Post by Reaver on Jul 7, 2012 3:06:41 GMT -4
The scene opens on a Victorian-style building that very much resembles an art museum. This building consists of ancient marble slabs across a 10,000 sq ft area that is so old that moss is growing on the north side, vines are hanging down for the tops of pillars which seem to be used as corner stones to hold it all up. The marble itself seems to be scratched or “scarred” if you will, from memories past like in the days of the Roman Colosseum. A shadowy figure walks out from off camera around the same time as some classical music begin to play.
IT'S JOHNNY KNUCKLES!!
What the hell is he wearing? A Victorian frock hat, a western shirt, a waistcoat, black trousers, a top hat, a pocket watch and even a walking stick. It's like he came straight out of a scene from the Titanic. (what a queer) He lines himself up on a long pathway with a bunch of covered paintings he has arranged and addresses the camera.
Knuckles: Come one and all. Welcome to my historic society art museum where I, Johnathan Sorrentino, have discovered the lost relics of the early century. Coincidentally, they all resemble the likes of those in the Test For The Best Tournament. How odd......
Knuckles walks over to the first “painting” and removes the black cover over it's top.
Knuckles: This one is entitled, “Mortality”. You may have seen this before as it's a regular on the latter half of the Mortal Kombat series. The man depicted in the painting seems desperate in his posture and constipated in facial expression. Lookin' at the face, it's vacant; with a hint of sadness. Almost like a drunk who’s lost a bet. I'm sure the man in this paintin' has lost plenty of bets i'm willin' to wager and if anythin' has been proven; he has nothin' left to live for. This man has fought HARD to get into this tournament and with good reason. Fightin' through a slew of impeccable odds to reach the deep and dank dungeon he was thrown in the middle of, this man certainly has every right to call himself a contender regardless of the fact that his odds are almost zero and the fact that he faces two legends of the squared circle. During his long trials, he hears things like, “TOASTY” and “FRIENDSHIP” in his random thoughts; but finds anything but.
This late 18th century piece represents desperate hope. (old my ass) The man hasn't a chance in survival yet tries anyway. He almost has touching presence about him that is just a confusin' as havin' flashbacks throughout his day and not rememberin' where he is at the current point in time. Although this confusion seems enough to cheer for, the stack of cards......are certainly high enough to come to a crashin' halt. This leads me to believe that “the drunk who lost a bet” theory is more commonly affirmed in an old western with the guy at the card table pullin' out aces from his sleeve but gets caught. Saddle up there cowboy, cuz' everybody in this tournament is gonna' ride your ass into that deep sunset in the distance. While ya' continue to brag about who sucks what, it will be your own bracket that listen to the voices tellin' them both to, “FINISH HIM”!!
Knuckles walks forward to the next picture where he takes the black cloth that is draped over and reveals the next painting.
Knuckles: What we have here is what I call, “Blind Confidence”. The military General, stern in his demeanor, brings forth a certain survival instinct about him that is rivaled by very few. HARDCORE in spirit, but weak on the skills, this man leads his army's into battle without a shred of doubt in his mind. There's an old joke that is printed in this painting and i'll read it off.
Never were there kinder words uttered. Truly an inspiration to the people. While this painting proves that even in a time of war, a strong front can lead to victory, it also proves when to know to fall back. His “heroic courage” lead him to defeat when he needed it most and that alone deserves a big long SALUTE but never forget what brought you to the dance.
Knuckles continues moving forward to the next black cloth that is draped over and pulls it off revealing the next painting.
Knuckles: This one is called, “Holy Rights”. A work from the late 15th century, I can't honestly tell if that's a woman or a man but they seem to be holding a child king. The depiction of the “person” in this one is struggle. Startin' with the adult, it's focus is to draw ya' in with the question, “Which came first the chicken or the egg?” The gender confused adult is tryin' to ask the avid watcher of the painting if they believe in evolution or creationism. It's like it's sayin' that “Saints can't evolve” but yet somehow tries to convince the child in the painting that both are possible as if to convince the world. What the adult here doesn't realize is that “it” isn't foolin' anybody.
