Seattle, Washington -
Today
The McKinney homestead, located in what has been affectionately coined as the Emerald City aka Seattle, was under most circumstances a home filled with both love and laughter alike, but over the past week, such was not entirely the case. Because it was just six days ago where Cillian McGuire, ex-husband of Joanna McKinney and the father of her son Carter – tragically passed away from kidney failure. To say Carter was devastated would be putting things mildly, considering the unlikely and miraculous reunion between father and son after more than a decade apart. So much so that Carter had been prepared to risk his life with surgery to try and prolong his father’s life. Sadly, sometimes life is not so much a case of black and white. Sometimes terrible things just … happened.
And now, Carter sat alone in his bedroom, reminiscing over those very same lost times, and wondering the two most painful words that a person could torment themselves with - “what if?”. His room remained practically unchanged since his childhood, before he left Seattle to venture to Las Vegas to join the rough and tumble world of professional wrestling. Carter had always had such an affectionate adoration for Disney’s Stitch, and the decor everywhere the eye could roam and see would be a testament to the fact. Being surrounded by Stitch ordinarily would put Carter in a fun and playful mood, but given the circumstances? His surroundings and the tragedy his family was currently going through simply made him feel like a sad, little orphan. No matter when it happens, whether you’re young or old, to lose a parent was enough to make you feel as if life itself had abandoned you.
Carter sat on the edge of his bed, dressed in a black suit and tie, befitting the occasion. His shoulders were hunched as in his hands was a framed photograph. A photograph depicting much happier times with his mom seated in a garden setting with little Carter perched on her lap, and just behind the pair was Cillian, Joanna’s then-husband and Carter's father. The smiles on each of their faces filled with genuine love and warmth. Carter’s fingertips traced the surface of the picture, along the visage of his father as if he were trying to burn every detail into his mind’s eye so that he might never forget.
After a moment, there was a soft rap on his closed bedroom door, followed by the tell-tale voice of his Mother, calling out softly, “Carter?” And although he heard her, he somehow could not find it within himself to respond or alert her that she had been heard. His eyes and attention were focused entirely on the picture in his hands. He did hear, however, the door gently open and he glanced up from the corner of his eye to see his Mom standing in the frame of the open door, dressed in a tasteful, black dress suit.
“Carter?” She again spoke aloud, finally giving him cause to look up into her eyes and for the first time, he could see the same amount of pain in his Mother’s eyes that he felt in his own heart. The same, if not as intense. Because Carter had always been well aware that despite the divorce that forever broke their family apart, his Mother and Father never stopped loving each other. And for that, there was a small piece of Carter that blamed himself for his parents’ separation.
Joanna finally said with a sad smile, “Our ride is here.” The limo ride reserved by the funeral home that would take her, Grams, Carter and Miles - who had been nothing short of supportive and a rock for all three immediate members of this family over the past week.
Carter flinched, and his eyes roamed down to the picture again as he said in a choked, sad voice, “I’m not sure I should go.”
To this, Joanna frowned. She took that first step forward into her son’s private sanctuary and approached his bedside, taking his silence as an open invitation to sit beside him. Her hand gently caressed his arm as she asked, “Why don’t you think you should go say goodbye?”
Carter shook his head, his head downcast but looking up through his brow as he replied, “I-I just keep thinking back to what I said to him on the cruise.” Carter bit his bottom lip as his words came back to haunt him, asking his Dad when he was going to just die and stop ruining his life… and here… now? He closed his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks, his voice cracking, “Why did I say that to him…?”
“Because you didn’t know, dear.” Joanna smiled sadly, feeling the obligation of a mother being there for her child despite the amount of pain she herself was feeling deep inside. “You didn’t know about any of it.”
“No excuse…” Carter half mumbled, and Joanna interrupted, “No dear, it wasn’t. And it was harsh, but do you want to know something?”
Her fingertips under his chin lifted his gaze into her own, and Carter could see the wetness in her eyes, behind her glasses. Joanna smiled despite her heart breaking and she said, “The last talk your Father and I had? I asked him what he remembered most over the past few months. Do you know what he told me?”
