Post by morrison on Sept 6, 2014 16:13:13 GMT -5
The legacy of a professional wrestler can be good, bad or somewhere in-between. Some go through their entire career with a golden horseshoe up their ass. They win matches, numerous championships and stay at a top level until they decide to hang it up. For others, they can’t seem to get out of their own way. They don’t have the talent or charisma to really captivate and audience. Their win/loss record rivals that of the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and when they do move on to greener pastures, the only time anyone remembers them is with a snicker under their breath or an eye-roll of disdain.
For true greatness himself, Michael Morrison, the legacy of the longest reigning PCW World Heavyweight Champion would probably fall somewhere in-between. Oh sure, he is remembered for most of the things listed above. He made an immediate impact in Premium Championship Wrestling as he captured the PCW Platinum Championship within a month of his debut. A championship that lacked focus suddenly became one of the hottest tickets on the card. Morrison defended that belt often and defended it well. It went from being a nice little accessory to putting you on the fast track to the main event picture, because of him. It certainly didn’t take long for fans and fellow competitors to feel that the legacy of Morrison could be that of being the greatest wrestler to ever step into a PCW ring.
On June 26, 2011, from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Premium Championship Wrestling held the event Cataclysm. PCW would be shutting its doors after this night but not before Morrison cemented the greatest moment of his professional wrestling career…
DM: How in the world is this match going to end?!
SS: I'm not sure, but it looks like Sickboy has rolled to the outside!
DM: What's this?! Sickboy is making his way over to the timekeeper's table...and he has the World Heavyweight Championship in hand! He makes his way back to the ring and slides in!
SS: The referee is warning Sickboy that he'll disqualify him for using the belt!
DM: I don't think Sickboy cares! He's poised...ready for Morrison to return to his feet! Morrison crawls to the ropes, using them to slowly pull himself back up. He's too his feet as Sickboy rushes at him with the belt...THUNDER STRUCK!!! Morrison drills Sickboy on the run! And he falls on top of the champion for the cover!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!
DM: NEW CHAMPION!!!
*DING! DING! DING!*
Jimmy Wilkes: Here is your winner and NEWWWW PCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! "TRUE GREATNESS"... MICHAEL MORRISON!
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC hits and the Cleveland crowd cheers very loudly as Michael Morrison is able to celebrate his victory upon receiving the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt.
DM: HE DID IT! Michael Morrison is the new PCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Matthews: That was a great match. Morrison finally slayed The Elite away from the title and gives these fans something to cheer about.
When Premium Championship Wrestling made its return less than a year later…May 12, 2012, to be exact, Morrison picked up where he left off as the PCW World Heavyweight Champion and would go on to post the longest reign in company history at 170 days. He had several successful title defenses and really set the standard for the richest prize in professional wrestling.
That’s where the good ended, however. In fact, for all the good that Morrison had accomplished in Premium Championship Wrestling, it all came crashing down in one embarrassing night. Michael was set to defend his coveted championship against Curtis Wilkes, Yoshiru Long and Syn in a Four Way Hell in a Cell match, at Anarchy, on October 13th, 2012. He never got that chance…
DM: We do... hold up! I am getting word that something has happened backstage to the PCW World Heavyweight Champion Michael Morrison!
SS: NO! NOT "TRUE GREATNESS"! DAMMIT NO!
DM: Get a camera back there, quick!
The camera pans to the back where PCW World Heavyweight Champion Michael Morrison is on the ground, out cold with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed like he's dead. Immediately from there, the medical personnel checks on him. Sometime later, PCW General Manager James Baker comes in and watches, trying to make sure Morrison is alright. He's a little
worried and for good reason, the World Heavyweight Champion is hurt.
James Baker: Is he going to be alright?
Medic: We're trying. He's not responsive.
James Baker: SHIT! God dammit! This can't be happening.
The look of stress is very clear from the PCW General Manager. Almost like everything is falling apart right before his very eyes.
James Baker: I got an idea. Somebody is getting their chance tonight to be in the main event. And I'll be choosing the winner of the Heather Monroe versus Danielle Lopez match to be that person. Both women bust their asses for this company and I think it's that time for them to go to the next level. It's pretty damn obvious that both are ready to shine but only one of them can do it and the winner tonight... does just that.
Baker picks up the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt that's laying around and slings it on his shoulder.
James Baker: Unfortunately for you, Morrison. With either Danielle or Heather being your replacement in the Hell in a Cell match. That means the PCW World Heavyweight Championship... is now vacated. There WILL be a new champion by the end of the night. Believe that.
Baker walks away as Morrison is loaded on the stretcher and wheeled to the ambulance where it then drives away. From there, we head back to ringside.
In one fell swoop, everything Morrison had worked for…the legacy that he wanted to create…had vanished.
Morrison was unresponsive on the scene and paramedics worked frantically in the ambulance to stabilize him. There were a few times where he stopped breathing all-together but they were finally able to get him in a good spot as they arrived Toronto General Hospital.
After being examined, his most serious injury, among several, was a depressed skull fracture. Doctors determined that he needed to go into surgery immediately for repair and took him in that night. A long procedure followed but Morrison survived and was placed in a room.
To help aid in his recovery, Morrison was placed in a medically induced coma for three days. While his condition was serious, doctors felt like he was going to make it. They did preach to the friends and family who came to visit, including the Vendor, that it would be a slow recovery.
