Post by Anthony Bailey on May 19, 2012 18:11:03 GMT -4
"You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do." – Eleanor Roosevelt
I disagree with the fact of my opponent thinking that I am the emissary of some exalted ego. I am confident with who I am but would never expect others to view me in a similar light. But I find it quite ironic that the moment that I am accused for my egomaniac tendencies, my opponent showcases the conduct of his own haughty ego. What a comical world we reside in.
{{The scene opens to the inside of the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association facilities located in Jacksonville, FL. The FAWA is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization that Anthony Bailey began volunteering at during his tenure at Flagler College. The owner of FAWA and present mentor of Anthony, Frank “The Tank” Cavalli, a former amateur wrestler himself, caught wind of Bailey’s strong desire for the sport and began training him and letting him compete. In only a short matter of time, Bailey has gone from being here to becoming one of APW’s most skilled competitors. Being in APW has afforded Bailey more resources and opportunities than he could ever imagine, but never wanting to forget where he came from, he still willingly chooses to train in the tacky old gym facilities of FAWA. Cavalli and Bailey are spotted in the ring taking a breather and drinking some Gatorade. Bailey, wearing a white wifebeater, black mesh shorts, and a pair of black and white Nike sneakers, wipes off his sweaty face with a nearby towel. Catching his breath pretty quickly signifies the tip top shape he’s in. He takes another sip of Gatorade, faces the camera, and begins to speak.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Mayhem is only one day away huh? Will this event truly live up to its name and all of the buildup it has been receiving post Rasslemania? Of course each and every one of my colleagues are all clamoring for the same exact thing and that’s victory. Nobody wants to leave Montreal defeated. And along with victory, the clamor to also obtain bragging rights is present and some desire this even more than the victory itself. When I am tempted to succumb to the latter, I must step back into reality. This man right here…
{{Bailey points towards Cavalli.}}[/color]
He’s the one who instilled the importance of victory in me and what it truly means to be a winner. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Frank for that and all that he and his family have done for me these past few years outside of the wrestling business, but the moment that the victory itself begins to stifle the big picture, then some realignment of priorities must take place.
Anthony’s relationship with Frank was far beyond any other relationship he had developed while being active in FAWA. Anthony sees Frank as somewhat of a second father even though his biological father is alive and their contingency is stronger than ever.[/color]
I sat back and watched the foolish things that Matt Matlock had to say about me. He accused me of having an ego and hinted at what my outcome would be if I continued on this “destructive” path. Wise words for a rookie like myself to heed right? I don’t mean to sound too blunt but they aren’t wise words at all. They are erroneous because he then went on to talk about me like I was a nobody and how he won’t take it easy on me. What should I expect though? Matlock doesn’t know me from a whole in the wall so his opinionated assertions are expected.
Why Matlock is over here making promises, no pun intended, he knows he will fail to deliver on is not beyond me at all. His fetish for the spotlight and recognition has produced that fraudulent tongue of his so he’s willing to say anything for a meaningless fifteen minutes of fame. And not to mention, every word that he utters has to be placed through a filter. Even if he addressed me as “Anthony, the young African American, Caucasian, and Native American man from Tampa” I’d still be hesitant of his testimony even though they are all true statements.
Bailey was born to an African American father and a mother of both Caucasian and Native American ethnicity.[/color]
You should be grateful for those battle royals and tag team matches that Reginald booked you to compete in. Do you have any idea how many men and women would love to be in your shoes right now? APW is the place to be but since it doesn’t have the budget of a Microsoft or an Apple per se, it can only sign a limited number of wrestlers. So the fact that you or I even made the cut and are employed here means that God looked down and smiled on us. Show a little more gratitude before you go off complaining about not having any opportunities to shine. You’ll get your opportunity to gleam like Orion’s Belt tomorrow and after your defeat, if you still decide to go on shaking your fist at the heavens for how you never receive fair chances, then I’d say you better count these nine years of experience in this business a blessing and select another vocation because obviously, this isn’t the job for you.