To which, Carter shook his head in the negative, and Joanna answered, “It wasn’t what you said to him. He said what he remembered most was that hug you gave him when he visited you in Las Vegas. And how you told him you didn’t want to lose him.” Her arm stretched out and around his shoulder for a loving embrace as she drew her boy up against herself. She said, “After everything he blamed himself for – everything he said that he said ended our family – for you to hug him and not want to lose him again… honey? That is what he remembered most.”
Carter clenched his eyes shut tight as Joanna drew his head to her shoulder, hugging him tightly. The affectionate gesture giving her as much strength for what was to come….
Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home
It seemed something of a tragic joke that despite the sad circumstances of saying goodbye to a loved one, the weather in Seattle was about as perfect as one might ask for; with clear blue skies and nary a cloud to be seen. The winds were mild and the temperatures reached just over eighty for the comfort of all those below the heavens. Drawing down to where the final farewells to Cillian Macguire would be given at the Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, a cream-colored stone structure resembling a church more so than a funeral home. Founded in the year 1923 and named after the historic tree that symbolized the promise of rebirth, it was a fitting place to say goodbye in accordance with Cillian's wishes.
And it looked like more than expected were going to want to be here to say their farewells or be there in support of those who were in need, as many cars pulled up and around to drop mourners off at the front doors, while many other cars parked in reserved spaces and emptied of their occupants who made for the building.
Inside, the first thing to be seen was the framed picture of Cillian, along with the dated years 1971-2023. People lined up to sign the memory book that had been put out for the family, a kind and loving gesture for any who wished to say their own goodbyes and offer their heartfelt messages for the family.
And inside of the funeral home’s cathedral, the pews were filled with those who were there as both friends and family. People who either knew Cillian in life, or who were there for those that did. Seated in the front pew was, of course, Carter as Cillian’s only son, along with his ex-wife Joanna and his former mother-in-law - Joan aka Grams. And seated beside Carter by the family’s insistence was, of course, Miles Kasey. Miles who loved Carter and was loved in return, and who had been taken into the warmth of his immediate family as one of their own. And Carter knew that he and his Mom and Grams were supported by more than just the man who sat at his left with his fingers interwoven within his own. As the first of many eulogies were being read, Carter had glanced around and his heart soared at seeing so many familiar faces here in Seattle, having taken time away from their own business and travels in the wrestling industry to be there, to support him.
It came as no surprise to see the Stevens family there, as Gabriel and Odette were among the first to arrive and offer their condolences. But as Carter looked further, he saw notable names such as other members of the GO Gym, such as O’Malley and his wife Darcy and brother Alastair. Even Fenris and his brother Aron were sitting in attendance, along with Fenris’s husband, David Shepherd. Carter’s best friend, Ariana, was there of course. You never would have been able to keep her from attending to be there for Carter and his family. Alexandra Calaway had even made the trip, and despite them not being that close – Bobbie Dahl and Artie were right there in traditional black, offering all the comforts that they could.
Bobbie, in fact, almost crushed Carter’s ribs with one of her patented “Bobbie Bear Hugs” before she gathered herself. But if you were to ask him, he adored every ounce of the discomfort because it was, in fact, comforting. Just having them all be there for him was.
The priest conducting the funeral rites, a woman in her middle years, had asked if there was another who wished to say a few words - and Carter himself was set to be the last to speak as Cillian’s only child, but before he could rise to take his place at the pulpit, there was an interruption as a loud, weeping woman who was his own Grams’ age interrupted the process and took the initiative to go in Carter’s stead. She was holding a lace hanky to her eyes as she was ‘assisted’ to the pulpit by two men Cillian’s relative age - and there was a sudden swell of tense discomfort - at least on the right hand side of the church where Carter’s family side had been gathered.
As the old woman wailed without a tear in her eyes, she started to speak into the microphone about the pain of losing a child. Carter felt the curious gaze of Miles on him and he leaned over just enough to whisper, “Dad’s mom. Putting on quite the show, isn’t she?”
Both men sat straight as Miles could feel the burning sting of Carter’s gaze on the woman telling the entire service that she was Cillian’s mother and as such, NOBODY was suffering like she was at the loss of her oldest child. Miles then heard Joanna mutter, “She hasn’t even seen him in years!”
