Sting stood in the center of the ring, the sounds of the crowd's cheering washing over him. He felt the energy coming off of them and he soaked it up, using it to help fuel his own fire.
"Come on, Dixie!" he announced, waving his hand for her to come out.
Seconds later a familiar theme song came playing out over the arena. At the sound of the tune Sting began to pace, his anxiousness threatening to come to the forefront. There was a big part of him that was still unsure, still nervous, about what her decision would be.
Moments later Dixie emerged and began to make her way down the ramp. As she walked her eyes locked onto Sting and she found herself smiling. Just seeing him made some of her worry begin to fade. This was Sting. He had never led her astray. He had always had her back. Just looking at him. . .she thought she just might know what she was going to do.
Sting noticed her smile, saw how there seemed to have been a weight lifted off of her shoulders, and his anxiousness began to go away. She definitely looked different from the distressed woman who came out to start the show.
He helped her into the ring and took a few steps back. He could see that she was still a bit hesitant and maybe needed a little bit more encouragement. In his heart he knew this was the right way to go. He just needed to get Dixie to see that.
"Everybody in the world knows this. I've known Hulk Hogan for twenty years, Dixie." he began, not wasting a second of opportunity, "And ever since Bound for Glory last year when he cut Eric Bischoff out of his life, we've gotten to see the real Hulk Hogan. Can you say 'yes' to that?"
He turned to the crowd, extending his mic to catch the chorus of "yeses" that answered him.
He returned to Dixie, continuing on, "I'm telling you, Dixie, I've looked into his eyes. I know his heart. He is the real deal. And I'm telling you that I trust Hulk Hogan. So in return, Dixie, I'm asking you to trust Hulk."
Dixie studied him, taking in everything that he had to say. She could hear the crowd cheering as they agreed with him. She looked around as the audience even started to chant Hulk's name. And there was Sting prodding them on, raising his microphone to catch their chants.
Hearing them, hearing Sting, put a lot of weight towards her decision. She was sure she had finally made the right choice.
She placed her hand on his shoulder and replied earnestly, "You know how much I trust you. It's been you and me from the very beginning. You've never let me down. You've never steered me wrong."
"I know." Sting murmured with a nod, but his confidence began to wane. This was beginning to sound like an answer he didn't want to hear.
Though he was disappointed he knew that Dixie was making the choice that she believed was right for her. And he couldn't fault her that.
"And if you believe in him," Dixie went on, looking up at him sincerely, "I. . ."
Her voice left her for a moment as she got one final flash of uncertainty. Sting looked down at her, offering her an encouraging nod, and she went on, "I believe in you. We're a team. Let's do the right thing. Let's do this."
Sting pulled back, a surprised smile lighting up his face. She was going to do it! The crowd began to cheer as he called for Hogan to come out.
Dixie took a step back, her hand flying to her forehead. Did she really just do this? It felt unreal. So unbelievable. She caught sight of Sting and shook her head, a slight smile on her lips. What could she say? He was a good salesman.
Hogan's music came playing out over the arena and the crowds' cheers went up tenfold. It wasn't long before Hulk was making his way down to the ring, a humbled expression on his face.
Sting stepped up to Dixie and placed a reassuring hand on her arm as he promised, "We've got it. We've got it."
Dixie watched as Hulk came to the ring and she began to smile. Just looking at him, he was a far cry from the arrogant, devious man from months past. There was definitely a humility to him now. And that thought gave her hope. Maybe this really was the right thing to do.
As Hulk climbed into the ring he and Sting shared a hug. As they pulled back Dixie found herself stepping up to give Hulk a hug, as well. It just felt right for that time and in that moment.
Sting placed a hand on Hulk's shoulder and grinned, "Hulk, it's obvious to the whole wide world that you made the Stinger a believer. It's obvious that you made Dixie Carter a believer. And I'm talking about a believer in Hulk Hogan.
"Now I think it's only fitting that you hear from all these people right now." Sting stated and extended his mic to the crowd for emphasis.
He was answered by cheers and chants. Hogan looked out over the crowd, humbled by their faith in him. But by looking into his eyes, it was clear that he wasn't sure their accolades were justified.
"They believe!" Sting called out, pointing to the audience, "We all believe! Come on! Hogan! Hogan! Hogan!"
The crowd once again took up the chant of Hulk's name. Dixie looked up at him, noting that he still looked uncertain.
She glanced over at Sting and mused on what he would do to turn it around. If anyone could, it was him. So what did he have up his sleeve this time?
Hogan glanced around the arena before turning to Sting, "I wanna thank you, Sting. That's the reason I'm here. All the fans. . I can't say enough what this whole ride has meant to me.
"But, you know, I came here with a lot of great things happening." Hulk explained, "And I got caught up in some stuff I'm not real proud of. And I'm not trying to blame Eric Bishoff because I had my fingerprints all over it, too."
