Post by J-Hop on Feb 9, 2013 23:02:30 GMT -4
IN BETWEEN THE LINES: BEHIND THE BACK CROSSOVER
So you spend all your time to fit in line
To fit in the crowd and even in your mirror’s eyes
Yourself you can’t identify
And just like the Energizer rabbit
You just be spinning round
And as it intensifies, your life it de-materializes
“Who Are You Now” – LUPE FIASCO FT. B.O.B
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2/4/13 - 10:34 AM – Upper Manhattan, NY
Like an aggressive, gusty breeze, the doors of “Golden Boy Studios” Wrestling school opened wide, double doors colliding with the brick walls as I entered the scene. Every eye looking at me as all you could see was the black hoodie over my head, a mean walk and someone who obviously had problems about something.
“You know you could’ve phoned me, DM me on Twitter or something before making that decision, Juan.” Walking in a straight line, even up the steps, my voice traveled right to Ramirez who was one of many whose eyes traveled to the entrance when I entered. He was dealing with a chick but at this moment, I could care less. She nodded before walking off as I stood in the face of my mentor.
“What you think you’re doing, slamming my doors and just walking up to me in this fashion? That was very important business you just interrupted. Second, what in the HELL are you talking about?” Juan said, standing tall and firm, not even moving one muscle. Why would he? He OWNED this fucking place. This was his house, but I had a problem with his decision. He knew, he had to know. I wouldn’t be this ‘turnt up’ for no reason.
“You know what the hell I’m talking about, Juan. You and Kash. How are you just going to accept his request like that? You know how much I hate that bastard!” Anger was at boiling point. Ramirez’s face came to a smirk as he rubbed his chin, looking up towards the recessed lighting.
“Jair … Despite how much you hate the prick and how much I don’t like him. Business is business. I got a building to pay for. Sure, some of my money goes into this building but to keep the update on all the equipment, I need the money. Kash needs the assistance. I wasn’t expecting you to hop on this issue.” Ramirez said as he created space between us. Everyone who looked on with hopes of some kind of battle were in disappointment as that was not going to happen. They went back to what they were doing as Jair’s face, it was full of a ‘sigh’ face.
“You weren’t expecting me to hop on this issue? KASH IS THE GODDAMN DEVIL!” Jair’s body trembled as he came to the end-point of his statement. Juan just laughed it off.
“Chill man, don’t worry yourself about Kash. Worry about TJ and his ‘side bitch’ Keaton Saint. Didn’t know that ‘egg yolk’ face bastard was still around. I thought he died along with his career.” Juan said as he obviously has history with that man, Keaton Saint from the past. Juan just shook his head, cringing to even speaking out the man’s name.
“Yeah, I’ll take care of business. But seriously though, some bad shit went down with you two or something?” Jair asked, as he was intrigued to why Juan was infuriated.
He let out a sigh, shaking his head in the process…
“Take it like this, Keaton Saint to me is like Jason Kash to you. Understand?” Ramirez said as he turned and walked off. “Make sure not to let yourself be vulnerable to his submissions. He doesn’t waste time or motion.” Lasting words from Ramirez who walked on off, leaving Jair standing there with that final say pondering through his head.
“Wait! That’s all? That’s all you’re going to tell me?”
Juan doesn’t turn back.
“Juan? Seriously? You’re gonna’ leave me dry like this?”
2/9/13 - 6:09 PM – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
This whole traveling experience, you couldn’t get it anywhere else. In just so short of a time period, I’ve been damn near around the world with so much more to travel. The Dying Breed, we traveled like family. It’s what builds the chemistry between us. Not so many teams and stable do this shit. They like their privacy, they want to fly in on their private jets. I like privacy too, but I dig bonding more.
“Damn it’s beautiful up here!” I said to myself as I lead the way out of the Lincoln Navigator Limousine. Bailey and Williams followed as I was all smiles, looking at how beautiful Vancouver looked at night.
