MARK WINDHAM: Should we be honored Ryan? Are we to pretend winning this (Mark holds up the UNIFIED World Title) offers a measure of validation as it once did, when games and personal glory meant more than a check? Maybe we’ve both outgrown running to the dinner bell once it’s rung. All I’ve sought since winning this belt for the first time was growth.

But, I did nothing more than chase my tail.

You were right Dan. I couldn’t see it then, but in the free time working twice a year brings clairvoyance filled the gaps. I was consumed by the pettiness of luxury. Mark Windham. The All-state high school wrestler, the quarterback with Division 1 offers, the greatest athlete Sweetwater Texas had ever seen, the young CSWA legend, did nothing more than dominate every level of competition, climb over every obstacle placed before him. Dan Ryan, it all came too easy, is what I’m trying to say. But that it was taken away just as easily, well that’s the heartache, isn’t it? You work your ass off, you look in the mirror day after day and you know your life hasn’t been misplaced. All those nights in the gym, on the hard floor, on the open road, with men you don’t trust as far as you can throw, bleeding for competitive delirium.

Every moment was worth it, until…

It leaves us with no effort.

You see, Dan, what we are in the greater scheme of things is a pawn. We’re somebody’s puppet who wants to spend a dollar on something other than fresh fruit. It’s not about us, it’s never been about what we as men can accomplish. Maybe you were smart enough to realize that before it was too late, but I kinda doubt it. I saw the way you looked after you broke me in Seattle. I saw what winning (Mark TAPS the belt) this did to you, what it meant. And all that good will soured, didn’t it, when Thomas stripped you for show.

And what are we today? As men who victimized each other for this company?

We’re on call.

We’re wrestling for this title, because it’s the only match up they’ve got. Mark Windham and Dan Ryan, three years later, I guess Thomas hopes it pops a number. But, can we really invest in the effort to save something when it feeds us only on favorable terms?

I broke.

I fell to pieces because everything I took to the shelter with me was a lie. As great as Mark Windham was in his youth, he’s been just as big of a disgrace in his thirties. I’ve lost a marriage, a daughter, and the love of my life to this business, but what hurts the most….what ****ing got me in the end, Dan, was seeing my piece of crap brother cheered like a hero and booked in my place. Nobody was there but me when the hours were put in to becoming a genius in that ring. THAT WAS ME. But, they’re all there when something new must be sold. Well, kiss my ass, Dan, nobody tell me when I’m done being relevant. Nobody pats me on the shoulder, sends a FedEx memo saying, “You’ve served well, contract not renewed.”

No, Dan.

I am relevant.

I have something left to say.

I have more pain.

I’ve been awakened to the fact that I do still answer the dinner bell, when that gold carrot is left dangling. BECAUSE IT WAS ON MY TERMS. My freaking brother Dan, left as he’s done since day one. He ran. He’s a quitter. He’s dirt. He’s dirt Dan. And don’t you sit over there and feel like a champ for putting on an A show with the man.

Don’t you tell me it was a honor to be put down.

He ran, I pick up the pieces. That’s my calling. That’s my destiny. I fell and lost it all, Ivy, my baby, the belt, Paul. I have nothing but a ****ing big house, but I’m past the age where money means anything. That’s not what I want. I want an apology. I want free will. I want that feeling I had in Seattle, of your back breaking over my knee.

We’re all that’s left.

We’re all that banks.

But that’s one man’s angle.

Mine is very simple.

(Taps Belt) This is what I live for, in the shell that’s left.

Ivy says she regrets our night.

Our decade.

Our love.

Everybody regrets Mark Windham.

I think you will too.

We’re not done, Dan. This company, the legacy, it’s over. The writing is on the wall. No, we’re not climbing that hill for glory, or THE resume filler. We’re showing to beat the hell out of someone we can’t stand.

Break me again Ryan.

Break me until you have meaning once more.