Post by Tony Savage on Dec 1, 2019 20:22:15 GMT -5
Honey, where'd you put R.J.'s inhaler? His mom's gonna come to pick him up in a couple of minutes!
It still trips Tony out that he went from do as you please globe trotter without a care in the world to straight up family man trying to keep shit straight. Let's face it; being responsible has always been a concept that is either hit or miss for the guy. For every major success he claim on the resume, there's also a red flag. It happens when a grappler walks the road long enough; no matter how careful you are with your conduct and reputation, there's always going to be a black mark some low hanging fruit picker looking for cheap, easy winter heat will try to exploit.
I think it's in my bloody bag, dear. Oh, could you get my meds too, while you're at it? His wife, Cassandra, bellows from the bedroom of their suite.
For the longest time, Tony never cared that much about itineraries. If he missed a meet and greet, or skipped out on an appointment, hey, no big deal. He got by on sheer charisma and talent. If he didn't work out in one place, or if things backstage got ridiculous, he simply packed his bag and hitched up with another outfit.
But things change. Priorities switch up. Tony's been married and an active father for nearly 2 years now. His son, who he now encourages to take his meds before he eats the rest of his breakfast, he didn't even know he existed until a couple years ago. And getting his old lady back came with an understanding...
He simply had to do things different. And considering how in just a month, he went from just another old name coming off hiatus, to a full fledged touring force making moves once again, it dawned on him...
Hey, maybe if I did that well over the years by the skin of my teeth, let's see what I can do when my shit's half-ways straightened up.
One of his problems was he tried to handle too much by himself. He's had assistants over the years, but rarely did he permit them to do what he paid them to do without constantly running interference. This Dwight guy Cassandra hired, Tony realized you let this guy do his job, he actually does it pretty well.
Mr. Savage, I got the people from the network wanting to know...
Pilot episode's already edited and sent off for additional post production. I got the studio guys cleaning up 3 more episodes. That speaking gig's at 2 p.m., right...
Actually, 2:30, but, it would be best if we showed up early, maybe mingle with the guests.
Old Tony would have balked at the thought of spending time engaging in handshakes and empty convos with total strangers, but, he realizes these people are spending good money to see him. So, it's selfies and bad hors d'oeuveurs and plenty of hand sanitizer afterwards.
Yeah, good idea. Also, how we looking for fighters for the charity event down in Dallas?
Except for one of the bantamweight boxers we invited getting popped by the Athletic Commission for doping, out card's set. Got a couple of backups I've been scouting, but with the event just around the corner...
Tony's still trying to get his kid to get his stuff ready, and in a slightly stressed huff: Look, if you think these guys are kosher, I'ma trust your judgement. Frankly, I was taking a chance with Maldonado considering his personal history. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a second chance story, it seems.
Even the most careful planning and effort can still be derailed by a single bad decision, especially if said bad decision leads to loss of time and money. Years ago, it would have been a coin flip whether Tony would handle it properly, or get frustrated and make a bad choice. Now, it's the cost of doing business; you just pay the price, fix the problem, and move on.
He could no longer afford just to drift away. That was a discredit to himself, and to those that relied on him to be the guy he claimed to be.
R.J.'s mother shows up to pick up their boy. They spend several minutes discussing their child's schedule of doctor's appointments and school dates. A little small talk and one last hug to his biggest fan, and it's back to business.
That's when the wifey comes out with the laptop, her normally gorgeous face scrunched in disgust, like she just read threads on 4chan.
I've heard and read some deranged bollocks from these Spandex wearing spastics, Tony, but this slag..wow!
Tony could already tell when he saw the website for the fed, somebody was invoking his name to get their heating bill paid off for the winter. It was either the vapid one that presented herself like a plastic plaything, or the Hall Monitor.
He smiled, putting the laptop down.It can wait. We've got a busy day before we fly out.
But this shit this scrawny malcontent saying about...
Oh, I can imagine. Tried to straighten them out by explaining the route they're going's only going to get them having to dress in the parking lot because everybody in the locker room wants to strangle them, but...
People are going to do them, no matter how bad a strategy it is. He keeps forgetting Cass has very little to do with his in-ring business. Just like when he tries to talk to him about "single index funds" and "trade ramifications of Brexit", she sports that glazed eye look when he tries to explain the ins and outs of his other job.