I’ve been to Canada before, a few weeks after my debut match. The Dying Breed didn’t exist at that point. But here in Vancouver, it was like being at an All-Star event in a sense. The fans were out in massive fashion. Screams, signs, memorabilia, they had it all.
“This is what it’s all about, fam! The Dying Breed has fans everywhere. Enjoy this moment.” Anthony said as he stood between me and Williams. We were outside of the Rogers Arena, the backside of it as it was ‘Fan Fest’ night, the night before the real action had begun.
There were other events scheduled for earlier tomorrow before showtime, that being the reason they had this event scheduled for tonight. Flashes from the cameras flashed every couple of seconds, damn near like a blinding experience but it was worth it. Seeing these fans out here in full force in our presence, let us know that we were doing something right.
We looked at one another before …
“WE ARE THE DYING BREED!” Speaking in unison, the beloved fans grew even wilder. Roaring cheers as we dapped our fists.
“Tonight, we enjoy the festivities and this glorious city. Tomorrow night, it will be war inside the Rogers Arena. The Dying Breeding against the Pillars. Blood will be seen, bodies will be slained, sacrifices will be made. In all of that, like Maya Angelou’s poem, We will RISE!”
Talking about going insane, the fans were beyond that point. As I finished speaking like that of some gladiator, I stood tall while raising my teammates hands in the air.
“Tomorrow night is going to be a “smooth” one. It’s no doubt going to be special. We get two of the best in that ring and we will make a statement. They’re going to get two healthy gentlemen who are striving with hungry bellies. In short, it’s going to be a long night for the Pillars.” Williams said as he gave a wink to the camera. “That’s for you TJ, expect the unexpected. You want me, you’re going to get just that!”
Bailey patted us both on the back as he had that trademark smile on his face. “I may not be fighting alongside my men but I will be rooting them on. These men have the opportunity to do what few can in defeating them. We stay on a constant grind, hungry for success and opportunities. There’s one tomorrow night that will be gained.” Bailey spoke as every fan seemed to believe that we could pull this off.
The Dying Breed isn’t built on hype. It’s built on result. These fans hustle and grind to support us every event. It’s why the connection is so strong. Sure, we’ve slacked a bit but we know how to keep getting up. We don’t stay down. We don’t know how to stay down.
“We love our fans. You are the ones that keep us going. We appreciate the love and support!” I said as it surely was a ‘pleaser’ to the fans.
It was true, without them, we’re nothing. They are the lifeline of our career. Some people choose to remain in denial of that fact. Without the live crowd, cheers, jeers, festive signs either positive or negative, it keeps us alive. Without them, we all are nothing.
“LIKE, OH MYY GAWD, CAN I GET YOUR AUTOGRAPH, JAIR!!!” A raving woman asked as she had her hands high in the air on the front row, in pink and black. Calling for my autograph, she had the marker in hand. She rolled up the bottom of her tight-fitted pink top as she wanted my signature above her belly button. No questions asked, I signed my signature right there as she jumped with joy. I handed her the marker back.
Everyone began asking for one after that…
“Hey, over here. Can I get all three of your signatures. I’m a huge, HUGE fan of TDB!” The slightly older man said as he and his kids were together. He held out a black and white photo of us all together in the ring after the announcement was made to replace our former member with Williams. Bailey signed first, Williams signed second, I signed last as we signed on our bodies in the photo.
This was surely what this was all about. Fan fest, a night to give the fans what they want. Please your fans and you will enjoy the result of it. It’s moments like these in one’s career that you enjoy the most. Giving back to those that spend their money to see you perform on a nightly, weekly basis. You couldn’t ask for anything more.
Vancouver was going to get rocked two nights straight.
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I PITY DA' FOOOL: COME AGAIN?
GOD SAVE THE PILLARS FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE DONE!
…You know, I was hoping to expect some kind of smart remark but I truly wasn’t expecting this from the duo of Keaton Saint and TJ. Mostly Keaton, but wow, man.
Just fucking WOW!