He sighed, continuing on, "But at the end of the day, when Bound for Glory went down, I had to make a decision. I didn't want to be that guy I was. I tried to make peace with myself, I made peace with Sting, with you, Dixie, the fans. And, Dixie, I have already closed the book on this part of my life."
The crowd started to boo, some of them once again chanting Hulk's name. Dixie glanced nervously at Sting and was surprised to find that he was grinning. Everything Hulk had said clearly hadn't deterred him a single bit.
"All right," Sting stated, not backing down, "Let's just cut to the chase here, Hulk."
Some people in the audience began to cheer Sting on. They knew he wouldn't back down and they couldn't wait to see what he was going to say next.
Sting leaned in and motioned to himself, adding, "Hulk, you're not gonna deny me. Come on, Hulkster." he pointed to Dixie, "You're not going to deny Dixie."
He walked over to the ring ropes and waved a hand towards the crowd, "And I know you're surely not gonna deny all these people!"
As if on cue the audience began to cheer loudly, chanting, "Hogan! Hogan! Hogan!"
Dixie found herself joining in, swept up in the emotion of the arena.
"Come on!" she called to Hulk over the chanting.
"The writing is on the wall!" Sting proclaimed loudly, "So what's it gonna be, Hulkster? Yes or no?"
Hulk took a step back, a modest smile beginning to form on his lips. He started to speak but had to stop as the cheers grew louder. Sting raised his hand, egging the crowd on. He wasn't going to be discouraged. Hulk was the right guy for the job and he was going to make it happen one way or another.
As the cheers died down Hulk looked Sting in the eye, the older man very serious, "Are we talking about a totally clean slate?"
"Yeah." Sting nodded to him.
Hulk looked away, "You guys are making this really tough. I mean. . .I need to know one thing."
He turned back to Sting, "Before I make this decision. Impact Wrestling's got a huge dark cloud-I mean you guys are in really, really deep with what's going on here. No matter how heavy things are, no matter how violent, no matter how deep the water gets, I need to know one thing that I need to take to my grave. Is, has and will forever in a day, will the Stinger watch Hulk Hogan's back, Jack?"
Sting's eyebrows arched behind his shades and his lips pursed at the question. As if his answer would be anything else.
He raised his mic and stated, "That's an easy one. The answer is yes. But I gotta know something from you. Are you, Hulk Hogan, gonna run this company and be the General Manage and take the keys to this car like the Eye-of-the-Tiger kind of Hulk Hogan?"
Dixie nodded along as the audience cheered Sting on. This just might happen after all.
Hulk thought a moment before going on, "Well if you're saying that you got my back then we might as well tell everybody that Impact Wrestling, as of this moment, has a brand new General Manager, Brother."
The arena practically erupted at the announcement. Dixie began to clap, shaking her head in wonder. Sting had done it. He had actually done it. She walked over and gave Hulk a hug as Sting did a little victory lap around the ring.
As they pulled back she turned and found Sting behind her. He grinned and opened his arms and Dixie slipped right into them to offer him a hug, as well.
"You did it." she whispered into his ear.
Sting pulled back and smiled down at her, murmuring, "Thank you for believing in me. And in Hulk."
Dixie looked up at him in silent admiration. How was it that he was always able to accomplish everything he set out to do? His drive and determination were amazing to her. He was amazing to her.
She broke eye contact and returned to Hulk's side. Sting fell into step beside her and Dixie took both of their hands, raising them over her head. The Impact Zone continued to cheer as the three stood happily in the middle of the ring.
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As the crowd began to file out of the arena Dixie, Sting and Hulk made their way to the back. Many of the wrestlers were waiting for them, extending their hands to Hulk and Sting, hugging Dixie. All congratulated the three over what had just transpired.
Dixie waited until the wrestlers started to disperse before she caught both Sting's and Hogan's eye and motioned for them to follow her into her office.
The three entered the office, Sting closing the door behind him. He watched as Dixie took a seat behind her desk. Though there was a definite light returned to her blue eyes, she still appeared a little hesitant.
Dixie regarded Hulk kindly, yet also openly, "I'm glad to have you back at Impact. If you truly are the man you used to be."
Hulk nodded, expecting as much.
Dixie leaned forward, propping her hands onto the desk, "But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit leery." she flashed a slight smile, adding, "Once bitten twice shy."
Hulk cleared his throat, "I expect as much. But I promise you, that man you knew months ago is gone. I promise you that I'm going to do the right thing from here on out."
"I hope so." Dixie leaned back in her seat and leveled her gaze upon him, "I sincerely hope that you are once again the true Hulk Hogan."
"He is." Sting assured her from his spot by the door, "I can see it, Dixie. He's the real deal."
Dixie glanced over at him, regarding him thoughtfully. As much as she wanted to believe that, there was still that little nagging part of her that was unsure.
She turned back to Hogan and got back to the business at hand, "I want to make this one thing clear. And if you can't agree to this stipulation, I complete understand. I will shake your hand and we can end this on a good note."
"What's the stipulation?" Sting questioned, curious.
