Post by Carlos Cruz on Dec 14, 2016 16:46:27 GMT -6
Director: Alright folks, that’s a wrap! Great job everyone! Can’t wait to see how people on social media will react to this piece. Again, stupendous job!
After bidding Bill Vincent, Executive Vice President and Television Production of EWC farewell, a mentally drained Carlos Cruz walked over to the female director, thanking her for her time and creativity. His gleaming smile never wavered as one by one the camera and makeup crew walked up to him, shaking his hands and hugging him, later returning to gathering their equipment. Besides having yet another memorable deep and detailed interview in his career, but this one senior analyst Joe Aiello, Carlos was humming a hymn as if he was awarded a raise, truly excited how the production team puts his interview together for the viewers at home. When no one was looking, Cruz cheerfully leaped into the air, tapping both heels together. He felt nothing could damper his blessed day.
After gathering his own belongings, which was simply a dark blue duffle bag in which he carried his suit for an event tonight and his ‘I’m a Jesus Freak’ hooded jacket, Carlos headed to the exit door which lead to EWC’s studio’s parking lot. On this mildly chilly afternoon, Carlos was in a whitish gray V-neck shirt, black denim jeans and a pair of fresh black and white Adidas sneakers made him look like a hundred bucks on the streets.
In a jolt, Carlos slapped his forehead with great force, complaining as he glanced down at his red digital wrist watch.
Carlos: Ahi Dios, Naomi is going to kill me!
Recalling why he was carrying his bag with a fresh suit in it, Carlos scrambled into his back pocket desperately searching for his car keys as he hurriedly approached his red Cadillac.
Carlos: Come on where are they?!
Dropping his bag to the concrete floor, Carlos patted himself down in a frenzy, pleading for God to help him. Starting to get frantic, Carlos dropped to one knee, quickly unzipping his bag, going into it like a dog digging for his buried bone. Repeatedly muttering "come on" as he searched all available pockets, Carlos was on the verge of storming back into the studio, hoping someone inside had found it.
Male voice: You haven't changed one bit mijo.
Boiling hot blood shot up into Carlos's ears, right away registering who the voice belonged to. Trying to maintain his composure, Carlos continued with his search for his keys. He was getting more and more irritated with himself, having checked all of his pockets. Still sensing the person was behind him, awaiting that Carlos turn around and acknowledge him, The Jesus Freak pulled out his iPhone from out of his back pocket.
Before he could even turn on his device, a jingling sound made it's way into his ears. Hating himself even more, Carlos turned around with a tightly clenched jaw, seeing his car keys in the hands of a man he wasn't ready to see.
Pastor Ramón: Looking for these?
Once again jingling his oldest son's keys in the air, the fifty something former World Champion greeted his son with a warm smile. On this afternoon, the Pastor was dressed comfortably in a short sleeve white buttoned down shirt, with a pair of black dress pants on. His tie was gold, red, and blue with multiple images of a white cross plastered all over it. With more gray hair shown on the top of his head, and age marks shown under his eyes and near the corners of his mouth, in the back of Ramón's eyes was the same vibrant light he possessed when wore his tights in the early eighties.
Carlos: Thanks for finding them for me.
Just when The Descended Saint was on his way to reach out and grab his keys, his father pulled his hand back, a weary and concerned look crossing his face. Giving his father 'I'm not in the mood to play' look, Carlos once again reached for his keys. And like before, Ramón pulled his arm back in a hurry, keeping a safe distance between himself and his son.
Pastor Ramón: You haven't answered any of my messages.
Carlos: Yeah sorry about that, I've been real busy lately.
Lying through his teeth, The Jesus Freak leaned against the hood of his car, his arms crossed across his chest in a nonchalant way. Not looking his father in the eyes, Carlos took interest in a few squirrels running around across the street from the parking lot, each one fighting over half of a Butterfinger bar.
Pastor Ramón: I heard! Wow you actually signed with Extreme Wrestling Corporation. Mac definitely has people talking, many hoping their dream matches become a reality.
Keeping his attention focused on the scrapping critters, Carlos made believe he didn't hear a word his father just said. Just the sight of his old man irked The Jesus Freak. Noticing the cold shoulder he was receiving from his own flesh and blood, Ramón tried to maintain a positive attitude, going through his memory bank in search of a joke or story to tell.
