Wrestling isn't an easy world. You get comfortable, then a minute later, you get smacked between the eyes. Your life changes, and no one seems to notice or care. You get moved to the opposite show, your former colleagues get released wtih no warning, and you're stuck alone with it all weighing you down and no one to talk to about it.
No, he didn't necessarily like always being stalked by the Final Testament towards the end of his time on Raw, but at the end of the day, Paul Ellering had sacrificed himself for him, and now that he, Akam and Razer are gone, it feels strange. Mike takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders, decides to take his mind off of things by raising doubt in Cody's mind about his and Jey Uso's relationship. It works, he thinks, but most importantly, it amuses him to see that twisted look on Cody's face as he considers what Mike's been saying.
He sits outside, staring up at the stars as he dwells over everything. When his phone rings, he pulls it out of his jacket pocket and answers. "Hey, sweetheart."
"Hello, husband," AJ says softly. "How are you feeling?"
Mike thinks for a moment, then sighs. "Weird, I guess," he says. "It's always weird to be at a show when people are getting fired. Especially people you just worked with a few weeks ago."
"Yeah," she says softly. "I know what you mean." He knows she does, all too well. "It's even weirder when you don't exactly like them."
"Yeah," he says, relieved for her. How she always understands how he feels, the mess that his thoughts are. "I should've called you sooner."
"I called you," she says with a laugh. "But yes, yes you should've."
He smiles a little and rests his forehead against his wrist. "I'll be home soon," he says. "Got a red eye, so it'll just be a couple of hours before I'm at the airport."
"Ok," AJ murmurs. "Stay safe. The kids and I'll be right here, waiting for you."
Mike smiles. "Miss you all. See you soon."
"See you soon."
He tips his head back and resumes staring at the stars, a little more settled than he was before.