As the clock struck 10:53 P.M., the bell tolled for the final time. My eyes filled with tears that I had left unshed for many years, now being spilled in front of thousands of near strangers. My 26 year career had ended. 26 years of my life that was spent preforming in front of millions of people had now been brought to a tragic end. As I lay nearly out cold in the center of the ring, I felt a pair of familiar strong hands grab at my shoulders.
"Get up showstopper, you're not finished yet." Undertaker said as he gently lifted me from the canvas.
I felt an overwhelming sense of dizziness overcome my body. Apparently Taker sensed it too because he soon leaned us both against the ropes. His eyes soon lifted to meet mine, his dark black eyes staring through my soul.
"I'm gonna miss you buddy." Mark said as he extended his hand to me.
I simply nodded, holding back the tears that I was saving for my wife and kids.
He left the ring, leaving me with the thousands of people that just witnessed something they never thought they'd ever see. I turned to every side of the arena, acknowledging every person in the arena in Phoenix. When I finally entered the backstage area, I was greeted by every superstar that I had earned respect for over the span of my 26 year career. The tears that I was saving were now spilling like never before. My wife and two children welcomed me into their warm embrace.
"I love you guys so much." I said with tears in my eyes as I kissed each one of my kids on the head.
As I continued though my last backstage walk, I ended up at Hunter. With tears in his eyes, we hugged for the last time after a match. I was going to miss him. Heck, I already did.
"I'm gonna miss you Shawn." He said trying to hold back the dreadful tears.
"I gonna miss you too Hunter, but I'm always with you."
"Forever?" Hunter asked.
"Forever."