Post by Anthony Bailey on Mar 23, 2013 21:00:11 GMT -4
"It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute." – Aung San Suu Kyi
Flagler College symbolized simpler days for Anthony Bailey so any recollection of his time of higher education, accompanied by late nights and early mornings culminating in caffeine binges and of course your occasional frat party, was warmly embraced. Bailey’s former professor of Humanities, Dr. Harris, had recently contacted him about using one of his papers on the subject of “redemption” to share with his class about what he expects from them for their final papers which are due towards the end of the semester.
Bailey was astonished that a man with Dr. Harris’ academic dexterity would take a liking to an old paper he had written a couple of years ago. But Dr. Harris had always liked Bailey and considered him one of his most favorite students ever. The two of them agreed to grab lunch together one day and catch up on old times.
{{The scene opens to the inside of the Burrito Works Taco Shop restaurant located in St. Augustine, FL. The trivial Mexican restaurant is one of the small city’s most popular restaurants so Bailey and Dr. Harris both decided on this location to serve as their meeting place. Both men, who have already ordered and received their food, are engaged in a genuine and deep conversation.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: No offense Doc Harris, but back in the day…this…right here…would’ve never happened.
{{Bailey motions his fork back and forth over his plate towards himself and Dr. Harris.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: But now that you’ve graduated and you’re out in the real world, you realize that us professors aren’t so bad right? We’re normal people just like you.
{{Bailey and Dr. Harris both chuckle simultaneously.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Don’t push it Doc. You can have my paper but my pride? That stays right here with me.
{{Bailey smiles as he takes a sip from his bottle of water.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: Speaking of the real world, how has it been out there for you? Is it everything you thought it would be?
The question was mostly genuine since the Flagler College professor didn’t follow APW programming or professional wrestling in general. He was aware that Bailey had attained celebrity status in his line of work after graduation but he wasn’t sure to what extent.[/color]
Anthony Bailey: The real world huh?
{{Bailey slightly slouches in his chair.}}[/color]
The real world is…unique...
Dr. Harris: In what sense?
Anthony Bailey: In every sense possible. Since Kindergarten, the education system is preparing you for this thing called the “real world” but when you finally get there, you still seem unrehearsed. I love what I do for a living because when you’re up…you’re up. But I was unaware that you had to be careful because the downs are just as rough, if not worse, than the ups…
Dr. Harris: I couldn’t agree more since I tried to instill this same idea in you for an entire semester.
{{Bailey smirks as Dr. Harris takes a sip of his coffee.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: That is true. But I was only concerned with passing the class. Wisdom wasn’t the main thing being pursued at that particular point of my life.
Dr. Harris: I think you might be on to something here...
{{Bailey’s eyebrows pull together.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Oh really? And what is that you think?
Dr. Harris: I think you are still focused on passing the class, metaphorically speaking, and your academic years are far behind you.
Dr. Harris’ statement seemed profound to Bailey but he still wasn’t following where he was going. Harris had a reputation on campus for his quirky method of providing students with insight.[/color]
I don’t know the ins and outs of your profession but…
{{Bailey interjects.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: I’m a pro wrestler.
Dr. Harris: Very well then...well in your profession or any profession for that matter, you have to exist in your current state. When you were enrolled here at Flagler, you were working towards the goal of finishing your undergraduate studies. But you have accomplished that goal and that’s great and all but Mr. Bailey, it’s time to exit the classroom...
{{Bailey’s facial expression implies that he’s beginning to understand where his former Humanities professor was going.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: So…my qualms in the real world aren’t necessarily external? They have to do with me?
Dr. Harris: Yes Mr. Bailey! That is exactly what I am saying. You are now in the real world doing something you are passionate about. You don’t have to order your cap and gown for graduation or walk across the stage with a bunch of cameras flashing. It has been finished. You simply need to thrive in that.
{{Bailey nods.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: I agree.
Dr. Harris: That’s the beauty of redemption; that’s the beauty of your paper...
