🥋 Sundays with Cain – Episode 32 - A ROLL & RUMBLE Fight Co. Exclusive

Interview by “D-Man,” CTF Inmate Correspondent

Sundays With Cain (I got a friend in Rey). 

How do you measure yourself? Not height, not weight, or temperature. But how do you measure worth? I'm not talking about financial status. How do you measure self-worth? There is no right answer. Someone else may judge the correct answer to be different from what you believe to be true. It's subjective. It can change in a day, or in a second. What I believe to be my self-worth today may not be true tomorrow. Someone judging me, they may tell you, "he's worthless". Does a zero value exist in a human? 

This feeling of no man left behind is a common tradition or motto often heard in battles of war. A fallen soldier has value. It’s worth risking the life and limb of a living soldier to retrieve the body of a fallen comrade. You're alive. What's your worth? I ask this question of you, the reader. As we look into our story of Cain's life. Seeing value in his life. The story of his self-worth is a human story. It's complicated and may feel and sound familiar. I challenge you, the reader, to keep this in your thoughts. As you read, think about what makes you different. Or are we very different from one another after all? Or, is it just a story we tell ourselves? 

“We can never tell what is in store for us”. — Harry Truman 

Well, Cain, you're almost ready to finish your prison term. Explain the feelings you’re having as your release date nears. "It's bittersweet". What does that feel like? I'm pushing him. He says that naming his feelings is not easy. Never has been. "OK, I can't wait to see my kids". What's that feeling? "Excitement. I feel gratitude and excitement". 

Now that you see your true feelings. What makes you feel excited and grateful?"The absence from my kids is part of being grateful. I know they are learning things because of this time. It could be why they should be more compassionate. This separation may have helped them understand not to take things for granted. Take nothing for granted. I find it essential to learn the lessons that are needed, that only this unique situation can teach us. Everything in life comes as a lesson. There is value in pain. To live in this place, where hurt is common. Its an experience and it teaches something. Even in my training for wrestling and fighting, I learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Pushing past comfort is where you grow. Being OK with pain and hurt. It teaches you". Thank you for explaining that. I get it. I have learned more about myself in this prison than I ever learned in society. 

Last week, you talked about one of the books you're reading. What other books are you reading? "Tantra, The Path of Ecstasy" and "Upanishads" make a lot of sense. What I have been reading is so clear to me now. Everything you see is a mirror of yourself. One of the Hermetic principles is - as within, so without - as above, so below". Can you explain that a little more? "When I look at someone, I am looking at myself. I can show love and have compassion for everyone as myself. It brings me peace. Takes away my insecurities and allows me to feel at home anywhere I am". Like here in prison? "Yes, when I see someone who is hurting or has hurt others, it’s the same. Even the animals, plants, and all matter. It's all a mirror of myself. We are all connected at a universal level. Everyone and everything shares something. You just have to accept to see it and the truth of the universe will reveal itself. It is in all of us". That is what I am starting to learn as I surrender more of myself in your breathing class. I get it. "Everyone is at different points in finding themselves. It takes work and a willingness to accept truths that may go against strongly held beliefs". This is the type of teaching people can expect to learn when spending time with Cain. The value in himself, he sees in even the lowest of us. 

What's your least favorite thing about being in prison? Besides missing your family. "The CBI (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention) class I'm in. They are so focused on pointing out everything negative. Where you’re broken, what you did to hurt others, how many bad choices you have made, how your parents fucked up raising you, look at the broken promises, lies, on and on and on. I think that there should be a balance of good. Where I'm strong, good deeds I've done, truths I've told, correct choices. Some positive shit would be helpful for everyone. Especially someone who may have no self-worth. They need to hear something good about themselves for once". Unfortunately, a lot of our rehabilitation programming consists of recognizing the negative and not too much of the positive. Identifying our mistakes and flaws. Yes, they could do more to foster self-esteem in the class. 