Worst thing you can do is give somebody who doesn't have anything to do with your revenue stream currently too much shine. Besides, I've been meaning to have a talk to The Kids (Tony's term of endearment for the Premiere fans and roster)about some shit.
Cass knew what he was going to address, and the subject always broke her heart. A lot of Tony's issues with consistency in the ring had to do with her. She always felt like a boat anchor, considering this guy's nearly derailed his own career to be with her. Cancer, lawsuits, a fucking stalker; every time she was damsel in distress mode, here comes Tony, career be damned.
Sometimes, she just wanted him to scream "it was the goddamn old lady holding me back" just so she didn't feel so guilty.
He never held any of her issues interfering with the job against her. Not once. To him, he made his choices, and justifying them simply did not matter. People were going to think what they did, no matter how many receipts he broke out.
You own it and move on. You'd be surprised how many people get disarmed when you lay your faults bare on the table willingly, with little regret.
"Honey, there comes a point where you can only get so angry with what G.E.D. having assholes spit out their mouths. These vultures thrive on misery and quick button presses for catharsis. They will literally do anything to get their face out there for a few minutes more, without thinking for one moment what kind of damage it'll do in the long game.
He loved his wife for still being a worry wort when she saw people attacking her man, but she had to come to a realization this was part of the business.
You take things too personally in this industry, the only person you'll end up knocking onto the mat is yourself.
***
It was just him in front of a laptop streaming this online. No fancy sets, no exotic locales like he's been known to use as backdrops for shoots; it was just a tired, slightly dinged up man who just got off work, getting ready to handle one last chore for the day. His tie comes off, and he leans back in the somewhat uncomfortable hotel room sofa.
Flaws. That's always a subject people in the game go out of their way to either avoid addressing, or cover up.
People in this sport go out of their way to hide some of their defects and less than appealing aspects of their career and personality. Big fucking shock, huh? Bunch of muscle-heads standing in front of a camera screaming about how badass they are having a problem admitting they sometimes fuck up? Say it ain't so!
They think admitting error makes them look weak and incompetent. That it doesn't sell merch and move Nielsen ratings. Hell, they'll even go off on a rant about how you're "too into your feelings".
In essence, too many people are too into character, they forget to show any character.
He takes a deep of water, then puts the bottle off to the side. He stops to think about what comes out of his mouth, a gift so few are lucky to possess in wrestling.
I've gotten a lot of love from fans of Premiere, welcoming me back with open arms. Considering I've helped a lot of places over the years make money and can't even get any of those cats to even wish me Happy Holidays, when Kaden and company rolled out the red carpet to greet their favorite son, that damn near bowled me over. Hell, I've been getting a lot of love from other places I've signed a contract with.
And I've gotten a lot of detractors popping out of the woodwork, too. Old beefs, smart marks, new knuckleheads trying to get their careers a kick-start by challenging this old gunslinger to a fight without fighting. And they bring up the same things...
You're not consistent...
You're just a part timer; you ain't about this life...
And the best one, from somebody that's barely turned in their W2 to H.R. and already making themselves a target...
I'm pretty much the poster child for everything wrong with professional wrestling.
Didn't know missing some shows here and there made me a bigger scumbag than the hundreds of spouse beaters, dope addicts, and general scumfucks that'll go so far as fake their deaths to get over or avoid a mistake that draw a paycheck, but then again...
Twitchy, green as grass rooks who roll like Joseph McCarthy with a uterus are known for being fountains of knowledge, aren't they?
He rolls his eyes. This is nothing new to me. Heard this shit in '16, '17. '18' Hell, when it's the year 3000 and my brain's in a jar for scientific purposes, this subject's gonna come up.
My conduct. How I handled business.
Let's face it, folks, I've fucked up before. Who hasn't in this biz? You look at any famous grappler's timeline, there's a black mark alongside every gold star they've earned. Whether it's dope, booze, ego, horrible investment or joining an outfit that ended up being egg in their face, there isn't a single wrestler that's worked the circuit that hasn't committed a sin or two here and there.
I've made mistakes, and if it sounds like I'm being a cold, arrogant, uncaring prick from what I'm about to say, then so be it.
I don't regret a FUCKING thing I've done in this business, for good or ill. Not one thing. it's not like I don't feel bad about some of my greatest misses, it's the mere fact people who'd slit their own mother's throats for a drop of clout seemed to think they're entitled to seeing me crawling on my knees and begging forgiveness and approval, especially when they go out of their way to butt their nose into the affairs of others.
