Post by Charlie Velez on Nov 23, 2010 17:14:44 GMT -6
It all began June 6th, 1984.
In Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Antonio and Maria Velez had their first son. At seven pounds, seven ounces, Charlie Velez was born. He was named Charlie loosely after his grandfather; Antonio, then a successful lawyer in the Chicago area, believed that for his children to have a successful life and not live through the things he did, he must ‘Americanize’ both of his children. He must raise them in an “ideal American society”, with American values. While of Colombian descent, Antonio would raise his children as Americans.
He thought that was the only way they would succeed in life.
Growing up in a rich family molded Charlie Velez to what he is today; with maids and butlers at his beck and call and enough money to get any toy he wished, Charlie Velez had a very happy childhood. He and his younger brother Ryan went to a public school and played every sport available to them.
Every time the two did something though, there was Antonio Velez, standing over them guiding them in the right direction. A perfectionist would seem to be too soft on explaining Antonio; everything he did he made sure it was better than perfect and he instilled that into both of his sons.
This drove Charlie Velez to work hard in everything he did. He was an honor roll student in his high school, ending up third in his class. While third would be acceptable in every other household, Antonio Velez almost broke out in tears, disappointed in his son.
Charlie was left confused, wishing for his father’s approval. When he never got it though, he latched onto his mother, Maria Velez.
Maria was Antonio’s rock; while Antonio was very hardheaded, never wanting to back down, Maria was the calming influence that Charlie needed growing up. While yes, she did spoil him at points, Charlie always knew that his mother loved him no matter what he did. She was there for both of her sons while their father was away on business trips, and would be the shoulder they could cry on when they couldn’t get father’s approval.
She kept Charlie Velez sane.
So here she is, many years later, an old, sick version of that woman. She sits in her wheel chair, a blanket covering over her due the cold weather outside. She and her two sons are visiting their father today, a visit that tears them all apart every time they make.
“Are you alright Mom? Warm enough for you?”
Ryan Velez, the youngest of the Velez family. He puts his hand on his mother’s shoulder, covering her better with the blanket.
“Yes, yes this is good enough. Thank you.”
Charlie just stands behind the two of them, staring at the tombstone where his father lies.
“It’s a beautiful day out; not too cold, which is good.”
“Yeah, really is a nice day.”
Charlie still doesn’t say a word. He stares, and thoughts run through his mind about his father. He tries to remember the good times they spent together, the times where he didn’t feel inferior to his father.
But he can’t seem to remember a time.
“He would have been sixty three today; damn. Too young to go.”
“I know…it’s amazing. I remember before we got married that he would always tell me that he would live to be one hundred years old. He always kept himself in such fantastic shape; would be at the gym for hours on hours. That was until Charlie was born, he would only go when you two were at school. I remember when he first lifted you up Charlie, he would brag about how it was like picking up a feather. He was such a strong, built man.”
She says, voice almost cracking. She begins to wipe a year in her eye, while Ryan pats her on the shoulder. Charlie just continues to stare, thinking of a time when he felt like he was equal to his father.
Still can’t seem to remember a time.
“You’re really starting to look like him, Charlie.”
Charlie shoots a look at her, not saying much, just looking.
“You have the same jaw, same smile. You like him when we first met; so handsome.”
“Handsome? Can’t look like Charlie then.”
Ryan says, punching his older brother in the arm. Charlie doesn’t respond.
Still can’t compare to his father.
They share a small laugh, followed by the silence that most cemeteries are filled with.
“I know he’s watching us right now, smiling down at all of us. Proud of everything we’re doing, happy to see we’re healthy. I think…I think it’s time to get going.”
Charlie thinks about what she said. Is he really watching them? And if he is, do you really think he’s proud of them? He’s probably up there, judging them and thinking about how they can do things better.
Charlie knows this to be true.
Because Charlie knows he could do better.
He was raised to think that way.
“Look at me.
Then look at the things that I’ve done. The titles that I’ve won, the matches that I’ve had, the fans that I’ve made care. Look at the money that I’ve made not just for myself, but for the companies that I’ve been in. Look at the wrestlers that I’ve made famous for just stepping into the ring with me.
