The Art of Rebuilding

“Congrats to KJ first and foremost, she outsmarted and out maneuvered me in a very hard fought match. She is without a doubt, pound for pound, one of the best fighters I’ve ever been against. Regardless of gender designation, she’s an amazing athlete doing things the right way. People who’ve earned my respect will always be treated with respect until they prove otherwise. Take Mia Rayne for example. She and my son Jimmy have been friends for a while and she had earned my respect. Until recently that is. Mia, you and I have never faced one another in a match. Miss Rayne has become quite the polarizing figure in Carnage, not in a good way but it is what it is right? The promotionals that she produces are so full of venom that people are actually getting butt hurt over the things she’s said. Rumor has it some of her past opponents went to Talent Relations to file a complaint.

Me? Nah, I’m good, I don’t give a shit what she says. Her opinion of me matters less than the zero fucks I give about my won-loss record. Mia has accomplished some really good things since her arrival. She’s beaten everyone she’s come into contact with, other than her loss to Amber in that three way match. The same person that I beat in the previous tournament for a world championship contender. She almost seemed surprised at the outcome of that match. That only means she wasn’t paying attention to her opponents. Your lack of attention to detail will eventually be your undoing. Well, that combined with your “issues”. I say that with tongue firmly pressed in cheek. See, T.V. Guide has issues, Mia Rayne has volumes. I’m not a fan of burning books, but I think I may make an exception in this case.

It would be a real shame if this chapter closed for you before the first pages were actually written.

{Hudson’s - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina}

The sound of the waves lapping against the dock, the smell of the ocean, the calling of the gulls. These are the things that caused me to fall in love with South Carolina. My friend Keith and I sat on the dock enjoying freshly cooked seafood. Watching the sun set and enjoying the libations. It’s Keith that breaks the silence, “Mac, have you ever thought about what you want to do after wrestling is done with you or vice versa?”. I grunt around a mouthful of Mahi. “I haven’t given it much thought, no. My kids all think I’ll die in the ring.”. Keith laughs half heartedly at my attempted humor. “Seriously though, with your background, why not come work for me?”, he states matter of factly. “Doing what exactly?”, I ask. “Ericsson is always looking for consultants who get tech and are passionate about it. I mean, come on, I’ve seen the kind of technology that your ranch has on it for example. Where did you get it?”. I smile at my old friend, “Jimmy and I developed most of it, the rest was bought off the shelf.”.

I nods, “Exactly what I’m talking about, at least tell me you’ll consider it.”. I nodded in return, “Of course, but I think wrestling is far from done with me.”. With that, my email chime goes off. “Let me check this, it should be the card for the next show. “And there it is. Another tournament for a number one contender for the world title. Mia Rayne….really...interesting.”. He arches an eyebrow, “you mean that psycho chick from cwf?”. “Yeah, she’s friends with my kid or was at one point. Not really sure where they stand these days. Doesn’t matter, it’s a match against someone I’ve never faced before.”. Keith gives me a long look, “And that’s important to you.”. I smile in return, “Oh yes, it’s very important. A lot of the people I face these days, they weren’t even born yet when I had my debut match.”. “That’s another reason you should consider my offer. They are coming up stronger, faster and meaner than what your generation of stars was or is.”.

I frown at that statement, not because he’s wrong, but quite the opposite. “I think that’s one of the reasons I still do this. I have this need to show this new generation that it’s important to be respectful of those who came before you.”. Keith, “What if they don’t see it your way?”. I laugh for a second, “Then I’ll just have to beat some fucking respect into them.”. This causes Keith to laugh, “That’s the old Mac Bane that I remember so well.”. I grunt around another mouthful of fish, “He’s always been right here my friend. People like me and Trent Steel, and Jack Michaels, we are the constant in this business. Whether anyone wants to admit or not, whether they like it or not, we are still the measuring stick for others.”. Keith raises his glass, “A toast then.”. In response I raise mine, “What are we toasting?”. “To the old bastards of professional wrestling, may they reign supreme.”. I laugh as I drink, shaking my head. Keith’s phone begins to ring, “Sorry pal, I have to take this.”. “Go ahead.”.