Dixie glanced at him for a second before turning her attention back to Hulk, "For right now, until I'm 100% sure I can trust you, I have final write off on everything you want to do. Every decision ends with me. Just for now. Just until I can be sure about you. If this is something you feel you can't agree to-"
Hulk cut her off with a raise of his hand. He nodded, already agreeing with her condition, "I understand. And if that's what it takes to show you I'm the real me, I'll do it. Everything gets your final say so."
Dixie blinked, surprised at how easy that actually was. Her eyes traveled back to Sting and she found him grinning at her. She returned his smile, feeling 100% better than she had at the start of the night.
"Okay." she announced, rising to her feet, "This meeting is done. We'll start finalizing everything first thing in the morning."
Hulk stood up and shook her hand, "Thank you, Dixie, for this second opportunity."
He made his way to the door, shaking Sting's hand before exiting.
Sting slipped his hands into his pockets and turned back to face Dixie. He was still grinning ear-to-ear.
"You knew how this was going to play out, didn't you?" Dixie accused with a smile.
Sting shrugged, trying to appear innocent but not quite pulling it off, "I didn't have a clue."
But by the playful smirk on his lips it was clear he thought otherwise.
Dixie rounded the desk and approached him, at once serious. At her somber nature his own smile faded away.
"I cannot thank you enough." she stated as she reached out and took his hand, "What you've done for me, for the company. I cannot tell you how much it means to me."
Sting bowed his head for a moment, touched by her words. He gave her hand a squeeze as he once again looked at her. No words needed to be said. Both knew how the other felt.
Dixie slowly withdrew her hand with a sad smile, "You should be going home and resting up. We want you at 100% when you return."
"Yeah." Sting said softly, almost reluctant to leave.
He opened the door, allowing her to exit before following after. The pair walked, making their way towards the back area where the employees parking lot was located. As they approached they noticed that Serge, Tamara and Davy were standing there waiting for them.
Davy came running up to Sting, the two sharing a complicated handshake that Dixie couldn't even begin to follow. She smiled and shook her head at the obvious affection that was evident between them.
"You are coming back, right?" Davy inquired, needing to hear Sting's final word on the matter before truly believing it.
"Of course." Sting grinned down at the boy, "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
"Great!" Davy cheered.
They did another handshake before Sting offered him a serious look, "You take care of your mom."
"I will." Davy solemnly promised him.
Sting turned to Tamara who regarded him coolly, her hand on her hip. Sting mirrored her stance, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Like, I'll see you." he told her in a girly voice.
"Whatever." Tamara sighed as she rolled her eyes.
"Tamara Lynn-" Dixie started to warn her, but Sting cut her off.
"It's all right." he assured her before turning back to Tamara and adding in that same feminine tone, "Like, we can go shopping at the mall! It'll be fabulous!"
Tamara fought hard not to smile at his antics. She plastered a bored expression onto her face and walked away from them, bringing her cell phone to her ear.
"I'm really sorry about that." Dixie apologized, embarrassed over her daughter's behavior.
Sting simply shrugged, taking it in stride, "Kids. Being aloof is in their DNA."
"Aloof." Dixie repeated with a sigh, "Is that what they're calling it these days?"
They smiled at one another, sharing that common bond of being parents of teenagers.
Serge extended his hand to Sting, nodding, "Take care of yourself."
Sting regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before clasping his hand, "You, too, Serge."
He applied a little more pressure than he should have to his grip and felt a tiny bit of satisfaction as the other man cringed.
He released Serge's hand and turned around, coming to stand before Dixie. She was looking up at him with a smile, but he noticed that it wavered ever so slightly. He also observed the tiny glistening of moisture in her eyes.
For a man who was usually quick with the words, he was suddenly at a complete loss of what to say. It both confused and troubled him, this unexpected burning in the pit of his stomach. This intense feeling of sadness he felt as he got ready to say goodbye.
Dixie leaned up and offered him a hug. She felt Sting's arms tighten around her as he seemed to put all of himself into the embrace. She closed her eyes and held him securely, not understanding why she felt so emotional. It was silly. It wasn't as though he were leaving forever. He would return once he had healed up and was back in shape.
But even as she told herself that, she couldn't help but feel like she was losing her best friend.
"I'll be back as soon as I can." Sting's soft words found their way into her ear and he felt her nod.
He may have sounded composed but he couldn't shake the melancholy he felt. It baffled him. This wasn't the first time he had gone away. Heck, it probably wouldn't be the last time. So why did it feel like leaving was the worst thing in the world to do right now?
Halfheartedly, Sting pulled back, adjusting his shades. He picked up his bag and offered Dixie a grin.
"I'll talk to you later." he nodded.
"Yeah." Dixie agreed.
He gave a wave to Davy before turning and walking away.
"Bye, Sting!" Davy called after the wrestler, giving him a big wave.
Dixie watched after him until he disappeared through the back door and was gone. She let out a sigh, pulling herself back together.
Come on, girl, she told herself, Enough with the tears. You've got a lot of work ahead of you. It's time to be strong.