When Morrison was revived, a state of confusion set in. For a moment, he wasn’t sure who he was, where he was or what he was doing there. The only person in the room at the time was a pretty, young nurse who was standing by the bed checking his vitals. She appeared to be in her mid-20’s and had shoulder length brunette hair. She was probably around 5’5 and had a slender body. She smiled at Michael and although he was still trying to shake the cobwebs, that seemed to comfort him.
Nurse: Well, hello there. Look who decided to finally grace us with his presence.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Where the hell am I? Why does my head hurt so damn much?
The nurse again flashed a smile at Morrison
Nurse: You, Mr. Morrison, are at Toronto General Hospital. And your head hurts because we had to do surgery to repair a depressed skull fracture. But don’t worry, once that bandage comes off, you’ll have a nice scar to scare off any future attacks. You’ll look tough! You’ll look macho!
The nurse’s bad attempt at humor didn’t seem to have the desired effect as Morrison felt the bandage and took a deep breath.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: A scar, huh? Great. Just great. So what exactly happened? How the hell did I end up here?
Nurse: What’s the last thing you remember? Swinging from the monkey bars on the playground? Going to Senior prom? Graduating from college?
The look on the nurse’s face suggested that she was being playful…trying to cheer up Michael in a difficult situation.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Well aren’t you just the comedian Ms…
Nurse: Kay…my name is Kay. And yes, I think I’m quite the cut-up.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I wouldn’t quit your day job if I were you.
Kay frowned and looked toward the ground.
Kay: I’m sorry…
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Don’t be. I think it’s cute. But to answer your question, so maybe you can then answer mine…the last thing I remember was walking down a corridor at Anarchy.
Kay: Anarchy?!?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: The name of our show. I’m a professional wrestler with Premium Championship Wrestling and we had an event here in Toronto tonight.
Kay looked at Michael like he had two heads.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Why are you looking at me like that?
Kay: Michael, you’ve been in this hospital for four days now. You’ve been in a medically induced coma for the past three of those.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Shit…
Kay: I’m not sure exactly what happened to you but I think I overheard one of the doctors say that you suffered an attack.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Nobody from Premium Championship Wrestling stopped by? No one from PCW even bothered to call in and explain what happened?
Kay: I don’t think so, Michael. I know your parents are here. In fact, they’re probably around here somewhere. And some obnoxious fatso…I believe he identified himself as the Vendor…was here. But I think that’s it.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I see…
A look of depression washed over the face of Morrison as he dropped his head.
Kay: Hang in there, Michael. I tell you what. Let me see if I can find you some jello! You’re probably hungry!
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Yeah, just call me Bill Cosby…
Kay: I’ll be right back. If I see your mom and dad, I’ll tell them that you’re awake!
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Alright, thanks.
Over the course of the next couple weeks, Michael’s condition improved on a daily basis…physically, that is. He was able to read about what happened at Anarchy and the realization of being attacked and forfeiting his PCW World Heavyweight Championship had sunk in. Although that pained him to no end…as he never envisioned his long reign coming to an end like that…the thing that hurt him the most was the fact that Premium Championship Wrestling basically dropped him like a bad habit. No one bothered to stop in and visit. No one bothered to even call to check if he was still alive.
He had read about James just casually picking up the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt and walking off as he was being loaded onto an ambulance and that depressed him. In fact, as he continued his recovery, most things depressed him. He was still in pain, a huge scar covered his bald head from one ear to another and he couldn’t believe that in the blink of an eye, everything he had worked for was taken away from him. In fact, while at Toronto General Hospital, the only thing that made him happy was his relationship with Kay.
During his recovery, Michael and Kay would take short walks and even go outside for a little bit. She was a constant source of comfort for Morrison and he was convinced that she was the only thing keeping him sane. Her off-days were miserable for him as some crusty old hag would come in to take his vitals. During those times, Michael’s depression would have him wishing he had died on the operating table.
Roughly three weeks after Anarchy, Michael was cleared to leave the hospital and return to his hometown of Cincinnati. He still had not heard anything from Premium Championship Wrestling but truth be told, that was the least of his worries. Although his recovery was going well, he was in no way, shape or form close to thinking about a return. Doctors told him that he would likely make a full recovery but it would still take some time. Still, he thought it would be nice to at least hear from them.
As Michael packed up his things and awaited his discharge papers, Kay walked in. It was her day off but as she popped in the room, a huge smile came across the face of Morrison. An unexpected but very welcomed surprise.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Hey you…
Kay: Hi Michael…
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I wasn’t expecting to see you today. I thought it was your day off.
Kay: Oh, it is but I had to pick up a couple things so I thought I would just drop in and say hello.
The look on Kay’s face indicated that she was lying about *having* to be there. Michael picked up on this and smiled.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Well I’m certainly glad you’re here. Listen Kay, I know you are the nurse and I’m the patient but I want you to know how much you mean to me. By far, this has been the most difficult time of my life and without you, I’m not sure I would have been able to survive…literally and figuratively.
I want you to understand that I have lost everything. I was on top of the world…the PCW World Heavyweight Champion…at the pinnacle of my career. And in a flash, I became a beaten and battered shell of myself. But meeting you here and getting to know you these last few weeks has almost made this whole damn experience worth it. I just wanted you to know that.
Kay smiles at Michael as she chokes up.
Kay: Thank you, Michael. These last few weeks have been special for me too. You’re a great guy and I have no doubt that you’ll get back to where you were. Look, here is my number. If you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to call me. Take care of yourself.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: You too, babe. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kay smiled, waved and left the room. Michael stared at the piece of paper with her number on it for a few seconds before putting it in his pocket and picking up his things. He walked out of his room and headed towards the receptionist. The scene faded to black.
