Attention to details and baby back ribs

"The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."
- Sun Tzu

One thing I’ve grown accustomed to since joining the ranks in APW is listening to the stars from yesterday, on their descent down the ladder, belittle the rising stars.

Please, tell me more about what you used to do and what you used to be. Please tell the audience about how you were, at one time, a shining star here in APW. Your descent from the top of the ladder has been legendary, and this week, I will enjoy teaching a Hall of Famer some humility.

I have the ability to be a top flight star here...but that ability won't defeat you...you have defeated yourself.

You should’ve just stayed home. If Jeff and the Hall of Fame committee could talk any sense into you, they would’ve brought you in as a commentator or a GM or something, but instead, you insist on tarnishing your legacy.

With what? 3rd grade humor? 2nd rate accolades?

This is only the beginning for guys like me and Smith. This is the beginning of the end for you.

You may remember we faced each other in December...I don’t need to remind you of the result, but perhaps something I mentioned will ring a bell...

You talked about yourself, you talked about how great you are...your trash talk was weak, and your creativity was non-existent... I hope you can understand my dumb, hillbilly dialect as I tell you how I really feel about you.

And boy, you did everything but talk about me and Mac as competitors... You’ve made fun of the south, you’ve made fun of children (with another homosexuality joke), you’ve played dress up...modern society has a definition for a degenerate like you...

Bully.

The problem is, you are dealing with two guys that don’t bully very well. Your hollow insults were doubly offensive. First, they were superficial. Second, they were lame.

Seems you have given up on the homosexuality jokes that you enjoyed last December and moved on to public defecation...that means poo-poo’ing and pee pee’ing in public. Instead of playing dress-up, now you are chasing down celebrities and making them mad? Wow...clever, bro.

So tell me again...who is it that’s going down the ladder? What are you going to talk about next? Incest? I don’t know how anyone can dive much lower...but if anyone can, it would be you, Michael Lively.

I’m sure there may be some backstage that have pleasant memories from the past about the great Michael Lively, but some of them also aren’t looking at your recent body of work. I’m sure there are some who won’t even watch the promos and go, “Lively, HE’S A LEGEND! Gooch? HE’S A ROOKIE! Lively will win!” But those who actually watch us, will realize that I’m on the rise and you are falling and fading fast, clutching to anything you can to remain relevant.

Your time is passing, your legacy is fading, and whatever clout you had that people just figured you’d win matches is fleeting.

I hope this week, the powers that be take a long hard look at how much more talented I am than you. I’m not a smart man, but I’m sure no dummy. I don’t have to stoop to the depths of low brow entertainment to get the masses on my side. You are a worn out cliche’ of immaturity that’s best days are behind him...and worst days are yet to come.

You can ask Mark Mania and A.C. Smith if I’m just “middle of the card” and you’ll find their answer. If I’m middle of the road, so are they...and we both know that neither of them are average. Those two are bright shining stars in APW...something you WISH you still were.

Lively, in your career, you may have taken down bigger, stronger, and uglier competitors...yeah, that’s accurate, I’m an ugly dude. But that was then...what have you done lately? I’ve faced and beat some talented people here in APW as well. We can talk back and forth about who we have beaten and what we have done with our lives, but what our match will come down to won’t be our records...

Our match will come down to you and me.

One on One.

I’d say that, but it’s obvious you’ve had too many bumps on the head. Most competitors talk some, but the real learning comes when they step into that ring. I don’t use our previous match as a barometer for how this match will go. That would be foolish. I had only been wrestling for a month and was a Meltdown MegaStar. I have grown so much since then...and you’ve regressed. But if we asked each other who would win, the answers would be quick and simple. Now of course I'm gonna say me and you will say that you are going to win, that only goes to show we are confident in our abilities.

You have to have confidence to succeed in this business...but not so much ego. Ego is the downfall of a professional wrestler. I am confident in my abilities, but I know I’m getting better. You have a giant ego, not because of what you’ve done recently, but because of what you’ve done before.