From the iconic presence of the figure to the estranged look on the child's face, this painting screams PAST TENSE. “It's” accomplishments from however long ago until now. Nothin' mattered to the child but the now and the adult figure tries to justify itself to the child as if it mattered. “It” can't seem to make up their mind whether or not somethin' or other; leavin' the child almost helpless in stupidity. Though the intentions of the adult are clear, regardless of how fallible they seem, the child still remains clueless.
Continuing his walk through, Knuckles reaches the next painting and pulls off the black covering.
Knuckles: This one is entitled, “Lonesome Dove.” The man depicted in this painting, though he tries to fly high; is obviously alone and sad. A piece created pretty recently, shows a man sittin' at the computer screen; waitin' on somebody to friend him on Facebook. Sadly, nobody asks. He's the type of guy who sits behind an electronic screen and write stories about how good of a wrestler he is or somethin'. While he fails at his stories, he too fails at life. Stuck behind a desk wishin' he had a friend to go have a drink with, he contemplates goin' to the saloon and joinin' his friends at the poker table from earlier and possibly getting' a hooker as to not feel as lonley.
His attire speaks of “big” things but that's only to compensate for his lack of achievements. Kinda' like how somebody would wear a shirt that has a finger on it that reads, “I'm with stupid......” yes, yes ya' are lil' man. Aren't we all. The lack of color in this painting also suggestions a bland demeanor. Very ordinary, very plain, very unoriginal. It's certain to make any avid watcher of this painting fill up with enough hatred to wanna' smack him in the face with a piece a fruit. Perhaps an orange?
Knuckles moving on down the line reaches his next painting and rips down the black covering.
Knuckles: This 19th century piece is entitled, “Alienation” for it's depravity and seclusion. Though, the being in the picture is screamin', his sounds are silent. He wields a gun around to show that he could do damage but the only damage he has done is to himself. It's a feelin' of desperation. He throws caution into the wind with a weapon with no safety on it and a broom brush attached to his head as if to scare those around him. What he doesn't realize is that the skirt he wears is a dead give away that he too has no ammo just like the weapon he carries.
This particular piece is symbolic in stature. He fears the unknown and throughout his attempts to succeed have all failed, he remains confident enough to still go all out. The hole in his gun represents the whole in himself. He has no ammo so he feels empty inside. His over extended aim on his gun shows his lack of focus and the color scheme of his “dress” is lack of competency and coordination. He tries to stand out in hopes of bein' noticed only to contradict himself in reality. A personal favorite of mine.
Knuckles knows that overcoming the challenges of Test For The Best won't be easy. He stops briefly for a moment to reflect on his upcoming opponents.
Knuckles: I can see great things comin' from the other side of the bracket. There's nothin' but absolute talent that emanates in the latter rounds. There isn't a single doubt in my mind that each and every one of you totally deserve to win Test For The Best and deserve a title shot. Dionysus, the current Xtreme Champion is the champ for a reason. Holdin' the belt I sought after back when I was on Overdrive, I can only hope he brings the passion I do. What ya' don't realize John, is why i'm not the Xtreme Champ. It was about a year ago when I tried to go for it in that division. I didn't receive a title shot though. I was instead told by management that the Xtreme Championship was for the less fortunate but not in so lil' words. It was meant for those who weren't good enough to be main event and that I was too good for the opportunity. I was insulted that I wasn't given the chance to take that division and make it what you have made it today, worthless.
If ya' ask Jason Kash, every title I ever held was brought down a few notches cuz' I was a “forgettable” type of guy. I wanted the chance to show that I can take a low end division, like yours, and make it on par if not better than the World Championship. If anythin', I should be thankin' you for failing at that rather than me. Nobody really cares how many titles you currently hold, and if holdin' a second place hunk of tin claimin' to be “hardcore” makes ya' feel better champ, then by all means go for it. You alone represent the brand of “hardcore” on Overdrive while I represent the VIOLENCE of the brand of APW. I don't need a title to prove I am who I say I am, cuz' im on the brand that puts a pay check in your bank account from Asylum. You can pretend to be me all ya' like but the only true fact is that while ya' continue pretendin' not to love it, you represent the only thing Overdrive has that worth a damn thing other than The Undisputed Championship.
