Monday June 23^rd, 2008: “Osborne Enterprises”

 

Professional wrestlers are creatures of habit. Once a daily, weekly, monthly, or even year routine has been set its takes a act of congress to get them to change it. So as per his normal routine after Battlezone, MWA Bloodlust Champion takes his private jet back to Jacksonville so he can be at the office for his Monday board meetings. Normally the meetings would be CJ meeting with all his department heads so they can over whats happening that week. However this week CJ is making a huge announcement.

 

CJ's entire life has been in someway involved in 'Osborne Enterprises'. There are a lot of people in the business world who havn't grasped the fact that CJ never dreamed of one day running the company his parents built. CJ has never enjoined the mundane weekly business meeting where the same shit is discussed every week. However when his parents died he embraced their dreams as well as his own.

 

'Osborne Enterprises' has reached such a point of financial stability that it has become the book mark for almost all major corporations. Despite the very fickle economy in the United States, the 2007 year ended with the most gross income in the twenty year history of the company. Many contribute that to CJ expanding globally just two years ago. He knew that the only way he could even consider stepping away was if the company was secure. The time has come for CJ to decide just what he want to do, because Hope is right. If he keeps up both jobs he'll have a stress heart attack by the time hes thirty.

 

Its nine in the morning and all of the department heads are gathered in a large conference room. For those who show up early they are treated to breakfast. This weeks breakfast is biscuits and sausage gravy. CJ usually choices to skips the breakfast so he can get an extra hour of sleep. As with every week for who knows how long the moment the clock hits nine the door opens and CJ walks in dressed is one of him many custom made suits. The room goes silent as CJ enters the room. Just behind him is a small group of office assistants the company employees for different areas. Half of them begin to clean the food off the main table as the other half handed out several information packets that contain pie grafts and charts about different thing.

 

“Good morning everyone” CJ takes a quick scope of the room before taking his seat at the head of the table. “I hope everyone had a good weekend.” Pretty much everyone in the room mutter a yes as they nod. The room is pretty much silent minus a few private conversations until the last of the office assistants clear the room. Once the the door is closed everyone goes quite again and looks toward CJ. “The numbers from last week looked really good.” CJ opens the folder in front of him as he talks. “If you will all open to page two we can get started.”

 

The moment people see what is on that page they stare in shock at CJ. “As you can all see I am officially stepping down as the Chief Executive Officer.” Several of the department heads begin to murmur. Not so much out of complaint, but shock. “As you are all aware I sold ten percent of the company to my close friend Jason Talbot, and to Hope's father. You'll be seeing both of them more around the office over the next few weeks as they become more acclimated with everything.” CJ looks around the room to see everyone in the room still looking at CJ as if they didn't believe what hes saying.

 

“Jim is being promoted from the head of the law department to take my position as the head of the company. Jim is being given ten percent ownership.” CJ's uncle Jim's face tells everyone that was news to him. He was aware CJ was stepping away, but he didn't know the last part. “If you read on you'll see that I will only be retaining forty percent ownership. I have already filed the paperwork to make the remaining thirty percent on the stock market.” Another bomb is dropped. Its known by everyone involved in the company that CJ has always been against making it a publicly traded company.

 

“I know this is shock to you all, but I feel its the best thing for the future of this business. Myself, Jim, Jason, and Hope's father will all be on a newly formed board of directors. A future representative to be voted on by those who buy stock will be added to the board.” CJ looks around the room once more before standing. “This change becomes affective five minutes ago, so please welcome your new CEO.” Jim Osborne stands and offers his hand, but CJ pulls him in for a hug. CJ then turns to the room. “You all have a wonderful day.” CJ hods his head and leaves the room for the actuality business to be discussed.

 

 

·         Tuesday June 24^th, 2008: 'Osborne Estates'

 

For the first time around four years CJ didn't have business to tend to when he woke up. Around ten thirty in the morning CJ rolled out of bed to the smell of pancakes filling the house. CJ makes his way into the kitchen unnoticed. He just stands in the doorway and watch Hope and McKenzie interact. Its still shocking to him how well Hope has handled all this. He expected her to be pissed off and possibly leave him, but she has been so great throughout everything. CJ had expected this to drive them apart, but its really brought them together. Hope is really enjoying the idea of being McKenzie's step mom.

