Fast Company

Excerpt from “The Colton Family, Reexamined” by Tanner Quest:

“Benjamin and Dennis Colton caught fire in the summer of 2022, avenging their first-round loss in the previous Flynn Cup by reaching the finals. From there, they dominated SHOOT Project in the same way Jennifer did MVW, winning their first twelve matches and the Masters of the Mat tournament, as well as the SHOOT Project Tag Team Titles.”

“Once they suffered their first defeat, the team started to fall apart. An opening-round loss in their second Masters. Another short title reign that ended at the hands of Arthur Pleasant. Two losses in three contests against the Neon Saints. No appearances in 2025 before they left the company, then took another first-round loss in their return to the Flynn Cup.”

“Since then they’ve been floating around the Midwest, picking up indie dates instead of pursuing contracts with another major promotion. It shows a lack of ambition; a willingness to rest on their laurels while the rest of the tag team wrestling world passes them by.”

# # #

A series of electronic chirps pierced the stillness of the morning, bringing Nate Colton out of one dream and into another.

With his ears already engaged by the unwelcome alarm, he woke up one sense at a time. He savored the pressure from Kohime’s head as she rested on his shoulder. He took in the faint lavender scent of her skin lotion. He tasted…

Ugh

Did the cat throw up in my mouth while I was asleep?

I bet he did

Little fucker

Finally, he opened his eyes; the Las Vegas morning eradicated the last remnants of lethargy from the New Diamond.

Time for work.

With his free arm, Nate turned off the alarm without looking. He gave Kohime a small kiss on the top of the head, hoping to rise without disturbing her too much…but she was already starting to stir.

“I will make breakfast,” she mumbled.

“You don’t have to–” Nate started, but Kohime put a finger to his lips. Well, she tried, but ended up drooping her whole hand over Nate’s face.

“We are good hosts, yes?”

“Mffffmmf.”

“Okay then. I will make breakfast.”

She rolled out of bed and picked up the latest addition to Colton’s ever-growing collection of hockey jerseys. The sweater covered up her nightclothes as she slipped it on, which mostly brought attention to her still-uncovered legs.

A smile crossed Nate’s face. He still didn’t know why they gave him the jerseys…but he knew why he kept them.

Kohime giggled softly as she grabbed a pair of shorts, forcing Nate to put those thoughts aside for the moment.

Time for work.

After dressing himself, he followed Kohime out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, where Deku was already passing judgment on him.

“Mrow?”

You cad, you SCOUNDREL

How DARE you prevent Mother from feeding me

I could have DIED

If this happens again I will EAT YOUR FACE AND THEN HOW STUPID WILL YOU LOOK

VERY STUPID

BECAUSE OF YOUR LACK OF FACE

There’s plenty of food around the sides, you could eat that, Nate thought as he refilled Deku’s food and water bowls.

Of course cats can read minds, and Deku’s response was scathing.

“Mrow?”

SILENCE, SLAVE! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT FOOD IS TAINTED! I SHOULD EAT YOUR FACE RIGHT NOW ON PRINCI–

*cronch cronch cronch*

Deku turned his back on Nate as soon as he started eating, leaving him free from the cat’s baleful eye.

Better check on the other guests

He spotted his cousin through the back door; Dennis was seated on the deck in his meditation pose. Nate released the knob and stepped back, leaving the big man to his mindfulness.

Good on him; I need to get back to that

The other Lad was even easier to find; Benjamin was still asleep on the couch. Clearly he hadn’t set an alarm, so Nate delivered his own with a swift kick in the butt.

“Wha–?” A bleary-eyed Benny rolled over, obviously unprepared for this morning or the concept of mornings in general.

“Rise and grind, dipshit.”

“Dude, c’mon,” Benny croaked. “I feel like raw ass right now.”

“Yeah, and whose dumbfuck fault is that? You knew the plan and stayed out anyway,” Nate said without sympathy. “Kinda surprised you came back last night; things looked serious with that one gal.”

“That?” Benny woke up a little more, now that the conversation turned to his special interest. “That was just dancing. I’m a one-woman man these days.”

“Yeah? And how many men are you a man of?”

“Bitch, don’t dull my sparkle.”

“I will if you don’t get your ass up. I’ll drag you to TCS in your under–”

No, he’d be fine with that

“I’ll make you wear sweatpants. Baggy ones. And the Vegas jersey.”

Benny’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “You wouldn’t dare! Steel gray’s not my color!”

“Better group your poop, then.”

Nate prodded his brother again, then headed for the bathroom. On his way through the house, he saw Denny in the kitchen, watching intently as Kohime stirred eggs with a pair of chopsticks.