{{Dr. Harris reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a slightly crinkled copy of Bailey’s paper, which dons a “97% A” at the top of it in red. He hands it to Bailey.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Man! When you asked me for my permission to use it, I thought you would’ve needed me to e-mail it to you. I still can’t believe you have the original copy.
Dr. Harris: It was a fine piece of literary work, how could I not?
Anthony Bailey: I still disagree with the grade though. This was easily a hundred.
{{They both laugh once again.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: I do not proclaim infallibility by any means but I most certainly have confidence in my grading skills. You got what you deserve.
Anthony Bailey: I guess I did. But at least I passed though. All that cramming the night before it was due really paid of eh?
{{Harris just rolls his eyes as Bailey begins to survey over his old assignment and quietly read to himself.}}[/color]
The fundamental source of our peace is the glorious promise of both our own redemption and that of the entire earth…
{{The scene artistically begins to fade out as clips of Bailey’s infamous match for the vacant Tap Out Title against Chaz Dillinger at Rasslemania VIII begin to play on the screen. The last clip shows Bailey raising his hands in victory before the scene shifts once again to Bailey, who is standing on the reputable Bridge of Lions, a bascule bridge, in St. Augustine, FL. The traffic isn’t too heavy as the exquisite sunset elegantly dances across the sky. Bailey, clad in a black and gray hoodie that says “Dying Breed” across the chest, blue jeans, and a pair of black, gray, and white Jordan sneakers, looks directly into the camera with a stern bearing. Rasslemania was only one day away so there was no time left for any games. Bailey begins to speak.}}[/color]
Bailey didn’t think that Dr. Harris asking for a former assignment of his on the topic of redemption, the very same thing that he was presently in the process of pursuing, was by coincidence.[/color]
It seems as if I have been down this same road before since I am so familiar with the terrain. Not State Road A1A or this bridge I am currently standing on, but the pathway of life. The pathway of being the underdog. And as jagged as this trail might be, we are certainly acquainted with one another. Is self-improvement or self-redemption the end all be all? Was the tantalizing Aubrey J. Parker actually right for once? How many times would I feel the need to emphasize the new leaf that I desired to turn over? To settle the potential speculation of what was likely a rhetorical question, as many times as I feel necessary. But the fact that the imminent redemption of both The Promise and Jair Hopkins would occur at Rasslemania IX, the grandest stage of them all, mattered. The “what” of redemption always matters since the essence of what it entails is so weighty but the “where” and “how” is just as vital.
Nearly three months of what some have labeled as my downward spiral will finally be resolved tomorrow night in Toronto as The Dying Breed recapture what was rightfully ours in the first place…the Tag Team Titles. Nearly three months of being verbally emasculated by my colleagues, from the constant mind games being played by AJP, to still trying to recover emotionally over the whole break up fiasco with Tasha, these last few months have been hell for me. I have literally felt like I have had to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders and the feeling wasn’t enjoyable. I’d be lying if I said that it was. But when has redemption ever brought one sudden pleasure? It’s only in hindsight where I am able to see the blessings of my affliction.
All four of my opponents M&M Sex and the Kitty have afflicted me, social media has afflicted me, other APW megastars have afflicted, and as salient as the pain was, it was something that I had to endure. It was something that my brothers J-Hop and William D. Williams had to experience as well. But we have all remained of good cheer because we were reminded that you must carry your cross and endure a slew of trails before you can prevail. Not only is victory sweeter that way, but that’s just the simple definition and practical application of redemption. Look at me…I have tasted the delicious crowns of conquest. The Tap Out Title, the World Title, and at Christmas Chaos the Tag Team Titles.
But what I came to realize in the end was that it was all temporary. All title reigns are temporary if you want to be technical, but mine had to be short-lived for this very purpose. The very purpose of receiving a clean slate from what has occurred these past few months and walking into The Rogers Center tomorrow night a challenger but leaving a champion. A true champion despite all of the travail. No champion, no matter how great or vicious they are, will ultimately bow to an opponent who happened to be just a tad bit stronger or better than they were. And even if an opponent is not the one to claim their title reign because the champion is that dominant, the grave eventually will.
