Post by Jack Michaels on Aug 7, 2020 15:58:05 GMT -5
July 7th, 2020
It was a warm summer’s night as Amber Michaels walked through her home atop the Las Vegas foothills. The sun had nearly set upon the dark horizon as she found herself wandering towards the balcony that sat over the entire property. As the hot breeze rushed at her face with the opening of the door, she could hear the distinct sound of soft crying in the night. She walked over the railing to where a lone figure was in a chair by the pool. Her father, former Carnage World Champion Jack Michaels, sat in the dying light. Her heart broke at the sight of the strong man crying with one hand rubbing his eyes and one hand petting the equally concerned black labrador Piper who sat nestled by her master’s side.
“Dad? Are you okay?”
Her voice came as a shock to the older man who quickly sniffed back some tears and brought his head up.
*Sniff* “Yeah, just uh… Got something in my eye. The dust out here, you know…”
“Right… I’m coming down.”
Amber found herself quickly walking downstairs and turning on the lights by the pool. She came outside where Piper wagged her tail but refused to leave the side of Jack. She gave her a small pet before pulling up a chair beside her Dad. No words were spoken as Amber laid a hand on her Dad’s who managed to let a small smile cross his lips. He closed his callused fist around her’s as tears began to well up in his eyes once more.
“Dad… Please talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Jack took a labored breath as he shook his head.
“It was never supposed to be this hard. I just… I don’t…”
He swallowed hard as Amber leaned in a bit closer.
“Is it Kyra, Dad?”
Jack swallowed hard as he shook his head.
“Yeah but… No. It’s not just her. It’s... I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be like this. I’m supposed to be the strong one. I’m supposed to be so much more than…”
More tears came down his face as Amber leaned over and gave him a hug. She held her father tight as she whispered in his ear.
“You are the strongest man I have ever known. Don’t ever think otherwise. It’s okay… It’s okay. Talk to me.”
Jack took a second and kissed his daughter’s cheek as she broke the embrace. He looked at her lovingly for a moment before his eyes fell to the horizon.
“I’m lost, Amber. I’m lost and I don’t know where to go.”
Jack let himself trail off as he seemed to struggle to put thoughts into words. Amber stayed patient with him as his eyes narrowed a bit.
“My whole life… I had a vision of what I wanted to do. Where I wanted to go. It was one goal after another after another and I kept figuring out a way to achieve them. First it was that I wanted to be a champion. Next, I wanted to be a good father. Then, I wanted to be wealthy. I wanted to take care of my family. I wanted to train new wrestlers. I wanted to be an icon and inspire others to have hope, care and dreams… I wanted and wanted and kept pushing until... I did it all. At 53 years old, I can look back on my legacy and see that I did everything I wanted to do. I was a world champion. I was a beacon for another generation and… Looking at you? The way you grew up and turned out? I think I was a pretty good father too.”
Amber smiled and nodded.
“You are the best father anyone could ever have. Not just to me but to Amber Ryan, Adina, Eli and just about every single person you ever tried to help in this world. You don’t have to keep wanting anymore.”
Jack let his face soften as he brought his hand up to his daughter’s face but then let it fall away. Oddly, a mild bitterness came over his voice.
“Yeah… I don’t have to want anymore.”
Jack suddenly got up from the chair as Piper scooted over to Amber. A strange look came over Jack’s face as he looked at his domain.
“I built all of this… Did everything I could have wanted. Felt loved and gave love to my family, my sport and my God… I have everything... And yet I’m not happy, Amber.”
Jack turned around and looked at his daughter in confusion.
“Why aren’t I happy, Amber? Why can’t I just be happy?”
-----
July 10th, 2020
“So uh… I wanted to get your opinion on something.”
Jack leaned forward a bit in his chair as his adopted daughter Amber Ryan took a long pull on the ice cold tea in her hands. It was a Friday afternoon, the unofficial day that the two of them had lunch, talked shop and basically stayed as a family.
“Yes, I think you should brush the egg salad out of your mustache.”
The Carnage Champion motioned with her glass as she watched Jack quickly run a hand over his lip rake.
“Not quite what I was going to ask but thanks I guess.”
Amber snickered a bit as she put her tea down and crossed her arms.
“Always glad to help. So what’s up?”
Jack took a second to gather his thoughts and shrugged his shoulders.
“So uh… I’ve been thinking about you know… Coming back to fight.”
The look on Amber’s face suddenly hardened as she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.
“Fight?”
Jack nodded.