As Keith steps away, I’ve finished my meal and step out onto the dock. I lit a cigarette and leaned against the railing. “Places like this bring me peace, every time in my life when I’ve reached a crossroads. I come to a large body of water and let the negative energy simply seep through the soles of my shoes into the water and let it carry those feelings away.”, I say to no one in particular as I take another drag off my cigarette. “When Joe and Lucy asked me to be on their team for war games, I felt honored, I believed in what they were doing. I believed in them based on the actions of Paragon. At the time, they were anything but paragon’s for the business. When Jack realized this, he came out and apologized to everyone. This tempered the flame that burned in my heart for that man. I wanted nothing more than to be the guy that put him out of this business.”.

Keith interrupts my reflection, “Sorry to intrude big man, I have to go. Local company we’re working with.”. I put my cigarette out in the ashtray nearby. “No worries my friend, I’ve already paid for dinner.”. He shakes his head in dismay, “This was supposed to be my treat, remember?”. I smile at him as we shake hands, “I do, but you and your girl are trying to save money to move down here. Remember?”. He laughs as we release the handshake, as he walks away, he says over his shoulder, “Next time you’re in Dallas come to the office and I’ll give you the grand tour.”. I reply to him, Of course, I’d love to see what they’re working on.”. After Keith walks away, I continue with my train of thought...

“Where was I? Ah yes, I wanted to be the guy that put Jack Michaels on the shelf permanently. I was that driven, he had pissed me and the legion off that much. The way in which he quickly dispatched his opponent at the pay per view. That showed me something right there. Jack, I know you’ll be watching this, you’re not someone I fear. You are most certainly someone I respect. You, Amber and KJ all earned my respect. I don’t give that lightly, and I certainly don’t expect the same in return. Like you earned mine, I still have to earn yours. I just thought it was worth saying, because when I say something I mean it.

That brings me to Mia…..

Mia or Mitaxia, whatever the fuck you’re calling yourself these days. It simply doesn’t matter, you’re still Mia Rayne to me. A friend of mine posted to Twitter recently that you should make sure your actions match your words. Make sure that you do so, you better make damn sure I don’t answer the bell and the paramedics can’t revive me. Make sure that whatever ring psychology you choose to use in our match puts you in the best possible position. Not to succeed, no, to survive.

Here’s a thought for you, never mind, you’ve probably never had an original thought in your sad existence. Some advice, or a recommendation if you will. Ask Jazz or Amber what happened the last time someone threatened to take me out. Since you like to talk about body of work so much. Here’s a little jewel for your consideration my dear. I’ve been a world champion on twelve different occasions, I’ve held world tag team championships with various people on twenty one different occasions. Countless other singles titles, but that’s not the most important thing for you to know or remember. The most important thing for you to remember? I was putting asses in seats and main eventing pay per views before you were born. Chew on that Bitch.

Fade…

{Dallas, Texas - The Paradigm Gym}

I entered the gym, an almost hospital like sterile smell was the first thing that assaulted my sense of smell. That was the thing, it didn’t smell like a gym at all, did people really work out here? One of the trainers approached me, a very clean cut fella. He had that frat boy look to him, and that was the first thing that pissed me off about this kid. We’ll call him “Biff”, since I don’t recall his name as he introduced himself. “Ah, so….you have an appointment?”. My response was a bit more harsh than I probably intended, “Do I need one, son?!”. He took a quick step back, “Sorry sir, I didn’t mean to offend, and no you certainly don’t need one. Do you have a membership here?”. I smiled at him this time before responding, “No, my son does but I don't.'' He studies me for a moment and asks, “May I have his name, we can sign you in on his membership.” I nodded politely, “Yes, his name is Jimmy Allen.” I hand my i.d. to him and he reads the name out loud…”Mac Bane? The Mac Bane?”. Oh boy someone is about to go all fanboy on me.

