The Final Chapter

Brandon: “Wow, I can’t believe we’re here in Hawaii””

Keagan: “Why is that so hard to believe? We’ve been planning this trip for a while haven’t we?””

I walked out of the airport and into the Hawaiian sun. It was beautiful. Hot as heck, but perfect. It was a nice break from the rotten New York weather that we’d been dealing with for the last little while.

Keagan and I had been invited to come to Honolulu for the week, to take part in some NFL Pro Bowl activities. I’m pretty sure Keagan got Aaron to get us an invite, since he was starting for the NFC side. The only disappointing thing was that none of the Patriots would be there. But that was okay; because I’d much rather go see them play in the Super Bowl than see them at the Pro Bowl. Keagan and I had bought out Super Bowl tickets a few weeks ago, but now it was even better, because the Patriots were in it.

Brandon: “Yeah, but it’s just so cool to be here. Although it sucks that we won’t get to stay for the actual Pro Bowl””

Keagan: “Yeah, but you’ve got more important things to do””

Brandon: “Yeah, like make sure that I still have a job after Rising Monarchy””

Keagan: “Oh come on, you aren’t going to lose. And even if you do, you basically have a guaranteed job back in the UFC””

Brandon: “Yeah, but I don’t want to go back to the UFC. What would I do there? Just win the title and keep winning again? I don’t want that””

Keagan: “Okay, well, you and I can open a porn company!””

I laughed as Keagan grinned widely at me

Brandon: “You know that’s actually not a terrible idea. You know a bunch of experienced actors and actresses, and I’m sure the two of us could think of some great movie ideas. Plus, it’s not like we’re short on cash””

Keagan: “Exactly! Except I only want to fuck you.””

Brandon: “I’m sure we could work something out. After all, who’s going to argue with me?””

Keagan: “Exactly””

We walked over to a shuttle bus, which was going to take us to the Ihilani hotel in Oahu, where all of the players and coaches, along with their families were staying. We climbed on and the bus pulled away towards the resort.

Brandon: “Maybe I should just retire regardless of whether I win or not””

Keagan: “Why on earth would you do that?””

Brandon: “I don’t know. I guess it depends. I mean, if I can get some kind of guarantee of a job that I would actually enjoy, then maybe it’s just time for me to move on, you know? I’m not very good at sticking to something for very long. I like to change things up, do different things. Maybe it’s just my time to call it quits in the IWF””

Keagan: “You want to play football, don’t you?””

Brandon: “You have no idea.””

Keagan: “Why didn’t you keep playing at TCU? I mean, if you love it so much, wouldn’t it have made more sense to just play football through college, then go play in the NFL?””

Brandon: “It wasn’t that simple. There was a lot going on in my life at the time. I didn’t just decide to not play football anymore. A lot of things happened, and it just wasn’t what I needed to do. Fighting, that was something that made sense at the time. But now, hell, for the last few years, I’ve always thought about trying to make it in the NFL””

Keagan: “Do you think that you could go from something that you dominate in, to something that you might not be that good in?””

Brandon: “Yeah. Because I have the work ethic. You know me, you see how hard I train. I would give it all to try to get better at football. Maybe I would suck at first, maybe I would be average. But I don’t know if I could live with myself if I didn’t actually try””

Keagan: “Well, you know that I’ll support you no matter what you decide to do. But here’s my thoughts. You’ve done it all in wrestling. You’ve been champion twice, you’ve defended it, et cetera. You haven’t lost a match in five months. You dominated the IWF from start to finish if you decide to hang them up. You did the same when you were in the NLWF. Now here’s football, something you haven’t done in basically a decade, and might not be very good at. But it’s something that you want to do more than anything. Lets say you go and get to play in the NFL. And you aren’t very good, or decide that you don’t really want to do it anymore, because it’s not what you thought it would be. What’s stopping you from just going right back to the IWF, or some other wrestling company. I mean, it’s not like you’re burning bridges or anything. You get along with basically everyone, so you could easily just go back. Basically, what I’m trying to say is, wrestling will always be there for you. Football might be a once in a lifetime chance. So why not give it a shot right?””

I thought about it. She was right. She was always right about these kinds of things. Football wasn’t always going to be there. I’m getting to the age where I wouldn’t be able to keep up with some of the guys in the NFL, and I know it. But I know that I can wrestle for basically forever. This was such a hard choice.