I've made my mea culpas with the people that deserved my apology. And I've used those flat on my face moments to get better. The rest of you...
I'll give you a moment while I turn around and y'all fuck yourselves.
He actually does turn his back for a few.
Done yet? Okay, hope that made you feel better. Just make sure you clean up after yourselves...
Point is, and some of you out there need to take note of this...
If a guy that's screwed up so many times can STILL push tickets, STILL put on classic matches, STILL be a name that gets the industry excited, that has to make you wonder, what exactly makes me so good at my job?
Simple; a good fighter hides their flaws. A great one exposes them willingly, and dares you to try to do something with that info.
I owe this federation a favor for what they did for me after that whole debacle from my prior employer. After all, this is the house that Tony helped build; might as well help rebuild it. I do owe it, and I'll happily admit it.
And I owe it to myself to finally see what I can do without all the baggage I carried dragging me down.
But the only thing rookies, loudmouths, and cranky, self entitled shit-heads who claim to be champions of fair play, yet, have no problem using tactics the worst of us wouldn't stoop to get noticed are owed, is being tested.
People can deny it all they want, but every time they go out of their way to gripe about me in blogs and Twitter feeds, or forget they have an assignment to complete before they try for the Premiere graduate program and come after me...
When they're willing to scream and rant and bitch well after the conversation is over, they admit to me, without actually saying the words...
I'm STILL the man in Premiere. I'm STILL the gold standard of the payroll. I'm STILL that ghost you people chase, no matter what part of the card I haunt. And even on my worst behavior, I will STILL work you under that ring on your best.
First, last, and only time I'll give everybody in the back a warning; coming after me with old hat will only end in you with your own set of regrets and blemishes to explain away. I'm well aware of what I was, and what I can be if i don't monitor myself.
I'd recommend you work on yourselves, fix your houses before you throw stones at mine.
But then again, what would I know? I only survived and thrived despite doing a lot of things to sabotage myself. What could I tell you about the wrong way?
Don't let me do you folks a favor, and save you a lot of headaches I went through. You're free and clear to make your own mistakes. I never pass up an opportunity to make my job easier.
And trust me, some of you are making it RIDICULOUSLY easy!
It still trips Tony out that he went from do as you please globe trotter without a care in the world to straight up family man trying to keep shit straight. Let's face it; being responsible has always been a concept that is either hit or miss for the guy. For every major success he claim on the resume, there's also a red flag. It happens when a grappler walks the road long enough; no matter how careful you are with your conduct and reputation, there's always going to be a black mark some low hanging fruit picker looking for cheap, easy winter heat will try to exploit.
I think it's in my bloody bag, dear. Oh, could you get my meds too, while you're at it? His wife, Cassandra, bellows from the bedroom of their suite.
For the longest time, Tony never cared that much about itineraries. If he missed a meet and greet, or skipped out on an appointment, hey, no big deal. He got by on sheer charisma and talent. If he didn't work out in one place, or if things backstage got ridiculous, he simply packed his bag and hitched up with another outfit.
But things change. Priorities switch up. Tony's been married and an active father for nearly 2 years now. His son, who he now encourages to take his meds before he eats the rest of his breakfast, he didn't even know he existed until a couple years ago. And getting his old lady back came with an understanding...
He simply had to do things different. And considering how in just a month, he went from just another old name coming off hiatus, to a full fledged touring force making moves once again, it dawned on him...
Hey, maybe if I did that well over the years by the skin of my teeth, let's see what I can do when my shit's half-ways straightened up.
One of his problems was he tried to handle too much by himself. He's had assistants over the years, but rarely did he permit them to do what he paid them to do without constantly running interference. This Dwight guy Cassandra hired, Tony realized you let this guy do his job, he actually does it pretty well.
Mr. Savage, I got the people from the network wanting to know...
Pilot episode's already edited and sent off for additional post production. I got the studio guys cleaning up 3 more episodes. That speaking gig's at 2 p.m., right...
Actually, 2:30, but, it would be best if we showed up early, maybe mingle with the guests.
Old Tony would have balked at the thought of spending time engaging in handshakes and empty convos with total strangers, but, he realizes these people are spending good money to see him. So, it's selfies and bad hors d'oeuveurs and plenty of hand sanitizer afterwards.
