Post by Anthony Bailey on Oct 20, 2012 11:43:10 GMT -4
**The following promo was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, the first part of his epic fourteenth century poem Divine Comedy**
"Through me you pass into the city of woe. Through me you pass into eternal pain. Through me among the people lost for aye. Justice the founder of my fabric moved. To rear me was the task of power divine, Supremest wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things. Eternal, and eternal I shall endure. All hope abandon, ye who enter here." - Dante Alighieri
Anthony Reese Bailey, the twenty-two year old APW World Heavyweight Champion and megastar extraordinaire, has done the unthinkable and has lost his path. Coming into Action Packed Wrestling and competing for the Asylum brand almost one year ago, the man who built an identity off of truth and morality, and who constantly showed much gratitude to his family for his firm foundational upbringing, seemed to now only be a faded memory. Clouded by success and the angst to stay on top by retaining his title at One Night In Hell, the Anthony Bailey we once knew is now gone.
But there was still hope for our beloved megastar. He didn’t have to stay lost for too long because there was hope. Hope that only an excursion through Hell could remedy. Hell, the eternal place of torment that coincided with Anthony’s evangelical Christian beliefs growing up, was not the place that you wanted to find yourself but the reality of it was sobering. Sobering because Anthony was reminded of the fact that he is still a living human being who could cry out to God and get right with Him before it was too late and death claimed him. Eternal Hell could be escaped but he would still have to endure one night of it on October 28th against five other opponents. Maybe going there a little earlier than he was required to would help him find his way. One could only hope for the best.
{{Anthony Bailey is spotted on an obscure path fearfully wandering inside of a dense forest. Clad in a plain gray T-shirt and blue jeans, our deserted megastar looks bewildered, even helpless, as he continues to walk forward.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark. For the straightforward pathway had been lost. “How did I end up here?” I asked myself but the question was apparent and rhetorical. I knew exactly how it happened but I was unable to “face the music” as one might say. And the sad thing is…I let it happen. I can pretend to be oblivious if I wanted to, but the truth speaks for itself. Being elevated and placed on a pedestal by thousands of fans was overwhelming. That’s a weighty burden that I was not built to carry. Life was much simpler in the Flagler College dorms. Paparazzi cameras weren’t invading every area of my life and my adversaries weren’t deliberately awaiting my demise.
I made a vow to remain the same once success started to pour in. But I was just as blind as some of my opponents for the upcoming pay per view event, mainly Michael Callahan and Johnny Rebel. And more recently, I would place Phil Atken in that class as well. Blinded by the fluorescent limelight and the praise of man, I aimlessly wandered onto this very path. A path so dark that only a special light could pierce through. Oh how I am in dire need of that light right now. Anything that could guide me back to my path of righteousness. My path of simplicity and not stressing myself out over who is gunning for my title or who wants a piece of me. The path that once knew my biggest burden as writing a paper for one of my classes or studying for final exams.
I don’t need to be feeling this way going into my biggest title defense to date, but I cannot help it. Bearing a mask will not hide the fact that I have lost my way. Will the clear conscience of Anthony Bailey ever return? Will my deep companionship with restraint ever become a reality once again?
{{Spotting a couple of vicious looking beasts off in the distance on top of a hill, Bailey stops talking and quickly turns around to begin walking in the opposite direction. Shortly after, a man with dark brown skin and dark hair down to his shoulders suddenly appears in the woods and startles Bailey.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Have pity on me!
{{The man smiles and responds.}}[/color]
King David: Fear not my beloved Anthony. It is I, David, the second king of Israel.
Bailey wasn’t a Bible thumper though he believed its every word. And though his frequency of church going was far behind him, he still loved to read the Book of Psalms from time to time. The book not only brought rest to Bailey’s weary soul but he felt that he could identify with the book’s author, King David, a talented and poetic man who had imperfections but also a man who had ascended to the throne of Israel at a very young age. Both men were acquainted with the ups and downs of premature prosperity.[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: I cannot believe that it is actually you! What brings you here to this abandoned forest?
King David: I was sent here to help you and to be your guide through Hell. That hill that you just saw represents October 29th, the day after One Night In Hell. But before you can even think of climbing to the top of the hill and retaining that precious gold of yours, you must first pass through the place of eternal judgment. That’s how you will retrieve your lost path.
{{Bailey gulps loudly.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Hell? Will I even survive??
King David: How do you expect to be respected by all as Champion if you are unwilling to go on a pilgrimage to the depths of the great abyss?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Don’t I already have the respect of some?
King David: Yes some, but not all. Surviving one night in hell would make your name great.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Okay, I’ll do it…whatever it takes I’ll do it.