He grabs his phone and calls someone, I’m assuming his boss, “Mr. Czerka, we have a celebrity in the house. Mac Bane. Yes sir, I’ll see to it right now.” He hangs up the phone and I roll my eyes. “This is the reason that I typically work out at home.”, he hands me my i.d. back. “If you’ll follow me sir, I’ll take you back to our locker room and after you’re changed we can discuss which trainer to pair you with.”. I grunt and nod as he leads the way. I’ve never used steroids in my life and as I look around at the gym, it’s obvious that these people all have. I enter the locker room and “Biff” waits outside as I get changed. I change from jeans and t-shirt into typical shorts and a sleeveless shirt that has the phrase, “You make me realize I don’t have enough middle fingers.”. When I come out of the changing room, “Biff” shakes his head and laughs. “Nice shirt!” he says with enthusiasm.

I laugh in return, maybe “Biff” is okay after all. “Tell Jimmy you want one, he’ll take care of the rest.”. He nods and leads me over to where the owner and the trainers have assembled. Mr. Czerka approaches me and shakes my hand. “What brings you to our neck of the woods Mr. Bane?!”. “Well, I was supposed to meet my son Jimmy here for some speed and cardio training.”. A young lady with bright purple hair approaches me, the name tag she wears says, “Lindsey”. “Mr. Bane, I’m Lindsey and I’m the trainer for cardio and speed here.”. I interrupt her speal, “Please, call me Mac.” Lindsey responds with a smile, “Yes si...er...I mean Mac.” She gets side eye from her boss which she ignores. That makes me laugh. “I like you already Lindsey, shall we get to work?”. Lindsey with a mischievous look in her eyes says to me, “If you think you can handle it?”.

Handle it I did, not well at times, this young lady was brutal in her training methods. At the end of my first hour, everything was on fire, every muscle screamed for relief. I kept pushing it, and pushing to well into the second hour. She calls for a break, “Mac, that’s impressive. How old did you say you were?.”. I laugh as I struggle to catch my breath, “I never did actually say, I’ll be forty five in December.”. “And you’re Jimmy’s dad…”. I bark a laugh, “I know, that always surprises people.”. Now it’s her turn to bark a laugh, “You two are as different as night and day.”. I shrug my shoulders, “Sure on the surface, he’s still young and a little vain but inside a wrestling ring. That’s where the similarities really show.”. “Why did you come here to train anyway?”. I respond in a matter of fact tone, “He told me about this place and how different the philosophy is here. That sign that hangs in the entrance speaks volumes to what I need right now.” Their motto is “Think Different” and that’s what I needed to do.

Fade…

“When I look at my career and yours, do you know what stands out the most to me? I’ve never had to reinvent myself. I’ve always been this ass kicking renegade who never went along to get along. You? The thing that stands out the most to me about you. Every time you hit a stumbling block, all of a sudden, Mia Rayne develops a new personality. One is too many, and forty three isn’t enough? I’ve seen others do similar things. There are some people that, when they hit a losing streak. Instead of training harder, trying to adapt or evolve to get to that next level. What do they do? They join a faction, so that they have numbers on their side. Kinda sad really, not as sad as developing a new personae but sad all the same.

See, I have no issue with you personally kiddo. I think deep down, you have a passion for this business. I think your heart is in the right place, your head though. Your head is not in the game. You’ve already proven that by the things you’ve said to me and about me. Had you actually done some research on me, you’d know that you’re not stepping between the ropes with some jackass who has no clue what he’s doing in the ring. You really should have saved that kind of talk for someone new to the company. I was amused by the repetitive talk of how dumb I am though. See, it wasn’t me that coined the phrase that words spoken to me have consequences. That was said to me in a post match interview when I won my first world title. That gentlemen’s name was Bob Pooler.

That being said,did you really think you can intimidate me? There’s not a man, woman or beast on the face of this earth that fear. You would do well to remember that. So, after I send your ass packing from this tournament, what will you morph into next? Hell, maybe this will cause you to evolve just like my losses have caused me to evolve. Just remember kid, it’s not personal, so don’t try to make it that way. You won’t like the end result.

I play for blood

I still fight for the legion

I still fight for myself.