Carlstadt, NJ
Returning from a long day at the gym getting ready for his first hardcore match in years, Mick Foley was feeling pretty good about himself. He was fit, he was ready, this was going to be his moment to rip the roof off of the EBWF for the first time since his arrival. He was eager to show off what he could do, thriving in these types of matches was simply second nature to him. As he was just getting finished changing from a shower, his hotel phone rings. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he answers it.
“Hello? Oh hey Collette, is everything ok?” He asks, smiling as he got to hear his wife's voice.
There was a brief moment of silence on the other end, he could feel the air getting heavier through the phone as he waits for a response.
“Mick... I saw the card for Summerslam. I thought you were done with those kind of hardcore matches. We agreed that if you wanted to get back into wrestling that you would take it down a notch and that includes these kinds of matches. You know the only reason why I'm calling you about this is because I love and care about you and so do the kids. They aren't really happy to see you booked in this match either.”
“Look, Coll, it's ok. I know what I'm doing. I know how to survive these types of matches, there really isn't anything to worry about.”
“Really Mick? I just shouldn't worry? Do you think I can just stop worrying about you because you tell me that it's ok? I've seen you after these types of matches, Mick. I know what they do to you, what you call surviving. I don't want to see you risking even bigger injury than what you are already facing stepping back into that ring.”
“Babe, I need you to just listen for a minute. I know that you and the kids are concerned about me getting back into the ring after all these years. I get that. I've been working on myself and I'm in perhaps the best shape I have ever been in. In this business there is no turning it down a notch, especially when it comes to a hardcore match, especially when people know me as the Hardcore Legend. I know you've been watching every week, I'm right in the middle of a momentum swing that's finally going in my favor, I'm changing it all up, having some fun and finally giving the people the kind of quality entertainment that I used to put out week after week. I can't slow down now. I will do everything in my power to walk out of Summerslam in one piece, all I ask is that you have the kind of faith in me that I have in myself.”
“You know I believe in you Mick. If this is something you want to stick with then you know I'm behind you one hundred percent.”
“Thank you Collette. I love you, I'll be back home tomorrow and you'll have me most of the week to yourself.”
He smiles as he hangs up the phone, letting out a slow breath.
- - - - - -
Kmart
Lodi, NJ
The scene fades in looking like it's shot from a simple GoPro camera attached to the handle of a shopping cart. It's looking up into the smiling face of none other than Mankind as he travels down the many different aisles of the store. He most certainly looks like a kid in a candy store.
“Oh what a wonderful place this is and what a wonderful reason there is to shop! Hardcore, hardcore, hardcore, the word just simply rolls off the tongue doesn't it? I've been looking forward to a match like this ever since I signed that contract and now here it is! Oh Bully Ray, I do feel sorry for you. Sorry for the fact that you're put into this situation. There's a reason why they call me the Hardcore Legend, and I'm going to remind them all why I hold that title. I'm pulling out all the stops for our match, you better believe that!”
He lets out a cackle, grabbing something off the shelf as he goes by. It clangs loudly in the cart, something obviously heavy. He continues through the store.
“You see, when I saw that I was going to get a chance to once again be in a hardcore match, you couldn't imagine the delight that filled my heart. This is where I live, this is my home, hardcore in my way of life. Each and every one of you has seen what I can do, what I am willing to put myself through and what I can put my opponent through as well. Let me just tell you this; everything leading up to this moment has been child's play compared to the kind of carnage I am about to leave out there in that ring. Hell, we might be lucky if we even stay in that ring at all. You see, I'm not afraid to wander outside the box.”
Mankind grins as he pulls over a pair of jumper cables, looking them over before tossing them into his cart.
“You and I are going to take the spotlight, we're going to steal the show and we're only the first match on the card! The next day when everyone is gathered around the water cooler there is only one thing they are going to be talking about when the topic turns to Summerslam, and that's what Mankind did to poor Bully Ray!”
He grins widely, sparks practically shooting from his eyes. He knocks and entire shelf of duct tape into his cart before continuing on.
“You and I are going to make history, Bully. You and I are going to give these people a new kind of hardcore they have never seen before. It's going to be big, it's going to be bloody, it's going to change the face of the EBWF for years to come! Don't believe me? It doesn't matter what you believe in, I'll make you into a believer by the time I get done with you.”
Mankind stops in his tracks, looking up over the camera on the cart, his eyes widening, his smile doing the same as he looks up at a sign.
“Lawn and garden... You'll have to excuse me here, Bully. I see some barbed wire with my name on it! Have a nice day!”
He shouts out, pushing the cart aside as he takes off into the store. Though he is no longer in view it can still pick up his laughter and squeals of joy at the finding of various objects.