You … gonna’ make me tap out? I understand, you didn’t do well in Survive and Conquer, hell neither did I. We all wanted that ‘big one’ but we fell down some steps. I get you might have something bothering you on your brain. You’re a wanted man for your success. I totally get it but targeting me and saying you’re going to do your best to make me submit?
The hell you talkin’ bout’ Willis?
I know you Englanders’ be trippy at times so what you said had to be a mistake. Sure, I fell to two submissions in my career. To TJ in which I didn’t even tap. I just passed the hell out. My hands never tapped but “they” chose to call it a submissive victory. I fell to one via Michael Callahan. Each were tough as fuck to gain. How are you just going to sit there in your little comfy spot and say you’re going to take me out?
It’s a running pattern with a few people like yourself Keaton. Attention to details. You’re putting yourself in a deep, deep hole. You’re underestimating the competition. Yes, you’re good but you aren’t God. How can you just look past myself and ‘The Smooth One’? Both you and TJ know absolutely better than that.
The Pillars are this, The Pillars is that…
I’ve heard the critics, they slob all over the name like it’s the fucking Four Horsemen’s or something. It’s just Pillars. We’re just The Dying Breed. Make the jokes as you wish, you aren’t dominant. You’re above no one. You can freely imagine being above people but here in reality, it’s a different story. I’ve read your track record, Keaton. You don’t have to throw around your success, we know you are a great wrestler.
I respect that or at least I once did.
You see yourself on the road to Rasslemania. Are you even sure you’ll be there Sir Keaton? Are you even sure you’ll be booked? I don’t know man. You talking about taking people out, you better hope someone doesn’t take your ass out. Sure, TJ can have William. William will take care of him, payback for Survive and Conquer. Me and you Keaton can play against each other. I’m fine with that but just be careful for what you wish for. All in all, TDB fights as a team, we can either have each of you for ourselves or we can gangbuster your ass into defeat.
I also get that my mentor, Juan Ramirez is welcoming in students to help with their training, form, etc. But seriously, Jason Kash, of all people.
I just had to laugh … He knows the shit with me and him. Dude is undeserving but I understand that it’s a business. You have to bring the bills in to keep the ‘lights’ on. I just hope it doesn’t go and backfire.
For the oddest reason, Ramirez name seemed to slip out of your mouth, Keaton. I know he doesn’t even care what the hell you have to say. To him, you’re little by his standards. I got the feel, he despises you. You two have history in some previous company. Cool beans, I could care less really. Your beef is with him or whatever, not me.
You want to ‘dedicate’ this match as somewhat of a message to him that you beat one of his upbringings, that’s cool to add to your already illustrious career. I’m not mad at ya, but don’t make promises. Never make promises that you know you can’t keep. It’s a sin and it makes you look like a foolish ‘arsehole’.
That’s how they say it right?
I’ve been over there a bit with this tour so I’m glad I learned something. Look Keaton, TJ, I thank you both for putting up your ‘dukes’ and wanting to battle. TJ, we’ve fought damn near to a stand-still. We may have not fought recently but we’ve … uh, we’ve “sniffed” each other out. You claim you beat me which the ref obviously agreed with but as I said before, I never gave in, I never tapped. Didn’t know passing out qualified as “tapping out”. Its old news. This is new news.
The Dying Breed appreciates this match. I appreciate this match-up. It’s like a ‘tune-up’ fight before the big one and obviously it has the feel with this boiled up intensity. William is already pissed, this just makes this occasion that much better. You get to see that true ‘tenacity’ that everyone always wanted to see since this ‘form-up’ of the team. Three names that are rising above the occasion as it looks to cement itself into the legacy both as a team and individually. We’re family, we have each other’s back. It’s what you always want and look for.
Chemistry.
We may have failed on some of these occasions but best believe, we’ve worked those ‘kinks’ out, just at the right time. Keaton, TJ, I just hope you two are primed and ready. I thank you two so much for saying what you two said. You gave us motivation, you lit a damn fire underneath us. You want to talk arrogant shit, let’s see if you can literally back up that shit.