With the addition of the new show Meltdown; brings new talent. Steve Stryker has risen above them all to earn a shot against the “Hardcore” champ and the legend of this business. How's it goin' Steve? I am impressed that ya' made it this far and like I mentioned earlier, ya' certainly deserve the chance at the Undisputed Championship. This tournament represents the best of the best and Steve Stryker has certainly been offered a rare opportunity. Not only do ya' have the chance to win a title shot but you get the choice of WHO. Which show to be on and which champion to face. How can ya' not be excited Steve? The problem is that even though ya' earned your shot, even though ya' deserves this spot, it doesn't mean you belong. What makes ya' think you can hang with the likes of Keaton Saint and John Dionysus? Both men are CURRENT champions of the hardcore division. While ya' might bask in the glory of a temporary victory, it'll surely be your last; at least for a while.
Test For The Best is exactly that, testing the best against the best. While you may have found a way in, you're far from bein' “the best”. You are nothin' more than a guy who found a golden ticket inside of a candy bar wrapper and just like the lil' shits who pissed their opportunity away, you too will piss it all away.
Then we have the likes of Keaton Saint who not only is the CWC Hardcore Champion, but just recently lost his opportunity to be the EFK True Expert Champion. I love the passion ya' have and the beautiful words that spew from that “perdy mouff” but that's all they are, beautiful words. It seems that you excel in areas that few can survive and falter in your own home. You're a walkin' contradiction and remind me of a piece of Starburst, you stay solid yet juicy. The opportunity to beat your ever lovin' brains in will certainly be welcomed. Since day one, i've wanted to get my hands on certain people and you just happen to be one of them. Not cuz' of the reputation, but more-so the trill of testin' myself against one of the best in this business.
Another problem we have though Saint, is that although ya' might be one of the best, Terry Marvin has proven himself to be better than you not once but twice. In order for me to even get the opportunity to test myself against the likes of you; then you're gonna' have to step it up that much more. You're gonna' have to dig up the courage to finish off the man who can't seem to STOP bestin' you. Believe me when I tell ya' Keaton, as much as ya' like to think that you're “BATMAN” and believe that this is your time, I definitely understand where you're comin' from. I've spent six long years tryin' to find a way to solve the Jason Kash puzzle and I can already see the makings of the Terry Marvin/ Keaton Saint box. The difference though Saint, is that i've shaved off more years of my life than you could ever imagine. I've spilled blood all over the world tryin' to make somethin' for myself so what makes ya' think that you can compare? I hope to god that ya' prove me wrong Saint, cuz' I would love the chance to show everybody else in APW who deserves it more. Then again, since when does deserving anythin' mean shit?
The three of you all need to realize somethin'. Some are born with greatness, some achieve it; while the rest are given it as a graduation present. Bullshit I know! One of you are surely bound to strike it rich on your paths to greatness with a victory to the next round whom you're bound to be met by the winner of Smith/Marvin.
Ahh; the love of westerns eh' Smith? I bet you're one of those people who have a picture of a group of dogs playin' poker huh? If Saint weren't such a tool, i'd be inclined to believe his thoughts about you missin' the element of surprise. Just like Stryker, ya' earned your spot in this and I applaud ya' for your efforts and just like Stryker, this'll be where you get off the ride. There's a reason that Terry Marvin is the Overdrive Champ.You just don't simply have the “IT FACTOR”. Now, on Meltdown, would be a place for the likes of you to take the reigns as a sturdy champion there; and in high regards, but here? Not only will ya' fail, you will be DOMINATED!
You may have lucked out with a pinfall over Saint, but can lightning strike twice in a row? Thrice? Ya' put up your all to beat Saint and i've seen your limits. We all have. If that's the best that you can bring to the party, then I highly suggest ya' step back and re-evaluate life my friend. How many battles in the “12 year career” have you been set on fire? How many times you been put through tables and glass? How may times have ya' been spiked onto rusty nails and thumbtacks? I'm willin' to bet that given the chance to advance by severin' a limb, that you would pussy out. I mean, who the hell wants to sacrifice a limb for a brief moment of glory? Of Satisfaction? Of redemption?