King David: Good, now follow me.
{{David and Bailey begin walking and after a brief moment, he leads Bailey up to the Gate of Hell. The inscription on the gate reads “Abandon all hope, you who enter here.” As soon as they open the gate and enter Hell, deafening screams from all of the tortured souls can be heard. After crossing a river, King David ushers Bailey down into a deep valley where a Phil Atken look alike is spotted being blown back and forth by dynamic hurricane like winds of a thunderstorm. This particular circle of Hell contains individuals who were conquered by lust and symbolizes the power of lust to blow one needlessly and aimlessly and to make one lack direction.}}[/color]
This lustful appetite of yours Atken has swayed your reasoning. Lusting after the center stage won’t do you any good because honestly, it’s not where a person like yourself even belongs. Not only did you hinder me against both Rebel and Callahan while you served in my match as the special guest referee, but you have made outrageous bids on my title these past few weeks. How do you expect to survive One Night In Hell when you threw a hissy fit and caused a scene over one small punch from Rebel on Asylum? Now I’m all for the true underdog story that climaxes when you least expect it and consummates with a wholesome ending that’ll leave you in tears. I get it because that’s been my case since January.
It’s been my reality day after day, week after week, and month and month but I have always, at every opportunity presented, arose to the occasion when I needed to. What occasions have you ever materialized Atken? Was it when Julius Farquhar beat you during that infamous Boston Tea Party match? Yes Farquhar might have beaten me once too but he never insulted my intelligence or desecrated my national pride the way he did with you. My grandparents come from a time where children were to be seen and not heard and I feel like getting a little vintage with you Atken. I liken you to a child of yesteryear and you should only be visible while remaining mute. It’s not that you don’t have something important to share it’s just I personally do not care what it is you have to share in the first place.
Your plans of sitting back and letting all of us go at it so you can capitalize with a win will fold faster than a Bernie Madoff business venture. Continue to play your role in the background because you play that role so well. I know I won’t be World Champion forever, that’s unrealistic, but as long as I have breath in my lungs you Phil Atken will not be the demise of The Promise and you can count on that. One day something will click cognitively for you and you will learn how to obtain greatness and make something of yourself. But in the meantime, spend your time in Hell in agony contemplating your lustful actions and your covetousness of my position.
{{David and Bailey proceed deeper into Hell and as they come to a Keaton Saint look alike lying helplessly in a puddle of mud, they stop. Bailey has entered the second circle of Hell, the circle of gluttony. The mud containing Keaton represents the true nature of gluttony, which is the overindulgence of food and drink.}}[/color]
Keaton, what a pleasure it is to meet you but it is quite unfortunate that my first impression of you is under such morbid circumstances. Riding high on a warm reception like the one you received this past week on your debut Asylum appearance means nothing because this place of damnation has become your fate. Excessiveness absorbed every fiber of your being and it will cost you inside of that Elimination Chamber at One Night In Hell. You were a household name over on Overdrive and beyond the walls of APW, but your lack of contentment has distressed my agenda. I had how I was going to handle my opponents planned and down to a science, but after Borderland got his butt handed to him by Jason Kash and I prematurely rejoiced thinking that I would have only four people to worry about, here you come. I usually like surprises Keaton but I am no longer a six-year-old child, I am a grown man whose back is against the wall.
When I already have four ravenous wolves called my opponents doing everything their grubby little paws can to strip this title away from me, a legendary fifth wolf emerges from the shadows and also tries to pounce on me. But as destiny should have it, I won’t be game for this wolf and the reason that I won’t become this wolf’s prey is because this particular wolf has already had his fill for the day. Even if this wolf could chase me down with that bulging gut of his, he would have to force feed himself and that would make him uncomfortable. You have already had your fill of being a hotshot on Overdrive and in the professional wrestling world at large. You have already had your fill of memorable moments being in the ring with the likes of Terry Marvin, CJ Gates, and others. This match at One Night In Hell will be just another memorable night in the awesome life of Keaton Saint…
But me? I haven’t had my fill of anything yet. My Tap Out Title and World Title victories were flukes in the eyes of some, I still can’t seem to outsmart and outwrestle Johnny Rebel, and to others I’m just some spoiled wet behind the ears rookie who won over the affections of Reginald Schmidt backstage and therefore earned my “push.” But not everything you hear is always true. But what is true is that Keaton Saint is the reincarnation of Sally Struthers and this Elimination Chamber match is the Christian Children’s Fund. He’s not on Asylum to help us, to boost ratings, or to put food in our mouths. The façade looks pleasant and is almost believable, but when those cameras stop rolling, Keaton “Sally Struthers” Saint takes the warm meals away from the poor starving children and taunts them as he eats right in front of them.