Look at me.
Then look at yourself. Look at yourself and ask yourself if you’re really better than me. Do you think that you can outwrestle me? Do you think that you’re as good looking as I am? Do you even think you’re allowed to be in the same room at me?
Look at me.
Then look at how I got here. Look at my introduction to the wrestling industry, the matches that I’ve had that came to this point. The tournaments that I’ve been in, the people I assaulted, the people I’ve aligned myself with. Look at the men that have crossed my path and promised to beat me, only to become another loser.
Look at me.
Then look at Dave Holland. See how much of a better wrestler I am, how successful I am at everything I do. Think about how we both came up, and realize that even in life, I am better than Dave Holland. Watch us wrestle, see who the talented one is, watch me talk, see how much better than I am. Look at my friends, and realize that I have much more than Dave Holland has. The wins I’ve accumulated in the past couple of months, and see how it stomps Dave Holland’s record into dust.
But then look closer.
See what he has.
The nCw World Heavyweight Championship.
The championship that I’ve spent months-no, not months, years trying to win. The World Heavyweight championship, the championship that is only held by the best wrestler the company has to offer…the championship that I deserve. That title is in the hands of another man.
I can’t stand for that.
I can’t stand for this much longer, watching a man that is holding my championship continue to hold it. I’ve worked hard in this company; I’ve done everything that the owners have asked me, the fans…hell, they hate me, but I’ve done things that put them in awe. For eight years I have been trying to climb the mountain, and I’ve taken my bumps. I’ve been shoved down all the way to the bottom, and I sat and I waited to have my chance at the championship. Trust me, I did my job and just stayed on line. That line never came to me, my number came up…I stayed there…waiting.
So I took matters into my own hands.
It all started when I came into Leonard Fox’s office. I asked politely, I presented him the facts. I showed that I am the best wrestler this company has to offer, and I showed him my track record. I gave him a legitimate argument. He shot me down. He threw me away and never wanted to see me again. So I took matters into my own hands. Zelda had a shot and she wanted a World title too…but the rules got in her way. Zelda Knite, the woman who is essentially the face of this company was denied what she wanted the most. She got screwed…but in her tragedy came my victory. She was nice enough to give me her title shot, to let me have my opportunity at the World Championship.
And for that I am forever thankful for Zelda Knite.
She gave me the chance that nobody else did, the chance to shine brighter than I ever have before. I spent eight years in the wrestling business, my blood, sweat, and tears have been spilled n the ring without ever getting a World Championship shot. What did Steve Awesome call me the other day? The best wrestler to never hold a World Championship?
I plan on changing that nickname.
Dave Holland, it’s nothing personal. It was never personal between you and I; hell, I remember when you were in the XHF and you were tearing up the tag team division. You and Milo even broke Venom and my record for the longest title run. Congrats to you two, you truly deserved it. But you know what? A part of me wonders if you could have done it when Venom and I were around, could you have done that then? Could you have run your course if you stepped into the ring against us? I don’t know Dave…
You’re not quite as good as us.
And that’s what gets me every day, that’s what made me attack you and insult you for months. You’re just not better than me Dave Holland, no matter how many titles you win, no matter how long you hold that title. You’re not better than me. Simple, easy. You were just lucky, you just had your day in the sun, and now everybody stands on their feet, cheering your name like they actually give a damn about you. When you were gone for months nobody cared about you, you never crossed anybody’s mind. While I was the one putting on pay per view quality matches every time I walked into the nCw arena, you were sitting home watching and awing in my greatness. Hell, you only got into the Road to the Gold tournament because of a sympathy entrant, being there because you’re a ‘legend’.
But let’s be honest Dave, did you really think you were going to win?
When you saw your name in that tournament, did you honestly think you had a shot? That Dave Holland, the man we hadn’t seen in months, was good enough to get past names like Falcon? Like Evan Andrews? Hell, did you really think you could get through me? I’ll answer that for you Dave.
No; you knew you’d have to get lucky to do it.