Pastor Ramón: I can remember like it was yesterday. You were like maybe around seventeen or eighteen when you watched your first match of Joseph. It was in the middle of the night and while everyone was fast asleep. When your mother was on her way to the kitchen, wanting to get a cold glass of Malta, complaining that her throat was feeling dry, she saw a faint light coming from the living room. When she saw you in front of the computer-
Pastor Ramón seized from telling his story, unable to hold back his laughter, wiping a tear out of his eyes. Not wanting his father to see, Carlos turned his head away from his sight, a small smirk taking shape on his face, also remembering the embarrassing story like the back of his own hand.
Pastor Ramón: When she saw you in front of the computer monitor, your mother had a cow. After she screamed her lungs out, she told me you hurriedly turned the screen off while holding the power button off, swiftly returning to your room after avoiding a flying chancleta. While your mother was beating your rear until you couldn’t feel it, shouting for the Lord to take out a demon out of you, I headed over to the computer, curious to see if you were actually watching what your mother believed. And do you remember what I found?
For a moment there was a cold silence, Ramón staring at his distant son, contemplating on if he should approach him or not. The Jesus Freak remained motionless on the hood of his car, recalling every single detail of that hilarious night. It was about three in the morning on Saturday, and his family was fast asleep each one excited for a day in church. His loving family tucked away in their warm beds, Carlos remained up tirelessly trying to fall asleep. He tried doing push ups, reading a little, counting sheeps, and even filling himself up with his father’s leftovers in the kitchen. Nothing was working. Whispering in the night, checking to see if his three brothers were actually asleep, Carlos cheered “YES!” in the back of his head, calmly and delicately slipping out of bed.
Once out of his room, Carlos made sure not to make the smallest peep as he made his way into the living room, doing a double take to make sure he was actually alone. Turning on one of the DELL computers in the apartment, Carlos smiled like a child given a bag of treats, hurriedly going to Youtube. Even after he tried to avoid a severe beating from his fuming mother, The Jesus Freak quickly dismissed his rear’s pain, remembering every single image and sound coming from his computer screen. Detaching himself from his vehicle, Carlos uncrossed his arms as he stood up straight. With not a trace of care in his brown eyes, Carlos spoke with a rude tone in his voice.
Carlos: A video of Joey NOX winning the NMW NAX World Champion.
Pastor Ramón: Not only that, but a few videos of Joseph’s matches when he didn’t have a name. You watched almost ALL of them that night. And do you remember what happened when I visited you after Nena had cooled down?
For the first time, The Jesus Freak looked up at his father with a blank look in his eyes, trying to think further back. Most of the memory was pretty hazy especially after that merciless beating from the hands of his mother. From the look on his son’s face, the Pastor chuckled to himself realizing Carlos had no clue what he was talking about.
Pastor Ramón: A few minutes later you were talking in your sleep. YA HEAR ALL THESE PEOPLE!? I'M THE BEST EVA! EVA! I'M THE BEST EVA!
Carlos: NOX said that one time.
Carlos couldn’t help but be impressed by his father’s strong memory, his anger towards him gradually fading away. Noticing his son starting to warm up to him, gave Pastor Ramón an open door to approach him. They both leaned against the hood of the Cadillac, quietly taking in the cool afternoon breeze.
Pastor Ramón: I was very pleased to hear that you signed with EWC. It brought a big smile on my face, especially after...
In the corner of his eye, Carlos noticed his father’s jaw tense, unable to will himself to complete his sentence. But he didn’t have to, Carlos already knew how the sentence would end.
Carlos: You never told anyone why you closed NGW Pa?
Feeling his stomach twisting in a tight knot, The Island Boy closed his eyes desperately pushing back the hard and sickening emotions that surfaced each time the sensitive subject was brought up. Even Carlos could feel the energy being drained out of his dear old father, but telling himself to not change the subject, Carlos pressed on wanting to finally get to the bottom of things.
