Post by duan on Nov 17, 2011 21:29:52 GMT -5
I've seen it all and I've done it all. For the past how many years I've been doing this, there is nothing that will surprise me any longer. I know every worker in the business up and down. I've wrestled for any major independent company you could think of, from Ring of Honor to Sims Fantasy Federation. I was part of the National Wrestling League in it's heyday. Hell, I've had tryouts for Japan and just didn't want any part of that. There is really nothing I could I haven't done.
The men in this business have become more family than my own. I've shared the ring with too many talented workers and journeyman to count. This business runs in my veins and to me, its a family business. But boy, the business changes when you have an actual family. This part, I never understood until I lived through it myself. I find myself in the same shoes as my father, who I guess I never saw eye to eye with. I have finally figured out that my dad was just a working man, looking to provide for his family, just like his dad did. Sure, he wasn't around all the time and I hated him for that. He'd miss my hockey games, my school projects and a birthday here and there. But there was always money in the mail address to my mom. Whether it was on time or late, it still got to us. I spent a lot of time with my mother, being that we were the last two left in the household. Could you even call us a family? We sure weren't traditional. Sure, I had cousins to hang out with, who treat this business the same way I do, but its not the same. No brothers or sisters...no real father. Just me and my mother. And I hated my father for all of this. I blamed him for having a poopty childhood, when I probably could have made matters better. I blamed him for making school a living hell and I blamed him for hitting puberty late. But, now everything makes sense to me. Its a shame that it took me about 15 years to understand what he was doing and its a even bigger shame that he isn't around for me to say any of this to him...
...but I know the old bastard is listening. I always feel his presence and while I've been on record saying I've never looked up to him as a hero, I take it back. My old man may have not always been at my side but he always had me in mind. When I stepped into the family business, he was past his prime and going insane...literally. Those years on the road just had to be hell for him. Being away from his loving wife and little boy. I just can't imagine how he did it for some odd number of years, but he did. My only wish was that he was around to see what I've accomplished and I would give anything to tell him thank you for his years of service to me and my mother. I think she'd do the same if she was around. I like to think that they finally reconciled their differences in the afterlife and all is right in the world. It honestly keeps me sane.
Now, I know what you all are thinking. What the hell is this guy going on about? I came here to check the Smackdown Spoilers and I accidentally got redirected to this guy's blog. His name is vaguely familiar, but I cannot put my finger on it. Well, hopefully this name grows in your vocabulary. So here is the two big things that I've been waiting to announce:
First of all, let's start with the personal. My wife of two years, Amy, just got back from the doctor with some great news for my household. We will be expecting our first child in early June! I could not be happier and I've always wanted to be a father. It's a scary thought, but we feel that we are ready to be some kick ass parents. I won't go on about this, but if you are close to me, you know how I feel about the situation.
Second of all, I got the call everyone is waiting for two weeks ago. I kept this top secret from everyone except my wife and this is the first time I am officially aloud to announce it. John Laurinaitis, head of Talent Relations for World Wrestling Entertainment, talked about me coming into Stamford for a meeting with himself, Dusty Rhodes and the big boy himself, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. I was overjoyed as I did what my father couldn't. I tried not to get too excited about the thought of living my dream, but I couldn't hold it all inside. I took the flight out a few days later with Amy and got to the head offices. To say I was overwhelmed would be the understatement of the century, but as I waited to greet a living legend in Dusty Rhodes and Johnny Ace, I got the jitters. Finally, a secretary sat me down in what I presumed to be a conference room. After a few moments, Johnny Ace walked in and introduced himself. He first went over my 'prior work experience' and told me that I've been on their radar for quite some time. World Wrestling Entertainment loves my in-ring work and loves the legacy I could bring to the table. Before he offered me the eventual contract, I was introduced to the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. Johnny Ace built Rhodes up as the head of talent in Florida Championship Wrestling and Dusty then asked me a few questions about my past. He noted that I have about 13 years of experience, but I am at the low age of 30. He really liked that and he noted that it will be an advantage to me. Rhodes said that I would be starting out in FCW to see what I have at the WWE level. Rhodes flat out told me that they know I am better than FCW, but they want to make sure I can adjust to their style. Before an actual contract was presented, one more guest arrived to say hello. The man himself, Mr. McMahon, popped in and greeted me with a handshake and hello. I told him what an honor this was and how I have dreamed of this day. Mr. McMahon commented that this was just a start and it is up to me to complete the journey. He left just as quickly as he came in...must be a busy man. Anyway, the contract was presented to me and boy, it was much more than I was expecting. I won't get into specifics, but I have not seen that kind of money in my indy days before. I read over the terms and made a note to them that I would prefer to keep my current in-ring name since it carries my entire legacy and is more than just a name. Ace told me that we will discuss this when I arrive in Florida in a few weeks.