And it'll be just like Terry Marvin to find a way to squeak past and steal it all away. I mean, you would; wouldn't ya' Terry? I'm very well versed in the ways of Terry Marvin and you certainly agree right Terry? I bet ya' have some sort of spiel where you're dressed up as a king tryin' to “save” your kingdom or somethin'. Just another Johnny Knuckles wanna-be where ya' dress up and play pretend. Not only have I been doin' it longer, i'm way better at it and more original. A Terry Marvin promo these days are nuttn' more than an old Kurt Noble promo but with sparkles. Am I supposed to watch this shit?!
What happened Terry? We used to be such good friends, and in my opinion; still are, but ya' forget your place. You are certainly great and our APW careers have began around the same time. You've moved on to beat Level One and reach level two, not only were ya' second place at the 2011 Survive and Conquer when nobody else believed but made it to the top 10 from damn near the beginnin'. If anybody has what it takes to win this mother fucker, it's you. You became the Overdrive Champion and have defeated some of the best this company has to offer.
So have I.....
My debut at 2011 Survive and Conquer put me in 7th and this last one had me 4th. While I not only made my way upwards, but I outlasted you yourself. It doesn't matter that you went longer, I went further. I almost sound like a broken fuckin' record talkin' about how I burried Alioth Starre twice to earn my title shots. How many shots at Noble did you get? How may times did Gates hand you your ass to retain? NONE! You never made it that far. It's not about the quantity of distance traveled Terry, it's the quality of the of the journey. Yes, I have failed time and time again. I've been a failure my whole APW career and though my “peak” might have been Survive and Conquer, it's still one hell of a peak. I hope to god that I have the chance to show ya' just how much of a “failure” I am. Just remember Terry, nobody does second place better than you.
Knuckles makes his way to the end of the museum with three pictures remaining and covered in black cloth. He pulls two of the three off.......
Knuckles: These are entitled, “Life After Death” and “Identity Crisis”. Notice the similarities between both of them. They both have men, if they can be called that, who can't seem to figure themselves out. While one seem to change his appearance every 30 days or so, the other just won't stay dead.
The painting on the left shows how life has drained him of any life force he might have had left while the painting on the right depicts a man who has yet to come into his own. It seems that neither man know what to do next and have a very vivid outlook on what reality really isn't. Who are they? “Who am I?” they ask themselves. Nobody really knows nor do they care. They are as expendable as a broken condom; which i'm sure lead to their birth. While one can't face his own reality, the other hides behind somebody else's. Almost as if he was a shadow of somebody more important.
Knuckles grabs the last painting and makes his way to the end of the museum where there's a king's throne waiting for him. He takes a seat and finishes reflecting upon the tournament as a whole.
Knuckles: This tournament is designed with one thing in mind, to weed out the pretenders and find a contender. With each passin' year, we have seen break out stars who have all gone onto win the top title this company has to offer. Sally Talfourd did it two years ago and CJ Gates did it last year and THROUGH the winner from the year prior. Test For The Best is no easy task. It's not enough to outlast somebody but you have to go all the way. Ya' have to be willin' to take the hits that come with the territory. Nobody else in this has taken nearly as many hits as I have. I asked earlier, who else wants to sacrifice life and limb for that brief moment.....I DO! I will GLADLY sacrifice life and limb just for that very brief and narrow moment. I have proven myself more times than ever that I would DIE to make my mark, to have my one moment to look up and say that i'm a winner.
All the times i've failed, every match that has ended in controversy, for every light I seen lookin' up at the ceiling.....it all comes down to this and all the more sweeter it'll be when I walk away with that title shot. For every fan that boo'd me into motivation, for every fan that cheers me when I turned them away, for the opportunity to throw it back in all the faces of people who look at me and say that it CAN'T be done. It will be me to best this test over everybody else who saw the brackets and said I didn't have a single prayer. Nobody believes that I can do it but i've been living it my whole life. Every match, every test, every year of my life has been spent tryin' to best myself so that one day; I might be considered on the same level as those who came before me. And just like Gates, it will be me to go through Sally to make it all the way and finally best the Test For The Best.......
Knuckles stands up and walks off camera while taking the last black cover with him revealing the final painting that he hold dearest to his very heart as the scene fades.
word count: 3999
IT'S JOHNNY KNUCKLES!!