Carter whispered again to Miles, “Dad’s family never forgave him for marrying Mom and not forcing me into that camp.”
Miles sat back and drew in a deep breath, not knowing the woman but the fact taking nothing away from the sudden swell of disdain he felt burning deep inside of himself. He watched as the same men - Cillian’s brothers as Carter half explained, helped their mother down from the pulpit and back to her place in the pew alongside her family. She, and the rest of her brood, assumed that she had just usurped Carter’s place in bringing the services to a close, but Miles knew his boyfriend and he knew that above all else, Carter did not allow anyone to steal his moment.
Carter’s eyes were staring directly on his ‘other’ Grandma as he pushed himself to his feet and approached the pulpit, and Miles watched and saw the burning daggers being shot in his boyfriend’s general direction for taking his rightful spot and NOT allowing this woman to steal it and be the center of attention.
Carter looked out at everyone gathered, his eyes lingering on both Miles as well as his Mom and Grams before he found his voice, “I wasn’t originally going to come here to speak. I didn’t think it was my place or my right because for the past several years, my Dad and I didn’t really have a relationship to speak of. I was angry at the man, for a lot of things that were said and done in the past. I said some cruel things – terrible things – because of things that happened years ago and were no longer really relevant. I used to believe that people did not change.”
Carter’s eyes focused then solely on his Mother.
“I could not have been more wrong.” He said. “My Dad was no longer the same man that I was angry at. He wasn’t the man I harbored a terrible grudge against. He proved to me that in his heart, his family really did matter because he did everything he could to reach out to me. I wasn’t what you might call receptive.” Carter shook his head. “I was stubborn, or as my Mom said, I was my father’s son.”
There were some scattered chuckles in the room, save for Cillian’s side of the room who simply stared at the young man, the grandmother so upset that her bottom lip had practically disappeared.
Carter continued, “My Dad loved me. I found that out – perhaps a bit too late, but I know it now. And I love him. I tried to do what I could to save his life near the end, but we ended up saying goodbye before I could.”
This bit of news caught both Joanna and Joan off guard, as neither knew that Carter was prepared to donate a kidney to try and save his Dad’s life.
Carter went on, “But I was told even if I had done so in time, my Dad wouldn’t have accepted. Because he would not have allowed his only child to give up any part of themself to save himself. Earlier today, I told my family that I was prepared to stay in Seattle for a while, to not return to Las Vegas for a show this weekend that my Dad was going to come to.” Carter felt the sting of hot, salty tears well up in his eyes as he thought what it would have been like had his Dad been there in the front row to cheer him on. What it would have been like to bring him backstage and to introduce him to all of his friends.
“I am not ashamed to admit that I was wrong about Cillian Macguire – my Father. I am, however, ashamed that it took me this long to realize and to understand just what I meant to him. That he did indeed love me as a parent should - unconditionally. I was ready to give up on everything when my Mom gave me something from the night Dad was taken into the hospital.” Carter said as he reached into his suit jacket and withdrew a folded piece of paper. Carter unfolded it and laid it flat on the stand and he began to read, “‘Carter. I had hoped that the days of breaking a promise to you were a thing of the past, but I suppose you know by now that I am going to have to break just one more. I’m not going to be able to come to Las Vegas to watch my boy become a World Champion. The sad part was I was truly looking forward to being there in the front row to watch and cheer you on, and tell anyone who would listen - willing or not - that this was my son in that ring. I never got to know many of your friends when you were a boy, and there was a part of me that was super excited to have you introduce me to the people who have been there for you when I wasn’t able. I don’t want you to give up on your dreams, just because I’m not there.’”
Carter closed his eyes and drew in a shaky breath as he read the final line, of the last note his dad ever gave him, “‘Because I haven’t given up on my dreams and hopes for you.’”
By now, many in attendance were clearly affected by the words delivered from father to son. Carter continued to speak, telling those in attendance of some of his favorite memories of his Dad, and the last time that they got to hug one another. There was nary a dry eye in the house, save for a fair few who simply stared at the young man who was remembering his father - with anger and annoyance in their eyes.