{{Anthony glances down at the Keaton look alike who now has crumbs all around his mouth.}}[/color]
Mumbling the phrase “Look at me, I’m Keaton Saint!” over and over again as he chews with his mouth open. Though I am appreciative for the all the trails you have paved for up and comers like myself, this isn’t Overdrive and until the 28th, I could care less what you have done. Our match won’t be a “Keaton and friends” moment just because you are one of the most recognized megastars on the entire roster; our match will witness you stepping into my world for the first time. Not my world of the Chamber, but my world of Asylum. Why do you think all of the Overdrive megastars are so eager to come over here all of a sudden? It’s because of what guys like me have been bringing to the table. Let’s face it, and with all pride aside because I don’t want to come across like some egotistical jerk, no major Overdrive megastar was in a rush to come here until I arrived. Kash wasn’t drawing them and Dillinger wasn’t either.
Unlike earlier, no beasts will prevent me from climbing to the top of the mountain. Not Saint, not Sally Talfourd or anyone else. I no longer fear Hell because I am already here, right in the midst of it all. Being the unlikely candidate to triumph is nothing new to me but few have gone to Hell and returned to tell about it. But come next Sunday night in Tokyo, I will go to Hell…and I’m bringing all five of my opponents there along with me. I will give them everything I've got and more. This past summer was only the beginning of who you all labeled as “the golden boy.”
My summer of achievements will pale in comparison for what I have planned for this pay per view and beyond…and these plans will be executed with me still being the World Champion I might add. I am a man who’s done with being characterized as the next big thing or the next generation. I am ready to cement my place as a legitimate contender and a worthy deserving holder of the World Title. I am a man traversing through Hades. I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken, not even spending one night in the place of eternal damnation with five other souls. Until next time…
As Bailey continues his expedition through the various circles of Hell, what else will he encounter? Where are Sally Talfourd, Michael Callahan, and Johnny Rebel being held captive in this vicinity of weeping and gnashing of teeth? Only time will tell…please stay tuned for Bailey’s Inferno Part II.
{{The scene slowly fades to black as King David and Anthony continue their journey through Hell, the final resting place of the wicked.}}[/color]
"Through me you pass into the city of woe. Through me you pass into eternal pain. Through me among the people lost for aye. Justice the founder of my fabric moved. To rear me was the task of power divine, Supremest wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things. Eternal, and eternal I shall endure. All hope abandon, ye who enter here." - Dante Alighieri
Anthony Reese Bailey, the twenty-two year old APW World Heavyweight Champion and megastar extraordinaire, has done the unthinkable and has lost his path. Coming into Action Packed Wrestling and competing for the Asylum brand almost one year ago, the man who built an identity off of truth and morality, and who constantly showed much gratitude to his family for his firm foundational upbringing, seemed to now only be a faded memory. Clouded by success and the angst to stay on top by retaining his title at One Night In Hell, the Anthony Bailey we once knew is now gone.
But there was still hope for our beloved megastar. He didn’t have to stay lost for too long because there was hope. Hope that only an excursion through Hell could remedy. Hell, the eternal place of torment that coincided with Anthony’s evangelical Christian beliefs growing up, was not the place that you wanted to find yourself but the reality of it was sobering. Sobering because Anthony was reminded of the fact that he is still a living human being who could cry out to God and get right with Him before it was too late and death claimed him. Eternal Hell could be escaped but he would still have to endure one night of it on October 28th against five other opponents. Maybe going there a little earlier than he was required to would help him find his way. One could only hope for the best.
{{Anthony Bailey is spotted on an obscure path fearfully wandering inside of a dense forest. Clad in a plain gray T-shirt and blue jeans, our deserted megastar looks bewildered, even helpless, as he continues to walk forward.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark. For the straightforward pathway had been lost. “How did I end up here?” I asked myself but the question was apparent and rhetorical. I knew exactly how it happened but I was unable to “face the music” as one might say. And the sad thing is…I let it happen. I can pretend to be oblivious if I wanted to, but the truth speaks for itself. Being elevated and placed on a pedestal by thousands of fans was overwhelming. That’s a weighty burden that I was not built to carry. Life was much simpler in the Flagler College dorms. Paparazzi cameras weren’t invading every area of my life and my adversaries weren’t deliberately awaiting my demise.