You downplay my experience and passion for the sport when all I have attempted to do since the inception of my career is to present myself as the harbinger of truth and class. That’s the only agenda that I am out to push. I’m not stomping my feet and pouting about how I never had a shot at the “big” time. Nor am I out to seek any co-signs or stamps of approval from my colleagues backstage. Sally Talfourd sees something in me not because I demanded her endorsement, but she sees the same thing that Frank Cavalli saw in me. The same thing with my good friend Juan Ramirez. He saw what I did at Survive & Conquer, and though neither of us came out victorious, we both built a legitimate friendship. Matlock, your problem is that you are demanding respect when respect was never meant to be demanded. Respect has to be earned genuinely over a period of time.
If I have a title or if I don’t have a title or whether I am Asylum’s golden boy or Asylum’s punching bag, I’m in this business because I love it. I’m not trying to chase fleeting dreams of fame, fortune, and multiple women. I like to have a good time, which is not exclusive to people in their youth like myself but for human beings in general, but I’m not even trying to party it up like a rockstar each and every night. I’m in this business for a purpose. A purpose that I’m well aware of but also one that I am still uncovering day by day because life, as you know, is unpredictable. Many have begun this route with a similar heart, but once they reached the crossroads of compromise, it was a done deal. Many of my co-workers in APW are well beyond this point and many are still on their way of arriving to it. Some have faltered but few have triumphed. I’m vowing a triumph over any and all compromise. Oh how Matlock wishes he could say the same.
In nine years, you would’ve thought that Matlock would have had this understanding by now. Even prior to becoming a professional and still cutting my teeth right here in this very building, I had an understanding of this. That one should enter this business for distinguished competition and not because of what can be gained from it. I don’t mind the titles or people rolling out the red carpet for me at all. I plan on retaining the Tap Out Title tomorrow and I plan on becoming the World Champion, but God forbid that I live for the existence of pieces of gold and leather draped across my shoulder or fasted around my waist.
A wide smile stretches across the face of Frank Cavalli. He loved to hear Anthony talk like this. He thought for sure that going pro would have a negative effect on The Promise, especially with him being so young and inexperienced, but Frank is content with knowing that the fruits of his labor were not harvested in vain.[/color]
Matlock has already asserted his victory for our match tomorrow and rightfully so. When that camera starts rolling and your promo begins to record, you’re supposed to have your game face on and appear as ruthless as possible. One of the differences between myself and other competitors is, with me, what you see is what you get. This sport and everything that comes along with it hasn’t changed me one bit. If anything, it has encouraged me to seek out the virtue of humility like never before because I never want to forget where I came from. That’s why I still choose to train here even when I have access to state of the art gymnasiums and some of the best personal trainers in the entire country…
Which reminds me… this might seem like a curveball but stay with me because I’m going somewhere with this. Drama class was my least favorite class during my years of education. Why? Now don’t get me wrong. I’m an avid supporter of the arts, but in the drama skits we’d do, you were forced to take on the role of someone else. Even if it’s only for a few academic credits, is it worth losing your identity for even five minutes? In my opinion it’s not. I’m not performing for anybody or trying to convince anybody of anything. Matlock wasted his precious breath trying to convince me that I’m simply chopped liver and come tomorrow night, because of my lack of experience, he will leave me humbled and defeated.
I’ve always been a firm believer of letting one’s actions speak for themselves. I have competed against cocky opponents like yourself Matlock in the past so I definitely know the drill by now. I’ve trained myself to look past all of the hype and to look deeper. I wouldn’t jump the gun and categorize Matt Matlock as mere hype because the man is the number one contender for my title. But what I can say is that I know for a fact that he is insecure in his own skin and that he seeks to discredit me because I actually just might give him a run for his money. Don’t fear a young rookie like myself getting the one two three over you. You are right, we all must be humbled sometime but when it comes to us being the ones that need to get humbled, it’s an entirely different story. I don’t hate or despise you Matt Matlock, I just think you have lacked guidance during your years in this business. You’re aimlessly groping through the dark and hoping that the spotlight can become your guiding light but you aren’t ready for the spotlight. You need to spend another nine years humbling yourself and working your way up the ladder before you go around demanding attention and respect. And that process begins tomorrow when I make you tap out in front of thousands and thousands of beloved fans...
Frank "The Tank" Cavalli: Good stuff kid!! I’m proud of you…now…are you ready to get back to work?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Work? I thought we were done.
{{Anthony playfully smiles.}}[/color]
Frank "The Tank" Cavalli: We’re never “done” around here kid, you know that.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: This is true. Well until next time, always remember is that The Promise? And that's a promise.