Brandon: “I don’t know. I still need to think about it. It’s a pretty big decision for me””

Keagan: “You gotta take your time. We’ve got all week. Let’s just relax a bit, hows that sound? We’re in Hawaii for fucks sake!””

Brandon: “Yeah, I’d like to just relax for a bit. Meet some of the guys hanging around. So many great football players in one place, maybe I could learn a thing or two””

Keagan: “And I get to see a bunch of hot football players without shirts on? Score one for me too””

Brandon: “I’ll get Aaron to introduce you BJ Raji. You’ll love him without a shirt on””

Keagan: “Ewwww, no thanks. I wanna see Patrick Willis and Von Miller with nothing on””

Brandon: “I’m right here you know””

Keagan leaned over and kissed me

Keagan: “We both know that you’re the only man for me””

Brandon: “Good. Look, we’re here””

The bus pulled up in front of the giant resort. It was so nice. They had Pro Bowl decorations all over the front of the building, clearly not trying to hide that the best football players in the world would be staying.

Keagan: “Wow, this is really nice!””

Brandon: “You’re telling me. This is crazy””

We walked into the hotel. Some ladies hug lei’s around Keagan and my necks, while some people took pictures. I made it over to the reception desk, to check in. Someone from the Packers organization had made our reservations, again, thanks to Aaron and Anna. I got everything set up with the receptionist, and after a few minutes, had the room key card, and was making my way towards our room. As we were walking, I saw someone I recognized walking down the hallway, with a towel around his shoulder. I walked over to him and grinned.

Brandon: “Richard!””

Richard Seymour turned around and looked at me and smiled

Richard: “Can it be? Brandon Macdonald! What the hell are you doing here buddy?!””

I laughed and embraced Richard as he laughed. He looked over at Keagan, who was smiling beside me.

Richard and I first met when I was at TCU. We travelled to Georgia and played his team. They beat us pretty handily, and I remember trying to block Richard on one play. It was a crackback block, and he just shrugged me off and made the tackle. After the game we talked a bit. We stayed in contact the rest of the year, and then he was drafted by the Patriots, which helped since I was good friends with Tom and some others on that team. We had kept in touch ever since, but hadn’t really talked much in recent years.

Richard: “And who is this lovely lady?””

Brandon: “Richard, this is my girlfriend Keagan. Keagan, this is Richard Seymour””

Keagan: “Yeah, I know who he is babe. Its great to meet you Richard””

Antonio: “Believe me, the pleasure is all mine.””

Keagan: “Brandon, I’m going to go get changed for the pool, meet me up in the room in a few minutes?””

Brandon: “Sure, I’ll be right up””

Keagan smiled at Richard and then walked past him towards our room.

Brandon: “So where’s Tanya? You’re still together, right?””

Richard: “Yeah, we sure are. She’s down at the pool, I just had to run to our room to get something. Man, I can’t believe you’re here. Did not see that coming!””

Brandon: “Yeah, you and me both. You know, after that pretty average season you had this year””

I laughed and Richard shoved me jokingly

Richard: “Hey, I’m just grateful I’m here. It’s nice to be recognized for stuff you did like that. It’s a nice vacation too. But seriously, what are you doing here? Aren’t you wrestling now or something?””

The last time I talked to Richard, it was at Anna and mine’s wedding

Brandon: “Yeah, I’m still in wrestling. Different company, still champion though. Anyways, you remember my wife Anna? You came to our wedding last year””

Richard: “Yeah how could I forget that wedding? We got attacked by crazy men on horses.””

I had actually forgotten about that, and it made me laugh.

Brandon: “Oh yeah, good times. Anyways, we split up earlier this year. Still great friends though. Anyways, she’s dating Aaron Rogers, so he got us invited down, got us reservations, all that. And now we’re here””

Richard: “Wow, that’s pretty lucky for you. Look, I’ve got to get down to the pool, but I’ll see you later on, right?””

Brandon: “Yeah, for sure. I’ll probably be down to the pool in a bit””

Richard: “Cool, see you down there””

I hugged Richard again, before continuing down the hall towards our room. Keagan had left it open slightly. I walked inside and closed the door behind me. The room was pretty nice, and it had a great view of the ocean behind us. I walked over to where Keagan was adjusting her bikini in a big full body mirror.