Several months had passed and the Vendor was starting to get worried. When Morrison finally made it back to Cincinnati, they had been in contact and chatted a few times. Michael was in good spirits as he was continuing his recovery locally and excited about his progress. He still had a long way to go but was heading in the right direction. A few weeks after returning home, however, the communication stopped. The Vendor would call but only get Michael’s voicemail. Not long after, the mailbox was full. The Vendor is not a smart man but figured Morrison was busy in rehab so he didn’t press the issue. After months went by without so much as a hello, the Vendor decided to pay Michael a visit.
As he pulled up in the driveway of Michael’s home, he was shocked. The grass appeared to be two feet high like it hadn’t been mowed in…well…months. There was trash all over the front porch and the house almost appeared abandoned. The Vendor gulped and prepared for the worst. He went to knock on the front door but noticed it was cracked open so he let himself in. The inside of the home was disgusting. Trash was everywhere and there was a strong odor. The Vendor wanted to turn around and walk out but had to make sure that Michael was alive.
The Vendor: Miiiiichael? Are you here?
A loud voice could be heard from the kitchen area.
Voice: Who the hell wants to know?
The Vendor walked into the kitchen and there sat Michael at his kitchen table. He was wearing only a red bath robe and boxers. He had a long scruffy beard and his eyes were bloodshot. Morrison was holding a beer can and took a big gulp as the Vendor looked on, horrified.
The Vendor: Miiiichael, what the hell happened to you?
Michael pointed to the visible scar on the top of his head.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: This is what the hell happened to me. I lost everything, Vendor! I was the PCW World Heavyweight Champion. The longest reigning champion in the history of that damn company. I..I…was on top of the world! And then someone attacked me and ruined my life! Ruined…ruined…ruined…ruined!
The drunk Morrison was pounding his fists on the table like a pouting child.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I fell off the face of the earth, Vendor. Nobody in Premium Championship Wrestling remembers me. I watched a couple of their shows and it was like I never even existed. I am true greatness, damnit! I deserve to be remembered.
Morrison put his head down on the table and started sobbing. The Vendor just stood there in stunned silence. He had known Michael for many years and never saw him in this kind of condition. He didn’t even know what to say so he simply turned around and walked out of the house. Once outside, he placed a call to Toronto General Hospital and asked for Kay. Michael had talked about her so much when he first returned to Cincinnati that he knew she was important to him. Once she got on the phone, he explained the situation to her. She immediately booked a flight to Cincinnati and headed out there the next day.
She met up with the Vendor and he escorted her to Michael’s home. He stayed in the car as she entered in. At this point, Michael was sitting on the couch in the living room…still wearing the red bath robe and boxers. He was staring off into space but looked in Kay’s direction when she entered. He didn’t appear drunk and looked stunned when he saw her.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Kay, is that you?!?!
Kay shot him a look of pure disappointment and anger.
Kay: Michael, what the hell is your problem?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: What do you mean? I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Kay: Don’t play dumb with me, pal. When you left the hospital a few months ago, you were in a good place. Sure, you were still recovering but you were certainly headed in the right direction. And now…now…here you are in complete shambles. Your house is a wreck and you look like a homeless bum. This isn’t you, Michael. This isn’t the person I got to know in that hospital. You’re an athlete and you’re a champion. How DARE you let yourself get to this point. What is wrong with you?
Michael, once again, pointed to the scar on his head.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: THIS is what happened to me. I lost everything, Kay…
Kay: Oh, boo-freaking-hoo. The Vendor already told me that you gave him that song and dance. It’s time to man-up, Morrison. You can sit here and feel sorry for yourself all you want but it’s not going to solve anything. Pouting and crying in your beer isn’t going to get you back to where you once were. You want all that again? You want to be the PCW World Heavyweight Champion again? Then get your ass off the couch and train. Get your ass off the couch and finish your physical therapy. It’s not too late, Michael. You still have time to make this all right.
Instead of moping, focus all of your energy on the person who attacked you. They’re the one who took everything away from you. Don’t you think they deserve a little payback?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I don’t know who attacked me…
Kay: I’m sure you probably have a good idea who did. And if not, use your next opponent as the attacker. As far as I’m concerned, everyone is a possible suspect. You can’t give up, Michael. You simply have too much going for you to let it all end like this. Now shape up or I may just kick your ass myself.
Kay turned to walk out of the house.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Kay, wait! Where are you going?
Kay: I’m leaving Michael. I simply will not stay here and see this pathetic excuse for a living. I care about you deeply, Michael, but you need to make some changes if you want me to be in your life. I hope you think about what I said. I’m going back to Toronto but I’ll leave you with a little motivation. Your next PCW show…I’ll be there!
Kay flashed a little smile and walked out the door. Michael took a deep breath as he contemplated chasing after her. He knew that would be pointless, however, and took another deep breath. He stared at the floor and began rubbing his face. The scene faded to black.
It was late at night as the scene opened back up to the warehouse of Michael Morrison. Before the longest reigning PCW World Heavyweight Champion was injured, he had a successful school running there under his direction. Once he got hurt, however, he basically let it go to waste. The students left and the condition of the building worsened. Taking a look inside the structure revealed the ring in the middle of the floor where the students would train. Trash surrounded it, however, and it did not look very clean. The moonlight shot through the windows and in one corner stood a figure. You couldn’t quite make out who it was but the moonlight revealed a portion of the figure’s head. It was bald with a visible scar. Yep, guess who? He began to talk under his breath.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: There comes a time in everyone’s life when you are going to face adversity. There comes a time in everyone’s life when your physical well-being is openly challenged. How you respond to that determines what kind of human being you truly are. A little under two years ago, I faced that adversity. A little under two years ago, I had my physical well-being openly challenged. I was brutally attacked and not only did I lose my professional career but my life was in jeopardy. Forget the fact that I had to have emergency surgery. Forget the fact that I was in a medically induced coma for three days. Forget the fact that I had to rehab for almost a year and a half to get back any sense of normalcy. The only fact that matters is that I did make it back and I’m ready to go.