Confidence gets you prepared for a match. Bettering yourself so that you can be prepared to beat your opponent. Ego gets the snot beat out of you. While most would take that humbling and fall back to what works...You’ve had your brain scrambled...and you don’t change. You’re still the same Michael Lively who thinks that he’s the cream of the crop in APW.

I’ve learned if a horse is too stubborn and won’t learn it’s lessons, you have to find what it will be most useful for...glue.

Lively, I’m going to do you a favor this week. You can talk around it all you want, but you have underestimated me. You will regret this. In underestimating me, you’ve underestimated A.C. Smith. You’ll regret that, too...if he even has the chance to get his hands on you.

That XTreme title shot at Rasslemania should be mine.

People have wondered why I chose to “slop” A.C. Smith last week. The answer is simple...

...Michael Lively shouldn’t be in the equation.

While I think the world of A.C. Smith and believe him to be one of the most respectable guys in the locker room, I do not like that he just looked past me. I respect Smith, but lately he has been enamored with you, Lively. He split his matches with me and thinks he can just skip on to you? You have done nothing lately, while I took him to the brink twice, winning once. I deserve a rubber match, the fans deserve a rubber match, and I’m sure Smith (now that’s he’s had time to think about it) wouldn’t mind a rubber match either...pig slop in your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth can get you thinking, apparently.

I’d slop you, Lively...but that would be a waste of good slop...and you’d be too stupid to understand why I did it anyways...even if I did explain it.

This week, instead of training hard...you chased celebrities and made them mad on purpose? What was your goal?...I don't honestly know. I’ve watched your promo over and over and the only thing I feel is disrespected...not because of what you said to me.

...Definitely not because of what you said to me...

But because of the lack of focus you had on me. You will answer for this, no matter how much better you think you are than me. When I hit the Razorback Scrambler...your view of the world will change. You’ll see bright lights and shining stars...but not in the way you want...Sometimes Southern Hospitality involves humbling someone...and that’s what I’m going to dish to you this week.

Lively, you think that you still are able to entertain... Why not be a male stripper at some rundown chick joint and shake your money maker. You’d be better off doing something else...because you are likely to get hurt. A lack of focus is what leads to more injuries than anything.

‘Ol Buckson Gooch is your friend, and I can let you in on a secret... you want to entertain? You want to provide goosebumps for many people... you want to have thousands of people watching you perform? Get back to basics.

GET BACK TO BASICS!

I have seen your matches from years past. You were great. WERE!

You recent attempt at a run has been lackadaisical at best, and laughable at worst. It’s just a shame that it will only be my fists and my feet that will be hitting you to teach you a lesson...you obviously have a skull too thick for that to impact. I wish this were a hardcore match.

You want hardcore..., take a close look at my limited body of work... That would take effort on your part, but if you were to watch any of my matches would you see if I give a rip if I get hurt fighting or not? I know I’m talking to Michael Lively here, so let me answer the question for you... I don't mind to bleed, I don't mind to get cut, I will even fight with broken bones... it doesn’t matter to me. I do have an ugly wife at home that I love with all of my heart and I have kids that need money for a college education...one that I couldn’t afford. You may be the bigger name... but you'll be looking up to me after our match.

I’ve never claimed to be smart, but I’m sure not dumb. What I am right now is angry. Is a pissed off redneck someone you want to mess with.

If you hadn’t tried to jump into a situation that you don’t belong in...my XTreme title shot...

If you hadn’t been so disrespectful...doing whatever you could to not talk about me...

If you weren’t such a prima donna egotistical jerk...which you certainly are.

You wouldn’t have made me mad, Lively if you had only done one of those things...but it’s your collective body of work since December. You have been handed everything you’ve gotten because of who you used to be. That may not be your fault, but you surely are using it to the best of your abilities. You will answer for those sins...you've done gone and pissed me off, son...

mistake...

bad mistake.


Somedays a man just needs to be away with his thoughts. Today is one of those days. Gooch still has a throbbing headache from last night, Lily is crying her lungs out, Annabelle is getting short with Buck, and J-Mac is playing his music too loud to overshadow Lily’s screams.