Carlos: Do you how hard it was when I finally became a World Champion? I was ridiculed in and out of the locker room, especially on Twitter. Everyone thought because I’m your son, I HAD to win it, even when I was the one who climbed up the ladder and retrieved the belt on my own. And then in my first title defense I lost it, everyone telling me that I wasn’t cut out for the business. Few months later, I was ready to invoke my rematch clause, wanting to finally silence my critics. And then do you know what happened?
Pastor Ramón: NGW closed.
Uttering those two words increased the discomfort he was feeling in the pit of the stomach, closing his eyes as his breathing became shallow.
Carlos: No, YOU closed NGW Pa. But why? We were only six or five months away from our one year anniversary! Tell me.
Countless of glorious memories from the day NGW (NitroGen Wrestling) was opened rushed into the Pastor’s mind, making him want to crawl into a damp and dark hole and never come out. The wrestling company he founded was like another child he was raising, getting so many sponsors, TV and PPV deals, signing the hottest talent on the planet, and so much more. What he treasured the most was seeing his oldest son, someone he saw himself in, finally achieving his long awaited dream. On July seventeen of 2014 in Houston, Texas on the company’s inaugural pay-per-view competing against Chris Marx and Pimp D, his son became a World Champion in front of a sold-out crowd. His own wife had to hold him up, as he cried like a proud father, watching his son on one of the TVs in the back as he celebrated his proud victory.
Pastor Ramón: I admit, I regret closing NGW. But it needed to be done. For so many reasons. I’m still not able to talk about it without having my heart being torn out. But again, I’m sorry for what I put you through mijo. Yes, you finally achieved the proudest moment in yours and my life. Even with NGW closed, no one can take that moment from you. Not even me. Am I sometimes kept up at night, wanting to resurrect the company? I would be lying if I said no. But to be honest, it’s better if I leave it to rest in peace.
Carlos wasn’t happy at all in what he was hearing. He wasn’t getting the answers he was craving for, even before resigning with PRW earlier in the year. Yes Carlos could recall meetings where management argued over a few decisions his father was making, some deciding to part ways with the company. Even though the company was getting massive exposure on ESPN and ESPN 2, it was still unable to keep up with PRW, XWA, EAW, and few other mega wrestling promotions. When he was alone, able to get into his father’s office, The Jesus Freak looked into his father’s files. In each one were financial reports, and few other things, of what the company was going through. To say the least it wasn’t pretty.
Sensing his father was ready to put the topic of NGW to rest for good, Carlos went over to pick up his belongings, taking another look at his wrist watch.
Pastor Ramón: Do you hate me Carlito?
With a sigh, Carlos bended his head back, his eyes closed slightly.
Carlos: No Pa. I don’t hate you. It’s just-
Waving off his last sentence, Carlos turned and faced his father, beckoning with his right hand to be handed his car keys.
Pastor Ramón: Mijo, answer me this before you leave. Why did you exactly sign with EWC? Why not simply focus on PRW?
Carlos: Because I need to know if I really belong in the business.
Pastor Ramón: Carlito-
Cutting his father off, Carlos went on to say:
Carlos: EWC has been around since the late nineties. They’ve done it all, and the absolute best in the business have walked through those doors, etching their names in the stars. And quite frankly, I want to add my name to their history books. I’ve gone all over the world, conquering all those who claimed they were gods and born champions. EWC is basically beckoning me to try the waters, wanting to see if I can truly keep up with their stars.
Pastor Ramón: And you want to see if you can be, or better say be better than Shadow Man, Drake, Xplode, and especially Stevens?
Carlos: Is that selfish?
Pastor Ramón: What person doesn’t want to outshine their childhood heroes, and the most illustrious combatants the world has ever seen? It’s natural to feel and think that way mijo.
Carlos: What were you even doing here?
Pastor Ramón: To give you some fatherly advice of course.
The Pastor placed his arm over his meditating son's shoulder, as they both leaned back against the driver’s window.
Pastor Ramón: EWC homes the fiercest and best gladiators any federation has ever seen. And I know you’re signing with the most highly adored wrestling corporation on the globe because of NGW’s closure. You’re still trying to prove to people you don’t need my hand to feed you.
Carlos: And I don’t!
