Post by Mike Laszlo on Apr 14, 2013 3:11:46 GMT -6
All I’ve heard about myself this week is that I had three shots at Roberto Verona and didn’t come out champion in any of them.
I had my opportunities, this much is true. Then again, so have plenty of others. That makes the match this Sunday mean that much more to me. That means that I have to win this Sunday to show that I can not only make it to the main event, but win the main event. I’ve beaten or laid out the best this company has had to offer from Atreyu to Spike Kane, to The Ace, to Roberto Verona, to Xander Famularo himself. I’ve come up against them all and either in match winning or backstage proving my point by slamming their faces into concrete, I have overcome them all.
I beat Xander Famularo in the center of the ring clean with a one, two, three. There’s one other man who can claim that in this entire company in the last two years.
I beat Roberto Verona three separate falls in one match whereas nobody else on this entire roster has beat him once.
So ask yourselves this. The other five participants, look in a mirror right now wherever it is you may be and stare into your own eyes. Ask the following question:
“If Mike Laszlo sucks so damn much…if he can’t get it done…why is he in this match at Sovereign?”
Why?
Huh?
Anyone?
If I can’t measure up, then why the hell am I here? Surely there’s someone else on this roster who can fill my spot in the Coliseum. I’m sure Ricky Johnson can come out of retirement like all of these other NCW alumni clamoring for that one last taste before the place closes down.
Still no answer? I’ll give you a *** damn answer. The answer to the proposed question is “I’M BETTER THAN ALL OF YOU!” On my worst day I’m better than all five of you and without me, there’s no viable threat to Roberto Verona or Will Washington to come out of this Coliseum.
Why was I the number one contender for three straight months? BECAUSE I’M BETTER THAN YOU ALL!
Arrogant?
You’re damn right.
Cocky?
Hell yes.
Why?
BECAUSE I CAN BE!
Think of this clearly.
Where has Alex Jones been lately? Oh that’s right, playing with the low card and the X Title.
Where has Seth Evans been? Wait…better question…who cares?
Shane Hunt? He’s another one of those last chance glory pricks to come out of the NCW grave to steal the spotlight.
A.C. Douglas? Mr. “This is a Cakewalk.”? Mr. “I’m head and shoulders above the competition?” He and Todd Williams couldn’t beat Gib and a backstage interviewer to become Tag Champions. Let me ask you something A.C., how are you going to stay head and shoulders above the competition when you’re lying flat on the canvas?
Then there’s Joe Everyman. Mr. “Inner turmoil.” We all have conflicts Joe. We all have problems in our lives. Mine? Being stuck in a Coliseum with the five of you. I have to struggle with the fact that NCW has lowered itself to this point. To the point where they had to take the reigning low card champion, an absent more than present wrestler, a never-was, a wannabe Todd Williams who couldn’t wrestle his way out of a paper bag, and the longest tenured punching bag in NCW history and put them in this prestigious match with this kind of opportunity on the line.
That’s the breaks. If you are the five people that I have to defeat to once again get myself in the main event, so be it.
Can I help it that I was more main event worthy than all of you?
No.
Just like I can’t help it that I’m simply better than all of you.
Just like I can’t help it that I’m going to win this Sunday.
This Sunday, of us six, only one can win, and it will indeed be I who is proclaimed the final NCW Gladiator.
====================
Title: It’s Finally Hitting Home
Location: Airport
Time: 3:39 AM Local Time
You can say things over and over again and yet they don’t seem to ever sink in until you physically experience that of which you are talking about. The closing of NCW for instance. We’ve been talking about it since it was announced on my birthday that NCW was closing after A Night To Remember. That this glorious enterprise that has withstood the test of time while others around it have floundered and failed miserably come and go. Father time has caught up with NCW and with each flight, each step off a plane it sinks in that much more. As I step off the plane in the city in which Sovereign is to take place, I’m greeted by a fan at the baggage claim.
Fan 1: You’re Mike Laszlo!
Mike Laszlo: Guilty.
Fan 1: You’re awesome dude. You got the hot girlfriend, and you’re so skilled inside that ring.
Mike Laszlo: I have a girlfriend? Skills?
Alexis snickers in the background as I play with the kids mind.
Fan 1: Yeah, and she’s hot as hell.
Looking over my shoulder at the young lady behind me who has captured my heart.
Mike Laszlo: That she is. What about my skills?
I could hear her snicker again as the fan praises me in hopes of getting an autograph.