Brandon: “You look pretty””

Keagan: “It’s a new bikini, do you like it?””

Brandon: “Of course I do. And so will every other guy on this entire island””

Keagan laughed and looked back at the mirror. I grabbed her by the waist and picked her up and tackled her onto the bed.

Keagan: “Hey!””

I laughed as I wrestled with her on the bed, before she rolled me over and off the bed onto the ground. She landed on top of me and smiled.

Keagan: “Hi””

Brandon: “Hi””

I kissed her quickly on the lips as she rolled off of me.

Keagan: “Let’s go swimming””

Brandon: “Alright, alright, let me get changed””

I got up and stripped down, before going to my suitcase to look for my bathing suit.

Keagan: “You should just go swimming like that””

I looked at Keagan. She was staring at me. I laughed and kept searching.

Keagan: “No, you might embarrass everyone here actually””

Brandon: “Exactly. That’s why I need to find my trunks””

I found my swim trunks and pulled them on. I turned around to see Keagan still staring at me, smiling. I laughed as I grabbed a towel off of the table, and walked with her out the door.

We made our way down to the main pool. I could spot dozens of NFL players that I knew or recognized around the pool. Some were swimming, some were playing with their families, and a few had even started a water volleyball game. I looked around the pool until I spotted a familiar face.

I walked over to where Anna was lounging along the side of the pool, clearly working on an already impressive tan. She had sunglasses on, and an iPod headphone in one ear. I snuck up on her with Keagan, and stood over her.

Brandon: “ANNA!””

I yelled at her loudly and then grinned as she almost jumped out of her chair. When she saw who yelled, she grinned and stood up.

Anna: “Brandon! Keagan! You made it!””

Brandon: “You think we’d miss out on a free trip to Hawaii?!””

Anna grabbed both of us and wrapped us in a huge hug. I hugged her back and laughed. She released us both and looked at us.

Anna: “When did you two get here?””

Brandon: “Like, just now. We literally checked in, got changed, and came down here. Where’s Aaron?””

Anna looked around. I followed her gaze, and saw Aaron playing volleyball in the water with a few others.

Anna: “Over there playing volleyball. Hey Aaron!””

Aaron stopped playing and saw Anna motioning for him to come over. He swam to the side of the pool and pulled himself up and walked over towards us.

Aaron: “Brandon, Keagan, you guys made it!””

Brandon: “Course we did. I was telling Anna, we’re not about to pass up a free trip to Hawaii. Especially when we get to hang out with some of the best players in the NFL.””

Aaron: “Come on, let me introduce you to some guys””

Awesome. That’s all I had to say about that.

I followed Aaron over to the bar, where a few guys were sitting. They turned around when they saw Aaron coming over.

Aaron: “Brandon, this is Greg, Calvin, B.J. and Julius. Guys, this is Brandon Macdonald, he’s a good friend of mine””

I couldn’t believe it. Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, B.J. Raji and Julius Peppers were all sitting in front of me. Four incredible NFL players all sitting right in front of me. I extended my hand and shook all of their hands.

Brandon: “It’s good to meet you all””

I sat down at the bar and grabbed a beer from the bartender. I turned to face all of the guys.

Calvin: “So Brandon, how do you know Aaron?””

Brandon: “Uhhh, it’s a long story actually””

Greg: “You guys know Aaron’s girlfriend, Anna?””

Calvin: “Yeah, she’s smoking hot””

Julius: “Damn right she is””

Brandon: “Yeah, that would be my ex-wife.””

The guys all stopped for a moment and stared at me, except Greg, who obviously knew this already. I wasn’t surprised, as Aaron was his teammate. It didn’t bother me either. Anna was like my best friend.

Calvin: “Oh shit. Aaron’s dating your ex-wife. And you’re friends?””

Brandon: “Well, to be fair, I cheated on her before we split, so it’s not like that. And besides, Anna and I are still like best friends. Shit happens, you know?””

Julius: “I hear you.””

Calvin: “Who in the hell did you cheat on her with? She’s so hot, who could be better than her?””

I looked over towards Anna. She was sitting on her chair, talking to Aaron, who was sitting beside her. I looked around for Keagan, but couldn’t see her anywhere.

