Post by Thunder on May 18, 2007 22:08:35 GMT -5
Sometimes a person becomes so focused on one thing that they lose sight of something that also deserves attention. And I guess that’s what happened to me. After focusing so much on the #1 Contender’s main event, I was overlooking another important match that I could take part in. I would only remember about it after hearing from the most unlikely of sources.
Just as I had told Stacy the night before, I caught the first flight back to New York. That night we would be going out to an expensive Italian restaurant not too far from my home. After the limo dropped me off back at my home, I had quite a bit of time left before Stacy would be coming over. I just couldn’t help but think and prepare more for the main event for Felo-De-Se. With so much on the line, thoughts about it seemed to be playing on an endless loop in my head. At the time I was thinking of this match only, having completely forgotten that I could have another shot at holding WFWF on the show as well. But that would come later.
It was around 6 when Stacy arrived at the house. I couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty when she opened the door and saw her. She was dressed rather elegantly in a flowing black dress, her long blonde hair settling down on her shoulders.
Just as I had told Stacy the night before, I caught the first flight back to New York. That night we would be going out to an expensive Italian restaurant not too far from my home. After the limo dropped me off back at my home, I had quite a bit of time left before Stacy would be coming over. I just couldn’t help but think and prepare more for the main event for Felo-De-Se. With so much on the line, thoughts about it seemed to be playing on an endless loop in my head. At the time I was thinking of this match only, having completely forgotten that I could have another shot at holding WFWF on the show as well. But that would come later.
It was around 6 when Stacy arrived at the house. I couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty when she opened the door and saw her. She was dressed rather elegantly in a flowing black dress, her long blonde hair settling down on her shoulders.
Stacy: I’m here.
I’ve noticed.
Stacy: You ready to go?
Yeah, I’ve just got to get my sports coat on.
I got up from the black leather couch and put my sports coat on. Once properly dressed, I walked over to where she was at the door and we left for the limo. The ride to the restaurant was pleasant enough: just small talk, nothing really important discussed. After only a few minutes, we arrived at the restaurant.
I’ve always liked this place. Everything from the food to the atmosphere has always appealed to me. Sure, the price is certainly high, but sometimes a high price needs to be paid to get true quality.
We entered and saw immediately that the restaurant was jam-packed tonight. Men and women, young and old, sat at nearly every table, dressed in their finest clothes. This place, like so many I eat at, is reservation only, and far in advance. So we had nothing to worry about when seeing the nearly full restaurant. As always, we were sat immediately. We both ordered pasta, which I can say is without a doubt the best in the city, and enjoyed a dinner that was up to the point was unusual, changed when we were visited by someone else in the restaurant.
I saw it coming. These rabid fans, even the ones that have the money to eat in a swanky restaurant, are all the same. First you always get a couple looks, then once the guy thinks it you, he has stare for a while to be sure. Sometimes he’ll lean over to who he’s sitting with and whisper “Is that him?” depending on whether the other person is as crazy about wrestling as him. Then comes the consideration about whether or not he should approach me. Usually, it consists of a few false starts. This time was no different. The guy, who couldn’t have been older than his mid 20s, started to get up from the chair, but chickened out and sat back down. After some reassurance from the guy with him, he made the short trek (not even all the ways across the room) to our table. His face became redder as he approached, and with all the strength he could he spoke.
Man: Excuse me Thunder. I don’t mean to bother you, but I’m a big fan of yours. If it’s not too much, could I have an autograph?
Do you have a pen?
A look of horror showed on his face.
Man: No, but I can get one. I’ll be right back.
He walked off in the direction of the lobby.
Stacy: Why do you even put up with these people?
They’re pretty amusing, and for the most part, harmless.
We continued eating, but were interrupted only a few moments later when he returned, this time will a ballpoint pen in hand.
Man: I’ve got a pen. Thank you so much for doing this.
It’s really no problem.
As I signed “Thunder” on a white napkin and after I finished and handed it to him, he continued to speak.
Man: I’m really looking forward to your match this week. I really think you can win it.
Thanks.
Man: Are you going to enter the gauntlet match?
What gauntlet match?
You know, the #1 contender match for the International Title. Anyone can enter.
I had completely forgotten about that. Thanks for telling me. I’ll definitely be in the match.
He walked away after I handed him the napkin and pen, but before giving a wave of gratitude.
For once, meeting with a rabid fan produced something good for me. In the preparation and constant thinking of the #1 contender match the gauntlet match slipped from my thoughts completely. But it is certainly something that I cannot overlook.
A shot at the World Title may be a golden opportunity, but an International Title shot is worthy of significant attention. Just the thought of competing for two titles on the same show seems like a dream, but now is a dream that can come true. Why not go for it? A chance at a title shot doesn’t come along too often, so when an opportunity arises, a true competitor will step up to the challenge. And that is what will happen. I know winning this match will be a test of skill, talent, and stamina. Everyone from the top stars to the new guys will be in there fighting for that title shot. From David Williams to Obo, they’ll all be there. The whole damn roster could even show up for the match, ready to battle anyone and everyone for a shot at CBT’s title. And that’s what I’m going to be ready for. Physically and emotionally draining? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Soon enough I’ll be competing for two titles on one show and then…
Stacy: Michael! Are you even listening to me?
Sorry…I was just thinking.
Stacy: Always thinking about your matches.
It’ll pay off this week.
Man: Yeah! You tell her!
I turned to my right and saw the man from earlier was now listening intently to our every word.
Stacy: Now do you think that this guy is a little off?
Absolutely.
We both laugh…[/center]