What the hell is he wearing? A Victorian frock hat, a western shirt, a waistcoat, black trousers, a top hat, a pocket watch and even a walking stick. It's like he came straight out of a scene from the Titanic. (what a queer) He lines himself up on a long pathway with a bunch of covered paintings he has arranged and addresses the camera.
Knuckles: Come one and all. Welcome to my historic society art museum where I, Johnathan Sorrentino, have discovered the lost relics of the early century. Coincidentally, they all resemble the likes of those in the Test For The Best Tournament. How odd......
Knuckles walks over to the first “painting” and removes the black cover over it's top.
Knuckles: This one is entitled, “Mortality”. You may have seen this before as it's a regular on the latter half of the Mortal Kombat series. The man depicted in the painting seems desperate in his posture and constipated in facial expression. Lookin' at the face, it's vacant; with a hint of sadness. Almost like a drunk who’s lost a bet. I'm sure the man in this paintin' has lost plenty of bets i'm willin' to wager and if anythin' has been proven; he has nothin' left to live for. This man has fought HARD to get into this tournament and with good reason. Fightin' through a slew of impeccable odds to reach the deep and dank dungeon he was thrown in the middle of, this man certainly has every right to call himself a contender regardless of the fact that his odds are almost zero and the fact that he faces two legends of the squared circle. During his long trials, he hears things like, “TOASTY” and “FRIENDSHIP” in his random thoughts; but finds anything but.
This late 18th century piece represents desperate hope. (old my ass) The man hasn't a chance in survival yet tries anyway. He almost has touching presence about him that is just a confusin' as havin' flashbacks throughout his day and not rememberin' where he is at the current point in time. Although this confusion seems enough to cheer for, the stack of cards......are certainly high enough to come to a crashin' halt. This leads me to believe that “the drunk who lost a bet” theory is more commonly affirmed in an old western with the guy at the card table pullin' out aces from his sleeve but gets caught. Saddle up there cowboy, cuz' everybody in this tournament is gonna' ride your ass into that deep sunset in the distance. While ya' continue to brag about who sucks what, it will be your own bracket that listen to the voices tellin' them both to, “FINISH HIM”!!
Knuckles walks forward to the next picture where he takes the black cloth that is draped over and reveals the next painting.
Knuckles: What we have here is what I call, “Blind Confidence”. The military General, stern in his demeanor, brings forth a certain survival instinct about him that is rivaled by very few. HARDCORE in spirit, but weak on the skills, this man leads his army's into battle without a shred of doubt in his mind. There's an old joke that is printed in this painting and i'll read it off.
“The leader of a military campaign is told that a war is about to break out. His trusty second in command asks what their orders are. The general replies, “Bring me my red shirt and prepare for counter measures.” Confused by this, he asks the general why. “Because if I am hit, the men will not see and will continue to fight on.” he replies. The second in command smiles and obeys the generals command and surely, the battle is won.
A week later, the same army is confronted once again by another raid but with ten times the soldiers. The second in command asks, “What are your orders general?” He replies, “Bring me my brown pants..............””
A week later, the same army is confronted once again by another raid but with ten times the soldiers. The second in command asks, “What are your orders general?” He replies, “Bring me my brown pants..............””
Never were there kinder words uttered. Truly an inspiration to the people. While this painting proves that even in a time of war, a strong front can lead to victory, it also proves when to know to fall back. His “heroic courage” lead him to defeat when he needed it most and that alone deserves a big long SALUTE but never forget what brought you to the dance.
Knuckles continues moving forward to the next black cloth that is draped over and pulls it off revealing the next painting.
Knuckles: This one is called, “Holy Rights”. A work from the late 15th century, I can't honestly tell if that's a woman or a man but they seem to be holding a child king. The depiction of the “person” in this one is struggle. Startin' with the adult, it's focus is to draw ya' in with the question, “Which came first the chicken or the egg?” The gender confused adult is tryin' to ask the avid watcher of the painting if they believe in evolution or creationism. It's like it's sayin' that “Saints can't evolve” but yet somehow tries to convince the child in the painting that both are possible as if to convince the world. What the adult here doesn't realize is that “it” isn't foolin' anybody.
