The Loose Cannon

the week of February 25, 1996

As always it was great to be with the kids. I really love being a father, more than I will ever love professional wrestling. On Monday, when the kids went to school, I was able to show Melanie the tape of my debut in ECW. She was taken back, in a good way, by the segment. We talked for awhile about my gimmick and where it was going. She seemed a little concern that it may get taken too far. I shrugged off the idea, but she is right.

I heard from Steve [Austin] on Tuesday, which really surprised me. I haven’t talked to Steve in about a year because we’ve lost touch. He told me that he heard about the stunt I pulled for Paul [Heyman]. He told me everyone was talking about it and he cannot wait to see a tape of it. I told him if he is coming to Ohio anytime soon, he should stop by the house and I can show him the video. Our conversation was brief, but I enjoyed hearing from him.

Finally, on Wednesday I heard from Paul.

“Brian”

“What’s going on, Paul?”

“You comin’ to work on Friday?”

“About time you asked me.”

“Sh*t, man I’ve been too busy. F*ckin’ lawsuits and political bullsh*t – you know how it is.”

“Paul, how much am I worth to you?”

“Brian, you’re the best thing goin’ today – you’re invaluable to ECW.”

“Good, I’ll be down on Friday for $600.”

“Ugh…Brian…well –“

“Paul, $600 – I’ll see you on Friday.”

Paul is certainly a creative wrestling genius, but he is a horrible business man.

I spent the remainder of the week with the family, especially Melanie. The warmth of her touch is the one thing I missed the most when I was working for Atlanta. Friday swings on through too soon and as usual my family and I shared goodbyes. The same routine brought me to Philadelphia, I found Paul and we had our meeting.”

Extreme Championship Wrestling
March 1, 1996

When I arrive at the arena, I open the door and am greeted by Shane Douglas.

“Well, if it isn’t Brian f*ckin’ Pillman.”

“Really, where? I would love to get his autograph.”

“I don’t know who the f*ck you think you are, but this isn’t your company – it’s mine…remember that!”

“What the hell are you talk –“

“You think you’re tough sh*t!? You think you’re the big dog in a small park!? Well I will chew your f*cking head off!”

“Something like that.”

“Oh, you think everything is a f*cking joke!?”

I think about my character and how important this job is for me. I try to walk away to avoid this altercation for now, but Shane grabs me by the arm and tries to prevent me from walking away. I push him off of me and he begins to yell. Finally, I lose it and start yelling back. He takes a swing at me, but I duck. I throw a punch at him and miss. Shane throws a second punch and connects with my right cheek. Finally, Atlas Security breaks up this fight and Douglas and I share a few more profane words as he is dragged away.

Paul comes racing up, “What the f*ck is goin’ on!?” We go to his office to have a meeting.

“Brian, what the hell was that about!?”

“I wish I could tell you, Paul.”

“This is bullsh*t man, real f*cking bullsh*t!

“Calm down my man. It just seems like Douglas is the loose cannon.”

“How the hell are you not mad?”

“He is insecure Paul, but his day will come. Raw emotion will make this storyline even better. So here is what we are going to do…”

Extreme Championship Wrestling
March 1, 1996

Paul and I had about an hour long conversation. It took us awhile before we could get productive as he was really worked up that Shane and I got into a little fight. I’m pissed about the situation, but I am big enough person to do what is right for this business; however, depending on how things work out, I may or may not be coming back. $600 is not worth the hassle. I know I could get a few more bucks out of Paul, but I am not trying to take away another’s wrestler’s livelihood...

A cameraman follows me to the outside of the arena. With my luck it is raining out and just about 40°. We begin to film my segment…

I walk up to the back doorway and begin to slam my fist against the door. “Open up Paul E.!” I continue to slam on the door. “Paul E.! Come on, open up Paul…I just want to talk.” I began to show fatigue as my knocks against the door grow weaker. “I just want to visit Shane, Paul E. Paul E., let me in.” I give the door one last knock before sliding to the ground, resting my back against the door.

“I came out in the f*cking rain for this? I didn’t know Paul E. was another little fraud. I didn’t know Paul E. was scared of the greatest professional wrestler to ever live. I didn’t know Paul E. was another Atlanta Mr. 90’s Gofer. I didn’t know that money sits out in the rain and gets wet. That’s right smart marks, Brian Pillman is money.”