Yeah, good idea. Also, how we looking for fighters for the charity event down in Dallas?
Except for one of the bantamweight boxers we invited getting popped by the Athletic Commission for doping, out card's set. Got a couple of backups I've been scouting, but with the event just around the corner...
Tony's still trying to get his kid to get his stuff ready, and in a slightly stressed huff: Look, if you think these guys are kosher, I'ma trust your judgement. Frankly, I was taking a chance with Maldonado considering his personal history. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a second chance story, it seems.
Even the most careful planning and effort can still be derailed by a single bad decision, especially if said bad decision leads to loss of time and money. Years ago, it would have been a coin flip whether Tony would handle it properly, or get frustrated and make a bad choice. Now, it's the cost of doing business; you just pay the price, fix the problem, and move on.
He could no longer afford just to drift away. That was a discredit to himself, and to those that relied on him to be the guy he claimed to be.
R.J.'s mother shows up to pick up their boy. They spend several minutes discussing their child's schedule of doctor's appointments and school dates. A little small talk and one last hug to his biggest fan, and it's back to business.
That's when the wifey comes out with the laptop, her normally gorgeous face scrunched in disgust, like she just read threads on 4chan.
I've heard and read some deranged bollocks from these Spandex wearing spastics, Tony, but this slag..wow!
Tony could already tell when he saw the website for the fed, somebody was invoking his name to get their heating bill paid off for the winter. It was either the vapid one that presented herself like a plastic plaything, or the Hall Monitor.
He smiled, putting the laptop down.It can wait. We've got a busy day before we fly out.
But this shit this scrawny malcontent saying about...
Oh, I can imagine. Tried to straighten them out by explaining the route they're going's only going to get them having to dress in the parking lot because everybody in the locker room wants to strangle them, but...
People are going to do them, no matter how bad a strategy it is. He keeps forgetting Cass has very little to do with his in-ring business. Just like when he tries to talk to him about "single index funds" and "trade ramifications of Brexit", she sports that glazed eye look when he tries to explain the ins and outs of his other job.
Worst thing you can do is give somebody who doesn't have anything to do with your revenue stream currently too much shine. Besides, I've been meaning to have a talk to The Kids (Tony's term of endearment for the Premiere fans and roster)about some shit.
Cass knew what he was going to address, and the subject always broke her heart. A lot of Tony's issues with consistency in the ring had to do with her. She always felt like a boat anchor, considering this guy's nearly derailed his own career to be with her. Cancer, lawsuits, a fucking stalker; every time she was damsel in distress mode, here comes Tony, career be damned.
Sometimes, she just wanted him to scream "it was the goddamn old lady holding me back" just so she didn't feel so guilty.
He never held any of her issues interfering with the job against her. Not once. To him, he made his choices, and justifying them simply did not matter. People were going to think what they did, no matter how many receipts he broke out.
You own it and move on. You'd be surprised how many people get disarmed when you lay your faults bare on the table willingly, with little regret.
"Honey, there comes a point where you can only get so angry with what G.E.D. having assholes spit out their mouths. These vultures thrive on misery and quick button presses for catharsis. They will literally do anything to get their face out there for a few minutes more, without thinking for one moment what kind of damage it'll do in the long game.
He loved his wife for still being a worry wort when she saw people attacking her man, but she had to come to a realization this was part of the business.
You take things too personally in this industry, the only person you'll end up knocking onto the mat is yourself.
***
It was just him in front of a laptop streaming this online. No fancy sets, no exotic locales like he's been known to use as backdrops for shoots; it was just a tired, slightly dinged up man who just got off work, getting ready to handle one last chore for the day. His tie comes off, and he leans back in the somewhat uncomfortable hotel room sofa.
Flaws. That's always a subject people in the game go out of their way to either avoid addressing, or cover up.
People in this sport go out of their way to hide some of their defects and less than appealing aspects of their career and personality. Big fucking shock, huh? Bunch of muscle-heads standing in front of a camera screaming about how badass they are having a problem admitting they sometimes fuck up? Say it ain't so!
They think admitting error makes them look weak and incompetent. That it doesn't sell merch and move Nielsen ratings. Hell, they'll even go off on a rant about how you're "too into your feelings".
In essence, too many people are too into character, they forget to show any character.
He takes a deep of water, then puts the bottle off to the side. He stops to think about what comes out of his mouth, a gift so few are lucky to possess in wrestling.