Fan 1: You’re the best inside that ring. I’ve been watching wrestling for about six years now and I can honestly say I’ve never seen someone as good as you.
A grin comes over my face at the flattery. I guess I could be nice and give the kid what he wants.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, what’s your name?
Fan 1: Bryce.
Mike Laszlo: Bryce, here is a one of a kind autograph.
Taking the marker from his hand, I sign the left shoulder of his white NCW T-shirt that he just happened to be wearing. We all know he’s one of those crazed fans who knew NCW was coming to town so he decided to scope out the airport.
Bryce: Thank you so much. This is getting framed, never to be worn again.
Mike Laszlo: (Laughing.) Glad I could make your early morning.
He thanks me again before heading off to poach another autograph from anyone else who maybe arriving at this early hour. The buzzer goes off in the area we’re in signifying that our luggage was headed out of the shoot. Waiting patiently I grab Alexis’ bag first, pulling it to my side, then reach a couple bags later for my own luggage. Grabbing both bags we head for the exit. After two steps I stop and look around.
Mike Laszlo: Wow.
Alexis Caffrey: What is it?
Mike Laszlo: It just hit me.
Alexis Caffrey: What?
Mike Laszlo: This is the last time we will be coming through this airport as members of the NCW roster.
Alexis Caffrey: You’ve been through closings before.
Mike Laszlo: This is true. This one feels different though. NCW is still pulling in the ratings, packing arenas, and selling a hell of a lot of merchandise. It’s a cash cow, and yet it’s still closing.
Alexis Caffrey: Yeah, it kind of sucks.
Mike Laszlo: Oh well. Life goes on I guess.
Heading out of the airport we make our way to the car rental area. As we approach the desk, the attendant turns and instantly recognizes me.
Attendant: Oh damn.
Mike Laszlo: Uh…hello?
Attendant: You’re Mike Laszlo from NCW aren’t you?
Mike Laszlo: I am.
Attendant: Sorry about the place closing dude. What are your plans?
Mike Laszlo: Wow, blunt.
Attendant: My bad.
Mike Laszlo: Nah, it’s a legit question. I won’t kill you for asking…I’m not Jim Boeheim. I’m sure something will pop up. I’m not hurting for money or anything so I’m going to wait on the right opportunity.
Attendant: Sovereign’s tomorrow night right?
Mike Laszlo: Well, technically tonight, yeah.
Attendant: Good luck in that Coliseum. It’s brutal.
Mike Laszlo: Trust me, I’m well aware. On that note, can we get a car?
Attendant: Sure.
He enters my information into the computer, and pulls up in a 2013 Chevy Malibu, white in color. He was polite enough to load the luggage for us and we were on our way to the hotel.
====================
I had my opportunities, this much is true. Then again, so have plenty of others. That makes the match this Sunday mean that much more to me. That means that I have to win this Sunday to show that I can not only make it to the main event, but win the main event. I’ve beaten or laid out the best this company has had to offer from Atreyu to Spike Kane, to The Ace, to Roberto Verona, to Xander Famularo himself. I’ve come up against them all and either in match winning or backstage proving my point by slamming their faces into concrete, I have overcome them all.
I beat Xander Famularo in the center of the ring clean with a one, two, three. There’s one other man who can claim that in this entire company in the last two years.
I beat Roberto Verona three separate falls in one match whereas nobody else on this entire roster has beat him once.
So ask yourselves this. The other five participants, look in a mirror right now wherever it is you may be and stare into your own eyes. Ask the following question:
“If Mike Laszlo sucks so damn much…if he can’t get it done…why is he in this match at Sovereign?”
Why?
Huh?
Anyone?
If I can’t measure up, then why the hell am I here? Surely there’s someone else on this roster who can fill my spot in the Coliseum. I’m sure Ricky Johnson can come out of retirement like all of these other NCW alumni clamoring for that one last taste before the place closes down.
Still no answer? I’ll give you a *** damn answer. The answer to the proposed question is “I’M BETTER THAN ALL OF YOU!” On my worst day I’m better than all five of you and without me, there’s no viable threat to Roberto Verona or Will Washington to come out of this Coliseum.
Why was I the number one contender for three straight months? BECAUSE I’M BETTER THAN YOU ALL!
Arrogant?
You’re damn right.
Cocky?
Hell yes.
Why?
BECAUSE I CAN BE!
Think of this clearly.
Where has Alex Jones been lately? Oh that’s right, playing with the low card and the X Title.