“Yeah… I mean nothing big. Like locally. Charity fights maybe.”
Amber leaned back in her chair and raised an eyebrow.
“Charity fights huh?”
Jack smiled broadly.
“Well, yeah. I mean I don’t need the money. It would be good to give a bit back. You know with boxing or wrestling or whatever really… Just kind of having a shot to have some fun out there.”
It was Amber’s turn to nod her head as she uncrossed her arms and took another sip off her tea. She swallowed slowly before tilting her head.
“Yeah, I get it. I mean if that’s what’s going to make you happy, I say go for it.”
Jack studied Amber as the years he’d known her crept into his mind. Amber put the glass down and shook her head.
“But it’s not going to make you happy is it, Pop?”
A look of confusion came over Jack’s face as he tried to decipher what was said.
“What do you m…”
Amber leaned close to Jack and grabbed him by the hand.
“Look… I’m not going to sugarcoat this shit. You don’t want to fight in some local charity fights to have some fun. You want to get back into the ring because you got something missing inside of you and this is the one fucking way you know how to fill it back up.”
Jack opened his mouth to speak but Amber cut him off.
“I get it you know? I get that with Kyra gone, Lil Amber about to turn 21 and you sitting in this huge house by yourself that you need to have something left to hold onto. I get it more than… Well maybe more than I care to admit. But I also know that your heart isn’t in just being one of the boys. If you do this… I mean seriously do this… You are going to be coming back after the top wherever you go. Be it with me, be it in boxing or be it in some other god forsaken place I don’t even know about. The fact is ‘The Blast’ Jack Michaels is going to creep back to the surface and it’s going to compromise everything you have left. How much are you willing to risk by stepping back into the ring? You lost so much… And at your age? How much more are you able to give?”
Amber let go of Jack’s hand and stood up from the chair.
“You know I’ll support whatever you want to do because I love you. I’ll fight you again or I’ll watch you die to get back to the top somewhere else. However Pop... That’s what scares me. You’re willing to kill yourself, just like I am, in order to fill that gap inside your chest. It won’t be fun and games if you come back to the ring… It’s going to be a massacre for you and whoever gets in your fucking way.”
Jack stood up next as Amber let out her breath and turned away from her father; a look of legitimate concern now etched on her face.
“Just make sure it’s worth it if you do…..”
-----
July 14th, 2020
" ... which is why I will say this. There is no doubt that Jack Michaels is one of the greatest of all time. He was a legitimate world champion in the biggest promotions in his prime and, in his early 50s, dominated a bonafide regional dynasty against wrestlers half his age. It’s a tribute to anybody at that point in their career to be able to be seen as a champion, let alone against the talent pool that Carnage Wrestling had. I won’t argue that with anyone here but we have to figure in the facts. This is a 53 year old man who has avoided serious injury by only the bare minimum of luck. At some point, he will no longer be able to recover from the pounding he has taken over the last 3 years. With a body that is still in good working order, a brain still able to make cognitive decisions and nothing left to prove, I think it’s time for that old war horse to enjoy the pasture.”
“Thank you Mr. West. In case you are just joining us, the breaking news story today is that former multiple time World Champion and Wrestling Hall of Famer ‘The Blast’ Jack Michaels has made headlines with comments to the Las Vegas Review Journal about a possible return to the ring after his emotional final match in Baltimore’s Carnage Wrestling in late April. However, as of today, Jack has yet to renew a wrestling license anywhere in the country with his current status expiring towards the end of August. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, no new wrestler over the age of 50 will be able to apply for a license in the US. If Jack Michaels chooses not to renew at this point, there is a strong possibility he may never be able to be licensed again in the United States. To share their views, we are joined by the Program Manager for Action Sports in Walter West and the editor of Pro Wrestling Today, Steven Randolph III.”
“Look… I have been a Jack Michaels fan from his days as the Mean Machine back in UCW to his current run in Carnage Wrestling. The man ran the gauntlet of really 3 eras of pro wrestling and was able to find a way to stay as one of, if not, THE best to ever lace up the boots. However, reality has to come into focus. This isn’t some 20 year old kid trying to earn his spot. This isn’t even a 40 year old man trying to make a comeback. What this is, is simply the twilight of a great career. The notion that anyone would even consider wanting to see Jack make any sort of return to wrestling is ludicrous at best and dangerous at worst.”
“If I may play devil’s advocate here for a moment here, doesn’t his record setting run in Carnage prove he still has what it takes to be a top tier talent? Why shouldn’t he continue on if he feels he can?”