From the iconic presence of the figure to the estranged look on the child's face, this painting screams PAST TENSE. “It's” accomplishments from however long ago until now. Nothin' mattered to the child but the now and the adult figure tries to justify itself to the child as if it mattered. “It” can't seem to make up their mind whether or not somethin' or other; leavin' the child almost helpless in stupidity. Though the intentions of the adult are clear, regardless of how fallible they seem, the child still remains clueless.
Continuing his walk through, Knuckles reaches the next painting and pulls off the black covering.
Knuckles: This one is entitled, “Lonesome Dove.” The man depicted in this painting, though he tries to fly high; is obviously alone and sad. A piece created pretty recently, shows a man sittin' at the computer screen; waitin' on somebody to friend him on Facebook. Sadly, nobody asks. He's the type of guy who sits behind an electronic screen and write stories about how good of a wrestler he is or somethin'. While he fails at his stories, he too fails at life. Stuck behind a desk wishin' he had a friend to go have a drink with, he contemplates goin' to the saloon and joinin' his friends at the poker table from earlier and possibly getting' a hooker as to not feel as lonley.
His attire speaks of “big” things but that's only to compensate for his lack of achievements. Kinda' like how somebody would wear a shirt that has a finger on it that reads, “I'm with stupid......” yes, yes ya' are lil' man. Aren't we all. The lack of color in this painting also suggestions a bland demeanor. Very ordinary, very plain, very unoriginal. It's certain to make any avid watcher of this painting fill up with enough hatred to wanna' smack him in the face with a piece a fruit. Perhaps an orange?
Knuckles moving on down the line reaches his next painting and rips down the black covering.
Knuckles: This 19th century piece is entitled, “Alienation” for it's depravity and seclusion. Though, the being in the picture is screamin', his sounds are silent. He wields a gun around to show that he could do damage but the only damage he has done is to himself. It's a feelin' of desperation. He throws caution into the wind with a weapon with no safety on it and a broom brush attached to his head as if to scare those around him. What he doesn't realize is that the skirt he wears is a dead give away that he too has no ammo just like the weapon he carries.
This particular piece is symbolic in stature. He fears the unknown and throughout his attempts to succeed have all failed, he remains confident enough to still go all out. The hole in his gun represents the whole in himself. He has no ammo so he feels empty inside. His over extended aim on his gun shows his lack of focus and the color scheme of his “dress” is lack of competency and coordination. He tries to stand out in hopes of bein' noticed only to contradict himself in reality. A personal favorite of mine.
Knuckles knows that overcoming the challenges of Test For The Best won't be easy. He stops briefly for a moment to reflect on his upcoming opponents.
Knuckles: I can see great things comin' from the other side of the bracket. There's nothin' but absolute talent that emanates in the latter rounds. There isn't a single doubt in my mind that each and every one of you totally deserve to win Test For The Best and deserve a title shot. Dionysus, the current Xtreme Champion is the champ for a reason. Holdin' the belt I sought after back when I was on Overdrive, I can only hope he brings the passion I do. What ya' don't realize John, is why i'm not the Xtreme Champ. It was about a year ago when I tried to go for it in that division. I didn't receive a title shot though. I was instead told by management that the Xtreme Championship was for the less fortunate but not in so lil' words. It was meant for those who weren't good enough to be main event and that I was too good for the opportunity. I was insulted that I wasn't given the chance to take that division and make it what you have made it today, worthless.
If ya' ask Jason Kash, every title I ever held was brought down a few notches cuz' I was a “forgettable” type of guy. I wanted the chance to show that I can take a low end division, like yours, and make it on par if not better than the World Championship. If anythin', I should be thankin' you for failing at that rather than me. Nobody really cares how many titles you currently hold, and if holdin' a second place hunk of tin claimin' to be “hardcore” makes ya' feel better champ, then by all means go for it. You alone represent the brand of “hardcore” on Overdrive while I represent the VIOLENCE of the brand of APW. I don't need a title to prove I am who I say I am, cuz' im on the brand that puts a pay check in your bank account from Asylum. You can pretend to be me all ya' like but the only true fact is that while ya' continue pretendin' not to love it, you represent the only thing Overdrive has that worth a damn thing other than The Undisputed Championship.