Again, Thank You!
So you spend all your time to fit in line
To fit in the crowd and even in your mirror’s eyes
Yourself you can’t identify
And just like the Energizer rabbit
You just be spinning round
And as it intensifies, your life it de-materializes
“Who Are You Now” – LUPE FIASCO FT. B.O.B
[/b]
---------------------------------------------------------
2/4/13 - 10:34 AM – Upper Manhattan, NY
Like an aggressive, gusty breeze, the doors of “Golden Boy Studios” Wrestling school opened wide, double doors colliding with the brick walls as I entered the scene. Every eye looking at me as all you could see was the black hoodie over my head, a mean walk and someone who obviously had problems about something.
“You know you could’ve phoned me, DM me on Twitter or something before making that decision, Juan.” Walking in a straight line, even up the steps, my voice traveled right to Ramirez who was one of many whose eyes traveled to the entrance when I entered. He was dealing with a chick but at this moment, I could care less. She nodded before walking off as I stood in the face of my mentor.
“What you think you’re doing, slamming my doors and just walking up to me in this fashion? That was very important business you just interrupted. Second, what in the HELL are you talking about?” Juan said, standing tall and firm, not even moving one muscle. Why would he? He OWNED this fucking place. This was his house, but I had a problem with his decision. He knew, he had to know. I wouldn’t be this ‘turnt up’ for no reason.
“You know what the hell I’m talking about, Juan. You and Kash. How are you just going to accept his request like that? You know how much I hate that bastard!” Anger was at boiling point. Ramirez’s face came to a smirk as he rubbed his chin, looking up towards the recessed lighting.
“Jair … Despite how much you hate the prick and how much I don’t like him. Business is business. I got a building to pay for. Sure, some of my money goes into this building but to keep the update on all the equipment, I need the money. Kash needs the assistance. I wasn’t expecting you to hop on this issue.” Ramirez said as he created space between us. Everyone who looked on with hopes of some kind of battle were in disappointment as that was not going to happen. They went back to what they were doing as Jair’s face, it was full of a ‘sigh’ face.
“You weren’t expecting me to hop on this issue? KASH IS THE GODDAMN DEVIL!” Jair’s body trembled as he came to the end-point of his statement. Juan just laughed it off.
“Chill man, don’t worry yourself about Kash. Worry about TJ and his ‘side bitch’ Keaton Saint. Didn’t know that ‘egg yolk’ face bastard was still around. I thought he died along with his career.” Juan said as he obviously has history with that man, Keaton Saint from the past. Juan just shook his head, cringing to even speaking out the man’s name.
“Yeah, I’ll take care of business. But seriously though, some bad shit went down with you two or something?” Jair asked, as he was intrigued to why Juan was infuriated.
He let out a sigh, shaking his head in the process…
“Take it like this, Keaton Saint to me is like Jason Kash to you. Understand?” Ramirez said as he turned and walked off. “Make sure not to let yourself be vulnerable to his submissions. He doesn’t waste time or motion.” Lasting words from Ramirez who walked on off, leaving Jair standing there with that final say pondering through his head.
“Wait! That’s all? That’s all you’re going to tell me?”
Juan doesn’t turn back.
“Juan? Seriously? You’re gonna’ leave me dry like this?”
2/9/13 - 6:09 PM – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
This whole traveling experience, you couldn’t get it anywhere else. In just so short of a time period, I’ve been damn near around the world with so much more to travel. The Dying Breed, we traveled like family. It’s what builds the chemistry between us. Not so many teams and stable do this shit. They like their privacy, they want to fly in on their private jets. I like privacy too, but I dig bonding more.
“Damn it’s beautiful up here!” I said to myself as I lead the way out of the Lincoln Navigator Limousine. Bailey and Williams followed as I was all smiles, looking at how beautiful Vancouver looked at night.
I’ve been to Canada before, a few weeks after my debut match. The Dying Breed didn’t exist at that point. But here in Vancouver, it was like being at an All-Star event in a sense. The fans were out in massive fashion. Screams, signs, memorabilia, they had it all.