That’s all you are Dave, you’re lucky. The right man in the right time. But the question I ask is this…
Do you think luck can strike in the same place twice?
Do you think you can beat me, Charlie Velez, the wrestler who changed this company? The one who has a whole army behind him, the man who has more money than God himself. Do you really think that you can beat me, a man who has more to lose then you ever will? Dave, I have to win this Sunday.
Not because of destiny.
Not because I said so.
Because if I don’t win, I’m nothing.
I am nothing without that championship belt, every day that I don’t have that belt the more I feel useless, the more I feel like I don’t belong. Hell Dave…I feel like you. I don’t feel special; I don’t feel like I belong in the ring. Dave Holland, I will do anything to win that championship belt, I will hurt you, and I will end your career if it comes to that point. Dave Holland, please understand, if I end your career this Sunday…don’t take it personal. Just
Thank Me Later.”
The Velez family sits in the back seat of the limo, sitting in that silence. Charlie’s hands are folded on his lap, head down. Ryan sits across, looking through his phone silently, while their mother sits in the middle, smiling at Charlie.
“So I hear you have a big wrestling thing this Sunday.”
Charlie slowly lifts his head up.
“Yeah, I have a World championship match. My first one.”
“Ever?”
“Yeah, ever.”
“Haven’t you been doing this for eight years now?”
The words stab Charlie in the chest, but he just goes on.
“Yeah. I’m kind of excited.”
She just smiles, and Charlie nods his head. Something pops in his head. He mumbles the next words.
“You want to come?”
“Excuse me?”
“Do you want to come and see it in person? I can bring everybody.”
This catches Ryan’s attention.
“Everybody?”
“Yeah, you two, Annette, Jonathan, and Nicholas…I mean, I can probably get box seats or something. It’s the biggest moment of my career…I would love it if you two went.”
His brother and mother look at each other. They nod their heads, smiling.
“Of course we’ll go.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Charlie leans back in his seat, a smile on his face.
He thinks about it.
After this Sunday it could happen.
He could be equal to his father.
If not better.
This is his Odyssey.
In Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Antonio and Maria Velez had their first son. At seven pounds, seven ounces, Charlie Velez was born. He was named Charlie loosely after his grandfather; Antonio, then a successful lawyer in the Chicago area, believed that for his children to have a successful life and not live through the things he did, he must ‘Americanize’ both of his children. He must raise them in an “ideal American society”, with American values. While of Colombian descent, Antonio would raise his children as Americans.
He thought that was the only way they would succeed in life.
Growing up in a rich family molded Charlie Velez to what he is today; with maids and butlers at his beck and call and enough money to get any toy he wished, Charlie Velez had a very happy childhood. He and his younger brother Ryan went to a public school and played every sport available to them.
Every time the two did something though, there was Antonio Velez, standing over them guiding them in the right direction. A perfectionist would seem to be too soft on explaining Antonio; everything he did he made sure it was better than perfect and he instilled that into both of his sons.
This drove Charlie Velez to work hard in everything he did. He was an honor roll student in his high school, ending up third in his class. While third would be acceptable in every other household, Antonio Velez almost broke out in tears, disappointed in his son.
Charlie was left confused, wishing for his father’s approval. When he never got it though, he latched onto his mother, Maria Velez.
Maria was Antonio’s rock; while Antonio was very hardheaded, never wanting to back down, Maria was the calming influence that Charlie needed growing up. While yes, she did spoil him at points, Charlie always knew that his mother loved him no matter what he did. She was there for both of her sons while their father was away on business trips, and would be the shoulder they could cry on when they couldn’t get father’s approval.
She kept Charlie Velez sane.
So here she is, many years later, an old, sick version of that woman. She sits in her wheel chair, a blanket covering over her due the cold weather outside. She and her two sons are visiting their father today, a visit that tears them all apart every time they make.
“Are you alright Mom? Warm enough for you?”
Ryan Velez, the youngest of the Velez family. He puts his hand on his mother’s shoulder, covering her better with the blanket.
