hoist the title up, practically shoving it into the camera.
This belongs to me, you are coming after something that I laid claim to back in December.
The intensity I feel is etched on my face.
You’re coming into my natural habitat to steal what’s mine and I won’t tolerate that. Max, you’re in the deep end now and you coming face to face with the most dangerous predator in it.
Me!
when you feel that chill, but you can’t figure out where the danger is, that’s when you’ll know the end is near.