Pastor Ramón: And I know that mijo. But remember, NGW is dead and gone. We had great times there. But now you’re headed to EWC, with a major opportunity in your hands. Don’t let the past cloud your mind. Don’t let people’s words affect your in-ring ability. It’s time to write a new chapter in your unique wrestling career. Remember Isaiah forty-three, verse eighteen: ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.’ No one drives a car by continually staring back in the rear-view mirror. Right?
Carlos’ shoulders slouched, watching as the clouds passed by. Glancing up in a jolt, after his father took hold of his hand, lightly placing his car keys in them. Still wearing the warm smile from earlier, The Island Boy rubbed The Jesus Freak’s head like when he use to when his children had come home crying after getting in a fight at school.
Pastor Ramón: Show Mac, EWC, and the world why you’re going to be a force to reckon with for years to come. Show them how much you’ve matured, wanting to give the next generation of wrestlers a new role model to look up to. You brought so many smiles in NGW. Bring that charm, intensity, and passion back to EWC. But ten fold. You do that, I promise you that no one will be ready to stand across the ring from you.
Kissing his son on the top of his head, Pastor Ramón went on his way, waving good-bye to his son as he left the parking lot. Even though mixed emotions were bottled up in him, Carlos was beyond pleased to have his father always appear when he needed him the most. Finally with his keys in his possession, Carlos needed to do something else before he was on his way. Taking out his iPhone, The Jesus Freak dialed up a number without having to think about it. Placing the phone against his ear, Carlos patiently waited for the receiver to pick up.
Carlos: Afternoon Mister Mac, it’s Carlos. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could answer a simple request of mine. Yes Sir it’s about appearing at WresteFestXIV. However, I had another request. I know it won’t be easy. But do you mind if we can talk about this in person?
Occasionally nodding his head during the long pause, Carlos closed his eyes mouthing out the words “please say yes” repeatedly.
Carlos: You will?! Thank you Mister Mac. I really appreciate it. Okay bye now. Thanks again.
Blowing a kiss to the Heavens, Carlos exhaled proudly as he made his way into his vehicle, sending a text to his wife Naomi that he was on his way. Knowing his father was right, Carlos slowly buried his suppressed emotions towards NGW’s closure, putting his entire focus on his upcoming future. Knowing he needed to give EWC everything he had, The Descended Saint was ready to pour his heart out in every single match he was booked in.
After bidding Bill Vincent, Executive Vice President and Television Production of EWC farewell, a mentally drained Carlos Cruz walked over to the female director, thanking her for her time and creativity. His gleaming smile never wavered as one by one the camera and makeup crew walked up to him, shaking his hands and hugging him, later returning to gathering their equipment. Besides having yet another memorable deep and detailed interview in his career, but this one senior analyst Joe Aiello, Carlos was humming a hymn as if he was awarded a raise, truly excited how the production team puts his interview together for the viewers at home. When no one was looking, Cruz cheerfully leaped into the air, tapping both heels together. He felt nothing could damper his blessed day.
After gathering his own belongings, which was simply a dark blue duffle bag in which he carried his suit for an event tonight and his ‘I’m a Jesus Freak’ hooded jacket, Carlos headed to the exit door which lead to EWC’s studio’s parking lot. On this mildly chilly afternoon, Carlos was in a whitish gray V-neck shirt, black denim jeans and a pair of fresh black and white Adidas sneakers made him look like a hundred bucks on the streets.
In a jolt, Carlos slapped his forehead with great force, complaining as he glanced down at his red digital wrist watch.
Carlos: Ahi Dios, Naomi is going to kill me!
Recalling why he was carrying his bag with a fresh suit in it, Carlos scrambled into his back pocket desperately searching for his car keys as he hurriedly approached his red Cadillac.
Carlos: Come on where are they?!
Dropping his bag to the concrete floor, Carlos patted himself down in a frenzy, pleading for God to help him. Starting to get frantic, Carlos dropped to one knee, quickly unzipping his bag, going into it like a dog digging for his buried bone. Repeatedly muttering "come on" as he searched all available pockets, Carlos was on the verge of storming back into the studio, hoping someone inside had found it.
Male voice: You haven't changed one bit mijo.