Where has Seth Evans been? Wait…better question…who cares?
Shane Hunt? He’s another one of those last chance glory pricks to come out of the NCW grave to steal the spotlight.
A.C. Douglas? Mr. “This is a Cakewalk.”? Mr. “I’m head and shoulders above the competition?” He and Todd Williams couldn’t beat Gib and a backstage interviewer to become Tag Champions. Let me ask you something A.C., how are you going to stay head and shoulders above the competition when you’re lying flat on the canvas?
Then there’s Joe Everyman. Mr. “Inner turmoil.” We all have conflicts Joe. We all have problems in our lives. Mine? Being stuck in a Coliseum with the five of you. I have to struggle with the fact that NCW has lowered itself to this point. To the point where they had to take the reigning low card champion, an absent more than present wrestler, a never-was, a wannabe Todd Williams who couldn’t wrestle his way out of a paper bag, and the longest tenured punching bag in NCW history and put them in this prestigious match with this kind of opportunity on the line.
That’s the breaks. If you are the five people that I have to defeat to once again get myself in the main event, so be it.
Can I help it that I was more main event worthy than all of you?
No.
Just like I can’t help it that I’m simply better than all of you.
Just like I can’t help it that I’m going to win this Sunday.
This Sunday, of us six, only one can win, and it will indeed be I who is proclaimed the final NCW Gladiator.
====================
Title: It’s Finally Hitting Home
Location: Airport
Time: 3:39 AM Local Time
You can say things over and over again and yet they don’t seem to ever sink in until you physically experience that of which you are talking about. The closing of NCW for instance. We’ve been talking about it since it was announced on my birthday that NCW was closing after A Night To Remember. That this glorious enterprise that has withstood the test of time while others around it have floundered and failed miserably come and go. Father time has caught up with NCW and with each flight, each step off a plane it sinks in that much more. As I step off the plane in the city in which Sovereign is to take place, I’m greeted by a fan at the baggage claim.
Fan 1: You’re Mike Laszlo!
Mike Laszlo: Guilty.
Fan 1: You’re awesome dude. You got the hot girlfriend, and you’re so skilled inside that ring.
Mike Laszlo: I have a girlfriend? Skills?
Alexis snickers in the background as I play with the kids mind.
Fan 1: Yeah, and she’s hot as hell.
Looking over my shoulder at the young lady behind me who has captured my heart.
Mike Laszlo: That she is. What about my skills?
I could hear her snicker again as the fan praises me in hopes of getting an autograph.
Fan 1: You’re the best inside that ring. I’ve been watching wrestling for about six years now and I can honestly say I’ve never seen someone as good as you.
A grin comes over my face at the flattery. I guess I could be nice and give the kid what he wants.
Mike Laszlo: Alright, what’s your name?
Fan 1: Bryce.
Mike Laszlo: Bryce, here is a one of a kind autograph.
Taking the marker from his hand, I sign the left shoulder of his white NCW T-shirt that he just happened to be wearing. We all know he’s one of those crazed fans who knew NCW was coming to town so he decided to scope out the airport.
Bryce: Thank you so much. This is getting framed, never to be worn again.
Mike Laszlo: (Laughing.) Glad I could make your early morning.
He thanks me again before heading off to poach another autograph from anyone else who maybe arriving at this early hour. The buzzer goes off in the area we’re in signifying that our luggage was headed out of the shoot. Waiting patiently I grab Alexis’ bag first, pulling it to my side, then reach a couple bags later for my own luggage. Grabbing both bags we head for the exit. After two steps I stop and look around.
Mike Laszlo: Wow.
Alexis Caffrey: What is it?
Mike Laszlo: It just hit me.
Alexis Caffrey: What?
Mike Laszlo: This is the last time we will be coming through this airport as members of the NCW roster.
Alexis Caffrey: You’ve been through closings before.
Mike Laszlo: This is true. This one feels different though. NCW is still pulling in the ratings, packing arenas, and selling a hell of a lot of merchandise. It’s a cash cow, and yet it’s still closing.
Alexis Caffrey: Yeah, it kind of sucks.
Mike Laszlo: Oh well. Life goes on I guess.
Heading out of the airport we make our way to the car rental area. As we approach the desk, the attendant turns and instantly recognizes me.
Attendant: Oh damn.
Mike Laszlo: Uh…hello?
Attendant: You’re Mike Laszlo from NCW aren’t you?
Mike Laszlo: I am.