Aubrey…Logan…as much as J-Hop and I want to send you both on a one way trip to an early grave, we don’t think that is necessary…at least not at this point in time. But what we will do is inform you that the time has come for you to finally bow out to The Dying Breed. The public opinion on M&M is pretty high right now. The fans have been enjoying your Tag Team Title reign and rightfully so since the both of you guys are phenomenal megastars. Two of the most talented megastars on the entire APW roster by far and that’s no exaggeration. Aubrey, despite our misunderstandings as you like to put it, I’ll give credit where it’s due and you deserve to be where you’re at and to be a double champion. But the games must come to a halt because The Promise’s duration of this bittersweet redemption process is finally concluding.
{{As Bailey is walking, a car honks at him. Apparently recognizing who he is, Bailey smiles and waves at the potential fan. Not having his concentration broken, he resumes speaking.}}[/color]
And conclusion on my end means a conclusion on yours as well. A conclusion to the petty Twitter rants and all of the bickering about how you think that I am this or how you think that I am that. We’ve agreed to disagree on numerous occasions but for once I feel that you must agree with me this time around. You know that I am capable of far more than you give me credit. But if you want to walk around disengaged of what The Dying Breed bring to the table and to the ranks of Asylum, then be my guest. Being near my former college campus earlier today with my old Humanities professor made me remember how I had crossed many paths and even had classes with girls that were just like Aubrey. Talented, gifted, beautiful…but there was a disconnect with their personality. They were either stuck up spoiled little brats or neo feminists who were relentlessly trying to prove that all men were dogs and I couldn’t understand why they were that way…
But as with any mystery of life, I’m not here to discover why something is the way that it is. I’m just here to be a light and to shine in the dark. You may be as cute as a little button Aubrey, but that muscle inside of your chest that pumps blood and sustains you is quite dark and J-Hop and I must emanate our radiance in that ring at Rasslemania. Reverse psychology won’t work and whether you desire to be my friend or foe after the outcome of The Dying Breed becoming two time Tag Team Champs is totally up to you. But that olive branch isn’t extended to your Mr. Alexander. You speared my friend out of nowhere like a coward and now you appear to have an issue with my “self importance”?
Each time I step in front of this camera, I’m not aiming to convince people of how important I am. I’m aiming to show them that what I say matches what I do. Have I always done the best job? No but I aim to show them that my duty as a wrestler is to put my body on the line Asylum after Asylum and pay per view after pay per view because they are who I do this for. Not for fame or fortune but for them. Why would I possibly be trying to emphasize myself when I’m not even in this sport for me? That’s a waste of time and time is precious because once it expires, it is gone forever. If I wanted to live for me and be selfish like you and Aubrey and not put others before myself, I would’ve taken a desk job with a high paying salary after college but I didn’t. I’m in this sport for the fans…I do this for them Logan…
And lastly…Christian Kane and his partner a.k.a. the woman who looks much better in her pictures than in real life, Kaylyn James Evans. Though you have both done an exceptional job of displaying faintheartedness these last few weeks by attacking The Dying Breed, I have no real issues with either of you. I honestly only see you two as the unnecessary obstacles standing in the way of achieving what we truly want. On any given day, you could probably take M&M because you two are also extremely talented megastars but the fact that The Promise and J-Hop are in this match with you guys slaughters your chances. Why? Because we’re more motivated now than we have ever been.
As Lin Jensen once said, “Redemption can be found in hell itself if that's where you happen to be.” And hell was exactly the place I had been residing since January. Like the psalmist “my tears became my food” but come Rasslemania, I will be feasting on something else. I have wept and cried all of the tears of pain that I can but around this time tomorrow evening in Toronto, I will be crying tears of joy along with my brother Jair Hopkins as we are crowned the new Tag Team Champions and propelled back at the helm of the APW Tag Team division. Confidence, not cockiness, runs through my veins only because of the fact that I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken. Until we cross paths at the biggest event of the year…
{{The scene slowly fades to black as Bailey continues to stroll along the Bridge of Lions.}}[/color]
Flagler College symbolized simpler days for Anthony Bailey so any recollection of his time of higher education, accompanied by late nights and early mornings culminating in caffeine binges and of course your occasional frat party, was warmly embraced. Bailey’s former professor of Humanities, Dr. Harris, had recently contacted him about using one of his papers on the subject of “redemption” to share with his class about what he expects from them for their final papers which are due towards the end of the semester.