What is your favorite thing about being in prison? "The camaraderie and togetherness in this community. It's amazingly unique. Most of the men I have met here share knowledge, experience, and wisdom. I appreciate how unique each person is and what each person brings to this place. An individual may preach, teach, clean, cook, organize, paint, write, or whatever you could imagine. The community only works because everyone has a role. You even need those who have no talent and are deemed worthless by others. Who could be a teacher if everyone were brilliant? I think we all have value, not only here, but in life. It takes all of us. I have even noticed when someone is released and goes home. There is no replacing what they brought to the collective. Things uniquely change with each person”. (These words hit me hard as I write them). When Cain leaves, there will be a very unique quality missing. A hole in our community, no other human could fill. I know that we have spent a lot of time talking about your life and career. It's good to hear about the lessons learned here. I am noticing a level of growth that you talked about when you first got here. 

You told me you're always learning. I really see the truth of that. Especially when we look at your thoughts about being in prison. Let's shift out of here, though. Last week, we covered your transfer to Lucha and how your family was able to be more involved. We have talked about you losing your mom during this time. We will just note that August 17th, 2019, is a day that stands apart from the rest. This week is WWE and Brock. (Cain's face changes). The smile turns to

When you make your debut for WWE, it's with Rey Mysterio. How far ahead of time did you and Rey meet and plan your quest to seek out Brock Lesnar for another battle? "I actually went and spent time with him in San Diego. That's where he lives. Enough time to meet his whole family. His mom, dad, wife, son, and daughter. They are such kind people. I can't say enough about how beautiful they were and how good they treated me". So it was more than business. Were you getting welcomed into the family basically? "Ray did take me to one of San Diego's gems. He introduced me to 'Taco's El' Gordo’, which were the best Tacos in all of San Diego, and they have a second location in Tijuana. The Tijuana one is the best of the two. They even opened one in Las Vegas, but each one is slightly different.a nose curl. Had you been contacted by WWE, or did you reach out and show your interest? "I think they just saw my Triple Mania 27 performance and were happy with what they saw. My manager (Mike Fonseca) called me, and we just saw an opportunity".

Was Rey teaching you some of his moves? " He taught me the secret to the “619". What's the secret? "I can't tell anyone. It's a secret". Cain is smiling from ear to ear again. He switches into WWE mode for the rest of this interview. So enjoy reading his take on what happened between him and Brock.

Let's start when you delivered your surprise visit to Brock. It's October 4th, 2019, SmackDown. Brock is in the ring talking to a hostile crowd. Looking tough with his belt. You and Rey walk out, and you rip your shirt off. Now this is such a surprise to Brock that he looks like he is being visited by a ghost. What are you thinking, showing up in his house, challenging his territory? "I wanted to kick his ass. That's all I could feel or see, me kicking his ass”! Once his initial fear of seeing your face passes, he settles on a look of shock and confusion. When you finally get into the ring with him, he rushes you, and you throw him down. You guys scrap a little before he rolls under the ropes and onto the floor and makes a beeline for the door.

This is the first time you have touched each other since you got him to curl up and surrender the UFC belt to you. That was nine years ago. What was going through your mind in the moments you two clashed again, after all this time? (Cain smiles. He looks like he just flashed back for a second. It was quick, but I saw it for a second). The vaseline smell is in the air (from episode 17). It’s violence. " I was actually a little scared. I have a problem with being unleashed, or better, not being unleashed. I wanted to work again, so (big smile) I didn't want to hurt anyone". Brock looks like he is going to walk away after grabbing his belt. Maybe he thought you would take that one too, right there and then. This is when the crowd builds up to a fervor, and he stops, gives his belt to someone, and inches towards the ring. Thinking, but clearly still in shock. I want to know about that moment. As a Hulk-a-manic myself. Hogan was the all-time greatest at building up that moment. Leading the crowd into a hysteria, by subtle movements, a turn of the head, straining to hear what the fans want in that moment. Then working it into something magic. Did you feel that energy from the crowd, and what is that feeling for you, in that moment where the crowd becomes the show itself? “It's a lot like a fight in UFC. I've felt it before. There is a magic to it; it electrifies your body. The crowd is putting energy into you. So much so that you won't sleep that night. You get too charged up. So, yes, the crowd pulsating energy out". I was just thinking about how that is for you, and that helps. As a fan, I feel like I'm feeling turned up in those moments where time seems to stop. 