B.J.: “Yo, check out Patrick. More importantly, check out that chick that he’s with””

Julius: “Smokeshow””

I looked. Sure enough, the girl talking to Patrick Willis was Keagan. I laughed to myself. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, which is exactly what Keagan wanted.

Brandon: “That would be my girlfriend””

The guys turned and looked at me.

Calvin: “Man, some guys get all the luck””

Brandon: “I guess. They both grew up with me, the three of us have been friends nearly our entire lives””

Calvin: “Man, you are one lucky man””

Julius: “So you cheated on Anna with her? I guess I can see why””

I laughed. It got so much more complicated than that

Brandon: “Actually no. I cheated on her with this girl named Ashley. Then we broke up and I started dating Keagan””

Calvin: “Man, I never knew a white boy could be so crazy. And so after you cheated on her, she hooked up with Aaron?””

Brandon: “Actually no, she started dating another guy. It’s a funny story actually. The girl I was with, Ashley, was adopted by a guy named Chuck, who’s only about six years older than her. So I was dating this really young chick, and Anna started dating Chuck.””

The guys stared at me for a second, processing what they were hearing. They started laughing once they finally figured it out. I laughed as well.

Calvin: “So your ex-wife started dating your girlfriends’ step-dad? Man I thought some of the guys here had fucked up relationships. But I think yours takes the cake””

Julius: “You’re alright Brandon. Have a seat, grab another drink””

I laughed and sat down with the guys. We started talking about football, and other things. I couldn’t believe I was here. These were all guys that I looked up to, and really respected for their football ability, and here I was, talking to them, hanging out with them. I would have never guessed in a million years that I’d be here. What a great way to spend my possible last week in the IWF.

--------------Few Hours Later--------------

I was walking around the pool, as more and more guys had arrived. I had met tons of players now, having been introduced by a number of players. I had met Clay Matthews and Jared Allen, both of whom were avid wrestling fans. I had promised them that I’d teach them a few moves later on. I had met Cam Newton, the phenomenal rookie quarterback of the Panthers. I had just met a ton of players, most of whom I’d never dreamed that I’d ever meet. But now I was looking around for Keagan. I spotted her sitting down, talking to someone I couldn’t see. I walked over to her and sat down beside her.

Brandon: “Hey babe, how’s it going?””

Keagan leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. She looked over at the man she was talking to, who I hadn’t even seen yet.

Keagan: “Ray, this is my boyfriend, Brandon Macdonald””

I couldn’t believe that Keagan was sitting here talking to Ray Lewis. And that I hadn’t even noticed him.

Brandon: “I’m so sorry if I interrupted you””

Ray: “Don’t worry about it. Great to meet you Brandon, Keagan’s told me so much about you already””

Ray Lewis extended his hand to me, and I reached out and shook it.

Brandon: “I’m a huge fan, it’s so great to actually meet you””

Ray: “Ah, but Keagan tells me that you’re a big Patriots fan””

Brandon: “Well…uh…I mean, I am…but…””

Ray: “Relax Brandon, I’m just joking around. I’ve got no problems with anyone being a fan of anyone. I respect the Patriots a lot. They beat us on Sunday, I’m sure you were pretty pleased””

Brandon: “I was quite happy actually. No offense””

Ray: “None taken. You can cheer for whomever you want to cheer for. I got a lot of respect for the Patriots, and especially for Tom””

Brandon: “Ray, I have to ask, how can you keep coming back year after year, and seemingly never losing a step? You’ve played for sixteen year, and you’re still one of the best linebackers in the NFL””

Ray: “You know, it doesn’t feel like that long. Every time someone tells me I’ve been here for sixteen years, I ask them ‘Really?’ But how can I give up something that I love so much? I love football; I love my teammates, my coaches, everything about this sport. I can’t just walk away that easily. And I just keep practising, and keep improving. I learn new things every year. And I just keep getting better. I may not be as fast, or as strong as I was ten years ago, but I’m a lot smarter. I know how to pick my spots, how to make sure that I’m still dominant, but not just running all over the field like I used to. It’s a delicate balance, the game of football. You have to be athletic, of course. But being smart, that might be the biggest asset to a good football player””

Brandon: “I can see why Keagan’s been talking to you for a while. Can I tell you something Ray?””