“This is what it’s all about, fam! The Dying Breed has fans everywhere. Enjoy this moment.” Anthony said as he stood between me and Williams. We were outside of the Rogers Arena, the backside of it as it was ‘Fan Fest’ night, the night before the real action had begun.
There were other events scheduled for earlier tomorrow before showtime, that being the reason they had this event scheduled for tonight. Flashes from the cameras flashed every couple of seconds, damn near like a blinding experience but it was worth it. Seeing these fans out here in full force in our presence, let us know that we were doing something right.
We looked at one another before …
“WE ARE THE DYING BREED!” Speaking in unison, the beloved fans grew even wilder. Roaring cheers as we dapped our fists.
“Tonight, we enjoy the festivities and this glorious city. Tomorrow night, it will be war inside the Rogers Arena. The Dying Breeding against the Pillars. Blood will be seen, bodies will be slained, sacrifices will be made. In all of that, like Maya Angelou’s poem, We will RISE!”
Talking about going insane, the fans were beyond that point. As I finished speaking like that of some gladiator, I stood tall while raising my teammates hands in the air.
“Tomorrow night is going to be a “smooth” one. It’s no doubt going to be special. We get two of the best in that ring and we will make a statement. They’re going to get two healthy gentlemen who are striving with hungry bellies. In short, it’s going to be a long night for the Pillars.” Williams said as he gave a wink to the camera. “That’s for you TJ, expect the unexpected. You want me, you’re going to get just that!”
Bailey patted us both on the back as he had that trademark smile on his face. “I may not be fighting alongside my men but I will be rooting them on. These men have the opportunity to do what few can in defeating them. We stay on a constant grind, hungry for success and opportunities. There’s one tomorrow night that will be gained.” Bailey spoke as every fan seemed to believe that we could pull this off.
The Dying Breed isn’t built on hype. It’s built on result. These fans hustle and grind to support us every event. It’s why the connection is so strong. Sure, we’ve slacked a bit but we know how to keep getting up. We don’t stay down. We don’t know how to stay down.
“We love our fans. You are the ones that keep us going. We appreciate the love and support!” I said as it surely was a ‘pleaser’ to the fans.
It was true, without them, we’re nothing. They are the lifeline of our career. Some people choose to remain in denial of that fact. Without the live crowd, cheers, jeers, festive signs either positive or negative, it keeps us alive. Without them, we all are nothing.
“LIKE, OH MYY GAWD, CAN I GET YOUR AUTOGRAPH, JAIR!!!” A raving woman asked as she had her hands high in the air on the front row, in pink and black. Calling for my autograph, she had the marker in hand. She rolled up the bottom of her tight-fitted pink top as she wanted my signature above her belly button. No questions asked, I signed my signature right there as she jumped with joy. I handed her the marker back.
Everyone began asking for one after that…
“Hey, over here. Can I get all three of your signatures. I’m a huge, HUGE fan of TDB!” The slightly older man said as he and his kids were together. He held out a black and white photo of us all together in the ring after the announcement was made to replace our former member with Williams. Bailey signed first, Williams signed second, I signed last as we signed on our bodies in the photo.
This was surely what this was all about. Fan fest, a night to give the fans what they want. Please your fans and you will enjoy the result of it. It’s moments like these in one’s career that you enjoy the most. Giving back to those that spend their money to see you perform on a nightly, weekly basis. You couldn’t ask for anything more.
Vancouver was going to get rocked two nights straight.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I PITY DA' FOOOL: COME AGAIN?
GOD SAVE THE PILLARS FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE DONE!
…You know, I was hoping to expect some kind of smart remark but I truly wasn’t expecting this from the duo of Keaton Saint and TJ. Mostly Keaton, but wow, man.
Just fucking WOW!