“Never would have thought to do it that way,” the big man said.

“It keeps the air out,” Kohime answered. “Tamagoyaki needs thin layers.”

“Can I get the recipe before we leave town?”

Nate left the cooks to their business and headed for the bathroom. He started brushing his teeth, then used his free hand to rifle through the medicine cabinet. One by one, he passed over several bottles of over-the-counter painkillers and supplements before finding his multivitamins. He gave the bottle a quick shake, noting the heavy rattle of pills against each other, and set it on the countertop.

He’d barely spit out the toothpaste when he heard the footsteps, practically running for the bathroom. Suddenly his brother, wide awake, was standing at the door.

“You good, bro?” Benny asked. He was breathing way too heavily for how short a distance it was…but it wasn’t from exertion.

“I’m fine. Just getting my vitamins.”

“...Ah. Cool. Good. Yeah.” Benny tapped his hand against the door frame, then walked away with a sheepish look.

Nate turned back toward the mirror, poured some water, and rinsed out his mouth…but left the water running as he opened the bottle, even though he could hear his mother chiding him in the back of his mind.

No need to upset Benny even further. Not with that.

Not when he’d called twice a day during Nate’s recovery. Somehow, always five minutes before Nate’s reminder to take his painkillers. Always asking the same questions.

“How many?”

“Do you need them?”

“Are you good?”

Every day for two months, only slowing down when Nate finally convinced his brother that he’d stopped taking the pills.

Ramping back up after the fight with Max Kael, when they became necessary again.

It was…annoying. Infuriating, really. Their mother didn’t pry that much, unless it was about possible grandchildren. But Nate bit his tongue each time.

Good to know he cares about something

He left the bathroom just as Kohime and Dennis brought breakfast to the table. “Looks amazing,” he said, drawing a proud smile from Kohime. Nate served the slices of Japanese omelette before sitting down himself.

“I grew up with the Dashimaki style,” she said, “but I have always preferred the Atsuyaki.”

“What’s the difference?” Dennis asked, leaping into his own special interest. Nate quickly lost track of the conversation as he ate, wolfing down the tamagoyaki and only noticing the flavor after he’d already swallowed. By contrast, Denny took small bites and let the flavor take hold before swallowing, appreciating the meal beyond its ability to fuel the body.

Benny ate it with his fingers, like some kind of goddamn caveman.

The discussion lasted about as long as the food, and left the quartet satisfied, if not exactly full.

Benny elbowed Nate in the ribs. “Beats the hell out of your own cooking, don’t it?” The tension from before had passed, and Benny slipped back into the comfortable role of needling his brother.

“You ain’t lying,” Nate replied. “A bag of that shitbomb lettuce would be safer than that.”

“Nathan!” Kohime said, her face turning bright red. “Not at the table!”

“Sorry, honey.”

“Don't suppose there's any more…” Benny had hope in his voice, but was quickly deflated.

“That was it,” Kohime told him. “If you're still hungry, there's some cheesecake…”

“Hard pass. I'd rather have the lettuce.”

“Hey now,” Nate said. “That stuff is just as good as the day Anna dropped it off.”

“Yeah, I'll bet.”

Nate stood and gathered the dishes. Despite still being stuck with the rutabaga cheesecake, it was a good start to the day. It felt good to spend time with family for reasons other than “plotting crimes” and “biting each other's heads off.”

“Lemme take care of these, then we can move out. Everyone ready?”

Kohime nodded; Benny leaned toward his cousin and whispered in a way that was somehow louder than regular talking. “Oh shit, I think he's gonna say the thing.”

Denny whispered back, just as loudly, “Oh shit, I think you're right.”

“Shuts your butts, the both of you,” Nate said, but without much anger. They were right, after all. He was going to say the thing.

“Time for work.”

The Lads threw their hands up and cheered like the Colts just won the Super Bowl.

# # #

Kerry.

I had this whole thing planned about how getting voted out of Survivor was the best thing that could have happened.

But nah. You get it.

This was never your path.

I understand why you signed up. I went through the same thing way back when–just did it to get on Culture Shock, put my name out there a little bit. But somewhere between trying to choke down fudge-covered oysters and getting thrown into furniture, I had the thought that’s gotta be in your head right now.

I don’t belong here.

When you get your shot at the Uni, it won’t be ‘cause you were best at swinging swords or pushing a boulder or whatever dumb bullshit the rest of ‘em have to do. It’ll be on your own merit in that ring.