Ray: “Of course””

Brandon: “Well, I’m a wrestler, maybe Keagan’s told you””

Ray: “She has. I was never a fan, but I have a lot of respect””

Brandon: “Well, this weekend, during the actual Pro Bowl, I have a match against another wrestler. If he beats me, I have to retire. So I’ve been thinking a lot about what I might do if he beats me. I mean, like, career-wise. And something I’ve always dreamed of is to play in the NFL. And I’m not just some guy who thinks he can play football. I was one of the best Canadian high school players ever, and I played a fairly good year at TCU before I quit due to life issues. So I can actually play football. What do you think about that? Do you think it would be a good idea?””

Ray: “First of all, you should never wonder what you’re going to do after a match, before it happens. You need to focus completely on your match. Ain’t no way you can go into a match or a game, or anything while thinking ahead. You need to be completely focused on what you’re trying to do; otherwise you stand no chance of doing it.””

Brandon: “I know it’s easy to say. But this isn’t just another match. This is my career. If I lose, then I have nowhere to go. I need to have some sort of idea for a plan””

Ray: “Well football is a good place. Especially if you know what you’re doing. It’ll take some time to get used to playing, but if you can do it, you’ll love it. We have a lot of fun doing what we do here, and I’m sure you will too. But you need to put in the work. If you do that, it’ll all be worth it.””

Brandon: “Thanks man, I really appreciate it””

Ray: “Anytime. But I have a little extra piece of advice””

Brandon: “Oh yeah, what’s that?””

Ray: “If you get on a team that plays us, stay out of my way””

Ray and I both started to laugh.

Brandon: “Okay, I’ll remember that””

This was just so cool. Here I was, joking around with Ray fucking Lewis. This was a good way to spend the week. I’m glad I could be here, especially with Keagan. Even though my wrestling career might end on Sunday, I don’t really care. I just want to relax, and have fun here.

----------------------Friday, January 27th, 2012----------------------

Aaron: “Hey Brandon, come here for a second””

I heard Aaron calling for me. I got up off the chair that I was tanning on, and walked over towards Aaron. He was standing with some guy dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, and khaki pants. I didn’t recognize him, but he looked important.

Aaron: “Brandon, this is Ted Thompson, he’s our GM””

Ted: “Nice to meet you Brandon””

I reached out and shook Ted’s extended hand

Brandon: “Same to you Mr. Thompson””

Aaron: “I’ve been thinking about something you’ve told me Brandon, and I was talking to Ted, and he’s agreed to do something for me. He’s agreed to host a mini tryout for you, right here at the Stadium. What do you say?””

Brandon: “Wait, what?””

Aaron: “Well you’ve always told me about how you want to be an NFL player. And that you were actually good in high school and college and stuff. So I talked to Ted, and he agreed to watch you and give his thoughts.””

Ted: “I’ve also talked to a few other teams, and we decided that we’re going to film this tryout, and if you’re good, then I’ll send the tapes around to other teams, and see if anyone could use a guy like you.””

Brandon: “I…well…yeah I’d love to””

Ted: “Great. We’ll meet at the stadium in an hour?””

Brandon: “Sure. Thank you so much Mr. Thompson””

Ted: “Don’t mention it.””

I turned to Aaron, who grinned at me.

Aaron: “Yeah, yeah, I know, you’re welcome””

Brandon: “I can’t believe you’d do that for me.””

Aaron: “Well I figured that I didn’t want you to be doing nothing if you lose on Sunday. So I thought this could be a viable backup plan for you. There’s no guarantee, and I’ve never actually seen you play, but why not right? We’re here, having fun.””

Brandon: “Yeah wow, thanks. I promise I won’t disappoint you””

Aaron: “Don’t worry about it. I was talking to some of the guys, and they’re going to come along and help you with your tryout. I got us two corners, a safety, a linebacker, a running back and another receiver. We’ll just make one side of the field, and run routes and drills and blocking stuff. Just so Ted can see all the parts he needs””

Brandon: “Wow, who did you get?””