You … gonna’ make me tap out? I understand, you didn’t do well in Survive and Conquer, hell neither did I. We all wanted that ‘big one’ but we fell down some steps. I get you might have something bothering you on your brain. You’re a wanted man for your success. I totally get it but targeting me and saying you’re going to do your best to make me submit?
The hell you talkin’ bout’ Willis?
I know you Englanders’ be trippy at times so what you said had to be a mistake. Sure, I fell to two submissions in my career. To TJ in which I didn’t even tap. I just passed the hell out. My hands never tapped but “they” chose to call it a submissive victory. I fell to one via Michael Callahan. Each were tough as fuck to gain. How are you just going to sit there in your little comfy spot and say you’re going to take me out?
It’s a running pattern with a few people like yourself Keaton. Attention to details. You’re putting yourself in a deep, deep hole. You’re underestimating the competition. Yes, you’re good but you aren’t God. How can you just look past myself and ‘The Smooth One’? Both you and TJ know absolutely better than that.
The Pillars are this, The Pillars is that…
I’ve heard the critics, they slob all over the name like it’s the fucking Four Horsemen’s or something. It’s just Pillars. We’re just The Dying Breed. Make the jokes as you wish, you aren’t dominant. You’re above no one. You can freely imagine being above people but here in reality, it’s a different story. I’ve read your track record, Keaton. You don’t have to throw around your success, we know you are a great wrestler.
I respect that or at least I once did.
You see yourself on the road to Rasslemania. Are you even sure you’ll be there Sir Keaton? Are you even sure you’ll be booked? I don’t know man. You talking about taking people out, you better hope someone doesn’t take your ass out. Sure, TJ can have William. William will take care of him, payback for Survive and Conquer. Me and you Keaton can play against each other. I’m fine with that but just be careful for what you wish for. All in all, TDB fights as a team, we can either have each of you for ourselves or we can gangbuster your ass into defeat.
I also get that my mentor, Juan Ramirez is welcoming in students to help with their training, form, etc. But seriously, Jason Kash, of all people.
I just had to laugh … He knows the shit with me and him. Dude is undeserving but I understand that it’s a business. You have to bring the bills in to keep the ‘lights’ on. I just hope it doesn’t go and backfire.
For the oddest reason, Ramirez name seemed to slip out of your mouth, Keaton. I know he doesn’t even care what the hell you have to say. To him, you’re little by his standards. I got the feel, he despises you. You two have history in some previous company. Cool beans, I could care less really. Your beef is with him or whatever, not me.
You want to ‘dedicate’ this match as somewhat of a message to him that you beat one of his upbringings, that’s cool to add to your already illustrious career. I’m not mad at ya, but don’t make promises. Never make promises that you know you can’t keep. It’s a sin and it makes you look like a foolish ‘arsehole’.
That’s how they say it right?
I’ve been over there a bit with this tour so I’m glad I learned something. Look Keaton, TJ, I thank you both for putting up your ‘dukes’ and wanting to battle. TJ, we’ve fought damn near to a stand-still. We may have not fought recently but we’ve … uh, we’ve “sniffed” each other out. You claim you beat me which the ref obviously agreed with but as I said before, I never gave in, I never tapped. Didn’t know passing out qualified as “tapping out”. Its old news. This is new news.
The Dying Breed appreciates this match. I appreciate this match-up. It’s like a ‘tune-up’ fight before the big one and obviously it has the feel with this boiled up intensity. William is already pissed, this just makes this occasion that much better. You get to see that true ‘tenacity’ that everyone always wanted to see since this ‘form-up’ of the team. Three names that are rising above the occasion as it looks to cement itself into the legacy both as a team and individually. We’re family, we have each other’s back. It’s what you always want and look for.
Chemistry.
We may have failed on some of these occasions but best believe, we’ve worked those ‘kinks’ out, just at the right time. Keaton, TJ, I just hope you two are primed and ready. I thank you two so much for saying what you two said. You gave us motivation, you lit a damn fire underneath us. You want to talk arrogant shit, let’s see if you can literally back up that shit.
Again, Thank You!
