A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

• These lyrics from The Byrds' classic “Turn! Turn! Turn!” have constantly played in my head as I write this week’s Fink Factor. Why? Because their meaning could be paralleled to our final dinner together before departing the house, a dinner that went a long way in not only cementing our brotherhood as a group, but also revealing some pretty heavy feelings.

• All eight of us shared our stories with passion, emotion, happiness, sadness and certainly tears. I vividly recall us being in that restaurant for nearly three and a half hours, yet the evening went by faster than that. I’m not going to dwell on and recap everyone’s stories. But guess what? You saw a side of all of us that showed that beneath the roles that we portrayed in our industry, there are eight human beings who effectively (repeating a phrase from last week) “shed their skin” in various forms at that dinner table.

• One thing that I will say is that I am proud of Pat Patterson. He is my longtime friend, was my roommate in the house, and has always been there for me through thick and thin. We all had an idea as to what he was going to say, and I am so proud of him for bringing forth his feelings for the world to hear.

• When we had our “thank you” party with our Palm Springs area neighbors and friends, and Pat did his rendition of “My Way,” my eyes welled up. I’ve heard him sing that song many times, but on that evening, it meant something special. Yes, Pat, you did indeed do it your way, and I couldn’t be happier for you!

• As for the party itself, we had a great time. I love music, so the performance we gave on our song was fun, while Roddy Piper killed it on the electric bagpipes. However, what you didn’t see on the season finale was an additional song that the eight of us all contributed to, and a solo vocal performance by Ashley that rocked the house. And why not? If you hadn’t figured it out, our hostess for the season, Ashley Roberts, was at one time a member of the Pussycat Dolls. I sure hope WWE puts out a “Legends House” Season 1 DVD set, complete with extras. Believe me, there’s enough material for that!

• Leaving the house was bittersweet, I believe, for all of us. We were all anxious to go our separate ways, but by the same token we all fortified friendships and made memories that will last a lifetime. Personally speaking, I am a much better person for the experience. Would I do it again? Absolutely!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed the ride that I have taken you on for these last two months with the Fink Factor. I’ve enjoyed it immensely, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed it as well! Thank you, and until next time …

The Fink