Boiling hot blood shot up into Carlos's ears, right away registering who the voice belonged to. Trying to maintain his composure, Carlos continued with his search for his keys. He was getting more and more irritated with himself, having checked all of his pockets. Still sensing the person was behind him, awaiting that Carlos turn around and acknowledge him, The Jesus Freak pulled out his iPhone from out of his back pocket.
Before he could even turn on his device, a jingling sound made it's way into his ears. Hating himself even more, Carlos turned around with a tightly clenched jaw, seeing his car keys in the hands of a man he wasn't ready to see.
Pastor Ramón: Looking for these?
Once again jingling his oldest son's keys in the air, the fifty something former World Champion greeted his son with a warm smile. On this afternoon, the Pastor was dressed comfortably in a short sleeve white buttoned down shirt, with a pair of black dress pants on. His tie was gold, red, and blue with multiple images of a white cross plastered all over it. With more gray hair shown on the top of his head, and age marks shown under his eyes and near the corners of his mouth, in the back of Ramón's eyes was the same vibrant light he possessed when wore his tights in the early eighties.
Carlos: Thanks for finding them for me.
Just when The Descended Saint was on his way to reach out and grab his keys, his father pulled his hand back, a weary and concerned look crossing his face. Giving his father 'I'm not in the mood to play' look, Carlos once again reached for his keys. And like before, Ramón pulled his arm back in a hurry, keeping a safe distance between himself and his son.
Pastor Ramón: You haven't answered any of my messages.
Carlos: Yeah sorry about that, I've been real busy lately.
Lying through his teeth, The Jesus Freak leaned against the hood of his car, his arms crossed across his chest in a nonchalant way. Not looking his father in the eyes, Carlos took interest in a few squirrels running around across the street from the parking lot, each one fighting over half of a Butterfinger bar.
Pastor Ramón: I heard! Wow you actually signed with Extreme Wrestling Corporation. Mac definitely has people talking, many hoping their dream matches become a reality.
Keeping his attention focused on the scrapping critters, Carlos made believe he didn't hear a word his father just said. Just the sight of his old man irked The Jesus Freak. Noticing the cold shoulder he was receiving from his own flesh and blood, Ramón tried to maintain a positive attitude, going through his memory bank in search of a joke or story to tell.
Pastor Ramón: I can remember like it was yesterday. You were like maybe around seventeen or eighteen when you watched your first match of Joseph. It was in the middle of the night and while everyone was fast asleep. When your mother was on her way to the kitchen, wanting to get a cold glass of Malta, complaining that her throat was feeling dry, she saw a faint light coming from the living room. When she saw you in front of the computer-
Pastor Ramón seized from telling his story, unable to hold back his laughter, wiping a tear out of his eyes. Not wanting his father to see, Carlos turned his head away from his sight, a small smirk taking shape on his face, also remembering the embarrassing story like the back of his own hand.
Pastor Ramón: When she saw you in front of the computer monitor, your mother had a cow. After she screamed her lungs out, she told me you hurriedly turned the screen off while holding the power button off, swiftly returning to your room after avoiding a flying chancleta. While your mother was beating your rear until you couldn’t feel it, shouting for the Lord to take out a demon out of you, I headed over to the computer, curious to see if you were actually watching what your mother believed. And do you remember what I found?
For a moment there was a cold silence, Ramón staring at his distant son, contemplating on if he should approach him or not. The Jesus Freak remained motionless on the hood of his car, recalling every single detail of that hilarious night. It was about three in the morning on Saturday, and his family was fast asleep each one excited for a day in church. His loving family tucked away in their warm beds, Carlos remained up tirelessly trying to fall asleep. He tried doing push ups, reading a little, counting sheeps, and even filling himself up with his father’s leftovers in the kitchen. Nothing was working. Whispering in the night, checking to see if his three brothers were actually asleep, Carlos cheered “YES!” in the back of his head, calmly and delicately slipping out of bed.
Once out of his room, Carlos made sure not to make the smallest peep as he made his way into the living room, doing a double take to make sure he was actually alone. Turning on one of the DELL computers in the apartment, Carlos smiled like a child given a bag of treats, hurriedly going to Youtube. Even after he tried to avoid a severe beating from his fuming mother, The Jesus Freak quickly dismissed his rear’s pain, remembering every single image and sound coming from his computer screen. Detaching himself from his vehicle, Carlos uncrossed his arms as he stood up straight. With not a trace of care in his brown eyes, Carlos spoke with a rude tone in his voice.