{{Bailey smiles once again as the scene slowly fades to black as he and Cavalli continue their workout.}}[/color]
I disagree with the fact of my opponent thinking that I am the emissary of some exalted ego. I am confident with who I am but would never expect others to view me in a similar light. But I find it quite ironic that the moment that I am accused for my egomaniac tendencies, my opponent showcases the conduct of his own haughty ego. What a comical world we reside in.
{{The scene opens to the inside of the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association facilities located in Jacksonville, FL. The FAWA is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization that Anthony Bailey began volunteering at during his tenure at Flagler College. The owner of FAWA and present mentor of Anthony, Frank “The Tank” Cavalli, a former amateur wrestler himself, caught wind of Bailey’s strong desire for the sport and began training him and letting him compete. In only a short matter of time, Bailey has gone from being here to becoming one of APW’s most skilled competitors. Being in APW has afforded Bailey more resources and opportunities than he could ever imagine, but never wanting to forget where he came from, he still willingly chooses to train in the tacky old gym facilities of FAWA. Cavalli and Bailey are spotted in the ring taking a breather and drinking some Gatorade. Bailey, wearing a white wifebeater, black mesh shorts, and a pair of black and white Nike sneakers, wipes off his sweaty face with a nearby towel. Catching his breath pretty quickly signifies the tip top shape he’s in. He takes another sip of Gatorade, faces the camera, and begins to speak.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Mayhem is only one day away huh? Will this event truly live up to its name and all of the buildup it has been receiving post Rasslemania? Of course each and every one of my colleagues are all clamoring for the same exact thing and that’s victory. Nobody wants to leave Montreal defeated. And along with victory, the clamor to also obtain bragging rights is present and some desire this even more than the victory itself. When I am tempted to succumb to the latter, I must step back into reality. This man right here…
{{Bailey points towards Cavalli.}}[/color]
He’s the one who instilled the importance of victory in me and what it truly means to be a winner. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Frank for that and all that he and his family have done for me these past few years outside of the wrestling business, but the moment that the victory itself begins to stifle the big picture, then some realignment of priorities must take place.
Anthony’s relationship with Frank was far beyond any other relationship he had developed while being active in FAWA. Anthony sees Frank as somewhat of a second father even though his biological father is alive and their contingency is stronger than ever.[/color]
I sat back and watched the foolish things that Matt Matlock had to say about me. He accused me of having an ego and hinted at what my outcome would be if I continued on this “destructive” path. Wise words for a rookie like myself to heed right? I don’t mean to sound too blunt but they aren’t wise words at all. They are erroneous because he then went on to talk about me like I was a nobody and how he won’t take it easy on me. What should I expect though? Matlock doesn’t know me from a whole in the wall so his opinionated assertions are expected.
Why Matlock is over here making promises, no pun intended, he knows he will fail to deliver on is not beyond me at all. His fetish for the spotlight and recognition has produced that fraudulent tongue of his so he’s willing to say anything for a meaningless fifteen minutes of fame. And not to mention, every word that he utters has to be placed through a filter. Even if he addressed me as “Anthony, the young African American, Caucasian, and Native American man from Tampa” I’d still be hesitant of his testimony even though they are all true statements.
Bailey was born to an African American father and a mother of both Caucasian and Native American ethnicity.[/color]
You should be grateful for those battle royals and tag team matches that Reginald booked you to compete in. Do you have any idea how many men and women would love to be in your shoes right now? APW is the place to be but since it doesn’t have the budget of a Microsoft or an Apple per se, it can only sign a limited number of wrestlers. So the fact that you or I even made the cut and are employed here means that God looked down and smiled on us. Show a little more gratitude before you go off complaining about not having any opportunities to shine. You’ll get your opportunity to gleam like Orion’s Belt tomorrow and after your defeat, if you still decide to go on shaking your fist at the heavens for how you never receive fair chances, then I’d say you better count these nine years of experience in this business a blessing and select another vocation because obviously, this isn’t the job for you.
You downplay my experience and passion for the sport when all I have attempted to do since the inception of my career is to present myself as the harbinger of truth and class. That’s the only agenda that I am out to push. I’m not stomping my feet and pouting about how I never had a shot at the “big” time. Nor am I out to seek any co-signs or stamps of approval from my colleagues backstage. Sally Talfourd sees something in me not because I demanded her endorsement, but she sees the same thing that Frank Cavalli saw in me. The same thing with my good friend Juan Ramirez. He saw what I did at Survive & Conquer, and though neither of us came out victorious, we both built a legitimate friendship. Matlock, your problem is that you are demanding respect when respect was never meant to be demanded. Respect has to be earned genuinely over a period of time.