You see, I used to look at this scar on my head and that would drive me into a state of depression. I dealt with it in several ways. Sometimes I would sleep all day. Sometimes I would drink until I passed out on the floor. Sometimes I would hold a loaded gun to my head and come oh-so-close to pulling the trigger. It was a pitiful excuse for a living but that was the way it was. I lost my way and it took me a long time to get it back. But, again, the only fact that matters is that I did…make it back.
Michael pushes himself off the wall and begins walking towards the training ring. You can now see all of him in the moonlight and he looks just like he always had. The scruffy beard had been replaced by the neatly trimmed goatee. Other than the scar, you wouldn’t know that anything had ever happened to him.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I used to be bitter about how my career in Premium Championship Wrestling ended. Despite all the things I accomplished and the accolades I piled up, I felt nothing but anger and disappointment when I reflected on PCW. How could they abandon me like they did? How could they embrace other competitors but leave me hanging out to dry? Maybe those were valid questions at the time…maybe not. It doesn’t really matter now.
When I heard that Premium Championship Wrestling was doing a reunion show, I knew I had to be a part of it. Not only for my legacy but for myself as a human being. I’ve had a great professional wrestling career. I accomplished just about everything I wanted to and I truly feel like I have left my mark on the industry. But I couldn’t let it end on what happened at Anarchy. I couldn’t let a sneak attack be the lasting memory that fans had of true greatness himself. So I reached out to James Baker and he was very understanding. I know we’ve had our trials and tribulations in the past but he welcomed me back. He told me I had a spot on the show and that it would be one of the main events. I appreciated that and it helped me heal.
Michael steps into the training ring and begins to walk around.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Sickboy, you just about ruined my life. It was a little touch-and-go for awhile and you just about succeeded in your goal. We’ve been battling a long time and have quite a history. I beat you at Cataclysm for the PCW World Heavyweight Championships and that certainly wasn’t the last time we squared off. But what you did to me at Anarchy is something I can simply not forget. Now, knowing you, I’m sure you’re sitting there with a shocked look on your face…thinking, how dare I accuse you of the sneak attack. Truth be told, I don’t know with 100% certainty that it was you. But whether you hit me or not, I know you were involved. Because back then, all you did was chicken-shit tactics. You thought it was all fun and games and it was just one big laugh. Well at the reunion show, there won’t be much laughing involved.
You see, I don’t know if you realize what the last two years have been like. For quite a long time, I was a broken man. I didn’t have the will to live and sometimes I look back on those times and I’m shocked that I’m still alive right now. I have never been through something like that before and I pray to God that I never have to go through that again. But a special lady helped get me pointed in the right direction and that, my friend, is bad news for you. I am true greatness, Sickboy, and you’re going to find that out once again at the reunion show.
Michael laughs as he gets out of the practice ring.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Sickboy, our match isn’t going to be a mush fest like what we’ve seen out of Heather Monroe and Danielle Lopez. We are not best friends and I certainly wish you no luck. I’m coming there to simply kick your ass and inflict pain.
You know Curtis…when we met at Cataclysm back in 2011, that was by far the biggest match of my career. Everything was on the line. The company was closing that night and it was MY shot to become the PCW World Heavyweight Champion. I accomplished what I set out to do that night and I thought it couldn’t get any better than that. I was wrong. As important as that match was, the one coming up at the reunion show is 100 times bigger. You see Sickboy, my goal isn’t just to win the match. My goal isn’t just to restore my legacy as one of the greatest competitors in the history of Premium Championship Wrestling. My goal is to hurt you. My goal is to embarrass you and leave you in an ambulance. I want to ship your ass to a hospital and I want you to fight for your life. I want you breathing out of fucking tubes. Do you understand me, pal? Are you listening to me? I hope so because what I’m saying is not simply macho bullshit. I’m not saying this to sound tough or put fear into you. Truth be told, I don’t give a shit if you’re scared of me or not. I’m simply stating what I’m going to do to you.
You and your little friends ran roughshod through Premium Championship Wrestling for far too long and now you’re going to pay for it. You might have been able to get rid of me for a short time but as far as I’m concerned, all you did was poke the bear. Don’t forget that I’m the greatest World Heavyweight Champion in the history of this company. For 170 days, I was the best this company had to offer. I didn’t forget how to wrestle and I certainly didn’t forget how to kick someone’s ass. At the reunion show, I’m coming to kick your ass.
The time for talk is over. The rehab and physical therapy is in the rear-view mirror now. All I have left is this scar on the top of my head. For you, Sickboy, a little scar will be the least of your worries when I get done with you. Everyone might be coming to see the cute little Danielle and Heather showdown…oh, how sweet! But make no mistake Curtis, when the night is over…all anyone will be talking about is the absolute beat down that I gave you. You are well on your way to hell but that will seem like picnic in the park when I get done with you. You can sit there and smile, I don’t care. You can dismiss me, that’s fine. You can laugh under your breath, go for it. But at the reunion show, the only one smiling will be true greatness himself, Michael Morrison. My legacy will be just fine. Yours, however, will be a punch line for generations to come. I hope you can live with that because I sure can. See you soon…
Michael walks out of the picture as the scene fades to black.
