The More Things Change By Lady Boss
	Title: “The More Things Change” Rating: PG (implied m/m) Author: Lady Boss E-Mail: pikachu_524@yahoo.com Distribution: Kriket if she wants it, anyone else, let me know where and ask nicely Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be but when I hit the Powerball Lottery, watch out Vince. Summary: Hollywood Hogan reflects on the ‘bad old days’ (I know it sucks, but it’s the best I can do) Notes: 1) Something I came up with while I was watching “SmackDown” and the segment Hogan and Jericho had and it made me wonder what Hogan would think of our more ‘slashier’ times. 2) Though he is mentioned in passing, this is meant in no way to denigrate the memory of the late Adrian Adonis. These kids don’t know how good they’ve got it today. I know what you’re thinking, “Well of course they do Hollywood. You’re the one who made wrestling what it is. All the fame, film deals, merchandising; you’re the one who paved the way for all that.” But that’s not what I’m talking about. Not by a long shot. I enter the arena and I see them so happy and content. I pass by Hunter and Kurt who are obviously making after match ‘plans’. God things have changed so much since my first time here during the eighties. You’d never catch any of the boys making ‘plans’ out in the hallway in full view of everyone. We hid in dark areas and dressing rooms, making ‘arrangements’ as we called them then, for our rendezvous. Pausing to check the match order board, a smile tugs at the corners of my lips when I spot Chris Jericho and Dwayne holding hands and whispering to each other. You’d never have caught any of the boys doing that; pro wrestling still the sport of ‘real men’ and ‘real men’ didn’t do the sort of things these fearless kids do now; hold hands, embrace, quick kisses of luck before heading out for their matches. I wonder if they could ever comprehend what it was like almost twenty years ago when the relationships they take so for granted now were taboo back then. It still breaks my heart to remember Adrian Adonis and the “Adorable” gimmick they slapped on him as punishment when just a whisper of his possibly being gay was heard somewhere. I move away from the board and continue on my way, my mind excavating memories of nights when separate rooms and staggered arrival times were necessary. After the ‘arrangements’ were made, one person would head on ahead to the arranged hotel or motel and the other would wait sometimes hours before being able to head over where the ‘act of love’ would be consummated, only to have one or the other leave soon after as to not arouse suspicions. I should know; I was both the ‘leaver’ and the ‘left’ and let me tell you neither position was very pleasant. Waving to Edge and Christian, I try to pinpoint when things began to change in both organizations - The ‘Attitude’ era of the WWF and when Eric took over WCW. My guess was both Vince and Eric both saw how hiding relationships was hurting morale and said as long as there was no out of ring scandal and that there was no backstage drama affecting in ring performance then it was live and let live. Too late for me though. Not that I didn’t have my share of relationships during that time, Randy being my most stable despite out in ring ‘problems’, but the training of the old school stuck with most of us and we felt if we asked for the same freedom the kids got, then we’d be asking too much. Besides, I’d like to think, deep down, we went through what we did so the kids today wouldn’t have to. I see Ric talking to Pat Patterson and their both watching the bustle back here. Ric sees me approach and nods in greeting as do I. Without really saying anything, the three of us stand there watching couples and other workers go by. I know Ric went through the same thing while he was with Arn in the NWA and as complicated as things were for Ric and myself, I couldn’t begin to imagine how they might’ve been while Pat was wrestling back when a man could get arrested for even thinking of doing what these kids are doing so openly now. We don’t say anything for a while, soaking the activities up as thought it were sunshine. It isn’t long before Pat says, “Man, things sure have changed since my time.” Ric and I nod in agreement. As I’ve said, these kids don’t know how good they have it. Now let’s hope they get to keep it.