on May 27, 2024, 4:58 pm
Then: Three Days Ago
She had given Sean a key to her apartment after she got home from the hospital. Often in so much pain, it was difficult for her to get up and answer the door at times. He was always respectful and called before he came but as she became more able physically, he noticed that she had become less so mentally and broached the subject over Thai takeout he brought over during their conversation about her getting back into some kind of routine.
(Sean):……go to your sun!
(Michelle): My what?
(Sean): Go to your sun!
She gave him a look as if he was speaking a different language and didn’t understand a word he was saying.
(Sean): You know how sometimes Superman needs to go to the sun and regenerate, and he…
The continued look on her face quickly told him that his analogy was lost on her, something he’d have to rectify later with a few good comic sessions and an introduction to a classic Christpher Reeve Superman movie marathon.
(Sean): I mean, maybe you should take a trip…clear your head somewhere, recharge.
Ring Master was coming up and Sean was training harder than she’d ever seen him. While they spent less time together, he remained as attentive as ever and given his current regimen…he was wise enough to realize that she needed a change of her own, and so…with a little reluctance on her end and a little nudging on his she was on the road to Zion. She didn’t want to fly, although she probably could have gone unnoticed with the right outfit on and her hair up. It made more sense to her to drive, but uncomfortable with her on the road alone in her condition, Sean hired a private driver for her.
Now back to the present
Here she was…just coming through Las Vegas where they stopped for gas with a few more hours to go, the windows down in the back seat of the Escalade so she could take in the sights. It was actually pretty hot compared to LA and it made coming home to Utah feel like a warm hug. Now largely outside of the big cities she felt a bit more of an ease within. She looked over at her laptop sitting next to her on the seat and sighed. Sean of course had seen her regularly. Sarah and Alexis had come by and did regular check-ins, and Matt and Jeremy had visited twice now most recently just a day ago. The outpouring of support had been a real blessing and while she felt she owed it to people to say something, she still hesitated.
(Michelle): Come on Michelle…you can do this?
She took her laptop and placed it in her lap and logged on to the HWA app via her mobile hotspot, a godsend on the road as they often are. Another big sigh and she bit the bullet going live for the first time in several weeks…a hesitant smile was on her face as she waved to the camera.
(Michelle): Hello there everybody, it’s little ole me. It’s been a while and I guess I have a lot to cover. First and foremost, I have to thank our Lord and savior who has brought me through a tough time. Guided the hands of medical professionals seeing after me and has graced me with friends, family, and fans who have made me feel supported and loved in ways I cannot express.
She pauses…there’s an elephant in the room she knows she needs to address. She turns her head towards the window and inhales a draft of hot sandy air.
(Michelle): Erica, I thought I could get through to you, but I was wrong. I wanted so desperately to believe that God would work through me to reach you, but it was not to be. What you did, what you and this…this evil inside of you did.
She pauses once more shaking her head, holding back the tears.
(Michelle): If not me, I pray that someone or something brings you the help you need.
She takes a deep exhale and smiles once more.
(Michelle): Maniac, I’d like to thank you for visiting me in the hospital. The flowers were so beautiful, and I hope you don’t mind but I just couldn’t take your money. It was such a sweet gesture, but my insurance covered a good bit, and I had the rest myself. I asked them to donate your contribution to the hospital, there are more deserving and needy individuals than I who could benefit from your generosity. Ummm…
Her face suddenly looks uncertain; she finds herself a bit at a loss for words.
(Michelle): Ummm…the tape though. I’m, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that. I listened to it, it was….very personal, but I mean…why give it to me? I haven’t said anything to anyone, but…I’m just not sure what it has to do with me.
Outside the landscape is changing from dingy desert to more rocky terrain. Deep shades of orange or filtering into the mountain range, a clear signal that they’re passing into Utah and she smiles again.
(Michelle): Wolfy…thank you so much for your thoughtful note, and the adorable teddy…well Panda. I love her and I named her Velvet because she’s so sweet like red velvet cake and she’s slept with me every night since. I heard what you and Jesse and Kratos and Luna all did to help that night and I thank you all so much. Please don’t worry about Sean, I know he’s upset with the situation, and a lot of people for it, but what happened is truly not your fault. Ultimately, we are all in the hands of God, and it is his will that is done in the divine for reasons we may never know.
She looks still focused on the camera and her smile broadens.
(Michelle): And you…the fans of HWA. Never in a million years would I imagine feeling so…so humbled outside of my faith. The outpouring of love and support, the cards, the messages, the prayers, all of it has been beyond what mere words can express. I wish that I could answer each of you personally but please know that I love and appreciate each and every one you, and from the bottom of my heart thank you…truly and deeply…Thank You!