With the addition of the new show Meltdown; brings new talent. Steve Stryker has risen above them all to earn a shot against the “Hardcore” champ and the legend of this business. How's it goin' Steve? I am impressed that ya' made it this far and like I mentioned earlier, ya' certainly deserve the chance at the Undisputed Championship. This tournament represents the best of the best and Steve Stryker has certainly been offered a rare opportunity. Not only do ya' have the chance to win a title shot but you get the choice of WHO. Which show to be on and which champion to face. How can ya' not be excited Steve? The problem is that even though ya' earned your shot, even though ya' deserves this spot, it doesn't mean you belong. What makes ya' think you can hang with the likes of Keaton Saint and John Dionysus? Both men are CURRENT champions of the hardcore division. While ya' might bask in the glory of a temporary victory, it'll surely be your last; at least for a while.
Test For The Best is exactly that, testing the best against the best. While you may have found a way in, you're far from bein' “the best”. You are nothin' more than a guy who found a golden ticket inside of a candy bar wrapper and just like the lil' shits who pissed their opportunity away, you too will piss it all away.
Then we have the likes of Keaton Saint who not only is the CWC Hardcore Champion, but just recently lost his opportunity to be the EFK True Expert Champion. I love the passion ya' have and the beautiful words that spew from that “perdy mouff” but that's all they are, beautiful words. It seems that you excel in areas that few can survive and falter in your own home. You're a walkin' contradiction and remind me of a piece of Starburst, you stay solid yet juicy. The opportunity to beat your ever lovin' brains in will certainly be welcomed. Since day one, i've wanted to get my hands on certain people and you just happen to be one of them. Not cuz' of the reputation, but more-so the trill of testin' myself against one of the best in this business.
Another problem we have though Saint, is that although ya' might be one of the best, Terry Marvin has proven himself to be better than you not once but twice. In order for me to even get the opportunity to test myself against the likes of you; then you're gonna' have to step it up that much more. You're gonna' have to dig up the courage to finish off the man who can't seem to STOP bestin' you. Believe me when I tell ya' Keaton, as much as ya' like to think that you're “BATMAN” and believe that this is your time, I definitely understand where you're comin' from. I've spent six long years tryin' to find a way to solve the Jason Kash puzzle and I can already see the makings of the Terry Marvin/ Keaton Saint box. The difference though Saint, is that i've shaved off more years of my life than you could ever imagine. I've spilled blood all over the world tryin' to make somethin' for myself so what makes ya' think that you can compare? I hope to god that ya' prove me wrong Saint, cuz' I would love the chance to show everybody else in APW who deserves it more. Then again, since when does deserving anythin' mean shit?
The three of you all need to realize somethin'. Some are born with greatness, some achieve it; while the rest are given it as a graduation present. Bullshit I know! One of you are surely bound to strike it rich on your paths to greatness with a victory to the next round whom you're bound to be met by the winner of Smith/Marvin.
Ahh; the love of westerns eh' Smith? I bet you're one of those people who have a picture of a group of dogs playin' poker huh? If Saint weren't such a tool, i'd be inclined to believe his thoughts about you missin' the element of surprise. Just like Stryker, ya' earned your spot in this and I applaud ya' for your efforts and just like Stryker, this'll be where you get off the ride. There's a reason that Terry Marvin is the Overdrive Champ.You just don't simply have the “IT FACTOR”. Now, on Meltdown, would be a place for the likes of you to take the reigns as a sturdy champion there; and in high regards, but here? Not only will ya' fail, you will be DOMINATED!
You may have lucked out with a pinfall over Saint, but can lightning strike twice in a row? Thrice? Ya' put up your all to beat Saint and i've seen your limits. We all have. If that's the best that you can bring to the party, then I highly suggest ya' step back and re-evaluate life my friend. How many battles in the “12 year career” have you been set on fire? How many times you been put through tables and glass? How may times have ya' been spiked onto rusty nails and thumbtacks? I'm willin' to bet that given the chance to advance by severin' a limb, that you would pussy out. I mean, who the hell wants to sacrifice a limb for a brief moment of glory? Of Satisfaction? Of redemption?