Carlos: A video of Joey NOX winning the NMW NAX World Champion.
Pastor Ramón: Not only that, but a few videos of Joseph’s matches when he didn’t have a name. You watched almost ALL of them that night. And do you remember what happened when I visited you after Nena had cooled down?
For the first time, The Jesus Freak looked up at his father with a blank look in his eyes, trying to think further back. Most of the memory was pretty hazy especially after that merciless beating from the hands of his mother. From the look on his son’s face, the Pastor chuckled to himself realizing Carlos had no clue what he was talking about.
Pastor Ramón: A few minutes later you were talking in your sleep. YA HEAR ALL THESE PEOPLE!? I'M THE BEST EVA! EVA! I'M THE BEST EVA!
Carlos: NOX said that one time.
Carlos couldn’t help but be impressed by his father’s strong memory, his anger towards him gradually fading away. Noticing his son starting to warm up to him, gave Pastor Ramón an open door to approach him. They both leaned against the hood of the Cadillac, quietly taking in the cool afternoon breeze.
Pastor Ramón: I was very pleased to hear that you signed with EWC. It brought a big smile on my face, especially after...
In the corner of his eye, Carlos noticed his father’s jaw tense, unable to will himself to complete his sentence. But he didn’t have to, Carlos already knew how the sentence would end.
Carlos: You never told anyone why you closed NGW Pa?
Feeling his stomach twisting in a tight knot, The Island Boy closed his eyes desperately pushing back the hard and sickening emotions that surfaced each time the sensitive subject was brought up. Even Carlos could feel the energy being drained out of his dear old father, but telling himself to not change the subject, Carlos pressed on wanting to finally get to the bottom of things.
Carlos: Do you how hard it was when I finally became a World Champion? I was ridiculed in and out of the locker room, especially on Twitter. Everyone thought because I’m your son, I HAD to win it, even when I was the one who climbed up the ladder and retrieved the belt on my own. And then in my first title defense I lost it, everyone telling me that I wasn’t cut out for the business. Few months later, I was ready to invoke my rematch clause, wanting to finally silence my critics. And then do you know what happened?
Pastor Ramón: NGW closed.
Uttering those two words increased the discomfort he was feeling in the pit of the stomach, closing his eyes as his breathing became shallow.
Carlos: No, YOU closed NGW Pa. But why? We were only six or five months away from our one year anniversary! Tell me.
Countless of glorious memories from the day NGW (NitroGen Wrestling) was opened rushed into the Pastor’s mind, making him want to crawl into a damp and dark hole and never come out. The wrestling company he founded was like another child he was raising, getting so many sponsors, TV and PPV deals, signing the hottest talent on the planet, and so much more. What he treasured the most was seeing his oldest son, someone he saw himself in, finally achieving his long awaited dream. On July seventeen of 2014 in Houston, Texas on the company’s inaugural pay-per-view competing against Chris Marx and Pimp D, his son became a World Champion in front of a sold-out crowd. His own wife had to hold him up, as he cried like a proud father, watching his son on one of the TVs in the back as he celebrated his proud victory.
Pastor Ramón: I admit, I regret closing NGW. But it needed to be done. For so many reasons. I’m still not able to talk about it without having my heart being torn out. But again, I’m sorry for what I put you through mijo. Yes, you finally achieved the proudest moment in yours and my life. Even with NGW closed, no one can take that moment from you. Not even me. Am I sometimes kept up at night, wanting to resurrect the company? I would be lying if I said no. But to be honest, it’s better if I leave it to rest in peace.
Carlos wasn’t happy at all in what he was hearing. He wasn’t getting the answers he was craving for, even before resigning with PRW earlier in the year. Yes Carlos could recall meetings where management argued over a few decisions his father was making, some deciding to part ways with the company. Even though the company was getting massive exposure on ESPN and ESPN 2, it was still unable to keep up with PRW, XWA, EAW, and few other mega wrestling promotions. When he was alone, able to get into his father’s office, The Jesus Freak looked into his father’s files. In each one were financial reports, and few other things, of what the company was going through. To say the least it wasn’t pretty.