Bailey was astonished that a man with Dr. Harris’ academic dexterity would take a liking to an old paper he had written a couple of years ago. But Dr. Harris had always liked Bailey and considered him one of his most favorite students ever. The two of them agreed to grab lunch together one day and catch up on old times.
{{The scene opens to the inside of the Burrito Works Taco Shop restaurant located in St. Augustine, FL. The trivial Mexican restaurant is one of the small city’s most popular restaurants so Bailey and Dr. Harris both decided on this location to serve as their meeting place. Both men, who have already ordered and received their food, are engaged in a genuine and deep conversation.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: No offense Doc Harris, but back in the day…this…right here…would’ve never happened.
{{Bailey motions his fork back and forth over his plate towards himself and Dr. Harris.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: But now that you’ve graduated and you’re out in the real world, you realize that us professors aren’t so bad right? We’re normal people just like you.
{{Bailey and Dr. Harris both chuckle simultaneously.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Don’t push it Doc. You can have my paper but my pride? That stays right here with me.
{{Bailey smiles as he takes a sip from his bottle of water.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: Speaking of the real world, how has it been out there for you? Is it everything you thought it would be?
The question was mostly genuine since the Flagler College professor didn’t follow APW programming or professional wrestling in general. He was aware that Bailey had attained celebrity status in his line of work after graduation but he wasn’t sure to what extent.[/color]
Anthony Bailey: The real world huh?
{{Bailey slightly slouches in his chair.}}[/color]
The real world is…unique...
Dr. Harris: In what sense?
Anthony Bailey: In every sense possible. Since Kindergarten, the education system is preparing you for this thing called the “real world” but when you finally get there, you still seem unrehearsed. I love what I do for a living because when you’re up…you’re up. But I was unaware that you had to be careful because the downs are just as rough, if not worse, than the ups…
Dr. Harris: I couldn’t agree more since I tried to instill this same idea in you for an entire semester.
{{Bailey smirks as Dr. Harris takes a sip of his coffee.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: That is true. But I was only concerned with passing the class. Wisdom wasn’t the main thing being pursued at that particular point of my life.
Dr. Harris: I think you might be on to something here...
{{Bailey’s eyebrows pull together.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Oh really? And what is that you think?
Dr. Harris: I think you are still focused on passing the class, metaphorically speaking, and your academic years are far behind you.
Dr. Harris’ statement seemed profound to Bailey but he still wasn’t following where he was going. Harris had a reputation on campus for his quirky method of providing students with insight.[/color]
I don’t know the ins and outs of your profession but…
{{Bailey interjects.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: I’m a pro wrestler.
Dr. Harris: Very well then...well in your profession or any profession for that matter, you have to exist in your current state. When you were enrolled here at Flagler, you were working towards the goal of finishing your undergraduate studies. But you have accomplished that goal and that’s great and all but Mr. Bailey, it’s time to exit the classroom...
{{Bailey’s facial expression implies that he’s beginning to understand where his former Humanities professor was going.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: So…my qualms in the real world aren’t necessarily external? They have to do with me?
Dr. Harris: Yes Mr. Bailey! That is exactly what I am saying. You are now in the real world doing something you are passionate about. You don’t have to order your cap and gown for graduation or walk across the stage with a bunch of cameras flashing. It has been finished. You simply need to thrive in that.
{{Bailey nods.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: I agree.
Dr. Harris: That’s the beauty of redemption; that’s the beauty of your paper...
{{Dr. Harris reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a slightly crinkled copy of Bailey’s paper, which dons a “97% A” at the top of it in red. He hands it to Bailey.}}[/color]
Anthony Bailey: Man! When you asked me for my permission to use it, I thought you would’ve needed me to e-mail it to you. I still can’t believe you have the original copy.
