Chapter 2: Guys, I'm Ready
I'll be honest with you, I didn't just throw away Jim Cornette's offer after I hung up that day. In fact quite the contrary, I have debated about it for days and I still have no idea on when or where I would return to the ring. On one side, the WWE raised me and made me who I barely am today, but on the other side the TNA roster is impressive with the amount of well known legendary wrestlers. The odd thing was that since I last spoke with Cornette, while it was confidential, neither Shane nor anyone from WWE attempted to reach me via telephone.
At this point, I was convinced that TNA was trying to center my life around TNA, as an ad for its upcoming pay per view Sacrifice came onto my TV. Plus, a No-Disqualification match. Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage, for the TNA World Heavyweight Title. You won't want to miss all of the action, and a surprise appearance. A surprise appearance? All I did was have a brief conversation, in which the idea was only proposed, about how TNA was always an option for me. Did I give off the wrong impression or did Jim purposely put this out. It didn't matter what the answer may be because all I knew was that this whole thing if found out would not sit well with everyone at WWE.
That afternoon around 4 o'clock, my phone once again rang. I was desperate to talk to WWE as it could be seen when I sprinted to the ringing phone. However it was not a WWE representative, but rather a friend.
"Hey kid, it's Jeff. How the hell are you it's been a while since I've seen you?" Jeff Hardy started with a laugh.
"Yea it definitely has been some time. I'm pretty good, yourself?" I responded.
"I'm alright. You got anything planned tonight?"
"No, why?"
"Well, we just happened to be on Long Island and were wondering if you want to come out to dinner with me, Matt, and Mickie. I mean we got some catching up to do so you basically have to come. Plus, Mexican food…come on."
I saw right through the whole coincidental visit to my hometown, "I don't know Jeff; I'm just not ready to get back into the ring yet."
"Ring? Derek we're talking about dinner with friends. You know what, you got to come now…your mind is so screwed up that you deserve a night out and have some fun. I promise you Derek, this is just a Saturday night out with your people."
"Well…I guess…"
Later that night…
Against my will I arrived at Benito, a well renowned restaurant, to find an eager face on Mickie waving me over to their table. I walked over and met her smiling lips with mine and gave my hellos to the both Hardys and took a seat. "Damn man, you look thin." Matt claimed.
"I haven't really been doing much of anything lately…"
To my surprise the topic of me returning to wrestling did not come up as much as I thought it would. The occasional hint about returning however, I did hear from all three of them at times. Overall though, the more I kept talking to all of them, the more I came to realize something. These people are enough reason for me to come back.
I finally announced what they were all waiting to here. "Guys, I'm ready…"
Late that night we were leaving the restaurant after a long stay there. The night was still young, figure around 10:30 when we decided to hit a nearby bar. Upon arriving we saw a packed building filled with tons of people making the outside appearance rule more difficult to follow. You see, this rule was one set up by the WWE to keep their superstars to keep a quiet presence in public in order to avoid trouble. I mean lets face it trouble from us meant trouble for them which ultimately means more trouble for us. Plus bars weren't exactly the easiest place to follow this rule and after a good amount of time obeying this rule and keeping the noise to just the four of us, the good time was about to be put to the test as we were greeted by a group of guests.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Hardy Boys, baby Hardy, and…one fine looking lady. Hey baby, you like what you see from old Bubba?"
"What the hell do you guys want, we aren't here for trouble." Jeff asked aggravated.
"The Dudley Boys, oh wait excuse me, thanks to your scumbag of an chairman, Vince McMahon, we go by Team 3D now, the new and improved Team 3D. Anyway, we and Johnny Devine are here for the same reason as you guys. Have a good time, toss back a couple beers and party, and to promote TNA, the real brand of wrestling." Bubba responded.
Mickie, seeming to take some offense to Bubba's remark fired back, "Promote? That's cute. The fact the TNA has to send out its wrestlers to spread the word about its company is embarrassing in itself. See we don't have to do that, people know us."
"Everybody on our roster is a natural athlete who can actually wrestle. Unlike you guys and your umm what do you call yourselves again? Oh yeah that's right superstars. So I'd watch my mouth if I were you, you little bitch!" Devon yelled.
I had enough, "Hey! You don't fucking talk to her like that! You got something to say then you keep it away from the lady and say it to me!"
"Whoa, whoa easy there Russo." Bubba stepped in front, "I think it would be wise for you to at least get off on the right foot with your new company." Bubba's eyes moved to see eyes with a look of confusion, anger, and concern all mixed into one. "Oh, he didn't tell you? Your little protégé/boyfriend is coming to TNA. Had a little chat with Jimmy, didn't you?"
"I agreed to nothing and I am not on the TNA roster. So you can go tell everyone over there that because they seem to think otherwise."
"You're not on the TNA roster now Derek, but if it's taking you this long to return to wrestling, why would you be going to WWE? I don't know I think that we all know where you will end up."
I moved closer to the three of them with a continuous dirty look on my face, "I think you guys should leave now before we do. But I promise you, we won't leave so calmly." They nodded with smirks on their faces before exiting while continuing to spread the word of TNA. I predicted correctly when I turned around to see a bunch of betrayed faces.
"Derek, is all of that true?" Matt asked.
I stuttered for words before concluding "The TNA contacting me part, yes. The part about me being on their roster, no."
We all left feeling an awkward and discomforting vibe around us. The cab finally brought me back to my apartment before I kissed Mickie and waved to both Hardys. Their faces explained the feeling vividly: Suddenly I created a bad situation between me and both companies.
A/N: I am taking longer on each chapter, I realize that. This is because I am trying to write out each chapter carefully and with the time I have it takes longer to get one out. But don't worry; chapter 3 is on its way. Thanks I hope you continue to read.
