The End.

[Ricky Johnson]

"I want you to remember, Clark... in all the years to come... in your most private moments... I want you to remember my hand at your throat... I want you to remember the one man who beat you..."

- Batman (The Dark Knight Returns)

---

In a few, short, hours, my career will end. I bring this chapter of my life to an end and begin a new one, where I don't have to wear tights, travel 300 days a year and be away from my family. And I do it, not because I'm tired, or hurt, or I don't have it anymore. I choose to retire on my own free will.

Because I don't have anything left to prove.

I've done just about everything. And I don't need to do this anymore. I could, had I chosen to, and if I choose to do so in the future. It's not a physical thing. I don't need a rest, or a break. It's a mental thing.

I have no challenges to drive me anymore.

And now, I'm done, walking away, and letting my career speak for itself.

Does that bother you Helms?

Does that make you angry? That I can leave and be just fine with my career and you can't? You can't let this go until you've satisfied what you think is your career highlights. Does becoming a two-time champion make you better than me? Does it make you feel better about yourself? It doesn't really matter, because it's not going to happen anyway.

I haven't lost respect, or the will the fight, just the will to continue to hurt and be hurt for the sake of things like this title around my waist. I can have a life outside the ring with my wife, and you...well what is there for you outside the ring Helms? What does Trent Helms do for fun? Besides suck up to people more powerful then he is that is?

I've tried to think but, really, All I see is a petty little man, angry about being snubbed for the Hall of Fame, and doing exactly nothing in the long run that effected that standing at all. And then looked around for acceptance.

You want acceptance Trent? Get serious. Put your foot down, buckle down and start taking people down you should.

But I am NOT the guy you start with.

Tonight Helms, I will put you down, because you need it. You, once again, will be given a reality check. It's one that's long overdue, but maybe this time you'll get it. Maybe this time it'll knock some sense into you. Maybe afterward, you'll stop looking around and trying to find a scapegoat for all your shortcomings. Maybe you'll look at the man in the mirror, and realize what you have become. What we all see you as: A child using childish insults and acting like a spoiled brat.

It's the truth Helms. You've been insulting my wife in your promos. What has she done to you? Why do you need to insult her? Does it make you feel better about your girlfriend? For the record, it doesn't bother my wife that you call her names. She's used to it. People just seem to think that it does. Maybe it's because she's not a whore. She hasn't slept with the locker room like many of the girls here.

But I'll tell you who it does bother: Me. And for that Helms, I'm going to pay you back. I'm going to give you a punch for her. Maybe 2, maybe 100. I haven't decided yet. Because there is no reason to bring her into our match. But you had to take it there. You think it gives you the advantage psychologically? It doesn't. It just makes me want to beat you just that much more. And I already want to beat you.

Just to shut you up. And save the rest of the world from you bragging so much.

Oh I know, you beat me, I'll never hear the end of it. It'll be 10-20 years from now, and you'll still be talking about it. Because I already know what it was like to lose one title to you. My god you never let that go. And what happened? I hold that belt for over 140 days and you lose it in two weeks. Is that what would happen this time too?And who would you blame this time? Is management holding you down again? Bad night? fluke win?

It's always something with you. But never you.

It's why this victory will be especially filling. Because it will make you realize that you...are not good enough.

And that's the truth.

---

Now, I'm done with Helms. This is it. Really. My last promo. It's been a crazy ride, but now, it's time to say goodbye. It's time to ride off into the sunset, head held high, knowing I've done what needed to be done.

But unlike many others, I'm not in the business of being a glory hound. I just tell it like it is.

I got here on hard work, I am living proof that anyone can succeed if they push themselves. If they strive to improve. When I came here, I had a bad attitude, and I believed I was better than everyone.

It only took a few ass-kickings to get my attitude fixed. Hopefully I was able to do that to some of you.

So now, It's time to say good-bye..

Whether you like me or not, I respect all of you. I wish all of you the best of luck.

Good-bye and goodnight.

Good-bye Sun.

Good-bye Moon.

Good-bye Stars

Good-bye Room.

Good-bye Adam.

Good-bye Gib.

Good-bye Joe.

Good-bye Roberto.

Good-bye Alex.

Good-bye Lex.

Good-bye Todd.

Good-bye Steve.

Good-bye Kyle.

Good-bye Spike.

Good-bye Brad.

Good-bye Xavier.

Good-bye Kelly.

Good-bye Charlie.

Good-bye Mike.

Good-bye Helms.

Good-bye everyone.




Good-bye NCW.

---

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again