I made a vow to remain the same once success started to pour in. But I was just as blind as some of my opponents for the upcoming pay per view event, mainly Michael Callahan and Johnny Rebel. And more recently, I would place Phil Atken in that class as well. Blinded by the fluorescent limelight and the praise of man, I aimlessly wandered onto this very path. A path so dark that only a special light could pierce through. Oh how I am in dire need of that light right now. Anything that could guide me back to my path of righteousness. My path of simplicity and not stressing myself out over who is gunning for my title or who wants a piece of me. The path that once knew my biggest burden as writing a paper for one of my classes or studying for final exams.
I don’t need to be feeling this way going into my biggest title defense to date, but I cannot help it. Bearing a mask will not hide the fact that I have lost my way. Will the clear conscience of Anthony Bailey ever return? Will my deep companionship with restraint ever become a reality once again?
{{Spotting a couple of vicious looking beasts off in the distance on top of a hill, Bailey stops talking and quickly turns around to begin walking in the opposite direction. Shortly after, a man with dark brown skin and dark hair down to his shoulders suddenly appears in the woods and startles Bailey.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Have pity on me!
{{The man smiles and responds.}}[/color]
King David: Fear not my beloved Anthony. It is I, David, the second king of Israel.
Bailey wasn’t a Bible thumper though he believed its every word. And though his frequency of church going was far behind him, he still loved to read the Book of Psalms from time to time. The book not only brought rest to Bailey’s weary soul but he felt that he could identify with the book’s author, King David, a talented and poetic man who had imperfections but also a man who had ascended to the throne of Israel at a very young age. Both men were acquainted with the ups and downs of premature prosperity.[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: I cannot believe that it is actually you! What brings you here to this abandoned forest?
King David: I was sent here to help you and to be your guide through Hell. That hill that you just saw represents October 29th, the day after One Night In Hell. But before you can even think of climbing to the top of the hill and retaining that precious gold of yours, you must first pass through the place of eternal judgment. That’s how you will retrieve your lost path.
{{Bailey gulps loudly.}}[/color]
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Hell? Will I even survive??
King David: How do you expect to be respected by all as Champion if you are unwilling to go on a pilgrimage to the depths of the great abyss?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Don’t I already have the respect of some?
King David: Yes some, but not all. Surviving one night in hell would make your name great.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Okay, I’ll do it…whatever it takes I’ll do it.
King David: Good, now follow me.
{{David and Bailey begin walking and after a brief moment, he leads Bailey up to the Gate of Hell. The inscription on the gate reads “Abandon all hope, you who enter here.” As soon as they open the gate and enter Hell, deafening screams from all of the tortured souls can be heard. After crossing a river, King David ushers Bailey down into a deep valley where a Phil Atken look alike is spotted being blown back and forth by dynamic hurricane like winds of a thunderstorm. This particular circle of Hell contains individuals who were conquered by lust and symbolizes the power of lust to blow one needlessly and aimlessly and to make one lack direction.}}[/color]
This lustful appetite of yours Atken has swayed your reasoning. Lusting after the center stage won’t do you any good because honestly, it’s not where a person like yourself even belongs. Not only did you hinder me against both Rebel and Callahan while you served in my match as the special guest referee, but you have made outrageous bids on my title these past few weeks. How do you expect to survive One Night In Hell when you threw a hissy fit and caused a scene over one small punch from Rebel on Asylum? Now I’m all for the true underdog story that climaxes when you least expect it and consummates with a wholesome ending that’ll leave you in tears. I get it because that’s been my case since January.
It’s been my reality day after day, week after week, and month and month but I have always, at every opportunity presented, arose to the occasion when I needed to. What occasions have you ever materialized Atken? Was it when Julius Farquhar beat you during that infamous Boston Tea Party match? Yes Farquhar might have beaten me once too but he never insulted my intelligence or desecrated my national pride the way he did with you. My grandparents come from a time where children were to be seen and not heard and I feel like getting a little vintage with you Atken. I liken you to a child of yesteryear and you should only be visible while remaining mute. It’s not that you don’t have something important to share it’s just I personally do not care what it is you have to share in the first place.
Your plans of sitting back and letting all of us go at it so you can capitalize with a win will fold faster than a Bernie Madoff business venture. Continue to play your role in the background because you play that role so well. I know I won’t be World Champion forever, that’s unrealistic, but as long as I have breath in my lungs you Phil Atken will not be the demise of The Promise and you can count on that. One day something will click cognitively for you and you will learn how to obtain greatness and make something of yourself. But in the meantime, spend your time in Hell in agony contemplating your lustful actions and your covetousness of my position.