I slide my hand through my wet air and shiver from the cold. “I left the six figure contracts to come wrestle in a bingo hall, but it seems that they won’t let me in no more. Well you still owe me my $600 Paul E.! And don't you forget it!” I begin to slam the back of my head against the door. “Paul E., why won’t you let me in? Is little Shane Douglas whispering in your ears how scared he is of Brian Pillman? I can just hear him…” I begin to whisper, “Paul E., don’t let Brian in…he is so scary. He was Ric Flair’s protégé. He was a Horseman…he can kick my ass. Paul E., Paul E., I’m so-so-soooo scared of big mean Brian Pillman.”

I stand up with authority and yell, “Well you p*ssy! Shane Douglas! You better be scared! Because when I get into this arena I am going to find you...I am going to break you’re f*cking neck! In the name of the Harley Races and the Barry Windhams and the Ric Flairs…’Franchise’ you can kiss me ass!” I pound against the door once last time. “Extreme Championship Wrestling….Atlanta’s sh*tter!”

The camera stops rolling and I quickly open up that door to escape the rain. Scott [Levy/Raven] was standing right next to the door and he quickly stopped me as I walked in. He was laughing his ass off. He said I'm crazy and we both laughed. We talked for a few minutes about Shane. Scott admitted he isn't very found of him either. Scott also started asking me about my time in WCW. Hmm, I can only wonder why he wants to know. Our conversation was brief as his match was next.

I found Paul and he seems to be really stressed. He hands me an envelope and says, "I'm a little short this week." I look in the envelope, only $500. I tell Paul, "Fix this by next week." I shake his hand and leave the building to catch my plane.

While on the plane I really start going over things in my head. I really don't know if I trust Paul. I love that he gives me freedom, but he gives everyone a little bit too much. Plus, he shortchanged me. I'm starting to grow a little anxious about things. The work load for Paul is easier - yet somehow harder - but the bills don't pay themselves. When Melanie and I have some spare time alone, I'll have to figure out what I need to do...

the week of March 3, 1996

We got several inches of snow Sunday night, which meant the kids didn’t have school on Monday. It was great to spend the extra time with them. I always loved the snow, and it was great to feel like a kid again playing in it. The kids really seemed happy to be spending time with my; yet, quality time like this makes it so much harder to go on the road - that is just the price we pay, I guess. By Wednesday the kids were back to school and I was able to enjoy my time with Melanie. ..

I didn’t hear from Paul early in the week, which actually pleased me; however, I did receive a phone call from Eric Bischoff. Melanie answered the phone, but I told her to tell Eric that I wasn’t in. I have no interest in talking to him. He probably still thinks I am going to end up back in WCW. I wonder how long it will take before he realizes that I will never work for that sh*t company again.

I finally heard from Paul on Thursday evening.

“Brian -”

“Paul E., what is going on?”

“Douglas is refusin’ to work with you.”

“What?”

“He says he don’t trust you…says you are too dangerous.”

“You’re kidding?”

“F*ck no, man.”

“Tell him to swallow his ego.”

“Brian…”

“Paul, this is the bullsh*t politics I thought I left behind in Atlanta.”

“I know, I am tryin’ to find a f*ckin’ solution.”

“Paul, tell him to work with me –“

“I tried man, he refuses to f*ckin’ do it!”

“Well I hope he can find work elsewhere.”

“You think I am goin’ to f*ckin’ fire him?”

“Hey, if you want to lose the biggest angle in wrest -“

“Brian, I can’t fire him.”
“Then, I hope he is ready to work with me.”

“He won’t f*cking do it!”

“Look, f*cking tell him we need one segment and a match, and it will be all said and done.”

“Brian…”

“Paul! We’re not going to throw this away.”

“He won’t f*ckin’ work with you!”

“Well than I got a solution.”

“What is it?”

“We’ll talk tomorrow.”

I hang up the phone. I am angry. Melanie asks me what is wrong, but I just cannot talk at the moment. I grab my jacket and go for a walk. It is starting to flurry again. I find a log near the woods. I sit down, look up at the falling snow, and wonder what is going to happen next.