Which brings me to today. I've officially moved into a cozy apartment with the love of my life, my future child and my dream. I am getting ready to start my first day at World Wrestling Entertainment and I am shaking with excitement and nervousness. But, this means I officially made it. Hell, I officially made it when I signed that contract with my unique and one of a kind name:
The men in this business have become more family than my own. I've shared the ring with too many talented workers and journeyman to count. This business runs in my veins and to me, its a family business. But boy, the business changes when you have an actual family. This part, I never understood until I lived through it myself. I find myself in the same shoes as my father, who I guess I never saw eye to eye with. I have finally figured out that my dad was just a working man, looking to provide for his family, just like his dad did. Sure, he wasn't around all the time and I hated him for that. He'd miss my hockey games, my school projects and a birthday here and there. But there was always money in the mail address to my mom. Whether it was on time or late, it still got to us. I spent a lot of time with my mother, being that we were the last two left in the household. Could you even call us a family? We sure weren't traditional. Sure, I had cousins to hang out with, who treat this business the same way I do, but its not the same. No brothers or sisters...no real father. Just me and my mother. And I hated my father for all of this. I blamed him for having a poopty childhood, when I probably could have made matters better. I blamed him for making school a living hell and I blamed him for hitting puberty late. But, now everything makes sense to me. Its a shame that it took me about 15 years to understand what he was doing and its a even bigger shame that he isn't around for me to say any of this to him...
...but I know the old bastard is listening. I always feel his presence and while I've been on record saying I've never looked up to him as a hero, I take it back. My old man may have not always been at my side but he always had me in mind. When I stepped into the family business, he was past his prime and going insane...literally. Those years on the road just had to be hell for him. Being away from his loving wife and little boy. I just can't imagine how he did it for some odd number of years, but he did. My only wish was that he was around to see what I've accomplished and I would give anything to tell him thank you for his years of service to me and my mother. I think she'd do the same if she was around. I like to think that they finally reconciled their differences in the afterlife and all is right in the world. It honestly keeps me sane.
Now, I know what you all are thinking. What the hell is this guy going on about? I came here to check the Smackdown Spoilers and I accidentally got redirected to this guy's blog. His name is vaguely familiar, but I cannot put my finger on it. Well, hopefully this name grows in your vocabulary. So here is the two big things that I've been waiting to announce:
First of all, let's start with the personal. My wife of two years, Amy, just got back from the doctor with some great news for my household. We will be expecting our first child in early June! I could not be happier and I've always wanted to be a father. It's a scary thought, but we feel that we are ready to be some kick ass parents. I won't go on about this, but if you are close to me, you know how I feel about the situation.
Second of all, I got the call everyone is waiting for two weeks ago. I kept this top secret from everyone except my wife and this is the first time I am officially aloud to announce it. John Laurinaitis, head of Talent Relations for World Wrestling Entertainment, talked about me coming into Stamford for a meeting with himself, Dusty Rhodes and the big boy himself, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. I was overjoyed as I did what my father couldn't. I tried not to get too excited about the thought of living my dream, but I couldn't hold it all inside. I took the flight out a few days later with Amy and got to the head offices. To say I was overwhelmed would be the understatement of the century, but as I waited to greet a living legend in Dusty Rhodes and Johnny Ace, I got the jitters. Finally, a secretary sat me down in what I presumed to be a conference room. After a few moments, Johnny Ace walked in and introduced himself. He first went over my 'prior work experience' and told me that I've been on their radar for quite some time. World Wrestling Entertainment loves my in-ring work and loves the legacy I could bring to the table. Before he offered me the eventual contract, I was introduced to the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. Johnny Ace built Rhodes up as the head of talent in Florida Championship Wrestling and Dusty then asked me a few questions about my past. He noted that I have about 13 years of experience, but I am at the low age of 30. He really liked that and he noted that it will be an advantage to me. Rhodes said that I would be starting out in FCW to see what I have at the WWE level. Rhodes flat out told me that they know I am better than FCW, but they want to make sure I can adjust to their style. Before an actual contract was presented, one more guest arrived to say hello. The man himself, Mr. McMahon, popped in and greeted me with a handshake and hello. I told him what an honor this was and how I have dreamed of this day. Mr. McMahon commented that this was just a start and it is up to me to complete the journey. He left just as quickly as he came in...must be a busy man. Anyway, the contract was presented to me and boy, it was much more than I was expecting. I won't get into specifics, but I have not seen that kind of money in my indy days before. I read over the terms and made a note to them that I would prefer to keep my current in-ring name since it carries my entire legacy and is more than just a name. Ace told me that we will discuss this when I arrive in Florida in a few weeks.
Which brings me to today. I've officially moved into a cozy apartment with the love of my life, my future child and my dream. I am getting ready to start my first day at World Wrestling Entertainment and I am shaking with excitement and nervousness. But, this means I officially made it. Hell, I officially made it when I signed that contract with my unique and one of a kind name:
DUAN SANCHEZ JR.