{{David and Bailey proceed deeper into Hell and as they come to a Keaton Saint look alike lying helplessly in a puddle of mud, they stop. Bailey has entered the second circle of Hell, the circle of gluttony. The mud containing Keaton represents the true nature of gluttony, which is the overindulgence of food and drink.}}[/color]
Keaton, what a pleasure it is to meet you but it is quite unfortunate that my first impression of you is under such morbid circumstances. Riding high on a warm reception like the one you received this past week on your debut Asylum appearance means nothing because this place of damnation has become your fate. Excessiveness absorbed every fiber of your being and it will cost you inside of that Elimination Chamber at One Night In Hell. You were a household name over on Overdrive and beyond the walls of APW, but your lack of contentment has distressed my agenda. I had how I was going to handle my opponents planned and down to a science, but after Borderland got his butt handed to him by Jason Kash and I prematurely rejoiced thinking that I would have only four people to worry about, here you come. I usually like surprises Keaton but I am no longer a six-year-old child, I am a grown man whose back is against the wall.
When I already have four ravenous wolves called my opponents doing everything their grubby little paws can to strip this title away from me, a legendary fifth wolf emerges from the shadows and also tries to pounce on me. But as destiny should have it, I won’t be game for this wolf and the reason that I won’t become this wolf’s prey is because this particular wolf has already had his fill for the day. Even if this wolf could chase me down with that bulging gut of his, he would have to force feed himself and that would make him uncomfortable. You have already had your fill of being a hotshot on Overdrive and in the professional wrestling world at large. You have already had your fill of memorable moments being in the ring with the likes of Terry Marvin, CJ Gates, and others. This match at One Night In Hell will be just another memorable night in the awesome life of Keaton Saint…
But me? I haven’t had my fill of anything yet. My Tap Out Title and World Title victories were flukes in the eyes of some, I still can’t seem to outsmart and outwrestle Johnny Rebel, and to others I’m just some spoiled wet behind the ears rookie who won over the affections of Reginald Schmidt backstage and therefore earned my “push.” But not everything you hear is always true. But what is true is that Keaton Saint is the reincarnation of Sally Struthers and this Elimination Chamber match is the Christian Children’s Fund. He’s not on Asylum to help us, to boost ratings, or to put food in our mouths. The façade looks pleasant and is almost believable, but when those cameras stop rolling, Keaton “Sally Struthers” Saint takes the warm meals away from the poor starving children and taunts them as he eats right in front of them.
{{Anthony glances down at the Keaton look alike who now has crumbs all around his mouth.}}[/color]
Mumbling the phrase “Look at me, I’m Keaton Saint!” over and over again as he chews with his mouth open. Though I am appreciative for the all the trails you have paved for up and comers like myself, this isn’t Overdrive and until the 28th, I could care less what you have done. Our match won’t be a “Keaton and friends” moment just because you are one of the most recognized megastars on the entire roster; our match will witness you stepping into my world for the first time. Not my world of the Chamber, but my world of Asylum. Why do you think all of the Overdrive megastars are so eager to come over here all of a sudden? It’s because of what guys like me have been bringing to the table. Let’s face it, and with all pride aside because I don’t want to come across like some egotistical jerk, no major Overdrive megastar was in a rush to come here until I arrived. Kash wasn’t drawing them and Dillinger wasn’t either.
Unlike earlier, no beasts will prevent me from climbing to the top of the mountain. Not Saint, not Sally Talfourd or anyone else. I no longer fear Hell because I am already here, right in the midst of it all. Being the unlikely candidate to triumph is nothing new to me but few have gone to Hell and returned to tell about it. But come next Sunday night in Tokyo, I will go to Hell…and I’m bringing all five of my opponents there along with me. I will give them everything I've got and more. This past summer was only the beginning of who you all labeled as “the golden boy.”
My summer of achievements will pale in comparison for what I have planned for this pay per view and beyond…and these plans will be executed with me still being the World Champion I might add. I am a man who’s done with being characterized as the next big thing or the next generation. I am ready to cement my place as a legitimate contender and a worthy deserving holder of the World Title. I am a man traversing through Hades. I am Anthony Bailey…APW’s only Promise…the only Promise that can't be broken, not even spending one night in the place of eternal damnation with five other souls. Until next time…
As Bailey continues his expedition through the various circles of Hell, what else will he encounter? Where are Sally Talfourd, Michael Callahan, and Johnny Rebel being held captive in this vicinity of weeping and gnashing of teeth? Only time will tell…please stay tuned for Bailey’s Inferno Part II.
{{The scene slowly fades to black as King David and Anthony continue their journey through Hell, the final resting place of the wicked.}}[/color]
