"Ah... Another day to own your life. What else could you ask for?"
He had waken up at 4 AM, done an hour of DDPYoga and made himself a big yummy breakfast before he drove to the gym where he has been working since his EBWF contract expired in Early 2011. Training young men, teaching them the basics in hope that one day they are able to make it big time out there in the Wrestling industry. His watch signalled 7:15AM as he parked his car... It seemed he was running late for his morning class. Dustin paced quickly into the gym, pushing the doors open.
Instead of his students already warming up before mat work, the gym was completely empty. Already changed, and without his trademark gold and black paint... He scoffed and looked around. Were they pulling a prank on him? He went for his whistle and blew it loudly... The high pitched chirp echoed in the empty room... Nothing. Maybe they were running late... All of them... What are the odds? Dustin approached the ring and leaned against the apron... A familiar voice could be heard behind him.
"So this is where you've been hiding?"
Dustin turned around, instantly recognising that voice... There she was, dressed in a black blouse, pants and ankle length boots. He had known Stephanie McMahon for ages! He reached out and hugged her fraternally.
Dustin Runnels: Hiding? If you want to put it that way... What brings you here Steph?
He chuckled, letting go off the friendly embrace.
Stephanie McMahon: Oh, I was told there was someone I needed to see...
Dustin Runnels: One of my boys?
Stephanie McMahon: Well... Word has it you give those kids hell on each training, you push them and make them really work they asses off...
Dustin Runnels: They're a good bunch...
Stephanie McMahon: Yeah, I met them a few minutes ago...
Dustin Runnels: You did? Where are they... You want to watch any of them in particular?
Stephanie shook her head.
Stephanie McMahon: Actually, I told them they were more likely not getting a training session today... I told them their trainer would be kinda busy talking to me.
Steph took a step back and smiled at him.
Stephanie McMahon: I see it's true what they say... You've been really keeping yourself in shape! I've kept a close eye on you, Dustin.... Your matches in the independent circuit, your training sessions, feedback from your trainees... You do know the EBWF door is always open for you... But I'm here to remind it to you.
Dustin Runnels: Ah... I see. I've heard the buzz about the new training facility Wes bought.
Stephanie remained silent.
Dustin Runnels: So... You aren't here to recruit students, but trainers... Right?
There was silence again... Stephanie folded her arms. Dustin looked a bit puzzled.
Stephanie McMahon: We want you back, Dustin.
Dustin Runnels: Are you kidding? I'd love to be a trainer with you.
Stephanie McMahon: No. Not as a trainer...
Dustin Runnels: Oh... You want me back as a manager? Get me back with Ken Anderson? Or a new guy?
Stephanie McMahon: Anderson is gone for good. No new guy on board. Just you.
Dustin Runnels: Just me?
Stephanie nodded slightly.
Stephanie McMahon: We want to see how it goes...
Dustin looked down, pondering for a moment. He turned his head over his shoulder, at the ring where he trained his students day in and out.
Dustin Runnels: I guess you can take the road away from the wrestler... Ahhh... What the hell! I'm so tempted to do it... I won't tell you otherwise.
Stephanie McMahon: Look. I know you might be thinking we will use you as a comedy relief, as 'enhancing talent'. But if you've taken a look at our product...
Dustin Runnels: Like I have a choice...
Stephanie McMahon: Then you might have seen guys who are even older than you getting in the spotlight from time to time. That could be you...
Dustin Runnels: What do I have to do?
Stephanie McMahon: Swing by the EBWF HQ sometime this week... We'll sort everything out there.
Stephanie turned around and walked away.