“Yes, yes this is good enough. Thank you.”
Charlie just stands behind the two of them, staring at the tombstone where his father lies.
“It’s a beautiful day out; not too cold, which is good.”
“Yeah, really is a nice day.”
Charlie still doesn’t say a word. He stares, and thoughts run through his mind about his father. He tries to remember the good times they spent together, the times where he didn’t feel inferior to his father.
But he can’t seem to remember a time.
“He would have been sixty three today; damn. Too young to go.”
“I know…it’s amazing. I remember before we got married that he would always tell me that he would live to be one hundred years old. He always kept himself in such fantastic shape; would be at the gym for hours on hours. That was until Charlie was born, he would only go when you two were at school. I remember when he first lifted you up Charlie, he would brag about how it was like picking up a feather. He was such a strong, built man.”
She says, voice almost cracking. She begins to wipe a year in her eye, while Ryan pats her on the shoulder. Charlie just continues to stare, thinking of a time when he felt like he was equal to his father.
Still can’t seem to remember a time.
“You’re really starting to look like him, Charlie.”
Charlie shoots a look at her, not saying much, just looking.
“You have the same jaw, same smile. You like him when we first met; so handsome.”
“Handsome? Can’t look like Charlie then.”
Ryan says, punching his older brother in the arm. Charlie doesn’t respond.
Still can’t compare to his father.
They share a small laugh, followed by the silence that most cemeteries are filled with.
“I know he’s watching us right now, smiling down at all of us. Proud of everything we’re doing, happy to see we’re healthy. I think…I think it’s time to get going.”
Charlie thinks about what she said. Is he really watching them? And if he is, do you really think he’s proud of them? He’s probably up there, judging them and thinking about how they can do things better.
Charlie knows this to be true.
Because Charlie knows he could do better.
He was raised to think that way.
“Look at me.
Then look at the things that I’ve done. The titles that I’ve won, the matches that I’ve had, the fans that I’ve made care. Look at the money that I’ve made not just for myself, but for the companies that I’ve been in. Look at the wrestlers that I’ve made famous for just stepping into the ring with me.
Look at me.
Then look at yourself. Look at yourself and ask yourself if you’re really better than me. Do you think that you can outwrestle me? Do you think that you’re as good looking as I am? Do you even think you’re allowed to be in the same room at me?
Look at me.
Then look at how I got here. Look at my introduction to the wrestling industry, the matches that I’ve had that came to this point. The tournaments that I’ve been in, the people I assaulted, the people I’ve aligned myself with. Look at the men that have crossed my path and promised to beat me, only to become another loser.
Look at me.
Then look at Dave Holland. See how much of a better wrestler I am, how successful I am at everything I do. Think about how we both came up, and realize that even in life, I am better than Dave Holland. Watch us wrestle, see who the talented one is, watch me talk, see how much better than I am. Look at my friends, and realize that I have much more than Dave Holland has. The wins I’ve accumulated in the past couple of months, and see how it stomps Dave Holland’s record into dust.
But then look closer.
See what he has.
The nCw World Heavyweight Championship.
The championship that I’ve spent months-no, not months, years trying to win. The World Heavyweight championship, the championship that is only held by the best wrestler the company has to offer…the championship that I deserve. That title is in the hands of another man.
I can’t stand for that.
I can’t stand for this much longer, watching a man that is holding my championship continue to hold it. I’ve worked hard in this company; I’ve done everything that the owners have asked me, the fans…hell, they hate me, but I’ve done things that put them in awe. For eight years I have been trying to climb the mountain, and I’ve taken my bumps. I’ve been shoved down all the way to the bottom, and I sat and I waited to have my chance at the championship. Trust me, I did my job and just stayed on line. That line never came to me, my number came up…I stayed there…waiting.
So I took matters into my own hands.
It all started when I came into Leonard Fox’s office. I asked politely, I presented him the facts. I showed that I am the best wrestler this company has to offer, and I showed him my track record. I gave him a legitimate argument. He shot me down. He threw me away and never wanted to see me again. So I took matters into my own hands. Zelda had a shot and she wanted a World title too…but the rules got in her way. Zelda Knite, the woman who is essentially the face of this company was denied what she wanted the most. She got screwed…but in her tragedy came my victory. She was nice enough to give me her title shot, to let me have my opportunity at the World Championship.