It’s a good day for Buck to spend some time to himself.

Lisa’s Cafe is the place he likes to go. He can read the newspaper, drink all the coffee that he wants smoke curls up from the kitchen window, as Bob (the resident barbeque “chef”) has left the back door open to the cafe. The fire alarm goes off and Bob opens the screen door and with an old towel waves the smoke from the alarm. The beeping stops and Bob murmor’s under his breath as he goes back outside to make one of his many edible masterpieces.

Gooch is sitting in a corner booth, alone. He has the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette open and is reading from the State section. Some people who don’t pay attention to him or his career would say he is from Texas, he’s not offended by that, but just understands that some people don’t pay any attention to anyone but themselves.

The smoke alarm goes off again and Buck sets down his paper and smiles as Bob rushes in to fan the alarm. He looks over and sees a smiling Buck and looks down at his watch. He uses the towel to wipe off his hands and walks over to Buck’s table, pours himself a cup of coffee and sits down.

Bob Wyatt: Buck how are things in your world? Haven’t seen you around here much!

Bob wasn’t a man of many words. He has a rather dry personality, unlike his juicy concoctions of chicken and beef. Standing at roughly 6’1” with salt and pepper hair, Bob intently waits for a response from Buck.

Buckson Gooch: I’ve been away quite a bit. You know I’m wrestling now.

Bob nods his head. Buck knows better than to ask him if he’s watched any of his matches. Bob is a creature of habit, he goes to bed about 6:30 P.M. and wakes up about 2:30 every morning and can be found at Lisa’s Cafe. He doesn’t indulge on current issues or even town gossip, he just cares about his craft and that is making the most delicious food in PossomGrape city limits. He's a man people talk to, so he catches things from time to time.

Bob Wyatt: I had heard that.

Buckson returns to drinking his coffee and lifts up the paper.

Bob Wyatt: What do you want today?

Buck lowers the paper again, Bob usually only asked when it was something he was wanting to share...a new product.

Buckson Gooch: I think I’d like one of your famous T-Bone’s.

Bob shakes his head and takes a sip of his coffee.

Bob Wyatt: All I have of T-Bone is what was prepped for yesterday. It won’t be as good as what I’ve cooked. It may still taste alright, but it’s not my best. Plus, you need some variety. You've had nothing but the T-Bone for years. Try this new dish!

Buckson Gooch: But you asked me what I wanted, and that’s my favorite.

Bob looks a little irked. That was Buck's favorite, but Bob wanted to show him the new things he's worked on. Buck sees the disappointment on Bob's face and realizes he should give the new stuff a try. It could be considered closed minded to not even consider trying something new, especially from a great cook. Buck nods his head waiting for Bob to let him know what he's been working on.

Bob Wyatt: That may be your favorite, but you’ve never tried my new Apple rub, Baby back ribs!

A smile washes over Bob’s face as he says it. Buck smiles, knowing that he'll enjoy what Bob brings out, but also knowing that Bob is so excited makes Gooch happy.

Buckson Gooch: I’m in, brother! I want to try that!

Bob gets up and heads to the kitchen as Buck picks up his coffee mug and contemplates the conversation he just had.

He can’t help but think of Michael Lively.

Today’s new product is much better than a stale product from yesterday...at least with what he is pulling from this conversation.

Michael Lively was known as one of the best wrestlers in the world...a few years ago. His act may have been cutting edge back then, but now he’s stale. Same tired jokes. Same tired cliches. Same attempt to be relevant, but now, without the ability to do it.

Bob russles through the doorway with a big plate and beautiful baby back ribs. Buck’s eyes bug out as to how great they smell. He immediately starts to dig in, the bone practically falls out of these amazing ribs. The meat is tender, sweet, but salty. Bob starts talking about all of the ingredients, but all Buck can think about is how delicious they are...and how that T-Bone probably tasted like boot leather compared to this.

Buck realizes that he could've made a big mistake by not trying the new dish. Just like some in APW don't want to give young talent like Gooch a shot...they'll stick with old timers like Michael Lively, no matter how weak their efforts are or how lame their tired shtick is.