For true greatness himself, Michael Morrison, the legacy of the longest reigning PCW World Heavyweight Champion would probably fall somewhere in-between. Oh sure, he is remembered for most of the things listed above. He made an immediate impact in Premium Championship Wrestling as he captured the PCW Platinum Championship within a month of his debut. A championship that lacked focus suddenly became one of the hottest tickets on the card. Morrison defended that belt often and defended it well. It went from being a nice little accessory to putting you on the fast track to the main event picture, because of him. It certainly didn’t take long for fans and fellow competitors to feel that the legacy of Morrison could be that of being the greatest wrestler to ever step into a PCW ring.
On June 26, 2011, from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Premium Championship Wrestling held the event Cataclysm. PCW would be shutting its doors after this night but not before Morrison cemented the greatest moment of his professional wrestling career…
DM: How in the world is this match going to end?!
SS: I'm not sure, but it looks like Sickboy has rolled to the outside!
DM: What's this?! Sickboy is making his way over to the timekeeper's table...and he has the World Heavyweight Championship in hand! He makes his way back to the ring and slides in!
SS: The referee is warning Sickboy that he'll disqualify him for using the belt!
DM: I don't think Sickboy cares! He's poised...ready for Morrison to return to his feet! Morrison crawls to the ropes, using them to slowly pull himself back up. He's too his feet as Sickboy rushes at him with the belt...THUNDER STRUCK!!! Morrison drills Sickboy on the run! And he falls on top of the champion for the cover!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!
DM: NEW CHAMPION!!!
*DING! DING! DING!*
Jimmy Wilkes: Here is your winner and NEWWWW PCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! "TRUE GREATNESS"... MICHAEL MORRISON!
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC hits and the Cleveland crowd cheers very loudly as Michael Morrison is able to celebrate his victory upon receiving the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt.
DM: HE DID IT! Michael Morrison is the new PCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Matthews: That was a great match. Morrison finally slayed The Elite away from the title and gives these fans something to cheer about.
When Premium Championship Wrestling made its return less than a year later…May 12, 2012, to be exact, Morrison picked up where he left off as the PCW World Heavyweight Champion and would go on to post the longest reign in company history at 170 days. He had several successful title defenses and really set the standard for the richest prize in professional wrestling.
That’s where the good ended, however. In fact, for all the good that Morrison had accomplished in Premium Championship Wrestling, it all came crashing down in one embarrassing night. Michael was set to defend his coveted championship against Curtis Wilkes, Yoshiru Long and Syn in a Four Way Hell in a Cell match, at Anarchy, on October 13th, 2012. He never got that chance…
DM: We do... hold up! I am getting word that something has happened backstage to the PCW World Heavyweight Champion Michael Morrison!
SS: NO! NOT "TRUE GREATNESS"! DAMMIT NO!
DM: Get a camera back there, quick!
The camera pans to the back where PCW World Heavyweight Champion Michael Morrison is on the ground, out cold with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed like he's dead. Immediately from there, the medical personnel checks on him. Sometime later, PCW General Manager James Baker comes in and watches, trying to make sure Morrison is alright. He's a little
worried and for good reason, the World Heavyweight Champion is hurt.
James Baker: Is he going to be alright?
Medic: We're trying. He's not responsive.
James Baker: SHIT! God dammit! This can't be happening.
The look of stress is very clear from the PCW General Manager. Almost like everything is falling apart right before his very eyes.
James Baker: I got an idea. Somebody is getting their chance tonight to be in the main event. And I'll be choosing the winner of the Heather Monroe versus Danielle Lopez match to be that person. Both women bust their asses for this company and I think it's that time for them to go to the next level. It's pretty damn obvious that both are ready to shine but only one of them can do it and the winner tonight... does just that.
Baker picks up the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt that's laying around and slings it on his shoulder.
James Baker: Unfortunately for you, Morrison. With either Danielle or Heather being your replacement in the Hell in a Cell match. That means the PCW World Heavyweight Championship... is now vacated. There WILL be a new champion by the end of the night. Believe that.
Baker walks away as Morrison is loaded on the stretcher and wheeled to the ambulance where it then drives away. From there, we head back to ringside.
In one fell swoop, everything Morrison had worked for…the legacy that he wanted to create…had vanished.
Morrison was unresponsive on the scene and paramedics worked frantically in the ambulance to stabilize him. There were a few times where he stopped breathing all-together but they were finally able to get him in a good spot as they arrived Toronto General Hospital.
After being examined, his most serious injury, among several, was a depressed skull fracture. Doctors determined that he needed to go into surgery immediately for repair and took him in that night. A long procedure followed but Morrison survived and was placed in a room.
To help aid in his recovery, Morrison was placed in a medically induced coma for three days. While his condition was serious, doctors felt like he was going to make it. They did preach to the friends and family who came to visit, including the Vendor, that it would be a slow recovery.
When Morrison was revived, a state of confusion set in. For a moment, he wasn’t sure who he was, where he was or what he was doing there. The only person in the room at the time was a pretty, young nurse who was standing by the bed checking his vitals. She appeared to be in her mid-20’s and had shoulder length brunette hair. She was probably around 5’5 and had a slender body. She smiled at Michael and although he was still trying to shake the cobwebs, that seemed to comfort him.