And it'll be just like Terry Marvin to find a way to squeak past and steal it all away. I mean, you would; wouldn't ya' Terry? I'm very well versed in the ways of Terry Marvin and you certainly agree right Terry? I bet ya' have some sort of spiel where you're dressed up as a king tryin' to “save” your kingdom or somethin'. Just another Johnny Knuckles wanna-be where ya' dress up and play pretend. Not only have I been doin' it longer, i'm way better at it and more original. A Terry Marvin promo these days are nuttn' more than an old Kurt Noble promo but with sparkles. Am I supposed to watch this shit?!
What happened Terry? We used to be such good friends, and in my opinion; still are, but ya' forget your place. You are certainly great and our APW careers have began around the same time. You've moved on to beat Level One and reach level two, not only were ya' second place at the 2011 Survive and Conquer when nobody else believed but made it to the top 10 from damn near the beginnin'. If anybody has what it takes to win this mother fucker, it's you. You became the Overdrive Champion and have defeated some of the best this company has to offer.
So have I.....
My debut at 2011 Survive and Conquer put me in 7th and this last one had me 4th. While I not only made my way upwards, but I outlasted you yourself. It doesn't matter that you went longer, I went further. I almost sound like a broken fuckin' record talkin' about how I burried Alioth Starre twice to earn my title shots. How many shots at Noble did you get? How may times did Gates hand you your ass to retain? NONE! You never made it that far. It's not about the quantity of distance traveled Terry, it's the quality of the of the journey. Yes, I have failed time and time again. I've been a failure my whole APW career and though my “peak” might have been Survive and Conquer, it's still one hell of a peak. I hope to god that I have the chance to show ya' just how much of a “failure” I am. Just remember Terry, nobody does second place better than you.
Knuckles makes his way to the end of the museum with three pictures remaining and covered in black cloth. He pulls two of the three off.......
Knuckles: These are entitled, “Life After Death” and “Identity Crisis”. Notice the similarities between both of them. They both have men, if they can be called that, who can't seem to figure themselves out. While one seem to change his appearance every 30 days or so, the other just won't stay dead.
The painting on the left shows how life has drained him of any life force he might have had left while the painting on the right depicts a man who has yet to come into his own. It seems that neither man know what to do next and have a very vivid outlook on what reality really isn't. Who are they? “Who am I?” they ask themselves. Nobody really knows nor do they care. They are as expendable as a broken condom; which i'm sure lead to their birth. While one can't face his own reality, the other hides behind somebody else's. Almost as if he was a shadow of somebody more important.
Knuckles grabs the last painting and makes his way to the end of the museum where there's a king's throne waiting for him. He takes a seat and finishes reflecting upon the tournament as a whole.
Knuckles: This tournament is designed with one thing in mind, to weed out the pretenders and find a contender. With each passin' year, we have seen break out stars who have all gone onto win the top title this company has to offer. Sally Talfourd did it two years ago and CJ Gates did it last year and THROUGH the winner from the year prior. Test For The Best is no easy task. It's not enough to outlast somebody but you have to go all the way. Ya' have to be willin' to take the hits that come with the territory. Nobody else in this has taken nearly as many hits as I have. I asked earlier, who else wants to sacrifice life and limb for that brief moment.....I DO! I will GLADLY sacrifice life and limb just for that very brief and narrow moment. I have proven myself more times than ever that I would DIE to make my mark, to have my one moment to look up and say that i'm a winner.
All the times i've failed, every match that has ended in controversy, for every light I seen lookin' up at the ceiling.....it all comes down to this and all the more sweeter it'll be when I walk away with that title shot. For every fan that boo'd me into motivation, for every fan that cheers me when I turned them away, for the opportunity to throw it back in all the faces of people who look at me and say that it CAN'T be done. It will be me to best this test over everybody else who saw the brackets and said I didn't have a single prayer. Nobody believes that I can do it but i've been living it my whole life. Every match, every test, every year of my life has been spent tryin' to best myself so that one day; I might be considered on the same level as those who came before me. And just like Gates, it will be me to go through Sally to make it all the way and finally best the Test For The Best.......
Knuckles stands up and walks off camera while taking the last black cover with him revealing the final painting that he hold dearest to his very heart as the scene fades.
word count: 3999
