So here I am. At my wrestling school. The one I built when I thought I had "retired", then barely got to enjoy before life crept up on me again. I'm not sure why I came here, and I'm not sure what I was expecting to find; but the truth is, I find absolutely jack squat, other than what should be there: a few rookies taking turns in powerslamming their partners, a couple of instructors overseeing them, and that big redneck goofball, Jack Brian, standing amongst a beginner's class where everyone is at least a foot shorter than him. I can't help but smile as I walk over to him:
Jacqui M: Look at you, ya big oaf! What are you doing standing there like an idiot?
He turns his head, a grin creeping into his features as he sees me walk towards him:
Jack Brian: Whah, howdy, Miz Jacqui! Nice ta see ya!
I don't return his compliment, instead facing him sternly, my hands on my hips:
Jacqui M: What the fuck are you doing with these guys, Jack? Is this your class?
To my amazement, he nods:
Jack Brian: 'Matter o'fact, it is! See, Mistuh Lee said tha' othah class wuz too eed-vanced f'r me...tha' ah should come train with this one!
I feel like facepalming. Hard. Instead, I sigh:
Jacqui M: Jack, you're hopeless... I mean, I came here to tell you about ACW, but...
Jack frowns:
Jack Brian: Ay-cee-dub? Ah heard of 'em guys... Thum's some small-time promotion offa Noo Yawk, raht?
Jacqui M: Yeah. I guess you know they signed me, too...
The look on his face shows he didn't:
Jack Brian: They did? Congrateelations!
I nod:
Jacqui M: Yup. And I'm fighting dudes over there, too. As a matter of fact, I have a tough match this week, and I need some practice. Get in there.
I nod towards the ring, as Jack swallows:
Jack Brian: In the ring? Wi' you? But Miz Jacqui, ah...
Losing my temper, I bark:
Jacqui M: In the ring, Jack. NOW!
Seeing that I am not joking around, my first (and, sadly, worst) pupil climbs in the ring, obligingly but also very begrudgingly. As i follow him through the ropes and into the mat, I feel a rush of energy start to flow through me. A jobber squash is just what I need to keep me pumped up for my match. Right now, I'm gonna teach old Jackie a lesson he'll never forget; and later this week, I'm gonna do the same to Eric Snow.