Aaron: “Well, there’s the great Clay Matthews at linebacker. You’re going to be covered by the one and only Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey. Earl Thomas is going to play over the top, and on your side, you got Greg as well as Marshawn in the backfield. They all agreed to come help you out””

Brandon: “Wow, I can’t thank you enough Aaron. This is awesome””

Aaron: “Hey, don’t mention it. You’d do the same for me””

I laughed. Aaron was turning into quite the friend. I wouldn’t expect Anna to find anyone less than this though. She deserved a guy like him, and I’m glad she got him. Now I just needed to get ready for this tryout. I hadn’t come here ready for this, but I had been training every day to keep in shape for my match against Stygian on Sunday, so I wasn’t out of shape. I just hope it goes really well.

----------------------Four Hours Later----------------------

Ted: “Alright guys, I’ve seen all that I can see. We’ll call it a day. Brandon, you can come over here if you want some feedback””

I was exhausted. I had just spent the better part of three hours running routes, blocking, tackling, catching, and running some more. I thanked all the guys for helping me out, and then jogged over to where Ted was sitting. I think I did pretty well.

Ted: “Take a seat Brandon””

I sat down beside him, trying to catch my breath.

Ted: “Alright, well first off, I was very impressed with you out there. Think of this as just a small review. I’m not going to sit here and critique all these little things that you may have done wrong, but rather, just the big picture of it all. Things that you’ll need to work on if you ever want to play in the NFL, and things that you do very well””

Brandon: “Thank you sir, I’d appreciate that””

Ted: “Okay. I was pretty impressed with your explosiveness. You got off the line quickly, and were able to explode out of your cuts. That was good. However, that being said, if you want to make it as an elite wideout, you’ll need to work on your top end speed, because fast corners will be able to keep up with you.””

Brandon: “Alright””

Ted: “Your catching was great, I saw no problems with that, not a single dropped pass. Your route running could use work, but that would just be fixed by practise and repetition. I know it’s hard to come here and know all of the routes and everything, without any prior knowledge””

Brandon: “Yeah, and I wasn’t totally expecting an NFL team tryout over my vacation week””

Ted: “Exactly. You made some good decisions out there, so I like that you have smarts. If I can solo out one specific play, I remember one deep route, when Aaron underthrew you. Champ jumped up to make the interception, and even though you couldn’t make the catch from your position, you knocked the ball away from him, preventing a pick. That’s the kind of thing teams like to see with their wideouts and tight ends. That they never give up on a play, and try to minimize the mistakes, even if it isn’t your own mistake.””

Brandon: “I just learned in high school, if you can’t catch the ball, then make sure no one else can””

Ted: “Exactly. Anyways, last thing, your blocking is obviously phenomenal. I’m sure that comes from your wrestling experience, but I see no issues with that at all. One of the better blockers I’ve seen””

Brandon: “Thanks Mr. Thompson””

Ted: “Anyways, this has been great, I think if I were to project where someone would put you, it’d be a tight end sort of thing. Think Aaron Hernandez on the Patriots. Primarily a slot-type receiver, but still able to block when he needs to. I’ll send this tape to some guys around the league; hopefully one of them will give you a call. I’m sure they will.””

Brandon: “Great. Thanks a bunch Mr. Thompson””

Ted: “Your very welcome. I’ll look forward to seeing you next year hopefully””

I shook Ted’s hand and walked towards the changeroom. This was great. I couldn’t believe my luck. Getting a real NFL GM to watch me, film a tryout of sorts, it was the best thing I could ask for. Now I had potentially some sort of job security after my match with Stygian. Speaking of which, there was something that I needed to do.

----------------------One Hour Later----------------------

I grab a camera and give it to Keagan.

Keagan: “What am I supposed to do with this?””

Brandon: “Well Stygian says I can’t just sit and talk in front of a camera, so I guess I should give it a shot””

Keagan aims the camera at me. I look into it

Brandon: “Stygian, Stygian my man. You want to know why people like me? Why people cheer for me whenever they hear my great entrance music? Why I surround myself, not with famous people, but with my friends? I’ll let you in on my secret. It’s pretty crazy, so I hope you’re sitting down. The reason people like me is because I’m a good guy. I know, crazy eh?! Who would have guessed it? If you’re nice to people, they like you. If you’re a good wrestler, and a funny guy, they like you. I know, it’s a crazy concept for you to understand. I mean, for someone like you, who’s probably only ever been cheered at his fourth grade piano recital, and it was your mom who was doing the cheering. Even though she was doing it out of love, because how bad would it have looked if no one had clapped, not even your own mother?””