Nurse: Well, hello there. Look who decided to finally grace us with his presence.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Where the hell am I? Why does my head hurt so damn much?
The nurse again flashed a smile at Morrison
Nurse: You, Mr. Morrison, are at Toronto General Hospital. And your head hurts because we had to do surgery to repair a depressed skull fracture. But don’t worry, once that bandage comes off, you’ll have a nice scar to scare off any future attacks. You’ll look tough! You’ll look macho!
The nurse’s bad attempt at humor didn’t seem to have the desired effect as Morrison felt the bandage and took a deep breath.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: A scar, huh? Great. Just great. So what exactly happened? How the hell did I end up here?
Nurse: What’s the last thing you remember? Swinging from the monkey bars on the playground? Going to Senior prom? Graduating from college?
The look on the nurse’s face suggested that she was being playful…trying to cheer up Michael in a difficult situation.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Well aren’t you just the comedian Ms…
Nurse: Kay…my name is Kay. And yes, I think I’m quite the cut-up.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I wouldn’t quit your day job if I were you.
Kay frowned and looked toward the ground.
Kay: I’m sorry…
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Don’t be. I think it’s cute. But to answer your question, so maybe you can then answer mine…the last thing I remember was walking down a corridor at Anarchy.
Kay: Anarchy?!?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: The name of our show. I’m a professional wrestler with Premium Championship Wrestling and we had an event here in Toronto tonight.
Kay looked at Michael like he had two heads.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Why are you looking at me like that?
Kay: Michael, you’ve been in this hospital for four days now. You’ve been in a medically induced coma for the past three of those.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Shit…
Kay: I’m not sure exactly what happened to you but I think I overheard one of the doctors say that you suffered an attack.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Nobody from Premium Championship Wrestling stopped by? No one from PCW even bothered to call in and explain what happened?
Kay: I don’t think so, Michael. I know your parents are here. In fact, they’re probably around here somewhere. And some obnoxious fatso…I believe he identified himself as the Vendor…was here. But I think that’s it.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I see…
A look of depression washed over the face of Morrison as he dropped his head.
Kay: Hang in there, Michael. I tell you what. Let me see if I can find you some jello! You’re probably hungry!
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Yeah, just call me Bill Cosby…
Kay: I’ll be right back. If I see your mom and dad, I’ll tell them that you’re awake!
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Alright, thanks.
Over the course of the next couple weeks, Michael’s condition improved on a daily basis…physically, that is. He was able to read about what happened at Anarchy and the realization of being attacked and forfeiting his PCW World Heavyweight Championship had sunk in. Although that pained him to no end…as he never envisioned his long reign coming to an end like that…the thing that hurt him the most was the fact that Premium Championship Wrestling basically dropped him like a bad habit. No one bothered to stop in and visit. No one bothered to even call to check if he was still alive.
He had read about James just casually picking up the PCW World Heavyweight Championship belt and walking off as he was being loaded onto an ambulance and that depressed him. In fact, as he continued his recovery, most things depressed him. He was still in pain, a huge scar covered his bald head from one ear to another and he couldn’t believe that in the blink of an eye, everything he had worked for was taken away from him. In fact, while at Toronto General Hospital, the only thing that made him happy was his relationship with Kay.
During his recovery, Michael and Kay would take short walks and even go outside for a little bit. She was a constant source of comfort for Morrison and he was convinced that she was the only thing keeping him sane. Her off-days were miserable for him as some crusty old hag would come in to take his vitals. During those times, Michael’s depression would have him wishing he had died on the operating table.
Roughly three weeks after Anarchy, Michael was cleared to leave the hospital and return to his hometown of Cincinnati. He still had not heard anything from Premium Championship Wrestling but truth be told, that was the least of his worries. Although his recovery was going well, he was in no way, shape or form close to thinking about a return. Doctors told him that he would likely make a full recovery but it would still take some time. Still, he thought it would be nice to at least hear from them.
As Michael packed up his things and awaited his discharge papers, Kay walked in. It was her day off but as she popped in the room, a huge smile came across the face of Morrison. An unexpected but very welcomed surprise.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Hey you…
Kay: Hi Michael…
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I wasn’t expecting to see you today. I thought it was your day off.
Kay: Oh, it is but I had to pick up a couple things so I thought I would just drop in and say hello.
The look on Kay’s face indicated that she was lying about *having* to be there. Michael picked up on this and smiled.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Well I’m certainly glad you’re here. Listen Kay, I know you are the nurse and I’m the patient but I want you to know how much you mean to me. By far, this has been the most difficult time of my life and without you, I’m not sure I would have been able to survive…literally and figuratively.
I want you to understand that I have lost everything. I was on top of the world…the PCW World Heavyweight Champion…at the pinnacle of my career. And in a flash, I became a beaten and battered shell of myself. But meeting you here and getting to know you these last few weeks has almost made this whole damn experience worth it. I just wanted you to know that.
Kay smiles at Michael as she chokes up.
Kay: Thank you, Michael. These last few weeks have been special for me too. You’re a great guy and I have no doubt that you’ll get back to where you were. Look, here is my number. If you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to call me. Take care of yourself.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: You too, babe. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kay smiled, waved and left the room. Michael stared at the piece of paper with her number on it for a few seconds before putting it in his pocket and picking up his things. He walked out of his room and headed towards the receptionist. The scene faded to black.