 

Its at this moment that CJ decides today is going to be all about the two ladies in his life. No business and no wrestling will be spoken of today. This day June 24^th will be about having fun, and nothing else. After they enjoy breakfast, they pack up and head to Jacksonville Beach for a day of fun. They loaded up in the blue Chevy Tahoe that CJ bought last April,and began the forty-five minute drive to the beach. CJ was all smiles the entire drive. For the first time he really started to love the idea of his new family. It just felt like things were going perfect for him.

 

Usually you wouldn't expect a beach to be that busy on a Tuesday, but school has been out for about a month now and a lot of those kids spend there time at the beach. CJ was able to spend most of the day with Hope and McKenzie without much interruption from fans. However CJ did agree to sign autographs and take picture with the ones that asked. Even Hope got in on the action as she was asked a few times, of course mostly by teenage boys who probably just wanted something for their night entertainment. That or Hopes time on Bakers Dozen and her time with CJ has made her popular than anyone thought.

 

For the most part the day was uneventful, which CJ was thankful for. Not long after they had arrived CJ had noticed a group of men who were clearly drunk and causing scenes with out groups. CJ made sure to keep an eye on them if they came to close to his group, but thankfully the Beach patrol had heard enough complaints about them and showed up to haul them off, before they could start trouble they most certainly wouldn't be able to finish. They had a late breakfast so it wasn't till around four in the afternoon did they begin to get hungry. After a stop at the bathroom/showers at the top of the beach they drove to a local Applebee's to enjoy a nice dinner.

 

The moment they walked in the hostess recognized who CJ was. She stayed professional and sat them at a table and made sure to bring a high chair for the baby. She then ran to alert the manager of who he was. He of course made sure they received the best possible service. CJ orders the biggest steak they had on the menu and Hope chose a a signature Applebee's dish, the chicken fried chicken. About half way though the meal Hope decides to bring up wrestling for the first time today. “You know your going to half to hire someone.”

 

CJ clearly has no idea what she is talking about and his face shows it as he has a form in him mouth. He swallows the mashed potatoes before he tries to talk. “Hire someone? For what?”

 

Its clear to Hope that CJ hasn't put one moment of thought into what shes talking about. “MWA only let you out of the house show schedule because of your commitments with your business. Sine that is no longer an issue they are going to want you to honor that schedule like everyone else does.” Hope stabs a piece of the fried chicken breast and before she puts in her mouth she looks at CJ. “Your gonna have to go on the road.”

 

The wheels begin to turn as what Hope is saying starts to sink in. “I can't believe I didn't think of that...Where am I going to find someone to travel with us to help watch McKenzie?”

 

Hope smiles, “I guess you could ask Steve Pinex where he got his nanny from.” Hope laughs to herself as CJ shots her a short glance that says go to hell. “Relax, it was just a joke.” Hope tries to laugh off the tension of that moment. “We need to make sure this person is someone we can trust. We can manage for a week or two, but between travel, wedding planning, and my position with the foundation I'm not gonna have a lot of extra time.”

 

CJ nods in understanding. “ I know, We are just going to have to play it by ear for a few weeks till we can find someone. I'm not just leaving my child in the care of any old person.” CJ is kicking himself right now for not thinking about this issue. He knew he would have to go on the road more, but he never thought about all the things she has to deal with. He made her the head of his charity, which is a full time position in its self. Mix in Hope planning her wedding, which undoubtedly will be huge and expensive.

 

“I never expected you to pick just anyone.” Hope stuffs another bite of chicken in her mouth. “I look forward to this personally. Its going to be fun.”

 

CJ shakes his head while he laughs. “So you get to have all the fun while I do all the work.” CJ gives Hope a sarcastic look. “Yeah that seems fair.”

 

“Aww”, Hope's voice is dripping with sarcasm. “Life's not fair, so get over it.”

 

 

·         Friday June 27^th, 2008: Beth Interviews Bloodlust Champion -MWA Official website

 

I caught up with MWA Bloodlust Champion just days before his title defense against Larry Gowan. CJ officially announced his resignation as the CEO of 'Osborne Enterprises' on Monday, and that has given him loads of extra time. So that means you can expect to see him regularly on the house show schedule. MWA officials had previously allowed him to skip that schedule because of his other commitment, but he told me that he does plan on being active full time on the tour schedule.