Brandon: “I don’t go out of my way to find famous people to surround me with to make me feel better about myself. No, I know it’s a hard thing to grasp, feeling good about yourself, but it is a real thing. These guys are my friends. I was invited to Hawaii by my friend’s boyfriend, who happens to be a professional football player. I hang out with my friend from back home on New Years, who just happens to be a world-famous DJ. You’re right about one thing though. I learned how to craft my public image very early on. It’s how I’m so financially secure right now. It’s how I was able to finance a wrestling company straight from the ground, into what it is today. Without my financial aid, the IWF would be nothing. But the funny thing about crafting your public image, is that all you have to do is be yourself. Whenever I said something about how I loved my fans, and how they were the reason I kept doing this, I wasn’t lying. I wasn’t trying to trick anyone into liking me. I meant every word that I said. It’s pretty common knowledge around here that I was in a pretty bad place during my UFC career. Everyone, well, everyone who’s actually done their research knows that I was depressed, suicidal; all over the way I left Anna and my family after Zach’s death. But going out there, and hearing the fans cheer for me, or walking down the street, and seeing a young boy recognize me and ask for an autograph, that made me realize that they were the reason I was doing this. They were keeping me alive. That’s why I’m so well-liked.””

Brandon: “Speaking of research, you should probably do yours a little more thoroughly. Allow me to help you out a bit. March 19th, 2011. UFC 128: Jones vs Macdonald. When I fought Jon Jones only three weeks after returning from active military duty. So yeah, that whole ‘I went to Air Force, I learned to serve my country, I learned courage, honour, discipline, and dedication’, yeah, that doesn’t really mean anything to me. I’ve done the same. Maybe you learned to serve your country, but I’ve actually done it. Everyone knows the reason I left NLWF. But no one will ever know what happened overseas. I intend to keep that secret to the grave. But to question my courage, my honour, that’s bullshit. And if you still doubt it, allow me to smarten you up a bit””

I reach into my pocket and pull out something. I show it to the camera.

Brandon: “This is a Distinguished Service Cross, awarded to me last April. I invite you to verify that with either Mr. Donald Rumsfeld or Mr. Robert Gates. So don’t you dare question my courage and honour.””

Brandon: “Oh yeah, and I did make it out of the first round with Jon Jones. In fact, I made it out of rounds 2 and 3 too. I did lose in the fourth however. But to call me afraid of Jon Jones, after having already been in the octagon with him? I think you should maybe research a bit before you try to talk trash to me Mr. Stygian. Here, I’ll give you a copy of the fight. You should check it out.””

I pull a DVD out of my bag and hold it up for the camera

https://insurgencywrestling.forumotion.com/t232-ufc-128-macdonald-vs-jones

Brandon: “There you go. Maybe watch that for me, tell me what you think. Yeah I lost to Jon Jones. But I’ve also beaten some of the best in the business. You can sit here and talk to me all day about how Chuck Lidell was declining, or how Rashad Evans was just a phony as well. But if you’re going to sit there and tell me that Dan Henderson, Rampage Jackson, Anderson Silva, yes, THE Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Shogun Rua, that they’re all phony fighters? And that beating them means nothing? Well then you’re about as stupid as I thought. I don’t lean back on my UFC career because it’s all that I have. In fact, I don’t lean back on my UFC career period. I lean back on my career as a professional wrestler, and how I’ve beaten the best in the world. You’ve beaten Chuck Matthews? Good for you, I’ve never lost to Chuck Matthews. You beat Dan Alexander? Cool, I’ve beaten him twice too. Ruben Ricardo Leon, don’t even get me started. All these guys that you claim legitimize you as the best wrestler, I’ve beaten too. Yeah, recently I’ve had quite the lack of competition. But how can you blame that on me. This apparent ‘weight’ that I have to throw around to get matches, where does that come from?””

Brandon: “Maybe that is another case of you doing absolutely no research or knowing anything about IWF history, but I have zero pull in the IWF. Perhaps you weren’t aware that I put my entire ownership stake on the line in my match at From the Ashes, which I lost. Yeah, I still am recognized as the founder of this company, but I hold absolutely no power within it. I have the same ability to make matches as you do. The IWF threw Steel Angel at me, why? I don’t know. Maybe they thought he could beat me. Maybe they just had no one else. Robbie Hart? The man who I had never met in my life, and then squashed easily in my match? Yeah, I’m sure I just planned that whole thing out.””