Sensing his father was ready to put the topic of NGW to rest for good, Carlos went over to pick up his belongings, taking another look at his wrist watch.
Pastor Ramón: Do you hate me Carlito?
With a sigh, Carlos bended his head back, his eyes closed slightly.
Carlos: No Pa. I don’t hate you. It’s just-
Waving off his last sentence, Carlos turned and faced his father, beckoning with his right hand to be handed his car keys.
Pastor Ramón: Mijo, answer me this before you leave. Why did you exactly sign with EWC? Why not simply focus on PRW?
Carlos: Because I need to know if I really belong in the business.
Pastor Ramón: Carlito-
Cutting his father off, Carlos went on to say:
Carlos: EWC has been around since the late nineties. They’ve done it all, and the absolute best in the business have walked through those doors, etching their names in the stars. And quite frankly, I want to add my name to their history books. I’ve gone all over the world, conquering all those who claimed they were gods and born champions. EWC is basically beckoning me to try the waters, wanting to see if I can truly keep up with their stars.
Pastor Ramón: And you want to see if you can be, or better say be better than Shadow Man, Drake, Xplode, and especially Stevens?
Carlos: Is that selfish?
Pastor Ramón: What person doesn’t want to outshine their childhood heroes, and the most illustrious combatants the world has ever seen? It’s natural to feel and think that way mijo.
Carlos: What were you even doing here?
Pastor Ramón: To give you some fatherly advice of course.
The Pastor placed his arm over his meditating son's shoulder, as they both leaned back against the driver’s window.
Pastor Ramón: EWC homes the fiercest and best gladiators any federation has ever seen. And I know you’re signing with the most highly adored wrestling corporation on the globe because of NGW’s closure. You’re still trying to prove to people you don’t need my hand to feed you.
Carlos: And I don’t!
Pastor Ramón: And I know that mijo. But remember, NGW is dead and gone. We had great times there. But now you’re headed to EWC, with a major opportunity in your hands. Don’t let the past cloud your mind. Don’t let people’s words affect your in-ring ability. It’s time to write a new chapter in your unique wrestling career. Remember Isaiah forty-three, verse eighteen: ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.’ No one drives a car by continually staring back in the rear-view mirror. Right?
Carlos’ shoulders slouched, watching as the clouds passed by. Glancing up in a jolt, after his father took hold of his hand, lightly placing his car keys in them. Still wearing the warm smile from earlier, The Island Boy rubbed The Jesus Freak’s head like when he use to when his children had come home crying after getting in a fight at school.
Pastor Ramón: Show Mac, EWC, and the world why you’re going to be a force to reckon with for years to come. Show them how much you’ve matured, wanting to give the next generation of wrestlers a new role model to look up to. You brought so many smiles in NGW. Bring that charm, intensity, and passion back to EWC. But ten fold. You do that, I promise you that no one will be ready to stand across the ring from you.
Kissing his son on the top of his head, Pastor Ramón went on his way, waving good-bye to his son as he left the parking lot. Even though mixed emotions were bottled up in him, Carlos was beyond pleased to have his father always appear when he needed him the most. Finally with his keys in his possession, Carlos needed to do something else before he was on his way. Taking out his iPhone, The Jesus Freak dialed up a number without having to think about it. Placing the phone against his ear, Carlos patiently waited for the receiver to pick up.
Carlos: Afternoon Mister Mac, it’s Carlos. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could answer a simple request of mine. Yes Sir it’s about appearing at WresteFestXIV. However, I had another request. I know it won’t be easy. But do you mind if we can talk about this in person?
Occasionally nodding his head during the long pause, Carlos closed his eyes mouthing out the words “please say yes” repeatedly.
Carlos: You will?! Thank you Mister Mac. I really appreciate it. Okay bye now. Thanks again.
Blowing a kiss to the Heavens, Carlos exhaled proudly as he made his way into his vehicle, sending a text to his wife Naomi that he was on his way. Knowing his father was right, Carlos slowly buried his suppressed emotions towards NGW’s closure, putting his entire focus on his upcoming future. Knowing he needed to give EWC everything he had, The Descended Saint was ready to pour his heart out in every single match he was booked in.