When it happens, you’ll still have to deal with a bunch of crap, ‘cause that’s how this place works. The liars, frauds, and bastards of PRIME will pull every trick in the book to keep you from your goal. But you know how to handle that now. You’re a different man, a better one, than the other times we fought.

You won’t beat them at their own game.

You’ll beat them with yours.

Steve.

When you first showed up, I thought for sure you were going to get yourself killed. They were gonna have to scrape you off the floor of the Tokyo Dome and mail you back to Peoria. After that nightmare, not a soul in the world would blame you for walking away and never showing your face in the business again. Hell, I even told you not to show up that night.

You didn’t listen.

I’m glad you didn’t.

Since then you’ve faced the biggest and baddest the sport has to offer. And…usually lost, but any clown reading a dirt sheet could tell you that. They’ll look at you and call you a loser, a failure, a guy who’s got no business being in the ring.

Not me.

I recognize you for what you are, Steve. Outsized and outclassed by damn near everyone. Against powerhouses, technicians, hyperviolent psychopaths, heartless dirtbags. Every instinct tells you to run and hide…but every time, you show up.

That’s a kind of toughness most people can’t even fathom. You lasted longer and accomplished more than a hundred other guys who walked into PRIME, even though they had more skill and training.

Much more.

Sorry, but there ain’t enough sugar in the world to coat that.

Point is. Who cares if you couldn’t make it to the top of some kid’s show mountain? You never needed Survivor.

You already are one.

# # #

The locker rooms at Troy Combat Systems were just as state-of-the-art as the rest of the facility. High-definition televisions, for streaming film of matches and workouts. Lockers with UV lights and drying racks to keep fungus off your gear. A sauna, whirlpool, and brand-new foot massager, which Nate was enjoying.

“I gotta get one of these for the locker room,” he said, relishing the bliss that coursed from his tootsies through his whole body.

“Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be super popular with your ones of friends,” Benny said. He was fresh from the sauna; every inch of his body was covered in either a towel or sweat. “Daytona Diamonds clowned you, bro. He drew more for his back-patting session than you had all night–including you.”

“That ain’t fair; you know I can’t resist a raffle…and anyway, I was hoping to replace Uncle Roy’s chainsaw.”

“I told you to put in a stripper pole. I’ll even do the dancing, if you can guarantee that Neptune guy comes back.”

“Please stop thirsting over my co-workers.”

“Can’t promise that, bro. Not while you work with Henry Keyes.”

Nate reached into the pocket of his shorts and pulled out his middle finger, which he presented to his brother.

Dennis sat at a locker a few feet away, halfway through the process of redressing after his shower. “Figured you’d be used to this by now, Nate. How many of your coworkers has he thirsted over?”

“At last count…fourteen.” Nate gingerly leaned forward to turn off the massaging device. “So, what’s your plan? After we’re done here, I mean.”

“Gotta visit the ladies,” Benny said. “Bex says she’s found a new building for us to get banned from.”

“Nothing that exciting for us,” Denny added. “Dinner and a movie at her place.” He looked testingly at Nate, as if daring him to say something.

Nate nodded in seeming approval, but put most of his energy into not letting his true emotions show.

He had…opinions about his cousin’s dating choice. But after UltraViolence, he was in no mood to voice them.

That’s caused enough trouble

“Anything else?” he asked, changing the subject as far away from their sister and her relationship as possible. “Looking for work at all?”

“We got some stuff lined up,” Benny said. “A show in Reno on Friday, then Bakersfield on Saturday and Sunday.”

Denny followed, “And we’re talking to a new outfit in LA.”

“Yeah, Dad was telling me about that. Some his friends are involved.”

“Yep. They got some heavy hitters already, but they still need a full roster.”

“How long until you know if you’re in?”

The Lads shared a glance. “We…” Benny started.

“...haven’t applied yet,” Denny finished.

Don’t tell me that

Don’t tell me Tanner Quest is right about you too

“Why the hell not?”

“We’re holding off until after the Flynn,” Denny said. “If we win the tournament, that gives us extra leverage when it’s contract time.”

Benny beamed with optimism. “Gonna make more bread than Sara Lee, bay-bee.”

Both the Lads seemed very confident about the plan laid out in front of them, and Nate wished he could join in. But a thought nagged at his mind, agitating him like an itch in the middle of his back.

I don’t think Tanner Quest was right about you guys

But they weren’t exactly wrong

“Solid plan,” he finally said. “But what if you don’t?”

“Pff,” Benny said.

Dennis gave a more measured response. “Pff.”

They held a silent conference between them, and quickly reached a consensus. “Pff.”

“Okay, but you guys had a rough go of it last year.”

