I grab the phone from the little knucklehead and I look at the phone. It's a...gif?...I think that's what they are fucking called. Anyway. It's a shot of Winter's getting as close as he ever will to greatness by kicking my nuts. It's got some words on it. Over me it says Millenials. Over him it says Boomers...I find "no" problem with these statements.

"Well...that's amusing."

"I know right. So what are you going to do about that punkass little bitch."

"Language."

"That's kind of hypocritical of you Pops."

"Your mother would prefer that you not sound like a sailor's brothel son...and I'd feel bad if I wasn't honoring her..." I stop. Ryan nods and grabs his phone. "Sorry Knucklehead."

"Saight Pops."He's technically the youngest. He was also the sickly one. I stayed up with him the most as a baby. It's so hard to see under that mop of hair but he's still my kid. This hasn't been easy on him. It hasn't been easy on us all.

"You think they're still...alive."

They're sixteen. All three of them. This is a precarious time. The world's gone to shit, and the only thing that matters to us is getting their mom...their mom and their stepdad back. I'm not cut out for this. Give me a situation where violence or psychological torment is allowed and I'm your guy. I am not the best a crisis. The last time. Before the triplets were born. I had an episode. I use to tag with Jennifer's brother Jason Blood. We were a tag team. "The Unstoppable Force". Drunk driver hit the car the night after we won some useless belts. Jennifer didn't wake up for three years. I...I lashed out at Jason. You could say I went overboard.

I sat his fucking face on fire till it was a melted mess with a flaming barbwire bat...

That voice. Last week I fought it in the ring after Winter hit me low. Can't blame him. Mediocre wrestlers always go for the easy win. From now until doomsday it's a what if situation that will hang over his head for all time. He basically choked. But I digress. I almost went to the back and got my tools from my locker. I was going to give him a makeover like Jason. The thought was racing thru my head...but they are looking for any excuse to take my kids away. They think I did it. I don't blame them.

I have a reputation...

I lean over to Ryan and put my arm around him. I try to be more affectionate than my father. I try to be here more often. Right now he needs to be comforted. He needs to feel some hope.

I lie...

"Yeah. I think they're still alive...hell...knowing your mom she's probably rescued Paul and they're on their way back here right now after they stop off for boat drinks." He laughs. I smile. I smile like my life depends on it. Because it's only held by three strands right now. Jamie, Amy, and Ryan. My kids. My life. Who could ask for anything more? I mean really...aside from knowing my ex and her husband are safe. That's all any normal person would ask. That's all any rational human being would ask for right. That's what every "normal" mother fucker wants in this situation...I guess.

I've called myself a murderer for years...I want ten minutes alone with the fuckers who did this to prove myself right to everyone.

"You alright Pops? You spaced out."

"Just thinking about how awesome my kids are...even you ya little knucklehead."

"Eh. I'm not special dad."

"That stomach scar says otherwise kiddo."When he was three years old I went back into wrestling. About a year later...he had a cancer scare. Around that time in OWF we had someone flake out and vacate the title. Instead of just handing it to our resident fuckboy champion they decided to give me a shot. I told them if they could hold off till we heard back if his surgery was a success and there wasn't anymore cancer. He'd never seen me win one of those big belts before. He told me to go for it. And I did. Won my first OWF World Heavyweight Title and found out earlier that day that he had no more markers for it. Happiest day of my life for a while.

...

I wish I was as brave as my kids are pretending to be right now.

"Yeah. Yeah. I guess it's a family trait eh?"

I smile and nod. Courage...yeah it's one of them. That's something from my grandfather down to him I can attest to. And even on the other side of his family. Courage is a trait we all share...

Just hope he never picks up vengeance...

Welp I think we can all agree that was humorous.

And that's all I'm going to say about it. I lost a match, and I got a title shot out of it. Maybe I'll get riverdanced on my dong next time I want a world title shot... be more legit than retiring and coming back to cash in after I shouldn't be able to.

Damn there I go throwing shade again.

I bet that's gotta piss Winter off. I mean his boss saw his fine effort to get the win and sends me to face Harry instead of him. And look who isn't booked this week. Careful. He might be considering you part time now Alex.

But onto better and greater opponents who I don't have to worry about wearing a cup in a match with. Harry! The second most annoying Scottish prick in this federation.

Which also makes you the least annoying! You know last week I thought I was going to have to face someone who might be a challenge. Turned out it was just mentally on their part that they were challenged. However with you I don't have to worry about any of this bullshit. Except deep down you and I both know why I'm here.

They're looking to showcase that title, and the boss is looking to embarass me.

Can't say that I blame him. I mean look at me. I've lost a world title match. I've lost a tag title match. I've lost a match with a second string Ken Davidson. I mean...shit...I'm fucked right now. What I am trying to say here is Harry is that deep down the front office is sending me a message.

You need a win.

You need a title.

And then they throw me to you. Possibly one of the people I actually dread facing because...damn it you have the least punchable face in Carnage.

Like I see you and I don't want to punch you. How the fuck does that happen? I mean if you look at Harry on paper he'd be a megastar anywhere else.

Works hard. Fights hard. Stands his ground. Has had some of the best midcard matches in Carnage history back when he was more active. So why...why are you not higher on the card Harry?

Even with all of this why are you still dragging the barrel?

It's because management has never known what to do with you. However...I know how to fix that.

You see win or lose. Doesn't matter.

This is the final match before the one hundreth episode of Chaos. How many times does that happen? This is a record defining moment for you. And who better to face than someone who can bring out your best.

Harry. I look forward to this. With everything going on with my personal life I look forward to just a great match. A match where we can do great things with that title. Help elevate it. Push it higher than before. You know why? Because we are true Carnage superstars. We are the highlight reel. These new kids think they know. Why don't we show them instead. Let's show them what it means to be Sterner Stuff!

I look forward to holding your hand up either way pal, you've earned that belt and you've earned this match. Let's see how you measure up!