Dr. Harris: It was a fine piece of literary work, how could I not?
Anthony Bailey: I still disagree with the grade though. This was easily a hundred.
{{They both laugh once again.}}[/color]
Dr. Harris: I do not proclaim infallibility by any means but I most certainly have confidence in my grading skills. You got what you deserve.
Anthony Bailey: I guess I did. But at least I passed though. All that cramming the night before it was due really paid of eh?
{{Harris just rolls his eyes as Bailey begins to survey over his old assignment and quietly read to himself.}}[/color]
The fundamental source of our peace is the glorious promise of both our own redemption and that of the entire earth…
{{The scene artistically begins to fade out as clips of Bailey’s infamous match for the vacant Tap Out Title against Chaz Dillinger at Rasslemania VIII begin to play on the screen. The last clip shows Bailey raising his hands in victory before the scene shifts once again to Bailey, who is standing on the reputable Bridge of Lions, a bascule bridge, in St. Augustine, FL. The traffic isn’t too heavy as the exquisite sunset elegantly dances across the sky. Bailey, clad in a black and gray hoodie that says “Dying Breed” across the chest, blue jeans, and a pair of black, gray, and white Jordan sneakers, looks directly into the camera with a stern bearing. Rasslemania was only one day away so there was no time left for any games. Bailey begins to speak.}}[/color]
Bailey didn’t think that Dr. Harris asking for a former assignment of his on the topic of redemption, the very same thing that he was presently in the process of pursuing, was by coincidence.[/color]
It seems as if I have been down this same road before since I am so familiar with the terrain. Not State Road A1A or this bridge I am currently standing on, but the pathway of life. The pathway of being the underdog. And as jagged as this trail might be, we are certainly acquainted with one another. Is self-improvement or self-redemption the end all be all? Was the tantalizing Aubrey J. Parker actually right for once? How many times would I feel the need to emphasize the new leaf that I desired to turn over? To settle the potential speculation of what was likely a rhetorical question, as many times as I feel necessary. But the fact that the imminent redemption of both The Promise and Jair Hopkins would occur at Rasslemania IX, the grandest stage of them all, mattered. The “what” of redemption always matters since the essence of what it entails is so weighty but the “where” and “how” is just as vital.
Nearly three months of what some have labeled as my downward spiral will finally be resolved tomorrow night in Toronto as The Dying Breed recapture what was rightfully ours in the first place…the Tag Team Titles. Nearly three months of being verbally emasculated by my colleagues, from the constant mind games being played by AJP, to still trying to recover emotionally over the whole break up fiasco with Tasha, these last few months have been hell for me. I have literally felt like I have had to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders and the feeling wasn’t enjoyable. I’d be lying if I said that it was. But when has redemption ever brought one sudden pleasure? It’s only in hindsight where I am able to see the blessings of my affliction.
All four of my opponents M&M Sex and the Kitty have afflicted me, social media has afflicted me, other APW megastars have afflicted, and as salient as the pain was, it was something that I had to endure. It was something that my brothers J-Hop and William D. Williams had to experience as well. But we have all remained of good cheer because we were reminded that you must carry your cross and endure a slew of trails before you can prevail. Not only is victory sweeter that way, but that’s just the simple definition and practical application of redemption. Look at me…I have tasted the delicious crowns of conquest. The Tap Out Title, the World Title, and at Christmas Chaos the Tag Team Titles.
But what I came to realize in the end was that it was all temporary. All title reigns are temporary if you want to be technical, but mine had to be short-lived for this very purpose. The very purpose of receiving a clean slate from what has occurred these past few months and walking into The Rogers Center tomorrow night a challenger but leaving a champion. A true champion despite all of the travail. No champion, no matter how great or vicious they are, will ultimately bow to an opponent who happened to be just a tad bit stronger or better than they were. And even if an opponent is not the one to claim their title reign because the champion is that dominant, the grave eventually will.