 

We meet at a local Starbucks here in Lawrence Kansas. Had I known that CJ didn't like coffee we would have meet somewhere else, but thats beyond the point. When asked about his upcoming opponent,Larry Gowan. “To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what to make of Larry. I meet him at my birthday party last month, but other than that I've had no contact with him.”

 

CJ does seem more happy about this match than he was last week when he was forced to defend against Jason Wright in his redebut. “Its not that Jason Wright wasn't talented, but he hadn't been in the ring for several months. Larry Gowan is a guy who has had some ups and downs when it comes to his in ring performances, but he has been impressive both in winning and losing.” I tried to get CJ to speak on the previous accomplishments of Larry Gowan, but CJ was very mute on that subject. CJ used to study and learn every little thing he could about his opponent

 

“Normally I would know all there is to know about everything Larry Gowan has done previously, but I have changed a lot of things about my preparation process.” I would say its been a good change seeing the recent wave success CJ has been riding for the last two months. Since the beginning of May till now CJ has not been victorious one time, and that match was a triple threat match were he wasn't involved in the finish. “I think this change does have a lot to do with it. I no longer focus on factors that don't matter. I used to believe that if I knew everything about my opponent that I would have an advantage, but I have learned that its more about the attitude you approach the match in.”

 

If I have learned one thing in my time with the MWA that attitude going into a match is so very important. Which would cause one to ask what is the mind set of Larry Gowan going into this match. Its no secret that he doesn't think highly of his own abilities in the ring. Which everyone would agree is a stark contrast to just about everyone in the MWA. For every Larry Gowan there are about ten over inflated egos. With his lack of self confidence has he already lost the match? “I'm not saying its impossible for Larry to beat me, but he just seems to not care. He has no passion for what we do. He views this as a just a job to make some money, and thats fine if he is satisfied with where hes at. However he'll never be able to advance unless there is a serious change in his thought process.”

 

Matches that are fought over the Bloodlust Championship usually live up to that name. Especially the most recent of matches. With Jason Wright being busted open last week, and we all remember the brutal Last Man Standing match at Nemesis between CJ and Josh Johnson. That begs to question is Larry Gowan can handle such a match. His history in these type of matches in unknown at this time, but CJ does have a well documented history in this type of brutal and violent match. “I think a lot of people are surprised when they see the amount of success have had is the 'hardcore' matches. Most people see the outside image of the rich kid and automatically assume I can't hang and I will fold under the pressure, but I have proven time and time again that I will not fold.”

 

Before I ended the interview I had to ask CJ about the upcoming match to merge the Bloodlust and Melinium Championships. “You know part of me truly enjoys the 'hardcore' types match. So part of me is sad to see this title be shoved away. This title has a bit of sentimental value to me.” As we all know CJ's only title wins in the MWA so far have been for the Bloodlust championship, and CJ had history by being the first two time winner of the title. “The Melinium Championship has a lot of history surrounding it and just a few months ago at Revelations I was quite close to claiming that title. I would love to add that championship to my list of accomplishments.”

 

At this point we only know whoever has the two titles will be in that match, and assuming that they both retain their championships this week on Battlezone CJ and Ryan Singer will be in the match. Jason Talbot's name has been tossed around a lot as a potential challenger. I asked CJ is he was worried about facing his best friend in the business. “Sometimes in this business you have to face your friends in matches. I will hold nothing back, just like I know he'll hold nothing back. We both know that friendships are out the window when the bell rings. Should he win I will gladly and proudly congratulate him in victory, as would he.” That was all CJ would say on that subject. He feels its more important to focus on the task at hand. Defending his title against his newest challenger, Larry Gowan.

 

“Commitment and dedication is what separates the people like myself, Kacy, Punisher, Sierra, and so many others apart from people like Larry Gowan and Jason Wright. The desire to be the very best as what we do is what pushes us to get in the ring, not some paycheck. The people who have stood at the top of MWA mountain have done so because of their passion. They could careless is they made two dollars or two million. They are fighters an one day I will stand among the elite names. That desire to be the best is what allow me to once again have my hand raised in victory.”