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas had long since been set up for what was going to be one of the most epic wrestling events of 2023 - High Stakes XIII. Even now, the staff worked tirelessly to ensure all was ready and so that things would go off without a hitch. The six-sided ring was front and center in the middle of the arena floor and rows upon rows of chairs were lined up amidst the stands for over ten thousand plus that would be in attendance. Sound and video equipment were at the ready for the live broadcast and being tested currently. The stage and ramp way had been finished and all of the lightning were having the finishing touches put on. In affect, no expense had been spared for what was affectionately coined as the ‘Grand Prix of Professional Wrestling’.
And right in the center of the stage, set up for various news reporters and wrestling journalists, was the now-vacant SCW World Heavyweight Championship belt. Encased in a glass case and resting on a wine colored, satin pillow, the grandest prize for the men of Sin City Wrestling was a sight to behold, and coveted greatly by six men in particular this coming Sunday.
One of whom stepped up onto the stage with his eyes on that very prize.
Helluva Bottom Carter said softly, “Hard as it may be to believe, there was a point in time where I was convincing myself that I really didn’t belong in this match, competing with five of the best the Superstar division has to offer. All to determine the next heir apparent for Sin City Wrestling. To decide which man would step up to the plate and become the new champion, the one that would lead the SCW Universe into 2024 and beyond.”
He nodded.
“And I am in there with the best of the best. Men who have each held championships many times over and a few who have even been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Yet here I am, set to go up against these very same men and walk out of Vegas as the brand new World Heavyweight Champion. But then one of my own opponents said something that made me think twice and think that maybe I really do have my place here. And I’m talking about Alexander Raven. Now I will be the first to admit that I probably said one or two things that might have been a bit rough around the edges when really – Alexander never did or said anything to me to make me be anything less than respectful. And I never thought I said much of anything that would make him want to paint a target on my back, until I looked back and realized I still have so much to learn in the finer details of this business. You see, friend or foe, coming out here and talking to everyone who you're going up against inside of that ring is not always as easy as some might make it appear to be. Oh sure, sometimes when you’re a J2H or a Jack Washington, the world is your proverbial oyster and each man you’re against is an enemy keeping you away from what you think you’re entitled to. Key word being - entitled. Those type of guys are never at a loss of things to say, but – and maybe I’m tooting my own horn here – I never really saw myself as much of that type. Okay, maybe I am a little cocky.”
Carter shrugged, glancing up into the lights.
“Okay, so I can be a smart ass bitch when the mood strikes me. But I never saw myself as being disrespectful toward anyone that I didn’t think deserved it first. But when it comes to promos and talking to your opponent, no matter who they are, I just always thought shoot off at the mouth first and ask questions later. But Alexander raven, of all people, made me think twice where that mindset comes into play. The man who has put down the shoulders of some of the best talent in SCW never had an unkind word to say to me. Not really. He even told the world that I was one of the only ones who truly belonged in this match because I pinned Michael Harris, the former champion. That says a lot about Alexander Raven the man and the competitor, and the integrity that he has. So win or lose, thank you Alexander. For lifting the cloud from in front of my eyes and helping me to realize and to understand that I do in fact have my place here.”
“Now Jack Washington? I’ll be the first to admit the only thing I know about the man is what he can and has accomplished inside of the ring - which is plenty - and the things he says in front of the masses when he decides to run his mouth and talk some trash. And, let’s face facts – Jack is one of the best trash talkers out there. It doesn’t matter who he’s in the ring against, whether they are a friend of his (*snort*) or foe, a heel or a face, you can bet that Jack will have plenty to say and chances are, it’s going to be spot on. Although sometimes you have to wonder if the man pays attention to much of anything that doesn’t involve himself or the men he’s already faced, because he and I have never met before inside of the ring, and he’s openly questioning why I’m involved in this match. He called me a joke and questioned why I was in this match with the rest of them, when just a week prior I pinned the World Champion at the time! If that doesn’t qualify me for being in a World title match, then what the hell does? And you - Jack?”
Carter leans closer toward the title belt on display, his hand cupped over his ear.
“You may have gotten a few wins here and there against some of the others in this match, but when was the last time you were ever even close to the World title? When was the last time you pinned a World Champion? By those odds, I’d say I deserve this spot more than you do. I’d say it gives me a better shot at walking out of this arena as the champion than any odds in your own favor.”