Several months had passed and the Vendor was starting to get worried. When Morrison finally made it back to Cincinnati, they had been in contact and chatted a few times. Michael was in good spirits as he was continuing his recovery locally and excited about his progress. He still had a long way to go but was heading in the right direction. A few weeks after returning home, however, the communication stopped. The Vendor would call but only get Michael’s voicemail. Not long after, the mailbox was full. The Vendor is not a smart man but figured Morrison was busy in rehab so he didn’t press the issue. After months went by without so much as a hello, the Vendor decided to pay Michael a visit.
As he pulled up in the driveway of Michael’s home, he was shocked. The grass appeared to be two feet high like it hadn’t been mowed in…well…months. There was trash all over the front porch and the house almost appeared abandoned. The Vendor gulped and prepared for the worst. He went to knock on the front door but noticed it was cracked open so he let himself in. The inside of the home was disgusting. Trash was everywhere and there was a strong odor. The Vendor wanted to turn around and walk out but had to make sure that Michael was alive.
The Vendor: Miiiiichael? Are you here?
A loud voice could be heard from the kitchen area.
Voice: Who the hell wants to know?
The Vendor walked into the kitchen and there sat Michael at his kitchen table. He was wearing only a red bath robe and boxers. He had a long scruffy beard and his eyes were bloodshot. Morrison was holding a beer can and took a big gulp as the Vendor looked on, horrified.
The Vendor: Miiiichael, what the hell happened to you?
Michael pointed to the visible scar on the top of his head.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: This is what the hell happened to me. I lost everything, Vendor! I was the PCW World Heavyweight Champion. The longest reigning champion in the history of that damn company. I..I…was on top of the world! And then someone attacked me and ruined my life! Ruined…ruined…ruined…ruined!
The drunk Morrison was pounding his fists on the table like a pouting child.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I fell off the face of the earth, Vendor. Nobody in Premium Championship Wrestling remembers me. I watched a couple of their shows and it was like I never even existed. I am true greatness, damnit! I deserve to be remembered.
Morrison put his head down on the table and started sobbing. The Vendor just stood there in stunned silence. He had known Michael for many years and never saw him in this kind of condition. He didn’t even know what to say so he simply turned around and walked out of the house. Once outside, he placed a call to Toronto General Hospital and asked for Kay. Michael had talked about her so much when he first returned to Cincinnati that he knew she was important to him. Once she got on the phone, he explained the situation to her. She immediately booked a flight to Cincinnati and headed out there the next day.
She met up with the Vendor and he escorted her to Michael’s home. He stayed in the car as she entered in. At this point, Michael was sitting on the couch in the living room…still wearing the red bath robe and boxers. He was staring off into space but looked in Kay’s direction when she entered. He didn’t appear drunk and looked stunned when he saw her.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Kay, is that you?!?!
Kay shot him a look of pure disappointment and anger.
Kay: Michael, what the hell is your problem?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: What do you mean? I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Kay: Don’t play dumb with me, pal. When you left the hospital a few months ago, you were in a good place. Sure, you were still recovering but you were certainly headed in the right direction. And now…now…here you are in complete shambles. Your house is a wreck and you look like a homeless bum. This isn’t you, Michael. This isn’t the person I got to know in that hospital. You’re an athlete and you’re a champion. How DARE you let yourself get to this point. What is wrong with you?
Michael, once again, pointed to the scar on his head.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: THIS is what happened to me. I lost everything, Kay…
Kay: Oh, boo-freaking-hoo. The Vendor already told me that you gave him that song and dance. It’s time to man-up, Morrison. You can sit here and feel sorry for yourself all you want but it’s not going to solve anything. Pouting and crying in your beer isn’t going to get you back to where you once were. You want all that again? You want to be the PCW World Heavyweight Champion again? Then get your ass off the couch and train. Get your ass off the couch and finish your physical therapy. It’s not too late, Michael. You still have time to make this all right.
Instead of moping, focus all of your energy on the person who attacked you. They’re the one who took everything away from you. Don’t you think they deserve a little payback?
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I don’t know who attacked me…
Kay: I’m sure you probably have a good idea who did. And if not, use your next opponent as the attacker. As far as I’m concerned, everyone is a possible suspect. You can’t give up, Michael. You simply have too much going for you to let it all end like this. Now shape up or I may just kick your ass myself.
Kay turned to walk out of the house.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Kay, wait! Where are you going?
Kay: I’m leaving Michael. I simply will not stay here and see this pathetic excuse for a living. I care about you deeply, Michael, but you need to make some changes if you want me to be in your life. I hope you think about what I said. I’m going back to Toronto but I’ll leave you with a little motivation. Your next PCW show…I’ll be there!
Kay flashed a little smile and walked out the door. Michael took a deep breath as he contemplated chasing after her. He knew that would be pointless, however, and took another deep breath. He stared at the floor and began rubbing his face. The scene faded to black.
It was late at night as the scene opened back up to the warehouse of Michael Morrison. Before the longest reigning PCW World Heavyweight Champion was injured, he had a successful school running there under his direction. Once he got hurt, however, he basically let it go to waste. The students left and the condition of the building worsened. Taking a look inside the structure revealed the ring in the middle of the floor where the students would train. Trash surrounded it, however, and it did not look very clean. The moonlight shot through the windows and in one corner stood a figure. You couldn’t quite make out who it was but the moonlight revealed a portion of the figure’s head. It was bald with a visible scar. Yep, guess who? He began to talk under his breath.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: There comes a time in everyone’s life when you are going to face adversity. There comes a time in everyone’s life when your physical well-being is openly challenged. How you respond to that determines what kind of human being you truly are. A little under two years ago, I faced that adversity. A little under two years ago, I had my physical well-being openly challenged. I was brutally attacked and not only did I lose my professional career but my life was in jeopardy. Forget the fact that I had to have emergency surgery. Forget the fact that I was in a medically induced coma for three days. Forget the fact that I had to rehab for almost a year and a half to get back any sense of normalcy. The only fact that matters is that I did make it back and I’m ready to go.