Brandon: “The reason I’m relevant is because I am consistently at the top of whatever sport I’m in. When I played football in high school, I was one of the best in Canada. When I came to TCU, I was put on the map across the States. When I joined the UFC, I immediately shot to the top. I became relevant because I was the guy who could take so much punishment, and yet still find ways to come back and win. I was the guy who won a fight against Chuck Liddell, and then had facial reconstruction surgery afterwards. I’m the guy who’s never backed down from any man’s challenge. Even though as much as you like to say I’m a coward, and that I always take the easy way out, I implore you. Find me one time where I was challenged by someone and backed out. I’ll save you the trouble right now, and just tell you. It’s never happened””

Brandon: “I’ve been in one retirement match before. It was against my best friend, the late Nick Ridicule. For some reason, he decided to put his career on the line. This was back when he was in shape and actually knew how to wrestle. Anyways, I beat him, and retired him. I could have easily backed out of that match, or lost on purpose so that I didn’t end the career of my best friend. But I didn’t. Because he challenged me, and I wasn’t planning on backing down. Just like I’ve done my whole life.””

Brandon: “This very well may be my final match in the IWF. If it is, then I leave with no regrets. I’ve accomplished everything I need to here in the IWF, and in wrestling as a whole. When I started wrestling, I told myself that I would never quit wrestling until I had done all that I could for the sport, and for myself. And as of today, I’ve done all of that. I’ve become champion, multiple times. I’ve won more matches than I’ve lost, that’s for sure. I’ve been the top guy in the company since day one. No one else can say that they’ve done that. Not Chuck Matthews, who decided to wrestle here about halfway through, and only got good recently. Not Corey Casey, who left when the going got tough, and only just came back. I’ve been here since Day 1, when I fought and defeated Chris Matthews in the main event of the very first IWF show in history.””

Brandon: “I’ve had my ups and downs, no doubt about it. But do I regret any of it? No. I did what I did because I thought it was the best decision for me. I joined the Right Honourable Gentlemen because even though I had just gotten back from war, I was unappreciated by my own country, whom I had just risked my life trying to protect. I got addicted on drugs, which ultimately lead to my death, because I wanted to. I continued to cheat on Anna with Ashley, because I thought it was what I wanted with my life. When I divorced Anna, I thought it was for the best. When I dumped Ashley, I also thought it was for the best. And now, with Keagan, I’m finally happy. I’m not doing anything behind anyone’s back, or anything like I used to. I’m open, I’m enjoying life for the first time in a long time.””

Brandon: “But Stygian, you better be ready for a war. You want the best in the company, and there’s no one in the IWF better than me. No matter how you slice and dice it, or try to avoid saying it, I’m simply the best. I’ve beaten every challenger that I’ve ever faced, and I’ve done it with style. I’ve seen what you’ve done, and it has impressed me. But in no way am I afraid of you. I’m going to go into the match with a clear head, and I’m going to use all my skills to beat the shit out of you Stygian. You might punch me, throw me, beat me down, but don’t think for a second that I won’t be doing the exact same thing to you. If you’re seriously taking me that lightly, then you’re in for a rude surprise. Because you can ask everyone else in this world who has underestimated me, and they’ll tell you to never underestimate me. Play down my skills all you want, but when it comes time to actually fight, don’t be surprised when any plan you had to beat me is thrown completely out the window, because you’ve suddenly realized that I’m actually a lot better than you thought. Don’t be amazed when you’re on your back, looking up at stars, while the referee is counting to three, and you have no idea what’s going on.””

Brandon: “I love wrestling, and you’re trying to take it away from me. My back is against the wall. By making me put my career on the line, all you’ve done is motivate me even more to fight my hardest to win this match. Because I don’t want to see my wrestling career end like this. I decide when it’s time for me to go, not you. You’re going to see the Brandon Macdonald who’s fighting with everything to lose. And let me tell you, he’s not going to lose everything so easily. He’ll make you work harder than you’ve ever worked before. And that will likely not even be enough. You’re trying to do what few have ever done, and you’re doing it when I have more motivation to win than ever before. Making me put my career on the line was the worst mistake you ever made Stygian. And I’m going to make sure to make you pay for it. See you Sunday buddy””