If I have a title or if I don’t have a title or whether I am Asylum’s golden boy or Asylum’s punching bag, I’m in this business because I love it. I’m not trying to chase fleeting dreams of fame, fortune, and multiple women. I like to have a good time, which is not exclusive to people in their youth like myself but for human beings in general, but I’m not even trying to party it up like a rockstar each and every night. I’m in this business for a purpose. A purpose that I’m well aware of but also one that I am still uncovering day by day because life, as you know, is unpredictable. Many have begun this route with a similar heart, but once they reached the crossroads of compromise, it was a done deal. Many of my co-workers in APW are well beyond this point and many are still on their way of arriving to it. Some have faltered but few have triumphed. I’m vowing a triumph over any and all compromise. Oh how Matlock wishes he could say the same.
In nine years, you would’ve thought that Matlock would have had this understanding by now. Even prior to becoming a professional and still cutting my teeth right here in this very building, I had an understanding of this. That one should enter this business for distinguished competition and not because of what can be gained from it. I don’t mind the titles or people rolling out the red carpet for me at all. I plan on retaining the Tap Out Title tomorrow and I plan on becoming the World Champion, but God forbid that I live for the existence of pieces of gold and leather draped across my shoulder or fasted around my waist.
A wide smile stretches across the face of Frank Cavalli. He loved to hear Anthony talk like this. He thought for sure that going pro would have a negative effect on The Promise, especially with him being so young and inexperienced, but Frank is content with knowing that the fruits of his labor were not harvested in vain.[/color]
Matlock has already asserted his victory for our match tomorrow and rightfully so. When that camera starts rolling and your promo begins to record, you’re supposed to have your game face on and appear as ruthless as possible. One of the differences between myself and other competitors is, with me, what you see is what you get. This sport and everything that comes along with it hasn’t changed me one bit. If anything, it has encouraged me to seek out the virtue of humility like never before because I never want to forget where I came from. That’s why I still choose to train here even when I have access to state of the art gymnasiums and some of the best personal trainers in the entire country…
Which reminds me… this might seem like a curveball but stay with me because I’m going somewhere with this. Drama class was my least favorite class during my years of education. Why? Now don’t get me wrong. I’m an avid supporter of the arts, but in the drama skits we’d do, you were forced to take on the role of someone else. Even if it’s only for a few academic credits, is it worth losing your identity for even five minutes? In my opinion it’s not. I’m not performing for anybody or trying to convince anybody of anything. Matlock wasted his precious breath trying to convince me that I’m simply chopped liver and come tomorrow night, because of my lack of experience, he will leave me humbled and defeated.
I’ve always been a firm believer of letting one’s actions speak for themselves. I have competed against cocky opponents like yourself Matlock in the past so I definitely know the drill by now. I’ve trained myself to look past all of the hype and to look deeper. I wouldn’t jump the gun and categorize Matt Matlock as mere hype because the man is the number one contender for my title. But what I can say is that I know for a fact that he is insecure in his own skin and that he seeks to discredit me because I actually just might give him a run for his money. Don’t fear a young rookie like myself getting the one two three over you. You are right, we all must be humbled sometime but when it comes to us being the ones that need to get humbled, it’s an entirely different story. I don’t hate or despise you Matt Matlock, I just think you have lacked guidance during your years in this business. You’re aimlessly groping through the dark and hoping that the spotlight can become your guiding light but you aren’t ready for the spotlight. You need to spend another nine years humbling yourself and working your way up the ladder before you go around demanding attention and respect. And that process begins tomorrow when I make you tap out in front of thousands and thousands of beloved fans...
Frank "The Tank" Cavalli: Good stuff kid!! I’m proud of you…now…are you ready to get back to work?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Work? I thought we were done.
{{Anthony playfully smiles.}}[/color]
Frank "The Tank" Cavalli: We’re never “done” around here kid, you know that.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: This is true. Well until next time, always remember is that The Promise? And that's a promise.
{{Bailey smiles once again as the scene slowly fades to black as he and Cavalli continue their workout.}}[/color]