You see, I used to look at this scar on my head and that would drive me into a state of depression. I dealt with it in several ways. Sometimes I would sleep all day. Sometimes I would drink until I passed out on the floor. Sometimes I would hold a loaded gun to my head and come oh-so-close to pulling the trigger. It was a pitiful excuse for a living but that was the way it was. I lost my way and it took me a long time to get it back. But, again, the only fact that matters is that I did…make it back.
Michael pushes himself off the wall and begins walking towards the training ring. You can now see all of him in the moonlight and he looks just like he always had. The scruffy beard had been replaced by the neatly trimmed goatee. Other than the scar, you wouldn’t know that anything had ever happened to him.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: I used to be bitter about how my career in Premium Championship Wrestling ended. Despite all the things I accomplished and the accolades I piled up, I felt nothing but anger and disappointment when I reflected on PCW. How could they abandon me like they did? How could they embrace other competitors but leave me hanging out to dry? Maybe those were valid questions at the time…maybe not. It doesn’t really matter now.
When I heard that Premium Championship Wrestling was doing a reunion show, I knew I had to be a part of it. Not only for my legacy but for myself as a human being. I’ve had a great professional wrestling career. I accomplished just about everything I wanted to and I truly feel like I have left my mark on the industry. But I couldn’t let it end on what happened at Anarchy. I couldn’t let a sneak attack be the lasting memory that fans had of true greatness himself. So I reached out to James Baker and he was very understanding. I know we’ve had our trials and tribulations in the past but he welcomed me back. He told me I had a spot on the show and that it would be one of the main events. I appreciated that and it helped me heal.
Michael steps into the training ring and begins to walk around.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Sickboy, you just about ruined my life. It was a little touch-and-go for awhile and you just about succeeded in your goal. We’ve been battling a long time and have quite a history. I beat you at Cataclysm for the PCW World Heavyweight Championships and that certainly wasn’t the last time we squared off. But what you did to me at Anarchy is something I can simply not forget. Now, knowing you, I’m sure you’re sitting there with a shocked look on your face…thinking, how dare I accuse you of the sneak attack. Truth be told, I don’t know with 100% certainty that it was you. But whether you hit me or not, I know you were involved. Because back then, all you did was chicken-shit tactics. You thought it was all fun and games and it was just one big laugh. Well at the reunion show, there won’t be much laughing involved.
You see, I don’t know if you realize what the last two years have been like. For quite a long time, I was a broken man. I didn’t have the will to live and sometimes I look back on those times and I’m shocked that I’m still alive right now. I have never been through something like that before and I pray to God that I never have to go through that again. But a special lady helped get me pointed in the right direction and that, my friend, is bad news for you. I am true greatness, Sickboy, and you’re going to find that out once again at the reunion show.
Michael laughs as he gets out of the practice ring.
”True Greatness” Michael Morrison: Sickboy, our match isn’t going to be a mush fest like what we’ve seen out of Heather Monroe and Danielle Lopez. We are not best friends and I certainly wish you no luck. I’m coming there to simply kick your ass and inflict pain.
You know Curtis…when we met at Cataclysm back in 2011, that was by far the biggest match of my career. Everything was on the line. The company was closing that night and it was MY shot to become the PCW World Heavyweight Champion. I accomplished what I set out to do that night and I thought it couldn’t get any better than that. I was wrong. As important as that match was, the one coming up at the reunion show is 100 times bigger. You see Sickboy, my goal isn’t just to win the match. My goal isn’t just to restore my legacy as one of the greatest competitors in the history of Premium Championship Wrestling. My goal is to hurt you. My goal is to embarrass you and leave you in an ambulance. I want to ship your ass to a hospital and I want you to fight for your life. I want you breathing out of fucking tubes. Do you understand me, pal? Are you listening to me? I hope so because what I’m saying is not simply macho bullshit. I’m not saying this to sound tough or put fear into you. Truth be told, I don’t give a shit if you’re scared of me or not. I’m simply stating what I’m going to do to you.
You and your little friends ran roughshod through Premium Championship Wrestling for far too long and now you’re going to pay for it. You might have been able to get rid of me for a short time but as far as I’m concerned, all you did was poke the bear. Don’t forget that I’m the greatest World Heavyweight Champion in the history of this company. For 170 days, I was the best this company had to offer. I didn’t forget how to wrestle and I certainly didn’t forget how to kick someone’s ass. At the reunion show, I’m coming to kick your ass.
The time for talk is over. The rehab and physical therapy is in the rear-view mirror now. All I have left is this scar on the top of my head. For you, Sickboy, a little scar will be the least of your worries when I get done with you. Everyone might be coming to see the cute little Danielle and Heather showdown…oh, how sweet! But make no mistake Curtis, when the night is over…all anyone will be talking about is the absolute beat down that I gave you. You are well on your way to hell but that will seem like picnic in the park when I get done with you. You can sit there and smile, I don’t care. You can dismiss me, that’s fine. You can laugh under your breath, go for it. But at the reunion show, the only one smiling will be true greatness himself, Michael Morrison. My legacy will be just fine. Yours, however, will be a punch line for generations to come. I hope you can live with that because I sure can. See you soon…
Michael walks out of the picture as the scene fades to black.