And for that I am forever thankful for Zelda Knite.
She gave me the chance that nobody else did, the chance to shine brighter than I ever have before. I spent eight years in the wrestling business, my blood, sweat, and tears have been spilled n the ring without ever getting a World Championship shot. What did Steve Awesome call me the other day? The best wrestler to never hold a World Championship?
I plan on changing that nickname.
Dave Holland, it’s nothing personal. It was never personal between you and I; hell, I remember when you were in the XHF and you were tearing up the tag team division. You and Milo even broke Venom and my record for the longest title run. Congrats to you two, you truly deserved it. But you know what? A part of me wonders if you could have done it when Venom and I were around, could you have done that then? Could you have run your course if you stepped into the ring against us? I don’t know Dave…
You’re not quite as good as us.
And that’s what gets me every day, that’s what made me attack you and insult you for months. You’re just not better than me Dave Holland, no matter how many titles you win, no matter how long you hold that title. You’re not better than me. Simple, easy. You were just lucky, you just had your day in the sun, and now everybody stands on their feet, cheering your name like they actually give a damn about you. When you were gone for months nobody cared about you, you never crossed anybody’s mind. While I was the one putting on pay per view quality matches every time I walked into the nCw arena, you were sitting home watching and awing in my greatness. Hell, you only got into the Road to the Gold tournament because of a sympathy entrant, being there because you’re a ‘legend’.
But let’s be honest Dave, did you really think you were going to win?
When you saw your name in that tournament, did you honestly think you had a shot? That Dave Holland, the man we hadn’t seen in months, was good enough to get past names like Falcon? Like Evan Andrews? Hell, did you really think you could get through me? I’ll answer that for you Dave.
No; you knew you’d have to get lucky to do it.
That’s all you are Dave, you’re lucky. The right man in the right time. But the question I ask is this…
Do you think luck can strike in the same place twice?
Do you think you can beat me, Charlie Velez, the wrestler who changed this company? The one who has a whole army behind him, the man who has more money than God himself. Do you really think that you can beat me, a man who has more to lose then you ever will? Dave, I have to win this Sunday.
Not because of destiny.
Not because I said so.
Because if I don’t win, I’m nothing.
I am nothing without that championship belt, every day that I don’t have that belt the more I feel useless, the more I feel like I don’t belong. Hell Dave…I feel like you. I don’t feel special; I don’t feel like I belong in the ring. Dave Holland, I will do anything to win that championship belt, I will hurt you, and I will end your career if it comes to that point. Dave Holland, please understand, if I end your career this Sunday…don’t take it personal. Just
Thank Me Later.”
The Velez family sits in the back seat of the limo, sitting in that silence. Charlie’s hands are folded on his lap, head down. Ryan sits across, looking through his phone silently, while their mother sits in the middle, smiling at Charlie.
“So I hear you have a big wrestling thing this Sunday.”
Charlie slowly lifts his head up.
“Yeah, I have a World championship match. My first one.”
“Ever?”
“Yeah, ever.”
“Haven’t you been doing this for eight years now?”
The words stab Charlie in the chest, but he just goes on.
“Yeah. I’m kind of excited.”
She just smiles, and Charlie nods his head. Something pops in his head. He mumbles the next words.
“You want to come?”
“Excuse me?”
“Do you want to come and see it in person? I can bring everybody.”
This catches Ryan’s attention.
“Everybody?”
“Yeah, you two, Annette, Jonathan, and Nicholas…I mean, I can probably get box seats or something. It’s the biggest moment of my career…I would love it if you two went.”
His brother and mother look at each other. They nod their heads, smiling.
“Of course we’ll go.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Charlie leans back in his seat, a smile on his face.
He thinks about it.
After this Sunday it could happen.
He could be equal to his father.
If not better.
This is his Odyssey.