I've gotten a lot of love from fans of Premiere, welcoming me back with open arms. Considering I've helped a lot of places over the years make money and can't even get any of those cats to even wish me Happy Holidays, when Kaden and company rolled out the red carpet to greet their favorite son, that damn near bowled me over. Hell, I've been getting a lot of love from other places I've signed a contract with.
And I've gotten a lot of detractors popping out of the woodwork, too. Old beefs, smart marks, new knuckleheads trying to get their careers a kick-start by challenging this old gunslinger to a fight without fighting. And they bring up the same things...
You're not consistent...
You're just a part timer; you ain't about this life...
And the best one, from somebody that's barely turned in their W2 to H.R. and already making themselves a target...
I'm pretty much the poster child for everything wrong with professional wrestling.
Didn't know missing some shows here and there made me a bigger scumbag than the hundreds of spouse beaters, dope addicts, and general scumfucks that'll go so far as fake their deaths to get over or avoid a mistake that draw a paycheck, but then again...
Twitchy, green as grass rooks who roll like Joseph McCarthy with a uterus are known for being fountains of knowledge, aren't they?
He rolls his eyes. This is nothing new to me. Heard this shit in '16, '17. '18' Hell, when it's the year 3000 and my brain's in a jar for scientific purposes, this subject's gonna come up.
My conduct. How I handled business.
Let's face it, folks, I've fucked up before. Who hasn't in this biz? You look at any famous grappler's timeline, there's a black mark alongside every gold star they've earned. Whether it's dope, booze, ego, horrible investment or joining an outfit that ended up being egg in their face, there isn't a single wrestler that's worked the circuit that hasn't committed a sin or two here and there.
I've made mistakes, and if it sounds like I'm being a cold, arrogant, uncaring prick from what I'm about to say, then so be it.
I don't regret a FUCKING thing I've done in this business, for good or ill. Not one thing. it's not like I don't feel bad about some of my greatest misses, it's the mere fact people who'd slit their own mother's throats for a drop of clout seemed to think they're entitled to seeing me crawling on my knees and begging forgiveness and approval, especially when they go out of their way to butt their nose into the affairs of others.
I've made my mea culpas with the people that deserved my apology. And I've used those flat on my face moments to get better. The rest of you...
I'll give you a moment while I turn around and y'all fuck yourselves.
He actually does turn his back for a few.
Done yet? Okay, hope that made you feel better. Just make sure you clean up after yourselves...
Point is, and some of you out there need to take note of this...
If a guy that's screwed up so many times can STILL push tickets, STILL put on classic matches, STILL be a name that gets the industry excited, that has to make you wonder, what exactly makes me so good at my job?
Simple; a good fighter hides their flaws. A great one exposes them willingly, and dares you to try to do something with that info.
I owe this federation a favor for what they did for me after that whole debacle from my prior employer. After all, this is the house that Tony helped build; might as well help rebuild it. I do owe it, and I'll happily admit it.
And I owe it to myself to finally see what I can do without all the baggage I carried dragging me down.
But the only thing rookies, loudmouths, and cranky, self entitled shit-heads who claim to be champions of fair play, yet, have no problem using tactics the worst of us wouldn't stoop to get noticed are owed, is being tested.
People can deny it all they want, but every time they go out of their way to gripe about me in blogs and Twitter feeds, or forget they have an assignment to complete before they try for the Premiere graduate program and come after me...
When they're willing to scream and rant and bitch well after the conversation is over, they admit to me, without actually saying the words...
I'm STILL the man in Premiere. I'm STILL the gold standard of the payroll. I'm STILL that ghost you people chase, no matter what part of the card I haunt. And even on my worst behavior, I will STILL work you under that ring on your best.
First, last, and only time I'll give everybody in the back a warning; coming after me with old hat will only end in you with your own set of regrets and blemishes to explain away. I'm well aware of what I was, and what I can be if i don't monitor myself.
I'd recommend you work on yourselves, fix your houses before you throw stones at mine.
But then again, what would I know? I only survived and thrived despite doing a lot of things to sabotage myself. What could I tell you about the wrong way?
Don't let me do you folks a favor, and save you a lot of headaches I went through. You're free and clear to make your own mistakes. I never pass up an opportunity to make my job easier.
And trust me, some of you are making it RIDICULOUSLY easy!