“And when you talk about greatness, you can’t ignore everything that Goth has accomplished not just here in SCW, but everywhere else that the man has stepped inside of a wrestling ring. There is a reason why he’s been inducted into more than one Hall of Fame, and he might not have done everything by the book, but his record speaks for itself. And ever since Goth returned from his injury and J2H had become the top man – again, Goth has had this very bet in his sights. I can tell how he feels because while I don't have one iota of the experience that he does, I have held my own share of titles in SCU and truer words were never spoken when I heard ‘Once a champion loses a title, the hunger to regain that feeling is insatiable’. Goth is living proof. He’s held how many championships in his career, and now counting just World titles? This is a man that has paid his dues and could easily retire and live comfortably the remainder of his days – but he can’t. Because he has that hunger. He has that passion. He wants to hold the World Championship again and will do anything in his power to make that happen. Psychologically, Goth is the most dangerous man in this match, and I don't mind admitting. He’s going to be a bitch to overcome.”
“But then we have the most dangerous man in this match from a physical standpoint, and I am speaking from personal experience because I have been in the ring with Austin James Mercer before. I can’t deny that the one time that Austin had me at his mercy one on one - he literally had me at his mercy! I have NEVER taken a beating before the way that he damn near put me six feet under - figuratively of course. He put me through a table. He powerbombed me over and over and simply would not take the pin because he wanted, I thought, to beat the life out of me so bad, it’d totally and completely eclipse any friendly influence that I might have had over the man when he wasn’t such a … oh what’s the word I’m looking for?”
Carter paused in thought, and then snapped his fingers.
“... A raging asshole. And now Austin, I literally don't know what to make of you. Because on one hand, you’d bury me alive inside of that ring to separate yourself from me. You think yourself something of a relationship expert apparently given you think I either weigh Miles down like an anchor or I inspire him as he is now a champion, but let me tell you what I think. I think you overestimate me in what influence you think I have on others - including yourself. And I think you underestimate me now in thinking that I will be anything less than a stepping stone for the other five men in this match. You say my win over Harris is going to make you come at me the same way you come at the others? Fine, great! Because I’ve seen you at what I THOUGHT was your worst. Congratulations, Austin. You’ve piqued my curiosity. Bring it!”
“And of course when I spoke of Jack earlier, his sense of entitlement doesn’t even begin to compare to the final man of the hour. Last but least, and perhaps the best of the greatest - J2H. The Karen of professional Wrestling. Since this Main Event was announced, all J2H has done is bitch and moan. How he should have been named champion or the rest of these guys don’t belong in this match. This coming from a man who has time and again told the world that he doesn’t need a championship to prove that he’s the best, but time and again he returns to the ring on a whim and a championship always conveniently on center stage! I guess I can’t blame you. You are J2H after all, and where you go, gold tends to follow. Or at least, it used to. Times are a changin, J2H. The sad fact is, however, that you’re not changing with them. Every time you deign to grace us with your presence, it’s the same insults and the same boasts about who you are and what you’ve done for the sport. Now granted, you do give credit where it’s due with opposition. I never thought I’d see the day you gave me props. But then you go and tell the world that without Michael Harris in SCW, there will be nobody to stop you…”
Carter turned and smiled those pearly whites. He shook his head and pointed to himself.
“Not true. I’m the last man who put Harris down for the count, J2H. Not you. And who knows? Maybe you’re right. Maybe by all rights it should have been a one on one between the two of us to decide the new champion rather than having these four other guys getting in between us and what matters most. But just as you’ve learned in recent weeks, you can’t always have what you want. But this Sunday, perhaps the world can. Perhaps every fan and expert out there will get to see J2H-Carter II, only this time, they’ll get to experience something new. Your dreams of a fourth title win dashed, and my first World title reign beginning. I’ve watched your entire career. From the moments you teamed with Giani and were saw as a joke, to when you emerged from the proverbial cocoon and became a genuine Superstar! All of your accolades are well deserved. Everything you’ve accomplished - you built from the ground up. But it’s my turn now James. I’ve fought just as hard as you have and I am leaving High Stakes XII with both the World title, and your respect.”
“Like it or not.”