So many of you have asked what’s my current status, and when I’m coming back. I think the media’s done a good job at going over my list of injuries…I guess it comes with the territory of being a “celebrity” although I don’t like that word. I’ll tell you that I’m “turning the corner” as my doctor said. As you can see, I still have some ugly bruising and I’m quite sore at times especially my ribs, and jaw when I eat or talk as I am now, but each day gets a little better, but….
Her face darkens just a little bit as her thoughts get deeper.
(Michelle): …I have to say…I don’t know when I’m coming back. I didn’t….I mean….I haven’t watched that match. I didn’t see what happened as you all saw it. I get flashes sometimes, but I really don’t remember much of it. It’s probably better that way. What I do remember has me shaken to be honest. I’ve seen a lot of matches, superstars going through all sorts of things like Sean leaping off that cage on Fallen or Matt crashing through fire and rubble onto Maniac, Mick Foley being tossed off a cage, and people getting thrown into barbwire. It’s horrific to watch, and so very surreal to be the one in the match that it’s happening to.
You can’t imagine what that feels like. The helplessness as you lay there and your body won’t move. It’s like you’re stuck inside a broke down car trying to restart the engine but it just won’t go. When I joined HWA things were different. It was the very best this business had to offer focusing on pure in-ring talent and we all loved it so. The passion Butch and Wisdom would have in our team meetings, those little venues of fans, and all the nice comments on Youtube. It made me believe I made the right decision leaving home, discovering this competitive part of me.
Now for the first time in my career I was hurt, really hurt and I’m still navigating a lot of that. Sean told me “Go to my sun!” Something to do with Superman and his powers or something that I didn’t quite understand, but I do know that he was right about this trip I’m on right now. I’m headed to Zion, not too far from home. Our family went every year outside tourist seasons. To be amongst the beauty of nature has a way of connecting you with God as we marvel at his wonderous creations and stand in awe of his glory. It’s the perfect place for me to recharge like Sean said and my family is just a few hours away so I’ll get to see them as well.
The smile returns to her face as she thinks about the serenity ahead.
(Michelle): Ring Master is coming up and although the ladies of HWA will miss making it historic with our participation…I’ll be watching. I pray for everyone’s safety, and I would wish you all luck except…my whole heart is set one Sean winning and becoming HWA Champion. No one deserves it more. If you all only knew. I know I said “deserve” but I know it’s not just given away. I mean he’s earned it. Well….that kind of sounds the same but you know what I mean. He’s worked so hard for this. He’s transformed his mind and body over the last year to reach the heights that he is at now.
There’s a lot of people out there criticizing him and I say…shame on you! He’s not a spoiled brat that some of you claim. He might have a world-famous uncle and aunt but the only thing he’s been given is opportunity. The same opportunity to prove ourselves, and make names for ourselves as countless others have had. He’s just succeeded at a higher level than most. It really boils my pot to hear people try and run him down just because he’s so good at what he does and doesn’t make apologies for it. As a matter of fact…
Michelle reaches over to her purse and pulls out her small bible. She flips through it and you can see many of the pages are tabbed on the edges. She mutters to herself as she searches and points to a page.
(Michelle): See right here…Colossians Chapter 3 verse 23 and 24. It says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” That right there is Sean to the letter. You can see his passion for this business, his heart is deeply rooted in it and he gives his all whether we were out there in a crowd of 200 people just over a year ago, or 20,000 plus like we are right now. He’s just the kind of champion HWA needs. There’s many names out there that would be good, don’t get me wrong. Jeremy, Mr. Hans, Stu-E, William Draconis, even Maniac…but Sean will be a great champion and I can’t wait to see that title around his waist.
She’s animated and excited now thinking about Sean winning Ring Master.
(Michelle): But of course, if yours truly could have been in there then…
Michelle giggles to herself.
(Michelle): I’m just kidding…I would still have wanted him to win. I only wanted us gals to make history and have some fun, but…
The sudden pain in her head is a reminder that that ship has sailed.
(Michelle): There’s always next year as the saying goes. That is if I’m even…
She stops herself from speaking out loud what is in her head. That tinge of doubt that she’ll even return to the ring, or even the business. She plays it off with another hesitant smile trying to sound upbeat and managing to do so well enough.
(Michelle): Well…we’ll cross that Ring Master bridge when we get to it won’t we? Okay Fanverse, I’m going to enjoy the rest of this ride and I promise that you’ll see more of me soon. I love you all!
She blows a kiss to the screen and waves by with both hands as the scene fades to black.
Message Thread
« Back to index