Gooch hopes that just like he has sampled this awesome dish, that some in APW will give him a chance, too. He was so pleasantly surprised by the dish, he knows that the people that give him a chance will be equally as pleased.

Bob Wyatt: What do you think?

Buck is finally taken from his food induced stupor and answers Bob.

Buckson Gooch: This is amazing. This is now my new favorite...no offense, but this makes your T-Bone taste like boot leather...day old or fresh. This is awesome!

Buck dives back in the gusto as Bob starts talking again about trying a peach rub or something on a chicken or something...Buck can’t get over how the new recipe is better than his old favorite ever was. As he eats the last morsel, he stares at the plate full of bones.

He’s the baby back ribs. He’s the new flavor of APW. Buckson Gooch is one of the new favorites. Sometimes all the ingredients together is what makes something special, and Buckson Gooch has all the ingredients. Ability, humility, and a genuineness not often seen.

Michael Lively is like a day old T-Bone. Sure it’s okay, but it’s nothing compared to the new recipe ribs.

At least the T-Bone won’t have a bad attitude about it and be in denial...because food doesn’t have feelings. Michael Lively doesn’t realize where he is, who he really is, and what his current limitations are.

Buckson Gooch will teach him.

Bob Wyatt: ...and those are some things I’m thinking about, don’t know if I’ll get around to them, I’m just not sure about these Apple rub, baby back ribs...

Gooch looks at him wide eyed!

Buckson Gooch: These are where it’s at! PUT THESE ON THE MAIN MENU!!!!!!! I’ll even publicize them for you! Whatever you do, don’t stop making these...they are amazing!!!!!

Bob lets a smile curl the corners of his mouth as he tries not to show the excitement that he has. One of his creations is going to be the next big thing in PossomGrape...just like Buckson Gooch is the next big thing in APW.

Gooch likes the excitement and sips more coffee. The fire alarm goes off again and Bob is up on his feet grabbing at the towel and waving the smokey air away. Buck gets back to reading his newspaper, a smile creeping over his face, as well.

He finds it crazy that he can relate almost all of the things that happens to him now to wrestling...and he likes that it’s an accurate assessment.

Buck looks at the old clock on the wall and realizes that he needs to be getting back home. He's sure things have died down a little bit...at least he hopes so.


Michael Lively, you are yesterday’s hero...or villain. You’ve come back to try to recreate what you had, and it’s been a colossal failure. You are comparing yourself to a guy who hasn’t been in the business for a year yet and trying to say where his career will end up. Buckson Gooch can’t be defined that easy, and an idiot like you isn’t going to be able to do that accurately anyways.

You can barely define yourself, much less a man like me. You don’t even care to find out where I’m from...Arkansas. I’m a proud Arkansan. I only mention it every week. Why would I think that you’d remember? I don't take offense to you saying I'm from Texas...but at least try to pay attention you half wit.

Why would you miss other details like that one? Oh yeah, because you are lazy. You don’t pay attention to the specifics anymore.

You will answer for that this week, Michael Lively.

You ignored me this week and when you did decide to even mention me, you had information wrong.

I will get the XTreme title shot that I deserve, Michael Lively...and I’m going to prove to the heads of APW that not only do I deserve it...but that you need to be pushed down the card. Your lack of effort is appalling.

Lame insults about sexuality, doo doo, and pee pee aren’t going to cut it in the APW of today. It's a shame that it did cut it in APW years ago. I’m going to prove that APW is very different now. You need to get with the times or disappear.

Step up your game, or hit the bricks.

This will be another opportunity to show that ‘Ol Buckson Gooch belongs here. I’m winning over the fans and I’m earning respect from APW wrestlers and officials. You can joke around all day...but that won’t equal victories.

You are going to be in pain after our match. Consider that a way of getting your attention. It took Smith some slop...it will take the beating of your life for you.

Consider that tough love...I’ll be doing you a favor...giving you a taste of Southern Hospitality.

"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
- Socrates