“Just because someone can do something doesn’t mean that they should. Have we already forgotten the strain he went through during his last run as world champion? He went through wars that, quite frankly, I’m not sure how anyone could have survived let alone a man who was alive when Lyndon Johnson was still president.”
“I would be forced to agree. The danger far outweighs whatever logic there could be to wanting to keep going be it in Carnage or somewhere else. Also... Like Walter said earlier on, is there really anything else to prove? Forget the rhetoric of those in the hunt still… Let’s look at facts and let’s look at the wrestlers he put down over his record breaking run as Carnage World Champion. Prydor, Smyth, Lennox, Lynwood, JC… He did it in cage matches, UltraViolent bloodfests, Elimination Chambers and more. The odds of any wrestler doing that is staggering let alone someone at the point he was.”
“To be completely frank, the bottom line is this. There is absolutely nothing, and I mean NOTHING, that Jack Michaels hasn’t done in his nearly 25 year career in wrestling. The only other thing I could think of would be that if he does come back… He’s doing it to die in the ring.”
*CLICK*
*Sigh…*
“You know what, Dad?”
“Hmm?”
“I think they’re wrong.”
-----
August 7th, 2020
“You’re right, you know.”
Half a taco dangled out of Amber’s mouth as the two ate Mexican take out in Jack’s home. She bit down as Jack was bringing a spoonful of seasoned rice up to his mouth.
*Garbled* “Abmoufhk wha?”
Jack took a quick bite of the rice and swallowed it down with a swig of Diet Pepsi before reaching for a napkin.
“About me coming back to the ring again. I gave it some thought and you’re right, if I make a comeback anywhere, I won’t be satisfied to just be one of the boys. I mean I like the charity idea still but yeah, I’d probably end up killing myself in the ring if I tried to do it by myself.”
Amber swallowed hard as she eyed Jack and absently used the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. Jack noticed her staring a hole through him and he raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Don’t you what me. I know damn well there is some sort of angle here so you can either continue to play dumb or you can wipe that stupid grin off your face and tell me what you have planned.”
A smile had indeed come up on Jack’s face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He went to a page before tossing it over to Amber. Her eyes darted to the screen as she read aloud what was on it.
“ERA Unification Tag Team Tournament. A multiple day event to determine the new ERA Tag champions in Laughlin, Nevada including a substantial prize fund open to all wr… Are you fucking kidding me?”
The exasperation in Amber’s voice spoke volumes as Jack nodded enthusiastically. Amber shook her head.
“So your brilliant idea to stay away from the ring and getting yourself killed is to, in fact, go back to the ring in a tag tournament. I swear to God Pop, I need to get your brain checked for severe damage.”
Jack rolled his eyes as he snatched back his phone and put it in his pocket.
“My brain is just fine, thank you. Look… You’re right about me being a singles wrestler anymore but it doesn’t mean I can’t still be my best in another forum. If I have someone to back me up, to make sure I don’t lose myself and to just help me feel alive again… It should be fine. Hell, I mean we could go down there and…”
Amber held up a hand.
“Ahem. ‘We?”
Jack shrugged.
“Why not we? I mean who better to keep an eye on me then you right? Plus you know, Father and daughter side by side fighting for the gold. The two of us, doing what we do best. It’s almost poetic in a way.”
Amber sighed as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“And let me guess… We will donate our purse to charity right?”
Jack looked sheepish.
“Um. The American Cancer Society. Helping promote research on children’s cancer at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Err... On behalf of Carnage Wrestling of course.”
Amber leaned in.
“Why on behalf of Carnage Wrestling?”
“Because uh… I sort of requested them to sponsor our team in the tournament. They seemed happy that I was going to do commentary on your match and uh... Well that I was coming back to the ring.”
Amber glared at Jack before finally shaking her head and letting the air come out of her.
“So basically if I say no, I will be letting down you, the fed I’m the champion of and a bunch of kids who have cancer. Nice.”
Jack put his arm out and rested a hand on the mildly pouty Amber’s shoulder.
“It would mean the world to me, kid. It really would.”
Amber looked up at her Dad as the looks softened on her face. She uncrossed her arms and smiled.
“You’re lucky I love you or else I’d probably be forced to kill you. Nothing personal.”
Jack laughed as he kissed her on the forehead.
“I love you too, baby girl. With all my heart.”
Jack leaned back as Amber nodded and reached back down to her food.
“Yeah, yeah… You owe me so many more tacos for this.”
Jack let his million dollar grin come over his face as he sank back in his chair.