Benny kept facing his fellow Lad. “Did we not make ourselves clear?”

“It’s like he’s not even listening.”

Both Lads turned back towards Nate, but Benny laid into him first. “Bro, you need to stop drinking the Haterade. You know what that stuff is laced with?”

Please don’t say ‘dumb bitch juice’

“Dumb bitch juice,” Benny said, altogether too pleased with his very original and cutting remark. “Probably squeezed it fresh from that fuckin’ article. Does that mean Quest was right about Jenny? Or you?”

“It ain’t like that–”

“Or Dad?”

“You fuckin’ well know I don’t–” Nate started, cutting himself short when he saw other heads in the locker room turn his way. “Look. I know you guys are gonna tear it up this year. But maybe you don’t want to count your chickens yet, y’know?”

“Yeah? Well, count this chicken.” Benny reached into his pocket, only to discover he didn’t have any. “Big man, help me out.”

Denny, now fully dressed, presented Nate with a bird of his own.

Words seared themselves into Nate’s mind. You dumb fucking assholes. You’ve been coasting since you lost those SHOOT belts the first time and you’re going to treat me like I’m the problem? You go into the Flynn with that attitude and you’re going to get eaten alive, AGAIN

He thought those words with intensity and passion, but managed to keep his mouth closed. It was on Nate to keep the peace, just like with his past relationships and recent prescriptions. The others could say whatever they wanted; he had to sit there and take it.

Hardly seemed fair…

“I promise, guys. I’m just trying to help.”

“Well, mayyyyyyybe,” Benny said, in his best “not serious but also actually kinda serious” voice. “Mayyyyyyybe, we didn’t ask. And mayyyyyyybe, we don’t need it.”

“And mayyyyyyyyyyybe,” Dennis added, but got cut off.

“Too much drag, cuz.”

“Mayyyyyyybe–” Denny paused until he saw Benny’s approval. “--you can take a goddamn seat on this one.”

Nate noticed the extra bass in his cousin’s voice, and it wasn’t just because it was naturally deeper.

“Look, I don’t want to start shit here. Let’s just take a breath and–”

“The shit’s already started, bro. C’mon, big man. We’re leaving.” Benny turned toward the locker room.

“Jesus Christ,” Nate muttered before shouting after his brother. “You’re still naked, idiot. If it’s that important, I’ll go.” He grabbed his shoes, socks, and bag; giving his brother a hard shoulder as he passed. “Call me when you’re coming back to the house.”

“What if we don’t?” Benny asked, still defiant. And naked.

“Your club outfit is in our laundry, dumbass.”

“...Shit. Yeah, we’ll call.”

Nate let the door close behind him, only stopping long enough at a nearby bench to put on his socks and shoes.

The shit I have to do to keep the peace

Half the time I wonder if it’s worth it

At least he’s not freezing me out like Jenny

Definitely gonna talk about this at therapy tomorrow though

From there he went to the TCS entrance, where he rejoined Kohime. His bad mood brightened as he looked into her sweet face.

Nate kissed her on the lips, just enough to show affection without making onlookers uncomfortable. “Ready to go? We’ve got that Special Olympics thing in an hour.”

“Yes,” Kohime said. “Where are Mr. Benjamin and Mr. Dennis? Are they not joining us?”

“Nah,” he said, quickly brainstorming an excuse for them. Eventually he settled on something their plans…not just for the day, but really for their entire lives.

“They’re gonna do their own thing.”

# # #

I know what I’m up against in Detroit.

It’s only fair that I return the favor.

Kerry and I have been on this road before, but like my old man always told me, you never fight the same person twice.

The first time, I was lost. Desperate for something to ground me, help me find my way back.

The second time…I was still lost, but not the same way. Only barely gave a shit if I found my way back or not.

But somewhere in the middle of that hell Max Kael and I put each other through, I found myself. The version of me that PRIME needs…the one I tried to be, before I took some bad advice and got caught up in so much bullshit that I nearly drowned.

For the first time in years, I feel like I’ve got my head on straight, and I can actually live up to my potential. Take my place as one of the best. A champion. A message that the top of the mountain doesn’t exclusively belong to the scum of the earth.

That’s the path that takes me into Detroit.

I’d be honored if you both walk it with me.

# # #

“I’ve got my head on straight.”

If that isn’t the biggest lie you’ve ever told

Can you really feel complete when your sister won’t talk to you? When your brother and cousin don’t want or need your “help?” When the youngest degrades your family name every time he steps in the ring?

They are the glue that holds you together

And that glue is dissolving

How much longer will it last?

How much longer will you?