Aubrey…Logan…as much as J-Hop and I want to send you both on a one way trip to an early grave, we don’t think that is necessary…at least not at this point in time. But what we will do is inform you that the time has come for you to finally bow out to The Dying Breed. The public opinion on M&M is pretty high right now. The fans have been enjoying your Tag Team Title reign and rightfully so since the both of you guys are phenomenal megastars. Two of the most talented megastars on the entire APW roster by far and that’s no exaggeration. Aubrey, despite our misunderstandings as you like to put it, I’ll give credit where it’s due and you deserve to be where you’re at and to be a double champion. But the games must come to a halt because The Promise’s duration of this bittersweet redemption process is finally concluding.
{{As Bailey is walking, a car honks at him. Apparently recognizing who he is, Bailey smiles and waves at the potential fan. Not having his concentration broken, he resumes speaking.}}[/color]
And conclusion on my end means a conclusion on yours as well. A conclusion to the petty Twitter rants and all of the bickering about how you think that I am this or how you think that I am that. We’ve agreed to disagree on numerous occasions but for once I feel that you must agree with me this time around. You know that I am capable of far more than you give me credit. But if you want to walk around disengaged of what The Dying Breed bring to the table and to the ranks of Asylum, then be my guest. Being near my former college campus earlier today with my old Humanities professor made me remember how I had crossed many paths and even had classes with girls that were just like Aubrey. Talented, gifted, beautiful…but there was a disconnect with their personality. They were either stuck up spoiled little brats or neo feminists who were relentlessly trying to prove that all men were dogs and I couldn’t understand why they were that way…
But as with any mystery of life, I’m not here to discover why something is the way that it is. I’m just here to be a light and to shine in the dark. You may be as cute as a little button Aubrey, but that muscle inside of your chest that pumps blood and sustains you is quite dark and J-Hop and I must emanate our radiance in that ring at Rasslemania. Reverse psychology won’t work and whether you desire to be my friend or foe after the outcome of The Dying Breed becoming two time Tag Team Champs is totally up to you. But that olive branch isn’t extended to your Mr. Alexander. You speared my friend out of nowhere like a coward and now you appear to have an issue with my “self importance”?
Each time I step in front of this camera, I’m not aiming to convince people of how important I am. I’m aiming to show them that what I say matches what I do. Have I always done the best job? No but I aim to show them that my duty as a wrestler is to put my body on the line Asylum after Asylum and pay per view after pay per view because they are who I do this for. Not for fame or fortune but for them. Why would I possibly be trying to emphasize myself when I’m not even in this sport for me? That’s a waste of time and time is precious because once it expires, it is gone forever. If I wanted to live for me and be selfish like you and Aubrey and not put others before myself, I would’ve taken a desk job with a high paying salary after college but I didn’t. I’m in this sport for the fans…I do this for them Logan…
And lastly…Christian Kane and his partner a.k.a. the woman who looks much better in her pictures than in real life, Kaylyn James Evans. Though you have both done an exceptional job of displaying faintheartedness these last few weeks by attacking The Dying Breed, I have no real issues with either of you. I honestly only see you two as the unnecessary obstacles standing in the way of achieving what we truly want. On any given day, you could probably take M&M because you two are also extremely talented megastars but the fact that The Promise and J-Hop are in this match with you guys slaughters your chances. Why? Because we’re more motivated now than we have ever been.
As Lin Jensen once said, “Redemption can be found in hell itself if that's where you happen to be.” And hell was exactly the place I had been residing since January. Like the psalmist “my tears became my food” but come Rasslemania, I will be feasting on something else. I have wept and cried all of the tears of pain that I can but around this time tomorrow evening in Toronto, I will be crying tears of joy along with my brother Jair Hopkins as we are crowned the new Tag Team Champions and propelled back at the helm of the APW Tag Team division. Confidence, not cockiness, runs through my veins only because of the fact that I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken. Until we cross paths at the biggest event of the year…
{{The scene slowly fades to black as Bailey continues to stroll along the Bridge of Lions.}}[/color]