Let me ask you about this night. What was the reaction at home? "Not as big as Lucha, for Cain Jr. He loves his Lucha and no amount of WWE will change his mind on that. Overall, it was good. Everyone loved seeing me in the Brock rivalry again". What was the next step in building that? " So there I was, with my friend, Rey, getting medical stuff done for his arm. It was in a sling. We were in a medical room backstage at a WWE event. Minding our own business. In bust Brock, ambushing us and beating us with a chair. I had a run-in with one of his little lackey's back stage one time as well, and I had enough. We had to finally finish this before someone gets hurt. The Royal Family in Saudi Arabia wants to witness the two greatest heavyweights duke it out. One more time. So that's all I can think about".

Did you fly out there in a private jet or commercial? "The whole WWE group flies together in a chartered plane. More than one, really. Our plane was just the wrestlers. Well, most of them. Some of the guys don't get along well with others". Like who? (Cain shrugs his shoulders and smirks) "There are just certain guys that have an image they manage. Like not being social and hanging out with everyone. (I know he's talking about Lesnar, but he won't go there) I did get to talk to some of the other guys. Randy Orton and I spoke for a while. It’s a twenty-hour flight or something like that. So you can't help but get to know everyone". OK, you land in the Kingdom and meet the Crown Prince? " I don't remember exactly, but yes, there is a sheik, princes, and royal family that greet us. We are there for their entertainment, so they are excited". Did you ever have any civil conversations with Brock before the big match? "Actually, we did speak briefly in the dressing room leading up to the match. Strictly business and the laying down of some boundaries. He's their man, so it’s his way or the highway. I get it. I'm still going out there with kicking his ass in my mind". 

This is October 31st (Halloween) 2019, and you’re in Saudi Arabia. Does it feel like a good crowd? "There are a lot of people, and they're from all over the world. Ya, it's turned up". Brock comes out first, and he’s in the ring, waiting for you. They announce you, then Rey Mysterio comes out, and he’s hyping the crowd. You walk out next to much fanfare and eventually climb between the ring ropes. After the match starts, you rush him early and put Brock on his back.

He puts you in a jiu-jitsu move with his legs called half-guard, then proceeds to lock up a Kimura on you. What's going through your head in that moment, or how much pain were you in to tap out so quickly? (This answer is short and forced out). Cain told me he will always follow WWE tradition, and that means he tapped out, and that it was because the pain was too great. He said there are kids and even some adults who rely on this commitment. It's part of the magic that makes pro wrestling, pro wrestling. "I felt like my arm was going to break. I had to tap before it snapped".

The referee stops the match when you tap. Only Brock won't let the Kimura go. What did that mean to you? "He was set on breaking my arm. Luckily, I had made a friend recently, and my buddy Rey came to help me". Yes, your new friend (Rey Mysterio) busts Brock with a chair and saves you just in time, only to be tossed out of the ring by Lesnar for his perceived insolence and meddling.

Then, Brock picks you up and does his signature move…  the “The F-5” or “The Verdict” with you onto a chair. There is some more chair-battling between the three of you, and I suggest that any reader with an interest should go and re-watch this match. It is highly entertaining. What I want to know is if you had an opportunity to do your special move on Brock, what move were you practicing ahead of time? " I would have done my newly worked out and untested “Bullrush 2 Boxer Shoeshine". Cain, that sounds amazing. I’m sure everybody would have loved to see it! Thank you for sharing your perspective on such a historic match.

I got one more question for this week. It is something that many Cain Velasquez fans would like to know. Brock lost to you in the cage; you lost to him in the ring. Would you do a trilogy match with him, but in a format you both fancy? Like the new RAF (Real American Freestyle) events that are becoming popular? Rockhold just did one, and DC is confident and committed to a 10-0 outcome if Jones takes the match. "I would freestyle wrestle Brock, for sure". How long would it take to get conditioned for something like that? "Three months, but I'm in shape now". Would you do a boxing match with him? "Yup," What about bare knuckle? "The money would have to be right for that. I'm really not interested in fighting again, but I would take a match for the right purse". OK, this is the last one. Would you like to do more Lucha moving forward? (The smile instantly came back. His heart is attached to Lucha, and he knows how much it meant for his kids to see his matches. "I would always be up for guest appearances with those guys, but full-time is out". That's it. Thank you. I hope those of you who read this week's entire episode of “Sundays with Cain” enjoyed every bit of it.

See you next Sunday….

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