“Meh… Worth it.”
-----
It was a warm summer’s night as Amber Michaels walked through her home atop the Las Vegas foothills. The sun had nearly set upon the dark horizon as she found herself wandering towards the balcony that sat over the entire property. As the hot breeze rushed at her face with the opening of the door, she could hear the distinct sound of soft crying in the night. She walked over the railing to where a lone figure was in a chair by the pool. Her father, former Carnage World Champion Jack Michaels, sat in the dying light. Her heart broke at the sight of the strong man crying with one hand rubbing his eyes and one hand petting the equally concerned black labrador Piper who sat nestled by her master’s side.
“Dad? Are you okay?”
Her voice came as a shock to the older man who quickly sniffed back some tears and brought his head up.
*Sniff* “Yeah, just uh… Got something in my eye. The dust out here, you know…”
“Right… I’m coming down.”
Amber found herself quickly walking downstairs and turning on the lights by the pool. She came outside where Piper wagged her tail but refused to leave the side of Jack. She gave her a small pet before pulling up a chair beside her Dad. No words were spoken as Amber laid a hand on her Dad’s who managed to let a small smile cross his lips. He closed his callused fist around her’s as tears began to well up in his eyes once more.
“Dad… Please talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Jack took a labored breath as he shook his head.
“It was never supposed to be this hard. I just… I don’t…”
He swallowed hard as Amber leaned in a bit closer.
“Is it Kyra, Dad?”
Jack swallowed hard as he shook his head.
“Yeah but… No. It’s not just her. It’s... I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be like this. I’m supposed to be the strong one. I’m supposed to be so much more than…”
More tears came down his face as Amber leaned over and gave him a hug. She held her father tight as she whispered in his ear.
“You are the strongest man I have ever known. Don’t ever think otherwise. It’s okay… It’s okay. Talk to me.”
Jack took a second and kissed his daughter’s cheek as she broke the embrace. He looked at her lovingly for a moment before his eyes fell to the horizon.
“I’m lost, Amber. I’m lost and I don’t know where to go.”
Jack let himself trail off as he seemed to struggle to put thoughts into words. Amber stayed patient with him as his eyes narrowed a bit.
“My whole life… I had a vision of what I wanted to do. Where I wanted to go. It was one goal after another after another and I kept figuring out a way to achieve them. First it was that I wanted to be a champion. Next, I wanted to be a good father. Then, I wanted to be wealthy. I wanted to take care of my family. I wanted to train new wrestlers. I wanted to be an icon and inspire others to have hope, care and dreams… I wanted and wanted and kept pushing until... I did it all. At 53 years old, I can look back on my legacy and see that I did everything I wanted to do. I was a world champion. I was a beacon for another generation and… Looking at you? The way you grew up and turned out? I think I was a pretty good father too.”
Amber smiled and nodded.
“You are the best father anyone could ever have. Not just to me but to Amber Ryan, Adina, Eli and just about every single person you ever tried to help in this world. You don’t have to keep wanting anymore.”
Jack let his face soften as he brought his hand up to his daughter’s face but then let it fall away. Oddly, a mild bitterness came over his voice.
“Yeah… I don’t have to want anymore.”
Jack suddenly got up from the chair as Piper scooted over to Amber. A strange look came over Jack’s face as he looked at his domain.
“I built all of this… Did everything I could have wanted. Felt loved and gave love to my family, my sport and my God… I have everything... And yet I’m not happy, Amber.”
Jack turned around and looked at his daughter in confusion.
“Why aren’t I happy, Amber? Why can’t I just be happy?”
-----
July 10th, 2020
“So uh… I wanted to get your opinion on something.”
Jack leaned forward a bit in his chair as his adopted daughter Amber Ryan took a long pull on the ice cold tea in her hands. It was a Friday afternoon, the unofficial day that the two of them had lunch, talked shop and basically stayed as a family.
“Yes, I think you should brush the egg salad out of your mustache.”
The Carnage Champion motioned with her glass as she watched Jack quickly run a hand over his lip rake.
“Not quite what I was going to ask but thanks I guess.”
Amber snickered a bit as she put her tea down and crossed her arms.
“Always glad to help. So what’s up?”
Jack took a second to gather his thoughts and shrugged his shoulders.
“So uh… I’ve been thinking about you know… Coming back to fight.”
The look on Amber’s face suddenly hardened as she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.
“Fight?”
Jack nodded.
“Yeah… I mean nothing big. Like locally. Charity fights maybe.”