Attendant: Sorry about the place closing dude. What are your plans?
Mike Laszlo: Wow, blunt.
Attendant: My bad.
Mike Laszlo: Nah, it’s a legit question. I won’t kill you for asking…I’m not Jim Boeheim. I’m sure something will pop up. I’m not hurting for money or anything so I’m going to wait on the right opportunity.
Attendant: Sovereign’s tomorrow night right?
Mike Laszlo: Well, technically tonight, yeah.
Attendant: Good luck in that Coliseum. It’s brutal.
Mike Laszlo: Trust me, I’m well aware. On that note, can we get a car?
Attendant: Sure.
He enters my information into the computer, and pulls up in a 2013 Chevy Malibu, white in color. He was polite enough to load the luggage for us and we were on our way to the hotel.
====================
Alex, do you listen to the crap that comes out of your mouth or do you just like hearing the sound of your own voice?
I haven’t now nor will I ever echo the sentiments of anyone. I speak what’s on my own mind and nobody else’s because quite frankly, I don’t give a damn what anyone else is thinking.
Your accomplishments are many Alex, and like myself you’ve been screwed by regimes who look to keep certain people in power. When push comes to shove, we’re really not too far apart. The difference is, when push came to shove, you took your ball and went to the lower titles. You went to the X Title and seemed content on staying there until NCW announced its closing.
Meanwhile, I lost not only my shot at the World Title, but supposedly any future shot as well as long as Roberto Verona holds that belt, yet I was not content. I didn’t want anything but the World Title, and I won’t be content until I have it. I looked far and wide for the loophole that would allow me that one more shot. That one more chance to prove that when I say I’m the best, I mean it. That chance to show off for the entire world the way in which only I can.
We both have our achievements, and we both have our flaws, the difference is, you’re just not as ambitious as I am. Your losses are like brick walls for you whereas mine are mere bumps in the road.
I may not have been in this company as long as you Alex, but I’ve been around the block once or twice before to know that being contempt is a weakness, one of which I do not possess. The old saying reigns truer than ever before: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I willed myself to find my way into another World Title Opportunity, and this is it.
Sovereign,
Coliseum,
Gladiator.
I become the Gladiator and there’s not a stipulation on the planet that can stop me from facing the champion.
This is my only way in.
This is my only opportunity, not just because NCW is closing, but because of the stipulation of which I agreed to.
This opportunity will not escape me.
This opportunity CANNOT ESCAPE ME!
So when all the smoke clears, and all the dust has settled, and the Coliseum is raised from its position around the ring, it will be me, my girlfriend by my side, hand raised in victory as I am proclaimed GLADIATOR!
Six men enter…I LEAVE VICTORIOUS!
I haven’t now nor will I ever echo the sentiments of anyone. I speak what’s on my own mind and nobody else’s because quite frankly, I don’t give a damn what anyone else is thinking.
Your accomplishments are many Alex, and like myself you’ve been screwed by regimes who look to keep certain people in power. When push comes to shove, we’re really not too far apart. The difference is, when push came to shove, you took your ball and went to the lower titles. You went to the X Title and seemed content on staying there until NCW announced its closing.
Meanwhile, I lost not only my shot at the World Title, but supposedly any future shot as well as long as Roberto Verona holds that belt, yet I was not content. I didn’t want anything but the World Title, and I won’t be content until I have it. I looked far and wide for the loophole that would allow me that one more shot. That one more chance to prove that when I say I’m the best, I mean it. That chance to show off for the entire world the way in which only I can.
We both have our achievements, and we both have our flaws, the difference is, you’re just not as ambitious as I am. Your losses are like brick walls for you whereas mine are mere bumps in the road.
I may not have been in this company as long as you Alex, but I’ve been around the block once or twice before to know that being contempt is a weakness, one of which I do not possess. The old saying reigns truer than ever before: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I willed myself to find my way into another World Title Opportunity, and this is it.
Sovereign,
Coliseum,
Gladiator.
I become the Gladiator and there’s not a stipulation on the planet that can stop me from facing the champion.
This is my only way in.
This is my only opportunity, not just because NCW is closing, but because of the stipulation of which I agreed to.
This opportunity will not escape me.
This opportunity CANNOT ESCAPE ME!
So when all the smoke clears, and all the dust has settled, and the Coliseum is raised from its position around the ring, it will be me, my girlfriend by my side, hand raised in victory as I am proclaimed GLADIATOR!
Six men enter…I LEAVE VICTORIOUS!