Amber leaned back in her chair and raised an eyebrow.
“Charity fights huh?”
Jack smiled broadly.
“Well, yeah. I mean I don’t need the money. It would be good to give a bit back. You know with boxing or wrestling or whatever really… Just kind of having a shot to have some fun out there.”
It was Amber’s turn to nod her head as she uncrossed her arms and took another sip off her tea. She swallowed slowly before tilting her head.
“Yeah, I get it. I mean if that’s what’s going to make you happy, I say go for it.”
Jack studied Amber as the years he’d known her crept into his mind. Amber put the glass down and shook her head.
“But it’s not going to make you happy is it, Pop?”
A look of confusion came over Jack’s face as he tried to decipher what was said.
“What do you m…”
Amber leaned close to Jack and grabbed him by the hand.
“Look… I’m not going to sugarcoat this shit. You don’t want to fight in some local charity fights to have some fun. You want to get back into the ring because you got something missing inside of you and this is the one fucking way you know how to fill it back up.”
Jack opened his mouth to speak but Amber cut him off.
“I get it you know? I get that with Kyra gone, Lil Amber about to turn 21 and you sitting in this huge house by yourself that you need to have something left to hold onto. I get it more than… Well maybe more than I care to admit. But I also know that your heart isn’t in just being one of the boys. If you do this… I mean seriously do this… You are going to be coming back after the top wherever you go. Be it with me, be it in boxing or be it in some other god forsaken place I don’t even know about. The fact is ‘The Blast’ Jack Michaels is going to creep back to the surface and it’s going to compromise everything you have left. How much are you willing to risk by stepping back into the ring? You lost so much… And at your age? How much more are you able to give?”
Amber let go of Jack’s hand and stood up from the chair.
“You know I’ll support whatever you want to do because I love you. I’ll fight you again or I’ll watch you die to get back to the top somewhere else. However Pop... That’s what scares me. You’re willing to kill yourself, just like I am, in order to fill that gap inside your chest. It won’t be fun and games if you come back to the ring… It’s going to be a massacre for you and whoever gets in your fucking way.”
Jack stood up next as Amber let out her breath and turned away from her father; a look of legitimate concern now etched on her face.
“Just make sure it’s worth it if you do…..”
-----
July 14th, 2020
" ... which is why I will say this. There is no doubt that Jack Michaels is one of the greatest of all time. He was a legitimate world champion in the biggest promotions in his prime and, in his early 50s, dominated a bonafide regional dynasty against wrestlers half his age. It’s a tribute to anybody at that point in their career to be able to be seen as a champion, let alone against the talent pool that Carnage Wrestling had. I won’t argue that with anyone here but we have to figure in the facts. This is a 53 year old man who has avoided serious injury by only the bare minimum of luck. At some point, he will no longer be able to recover from the pounding he has taken over the last 3 years. With a body that is still in good working order, a brain still able to make cognitive decisions and nothing left to prove, I think it’s time for that old war horse to enjoy the pasture.”
“Thank you Mr. West. In case you are just joining us, the breaking news story today is that former multiple time World Champion and Wrestling Hall of Famer ‘The Blast’ Jack Michaels has made headlines with comments to the Las Vegas Review Journal about a possible return to the ring after his emotional final match in Baltimore’s Carnage Wrestling in late April. However, as of today, Jack has yet to renew a wrestling license anywhere in the country with his current status expiring towards the end of August. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, no new wrestler over the age of 50 will be able to apply for a license in the US. If Jack Michaels chooses not to renew at this point, there is a strong possibility he may never be able to be licensed again in the United States. To share their views, we are joined by the Program Manager for Action Sports in Walter West and the editor of Pro Wrestling Today, Steven Randolph III.”
“Look… I have been a Jack Michaels fan from his days as the Mean Machine back in UCW to his current run in Carnage Wrestling. The man ran the gauntlet of really 3 eras of pro wrestling and was able to find a way to stay as one of, if not, THE best to ever lace up the boots. However, reality has to come into focus. This isn’t some 20 year old kid trying to earn his spot. This isn’t even a 40 year old man trying to make a comeback. What this is, is simply the twilight of a great career. The notion that anyone would even consider wanting to see Jack make any sort of return to wrestling is ludicrous at best and dangerous at worst.”
“If I may play devil’s advocate here for a moment here, doesn’t his record setting run in Carnage prove he still has what it takes to be a top tier talent? Why shouldn’t he continue on if he feels he can?”
“Just because someone can do something doesn’t mean that they should. Have we already forgotten the strain he went through during his last run as world champion? He went through wars that, quite frankly, I’m not sure how anyone could have survived let alone a man who was alive when Lyndon Johnson was still president.”
“I would be forced to agree. The danger far outweighs whatever logic there could be to wanting to keep going be it in Carnage or somewhere else. Also... Like Walter said earlier on, is there really anything else to prove? Forget the rhetoric of those in the hunt still… Let’s look at facts and let’s look at the wrestlers he put down over his record breaking run as Carnage World Champion. Prydor, Smyth, Lennox, Lynwood, JC… He did it in cage matches, UltraViolent bloodfests, Elimination Chambers and more. The odds of any wrestler doing that is staggering let alone someone at the point he was.”
“To be completely frank, the bottom line is this. There is absolutely nothing, and I mean NOTHING, that Jack Michaels hasn’t done in his nearly 25 year career in wrestling. The only other thing I could think of would be that if he does come back… He’s doing it to die in the ring.”
*CLICK*
*Sigh…*
“You know what, Dad?”
“Hmm?”
“I think they’re wrong.”
-----
August 7th, 2020
“You’re right, you know.”
Half a taco dangled out of Amber’s mouth as the two ate Mexican take out in Jack’s home. She bit down as Jack was bringing a spoonful of seasoned rice up to his mouth.
*Garbled* “Abmoufhk wha?”
Jack took a quick bite of the rice and swallowed it down with a swig of Diet Pepsi before reaching for a napkin.
“About me coming back to the ring again. I gave it some thought and you’re right, if I make a comeback anywhere, I won’t be satisfied to just be one of the boys. I mean I like the charity idea still but yeah, I’d probably end up killing myself in the ring if I tried to do it by myself.”
Amber swallowed hard as she eyed Jack and absently used the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. Jack noticed her staring a hole through him and he raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Don’t you what me. I know damn well there is some sort of angle here so you can either continue to play dumb or you can wipe that stupid grin off your face and tell me what you have planned.”
A smile had indeed come up on Jack’s face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He went to a page before tossing it over to Amber. Her eyes darted to the screen as she read aloud what was on it.
“ERA Unification Tag Team Tournament. A multiple day event to determine the new ERA Tag champions in Laughlin, Nevada including a substantial prize fund open to all wr… Are you fucking kidding me?”
The exasperation in Amber’s voice spoke volumes as Jack nodded enthusiastically. Amber shook her head.
“So your brilliant idea to stay away from the ring and getting yourself killed is to, in fact, go back to the ring in a tag tournament. I swear to God Pop, I need to get your brain checked for severe damage.”
Jack rolled his eyes as he snatched back his phone and put it in his pocket.
“My brain is just fine, thank you. Look… You’re right about me being a singles wrestler anymore but it doesn’t mean I can’t still be my best in another forum. If I have someone to back me up, to make sure I don’t lose myself and to just help me feel alive again… It should be fine. Hell, I mean we could go down there and…”
Amber held up a hand.
“Ahem. ‘We?”
Jack shrugged.
“Why not we? I mean who better to keep an eye on me then you right? Plus you know, Father and daughter side by side fighting for the gold. The two of us, doing what we do best. It’s almost poetic in a way.”
Amber sighed as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“And let me guess… We will donate our purse to charity right?”
Jack looked sheepish.
“Um. The American Cancer Society. Helping promote research on children’s cancer at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Err... On behalf of Carnage Wrestling of course.”
Amber leaned in.
“Why on behalf of Carnage Wrestling?”
“Because uh… I sort of requested them to sponsor our team in the tournament. They seemed happy that I was going to do commentary on your match and uh... Well that I was coming back to the ring.”
Amber glared at Jack before finally shaking her head and letting the air come out of her.
“So basically if I say no, I will be letting down you, the fed I’m the champion of and a bunch of kids who have cancer. Nice.”
Jack put his arm out and rested a hand on the mildly pouty Amber’s shoulder.
“It would mean the world to me, kid. It really would.”
Amber looked up at her Dad as the looks softened on her face. She uncrossed her arms and smiled.
“You’re lucky I love you or else I’d probably be forced to kill you. Nothing personal.”
Jack laughed as he kissed her on the forehead.
“I love you too, baby girl. With all my heart.”
Jack leaned back as Amber nodded and reached back down to her food.
“Yeah, yeah… You owe me so many more tacos for this.”
Jack let his million dollar grin come over his face as he sank back in his chair.
“Meh… Worth it.”
-----